WWC: Crystalline Chaos

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two

Prologue

Another night dawns on Equestria. Both Ponyville and Canterlot are again awash in a deep slumber. The castle is also in a state of still quietness besides the few guards that roam the halls for intruders. Yet outside the castle, the air stirs with movement. The winds shift as to allow another’s presence in the darkness. Suddenly, a periwinkle portal opens; and from it emerges Paradox and Trixie. Both are eager to begin with task at hand as they approach the large doors of Canterlot Castle.

“So, what is our plan, Paradox?” Trixie asks as they stand right in front of the entrance to the castle. Paradox halts the two of them before they advance any further.

“Patience, my student. Remember, we are here to see an old friend of mine. He is essential to Phase Three. The series of events that I have been waiting for weeks shall start tomorrow. We must act now if we are to be successful in our true plan.” Paradox throws out his right hand and the doors to the castle fly open. The two slowly enter the dark castle, both avoiding making any loud or sudden noises. As soon as they two of them reach the inner hall of the castle, Paradox throws another hand at the doors, closing them shut with a slow wave of the palm. “We must be quick, Trixie. The guards will circle back here in ten minutes.”

“Trixie knows this, Paradox.” The unicorn says. “Yet we are not the ones that need to hurry. Where is this friend of-”

POOF!

Trixie is cut off by a sudden flash of unknown magic. Blinking as to get rid of the daze cast upon her. Trixie squints forward to see the cause of this sudden interruption. The figure before her is a thin creature made up of an amalgamation of various animals. Only one creature has such features: The spirit of chaos, Discord. Seeing the chaotic being before her; Trixie’s horn starts to glow blue. Seconds later, Trixie fires off one periwinkle beam at Discord before Paradox throws his staff in front of his student to cease her fire. Discord quickly bends to avoid the spell; his serpentine body twisting as the spell is narrowly dodged and impacts the throne in the background.

“Well, THAT’S no way to welcome a guest.” Discord says, a bit insulted. Paradox laughs at the comment.

“You should have knocked first.” He comments back. “It is nice to see you again, Discord.” Paradox stretches out a hand as he and Discord exchange a friendly handshake. The two of them look at each other with the same expression of content and remembrance as they greet one another.

“Ah, it’s great to see you again as well, my friend. How long has it been? One, two thousand years since we last met?” Paradox nods at his guess.

“Yes, two thousand sounds right.” The time spirit eyes Trixie, who is still on edge at the being of chaos before her. “Pardon my student, Trixie. She had no idea that the friend I was implying to her was you.” Discord shrugs off the comment before turning into a wizard hat that is almost identical to Trixie’s own, albeit a darker shade of blue.

“Of course I don’t mind at all, Paradox.” The shape-shifting Discord says casually as he swipes Trixie’s real hat off of her head and puts himself in its place. “You’ve been teaching her well. She might actually be a threat to Twilight all on her own this time around!” Discord pops out of his disguise and reappears as his old self in front of the pair. Trixie growls at Discord’s little comment, which prompts Paradox to roll his eyes.

“Trixie could easily take that pathetic ‘Element of Magic’; but that is besides the point. We have a job to do.” Paradox starts walking towards the end of the hall over to Celestia’s throne. Trixie and Discord follow suit. Paradox lifts another hand and in one swift motion, casts the throne aside and snaps his fingers to cause the throne to freeze in mid-air. “There.” Paradox points his staff at the small hole in the wall behind where the throne once was. Trixie and Discord exchange a look of confusion.

“You realize that only Celestia can open that, right?” Discord points out. Paradox laughs at his comment as he approaches the hole.

“That is what you think.” Paradox stomps down his staff and flips it around; the pointed end now facing upward. “Remember Discord, I am much older than you are. I have learned many things in my time in this universe. For example,” Paradox thrusts his staff into the hole in the wall and sharply turns it to the right. A small click is heard, making Paradox grin as he removes the staff and makes another motion with his hand. The wall opens to reveal a pedestal; on top of which, is a peculiar looking necklace. One that Trixie knows all too well.

“The Alicorn Amulet?!” She exclaims. “What does this have to do with anything?” Paradox plucks the necklace off of its pedestal with a conniving grin written on his face.

“Poor Trixie. You only know this as The Alicorn Amulet.” He presents her with the amulet in front of her. “This, my dear, is The Element of Structure. An Element of Conflict.” Trixie’s jaw drops at this realization. She had USED an Element of Conflict without even knowing! To be fair, she DID end up losing again. But still, she curses to herself on not actually knowing the power she had once wielded.

“WHAT?! TRIXIE USED AN ELEMENT OF CONFLICT?!” She screams louder that a megaphone. Paradox quickly shuts her mouth with his hand.

