Chapters The Journey Begins
---The Crystal Mirror---
--A Journey Begins--
“Thanks Spike!” said Twilight, as he handed her the note that he had just vomited out. The note had been sent by Princess Celestia, it had read:
Dear Twilight, It has come to my attention that the Crystal Gate has grown weaker. I need you and your friends to investigate the gate to make sure it does not open. This is a very important matter and I wish that you see to it immediately.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia “Crystal Gate” before. After all, I had read all the books in my library. “Take a letter spike” I said. Spike then grabbed his quill and paper and started writing. “Dearest Princess” I began. “I’ve never heard of such Gate and I don’t know where to start looking for it. Please tell me where I can find said Gate and I will gladly go investigate. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” As Spike finished up his letter he put down his quill, opened the window, and sent the letter to the Princess. A cool fall breeze entered the room. It was only a matter of seconds before Spike vomited out a replying letter. It had contained a map of Equestria, only, something was different. There had never been a second railway connecting with Canterlot’s. It didn’t even lead to a town or anything. It had just led to a forest. This confused me, but pushing that thought aside I gathered up my friends and had set off on my adventure.
-The Train Ride-
As the train began, my friends and I were excitedly talking about the upcoming adventure to this unknown forest. Well, all but Fluttershy. At the sound of an unknown creepy forest she just simply cowered and hid in fear of what awaits her. “Don’t be afraid!” Pinkie Pie had said calmingly. “What’s the worst that can happen? You know, besides us all getting lost and trapped in the awful forest, forcing us to fight to live and eventually turning on each other and finally eating one another to survive!” Fluttershy let out a small squeak, froze in place, and started shivering uncontrollably. After a few hours the sun had started to set. Soon Princess Luna would raise the moon symbolizing the night and the time for sleep.
“Well I have to go put my face mask on before I go to sleep. I can’t let my pretty face have wrinkles now can I?” said Rarity snob like.
“I propose we should fix Fluttershy before she explodes!” laughed Rainbow. “She has been shivering in that same position for hours now!” Everypony laughed except for Fluttershy, she was still shivering, not wanting to move an inch. After about ten minutes of trial and error, Twilight decided to calm her down. Fluttershy honestly did look like she was about to erupt. Only after the sun set did Fluttershy move. Turns out she is more afraid of the dark than anything. As soon as our train cart turned pitch black she darted under her bedcovers. We all shared a giggle, even Fluttershy pitched in after realizing how silly she had been. Unfortunately, she was right to be scared, we all should have been. Nopony has ever heard of this place, who knows what could lie ahead. Only time will tell. We all snuggled into bed, our destination only ten hours away. Tomorrow we can find this Gate and get this over with.
“Morning already!” Rainbow sighed as she flew out of bed. She accidentally knocked her head up against the ceiling causing her to crash on Fluttershy. The two just stared deeply into each other’s eyes, not knowing what to say. The both knew how they felt about one another. Rainbow felt as if she was in a trance when she looked at Fluttershy’s beautiful cyan eyes. Rainbow blushed, her face was burning up. They had only stayed there for a few seconds but it felt like an eternity. “S-s-sorry Fluttershy” Rainbow squeaked.
“Oh it’s quite alright” Replied Fluttershy ever-so-sweetly. Rainbow Dash thought about it over and over. “I can’t be in love with Fluttershy… We've been friends forever! What would everypony else think, what would, Fluttershy think! Oh this can’t be happening…But, I do love her. I can’t lie to myself I know I've always had feelings for her. I wonder if she thinks the same about me. I can never ask her, thought Rainbow. The train started to stop. The sun had just started to rise but the forest was still horrifically still dark. When the train had come to a complete stop, the mane six got ready for their upcoming journey.
There was a strong, cold, wind outside the train. Rarity shivered and took a pink scarf out of her backpack. “Oh please tell me I brought the matching tiara” Rarity panicked.
“Please Rarity, we have bigger problems then matching outfits” said Applejack. “Who knows what y’all might find in that there forest, but I bet it won’t care about your sense of fashion. Rarity sighed and gave up looking for her tiara. Twilight was instantly assigned leader and started to walk towards the unknown forest. They were scared. They knew not of the dangers that lay ahead, but they knew nothing good could come out of this forest. Fluttershy started to shiver again. Twilight stopped before the forest. Not because of fear, but because the sign in front of it. It was a broken moldy wooden sign with a note saying…
-The Neverfree Forest-
As we entered the forest, the wind had disappeared. No breeze, no trees rustling, just utter silence. It was unnatural and creepy. The grass was all muddy and sticky. The trees were immense and had strange carvings on them. It was an amazement that Fluttershy hadn't turned around and ran. The only problem was, we have been walking for a minute and the exit had sealed itself up. As crazy as it sounds, I thought the forest had swallowed us up. I was beginning to wonder if we would ever see Equestria again. I quickly shoved the thought away, only, I couldn't. I couldn't stop thinking about the future. How was I supposed to find the cave? I don’t know what it looks like. And when I do, how do I seal the gate? I don’t have the elements. Oh shoot, that’s what I forgot, the Elements of Harmony! How could I be so foolish? I just hope to Celestia I won’t need them. Twilight sighed and continued walking, then started transitioning into a slow trot. It had only been a few minutes since we had entered the forest but we’re already lost. Well as if we knew where we were going anyways.
Fluttershy was the first to break the silence that surrounded us. “I-I-I think we should t-turn back…” Her voice was so soft and quiet; as if she was afraid she might be heard.
“We can’t turn back dear” Rarity said soothingly. “If we don’t seal this Gate who knows what might happen”. Rarity was right. If we couldn't seal this Gate who knows how many lives are in danger! Heck, we don’t even know what this Gate has sealed away. I only hope we don’t have to find out. But a gut feeling says we will.
The muddy grass had grown thicker. The trees had started to bristle. A strange aura had filled the forest. Something or someone didn't want us here. Everypony had felt it. As they kept walking forward and forward, the aura became stronger. The air had suddenly dropped and was now freezing cold. It was getting harder and harder for us to press forward. “I think this is a sign y’all.” said Applejack struggling to hold her ground. The strange aura had a huge gravitational pull, drawing us towards it. Sure enough, Applejack was right. Not too far away a cave could be seen. It was very flashy and the only thing producing light in this Celestia forsaken forest. The cave was covered in crystals. “Oh my Celestia!” Rarity exploded. When she had seen the cave she fell in love. It was scary. “Whoa there nelly!” called Applejack as she chomped down on Rarity’s tail. Rarity was propelled backwards crashing into Applejack. She whined and cried until we had reassured her that we were going to the cave anyways.
As we neared the cave, the aura had abruptly vanished. The only thing that lingered in the air was a growing sense of eeriness. Something was watching us. As we reached the entrance of the cave I swear when I saw everypony’s jaw drop. This cave was immense. No, no this cave is like a leviathan. I don’t think there is any word in any dictionary that could describe the awesomeness of this cave. It was the only thing that actually had light too! On top of that everything was made out of crystals. I’m quite confident that Rarity was drooling the whole time. This cave was endless. I mean it felt bigger than the forest. Then we saw it. The most beautiful thing you could have ever seen in your life, The Gate. It was a massive white crystal with black engravings. A purple mist swayed around the crystal, which I’m guessing was what trying to open the Gate . I took a few steps closer, and closer, and closer until I was right in front of the purple mist. When I went to touch it, as if struck by lightning, I was zapped with electricity and was launched backwards. The mist had angered and had turned more violent. More mist filled the cave and growls echoed off the walls. I watched as Fluttershy fainted and Rainbow swooped in to pick her up. Rarity was shivering uncontrollably then grabbed Applejack and held her close for safety. Pinkie was curled up into a ball on the floor and, well, I didn't was to hold on to her so I left her there.
When the mist started to swarm around the crystal I decided to try and fight back. Only problem was could I do it without the elements. I had to do something. I stood my ground, pointed my horn at the mist, and used all the magic I knew. In hindsight that probably wasn't the best idea considering I grew a mustache, summoned a door in between the mist and I, formed a zipper on my mouth and closed it, teleported in the ceiling and created a storm cloud that hit me with thunder. With a bit of effort I got myself out of the ceiling. Sweet Celestia that was pathetic. The mist then saw its opportunity and attacked the crystal with full force. A small cracking noise was heard. Then the crystal made a loud tearing noise and a purple vortex-like-thing appeared. That was it. The Gate had been opened. Celestia is going to send me back to magic kindergarten. I just hope nothing bad comes from this Gate. But with my luck, Equestria might as well be doomed.
