Shadow of the past

Chapters

Silence in the void
What lurks in darkness
The Rift
Wish of a dying star Part 1

Silence in the void

Silence that is all that can be heard in the void, it is deafening. Floating through the endless expanse of space is the ancient kingdom of Tambelon, its streets are deserted, its homes are dark and empty. Towers loom around the city standing tall in the silence like spears of pure darkness, at the heart of Tambelon sits a giant castle its walls loom over the streets casting shadows that stretch along the roads and over the rooftops like hands clawing, searching. A lone figure stands gazing out of one of the castle's darkened windows at the sleeping city, a low growl escapes his lips.

''Failures every single one. You would think that in a thousand years someone would at least have maimed one of those wretched pony princesses, but no USELESS!!!!.''

A surge of dark energy flies in all directions shattering windows, tearing the curtains, knocking paintings from the walls, and causing the ground to shake. the figure begins to compose himself, looking around to asses the damage caused by his outburst, he sighs heavily and closes his eyes. The shards of glass and wood begin to float into the air and slowly return to their points of origins, and after a few seconds pass he opens his eyes again and everything is back to the way it was before.

''I never had any hope in that fool Discord, he was far to prideful and unfortunately doesn't seriously harm or kill ponies, and he calls himself a being of chaos. HA! He should see those humans. Now there's a race who truly know how to spread chaos and death.''

A sick twisted smile crossed his face as he utters the last word the last word.

''It's a good thing I can use my magic to peer into other reality's from this dimension, otherwise I am quite sure I'd have gone mad with nothing to do here, after all Bray is hardly good company and there is nopony around to torment to pass the time. The only being in Equestria who has ever posed an actual threat to Celestia besides myself, was her own sister, how I loved the scream that escaped her lips whens she was swatted clean out of the air like the bug she is.''

An Erie laugh escaped his lips as he walked down the dark hallway, hearing his victims scream was one of his favorite thing in life. He enjoyed it almost as much as hearing them beg for their life, it was like listening to the most beautiful music ever played.

''I wonder if her student's screams will be as entertaining to listen to as her's, no matter I shall hear for myself soon enough, it shouldn't be much longer before the return of my glorious kingdom of Tambelon and its master the mighty Grogar.''

Stepping out of the hallway into the entrance hall of the castle Grogar begins to look around at his guards, the Troggles a bipedal race with pig like appearances he has had their race in his service for centuries ever since he lade siege to their homeland killing all those who would not submit to his will. He liked the Troggles because unlike most species in Equestria they had hands.

''You there.'' He call out to one of the Troggles standing close to the top of the staircase the guard flinches at the sound of Grogar's voice.

''Yes lord Grogar how may I serve you?'' He says his voice quivering slightly Grogar smiles at the sound of the guards voice.

''Where has Bray skulked of to this time?'' He asks in a demanding tone of voice.

The Troggle swallowed with an audible gulp his throat becoming dry and his palms getting sweaty. ''He's i-i-in t-t-the library my lord.'' The guard is visibly shaking now his armor making a light clanging noise as he does.

''Go and fetch him at once.'' demanded Grogar.

The guard bolts upright and salutes. ''Yes my lord right away my lord!''

He begins to walk down the opposite corridor when Grogar calls after him. ''And guard.''

The guard turns in time to see a bolt of lightening shoot towards his feet he jumps back narrowly avoiding being struck the guard looks up at Grogar who booms. ''And Don't Dawdle!!!!!.''

The guard stumbles to his feet and bolts down the corridor followed by the maniacal laughter of the cackling Grogar.

The room falls deathly silent as Grogar turns and walks towards the large double doors that sit at the top of the staircase, a dark aura envelopes his horns and two dark shadow hands form in the air, they reach out and grasp the handles pushing them down, with a soft click the doors swing open with a creek. The necromancer walks into the open doorway, once he is inside the room the doors swing shut behind him. The darkness of the room is slowly illuminated by various torches hanging on the pillars decorating the room. As Grogar slowly walked further and further into the room more torches began to light with a sickly green flame, standing in various places and in different positions were the skeletal remains of many different creatures, there were ponies, griffons, troggles, chimeras, manticores, and at the back of the room sat Grogars throne atop a staircase that was made from various skeletons and standing at either side of the throne stood the skeletons of two colossal dragons. Grogar made his way to the top of the stairs and took his place on the throne as he gazed out upon his collection and sighed.

