Legacy Of A Hero

Chapters

Chapter 1: Reunion
Chapter 2: Meet The Family
Chapter 3: Discover
Chapter 4: The Worst Possible Thing
Chapter 5: The Quest
Chapter 6: Pack Leader
Chapter 7: A Fiery Resolve
Chapter 8: Sunshine
Chapter 9: Door To Darkness
Chapter 10: Icarus
Chapter 11: Arrival
Chapter 12: Me, Myself, And I
Chapter 13: Walk Through The Fire
Chapter 14: Legacy
Chapter 15: Mama I'm Coming Home

Chapter 1: Reunion

In a two floor house on the top floor the sound of buzzing was heard throughout its walls hallway. Its source was that of a room with a poster of Wonder Woman on the door. The sound of rustling was heard within it followed closely with a whacking noise. The door opened to reveal a seventeen year old girl wearing a white sleeveless shirt and grey plaid pajama pants. She had youthful features and natural dark red hair that stretched down below her shoulders to just below her shoulder blades but it was currently dishevelled and sticking up in places. She walked to the mirror in the hall bathroom and made sure not to make a sound. She checked herself in the mirror; her dark blue eyes stared back at her. She looked at herself on instinct, in build she was a pretty young woman. She wasn’t cheerleader pretty, she was what her mother called “modestly beautiful” which meant she got glances but no one necessarily lined up to be her side walk. The girl nodded satisfied after she combed her hair into submission and silently proceeded downstairs.

The girl sat at the table and began to butter a blueberry bagel when the front door opened. She turned to find a woman in her early thirties with her blond hair tied in a ponytail and wearing casual business wear. She had green eyes and three freckles on each of her cheeks. The woman smiled at the girl as she joined her at the table.

The woman smiled and spoke in a Texan accent, “Mornin Mary, sleep well?”

Mary nodded, “Yeah, Dads still asleep though.”

Her mom huffed, “He KNOWS how ah feel about him sleepin in on a business day.”

Mary chuckled and pointed the bagel at her mother, “He says, “He likes it when you wake him up.”

Mary’s mother snickered, “Oh really?”

She then stood up and walked to the top of the stairs as she grabbed a brown Stetson off a hanger and proceeded into the master bedroom. Several sounds were heard in the next few minutes, it started quietly at first and then escalated into several sounds of thumping which accumulated in the door opening and a man with medium length auburn hair running out.

Mary’s father yelled back inside, “ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT I’ll stop sleeping in past my alarm sheesh.”

Mary was laughing as her Father sat down and jabbed a finger at her, “You ratted me out.”

Mary casually smiled, “I aim to please.”

Her mother walked down wearing jean shorts and a plaid button up shirt, “Now young lady stop tormentin yer father, that’s mah job.”

Mary’s dad looked lovingly at his wife, “Applejack, sometimes you can be a REAL bad pony.”

Applejack grinned as she sat down, “Anything for you Martin.”

Martin smiled as he grabbed a bagel, “So are you ready for today Mary?”

Mary fidgeted slightly, “Y-yeah.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, “Somethin the matter?”

Mary shook her head, “No…I’m just nervous that’s all.”

Martin shook his head as he buttered his bagel, “You’ve gone to the reunion since you were little, if you’ve lasted this long against Granny Smith’s stories you can last another day.”

Applejack gave Martin an unimpressed look but chuckled slightly, “Don’t let her hear you said that or she’ll whoop ya.”

Martin nodded, “True.”

After breakfast finished, the Fairbridges ventured to their room to prepare for the reunion. Mary donned a black button up T-shirt and her cleanest dark blue jeans. She walked down the stairs and saw her dad wearing his grey sweater and some black pants. She put on her grey runners and all three family members waited patiently. Soon a knock on the door was heard and Applejack opened it to reveal an eighteen year old boy with a lean build and dark red T-shirt with a band listing on the back and dark brown cargo pants. He had short wild black hair and dark forest green eyes, and wore a grin that had a slight mischievous ire to it.

The boy smiled, “Heya Aunt AJ.”

Applejack smiled, “Hi Dominic, where are yer parents?”

Dominic motioned behind him, “Mom’s still messing with her hair and Dads trying to tell her it won’t matter cause were going to Equestria.”

Applejack sighed in annoyance, “Figures.”

Rainbow approached wearing the same dark cyan blue leather jacket she always wore and a white dress shirt with black semi-dress pants. On the left sleeve of the coat was a white shield with the number 14 on it. Alan wore a white long-sleeved shirt with black pants, and Rainbow was currently wearing her hair under a baseball cap.

Alan rolled his eyes, “I’m TELLING you Dash the hat isn’t necessary, who cares if a photographer snaps you without it.”

Rainbow stopped an inch from the door as everyone within the house face palmed, “I CARE! I’m captain of the “Thundercracker” Racing Team and I have an image to uphold. Or do you want the massive paychecks to dwindle by a decimal point.”

Alan pointed at her, “HEY! I’m the banker of the family you know.”

Both of them stared intensely into each other’s eyes and then locked lips for a second.

Rainbow shook her head, “Why do we fight?”

Alan smiled, “Because you find it thrilling.”

Rainbow giggled, “OH massively.”

Applejack snapped her fingers, “Come on you two. Makin out on mah porch is forbidden, or should ah bring up the Christmas party last year?”

Rainbow moped inside, “Such a buzzkill.”

All four of the humans stood before the closet door and stared at it as white light engulfed them. Martin inhaled sharply as he looked out onto Ponyville’s streets and smiled at all of the faces he recognized. Martin and Alan looked at their wives and nodded, both ponies were slightly taller then they originally were and their manes were longer as well. Rainbow smiled at the fact her mane had its red segments back. The parents informed their children they were going to retrieve the other ponies and asked for them to meet at Sweet Apple Acres in twenty minutes.

Dominic saluted his Dad, “Roger that pops.”

Mary waved goodbye, “See you guys soon.”

Dominic and Mary then walked off toward Ponyville Park to relax with ponies greeting them along the way. Dominic stopped and looked from side to side as if he were preparing for an attack.

Mary looked at him, “What is it?”

Dominic narrowed his eyes, “I sense something, a presence I have not felt since-“

He was cut off by an orange blur plowing into him at break neck speed sending him flying. The culprit was revealed to be an orange Pegasus mare with dark purple mane and tail that was as spiky as Rainbow Dash’s but not styled as such. Her eyes were the same shade of purple and she had a flaming wheel leaving a cloud of dust behind it as her cutie mark.

Scootaloo smiled at Mary, “Hey Mary, nice day huh.”

Mary waved, “Hey Scoots.”

Dominic emerged from the broken crates and tackled Scootaloo to the ground as the two scrapped. Mary was laughing as they both flung mock insults at each other. A white unicorn with a mane that was a grayish mulberry and had pale, light grayish rose portions to it and was as long as her sisters and curled at the ends approached the scene. She had a pink heart behind a musical note and sap green eyes.

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow as she stopped beside Mary, “At it again?”

Mary nodded, “Yup.”

Two other ponies approached behind Sweetie Belle, one had a yellow coat and light red mane and tail. Her mane was tied in a braided pony-tail with a small red bow, her tail was not braided but the binding method was the same. She had orange eyes and a red apple with a hammer behind it. She also wore a green plaid bandanna around her neck and a black Stetson atop her head. Beside her trotted a unicorn that was a year younger than her with a blonde mane which was as long as her mother Derpy’s and it also had a slightly lighter streak in it. Her coat was a pale purple and she had yellow eyes, woven into her mane was a pink ribbon and her cutie mark was a cluster of white sparkles.

Mary’s face lit up at their arrival and didn’t notice Dominic pin Scootaloo like a wrestler, “Applebloom, Dinky!”

Applebloom trotted up and hugged Mary, “Mary! How you been girl?”

Mary pulled away, “Great.”

Dinky smiled, “No sugar for me?”

Mary hugged Dinky as well and all three girls shared a laugh. Scootaloo now sat on Dominic’s chest as she grappled his legs and smiled in triumph. Dominic smiled evilly as he raised his index finger and it crackled with electricity. He jabbed Scootaloo right on her flank which caused her to jump and rub the spot a few times as her wings flared in annoyance.

Scootaloo pointed an angry hoof at the human, “That was dirty!”

Dominic shrugged, “Take an advantage where you can get one.”

Scootaloo nodded, “Alright then.”

Sweetie Belle light rose coloured aura engulfed Dominic’s hands and forced them behind his back as she tackled him again. Mary and the girls shook their heads as they watched the exchange, Scootaloo and Dominic had been fast friends and were infamous for the taffy twister that occurred on his tenth birthday. Mary and the CMC were very close friends thanks to Applebloom technically being Mary’s aunt, but they both agreed it would be REALLY awkward to call her that at the ages they were at now. Dinky was recruited into their fold a year after Applebloom got her cutie mark which motivated the girls to push harder. Soon they all had their cutie marks and gave up the crusading for them; instead they now looked for thrills and excitement to fill the void that their crusading left. Ponies around town gave the group of friends a moniker to best describe them, since they WERE crusaders and there are six of them Ponyville nicknamed their band “The Crusaders of Harmony.”

They knew about it and found it pretty cool but didn’t really pay any mind.

Applebloom walked into the scuffle and separated the two combatants, “Come on you two break it up!”

Scootaloo was panting in unison with Dominic as Mary saw the clock, “OH CRAP! Come on Dom, we gotta go!”

The COH all nodded as they ran toward Sweet Apple Acres for the reunion.

Mary glanced back as they climbed the hill, “It’s going to be a LONG day.”

Chapter 2: Meet The Family

Mary and The COH crested the top of the hill and looked down at the decorated field for the reunion. They all noticed that a majority of the apple family had already arrived and were already getting ready for the festivities. Mary turned to her friends and beckoned for them to follow to which they complied. Mary walked past several familiar faces and smiled at each one as they welcomed and greeted her.

Mary turned her head and saw her Uncle Big Macintosh approaching, “Hi Uncle Mac, everything’s going good?”

Big Mac nodded, “Eeyup.”

Mary nodded, “Great. Is Granny Smith awake?”

Big Mac shook his head, “Nnope.”

Dominic mumbled under his breath, “Figures.”

Mary elbowed him in the ribs causing him to grunt as Mary bid her uncle a fair well and journeyed through the festivities. Scootaloo and Dominic were bored as they followed Mary around. The Apple Family considered him and his father part of the family when it came to the reunion and they would always attend, whether they liked it or not.

Scootaloo whispered to Dominic, “Hey Dom, me and the girls have been working on something cool.”

Dominic was intrigued, “On a scale from one to stupendous, what are we looking at here?”

Scootaloo grinned, “A fourteen.”

Dominic was now VERY interested, “Show me.”

Dominic the turned to Mary, “Hey Mary, me and Scoots are going to do something quickly be right back.”

Mary was slightly confused, “I’m going to ask what?”

Dominic smiled, “Something awesome.”

Mary and the rest of the group looked at each other, “Riiight.”

Dom and Scoots ran off immediately afterwards and vanished from sight leaving all four of them immensely confused. Mary then continued onwards and continued to bid each of her family member’s hellos. She later sat down and exhaled as the rest of the group went off to assist in the preparations.

“Heya Mary!”

Mary’s eyes snapped open and she was staring at the smiling face of her Uncle Braeburn, “Hi Uncle Braeburn.”

Braeburn waited for her stand as he walked over to her side and both of them started walking, “So how has mah favorite niece been doin?”

Mary looked to the horizon, “Pretty good.”

Braeburn looked Mary up and down, “Wow, I was right when ah said you would be as tall as yer pa.”

Mary blushed in embarrassment and changed the subject, “How’s Appleloosa doing?”

Braeburn’s face lit up, “It’s going great! We’ve already expanded further into the adjacent land and were flourishing.”

Mary nodded as they both sat down at the large dining table, “Really? Is there any land dispute problems with the buffalo because of it?”

Braeburn tilted his front hoof slightly, “We had a few hiccups, but nothin we couldn’t resolve.”