“Silence your tongue! We do not want the guards getting back here any sooner!” He hisses at her quietly. Trixie nods rapidly as her teacher lets go of her muzzle. “To answer your question, my student; you did indeed once posses an Element of Conflict. However, being that you were not the true owner; you were not able to use the true power of the element.” Trixie ‘hmm’s’ with understanding at Paradox’s explanation.

“But then what do we want it for?” She asks. “Trixie thought you said that these elements were of no use to us?” Paradox snickers and her memory of the past.

“That is true. WE care not for them… But I know someone that would love the idea of more power.”

“Who?” Trixie asks. Paradox snaps his fingers and a mysterious object falls into his hand. Trixie and Discord get closer to see that the object is a long, maroon spike of sorts that appears shattered towards its base. Trixie suddenly senses a surge of dark and malevolent magic coming from within the object; making her own magic pale in comparison. “Paradox,” She whispers, astonished. “What IS that thing?”

“This, my student, is the horn of the late King Sombra.” Trixie’s eyes widen in fear at the mention of the very name. “You see, he was defeated by those meddlesome ponies. However, his life essence lives on in this remaining fragment of his horn.” He hovers the horn and the amulet above each of his hands. “Now comes the fun part… Discord?” He looks at his draconequus’s friend, who is looking out the window.

“Hmm?” He responds.

“I need your chaotic power, Discord. You are the only one who can allow Sombra’s essence to transition from his horn to the amulet. This is vital for our Equestrian rule if we are to succeed. Will you not help us, old friend?” Discord looks at Paradox nervously. Apparently, Paradox had no idea of his new nature.

“Uhh… Well, actually…” Discord starts with a nervous laugh. Paradox raises a brow at his suspicious behavior.

“Is there something the matter, Discord?” He asks with a stern impatience in his voice. Discord starts twiddling his thumbs rather quickly as his friend waits for an answer.

“Well… Actually Paradox, here’s the thing: I’m not really for the whole ‘Taking over Equestria’ thing anymore.” He answers while flying around Paradox’s form. The time spirit looks at his friend with a very unimpressed and stupefied expression on his face.

“...What?” Is the only thing that he manages to say out of shock value.

“You see; one of The Elements of Harmony, Fluttershy, helped show me the value of friendship and I vowed to use my powers for good instead of evil. She’s such a good pegasus.” Paradox continues to stare at Discord in disbelief. The last time he saw Discord; mountains were flipped upside down, half the world was a game of chess, and he is pretty sure it was raining chocolate for a century or so.

“You have got to be kidding me. This is another joke, right?” The spirit says, harshly. Surely, the spirit of chaos is just pulling his leg once again.

“Sorry, Paradox! You and Trixie are on your own this time around.” Paradox continues to stare at his friend; his left eye twitching out of utter surprise, confusion, and anger. Trixie looks back at her mentor; wondering if their plan had hit a brick wall. However, Paradox has an ace up his sleeve.

“...Trixie.” He says suddenly, still staring at Discord. The unicorn immediately looks up at her mentor.

“Yes, Paradox?” She answers, a bit curious as to what he has planned.

“Remember that spell that I taught you just in case something like this were to happen?” Trixie’s eyes bug out for a second as she remembers the spell in question. Yet she is still confused as to what purpose it would have now.

“Yes, Trixie remembers. It is the enhanced mind manipulation spell.” She tilts her head and eyes Paradox, confused now as to what he is thinking.

“Then you see where I am going with this?” Paradox says. Trixie looks at him curiously before her eyes widen at a sudden idea.

“Say no more. Trixie understands completely.” Trixie gains a mischievous smile as her horn starts to glow a dark blue. Discord takes no notice to the unicorn as he starts to fly away from the duo. Trixie shoots of a deep blue magic blast straight at Discord’s head. The spirit recoils as he is thrown a little bit forward by the hit; grabbing his head in pain and falling to the ground. Trixie and Paradox move a bit closer to the fallen spirit, inspecting to see if the spell has worked. Suddenly, the spirit springs back into the air with a chilling laugh. Turning back to the duo, his eyes now have a dark blue hue with an evil glare. Paradox smiles at the results, but he wants to be sure that it worked.

“Now Discord, are you with us?” He asks without haste. Discord eyes Paradox with a confused yet satisfied smile.

“Why wouldn’t I be, my friend? I can’t wait to cause some chaos!” Paradox nods, the spell had worked perfectly. His plan was back on track. And not a moment too soon, hoofsteps could be heard approaching the castle from outside. Yet Paradox keeps his calm state of mind.

