Ghost Pony Rider: The Dark Ones

[Everfree Forest.]

  Three ponies. Two powerful princesses, and a fiery skeleton pony. The princesses were flying with great speed but they couldn't keep up with Ghost Pony Rider as he was faster, leaving both in his dust. Fiery hoof prints were being left behind as Luna and Twilight followed him. Their was no wind that night, no crickets. The night was clear with the moon shining bright in the sky. The air was cold against Luna and Twilights muzzles. Ghost Pony Rider began running faster toward a swampy area of the Everfree Forest. Luna and Twilight exchange looks and dart for Ghost Pony Rider. He runs through the swamp, nothing slowing him down. Not even the murky, muddy water is enough. Ghost Pony Rider suddenly stops. Luna and Twilight halt at their friends sudden break. Rider is staring blankly at something in front of them. He whispers.

"I remember this place."

  Twilight and Luna look at him in confusion. Twilight then turns to see what Ghost Pony Rider is looking at. She is stunned. The dark green color, the vines covering the outside, the disrepair of the building, and how huge it was. They didn't stumble apon an abandoned castle, Ghost Pony Rider had led them to Chrysalis castle. Luna soon notices.

"Why would The Dark Ones bring my sister here?" she asks.

"I don't know...but I don't like it." Ghost Rider says walking up to the building.

  Ever since he killed Chrysalis a few months back, no changeling attacks have been reported. Its like they all went into hiding after their queens death. That meant good news for Equestria. No more changelings. Ghost Rider hopes it just stays that way. A huge door for the entering the castle was boarded shut. The door was as a good ten feet taller then the three. It was boarded shut so no one can get in. Ghost Pony Rider scoffs and takes out his chain. He then backs up from the door, motioning Luna and Twilight to do the same. He fly over behind him as he starts to twirl his chain in the air like a lasso. The chain started to heat up as its color changed to orange. Ghost Rider twirled faster as a huge ring of fire started to form. He a heavy grunt, he flung the club end forward. The club end of the spear crashed into the door, making it collapse. Ghost Rider pulled his chain back and twirled it around his arm. Luna and Twilight nod at each other as they follow Ghost Pony Rider inside. The inside was dark, you couldn't even see your own hoof inside the place. Once again, Ghost Pony Rider was the candle stick in this situation. Fearing of what might happen if their to far separated, Luna and Twilight catch up to Rider and stand on next to him. Ghost Pony Rider is in the middle.

"Do you still smell the princess?" Twilight asks.

  Ghost Pony Rider takes in a huge breathe through his nose, he nods.

"Yeah, I do. She's up stairs."

  Ghost Pony Rider points to a huge stair case that led to upper levels. To save time, Luna picks up Ghost Pony Rider under his arms and begins to fly upward. Twilight follows close. On the way, Luna is puzzled.

"I'm still confused. Why would The Dark Ones need my sister? Why come back to this witches lair?"

"Maybe their planning something? With Stroke not with them they cant possibly do it." Twilight ads.

"I cant say I know either...wait, something's wrong."

  Luna and Twilight fly down and release Ghost Pony Rider. Both look at him with worry. Ghost Pony Rider looks around with caution. He could feel someone's presence. The dark inside its heart makes stand out like a sore thumb. He knew who it was.

"I know your here...Death Trap."

  Death Trap lowered himself from above the ponies position. Luna and Twilight get in defensive positions. Ghost Pony Rider doesn't move. He knows Death Trap is a bad guy, but he wants something from Black Heads downfall. Death Trap had a look of utter frustration on his face. He was annoyed of something, or somepony. Ghost Pony Rider walked up to Death Trap, knowing he didn't want to kill him.

"So...come to your senses?" Rider asks.

"Yup, got that right." Death Trap says rubbing the back of his neck.

"What changed?" Ghost Rider asks.

  Death Trap put his talons to his hips as he paced himself back and forth. He was annoyed of being ordered. Of being used. He wanted to quit while he still had his life. He didn't like Black Head, not one bit.

"She is beginning to be a reel pain in my arse. I cant take it anymore Rider. I'm willing to help you fight her to show I've changed."

  Luna walked in front of Ghost Pony Rider and stared Death Trap in his animalistic red eyes. Her face of pure rage spoke for itself. She didn't like Death Trap, she didn't forget his little massacre of CloudsDale not to long ago. She didn't trust him.

"What makes thou think we can trust thee?" Luna says gritting her teeth.

  Death Trap still has look of annoyance as Luna stares him down. He knew why she didn't trust him. He also knew he would never see the light of day after this adventure. Death Trap was prepared to pay the price for his crimes. As a hired mercenary, Death Trap was used to killing all sorts of creatures. He also was used to working alone. This was an exception though. However, he knew something Ghost Pony Rider needed to know. Death Trap walks past Luna and kneels down to Ghost Pony Rider.

