Chapters Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 1: Ancient Menace
Two troopers stood guard at the door as the meeting was held in the throne room. Charming Thunder sat as Celestia spoke, "I sense that we have a traitor in our mints in Equestria."
"Who do you think it is?" Charming Thunder asked.
"I'm not sure but keep your eyes open for anything suspicious. You can go, Charming Thunder. And keep your eyes open." Charming Thunder nodded as he made his way out of the room.
Light was reading a book on the history of the Discord Wars as she jotted down important notes with her quill. Her cutie mark was similar to her mother's but has a red lightning bolt behind the star. "Light," Twilight shouted.
"I'll be right there, mom," she replied as she puts away the book and brought her notebook along.
Charming Thunder and Twilight sat at the dining room table as their plate was already served. Light walks to her chair as she levitate her notebook. "You know," Light began. "I may have found something interesting in this book."
"And what might that be?" Charming Thunder asked after he sipped his tea.
"I had it jotted down in my notebook. The book had something about the draconequus race before the time of Discord." Silence filled the room as Charming Thunder took a bite of his food. "If I may ask, does that race still exist?" He then nodded and Light looked down at her notebook. "Then Discord is the only one left then. He must be lonely without his family."
"He was the lord of chaos during the war. Now that he returned, he promised to use his magic for good."
"Ah." Light thought a moment as it was the right time to ask her parents. "I was thinking about joining the Crystal Knights. Just so that I can be a protector just like mom's brother."
"It maybe dangerous for that there are trials that some never returned from."
"Sure that I'll understand what--"
"You must understand I need you here, Light."
"But that's because I'm princess without wings."
"It doesn't matter if you have wings," Twilight said. Light then got up from her chair as the alicorn asked, "Where are you going'?"
"It looks like I'm going nowhere. I need to wash up to get ready for bed."
Twilight then turned to Charming Thunder who was still eating as she said, "She can't stay here forever you know. Trixie has gone there. It means so much to her."
"I promise you, dear. I'll make it up to her when the time is right." Twilight sighed and continued to eat her dinner then took a sip of her tea.
Light walked into her room using her towel to dry her hair and then turned to see the sunset . She then placed her towel on her bed and walked to her window to watch the sunset as she thought about what her father said. She then walked to her table and took out the history book and continued to read it.
Trixie sat at a table in the temple as she analyzed an ancient artifact of the old Crystal Knights. As she studied it more, she heard a voice coming from the other side of the bookshelf. She levitated the artifact and placed it in her saddlebag as she got up from the tasble and followed the source of the voice. She peeped the corner where she saw a Crystal Knight talking to a hologram of a hooded figure. "Are sure you want to do that?" the knight asked.
"I assure you it will not be a problem," the figure said. "Once I find the alicorn amulet, I will use its magic to bring back an ancient race. Even though that one survived, he won't be a use to us."
"And what of the princesses?"
"Her betrayal will be dealt with. I want you to go to Canterlot tommorow and deal with Celestia. Including Luna if you have to."
"As you say." The hologram disappeared and the knight looked around to see if there were any suspicions. As he turned to the other direction, Trixie hid away from his gaze. When he was gone, she walked out of the library casually to act like she never heard a thing about the knights plot.
Charming Thunder stood in a room that looked a lot like a temple. He explored the room as he encountered a wall with hieroglyphics that tells a legend of the Crystal Knights and the draconequus race. "Odd," Charming Thunder said. "I can't understand what it means but..." He then turned to see his father walk up to him.
"This is the language of the ancient droconequus," Sombra explained. "It was during the time Discord was born and before he met Princess Celestia."
"Father, what does it all mean?"
"A thousand years ago, the draconequus was a peaceful race before the Discord Wars. When Discord began to spread chaos and when I was corrupted by his magic, they helped the lord of chaos fight in the war against the Crystal Knights. Only one important figure was important to his cause; the Son of Discord."
"Who is he?"
"Nopony knows about his nature, but all they know was his name; Slade. All I can tell you is that he was sealed away in the Crystal Empire and when it returned and I was defeated by the Crystal Heart, he broke free from his prison in the crystal temple." He then faded away as Charming Thunder reached out to him.
"Father, wait."
Charming Thunder woke up from Twilight shaking him. He opened his eyes and rolled over to see Twilight laying next to him in the bed. "Good morning, dear," Twilight said.
"Morning," Charming Thunder replied.
"Did you have another nightmare?"
"No. It was something else. I'll explain to you while we have breakfast." Charming Thunder then got out of his bed sheets and stretched his legs from his long nap.
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 2: Operation Knightfall
Charming Thunder drew symbols he saw in his dream on a piece of paper as he thought to himself, 'Who is Slade?' He placed a hoof on his chin as he thinks until a beeping sound came from the terminal next to him. He walked up to the terminal and pressed the button to reveal the hologram of Trixie.
"Charming, I've got bad news," she started.
"Whoa whoa! Slow down and start from the beginning."
Trixie sighed and continued, "The Crystal Knights are plotting against Celestia and the empire." Charming Thunder gasped as she added on to the story. "I overheard from a knight from the library last night talking to a mysterious figure."
"I knew that day would come. Meet me outside of the temple. I'll meet you there." The hologram faded and as he grabbed his black cloak stepped outside, he bumped into his daughter which forced her to drop her book.
"Oh sorry, dad," she said as she levitated the book off the ground. She then noticed that Charming Thunder was wearing a cloak and asked, "Why are you wearing that?"
"There's a meeting at the crystal kingdom," he lied. "And I have to attend. It might rain while I'm there."
"Should mom know about this too?"
"This is a personal matter. For now just...go back to what you were just doing. I'll be back as soon as possible." Light nodded as he walked passed her and headed towards his ship.
Charming Thunder's ship landed near the entrance to the castle and walked out to see Trixie waiting for him. She notices him walking up and met up with him. "You're just in time," Trixie said. "I also learned that the Crystal Council is involved with this so I believe that everypony in the temple must know."
"Then I must hurry before the knight you were referring to leaves the temple," Charming Thunder said.
"I'll go with you."
"No. They will know that you are behind this and they might kill you. You head to Ponyville and leave this life as a knight behind. I won't do it alone though. I have already contacted my forces to rendezvous here so that we march inside." Trixie nodded in agreement as Charming Thunder pointed to his ship. "Take my ship now and don't tell anypony about this. Especially Twilight."