My life is officially over.
---The Crystal Mirror---
--The Newcomers--
No. I can still do something about this. I can’t fail the Princess or Equestria! I need to act fast. “Ok one of you is going to come with me, through the Gate” I said heroically. Everypony looked at me as if I was some crazy psychopath.
-Beyond the Gate-
My head was spinning round and round and I was about ready to throw up. But what I saw before me made my whole body just stop. I couldn’t think, I couldn’t blink, heck I could barely breathe. I was in Pony Ville except it wasn’t the same. Don’t get me wrong if I showed you a picture of it you could easily mistake it for the Pony Ville back in, well, I guess I could call it my dimension. You needed to be there to feel this vibe. It didn’t feel right being there, everything had a darker feel to it. Then we saw her. Rainbow Dash was flying through the sky and landed not too far away from us. “Rainbow?” Applejack whispered.
“Oh Celestia you scared me! I totally forgot you were here” replied Twilight.
“Welcome to our dimension. Too bad you won’t live long here. In fact the dimensional prison has just been opened and we need new testers. I bet Twilight brought you along with her right AJ? Foolish. And Twilight sweetie, I bet that twat Celestia brought you here. That dumb twat was never smart, sending little fillies like you two to come and stop us! What a laugh! We’ve been trapped in this reject universe for centuries. We have grown strong. You’re twat princess wouldn’t be able to stop anyone of us. Now the chance of revenge has awoken. Soon Black Ashes and Shadowed Eclipse will cross dimensions and lead our people to a new life. Soon the new world, your world, will be all ours. Finally we can leave the Dark Days and enter the Light Life. Well enough talking, BE GONE WITH YOU.” Suddenly a swarm of knights filled the sky and started to attack us. “RUN!” I yelled. “Get help, tell Celestia, just LEAVE!” Applejack looked at me for a minute then ran off back towards the gate. Please Celestia help her. Then a strange voice surrounded me worse than the knights. It was familiar but unrecognizable.
“Silly mare, I am the Celestia of this world. I rather prefer the Sun Queen. I’m like a god to these ponies, promising they will see the sun again. It helps motivate them to invade your dimension. You thought it was night? Oh Magic, you don’t know anything about this place do you? The sun had been locked away since we got here. Now even if your pathetic excuse for Honesty escapes this dimension, she still can’t stop the onslaught that’s about to tear apart your dimension. You know too much. It’s time you see your new prison and our dimension’s power. Goodbye Magic.”
-The Dimensional Prison-
After that everything went black. The Sun Queen, I guess I can call her that, casted a spell that fully blinded me. It had been hours until I was able to see again. Two hours, forty-nine minutes and thirty seconds. Don’t judge me I was really bored. When I starting regaining sight the first thing I saw was me! Well the other dimensions me. Magic? Is that what they called me… her… us? I had a hard time remembering anything; heck I didn’t know my own name until Magic spoke it.
“Sparkle, we’ve been waiting for a while now for you to regain sight” Magic said in a low monotone voice. “Now the fun can begin!” When she spoke this time her voice was more vibrant and shook my whole body. Her devilish grin was full of blood and her sadistic laugh was more than enough to set me overboard the panic train. I couldn’t seem to find my voice, not under all the eerie bloody words Magic smothered me in. I was just about ready to give up until I found the strength deep inside me to talk back.
“Well then, I hope you’re ready for a ride, because I’m not out yet!” I yelled those last words with all of my strength and emotion I was slowly regaining. She laughed again this time sounding more broken and twisted.
“Oh I’m ready for more than just a petty little ride Sparkle. I don’t think you’re ready for the onslaught that is about to wreak havoc on your pathetic little form you call a body.” She sounded more than ready to pounce on me at any given moment, but she withheld herself. She was waiting for something, I knew it. I just could put my hoof on it. Then I struck me, literally, on the back of the head. It was Loyalty. She was standing behind me with that same sly grin Magic was wearing. I started to panic and then got ready to fight. I wasn’t thinking straight but hell, it was either that or die. I lifted my horn and started to make my horn glow showing I was ready. I wasn’t.
Magic just grinned and took a step forward. Loyalty did the same. They mimicked this until they were 5 steps away from me. Then Magic spoke in a low static like tone. “You’re too weak you would never fight back…Heh”.
“That’s what you think!” I said before I conjured up a manticore to help defend me.
“Hah! Don’t make me laugh”. Loyalty then swooped in and grabbed the manticore’s tail and pulled him up in the air. Magic then created a hole under the floor the manticore was being held above. The hole was a dark abyss which looked like a dimension of pain and torture. Then Loyalty flew down super-fast and launched the manticore down the abyss. “Too easy” Both Magic and Loyalty said in unison.
I panicked and quickly thought of what I could do to stay alive. I looked around the room and spotted a small alarm. I instantly focused all my magic to make it sound. Finally something went right for me and my plan was a success. Then in that split second when both Loyalty and Magic realized my plan I charged all my magic to create a powerful blast and knocked both of them into the almost closed abyss.
I fell down on my flank and started to breathe deeply. That last bit of magic I used drained the last bit of energy I had left. I was completely drained and I felt as if I was going to die. I couldn’t believe I was still alive. It was too easy. Maybe I was just lucky. Oh well I’m alive right now and that’s what matters. Now how do I get out of here I thought. I scanned the room this time more carefully not to miss anything. There was no door or window or anything, just a dimly lit bot. I thought about it for a while, Magic got in I guess with magic, maybe she also teleported Loyalty in here. I honestly don’t know what to do to leave. I sat there for a bit to regain my strength. My only option was to try to teleport out. I just didn’t know where to teleport to!
-A New Friend-
After a good hour or so (no I didn’t count the time past this time) I stood up and got ready to get out. I thought about the best possible place I could teleport to. Then it struck me. Not in the back of the head this time. I just defeated Magic so I thought about teleporting to her…my…our house. So I stood in my ready position and started to teleport. I closed my eyes and when I reopened them I was in the tree house/library. The library looked exactly like the one in my dimension. The only difference was the books in the library. “A beginners guide to torture”, “How to inflict as much pain without killing victim, volume 1” and one of my favorites “How to correctly gut and de-bowl your victim”. I felt queasy already. I debated what I could do next I mean I was out of that box. That’s when I heard a faint whisper in the distance.
“Good riddance. I was honestly getting tired of watching her until I had a good chance of killing her. The abyss you banished her in will keep her away from us for about one week. Just enough time to save your dimension from its doomsday.” The voice soon became a shadow which became a figure of a unicorn. “The name’s Broken Arrow I’ve been against this “Light Life” movement bullshit. I used to be in a position of power, and then my king got obsessed with power and turned evil. He started the "Light Life" nonsense and stole the Elements of Harmony. After that he gave them to his high priestess and she became Celestia, or Sun Queen whatever I don’t care anymore. I just want revenge. And if you want to save your dimension you’re going to have to trust me and assist me in my quest. Understood?”
I only nodded my head and he fully revealed himself to me. He was a reddish brown color with white bandages on all his hooves. He had brown and purplish mane and tail and a broken horn. “What happened to you horn” I managed to squeak out.
“A fine tale my good mare but alas time is nigh and we must get to the mission, Black Ashes, Shadowed Eclipse and Sun Whore or whatever are still out there. Now if you want to spare your petty dimension, you will come with me.” Broken Arrow spoke in a magnificent old English accent. The sound of his voice was seductive. I had no choice but to do as he wished.
Once again, curse you Celestia.
The Preparations
(A/N, if anypony would like to help edit Aj’s lines that would be fantastic<3)
---The Crystal Mirror---
--The Preparations--
Applejack
I can never forget that day when I went back to my dimension. All I saw were 4 ponies staring at me with these big empty stares. “Where’s Twilight?” Rainbow questioned.
“Ok listen up y’all I don’t have long to explain this. Twi was kidnapped and she told me to run. I need to warn the princess we’re in great danger.” Everypony quickly nodded their heads and started to prepare for the journey back home. Rainbow volunteered to carry a still passed out Fluttershy and refused help for anyone. I reckon that she has a thing for Flutters. Ah well, I can’t be worrying bout other pony’s love lives. Not when I got armies to be preparing!
