A Broken Balance

by Spell Bound

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Discord, Derpy Hooves, Alternate Universe, Human, Sad, Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Romance
Length: 14469

War goes ever on and on.

War has broken out in Equestria. Luna has Formed the New Lunar republic, and Discord was released from his prison to form the Draconequus legions. Celestia has her solar empire, and the elements of harmony have split onto each other sides. And each side of the war are hunting down the children of discord.

Now Spell Bound must decide what he is going to do. Will he keep runing, or will he try to find a way to fix the broken balance of Equestria.

I'm sure you all know the drill. First ever fanfic. Please help me improve if its really bad.

Acknowledgements: Cotton Needle is a friend's OC who has supported me through this endeavour .

Published 2012-10-08 20:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-09-07 19:57:35 UTC

Prologue

Prologue

The rain pelted down on the ruins. It always was raining where they went. Spell Bound knew they couldn’t rest here long. They had to keep on moving. Three years had passed since they started running. Equestria has succumbed to the chaos of war. Luna had split from the Solar Empire forming her New Lunar Republic, but by doing so she upset the balance enough to release discord. So now, The Solar Empire, The New Lunar Republic and the Draconequus Legions all fought for power. Two sub factions also existed, The Peace corp. and sweet apple munitions. And all of them where hunting these lost souls.

Spell Bound looked out to the sky, brooding. The woman who had adopted him, Celestia, was no longer the person he remembered, but still she sought him, wanting him to join her. It was tempting. Twilight was also with her. Twilight. He sighed; she was his constant friend during the peaceful times. He turned his mind to Auntie Luna. She also wanted him to help her, and had Rainbow Dash on her side. No one was sure how she got the element of loyalty on her side, but it was a smart moved. The NLR had air superiority over both fighting sides of the war. Then there was the Draconequus Legions. Discord had Pinkie pie which surprised many, and no one really knew why Discord would want this group, but what no one knew, was that these where his children.

Yes, Discord had children. Spell Bound cast an eye over his family. There was Screwball, his sister. It surprised him that she decided to run with them rather than going to their father. Then there was his brother, Dawn star, curled up with Screwball using his wings to cover them. A sight which made the sombre man smile. Then where was Derpy. He wasn’t sure if she was actually a child of Discord, but he had adopted her into the family as a sister. Then there was himself, a most unusual specimen. Not only did her have the magic of a seer, which he was a master at, he also inherited some of Discord chaos magic. The times had fed this power to a shocking degree and Spell Bound feared to use it. And his eyes, those were the most unusual aspect of him. His eyes where a turquoise shade, and had no pupils. He saw better than most despite this fact. Then there was his daughter, Apple Blossom.
And she was the reason Sweet Apple Munitions wanted them. His dear applejack wanted them where they would be safe, a neutral party who served all sides of the wars. The same was for the Peace Corp. To help the wounded and make amends for the pain we caused when running. But they could not. It would cause more harm than good to get them involved in their problems.

Spell Bound thought about the elements of harmony. Magic was with her teacher Celestia, Loyalty had joined the NLR, Laughter the Draconequus Legions, Honesty started a weapons manufacturing company, and Kindness had created the Peace Corp. This left Generosity. When the war came she disappeared. There was rumours of a human leading the pitiful creatures that where the diamond dogs, but there was no confirmation of this.

Looking up to the sky she saw Cloudsdale in the distance. It was time to go. The children of Discord never got any chance to rest for long. The NLR had taken over Cloudsdale in the early years of the war. It was rumored it was the NLR Air force's base of operations. If this was true it meant Rainbow dash was coming after him. And that could only mean bad news. They had just outrun The 5th Solar Legion.

As Spell woke up his family he couldn’t help but think about the elements he once called friends. And thought to himself “Everyone has something to fight for, an ideal they believe in, except me. I’ve killed many to protect my family, but we have no real reason to be anymore. What do I want Equestria to be like?”

Chapter 1: The NLR

The NLR

Cloudsdale moved even closer to the ruins the Rag-Tag group were hiding in. Its buildings had lost the alluring white, and the weather factory had shut down. Now the weather did as it pleased and the buildings where black as night, and New Lunar Republic banners hung from every building marking its allegiance. Now the factory was the armoury for the NLR air force, and the overseer’s office the command room.

And in said command room, Air force commander Rainbow Dash stood at the window watching the ruins come into view, smiling. She had them this time. The children of Discord would have had little time to rest after running from the Solar Empire. But still, she’d have to be cautious. There was more than one reason why no one had caught them yet. For someone who disliked violence, Spell Bound was a ruthless fighter to protect his mismatched family.

‘How had it gotten to this?’, Rainbow thought. She cast her mind back, to a time before everything was consumed with war.

"Hey Spelly hurry up! I Want to get to those ruins as soon as possible!" Rainbow dash called out.

"How many times have i told you Rainbow dash not to call me that! And besides, the ruins aren't going anywhere soon. And when did you become such an...oh whats the word you use...oh yes. Egg head." Spell bound teased

"I'm not an egg head!"

"Yes you are. Otherwise i would be back in bed with AJ sleeping."

"You sure that's all you where doing Spelly?"

"Silence Dashie. One bred in Canterlot does not reduce to such lustful behavior."

They looked at each other and burst out laughing knowing full well the truth of the matter.

"Anyway Dashie. You've become an egg head whether you like it or not. And we have arrived."

They looked up at the golden ruins covered with moss, vines and tree's that had taken root in the millennium since it was used. Very few of the towers remained standing, and the only building that was mostly intact was the main hall in the middle of the ruins.

"So whats this artifact we're looking for?"

"Some sort of mystical sword from ancient times. Supposedly from Discord's reign."

"Di..discord?" Spell Bound couldn't help but gulp. No one yet knew that his father was Discord. He only just recently discovered that fact, and everyone else believed no one knew.

"yeah. Scared Spell. Don't worry. I'll protect ya" She flew off towards the hall crashing into one a tree that suddenly appeared.

"Yeah. You'll protect me. Tell you what. When you can protect yourself from my nature magic I'll let you protect me."

Commander Dash!

"Huh?" Rainbow snaps out of her day dreaming and looks at the soldier who called her. "What is it boy! Make it quick!" Getting snapped out of her day dream angered her, and her temper was legendary.

"S...Sorry Sir. Its just that we are over the ruins. Shall i send down a squadron?"

"Yes yes. Just warn them to be careful. Spell Bound hasn't gotten this far just by running you know. And tell them not to let him summon Bone Shredder. If he does they don't have a chance."

Bone Shredder. Spell Bounds constant companion. Now Rainbow Dash wish they hadn't found the accursed thing.

Spell Bound and Rainbow walked up to the artifact. It was indeed a sword that was impaled into a slab of stone at the back of the hall, almost as if it was an altar of worship.

"So this is it. Doesn't look to impressive. Kinda rusty. Bet even a egg head like you could pull it out spell."

"I bet an arrogant fool like you couldn't."

"Oh you are on. Loser has to dress up as a cheerleader for Nightmare Night."

"Deal"

Rainbow flew up to the sword and tried pulling it out while Spell cleared away the moss at the base of the stone reading what was inscribed.

"Hey spell....What happens if neither of us pull it out?"

"We go dressed as each other."

"Oh. OK. That will be....strange."

"Why, can't pull it out?"

"No. It's jammed in pretty tight."

"Well of course you can't get it. Says here that only the hand of chaos can pull it out."

"What the hay is that supposed to mean?!"

"It means that only those who can use chaos magic can pull it out. And very few of those exist anymore. Lucky for you I'm one of them. Or unlucky given our bet."
Spell steps up to the blade and pulls it out and reads the inscription on it.

"Bone Shredder eh? Interesting name. Dashie.....why are you looking at me as if i was a changeling who took you form and had fun with your boyfriend in front of you?"

"How can you use chaos magic Spell? What haven't you told us?"

"Um that's not important....." Spell shuffles around nervous and blushing. Rainbow moves even closer staring into his eyes.

"I think it is. You said very few people can use chaos magic, and Twilight said that the only people who could had Draconequus blood in them."

"When did she say that?"

"After the Discord indecent." At the mention of Discord Spell Bound stiffens slightly sweating.

"Why do you keep on doing that when ever i mention Discord. What. Are. You. Hiding. Or do i need to get pinkie pie to sing a sad song with a deceptively happy tune?"

"Oh Sweet Luna NO!"

"THEN SPILL"

"Alright alright. I'll tell. Promise not to tell anyone else? I'm not ready for others to know."

Rainbow stared deep into Spell's pupil-less eyes before nodding. "alright. I promise."
"My father.....He's....um....he's discord. My father's discord." Spell looked down ashamed.

