A darkness decends

by Aether Spark

Rating: mature
Tags: Fluttershy, Adventure, Horror, Violence, Crossover, Death, Alternate Universe, Twilight Sparkle, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 7831

An ancient evil and this time, it's not alone...

Nightmare Night is the night for horror and fun and candy, everything is going as planned... until the news of multiple towns winding up destroyed reaches the ears of everypony.

Equestria's darkest hour is at hand, and an ancient evil has returned, and he brings with him, dark forces beyond nightmares.

But amidst the chaos, a new ally presents himself, can Twilight and her remaining friends stop the oncoming apocalypse before it's too late?

Published 2024-10-15 02:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-10-31 21:02:11 UTC

The Black Serpent

Celestia, The leader and co-ruler of Equestria was sleeping, but she appeared to be having a nightmare.

This wouldn’t be a problem usually, because of her sister, but something was different this time.

Nightmare Night was approaching and with it, a rare event where the planets and the sun & moon were properly aligned.

And it was this night, she would learn of something terrible to come.

A dark cave… and hoofsteps echoing about.

A hooded figure made his way through the darkness, somehow not stumbling on the many rocks.

As he made his way to his destination he paused at a door.

“Essssasha,” He hissed and the door opened and he continued into what looked like a sacrificial chamber.

He approached a pedestal in the center of the room, this pedestal depicted a statue of a black snake.

And the snake's eyes glowed.

“I am here master,” He said.

“....Bring me the sacrifice,” a shadowy hissing voice demanded.

“Right away,” He said as he turned to a group behind him, carrying a sack with a wriggling pony in it.

“Do it,” It hissed.

“As you command,” The leader of the group said as he walked around the pony in the sack and he raised a knife and plunged it into the pony.

The mare in the sack screamed and thrashed but a few more stabs and she died.

Instantly a glowing light emanated from the body and flowed upward but it was pulled into the mouth of the snake instead.

“Aaaah, a fresh soul, I can feel my strength returning, but it's not enough, not NEARLY enough, I need more, Van,” The snake statue said.

“Yes, master?” The one named Van asked.

“It is time to begin work on the gateway, and bring my collectors here, go collect it, and let the beginning of the end come upon this realm, The Black Serpent rises once more,” It hissed.

“The Black Serpent rises once more!” They cheered.

“It will be done,” Van said before turning and trotting away.

“Be ready Celestia… Your time is near,” The Black Serpent sneered.

A lightning bolt cracks across the night sky and Celestia sits up with a start.

“NO!” Celestia said, panting as she looked around she immediately stood up and looked out the window. Not long after Luna came in the door and looked to Celestia.

“You sensed it too, didn’t you?” Luna asked looking serious.

“More than that, I had a vision… he is planning to return,” Celestia said “The darkest evil in Equestria’s history,” Celestia said as she stared out at Equestria.

“I will awaken our mages, shall we alert your student?” Luna asked.

“Yes, let us get moving,” Celestia said before trotting away.

Twilight was putting up the nightmare night decorations with her magic.

“Alright! We have the bats up, and the pumpkin carvings made, now we just need to put some ghosts up there and we’ll be finished,” Twilight said as she magically raised a line of ghosts over the exit to her castle.

Soon what came out of her castle was Spike wearing his second head costume and Starlight wearing a ghost costume.

“Hey guys,” Twilight said.

“Hey, Twilight!” Spike said.

“Going with that costume again?” Twilight asked.

“Yep, you don’t give up on something that works,” Spike said.

“And I didn’t have a chance to go costume shopping, so I’ll just do this instead,” Starlight said.

“Alright, now let’s get these ghosts up,” Twilight said and Starlight helped adjust them with her magic.

“Hey, Twiiiii!” Pinkie’s voice cheered and Twilight turned to see the pink pony hopping towards them dressed as a chicken along with the others.

Rarity was a vampire, AJ was dressed as a lumberjack, Rainbow was a zombie and Fluttershy was a werewolf.

“Hey girls,” Twilight said turning to them.

“This’ll be the scariest most awesomest most fantastic Nightmare Night ever!” Pinkie said.

“You say that every year,” Twilight chuckled.

“Then this time it's true!” Pinkie said.

“Alright, so, I’ll take the role of guiding the foals to the houses and getting them candy, and you girls can go to Pinkies party at Sugarcube Corner, I’ll come by later,” Twilight said.

“Alright, jest don’t take too long,” AJ said.

“Don’t worry,” Twilight said.

“Alright! Let’s get moving,” RD said impatiently.

“Yes yes, we should head while the night is young,” Rarity said.

“Alright, see you guys come along Spike,” Twilight said.

“Alright!” Spike ran alongside her out into town.

Van came back up into the chamber, carrying a device.

“Yessss, thousands of years of waiting and now that the sun and moon are finally perfectly aligned on both ends of this world, I can be free to plunge everything, into nothing,” The Serpent said.

