At The End

The sky was lit by the afternoon sun, its glow a fiery red. The landscape ablaze of fiery orange.

The scenery was nowhere near as nice as it had once been. The once green forests, blue rivers and golden fields were now devoid of the love and attention that they had once had.

The sun no longer inspired ponies to live their daily lives. The moon no longer inspired ponies to dream of a better future.
The days of sunshine and rainbows had faded into the past. The times had changed, the past is the past. The present is the path to the future.
Never had anypony considered this could ever happen to such a peaceful country. Even with the Changeling invasion, Equestria had never seemed so… lost.
War had made peaceful alliances an idea of the past. Everything revolved around industry, there was no time for care and attention. Quantity had surpassed quality. The way that a pony would do certain activities was not done in the same manor as it would have been before the fall.

The unicorns had once been the privileged of Society, were now required to pay magical taxes. Each week, they were to send a jar containing magic to a local collection centre. Where their magic was processed then placed on a train and sent to Canterlot.

Why ? Only a few ponies knew.

The Shadow had claimed ownership over these lands. Chasing off anypony who had dared question their loyalty to him. Surrounding countries had closed off their borders, and prepared for war. With such a force, at his hooves, their was no resistance from ponykind after the elements dissapeared.

No one could figure out why… Even he had expressed his concerns out loud. The elements were indestructible, a force that ran deeper than gem stones or even blood.

Harmony was an idea. And you can’t kill an idea when it has taken hold.

Twilight turned from the balcony. Her armour ticked and cracked as she walked back into her room. The royal Canterlot astronomy tower had once again become her place of residence. Concubine to the royal court. His majesty would often call upon her to bring services to the nobles of Canterlot.
Those nobles who had not questioned his rule, or who had endorsed his place on the throne were now given priority over other requests. They were always the winners in any court hearing.
The thought of fair judgement was lost upon the higher society. All else were now classed as second class citizens. No ‘ifs’, no ‘buts’, just peace and order from a state of discord.
Twilight removed the armour. Grey and metallic, it was. Not the grand design that those of the old royal guard had once used.

Twilight laid her head on the pillow. Her eyes red, her cheeks stained with tears. Long had it been since she had felt happiness.
As the vassal of Ponyville, she had started to come to terms with the suffering of her kin. So had her friends, of sorts. Each of them now owning positions in the Greater Equestrian Society !

Rainbow was a scout in the Guard. Made out of remnants of the Wonderbolts.

Pinkie Pie was the one in charge of Propaganda. To make ponies feel better without actually giving them anything other than smiles.

Rarity had joined the Armour and Fire production team. She was the one who had to ensure that the armour they produced met the minimum standard. If it fit, then it was good enough.

Apple Jack worked with the Flim and Flam brothers. A thought that sickened her whenever she spoke her mind to Twilight. She had the responsibility of the War supplies. All essential resources for the war effort went straight to supply camps near the aggression areas. Her job was to ensure that all deliveries arrived safely.

Fluttershy was one of the animals combat trainers. As her ability to communicate with animals had some usefulness for the Shadow. The idea to set loose a pack manticores upon an advancing enemy was of strategic benefit. One that Fluttershy regretted she had. She was always on the verge of tears.
To see her friends with such horrible jobs, she could only feel more ashamed.

She would often walk through her lands and watch as ponies slaved over their work. Trying to make a living. Trying to survive.

Yet the suffering still tugged enough to bring her to tears every time she came to her tower. She had not returned to the library since her escapade through the jungle with those kind, self sacrificing friends she had made on the other side of the mirror.

“I hope you’re alright Lou.”

Using her magic, she closed the outer doors. She didn’t want her changeling guards to always be listening. Though there was most likely some magic spell that prevented any room to withhold her secrets. Though it didn't mean she wouldn't be secretive.

Her pain.

Her Love.

“You know that I’m not.” Came his reply. She opened her eyes and there he laid. Looking at her. His face as sweet as she could remember. But no breathing.

“Was there nothing I could have said ? Nothing that would help me past this pain ?”

“We all suffer. Whether by death or by survival…”

“Please tell me there are better days ahead. That the clouds will roll back and let the sun shine.”

He did not reply. His eyes closed as he exhaled. When he opened them he approached, their lips inches apart. She closed her eyes in anticipation.

