Chapters Chapter One: Vision of Shadows
An earth pony stallion with a silver coat, jet black mane and tail trotted through a mass of ponies. Every time he passed one, their body would transform into a skeleton. Like the ground, his blood red eyes thirsted for power.
"I am back Celestia," the stallion said, his voice scratchy and deep. "And I am ready to take back my throne your parents stole from me millenniums ago."
Celestia woke up with a jolt. Her bed was soaked in sweat and her eyes were bloodshot. Just when she was about to get her sister, the door opened with a bang and Luna galloped inside. Her eyes were wide and her legs were shaking.
"What do we do sister?" Luna whispered fearfully.
Celestia gulped before getting into a sitting position. "W-we must p-prepare for war."
Luna frowned. "You know as well as I that Prince Shadow Blade cannot be stopped by soldiers. He can only be stopped by-"
"We are not going to do what our parents did!" Celestia snapped. "If we did, then Blueblood's descendent would have to take up the throne and he's just as bad as his ancestor."
"This is why I begged of you to wed." Luna replied sadly. "And bear a child to take our place."
"We never would have guessed that shadow would come back." Celestia pointed out.
"Cadence and Shining Armor's descendent could take our throne." the younger alicorn suggested.
"She already has to rule the Crystal Empire." the older alicorn reminded.
"Twilight's?"
"I am not putting an entire kingdom on a twenty year olds shoulders."
"Then what!? There is no other way to stop him!" Luna cried before stomping a hoof on the oak floor.
Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was true that there was only one option at the time. However, Star Swirled The Bearded found another way, though it was very unlikely they would succeed in finding them. However, it was a risk she was willing to take.
"We could...always find the Elemental Warriors' decedents." the sun princess whispered.
Luna let out a gasp, "but we don't even know if they had any children."
Celestia got out of bed and walked a couple of paces to her sister. "We can find out. Meet me in the vault room where we stored the Elements of Harmony." Celestia replied before lighting up her horn and disappearing from Luna's sight. The younger alicorn simply raised an eyebrow before taking off as well.
When Luna reappeared, the vault was already opened. Curious as to see what her sister had in store, she gracefully walked inside. Only to gasp in surprise, for behind the podium where the Elements of Harmony use to stand, there was a secret opening carved out of the back wall.
"Celestia?" Luna asked before walking slowly into the new opening. Her eyes widened when she saw her sister sitting on the tiled floor with pages binded with light blue yarn.
"Like Twilight and myself, Star Swirled kept a journey while he traveled. I remember him showing me this once; this is how I learned about the Elemental Warriors." Celestia explained before using her magic to flip the pages.
"So this is where you kept it." Luna breathed before heading to her sister's side, "but how would this tell whether or not the warriors had children, and their children had children?"
"He was so fascinated by these warriors that he kept tabs on them." Soon Celestia came to a page filled with six clusters of names. "Hmmm, so their last known children were born a little more than a thousand years ago." she muttered under her breath before giving Luna the book. "There may be a chance that their descendants are out there. I need your help tracking them down tonight. Do you remember what their auras are like?"
Luna glanced at the book before nodding her head. "Barely, though I do remember an intense surge of power when I was looking through ponies' dreams with father and we came across the Wind Elemental Warrior."
Celestia nodded and placed a wing on Luna's back. "I am counting on you sister." she whispered before heading out of the vault, leaving a blushing Luna behind.
If only I was stronger then we wouldn't be in this position Celestia thought solemnly while trotting towards the kitchen. Why is it Twilight, that when I need your help the most, you aren't here?
A large, muscular stallion grunted before moving up a steep slope made of compacted dirt. His side scraped across the grey stone as he continued on. Occasionally the stallion would look down into the obese from which he came from. However, when the stallion looked up, he could see a pale glow of sunlight up ahead. Smiling, he quickened his pace.
Soon the earth pony came to a small opening and jammed his snout into the hole before taking deep breaths of the crisp, spring air. Then, the silver stallion pounded his large hooves against the stones. The dull thud and occasional movement of the stones made his pounding quicken.
Suddenly, the stones gave way and he squeezed his body through the hole. A grin was etched on his face as he took in the forest around him. Though his eyes stung from so much light, the pain couldn't diminish his smile in the slightest.
He has come home, and soon all of Equestria will tremble upon his name once again.
Chapter Two: Dreams
The water shimmered as a pony emerged onto the sand beach. Smiling, the light blue mare trotted merrily up a stone path, were it led to a small cottage. A net full of seaweed and clams hung from her mouth.
"This is a nice dream, Aqua Ring."
The mare dropped the net and spun around. Her violet eyes widened as Princess Luna walked up to her.
"Though, a bit boring. I guess you have your ancestor's lack of creativity." Luna said.
"Y-you're, h-how!?" Aqua Ring stuttered.
"When you wake up, a chariot will take you to the palace." Luna informed before taking off into the air. "Oh, and one more thing," when she lit up her horn, the scene shifted into a lush forest. Aqua Ring's greenish blue mane was pulled back into a braid, while a saddle bag with knives sticking out covered her cutie mark. "It's nice to have a change a pace, no?"
Aqua Ring gazed at the princess in amazement before realization hit her once an arrow whizzed by.
"Good luck!" Luna called before vanishing into the background. One down, five more to go. She thought to herself.
Wind roared in the ears of a silver pegasus stallion. Flying goggles concealed his emerald eyes, as his snowy white mane and tail danced wildly in the wind.
"Oh yeah!!!" he shouted over the wind before partially tucking in his wings and nose diving. His stomach churned, but the pegasus paid no heed. After all, this was only a dream.
"I see you have your ancestor's thirst for speed, Gust."
Suddenly, a giant cloud moved in front of Gust's path. The baron tried to slow down, but he was too late. Gust nosedived onto the cloud with a yelp of surprise.
"Though, life your ancestors, you lack control." Luna replied before helping Baron Gust up, though he brushed her hoof away.
"What're ya thinking, ruining my dream?" Gust snapped. "I was just about to do the awesomest nose dive in all of Equestria!"
Luna rolled her eyes, "what are they teaching youth these days?" she mumbled to herself before shifting her gaze back to Gust. "A chariot will be at your home. It will bring you to the palace where you will meet five other ponies."
"Why would I want to go to your palace?" the pegasus questioned. "Besides, I have a photo shoot tomorrow, what's so important that I have to cancel it?"