It felt like a good two hours before we found the exit to this darned forest. That aura thing had disappeared this time round, and the muddy thickness had gotten worse. The train was still docked at the barely noticeable station and the conductor was busy sleeping on a rocking chair outside. I really had to struggle to get that darned pony awake. After five minutes that pony hopped into the train and started to get it movin.
The train ride was long and painful. Nopony spoke to one another. They just stared at me to see if I would crack and tell em’ what’s going on. I wouldn’t say a dang word until I met the princess. Oh and the things I would tell that…that…bitch! Uh, I hate saying that word, it just doesn’t feel nice. But it sure as hell is honest.
When the train arrived at Canterlot I charged at Celestia’s home to give her a piece of my mind. Now I wouldn’t tell her all that I had to say, but she sure would get a mouth full. When I bucked open the doors Celestia was waitin’ for me. She had a might stern face on and asked me where Twi was. Oh I was going to enjoy telling her off.
Rainbow
Applejack was in a really pissy mood during the train ride. Like come on she wouldn’t even tell us about what happened to Twilight! I sighed and held Fluttershy in my arms, slowly stroking her beautiful pink mane. I looked at how peaceful she looked when she was asleep or well passed out, and I wondered if she would ever love me. It’s selfish of me really to think about Fluttershy and I when Twilight is missing. I just can’t help myself; somehow she always creeps into my mind. I can only wish in a perfect, alternate universe, she would love me. Speaking of which I really want to know what Applejack saw in that other dimension. I hope for Twilight’s sake that it isn’t a horrid brutal place. May Celestia be with her. When the train pulled to a sudden halt I knew we arrived in Canterlot. I almost didn’t notice Applejack rocket out of the train because Fluttershy peacefully woke up. She blinked her eyes three times before she looked at me. I tried to pull the most sincere face I could. She simply smiled back and hugged me. “Thanks Rainbow!” Fluttershy said with the softest and cutest voice I’ve ever heard
We exchanged some small chit chat when we arrived at the Canterlot Castle. Fluttershy was the first to notice Applejack getting restrained by Celestia’s Royal Guards. “Yes Twilight was a favorite of mine but she didn’t pass the pop quiz” Celestia said in a powerful, princess like, tone. “She couldn’t return from The Great Darkness so she has failed as my student. The fact that you survived is unbelievable you petty farmer pony. Now take your friends and go, I do believe Twilight is still alive in The Great Darkness but for now I have an army to build with Luna. Today you’re lucky. Normally I would have you thrown in the dungeon for what you did today. But today isn’t a normal circumstance; I will need to alive and healthy if we’re going to with this war.” Celestia glanced over at Rarity, Pinkie, than Fluttershy and I. When I blinked my eyes shut, I opened them only to find myself back in Pony Ville. My Pony Ville.
-False Assumptions-
Applejack
I knew the princess was never up t’any good. What did she mean, “needed me”, for the war? I didn’t want any part of this “war” nonsense. I looked behind me to find that my friends had disappeared. Why is she keeping me here? Celestia just stared at me for what felt like an eternity then broke her gaze to call for her sister. “LUUUNA” she yelled. Luna came flying down.
“Dearest sister, what would be so important to call me here in the morning when I am most weak?” Luna said sincerely.
“I simply wanted answers Flutters, Y’all know I’d never harm the princess” I tried to say super sincerely.
“I’m n-not sure I can believe you Applejack”
“Looks Flutters” I said these words slowly channelling my anger. “I never intended harm on the princess. Trust me or not I have important information. A war is coming. Please believe me Fluttershy; I need my friends for this”. Fluttershy stared at me with the darndest eyes.
“Only because you’re my friend, and you represent honesty, I believe you”. Fluttershy said in a slow respectful voice. I smirked and she suggested we gather everypony for a meeting at Twi’s tree house. At first everypony was scared to come near me fearing I would pounce on them at any given opportunity. We arrived at Twi’s place we all settled down. Rainbow was still not convinced about me. I wish we could of sat down at Twi’s place and I could have explained myself. Unfortunately I never got the chance. Twi’s place was locked down. Spike was sitting outside staring at the floor.
“What’s wrong sugar cube? I feared for the little dragon. He’s been alone for a few days now. Twilight’s gone and he is probably worried sick about her. And why is the poor thing locked outside of his home?
“Celestia. Hey Applejack, you would happen to know what happened to Twilight would you? I could hear it in his voice. He was having a tough time fighting back his tears. He was a strong little dragon. I remember when I lost my parents and I guess Twilight is his mom after all. I could feel the pain in my voice when I spoke again.
“Sorry sugar cube, can’t say I h-have”. Fluttershy could sense the pain slowly filling the air around us. If it wasn’t for her I might have broken down into tears. She gently approached me and patted me on the back while sharing a gentle smile with me. I sniffled a bit and glanced back to spike.
“What’d she do to the house?”
“She said it held some information on how to get Twilight back. She didn’t even look at me nor have the nerve to kick me out of my house. She had a freaking guard do it for her. I swear I wonder sometimes how she can really be a good princess.” Spike couldn’t hold the tears back much longer. He was breathing heavier and a small droplet of water fell from his face. I couldn’t hold my own either. I had started to lightly cry and slowly walked towards Spike and sat down next to him. I put my arm around him and held high tightly. We shared a small moment of sorrow before I stood and to get ready for my mission.
“Ok Spike, we’re breaking in, and we will get your ma back”.
-Tree House Discoveries-
Rainbow
I just watched as Spike and Applejack both sat that sat there crying. I felt bad myself but not enough to start crying. I know why Applejack is sad. I just know it’s about her parents. I was amazed that Fluttershy hadn’t started tearing up. She was being rather helpful. That’s what I loved about her, no matter what she was always so caring and peaceful. There I go again talking about my love for her. It’s like a tumor in my brain, you just can’t forget about it.
Applejack broke my chain of thought when she charged at the front entrance of the library. Everypony (and Spike) watched as the door crashed down and a hoof full of guards stared at us. Well heck, this couldn’t be any good. I think I should mention they were unicorns or else this next part won’t make sense. Books and tables started to fly through the air just whizzing past us. Applejack was the first to act, me following close behind. One of the guards noticed we weren’t holding back. He pulled out a knife. He flung the blade with extreme force, crashing into the wall behind me. He wasn’t done. While he used his magic to pull his knife out of the wall guard two had taken hold of a baseball bat. He was about to land a devastating hit on me but Applejack had bucked his face in. The bloody mess of pulp and flesh the used to be guard two’s face cracked against the floor. Guard one looked in shock. So did Fluttershy and the others. While everyone else was distracted I flew in and yanked guard one into the air.
Before he had time to react I flew high outside and dive bombed downwards. Almost fast enough to create a Sonic Rainboom, the velocity was tearing guard one’s skin off. Before coming in contact with land I let go of him. I immediately froze midair as I watched the guard fall. With a horrifying *CRACK* the guard’s body was mushed into one huge puddle. His neck was twisted and bleeding fast. Some of his bones, the ones that weren’t fully broken, ripped out of his skin. Rarity and Pinkie gasped in horror. They couldn’t believe the sight. Never in their life would they ever imagine Applejack and I killing royal guard ponies. To me this was different. Royal guards would never hold a knife to another pony. Celestia was also acting horribly strange. Too many weird things were happening around me. But now was no time to think. Two guards remained and Applejack needed me.
I flew back inside and saw Applejack pushed up against a wall. One of the guard ponies held a spear to her throat ready to kill her. I check my surroundings and found guard one’s knife still lodged into the wall. I gripped the knife with my teeth and ripped it out. Then at record breaking speed I charged at the guard with the spear. I saw guard four trying to block me. Guard three glanced away from Applejack to see me. If I screwed up here, Applejack is as good as dead.
I counted to three. One…two…three! I whipped the knife at guard three. He instantly dropped the spear and passed out cold. I spun around and drop kicked guard four. I ran over to Applejack and found out why she didn’t try to run or fight. A flesh type material strapped her hooves to the wall. I pulled them off with my teeth, leaving a taste of blood in my mouth.
With Applejack freed we looked around for guard four. He wasn’t were I had left him. Then Applejack and I froze when we heard it. Fluttershy had screamed louder that any normal person’s ear could have withstood. We ran outside to find guard number four, dead on the floor, with Fluttershy, standing on top of him. She had impaled him with one of guard one’s bones. Guard four had a small book in his hands. When we took a closer look we discovered it wasn’t a book, but a journal.
