Chaos Originby AstralMareetsChaptersChapter 1: PonyvilleChapter 2: EspioChapter 3: The BallChapter 4: HelpPrologueChapter 1: PonyvilleShadow Cloak arrived in Ponyville after his long run from Manehatten. Back in Ponyville for yet another visit, huh? he thought to himself. He saw an old acquaintance in the distance. It was Pinkie Pie. They had first met at the previous year's Grand Galloping Gala, however he had spoken to her a few times afterward as well. When Pinkie saw Shadow, she reacted screaming "New pony?!" in delight, about to go prepare another party. "Here we go again..."Shadow said, "Pinkie, for the third time this month, I visit Ponyville on my weekends off. You must have forgotten again." "Sorry, Shadow Cloak, didn't recognize you with that headband on!"Pinkie Pie said to him apologetically. "It's quite all right, Pinkie. Have you seen Summer Palette? I wanted to say hi. I'd be glad if you could take me to her."Shadow said, putting a smile on his face so she would not be too sad about forgetting his face, which she never does! "Sure! She's at her art store." Pinkie said, beginning to lead Shadow to Summer's art store, Summer's Palette. At Summer's Palette, Twilight Sparkle had just arrived to take a look, as it was a relatively new building. "Welcome, Twilight," said Summer Palette, a yellow coated mare with green eyes,a brown mane, who was wearing a grey hat and scarf. "Need something?" "Oh, no thank you, I'm just browsing right now." Twilight replied. "It's your first time in my shop, right?"Summer asked, her store was new and she had not had many ponies come to shop yet. "Yes, it is a very nice little place."Twilight said, as the door behind her opened up, Pinkie Pie bouncing in with her normal manner. "Hi Twilight! Hi Summer!" Pinkie greeted them, "It's me! Pinkie!" "I'm here too." Shadow Cloak said. "Hey Pinkie! Who's the new pony?" Twilight asked her dear friend. "I'm not new, Twilight. I visit every weekend."Shadow Cloak said."As well, I know you, you just don't know me. Allow me to explain. "Do you remember your battle with Discord? '...Then find the Elements back where you began.' was the riddle given by Discord. Celestia anticipated you would go to the library first, however the Elements of Harmony where were you first found them. I moved them there per Celestia's orders. "Also, when you and Princes Cadence were locked in the crystal mine underneath Canterlot, the Changeling Queen had sealed the exit. I opened it with special help from the magic of explosives. "I am part of a recently declassified special force unit known as Rays of the Sun. My code name is X-ray, because when I'm on a mission, I'm invisible. 'Alone we are invisible, but you see our work all around you.' That is our motto. Your brother, Gray Sun, a code name of the highest honor, is a member as well. It is a compilation of some of the greatest talents in Equestria. And that's how I know you." Twilight did not believe a word of it."Really?"she inquired disbelievingly, "you look a little young to be doing all that. How old are you?" "Same age as Pinkie Pie. I started to train for this at a young age. My parents submitted me to the program to aid in the defense of Equestria."Shadow Cloak said, serious as can be. "Yeah, uh-huh." Twilight replied sardonically. "So how do you know Summer?" Summer was the one to reply to this. " I met him one day while he was training for ROTS, or Rays of the Sun. We were still foals, and this big unicorn trainer was there. Shadow wouldn't stop running in place while we talked! "When we grew older he took a liking to me, and we hung out when he had time. In fact, he gave me the hat and scarf I'm wearing now. We have play arguments for fun sometimes, too. Actually, it was recently after I got these clothes that I opened this store." Twilight nodded and said,"Okay, but I still don't believe this Rays of the Sun organization exists." "Good, the less who do, the less who interfere."Shadow said with an unnerving smile. Just then, the door opened again, with Rarity and Spike entering. "Hello, everypony!"Rarity greeted them, all replying back with their own greetings. "I came by to receive inspiration my my next dress line up. And just look at this art! It's all so beautiful and insightful! I absolutely knew this was the one and only place to be for inspiring art." "Great!" Summer said, "would you like to buy some?" Spike then stepped up with a particularly elegant piece of art in his hand, "I'll get this one for you, Rarity." He offered. As Spike and Summer transacted, Shadow announced that he would be heading to the inn to get settled in, "I'll go with you." Summer said, brushing her