Tartarus

Yes, my plan is slowly starting to fall into place. Soon enough not only will the Crystal Empire once again be mine, but the entire land of Equestria. A sinister chuckle escaped Sombra’s lips as he trotted back and forth in his private quarters. He trotted over to the mirror with his eyes flaming intensely Oh yes, Princess Celestia and her faithful elements shall finally fall at my hooves! His grin grew mischievously Now it’s time to put phase two of my plan into work. He turned and trotted out of his private quarters.

As he trotted out to the center of Tartarus, he saw his fellow villains conversing among each other. He stomped his hoof “Silence!” He glared at them as they suddenly quieted down “Now my faithful minions, have you all done your share in bringing this plan to rule Equestria to fruition?” He raised a brow.

“My children are ready to feast on the precious, loving, and unsuspecting hearts of all of those pathetic, weak ponies!” Chrysalis chuckled “After I unleash my dear little ones, I shall invade Canterlot, and make that righteous princess pay for the pain she has caused my family and I!” She sneered at the thought.

The Evil Queen stepped forward “As for I King Sombra, I have tamed those wild mongrels to best serve you.” A sly grin crept across her muzzle as she motioned toward the Diamond Dogs, but something was a little bit different with them.

“Oh King Sombra, we live to serve you!” The three canines immediately bowed before the dark alicorn, as their eyes glowed with a mysterious, dark, purplish hue.

Sombra nodded with satisfaction “Well, well, well, your majesty, that is quite impressive to control those mongrels like that.” He let out a low chuckle as he trotted near the three canines “Alright fleabags, let’s see how obedient you truly are to me. I need you three, along with your fellow diamond dogs to go to the Crystal Kingdom to cause a little mischief until further instructions, do you understand?” He trotted back and forth in front of them as he spoke.

“Yes your king!” They crossed their disproportionate arms in a salute with a bow of their head.

“Good boys!” Sombra chuckled and used his magic to abruptly make the canines vanish. He turned his attention toward the towering Lord Tirek “As for you my large acquaintance, I want you to go to deliver my message to the kingdom of Canterlot that there is going to be a war coming if I don’t get that child!” His eyes burned with intensity as he looked up at Tirek “Do you think you can handle a simple task such as this my loyal behemoth?”

“Yes your highness, I definitely will deliver the message for you.” With a chuckle he grinned proudly “Those puny ponies doesn’t know what is coming for them!” He chuckled loudly before snapping his fingers, causing him to vanish in a flash.

“And… I have the young sacrifice you’ve asked for my sire.” Discord bowed his head toward the dark king “She is currently sleeping soundly in your private chambers.” A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

“Oh, fine job my loyal friend, very fine job indeed.” Sombra chuckled “With the foal, we shall get ready to start the next phase of my plan.” He turned to trot toward his chambers “When Rumpelstiltskin arrives Discord, send him to my chambers.”

“Yes my king.” Another heavy sigh escaped his lips I feel awful about turning on my friends like this.

Canterlot Castle

“Twi, who or what do you think these strange ponies are Princess Celestia & Princess Luna spoke about in yer letter are doing in Equestria?” Applejack trotted alongside the Princess of Friendship with the other Elements of Harmony.

“I don’t know Applejack, but it would be best if we take this situation with great caution. We never know, these new arrivals might try to attack without.” Twilight eyed each of her friends with warning & concern.

Rainbow hovered above the group “I say let them try to do something tricky, & we’ll give them a fight they won’t ever forget!” She smirked confidently.

“Now darling, there is no need for violence this time in day. I’m sure maybe these new guests can explain why they are here in Equestria.” Rarity flicked her mane.

“Well, I think it is going to be super duper fun to meet some new ponies!” Pinkie beamed ear to ear as she hopped giddily “I can throw them an official “Welcome To Equestria” Party!” She giggled happily.

While four of the group trotted ahead, Fluttershy & Big Mac trailed behind “Um… Mac, do you think the children will be okay by themselves?” She looked at her mate with concern.

“Don’t worry sugar pie, Ah’m sure that our big man, Toby will take excellent care of our little bundle of joy.” Big Mac rubbed at Fluttershy’s shoulder “Besides honey bunch, this is a moment for Toby to learn some responsibility, & have a bond with his baby sister.”

“Um… I guess you are right dear.” Fluttershy sighed as the group arrived at the castle.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle & fellow Elements of Harmony, the royal sisters has ordered us to allow you in when you arrived.” One of the guard ponies saluted as they stepped aside, opening the castle doors.

