*Journal Entry 10,235 The Abyss Watchers*

During the first hundred years in the age dark* I found myself at a crossroad. With no one at my side and my few allies taken refuge in the firelink shrine I had a decision to make. Would I help others and risk losing what few allies I did have at the shrine, or would I venture forth and help others to gain new allies?

It was a tough decision, and I will admit I did falter in my resolve more than once during the age dark transition.

With the fire gone I had to resort to the old fashion method to get back to the shrine. I had to walk all through Lothric to get back. I remember the Farron Keep the best of all the places I’ve been at the time.

As I walked through the great swamp of Farron Keep I could hear things I didn’t before. Cries of those who were still alive, clinging to what was left of the ruined world. The animals in the swamp waters, and a distinct cry for help.

That’s when I met the Old Wolf Farron. A descendant of the great white wolf Sif, Farron was a massive brute. He was easily ten feet tall and was powerful, despite his frail appearance. I found him with the Abyss Watchers all encircled by the darkness as the Darkwraiths attempted to take them out.

The Abyss Watchers being undead, and eventually revived, would easily outlast any enemy the Abyss had. It was simply what they were. Farron however, her was mortal with godlike abilities. He was badly injured and his loyal Abyss Watchers tried their best to defend him, but I knew from what I heard that there was no way Farron would survive if this kept up.

I steeled my resolve and vowed in that moment to venture forth and save as many as I could, no matter who and how difficult it may seem. Even that bastard,”Trusty Patches” has his uses. I always admired the Abyss Watchers ever since I met Harkwood*. I took my own farron greatsword in hand and cut through the darkwraiths with ease.

It was a grueling battle that lasted for days. Well, as much day as twenty-four hours were in absolute darkness.

Once the battle was won, Lord Farron offered his service to me and the allegiance of his Abyss Watchers. At this moment they presented me with a gift, the helm of Lord Artorias the Abysswalker. It had been heavily enchanted allowing whoever wore it access to the deepest pits of the Abyss. With it and Farron and his Undead Legion at my back, I was well on my way to making my dreams a reality.

Then I remembered the tail of Artorias and the unkindled who slew him. Perhaps by retracing the steps of lords of old I could find others and build my armies. For now, I traveled back to the shrine with my new allies to help defend what I had first. The others would come at a later time.

My list of enemies and obstacles is long, and many I’m sure will reveal themselves in time, for now I must finish what I started. Anri never failed me that much is true.

*End Entry*

*Whitetail Woods just outside Ponyville*

It was late in the evening in Ponyville. Ponies gathered for the great fundraiser lead by both the Apple clan and Mr. Rich Barnyards. Everypony was out even the little fillies and colts frolicked about.

All the ponies were happy. In the center of the ton was Trixie’s wagon with a makeshift stage built around it. Here Babs, Silver Spoon, and Button Mash waited in their outfits for Trixie and the Fire Keeper to exit the wagon to begin the show. Ponies were already gathering from what Button saw when he peeked through the curtains.

Button saw his mom and smiled with joy to see she was able to make it. Silver Spoon looked out with Babs to see their families had all gathered too. The three young ones did a three way hoof clap before returning to gather what was left of their things. Button claimed his onion helmet, Silver Spoon took her crystal chime, and Babs clumsily lifted her warhammer over her shoulder. Just then the doors to the wagon slammed open and out came Trixie in her usual garb and the Fire Keeper in her traditional Fire keeper robes, Trixie had commissioned rarity to make them at the Fire Keepers request along with all their weapons and armor, fashioned to the Fire Keepers specifications. They were, for all intense and purposes, fully functional armor and weapons, if a bit unwieldy for the foals. With the exception of Silver Spoon who was wearing the most modest outfit of them all

All the little ponies looked up at the Fire Keeper in awe. Both Silver and Button couldn't help but feel envious of the human, she was so beautiful in their eyes. Babs gave her a glance and shrugged and muttered, "Eh I've seen better." The well form fitting top and the slimming skirt made for quite a show. Button stared dumbly at the Fire Keeper until Silver Spoon nudged him in the side making him roll over in his armor.

