Author's Note

And here we are folks!

The next big change in the Firekeeper! I've waited a long time for this and hope you all enjoy this light read as things start to fall together. I've taken stories from the Friend Forever comic series as well as the main stream MLPFIM show and the entirety of dark souls 3 for sure. In fact most of the lore and ideas come from Dark souls 3 so, keep that in mind.

Also this is a choice chapter so,remember to cast your vote at the end so pay attention to what's going on as you read!

As always read, rate, love and tolerate!

Unless you know someone is an invading whore! In which case have at em!

Darkness Rises

Twilight looked at the scene before her. Trixie was facing down another pony. It was a unicorn mare with a light blue curly mane and a light purple coat, wearing a black cloak. A gust of wind blew and made her cloak fly up revealing her caduceus cutie mark.

The mare was staring at Trixie with her horn blowing a deep sickly green and black, Trixie was facing her with an angry look on her face. Before Twilight could get a word out, Trixie fired a pink beam of magic from her horn at the cloaked mare.

The pony had to erect a magical shield to absorb the attack. After Trixie finished her attack the cloaked mare retaliated shooting a magical bolt at Trixie. The bolt his Trixie square in the chest and sent her spiraling down the dirt road.

“Where is it!?” The pony yelled at Trixie. “Where’s the amulet!?”

Trixie struggled to get back up as the pony shot another bolt at her.

Twilight ran up, standing between the two ponies and flaring her wings and her horn engulfed in a magical blow. Twilight erected a shield to deflect the bolt back at the pony who had to teleport away to not get hurt..

“Enough! Stand down!” Twilight yelled, at the cloaked pony.

The mare scoffed turning tail to run away. Twilight wanted to run after her but stayed behind to tend to Trixie. Twilight lifted the blue mare's head up but was promptly shoved away by both Trixie’s hooves.

“No! You need to go after her!” Trixie screamed.

“But Trixie--”

“NO! Stop her! She’s after the amulet!”

Twilight shook her head, not getting what Trixie was trying to say. “Trixie… What amulet? You don’t mean the-”

“THE ALICORN AMULET!!”

Twilight paused. Her wings folded back to her sides as she stared dumbly at the fleeing mare who rounded a corner. Trixie by now had managed to get up to her hooves and stared at the back of Twilight’s head.

After the mare in the cloak was gone, Twilight quickly turned on Trixie and made a brisk pace to the edge of town. Not saying a word, Trixie quickly followed the purple princess to the edge of the town and to a large clearing.

Once they entered the clearing Twilight walked to the edge of the Everfree Forest, and then stopped at the tree line. Twilight turned to Trixie and whispered to her, “Okay Trixie, I need you to listen to me carefully.”

Trixie lowered her head and scooted closer to Twilight and perked her ears up, as Twilight whispered something into her ear. Once they finished Trixie stood upright and ran into the forest as twilight ran back to the town, followed closely by the cloaked pony.

*Carousel Boutique*

Rarity was just finishing the final touches to the new outfit for the Fire Keeper. Though she considered it her finest work thus far, the theme behind it made her frown at every turn of the process.

For rarity, it was a harrowing process. Yet she did her duty as a fashionista to the letter and never falter for a moment.

Tugging a few more times with a thread and needle, the alabaster unicorn finished the new cape for the Fire Keeper's new outfit. Breaking the fine thread she walked around the Fire keeper, who stood very still like a mannequin.

Smiling at her work Rarity magically levitated a mirror over to the Fire Keeper and allowed her to marvel at her new clothes. Now, Fire Keepers were conditioned from birth to be modest, gentle, and esteemed pyromancers.

Yet the Fire Keeper couldn’t help but smile and let out a series of girly giggles, as she twirled around allowing her new cape to flow around her along with her long top. Her new magician styled hat covered her like an umbrella as her long braided hair flowed below it.

Rarity looked up to see the woman smiling brightly, and all her animosity for Trixie washed away. Seeing a happy client made her feel much better.

“Well, darling? What do you think?”

The Fire Keeper twirled once more to see her back.