Mary gave a small smile, “That’s good to hear.”

“Braeburn you’re not bothering my daughter are you?”

Martin landed behind Braeburn which caused the pony to jump slightly and chuckled, “Naw, just talking about some stuff.”

Martin and Applejack sat at the table along with the rest of the six. The rest of the six had grown taller in height and their manes were either longer or styled in a way that made them look different. Twilight wore her mane as she always had except it seemed more neatly trimmed then normal and she had indigo framed reading glasses hanging from around her neck by a silver necklace. She didn’t need to wear them to read, she said it helps her focus when she wears them. Rarity’s only change was that her mane and tail had more curls in them and were styled to complement each other and the mare in question. Fluttershy had trimmed her mane and tail to a decent length and weaved green leaf like adornments into it which complemented her overall appearance perfectly. Pinkie Pie looked same in terms of mane and tail, but to some they seemed to be puffier. Rainbow Dash’s only defining change was that her mane and tail were slightly longer and a bit spikier. Applejack maintained her usual style and the only difference were mane and tail length.

Rarity looked at Mary from her seat, “My, my Mary you’ve grown since last I saw you.”

Mary looked to the side, “I only grew a few extra inches in the summer.”

Rarity nodded, “I know darling, but now I have to take new measurements for the clothes I’m making you,” she then jokingly stated, “Stop growing so fast.”

Pinkie Pie giggled at the comment, “But Rarity if she stops growing she’ll be that height forever.”

Applejack grinned slightly, “Ah wouldn’t mind, that way she’d be mah little blossom forever.”

Mary buried her head in her arms and whined in embarrassment at her nickname, “Mooom.”

Martin placed a hand on her shoulder, “Where’s Dominic?”

Rainbow smiled, “Probably off doing some shenanigans.”

Alan glanced sideways at his wife, “Who even says that anymore.”

Fluttershy looked at Dash, “I hope he isn’t doing anything dangerous.”

Twilight nodded, “Remember what happened when he, Scootaloo and Spike agitated that falcon?”

Everypony at the table shivered in unison.

Dominic stood with Scootaloo as she pulled a white sheet away from a large object it was shielding, “Is that?”

Scootaloo nodded as she gestured to the object, “Fillies and gentlecoats, allow me to introduce the crusader trebuchet!”

Dominic walked around it, “Wow, this is so cool!”

Scootaloo shrugged, “I suggested we build a catapult but Applebloom said it wouldn’t be safe, so we settled with this.”

Dominic walked around the siege weapon, “Does it work?”

Scootaloo nodded with a smug expression, “Of course it does! We’ve been launching small objects at the Everfree forest for laughs but nothing else.”

Dominic scratched his chin, “Hmmmm, lets launch ourselves back to the reunion. Surprise the heck out of everypony.”

Scootaloo smiled mischievously, “Oh this is going to be AWESOME!”

The reunion had begun and was in full swing. The food had been eaten and now the family events were underway. Martin and Fluttershy were currently the only remaining contestants locked in a staring contest. Martin’s eyes were flinching as Fluttershy’s gaze bore into his, but true to his nature he did not yield. Mary was cheering her dad on as Martin and Fluttershy stood up and continued locking gazes with one and other. The intensity was broken by a loud snapping sound and two screams from the sky. All eyes turned as Dominic and Scootaloo crashed through the roof of an old and falling apart barn and decimated it.

Rainbow Dash and Alan both smiled, “That’s our boy!”

Both pony and human emerged from the rubble as Dominic in embarrassment rubbed the back of his head, “Sorry we’re late, and did we miss the cake and ice cream?”

Pinkie Pie smiled, “Nope, you’re just in time.”

Dominic smiled, “Sweet!”

The rest of the Apple family stared at the two who soon slinked away. Mary sat down with the rest of the family and friends as they chatted about times past. Mary however stayed silent as she stared at all the smiling faces and looked at the sky. The world of Equestria was always beautiful and peaceful, but she always had this heavy sensation in her stomach when she came to the mystical land. It had always been there, gnawing at her being and making her uncomfortable. She never paid it much mind, but nowadays she took notice of its presence and hated the feeling. It felt strong yet faint, she thought it might either be anxiety or perhaps…shame. She snapped out of her trance when her Aunt Apple Fritter asked her a question she didn’t hear.

Mary turned her head, “Huh?”

Apple Fritter smiled, “Ah asked if you have any of your abilities yet.”

Dominic laughed, “Yeah, are you done making faces at yourself in the mirror in an attempt to make it break?”

Mary looked to the side as Rainbow fixed her son with a glare, “What?”

Mary shook her head, “Not yet…”

Apple Fritter patted her niece on the back, “Don’t worry about it.”

Applejack smiled, “Yeah, yer probably just a late bloomer.”

Mary muttered under her breath, “Or I’m a freak.”

Martin tilted his head, “What?”

Mary shook her head, “Nothing. Excuse me I’m going for a walk.”

Mary got up from the table and zoomed off as all eyes fixed on Dominic who was exasperated at the attention, “WHAT?!”

Length apologies, I'm going to try and take this one slow so length's may vary. Forgive me!:

Chapter 3: Discover

Mary walked for several hours until she reached a small lake. She glanced around and noticed a stump near the edge of the bank which she sat upon and stared blankly into the water. She stared at the girl who looked back at her and frowned. It’s true that she had not developed her abilities, hell she couldn’t even fly yet. Dom had gotten a leg up on her in both departments and the only thing she could do was run fast and smash boulders into sand. It’s not that she was angry at Dominic or anyone else; she just kept feeling that annoying sensation and nothing else. She stood up and walked to a nearby tree to stare at its trunk and then punched it.

She glanced at her knuckles and saw sap but no cuts, “Not even a knick.”

Mary continued punching the tree lightly and remembered back to when she first entered high school.

One girl fell to the ground in pain as Mary attempted to leap at her, “DON’T YOU EVER INSULT MY MOTHER!”

Dominic was holding her back, “Calm down Mary she’s not worth it.”

The girl in question was escorted away quickly by her friends as she cradled her arm, “SHE BROKE IT! YOU’RE SUCH A FREAK!”

Mary’s blows intensified.

Applejack scolded her daughter, “Why would ya do somethin like that to her?”

Martin nodded in agreement, “Answer your mother.”

Mary looked at her hands which had slightly darkened knuckles, “She insulted you both and called mom a redneck.”

Applejack shook her head, “That don’t mean you can haul off and break another girls arm,” Applejack got down to Mary’s level, “you have to remember that your slightly stronger than regular people your age. You could have really hurt her if Dominic hadn’t of stop you.

Mary got up and walked swiftly up the stairs, “Why do I have to be stronger than normal?! On Equestria I can throw rocks like softballs but here I’m like a tamer version of the She-Hulk.”

She then slammed her door.

Mary broke a massive chunk of the trunk off with a haymaker as she collapsed to her knees in frustration and sadness. Ever since she was born she had been different, doctors were astounded that an eight year old girl could run and jump like a gymnast and not get tired at all. Her gym teacher in sixth grade was amazed at how strong her spike was in volleyball, the gym had to buff the dents out every day. Everyone she had ever met or made friends with were either friendly or merely talking to her because of her prowess and that’s what upset her the most. Princess Celestia informed her parents one day that as she and Dominic got older they would get stronger. She also went on to say it’s most likely due to the fact that Martin and Applejacks union was a unique one that it caused Mary to be born differently than regular humans so they would have to take necessary precautions. She also knew this because Dominic told her after he too eavesdropped on his parents talking about it.

Dominic stared at her, “You alright?”

Mary jumped to her feet, “Y-yeah I’m fine.”

Dominic walked to her, “You’re sure?”

Mary stepped back, “I said I’m fine!”

Dominic flinched back, “Okay jeez. Don’t have to bite my head off or anything.”

Mary looked to the side, “Sorry…”

Dominic shrugged it off, “Don’t worry it’s cool, come on everypony’s missing you.”

Mary walked beside Dom as they headed back toward the farm, “Yeah right.”

Princess Celestia sat in her room going over several letters and sighed as more were teleported in. She glared at the so called “Master” In pile and began to sort through them all until she came upon a scroll trimmed in black and sealed with blood red wax. Celestia’s eyes widened as she immediately broke the seal and read its contents. She blanched at the sight of the words and summoned her sister.

Luna read the scroll, “Why now?”

Celestia shook her head, “He’s been biding his time and waited until we were at our most secure state.”

Luna nodded, “I shall send for The Knights at once.”

Celestia stood and levitated the scroll to her, “Fly fast, time is of the essence.”

Luna spoke under her breath, “Always is.”

Martin and Rainbow Dash were engaged in an intense stare off within the barn which was on the verge of a great climax until a flash broke their concentration. Twilight entered the corner with Princess Luna who wore a grave expression. Everypony present except for The Six, Martin and Alan left at the Princesses instance.

Dominic on the other hand was not going to be brushed aside so easily, “Screw it, I’m hearing this.”

The rest of the COH followed behind him as Dinky spoke up, “But Dom its private!”

Dominic shook his head as he began to stealthily climb the barn, “Whatever has to be said to my parents can be said to me.”

Mary was climbing next to him, “Amen to that brother.”

In truth, both children knew that their parents were getting older and sooner or later they wouldn’t be able to do what they used to anymore. So it worried them whenever the Princesses called on them for anything. They both peered into the barn from their vantage point as the conversation began.

Luna passed the scroll to Twilight who read it aloud, “Greetings rulers to the east, I am obligated to inform you of your imminent demise. I have sent this letter as an invitation to attend a counsel with myself as to discuss the terms of your surrender of Equestria. Should you refuse and choose a more foolish route, I am afraid I will have to respond in earnest. Sincerely, The Black King.”

Rainbow Dash huffed in anger, “Who does this guy think he is?!”

Pinkie Pie pointed to the scroll, “The Black King.”

Twilight was a tad confused, “Who’s The Black King, Princess?”

Luna looked at them all, “Nopony as ever laid eyes upon him but his presence is felt. He’s a mysterious ruler to the far west of here who presides over The Wastes, a kingdom outside of our borders.”

Twilight was shocked, “But I thought The Wastes were disserted.”

Luna shook her head, “Not entirely.”

Alan sat down, “What does he want Equestria for?”

Luna turned away from them, “The truth is that he has always had his eyes upon this land. He has merely been waiting for the ideal time to strike.”

Martin paced, “And I assume you’re sending us as your representatives?”

Luna turned to them, “Indeed I am.”

Martin nodded, “Alright, I’m in.”

Alan nodded, “Aw yeah, just like old times!”

A crash was heard as they all looked to the side. Outside the barn, both Dominic and Mary had fallen onto some rain barrels and were staring at the worried faces of their friends.

Mary and Dominic then both said in unison, “Not good.”

Chapter 4: The Worst Possible Thing

The reunion transitioned far into the afternoon until night fell. Everypony soon bid the Apples fair well and left for their homes of origin. Soon The Washington’s departed for Cloudsdale leaving The Fairbridges to their own devices which consisted of a late dinner. The Apple Family and The Fairgates sat in silence at the table as they ate. Mary looked around at each one of them; Granny Smith had finished early and was currently asleep in her room. Mary stared at her fork for a full minute then shook her head and slammed it down as she stood up in frustration surprising everypony.

Mary loudly said, “You two shouldn’t have to go!”

Applejack looked to the side, “You heard.”

Mary nodded still frustrated, “Your damn right I did. There are plenty of other ponies that could be sent!”

Martin calmly placed his utensils down, “I have been asked to protect my family and our home.”

Mary raised her arms, “Look around dad! This isn’t our home,” she then worriedly stated, “So you’re going to risk your life for a place you weren’t even born into?”

Martin was angered at the remark as he too stood and pointed at his daughter, “I’ll risk my life to do what’s right! Regardless of whether we were born here or not we still have family here and I have to protect them!”

Mary backed down, “But…”

Martin cut her off angrily, “End of discussion!”

