Equestria Wars Episode XVI: The Crystal Princess

Chapters

Chapter 1: Dreams and Visions
Chapter 2: Radiant Hope
Chapter 3: Story of Radiant and Sombra
Chapter 4: Encounter
Chapter 5: Sombra's Dark Temple
Chapter 6: Confronting Valkorion
Chapter 7: Prison Riot
Chapter 8: The Changelings Violate the Treaty
Chapter 9: Advice From the King
Chapter 10: Crippling the Equestrian Empire
Chapter 11: Aftermath of the Operation
Chapter 12: The Return of Danny Eclipse
Chapter 13: Danny vs Charming Thunder
Prologue

Chapter 1: Dreams and Visions

Charming Thunder awoke standing on a cliff in a starry battle between the Mephiles Alliance and the Equestrian Empire. He looked around to see that they are not moving and turned around to see a human figure walking up to him. "I have always loved the stars," the figure said. Charming Thunder was shocked to see him as he took a step back.

"I've heard of you," Charming Thunder said. "Danny has told me so much about you before he died. You can't fool me."

"It is not my desire to deceive you. Once I had many names. Tenebre, Vitiate the Sith Emperor. Now am called Valkorion. You're much like a Jedi I have seen. Ever since your brother died, my spirit was free from him. So I decided to follow you so we can speak undisturbed."

"You're not the same person I have heard of. What's changed?"

"Everything. You most of all." Valkorion walked to the edge of the cliff as Charming Thunder followed. Across from the cliff, Charming Thunder can see his friends and family fighting the Mephiles Alliance droids and soldiers. "Your friends and family. You gave their lives purpose and meaning." Charming Thunder's eyes widened after hearing that statement. "The loyal Wonderbolt, a cowardly caretaker, an honest farmpony, a party lover, the fashionista, and the princess of friendship. Together, you formed the Elements of Harmony. But now, you are complete."

"You know all of my secrets then. This also means you know that I love my family."

"Even Jedi can violate the code. But you are no Jedi. Love withers when it is neglected. Left alone too long, love will seek another."

"Me, Applejack, Twilight, Sunset, Lucina, and Light will always be together."

"They can drift further out of reach each day. Without a center to hold...without us, your world and all within it spiral into chaos." The two then teleport in front of Charming Thunder's friends which are now lying dead on the ground. "You have spent you life for years as a king. This is where it will soon lead. Will it be worth it for this war?"

"I will do what it takes to protect them. Even other ponies." A chuckle was heard as Charming Thunder looked around. The environment then began to change as Charming Thunder stood. He then walked to the edge to see Ponyville.

"You cannot save your brother now. He was a cradle of corruption before you met him. I never understood him at first ever since he became Cyber Eclipse. Why do still care for him?"

"He is my brother. I defend peace and justice. I protect innocent ponies from harm." Valkorion appeared behind Charming Thunder.

"And they squander his sacrifice you made. Why continue the war without him? What do you hope to achieve in the end?"

"This is not about me, Valkorion."

"It should be. You are a far superior leader than any prince or princess."

"Why am I listening to a Sith who destroyed worlds?"

"I am no Sith. We have a greater purpose."

"We?"

"There is someone in Equestria that can help you. But she has been gone for a thousand years. Now she is a mere crystal statue waiting to be rebuilt. This 'Princess of the Crystal Empire' can help you win this war."

"If you are not referring to my sister, then who?" Valkorion smiled as Charming Thunder felt the ground shake which forced him to kneel as imperial soldiers aimed their weapons at him as ponies watched.

"You once left your home. But do they forgive you for leaving them?"

"I'm not afraid. This just a bad dream."

"You're quite right, my friend. But you cannot stop it. Save yourself." Valkorion disappeared as Charming Thunder activated his lightsaber and deflected some blaster fire back at the imperial soldiers. He then ran to the castle courtyard until he encountered Princess Celestia with her lightsaber active. Charming Thunder leaps towards Celestia with a strike as she blocked it. They clashed until Charming Thunder was able to stab her in the chest in defense. Celestia collapsed to the ground. Charming Thunder stood over Celestia with his eyes widened. "No authority but your own, no obligation but to yourself. Do not be afraid. Tell me how it fells."

"Makes me want to kill you next. Celestia is my aunt and the princess of Equestria. A great leader."

"You refuse to admit the truth. So be it." Charming Thunder was about to strike at Valkorion, but he looked up to see a tower collapsing down on him. He shuts his eyes and then opened them a few seconds later now standing in a different environment. He recognized the are as the island where he fought Cyber Eclipse. "The island which you stand is where you fought your own brother. This is where everything changed for Equestria. Where you murdered your own brother."

"You helped my brother, did you?"

"He asked for my power. I have passed beyond death's reach many times."

"I've been told that both Jedi and Sith have sought immortality. What makes you the exception?"

"I am not hindered by the teachings of failures. I no longer require crude vessels. I was once free."

"Why did you choose to visit me?"

"I came to help you."

"Why would you do that?"

"You were the only one who has ever matched my will to survive."

"Stop comparing yourself to me. You are just a false emperor."

"You cannot deny that we share a common goal. To end Mephiles' war. But in order for that to happen, you must seek the crystal princess. Only she can help you." The ground began to shake as Valkorion vanishes.

Charming Thunder woke up in shock in his bed when Sunset shook him. "What is it, dear?" Sunset asked as Applejack and Twilight entered the room.

"It's another one of those bad dreams is it?" Applejack said. Charming Thunder looked at his wives and nodded.

"Yes," Charming Thunder replied. "But you wouldn't believe me if I told you what it was."

"Was it that bad?" Twilight asked as she nudged Charming Thunder.

"No." Thinking about what Valkorion said, there is a lot of work to be done.

Chapter 2: Radiant Hope

Charming Thunder landed his TIE Advanced at the Crystal Empire castle and exited his ship. He entered the castle to see Cadence as he arrived at the throne room. Cadence looked at Charming Thunder with a smile and rushed to give him a hug. "It is good to see you, brother," Cadence greeted. "What brings you here?"

"I seek information about 'the crystal princess'," Charming Thunder said.

"You mean Amore; my distant relative?"

"Who is Amore?"

"She was the first princess and ruler of the Crystal Empire before your father's rise to power. She was turned into a black crystal statue and its shards got scattered around the world."

"Has my father looked for them ever since his redemption?"

"No," Sombra's voice said from behind. He entered the room and walked up to the two. "I looked where I put them, but they were somehow...taken."

"I only need to find them."

"There is only one last location I haven't looked, but it is dangerous."

"Maybe I could help," a voice said as Charming Thunder and the others turned to see a cloaked pony.

"That voice. I've heard it before since--" The figure removed the hood to reveal a unicorn mare with a grayish heliotrope coat, a pale light grayish arctic blue mane, and arctic blue eyes. "Radiant!!!" Sombra rushed to her and gave her a tight hug. Radiant smiled as she hugged back.

"It's been far too long, Sombra." Charming Thunder walked up to Sombra and Radiant as the hug broke.

"Son, this is my old friend; Radiant Hope. I met her before I was a dark king."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Charming Thunder said as Radiant bowed to his presence. He smiled and gestured her to rise.

"I've heard of you, your highness," Radiant said. "You are Sombra's kid. You know I was a Crystal Knight a long time ago before I left to study magic with princesses Celestia and Luna. I promise you I won't be any trouble."

"Nonsense. Any friend of my father is a friend of mine. So what was it you said about help?"

"To be honest with you, I have found the other pieces of the statue. As your father said, the last one is dangerous to find. It's at a temple constructed at the frozen north."

"Expect wampas on our journey through the frozen north then."

"Wampas?" Cadence asked. "You mean like that one beast that attacked you while you searched for Danny when his memory was erased?" Charming Thunder nodded. "I would like to help, really I do, but I have business at Canterlot."

"What about Starlight; Twilight's student? Maybe she would like to help?"

"I'll send a letter to Twilight of that request."

"Good. This is going to be a long journey."

At an unknown location, there was a dark red pegasus with bat wings floating inside some sort of bacta tank. His mane and tail were white and blonde. The most noticeable thing on him was a medallion, it looked like a yellow-orange alien dragon symbol. He was curled up in mid-air, his hooves were on his chest and his back hooves were down. His eyes were closed and he looked like he was sleeping. That is when the figure slightly opened his eyes, revealing them to be yellow and the sclera was black. Outside the tank, Mephiles was looking at the being inside the bacta tank. Mephiles looked at the controls and pressed a few and then the water began to drain. When it reached just below his mouth, the being inside gasped and inhaled the air that entered the bacta tank and it showed that he had fangs. Once the water fully drained, he was on the ground on the tank and the being looked at Mephiles. "Get up, we have work to do," Mephiles said to his creation.

"W-Who are... you?" The being rasped out with his new voice being used for the first time.

"My name is Mephiles. Mephiles the Dark." Mephiles said as the tank opened up and he turned. "Come, there is work that needs to be done." The being got up and followed Mephiles out of the room. "You were cast from the mold of my dead son and Charming Thunder. You inherit their skills, but also their weaknesses. You have been created for one purpose; killing Charming Thunder." The being looked down to the ground and back at his creator.

"Who is he?"

"He's your enemy. The king of harmony and the ruler of Equestria. You bear the medallion of the Predacons. You are loyal to a race of an ancient Cypertronian beasts."

"Predacons. Who was your son?"

"It does not matter anymore. He was broken and weak. You are already more powerful than he ever was. Do you even understand your role? What it means to you?"

"Yes, Mephiles."

"Good. Very good. You may yet survive. You will hunt down Charming Thunder with the power of the medallion and destroy him. Come." Midnight followed Mephiles to another room as the doors closed behind them.

Starlight arrived at the Crystal Empire by train to meet Charming Thunder with bags on her back. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to come along," Starlight said. "Twilight said that she and her friends have to solve another friendship problem."

"I hope it's no trouble for them," Charming Thunder said rubbing the back of his head.

"There's something else to this, is there?"

"Keep this between us along the way to the castle." Charming Thunder and Starlight then walked to the castle as they talked. "There is someone haunting me ever since the defeat of Lelouch and the Eternal Fleet. I think that Valkorion; the immortal emperor is in my mind. I saw things. Dreamed about him. He was the one who told me about Amore; the crystal princess."

"Valkorion? Here?" Charming Thunder nodded. "What do you want me to do?"

"Keep a close eye on me if anything goes wrong during our journey."

"If he were to control you like Cyber tried to you, I'd know about it."

"I haven't heard his voice since that dream. He said that he was going to help me."

"I don't trust him. Just try not to get yourself killed while we are on this quest. I won't tell the others about Valkorion in your mind." Charming Thunder and Starlight then see both Radiant and Sombra talking in front of the Crystal Heart and approached them.

"Radiant, this is Starlight Glimmer; Twilight's student."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Starlight," Radiant greeted. "I am Radiant Hope. I hope we can become good friends in the future." The group then walked away from the castle as they began to take their leave of the Crystal Empire.

Author's Note

Danny Eclipse will not be making a Phantom War story co op with me anymore. He now does stories on Fanfiction.

Link to his site

Chapter 3: Story of Radiant and Sombra

Charming Thunder read a book of the legend of the temple constructed to honor Sombra as he walked through the Frozen North. Time then stopped as he looked up and looked back to see that Sombra, Starlight, and Radiant are frozen in time. He then turned back to see the spirit of Valkorion looking at him. "The Crystal Empire," he said as Charming Thunder walked up to him. "Your father once clung that kingdom ever since he became dark. It was meant to be your home as well. Before Celestia and Luna took you in."

"Are you getting sentimental?" Charming Thunder asked.

"You cannot imagine what I could have done better than your father and your brother. This Radiant Hope character seems to know everything about the crystal princess more than anyone. She may be the tool of going through this temple." Valkorion vanished as time began to resume. Charming Thunder looked around as Sombra and the others approached.

"You alright?" Sombra asked.

"You look spooked," Radiant added.

"I'm fine," Charming Thunder lied. "I thought I saw a wampa wandering around here."

"Perhaps we should setup camp here for the night," Starlight suggested. "There's a storm about to come and we don't want to get caught by it." The others nodded as they dropped their saddlebags and took out what they needed to setup a tent so they can get warm.