“Let us make haste then,” Van said as he set the device on the ground and The Serpent extended a black fog from the mouth of the statue, a fog that turned into a giant snake-like avatar.

“Let us begin,” The Serpent said before he opened his mouth, and a beam fired into the device, and then a beam shot out of the box-like device and into the sky.

As the beam flew into the sky and hit the moon it then shot to the left and flew all the way to around the world and eventually hit the sun.

As both glowed they suddenly ceased moving and instead gained the image of a snake upon them.

“Trick or treat!” A colt said as he held out his candy bag and a mare happily gave him some candy.

“Alright! Next house,” Twilight ushered the foals along when suddenly a rumble came across the area and Twilight stumbled and fell over “Whoa!”

“What the hay was that?” Spike asked.

“I don’t- huh?” Twilight looked behind Spike and saw the moon gaining the image of a snake.

“What?” Spike turned around and looked shocked seeing the same thing.

“What’s happening?” Twilight said.

“Now for phase two,” the Serpent said. The device stopped shooting its laser and suddenly disconnected into four cubes and extended outwards into what looked like a square portal.

“Now… to obtain my minions,” The serpent said before he extended his tongue and flicked it into the portal.

Catnap was walking through the facility, he had received news from the others that a human had infiltrated Playtime Co, and most alarmingly he had managed to kill Mommy Long Legs, something he never expected a mere human to pull off.

Nevertheless he will continue to protect Home Sweet Home as per his god’s order.

The Prototype has been distant from him for awhile, but perhaps chasing off this troublesome human will get his attention, all he has to do is-

Suddenly a square portal opened up next to him and he flicked his attention to it and before he could react an ethereal tongue wrapped around his waist and pulled the shrieking cat monster into it.

Catnap tumbled to the ground and looked around seeing a strange chamber and an even stranger snake thing looking down at him.

“Who are you?! Where am I?!” Catnap demanded.

“Your new master, and the land you will aid me in conquering,” The Serpent hissed.

“I serve only The Prototype!” Catnap snarled and lunged at the snake but his claws went through the apparition.

“?!” Catnap backed away warily.

“Kneel,” The Serpent demanded.

“You're not my god,” Catnap spat and began leaking out some of the red smoke.

Before he could use it however a tongue whipped about and lashed him on the side of his neck and Catnap shrieked in surprise, the minor wound began to glow and before he could retaliate he suddenly couldn’t move.

“What have you done?!” Catnap demanded.

“You’ve been branded, you're mine now, bow,” The Serpent ordered and Catnap found himself bowing.

“Shall we set him loose now milord?” Van asked.

“Very well, we we could use this opportunity to get a head start,” The Serpent said before turning to the cat “Go, and kill many, I must feed on their souls,”

“I-....I…” Catnap was trying to resist but he couldn’t and he turned and ran out of the cave.

“Next,” The Serpent sent his tongue into the portal, snatched his next minion, and pulled him through.

Nemesis

“?!” Nemesis looked around, confused about where he was.

“Bow mongrel,” The Serpent demanded.

“Grrr!” Nemesis had been in the middle of pursuing Jill when he was yanked into this world, he got up and saw the giant snake, and before he could react the tongue lashed him on the neck as well and Nemisis suddenly found himself unable to move.

“?!” Nemesis found himself bowing.

“Now, go and kill for your new master, abomination,” The Serpent ordered and Nemesis went to do just that.

“Next,” The Serpent said eager to obtain more minions… not noticing a figure sneaking his way out from the back of the portal and out of the cave.

“...Those fools… I need to find Celestia and Luna, now!” The figure said quietly.

Twilight after the strange events in the sudden markings on the moon called off the events early and galloped home with Spike in tow.

“What if this is just another prank by Luna?” Spike asked.

“Better to be wrong and safe than right and in danger, I need to confirm what’s going on!” Twilight said as she entered the castle and drafted a message.

She didn’t even get halfway through when Spike burped up a letter.

“Uh, it’s addressed to you,” Spike said handing it to her.

“The royal seal? This is directly from Celestia,” Twilight said grabbing the paper and examining it.

Her eyes widened and she began to look worried.

“What does it say Twi?” Spike asked.

“It says horrible things, that the town and Equestria as a whole is in danger,” Twilight said with a serious look.

“Great, what is it this time?” Spike said.

“I don’t know, Celestia was vague but mentioned that we need to gather the townsfolk and declare a state of emergency, she will send Luna to advise and brief the ponies on the situation,” Twilight said before she hurried out to the outside.

“Ok!” Spike said as he ran with her.

As they got outside they saw ponies going about their business and Twilight wasted no time in running off to the Mayor's building.

Twilight burst into the office surprising Mayor Mare.

“Twilight?! Sheesh, if you wanted candy so badly, then you should have knocked,” Mayor Mare chuckled but quieted when she saw the serious look in Twilight's eyes.

“Mayor Mare, sound the meeting alarm,” Twilight said.