Mary looked down and then narrowed her eyes and spat back, “Fine! You know what? Get captured and die! See if I care!”

She then stormed out of the room and slammed her bedroom door shut behind her much to the family’s surprise and Martin’s sadness at his and Mary’s argument.

The following morning appeared and all of The Knights were gathered in the town square to be seen off by their friends and family. Martin scanned the crowd and saw that Mary was nowhere in sight, a pang of guilt and sadness entered him as he turned to leave with the group.

Alan noticed his friends look, “You alright?”

Martin looked back toward the farmhouse, “Do you think Mary will be alright?”

Alan smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder, “She takes after her old man, she’ll be fine.”

Twilight smiled, “She may surprise you.”

Everypony else voiced their agreement as they left.

The events in question transpired a mere 2 weeks ago and no messages had been received from The Knights in that time period. Mary and Dominic were still going to school but were still greatly worried for their family and friends. After several days of relentless school they were finally given a professional day which they both took in earnest and left Earth with packed bags. Mary arrived at the farm and was currently in her room and never left it. After another day, the COH ventured to Sweet Apple Acres to check on their friend who they barely saw at all nowadays.

Dominic knocked on the door, “Hey Mary you alright in there?”

Mary weakly replied with, “Leave me alone.”

Scootaloo flew up to the door, “Were worried about you.”

Mary responded again, “Just go away please.”

Applebloom approached the door and knocked firmly, “Mary, ah may be yer friend but ah’m also yer Aunt now open this door young lady!”

Dinky looked at her, “Did you just assert your status? I thought you hated doing that.”

Applebloom nodded, “ah do, but desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Mary’s door slowly opened as Dominic began to speak, “You barely show your face around Earth and at school and you lock…”

Mary’s hair was dishevelled and her eyes were red and she was sniffling. This caused all who were present to go silent.

Mary spoke in a choked tone, “I said he could die and I wouldn’t care.”

Dom approached with concern, “ To who?”

Mary collapsed to her knees, “My dad…”

Sweetie Belle gasped, “Why?!”

Mary looked at the floor, “I was so worried and worked up I just-“, she then broke down into tears as she looked at them all, “I didn’t even go to say goodbye! He must think I hate him!”

Dinky comforted her friend, “Come on, you know he doesn’t.”

Mary wasn’t convinced, “He might as well.”

Applebloom got down to her level, “Yer pa is the most caring and dependable of men and you’re his daughter-“

Mary stood up as she went back into her room, “Who can’t even get off the ground.”

Dominic moved after her but was stopped by Scoots wing, “Let’s just let her cool off.”

In a darkened room sat a throne of black metal and stone and behind it was a cage of black energy and steel which currently housed eight occupants. Martin stared at a screen of black glass that sat in front of the throne and was displaying all the events in question as if it were a home movie.

He angrily smacked the bars, “You’re a sick and twisted bastard!”

A clawed like hand covered in black armor plating appeared over the arm rest, “I try.”

Rainbow smashed her side against the barrier, “When I get out of here-“

The clawed hand flicked to the side as if dismissing her comment and the prisoners were painfully zapped with electricity.

Twilight looked at the throne, “Why are you doing this?”

The person stood and approached the cage. The light shed across a smooth black metal mask with sunken cheeks. A royal robe of black and dark azure garbed him; atop his head was a black and twisted metal crown. Armored boots clanged on the ground at his approach as he glared at the unicorn who’s eyes widened as if she were staring at a ghost.

The Black King uttered one word which chilled them to the bone, “Revenge.”

Chapter 5: The Quest

Mary walked along the trail of the orchards as the moon shone in the bright starlit sky. Mary leaned against a nearby tree and watched a younger Martin and Applejack playing with a nine year old Mary who was happily laughing. Mary blinked away tears as the moon shined brighter for a few seconds and then dissipated.

“Now these are the kind of dreams I always love to see.”

Mary didn’t turn, “Good evening your highness.”

Princess Luna stood beside Mary, “Isn’t it?”

Mary quietly said, “Yeah…”

Princess Luna shook her head, “You’ve been coming here a lot as of late.”

Mary sighed as she sat on the ground, “Not much I can do.”

Luna was standing before her, “You could stop moping and think of something. There are things in this world that we have no control over,” she glanced at the scene before her once more, “And then there are things that only we as individuals can control and they are sometimes the most simplistic.”

Mary blinked and Luna was gone.

Dominic was pacing around his mother’s house in frustration. He had gone before Princess Celestia to ask if he could go to The Wastes to look for the missing Knights but it didn’t go to well.

Celestia shook her head, “I’m afraid that’s out of the question.”

Dominic shook his head, “But I inherited my dad’s ability”, he then formed a katana made out of pure solid electricity, “Plus it’s more refined!”

Celestia approached with an understanding smile, “I understand your worry but it takes more than power to succeed at what you’re suggesting,” She placed a hoof on Dominic’s shoulder, “You may be the son of a hero, but you still have much to learn.”

Dominic stopped pacing, “Screw that.”

Mary was staring at Dominic who was standing in the center of the Crusader Clubhouse, “Are you insane?!”

Dominic shook his head, “No I’m not.”

Applebloom was surprised as ever, “But what yer suggestin is dangerous as ever.”

Dominic pointed at them all, “Look, our parents, your sisters and their friends have been missing for weeks and I for one am not going to sit around and wait forever.”

Mary pointed out to him, “In case you forgot the Princess said she wouldn’t allow or condone it.”

Dominic smiled mischievously, “She said I couldn’t, she never said we.”

Sweetie Belle tilted her head, “So THAT’S why you called us here.”

Dominic sighed, “Come on gang, we’ve all dreamt of doing what our family and friends did in their glory days and the chance is presented to us,” he then dramatically waved, “Just think of it, we save the Knights of Equestria and stop a war all at once. It just SCREAMS awesome!”

Scootaloo nodded in agreement, “Yeah! Why should we sit around and do nothing! Carpe Diem!”

Dinky face hoofed, “Even if we did go on this journey, we don’t even know where The Wastes are.”

Dominic produced a map, “Borrowed this from Spike, I said I was doing research on the place.”

Everyone groaned except Scootaloo, who looked at the map with him and whistled, “That’s a LONG way to go.”

Dominic nodded, “Yeah but we’ll do it!”

He stepped outside as he gestured to the horizon, “Come on gang, we’ll follow that trail!”

Mary was confused, “What trail?”

Dominic pointed, “The trail that we blaze,” the trail in question was to the east.

Mary turned the map right side up as Dom pointed in the right direction, “THAT trial that we blaze!”

Everypony then face hoofed and palmed respectively.

Everypony packed that night and waited for dawn to arrive. Mary sat on her bed and gazed at a photo of her, Dominic, and The Knights at the Grand Galloping Gala. They had gone there on her sixteenth birthday and they all had a blast. Dominic even got to chat with Spitfire personally because of his mom knowing her. She smiled at the fact that if she ever brought up the fact that Dom had a crush on the famous Wonderbolt he would deny it outright. She packed the picture and walked out just as the moon disappeared below the horizon and saw her friends waiting for her. She had dressed in a black hooded sport jacket and was wearing matching pants with two white vertical stripes on the legs and a white long-sleeved shirt when she showed up.

Dom raised an eyebrow, “What’s with the sports wear?”

Mary shrugged, “I dressed light.”

Dominic nodded, “Right.”

The group then struck a pose as they immediately headed westward.

The Black King began to laugh manically at the spectacle that unfolded before him, “OH they are just making this to easy!”

The Knights became angered at this as Rarity yelled at the King, “You leave them alone you beast!”

The Black King zapped them again, “You’d do wise to know your place.”

Pinkie Pie was bouncing a ball against the cage, “Don’t worry everypony, they’ll be here soon and we’ll be out of here faster than you can say farficnugen.”

Ten hours had passed by when their journey had begun and already the COH had made some great headway. Ponyville had long vanished behind them and they were currently passing a massive forest that was to their right. They then stopped by the side of the road and pulled out some food and began to dig in. As they ate their meal they heard distant howling which caused them all to shiver.

Applebloom packed her saddle bags back up, “We better keep movin. A hungry pack of Timber Wolves is more vicious then full ones.”

Dominic nodded, “Can’t argue with that.”

They started moving until they came to a halt at a forked road. Dominic checked the map and sighed as he pointed to the entrance to a road that cut through a canyon. They all turned and kept walking.

Scootaloo groaned in annoyance after three hours of walking, “How long is this canyon!”

Dominic yelled over his shoulder, “Were going to be in here for some time Scoots, it’s about several miles long.”

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes as Dinky spoke what she was thinking, “What is the route exactly?”

Dominic checked the map, “We travel down that road we were on, go through this canyon and across some grassland and were a quarter of the way there.”

Everyone moaned in anguish as Dominic walked on with a smile of an adventurous sort. He stopped for a few seconds and looked around as a pebble clattered to the ground in front of him. He looked up and noticed a few shadows move out of sight.

Dominic’s hands crackled with electricity, “We got company.”

All of sudden a chorus of howls echoed through the canyon as a pack of Timber Wolves appeared on the road behind them and on nearby ledges.

Dominic looked around as the group stood back to back, “Balls!”

The wolves attacked in earnest.

Chapter 6: Pack Leader

The Timberwolves leapt at Sweetie Belle since she was the closest target, only to be met with a face full of magic that blasted it to pieces. Dinky and Sweetie began to take up defensive positions as they began a bombardment in an effort to push the Timberwolves back. But with each defeat, more Timberwolves emerged to fill in the gaps that their fallen comrades had left. Mary grabbed a large rock and smashed one of the wolves into twigs and then proceeded to chuck her weapon like a shot-put straight into another wolfs head. One of the wolves leapt at Scootaloo who zipped into the air and did a flying kick to the small of its back. The creature howled in anger and swiped in futility at the flying filly that merely laughed and literally knocked the creatures block off.

Mary grabbed a large branch and clubbed a nearby grouping, “There’s too many!”

Dominic looked down the road past the attacking hoard and noticed an out cropping of rock, “To the cliffs!”

The COH sprang into action as Dinky, Sweetie, and Dom cleared a path toward the cliff face. Dom leapt up onto the cliff face along with Scoots and Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and the remaining COH climbed up with assistance as Mary forced her way through the onslaught with difficulty in the form of the broken Timberwolves reassembling and attacking her from behind.

Dominic blasted a massive portion of the frontline away as Mary clambered up and spoke a quick, “thanks!”

The Timberwolves tried to force their way up but only succeeded in either falling back down or getting blasted in the face. The COH waited atop the cliff as the day dragged on. The position was held indefinitely as the hours ticked by leaving the COH to stare at the now pacing pack of wolves. The sun was currently in the center of the sky as all of the COH stared the wolves down who merely licked their chops in response. Mary kicked a rock down toward the ground which caused the pack to shift slightly.

Applebloom was playing a game of tic tac toe with Sweetie who easily bested her for the fourteenth time, “Aw dang it!”

Dom stood beside Mary as he regarded the Timber wolves, “They’re waiting for us to make the next move.”

Mary tilted her head slightly, “Or sizing us up to see if we are worth the effort.”

Dominic looked at a bite on Mary’s left arm, “You alright?”

Mary shifted her affected arm, “I’ll live.”

Dominic made a note of the green sap that surrounded the wound. He then noticed the pack howl in unison as it parted down the middle to reveal a wolf much larger and darker than the rest of them.

Mary cringed slightly, “The Alpha Male.”

Dinky shook her head as she stood beside them, “Nope, Timberwolves only have an Alpha Females.”

Dominic stared at the Alpha which growled in response. Dominic and the rest of the group shifted nervously as they all backed up. The Alpha then leapt onto the cliff outcropping with ease and began to circle them. Dominic’s hands crackled with electricity as the Alpha seemed to dare him to make the first move. The second Dom stepped forward, the Alpha leapt in the air toward his throat. Dominic was then thrown aside as Mary stepped in front of the Alpha’s leap and collided with it. The Alpha leered at the now pinned Mary and proceeded to bite into her shoulder causing the girl to cry in agony as blood mixed with green sap pooled around her side.