“There was never any hope… It was just a dream, Twilight.”

The words echoed through her mind. The feeling of uncertainty growing as the fear that the love she had felt was nothing more than a dying leaf clinging to an already long dead tree.

Was that the fate that had claimed them ? Were they nothing more than memories of creatures who had long since sacrificed their lives ?

Tears had begun to fill her eyes again before a knock at the door echoed around the room. She sniffed back the tears. Armour on, façade on. No smile, no tears. Just… duty.

Rainbow Dash was on the other side. The almost monochrome mare was a shadow of her former self. Her main held only red and yellow, the other colours slowly fading away. Her coat a dissipating blue.

“Dash ? What are you doing here ?” Rainbow wore a determined look on her muzzle, her gaze unwavering.

XXXX

“And your sure that they were Griffins reinforcing the Feather Beak division in the Mountains ?!” Twilight exclaimed, Dash’s ears folding back out of nervousness. Despite being friends, friendship begins to fade quickly when under pressure from your masters.

“My flight schedule was over ! You know as well as I do that I couldn’t stay away any longer.” She replied, almost in a hiss.

Their meeting place was not exactly safe. It wasn’t terribly secret either. But nothing was secret in this, the world they now lived in. The lack of secrecy allowed for much more political stability. At least… that’s what HE said.

“And where were they exactly ?”

“In the Foal Mountains, near Bison’s Ridge.”

Twilight sighed, she would have to tell her Master that. Any attack from the Griffins in that area could lead to disaster. Those mountains was a perfect natural defence for either side. The mountains were cut by the fast flowing Terek river, if one side controlled the mountains they could fight a defencive battle and negate any push from the Badlands.

“But that’s not the only thing I saw on my way back.” Rainbow whispered into Twilight’s ear. Her head rising slowly, brow furrowed and a look of showk in her eyes.

XXXX

“What do you have to report ?” Twilight dreaded this moment every waking day. She entered the Throne room. Changeling guards standing beside the pillars. Behind them, the stained glass windows depicting Equestria’s heroes fending off great evils.

Ahead, sat on the throne was The Shadow. The wavering figure of darkness, untouchable and undefeatable. He's voice deep and almost alien sounding.

Twilight’s armour clicked with each step as she approached the Throne, the sounds echoing loudly around the Hall.

“Scout Rainbow Dash has reported the sightings of Griffon troops being deployed to the Foal Mountains. If they reinforce the Feather Beak Division, we could find ourselves with a hole within our southern Defence lines.”
She stopped at the base of the steps leading up to the throne. Her eyes fixed on the figure of smoke, shaped like a larger version of Celestia. After a moment, The Shadow snorted and rose from his throne. Descending the steps as he approached Twilight.
She could feel herself begin to shake with fear. Her right hind leg twitching ever so slightly. The memories of what he had done to her, wrecked her with self doubt. Perfect for a submissive pet.

“Is that so.” He said, passing her completely and walking further down the row of stained glass windows. “Walk beside me.” Twilight rushed to his side. Fearing reprisals, and the consequences.

“So Emperor Talonside has finally made his move.” He stopped before window, depicting the Celestia and Griffon creating the first Pony-Griffon Alliance.”

“How naïve you ponies are, to think that you would put your trust in a creature who would rule with only words, not action.” He let out a dark chuckle. Twilight looked up nervously, meeting his own gaze as he looked down at her. “I do not desire your sympathy Miss Sparkle. Though if it weren’t for you, I would not be here. Then again, I had also been quite foalish to have sent you away like I did. Not when you were actually more useful here. But I guess that was destiny !” He declared, moving along to stop at another window further down the Hall.

The Elements of Harmony. The Element bearers rising up to claim their prise. And bring about momentary harmony.

“The Elements of Harmony...”He trailed off, looking down at Twilight. “To think that you had the entire world thinking that you could defeat your enemies with love and… Friendship.” The sentence ended with a slight twinge of disgust. "It is a shame that they abandon us now. Now when I needed them the most."

“Placing your faith in the Magic of Friendship only creates cracks. Now our enemies move in on us.” He looked back up at the window. “Be thankful that I am prepared to force them to submit before its too late. If the world is to be at peace, we will need to be as swift as possible.And that is something that everypony seems to have forgotten, that enforcing peace is our right and duty.” He seemed to sigh at that last part.