''I wonder where I am going to put the princesses once i finally Finnish them of.''

A soft chuckle escaped his fanged maw and it was shortly joined by a soft eerie laughter that seemed to almost be coming from the mouths of the dead inhabitants of the throne room. The guards standing outside of the room could just make out the sounds of laughter coming from within they shuddered and could only hope that their laughter would not join that of Grogar's other victims.

Author's Note

Hey guys thanks for giving this a read this is my first fic I wrote and i hope you enjoyed this chapter leave a comment and let me know what you thought :pinkiehappy:

Thank you to Don Pedro von Poltergeis for editing this chapter

What lurks in darkness

A cold sweat ran down the face of the princess of the sun as she lurched out of her bed the visions she just witnessed causing her to shake. "No not him not again." A gentle sob escapes her lips as tears stream from her face and fall on to the bed. Suddenly the doors to her chambers fly open causing the princess to jump she looks up at the door to see her younger sister standing in front of her with a look that is a mix of fear and concern.

"Tia are you alright Tia answer me Celestia please." Upon hearing her sister call her name Celestia snaps out of the daze she was in and looks at her sister. "Luna I . . . I saw him hes coming back." Luna looks at he sister as she begins to walk forward until she reaches the side of Celestias bed where she is sitting Luna climbs onto the bed and wraps her hooves and wings around her older sibling. "Yes Tia I know I saw him to but now is not the time for fear dear sister we must go and prepare for his inevitable return you should get some rest the sun will need to be raised in a few hours in the meantime I will send a letter to Twilight Sparkle and her friends as well as Cadence and Shining Armour."

The princess of the night gets up to leave but is stopped by a shaking hoof on her shoulder. "Luna could you please stay you can use my desk to send the letters I just don't want to be alone right now." Luna smiles at her sister and nuzzles her cheek reassuringly. "Of course Tia now get some sleep I will be here when you wake up." Celestia smiles and lets out a yawn she lays down on the bed resting her head on the pillow. "Good night Lulu." A deep blue aura surrounded Celestias bed covers as Luna uses her magic to tuck her sister in for the night she smiles softly at the sleeping sun princess. "Good night Tia sweet dreams." Luna turned to the desk across from her sisters bed and walked towards it using her magic she picked up a quill dipped it in ink and began the task of writing the necessary letters to their intended recipient once she had finished she stepped out into the hallway outside of her sisters room and handed the letters over to a Pegasus guard standing at the end of the hall the guard saluted to the princess. "Gentle Breeze you are to deliver this letter to princess Twilight at first light and have one of your fastest fliers set out for the crystal empire at once to deliver the other letter to princess Cadence and prince Shining Armour do you understand." The guard bowed to the princess before replying. " Yes your Majesty right away." and with that he turned and flew in the direction of the guards barracks. Luna turns around and walks back into her sisters room quietly closing the door behind her so as to not wake her sister a sigh leaves her lips as she looks out of the window at the sleeping city of Canterlot. "A storm is coming my little ponies and we had best be ready when it does and I'll be waiting for you Grogar."

The sun begins to rise over the quiet town of ponyville and it rays creep in through the windows of princess Twilight's castle and onto the sleeping princesses face stirring her from her sleep a yawn escapes her lips as she pulls the covers off of her body and drags herself out of her bed. Walking over to her vanity table she got as a gift from her friend Rarity when everyone offered to decorate her castle for her using her magic she picks up her brush and begins to fix her bed head quickly before she left the room to wake up her number one assistant who was asleep in the room next door. "Well that my mane taken care of now its time to wake up Spike." The purple alicorn walked out of her room and down the hall to the next door down the castle was much more homely since her friends added their own unique touches to the place. Turning to the door Twilight raises her hoof and knocks on the door three times before calling out. "Spike its time to get up." No reply comes from the other side of the door she knocks again. "Spike are you in there its eleven thirty are you getting up." A gentle thud is heard as the young dragon hops out of his comfy bed accompanied by the sound of footsteps the handle clicks down and the door opens to revel spike rubbing his eyes with his favorite blanket rapped around his shoulders and a plush of the love of his life clutched to his scaly chest. "Morning twilight whats for breakfast."Twilight suppresses a giggle. " Well how does pancakes and cereal sound." Her fateful assistant smiles and drops his blanket on the floor and places the white unicorn plush on top of the chest next to the door. "Sounds great Twi." Twilight starts down the hallway as Spike shuts his door and runs after her.