"You will find out soon enough." Luna replied before snapping her wings open and taking off into the sky. Awesomest, who comes up with these ridiculous words?
A crowd of hundreds of ponies stomped their feet and cheered as the silky red curtains fell down onto the stage. Behind the curtains stood a unicorn mare with a soft yellow coat, a pink mane and tail with streaks of silver, and sky blue eyes. Her cutie mark was a dark green music note with a rose attached to it.
"They loved me!" the mare squeaked.
"Even in your dreams Sunshine, your voice is as sweet as could be."
The turned around and let out a little cry in surprise as Luna walked up towards her.
"Y-your majesty!" Sunshine stuttered before bowing. "What an honor it is to have you in my dream."
Luna let out a chuckle before lifting the unicorn's chin up, "you do not need to be so formal. After all, I've only come to tell you of something of great importance."
Sunshine's eyes widened, "what is it?"
"When you awake, go to the palace where you will meet five others. Do not worry about your parents, I shall tell them to let you go."
Sunshine nodded her head rapidly. Even though she tried to hide it, a giant smile formed upon her lips.
"I will see you then." the princess said before walking into the curtains. I will need to talk to Celestia about Sunshine, for I fear her body cannot fully handle this mission.
The ground cracked and shook as a pegasus clashed swords with millions of changeling drones. His dark blue coat was covered in scratches and cuts, while his shaggy lime green mane and tail whipped wildly through the wind.
"Take that!" the stallion shouted before stabbing a changeling through the throat. His orange eyes sparked with glee as his opponent fell.
"A little violent, are we Rain Top?"
Suddenly, the scene shifted into a large, grassy valley full of colorful flowers. Rain Top looked at his sword clasped between his teeth and saw that it changed into a peppermint stick, which he swallowed in one bite.
"Luna, ya goanna show yer self? Or are we goanna play hide-n-seek?" the pegasus questioned.
Princess Luna materialized in front of the stallion, causing him to take a couple of steps back.
"Daylight is vastly approaching, so I will make this quick." Luna informed. "A carriage will be by your home were it will bring you to the palace."
"Luna, I just wanna thank ya fer visiting my bro. I-it meant a lot to him." Rain Top said before Luna disappeared.
A dark brown buck gazed in awe as the rising sun turned the sky into a soft orange hue. He had sharp horns and a muscular build, though his warm almond eyes showed years of hardship and loneliness.
"I see you are awake, Redwood."
The buck shifted is almond eyes to a certain mare sitting next to him on a fallen log.
"You must be Luna." Redwood said.
"Indeed I am." the princess replied. "I need you to come with me to the palace which I share with my sister."
"Why?" the buck asked.
"I will tell you when we get to the palace." Luna answered before getting up. "Come."
Redwood looked up at the awaiting princess. His instincts told him to flee, after all, what would a princess need him for? However, he knew that he had no choice. If Luna could easily track him down, what's stopping her from doing it again?
Taking a deep breath, Redwood stood up and placed a hoof on Luna's outstretched wing. Then, the buck felt a serge of magic coursing through his body before being teleported.
Chapter Three: Backstory!
Chapter Three: Backstory!
"Looks like we are the first ones." Luna observed as she and Redwood stood at the black, iron gates. "Nevertheless, I'm sure my sister would want to see you."
Redwood gave a stiff nod and followed the princess to the now opening gates, happy to get away from the bustling city. That, and the looks the locals were giving him made the buck uncomfortable.
However, that uneasiness grew once they made their way inside the palace walls. Light purple and white squares covered the floor, while a long, red velvet carpet led into four directions. Gold trimming and multi colored tapestry decorated the pale purple walls, and stairs led up to two stain glass windows depicting Luna and Celestia.
"Welcome to my home." Luna said.
Redwood's eyes dilated and his heart pumped faster. Never in his young life has he ever been in a home before, and never in his dreams would he believe that one could be so huge! Were all houses like this?
"Sister, I was wondering where you went." a gentle voice called out before a tall, white alicorn emerged from one of the many rooms to greet them. However, when her eyes met Redwood's, she gave her sister a questionable look.
"He is one of the warriors." Luna assured before motioning the shaking buck to step forward, "Redwood, this is my sister, Princess Celestia."
The dark brown buck gave a quick nod.
"Come, two of the other warriors have already came. I'm sure you'd like to get better acquainted with them." Celestia said before ushering her sister and Redwood into the room where she came out of.
The room must've been used as an office. A medium sized desk laid in the middle of the room, while seven red cushions sat around it. A few shelves crammed with books hung from the white walls, while two medium sized windows provided light. Other then the princesses and himself, Redwood spotted two other ponies in the room.
"Redwood, this is Sunshine and Gust." Celestia explained. "You three become better acquainted with each other while Luna and I wait to greet the others."
Once Celestia and Luna left, Redwood shifted his gaze back to the two strangers. One was a unicorn mare with a soft yellow coat, sky blue eyes, and a dark green music note with a red rose attached to it covered her flanks. Another thing he noticed was that her light pink mane was in a braid and her frame was quite weak.
She wouldn't have been able to survive a month in the forest. The buck thought to himself.
The other pony was a silver pegasus with gleaming green eyes a tornado on his flanks, and a mane and tail the color of first snow. Unlike the pegasus however, he had a muscular build which blended perfectly with his sleek body.
He probably gets all the mares. Redwood thought with a chuckle. Just like Oak.
"Hey deer, I'm talking to ya." Gust said.
The buck, realizing that he drifted off, gave his head a shake before looking at Gust.
"I said, so looks like the old princesses got ya too." Gust stated.
"Yes." Redwood replied. Even though he'd only met Gust for a few seconds, he couldn't help but begin to dislike him.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Redwood." Sunshine piped up. "I have never seen a speaking deer before, are there others like you?"
"My unitsi taught me. She use to live in a garden." Redwood explained.
"That's nice of your mother." Sunshine remarked happily.
Suddenly, the door opened and the princesses, along with two other ponies, entered the room.
"Aqua Ring, Rain Top, this is Redwood, Gust, and Sunshine." Luna said. "Now that you're all here, we can now tell you why we called you all here."
Redwood took a seat next to Sunshine, while one of the new arrivals sat on the other side of him. He was a dark blue pegasus with orange eyes, a messy lime green mane and tail, and a light blue raindrop with a fire ember on his flanks. His build was a little more bolder then Gust's and some of his fur was singed.