“Black War, The Dark Arrival – Celestia”
“Well I think we got what we came for. I guess this is a sample of what is soon to come. If anypony thinks they won’t be able to do what we did here today, step down. Oh and Spike you’re coming with us. We’re going to need all the help we can get if you want to save your ma.” Applejack spoke with the voice of a true commander. Nopony moved.
(A/N sorry this chapter took so long everypony! I was busy with schoolwork and things of the sort. But after a long wait, here it is, the new edition to The Crystal Mirror!)
---The Crystal Mirror---
--An Old Friend--
-The Plan-
“Alright do you need me to go over the plan once more?” Broken Arrow asked.
“No I think I understand”. To be completely honest, everything he had said during the hour he spent talking had flown over my head. It was something about taking Shadowed Eclipse down first by flanking her, whatever that meant, and casting abyssal vortex, which I don’t even know how to cast, and taking her soldiers out first.
“You better understand you only get one shot. If you fail Equestria is doomed and I will most probably kill you so that when you get captured you can’t reveal anything about me” he said in a casual I-honestly-don’t-care-if-you-die-you-can-be-replaced voice. If that wasn’t flattering I don’t what was. After a good five minutes we left the old rusty shack, Arrow gave me some petty prep talk. It was the least bit encouraging especially when he mentioned my failure non-stop.
“Are you just always negative?” the words flew out of my mouth before I could stop myself. “I mean all you talk about is me dying”.
“Well if I told you that you would for sure win the fight, I would be lying to the both of us, and I wouldn’t need to be here. I mean I was born with a purpose. After living in the Everfree for ten years I’ve learnt this. Oh and by the way, I’ve tried what I’m doing now about forty other times before. Those other ponies I used…died. But anyways you actually beat Magic and Loyalty so I somewhat believe you are strong.” Arrow seemed to have said this all in one breathe.
“Well if I wasn’t inspired I defiantly am now knowing I have a 1/40 chance of living. I don’t really want to-. Arrow cut me off.
“Too late now, we’re here. I looked in front of Arrow to see a large flat battlefield with three main commanders. On the right was Black Ashes. The left was Shadowed Eclipse. Her squadron was to search for me and execute me on sight. Lovely. Then in the middle I assumed I would find Sun Queen, but instead it was…K-Kindness! This dimension Fluttershy was leading the main army into my dimension!
I had thought that Sun Queen was going to lead. Maybe I was wrong. Or maybe something really bad is about to happen. I got a bit queasy. Then I felt somepony hit me. “Quick now is your chance, move!” Arrow whispered loudly. Before I had time to think, I teleported in closer. I dropped onto a tree branch making a small crackling noise. Eclipse’s ears perked up. She glanced up in the tree I was perched in but I was too far camouflaged. After a minute she turned away and started to search for me.
-The Followed-
I used a spell that would help me glide downwards. Thankfully something went right in my life and the spell was a success. After I landed on the floor I looked around me to see if anypony saw me. Guess it’s my special day today because no guard was in sight. I just had to keep my head low from pegasi; they’d be all over me if they found me. If anything I could pretend I was Magic, wouldn’t be hard considering we almost look exactly alike.
As I started to follow the path Eclipse had taken I felt, no, I knew somepony was watching me. It couldn’t have been Arrow; the tree would have hidden me from anypony in his general direction. I slowly walked forward continuing down the path that Eclipse had taken. I could have sworn she had some sort of supersonic sensing because she always seemed to feel something behind her, that being me, and look to confirm her suspicions. Thank Celes- no, not her. Thank myself for learning this damn confusing invisibility spell.
After a while Eclipse had entered the Carousel Boutique. Now knowing I couldn’t just invisibly waltz in through the front door, I checked around to see if any windows were free. Most of them were boarded up or covered by some other pony inside. When I finally found one I realized I had one more problem. I couldn’t hear anything. Deciding not to push my luck more than I already have I didn’t rip out the window. I started to get really frustrated now. I calmed myself down and just cut a small incision in the wall. The sound emitted was poor, but better than nothing. I placed my ear against the hole and tuned myself in.
“Well is that a NO?” Eclipse roared the last word with such force my eardrum started to ring.
“Y-y-yess” a smaller voice replied. One of Eclipse’s soldiers knew what was going to happen now. And now Twilight was going to have to take a mental note about what she was about to learn. She was going to know what that soldier knew. Eclipse gave the soldier a dead cold stare. A loud SNAP filled the room. The soldier’s eyes opened widely and fell to the ground. Twilight hadn’t even seen Eclipse’s horn glow. Her stare was enough to break a pony’s neck. Twilight gasped softly, so quiet it could have been mistaken by the air passing by. But it was enough for Eclipse to hear.
“Everyone… our visitor has arrived” Eclipse chimed. Everypony turned to look at what Eclipse saw, a small hole in the wall. Eclipse smirked, she knew I was there. She could see right through my invisibility spell with her damn stare. How could I have been so foolish!
-The Discovered-
Eclipse started to walk forward. She walked outside and stood just a few steps ahead of me. She never broke her gaze, and it was draining my energy. Soon I would turn into that dead guard. I panicked and tried my best not to give in to her stare. It was so powerful it drew me in. Not too long after I gave in and stopped my invisibility spell. I wanted to run but I couldn’t. She had drained all of my powers. I could barely breathe. I thought I was being crushed by a thousand pounds of concrete.
“Really? Damnit. Celestia is going to have my balls –even though I don’t have any- for this”. “Thanks anyways Magic”. Eclipse walked away back into the room. I sighed with relief. Well now I know she can see through my invisibility so that is a big X on the mental checklist of advantages. I’m now down to a total of… oh would you look at that. Nothing, I’m left with nothing.
I could try to kill her now, I mean why not? It’s not like I have a chance at anypony else. But what could I do?! I should have paid more attention to Arrow’s boring-ass lectures. I looked back in the direction of the tree I had perched on earlier to see if I could somehow, tap into Arrow’s mind and get some sort of help. Wait. I have magic. Has this dimension made me more retarded? Eclipse had turned around to stare at the empty field outside. I took this time to try to talk to Arrow.
“Arrow can you hear me?” For a while the air around me was silent.
“Twi?”
“Arrow, no time to question, how do I kill her?” The words spewed out into my mind as fast as they could.
“This should be quick and easy, when she is turned around you should find a scar on the back of her head. Once you found it, cast a levitation spell on a rock or something and smash it down on the scar. After that a bright light will explode out. From there you have to know what to do”. Arrow spoke quickly knowing that my window was short.
I looked around the building and found a broken sewing machine. I started to levitate it while I scanned Eclipse for her scar. My time was running out, she was starting to turn around. She was half turned and I found the scar. It was just under her ear. Without thinking my body instinctively pulled up the sewing machine and whipped it down on her head. Eclipse shrieked.
Eclipse was fading away, but into a purer form. She was losing her darkness. But unless I did something she’d lose herself completely. I thought about what I could do, how I can save her purity. I had one idea and no time to think of any better ones. She was only moments away from being dust. I had to act now. I stood in position, and casted the same spell I used on my friends when Discord took over Pony Ville. I closed my eyes during the spell and prayed for the best. Hopefully she would be good so I wouldn’t have to do this crap alone. Arrow sucks.
I opened my eyes to see a beautiful creamy white colored mare with a golden streaked mane. She stared into my eyes with hers. She had the most stunning crystal blue eyes. She was simply the worst amazing mare I had even seen.
-Sunrise-
After a bit of discussion and fleeing from oncoming guards, Sunrise and I had regrouped with Arrow in the treehouse. Oh boy was I never as ready or overjoyed to tell someone off as I was today. But something told me not to. Something subconsciously was whispering not to. I couldn’t bitch at Arrow for something he hadn’t done. He told me what to do. He couldn’t make my decision to save Ecli- Sunrise for me. Still, I hate him.
“Hi Sparrow” Sunrise didn’t even act surprised to Arr- wait… Sparrow? WHAT?
“Yeah Sparrow over here was such a ladies man. Tries to kill me, and then has the nerves to hit on me!” Sunrise giggled.
Not long after they were pillow fighting and laughing uncontrollably. I had no idea Arrow had a fun, and kinda cute, side to him. It took ten minutes until Arrow surrendered and dropped his pillow. Sunrise giggled a bit and she smiled a smile that shined brighter than the sun.
“Twi sweetie, go and get some rest, me and Sunrise have some catching up to do”. Arrow then whispered in my ear. “You did good kid. You saved the one I loved and made a smart choice. This war isn’t over and I need you in tip top shape. And once again, thanks Twi.