After camp was set up, Charming Thunder and the others sat inside a large tent as the snow storm kicked in. The lantern sat in the middle of the tent to keep them warm as they setup some sleeping bags. Charming Thunder then sat on his sleeping bag and turned to Radiant, who was still setting up her saddle bag. "So how did you know my father?" Charming Thunder asked.

"He is my closest friend since we were kids at the Crystal Temple," Radiant explained. "He was once teased by other foals ever since he was young before I became friends with him." Radiant sat down on her sleeping bag and continued. "Master Starswirl lets me train with him everyday before the Discord Wars." Radiant then made a sad expression. "But when it comes to the Crystal Fair every year, he suffered severe aches."

"So what happened?"

"She healed me before my body crumbled to pieces," Sombra said as he sat down.

"Sounds terrifying," Starlight said. "Thank Celestia for healing magic."

"He was relieved in the end," Radiant continued. "That was the moment I got my cutie mark."

"Wow," Charming Thunder said; surprised. "I am impressed. Did you know my mother then?"

"Yes. She was the co-ruler of the Crystal Empire before Amore."

"How do you know Amore? Who was she?"

"Me and Sombra met her when we were foals. When we came to see the Crystal heart, we saw visions of our future."

"I didn't know the Crystal Heart can show visions of the future!!!"

"Me neither."

"What did you see?" Starlight asked.

"I saw myself as a princess."

"So what happened between you two when my father turned to the dark side?"

"When Celestia and Luna recognized my magical talents and invited me to study in Canterlot, I wanted to tell your father after you were born, but for some reason he ran away into the frozen wastes. When he returned, he...changed." Tears began to drop from her eyes. "He stole the Crystal Heart, turned Princess Amore to a crystal statue, and then shattered the statue to pieces. I had no choice but inform Celestia and Luna."

"That was when they defeated my father and banished him, but not before he--"

"Placed a curse on the Crystal Empire," Sombra finished. "Yeah."

"You cared for Sombra, did you?" Charming Thunder asked.

"I loved him like he was a brother to me," Radiant said. Charming Thunder got up and walked up to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. She looked up to Charming Thunder as she wiped her tears away.

"I redeemed my father back to the light years later during the Lunar Wars. He sacrificed himself to save me from Chrysalis and was then revived by my brother; Danny." Radiant smiled.

"I'm glad you did. I thought I'd never see him again." Radiant then turned to hug Sombra tight.

"I missed you too, Radiant," Sombra said.

Mephiles watched a dragon like robot attack some training droids. It breathed fire as more droids came out. The training ended when the dragon transformed into a cybertronian robot. There was then a flash as he reverted back into Midnight Predator. Mephiles walked up to him and asked, "What do you feel?" Midnight then looked at the scorched droids.

"I feel nothing..." Midnight replied.

"Nothing?"

"Hate for their weaknesses. Disgust for their failings. And pride for rising above them."

"Then you are ready. My spies tell me that Charming Thunder is in the Frozen North near the Crystal Empire. For some reasons I don't know. But what matters is that Charming Thunder is the target. Kill him, and we will destroy the Equestrian Empire and then rule all of Equestria."

"Yes, Mephiles."

"When the moment arrives, show no weakness. Are you ready, Midnight Predator?"

"Yes. I was made for this."

Charming Thunder slept in his sleeping bag before he heard a voice coming from his saddlebag. He got up and used his magic to levitate out his medallion and put it on. "Charming, there is a presence of another bearer," the voice of Primus said.

"What does the pony bear?"

"The Predacons; a race of ancient Cybertronian beasts. They were once lead by the Predaking. They are savage and draconic in form and were once among the mightiest beings on Cybertron. I only ask you to use the medallion's power to defeat the bearer of the Predacons and be careful."

"Thanks for the warning, Primus. Keep me updated." The glow on the medallion faded as Charming Thunder stepped out of the tent to see that the storm has died down in the morning. He then noticed Valkorion standing next to him.

"Don't be so surprised," Valkorion said. "Wherever you go, I go. We are indivisible now."

"At first, I thought I was still dreaming."

"I assure you, I am real, as is my intent to see you flourish. We can only revive the crystal princess if we work together."

"I don't buy for one moment that you are on my side and still with my brother when he was Cyber."

"Were the roles reversed, perhaps I would be skeptical as well. But what if I could prove my sincerity? Would you rather see me as a nemesis or open your eyes to see the truth? Starlight may think that she doesn't trust me, but I assure you that I am your aid for this journey to the temple." Charming Thunder rolled his eyes. "You think that a simple medallion will help you defeat this new menace that threatens you and the land of Equestria? Think again." Valkorion vanished as Charming Thunder went back inside the tent.

Chapter 4: Encounter

Charming Thunder leads the group through the Frozen North when he heard a sound coming from the distance. He stopped as the group looked around as a sound of a wampa cried in the distance and what appears to be a sound of a dragon. They continued on to get a closer look. When they got there, they saw a dead wampa on the snowy ground appears to be burnt to crisp. Charming Thunder drew his blaster and slowly stepped up to the corpse. "No dragon has come this far in the north," he said.

"It's probably best to press on," Starlight said. "Dragon or not we are being hunted." The group then walked past the corpse and continued onward to the temple. Charming Thunder's medallion glowed as they walked.

"He's here," Primus's voice said. Charming Thunder looked up to see a silhouette of a dragon flying over them and land in front of them. The dragon then flashed and transformed into a stallion. The stallion revealed himself as Charming Thunder activated his lightsaber. The stallion stopped as he evilly grinned.

"Who are you?" Charming Thunder demanded as he pointed his blade directly at the stallion.

"I am Midnight Predator; bearer of the Predacons and your executioner," Midnight said. "And you must be the bearer of the Autobots. What a surprise." Midnight spreads his bat wings and floats in the air. "Mephiles has told me a lot about you, king of Equestria. Now you will meet your end!!!" Midnight then transformed into a cybertronian robot and roared. Charming Thunder did the same and charged at him. Midnight avoided the attack as Charming Thunder transformed to an armored car and popped out its cannon to fire a shot. It impacts Midnight as Sombra and the others ran to safety inside a nearby cave. Midnight transforms into a dragon and breathes fire at Charming Thunder. He rolls away from the fire breath and mounts Midnight on the head. He then used his machine gun cannon to the head just before Midnight shook his head and managed to get Charming Thunder off of him. Midnight then tackled him to the ground in robot form and readied a punch strike to the head. Time then suddenly stopped as Valkorion appeared next to Charming Thunder's head. Charming Thunder turned to see him.

"What is this?"

"An opportunity," Valkorion said. "You are outmatched. I can save you. I only require the briefest moment of control. Accept my help or watch your self get struck down. Choose quickly. Time has not stopped." Charming Thunder looked at Midnight and back at Valkorion then nodded at him.

"Take care of it."

"Gladly." Time resumed and when Midnight was about to strike, Charming Thunder's eyes glowed purple and grabbed Midnight's fist and threw him across the snow. Midnight got up with a shock look as Charming Thunder surged himself with power and repulsed some of his power towards him. Midnight quickly transformed into a dragon and prepared to breathe fire at him, but Charming Thunder quickly rolled into the cave and fired his arm cannon at the top of the entrance collapsing it in order to block the entrance. Midnight charged at the collapsed cave and tried to dig his way through the cave. Charming Thunder transformed back to normal and looked at Sombra and the others who had a surprised look.

"What did you just do?" Starlight asked. "Was that him? The power at your disposal?"

"Him?" Radiant asked.

"What's going on here?" Sombra asked.

"Nothing," Charming Thunder lied. "All that matters is that it is going to take forever for him to get us as long as we are safe in here."

"Who was that?" Radiant asked. "And why does he look like you and your brother?"

"I don't know. All I know is that he has a medallion of the Predacons just like I have the medallion of the Autobots. He said that he was sent by Mephiles to kill me."

"Mephiles must've created him then," Sombra said. "Danny did say something about him using your DNA and your brother's."

"Indeed. So what now?"

"We continue through this cave and hopefully find a way out," Starlight said. Rocks crumbling can be heard from the other side as the group began to take their leave.

Charming Thunder tried contacting backup from the Crystal Empire, but the signal was feint. He puts away his holo communicator as Radiant went ahead of the group as she saw something. "Guys, over here," she said as she gestured. "This is it." When the group arrived they couldn't believe their eyes to see the sunlight revealing the temple itself standing in the cave.

"Thank Celestia it's still standing" Sombra said with relief.

"I've never seen a temple like this in my life," Starlight said. "Let's hope that the shard is in there."

"It is. I know it." Time stopped and Valkorion appeared next to Charming Thunder.

"At long last," Valkorion said. "The temple where the last piece of the puzzle is here. Don't think that this would be easy. There are things worse when you enter the temple."

"Like what?" Charming Thunder said. "Traps?"

"You'll see." Valkorion vanished as time resumed. The group then began to walk to the entrance of the temple and stopped at the front doors. Charming Thunder looked up to see statues of Sombra on every corner of the temple. When Radiant touched the door to look at the markings, the doors slowly began to slide open. Charming Thunder and the others looked to see the door opening revealing a pathway. When the doors stopped opening, Charming Thunder had a look of concern.

"I fear that there are traps in this temple. This won't be easy."

"If anything comes at us, we'll be ready," Starlight reassured.

"In that case, care to lead the way, father?"

"With pleasure," Sombra said as he leads the group inside the temple. Midnight watched from above as the group entered the temple and grinned. He flew down to the temple and followed them into the temple.

Chapter 5: Sombra's Dark Temple

As Charming Thunder and the others explored deeper into the temple, they then encountered a giant statue of the dark king himself. Charming Thunder was amazed to see the size of the statue even Starlight. "Venom toothed vipers, always slithering, slithering," a voice echoed in the room. Charming Thunder and Starlight activated their lightsabers as the group stood back to back. "Up the walls, along the floor." A spirit of an armored stallion appeared walking behind them. "Trespassers! Trespassers!!! You'll not have it. It's his. It's the piece of an ancient princess that was shattered by Sombra himself."

"What are you talking about?" Radiant asked.

"Don't pretend you don't know your own treachery. The poison still fresh in my body, you defile my master's temple. You and your friends both. The venom may have burned away my sight, but I know one of you. You are with the one who betrayed him." The spirit pointed to Radiant as she gasped. "You will die before I hand you the shard." Charming Thunder stood in front of Radiant to protect her. "And who is this? Sombra's heir?"

"You know of my father?" Charming Thunder asked.

"I am my master's guardian of this temple for thousands of years since he betrayed the Crystal Knights. If you stand against your own blood, then you must die." The spirit prepared a spell as Charming Thunder and the others took a few steps back. Time then stopped and Valkorion appeared once again.

"His insanity is pointless and destructive," Valkorion said. "I can save yourself and your friends without any bloodshed if you accept my gift of power to drive this spirit away." Charming Thunder nodded.

"Offer accepted," Charming Thunder said. "Just make sure that you don't hurt my friends and my father in the process."

"As you wish." Charming Thunder's hooves glowed purple as time resumed. He then pointed his left hoof towards the spirit, who began to get electrocuted by Charming Thunder's received power.

"What's happened?" the spirit said. "What did you do to me? This power you bear. How is this possible?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Charming Thunder asked as his eyes began to glow purple.

"Do you really think you can handle that kind of power? It doesn't matter. In the end you will be betrayed. Just like Radiant betrayed Sombra."

"If you won't leave, I will force you to." Charming Thunder then raised his other hoof and used his power on the spirit.

"You treacherous--" Charming Thunder interrupted the spirit with a powerful force push which forced the spirit to vanish. The purple glow around Charming Thunder vanished as he knelt to the ground. Radiant rushed to help him up.

"What was that?" Radiant asked. "I've never seen power like that before."

"I learned this from a book once," Charming Thunder lied. "Let's just continue onward into the temple before something worse happens."

"Agreed," Sombra said. The group then continued onward into the temple as Starlight walked next to Charming Thunder.

"Was that Valkorion's doing?" Starlight whispered.

"Yes. He offered his help just like he offered help during my fight with Midnight."