Dominic blasted the Alpha’s back which caught its attention, “Yo she bitch!”

The Alpha snarled at the human who readied himself, “Let’s go!”

The fight never began due to an explosion of multicolored light which rained down upon the wolves and set them alight with multicolored flames of varying size and brightness. The Timberwolves yowled in pain and scattered. The Alpha’s attention went to its fleeing pack as it then threw Mary hard against the wall of the canyon and ran after its fleeing subjects. The COH ran to their friend’s side only to back up as a small burst of magic revealed a pony standing beside her.

Dominic stepped forward to see that the pony was examining Mary, “Is she alright?”

The pony who was garbed in a dark azure cloak shook its head, “She’s received a large dose of Timber sap. I have the remedies in my carriage but we have to hurry.”

The COH were engulfed in a magic bubble as they all appeared in the interior of an accommodating carriage which was neatly organized and had paper clippings pinned to a small wall. One of them read, “The Magnificent Magician Astounds Stallongard.”

Sweetie Belle examined the wall once more, “It’s lucky you came along when you did.”

The pony waved off the comment, “I was in the neighborhood. I was going to visit Ponyville and say hi to some old friends when I heard your predicament.”

Dominic tilted his head slightly as the pony administered a salve to Mary’s wound and bandaged her head, “Who are you anyway?”

The pony chuckled as the carriage seemed to move on its own, “No pony’s asked me THAT in a while.”

The pony removed her hood to reveal a silver cascading mane and a bluish coat, the azure coat then seemed to conjure moving stars and moons, “I am Trixie Lulamoon, traveling magician and entertainer.”

All the ponies were surprised at this as Applebloom stepped forward, “You look different, and hey you’re not speaking in the third person anymore.”

Trixie nodded, “I grew out of that habit after a couple of years. After some practice and study I FINALLY began to succeed as a magician, I even acquired this night cloak from Chillytrack.”

Sweetie belle smiled, “I’m glad your career is taking off and…where are we going?”

Trixie looked out the window, “Toward Ponyville of course.”

“No!”

Everypony turned to see Mary sitting up, “We’re going to the wastes to rescue the Knights of Equestria.”

Trixie raised a surprised eyebrow, “Twilight and her friends are in danger?”

Dominic reluctantly nodded, “Yeah, The Black King has them most likely.”

Trixie’s carriage halted, “But why are you all going by yourselves? Don’t you all know that the wastes are dangerous?”

The COH then said in unison, “We don’t care!”

Chapter 7: A Fiery Resolve

Mary and the group were sleeping the night away in the surprisingly spacious interior of Trixie’s wheeled home. Mary was currently lying on her side on a spare bed whereas the rest of her friends were sleeping on the floor and Trixie in her own bed. Mary in her own right was healing quite well from the attack but still needed rest. Her dreams were troubling to say the least, they always seemed to go back to that night at the farm when she snapped at her father and left in a huff. She sat upon a tree stump in her dreamscape and glanced to the horizon but jumped at a familiar presence.

“Thou had better have a good explanation for your absence in Ponyville.”

Mary whipped around so fast that she dropped off the stump and in reality slammed onto the floor of the now active trailer.

Dominic snapped fully awake from his previous state in concern, “You okay?”

Mary then ominously stated, “We have a big problem.”

The trailer then came to an abrupt stop.

Martin was awoken from his slumber by The Black King’s growl of anger, “Blast it all.”

Martin looked at the dark tyrant with a smug expression, “Having trouble?”

The Black King turned his angered glare upon the human and bellowed, “Silence!”

The cage then lit up like the fourth of July as its occupants were brutally zapped.

Dominic peeked out the window to see what stopped the cart and his eyes widened, “Oh boy…”

The COH looked with him and saw a not so very impressed Princess Luna tapping her hoof outside.

Luna narrowed her eyes, “Outside, now.”

The COH begrudgingly disembarked their transport as Luna paced in front of them, “Have you any idea of how serious the situation we are all in?”

Mary nodded, “Yeah, the elements of harmony and our parents are gone.”

Luna stopped in front of them, “Exactly, this is a delicate situation as it is. How do you think it would look if Equestrian citizens along with two outsiders were to just waltz into The Black Kings throne room unannounced?”

Applebloom looked down, “none to good ah assume?”

Dominic stepped toward the princess, “Whatever it looks like is irrelevant, that freak has our parents and the elements of harmony and I for one am tired of the political approach.”

Luna stepped forward as well, “Stand down Mr. Washington; you do not know who you trifle with.”

Even though the tone was commanding and her authority was well above his, Dominic did something no person or pony had ever done before, “Get the hell out of my way Princess.”

Luna was taken aback by the sudden remark, “You…”

Mary quickly came to Dominic’s side and quickly stated, “Uh Dom, please do not upset the Princess of the night. Need I remind you she’s the sister to one of the most powerful ponies in the land?”

Dominic looked right into Luna’s eyes who was visibly getting angry at the disrespect, “What’s the matter, you gonna go get big sis to fight THIS battle for you too?”

All the ponies and humans in the cage collectively gasped in horror at the remark. The Black king laughed like a maniac.

Rainbow Dash looked at Alan, “When we get back, he’s grounded for life.”

Alan shook his head, “More like eternity.”

Luna got into the humans face, “How dare you insult me!”

Dominic’s face took on a cocky expression, “You gonna do something about it Lulu?”

Luna growled in rage as her horn began to glow threateningly only for Mary to step in between them and in and angrily declare, “SHUT IT BOTH OF YOU!!”

Both parties were stunned by the sudden outburst as Mary turned to Luna, “I know what we’re doing isn’t right. And I know that with our parents captured, you and your sister are pressed into a corner. But please, if we do not do something quick there’s no telling what could happen.”

Luna was reluctant to answer because of the previous comments but sighed, “There seems to be no stopping you all is there?”

Dinky shook her head, “Nope.”

Luna looked at the moon and sighed, “Very well, you have my blessing. But be warned, the road you travel is paved with many perils and trials. So I ask you, are you willing to see this through to the end?”

They all nodded in unison as Luna smiled at their collective tenacity, “Alright then, be swift and safe.”

Dominic waved as Luna departed, “And may the force be with you.”

Luna smirked, “Always.”

The princess teleported away instantly as Mary glanced at Dom, “How did she?”

Dominic walked back to the trailer, “Dad took her to see the re-showing of the Star Wars movies in theatres years ago.”

Mary then asked as they all sat up front, "So what now?"

Dominic stood up, “We follow this road.”

Applebloom looked ahead, “But what’s up ahead.”

Dominic smiled, “Don’t know, but we’ll be ready to meet it when it comes.”

Scootaloo nodded, “I’m with ya.”

Sweetie, Dinky, and Mary all did the same.

He then raised his fist to the sky, “SWEET, LETS GO!!”

The COH followed his example, “YEAH!!!”

Montage time!!!

The cart stopped in small valley after exiting the canyon area and everypony all glanced around in wonderment and awe at the massive flowers that were present. Dominic raised an eyebrow as he poked one and then screamed as it pulled itself out of the ground and ran after him, Trixie, and the COH.

The next day they found and odd rock formation in the shape of a pony and climbed atop it and gazed out and saw the vast expanse of grassland that Dominic mentioned and they all ooed and awed. Trixie made a picnic atop the formation and they all ate happily.

The day after that was the cart running from a massive swarm of inanimate object eating parasprites. Trixie, Dinky, Sweetie Belle, and Dominic all kept them at bay well into the night hours until they all dispersed.

They soon exited the grasslands and came into a large mountainous region that consisted of frosty peaks and nasty looking slopes. They traversed bravely through the gale of ice and snow much to their collective annoyance. The reason was that the enchanted wheels that pulled the home sized cart fizzled out halfway down and they had to pull it the rest of the way down. They all then proceeded to scream in excitement and fear as gravity carried them the rest of the way down the steep hill they were all on.

Montage over.

They all awoke in a large snow bank face down. Mary looked up and glanced around at her surroundings. She saw far off there was a train track stretching far off into the tundra. She ran to it as the rest of her friends stirred behind her. She heard Dominic call her name but paid no attention to it as she stopped at the track.

Mary turned back noticing that the cart was coming toward her at full speed as her friends were frantically trying to say something.

Mary yelled over the wind, “WHAT!?”

Trixie amplified her voice, “BEHIND YOU!!!”

Mary whipped around and noticed four humanoid creatures that were seven feet tall rushing her. The creature’s hides were black and metallic looking and seemed to have a pulsating purple sphere in each of their chests behind a layer of something resembling a glassy membrane. Two of the creatures seized Mary as she cried out in surprise and fear.
Dominic leapt from his seat and conjured a katana that was made out of electricity just like his father could; the only difference was that Dom’s was more solid looking.

He slashed one of the golems arms clean off, “HA!”

The golem regrew it instantly and smacked Dom into the remaining COH. The two Golems that were not holding Mary bore down upon the group of friends who then sprang into action.

The Black King watched with mirth at the scene, “It seems my Golems are too strong for them. To be vanquished in a frozen wasteland, how ironic.”

Twilight narrowed her eyes at the King after the comment was spoken.\

Mary was helpless in the creature’s arms. Something was preventing her from using her strength and she didn’t know what it was. She thrashed as best as she could and yelled in anger at the other Golems who were preoccupied with her friends.

Mary then kicked around, “Let me go you freaks!!!”

The Golems attacking her friends began to close in upon them.

Mary then began to feel a strange surge travel through her body as her strength returned to her in full force. If she didn’t know any better, she could have sworn that she felt stronger than usual.

With each word spoken something strange happened, “I said…”

The air around Mary became hazy.

“Let.”

Steam began to rise from the snow beneath her.

“Me.”

Small flickers of something could be seen in her hair.

“GO!!”

With that one final yell of anger and defiance, Mary was engulfed in an aura of blue and white flames. The arms of the Golems that were holding her melted like cheap wax as she dropped to her knees in the snow as steam cascaded into the sky with each step she took. The Golems behind her went to intercept her, only to be melted by a glance from the girl as they were engulfed in fire.

She approached the remaining Golems and said, “Piss off.”

She then melted her fists through the creatures and ripped out their cores. The cores began to disintegrate as the Golems fell to pieces and melted into black goop. Mary glanced at the remaining core in surprise as she saw that it was a purple crystal.

Dominic stared with an amazed smile, “Nice Mary! Your thing is fire!”

Mary looked at her hands and jumped in surprise as she came down from her adrenaline rush, “It is?”

Trixie stared at her, “Impressive.”

Applebloom went to hug her but stopped dead, “Ahm glad you got yer ability, now how the hay do ya turn it off so we can hug ya?”

Mary then began panicking, “I don’t know! Oh god what if I can’t?!”

Trixie shushed her, “Take a deep breath and relax, reach inward and find the source of the flame and extinguish it.”

Mary did as instructed and the flames extinguished, “How did?”

Trixie smiled, “Fire spells use the same principle.”

Dominic wasn’t listening because he was pointing to the north. All of them looked and gasped, The Crystal Empire was only a mile off.

Dominic looked at the rest of the COH, “So…who wants to-“

Everypony was already in the cart.

Chapter 8: Sunshine

The cart was moving at a leisurely pace toward the shining beacon that is The Crystal Empire. Mary and the group were still in awe at the red haired girl’s newfound ability. Trixie’s eyes had a gleam to them when she spotted the bright city in the frozen wasteland that was the tundra.

Dominic noticed this while sat up front with her, “What’s up?”

Trixie just slowly shook her head in amazement, “It’s just…In all of my travels I’ve heard of the empire but never once have I stopped here on my tour. It’s just awe inspiring when you first see it.”

Dominic nodded, “Believe me I know the feeling.”

Trixie looked with surprise at Dominic, “You’ve been here before?”

Dominic made a slight shaky gesture with his hand, “Well sort of, it was more of an official teleport into the main castle.”

