Location: Castle of Friendship

Twilight skimmed through the book MAGIC ECYCLOPEDIA: VOLUME 14 while at the same time reading the scholarly journal MAGICAL BEASTS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON MAGIC and the 10th edition of STARSWIRL’S GUIDE TO CURSES AND FORBIDDEN MAGIC for the tenth time each.

For past twelve hours she speed read through book after book, journal after journal, scroll after scroll in her own personal library. But she could not find anything that is even remotely related to any creatures called the Zerg or whatever magic Dusk somehow managed to obtain that could render the Princesses to a groveling mess.

It has been almost a week since the confrontation with Dusk. Since then things have changed drastically around Ponyville.

When Twilight, her friends, the Princesses and the escorting guards returned to Ponyville, there was immediate panic as everypony rushed to their aid. The injured were immediately sent to the hospital this included practically all the escorting guards, both captains, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Spike and herself.

During all this panic, everypony in Ponyville was in a state of worry and in some cases outright panic. Practically everypony crowded around the Princesses demanding to know what happened in the Everfree.

Fortunately, Celestia and Luna managed to calm the ponies of Ponyville and stated that the Everfree Forest was filled with more dangerous monsters then ever before and reassured the complete safety of Ponyville.

When Twilight asked Princess Celestia why she lied to the town about what truly happened, her ex-mentor answered that they should not cause any further panic with the ponies of Ponyville, also this was the best way to keep ponies out of the Everfree forest until better security could be placed.

The Princesses first made sure the least injured guards that escorted them recovered and returned to Canterlot before taking the rest of the remaining guards in Ponyville and returned to Canterlot themselves. But before they left, both Celestia and Luna promised Twilight as well as the rest of Ponyville that they will send guards to safeguard the town from the monsters of the Everfree.

However, some of the escorting guards are still recovering in Ponyville Hospital. Many of them require therapy, completely traumatized by what happened to them.

Fortunately for Twilight’s friends, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and thankfully Spike recovered and were discharged from the hospital within one day.

However, two days after the Princesses left Ponyville they sent an entire army of Royal Guards, around 500 trained guards led by none other than Captain Sun Shield. The army was sent with the alibi protect Ponyville against the monsters of the Everfree Forest. Of course each and every guard knew why they were sent and were ordered strictly NOT to share the truth to the ponies of Ponyville or to enter the forest without Twilight’s strict permission.

Now Ponyville is turned into a military garrison as Royal Guards are constantly patrolling the outer edges between Ponyville and the Everfree Forest.

With the arrival of the guards, Twilight didn’t remain idle as she went straight into her library and looked up any and all information on the Zerg or whatever power Dusk obtained.

So far she has found close to nothing.

Twilight sighed as she rubbed the tiredness from her eyes, closing all the textbooks in her magical hold and piled them on top the various stacks of books surrounding her.

She went through her entire library collection and found absolutely nothing. The closest to finding whatever Dusk’s powers were, was information on mental spells but Twilight knew from first hand experience that these spells were nothing compared to what Dusk did to her and to the Princesses a week ago.

Once again Twilight was completely stumped and her vast collection of books can’t help her understand why her brother, one of the most supportive and caring ponies she ever knew and loved, changed into a heartless monster.

“Big brother… why… why are you doing this? What about mom? What about dad? What about Shining? What about me? Are you going to leave all of us?”

“Did you not abandon me when you became an Element of Harmony? When you became a princess?”

“N-No! I-I didn’t mean to abandon you! I-I was just-”

“Busy? Busy with what exactly? Spreading the “Magic of Friendship” as you so call it? Having fun with your friends, ignorant of the real world around you? Everything you have achieved so far was given to you on a silver platter. Do not make excuses.”

“I have no obligations towards our family anymore. I could care less. However, unlike you I have far more important responsibilities to attend to now, and I can’t afford to be tied down by you or anypony else. Now leave and never return.”

Twilight sighed as she rubbed the exhaustion out of her eyes. ‘What am I going to do… How am I going to tell mom, dad and Shining Armor about Dusk?” Twilight thought as she hugged her legs to her chest. ‘This is all my fault… if I’ve been more caring, then Dusk would’ve never-’

Bam! “Twilight! Are you still in here!”

Twilight shrieked out in surprise before falling out of her chair and into one of the tall piles of books, causing the other piles to avalanche down on her.

“Twilight are you ok!”

Once Twilight regained her bearings, she dug herself out from underneath the mass pile of books and popped her head out from the pile, making for a comedic scene.

“Yes Spike. I’m fine. Why are you here? Didn’t I tell you need some rest?” Twilight asked pointing a stern gaze at her number one assistant, but soon her gaze turned into guilt.

Spike walked into the room with a tray of food, a simple daisy sandwich, a small salad and a glass of water. But Twilight’s eyes trailed across the white bandages covering his chest, hiding the recently healed wound turned scar.

When Spike was discharged from the hospital, the doctor told spike to avoid any extraneous activities or else the large wound on his chest will reopen.

Worried for his health, Twilight gave Spike a much needed break until his wound fully heals, however, Spike refused as he wanted to make sure Twilight herself was eating properly during one of her “reading sprees” as he calls it.

“Well someone has to make sure you’re eating properly. So anything yet Twilight?” Spike asked as he placed the tray on a short stack of books in front of the purple Alicorn.