"Well be extra careful if he offers help again." Charming Thunder nodded as the group continued to journey deeper into the temple.

The group continued into the temple without knowing that Midnight was behind them. He was about to charge at them, but was interrupted a spiritual voice asking, " Do you wish to see your future?" Midnight hid behind a pillar to avoid detection.

"What do you mean you can show us our future?" Charming Thunder asked before growling. "I have heard of this and most of the time, it is fake."

"But I can show you the darkness approaching." Unseen by everyone but Charming Thunder, Valkorion appears next to him.

"We should listen to him, I can sense great power from him," Valkorion said. "I wouldn't be surprise if he can see into the future."

"Don't try to even hide from me, Tenebrae. The others but Charming Thunder may not see you, but that doesn't mean you can hide from me, Tenebrae. Or do you go by Valkorion now?"

"Who are you?"

"I am not here for you, Tenebrae. But what Valkorion speak is true, Charming Thunder. I can show you the future. I can show you many things."

"Like what?" Charming Thunder asked.

"The Fallen One. He is the source of all evil. For many years, he was launched into the multiverse among the evil. However, he has found a host body here to anchor him here. If not stopped, he will return and shroud your world into darkness that you have never seen before."

"Then how do we stop him?" Sombra asked.

"How about I show you?" The mist around the group began to move. The mist surrounded them and it changed the environment. They found themselves in the middle of a rock terrain. Around them, they see fallen soldiers of Equestria and they see Skytroopers remains. Up ahead, they see a battle going on. The vision of Charming Thunder, alongside his friends and family, were battling against Skytroopers being led by Rainbow Dash. As the battling kept going, the four seers including Midnight who was still hiding began to notice the clouds darkening before noticing a swirl above the middle of the entire valley. That is when a green and purple pillar of light hit the middle of the swirl, causing all the fighting to stop. Then the seers see a blue light shot out of the hole in the middle of the valley and it hit Charming Thunder in the vision. At it continue to hit him, the vision of Charming began to change. He looked like a more powerful version of Optimus Prime, but with a jetpack and a minigun on his back. The vision Charming Thunder opened his eyes as the light ended, studying his new appearance.

"CHARMING THUNDER!!" a voice roared. The seers looked up and see a metal with rust-looking jet charging at them. Then, it changed its' appearance and it showed Megatron.

"I'm not sure if I've made your acquaintance?" Vision Charming Thunder asked to the other transformer.

"I am surprised you could have forgotten me so easily after you had killed me near the Dark Forge in order to weaken Mephiles." There was when a flash of light and standing where the Transformer were was none other than Danny Eclipse, he had no cybernetic on his person but he had bat-like wings and his ears were batpony-like. His eyes had slits and they were glowing purple. Behind him, purple fire came from the ground as the Decepticon Medallion was glowing brightly.

"It IS you."

"You may have forgotten me but I will never forget you," Vision Danny said as the ground cracked and they radiated with a purple glow. "You can't imagine the depths I would go to find a way back to the world, fueled by my desire to get my revenge on both you and him."

"Who? Who is him?"

"The Fallen One." The vision changed into another one where the group sees another vision of Danny and Charming Thunder with their medallions glowing and with them was several figures but they could see cybertronian medallions. There was the ancient cybertronian Predacon symbol, the Star Seeker symbol, the Maximal symbol, and the Dinobot symbol. In front of them was a shadowy mass with a pair of blood red eyes glowing in the dark. The environment changed as the mist cleared. In front of them was a hallway full of wall paintings. The paintings show a history of how Equestria was made all the way to the present. A strange looking creature was on one of the paintings. It stated that they were the creators of Equss and the alicorns and the draconequus were the first species of Equestria. The group looked around the room as Charming Thunder looked at the three with guilt.

"Who is this 'Valkorion' the voice spoke of, son?" Sombra asked. Charming Thunder looked down in shame while Midnight peeped his head out from hiding.

"The once Immortal Emperor of the Sith," Charming Thunder confessed. "He has been haunting me ever since Danny betrayed us during the Zero conflict. He came to me and told me about Amore and that's why we are here." The group except Starlight gasped.

"You kept this a secret from us?" Radiant asked. Charming Thunder only nodded as a response. "Then that power... was coming from Valkorion himself?"

"Yes. I need you to keep a close eye on me whenever anything goes wrong." The group nodded as Charming Thunder walked past them then followed him along as they arrived in a room where a small chest is. Midnight came out of hiding and followed them. Charming Thunder drew his blaster and turned to point it at Midnight. He stopped as he growled like a dragon. "So you decided to follow us in to kill me?"

"Not this time," Midnight said. "Ever since I saw that vision, I realize where my loyalty truly lies." Charming Thunder holsters his blaster.

"And what makes you think we trust you?" Starlight asked.

"Well I was born yesterday." Charming Thunder smiled as Midnight and him shook hooves.

"Welcome to the circle of trust then," Charming Thunder said. Midnight smiled as the group then turned to see the small chest. They walked up to it as Charming Thunder wiped the dust off of it.

"This is it," Radiant said. "The final piece of the statue. Care to do the honors, Charming?"

"With pleasure." Charming Thunder used his magic to open the chest. Inside the chest was the red shard as Radiant said would be. He then used his magic to levitate it out of the chest as Radiant took out her saddle bag with the other pieces in it. Charming Thunder placed the shard inside with the others.

"Let's head back to the Crystal Empire," Starlight said. "Cadence may want to hear the news."

"Agreed. Let's get out of here."

Author's Note

With help from Danny Eclipse

Chapter 6: Confronting Valkorion

At the Crystal Empire, Charming Thunder and the others arrive to the castle where Cadence waited. She rushed over to Charming Thunder and hugged him tightly. They broke the hug as Cadence asked, "Were you successful?" Charming Thunder nodded.

"I also have an introduction to make," Charming Thunder said as he looked at Midnight. "This is Midnight Predator; bearer of the medallion of the Predacons."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Midnight."

"The pleasure is mine, your highness," Midnight said as he bowed his head. "Don't be alarmed, but I was created by Mephiles."

"It doesn't matter. What matters is that you did the right thing switching sides. Now, how do we fix the statue of my ancestor?"

"We use our magic to put the pieces together," Sombra said. "Is there a room we can use in order to do this? We need a lot of space?"

"Of course. Follow me." Cadence lead the group inside the castle as Charming Thunder placed a hoof on Radiant's shoulder.

"Do you know any shielding spells?"

"I may know of one," Radiant said. "Why?"

"I fear that Valkorion might betray me if we succeed. Whatever he pulls, I'll be ready then."

"I have studied a certain spell that can shield you from things like that. If it can protect you from Valkorion..." Time stopped and Valkorion appeared once again.

"Do you actually believe a certain spell can harm me?" Valkorion asked.

"Sound like it's scaring you for some reason."

"My only fear is that you will loose sight of our goal. Revive Amore. We have sacrificed too much to turn on each other now." Valkorion walked past him and vanished as time resumed.

"I...felt a presence," Radiant said. "Was it him?"

"The more he talks, the more he reveals himself," Charming Thunder said.

"It's what he keeps hidden that scares me. I'll use the spell on you if he tries to pull anything." Charming Thunder nodded as him and Radiant entered the castle to catch up with Cadence and the others.

Charming Thunder stood at the doorway as Radiant used her magic to layout the pieces of the statue of Amore. Valkorion appeared next to him as he watched. "Our journey is almost complete, but you ignore a closer threat," Valkorion said. "A former dark king; Sombra. If he turns dark again, who knows what could happen to your family and your kingdom."

"My father saved my life when he was the dark king," Charming Thunder said. "I will not kill him."

"Do not underestimate what he has done in the past. He took the throne of the Crystal Empire and destroyed their precious princess. What makes you think he deserves a second chance in life?" Valkorion vanishes as Charming Thunder joined the circle with Sombra, Radiant, Cadence, and Starlight.

"Let's begin," Radiant said. Her horned glowed as the others glowed their horns as well. They closed their eyes as the shards levitated in the air. They then began to connect to each other forming a statue. Charming Thunder however felt something and a surge of electricity surrounded him as the last piece of the statue connected. He fired a beam of lightning as he felt the pain from it. The rest stopped using their magic to witness his power surging towards the statue. The statue began to crack to reveal the pale vermilion coat of the mare being revived. Once the spell stopped, Amore collapsed to the ground and Charming Thunder placed a hoof on his head. Cadence walked up to Amore's body and placed a hoof on Amore's neck to check for a pulse.

"She's breathing," Cadence said as the others except Charming Thunder who stood there approached. "You did it, brother!" Charming Thunder shook his head as Valkorion appeared in front of him.

"Well done," Valkorion said. "After years of searching, you have revived the princess of the Crystal Empire."

"I won't let anything happen to Amore again," Charming Thunder said.

"Neither will I." Charming Thunder raised an eyebrow. Valkorion then used the force to levitate Charming Thunder off of the ground.

"No!" Radiant said as she along with the others rushed to him.

"Stop, Valkorion!!!" Starlight shouted. Time stopped before they can reach to him.

"I gave you power at my disposal," Valkorion said as he stepped up to Charming Thunder. "Now you leave me no choice."

"If you think I'm your puppet then--" Charming Thunder said before he screamed in pain from Valkorion's power. He then used the force to keep him in a bowing position.

"Bow to the emperor."

"As you command, my emperor."

"You were an exemplary pawn, one I forged a vessel of supreme power and worthy of preserving my spirit. When I am done with you, I will take your body and rule once more as the immortal emperor." Charming Thunder slowly got up as he was in pain.

"You can't do this, Valkorion. Not again."

"I already have." Valkorion then levitated Charming Thunder in the air and slammed him to a wall behind him leaving him unconscious.

"Wake up," Charming Thunder's voice said. "Wake up. What happened?" Valkorion wakes up in an area with crumbled Equestrian statues. He got up on his feet and took a long look at himself.

"Who am I?" Valkorion asked.

"You are the king of Equestria and the bearer of the Element of Courage. You wear Valkorion's skin, but you're the same person you always were."

"It's finally happened then. I have gone insane."

"Not yet. But that will change if you don't act." Valkorion followed a path as the voice of Charming Thunder continued to explain things to him. "Valkorion shattered your mind and tossed you into the abyss of your psyche. He thinks you're dead, but you survived by assuming his form. Find the shielding spell. Save yourself." He continued to follow the path until he came across a frozen scene of a fight between Cyber and Charming Thunder.

"When you struck down your own brother, it weakened Mephiles," a voice echoed. "But it also released me. My spirit invaded your mind in search of a new host. You resisted." The scene changed as Valkorion continued to walk on the path. "I pretended to be your aid. It was all a ruse. Trapped in your mind, I helped you fight against Midnight and the guardian spirit of the temple. Your strength grew." The scene disappeared when Valkorion arrived at a staircase where he sees Charming Thunder floating at the top of the stairs. When he reached the top of the stairs, he sees a book floating under Charming Thunder.

"Open the book," Charming Thunder's voice said. "Take the spell. Save yourself." Valkorion nodded and walked up to the book and slowly grabbed it. He then opened it and a flash appeared freeing himself from Valkorion's body and back to Charming Thunder's. Charming Thunder fell to the ground and took a breather.

Charming Thunder was still unconscious while Cadence cradled him in her arms. "Charming!" Cadence said. "Wake up!" Amore slowly got up from the ground. Radiant rushed to her to help her up. Amore then turned to see Cadence holding Charming Thunder and then looked at Sombra.

"So you have been redeemed back to the light," Amore said with a smile. "I am glad. But what's going on right now?"

"Charming Thunder is still alive," Starlight explained. "Valkorion conquered his mind, but Charming Thunder is fighting back."

"We need a way to enter his mind and help him," Sombra said. "I worry for my son."

"I know of one," Starlight said. "But I need to concentrate." Starlight then sat down in a meditative position and closed her eyes.

Charming Thunder was still on the ground. He looked up to see Valkorion walking up to him. "You persist," Valkorion said. "Impressive." Charming Thunder got up and got into a battle position.

"You may take my body, but you can't have my mind," Charming Thunder said; angrily.