"Means I'm ah good blacksmith." Rain Top whispered.
"Huh?"
"Ponies always ask what ma cutie mark stands fer. Saw ya looking at tem and thought to myself, better tell tat buck beside ya what it stands fer before he asks." Rain Top explained, though with his thick accent it was hard for Redwood to make out most of what he was saying.
Out of the corner of his eye, the buck saw the other arrival taking a seat besides Luna, trying her best to blend in to the background. She was a light blue earth pony with violet eyes, and a dark blue raindrop with a silver circle surrounding it. Her greenish blue mane flowed down her neck like water, and she had a sleek body, but the strangest thing he noticed was that when she sighed, a couple fangs showed.
Redwood wanted to ask this strange mare who were parents were, but the sound of Celestia's voice kept him from it. Besides, he'd always have tomorrow.
"We have brought you all here because a sinister monster is loose and we need you five to stop him." Celestia said.
"Us?" Gust asked. "I can handle it, but I'm not sure these beautiful mares should take on such a battle."
White Luna and Aqua Ring both shot dirty glances at the pegasus, Celestia and Sunshine tried there best to ignore it.
"Since we cannot use the Elements of Harmony, we must rely on the Elemental Warriors to defeat this foul beast. You may not know it, but all of you are descendants from these warriors." Luna informed.
"If you don't mind me asking, who is this monster you want us to defeat?" Sunshine asked.
Celestia took a deep sigh before continuing.
Long ago, when Equestria was still young, there lived a colt named Blade. He was like any normal colt, until his father found a book on black magic. Addicted to finding out what each spell did, he casted them on his son.
After five years of being used as a lab rat, Blade finally snapped and murdered his father.
Blade then made his way to the castle and slayed the rulers before taking the throne. He changed his name to Shadow Blade and plunged Equestria in darkness.
Our parents tried to stop him, but he became immune to their attacks from the spells his father casted on him. Desperate to win, they used up all of their magic and life force to cast Shadow Blade into the deepest pit of Tartarus.
Silence fell like a thick blanket over the room. Sunshine was shaking, Rain Top was fidgeting, and even Gust tried to disappear from sight.
"Why didn't oul ancestols help then?"
All eyes stared at Aqua Ring, who fidgeted under their stares.
"I-I mean, they wele powelful right? Well why didn't they help defeat Blade?"
"Like Equestria in that time, they too were young and weak. Some weren't even born." Celestia answered.
"But when they grew, they were masters in their respected elements. Now, their power flows through you and we need you to use your ancestor's power to stop him." Luna piped up. "We would ourselves, but our powers would have no effect."
"What are our element then?" Redwood asked. Even though he didn't like attention that much, he couldn't help but feel bad for the poor mare.
"Redwood, your element is earth." Luna informed. "Rain Top, you are fire."
"What about me!?" Gust piped up.
"Gust, you're element is the sky." Celestia replied. "Sunshine, you are vegetation and Aqua Ring is water."
Celestia stood up, motioning the others to do so as well, and headed towards the door. "Come, until you master your elements, you will be staying here. I'll show you to your rooms while my sister gets the courtyard ready for your training."
As they followed the princess, Redwood couldn't help but feel bombarded with emotions. He was proud that he came from a powerful ancestor, but also wished he wasn't. If even the most powerful alicorns couldn't stop him without going the same path as their parents, then how would he be able to defeat Shadow Blade?
The earth pony finally came to a clearing. Looking around, he saw a giant log with windows and a door. Carved into the wood was the word, 'Diner.'
Shadow Blade wanted to turn away from this commoner's eatery, but his rumbling stomach stated otherwise. Sighing, he trotted to the dinner and went inside.
His nose was hit with an aroma of smells. Some he knew of, like fresh fruit and creamy hay cheese soup. However, some he couldn't distinguished.
"Welcome to Don's Diner!"
Blade shifted his beady red eyes to a pudgy, blue earth pony. She wore a stained apron and had a stick with a sharp end behind her ear.
"What year is it commoner!?" Shadow Blade questioned, though with his deep voice it sounded more like a demand.
"Two thousand and one hundred fifteen." She replied.
The stallion bit his lower lip. He's been gone for that long!? And that mare didn't even bow down to him or tremble in fear! Was he gone for so long that no pony knew of him anymore?
Prince Shadow Blade let out a frustrating sigh. "I am hungry and have not eaten in a very long time." It hurt his pride to have to ask for free food. However, he truly was starving and he didn't have any coins to pay with.
"I can see that dear. I'll ask Papa Flap Jack if he could spare anything." Once she was gone, Shadow Blade was able to finally get a good view of the place.
Several weathered tables and chairs stood on the straw covered floor, while a door by a counter led to the kitchen. The windows were covered in a layer of grime, and mysterious orbs that hung from the ceiling provided the light.
I will retake Equestria little by little. Then, once I have the throne I will finally defeat those damn alicorn sisters. Blade thought to himself with a grin.
Author's Note
Fun Fact! unitsi means mom in Cherokee
Chapter Four: Training
"I can't believe this is where we're staying!" Sunshine gasped in awe.
"That's the fifth time you said that." Aqua Ring muttered before lifting the mattress from the bed frame and placing it on the ground.
Celestia had the two mares share Twilight's old room when she lived with the princess. The room was split into two levels with a dark blue staircase connecting them. The bottom floor had pale wood flooring, a couple of plants, giant windows that oversaw the gardens, and two twin beds covered in Canterlot's softest blankets. One the upper level, there were rows of books, an hour glass the size of a stallion, and a giant window that overlooked some of the castle.
Sunshine ignored Aqua's comment with a sigh before realizing what her roommate was doing. "Dear, why are you placing that mattress on the ground?"
"I don't like bed flames." Aqua Ring answered.
"Bed flames!?"
"Never mind. Let's go find Princess Celestia. I'm sure she's waiting for us."
The unicorn let out a sigh before heading towards the door. Sure she was excited to begin her training, but she also wanted to explore their room a little longer. Maybe find a secret passageway or two while she was at it.
I can do it tonight. She thought to herself.
Once the two mares left their room, they quickly found Princess Celestia waiting for them in the main room. Then, they followed the princess into the royal garden.