“Hey! What was that for?!” He asked in alarm, flailing like turtle.

Trixie giggle as the little colt rolled over and over trying to get up. His onion shaped armor made it to where he couldn’t get his legs on the ground to support himself up. Finally after many failed attempts he slumped over and simply reached upwards and the Fire keeper picked the poor colt up and put him back to his hooves.

“Thanks,” He said glaring at the fillies who whistled innocently. “Glad to see somepony cares about my well being!”

“Oh, Button yous such a wuss!” Babs chuckled giving him a playful nudge with her elbow.

The Fire Keeper then picked up Silver Spoon like a cat, scooping her up from under she arms. The metallic grey filly simply allowed herself to be carried, from what Babs told her she loved being carried and pampered.

The Fire Keeper held back a squeal of delight at how cute Silver Spoon was in her little white blouse. While the woman gushed over Silver Spoon, and getting her mane making the filly pur, Trixie helped the other two get ready for their act. Babs was outfitted with a heavy chest piece and two large bracers with large white gems on each. She was then given a small pony sized quiver and arrow.

Button got his greatsword and a small shield to hold in his arm. His head was much smaller than his armor making it look like his body was ten times the size of his head. The final edition was a large red cape that, Trixie added to his left shoulder.

After they finished the Fire Keeper put Silver Spoon down and combed the filly's mane. Silver Spoon just sat and waited patiently as the Fire Keeper took her brush and brushed the silky smooth mane.

After a good thorough brushing the Fire Keeper stopped and went to a bonfire she made within the wagon and lit it. All four ponies watched her as she then reached into the actual flames and burned her hand to grab something.

Pulling back the Fire Keeper drew a dark black katana and propped it in both her hands.The katana was still in its sheath which was worn out and the hilt of the sword itself was mangled from heavy use and misshapen. The woman walked towards Babs and offered the sword to her. Babs stared at the dark sword for a moment before taking it in her hooves and slid it down her sash. She then drew the katana from the sheath revealing a well kept blade that whistled as she drew it.

“That young Babies, is a blacksteel katana,” The Fire Keeper said gesturing to the blade. “It was once a weapon of great power wielded by a powerful knight of the old age. Now, tis but a shell of it’s former self.”

Babs looked at the blade. It was so clean and well kept compared to the sheath and the pommel. Babs tilted the blade to see the sharp edge of it. She then noticed her bangs fell down on the blade. It was so sharp that the weight of her own hair was enough to split the hairs in two. In shock Babs nearly dropped the sword but was helped up with the Fire Keepers hands cupping the blonde in her hooves.

“Tis a very sharp blade. Wield it with compassion and it will guide you in even the darkest of times. Be warned, should you strike with anger and vengeance it will eventually claim thy soul. Tis my gift to you.” The Fire Keeper said turning to Trixie.

“Trixie, before we begin the show I wish to confide with you on a small matter,” She said to the azure unicorn.

Trixie looked up at her with interest. She was going to ask Trixie’s opinion of something and that meant it was very important and Trixie needed to give her undivided attention. At least that’s what Rarity told Trixie.

"Is it about why you gave a filly a sword that is sharper than any thing in Trixie's wagon?" Trixie asked.

The Fire Keeper smirked and replied snidely, "Or would it be more appropriate to say, 'sharper than Trixie's tongue?'"

Everyone laughed at Trixie, who puffed her cheeks, and went red with embarrassment at the comment. Sticking her nose up, Trixie walked to the end of the stage and played with a few props to calm herself before asking in a hurt tone, "What was it you wanted to talk about anyways, or did you simply wish to insult the Beautiful and Innocent Trixie?"

“I wish to take on a name,” The Fire Keeper said, after taking a moment to calm herself.

“Oh? What about that whole thing with not having names?” Trixie asked.

“Hmm. Tis hard to speak to others without a name I’ve come to find out,” The woman admitted. “I do have an idea for a name but I wanted to ask if it’s alright for me to do so?”