"A minor inconvenience. When you struck down Cyber, I brought with me a fellow Sith for me to command." A figure of a Sith Lord appeared next to Valkorion. "Meet Darth Nox. He will be your executioner."

"Let me go," Nox said. "I am not your puppet!!!"

"Submit, Nox." Nox screamed in pain as his eyes began to glow purple.

"As you wish, my emperor."

"First I kill my brother, then you enslave a Sith spirit..."

"You sound disturbed."

"It's cruel, Valkorion. Even for you."

"Save your judgement and prepare for your downfall." Valkorion teleports behind Charming Thunder and force pushes him down the stairs. "Destroy the king." Nox leaped in the air and activated his lightsaber as Charming Thunder activated his. Charming Thunder dodged the incoming saber throw. A flash of light appeared and Starlight appeared next to him.

"Starlight?"

"I won't let him take over your mind," Starlight said as she activated her lightsaber. Nox charged at them and went for a pierce attack. Charming Thunder and Starlight jumped to the side and avoided the attack. Nox fired lightning at Charming Thunder, but he deflected it back at him; electrocuting Nox. Charming Thunder and Starlight then charged and made a few strikes as Nox blocked them. Nox force pushed Starlight as Charming Thunder leaps in the air and stabs him from behind. Nox collapses to the ground and his body vanishes in an instant. They both then turned their attention to Valkorion who approached them.

Starlight was still meditating as Sombra walked around with worry. Radiant approached him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Join Starlight," Radiant said. "Your son needs you."

"Valkorion is too powerful," Sombra said.

"You have proven yourself stronger once." Radiant placed a hoof on Sombra's cheek. "Show your son how strong you have become." She then locked herself to Sombra with a kiss on the lips. They then pulled away as Sombra sat down next to Starlight and focused.

A flash appeared next to Starlight and Charming Thunder as Sombra appeared. "Father?" Charming Thunder said.

"I won't let you face Valkorion alone," Sombra said.

"Touching," Valkorion said. "Maybe you should strike down your own son who let you die by the hooves of a changeling at the cost of saving his life."

"You may be right, but I won't do it." Charming Thunder chuckled as he got into a battle position.

"I'm going to enjoy taking down the Immortal Emperor," Charming Thunder said.

"You will all be consumed by eternity by the time I am finished." Valkorion charged his force powers and fired lightning. The three dodged out of the way as Valkorion teleported in front of Charming Thunder. Charming Thunder laid some strikes towards Valkorion as Valkorion blocked with a force shield. Starlight to attack from behind, but Valkorion teleported to the top of the staircase as Sombra and Starlight leaps in the air and lands right next to him. Charming Thunder rushed up the staircase as Sombra and Starlight readied their strikes. Valkorion pushed both Sombra and Starlight back while Charming Thunder continued to run up the stairs. He was stopped when he was force pushed by Valkorion back to the middle of the staircase. "Conjure a hundred spells, an arsenal of power..." Valkorion used the force to torture Charming Thunder more as he collapsed to the ground. "Nothing will stop me." Charming Thunder screamed in pain as he kneels on the stairs.

"You're wrong, Valkorion," Charming Thunder said. "Kneel before the dragon of Zakuul!" Valkorion then began to feel strange and took a few steps.

"No! How did you know of that command against my daughter; Vaylin."

"Danny told me a lot about you. Remember? I control what happens here and I say it is what's good for you."

"Clever."

"Kneel, Valkorion," Starlight shouted. "Kneel before the dragon of Zakuul!"

"It's over," Sombra said. "Give up." Valkorion turned around to walk away, but was stopped by Charming Thunder's brother; Danny Eclipse.

"Danny," Valkorion said; surprised. "But you're dead." Danny activated one of his lightsabers and looked at Charming Thunder then back at Valkorion.

"You have haunted my brother long enough," Danny said before slashing Valkorion in the chest.

"I am the immortal emperor. I will not be defeated again." Charming Thunder walked up to Valkorion as he slowly got up.

"Sooner or later, death was always going to catch up with you again. Give me the freedom I deserve."

"A king has no freedom. Before I graced your brother in my presence, he was nothing but weak and broken. And you a lone unicorn hunting a way to defeat Mephilis without aim or purpose." Valkorion tried to use his powers on Charming Thunder, but was stopped when Starlight and Sombra used their magic to hold him down then release him. "I forged you into a being worthy of reviving Amore. Without me, you are nothing."

"Wrong again, Valkorion. It's you who needed me. Now you are alone. And nothing can save you from the fate you once again deserve."

"Remember me when your empire burns to ash." Valkorion got up and prepared a force attack, but Charming Thunder was quick enough to activate his lightsaber and stab him in the chest. Valkorion collapsed to the ground as The group surrounded him.

"Begone, Valkorion," Danny said.

"Go," Sombra said. "Join the other Sith."

"How does it feel to be erased from Equestria?" Starlight said. Valkorion got up as he screamed as purple force energy came out of his body. Charming Thunder then did a slash attack to deliver the final blow. As Valkorion collapsed to the ground, lightning surged on him and repulsed a flash of energy.

Charming Thunder gasped for air as he woke up from consciousness. Sombra and Starlight opened their eyes and got up relieved to see him alive. Cadence helped him up as he shook his head. "It's over," Sombra said.

"You defeated Valkorion, once and for all," Starlight said. Charming Thunder looked around to see if Danny was here, but sadly he wasn't.

"I saw Danny there," Charming Thunder said. "Are we sure Valkorion won't return again?"

"I no longer feel his presence," Radiant said. "We will never see him again."

"Now we can focus on a task at hand; finding this Fallen One." Charming Thunder then looked at Amore and bowed to her.

"My dear friend, there is no need to bow," Amore said. "You have grown big the last time I saw you. I am so proud of you, your highness." She then bowed to Charming Thunder as everyone else did the same as he looked around and smiled.

Chapter 7: Prison Riot

Returning to Ponyvile with Starlight, Charming Thunder was concerned with why Danny helped him defeat Valkorion. When he got to the castle, he noticed Rainbow Dash was here talking to Twilight. They noticed him come in and walked up to him. Charming Thunder wanted to know for sure so he decided to ask Rainbow, "Have you heard from Danny yet?"

"No," Rainbow replied. "I haven't. Why?"

"I saw him when I was confronting Valkorion. He helped me."

"You saw Danny?" Twilight asked.

"Yes. I don't know why he helped me, but I am grateful that he did." Charming Thunder then decided to change the subject. "Any word about the search for the Eternal Fleet?"

"Not yet. I think SCORPIO has gone quiet ever since. What is she planning?"

"I don't know, but we will be ready for anything she would throw at us." Charming Thunder then talked about how his quest went at the Crystal Empire and told them that Princess Amore returned and that he has a new ally to the Equestrian Empire who bears a medallion like him and what he found out at the temple.

At midnight, Charming Thunder was sound asleep in bed with Twilight when a knock was heard at the door. They both woke up and got up to answer the door. When Charming Thunder opened the door, Rainbow was standing there in a panic. "Do you even know what time it is, Rainbow?" Twilight groaned.

"It's the Eternal Fleet," Rainbow said. "They're attacking Alcatraz prison!"

"Why would they attack a prison?"

"Well let's find out," Charming Thunder said. "Rainbow, prep a shuttle and inform the fleet and plot a course to Alcatraz." Rainbow saluted and quickly flew out of the room. While Charming Thunder and Twilight rushed to the hangar to a shuttle.

As a riot broke down at Alcatraz, the guards began to man the Anti-Air Turrets and began to open fire against the battlecruisers, who were unfazed by their foolish attempts to damage the ships due to their shields protecting them. Suddenly, five of the battlecruisers fired multiple drop pods from their sides and they charged against the security. A few of them were shot down but most of them managed to make it.

A stallion prisoner was running when he felt the prison shake at the landing of the Skytrooper forces.

A single pod, when it landed, opened up and six Skytroopers and a single yellow droid came out. This droid was a yellow and black droid with some good armor plating and it had a yellow core and yellow eyes. In its' hands was a blaster rifle. "Report: HK-55 reporting and taking command of Skytrooper Rescue Team," the droid said. "Command Order: Location Shockwave for extraction, Priority Alpha. Instructions: Keep the scientist alive at all costs, failure is not an option. Kill any meatbags that stand in your way."

The stallion was running when he sees two guards spotting him. "Hey!" the guard shouted as the stallion ran towards the Sector 6 door. "Stop that prisoner!" The guards began to give chase. He spots the Sector 6 door but just when he was about to give up, the door opens, revealing 3 Skytroopers and a single black Skytrooper.

"I require assistance," the stallion shouted at the droids. The Skytroopers looked at him before looking at the guards and aimed their guns and blasted them to death. Once they finished, the black Skytrooper looked at the prisoner.

"Target ID: Shockwave," the black Skytrooper said as it scanned the stallion. "Confirm?" Shockwave nodded and the black Skytrooper opened communications. "Bravo Team has acquired Shockwave in Sector 6. Bring in the ship for extraction. All teams; Bravo Team requests support."

"Acknowledged," HK-55 replied in the communications. " All teams, rendezvous to exaction point! Target has been acquired."

Outside, as the rescue team made its' way to the landing platform, a fleet of Star Destroyers arrived to the scene. As the air battled kept going, a Eternal Fleet Battlecruiser had a shuttle being transported down the landing platform. However, the Equestrian Empire launched its' own shuttles down another landing platform. Shockwave and his escort managed to make it to their shuttle and they meet up with HK-55 and the rest of the rescue team. However, before they boarded the vessel, they heard hoofsteps and turned, seeing Charming Thunder alongside Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. Shockwave looked at them. "Charming Thunder, Twilight Sparkle, and...Rainbow Dash," Shockwave said.

"Who are you?" Charming Thunder asked.

"I am Shockwave and the Cyber Alliance seemed to have an interest in me. For what, its' not in my knowledge. However, I can say this." Shockwave then looked at Rainbow before he pulls out a napkin and threw it at Rainbow. Rainbow caught it and she opens it without Charming and Twilight looking at it. What she saw shocked her. She looked at it for a moment and folded it up then threw it to Shockwave.

"You think a simple picture is going to change my mind?" Rainbow said. "You are sadly mistaken." As she said that, she winked with her left eye.

"Skytroopers, deal with them." The Skytroopers aimed their blasters and fired. Shockwave ran up the ramp while HK-55 followed him. Rainbow opened her wings and charged after them into the ship and the ramp raised. Charming Thunder and Twilight couldn't stop it without getting hit by the Skytroopers. Charming Thunder activated his lightsaber as Twilight did the same and chopped down some Skytroopers as the ship took off towards the fleet. All of the ships of the Eternal Fleet began to turn around quickly before disappearing into light speed with the shuttle with them.

Once the riot stopped, the guards escorted the prisoners back to their cells while droids picked up the remains of chopped up Skytroopers. Charming Thunder and Twilight were talking to Bon Bon. "Thanks for the help, your highnesses," she said. "Without your help, the prisoners would've escaped. But don't worry. We will have them back into their cells."

"One escaped," Charming Thunder said. "Do you have any information about this 'Shockwave'?"

"Ah, him. Shockwave is a scientist who dedicated his life to learning about cosmic energies and tried to replicate it to make it powerful. However, his fellow scientists called him a madman and even the princesses locked him because his goal was too big of a danger to let anyone, even himself, to get hurt. He's insane. He talks to himself sometimes when he was in his cell. He's been a prisoner here for several years. What do the Skytroopers even want with that madman?"

"I don't know," Twilight said. "But it is important that we find him and Rainbow, if he has taken her prisoner." The two decided to help the guards with the cleanup of the prison.

Chapter 8: The Changelings Violate the Treaty

It's been a few days since the prison riot at Alcatraz. Charming Thunder sat on his throne with his eyes closed as he meditated. Twilight entered the room as she was looking for something or someone. She then noticed Charming Thunder and puts an evil grin on her face. She then approached the unicorn as he sat on the throne. When she was just about to turn the chair around, Charming Thunder opened his quickly and shouted, "Guards!!!" The two red royal guards entered the room and aimed their pikes at Twilight.

"What are you doing, sweetie?" Twilight said. "It's me. Your wife." Charming Thunder got up from his throne and walked up to Twilight.