Mary stuck her head out of the side window, “Are we there yet?”

Trixie nodded as the cart pulled under the archway. Even to ponies who have visited The Empire, it still drew the eye no matter how many times it was looked upon. The sheen of the buildings gave the empire a warming and welcoming glow. The immensity of the castle at the center was sometimes known to give slight claustrophobia to visitors and the lush green that surrounded everything was a welcoming sight for any who journeyed through the harsh cold that lay upon its boarders. The cart pulled to a slight stop on a hill that bordered the main city and the COH disembarked as Trixie anchored it down.

Mary was now wearing a white t-shirt and black jeans as she glanced around and smiled, “Man, it’s been so long since I was here last.”

Applebloom stood beside her, “Yeah, wasn’t that when mah sis brought us here for The Wonderbolt Derby?”

Mary grinned mischievously as Dom went ridged, “Yeah, Dominic was there too and he got to meet Spitfire if I’m not mistaken.”

Dominic turned around quickly, “OKAY! Let’s go see the sights, who’s up for-“

Applebloom was unhindered as she continued Mary’s story, “Oh right. Dash took him back stage ta meet the team.”

Dominic was sweating a bit, “Coffee who wants to get coffee!”

Mary was grinning as everypony else leaned in to listen, “He was I think, nine at the time. He immediately burst into a flurry of compliments.”

Dominic stopped sweating and was now getting agitated, “Okay you can stop now.”

Mary then sat on a rock nearby, “He then levitated and dropped onto a bench banging his head. And when he woke up-“

Applebloom looked at Mary who was giggling uncontrollably as she finished for the girl with a wide smile, “And Spitfire was bandaging his head. She then kissed his forehead and said, “You’ll go far kid, just work through the pain.”

Mary fell over laughing, “THEN HE FAINTED!”

Dominic was not amused, “Not cool.”

After the storytelling atop the hill, the group set out into town. Many ponies have heard of the race known as humans due to the exploits of Martin, Alan, and the late Lupe with the elements of harmony. Many ponies had to adjust to this new race, but some had gotten used to the fact that they were not alone in the universe and adjusted. Though some ponies were more reluctant than others to a human’s presence, things moved forward.

Mary glanced at a kiosk displaying snow globes, “These are really accurate. I love the detail.”

The vendor smiled at the compliment, “Thank you, I take pride in these.”

Dominic approached her, “Hey check this out.”

He held up a bobble head of an overly cartoony looking King Sombra, “Am I stupid?,” he flicked the head as it nodded yes continuously, “Why yes, yes I am.”

Nearby crystal ponies chuckled and laughed. Mary took the bobble head and gazed at the painted wood. Her eyes narrowed at the thing. Dominic took it back slowly as he turned toward the castle. Both humans stood under the massive structure and gazed at the object they had sought to see since their first arrival. The crystal heart glowed softly before them as both humans stared at the gem in fascination.

Dominic blinked, “I’ve heard all these things about the heart. I mean it’s like meeting a celebrity in person.”

Mary nodded, “Fast, unexpected, awkward, and really cool.”

Dominic reached out to touch it…and was sent hurtling into a pillar by an electric discharge that erupted from the gem.

Mary was surprised and at the same time shook her head. Mary had a suspicion that a failsafe would be put on the thing so a thief couldn’t steal it.

Dominic walked over to her mildly annoyed, “You could have said something.”

Mary shrugged, “Looked like you were having fun.”

The sound of a throat being cleared was heard as both humans turned to see two guards glaring at them. One gestured for the two to follow. Dominic and Mary followed close by and were slightly nervous about what was going on. The passed into the entrance hall and up a few flights of stairs until they reached the throne room. The throne was currently vacant as the guards left the room. Mary walked to the balcony and gazed out over the city.

Mary leaned on the banister and sighed as Dominic was busy sitting in the throne acting like a king, “Man, this view is amazing.”

“Yes it is isn’t it?”

Mary turned around and was immediately all smiles. Princess Cadence of The Crystal Empire hadn’t changed much in the passing years, she was a few inches taller but maintained the appearance she had all through the years of her rule. Both Princess and human walked toward each other and hugged.

Cadence backed up and smiled, “Wow, you’ve changed a lot.”

Mary mock threw back her hair, “Yeah, I’m not the same six year old you used to let sit with you on your throne while daddy talked business.”

Both shared a laugh. Dominic stood before Shining Armor who was measuring him up.

Shining Armor then smirked, “So, you reconsider my offer yet?”

Dominic nodded, “Yeah, I’ve been trying to look up more words that mean no.”

Mary sighed, “There at it again, when will Shining stop asking him.”

Cadence chuckled, “He tends to be stubborn when he sets his mind to something concerning safety protocols.”

Mary raised her arms to stretch, “Yeah, but to offer Dom an internship as a guard. He’ll never go for it.”

Cadence stood beside Mary, “I still don’t know why he keeps refusing. Both his and your fathers were knighted and being a royal guard has benefits.”

Mary nodded, “Yeah but look at it from his stand point, a bunch of work? He’ll run screaming for the hills if you so much as mention the words application form.”

Cadence then took on a more serious and understanding expression, “I heard the news of what happened to your parents and I am as worried as you are for their safety.”

Mary nodded, “Yeah, I assume you already know why we were passing through then?”

Cadence nodded as well, “Rooms have been prepared to accommodate your needs should you wish to stay.”

Mary turned toward Dom who was now idly chatting with Shining, “Hey Dom, you want to chill here for the night?”

Dominic thought for a moment, “I could do for an actual bed again and a warm bath.”

Cadence lit up with joy, “Then it’s decided! Come on I’ll show you around.”

Word reached the remaining members of the group as they too ventured to the castle. Trixie was more than happy for some crystal hospitality.

The Black King stood from his throne and swiftly walked past the cage, “It seems the time has come. You want something done right, you do it yourself.”

Martin pushed against the cage, “Don’t you dare touch my daughter; she has nothing to do with this!”

The Black King pointed at him angrily, “You don’t get it do you?! My vengeance is with these blasted ponies and all who ally with them, you and your spawn are just a means to an end as far as I’m concerned.”

Alan then stated, “Then why?”

The Black King cackled, “Because it will be all the more satisfying when I take the thing they love most from them, just as they did to me.”

Twilight perked up, “Who are you!”

The Black King’s eyes narrowed, “Someone looking to take back what was his.”

Chapter 9: Door To Darkness

The COH slept soundly during the night, but deep below the castle something stirred awake. A shadow cast itself over the throne room and stretched toward the throne. Out of the shadow rose an avatar composed of blackened steel and a solid substance that had the sheen of oil. The avatar itself was in the shape of a unicorn with a curved horn. The horn itself was made of blood red crystal and its eyes were made of indigo light with black slash like pupils.

The Black Kings voice emanated from beneath the throne as the Avatar remained and the shadow receded, “Bring me the girl first.”

The Avatar exhaled in response and melted into the shadows.

Mary rolled onto her side as the wind softly whistled outside her window. In the corner of her room the avatar materialized. Its eyes fixed on the girl and as it inhaled its horn began to glow almost threateningly. The Avatar slowly vanished as Mary awoke to a sound that seemed to linger on the wind.

“Mary…”

Mary looked toward her door and uttered one word, “Dad?”

Dominic awoke from his sleep to the sound of a door shutting and the sound of foot falls vanishing down the hall.

Mary looked around for the source of the sound but couldn’t quite place it. She arrived in the throne room and found it to be unusually dark. The curtains were drawn and the lights were dimmed. Before her lay a massive maw of a hole complete with stairs leading downwards. She then heard an almost ghostly sounding voice of her father beckoning to her.

“Wandering child . . .
so lost . . .
so helpless . . .
yearning for my
guidance . . .”

Mary walked slowly down the stairs in a daze as Dominic rounded the corner and witnessed the passage shut behind her. He then yelled in both surprise and frustration as he began to bang on the floor which awoke several ponies from their slumber.

Mary arrived at the bottom of the steps and glanced at what was before her, a lone door that seemed to have no earthly business being there and it was open into darkness. The Black King stepped out of the shadows behind Mary and smiled beneath his mask.

“Your father awaits you child, do not linger.”

Mary turned to face The King who then shoved her forward. She fell into the open door and was engulfed in darkness that threatened to consume her.

Mary looked around to find she was standing in a ruined Ponyville with a decimated Canterlot in the distance. She saw pony’s collapsed around her and some that were gravely injured. She ran to a lone shape that she recognized among the rubble. Martin was pinned under a beam of wood which she moved with ease.

Mary was practically in tears, “Dad, please say something.”

Martin stared straight at her and grasped her throat as a look of anger appeared, “You’re a disappointment.”

Martin stood up with Mary in his grasp, “I should have never even thought you could live up to the family name, look at all of this. It’s your fault for leaving!”

Mary’s body was then engulfed in flames as Martin began to burn, “Dad…run away…”

Martin yelled out in agony as he was burnt to ash.

Mary was on her knees in absolute anguish, “No…”

Several voices of the people and ponies she knew began to jeer and chant, “Disappointment, coward, murderer.”

Mary’s face was then streaked with tears, “No…”

Mary gazed into the darkened abyss of the opened door as tears ran freely from her eyes. Her eyes in question were altered by the doors magic. Her sclera’s were neon green and her irises were red as freshly spilled blood. The Black King then opened his hand as he produced a shard of black crystal. The Black King then tapped it to her head which caused it to disintegrate into black energy which was then absorbed into her body.

The Black King then spat with spite, “Let the fear you possess consume you, just as flames consume an elder forest.”

Mary then tensed up as her eyes became completely black.

Cadence opened the passage and all present gazed down into it, “This is impossible, I thought I got rid of this.”

Dominic said nothing as he merely leapt down the hole into darkness. He soon landed directly behind Mary who was now standing and trembling. When Dominic approached her she screamed inhumanly and threw him against the farthest wall. Her flames then ignited into existence and seemed to be more alive than conventional fire. The flames grew in size and intensity as they seemed to cascade off Mary like water and creep up the sides of the walls toward the surface. Mary floated up with them as Dominic took notice of the open door; his eyes slowly began to transition toward being altered until The Black King slammed it shut.

Dominic narrowed his eyes, “You!”

The Black King shook his head, “Your time will come when I deem it so.”

Dominic went to intercept the dark assailant but was stopped by frightened screams from above. He glanced quickly upwards then back at where The Black King once stood and cursed loudly. He blasted up through the tunnel of flame and landed in Hell. Blue and white flames were engulfing the walls and threatening to bleed out the windows and onto the streets below.

Dominic ran to Cadence who was keeping the flames at bay, “Where’s Mary?”

Cadence gestured with her horn toward Mary who was on her knees before the throne chanting the word “No” over and over again.

Dominic looked to his friends, “The Black King was just here, he opened some sort of door down there that must have messed with her head.”

Shining Armor cursed, “King Sombra’s Shadow Door.”

Cadence shook her head, “It shows you your inner most fear and causes ponies to be consumed by it to the point of them perceiving it as reality.”

Sweetie Belle looked to the princess, “So it’s like she’s having a really bad nightmare?”

Cadence nodded, “Exactly.”

Dinky stepped forward, “Well we better snap her out of it soon or else she’ll turn us into barbeque!”

Dominic ran through the immense flames and grasped Mary’s shoulders, “Mary, snap out of it! Whatever your hearing, this illusion isn’t real!”

Mary looked with absolute despair at her friend, “My father-“

Dominic sighed as the flames burned him, “Is still being held hostage, and if you keep this up you’ll fail him FOR REAL!!”

Mary screamed as her flames brightened and scorched Dominic. Dom cried out in pain as he was being burnt, but he held on. He then hugged her tight and gritted his teeth.

“Mary, I’m here for you. And I’m not leaving your side no matter what.”

The comment caused Mary’s eyes to open wide in realization.

A nine year old Mary was being tormented by several older boys. Dominic then rushed in to her defense, “Leave her alone!”