"Black Head is planning to sacrifice Celestia to some sort of master she has."

[Chrysalis Castle. Rooftop.]

  Celestia was dazed. She couldn't remember what had happened. All she could recall was her looking at Ghost Pony Riders family photo and then, nothing. Now she's waking up on a metal table, spread eagle, on a rooftop. She tried to break free but her strength was weak. She tried to use her magic but she was to weak to use it. It was as if something had drained her of her power. A small laughter came from behind her. Her eyes went wide eyed. Celestia tried to look behind her but the table was in the way.

"Who's their? I demand that you release me!" she says.

  A black tentacle then came from under the table and it wraps around Celestia's leg. She struggles more but to no avail. Another appendage comes from the other side of the table and wraps around Celestia's torso. Sweat begins to drip down her cheek. She the hears footsteps from behind the table. A grey earth pony with a black, stylish mane comes from behind the table with a sinister grin. Celestia narrows her eyes. She then sees the grey ponies black, emotionless eyes. A terrified look forms on Celestia's face.

"What? Is it the eyes?" Black Head asks.

"Why have you captured me?" Celestia asks.

  Black Head laughs as she uses one of her black appendages to lift the metal table upward so Celestia was eye level with Black Head. The look of despair on Celestia was priceless to Black Head. She had big plans for the sun goddess. Big plans indeed.

"Your going to help me summon my master." Black Head says with a smile.

"Your...master? Discord isn't the one to have worshippers."

  Black Head's smile evaporates as it turns to pure rage. Black Head slaps Celestia with her hoof, knocking her head to the side with force. Celestia is breathing heavily, same with Black Head.

"DONT YOU DARE MENTION THAT TRAITORS NAME TO ME!"

  Celestia thought to herself as she collects herself from the slap.

'Got to admit...didn't see that coming.'

  Celestia stress into Black Heads soulless eyes with curiosity now.

"Then who is?" she asks.

  Black Head smile returns as she laughs. She then releases the black appendages from Celestia as backs away from the princess. Celestia knew exposition was coming, an annoyed look on her face.

"That bastard Discord promised I could take revenge on those who made my life hell."

'This sounds familiar.' Celestia thought.

"When I achieved my goal. I went to Discord because I wanted more. I wanted to do more then just kill those who made others miserable. I...wanted to make others miserable. To make their worst fears come to life. To strike fear in Equestria. However, he denied me. Said that wasn't the deal. About that time he was 'reformed' thanks to your stupid Elements of Harmony. I ran off. Planning for this day. To capture you, and sacrifice you to my one true master! THE sun god."

"Sun god?" Celestia gives a fearful look.

  Black Head comes in closer to Celestia. To a point where their muzzles were just barely touching. Celestia flushed slightly as Black Head smiled maniacally at the reaction. She leaned in to Celestia's ear.

"His name is-"

  A huge blazing inferno exploded a part of the roof exposing Luna, Twilight, Death Trap, and Ghost Pony Rider. Luna was carrying Rider while Twilight and Death Trap were flying. Ghost Pony Rider jumped onto the roof while Death Trap and the princesses lowered down. Black Head gave a look of surprise.

"Death Trap? What are you doing!?" Black Head yells.

"Shut up ya grey bitch." Death Trap returns.

  Black Head snarls. Death Trap has made the biggest mistake of his life by betraying her. She would make sure he would die before anyone else. Ghost Pony Rider draws his shotgun from his back and narrows his eye sockets.

"Listen Black Head...let the princess go and I wont hurt you. Much."

  Black Head starts to laugh. Everyone except Ghost Pony Rider backs up a bit. He wasn't about to let her mind games get to him. Neither was he about to let her escape. Black Head is still laughing. Something was wrong. Ghost Pony Rider senses something evil. Mounds of black puddles begin to form on the roof with bubbling heavily as they start to make dog like monsters. They were a head taller then the ponies and just as tall as Death Trap. They growled and snarled with saliva leaking from their mouths. Their crimson eyes full of lust for blood. The heroes where back to back with each other as the monsters multiplied.

"You think I came alone! Your wrong! I'm giving this sacrifice to my master of it kills me!" Black screams with a smirk.

"That can be arranged." Death Trap commented.

"Rider remember the pool I told thou about?" Luna asks.

"Uh yeah."

"By my knowledge, you should be on the side of this castle."

"Got it. Ill try not to die first."

  The creatures leapt for the heroes. They jumped high, making all of them to go into a cluster. Ghost Pony Rider knocked his hoof back, building fire into it. He then dived head first into the pile of monsters. A huge explosion of oil and fire covered  the rooftop with a black substance. The substance began to form more monsters then before. Ghost Pony Rider was surrounded. He narrowed his eye sockets.as he whipped out his chain. He gripped the chain with both hooves as his fire turned crimson. A demonic circle forms under him. Everyone stares in awe.