"That may be true, but you are not, changeling." The guards took a step closer, but was suddenly knocked out by six changelings who entered the room and surrounded Charming Thunder. Twilight then changed into a changeling and joined the circle.

"Very clever, Charming," the first changeling said. "But it won't be enough to save yourself. Attack!!!" The other changelings leap in the air and attempted to take Charming Thunder, but he dodged them and his horn glowed as he readied a spell.

"What have you done to my friends and family?"

"Nothing yet," the second changeling said.

"Our queen has plans for them and your precious princesses," the third changeling said. Charming Thunder's eyes widened and got angry. His horn glowed brighter and fired lightning at them, but the changelings avoided the strike. He then used the force to freeze them in place and used his lightsaber to chop them down leaving one standing. The changeling tries to break free from Charming Thunder's power as Charming Thunder approached him. He then began to sweat nervously at the unicorn's presence.

"So uh who talks first?" the changeling asked; nervously. "You talk first? I talk first?" Lucina arrived at the scene where she sees Charming Thunder interrogating the changeling.

"What's going on here?" Lucina asked. "Why is there a changeling here?"

"He's going to tell us where Twilight and the others are. Or..." Charming Thunder drew his blaster and pointed it at the changeling's face. "He gets blasted in the face." The changeling panics and bursts out the answer.

"They're at our castle!!!" Charming Thunder smiled and holstered his blaster.

"You did the right thing." Charming Thunder then releases the changeling. "Now flee before I change my mind on killing you." The changeling then flew out of the room as Charming Thunder and Lucina walked to a window seeing the changeling fleeing for his life.

"So what now?" Lucina asked.

"At least I know where their kingdom is." Charming Thunder took out his holo communicator and contacted Captain Lunar.

"Your highness?" Captain Lunar said.

"Assemble your forces at the castle. There is something they must know right now."

"Yes, your highness." The transmission ended as Charming Thunder walked past Lucina. She sensed anger inside Charming Thunder so she walked up to her father and placed a hoof on his shoulder to stop him.

"Father, I can feel your anger," Lucina said; worried. "You need to stop this before you start another war."

"If it's war their queen wants, she will have it." Charming Thunder left the room as Lucina just stood there shocked at what she heard her father said.

Charming Thunder assembled an army outside the castle at Ponyville with Captain Lunar standing behind him as he made a speech. “Fellow soldiers of the Equestrian Empire,” he started. “You have gathered at a very desperate hour. The princesses and the element bearers have been taken by the changelings.” Chatter was going on in the crowd of stormtroopers. “We were once allied with these creatures, but now they crossed the line. I say that we take back our allies, my comrades. At dawn, we attack their hive!!!” Cheering erupted as Charming Thunder took a step closer to the balcony.

(Note: Sung to the tune of Pocahontas's Savages Part 1 & 2)

Sung by: Charming Thunder, Stormtroopers, Changelings, Lucina, and Chrysalis

What can you expect
From filthy little love eaters?
Here's what you get when races are diverse
Their skins are dark as stone
They’re only good when crushed
They’re vermin, as I thought
And worse

They're savages! Savages!

Barely even pony

Savages! Savages!

Drive them from our land
They're not like you and me
Which means they must be evil
We must sound the drums of war!

They're savages! Savages!

Dirty love sucking hounds!
Now we sound the drums of war!

At the changeling kingdom, the Changeling traitor; Thorax and Starlight were restrained as Chrysalis sat on her throne looking up at the captured ponies hanging on the ceiling in cocoons. A Changeling drone entered the room and whispered in the queen's ear of something he found out. Chrysalis then chuckled.

This is what I hoped
The king gathers his forces
The only thing he feels is anger
But beneath his pure heart
There’s emptiness from the start

I wonder if it even bleeds!

They're savages! Savages!
Barely even pony
Savages! Savages!

Heroic at the core
And different from us
Which makes him a good feast
We must sound the drums of war

They're savages! Savages!
First we deal with the traitor
Then we sound the drums of war!

Savages! Savages!

"Let's go get a few, men!" Captain Lunar said to the soldiers as Charming Thunder boarded a troop transport.

Savages! Savages!

Now it’s up to you, soldiers!

Savages! Savages!
Barely even pony!
Now we sound the drums of war!

Lucina watched from her bedroom window as the troop transports took off to go to the Changeling kingdom. “I need to stop my dad before something happens,” she said; worried. “He could start another war with the changelings if it happens.” She then paced back and forth until she hatched an idea. Her horn glowed as she teleported out of the castle to the edge of the hill where she got a glimpse of the Changeling castle. She knows what she must do and she must follow that path.

The troop transport carrying Charming Thunder landed at the Changeling kingdom as the ramp lowered. Troops marched out after Charming Thunder walked out. He knows that he can’t use magic in the kingdom so he will have to resolve this with his weapons. Once the army was assembled, Charming Thunder activated his lightsaber.

This will be the day

“Move out!!” Charming Thunder shouted as he lead his army of stormtroopers to the Changeling castle. At the castle, Chrysalis sees the army with her magic and looks at Starlight and Thorax.

This will be the morning

“Bring me the traitor!” Chrysalis ordered. The changeling guard grabbed Thorax and dragged him on the floor.

We will see them dying in the dust

I don't know what I can do
Still, I know I've got to try

Now we make ‘em pay

The Force gives me strength

Now without a warning

Nothing will get in my way

Now we leave 'em blood and bone and rust

Guardians of the light side…

It's them or us

Please let me make it on time…

They're just a bunch of
Filthy, stinking

Savages!

Savages!

Demons!

Hounds!

Kill them!

Savages!

Savages!

What are we waiting for?

Destroy their evil race
Until there's not a trace left

How loud can the drums of war be?

We will sound the drums of war
(Savages! Savages!)
Now, we sound the drums of war
(Savages! Savages!)

Charming Thunder and his army arrive to see Queen Chrysalis and a guard holding Thorax and Starlight restrained to the ground in the castle. His eyes widened to see the changeling he remembered meeting at the Crystal Empire and his friend then glared back at Chrysalis. He then looked up to see the princesses and the others hanging in their cocoons. He halted his army and ordered them to ready their weapons.

Now we see what comes
Of trying to be brave

Now we sound the drums...of...

Of course it means the drums...of...

Is the death of friends and family
Carried in the drumming of...

WAR!

“Stop!!!” Lucina shouted before she stood in front of both Charming Thunder and Chrysalis. Charming Thunder gripped his lightsaber and stood his ground against his own daughter.

“Stand aside, Lucina,” Charming Thunder said.

“I won’t!!! This isn’t you, father!” Charming Thunder’s eyes widened as he looked at his army and then back at Lucina. “Look around you. This is where the path of darkness has brought us. What would mom do if you were the one who was kidnapped by Chrysalis and her changelings?” Charming Thunder thought about it for a moment then looked at his army who was aiming their weapons at the changelings then at Chrysalis who had her magic ready. He then deactivated his lightsaber and placed it on his belt. Lucina approached Charming Thunder with a smile on her face and hugged her father tight. Charming Thunder then turned to his soldiers.

“Stand down.” The soldiers did what Charming Thunder said and lowered their weapons. Chrysalis however didn’t stand down. “You should too, Chrysalis, and give me back my friends and family.” She only shook her head and growled.

“I think not,” Chrysalis said. “The hunger of changelings can never be satisfied without them.”

“Exactly!” Starlight said as she struggled to break free. “Thorax left the hive and made a friend. He shared love, and now he doesn't need to feed. You don't have to live your lives starving all the time!”

“You know nothing of the changelings or what it takes to be their queen! I decide what is best for my subjects, not some mewling grub!”

“I know what it's like to lead by fear and intimidation! And I know what it's like to want everypony to do what you say! But I was wrong. A real leader doesn't force her subjects to deny who they are! She celebrates what makes them unique and listens when one of them finds a better way!” The changelings were taken by Starlight’s explanation.

“The only thing Thorax has found is what happens to those who turn their back on the hive!” Chrysalis then uses her magic to levitate Thorax.

“No! Stop!”

“This doesn’t have to end like this,” Charming Thunder said.

“Just as soon as I drain every last ounce of love from him and show my subjects what a real leader is!” Chrysalis then used powerful magic to drain the love from Thorax.

“I can feel the love inside me slipping away!” Thorax said; straining. “I can't hold onto it much longer!”

“Then don't!” Starlight said. “Sharing love is what made you different to begin with! You should share yours with Chrysalis! Give her all of it!” Thorax was then surrounded by a powerful magic and a blast of magic hits Chrysalis and she impacts on her throne causing it to crack. Thorax was then transformed into a cocoon and when Starlight approached it to touch it, a bright light shone and revealed Thorax in his new look. Starlight and the changelings were amazed by this discovery. “This is what happens when you give love freely instead of taking it!” The other changelings did the same transformation as Thorax which caused Chrysalis’s throne room to explode with magic. Starlight and Charming Thunder protected themselves with magic as rubble fell to the ground. Once it was done, they lowered the magic barrier to see the other changelings in their new form. Charming Thunder noticed that the cocoons holding his friends and family have broken open and rushed to Applejack to help her up. Discord hugged Fluttershy who was relieved to see her safe. He then noticed the changelings carrying his niece and handed her over to him. Charming Thunder smiled and nudged Flurry who giggled to see his uncle. He then walked up to Cadence and Shining Armor and handed over Flurry. He then turned to see Twilight being helped up by Starlight.

“Starlight?” Twilight asked. “What happened?”

“We defeated the changelings with no magic at all, they found a new leader, and... they're all kinda... good now.” Twilight then noticed Charming Thunder and Lucina approach and rushed over to them to give them a tight hug.

“Well done, Starlight Glimmer,” Luna said. “It seems as though you've learned a great deal since we last spoke.” The sound of rubble was heard as everyone looked to see Chrysalis getting out of there. She hissed as Charming Thunder and the others stood tall against her. Starlight stepped up to her.

“When Twilight and her friends defeated me, I chose to run away and seek revenge! You don't have to! You can be the leader your subjects deserve.” Starlight offered her hoof to her before Meta and the other changelings who haven’t turned came and blasted her with magic. The stormtroopers aimed their blasters and opened fire, but Meta puts up a magic barrier to avoid getting hit. The shooting stopped when Charming Thunder stepped up in front of the soldiers and activated his lightsaber.

The changelings then surrounded Charming Thunder with their horns glowing before Meta ordered, “OPEN FIRE!!!” The enemy changelings opened fire with their magic. Charming Thunder was quick enough to deflect those blasts around him with his blade while Meta rushed to Chrysalis helping her out of the rubble. Charming Thunder then used the force to grip one of the changelings and throw him across the room. He then threw his saber at his chest and used the force to pull it back to his hooves. He deflected more shots as he used the force to shock them with powerful lightning which caused the enemy to disintegrate. He then turned to see Chrysalis out of the rubble as Meta flew away.

“There is no revenge you could ever conceive of that will come close to what I will exact upon you one day, Starlight Glimmer!” Chrysalis said before she flew away to follow her husband. Charming Thunder and the others walked towards the edge and deactivated his lightsaber. He then drew his pistol and aimed at Chrysalis who was still fleeing. Celestia placed a hoof on Charming Thunder’s blaster and lowered it.

“Let her go, Charming,” Celestia said. She then turned to Thorax. “Thorax, as the new leader of the changelings, I look forward to discussing how we can improve our relationship in the future. However, for the moment, perhaps it is best that we leave the Changeling Kingdom to the changelings.” Discord magically appeared between Rarity and Applejack and clapped.

“Splendid idea!” Discord said. “Now who's ready for some celebratory tea at Fluttershy's?!”

“Oh!” Fluttershy said. “Uh, everypony?”

“Actually, now that you can snap your claws and send us absolutely anywhere again, I think I have a better option,” Starlight suggested.

“What do you have in mind, Starlight?” Charming Thunder asked.

“The town where we first met.” Charming Thunder smiled and nodded.

Chapter 9: Advice From the King

Charming Thunder gazed out of the window as he stood next to his throne. He didn't notice Celestia enter the room with Twilight and Spike. He then turned to see them and walked down the steps to meet them. "Should you three be at the party?" he asked.

