Chapters A large spherical orb displays images of each pony. A gold fur stallion stands next to it detailing each pony to a large shadowed figure sitting on a throne.
"Princess Celestia, Co-Ruler of Equestria and possess the magic to move the sun. Threat level: Low.", The stallion said as the orb shows Celestia beatened by Chrysalis, sent to Tartarus by Tirek, and turned to stone by Tempest Shadow.
"For an all powerful Alicorn, she lost to a broken horn unicorn very easily.", the shadowed figure comments using her magic to pick up a candy in a shape of a heart and eats it. "Proceed to the last one."
"The Elements of Harmony Bearers aka The Mane Six, Equestria's ultimate weapon. Threat level: Extreme.", The stallion said as the orb shows the Mane Six turning Nightmare Moon back to Luna, turning Discord into stone, Twilight freeing Cadance allowing her and Shining Armor to defeat Chrysalis, Twilight throwing the Crystal Heart of Spike allowing him to defeat Sombra, The Mane Six defeating Tirek, Twilight offering Starlight's chance of redemption, The Mane Six and ancient heroes banishing the Pony of Shadows, and defeating the Storm King.
"How pitiful.", the figure said. "How could such a weak country possess such a powerful weapon, Gold Star?"
"I do not know, but I do know is that if we take hold of the weapon, Equestria will be easy to conquer.", Gold Star said.
"Now that's a surprise.", the figure said. "Don't you have any love? After all it is you're home you plan to invade."
"No, I don't.", Gold Star answers with his eyes showing hate.
"Now that's the ruthlessness I expect from you.", the figure laughs. "I give you command of the 8th Ground Division and the 4th Air Regiment."
"I'll will not fail you for they will not see this coming.", Gold Star said bowing before the figure.
Later about thirty large airships take off with Gold Star standing on the bow of the lead ship.
"It is time to pay for you crimes against me, Equestria.", Gold Star said. "But my true target is you Armor. Shining Armor! What you've done to me is absolutely unforgivable! I'll be sure that you'll pay the ultimate price for what you've done! I'm going to make you suffer as I sit back and enjoy the show! My revenge is almost at hand!"
Crystal Empire...
"Hurry up, Shining!", Cadance calls out picking up Flurry Heart. "We have to be in Canterlot for the Grand Galloping Gala."
"Coming, Cadance!", Shining calls out packing up the last item when a photo falls to the floor. "Hey, I've been wondering where this has been."
Shining Armor picks up the photo and looks at it. It was a group photo of his young school days among the group were Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Soarin, Big Mac, Cheerilee, Cadance, and finally Gold Star.
"Gold Star, where are you going?", Shining asks chasing after Gold Star leaving the military barracks.
"This whole kingdom is a joke! What's the point of having being a Royal Guard, if six inexperienced little ponies can defeat threats like Nightmare Moon or Discord."
"But they're just a powerful as the Princesses.", Shining argues not liking Gold Star's tone on the Royal Guard.
"And that's not all! It took twenty Royal Guards to restrain a Diamond Dog barbarian! One dumb Diamond Dog fighting off twenty guards!", With that Gold Star storms off.
As much as he hates to admit it, Gold Star was right. The Royal Guard has become a joke, while it is understandable with beings like Discord and Tirek, they were easily beaten by Changeling Drones and Storm Creatures. There were whispers in the streets on how useless the Guards were.
"If only Gold Star was still around, perhaps things would be different.", Shining Armor sadly said putting the photo into his bag. "After all he was the one who deserved to be Captain of the Royal Guard."
The fleet flies past Equestria's borders and Gold Star scowls at the sight.
"No sentry posts. No watchtowers. No outposts. An army of ten thousands can easily sneak into the kingdom with no problem. And to think I used to serve such a place.", Gold Star mutters in frustration before turning to five cloaked figures.
"My special forces will take hold of the Mane Six, you five are to keep the Princesses and their friends busy as it happen."
"No worries, General.", the center figure said. "I am eager to see my children."
Gold Star walks up to them and hands each of them an orb with a green crystal inside, before giving orders to the crew. A changeling hands a cylinder shaped object to Gold Star.
On the train to Canterlot...
Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry are fast asleep, however Shining Armor is suffering a nightmare.
Shining Armor finds himself in the Friendship Festival and witness Cadance turning into stone.
"Cadance!", Shining screams when suddenly fog surrounds him.
"This was your doing, Shining Armor!"
"Gold Star?"
"You are Captain of the Royal Guard and yet you fail in your duty to protect Equestria let alone your wife.", Gold Star said as he appears out of the fog. "If it was me I would have protected this kingdom from any kind to threats, yet you waste all that potential for parties and all the nonsense."
"But doing so would make everyone fear us.", Shining Armor protests.
"So let them fear us!", Gold Star shouts. "It is fear that will shield us from threats. I am willing to destroy an entire nation just to keep our land safe."
Gold Star then walks over to the petrified Cadance. "Tell me, Shining Armor. What would have happened if Twilight failed?", Gold Star asks, before shattering the statue in pieces. "This!"
"NNNNNNNOOOOOO!"
"I don't know why she loves you and not me.", Gold Star said bitterly as he fades away.
Shining gasps waking up from his nightmare. He turns to Cadance sleeping next to him and sighs in relief not seeing her as a statue. Shining puts on his robes and walk to the train balcony looking up to the stars.
"That dream again...", Shining Armor said sadly. "I truly am a failure."
Sitting in his command chair, Gold Star stares at the orb chuckling at Shining Armor's despair.
"We are be arriving in Catnerlot at noon.", the trooper reports.
Ponyville...
The Shining Armor and his wife and daughter walks into the main hall of the castle. Celestia and Luna walk up to the three ponies. The ponies bow before each other.
“Good day, everypony!”, Princess Luna greets. "Did you all have a pleasant trip?"
“It was a pleasant trip.”, Cadance said while Flurry Heart giggles. Shining Armor on the other hand appears drowsy. "Shining!"
"Huh? Oh, yeah! We had a pleasant trip.", Shining Armor said with a force smile. "I'll be working on security for the city."
Shining Armor leaves in a hurry.
"Shiny hasn't been been sleeping too well lately. I worry about him.", Cadance said in concern. "It started after the Friendship Festivities."
The day came and went so fast like a running roadrunner being chased by a coyote. The castle’s ballroom was being filled up with properly dressed and the upper-class ponies always dressing in style like they always are. Dozens of ponies were gathering of the Grand Galloping Gala. The Unicorns especially were gathering in larger numbers than Earth ponies and Pegasus ponies.
Just on the outskirts of the city, Gold Star and the five hooded figures overlooked the festivities and the celebration going on.
“Yes, celebrate all you want, little ponies.”, Gold Star said in a mocking tone. "But soon you'll have the taste of true power." Gold Star turns to the hooded figures. "You know what to do."
The hooded figures transform into noble ponies and head towards the castle, while Gold Star turns to a trooper. "Prepare to attack!"
Shining Armor is seen ordering the guards to their station.
"You seem to be taking this whole thing too seriously.", Spitfire said flying up to Shining Armor.
"Sorry, Spitfire. It's just that after the two Changeling Incidents, Tirek and the Storm King, I've been on edge.", Shining Armor said.
"Well, I'll admit those weren't our brightest moments.", Spitfire said.
"It just makes me wish Gold Star was still with us.", Shining Armor said. "I mean he would have made a defensive field perfect enough to ward off any invasion."
"I hate to say this, but your right.", Spitfire agrees. "While his methods are extreme they always bring results. Makes me wonder how things would be different if he was Captain of the Royal Guard."
"What's that?", Shining asks seeing a dot on the moon. The dot is getting bigger fast and that dot is an airship flying towards the castle.
Back at the party, everypony were still enjoying themselves. Then distant screeches and sounds of interrupted the talks. The partygoers stop what they’re doing and turn their heads towards the windowsill of the ballroom.
“What was that?", Rainbow Dash asks.
The airship bursts into the ballroom through the stained glass window of Shining Armor and Cadance defeating Chrysalis as the entire crowd erupts in a panic. But the all stop as the door opens and an heavily armored Gold Star exits out of the airship.
"Ponies of Equestria! Your days of fear have finally come to an end!", Gold Star announce. "No longer will you be ruled under a false monarch!"
Celestia, Luna and Cadance lands in front of Gold Star confronting him.
"And what makes you say that?", Celestia asks.
"As of now, this Kingdom is under the rule of the Changeling Empire. And for that to happen I require your immediate surrender.", Gold Star answers while locating where each of the Mane Six are. "Of course I am a reasonable pony. Hand over the bearers of the Elements of Harmony and I'll leave this kingdom in peace."
"And why should we do that?", Luna asks. "After several previous invasions we are more than prepared for this one."
Hundreds of Royal Guards moves in pointing their spears at Gold Star. At the same time the disguised hooded figures slowly and quietly creep up to the Mane Six.
"I see you're prepared.", Gold Star said. "Or are they really?"
Ten Changelings fly out of the airship and attack the Royal Guards head on. The everypony's surprise they are easily overpowering the Royal Guards.
"Come on, y'all!", Applejack calls out to the other Mane Six.
"I don't think so!", the noble pony said, transforming into a Changeling with a purple mane and a glasgow on her face. She kicks the orb to Applejack causing her to vanish.
"Applejack!", Rainbow Dash screams, before a blue mane Changeling did the same thing on Rainbow Dash.
Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie also suffers the same fate as a green mane, orange mane, and white mane Changeling throw their orbs.
"Girls!", Twilight screams in horror seeing her friends gone.
"What have you done?", Celestia shouts.
"They're fine, they'll be meeting with the Empress soon.", Gold Star said throwing the last orb to Twilight. Cadance moves in front of it and creates a shield in an attempt to block the orb, but to her shock the orb breaks through and turns Cadance into stone, but unlike last time the orb is much bigger resulting in Celestia and Luna to turn into stone. Before Twilight could do anything Gold Star throws the actual teleportation orb at Twilight causing her to disappear as well, just as Shining Armor arrives.
"Twilight! Cadance!", Shining screams. Gold Star turns to Shining Armor and makes an evil smirk. Shining Armor spots Gold Star charging towards him and creates a shield to stop the attack. Gold Star however breaks through the barriers with ease and rams Shining Armor straight towards the wall, this however knocks Gold Star's helmet off.
"And to think you are captain of the royal guard." Shining gets back up only to have a sword pointing to his throat, he looks up and widen his eyes are the one pointing the sword. Spitfire gasps at the identity of the attack along with many other ponies. "This is the part where I claim victory, but fortunately for you I believe a lifetime of savoring your failure is punishment enough!"
Gold Star then face the crowd. "You're own sworn protectors are defeated and Equestria sends a poor excuse of a royal guard instead of real soldiers? How pathetic! No wonder you all suffer at the hands of the Changelings, Tirek, and many others. As it currently stands Equestria is now powerless."
Gold Star picks up his helmet and heads to his airship, but not before tossing another orb to Shining Armor.
"This orb will reverse the effects done to the princesses, but I doubt that'll do you any good.", Gold Star laughs as the door closes and the airship breaks free of the debris and flies back to the empire.
Shining silently picks up the orb and looks at the surrounding crowd all looking at him with disappointment.
Unbreakable Shield Part 1
Hundreds of doctors and nurses are mending the Royal Guards injured from the invasion. Shining Armor, who is also bed ridden could only watch in guilt. He is Captain of the Royal Guard and he once more failed Equestria. He then turns to the unconscious princesses.
In the throne room...
"Can you believe this?!", Spitfire shouts tossing the newspaper to the floor. It was all about Celestia and Luna being false leaders and decisions of joining the Changeling Empire. "I can't believe this all happen in just one day!"
"Don't forget, Gold Star is also the master of psychology warfare.", Soarin said.
"If I may, who is this Gold Star you guys are talking about?", Starlight Glimmer asks. She, Trixie and Discord were in Thorax's kingdom for a visit during the Gala, thus unaware to the events that unfolded. Upon receiving a message from Spike on what transpired the trio and Thorax hurries to Canterlot.
"Well...", Spitfire starts, but stops when she hear the doors opening and Shining Armor limping inside.
"Shouldn't you be resting?", Spitfire asks.
"How can I rest with all the noise?", Shining Armor said before turning to the others.
"Gold Star was a royal guard like us.", Shining Armor starts.
"Gold Star is an Earth Pony, who grew up in Canterlot. Unfortunately it wasn't fun for him, luckily he had friends like us."
Blueblood bullies a young Gold Star by lifting him to the air by the leg with magic, while other unicorns and pegasus laughs. Shining Armor use his magic to free Gold Star, while Spitfire threatens to report Blueblood to Celestia and Big Mac shooing the crowd away.
"He sees himself as the bottom of the food chain as pegasus can fly, while unicorns can do magic. In fact he even lack the strength of an earth pony, but makes it all up with his genius intellect. After graduating from high school he joined the Royal Guard training camp along with me."
Both Shining Armor and Gold Star have a sword duel. Despite being an Earth Pony with is controlling the sword telepathically. With skill and grace Gold Star easily disarms Shining Armor.
"Wow, Gold Star! That's some necklace you made. Hard to believe it'll give you the power of telekinesis.", Shining Armor said hoof bumping Gold Star.
"Thanks, Shining Armor.", Gold Star said. "I based it off of the Alicorn Amulet. I took me some time, but I was able to get the basic solved."
"Shining Armor! Gold Star! You're on patrol duty."
"While his heart is in the right place, his methods are considered extreme."
Gold Star catches a thief, but rather than restraining him he slams the thief's body hard to the ground and then punch his face several time. Gold Star interrogates a suspect, but the suspect keeps on saying "I don't know!". Gold Star picks up a metal rod from a furnace and a painful scream can be heard.
"Eventually things turn to the worse!"
"Why haven't I've been graduated to the Royal Guards?", Gold Star asks his instructor. "I mean Shining Armor is among them now despite the fact I am the best in the class."
"You are indeed a high achiever and a genius, Gold Star, but that is not the only qualifications of being accepted.", the Instructor said. "Rather than focusing on what you have, focus on what you lack." Gold Star could only growl as he lacks nothing.
"Eventually he got accepted to the Royal Guards, but that didn't make him any happier and I fear things went bad to worse as time moved on."
"You useless incompetent piece of garbage!", Gold Star said shouting at the three pegasus guards. "You were tasked to guard Princess Celestia and you let some moon butt alicorn take her away tossing you aside like rag dolls!"
Gold Star punches each of the guard hard to the ground. "The Royal Guard will not have weak links! Pack your things, cause you're all fired!"
"But we need this job to support our families."
"That's not my problem! Now get out or I'll throw you out myself!"
"The final straw was when Celestia and my mentor promoted me to captain and Gold Star wasn't happy about it."
Gold Star storms out of the throne anger and gives a laughing Blueblood a broken nose. "They have the brains to make Shining Armor captain?!", Gold Star shouts. "Without me, this kingdom won't last!"
"That was the last time we ever saw him, until recently.", Spitfire said. "And in a cruel way, Gold Star words came true. The only reason Equestria survived was because of the princesses and the Elements of Harmony."
"I don't see how one earth pony could've made a difference.", Trixie said.
"Take a look at this.", Spitfire said handing Starlight a book. "It's Gold Star's journal. In their are plans on how to counter threats on Equestria."
Trixie, Starlight, Discord, and Thorax looks inside and are visibly disturb on what they see.
"Okay, I can see how he'll defend Equestria from Tirek, Discord, Sombra and many other threats.", Starlight said closing the book as Trixie faints.
"He truly is a genius.", Discord said trying not to throw up.
Gold Star's Fleet...
Gold Star stands in front of an orb speaking to a shadowed figure.
"So your going along with your plans?", Gold Star asks.
"Of course! I hate that white coat unicorn bastard.", the silhouette answers. "I definitely won't be satisfied until I end his life myself! But before that I will break him!"
Shining Armor is seen busy dealing with his usual paperwork combined with the princesses work.
"Woah, you got your work cut out for you.", Spitfire said placing another pile of paper.
"It kinda makes he wonder why my mentor chose me to be Captain of the Royal Guard and not Gold Star.", Shining Armor said. "I'm just a warrior with no leadership capabilities, while Gold Star one the other hand does."
"I'll admit it was rather strange.", Spitfire said.
"And now the one who truly deserved to be Captain is now an enemy to this very kingdom.", Shining Armor sighs. "I don't know if I can protect this kingdom or not..."
"Why're you so worried? Gold Star wasn't the only one to gain infamy, you used to be called the "Unbreakable Shield".", Spitfire said. This cause the others to turn to the two.
"Unbreakable Shield?"
"Hm? You didn't know?", Spitfire asks in surprise. "Before becoming Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining gained that nickname not only because of his magical barriers but also his skills with the sword as he can easily block off any attack coming towards him. Criminals feared him as much as they feared Gold Star."
"That true, Shining Armor?", Discord asks.
"It's just a nickname.", Shining Armor answers. "Plus that was the past."
Back in the infirmary, a shadowed figure approach the unconscious princesses with a menacing grin. Behind him are beaten doctors and nurses.
An orb smashes through a window surprising everyone. The orb fires a projection image revealing the shadowed figure.
"You recognize me?", the figure asks. "Shining Armor."
"That voice!", Shining Armor said in recognition.
"That's right.", the figure said. "You took my life away... I'm Blast Bomber!"
"But you died.", Shining said thinking back the last time he saw Blast Bomber.
An orange earth pony with a red mane picks up a string and and prepares to light it up with a torch.
"Hey, what are you doing there?", Shining Armor calls out spotting Blast. Blast panics and make a run for it with Shining giving chase. Blast however trips and fall onto several barrels and the torch lands on one creating a large explosion.
Shining Armor was able to pull Blast out of the blaze with his magic, but the earth pony suffered severe burns.
"Unforgivable...", Blast said before falling unconscious.
"So the rumor of your survival were true?!", Shining asks in shock.
"I'll repay you for the bitterness of what you've done... paid back by a hundred fold!", Blast said moving to the side revealing Celestia, Luna and Cadance chained up and a ring on their horns to prevent their magic.
"Cadance!"
"Princess!"
"Look! Shining Armor!", Blast said pointing to several barrels next to the princesses. "With these explosives... isn't this an interesting sight?"
Blast then lights up the fuse.
"You know what'll happen when the flame reach the barrels.", Blast said. "Perfect time to test their immortality. I'll be where we last met. If you want to save the pathetic princesses, come right away!"
"Oh, and just to make sure. The Steel Beast will keep your friends occupied."
A large metallic object tears down the city wall and fires a fireball at one of the buildings.
Theme:
"Impressive isn't it?", Blaster said. "You'd be surprise at what you see beyond this continent Mystic."
The projection fades, leaving the worried group.
"We'll pursue him immediately!", Soarin said.
"But... You've got to stop the Steel Beast attacking the city.", Shining Armor said.
"But..."
"The Wonderbots can do that, so we'll go save the princesses...", Starlight offers.
"No. This challenge was directed toward me.", Shining Armor points out.
"Captain, it's too much for you all alone!", Soarin protests.
Shining Armor finall yhad enough and grabs Soarin by the collar. "Do not underestimate me.", Shining Armor said in a more authorized tone shocking the others. "I want all of you to deal with that Steel Beast. I'll deal with Blaster. That's an order!"
The Wonderbolts complies and departs with Starlight, Trixie, Thorax and Discord leaving Shining Armor alone.
"Unforgivable.", Shining Armor mutters thinking of Blaster holding the princesses captive.
The Steel Beast crushes anything in it's way with it's treads while firing the cannon everywhere. The civilians could only panic as the Beast is laying waste to the city.
"I'll handle this.", Discord said snapping his fingers to make the Steel Beast disappear, but nothing happens. "Huh?"
Discord snaps his fingers again several time and still nothing happens. The Steel Beast fires at Discord sending him crashing though several buildings.
"That thing must have the same properties as Chrysalis' throne!", Thorax said.
"That's just great! We can't use our magic on it and any weapons we have are useless.", Trixie curse seeing the Royal Guards futilely throwing their spears at the Steel Beast.
In Blaster's hideout...
Celestia, Luna and Cadance regains conscious and finds themselves chained to the wall.
"I see the three "Sleeping Beauties" are up.", Blaster said coming out of the shadows. "How the mighty have fallen."
"Blaster?!", Celestia asks in shock recognizing the voice.
"I see you still remember me, Celestia.", Blaster said. "We haven't seen each other since my trial."
Blaster then takes a seat. "Since we have some time. Let's talk."
Shining Armor wearing a different armor stands before the pathway leading to where Blaster and the captured Princesses are. He drops the message orb to the ground and crushes it before continuing on with his eyes cold as ice.
Unbreakable Shield Part 2
"What are you planning to do? Bore me to death by glaring at me?",Blast Bomber jokes jabbing his fork to a brown food and eats it savagely much to the princesses disgust with Blast quietly muttering. "Not enough blood."
"How does it feel to be locked up once again?", Blast asks finishing his meal.
"You will not prevail, Blast.", Celestia said.
"Funny, didn't you say the same thing to Tirek?", Blast asks. "But that's right. Tirek didn't prevail, because of Twilight Sparkle and her friends along with the aid to that snake Discord. But that won't matter as the Mane Six are now prisoners of the Empress."
"You seem confident, you may have the Elements but there are other ponies, like Starlight who are able to prevail against threats.", Luna points out.
"Perhaps, but I doubt they'll prevail against this.", Blast said conjuring up a sphere showing the princesses what is going on in Canterlot. Celestia is more surprised to the fact that Blast, an Earth Pony, is able to use magic.