“I love it! Thank you, Miss Rarity.”

“Oh, think nothing of it dear!” Rarity beamed at the human kindly. “It was a most delightful challenge.”

The Fire Keeper bowed to Rarity humbly. “I should still reward thee.”

Rarity quickly waved her hooves at the woman. “Oh, no please. It was my pleasure to help a friend out.”

The Fire Keeper nodded. She then took on a contemplative look, tapping her chin with a finger. “Then perhaps, in my and Trixie’s travels, I could spread word of this marvelous work thou has constructed.”

Now Rarity being the Element of Generosity was by no means a vain pony, or she would have you believe, but she loved the idea of her work spreading to the untouched regions of Equestria. Perhaps even abroad.

“Oh, that would be marvelous darling.”

“Again thank you for hits.”

Stepping off the podium the Fire Keeper walked around the boutique looking at the various dresses. Once she finished her rounds the Fire Keeper walked out of the boutique giving Rarity a fond farewell before walking deeper into Ponyville.

Walking around ponies took notice of her outfit. Many compared it to Trixie’s outfit, and some thought it might have actually been her in disguise. Along the way the Fire Keeper ran into Silver Spoon again along with Sweetie Belle.

The two fillies practically galloped to the human.

“Hey! How are you doing, Fire Keeper?” The fillies greeted her together.

The Fire Keeper gave a warm smile to the fillies before scooping them up in her arms holding them like two toddlers.

“Well, if it isn’t the adorable squad,” The Fire Keeper coos at them rubbing their tummies.

Silver Spoon and Sweetie giggle squirming in the human's arms as they suddenly leap from her arms to the ground. The woman kneels down to their level and smiles.

“What are you two doing out here?” She asked them.

“We came to see you, and noticed you were wearing new clothes.” Silver said.

Sweeties chimed in, “Yeah, did my sister make them for you?”

“Rarity?”

Both fillies nodded.

“Well, yes she did. Isn’t it wonderful?” The Fire Keeper said twirling for them. “It’s based on Miss Trixie’s magician outfit.”

Sweetie gave a clap of her hooves saying how great it looked. Silver Spoon on the other hand was blushing red with a dreamy stare. The Fire Keeper Noticed this and looked at Sweetie Belle for an explanation.

“She’s a big Trixie fan, and she has a crush on Trixie.” Sweetie whispered in the Fire Keeper’s ear.

“I Do not!” Silver yelled, jumping on Sweetie, who started giggling as the grey filly swatted at her mane.

“Silver! Stahhpp! You’re so annoying!” Sweetie giggled.

“You’re annoying!” Silver said back still swatting and Sweeties bangs.

The Fire Keeper giggled as Twilight came running up to her, startling the two fillies out of their play fighting.

“Fire Keeper! You need to come quick!” Twilight screamed to her.

“What’s wrong, Princess?” She asked.

“Trixie’s in trouble!” Twilight replied skipping in place impatiently. ‘I sent her to the Everfree Forest to get something, I need you to come with me!”

The Fire Keeper's thoughts stopped. She had enough time for her brain to register,”Trixie” and “trouble” before her body took action, bolting down the road. Twilight quickly teleported in front of the Fire Keeper and lead the way to the Everfree Forest.

*Deep in the Everfree Forest*

Trixie was walking through the darkness of the Everfree. Even though it was day time, the trees grew so high and so thick it could have passed for night time. Trixie had been following the directions given to her by Twilight, trying to see if she could find the hut of a local resident to the forest.

Twilight Told her to tell somepony named Zecora to take the Alicorn Amulet and give it to the princess as quickly as possible.

As Trixie made her way through, she kept a brisk pace and didn’t dally long in one place. After ten minutes of searching the unicorn came across a small tree that had windows on it and a large door. Hanging from the trees were bottles of all shapes, sizes, and colors. There were old tribal masks everywhere and several tiki style torches lighting the area.

Trixie noticed the door had a wreath of some kind hanging over it and approached the door, occasionally glancing up at it. That’s when she heard it. A voice that whispered from somewhere nearby.

*You have returned.*

Trixie nearly jumped out of her skin hearing the voice. She darted her head around looking for the source of the voice she heard.

*We knew you’d come back to seek our power.*

“Who’s there?!” Trixie yelled. “Show yourself!”

The voice chuckled lightly. It was a soft feminine voice that called to her from somewhere deep in the forest.

Trixie followed it deep into the forest, where she came across a large stone pillar. Beneath it was a small stone, covered in ancient griffin glyphs. Trixie could sense a familiar presence beneath the surface of the pillar. One she was all too familiar with.

Trixie’s mind became blank as she slowly inched forward and began pawing at the dirt beneath the stone pillar. The voice cooed in her ears, gently guiding her to itself.

*Yes, little pony. Come. Come and reclaim us. Set us free.* It said gently.

Trixie kept digging in her mindless stupor until she dug about ten inches deep and her hoof hit something. She managed to stay focused long enough to levitate the object, a small wooden box, out from the hole and laid it on the ground before her.

Opening the box Trixie could see the Alicorn Amulet before her. It’s whispers and promises of power and fame once again echoing in her mind. Without thinking the unicorn mindlessly picked up the amulet.

*Yes, set us free once again, and we’ll give you everything you desire.* The Amulet promised.

Trixie took pause. She’d heard these promises before and what had it gotten her? Pain, and misery. She had become public enemy number one for so long and here she was about to throw it away again. Her thought’s fell on her new friend, the Fire Keeper. While Trixie didn’t think it was right of them to be considered friends she did admire the female human greatly. Trixie showed her a side of herself that nopony else had seen of Trixie before.

That had to count for something deep down. Trixie thought. The amulet hissed at her, warning her to not forget what it had done for her in the past. That was when Trixie made up her mind. Taking her hat off, Trixie placed the amulet into a small pocket inside her hat and placed her hat back on her head. As she did the amulet lashed out, sending a pulse of dark energy across the landscape all across the globe in seconds.

Once it was all over the amulet became silent and Trixie gave a sigh of relief.

“Well done Trixie.”

Trixie spun around to see the pony who attacked her from before standing behind a tree.

“Who are you? What do you want?” Trixie hissed at the mare.

The pony held up her hooves, sitting on her haunches to show she had no hostile intent, but all the same Trixie’s horn glowed showing she was ready for anything to come.

“I am called Radiant Hope. I was hoping to get the Alicorn Amulet from you,” The mare said. “I need it to help a friend.”

“Well, Trixie isn’t in the mood for giving things away for free.” Trixie glared at the mare.

The pony named Hope sighed shaking her head. “I was afraid you’d say that,” Hope said lighting up her horn. “I don’t want to do this but I really, really need that amulet. So, I offer you this proposal. An exchange.”

Stepping to the side the unicorn revealed the bound and gagged forms of Twilight and the Fire Keeper. Trixie’s heart sank at the sight of her human friend being held captive. Yet, she held a neutral face hoping to bluff her way out of this one.

“Ha! You think capturing Twilight Sparkle and this thing means anything?” Trixie challenged the mare with a mighty step forward. “For all Trixie knows this is some illusion trick! And Trixie knows all about those.” She said with a grin.

Hope only smiled back at, Trixie. Drawing a small dagger from her cloak, Hope walked up next to the Fire Keeper and dragged the sharp tip of the straight blade across her leg. Trixie noted the outfit the woman wore was similar to her own. The pants she wore were body tight and easily slit by the sharp dagger.

Once there was a decent amount of the Fire Keepers leg exposed, Hope took hold of the dagger in her magic and slowly placed it in the center of her thigh. Trixie noted the mare turned a slight paler shade as she quickly lifted the dagger and drove it into the Fire Keeper’s leg.

The Fire Keeper let out a muffled scream as the feeling of absolute pain hit her leg. It was the same burning sensation she once felt long ago. When she was betrayed by the one she loved and spent most her energy to help and tend to.

Trixie saw the tears run down her friends face, and Twilight Struggled against her restraints. A magical suppression ring glowed brightly on her horn. A dead give away she was trying to use her magic but couldn’t.

The Fire keeper fell on her back, as soft sobs resonated from her gagged mouth. Trixie stared wide eyed at the unicorn, Hope, too shocked to say any smart remarks.

Hope looked at her with a scary grin, not one of malice or anger, but deep rooted fear. Trixie recognized it. Hope didn’t want things to go this far. It was clear to Trixie she was no killer, but that was something Trixie learned to let go of long ago. She wanted to lash out at the pony for hurting her friend. She wanted Hope to suffer for what she did to the Fire keeper.

She wouldn’t risk the possibility that Hope would hurt her again if she retaliated. Instead Trixie did a more or less sensible thing.

“Alright, you proved your point.I’ll give you the amulet,” Trixie said, as Twilight shook her head. “But, you will let my friends go first!”

Hope shook herself out of her shocked state and held the dagger up to the Fire keeper’s neck. She pressed the tip of the blade to her neck, drawing a bit of blood from it.

“No, Trixie. Give me the amulet then I’ll let them go.”

“How does Trixie know you’ll keep your word?”

“It’s either that or I’ll - I’ll cut... I’ll cut your friend!” Hope said, with a hint of desperation in her voice.

Trixie frowned taking off her hat and reached into it with her hoof. The Fire keeper turned her head to see Trixie concentrating hard as she reached into the hat and stepped closer. At first she didn’t know what Trixie was planning. The unicorn came closer and Hope reached with her open hoof to take the Amulet from Trixie’s now extended hoof.

Then it all happened.

Trixie tossed up the amulet into the air. Hope was so fixated on it she let go of the Fire Keeper and leapt into the air instinctively as she magically grabbed the amulet. The Fire Keeper saw Trixie’s hoof twist and a large flame erupted from it.

A sphere of raging flames expanded out from Trixie hoof as she let out her combustion spell into Hope as she was sent back into the forest with a loud pained scream.

When the mare was out of sight, Trixie helped her friend tending to her wounded leg.

“Trixie…” The Fire keeper said in a whimper, clutching her leg.

“Don’t worry it’s over.”

“Thank you…” The Fire keeper whispered hugging Trixie.

Trixie smiled hugging her friend back and gently caressed her long blonde hair. Trixie felt her heart beating fast against her chest and a new feeling overcame her. She felt a spark inside of her that she never felt before.

“Don’t worry. Trixie’s here,” She said nuzzling her friend's cheek. “Trixie won’t let anything happen to you again.”

“Thank you.” The Fire keeper said letting Trixie bandage her leg.

*Deeper in the Forest*

Deeper in the forest, Hope struggled to move as she wobbled along the dirt path of the Everfree heading north.

“Heh, it hurts so much…” She coughed clutching her burned body.

Her entire lower half of her body was burned badly. The combustion spell nearly engulfed her forcing her to teleport away at the last second. Her cloak was in tatters and her mane and tail singed, but she had what she wanted.

She slipped the alicorn amulet from her cloak and looked at the shiny black surface of it. Smiling she put the amulet back and continued to wobble down the path.

“Don’t worry Sombra… I’m coming back for you.”

* ??? *

Out in a dark land where the skies were always red like blood, stood a castle among the ruins of a larger town below. At the highest tower stood a woman clad in leather armor with a long cape with vein like decals on it. Her long black hair flowed in the winds as she sat in a simple meditative position.

She wore a leather glove that covered her right arm to her short sleeved vest which had a high collar on it. Her left arm had a large round shoulder plate, silver in color, that wrapped around it with several smaller armor plated beneath running down her arm. A well kept clawed gauntlet with leather on it covered the rest of her arm. Her hand resting palm side up on her tall boots that were crossed. In her hair was a feather pin with pure white feathers compared to her darker skin.

She was in deep meditation, her mind was clear. Her body was calm. Her spirit was at peace.

She sat there for days and nights, until one day a dark magical pulse awakened her. Her eyes were wide, but became narrow as she felt the presence of something familiar.

"Finally," She grunted standing up. "Anri!"

From within the tower a tall man clad in full metal body armor with a large crest shield walked behind her and knelt before her.

"Yes, mistress?"

Not bothering to turn around the woman placed a helmet over her head. It was a large silver helmet with long black hair at the top in a ponytail like fashion. The main part of the helm was silver and beak like in shape but had a design depicting a wold on it and blue cloth around it covering her face and neck.

Upon her beast was a amulet with a wolf and crescent moon behind it. She held the amulet in one hand and turned her attention to the man behind her.

"Anri. Take Horace and prepare the Abyss Watchers." She then leaned in to his ear and whispered something to him.

"It shall be done, mistress." Anri said.

Anri stood up and gave a polite bow. He then turned on his heels and began to leave when his mistress slapped her metal gauntlet hand against her thigh. Anri stopped in place and turned back and knelt again before her.

The woman sighed, "Anri... I told you knot to kneel before me. I hate that."

Anri stood up and spoke in an apologetic tone, "Forgive me. I meant no disrespect mistress."

She sighed, but cracked a smile at Anri. "Ever so loyal to me aren't you, Anri?"

"Forever mistress."

She looked out and changed her gaze to face to her right, where she was facing north. The landscape was crawling with tiny figures below. The bodies of the undead and plagued. All of them making the ground a sea of flesh and bone, she despised all of the figures below. She pointed to the north and said, "I want you to find Priscilla the halfbreed. I want you to take her to the frozen north to guard a sacred site."

"Yes mistress. I shall do it at once." Anri said bowing once more before taking his leave.

Shoving past him and angry looking black creature, equine in nature, with a jagged horn and gossamer green hair approached the woman and hissed at her.

"Diana!"

The woman named, Diana, sighed rubbing the ridge of her nose from under her helms cloth. "Chrysalis."

"What's taking so long?! My changelings are starving to death and you haven't kept your end of our bargain!!" Chrysalis growled.

Diana groaned loudly at the changeling Queen feeling a headache coming along. "Had you followed my instructions back during the invasion, none of your changelings would be dying, Chrysalis," Diana turned to face the royal changeling, crossing her arms behind her back. "Had you listened to me and killed Celestia and the Elements of Harmony, you would have won and none of your changelings would have died. Your sons would still be alive."

Chrysalis hissed, gripping her chest with a holey hoof. Fresh tears of anger and sorrow filled her eyes as she stared hatefully at Diana. The human didn't flinch, instead smiling and gently ran her hand across Chrysalis's cheek.

"Listen well Chrysalis, there may yet be a way to save your changelings." She said pointing north again. "Go to the Crystal empire and wait for a pony named Hope to find you. She will tell you I sent her. Do as she says, and I promise you'll be rewarded."

The Queen of the Changelings hissed, but nodded and flew out over the balcony and into the distance.

Diana watched as the changeling disappeared over the horizon. Looking down she saw Anri he most loyal follower leading a legion of one hundred of her best troops, known as the abyss watchers, marching along in a small group. She smile and looked down at her amulet. She unbuttoned her vest and reached for a second chain between her breasts and pulled out another amulet. This one was a simple triangle with a red flame painted on it.

Holding it close to her heart, Diana said a small prayer and held the amulet high in the air as it glowed with radiant light. Once the light dies out she put the amulet back in her vest and buttoned it up and then turned to enter her tower closing the large doors behind her.

Later that same night the Fire keeper had a most terrible nightmare of the end times. A time when the world would cease to exist and all life would perish leaving a husk behind. The only comfort she had was Trixie whispering in her ear as she tried to sleep through the nightmare but was unable to awaken, even Princess Luna was powerless to intervene in the nightmare.

And so the Fire Keeper suffer a night with an endless nightmare until she awoke the next morning when the first rays of sunlight touched her cheeks.

Where will Diana send the abyss watchers?

A. Ponyville to investigate the dark pulse?

or

B. Canterlot and then march to the Crystal Empire?