All was quiet at the breakfast table as Twilight and Spike partook of their morning meal Twilight had just finished her bowl of ponyo's and was placing the dirty dishes in the sink for Spike to wash once he was done stuffing his face with pancakes soaked in maple syrup she sighed. "Honestly Spike i know your a growing dragon but how is it you can manage to put away four helpings of pancakes and three bowls of ponyo's without making yourself sick." Before the young dragon could let out a response there was a loud knock at the castle door. "I wonder who that could be the girls shouldn't be here for at least an hour." Spike swallowed the food still in his mouth taking a swig of his orange juice to wash it down. "I don't know maybe its the mail pony." Twilight began to walk towards the door another knock sounded as she reached it. "Okay I'm coming for pony's sake." She opened the door to see a tall white Pegasus pony wearing the armour of the canterlot royal guard. "Princess Twilight Sparkle." He said in a soft yet commanding tone. "Yes that's me how can I help you." The stallion reached into a bag hanging at his side and pulled out a letter with the seal of princess Luna on it. "My name is Gentle Breeze princess Luna ordered me to bring you this letter." Twilight takes the letter in her magic looking it over then turning back to Gentle Breeze. "Thank you for bringing this to me." Gentle Breeze bows then takes of back in the direction of canterlot to get some rest before his shift later that night.

Twilight turned around ready to close the castle door when a familiar voice called out to her. ''Hiya Twilight what cha doing." Turning around she could see the source of the voice was none other than the super duper party pony herself Pinkie Pie followed close behind by the rest of her friends. "Good morning girls how are you all today.''

''Awesome.''

''Wonderful darling.''

''Super duper ali uper.''

''Cant complain none sugar cube.''

''I'm fine.''

The group of friend embraced each other in a hug before the hyperactive backer turned to twilight to repeat her earlier question. ''So Twilight what cha doing.'' Twilight floated the letter in front of the group. ''Well I just received a letter from princess Luna and was about to take a look at it.''

"Well we had best do that inside darling the weather ponies have scheduled a downpour for today." Said Rarity eyeing the sky with nervous glances obviously worried about her beautiful mane getting ruined. Just then a drop of rain fell from the sky on to Twilight's nose as the heavens began to open. "Hurry girls inside." Rarity was first through the castle doors followed by the others. As the six friends entered the kitchen spike was just finishing up on the last of the dishes from breakfast just as he hung up his apron he heard the sound of voices coming down the hallway towards the kitchen. "Spike can you get the girls some lemonade please." Said Twilight as she took her seat at the kitchen table as spike grabbed a pitcher of lemonade from the fridge and began pouring a glass for each of the ponies at the table. "So Twi ya'll gonna open that there letter ya got from the princess." Ask the orange farm pony with a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Twilight used her magic to float the letter in front of her and tore the envelop open to retrieve its contents Twilight began reading aloud so her friends could hear what was written on it.

"Dear Twilight Sparkle we wish to speak with you of a most urgent matter tis imperative that you and your friend come to canterlot with haste so we may discuss the matter your friend princess Luna."

"I wonder whats going on." Asked Twilight with a look of both confusion and worry as she placed the letter on the table. "Not sure sure sugar cube but we had best get on over to canterlot tooth sweet." The six ponies and one dragon left the castle and began their trek to the ponyville train station. As they boarded the train to canterlot the friends started to discuss what the princesses could want.

