2 - Escalation - Scheduled For Rewrite

With heavy steps, Chaos, had finally finished his task. The apparition, and in addition, the Unicorn have completed the first phase of their respective plans.

The mad Unicorn understood his lack of proper combat experience would hinder his plans. In addition, his general lack of magical knowledge would contribute to the hinderance. Fortunately, Dark magic may be the most volatile form of magic, but also the most malleable.

Dark magic is forbidden due to its corruption properties, but Unicorn scholars and mystics have always been fascinated with the magic. No matter how malign, or frowned upon it was, Dark magic could still be controlled. However, the user had to sustain it with sheer will power. Sheer tenacity to continue through the maddening effects.

Chaos, or rather the apparition had already predicted the effects beforehand. It understood the risks that came with Dark magic, and now, it was wielding enough to turn the Everfree and the area surrounding it into a desolate wasteland.

Finally escaping the confines of the Dark magic cave, the Dark Unicorn noticed that the sun’s rays pierced into the night skies. Dawn was coming, and so would begin yet another journey.

Dark magic has a wide array of pre-existing spells that are easy to cast. However, I do wonder what would happen if I drained a larger quantity into a certain spell, would it become explosive? Pondered the Unicorn.

And how would I recharge? Perhaps- nay, I believe I remember the process now. Feeding off emotion, specifically one emotion. A malicious grin appeared on his face. “F- “ Stopping himself, nobody was listening to his mad ramblings.

The Unicorn turned to mist, and sped into the forest. Has the air gotten colder? Or am I delusional? He was in fact, correct in this assumption. It was snowing. No, it felt as if a storm was coming, a snowstorm.

Chaos began connecting the dots. Only mere moments earlier, the sun was radiant above all of Equestria, but suddenly, the cold swept in at almost an instant. Heh, they cannot affect me. Foolish ethereal equines! He thought, drifting through the Everfree at a turtle’s pace.

Nearby, the mist-form Unicorn heard trotting, not just a single pony, nay. It was an assembly of Ponies. He quickly hid in the trees and awaited with malicious intent.

And who dares to venture into the Everfree?

Perspective Switch

Clover the Clever, student to the almost legendary Starswirl the Bearded and royal advisor to Princess Platinum of Unicornia, was leading a group of the most experienced Unicorns from the Princesses court.

Their task sounded simple on paper; head into the Everfree forest, find an apparition and destroy it, thus saving the Princess from another minor issue on her list of annoyances. This wasn’t the first phantom menace to be cleansed from Unicornia, neither will it be their last.

The Clever Unicorn suddenly raised a hoof and halted the entire group behind him. “Prepare thyselves for action, for the spectre is near. We can sense it.” Clover scanned the area as his Guards ponies created a perimeter around the other Unicorns.

Spears raised; they were prepared for action, not a hint of fear here. Though, it was silent, not even the rustling of bushes, the blowing of the wind, not even the snow or water. They repeatedly examined every detail of the surrounding scenery.

Silence, nothing could be heard. This dragged on for a minute, and another. One of the Unicorns noticed that mist had encompassed the surrounding area whilst they were busy watching the bushes.

“The fiend hides, planning to strike when we least suspect.” One of the Unicorns commented, weary of the silence.

The mist closed in, slowing consuming all of the space between it and the group. They did not lash out in panic, or make any irrational decision, after all, this was only just an illusion meant to terrify them.

However, it still closed in until it encompassed everypony in the group. Now unable to see anything, they looked around for each other. What they saw instead within the mist was their fellow companions being butchered, destroyed by a vile monster and their magic consumed and twisted to its benefit.

It was something beyond what they have witnessed before, the sheer level of brutality was something unfathomable, incomprehensible. They screamed, yelled, shrieked but there was nothing other than death that filled their vision.

Clover was the only one to triumph over these mere illusions, he was student to Starswirl the bearded after all, a little bit of magic wasn’t going to terrify him. He attempted to dispel it, and it dispersed easily, as he had expected. Unfortunately, the mist wasn’t actually an illusion, it formed into a Unicorn pony, his appearance was inherently malign, clearly filled with dark magic.

“Foolish little Unicorn, thy pathetic attempt to halt mine progress concludes here.” The dark Unicorn spoke, his voice striking deep into the clever pony’s mind. He approached, a miasma blanket gently falling before his hooves, before joining back into the mist.

Clover scanned for alternatives to fighting, and made his decision quickly. He quickly fired a blinding bolt of magic towards the Unicorn, and followed it up with a spell to disperse even more of the mist.

*This opponent will eventually run out of tricks, we art sure of it. * Clover noticed his companions cowering on the floor after the dispersing of the mist, but they quickly recovered. The apparition had shaken them, but had not broken their will completely.