I smiled. I haven’t smiled in so long, and it felt so good. Being in this dimension…it’s starting to feel like home. I’m losing sanity here. I’m losing myself. It was getting hard to find the pure goodness in my heart. This place lacked it. Arrow however, now radiated with this pure happiness. I wonder if I’ll ever find my very own special somepony. But for now Arrow was right. I needed sleep. I wasted a lot of energy getting Sunrise back to herself. Would that be me? I mean would I get corrupted and turn evil? Ow. My head hurts from all this thinking. I really do need a nap. I trotted upstairs into my normal bed and feel asleep instantly.
“I think she’s asleep” whispered Arrow.
“Well with the events of today I’m sure she’s pretty beat up” replied Sunrise.
“I really missed yah Sunrise”.
“We’ll have to tell Twilight eventually”.
“I know dearest, but I’ve never seen her happy like that. I can’t simply just break her heart like that” Arrow stopped whispering.
“Agreed but she will have to know”. Sunrise continued whispering in fear of Twilight waking up.
“Yeah, but for now, for us, let’s not worry about that. Right now it’s you and me”. Arrow sounded happy with a tint of hurt in his voice.
Arrow
Sunrise simply smiled one of her joyful smiles and kissed Arrow. He simply closed his eyes and returned the kiss. For what felt like forever the two sat there next to the fireplace, lips locked, in each other’s arms. Arrow knew this moment wouldn’t last long; that this feeling would soon be replaced with pain and sorrow. But the future is never good to bring into the present. For now he would enjoy the moment, would enjoy now, the present. And nothing could separate him from the one he loved. Only time would do it, time, the one aspect of life that people always take for granted.
But enough of my crazy ramblings. Right now, time moves at my pace. I only noticed I was crying when I felt wet streaks on Sunrise’s left wing. I heard her sniffle as well. We both knew what each other was thinking, what was going to come.
I could only wish.
(A/N Now with OCs I thought that people should have their own idea of what they look like. So right now I’ll give you guys what I envision Sunrise to look like. Now this is a generated code from GeneralZoi’s pony creator. Just post this code into the pony creator and see what I intended Sunrise to look like! 3O34000510FEEBEBFFC49D0000100B7FEUN1837001020000Y1FED60AE292191Z107F3FCC004CB2)
---The Crystal Mirror---
--The Journal--
Rainbow
When we took the journal, the writing on it glowed purple. Black storm clouds started to block the blue sunny sky above. We hurried inside the library and dumped the bodies outside. A quick spell casted by Rarity freshened the air ridding the smell of the dead. The journal was written in old English writing. It was all fancy and stuff so Applejack gave me it to read. I wasn’t much of a reader, but with Fluttershy listening, I had to try my upmost best.
Day One: The ritual was a success. Not only did I achieve pure immortality but I sealed away the ones who helped me achieve it! Hah, those ignorant fools, thinking they could gain power over some of Equestria. I couldn’t risk having them discover the true power in Pony Ville. Oh but they sure as hell found the gate. They found it and now they are stuck in that dark, death dimension for centuries! Ah, one day I will have to worry about them rising and taking back control but for now, it’s time to enjoy Immortality! April 15, 1867, let this day be remembered forever!
I glanced away from the journal not wanting to read anymore. Unfortunately thing weren’t in my favor because everypony else wanted to piece everything together. If you haven’t noticed that means I need to read the rest. The things I do for someponies… I took a deep breath and read more.
Day Six: It has been revealed to me from my dearest mother that I now have a baby sister. I’m now proudly in charge of my adorable little sis! One day I’ll hope she’ll be just like me. One day I’ll have to tell her that she will die before me. Maybe I can get her immortality as well… Oh well she is still only 2 months old. Later I’ll explain the deeds that a princess must do. Maybe I’ll lead her down my path. Maybe not. Right now my path is corrupted. She is too innocent. Keeping Equestria safe will be my job. From now till the end of time. -[Kiitus Arrow, rahe Resistance]-.
The last few words seemed to have flown past everypony’s heads. Those words weren’t English. Well besides “Arrow” and “Resistance”. I wish Twilight was here, and then this problem solving nonsense would be so much easier. Hell maybe she’d even know what language this is! For now all we know is that Celestia made some made, and is still making some sketch choices. She can’t be trusted. Guess I better ask everypony to see what we can put together. “Guys” I started shyly. “What do you make of all this?”
Applejack
I knew I was right when I said that Celestia was up t’no good. But what’s all this nonsense about the resistance? Heck, “what” or “who” was Arrow! I’d assume it’s a “who” because the “A” was capitalized. I think that’s the one thing I learned from Twi’s… poetry. Yeah I’ll call it that. I swear that crazy filly sometimes…
A loud knock on the door was heard, followed by a shout. “Hey open up! It’s the police”.
Ah shit. I guess we forgot to hide the bodies. I was the first to slowly nudge t’wards the door. I gripped then handle with my teeth and swung open the door. A pony dressed in a preppy police uniform stood at the doorway. Panic shot through my eyes. I knew he had seen the bodies piled outside.
“Do you have any room to spare inside? It’s a bloodbath out there”.
I let out a sigh of relief and let him in. “What do yeah mean bloodbath?” I said quizzically.
“Just look outside”.
I and the others looked out the window to see what a nightmare world looked like. At least forty bodies were piled outside the house and the sky was a blood red color. It had looked like an army had stormed through the place. Then something caught my eye. What looked like Princess Luna flew over the treehouse leading an army of soldiers. Then we saw her. We all gasped.
Twilight was leading the pack.
How could she betray us? I knew I shouldn’t have left her in that damn place. I had to leave though… I would have died. But if I didn’t leave she wouldn’t b’ against us! Then a thought stuck me. “Guys, that isn’t Twi” I said firmly. “When I was in that dimension, they were other versions, other versions of us”. “They were evil-“ b’fore I could finish my sentence Rainbow cut me off.
“So how do we know YOU aren’t a traitor? Can we be sure you’re the real AJ?” The words seemed to explode out of Rainbow’s mouth. I was completely taken away by these words. I hadn’t the darndest clue on how to answer it. So I tried my best.
“I can’t for sure, heck, I don’t even know if I am the real one. But what I do know is if I was evil y’all be dead right now. You guys also don’t have a better choice than to keep me around”.
“Mhhph” Rainbow mouthed as she flopped back down on the ground defeated. “Now Rainbow enough foolin’ around. Continue reading that dang journal, and stop bein’ such a filly bout’ it!” I practically yelled at her.
“Jeesh, fine mom”. Rainbow sighed. I smiled victoriously and sat down next to her on the floor. It was cold and wet, and made a low thud noise when I sat on it. I looked at it suspiciously and shrugged my thought train away. Rainbow was startin’ to read.
-The Final Entries-
Rainbow
Celestia, why did Applejack have to be such a nuisance? I flipped open the journal and read the next entry:
Day 13: My little sis just said my name! Oh this makes me so happy! In more important news, it looks like my calculations were off. The gate will open in a few hundred years, maybe less. It looks like there were lots of power reserves in that place. They seem to be getting stronger by the minute. I have to find someplace saver for my dear Luna. I need to train her to defend herself. Arrow should know what to do. I hope they will still let me enter the Resistance to see him. If not I will find my own means of getting to him. I love him after all. I must get moving, time is short and only getting shorter. -[Kiitus Arrow, rahe Resistance]-.
Fluttershy spoke up before I could start the next entry. “It seems this ‘Arrow’ fellow is very important. Pinkie, do us a favor and check the books to see if you can find him”. She spoke wisely. Fluttershy was always so smart, and that’s one of the reasons I love her, one of the reasons I read books. I want to get smarter. For me… for her.
“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie chimed as she searched through the books. I don’t know how she can remain so bright and cheerful through all this. Heck I’m almost having a mental breakdown right now. I saw the police man sitting on the floor, next to the fireplace. He had torn up some of his uniform to create a bandage for a wound he had gotten from outside. He sat there, waiting for a command, trying to return the favor for being sheltered in Twi’s house.