"That thing is unstoppable!", Starlight screams jumping away in time as the Steel Beast fires another fireball. Seeing that this is going nowhere the Steel Beast side cannons take aim and fires. Instead of fire balls the side cannons fire small fast magical blasts.
It fires at a pillar where Discord is hiding behind quickly shredding it to pieces. Discord panics and run.
In the air the Wonderbolts could only watch helplessly.
"Nothing is working!", Fleetfoot curse. "It possess the durability of a large dragon and the firepower of an alicorn."
Soarin looks down noticing where the Steel Beast is heading and gets an idea.
"Lead it to the castle!", Soarin said before taking off. "I've got an idea and it's our only shot."
"It would appear that 70% of Canterlot has been demolished and the Steel Beast is making it's way to the castle. Once the castle falls the symbol of Equestrian will be crushed and the other kingdoms will see how weak this land has become.", Blast said turning to the princesses. "Your friends are no match for the Steel Beast as it was originally intended to defeat Tirek."
"What do you mean defeat Tirek?", Cadance asks.
"Tell me this, how did Cerberus escape?", Blast asks. "It's because Gold Star let him loose along with many others."
Gold Star stands before hundreds of cages prisoners inside Tartaros among them is the bandaged Blast.
"Greetings my fellow brothers and sisters. I see you're all feeling down hoping to escape you're confines. Well you're in luck for I'm am in need of muscles. Here's the deal start fighting in you're cell and those of you who survive will be free and join me.", Gold Star announce.
Hearing that Blast grabs a unicorn and strangle him. During the fight Gold Star walks to Tirek's cell and opens the door before leaving.
"Gold Star intended to use Tirek as a pawn for his plan to take control of Equestria. Tirek would defeat and humiliate Equestria's defenders and Gold Star will move is and defeat Tirek with the Steel Beast. Doing so will give Gold Star the political advantage and have the public support. Unfortunately it didn't go as plan.
From a distance Gold Star watches Tirek blasting the landscape after absorbing the alicorn magic. Gold Star makes a satisfied smirk and leaves to get the Steel Beast. Just as he return he sees the Elements of Harmony defeating Tirek and sending him back to Tartaros.
"No! No! No!", Gold Star screams in rage and he draws his sword and starts cutting down trees. The Changeling Troopers were passing by only to see Gold Star having a tantrum. They then walk away to avoid confrontation.
"Realizing that the Elements of Harmony are the only obstacles to his path to power Gold Star decided to get rid of them first.", Blast explains. "And now that they're gone nothing can stand in our way."
"And what will you get in any of this?!", Celestia asks.
"Simple after I defeat Shining Armor, Gold Star will show up, "defeat me and the Steel Beast" and win the support of the public. Once that is done I will be "exiled" out of Equestria free to do whatever I want.", Blast explains. "I'll start by blowing up a village and watch villagers burn."
"You won't get away with this!", Celestia yells.
"And whose going to stop me?", Blast asks. "Three all powerful Alicorns, who lost in less than a minute against a broken horn unicorn? Or got captures by simple Changeling Drones? Give their magic away to a rookie alicorn rather than use it to fight Tirek?"
Blast then removes his robe revealing his body to the horrified princesses. Most of his body are covered with metal plates that included a glowing red eye on the left side of his face. A pair of metallic wings and a horn shock them even further.
"He's here.", Blast said with an evil grin.
Soarin bucks open the door of a closed down house and enters. To his relief he finds several barrels at the corner of the room.
Shining Armor approach the area where Blast suffered his burns. A magical blast as fired and explodes behind Shining Armor, but the unicorn remain unfazed from the attack. Blast laughs as he reveals himself.
"Very impressive, Shining Armor.", Blast comments clapping his hooves.
"Why did you miss on purpose?", Shining Armor asks.
"To defeat you so easily would be boring. The scar you gave me is throbbing... You made me lose everything in life!"
"Don't bullshit me! You who have eiliminated hundreds of lives have no right to say that! This time, by this horn, I will finish you!"
"Impudence! I will return the pain you dealt me by a hundred fold! Suffering... suffering... and then finally I will finish you!"
"Sorry, but I don't have time for that."
"You seem cocky for somepony who did no better than the princesses against threat. No matter, you'll be dealing with them first!"
With a wave of his hoof a large number of bipedal armored knights move in surrounding Shining Armor.
"Impressive isn't it? These armors are animated by magic, thus they cannot feel pain or know fear. The perfect soldiers, the Automatons."
Shining remains calm and unnerved at the situation. "About a hundred?"
Shining Armor puts on his helmet. "The count is perfect."
With his magic, Shining Armor draws out a swords made of crystals from his side and readies to fight.
"One hundred foul beasts to strike down! The Unbreakable Shield! Shining Knight!", Shining Armor announce with his armor making a brief shine. He then use his magic to draw out his sword charging it with his magic. "C-Sword Vega!"
"As a former member of Caterlot's Paladin. It's only appropriate that you shall have a taste of it."
"Kill him!", Blast orders and with that the Automatons charge. Shining Armor himself charge forward to the large force and starts three down with his first swing with another three with his second swing. He then does a spin slash cutting down fourteen more. One attack Shining Armor from behind, but Shining bucks the helmet off. Shining Armor jabs his sword to the ground and throws a kick on three. He then throws his sword like a boomerang decapitating twenty surrounding him. Six form a line and fire the arrows, but Shining Armor grabs one and uses it's body as a shield. Shining then fires a powerful magical blast from his horn destroying the archers. An Automaton throws an axes at Shining, but he easily catches it and throws it back hitting directly to the head. Ten of them armed with spears and jab their weapon at once around Shining armor in an attempt to skewer him, but stallion jumps and fires another powerful blast. An Automaton armed with a gigantic axe makes a swing on Shining Armor, however he lands on the massive weapons and charge towards the wielder kicking it to the head. He then blocks off a sword strike from another and stabs it to the chest, before pulling his blade out with a swing and cutting down three more. Four manage to grabs hold of the stallion allowing one to toss a large boulder at him, but Shining teleports to safely resulting in the four being crushed instead, before he shoots down the tosser. One armed with a chained, spiked steel ball and a sledge makes a swing. Shining ducks in time resulting in five Automatons taking the blow. The Automaton then swings the sledgehammer downward crushing another Automaton as it tries to hit the evasive unicorn. One toss a black sphere with a lit fuse towards Shining, but Shining kicks it to the one wielding the hammer and ball blowing it up along with three more. Shining then use his magic to extend his sword's blade and makes one final swing wiping out the last seventeen of the Automatons.
"There we go!", Blast applauds. "There's the Guard, who I wanted the face and not his captain persona."
The Steel Beast shoots down the castle gate and slowly approach the castle. Trixie strikes the Steel Beast with a large hammer only to shake violently from the impact. Spitfire and three other Wonderbolts drop a large boulder on top of the Steel Beast, but did nothing to hinder it's progress.
"It's no good! We've tried everything!", Starlight exclaims as the Steel Beast aims for the castle.
"Everypony, lead it to the cliff!", Soaring calls out returning from whatever he was doing.
"Why?", Starlight asks.
"Trust me on this!", Soarin said, before grabbing Starlight. "I'll need your help on the last bit."
The Steel Beast fires, but the fireball disappears before it could hit the castle.
"You may be immune to magic, but your fireballs aren't.", Discord said. "If you want the castle, you'll have to take me out first. Catch me if you can!"
Discord makes a run for it with the Steel Beast following and firing on Discord. Discord makes it to the cliff and spots the Steel Beast charging towards him. Discord teleports away, but the Steel Beast stops before it could fall off the cliff. Soarin looks up and sees the Steel Beast starting to back up.
"Now!", Soarin said signalling Starlight, who is riding on him, to fire a magical beam towards several barrels on the cliff creating a massive explosion. The explosion cause the cliff to crack and due to the Steel Beast's heavy weight the cracks increase until the cliff breaks off from the city. The Steel Beast tumbles down the mountain slowly breaking apart before it explodes to it's fiery demise when it hits the ground. Everyone cheers at their success.
Shining Armor and Blast Bomber dukes it out with both sides evenly match, but Shining Armor manage to gain an advantage and points his sword to Blast's throat.
"Mad Grenadier, Blaster Bomber! Pray for forgiveness! This time, I will finish you completely.", Shining Armor said coldly.
"Hmph! You gonna let them die?", Blast asks removing an invisibility spell revealing the caged princesses.
"Cadance!", Shining screams seeing his wife letting his guard down allowing Blast to make a cheap shot on Shining Armor. Blast deliver move blows follow by cuts from his metallic wings.
"What's wrong? The fuse is almost up!", Blast said as the fuse is nearing the barrels. Shining Armor however simply continues to attack Blast. "Ignoring her? How cold! Shining Armor!"
Blast fires a powerful magical beam from his horn to Shining Armor's chest knocking him to the ground. "You can do nothing. Taste the bitter flavor of failing someone! This time with the cost of lives!"
Blast fires another another blast this time knocking Shining Armor off the cliff. Just as he gets up Blast jumps in and attack with more ferocity. The princesses could only watch helplessly as the fuse keeps burning. Blast knocks Shining to the ground and stomps on the chest.
"You can't even save your wife, while you're sister can! You're a weakling, failure, and a coward!", Blast mocks stomping Shining's chest again. "By now the Steel Beast have destroyed the castle. Add that to the list of failures for you and friends!"
Blast grabs Shining and slams him to the ground hard before throwing him aside. "Can you feel your helplessness? Is this all the stallion you are?"
Shining Armor breathes heavily coughing out silver blood, while getting back up. "Is that all you have to say? If that's all then try killing me in one shot!"
"What?"
"Can you do it? Are you capable of that?"
"As you wish... I'll send you to Tartaros, then I'll stab you're wife with your own horn!"
Shining raise his sword and waits. Blast pulls out a long cylindrical object.
"A perfect opportunity to test this musket.", Blast said pointing the weapon to Shining Armor. "This thing can fire a metal ball at the speed three ties of that of a magical blast fired from a unicorn."
After one minute of stillness, Shining Armor makes the first move charging forward to Blast. Blast sneers at the attempt and fires the weapon. The small metal ball flies towards Shining Armor's chest at amazing speed, but before it could hit Shining stops it with his sword, before redirecting it to the fuse cutting it off and stopping the flame. The three princesses and Blast were appalled at what just happened.
"What?! Dame you!", Blast screams tossing the musket aside. He then fires multiple powerful magical blasts as Shining Armor charge forward avoid each blast. He gets close enough and delivers multiple strikes on Blast's metallic body.
"The burning flame of my heart...", Shining said delivering another strike to Blast. "...has at long last been reignited!"
Shining delivers two more blows to Blast. "Be burnt out for the sake of peace!"
"**** you!", Blast screams charging his horn to overload in his final attempt to finish off Shining Armor, Shining remains calm and sees the others arriving to the scene.
"My friends are here, which means your Steel Beast is no more.", Shining said further enraging Blast. The Wonderbolts, Starlight, Discord, Thorax and Trixie look in awe at Shining Armor besting Blast.
"Mad Grenadier, Blast Bomber! For being responsible for mass murder, in relation to testing unauthorized weaponry...", Shining Armor announce starting with the past crimes. "As well as the crime of kidnapping and attempted murder of the rulers of this kingdom... You're death sentence is reinstated!
Shining Armor raise his sword and creates a circle with it charging it with his magic. A fiery aura surrounds Shining Armor and he charge forward with high speed.
Vega Slash!
Blast was unable to react and Shining Armor cuts off his horn. With no horn to contain the overcharged energy it returns to his body which is unable to contain it. Blast's metallic body begins to spark out of control before he explodes into nothingness. Shining Armor then sheathes his sword.
"Where there is evil I will cut them down."
Shining Armor stands before the princesses giving his report.
"Despite the defeat of Blast Bomber, we have suffered psychologically. With the capture of the Elements of Harmony Bearer, the near destruction of Canterlot and your near execution. We would have lost everything, all because of my failure to uphold my duty as Captain of the Royal Guard.", Shining Armor reports with his head hanging in shame.
"But Shining there was no way you could've known the Gold Star was leading the attack. His cunning know no bounds.", Cadance said hoping to comfort him.
"I have one last thing to report.", Shining Armor said catching the princesses attention. "In light of what has happened, I am... resigning my post."
The audience were shocked at what Shining Armor has said as he removes his helmet and leaves the throne room.
"Shining Armor, wait!", Celestia said putting her hoof on Shining Armor's shoulder stopping him. "I cannot... I will not accept your resignation."
"You must, I was my fault that..."
"No! The fault was mine. For not taking Gold Star's words seriously. I relied too much on myself, Luna, Cadance, Twilight and her friends to protect Equestria that I ignored our own military capability. As powerful as we are, we cannot fight off overwhelming numbers without the support of our guards."
"I was I who failed to make the Royal Guards into a fighting force like how Gold Star would do."
"Will you stop blaming yourselves! You're whining like children.", Starlight said walking up to them. "Instead of brow beating yourselves on what already happened you need to take action to ensure that Equestria is never caught with its guard down again."
Celestia went into deep thought and makes a decision.
"I'll shall by reforming Royal Guard.", Celestia said. "And then form an council with the other kingdoms to help us govern in times of peace and if needed take over in times of war."
"A Council.", Shining said nodding in approval. "Yes."
A white hooded pony walks past the Equestrian border.
View Online
The Emotional Queens Part 1 - Plan of Attack
On his airship Gold Star was speaking to Empress Irian.
"As promised I helped made your kingdom become stronger and captured Equestria's ultimate weapon.", Gold Star said. "I expect my payment when I arrive."
"Of course, PURGE has been a great asset to my kingdom. You ended wars that you've taken years in just days.", Empress Irian said.
"Just doing my job.", Gold Star said. "How are you going to use the Mane Six for you're purpose?"
"Simple, I have magic as old as Lauren Faust herself. I have ways.", Irian answers before changing the subject. "By the way, I heard Blast has been defeated along with the Steel Beast."
"An unexpected setback.", Gold Star said. "I'm already coming up with a plan to deal with the situation."
In Canterlot, Shining Armor is overlooking the recruitment process of military and the reverse engineering of the musket and the wrecked Steel Beast picked up after the last battle. The production of the musket was rather simple along with what feeds it, but the trouble is that only unicorns are able to wield such weapons forcing workers to find alternatives for the pegasus and earth ponies.
While restoration of the Steel Beast is underway, they lack the materials to build new ones. It did inspire them to make use of the cannon technology Pinkie Pie once used to make up for it. An earth pony pulling a cart of provisions stop before Shining Armor wondering where to put the load.
"Barracks No.7.", Shining Armor said pointing the direction. The earth pony complies.
Meanwhile Big Mac is busy putting four wheels on each cannon on the assembly line. After finishing the 500th cannon, he picks up an apple and takes a bite.
"What are you doing, Big Mac?", Shining Armor asks standing on a catwalk.
"Taking a little break, I haven't eaten all day...", Big Mac answers only for Shining Armor to interrupt.
"You can be certain our enemies aren't taking breaks!", Shining said sternly. "Please, eat while you work."
Princess Celestia place her hoof one the captain's shoulder.
"You're not still dwelling on near victory are you, captain?", Celestia asks.
"Sighs. I'm dwelling on one thing only, we have less than a day before you can convene the Council of Mystica.", Shining Armor said. "These additional troops and weaponry are needed for patrols. To provide security for you and the council members."
With that Shining Armor leaves to continue his work.
"He hasn't slept in two nights.", Cadance said in worry. "By the way, where is Aunty Luna anyway?"
"She went off to Cloudsdale to assist the Wonderbolts and the Pegasus Guards. She said will help decrease the stress and responsibilities on Shining Armor."
"So Celestia is forming a council in Mystica?", Gold Star asks sitting on his command chair with five Changeling Queen and many other shadowed figures being the audience.
"Even as we speak, representatives from the far corners of Mystica are heading for Canterlot.", Miasma the purple mane Changeling Queen said.
"Should this council prove to be a success, all of Mystica will be unified and will be much more difficult to launch a successful military campaign.", Gold Star deduce. "Worse Celestia will gain a psychological advantage at a time when she should be weeping like a helpless child over her failures."
"Perhaps you have underestimated Princess Celestia's spirit.", a Changeling Trooper said. "You've made a mistake."
The crowd around him backs away as Gold Star draws out his flintlock and fires at the Changeling.
"I don't make mistakes!", Gold Star said menacingly.
"You plan on crashing their little party, aren't you?", Miasma said.
"Crashing! Smashing! Obliterating!", Gold Star said with his eyes glowing red. "Detector, send..."
"I already got it covered.", a Changeling wearing high tech gizmo on his head. Several spy probes are deployed from the airship and are heading to Equestria.
Princess Celestia looks down seeing dignitaries arriving to the castle. Among them are Princess Ember of the Dragon's Lair, Cheif Thunderhooves of the Buffalo Tribe, Amira of Saddle Arabia, the duke and duchess of Maretonia, King Leo of Aquastria, Gruff of the Griffon Kingdom, Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan, Thorax of the Changeling Kingdom, Queen Novo of Seaquestria, and so on.
"You look troubled, Aunty.", Cadance said.
"I can't help but blame myself on what has happened to Gold Star. His loyalty of Equestria in his very life, but his extreme methods caused me to cast him away instead of helping him. Now he has become the very thing he despised, an enemy to Equestria.", Celestia said sadly. "This council is the best chance we have to protect our lands and show the other hostile kingdoms that our land is not some place they can just waltz in and take over. I fear Gold Star will do anything to sabotage it."
Gold Star and his audience sees what the probe sees through the orb.
"They definitely beefed up security not only in Canterlot, but pretty much most of Equestria.", Detector said.
"Now they finally done something they should have done a long time ago.", Gold Star said.
"It's no good, it'll take days to get past the defenses and by then the Council will be already formed.", Detector said.
"Not by ground assault.", Gold Star points out. "Air attack on the other hand."
"That's right! The only opposition in the are the Wonderbolts, the Pegasus Guard, and presumably Princess Luna.", Miasma said.
"True, Celestia is the host of the meeting and Cadance must take part of it due to her role as Princess of the Crystal Empire.", Gold Star said. "Luna is the most logical choice and since Shining Armor is handling the ground forces leaving her in charge of the air defense lines."
"But, sir!", another Changeling Trooper calls out. "She's an alicorn and alicorns are immortal! I doubt the turning her to stone tactic will work on her this time."
"Only Luna and Celestia are immortal for they have the blood of a divine being in their veins, while Twilight Sparkle and Cadance do not.", Gold Star explains. "Plus they're immortal, not invulnerable. Only beings of similar class or a weapon made of orichalum, unfortunately the latter is unavailable as even a pound of that metal is worth millions."
"Fortuantely, our mother is also a divine being thus we too have their blood in our veins.", Miasma said. "In other words it is us Spectrum Queens that must finish Celestia and Luna."
"Very well, Miasma you are in command of the attack. Each queen will have one airship under their command.", Gold Star said.
"We will not fail you or mother.", Miasma said. "Isn't that right, Chrysalis? You don't want to anger mother even further than you already have."
Chrysalis with her body cloaked merely growls in anger. Gold Star walks to her and pass several glass vials to her before walking to the map of Equestria.
"Here's the plan, each Spectrum Queens shall attack Equestria in several different direction thinning out their defenses.", Gold Star starts. "Queen Miasma and Myxine, you'll be attacking Cloudsdale. We also have confirmation that Princess Luna is in the area as well. Keep her and their air forces there."
"The famous Nightmare Moon.", Miasma said with a satisfied smirk. "I wonder how her despair will entertain me?"
"I wonder how much sadness has she been holding?", Myxine the blue mane Changeling said.
"Chrysalis and Ambrosia will attack Ponyville and eliminate Starlight and Discord."
"I'll finally get my vengeance on the Starlight!", Chrysalis roars in resentment. "Killing her won't be enough! I'll make her suffer as I have!"
A red aura surround Chrysalis as her rage build up. She opens her mouth and absorbs it powering up and calming herself down.
"Now! Now! Smile! Smile!", Ambrosia the orange mane Changeling said forcing a smile on Chrysalis face with her hooves.
"Let go or die!", Chrysalis growls.
"Boo!", Ambrosia said puffing her cheeks complying.
"It appears that the modification you made on Chrysalis' body is a success.", Calliphora the white mane Changeling said.
"Empress Irian wants Chrysalis to be useful, so I gave her what she wants.", Gold Star said. "Calliphora, you go to the Crystal Empire and get me something."
"What about you?", Ambrosia asks.
"I'll be going to Canterlot and I'll be taking the new Queen with me.", Gold Star said. "Irian wants to know how much better she'll do than Chrysalis."
The Queens enter their respective ships and depart to their location. Gold Star then turns to the the pink mane Changeling.
"Are you ready for your first assignment, Rose?", Gold Star asks.
"Of course! I was born ready.", Rose answers with a smirk.
View Online
The Emotional Queens Part 2 - Chrysalis of the Resentful and Ambrosia of the Joy
As the ship approach Ponyville, Chrysalis glares at the town with fury. She has lost everything because of the place.
"You worthless piece of garbage!", Empress Irian roars as she use her magic to slam Chrysalis to the wall and the sounds of bones breaking can be heard. Miasma, Ambrosia, Myxine, and Calliphora simply laugh at Chrysalis punishment.
"Please, mother! I did my best!", Chrysalis cries.
"You said the same thing with that Canterlot Wedding Fiasco!", Irian scream slamming Chrysalis the the ground before continuously stomping on her for each time she say "fail". "You failed to impress me when you were a child! You failed to defeat Celestia in your first invasion! You failed to take Canterlot! You fail to keep control of your hive! You fail! Fail! Fail! Fail!