One of the older boys stepped forward, “Or what?”

Dom took on an evil looking smile, “Or else I’ll feed you your own teeth.”

Two hours later:

Dominic was covered in welts and bruises as he grinned at Mary, “Don’t worry Mary, I’ll always have your back.”

Mary’s eyes snapped back to normal as all the flames extinguished in unison. Mary looked at Dominic who was still hugging her. His clothes were charred and his skin was badly burnt, but his breath was still heard.

He pulled away from her clutching the now broken black crystal, “Told ya I always got your back.”

He then collapsed on the ground.

Chapter 10: Icarus

Mary sat at Dom’s bedside. What she was feeling at current was just horrible, not only had she endangered her friends and the present royalty but she had brutally burned her closet friend. She had been silent since she had helped carry Dom into the medical wing of the castle. Sure his wounds would heal and his tissue would mend, but the scars it would leave upon them both would be all too deep. The only other time she had felt this low was when she snapped at her father all those nights ago. She silently stood and left the room as quiet as the breeze’s that blew in through the window and walked into the ruined throne room. She gazed at the scorch marks and gingerly ran her fingers along a nearby tapestry; the blackened parts of the fabric were rough and coarse when it glided along her fingers.

She glanced toward the throne and sighed. A ghostly image of her in elementary school days flashed before her. She would always sit on the throne and act like the queen, she even remembered once she ordered Shining Armor to kneel before her in a Zod like fashion. She snapped out of her daze at the feeling of a familiar presence.

Cadance smiled calmly at the troubled girl, “It wasn’t your fault.”

Mary walked to the balcony and looked down onto the darkened streets, “It’s not that. I’m thinking of what I have done to Dom and worst of all what I could have done to the rest of you.”

Cadance sighed as she placed a calming hoof upon the humans shoulder, “Your actions were not your own, The Black King manipulated you into doing those things. You are your father’s daughter and a child of an Element of Harmony.”

Mary gritted her teeth as she turned around and brandished a flaming fist, “YEAH, A CHILD WHO CAN BURN THINGS TO DEATH!”

Mary turned away and hugged her sides, “I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

Cadance went to say something but addressed the very unusual comment, “What do you mean?”

Mary looked to the side, “I’m not normal, I come from two different worlds and I don’t belong in either-“, she looked at the Crystal Princess, “I didn’t expect you to understand.”

Cadance looked at the human, “That’s not true.”

Mary raised an eyebrow as Cadance walked to her side, “I never knew my parents, when I was a baby Pegasus I was an orphan lost in the woods. I was found by some Earth ponies that took me to their village and raised me.”

Mary’s eyes widened in surprise as Cadance continued her tale, “When I grew up I reversed a love-stealing spell cast by a pony called Prismia. You see, Prismia wore a magic-enhancing necklace that amplified her evil and jealousy. But I faced her alone and the necklace amplified my love.”

She smiled at the happy memory, “Once Prismia changed her horrible ways, I suddenly found myself in a strange realm with Princess Celestia. Seeing what I had accomplished and the kind of mare I had grown into, she adopted me as her niece and made me into what you see before you today.”

Mary spoke in a hushed tone, “Is that true?”

Cadance nodded, “Yes, at first I felt like you. Hung between two worlds and unsure of who I was, but you know what I did?”

Mary shook her head, “What?”

Cadance smiled, “I didn’t let those feelings control me, and I knew who I was and what I had to do. I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, ruler of The Crystal Empire and emissary of love.”

Mary looked at Cadance, “But what am I supposed to do?”

Cadance escorted her away from the balcony, “You’ll know. It’s just like getting a cutie mark, some figure it out right away but to others it takes time and patience.”

Mary hugged Cadance with a thankful smile which the Princess returned with gusto, “Thank you.”

Cadance smiled and patted Mary’s back, “So what are you going to do now?”

Mary took on an expression filled with tenacity and justice, “I’m continuing the mission. It’s what Dom would want.”
Cadance nodded with respect, “Do what you have to do.”

Mary turned on her heel and rushed to retrieve her friends.

The Black King blasted the ground near the cage in anger, “Why does she persist!”

Martin sneered at the unholy monarch, “Because she knows what has to be done, and I’m proud of her for it.”

The Black King snarled his words at the human, “Oh spare me your feeble emotions of sentimentality for they sicken me!”

The carriage left the empire at full speed with all but one of the COH in tow. Mary sat up front with Trixie as both of them focused on the horizon. Trixie looked at Mary who was humming a tune to herself.

Trixie curiously asked, “What are you singing?”

Mary snapped to reality, “It was a lullaby my mother and father sang to me when I was a baby. It was from a movie he saw when he was much younger about a princess and a goblin.”

Trixie smiled, “Sounds interesting, would you mind if I heard the song?”

Mary nodded, “Sure, my father always told me that if I was ever scared or alone to sing the song. It was their gift to me out of love.”

Mary cleared her throat as the wind whistled through her air and seemed to carry her words with it, “There's a spark inside us.

That we can all ignite and all that's dark inside us will flicker into light.”

Trixie began to bob her head as Mary continued,

“There's a power in every breath, there's a power in every note.

A power that starts within the heart, a power that rises through the throat.”

Mary silenced herself when she noticed much more time had passed then she thought as the wagon crested a mountain giving all present a view of what was below. A massive valley of rock formations and red sand lay before them. Steep dunes and random boulders and metal spires littered the rest of the valley, far off was a visible outline of what could only be The Black Kings castle.

Mary narrowed her eyes, “we’re here, The Wastes.”

Chapter 11: Arrival

The Black King placed his hands upon his lap in contemplation as he sat on his throne. He gazed at the spectacle before him; the young swine that he had been trying to impede at every turn had practically arrived at his doorstep. He smiled in glee and then he stood upright. He reached up and removed his mask; he inhaled deeply as the young group began to trek through The Wastes.

The Black King spoke in an unaltered deep voice, “Let them come.”

Mary gazed at Trixie with surprise, “What do you mean you won’t come with us?”

Trixie looked to the side, “I can’t, if I were too there is no guarantee that the odds would even tip. I brought you as far as a dare go.”

Scootaloo snorted, “Thanks a lot.”

Dinky smiled with gratitude, “Thank you for taking us this far Ms. Trixie.”

Trixie smiled and nodded, “It was my pleasure.”

Mary shook the showmare’s hoof with a grateful grin, “Come by Sweet Apple Acres sometime, we would enjoy your company.”

Trixie nodded, “Of course.”

The carriage soon vanished from few as the group turned to gaze at their destination. Mary nodded in finality as the group began their trek. Mary glanced around at their surroundings with curious fear. One thing was for certain, The Wastes lived up to its name.

Applebloom almost lost her balance and fell into a dune, “Help!”

Sweetie Belle telekinetically caught her in a heartbeat, “I gotcha!”

Dinky helped them to steady themselves as they continued along their road. The sun bore down upon them as they continued their advancement, sweat was visible on their brows but their pace did not falter. The castle began to approach in the distance; it had a visible 50 foot high wall of solid black stone mixed with steel. The castle itself was immense to the point it rivaled Canterlot Castle in size. It too was made out of a black hybrid of materials, but these ones were metal and a sort of crystal. Mary tilted her head as the gates opened even though they themselves were a mile out. Her eyes then widened as black shapes began to surge forth from the open gates.

Mary yelled as loud as she could muster, “GOLEMS INCOMING!!”

The COH readied for battle.

Cadance and Shining Armor opened the door to Dominic’s medical room to bid him good morning when they both stood with mouths agape.

The bed was empty and neatly made.

Mary was aflame as she punched, kicked, and round housed as many golems as she could. But no matter how many she put down the golems would not stop coming. Sweetie Belle was blasting as many as she could muster with Dinky as support whereas Scootaloo was providing support for Mary. Mary winced as one Golem body checked her into a rocky spire which then broke apart upon impact. She roared in anger and literally ripped said golem in half with her bare hands. One golem moved to crush her head, but she then raised her hands and unleashed an uncontrollable torrent of flame which reduced the golem to ash.

Scootaloo whooped in joy, “Nice one Mary!”

Mary looked at her hands and smiled as the COH continued their assault.

The Black King checked his robes and then snapped his fingers.

The golems immediately melted and all the breathing combatants breathed sighs of relief. They then ran the rest of the way toward the castle. They entered through the gates and into the court yard with a confident stride. Mary threw open the main doors and the COH rushed up the main staircase and began their search. It didn’t last long for a door opened for them leading into a large atrium sized throne room. Within they found their captive parents and siblings respectively within a massive cage.

Mary rushed to the cage and slid to it on her knees and began to cry, “Dad I am so sorry for those things I said to you, I was-“

Martin stopped her, “It’s alright. WATCH OUT!”

Mary was then blasted to the side by a bolt of black light. She stood and came face to face with The Black King. He landed upon the ground and laughed at the young female.

The Black King spread his arms, “Welcome Ms. Fairbridges, so glad of you to join us.”

Mary ignited and hurled her torrent of flame, “YOU BASTARD!”

The Black King casually absorbed the flames into his gauntlet which he then extinguished, “Such language, so unbecoming of a lady.”

Mary jabbed a finger at the dark monarch, “Listen here you freak, let my parents and my friends go or you’ll face the consequences!”

The Black King laughed at the threat, “Oh please.”

He then raised his hand and sent the remaining COH into the adjacent walls and pinned them there, effectively leaving Mary standing alone.

Mary was shocked and angered by these actions, “Why are you doing this, who are you even?! I thought myself, Alan, Dom, and my father were the only humans that were in Equestria.”

The Black King laughed harder as his hand traveled to his masked face, “Can’t you guess?”

The mask disintegrated into black smoke revealing The Black Kings face. His hair seemed to spike up in a wild mane like style. He had matching side burns that were equally wild looking and had tanned skin. His eyes were blood red with silts for pupils. He sneered at his shocked audience revealing fangs for canine teeth.

Twilight’s eyes widened, “Sombra, I knew I was right.”

Mary raised an eyebrow, “Sombra?”

King Sombra casually began to speak, “King Sombra to be precise, former ruler of The Crystal Empire and now ruler of the wastes.”

King Sombra’s robes reshaped into a suit of black and grey armor as the crowns spikes took on a reddish sheen. A cape of royal red with white fluffy trim formed on his back as he smiled wider.

Rainbow Dash thrashed against the cage, “But Cadance and the Crystal Ponies destroyed you!”

King Sombra waved the comment off, “Indeed, but not permanently. You see when that accursed princess blasted me, my body was destroyed but my essence and spirit lingered outside the mortal realm. As I traveled Equestria for years, I soon came across a small fragment of a once powerful entity known as Nightmare that had shared my fate. We struck a deal; he would give me a body as long as he tagged along.”

King Sombra chuckled, “The creature gave me this human body and power, but it tried to consume my mind.”

Martin nodded, “It tends to do that.”

King Sombra continued, “But my will was stronger and I consumed it. Not only did acquire my old powers, but I gained new ones from its previous hosts.”

King Sombra transformed into black smoke and appeared directly in front of Mary, “And they are quite useful.”

He grabbed Mary by the throat, “You and your father I believe are quite familiar with this one.”

Black energy began to slither from Sombra’s gauntleted hand and into Mary’s eyes which began to blacken. She then began to scream in fear as Sombra released her. He looked down with a sense of victory and moved to attack his other captives.

Mary looked around within a black space and widened her eyes. Standing before her was a white coated mare with a mane the colour of a ripe red apple and had dark blue eyes. Her cutie mark depicted three red apples that were aflame with blue and white.

Both individuals gasped.

Chapter 12: Me, Myself, And I

Mary stood completely flabbergasted. Before her was this strange mare that not only sounded like her, but seemed so familiar.

Mary Mare looked at the human and spoke five words that struck the girl deep, “Why do you hate me?”

Sombra looked down at the black eyed Mary and smiled in satisfaction. He turned to gaze back at his captives who were in a state of shock, except for two of them. Martin was completely enraged as he smashed the cell with his fists, Applejack was no different. Both of them wanted to do nothing more than to rip Sombra limb from limb for what he had done to their daughter.