mane all to one side of her face. And so, the group left the store, with Summer closing up early to walk with Shadow to the inn. The remaining ponies, and Spike, decided to tag along as well. Chapter 2: EspioPinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, and Summer Palette followed Shadow through Ponyville toward the Ponyville Inn. Along the way, Pinkie asked, "So, Shadow, how was the train ride here? All the way from Canterlot, huh?" Shadow Cloak shook his head, "I didn't take the train, I ran. Also, I came from Manehatten, I just spent the night in Canterlot." Twilight had a hard time believing him again. "You ran?! That's insane! Why would you do that?" Twilight asked, trying to rationalize this strange pony's actions "To travel in utmost secrecy, of course. Force of habit." Shadow replied. He continued on with his head held high as the others followed. Soon after Shadow had stopped talking, a voice disrupted their quiet. It said, " Excuse me, everypony! Please listen." Shadow Cloak seemed disturbed. Under his breath, he muttered "That voice...It can't be." The group turned to face the mysterious pony. Somepony from Shadow's past? "Excuse me," the pony said,"I seem to have misplaced a letter with my current art projects in them. I had just received it too. Would you fine folk be willing to help me look for it?" The pony was a cream coated unicorn stallion with a blond mane. He wore a fine, black suit and had a smooth, posh voice. "Of course we will help!" Summer said with a cheerful smile. Shadow Cloak's reaction was the exact opposite. "Count me out! This guy looks like nothing but trouble! I can smell it on him." Shadow shouted harshly. Shadow leaned in close the the pony's face, glaring into his eyes. The unicorn averted his eyes. Rarity was taken aback by Shadow's reaction. "Shadow! How rude of you to say that! Especially to somepony so nicely dressed." She pushed passed the others and went to the strange unicorn. "I'm Rarity, it's an honor to meet you." The unicorn looked in her eyes and gently lifted her hoof in his like a gentlepony."Espio Nage is what most call me. I'm glad to have met you as well. Shall we begin my search?" Spike took notice of how close Espio was getting to Rarity and got a little irked. "Getting a little close there, Espio." Shadow began to capitalize on Spike's irritation, saying "This guy is no good. None at all! Right Spike?" "Yup!"Spike agreed. Twilight frowned at their attitudes. "You boys are being super prejudice right now. What's the matter with you two?" She asked, sounding disappointed. Again the group's train of thought was interrupted by another appearance. "Mr. Espio! Mr. Espio! I found your mail! I have it here!" The voice belonged to a grey coated, blond maned, and cross eyed pegasus mail-carrier named Derpy Hooves. The pegasus touched down next to Espio and handed him a large manila envelope. "There you go!" She said "Thank you very much." Espio said, staring into her eyes with a memorizing look. "Oh, it was nothing!" Derpy replied, blushing slightly. She looked around at the rest of the ponies, and Spike, in the group. One of her eyes locked on Shadow Cloak and he cocked his head. "Hey, you're Shadow Cloak, right?" She asked. "I have a letter for you." Derpy searched in her mail satchel and pulled out a letter. It was clearly marked 'From LoveStruck dating services' Shadow Cloak quickly grabbed the letter and stuffed it away in one of his olive colored saddle pouches. Summer looked at him oddly, as if he weren't acting strange enough already."Shadow, is something wrong? You're always so kind, and what's that letter?" She inquired sternly. "It's nothing..."Shadow replied. "It certainly is!" Summer said. "Tell me what it is!" "It's classified." Shadow said bluntly. Summer's face twisted in frustration. She growled and said "You don't tell me anything! Everything is 'Top Secret' this and 'Classified' that! How can I trust you? How do I know that's not from some other mare?" "Summer, Please" Shadow said, a hint of pleading in his voice. "You shouldn't worry about it, please trust me." Summer shook her head."That's just it, I'm not sure I can." Espio looked at them blankly, then smirked. "I think I'll leave them to their quarrel. I'm going to host a ball at my house just outside of town, near the Everfree forest." He then walked to Twilight. "I would be honored if you and you're five friends attended." Espio then walked off toward the forest. "A party!?