Pony Dimension

Dimension descended into the water. His mane spread around him reaching for the surface but not getting there. It was like floating through a dark pit void of hope, like a long fall you sometimes have in dreams.

'Are we really this powerless? Am I really this weak? His breath was leaving him slowly. 'We're just being tossed around one after another... Can't I do anything?' He was starting to run out of breath and was falling even deeper. He was clinging to precious life as he knew it.

'I don't want it to end like this...' He had reached the bottom, his body rested on the sand. The pressure on his body wasn't close to the pressure on his mind, his soul. Water was beginning to stir. It circled around him.

'I want to do something.' Underneath the still surface the water was now circling fiercely, taking the form of a dragon like that time. The dragon at the waterfall -- the same one that entered him, and gave him power to move on from dwelling on the past.

'With all the power I have left,' he resolved, opening his eyes as a demonstration of purpose, "I'll protect what's important to me." The torrent wrapped around him. A light emitted, lighting up the dark depth.

"Gotta help Dimension," Rainbow said to herself as she stood up. She had gained back enough strength to stand, but walking was proving a challenge.

"I'm not going to repeat myself," Midnight threatened, facing a beaten Applejack. She managed longer than the other two, due to her strong will and observation of the other two.

"Sorry," She replied wiping her mouth with her fetlock, checking for blood, "us Apples are stubborn."

"If that's the case..."

'He's gonna fire another blast.' She shielded her face, bracing herself for the worst.

But then, the unexpected happened. The surface tension of the water was dissipated. Water splashed up from Dimension's fallen spot, causing drops to scatter everywhere. A miniature rain engrossed the area. Everyone turned to the source with varying levels of enthusiasm. Droplets sparkled around him. His eyes reflected his resolve. He shone with the drizzle, now standing on his hind legs.

"Flood the world," he called, "Suijingiri." He held a katana in his right hoof, swiping downward. The handle was sea blue wrapped in threads of gold, which created an "X" pattern. An aquamarine gemstone was settled at the bottom of the handle. The guard resembled crashing waves, and the groove was curved like a series of gentle waves. He clenched it tightly. Midnight began analyzing him.

'I'm sensing a great increase in power in him...'

Dimension took his katana in both hooves, raising it as he jumped toward him, using the water as leverage. It followed behind the sword as Dimension charged. Midnight readied another spell, brightening his horn.

Sword crossed horn. Midnights green magic emitted a light that permeated the entire area. Dimension swung down as a mass of water tumbled down upon his target before splashing up along with some planks from the bridge. The captain emerged unscathed and the swordspony was struck with fatigue.

They both emerged standing. Dimension was starting to heave. As he landed it was revealed that his sword had been snapped in half. Masses of liquid rushed to repair the broken blade. They exchanged looks that could only mean one thing. They each returned to their side of the bridge and Midnight shot a leaf off an above tree branch. They exchanged war faces as Applejack, Rainbow, and Spike gave them confused ones.

They waited as the tension grew thicker than anyone thought possible. The !eaf floated its way downward.

Three.

Two.

One.

It hit the ground.

Dimension and midnight rushed at each other. Midnight's horn glowing, generating a magic sphere with sparks growing from it. Dimension's sword gathering the water in the area, reinforcing the blade, and making his blow heavier.

They crossed.

They crossed each other and delt their attacks. Dimension's water sword and Midnight's magic. The wind blew signaling their duel was about to be decided.

Midnight stood with his horn still glowing. He didn't move.

Dimension stood with his katana still held. His left lost its hold, but his right hoof held tightly.

The wind still blew leaves across the bridge.

"Dangit..."

The wind ceased. Dimension collapsed. His friend's eyes all widened. They had been defeated by a single pony. Midnight, however, had never before seen, other than in himself, something like what Dimension just did. Suddenly getting a large increase in power. He gained a little respect for him. He walked away, back to where he came from. Dimension grasped his leg as he passed.

"Wait..." he said weakly. Midnight gave him a cold stare. Dimension looked straight into this eyes of what might as well be Death.

"Your name..." Dimension asked. Midnight shook him off, and began walking away.

"You're not worth my time as you are now," he stated, with a slight lack of hostility in his voice.

Dimension watched as his unnamed rival walked away from him. His eyes fell shut as he lay defeated and unconscious.

The faint sunligjht flowed through the barred window into Twilight's eyelids. They fluttered open, revealing to her unfamiliar surroundings. She attempted to sit up but was redirected when she noticed a bracelet on her foreleg. It had a strange, dark design with a changeling's head and green eyes on it. She shot up in bed, looking left and right. The room was empty except for the bed she lay in. A barred window imbedded in the cobblestone wall revealed itself as the only light source.

'Where am I?' she questioned. She looked at the bed, and again scanned the room. Her head felt slightly heavier. She reached her forehoof and felt her horn also had a brace of some sort. She could feel it was sapping her mana, magic power.

"You're awake," Storm noted.

"Where am I?" Twilight inquired.

"You are in the castle tower. Specifically, the prison tower."

"What?!"

"I guess need to explain it to you," she began. "You are currently in the custody of our Queen Chrysalis, who intends to use you to threaten Celestia, and take rule of Equestria."

Twilight was dumbstruck. Equestria was prosperous under Celestia. Why overthrow her?

"What are you going to do to me?" she asked as calmly as she could.

"Nothing, as long as your princess agrees to our terms."

Twilight gulped, "And if she doesn't?"

"Then you will most likely die."

Twilight turned pale in fear. She couldn't bring herself to believe anything Storm said was true. Things were so peaceful. How could it suddenly become so serious? Her hooves trembled in her lap.

"She has ten days to decide," Storm informed. She then exited the room, letting the iron door creak shut behind her.

"This can't be happening," Twilight said to herself. She lowered her head back onto the bed, and turned on her side. She lifted her tail and starting petting herself as a false sense of comfort.

She couldn't do anything about it. She was alone and scared. What would happen if this "Queen Chrysalis" took rule of Equestria? Why do such a cruel thing? Forcing someone to choose between the well-being of someone close and the well-being of many. Ponies sometimes have to make harsh  decisions. She knew that. It's because she knew that she was so afraid. The right answer is obvious from one angle, but no matter how you look at it, it's heartbreaking.

Twilight was always a leader, but whom can she lead in her current situation?

"Excuse me, but which way is Ponyville?" Trixie asked a felloe traveller on the dirt crossroads. She whipped out a map and pointed.

"Trixie thanks you for your kindness."

"M-hm."

Trixie hauled her cart in said direction. She wasn't wearing her cape and hat. Those were in her makeshift home. She had lightened it enough to drag more than a few meters. She wasn't skilled in that kind of magic, but it eased her struggle. It was a struggle indeed considering she didn't have proper wheels attached. The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't trust wheels. Not circular ones at least.

'If I get that amulet I'll be strong enough to avenge them...'