"Seems like my sister outdid herself yet again." Celestia murmured with a smile.
Large, oak trees encircled a gigantic portable swimming pool that was ten feet deep. A third of the lushes grass was removed, and a sand pit stood in its place with limestone boulders. Above the maze was a platform of clouds, and several fans levitated above the platform. Just besides the statue collection was a bonfire with flames that rose well beyond Sunshine's reach.
"There you three are." Luna exclaimed before trotting over to them from behind the pool. "The other three are ready to begin their training. However, Rain Top insisted that we wait for you to arrive."
"Looks like ya mares decided to show up after all." Gust snickered while up in one of the oak trees.
"Shall we begin?" Redwood asked, popping his head out from the blackberry bushes.
Princess Celestia and Luna nodded.
"All of you, go to your respected element training ground." Luna commanded.
Sunshine hesitated at first, but eventually headed for the oak trees. She was afraid, for a sinking feeling told her that she was going to have to face Prince Shadow Blade eventually. No matter what she told herself, weather it be 'I won't be alone.' or 'It's five against one, how bad could it be?' Sunshine knew deep down that her body probably couldn't take it.
"Celestia and Luna will make me stronger." The soft yellow unicorn muttered under her breath.
Once she stood underneath one of the trees, a bush swayed, revealing Princess Celestia.
"I'll be making sure you don't go too overboard with training." the princess explained before sitting down on the cool grass. "Now, I want you to focus all of your energy into these trees."
Sunshine obediently did as she was told. The unicorn closed her eyes and lit up her horn. At first, she could feel nothing. However, several minutes went by until she heard Celestia let out a gasp. Curious, Sunshine dulled her magic and opened her eyes.
"What happened?" she asked.
"See for yourself." Celestia smiled.
At first, the mare didn't understand what Princess Celestia was talking about, but her blue eyes soon gazed at one of the oak trees. It was hard to see, but one of the branches was at a slight angle. Nine degrease if Sunshine had to guess.
"I-I did that!?" Sunshine gasped. For a non unicorn, they may pass it off as nothing special. However, not even the great unicorns could bend trees to their will, much less a flower. The only unicorn to ever come close was Twilight, be even she practically gave up.
"The day is still young. Keep practicing while I go check on the cooks. What kind of fruit do you like?" The princess questioned before rising.
"Cranberries." Sunshine replied.
Though it was faint, Sunshine saw the princess make a face before trotting towards the palace. Did I say something wrong? She wondered before going back to her training. Oblivious to Luna's snickers.
"Is there just nothing but forest!?" Shadow Blade growled.
It's been hours since he burned down that hideous log home. How dare they feed him commoner's food! And awful food as well. It gave him great pride seeing them cry out as their place went up in smoke.
If only I had all of my strength back. He thought to himself.
Suddenly, the ground shook, caused the earth pony to stop. His blood red eyes darted back and forth, while his tail slapped the ground.
"Who's there!?" He shouted into the trees.
Some bushes rustled, and out came a large purple dragon with lime green spikes. His body was slim and had somewhat of a muscular build. Though he looked young, Shadow could see the dull eyes this beast had.
"Who are you?" the prince asked while approaching the beast ever so carefully.
"Spike." the dragon's voice was deep, but had a somewhat homey feel to it.
Prince Shadow Blade laughed inwardly. This Spike was clearly friendly to ponies. If he were to control him, then his mission for retaking Equestria would happen much sooner.
"Tell me Spike, why are you alone in this forest?" Shadow questioned.
"Taking my evening walks while Princess Shooting Star is out with her friends." Spike replied.
So he knows a princess, perfect.
"Say Spike, I have been in this forest for some time and my legs are quite sour. My I ride on your back?"
The dragon gave Shadow Blade a friendly smile before walking towards the awaiting stallion.
That's it. Closer, closer, perfect.
Once Spike was just three feet in front of him, the earth pony gazed into the dragon's emerald eyes. Soon, Spike began to sway and his eyes began to darken.
"Servant, take me to this Princess Shooting Star." Prince Shadow Blade commanded.
Spike nodded before lowering a claw to Shadow. Once the stallion climbed onto it, the dragon placed him on his scaly back before stomping through the forest.
With a dragon and a princess as my slaves, no pony will be able to stop me! Prince Shadow Blade thought with a devilish grin.
Chapter Five: Building an Army
Princess Celestia gazed out of the kitchen window. She knew her next phase of the plan was being rushed. After all, she wanted to give them at least two days to help them train, but news from the mayor of Ponyville changed everything.
I've forgotten how fast you work, Blade. Celestia thought her herself sadly.
"Y-your highness, lunch is ready." a silver unicorn piped up.
"You may take it out to them." Celestia replied flatly.
"Are you going to be eating with them?"
"No, I'm not hungry and if my sister asks where I am, tell her that I'm in my studies doing some paper work." Celestia answered. It killed her having to lie to her sister, but what she was about to do wasn't safe. And having her dear sister in the mix wasn't going to help.
Once she heard the servant leave, the alicorn turned her back to the window and trotted from the kitchen and to the library.
The library consisted of three sections, the spell wing which had every kind of book on magic; the history wing which had books and scrolls on Equestria's history; and the Star Swirled wing which had spells Star Swirled himself wrote. However, unknown to everypony but Celestia, there was another hidden wing which Shadow Blade built when her was king. The shadow wing.
Princess Celestia trotted to the arch that led to the magic wing. Then, with her horn a glow, casted a simple light spell on an almost hidden dent. Suddenly, a dark glow enveloped the princess.
The shadow wing had only a few shelves to house books bind with blood red string. Corners were filled with cobwebs, dust, and twisted iron that once was used to hold candles. A statue of Blade, of once polished blue crystal the gold, was now faded and sitting in the middle of the room covered in dust.
As Celestia walked slowly down the isles, thoughts of her finding this place crept into her mind. She was just a filly back then and was trying to find a quiet spot to read. She was about to enter the magic wing when she saw the strange bump. It took many trials and errors, but soon she was finally able to find this place.
"Where are you?" Celestia whispered.
Suddenly, she finally found what she's been looking for. Using her magic, she levitated it towards her.
The book had a simple black cover with the words Shadow Magic written in gold. However, Celestia knew that it was unicorn blood. She turned a couple of yellow pages until she came to a page with a picture of an ancient royal guard helmet and some text.