Day 21: How could he…HOW COULD HE. He left me, for that dumb WHORE. Just keep calm Celestia. Arrow will train Luna then you can get your revenge. Heh..hehehehe. AHAHAHA, I WILL MAKE SURE HE WATCHES AS SHE GETS HER HEAD TORN OFF AND EATEN BY MANTICORES. THEN HE WONT HAVE A CHOICE BUT TO BE WITH ME. Mother would be so proud…mother… -[kontwòl Arrow, Sunrise touye moun]-
Well now Celestia is also a murderer. Great. We have to fight against an immortal psychopath who rules all of Equestria. Too afraid to read more, I closed the book and looked at everypony else. Applejack was the first to speak.
“Alright everypony we need to formulate a plan, this mystery ‘aint gonna solve itself”.
“But what can we do to stop any of this?” Fluttershy’s voice squeaked out.
“Well I wish we had Twi for that, be she ’aint here right now. That army out there. We need to stop ‘em from tearing apart Pony Ville. I know y’all ‘aint into fighting and such but we’re going to have to do whatever it takes to get Twi back to a normal Pony Ville”.
“Well then the plan is simple” I spoke the words with a high amount of confidence and prestige. “We gather whatever soldiers we can and help Twi get back to a not-destroyed-and-lifeless Pony Ville. Is everyone clear about this?”
“It’s worth a shot, but how do we get dearest Twilight back?” Rarity asked.
“We’ll rip the words out of Celestia. We know things she doesn’t know that we know”.
“Wait wha-?” Pinkie said genuinely confused. “But if we know what she knows that we know and she knows that WE know then she knows-“I quickly cut off Pinkie’s rambling.
“Pinkie, you’re crazy and you make no sense. Anyways now we have to finish this journal” I said calmly ready to finish the last two entries.
Day 24: Luna has advanced far enough in her training…Far enough for me to withdraw her from Arrow’s training. Now. Now is my chance to get that WHORE WHO STOLE MY STALLION. I will make her pay. I will make her watch her own ORGANS BE RIPPED OUT OF HER. Ooooh what a glorious day this will be. I can have Arrow all to myself. Once he is mine I can get back to more prominent matters. It seems that the ponies I’ve banished are breaking free. And I think I’ve just gotten the best idea how to keep the gate sealed longer… A sacrifice. Maybe Sunrise won’t have to die after all. Well at least a real death. She will have to die and be reborn into the gate, to preserve the gate’s durability. All in good time…
‘One more damned entry’ I thought as I turned the page. My eyes exploded open as for they could not contain the sheer shock they experienced. The page was smeared in blood; the words looked as if they were scratched on. I took a deep breath as I started to read.
Day 25: NO. WHY. THIS SHOULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED LIKE THIS. HE LOVED HER TOO MUCH, HE SHOULDN’T HAVE SEEN. THIS IS ALL HER FAULT. IF SHE WOULDN’T HAVE INTERVEINED WITH MY LOVE, ARROW WOULD BE ALIVE. ARROW JUST JUMPED IN AFTER HER; The gate will be stable for a while BUT NOT MY HEART, MY FEELINGS OR MY SANITY. This is my fault- no. NO. NO IT WAS HER. I SHAL NOT TAKE BLAME FOR THIS. FOR I FEAR I MAY GO INSANE…yes. Yes I’ll send my spirit to the other world. My insanity will leave and be with him. Yes. Nopony will suspect a thing. My sanity will be right over here. HERE I COME ARROW. YOU WILL LOVE ME. YOU WILL LOVE ME-
The rest of the page is to heavily coated in blood to be even remotely legible. A back page proved useless after noting that it was written in that foreign language.
“Why do you think she called it Black War, The Dark Arrival?” Fluttershy asked.
I took a moment, just enjoying the sweet sound of her voice, until I realised what she had said. I thought about it and replied, “Well, the entire event is most probably called the ‘Black War’ and Celestia sent her insanity to the dark dimension so I’d assume that’s the ‘Dark Arrival’”.
“I bet that she’s the darn queen of that place…” Applejack muttered.
“I still think some insanity stayed with her” Everypony turned to look at the guard they forgot about. “She has been acting really crazy lately. Yesterday she requested a hundred guards to defend Canterlot. Now this isn’t the strange part, she wanted the protection from, as she phrased it, ‘move lespri sa ki mal’. That translates to evil demons”.
Then Fluttershy spoke up in a I-just-pieced-together-a-mystery tone. “Wait, that language sounds similar. Anypony else catching on?” She waited for somepony else to realize. I, of course, got it.
“Ohmigod the language in the journal entries!” Fluttershy was a genius. I loved that.
“Good” Fluttershy replied. “Now let’s see what she was saying the whole time”.
-Dreams-
Applejack
Good heavens we can finally get some answers. The guard glanced at the book and began to translate.
“The language is an old, Royal one only spoken by a higher class town or village. Only few speak it to this day. Now let’s get started, -[Kiitus Arrow, rahe Resistance]- means Love Arrow Hail Resistance. -[kontwòl Arrow, Sunrise touye moun]- means control Arrow and murder Sunrise”. The guard flipped to that last page and stared at it unsure of its content. Well this sure is strange. I can’t make out most of the words, but some are legible. Let’s see, Possession… Control… Death… Insanity- the guard’s eyes briefly flashed purple and he dropped to the floor. The journal started glowing and then caught flame. The guard screaming in pain as his skin started…started searing off him!
Then the impossible happened. As the journal turned to ashes, they spun tornado like around the room and exploded. The rapidly diminishing smoke revealed a shadow standing about me and my friends. Somepony other than the guard. Nothing could have prepared us for what the smoke uncovered. Celestia. The dead guard morphed into her, but, her insanity form. Her voice was like a crackled, high pitched eerie psychopath.
“Well it seems you stumbled on something rather interesting have you not?
The only thing I could force out of my mouth was stutters. “Y-y-yee-y-es”.
“Well then I think it’s time you had some time to think about what you’ve learned in the Canterlot dungeon…”
I didn’t have any time to react. Celestia’s horn glowed and we all teleported to a dark and slimy place. I blinked three times and adjusted my eyes to the small chamber we were stuck in. Celestia grinned and teleported away. The cell chamber we were locked up in reeked of blood and piss. It was awful. Shucks if the smells of rotten apples hadn’t prepared me for these smells, I’d have passed out. Unfortunately everypony else did. Now I had to create an escape plan. By myself. Hell.
I hope everypony is having some nice dreams.
Rainbow
“This stench is AWFUL” Rainbow thought. Her eyes started to blur. “I’m starting to feel a little dizzy…” Rainbow drifted off. When her eyes opened up, she was in a whole new world. “This place is beautiful” Rainbow remarked. “Too bad it’s only a dream. I’m going to wake up and be in that horrid smelling jail cell. She started to walk down a dirt pathway. While admiring the sights, a strange, unidentifiable urge, forced her to walk towards a forest. Rainbow knew this forest well. “No…”. Rainbow couldn’t stop herself. Her mind said no but her body said otherwise.
After traveling in the forest for a while she stumbled across the gate. She stared at it with disgust. She was prepared to retreat back to the dirt pathway when something shiny caught her eye. A crystalized sword glistened brightly even in the darkness of thw forest. Almost instinctively she picked up the blade with her mouth. She noticed the word, Loyalty, engraved on it. Before her dream would let her leave, she glanced back up at the gate. A portal violently ripped open and pony made up of pure shadows dashed out of it. Their forms rippled in the wind. One of them was Celestia and she gave Rainbow the coldest, heartless, stare that made Rainbow tremble at the very sight
“’Bout time one of y’all woke up” Applejack said. “And were in the hay did you get that?”
Rainbow was confused. She got up off the floor and noticed a shiny strangely similar blade on the floor. Rainbow knew where she had seen it before. It was the sword from her dream. And she knew that bad things were going to come from that gate. Bad things, she would have to deal with.
“Wake the others” Rainbow said after finding her voice. “We’re getting out of here”.
-Resistance-
Rainbow
Applejack and I quickly pried everypony from the sleep. We had no time to waste. I grabbed my sword as everypony woke up and slashed it against the cell bars. The rusted bars didn’t stand a chance and broke with ease. A few extra quick swipes –which were surprisingly easy considering Rainbow has never used a sword before- an exit was formed. Everypony quickly ran out in fear of Celestia finding out.
