Rise of The Solar Empire

Chapters

Darth Critious
Aftermath of The Attack
Personal Vendetta
The Nightmare
Attack On Twilight
Taken to the Station

Darth Critious

Chapter 1: Darth Critious

He crept through the gardens of the Crystal Empire’s castle, his dark coloured outfit concealing him fro the royal guards that patrolled the castle at night. The dark brown haired human ran tacitly in the absence of each guard, not alerting them to his presence. He heard one approaching him, and he pressed himself to the wall, not out of fear, as he had none concerning these pitiful troops, but out of not wanting to jeopardize his mission, not wanting to displease his empress. As the anthropomorphic pony neared him, he reached for his weapon, a laser sword, and prepared to extending and attack, but he used his powers of manipulation to divert their attention by moving a rock in another area, allowing him time to slip past the guard. So incompetent they are, he thought, it almost didn’t seem fair, but when had life ever been fair to him?

With each passing moment he neared his target. He knew the guards would be changing shifts soon, and his window of opportunity would be open. He crept into an indent in the wall of the castle, and shrouded himself in his dark navy cape, patiently waiting for the guards to change shifts. I shall soon have my revenge on you, Twilight Sparkle, he thought bitterly, thoughts of the unicorn pony he had one knew permeated his mind, once conjuring up joyous memories, but had long since been ripped away, only to be replaced with bitter hatred and anger. When the guards were about to change shifts, he emerged from his concealment, and began to scale the wall, his hands gripping the rough stone, normally anypony who would have tried to do this would have been deterred by the lack of hand holds, but he was so close to his final vengeance, and he wasn’t about to give up now. He remembered the instructions his Empress had given him for this mission, recalling their conversation.

“You are to go to The Crystal empire, there you will find Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and Prince Shining Armour.” The dark cloaked Empress said, her face hidden behind her hood, he raspy voice enough to paralyze most, but not him.

“What is it you want me to do with them?” The human asked, kneeling before her.

“Do not let your curiosity get the better of you, my apprentice.” She replied, telepathically sensing his curiosity growing.. “But because I have something very special planned for both, I do not want you to kill these two.”

Now he was interested, she usually sent him places to destroy her enemies, assassinate targets she designated, and remove them from interfering with her plan. “And what, pray tell, my master, is it you have planned for them?”

“I want you to test them, see if they will join my empire, if they do not join, you may pursue your own personal agenda.” She replied, her voice chilling to the bone, but her words warmed his desire for revenge. “After they serve your purpose, you may dispose of them if need be.”

“I will not fail you, my Empress.” He replied, standing up, and walking away, heading to The Crystal Empire.

Hand over hand, he made his way up the wall, passing three floors, normally his acrophobia would have set in by now, but he had long since gotten over that, thanks to his empress. When he reached the fourth floor, he pressed his back up against the wall, and his boots on the other side to hold himself up. Undoing the latch that held the window closed, and while holding the window open with his magic, he swiftly made his way into the castle. The found himself in a large, ornate sleeping chamber, and there he waited for his quarry to arrive. Any moment now, he thought, not bothering to close the window. The wind blew the curtains and his cape. There he waited, shrouded in total darkness, he closed his eyes, and then waited.

He hadn’t waited long, because within ten minutes the he heard the door open, now was his change. He jumped up, surprising the two who had entered, a while male unicorn, and a female pink alicorn.

“Greetings Prince Shining Armour, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. I have something to ask of you both.” He said, ignoring Shining Armour’s question. Extending his red laser sword, he asked, “Where is Twilight Sparkle?”

“Why should I tell you?” Shining asked back.

“I am an old friend of hers, and was hoping to have a little…” He walked towards them, and paused. “Talk, with her.” What he said wasn’t a complete lie. “And you should tell me because, THIS!” He pulled Princess Cadence over to him, and locked her neck in his left elbow, withdrawing his sword, and placing its blade emitter on her throat in one swift, fluid motion, one he had practiced several times. “Because if you don’t, she will die.”

“Shiny, help.” Princess Cadence yelled, struggling, but his grip was too strong to break.

“Your choice, Shiny,” He taunted, “Either she dies, and something much worse will become of Twilight Sparkle when I find her, or you let both of them off live.” He paused, not wanting to fail his Empress. “There is another way to save her, my Empress will come to power and rule over this land, and those beyond it, and she could use a military commander of your calibre.”

He saw Shining Armour contemplate this, but the human already knew what his answer would be. “No.” He said, “I won’t tell you, and I will most certainly not join you.” The human saw a brief flash come from his horn.

“Trying to stall me long enough for you advanced guards to arrive, are you Shining?” He saw the unicorn recoil. “How could I possible have known that? you’re probably wondering, well it’s quite simple, I know all royal guard procedures, standard, advanced, and royal, there is nothing you can do that will surprize me.” Keeping himself there when the guards were coming.

Then several guard burst through the walls, surrounding him. “Freeze!” One yelled.

“Very well. Have it your way.” The human moved the blade, the calm in his voice was unnerving, and extended it through her chest, not killing her, and he began to attack the guards that surrounded him, killing each one.He jumped back and forth, evading the laser bolts that came from their horns, and even reflecting them back with his sabre. He had let Cadence’s body drop to the floor, Shining ran over to his wife while the human eliminated the remaining guards. when he killed that last the stood there and turned to face Shining Armour. “You can still save her, just tell me where your sister is, and join me, and I will let you get her the treatment to save her, as well as command the greatest military this galaxy has ever seen. I won't stand in your way.”

“No, means no!” The stallion said, throwing a punch at the human, who grabbed his fist, and twisted his arm in a single, well rehearsed motion.

“Bravery, thats one thing I had always admired about you, a pitty your bravery caused this.” The human lifted him up, and threw the soldier prince into the window he had entered from, the glass shattering with the impact, then the human jumped out himself. He landed a few metres away from the prince, who tried to pick himself up, he body badly cut from the shattered glass he had been thrown through. The human grabbed Shining Armour by the throat, picking him up, and slamming him into the castle wall, he extended is laser sword. Aiming it to Shining Armour’s face until it was mere centimetres from his muzzle, and moving his own to him, looking him dead in the eyes. “I truly had hoped it wouldn’t have needed to turn out this way, my empress had held you in such a high regard.” The sabre was illuminating both of their faces with a red glow, Shining Armour’s horrified expression, and the human’s malevolent stare. “And about my name,” He replied, “I am Darth Critious.”

And with that said, he slashed the blade through Shining Armour’s abdomen, killing him instantly. Shining Armour’s lifeless body tumbled to the ground.

Aftermath of The Attack

Retracting the laser blade, he began to turn around, when he heard several guards approaching him. Had he not been so focused on Shining Armour, that he failed to sense them approaching. It had also surprised him that the alarms had not been tripped, perhaps his plan would not need to deviate from its intended course.

“Freeze scum.” One guard said, other boxing him in, all aiming their horns at him. “By the law of Princess Celestia, you are under arrest. Put you hands up, and do not resist.” He complied, raising his hands up, and the leader gestured for two to approach him. when they reached him, he extended his sabre, and killed both, jumping off the wall, his res weapon flashing in that dark. “Blast him!” the leader said and his troops fired at the human. Darth Critious deflected their blasts, and after lading, dispatched the other troops, leaving only the leader, who didn’t try attacking him

“What, not attacking me? I just killed you prince, princess, and your whole group, and you're just standing there.” Critious walked towards him, intrigued.

“You will pay for what you have done.” He said.

The human smirked, “I doubt that is going to happen.” He raised his hand, and the trooper lifted off the ground, choking. “You are lucky to have died now, what is to come is much, much worse.” He threw the trooper against the wall, killing him on impact.

Critious ran, his sword extended, feeling that more troopers were heading towards him. As soon as he was then, he jumped, catching two of them by surprize, and eliminating them quickly, continuing to run, he tried to evade the guards and their spotlights.

One spot light almost found him, but before he could be caught in it, he pressed himself up against the wall. It wasn’t as if he feared the guards, he found it quite easy to deal with them, he just prefered to draw as little attention to himself as possible. Upon seeing a small army amassing itself across the clearing, he began to climb the wall. Scaling it as fast as he could, Darth Critious clung to the wall with one hand, over the heads of some of the guards. climbing up the rough surface of the castle wall. Upon making his way to the top of the wall, he hauled himself up the barrier.Unknowing having hauled himself up into a guards perch, the guards tried to apprehend him, and alerting other guards to his presence. But the dark warrior killed them, and jumped off the wall, landing on the ground he was a spotlight find its way over to him. Its bright light blinding to his darkness accustomed eyes. He covered his eyes with his sabre hand. Within seconds Critious was surrounded by royal guardponies, one of them approached him, saying, “My name is Commander StarBlaze, of her majesty’s royal guard, lower your weapon.” His voice rang out, and Critious complied with his request, retracting his sabre, and attaching it to his belt. Pointing to two of the guards, StarBlaze approached him, in the darkness, Critious saw that unlike the rest of the guards, this one was a pegasus, and the ones at his side were earth ponies.With guard at both of his sides, the commander said to him quietly, “Greetings my lord,” and Darth Critious understood what he meant. “NOW!” the Imperial guard shouted, and several of the guards fired on others, killing them, and the two launched themselves into the battle, ruthlessly attacking the royal guards in the chaos that ensued. The two had fought back to back, any royal guards that came near them were destroyed, within moments, the clearing had dead royal guards sprawled out on the ground, no imperial guards among the bodies.

“I believe it is time for us to leave.” Darth Critious said to the guard.

“I do believe you are correct, your ship is already prepared for you, my lord.” StarBlaze said.

“You will not be accompanying me back to the base?” The human asked,

He thought the thinly veiled request over. “I suppose my guardsmen can stay and explain what's happened,” The imperial leader said, “Or at least one that benefits our cause. BroadShield, SilverStar, inform Princesses Luna and Celestia that there has been an attack on The Crystal Empire, and also tell them the attacker was eliminated.”

“Yes sir.” The two earth ponies said,and they ran to the castle.

Commander Starblaze returned to Darth Critious. “This castle needs to show signs of a greater attack, if the royal sisters find out it was a stealth assailant’s attack, we will all be under scrutiny. You wouldn’t mind making it seem like a more open attack would you, my lord?”

“Not at all.” facing the walls of the castle, Darth Critious raised his hands, and then quickly brought them down, making the castle walls crumble. Returning his gaze to the commander, “You will also need to dispose of all non-imperial troops, we cannot have what really happened here get out.”

“They will be taken care of my lord, but our empress is waiting for you to inform her of this.” StarBlaze informed him, joining him to the drawbridge that crossed the moat running along the circumference of the castle’s perimeter. BlazeStar and him walked across the bridge, troopers standing on either side of it, weapons in hand.

After they crossed the bridge, he looked back one last time at the castle before returning to his waiting ship. Using his powers, he removed the field that encompassed it, revealing his ship to him. Boarding it, StarBlaze went to the pilot’s seat, and he activated all the flight systems, and took off without a sound.

Darth Critious activating the communication channel,and entered the cockpit, StarBlaze moved to the co-pilot’s seat and a hologram of his Empress appear before them. “Was the mission a success, my apprentice?” She asked.

“No, my mistress, they did not join the empire,” The human male responded. “And Shining Armour did not join your Imperial Military.”

“This is most unfortunate.” He could detect displeasure in her voice.“And the location of Twilight Sparkle?”

“No more auspicious than Shining Armour and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” He delivered the news to her.