To his confusion, the dark Unicorn halted and laughed, turned into mist and retreated from the road, back into the dark Everfree. The snow at this point had covered a large amount of the ground and flora, so the group decided to retreat back to Canterville.

Perspective Switch

Perfection. They will run back to their royalty with very little magic remaining. In addition, the sheer amount of terror that one pony had. The Dark Unicorn chuckled, turning back into his physical form.

The mist illusion stunt felt natural to him, as if it was an inane gift of Dark magic, or perhaps the apparition was always mischievous and knew the perfect ways to terrify innocent harmless little Ponies.

However, there was something else on his mind, that Pony’s outfit looked familiar to him. Well, it was more like he’s seen it once. In addition, some of those writhing Ponies were calling out for their leader, the one who survived unscathed. Clover the Clever? Wait a minute, how many centuries is this before the Princesses? That explains the snow and the fact that the Unicorns and Earth ponies were independent of each other. His hoof rose up and tapped on the muzzle.

Chaos had revealed himself to the greatest Unicorns in Unicornia, bar the Princess of course. But they will have even more issues than an apparition haunting Ponies and stealing their magic. Weakening their magnus was only the first step, now he had no opposition.

Windigos? They can do whatever they desire, Chaos harboured no hatred towards anybody. Besides, he was content eating wildlife, and with the power of foresight, he knew they would be eradicated eventually. Besides, without any source of food, the Windigos will eventually perish.

He had the magic to outlive them. Granted, he still would feel terribly food-deprived, but at least he would still live.

Facing off against Unicorns and Earth ponies was easy, they did not possess the ability to fly. However, utilising Dark magic, he could possibly create artificial magic powered wings, or even semi-ascend into Alicorn status, he had not heard mention of any winged-Unicorns yet, so he doubted that Alicorns have even revealed themselves to the world yet.

However, now isn’t the time to ponder about such grand ideas, now is the time to prepare, and become proficient in dark magic. After all, he still only knows a meagre number of spells. So, he disappears off into the wood to hunt it’s fauna.

My time will come.

Time Skip

Clover and his ensemble returned to Canterville, back to their Princess to report of their failure. “Your highness, Clover the Clever has returned.” One of the guards informed Platinum, bowing before her.

“Bring him here quickly, there is an urgent matter at hand.” The Princess ordered, worry in her voice. Not a moment later did Clover burst into the room, about to bow but halted by the Princess. “Are you hurt?” The Princess immediately asked.

“No, your highness, however, my companions have been gravely scarred and had great portions of magic thieved. It will take time for them to recover.” Clover also had a great deal of concern, for his companions and in addition, because of his failure to eradicate the menace.

“Thank goodness!” Platinum didn’t even attempt to hide the relief she had. “We have figured out the reason for the cold weather.” Her tone became serious in mere moments.

“Windigos.” She blurts out, to everybody’s shock. “They have followed us down to Unicornia, to feed on us.” She sounded angry. “I need you to be in peak condition for this next task, and I will accompany you as well.” The guards were uneasy, they had not been informed about any of this.

“Guards ponies, maintain order within Canterville and the surrounding hamlets, we cannot allow chaos to reign whilst we are away.” Platinum commanded, and the Guards immediately begin their march.

“By the way, what of the apparition? Is it destroyed?” Platinum suddenly asked. To which she received a shake of the head from Clover. “Ah, I am sure it is nothing important, Windigos are more important.”

Time Skip

“Cower in fear.” Chaos spoke, not in a deep and authoritarian voice, but rather a smooth, yet dark voice. He licked his lips as a group of Unicorns obeyed his command, the knowledge that his victims were so terrified of him, that they actually followed his orders, it was exhilarating.

The weekly routine Chaos had the pleasure of suffering through was mundane and repetitive. Firstly, he would scout around a hamlet, looking for solitary Unicorns to frighten, then head into the hamlet itself and re-enact Nightmare Moon thousands of years before it occurs.

Repeat Ad nauseam. The reign of Chaos.

This may not have been the brightest of ideas, not that bright ideas can really exist in a mind so dark and depraved. But it was efficient, and as a little bonus; he made a legend for himself. Sure, he was almost defeated by boredom alone, but his sheer will power managed to keep afloat the sinking wreckage of a ship.

Only on very special occasions, such as this one, would he find enjoyment. When the Ponies were actually so terrified that they were throwing common sense and rationality out of the window, or rather, executing it.

In addition to him enjoying feeding on the fear, despite eventually finding the reactions to be repetitive, but the Windigos were also entertained. If he could describe the feeling to anypony else, it would’ve been like going to an amusement park, of course, nobody would understand what he meant.