“Thank you guards.” Twilight gave a bow of her head toward them as she entered the castle followed by her friends.

Princess Luna’s Bedchambers

“Sir David, you may lay your princess down on my bed while we look through some our spell books to see if there is a cure for her curse.” Luna walked over to her bookshelf to look through her magic books. She sighed heavily as she couldn’t find anything to aid them, before turning toward David “Sir David, we are truly sorry, but we are unable to find a cure for this debacle of magic that fell upon your mate.”

David looked at Luna “It’s alright Princess Luna, I believe we will beat this curse, we always have.” A smile of pride crept across the royal stallion’s muzzle as he looked around Luna’s bed chambers “Your land is certainly majestic & beautiful your highness. It reminds me of our kingdom back in the Enchanted Forest.” He carefully trotted out onto the balcony, gazing out at the clear, blue horizon, letting out a heavy sigh.

Luna could sense a feeling of stress from the Prince & trotted out to the balcony beside him “Thank you Sir David, our sister & ourselves take great pride in watching over our land. We always strive to give our fellow ponies a safe, wonderful life here in Equestria.” She closed her eyes with, inhaling a breath of air, & exhaling. She opened her eyes with a warm smile across her muzzle as she looked out at the horizon along with David “Sir David, could you tell us more about your land?”

David looked over at Luna, but then looked back at Snow in her deep sleep. He sighed heavily “Well, Your Majesty if you are willing to listen to a long story, I would be honored to tell you about our land.” He turned to trot back into the bed chambers.

Luna smiled warmly as she looked toward her bed chambers door “Guard, if you would be kind to, go retrieve us & Sir David a fresh cup of coffee.” The guard pony at the door nodded & trotted away. Luna motioned for David to come lay in the center of the bedchambers which the prince obliged.

Canterlot Castle Throne Room

As Princess Celestia along with the new guests waited for the arrival of the Elements of Harmony, Emma took the time to talk with her soon to be husband. She trotted up to him “You know Killian, you are quite dashing as a stallion.’ She nuzzled into his cheek.

“Ah, well Swan, you look quite lovely yourself as a beautiful mare.” Hook returned the nuzzle & kissed her on the cheek.

“Geez, would you two get a room.” Henry chuckled as the young stallion looked over to see his adoptive mother gazing out one of the throne room windows. He trotted over to her “Mom, are you okay?” He sat beside her looking out the window.

Regina reached up to stroke at his mane “Yes honey, I’m okay. I’m just wondering how we ended up here.” She sighed softly, but a soft smile crept across her muzzle “It is beautiful out there in this land I admit, just like the Enchanted Forest.” She turned to nuzzle at her son’s cheek

“Yes it is Mom, but don’t worry we'll find our way back home.” Henry reached up with his forelegs to hug her around the neck

Suddenly the throne room doors opened to reveal a guard pony who bowed his head to Celestia “Your majesty, Princess Twilight Sparkle & her friends have arrived.” He respectfully stepped aside to let the seven in & trotted back out of the throne room. Twilight & the others entered with a bow of their heads.

“Welcome my friends, I hope your trip here was a safe one.” Celestia smiled warmly at the seven ponies “Ah, & welcome Big Mac, it is a pleasure to see you again.”

“Well, Ah thank ya, yer highness for inviting me.” Big Mach smirked as he bowed his head to the princess.

Regina & Henry trotted over to Emma & Hook to await in being introduced to the others “The inhabitants of this land sure is colorful, I would say that.” Henry nudged Regina against her shoulder “Sorry dear.” She awkwardly chuckled.

“My friends, I would like for you all to meet our new arrivals here in Equestria.” Celestia motioned toward the four with a forehoof “There are two more, but they are currently with my sister.” She looked at the four “And these are my friends & the Elements of Harmony of Equestria.” She smiled warmly at her friends.

“My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle, & I watch over the small town of Ponyville that is not too far from here. Also, I possess the Element of Magic, working on a variety of spells that can benefit the safe & prosperous livelihood of all the ponies of Equestria.” She beamed confidently as she stepped back for Applejack to trot up next.

“Mah name is Applejack, & I am the Element of Honesty.” She tipped her Stetson hat “Ah can tell if any pony is lying from a mile away, & if Ah find out ya are lying, Ah will let you know it.” She chuckled “Ah also run a farm along with mah family....” She motioned toward Big Mac.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac nodded with a proud smile on his muzzle.

Applejack chuckled as Rainbow Dash zoomed past her & flew high in the air, cutting a backflip, & then zoomed back down onto the ground “I am the awesome one, Rainbow Dash!” She smirked proudly “I am the holder of the Element of Loyalty, meaning that I am always there for my friends through the hardest of times that we may face.” She chuckled as she flew up in the air again “I am also the fastest flyer in all of Equestria.”

“Well, the lass sure is full of confidence, isn’t sh.. Ahh!” “Hi there!” Killian jumped back as soon as the joyful face of Pinkie Pie appeared “What the bloody hell was that for?!” Breathed heavily, his chest rising & falling at a fast pace.

“I am Pinkie Pie! The number one, bestest, greatest, & funnest party pony in all of Equestria!” An ear splitting smile spread across her muzzle. She then started to do cartwheels all around the throne room “I also love cookies, cakes, pies, anything sweet & sugary!” She giggled as she then started to hop around the throne room. As she did she came across Killian again, seeing his hooked left hoof “Oh, what is that?!” She lifted it up in awe with her own hoof.

“Easy there sugar puff, I won’t want you to get poked.” Hook simply chuckled as he took his hoof away from Pinkie, & patted her on the head with the other hoof.

“Oh, I almost forgot, I am the Element of Laughter!” She beamed as she started to cartwheel around the throne room again “I love to bring joy, laughter, & happiness to all!” She giggled as she continued to cut cartwheels until Applejack threw her lasso around her to stop her “Aww… Applejack! You’re a party pooper!” She landed on her flank & stuck her tongue out at Applejack, which the country mare simply shook her head.

“My, my, aren’t you just a nice hunk of stallion.” Rarity casually trotted over to Hook, & reached out to stroke at his hook with a hoof “My name is Rarity Bell, & I am the Element of Generosity darling. If you ever need a favor like a new set of clothes, just let me know. Whenever somepony needs something, I am always there to lend a helping hoof.”

“Back off Marshmallow!” Emma smacked Rarity’s hoof way from Hook as she stood defensively with her head low, like she was ready to charge “He’s mine!” She snarled at the fashionista.

“Whoa there Swan, calm down.” Hook chuckled softly as he nuzzled cheek to cheek “The lady was just being nice.” He gave a warm smile to Rarity & whispered in Emma’s ear “Besides, after we figure out what’s going on, I got something special planned for us.” He gave her a wink, & suddenly Emma calmed herself.

“Um…” Fluttershy carefully trotted up next, hiding her face sort of behind her mane “Um… my name is Fluttershy, & I am the Element of Kindness.” She gave a small smile “I watch over all the creatures, big & small of Equestria. I help nurture, care, & heal all animals that live here in Equestria.” She quietly took a step back.

Celestia smiled at her friends “Thank you my dear friends for introducing yourselves.” She then looked at the four new arrivals “If you four feel like it, would you like to introduce yourselves?”

Henry stepped forward “Well, I am Henry Mills, resident of Storybrooke, Maine, the son of Mayor Regina Mills.” He motioned a hoof toward Regina “Also the son of Sheriff Emma Swan.” He then motioned toward Emma. He let out a soft chuckle “That is a long story, but that is for another time.” He stepped back for the others to take their turn.

Regina placed a foreleg over his shoulder “Well as this nice, fine gentleman said, I am Regina Mills, the mayor of Storybrooke & former Evil Queen of the Enchanted Forest.” She turned her head with a deep sigh “But I am proud to say that I have finally torn away from that side of me, thanks to my son & my friends here with me.” A smile of warmth & pride crept across her muzzle.

Clearing her throat Emma stepped forward next “I’m Emma Swan, & this is my husband, Killian.” She turned back to look at him & motioned for him to come forward.

Wobbling back & forth on his hooves trying to get used to having his hook as a leg he smirked “Also known as Captain Hook, the most dashing, cutthroat, & greatest pirate ever.” He chuckled & his smirk grew bigger.

Emma chuckled at her mate’s ego stroking as she shook her head nudging him in the shoulder “Alright loverboy, I think that is enough boasting about your accomplishments for one day.” She chuckled as she looked at the others “We have two others of our group, but they are currently with Princess Luna.” A frown suddenly formed across her muzzle.