"What of Celestia?"
"I'll inform her about this once it is over. Now go." Trixie ran to the ship and closed the cockpit. Charming Thunder raised up his hood and walked up to the stairway to the temple and waited for reinforcements.
A few minutes later when Charming Thunder's armored troops arrived, the hooded unicorn stood in front of the troops after explaining to them what's going on. He then made his first step on the stairway to the temple as the blue decaled troopers marched behind him.
Inside the temples library, a griffon librarian dropped books to the nearest table and turned to see a hooded Charming Thunder with two troopers behind him. The hooded unicorn walked up towards her as he said, "I need access to the council."
"On who's authority?" the griffon asked.
"By order of Princess Celestia." He then stopped in front of the griffon with her activated lightsaber as two knights watched from the second floor.
"That is not within the princess' power. Only the council themselves can allow you to enter." Charming Thunder used his magic to levitate the griffon which forced her to drop her lightsaber and pulled her in towards his now activated lightsaber stabbing her in the chest. He then threw her aside and then looked up to see witnesses.
"The council is no longer in control now." The knights jumped down with their activated lightsabers and landed in front of him.
The soldiers aimed their blasters at them as one of them said, "You won't get away with this, Thunder."
Cadence sat at her throne as she read a letter until she heard an explosion coming from outside. She looked out of the window to see the temple in flames. She flew down out of the castle balcony to get a closer look. Two armored soldiers stood guard at the temple stairs and noticed the princess walking up to her. "What's going on here?" she demanded.
"The knight have plotted against us," one of the soldiers said. "Don't worry the situation is under control." As more approached the stairs and Cadence tried to get through, the soldiers aimed their weapons at her as he said, "I'm sorry, your highness. Its time for you to leave."
"And so it is." Cadence turned and walked the castle until she heard a lightsaber activation sound.
"GET HIM!!" a soldier shouted. A dragon crystal knight leapt over the soldiers as they opened fire at him. Cadence turned to see the action and took cover. One of the blaster deflections hit a soldier as he deflected the others away. A soldier finally shot the dragon to the ground and one of them approached him to check if he was still alive. Cadence then ran off and trotted back to the castle.
One of the last council members charged at Charming Thunder in the council chamber as the other members lie dead on the floor. The red unicorn swung his lightsaber hard to make the zebra drop his lightsaber. Charming Thunder then gripped him with his magic and threw him to the wall. He then threw his lightsaber at him and impacts his chest. The zebra hung on the wall by the blade of his lightsaber when a knight entered the chamber. "I've been expecting you, traitor," Charming Thunder said as he turned to face him and levitated his lightsaber back to his hoof and the zebra collapsed to the ground.
"You may have slaughtered the council," the pony knight said. "But you will not stop me for what I will do when I deal with you."
"And how will you deal with Celestia since you already know that she is immortal just like me and the other princesses." The knight then activated his lightsaber and charged at him. The blades locked together and with his strength, Charming Thunder shoved the knight back. He then charged at him but got kicked over the downed pony and landed on the floor. As the knight charged at the downed unicorn, Charming Thunder threw his crimson blade and stabbed the knight in the chest.
As the unicorn walked up to him, the knight knelt down and said with his last breath, "The Son of Discord will destroy you!"
Charming Thunder grabbed the lightsaber stuck to the knights chest and said, "I'm counting on it." He then pulled his lightsaber from the knights chest and kicked him to the ground. He then walked up to the window and viewed the smoke and debris from the ground as he said, "Soon I will find you and put and end to your schemes, Son of Discord."
A soldier entered the chamber as he said, "The temple is now secured, sir. What do we do now?"
Charming Thunder turned to the soldier and said, "Burn this place to the ground and wipe out the records of this place." The trooper saluted and ran off to complete the task given.
Spike ran to Twilight who was glancing out at the window to see smoke in the distance. "Twilight, I just heard that Charming Thunder went to the Crystal Empire before the smoke appeared," he said. Twilight turned to him and didn't answer and Spike placed his hand on her hoof as he continued, "Don't worry. I'm sure he'll be alright." The baby dragon then left the room and Twilight looked back at the window. She then turned and took a few steps away. She then collapsed to the floor and began to cry.
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 3: Queen of Equestria
Charming Thunder entered the chamber of the Council of Friendship after he returned from the Crystal Empire. He then saw Twilight sitting on her chair who then turned to see him. She then rushed to him and gave him a tight hug. "Are you alright?" Twilight asked worried. "I heard that something happened at the Crystal Empire. You could see the smoke from here."
"I'm fine," Charming Thunder reassured. "I just came to see if you are alright."
"What's happened?"
"The Crystal Knights were plotting to overthrow Celestia."
"I can't believe that." Twilight then looked down to the floor as Charming Thunder continued his story.
"Trixie has told me everything about one knight talking to a hooded figure she has never met before."
Twilight then looked back up at her husband as she asked, "What are we going to do?" The red unicorn turned away from her wife and thought about it.
"I will report this matter to Celestia. She was wondering about a traitor in Equestria. And I believe that Trixie should be given credit for it."
"I'll tell Trixie that you are heading to Canterlot and to meet you here."
"That won't be necessary, dear. I already told her to meet me at the hangar of the castle before I marched into the temple." Twilight then felt worried as Charming Thunder walked up to her and raised her chin to his eye level. Have faith, my love. Soon everything will be over. for now I must head to Canterlot. Wait for me 'til I return." He then walked past her as he headed straight to the hangar to meet up with Trixie.
"I see," Celestia said as Charming Thunder ended his story about what happened earlier at the Crystal Empire. "So the Crystal Knights were plotting to overthrow me and our empire. And what of the hooded figure, Trixie? Did you ever see if it was a pony or not?" Trixie wore her hat and cape now that she knows the truth about the Crystal Knights.
"No," she said. "Trixie did not see his face."
"Can you leave me and the princess for the moment, Trixie?" Charming Thunder asked. Trixie then stepped out of Celestia's bed chambers as Charming Thunder had another part of the story to discuss. "There is an issue. Far more worse than the Crystal Knights. Are you familiar with someone named Slade?"