After one last stomp Chrysalis' body was badly crushed with her limbs twitching. Gold Star checks the body.
"She's dead.", Gold Star said.
"The hell with letting her die! Death is just the merciful way of my punishment.", Irian screams using her magic to restore life back to Chrysalis. "I'm going to keep kill her, bring her back to life and kill her again until I get bored of it!"
As time move one (Season 7), Chrysalis would suffer one torture after another day after day.
Empress Irian summons Gold Star to the throne room.
"You called for me?", Gold Star asks.
"Yes, seeing how you are a smart pony and all that. I was wondering if you could make Chrysalis into something I would be proud of?", Irian asks.
"I do have something of use, but it only applies to a Changeling that feeds on rage and hatred.", Gold Star answers. "And I'm afraid Chrysalis is not one of those."
"I can fix that problem easily.", Irian said turning to one of her guards. "Bring me my worthless daughter."
Two guards enter the throne room dragging the now palish grey and skeletal looking Chrysalis.
"Good news, daughter. You have another chance to redeem yourself and the first step is to give back the power of feeding love I once bestowed upon you.", Irian said with glee to Chrysalis' horror.
"No! Please! It's all I have left!", Chrysalis begs.
"Worry not, I'll find a suitable replacement to use this power better than you."
"Fear not, Chrysalis. You're modification won't be a bit painful.", Gold Star said. "It'll be painful enough to make you wish you were dead."
"I was the daughter of one of the most powerful beings on his very planet! I had everything! A title, hive, my very life! But I was robbed of it all by the ponies, by Starlight Glimmer!", Chrysalis growls. Saliva drips onto the deck melting the wood.
An Automaton approaches and makes several beeps.
"I see. Tell my sister, I'm on my way.", Chrysalis said and the Automaton turns and leaves. "I'll get it all back! No matter the cost!"
In Ponyville about two hundred Automatons are causing chaos in the town. One cuts a table in half, another tears down a food stall, one toss a grenade inside a chariot blowing it up, and one was approaching a group of fillies and colts cowering by the corner. Just as it raises it's sword Starlight Glimmer shoots it down with her magic.
"All of you inside the castle!", Starlight orders with Trixie leading the them.
Spike stands before a squad of Automatons raising his fists.
"You better tell me where Twilight and my friends are or I'll go rough on ya!", Spike warns. "I'm not afraid of you!"
The Automatons raise their swords, causing Spike to laugh nervously.
"When I said going rough ya, I meant...", Spike explains before an Automaton sends him flying with a powerful kick.
Discord with a snap of his fingers blows every single Automatons up.
"I don't what the deal is? I can easily wipe out an entire army of empty suits of armor with a snap of my fingers.", Discord said.
"I guess I got worried for nothing then.", Starlight said.
"Now, now we can't have that now can we.", Ambrosia said standing on a building with five Automatons next to her although one of them appears different from the others.
"Are you a Changeling Queen?", Starlight asks seeing a somewhat resemblance with Chrysalis.
"Bingo! I am Ambrosia of the Joy and my role is feed on the joy and happiness of others.", Ambrosia cheers hopping like crazy. "Oh, I'm also the younger sister of ex-queen Chrysalis. She got lost her title when she came back home. Mom got really mad and killed her, brings her back to life, kills her again, brings her back again, kills her, revives her, kills her, life, death, life, death, life, death..."
"I believe they get the point, mistress.", the officer Automaton said stopping Ambrosia. "I believe our poor troops are in need of a boost."
"You're right!", Ambrosia gasps. "Are the preparations complete?"
"They are.", the officer answers as the four other Automatons are carrying musical instruments.
"What are they going to do, sing us to death?", Discord laughs.
As Ambrosia sings the pieces of the destroyed Automatons are slowly putting themselves back together until they are whole again.
"Uh, Discord? Is it just me or are these things putting themselves back together?", Starlight asks.
"That's impossible! They didn't use this ability during their fight against Shining Armor.", Discord said.
"It's Ambrosia's song! Somehow it's powering them up and giving them new abilities.", Starlight said.
"Then we must take her out first.", Discord declares.
"I don't think so!", the officer Automaton said jumping off the building confronting the duo. "You recognize this?"
The officer pulls out a crystal causing Discord's eyes to bulge out and scream.
"Discord? What's wrong?", Starlight asks in concern as Discord hides behind her.
"That's the Crystal of Entrapment!", Discord said. "It is as powerful as the Elements of Harmony. It can trap any magical beings no matter how powerful with no means of escaping without the right words."
"Correct, and I using it on you. Seal, Discord! ", the officer said causing the crystal to glow and fire a beam straight towards Discord and sucks him inside. Due to it's small size the crystal is rather uncomfortable for Discord's size. "One problem solved and one more remain."
Starlight charge her horn ready to fight.
"I'm afraid I'm not your foe in this battle.", the officer said pointing to the sky. "She is."
Starlight looks up and sees a black blur falling down towards her. She jumps out of the way as the blur makes an impact to the ground.
"It's been a while, Starlight Glimmer.", a familiar voice cackles. "I promise I'll have my revenge on you and here I am!"
"Chrysalis?", Starlight asks as the dust clears only to gasp in horror at what she sees.
"So you do remember me.", Chrysalis said with her tongue sticking out with a hiss. "I'm flattered."
"What happened to you?", Starlight asks which only made Chrysalis angry.
"You happened!", Chrysalis roars. "Because of you and your three friends I was declared less than dirt to my kind and had to suffer a fate much worse than death at the hands of my mother! My success in taking the most beloved ponies was my chance to gain my mother's respect and you took it all away from me and because of that I become this monstrosity!"
With that she bucks a building behind her with her back legs causing the building to crack and crumble.
"Once I'm done with you I'll hunt Thorax and those traitors have them suffer a slow painful death that they'll beg me to finish them quickly!", Chrysalis screams with the rage aura building around her and she devours it all. She then starts spitting acidic saliva forcing Starlight to move to avoid getting hit.
"Why do you still obey your mother after all she has done to you?", Starlight asks. "Why don't you stand up to her?"
Hearing that cause the Automatons and Ambrosia to look at her and laugh.
"You sure are coo-coo! About one thousand others before Chrysalis tried to do just that.", Ambrosia said. "One thousand tried. One thousand died."
"Her majesty Empress Irian is a being just a powerful as Lauren Faust and she is the law of the Changeling Empire.", the officer explains. "If there is something she hates then everyone in the Empire hates it. If there is something she loves then everyone in the Empire loves it."
"But that isn't right!", Starlight protest.
"I'm afraid you have troubles of your own.", the officer said as Chrysalis breathe fire out of her mouth. Forcing Starlight to flee with Chrysalis giving chase.
"Chrysalis, what have you become?", Starlight said quietly with sadness.
"The modifications done on Chrysalis made her into something the Empress want.", the officer said to Ambrosia. "The perfect killing machine."
"Mother, please! Don't let him this!", Chrysalis cries as the Automatons straps her onto the table. Gold Star picks up a scalpel and goes for the jaws. 'I'm sorry... I'm sorry for being born weak. Help me, mom... Help me...'
Gold picks up a jaw bone of a dragon and change it's shape to that of a Changeling before using it to replace the one he removed. Chrysalis scream in pain as she does so. He then replace her fangs with those of a venomous snake. He tears off her tail and replace it with a scorpion tail. He continues to add on more modifications on Chrysalis.
"Impressive at this point most patients would have lost their sanity for enduring this amount of pain, but let's see how long you'll endure.", Gold Star said continuing his work. "I've done with the outside, now for the inside. Time to open you up!"
Starlight flees toward Twilight's Castle and manage to make it inside.
"Close the gate!", Starlight screams as she and Trixie slams the gate shut, locks it up and barricade it.
"What's going on, Starlight?", Trixie asks the breathing heavily Starlight.
"Chrysalis... monstrous thing... acid... fire...", Starlight said with each breath of air.
"I wouldn't worry about it.", Trixie said calmly. "This castle is designed by the Tree of Harmony to withstand even an alicorn powered Tirek. There is no way she can break in."
Chrysalis cuts the gate into pieces like butter with the blades on the forehooves.
"Did you really think something like that would stop me?", Chrysalis roars.
"Honestly, yes.", Trixie admits as Chrysalis approach the two.
"I'll finally exact my revenge on you and my revenge will be devouring your body alive!", Chrysalis declares preparing to take a bite only for the officer to grab her horn stopping her. "Let go, Bogart!"
"Our job is to cause a distraction and that's what we have done.", Bogart said. "Rose has successfully infiltrated Canterlot and Gold Star ordered everyone to retreat. Also Calliphora has something that can be useful to us."
"I may no longer be a Queen, but not even you will stop me from taking my revenge!", Chrysalis said.
"Then I'll tell your mother that you have been disobeying orders."
"Tch! Fine, but this thing better be worth it!", Chrysalis said flying out of the castle with Bogart turning to Trixie and Starlight.
"I'm impressed that you manage to live. During her test run, Chrysalis slaughtered one thousand Automatons in less than five minutes.", Bogart said passing the crystal containing Discord to Twilight. "You can have him back as a reward, but the words to free him is something you must figure our yourself."
With that said Bogart leaves, leaving both Starlight and Trixie defeated and frightened.
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The Emotional Queens Part 3 - Miasma of the Fear and Myxine of the Sorrowful
"It's hard to believe that we manage to make an airship so quickly.", Spitfire said staring at the ship flying over Cloudsdale.
"That's because we didn't make it.", a pegasus guard wearing armor different from the other guards. "That airship used to belong to Blast Bomber before his death at the hands of Captain Shining Armor. He's he's no longer using it we thought we could make use of it ourselves."
"So you're Captain Storm Cloud, a former member of the Paladins like Shining Armor and Captain of the Pegasus Royal Guard.", Spitfire said raising her hoof. "I'm Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts. It is an honor to meet you."
"Meeting me is hardly an honor, Spitfire.", Storm Cloud said ignoring Spitfire's hoof.
"I am surprised someone of your caliber is here.", Spitfire said.
"And I too have been surprised...", Storm Cloud said. "On how you have been fairing."
"What do you mean?", Spitfire asks.
"During my absence, the Wonderbolts had a single simple objective; to protect Equestria and it's citizens and lately you failed to perform those duties.", Storm Cloud said. "You were knocked out by a fashion designer with fake wings, got trapped in a water tank by a baby dragon, had a cadet nearly killing some civilians, and lose your magic against an centaur. Am I not wrong?"
"Well um..."
"Have you allow those trouble makers to attack our citizens and destroying our property?"
"But the Tirek incident was only because he had Discord and both possess strong magic.", Soarin said stepping up, however Storm Cloud simply roll his eyes.
"Ah, yes. How could I forget that those trouble makers have strong magic.", Storm Cloud said sarcastically. "A shame we don't have those that specialize in dealing with them, otherwise our problems might be solved."
"Hey, are you trying to say the princesses are incompetent?!", Fleetfoot asks taking offense.
"That is exactly what I'm saying.", Storm Cloud said. "They are suppose to be the most powerful beings in all of Equestria, yet they easily got captured by a bunch of Changelings and turned to stone by a unicorn with a broken horn."
"How dare you say something like that?", Luna said just arriving in Cloudsdale.
"Well, well if it isn't the ex-Nightmare Moon.", Cloud Storm said earning a glare from the Wonderbolts and Luna. "My apologizes, Luna."
"Do you have a problem with me and Celestia?", Luna asks landing on the clouds.
"As a matter of fact, Luna. Yes!", Storm Cloud said. "You and your sister have the power to move the sun and the moon, yet even with all the power out get captured or beaten very easily. In fact, after Cadance turned to stone Celestia wasted her time telling you to go to the Hippogriffs instead of attacking Commander Tempest and you just simply fly away without thinking that Tempest would just simply kick the orb to you. I mean, if Twilight hadn't caught your stoned body you'd be in millions of pieces!"
Luna was about to protest, but stops when she realize that Storm Cloud has a good point. Why didn't they just attack Tempest after what she did to Cadance?
"Speaking of which, during the Friendship Festival. Where the f*** were the guards?!", Storm Cloud shouts. "You have a festival housing all four princesses and nearly every pony in Equestria and have no guards guarding the area?!"
"Are you saying we are unfit to lead this kingdom?", Luna shouts.
"That's exactly what I'm saying!", Storm Cloud shouts back. "For starters, when Tirek broke out of Tartarus the first thing you princesses do is send a treacherous freak show!"
"Oh my, how the mighty has fallen.", a female voice calls out. Storm Cloud widen his eyes in horror upon recognizing the voice. The group turns to where the voice came from and sees Miasma laying on a cloud with an amused smile.
"Miasma!", Storm Cloud shouts in anger.
"It's been a while, Storm Cloud.", Miasma said flying down towards the group. "The last time we saw each other was when I attacked that trading ship you were guarding. Have you finally gotten out of that trauma I gave you when I slaughtered your entire squadron?"
"Be careful, she's Miasma of the Fear, the younger of Chrysalis.", Storm Cloud said clearly shaken at Miasma's presence. "She's much more powerful than Chrysalis."
"Indeed, but then again Chrysalis was the weakest of us.", Miasma said. This shocked Luna and the Wonderbolts, Chrysalis nearly succeeded in conquering Equestria twice and she is just the weakest of the Queens. "I'll show you why I'm called Miasma of the Fear."
Miasma fires a beam of magic straight towards Luna. The beam fired so fast that Luna was unable to react in time. As this happens Storm Cloud leaves for Cloudsdale.
"Wake up, you highness!", a voice calls out as Luna feels a splash of water hitting her face. Luna opens her eyes and sees a Changeling in front of her and holding onto her are two Automatons.
"I heard stories that Alicorns are suppose to be powerful, but I guess those stories were nothing more than imaginations.", the Changeling said punching Luna straight to the gut. "I knew taking control of Equestria would be easy, but I didn't think it would be that easy."
The Automatons make some beeping sound.
"No, before we execute her let's give her one last look of her sister.", the Changeling said, before turning Luna's head. Luna widen her eyes in horror at what she saw and screams.
Luna gasps and finds herself back on Cloudsdale.
"Princess Luna, are you alright?", Spitfire asks in concern. "You were just standing for a few minutes and then you just scream."
"What did you do?", Luna asks Miasma clearly frightened and enraged.
"You have the power to fix nightmares, but my powers conjure them up in the worst case scenario.", Miasma said. "It's powerful enough to traumatize someone driving them to insanity or suicide."
"You sick beast! I'll kill you!", Luna screams charging her horn at full power and fires a powerful blast towards Miasma. Miasma simply stands still with a confident smirk and the blast hits her. Luna breathes heavily believing to have killed Miasma.
"That was your full power?", Miasma said walking out of the smoke with a disappointed look. "How disappointing! Here's a taste of mine!"
Miasma fires a full power magical blast from her horn towards Luna, which she barely dodge. The blast then strikes a mountain blowing the entire thing up, to everypony's shock.
"Don't you get it? You peace loving ponies are powerless against us.", Miasma mocks. "We were born to fight! We trained to fight! We live to fight! It is because of those aspects that we are much more superior. The only thing standing in our way are the Elements of Harmony, but you don't have them anymore."
"We ward off the Changeling Invasion twice without the Elements and Starlight was able to reform Chrysalis' hive.", Luna said. "What makes you think we won't do the same to you?"
"That problem has already been solved.", Miasma said. "Mother, ordered Gold Star to place bombs within our necks that'll blow our head clean off should we change into those abominations. I rather be a headless rotting corpse than some beautiful butterfly."
At that moment five airship burst out of the clouds.
"Burn this city to the ground, but I want prisoners.", Miasma orders. "Those I do not wish to eat will be slaves."
The Automatons piloting the ships salute and proceed to attack Cloudsdale.
"Quick to Cloudsdale!", Luna orders. The Wonderbolts makes quick dash to the city, but a ring of storm clouds surrounds them.
"I'm afraid you have us to deal with.", Myxine said walking out of the storm cloud. "I'm Myxine of the Sorrowful and have the power to control the very weather itself."
Myxine place her right hoof in one of the storm cloud and fires a powerful lightning bolt from her horn. Luna conjure a shield to block the attack. The shield manage to block the attack, but shatters in the process.
"What a drag, I barely put an effort in attack.", Myxine said in a bored tone. "I say we should kill her with physical contact. She's not worth wasting our magic."
"Perhaps you're right.", Miasma said materializing two large sword out of nowhere. "She's been a disappointment already. No wonder a broken horn unicorn easily defeated her."
Myxine materialize ten spears out of nowhere.
"Would you prefer skewer?", Myxine asks.
"Or slice?", Miasma asks.
The five airships reach Cloudsdale and prepare to fire the cannons when suddenly one of them burst into flame and falls. The Automatons look ahead and see Blast's airship open firing on them with squadrons of pegasus guards.
"All squadron leader report in!", Storm Cloud orders sitting on the command chair of the air ship.
"Captain this is Red Leader, standing by!", a brown pegasus mare, Flash Fire, responds.
"This is Gold Leader, standing by!"
"This is Blue Leader, standing by!"
"This is Green Leader, standing by!"
"All squadron attack formation! Don't let them get to the city!", Storm Cloud orders.
Hundred of Automatons wearing winged jet pack take flight to intercept the attacking forces. They all form a wall and aim their rifles and open fire.
"Shields up!", Flash Fire shouts raising a metallic shield with the rest of the pegasus following. The shield successfully blocks the deadly metal balls. Automatons starts of reload as fast a possible giving the guards the chance to attack. "Now's our chance, charge!"
Unable to reload in time many of the Automatons attack bayonets onto the rifles, while others discard them for melee weapons. The two side charge towards each other and clash.
An Automaton strikes a guard with it's rifle butt and another guard jumps it from behind. One with a loaded rifle takes at one of the pegasus, but Flash Fire rams it to the side causing it to misfire and shot one of it's own. Flash Fire then takes it's sword and cuts the helmet off.
"Red Leader, this is Gold Leader! We're starting our attack run on the airship.", Gold Leader reports carrying a barrel bomb towards one of the airship with his squadron.
The Automatons that remained on board scramble onto their deck firing their rifles and manning the cannons. Two removes a cover revealing gatling gun. One connects a large crystal to the weapon with wires, while the other spins the crank firing the weapon.
Few of Gold Squadron got shot down, but made it to the airship. They light the fuse and drops the barrel bomb, one of them landing on the bridge.
Both Spitfire and Fleet Foot charge Myxine in both direction, however Myxine knee Spitfire and elbow Fleet Foot to the stomach really hard sending them crashing to a distance.
"I fought thousands of battles against armies of hundreds.", Myxine points out. "Do you really think fighting two at once make that much of a difference?"
"You alicorns rely so much on magic that you can't even face me hoof-to-hoof.", Miasma said kneeing Luna's head. "But I don't blame you, princess. After all you just sit on a throne and do nothing but attend parties, while your precious Elements deal with dangerous threats. However the Elements are now ours and the princesses are nothing more than weaklings."
Myxine picks up Spitfire and Fleet Foot and bash their heads hard. Soarin burst out of the clouds from underneath and ram Myxine head on hard, however all it did was annoy the Changeling.
Miasma slaps Luna's face several time before tossing her to the clouds hard. She then stomps on Luna's face.
"This is where you belong, princess!", Miasma mocks. "Under my hoof!"
Miasma prepares for another stomp, but stops when she receives a call.
"What?!", Miasma asks in annoyance, picking up the orb. "So you lost 50% of the fleet, you can still wipe out Cloudsdale. What?! Gold Star gave an order of retreat? Fine, I was getting bored anyway."
"Myxine, we've been called to retreat.", Miasma calls out.
"Alright, I was done anyway.", Myxine said tossing the beaten Soarin aside. "To think Gold Star used to work for them, they sure wasted his talent."
Myxine raise her hoof and calls off the storm clouds and flies off to the retreating fleet.
"Before I go...", Miasma starts before grabbing Luna's crown, necklace and footwear. "I'll be taking these as my trophies. If you want them back then you'll have to beat, but in my turf. I'll be waiting in the Empire."
The two Changeling Queen leaves the battlefield, however this was not a victory to the ponies. This was being spared of defeat.
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The Emotional Queens Part 4 - Calliphora of the Void and Gold Star's Plan
"It sure is quiet today.", a crystal guard pony said in a guard booth.
"Tell me about it.", the other guard said. "There hasn't been any excitement since the Crystalling."
"Hey, is there suppose to be a giant centaur-like thing wearing armor coming towards us or did I have too many spicy food?", the first guard asks. The second guard looks up and sees the said creature coming towards them or rather already over them ready to step on the boot.
The two guards scream and evacuate the booth as the creature crushes it under it's hoof before continuing on to the Crystal Empire.
"Good work, Eligor.", Calliphora said sitting on the creature's shoulder. "Once we reach the Crystal Empire we take teh Crystal Heart or maybe that baby Alicorn."
"If I may, why did Chrysalis steal the Crystal Heart as well during her last failure?", Eligor asks. "It's more than enough to make Chrysalis just as strong as you."
"True, but not only is she weak she is also as dumb as a brick.", Calliphora said. "She thought if she could conquer Equestria without special abilities like us she would get mother's respect. She is born a failure and will live a failure... and a freak of nature."
"Approaching the Crystal Empire!", Eligor reports nearing the city.
"Let's give them a good scare.", Calliphora said creating a magical hand to snap fingers. Four shadowed figures jump off Eligor and lands in front of a battalion of Crystal Guards, but what shocks the guards is that the figures are alicorns wearing armor that completely covers their entire body.