"THE INICENTS WILL BE AVENGED! BLADE! COUNTER DOWN!"

  Ghost Pony Rider slams his hoof on the roof, making the creatures evaporate into dust and the shockwave knocks the fliers out of the sky. Everyone opens their eyes to see piles of ash near Ghost Pony Rider and a burned spot where his hoof hit. Ghost Pony Rider smiles.

"Remind me to never get sir Ghost Rider angry Twilight." Luna says.

  Twilight laughs. Black Head and Ghost Pony Rider begin a stare down. This fight would determine the fate of Princess Celestia and all of Equestria. Twilight turns to see other Pegasus ponies approaching with a camera and mic.

"Oh no...its the news."

  Luna and Death Trap turn to see the ponies as well. Luna flies over and warns the ponies to stay back. They agree and fly back a good yard away from them. They start up the camera.

"Hello everypony this is Millicent and I'm bringing you a important bulletin! It appears the legendary Ghost Pony Rider is fighting some sort of monster pony for the life of Princess Celestia!"

  Televisions across Equestria were then broadcasted to the event live. Millions of TV's caught in the moment. Millions of ponies tuned in to the fight. Ghost Pony Rider and Black Head were still staring each other down.

"This ends now Black Head!"

"I couldn't agree with you more!"

  The two monsters then charge each other. Each getting closer. The impact of the two sent a shockwave through the air. Almost knocking everyone out of the air. Both ponies locked heads, trying to overpower the other. A huge ring of fire around the two as they pushed against the other. Black Head extended an appendage from her back and swatted Ghost Pony Rider away. He hit the ground, skidding across the ground. He jumps up and spears his chain at Black Head making contact with her chest. He pulls back with force causing Black Head to fly toward him.

"COME HERE!"

  Ghost Pony Rider right hooks Black Head, sending her flying away from him. She lands on the ground on all fours. He looks down and sees the wound wear the spear hit. Blood leaking from the wound. It closes in a matter of seconds. Black Head smiles. She looks up but gets a flying kick to her face. She is knocked on her back. Ghost Pony Rider is on top of her and holding her down.

"This is your idea of a 'good time'?" she says smiling.

  Ghost Pony Rider growls but Black Head uses both of her legs to kick him off, sending him flying into the air. She then unleashes a barrage of tentacles toward Ghost Pony Rider. Hitting him from every direction. Ghost Pony Rider calls out to his best ability.

"Hey...ow...guys. Can you maybe help me!"

  Luna and Twilight nod and Death Trap goes to try and free Celestia. He lands next to her and tries his best to pry open the restraints.

"I thought you were with her! Why are you helping us?"

"Lets just say...I don't want to destroy the world." Death Traps says giving a determined look.

  Celestia looks over Death Traps shoulder to see Black Head grabbing and throwing Luna into Twilight with her tentacles. Ghost Pony Rider the tackles Black Head to the floor and wraps his chain around her neck. Ponies across Equestria are glued to their screens. This was intense. This was certainly helping Ghost Pony Riders reputation. It was showing all of Equestria he is a hero. A hero who is willing to risk his life.

  Ghost Pony Rider's skull was cracked to a great extent and he was breathing heavily. He couldn't take much more of this. Black Head could go at this for hours. She didn't even have a scratch on her! He growled but remembered but was at the side of the castle. He smiled. Black Head noticed.

"What's so funny!?" she demands.

  Now it was Ghost Rider's turn to laugh. Black Head could feel the gears in the head begin to grind as her enemy was laughing at something.

"When was the last time you took a bath?" he asks.

  Black Head knocks her head back at the question. It was odd to say the least. Did she smell bad? No. It was something worse.

"Cause I saw a pool next to the building!" he says whipping out his chain.

  Ghost Pony Rider spear throws his chain at Black Head. Wrapping around her tightly with remorse. He struggles to get free but is trapped when the chain bursts into fire. Ghost Pony Rider the pulls her close to him with a wide smile on his skull.

"Black Head. Your soul is stained by the blood of the innocent. FEEL THIER PAIN!"

  Ghost Pony Rider grabs Black Head and jumps off the castle top, catching everyone's attention. Luna attempts to follow but his blocked by a bright yellow shield. She looks to see Celestia free from the table and with her magic back. She shacks her head a Luna. Luna gives a worries look as she stares at the falling ponies. Ghost Pony Rider stares up and sees the pool Luna told him about. He knew if he hit that pool as well, he could kiss his powers good bye. That was a risk he was willing to take. Black Head screamed at him.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU FOOL! WE'LL BOTH BE KILLED IN THE WATER!"