“Why dear? It’s still Nightmare Night-”

“State of emergency,” Twilight replied, knowing that was code for ‘get the lead out of your hooves, this is serious’

“...I’ll alert the town,” Mayor Mare said before pulling out the mic and speaking into it. “Attention ponies, a big problem has come up. A town meeting is to occur as soon as possible,” Mayor Mare said as Twilight and Spike left the building and made their way to their next destination.

Sugarcube Corner

She saw her friends standing outside and when they saw her coming they ran up to her.

“Twilight? What’s goin on?” Applejack asked.

“We may have problems coming our way, alot of them,” Twilight said and gestured for them to follow and they did.

The townsponies were whispering to one another as they gathered around the stage.

They went on to whisper until Twilight appeared on the stage.

“Hello my fellow towns ponies, I am here to tell you all of an unsettling message I received from Celestia, a state of emergency is being called, therefore we are advising you to stay indoors until further notice,” Twilight said.

“What’s happening?” A mare asked.

“I’m not a hundred percent sure of what is going on, but if Celestia says the danger is real then it is, not to mention have you noticed the current state of the moon?” Twilight gestured to the snake-imprinted moon.

“That could be Luna’s doing,” A stallion said.

“Still, we need to take this message seriously,” Twilight replied.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure we can handle it,” Rainbow said.

“Yeah, our friendship can beat anything, but still we want to mitigate any damages, everypony head home, we’ll get to the bottom of this, don’t worry,” Twilight said.

The ponies seemed unsure but they listened and went back home, save for Twilight and her friends.

“Alright, let’s get moving,” Twilight said.

The figure got over the crest of the hills and saw Canterlot in the distance, he breathed a sigh of relief.

The relief was short lived however when he heard a distant explosion.

“No… they’ve already started… I need to hurry, lives are on the line!” He said before he spread his wings and flew towards Canterlot.

A village was in peril, buildings were wrecked and the ponies everywhere were…. Asleep?

A red gas spread through the town and ponies left and right were passing out.

And amidst the situation, a familiar cat creature walked along the road and approached a downed stallion.

“...” Catnap looked down at the fallen stallion, and he heard the hissing whispers in his head telling him to kill for his new master.

“S.T.A.R.S!” Catnap looked to see his associate in culling this town, he had fired off a few rockets at the town before Catnap gassed everypony, and now he was just going around snapping necks…

Catnap didn’t like this, he only killed when his god commanded him to or when he was given proper motivation to do so, this… is senseless violence, but he cannot disobey now…

And so Catnap turned back to the sleeping stallion and raised his claw, and one swing later… he was dead…

“Prototype… save me,” Catnap muttered as he moved on to the next one.

Author's Note

Bit of a rough start but I assure you this will be my most ambitious crossover yet.

More monsters, more problems

Twilight and the group made their way over to the center of town, when Spike burped up a letter.

“Hand it over,” Twilight said, and Spike gave it to her and she read it.

“What’s it say?” Rainbow asked.

“She mentions anomalies occurring through Equestria, multiple towns attacked? Lives may have been lost?” Twilight said with growing concern.

“How does she know?” Applejack asked.

“I’m not sure, but the situation is more dire than ever, the message says Luna is on her way, she’ll be teleporting in-” Twilight said but a teleport caught her off guard and they turned to see Luna “Now,” Twilight finished,

“Twilight!” Luna turned to her and trotted over.

“Hello, princess,” Twilight said. “Are the reports true? How many?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“Many towns have been ransacked already; we’re issuing an Equestria-wide emergency; all ponies must take shelter, and any and every guard must be dispatched to Equestria’s defense,” Luna said.

“Luna, just what is going on? Who is threatening Equestria this time?” Spike asked.

“All will be explained,” Luna said before noticing somepony running at them.

“Luna! Thank goodness, I was wondering what is going on,” Starlight asked as Trixie was there with her.

“Yes, Trixie was about to perform-” Trixie said before Luna stamped her hoof.

“I assure you this takes precedence, all of you come with,” Luna said as she lit her horn, the others gathered around and Luna teleported the group.

As they arrived at the castle throne room Twilight immediately turned to address Celestia who is likely atop her throne.

But she wasn’t there.

“Where’s Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“She is busy at the moment, until then let us communicate with our ally,” Luna said looking behind the group.

“Ally?” Fluttershy asked before turning… and going rigid at the sight of a tall and mighty-looking drake wearing armor.

“Eeep!” Fluttershy dove behind Twilight.

"What the?!" Trixie exclaimed.

“Whoa! Who’s this?” Rainbow asked.

“...” The dragon stared at them with a light glare.

“I feel like he’s going to set us on fire with his eyes or something…” Spike muttered

“These are the elements?... I expected warriors,” The drake said.

“Excuse me?” Rainbow flew up to him, and he didn’t flinch as she stared him right in the eye.

“I said I expected warriors,” He repeated.

“I heard you, but who are you to call us weaklings!?” Rainbow said.

“Prove me wrong then, left hook, right here,” The drake pointed at his cheek.