“Good. Now quickly, use your chaotic power and send the life essence of Sombra into the amulet!” Discord grabs both Sombra’s horn and The Alicorn Amulet, and starts to make the two objects approach each other above him through levitation. Discord then closes his eyes and starts to focus on the horn in his mind. Without warning, a red glow starts to envelop the horn after a few seconds. The glow grows in size before slowly focusing into a jagged beam that starts arching towards The Alicorn Amulet. As soon as the beam makes contact with the amulet, the entirety of the red light jets towards the amulet at lightning speed; creating a loud whooshing noise as a result of the transfer. After five seconds, the connection between the two objects abruptly ends and Sombra’s horn shatters into hundreds of fragments that fall into Discord’s open hand. Trixie gasps, fearing that the connection had failed. Paradox however gazes in awe at the amulet as it lowers in Discord’s other hand. The red diamond and the eyes of the amulet begin to glow a deep maroon.

“His essence has been transferred successfully.” Discord says happily before blowing away the shards of Sombra’s horn into the air. Paradox plucks the amped up Alicorn Amulet from Discord and marvels at the new power within.

“Yes… Sombra should be quite pleased with his new home.” The spirit comments as he floats over at returns the amulet to its pedestal. “And he shall be even more pleased when he gains his new body tomorrow.” He motions a hand to shut the wall that originally hid the amulet. Suddenly, the front doors of the castle begin to open. Paradox slowly turns around, a grin on his face. “Right on schedule.” He says to himself. He quickly floats back to the others. “Discord, you are to come with us for the time being. Tomorrow, I will explain your task and what you are to tell Sombra to do when the time is right. As for now…” He slams his staff on the ground just as two guards are about to enter the castle. “Let us not waste anymore time.” Paradox says as he clicks a button on the stopwatch on the top of his staff.

“Are you sure you heard something in here?” The guard in front questions as he walks through the front doors; peering around for any kind of activity. The second guard peeks his head inside before joining the other inside. Both guards start shining a light from their horns as they search around the castle’s throne room. Yet nothing seemed out of place: The windows were unbroken, all the doors were closed and undisturbed and the throne was stationary at the end of the room. The first guard glares at his partner, who nervously looks around the castle.

“I could have sworn I heard something.” He pleads in defence. The first guard rolls his eyes as the two start to leave. But not before both guards get a simultaneous chill up their spines as the sound of either a creepy laugh or the passing wind seems to rush past them. The two guards look at each other and gulp.

“C’mon, let’s get out of here. The castle’s halls are eerie at night. Can’t stand it.” The first guard says as he walks back outside. The second guard takes one final look around the castle, before realizing that his partner is leaving without him.

“H-Hey! Don’t leave me here!” He shouts as the second guard races after the other; the door slowly creaking closed once more. Canterlot Castle returns to a quiet and dark state. That is, except for a low and ominous red glow faintly showing from behind the throne.

Chapter One

“So, what are we doing again?” Pinkie asks as she looks back from staring outside the window of the Friendship Express. Christian rolls his eyes at Pinkie’s forgetfulness as he lounges next to her. He glances at Twilight sitting in the row next to him, silently telling her to remind their pink friend where they were going. Twilight looks back at him and smiles, acknowledging his mood.

“Well Pinkie; Princess Celestia told us to deliver The Alicorn Amulet to Princess Candance and my brother in order to keep it separate from the other Elements of Conflict. That’s why we are all going to the Crystal Kingdom.” She explains. Pinkie blinks a few times before nodding, understanding their job. Dash meanwhile, continues to eye Twilight’s saddlebag with unease.

“I still don’t know why we have to do this.” She complains aloud. “Why can’t Nova and Frostbite take care of this? It is one of their elements after all!” Christian rolls his eyes again at Dash's suggestion.

“Smart idea, Dash. Let’s let Paradox and Trixie know we have found two other Elements of Conflict; because THAT won’t put targets on all of us!” Christian says, sarcastically. Dash glares at Christian in response.

“Well anyways,” Applejack butts in to cut the tension. “It sure is nice ta go back ta the Crystal Kingdom.”

“Indeed, Applejack. Seeing Princess Candance and Shining Armor again is a nice little vacation from what we have been dealing with these past few months.” Rarity comments.

“No kidding!” Twilight exclaims. "Between Chrysalis's two attempts to take over Equestria and the recent moon incident. It's nice to not be pursued by some villain. Plus, I can’t wait to see my brother again!”

“Yea, and him and I will be on way better terms than last we met.” Christian points out, remembering Trixie’s little coup and his hypnosis. “Anyway, Twitty; I’ve never actually seen this Alicorn Amulet.” He says, pointing to her saddlebag. “Mind if I take a look at it?” Twilight looks around nervously. Truth be told, she and her friends were the only ones in the train car. The odds of some other pony, or Paradox and Trixie for that matter, seeing them were astronomically small. Still, having such a powerful artifact out the open; the thought was stressing her out.