Though, the cold was getting annoying. Ponies are actually too busy being angry at each other and attracting too many Windigos. They had to go soon, no, now!

Just you wait, you phantom menace, you and your comrades. Just you wait. The Dark Unicorn was becoming irritated, and he realised this would only feed those damned ghost horses. So, as a way to ease his mind, Chaos chose to take a break, besides, during this time he would be able to study and become ever more powerful.

And, a little bonus, perhaps create his very own spells beyond what already exists. Excellent proposition, uhm, me. Who am I thinking-? Never mind. He was very close to figuring out existence there, dialling back.

Now, we shall wait.

Time Skip

Princess Platinum, along with Commander Hurricane, Chancellor Puddinghead and all three of their subordinates were stuck in a cave, all arguing and grumbling like foals. Nobody, other than the subordinates got along with each other.

Commander Hurricane had a frown like no other, it was legendary, like the Commander himself. The pompous Princess had managed to insult him and dispute his territorial claims within the enclosed area in the exact same sentence.

Chancellor Puddinghead was ironically the least eccentric of the trio, in fact, he might as well have been considered as sane as the subordinates, pulling cupcake from the aether and offering it to the Royal advisor, Secretary … And soldier, what was Pansy doing here anyhow?

*We’ll never get anything done at this rate! * Clover was attempting to reorganise the five Ponies before him, unfortunately, it seemed only two of them were willing to listen. The two most reasonable ones of course being Smart Cookie and Private Pansy.

Unbeknownst to the arguing leaders of the three different nations however, the Windigos had already begun their strike, and ice creeped down the walls at a rapid rate. This was only noticed by the subordinates of the leaders.

Immediately, they were warned, and the rulers stopped their squabbling and ran to the centre, where Clover was the one attempting to coordinate some sort of escape plan. His horn lit up and casted a fireball into the enclosed cave entrance, attempting to melt the Ice. The effectiveness was … Well, Windigos sure know how to reinforce their ice.

A hole was blasted in the side of the entrance though, just big enough for a Pony to jump through. Platinum also casted a fireball to create path directly to the entrance. The elemental combat was draining. The Windigo ice relentlessly pushed onward, whilst the two Unicorns attempted to melt as much as possible.

Eventually, and I say eventually because it took ages. Ahem, eventually they managed to escape that damned cave. Only to be confronted by the Windigos themselves, horrifying beasts. Platinum, perhaps a little…Enraged at these phantom horses, made the most rational decision of her life, fire at Will, literally.

The Windigo named Will faced a lot of fire, not just your regular campfire fire, no, fiery fire. Clover and the rest were very horrified at the ruthlessness of the Princess, even the Windigos themselves. But they all charged into glorious close ranged combat.

The Earth ponies bucked, the Unicorns fired their magics, and the Pegasi did many, many ramming manoeuvres. The Princess never stopped harassing poor Will, and his comrades were too busy being destroyed from all directions to save him.

The leading Windigo was personally faced by Hurricane, they fought like lightning, dashing through the air and exchanging strike after strike. Despite being ethereal, the Windigos were still susceptible to physical damage, only dampened and less effective.

Chancellor Puddinghead and his Secretary were playing long-ranged artillery with his aether-made cupcakes. The final Windigo was not having a very fun time being annihilated by waves of delicious cuisine. Or well, unhealthy cuisine.

“Take this, vile beast!” Hurricane sped straight into the chest of the leading Windigo, knocking it far back, neighing. “Prepare to be extinguished by the might of the Pegasi!” He followed the attack with another, knocking the ethereal horse far, it screeched in desperation. If it knew how to speak Equus, then it would’ve probably uttered a great Nooooo!! Or Neigh!! as it crashes into the ground. Poor starving Windgo.

Perspective Switch

“Cast, damn you!” Chaos was quite hopeful that his newest creation might function as intended, instead, it failed to even cast. Then, he heard something, something loud. No, he sees something- wait a minute is that a Windigo? It appears to be moving directly towards him, that may be an issue. Oh no.

The Windigo missile speeds straight into the ground, and a loud thump is heard. At it’s landing site is a massive crater, at the centre, something resembling its former shape. The Dark unicorn only looked down at it, amused.

Perspective Switch

Commander Hurricane looked down at his handiwork, or is it hoof- never mind. He regroups with the others to eradicate the remaining spectral horses. Confident in their victory, the rulers and subordinates turned all of their attention to the wildly flailing Windigo named Will.

The other Windigo was also out of the fight, but recovering quickly along with their leader. They found the Ponies surprisingly difficult to defeat, and were contemplating their actions.

Platinum and Clover were gripping the Windigo with their telekinesis, whilst Hurricane and Pansy, who was rather uneasy about her Commander’s orders, charged into Will the Windigo, pounding him into the ground, where the Earth pony artillery absolutely annihilated him.