We were in for a rough ride, the exit was heavily guarded and that was our only exit. Rainbow was leading the pack a suddenly stopped a few hooves from the exit. “I know how we’re going to get out of here” she whispered rapidly. “Fluttershy and I will fly you guys up and out of that window” Rainbow pointed to a glass window half open, just enough to fit through. Rainbow grabbed Applejack and Fluttershy got Rarity. “Pinkie wait here, I’ll be back in a sec” Rainbow said. Rainbow opened his great wings and flew up towards the window with Fluttershy not far behind. After they landed Rainbow hurried back inside to get Pinkie. But to his horror, Celestia had captured her. And he had not chance of getting her back. Guilt rushed through her.
Breaking the news to everypony was awful. Fluttershy even started to tear up. Now I felt really bad. As we started walking away we were stopped by three ponies in red hoods.
“Yes, these are the ones” said one of the ponies.
“Allow me to introduce ourselves. I’m Red, that’s all you need to know about our names, and you… Where are the other two?” Never mind we’ll get to that later. We need you to stop the evil that’s days away from tearing apart Equestria.”
“Why should we trust you” Fluttershy said.
“You can’t trust your Princess and right now, and we’re all you got from not being re-captured by her. And if it helps, we’re the last surviving three from the Resistance”.
(A/N Wow. I’m badly lazy. Sorry for the long wait (Again) I will try to pick up my pace to write these stories, but with the same passion and good writing as the others. Now I wasn’t really, happy with the way this turned out. I don’t like how I wrote this chapter. Anyhow this will be the last chapter with Applejack as a focus point. I hate trying to write country considering I can’t do it. Enough of my thoughts, tell me how you like this story and what I can do to make it better!)
(A/N, starting next week, my goal is to get my chapters up every week. So no more waiting two or more weeks for a chapter! Hopefully. I do plan however, on speeding up my chapter writing process during the Christmas break. So look forward to that! Anyways without further ado, Chapter Six, The Resistance!)
---The Crystal Mirror---
--The Resistance--
Fluttershy
I simply don’t know how we can trust these guys. That same ran circles around my mind. Rainbow Dash sensed the worry in my eyes.
“Don’t worry Flutters, if anything bad happens I’ll protect you”, then hastily added, “And everypony else of course!” Something was off about her. She was always acting strange around me. I tried to think about it, but we had already arrived at our destination. It had only seemed like minutes since we starting moving. No time to question though, we were already deep inside the Everfree forest. Cliché, but at least it’s well hidden. Red was the first to speak.
“Now I know that you are all very skeptical right now, but you are going to have to trust me. We can’t risk you seeing the complex pathways and codes required entering our hideout in case of you getting captured. So we are going to blindfold you. I’ll explain everything when we’re there”.
Everypony was hesitant to agree to his plan. Being blindfolded by some stranger you’ve only known for five minutes isn’t just something you do. Unfortunately we didn’t have a choice at this point. So one after the other we were all blindfolded and guiding along an intricate pathway to the hideout.
“Ouch!” Rarity cried out. “How much longer are we going to have to walk? My hooficure is getting RUINED out here.
“Calm down missy, we’re here”. Red spoke clearly trying to hold his frustration. A small tree trunk opened up as Red moved closer.
“Welcome Red, how may I assist you today?” An almost lifelike voice emitted from the tree.
“Just call up an elevator for my visitors”.
“Just a moment”.
From the opened up tree trunk came a small platform.
“Now we have to go three at a time. I’ll go last”. Red then proceeded to remove the blindfolds. Applejack, Rarity and one resistance member were the first to go down. The small platform quickly started to descend the tree.
“Oh my!” Rarity’s voice echoed up the narrow passageway. The platform came back up. Next to go was Rainbow and I, with of course, a resistance member. I was admittedly nervous at first, but Rainbow noticed and calmed me down. When we were all on the platform we fell REALLY fast. I could have sworn my hooves lifted of the platform for a moment. Then as the platform came to a halt, I saw what Rarity had seen.
The underground lair was jaw-dropping beautiful. The room was sparkly and everything seemed to be made of chrome. The room had the more space than anything I’d even seen. It was filled with high-tech devices I had never seen before. Everything seemed to be turned off though. I heard the platform land, and glanced back to see Red.
“Now, I’m sure you all are questioning everything you see around here”. Red said, walking towards some scanning machine.
“I will explain everything in good time”. He pressed his hoof on the machine and a robotic voice responded.
“Welcome Red, all systems now active”. Suddenly all the machines, devices and everything lit up. This was really startling and my first instinct was to curl up in a ball under a chair.
“Relax Fluttershy, no need and no time to panic, we have matters to discuss”. Red helped Fluttershy out from under the chair. “Now if you would all sit down, I’ll give you my backstory, as you requested”.
Everypony sat down along a huge round table and Red began his story.
-Nicknamed-
Red
“It all started one hundred years ago”. I thought this was a cheesy starting, but whatever we went along with it. “Celestia had started to grow crazy with her immortality. She raised Luna, until her mother took her away and deemed Celestia unfit to raise a filly. After that Celestia was never seen or heard from again. Well at least for a few days. Not long after the outbreak with her mother, Celestia was back in the streets of Canterlot, only this time with a vengeance. Her insanity planned her to create a civil war in Equestria. Everypony had to die for the void her sister left in her to be filled. Now back then the Resistance were the only ones to see what she was doing. The Resistance was a few hundred years old by that time, and I was newly recruited. Back then, my name was Silver Shield. My dad used to be a Royal Guard, and he expected the same out of me. I quickly grew tired of being a knight, but I continued my training for years just to do my father proud. I couldn’t disappoint him, in fear of him severing all family ties with me. He was a very harsh and distant man but he was still my father. Soon during Celestia’s attempts to start a civil war the Resistance started to investigate Celestia’s actions. We knew questioning herself would only cause a huge amount of her attention and suspicion towards us. So we only asked ponies who talked to her. Unfortunately she found us out, and it was my fault. She found me interrogating other ponies about her. I couldn’t risk having the Resistance be found out be her, and having them all die. So I told her that the Resistance was just me. She knew who I was though. My dad being a Royal Guard had worked for Celestia and she had known my dad. In turn she grew to know me. I hadn’t thought about it until she left, but I knew what was going to happen. I had to warn my father. He would be at home that day, it was his day off. In fact, my whole family was there that day. My mom was a stay-at-home-mom and my sister was too young for school. I ran home as fast as my legs would let me. But I wasn’t fast enough. When I arrived home my front door was opened. A small breeze pushed the door open more and I forced myself to enter. My first instinct to leave was what I smelt, the smell of death. My second instinct to leave was what I heard, nothing. For my family it’s next to impossible not to make any noise for more than a second. I couldn’t back away. Something was drawing me forward. My brain couldn’t process what I had seen. There, spread on the floor, was my father. His spear was lodged down his throat and one of his arms was broken off. Next to him was my mother, she was decapitated. My sister had gone missing and over the two dead bodies on the floor was a note. Written on it was; now you know how it feels to lose your baby sister… Try not to spy on me again! After I read it, it just disintegrated. Now I was angry, no furious, no. No, no, no, I was more that. I wanted revenge. I wanted to see Celestia killed. So before I lit my house ablaze and burnt away the memories. I stopped caring. I stopped feeling. I lost all my emotions in the fire. The Resistance turned me into a killing machine, their ultimate weapon. It took weeks for them to perfect me. But when they were done, Celestia was about to start a civil war. Equestria had turned against one another. I had to stop her, I had to save Equestria. The Resistance unleashed me towards Celestia’s home. Royal Guards tried to stop me, but I was no longer Silver Shield, I was Red, the color that symbolized blood, fire, and pain. The guards stood no chance against my merciless power. With a quick swipe of a sword I held in my mouth, I killed countless guards without a second thought. It was easy. I occasionally would look at the bodies I killed and laugh to myself at how easy it was for them to die. I must have killed a minimum of fifty guards blocking my path to Celestia. And only when I found her, did I smile. Vengeance was near. She was a tough fight I will admit, but nothing compared to me. It was only a couple of minutes until she was down on the floor, panting for breath, as I towered over her with a stone expression. I could and would have killed her right there, but something stopped. What I could only still imagine to this day was the ghost of my father. I turned into something he never wanted. If I would have killed Celestia, I would have failed him. Even though I threw away my emotions, he still managed to awaken something inside. I looked back down at Celestia still trembling underneath me. I made a deal with her; I would spare her life if she stopped the war if not I’d kill her then and there. So she agreed and called off the war. Only I knew she would do it again sooner or later. I have never found my sister, but I don’t believe she’s dead. Present time wise, this has been the Resistance lair for hundreds of years. We have advanced our technologies years ahead of Equestria. Now we have found four out of the six of you. Now the Resistance believes in prophecies. Our prophetic book is kept hidden in this base. If the legends are correct, then Twilight is in huge danger stuck in the Otherworld and I can help get Pinkie Pie back before Celestia turns her into something you guys don’t want. All I need is your trust.