"Surprise? You think Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Twilight and the by baby are the only alicorns?", Calliphora asks lying down. "If I recall you have to pass some test, earn the rights or something like that. We'll I'm afraid they're outdated. Gold Star was able to find a shortcut to make any ponies alicorn although he had to sacrifice over hundreds of ponies to finally succeed. After all you can't make an omelette without breaking lots of eggs."
"You think this is funny?!", Flash Sentry shouts in disgust. "You killed hundreds of ponies just to make an alicorn?"
"I don't give a f***, you think this world is all good and evil! Light and dark!", Calliphora said. "Answer this simple question. There is a serial killer holding a little girl hostage, what will you do? Save the hostage, but let the killer get away to kill hundreds or kill the hostage and the killer to save those hundreds. Which do you choose?"
Flash could only sweat as he is unable to make an answer.
"Just as I expect from a peace loving race.", Calliphora said in disgust. "I'm rather surprise the others didn't conquer this kingdom."
"Others?", Flash Sentry asks.
"You think we're the only foreign force?", Calliphora said in surprise before laughing. "Of course there are others and let me warn you some are more powerful and ruthless then we are."
Flash could only stand horrified on what he just learn.
"Now that the talking is done.", Calliphora said looking down to the armored alicorns. "Beat them up with your hooves, magic will just make it quick and boring."
Before Flash could react one of the alicon instantly kicks him hard through a building. The other guards were doing no batter as the alicorns are easily beating them senseless with no effort.
"I can't believe Chrysalis lost to these weaklings.", Calliphora mutters. "Come to think of it, with her new look she should get a new name. How about Chimera?"
One of the alicorn picks up a guard in an attempt to break the back when suddenly a white hooded pony kicks the said alicorn to the stomach sending it crashing to the building.
"What the....? You again!", Calliphora said. "Didn't you already caused enough trouble for the Empire?"
"Well I can't let you harm my homeland now, can I?", the pegasus pony said.
"Shining Armor already cause us enough trouble already!", Calliphora shouts. "We don't need another Paladin to give us more."
"So Shining Armor finally got his A-Game!", the pegasus said with a smirk. "Well then better give my A-game as well."
"Kill him!", Calliphora orders. The alicorns surround the pegasus and aim their horns at him, bot for some reason they couldn't fire their magic.
"Before I made my entrance, I took the moment to draw a magic circle to cancel out magic.", the pegasus said. "I seem to recall Gold Star designing it for Tirek, Nightmare Moon, Discord, and Sombra."
With no magic the alicorns resort to close combat.
"Stop, you fools!", Calliphora scream. "When it comes to close combat, Assassin Creed is the king."
Assassin Creed stands on the pile of defeated alicorns.
"Don't get cocky!", Calliphora said. "You only one because you neutralized their magic. You may have won this battle, but we still have the last laugh."
Calliphora use her magic to teleport the defeated alicorns as Eligor turn and leave.
Assassin could only turn to the beaten guards lamenting on how powerless they were.
"It's just like Gold Star.", Assassin said. "Even though he lose, he finds a way to win in some way."
"Tch! Thanks to Assassin, I couldn't get that Crystal Heart or that baby!", Calliphora curse, but then smiles as she looks at a red sharp horn in her hoof. "At least it wasn't a total loss. I'm sure Gold Star will make good use of the power of the Umbrum for Chrysalis."
A large male Changeling approach the caged Tirek leaving being a beaten Cerberus.
"Well, well. I didn't expect to see you again.", Tirek said.
"I came here to pick up a dept you owe me.", the Changeling said. "One favor after I eliminate your father and help you take control of his kingdom."
"And what do you want from me?", Tirek asks.
"A sample of your blood."
"What good will that do?"
"Gold Star theorized that certain magic like your magic drain are part of one's gene. He believe he can make one stronger by adding that gene to the being especially with that of a powerful being like you."
"It cannot be done. Princess Twilight may have handled the power of four alicorns, but that was due to her body being already with it. If she drained magic from something different like mine or Discord it would have destroyed her. Why else did I drain the magic of lesser beings first?"
"True, but there is one that is capable to handling the stress without the requirements that you went through."
"Who?"
"My little sister, Chrysalis. She survived the maintenance Gold Star did to her body, when all those before her weren't so lucky. He then discovered Chrysalis' body possess great constitution the highest he has ever seen. As of now my siblings are gathering DNA of the most powerful beings of Equestria so we can add them to Chrysalis making her stronger."
Ambrosia and Bogarts stares at a vial of Discord's and Starlight's blood, while many Automatons shackle Chrysalis up to keep her under control.
Miasma is trying out Luna's outfit, while Myxine holds a vial of Luna's blood.
Calliphora fiddling around with Sombra's horn.
Gold Star picks up the blood of the Mane Six and stares at it with an evil grin.
"You plan to give Chrysalis my magic draining ability, Discord's reality bending, and Celestia's and Luna's sun and moon control.", Tirek said.
"And of course the control of the Elements of Harmony."
"Impossible, even if she have the genes of the bearers she can't use them."
"Don't worry, Gold Star solved that problem some time ago.", the Changeling said. "So do we have a deal?"
"With that much power, how can you make sure she won't use it against you?"
"Why else Gold Star did something to her brain? She'll be more of a beast that the thought of betraying us will never come to her head."
"I am rather interested on how this will go.", Tirek said. "Very well, you have a deal."
"A wise choice, my friend."
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The Emotional Queens Part 5 - Chrysalis' Replacement, Rose of the Love
Gold Star and Shining Armor slash swords on a titanic being approaching Canterlot in a rather slow pace.
"I see your skills with the sword hasn't dulled after all those years.", Gold Star comments. "But why do you still follow Celestia? You saw how incompetent of a ruler she is."
"There may be some truths in your words, but that doesn't justify on what you are doing!", Shining Armor said.
"Celestia could've prevented all of the near disastrous scenario!", Gold Star shouts. "She should have destroyed the petrified Discord, executed Tirek, and eliminated Sombra then none of these nonsense would have happened."
"Things went out alright.", Shining points out.
"Perhaps, but what would've happened if it didn't go well?", Gold Star asks. "Tirek could have killed your sister and her friends after taking the alicorn magic rather than letting them go."
Shining Armor hesitates for a moment reluctantly admitting that that scenario would have happened.
"The final straw was the Canterlot Wedding fiasco!", Gold Star shouts. "A wedding when the kingdom is threatened? Ignoring a warning that would have stopped an invasion? Celestia literally just handed the kingdom on a silver platter to the Changelings and lost to the weakest of the Changeling Queens."
'He's right, even if the council works out Celestia is already in a bad position with the other ponies of Equestria.' , Shining thought in concern. 'They've already seen how the Princess failed to uphold her duty in defending the citizens.'
'Tch, this is already taking too long! The formation of the council is nearly done by now.' , Gold Star thought in annoyance. 'I'll just make do with the consolation prize, Celestia's blood for Chrysalis. Rose should be in the castle now.'
"You sure you have no knowledge of these other Changeling Hives?", Celestia asks Thorax with the two currently alone as the other delegates are resting in their rooms.
"I'm afraid it's only something only Queen Chrysalis knows about. She never really tell us about any other Hives or an Empire.", Thorax answers. Suddenly Rose breaks through the door and lands on the table.
"Greetings, council members of Mystica.", Rose said doing a mocking bow only to see Celestia and Thorax. "Rats!"
"That voice! Rose is that you?", Thorax asks.
"You know her?", Ember asks.
"She was a member of Chrysalis' Hive before I took over.", Thorax answers.
"You mean my hive.", Rose said with an evil smile.
"What do you mean your hive?", Celestia asks.
"Simple, I'm her replacement. And you are fools to challenge the Empire and its Empress.", Rose laughs using her magic to create an projection.
"You might not recall, but I was one of the Changelings who helped capture you Celestia and was the one impersonating you."
Rose lies on the bed clearly enjoying her life pretending to be the princess. "I could enjoy this.", Rose said eating cake.
"Unfortunately that didn't last due to Starlight mounting a rescue. Chrysalis called all the Changeling impersonating the prisoners to return, however..."
The moment Rose and eleven other Changelings arrive they see the top of the castle explode. They all hide as see the Changeling inside have transformed into more colorful beings. They then witness Queen Chrysalis refusing Starlight's offer of friendship and flees.
"Why would the Queen vow revenge?", one of the remaining Changeling asks. "Even all of us together isn't enough to take out one princess."
"It appears that our Queen is hiding something that would back up her claim of revenge.", Rose said. "Let's follow her."
After a long journey Rose and the others widen their eyes upon seeing the Changeling Empire. He follow Chrysalis inside the Imperial Palace meeting the Empress.
"Ah, Chrysalis. I see you've returned. Tell me have you succeed in your mission?", Empress Irian asks with a smile.
Rose then makes an evil smile finding a perfect opportunity. She shows herself before the Empress.
"Queen Chrysalis has failed in her duty.", Rose calls out shocking Chrysalis. "The prisoners has escaped, destroyed the throne and what's worse nearly the entire hive became these grotesque things."
Rose shows Irian an image of Thorax. Irian looks down on the frighten Chrysalis with anger on her face. Irian then crushes Chrysalis under her feet.
"You worthless trash!", Irian screams in rage. "Not only did you fail, but you also lost the throne I lent you?"
"I tried to tell her the flaws of her plan, but she refuse to listen.", Rose said clearly lying. "I would've made sure nothing would go wrong, however Chrysalis is the queen, not me."
"I will easily solve that problem.", Irian said lifting her foot and lifts the broken Chrysalis with her magic. "I shall transfer everything, but her life into you, making you the Changeling of Love."
"I swear to you. I will fail you like she did.", Rose said bowing before Irian.
"Finally, one with the qualities I like.", Irian said as she forcefully transfer Chrysalis' magic, power, etc. into Rose. Rose's body change from drone to Queen. Gold Star then enters the room.
"You called for me!", Gold Star asks.
"Yes, take this trash with you and use her any way you see fit.", Irian said tossing Chryalis aside. Gold Star grabs her mane and drags her to his lab.
Both Celestia and Thorax are horrified on what Rose show them.
"Since the Council is already formed, I'll just make do with your DNA Celestia.", Rose said teleporting behind the said princess and takes a sample of her blood. "Sorry, I can't stick around and chat but Gold Star's grand plan is slowly coming to fruition and it's something I don't want to miss."
Celestia fires a magical blast, but Rose steps to the side resulting in the wall having a hole.
"Thanks for making my exit, Sun Butt!", Rose laughs flying away.
Gold Star looks up and sees Rose flying out of the castle.
"My job here is done.", Gold Star said tossing an orb to Shining Armor. Shining catches it and finds himself back in Canterlot. "Teleportation Orbs, good for getting rid of unwanted guests."
The Siege Titan turns and leave as Shining Armor watch.
"What is Gold Star up to?"
Back at the fleet, the Queens hand the samples to Gold Star.
"Excellent, another phase of the grand plan is complete.", Gold Star said taking the samples.
"What is you grand plan anyway?", Myxine asks. "I know the samples will make Chrysalis stronger, but..."
"Making Chrysalis stronger is just the means to help her enters her next form and provide defensive capabilities once she achieves it.", Gold Star said.
"And what form is that?", Miasma asks.
"As you all know the Tree of Harmony is what protect Equestria from any sort of danger, like providing Princess Twilight the means to defeat the fully powered Tirek.", Gold Star said.
"So?"
"I plan to turn the very tree into a poison."
"Wait! You don't mean..."
"That's right! I'm fusing Chrysalis with the Tree of Harmony. The Element Bearers and Princess gene will trick the tree to lower it's guard allowing Chrysalis to fuse with it and due to the negative emotions within her it will corrupt the tree disrupting harmony within the land.", Gold Star explains. "But that's not all, it will poison the magic in all of Mystica while at the same time drain the land of it's magic transferring it all to the Changeling Empire. It will turn the continent into something similar to the Everfree Forest."
"I can see why you call it your grand plan.", Rose said. "It will shake the very world itself."
"With a power like that in our hands, the Changeling Empire will be unrivaled. No kingdom or empire will dare oppose us.", Ambrosia cheers.
"But everything has a weakness.", Calliphora said. "What is the weapon's weakness?"
"An impossible one for our enemies to use.", Gold Star said. "They must heal the core, which is reforming Chrysalis into those colorful Changelings. Too bad she is completely broken physically and mentally. You could say she is hated by the world itself."
"Don't worry, ''sis".", Ambrosia said to the caged Chrysalis. "At least you'll be good for something."
Author's Note
Alright the Changeling Queens Arc has come to an end and the Grand Plan Arc is next.
Things are starting to get busy and I'm not too sure on how this Arc will go as it can go in many ways.
PM me if you like to donate some ideas on how this arc will go.
I am also in need of more characters (mostly one or two chapter villains) for this story. Adding your own OCs will be fine as well (that is up to you), but I need details on how they fit in the story.
Eternal Nightmare - Sleep Forever
Gold Star is working on his Grand Plan trying his best to ignore the whining and complaining of the Queens.
"Can I help you?", Gold Star in annoyance.
"We're bored.", Misama groans. "Aren't you finish?"
"I just started.", Gold Star mutters. "If you want something to do then use some of my old work projects. I'll keep you and Equestria off my back."
Gold Star passes a small bottle to Miasma.
"I'm sure you make good use of this.", Gold Star said.
"Strange, I can feel Luna's presence in this bottle.", Miasma said.
"It's what's left of Nightmare Moon after her defeat.", Gold Star said. "A piece of her remained. You do with it as you wish."
"Oh, I'll make perfect us of it.", Miasma said with an evil smile. "I'll have fun breaking poor Lulu even more."
"PURGE wanted to test the new experiment.", Gold Star said. "And it's a perfect opportunity to test it."
The beaten Wonderbolts and Luna lie on their beds in the infirmary, unaware of an argument outside of their room.
"You want to relieve the Luna and the Wonderbolts from duty?", Shining Armor asks in rage. "What gives you that idea?"
"Because they are completely useless!", Storm Cloud shouts back. "The Wonderbolts and an alicorn princess, who can move the moon, were easily beaten by two Changeling Queens! And those Queens didn't even bother to use most of their magic!"
"Even so, she is still a Princess and she outranks you.", Shining Armor points out.
"Then maybe we should never had princesses in the first place.", Storm Cloud said before storming off. "If only Queen Faust was still with us."
"I hate to say this, but Storm Cloud made some good points.", Assassin Creed said coming out of the shadow.
"I know, it just makes me wish this was all a bad dream.", Shining Armor said massaging his forehead. "Before Nightmare Moon's return it was just the two sisters that did the defending and after that it was my sister and her friends that did the defending."
"I'm afraid we've been too dependent on them, while at the same time Celestia put too much reliability.", Assassin said sitting next of Shining Armor. "For each threat it is the Elements that did the saving and no alternative was used. This allowed the enemy to realize that the Elements of Harmony are our only means of defense that a threat, while the rest is just a walk in a park."
"I'm afraid we share as much blame as the princess.", Shining Armor said sadly. "How much difference would it been, if Faust was still with us?"
"I hear stories about her during my time away. Apparently she was well known outside of Equestria.", Assassin said. "I even eavesdrop of conversation in a bar."
"Hey, have you heard? The Changeling Empire is launching an attack on Equestria?"
"They're crazy! Everyone knows that land is under the rule of Lauren Faust. She's practically one of the strongest beings in the world. Only Empress Irian of that Empire will be an even match."
"I see, so that's how much of a difference the Queen made.", Shining Armor said. "I don't want to disrespect the princesses, especially my wife, but I too wish Lauren Faust was still with us."
With that said both Shining Armor and Assassin Creed walks off, unaware that Luna overheard everything in the hallway intersection. She falls to the floor and quietly weeps.
"Is this the best Equestria has to offer?", Miasma laughs fiddling with her mane. "Well, I suppose it's no surprise, your sister being who she is. After all, Celestia is nothing but a loser from a curse era!"
Luna could only stare at Miasma with hate. "Take that back! Or else!"
"Take it back?", Miasma asks. "It's not an insult it's the truth. Let me tell you a story..."
"You mother defended this land against foes beyond your imagination, even ward off out first invasion. But she also defeated Chaos himself, something no one had ever accomplished. After that she opened the Age of Harmony during her reign. I hate to say it, being a enemy to this very land, but she truly deserved the title of Harmonic Queen. In comparison you and Celestia have failed to live up to you mother's legacy."
"Mother, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!", Luna cries. "I failed..."
"What do you see Luna? Celestia?", a shadowed alicorn asks.
"Equestria!", the two sisters answer.
"That's right and what you see is just how beautiful it is.", the alicorn said. "Promise me to protect and preserve this lands beauty."
"We promise!"
"I couldn't keep my promise!", Luna cries.
After an entire day of attempting to free Discord from his crystal prison, Starlight retires to her bed to rest.
"You sure you don't know how to get out yourself?", Trixie asks the imprisoned Discord.
"This crystal created in the days of Lauren Faust.", Discord said. "She used them to imprisoned the worst of the worst beings."
"In other words, those with no redeeming qualities.", Trixie said.
"Before Queen Faust opened the doors to the Age of Harmony there was the Dark Age.", Discord said. "The villains at that time were real monsters compared to ones we faced today. Tell me, Trixie. Has a single villain ever killed someone?"
Trixie thought about it and realize, not a single villain the Elements had defeated ever killed. Sure there the threats and imprisonment, but not one of them crossed the line, but the ones from the Dark Age have no problem in doing so.
"Just like Queen Faust opened the doors to the Age of Harmony, I fear Gold Star and the Changeling Empire are opening the doors to a Second Dark Age."
The two then hear Starlight screaming.
A guard bursts into the Shining Armor office.
"Sir, we have a problem! A kingdom wide problem!"
Celestia closes her eyes to enter the dream world taking over for Luna due to her injuries. The moment she enter the Dream World she hear screams and notice all the dream bubbles are covered in dark aura.
"What's going on?", Celestia said in shock. She grabs one of the bubbles in order to enter it, but the bubble electrocutes her aside.
"I was expecting little baby Woona, but I suppose the Sun Princess will do just as well.", Miasma said comming out of the shadows.
"You did all this?", Celestia asks in anger.
"I did come up with the plan, but I'm not the one giving these ponies nightmares.", Miasma said. "Oh, and unlike those weak I'm scared types these nightmares are more traumatic. The best case scenario is comatose, while the worst is death."
Miasma picks up Starlight's dream bubble and shows Celestia the nightmare.
"You did this to me!", a gigantic monstrous Chrysalis roars chasing after the fleeing Starlight. "You took away everything from me! My hive! My title! My family! My body! My sanity! My life!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't know!", Starlight screams in tears. "I didn't think this would happen to you! If I had known more about you I would've done something."
"You stole everything from me!", Chrysalis roars. "Now I'll destroying everything from you!"
Chrysalis fires a powerful energy beam from her mouth straight towards Canterlot, vaporizing the city into nothing.
In every hospital in Equestria, soldiers and medics are strapping the nightmare victims on their beds and sedates them to stabilize their condition.
"We can't keep this up.", Assassin Creed said bringing another victim. "The number of victims are growing and we're running low on sedation equipment."
"We need unicorns capable of sedating, can you find them?", Shining Armor asks.
"I'll try, but the main concern is keeping ponies from sleeping until the problem is solved."
"I know, the enemy picked a clever plan.", Shining Armor curse. "We're powerless in the Dream World and only the princesses can handle that."
Shining Armor then receives a call from an orb.
"These things are more handy than scrolls. Too bad we don't have the materials to make these.", Shining Armor said picking up. "Yes?"
"Captain!", Flash Sentry screams.
"What is it Flash?"
"You wife and daughter are screaming in their sleep and we can't wake them up!", Flash screams in panic.
"What?!", Shining Armor shouts.
"Wait, they're waking up!"
"Are they alright?!"
"Shining, you must get to Celestia! The attacker is going for her!", Cadance screams grabbing the orb. "He sensed Celestia entering the Dream World and sees her a much bigger prize."
"You three, follow me!", Shining Armor shouts with three guards following. The moment the reach Celestia's room they were already too late. Celestia is in a catatonic state.
"This is a disaster.", Shining said pacing in circles in the throne room. "Nearly a quarter of the population have fallen victim to the nightmare attack and what's worse Princess Celestia is a victim as well."
"If the citizens find out about this there's going to be chaos and riots.", Assassin Creed said. "Not to mention Princess Luna is in no condition physically and mentally."
"I wish I could help, but I don't have the ability to enter dreams and if I fail I'll just leave Flurry without a mother.", Cadance said sadly.
"If only there was a way for us to enter the Dream World and fight back.", Shining Armor said in frustration.
"There is a way, but it'll be very dangerous.", Storm Cloud said with a grim expression.
"I never knew there was a research lab here.", Shining Armor said entering the building with Storm Cloud, Cadance, Trixie, and Assassin Creed.
"This place was originally meant to be a weapons development lab through Gold Star's recommendation and you pretty much know what happens next.", Storm Cloud said entering the building. "This lab specialize on the research of dreams, during Luna's tie on the moon."
Assassin notice some curtains covering the windows. He attempts to look through when suddenly the curtain rolls up and an old pony dressed as a manticore pops out of nowhere scaring Assassin.
"A colt said he was afraid of dreaming.", the old pony said as Assassin screams in shock. The old pony the stares face to face with a Ursa Major statue. "The father asked if he had tried fighting."
He then hugs a life size Luna plushy rather disturbingly. "The colt's response was that he got scared and ran away. The father ordered him not to run next time."
The group enters the room as the old pony walks to a younger pony riding a coin operated ride.
"Do you know why, Sweet Dream?", the old pony asks the younger pony.