“What?” Rainbow asked, puzzled.

“Hesitation, first mistake, do it!” He barked.

“Silver,” Luna sighed.

“Alright, you asked for it!” Rainbow swung her hoof with all her strength into his face.

She budged it at least.

“....I’m waiting for the pain,” He said with a smirk.

“Not fair, you're a dragon, and I’m-”

“ENOUGH!” Luna shouted, getting their attention. “In case you have forgotten lives are at stake, Silver Bright!” Luna said.

Silver Bright walked towards Luna with an angry expression "You think I don't know that Luna! Have you forgotten what we're about to be facing? We are facing one of the most dangerous threats in all of Equestria's history. A threat that took so many innocent lives. A threat that doesn't take any Mercy on anyone who tries to stop it from achieving its goal. Which do I need to remind you how lucky we survived the last time we fought that thing?" Said Silver Bright in a very angry, cautious tone.

Which made Luna step back a bit at his outburst. But in her mind she understands what Silver Bright was trying to do.

Then bright turns back and looks at the girls examining them. Then deeply sighed with disappointment on what he is seeing.

"I know you and Celestia trust these girls but really." Said Silverbright in disbelief

Which made all the girls glare at him. Wondering what makes him say that.

"Oh then pray tell Silver Bright what is wrong with our heroes?" said Luna with narrower eyes.

"Well for one I can tell Miss Rarity doesn't like to get her hooves dirty and on the battlefield in order to survive you had to go through the dirt or through the most disgusting thing that blocks your way of survival" Which made Miss Rarity shiver.

"Then Miss Pinkie Pie I can tell she doesn't stay focused on a task too long as he points at Pinkie Pie who is following a fly. In the battlefield you have to stay focused because you never know when danger is about to strike you or your team."

"Miss Fluttershy, I don't need to point out that she doesn't take dangerous situations very well without her friends. As he points at her behind Rainbow Dash coward in fear. In a Battlefield you have to have courage for yourself and not keep on relying on your team to give you your courage. You never know if you will get separated from the enemy"

"Miss Twilight I learn a lot about her from you and Celestia and I can tell she does not take pressure very well. Whenever the situation gets out of hand. Especially those types of special friendship missions you and Celestia gave the girls. Which by the way when this was over you and Celestia are going to have a long chat with me" Which made Luna groan from getting a lecture from Silver Bright. In a battlefield you have to have a calm mind otherwise you'll end up hurting yourself and those around you.

"Miss Applejack's flaw is that she is always reckless. She believes her strength is enough to handle any type of situation the girls will ever face. But that's wrong. In a Battlefield you have to know your limit before it hurts your team." Silver Bright said.

"And lastly miss Rainbow dare I say acts too impatiently. She always strikes first, not thinking clearly what the enemy is capable of. Which could lead her and her team into danger-" But he was interrupted by Rainbow Dash flying up to his face.

“One more word and I swear i’ll-” Rainbow said before Twilight pulled her back with her magic

"She's also a hot headed one as well," Silver Bright said in annoyance.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you sir, but even with our flaws. we’re still stronger than we look.

'If only you knew what your facing up child..." silver bright thought in a sad tone.

"Listen, we just need to know the full story so we can help, we can't just sit here and sit on our flanks while most of our friends are getting hurt from this dangerous thing that you're mentioning. And if you're not going to tell us then we can just go there on our own” Twilight said with a determined look.

"She has guts I'll give her that. You really did teach an interesting student Celestia. She reminds me a little bit about you" Thought Silver Bright.

Then look at Twilight with a defeated look and deeply sigh.

“Very well, since I can't stop you girls from going to the battlefield. These lands are under attack by an Ancient and Powerful threat from Equestria’s past, and mine as well,” He said.

“What else is new,” Spike sighed.

"Don't take this threat so likely, Spike. It's different from the other threats that you and the girls have faced before. but before I go into more detail about the threat. I must apologize for my manners. Since I know all your names from the princesses. I didn't give you a chance for a full introduction" Silver Bright said “My name is Silver Bright. I belong to an ancient clan known as the Brighters,” Silver said with a proud tone.

Which made Twilight a little bit excited to learn something new and took out her Notepad and pencil. Which made Silver Bright quite confused.

“What was the purpose of this clan?” Twilight asked.

“We exist to fend off interdimensional threats, and one of the worst is making its way into your dimension, It is known as, The Black Serpent, an eldritch monster that seeks to consume all the souls in the multiverse, he has consumed multiple dimensions already,” Silver said with a grim expression.

“Interdimensional…” Twilight muttered in thought. While she is writing down this information.

“Can’t you guys stop him? I mean if he is destroying multiple dimensions then you guys-” Rainbow was about to make a snark but he leaned down and got in her face.

“it's a bit difficult when you're the only one left…” He said in a grim tone before straightening up.

“Oh….Um… sorry,” Rainbow said.

“It’s fine,” Silver said “Unfortunately this monster cannot be stopped, by normal means at least,” Silver said.