"We were supposed to, but Twilight here wanted some advice from you," Celestia said.

"About what? Your student; Starlight?" Twilight nodded nervously. "Why me? Didn't Celestia give you advice?"

"She did," Twilight said. "But I want to here what you would do if you had a student who learned a lot and the time came to send him or her away. Just like I was sent here to Ponyville."

"Remind me again why she sent you here to Ponyville a long time ago?"

"To learn about friendship, but that wasn't the case. She had the same fears I was having early today."

"I had that same fear myself before I met you, Twilight."

"You did too?"

"You see, I had a fear that Aunt Celestia and Luna would never want me to come back since I started my journey to Ponyville. But I realized that they still loved me as their nephew no matter where I go. First my sister left to rule the Crystal Empire then I came to Ponyville."

"What happened then?" Spike asked.

"That was when I met Twilight and the others. They reminded me of the friends I made back in Canterlot when I was young. Including Sunset before she went to the human world."

"There's something else, is there?" Celestia asked. Charming Thunder looked at Celestia as tears began to fall out of his eyes.

"It's kind of embarrassing to admit it to you auntie, but I missed you and Aunt Luna ever since I left Canterlot." Celestia smiled and wrapped a wing around Charming Thunder.

"I missed you too most of all, Charming. Me and Luna both." Charming Thunder wiped away his tears and looked at Twilight.

"Twilight, just because Starlight is your best pupil doesn't mean you can send her away like how Celestia did to you. The choice is yours and yours alone to make." Charming Thunder smiled as Twilight wiped off a tear off of her eye. She then hugged him.

"How come you are not at the party?"

"I almost started a war with the changelings. How can I learn from this mistake since Chrysalis violated the treaty?"

"I don't condone what you were trying to do to save me and the others, but I understand," Celestia said. "Learn from this mistake and maybe Thorax and the changelings will respect you again."

"I promise that I won't waste this chance. We should probably go back to the party if Twilight has something in mind for Starlight."

"I think I may have an idea," Twilight said.

Charming Thunder was at the party talking to Applejack about what she has been up to after the day she was rescued from Chrysalis. She told him that her skills with a rifle, pistol, and vibroblade have been improving. He was proud of her and would like to see it sometime. Twilight then arrived with a present levitated with her. She then puts the present down and levitates a spoon and a cup and used the spoon to tap on the cup. "If I could have everypony's attention!" Twilight said as everyone in the room gathered around. "As you all know, Starlight Glimmer's been my pupil for a while now, and I'd hoped she'd be my pupil for a long time yet to come. But it turns out that's just not meant to be." Everyone in the room except Charming Thunder gasped. "Starlight, you have proved yourself to be a kind, loyal, strong, honest, and truly magical friend. Just looking around this room at all the new friendships you've made, I know there's nothing more I need to teach you. So we have a second reason to celebrate today. Three cheers for Starlight Glimmer on her graduation day!" Charming Thunder cheered with everyone. "The future's in your own hooves now."

"Wow," Starlight said; surprised. "I was not expecting this!" Trixie and Thorax hugged Starlight as Discord appeared next to Twilight.

"Darn it," Discord said. "I was hoping you would send her to my realm. We could've been roomies. Way to not pick up what I was putting down."

"How do you want to celebrate?" Trixie asked Starlight. "Girls' trip to Las Pegasus?"

"We could throw you a changeling gourd fest!" Thorax added. "Uh, it's more fun than it sounds." He then smiled nervously.

"Or we could go cause a little mischief," Discord added. "I know a trick that'll turn Celestia's castle into cheese. Do you think it's a 'gouda' idea?" Discord then laughed at his joke. "That's just the first of many cheese jokes if we go down this path."

"Well, that all sounds wonderful," Starlight said. "But, um, give me a minute, would ya?" Charming Thunder decided to go talk to Thorax. He then bowed to his presence to greet him.

"Greetings, Thorax," Charming Thunder said. "I trust that you are having fun during this special occasion."

"Indeed, your highness," Thorax said. "I never got a chance to say this, but thank you for coming to my aid when times were desperate."

"It was my pleasure, Thorax. Listen, I've been thinking maybe you would like to sign a new peace treaty tomorrow morning since Chrysalis broke it and that you have an amazing new look for you and your people."

"I would be honored, Charming. What are friends for?" Charming Thunder and Thorax shook hooves as the party continued. "We will even help you find Rainbow Dash any way we can."

"That will be much appreciated. Thank you." Charming Thunder then noticed Cadence and Shining Armor during the party. he decided to walk up to them and talk. "How are you guys since the rescue?"

"We are recovering just fine, brother," Cadence said. "And so is Flurry." Charming Thunder was relieved to hear that Flurry was alright as well.

"We're just grateful to be alive thanks to you and Starlight," Shining Armor said.

"Starlight mainly. Not me. I almost started a war with the changelings since Chrysalis violated the treaty to the Equestrian Empire.

"Then what's wrong?" Cadence asked as she placed a hoof on Charming Thunder's shoulder.

"Nothing. I'm just glad you're safe, sis." Charming Thunder hugged both Shining Armor and Cadence as the party continued in the room.

Chapter 10: Crippling the Equestrian Empire

Charming Thunder flew his TIE Advanced to a nearest training outpost in Equestrian territory to see some new troops train to become stormtroopers. He landed his vessel at a nearest landing pad guarded by AT-STs for his arrival. Inside the outpost hall, stormtoopers stood in line formation and salutes as the doors open to see Charming Thunder enter being escorted by two elite troopers. He walked through the line to an elevator as the two troopers followed him in. The elevator doors closed and it took him up to the security wing of the outpost. The doors then opened and he entered the security room where he got a good view of some ponies training. He was impressed with the progress and smiled. An alarm suddenly sounded as Charming Thunder looked up from the window to see five vessels of the Eternal Fleet. He was shocked to see them and turned to a communication's officer as a terminal beeped. "Sir, we are receiving a transmission from the leading Eternal Fleet Ship," he said.

"Patch it through," Charming Thunder ordered and when the transmission came to life, he sees Rainbow Dash smirking at him.

"Rainbow?" Charming Thunder was shocked and surprised to see Rainbow siding with the Eternal Empire. "You joined the Eternal Empire!?"

"Indeed. I am also benefiting from it, too. It's time to settle the score."

"Score? What score?"

"For betraying me."

"How did I betray you? I haven't done anything to you, Rainbow."

"Yes, not to Rainbow." Rainbow grinned. "But me, Charming?" Charming Thunder puts the pieces together and gasped.

"Danny..."

"Yes!" the possessed Rainbow Dash shouted. "You betrayed me! What do you think would have happened, Charming, if you rid of the Changelings? You reformed them, yes, but you also attempted to rid of the Changelings! Changelings are born of the Dark Side, when you reformed them, you turned them to the light! Do you even have an idea what you have done!?"

"I did something good." Rainbow slammed her foot down.

"You ruined balance, you idiot! It was bad enough that the Light Side had grown, but balance will still strain! But you had to go and shatter the balance thanks to you AND Starlight! Without balance, chaos will be ensure and I don't mean Discord's chaos! So I'm doing the one thing that will bring balance to order!"

"And what are you going to do?" Charming Thunder feared what Danny's answer was going to be.

"Why, I'm going to weaken the light side and return balance. How? Simple; cripple the source of the light side!" Rainbow turned her head. "Initiate Operation: Equestrian Crippling! Activate at my command!"

"What are you doing, Danny!?"

"Simple, I'm going to settle the score while at the same time, weakening the light side. Meta and Chrysalis needed a source of love and they weren't getting any benefits from their treaty to Equestria and there were no ponies welcoming Changelings, despite the treaty welcoming them. Then, all of a sudden, Thorax takes over the Reformed Changelings and essentially robbing Chrysalis and Meta of their subjects!" Charming began to grow more fearful, he had honestly never expected Danny of all ponies to react so bad of the new situation "You had left Meta and Chrysalis with no resources and expelled them from their own kind! So in retribution, I'm going to get rid of YOUR resources and leave Equestria open for invasion and let you watch helplessly as your subjects are being 'taken away' from you!"

"That's going against everything you did for Equestria back in the Lunar Wars, Danny! You helped me build the Equestrian Empire."

"What I built was suppose to be a balance in order, no advantages or disadvantages against each side of the force! I didn't build this, you did! Back when I was still alive, I followed you because I believed you'd end the cycle of war. I thought that you would have the will and strength to proceed and assault against Mephiles and his empire after my demise! My hopes were shattered when you went into self-exile then decided to do some other things instead of taking the fight to Mephiles! You didn't fulfill my wish, you chose to be a wimp and ignored me like I was a pawn that was destined to die!"

"D-Danny..." Charming Thunder realized that he had, indeed, not fulfilled his brother's dying wish and chose to ignore it. The cold, hard truth was hitting him very hard.

"You let the Equestrian Empire outgrew you! Now it's rotting from the inside and you've become a symbol of oppression." Rainbow looked away. "So much for your dreams of peace." Charming Thunder tried to reason with Danny.

"Then let's find a solution together. I want peace as much as you, Danny."

"I believed that, once."

"If you topple the Empire, millions will die!"

"If that's the cost of peace and balance, then so be it. This is goodbye, Charming."

"Stop this, Danny! We can still find peace, but we have to work together!" Rainbow shook her head before looking somewhere else.

"Activate Operation: Equestrian Crippling, now!" The transmission ended as the entire place began to shake from being bombarded from above.

"Evacuate the outpost!!!" The officers nodded and sounded the alarm as he rushed out of the room to help the others evacuate. He arrived at the training grounds as the bombardment continued to rain from above" Get to the shuttles now!!!" Everyone nodded and did what he said and made a run for it. Charming Thunder ran through the halls of the outpost as a structure collapsed blocking his path. He used his magic to destroy the debris and proceeded on to his ship. Once he was on board his TIE Advanced, he took off as the evacuation shuttles and TIE Fighters followed behind him. The Eternal Fleet didn't even bother pursuing them and continued their bombardment.

At Canterlot, the princesses along with Charming Thunder and Starlight see a hologram image of every factory, shipyard, and outpost being bombarded by the Eternal Fleet. "I can't believe Danny is doing this to us," Charming Thunder said. "What if he's right? It is my fault for reforming the changelings."

"It's not your fault, Charming," Starlight reassured. "It's mine. I'm the one who reformed them."

"That may be true, but I am the one who violated the treaty with them. Now we are open to attack thanks to Danny."

"I just can't believe that Rainbow sided with the Eternal Empire," Luna said.

"It will take months to rebuild all of this," Cadence said. "Maybe years!!!"

"Let's not panic," Celestia said. "We can fix this."

"Even if Danny returns, who knows what he will do next," Charming Thunder said. "All I want is peace with him when Mephiles is defeated."

"We will defeat Mephiles, brother," Cadence said. "That's a promise even if Danny returns. He is either with us or against us."

Chapter 11: Aftermath of the Operation

Charming Thunder was still with the princesses checking the status reports on the destroyed factories, shipyards, and outposts. They were relieved to hear that some survived the destruction after the operation Danny pulled off. They were also surprised to hear the news that they haven't been attacked by either the Eternal Empire of the Mephiles Alliance. Things have gone quiet since the operation occurred. Charming Thunder looked at the hologram image of Canterlot with the fleet flying over it when a soldier entered the room. "Sir, we have a situation," he stated.

"Report," Charming Thunder ordered.

"It would appear that in the midst of the Eternal Fleet crippling our military, they also attacked a few of our science facilities."

"Anyone hurt?" Celestia asked; worried.

"Negative, princess. The Skytroopers didn't injure anyone but rather, took some of our technology. They took a prototype energy absorption satellite laser that was design for energy absorption that was supposed to allow our ships to drain shields like the Shield Leeching technology used by the Phantom Consortium. They also stole a Cryochamber for whatever reason. They also stole a handful of power generators that were actually being used for the science facilities and since the generators of these facilities are more powerful than normal, they took some high powered generators. With the amount they took, they took enough to power five Death Stars, sir." The last bit of information made their jaws drop at the news.

"Anything else?" Twilight asked.

"Well...there is something else." The soldier looked nervous.

"What is it?" Charming Thunder asked; wondering why the soldier was nervous.