"I don't know, Professor.", Sweet Dream said as the ride starts moving faster.
"Conquering fear in a dream is the first step towards controlling the dream itself.", the professor said.
"Control the dream?", Shining asks.
"Yes!", the professor shouts causing Cadance to jump a bit. "An old tribe from a long time ago have trained eventually allowing them to control their dreams. It is truly marvelous as you don't have to be an Alicorn to do so."
The professor then laughs hysterically.
"I'm Captain Shining Armor.", Shining said introducing himself.
"The Royal Guard and... the Paladins?!", Sweet Dream asks getting off the ride.
"Professor Snooze...", Storm Cloud starts. "I was told by the hospital that six of your pupils were the first victims of the nightmare attack, correct?"
"That right.", Snooze said entering his serious persona. "They worked with me in researching 'Lucid Dreaming'."
Snooze puts on his lab coat.
"It means knowing when you are dreaming.", Snooze explains entering a tent and lies down on a sleeping bag. "We analyze the brainwaves of ponies as they dream. We're trying to solve the mystery of lucid dreaming."
"And so, you used your students as test subjects resulting in them not awakening again.", Shining Armor said causing Snooze to get back up shocking Shining Armor.
"They're just asleep from fatigue!", Snooze shouts. "Besides my work can't allow ponies to got into other ponies dream. That stuff is only Alicorn worthy."
"Can you let us use the device that you're testing on?", Assassin asks.
"Sure.", Snooze said pointing to some headphones and a large visual orb. "This will allow you to see the pony wearing the headphone dream and will prevent you from having any panic attack when having a nightmare."
"Hard to believe this thing can allow us to see somepony's dream or in this case nightmare.", Shining Armor said looking at the equipment.
"Too bad, there's only a few of these. They could help with the panic attack.", Assassin said grabbing the headphone. "Let's test this on Celestia just to see if it works."
Assassin puts the headphones on the sedated Celestia's head and turns on the orb. Through the orb they see Celestia weeping in darkness hugging the body of Twilight Sparkle.
"I'm sorry, my little ponies.", Celestia cries. "I'm so sorry."
"You should be sorry.", a voice calls out revealing to be Nightmare Moon followed by Chrysalis, Sombra, and Tirek. "You knew the danger, yet you sent children to face it and now look what has become of them."
Celestia then sees the time the Mane Six confront Nightmare Moon.
"You can't destroy the Elements of Harmony that easily, becau-", Twilight said but stops when Nightmare Moon fires a piercing beam through Twilight's throat.
"You talk too much.", Nightmare Moon said before doing the same to the rest of the Mane Six.
"You thought you're sister wouldn't kill?", a shadowed Miasma asks. "You banished her to the moon for a thousand years, I'm sure killing you're student is an even payback."
The scene then change to the Canterlot Wedding Event.
"You have a lot to think about.", Celestia said to the already devastated Twilight.
"I'm sorry.", Twilight cries to 'Cadance'.
"You will be!", "Cadance' said before transforming into Chrysalis and pounce Twilight with her sharp teeth bare. The sound of Chrysalis eating and Twilight's scream can be heard, but nopony is nearby to hear them. Chrysalis licks the blood off her mouth, while using her magic to erase the evidence.
"Gold Star was right. This pony's magic is incredible and is it now mine.", Chrysalis laughs before changing back into Cadance.
The scene then change to Twilight hanging herself after failing her test in saving the Crystal Empire and being removed from being Celetia's student.
"I would never..."
"But you could. After all she did cost the Crystal Empire.", Miasma said.
The scene then change to Twilight giving her magic away to Tirek in order to save her friends.
"Oh, by the way.", Tirek said. "I lied."
Tirek fires a powerful blast vaporizing the Mane Six and Discord.
"Please no more!", Celestia cries unable to take anymore vision of Twilight's death.
"You're no better than those villains.", Miasma mocks. "You don't care about Twilight. You only care about your own status as a princess using your student as a tool to fight off threats and now she is gone from your reach and now look what it has gotten you into."
Celestia finds herself stripped of her royal attire and being dragged of a jail cell by two Automatons. Other Automatons and rebels are guarding the area with airships swarming the sky. The voice of Gold Star can be heard all over Canterlot.
"Today, we will rise once more as a mighty kingdom, to face the corrupt and the traitors!"
The two Automatons toss Celestia into a prison cart, but not before one of them smacks a rifle to Celestia's face.
An earth pony rebel signals the cart to go and the cart moves out of the area.
"We all trusted the intention this mare to protect our great kingdom and lead her into a new era of prosperity."
Automatons are seen running down the sidewalk in the opposite direction of the cart.
"She had every chance to end the lives of our enemies from Tirek to Discord, but instead she simply puts them in prison and now look what happened."
On one side of the road an Automaton is seen pinning a civilian and then gutting him. On the other several Automatons are firing into buildings. A Steel Beast comes out of an alley closely followed by civilians. Soldiers aren't far behind. The tank stops near a market place, soldiers get out and start shooting and stabbing the shoppers. The cart goes down a hill. At the bottom a garbage can is rolling with a pony under it. The pony gets out and is shot from behind. The cart comes to an intersection. A cart chock full of rebels goes ahead of the cart. The other roads are swarmed with Automatons. Many civilians are lined up against it with their hooves behind their heads and their faces against the brick. Several civilians are on the ground being arrested by Automatons.
"Her hooves are covered in blood of our people for she did nothing against the threats!"
On a corner bend there is another empty area behind a building where some more civilians are being killed and arrested for resisting Gold Star. Several unicorn guards fire their magic upon the Automatons in a small courtyard, but all were killed.
"For years the stupidity of the princess and her reliance of the Elements of Harmony have severely weaken our military force. The sight of the devastation brought by Tirek have left me scarred and heartbroken, but I assure you my resolve have never been stronger!"
"The ponies loyal to Celestia are lined up with their backs facing the road. Automatons reload, aim at them and fire.
"In order to ensure the security and the continuing stability, the Kingdom of Equestria will be reorganized into the Equestrian Empire! For a safe and secure society!"
The citizens of Canterlot clap their hooves cheering Gold Star's name.
"He'll keep us safe!"
"He won't fail us like Celestia!"
"And now for the grand opening for the Equestrian Empire!", Gold Star said as he sees two Automatons dragging Celestia through the street by her rear legs, while the citizens angrily throw fruits, vegetables and anything that would cause injury, while the hard gravel plucked her once proud alicorn wings and cut into the snow white coat of her body.
The Automatons ties Celestia up to the wooden stake in the middle of the plaza. Gold Star walks up to Celestia, aims his flintlock at her face and cocks it. Gold Star fires.
Eternal Nightmare - Artificial Alicorns
"This is bad! Miasma is repeating the scenes over and over again.", Assassin Creed said. "If this keeps on going Celestia's psyche will break beyond repair."
"Then there's no choice. We have to sleep and draw Miasma into our dreams.", Shining Armor said. "I'll start just in case Miasma is hiding something else from us."
Shining puts on the headphones and lies down.
"You guards keep watch.", Storm Cloud orders two guards. "If something happens wake him up."
"While Shining Armor is playing the bait we must discuss our other problem.", Assassin said. "With Celestia in a coma and Luna in bad condition we have no one to move the sun and moon."
"I wish I could help, but my magic can't do something like that.", Cadance said.
"Why don't you do to the magic transfer method, like when you gave your magic to Twilight like cowards?", Storm Cloud said bitterly.
"We couldn't let Tirek get our magic and Twilight was the only one who can keep it safe.", Cadance points out.
"Safe?!", Storm Cloud shouts in rage. "You gave an inexperienced alicorn among one of the most powerful magic in all of Equestria. What would've happened if someone else like Gold Star knew about it?"
Cadance simply stares at Storm Cloud in silence.
"He would've taken her and used her for his experiments. He might've used her to improve his already mass-produced Dark Alicorns.", Storm Cloud said. "I don't see what so great about you alicorns. From what I've seen so far you've been nothing more that damsels in distress or victims."
With that said Storm Cloud storms off.
"While what he said is harsh, I'm afraid I must agree with him.", Assassin said. "The only reason we remained safe was because of Twilight and her friends. Eventually, the Changelings will turn them into our enemies and we'll have to face them. The question is are you strong enough to face them physically and mentally?"
"Twilight and her friends have always been the ones to save Equestria and now many threats knows this and will stop at nothing until they are gone or use them for their evil.", Cadance said starting to cry. "If I had the strength to protect you."
"This is your chance to make it up to her, but for now we must focus on the current matter at hand.", Assassin said.
"I'm worried about Shining.", Cadance said. "He's been talking to himself on how much of a failure he's been."
"Well he did get mind control by a weakest Changeling Queen, have his magic sealed my Sombra, have him magic stolen by Tirek, get kidnapped by the Changelings, wasn't around when you turned to stone and just got his sister taken by his former best friend.", Assassin points out. "It's a good thing he didn't see any of that or we would have done something suicidal."
"What do you mean suicidal?", Cadance asks in shock.
"Well, since you're his wife I best that I tell you.", Assassin said. "You remember Shining Armor charging his sword with his magic to deliver the final blow on Blast, right?"
"Yes."
"You see the weapons the Paladins use is made of a special crystal that not found in Equestria.", Assassin said. "The crystal absorbs the magic given from the user into a lethal strike. For example you can fire a four alicorn powered large blast straight towards Tirek and wants out of it unharmed, but if fire a small blast with the same about of power it would be fatal, in other words a piercing shot rather than a highly destructive blast. The crystal however can also absorb an alternate source of energy."
"What would that be?", Cadance asks.
"Life Energy. In other words your own life force.", Assassin said grimly. "While the process is similar to how we do it with magic, the downside is that after it is done the use will fall into a coma or worse death."
Hearing that word horrified Cadance.
"Shining Armor nearly did so and there's more."
Shining Armor weakly enters his room and grabs his sword.
"Shining, what are you doing?!", Assassin said coming out of the shadow. "You know a charge up with your life force means death!"
"That monster and that treacherous draconequus is heading to my wife and aunt-in-laws!", Shining said pulling his sword out of the sheath. "I'm going to end those two if that's the last thing I do."
"Even if you did finish off Tirek and Discord, you'll just leave your wife and sister devastated if you die.", Assassin points out.
"Perhaps, but I don't know what Tirek will do to them. He may just kill them!", Shining Armor attempting to charge up his sword.
"Stop!", Assassin shouts moving to stop Shining, but it was too late. Suddenly a needle jabs Shining's neck knocking him out. "What the?"
"Always the reckless type.", Gold Star said leaning on the window.
"Gold Star!", Assassin shouts activating his wrist blades.
"Hey now! I'm not here to fight and you should thank me.", Gold Star said. "If I hadn't done that Shining Armor would be dead."
"What's the catch?", Assassin asks. "You wouldn't do something like that without getting something in return."
"You got me. Not only did that needle inject him with sleeping drugs, but also something you would say impossible.", Gold Star said.
"What what would that be?"
"Creating an alicorn.", Gold Star shocking Assassin.
"But becoming an alicorn can only be done through certain trials like Cadance and Twilight did."
"Oh, you mean the weak natural way?", Gold Star asks. "I've seen their capabilities and I'm far from impress. Shining Armor will be the first of my Artificial Alicorns. They surpass the capabilities of the Natural Alicorns by a hundred making them obsolete or course there is still for improvement."
"You! You're the one who freed Tirek!", Assassin said in realization. "You to be the hero by defeating him and take hold of Equestria."
"That's the plan, but of course I always have a consolation prize should something go wrong, but I doubt I'll have any need of it from how things a progressing so far.", Gold Star arrogantly. "Oh and by the way, Shining Armor will slowly become an Artificial Alicorn should he give into his rage."
With that said Gold takes his leave by jumping out the window.
"You think what Gold Star said is true?", Cadance asks in horror.
"That's what we're here to find out.", Assassin said. "Should Shining become an Artificial Alicorn in the dream world, then there's no doubt he'll do the same here. I just hope it's a lie."
"I hope so too."
"By the way, what I told you would be his first nightmare. The other is rather complicated."
"What do you mean complicated."
In the hospital Luna sits on her bed still sadden over what happened. A nurse enters her room carrying a package.
"Cuse me, Princess Luna.", the nurse said. "There's this package for you."
"A package? From who?", Luna asks grabbing the package.
"I don't know it just appears out of nowhere and have nothing written on it aside for that package is for you and this seal on it.", the nurse answers.
Luna looks at the seal and widen her eyes. The seal has an LF on it. She quickly opens the package and finds books inside it. Luna picks one up to look inside and widen her eyes once more.
"These are..."
The two Royal Guards are playing chess and starts arguing over a bad move and attempt to take back, while Shining Armor sleeps.
"BBBFF!", Dream Twilight calls out enter Shining Armor's office.
"Oh, what is it, Twily?", Shining asks looking away from the window.
"You forgot your lunch.", Dream Twilight said handing Shining his lunchbox. "I'm amazed you became captain of the royal guards like that."
"She really got you, captain!", Dream Assassin said.
Shining Armor's smile fades as he realize something. 'Something's wrong. Twily was taken by Gold Star last week.'
""Hey, BBBFF. Actually... I'm actually getting married!", Twilight said with glee.
'Eh? Married?!' , Shining thought in horror.
"With whom?", Assassin asks with Flash Sentry coming out of nowhere.
"With me.", Flash answers.
"From now on, I will no longer call you Captain Shining Armor...", Flash said to Shining. "...it'll be Big Bro Shining."
"Okay?", both Flash and Twilight ask together.
Shining drops his lunchbox in horror as the scene change to the Canterlot Wedding Area with Flash and Twilight wearing wedding garbs.
"Please be happy, Flash."
"Of course, Twily."
"And now... the kiss to vow the seal.", Assassin said wearing a priest garb.
A crowd come out of nowhere clapping as the two prepare to kiss.
"This is a big brother's nightmare.", Shining Armor said in despair, but then come to realization. "That's it! So this is lucid dreaming."
"Correct.", a voice calls out from behind Shining Armor.
Shining turns expecting to see Miasma, but instead what appears to be a male version of Nightmare Moon.
"You're not Miasma!", Shining said.
"Her? She came along just to help me get use to the new powers she gave me and to handle the more difficult victims like Celestia.", the creature said.
"So you're the true culprit!", Shining Armor said. "Miasma is nothing more than an accomplice."
"Correct, I'm the improved version of Nightmare Moon.", the stallion said. "You may call me, Darkhorse Knight."
"Tell me, were you the one who put Snooze's students to Eternal Sleep?", Shining asks.
"Correct, however I started attack others hoping to keep you off my back.", Knight said. "Students of Snooze being the only victim would be too suspicious."
"Where did you get this power?", Shining asks. "Only Princess Luna should be able to enter another pony's dream."
"You should thank your dumb sister for that.", Knight said changing the scenario to Tirek's defeat.
Gold Star entered one of his tantrums clearly upset that his plans to be a hero failed, but another pony in a shape of an alicorn covered in red robes merely smile in amusement. Behind her are a swarm of robotic mosquitoes.
"That fool, Tirek!", Gold Star screams in rage. "He should have ended them rather then let them go!"
"That's just how my master do things.", the red robed alicorn said.
"You seem rather calm for this loss, Dark Reaper", Gold Star said.
"Loss?", Reaper asks. "They may have defeated my old master, but thanks to his distraction the swarm was able to gather magic samples from every single ponies in all of Equestria, along with Discord's and Tirek's, and here comes the last batch carrying samples of this Rainbow Power."
The last batch of the robotic mosquitoes return to the swarm as the Mane Six departs to return the magic.
"As much as I despise the usage of machinery.", Reaper mutters. "I cannot deny their usefulness."
"Oh course they are useful!", Gold Star said. "The Elements of Harmony only affects living organic beings. They have no effect on non-organics like our Automatons."
"With these samples I should be able to replicate the magic within.", Reaper said.
"Artificial Magic. They definitely will make the natural kind obsolete."
"And they'll help improve your Artificial Alicorn Project."
The whole scene then change to black.
"It can't be...", Shining said in terror.
"That's right! I now have Princess Luna's magic or rather an improved copy of it.", Knight said. "To think I gained the power of an alicorn."
"Well your time of enjoying it comes to an end.", Shining said grabbing his sword and charge forward. Darkhorse Knight fires a magical beam a Shining Armor, which he blocks with his sword. Shining however was shocked at the sight of the beam.
"That's Celestia's magic!", Shining said.
"I almost forgot, for each victim having a nightmare my power grows and not only that I can also use the magic of the said victim, but only better.", Knight explains. "At the level I'm at right now, I'm just as powerful as a fully powered Tirek and I can still get stronger."
In the real world Shining armor starts moving like crazy due to the fight in the Dream World, unfortunately the guards are fast asleep, thus they cannot wake Shining up.
Darkhorse conjure up a net and toss it to Shining Armor trapping him.
Cadance raise the sun up with great difficulty.
"Even with my aunt magic combined with my own I still had a hard time raising the sun and lowering the moon.", Cadance said panting.
Assassin then receives a call from his orb and picks it up.
"Chief!"
"What is it?", Assassin asks.
"The Captain has fallen victim as well!", the guard screams.
"It's not much, but at least we know what we're dealing with thanks to the recording.", Assassin said pacing in the thrown room with Cadance sitting on Celestia's throne.
"An Artificial Alicorn with the power of Aunt Luna.", Cadance with worry.
"Not only that, but this Darkhorse Knight gets stronger for each victim having a nightmare and also have that said victim's abilities.", Assassin said.
"Which means he now have Shining's shield magic along with many others.", Cadance said. "He's too dangerous to fight in the Dream World."
"There is some good news though.", Assassin said. "Considering what Darkhorse said it's safe to assume he was a regular pony like me or Shining, plus he got his powers recently which means we're dealing with someone in Equestria. We just have to find the true identity."
"I'm going back to the research lab.", Assassin said to Cadance. "Everything started there, so it a good place to start."
The nurse enter's Luna's room only to find the patient gone.
View Online
Eternal Nightmare - Golden Castle of Stormberg
Miasma wakes up from her nap and gets up.
"Your highness, did you sleep well?", a Changeling soldier asks.
"Very well.", Miasma said with a evil smile. "I had alot of fun tormenting Celestia."
"What else did you add?"
"I made her see Twilight being treated as a criminal over something she didn't do and have her banished.", Miasma said. "I love it when she keeps on crying on that she would never do such a thing and that she doesn't treat Twilight as a tool."
"I'm glad you enjoy it."
"Is my training equipment ready?", Miasma asks removing her royal robes.
"Yes, ma'am! We set it to Level 100."
"Good.", Miasma said putting a blindfold over her eyes. "I must keep in shape."
Miasma flies off the airship and lands on the beach surrounds by hundreds of Automatons and Changeling Elite along with ten Titanic Beings. The Changeling Elite all change into Equestria's worst enemies; Nightmare Moon, Discord, Sombra, Tirek and Storm King.
"Shall we begin?", Miasma asks.
An Automaton makes the first move and throws a green orb towards Miasma. Only inches away Miasma moves her head to the side avoid the orb resulting in it hitting the Tirek copy turning it to stone.
"I'm amaze these ponies haven't thought of dodging.", Miasma mutters in disgust as she blasts a large hole on the Titanic Being's chest. "This will be done in less then ten minutes."
"Why are you following me?", Assassin asks entering the research lab with Trixie behind him.
"Starlight is a victim as well.", Trixie said. "Besides you need an assistant."
"Mr. Royal Guard, sir!", a white mare with a green mane calls out.
"I'm not a Royal Guard.", Assassin said. "I'm part of an Intelligence Division."
"Please abandon this case.", the mare said.
"What? Why?", Assassin asks. "And who're you?"
"My name is Dream Scape and the reason I'm telling you this is because Darkhorse appears in my dream.", Dream Scape said. "He wants the Royal Guards to give up or else he'll put nightmares on fillies and elderly and we know their body can't handle the stress."
"That sick beast.", Assassin said in disbelief. "All we can do is to prevent the fillies and elderly from sleeping, but that means we have just a few days to solve this. This is a problem."
"Wait, why did he tell just you?", Trixie asks.
"That's a good point.", Assassin said. "Why didn't he tell us himself through the orb?"
The last Titanic Being stomps on Miasma, but she easily stops the blow with her bare hooves. She then fires a point blank magical blast blowing the Titanic Being from the inside.
"Nine seconds flat.", the trooper said stopping the watch. "A new record."
Miasma removes her blindfold and flies back to the airship leaving behind a large pile of broken Automatons, Titantic Beings and badly beaten Changeling Elite. "That wasn't even a warm up."
"Queen Miasma, our spies report that Princess Luna has ventured into the Unknown."
"Is that so? Is it possible that she is heading for the Golden Castle of Stormberg?"
"The Golden Castle? The former home of Lauren Faust before she came to Equestria?"
"If that's where she's going then she'll have to take the hard way to get there."
Miasma looks to the Unknown and raise her horn to the sky.
Luna flies to the direction where the map leads, but then notice the sky darkening. She then sees storm clouds forming over her and then starts firing lightning bolts towards her. Luna creates a shield blocking the bolts albeit barely.
"Give it up, Luna!", Miasma calls out as the clouds take form of Miasma's head.
"Miasma!"
"You can't even avoid an orb thrown by a broken horn unicorn!", Miasma laughs. "What makes you think you can even avoid something as fast a lightning? Especially when I can make them shoot faster!"
The storm clouds fire a continuous barrage of lightning bolts at Luna. Luna quickly raise her shield to block them, but it was in vain as the bolts breaks through the shield and electrocutes Luna. Luna's badly burnt body falls straight towards the ocean.