“Well… Okay, fine. But let’s be quick about it. We don’t want anypony else to-”

“Relax! We’ll be fine!” Christian cuts her off. “I just want to take a look is all.” Twilight sighs in defeat and, using her magic, opens her saddlebag. Focusing on the contents inside, Twilight levitates a silver chest. The group around Twilight surround her as the chest is placed onto the table. With a forehoof, Twilight opens the chest up to reveal the malicious beauty of The Alicorn Amulet. Christian nods, impressed at the design of the necklace. “So, that’s the Element of Structure, huh? Looks pretty snazzy. Especially those sick glowing red eyes.” This last comment strikes Twilight as odd. Looking at the amulet, its eyes appeared to indeed glow slightly red, as did its diamond. Yet Twilight simply shrugs off the detail, perhaps she just never noticed it.

“Yea, that thing packs a punch!” Dash continues the topic. “You should have seen Trixie when she had it!” She points out somewhat sourly, followed up by some muttering under her breath. “Stupid unicorn.”

“And to think that’s only a fraction of its power!” Twilight says as they continue to stare at the amulet. “Imagine what the actual holder can do!”

“But what if… Um… They are bad like Trixie?” Fluttershy asks. Christian shrugs.

“Don’t bet on it, Fluttershy. Supernova and Frostbite turned out to be good. I’m sure this next elemental user will be the same.” Twilight and the others nod in agreement as she puts the amulet away. Everyone returns to their seats, and Christian starts looking out the window. “You know, this is my first time on a train. Surprised that it has been so smooth.”

“Enjoy it while you can, Christian. We’ll be at the kingdom shortly.” Twilight points out the window to the castle in the distance. Christian sighs.

“Oh, goody.”

The group steps off the train and out into the sun as they enter The Crystal Kingdom. To the girls, the looks, sounds, and ponies are all fairly familiar. But to Christian, this place was brand new. He is amazed at the difference that this kingdom has to Ponyville and Canterlot. The buildings, the ponies, it’s like he is visiting Equestria for the first time again. Minus Chrysalis and saving the world, of course. The group walks forward towards the kingdom.

“You seem shocked, Christian.” Twilight notices from his astonished facial expression.

“You bet, Twitty. This place is drastically different from Ponyville.” He answers.

“Well, we best get movin’” Applejack announces as she steps in front of the group; turning around to face them. “We need ta get that amulet ta the-”

“‘Scuse me, ma’am?” A voice calls out to Applejack The voice oddly enough sounds a bit southern, but with a city-like accent on it. Nevertheless, she turns around to be face to face with an armored gray unicorn in usual royal guard attire, except with a pair of silver wings on each side of his body added onto the armor itself. Under his silver helmet Applejack, could see a black red mohawk that seemed to fit comfortably underneath said helmet. As for a cutie mark though; nearly half of it is covered by his plating, it looks like two iron horseshoes. Applejack looks at the pony confused.

“Yes?” She asks. “Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for a Miss Twilight Sparkle and friends. Princess Candance and Shining Armor request that I am to escort them to the castle at once. Do you know where I could find them? Their train should have just arrived.” Twilight quickly runs up in front of Applejack.

“I am Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight introduces herself. “Nice to meet you… Uh…” The guard laughs a bit, he forgot to introduce himself.

“Oh, apologies. I am Buckshot; captain of the royal guard here in the Crystal Kingdom.” The group smiles at the guard’s introduction.

“Well, it is nice to meet you, Buckshot.” She presents a forehoof to her friends. “This is Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Christian…”

“And ah’m Applejack.” Applejack blurts out suddenly, with what appears to be a slight blush on her face. Buckshot smiles at her.

“Pleasure to meet you, Applejack.” He says, happily. He then looks at Christian curiously, as if he is trying to remember something. “Wait, are you Christian, as in the ambassador, Christian?” He asks. Christian quickly nods.

“That’s me.” He says while pointing to himself. Buckshot’s eyes grow wide.

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Your Excellency.” Christian nods again.

“It’s nice to meet another unicorn guard as well.” Christian points out. This makes Buckshot real in shock for a second. The group in front of him are startled for a second at his reaction. Christian especially, fearing that he insulted him somehow. Buckshot’s facial expression switches to that of confusion.

“Uhh, unicorn?” He asks before looking at his sides. He laughs for a second. “Oh! Heh, sorry about that…” The wings on the side of his armor suddenly spring to life and spread towards the group. Everyone’s jaws drop as a collective gasp fills the air.

“Wait, WHAT?!” They shout in astonishment.

“Yea, my wings do camouflage quite well with my armor. I get that reaction a lot when ponies realize i’m a-”

“You’re an alicorn?!” Christian cuts him off. Buckshot smiles and gives a nervous nod. “Should, uh, should we be bowing or something?”

“No! Not at all! I’m not royalty whatsoever!” Buckshot quickly shuts down the idea, ending his sentence with a nervous laugh.