"Commander. The Squadron have returned. Only 5 remain unharmed. The rest are dead or injured."

Rainbow silently cursed. Each squadron had 50 men. And now only five remained in top condition.

"Don't worry soldier. We'll get them next time."

'I'll make sure of it Spell Bound. You'll work for the NLR yet' Rainbow thought to herself.

Chapter 2: The Peace Corp.

The Peace Corp

Thunderhoof valley. The fools had confronted Spell Bound in Thunderhoof valley. And now they had to go clean it up. Nurse Lyra walked along side Director Fluttershy, over watching the nurses and doctors pull out the living and wounded from the piles of dead. The survivors were all that’s left of the 5th Solar Legion.

Lyra couldn’t help but sigh. Such careless death and destruction. The valley used to be so beautiful, Lyra used to come here on holiday. Now it was stained red with blood, and due to Spell’s nature magic all the plants where mutated and impaling the dead, if they were lucky. She had already seen five soldiers still holding on to life, with tree branched punctured through their stomach.

But even then, they where the lucky ones. Those who had felt Bone Shredders wrath and lived where the unfortunate ones. The blade cut through bone and flesh as if butter, so you would think it would be easy to repair damage. The problem was that because of this the blood flowed through wounds a lot faster and easier, and it was the blood loss that killed them. But not quickly. First they would go through hours of torment.

Fluttershy thought back to when Spell was like her, and abhorred violence. He was sweet and peaceful, even though his life was full of hardship. And now, He was the most fearsome killer of this war.

Fluttershy was tending to her animal friends. Spring had arrived and they had a hard winter. Food simply wasn’t growing fast enough to feed all her little friends. She was worried that some of them wouldn’t survive, and that was making her sad.

“Seems your friends are hungry Flutters.” Spell’s voice startled her, as she was alone in her garden just moments before. Spell was new to Ponyville and hadn’t really had a chance to bond with Fluttershy.

“Y....eah.......”

“You really are a shy one aren’t you?

“............”

“Wow...ok. Well then, I just popped by to say hi and give a helping hand.” The runes that marked him as a seer glowed and the fruits and vegetables in her garden to grow.

“Tha....thank you.”

“No problem Fluttershy. Next time you need my help just give a shout.”

Spell walks off leaving a confused Avian behind him, a smile on his face. Fluttershy looks back at her animals and smiles as well, sensing a kindred spirit within him.

Snapping back to the present the Director notices a youth reaching out for help. He couldn’t have been more the 17. His leg was crisscrossed with vines entering his leg, keeping him in place.

“Please....help....I don’t want to die....” Lyra rushed to him and started to use her magic to remove the vines.

“What’s your name boy?”

“Da....dawn chaser.....”

“It’s ok. These wounds aren’t that bad. We should have you back on your feet in a week.”

“I don’t want to die...I want to retire....I...I can’t face him again...The soulless devil...keep him away from me!” Dawn chaser passed out from fear. Lyra stifled a chuckle at the fact he got himself worked up over nothing, but Fluttershy was deeply worried.

‘The soulless devil.’ Spell Bound was being referred to that more often now. Many believed it was because of his fighting skill, or the fact he cut through legions of men as if they were nothing. These were true, but it was also the innate fear of the different. His eyes struck fear into the strongest opponent.

“Get him back to the Lionheart hospital Lyra. I need to return to Headquarters.”

“Of course Director.” Lyra watched her superior fly off. She knew the true reason she was leaving. Seeing the results of Spell Bound hurt her, as they where such close friends. Lyra thought back to her first encounter with the strange seer.

Lyra shuffled around awkwardly outside Bon Bon’s shop. She had been waiting for weeks to tell her how she felt, but always ran away out of fear of rejection. She wanted to tell Bon Bon that she loved her but she just couldn’t. She turned and
walked away head down, and walked straight into Spell.

Both fell to the ground, the papers he was carrying falling down around them.

“Oh! I’m so sorry sir! I didn’t see you there!”

“No it was my fault. I shouldn’t have been reading while walking. Cotton Needle is right, it only causes more harm than good.”

“You accent, you’re from Canterlot aren’t you?”

“Indeed. And you are Lyra aren’t you? The musician seer.”

“Yes...how did you know?”

“I recognise you from Celestia’s school. You where always so nice to Twilight. Let me introduce myself.” Standing up he offers a helping hand to Lyra.

“I am Spell Bound. I’m surprised you didn’t recognise me. Hard to mistake these eyes.”

“Why? They look normal?” Lyra says taking the offered hand standing up.

“Huh?” Summoning a mirror Spell inspects his eyes. “Oh right. I cast the changeling spell so people wouldn’t freak out as soon as I came into town.”

Deactivating the spell his eyes lose their pupils and turn turquoise, causing Lyra to gasp slightly.

“I have that affect. Anyway don’t let me stop you.” He stoops down to pick up his papers. As Lyra is about to help him a voice calls out.

“HEY LYRA! YOU WANTED TO TELL ME SOMETHING RIGHT?” Bon Bon was starting to run up to them.

“You know she feels the same about you. I can sense the love emitting from you two. Don’t ask how as i don’t know. Just tell her already.” Spell whispered standing up with his papers and walking off.

Lyra could only stand dumbfounded at the peculiar seer.

‘If it wasn’t for him Bon Bon and I would never have gotten together, and we wouldn’t be married right now.’ Lyra thought. Where did things go wrong? Why had he become a spreader of hate and death, instead of love and happiness?

Chapter 3: The Solar Empire

The Solar Empire.

A week had passed since the 5th Solar Legion was devastated. Now, under the caring eye of the Peace Corp and nurse Lyra, the survivors where brought back to the Solar Empire command bunker. This was not an unusual occasion. Fluttershy often brought the wounded back to make sure they returned safely. It was an unwritten agreement that no harm would befall those under the care of the Peace Corp.

What was unusual was that Lyra oversaw this operation instead of Fluttershy. This could only mean that something bad had happened. And given how many people where coming in alive, or rather how few, could only mean that Fluttershy heard something about Spell Bound, Twilight thought.

“Fluttershy is still so naive. Still believing this war can be stopped by kindness.” Twilight muttered to herself.

“What was that Admiral?” Twilight turned around and looked at the soldier. It was Aloe, from the Ponyville spa. She followed
Twilight to the Solar Empire after the war broke out, believing that her sister and Rarity would follow, but she was mistaken. Now she was alone, Admiral Twilight Sparkle being the only link to her past now, aside from her memories.

“Nothing sergeant Aloe. I was just talking to myself. Give me the causality report.”

“Very well. As you know the 5th Solar Legion consisted of 5 squadrons, each with 50 men. Squadrons 2,3 and 5 no longer exist. 1st squadron have 15 men able to fight, and 5 wounded. 4th squadron were lucky and have 25 men still able to fight and
10 wounded.”

“Not the best statistics we could have hoped for. Where were they?”

“Thunderhoof valley.”

“Why? What were they doing there?”

“Hunting down the children of Discord Madam.”

“WHAT! Why wasn’t I informed of this?” Twilight shouted. She was furious. She always wanted to be updated when they performed an operation to get spell. After all, was he not like a big brother to her?

“Come on Twilight you can do this!”

“But spell it’s so difficult.”

“That’s never stopped you before.”

“Be gentle with her spell it’s her first time.”

Spell face palmed and looked at his two closest friends. There was Twilight, who had been like the little sister he never had, trying to cast nature magic. And then there was Cotton Needle. The seer who specialised in clothes, picked fights with the element of generosity, and very, very dirty minded.

“My dear Cotton, please be serious. Or do I need to remind you what happened when you first tried this?” He couldn’t help but smile as she blushed and quickly shut up.

Twilight looked at them confused.”What happened?”

“She made jokes like that and ended up making flowers grow out of her ears.”

This sent Twilight into a fit of laughter, making spell join in while cotton just sat quietly fuming.

“Now! Without anymore interruptions, can we get back to the matter at hand? Focus on the ground and your internal magic. Picture the flower you want to grow. Now expel that magic into the ground and grow the flower.” Spell briefly explained.

Twilight, focusing on the ground and within her, tried to think of all the flowers she knew. Spell was testing her magic skill, and knew just how to impress him. She started to think of his favourite flower, and did as she was instructed. Sure enough a flower grew out of the ground.

“Well done Twilight. Now......Is...is that a snow dragon flower?”

“Yeah....”

“That’s impressive Twilight. It took me years to be able to grow one.” Bending down he picks the flower and breathes in its smell.

“Well now that you’re done with your magic and when Spell’s done being such a girls blouse can we get on with our picnic?” Her snide remark made him roll his eyes, a action which he seemed to be destined to do whenever in the company of Cotton.