“Return to my chamber, immediately, I have another mission for you.” She replied, a touch of what some would mistake for warmth entering her voice. “And you, Commander StarBlaze, you will no longer need to go by that false title, Captain Starblaze, you are to assist in the retrieval of Twilight Sparkle as soon as Darth Critious discovers her.”

“Is there any particular reason you cannot relay if to me now?” Darth wondered, it was not often she delivered a mission to him in person, these were usually reserved for missions like the one he had just undertaken.

“I feel you will enjoy it more in person, meet me at our secret weapon.” She replied, her raspy voice carried a hint of the mission involving something he would enjoy undertaking. “Tell me, what do you know of the guard Flash Sentry?”

That name filled him with more anger than most people could bear to hold, but regarding him, Darth Critious felt nothing but hatred and contempt for that creature. His ship sped up greatly as he raced towards his masters location.

The warm sunlight filtered through the windows of the tree she called home, shining on her face. Twilight Sparkle began to stir in her bed as she felt herself coming out of sleep. She stretched her arms as she sat up, and extended her fingers. Wait, Fingers?! Twilight looked at her hands, last night she had fallen asleep as a pony, now she woke up and anthropomorphic unicorn. “SPIKE!” she called to her dragon.

“What?!” He called back.

“Did you notice anything tragen this morning?” She called down.

“No, not particularly,” He answered back. “Why, is everything alright?”

Twilight threw off her covers, and ran to her bathroom. she inspected her face, her suspicions had been confirmed, her body had changed, and she wondered if any other pony would have noticed this, they missed half of the crazy stuff that happened in Equestria, something like this would go unnoticed for a long time. She looked t her hands, inspecting her fingers, Been a long time since I last saw you, she thought, reminiscing about the last time she had fingers, but that was another world, so many strange things had happened since then. It almost made her sad, thinking about the friend she had to leave behind.

“Twilight, you ok?” spike asked, jerking her back to reality, he was wearing a chef’s hat.

“Yeah, just peachy, never better, happy as can be.” She said, trying to cover for herself.

“Oookkk…..” Spike said, not knowing what to say. “By the way, why were you staring at your fingers?”

“No reason.” She said, putting her hands behind her back. “Say, why are you in a chef’s hat?”

“The rest of the girls are going to be here in a few minutes, and I wanted to make breakfast.” Spike said.

Crap, they are coming here, “Out, out, out out out.” Twilight Sparkle said, pushing Spike out of the room.

“Well that was interesting.” And Spike walked down stairs, back to his cooking

that was starting to burn. In Twilight’s room she dressed herself, and teleported herself downstairs before Spike had finished walking down.

“So, whats for breakfast?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

“Wel-” Before Spike could finish, the door was knocked over, and a cannon blast destroyed the kitchen, and left coating of carbon duct on the library, accompanied by a familiar, over excited pink pony

“Pinkie Pie, are you CRAZY!?” Twilight asked, knowing the answer.

“No, my mother had me tested.” The excitable earth pony said.

Twilight facehoofed, “Uh. Why do I even ask anymore?”

“Hi Twi-wow, great work Pinkie.” A rainbow maned pegasus said, accompanied by three others. “Overdoing it you think?”

“No, just trying to cheer up my favorite librarian.” she said.

“And why would I need cheering up?”

The others jaws dropped. “You mean you haven’t heard?” A marshmallow coloured unicorn questioned. “She hasn’t told her yet.”

“Heard what?” Twilight asked, standing up, worried. “What’s happened?”

“This may be a bit hard to hear Twilight darling.” Rarity said.

“Well, you see there’s been an…” Applejack said, unable to say anymore.

The others mumbled, and said incoherent words, as if unable to say what had happened, until a light pink haired, yellow pegasus spoke up. “SHINING ARMOUR AND PRINCESS CADENCE ARE DEAD!” She said. Twilight’s jaw would have smashed the table had she been sitting, and Spike dropped his pan on his foot.

Twilight turned to her, horrified. “What, my brother’s….” She couldn’t finish her sentence. “But how, who would do such a thing to them?”

“We don’t know.” Fluttershy said.

“Why does this keep happening,” Twilight aid to herself, it seemed as if the whole world was out to get her, people she had cared about were taken from her, she was taken from them, and now this, it seemed as though everyone she cared about was being taken from her. “First Mitch, then…” She began listing off the ponies, and people, that she had been separated from, until finally reaching the end. “Now Shining, and Cadence, who else am I going to lose?”

“Well, you’ve still got us.” Pinkie Pie said.

Rainbow Dash smacked the back of her head. “Not helping Pinkie.”

“Sorry.” She said, her eyes becoming overly sad.

Twilight began frantically passing back and forth, “... who could be doing this, HOW could they be doing this? And why? Who would they be doing this to me?” She gripped Fluttershy's arms tightly, her face in the timid pegasi’s.

“I don’t know.” Fluttershy said quietly.

Knock, Knock.There came a knock at where the door used to be.

“Oh what is it now?” Twilight asked herself, walking over to the fallen door. “What is i-” she stopped when she saw who was there, two royal guards.

“Twilight Sparkle, we have direct orders to take you to Canterlot Castle, immediately,” One said in a typical drill sergeant type voice. “Follow us.”

Twilight and her six friends accompanied them, only to find that a larger grouping of guards, all armed, and accompanied by a large armoured transport vehicle. She had become familiar with technology, something that war a recently new development within Equestria, but she had seen it in other worlds before.

The large door opened, and an elaborately dressed guard walked on the descending platform. when he stood in front of Twilight Sparkle, he bowed to her. “greetings Miss Sparkle, my name is Captain StarBlaze” He addressed her. “My condolences about your brother, he was a fine leader, and an even better friend.”

“But I assume that’s not the reason you’re here.” The lavender coloured unicorn said.

“Quite right, please follow me.” BlazeStar requested, his hooves crossed behind his back. “We believe that one of your enemies has been targeting you, and attacking those closest to you to find where you are.”

“But what enemies do I have?” Twilight asked. “Who would want to do this to me?”

“We don’t know Miss spark-” BlazeStar was cut of by Pinkie Pie’s chattering.

“Well there’s Nightmare Moon.” Pinkie Pie said.

“She’s Princess Luna now.” Twilight replied.

“Queen Chrysalis.”

“In the Canterlot Royal Stockade.”

“King Sombra?”

“Blasted into atoms.”

“Well, I guess that means, Discord?”

Strangely enough it wasn’t Twilight who spoke up, it was Fluttershy. “If you think discord would have done something like that, you’re wrong.”

“Well, he is the only one who can travel between dimensions, and is unaccounted for.” Rarity said.

“Oh yeah, and what about your friend Sunset Shimmer?” Fluttershy retorted, defending Discord. “She can travel between dimensions too.”

“Yeah, but she’s still stuck on Earth, and the portal won't re-open for another 2 moons.” Twilight said. “You should know that, we just went through the portal 28 moons ago, or did you forget our little excursion there?” Beginning to get suspicious of why Fluttershy was covering for Discord.

“Yes Fluttershy dearie, is there something you’re not telling us?” Rarity questioned.

Fluttershy was beginning to sweat under the suspicious gazes of her friends, she gulped and blurted out, “DISCORD AND I WERE HAVING TEA LAST NIGHT!” She said before shrinking away.

“Oh thank goodness, I thought it was some terrible secret you were hiding.” Rarity said relieved.

BlazeStar chimed in, “Anyway, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted!” His voice razing and aimed at Pinkie Pie. “Now, we must be returning to Princess Celestia’s castle for protection.”

The massive door closed behind them, and the craft took off, flying towards Canterlot.

Personal Vendetta

*After The Crystal Empire Attack*

Darth Critious slammed the door open, furiously walking towards his Empress’s chambers. Rage fueled each step, all staff and troopers cleared the way for him, fearing his anger. He walked through the halls of the superweapon, designated codename, “The Steel Sun.” The doors to the Empress’s chambers swung opened as he approached. He knelt before her throne in her chamber.

The throne she sat in rotated to have the cloaked empress face him, or at least have her cloaked face at him. “Greetings my loyal apprentice.”

“”Empress Solious.” He responded. “What is thy bidding, my Empress?”

“You will find the pegasus Flash Sentry, I want you to bring him before me.” The Empress said.

“Why would you want a wretched creature like that in your glorious presence my empress?” Darth Critious asked.

“I want you to use him to find Twilight Sparkle, bring him before me, alive Darth, alive.” Empress Solious commanded.

“May i ask why you have been sending me on these retrieval missions?” Critious asked, “After all, you did train me to be a killer, and these errands, are a waste of your teachings.”

“You are not like those soldiers, you are my protégé, and my apprentice, and I will send you on what ever I see fit. I send only you one this mission because I want him brought back alive.” She answered him sharply, displeased at his lack of respect for her assignments. “He is at a royal guard meeting in Cloudsdale, that is where you will journey to find him.”

“It will be done my master.” Darth Critious accepted his task, and despite not wanting to bring that creature back alive, he complied with her orders. He had begun to walk to the door, when the Empress spoke up once more.

“And alive, does not mean unharmed, my apprentice.” He saw a smile come to her lips, and felt one creeping across his own face.

Understanding her meaning, he replied, “Thank you, my Empress.” And took off to the hangar bay to find his shuttle.Along the way he ran into Captain StarBlaze, and gestured to have him follow.

“Lord Critious, what do I owe the pleasure? “ The recently appointed imperial leader asked.

“I want you to gather the 625th.” He commanded his comrade, trusting this important mission only to the finest battalion in the Imperial Navy.

“Do you really believe Flash Sentry will be that difficult to handle?” Starblaze asked, puzzled by his commander’s request.

“No, I will have Twilight sparkle’s location before Moon’s Hight this evening,” The dark leader ordered. ‘And I want the troops ready to gather her by as soon as possible.”

“Understood.” StarBlaze said, and went to gather his troopers.

Darth Critious made his way to his shuttle, and took off to Cloudsdale. “My revenge is almost at hand.” He said under his breath to himself.

After arriving in Cloudsdale, he cloaked his ship, and exited, looking for his target. He didn't need to look far before he found a newspaper that gave him most of the information he needed. It said, “Flash Sentry, love interest of Twilight Sparkle?.” Critious gave a contemptuous snort. “That fool truly believe Twilight loves him? I haven’t heard anything more ridiculous in all my life.” But it still didn’t stop the headline from having more hate well up in his body. “Now, where is that brown coated ignoramus?” He began looking through the paper, finding he was staying with the Wonderbolts, when a funny thought entered his mind, his coat is brown, brown like shit.. The months he spent watching angry critics in his youth showing briefly, before the dark person he was now returned.

The sky darkened, and rain had begun to fall. How do clouds form above where the clouds are formed? Critious wondered, that was something he never understood about Equestria, then again, he wasn’t from this world, the physics and inner workings of it eluded his grasp. But he had not time to worry about those thing, he had a mission at hoof.

The rain began to pour down, and he threw the paper to the ground, or cloud, running with his cape billowing out behind him. All around him pegasi failed to notice him as they flew from cloud to cloud. Looking for the hotel that his target was in. Piercing yellow rimmed brown eyes scanned the streets, his body pressed against a brick wall. Finding the hotel, called the “Resting Wing”. Critious walked towards the hotel, rain pouring down on his cloak, but the hydrophobic nature of the clothing repelled the drops. The cloak was pulled over his shoulders and body, concealing his entire body and face with its cloak and hood, leaving only a portion of his front exposed.