“Wait, how is that possible?” Christian ponders aloud. “I thought alicorns had to be royalty or ponies have to ‘earn their wings’ or something like that.” He states.

“Well, actually Christian;” Twilight goes to explain. “While most alicorns are royalty. There is a very rare chance if a unicorn and pegasus… well, ahem,” She coughs at the touchy subject matter before continuing. “‘Get together’; they can produce an alicorn as an offspring.” She looks at Buckshot. “I assume that’s your case, Buckshot?”

“Yes, ma’am!” He answers, proudly. “My ma is a unicorn, father is a pegusus. And by some miracle, well, they had me!” He spreads his wings once more. “Heh, I was quite a surprise whenever my family traveled around Equestria. Lot of ponies thought the same thing you all did wherever we went. My parents always had to explain the facts. However, it was nice to be the talk of the town.”

“You traveled all over Equestria?” Twilight asks. Buckshot nods in response.

“My parents’ jobs caused my family to be constantly moving; never staying in one town too long. Even before I was born, they were on the move.” He thinks back to his past and chuckles at the memories. “Heh, the first town I can remember actually living in was a little place called Appleloosa. Closest town my parents could find when they had me. We stayed there for a few years before my parents and I had to move again.” This fact made Applejack’s eyes widen and her ears perk up.

“You know, Buck; I actually have some family in Appleloosa.” She announces, cheerfully. “You wouldn’t happin’ ta remember if you met any, would ya?” Buckshot puts a hoof on his chin as he tries to think back to the past. After a few seconds and a quiet ‘Hmm…’ as he ponders the thought, he shrugs.

“I can’t remember if I met any pony like you. But I betcha your family is as nice and sweet as you, Applejack. Though I doubt as cute.” He winks as he says the flirt, causing Applejack’s cheeks to again glow as red as apples. Buckshot gives the mare a genuine smile before looking toward the others. “Now enough talking, I need to get y’all over to Princess Candance and Shining Armor.” He takes a few steps forward before looking back. “Follow me, please.” The group start to follow Buckshot through the Crystal Kingdom and towards the castle in the distance. As they walk, Christian nudges Applejack in the side.

“This Buckshot really has a thing for you, AJ.” He says with a smirk. Applejack glances over at the alicorn in front, who is currently talking to Twilight.

“He sure is somethin’.” She responds with a smile. “But ah don’t know if ah want ta be with an alicorn.”

“Well, it is a rare opportunity. You should think about it. Plus, you two seem like you would make a cute couple.” Christian comments before catching up with the others. Applejack stops for a second and thinks about what Christian said, looking at Buckshot almost heavenly at the question before quickly shaking her head at the feeling.

“Hey Applejack!” Shouts Rainbow Dash from a distance. “Quit daydreaming and catch up!” Applejack quickly takes off after her friends as they head to the castle, with Buckshot as a thought in the back of her head.

Author's Note

Well, look at that. An introduction to the pony after my namesake. Took me long enough.

Chapter Two

Princess Cadence paces nervously up and down the central hallway of her castle. Shining Armour follows his wife’s movements back and forth, worried about her current mood. Cadence has not been this nervous in quite a long while. Shining can barely remember the last time his wife acting in a way such as this.

“Cadence,” Armour chimes in, “you must relax. Twilight and her friends will be here soon. Everything will be fine!” He says, hoping to assure her in anyway he can. Cadence continues to keep walking back and forth across the hallway. The words, while somewhat comforting, cannot distract her from her true thoughts on the situation.

“I know, I know, but this whole thing is still… nerve-wracking! To think that we have to manage one of these Elements of Conflict; the very thing we decided to give back to Celestia because of its power, and now we are taking one back but with the added benefit of two maniacs hunting for it! It could put the whole kingdom in jeopardy if those two come here trying to find the element!” Armour again looks at Cadence solemnly. He walks up behind her and puts a hoof on her back.

“Cadence, please try to calm down. Celestia said that we would be in minimal danger from anyone trying to snag the element because of what happened last time at Canterlot. Plus, with all the security surrounding that element. We’ll keep it somewhere safe and secluded until my sister and her friends find the true user.” Cadence sighs at Armour’s comforting words.

“I hope you’re right, Shining. After what happened at Canterlot Castle with Chrysalis, I just worry about-”

THWUMP!

“Princess Cadence! Shining Armour! I present to you: The Elements of Harmony and Ambassador Christian Average!” A voice booms from in front of the castle; interrupting Cadence’s sentence and making the two ponies look towards their castle’s doors. Buckshot triumphantly marches forward; leading the group of friends into the castle and toward the two royal figures. As the party stops in front of the two ponies, Christian quickly goes down on one knee, bowing to both of them.

“Princess Cadence, Armour; it is a pleasure to see you both again.” Christian states before his eyes finally meet both ponies in front of him. Cadence laughs a little at his actions.