“How then?” Twilight asked.

“My sword, it is the last remnant of my clan's weapons, and the only thing that can force the Serpent to retreat from this dimension, killing it will be a different story, but we have the advantage here,” Silver said.

“How so?” AJ asked.

“He needs to consume many many souls from the recently deceased to break the binds of his sigil. In order to enter this realm, if that happens, you'll all die in the most painful and traumatic way that not even Lauren Faust can save you” , Silver said in a serious tone.

“Ulp…” Fluttershy and Pinkie gulped.

“ Now what I'm telling you girls is this. This is not any normal Mission you girls have ever faced before. This is not a normal villain that you could beat. Cuz if any of you say that he can't be that dangerous or much of us a threat. Then you are f****** wrong! Me and your princesses have seen horrible things that this thing had done to most of your kind and to my clan. We've seen them being decapitated, ripped to shreds. Exploded into tiny pieces, burned alive, mutilated, drowned, choke to death, slice into halves, tortured, beating up beyond recognition and having their body parts cut up and put all around his cave like f****** decorations. There was even one time we saw that bastard serpent forced two families of ponies to kill each other in order for one family to live for entertainment. That's what you're fighting against girls. So tell me, are you ready to face it?" Said silver bright in a serious tone.

Fluttershy looked ill at those words and the others shuddered.

“As I suspected, they're not ready for this Luna, if mere words can scare them like this then they aren’t ready to face an actual battle” Silver shook his head.

“We may be soft in comparison to you!” Twilight marched up to him “But we’re not cowards! So stop looking down on us!” Twilight demanded.

"Even with all the warnings I've given you girls. All the horrible descriptions that happen to those who try to stop the black serpents' plans. You're willing to put your lives on the line to save your kind and your friends. You really found a good one Celestia." Silver nodded.

'But let's hope Twilight and her friends' spirit doesn't break when they see the horrors of the battlefield.' Thought Silver Bright with a proud/somber tone.

“...Very well, if that’s what you want then don’t say I didn’t warn you, but I must warn you all, The Black Serpent has come prepared this time around,” Silver said.

“How so?” Pinkie asked.

“He has summoned from other dimensions, monsters, villains, and all sorts of unsavory characters, and to top it all off, he’s managed to sway many ponies and even some other races into aiding him, in exchange for his protection, and unlike the soft villains your used too, these ones aren’t afraid to kill and maim, still confident?” He asked.

“....We can do this, as long as we’re together, we have a weapon that may help,” Twilight said.

“The elements!” Pinkie added.

“The ancient powers of the elements? They still exist?” Silver asked.

“Yes, will this be able to work against the Serpent?” Twilight asked.

“Hmmm,” He thought about it, and nodded “they could, but let’s not hedge our bets on it,” Silver said.

“Alright, then where do we start?” Twilight asked.

“We need to locate where The Serpent is hiding, and eradicate his presence before he consumes too many souls,” Silver said.

“Alright, how do we do that?” Twilight said.

“Our first focus should be on culling the monsters he’s summoned, less souls and fewer deaths, not to mention it’ll be easier, he is nearly helpless until he invades your realm,” Silver said.

“Then let’s roll!” Pinkie said.

“Alright, but silver thought if it was a good idea to give the girls the bright gift for extra protection but shook his head. Not knowing if the girls could handle the gift ”

“We must make haste where the damage is most prevalent,” Luna said “Let us be careful,”

“Ok!” Spike made to follow but Twilight stopped him.

“It’s best if you stay here Spike,” Twilight said.

“WHAT?!” Spike complained.

“Trust me kid, she’s right, you're not ready to witness the horrors out there,” Silver said before they moved on.

“Dang it…” Spike sighed before deciding to go see Celestia.

"Which by the way girls." Which made everypony turn and look at him. “I don't understand why none of you heard of a black serpent. Since you girls are the guardians of your land you should have been informed on every dangerous threat Equestria ever faced and been prepared to face it.” Which the main six just shrug and don't know why. Except for a sweating Luna who was whistling innocently. Who turned her away from looking at Silver's Bright irritable expression. “Remind me to add the list of things to talk about with you and your sister Luna”. Said Silver Bright in a frustrated tone.

Which made Luna groan again. Knowing her and Celestia are going to get a very long earful of yelling from Silver Bright lectures.

Amanda the Adventurer had come out of the TV ready to attack the one who had summoned her.

“I told you, I’m always-” Suddenly a portal opened and Amanda paused and turned at the strange occurrence along with the person she was attacking and a tongue snatched the demon before pulling her in with a shout of surprise.

“What?” The person said.

“Ooofff!” Amanda grunted and the monstrous creature glared up at the snake.

“Ugh, they don’t get much more sightly,” Van said.

“I don’t know who you are, but you made a fatal mistake!” Amanda sneered before she lunged, only for a tongue to lash her on the side of her neck before she could strike the cloudy snake, she fell to the ground.