"I hope this works." She whispered once again. Then, she tucked the book firmly beneath her left wing and teleported away.
Luna shifted her gaze from Gust to the palace door every few seconds. It took some time, and a lot of patience, but soon everypony were able to master some of their power. Now, Luna wanted desperately to show her sister, but knew she had to stay incase Rain Top accidently set Redwood of fire...again.
Oh where are you Celestia? Luna thought. She knew that the servant told her that Celestia was doing work, however the young sister knew that was a lie. After all, Celestia used that same excuse when she was younger and wanted to play pin the tail on the older sister.
Suddenly, a giant gust of wind blew a large bolder her way. Quickly the alicorn jumped out of its way. When she looked up, her face partly drained of color.
"Gust, stop that this instant!" She shouted, using her best Canterlot royal voice at the forming tornado.
Princess Celestia now gazed at an army of at least two hundred skeletons in eroded armor. Masks of what they use to be. The book was now once again tucked under her wing.
"You have all been called once again to fight one more battle." Celestia informed.
She hated what she was doing. However, she knew that the elemental warriors didn't stand a chance against Shadow and his growing army. Of course she and her sister could battle his army by themselves, but if the warriors needed help or if one of them were wounded, they'd already be too drained of magic to help. So, an undead army was her only choice. One that wouldn't fall victim to Shadow's hypnotic gaze.
The skeletons raised their bent, broken swords up high. The only sign that they were even listening to her.
Suddenly, as Princess Celestia was sweeping her gaze over the army once more, something from the corner of her eye caught her attention. That, and the giant oak tree that fell inches short from her.
"Solders, stay here!" Celestia shouted before flapping her wings and taking off towards the giant tornado.
It was quite easy to take over Ponyville and put all of its residence under his control. Now how Prince Shadow Blade sat atop a quite pathetic throne made from white crystal. In the room with him was Spike and Princess Shooting Star, who were standing by the doors.
The earth pony closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Taking over Ponyville sapped a lot of his strength, but it was worth it. Only one was able to escape but he didn't care. After all, by tomorrow he'd already march his pegasi troops to take over Cloudsdale. Though, since he was an earth pony he'd just have Shooting Star lead the army. After all, he needed his strength to retake his throne. Well, that and he needed to study up on Equestria's change in technology. Those things that make music louder still baffle Blade. Even scare him, but only slightly.
"Soon Celestia." the silver stallion grinned.
Gust has never been this frightened in his entire life. His wings were pressed tightly against his sides while his body was in the mercy of the tornado he made. Sure creating tornadoes was his talent, but they were always small and the prop director would always keep the tornado at check. If it got too big, she'd simply use her magic to destroy it.
But now, there was no Ms. Shine to protect him. There was only him and his tornado. Gust only hoped that if he did die, that it would be quick and painless.
Closing his eyes, the silver pegasus took in a deep breath. Waiting for this horrible nightmare to end.
"Sister, what happened!?" Celestia questioned while flying to her sister's side. The tornado now rose several inches higher and was picking up speed, fast.
"That idiot Gust decided to make a tornado while he was in control of his elemental magic!" Luna replied, her voice but a whisper due to the roar of the wind.
Princess Celestia cussed inwardly before shifting her gaze to the other elemental warriors. They were all huddled close together inside a stone teepee that Redwood must've made.
He seems to be adjusting to his powers easily The alicorn thought her herself before focusing back on the tornado and her sister.
"First objective is to make sure that the others don't get hurt. If the worst befalls Gust we can't have another member too injured to fight." Celestia explained before placing a hoof on her crown, already feeling the tug as the wind tried to pry in off her head.
"Second objective is to destroy that tornado without damaging Gust." Luna finished, flinching as she felt her crown being ripped from her head and being held captive in the wind. Then, she closed her eyes and lit up her horn.
As her sister concentrated, Celestia trotted over to the teepee and, with a flick oh her head, casted a golden dome atop the building.
"Just incase." Princess Celestia shouted at the confused bunch before returning to her sister's side. "Can you teleport him?"
With a frustrated sigh, Luna shook her head and opened her eyes. "I cannot find his presents due to this cow leather wind! And even if I do get closer, I couldn't concentrate long enough to teleport him because of the strong wind currents!" She stomped her hoof on the grass, her eyes ablaze with furry.
"Sister, I want you to enter the Dreamscape. Due to the wind, my guess is that Gust has his eyes closed. If you can find him, try to tell him how to destroy that tornado with his powers." Princess Celestia instructed her sister.
"What about you?"
"I'm going to have to shoot a beam at the tornado if things go South. I know this is cruel of me, but I'm only going to give you twenty minutes. I'm sorry, but the way things are looking now I can't afford Canterlot's destruction."
Luna nodded her head before planting her hooves deep into the ground and closing her eyes. Twenty minutes goes by fast, so she only has one shot at this. Feeling sleep tug at her, Luna entered the Dreamscape.
The world around her turned into a canvas of blue. Light, dark, aqua, it was all here. Below her hooves were countless stars all spread out it a path shape. Along what would be the closest thing to walls, bright, colorful orbs stood. Each with their own color.
"Now where is Gust's?" Luna mumbled aloud. Her hooves made a bell like sound whenever they made contact with the stars. Soon she came to a sort of grayish orb that was much smaller then the rest. As Princes Luna stepped closer to it, she felt the familiar feeling of fear coursing through her body. "He has is eyes closed." She sighed before placing a hoof on the orb.
"Gust, can you hear my voice?" Luna asked. As much as she wanted to scream at the stallion for being so foalish, she knew that she had to keep him as calm as possible in order for him to better control his powers.
"L-Luna?" The voice was unmistakably Gust's. However, instead of his boisterous voice, it sounded more like a scared colt.
"Gust, I need you to listen to me carefully and do exactly as I say."
"L-Luna, what's going on? Th-this tornado! I-I can't handle it!"
The alicorn flinched as the fear was being replaced with sadness and fear.
"Listen, I need you to focus on the way the wind is blowing. Can you do that?"
It was silent for a moment. Luna held her breath, fearful that something bad might've happened to Gust. However, she breathed a sigh of relief as the orb began to vibrate.
"The wind, it's moving West at sixty miles per hour and growing. N-now it's sixty five! LUNA!"
"Quite! Now, I want you to stretch out your forelegs until they're just barely touching the tornado. Then, I want you to imagine that the wind is dwindling. However, you must imagine it so thoroughly that you can picture it in your mind."