"I hope its a horrifying monster we haven't fought one of those since the bug bear attack ponyville on Matilda and Cranky's wedding." Said Rainbow Dash a look of excitement plastered on her face.

"Ya'll don't suppose that maybe king Sombra is back or that no good varmint Tirek." Said the farm pony with a scowl on her face.

A whimper came from below the seats in the train car. "I hope not I was barley able to keep it together the first time." Said a shivering Fluttershy pulling her mane over her eyes in an attempt to hide as if the centaur was outside the train looking in.

Rarity lowered herself to Fluttershy's level to comfort her shivering friend. "Don't worry Fluttershy darling that vicious brute has been locked away in Tartarus with extra guards and a powerful binding spell the princesses placed on his cell to keep him there and as for Sombra I'm sure we can handle that riffraff in our sleep."

A pink blur appeared next to the fashionista. "Yeah Fluttershy and even if they did come back we would just give him this and that and one of these for good measure." The hyperactive party pony bounced around imitating a martial arts pony almost hitting Rainbow Dash with a spinning air kick.

The shy mare inched her way out from under her seat and back to a sitting position. "Thanks girls its good to know that I can count on friends who are as great as you." The group smile at their friend as the train pulled into canterlot station. "Well whatever is going on we'll know soon enough." Said Twilight as they stepped off the train and onto the platform. "Lets head to the castle."

The Rift

The candles flames illuminated the library as a lone figure sat at a table with his muzzle in an old tome the only sound in the room was his shallow breaths and the turning of pages. the figure paused to stretch his joints making a soft clicking noise as a yawn escaped his mouth.

"You would think that with all the books Grogar has in this place that I would have come across something that would help give me the power to surpass him. I mean come on he had to have learned the spells he uses from somewhere."

His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of the library's door being pushed open a Troggle guard began running up the stairs in his direction. "Yes Troggle what do you want from me."

The guard stopped to catch his breath before standing up a saluting still shaking from his prior experience with the master of Tambelon. "Yes General Bray lord Grogar sent me to find you he wants to see you in the throne room right away."

Bray closed the tome he was reading before the interruption a look of annoyance on his face. "Very well, I'll head down there now. As for you I want all of these books back on their rightful shelves. Now get to it."

Bray walked down the empty hallway on his way to the throne room curious as to why he was being summoned. "I Wonder what the old goat wants now." He paused in front of the door to the throne room took in a deep breath and sighed before reaching a hoof towards the door and pushing it open.

As Bray got closer to the throne he could see Grogar staring into the Beholders eye a large sphere held up by the skeletons of two Minotaur's that allows the user to peer into any world they wish. "Good evening lord Grogar and what might I enquirer is your viewing pleasure tonight?."

Grogar raised his head to look at Bray. "Ah Bray so nice of you to leave that dusty old library. I was concerned that one of the shelves had fallen over and crushed you to death. I'd be so lost without you to help me." Grogar's voice was full of sarcasm at that remark.

"So my lord. What is it that you require of me this evening?."

Grogar stood up from his throne and began his decent down the stairs stopping in front of Bray with a slight smile on his lips. "It would appear that the princesses have caught wind of our inevitable return unfortunately for them the rift has already started to open and I want you to go through and commence with your mission. You do remember what needs to be done don't you Bray?."

A sickening smile crept it way onto Bray's face as he let out a light chuckle before looking up at Grogar. "Yes my lord it will be my pleasure."

Grogar used his magic to float a small black box with a demonic ram skull lock down from next to his throne and into Brays extended hooves, Grasping the box Bray spun it around to get a better look at it. Noticing the key hole in the mouth of the skull he turned to Grogar to inquire as to the whereabouts of the key.

"My lord. How do I open this thing without a key?."

A light ringing of a bell could be heard as a shadowy hand extended toward Bray opening slowly to reveal a collar with a bell attached to the front of it similar to the one that the necromancer wore around his neck. "Put this on, and you shall have control over the same magic that I do, to an extent. It will also serve as the means to unlock the box, and to use its contents. It will also allow me to communicate with you from here in Tambelon."