“Being able to appreciate nature’s beauty does not make me a girl’s blouse cotton. But yes. Let us get on with it. You have dresses to make, Twilight her reports to Celestia and I promised to help Apple Jack with cider making.”

“You seem to be getting close to her...you sure it’s just cider you’re going to be making?” Cotton said with a smirk on her face. Spell proceeded to throw his shoe at her.

Shaking her head sadly, sighing, Twilight sits down at her desk.

“I miss him Aloe. It’s not just because of his skill I want him found and brought into the Solar Empire. He was like a brother to me.”

“I know admiral.”

“And he was always the voice of reason. I mean I know i have a brother, and I love shining armour, but it’s not the same as with Spell. He always helped and protected me, even though it brought attention to him, which he hated.”

“I’m sure that one day he’ll join us. Even if that’s not until this war is over. I only hope they’ll forgive us for what we’ve done.”
Twilight looks up at her, seeing she’s talking about herself as well.

“Where is your sister Aloe?”

“Lotus? I don’t know. She’s either with the Peace Corp or Sweet Apple Munitions. Seeing as I’ve never seen her in the Peace Corp I’m assuming the latter. Or she’s hiding from me”

Aloe looks down at her feet sadly. Ashamed that once again she was being selfish, Twilight offers comforting words.
“I’m sure she’s fine, and when all is done I’m sure she’ll forgive you. Now go check up on those left of the 5th legion.”

“Your will be done.”

As Aloe left the room Twilight once more looked to her desk thinking. Now alone she could think back even further about her relationship with Spell. More precisely, when she first met him at Celestia’s school for gifted seers.

Twilight was new to the school. She had barely managed to get through her entrance exam. If princess Celestia hadn’t stepped in when she did, she never would have gotten in. Even though the princess said she was full of potential she didn’t feel like it and was really nervous.

Her first class was about the different types of magic and how far the ranged. From wide spread magic, to specialised talent specific magic. The second class was about levitation, and that’s where things went downhill.

It wasn’t that it was difficult, or that it was hard to pay attention. It was her fellow class mates. When the teacher left to pick up so books for them to take home they started being cruel. The older years was using magic to levitate object and throw it at her. They picked her out because she was small and shy. And the girls picking on her because she was cuter than them. Then a voice called out and everyone froze shocked.

“ENOUGH! THIS IS PATHETIC. PICKING ON A CHILD BECAUSE SHE’S BETTER LOOKING THAN YOU OR BECAUSE SHE’S QUIET!”

“Look here boy’s. Freak eyes is standing up for someone more pathetic than him!” One of the bullies called out.

Twilight, confused looked up to see who was defending her, and saw a student a year or two older than her standing up on the desk. His hair was in a pony tail, and was black with streaks of red. If that wasn’t memorising enough there was his eyes. They seemed to be a shining turquoise, and they had no pupils.

“Freak eyes? That’s the best you can come up with. You’re more than pathetic. You’re pitiful.”

“At least we don’t have a fear of cupcakes freak eyes!” One of the girls responded.

“I do not fear cupcakes. We are just not on friendly terms as they keep on flying into my eyes. Now! Are you going to stop bulling this young girl?”

“Of course not. And now you’re gonna get it to.”

“Oh I very much doubt that, fools.”The boy smirked as he said this. His seer marks glowed and all the bullies floated up and hung upside down.

“WAAAAAA!” Cried the girls scared

“PUT US DOWN PUT US DOWN PUT US DOWN!” Called a majority of the boys, while others just fainted from shock.

“No. You can stay there until the teacher returns.”

From that day forward, the bullies stayed away from Twilight, and she became good friends with the strange seer, who she later found out was called Spell Bound. In later years another female seer named Cotton needle would join their group as well.

‘I’m so sorry Spell, but please come to me. I really need your guidance’ Twilight thought to herself, tears falling onto the desk.

Chapter 4: Sweet Apple Munitions

Sweet Apple Munitions.

3 months had passed since Apple Jack heard anything about the love of her life. Being in charge of the only weapons manufacturing company meant that you where on friendly terms with everyone, and you heard a lot more. Her old friends had reached high ranking positions in their respective fields, and kept in touch to get specialised weaponry. Apple Jack’s price for the special crafted weapons was information.

And the best information you could give her, was information about her husband and daughter. She knew that each side of the war wanted to get Spell Bound on their side, but she didn’t care about that. She just wanted him back, to where she could
keep an eye on him and their little girl.

From her raised platform she oversaw guns being forged within warehouse 2. Even though they would kill, possibly some who she once called friends, there was something satisfying about watching them take form, their creator not missing one little detail in their creation. She was momentarily distracted as she saw her little sister come into the warehouse.

“Hey AJ! Big Mac needs you in warehouse 5!” Apple Bloom called up to her big sister.

“Got it little sis! Go tell Caramel to keep an eye on things here!” AJ responded. She came down from her platform and walked out of warehouse 2 and began the trek to warehouse 5, which was on the other end of Sweet apple acres, although the tree’s hadn’t grown here in a long time.

With this trek she had time to think back to happier times. More specifically, one of the happiest days of her life.

Apple Jack and Spell Bound where sitting next to each other resting against one of the many apple tree’s in her orchard. They had been together for about 2 strong years. They where possibly the happiest people alive. Yet for some reason AJ couldn’t figure out, Spell was being quieter than usual, and seemed nervous.

“Everything alright sugar cube?”

“Yeah. Everything’s perfect my dear” he responded with a sigh.

“Now why do ah believe that?”

Spell stood up sighing seeming really down, but AJ could tell he was simply nervous. What she couldn’t tell was what about.

“Spelly, why do ya seem more nervous than a bag full of cats hangin above a waterfall?”

The comparison between him and a bag full of cats made spell laugh and lightened his mood greatly.

“AJ, stand up for a second.”

“Sure thing sweetie.” AJ stood up looking at her love curious about what he was up to.

“AJ, how long have we been together?”

“Why, ah make it 2 years.”

“And it’s been good yes?”

“Of course. It’s been the best 2 years of ma life.”

“And so it has been for me. This leads me to my next question, which will change everything.”

“And....what's that?” ‘great’ AJ thought to herself ‘now he’s got me worried .’

“Apple Jack....”He turned around to face her, and sunk to one knee. “Will you marry me?”

Apple Jack stared at him, shocked. Her mouth kept opening and closing as if speaking, but no words came out. Finally she squealed delight and nodded her head.

“YES! Yes ah will.”

Spell slipped a ring onto her finger and shared a loving embrace as sunset began in the background.

“LOOK OUT!”

AJ barely had anytime to jump out of the way as an experimental mechanised weapons suit fell over. They had been working on them for months, but the balance was always off.

“Well for apple’s sake. By the time we work out the flaws the war will be over.”

“Sorry AJ. We just can’t figure out what’s wrong. Oh Big Mac wants to show you something. He’s in the back” the worker said gesturing over his shoulder into warehouse 5.

“Thanks sugar cube. Keep at that suit.”

She entered the warehouse with both curiosity and dread. What could be so important for her brother that it couldn’t wait till the working day was over. Big Mac would get so consumed with his work that he wouldn’t talk to anyone till the project was done or the working day was over.

Looking about AJ saw his workshop empty, and the fires of his forge where dead. Taking a quick look around she saw the door to the storage compartments was slightly ajar. She assumed that’s where Big Mac was, seeing as the worker did say he was in the back.

Entering the storage she saw exactly what she expected. Rows upon rows of weapons, armour and even mechanised vehicles. But what she couldn’t see was her big brother.

“HEY! Big Mac, You in here?” AJ called out.

“EEYUP!” A voice called from deeper within. Following the voice she found her brother over a special case. She had watched him create it a couple months ago but had no idea what was in it.

“What was it ya wanted me for?”

Big Mac simply nodded towards the case saying nothing else. Confused she walked over to the case hesitantly. She was nervous. Heck, the last time she was this nervous was on her wedding day. Opening up the case she gasped, surprised at what lay within.

Inside the case, was a suit of armour, but no ordinary suit of armour. This suit was mechanised, and the way it was built, it was obviously for a seer. But on the chest, was an emblem they were all too familiar with. It was a leaf, surrounded by stars symbolizing whoever it belonged was adept at magic, and specialised in nature magic. The suit was designed for Spell Bound.

“Ah was hoping to give it to him before he left, but didn’t finish it in time. Ah created the case to hold it till he visited us.”

“But....why? If he returns to us won’t he stay?”

“You know he can’t do that AJ. It would bring every army to our doorstep trying to get him. He’s stayin away to protect ya.”

AJ looked down sadly sighing, knowing what her brother said was true. “Ah miss him Big Mac. Ah want him back, so ah can look after him and Apple Blossom.”

“Ah know sister, ah know.”