Trixie now looked very confused at the Fire keeper’s words. Why would it matter if Trixie cared? As far as she was concerned if the Fire Keeper wanted a name it was her choice. Still, it was nice to have a friend who had that much faith in Trixie to ask for permission to have one. It made Trixie feel good that her friend cared so much to ask her opinion.

“Trixie feels that it’d be fine for you to have a name. What do you want to call yourself?” Trixie asked.

The Fire Keeper blushed feeling embarrassed by the name she chose, yet she felt it was a fitting name for herself.

“I was wondering what you thought about the name, Loreane?”

Trixie smiled hugging her friend. “It’s a lovely name.”

“Thanks Trix, I picked it because of what you said about me.”

“Oh? What did Trixie say that made you pick that name?” Trixie asked, curious to know where the name came from.

“You told me that, I was full of lore and stories. You called me your ‘lore keeper’.” She said kissing Trixie.

“That’s a silly pun and you know it,” Trixie giggled kissing her back.

The three foals sat by awkwardly as the two older ones made out in front of them. After finishing their brief makeout session Trixie got up and walked to the edge of the stage where the curtain separated them from the crowd.

“Loreane is a perfect name,”Trixie said, making the newly named Loreane smile. “Even if it was inspired by a bad pun.”

Loreane stuck her tongue out in a childish manner making all the ponies around her snigger.

Looking out again, Trixie saw that all the ponies had gathered and saw a few ponies key to her staring here. Turning from the curtain, Trixie flung her cape in a wide arc with dramatic flare and announced to her entourage, “It’s showtime!”

*Crowd of Ponies*

All the ponies of Ponyville, cows, the crows, donkeys, even a changeling were all gathered around the stage setup by Trixie and her group. Among them were Silver Spec, and Milano Mash, mothers respectively to Silver Spoon and Button Mash. Both mares were giddy with excitement at their foals performing for such an event, even if it was with a rather infamous mare like Trixie.

For Trixie and the Loreane this was Trixie’s comeback tour. Even with her success in Manehattan and her assistance in the capture of the nutritious diamond thief Rough Diamond she was still considered a misfit in society, no matter what she tried. With the Elements of Harmony and a Mayor all pitching in to this show, if a success, Trixie’s fame would skyrocket for sure.

First she must put on a great show.

Milano and Silver Spec were busy chatting about what their little ones would be doing in the performance, wondering what it was going to be.

“Do you think it’ll be like a playwright?” Silver Spec asked Milano.

“I’m not sure,” Button’s mother replied tapping her chin. “Burton said it was like a story that would be told while he and the others acted it out. So, I guess in a way it is.”

Both mares shrugged when the lights around them died down. Ponies began to lower their voices to a murmur. Heads looked side to side, and many of the ponies were waiting to see the big opening with blazing fireworks and loud voice overs. So, imagine their surprise when a blanket of darkness overtook the stage. Silence filled the area, and not a creature stirred, and not a whisper was made.

From the darkness came a light from a fire. Slowly the fire became brighter and brighter until finally it erupted in a small explosion revealing a bonfire with a single coiled stake in it. From behind the fire came into view the figure of Loreane. The Fire Keeper wore her traditional garb with one new addition. Instead of her crown she wore over her eyes she wore a blindfold instead. Simple black cloth of no extreme value.

Loreane stood over the fire and had her hands cupped together as her front and bowed to the crowd, who watched in silent awe.

“Citizens of Ponyville,” Loreane opened with, “thank thee for gathering this night to witness the Great and Powerful Trixie's Equestrian Tour.”

She bowed once more, and silent whispers rang in her ears, but nothing sinister. This made her smile. *Positive reception, just like, Miss trixie predicted.* She thought. Raising her hand she silenced the crowd without a word. Once she was sure she had their attention she lowered her hand slowly and began to speak in a low tone.

“Tonight is a special night, for this night I bring you a tale of the old age. An age long since past. I Loreane of Lothric, will tell the tale to be acted out by our brave young warriors. Babs who will portray the great knight of Carim, Belladona the Crusher,” Loreane introduced as Babs walked out on stage on her two hind legs.

The crowd politely stomped their hooves, enthralled with the show thus far. Babs waddled awkwardly out and swung her mighty hammer to the ground to give her shoulder a rest. She then bowed looking out with one eye to see her parents and her favorite cousins. Then a single mint green mare stood up and yelled out obnoxiously, “Walk tall and proud sister!”

The crowd facehooked as a cream colored earth pony swatted the unicorn and scolded her, “Lyra keep it down! You’re embarrassing me!”

Loreane then continued, while ponies chuckled at Lyra’s misfortune, “The next player will be Silver Spoon, who will portray Cerena Cleric of Carim.”

Again the crowd stomped as Silver Spoon walked out on the stage with slow graceful steps. She paid close attention not to step on her skirt as she walked out on all fours. Her crystal chime strapped to her side and a small dagger prop on her side, she sat beside Babs and bowed to the crowd.

“And last but certainly not least, Button Mash, who shall portray a Knight of Catarina, Siegward II of Catarina. Companion of Cerena and Belladonna,” Loreane said gesturing to a waddling Button on the side of the stage.

Everypony watched as the poor colt clumsily waddled on the stage and sat beside his friend and nodded his head to them unable to bow. Lorane then made one final introduction.

“Lastly there will be spectacular visuals produced by Trixie herself, founder of this troupe<” Lorane said as Trixie humbly walked on stage from behind the human and bowed.

The crowed was surprised by Trixie’s humble entrance. No flashy fireworks or big loud announcements to her arrival. Many had started to speculate that Trixie was really trying to change her ways for the better after seeing this humble display.

Now in the clear of introductions, Lorane stood off to the side as the folas surrounded the fire and Trixie stepped back into the darkness, disappearing from sight.

“Our tale begins long long ago,” Loreane said, lifting both her hands and produced two large flames in her hands.

She spun her hands in fluid circular motions never stopping as the flames made four rings in a square formation. The crowd watched, completely fixated on the flames.

“Long ago in an ancient land called Drangleic, a land that was ruled by a great king and his queen,” she said pushing the flames away and they split.

One flame ring went to each foal and the fourth simply landed in a open space between Babs and Button. The foals regarded the ring then went back to looking at the bonfire, waiting for their cues.

“This land was once a proud kingdom but one day it all fell from grace. During this age of strife there was a land far to the east called Carim, where clerics of old would travel with a trusted companion to the capital of Drangleic,” Loreane paused as Trixie magically conjured a impressive castle like she was instructed to. Every detail was clear as day to the crowd, every pillar every stone, all laid out like a live castle with a pink glow to it. It entrapped the crowd with its magnificence.

Having the set in place Lorane continued, “It was this that lead Cerena and belladona to travel across the massive contentet to see the king of Drangleic. They would face many hardships, many battles, and see much death as they did. With each day their faith would swell, and their friendship would go unchallenged.”

Loreane paused and watched as Babs and Silver Spoon stood up and walked to the edge of the stage left of the bonfire. Babs lead with Silver at her heels. Once at the edge Babs looked out on the crowd, raising a hoof over her eyes, as if she were looking at some distant expanse.

“In this time the two friends after several weeks on the road had become lost in a forest as they ventured forth.”

“Hark, where be the kingdom of Drangleic, Belladonna?” Babe barked out loud. “I fear we may have gotten lost in these here jungles!”

Silver Spoon walked beside her with a map in hoof.

“Fear not thy faithful companion,” Silver proclaimed. For I am a well educated and practiced cartographer. I shall have us out of these woods by nightfall!”

The two then walked in circles giving Loreane a chance to advance.

“For two days and nights Cerena lead Belladonna through the woods. On the dawn of the third day they emerged from the woods overlooking their destination,” she paused as the fillies looked back at the magical castle.

“Ah! I see the castle yonder!” Silver Spoon said pointing. “I also see a most peculiar person. They lie just over the next ridge.”

Silver Spoon pointed to Button who was sitting next to the bonfire. His sword on his back and his shield at his side. Babs looked over Silver Spoons shoulder looking right at the colt.

“I see no man, but a large onion!” Babs said.

“No,” Silver Spoon said to her. “Tis a Knight of Catarina! Let us venture forth and greet this stranger! Perhaps they will join us in our quest! But be warned my faithful companion!”

Silver Spoon dramatically gripped Babs shoulders looking her in the eyes. The crowd instinctively leaned forward wanting to hear every word she said.

“Do not call him out on his armor looking like an onion, for he may take offense and strike us down!” Silver said in a serious tone.

“Very well, m’lady.” Babs said following Silver to Button.

The colt lifted his head slightly as they approached him. He then raised a single hoof up to them and waved, and Loreane continued.

“This was the time when the two met Siegward II of Catarina-”

*Meanwhile on the outskirts of Ponyville*

Outside the town's edge, Anri and his Abyss Watchers closed in on the small town. The watchers had surrounded the town and already begun to slay the stragglers and slowly they worked their way inwards. Their plan was simple, surround the ponies at the fundraiser, killing any they met along the way, and finish the rest with one swift blow.

Anri had taken position behind a large pile of crates and watched as the Fire Keeper told a tale he himself was familiar with. He knew the legend of Cerena and Belladona and their tragic end when Siegward II of Catarina slew them after being tricked by a man with a sly tongue, and a thirst for treasure, claimed they would betray him.

“Oh, how I wish to run my blade through that man,” Anri whispered, as to not give away his position.

He watched as the foals and Fire Keeper went on with the story. He was surprised to see her again. After his mistress told him what transpired in the Kiln of the First Flame he was stricken with sadness. HE missed his long talks with the Fire keeper, but his mistress assured him that the Fire Keeper would return one day.

It had been thousands of years, and he was starting to lose hope of ever seeing his friend again. How tragic he thought, that our next meeting will be me slaughtering her friends no doubt. The thought sickened him, but he also remembered what was at stake.

He listened on as the foals acted out a great battle with a dragon, conjured by magic and music played around them despite there being no orchestra or band. He was impressed by these ponies, unicorns most of all. Their knack for magic always left him feeling humble at his own limitations. He was never good at magic, though his sword fighting was his best skill and mostly unmatched in skill and strength. It made up for his lack of magical skill.

Just when the Fire Keeper got to the betrayal in her story, a cooing sound from a pigeon caught Anna's attention. The man glanced up to see many of the Watchers on the roofs. They had dragon bows and heavy repeating crossbows in hand aiming down at the unsuspecting crowd below.

He let out a heavy sigh not wanting to do what was to come next. Stepping out from the shadows he approached the crowd of ponies as the play came to an end and the ponies stomped their hooves in applause.

*On stage*

Loreane and the foals watched as the crowd was in tears at the tragic end of the story. Yet, they applauded for a spectacular performance. They cheered and called out to the foals, Trixie, and Loreane saying it was the best show they had in a long time.

Trixie, Loreane and the foals all stood in a row on stage and took a bow as the crowd cheered for them. Among them Milano, Silver Spec, and the Apple Family cheered for their kids for a well done performance.

Then as the stomping died down there was a distinct sound of clapping. Leather on leather with a hint of metal clanking together. Loreane became fixated on this as did the rest of Ponyville. All eyes turned to see another human clad in impressive armor walking up to the crowd. He was clapping loudly, hie silver steel armor clanked as he walked. He had a large shield on his back and a longsword at his hip.

It took but a moment for Loreane to figure out who it was. Being blindfolded helped considerably, and she scolded herself for not sensing it. She sensed the Arni, but was so fixated on the performance she missed him among the crowd. Then she felt another more sinister presence, the Abyss Watchers.

She stripped off her blindfold and sure enough among the roofs were the Abyss Watchers. They had bows and heavy crossbows aimed at the ponies, and presumably her friends. She then focused on Anri who walked unhindered by the crowd.

“Well, played Fire keeper,” He said, slowly stopping his clapping and let his arms rest at his sides. “Twas a tragic tale indeed, but one that shows hope and compassion can overcome any deception.”

“Anri… you’re alive?” Loreane asked shocked at the sight of him.

Anri looked himself over like he wasn’t sure what to find. Then, he casually shrugged. “As alive as the undead could ever be,” He said pointing to Loreane. “You’re looking well yourself.”

Loreane frowned at him. Her piercing gaze made Anri shiver, even the ponies took a cautious step back.

“No thanks to Diana,” Loreane spa at the mention of her betrayers name. “How is the traitorous fiend doing? Hollowed out and shriveled up under a rock I hope?”

Trixie and the foals looked at their human friend in silence. Noe were willing to say anything for fear she may bite their heads off, or worse. Trixie had a startled look on her face. She Never expected Loreane to have such animosity towards anything or anyone. *I wonder what happened between her and this, Diana person?* Trixie thought watching the events unfold, taking note of the others on the rooftops.

Trixie stood in front of the foals and erected a magical shield around them.

Anri sighed shaking his head after placing his hand on his helmet.

“I’m sorry you feel that way about the mistress, but I’m more sorry for what I must do next,” He said sorrowfully.

Loreane gasped stepping between Trixie and the Watchers arrows.

“What are you planning Anri!?” Loreane screamed alarmed. “Why have you come here with the Abyss Watchers!?”

“What’s an Abyss Watcher?” Babs asked Button and Silver.

Both the foals shrugged unsure of what was even going on. All they knew was Trixie and Loreane were talking to another human, but were unaware of the danger they were in.

Anri raised his left hand and held it up high. Seeing this the Abss Watchers drew their bow strings with arrows in hand and a;; the ponies gasped. Many looked like they were ready to run but stayed in place once they realized they were surrounded.

Anri then replied back to the Fire keeper, “You know why I’m here. Why else would I come with the Abyss Watchers? You do know what they do, right?”

“I know what they are and what they do! I want to know why you plan on eradicating this town!!” She demanded of him. “This place is untouched by the Abyss! You need not claim the lives in this town!”

Anri heard the reason behind her pleading, but he knew there was something here that was touched by the Abyss. A relic from his failure from before. He waved off the Watchers and slowly lowered his hand to point at Trixie. All eyes turned on the blue mare who was looking rather nervous.

“She,” Arni spoke aloud for all to hear. “She was touched by the Abyss and retains a relic that is powered by it. I’m here to destroy it and all who are in this village that were touched by it.”

Suddenly almost all the ponies in the crowd gave trixie angry looks. Whispers of the Alicorn Amulet spread among them. Anri knew then what he was told was true. Trixie had claimed the ALicorn Amulet and used it here in this village.

He pointed to Trixie fiercely and made the following proclamation, “I give you this chance Fire Keeper-”

“My name is Loreane, Anri,” She hissed at him.

“Forgive me, Loreane,” He corrected himself apologetically. “I offer you, Loreane, a chance to come back to us under the service of Mistress Diana and help us in our quest to rid the world of the Abyss once and for all. Please, won't you consider joining us?”

Loreane took only a second to deliver her response, “And what will become of this town? There are elderly, sick, children Anri! Children!!” Loreane yelled at him. “I would think a Knight of Astoria would be above murdering children.”

Suddenly both Anri and the citizens of Ponyville grew still. The thought of the fals being in danger seemed to kick in as many of the adults took the children and used themselves as shields for them. Even complete strangers took charge to protect them, which gave Anri pause.

He was about to respond then the bonfire on the stage unexpectedly erupted. Everyone turned to see what was happening, but Loreane felt a shiver of fear go down her spine. She didn’t need to look to see who was there. She simply felt the presence of the one who betrayed her all those years ago.

“Diana…” She hissed.

Behind her stood a tall woman in leather armor of the Abyss Watchers. Her leggings had been modified with full armored leggings and boots, on her left arm was the signature gauntlet of the Abyss Watchers. On it was a large gem that glowed red. On her hip was her farron dagger and slung on her back was her farron greatsword and a shield with a depiction of a wolf over its cubs, covered partly by her long jet black hair that went to her waist line.

Her cape was slightly off on her left arm partially covering it. On her left gardbrace was a large kukri sheath for easy access with two throwing knives.Under her right arm was her helmet that once belonged to the great knight, Artorias.

She smiled as the Fire Keeper turned to face her. The blonde haired woman glared with murderous intent for her former companion, who kept her smile despite the hateful glare.

“Hello again my love,” Diana greeted Lorane.

“Don’t call me that! You lost that right after you betrayed me!” Loreane accused her.

Diana sighed shifting her shoulders and made a wide arm gesture.

“Please don’t make this personal Loreane,” Diana pleaded to her former friend. “I did what had to be done for the better of the world.”

“You let the world fall to an age of darkness! How’s that better?!” Loreane screamed losing control of her temper.

Trixie tugged at her friend's side trying to calm her down. Instead she was shoved away by Loreane who completely ignored her. What Loreane said next sent cold shivers down everyone's spines.

“YOU! YOU KILLED ME! I trusted you! I loved you!” Loreane yelled as tears filled her eyes and she held her hands over her heart, as if she were hurt. “I loved you once… and you killed me and plunged the world to darkness. Why!? Why did you do it!?!”

Diana looked away wiping her eyes.

“Answer me damn you!!”

Diana didn’t answer to Loreanes demands. She slipped on her helmet and turned to face Loreane and Trixie, who was still shielding the foals.

“Loreane, this is your last chance to join me again and escape certain death. I beg of you, come back to me and let’s forget the past. Let me earn your trust again,” Diana asked reaching with one open hand to Loreane.

Loreane watched as Diana stepped slowly forward, inching closer with every step until she was only inches from her. Diana slowly reached for Loreane, who looked ready to take her up on her offer. Trixie was worried this would be the case seeing the look in Loreane's eyes.

“She’ll never join a monster like you!”

The sudden objection snapped Loreane out of her dreamlike trance. She slowly looked over to Trixie who was standing firmly in place with an look at Diana.

“What did you call me?” Diana asked, narrowing her eyes at Trixie. “You dare challenge me?”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie will always stand up to bullies like you!” Trixie said stomping the ground for good measure.

“Then you are a fool as well as those who stand with you,” Diana said looking back to Loreane. “So? What say you? Will you take my hand once again?”

Loreane felt conflicted. She wanted to join back with Diana somewhere deep down. Yet, her feelings for Trixie and the ponies overrode that feeling ten fold, especially since she didn’t like Diana anymore. So Loreane swiftly swatted Diana’s hand away with hers and spat at her in disgust.

“I’ll never join you. Not now, not ever.”

Diana sighed lowering her head slightly. “I wish you had reconsidered, now I must take what I need by force.”

Before Loreane could say another word, Diana snapped her fingers and one Abyss Watcher who had his bowstring drawn released it. The steel arrow he shot flew true at its intended target. Time seemed to slow as all eyes followed the arrow as it lodged itself into the center of a earth pony mares head.

The poor thing never saw it coming and was dead before she hit the ground. Her eyes were crooked and crossed, a single stream of blood ran down her face running through her pink and dark blue mane staining it red.

A mint green unicorn screamed seeing the pony go down and threw herself at the pony, crying out her name with tear strained eyes, “BON BON!!”

Then the distinct sound of whistling arrows flying was heard and all hell broke loose.

Author's Note

Wow, that escalated quickly.

Unfortunately it would seem Lady Diana has taken it upon herself to oversee Ponyvilles destruction. Poor Trixie is technically the cause of all this. This time. (Trixie senpai is still best pony) Now we're at a crossroads, surrounded and outgunned what should Loreane and Trixie do?

Fight? (Cause we're not a bunch of sissies)

Or

Flight? (AKA Flee like little bitches)

Choose wisely, remember there are kids around! Think of the kids!

Other than that life altering decision enjoy the chapter!