"The Eternal Empire raided the Crystal Temple, sir."

"What?" the princesses and Charming Thunder shouted in unison.

"Anyone hurt?" Charming Thunder asked.

"No, but the Eternal Empire take a coffin from the funeral district," the soldier replied.

"Who was it they took?" Luna asked.

"The body of..." The soldier was shaking before he could finish. "Danny Eclipse, sir." Everyone in the room gasped.

"Thank you for the report, soldier," Charming Thunder said. "You are dismissed." The soldier saluted before taking his leave from the room. Charming Thunder then thought about something. "What would the Eternal Empire want with my brother's dead body?"

"I'm not sure," Cadence said. "But whatever they are planning to use it for, it may not be good."

"In the meantime, we must be ready for anything if Danny returns either friend or foe," Luna said. Everyone else nodded in agreement and continued to look at the hologram of Canterlot.

It's been a few days since the operation happened. Charming Thunder sat on his throne as he went through letters. One stated a thank you letter from Thorax for signing the treaty and hope to become good friends in the future. He also heard from Celestia that every factory, shipyard, and outpost that was destroyed is being rebuilt and that Cadence asked the guardians of the Crystal Temple to tighten security if anything happens. He rolled up that letter and got up to leave the throne room. It was when Applebloom entered the room. "Hey, Applebloom," Charming Thunder greeted. "What's up?"

"Big Mac wanted me to introduce you to somepony now that we got back from Starlight's old village," Applebloom said. "Big Mac would be here, but he had other things to do."

"He must be shy to introduce this pony to me." The two ponies laughed. "So who is this pony?"

"I'll bring her in. She's visiting from the village now that her and Big Mac are together." Charming Thunder nodded as Applebloom left the room. After waiting patiently, a mare entered the room he recognized from a long time ago. It was Sugar Belle, a baker pony of Starlight's village. She bowed to Charming Thunder who then gestured her to rise.

"It is an honor to meet you," Sugar Belle said.

"The pleasure is mine," Charming Thunder said with a smile.

"When Big Mac's sister spoke of you, I never knew that you were the king of Equestria."

"And the stallion who is married to Applejack, Applebloom and Big Mac's sister. Trust me. You know her from a long time ago during the time me and Danny first came to your village."

"Then you and Big Mac are family?" Charming thunder nodded. "Then I am honored to meet another member of the Apple family."

"I hope you and Big Mac will become even closer someday. And maybe you can be part of the family too." Sugar Belle giggled at the thought and hugged Charming Thunder.

At the library, Charming Thunder read a book on one of the comfy chairs as he thought of something. Twilight entered the room with a stack of books being levitated by her magic. She then looked worried about her husband and placed the books on the shelf. She then walked up to Charming Thunder with a smile and placed a hoof on his shoulder. "How are things, honey?" she asked.

"Things are fine," Charming Thunder said as he bookmarked the page he was on in his book and puts the book down to look at Twilight. "Why do you ask?" Twilight then placed a hoof on Charming Thunder's cheek.

"You've been thinking about Danny again, are you?" Charming Thunder nodded.

"I never knew he would be this angry at me about the changelings."

"Oh, stop blaming yourself, love. Let the past go behind you and forget about it. Stop feeling guilty for what you have done."

"I'm trying, honey."

"No, either do, or do not. There is no try." Charming Thunder sighed and smiled.

"You are starting to remind me of Yoda's teachings." Twilight giggled as Charming Thunder laughed. She then kissed him on the lips and giggled again.

"I love you." Charming Thunder nodded.

"I know."

Chapter 12: The Return of Danny Eclipse

A celebration has taken place at Canterlot. Banners and posters of Danny Eclipse hung everywhere in the town as Charming Thunder and Twilight walked in the streets looking around. They see stands where ponies were selling merchandise in honor of Charming Thunder's brother; action figures, posters, etc. Charming Thunder was impressed with this celebration he had planned. A stormtrooper approached the two and saluted. "You are needed at the castle, your hignesses," he said. Charming Thunder and Twilight then followed the stormtrooper to the castle. They then arrived to see Celestia and Luna waiting for them. The soldier then left to return to his post as Charming Thunder entered the throne room with them.

"Galaxia and Cosmos are ready with their part of this special celebration," Celestia said.

"Good," Charming Thunder said. "Have everypony gather at the castle at sundown and we will make an eclipse in honor of Danny." Celestia nodded and left the throne room leaving Twilight, Charming Thunder, and Luna. "I just hope I make this up to Danny. Even if he returns."

"I hope so too," Luna said. "In the meantime, you should prepare for your speech, nephew." Charming Thunder nodded and walked up to a window to watch the celebration going on.

Everyone gathered at the castle courtyard as Charming Thunder walked up on stage with the princesses along with Cosmos and Galaxia. Two stormtroopers stood at two front ends of the stage standing guard. A cam droid floated around and looked at Charming Thunder at a good angle so it can record a live feed to all of Equestria. Charming Thunder took a step closer to the edge of the stage and cleared his throat. "Citizens of Equestria," he started. "We have gathered here to celebrate an anniversary of a hero who saved Equestria countless times in the past before his death. Today is the anniversary of the death of my brother; Danny Eclipse." Charming Thunder turned to Galaxia and Cosmos then nodded. He then looked back at the audience and continued. "We have also gathered to honor him with an eclipse." Galaxia and Cosmos's horns glowed as the moon began to come to the sun forming an eclipse.

The crowd began to cheer and celebrate until one of them shouted, "Look up there!" Charming Thunder and the others followed their gaze and see a blue beam was approaching the eclipse. It hit the eclipse and these the beam became a mixture of blue and purple. The eclipse looked like it darkened a bit. Galaxia and Cosmos ignited their horns before they cried out in pain and turned off their horns.

"What happened?" Twilight asked.

"The beam is holding the eclipse in place while draining the cosmic energy between both sun and moon," Cosmos replied in the midst of the pain. Charming Thunder looked at the nearby stormtrooper.

"I want you to have our best minds find out where that energy is going and where the beam is originating from!" Charming Thunder ordered.

"Yes, sir!" the stormtrooper shouted as he ran to get to his task. Charming Thunder looked at the audience who were about to panic.

"There is no need to panic. I'm sure there is a solution to all of this. Just return to the celebration in town and we will solve this problem." The citizens left the castle courtyard to return to town and returned to the festivities.

Back in the castle, Charming Thunder and the princesses looked at the eclipse as they figure out what caused the moon to stay in place. "Who could be doing this?" Charming Thunder wondered.

"I don't know," Cadence said. "But whoever is behind this, it can't be a good sign." A stormtrooper came in the throne room to make a report.

"We have found the source, sir," the stormtrooper said.

"That's good news," Charming Thunder said. "Where did the beam originate?"

"Our probes manage to send an image of a large structure along with the Eternal Fleet."

"The Eternal Fleet?" Luna asked.

"So the Eternal Empire is behind this..." Charming Thunder said. "Any idea where that structure is located?"

"Judging by the terrain, it is in the deep desert past Appaloosa," the stormtrooper said. "Your orders on how to proceed?"

"Prepare an assault party and inform the fleet with the coordinates to that location."

"Yes, sir!" The stormtrooper rushed out of the throne room to assemble some troops while Charming Thunder was about to take his leave as well.

"I'm going with you," Twilight said; stepping up to her husband.

"No. This is a matter I must handle on my own with. Light and Lucina will accompany me. Danny has taken things too far during his absence."

"And what of Rainbow?" Celestia asked with concern.

"She will not be a prisoner if she cooperates with me." Charming Thunder then left the throne room as he used his magic to close the doors behind him.

Shockwave was pressing buttons on some terminals while a machine fired at Danny's dead corpse. "At long last, the moment has come!" he shouted with glee as he, Rainbow Dash, HK-55, and SCORPIO watched. "For so long, he has waited to be reborn and return to the mortal plane! Now, that moment has arrived! Awaken and be reborn, Danny Eclipse!" He pulls a lever up and when he does, the satellite stop draining the cosmic energies of the eclipse as well as released the eclipse itself. The cosmic energy stopped being poured into the cryo chamber and then, a blue lightning bolt shoots out of the cryo chamber and began to take to the skies and began to head somewhere. He pulled another level up and then the Cryo Chamber opened and smoke came out of the chamber. Then, they see a figure rise from the chamber and landed on the ground. When the smoke cleared, Danny was now standing on his four hooves once more. Although, he was now different. He had black batpony-like wings and his eyes opened, showing them being purple and purple mist was radiating from his eyes. Danny gave a grin, showing his fangs.

"I...have...returned!" Danny shouted as his power flared.

Charming Thunder was looking out from his Star Destroyer's bridge when he felt the balance of the force shifted. "He's returned," Primus's voice said to Charming Thunder. "He's stronger than before now, he can probably even take on Midnight in his Predacon Form now and probably win."

"Sir, we are detecting an incoming energy surge!" an officer shouted; making Charming Thunder look at him. "It's ahead of us!" Charming Thunder looked and see a blue lightning bolt approaching. He was about to dodge but it was much faster and it hit him in the chest, making him cry out in pain. Light and Lucina looked worried for their father when they see him change back to his alicorn form. After a bit, he began to get up, but he was staggering. Lucina and Light help keep him up.

"What happened?" Light asked; concerned.

"I-I feel..." Charming Thunder said as he looked at his medallion. "...more powerful. Whatever that lightning bolt did, it increased my power tenfold."

"Hmm, it would seem that when pure energon cosmic energy had entered your system, it had increased your power tenfold," Primus explained in Charming Thunder's head. "You've also achieved a new form." Before Charming Thunder could say anything, alerts began to sound.

"Sir, Eternal Fleet ships are coming out of light speed!" an officer reported. "We are detecting an unknown ship among them." The entire Eternal Fleet appear in front of their ship along with another ship in front of the fleet.

"Sir, we are receiving a transmission from the leading ship," another officer reported.

"Put it through," Charming Thunder ordered. The holo figure of SCORPIO then appeared in front of him.

"Hello, Charming Thunder," SCORPIO greeted. "It has been awhile since we last talked."

"What do you want, SCORPIO?"

"Nothing. But there is someone who is dying to meet you." Before Charming Thunder could ask, the transmission ended and the entire Eternal Fleet fired on the Star Destroyer. The entire ship shook before after a few minutes, the firing stopped.

"Damage report!"

"They have destroyed our shield generator, engines, communications, and weapon systems," an officer reported. "We're practically disabled, sir."

"Sir, our sensors are still online," another officer reported. "I'm detected a shuttle leaving the leading ship with a fighter escort. They may be planning to board our ship and commandeer it!"

"Can we deploy fighters?" Charming Thunder asked.

"No sir, their fighters would destroy ours before they get the chance to launch."

"What of the CR90 Corvette in the bottom hanger bay?"

"It is still active, sir. It has not been damaged or disabled. We can use it as an escape vessel."

"Give the order to have all crew members evacuated to the corvette and make sure to delete all the data on this ship." The alarm began to sound as Charming Thunder, Light, and Lucina began to make their way to the corvette.

All the soldiers were evacuating and a group of guards were trying to get to the ship when the hallway blackened out and the door was partially open. They tried yelling at passing stormtroopers to help them when they heard faint footsteps nearby. They looked into the dark hallway when they see two lightsabers ignited, one green blade with a black core and another a purple blade with a black core. The one holding the lightsabers was none other than Danny Eclipse, but he was wearing different armor. He wore crimson robes, he had his hood on and he had armor braces on his front hooves and around his stomach and chest with shoulder plates. His eyes were glowing purple with menace and the medallion on his neck was shining purple. "Open fire!" a stormtrooper shouted. The stormtroopers began to fire with the one at the door pounding harder. Danny was deflecting blaster bolts either around him and two blaster bolts at the two guards in front of him.

"Help us!" The stormtrooper at the door shouted, pounding at the solid glass. As Danny kept his walk, he used force grip to have a soldier stuck at the ceiling. Charming Thunder, Light, and Lucina who were about to walk by, heard the pounding. They looked at the stuck stormtroopers and were shocked and horrified when they saw Danny approaching the door. Danny saw them and began to move slightly faster and Charming Thunder saw his medallion glowing.