“Kneel and get moving, time is of the essence, I will also grant you the ability to utilize mirrors, it seems this world lacks your usual method of attack,” The Serpent said and Amanda got up and knelt before she left.

“Ugh, this is tiring, I will stop for now,” The Serpent said before returning to the statue “I leave the work in your hooves Van,” The Serpent said.

“I am honored,” Van said before moving on out of the room and staring out at Equestria, in the mere hours they’ve started countless souls have come in.

But it's still not nearly enough, but soon, it will be.

“Serves Equestria right…” Van said with bitterness before turning to Amanda and two other figures.

“I have a special task for you three,” Van said with a grin.

The carriage flew across the forests near a town called Gallop Junction, just west of Trottingham. The reports are most intense there.

The carriage was big because there was an especially big fella in one.

“Sooo… what’s gonna happen when we get there?” Twilight asked, trying to give Silver some room.

“We’re going to assess the damage and casualties, and if there’s any of The Serpent's minions there, we have to take care before more Innocents get hurt,” Silver said, not losing his steely gaze out the window.

“Hey, we’ve been through our own share of tough times, and we got this guy with us, so we should be okay,” Rainbow said.

“Temper your eagerness with caution Rainbow Dash,” Luna warned, Celestia having had to stay back due to other problems in Equestria.

While they were talking a figure stepped into view of the carriage.

“...” The figure summoned a pair of vaguely dragon-like cannons and fired at the carriage.

Silver noticed this and narrowed his eyes, before widening them.

“INCOMING!” Silver shouted and before everypony could react he spun and scooped them all into a hug and folded his wings over them as the carriage around them exploded.

As they fell from the air he spun in midair and extended his wings before gliding to ground level and setting the others down.

Looking around he could see they were in the town Gallop Junction.

…He could also see the multiple dead bodies…

“By the Bright we’re too late…” He cursed.

“Too late for… oh no,” Twilight said, seeing multiple mangled bodies of ponies and destroyed homes.

“Sweet Celestia…” Rainbow looked sick.

Fluttershy ran to a bush to puke.

“Twilight looked around to see if there were any survivors and she saw an injured stallion with a broken leg crawling towards her.

“P-Princess… help…” He begged.

“I found a survivor!” Twilight called and she ran over to him “Are you okay?” Twilight asked.

“No… my family… they killed them,” He sobbed.

“...They can’t get away with this, listen sir we can-” Suddenly blood splattered Twilight’s face and her eyes widened as she swore a harpoon came out of nowhere and nailed the stallion through the neck, and he was immediately pulled into darkness by it.

Twilight staggered back looking shell shocked by what just happened as her friends reached her.

“Twilight? What happened? Where’s the survivor?” Rarity asked.

“H-he-” Twilight stuttered, before she could say anything they heard footsteps from the alleyway and they turned to see what looked like a human walking into view, only he was dressed all strangely and he had an almost zombie look to him.

“....Heh, I was aiming for the princess, guess the sights off,” The Deathslinger said.

“You… why?...” Twilight asked.

“Got my orders, Entity or Snake, it’s all the same, can’t disobey if I wanted to,” He said before spitting.

“You sicko!” Rainbow said before she took off at him.

“Hmmph,” He dodged her punch and aimed his speargun and fired, thankfully Rainbow was swift enough to dodge it but it wound back to his gun instantly and he spun and struck Rainbow sending her flying back to the group.

“I’ve seen the look on a man's face when he knows he’s about to die, I imagine ponies are no different,” He said before Twilight got ready to aim her horn and fire at him.

“YOU’LL PAY!” Twilight shouted.

Before a blue laser struck her laser mid-flight and she paused and turned to see a figure standing there coming out from the dark alleyway.

And she could see it was a… skeleton?

“Heh, guess I beat you to the punch,” The skeleton said.

“Who’s that?” Fluttershy nervously asked.

“Danger,” Silver said as he walked in front of the group to block the skeleton from taking another shot.

“Look bub, I don’t wanna do this anymore than you, but I have no choice, so step aside,” The skeleton said.

“You're either Brave or stupid skeleton for telling me to move aside and so you and your associates can kill another innocent soul for your master. I don't think so." Said Silver bright furiously

"Have it your way bub. it ain't scales on my bones" as the skeleton was about to ready his attack. He was stopped when silver bright lifted up his right claw.

"Before we start the fight. May I ask what your name is? Since you show some resentments for your actions. I will give you an honorable death." Said silver bright

“...it's Sans The skeleton" said.

“Good to know I will remember your name when I engrave it on your tombstone” Silver said as he zoomed forward with surprising force and threw a punch.

As he punched he noticed Sans had simply moved his head out of the way.

“Swing an a miss,” Sans said before summoning a gaster blaster and blasting Silver, Silver blocked with his wing, and tried to sweep the skeleton's legs out from under him but he jumped and flipped back.

“Rah!” Silver breathed fire at him but Sans was just too slippery and he dodged again before telekinetically throwing Silver against a tree.