Cotton was nervous. She had been perfectly fine earlier. She had finished a dress order, and managed to win a verbal battle against Rarity. Although they where competitors and didn’t really like each other, they had been on friendly terms and their confrontations where just good natured verbal battles now. And sugar cube corner had her favourite cupcakes in. So today was pretty good. But then Spell came along and ruined everything.

He said he wanted to see her, and that it was important. The fact he was so serious about it was unnerving, but he seems nervous. And Spell was never nervous. He was rational, cool headed and nothing made him nervous. And yet he was clearly nervous. This in turn made her nervous.

She looked up at her clock. It was time to head down to Sweet Apple Acres to see what he wanted. She quickly brushed her hair, which was messy from worrying, so Rarity wouldn’t see it and use it against her. Sure that no sign of her fear was showing in her appearance she left her shop and walked down the path which would lead her to Sweet Apple Acres.

‘What could possibly be making him so nervous?’ Cotton thought to herself as she neared here destination. She headed towards one of the picnic tables AJ had installed years earlier, hearing voices from its direction. As she neared she saw AJ and Spell sitting next to each other smiling happy. All signs of nervousness gone from Spell.

“You wanted to see me?”

“Oh Cotton, when did you get here?”

“Just now actually.”

“Ah good. Take a seat.” He gestured to the bench opposite from them so the table would be in-between them. Taking her seat cotton fidgeted still nervous about what might happen.

“The reason we wanted to see you Cotton is because there’s a favour we want to ask of you.” ‘A favour’ cotton thought to herself. ‘Well that’s not so bad. Seems there was no reason to be nervous.

“Indeed. Ah want you....we want you cotton......” AJ drifted off due to her happiness.

“We want you to be the god-mother of our daughter when she’s born.”

Cotton eyes widened with surprise and just stared at them mouth open.

“You mean....you’re......She's........Me......woah.” She fells backwards passing out from shock.

“Do ya think she’s ok?”

“Yeah, she’s had worse falls.”

AJ smiled to herself. That day had been so happy. When cotton awoke, She was as happy as the soon to be parents where. In fact before they could say anything more she ran off to get Pinkie Pie to help organise a party in celebration.

“Ah hope you’re safe Spelly, and ah hope you’re takin care of our little girl.”

Chapter 5: Draconequus' Legions

The Draconequus’ Legions

Pinkie Pie smiled to herself. She was home. Of course she never really left. As soon as war broke out and sides were taken, Pinkie was quick to claim Ponyville for the Draconequus’ Legions. Not everyone shared her enthusiasm for Discord’s chaos, but those who didn’t had been long gone.

She was in a very good position within the legions. Being Discord’s favorite element helped, but also the fact that she was good at what she did.

She was a hunter. She would be assigned a target and she would find them. And if the mission required, end them. She had never failed a mission....except one.

She too had failed to bring Spell Bound back to Ponyville, back to his father. She felt herself getting angry at her friend’s stubbornness. Why couldn’t he just return? He was the son of chaos, it was in his blood so spread chaos and he should be here doing his duty.

She had managed to find him though. And lived through the encounter, which is more than most can say.

================================================

Spell was running through the rain. It was always raining where he was. For those who knew this fact it was easy to track him down. And that’s exactly what they had done. He had split up from his family as no one knew he was travelling with them yet.

It wasn’t so bad that someone was chasing him. By now he was used to it. What was distressing was that it was Pinkie Pie that was chasing after him. Of course Discord would send the element of laughter after his son to bring him home. He knew she’d stand the best chance as Spell wouldn’t be able to bring himself to kill her.

Running into a meadow he slid to a stop. From past experiences he knew he wouldn’t be able to out run Pinkie Pie. The only way out of this was to wound her enough so that she’d be unable to pursue him any farther, unless he could talk her out of chasing him.

“Come on out Pinkie. I know you’re there.” He called out sighing.

Pinkie emerged from the reeds of the meadow. This defied physics, but Spell took no mind of this. Much like Twilight, he had learned the hard way not to make scientific sense out of what she did.

“Hello Spelly. You gonna be a good boy and come back to your father?”

Spell shook his head sadly. “I’m afraid I can’t do that Pinks. I can’t side with anyone on this war.”

“WHY SPELL! WHY WON’T YOU COME BACK HOME!”

“Ponyville isn’t my home. Sweet Apple Acres is my home. With my Family is my home.”

“SO WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FROM YOUR FATHER?”

“BECAUSE HE LEFT ME!” Spell shouted back. “HE CAST ME THROUGH TIME. AND WHEN HE BROKE OUT LAST TIME HE MADE NO ATTEMPT TO CONTACT ME! CONTACT ANY OF HIS CHILDREN. NO! I WON’T RETURN TO FATHER. NOR WILL I RETURN TO MOTHER WHO LIED TO ME ABOUT MY BLOOD! I WON’T EVEN RETURN TO AUNTY LUNA!”

Pinkie just stared at him dumb founded. She had never seen him so angry. Even that one time he lost control and turned into a Draconequus he still didn’t have this much rage. “So you won’t come back willingly?”

“No Pinkie. And there is no way you can force me as well. There is a reason no one as lived enough to tell who I am travelling with. Go now. While I still let you. I’d rather not kill you.” Spell said with sorrow, and turned his back to the woman who was once his friend.

“I’m not going back empty handed Spelly. You are coming with me.”

“No. No I’m not. And you’re not going to give chase either.” With a flick of his hand one of the reeds shot itself though her leg, ensuing that she would be unable to keep up with spell, even with her reality defying skills.

“NO! I NEVER FAIL! I WILL GET YOU TO JOIN US SPELL! IF IT’S THE LAST THING I DO!” She shouted out in pain and anger, tears streaming from her eyes.

“You may certainly try old friend. You can try.” He whispered to himself walking off into the rain to regroup with his brothers and sisters.

====================================================

Pinkie shook her head clearing the memory from her mind. It was still painfully fresh for her. Spell had hurt her. He’d never done that before, not willingly.

It upset her, a lot. She looked up at the sky, and smiled as the cotton candy clouds gathered. It was time for a chocolate rain shower. Discord always sent chocolate rain when she was feeling blue.

It was one of the reasons she loved being on his side. He always took care of her. She knew the real reason why though. It was to fill something missing in his heart. His children had run away from him. While he expected Spell might have some difficulty accepting him, he would never have had thought that Screwball would run away as well. No matter what disaster befell Discord, his daughter was always there for him.

“What’s got you feeling blue my dear?” Discord asked as he flew down from the clouds landing near pinkie.

“I was just thinking to back when I was chasing Spelly.” Pinkie responded with a sigh, but quickly smiled again as the chocolate rain began. “Awww thanks dissy for the rain.” Pinkie beamed happily

“I’m glad you’ve cheered up. Enjoy the rest of the day off. However tomorrow I have a mission for you. There’s a seer in
Canterlot I want in our custody. I want to convince her to join us.”

“Oh? Who’s my target?”

“I believe you know her as Colgate.”

“Colgate? Why would you want a dentist on our side?”

“Because everyone except us two are getting toothaches from all the sweets.”

This made pinkie and discord burst out into a fit of laughter. “Oh...oh my. Guess not everyone can hold their sweets. Well I’m off Dissy. I’m heading over to sugar cube corner to see how my two favourite people are.”

Pinkie pie walked off with a quite literal bounce in her step. By two favourite people she meant the Cakes. Mr and Mrs Cake weren’t happy with how Ponyville had turned into a bastion of chaos, but they had been unable to leave. Their children didn’t want to leave their home, and Pinkie Pie wouldn’t let them leave.

But they did find some small amount of happiness. Soldiers of the legions always came by to buy cupcakes during their days off.

Pinkie Pie, thinking about cupcakes, was drawn back to thinking about spell, and when she first managed to get him to eat a cupcake.

==============================================

It was spikes birthday today. Pinkie pie was tasked with making him some more sapphire cupcakes, and had somehow managed to convince spell bound to help, despite his fear of them.

“Oh don’t be so afraid Spelly. The cupcakes aren’t going to eat you.”

Spell fidgeted nervously. “I’m not afraid of cupcakes Pinks. I just distrust them as they seem to have a hatred of me.”

“Oh that’s just nonsense. I’m sure cupcakes love you. That is if they could think. Hey spell do you think cupcakes can think. Maybe when we cook them they become self-aware!”

Spell giggled at pinkie’s outburst. “Oh Pinkie Pie, you are so wonderfully random. Alright. Let’s make these cupcakes and be done with it. I have some studying to do.”

“Oh You and Twilight. I swear all you two do sometimes is study.” Pinkie said teasingly.