“Christian, please! You have no need to bow before us!” Armour rolls his eyes at her statement.

“Well, I don’t mind it.” Armour whispers to her before Cadence playfully nudges him. Christian quickly scrambles back up to his feet at Cadence’s request.

“Sorry, Cadence. Just figured I should out of respect.” Christian comments. Cadence tilts her head in confusion.

“Umm, you don’t do this sort of thing with Celestia and Luna, Christian?” She asks with a laugh.

“Of course not!” Christian answers with a scoff. “They are my bosses. You are royalty. Huge difference.” Cadence lets out another small laugh at his explanation.

“If you say so, Christian.” Twilight then quickly rushes to the front of the group and lunges toward her brother and smothers him in a hug. Shining is quick to embrace her in his hooves for what seems like an eternity. But he does not care; seeing Twilight again is always a nice event!

“Shining! It’s so great to see you again!” She says, stepping back a bit from him. Shining gives her a big smirk.

“It’s nice to see you again as well, Twilly!” His cheerful demeanor quickly vanishes as Christian steps toward the two of them. He gains an unamused expression as the human gives him a wave.

“Hello again, Shining. How are things?” He asks with tad bit of worry in his voice due to Shining’s expression towards him. Shining continues to give the human a judging glare.

“Fine. How many times have you been putting my sister to sleep recently?” Shining gets right to the point with Christian; the question has been on his mind all day. Christian scratches the back of his own head with a hand nervously. Great. That question. He thinks to himself.

“Oh… You know… Three, maybe four times a day with a sleeping spell?.” He says nervous and unsure of himself. Shining takes a moment to review the information in his head before giving Christian a small smile.

“Huh, that’s much less than the twelve times a day when last we met. It’s still not great, but it’s a start.” He gives the human a nod. “Keep at it, Christian. Thank you for treating my little sister somewhat better.” Christian shrugs.

“No problem, Armour. It’s the least I can do for her teaching me magic. And, well, I have a little sister too; big brother mentality and all that.” Christian turns to look off to his right side at his last comment; throwing Armour off a bit.

“Alright then.” He says, still caught off guard by Christian’s behavior. “Anyway,” He approaches the rest of the group. “It is nice to see all of you again. I just wish we were all meeting on a not so pressing matter.”

“No kidding.” Cadence says under her breath. “I guess we should get right to it shall we?” She asks the other ponies.

“The sooner, the better.” Applejack says. “This whole situation is bad enough with Paradox n’ Trixie after us. Findin’ this third pony can’t come soon enough.”

“I agree!” Twilight concurs with a nod. “The last thing we need are those two finding out about this. Or worse, another evil being on our tail.”

“So let’s make sure that doesn’t happen by getting this element as far from us as possible.” Christian adds in.

“Right, and finding its user as soon as possible.” Cadence chimes in. “Speaking of which, where is this Element of Conflict, Twilight?” Twilight hastily uses her magic to open up her left saddlebag and presents the silver chest to Cadence. Cadence takes the chest within her own magical grasp before using said magic to work on the latch on its front. With a click, the latch is popped open and the chest’s top is slowly lifted, revealing its contents to the princess. Cadence gasps as she gazes upon the Element of Conflict with worry and awe mixed into one emotion.

“Seeing one of these elements again;” Starts Cadence. “It’s unnerving, yet at the same time, I feel a sort of… peace almost.” Armour gives a sigh of relief at the princess’s calm reaction. Twilight nods at her statement.

“I feel the same way when I look at these elements. Probably because while they may all have an unknown power, all of them have found their rightful owners so far. I feel that this one and the final element will be the same.” She says as she trots around to look at the element with Cadence. Staring at the element a bit more; Twilight’s gaze drifts off to her friends, who are now all having a group conversation with Buckshot. Looking at the guard alicorn, Twilight suddenly notices something... unprecedented. Quickly looking back at the Element of Structure again and back at Buckshot, her brain starts making more connections. “No…” She says quietly to herself. Cadence and Shining look at Twilight with confusion; not understanding what she just said.

“What was that, Twilight?” Cadence asks. Twilight ignores that question and looks over to where Christian is.

“Hey Christian,” She hollers from across the room. Christian glances over from the group to the somewhat amazed slash distressed looking Twilight. “You need to see this.” Christian cocks a brow at her words before quickly leaving the group as the others keep chit-chatting.

“What’s up, Twitty?” He says as he speed walks over to her. Twilight motions with her eyes toward the elemental necklace. Christian looks at the necklace, again confused. He already saw the necklace before. What was the problem? “Okay, Twilight; what are you-” She quickly points over his shoulder with a forehoof towards the group behind him, specifically the alicorn guard. Christian stares at Buckshot, then back at the element, and then again back at Buckshot. Armour and Cadence, now tired of this little charade, are getting aggravated with the lack of communication from the two of them.