Princess Luna could feel the orb beginning to shake violently. Out of instinct, she withdrew her hoof. The only thing she could do now was to play the waiting game, again. Once I count to one hundred, I'll check up on him. She thought to herself.
Gust felt as if his limbs were going to be pulled from his body. He followed Princess Luna's advice, but now as the wind felt like swords against his hooves he began to regret it. However, this was his only hope as far as we was concerned. Taking a deep breath, Gust tried to picture the tornado dwindling to nothing. The pegasus tried to imagine the wind subsiding and his air lock prison shrinking, becoming weaker and weaker. He tried to imagine himself finally being able to break free and feel earth on his hooves again.
However, fear began to seep back into his mind. Instead of the tornado dying, Gust saw it growing and growing until it destroyed all of Canterlot. He saw himself, his bloodied and broken body, being flung onto the ground where an angry mob came and killed him. He imagined-
"Gust, stop this right now! You're allowing fear to control you! Regain control!"
The silver pegasus shook his head. Princess Luna is right. He can't let fear take control of him. Especially now.
"Sorry." Gust whispered before imagining the tornado dwindling once again.
Princess Celestia gazed at the tornado below her. She bit her bottom lip and felt her wings grow heavy as the tornado began to pick up speed once more. If she could only locate Gust and teleport him away without having to concentrate on not being sucked into the tornado as well.
Time is almost up. She thought sadly. Her eyes glistened as she lit up her horn. One more minute. Please Gust, focus.
Suddenly, Celestia's eyes grew wide as she felt the wind weakening. Quickly, she rubbed her eyes and looked again. This time her body tingled as she saw the tornado slowly shrinking.
He's doing it! The alicorn thought to herself with a smile. He's really doing it!
Shadow Blade lifted the binoculars away from his eyes. "It seems the tornado is dwindling." He shifted his gaze to his growing army and smirked. "Though I have no need to worry."
"My prince, shall I give the signal now?" Shooting Star questioned. A makeshift spear was tucked under her lavender wing.
"Yes." The silver earth pony replied. "It would be uncivilized to keep those pathetic princesses waiting any longer."
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Chapter Seven: Battle of The Throne Part One
Shadow Blade and his army traveled up the mountain. While the unicorns teleported, the pegasi flew, and the earth ponies used rope to scale the steep slope, Shadow rode atop Spike. For he would need to save his energy for the battle against the two sisters. Though all of his powers have not fully returned to him, the prince found that the sooner they attacked, the less Celestia and Luna had to prepare.
"Once we reach Canterlot, destroy everypony clad in armor and take the citizens captive!" Prince Shadow Blade shouted, just loudly enough for his army to hear. Then his ruby gaze shifted to Spike. "You will be by my side as we fight the princesses."
"As you wish, my prince." Spike replied hypnotically.
The silver stallion grinned. As he read up on what has happened to his kingdom, he came across an interesting array of pictures. Upon further investigation, Shadow Blade found out that Spike knew both princesses and was there mailman of some sorts.
Spike will be my perfect shield. Those princesses with their petty hearts wouldn't dare hurt their precious dragon. The prince gave a small chuckle. His plan was fool proof. Aqua Ring was picking up Gust's lost feathers when it happened. At first, the screams of ponies sounded as if there was a wild party going on. However, when the mare felt the ground tremble as hundred of hooves beat the ground, that was when she began to worry.
"Rain Top! What's going on?" Aqua Ring asked.
The dark blue stallion dropped his stick full of grey feathers and shot into the air. "Ponies are running like they're running from where the sun don't shine, not to mention they look like they saw a ghost." Rain Top ran a hoof through his messy green mane and frowned. "Now I see a bunch of ponies charging at them, and a giant purple lizard is at the head with a silver stallion ridding on top."
As he said this, Princess Luna stopped bandaging Gust. Her eyes shrunk to the size of a penny. "A l-lizard with g-green spikes?"
"More like a lime green, but yes. Though, now that I think of it, that lizard is blasting houses with neon green fire."
"A-and does th-the grey stallion have red eyes?"
"Pretty bloody red eyes if ya ask me, that can't be healthy."
With a gasp, Luna dropped the bandages and galloped over to her sister who was helping Redwood and Sunshine pick up fallen branches and twigs.
"Celestia, Shadow Blade is here and he brought an army."
Canterlot was pathetic. At least with Cloudsdale and Ponyville ponies put up a fight. Shadow remembered how Canterlot had the best military base in all of Equestria, but now his pride and joy was reduced to these sorry excuses for ponies he's ever seen. Some even left their own foals and left !
"What have those pathetic princesses done!" He roared. "Spike, take me to the castle."
Spike let out a ferocious roar before charging through Maple Street. Prince Shadow Blade could already picture his victory. He would make Celestia and Luna's deaths quick and painless. Unlike their so called kind monarch, Shadow never liked torturing his victims. After all, they'd be tortured enough as their spirits raise the sun and moon, unable to protect their subjects. They could only watch just like their parents.
"Halt!"
The grey stallion awoke from his daydream with a start. For, on the ground was Celestia herself. No, not just Celestia but an army of skeletal soldiers as well. While some were half clad in armor, all wielded a sword. Even the broken ones looked deadly.
"Celestia." Shadow Blade cooed, causing the alicorn to flinch, "step down now and I might let your body get a proper ceremony."
"Turn back now Blade." Celestia hissed, "and free Spike and everypony else from your mind control."
The earth pony shook his head sadly before resting his head on Spike's. "I'm terribly sorry Tia, but I have grown quite attached to my army. Especially the one you call Spike."
Princess Celestia's eyes darkened, "call me Tia again and I will make sure that you're death is painful."
So she still only lets her sister call her that. Shadow Blade thought to himself.
"Now, do as I say and I'll make sure you get a proper burial." The alicorn exclaimed.
Meanwhile Luna and the Elemental Warriors watch Celestia and Shadow Blade in the safety of the castle's secret passage. There breaths shallow as they await to find out what happens next.
"I can't believe she rose the dead." Luna muttered while trying to free her tail from Gust's bottom.
"What do we do if he finds us?" Sunshine gulped.
"We skin him alive, make his skin into a bag, and then put his inside in that bag and dump it in the river." Aqua Ring replied, only to receive nervous glances from her comrades.