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily. "Count me in!" She jumped with joy and began to follow Espio. "I'm going with you girls." Summer said, turning her back on Shadow. Shadow shook his head, saying "Please, don't do it. He's no good!" Spike was about to agree with him, when Twilight levitated him onto her back. "Come on, Spike. Shadow can help himself. He seems to be a professional at being alone anyway." Shadow stood in disbelief. All his friends, even his special somepony, left him for that blasted"Infra-red!" Shadow thought, saying the last part aloud. "Blast you Espio."He whispered, continuing to the Inn. A short time later, Shadow arrived at the Ponyville Inn. He walked in just as Derpy Hooves, who nodded happily to him, left. He saw an old acquaintance tending to the counter, however the stallion appeared to be swooned. "Zee?" Shadow said to the light gray coated earth pony with a blue mane and eyes. His name was Sleepy Zee. Zee sighed."Isn't she just the most adorable pony you ever saw?" He sat on a stool and shook his head. "What's up Shadow."He asked. "Things are not well, my friend." Shadow said. "I'll take a cider please." He then took a seat at the counter, and also ordered a room. Sleepy got him his cider and Shadow downed is quickly. "What's wrong, Shadow?" Zee asked, trying to be kind to his friend. "Summer and her friends probably think I'm a bad pony now. I couldn't let them talk to Espio!"Shadow lamented, putting his hoof to his face "Espio?"Zee asked, "Wasn't he that former ROTS agent who went AWOL to the Land of Griffons?" Shadow nodded. "That's the one. He's a lying, cheating, and crafty unicorn with a serpent's tongue. They totally misjudged him and me. I mean, look at our cutie marks! Mine is a shield with a cloak of courage behind it, and his is a deceptive masquerade mask. What do they know...Not like their talents are judging. I mean, Summer's is art supplies ." He shook his head and sighed. "Oh, I should not speak ill of her," Shadow folded his forelegs and rested his head on them on the counter. "I still lo- wait a second...Zee, are you even listening to me!" Zee had fallen asleep while Shadow was talking. His cutie mark was a pillow marked with a Z, containing a crescent moon in the background. Shadow slapped him, waking him up. "uh-oh-uh-huh, wah?" Zee stumbled over his words. "I'm sorry. It sounds tough." "Yeah, right. You weren't even listening, you narcoleptic fool." Shadow said with a large furrow in his brow. It shown through his headband. Zee sat back. "Well, maybe you should go see what he's up to. You know, Espio. You say he's always up to no good." Shadow nodded his head,"You're right, I need to sneak around that ball he's having and find out what he's after." Shadow thought a few moments with a look of pondering, then looked a little irritated. "He said his house was next to the Everfree forest. To sneak into the back, I would have to go through there. What a pain." "Well, it seems you have a plan." Zee said, his eye lids heavy and drooping. "Alright then. Let's get to it."Shadow said. Chapter 3: The BallShadow took off his saddle pouches and put them on the counter. He looked to Zee and said, "Now, the ball has started now, but it's only sun down. I'm going to head out at night. However, one can never prepare to early." Shadow pulled open the largest pouch and pulled out a few flat rocks and a small metal spike. "What are those?" Sleepy asked, giving a yawn afterwards. He seemed apathetic, though he truly was interested. "Top secret research. However, They will be revealed soon, so I don't think I'd get in too much trouble if you spilled the beans. I really do not think you will, though."Shadow explained, beginning to carve into them. The rocks felt to be made of clay, but they were a dark gray color. "These are what I call Stones of Chaos. Powerful magic. I'd get into detail, but I don't think you'd understand." "Fair enough." Sleepy said with a shrug."Call 'em anything?" "Can't tell you." Shadow replied flat out. As he rustled in the pouches for more of the mysterious stones, he noticed the letter he had stuffed inside them. He pulled it out and opened it. It read: Dear Shadow Cloak, Well of course you should share your words with her. Be you hopeless romantic or not words are powerful. Even if you are reserved, she will appreciate your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, in a reserved relationships, heavy words can make people nervous. But just because they can’t articulate their thoughts, doesn’t mean they don't return yours! Though, do be wise about what you say. A poem can melt the heart, but may be overwhelming to some - you know this mare well, think about how she would react, but don’t feel like she’ll be upset with you. Words are the most powerful thing I know, so choose wisely! (Thanks to the creator