Twilight shook her head as she started magically levitating the books back on the surrounding shelves. “No Spike. I looked everywhere but I still can’t find anything! What am I going to do Spike? Dusk is my brother, my family, and I failed him not only as a princess but also as his sister…” Twilight said in a somber tone, tears forming in her eyes.

Spike gave a sad sigh as he gave Twilight a look of pity. “Twilight. What happened to your brother isn’t your fault.” Spike said in a somber tone.

However, Twilight shook her head. “But it is! If I have known what Dusk has been going through, then I could’ve been there for him. To help him when he desperately needed me! But instead I’m happily living here in Ponyville with all my friends while he was scorned, abused and harassed in Canterlot because of some stupid rumors caused by me.” Twilight said as tears fell freely down her face.

“Dusk is right… all that I have done so far is meaningless. How can I call myself the Princess of Friendship, how can I help others when I failed to even help my own brother, my own family!” Twilight desperately asked.

Finally, Twilight bowed her head in shame. “I’m a failure as a Princess…” Twilight said in a sad tone.

“No you’re not Twilight!”

Twilight looked towards Spike, though her vision is cloudy with tears she can still tell the drake is giving her a stern glare.

Spike continued. “Twilight… you’ve helped more ponies than anypony could ever ask for. Thousands of ponies all over Equestria and even the Princesses are safe because of what you and the others did. You are surrounded by amazing friends, friends that are more than thankful for having you in their lives. Hell, without you I wouldn’t be here in the first place! Twilight, whatever your brother said about you is wrong, you out of all ponies deserve to be where you are right now. A Princess that help those in need.” Spike said, his voice filled with unflinching conviction.

Twilight’s eyes widened in shock for a brief moment before smiling. “Thank you Spike. I really needed to hear that.” Twilight said as she hugged her number one assistant.

Spike happily returned the hug. “No problem Twilight. Happy to help!” Spike said with a smile.

Soon Twilight broke the hug before wiping any remaining tears from her eyes. “No Spike… thank you for that. I don’t know where I would be without you.” Twilight said, genuinely grateful for having Spike at her side.

Spike happily chucked. “Well... you would’ve probably died of starvation by now if it weren’t for me.” Spike jokingly said.

This earned a laugh from Twilight. “Ha ha ha! You’re probably right Spike. Speaking of starvation, I think I should take a short break before returning to my research.” Twilight said as she magically levitated the tray of food towards her.

Spike smiled. “Glad you’re feeling better Twilight. If you need anything just call your number one assissta-”

“GRROOOOAAAARRRRR!”

The sudden bestial roar coming from the open windows shocked both Twilight and Spike, the former briefly losing concentration and dropped the tray of food onto the ground.

“What in Equestria was that!” Spike exclaimed, turning his attention to the windows in obvious shock.

“It’s sounds like it’s coming from Ponyville!” Twilight exclaimed, shock and worry evident in her voice.

As if on cue, a Royal guard burst into the room. “YOUR HIGHNESS! Urgent news from Ponyville!” The guard stated before quickly kneeling before Twilight.

“What happened!?” Twilight demanded in a worried tone.

“A raging Manticore suddenly appeared from the Everfree forest and broke through the Royal Guard defense line before rushing into town. Captain Sun Shield and a large contingent of guards managed to contain the beast in town square, but I don’t know how long they can hold it for your majesty.” The guard hastily explained.

Twilight’s eyes widened. For all her years living in Ponyville, Twilight knew for a fact that Manticores and other dangerous creatures of the Everfree wouldn’t stray too far from the forest unless for good reason. Why is a Manticore all of a sudden in Ponyville?

Twilight shook the thoughts from her head, her questions will be answered later, there are lives currently at stake. “Is anypony hurt?” Twilight asked.

The guard replied. “No civilian casualties so far. It’s imperative that this beast should be brought down at once your highness.”

Twilight nodded. “I agree. Take me to where the Manticore is.” Twilight ordered as the guard stood stock straight.

“Yes your highness!” The guard exclaimed before quickly rushing out the door with Twilight following.

Spike went to follow, however, Twilight quickly turned around and gave him a stern gaze.

“No Spike! You’re not coming. I don’t want you to get you more injured then you already are.” Spike went to argue but thought better of it when Twilight gave him a look of worry.

Spike sighed. “Alright Twilight. Just be careful out there.”

Twilight simply nodded as she quickly turned and left the library.

“GRROAAR!”

“WE HAVE TO HOLD IT HERE UNTIL THE PRINCESS ARRIVES! DON’T LET IT THROUGH NO MATTER WHAT!”

Twilight and the guard leading her quickly rushed to the source of all the commotion. Once they arrived, Twilight immediately surveyed the area.

Town square is completely covered with over three dozen Royal Guards all packed in a loose circle formation. Each of these guards wore strict stoic expressions with their spears held at the ready, all pointing and virtually surrounding the main cause for all this commotion, the Manticore.

When Twilight finally saw the Manticore through the crowd of Royal Guards her eyes widened in shock. It wasn’t the fact that there was a live and clearly angry Manticore in Ponyville, but it was the very condition of the Manticore that made Twilight pause in mute shock.

The Manticore looked like it went through Tartarus and back. It is portions of its fur is matted with blood as it is covered in numerous bleeding cuts and gashes as small pools of blood dripped down it’s body and formed underneath it. its entire left wing looked like it was torn off as only a stub remained while large portions of its mane looked as if it was ripped off or shredded.