Spell looked over all the ingredients required for the cupcakes. He was familiar with all of them seeing as he had to cook them before in school to pass the cooking exam. What he didn’t recognize, or rather, what he couldn’t believe, was the sapphires on the table.

“Um....Pinkie.....are those sapphires?”

“Yes they are.” She said smiling happily. “We’re making sapphire cupcakes for spike seeing as he loves them.”

“Then he has good taste.” Spell muttered to himself picking up one of the sapphires inspecting it, and then taking a little nibble on it.

“Hey don’t do that you’ll chip your......”Pinkie stared surprised that Spell was eating the sapphire as well as their draconian friend. “...teeth. How?”

“I enchanted my teeth during my travels to the Draconian realm, so I could eat the local cuisine. And I seem to have picked up a love for sapphires”

Pinkie smiled a plan formulating in her mind. She had thought of a way to get Spell over his fear of cupcakes. “Hey spelly.....bet you can’t make more sapphire cupcakes than me.”

“How much you willing to bet?”

“If you win I’ll pay you thirty bits. If I win you have to eat a cupcake of my choice.”

“Hmmmm. I’ll take my chances. You’re on Pinks. Let’s get baking!”

Spell turned out to be quite adept at baking, but alas he stood no chance against Pinkie Pie’s skills. He lost the bet, but fortunately for him, Pinkie’s choice of cupcake was one of the sapphire cupcakes they had baked.
While he still ‘distrusted’ most cupcakes, he came to love the sapphire cupcakes and would order them often from the Cakes.

Ending off in the flash back on this chapter. Just two more flash back chapters and then we will be mostly sticking to present time. Hope you enjoy. ^^

Chapter 6: The Diamond Court

The Diamond Court

Deep in the mountains, the Diamond Court gathered. They were a new creation, brought into existence after their queen came to them. And because they where new, no one would bother them as they were also a secret.
The Diamond Court was made up of Diamond dogs, and those who followed their illustrious queen here to get away from the war the top dwellers fought.

The many citizens watched the council gather. The Council of Nine was made up of three Diamond dogs, three Avians and three seers. And at the throne, sat the Queen.

Rarity.

Rarity looked over her people, stopping to look at each of the races in turn. She felt sorry for the Avians. They lived to fly, but because of their fear they hid under the mountains, and could not fly. She could only imagine how maddening that must be for them.

Then there where the seers. They seem to have adapted the best to their new life style. Their magic made everyone’s lives easier. The ones who had followed where simple spirits, and were quite content with the simple farming the achieved.

And finally the Diamond Dogs. So many believed them to be stupid creatures, whose only sentient thought was to acquire gems. But she knew better. They where her creatures, her children. She had adopted them after moving here, seeing as they had encountered each other before.

And all her subjects where happy. She was fair and just, just like Celestia used to be before the dark cloud of war came. Sighing to herself she gestured for the council to begin telling her their problems, what needed fixing, who had committed what crimes and whatever things that required her attention.

It was a long a laborious task, but it needed to be done. She looked up at the clock one of the seers at created in the early days. It didn’t keep time per say, but rather counted down till the end of the council.

Hours later Rarity walked into her chambers and fell down onto her bed exhausted. She had to do this every month and felt completely drained of life each time. But she knew it was worth it. She had to ensure her people where safe from the top dwellers as the diamond dogs liked to call them.

She couldn’t help but remember when she was a ‘top dweller’ and ran her little fashion shop. How far she had come in just five years. From a simple fashion designer to the queen of a hidden kingdom in the span of a few months. She had been a queen for three years, and was used to the dim lighting and dull surroundings, but couldn’t help but miss the warm sun touching her face and the wind blowing through her hair.

Just then she was interrupted from her daydreaming by a knock at the door. “Who is it?” She called tiredly not really wanting to see anyone.

“Your faithful pin-cushion my Queen.”

Rarity sat up in the bed, smiling at the reference to the old days. Spike would often act as a pin-cushion for her as she worked, his hard draconian scales protecting him from harm.

“Come on in Spike. It’s been a while since you last visited.”

Spike chuckled as he opened the door coming in. He used to visit often, but recently his job within the Diamond Court had kept him from visiting. “I wish this was just a social visit like it used to be, but alas I am here bearing a message.” Spike held up a scroll. It looked like the ones Celestia used to send, except instead of a horseshoe, the symbol on the seal was a leaf.
Recognising the symbol made her gasp, and cast her mind back to her life in Ponyville.

=======================================

It was a calm summer day in Ponyville. The Avains had scheduled a shining sun, very few clouds and a cool breeze to flow through the town. But one Seer didn’t even realise how nice it was. She was too busy working on her clothes line.
She was so caught up in her work she didn’t even realise what day it was, or the time. She had no idea she was about to be late for her weekly picnic with her friends.

Outside the Carousel Boutique, Spell walked enjoying the peacefulness of the town. He was glad he moved here now. He had found love, friendship, peace and no longer had to deal with the snooty nobles on a daily basis. He felt sorry for his adoptive mother. But just then he got snapped back to reality as he saw his lifelong friend Twilight approach him.

“Hello Twilight. What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering if you could pop into Rarity’s. She’s probably forgotten about the picnic today because of her order. Could you do me a favour and gently remind her?”

“Anything for you Twilight. Well, Except for telling everyone here I’m a prince. I don’t want that getting out.”

“I would never ask you to, but it’s going to come out eventually.”

Spell sighed to himself as he watched Twilight go. He knew he couldn’t keep that a secret forever, especially when he finally proposed to AJ, but he’d seen how Rarity reacted around his adoptive mother, Celestia, and didn’t want her to act like that around him. It was bad enough how she bombarded him with questions when she found out he lived in Canterlot.

He turned and slowly walked towards Ponyville’s original clothes shop. He could her Rarity rushing about trying to fill an order. Chuckling to himself he compared her to Cotton Needle. It was a shame they didn’t get along. They were both so similar. Obsessed with fashion and ignored everything to fill out an order. More than once he had walked in on Cotton Needle to find her passed out from lack of sleep.

Knocking on the door he heard the sounds of surprise and stumbling over various household furniture in an attempt to get the door. After a few minuites of this the door finally opened to a very dishevelled Rarity. “Yes Spell Bound? What can I do for you?”

“So formal Rarity. I’m simply here to remind you of your picnic today.”

“AGH! BY LUNA’S NIGHT! I’M GOING TO BE LATE!” Rarity shouted out in horror and quickly rushed inside to brush her hair, get her hat and the food she was meant to bring and ran out towards the picnic area leaving a shocked Spell Bound in the door way of a very messy shop. Looking at the shop and then the outside, Spell sighed and went inside and started cleaning.

Rarity entered her house and shop after a long day. To make up for being late she had agreed to spend the whole day with her friends. She was now seriously behind her work and her home was a mess.

What she expected to find was the ‘organised chaos’ she left behind, what she found was a clean house with everything organised and a letter on the counter. Carefully she opened it up to see what happened, and hoped for some explanation
to the clean state of her house.

“Dear Rarity,

I could hardly leave your house after you made such a mess of it. You forgot to lock up after you ran off to your picnic, so I decided to give you a helping hand by cleaning up a bit. It’s the least I could do for a friend. I also finished a few of your dresses for you. Sharing a college room with a fashion designer seems to have given me some knowledge of sewing.
Oh, and you may need to replace a few sapphires. Sorry, Couldn’t help myself. They just smelt so good, and tasted even better. There’s a bag of bits on your workshop desk to replace them.

Sincerely

Spell Bound

P.S. Your organised chaos isn’t really organised. I can teach you how to keep an organised mess if you wish.”

Rarity walked up to her workshop and gasped. As the letter said he had finished a few dresses. But what it failed to mention was how much a few was. Over half her order was done. She walked over to the bag of bits, and decided to give them back to him when she could. After all, a few sapphires were nothing compared to the help he had given her today.

====================================

“Spell Bound sent a letter? But....why?”

“I don’t know Queen Rarity. I haven’t read it. The only other things sent was a letter saying this letter was for you, and a few sapphire cupcakes.” Spike replied, handing her the letter. “I’ll go so you can read it. I need to sort out a few problems in the lower levels anyway.”

“Thank you Spike. And again, thank you for coming with me to this place. I know it must have been hard to leave Twilight.”

Spike stiffened slightly and sighed sadly. “It was, but she’s become deluded. She can’t see the lies Celestia was telling her. But it’s not her fault. She was practically raised by her.”

“So was Spell, and he still didn’t go to her.”

“Yes. But his father is Discord, and he had his family to look after as well.” Spike walked out with sorrow in his eyes. Rarity watched him go, and quickly wiped away a tear. Spike had abandoned the one who raised him for her, and she couldn’t help but feel guilty.

Pushing thoughts of remorse aside she opened the letter to take a look at its contents.

“Dear Queen Rarity,

Don’t be too surprised that I know you’re a Queen know. You don’t survive living the way I have without gathering information. I know we haven’t had an easy friendship after you all found out who my father was, and I know you still couldn’t trust me after the.....Incident. The Day of Red Sky still haunts me. Not my finest moment. But I’m rambling. In a few weeks time my family and I will be passing through your mountains, and we’d...I’d like to request that you give us shelter for a few days. So we can rest our weary bones and nurse our wounds. However if you don’t want us simply let us know. I ask for the friendship we all once had that you at least consider helping us. Send a letter to the Cherry Flower Orphanage, as we will be stopping there to see another old friend.

Sincerely

Spell Bound

P.S. Diamond Court? Seriously who came up with that? It sounds as if you’re all a bunch of talking Diamonds.

P.S.S. How’s spike doing? I sent him some Sapphire cupcakes along with this letter. I know the poor guy must be missing...her...”

Rarity put the letter down and thought to herself. Even after all this time Spell was still ashamed of the Day of Red Sky. Everyone had already forgiven him, knowing he had no control over the anger and chaos magic that corrupted him.

“Guard! Come here. I need you to fetch Spike for me.”

“Your will be done, my Queen.”

As the guard left Rarity was once more left alone with her thoughts, and this time wandered back to when the Elements of Harmony first found out about Spell’s father.

========================================

Rainbow dash crashed into the library, as usual. But this time she was filled with urgency, looking around dazed she saw Twilight working on some project, ignoring RD as she did this on a weekly basis. “The Daring Do book isn’t in yet Dashie so please stop crashing by to check.” Twilight said dismissively

“I’m not here for that Twi. Gather the girls here. They need to learn something about Mr Bound here.”

Twilight looked around confused, and was shocked to find Spell Bound in her library as well. “Did...did you fly him here?”

“Yes”

“And crashed into the tree with him”

“Eeyup.”

“Are you ok spell?” The only response she got was a groan. “Rainbow what do you think you’re doing?”

“Get the girls here and I’ll tell you.”

Sighing Twilight quickly wrote four letters asking for the Elements of harmony to come to the library. Sending them off with a spell similar to Spike’s dragon fire she turned back to Rainbow Dash and Spell Bound. “Will you at least let me check if he’s ok?”

“Fine. Make it quick Twi.” Twilight kneeled down next to Spell checking for any serious damage. Luckily he only had a few bruises and cuts. Nothing to serious.

“He’s alright. A few cuts here and there but nothing to serious. Why did you have to drag him with you though?” Looking up at Rainbow Dash confused as why she was so suspicious of their friend. Then she noticed the sword sticking into her floor.

“And where did the sword come from?”

Before either Spell, who had at this time sat up, or Rainbow Dash could answer their friends rushed in.

“What’s happening? Is there going to be a party?” Pinkie asked jumping up and down.

“Is....is someone hurt?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

“Is there some sort of horrible disaster coming?” Rarity asked worried.

“Why is mah Husband on the floor?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t know. Ask Rainbow.” Twilight said answering all of them.

“Well Rainbow? Ya better have a good explanation why mah husband is all cut up and lazing about the floor.”

“I think he’s a spy.”

Her five friends looked at her as if she grew another pair of wings out of her ears, and then laughed.

“This again darling? Remember when you thought Twilight was a spy?” Rarity asked with a chuckle.

“He has chaos magic.” Four words. Four simple words and it caused everyone to shut up. The only other ‘person’ they had encountered with chaos magic was Discord.

“Are....are you sure Rainbow? You know what that implies, seeing as...”

“....As only those with Draconequus blood can use chaos magic. She knows. So do I, should have figured it out earlier to be honest.” Spell cut in. He didn’t raised his head, just stared at the floor in front of him looking defeated.

“So....so what does that.....mean?” Fluttershy asked?

“It means that one of my parents must have been a Draconequus...” Spell said with a sigh.

“OH STOP BEATING AROUND THE BUSH SPELL! JUST TELL THEM WHO YOUR FATHER IS!” Rainbow shouted at him.

“FINE! FINE!” Spell shouted a few tears dropping down. “My father...is....is....Discord.”

“What was that sugarcube?”

“Discord. My father...is Discord.” Spell answered looking down with shame.

“WHAT!?” Everyone, aside from Rainbow Dash and Spell Bound shouted.

He looked up at them seeing what he expected. Shock, horror, fear, betrayal, anger. He swallowed nervously as Rarity walked up to him, eyes glaring with anger. The next thing he knew he was lying on the floor again, his cheek burning red from where he was slapped.

“Because of him...Our friendship was nearly torn to shreds.....THAT JERK ALMOST DESTROYED EQUESTRIA! AND YOU’RE HIS CHILD! LIKE FATHER LIKE SON AS THE SAYING GOES!” With that Rarity turned around and stormed out of the library.

Slowly sitting up he looked up at his friends. Fluttershy had already flown away with fear and tears in her eyes. Rainbow scoffed and decided to leave as well. Pinkie Pie looked like she was about to say something, saw the handprint on his face, and walked out deflated, leaving only Applejack, Twilight and Spell in the library.

“Ah’m disappointed Spelly. Ah thought you’d tell me at least.” Spell looked up at his wife with despair, and as she too walked out of the library, his whole world crashed around him.

“Are you going to leave me as well Twilly? I thought, the two who wouldn’t care, would be you and AJ. But even AJ is disgusted by me......”

“How long have you known who your father was?”

“Not long....a month.....after years of searching I finally find out, and it ruins everything....”Standing up Spell walked over to
the sword in the floor, pulls it out, and runs out of the library in the direction of the Everfree forest. As he entered the forest, his pain and anger caught up with him, and he started to change into a Draconequus, and the sky turned red with fire.

=========================================

Sighing, she shook her head in disgust. She should have behaved better. She blamed herself for being the major factor that caused the Day of Red Sky. She was interrupted from her wallowing in sorrow by a knock at the door. “You wanted to see me Rarity?”

“Yes I did. Come on in Spike.” She stood up from her bed as he came in, and could see he was nervous. He was probably worried the letter said something that made her angry at him. “Calm down Spike, I just need you to take a letter, two in fact.”

“Oh...OK. That’s not so bad.” He went over to her desk and pulled out to parchments of paper, and a quill. “Who’s the first one to?”

“Cheerilee at Cherry Flower orphanage.”

“OK.” Spike started writing down what she said.

“Dear Cheerilee,

We’ve had some close contact over the years and you have helped the Diamond Court immensely. Now I must ask another favour. I have recently received some information that an old friend will be stopping by your orphanage. I have a feeling it is to see Cotton Needle, do give her my love, but he may also want to find a safe place for his daughter. Along with this letter I shall be sending another for him. Please give it to him when he arrives. I’d tell you who he is, but you’ll know when he arrives.

Your faithful ally

Queen Rarity”

“Send that off now Spike.”

“Yes Rarity...and the other letter?”

“Yes...you ready?”

“Of course.”

“Dear Spell Bound,”

Hey guys. Almost three thousand words, that’s impressive for me. Sorry it took so along. Recently my uncle died so I lost all motivation to write. But thankfully I’ve recovered.

Chapter 7: Cherry Flower Orphange

Cherry Flower Orphanage

In the orphanage, Cotton Needle quickly ushered the children back into the main hall. War may still be upon them, but education was still important.

Cheerilee taught all the children in the main hall at once, instead of individual classes like she used to do before the war. It was simpler, and gave the rest of the orphanage staff a much needed break from the little creatures. Most of the Staff would rest in the kitchen, or take a quick cat nap, but Cotton Needle preferred to sit with the children during their lessons, in case Cheerilee needed any help.

But she never did. Cotton often found herself thinking back to her days in school, her hopes and dreams, and how she had come so close to reaching them....so close she could touch it. But then war stepped in and changed everything.

Standing up she decided to take a break from the lessons she didn’t need and walked to the apple tree growing outside the complex. Her she could think, and relax. The cool air from the mountains blew down and rustled the leaves, and waved her hair. She rested a hand on the tree. It was a gift from Applejack, a year after the war broke out.
Such a simple gift, yet it had a huge impact.

Cotton couldn’t be happier. For the last 10 months she was lost. She had nothing to live for. Her goals where made irrelevant by the war, but now she had something to look after.

The children. Cheerilee had taken her in after she collapsed on the steps. Finally a friendly face. Cotton had run to the mountains after Spell had disappeared. She was the only link to finding him that they could get to. His wife was untouchable as she was everyone’s supplier of weapons. But Cotton? She was weak. A simple fashion designer. Sure she had random bursts of chaos abilities after one of Spell Bound’s spells went wrong infusing her with a small bit of his chaos magic.

But she refused to betray her friend. So she ran. She knew Rarity ran to the mountains with several others. If they lived she would help her surely? They may not have been the best of friends, but their rivalry was friendly and they got along fairly well. But she never made it that far.

She got attacked by timber wolves halfway through her journey, and only happened across the orphanage by chance. She collapsed onto the steps, not even realizing that they where steps. One of the staff discovered her there and carried her in.
It took a while for Cheerilee to recognize her as Cotton she was so badly scratched up.

===================================

3 months had passed since then, and she had managed to write a letter to Applejack explaining her situation to her.

“Dear Applejack,

I know you must be worried after I suddenly disappeared. You see, every side of this accursed war wants Spelly. And now he’s vanished. No one knows that he’s gone off with his family. I know he’ll be ok. He has Dawn Star and Screwball....plus I know they’ll look after Apple Blossom. Anyway, they needed leads to find him, and you are untouchable. I on the other hand am just a simple fashion designer. So I ran away. Almost didn’t make it. Timber wolves attacked me. But I did, and I discovered the Cherry Flower Orphanage. And guess who’s in charge. Cheerilee! That explains where she went to.

She gave me a job here. Help look after the little ones and patch up their clothes and their blankets. Its good here. Peaceful. Even if they find me here they can’t touch me. Attacking an orphanage, that’s simply not done. However, all is not good. We are desperately in-need of food. Our supplies are dwindling fast. I’m sorry; this wasn’t meant to be a letter of complaint. Just letting you know I was ok. I hope to see you again soon, but that might not be till after this horrid was is over.

Yours sincerely’
Cotton Needle”

Cotton and written and sent that letter of months ago, and had no reply. She looked out on the valley, and noticed something worrying. A large group was making its way towards the orphanage when she noticed something. They were carrying the trees.

Turned out as soon as Applejack read the letter she dug up several apple trees and personally led the expedition to Cherry Flower.

When AJ arrived her worked began to plant all but one tree in an open field behind the orphanage complex, while other workers handed out food and clothes to the children.

AJ walked over to Cotton and gave her a hug.

“Thank the night your ok.”

“Thank the night? You choosing sides Applejack?”

“Eenope. Being neutral means ah can use language from all sides. But ah was so worried when ya disappeared.”

“I’m sorry AJ, but I had no choice. I wasn’t going to betray Spell. At least this was I can do something meaningful while this blasted war rages on. But what’s this tree? Why isn’t it being planted with the others?”

“Cause this one is special. Spell an Ah planted it. Ah want it here to be safe. Too many accidents on the farm. Will ya look after it for me?” AJ looked at Cotton hoping she understood the importance of this gift.

“I would be honoured to.” The two friends spent the next few hours talking and laughing, till AJ had to head back home with her workers, but she left Cotton feeling happier than she had in months.

A thunderclap snapped her out of her daydream. She quickly ran back into the complex as the rain began to pelt down. Lightning flashed every few minutes, and the children were ushered into their beds. This was going to be a heavy storm.
Cotton rushed into the office to put close the windows and put away the loose papers blown about by the wind. As she did she was two Letters on Cheerilee’s desk. She knew what one said, as it involved her. But the second was unknown to her, and it was unmarked. The envelope gave no clue who it was for.

She reached out to take a look at it, when a knock echoed through the orphanage. Someone was knocking at the door, in this storm. Cotton was the first to recover and rushed out of the office to the door and opened it not looking who was standing there and ushered the person in.

She was surprised to find out it was several people. Two Avians came into the foyer, followed by a adult human and a little child. The final person to enter was a seer. There was something strangely familiar about them. The human lowered her hood revealing that she was female, with purple hair with silver swirls in it. The Avians then followed, the female with bright golden hair, the male with hair of burning crimson.

She recognised them all but couldn’t place them. The child kept her hood up shivering from the cold, and the first person to speak was the seer.

“Hello, old friend.” Cotton gasped slightly at the voice, and as the seer lowered his hood she confirmed her suspicions as to
who he was. He had long tied up fair coming over his shoulder. It was black with a red streak. And his eyes were turquoise and pupil-less.

“Did you miss me?” Spell asked Cotton with a smirk.

A/N Hey everypony. Sorry the chapter is so short and took so long. I decided to keep it short cause I want to get onto writing about the present instead of the past. This is the last flashback chapter. There might be a few more flashbacks, but no more chapters dedicated to them. Don’t want this to end up like Naruto with every second chapter being a bloody flashback.

Chapter 8: Taking a break

The children of Discord sat around a table eating the first good meal they have had in months. Dawn Star had combed his crimson hair back out of his face. Screwball and Derpy had tied their hair into a ponytail so their normally long hair, now even longer due to the months that had passed since it was cut, wouldn’t get in their food. Apple Blossom was smiling. Her hair was normally of medium length, barely going over her shoulder blades. However, her hair had grown to be long. She had a splicing of her mother’s and father’s hair. It was blond, with streaks of black in it in a similar patter to her father’s black hair with streaks of red.

Her father sat across from cotton. His long hair was over his shoulder, and despite his constant running, seems to have kept it orderly and tame. Even though he was inside he kept his long hooded coat on, and done up, although his hood was down. Cotton sat with her elbows on the table, fingers interlocked. Her hands up to her elbows were covered in long gloves, and her legs from the knees down were likewise covered in long socks.

“It’s freezing in these mountains, and yet to continue to wear shorts and knee high socks. You never cease to amaze me Cotton.”

“You know perfectly well why I wear these Spell, seeing as it’s your fault.” Spell smiled slightly.

“Aye. I suppose it is my fault. Have you found any use for those....gifts?”

“Yes actually. I’ve given life to the tree’s that die in our new orchard, kindly given to us by your wife.” Spell frowned slightly with sorrow. He closed his eyes thinking of his wife. He only opened them when a little hand pulled at his sleeve. He looked and found an orphan looking at him with a mix of curiosity and fright.

“Yes little one?”

“Um..mister.....what’s with your eyes?” Spell smiled as Cotton groaned. She was about to say something, probably telling the child how rude it was to ask such things, but Spell started speaking before she could.

“A good question little one. A good question, and one I’d be happy to answer another time. However I have some business I need to attend to with your caretaker Cotton and Cheerilee. Off you go.” Spell gently nudged the child towards the door and smiled as he ran out giggling. “You seem upset Cotton. Are you unhappy to see me?”

“A little bit. You disappear without a trace, not a single letter written, and now even though you obviously knew I was here you didn’t even write to inform us.”

“That’s because I couldn’t. But Cheerilee did know of my coming. At least I hope so. I wrote a letter to Rarity. And before you complain I can send one to her because Spike is there. Now, is there a letter for me?”

Cotton stared at him for a second slightly angry with him, but also relieved he was still ok. At the question of a letter she thought back to the unmarked envelope on Cheerilee’s desk. “There just might be. There was one on Cheerilee’s desk earlier. It was unmarked though. I’m sure Cheerilee is there now so why don’t you go ask.”

Smiling Spell stood up from the table. The rest of his family looked at him with utensils half way to their mouth. “You can keep on eating. This may take a while.” Spell smiled as they all grinned happily at him and went back to eating. Spell left the room and looked left and right unsure of which path to take, until Cotton whispered in his ear,

“Follow the smell of Cherries. “ Spell nodded and smelled the air and began walking down the hallway to his right. Several minutes, five dead ends and 8 wrong turns later he found himself outside’s Cheerilee’s office.

“Great help Cotton. Follow the smell of cherries, when cherry pudding is being made.” Sighing he knocked on the door to the office. He hoped Cheerilee was in. He didn’t want to go through her desk to find the letter and neither did he feel like waiting for her. Luckily for him Cheerilee’s voice called him into the room.

He opened up the door, and was greeted by the scent of Cheerilee’s cherry scented perfume. It made him falter slightly. It had been a long time since he had seen her, and was unsure of her attitude towards him. There were many who blamed him for the destruction of their homes, saying if he hadn’t preached about his precious balance, and just let things as they where, this war would never have begun.

“Hello Cheerilee.” She looked up from her desk. Several stacks of paper cluttered it up, and from what Spell could see, they where tests from the orphans.

“Hello Spell. I’ve been expecting you.” He raised an eyebrow at her, and then smiled.

“Did a certain filly get a bad grade?” he teased grinning. Cheerilee smiled as well, remembering this verbal banter they used to have back in Ponyville.

“Oh no, Apple Blossom’s grades are perfect. They’ve remained constant for five years. Then again she hasn’t been to school in five years. Maybe we should talk about that Mr. Bound.”

“Oh I’m afraid not Ms Cheerilee. You see she’s been travelling with me. Hasn’t had much time for school as you can imagine.”