Martin yelled at the unfazed king in rage, “WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE I’M GONNA PLAY SOCCER WITH YOUR HEAD!!!”

Sombra examined his gauntleted nails in boredom, “That’s a rather unsightly image.”

Applejack bucked the cage as hard as she could muster, “No one hurts mah family and gets away with it!”

Sombra smiled as he licked his fangs, “Then you’re gonna hate what I’m about to do.”

Sombra approached the incapacitated Mary and picked her up by her right arm. He then brought his free hand toward her neck as he conjured a cluster of black crystals that took on the form of a blade. The blade then slowly began to inch toward Mary’s jugular. King Sombra smiled in triumph as he raised his hand to slash, only for a blast of raw electricity to blast the blade to smithereens.

A voice rang out through the room, “Drop her.”

King Sombra turned to where the shot came from and spoke in anger, “Who in blazes are you!?”

The individual stepped into the light to reveal the familiar and fully healed face of the last COH member, “Names Dominic, Dominic Washington.”

King Sombra dropped Mary roughly, “I'll wring your neck!”

Dominic then spoke unfazed by the statement, “Come get some.”

Mary was confused by the statement, “What do you mean?”

Mary Mare paced in front of her, “Exactly what I said, why do you hate me?”

Mary got down on one knee, “I don’t hate you. Frankly I think this whole thing is just confusing.”

Mary Mare suddenly flew off the handle and bucked Mary in the face as she yelled out, “STOP LYING!!”

Before Mary could regain herself, Mary Mare pinned down and proceeded to beat her relentlessly in the torso and face. Mary raised her hand to defend herself and cried out for help. There was not a definitive answer at first, but soon Mary Mare was pulled from Mary and sent flailing into the darkness which was lit up with red flames. Mary stood up and looked around confused as a figure in a black hood passed fluidly through the inferno that raged around her. The figure stood in silence as Mary stared in confusion at this new development.

Mary took a cautious step forward, “Who?”

The figure smiled beneath the hood, “Didn’t your dad tell you about me?”

Outside of the mental plane, there raged a titanic battle of crystal versus lightning which shook the room violently. King Sombra was currently locking his sword blade of dark crystal with Dom’s lightning katana. Dominic had been taught well the way of sword fighting thanks to his dad, guards, and a couple Quentin Tarantino movies. He deflected a swing from Sombra and disarmed the King with a flourish which quickly transitioned into Dom cutting of Sombra’s right arm at the elbow.

Dominic smiled, “Looks like you’ve been disarmed…man that sounded bad.”

Sombra‘s arm then quickly grew back in an explosion of black smoke as Sweetie Belle yelled, “OH COME ON!!”

Mary circled the hooded stranger, “So your Aequivalere, where the hell have you been!? We could have really used the backup dude!”

The figure proceeded to laugh as Mary raised an eyebrow, “You think I’m? Oh man that’s rich!”

Mary pointed at the figure, “Well then who the hell are you?”

The figure removed the hood to reveal a woman that seemed almost the same age as Mary. The only difference was the fact that the woman’s hair was copper coloured and cascaded in natural curls down just below her shoulders.

The woman blinked her two different coloured eyes, one electric blue while the other was forest green, “Okay kiddo, this is where it gets weird.”

Chapter 13: Walk Through The Fire

Alan crouched behind Sombra’s throne as the King shot blasts of magic in an effort to destroy the cover and wipe out the nuisance that lay behind it. Alan was trying to formulate a plan of action; on the one hand he had to keep Mary and the rest of his friend’s safe so they could figure an escape plan to assist in the rescue. The other hand was currently not full of any good battle strategies for Sombra due to his weakness being The Crystal Heart, which was currently halfway across the bloody map. Alan gritted his teeth as he rotated the wrist of his right hand, the last attack from Sombra had got him good and he was in no condition to continue. Stamina may be increased but he could only go for so long until he had to get some breathing room.

Mary was pacing around the strange woman who merely followed Mary’s step with an even gaze. Mary didn't know who this was, but Mary felt a sense of safety being near her.

The cloaked woman shook her head, “Keep pacing and you’ll make a groove in the floor.”

Mary tilted her head, “Do I know you?”

The cloaked woman gave a light chuckle, “Well you could say we’re sisters of fire.”

Mary nodded slowly, “Okay, now the truth please.”

The cloaked woman sighed, “I knew your father back in the day. I was one of his best friends and his worst enemy for a time.”

Mary was surprised at the statement, “Are you serious?”

The woman smiled, “Dead serious.”

Mary scratched the back of her head, “Why do I have a feeling that was a bit of dark humor on your part.”

The woman nodded, “It should be, I am technically dead.”

Mary backed off, “You’re a ghost?”

The woman glanced to the side, “Well….um. Yes and no.”

The woman then proceeded to explain, “To make complex things simple, my physical self was destroyed but the rest of me is sort of lingering. I’m just outside of the mortal realm.”

Mary pointed, “So you’re kind of like a force ghost right?”

The woman laughed, “Pretty much.”

Mary narrowed her eyes then realized something, “Hold on a sec, I've seen your face before.”

(Many years in the past)

Mary sat on her mother’s lap as she showed her daughter photos of days past.

Mary pointed at a photo of a much younger group of three teens with ponies around them, “Who’s that lady mommy?”

Applejack smiled, “That little lady was one of yer father’s closest friends. Her name is Lupe.”

Mary looked at her mother, “When is Auntie Lupe gonna come for a visit?”

Applejack’s smile faltered for a moment but she perked up as she hugged Mary, “I’m afraid Auntie Lupe isn’t around anymore mah little blossom.”

Mary nodded slowly, “So she’s in heaven?”

Applejack spoke quietly under her breath, “Ah hope so.”

Mary stood shocked once more, “Lupe?”

Lupe smiled, “Happy belated birthday kiddo.”

Sombra backhanded Dominic into a nearby column, “Insolent human!”

Dominic stood up shakily, “You hit like a mare….present company excluded.”

Lupe nodded at Mary, “You must get your looks from your father.”

Mary smiled awkwardly, “Thanks…I guess.”

Lupe scratched the back of her head but then became all business, “Alright here’s the skinny. Where you are right now is a mental plain that has been created using a hybrid of dark aspect abilities compounded with dark magic.”

Mary glanced around, “Figured as much.”

Lupe was shocked but sighed, “He told you?”

Mary nodded, “Stories at family gatherings, grandma and grandpa thought they were just made up for my entertainment.”

Lupe nodded, “Now you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to get out of here.”

Mary sarcastically responded, “No not really.”

Lupe glanced toward the flaming wall, “In order to get out, you have to face your fear.”

Mary raised an eyebrow, “My fear?”

Lupe nodded, “The pony you saw was an embodiment of your doubt, fear, and humiliation.”

Mary quickly said, “I’m not humiliated!”

Lupe was the one to raise her eyebrow next, “Really?”

Lupe then snapped her fingers as the fire died down. Laying on the ground sobbing was Mary Mare, Mary turned to look at Lupe he merely gestured for her to proceed. The human slowly approached the mare and kneeled down. Mary gently placed her hand on the mare’s mane causing the sobbing pony to stir.

Mary smiled weakly, “I don’t hate you.”

Mary Mare scoffed, “You don’t believe that.”

Mary finally lost her temper, “What the hell is your problem!?”

Mary Mare reeled on the human in equal anger, “MY problem!? Really?!”

Mary jabbed a finger at the pony’s snout, “Yeah, what do you want from me anyway!”

Mary Mare raised her voice several octaves, “I JUST WANT YOU TO ACCEPT ME!”

Mary blinked in surprise, “What?”

Mary then understood what this apparition was. All these years, all these feelings she felt whenever she was in self-doubt. This pony, no, this version of herself represented the side she had never grown to accept.

Mary Mare nodded, “I’m a part of you, and you’re a part of me. Why can’t you accept that?”

Mary looked to the side in shame, “It’s just…”

Mary Mare raised an eyebrow, “Just what?”

Mary sat down, “It’s just hard to accept the fact that I’ve been born, hell that I even exist.”

Mary Mare approached her, “I know, but we’re here and we both have friends and family who are in dire need of our help.”

Mary turned back to see that Lupe was gone, “I understand. I’m sorry for all that I’ve done, how I’ve acted. Let’s end this, together.”

Sombra moved toward Dom with his hand raised. His eyes burned bright with hatred as he loomed over his target.

Sombra narrowed his eyes, “After I’m done with you heroes, I’ll return my sights upon the Crystal Empire then all of Equestria will soon follow!”

(Some epic music for this epic moment)

Dinky then noticed something at the far end of the room, “I think you may have to put your plans on hold Sombra.”

Sombra turned around and widened his eyes, “WHAT!?”

Dominic moved quickly away, “Alright.”

Mary’s entire body erupted in a massive aura of blue flames which burned intensely bright. A heat haze fell upon the air around the human as she stood tall and set her shoulders, she then clenched her fists. Her hair whipped wildly around her, her eyes glowed as bright as the flames while she shot Sombra a scathing glare.

Mary pointed straight at Sombra, “You and me, right now.”

Sombra licked his fangs as a sneer found its way to his face, “SO the little girl wants to fight eh? Why do you wish for an early grave?”

Mary narrowed her eyes, “Because I am a hero, like my father before me.”

Author's Note

Two more chapters to go dear readers. Yes that line Mary said at the end was the same one Martin used when he first fought Phobos.

Chapter 14: Legacy

Sombra clenched his fist tightly as he stared daggers at the opponent across from him. She had the tenacity and the gull to oppose him at the apex of his triumph? Well he would show her efforts were entirely in vain. Sombra then whipped his hand toward her in a dismissing manner as a surge of crystal spikes erupted from the ground and rushed toward the human. Mary rolled to the side and countered with a fireball, the mass of flame screeched through the air and exploded upon the floor hurling the dark monarch into his throne. Mary crossed her arms in satisfaction as Sombra picked himself up.

Mary checked her nails, “If you apologize and let everyone go I’ll consider going easy on you.”

Sombra growled in humanly, “Impudent wench!!”

Mary narrowed her eyes, “Wrong answer.”

Both Sombra and Mary began to hurl a massive series of attacks at each other. While this went on, Dom and the COH ran to the cage and checked on everypony. They were currently unharmed if not a little irritated that the cage was still up.

Rainbow Dash smiled, “Dominic could you please open this cage so mom can kick some flank?”

Dom did his best to maintain a calm smile, “Uh…Mom I don’t know how.”

Rainbow pouted as Alan placed an arm around her, “Don’t worry hun, they’ll think of something.”

Pinkie glanced around, “Where did Mary and Sombra go?”

Fluttershy eeped in surprise, “I hope she’s alright.”

Dominic looked behind him and noticed that a massive hole had been blasted through the roof.

Mary hurled fireball after fireball at Sombra who merely batted them aside or blasted them apart. Sombra then unleashed a barrage of crystal spikes rain down upon Mary’s head. Mary responded by throwing up a torrent of fire which acted as a quasi-shield. She gritted her teeth as Sombra continued his assault; even though she had these new abilities she still had a massive learning curve to still overcome.

Sombra then yelled in a mocking tone, “Tired already!”

Mary then thought of something Dom might say in this situation, “Bite me!”

Sombra grinned evilly, “Perhaps later.”

Mary scrunched her face in disgust, “Ew.”

The onslaught continued undeterred by the firewall. Sombra slowly advanced upon the human with a confident smirk. Mary forced herself to stand against the unyielding force that pressed down upon her. Her arms and shoulders began to burn in over exertion as she started her best efforts to push back. Sombra laughed at her attempt to resist his power and continued to pour on more force behind his attacks. Mary was soon forced down to one knee after her barrier finally gave away leaving her vulnerable.

Sombra glared down at the human, “I am willing to allow you to live, but only if you swear your allegiance unto me.”