  Ghost Pony Rider looks at her and smiles and narrows his eye sockets.

"No...just you. I still have a soul you stone cold bitch."

  That was the last thing that was said before both crashed into the deep pool with a huge splash. The water begins to glow green. Under the water, already Black Head and Ghost Pony Rider were feeling the effects of the pool. Black Head screamed and screeched under the water as her body begun to dissolve into nothing. Not even her bones were left as parts of her body begun to disappear into the water. Ghost Pony Rider watched with wide eye sockets as Black Head evaporated into nothing. She was gone. Now it was Ghost Pony Riders turn.His fire has stomped. He could feel a powerful energy leave his body as he saw flesh beginning to from on his hooves. He felt his face to discovered it to be squishy. He had an actual face again. He also had organs again. That included lungs. Ghost Rider started quickly pedaling up to the surface. He reached the surface in only a few seconds. He took in a deep breathe with actual lungs again. He was normal. He looked into the pool to see himself. His skin was peach orange with a blonde mane. His eyes were brown. Ghost Pony Rider gave a wide smile. He was normal. Soon, he is joined by Luna, Twilight, Celestia, and Death Trap. All giving wide eyed expressions.

"Rider your...your a real pony again!" Twilight says.

"I have to say mate. You look good." Death Trap ads.

"You sacrificed your powers to destroy Black Head?" Celestia asks.

  Ghost Rider closes his eyes and smiles. He didn't think that through. He didn't know his powers would go when he jumped into the pool. He chuckled.

"Yeah...I guess I did."

  Twilight then comes and hugs Rider with care. The sacrifice he made helped save Celestia and all of Equestria.

"Bravo! That was excellent!"

  Everyone looks behind and sees the lord of chaos Discord with a wide smile. This was unexpected. Ghost Pony Rider approaches Discord with a narrowed look.

"What are you doing here?" Rider asks.

"Simple, I enjoyed the fun and I want to give you a reward!" he says.

  Everyone was exchanging glances. A reward from Discord was nothing good. It either meant someone was going to be changed a different color, given a new body part, or worse. Ghost Pony Rider gave a confused look. He was interested.

"What kind of reward?" he asks.

  Discord laughs and floats down to eye level with Ghost Pony Rider.

"I want to give you your powers back." he said.

  Now everyone went wide eyed. This was unexpected even for Discord. This was kind of him. The promise of his powers back was like years ago when he first got them. He felt like a kid again when Discord gave him the choice to have his powers back and continue being the hero or be normal pony. Ghost Pony Rider smiled. He already knew the choice. He nodded. Discord laughs as he snaps his fingers. A fire ball forms in his lion paw. He points it at Ghost Pony Rider as it goes through his mouth and eyes. He roars as he flesh begins to burn away. Bits and pieces are flying off. He laughs as his head bursts into a blazing inferno. The last of flesh burns off as he raises his skull. With a narrowed eye sockets his roars into the sky. Ghost Pony Rider was back. Everyone cheered for their friend. Everyone across Equestria were cheering and celebrating the victory over evil as well. Soon, the whole planet was in an up roar of cheering for their hero. Evil was vanquished, the world was saved, all thanks to Ghost Pony Rider.

[A few days later.]

  Twilight was in Canterlot with Spike on one of their routine visits. Twilight and Celestia were taking a stroll with Spike on Twilights back. The day was pleasant with no clouds in sight. The suns rays were shining though the windows. Something caught Twilights mind.

"Hey princess. Where's Death Trap and Stroke?"

  Celestia turns her head to Twilight with a smile.

"Stroke is serving some time at a mental institution near Fillydelphia. Death Trap decided to pay for his crime in bits he earned from jobs he did. He don't know where he is at the moment."

  Outside the castle, Death Trap was perched on a cliff looking over PonyVille. He paid all he had and personally made himself disappear from Equestrias records. To them, he was dead. He smiled at the thought. He then heard walking behind him. He smiled. Ghost Pony Rider emerged from behind him and stood next to Death Trap.

"What's next?" Rider asked.

"I don't know. I figure something out." he said.

  Ghost Pony Rider chuckled.

"Well. Don't kill innocent ponies, that's a thought."

  Both him and Rider laughed. Death Trap was reformed from being a murderer to a hired hand. He didn't kill anymore. He wanted it to stay that way. Death Trap stood up and puffed his wings out. He turned to Ghost Pony Rider and gave a small smile.

"Ill see ya around mate."

  Ghost Pony Rider nodded as Death Trap took off into the sky. He disappeared from sight after a few seconds. Ghost pony Rider took this time to begin his running session. He leaped off the cliff and landed on a lower ground. He begun running, running fast and good. He would never get tired of this feeling. Running was his best thing to do. Ghost Pony Rider was running into the great land of Equestria. He saved the world. He needed a vacation now.