They came to another set of windows. Depicting a city ablaze in a great fire and ponies carrying a chest through the streets. Twilight had never had the chance to ask Celestia what this window depicted. There were few references of this one in the public history books. And now she might never get the chance to ever know.

The Shadow however seemed to be captivated by its story emblazoned in glass. Twilight wasn’t sure, but it almost seemed afraid.

“You planned this, didn't you?” He asked aloud, though Twilight could tell that it was something that she should not have heard. He looked down at her, deep red glowing eyes looking softly at her. For a moment, Twilight could have sworn she saw the eyes of a pony. But they disappeared within an instant.

“There is something in the air. The mages near Ponyville have reported it as well.” He said, walking past her, back to the Throne. “A magical signature that I have not felt since...” Trailing off, as it sat down. Seemingly conflicted by what to say to Twilight.

Twilight approached the steps once more. She was curious, her inquisitive nature was very interested in the sound of ancient Magic.

“I shall deal with the Griffins once and for all. You, my dear, shall look into this for me.”

“What am I looking for exactly, your highness ?” She bowed.

“The magical signature of the queen.” He said, still looking at the window.

"Q-queen Chrysalis ? But she's--" She began only to be thrown against the far wall. Then draged along the floor back to the Shadow. There was no pity in his eyes as he let her go.

"Not that stupid bug!" He yelled into her face. That voice! She would probably wet herself from fear if she had not been prepared for such violence from her master.
"Feather brain Dash gave you information of sightings in the Everfree forest. Go there, and find it." She ran away. She had to get away.
"I know that you think this is hope for your liberation." He said as she backed away towards the entrance, her tail firmly tucked in terror. "There is no hope to be had from her." He muttered, staring into the panneled glass. She was stopped by her rump as she backed up against the door. She watched fearfully as the mass of darkness moved towards her and stared her down with a look that could kill. "Go to Ponyville and find the source of the magical surge. Should you find her, try not to be to quick to judge. Take your time in trying to destroy the source." The doors opened and she hurried out, tears streaming down he face. Once she was far enough away, she stopped and held herself against a nearby pillar breathing heavily.

Clearing her mind of the images that his words had conjured, Twilight's mind began to rapidly come up with a plan. If only she could find the resistance. The Doctor or even Discord could probably help this... Queen? What did her master mean by that? She was missing something, if only she could get into the archives...

But maybe she didn't need to. She turend towards the dungeons, there held was her family and the Sisters.

Shining had been leading a resistance group before her return. From then on to the loss of the elements, he had surrendered. And now he suffered for her mistakes through daily beatings. But if The Shadow was concerned about the return of ancient magic, maybe there was something she could do about it. Maybe Shining new of a way to contact the resistance. She knew that they used to hide in the caves of Rambling Rock Ridge, but those had been abandoned years ago.

XXXX

Twilight passed the Changeling guard protecting the Dungeon. Descending the steps, her shoes clicking on each step. At the bottom awaited her family. An insurance if ever she were to try and make another stand against his Majesty.

The ponies in the cells raised their heads as she entered the room. Despite being under the scrutiny of one of the dungeon guards. Twilight rushed over to see her parents. Her brother was still lying on the bed at the back, Cadence was by his side, caressing his wounds tenderly. He did turn her head to look at her, sparing a small smile. Contact between prisoners was prohibited unless for interrogation. All other contact had to happen through the eyes.

Giving her family one last reassuring smile, before turning towards the royal sisters.

Celestia and Luna. Princesses of the Day and Night. Locked up like animals. Their powers having been drained from them and savoured by the Shadow. The power of the cosmic entities now under the command of their master.

“His Majesty, has felt some kind of disturbance. An ancient magical signature.” Her tone cold, but Celestia could tell it was just a façade. She was a master of it after all, as was her sister.

“If that is all the information you bring us, that is not much to go on.” Said Luna, pawing at the tilled floor.

The walls of the cavern were laced with ancient magic. An interference field that disrupted any kind of acts of spell casting. Even the simplest of spells were jammed. So even if the sisters still had any magic, their own security measures would prevent any kind of action.