Bray placed the collar around his neck once it touched his fur it snaked around and magically sealed itself shut. "So my lord when am I to leave?" asked Bray as he tested the tightness of his new accessory making sure it wasn't to tight once he was satisfied he returned his hoof to the ground and faced Grogar who smiled back at him.

The room began to surge with dark energy, as the air began to shift like heatwaves. A tare began to form in front of the two. "Right about now I'd say. Oh, and before you leave I am going to send a small team to help you on your mission, so do try to get along."

With that Grogar stamped his foot down on the floor. As the sound reverberated around the room, movement could be seen among the dead army, accompanied by roars and screams. After a few moment five figures emerged from the shadows to stand before Grogar and Bray.

The first was a tall black Minotaur with a scar on his face, and was missing the horn on the right side of his head. He knelled on the floor with his right hand forming a fist, which he placed to his chest.

"What is it thou requires of us my lord? Name it and thy humble servant Minoton, shall carry it out." His voice was deep and fierce as it echoed around the chamber.

"OH PLEASE!!! Give me a break. You already know what he wants us to do, rock for brains. He just said to Bray he wanted us to accompany him on his mission. Or are you deaf as well as dead hmmmm?." Said a tall grey Pegasus with a two toned white and grey mane and a cutie mark of a strong wind forming into a tornado.

Minoton leaped to his feat and turn to the mare with rage in his eyes. "OH YEAH!!! a break huh how about I. Break. Thy'n pretty neck for thou, Tempest."

The two stared each other down, when another voice interrupted their squabbling.

"Now now children let us not fight among ourselves. We will have plenty of opportunity for that once we return to Equestria. I am sure the princesses have plenty of their little ponies for us to play with teehee."

The two turned to face the owner of the new voice. She was a ocean blue dragon, about eight feet in height. With scarlet eyes, white spines, and scales covering her back, and soft underbelly. A cold air surrounded her causing frost to form with each step she took.

Tempest had a smile spread across her face. "Tiamat's coming on the mission, This is gonna be sweet." She said walking up to the dragoness. "I can't wait to see your Beautiful ice sculpture's."

Tiamat chuckeld softly at the grey mare in front of her. "Why thank ya kindly, Tempest sweetie. It feel nice to know that somepony admires my work. Perhaps ya could assist me with breaking the duds."

"That would be so awesome! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" The excited mare squealed, as she flew into the air, and spun around the columns closest to the group before sliding across the floor as she landed.

The dragoness began to giggle at the antics of her teammate but stopped as she heard a noise like metal scraping along the marble floor to the left. Turning her head to locate the source of the noise her eyes fell on another member of the team. A tall male griffon with snow white feathers, and black fur on his chest and tip of his tale., he had a scar running down the left side of his face his left eye as white as his feathers and his right a deep green, on his talons he had two golden gauntlets with razor sharp claws that glistened in the light.

"Tempest do you haffe to be zo loud? I almost belieffed it vas your foice dat had voken me and not mein lord Grokar." His accent had a soft noble air about it, yet it was also strong and commanding.

Tempest turned to face him before retorting. "Oh come on Razor Beak. I'm nowhere near loud enough to wake the dead."

Minoton let out a loud snort before saying. "Not only art thou loud enough to wake the dead. thou art also annoying enough."

The Pegasus mare spun to face him her teeth bared and a growl coming from her. "Hey Minoton you hear that?"

The Minotaur tilted his head to listen closely for any sound before asking. "What?"

Tempest began to smirk as she yelled. "That's the sound of the universe telling you to SHUT THE BUCK UP!!!"

The throne room erupted in the sound of laughter, even Grogar let out an audible chuckle before speaking up. "That's enough of that, now I suggest the six of you head through the portal while it's still open and before Celestia and Luna scene the rift between the two worlds and send guards to investigate."

Bray looked around in confusion. "Excuse me my lord but I think you're mistaken there are only five of us not six."

Grogar's eyes began glowing deep red as he stared daggers at Bray. "How dare a miserable little worm like you tell me. Grogar! Master of the dead, reaper of souls, and lord of Tambelon that I AM WRONG!!!!"

A yelp escaped Bray as he stumbled backwards in fright as Grogar loomed over him.