However, even in it’s injured state, the Manticore stared with bestial fury at the Royal Guards surrounding it, teeth bared and growling, even swiping it’s claws threateningly at the nearest group of guards.

Twilight looked at the injured beast not out of fear, but with genuine worry. What has happened to this Manticore? Did the Royal Guards do this?

However, Twilight was soon brought out of her mute shock when Captain Sun Shield finally notified of her presence. “YOUR HIGHNESS! OVER HERE!”

Twilight shook the daze out of her head before quickly making her way towards the Captain.

“Captain Sun Shield! What is going on here!? How did a Manticore get into Ponyville!? And why is it so injured!?” Twilight frantically asked, however, the Captian’s expression remained stoically strict. “I will explain everything later your majesty. But for now, do you know any spells that can knock out this beast? We threw every sort of spell at this Manticore but it refused to go down.” The Captain explained in a frustrated tone.

Twilight immediately understood why. Manticores are known to be resistant to common forms of magical spells, including stun spells that the Royal Guard employ. Fortunately, Twilight knew a spell powerful enough to subdue the Manticore without further violence.

Twilight nodded to the Captain with a serious expression. “Captain, tell your guards to step away from the Manticore. I know a spell that can subdue it with any more violence.” Twilight ordered as she brought a determined gaze towards the beast in question.

The Captain gave a firm nod, however, before the mare could give out the order, a rainbow blur crashed brutally into the side of the Manticore, knocking the large beast onto its side as it soon roared in pain.

Twilight’s eyes widened as a familiar Pegasus flew away from the downed Manticore. “RAINBOW DASH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Twilight screamed in both shock and utter disbelief.

The Pegasus in question simply gave Twilight a cocky smirk in reply. “I heard you ponies have a Manticore problem. So being the awesome Pegasus that I am, I’m here to save the day!” Rainbow Dash explained, much to Twilight’s utter disbelief.

However, Twilight’s disbelief quickly turned into anger. “That was completely unnecessary Rainbow Dash! Didn’t you see how injured the Manticore is!? What would Fluttershy say if she was here!” Twilight shouted, however, the rainbow maned Pegasus simply scoffed. “Lighten up Princess. Injured or not, I took care of it before the Manticore could-”

“WATCH OUT!”

Before anypony could react, the Manticore quickly leaped from its spot on the ground straight towards Rainbow Dash, who was just low enough for the injured Manticore to tackle out of the air and onto the ground.

Rainbow Dash struggled against the Manticore’s hold but to no avail. With Rainbow Dash held firmly underneath its paw, the Manticore reared up it’s right foreleg, claws extended for the killing blow, much to everypony’s horror.

Twilight was about to release the first spell that came to her mind in a desperate attempt to save her friend, but the Captain reacted faster as she threw her spear straight towards the Manticore. Before the Manticore could finish off Rainbow Dash, the flying spear found its mark.

Thwack!

“GROARRRR!” the Manticore roared out in pain as the spear pierced into its flank.

With the Manticore momentarily distracted, Rainbow Dash managed to wiggle out of it’s hold and flew a safe distance away from the injured beast, her expression shaken by the entire ordeal.

The Manticore on the other hand soon grasped the spear’s shaft with it’s teeth before pulling it out of it’s flank with a pained roar before throwing the offending weapon off the side. It then stared directly to where Twilight is currently standing, eyes filled with bestial rage.

Twilight stood momentarily shocked before shaking the shock from her system. This is her one and only chance to subdue the Manticore, if she fails then Equestria will have one less Princess.

The Manticore roared as it started bounding towards Twilight, droplets of blood from it’s various open wounds scattered everywhere with each step, but the Manticore was determined to kill Twilight.

Of course the Royal Guards nearest to Twilight quickly formed a spear wall in front of her, ready to lay down their lives to defend their princess against the raging beast.

However, there was no need for their valiant sacrifice as Twilight charged up the spell she prepared beforehand and fired at the Manticore, who leaped the last few meters towards her.

The spell hit the Manticore directly in the face as it flew over the formation of guards. Immediately, Twilight was tackled to the side by Captain Sun Shield just in time as the large beast crashed onto the spot where Twilight was standing just mere second ago.

“TWILIGHT! Are you ok!?” Shouted Rainbow Dash as she quickly flew down to where Twilight and Captain Sun Shield were laying.

“Your highness, are you alright?” Captain Sun Shield asked as she helped Twilight back onto her hooves. “I’m fine. Where is the Manticore?” Twilight asked, her tone laced with worry.

Rainbow Dash looked somewhere off to the side. “The Manticore is over there knocked out. Dang Twilight, what did you do to it?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Twilight shook the daze from her head before answering. “I used a high level sleeping spell that I learned from Luna’s own personal collection.” Twilight then brought her gaze to the unconscious form of the Manticore. “It seems it did the trick.”

Soon Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Captain Sun Shield and all the Royal Guards in the vicinity slowly approached the still laying form of the Manticore.

The Manticore was fast asleep as the spell intended, it’s entire torso barely rising and falling with each laboured breath, doubt due to the injuries it sustained beforehand.

With the Manticore unconscious, the Royal guards slowly surrounded it, spears at the ready. However, throwing caution to the wind, Twilight slowly approached the beast with sad eyes as she saw the true extent of it’s injuries.