“If it’s any consolation, I hope you and your friends win this fight” Sans sighed.

“We have to help-” Fluttershy said before Rainbow pulled her out of the way of a speargun that nearly nailed her.

“Later! Speargun dude now!” Rainbow said and they turned to see him.

“Hmmph, like hunting back in the good ole days… I hated the good ole days,” Deathslinger said before he reeled in and fired again.

The group dodged and scattered.

AJ looked for an opportunity to close in but he turned and aimed for Rarity.

“Look out!” AJ cried and the harpoon flew at the fashionista who hit the ground narrowly dodging it.

He reeled it back and aimed at Pinkie, jumped over it and ran on the harpoon line.

“Hyah!” Pinkie jumped and kicked at him but he caught her hoof and threw her.

Rainbow swooped down but he spun to meet her, only to get blasted in the back by Twilight.

“Now!” Twilight called and Rainbow zoomed at him.

As she dove by a window, time slowed…

“Hm?” Rainbow’s quick reactions helped her notice something about her reflection…. It wasn’t her, it was a human girl, and she looked at her with nothing but evil.

Suddenly a pair of spindly gray arms shot out of the glass and snagged Rainbow and pulled her into the mirror with a shout of surprise.

“Rainbow?!” Twilight cried.

“AAH!” Twilight spun and saw Rarity and Pinkie being pulled into a mirror as well by the same entity.

“These new powers are interesting, makes kidnapping easier!” Amanda the adventurer said before she pulled them in.

“Twilight!” Rarity cried.

“NO!” Twilight exclaimed, before hearing another shout and seeing AJ falling prey to her next.

“NO!” Fluttershy tried to save her but she was pulled in and then out another window Amanda lunged at Fluttershy.

“AAAH!” Fluttershy cried but before Amanda could snatch her too Twilight blasted the monster away.

“NGH!” Amanda grunted and retreated.

“This is a disaster! We have to go help the others!” Twilight said.

“Where did they-” Twilight grabbed Fluttershy and pulled her away from the window as Amanda made another attempt.

“Let’s go!” Twilight cried.

Silver was flung into another tree as Sans approached.

“Dang it he's too fast I can't lay a hit on him…” Silver grunted as he stood up.

“Yer a determined one, reminds me of someone…” Sans said before noticing a magic blast flying at him and he sidestepped it.

“Why are you people doing this?!” Twilight demanded.

“Got no choice, see,” Sans showed Twilight his neck and she saw a glowing mark on it.

“You're being controlled,” Twilight said with surprise.

“Yep,” Sans sighed discontentedly.

"Twilight!” Fluttershy cried and she turned to see The Deathslinger and Amanda walking towards them.

“Nowhere to run now, horsies,” Amanda said.

“Make this easier on yerself,” Deathslinger said.

“We’re in trouble,” Fluttershy shivered.

“What did you do with my friends!?” Twilight demanded.

“Relax, I was ordered not to kill them… that’s someone else's job, heheheh, for now, they're safe,” Amanda said.

“Bring them back!” Twilight said, flaring her horn.

“You don’t order me around, nobody does!” Amanda lunges at Twilight but suddenly a magical blast struck her away and they turned to see Luna flying through the air.

“Luna!” Twilight cried.

“Begone demons!” Luna shouted firing shot after shot at them and the Deathslinger backed up.

“We’ve accomplished what we came to do, let’s get a move on,” Deathslinger said.

“Fine, I’ll see you later princess, hahaha!” Amanda said before she grabbed Deathslinger and they vanished.

Turning they saw Sans was gone as well.

“Luna! Where were you?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“I had been separated from you all and was ambushed by a purple monster with a big mouth, I managed to fight off though,” Luna explained.

“ Oh that's a relief. I'm just glad you're okay Luna and managed to fend off one of those monsters. I don't want to lose any more friends” Twilight said in a relieved tone.

“Well, this Mission went into a complete disaster. The minions of the black serpent escaped and captured several of the elements of harmony. So much for our secret weapon for that serpent. I knew that these girls were not ready to face this challenge." Silver Bright sighed and looked back at the remaining elements.

"Twilight and Fluttershy return back to Ponyville and protect it. We don't know when the black serpents minions will strike again and someone has to be there to protect the citizens. While me and Luna will go back to Canterlot doing some research and since now the black serpent minions have captured several of the elements. We need to come up with a new strategy.” said Silver Bright in a commanding tone.

Which made Twilight trot to him with an angry expression. “Are you bucking serious! My friends just got captured by one of those monsters. Who is going to deliver them to the black serpent and do awful things to them. Then you are ordering us to go back to Ponyville and abandon them. Also who made you in charge.” Twilight said with an angry tone.

Now it was a Silver Bright turn to walk towards Twilight with a furious expression.

