Chapters Celestia sat out on her balcony, looking up at the beautiful night sky like every night. Something was different about this night though, exactly one thousand years ago she had banished someone that had endangered the harmony of this land, The Shadow King. She still visited the hidden castle that once commanded his great empire that could have brought down the Solar Empire if they and come to blows.
She knew he'd be returning, all of her enemies did eventually. She couldn't afford to have a mass panic on her hooves, as during that time there was a treaty being created between the Solar Empire and the Chaos Capital, led by a race know as 'Draconequus' and their leader Discord, the most powerful of his kind.
When The Shadow King was banished a Draconequus named Eris had been one of the kings generals. All of the five generals were frozen in stone, sealed away by The Shadow King because he knew that his banishment was coming so he planned ahead and made it look like the works of the Elements of Harmony.
Celestia sighed and looked to a certain star, it was different from the others that lit up the night sky. This one was blue and shone brighter than any other star in the sky. Soon it twinkled and disappeared. Celestia watched the now empty spot in the sky and sighed. "So it begins."
Deep in the Badlands sat an old castle made of blue and black. Deep inside the castle sat the throne room, a bright light emerged from the gem atop the thrown and the alight gathered together to create a humanoid figure. As the light died, the human stood there. He looked to his gloved hands and clenched his fists. As he walked through the throne room his cloak blew freely as a draft made its way into the room. The soft sound on boots walking on polished marble was echoed throughout the hallway as the huge door leading to the throne room was pushed open.
The human pulled his hood down and examined his body again. The soft pants brushing against his skin on his lower half while the long sleeved black shirt wore a small breastplate of black armour with a blue emblem of the moon engraved on the right breast. A rapier sword rested on the leather belt on his waist. His short black hair blew softly in the draft and his sapphire blue eyes scanned his surroundings.
"I would have thought Celestia would have prepared for my return," he looked around and shook his head, "It would appear I overestimated her." He walked around the empty castle until he came to a door with a magic seal protecting it. He held his hand up to it and it glowed dark blue. The locks on the door clicked and it slowly opened up. Walking in he found the statue of a large shield. Placing his hand of the statue it too glowed dark blue. "Rise again my friends, and come to me."
In the four corners of Equestria and in the Canterlot Gardens five statues started to crack until bursting with a wave of light, freeing the beings within. Walking over to a chest at the far side of the room, the human opened it up and pulled out a bandana and black fedora. Placing the bandana over his mouth and dusting off the hat he sighed.
"I need to find my old allied empires, then I can resume my mission. I won't let Celestia continue with this false order." With a flick of his cloak he walked out of the room and the door slammed behind him.
The next day, Ponyville
The sound of a sword swiping through the air and scrapping test dummies could be heard near Sweet Apple Acres. A human girl was practicing with a silver rapier sword while the Apple family and her relatives prepared food for a get together. The girl had blonde hair which she wore in a ponytail, a green tracksuit top and light blue jeans. Her emerald green eyes watched her target as she thrust forwards and swiped with her weapon.
"Abigail! Food's ready!" Yelled a woman from the farm.
"Ok auntie Nichola, I'll be there in a second!" Abigail sheathed her sword and began walking towards the orchard. While she was walking she looked over to see two young boys playing with three fillies. She smiled at her little cousins and continued walking.
Once she reached the farm house she saw two women setting a large table with and elderly mare and a buff stallion. One of the women looked in her thirties with red hair while the other looked in her fifties with curly brown hair. Abigail sat down at the table and watched Astro other teenage girls sat down. The two of them were identical, having brown hair, which one wore in a ponytail while the other kept it down. They both wore blue jackets and skinny jeans.
"Hey Megan and Becky. How's things at the boutique?" Abilities asked her cousins.
"Oh well everything is going fine, business is booming ever since Fancy Pants started advertising for us and miss Rarity." Said Becky, who wore her hair down.
"Although that does mean we have less free time but what can you do?" Finished Megan.
"So, are Joanne and William going to be here?" Asked Abigail as she looked around.
"No, they've got urgent business in Casino Park in Las Pegasus, they couldn't make it." Both replied in unison. Soon the rest of the family gathered at the table. Abigail looked around at the ponies and humans that had gathered, she always felt like one person was missing from the gatherings, the only one of the family to yet arrive in Equestria.
"You're thinking about Carmine, aren't you?" Asked the elderly woman.
"Yeah, I am Grandma Mary."
"He'll turn up eventually, we just need to keep an eye out for him." Abigail smiled at her grandmothers comment and started eating an apple fritter.
As she finished her meal she noticed a tall alabaster mare walking towards them. "Princess Celestia!" Abigail ran up to Celestia and hugged her.
"Hello again Abigail, I hope you have been doing well." Abigail nodded and let Celestia go.
"So, what are you doing on Ponyville?" As soon as Abigail asked that question, Celestias smile flattered.
"I need to talk to you and your family about something of dire importance." The family gathered around the sun princess. "Centuries ago, there was a human that had arrived in Equestria with no memories, no knowledge of his people other than the name of his race. My sisters and I found him outside of our castle lost and confused. He could not remember his name, so we named him Anonymous, or Anon for short. We took him in and we quickly became friends."
"There was a human in Equestria before us?" Abigail asked in shock.
"Yes, and what a human he was. He knew what to say and was incredibly skilled, in knowledge and in combat. Like you, his weapon of choice was a rapier sword." The group all looked to each other in shock.
"You don't think it was him, do you?" Megan asked Abigail.
"It could be..."
Celestia noticed their shock. "Does this person sound familiar?"
"Yes, it sounds a lot like my brother Carmine. He's the only members of the family besides my deceased parents that haven't shown up in Equestria." Celestia just looked to the ground. "What?"
"If you have history with him then this is going to be hard to hear." The family just stared in confusion. "Over time, this human started to notice what he called 'flaws in my version of harmony.' He began building an empire to try and overthrow me and force his version of harmony on the populace of Equestria. I was left no choice but to banish him to the stars, like I did with my sister Nightmare Moon. This also turned his generals to stone and his empire fell apart."
The group all looked heartbroken. "Carmine turned evil?" Asked one of the small boys.
"In a way yes, but when I told him he was evil he replied with, 'Evil is subjective in a situation like this. You see this as evil because it's against what you think is good, with me it is reverse. I see what you are doing as evil, you get the point.' That was the last thing I heard him say before I used the Elements of Harmony on him."
"Why are you telling us this now?" Abigail asked.
"Because he has returned, and he plans to rebuild his empire."
Anon sat on his throne, waiting for his five generals to arrive. Soon the door to the room opened and five figures walked forward. "Ah, my friends. So lovely to see you again." The figures stopped and bowed. "Rise my generals. I wish to see your faces again."
One of the figures disappeared and reappeared beside him. "It's great to see you up and about again Nonny, I did miss you ever so much." The female Draconequus said as she brushed her eagle claw on his cheek.
"Ah, Eris. I see you are well, I trust you've been paying close attention to Celestia in the Canterlot Gardens?"
"You know it, nothing has changed with her." Eris flew up and landed by her fellow generals. Then a white Minotaur walked forward.
"Solid Will, how are you feeling my friend?"
The Minotaur smirked. "I'm feeling in the mood to kick some flank!" He said as he slammed his fist into his palm.
"Good to hear it." Next a purple Thestral in black full body armour walked forward. "Sonar Whisp, how are you my dear?"
"I'm feeling the same as always, I'm feeling honoured to serve you King Anon." Smirking Anon brushed her mane and she stepped back. The next general was a blue half-dragon.
"Thanos my friend, looking calm today, that is a sign of improvement."
"Yes, a thousand years in stone is a long time, I leaned how to control my anger after the first century." The last general was a shadow pony with a blue horn and was wearing a black breastplate.
"It is good to see you free at last my liege." The shadow pony bowed.
"Rise Mist Hunter, no need to be so formal." The generals all looked to Anon with soft smiles. "Alright, now that formalities are out of the way here are your orders. You are to go back to the areas where you were imprisoned and recruit as many soldiers and find as many wiling inhabitants as possible to join the empire. Except for you Eris, you will be coming with me to Las Pegasus, we need to find the temple that was buried there." The group saluted their King and made their way out of the castle. "Teleport us there Eris."
"Yes sir." Eris snapped her fingers and they vanished from the area. Meanwhile a certain queen was watching these events and came out of her hiding place.
"So, the stories are true. This could be a great opportunity for revenge against Celestia and her ponies, as a bonus, my children will be given a chance to be treated equally." The changeling queen rubbed her hooves together and laughed.
Abigail walked through the whitetail woods, soft rays of sunlight piercing through the amber leaves as she walked along the soft dirt path. She hung her head slightly, processing what Celestia had told her. 'I just don't get it, why would Carmine do all those things? More importantly, how'd he get here before us with no memory?'
"You seem troubled." Abigail turned to see the first pony that had found her when she had arrived in Equestria. The tall white faceless pony in a suit walked up to her. "Hello again Abigail."
"Hi Slendermane. How've you been?" Abigail hugged the pony and he wrapped a tendril around her.
"The more important question is how've you been? I sensed that your emotions were conflicted and I thought I'd check up on you." Abigail smiled softly at her friends concern. "From they way your emotions are changing, am I right to assume that it is something to do with a family member of some kind?"
"Right on the money Slendy." Abigail sighed and sat down with her back against a tree, Slender sitting down beside her.
"Tell me, what has caused you so much distress?" Abigail explained everything that Celestia had told her and her family, Slender nodding as she told him about her troubles. "So what exactly is sparking these conflicting emotions?" Abigail slumber back against the tree and watched the swaying leaves.
"It's the bond I had with Carmine, " Slender just gave her a look of understanding (as much as he could anyway) and placed a hoof to her shoulder, "I mean, we're twins, we grew up together, we played together and we learned together. Now that bond is just... gone."
"That may not be true," Abigail looked to her friend in confusion, "He may have lost his memory, but their may be fragments of his past left in his consciousness. Maybe if you were to confront him you could try to bring out those lost memories." Abigail smiled and brought her friend into a hug.
"Thanks Slendy." Slender reached a tendril over to a small patch of grass and pulled out a small daisy. He placed it in her hair before teleporting away. Abigail chuckled and resumed her walk. "If I'm going to confront Carmine, I'm gonna need some help. I wonder if Screwball or Sweetie Bot are doing anything."
As she walked away she failed to notice Mist Hunter watching her from the shadows. "I must report this to King Anon, but I must follow my orders first." He turned into a shadow and shot off towards his corner of Equestria.
Casino Park, Las Pegasus
Anon stood on the roof of the tallest casino in the city of lights that was Las Pegasus. Sounds of slot machines and various types of party music could be heard from every building.
"You aren't surprised by all of this?" Eris asked as she floated around.
"Just because I was banished to the stars doesn't mean I can't use my magic, I've been observing the development of Equestria for the past millennium." Anons hand glowed blue and his eyes became white. Looking around at the ground bellow he found what he was searching for. "The temple is buried under Casino Park Plaza, teleport us down there."
"There's to much magic interference here, we need to get closer." Anon looked around at the buildings bellow and noticed certain antennas that were designed to hinder a unicorns or any other magic users abilities as to not cheat in the games.
"Very well then." Anon jumped off the roof and slid down the curved glass. He pulled out his sword and used it to slow his decent with Eris following him. He then held his sword above himself and grabbed it with both hands. Eris then picked up the blade and swung Anon to the next roof. As they ran along the rooftops Anon caught something from the corner of his eye tabs caused him to stop. He rubbed his eyes and looked to where he thought he had saw two other humans.
"You alright Nonny?" He looked to Eris and blinked.
"It was just my imagination, let's keep moving." Not questioning her leader, Eris continued on until she was in range of the temple.
"Ok, this is far enough." With a snap of her fingers the two appeared in an underground cave. Eris snapped her fingers again and multiple torches and lanterns were lit along the ancient stone walls.
"Thank you Eris. I should be fine by myself now, you head to the Chaos Capital and try to get them to ally with the Shadow Empire." Eris nodded and handed Anon a crystal that would take him back to the castle in the badlands. After Eris had teleported away Anon started sprinting down the long hallway with a hand on the grip of his rapier. As he expected a few unwelcome pony golems had made the temple their home and got ready to attack the intruder.
As Anon neared them he unsheathed his blade and sped up. When he reached the first one he spun around curing the golem in half. As he raced down the hallway he repeated the process with every other golem until two huge golems blocked his path up ahead. He ran faster and started spinning until his body began spinning like a drill with his sword held out. He collided with the rock monsters and started to drill through them with blue sparks flying as he grounded his way through his targets. He flew out as a large hole had been made in both of the golems chests. He watched them fall and then shot off towards the large door at the end of the hall.
He encountered only a few other golems which were dealt with by a thrust of his sword. Upon reaching his destination he did not sheath his sword. He held out his hand and it glowed blue, the door in turn glowing and opening. As the door opened a large golem walked out while dragging a huge stone blade behind it. It swung it's weapon at Anon but he ducked and the blade got stuck in the stone wall. Anon jumped up onto the blade and ran up the weapon. When he reached the end he jumped at shot past the golems head. He landed and slowly sheathed his rapier. As the blade rested fully in its home the head of the golem slid of the body and it crumbled to small boulders.
Finally able to enter the room, he looked around. The room was dome shaped with large blue crystals shining the light they produced onto a pedestal in the middle of the chamber. Walking up to the pedestal Anon found the thing he had placed in the temple for safe keeping. It was half of a pendant, specifically a sliver pendant in the shape of a five pointed star. "Now... I just need to go see her." He grabbed the necklace and placed it around his neck. He then held the crystal Eris had gave him and he disappeared from the temple.
Outskirts of Ponyville
Abigail focuses on her hand, it glowed yellow and he rapier was coated in a small layer of yellow fire. "I am so glad I can use magic." When the family had arrived in Equestria, Twilight had ran some tests and preformed an ancient spell that allowed any being to use magic, that catch to this was that it required a special flower that was extremely hard to acquire, as once one is picked from its stem another will grow in a random spot in Equestria. Twilight was fortunate enough to posses one of these 'Lunar Flowers' since one had grown outside of the library.
Not wasting an opportunity to see if she could give another being magical abilities, Twilight had asked one of the humans to test the spell on, the human that came forward was Abigail. That was six months ago and she had become greatly skilled in the art of magic, being taught by Princess Nightmare Moon who, despite her name and history, was very kind and patient with Abigail as she failed many times to preform a spell.
She thrust her sword forward and a small ball of yellow energy was shot out of the blade and pierced a large rock, leaving a stab mark and not a huge hole. Taking a large breath Abigail began rapidly thrusting her rapier sending multiple magic blades at the rock. She then shot forward with an aura bubble surrounding her and she burst through the stone, shattering it to pieces.
Abigail sheathed her blade and looked towards a floating purple pony with swirls as pupils. "Wow Abi, you're getting really good at this, I bet the Princess is proud." Abigail chuckled and walked over to her friend.
"Thanks Screwball, and thank you for agreeing to join me in confronting Carmi-I mean the Shadow King."
Screwball waved her hoof dismissively. "No problem, I've been looking for something to do anyway, things are boring with Dad always preoccupied with that peace treaty thing."
"Yeah, but that'll make things better for Equestria and the Chaos Capital." Suddenly Screwball froze. She then grabbed Abigail and ducked into a bush. "Screwball? What's wrong?"
"Shhh." The pair watched as a group of various beings, some ponies, some griffins, some creatures that they didn't recognise and a few Draconequi rushed past them. As the crowd faded into the trees Mist Huntet walked from the direction they had came from. 'Oh no.'
Abigail could hear Screwball from her mind as the two had set up a telepathic link. 'What' wrong? Who is that?'
'That's Mist Hunter, one of the Shadow Kings five generals. I don't understand how he's here though, he should be in his stone prison in the Chaos Capital.'
Suddenly Eris appeared beside Mist Hunter. "So, how many did ya get Misty?" She asked with a grin.
"There are multiple groups headed towards the castle to join us, a little over a hundred. I take it your mission in Casino Park was a success?"
"Knowing King Anon he's already back at the castle, I'm just headed to pay my little brother a visit."
"Very well, I must return to the castle to give my report to the King." Both nodded and disappeared.
Screwball and Abigail walked out of the bushes and looked at each other worriedly. "That guy said Casino Park right? My aunt and Uncle are there right now, I hope they're safe." Abigail looked unsure.
"I don't think the Shadow Empire is wanting to attack anyone just yet, they're still rebuilding from what I can tell." Screwball reassured her friend.
"You're right. Come on, let's go see if Sweetie Bot wants in on this." Screwball smirked and they both began running towards the CMC club house.
That night, Canterlot
Princess Luna sat atop the roof of her tower, gazing up at the stars. When her gaze fell upon an empty space in the constellations she gasped. "A star is missing."
"Then that star must have fallen to create you, my love." Luna's eyes widened and she quickly turned around to see Anon standing there.
"A-Anon?" Anon nodded and walked over to her. He then knelt down, now face to face with her. He pulled the bandana down from his mouth and planted a deep meaningful kiss on Luna's lips.