“He spoke of an ancient force, he was concerned by it.” She spoke, the sister looked between themselves. Uncertainty on their faces. “It may bring chaos to the order that his Glorious Majesty has put upon our once feeble society. I am to find it and return this force to our master.” The look of disgust that she betrayed to them was not one that she was trying to hide. She just couldn't bare to call him her matser in the face of all this. At least the Shadow was no longer trying to torture her in her dreams.
"It cannot be the tree of harmony, he spoke of a Queen, do either of you know what it could be?"

“Whatever this magic is, we do not know.” Celestia said, but all the while, Luna was standing next to her sister. Her muzzle obscured from the guard by her sister’s frame, mouthing out a sentence over what her sister was saying. A trick they had used many times before.

‘The castle of the Two Sisters.’ Twilight winked. She then turned to her brother. But at one glance she could tell that he was in no shape to give any information. Not even a look.

“Worthless mules! If I were in your place, I would try and come up with an answer.” With that she left. Heading back to her quarters. She gave her family a desperate look as she passed.
Her family watched as she left, Velvet raised her hoof but Nightlight stopped her, shaking his head.

XXXX

Twilight returned to her room. Removing the armour once more as she sat down and thought. Spike had returned from his errands. Running information left and right under the official royal seal made him indispensable in her daily activities. But there was never a moment to rest. Escorted through every journey, there was never a moment to one’s self.

“Hello Twilight…” He muttered wearily. His pace slow through lack of sleep. He had bags under his eyes. Twilight felt her heart ache at the sight. Her adopted baby brother was used as mail dragon right down to the bone. All of it her fault.

The young drake was forced to wear the same sort of armour as her. But unlike hers, it was mostly for show. Twilight’s on the other hoof was made for battle. If ever a neighbouring nation attacked, she was to lead the remaining pony forces into war.
Despite being a battle commander, the title was merely for show. To make the nobles feel happier about using her for their activities instead of calling her a slave.
Though she still had the chaos magic coursing through her. Her own magic having been stripped from her body when The Shadow had sent her to Earth. The reason why she was allowed to keep it was simple. Despite being an enemy to the crown in the regards of her alliegences, removing the chaos magic would make her hard to track. The Shadow could easily locate her within a country now almost devoid of normal magic. Chaos magic being unique allowed her Master to know where she was at any given time she used it. It was probably why there was a ban on all usage of magic unless the pony in question had a permit to use it. Such as Medical staff, healers, shield officers and mages. The mages were the ones who had to alert the Shadow if they ever detected any foreign magic within the Kingdom.
They weren't really necessary really... Twilight never understood why they were even there. The Shadow could easily detect magic without needing to concentrate that much. Each of the mages were powerful unicorn Nobles who were the elite of society. So she still had the magic, but was unable to make contact with Discord or the Doctor after they disappeared with the resistance, aybe they had fled the borders. She had better not make contact.

For her family’s sake. She was a parading tool. A figure head in the fall of pony freedom that had once made Equestria the most powerful nation in the world. Not by military power. But through diplomacy.

“Very good Spike.” She walked past him, she stopped however when she felt his claw on her hind leg. He looked at her with worry.

“His… His ugh… Paladin Chrysalis gave me this today.” He held out a piece of paper. She took it in her magic and opened the folded note.

It was hard to believe sometimes that she and Chrysalis were now allies. Her Changeling drones having been taken from her, she was made a paladin by title. Egg layer by those higher up in society.

It had been a disgrace for her to surrender. Like anypony maybe, but when it came down to her drones. Her family.
She was a concubine to her master. Her only purpose was to replenish the ranks.
Disturbance detected within Everfree control zone. Air search parties have not been able to identify the anomalies frequently reported within Ponyville Agricultural areas.

Recommend that our forces circle the forest to asses the situation.

Twilight lowered the piece of paper. ‘So Celestia and Luna had been right !’ She thought. Searching the Everfree was not an option however. Not only because of the dangerous wildlife, but also due to the fact that they were at war with the Yaks and soon to be the Griffins.

Rainbow had reported something about the Everfree area on her way back from her patrol. Could this be linked ?

Just then, Chrysalis burst through the main doors of the Observatory. She marched up the steps to where Twilight was standing, with the note. Escorted by her former drones, she stopped at the top of the steps.

“What is the meaning of this Chrysalis ?” She demanded, once she would have cowered before the queen. However, fear and prejudice was forgotten when your old enemy is reduced to be nothing more than an incubator for more and more royal changeling soldiers.