“in case you forgot Twilight. We got our flanks handled! The enemies were stronger than we anticipated and none of our abilities or skills were able to leave a single scratch on them. Not to mention we don't know where they have taken them. Which is why me and Luna are going to do some research on how to locate them and maybe another way to defeat the black serpent and its minions! Also the reason I'm taking charge is because this situation went to a critical dangerous level. That not even Luna or Celestia could handle the situation! So please Twilight how do you plan to save your friends and defeat the black serpent without a proper plan that has a chance for all of us to survive” Silver said In a loud voice

Twilight wanted to say something but stopped. She now realized she was way over her head. How could she have a plan that could stop all of this Carnage and even how to locate her captured friends. Not to mention how she planned to save them. Without defeating any of the black serpents minions. She lowered her head and closed her eyes in shame. Realizing she almost jeopardized herself and Fluttershy into Danger. Then felt a comfortable hoof around her neck.

She looks up the see it was Luna

“Listen to Silver Bright, Twilight. I know he's acting a bit difficult to listen to , Trust me, I should know." Which made silver roll his eyes in annoyance. "He is just trying to make sure that everyone comes back alive and safe. But he's also right, we underestimated our enemies and we were taken down easily. Not also that but he's also right. We don't know when well the black serpent will strike again. So somepony has to make sure that everpony is safe back at Ponyville and he couldn't have chosen better ponies for the job then you and Fluttershy. So please Don't worry, me and silver will work on a plan to save our friends and stop the black serpents. So please go back to Ponyville with Fluttershy and make sure every pony feels safe and protect” Luna said.

“Ok,” Twilight nodded, worried about her friends still but understood. Then she and Fluttershy followed Luna gestured for them to get close and they were teleported by her back to Ponyville.

As Luna saw the remaining harmonies sent back to Ponyville from her teleport spell.

She turned back to silver bright with a Stern narrow expression.

Which made silver Bright faceclaw himself knowing that she's about to get an earful from Luna.

“I know you said those things to Twilight to make her understand that we are not ready to save her friends just yet. But you went a bit too hard on her!” said Luna

“A bit too hard! Luna, Twilight is a grown mare! Not a little filly from preschool. She has to understand the situation we're in. Not to mention I've seen how they fight. They are not ready to fight without any proper training or equipment and several of them were easily captured. So please luna tell me what made you think they were ready to face this enemy huh?“ Questioned Silver Bright said.

Luna sighed “okay maybe it was a bit unprofessional to send the girls without any proper knowledge of what we were facing or providing any sort of a protection equipment to defend themselves with. But they always somehow prevail from any dangerous situation without it with nothing but their teamwork.” Luna said in a stoic tone.

"Yeah uh-huh and look what that happened. They were defeated easily and several of them were captured." Said silver in a retort tone.

Which made Luna feel a bit embarrassing when he said it. But countered with a question.” Why didn't you give them the bright gift? I know it was one of your Clans special abilities that you can lend down some of your power. So please tell me why you didn't give them the bright gift.” Question Luna with narrow eyes.

“Because the Bright gift is a dangerous power to wield without the proper training or willpower. Need I to remind you about the side effects. When one of your soldiers couldn't handle the bright gift.” said silver

Luna remembers that time when one of her elite soldiers. Couldn't stop screaming and stop hitting himself until he knocked himself out. “Okay, good point. But what choice do we have now? You and I both know that Twilight and Fluttershy are not going to leave their friends behind. So they needed a power boost if they could stand a chance against the Serpent's minions.” said Luna

Silver sighed knowing that Luna is right. The two remaining elements are not going to sit back and let their friends get hurt and probably would be begging me to take them or worse they go off on their own without any protection. “Fine, I'll give them the bright gift when I see them again. But know this Luna. I want you to keep checking on them if they have any signs of the side effects. Let me know so I can help them control it.” silver said.

Luna nodded in agreement and was about to activate her teleport spell but was stopped when she felt two dragon claw hands lift her up and was given a quick kiss from Silver Bright.

Luna was surprised as he set her down.

"Sorry, but I needed to get that off my chest," Silver said.

"A tad sudden for this situation but welcome," Luna said with a smile.

“....Should we consider telling the truth about me and you and your sister? They should know what happened many years ago” Silver asked warmly.

“...Not yet, we need to focus on saving the elements, we can lay out the truth about us later, for now we get to work,” Luna said with a sigh hoping this venture would have been more productive and she teleported herself and Silver as well to Canterlot.

The captured elements were tossed into a cell and they looked up to see Amanda locking the door.

“Count yourselves lucky I’m not the one dealing with you, I’ll be back later to have some fun though,” Amanda laughed as she walked away.

“We’ll be alright, right?” Pinkie asked.

“We can get out of this,” Rainbow said assuredly but deep down she was really nervous.

On a distant hilltop near Ponyville a familiar figure was looking over it.

“....Prototype, forgive me…” Catnap said as he descended the hill towards the next town.

To do as ordered, and kill more...

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait, but here's part two, with more characters and introduction of Silver Bright.

Hope you enjoyed and expect more soon.

Also HAPPY HALLOWEEN :twilightsmile: