Are you absolutly certain everything going to be just fine?
He who fights with monsters might take care, lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.
-Friedrich Nietzsche
Ponies, they are one of the most fascinating creatures in this world. In the beginning they were just like common wild life, they moved in herds, they migrated, they grazed, but as time moved on the world began to change. As for the 'how' or 'why' I cannot say, for as old as I am I rarely ever came to the surface, but what I do know is that the world we lived in was full of magic. Yes, magic is not that big of deal today, but back then magic was what changed everything. Creatures began to change, they learned to do things differently and they learned how to think differently, how to live differently.
The magic was within every living thing, every animal, every plant, every living organism had magic, each with a different purpose. The magic within them could be directed either for survival purposes or for their personal advantage. Some used it to give life, to live life and others take a life. Eventually some creatures in the world became greedy for power, they lust for it. Like parasites they abused magic at the expense of other creatures and the environment. A great war broke loose and resulted in the deaths of many species. Creatures in the world began to alienate each other, keeping to their own kind and their own territory.
The ponies changed as much as the new world from this left over magic. They became more intelligent, they changed physically and learned how to survive in this new world. The ponies changed into three species; Earthbound ponies, Pegasi and Unicorns. The Earthbound ponies are more in tune with nature than their winged and horned cousins. The Pegasi took to the skies and learned to control the seasons. The Unicorns are the most powerful in terms of magic, when the sun and moon took too long to rise and set, the unicorns seized control and brought balance that we are all familiar with today. They all learned how use their magic to build, farm, and create. They're basic instincts are fight or flight, that much has never changed. Equines are peaceful creatures, but they will stand their ground, especially when one of their own is in distress. In societies there is always a dominate mare, they are the most mature of all due to their resourcefulness and leadership skills. The stallion's role is to protect the group from enemies and keep their own members together.
Eventually, the ponies became resentful towards each other, out of jealousy, racism and narrow mindedness. They were so blinded by hatred that they fell prey to the evils that lurked around them. The ponies could not survive in these lands any longer and sought out a new home. When they discovered an untouched land, purer than anything they had seen in their lifetime, it was not only a new beginning of prosperity, but a new beginning for ponykind. Though they basked in their new found unity, confident of their empire over this land, across the ocean where the ponies originated, creatures cold and unsympathetic regarded they're home with envious eyes and slowly, and surely, drew their plans against them.
You probably heard all this before, but that's not why you are here. No. You are here for the tale of how Equestria changed forever. The story of blood, betrayal, greed, lust, monsters, darkness, and friendship. The story of how my... loyal apprentice came to possess ultimate power.
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Morning began in Ponyville as beautiful as any other in spring. Celestia's Sun rose on the eastern horizon, peeking through the mountain tops to the valley below. Early birds flew through the air going about their business as any other day. Ponies woke early to begin their daily routine, merchants opening up shop in the market place, foals leaving for school and a clumsy Ditzy "Derpy" Doo getting the mail around.
In Golden Oaks Library, the ever faithful, former student, and newest princess Twilight Sparkle was assembling her travel bag for her trip to Canterlot, this year’s location of the annual Spring Planting Festival. The celebration of Equestria's hard-working farm ponies, whom are all part of the structure that holds this prosperous country together. Twilight chose to wear a simple white blouse with purple vest and matching skirt. Her crown carefully stored in her satchel even as a princess, Twilight was still her modest self.
Amongst the commotion of Twilight and her 'loud' process of getting things together, Spike groggily ate his cereal in the kitchen. He had been woken up by the ruckus of morning Twilight, something that was very unpleasant for his sleep. He wasn't much of a night owl and he certainly wasn't an early bird either.
"Twilight how can you work so late and still have this much energy? And can you keep it down? The train doesn't leave for another 20 minutes." the young wyrm whined.
"I don't see how you can always be so tired." Twilight looked up to her friend “I catch you sleeping nearly all the time. I swear you might slip into one of those dragon hibernations for 100 years."
"Well that doesn't sound too bad. I could go for a little extra rest and I happen to do a lot of hands on work Twi."
"Oh please, you make it sound like I am running you ragged. And I happen to do as much work as you."
"Really? Have you done the laundry lately?"
"...Sometimes."
"Have you been running over to Quills & Sofa's on a daily basis?"