of asklovestruck.tumblr ) He closed his eyes and sighed."Not sure I could give her that poem now even if I wanted to." Shadow murmured, continuing to rune the stones. Soon after Shadow had finished, he went outside. The sun had set and he turned, saying through the open door to the inn, "Do not follow me, Zee. I work best alone." As Shadow made his way to the Everfree forest, Spike the dragon had found his way out of Twilight Sparkle's grasp and had come back to contact him. "Spike, why aren't you at the party with the rest?" Shadow Cloak asked the baby dragon. "There's no way I'm going to that girly dance, especially not with that Espio character there." Spike replied, a look of disgust on his face. "I understand." Shadow replied and trotted past him, continuing toward his objective with no more regard for the dragon. Spike was surprised to see somepony cut him off so abruptly. "Why are you in such a hurry?" He asked, not receiving a reply from Shadow. Spike kicked at the ground in annoyance. Just as he was about to return to the library where he lived, Spike noticed Sleepy Zee had stopped next to him. "Um...Hello?" Spike said, implying a question that asked why Zee was standing there. "Well, aren't we going to follow him?" Zee asked. Spike pondered this for a small moment, then nodding and climbing up onto Zee's back. They both began to follow Shadow from a distance. Shadow had reached the Everfree forest, and was following closely to the perimeter as he stole to Espio's party, which was well on its way by now. The forrest had heavy, humid air. Many floral sents wafted about, trying to distract Shadow. The plants scratched his coat as he pushed past them, sounding like nothing more than the rustling of the wind. He stopped suddenly and gave an annoyed sigh. "Why don't you two stop trying to be covert and get up here with me. I thought you would get scared and leave after a while, but I misjudged you." Shadow said, voice impatient. Sleepy Zee and Spike came out from behind a few bushes. "Aw. Were we really that noticeable?" Spike asked in a sort of depressed tone. Sleepy had a tired expression, and said nothing. "You need to remember that I'm a trained professional at this game."Shadow Cloak said. "Now follow closely, and don't make any more noise." Zee and Spike followed his command to the best of their ability, and followed quietly. Shadow had lead them to the edge of the forest, and they were now in proximity of the house. They could hear faint orchestra music and the chatter of conversing ponies. "You two will stay here, or leave. I'm going into the house to eavesdrop. I don't want either of you blowing my cover." He told Zee and Spike. "Luckily, there is an open window where I can get in. Now, stand back." Zee and Spike did as Shadow cautioned them. Shadow took one of the rocks he had carved upon out of his pouched belt. It had a zero like symbol etched into it. Shadow closed his eyes, and the rock disintegrated from the grasp of his mouth, and the dust enveloped him. It glowed an eerie green, before he disappeared completely. "Whoa! Where did you go?" Spike asked surprised. By this time Zee had fallen asleep again. "I am still here."Shadow said, there was a slight distortion of the light where he stood. "It isn't perfect, but this invisibility spell should be more than enough to get me in there." Shadow quickly trotted to the window, his ghostly form appeared slightly while he moved quickly. Stopping by the window, he faded completely again. Shadow then commenced infiltration of the party. Summer had changed into a yellow dress bordered with warm colors, and she had put a white flower in her mane. She was at the dance, talking to Rarity and Twilight sparkle as music played in the background. The ballroom was wide, and had a ceiling that was at least five ponies high. The room was furnished with potted shrubberies and many decorative string instruments. "That Shadow Cloak pony...What's his problem?" Twilight Sparkle asked Summer. Rarity was nodding her head in agreement with Twilight. "I'm not sure, but we shouldn't be to hard on him."Summer said, dropping the last part of her sentence. "Too hard on him? He is the toughest, meanest looking earth pony I've ever seen!" Rarity said,"And if he doesn't want us to be hard on him, maybe he shouldn't have been so hard on Espio." She looked over at Espio, who was mingling with other guests, with a look of concern on her face. "Please, girls. He usually has a good reason..."Summer whispered, feeling like she could no longer fight for Shadow's honor. "You said yourself that he abused you trust."Twilight said."If I were you, I wouldn't have gotten involved with him in the first place." "Maybe you're right...I really liked him though."Summer said, feeling defeated. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "Sweetie, if he doesn't treat you right, there is no reason to like him."Rarity explained, now directing her concern to Summer. "But he does. Just today was strange and all the top secret stuff is hard to deal with." Summer said, a small glimmer of hope for defending Shadow returned. "I'm quite incredulous when it comes to all that stuff he spouted back at the shop."Twilight said "Are you sure any of that is real?" Summer was about to answer when Espio included himself in their group and asked, "How is everything for these fine young mares?" Rarity began to reply, "We are just-" but be for she could finish, another mare, a pegasus, interrupted with "Great!" The party turned their attention to the other mare. It was Derpy Hooves, the gray coated pegasus with blond mane and tail, and the most enthralling eyes. "Ah, the courier from earlier." Espio said, half explaining to himself and half to the group. "That is very good news." "Aw, I'm so glad you were concerned." Derpy said, a large, exaggerated smile on her face. Espio smiled a bit nervously, but cleared his throat to regain his composure. "Anyway, I was wondering of you lovely mares could tell me about yourselves." He looked at the whole bunch, Derpy was the first to answer. "Me? Lovely? Aw, you're such the charmer." She gave a giggle afterward. Summer listened to her last sentence and was slightly unnerved. "You already know I'm a courier. Oh, I really love muffins. I can cook them well too! Do you have any muffins? I can cook you some if you don't!" "No, no, that's quite alright,darling. Please do not trouble yourself. Anypony else wish to share?" Rarity began to speak this time."I run the Carousel Boutique here in Ponyville." Summer replied next, saying, "I run Summer's Palette. It's an art and art supply store." Lastly, Twilight answered. "I'm a student under Princess Celestia." The final statement caught Espio's attention. "Please, elaborate." Espio asked of Twilight. The other mares took notice of this, Rarity and Derpy looked a tad jealous. "Oh, okay." Twilight said, continuing."Well, I live here in Ponyville to study the magic of friendship! I'm very talented when it comes to magic." Espio nodded, asking, "That is so, you must know many obscure magics, am I correct?" "Yes, I do!" Twilight said, a proud look on her face. "I've used a time travel spell once, and I can use powerful artifacts, like the Elements of Harmony." A sinister grin crept upon Espio's face. "Please, tell me more." There was a sudden crash coming from another room, followed by the sound of a window slamming open. "Eek! A ghost!" Somepony screamed from the other room. Shadow leaped from the window, still slightly invisible. Galloping past where Zee and Spike were still hiding, the two followed swiftly behind. "Where are you going?" Zee shouted to him, Spike riding on his back. "I must secure the Elements! Espio is after them!" Shadow yelled back to them in a still stable tone. The three ran straight to the train station. The train had not arrived yet, so Shadow ran down the side of the tracks toward Canterlot. Zee and Spike were still behind, but slowing. "Wait a second," Spike said, "Only the Spirits of Harmony can use them! We don't need to worry!" "That's where you're wrong!" Shadow screamed, leaving them in the dust as Zee stopped galloping, panting and out of breath. "I'm sorry...I'm not...athletic..."Sleepy said, falling over and asleep, Spike slamming the ground next to him. It had been about an hour now, Shadow was still galloping beside the tracks. He heard the whistle of the train blowing, and he ducked behind a large rock on the side of the trail. He carefully observed the windows as the train went by. Shadow's jaw dropped, whispering to himself, "I'm too late." Aboard the train were Espio, Twilight, Rarity, Derpy, and Summer. They were headed for the Elements. Shadow lie on the dirt, eyes wide and with a desperate expression. "No, no, no..."He whispered to himself. "If Espio sees the Elements, he'll be able to make copies!" Shadow said, louder now and standing up. "I need...I don't know what I need!" He shouted, slamming his forehead against the rock he had hid behind. He huffed air from his nostrils, then ran back toward Ponyville Chapter 4: HelpShadow reached Ponyville Train Station huffing heavily. Waiting for him there was Sleepy and Spike. He trotted over to them, stopping with slight skid. "They're on their way...As expected..." Shadow told them, huffing and then coughing as he lost