“Alright you two, what is the meaning of…” Armour starts up before Christian interrupts him.

“Armour, Cadence; look at the necklace; then your new captain of the guard.” The two ponies look at each other awkwardly before doing ask Christian asked. Looking at both Buckshot and the necklace, the two did see similarities but that is it.

“Alright, but I don’t-” Cadance starts before Twilight interrupts her.

“Christian, didn’t you say that Supernova looked like his elemental necklace?” Christian nods at Twilight.

“Yea, and Vague said Frostbite looked like hers.”

“So, by process of observation…”

“Yup,” Christian understands where Twilight is going with this. “Put two and two together and get a legendary element user.” He says quietly before rushing back over to the others. “Buckshot!” He yells as he jumps back into the group. The guard and girls stop dead in their conversation and turn toward the human.

“Yes, Your Excellency?” He addresses to him. Before Christian can say, Shining Armour, Twilight, and Princess Cadence come up behind him.

“Buckshot, we think… Well to put it simply, you are most likely the bearer of an ancient and legendary artifact.” The princess says. Buckshot and the rest of the girls stare at the others in bewilderment.

“Come again, Your Majesty?” Buckshot asks with a laugh. Christian yanks the element from its silver home and presents it to Buckshot, who jumps back a bit at the presentation.

“She means you have to put this on. Right now.” Christian demands.

“Uhh, forgive me. I still don’t understand why I must wear this… thing.” Buckshot says, confused. He doesn’t even know what this thing was or why he needed to put it on.

“Well ya see, Buck,” Dash starts, flying over him and continuing over Christian before hovering by Twilight. “These “Elements of Conflict”,” She motions air quotes with her forehooves. “all have one thing in common: The user’s fur and mane coloring matches their necklace. It happened with the first two, and twenty bits says the same will happen with the last two!” Buckshot looks at the pegasus, still uneasy about this whole ordeal. He looks toward his superiors for an answer.

“Princess Cadance?” He asks, wanting her opinion on the situation. Cadance looks at her captain of the guard and then back at the necklace.

“Buckshot,” She starts. “I think it would be beneficial if we were to see if you truly are this legendary elemental user. By all means, please put the necklace on at once.” Buckshot salutes to his princess and nods at her request.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” He shouts as he takes the necklace into his forehoof. He gulps as he looks down at the trinket in his hoof; physically trembling at what he had to do. “Now, I would be lyin’ if I said I wasn’t nervous.” He comments while giving a nervous smile towards the group in front of him. Suddenly, Applejack trots to the front of the group and gives the guard a relaxed smirk.

“Everythin’ will be fine, Buck. Shoot, you put that necklace on and become a legend; you’ll become one of the most powerful ponies in Equestria!” Buckshot stares at Applejack, sinking her comment into his brain. After a second or two, he gives the mare a determined nod.

“Alrighty then,” He says, now much more confident than before. “Let’s see what this thing can do!” With a quick red glow from Buckshot’s horn; the necklace is quickly lifted from his hoof and slapped onto his neck. Within seconds, the room is covered in a blinding white light. The group collectively shields their eyes as the light encompasses the entirety of the castle. Everyone gasps as they instantly realize what is happening, like twice before. With a smirk, Christian puts on his sunglasses and his hands on his hips.

“Well, I guess we figured that out. Good eyes, Twitty.” He says to Twilight, who nods in response while shielding her eyes with her forehoof.

“Thanks Christian! I can’t believe how easy that was!” She exclaims with joy.

“No kiddin’!” Applejack adds. “Much easier than defeatin’ Chrysalis who has takin’ over or going ta the moon!” The light around them starts to then fade as the silver alicorn begins to float back down to the floor in front of everyone. As his hooves finally touch down onto the tiling, his eyes shoot open and with a proud smile; boasts:

“I am Buckshot: The Element of Structure!”

The Elements of Harmony ooh and aah at the alicorn guard’s new powers; while Cadence and Armour are still mouth agape by the shock value of Buckshot actually being this legendary being.

“This is… simply amazing!” Cadence shouts with astonishment. Amour still has no reaction other than his jaw still hanging at the fact that his head guard is some powerful entity. Buckshot turns and smiles at the ponies before him.

“How do ya feel, Buckshot?” Applejack asks with anticipation. Buckshot looks down at his necklace and feels a new power flow throughout him. He stomps a forehoof onto the castle’s floor; the tiling seemingly cracking and chipping at the pounding. He chuckles at this fact, and glances back up at the orange pony.

“How do I feel? Heh, I feel… ACK!” The alicorn’s expression suddenly shifts from his powerful and content face to that of being frightened and experiencing an unknown sharp pain. The ponies gasp as Buckshot’s pupils shrink and he groans as his forehooves are thrust onto his head. “GAHHHH!” He shrieks while falling backwards and writhing on the floor.