He separated from the kiss and placed a hand to her cheek. "Look at you, still as beautiful as the night sky you craft each night." Luna started to tear up and she buried her head into Anons chest while wrapping her hooves around him.
"I missed you so much Anon." Anon wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
"I missed you too my gorgeous sapphire." Luna pulled away slightly and brushed a piece of her mane around her horn to the side to reveal a blue ring at the base. Anon pulled off one of his gloves to reveal his own ring. "I will never leave you again."
Abigail and Screwball arrived at the club house and found the CMC preparing for their next attempt to get their marks. "Hi girls."
The fillies looked aver to her and smiled. "Hi Abigail and Screwball, whatcha doing all the way out here?" Asked Sweetie Belle.
"We were wondering if we could borrow SweetieBot for awhile."
Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded. "Sure, she's in the clubhouse, go nuts." With that the three fillies ran off. Walking into the club house, which proved a little difficult for Abigail, the pair saw the mechanical filly they were looking for dusting a desk with her tail.
"Hey SweetieBot." The robot looked to her friends and smiled.
"Hello friends, what can I do for you?" On one of Sweetie Belles attempts to get her cutie mark she had wanted to try her hoof in engineering. She spent months studying mechanics, rules of robotics and gathering the necessary parts. With a little help from Screwball and Abigail's uncle, SweetieBot was born.
Although this didn't get Sweetie Belle her mark, but it seemed cruel for her to just scrap the robot, so she let it be her assistant. Over time though it gained sentience and for some reasons installed weaponry it had built, when everyone asked why she said that she wanted to protect the CMC whenever they went into the Everfree Forset.
"We were wondering if you wanted to join us on a little adventure." SweetieBot stopped dusting and looked to her friends unsure.
"Explain." Abigail told SweetieBot everything, after calculating the odds of success without her going with them she nodded her head. "Ok, I'll join you. Just let me finish my work here then I'll meet you at Golden Oaks Library."
"Thanks SweetieBot, knew we could count on you." With that Screwball and Abigail left the robot to her businesses.
"I have a feeling in my circuitry that this will only end badly for Abigail."
Badlands, Empire Castle
As Thanos and Mist Hunter returned from their missions and having any recruits placed in the underground settlements, they returned to the throne room and bowed before Anon.
"Hello again my trusted generals, I take it your missions were successful?" Anon asked with a confident smile.
"Yes, ninety two percent of the inhabitants from the settlements I visited have agreed to join the Shadow Empire." Thanos replied in a neutral tone.
"What of the other eight percent?" Anon asked with interest.
"They were free to do as they saw fit, no one was seriously harmed other than a few of the inhabitants that had protested with violence."
"Excellent work Thanos." Anon praised, he then turned his attention to Mist Hunter. "And how did your mission fare my friend?"
"The surviving Shadow Ponies have agreed to ally with our empire, although the wish to stay in their settlement under our flag until needed. Ninety one percent of the inhabitants from my visits have agreed, some still wishing to remain in their towns but a large number of them are traveling to us as we speak." Anon applauded his two generals.
"Outstanding work gentlemen, you have served me greatly today. Mist Hunter, have any willing Thestral scouts deliver the flags to the allied settlements during the night, as to not fall under the watchful eyes of Celestia." The two generals nodded. "Also, I have a special announcement." The two looked at their King in interest. "Princess Luna may be returned to us."
Both look d to each other in shock. "Our Queen is returning to us?" They both asked.
"Yes my friends, although she is feeling conflicted with having to choose between us and her sisters. I don't want you to say a word about this to the other generals, I want it to be a surprise." Both nodded and bowed.
As Anon was about to give the two their orders he was interrupted by a voice from the shadows. "So, you are the legendary King Anon, leader of the Shadow Empire." Queen Chrysalis walked out from a dark corner and smirked. "I will say I am impressed with what you and your subordinates have done in just a day."
"They are not my subordinates, they are my friends and equals, King Anon is merely a title that gives those that serve the Shadow Empire someone to follow." Anon slumped back in his throne and twiddled his thumbs while looking at the changeling. "You are Queen Chrysalis, am I correct?"
"So you've heard of me then?" She asked with a genuine smile.
"I've heard of how your kind was treated unfairly when you were in desperate need of food for your people." This just caused Chrysalis to smile brighter.
"So you really do take everything into account then? That's someone I can follow." She walked up to the throne and the two generals stepped out of her way watching her carefully. "I would like to have the Changeling Kingdom and the Shadow Empire become allies." Anon smiled, stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Consider it done my dear, anyone is welcome under our flag. I promise you kind will be treated with the same level of respect as the others." Chrysalis smiled and wiped a tear from her cheek, she then brought Anon into a hug.
"Thank you." Anon patted her on the back and nodded to his generals who then relaxed.
"Follow Mist Hunter and he will help you make the arrangements, it is great to have you on board Chrysalis." The changeling nodded and began walking beside Mist Hunter who turned to Anon.
"My liege, after this I must talk to you of something of great importance." Anon nodded and he walked out the door with the changeling queen in tow.
Anon then turned to Thanos. "Go down to the underground settlements and help organise the people into their new homes and try to set up some staff. I will send Sonar when she returns to aid you."
Thanos nodded and walked out of the room.
Ponyville, Everfree Forest
Slendermane walked slowly through the forset that he called home. Being feared by everyone had drove him to seek refuge in the forest of thorns. He was just misunderstood, that seemed to be a common trend in Equestria, if someone was different from normal ponies then they were feared and shunned.
His life was hard, he sustained himself by eating various fruits that grew in the cursed forest, although now that he had a friend outside of the forest he was often brought a basket of some of his favourite treats. He sat down in his cave and looked at the basket he had just found. He read the label, 'Here you go Slendy, I made sure to get them freshly baked for you, love Abigail.'
"That girl is too kind for her own good sometimes." He reached a tendril into the basket and pulled out a rainbow cupcake. Smiling (as best he could) he took a bite out of it with his invisible mouth. Savouring the taste of the warm pastry he started drawing with another tendril. "Hope I can actually get it right this time." The notes that were found around his area in the forest were actually just some doddle she had drawn up to scare away anyone that wanted to harm him so he didn't have to do it himself.
As he drew a detailed sketch of his friend he sensed her approaching. He hid the piece of paper in his suit pocket and walked outside the cave to greet his friend, though he sensed another pony with her.
"Abi, what are we in Slendermane's territory? Don't you know who Slendermane is?"
"As a matter of fact I do, he's my best friend and you are not going to hurt his feelings by running away screaming bloody murder." Scolded Abigail as she enter the clearing in which Slenders cave was located.
Slender hesitated before stepping out into the open. Screwball covered her mouth and held in a scream while Abigail smiled softly at him.
"Hi Slendy, did you get the basket I left?" She asked while walking up to give him a hug which he returned.
"I did, thank you again Abigail for treating me to those delicious sweets." Abigail was about to say something when Screwball interrupted.
"Hey! Mind telling me how you two know each other?" Screwball looked to each if them, "Well?"
Abigail rolled her eyes and sat down beside Slender. "Fine, if it'll stop you from asking a never ending stream of questions, honestly you're worse than Twilight when it comes to this sort of thing."
10 months earlier
Slender sat alone yet again in his cave with no one to talk to during the blistering storm that raged outside. Just then he heard something hit the ground and he peeked his head out of the cave. There lying in the middle of the clearing was an unconscious human girl. Thinking fast he stretched a tendril out and wrapped it around her. He then gently brought her into the cave and lay her against the wall, adding some sticks to fire as to help her dry off.
He looked her over and placed a hoof to his chin in thought. 'Clearly female, but what kind of species is she?' He began inspecting her, but keeping clear of any private areas, he may be a monster but he's still a gentleman. 'Some kind of hairless ape I think, she's wearing clothes so either she's someone's pet or she's a sentient being.' He looked to her hip where a rapier sword lay in its sheath. 'Ok, that disproves the pet theory. When she wakes up I'll ask her some questions, right now she needs to warm up.' He then looked her over again and sighed. 'It's going to be difficult getting her warm with soaking wet clothing... Ok, I'll take as little off as I possibly can, it's for her health.'
After taking off her hoodie, socks, and jeans he wrapped her in a blanket and set her closer to the fire, with a makeshift clothes rack close by to help her clothes dry.
'I could use some sleep myself, I should try to wake up before she does so she doesn't run off alone if she sees me first thing.' With a yawn Slender lay his head down and drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
The next morning Slender woke up, after stretching like a cat he looked around and spotted the sleeping girl.
'So it wasn't a dream then.' He slowly walked towards her and gently shook her with his hoof. She started to stir, noticing this Slender backed up to give her some room and sat down.
Once she opened her eyes she looked around the cave confused. "Where am I?" Sitting up she took in her surroundings. As she slowly turned her head her vision fell on Slendermane. She rubbed her eyes and looked back at him. "What the?" She tilted her head and looked him over. 'Is that seriously Slenderman... as a pony?'
"Hello, um... miss. Did you sleep well?" Slender asked, causing the girl to freeze.
'Did it just talk?' The girl looked around and saw some of her clothes by a dead fire. "Um, why are my clothes off my body?"
Slender looked from her to her clothes. "Oh, I found you outside soaking wet and unconscious, I brought you in here to help warm you up, but your wet clothes made that difficult. I left as much on as I could, I had a feeling you wouldn't want to be naked with no fur."
'There is so much I can misinterpret there, but luckily I'm not the kind of girl that jumps to conclusions.' Sitting up fully the girl rubbed her face and yawned. "Well, thank you for getting me out of the rain, um..."
"It's Slendermane, nice to meet you."
"Right, Slendermane. Um, don't take this the wrong way but, I'm having a hard time trusting you." Slenders happy composure faltered.
"I don't blame you, who would trust someone like me anyway? I mean, look at me." He slumped back against the cave wall. "I'm just some faceless freak."
The girl suddenly started to feel guilty. "Hey, if I really am here, that means I'm going to be treated like a monster by the inhabitants." Slender just looked at her.
"What do you mean?" The girl gestured to her body.
"Tell me, do I look like your everyday pony to you?" She asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"I guess not." Both looked to each other with sorry smiles (well as much as... You know what you get the points I'm not pointing this out through the entire damn story).
"Well then, looks like we're stuck with each other, I'm Abigail by the way." She held out her hand and Slender stretched a tendril over to shake it.
"Very nice to meet you Abigail. I have a feeling we are going to become good friends."
"And ever since then Slendy here has been my guardian angel of sorts." Abigail wrapped her arms around her friend and hugged him. "Eventually he encouraged me to go and talk to the townsfolk here, and you know the rest." Screwball just looked at the girl dumbfounded.
"Ok, I'm gonna need a quick second to process all that." Abigail rolled her eyes as Screwball began repeating the story to herself.
Little did they know at the top of the cliff that shadowed the clearing, Anon stood looking down at Abigail.
'Another human, Mist Hunter was right.' He looked to his hand and clenched it into a fist. 'I have to try and get her on my side, she may have the answers of where I came from and who I was before.'
Suddenly he felt a small magic surge come from his castle, an alert system he had put in place to let him know that his generals had returned.
'My meeting with this girl will have to wait, I must focus on regaining my empire's strength.' He held the crystal that Eris had gave him and returned to his castle, where a very special visitor had arrived alongside the generals.
Anon stood face to face with the one pony he didn't want to see, the one who had set Equestria onto a path of certain destruction, the very being he had once called sister, this pony, was Celestia.
The five generals stated daggers at her while she stared down Anon. "It's been a long time Anonymous, I would have hoped you would have learned your lesson since before the great peace."
"What you call peace I call madness, what I call peace you call insanity. There was no lesson to learn, I am not your student, I am not Twilight Sparkle or Clover the Clever. You were the one that needed to be taught something Princess Celestia, but you're too stubborn to admit it." Anon didn't even bother looking her in the eye as he walked past her.
"I need to learn nothing, you're the one that was corrupted." Anon burst out laughing. "What's so funny?!"
"You are! You and your sheer stupidity. I wasn't corrupted, I wasn't possed, there is no dark magic inside of my body and there never was. Go ahead... check." Scowling Celestias horn lit up and she scanned Anons body, finding nothing. Celestia just looked to her stepbrother in shock. "It shouldn't be surprising, you should have figured this out long ago before you pulled out your little 'fix everything' gems and blasted me to the stars! Where I only grew stronger, smarter and most importantly," he came face to face with Celestia, "I was able to watch as you hid all of my old runes and spell tomes, even where you put 'him.' So in a way I should be thanking you sister, you've aided my cause greatly."
Anon just looked to Celestia from the corner of his eye with a victorious smile, Celestia just looking at him in disbelief.
"I will give you one chance to leave this place peacefully and unharmed Celestia, because unlike you," he turned to her with a stone cold glare and ice in his voice, "I don't blast my problems away!" The generals all smirked as their King had just rendered Celestia unable to speak with just his words, crushing a part of her mind by pointing out one of many flaws in her 'harmony' that Anon had found over the years. "You have three minutes, after that I send one of my generals after you." Celestia remained still, the same broken expression plastered on her face as her horn lit up and she vanished.
Anon sat down in his throne and looked to his generals.
"So, did I put on a good show for you all?" He asked with a smirk.
"Only the best thing I've seen in my life, I've never seen Tia so confused and conflicted in my life!" Exclaimed Eris as she floated over to Anon. "When you do stuff like this it's no wonder I chose to work with you." Solid Will walked up to the throne.
"Yeah, you gave it to her good! I bet she won't even be able to concentrate on her duties thanks to that little speech!" Anon smiled at the Minotaur.
"Well, when I have friends like you five on my side I have to do something to keep the ball rolling. I haven't broken her completely though, I only gave us enough time to begin phase one of the plan." The generals all stepped forward. "Sonar, you are to set up a garrison and begin training the new recruits, as well as pick you own personal guard." With a salute Sonar walked out of the room. "Thanos and Solid, you two are to head to the Crystal Empire and find the horn of King Sombra in the tundra, once you do teleport back to the castle using this crystal." Eris snapped her fingers and a crystal appeared in Solids hand. The half-dragon and Minotaur nodded and went to complete their mission. "Now, Eris and Mist Hunter, I have a mission for you and it is critical that you complete it."
"What do you need us to do?" Asked Eris.
Anon reached behind the throne and pulled out a jewelled chest. He opened it to reveal the Elements of Harmony. "While I was in Ponyville scoping out that human girl I stopped by the local library to make sure these do not get in our way again." Anon then took the magic element and the kindness element out if the chest and handed it to Mist Hunter. "You are to take this to the frozen north and bury it, but remember the location as we may need them at a later date if I can manage to sway the bearers to join us." Mist Hunter nodded and vanished into the darkness. "Eris, you're to take the kindness element and hide it in a random stone pillar in Canterlot Castle, make sure it is in the centre and that there is no trace of magic or tampering." She nodded and took the butterfly shaped gem.
"What about the magic element?" She asked while pointing to the last gem.
"I will keep it on my person at all times, Celestia will have expected me to hide it somewhere in this castle." Smirking Eris disappeared.
As Anon sat alone in the throne room he looked upwards.
"I know you're watching, I know what you've done with this world. That's why you brought me here right? To fix what you can't?" As he stared at the ceiling six lights appeared on the roof in response. Sighing Anon got out of his throne and held the crystal in his hand. "Now, I will meet that other human."
Ponyville
Abigail walked through Ponyville, looking around at the ponies that greeted her as she walked towards the library to meet SweetieBot. Screwball had returned to the Chaos Capital as her father, Discord, had wanted to talk to her about something important.
As Abigail walked furniture and further into town she noticed that the sky seemed to be getting darker, so also saw a few ponies running from the centre of town. Taking a detour to see what had caused the ponies to run in fear, Abigail turned a corner and crossed the small bridge that led to Town Hall.
Upon arriving at the large open area she felt the wind pick up. Looking around she found that part of town deserted, all the stalls were abandoned, shops had closed and the sound of distant wind chimes filled Abigail's ears. As she walked towards the Town Hall building she stopped once she reached the steps and turned around. There, sitting on a wooden box with his bandana over his mouth and fedora titled slightly, sat Anon. His cape blew to the side with the wind as he stared down Abigail.
"You... what is your name?" Anon asked, Abigail just looked to him conflicted. "If I am going to be facing off against you I need to know the name of my opponent, and the name of someone else of the same species as I. So tell me, what is your name?" He stood up and kicked the box away.
Abigail just looked at him, confused of what to do. "My name is Abigail."
Anon flinched as he heard the name. 'Why does that sound so familiar?' Shaking his head Anon unsheathed his sword. "Very well then, Abigail. My name is King Anonymous, but you may just call me Anon." Abigail shook herself and unsheathed her own sword. "Let's see just how skilled you are." Anon took a fighting stance as did Abigail.
After an intense stared down they both charged towards each other and their soars collided. Pushing against each other they never broke eye contact.