"Farewell, failure of a princess!", Miasma laughs as the storm clouds dissipates.
"Such a pity.", Miasma said in disappointment. "I was hoping for a rematch against her."
"My queen, the bottle you requested.", the trooper said handing Miasma the Essence Bottle.
"I wonder how much Celestia will cry when I turn her into Daybreaker?"
"You sure this will work?", Trixie asks Assassin force-feeding the comatose Shining Armor a bottle.
"Zecora assures me that this potion will allow Shining Armor to enter my dream.", Assassin said before drinking his bottle. "This taste terrible though."
Assassin lies down.
"If something is happening in the real world, wake me up.", Assassin said before going to sleep.
Luna wakes up finding herself at the base of a gigantic mountain.
"I see you're awake.", a gold stallion with silver mane said feeding the fire with wood.
"Where am I?", Luna asks.
"You are at the base of Harmonic Mountain and on top of it is the Golden Castle of Stormberg.", the stallion answers.
Luna then notice all of her injuries are gone.
"You had a nasty fall and severe burns.", the stallion said. "No doubt from Miasma herself."
"You know her?", Luna asks in shock.
"Of course I know her, she tried to gain access to the Golden Castle herself, but failed miserably.", the stallion said. "As for you! You might as well give up!"
"Why?"
"Because the castle does not see you worthy.", the stallion answers. "All the castle sees in you is a weak lazy alicorn, who couldn't even protect her own kingdom and must rely on innocent civilians to do all the work."
"How dare you make such an accusation?!"
"Who are the current wielders of the Elements of Harmony? Who defeated you, Discord, Sombra, Chrysalis, Tirek, the plunder vines and the Storm King?", the stallion said. "I told Lauren that you and Celestia were not worthy to be alicorns, but she keeps me on saying that she has faith in you two. In my eyes I'd say Princess Twilight Sparkle should be the rightful ruler of Equestria, since she did all that tasks that were meant for you."
"What do you mean?"
"Those villains Twilight Sparkle defeated were meant for you and Celestia to defeat in order to prepare you for the far bigger threats like the Changeling Empire, but you haven't done a thing."
"But at least we defeated Tirek!"
"You actually believe that garbage?", the stallion asks. "This is what really happened?"
The fire reveals the time during Tirek's first defeat.
Tirek stands over the defeated Celestia, Luna and Scorpan.
"I told you you're own brother would betray you, Lord Tirek.", Dark Reaper said standing next to Tirek.
"You were right and thanks to your warning I was more than prepared for those fools.", Tirek said.
"We I did told you all about Eqeustria and it's vast magic after all.", Dark Reaper said.
"And you are more than willing to betray your home and your master Starswirl.", Tirek said. "You're evil is almost a match for my own. Now all of Equestria is mine!"
"I'm afraid there's a change of plan.", Dark Reaper said as she cast a Magic Drain spell of Tirek.
"What?! No!", Tirek screams as the magic leaves his body and he change into his frail weaken state. "You betrayed me!"
"You always said treachery and deceit are the corner stones of power.", Dark Reaper said. "Can you blame me for learning your lessons so well?"
Tirek could only chuckle in amusement. "It appears I trained you too well as a teacher I am very impressed."
Tirek then falls unconscious and Dark Reaper walks to the defeated heroes. She cast a spell healing their injuries and alter their memories into thinking that they defeated Tirek.
"Oh, how devastating it'll be when they learn the truth."
"No...", was all Luna can said after watching the whole scene.
"Now, you know the truth. You never defeated Tirek back then and you never defeated him now.", the stallion said. "Equestria is now a lost cause and beyond saving. Leave this place and never come back. You are a failure to not only to your kingdom, but to your mother as well."
The stallion makes his leave only to Luna to gallop in front of him and enter a begging bow.
"Please! I know how much of a failure to my kingdom and to my mother. I'm know how much of a coward I am! I was treated like a ragdoll again Miasma and I got caught by a broken-horn unicorn easily.", Luna cries breaking into tears. "With the Element Bearers gone I'm one of the only defenses against our foes, but even with my best I could do nothing! Please! Give me another chance to prove myself. I don't want to see Equestria suffer. I promised my mother to protect it!"
"Very well.", the stallion said. "Normally I don't give second chances, but your plea convince me that there is still hope for you yet. However you must still pass the trials, which you failed to do during your time a princess."
"I'll do anything.", Luna said. "Thank you!"
"First things first.", the stallion said before casting his spell on Luna removing her horn, wings, cutie mark and her magic causing her eyes to turn white. "You must climb to the top of the mountain without magic. That is your first trial."
With that said the stallion teleports outs of the area.
"Why do I get the feeling fighting Tirek is much easier than this?", Luna asks herself as she starts climbing.
In Assassin's dream...
Assassin was cleaning his katana when suddenly Dream Trixie wearing japanese clothing hits Assassin's head with a slipper.
"What was that for?", Assassin asks in annoyance.
"I apologize. You were showing off so much that I could not resist.". Trixie said.
Dream Dream Scape also dressing in japanese clothing enters the room.
"Please help me!", Dream Scape said. "I cannot sleep!"
"What for you mean?", Assassin asks.
"In my dream... a freaky alicorn... I'm really scared!"
"Assassin!", Shining Armor shout wearing samurai armor enters the room. "We've got a situation!"
"What's the matter, Captain?", Assassin asks revealing himself to be wearing ninja clothing.
"There's a corpse at the town square!", Shining said. "Wait a minute..."
Shining looks at himself.
"What are you having me do, Assassin?", Shining asks looking at his armor. "This is your dream that you brought me too."
"Eh? ", Assassin asks before coming to realization. "Oh! That's right. To stop myself from sleeping I watched those drama movies I picked up when I was away from Mystica."
Assassin, Shining and Dream Scape hurries to the crime scene and sees Dream Storm Cloud in charge of the investigation.
"So you're here?", Storm Cloud asks.
"So, where is the one who has gone to the afterlife?", Assassin asks.
"Castle Entertainer and Jester... Discord.", Storm Cloud answers removing the cover revealing Discord's body. "It seems he slipped and drowned from a lack of sleep in the fountain."
"Hey, isn't this Discord?!", Shining asks.
"Plus he's smiling. I guess not even death can stop that.", Assassin said clearly impressed.
Dream Discord's body gets up causing everypony to back up and scream.
"This isn't a smile. It's a face frozen in terror.", Dream Discord said. "And... the one who frighten me this much..."
Before he could finish a blowpipe needle hits his neck causing Discord to fall back down dead, again.
"Over there!", Shining said pointing to where the needle was fired.
"Why is she in your dream?!", Darkhorse Knight shouts casting a spell to shrink Dream Scape and stuffs her inside his saddlebag. "Later!"
"Hold it!", Assassin shouts flying to the air giving chase.
"Out of the way!", Darkhorse shouts flying through the crowded street. "I said move! Move!"
He then spots Assassin chasing after him. "Stay away!"
Darkhorse summons a building in front of Assassin.
"What the...?!", Assassin shouts as he crashes through.
Luna looks down after reaching a resting spot of the mountain.
"I can't even see the botton and still there's still more to climb.", Luna pants. "I guess I relied too much on magic to the point my body is no longer physically fit. I wonder if Miasma had to deal these hardships each day."
With that said Luna continues climbing.
Assassin manage to catch up to Darkhorse and pins him to the wall with a chariot. Darkhorse's saddlebag flies in the air and Assassin catches it. Dream Scape grows back to full size in Assassin's arms.
"Answer me!", Assassin demands. "Why put the ponies into comas?! Specifically the students?"
"Everything was for her.", Darkhorse answers struggling to break free.
"For Dream Scape? What's that mean?!"
"It was a fated meeting. I am her prince."
"Huh?"
Assassin then feels somepony stroking his face.
"Not now, Dream Scape!", Assassin said turning to her only to see Dream Fleur de Lis. "Eh? Who are you?!"
Assassin then turns back to the pinned Darkhorse only to find Dream Prince Blueblood pinned in his place. "Oh, and you?"
"Move! Move!", Blueblood screams painfully.
"Oh! Huh? What's this?!", Assassin said completely lost.
"Dummy! Later!", the freed Darkhorse said fleeing with the once more shrunken Dream Scape.
"Hey! Stop!", Assassin shouts, but is stuck dealing with Fleur and Blueblood first.
Luna finally makes it to the top of the mountain and there in front of her is the Gold Castle of Stormberg.
"Castle I wish to enter.", Luna calls out to it.
"Welcome, Luna. Long have I awaited your arrival.", the castle answers opening the gate allowing Luna access. To her surprise she sees the stallion she met at the base of the mountain standing before her.
"Ah, you made it. For a moment I though you didn't.", the stallion said.
"You are the Keeper of the Castle? Why didn't you tell me?", Luna asks.
"You never asked.", the stallion answers before his body fades away and a pillar of light emerges from a large hole in the center of the castle. "I am Light Hope and what you see before you is my true form."
"Do you know why I am here?"
"I do and it is a grave situation indeed. The enemy you face before you are beyond those you have fought in the past and they are finding means to become even stronger.", Light Hope said. "Not only do they surpass you in magic, but their bodies and physical strength as well."
Light Hope shows Luna, Miasma's training time in the beach. Miasma only use her magic in a more conserving way mainly using it to finish off foes, while most of the damage was done through sheer brute force. She even shatters an Automaton into pieces by punching it as fast as a machine gun.
"Even if Tirek drained all of her magic, her physical abilities are more than enough to defeat him."
"We relied too much on magic and it cost us greatly. I couldn't even dodge an orb from turning me into stone."
"Indeed, Tempest Shadow is the only pony in Equestria that had actually harmonized her body."
"What do you mean?"
"Just like day and night they must by harmony with your body, mind and magic, and it is the body we must focus on now. Be warn this training will be harsh and brutal."
"I already came this far. I will not back down."
Assassin resumes his chase on Darkhorse Knight.
"See if you like this?", Darkhorse said as he casts a spell. Assassin's wings disappear and he finds himself riding a bicycle.
"What is this?!", Assassin screams struggling to properly ride the bike as he continues pursuing Darkhorse. "Hey! Stop screwing around! Why, you! Stop!"
"Pests, disappear!", Darkhorse said having all the dream ponies to disappear.
Darkhorse runs through the gate of a japanese version of Canterlot Castle running out of breathe.
"The Shogun of Feudal.", an unknown voice announce as Shining Armor comes out of the building now dressed as a completely armored japanese shogun with two sashimono on his back.
"Hey! Hey! Hey! You better not be causing trouble in my city.", Shining said intimidatingly. "Wait... What are you having me do now, Assassin?"
Assassin staggers through the gate completely out of breath.
"You're annoying. Get lost!", Darkhorse said casting a spell to get rid of Shining Armor, but nothing happen. "What?! Why isn't it working?"
"Just like you, I too am a special condition in this world.", Shining explains.
"Wait, you're the real one! I put you to eternal sleep!", Darkhorse said. "And only I and Princess Luna should be the only one able to enter others' dreams!"
"Although temporary the potions Zecora brewed made it possible.", Shining Armor said. "Now, answer me. Who are you? Professor Snooze?"
"Snooze? Wrong.", Darkhorse answers. "I already put him to sleep."
"Professor Snooze.", Dream Scape call out knocking the door before entering. "Are you in here?"
She sees Professor Snooze a victim to Darkhorse, causing her to drop her books and screams loudly.
Trixie pokes her head up.
"What was that scream just now?", Trixie wonders when suddenly the doors gets torn down by a Artificial Alicorn.
"Well. Well. I originally came to steal the Alicorn Amulet, but it looks like I found something just as valuable.", the alicorn said. "The Perfect Artificial Alicorn along with a candidate."
"How did you get past the guards?", Trixie asks in panic.
Behind the Artifical Alicorn is a hallways littered with beaten Royal Guards.
"We really suck at our job.", the guard groans in pain.
"If you're not Professor Snooze then just who are you?", Shining asks before disappearing.
"Shining?", Assassin calls out in shock at his friend's sudden disappearance.
"HHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPP!", Trixie screams carrying the comatose Shining Armor on her back fleeing from the Artificial Alicorn.
"Lucky! Now the obstacle is gone.", Darkhorse cheers. "I can take my time to finish you off."
Darkhorse attack Assassin forcing him on the defense.
The Artificial Alicorn continues to give chase on Trixie then a green orb strikes his leg slowly turning it to stone, but the alicorn breaks out of his confinement.
"It's been a long time...", the Artificial Alicorn said turning to the pony behind him. "...Tempest Shadow."
"It has indeed...", Tempest said. "...Blood Stalk."
Eternal Nightmare - Awakening
Assassin is having a hard time fighting off Darkhorse Knight, due to his having a home advantage.
"You!", Dream Trixie screams running to Assassin. "You! Shining is in trouble!"
"What's wrong with Shining?", Assassin asks.
"He's just in trouble!"
"I get it already!", Assassin said. "This is a dream! Wake up, me! WaKe up! Wake up!"
Assassin slaps himself hoping to wake up.
"It's no use.", Darkhorse said. "I control this dream. You can't wake up by your own will. Be good and disappear!"
Darkhorse throws his net, which Assassin avoids.
"Hurry up!", Dream Trixie screams shaking Assassin.
"I know already!", Assassin shouts in annoyance as Darkhorse prepares to throw his net again.
"Cleaning? Do it later.", Darkhorse said to himself. "Hey! Do't open the door without permission!"
"Hey... What are you saying?", Assassin asks suspiciously.
"Damn it!", Darkhorse curse. "Damn ponies coming in. Your dream is dangerous! I'm never entering it again."
With a wave of his hoof Assassin wakes up.
"What's going on?!", Cadance asks feeling the castle shaking.
"We have an intruder! He seems to be after Shining Armor."
"Shining!", Cadance said running out of the throne room.
Tempest attacks Stalk with her martial arts skill.
"You've improved since we last met.", Stalk said easily dodging his attacks. "I believe that was when we gave the Storm King the Staff of Sacanas and those Obsidian Orbs."
Tempest throws another Obsidian Orb, but Stalk destroys it with a magical beam.
"Now, why didn't the princess done that?", Trixie asks in realization.
"I'm rather disappointed when I heard your redemption.", Stalk said. "You could've come to me and I would've repaired your horn. I could've given you even more power like this."
Lightning shoots down from the sky, piercing through the roof straight towards Tempest. Cadance jumps in time and makes a barrier to stop the attack.
"Ah, the false princess has arrive.", Stalk said in amusement.
"You're an artificial alicorn, are you?", Cadance asks.
"So you know of us.", Stalk said. "Indeed I am an Artificial Alicorn. You're replacement, weakling!"
"I'll show you weak!", Cadance shouts firing a powerful beam. Stalk simply shrugs and stops it with his bare hoof, but to his surprise he was actually being pushed back.
"What?!", Stalk shouts using his other hoof, but is still being pushed back. Not only that the armor on his hooves are starting to melt. Eventually Stalk is force to teleport of way removing his melted gauntlets. "Impossible, our records showed that you were nowhere near this powerful."
"You think I'd just lay down and cry over how easily I got captured or beaten?!", Cadance said. "I've watched Twilight save Equestria many times, while I just be taken a prisoner! Shining is also risking his life to the point of exhausting himself to death."
Cadance fires a large energy sphere. Stalk summons his sword to cut it down, but the large sphere splits into four smaller spheres around him and then explode.
"If I just do nothing and just let myself be protected, those I love will push themselves harder and one day may lose their life."
Cadance casts a water spell to soak Stalk up and then an electrical spell with the water giving additional damage.
"The Tirek incident haunted my the most! I sit in Tartarus, while Twilight fought Tirek and my husband nearly killing himself attempting a suicidal attack!"
Stalk summons lightning bolts to rain down on Cadance, but she summons a barrier made out of crystals which absorbs the attack and reflects it back to Stalk.
"Where is this power coming from?", Stalk asks in disbelief getting back up with cracks on his armor. "Even if she strengthened herself with love it shouldn't be enough to overpower me! Not only that those spells she cast. Most of them were lost in time and haven't been rediscovered. If I can't kill you with magic, the I'll just rip you apart with my bare hooves!"
Stalk charge towards Cadance at high speed and sword in hand. Stalk swings his blade towards the neck, but Cadance delivers a powerful kick sending Stalk crashing down through four floors. Cadance jumps into the hole she made.
"Is this the same princess I captured so easily?", Tempest asks appalled .
"I was just about to the same question.", Trixie said.
"Alright what training course did you give?", Assassin asks the comatose Shining Armor. "Right, he's in a coma."
"In this case...", Stalk said weakly grabbing an Obsidian Orb. "Let's see how she like this."
Just as Cadance lands Stalks throws his orb and with that Cadance turns to stone.
"Not so tough now are you?", Stalk said grabbing his sword and preparing the shatter it. He then sees the statue starting to shake and crack. "That's impossible..."
Cadance breaks out of her confinement with ease.
"H-how did you?"
"Simple...", Cadance said picking up a piece of obsidian. "After turning into a statue again by Gold Star, I realize I have to do something about it."
"Tempest can I speak with you for a bit?", Cadance asks walking to the broken horn unicorn.
"Here...", Temepst said handing Cadance an Obsidian Orb. "These are one of the few I have left."
"This is plenty enough.", Cadance said holding the orb and closing her eyes.
"I have the power to control and create crystals, but the problem is that I can't do the same on the ones I'm unfamiliar with.", Cadance said manipulating the obsidian to change shape and size. "After studying the orb Tempest lent me I now have proper control with this type of crystal now. In other words your orbs are useless on me now."
"This in inconceivable! Equestria should be defenseless without the Elements!"
"Gold Star was right about a few things. Equestria can't rely on the Elements on every problem.", Cadance said. "Now get out of my aunt's castle and stay away from my husband!"
Cadance extends her wings and with a powerful flap combined with her magic creates a miniature tornado which sucks Blood Stalk in and flies out of the castle. As it happens he drops a injector gun along with an Essence Bottle.
"Remind me not to get on her bad side.", Trixie said climbing down the hold as Cadance picks up both the gun and bottle.
"Looks like our enemies will have to think twice on calling you weak.", Assassin said. "Although I think you did more damage to the castle than the intruder."
"Sorry about that.", Cadance said blushing. "By the way have you figure anything out?"
"I think I know the truth behind this attack.", Assassin said. "Let's head back to the research lab."
"Thanks to that intruder all appointments have been cancelled.", Cadance said. "Tempest you handle the rest."
"I'll proceed with the restoration immediately."
"Dream Scape... by any chance...", Assassin starts. "You call everyone in the lab your fated prince. Isn't that right?"
"T-that's farfetched even for her! ", Trixie said.
"I did.", Dream Scape said.
"No way!"
"When guys are nice to me, I can't help but think that.", Dream Scape said remembering every hug she made to her classmates and declaring her love.
"I don't know if this is love or stupidity.", Cadance whispers to Assassin.
"I'm afraid those words have caused someone to turn into a monster.", Assassin said. "A prince who put all his romantic rivals into a coma, while attacking others just to increase his power in case somepony tries to stop him."
The trio confronts Sweet Dream.
"What do you want from me?", Sweet Dream asks.
"Well...", Assassin starts as the cleaning lady picks something up from the table.
"Hey! Don't touch that!", Sweet Dreams yells at the lady.
"Ah... I'm sorry!", the lady apologizes putting the object back and leaves.
"So, what did you want?", Sweet Dream asks sitting down. "I'm really sleepy right now. Can we do this later?"
"Then I'll get straight to the point.", Assassin said. "You're Darkhorse Knight, right?"
Sweet Dream makes no response.
"Well? Are you silent because you admit to it? Hmmm?", Trixie asks.
"Hey! How about saying something?", Assassin said grabbing Sweet Dream only to find Sweet Dream's body limp and not waking up.
"No way!!", Trixie screams as Cadance and Assassin stares in shock.
One ambulance trip later...
The trio finds themselves in a dead end.
"It wasn't him and he was the last suspect!", Trixie said. "Then just who is it?!"
"Pony feathers...", Assassin curse. "Looks like my only choice is to check through my dreams."
"You can't. Didn't Darkhorse already tell you?", Cadance said. "He's not entering your dream again."
"And we can't risk having you to go.", Assassin said. "We really are stuck."
"Then it's settled! The Great and Powerful Trixie shall go to sleep!", Trixie declares.
"No you're not! You'll definitely become a victim.", Assassin said. "Anyway, if you don't make it back, there's no way to convey the info to me."
"There is."
"What?"
"I talk in my sleep."
"You lost to the Princess of Love?", an artificial alicorn asks before laughing like crazy. "Now this is just pathetic!"
Blood Stalk opens a vodka bottle and pours it to a glass with his hooves still shaking.
"She is more powerful than we originally anticipated. The incident with Tirek, Storm King and Gold Star just simply motivated her to improve. It put me through a terrible experience.", Blood Stalk said drinking the whole glass down.
"It appears Cadance is stepping up her game.", Gold Star said entering the room. "If that is the case then there is no doubt Celestia and Luna will do the same. No matter the Artificial Alicorn Project keeps on improving as time move forward, plus my End Game will put an end to all this."
Gold Star takes Blood Stalk's bottle and drinks it all down.
"Regardless I already increase Cadance's threat level to extreme.", Gold Star said. "I have a feeling what she did to Blood Stalk is just the tip of the iceberg."
Back in Canterlot Castle, both Cadance and Assassin watch over the sleeping Trixie.
"I've disconnected the orb from the headsets.", Assassin said to Cadance.
"Good, if we're not watching there is a good chance Darkhorse will reveal his identity.", Cadance said.