"Run, Charming!!!" Primus shouted in Charming Thunder's head. "You can't save them, run!" Danny blocks another blaster bolt while cutting the soldier on the ceiling in half and letting him go. Another Stormtrooper fired a blaster bolt but Danny reflected the bolt with his right hoof back at the soldier. Danny, using the force, pull all the four stormtroopers in front of them from their blasters and cut two in half then slashed the other two up. The last stormtrooper with his blaster backed up and tried to fire another blaster bolt but Danny force choked him. The stormtrooper looked at Charming Thunder.

"Run, your highness!" the stormtrooper shouted. "RUN!" Charming Thunder, Light, and Lucina stepped backwards as Danny stabbed the last stormtrooper and opened the door with the force.

"Go, your highnesses!" a stormtrooper shouted. "We'll cover you! Get out of here!" Charming Thunder, Light, and Lucina began to run to the Corvette. The two stormtroopers began to fire at Danny, stalling for time. Danny got to them and cut the two down as Charming Thunder pulled down the lever to close the door.

"LAUNCH!!!" Charming Thunder ordered. Lucina ran to the other side of the hallway and pulled the lever there, releasing the Corvette from the dock. As it begins to fall out of the disabled Star Destroyer, the engines turned on and began to fly away in haste. Danny watched as the Corvette took off and four Skytroopers joined him.

"Lord Danny, shall we pursue them?" SCORPIO asked in Danny's comms.

Danny stayed silent before saying, "Yes, lay in a pursuit course. Send only the Gravestone, have the Eternal Fleet maintain position."

"Shall we wait for you, sir?"

"No, I have my own way of following them." Danny then smirked. "Besides, I'll go ahead and disable their corvette. If Charming thinks he can evade me that easily, he is poorly mistaken." Danny jumped down from the ramp he was on and he was surrounded by a purple flash. When the flash disappeared, Danny was now a new type of robot. He transformed into his fighter form and began to go the same direction of the corvette and entered lightspeed.

Chapter 13: Danny vs Charming Thunder

Charming Thunder, Lucina, and Light were on the bridge of the Corvette while they received a transmission from Twilight. "So Danny is really and truly back," she said.

"Yes," Charming Thunder said with a nod. "He's even more powerful, but so am I. But he could be better and even more dangerous than before."

"When will you be returning to Canterlot?"

"About ten minutes at our current speed," Lucina replied. "See you soon." Twilight nods and the transmission ends. Lucina and Light left to check out the crew while Charming Thunder remained on the bridge, but he could help but feel that it wasn't over yet.

Danny was flying up to the corvette in lightspeed, undetected. He landed on top and sees the main entrance of the ship. Danny's hand ignited in a purple glow and began to enter the Corvette's computer systems before the door opened. Danny returned to his pony form and fell right into the lightspeed before he could lose them from lightspeed. He closed the door and began to hide in the vents while masking his presence.

The Corvette was halfway to Canterlot now, about five minutes left between them and the capital. Charming Thunder felt uneasy. Perhaps Danny's return had shocked him more than he originally thought. However, he was interrupted when a console began to beep. "What's that?" he asked.

An officer looked at it and said, "This doesn't make sense. Our hyperdrive is failing."

"I thought the Corvette was undamaged."

"We need to get out of light speed or we lay accidentally get stuck in lightspeed," another officer said as he began to take the ship out of light speed. When they did, the ship continued to fly.

Charming Thunder went to his comms and contacted engineering, "Engineering, get that hyperdrive repaired immediately."

"I regret to inform you that they will be unable to provide it, Charming Thunder." Danny's voice said; making everyone look at the comm. "I can, however, provide you something else."

"Sir, he's taken navigation control!" an officer shouted as the ship jerked.

"Override him!" Charming Thunder ordered.

"Too late for that." a deep voice said in the speakers of the ship. On the consoles, they see the normal color darkened and they see a Decepticon symbol appear all over the monitors "But you are welcome to try."

"Unicron," Primus said in Charming Thunder's head.

"When I said I would settle the score, I was going to do just that," Danny said on speakers as the ship began to dive towards the surface. "I crippled your military and resources, but I never did pay you back for making Meta and Chrysalis as fugitives, left alone to fend off in the wild. I didn't pay that back, did I Charming? I guess now is as good as a time as any."

"Brace for impact!" Charming Thunder shouted, knowing what Danny was going to do. He was going to strand them in the middle of the swamps. The Corvette kept diving until it hit the swamps. Charming was knock out from the crash.

"-ir?" a distorted voice asked as Charming Thunder heard it and he opened his eyes, his vision was faded and distorted. He could make out only four figures, they were tending to him.

"What happened?" Charming Thunder asked.

"Danny had the corvette crash in the swamps to leave us stranded here," Lucina explained.

"What is the damage?"

"Half of the crew was killed in the initial crash," Light added. "Danny had destroyed the long range communications. We are currently in a dangerous swamp, filled with animals of all kind. We are, however, well equipped and ready to fight. We still have a lot of stormtroopers, a few Death Troopers, and a couple of medics. There is also the fact Danny could be in the swamp, just waiting for us."

"Then ready the troops to move out." Charming Thunder then got up and followed Light and Lucina to his soldiers.

Charming Thunder, Lucina, Light, ten stormtroopers, two Death Troopers, five scout troopers, and three medic stormtroopers were walking in the middle of the field. "Something isn't right," Lucina said as she looked around. "I would have thought we would have been attacked by Danny by now."

"Danny is no amateur, Lucina," Charming Thunder warned. "He is a brilliant military strategist so I don't honestly expect him to attack us directly." Before anyone could do anything, the earth came up and formed a cage around them all. Charming Thunder managed to escape before he was trapped and sees his family and comrades get trapped before they were surround ray shield to prevent anyone from escaping. "What?"

"Now, it is just you and me now," Danny said as he stood a few feet from Charming Thunder in his robot form holding his Dark Star Saber.

"Let them go, Danny!"

"Not until we prove who is the superior between us." Danny grinned; his sharp teeth showing. "For so long, you have never used your power that was granted to you by Primus. How will we win this war if you don't utilize that power!? He can't be killed if we use our normal powers, he is well beyond that! Only cosmic energy can harm him and all you do is ignore the power granted to you!" Charming Thunder transformed into his new form. He looked at himself and see that he has a chain gun on his back alongside a jetpack. He summoned the Star Saber and looked at Danny

"This power is not mine and I never wanted it from the beginning. Sure, it is good, but it just isn't my own power."

"Is that pride I'm hearing?" Danny then scowled. "That pride can get you killed!" Danny charged at Charming Thunder and clashed blades, the blue and purple dome energy surrounded them. They kept clashing blades before Danny made Charming go flying with a energy wave from his saber. Charming Thunder was pushed before cancelling the attack. Danny was looking at him before transforming into what looked like giant laser cannon. Danny aimed his particle cannon at Charming Thunder and began to fire. Charming Thunder took cover before activating his jetpack and began to fly overhead and he pulled out his chaingun and began to fire at Danny's position. Danny transformed back to his robot mode before jumping and transforming into his flight mode and he fired his cannon on top of his ship at Charming Thunder, successfully hitting him and forcing him to fall to the ground. Danny transformed back to his robot form and began to fall as he held the Dark Star Saber high. Charming Thunder managed to block the attack but was pushed into the ground as the ground cracked around them. "So you have swallowed your pride to use this power to protect your loved ones!?" Danny kept pushing. "How far are you willing to go if your loved ones are in even greater trouble?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Start fighting for real! We are not even fighting at full power because you are afraid you will lose yourself to it!" Charming Thunder pushed Danny off and Danny slid a few feet away.

"I will not allow myself to fall prey to your schemes!" Danny sighed and shook his head.

"Then perhaps this will make you think twice." Before Charming could ask, he sees another Corvette appear over them. At the same time, the Gravestone appeared and it grabbed the Corvette in a tractor beam while destroying their weapons and jamming communications.

"What?" Charming Thunder extend the force and found Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Flurry Heart, Starlight, and Shining Armor on board that corvette. His eyes widen with fear and looked at Danny. "Let them go!"

"Then fight me without restrain!" Danny fired his particle cannon at Charming Thunder. Charming Thunder dodged and began to fly up to the Corvette, only to hit a purple shield dome that kept him inside the swamps. Charming Thunder was knocked down since the dome had shocked him when he touched it. Danny jumped up to Charming Thunder, grabbed him, and threw him to the ground and formed a crater. Charming Thunder laid down in the crater as Danny stood above him with his Dark Star Saber pointed at his neck. He then pulled his blade away as Charming Thunder slowly opened his eyes. "Why, brother? Why, why, why? Why do you fight? Why get up? Why keep fighting? Do you believe you're fighting for something? For more than your survival? Can you tell me what it is? Do you even know? Is it freedom? Or truth? Perhaps peace? Could it be for love?" Charming Thunder began to slowly get up. "Mephiles is out there and you ruined the balance of both light and dark. Face it Charming Thunder, you can't win." Charming Thunder then got up on his feet and stood tall in the crater. "Why, brother? Why? Why do you persist?"

"Because I choose to." Danny got angry and tackled Charming Thunder to the ground. He gave him a few punches before Charming Thunder grabs his fist and pushes him off and out of the crater. Charming Thunder then jumps out of the crater as Danny got up. "I am the king of Equestria. And now I am here to fulfill your wish. The defeat of your father." Danny hurls himself at Charming Thunder; throwing him through a tree and pinned him to the ground smashing his face again and again. Charming Thunder's arms shot out at Danny and smashes him away. Charming Thunder got up with a laugh. "You fight like a young child. Nothing held back. Admirable, but mistaken." Charming Thunder lunges at Danny; grabbing him by the throat and slams him to the ground and gave him a few punches to the face. Danny then grabbed his hand and headbutts Charming Thunder off of him.

"You dare taunt me!?" Danny's Dark Star Saber appeared in his hand as Charming Thunder's Star Saber appeared in his hand and they both charged. They then clashed blades. "Can you feel it, Charming? Closing in on you? The fear for your family's life." This statement angered Charming Thunder and made him push Danny back. "I really should thank you after all, brother. It was, after all, it was your life that taught me your purpose in all life. Your purpose is to defeat Mephiles and end this war." Danny pushed Charming Thunder away and Charming Thunder charged at him. Danny fired his particle cannon at him and successfully hits him. He then pins him and points his blade at Charming Thunder's neck.

"Go ahead, brother. If you want to kill me, then do it." Danny's eyes widened at the thought. He raised his blade and readied his strike as Charming Thunder closed his eyes. Danny was about to strike at Charming Thunder, but pierced his sword to the ground next to his head instead. Charming Thunder opened his eyes and looked at the blade next to his head. Charming Thunder then looked at Danny who got up and offered his hand to him. He grabbed his hand and got up. They then changed back to normal as Danny took out his communicator to contact the ship holding the corvette.

"Release them." The ship did so as the corvette flew away and made its way to the ground. Danny then looked at Charming Thunder. Earth lowered and released Lucina, Light, and the stormtroopers trapped in the earth cage. The stormtroopers aimed their weapons at Danny. Charming Thunder stood in front of his brother and ordered them to stand down.

"You won fair and square, brother." Charming Thunder then offered his hoof to Danny. "I welcome you back to the living." Danny smiled and shook his hoof with Charming Thunder as Twilight arrived with some stormtroopers. Twilight was relieved to see him and her daughters alright and rushed over to Charming Thunder with a tight hug. "Come on, brother. Let's go home." Danny nodded as he and the others followed Twilight to the corvette. "We have work to do."

THE END

Prologue

Once upon a time in a magical land of Equestria....

EQUESTRIA WARS

Episode XVI
The Crystal Princess

In the wake of Zero's defeat, the Equestrian Empire continues on their campaign against the evil Mephiles Alliance and their forces who have continued spreading terror in known areas of Equestria.

Equestria's only hope is the Equestrian Empire commanded by King Charming Thunder and the princesses in a desperate war effort to take down Mephiles and his tyranny of his alliance.

As the empire grows in strength, Charming Thunder is haunted by visions ever since he was betrayed by the spirit of his twin brother; Danny Eclipse....