'Why? Why is she so familiar?' They broke apart and began trading blows, Anon swiped at her stomach but she jumped and tried to swiped his head but he ducked. He then grabbed her wrist and flipped her over his shoulder. She took a second to get back up, all the while Anon watching her, analysing her, trying to piece together the puzzle that he was presented with.
After she got up she charged her sword with magic and thrust forward. Anon sidestepped and his her with the side of his sword.
'He's not fighting me, he's testing me.' Growling Abigail began furiously swinging her sword, each now being mirrored by Anon with a little more swiftness and composure to his movements, thousands of years of practice made him the superior in this fight and they both knew it.
As Abigail swung her sword with a great deal of force Anon stuck his sword into the ground. When the blades met Abigail's shattered like glass.
"What the?" She staggered and looked to her broken blade.
"The blade was old and unreliable, a poor choice in the materials used to craft it." She looked to Anon who effortlessly pulled his blade out of the ground. "Take a good look at my rapier, notice the difference in colour and shape." Abigail looked to the sword, it was made of a dark blue material and the guard of the blade was not smooth, rather carved to become more streamlined. The grip also was made of a black leather, providing friction for a more steady grip. The blade itself was thicker than a normal rapier, adding more strength to the blades overall structure. "You must choose your weapons carefully. Otherwise you will be met with the same issue time and time again, a broken sword."
Abigail just looked to him in shock.
"I know that you planned to confront me, so be it. I will be awaiting your arrival in my castle in the centre of the badlands. Make sure you bring a better sword and some friends, and choose your companions carefully." Ponies began to surround the pair, murmuring and whispering. "I bid you good day Abigail, I look forward to the day we shall meet again as I will have several questions for you. Do not disappoint me." With a flash of light he was gone, leaving a very confused and shaken Abigail behind.
Badlands, Empire Castle
Anon appeared back in his throne room, tired from the day's events. "She put up a better fight than I thought, she has strength and skill, she just needs to learn how to apply it." As he slumped into his throne he pulled out the element of magic. "Harmony, nothing more than an ideal, a vision, a means of telling yourself that what you are doing is worth the sacrifice. You call yourself a hero to deny the fact you kill many creatures to make it to the final showdown. Tell me, how many have you slain to get where you are miss Mare Do Well?"
Mare Do Well stepped out of the shadows and walked in front of Anon. "Too many to count, I take it you're the same?"
Anon frowned and tucked the element away. "The misconception that is made the most about heroes is that they do not kill, injure yes but never kill. The public sees this as they do not want to see their 'heroes' become a soldier, so they block reality to protect the innocence they have that needs to be set free, no one can live with innocence forever."
"Your take on reality is... unique to say the least." Mare Do Well walked slightly to the left.
"I look at things from a realistic point of view. Many creatures be it pony or griffin, struggle to find this viewpoint as they're raised in a society that is run by a pony that treats her subjects like they're her children, while this isn't a bad idea it isn't necessarily good for the people of this land. It's one thing to make them feel secure and cared for but when you literally treat them like children then that is going too far, they need to learn to fend for themselves and not rely on their supposed heroes to safe them every time." Anons expression became cold.
"I see your point, I've been questioning what it means to be called a hero, and I find it to be merely a title ponies give to people that make them feel safe." Anon just stared daggers at her and held out his hand. He grabbed her in his magic and brought her face to face.
"Tell Celestia, nice try, but not good enough!" With a snap of his finger the disguised guard was sent back to Canterlot. "Seriously Celestia, you're just coming off as cute."
Crystal Empire, Icy Tundra
Solid will and Thanos walked effortlessly through the deep snow thanks to their heights. They had no issues with the temperature itself as Solids fur was thicket than most Minotaurs and Thanos' scales were thicker than the average dragon. As they walked they spotted a mountain in the distance with a soft red glow. The two generals looked to each other and nodded. Thanos spread his wings and hovered just above Solid. The Minotaur jumped and grabbed onto Thanos' feet. The two slowly flew up to where the red light was located, upon reaching their destination Solid dropped to the ground and walked over to investigate.
A small crater had been made in the side of the mountain, created by the fragment of King Sombras horn. When Solid looked into the crater his eyes widened in shock.
"Solid, what's wrong?" Thanos asked as he landed beside the cave. "Is the horn fragment still in there?"
"It's in there alright, it's what else that's in there is what I'm so shocked about." Solid stepped out of the way and allowed his fellow general to look inside. Once his sights landed on the object beside the glowing horn fragment Thanos rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things.
"We have to get this back to King Anon, now."
Canterlot Castle
Luna sat alone in her room, pondering over her husbands return and what he plans to do.
'Anon, now that you're back, what do you plan to do?'
'Spend time with you of course, I do have to make up for the past thousand years.'
'I mean what do you plan to do with your empire?'
'...'
'Anon?'
'Luna... I'm... Im going to finish what I started.'
'You'll be banished again! I don't want to lose you a second time! I can't take another thousand years of loneliness.'
'You won't have to.'
'What do you mean?'
'Do you know what the first thing on my agenda was when my empire reached full strength?'
'N-No, you never told me.'
'I'm going to destroy the Elements of Harmony.'
Snapping out of her flashback from the previous night she looked around her room. "How can I choose?" She got up, walked towards her mirror and stared at her reflection. "How can I choose between love and family?"
"You follow your heart." Luna perked up and stared to the dark bipedal figure leaning against her wall.
"How are you free?" Luna asked as she walked towards the figure.
"How do you think I got free? The King returned and used his magic, now it's just a matter of freeing 'him,' then everything is set in motion." The figure turned his head to Luna with glowing yellow eyes. "You know you want to rejoin the King so just do it, you aren't choosing between love and family, you're choosing between success and failure, as a spouse, as a princess... as a mother." With that the figure faded into shadow.
Luna sat down and held her chest, a pain stabbing through her heart. Her pained expression turned to one of determination. "I've chosen."
Badlands, Empire Castle
Anon stood in one of the rooms of the castle in front of a large round table with a map of the planet Gaia (Or Equus if you don't like that). He placed blue pins on the settlement areas in Equestria that had allied with the Shadow Empire, while placing red pins on the areas yet to ally, with purple pins being neutral areas and black pins being undecided.
As he scanned over the map his sights fell on Cloudsdale, a stern expression forming on his face. Placing a small red flag on the cloud city marking it as a priority target, he moved on. Looking beyond the borders of Equestria he smiled as he saw a blue pin on the Land of Behemoths (what I call the land Tirek came from). "I always could rely on Scorpan, glad to see he still agrees." Satisfied with the current results he nodded and turned around.
Once he closed the huge doors that led to the map room he turned to the newly appointed captain of the castle guard.
"Make sure that the current soldiers are battle ready captain, I may need a few units to take care of a priority target soon." The stallion gave him a salute and went to carry out his orders. "I really have to give credit to Sonar, she really does know how to get a military force together in such little time." As he walked down the vast hallways, passing a few of his new soldiers, staff and just ponies, Griffins or any other creature in general, his thoughts moved back to the events that had happened the previous day.
'Did Celestia really think she could trick me with that disguised guard she sent? No, she's trying to lower what I expect from her, but t won't work. One of my golden rules are to never underestimate an enemy, always overestimate.' Shaking his head and laughing he took out the element of magic.
"All I need to do is confront Celestia and have her hit this with a beam of magic, then the elements will be rendered useless. Such a blessing it is to have sun magic on her side... but what a curse it can be, as it is one of the only things that can shatter these gems." As he gave another laugh he held out his hand and it glowed with magic. A second later he was in his bedroom that was lit by a large blue crystal in the centre of the circular marble floor.
Walking over to his black dresser he pulled out a drawe, inside was a small silver bracelet with a small glowing blue gem. Placing it on his wrist his body began to change into that of a pony.
"Now... it's time to do a little infiltration of my own." He gave one last laugh before teleporting away.
Canterlot Castle
Celestia, Cadence, Nightmare Moon and Luna sat at a table with members of royalty from various empires that were not yet allied with King Anon. Only a few guards were present and even then they were specifically chosen to hear what went on in the room. One of the guards though, was smirking with a silver bracelet on his hoof.
"Thank you all for agreeing to meet with us. As you all know King Anon has returned and is rebuilding his empire and spreading his influence at an alarming pace. He has not yet reached your borders but I fear he will in the near future." Celestia stated as she looked to her other princes, princesses, Kings, queens and other royal title holders.
"What do you suppose we do about this situation, Princess Solena?" Asked a buff stallion in with a brown coat.
"No one has called me by that name in centuries King Sandrian. I suggest that we combine our forces if needs be, I'll see if I can talk Anonymous down before he declares war." Celestia replied with a sigh.
"What about his followers that are spreading out and influencing our citizens?" Asked a large griffin with an owl head and leopard body.
"Make public announcements, try to get the word out that a tyrant is trying to conquer the world." Celestia said with a stern expression.
"Sister, Anon is not a tyrant!" Defended Luna, attracting the attention of everyone in the room. The smiling guard only grinned wider at her outburst.
"Princess Celestia, do you really think it is wise to include the mare that has an emotional connection to our most dangerous enemy be present in this meeting?" Asked a tall thin Minotaur with black fur.
"My sisters and I all share emotional connection with King Anonymous, Prince Obsidian." Snapped Nightmare Moon. As Celestia was about to continue a guard burst through the doors with a letter in his mouth. He came to a screeching halt as he handed the letter to Celestia. While she read the page her composure weakened and the movement of her eyes slowed down the further down she got. She laid the letter and the table and took in a deep breath.
"The Chaos Capital have abandoned the peace treaty and have allied with the Shadow Empire." Everyone in the room gasped while the smirking guard only chuckled. His chuckles soon turned to laughter, which then turned to evil laughter. Everyone in the room looked to him in confusion. "Would you mind telling us what is funny about this lieutenant?" Asked an enraged Celestia.
As she said that his laughter came to a stop, resuming his smirking. Then his body turned white and it formed into the shape of Anon. The room gasped again as he jumped onto the table, giving slow applause as he walked across the long piece of furniture. "My my what a turnout this meeting got. I almost feel honoured that you consider me such a threat." He reached Celestia and knelt down to get to eye level. "By the way, nice try with that spy yesterday, you almost fooled me." He flicked her nose and turned around.
"Guards! Seise him!" Yelled a few of the world leaders. Instead of following their orders the various guards all chuckled.
"Sorry, looks like they're with me now." Anon mocked with a shrug. Soon his demeanour turned from comical to serious. "Now, I'm going to give you all one warning and one warning only. You are not to attack me or my allies, if you do I will immediately declare war and you will lose."
"And what makes you so confident about that? We have the Elements of Harmony, what have you got?" Mocked Cadence with a smirk. Anon just stared daggers at her.
"You mean these?" He held out the magic element, causing Cadences smile to falter. "Don't even think about taking it with your magic, I preformed my own little version of your spell Celestia, you can't forcefully take it from me." He tucked the element away and stared daggers at Celestia. "I will give you a year to prepare yourself and think about all this. Your Elements of Harmony are in my possession, your allies are abandoning you, your kingdom is slowly falling apart and your student can't solve this problem within a half an hour like she does with her little friendship problems. Join me and I can help create a better world for your people, or stand against me and suffer the consequences. Your choice Celestia, your choice."
He stepped down from the table and the guards gathered around him. As he held the transportation crystal in the air he was interrupted. "Wait!" Anon looked over to see his beautiful wife walking up to him. "I've decided, I'm going with you." Anon smiled warmly and brought her into a loving hug.
"I'm going too." He looked up to see Nightmare Moon approaching. "I've been thinking about what you had told me before my banishment and what has been happening recently, and I've decided that I will be of better use in your kingdom rather than in a society that despises me." Anon smirked and nodded.
"Sisters, please don't do this." Pleaded Celestia. "I won't let you do this."
"They are free to do as they wish Celestia, you have no control over what they can and cannot do." Anon placed a hand on Luna's shoulder. "They have made their choice, now it is time for you to make yours." With a flash of light the group was gone. Celestia looked to the spot that her sisters were previously standing and collapsed under the weight of the sadness that had fallen on her.
Badlands, Empire Castle
In the large dining room of the castle many members of the Shadow Empire sat at round tables chatting amongst themselves as they waited for the night to begin. A few waiters walked in and out of a large door leading to the castles kitchen after taking orders and delivering wine to each table. Soon the room went quiet as the main door opened and Anon walked in with his five generals, Luna and Nightmare Moon. As they reached the large table that faced the others Anon took a glass of wine in his hand and walked forward to address the crowd.
"Mares, gentlecolts, Griffins, Draconequi, Minotaurs and all other species gathered here tonight. It is with great joy that I am able to speak the following sentences. First, the Chaos Capital has dropped the peace treaty with the Solar Empire and have allied with us!" There were multiple cheers from the crowd and many of the Draconequi sighed in relief. "Secondly, our Queen and my loving wife, Princess Luna, has returned to us!" This was met by applause and cheers. Anon smiled and held his glass high. "Eat well tonight my friends, for this is a night of celebration." He chuckled and spread his arms. "TONIGHT, THE SHADOW EMPIRE, IS REBORN!!!" Everyone in the room yelled in determination and happiness, clinking their glasses and all taking a sip of their drinks.
Anon returned to his seat beside Luna who had a loving smile. "You always were the best at dramatic speeches dear." She said as she nuzzled his side.
"Only because you helped me overcome my shyness over five thousand years ago." He kissed her on the cheek and turned to Thanos. "We will talk about what you found after this, for now let's just enjoy ourselves." The half-dragon nodded and returned to his conversation with Sonar.
Anon looked out at the crowd that had gathered in the great dining hall, there was close to a thousand people in the hall alone, various others were having dinner in different halls and restaurants with his little speech being broadcasted through magic screens created by Mist Hunter.
'One year Celestia, that's all you've got.' His mind wondered to Abigail. 'She must develop her skills further, I gave her the instructions, now she just has to follow them.'
Two months later, Ponyville
Abigail charged up her magic in her temporary sword and charged a test dummy. As she came to a halt as she passed it, the dolls upper half slowly slid off. Looking back at her work she smiled. "I'm improving, but I need to get better. Carmine gave me those institutions for a reason, maybe there was still a reminiscent of his old self that had made its way to the surface when we fought." Looking over to Screwball who was floating in midair with a newspaper she sighed.
"Look at this, 'Within two months the Shadow King known as King Anon has successfully brought a sixth of the world to his aid, it is expected that his empire will only continue to grow as the King continues his unknown mission.' I still can't believe Daddy would ally with the Shadow Empire, that technically means I'm part of the empire too." Screwball sighed and tossed the paper away and it turned into a paper bird and flew away.
"I honestly don't think that Carmine is trying to do anything villainous." Abigail stated as she cut down another test dummy.
"What makes you think that?"
Abigail sheathed her sword. "Think about it, with the power he's got and the things he can do he could have taken the Solar Empire down weeks ago, but he hasn't. He hasn't even forced anyone to join him, he leaves the decision to the ponies and other creatures he seeks out."
Screwball rolled her eyes and floated over to her friend. "I know he's your brother and everything, but you can't seriously think that he's a good person can you?"
"That depends on your viewpoint." Both girls tensed up and looked over to see Anon standing under a tree.
"Carmine?" Abigail asked. As soon as he heard the name Anon felt a small pain in his head.
"I don't know who this Carmine is. I am here to tell you something then I will be off." Screwball flew up to him and stared him in the eye.
"We don't have to listen to you. You're trying to overthrow the Princess and take over Equestria, why should we trust you?" Anon looked to her and raised a brow.
"I never said anything about trust, I'm just here to give you two a message." Abigail walked over to Screwball and placed a hand on her back.
"Let him talk, it sounds important." Screwball growled and backed away. "What is it you want to tell us Carm-Anon?"
Anon just looked at her suspiciously. "Thank you. As I said, the answer to whether I am a good person or not is based on opinion and your own standpoint. In the viewpoint of the members and nations of my empire I am doing the right thing, in your viewpoint I a, doing the wrong thing. Evil is subjective, not fact, but opinion." Abigail let the words sink in.
"Anon, what do you really plan on doing, if you do conquer Equestria?" Anon sighed.
"That is something I will tell you at a later date, as I am sure you have many things to tell me. Right now my empire takes priority, I see you've improved your swordsmanship, keep training and you may stand a chance against me the next time we duel. Fir now though, I bid you farewell." With a snap of his fingers he disappeared.
Abigail sighed and began walking towards Ponyville. Screwball looked to her confused and floated in front of her. "Why aren't you telling him that you two are related? You've had two opportunities now and you've given both up."
Abigail looked up at the passing clouds and took in a breath of the fresh morning air. "I don't know, it's like there is something telling me not to just yet, like I'm not supposed to."
"Maybe we should get Twilight to take a look at you, you've been acting differently the past month." Screwball stated with worry.
"I'm fine Screwy, just happy that I know my brother is doing fine." Abigail resumed walking, Screwball shook her head and followed her.
Badlands, Empire Castle
Anon and Luna walked side by side as they approached a large room in the castle. The object that Thanos and Solid Will had found was of extreme importance, having great value to both King and Queen. They approached a large door with Lunas cutie mark with two swords behind it, symbolising both Anon and Lunas emblems.