There were far more wounds then she had initially saw, many of them still bleeding. After taking a moment to inspect the Manticore’s wounds, Captain Sun Shield approached Twilight from behind.

“Your highness, what do you want us to do with this beast?” The Captain asked in a serious tone.

Twilight turned her attention to the Captain. “For now, I want the Royal Guards not to disturb the Manticore’s sleep but keep monitoring its condition.” Twilight then turned her attention to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash, I need you to go and get Fluttershy. Tell her what happened and that there is a badly injured Manticore here in town square.” Twilight asked, she knew for a fact that Fluttershy will never refuse to help any animal in need, even if they’re dangerous.

Rainbow Dash nodded. “Got it!” Then immediately bolted away in a rainbow streak.

With Rainbow Dash gone, Twilight gave Captain Sun Shield a stern glare. “Now let’s talk about what happened here Captain.” Twilight said, much to the Captain’s confusion.

“What do you mean your highness?”

“I think you know very well what I mean!” Twilight said as she pointed to the sleeping Manticore. “I understand you and your guards are doing your jobs protecting everypony, but there is no reason to injure and maim this Manticore to near death!” Twilight shouted in a furious tone.

However, the Captain sternly returned Twilight’s glare with her own. “I think there is a misunderstanding, your highness. None of my guards TOUCHED this Manticore before you arrived your highness. It came rampaging into town as severely injured as you see now.” The Captain explain in a stern tone.

Twilight’s anger immediately vanished and replaced with shock as she stared back towards the still sleeping Manticore. “Wait. None of the Royal Guards touched this Manticore? Then why is it so injured?” Twilight asked in a confused tone. There was no reason for the Captain of the Royal guard to lie to her, she’s a Princess after all and her direct ruler. So then what could have caused such horrible injuries to one of the most feared creatures of the Everfree Forest?

Captain Sun Shield approached the sleeping Manticore with a determined expression. “I think I may know who is responsible for this.” The Captain said as she lifted a handful of mane to reveal the back end of a vicious barbed spine, deeply embedded into the back of the Manitcore’s neck.

Twilight immediately recognized the spine, many of the Royal Guards that were hospitalized a week before now wore terrible scars due to these spines.

“Dusk…” Twilight whispered in shock.

The Captain nodded as she let go of the Manticore’s mane. “I believe the monsters under your brother’s command attacked this Manticore and drove it to Ponyville.” The Captain deduced with an unpleased expression.

Twilight shook her head. “No no no, this doesn’t make sense… Why would Dusk go through the trouble of attacking a Manticore and driving it here into Ponyville? It doesn’t make sense!” Twilight exclaimed in disbelief.

The Captain simply shrugged. “Unfortunately, I do not know your highness. But I do know one thing. Your brother is up to something.” The Captain concluded.

But before either of them could ponder on the new scenario any further, Rainbow Dash finally returned, however, Twilight noticed the horrified look on her friend’s face.

“Rainbow Dash what happ-”

“No time to explain! Fluttershy needs our help! STAT! We gotta hurry!” Rainbow Dash frantically said.

Twilight knew for a fact that the only times when Rainbow Dash out of all ponies starts to panic is when something truly terrible has or is going to happen.

This goes double when it involves any of her friends, especially Fluttershy.

Twilight nodded. “Alright Rainbow Dash! But I can’t simply leave the Manticore alone, what if it wakes up?” Twilight said.

“No need your highness. The Manticore passed away.”

Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash immeaditaely snapped their head towards the still laying form of the Manticore. Twilight soon noticed it’s torso, once barely moving was now still. Twilight quickly rushed over to the Manticore and placed her ears against it’s back where it’s heart is.

She didn’t hear a heart beat.

Slowly stepping away from the now deceased Manticore, Twilight looked towards the Captain with a somber expression.

The Captain replied with a firm nod. “I’ll have my guards move and bury the body. Now we should make our way to Miss Fluttershy’s place with all haste.” The Captain said as the guards in the vicinity started to slowly move the Manticore.

Twilight quickly nodded her head. “You’re right Captain. Fluttershy needs us! Let’s go!”

Soon Twilight, Captain Sun Shield, a flying Rainbow Dash and four escorting gurads rushed towards Fluttershy’s cottage with all haste.

Soon enough, Twilight and her group made it to Fluttershy’s cottage, the Pegasus’s home is located near the Everfree Forest and just outside of Ponyville, it is also the home for various animals of all shapes and sizes that the shy Pegasus cares for.

Overall it’s usually a peaceful abode filled with friendly critters.

However, when Twilight saw the cottage her eyes widened in shock and horror.

Everywhere she looked, the cottage was completely covered and surrounded with hundreds of animals, ranging from the smallest of mice to an entire family of grizzly bears.

But it was not the animals that horrified Twilight, but the condition that most of these animals are in that horrified the Alicorn princess.

Almost all the animals were injured in someway or form as they crowded around the cottage as if their lives depends on it.

As Twilight and her group made their way through the crowd of animals and up towards the cottage, Rainbow Dash landed and leaned over to Twilight. “See what I mean Twilight?” the Pegasus whispered in a worried tone.

Twilight could only nod as she surveyed the animals around her in mute shock. She couldn’t help but watch as a family of bunnies carried one of their own, a small infant with one of it’s ears ripped off, into the cottage.