Celestia gasped and then answered, "Not a someone. But something." Celestia walked up to the balcony from her bedroom as Charming Thunder followed. "Nopony knows of his nature but some call him the Son of Discord."
"That's the thing. My father told me everything about the ancient draconequus race during the Discord Wars. Was Slade apart of it?"
"Indeed he was. Charming, a thousand years ago I fought in the Discord Wars along with my sister Luna. Slade was once a Crystal Knight until he met Discord during the war." She then used her magic to reveal an image like a movie as she continued. "He was a powerful warrior during the war. When I sent him along with three knights to arrest Discord, the lord of chaos struck down his companions until he was the only one left. Discord thought about killing him but he had other things in mind in store for him. so he made Slade an offer to join him to save his dying wife from certain death by giving him powers to restore the living and the dead." Slade in the image then knelt before Discord as she continued, "He agreed to the terms and called him the Son of Discord. One by one, every kingdom was attacked by him and draconequus soldiers. When Discord corrupted your father, me and Luna rushed to stop him from his plan to rule the Crystal Kningdom and seal him away as a shadow. Little did Discord not realize that when the kingdom was cursed, it sealed Slade away along with it." The image then faded away as Charming Thunder thought about what happened next.
"And now he was released and is planning to bring back the draconequus race."
"Exactly."
"Thanks for the story Celestia. Is there anything else I could be of assistance with now that the traitors are dealt with?"
"Nothing at the moment. Except that somepony requests to meet with you. Somepony has now been crowned the queen of Equestria and is now in Manehattan."
"I will leave at once then." Charming Thunder was about to walk out the door when Celestia stopped him for a moment.
"She only wants to see you alone."
"As you say, auntie." Charming Thunder then stepped out of the door and saw Trixie. "Trixie, return to Ponyville."
"Where the hey are you going then?"
"To Manehattan. The new queen of Equestria has requested my presence alone."
"I understand." Charming Thunder then continued to walk out to the shuttle port to take a flight to Manehattan.
Manehattan was a crowded place since the last tie Twilight and her friends were here. He then approached a castle with two blue royal guards at the door. One of the guards noticed Charming Thunder approaching and opened the doors for him as he was being expected. He then walked up the stairs until he reached a door which leads to the throne room. The guards opened the doors for him and walked ahead of him. Music played in the room as he walked through as crowds of ponies where on each side. One guard stood at the side of the staircase where the queen sits. Charming Thunder couldn't get a glimpse of her face. The queen then leaned forward and raised her hoof to stop the music. He now recognized who she is. It was her mother; Amidala. "Mother?" he said as he stopped.
"Charming?" she said as she walked down the stairs. "Is it really?" She then approached Charming Thunder as she laughed and gave him a tight hug. "CHARMING!!"
"MOTHER!!" They both released the embrace as they laughed. "Look at you. A queen?"
"And look at you. A son who has a daughter now." Charming Thunder laughed at her response and gave her a hug.
"Oh, mom. It is so good to see you."
At the dinning room, Charming Thunder sat next to his mother along with some guests. "I heard that the Crystal Knights are no more," she started. "Care to explain?"
"There was an evil plot going on to overthrow Celestia," Charming Thunder said. "And Trixie was the only pony who witnessed it."
"I see."
"And now Celestia fears that the Son of Discord returning."
"You mean Slade?"
"Yes. Why? did you know him?"
"Lets just say that before you were born, he was once a good friend to your father during the Discord Wars."
"There are some things I already so there is no need to--" He was interrupted when a guard entere the room and rushed to him. He then whispered into his ear telling him that something happened. "What?!" He then got up from his chair as he said, "Sorry to keep the visit short, mom, but something's happened."
"What's going on?" she said as Charming Thunder stopped at the door.
"My daughter is...missing."
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 4: Barganing with the Ponylorians
Light's room looked clean for a kidnapping as Charming Thunder and Twilight investigated the room. He then noticed a scorch mark on the ground in front of a scorched window and took a closer look at it. "Either that is from a magic blast or--" Twilight started.
"A jetpack," Charming Thunder finished. "And I can guess who."
"Who?"
"Have you ever heard of Ponylorians? They are warriors who fight to save Equestria."
"But what do they want with our daughter?"
"I don't know. But I am going to find out. They have a camp far from Appleloosa. Hope that this will end well."
Charming Thunder piloted his land speeder through the desert as he searched for the camp of the Ponylorians. He stopped his speeder and hopped out of it. He then continued on foot as he saw smoke in the distance. He then heard a sound of a jetpack flying as a swarm of armored ponies landed around him and aimed their weapons at him. "Should've expected a warm welcome," Charming Thunder said as he stepped up to one of them. "I mean no harm. My name is Charming Thunder and I am looking for my daughter; Light Sparkle."
"Charming Thunder?" one of the Ponylorians said. "You were the one we were looking for. Lower your weapons, brothers and sisters." The rest of the Ponylorians lowered their weapons as ordered. "Our leader wanted to share information with you, but your daughter wanted to hear it so she requested to come along."
"And where is she?"
"Back at the camp. Don't worry. She's not harmed." Charming Thunder followed the Ponylorian as the others flew their way back. Arriving at the camp, there were warriors fighting for fun as others sometimes watch or go over their weapons. Charming Thunder and his escort both entered the tent to see Light Sparkle.
"Dad!?" Light shouted as she rushed to him and gave him a hug.
"Oh, Light!! You had me and mother worried." A pony wearing the same armor along with a cape that go over his shoulder all the way to the waist approached.
"So your father showed up after all," the warrior said. "I am Ponylore the Powerful, leader of the Ponylorians as others before me."
"I trust that you have information for me?"
"Indeed I do. About Slade. He is a dangerous being. Ever since he joined Discord a thousand years ago, his sole purpose was to help him make Equestria into his master's image."
"In chaos."
"Precisely. Now that is past, he planned something else. Gathering artifacts wielding power when combined, he can bring back the dragonequs race and have the power to kill an alicorn." Charming Thunder gasped after what Ponylore said as he continued. "The mask of the first Ponylore, one of the artifacts has been stolen from our camp and I tend to get it back from him before he revives the ancient race."
"He also said that there are other artifacts that Slade is looking for," Light added. "One of them is the Alicorn Amulet."
"Thank you for the information I needed. If there is anything I could do to repay you."