When the doors opened, he walked to the doors leading the the elevators, but was greeted by one of the mares at the front desk, a pale cream pegasi. “Hello sir, welcome to the Resting Wing, how may I help you? ” He cursed under his breath, but not wanting to arouse any suspicion, he want over to her, a false smile plastered across his face.

“Hello, I just need to know where somepony is staying, I’m anxious to find him.” Darth Critious replied, trying to hide his vengeance from spoiling his cover.

“Sorry, but we don’t give out room numbers unless you’re staying with them.” She said politely. “If I could have your name I could give a message to them.”

This was getting him nowhere, fast, he decided to resort to more direct methods of extracting the information. Waving his fan in front of her face, he said “You don’t need to take my name.”

“I don’t need to take your name.” She repeated.

“You are going to tell me wha room Flash Sentry is staying in.” He said,using his powers of persuasion to have her reveal the information.

“I will tell you what room Flash Sentry is staying in.” She said, her voice lacking all emotion. She began to type on a computer, and then responded, her voice just as vapid. “He is in room 6-086, here is a key.” She outstretched a hoof, holding a keycard.

“Thank you,” He said accepting the keycard, smiling, and then he walked away, releasing her from his mental hold.

She shook her head, not remembering what had happened, only seeing the black cape of Critious walking into the elevator, and wave to her, before the elevator taking him up to floor.

Darth Critious stood in the elevator alone, watching as the floors ticked off, 4,5,6, there we are. The elevator dinged as it reached the floor, and the door swung open, but even before the door had opened, he could hear the squeals of fanfillies. In front of him, he saw a massive crowd of them had gathered in front of the Wonderbolt’s room, with their security trying to keep them away. But it seemed as though the mere presence of Darth Critious, and the darkness that lurked in him was enough to make them quiet down, and even pause, the group parting to let the human pass through. He passed by the doors, counting off them until he reached the room he was looking for. “Ah, 6-086, here we are.” He turned to the ponies that were staring at him, and he waved his hand in front of them, “I would like some privacy, if you would please.”

The mass of ponies moved to the elevators, and descended. After several seconds, a pony, a light blue stallion, poked his head out, asking, “ Did you see what happened to the ponies what were out here?”

“No, I’m sorry, I don’t know where they went,” The human said, “What would your name be sir.”

“Soarin’” He replied.

“Hello Mister Soarin’, you may wish to stay inside, with some earplugs for yourself and those in the room with you, I predict those fans will be back soon, and in greater numbers.”

“Thank you.” Soarin’ said, and closed the door, not paying much mind to what he had said, until he thought about him not knowing where the fans when, to saying they would be back.

Critious swiped the key card and promptly entered the room, locking it behind him.

The sound of hoof-falls came from the bedroom, and Flash Sentry came walking out, eating an apple, and speaking through a mouthful of it as he walked into the main room. “I said the interview wa-” He dropped the apple when he saw the dark clothed human standing there

A look of pure hatred across Darth’s face, he extended his weapon. The pegasi threw his apple at the human, who grabbed it with his mind, holding it in place in midair, before crushing it mentally. Flash Sentry ran, but Darth lunged at him, his babre stashing at where he was, cutting through the wall. Fueled only by hate, Critious followed the pegasus, who had closed doors to try and slow him down, but he pushed the doors off their hinged with his powers, and followed him, dragging his red lasersword across the floor, leaving a glowing trail behind him. It brought him great pleasure to see the creature that filled him with hate running for his life.

Flash ran into his bedroom, and closed the door, pushing his body against it, but Critious punched through the door, and constricted his arm around the terrified pegasi’s throat. He grunted at he ripped the door down, pulling Flash Sentry with it, and throwing him into a kitchen cabinet, the effort came from pulling the door, rather than moving the pegasus. Flash’s head slammed into a corner of one of the cabinets, causing blood to come from his forehead.

Critious moved over to his target, grabbing him by his shirt, and threw him through another wall, leaving a massive hole in his wake. The human walked through the hole, again grabbing the bloody of his target, his head hanging back limply. Critious punched his face to snap him back to reality. Raising his fist to do it again, Flash Sentry raised his hands to cover his face, and saying, “Please don’t.”

He pulled Flash to his face and in a vicious said, “Why should I?” Before slamming him back onto the floor. Approaching the unmoving body of his target, he stood over him, and reached down to pick him up, when Flash sprung up, and punched him with a bloodied hoof. Critious’s face slowly moved back to face him, and Flash threw another punch, only this one he caught, twisting his arm, and pushing his shoulder up, before slamming Flash’s body to the floor with a heavy thud. “Shining Armour was no match for me, what makes you think you would be any different?” Critious’s foot found its way to the back of Flash’s neck.

He began to struggle, but to no avail. “You’re the bastard who killed Shining? I’ll kill you for that.”

Critious chuckled darkly, “Ha, and why pray tell? Because you were in love with his sister?” He taunted, “A pony like her would never love someone like you, she deserves a pony who she can actually have a conversation with, a pony whom she can be with without him drooling all over her. If I could never have won her love, someone like you certainly couldn’t.” recalling his previous relationship with the unicorn.

“I can see why she doesn’t like you.” He tried to taunt him back, but that only enraged him further.

“I would kill you right now if it weren’t for the fact that my empress wants you alive.” Darth Critious said, slamming his foot into the head of his captive’s head, rendering him unconscious. Not wanting to touch him, he levitated him upwards, and teleported himself, vanishing in a puff of red dust. He reappeared by his craft, the rain still pouring down. Removing the cloaking field, and opening the boarding ramp, he entered his craft, out came two waiting troopers, they had been waiting for him to return. “Cary him, but do not have him be harmed. The Empress wants him alive, so keep him that way.”

“Yes my lord.” One, a black earth pony nodded.

After entering the cockpit, his powers rotated his cai and he sat in it, rotating back to face the darkening skies of Equestria, Princess Luna’s moon shone brightly on the world below. The engines gave no noise as the dark apprentice flew back to his master’s domain.

Darth Critious and Flash Sentry walked through the superweapon, followed by a trooper escort, the human held the pegasi’s neck in his hand, more pulling along than walking. They continued to the Empress’s chambers, relinquishing the guard’s neck. “Greetings lord Critious, guard Sentry.” She spat the royal guard’s name with disgust. Her apprentice knelt down, but the guard did not.

Darth Critious stood up, and force the wounded and blackeyed guardsman to his knees. “You will kneel before you Empress.”

“Rise my student.” She said, and both Critious and the royal guard stood up, but Critious forced him back down.

“She did not tell you to rise.” The assassin said.

“Rise, pitiful creature.” Empress Solious said.

And Sentry rose once more, only to be forced back down, onto his chest this time, “What was that for?” He asked.

“Because I wanted to,” He replied to his captive, arms crossed. “Royal scum.”

“Now, you will tell me the location of Twilight Sparkle.” The Empress demanded.

“And why would I do that?” The hoofcuffed Pegasus replied defiantly.

“Because of….THIS!” She said, and powerful, yellow bolts of electricity firing from her hands, electrocuting the guard.

Sentry began to writhe in pain of the floor, yelling in pain as the lightning coursed through every fiber of his being. Then she stopped, residual electricity clinging to him. He was panting from the pain. “I’ll never tell you.” And she resumed her torture, watching him suffer more.

“Wait my Empress.” She stopped, and Flash looked up, hopeful he would be spared, “May I be the one to extract the information?” Darth Critious spoke up.

“Very well my apprentice, you may.”

Critious felt more and more hatred compound itself within him, and he released it, bright blue bolts of lightning, more intense than the Empress’s, hit the defenceless pagasi. The intensity of his rage being conveyed into the body of one of his most hated targets. “Where is she?”

Through the electricity coursing through his body, Sentry managed to say. “No, I won't betray her.”

Rageful fire burned in his eyes, ceasing his onslaught of lightning. “From any other guard, I would commend them on their bravery, but for you,” His voice turned even more malevolent, “It’s just stupidity” He hit him with another intense blast, this time, his clothing was beginning to burn, and smoke began to rise from his singing fur. He stopped, giving his captive a moment to collect himself, breathing laboriously.Critious raised his hand to fire once more, but Flash Sentry raised a hand, begging him to stop.

“Ok, ok, I’ll tell you.”

“Good, where is she?” Empress Solious asked,

“She,” He inhaled painfully.”She is at an oak tree library in Ponyville.”

“Thank you,” And Darth Critious blasted him with another jolt of electricity, rendering Flash Sentry unconscious. “Troopers!” He called, turning his head to BroadShield and Sky Storm. “Take this royal scum to the attack fleet, he shall witness my greatest triumph because of his failure.” He said, metaphorically grinding salt into the wounds.

They picked up the body of Flash Sentry, and with his feet trailing behind him.

Darth Critious turned back to his Empress “And when will he be arriving?”

The Empress was caught off guard by his question. “I foresee he shall be here soon, the human that Twilight knew shall be here soon. I can feel his presence growing closer to this world with every moment.” She stated, “Why are you so curious about his entrance?”

He turned around so he didn’t need to face her, in a manner of speaking, “I guess you could say I am anxious about him.”

The Nightmare

The armoured transport craft neared Canterlot Castle, landing in the courtyard adjacent to the front doors. Princess Luna stood outside, with two night guards at her sides. “Twilight Sparkle.” She greeted.

“Princess Luna, how are you?” Twilight asked, rushing over to her mentor’s sister, hugging her.

“We are well,” She replied, “If thou would stop hugging us now.”

“Sorry.” Twilight said, releasing the princess.

Captain StarBlaze cut in, “Please follow me, there are some people who I believe you will want to see, and will want to see you.” The nightguards followed behind the six ponies and dragon, as Princess Luna and Captain StarBlaze lead them through the main hallways, through several more doorways, until they came to another large, ornate door, and inside was talking. When the doors were parted, inside were two humans, Princess Celestia, a light gray-white unicorn, with a film real cutie mark, and several royal and night guards.

Princess Celestia was engaged in a conversation with one human, a female with red hair, dashed with yellow streaks. “Sunset Shimmer!” Twilight exclaimed, and ran over to her other dimensional friend, “It’s good to see you again.”

“Yes it is, I only wish the circumstances were better.” Sunset said gravely. “But there’s someone else who wants to see you.” Sunset Shimmer turned her unicorn friend around, and another human, a male, with dark brown, near black hair stepped forward.

“Hi Twilight,” He said, hands in his jacket pockets, his normal, awkward smile across his face, “Miss me?”

“Mitch?” Twilight said in disbelief.

“Do you know any other Mitch’s?” He asked simply, looking around the room, and smiling as Twilight hugged him, this one so tight he felt like she was trying to squeeze the life out of his body. “Ahk, Twi, could you please let me go? I kind of need to breathe.” He said, stained from lack of oxygen reaching his lungs. He felt the pressure on his chest relieve as she let him go. He began rubbing a sore part of his chest where her constriction was the strongest, and keeled over as he tried to breathe.

“Hi.” Twilight said, “So, what new?”

“Aside from a few newly broke ribs, nothing much aside form, I’M HERE IN EQUESTRIA!” He exclaimed.

She looked him over, making sure he was real, before replying “I can see that, so why are you here?” Thinking he may take offence to that, she quickly added. “I mean, what brought you here? HOW are you here? The portal isn’t supposed to open for another 2 mons?”

“Well, actually she did.” Mitch pointed at Sunset, “Came to my house and said something was happening here in Equestria and you may need my help, can’t imagine why as I am completely useless here. And if you don’t want me here, I can always just go home.” Teasing her about her diction.

“You know what I meant.” Twilight said, crossing her arms, when the other six came over.

“Hi Rainbow, Pinks, Fluttershy, Rarity, AJ,” Mitch responded,

“Howdy Mitch,” Applejack said, “I thought we’d never see you again.”

“That makes two of us.” Mitch leaned over to Twilight and whispered, “So who’s the little dragon?”

“‘The dragon’ has a name,”Spike said, obviously not fond of his comment. “I’m Spike.”

“Nice to meet you Spike, “ Mitch extended a hand to shake, and they all looked at him like he had grown 2 heads. “So I guess you don’t do that here.” He folded his hands behind his back. He turned to Princess Luna, “Why did Celestia have me brought here?”

“Thou should ask my sister.” Luna replied, Mitch loved the sound of her ancient speech pattern, its foreign nature made him feel like less of an outsider knowing others did not fit like he did.

The human nodded to the princess. She doesn't even remember me, he thought, somewhat hurt. He looked for the princess, but she was conversing with Sunset Shimmer, and most likely what they were discussing was more important than his query.

Captain StarBlaze cleared his throat, gathering the attention of all the ponies, and humans, in the room. “Now that I have your attention, we may begin.” The lights dimmed, and a large white screen began to descend. “Mister Silver, if you wouldn't mind.”

The young unicorn pony nodded, and stepped forward, light emitting from his horn, and manifesting itself as an image on the screen similar to the faded celluloid style appearance of older movies. The image was of the Crystal Empire’s destroyed castle.

“As many of you know, the Crystal Empire’s castle, as well as its princess and princes, had been attacked.” StarBlaze said, before his voice turned grave. “Unfortunately Prince Shining Armour, and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and several dozen royal guards were killed when a group of attackers or unknown alliance attacked the castle. One of these attackers managed to enter the royal chamber and attacked the prince and princess for one purpose, but they did not reach this objective, and killed both.” The Captain addressed the crowd, and the image faded.

But before he could continue, Twilight Sparkle spoke up, sadness in her voice. “Who would do something like that? Why would they do that?”

“We do not know who had done this, as all the attackers were killed before we could apprehend them.” StarBlaze said, pacing back and forth slowly on a stage. “But, we do however, know what it was they were after.” He walked over towards Twilight. “You, you were their target, Miss Twilight Sparkle.”

Even though this had become common knowledge throughout the royalguard, it still didn’t stop everyone in the guard from staring at her, and she flattened her ears from their gazes.

Captain StarBlaze continued, “And in honor of our fallen captain, Prince Shining Armour, I will continue his last mission, or keeping Twilight Sparkle safe, that is why I have moved you here.” He faced a NightGuard with one eye, and a dark gray beard. “Unfortunately I cannot stay, as I have been tasked by Princess Celestia to find these attackers, but I will leave you in the capable hooves of NightGuard Captain, Zodiac Nova, while I am gone.” He turned, and gestured for several of his elite guards to follow him, and the large doors to the room opened, and they left.

Captain Nova spoke up, in a loud, authoritative voice, akin what a person’s voice would sound like if they were chewing on a cigar. “Alright, as you now know, Twilight Sparkle has been the targets of attacks, and we have recently learned that one of celestia’s DayGuards, a pegasi by the name of Flash Sentry has been taken, and we know that they will crack him,” The Night Guard sid, obvious that even on the royal guard, he had little respect. “And find Twilight Sparkle, so until these assailants have been dealt with, Twilight Sparkle, and those closest to her will remain at Canterlot Castle under our protection.” He looked out at the crown with his one good eye, his other one had a metal patch over his left eye where an old war wound had taken it. “No one, and I mean no one, who does not have proper authorization is to come near any of them, is that understood?”

“Yes sir Captain Nova, sir.” All the guards, not just the NightGuard, said with a single voice.

“Excellent,” He turned around. “Man your posts, I want every square hoof of this castle under surveillance, and to have guards posted with each of the guests. Dismissed.” The guards marched out of the room through the various exits, and after, only a small band of several NightGuards remained, with both princesses and the unicorn ‘Mister Silver.’

“Who do think could have done it?” Mitch heard the southern drawl in Applejack’s voice come behind him.

“I believe it was the Changeling Hive.” The unicorn said,, walking over to them with Princess Celestia. After seeing Mitch, he extended a hoof. “Silver Screen.” Mitch meet his Hoof, and shook.

“Mitch Miller.” The human said, “I’m a frien-”

“Full name Mitchell D. Miller, friend of Twilight from Earth, human interested in cinema, goes by than alias of “The Critic Daikaiju”, plans on writing a book series, making movies, reviewing films, and...” The silvery unicon pony said, managing to stupefy the human, and adding more information that Mitch would have. “My alternate universe counterpart. Twilight’s told me a great deal about your and her time together on earth.”

The rest of the ponies, and dragon, had begun to chat among themselves. The group had been so focused on talking, that they failed to realise that RoyalGuards had surrounded them. “Ehem.” Captain Nova said, clearing his throat loudly to get the attention of the group. “I do hope I am not interrupting anything, but we must escort you to your sleeping chambers for the night.” A younger NightGuard stepped forward. “This is my son, Private Polaris Comet, he will show you to chambers Mitch, Spike and Silver Screen, you will accompany him and his troop to the upper level chambers.” Mitch picked up a light blue duffle bag, and followed the guards, accompanied by his alternate elf and Spike.

The young guard led them through the halls, he was a short pegasi, only half a hoof taller than Mitch and Silver Screen. In silence they walked up a flight of stairs, and to a series of three rooms. Mitch, Spike and Silver Screen entered their respective rooms, and Mitch looked around his room. The room was a dark blue colour, not dissimilar from the colour of Princess Luna’s coat, he admired the ceiling, it depicted various parts of Luna’s life, everything from her fillyhood, to her transformation to Nightmare Moon, and then up to current days, and there was a stained glass window of Luna and her NightGuards, fighting with the DayGuards, had heard stories of this, when Luna had tried to usurp her sister’s power, resulting in her transformation to Nightmare Moon. Deciding to look back at the painted ceiling, he threw his bag to the floor, not noticing Luna sitting in a chair past it.

Throwing himself to the bed, he was initially surprised he didn’t hear the crunching of springs, but this was not his bed he remembered. Staring up at the ceiling, he watched the story of Luna’s life unfold.

“Admiring the decor art thou?” Came Luna’s ancient tongued, but young sounding voice, startling the human.

“AH!” He exclaimed, his hand gripping his chest as his heart raced a mile a minute, his body pressed against the wall. After several seconds his heart was still beating like the drums when Pinkie Pie played them.

“Do not be alarmed, we came here alone.” Luna said

“Not alarmed, just surprised.” Mitch said, going to get his breath, and calm his still racing heart. “Why are you here?”

Luna did not speak immediately. “We sense a dark presence over you. Like the one that turned us into Nightmare Moon.”

Mitch was shocked and puzzled. “How? Does Celestia know?”

“We do not know how, and no, we have not told our sister.” The royal sister said, “These are dark times for Equestria, and we fear that all are in danger, and that that Celestia is keeping me in the dark on many things”

“But why? You are her sister, more importantly you rule with her.” Mitch asked, not understanding what his friend was telling him.

“Celetia has all the power, I only enforce the power of the night.” Luna informed him, “I am powerless, our sister has taken control in the wake of these attacks, she has taken direct control of all of Equestria, all I am in control of is the Moon, and my guards. That was the reason I had my guards attack Celestia in the past before my banishment, and transformation, she was becoming to o powerful, she had too much control, our power was unequal, and the balance of power needed to be restored.”

“And your attempt failed?”

She looked down sadly, “Yes, and with me gone, gained had absolute power in Equestria as she had alway tried to gain, unrestricted by out dual rulership.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Mitch asked, genuinely befuddled.

“Because no one else would believe me,” She said sadly, her characteristic Archaistic voice leaving her. “Celestia is loved by all of Ponykind, she has been a benevolent ruler.” Outside, rain had started to pick up, and dropped began to spatter across the stained glass. “Trust no one outside of those you know by heart, keep out of Celestia’s influence, but most importantly, do not leave my, or my guard’s, side. A dark presence surround you, and this castle my friend, be wary of those who are the same.” Mitch didn’t understand her words, but before he could ask her, she began to fly upwards, and lightning crackled out side. “Best of luck to you, my friend. An especially powerful bolt split the air, and he looked outside, and when he turned back, Luna had vanished.

“Luna, what do you mean? LUNA?!” He yelled, finding himself in his bed, sitting up. Head he dreamt it? He was aware of Luna’s ability to enter the dreams of ponies, but he wasn't a pony, he was a human. Then one of Luna’s guards entered, looking at Mitch.

“What is the meaning of the shouting?” He asked concerned. “Have you been harmed?”

Looking around, he turned his eyes to the guard, “No, I’m alright, just a bad dream.”

“Luna may be able to do something about that, Goodnight.” He closed the door.

I could use Luna right now, thats for sure. He tucked himself back in the bed, and drifted of to sleep, murmuring, “It wasn't real.” He looked back to the window, the rain was gently splashing across it, and one drop landed on a painted figure of Luna, and it slid down her painted face, giving the illusion she was crying. Mitch began to feel sleep overtake him, but a second feeling, a deep seated feeling of hatred, began to well up inside of his heart and mind.

Captain StarBlaze, accompanied by some of his elites, crouched and pulled out a holoprojector, beeping softly, and a blue image of Darth Critious appeared. “My lord, we must postpone our attack, the castle is to heavily fortified.”

Critious slammed his fist onto the console where he was broadcasting from, leaving a large dent in the metal. What?!” He said, with a mixture of anger and displeasure in his voice. “You told me the attack would commence tonight.”

“I understand my lord, but Celestia and Luna have fortified the castle too well for the attack, tomorrow more guards will be sent to track you, then they will be vulnerable, and you can have Twilight Sparkle.”

“And what of the human Mitch?” Darth asked.

“He has arrived,” The imperial captain replied, “But Luna has taken a personal interest in him, and has many of her best guards posted on his level, and constantly monitoring him, and Twilight Sparkle. The time for your attack is almost upon thom, and soon Twilight shall be in her control, I promise you that, all I ask in return is that the attack be postponed, you know we cannot afford to lose the battalion.”

Critious through over his reply very carefully, knowing the future of his Empire lay on his words. “Fine, you are lucky I value those troops so highly,” Critious had a great fondness for his 625th battalion, and did not want to lose them. Critious pressed a command key, and believed the holoprojector ceased transmission. “GRAH!!!” Critious said, using his powers to crush various machinery in the room, and StarBlaze and his garrison watched as Critious tore apart the room he was in, and then the transmission was ended then Darth Critious smashed a large piece of equipment into the transmitter, then the transmission was ended.

“Remind me not to get that man angry.” Commander BroadShield said.

“Trust me, you won't need reminding after you see what his did to Flash Sentry.” BlazeStar said. “Beat the pegasi halfway to death, only to keep him alive to keep doing it to him.”

“Yikes.” BroadShield replied, legitimately scared by the thought of Critious’ wrath.

Back on the superweapon, Critious left the transmission room, which was now a wreck of sparking wires and now non functional machinery. The door did not even close properly after he left. He walked past detention block room 6-1613, Flash Sentry’s room, and slammed his fist on the door, making Flash hide in fear from Critious.

Walking past the Imperial naval leader, Admiral Solar Flare, greeted Critious, “Hello sir, when will we begin the attack.”

Critious stopped, and with furious eyes, he didn’t turn around, but only replied, “Tomorrow.” Pushing out his cape with his right arm, he continued to his chambers. After reaching his chamber, he entered the passphrase, and removed his garments, throwing his cape and gauntlets on a chair, and removed his shoulder armour, pulling it off her body and chest, and the remaining armour until he was left in his black body suit, featureless aside from the gray scaled sun on his right shoulder and back. He lay back on his bed, a flat, cushioned platform jutting out from the wall. On his back, he intertwined his fingers, and closed his eyes and tried to sleep. After several moments passed, and he tried to sleep, then a rasping voice filled his mind.

“Something troubled you, my apprentice?” Empress Solious telepathically asked.

“Yes.” He replied with his mind. “The attack has had to be postponed.”

“I already know that, the anger in your mind has left it vulnerable to searching.” She criticised, “Guard your feelings more carefully, but use your aggression for your power, feel the hate flow through you.”

His eyes locked to a glare, and he felt more and more anger build within him, “Yes, my Empress.” He closed his eyes and began to sleep, his body rejuvenating itself, and preparing for the battle tomorrow. Hate coursed through his neurons, and anger through his veins, reaching out with his mind to the only other natural human in Equestria.

Back in the Canterlot Castle, Mitch began to thrash violently in his bed, tossing and turning furiously. His mind was consumed by hatred, and images of his friends dying, slaughtered by a dark entity filled his every thought. “No, NO!” He screamed, seeing the dark person slash a rainbow main pagasi with his red sabre.

Back in the real world, Luna’s guards slammed open the door, only to find Mitch writhing around on his bed, mumbling incoherent phrases, and yelling the occasional, “No!”

The figure slammed Rarity's head into the floor, and threw Pinkie Pie into the wall, neither stood back up. He felt something grab his arm, seeing it was Twilight, and the two ran, the whole world having no sound other than a dull ringing.

The figure appeared in front of them, knocking Mitch to the floor, and grabbed Twilight Sparkle by her throat, a red sabre to her face. The impact with the floor seemed to clear the ringing from his ears.

“I have waited too long for this.” He heard the figure said darkly, aiming a blow at the helpless unicorn.

“Mitch, MITCH!?” Twilight sparkle screamed, shaking Mitch’s body by his shoulders. “WAKE UP!” All the ponies in the room staring at her.

Luna entered the room, and they cleared a path for her. “What has happened to him?”

“I don’t know, he just won't wake up.” Twilight said.

“Or for that matter, shut up,” A day guard said, “His screaming could he heard all the way in the south Tower, its a wonder the whole of Canterlot isn’t wake.”

Luna looked him over, watching his body toss and turn, “We may have an idea. Twilight sparkle, hold Mitch down, We need him still.” Twilight tried to press his arms into the bed to stop his movement, but one of his hands grabbed her arm, and in a deep voice he said “Do not touch me.” Before throwing her to the other side of the room, guards rushed over to her aid.

Mitch tried to help her, but some unseen dark force held him in place, unable to help as his friend was killed, and her lifeless purple body slumped to the floor. “Twilight, no,

NO!” He roared, bot in the ‘dream’, and in the room.

“We are going to attempt to enter his dream, watch him.” The alicorn instructed her guards. Luna’s horn began to glow, and her body began to dematerialize, her gaseous form began to pour into Mitch’s head, only to be blocked, and her physical form being slammed into the wall beside Twilight, rubbing the back of her head. “That was not a dream. Well, there is always an alternative.” Luna stood back up and returned to the thrashing Mitch’s side.

“Luna, what are you going to do now?” Rarity asked.

“Sing.” Her response left the crown of ponies flabbergasted.

Mitch began to crawl on his back, trying to escape the dark figure that followed him, the red weapon he carried extended, and Mitch felt a hand grab his jacket. Being hoisted into the air, he faced the attacker, but his face was shrouded in darkness, slamming him into a wall. The sabre he carried was aimed to his face, when suddenly he let go of Mitch, who dropped to the ground. The attacker, gripping his head painfully, his weapon a few metres away.

Luna’s arm wrapped around Mitch, she sang as everypony watched on, mixed reactions all around. “...Little pony, sleepy pony, go to sleep. Soft pony, sweet pony, go along to sleep. Let the princess of the night, dispel your fright…” Her singing seemed to calm Mitch’’s thrashing, now he had calmed enough to be set on his own, and the darkness that surrounded him had disbanded, Luna’s soft, melodious voice continued to remove the darkness surrounding Mitch, as if it were banishing the hatred that Darth Critious had implanted into the deeper recesses of his mind.

Mitch’s body calmed, and as Luna sang, his anger ceased, the darkness within him melted way, and he returned to his placid state, evident by his loud snoring. Luna turned back to the ponies, all looking at her, “What art thou looking at? Tis an old nursery rhyme used to put foals to sleep, or at least it was a thousand years ago.”

The ponies murmured, and began to leave, but before Twilight returned to her room, she hear Luna call to her. “Twilight Sparkle, I beseech a moment with thou.”

“Why?” Twilight asked.

“When I tried to enter Mitch’s dream, I felt a dark presence overtake him, it was seeking you.” Luna said. “You are in danger, stay with my guard, let no one near you with out them close by.I worry for you, do not tell my sister of this.” She saw a guard walking past, “ Polaris Comet.” The young guard looked at his princess, and rushed over, “I would like you to watch over Mitch, make sure he is safe.” He nodded, accepting his task. Luna’s hans made its way to Twilight’s shoulder, “these are dark time Twilight Sparkle, one can not know who is against them, but be watchful.” And then lightning flashed, diverting her attention, the storm continuing to rage, and then Luna vanished, most likely returning to her chambers. Twilight had returned to her sleeping chambers, a large room like the one she had in her library, and laying in the bed, she drifted to sleep, worrying for her human companion.

Mitch woke to the sound of thunder, and he was a batpony standing over him, a kind smile across his face. “Hello.” The batpony said to him in a voice that was akin to a British accent from his world.

“What, did Luna send you to kill me incase it happens again?” Mitch thought, being overly paranoid, or a side effect from the experience he had undergone.

“No, quite the contrary,”He said, turning to face him. “She sent me to watch over you, and protect you if need be. “she is oddly fond of you, she occasionally spoke of your time on earth together.”

Mitch groaned and rubbed his eyes. “what just happened to me?’ He asked, leaning back in his bed.

“We do not no, but Luna believes some dark presence overshadowed you, and attempted to control you.” The batpony said.

“I never got you name.” Mitch said.

“Comet, Polaris Comet.” Polaris replied.

Mitch was wide awake and knew sleep now would be impossible, so he decided to make small talk with the Batpony. “Your father seems like a nice guy, keeping us guarded and all.” Mitch was not the best person to have small talk with, as he was not accustomed to new ponies he didn’t know anything about.

Polaris shook his head in disagreement, “He is a good guard, but not the best father.” Polaris said, “He wasn't around for my brother or me when we were growing up, despite, or maybe inspite of that, we followed him into the guard, and we thought we’d see him more, but no, he’s always busy, Luna has him on constant duty, and we only saw him for brief moments at a time.”

Mitch mouthed ‘yikes’ to himself before he asked, “And your brother, where is he?” This batpony intrigued him, he always heard they were ferocious beasts to be feared, but they were not.

“He’s dead.” Polaris said somberly. “He was one of the many guards killed in the Crystal Empire raid, his name was Sirius Night.”

“I’m sorry.” Mitch said, and the thought of his own brother, and what life would be like with him gone.

Mitch nor Polaris said anything, and an awkward silence gripped the room, until the only sound was Mitch rustling under the covers, trying to make himself comfortable. After several minutes Mitch felt himself begin to does off, trying a trick for falling asleep that Luna had shown him on Earth.

“Goodnight, Mister Miller.” He heard the batpony say as he fell asleep envelop him, he tried to respond, with ‘you too, Private Polaris’, but what escaped his mouth was a long string of yawns mixed with the syllables of his sentence. He heard Private Polaris chuckle lightly as he fell asleep.

Attack On Twilight

Darth Critious felt his connection with Mitch breaking, as if Luna’s very presence had disrupted the flow of energy. Feeling his connection to the human snap, an intense pain blasted through his mind, almost like a burning sensation that seared his skull. He screamed in agony. While writhing on his bed, he fell off, his hands gripping his burning cranium.

Hearing the door hiss as it opened, a medical unit came over to him. One female earth pony extended a hoof to help, but he slapped her away, making the others stay back.“Do not touch me.” After the pain had subsided, he sat up, and looked at them, “What are you looking at, I am fine.” They didn’t leave, “GO!” He yelled at them, and he turned to his bed, hauling himself into a standing position. But one remained, her hooves behind her back, her coat was a pale gray-purple, and she was a unicorn. “What are you still doing here?” Darth Critious spat.

“Her majesty, Empress Solious, has requested an audience with you.” She said said.

“And why does she need to request one? She is my master.” He replied.

Critious walked over to her, and then around her, “She is my empress, it is not my position to question her.” She said, unwavering in her stance and her face unmoving.

What is your Identification tag?” He asked her.

“TGH-6487.” She answered, almost all of the troops in the imperial military, aside from a hoofful of high command officers, were cloned troops made from the Royal Guard’s finest troopers, with genetic samples taken in secret of course, and bred to be loyal to the empire.

“Very good, where does she want me to meet her?” The human asked, standing in front of her, she was half a hoof shorter than him, and most ponies, even the ones much taller than him, harbored a fear of him, but he didn’t, she looked at him with confidence, and an unwavering gaze.

“Detention block, level six.” she relayed her instructions.

“Thank you, now if you would please accompany me to the empress.” Darth requested, “Please wait outside while I dress myself,” she exited the room, and Critious put his armour and cape on, and then the twosome left, her following a hoof behind his cape

Rushing to catch up with him, she asked, “Um,why?”

He ignored, and replied with his own question. “What is your name?”

She seemed puzzled, “I already told you, TGH-648-”

He interrupted, “No, your name, not ID tag.”

“The troops call me ‘Manila Velvet’.” She answered, “Junior archivist for the empire.”

The name seemed familiar, and so did her face, then he stopped and turned to her, “You wouldn’t happen to be cloned from Twilight Velvet’s genome, would you?”

“Actually, 3.86 of my genetic make up came from her, the rest was from the standard imperial clone genome.” Manila said, that was not uncommon, occasionally the cloners would mix in another pony’s genome to give each pony more diversity and specialized for specific tasks, as well as to give each one a unique personality.

They walked past the elevators, and Manila tried to alert him of this. But before she spoke up, he could sense in her mind what she was thinking, and replied before she could. “I know I passed it, but it’s only one level.” They approached a flight of stairs, and an imperial battalion was marching up the stairs, “Teleport to the lower level, I will meet you there.” He climbed over the railing, and jumped down, with Manila next to him. “Hello.” And the two proceded down the hall to the Empress, her figure towering over two hooves above his head, just under three if one included her black horn that came from a small hole in the cowl’s hood. Both Darth Critious and and Manila knelt before her

“Rise.” She said, and they followed her down the hall, stopping at one detention cel, but she turned slightly, “Leave us archivist, what is to come you will not wish to see.”

“Yes my Empress.” And then she left, with two guards at her side. He watched her walked away.

“Now, my apprentice, you you know who is in this cell?” She asked, it seemed like an odd question.

“Yes,” He said, eyes filling with hate.

“Good, good.” She said, “Now, enter, draw on your hate for strength.” Then the door opened, inside was Flash Sentry, asleep. “After you finish with him, take him to the hangar bay, use him when you go to Canterlot.” She lay her hoof on his shoulder. “And if you bring me Twilight Sparkle, you shall be rewarded, and bring him back, I have further use for him.”

“It will be done my liege.” Critious said, a dark smile across his face.

He could see Flash was dreaming, “....*Snore*..Nngh, no, Twilight, I said the blu…*Snore*....” Hearing him say Twilight’s name nearly sent him into a fury.

Raising a black armoured arm, he slammed his forearm don onto Flash’s stomach, jolting him out of sleep, before he could react, Critious grabbed his throat and slid him across his bed, and into the wall. Critious choked Flash, and slid his back up against the wall. All the helpless pagasi could do was make a series of gurgling chokes and struggle, until the decided to lessen his grip, and pulled him to his face, “What tower is Twilight Sparkle in?”

“Wh-what?” The pegasi asked, but in response, Critious slammed his forearm into Flash Sentry’s chest.

“WHERE IS SHE!” Critious yelled in his face.

Flash tried to cover his face, “N-north T-tower fo-4,” He stammered. In response, Critious slammed his fist into Sentry’s head, knocking him unconscious, grabbing his mane, he dragged him along the floor, leaving a small bloody trail behind them.

Many imperial troops looked at him with puzzled expression, and when Critious reached the hanger, two Imperial Guards stood by, and took the pagasi when Critious approached.

“Um sir, what do we do with him?” One guard asked.

Taking his seat in the cockpit beside Day Flight, said, “Just make sure he stays alive.” Turning to the main console, a projection of StarBlaze appeared, “Are all the preparations for my attack made?”

“No my lord,” Critious raised an eyebrow, it was not common place for StarBlaze to fail. “All we need is to move the guards, and Twilight’s friends to their positions, Princess Luna and Celestia have been more troublesome than we had envisioned.”

Critious growled quietly, “Just make sure that everything is ready by the time I arrive with the battalion, I have waited too long for this.”

StarBlaze bowed to him, “I understand my lord, it will be done.” The projection ended, and Darth gave the command to launch.

“All troops, move out.”

“..it will be done.” StarBlaze tuned off the projector, and stood up. Walking down the hall, BroadShield came over to him.

“So , what’s the news?” The eager unicon said. “Not that I’m in a hurry to destroy this castle, its just this RoyalGuard armour is a bit tight.” He magically pulled on his shoulder pad

All around them, Imperial Guards in disguise were suiting up into RoyalGuard's armour. He turned to Commander BroadShield. “I know. I’m not fond of these armour’s either. Alert all posts we are under attack but not until, the battalion is here, who do not want the princesses to know of our true intentions.”

“So, where do you want me to go?”

StarBlaze put on his helmet, his silver main plume coming out the back, and shaking his head to straighten it out. “Use your imagination.” BroadShield, one of the brightest guards, was stupefied. The Imperial Captain groaned, rolling his eyes, “Go to the north tower, call to the guards when you can see the fleet.”

He saluted his commanding officer, “Sir yes sir.” Taking his blaster from the weapon rack, he went to the north tower.

Captain StarBlaze began walking down the hall, heading towards the main royal chamber. Behind him, an ImperialGuard earth pony trooper came, saying, “Sir, do you want us to retrieve the targets from their chambers?”

“No,” The captain could tell the trooper was surprised without needing to see his face. “We do not want them to know our our true intentions until they are powerless to stop us. Retrieve them after BroadShield says the fleet is approaching.” StarBlaze stood in front of the troopers, who were all chattering about the upcoming attack, and he tried to get their attention. After he couldn't, he fired his blaster into the air, the loud shot snatching their attention, the shot would not be heard by the RoyalGuards as the imperial troops had special barracks that were separate from the castle. “Everyone, the time of the grand plan is at its rise.” StarBlaze delivered, “Tonight, our Empress Solious is sending us and, Dark Lord Critious, to retrieve Twilight Sparkle,” He looked all around the room, the ponies’ eyes fixed on him. “And today, we move towards the Grand Plan, and I assure you, we will succeed, for today, we are no longer bound to a false allegiance to the royal sisters,” He rallied the troops before their attack, many began cheering and shouting, “We shall destroy this castle, and take this world, and our grand Empress shall rise to her rightful power.Today, we claim victory, in the name of The Grand Solar Empire!” He said, and the assembled troops cheers loud enough that StarBlaze was sure that the Empress herself heard them. “Now my comrades, to arms, we strike the Princesses and Elements of Harmony tonight.”The crowd still cheering, his voice lowered. “Today, we destroy Equestria.”

The Imperial troops began to take their weapons, and exited the barracks, taking up their positions around the castle, preparing to attack.

Walking out of the barracks, Luna’s night began to creep across the sky, the sun began to fall below the horizon.

“INVADING FLEET, SIX MILES DOWN SOUTH!” BroadShield yelled to RoyalGuards, his eye in a telescope, collapsing it. “Sound the alarms, we’re in for an all out attack.” Several guardsmen ran to their weapons and to the rest of the castle to warn them. Muttering to himself, “Yes ponies, run to your demise.” He walked out, weapon in hoof, passing scrambling guardsmen, and slowly walked out of the guard tower. He exited the castle while guards were dashing about, pushing the door open, he saw Captain StarBlaze, and the rest of his quad waiting. “Greetings captain.”

“Commander.” He replied.

Several metres away, Darth Critious walked out of his shuttle, his left hand tightly gripping the blue mane of Flash Sentry, using it to drag his body across the steps. His freshly beaten mouth mumbled, “Please don’t kill me, please don’t kill me.” On the steps of Canterlot Castle, Captain StarBlaze stood waiting. He bowed before his master, “Greetings my lord.”

“Captain, move the artillery batteries into position, I want no royal scum surviving this assault.” The lord of darkness said.

“Then why do you have that one?” BroadShield asked smartly, pointing at Flash with his heavy blaster.

“The Empress wants him alive, and I enjoy the feeling of my fists on his bones.” Hr replied with nothing short of hatred. “Where are those artillery batteries captain?”

“O-on their way sir.” The captain said, he did not fear many, but he did fear Darth and the Empress. “Artillery units move in, and let them have it.”

Several loud blasts came behind them, and three large, glowing red objects leaving a trail behind them, impacted the wall of the castle. Each shot exploded on contact, the ground shook violently as the castle walls crumbled.

Critious smiled and laughed darkly, “Yes, YES! Fire at will comander Trigger.” Another volley of shots impacted the wall. Turning to BroadShield, “You may remove those Royal armour, you have no use of them.” BroadShield removed his armour and revealed his Imperial outfit beneath it. “Good, now go destroy the royal guards, kill them at their po-” Critious was interrupted when a guard, a royal one, opened the door.

“Commander, we ne-” He froze when he saw Darth Critious, BroadShield pulled out his pistol and shot the guard in the head, killing him instantly.

The diseased guard’s head rolling to Critious’s feet.“I believe the princesses need you, shall we go see them?” The garrison followed the dark lord, and their superior officers into the castle.

BroadShield too the lead, one guard coming up to them, “I know the princesses want me, I’m on my way to see them.” The guard walked past them, and BroadShield shot him.

The troop battalion Critious brought marched after them, firing on the royal guards frantically trying to escape, Critious ran ahead, hacking and slashing like a ninja. It amazed both Imperials and Royal alike how nimbly he could leap around while holding Flash Sentry, and occasionally using him to smash guards. Dropping him to the floor, Critious ordered two imperials to carry him. Flash’s voice spoke up, “You, you monster.”

“I do not deny my true identity.” Critious admitted, He knelt to him, holding the bottom of Flash’s face in his hand.

“You won't succeed.” He said weakly.

“Oh, is that so?” Darth Critious asked. “And who, pray tell, is going to stop me?”

“Twilight,” He said, obviously either not knowing of Critious’s power, of being faithful in Twilight. “Sparkle will.”

Critious scowled. “Is that so, take a good look at me,” He thrust his face into Flash’s “I am what has become of one of her friendships, I loved her so fiercely, and look what became of me. SHE made ME this way.” In his infinite rage, Critious made a fist, Critious hit Flash, knocking him out, the feeling of his teeth break under his impact gave Critious a sense of twisted joy. Critious now took the lead, jumping from royal to royal, stabbing, slashing and slicing them till there was one left. The lone guard dropped his weapon and raised his hooves in surrender. “Good, smart soldier.” Critious electrocuted him, shocking him with atomic blue lightning from his fingertips. Then grabbing his chest plant, and lodging his neck in his arm, snapping his neck in one, swift motion, many imperials cringed from the sound of bones snapping, dropping his body to the floor. Critious snapped his fingers, and the imperials brought Flash to him. He pulled his hair, causing him intense pain.

“Oh please don’t kill me.” Flash mumbled, blood coming from his mouth, obscuring his voice.

Critious growled, and said “If I wanted you dead, and I do, you would be, but I have other uses for you.” The pure malice in his voice silenced the beaten pony. the door they stood in front of was locked. Pulling the pegasi’s head up to his, he asked, “How do you propose we enter?” Critious already knew how we would, but it brought him pleasure to see Flash’s eyes widen in fear. Then Critious threw Flash into the door, smashing it to pieces, a cloud of dust forming.

Stepping through the destroyed doorway, several imperial troops took positions beside him, aiming their blasters at the ponies in the room. Surveying the room, Critious asked, “Which one of you is Twilight Sparkle?” He grinned, sensing her fear.

The sound of shelling jolted Mitch out of sleep, Polaris was still by his bedside, weapon in his hooves. The door was thrown open and a RoyalGuard, fear in her eyes, “We are under attack, Princess Celestia wants all guards at battle positions and civilians to the royal chamber.” She didn’t stay long enough for their response.

Mitch and Polaris looked at each other, Mitch stood up, still dressed in normal clothes, he had not changed, and he was glad he didn’t. ”Where are you going?”

The NightGuard responded, “Luna instructed me to protect you, and that is what I intend to do.” He grabbed Mitch’s arm, and the two began to go to the royal chamber.

Pushing open the doors, Mitch saw that Captain StarBlaze and Princess Celestia were absent. He searched frantically for Twilight Sparkle, he found her and saw that she was surrounded by her friends, and two guards, but before he could Polaris grabbed his shoulder.

“Take this,” He held out his blaster pistol, “You may need this more than I, if the fighting gets here.” The human accepted it and nodded to the guard before him and several others were going to depart to fight. Mitch walked over to Twilight and the ponies part to let him near her, he stood in front of her, blaster raised and hands shaking, he never held a weapon before in his life, and now he was going to need to fight for his friend’s, and his lives.

Suddenly, as the assembled ponies followed Zodiac, the door was destroyed, wooden splinters flying through the air. The impact from the door knocking everyone to the floor. “Which one of you is Twilight Sparkle?”

Mitch saw a dark figure with a red lightsabre-like device, and he stood up. Several RoyalGuards ran at him, firing, but were cut down by his sabre. Protecting Twilight Sparkle, who was thrown several feet away, and was also getting up, he fired at Darth Critious, who reflected the blast back at Mitch. The blue laser impacted his shoulder, and Mitch was knocked to the floor in pain. “Mitch!?” Twilight rushed over to him to see if he was ok, he was, but his shoulder was badly injured by the laser blast. Darth Critious began attacking the rest of the guards, killing them mercilessly, and his troops gunned down the guards that were on the floor. Darth Critious jumped over to them, and was about to bring his sabre down on them, when an atomic blue sabre saved them.

Its wielder was Silver Screen, whose knee struck Critious in the stomach and threw him backwards telekinetically.

Silver went to the guards, and fought them, their shots missing him as he used his sabre on them. “You waiting for an invite, GO!” Pointing to the stairs.