Twilight saw a squirrel missing half it’s tail and its entire right leg, barely crawling on all threes.

Twilight looked to her right and saw a family of three beavers, however, two of the beavers were missing limbs and tails and were laying on their backs while a smaller one was crying over their bodies.

Twilight looked towards the roof and saw all manners of birds and even bats as a majority of them were as injured as the other animals. Some were missing wings, legs, coated with blood or desperately hugging other injured birds or bats.

However, the worst by far was the family of bears, one adult and two small cubs. Twilight saw the largest one laying on its back, it’s right arm cut off at the elbow and was covered in blood and large vicious looking gashes that stripped off portions of fur and flesh. The two cubs suffered only a few cuts and scratches but seemed fine, however, they looked absolutely traumatized from what Twilight could see from their expressions.

Twilight was so lost among the animals that it wasn’t until Rainbow Dash knocked on the cottage door did Twilight realized that they had arrived.

“Fluttershy! I’m back! I brought Twilight!” Rainbow Dash shouted, worry evident in her tone. After a brief moment the cottage door opened, revealing the butter yellow Pegasus.

However, unlike the many other time they would meet, Fluttershy looked absolutely terrible.

Her pink mane was frazzled and unkempt, her eyes were bloodshot as hints of tears stained around her eyes and down her cheeks. However, what Twilight noticed above all is the cooking apron Fluttershy is wearing as it was covered in splotches of blood, her hands were also in the same condition.

Fluttershy’s eyes suddenly widened. “Oh Twilight! I’m so glad you’re here! You have to help all these animals! You have to do something! Dr. Fauna and I have been doing our best to save as many as we can but- but-” Fluttershy choked as she soon broke down into tears, desperately grasping Twilight’s shirt with both hands as she cried into her chest.

Twilight could only hug her distressed friend in comfort. “It’s ok Fluttershy. We’re here now, and we’ll do everything we can to help your animal friends.” Twilight said as she nodded solemnly to Captain Sun Shield.

The Captain return the nod as she looked directly at the escorting guards. “Guards! Gather all available medic squads and have them prepped and ready and brought here as soon as possible! GET TO IT!” The Captain ordered in a commanding tone.

“YES CAPTAIN!” The four guards replied simultaneously as they soon rushed back to Ponyville.

Once the guards left, Fluttershy’s crying slowed to a halt. *sniff* *sniff* “Oh thank you. Thank you all.” Fluttershy said, her eyes still moist with tears.

Twilight gave her crying friend a sad nod. “Don’t worry about it Fluttershy. Now, tell me why there is so many injured animals?” Twilight asked in a concerned tone.

“Yeah! What caused all of this!?” Rainbow Dash asked.

*Sniff* “I-it’s so horrible! A-All my a-animal friends! They w-were… were…” Fluttershy stuttered.

“They were what Fluttershy!? Spill it out already!” Rainbow Dash impatiently demanded, earning a glare from Twilight which the rainbow maned Pegasus aptly ignored.

Fluttershy wiped the tears from her eyes. “T-They were-”

“FLUTTERSHY! I NEED ASSISTANCE!” The voice od Dr. Faunua shouted from inside the cottage.

Immediately Fluttershy turned and dashed back inside the cottage with Twilight, Rainbow Dash and the Captain following soon quickly following after the panicked Pegasus.

However, Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Captain Sun Shield immediately stopped at the door, what they saw in Fluttershy’s cottage made the trio pause.

Fluttershy’s living room was packed with injured animals. However, unlike those outside, these animals received some form of medical care as many of them were wrapped in blood soaked bandages, numerous stiches, carrying small crutches or even all at once. The overwhelming stench of blood stung Twilight’s nose, making the Princess gag in reflex.

“Your highness! Are you alright!?” Captain Sun Shield asked as her face also contorted in disgust at the stench.

“I’m fine Captain. Where did Fluttershy go?” Twilight asked.

“She went into the kitchen Twilight! Let’s go!” Rainbow Dash answered as she pinched her snout and flew into the kitchen.

However, unlike Rainbow Dash, both Twilight and Captain Sun Shield had to carefully make their way through the crowded room towards the kitchens, taking extra care that they didn’t step on any of the recovering animals.

Twilight’s horrified expression only worsened as she desperately tried to ignore the stench of blood as she couldn’t help but observe the amount of injured animals recovering from their wounds.

‘What could’ve done something like this? And why?’ Twilight thought as she stepped over a group of injured mice.

Soon both Twilight and Captain Sun Shield made their way into the kitchen, immediately Twilight was hit with an even stronger stench of blood, and she knew exactly why.

Fluttershy’s kitchen, once neatly organized and use to make all assortment of delicious food for her animals and friends is now an operating room.

The large table was cleared off and used as a pseudo surgery table as untold amounts of blood, both fresh and old, stained the table top. The sink was filled with blood red water with numerous surgery tools washing about within it. The kitchen counter was also cleared off to make room for the numerous aesthetics, drugs and other medical equipment that Twilight could only guess.

However, what caught the Alicorn’s sole attention was Dr. Fauna desperately stitching a large open wound on a beaver with Fluttershy pressing a blood soaked cloth desperately onto the profusely bleeding wound.