"No need. Just that you get our ancient leader's mask back and stop Slade."
"Next time, talk to my wife before you take my daughter and I'll contact you if the empire ever needs your warriors."
"As you wish." Charming Thunder and Light walked out of the tent and headed to the landspeeder so that they can head back to Appeloosa to take a train back to Ponyville.
At the castle, Charming Thunder was now talking to the hologram of princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadence about the information he received. "That is all he gave me," he finished as the princesses thought for a moment.
"Slade has really gone crazy," Luna said. "We must find him at once before he uses that power to kill us or worse...your wife."
"You said that there were other artifacts," Cadence added. "What are the other ones?"
"The only one I know is the Alicorn Amulet."
"Twilight has told me so much about the amulet," Celestia said. "Thank you for informing us, nephew. We will discuss more later." The hologram of the three princesses faded away as Charming Thunder turned away from the terminal and began to walk out of the room. He then stopped and realized something.
"If the Alicorn Amulet is one of the artifacts Slade needs, then his lead would be...." Charming Thunder's eyes then went wide and remembers something. "Zecora!!" He then rushed out of the room and out of the castle as he made his way through the Everfree Forest to Zecora's Hut.
Arriving at Zecora's hut, he burst through the door to see a mess inside the hut. He looked around and saw Zecora laying on the floor. He then rushed to her and helped her up to her hooves. Zecora opened her eyes to see him and said, "I am glad to see you. For that you were the only pony to turn to."
"What happened?" Charming Thunder asked. "Where's the amulet?"
"The amulet has been stolen. By a cloaked pony with eyes that are golden."
"Then I was too late." Charming Thunder stuck around with the zebra and asked her what happened from the beginning before he headed back to the castle.
Celestia stood at the balcony of her room as she watched a squadron of TIE Defenders fly over the castle. She then closed her eyes and said, "I know you are here, Sombra." The ghost of Sombra appeared behind her as she turned to face him.
"It is nice to see you, too," Sombra said. "Slade must be stopped."
"I know what he is planning. He is planning on killing me and the others. Your son informed me."
"That's good news. Charming's final trial to become king will soon begin when the time comes."
"Are you sure about that? What if he ends up like you?"
"He won't. I believe in him." Sombra's spirit faded away as Celestia turned her head then back to the door.
"I hope so."
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 5: The Changeling Truce
Charming Thunder returned to the holo terminal after checking on what happened to Zecora. The Alicorn Amulet is now stolen and he had to contact the princesses and his sister about it. He pressed a couple of buttons on the terminal and the holo figures of Celestia, Luna, and Cadence appeared. "You find anything important?" Luna asked.
"The Alicorn Amulet Zecora had in her hut has been stolen," Charming Thunder explained. The three princesses gasped as he continued. "I believe that Slade has taken it."
"Then we must find him and stop him," Celestia said.
"He must be stopped before he can destroy us. Including the entire pony race." Static then came up on the holo figures as Charming Thunder checked the terminal for the source.
"Guard, find the source of this interruption."
"What is going on, bro--" Cadence said before a new holo figure appeared to replace the three princess. Charming Thunder stood back to see a pony figure wearing a cloak with his head facing down.
"How many more bones would you crush? How many lives will you destroy in pursuit of what you call harmony? You are the product of everything you fear; violence, darkness, helplessness," The figure said then started to look up to look at Charming Thunder and lowered his hood to reveal his face. He is a blue unicorn with a scar on his left eye. "All that remains, Charming Thunder, is for you to watch as I revive the draconequus race and drag the beloved pony race into oblivion." The holo figure faded and the three princesses reappeared on the holo terminal.
"That was Slade," Luna said.
"We must hurry and find him," Charming Thunder suggested.
"I'll assemble some troops," Celestia said. "Charming Thunder, meet me, Luna, and Cadence at Canterlot. Bring Twilight Sparkle if you wish."
"What about my daughter? She may yet be of some use to us. She received this information from the Ponylorians."
"Very well," Cadence said. "Bring her too." The holo figures of the princesses faded away.
Inside the ancient draconequus temple, Slade finished up preparations for reviving the draconequus race and gain power from the artifacts to kill an alicorn. The mask of the ancient Ponylorian, the mask of Regal Crescent, Starswirl's hat, and the Alicorn Amulet are all together in one place. He took off his cloak and used his unicorn magic to drain the magic from the items. The ground began to shake as he collapsed to the ground and felt something strange in his body. His front hooves stretched as the right arm changed into a lion paw and the left arm turned into the claws of an eagle. The hind legs also stretched out as the right leg transformed to the leg of a lizard and the left leg transformed into the leg of a goat. The body stretched out as Slade screamed in pain. His mane and tail fell off as strands of hair as his face changed and a deer antler on the right and a blue goat horn on the left. A dragon-like snake's tail then grew out on the back of his body and he grew a goat beard, bushy eyebrows, a horse mane, and the tail tuft that is the same color as his mane use to be. His eyes turned light yellow with crimson red pupils. Magic beams then fired past him and towards the soft ground outside of the temple. The draconequus then popped out of the ground and looked at themselves. They then saw a flashing light coming from the temple and walked to the stairway to the temple. Slade's body floated back on the stone floor then rubbed his head. He then looked at himself and smiled evilly. "I wasn't expecting this, but it will suit me," he said. He then heard voices coming from outside and walked out to see the draconequus citizens waiting at the stairs.
"Was it you who revived us?" one of the draconequus asked.
"Yes. You have been revived for a reason. Revenge. Revenge on the princesses who put your race into extinction."
"Kill them both!!" a draconequus shouted as the rest cheered.
"Then join me on a conquest to put an end to the princesses and the pathetic pony race." The draconquus continued to cheer as Slade laughed menacingly.
A shuttle landed in the Badlands as it lowered the ramp and Charming Thunder walked out. The changeling guards recognized the unicorn and pointed their spears as the others came out of nowhere and surrounded him. "You all know that I am not here for a fight," Charming Thunder said.
"After the time you and your so called 'Empire' defeated us here," the guard said.
"I only wish to speak Chrysalis. No weapons and I'll come alone." The guards raised their spears and the other changelings flew away.