“We have to get out of here. Quick, help me up.” Mitch said, and Twilight helped him to his feet. The rest of her friends followed them as they tried to escape up the stairs, troopers firing on them as they did.

“Go, I’ll cover you.” Silver said, reflecting the lasers back at their attacks. Critious was helped to his feet by StarBlaze.

They ran up the stairs, hearing Silver Screen’s hoofsteps behind them, and the sound of lasers being reflected back. Silver Screen cut their weapons in half and kicked them down. Guards tumbled down the stairs, obscuring the way for troopers to get up the stairs.

As troopers tried to move the piled up troopers from the stairs, Critious telekinetically threw them to the side, watching as Silver Screen knocked more down.

Silver Screen jumped off the wall, catapulting himself over to his human counterpart, running alongside him.

“You’re certainly a lot braver than me.” Mitch said to Silver, who had caught up.

“Oh most definitely, my father was a guardsman.” He said, running along side them, his sabre retracted. They had cleared many hall entrances before long, but were still in the same straight hallway.

Suddenly Applejack yelled in pain, a laser blast had hit her leg.

“Excellent work, SharpShot.” Came one of the imperial snipers.

Applejack fell to the floor, and Pinkie Pie tried to help her up. “Go, I’ll be alright. I’m ah comin’ ” She hobbled along after them, losing ground with each step.

When Critious cleared the first hallway, many of Celestia’s troops were positioned in the other halls, ready to fire on him, but he slaughtered them before they had the chance.

His sabre sliced through their armour, killing them, he began hacking off limbs, slashing their chest open, cutting them in two, and so on. Their laserfire was reflected back at them, and more were killed as they arrived, a feeble attempt by the princess of the sun to save her student and her friends. Walking down the hall, he found Applejack on the floor, crawling her way out, he walked to her and her heard StarBlaze say, “Applejack, do you honestly believe you will escape this?” Before his shot silenced her short scream.

Critious did not look back, he walked towards his quarry, knowing his link with both Silver Screen and Mitch would guide him to her.

Mitch gasped as he ran, and his glasses began to fog up, he was not out of shape, but he certainly wasn’t the most fit human there was, Silver Screen was no better off. He fell to the floor, And Mitch followed suit, both were gasping loudly, Mitch’s side was stinging from the running, and his lungs burned.

“Come on Mitch, This is no time for a break!” Rainbow Dash said, hovering in the air.

“Easy for *gasp* you to say, Miss ‘I-Can-Do-A-Sonic-Rainboom’!” Silver Screen spat, his breathing slightly faster than normal and very shallow.

Mitch, though his vision was blurred, saw the condensation was starting to clear, and he noticed somepony was missing. “Where’s Rarity?”

A muffled scream came from the hall, and they saw Darth Critious holding her, one arm around her neck, and the other by her head, his sabre aimed at her temple. “Certainly took you long enough to notice. She was quite easy to apprehend, though not quite as easy at that worthless pony Flash Sentry.”

“Unhoof me this instant you militaristic brute!” Rarity said, flailing, punching him in the stomach to try and free herself, but only making her situation worse. His grip tightening on her neck.

“How about ‘no’.” He said to her, before turning to Twilight Sparkle, “Unless she and the human, Mitch, come with me.” He pressed his sabre’s handle into her ham forcefully. “What do you say, after all Spike, you did say she had a beautiful mind, care to put that hypothesis to the test?” He knew they picked up on his meaning, and the ponies tried to talk her into his demands, each one louder that the last. The discussion went on for several seconds, until Critious had enough, and spoke louder, “AND TIME IS UP!” Extending his sabre through her head, the white unicorn fell to the floor, her brain incinerated by the blade.

Spike ran over to her, then at Critious, who, after Spike charged at him angrily, was thrown out a window by the dark emotioned human. Pulling Fluttershy over to him telekinetically, he locked her neck in his arm, saying, “Now, come with me, or she dies, I think this time I’ll snap her neck, snap it like a twig, make sure she doesn't feel a thing. I’m not a complete monster after all.” He said it into her ear, hearing her adorable little voice. “Well Twilight, do we have accord?”

She remained silent for several seconds, then answered. “Yes, I’ll come with you, just don’t hurt my friends.”

He released the beyond terrified Fluttershy, who went back to the safely of her friends, Mitch hugging her to comfort her, murmuring kind, calming words to her. “You have word, they will not be harmed,” He bowed before her, and gestured for her to follow with Mitch. Turning back he aimed a verbal attack at her, “Unlike you, I actually keep my promises.”Seizing her wrist, he pulled the purple unicorn through the castle corridors.

Taken to the Station

Twilight felt Critious’s grip on her wrist tighten, like a vice he held onto her, pulling her along. His rage fueled breathing was audible to Mitch and the unicorn. Mitch tried to keep up, but his body was exhausted, both from the run, and from lack of sleep. Then all three were knocked to the floor, with Princess Celestia having knocked them over. Critious growled, and threw himself at her, throwing punches left and right, but his blows missing each time. Celestia knocked him over with her magic, and she went over to Twilight, to tend to her, but then she was stabbed through the shoulder.

The Princess yelled, and Critious choked her, glaring at her, “You have always irritated me,you pathetic princess.” He then threw her to the floor, then stepped on her back, then threw her out a window. Mitch then lunged at Critious, tackling him.

“Run Twilight!” He yelled, and Twilight ran.

Mitch Tried to hold him down, but the much stronger human overpowered him, and threw him into a wall.“Why do you fight for her?” He extended his sabre, and stabbing his shoulder. “I will not kill you, but I will not make this pleasant for you.” Mitch was thrown into another all. “If you knew what is to become of her, you would not be fighting for her.”

Mitch tried to stand up and fight, but he knew it was pointless, so did his opponent. After a few seconds, Mitch fell over, his body unaccustomed to wounds, and functioning during a fight with such little energy.

Critious stood over him, placing his sabre over his neck, and singed his neck hair and hair. “Stay down, and you will not be as harmed.” Critious grabbed Mitch, and ran after Twilight.

After passing Applejack’s dead body, Twilight Sparkle began to cry, falling to her knees. but she didn’t have time to grieve for her friend as Darth Critious arrived, and picked her up. “Miss me?” He said, and wrapped his arm around her, and jumped down the stairs near them, but this was not the kind of grip that a friend put around someone they want to protect. No, this was the kind of forceful grip that someone does to a captive, all vestiges of the feelings Critious once harbored for Twilight now gone.

Mitch jumped down too, but he fell on his chest, Critious just scowled at him, “Clumsy fool.” He got up and dusted himself off, his body still not functioning properly from exhaustion.

Imperial Guards held the Royal Guards that survived, including Polaris, and Flash, who were both on their knees. “My lord, what do you wish us to do with these, these?” He couldn’t think of an insult great enough for them.

“Take Flash Sentry, my master has plans for him, and let Polaris live so he can tell the other guards of us, you may kill the others.” Darth Critious said, and Twilight was horrified, “Take me to my shuttle.”

The ImperialGuards surrounded them, and they marched down the castle halls, Twilight looked out the window to see if her teacher was ok, but the shattered glass where she had fallen was devoid of her, so Twilight took that as a good sign. As they went through the castle, Twilight and Mitch become more and more horrified as they saw the dead army of guards. Mitch pulled Twilight over to him, and said, “Don’t worry, they want us for something, they won't kill us.” I hope, Mitch thought.

Darth Critious threw him a vile glare.

“What, I’m a ‘glass-half-full’ kind of guy?” Mitch shrugged.

“I know,” Darth said, “And I find it one of your most repulsive qualities.”

Caught off guard, Mitch had no idea how to respond to that. Continuing to the Imperial ships landed outside, the encircled captives slowly approached a large transport.

“BroadShield, take my ship back to the Black Sun, I shall escort them to her highness, The Empress.” Darth said, and BroadShield bowed to him.

Critious lead them into the transport, the troopers went to their stations, but Critious came with them to the holding cells. When Twilight Sparkle, Mitch, Darth Critious and Flash Sentry were all in, Critious closed and locked the door from the inside, the loud metallic CHUNK! was audible. Promptly sitting in his meditation position position, he spoke to Mitch, “Wake up the pegasus.”

“Why?” Mitch asked.

“Because I instructed you to.” Critious replied.

The tan pegassi groaned.

“I’m not doing it.” Mitch said, “Not because I don’t want to take orders from you, but because I despise him, and don’t want him anywhere near me when conscious.”

Breaking his meditation, and looking at Mitch, “You it please you if you were allowed to hit him to wake him?”

That, actually would, as Mitch harbored a deep rooted hatred for him, and Twilight knew that he did. “I still won't, I want to, but I won't.”

Swiftly, Critious went over to him, going from sitting several feet away, to standing right in front of him in a matter of seconds. Critious’ face was so close to Mitch’s, that he could feel the heat of the assassin’s breath. “Have you forgotten what he had done to you, the anger he caused you, the pain?” Mitch had told nopony about that except Twilight, only she knew the true extent to which his anger went to. Before Mitch could answer, Critious continued, his yellow rimmed eyes staring directly into Mitch’s, “Now is your chance to unleash that anger.”

Mitch broke eye contact, forcing his face away from Critious’, shutting his eyes, not wanting to give into his anger, not for Flash’s benefit, but Mitch’s own, he could feel his anger boiling over. Feeling his hand clench into a fist, Critious smiled, and turned Mitch to Flash Sentry.

“You know what you want to do, now do it!” Critious said to his ear.

“No,” Mitch proclaimed, “I’m not going to, Twilight would not approve of that, and I do not know how you know so much about me, but if you do, you must know that she is the only thing I have to hold onto in this universe, and anything that could cause me to lose her, even if that means not releasing my anger at him.”

Critious snarled, Mitch was tougher to crack than he first expected. “Fine, I guess I will need to do it myself.” Critious picked up the blue mane of his prisoner, and threw his face on the floor, hearing his nose break.

“GAH, SON’V’A’BITCH” He held his bleeding nose, he looked around at his surroundings.

“Great, now he’s awake.” Mitch said sarcastically, Twilight glared at him.

“Trust me, geek, I’m not happy you’re here either.” He replied.

Critious walked over to Mitch, and whispered “My offer to pummel his face in still stands.”

“I’ll think about it.” Mitch meant what he said, anger compounding each moment.

The transport shook, signaling that they had docked with the Black Sun, “Follow me.” Critious shoved his way past Flash, knocking him back on to the floor, and using his powers to open the door. Mitch followed, but before he could, Twilight grabbed his arm.

“Don’t listen to him, I know you hate Flash, but there are other ways of dealing”

“MOVE IT TUNGSTONHOOVES!” Critious yelled. Both turned to his direction.

The deep purple eyes of Twilight looked into his, “Remember what I said.”

Mitch ripped his arm free of her grip, “Easy for you to say, you loved him.” He spat, rage pulsing through his neurons.

His sudden change in tone horrified her, she just made her situation much worse. Mitch walked past Flash and grabbed his shirt, and threw him backwards into the wall, the ringing from the impact. Twilight did not help him, her priorities were on Mitch. When Twilight reached Mitch,she could see he was fuming, she could almost see the clouds of smoke coming from his ears. Troops surrounding him.

“Now do you see what you do to people, Twilight.” Came Critious’ voice behind her, he sounded close. Turning to face him, only to find that he was directly behind her. “Your love, and compassion makes them monsters, just like you did to me.”

“What did I ever do to you? I don’t even know who you are.” Twilight said.