"I go there when I'm out!"
"And who has been picking up the books you leave behind whenever something crazy happens all the time?"
"Excuse me Mr. the Dragon. I'll have you know I do not just leave my books on the ground. I have been the most organized student in Celestia's school and now a Princess. I don't make a mess like a slob."
"Oh?" Spike then pulled out a chalk board with numbers and crude drawings of Twilight and books. "Since we were in Canterlot I have been cleaning up after you. Every study session to every book report you have left all your books everywhere and in the two years we have been here you have been leaving books piling up for exactly 2,483 times."
Twilight stared incredulously.
Spike then flipped the board "You see my dear Twilight, you should never assume," he wrote the word on the board and continued "because when you 'assume' you make an 'ass' of 'u' and 'me'!"
"..."
After a short pause Twilight broke into a fit of giggles, soon Spike joined in as well. After all these years they never grew tired of their silly little squabble or antics. They're bond was unique to say the least. When one would be in distress, the other would be the voice of reason. Neither Twilight nor Spike could imagine a life without each other. While growing up Twilight never needed friends because all she had were Princess Celestia, her family and Spike. When she stayed at the castle, Twilight never felt alone because Spike was always there and she would lose herself in her deep study sessions to notice he had to run an errand since he was never gone for a full day.
Now she had discovered the true magic of friendship. She has made many friends since coming to Poneyville, while all are precious to her none compared to her 6 closest friends in Equestria. Honest Applejack, Loyal Rainbow Dash, Generous Rarity, Kind Futtershy, Laughable Pinkie Pie and good old Spike.
Composing herself Twilight walked over to Spike and gave him a loving hug "Never change you silly dragon." Spike returned the embrace. "Same to you, you silly princess."
Spike had grown since they moved to Ponyville. After his 'greed growth' fiasco, Spike didn't return to his original height and was now at Twilight's shoulder which is saying something since she grew an inch or two since her alicorn transformation. Twilight was worried that Spike wouldn't be her little assistant anymore and would behave much differently. These fears proved false when Spike still supported her and was just as helpful as the day they became friends.
Twilight packed the last of her belongings and was about to make her way out the door when Spike stopped her and gave her a lunch bag. Twilight realized she hadn't packed anything to eat since she skipped breakfast. Realizing how ridiculous she looked, a princess having her smaller companion give her lunch like a school filly off to school, she tried to fight a blush, muttered a thanks and scurried down the street.
Spike just watched her with an amused expression. It seemed some things never changed and Spike wouldn't have it any other way.
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Spike had just finished mopping the floors to the point he could see his reflection. He wiped the sweat off his brow and with a satisfied smirk on his face. It was nearly noon and all was calm in the library. Spike wore gray pants, a navy blue collared shirt and walked bare foot since he felt like it. No there wasn't a lot of activity going on today so he figured he make the place look spick and span when Twilight returned. Mostly it was because he loved the praises he had been getting since they moved from Canterlot, now Twilight takes more notice to his achievements and voices her complements more often, which Spike was starting to like.
Today was pretty slow to say the least. Spike had gone to see Rarity but it seemed she had gone with the girls to the festival since she hadn't answered the door for a good thirty minutes and the shades were closed. He was going to check with Big Mac later on since he was one of the few dudes in town that he hangs out with. Big Mac wasn't much of a talker but he was a very good listener which Spike needed from time to time when Twilight wasn't around. Spike never really heard him say much, he figured Big Mac would warm up enough to add more to the conversation soon.
SLAM! CRASH
"What the-!" Spike was startled by the sudden noise from the first floor. He dropped the mop and rushed towards the stairs. As soon as he got within view of the library he saw a sight that he never thought he would see. The front door of the library was left wide open and some of the furniture was toppled over or was destroyed. In the center of the destruction was Rainbow Dash, or at least he assumed it was her since the mare in his home was in a terrible state unlike any he had ever witnessed. She was sobbing uncontrollably, her mane and fur were a mess and her long sleeve velour tracksuit hoodie was torn exposing some of her sports bra.
Spike stood there in shock for a moment trying to process the situation. His body moved on its own as he flew down the stair case, nearly tripping over himself as he went to his friend's side.
"Rainbow what happened to you!? Hang on." Spike supported Rainbow and guided her to a chair across the room. With her larger frame pressed up against him Rainbow's exposed sports bra was right against the side of his face. On normal circumstances he would be embarrassed beyond belief, but there was no time for that since his friend was hurting.
Spike rested her on the chair, as he was about to pull away Rainbow's grip tightened. With no way out, Spike returned the embrace without hesitation. He stroked her back and waited patiently for her to calm down. While he waited his mind raced, dreading what could have possibly lead to this. These thoughts included Discord attacking Canterlot, the mountainside collapsing, the Changelings returned or a new super villain has arisen. Then again, the silence gave him an opportunity to rethink; Discord wasn't violent and Fluttershy has him wrapped around her hoof for being so kind. The Changelings were thrown beyond Equestria's borders and they wouldn't have enough love to give them strength any time soon so that was ruled out. Canterlot has been on that mountain for a thousand years and Equestria has had higher security since the Changeling attack thanks to Shining Armor... so what could have happened?
When the sobbing turned into light sniffles, it was Rainbow who broke the silence. "Spike..." she croaked.
"Y-yeah?"
"I'm sorry," she said in a low, shaky voice. "I'm so… so sorry."
Spike's brow creased in worry. "What are you apologizing for?" he asked in a confused/ cautious voice.
Rainbow took a deep breath and continued. "We went to the festival and... something happened. There was this... pulse or something that went everywhere... and these deer things started coming out of nowhere! Then we were ambushed by the royal guard!"
While Rainbow was trying to get herself composed after her outburst, sucking in air like a fish out of water, Spike processed the new information. Deers appeared out of nowhere and the guards attacked his friends!? This sounded like some kind of coup against Equestria again! The antagonist seemed to be the guards, but who were these deer? What was their plan? Spike wanted to ask, but Rainbow startled him when she raised her voice and wanted to wait when she was calmer.
Spike gently stroked her back again to help settle her nerves and it seemed to work. Rainbow became aware of her friend's reassurance and chose to press on."Those deers all started grabbing ponies and putting them in chains... and stuff." Rainbow hesitated to share the details of what 'stuff' was done to the captured. "Some of the ponies were fighting back and I was going to join in, but Applejack held me back. We were all out numbered so we decided to go to Princess Celestia... and that's when the guards turned on us."
Rainbow started gritting her teeth in frustration and her face showed grief. "They... they got Pinkie and Fluttershy." She forced out, physically having trouble saying that. Spike looked at her in frightened shock.
"Then they got Applejack. She was still fighting and then it was only Twilight and me. Those deer were wearing something... like a spell on their armor. Made them block magical attacks. Twilight used stuff to hit them and... I was being backed into a corner. I couldn't get close enough without them trying to shock me with these batons or they could grab me."
"She told me to leave."
Spike just stared at her. Rainbow didn't hear a response or allowed him to. "It wasn't like I had a choice alright! I-... They were too many of them and ... me... I was... weak." She started to sob a little. "I didn't want to leave them. I didn't want those guys to take my friends. I wanted to stay and stop it. I wanted to help... but I couldn't." she finished in a low voice.
Spike continued to stay silent and Rainbow couldn't bring herself to look at him. How could she? She betrayed her element. She left her friends behind, Twilight behind. Rainbow Dash let everypony down. She failed.
She flinched when Spike pulled her towards him. She was surprised when he started hugging her and crying with her. Rainbow half expected him to yell at her for leaving Twilight, for not being able to protect their friends and sitting here like the useless loser she is... but here he was embracing her. She felt tears starting anew and let everything she had left out of her system. When the duo finally came to their senses and regained their composure, they stayed silent for a while.
"Rainbow."
"Hmm?"
"I just want you to know that... I don't blame you... for anything. It wasn't your fault."
"But I-" Spike pulled back and cut her off. Looking directly at her.
"I know. I know what you mean and what you are feeling right now. I always do when you girls go off to save the day."
"You do?"
"Yes. That's why I always try to be helpful, doing whatever I can when I can. Like at the Crystal Empire. And don't look down on yourself. You wished you could've done more, but you couldn't, so what? You’re Rainbow Dash, The most Awesome pony in all of Equestria! You are always there for your friends, you can do sonic rainbooms, fly faster than any pegasus, you even have your own fan club. You are a really cool pony."