"You better not be lying," the other guard said. "Follow us." Charming Thunder followed the guards inside and walked through the hallway to the throne room. The guards opened the door to the room and the unicorn entered. Chrysalis stood up and began to walk up to him.
"I did not authorize you to enter, Charming Thunder," Chrysalis said angrily. She then flew towards him and tackled him to the wall. "You better have a good reason for seeing me or I shall have to kill you." Charming Thunder began to choke as she continued to restrain him.
"I only ask for your help," Charming Thunder said. Chrysalis's eyes went wide and released Charming Thunder. He then coughed after he was released.
"And why should I help YOU?"
"A draconequus race has been revived and now Slade is leading them, he plans to end the pony race."
"What does it have to do with me?"
"Your species might be next if we don't stop him." Chrysalis turned away and walked to a window to view her changelings.
"What will you do in return?"
"You can feed on love from the draconequus race and maybe a new home for you and your changeling race." Chrysalis closed her eyes and sighed.
"Where do we start?"
"I am needed at Canterlot and you are coming with me like it or not."
"Fine, but if its a trap, you'll regret it."
"Good." Charming Thunder let out his right hoof and Chrysalis shook it to conclude their agreement.
Charming Thunder's shuttle landed in the hangar at Canterlot castle as Luna stood waiting. The ramp lowered and Charming Thunder walked down and stopped next to Luna. "We're getting reports from a probe droid," she explained. "The draconequus race is revived. We are now outmatched. I think this is a battle I think we'll lose."
"Not to worry, Aunt Luna," Charming Thunder reassured. "I have brought with me some help." Luna was going to ask who when she then heard footsteps coming from inside the shuttle. Out came Queen Chrysalis as she walked down the ramp. Charming Thunder continued to walk as Luna stood in shock as Chrysalis walked past her.
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 6: The Battle Begins
Charming Thunder, Queen Chrysalis, and Princess Luna entered a room that has a holo map of the location of where the empire is going to battle. In the room, Ponylore, Cadence, Shining Armor, his mother, Celestia, Twilight, and Light stood around it. Celestia noticed Chrysalis and readied her magic. "Why is she here, nephew?" she demanded.
Charming Thunder raised his hoof to stop Celestia from attacking as he explained, "She has agreed to help us. Unless you have a better idea."
"No. You're right, Charming. We needed more forces anyway." The magic from Celestia's horn faded as she walked back to the table. "Now to go over the plan." Charming Thunder stood next to Amidala and Twilight as Celestia readied for her briefing.
Twilight leaned her head to her husband and whispered, "Can we trust her?"
"I have complete faith that she will be useful."
"Our probe has discovered that Slade has risen the draconequus army and gained power from the artifacts he stole." Celestia pressed a button on the terminal to reveal more on the map. "They are planning to attack one certain place." She then pressed the button again to reveal the Castle of the Two Sisters. "Since they have now taken this castle, they plan to strike at the town of Ponyville." Twilight gasped as Celestia continued. "Our plan is to retake the castle and if necessary capture of eliminate Slade. But expect heavy resistance for that their fleet unlike the battleship Regal Crescent had is approaching." Charming Thunder scratched his chin and got an idea.
"We still have TIE's in there right?"
"Indeed, nephew," Luna answered.
"What is on your mind, brother?" Cadence asked.
"If we get our pilots in the hangar bay, we can send them and our Star Destroyers to face that fleet while the ground faces handle the rest."
"A clever plan, but what of the heavy artillery outside of the castle?" Chrysalis asked. "They are using some tanks from the Lunar Wars." The holo map then zoomed in to see a patrol of AAT tanks at the entrance."
"Not to mention AA guns at each side of the hangar," Twilight said.
"Send in the AT-STs to handle the tanks. They will provide us cover as we make our way inside. While the ground forces handle the controls to the guns. There are too many forces to handle. We need a diversion to send half of them away."
"Leave that to me and my clan," Ponylore said. "My boys and I are ready for anything."
"But who will lead the fighter attack?" Amidala asked.
"Twilight, can you convince Rainbow Dash to lead with her Millennium Phoenix?"
"I'll try," Twilight said.
A TZ-86 transport lands on the landing platform. The Landing Ramp lowers and a bunch of changelings came out. However, a different changeling came down. He looked like Shining Armor, but changeling. He also had eyes similar to Chrysalis and he wore armor that looked like titanium. He had no wings, for some odd reason. He walks over to Charming Thunder. The Changeling Stallion said to Charming Thunder, “Where is my wife, Charming Thunder?”
“How do you know my name?” Charming Thunder replied.
“I’ve heard much about you, but not from my wife. But enough talk, I’m King Metamorphosis and I’m here to see my wife, Queen Chrysalis.”
“Follow me.” Charming Thunder began to lead as the Changeling King and his changelings following them. They then entered the room where Chrysalis was and the king rushed over to her.
"What are you doing here, Meta?" Chrysalis asked as she embraced a hug to the king.
"I came to find out why you left. You dare ally yourself with these ponies? Remember what Charming Thunder's father did to you?"
"That is all in the past, dear. He has asked me for our aid. Even if we loose, our race will be extinct along with theirs." Meta's head drooped as he realized that what he thought at first was wrong. "I'm sure that you understand." Chrysalis then raised his head and kissed him on the muzzle.
"I understand completely." Charming Thunder's holo communicator beeped as he took it out and answered the call.
"Report," Charming Thunder said.
"The changeling spy has returned," Ponylore said. "He said that Slade is sending tanks and troop transports towards our location in the Bogg."
"Excellent. Proceed as planned. We will depart from Canterlot at once."
Slade stood at the broken window as he watched his forces march deep into the Everfree forest as a holo figure of a female draconequus appeared behind him. "The empire is foolish than I thought," he said as he turned to face her.
"I don't think that its the empire," the draconequus said. "I think that its a trap."
"Of course it is."
"Then I have your approval to take no prisoners?"
"Wipe them out....all of them. "
Some Ponylorians hid on the branches as others were hidden in the water as they breathed with tubes that look like sticks. The army of draconequus marched through as the tanks followed behind. Ponylore spied on the branch as he signaled to get ready. "Take out that tank," he whispered. The warrior next to him nodded as he raised the rocket launcher and aimed at one of the approaching tanks. He then fired as the battle on their end has begun. Troops popped out of the water and started to fire at the enemy as the others fired from the tree tops.
Charming Thunder along with Celestia, Twilight, Light, Amidala, and a squad of soldiers. He then did a hoof signal to troops at the other side led by Luna that they are in position. He then placed his hoof to his ear and whispered, "Rainbow, are you in position?"
"Affirmative, Charming," Rainbow replied from the ear piece. "Once the battle begins, I'll take off." Charming Thunder nodded. He then turned to Light and walked up to her.
"Once we get inside, you have to find a place to hide and stay there. Use your magic if necessary."
"Yes, dad," Light replied as she saluted. "You can count on me."
"Stay there." Charming Thunder then peeped the corner and saw the walker moving in as the enemy doesn't notice. The AT-ST's head rotated to the direction to the AAT and fired its guns. The explosion from the tank took down some forces due to the destruction.
"There they are!!" a soldier shouted. "FIRE!!!" Blaster fire erupted from both sides as Charming Thunder and the crew popped out. He and Celestia activated their lightsabers and deflected some shots. Charming Thunder sliced a draconequus who was about to attack. Luna teleported to his side and opened the doors. They then entered the castle as the battle continued outside. The AT-ST continued to fire at the enemy as Slade watched from the window.
"I thought the battle was to take place far from here," Slade said. "I'll have to deal with them myself.
The group arrive at the doors to the hangar bay as half of them were on each side of the door as one of the soldiers placed a charge on the door. "CLEAR!!" he shouted. The door then blew open as the other soldier threw a thermal detonator inside. After it exploded, the group entered the hangar as blaster fire erupted from the enemy. Light ran away from the crossfire and hid behind some metal crates.
"Everypony to your ships!!!" Twilight shouted. The black uniformed pilots ran past the group as the troops provided some cover. The pilots climbed up their ladders and entered their TIE Fighters, Interceptors, and Defenders. They closed their hatches as they depart one by one. Some got shot down by artillery guns as the reest made it out. The crossfire continued as Light ran to a TIE Fighter and climbed inside. Charming Thunder, Celestia, Luna, and Twilight deflected the blaster fire and hit the draconequus troops.
Outside, Rainbow's Millennium Phoenix flew to the front of the squadron as they approached the fleet. The Hammerhead class cruisers and a Valor class cruiser deployed dozens of Liberator starfighters. "Fighters ahead," Rainbow said in the ships communicator.
"Copy that," one of the pilots replied. "We're on 'em." The dogfight against the enemy fleet begins as the cruisers fire at the squadron of TIE Fighters.
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 7: The Duel Begins
The Ponylorians wiped out the rest of the draconequus forces as they were about to secure the area. Suddenly, a jetpack was heard and a swarm of B1-A air battle droids flew out of nowhere and landed in front of them. The warriors readied their weapons as Ponylore stood in front of them. He then spoke to his wrist communicator, "Chrysalis now is the time for you and your changelings to help."
"Already ahead of you," Chrysalis said from behind. A swarm of changelings flew over their heads and flew straight towards the droids. They then started to tear them up to shreds as the rest opened fire. Enemy reinforcements arrived and helped out the droids as the diversion was not over yet.
Charming Thunder and the others formed up in the hangar bay. Light was still hiding in the cockpit of the TIE Fighter as she popped her head out. "I think the controls are in the throne room," Celestia said.
"Lets go," Charming Thunder said.
"Hey, wait for me," Light said as she was about to climb out of the TIE Fighter.
"No, Light. Stay where you are."
"But--"
"Do as your father says," Twilight said. The group approached the door when it suddenly opened to reveal Slade wearing a cloak with a hood over his head. The group stopped as the troops aimed their weapons at him. He then looked up at the group as Charming Thunder walked through the group.
"I'll handle this. The rest of you should get to the throne room." Amidala then stepped up next to him. "Mother, it's too dangerous."
"You can't fight alone," Amidala said. "A queen always fight for the ponies of Equestria." Charming Thunder nodded and turned to face Slade who lowered his hood and took off his cloak. The group then moved away from the duo to get out of the way.
"So you turned into one of them in the process?"
"Why yes," Slade replied. "Not what I was expecting, but I am getting use to it." Footsteps were heard as three IG-86 sentinel droids ran out of a corner and fired at the princesses and the squad. They took cover behind crates and returned fire. Light saw the action and sat down in the cockpit. Slade grabbed two lightsabers from his belt. One green and the other yellow. Charming Thunder activated his crimson blade as his mother activated hers. Amidala's blue blade ignited on the sides like a cross guard of a sword . Slade leapt in the air as Charming Thunder did the same and struck him on the left. The unicorn landed behind him and strikes but Slade was quick enough to block it without looking. Him and his mother moved into the hallway of the castle while the assassin droids continued to fire at the squad.
Light closed the hatch of the fighter and flipped a switch to turn on its engines and lift off the ground. "Good thing that the book about piloting taught me a few things," Light said. Now where is the--here it is." Light grabbed the controls and fired at the assassin droids one by one. She then piloted the TIE Fighter out of the hangar as Twilight and the others took a shortcut to the throne room. In the cockpit, Light puts on the helmet and flew to the direction where the action is.
Slade's moves were incredible as he fought Charming Thunder and Amidala. He flipped in the air to outmaneuver them at every turn. He then used his tail to whip Charming Thunder to the wall and leaps back through the hallway. Charming Thunder ran to his mother to help and they both crossed their swords to Slade's two blades.
The princesses and the troops ran through the hall and got ambushed by draconequus soldiers. They took cover and returned fire. The princesses deflected the shots and hits them back. "We have no time for this, sister," Luna said as she threw her blue lightsaber to pierce the chest and used her magic to get it back to her hoof.
"You and me both," Celestia replied.
Light piloted the TIE Fighter to the dogfight with the enemy fleet. "Looks like its time to put these piloting lessons to the test and try to stay alive."
Meanwhile, the Ponylorians held their as enemy reinforcements arrived to the action shooting at the warriors that are in the trees. Ponylore stood his ground as he used his vibro sword and cuts down those who stood in his way. He flew with his jetpack and grabed an air battle droid and stabbed it in the chest and kicked to the water. He landed on the ground as he kicked that rust bucket. "Battle droids," he said as he continued to slice and dice draconequus and droids.