Dr. Fauna is Ponyville’s only Veterinarian and is good friends with Fluttershy since both ponies have the similar motivations to help any animals in need. They are always constantly helping with one another whenever Fluttershy has an injured animal under her care that she herself cannot properly care for or Dr. Fauna has a difficult time handling the animals underneath her own care.

However, this situation was different from those times. Dr. Fauna is currently wearing a medical mask, her usual doctor’s coat is covered in blood, her latex gloves are blood red.

Even with the mask on, Twilight could tell the doctor was in a state of panic. Eyes widened, mane unkempt and sweating profusely as she desperately tried to save the beaver on the table.

The beaver in question had a large open wound on it’s neck as the doctor raced against time to stich the wound close as Fluttershy tried to stem the flow of blood with her already soaked cloth, at the same time giving the Beaver words of encouragement.

Fluttershy gave the barely awake beaver a teary smile. “Don’t worry Mr. Beaver. Just stay with us. We’ll have you all fixed up and returned to your family soon enough. You’ll see Mrs. Beaver and you baby son real soon ok.” Fluttershy said with a forced smile.

However, at this point Twilight and no doubt the other ponies in the room knew that the poor beaver was a lost cause. Mr. Beaver cannot be saved, and he knew it as well.

Mr. Beaver gave placed a single shaky paw on Fluttershy’s hand as he desperately tried to breath, eyes filled with fear. Before long, Mr. Beaver closed his eyes as his heaving chest soon slowed to a halt.

Dr. Fauna placed the stitching needle down on the table. “H-He’s gone Fluttershy.” The doctor said in a somber tone.

Tears started to spill from Fluttershy’s eyes and down her face as she grasped the beaver’s single paw with both hands. The Pegasus then leaned down and cried loudly into the deceased beaver’s body, not caring for the blood staining her face and mane.

Twilight then and there realized that Fluttershy was not only grieving over the loss of one of her animals, but many others that she no doubt tried desperately to save.

As Fluttershy continued to cry into the body of Mr. Beaver, Twilight’s own eyes started tearing up as well. Twilight could only imagine what it’s like to see the ones you love die right before you, the ones you cared for and called friends. It’s terrible what’s happening to these animals and it pains Twilight to see one her dearest and kindest friend grieving over all this.

Twilight slowly made her way over to Fluttershy as she hugged the crying mare from behind. Immediately, Fluttershy hugged Twilight, now crying and staining her shirt with tears and blood.

But Twilight didn’t not care. Fluttershy is in pain and all she can do is hug the mare until that pain goes away.

A few minutes later Fluttershy managed to calm down enough to talk. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Captain Sun Shield and Fluttershy were in her bed room, the least crowded space in the entire cottage.

Even then, Fluttershy’s bedroom was still fairly crowded, but not uncomfortably so. The only animals in the room were mice, squirrels, birds and bunnies.

Fluttershy sat on her bed as many of the animals are giving the sad mare all the comfort they can, something that didn’t go unnoticed by Fluttershy as she petted and lightly hugged each one of them.

“Alright Fluttershy. I’m truly sorry what happened to your animals, but you said before that you knew the cause of all this. What happened to them Fluttershy?” Twilight asked in a concerned tone, trying to be mindful of the traumatized mare.

Fluttershy gave a slow nod. “I understand Twilight. It happened three days ago when a dozen of animals came to my cottage. At first I was devastated at what I saw happened to these poor animals, so I called Dr. Fauna over to my house to help. Since then more and more animals came for three days straight, each with worse injuries then the last. Dr. Fauna and I did all we could to help the animals, b-but…” Fluttershy started to cry.

“I-I’m sorry for bringing up sad memories Fluttershy, but we must know what happened here. Before you were about to say something to us. Could you continue then?” Twilight asked in a considerate tone.

Fluttershy wiped the tears from her eyes before gathering herself once more. “What I t-tried to say before was that all these animals w-were… a-attacked.” Fluttershy finally revealed.

“What do you mean attacked! Who would want to attack all these poor innocent animals!?” Rainbow Dash asked in a tone of disbelief. Fluttershy let out a shaky breath. “Most of the animals here s-said t-that… they were attacked by v-vicious m-monsters in the Everfree Forest!”

“Vicious monsters? Did they describe what the monsters looked like?” Captain Sun Shield asked, however, Fluttershy shook her head. “Only a little. They said the monsters were huge, had vicious needle-like fangs and large scary claws, and were attacked without warning.”

It slowly dawned on Twilight to the possible perpetrator of these attacks. However, Rainbow Dash beat her to it. “It has to be Dusk! Who else could’ve done it other then that bucker!”

Twilight shook her head. “We can’t just blame Dusk! It makes no sense whatsoever! What if he didn’t do it?” Twilight said.

“With all due respect your highness. We saw proof that the Manticore from before was attacked by the same creatures under your brother’s control. Who says that he didn’t also cause all these attacked?” Captain Sun Shield reasoned.

“WHAT! Dusk also attacked that Manitcore and lead it straight to Ponyville! Why I ought a-”

Twilight had enough. “Rainbow Dash that’s enough! My brother said to us and to the Princesses a week ago to leave him and his… Zerg alone. For all we know, he might have defended himself against the Manticore, one of the most dangerous creatures of the Everfree Forest might I add. But attack innocent animals, why would he do something so cruel to something that isn’t even a threat to him and his army of monsters? It makes no SENSE!” Twilight said in a tone of disbelief.

However, this did little to convince Rainbow Dash. “So! It doesn’t have to make sense! Your brother is pure evil! And how do you even know that he didn’t attack all these defenseless animals!?” Rainbow Dash argued back.

“How do you know he did in fact attacked these animals!? There is no solid proof that he did!” Twilight shot back, her anger rising.

Both the Alicorn and rainbow maned Pegasus stared angrily at each other as Fluttershy and Captain Sun Shield looked worriedly between the two mares.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!

The loud thumping noise broke the tense atmosphere as everypony look towards the bedroom door where the noise emanated from. Standing at the open door is a stern looking white furred bunny.

Twilight immediately recognized the small animal.

“Angel Bunny! What are you doing here?” Fluttershy asked.

However, Angel ignored his owner and made his way into the room, glaring sternly up at Twilight specifically.

“Is there something wrong Angel Bunny?” Twilight asked uncertain as to why the bunny wants her in particular.

Angel nodded as he pointed to Rainbow Dash.

“What about Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked in a confused tone.

Angel Bunny then acted like some sort of monster, walking around with lumbering steps all the while snapping his teeth angrily. Then suddenly Angel stood stock straight with a serious expression before pointing to a random direction, as if directing an army before reverting back to his act of a monster, nodding his head and ran towards the general direction he pointed to previously.

Angel then returned to his spot and once again glared at Twilight with his small arms crossed.

Through all this, Twilight understood what the small bunny was trying to say. “Are you saying Rainbow Dash is right? It was Dusk that sent those monsters to attack all those animals!?” Twilight asked as Angel nodded in reply. “B-But it could’ve been Dusk! Why would he do this!?” Twilight asked in disbelief.

What put the final nail in the coffin is when Angel made his way behind the door and dragged something into the room.

Twilight went silent as she saw the white bunny drag in a vicious looking barbed spine, the very same one she saw embedded in the Manticore.

“Your highness…” The Captain said in a knowing tone, also recognizing the barbed spine.

Twilight turned to Fluttershy with a worried expression. “Fluttershy… where did Angel get this?”

Fluttershy looked towards the spine with an expression of fear and sadness. “T-That was removed from Mrs. Terry, a grizzly bear. We had to remove at least six of t-these from her body. B-But Mrs. Terry…”

Twilight quickly nodded. “I-I’m sorry Fluttershy. But thank you for explaining.” Twilight said.

However, Rainbow Dash spoke. “Twilight what is that thing Angel is holding?” The Pegasus asked in a confused tone.

Twilight answered. “That thing Angel Bunny is holding belongs to one of the creatures from Dusk’s Zerg.” Twilight explained in a sad tone. Immediately Twilight heard a gasp from both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash shouted. “I KNEW IT! It was Dusk all along Twilight! He attacked all these innocent animals!”

“Why would Dusk attack all these harmless animals!? They did nothing to him! Why Twilight! WHY!” Fluttershy cried out in grief, tears falling down her cheeks.

Twilight shook her head. “I don’t know! This makes no sense whatsoever! These animals pose no threat to him or his Zerg!” Twilight said, trying to come up with a reasonable explanation for her brother’s motives.

“Well I say we go to his base and give him what for!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, curling her hands into fists.

“Are you crazy! Don’t you remember what happened a week ago!? Dusk completely incapacitated all of us, including the Princesses! We we’re luckily to even get out of there alive last time, and you want us to go back and attack him!?” Twilight said with a tone of disbelief.

“But this time we got an entire ARMY on our side! We know where he is and what his monsters can do, plus we can use the elements on him. We can totally take him this time!” Rainbow Dash boasted.

However, Twilight was unconvinced. “Rainbow Dash. I am NOT risking the lives of ponies and plunging all of Equestria into a war with Dusk and his Zerg. For all we know he might have an even larger army by now! If we want to do anything, we must first speak with the Princesses. But for now we must understand why Dusk is killing all the animals of the Everfree Forest!” Twilight explained.

Captain Sun Shield spoke. “Your highness, permission to speak freely.”

Twilight turned her attention towards the Captain. “If you have something to say Captain, then you can freely share it. And please, just call me Twilight from now on.” Twilight said, not used to being treated as royalty.

The Captain nodded. “Understood Twilight. What I was going to say was that I may know the reason why your brother attacked all these animals.”

This immediately caught everypony’s attention. “Really!? Then please share!” Twilight said, any light into Dusk’s motives is better then nothing.

The Captain nodded. “As the Captain of the Royal Guard, it is my sworn duty to safe guard both the Princesses and the ponies of Equestria from any threat. Both external and internal threats.” The Captain explained.

“Well that’s good and all, but where are you going with this? Spill it out already!” Rainbow Dash impatiently demanded.

The Captain nodded. “I was just getting to that. As a sworn defender of Equestria, I have to make sure that none of the other kingdoms of Equis would dare attack Equestria. Thus I make sure there are no spies within our borders from other kingdoms seeking to go to war with Equestria.” Captain Sun Shield explained in a serious tone.

“S-Spies. But why would anypony would want to go to war with the Equestria? We’re a peaceful country filled with nice ponies.” Fluttershy asked in a shocked tone.

However, the Captain shook her head. “Believe it or not, there are a few kingdoms in Equis that would love to do nothing more than conquer Equestria and enslave everypony. The only reason why they haven’t done so is due to Equestria’s position as the world’s most powerful kingdom, with two ruling monarchs that controls the very sun and moon.” The Captain explained.

Twilight’s eyes widened. The notion that there are other kingdoms that would want to go to war with Equestria was shocking. But she would have to dwell on that later, her brother and his Zerg are more important.

The Captain continued. “Back to the topic, as a fellow commander I believe the reason why Dusk attacked all these animals is because he believes that these animals of the Everfree Forest could be used as spies against him.” The Captain finally explained.

Twilight and no doubt her friends slowly digested the information. Dusk attacked and possibly killed untold number of animals within the Everfree Forest, all because he believed they could be used as spies.

“That is ridiculous!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a tone of disbelief.

However, the Captain shook her head. “No it’s plausible. If I’m not mistaken, Miss Fluttershy here could communicate with animals perfectly. Plus, a week ago, Miss Fluttershy lead us half way to Dusk’s base by asking the animals for directions.” Captain Sun Shield explained.

Twilight observed as Fluttershy’s expression turned into sheer horror, her entire body shaking uncontrollably. “Y-You’re s-saying… that b-because of m-me-”

Fluttershy didn’t finish as her eyes rolled to the back of her head and collapsed on her bed unconscious, the sheer shock of what the Captain was insinuating caused her to faint.

“Fluttershy!” Twilight shouted as she darted to her unconscious friend, luckily for the Pegasus she collapsed on her bed.

Rainbow Dash flew up and grabbed the collar of the Captain’s breast plate, bringing her snout angrily against the Captain’s.

“Hey what’s the big idea! Are you saying that these attacks were all Fluttershy’s FAULT!” Rainbow Dash demanded angrily, snorting hot air directly into the face of the Captain.

The Captain for her part remained stoically calm. “I’m not blaming Miss Flutteshy for these attacks. In fact, it’s your fault for inciting Twilight ‘s brother to attacking these animals in the first place.” The Captain explained in a strict tone.

Rainbow Dash was furious. “My fault! How is any of this my fault!” Rainbow Dash asked, her tone filled with both anger and disbelief at the accusation.

The Captain frowned. “It was when Princess Celestia confronted Dusk did you boldly decided to tell him how we managed to find his base. Telling him how Miss Fluttershy asked the animals of the Everfree Forest for directions to his base.” Captain Sun Shield explained in a stern tone.

Rainbow Dash’s furious expression slowly turned into horrified realization as she back away from the mare. “B-But I was trying to-” Rainbow Dash tried to explain, but couldn’t find the words.

Twilight had enough. “Captain I think you took it too far; Rainbow Dash isn’t to blame for these attacks! It doesn’t matter who is to blame, all that matters now is what we should do from now on.” Twilight said in a stern tone.

The Captain nodded solemnly. “You are right your high- Twilight. Forgive me for my transgression.” The Captain apologized.

Twilight nodded. “Good. Now Rainbow Dash, can you take Fluttershy to your home? She needs rest and a break from… what has happened here today.” Twilight asked.

Rainbow Dash nodded as she went to lift Fluttershy out of the bed. “Gotcha! But promise me that you will send a letter to the Princesses about this. They have to know what Dusk did and that he went to far!” Rainbow Dash said as she flew out the bedroom window, carrying Fluttershy.

Once Rainbow Dash left, Twilight turned to Captain Sun Shield. “Captain, I need you to stay here and help with Dr. Fauna with anything she may need until the medics arrive.” Twilight ordered.

The Captain nodded. “As you wish Twilight. With your permission, I will leave to greet the medic squads.” The Captain said as she soon left the bedroom.

Only when the Captain left the room did Twilight collapse onto her knees, her entire body shaking uncontrollably. All the stress and traumatic shock from the past hour took their toll on her body as she couldn’t stop shaking or hyperventilating.

Twilight desperately tried to slow her breathing. After what felt like hours, Twilight managed to calm herself but her hands were still shaking.

“How could Dusk do all this…? How can he live with himself knowing what he did?”Twilight desperately asked herself.

Twilight desperately wanted to deny what happened here today. Wanted to believe this was all just a bad dream. But she cannot deny the fact that the one who caused all this death and misery is the very same pony that she once cherished as part of her family, the same pony who she used to call brother.

Twilight may never know what caused Dusk to change or understand the power he now wields. But after today, Twilight knew only one thing.

The brother she knew and loved is now gone. And in his place is a cold heartless monster.

Author's Note

And that’s a wrap, a more darker look on the results of Dusk’s plans.

Sorry for the long delay, I hope this chapter makes up for it, been busy with University and all. Also thank you for all your support so far.

Now to answer some questions.

1. Who is Dr. Fauna? She is the actual Vet from the MLP episodes in season 7, like I said before, i’m basing all the characters from the actual show with my added oc’s where appropriate.

2. Will there be an eventual war between Zerg and any of the other kingdoms? Not yet, but there will be definitely, like I said, Dusk will show all of Equis that he and his Zerg are not to be trifled with.

3. Are you going to follow the main canon story line? Only when it’s appropriate (i.e. Grand Galloping Gala, Starlight Glimmer, etc.), but with Dusk and his Zerg, the timeline will no doubt change drastically.

Now if you have any questions, suggestion, comments or reviews then either leave them in the comment section or PM me directly.

See you all next time.