"This is Canterlot.", Trixie said in her sleep giving both Cadance and Assassin a brief scare. "My birthplace!"
"What clear sleep talking!", Assassin in amazement. "This might work..."
"I'm Trixie Lunamoon. Student of Princess Celestia and the greatest unicorn in all of Equestria.", Trixie narrates. "I usually work as a stage magician in my free time."
"Trixie, you seem pretty peppy today.", Dream Alicorn Twilight said dressed as a librarian. "What are you saving for?"
"Leave me alone! Working's my hobby.", Trixie said summoning flowers.
"Now that's impressive!", Dream Alicorn Starlight said. "That really gets to me!"
"What about you, Starlight? Any princess business going on?", Trixie asks.
"Not really. Things has gotten rather dull lately."
Trixie then sees a silhouette of an alicorn approaching.
"It's master! Master!", Trixie calls out excitingly.
The silhouette comes out of the shadow revealing to be an annoyed Cadance, albeit taller and have sparkling flowing mane.
"Trixie!"
"You completely forgot your target, haven't you?!", Cadance said in annoyance to the sleeping Trixie.
"Oh right. I came to find Darkhorse in my dream.", Trixie said remembering her assignment and starts looking around. "Where can he be? Darkhorse... Darkhorse... Darkhorse..."
She spots him on the castle.
"Ah! Hey's over there!", Trixie screams.
"You saw me? Then you're trapped in my Eternal Nightmare.", Darkhorse said.
"Cadance, make me an alicorn.", Trixie said in her dream causing Cadance and Assassin to fall down.
"That's not how becoming an alicorn works!", Cadance said.
Trixie steals Cadance's wings and puts them on her body.
"Those are mine!", Dream Cadance said as Trixie flies towards Darkhorse.
"Here I go!", Trixie said attacking Darkhorse. Trixie unpredictable way of fighting is giving Darkhorse a hard time as she chase after him all over Equestria. The two return to the castle with Trixie making her final charge. This time Darkhorse is prepared and punches her square in the nose.
"That hurt!!", Trixie screams in pain clutching her nose.
"In this world, everything is an image except me.", Darkhorse explains. "That includes you, transformed into an alicorn."
"What?! Just who are you?!", Trixie demands getting to his face. "I bet you think Dream Scape likes you! You're just some pathetic guy, right? Right?"
"What did you say?!", Darkhorse said clearly offended.
"Yeah! If you don't like that, then say your name!", the sleeping Trixie said.
"Oh! That's good, Trixie!", Assassin said. "Keep pressing him like that!"
"Fine. Even if I tell you, you can't tell anypony else.", Darkhorse said grabbing his net. "My identity is..."
Trixie keeps her ears open as the net comes closer and then she screams.
Cadance removes her royal attire and place them on the throne as they would get in the way when she fights.
"Good job, Trixie. We'll return you to normal soon.", Assassin said heading out first.
"Prince...", Dream Caste yawns drawing a picture of a prince and princess in the lounge. "Hurry and come for me."
"That is your dream, isn't it?", Assassin asks entering the lounge with Cadance.
"Well ever since I was just a little filly, I always had the same dream."
"Huh?", Assassin asks not getting it.
"A dream about the prince.", Dream Caste explains. "He would appear when I'm in a pinch, and gently say this, "I am connected to you by date. So someday, we will definitely meet.""
"That's why, whenever someone is nice to you, you always call him your fated prince.", Assassin said getting the facts straight.
"But that's not okay, is it?", Dream Caste said. "My words have hurt somepony. He has become a terrible monster."
"To protect you, I came to tell you the truth.", Assassin said turning around. The stallion who is making you suffer in your dreams... His name is..."
"Assassin, she's asleep.", Cadance interrupts. Assassin turns and finds Dream Caste fast asleep.
"Oh, come on!", Assassin shouts running to Dream Caste shaking her, but gets no response. "This is bad... At this rate, she'll fall into a coma too!"
Miasma returns to Celestia' dream and sees Celestia still weeping, but not only that her mane is pink and her cutie mark is gone.
"It seems you've forsaken your alicorn magic and your immortality.", Miasma said. "Too bad you can't age instantly to dust, but then again what do I know about immortality. You're the first to given it up."
Miasma pulls out a injector gun and place the Daybreaker Essence Bottle in.
"Don't worry, you'll feel all better once I turn you into Daybreaker.", Miasma said preparing to inject Celestia, when suddenly a blue beam blasts the gun out of Miasma's hoof. "So you survived after all, Luna."
Luna appears before Miasma spreading her wings and powering her horn in an intimidating stance.
"Leave me sister out of this!", Luna warns.
"Is that suppose to intimidate me?", Miasma asks. "I beaten you to a bloody pulp on our fight fight and electrocuted you a minute away from death on our second confrontation. I may not be as powerful in the Dream World, but what makes you think you'll beat me?"
"My mother fought impossible odds before, but not once has she given up and neither will I.", Luna answers. "I just need a reminder."
Miasma makes the first shot, but Luna avoids the attack by transforming into a shadow.
"What the...", Miasma said before being interrupted by a buck from Luna straight to the chin.
"Nowhere to run this time.", Assassin said as he and Cadance enters the lab.
"You!", Darkhorse said in shock. "Why are you here?"
"You have no place to run, Darkhorse. Or rather Sweet Dream!"
Darkhorse change into Sweet Dream. "How did you know?"
"We were surprised when we heard it from Trixie.", Assassin said. "Earlier, you appeared to go comatose here."
"But when I called the hospital just to be sure, they said you woke up and went home.", Cadance said.
"I thought you would suspect me, so I faked it.", Sweet said.
"That's the other question. I understand your classmates and the others, but why Dream Caste? Don;t you love her?", Cadance asks.
"You don't get it and you call yourself the Princess of Love?", Sweet Dream said. "She likes me. She thinks I'm her fated prince. Yet she smiles at other men. Even that Royal Guard, or you, even that weirdo professor. It was so painful. I wasn't able to sleep for days. Then after receive this power from Miasma, I made my move. I trap Dream Caste into eternal sleep and have her all to myself in the Dream World."
"You know I've seen all kinds of love from good to bad, but your case it's pathetic level.", Cadance said.
"Hey, now.", Sweet Dream said. "What are you, a pathetic alicorn, looking down on me for?"
Sweet Dream injects himself with the Nightmare Moon essence changing to Darkhorse Knight.
"That pisses me off.", Darkhorse said firing a powerful magical blast at the two. Cadance blocks it with her crystal dome, but was still blasted out of the building.
"He's stronger than the intruder.", Cadance said.
"He gets stronger of each person having a nightmare, can use their magic and have the power of an Artificial Alicorn.", Assassin said. "My guess right now is that he is on the same level as Tirek after taking all the magic including Discord."
"So we're basically screwed."
"Tell me, can Celestia do this?", Darkhorse asks focusing the sun rays into a deadly laser beam firing on them.
"Can Celestia do that?", Assassin asks nervously.
"No, she can't! Run!", Cadance screams avoiding each shot.
Assassin launch a sneak attack from behind only to crash onto a shield. Assassin attempts to cut through only for his weapon to bounce off.
"Shining Armor's shield was never this strong!", Assassin said jumping off.
"Don't you get it? I am capable to using the full potential of magic and use them better than their original owners.", Darkhorse said.
"At this rate we'll be killed!", Assassin said dodging another shot.
Luna shapes the shadows around her into blades at attack Miasma at once. Miasma summons her own blades and quickly blocks them off.
"You were gone for a day!", Miasma said in frustration. "How could you have improved this much in a day?"
"I'm afraid that's a secret.", Luna said. "And right now I have lives to save."
Luna closes here eyes and six stars circle around her. The stars energy transfer to Luna horn and she fires a large powerful blast straight towards Miasma. Miasma immediately creates a barrier to block it and struggles to do so.
"If I can't stop it, then I'll just drain it!", Miasma opens her mouth in an attempt to drain the magic from the attack, but nothing happens.
"It's useless, magic draining only works on living beings not magical objects.", Luna said. "If it was possible Tirek would've simply drained the Alicorn Amulet of it's magic as well."
Miasma screams as the blast breaks through her barrier and engulfs her completely. As the smoke clears Miasma still stands albeit severely injured.
"Not bad, it looks like I'll have somepony worth fighting after all.", Miasma chuckles in amusement. "Don't get cocky. I'm not at my strongest in the Dream World, our fight in the real world will be much different. I'll be waiting."
"And I'll be coming for you.", Luna said.
"Here's another thing. There was another reason why we stole Twilight Sparkle.", Miasma said. "You recall giving your alicorn magic to Twilight along with Celestia and Cadance."
"Yes, what your point?", Luna asks.
"Watch this.", Miasma said creating a screen of Twilight's fight against Tirek.
"It appears we are at an impasse. How about a trade, Princess Twilight?"
Luna widen her eyes in shock and realization.
"That's right! Tirek possess the magic of everypony in Equestria along with Discord, excluding the alicorn magic. The combine power of you, Celestia and Cadance is nowhere near that level, yet when at the hands of Twilight Sparkle she fought to a stand still with Tirek, perhaps possibly overpower him."
Luna knew Twilight Sparkle was special, but she never knew she was this powerful.
"Now tell me, how is it a mere unicorn that turned into an alicorn have the magic that surpass the combine might of all three alicorns, two which happen to be daughter of Lauren Faust.", Miasma asks. "There can only be one possible explanation. Twilight Sparkle is the reincarnation of Lauren Faust herself, which means having Twilight Sparkle is like having Lauren."
Miasma could only laugh as she fades away from the Dream World leaving Luna in shock.
"For now, I have to wake everyone up by breaking their nightmares.", Luna said shaking what Miasma told her aside for now.
"Cadance!", Shining scream seeing his wife being restrained by two Artificial Alicorns.
"Shining!", Cadance said weakly.
"Shining Armor.", Gold Star said appearing from the mist. "Behold, the last moments of your loved one's life."
Gold Star raises his flintlock.
"No! Stop!!", Shining screams moving to stop this, but it was too late as Gold Star fires. Cadance's crown falls to the floor landing near Shining's hooves.
"S-Shining...", Cadance said closing her eyes one last time.
"Cadance!!", Shining screams in despair and rage. "Gold Star..."
A dark aura surrounds Shining Armor as his rage seethes.
"You heartless beast...", Shining roars consuming himself into darkness.
"It certainly wasn't easy spiriting her away.", Gold Star laughs. "Go ahead. Hate me. You hate me enough to wish death upon me, don't you?"
"You... You'll pay for this..."
Wings are slowly growing out of Shining Armor back, while his body slowly grows larger.
"That's it! Use your rage! Your hatred! When they are at the peak you will become the Perfect Artificial Alicorn... No, the Perfect Alicorn!"
"It if means getting Cadance's revenge, I'll do it. I'll fall into darkness and become the Perfect Alicorn. Cadance, forgive me... I can't honor your wish..."
Darkness completely consumes Shining Armor and he finally transform into the Perfect Alicorn.
"Shining...", Cadance said getting back up, shocking everyone.
"What?! You should be dead!", Gold Star said.
"You have caused enough damage.", Luna calls out causing Gold Star and his two Automatons to disappear. Cadance walks over to the fallen Shining Armor.
"Shining, I can feel your pain and suffering.", Cadance said hugging her husband. "Whenever I'm in danger and there was nothing you could do about it you feel like you betrayed the very cutie mark you bore. I too share the blame for it is because I always play victim to the point you sold your soul to the darkness itself. You're willing to do anything to protect, but now it is my turn to protect you. I don't want you as the Perfect Alicorn, I want you as my knight in shining armor."
Beneath the helmet shed tears and returns the hug.
"From now on, let us protect each other.", the two said together as the light engulfs them.
Starlight could only back away in fear from Chrysalis.
"This time has come for me to end Equestria once and for all!", Chrysalis declares as her body once more transform into a large tree-like being with tentacles and a scarier face. Starlight backs against the wall and Chrysalis approach her. Starlight could only close her eyes awaiting her fate, but notice that nothing happen. She opens her eyes and finds herself in the Changeling Kingdom.
"Do not be afraid Starlight. I am now here.", Princess Luna said appearing before Starlight. Suddenly the pre-monstrous Chrysalis emerges from the wreckage of her throne hissing in anger.
"This is...", Starlight said remembering this scene.
"After seeing what became Chrysalis you blamed yourself for what happened to her.", Luna said. "As much as I despise her for what she had done after seeing what was done to her. I too feel sorry for her. Nopony deserve such a fate, not ever her. Although this is a dream this is a change to make things right."
Starlight nods and walks over to Chrysalis and hugs her.
"I know about your past and why you feed on love.", Starlight said to the surprised Chrysalis. "It is because you were never loved by your family. You fear your powerful mother and I too am scared at her capabilities, but that will not stop us from being your friends... no, a family you always wanted."
Hearing those very words got Chrysalis to cry and hug back. Chrysalis' body glows and explode throwing Starlight Glimmer off of Chrysalis, to be caught by Luna's soft magic. The two look up and see Chrysalis' new form.
"This is a dream right?", Starlight asks.
"A dream and perhaps a vision of the future.", Luna said. "However healing Chrysalis' empty heart will be much more difficult than in this dream."
The solar ray laser stops firing much to everyone's confusion.
"What happened? I was having fun!", Darkhorse said trying to cast the spell again. "Why am I suddenly losing power?"
"Something must've happened in the dream world.", Assassin said. "I don't know what, but this is our chance!"
"Right!", Cadance said as the creates six golden rings and launch them on Darkhorse one at a time. The rings then make a sharp turn back and strikes Darkhorse Knight simultaneously creating a massive explosion.
The exhausted Darkhorse reaches for the broken injector gun and essence bottle.
"D-Dream Caste... We'll have a fun dream together...", Sweet Dream said before falling unconscious.
Shining Armor and Flash Sentry escorts the cuffed Sweet Dream to the prison carriage.
"Even though they were nightmares, I slept rather well.", Trixie said stretching her body. "So we don't have to worry about anymore nightmares?"
Shining Armor place Sweet Dream inside the carriage as Dream Scape burst through the crowd.
"Excuse me. Let me see him.", Dream Scape calls out. Flash tries to stop her, but gets pushed aside easily.
"Sweet Dream.", Dream Scape calls out through the bars. "I'm sorry. I'll be wait. Not for my fated prince, but for you to return."
"Dream Caste."
"It's a promise.", Dream Caste said as the carriage leaves.
Luna sits on her throne pondering over what Miasma told her.
Cadance an essence bottle and injector gun that Blood Stalk dropped to a blonde unicorn.
In Celestia's room, a crown is thrown hard to the wall shattering it to pieces.
The Crown of Faust - Alicorns
A single black flower suddenly blossoms~
Get excited and start your schemes~
Your cunning will flow out steadily non-stop!
A world in the crevice of your heart~
"Very nice!", two music staff members said clapping their hooves, however the head agent is unimpressed.
"No, no, no! What's with you two? Huh?", the agent said to his staff members before turning to the singer. "Leave."
"Huh? No way!", the singer asks.
"Well, what I'm looking for...", the agent said. "Is the kind of bold and innovative new idol that could crush all the others!"
He points to the poster of Coloratura, Songbird, Octavia, Vinyl and so on.
"You look like a combine version of all of them, so...", the agent said making an X with his hooves.
The singer could gasp in horror, while a orange-eye Changeling hides under a table.
"I guess he would've seen her before, considering we copied her off some celebrities we saw!", the Changeling said looking at a magazine.
"And I wanted to gather some juicy pony happiness!", the singer whines.
Rose of the Love bursts into the room surprising everypony inside. The two staff members scream and tries to intimidate Rose with their fighting pose. Rose responds by bashing their heads together and tossing them aside. The agent enters his fighting stance, but Rose simply restrains him with an arm lock.
"Ow, ow, ow! What's that for, man?!", the agent asks painfully.
"I need your help, Ambrosia.", Rose said. "It just so happens I found something interesting."
"What would that be, Rose?", Ambrosia asks changing to her Changeling form surprising the agent.
"Eeeehhh? You're one too?!"
Vanhoover...
"Star Swirl?"
"Hmm?", Star Swirl turns to the direction where somepony spoke his name. The pony is hooded and cloaked, but underneath the hood is a face Star Swirl recognize. "By my beard, Silver Hall is that you? What a coincidence."
"The hell it's a coincidence!", Silver Hall shouts in annoyance. "You've been missing for a thousand years and now here you are! I've been so worried that I believed that you died in a ditch somewhere!"
Silver Hall then calms down after a deep breathe
"I'm sure you have a good idea, why I'm here.", Silver Halls said.
"So it's finally time.", Star Swirl said looking up to the sky. "Celestia's and Luna's training to the next level."
"Originally their mother should be in charge to their training, but since she's currently missing a substitute in needed.", Silver Hall said. "It took my this long to finally convince the council to accept."
Absolutely not!", a council member shouts. "They are nothing but failures! Celestia, Luna, Cadance and every single Alicorn Candidates. The only one we'll accept to train to the next level is Twilight Sparkle."
"I agree, some of the candidate and Luna herself fell into darkness and nearly caused cataclysmic events.", a female council member said. "Nightmare Moon, the abuse of the Alicorn Amulet, abuse of the Element of Magic, and unauthorized use of changing time."
"I consider Celestia the worst of them all.", a third council member said looking over a list. "Partially responsible for the creation of Nightmare Moon, failure to properly protect the Elements of Harmony from Discord, disregard her student of a Changeling Queen disguised as her niece and having a wedding during a threat, failure to save the Crystal Empire, losing to Tirek only to be saved by an evil unicorn now fallen alicorn, giving magic to an inexperienced alicorn, and it keeps on going."
"I gave Faust my word to train them should she be unable to.", Silver Star said. "Is there any way to change your mind?"
"There is one, but the cost will be great.", the head council member said. "They must find the Crown of Faust hidden in Equestria. A test Faust herself personally create should it come to this, but be warned should they fail... Calestia, Luna, and Cadance will no longer be alicorns, while the candidates will lose their rights to become alicorns."
"I have great faith in them. They will pass the test.", Silver Hall said.
"The Crown of Faust?! Are they mad?! No! Insane?!", Star Swirl shouts in outrage. "The crown is hidden in Tartarus! Within Gadoma! Going there is like a death sentence!"
"The council already made their decision, so there's no going back.", Silver Hall said. "The quest for the crown will start tomorrow."
Princess Luna sits down on her throne still pondering over what Miasma told her.
'Twilight Sparkle being the reincarnation of my mother?', Luna thought. 'That could explain her magical potential, but the reincarnation theory is only possible if my mother is dead and there in no confirmation of her death.'
Luna then looks to Starlight and Trixie still struggling to free Discord from his crystal prison.
'Come to think of it, Starlight possess similar capabilities.', Luna thought then looks at Cadance and Shining looking at photos of the Artificial Alicorns. 'Artificial Alicorns... Wait! Is it possible that Gold Star was not the first to attempt to create an alicorn!'
"Luna... Auntie Luna... Are you listening?!", a male voices calls out snapping Luna out of her thought. Luna looks up and sees a short blue mane unicorn in front of her.
"Oh, sorry Blueblood. I'm just lost in thought.", Luna said putting her hoof on her forehead.
"You do know I no longer go by the name given to me just to hide my identity. I prefer my actual birth name, Raito Templar.", Templar said.
"I see you changed your look.", Luna said.
"Well this is what I originally looked like before my mother cast a spell to hide me from my father.", Templar said blushing. "By the way here's the report about the Templar Conspiracy you wanted."
"Thank you.", Luna said taking the book. "The Conspiracy happened during my time as a statue, but will provide me some answers."
"We should also focus on our current situation as well." Templar said. "The damage made by Sweet Dream is still lingering. The citizens are fearing of another attack and Aunt Celestia is still in her trauma."
"I may have prevented the damage from being permanent, but the damage is still severe.", Luna said looking at the shattered pieces of Celestia's crown.
"What do you want, Rose?", Gold Star asks still working on his project.
"I need to borrow Chrysalis on this mission.", Rose said.
"And why would I do that?", Gold Star asks. "You know she's vital for the End Game."
"I know, but I need her to help me get the Crown of Faust.", Rose said causing Gold Star to stop what he was doing.
"The Crown of Faust? Are you sure?", Gold Star asks. "Where is it?"
"In the last place where anyone would think of looking, Tartarus.", Rose answers.
"Yes, that makes perfect sense.", Gold Star said. "Who would think of finding something so powerful in a den of low lives?"
Gold Star then smiles.
"You've caught my interest. I'll lend you Chrysalis, but I must come along as well."
"Celestia, help me...", Twilight said weakly before a shadow grabs pulls her into the darkness.
"NNNNNNNOOOOOO!", Celestia screams, before finding herself tied to a wooden stake. Gold Star points his flintlock to Celestia's face and fires.
A bright white light consumes her and all of a sudden, she finds herself gasping loudly and crazily gasping. Celestia finds herself in her bedroom. Celestia starts to cry hearing voices haunting her.
"You've failed us for the last time!"
“We want Twilight Sparkle to be our new princess!”
“You don’t deserve your title! What kind of ruler puts their subjects lives in so much trouble?!”
"You're Reign is Over!"
"You poor, mare.", a voice calls out from the shadow revealing Miasma.
"You!", Celestia screams aiming her horn.
"Don't bother! I'm just a hallucination from your mind.", Miasma said. "Oh, how the mighty has fallen."
"Go away!"
"Running away from your problems?", Miasma asks. "Running away from the lives you have, could have or will destroy?"
"I... I..."
"After all this time, do you really still believe those lies you tell yourself? That what you did was right?"
"I never..."