Light now finds herself in the middle of the battle as she looked forward to see enemy fighters approaching head on. "This is tense," she said. Both of the Hammerhead cruisers blew up as the rest of the fighters begun their attack on the big cruiser. She then piloted the fighter to chase an enemy fighter. She shot it on the wing which caused it to loose control and crash on the hull of the cruiser. An enemy fighter came in her sights as it chased her around. She tries to use evasive maneuvers but couldn't shake him off her tail. "I'll try spinning. That might lose him." She tilted the controls to the right and the ship began to spin around in a circle.
After shooting down the last of the draconequus soldiers, the princesses and the troopers entered the throne room and aimed their weapons at the enemies who were at the controls to the artillery guns. "Put down your weapons," Celestia said. "You are all outmatched." The droids and soldiers dropped their weapons as the troops approached them as the others went to the controls and shut down the guns.
The laser sword battle continues in the Royal Sister's reading room. Charming Thunder clashed his blade to Slade's left blade when Slade used his tail to whip him out of the window and falls to the edge of the castle. He grabbed the ledge next to the gargoyle as the duel continued inside. Amidala used her magic to blast him through another window which caused him to land at the edge of the grass and almost fell into the gorge. Amidala flew out of the window and landed in front of Slade and was about to strike, but Slade was quick and kicked her in the back. He then got up and twirled his blades. They bot stood at the same place as Amidala tried to push him off the hedge. Charming Thunder leaps down to the ground and grabs his lightsaber. He saw Slade and his mother continuing the duel without him. He then teleported beside Amidala and strikes at Slade. He tried to go to his feet, but Slade jumps to dodge the strike. Slade used his tail and whipped him hard and Charming Thunder impacts on the wall of the castle which knocks him out. Amidala stepped back as they both took a breather from their duel. Sweat fell from their faces as they gazed at each other with their blades still active.
An AAT tank arrived and shot the trunk of a tree and the warriors fighting in it fell out. "Retreat!!" Ponylore shouted. The changelings and Ponylorians ran past him as he followed them. The tanks continued to fire at them as they continued the retreat. Queen Chrysalis tripped and got her leg stuck in a large piece of wood that just fell. Meta noticed her wife in trouble as two droids approached her. He then fired magic from his horn and disintegrated the two droids. He then rushed to his wife and used his magic to lift up the branch and helped her up.
"Thanks, dear," Chrysalis said.
"No problem, love," Meta said. They then continued to run to catch up with the rest of the group.
Light piloted her ship towards the cruiser as she was being chased by an enemy fighter. The fighter shoots and hits the wing of her ship. "I'm hit!!" she shouted as the ship started to spin towards the hangar. She then regained control and dodged the parked fighters and other obstacles. She then hist reverse on the thrusters as the ship slides on the floor of the hangar. The ship then came to a complete stop as Light sighed with relief. She then saw some engineers and pilots heading her way. "This is not good." She then ducks in the cockpit and starts to adjust the control panel.
Amidala and Slade were still standing as they wait for one of them to strike. Slade started to run towards her and starts to strike at her. Charming Thunder regained consciousness and sees his mother dueling Slade. His leg was in pain as he struggled to get up. He then saw his mother about to be caught off guard. Slade hits her with his paw hand and used his claw hand to fire a magic beam through her chest. Tears began to fall as he yelled, "NOOOOOOOOOO!!! " Amidala collapsed to the ground as Slade twirled his lightsabers and gazes at Charming Thunder. Anger filled in the unicorns eyes as Slade approached him.
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 8: The Tide Turns
The Ponylorians and the changelings were being overrun as the enemy approach their position. Ponylore turned to a changeling and asked, "Did you remember to plant the mines?"
"Yes, sir," the drone said.
"Good. Then they are about to walk over it.....now." The mines explode as droids and draconequus stepped on the mines and got blown up in the process. The tank blew up along with the rest of the enemy army. The Ponylorians cheered as Chrysalis's wounds were being treated by Meta and the changelings cheered with them.
The troopers surrounded the surrendered soldiers to make sure they don't do anything. One draconequus held a blaster pistol behind him as he readied it. "The castle is now secure," a soldier reported. "All that is left is the fleet and Slade."
"That is where you are wrong," the draconequus said as he drew his pistol out. He managed to shoot one of the soldiers but the troops surrounding the group shot him in the head.
"They can't be trusted anymore. You have my permission to execute them." Celestia then pointed at the draconequus as the soldiers dragged them to the wall and formed a straight horizontal line. The troopers aimed their blaster rifles and when Celestia lowered her hoof, they fired at the unarmed draconequus and executed them.
Twilight then ran towards the princesses as she shouted, "Charming Thunder is outside. We must hurry to him."
"You go on ahead," Celestia said. "We have to wrap things up in here."
Slade stood in front of Charming Thunder as he got up and activated his lightsaber. "I'm going to make you pay for what you have done," he said.
"Then come meet your end, Son of Sombra," Slade said as he pointed his lightsaber at him. Charming Thunder then leaps in the air and strikes at him. Charming Thunder crossed his blade with Slade's and used his strength to push him back. Slade then twirled one of his lightsabers and strikes at the unicorn. Charming Thunder blocked the attack then kicked him in the face. Slade got back up and crossed blades again.
The dashboards in Light's TIE Fighter cockpit glows green as she smiled. "We have power," Light said. "Lets get the shields up." An energy shield surrounded the TIE Fighter as the pilots drew their weapons blasted it. The lasers shot by the pilots and engineers were deflected by the ship's shields. The fighter then levitated in the air as Light fires its weapons at them. Some pilots ran away as others stayed behind. One of the shots went over their heads and hits the reactor core. "Oops." She then flipped switches and the engines roared as the cruiser was about to explode.
A pilot in the TIE Defender sees the cruiser and said, "What's that? It's blowing up from the inside."
"We didn't even hit it," Rainbow replied on the communicator.
Light flew through the hangar as the doors were about to close. "Now this is what I call flying."
Rainbow looked at the hangar which was exploding and sees a fighter flying out. "Look! Its one of ours! Out of the hangar." The fighter flew out of the hangar as Light cheered. The other pilots including Rainbow Dash cheered as the squadron flew away and the cruiser exploded into smithereens.