"Maybe if you looked harder you would see the sixth member of your group by the portal."

Bray looked around the surrounding area attempting to find the elusive party member, looking up he noticed something he had not before it was nearly invisible in the blackness, two red eyes stared at him from out of the darkness. As the being spread it wings and let out a shrill shrike.

The torches in the room became brighter, as the flames got higher, as it took to the air and landed softly on Grogars outstretched foreleg.

"Mine lord Grokar, is dat ein black phoenix?" Asked Razor Beak his eyes unblinking as he stared at the creature. "I'fe neffer zeen one before. Vhere did you come across it?"

Grogar turned his attention from the animal to Razor, a smile spread across his face. "Why yes my awestruck avian he is, as for where I got him, he was abandoned in a nest as an egg. So being the kind being I am. I took him back with me. Then during the eclipse a month later, I used my magic to change him into the beautiful creature you see before you now, isn't that right Dirge."

The phoenix let out a soft chirping noise for its master as it took to the air again, flying around above the group

"Why'd you call him Dirge my lord?" Asked Tempest as she watched the phoenix soaring above their heads.

Turning to face her Grogar let out a chuckle, and said. "Because he is the last thing you hear before your inevitable end." The necromancer turned back to Bray who was dusting himself off after Grogar's outburst, the two faced each other with Bray still shaking, hoping that his lords temper had subsided.

"Now then Bray, I think it's time that you all set out. You all have much to do after all." With that Grogar began to ascend the stairs to his throne. He had gotten half way up before he stopped and turned back to Bray, who was making his way towards the rift. "OH!, and Bray. If you happen to bash into Discord in your travels, give him my regards, I do so miss our little chats."

With that, Bray stepped through the rift into the land of Equestria followed closely by the others. Dirge circled in the air one last time watching his master closely, Grogar looked up and nodded to the phoenix before it dove out of the air and through the portal which closed behind it.

Looking out over his throne room with a demonic smile on his face and his eyes glowing deep crimson, Grogar chuckled. "And so the game begins, I have made my move Celestia, and now it's your turn. Do try not to disappoint me."

Stepping out of the rift, the portal closing behind them Bray and his group stood in an empty valley surrounded by mountains that resembled teeth, walking up to Bray, Tiamat stretched her wings, and asked "So where are we going now?"

Ringing the bell around his neck Bray sprouted a pair of shadowy wing. Turning to Tiamat with a devilish smile he replied. "We are going to see an old friend, who can help us bring back Tambelon. Now let's be off." and with that he took to the sky with Tiamat holding Minoton in her claws as she flew, with Tempest and Razor Beak taking up the rear.

Author's Note

Well fillies and gentlecolts here it is chapter three I hope you enjoy it, and thanks to everyone who has liked and commented on the story so far stay awesome, Caius out

Wish of a dying star Part 1

A cold wind blew across the mountains, sweeping up dust and causing the leaves of the bushes to rustle. A small company of guards patrolled the area surrounding their camp, keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of enemies either hiding in nearby bushes or along the ridges.

"I hope we don't have any incident's tonight." Said a young unicorn stallion his black coat making him almost invisible in the pitch black in the shadows, his two companions a white Pegasus mare and a light brown earth pony began to chuckle at his nervous behavior. The mare turned around to face him a mocking smile on her face.

"Whats the matter Black Star you scared huh?" She walked towards him stopping just in front of his face, standing on her hind legs and waving her forelegs in the are mockingly. "Afraid the zombie ponies are gonna get ya?"

The earth pony stallion had crept up behind Black Star, extending his right hoof out to tap him on the back while shouting. "BOO!" The startled unicorn leaped into the air shouting bloody murder, before falling backwards into a nearby bush as his companions rolled on the floor in laughter. Black Star stood up and dusted himself of before turning to the two, his eyes full of anger at the prank they had pulled on him.

"That wasn't funny Forest Rain." Black Star yelled at the Pegasus mare as he stared daggers at her.

"No you're right... It was hilarious, you should have seen the look on your face. What do you think Rocky Road?" Asked the mare wiping a tear from her eye.