control of his pulmonary system shortly. "Well, can you stop them?" Sleepy asked with a yawn, fighting off his intense narcolepsy with all his might. Spike looked at Shadow with bright eyes, expecting Shadow to tell him yes. "No." Shadow said, seeing their jaws drop in the realization of how bad the situation was. "Not alone, at least." Sleepy shook his head. "I don't know what is going on, really, but if this Espio guy is more than enough for you, that's bad." He hummed and looked at Shadow accusingly,"Unless...those stories you tell me are lies..." His voice trailed off "They are not lies." Shadow retorted. He trotted away, the two following after him. "I did tell you that he can make functional copies of everything he sees, and he's going for the Elements of Harmony! I told you that, right?" Spike chimed in this time, saying,"But he can't use them without the spirits of harmony, too. You know?" He folded his arms, smiling and satisfied with his reasoning. Shadow looked back to spike and said, "Yes, for the real Elements. However, he can alter his copies to harness them for himself." He looked forward, heading toward the Everfree Forest. "There is one thing, though. They wont be as powerful without the spirits of harmony. They will still be a force to be reckoned with." Spike kept his happy look and said, "Well, then we can just get our own Elements and put him out of commission!" "I like your attitude, Spike." Sleepy said with a nod, taking his side. Shadow shook his head. "Sound logic, Spike." he admitted. "However, Espio knows that, too. I'm sure he has a plan to dispose of the originals, or at least keep them out of reach. You do remember how easily Discord...did..."Shadow trailed off at the sound of himself saying Discord. "Come on, let's go. I've got a plan." Spike hopped onto Shadow's back and Sleepy hurried after them as Shadow galloped off toward the forest. The crew of misfits reached their destination in a few minutes. Spike and Sleepy were still confused as to what the plan was, or why they were in such a place. They pushed through bushes, trees, and brambles till they came to a hole covered with a boulder. "Aww, seriously! Who put this rock here!" Shadow exclaimed, frustrated at the large impediment. He walked up to the rock and kicked it out of anger. Taking a closer look, Shadow received a shocked look on his face. "What is it?" Sleepy and Spike asked in unison. "I think its...Tom?" Shadow said, a look of repulsion on his face. He sat next to the boulder. "Oh, what did they do to you, Tom? After all you've done for them...Well, you didn't do anything, really." Shadow shrugged and reached into one of his pouches and pulled out a piece of a clay like substance. He molded it and then showed it to his followers. "Who's that?" asked Sleepy, a quizzical look on his tired face. Spike slapped the stallions leg lightly, "It's Rarity, duh." He pointed out. Shadow attached a device to the clay Rarity and slapped it onto the rock. "I think he'll appreciate going out this way..." Shadow muttered?" "Uhm, going out?" Spike echoed in a question. "Get back."Shadow mumbled, slowly dragging his hooves a large distance away. He sat behind a tree and the others followed suit. "I'm so...so sorry Tom." Shadow said, a tear welling in his eye. He reached in his pocket and took out a detonator, then pressing the button. A large explosion rang through the forest, blowing the close proximity trees over. After the shrapnel settled, Spike ran out into the newly created opening and screamed, "Noooooo! Tom! No...He was too young to die!" collapsing on his knees and sobbing. "Plastic explosives took his life at 12:03, Monday the third...."Shadow said, taking his headband off and placing it near his chest in reverence. "You two done?" Sleepy said exasperated. He trotted toward the gaping hole in the ground that was covered by the boulder. Shadow retied his headband and trotted to their sides. The two looked at him and Spike asked, "What's down there?" Sleepy slid down the pipe that the hole had revealed. Shadow and Spike slid down without the question being answered. The gang tumbled into an large cavern that was dotted with mushrooms, stalagmite, and other rock formations. In the center was a stagnant pool of water. Sleepy had a pensive look, and wondered aloud, "Isn't that the Mirror Pool?" Spike laughed and cheered. "This is great, we can make an army of Shadow Cloaks to fight the bad guys!" "That's not what I'm here for, Spike," Shadow said, walking up to the pool of water. "An interesting proposition, but too risky. I came for what is around the pool." "But there's nothing but rocks and mushrooms." Sleepy said, a