Rainbow couldn't help but feel her face get warm and her confidence was boosted at her friend's words of appraisal. “I am pretty awesome aren't I?"
Spike got to his feet and offered his hand. "And you know what else?"
Rainbow took his hand and pulled herself up "What?"
"We are going to get some back up and then we are going to storm that mountain, get our friends back and take the bad guys down!"
Rainbow shared his look of determination. "Now that's what I'm talking about, bro!" They both shook hands in a firm agreement.
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Spike ran up to the bedroom and took out his forest green camping backpack. It was a gift from Rainbow sometime after his self-searching episode during the dragon migration. He started loading it with essentials; gem stones, socks, briefs, canteen of fresh water, a headlamp, first aid kit, a compass, a hooded cloak and a sleeping bag. He went over to the glass case near Twilight's work desk and retrieved the Elements of Harmony. Spike knew that if the enemy got a hold of the Elements then there would be no hope of undoing this madness.
After this thought, Spike remembered to pack another important belonging of his. He went over to the drawer next to Twilight's bed and rummaged through some writing supplies until he found what he has looking for. A book. Spike gently lifted the book up and looked at it longingly. It was a brown book he received on his second birthday in Ponyville. On the cover was a symbol of Twilight's cutie mark with small drawings of the mane six and himself in the center. This was Twilight's gift to him.
With care, he placed the book in his bag and proceeded to get dressed. Spike put on his brown hiking boots, navy blue jeans, and long sleeve hazel polo shirt.
After double checking everything they might need, Spike went over to the bathroom door and knocked. "Rainbow? Almost done in there?"
"Yeah, just give me a second!"
"Alright, I'll be waiting down stairs."
Spike went into the main library and looked around to see if there was anything he could find on these 'deer' Rainbow spoke of. Something she said about them seemed... vaguely familiar.
Spike went to the Pony History section and looked up the book on the Classical Era. It was a pretty old book and talked about the time before and during Discord's rise to power.
Spike flipped to the index on the back of the book "Let’s see now. D, Draconequus, Destruction of Horseshoe bay, Desolation, Discord, Discordian Era... What, no deer?" Spike checked again. Maybe they were a specific type of deer?
"Well deer are pretty rare, none have ever actually come in contact with Equestria in... well ever. Probably shy or something?" Spike shrugged and decided to skim through the book. Twilight would chew him out for doing such an 'atrocious crime against studying' as she put it.
Spike skimmed through each page looking for specific words; 'deer' 'anti-magic' and 'shield'. Spike would use this method when helping Twilight study on certain topics and it was paying off. After a few minutes he found what he was looking for. The word that temporarily halted his movement; Reindeer, also known as Caribou.
Spike read each sentence as if it were the most crucial piece of evidence in a trial. As he gathered more information on these Caribou, the feeling of dread, disgust and anger grew inside. From what he could gather is that the Caribou are a race of raiders that served a corrupted, power hungry king who was so despicable the author constantly referred to him as 'The Horned Tyrant of the Forgotten Isles' than using his real name. A prisoner Caribou confessed that they were once 3 tribes, but their leaders were forced to relinquish their power to the Horned Tyrant.
The Tyrant was intolerant of females. Females were treated nothing but mere livestock to be used as the males pleased. The only choices were to either convert, submit, or perish. The Caribou have no natural magic, but can use runes, potions and incantations to their advantage, such as enhancing their armor for example. The Caribou attempted to attack Equestria once, though they never made the journey due to their most dangerous of enemies, The Sirens. The Horned Tyrant grew tired of being denied his prize and allied himself with a draconequus named Discord.
What the Horned King could not foresee was Discord's unruly nature and intention of having Equestria for himself. During Discord's reign, the Horned Tyrant was in the process of making a potion to defeat Discord, only to learn that he had been imprisoned in stone by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. He saw this as a perfect opportunity to strike since Equines are a peaceful culture and the princesses uphold those very beliefs more than any of them. However, the Horned Tyrant underestimated the princesses and the power of the Elements of Harmony and was forever banished with his kind on those islands, never to return again.
"Until now." Spike concluded.
Spike placed the book back in its proper place and lost himself in deep thought on this new information. He was no stranger to mature content, after all he wasn't exactly a sheltered child growing up. Spike had stumbled across mature comics and chose to keep them to himself than have a very awkward conversation with Mr. Nightlight again. To know of such practices is one thing, but an entire race that shares such beliefs and crimes was a lot to take in. Whats worse is that those very savages were at war with Equestria right now. His thoughts were interrupted by a firm knock on the door.