“Buckshot, what’s wrong?!” Christian yells in worry. Buckshot gives no reply other than more groans from the excruciating pain that he is currently feeling. The group rushes to his aid in order to figure out what is wrong. As they surround Buckshot’s squirming body, an explosion of blackness bursts forth from the necklace. This blast sends everyone within five feet of Buckshot flying backwards and crashing onto the flooring. As the group recovers from the send-off and gets back up, they notice that Buckshot is no longer wriggling on the ground. Instead, Buckshot’s body is now floating above the floor and rising above everyone in the castle. As his body floats upward, a dark aura starts to engulf the pony; becoming more and more intense and growing in size as the seconds pass. The group below, now frozen in shock at the events going on above them, continue to look on in horror as the dark orb pulses and surges with enigmatic purpose.

Suddenly, the darkness explodes outward and disappears, exposing the alicorn guard once more. Slowly, Buckshot is lowered back to the ground; eyes closed and unshaken from the events that just transpired. As his hooves touch the ground, the pony remains in this immobile state. His head hangs low, yet is still upright. An eerie silence fills the castle as everyone waits for Buckshot to speak, move; anything at all. Yet he remains in this hibernative state.

“B-Buck? Are you alright?” Applejack breaks the silence and tension, wanting to get an answer or some movement out of the pony. Everyone else is on edge to see if Buck will respond at all, but he doesn’t move. After five long seconds, still no movement on Buckshot’s behalf…

Then, his eyes shoot open. Revealing a red glow emitting from within his eyes

The ponies jump back slightly, startled at the alicorn’s new demeanor. Buck was no longer his normal self, everyone knew this. Something has… changed him. The group gets more uneasy as Buck starts to… observe himself silently. His eyes dart around the room, observing the crowd around him; judging everyone with somewhat of a foreboding glare. Then without warning, Buck lifts up a forehoof and stares at it intently; rotating the hoof every so often. The alicorn seems confused yet curious at his own appendage. Perplexed looks throughout the group before Buck are exchanged before Buck’s head shoots up to meet before everyone. Buck’s eyes suddenly lock onto Twilight’s, giving her a cold, unnerving stare…

Before he starts laughing.

Laughing the most maniacal, dark, ominous, and sinister laugh anyone has ever heard. To Christian, the laugh makes it seem like Buck is losing his mind. Yet to everyone else in the castle, the laugh sends the group back into the past… reminding them of a long gone evil that they thought was defeated. Shining and Cadence start to quiver in fear, the Elements of Harmony gain expressions of worry and fear. And Twilight eyes grow wide with shock.

“No… No! It can’t be!” She says quietly to herself. She knows this laugh all too well. Everypony knows this laugh, it has echoed in their minds before. Buck realizes this and silences himself, now giving the unicorn a very wicked smile.

“Hello, Twilight Sparkle.” Buck speaks, but not in his regular accent. His voice is now more foreboding and now taking on an evil undertone. The voice confirms the fears of the ponies, who all gasp quietly in sheer shock and terror, especially Twilight, Shining, and Cadence. Christian, however, has no idea what is going on. Buck then turns to the trembling couple to the right and greets them as well. “Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, it’s been a LONG while.” The pony says while flashing a grin. The two ponies cannot believe what they are hearing, gasping loudly at the alicorn.

“H-How?! T-This is… This is impossible!” Shining shouts in dismay. Buckshot’s grin grows and his eyes narrow at Shining’s reaction. He then focuses on Twilight’s friends.

“The Elements of Harmony. Well, this is quite a pleasant surprise.” The ponies say nothing, just continue to shudder in fear at Buckshot. Christian looks at the reactions around him, still not understanding why everypony is acting the way they are.. What is going on? Is he supposed to be frightened by whatever is happening? Buckshot then finally stares at the oddity in the room: The non-pony form next to Twilight. Christian notices this and apprehensively makes eye contact with the suspicious alicorn. “My, my, aren’t you the odd one. You’re not a pony. What are you strange, bipedal creature?” Buckshot asks. Christian eyes the pony with caution and perseverance.

“I am Christian Average; a human from Earth. Who are you?” The alicorn chuckles at Christian’s question, yet Christian’s expression remains defiant as he waits for a response. Buck stops laughing and answers his question.

“Well, Christian Average. I am the most feared evil in all of Equestria. An evil that everypony in this room thought they had destroyed.” The pony’s eyes suddenly lock back onto Twilight’s. “I am King Sombra. And I am here to reclaim my kingdom and get my revenge on the ponies who thought they had defeated me!” His voice bellows throughout the castle’s throne room, making everypony seemingly shrink in dread as their greatest fear comes true. Christian, meanwhile, gulps in worry and fear.

“Great. Just what I wanted to hear.”