Mary flew up into the air from her kneeling position and used her momentum and strength to rocket Sombra into the air. He flew with an arc off his castle and down into a massive rock formation which exploded upon his impact.

Mary looked at the fact she was now floating and smiled in happiness, “YES!!”

Mary floated over slightly to the formation, “Had enough Sombra?”

Sombra’s eyes flared dangerously in the dust as he blasted Mary in the stomach with a powerful blast of dark magic. Mary flew far backward but was caught by someone.

Mary smiled, “Dom I could totally kiss you right now.”

Alan raised an eyebrow, “That would be awkward for both of us and my wife would kill me.”

Mary stared in surprise and looked down to find that the prisoners had been released.

Mary flew down to Dom, “how did you figure it out?”

Dominic shrugged, “I used the American method of dealing with unruly objects. I smashed it continually with any blunt object I could find and yelled profanity at it until it did what I wanted.”

Mary nodded, “Good call.”

Sombra roared in fury, “NO!! I refuse to be defeated by you ponies and your hairless ape comrades!”

Twilight stepped forward, “Hate to break this to you Sombra.”

Sweetie Belle stood beside her, “But you’re done.”

Rarity nodded in agreement as she joined them as well, “Your evil plots.”

Dinky narrowed her eyes, “Your hateful spirit.

Alan and Dom both stood with them as well, “Are D-O-N-E.”

Martin and Mary both readied themselves, “DONE!!”

Sombra flew straight at them and roared inhumanly, “NEVER!”

Twilight, Rarity, Sweetie, Dinky, Alan, and Dominic then fired blasts of their respective energies at the king halting him and slowly breaking apart his armour and shredding his cape. Martin appeared behind him and roundhouse kicked him toward Applejack who then proceeded to buck him hard in the jaw into the air. Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Fluttershy (with great reluctance) smashed the monarch hard on the back and head sending him into a blast of from Pinkie’s party cannon. The king then smashed hard into the ground as Mary landed in front of him.

Mary sighed, “Listen, just surrender now and we’ll stop. Turn yourself in.”

Sombra growled, “Insolent girl.”

Sombra then backed up and went to blast her, only for Mary to right hook him hard in the jaw. Her fists then flew through the air like bullets and hit like a jackhammer against concrete as blood flew into the air. The last punch hit him in the center of his face hurling him through the air like a cannon ball.

Mary sighed, “And that’s the end of that.”

The group then came to congratulate her in her victory and soon-

“HahahahahaHAAHAHAHA!!!”

The group turned their heads and all of them stared on with shock. The smoke was slowly settling to reveal a silhouette standing up.

Sombra’s voice echoed across the battlefield, “The lot of you are still as foalish as ever. Did you not think that I might not have an ace my hand that had yet to be played?!”

The smoke cleared to reveal Sombra ripping off the last remnants of his upper body armour and cape in one flourish. His tanned skin had become the same colour as his coat was when he was a pony and his hair was wilder looking. He muscles flexed with power as his eyes glowed with unbridled dark magic power.

He chuckled psychotically, “The prospect of the aspects divine forms appealed to me so greatly, so I decided to try my hoof at it. By putting me to the brink of death you ensured my ascension to this body’s full repertoire of abilities!”

Mary stepped forward, “You!”

Sombra proceeded to laugh manically as he flexed his muscles, “All this power! It feels good!”

The group got ready for an attack as Sombra continued, “It’s funny, this power is of the ponies’ lifelong enemy Nightmare moon and the human’s Phobos! All of this because of you, in the end you all proved to bring me closer to my destiny.”

Dom pointed in confidence, “You don’t frighten us!”

Sombra raised an eyebrow as he tilted his head, “You don’t think so? Watch this!”

Sombra raised his hands as two black beams streaked through the air and pierced through Martin and Alan’s chests. Both Mary and Dom screamed in horror as their fathers dropped into a heap.

Mary clenched her fists tightly, “Dom, stay with them.”

Dom turned to her, “No I want a piece of that bastard.”

Mary turned and yelled in pent up anger, “DO AS I SAY!!”

Dom backed up in surprise but nodded, “Beat that guy so we can go home.”

Mary rushed Sombra with a look of righteous fury, There’s no way I can let this guy walk away. Sombra, your MINE!

Sombra chuckled, “Then let this be our final bout human, TIME TO SHOW YOU WHO THE SUPERIOR RACE IS!!”

Mary took flight as Sombra intercepted her and their aerial melee commenced. Sombra delivered blows that felt like a pair of wrecking balls was attached to his arms rather than hands. Mary’s mid-section was practically tenderized by his blows as she hurled further into the air. She then regained herself as blood trickled from the corners of her mouth. Sombra was already upon her, but she blasted him away with a massive surge of fire that caused him to fall.

Sombra smiled mockingly, “Impressive girl, you’re learning to master your abilities to their fullest.”

Sombra then landed on the top of yet another rock formation, “But I’m beginning to feel stronger, thanks to my newly awakened POWERS!!.”

He then flew straight at the girl with a grin that would frighten the most stoic of men. Mary braced herself as Sombra hit even harder than before. She was spinning slightly in the air as he rained more punches down upon her.

Right as Sombra delivered a mid-air spinning kick toward the ground he yelled, “IT’S NO USE!”

Mary flew far and skimmed the surface of a large lake of black water. Sombra was already flying toward her with a massive piece of rock and yelled in triumph.

Sombra then hurled the stone while shouting, “Drown in your failure!!”

Mary was smacked further underwater and was being weighed down, No, it can’t end like this. I WON’T LET IT!!!

The water exploded into a massive geyser which cleared away to reveal Mary who yelled in utter rage, “SOMBRA!!!!!!!”

Sombra laughed in exhilaration and amusement as he flew at the girl and their fists connected in mid-air with a loud crack.

The ponies in the Crystal Empire were busy with their duties and market place goings on when a massive shape crashed into the library. Mary shook her head clear and saw where she was and gasped, he was stronger than she thought he was. After the collision when she emerged from the water the rest of the exchange was an anger filled blur. She saw a darkened shape land nearby and snapped to attention as she tackled it to the ground but was then thrown into the palace. Cadance jumped in surprise as Shining Armor went to help the human girl up.

Shining was greatly concerned, “What happened.”

Sombra landed behind Shining, “I did.”

The King then backhanded The Prince of the Crystal Empire into the wall and then hurled Mary back outside. Before he went to pursue, he turned back to glare at Cadance.

Sombra pointed, “I’ll deal with you later.”

Mary stood shakily to her feet as Sombra landed in front of her, “Giving up already are we?”

Mary threw a weak punch which whizzed harmlessly past Sombra’s jaw. Sombra then brutally delivered a flurry of punches to the weakened Mary who flailed like a rag doll with each blow until she hit the ground hard.

Sombra shook his head in pity, “Why throw away your life so recklessly?”

Mary spat out some blood as Sombra’s vision suddenly swam and he saw a younger Martin in an almost ghost like fashion beside Mary mirroring her perfectly, “I’d ask you the same question.”

Sombra went to kick the human’s head in only for a blast of lighting to hit him. The group had teleported to the Empire to help.

Mary got up fast and lit her fist aflame as Sombra turned in disbelief, “WHAT THE!?”

The fist made contact with Sombra’s chin hurling him into a cabbage stand much to the chagrin of the vendor. Mary stood up and faced her adversary once more. Both combatants rushed each other and engaged in a renewed melee. All the while Cadance and Twilight had been prepping the crystal heart which was currently aimed at the power high Sombra. Mary was then grabbed by Sombra in a bear hug.

He snarled through gritted teeth, “I’ll grind you bones into dust!”

Mary responded with a head but to his face which caused him to reel in pain. Mary turned and noticed that the heart was about to fire. Twilight gave her a reassuring nodded as the human rushed toward the two ponies and swiftly touched the crystal. A flash resonated through the human as all of her wounds healed but was still covered in grime and wore battle-damaged clothes. Sombra glared daggers at her.

Mary’s fist lit up with crystalline fire that burned a bright white, “Come on then.”

Sombra charged her as she rushed him as well. He went for a high kick to her head while she punched his thigh stopping the kick. The world seemed to pause as if to breathe, Mary’s knuckles cracked slight as a bit of blood spurted into the air. Sombra smiled in satisfaction, but this soon turned to a look of utter horror as a massive crack appeared on his leg belting out the same light that existed in the Crystal Heart. The crack then traveled up his body while smaller cracks branched off causing a yell of horror to escape him. Sombra’s body exploded to reveal an armor less and hornless pony.

The group cheered as Sombra drowsily stood up and pointed, “I am The Black King.”

Cadance smiled and blew at his nose causing the pony to fall over, “And you're dethroned your majesty.”

Martin and Alan slowly sat up clutching their slowly healing wounds as Fluttershy hugged them both. Martin smiled proudly as The COH was raised into the air by many happy and grateful ponies.

Martin nodded, “Good job Mary, good job.

Chapter 15: Mama I'm Coming Home

Cadence gazed at a now imprisoned Sombra and shook her head in pity and trotted from the dungeon toward the throne room. Waiting within were the COH along with Martin, Alan, and the six, all were conversing and catching up on lost time. After a while they all bid the Crystal Empire farewell and departed for Ponyville.

About halfway back to Ponyville Mary noticed a familiar cart on a slope and waved it over, “HEY!!!”

Soon Trixie’s cart crested the hill to Ponyville and all were welcomed back with cheers and a standing ovation, or more specifically a trotting ovation. All aboard the wagon wore smiles as they rolled through town and were greeted by many ponies. Upon disembarking The COH came face to face with a rather stern looking Celestia.

Dominic approached her, “Princess, I apologise for my brash behavior in defying your orders. I will accept any punishment you give.”

Celestia’s expression softened, “No need to apologise Dominic, I always had a feeling you wouldn't listen to me.”

Dominic looked up in surprise, “But-“

Celestia gestured with her head to the departing group, “Go be with your family and friends, I think you’ve all earned a bit of relaxation.”

Mary and the rest of the group came to a hill at Sweet Apple Acres that had a great view of the surrounding orchard. The COH and the six noticed Mary and her parents standing in front of each other and went off to the side.

Listen for better effect

Mary looked at her father and mother who hugged her with smiles. When they pulled away, Martin and Applejack looked at their daughter with pride and respect.

Mary lifted her hand and opened it as a small blue and white flame ignited on her palm, “Aunt Lupe says hi.”

Martin took on a shocked expression but nodded all the same, “Your mother and I are so proud of you. You have grown so much and we couldn’t be happier.”

Mary smiled, “Thanks Dad.”

Dominic walked to her side as did the rest of their group; they all were smiling at the six along with Martin and Alan, but they all looked surprised at The COH. All of the old heroes stared at the younger heroes and saw themselves in their younger years standing alongside each corresponding one.

Dominic pumped his fist as he pointed into town, “Come on gang. Let’s all party!”

As they all left, Mary stopped at the bottom of the hill and looked back at her parents and their friends. She tilted her head slightly as she swore she began to see them and a white cloaked individual along with Aunt Lupe except…they all looked younger. Martin grinned at his daughter as he seemed to grow back to his present age.

Applebloom and Dominic walked to Mary who looked at the approaching friends/ family.

Dominic looked confused, “you coming?”

Mary looked back at her father who nodded with a smile and gestured for her to go.

Mary smiled, “Always.”

As the new generation walked away to have their celebration the older generation looked on with renewed happiness and purpose. They knew there would be tough times, dark times. But they all knew if they stuck together and helped the new generation to overcome it, there would always be hope.

Alan looked at Martin with a content smile, “So what now?”

Martin looked after his daughter one last time then noticed an apparition of Sortitus and Lupe standing on the trail smiling at him as they both waved goodbye and walked down it until they slowly vanished which brought a smile to the humans face accompanied by a tear.

Martin nodded with a hopeful smile, “We look to the future. And let our legacy live on.”

All the ponies and Alan nodded at the wise words as they all sat on the grass as the sounds of cheering were heard in the distance which brought happy tears to their eyes.

THE END