"I have to agree with you Forest, not even my little sister's scream is as girly." Said the stallion trying his hardest not to burst into another fit of laughter.

"The minions of lord Grogar are nothing to laugh about!" Said a gruff voice from behind the group, startled they spun around to be greeted by an old unicorn wearing a blue cloak decorated with moons, stars, and bells that jingled when he moved. He also had a long curly white beard that hung from his chin stopping at his chest. It didn't take long for the three guards to recognize the elderly unicorn wizard in front of them, standing at attention they saluted.

"Starswirl!" The three said in unison, the elderly wizard looked them over, his eyes were bloodshot and had bags beneath them.

"This is a war!, I advise you take it more seriously."

The guards hung their heads in shame.

"Starswirl sir. Is it true that Grogar and his army destroyed the Troggle kingdom and its neighboring villages in a single night?" Asked Black Star, as he lifted his head to look at the old wizard.

Starswirl sighed before nodding. "Yes, I'm afraid it's all true, one moment they were happy and content, and the next they were brought to the brink of extinction, and those who still lived by the end have now become slaves. Maker help them."

The old wizard raised his head to look at the moon before turning back to the guards. "Sun up is in six hours. Forest Rain, head to the barracks and inform Dustkicker and her squad that it's their turn to stand watch."

"Understood sir." Said the Pegasus as she took to the air and flew in the direction of the camps barracks.

The elderly unicorn turned to face the remaining two guards.

"When the two of you are relived of your post, you are to return to the barracks and get some sleep for your next mission. Rocky Road, you will be heading out with commander Headstrong to investigate the east village, meanwhile Black Star you will be accompanying myself and captain Thorny Rose to investigate the south village." Said Starswirl before turning around and making his way back to his tent in the main camp.

The south village was silent, not even the wind could be heard blowing across the ruined buildings as the group of ponies made their way through it. Pegasi combed the air looking for any signs of life but could not find any.

"Starswirl what is going on here for ponies sake? Nopony is here living or dead, where could they have gone?" Asked captain Thorny Rose as she hovered next to the old stallion, her face held a mixture of confusion and fear.

"I am unsure captain, though I can sense leftover dark magic in the air around us." Said Starswirl as he looked at the rubble and ruin that was once a happy village.

"Can you tell what spell was used sir?" Asked Black Star, his gaze shifting around the area, looking for anything that could be a clue.

"I'm afraid not. I don't particularly like to experiment with dark magic, the risk of it taking over is to great." The elderly unicorn replied as he wiped sweat from his brow.

"Captain something is approaching from the air to the south!" Shouted one of the Pegasi guards from above their positions.

Turning to face south, the group squinted their eyes to try and make out the shape of the thing flying towards them. It's movements were unstable as it flew, almost like it was hurt. As it got closer it's golden armor became visible.

"I think it might be one of the guards from commander Headstrong's team, and he looks hurt." Said Black Star as he watched the figure draw closer to their position, once they were about thirty hooves from them, Black Star noticed that he was covered from head to hoof in blood, a deep gash ran down his face and it looked like something had taken a bite out of his back right leg.

The stallion attempted to land on the path below him but stumbled and fell, his helmet falling from his head and rolling along the ground stopping at Starswirls hooves. The group of ponies ran to their fallen companion, lifting his head gently so he could look at them.

"What happened to you, and where are your squad?" Asked Thorny Rose, gazing at the stallions broken body as he bled onto the cold hard ground.

"We were... Attacked. Everypony else is dead." The guard stated as he coughed up blood, his face contorting in agony as he lay there.

"Attacked! Attacked by who?" Asked Thorny Rose as tried to put pressure on his wound in a vain attempt to stop the bleeding.

"We were searching the ruins for any sign of the living or dead, but we didn't find anything the place was deserted." The guard began to cough uncontrollably, his throat and mouth full of blood. Reaching into his pouch Black Star pulled out a canteen of water and allowed the injured stallion to drink from it. He coughed once more before continuing his story.