"If you'd listen to Gold Star and agreed with at least a few of his suggestions, he would've never become one of Equestria's dangerous enemy.", Miasma said.
"If things gone differently with Tirek or the Storm King, Shining Armor would've lost everything and become the very thing he despised, a monster.", Miasma said showing a vision of Shining Armor losing everything and then becoming Black Armor slaughtering his enemies with no mercy, their blood forever staining his armor. "And all that happen because his sister, wife and daughter are alicorn princesses thus making them high value targets. While it may have been prevented with Tirek and the Storm King, it could happen."
Miasma towers over the cowering Celestia.
"It's your fault! Everything is your fault!", Miasma mocks. "You have everypony fooled thinking you're so high and mighty. So innocent, but I think you're even worse then the every enemies Equestria had fought off. Oh, how disappointed Faust would be."
Miasma then fades away back into the shadows as Celestia weeps in guilt..
Two Automatons hides the unconscious Cerberus out of plain sight, while Changeling transforms into Cerberus.
"Seriously? Just one dog guarding a prison?", Rose said. "Just another reminder of Celestia's stupidity."
Somewhere near the center of Tartarus, Chrysalis and Ambrosia are being attacked by ghosts. Chrysalis easily wards them off, but Ambrosia isn't so lucky and a whole bunch pile up on her. Gold Star and Lucky, the orange eye and carapace Changeling arrives with Lucky carrying a Jack-o lantern paper lantern.
"Ah, there they are!", Lucky said pointing to where Chrysalis and Ambrosia are. "Right there!"
Gold Star looks ahead and sees the body of Gadoma.
"Hang on, Ambrosia-sama! I'll save you!", Lucky screams charging towards the ghost.
"Looks like getting the crown won't be as easy as we originally thought.", Gold Star said walking up to the gate, which is Gadoma's face.
'While I no doubt improved, I'm still nowhere near Miasma's level of power, but what worries me more are the Alicorn Candidates.' , Luna thought reading the reports given to her. 'It all started after my birth during the final days of the invasion. Several nobles doubt my sister and I are incapable to ruling should something happen to mother, thus during her sleep they secretly took samples of her blood.'
Luna turns to the next page.
'However their attempts to make an alicorn came into failure as all of the test subjects died due to magical overload. It was then the first Templar came up with an idea, finding Alicorn Candidates and make them stronger by infusing mother's blood into them.
Luna turns to the next page detailing Alicorn Candidates.
'Alicorn Candidates are regular ponies possessing extraordinary potentials. Capable of doing feets beyond that of an average pony. Feets like the Sonic Rainboom or highly enhance magical capabilities.'
Luna then looks at Shining Armor with a sad look.
'Artificial Alicorns on the other hand are alicorns create through unnatural means and are born through hatred, despair, sorrow, and rage. The very opposite of what we regular alicorns represent. And Shining Armor was the perfect first test subject.'
Luna watches Shining Armor waking up from his nightmare and prepares to move to the next dream, but stops upon sensing a dark presence.
"You've only delayed the inevitable.", Black Armor said appearing before Princess Luna.
"You! How are you here?!"
"I'm the dark side of Shining Armor, like how Nightmare Moon is the dark side of you.", Black Armor. "We are just two sides of the same coin and one cannot exist without the other."
"I will not allow you take Shining Armor!"
"Shining Armor became me, because he wants to.", Black Armor said. "He wants the power to protect those he love and it all started when he started calling himself a failure."
"Shining Armor is not a failure!"
"He failed to stop the Changeling's infiltration of Canterlot, and then from abducting his family and himself, failed to take charge and protect the Crystal Empire himself, failed to prevent Tirek from reaching the you, your sister and niece, wasn't around when the Storm King minions turned you all to stone... and failed to live up to the role of a true prince.", Black Armor said. "How is that not failing?"
"Here are the very words Gold Star whispered to Shining Armor after the abduction of the Elements of harmony.", Black Armor said showing Luna the events that transpired. Before leaving Gold Star grabs Shining Armor and whispers quietly directly to the the ear.
"You are no prince. You are no protector. You are nothing. An accessory for your princesses to use as they see fit. A fool to be compared to his successful alicorn of a sister who outshines him at every turn. You've gained everything you have now based solely on your luck, and connections to those of higher position in life. You did not earn anything: it was handed down to you. Therefore, you are unfit to continue this charade you call life, and unfit to keep everything you possess.", Gold Star whispers. "I on the other hand have gained much. I am now your superior."
Back in Tartarus...
Gold Star walks to where the princesses were once imprisoned. He then looks up to where Tirek is currently residing and makes an evil smile.
Author's Note
The picture of Blueblood's Templar look belongs to GatesMcCloud .
The Crown of Faust - Failure and Success
Silver Hall walks across the streets of Canterlot towards the castle. He looks up to the castle and smiles.
"It feels like it was only yesterday.", Silver Hall chuckles heading down to memory lane.
2000 years ago, somewhere in the unknown...
"And the winner of this magic duel is... Lauren Faust!", an announcer announce as a young Lauren Faust waves to the audience, while two alicorn paramedics place an unconscious alicorn on a stretcher. As the crowd cheers, a navy blue alicorn stallion with silver mane and tail and a cutie mark of two crossed swords that are behind the shield stomps through the crowd leaving deep hoofprints on the concrete floor.
"FAUST!", the stallion shouts in frustration breaking through the crowd.
"Huh? Oh, hey Silver! Look! I won!", Lauren said pointing to the Winner: Lauren Faust screen.
"I don't care that you won!", Silver Hall shouts causing Faust to plug her ears as Silver continues. "Today's the day of the Elite Ten's final deliberation of the new members and nominations! You were also nominated, thus must participate! And yet here you are having magic duels!"
"Oh... I completely forgot about that.", Lauren said as Silver drags Lauren out of the area by pulling her tail with his magic.
An elderly olive-colored alicorn stallion with long spiky white hair with a mustache and a beard and a cutie mark of a laurel wreath stands before a crowd of one hundred alicorns with Silver Hall and Lauren Faust barely making it in time.
"Looks like Headmaster Divine is starting his speech.", Silver Hall said.
"Greetings.", Divine said. "Congratulations on becoming the nominees for the first formation of the Elite Ten. The Elite Ten will comprise of the top ten students of this academy, you could say being a member is like being a ruler of a kingdom."
The nominees wait anxiously as Divine opens an envelope and pulls out ten cards.
NAME: SILVER HALL
Silver Hall flies to the stage to take his seat.
NAME: LAUREN FAUST
Lauren Faust teleports to her seat.
NAME: HARVESTER
NAME: ELEMENTAL
NAME: FORGE
NAME: SEIG
NAME: HERBAL MEDICINE
NAME: CHRONA
NAME: FOURTH BREAKER
NAME: COLOSSUS
Nearly half of the nominees not chosen clap their hooves in joy, while the rest glares at Harvester, Herbal and Colossus in anger.
"Why were those mud-bloods chosen?"
"They're not even true alicorns?"
"Shut it! You want the Headmaster to punish us?"
"Yeah, also these ten are the most powerful alicorns to date. Their power rivals or even surpass the Headmaster himself."
"We've tried everything!", starlight scream in frustration after another failed attempt to free Discord.
"Have you tried the more obvious like 'Release, Discord'?", Templar asks.
"It's worth a shot.", Trixie said shrugging. "Release, Discord!"
The crystal glows and shoots Discord out like a cannon. Discord screams and crashes to the wall.
"NNNOOO!"
"That sounded like Celestia!", Cadance said.
Most of the ponies leave the throne room, leaving some and a aching Discord behind.
"That's right, just ignore poor old me.", Discord groans in pain.
Gold Star said reaching the top and watches as several airships are placing defense towers around the area.
"Let's see those fools break through these.", Gold Star said as an Automaton walks up to him and whispers. "Good, bring it here."
Automaton then whispers another thing to Gold Star.
"What?! Why is he here?", Gold Star asks in shock. "Tch! This is troublesome! Looks like I'm going to need his help."
Meanwhile Ambrosia is continuously annoying Rose to the limit.
"That's it!", Rose screams grabbing Ambrosia to the neck and prepares to punch her to the face. "This'll shut you up!"
"Time out!", Ambrosia said making a T with her legs and everything freezes. Ambrosia gets out of Rose's grip and moves to the side looking at the readers.
"What? You thought Pinkie Pie is the only one capable of breaking the fourth wall?", Ambrosia asks. "Please, I've been doing that much longer than that pink pony and she's a novice, while I'm a master. I just don't use it as much as Pinkie Pie."
Ambrosia picks Rose up and puts her in front of Gold Star.
"Time in!", Ambrosia said making a run for it as Rose punches Gold Star to the face knocking him to the ground.
"Oh! Gold Star, I'm sorry!", Rose said helping Gold Star up, while wondering what just happen.
"Celestia...", a voice calls out behind the sun princess. Celestia turns and sees Shining Armor, however this Shining Armor is different as he is horrendously disfigured. "Why did you do this to me? Why have you made me suffer?"
"I've done what I believed was right.", Celestia said sadly.
"You force my sister to fix your failures! You've endangered your kingdom with your mistakes! You've killed my family, because you never took matters into your own hooves!"
"I... I..."
"Nightmare Moon, Discord, Sombra, and Tirek! You could've fought along side with my sister, but instead you simply relaxed and enjoyed the luxurious comforts! You were selfish!"
"No!"
"You've destroyed everything I've held dear, so I will destroy everything you hold dear", the disfigured Shining Armor said, before transforming into Black Armor before walking to the balcony. Celestia follows and is horrified at what she sees. What was once a beautiful paradise is now a dying wasteland. Everything her mother worked to hard to maintain is destroyed thanks to her poor leadership.
"No! No! NNNOOO!", Celestia cries in grief collapsing on the floor.
"Sister/Auntie!", Luna and Cadance screams bursting into Celestia's room with Starlight and Shining Armor behind them. The two alicorns sees the illusion created by Celestia's own magic and quickly dissipates it with their own magic. "Sister, it's alright. It's just illusions created by your magic."
"Auntie, you must stop creating these illusions.", Cadance said. "It's destroying you."
“They are the truth, aren’t they?”, Celestia said with her face turning away in disgrace. “No matter what decision I have made, no matter how hard I try to put help keep this kingdom protected, it comes back to haunt me in the end. My legacy has been one of a series of failures. So many lives endangered, ruined all because of my mistakes.”
"I turned my sister into Nightmare Moon, because I ignored her plea when all she wanted was for ponies to notice your beautiful night. Because of that I was left to banish her to the moon for a millennium and lost my connection to the Elements in the process."
Luna knew that Celestia still had a heavy burden over the incident.
"Next was Gold Star. Although his methods were extreme they were all good intentions just to keep Equestria safe. His ideas of keeping Equestria wasn't just methods like executing prisoners, but also forming a decent military force and develop advance weaponry. And what did I do? I called him a madpony and sent him away. I literally sold Equestria out to the enemy."
Cadance knew what Celestia meant. Gold Star was a Captain of the Earth Pony Guards, thus possess vital information that could be dangerous at the wrong hands. His rank and years of service was more than enough to trick Cerberus to leave his post in order to free the prisoners in Tartarus. He is also a tactical genius.
"Then there is Chrysalis. She nearly turned Equestria into a buffet for the Changeling twice and the only reason we survive both attempts was just sheer dumb luck. I got beaten and then captured by the weakest of the Changeling Queens. If I can't handle her, what good am I against her more powerful sisters?"
Starlight knew that the incident between Chrysalis and Celestia was bad, but it turned out much worse than she thought. The other Queens confirmed that Chrysalis was the weakest among them that even the newest member, Rose surpass her greatly. Also losing twice against the same foe can hurt ones pride.
"The incident with Tirek is where everything starts to fall apart. Discord's betrayal to Tirek was the catalyst needed for Ryubee Templar to start his conspiracy by taking advantage of my mistake and expose my poor leadership. Because I trusted Discord, I ended up endangering my ponies lives with some of them joining with Templar or Gold Star and because I've endangered Cadance and Twilight as well Gold Star took the opportunity to slowly corrupt Shining Armor, by turning him into an Artificial Alicorn."
Cadance looks down sadly. If Twilight had indeed failed, then she, Celestia and Luna would still be in Tartarus now, drained of magic and doomed to spend eternity rotting away within it's vile confines. This would cause Shining Armor to suffer in grief and despair transforming into Black Armor. He would've blamed Celestia for all this and destroy Equestria.
"Finally, the Friendship Festival. I end up being turned to stone, while the Templar Conspiracy took place. Not only did Shining Armor came close to fully transform into Black Armor, but had Templar succeeded every single alicorn candidates would've become alicorns, but in exchange the non-candidates would've been sacrificed as that's 80% of the population."
"What's worse is that in my dream, Miasma told me all of the Artificial Alicorns were actually my former subjects, who lost faith in me. Shining Armor was the first, but after Tirek's defeat their numbers increased to 100, after the Friendship Festival the number increased to 500 and after Twilight's capture their numbers increased to 1000."
The four ponies simply look on as the eldest looks up slowly at the moonlit night. Her wings droop down as she felt like the last of her dignity and her restraints give way under an everlasting weight of doubt. She could no longer contain herself as she spoke up again choking on tears between brief pauses of her sentence.
"I'm the reason why Equestria lack a military force to fight off foreign threats. I'm the reason why Shining Armor is slowly falling to darkness. I'm the reason why Twilight and her friends are captured. I'm the reason why my subjects are becoming Artificial Alicorns. I'm the reason why Equestria nearly lost 80% of it's population. All because I'm a failure! A failure! A failure! A COMPLETE FAILURE!!!", Celestia finally breaks into tears as she lands against the floor covering her head beneath her forearms. It felt like hours had gone by before Celestia’s tears slowly began to dry away and her cries turned to gentler and gentler sobs. Starlight levitates a handkerchief to Celestia’s face and wipe away her tears before looking up with, much to Celestia’s surprise, a heartfelt smile; along with Cadence and Luna, though Shining's face remain neutral.
"Sister, I'm glad to have finally see you release your feelings like this. And I know that it will take some time to fully regain the trust of our subjects considering all that has happened, however...”, Luna said turning her smile to a sorrowful frown as her mood changed to that of seriousness before she continued. “Let me set this straight for you. What Miasma said about everything being your fault is only half true. She's making you believe the fault is entirely on you without considering the fault of others as well.”
Luna looks up to the moon.
"One thousand years ago, I envied on how the ponies praise your sun while shunning my night. I allow that jealously to ruin not only myself, by you as well.", Luna said looking back at her sister. "After my restoration and my visit to Ponyville for Nightmare Night, I learned something that I had never before tried in the time before and that was simply to interact with my subjects. Had I socialized with the ponies like you had rather than force their attention to me, then perhaps things would've gone differently."
Luna's words was a surprise to Celestia as she never thought her little sister would share the blame on the incident as well.
"I know that you failed the day of my wedding, but what could you do? Cancel the wedding?", Cadance asks. "Had you done so Chrysalis would think that we're on to her scheme, thus forcing her to resort to more drastic methods like killing Shining Armor just to get rid of the shield. Also when impersonating me, Chrysalis had every opportunity to know study her enemies like the time of day you are alone and vulnerable. You losing to Chrysalis was only because Chrysalis had years of combat experience fighting many battles in the Unknown, while Equestria on the other had been living in peace with little to no threats of invasion. The Changeling Empire Invasion is the first time Equestria fought a powerful foe backed with a powerful army since the days of Queen Faust."
Celestia knows that Cadance made a good point. She's no soldier or a military strategist, just a politician. Sure Equestria had to deal with powerful foes like Nightmare Moon, Discord, Sombra and Tirek, but they are just one person. Had they had an army backing them up, things would've been much more difficult. Starlight then walks up to Celestia.
"The Artificial Alicorns are much to blame as well. They see you as some sort of unstoppable deity capable of doing everything, failing to understand that your just an everyday pony like me. They refuse to accept the fact that you're not perfect.", Starlight said. "Even Queen Faust made mistakes, but rather than cry over it she simply moves forward and learned from the mistakes made."
"While I was mad after I learned that you've sent my sister to face off Nightmare Moon, I knew you had a good reason in doing so.", Shining Armor said. "I too share the fault as I was simply overprotective for my family. It was my overprotectiveness that gave Gold Star the opportunity to turn me into an Artificial Alicorn, whenever I fail to uphold my duty as a father, husband, brother and captain.
"We all make mistakes, but we all get better with them as a result of it all. You’re not a failure sister and you never were despite what was said. As Starlight said you're just an everyday pony like everypony else. There are time you have been left in an tough situation and had to deal with an abundance of tough choices as to what to do for the sake of all of Equestria."
"Despite all the hardship you had to endure, all the pain you had to work with and all the choices you had to pull yourself through, you kept on going.", Cadance said. "Despite your guilt over what happened to aunt Luna you pressed on by ruling an entire kingdom alone, raising the sun and the moon, ruling and protecting your subjects."
"Twilight may have been the one who save Equestria many times, but she couldn't have pulled them off without your teaching and guidance. You taught her not only how to research things correctly and how to find ways to help Equestria, and not only how to become a better pony to become a princess, but how to become a better pony than she was before when she believed for so long that it was nonsense. It was through your teaching that allowed Twilight to pass that knowledge to others like me, Sunset, and Tempest. Every achievement Twilight has made is your achievement as well. And everypony owes you so much princess.", Starlight said giving Celestia a comforting hug.
“And me auntie.”, Cadance hugging her closely.
"And me.", Shining Armor said joining in.
"And me as well dear sister.", Luna finish hugging her sister.
Celestia feels her broken heart being slowly put back together and filled with joy upon hearing those words. She unfold her wings and wraps them lovingly around her family; in Celestia's eyes she sees everypony in Equestria as family members. She embrace them closely as tears of happiness pour out of her eyes. Celestia knew that she had made mistakes, but she had also left some good to come from it by teaching more than she herself knew. The belief to inspire and set a better example not through always getting things resolved herself, but getting things resolved altogether. Their embrace comes to an end when the clock on the wall chimes telling Celestia that it is time to raise the sun. Celestia knows that she must deal with the ridicule and resentment from angry subjects.
"And fear not sister, we will be here for you to help restore the trust from our subjects.", Luna said in a comforting tone placing her hoof on her shoulder.
"I know it won't be easy to have them see who you truly are, but we will help you get through this and show them that you are worthy of your crown and title.", Cadance said with Shining nodding in agreement.
"Our enemies tried to turn the ponies against you and will continue to do so, but they will soon know that we will not allow them to take their trust away from you no matter what.", Starlight said. "For now though, it's time to announce the start of a brand new day."
Celestia smiles as she lifts up her head slowly and use her magic to slowly raise the glorious sun. The ponies watch as the night slowly drift away and rays of light beaming away the deep blue sky into a beautiful sapphire blue. A new day has arrive for the ponies of Equestria.
"We have much work to do. For today is the day we start working on a better Equestria we can all make everypony see.", Cadance said. "But we can't start off the day with an empty stomach."
The mares could only giggle as they head off for the doorway out to the corridoe, though Celestia stays behind to put on her royal jewelry. Celestia reaches for her crown only to remember that she shattered it. Celestia then decides not to restore her crown, until she fully regain the trust of her subjects. She will face her subjects head on, not just as a princess, but as an equal. Though she has made mistakes, she will work with them all to be corrected no matter what, knowing that with her fellow princesses, the message of harmony throughout Equestria will never be unhindered, not matter what perils they will face. She knows this because that it’s what her family has taught her most of all; to never give up on anypony. She stands up and trots after her ponies to the dining hall.
Nearby, Silver Hall the whole thing from the shadows.
"You have some fine kids, Faust.", Silver said. "Perhaps they and the candidates will open a new era, but for now it is a dawn of a new day in Equestria. A dawn of change and of optimism."
Silver the stares at a photo of Faust holding a just born Celestia.
The baby Celestia cries, but Faust calms her down with a kiss to the forehead.
"Welcome to Equestria, my little sunshine.", Faust said with tears of joy.
Intro belongs to One Piece
The song starts with all the Mane Six defeating Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, Tirek, and Pony of Shadows before a gigantic shadow hand engulfs them.
Cut to the Canterlot with the Wonderbolts soaring over, and the Mane Six running on the road together. Twilight gets ahead of them, and is then seen on flying to the sky. Queen Chrysalis is then shown walking in a foggy setting with her hooded cloak on. She then starts running as the screen flashes.
The scene change to Starlight running in the hallway, followed by Luna blasting a shadowed Miasma in the dungeon, Shining Armor clashing with Gold Star in the courtyard, Cadance unleashing her magic in the Treasure Room, Spike and CMC inside a giant cake, and Celestia facing off against Empress Irian.
Back at the Ponyville, where the Mane Six exits the castle and presents their friends a basket before cutting back to a stormy Changeling Imperial City, where several members of the Changeling Royal Family and their allies are seen. White Changelings are shown before their meeting with the Equestrians, as their queen smiles at the camera. Then flashcards of Sunburst, Flurry Heart, Thorax, the male friends of the Mane Six, followed by the females. The scene change to Starlight and Chrysalis facing off in the rain, both injured and with Chrysalis' body cracking as if it is shedding. The screen flashes again, showing the Equestrian flag in the wind.
Cut to the Starlight, Sunset, Moonlight, Trixie, and Tempest Shadow wearing special armor, showing off their enhanced magic. It then goes to the Changeling Six, lining up Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie in front of Empress Irian. It then moves to show Celestia and Luna awakening their full potential with a shadowed Lauren Faust behind them.
The opening finally cuts back to the Canterlot, panning over the Mane Six standing in a line with smiling Twilight at the end of it.