Spike went to answer it and froze at the sight of who stood before him; two pegasus guards.
"Oh! Good uh, afternoon sirs. Is there something I can help you with?" Spike greeted. Trying his best not to look or sound suspicious.
"We were sent by Princess Twilight to inform you that there has been an attack on Canterlot." The guard on the left spoke with a neutral expression.
"Oh my gosh. Is she okay?" Spike asked with genuine concern.
"Yes. The situation is under control and the princesses are safe." The guard on the right answered. "May we come in?"
"Yeah, come on in." Spike moved aside to allow them in. He was unsure on how to feel about all of this. One minute there was an attack and now everything was just fine? Rainbow's story still echoed in his mind and made Spike very suspicious of the two stallions he allowed in his home. What more could he have done? Two guards and one young dragon with nothing but a wooden door separating them. Yeah, his life sucked.
"Have you seen Rainbow Dash recently sir?"
Spike thought of telling them the truth, but chose to wait and see if they were on the level. "I don't remember seeing her since this morning? Is she alright? And you can just call me Spike."
"She returned to Ponyville during the attack and we were asked to find her and bring her back with the Elements of Harmony." The guard looked around the room; as if searching for either one. While his partner moved about he turned back to Spike. "Would happen to know where the Elements are then Spike?"
"Twilight gave them to each of the Bearers for safe keeping in case of an emergency."
The guards face remained stiff as a board, though his response seemed patronizing. "Did she now?"
Spike felt his face warming up and burning sensation in the pit of his stomach as his anxiety increased; he knew he couldn't keep this up. He needed Rainbow Dash.
"Did you actually speak with Twilight? I'm sure she would have told you just that." Spike replied, suddenly noticing the second guard moving up the stairs.
Rainbow Dash swooped down and delivered a powerful kick to his solar plexus. The guard began coughing and gasping for breath. She then sprayed him in the eye with bathroom cleaner. The guard strangled a scream as his eyes stung as if a thousand hornets had struck him at once.
"Hey!" The guard drew what appeared to be a shock baton and charged towards Rainbow, but was intercepted by Spike. The young dragon jumped on the larger stallion's wings and held on as best he could; his wings were strong and could easily smack him away if he wasn't careful.
With the guard's attention diverted Rainbow seized the opportunity. She flew over and grabbed the guard by the wrist of his right arm. She may not have had A J's strength to overpower a guard, but she was far from being a push over!
Rainbow moved at maximum speed, she forced the guard to swing his baton into the floor, with their combined strength the object was knocked out of his grasp as it impacted on the hard surface. Using her left leg Rainbow swept the guard off his hooves, never letting go of his arm. She dropped to one knee beside him , raised his arm and broke it with an audible SNAP!
The guard wailed in agony only to be interrupted by a fist to the face. And another, and another as the back of his head banged against the floor.
When Rainbow had enough she backed away from the guard to see the that the asshole had passed out from the beating. She turned to the sound of the other guard blindly banging against furniture, struggling to see anything through his tearful bloodshot eyes. Rainbow Dash merely stared as he suffered. Suddenly something grabbed her left hoof scaring the shit out of Rainbow. She stumbled backwards landing on her butt, she attempted to kick away only to find a purple clawed hand reaching from beneath the unconscious guard pony.
"OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH!" Rainbow rambled as she jumped to her hooves and pushed the heavy built guard off of her friend. Spike sucked in as much sweet air as his lungs could take before having a fit of coughs.
"Spike are you okay?" Rainbow asked
*COUGH* "Yeah, I'm fine" *COUGH* "Just freaking peachy." He muttered with heavy sarcasm.
"Are you sure?"
"NO, YOU-!" *COOOOUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* "What the hay happened anyway."
"I'm so sorry Spike. I-I guess I sorta lost it for a second there when I heard those guards come in." she said as she supported Spike to his feet again. They then turned to the still stumbling guard pony.
"So what do we do about him?" Spike inquired.
Rainbow began to think of a plan when she remembered the shock baton lying nearby. She picked up the baton and slugged it over the guard's head, knocking him out cold.
"There, now let's move."