"Remind me never to make you angry." Redwood replied while trying to make sure his horns don't poke Rain Top's wings.
"Looks like they're still talking, should we go and take him down now?" Rain Top questioned, his eyes pressed against a small hole etched in the cracked stone wall.
"Not until she give the signal." Luna exclaimed. "And with you please stop sitting on my tail!"
"But the ground is wet and dirty." Gust complained.
"The one thing I never missed while being on the moon were whiners." Luna grumbled.
"Yo, what's the signal again?" Rain Top asked.
"She had to stomp one of her back legs." Sunshine answered.
"Then it's go time folks." The dark blue pegasus grinned before opening a hidden door, ushering sunlight in the dim space. Then, with a battle cry, he shot out of the door and towards Shadow Blade. His comrades following his lead.
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Chapter Seven: Battle of The Throne Part Two
As the ponies came forth from a hidden compartment, Shadow Blade couldn't help but laugh. These are the ponies who are going to stop him!?
"Luna! I'll take the soldiers to help stop Blade's army! You and the Elemental Warriors make sure that he and Spike do not enter this castle. We already have enough brainwashed ponies as it is and I do not care having to fight off my servants and guards." Celestia commanded before taking off, a hoard of skeletons trailing behind.
The earth pony jumped off of Spike and approached the group with a smile. "So you are the Elemental Warriors' decedents? How pitiful."
"Ya'll be eating those words once I get my hooves on ya." Rain Top grinned.
"You five take care of Shadow Blade. I'll take care of Spike." Luna informed, "and be careful. He is a powerful foe."
"We will not let you down." Redwood replied.
"Once you surround a pony, cage them!" Celestia commanded.
The alicorn's heart lurched as she saw hundreds of ponies destroy her city and capture fellow residents. Some, she noted, were lying on the ground unmoving.
As the soldiers surrounded the brainwashed ponies, they instantly disembodied and used their bones to make a makeshift cage. Then, Celestia lowered to the nearest one and placed her horn through the bars and onto the squirming pony's head. Her horn lit up and a few seconds later, the pony's eyes turned back to normal.
"W-where am I?" Shooting Star groaned while rubbing her head. "And why am I in a...cage made out of bones?"
"Return back to Ponyville." Celestia said while the skeleton reassembled.
The lavender pegasus gazed up at the princess, her blue eyes sparked with confidence. "Not today your highness. I may not know what is going on, but I can feel a dark presence and I want to help!"
Princess Celestia looked Shooting Star up and down before giving a small smile. "Then take to the sky and make sure that no pony leaves. The brainwashed will attack you, so be prepared to fight."
Shooting Star gave a salute before taking off into the sky.
Sunshine let out a cry before crashing into the castle walls. Every bone in her body vibrated, and the air got knocked out of her lungs. The unicorn let out a moan and shakily got up. Then she drew her attention back to the battlefield.
Rain Top was trying to summon fire and Redwood was trying to ram his horns into Prince Shadow Blade's chest, but failing horribly. Though Aqua Ring was doing a little better, but all her attacks seemed to just make the stallion wet. And Gust, well he was flying above their target and flapping his wings feverously.
"Honestly, this is all you can accomplish?" The grey earth pony laughed before kicking Redwood straight in the jaw, causing the buck to step back, giving Blade enough time to kick him in the knees. Sunshine heard a sickening crunch before Redwood let out a scream and crumpled to the ground.
"Redwood!" Aqua Ring gasped.
"I'll make you pay!" Rain Top growled before trying to summon a column of flames, only to produce a few embers.
Sunshine sat on the ground in defeat. They just weren't prepared to face a foe as powerful as Prince Shadow Blade. If only they had a few weeks or months to practice. But sadly time just wasn't on their side.
Luna could see that they were doing poorly. The alicorn wanted to help, but her focus was still on Spike. And sadly he wasn't corporating as much as she hoped.
Spike let out a jet of bright green flames towards Luna. Quickly, she put up and protection spell before countering with a paralyze spell. The dragon tried to dodge, but the spell managed to get one of his legs.
Seeing her chance, Luna dive bombed Spike. Once her horn touched his forehead, she quickly unleashed a healing spell.
Spike's eyes began to turn back to normal and the great dragon shook his mighty head. "What h-happened?"
Luna let out a sigh before standing besides her friend. "You were controlled by him." She pointed a hoof towards Shadow Blade.
"I didn't cause any trouble did I? Oh Luna, I didn't accidently k-kill somepony right?" His eyes dilated as he began to think of the worst possible things he could have done.
"Possibly some property damage, but that is all." Luna replied, "now I want you to do something for me."
Redwood knew two things. First, he knew his legs were broken. Secondly, he knew they were going to loose. But the way his acquaintances kept on fighting did warm his heart a little. Even Sunshine got back up and was helping in any way she could.
"Now!"
Redwood managed to keep his head down as a column of green flames flew over his head and crashed landed near Rain Top, sending a patch of grass aflame.
The dark blue pegasus grinned deviously. Now Redwood was beginning to grow accustomed to that grin and knew one thing. He needed to get away from Blade pronto.
Biting back a scream, the buck slowly dragged his broken body away from Shadow Blade.
Once he made sure Redwood was far enough, Rain Top concentrated hard. When he soon felt his blood boiling, Rain Top opened his eyes and the flames bended to his will. Like a snake, the flames slithered towards and occupied Blade before striking. The blood curdling scream as his opponent was being consumed by flames was music to his ears.
"Good job Rain." Aqua Ring grinned.
"You fools." Shadow Blade growled. He stomped his hooves on the ground and the flames extinguished. Though his mane and tail were badly singed and burns dotted his body. Some were even beginning to blister and swell.
"Maybe this will help!" The light blue earth pony shouted while summoning a giant wave. "Gust, make sure he doesn't go anywhere! Everyone else, run!"
Prince Shadow Blade tried to flee, but kept stopping as Gust pelted him with rocks and small twigs. Whenever one touched a burn, the earth pony cried out in pain.
When everyone cleared, Aqua Ring released the wave. Their opponent quickly went down, as did some of the weaker vegetation.
As the water level died down, Prince Shadow Blade was left gasping for breath. While Spike stayed where he was, Luna and the Elemental Warriors made a tight circle around the grey stallion.
"Do you give up?" Luna asked.