Slade and Charming Thunder continued their duel as Slade used his tail to wrap it around the unicorn's neck and throw him. Charming Thunder grabbed his lightsaber and reactivated it as he blocked his strikes. Slade then punched him in the face which forced Charming Thunder to his knees. He gazed at his mother next to him as Slade was about to strike . Without knowing it, Charming Thunder grabbed the hand Slade was going to strike him with and slowly got up. He then shoved him away. Slade was in shock as he watches Charming Thunder levitate his mother's cross guard lightsaber and activated it. He then screamed as he gave Slade heavy strikes which forced him to move to the edge. He collapsed the the ground as he lost his lightsber from his left hand. Charming Thunder continued to strike as Slade continued to block. The ground began to crack as he continued to attack. The ground then cracked and made Slade fall to his death as he screamed. Charming Thunder gazed down at the gorge with anger in his eyes. He then yelled again as he was in pain which echoed his voice in the gorge. He deactivated the lightsabers and placed them back on his belt. He then rushed over to his mother who was still breathing. Amidala coughed then said, "It is too late...It's..."
"No!!" Charming Thunder cried. "I don't want to loose you like my father."
Amidala placed her hoof on his left cheek as she spoke. "Charming, promise....promise me you will protect Equestria."
Tears started to fall on Charming Thunder's face as he nodded. "I will, mother."
"I...am proud of you, my son. You....will be a great king. Charming....Thunder." Amidala's eyes closed as Charming Thunder cradled her and quietly weeped. Twilight and the others arrived to see him with his dead mother.
"Charming," Twilight cried. "What happened?" Charming Thunder looked up at her then back at her mother. Twilight then sat down and tears began to fall from her cheeks. She then hugged him as Celestia and Luna also saw them and that they know his mother has fallen. They closed their eyes and lowered their heads to have a moment of silence.
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Chapter 9: Rise of the King of Harmony
Chrysalis and Meta sign the Treaty with Celestia and Luna. However, when Meta finished signing his part of the treaty, his communicator began to beep under a Code Red Emergency Channel. Meta answers it, revealing another changeling that resembled to Rainbow Dash. The Princess, Mane 6, and Charming Thunder gasped at the Changeling's appearance. "This is Queen Dusk of the Primal Changelings to Meta, we have a problem," Dusk reported.
"What is it Dusk?" Meta replied.
"Lightning Dust has took control over the Consortium. She has already put her plans to motion and has mobilized the army to invade Equestria! This is an emergency code alpha red! All Loyalist who are still loyal to my father are to report to Equestria. The Nemesis is receiving the same code and Father will be alerted about the change of development."
"How much do we have before Lightning strikes Equestria?"
"A month, maybe more."
"Metamorphosis, you have a lot to explain to do," Celestia said.
"All will be explained later. For now, we must prepare for war."
The next day, a ceremony is being held in Canterlot as ponies from around the world participate. Twilight, Cadence, Luna and Celestia stood in front of the assembly as Celestia took a step forward and cleared her throat. "Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today in celebration of a hero," Celestia said. "A hero who stood up against the forces of evil and saved countless lives dozens of times. He even saved my sister Luna at the start. But today, he has proven himself worthy to do what his father Sombra could've done. It is my great pleasure to present to you all, Charming Thunder, the new king of harmony." The doors opened to reveal Charming Thunder walking down the isle wearing a black cape as he was escorted by two red royal guards. He walked up the steps and knelt down in front of the princesses. Spike held a cushion with a metallic silver crown with a symbol that represents his cutie mark. Luna did the honors and levitated the crown then placed it on his head. He then stood up and turned to face the assembly as they cheered.
"Long live King Charming Thunder!!" they shouted. Charming Thunder along with the princesses walked to the balcony and the unicorn waved at the crowd as they cheered. He then raised his gloved hoof as the crowd grew silent.
Charming Thunder then cleared his throat and started his speech, "Citizens of Equestria. Yesterday, the Empire was victorious. Slade, no longer a threat. His desperate attack on the peaceful town of Ponyville has failed. The reign of terror is finally come to an end. My mother, a once proud queen has died and I intend to finish what she and my father started. Now is the time for peace and harmony." Army of soldiers wearing new kind of armor came out of the door and marched out of it. "Now is the time for safe and securer society." The crowd applauds as Charming Thunder raised his gloved hoof and the army continued to march. A squadron of TIE Bombers flew over the castle and deployed fireworks in the sky as the crowd continue to cheer. It was an emotional day for everyone in Equestria as Cadence walked up to him and gave him a hug.
"I am so proud of you, little brother," Cadence said as she broke the hug. Charming Thunder noticed a tear falling down her cheek and smiled.
"Are you crying, sis?" Cadence then wiped her tears and smiled.
"Of course not, its tears of joy. It is a different thing." Charming Thunder laughed as Twilight and Light stood beside him. Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"Way to go, Charming," Rainbow said.
"We love ya, Charming," Applejack said. The group then gathered for a group hug.
"Me too, everyone. Me too." Charming Thunder then turned to his daughter and walked up to her. "You have done something brave yesterday. I thank you for it."
"It was my pleasure, dad," Light said as she bowed to him.
"So what happens now?" Applebloom asked.
Charming Thunder turned to Pinkie and said, "Why don't we have a party back at the castle in Ponyvile once the celebration here ends." His friends then nodded as they walked with him out of the room.
Outside of the Canterlot castle, the doors opened as a carriage carried by pegasus royal guards with Charming Thunder on it. He waved to the crowd as TIE Fighters flew over their heads and fireworks popped in the sky. Music played as the carraige continued to move past the isle of the crowd. On the roof of the castle, the spirit of Sombra watched as the carriage carried his son away. Starswirl appeared next to him then Amidala as they looked at each other and smiled.
THE END
Equestria Wars Episode VIII: Son of Discord
Once upon a time in a magical land of Equestria....
EQUESTRIA WARS
Son of Discord
Years have passed since the death of Regal Crescent, a once great hero of the Crystal Knights. The Revanites are all but destroyed since his downfall.
Light Sparkle, daughter of Charming Thunder and Twilight Sparkle now learns about magic and the history of the Crystal Knights during the Discord Wars.
Meanwhile at Canterlot, Charming Thunder attends a meeting with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna about a dark presence in Equestria....