The creature that fed on hate was now terrified, its fighting spirit (heh) has been broken. The sad Windigo was now whimpering and huddling in a little ball of hateful winter magic. Pansy was quite sympathetic to the sad ghostly equine, and comforted it despite protest.

The other ice magic wielding equines regrouped, staring down at the six Ponies. Hissing at their foes for the hurting of their comrade, they were serious now, no more games. Both swooping down and grabbing at the Unicorns, who had attempted once again to restrain the two, but their magic was stopped by some sort of ice shield.

With the Princess and Royal advisor in hoof, the Windigos began encasing the two in ice. The remaining four Ponies formulated a plan, a plan that did not require Unicorns to complete. The two Pegasi flew to meet the ghostly horses and proceeded to taunt them.

Windigos did not respond kindly to taunting. They almost immediately fell for the trap, following the Pegasi, who were heading down to the Earth ponies, which were wielding pastry in their hooves. The Unicorns manage to escape their freezing prisons through the use of even more fire.

As the two phantom horses approached the now assembled rulers of Equestria, bar the Unicorns of course, who were currently levitating themselves down to the ground, the two Earth ponies began their counter attack, throwing their pastry directly at the Windigos’ faces.

Mildly annoyed, the Windigos attempted to regroup, but once again gripped by the Unicorn’s magic, they were stuck for good. Clover, being the clever Unicorn, has by now had an epiphany. “Stop trying to pin them down! They are ethereal creatures that feed by hate, eventually we will all be too exhausted and they would’ve recovered back to full strength!” He made sure to yell, catching everybody’s attention.

“What are you suggesting?” Commander Hurricane blurted, this would be followed by Princess Platinum, who looked just as confused as Hurricane. “Couldn’t we just banish them using our magics?”

“Nay, but what is opposite of hate? We’ve harboured so much needless disdain for each other, the Windigos feeding on every emotion that has been targeted towards each other!” Clover explained, hoping that the arrogant rulers would just understand.

“Are you suggesting that we put aside our differences?” Smart Cookie questioned; her voice was of relief. “Finally,” she muttered under her breath.

“Well, I…I uh, I don’t hate you.” Private Pansy managed to say, despite fear of scolding from her Commander. She began mustering up all of her courage to speak. “None of us really hate each other, do we? So why do we still squabble? We’ve been tricked.”

The three subordinates all huddled in a group, to the shock of the rulers, who were contemplating their actions. “Princess Platinum,” Clover began “you have let your pride overrule your generosity, and because of it, we have been at odds with the Pegasi.” Platinum placed a hoof on her chin.

“Commander Hurricane, sir,” Pansy looked over to her superior “we could have peace between our nations, isn’t that what you always wanted, behind your martial mask?” Hurricane slowly nodded, looking down.

“Chancellor Puddinghead,” Smart cookie approached the Chancellor “We can benefit so much if we shared more with the rest of Ponykind, we’ve only been too blind to accept the truth, we need each other to survive, but yet we keep everything to ourselves.” Puddinghead was deep in thought, then he pulled out a cupcake and offered it to the other leaders.

The Windigos’ magic was decaying, and they were shocked. Now would be the perfect time for their collective Neigh!!! or Nooo!!! As they felt themselves beginning to fade.

All of the Ponies hugged each other in a massive group, and a great burst of magic shot outwards. All of the snow and ice around was disintegrated before their very eyes. The Ghostly equines were blasted up into the air, into a swirling vortex, until they ceased to exist, banished to a realm where they could thrive, but not Equestria.

“Well,” Platinum spoke “I have a lot of apologies to make, to my people, to the Pegasi and Earth ponies.” The others looked at her. “Let it be known that after this day, the three Pony realms shall no longer be divided. No longer shall we have to live under superstition, hatred and greed, no longer.”

Everybody cheered, it was going to be a long day tomorrow.

Time Skip

Aha, it appears they have done exactly as I foreseen. Chaos had been observing the confrontation after the crash of the Windigo, who didn’t seem to notice his existence. They intend to head back to their home, which I am presuming is Canterlot, being on a mountain of course, it’s not that hard to spot. The stallion looked at the mountain carrying Canterlot.

“Little Ponies, the Canterlot you return to won’t be the Canterlot you left.” A mischievous grin appeared on his face. “I will make sure of it.” He punctuated the sentence by turning into mist and speeding off towards the mountain top castle, leaving behind a mad cackle.

We shall have our feast.

Author's Note

Immediately following the prologue is chapter one. Writing the first author's note was rather pointless.

Anyway, i require advice, suggestions, and general guidance. Writing creative villain defeats is something i am yet to be good at.