"We were about to head back to base when we heard this noise, it sounded like somepony ringing a bell. We looked around for the source of the noise but couldn't see anything, the next thing we hear is Rocky Road screaming from an alleyway. Turning the corner we found him and one of the villager and it had him pinned to the ground as it tore out is insides and started eating them."

The others looked at the stallion in shock, not believing what they had heard, as the guard continued.

"Then commander Headstrong bucked it in the head sent it flying out the other end of the alleyway. Rocky Road had already died from a combination of blood loss and shock, but we didn't have time to worry about him more of those thing started coming out of the rubble, smashing their way out of the buildings. We turned to run down the alley but the one that jumped Rocky was standing there, half of it's face smashed in. We tried to fight our way out but they just kept coming, in the end only me and the commander were left, one of them took a bite out of my leg so i bucked it off of me. Once the commander realized he wasn't making it out alive he told me to head here and inform you."

"Rest easy soldier, you did Equestria proud. Now if you hang in there we'll get you back to base and have you patched up by some pretty nurses." Said Thorny Rose trying to put on a brave smile. She knew it was a lie and so did everypony else.

The guards ears perked up as if he heard something on the wind calling out to him.

"Can you hear it, the bell the b-b-bell." And with that the guards eyes closed, his body went limp.

"DAMN IT!" Shouted Thorny Rose as her hoof hit the ground in frustration, tears streamed down her cheek.

"What did he mean by the bell?" Asked a Pegasus guard as he gazed around at the group. "I don't hear anything."

"Everypony be quiet for a second." Said Starswirl as he closed his eyes and began focusing on his hearing. Black Star did the same

"Ding... Ding... Ding." The sound of a bell could be heard gently echoing off of there surroundings.

light wheezing could be heard coming from the guard. Noticing this Thorny Rose shuffled over to him wiping the tears from her eyes she smiled.

"I knew you were tougher than that, come on lets get you to those nurses." she laughed as she bent down to help him up

"No Thorny Rose stay back!!!" Shouted Starswirl as he spun around to face her.

The dead guard groaned as it lunged forward in an attempt to sink its teeth into Thorny Rose's neck. Using her wings and hooves to push herself back, she narrowly avoided the bite. Quickly spinning around she bucked him in the chest causing him to stumble back, his red glwing eyes stared at her hungrily.

Suddenly a scream was heard from behind them, turning around they saw one of the former village guards with his spear rammed through a unicorn mare through her side, just then another spear held by a different guard was thrust into her neck turning her screams into gurgles.

One of the other battle mage's panicked and attempted to run to safety. He didn't get far before an axe was lodged in the side of his head instantly killing him. The owner of the axe stepped out from around the corner, stepping on the stallions back and grabbing the handle, he pulled it free with a sickening crack.

Starswirl was doing his best to keep the creatures off of himself and anypony nearby, but every time he put one down it would just get back up again. The use of his magic began to weaken him, he was not as young as he use to be, and it was showing during this fight. seeing no other way out Starswirl turned to the only two survivors left besides himself.

"Thorny Rose, Black Star, stand here next to me. I am about to use a long distance teleportation spell." He shouted as his horn began to crackle with magic.

"Yes sir." Replied the two as they stood side by side with the wizard, a bright light enveloped their senses as they were zapped from one spot to another. once the light dissipated they saw that they had arrived in the center of the base camp. Thorny Rose and Black Star smiled at each other.

"You did it Starswirl y-." Thorny Rose's words were cut short as she saw the elderly unicorn laying on the ground blood coming from his nose while he grasped at his heart.

"Somepony get a medic now!!!" shouted the captain to the guards around her "You are not gonna die on me you old geezer, you here me. We have lost to many ponies today."

A team of medical ponies carrying a stretcher pushed there way through the crowd, lifting Starswirl up and gently placing him on it.

"Get him to the operation tent stat." called the head nurse as she guided the team and patient to their destination.

Black star bent down and picked up the old wizards hat. "He can't die, he just can't."

The sound of thunder could be heard over head as the rain cascaded down over the camp, almost as if the heavens themselves were weeping for those lost.

Author's Note

Well it took a while but i hope the wait was worth it hope you guy liked this chapter let me know your thought in the comment section stay awesome guys and gals