They both looked at each other smiling despite the seriousness that hung around them. “I missed you Spell. Never a dull moment when you where around, with your thrilling stories, playful nature. Even when you became more sombre and began saying a Balance must be maintained.”

“And I missed you Cheerilee. I have a question to ask of you.”

“If it’s about a letter I have it. Somewhere. As you can imagine...” She gestured to the paper around her desk. “It would be quite easily lost in this.”

“Oh I think I can help with that.” Spell’s seer marks began to glow, and the stacks of paper levitated into the air, and began sorting themselves into neat stacks, before descending back to the desk, leaving a sealed envelope in the middle. “I assume that’s the letter?”

“Yes.” She picked it up and handed it over to him. “How long will you be staying Spell?”

“Oh a few days at least, my family need a good rest after all. I can entertain the little ones with one of my fancy tales.”

“That would be nice. It’s been a while since we’ve had a good story. Now if you excuse me, I have to get back to marking these papers. No rest for the wicked.”

“Don’t I know it?” Spell said with a smile, and left the office envelope in hand. He returned to the dining room, faster than he had gotten away from it, and sat down in his seat and opened up the letter.

“Dear Spell Bound
I was beginning to worry about you. I hope you are well, and I hope Apple Blossom is in good condition as well. In would be happy to accommodate you and your family for a while. Just make sure you don’t lead any Imperials, Republicans or Legionaries to our doors will you? We’ve stayed out of the conflict for this long. And when you do arrive, I hope you will tell me where you are going that requires you travelling so far through these mountains. There will be a camp half way up Mt Akosh. When they ask what brings you there, tell them “The Tribunal of Gem’s greets you”. They’ll lead you to me after that.

Until then my old friend, keep safe.

Yours Sincerely
Rarity

Ps. Spike loved the cupcakes. Thank you. It was nice to see him smile for real again.”

“So brother, where we heading?” Spell looked up at Dawn Star, and smiled softly.

“For the next couple of days, nowhere. We deserve a break, and Cheerilee is happy to put us up for a while. After that we head to the Diamond court. Now, I am to bed. This is the first time in months were I will be able to sleep without keeping watch. Don’t stay up to much. Come on Apple Blossom.” Spell picked up his daughter, who was yawning and rubbing her eyes, and carried her off to the room Cheerilee had given them.

==============================================

Spell was sitting in his bed, back resting against the headrest, legs crossed and hands in his lap. Things were so peaceful. It felt strange after all the time of running. It gave him time alone with his thoughts. A dangerous thing for a man who had ran from them for so long.

He looked over at the adjacent bed, and smiled seeing Apple Blossom curled up under the blankets sleeping so soundly. She was probably around 10 now. But in her heart she was young, but her mind was also very mature. A perfect balance between maturity and playfulness.

Perfect balance, such simple words, but hard to achieve. But it was what Spell strived for, what he desired of Equestria. And now, he had started formulating a plan. The broken elements of Harmony all wanted him on their side? Fine, he’d play their little game for a while, but only to achieve his own goals.

“Round and round I run and they follow. Little do they know who is really chasing who. One by one they shall fall to my plan. I will find a way to restore the balance. And you are going to unknowingly help me in this goal, old friends.”

Smiling to himself, Spell slid himself under the covers, and let sleep overcome him.

=======================================================

A day had passed since the family’s arrival. The whole complex was having lunch in the great hall. Laughter filled the air, and even Spell, who had his mind on serious things, found it impossible to stop a grin spreading across his face.

A commotion brought him out of his musing. A group of kids where asking a caretaker for a story, and the caretaker seemed to be out of stories. Spell stood up and walked over to the group. “Do I hear correctly and you want a story?” Spell looked at the group smile and nod happily. He looked around the canteen and called out “And what of the rest of you? Would you too like to hear a tale?” He smiled as he was answered with the sound of many voices saying yes. “Then listen well, for I shall tell you of one of my travels.”

Spell stood up on one of the tables, and the group of children around him sat down on their chairs. Once he was sure he had the attention of everyone in the hall, he began.

“Over my years I have travelled across many lands. I have seen many wonders. I have spent time among the changelings. Participated in magic duels against Draconians and Dragons.” He pulled out a small pouch containing a green dust. Taking a pinch and blowing it across the room, a green mist formed, which Spell could manipulate with his voice.

“Imagine this young ones, Imagine tall black shinning pillars of Chitin, Imagine Dragons flying above these carrying their hordes of jewels and gold. Imagine dear children glorious city hives, and creatures thousands of years old.”

Spell Bound proceeded to tell them one of his adventures amazing the children and brining a smile to their faces. He continued to tell his stories till night fell upon the world. “Go now dear children. It is time to sleep. The nights are not as safe as they used to be.” The children scurried off to their bunks and dorms leaving the staff to clean up the dining hall.

“You know Cheerilee won’t be too happy about them missing their lessons Spelly.” Cotton said as she walked up to him.

“Oh please Cotton, you worry too much. I’m sure she will forgive my transgression. Now if you excuse me, I must find my brother before he makes himself sick by eating too much.” Spell turned away and began searching for Dawn Star.

==================================================

Dawn Star lay on the floor holding his stomach groaning. He had just thrown up most of his after dinner dinner. Above him stood Spell Bound with his arms crossed looking down at Dawn Star.

“I warned you about eating too much brother. I told you this would happen.”

“I..................regret................................nothing........................”

Spell shook his head smiling. “Of course you don’t. But you have the night to get yourself together. We’re leaving in the morning for the mountains.”

“Ugh you’re too cruel brother.................can’t we rest some more?”

“We’ve rested to long. We don’t want to bring any armed forces here do we?”

Dawn Star shook his head before trying to stand up.

“Also....can’t you do anything about that storm? It’s been following us for ages?”

“Of course it is. We’re causing it.” Dawn Star looked up and saw the puzzled look on his brothers face. “The chaos is feeding your power, which is in turn feeding mine. Hence between your chaos magic and my chaotic ability of weather control without factories we’re causing this storm.”

Spell nodded understanding. “Very well then. We’ll just have to suffer it through some more.” Spell turned to leave before Dawn Star’s voice stopped him.

“You know she’ll want to come with us don’t you?”

“Of course brother. I’d be disappointed if she didn’t.” With that Spell left the room, leaving his brother to clean up the mess.

==================================================================

The Children of Discord stood outside the orphanage with their coats on and hoods up. Spell Was locked in an embrace with Cheerilee. Cotton was nowhere to be seen.

“Must you leave so soon?”

“You know we must Cheerilee. We’re causing this storm and will lead soldiers to us. We don’t want you getting hurt. Continue taking care of the children old friend.”

“Of course I will. It’s my job to. Goodbye Spell. I hope we see each other again when this mess is over.”

“As do I old friend. May death claim neither of us till we are old and grey, and peace once more owns the land.”

The group bid their farewell to the rest of the staff before once more entering the forest and making their way towards the mountains.

Screw Ball floated next to Spell defying physics as she so often did. “It was rather rude of Cotton not to say goodbye.”

“She doesn’t need to Screw Ball. She’s coming with us.” Spell Stopped walking and looked behind him smiling seeing Cotton Needle running up the path to catch up with them. When she saw them waiting for her she slowed down till she was a meter away from them and put her hands on her hips.

“Were you expecting me?!”

“Of course Cotton. I’d be disappointed if you didn’t try to join us.” Spell said with a smile before continuing walking. Screw Ball waved hello before continuing to float next to Spell. Dawn patted her shoulder and Derpy gave her a hug. Cotton sighed smiling, annoyed she failed again to surprise Spell. She felt a little hand pull on her skirt. Looking down she saw little Apple Blossom. Smiling she picked her up and began carrying her, following the rest of the group up the mountain.

“Well then. This should be fun.” Cotton said to herself.

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long everypony. I had intendet to write so much more, including the story he actually told. But then I got caught up in my other stories and decided to save the adventures he had for a different story. Still, I hope you enjoy. I have no idea when I'll post the next chapter so stay with me.

Notice

So chances of me continuing this story is very slim. Spell Bounds back story has completely changed since I first started writing this and I've put if off for to long. I don't even remember where I was going to go with it.

I won't be handing it to anyone else because quite a few of the OC's are mine, and the others belong to close friends of mine. However, there is a chance after my newest story is finished I will write something similar, but instead of being like this, it will take place during the initial rising up of the NLR, and will involve the Changeling Nation, espionage and a concert!

Gears are already grinding in my mind for this story, which has been inspired by Skillets- Rise. If you have not listened to it I highly recommend you do as well as their other songs.

That's all I've got for now. Who knows. Maybe in the dark future of the 41st millennium I might take it back up.