Placing his hand on the door a few gears turned and the door unlocked. Inside the room sat a glowing red black cube in a glass container with two key holes on one side. The two looked to each other and nodded, Anon pulled a black key out of his pocket. Soon the black figure that had visited Luna appeared.
"So, it's time then?" It asked, it's glowing yellow eyes staring into Anons glowing blue eyes.
"Yes, it is time to release him." The figure nodded and his body began to shrink. In the place of the figure sat another black key. Holding both keys Anon turned to the black box. Using her magic Luna lifted the glass container off of it and took one of the keys. Each of them stood on one side of the box and nodded to each other. Placing the keys in there slots at the same time they turned together and the box began to give off flashes of light. Anon and Luna backed away from the box as it began to give off violent waves of energy.
Soon the box stopped as a ball of light floated out of it and flew down to the spot in front of Anon and Luna. The ball began to take shape, the shape of a pony. It was too big to be a filly and too small to be a fully grown pony, it was somewhere in the middle. It's flowing black mane was short and gave the impression of slow moving black fire. It's coat was dark blue, it's cutie mark being a five pointed white star with small tongues of black fire on each tip. Las it stood up it held its horn in its hoof for a second before stretching its strong wings. The young alicorn opened its piercing purple eyes and looked to the couple.
"Mother? Father?" The young colt looked to them with hope. "Is that really you?"
Anon knelt down and held out his arms. "Yes my son, it's us." The colt started to tear up and leapt into Anons arms. Luna joined in on the hug and wrapped her wings around them both. "You're back with us Moonlight Flare, you're back with us at last."
A few hours later the five generals sat in their private break room. Solid Will had a small pair of glasses on and was reading a book. Mist Hunter and Sonar Wisp sat playing a game of battleship. Thanos was carving a piece of wood into the shape of a penguin to add to his small collection of tiny wooden animals. Eris sat on her new beanbag chair, a slice of pizza in her claw with the pizza box resting the coffee table in the middle of the room. When they had nothing to do they would often go to this room to relax and unwind with their own little hobbies that they had grew over the years.
"Anyone else feel that magical surge earlier on?" Asked Eris while chewing a piece of pizza.
"I wouldn't worry about it, it was most likely just King Anon with one of his relics." Replied Solid as he turned the page in the book that was tiny compared to his body.
"Are you not the least bit curious about what's going on?" She asked while reaching into a mini fridge and pulling out a bottle of strawberry milk.
"We all know it is best to leave Anon to himself when it comes to these things, remember the ice jewel incident?" Replied Thanos.
"Don't need to remind us, that still sends a shiver down my spine when I think about it." Eris shivered before slumping back in her beanbag chair and taking a sip of the strawberry milk.
Mist Hunter brought a slice of pizza over to himself with his magic and looked to his board. He still had a few ships left while Sonar still had all of hers. He sighed and took a bite out of his pizza before talking. "We can find out what the magic surge was after our break, I'm sure King Anon and Queen Luna have everything under control." The rest if the generals nodded in agreement and went back to their little activities.
Underground, Anon, Luna and Moonlight looked out at the settlements bellow the surface of Equestria, where their forces and most of their staff lived. "So son, what do you think?" Anon asked as he placed a hand on his sons shoulder.
"It always amazes me how all of this could be underground while the main part of the castle is above the surface." Moonlight replied as he looked down at the busy streets in the city bellow.
"It would have been unwise to build the settlements in the desert, the people living there would not be able to handle the heat." Luna said while nuzzling her sons cheek.
"Besides, it's cooler to have an underground network than to have a city in the middle of the desert." Said Anon with a playful smile. Luna bumped his side with a wing and turned back to Moonlight.
"So son, what do you plan to do now that you're free?" She asked with a motherly tone.
Moonlight placed a hoot to his chin in thought before turning to Anon with a determined smile. "I'm going to help lead the Shadow Empire to help bring a balanced harmony, right beside you guys." Anon smiled warmly and ruffled Moonlights mane before walking inside.
"Come on son, the generals will want to see you after all this time." Moonlight smiled and ran after his father with his mother close behind.
Badlands, Empire Castle
Anon smiled as he watched the five generals tackle Moonlight with a group hug, the five a special bond with the Shadow Prince that almost compared to their bond with Anon. He looked to Luna and they both smiled, seeing their friends and son in the same room again brought back precious memories. An image of a five year old Moonlight sitting on top of Thanos' head caused them both to chuckle as it enter their minds. Of all the generals Thanos was the oldest and Eris was the youngest, being around the same age as Moonlight who was actually 3045 years old, keeping his young stature with his immortality while Eris was 3287. Anon himself was around 5432 years old with Luna being just a hundred years older. When Anon had arrived he was around the age of 14.
As Luna and Anon left the generals and the prince in charge for awhile the went to spend some much needed quality time with each other. The royal couple sat under a tree with pitch black bark and glowing blue leaves in an underground forest made of the same type of trees which were different shades of blue and purple. Anon handed his wife a glass of wine and took a sip of his own as he lay his back against the tree.
"Do you remember the last time we were down here alone dear?" Asked Luna as she looked around at the Blackwood Forest.
Anon smiled and placed a hand on her withers. "How could I forget, it was the night I proposed to you." Luna scooted closer to him and leaned against him.
"It is such a wonderful memory, I can still remember what you said to me when you popped the question," she looked at him expectedly, "Say it again."
Anon chuckled and looked into her eyes. "I believe I said, 'Princess Luna, when I am with you I cannot help but stare into your beautiful sapphire eyes, admire your mane that sparkles like the stars in your magnificent night sky, hold my skin against your silk-like fur and listen to your voice of silver. You are my gemstone, my sapphire, would you give me the honour of taking your hoof in marriage so that I may complete myself and be by your side for all of eternity?' After that I remember you struggling to form words." Luna looked at him dreamily.
"And people dare to question the reason I married you." She planted a passionate kiss on his lips and whispered into his ear. Ah ah ah, you don't get to see anymore, gotta give the couple their privacy. Let's see what Abigail and her friends are up to shall we?
Ponyville
Abigail, SweetieBot, Screwball, Twilight and Rainbow Dash all surrounded Twilights air balloon, getting ready to depart for Cloudsdale to pick up a very special item. "So what is it we're going to Cloudsdale for?" Asked Screwball as she hopped into the balloon.
"We're going to meet Celestia in Cloudsdale so we can pick up my new sword, she was in the cloud city on official business anyway so we're meeting her halfway I suppose." Replied Abigail who jumped into the basket.
Twilight, Rainbow and SweetieBot all jumped in and Abigail cut the rope that was holding the balloon down. Now steadily floating upwards Twilight cast a spell that increased the size of the basket to give everyone some leg room. "So Rainbow, are you planning on visiting the Wonderbolts while you're in Cloudsdale?" Twilight asked as she sat down, Rainbow was leaning on the railing while looking up at the sky.
"Nah, they're out in Manehatten doing a show, I'm just going to visit my parents." Replied the cyan mare, not making eye contact with anyone on board. SweetieBot sat down beside Screwball.
"Screwball, you seem troubled, what is the matter?" The robot asked with concern.
"It's nothing, just still trying to get used to dad being allied with Equestrias greatest threat." The chaotic mare sighed and leaned her back against the side of the basket.
"Are you sure it isn't to do with the fact that you are conflicted with either accepting the Shadow King or going against your father?" The group all looked to the mare with confusion.
"Shut up SweetieBot." Screwball turned and closed her eyes.
"I will take that as a yes and leave it at that." SweetieBot sat in the corner of the basket and began to play a game of solitaire in her mind. Abigail looked to Screwball with a great deal of concern, the poor mare was having an emotionally hard time with the current situation. Deciding it best to leave Screwball alone Abigail looked up at the floating city that they would be staying at for the following days. Everyone in the balloon could never predict the events that would transpire over the following days.
Cloudsdale, Private Meeting Room
Celestia sat with a few other world leaders in a large hidden room in the cloud city, looking to each other they nodded before looking to Celestia who was thinking deeply.
"Your majesty, we still have ten months before we need to make a decision, maybe we should take more time to think about this." One of the leaders suggested with a worried tone.
Celestia looked up with a cold glare, her patience was starting to wear thin. "All that does is give time for Anon to build up his forces. The Solar Empire still controls three fifths of the world, if we were to act now we can prevent larger casualties and put a stop to this."
The leaders all looked at her with concern. "Princess, what on Gaia has gotten into you? You're normally composed and rational in these situations." Celestia shot the stallion a glare, causing him to flinch.
"Rationality doesn't apply with the enemy we are facing. Anon will have a plan for whatever decision I make and find a way to turn it against me, this is about choosing which action will cause the least amount of damage." Celestia snapped as she rubbed her temples. "We need to act, there is no better option. I've gone through every scenario I can think off, most of our stratagistshave converted to the Shadow Empire and the Elements of Harmony are in Anons possession. If anyone has any better ideas please speak." The room was silent, no one else knew what to do. "Then it is settled... The Solar Empire... Declares war on King Anon and his followers."
A few hours later Abigail threw herself down on her bed in her hotel room. "Man, I never thought walking on clouds would take that long to get used to." She turned and looked out the window of the room, staring up at the night sky. "Why do I feel like something is going to happen tomorrow?"
Badlands, Empire Castle
Anon walked out of his bedroom quietly, as to not wake the sleeping mare in his bed. As he walked down the hallway towards the throne room he stopped suddenly and stood still. "Somethings wrong, I can feel it." He continued walking and opened the doors to his throne room where he found his generals and son waiting for him, along with their military captains and other high ranking officers. As he sat down in his throne and ruffled Moonlights mane he looked around the room with a neutral expression. "What's happened?" He asked in monotone.
Eris floated up to him and handed him a scroll with the Solar Empire seal on it. Unfolding the scroll he read the contents carefully before handing the letter back. All eyes were on him as he hung his head, his legs crossed and his hands joined. His fedora blocked anyone from viewing his expression. Just then the sound of quiet laughing could be heard, that soon got louder as Anon got up from his throne and looked up at the ceiling, laughing like a maniac.
"So! This is your decision Solena?! Very well then, have it your way!" Everyone in the room grew evil smiles on their faces as they looked to their King. "From this moment forward, the Solar Empire and the Shadow Empire are at war!" Anon ceased his laughing and turned to his generals. "My friends and family, we are outnumbered and the land we reside in houses more enemy than friend. Fear not as I have a solution for how we can turn this development in our favour."
Solid looked to him confused. "Whatcha gonna do Anon?"
Anon smirked and laid out a map of Equestria with Cloudsdale circled by red ink. "We're gonna turn Equestria against Celestia, by revealing one of her darkest secrets," he pointed to a building in Cloudsdale, "The Rainbow Factory!"
Cloudsdale
Abigail walked out the doors of the hotel with Twilight and Screwball, SweetieBot and Rainbow Dash were nowhere to be found. SweetieBot left a note saying she was going to investigate strange activity in the weather factory but Rainbow left without a trace. The trio stepped into the carriage that would bring them to the upper levels of Cloudsdale to meet Celestia and retrieve Abigail's new sword.
As they landed near the weather factory they spotted Celestia walking up to meet them with a gold case. Exiting the carriage Abigail ran up and hugged Celestia, who wrapped a wing around her. "Good morning Celestia."
"I'm afraid it is not a good morning young Abigail." Abigail backed away from the hug and looked at Celestia confused.
"What do you mean?" She asked as Twilight and Screwball walked to her side.
Celestia sighed. "The Solar Empire... Is at war with the Shadow Empire." The three gasped and looked to each other worriedly.
"No no no no no." Screwball placed a hoof to her forehead.
"But there is still ten months left on the timer, why go to war now?" Asked Twilight.
"After weighing the options and taking future events into account this was the best course of action. King Anon would only grow stronger over time as would his followers, if we strike now then we have a chance to defeat him once and for all." Twilight looked to her teacher in disbelief.
"Princess, you can't be serious." Celestia looked to her student with an apologetic look.
"I am deadly serious Twilight, Anon must be stopped before converts everyone in Equestria into members of his empire. I am sorry Abigail, but this had to be done." Celestia said as she turned to the girl.
"Wait, if I can just confront him I can convince him to stop this, I can bring his old memories back he'll listen to me." Abigail pleaded. "Please, just give me a chance to end this without violence between nations." Just them an explosion shook the city. The group looked to a certain part of the weather factory and saw a huge cloud of smoke rising into the air. Behind it was a huge airship with the flag of the Shadow Empire on it. As Celestia looked to the section of the factory that had been damaged her pupils shrank in horror.
"Oh no..." She looked to the airship and spotted Anon looking down at her. He then turned and jumped into the cloud of smoke and into the building with Sonar and Solid. "This, cannot, happen!"
Anon turned to the soldiers he had brought with him, Solid Will and Sonar Wisp at his sides. "Everyone, what you are going to see in the horror known as the Rainbow Factory will disturb you. Your mission is simple, rescue any captured ponies and kill all the scientists that have gone mad. If you come across a scientist that still have their sanity you are to take them into custody. Understood?"
"SIR, YES SIR!!!" Anon smiled at his soldiers, all in full body purple armour.
"Very good, we touch down in two minutes." Everyone began preparing themselves as Anon turned to Sonar. "Those ponies in the factory are going to need serious therapy and mental treatment, are the preparations met?"
Sonar nodded and spoke through her helmet. "Yes sire, the medical staff in the badlands have been notified and are awaiting their patients arrival." Anon nodded and walked over to the edge of the deck of the airship. Looking down at the approaching city of clouds he scowled.
"I won't allow this madness to continue, 'harmony' is not worth all of this suffering. Equestria can do without it's precious rainbows, it's not worth the lives of the ponies within the factory." Anon still didn't know why Celestia allowed this to even start, from what he could tell there was budget cuts with the economy in a state of crisis and rainbow production could not continue. Celestias solution to keep her 'harmony?' Kill innocent ponies and turn their blood to rainbows.
"Anon, what are we gonna do when we get everyone out of the factory?" Solid asked as he readied his giant hammer.
"Since their won't be any colour left afterwards, I think we'll just have to do what we do best..." Anon held his glowing hand out and aimed it at the wall of the main factory, "...we paint it black."
He fire a beam of magic at the wall and it exploded on impact, leaving a huge hole for them to invade. Looking over his shoulder he spotted Celestia, Twilight, Screwball and Abigail. Frowning Anon jumped into the building, his two generals and soldiers following him in.
As he landed he looked around at the bloodstained walls and the insane workers of the factory. As a mare was passing him strapped to a conveyer belt he unsheathed his sword and cut the bonds, freeing the mare. A Pegasus soldier flew over to her and took her back to the airship. Looking around at the wires of the machines in the factory he spotted the power generators. He pointed to them and Solid ran over and began smashing them with his hammer. Hearing a cry of terror Anon looked up to see another mare about to be drained by the huge machine of the ceiling.
Running up the wall of the factory he jumped and cut the machine in half as it was about to pierce the mares chest. He unstrapped the mare from the machine and she hugged him.
"Thank you, thank you so much!" She cried and he brushed her mane.
"It's ok, we're here to get you and everyone else out of here." He called another soldier over and it carried the mare away. He watched as his men ran through multiple doors of the factory, searching for others to save. "Sonar, you lead squad two down to the labs and capture as many scientists as you can while clearing the upper floors. Solid, you take the lower cell blocks with Squad three. Squad one is to do what they see fit!"
"What about you?!" Solid called up.
"I'm going to kill the bastard in charge of this place!" With that he jumped down. As he walked a scientist with multiple blood stains on its coat tried to stab him with a knife, only to get his throat slit. "Amateurs." He then began charging down a long hallway, slicing through multiple security systems and blockades. Once he came to a red door he stopped and threw a bucket of black paint onto it. "Much better."
As he approached the final blockade he began spinning and formed his drill attack. Quickly digging through the steel doors he landed on the other side and saw a stallion with a cream/green coat with electric green hair.
"Ah the Shadow King, I've heard much about you, it is a pleasure to see you in person." His voice was like any typical mad scientist.
"I didn't come here to talk. Shut down the factory." Anon ordered, surrounding his sword in blue flames.
"No can do Nonn-" His sentence was cut short as his head was sent flying off his body.
"Like I said, I didn't come here to talk." Pushing the headless corpse off the chair in the dark office he sat down and began shutting off the main systems for the machines. "There we go." He watched as Solid ripped the bars of multiple cells and led a large group of ponies to safety from the camera systems. "That takes care of that." Just then he felt a strong magical presence. "So, you've shown that you aren't a coward then Celestia, but are you brave enough to face what's to come?" He teleported to the main factory where Celestia was waiting in her golden armour with her spear.
"Why here as your first target? Why the factory?" She asked, reading her enchanted spear.
"You were the one that declared war on us Solena. Why do I strike here first? Simple, what do you think your subjects would think if word that you allowed ponies to be kidnapped and killed, their blood turned into the happy rainbows got out?" A look of horror replaced Celestias stern glare.
"You wouldn't."
"Why wouldn't I?" He swung his sword slightly, showing that he was willing to face off against her. "Your move Celestia."
"Sire, I have a situation." He heard Sonar say through his telepathic link with his generals.
"What is it Sonar?"
"Taht human girl is here, as well as another."
"Fight off the girl but do not kill, have Solid take care of the other one. Be careful, she is skilled with a blade."
"Roger that sire, intercepting targets now." Anon nodded and turned back to Celestia.
"Well then..." he stabbed his blade into the ground and a small ring of blue flames surrounded him, "...shall we dance?"
Abigail held her new sword in her hands. It was a similar design to Anons except it was made of a gold-like material and had the symbol of the sun on the guard. She stared down Sonar who held her dark purple spear in her hoof.
Solid burst through a wall, spinning his hammer to deflect the wave of bullets that SweetieBot was firing. He swung his hammer with great force and knocked the robot through another wall, following her through. Abigail charged forward and swung her sword, sending a slash wave at Sonar. Dodging Sonar nailed her in the stomach with the bottom of her spear, knocking the wind out of her.
Recovering they both clashed, sparks of purple and yellow flew as they pushed against each other. Suddenly the floor gave out under them and started to slowly fall with fiery debris falling all around them. Sonar flew up to a more secure location and Abigail jumped from falling piece to falling piece until she reached stable ground.
As soon as she turned around Abigail put up her sword to Cunard against the oncoming attack. Pushing Sonar away Abigail managed to land a few hits on the general, damaging the armour but not the pony within. Sonar leapt into the air and shot towards Abigail, pining her down and raising an armoured hoof. As she was about to bring it down when the ground shook. Taking advantage of this Abigail sunk her sword into a gap in the mares armour.
Backing away in pain Sonar hissed, Abigail got to her feet and took a few more slashes at be mare. Her armour was now scrapped badly and she had suffered a shoulder injury. "You win this round girly." With that Sonar flapped her bat wings and retreated to the airship. Abigail ran down the hallway leading to the area that Anon and Celestia were facing off in, on the way she heard loud crashes and clanging of blades. As she entered the area she stared in awe at the sight before her.
Anon and Celestia were standing on a fallen stone pillar in the middle of a sea of fire, trading blows and firing magic spells at each other. As Celestia was about to thrust her spear into Anon he dodged and quickly sunk his own blade into the spot between Celestias wings. Not deep enough to kill her but enough to put her out of commission for awhile. He teleported her and everyone else out of the factory. Those on his side to the airship while all others to Cloudsdale.
As Abigail looked around for Celestia in the field of clouds a screen appeared in the sky and she saw Anon standing just outside the ruined rainbow factory. The broadcast was being sent to every town and city in Equestria.
"Citizens of Equestria. I am King Anon, ruler of the Shadow Empire. I am here today to bring you a message regarding your supposed merciful leader Princess Celestia!" The shot moved from Anon to the ruined factory room. "This was once the place where you rainbows were created and spread across the skies! Now it is but a pile of burning rubble. But what were the rainbows actually made of? The answer is the blood of innocent ponies Taht were kidnapped and killed in this very factory!" Abigail put a hand to her mouth in shock. She wasn't able to pay attention to what was in that factory when she was facing Sonar. "What's worse is this factory that killed your kidnapped loved ones was payed for and built by Princess Celestia herself! Your ruler allowed the slaughter of thousands of ponies to create rainbows! The process is of as follows, the pony is cut open and a knife like needle is stabbed into their hearts! Then this machine you see here would drain the blood from the body. While the pony is still alive! Then once drained of the blood the pony is put onto a conveyor belt, diced up and grinded into dust to hide the bodies! Your ruler allowed this for centuries! I, with the help of my empire, have destroyed this monstrosity and are merely showing who is to blame for this madness. Princess Celestia!" The transmission cut off and Abigail fell to her knees in shock.
"No... No Celestia wouldn't." Tears ran down her cheek as she started to cry, her trust was broken, her faith in Celestia destroyed.
Anon stood at the front of his airship as it flew towards the castle in the badlands.
"I believe that should cause enough damage for awhile. Try to repair what has been completely destroyed Celestia, and know that this is only the beginning of my master plan." Holding his arm which had been stabbed by Celestia he winced in pain. "For now, I have to recover as well as let my generals know of phase three, The Sixth General." He turned his head towards the mare that had talked to him before the trip to Cloudsdale. "Also, I would like to welcome you to my empire...Rainbow Dash."
Earlier that day
Raibow Dash was napping on a cloud when she felt it being moved by something. Opening her eyes she saw the cloud was covered in a dark blue aura and was being taken to a clearing in the Whitetail Woods. As the cloud stopped she jumped off and looked around. "Who's there? What's the big idea?" She heard a whistle from behind her and turned around to see Anon emerging from the trees. "You!" Rainbow flared her wings and shot forward. Anon merely steeped to the side and grabbed her tail as she passed. Setting her down he began slowly walking around her with his hand behind his back.
"Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, member of the Wonderbolts reserves and fastest flier in Equestria. Born in Cloudsdale, aced every practical exam in flight school, not so great with the theory exams but that is to be expected, you didn't know your way of taking in information back when you were a filly." Rainbow kept still following his movement with her eyes without turning her head.
"How do you know all that?" Anon pointed to the sky.
"I've been watch you and the other Element bearers from my prison in the stars, I will admit I am impressed by your skills Miss Dash... no... Mrs Dash." Rainbow froze. "No one would ever expect that you are the wife of the captain of the Equestrian Air Force, or that you are the mother to a filly known as Prism Flash. You kept it secret for a long time didn't you? Only revealing it to your sister, Derpy Hooves and your niece Dinky." Rainbow started to become enraged, no one was ever supposed to know this information. "Calm down, I have no intention of revealing this information, it would not benefit anyone." This caused Rainbow to soften her features.
"Why are you here?" Anon stopped in front of her and kneeled down.
"I'm here because I want you to join me."
Rainbow scowled. "Fat chance of that happening buster, I'll never betray my friends!" She swatted his hand away.
"Who said anything about betraying them?" Rainbow looked at him confused. "By joining me you'll be able to help make Equestria a better place for your friends and family. I would never force anyone to betray their loved ones or drive them apart, I'm above that."
"What are you talking about?" Anon got to his feet and summoned a photograph.
"Look at this closely Rainbow Dash, tell me what you see." Rainbow took the picture and stared at it in horror.
"No... Celestia wouldn't do that to us!" Rainbow exclaimed in disbelief.
"Wouldn't she?" Rainbow looked up at Anon who was looking down at her with an apologetic face. "The way Celestia thinks harmony works is 'get rid of anything that could at all be a threat to me and my way of life' without even giving whoever seems dangerous a chance to explain their actions, only seals it, banishes it or completely destroys it. If you and your friends were to ever go against her in any way, she'd deem all of you as a threat, only sparing Twilight due to emotional ties."
The information started to sink in, it started to make sense.
"That is why I oppose Celestia," Anon clenched his fist, "she never gives anyone a chance to explain their actions. Changeling invasion, they were only looking for good so they could live, Nightmare Moon, only wanted to be appreciated, Discord, was only following his purpose in the world and by doing so was actually creating harmony." That last part caused Rainbow to look at him in confusion. "Harmony is a balance of peace and chaos, construction and destruction, light and dark, good and evil. If one were to disappear then everything would eventually turn to ruin or merely cease to exist. I'm not attacking Equestria, I'm saving it." Rainbow looked to the picture and tore it up.
"I need to think about this..." Anon nodded in understanding.
"I will be in Cloudsdale later today, if you have made up your mind by then you will know where to find me. Farewell." With that, Anon was gone.
Present
Rainbow looked down at the land below the airship as they traveled towards the Badlands. Anon walked up to her and lay a hand on her soldier. "I know it was a hard decision to make Rainbow Dash, but you made the right choice. Your family, Derpy and Dink included, are waiting for you in your new home in Empire Castle."
Rainbow nodded and smiled. "Thank you." Patting her gently on the back, Anon left her to herself.
"One down... Five to go." He said under his breath as he made his way to the medical staff to get his arm patched up.
Celestia sat alone in the ruined castle of the three sisters, hiding from her rioting subjects. The trust that her subjects had for her was gone, no one would listen, she was being hunted down. She lay in the middle of the room, crying in defeat. "You brought this on yourself." Celestia looked up to see Anon glaring down at her with a bandage over his arm. "I gave you the opportunity to surrender and make Equestria a better place, but you declined. Now look where you are, crying, hiding from the ones you swore to protect when King Solaris died. Pathetic."
Celestia got to her hooves and glared furiously at him. "You're a monster."
"If I'm a monster you're a demon, you may be a goddess but you don't act like one. Your meaning of harmony is 'get rid of anything bad to me and my people.' Did it ever occur to you what harmony actually means?!" Celestia looked at him puzzled. "Harmony isn't never ending peace, it's a balance. You're robbing Equestria of the balance it needs to survive, without beings like Discord and Tirek the world would be in a much more critical condition of chaos." Anon walked passed her and whispered, "This is only the beginning, I have far bigger plans for you and Equestria." With that he was gone.
Ponyville
Abigail sat in the corner of the librar, head resting on her knees as she struggled to keep the tears in. The previous day she and the rest of Equestria learned of the Rainbow Factory, ponies rioted in the streets, Rainbow Dash was missing and SweetieBot was being repaired. Screwball was called back to the Chaos Capital by her father to discuss something of dire importance. The only one who could comfort her at that moment was Slendermane, but that was made impossible as Abigail's family wanted her with them. So she sat there, alone in the corner, fighting the tears.
Not wishing to see their cousin continue being in this condition, Megan and Becky (remember these two? They were two of the forgettable human characters I introduced, looks like they're back) walked over to her and sat on either side of her. Bringing her into a hug Abigail could no longer suppress the tears and opened the floodgates.
Twilight wasn't in any better condition, mumbling to herself, trying to understand why Celestia would allow something like the factory to exist in the first place. Constantly flicking through books and tossing them away, she desperately tried to find the reason from history.
Just then Rainbow Dash appeared in the middle of the room. "Rainbow!" Twilight rushed over and hugged her friend. "We were so worried that you got hurt from the riots, thank goodness you're... Safe..." Twilight stepped back after she was what Rainbow was wearing. She was wearing what looked like a reserve Wonderbolts uniform except dark blue and black, the emblem of the Shadow Empire...
...on the chest of the uniform. Twilight and everyone else present looked at her in disbelief, tears starting to form in their eyes. "Rainbow... not you, you're the Element of Loyalty." Twilight began shaking.
Rainbow looked to her friend with apologetic eyes. "I'm sorry Twilight. King Anon came to me yesterday, he talked to me, told me his true intentions and goals. I'm doing this to keep you all safe, Equestria will be a better place of Anon is the one leading it."
"How can you say that? Look what he's done to Equestria!" Twilight gestured to the violent streets outside the library.
"He didn't cause this, Celestia caused this by ever creating the Rainbow Factory. Do you know how many pegasui were planning to reveal the factory? To expose it? To even destroy it? Too many, but we weren't able to or our families would suffer. King Anon destroyed it, freed those trapped within and exposed it." Rainbow closed her eyes and looked away. "I'm sorry Twilight, but this is what I have to do."
"Now looky here Rainbow, I don't know hat you've been thinkin but right now Equestria needs all six of us to bring things down. Now you're gonna take off that there uniform and stop playin around." Demanded Applejack.
"I'm not playing around AJ, I'm deadly serious." Rainbow turned and pulled out a teleportation crystal. "I'll see you all soon." In a flash of light she was gone. Fluttershy curled up into a ball and started whimpering, Rarity pulled her drama couch out of nowhere and fainted onto it, Applejack placed her head on her hooves, Pinkie sat alone with her mane deflated and Twilight walked up to her room.
Having enough of the depressed atmosphere Spike yelled. "Would everypony get a grip already?! Look at what's going on outside! I know you're all really depressed about what's happening with Celestia and Rainbow, but there are more important things to deal with right now!" Everyone look,ed to the young drake in shock. "Now all of you are gonna go out there and calm everyone the buck down before so,some gets seriously hurt or worse!" With that the young dragon walked towards the basement and slammed the door shut.
While everyone was distracted Abigail slipped out of the library. Jumping up to the rooftops to avoid the violence below she sprinted towards the Everfree Forest to see her friend and possibly get some advice from him.
Badlands, Empire Castle
Moonlight walked through the Blackwood Forest with a smile on his face. "Equestria is in chaos, Celestia is broken and we have one of the elements on our side. Father really knows how to get things done around here."
"I'll say." Moonlight turned around to see Eris walking up to him shyly.
"Hello Eris, what brings you to my neck of the woods?" He joked, getting a deadpan from the Draconequus.
"That joke was bad and you should feel bad." Moonlight chuckled and continued walking with Eris at his side.
"So, what has father got planned for you and the others?" He asked.
"Nothing for now, he says he has a surprise for us. It's to do with Sombras horn and the Element of Magic." Moonlight just looked at her puzzled.
"It's not like him to not even give a basic clue to you guys, any ideas on what it could be?" Eris shrugged.
"I'm guessing it's another phase in his master plan, nothing more." Moonlight chuckled and continued walking. Eris looked him over as they walked, a blush adorning her face. Anon knew that Eris had feelings for his son and had been encouraging her to tell him, saying that the feeling was mutual between them. Moonlight even admitted to his mother about his feelings towards the empress of chaos.
The only thing that ever put Eris off was the fact that if they got married she'd be Anon and Luna's daughter-in-law, becoming the Shadow Princess. Anon already told her that would only be the case if she wanted it to be, if not then she would keep her role as general.
An announcement informed everyone that Anon had requested everyone to attend a gathering as he wanted to unveil something of great importance. Looking to each other they nodded and flew towards the main throne room.
Meanwhile in the stars, a figure sat waiting, humming a tune to himself and singing softly.
"~Cus the world might do me in, it's alright cus I'm with friends~"
If you guys thought the Rainy Factory and Slendermane were huge 'What the fuck?' moments wait till you see this! Remember, all things that happen in this story have a specific purpose
Moonlight sat on the stage with Eris and the other four generals, thinking about one of his memories with his father.
Anon and a younger Moonlight sat on a cliff, overlooking the sun setting on the Badlands.
"Son, I need to tell you something important."
"What is it dad?" Anon placed a hand on his sons back.
"A kings time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king." Moonlight looked to his father with confusion. "Even though I never age, there is always the possibility that I will be struck down by an enemy. If that time comes I need you to be prepared for the duties as King." Anon looked at him with caring eyes. "You're the only one I trust to do this Moonlight, you may decline if you so wish, but if I am to ever leave there must be a new king to carry out my mission, our mission. Do you understand?"
Moonlight nodded. "I do dad, I'll make you proud." Anon brought him into a loving hug.
"You already have Moonlight, a thousand times over."
As the memory faded as Anon took to the stage to address his people. "Thank you everyone for taking the time out of your day to attend this important meeting. As you all know the Rainbow Factory was exposed and Equestria is in utter chaos. I would firstly like to welcome Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty, to our empire." Everyone clapped and Rainbow nodded to Anon. "Secondly. To help combat the unrest in Equestria that was caused by our previous mission, I have called upon an old friend of mine. Although this will come as a shock to everyone here, even the generals." Everyone looked to him confused. "This friend of mine, is a sixth general!" There were multiple gasps and some cheers. "I met this individual when I was in-prisoned in the stars. I was able to reach out to a world devoid of life, save for one lost soul. With only each other's company we became friends and over time became adoptive brothers. But, in order for him to arrive at this world and agree to become my general, I must preform a ritual that required three key items." He reached into his pockets and pulled out Sombras horn, the element of magic and a Lunar Flower. "I must ask you all to stand back."
As everyone followed his orders and cleared a space from the stage Anon put up a magic field over the crowd and his generals. Drawing a circle with some chalk and writing some cryptic symbols around it, he placed the element of magic in the middle and it started to glow. Soon the circle was set ablaze with purple fire and a large force blew across the room. The fire converged onto one spot and started to create a humanoid figure. After a blinding light shone over the room everyone stared in awe at the creature before them.
The magic fields went down and everyone stared at the creature. Anon smiled and walked over to it. "Good to see you again Lewis, I hope the summoning was a pleasant experience."
The creature now identified as Lewis looked down at Anon. "It was Anonymous, it has been quite a few centuries since I inhabited a physical body." Anon nodded and looked out at the crowd.
"Everyone, this is Lewis the Ghost, there is no need to fear him in any way as he will not harm anyone without my orders thanks to a blood pact we shared." He removed a glove and the symbol of a cryptic symbol appeared. "Now, I believe it is time to fulfil my end of the bargain." Looking down at the circle he crushed Sombras horn and sprinkled the dust onto the element. He then handed Lewis the Lunar Flower and the skeleton poured a glowing light blue liquid onto it before placing it onto the element. Anon got on his knees and started speaking the words of an ancient language before his eyes glowed and a soft glow created another figure, this one being female.