Shadow Blade slowly got back up. His burns stung, he was wet to the bone, and he was exhausted. The stallion thought that the sooner we waged war, the less time Celestia and Luna were prepared. Apparently his estimation was severely incorrect. However, he climbed through Tartarus for who knows how long, and wasn't going to be sent back there again.
Wings could be heard and the group made room for an exhausted Celestia.
"Your army is returning home. You are all alone now, Blade." The white alicorn informed.
Price Shadow Blade could feel his magic returning. It would take some time, but he was always good at stalling. Besides, now that everypony was here, he could finally be able to get the Elemental Warriors to turn on their leaders.
"F-funny you s-stand there, all c-confident," he chuckled, "tell me, did these ponies volunteer to battle me? Or did you take them by force?"
"What does it matter to you?" The soft yellow unicorn questioned.
Just stall for a little longer. Shadow Blade thought to himself. "An interesting question. And the answer? W-well there is in fact two ways of stopping me."
All eyes were on the princesses. While Luna looked nervously to her sister, Celestia adverted her eyes to the ground and drew lines in the soggy earth below.
"You all knew that you'll either get injured or die when battling me." The stallion boasted, "You all could have lived your simple lives, oblivious to the situations before you if these princesses just did as their parents did."
"Princess Celestia, what is he talking about?" Gust asked.
"Our parents stopped Shadow Blade by g-giving up their life force." Celestia replied hesitantly, "because they didn't know of the Elemental Warriors back then like we do now."
Prince Shadow Blade closed his eyes, ready to savor the outcries as they turn on their leader for putting them at such a risk. However, what came next the stallion could have never prepared for.
"You poor souls!"
"We're so sorry for you losses."
"You must hold the world record for the longest living orphans."
Shadow Blade opened his blood red eyes and shouted, "how can you feel pity for these, these monsters!? They took you from your homes and forced you to fight me, even though they knew that there was a great chance of you to either die or get injured!"
Sunshine hesitantly stepped closer to Shadow Blade and gave a small smile. "How can we be angered at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna when they showed us our true potential?" The mare placed a hoof on her chest and sighed, "I was always led to believe that because I would never be as strong as the other foals, that I would always be weak. But now, now I know that I am not weak but strong."
"Do you give up?" Princess Celestia asked softly.
"To monsters like you? Never!" With a bellow, Shadow Blade smashed his hooves against the drying ground. A giant crack began to form and tentacles of shadow shot out. "Say your prayers!" The grey stallion laughed.
"Battle stations everypony!" Gust commanded.
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Chapter Eight: When Hell Literally Breaks Loose
The earth shook and cracks snaked through the ground. Then, ink black demons arose from the cracks, their claws and gnarled fangs gleamed in the sun.
Princess Celestia's stomach churned, causing her to almost loose her lunch. They were already tired from the last battle. If this kept continuing she didn't know how long they could take him on for. She could try reaching out to the skeletons, but they were still busy reforming the townsfolk....or were they?
Thinking fast, she cast a communication spell.
"Shooting Star, are your forces done?" The alicorn asked hopefully.
"Yeah, just finished actually." Her voice was rugged and came out in pants.
"Round up all the skeletons and meet us back here."
"Okay."
Celestia ended her spell and then shifted her gaze towards Prince Shadow Blade.
"Too weak that you must call upon your army?" He smirked.
"At least we didn't get oul butt kicked." Aqua Ring muttered under her breath, causing Redwood and Gust to snicker.
"Enough of this! Demons, attack!" Shadow Blade commanded.
The shadowy figures unleashed their dagger like claws and began to advance upon the ponies. Gust and Rain Top took to the sky while Sunshine and the alicorn sisters lit up their horns.
"Ready Ledwood?" Aqua Ring asked.
"Yes." The deer replied.
As the first demons attacked, Celestia unleashed a brilliant yellow beam, causing the monsters to go up in smoke. The air turning into the acidic smell of burnt flesh.
"Leave them to us!" Luna commanded before kicked a shadowy figure, causing it to shout in a high pitch wail and collapse on the floor.
The five warriors gave a quick nod before galloping towards Shadow Blade. Diving deeper and deeper into the ocean of demons. Quickly, Rain Top shot a column of flames at Shadow Blade. However, the earth pony jumped behind a demon, causing the flames to only singe his tail.
"Dammit!" Rain Top shouted.
The prince's smirked turned into a howl as an arrow sunk into his back. With his red eyes ablaze, he looked to the sky and saw hundreds of skeletons flying above him. The never ending howls of demons told him that more surrounded his army.
"You're outnumbered, Blade. Just give up." Celestia's voice rang out among the merging armies.
The earth pony gritted his teeth. Celestia was mocking him. They were all mocking him! Just like father, they wanted him to submit to their rules. Just like father they want to lock him away. Just like father, they all want to make him feel weak and undesirable.
"You give up!" He roared, tears brimming his eyes as memories of his childhood flooded his mind.
"You seem to be breaking him, sister." Luna observed.
"Soldiers, drive those demons back to where they came from! You five," she shifted her gaze at the beaten group with a smile, "I believe this is almost finished. Keep weakening him down."
"Understood." Redwood replied.
The five warriors charged towards the fallen prince. All around them ancient skeletons fought with creatures from the deep. Once they were in range, Storm flew above the prince and began to form a small tornado. As Prince Shadow Blade clawed into the earth, trying his best to not get sucked in, Aqua Ring let out a jet of water from her mouth. Allowing the ground to become muddy. As the stallion began to loose his hold, Redwood stomped on the ground, causing rocks to hit Blade.
"Gah!" He grunted before loosening his grip entirely. Once the earth pony was inside the tornado, Rain Top bellowed a column of fire inside. Screams of bloody murder could be heard from inside.
"Let him go!" Sunshine shouted.
The grey pegasus gave a little salute before dissipating the tornado. Soon, a bundle of ashes plummeted to the ground.
As the last of the demons got drove back from where they came from, everypony gathered around the charred remains of Shadow Blade.
"Soldiers...take him with you." Celestia whispered.
Two pegasus skeletons began to drag the body while the other skeletons trotted back towards their graves.
"The spell should end soon, right dear sister?" Luna asked, earning a nod from Celestia.
"So now what?" Storm asked.
Sunshine gazed at the toppled buildings and let out a sigh. "Now we clean up this mess."