“I see that your ‘pet’, has given you my report.” She looked down at Spike almost in disgust. Despite her place in society, Chrysalis remained often as mean to others as she could. The only other pony she had confided with was Twilight.

“I am here to demand that word be given to the royal court over this matter. If the creatures of the Everfree are becoming untameable, then we should act swiftly and destroy anything that is a threat to the War effort.”

It was hard to imagine Equestria at war. Those were stories of old, where tribes of ponies bickered amongst each other. Ponyville was no longer a cider producing empire it had been 4 years ago. Now it supplied border forces with tinned apple pies. The taste was stale, not made with the love and care that the apple family had given their apples. Now production time all that mattered.

Frontline troops were not given anything to boost morale. The only reason for them to fight was to protect their families.

But from who ? Who was the lesser evil. The invaders ? Who were contesting the Shadow’s authority… or The Shadow himself, who ruled with an iron hoof. Maybe the propaganda was also a factor in their decision to fight until the end…

“I am afraid that there are no spare forces available.” Twilight sighed, head lowering as she returned to her desk, placing the piece of paper on her favourite book. A book that had been given to her as a gift from another realm.

“Rainbow dash of the 503rd Pegasus Reconnaissance Squadron has reported Griffins massing along the frontier near the Foal Mountains. General Spitfire of the Equestrian Air Defence Headquarters will be given these orders.” She handed the documents that she had been given by one of the royal Aids while exiting the dungeons.

“She is to place an all out alert in all danger areas. Vital sectors will be given priority over internal affairs.”

Chrysalis stared at her for a moment. Despite her mean attitude, she held respect for Twilight. Even though she had been the cause of her downfall.

“If that his Majesty’s decision, then I shall oblige.” She turned around and began to make her way down. She stopped, halfway past the threshold.

“The next batch will be born by the end of the week.” Twilight nodded absent mindedly. Chrysalis watched her, concern on her face. “But I do not believe there is enough Love in this kingdom to support them. Not even the best Canterlot weddings give off the love that we need. If we could have clearance into the archive--”

“I am sorry Chrysalis.” Twilight cut her off, moving to her bed. “But you must find love elsewhere. If canterlot’s reserves are depleted then you must either find other troops, or give your own love to your hatchlings.”
That stopped Chrysalis directly in her train of thought. A direct hit on her heart. Twilight meant no ill will by what she said. But if resources were being diverted to the front ! She could expect neither help from Twilight nor the marriage officials.

Most were afraid of her anyway, so to have 750 drones turn up at a wedding was frightening enough. But to be wed by vows under the scrutiny of a society that all second class citizens despised, there was no desire for happiness. Love or Friendship.

She closed her mouth with a click, and disappeared down stairs, followed by her guards.

Twilight glanced in the direction where Chrysalis had been, wondering if she may have said the wrong thing.

She went to her balcony and looked out into the vastness of her homeland. Far below, she could see Ponyville. Beyond... The Everfree forest. Everything seemed normal, quiet even. Closing her eyes, she focused a minuscule amount of magic through her horn. Detecting a magical signature is not as hard as it may seem. But seeing that magic is no longer used as it once was. Sparingly, as the use of it was deemed an essential resource. One that The Shadow used for his so called “Resurection”. However Twilight had no idea as of what purpose it served to him…

Though he had been right. There was something in the air. A signature that was strange in nature. Most magical signatures were nothing more than that. A frequency set upon a magical waveband. This signature did not feel like any frequency she had ever studied.

It had a rhythm, a message.

“Home.” She breathed. Opening her eyes, she turned to Spike who was standing in the doorway. He had heard what she had said. And he bore a hopeful look on his face.

“Spike, send for the girls. We need to come up with a plan, but not here.” He saluted, running for stairs and disappearing into the streets of Canterlot. Lighting up her horn she scanned one last time. The signature was fading, but its power was undeniable. She sighed, still no sign of Discord's magic. She could only hope that Discord and the Doctor were still working on trying to defeat the Shadow.
"Where are you Doctor ?" She breathed to herself. Holding her breath, she had almsot expecting the sound of the TARDIS to start wooshing behind her.

Nothing. Exhaling, she looked back down at Ponyville. Determination on her face. Maybe the magic source was a sign from Discord ?

“Whatever is down there, we must find before anypony else does.”