As the unconscious girl floated down into Lewis' arms the ghost started to tear up as he held her. "Thank you Anon, thank you so much." He reached an arm over and brought Anon into a hug.
"So, this seals the deal then?" Anon asked as he patted his friend on the back.
"Indeed it does, I will join you on your mission to bring balanced harmony to this world as your general. For now though, I must see to it that Vivi gets her rest." He replied as he looked to the girl now known as Vivi with caring eyes.
"Very well Lewis." Anon put his fingers to his mouth and whistled. A thestral with a grey coat and a butlers suit on flew up to Anon. "Show my friend here to the generals quarters and bring him anything he asks for, understood?"
"Yes my king." As Lewis was walking he looked back at Anon.
"You really are the Angel of Darkness aren't you?" Anon simply smiled.
"I haven't been called that in awhile, but if that's how you wish to see me then be my guest. Please come by the private dining hall with Vivi so I may introduce you to your fellow generals." Nodding Lewis followed the servant out of the room.
Meanwhile in Canterlot
Celestial ceased her crying as she felt a heavy disturbance in the magic around her. Looking out in the direction of the badlands she saw a purple and blue glow. "What's he up to now?"
Suddenly two stars disappeared from the sky. Then another disappeared and a bright light enveloped the room Celestia was in. Looking at the figure that had appeared Celestia started to tear up. "I leave you and your sisters alone with the kingdom for a few millennia and look what you've aloud to happen to this proud nation." The figure was an alabaster alicorn stallion with golden armour and a flowing yellow mane and beard. "It would seem like I need the deal with this pest before he destroys everything I worked to create, I will kill him myself."
"K-King Solaris? Father?!"
Badlands, Empire Castle
Anon walked with Lewis by his side, showing his new general around the castle. Vivi had woken up and was riding on Lewis' shoulder.
"So Anon, you've been leading this rebellion for awhile right?" Vivi asked as she looked around in curiosity.
"It isn't a rebellion, we are simply trying to gain enough support to convince others that we have the upper hand. We want to change the world, not take it for ourselves. Although you are right, I've been leading this empire for centuries." Lewis and Vivi looked to each other and shrugged.
"Anyway. You clearly aren't from this world or ours, do you know how you got here?" The blue haired girl asked.
A smile made its way onto Anons face. "I don't know how I got here, but I know who brought me here in the first place, although the memory loss was an accident."
"Who was it?" Lewis and Vivi asked in unison.
"It was-" Suddenly the ground shook and a huge source of magic could be felt in the throne room by all of the generals and magic users.
"KING ANON!!! COME OUT SO I MAY RID THIS WORLD OF YOUR FILTH!!!"
Anon growled, he knew that voice. He had never met the stallion it belonged to but he had heard enough from Luna and Celestia to know who it was. "Lewis, get Vivi to safety and then come straight to the throne room. This is gonna be a big one." The ghost nodded and sprinted down the hallway... Well he floated a few inches in the air and kinda glided down the hall with a small ring of fire beneath him but that's besides the point.
There was a huge threat to the Shadow Empire in the very castle Anon had called his home. He unsheathed his blade and shot off towards the main throne room. Running through the door Anon stopped as he saw the armoured stallion before him, twice as tall as Celestia.
"King Solaris, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Anon gripped his sword tighter.
"You! You dare to destroy what I have spent millennia to create?! You have either gone mad or have poor judgement to think I would have allowed this to continue further!" As Solaris charged his horn he was knocked to the ground by Luna.
"Father stop this foolishness!" Luna starred daggers at her father.
"Luna, my precious flower, please stand aside." Solaris ordered in a soft caring voice.
"No! You are the one that must step aside, I will not allow you to attack my husband!" Luna's horn lit up and her body was coated in armour.
Anon walked to Luna's side with a smirk. "Did I ever tell you how much I love it when you wear that?"
"Not the time sweetie."
Solaris glared at Anon. "You, you are the one that spoiled my precious flower, for that you will die!"
"Father stop this at once!"
"Now now Woona, once I destroy this foul monkey we can find you a great prince to marry." Solaris stated, thinking that he was right in what he had said.
"I don't need any prince! I already have my King!" Luna wrapped a wing around Anon. "He is no foul monkey, he is just like any pony, griffin or changeling! I love him with all of my heart, and I will not allow you to take him away from me!" The generals and Moonlight came rushing in and looked in awe at the stallion before them.
Solaris looked at each one individually before his sights fell on Moonlight and he snarled. "How dare you allow yourself to birth a filthy half-breed! It must be destroyed before it brings shame to the family!" As Solaris charged the young alicorn who shielded himself with magic, Solaris suddenly saw everything go by in slow motion as Anon charged him and swung his sword at his wing, slowly slicing it off.
Anon then grabbed Solaris by the head and threw him across the room. "No one, hurts my son, calls him a half-breed or pulls anything like what you just did when I'm around!"
Solaris shakily got to his hooves and looked to the huge white wing that was laying in the middle of the floor, a stub now in the place it used to be attached to. "You, miserable, filthy, monster! You'll pay for that!" His horn lit up and the wing disappeared, reattaching itself to his body. His horn lit up again and he started absorbing energy in the air, his body now glowing with a golden aura. "I shall kill you all!"
Everyone took fighting stances and starred daggers at the attacker.
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Anon shot towards him and swung his sword which was blocked by a magic field. Jumping back Anon held out his hand and rapidly shot blue balls of energy at the field, slowly wearing it down. The King inside desperately tried to keep it up until he charged it, causing it to expand and throw Anon against a wall.
Not letting his opponent recover Solaris charged Anon with his spear, only to be knocked away by Solid Will swinging his giant hammer. As he was flung towards a wall he was knocked upwards by Thanos. In the air he was sliced repeatidly by Sonar and Mist Hunter until he was blasted by a huge beam from Eris who then floated over to Anon and helped him up.
"Thanks Eris." Anon looked to his rapier and shook his head. "I need a different weapon." Using his magic he turned the sword into a blue liquid before it formed a blue katana. "I don't really like using this style of sword but I don't think this battle calls for a thrusting weapon." He twirled the blade in his hand before shooting towards the recovered Solaris.
Solaris swung his spear and the blades met and sparks of yellow and blue flew everywhere. The two were in a battle of strength, neither giving in. They both snarled at each other as they pushed, trying to gain an advantage. Anon saw an opportunity and flung his sword upwards, bringing the spear with it and leaving Solaris exposed to a blast of magic.
Luna charged forward and thrust her sword at her fathers chest plate causing him to stumble backwards. Anon and Luna continued a chain of attacks until Solaris flapped his mighty wings and sent them flying. Moonlight lit up his horn and five glowing gems appeared around him, each forming into orbs filled with dark magic. Opening his glowing red eyes he shot them towards Solaris, tails of blue flying behind each one.
As the orbs made contact with the King they exploded and sent him crashing through a stone pillar. He got up and charged Moonlight who just smirked. As Solaris hit him he faded into mist. "What?!"
Moonlight reappeared beside Mist Hunter and they brohoofed. "Shadow Mist spell, comes in handy when faced with opponents with incredible strength." As Solaris was about to charge an attack he was swept away in a wave of purple fire.
Anon looked over to Lewis who nodded. The two of them ran side by side and placed their fists together, creating a dark purple bubble around their joined hands. As Solaris removed he was immediately knocked back down but the compressed shockwave that the two humanoids had created as they brought their fists down on the King.
Growly Solaris grabbed the two in his magic and stabbed them both in the guts with his swords. "Anon! Lewis!" Everyone called out as the two were thrown away. Anon shakily got to his feet and held his stomach, his magic slowly healing the wound. The damage was not at all severe for Lewis as he was merely a ghost with a solid form.
Solaris summoned multiple swords and shot them towards Anon, only missing by a hair. Thanos charged the King and punched him in the face before breathing fire and slowly causing the Kings armour to become scolding hot. Solaris groaned in pain and stabbed his horn into the dragon before throwing him to the side.
Anon appeared behind him and grabbed his flowing mane. "Long live the King." With that Anon drove his sword through Solaris' back, taking advantage of an exposed area between the wings.
Solaris teleported out of Anons hold and held a hole in his chest where the blade had managed to reach from his back. "This... Isn't... Over!" As he was about to teleport away he charged a powerful beam that hit Anon square in the chest, then the King disappeared.
"Anon!" Everyone rushed over to the human and looked at the smoking patch on his chest. Anon then began to chuckle, which then turned to a full blown evil laugh.
"Why are you laughing?! He shot you with a solar ray!" Yelled Luna. Anon reached under his shirt and pulled out the element of magic that had blocked the blast, which had now turned grey and started to crumble.
"I'm laughing, because that idiot Solaris just handed me the very thing I needed to render all the Elements of Harmony forfeit of their power!" He then crushed the gem in his hand and absorbed its magic, all of his wounds healing and his eyes shining purple. "There is now nothing stopping us from taking down the Solar Empire."
Ponyville, Everfree Forest
Slendermane sat in his cave watching the chaos of the country from a magic screen. Just then he sensed Abigail running towards him, her emotions had gone haywire. He ran outside the cave and was immediately hugged by the crying girl. He placed his head on hers and wrapped his tendrils around her to hold her close. "Shhh, shhh, it's alright Abigail. It's alright."
"N-No it's not. *sniff* Equestria... It's in utter c-chaos! Celestia... She knew... She knew about that factory! *sniff* C-Carmine is... Is... Is." She couldn't continue as she broke down into tears and buried her head into Slenders chest.
"Don't worry Abigail, I'll help you get through this. We'll get through this..." He held her close and whispered. "... Together."
Abigail stopped and looked up to her friend. "W-What?"
Slender blushed slightly and shook his head. "It's nothing, never mind." As he was about to walk back into the cave he felt Abigail place a hand on his shoulder.
"Wait, Slender." He stopped and looked back at Abigail. "What did you mean, by together?"
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"I meant that we would get through this together, like friends do, they give each other support when times are tough."
"No, friends don't say it the way you did, there was something else behind that word, please, tell me."
Slender was now blushing furiously, now noticeable by the human girl.
"Wait... Do you... Like me?"
Slender sighed and put a hoof over his face. "Yes... I do." Abigail was speechless. "You've shown me compassion, kindness and offered me friendship when no one else has. You took the time out of your life to come visit me, to make me feel wanted and welcome in a world that despises my very existence. Abigail, you are the greatest and most beautiful being I have ever come across in all my life. I know this is probably creeping you out and making you feel uncomfo-" Jis sentence was cut off as Abigail placed her lips on his, well, where they were meant to be.
Abigail pulled away and wiped a tear from her eye. "S-Shut up you big dummy." She smiled and hugged him, a small blush appearing on her face. "The feeling is mutual."
Canterlot Castle
Celestia sat on her throne, worry overtaking all other emotions. Yes she was happy that her father had returned, but she was also afraid. King Solaris treated the ponies of Equestria with respect but had an extreme distaste for other creatures. She didn't worry for the ponies of Equestria, she feared for the human family and other inhabitants. She didn't know what to do, she never expected her father to reappear.
Deep down she wanted to accept him and his return to the thrown, but most of her wished that Anon would kill him. She knew her time as ruler was over, Solaris would take control and start a full on war with the Shadow Empire. Without their mother there to keep him in check, Solaris would not rest until his enemies were wiped out. He would not show mercy, he is from a forgotten age and will refuse to let go of the old ways.
He will reinstate punishments like whippings and executions, the ponies of this age could not handle anything like that, it would break them and destroy them. Celestia knew she could not let Equestria fall into her fathers hooves, if he returned he would most likely be injured. That would be her chance, she could restrain him and make him see reason or she could put him down.
Dread began to replace worry, Equestria was about to enter a dark age, and it wouldn't be Anon that would guide it to such an era. Wiping a tear from her eye she charged her horn and summoned a set of gold plated enchanted chains and hid them behind the throne.
With a flash of light Solaris appeared with many cuts and bruises, a large stab wound in his chest and in between his wings. Celestia narrowed her eyes and stepped off the throne allowing her father to shakily walk onto it.
"Get your soldiers ready Celestia, we are going to tear the Shadow Empire apart, and then we are going to whip the ponies of today into shape, they've become too soft and need to be hardened." Solaris commanded as he sat down.
"Father, there is no need for that, things are not like they used to be, all species live in harmony now and the only conflict in the world right now is with the Shadow Empire. My little ponies could not handle your disciplinary actions."
"And yet they are in uproar over the Rainbow Factory? So what if a few peasants are taken away, they can always make more." When I said that he treats ponies with respect, I meant those that are hardened and have great social power.
Celestia narrowed her eyes and took the chains in her magic. "No father."
Badlands, Empire Castle
Anon watched his subjects from a balcony overlooking the underground settlements, the soldiers of his empire gearing up for what was to come. His eyes glowed purple as the energy from the Element of Magic flowed through his body, gifting him with greater magical abilities.
His generals and family stood behind him with Rainbow Dash and her family, all of them with confident smiles as they watched their leader look down at his people. They saw him hold up his hand which now glowed purple and he cast a voice amplifier spell.
"Attention everyone!" All of the beings below stopped and looked up at their King. "What will happen over the next few days, weeks, months and maybe even years will shake the world. The return of King Solaris was unexpected, but it's nothing we can't handle. You all will be fighting for the freedom of this nation, but know this, we are no longer fighting the Solar Empire led by Princess Celestia, we are now facing a powerful foe with hidden armies. We may find ourselves with allegiance with a good portion of the Solar Empire in order to take down the tyrant that will shape Equestria into his own image with discrimination, force and downright awful actions. I have confidence that each and everyone of you will make a difference in the battles to come, and fight on knowing your loved ones are safe and under our protection. Now prepare for the true war, for the freedom of Equestria and the world, for the Shadow Empire!"
"FOR THE SHADOW EMPIRE!!!" Each and every soldier, baker, carpenter and villiage rebounds called out in support and loyalty. Anon smirked and turned to his generals who nodded.
"Well then my friends, what's say we get this show on the road?" He gave an evil chuckle before walking down the hallway with his family and friends following his lead. "Sonar?"
"Yes my King?" The armoured Thestral asked.
"Go to the airship ports and take a ship to Ponyville, with Solaris back in power any races other than ponies are gonna be in serious trouble. Get the family of humans and bring them to me, we're getting them out of there." Anon ordered with a serious tone.
"But King Anon, aren't the humans subjects of the Solar Empire?" Sonar asked with uncertainty.
"They are civilians that will be targeted by a tyrant, if you see any other species there offer them a ride, this is more than just us trying to get people to support us and bring a balanced harmony, now we need to focus on making sure that Solaris is dead as soon as possible. Now go."
The Thestral nodded and flapped her wings, taking flight and shooting down a separate hallway. The group pressed on until they came across a large door with an emblem of black wings and a sword. Smirking Anon opened the door and the group all stared in awe at the sight before them. "Are we really gonna use that?" Moonlight asked.
"Yes son, I present to all of you my personal battleship, The Reclaimer." Anon gestured to the huge airship in a private dock. It was the size of a large air carrier with a huge dark blue balloon attached to the hull by silver chains and rope. The hull was planted with black and blue enchanted steel, six large cannons were lined up on the sides of the deck, three on each side and each having two huge barrels. On the bottom of the hull was a section filled with six small airships that were used to drop off troops. The emblem of the Shadow Empire was painted on the sides of the balloon, smaller cannons dotted the hull and various soldiers and workers walked around preparing for takeoff when it was ordered. "We will be using this to lead a fleet of airships over Canterlot and prevent Solaris from taking control before he can set up a good defence. Now everyone get aboard, we leave in half an hour."
Anon looked back to Rainbow Dash and gave a sad smile.
"Rainbow, it is your job to go to Ponyville and warn your friends of what's to come, we already have an agent there working to get one of them to join us. Your family will be safe here, now go." The rainbow maned Pegasus nodded and flew out through an open hatch in the ceiling.
Outskirts of Ponyville
Abigail and Slender looked down at the rioting town of Ponyville, clouds of smoke rising into the air. The children in town were taken to a safe location away from the violence with the help of Screwball and SweetieBot.
"How is anyone supposed to stop all of this madness, it's out of control." Abigail said as she sat down on the edge of the cliff and sighed. "The whole nation had been thrown into chaos, and it wasn't the Draconequi that caused it."
"Hey!" The two turned around to see Screwball walking towards them. "What was that you said about Draconequi?"
"Why do you care?"
"I'm half Draconequus!" Screwball yelled in frustration.
"Oh right, for some reason I keep forgetting that." Abigail chuckled and Screwball merely sighed and sat down with them and looked out at the chaos created by the exposure of the Rainbow Factory.
"Hello friends." The group looked to a bush and saw SweetieBot jump out of it. "All children and elderly have been evacuated to the abandoned diamond mines and are being watched by Sparkler, Lyra and Time Turner."
"Great job Sweets, thank you." Abigail praised while patting the spot next to her, which the robot walked over to and sat.
"Whatever happened to that adventure we were going to have?"
The group looked to each other and shrugged. "I guess things came up and we forgot during the chaos."
SweetieBot narrowed her eyes and looked up at the sky. "I don't buy it, I just think someone was lazy and forgot about it."
The group looked at her with raised brows. "You feeling alright Sweets?"
The robot blinked and looked back to her friends. "Sorry, I appeared to have suffered from a glitch, rebooting software." The robot went limp before sitting back up. "Restart successful, what were we talking about?"
Abigail rolled her eyes and looked out at the carnage. "I think we should leave here." The group looked at her in confusion. "I mean leave Ponyville, find somewhere safe and hide until this is all over, the war, the riots and the panic. I'm sure we can just find a secluded area and just stay there."
"What about our friends and family?" Screwball asked.
Abigail remained silent, staring at Golden Oaks Library where her family was currently holding out. "I don't know."
They all remained silent until they saw a familiar rainbow trail and the silhouette of an airship behind it.
Canterlot Castle
Celestia lay on the floor, severally bruised and wrapped in the enchanted chains. Solaris walked up to her and glared. "Did you really think your chains would have any effect on me? I have power comparable to a God! An ancient enchantment is nothing against me!"
Celestia shakily lifted her head and looked up at him in fear. "Please father... Don't do this." Her plea fell on deaf ears.
"I'm sorry my little sunflower, but these ponies need to learn to look after themselves and this land needs to be purified of the filth of the parasites that have made this place their home!" Solaris snarled and began walking towards the door.
'Anon if there was a time where you were planning to attack pleas let that time be now.'
As soon as Solaris took the door handle in his magic the ground shook and the wall behind the throne exploded. The two alicorns watched as the dust settled revealing Anon with his mouth covered by his bandana and a soft purple aura outlining his body. "Sorry pops, but Equestria is mine."
"Oh really, your empire is outnumbered by the Solar Empire which I now control. If you were to attack we would have a defensive line set up within days, we have scouts all over Equestria feeding us information on all activity in the sky and on the ground, if you were to launch and attack we would know before you even got here!" Solaris boasted, taking a fighting stance. "And I have fully recovered, and have regained my strength after being trapped in the sun for all those years, I am twice as strong as I was when we fought."
"Well you see Solaris, when you blasted me with that little beam of alicorn magic, I happen to have the Element of Magic tucked away under my clothes." Anon spread his arms and smirked.
"No... No you didn't." Celestia said in horror.
"Oh yes dear sister, I most certainly did." Anon gave an evil laugh before snapping his fingers, revealing his giant airship and hundreds of others in the sky, all converging on Canterlot that had been undetected thanks to an advanced cloak spell. "I AM NOW THE ELEMENT OF MAGIC ITSELF!!! AND ON THIS DAY, THE SOLAR EMPIRE SHALL FALL AND WE WILL UNITE THE WORLD UNDER ONE FLAG AND BRING PEACE TO EVERYONE!!!"
Solaris and Celestia looked up in horror as Anon gave a psychopathic laugh and glared at them with piercing purple eyes and a sinister smile behind his mask.
Ponyville, Everfree Forest
The group began running towards the rioting town where an airship had landed. Once they broke through the treeline they all saw the airship floating slightly above the ground with a ramp leading to the deck. Looking around they saw a few Shadow Troopers (what we will call the members of Anons army) helping the human family onto the ship as well as a few ponies that had decided to join the empire. At the top of the ramp was Sonar in her armour as always, she was scanning the area for something and welcoming a few ponies on board while ordering a few Troopers to help the humans.
Abigail looked at the scene confused, wondering why her family would be willingly boarding the ship. She unsheathed her sword and began running towards the site with her friends behind her, minus Slender who stuck to the trees. As she and her friends ran across the ash covered grass Sonar noticed them and flew down to meet them. Abigail and the armoured Thestral stared each other down, remembering their previous encounter in the Rainbow Factory.
"What's going on here?" Abigail demanded.
Sonar snarled at her before regaining her composure. "My King has offered you and your fellow humans sanctuary from the violence in the Shadow a Empire capital."
Abigail looked up at Megan and Becky who were leaning over the railing after hearing her voice. "Girls, why are you going with them?!"
"They told us what is about to happen and what King Anon is going to do, and trust me when I say we don't want to be anywhere near Canterlot and its surrounding towns!" Megan yelled down.
"What's happening?!" Abigail called up.
There was silence as both of the girls looked up at the sky in shock. "Turn around and you'll see!"
Abigail turned around and gasped, there were hundreds of airships floating around Canterlot, with a huge ship the size of a town leading them. "What the?!"
"You and your friends may want to get on board." Abigail looked down to Sonar. "Personally I would leave you here to face the chaos rant is coming, but my King has ordered me to bring all of the humans to Empire Castle, and I would sooner die than disobey an order from him so I suggest you get on."
Abigail looked to the mare, then to her cousins and then to Canterlot before sighing. "Come on everyone, let's get out of here."
As Sonar noticed Screwball she walked over to her. "Your father has requested your presence back in the Chaos Capital, it's important this time."
Screwball sighed and nodded, teleporting away. The group got onto the airship and sat down with the rest of the passengers below deck. Abigail choose a window seat and looked down at the Everfree Forest where Slender was looking up from. Abigail placed a hand on the window and Slender waved a tendril before teleporting away to a place Unknown.
Besieged Canterlot
Anon looked out at all of his airships with a confident smile. He didn't give the order to deploy the Shadow Troppers yet, that would only be necessary if his plan didn't go along perfectly which it most likely wouldn't. He saw the panic in the streets of Canterlot as ponies ran around screaming, he felt guilty for making these misled ponies feel scared and confused, but he would make it up to them soon enough.
Turning around he deflected a magic blast from Solaris with a backhand. "Come on Pops I know you have more in you than that."
Solaris snarled and began charging up a large beam of solar energy. As he pointed his her towards Anon his target disappeared and reappeared right in front of him, nailing him in the chest with his boot. The spell cancelled itself and Solaris was thrown backwards. Solaris got to his feet and caoted himself in a blanket of magic, covering his body in a suit of armour made of his energy.
"Now that's more like it." Anon unsheathed his sword which he had turned back into a rapier and the blade glowed purple with the new magic flowing into it. "Have to learn not to depend on your magic alone Solaris, why do you think I prefer melee combat over magical combat?"
Solaris shot forward and attempted to pierce Anons chest with his horn but was blocked by Anons blade and the two of them pushed against each other in a a battle of strength. As the two clashed Anon clenched his fist and hit Solaris with a right hook, creating a crack in his magical armour but not phasing the King within.
Anon proceeded to strike the armour multiple times as more and more cracks appeared. Solaris pulled back before the armour could break and began firing a steady stream of magical blasts at his attacker. Anon teleported away from each individual blast in a taunting manner until he shot forward and swung his sword at Solaris. As the sun King stopped and looked to his armour he saw a line where the blade had pieced and saw some of his blood pouring out of it as a gash appeared on his chest.
Solaris roared in anger. He took Anon in his magic and gena slamming him into the walls, ceiling and floor of the room in a fit of rage while also blasting him with all his might. As the dust settled Anon lay in a small crater, his clothes slightly burnt and several burns and bruises covering his body. Everything was quiet as the wind coming through the hole in the wall blew his fedora off his head. As it was about to fly out with the winds it was wrapped in a dark purple aura and pulled back to Anons head.
The Shadow King slowly got to his feet, his clothes mending themselves as the tears and scratches glowed a soft purple. The bruises and burns on his skin faded as well. He turned to Solaris with piercing purple eyes, disappointment evident in his eyes. "I expected better from you Solaris, you talk big game but in truth you are just a lonely stallion that refuses to let go of the past ways because those were the days when everything was great for you, until one day when Qu-"
His sentence was cut off by Solaris sum,owning a war hammer and nailing him in the waist causing him to collapse to his knees as his magic healed him. "Don't you dare say that name!"
As he fully recover Anon gripped his sword and pointed it towards the King. "Way to prove my point there sunshine, even at the slightest mention of her makes you angry. You know what that is? It's weakness!" Anon began to furiously slice at Solaris with his glowing blade. "A good ruler knows when to put his morals and emotions aside when the fate of his subjects is at stake! A good ruler knows the difference between generosity and selfishness! A good ruler does what is good for his kingdom! You have done none of these things Solaris, you have brought nothing but destruction and anguish to those in your kingdom and focused on your own selfish goals!" Ano stopped slicing and grabbed Soakris by the horn. "YOU ARE THE REASON THE HARMONY IN THIS NATION IS UNBALANCED!!!" With that Anon slammed Solaris' head into the hard marble floor with mighty force.
Celestia watched as Anon slowly straightened himself with an lifeless Solaris laying down in front of him. Anon nodded in satisfaction before walking over to Celestia with his sword in hand. Celestia prepared herself for he chosen fate... but she felt no pain. She opened her eyes and saw the chains around her were cut, freeing her. She looked up at Anon who turned towards the fleet of ships. "Why did you free me?"
Anon just looked at her from the corner of his eye. "Do you really think I'd be dumb enough to free you if I knew you could actually stop me?"
Celestia remained silent for a moment before sighing in defeat. "You're right. There is nothing I can do to stop you at this present time, you have won, I admit defeat." She straightened herself and glared at her brother-in-law. "Now that this is over, you have to promise to treat the subjects fairly."
"You're a fool if you think this is over." Celestia raised a brow as Anon walked over to Solaris. "While we were fighting Solaris activated a certain spell, a spell that awakens a certain army." As Anon was about to finish his foe Solaris was teleported away by an unknown force. "Damnit, oh well, it's too early for this all to end anyway." Suddenly the ground began to shake and multiple flashes of light stated appearing all over Canterlot. Anon and Celestia walked up to the hole in the wall and saw groups of what seemed like walking suits of gold plated armour appearing and attacking the residents of the city. Anon looked up to his airship and cast a telepathic link between himself and Luna. 'Luna, Solaris activated the army, send in the Shadow Troopers.'
'Ok, I've gave the word and the generals are joining our men in deployment. What happened to father?'
'He got away before I could finish him, he's most likely past Equestrias borders in one of his allies countries. We can deal with him later, right now we need to get the situation here under control.' With that he cut the link and watched as multiple ropes dropped from the airships above Canterlot and various species dropped down in dark purple armour and proceeded to battle the groups of Golden Knights. They couldn't be beaten with just one Trooper so they attacked in groups.
Anon looked to Celestia and gripped his sword.
"You do whatever you want, I'm helping my soldiers. The world needs you to control the sun, try to stay alive." With that Anon jumped out the hole and into the streets of Canterlot to join the Shadow Troopers. As larger Knights began to appear the airships began to fire some canons on clearer locations to avoid as much damage as possible to the residents hiding and the buildings.
About half an hour later Canterlot had become a war zone, all of the residents were evacuated via airship and brought to Empire Castle. A squad of Shadow Troopers lay behind cover as a large Knight was blasting the area with magical blasts. As one of the stallions looked over the fallen stone pillar he immediately ducked to avoid having his head blown off.
One of the Griffins in the group looked to his bow and arrow and sighed. "Don't think we're getting out of this one."
As he said this Anon dropped down from a building and hid behind cover with them. "What's the situation men?"
A Thestral in the group saluted his King. "Sir, more variants of these Knights have been appearing, we are unable to get close enough to take this one down and none of us are fast enough to dodge the magic fire."
Anon nodded. "I will deal with this Knight, there is a squad in need of assistance in the next street, go and provide reinforcement." The group saluted and did as ordered and walked behind cover to the next street. Anon peeked over the pillar and then ducked back down. Unsheathing his sword he jumped over the white pillar and ran towards the huge Knight, running in a zigzag pattern to avoid the blasts. As he got close enough he began spinning and began drilling through the Knights armour until it crumbled.
Nodding in satisfaction Anon looked around and saw he was surrounded by a large group of Knights. He twirled his blade for a second before taking a defensive stance.
Canterlot
A Golden Knight looked around the damaged street in search of a target, only for its head to be crushed by a large war hammer. Solid Will gave a hearty laugh as he smashed more Knights as he walked. "Didn't think having a city be attacked by a mystical army could be this fun!" He yelled as he crushed a smaller Knigjts head in his mighty hand.
Meanwhile a small filly hid under a pile of rubble as a group of Knights were marching towards a group of Shadow Troopers. She was shaking, shaking in fear and confusion. She didn't know what was going on, she was having a nice lunch with her friends when the airships arrived, then the Knights started chasing her. She had missed the evacuation ship while she was hiding from the chaos, she didn't know if anyone had noticed her absence due to the panic.
Suddenly her hoof slipped which caused a pebble to fall and clak against the ground. One of the Knights turned its head towards the rubble pile and began to slowly walk towards it. The filly began to tear up as she heard the heavy hoofsteps become louder as they got closer.
As the Knight began to move the rubble out of the way it spotted the foal. As it moved the last piece of debris it raised its hoof to smash her. She closed her eyes and began to cry, waiting for the attack. As the Knight was about to carry out its task it was blasted by a ball of purple fire. Lewis jumped in front of the foal and brough his fist down on the Knight, killing it and melting it in the process.
As the foal heard the sound of the metal being crushed and dissolved while feeling no pain she opened her eyes to look up at the skeleton. "Are you alright little one?" He asked kneeling down to her. She cowered a little at his dark appearance and wiped the tears from her eyes. She would have been completely terrified of him were it not for his cartoonish look and the floating heart by his chest. "Don't worry little girl, I'm here to get rid of these walking sets of armour. I take it you didn't make it to the evacuation ships?" She nodded slowly. "Your parents left you behind in the panic?"
She winced at the mention of parents. "I-I don't...have..."
Lewis just nodded. "An orphan then, what about your caretaker?"
"E-everypony left in such a h-hurry, they probably think that I m-made it to a different s-ship." She said shakily.
Lewis nodded and scratched his chin in thought. "I'll take you to the flagship to be taken care of by one of the crew members, then after the fighting is over I'll come back and help you find your caretaker. Sound good?" He asked while holding his hand out to the filly.
She looked at him and the to her surroundings, realising that she wasn't safe if she stayed in the city. "Ok..." She walked onto Lewis' outstretched hand and he brought her up to sit on his shoulder.
"Hold on tight." Lewis stated before flying upward with a trail of fire behind him. "What's your name anyway?"
"It...Easy Snow." Easy said as she clung to his shoulder.
Mist Hunter and Thanos stood back to back with a group of Shadow Troopers, surrounded by Golden Knights by the main entrance to the castle. A few airships spotted them and began carefully firing their cannons to reduce the number of enemies in the surrounding horde. Now at a more manageable number the two generals and Troopers began attacking their own targets.
Eris and Moonlight watched the battle from the flagship with Luna, occasionally blasting any airborne Knights to give the cannon crews a hand. Luna was watching one battle in particular, Anons battle with a horde of Knights. She watched with a smile on her face, confident that he would pull through. She watched as he took down each individual Knoght in one swing of his sword as they charged him. It then got to a point where Anon was bored of the fight and charged a great amount of magic into his hand, Luna noticed that he was struggling to control such power, absorbing the Element of Magic had supplied him with power beyond his own capabilities.
He clenched his charged hand into a fist and punched the ground, causing a large surge of energy to wipe out the Knights in the area. The large magic dome halted as it engulfed the last Knight and then retracted back to Anon who staggered, tired from the power usage. He breathe heavily for awhile before falling on one knee with one hand on the ground to keep himself up. Luna frowned and teleported to her husbands side, letting him lean on her for support.
"Don't overdo yourself hun, we all need you alive, now more than ever." She said as she helped him to his feet.
Anon took off his fedora and shook himself, pulling his bandana that coveted the bottom half of his face down to his neck. "I know, we just...can't afford to take...any chances." He took in slow deep breaths and recovered. "It's going to take me awhile to get used to this much power, when we get things organised here I'm going to the Wastelands to at least get some training done to better control this."
"How long will you be planning on staying there?"
Anon looked to his gloved hand which was cracklings with purple electricity. "I don't know, but not too long, just until I can understand my limits and allow my body to become accustomed to the energy." The flagship had moved over them to give Anon an easier path to teleport without using too much energy, despite it being a thing he does regularly it still does take a good amount of energy to preform. "Come on, let's get this fight finished and then get this place fixed up." With that they both vanished in a brief flash of blue light.
???
Solaris lay on a bed in a blank white room, bandages over his torso, wings and over his left eye. He slowly opened his right eye and sat up, looking around the room in question and caution. "Where am I?" He whispered to himself.
Suddenly a hidden door in the walls opened and two figures walked in, they were both tall unicorns reaching the height of Celestia, one mare and one stallion. The mare had black fur and long, straight grey mane with her right eye curtained behind it, her mark was a shadow over a moon. The stallion had dark purple fur and a black mane that formed three large spikes that were slicked back, his mark was a bright purple diamond with a black shadow surrounding it.
"Oh, Silhouette and Shaded Jewel, I should have known." Solaris slowly got off the bed and walked up to the two tall ponies. "I'm surprised you two are still alive let alone still looking as young as the day we met."