“Yes, it seems that a great curse has befallen the Queen & King of their homeland.” Celestia cleared her throat & looked at Twilight “Princess Twilight Sparkle, would you be a dear & go accompany Lulu, & our other two guests in her bed chambers? I believe your advanced studies in magic might be able to help with their unfortunate event.”

“Yes your highness.” Twilight gave a bow of her head & turned toward the guests “It was a pleasure to meet you all, & don’t worry we all should find a way to get you all back home safely to your land.” She bowed her head toward them before turning to trot out of the throne room.

Clearing her throat, Celesita looked at the four new arrivals “Guests, since we got our introductions over, would you all like to take a tour of the castle with myself & my friends?”

“Look we don’t have time for….” Regina was cut off by a hoof to the muzzle by Emma.

“We would be honored your highness.” She gave Regina a stern glare & leaned close to her “Just try to relax & make peace Regina.” She took her hoof off her muzzle ‘Besides, just think of it as a vacation away from your mayoral duties.” She chuckled before starting to trot away.

“Fine.” A heavy sigh escaped Regina’s lips as the group followed Princess Celestia & the other ponies.

Ponyville

As they trotted along the dirt path toward Fluttershy’s cottage, the Cutie Mark Crusaders chuckled as they discussed the day’s plans. When they got closer to the home, they saw the door slightly ajared “Oh, girls look!” Applebloom pointed at the door & all three gasp “Let’s go!” They galloped toward the cottage & rushed in.

“Toby, are you in here little…. Toby!” Scootaloo gasped as she saw Toby laying on the ground still in a deep sleep “Girls over here!” She galloped over to the sleeping boy.

“Oh no, I hope he is okay.” Sweetie Belle galloped up to Toby & nudged at his shoulder with a hoof to try & wake him up.

“Ah’ll go upstairs to see if Flitter Sweet is okay.” Applebloom galloped upstairs toward the fillie’s room. “Oh Flitter Sweet, are ya...Ah!” As she rounded the corner she saw that the filly was gone Oh gosh, she is gone! She turned around & galloped back downstairs “Girl, Flitter Sweet is gone!”

Shocked expressions washed over the other two crusaders as Sweetie Belle looked down at her little brother “Toby, please wake up.” She nudged at his shoulder again & leaned her head down to nuzzle at his cheek “Come on little brother, wake up.” A whimper escaped her lips.

Slowly, Toby started to stir & let out a yawn. He blinked his eyes weakly to look up at the saddened face of Sweetie Belle “Sweetie Belle, what’s wrong?” He carefully sat up as Sweetie Belle had a hoof on his shoulder & he turned to see Applebloom & Scootaloo with the same downtrodden expressions “Scootaloo & Applebloom?” He let out another yawn & reached up to rub at his eyes.

“Little buddy, what happened here? We saw the door opened & you were asleep and…” Scootaloo looked from Applebloom to Sweetie Belle nervously.

“And what Scootaloo?” Toby slowly stood up feeling a little groggy as Sweetie Belle kept him steady. He looked at the three looking at each other quietly “What happened?” Worry washed over his face.

“Tell me something Tobeh, ya really don’t remember what happened, do ya?” Applebloom looked at him closely in the eyes, seeing the worry & concern in his eyes.

He closed his to try & think, but frowned “No Applebloom, I don’t. Last thing I remember was Uncle Discord stopping by to see how I was doing.He then made me a glass of milk & I fell asleep.” He rubbed at his head “Before I fell asleep, I told him to make sure Flitter Sweet was ok…. Oh no, Flitter Sweet!” He gasped & turned to run up the stairs when he felt a hoof on his shoulder.

“Ah’m sorry little buddy, but Flitter Sweet is gone.” Applebloom rubbed at his shoulder hoping to calm him.

He froze with fear “G...Gone?!” His young lips started to quiver “B...but Momma & Papa Big Mac asked me to watch after her when they left to Canterlot.” He turned toward the staircase & looked up “W..what am I going to do? I’ve got to find her.” Tears started to prick at his eyes as he whimpered.

Scootaloo wrapped a wing around shoulder & pulled him close to her, rubbing at his arm with a foreleg “It’s okay little dude, we’ll find her, don’t you worry about that.” She looked at Applebloom & Sweetie Belle “Girls, where could we start looking at?”

“Well, I believe the correct question is where can we find Discord? He was the last one to see Toby awake & it is pretty odd that Flitter Sweet is suddenly gone.” Sweetie Belle thought “That is the pony we should be looking for or whatever he is.” Sweetie Belle looked at Toby “Don’t worry little brother, we will find Flitter Sweet & bring her home safely.”

“Okay Sweetie Belle.” He watched as Angel Bunny hopped to him as all the other animals were outside enjoying the beautiful weather unaware of all that transpired inside the cottage. He looked down at the bunny rabbit “Angel, make sure everyone stays safe here & if Momma & Papa Big Mac happen to come just keep them calm.” Angel saluted the boy & hopped over to his bowl of miniature carrots.

“Alright crusaders, are ya ready to go look for our little filly buddy?” Toby, Sweetie Belle, & Scootaloo nodded as the four exited the cottage with Toby shutting & locking the door behind them.

Don’t worry little sister, we will find you.

Everfree Forest

“Zecora, I hate to sound like a whiner, but how damn deep is this forest?” Zelena reached up with a hoof to rub in between her eyes as she turned to see Robin sleeping peacefully in the saddlebag.

“No worries my dear, we are almost..”

“RRAWW!”

A sudden, booming roar interrupted Zecora making the two mares to jump “What the bloody hell was that?” Zelena looked around until suddenly she looked down to see Robin crying “Shh...shh… it’s okay sweetheart, don’t worry, Momma will keep you safe.” She reached up to stroke her mane.

“That my dear was the sound of a beast, so we better take leave or our hides he will feast.” She started to gallop until she felt a hoof on her shoulder.

“No Zecora, I am not going anywhere!” She carefully lit up her horn & levitated her saddlebags over to the zebra “Take Robin, I’m not going to let any beast scare my child!” She readied herself for whatever came toward them/

“RRAWW!” The ground started to shake with tremors as suddenly a huge manticore appeared with it’s sharpe, white fangs bared charging at the two.

“A manticore? Is that what you are scared of my new found friend?” Zelena chuckled “I have faced beasts far worse than this.” She turned her attention back toward the charging manticore & lit up her horn “Here kitty, kitty.” A smirk crept across her muzzle as she shot a beam of magic toward the charging creature.

“Come child, let’s hide before it gets too wild.” Zecora quickly yet carefully galloped behind a tree.

“RRAW...RR!” Suddenly the manticore roared in pain as the beam of magic from Zelena struck him the chest causing him to collapse to the ground. The creature writhed in pain.

Zecora carefully came out from behind the tree her & Robin were hiding. She gasped at the sight of the pained beast “Oh gracious my dear, we best leave or I feel there might be more to fear.”

“I agree with you my newfound friend, let’s get out of this bloody forest & go find your two allies you spoke of.” With that Zelena, Zecora, & Robin continued their trek.

Sombra’s Private Chambers

As the dark king awaited the arrival of the Dark One, an evil grin crept across his muzzle as he watched the sleeping foal laid upon a cold, hard rock wrapped in her blanket. He meticulously stroked at her with an iron clad hoof “There little one, sleep. Soon you shall become a major part in the next phase of my plan to finally take over Equestria.” A sinister laugh escaped his lips.

“Hm..hm… you called for me your highness.” Rumpelstiltskin trotted into Sombra’s chambers with a smirk on his face “I have done the task you have given me & your guest is safe & sound in one of your finely crafted cells.”

Sombra turned toward Rumpel “Ah, that is very good news to hear my fellow dark hearted.” He trotted up to the Dark One “Now I have another task for you. I’ve heard that you have the ability to rip the heart out of others & either crush them in your bare hands, or control their very thoughts, am I correct?”

“Yes you are your highness, but with my new form I’m not entirely sure if it will work or not. Out of curiosity, who by chance would you like for me to get rid of for you or control?” Rumpel quirked an eyebrow.

“That my devilish friend is why I had you bring my special guest to me. You see, I believe the child’s father will be a vital asset in our takeover of Equestria, but I believe he won’t join us voluntarily.” Sombra started to pace back & forth “So what I need from you Dark One is to rip his heart out & control him after I am done making some modifications to him of course.” His evil grin grew wider “Now follow me so I can introduce myself to him.”

With a bow of his head Rumpel nodded “Yes your highness.” Rumpel & Sombra left his chambers to go see James.

Young Toby Mason, you shall regret ever making that wish, because I vow to make those you love suffer & pay for what they have done to me. Their pain & suffering will be on your hands.

Author's Note

After two years, yes Chapter Four is finally here! I am so sorry for the long hiatus.