“That is true, to an extent, but there is nothing you can do for Mitch, no matter what you tell him, even though I know you have no love for Flash Sentry, no matter what you tell him,”

His knowledge of them was not only abundant, but on target. “How did you know what?” Twilight asked.

He pushed his face into hers, almost gloating. ”He won't believe you.” Critious backed off, and folder his hands behind his back, “When you will try to save him, as I know you will inevitably try to do, all you will do is push him further into my grasp. Now if you would please accom

Knowing he was attempting to be polite, but she got the jist. The twosome walked in silence to the Empress’ chamber, Critious’ cape swaying back and forth as he walked. Around him Twilight felt a sense of familiarity, a presence she knew, but could not explain where from. It was polluted, twisted from its original form. It did not take them long for them to reach the Empress’s chamber, where several guards formed a line to separate Mitch from Flash, both glaring at each other with hatred, seeming to prevent the two from attacking each other, more Mitch attacking, as Flash’s current state limited his offensive potential.

“Greetings my Empress.” Darth Critious said once he passed the guards, and knelt before the Empress’ stairs that lead to her throne.

There was no reply.

Darth was puzzled, Empress Solious never left her chambers without informing him “Empress?” Darth called. Raising his wrist communicator to his mouth, he said, “Major Sky Stryke, where is the empress?”

A female pony answered. “She went on a negotiation mission to the changeling homeworld, didn’t she tell you?” The major replied.

Angrily Critious told her, “No, no she had not. Did she tell you why she did not tell me this herself?”

“Hey, don’t you get snippy with me Crits.” Major Stryke.

Flash snorted with laughter, “ ‘Crits’?” Critious turned to him, and magically choked him, enjoying listening to him gasping for breath.

“How many times have I told you and the troops not to call me that?” Critious questioned.

“Actually, never.” She said.

“I shouldn't need to, that is no longer a name I go by.”

Flash laughed again, “You seriously went by that? Wow, you’re a bigger dork than this piece of geeky garbage.” The pegasi pointed towards Mitch, that sent him over the edge, his last bit of self-control lost, Mitch pushed through the troopers, and while Flash was laughing one off, Mitch slugged him, shaking his arm do to feeling like he pulled a muscle in it. Thrown several feet away, Mitch walked over to him, and as he tried to get back up, Mitch stepped on his back. Though unaccustomed to the field of combat, Mitch certainly was no slouch in a fight.

Deep in Mitch’s bones, he felt long hidden magic awaken itself, the darkness that permeated his mind and body took control. Mitch lifted him up, and slammed him into a wall, leaving a large dent. “Your constant,” He threw a punch, using one hand to keep Flash steady. “Idiotic,” Me threw another punch, “Incessant chatter is not helping our situation.”

Twilight tried to run over to them to stop Mitch, but Critious held her back. “Now do see what you have done to him? Do not fret, he will not kill Flash, that is my job.”

Back at the fight, or rather, the beat down of Flash Sentry, Mitch was filled with so much anger, all directed at Flash Sentry. Forehooves braced for Mitch’s rage fueled onslaught, the human broke through his block. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do this.” He raised a fist to Flash face.

Laughing came behind everyone, more of a cackle or raspy chuckle than laughter. “Good, good.” Everyone turned to face the new arrival, it was the Empress.

“My Empress.” All imperials said, Critious included, kneeling before her dark cloaked figure. Mitch got the idea, and knelt before her, seeing it as the most prudent course of action.

The Empress scanned the crowd, a smile came to her white lips as she picked out Mitch and Twilight, She looked over to Flash Sentry, who was on the floor, a tooth missing “I have been expecting you, Commander BroadShield, escort them to their accommodations. All other troops leave, I wish to speak with my apprentice, alone.”

BroadShield walked up to the human and unicorn, “Follow me,” Walking out of the empress’ chambers, Mitch, who was still seething with rage, was surrounded by troops and Twilight Sparkle, who was avoiding Mitch, her head had begun to throb, and mind was clouded here, as if just being on this station was obscuring her magic and ability to think. Twilight shook her head to try to clear it.

The more distance Mitch put himself and the Empress’ chambers, the more his anger melted away. The troopers lead them to the detention block, and each was sent to a separate holding cell. The troopers positioned themselves in front of the cell, and one went behind Mitch. Grabbing Mitch’s collar, the trooper threw him into the cell, his head hit the overhang over the bed, rendering him unconscious.

Electricity coursed through his body, screams of anguish emanated from Critious’ throat. “What have I done to displease you, my master?” Critious pleaded, gasping. The Empress shocked him again, making him scream in pain once more.

“What have you done?What have you done!?” She snarled at him. “What you have done is ignore your mission, and my teachings, pursue your own personal agenda, and more importantly, instigated a conflict between Mitch Miller and Flash Sentry!”

Critious tried to gather himself, and stand up. “I thought you wanted me to case conflict between them? As well as procuring Twilight Sparkle for the next phase of the plan?”

“NO, you insolent foal,” She blasted him into the wall with her magic, making a massive, human shaped indentation where he contacted it. His body fell to the ground, and he did not other to get up, only lie there. “When I instructed you to stir up conflict with them, I told you not to use your powers of influence over him, his anger must emerge naturally, with out you implanting seeds of wrath in there. I know he despises Flash Sentry, but you must not force him to anger, that will only drive him closer to Twilight.”

A constricting force wrapped itself around his throat, impairing his breathing, and he was magically lifted over to the Empress, who held him in the air above her, a black sleeved arm extended.

Suddenly, she released him, and he fought for breath, coughing and hacking, “I will let you live, if only because you are my apprentice,” She ascended to her throne, “And because you shall serve me better in the future.” she sat down, and her throne rotated to view the stars.

Darth decided now would not best time to ask her about her visit to the Changeling home planet. Turning to walk out of the chambers, a smile grew on Empress Solious’ lips.

“Oh, and Darth,” She turned her head 90 degrees, “I have decided your reward, bring Flash Sentry to me tomorrow, as well as the human and Twilight.” She turned back to the stars. “They shall bear witness to what you shall do. If you wish to attempt to redeem yourself, see if you can not stir up some tension between them.”

Critious smiled gleefully, “Don’t worry, I shall do my best.”

“Before you depart, take this.” The Empress threw something down the steps, a small object, klinking as it fell. “Give this to Twilight.” Critious lowered his hand, and it rolled into his palm. Inspecting the stall, metallic band, he asked.

“You want me to propose to her?” Critious jested, knowing the true purpose of the insidious device he held.

“No, do not attempt comedy, it is not your strong suit. Also, don’t act as though you never thought of that in honesty.” The Empress dredged up his old feelings for Twilight, he once loved her so much.

“I was a different man back then, and she, a different mare.”Folding his hands behind his cape, he continued, “You have since opened my eyes to her true nature, I no longer hold those feelings for her.”

“Good, then see to your new objective.” The Empress ordered. Doors parting to allow Critious to exit, he teleported himself in a fiery red burst to the detention blocks.

Mitch, Mitch, MITCH!. “Gwah.” Mitch awoke, his head still throbbing, he felt the front of his head, where a large welt had formed.It was painful to the touch.

“What happened to me,” Mitch said, looking at his surroundings, “But more importantly, where the heck am I?”

Shaking his head to clear it, he heard the voice once more. “Mitch.” It had a feminine familiarity, but he couldn't place it, the thick walls obscured her voice, and unable to remember where he was. Nothing in his mind felt right, as if someone else had been in his head, and now he was just being returned control.

“Wait,” Mitch said, looking around, seeing the cold, sterile Ponintium cell. Slowly the memories came back, the castle, the station,THE STATION! It was only then he remembered where he was. Rushing over to the wall, he said, “Twilight, is that you?”

“Yes.” Came her distorted voice.

With head pressed to the wall, Mitch mouthed a thank you to Luna that she was there. “Are you ok, they haven’t hurt you?”

“Yes, I’m ok, aside from being shoved inside a cell, that is. “Twilight responded through the Ponintium walls, “No, no they haven’t.”

“Good, that’s good.” Mitch said, unsure of whether she heard him or not. “Is it just me or does this place make your head feel,” He struggled to put the words into the most scientific terms he could, “Feel, like.” the words still eluding him.

“Like your minds bee smashed into a dozen pieces?”

Thank you! “Exactly, andand something's keeping me from putting all the pieces back together.” Mitch said, thinking he sounded crazy.

No answer came for several seconds. “Mitch,” Even through the distortion the Ponitanium created, Mitch could tell she was concerned. “What happened back there, did you...”

Mitch remembered that too, and his answer was honest. “About Flash, yes, that was me, my mind may have been clouded, but I knew I wanted to tear him apart, and I tried to resist, you need to know I did.”

“I know,” Twilight said, her eyes full of concern for Mitch, “But I also know how much you hate him.”

Exhaling, and looking up, “I understand, and I should have stopped, but that guy, he just kept egging me on.”

“Flash?” Twilight asked.

“No, that guy in black,” Mitch tried to think of his name, but his brain was still in pieces, nothing was in the correct spot, “What was his name?” Mitch asked.

The voice that answered was not Twilight’s, “‘His’ name is Darth Critious.” He spoke in a chillingly cold voice through the small slip in the door. Sliding open, the door revealed the imposing black armoured figure. “”Greeting, human.” with hand extended, Mitch was forced into his grip,the right hand of the shadowy assassin gripping his collar. “Come with me.”

Pulling Mitch along, his feet were dragging on the floor. “Open the door.” Critious said to the guards, who promptly opened the door to Twilight’s cell. In there, she was lying against the metal wall, sat on her legs, feet away from her body. “Step forward unicorn.”

Hesitant, Twilight did not come. “It’s ok, come on.” Mitch said, who was hanging from Critious’ grip, and holding onto his arm so his shirt didn’t stretch.

Twilight was still not certain she wanted to stand.

“Oh for the love of Celestia, STAND!” He yelled at her, and out of fear, she stood bolt upright. “Good.” Critious dropped Mitch, and leapt over to her, putting her into a headlock, which she struggled to get out of. “Do not struggle.” Came his calm voice into her ear. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the metal band, inscribed with various symbols. Placing it on the tip of her horn, he slid it down her her head, and then he leapt back to Mitch, and gathered him before he could stand once again.

Around Twilight Sparkle’s head, her purple magic crackled and bolted, she held her head in pain, and then a large burst of magic came, hitting them like a tide. Around them, a furious swirl of purple magic raged, with Twilight floating, eyes pure white, but it was over in mere seconds. She fell to the floor, and she touched the band, in response, it shocked her with her own magic. “What did you do to me?”

“Magical inhibitor, an insidious device my master employes to neutralize unicorns magical abilities,”Critious replied. “Of course there are other methods, all of which I am well versed in.” He turned to Twilight, and Brought her to her feet, gripping the back of her neck tightly to make her compliant.

“How did you get one of those, the only ones-” Twilight started.

“Are in the Canterlot archives restricted zone?” Critious said, “I am well aware all of ponykind believes their oh so precious Princess Celestia had rounded them all up, but my empress has many of them. Remarkable little devices, so many uses, among them making unicorns and alicorns alike bend to my will.” Critious flooded her body with dark magic, trying to tap into her neural network, but the inhibitor blocked him from accessing her memories. At his failure to retrieve information about the remaining targets in the Grand Plan, he threw Twilight to the floor. “Take her to her new cell.” Darth growled to his troopers.

“Um Critious, may I ask, why did you just put them in those cells if you were going to change them?” One female asked, normally Critious would have decapitated her onsite for questioning him, but he was in a particularly good mood.

“I have my orders.” He replied.