The mare smirked. "Well my King, there are other ways of achieving immortality than becoming an alicorn you know."
"Don't remind me Silhouette, if you two hadn't kept that place a secret then everyone from six thousand years ago would still be walking around in their prime." Solaris said as he imagined what would happen if immortality became available for everyone in the world, it would be chaos.
"Why wouldn't we keep it a secret? Afterall, it's what makes us unique in the Line of Immortals, being the only two who didn't gain their power naturally." The stallion said with a smile.
"Yes, apart from King Anon that is, remember Shade? I don't know how Luna did it but she pulled it off and gave up most of her power in the process, that's why she's so small for an alicorn. Unlike that pathetic excuse of an immortal Princess Cadence." Solaris spat in anger.
"Yes I remember, and I think that our favourite biped may be working towards restoring her natural powers." Shade replied.
Solaris froze and looked to the stallion with fear in his eyes. "What did you just say?"
"I said I believe that Anon may be looking for a way to restore Prin-I mean, Queen Luna, to her prime." Shade repeated.
Solaris shook himself and put a hoof to his forehead. "If he does that they'll have enough combined power to free...her." The last word of his sentence was spoken with utter distaste and hatred. "The one that put Anon on the path he walks in the first place, I cannot let that happen or I'm done for, my work and my power is done for!"
Silhouette rolled her eyes and wrapped her hoof around Solaris' shoulder. "Relax Solaris, we won't allow that to happen, the Metal Empire will always be loyal to you, we will follow you through this new war. I trust you've already awoken the Golden Knights?" Solaris nodded. "Alright, but before we do anything, you've got to heal, naturally !" She scolded. "No magic, no potions, no anything! You don't know what Anons new magic did to your body and neither do we, so you need to heal by yourself, and just to make sure..." She slipped a magic dampening ring onto his horn. "Don't even think about trying to cast a spell, this one ring is designed specifically for you."
Solaris growled at the mare. "Curse you and your planning."
Canterlot Castle
Celestia sat at the hole in the wall of the throne room, watching her once proud city filled with nobility and wealth, a symbol of her nation, as it turned into war zone. Buildings were either damaged or destroyed, none of her subjects were present in the conflict and neither was her own Royal Gaurd, they were not fit to fight this battle, they were weak, undertrained and their golden armour was useless. They were for security theatre and everyone knew it, only there to enforce the laws and loo pretty in their shiny outfits.
Celestia had lost, her nation would soon be in the hands of her brother-in-law that had opposed her for centuries. That conflict had reached its end, the victor ready to claim their prize. A new conflict had started to take the place of the previous. This conflict would have far more at stake than just the control of a nation, but the control of the world itself. The world would now be split into only two factions, those that supported Anon, and those that followed Solaris.
Now all Celestia could do was sit back and watch, unable to fight back to regain her empire that had been taken from her so suddenly. She wasn't strong enough to take on Anon, he had surpassed her through careful planning and sheer luck. Her greatest foe, her own family, had bested her. She did not feel regret, nor did she feel anger. She felt nothing, she was now only a spectator to this new war, unable to fight or preach for her cause. Everything she had was gone at that moment, she could only hope that her sister and her new ruler would give her at least something to have, something to make her more than nothing in this world.
The new world was approaching. They only question was, will it be better than the last?
Canterlot
The final Knight had fallen by Thanos' claws, ending the battle for Canterlot. It had been made official by the sound of cheers of the Shadow Troopers gathered in the main plaza as the injured King Anon announced their victory, Equestria was now under the Shasow Empires flag. Their capital taken, their princess defeated and any allies focusing their attention on Solaris, Anon had claimed victory.
This was only the battle that they had won, the true war was coming with Solaris and the Golden Knights. After tending to the wounded the Troopers and generals began repairing the damaged city at a rapid pace with the help of the Draconequi. As Anon walked towards the castle to speak with Celestia two figures greeted him at the door. "Queen Chrysalis, Lord Discord, so glad you two could make it." Anon greeted his allies with a smile while holding his arm which was in a cast.
Chrysalis smiled and approached him. "We wouldn't moss this victory for the world. I've already instructed my changelings to assist in the repairs, that should speed up the process while also allowing them to feed off the positive emotions coming from the soldiers around them without having to actually take from their love supplies."
"How long will that keep your people going?" Anon asked.
"For a good while, about a month or two if they share it out evenly. We can always just have them walk around a city or town and take the love from the air if needs be, I also have a group of my changelings building up some reserve tanks thanks to your scientists and mages." Chrysalis said with a smile.
"Remind me to give the mages and researchers a few vacation days when this city is rebuilt. I have a feeling they've earned it." Anon then looked up to Discord. "You've finally stepped outside of the Chaos Capital, it's good to see you up and about my old friend."
Discord smirked. "Well I have been very busy doing cleanup for your little operations in Equestria, your forces sure do leave quite the mess when there is combat involved. Oh who am I kidding, I absolutely love the chaos your little empire causes, and my people and I get to be a part of that chaos." Discord disappeared and reappeared behind Anon and wrapped his arm over his shoulder. "So what's your next master plan? Bring chaos down on whatever little place Solaris has set up? Spread your forces out to gain more followers or just have a victory party?"
Anon frowned. "I need to carefully lay out a plan of attack, I'm pretty sure I know where Solaris had been taken, it will be a brutal war if I do not plan accordingly with my generals. In the meantime, a party sounds like a good idea. After that we can get the residents of the city moved back in."
"Alright! I'll get to planning! But first, I need to see my sister!" With that Discord vanished.
"What do you plan to do now Chrysalis?" Anon asked with interest.
"I might as well just stick with you for awhile, my people will be busy and you look like you could use a helping hoof...or...a helping whatever your species has." She replied with a raised brow.
Anon chuckled and motioned for her to follow. "Alright then, follow me."
Ponyville, Everfree Forest
Slendermane watched from the edge of the Everfree Forest as the Shadow Empire claimed victory. Screwball floated beside him with a frown and her front legs folded. "So, what do we do now?" Screwball asked.
"I don't know, I highly doubt that Carmine will rule with an iron hoof, from what I've seen so far he seems to be a good leader, and a fair one."
Screwball just looked at him surprised. "Seriously?! You're siding with them?! Look what they did to Equestria! They threw it into chaos!"
"They also drove off a tyrant, exposed a secret that had been hidden from the public eye that needed to be seen, worked towards making a better Equestria and most importantly didn't use force until absolutely necessary. I'm not siding with them, I just think that this was the best possible outcome for everyone...and I think that Princess Celestia somehow knew that." Slender replied calmly.
Screwball just sighed and looked up at the fleet of airships. "Still, I just can't shake the feeling something big is coming as a result of this."
"Of course something like this would attract something of a massive scale." A voice said from behind them. Turning around they saw Mist Hunter walking up to them. "Greetings, demon."
"Monster." Slender replied in monotone as he got to his feet and stared down the shadow pony. "What business do you have here?"
"Calm yourself demon, I am not here to cause conflict. I am merely here to relay a message to you from the human female in our main castle." Mist explained.
Slender eased up and took a less defensive stance. "Ok then, what's the message?"
"She wishes for you to travel to Empire Castle in the Badlands, she wishes for her friends to be present when she finally meets my King. Your choice whether or not to heed her call, I do not care, I have accomplished my task and I will now take my leave. Farewell." His body broke into a cloud of black most that began flying towards Canterlot.
Slender and Screwball looked to each other. "So, you gonna go?"
Slender nodded. "Abigail needs me to be with her and I will be there for her, besides...I was hoping to spend some time with her." A small blush appeared on his face.
"Oh man you guys kissed didn't you?" Slender ignored Screwball and began teleporting his way towards the Badlands with the chaotic pony in tow. "Hey, how would that even work if you've got no mouth? Did she just suck on your face or something?"
"Screwball you best keep quiet or one of my tendrils are going somewhere it really shouldn't."
"Didn't realise you were into something that kinky Slendy."
"I said quiet Screwball." He said sternly trying to keep his cool.
Canterlot
Anon and Chrysalis walked into the throne room where Celestia sat watching the Shadow Troopers repair the city that once belonged to her. “So, what d o you plan now...King Anon?”
Anon sighed and took off his fedora and bandana. “Now we address the people of Equestria, tell them what has happened and what is going to happen.
“And what of me?” Celestia asked with worry.
“You are still welcome on my council.” That statement took both Celestia and Chrysalis by surprise.
“Why?”
Anon gave a small, sad smile. “Because the conflict between us is over...and you are still my sister.” Anon began to limp towards Celestia. “The world still needs you to control the sun, and I'm not going to put you in some dungeon or punish you just for standing up to your beliefs. You did what you thought was right for your kingdom and I can respect that...and I promise you that I will take great care of your subjects.”
Celestia just looked to her wounded brother-in-law in shock before returning a weak smile. “All these years we've acted like we hated each other.”
“We both know that was an act. My respect for you never died. I may have ruined you and your image, but that was never truly against you Tia, I needed to shorten the war, to save countless lives the war needed to end.” He replied solemnly.
“And yet in the process we both put Equestria in greater danger.” Celestia chuckled. “Seems as though fate does not want this war to end anytime soon.”
Anon just nodded with a knowing smile as he reached her side and looked out at the aftermath of the battle. "How did we end up like this Tia?"
Celestia looked up at him in confusion. "What?"
"How did we end up here? A few millennia ago we were children playing in the Royal gardens, now we're at the aftermath of a war that we raged against each other for centuries. How did it start?" He asked.
Celestia looked away, closed her eyes and sighed. "I didn't listen..." Anon looked to her with confusion before frowning as he knew what she was talking about. "When you had told me you were going to change Equestria for the better, fix my 'flawed harmony' and bring a new age of peace to my kingdom...I just saw you as a threat to my way of life, my ponies way of life. I saw you as nothing but a danger."
"To be fair I had been building up a large following with some unsavoury individuals." Anon chuckled. "I don't blame you for what happened Solena, you never asked for the burden of looking after a kingdom, you were used to the Elements of Harmony fixing your problems. I still remember the day that Clover the Clever began researching those gems,the things that were accomplished thanks to her research." Anon looked to his hand that started glowing. "She even managed to make a spell to locate the Lunar Flowers, it's a shame that spell died with her but it's still a blessing, otherwise countless creatures would be hunting down the flowers and using them for their own twisted purposes."
Celestia sighed and looked up at the sky. "Ah yes, the times when Clover the Clever and Starswirl were the ones I would fall back on." She chimed as she remembered events of centuries ago.
Anon nodded as he too remembered the days before the war broke out. "I think it's about time we address the people of this land."
Celestia nodded and stood up, ready to broadcast through a magic screen.
Chrysalis walked to Anons side and cast a healing spell on both of them, allowing them to look presentable enough for the broadcast. Anons hand glowed blue and a magic screen appeared in front of them, multiple showing up all over Equestria, he then began to speak. "Attention citizens of Equestria!"
In the town of Ponyville the town had gone quiet and rushed to the Town Hall where the screen had appeared.
"I am here to inform each and every one of you of something of great importance!" He gestured to Celestia. "The way between The Shadow Empire and The Solar Empire, has ended with The Shadow Empire being victorious!" There were multiple cheers coming from the streets of Canterlot. "The war between us may be over, but there is now a new threat to Equestria. King Solaris, has returned!"
The residents of the many towns and cities all gasped and began looking around worriedly, having heard stories of the tyrant as foals.
"I know that this news is unsettling, but know this! King Anonymous! Will not stop,until this tyrant is brought down!" He then sighed and began to speak in a softer tone. "I know that I have stated before that just using force to get rid of your problems every single time without an explanation is nor how harmony should be...but this situation, what Solaris will do if he gains control again, I...no...WE cannot let him regain his former power! Former king of Equestria, Solaris, shall die!"
There was cheers all around, but many of the residents of the land were untrusting of Anon, but we're even more untrusting of Solaris and Celestia.
"Now, I know that the land is in chaos due to the revelations regarding the Rainbow Factoty, but if we are to survive and thrive as a country we need to put that behind us! There are far more important matters at hand!" Anon then looked to Celestia. "And do not worry, Celestia will indeed pay for what happened in that factory, I will make sure of that." He didn't like it, but he knew that Celestia did indeed have a dept to pay for the family's broken apart due to the factory, she needed to make up for that pain. He wouldn't allow physical harm to come to her, he would find a suitable punishment while trying to find a way for the people of Equestria to find her trustworthy once again.
He cut the broadcast and turned to Chrysalis. "Chrysalis, I need you to manage the repairs here, if you need assistance just ask one of the generals that are currently in the city."
"Understood. But what are you going to do?" The changeling asked as Anon began walking towards the hole in the wall where a rope was dropped down from the flagship.
"I have a long awaited meeting with that other human." With that he was pulled up and the flagship began to slowly turn around as smaller airships dispersed across Equestria to help with repairing the damaged cities and towns and deal with any riots that still were underway.
Badlands, Empire Castle
Abigail, SweetieBot and Sonar walked down the wooden ramp off the airship with the other humans walking behind them. As Abigail reached the bottom Slendermane and Screwball appeared. Abigail smiled and hugged Slender who wrapped a tendril around her. "Thanks for coming Slendy."
"It's no problem Abigail, we are here for you. I know how nervous you must be for this." The faceless pony replied.
Abigail turned and saw her family looking at Slender in fear. Slender back away slightly and lowered his head. "It's ok guys, he's with me."
"How can it be ok? Its freakin Slenderman as a pony!" A young boy yelled.
"I'm open to the idea of him being your friend, it's just, and I mean no offence, his appearance and history behind what he is frightens us." Nicola said with an apologetic tone. "I think if we had a bit more proof, rather than just your word, then we might be able to trust him."
Abigail frowned. "You want proof! Fine, I'll give you proof." She grabbed Slenders head and planted her lips on his, causing the group to gasp, but caused Sonar to look in surprise with wide eyes, not shocked at the action but feeling a sense of familiarity with the situation. Abigail pulled away from Slender who was now sitting with a small blush. "That proof enough for you?" She asked with an icy tone.
"Wait...you and Slender are-" Megan was about to ask but was cut off.
"That's right, we're an item." Abigail stated with a smile while placing a hand on Slenders back. "And I don't care what you all think of it."
Sonar shook herself and placed a hoof to her forehead still wide eyed. 'This is like what happened with Queen Luna and King Anon...' Shaking herself again she walked over to Abigail. "If you're ready, please follow me to my kings quarters."
Abigail nodded, motioning for Slender, SweetieBot and Screwball to follow her and Sonar. "I'll see you guys later." She said to her family before turning away.
The group walked through the long hallways, up multiple stairs and passed many rooms until they came to their destination, Anons room. "My King has said that you are free to look around, but please don't make a mess of the place and don't be nosey...or else." With that Sonar walked off while closing the door behind her, leaving the group to look around the circular room.
The rooms walls were made of stone bricks with a fireplace on one side and a large bed with dark blue sheets on the other. Walking around Abigail reached a desk where she found a picture frame. Picking it up she raised a brow. It was of Anon, but he looked younger, his black hair was short and he seemed to be wearing a basic white top. He was accompanied by younger versions of the generals, minus Lewis. Solid Will seemed to be a teen, with his muscles nowhere near as toned as they were in the present, his horns and snout were also smaller.
Thanos looked to be like a blue version of spike, except he was twice as tall and had larger muscle mass. Sonar seemed to be just a few years older than the CMC, her hair long and slick. Mist Hunter seemed to be nearly full grown, his mane solid instead of mist. Eris seemed to be the youngest, looking to be only around a few years old, she was obviously the youngest of the generals. She was poking her head up from the bottom of the photo with her huge adorable eyes sparkling. Finally there was a younger Luna, looking to have the same body type of a regular mare, her gaze fixed on Anon.
All of them had their arms around each other with smiles on their faces, even Mist and Sonar had small smiles. "He looks so...happy." Abigail said quietly. "Even though he lost his memories, he didn't let that beat him so he just found a place for himself."
"I still remember those days." Abigail jumped as Anons voice came from behind her. She turned around and saw him in his fedora and bandana over his mouth, his cape just blowing slightly in the draft. "Those were the better days, when nothing mattered, there was no violence, no war, no empty promises. Just us, all together as one strange, amazing family." He too the picture and sighed happily. "What I would give to relive those precious moments, but they wouldn't be that special if I could just relive them now would they?"
Setting the photo down, not questioning how they found a functioning camera back then, he turned to Abigail.
"Now, I think it's time you and I had a talk that has been long overdue. Please, follow me." He motioned them to the door before he began walking.
The group jogged to catch up to him before following him through the hallways towards a main hall.
"Now, I know that our encounters in the past have been short lived and cryptic with little to no interaction, but now we have a chance to just sit down and talk. You seem like you have much you wish to know...so do I." Anon placed his hand on the door of the hall.
"What do want to know?" Screwball asked with a raised brow.
Anon stopped and took in a breath before answering. "I want to know who I was before being brought to Equestria."
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Nightmare under the stars
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. The temple and the dream realm
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. 