-The Dreams-
Rainbow
I felt the emotion that Red was exerting while telling his tale. I knew he wasn’t lying. And well, he was our only shot at getting Pinkie and Twilight back. I guess we needed him.
“Well you can count me in” I heard myself say.
“Y’all better not be foolin’ us, but I’m in too” said Applejack.
“As long as I can join with proper attire, I’ll join” Rarity said regally.
“Well we don’t have any other options. Let’s get Pinkie and Twilight back!” said Fluttershy.
“Good because we will need everypony’s help to get Twilight back. We will need her to save pinkie. Now, before we begin, do any of you four know how to get to the Otherworld? We need to go there to save Twilight. Hopefully none of us dies.
“Hopefully? I’m starting to rethink my trust in you” the words exploded out of my mouth.
“Calm down Dash, I’m just joking. But seriously we need to find that gate, time is wasting”.
“Alright…” I murmured wanting to get this over with.
“I remember the way” said Fluttershy.
“Good Then we can get going. Pack up your things and tomorrow we will set sail for the Otherworld. Get some rest. We have plenty of rooms down here you can stay in.
I hadn’t realized but night had fallen during Red’s retelling and I felt really tired. Red guided us to our rooms. There was a long hallway with a different room door on each side equally spread apart. Each room was the same but I chose the one next to Fluttershy. I wanted to make a move on her, heck I still do. I just don’t think now isn’t the right time. There is a too much of a burden on everypony’s hooves. I hope I’ll find the right time eventually.
As I got into my room, I decided to over-analyze everything. First of all, the room was too dull. Everything was a lame murky white and rectangular. The bed was rectangular, the walls, the furniture, you name it, it was rectangular. The room grew tiresome fast but I was only staying here for the night so I would deal with it. As I lay down on the bed, my thoughts turn back to Fluttershy and the first day I met her at Junior Speedsters.
Unfortunately, my dreams wouldn’t allow me to keep thinking about her. I guess you could call my dream a prophecy? Whatever it was, it was a nightmare. It was dark. Trees rustled around but there was no sign of any wind besides a small breeze. Twilight was with us and none of spoke until the breeze subsided. We were in the vicinity of the gate and we all had are elements ready. We got to the gate with ease but that’s what bugged me. It was too easy. Twilight had acknowledged us of what was going to happen. She would use her magic to open the gate and then we would use the elements combined to destroy the barrier. We had to be quick or the spell would fail, and the gate would stay open. Forever. Then it happened, it was too quick for me to react, or any of us to do so. Twilight started the spell and the gate opened. Suddenly the same small breeze blew by and Twilight freaked. She yelled at us to use the elements but then it appeared. The winds intensified and then a shadowy blur of a figured formed between Twilight and the gate. It was Celestia.
I woke up covered in sweat. I was panting hard and profusely. My dream shocked my whole body. Somepony knocked on my door.
“Come in” I said forcing myself to calm down.
Red walked in. “Good morning Rainbow Dash. I assume you’ve had a nightmare as well?” He said in more of a this-is-a-rhetorical-question-don’t-answer-me tone.
“Have the others had them too?” I was actually concerned now.
“Yes it seems all of your friends have had some. Fluttershy has requested that all of you tell her about your dreams; she calls these dreams prophetic and wants to piece them together”.
I nodded my head and walked outside of my room, fully calmed down now. When I exited the long hallway everypony was sitting along the round table.
“Now that we are all here we can begin” Fluttershy began. “I want you all to start one by one telling me what happened in your dream. Don’t leave out any details! Red’s friends over here will write down everything you say. Be truthful”.
-Recapping-
Rainbow
“I’ll go first” said Rarity. “I started the dream in front of the Neverfree Forest. Everything was quiet. Twilight was with us, and we all had our elements on us. We started to walk forward and Twilight discussed the plan to destroy the gate. She had told us there was one thing missing. She kept on repeating and repeating it. We were about to enter the forest and then a small breeze rolled through. I woke up after that. I don’t know what Twilight was murmuring about though” Rarity took a breath and stopped recapping her dream.
“I can pick up from there” said Applejack. “I can also tell y’all what she was sayin’. Twilight said she was missing something to put into the gate before we started. She said if we didn’t it would ruin everything. It started with a C… Oh well anyways’ we walked into the forest and things were all quiet. Everything was real spooky. The trees rustled ‘round and we were all whisperin’. Then a breeze rolled in and everypony grew silent. Then I woke up”.
“Guess I’m next” I said. “The breeze rolled in and everypony was silent”. I heard Applejack murmur that she had already said that. “Then Twilight walked up to the gate and started casting her magic mumbo-jumbo and opened the gate. The small breeze intensified and Twilight freaked and yelled at us to use the elements. None of us were able to move, we were all shocked in fear. Then a shadowy mist formed in between Twilight and the gate. She shrieked in terror and I woke up”. I looked at Fluttershy and said, “Guess your last”.
“Right you are” She said sweetly. “The shadowy mist cleared itself up and turned into Celestia. She looked like Chrysalis without the holes. She was purely black; her insanity had given her a new form. Twilight was saying, I told you girls this would happen! Celestia glanced at her and laughed then stared into the gate. She then yelled BE FREE MY PRETTIES”. Fluttershy’s voice boomed though the room. “After that, all hell broke loose and we all ran away to this hideout”.
We all sat there for a few minutes, thinking about what we had all just heard. Twilight was going to be a huge key in restoring peace to out once glorious and Light filled land. All we had to do now was get her out. As if reading my mind, Red had said,
He nudged his head at Fluttershy, telling her to move closer to him.
“You’re going to lead us young Lassie. We will need all of your friends best effort to get Twilight back”. He spoke the words fast and emotionless.
“Understood. I will make sure everypony is on their best behaviour”.
Red nodded and walked towards the platform. Before going up he glanced at all of us and smiled. When the platform ascended Fluttershy turned around and looked at the three of us.
“Ok, no more fooling around. We have a crisis on our hooves. If we mess up Twilight will probably die and Equestria is fucked. So don’t… Screw… Around”.
We were all taken aback by Fluttershy’s curse. Being the sweetest pony around we don’t ever expect it from her. But she was right. We messed up, and everything is fucked. I had to do things right, for me, for Equestria, heck just for Fluttershy. Fluttershy turned back around after her little pep talk and walked towards the platform. She stepped on it and gave us one last line of encouragement.
“When we go out there, put your game faces on”. Fluttershy spoke bluntly.
As she ascended, we all prepared to go ourselves. A long journey awaited us. It was going to be hell and back retrieving Twilight. We had to do it we couldn’t fail. And I couldn’t stress it more.
-Fond Memories-
Red
As the train to the Neverfree Forest came to a halt, I was the first to speak.
“Now I hope you all know what is going to happen next”.
Everypony nodded. I could see the fear in their eyes. The memories of this place burned back into their brains. They feared this forest. It was a windless afternoon. It had taken half the day for the train to reach its destination. As we exited the train I noticed the yellow one walk in ahead of me.
“I’m leading remember? Follow me carefully; it’s easy to get lost in here”. Fluttershy showed no emotion. It had seemed she had lost all her emotion walking into this mess. I feared for her. Not wanting her to become like me. And to have my past…
I quickly threw away the thought as fast as I had gathered it and followed her into the forest. The other ponies whispered away, horrified of the forest we had just entered. It had only been seconds since we were in here, but it seemed as if the exit was not until the next five miles. Fluttershy had known where she was headed. She navigated thought trees and vines and, well, speaking of trees; they bristled and rumbled even with the lack of wind. From the looks of it, they were whispering to one another.
Fluttershy stopped in her tracks.
“We’re here” she spoke softly.
I stared at the giant cave entrance that we stood before. I took a deep breath and took leadership again. The cave echoed my hoof steps and the cave seems to stretch on longer than the forest. Sure enough there it was the gate, standing tall, surrounded by crystals. The gate was a marvelous crystal itself. I took a small bag of power from my pocket and threw the powder into the air.
An aura started to mix with the air. The wind rippled and suddenly BOOM. The gate exploded open and glowed rapidly.
“Hurry everypony!” I yelled. “Jump into the gate!”.