confused frown was placed on his face as he kicked dust off the ground. He and Spike looked to Shadow expecting an explanation. Shadow sighed. "You see, this pool is heavily saturated with chaos magic." Sleepy and spike looked at each other with looks of enlightenment, then back to Shadow with confused ones. "We don't understand." Sleepy said. "What's that got to do with rocks?" "This, Mirror Pool, is one of the few remaining artifacts soaked with magic from the time of Discord's reign." Shadow stared into the pool of water. "Its magic bleeds into the surroundings, and I can harness it with the use of Discord's own language. It commands chaos to bend to one's will." Turning to the others, Shadow continued,"Now I can't harness the magic from most of the artifacts, since Discord binds them to specific purpose. Like this pool of water, which clones a pony. For some strange reason...it only works on mares." "Another hole in my Shadow Cloak army theory...Oh, well." Spike said, a little depressed. He looked back to Shadow Cloak. "So how do you plan to win with that? It's not as strong as the Elements is it? I mean...it's just a side effect." "Correct. However, I can harness the magic to locate an artifact that I can utilize. It's called the throne of the Throne of Discord." Shadow replied, beginning to dig out some of the rocks from the area. "It's equal in strength to the Elements of Harmony. At least, that's what the records said." "That's good." Sleepy said. "Let's go get it, then." He walked over to Shadow, not sure what to expect. Shadow sighed and looked to his friend. A serious and tired face greeted them as he said,"Only one problem. The throne isn't active without its source magic flowing. In other words...It wont work unless Discord is free." PrologueThe sun was setting again upon the city of Manehatten. As it beamed into the windows of hotels, many ponies closed their curtains. One of those ponies was an earth pony named Shadow Cloak. He had a brown coat, dark brown mane and tail with a short mane cut, and he wore an olive headband that matched his eyes. Shadow Cloak had just finished writing a poem for his sweetheart, Summer Palette. "How did I even write this?" Shadow pondered aloud to himself," Should I even give it to her, will she find it overbearing?" Shadow looked over the poem again, but his thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Mail!" shouted the mail courier through the door. Shadow went to the door and received his mail, with an advertisement catching his eye. it read 'Lovestruck's dating service: Need relationship advice? Ask Lovestruck!' As he finished reading, a smile crept upon his lips. "Hold on, I'm going to answer an ad." He said as he began writing a letter. He put the return address as the Ponyville Inn, and gave the letter to the courier. "Now, I must wait." He said to himself. The next day he packed his research papers and equipment into a belt with olive saddle pouches and checked out of the hotel. Shadow then traveled to the train station, but not to board a train. No, he began to run beside the tracks leading out of Manehatten, and all the way to Ponyville.
Chapter 1: PonyvilleShadow Cloak arrived in Ponyville after his long run from Manehatten. Back in Ponyville for yet another visit, huh? he thought to himself. He saw an old acquaintance in the distance. It was Pinkie Pie. They had first met at the previous year's Grand Galloping Gala, however he had spoken to her a few times afterward as well. When Pinkie saw Shadow, she reacted screaming "New pony?!" in delight, about to go prepare another party. "Here we go again..."Shadow said, "Pinkie, for the third time this month, I visit Ponyville on my weekends off. You must have forgotten again." "Sorry, Shadow Cloak, didn't recognize you with that headband on!"Pinkie Pie said to him apologetically. "It's quite all right, Pinkie. Have you seen Summer Palette? I wanted to say hi. I'd be glad if you could take me to her."Shadow said, putting a smile on his face so she would not be too sad about forgetting his face, which she never does! "Sure! She's at her art store." Pinkie said, beginning to lead Shadow to Summer's art store, Summer's Palette. At Summer's Palette, Twilight Sparkle had just arrived to take a look, as it was a relatively new building. "Welcome, Twilight," said Summer Palette, a yellow coated mare with green eyes,a brown mane, who was wearing a grey hat and scarf. "Need something?" "Oh, no thank you, I'm just browsing right now." Twilight replied. "It's your first time in my shop, right?"Summer asked, her store was new and she had not had many ponies come to shop yet. "Yes, it is a very nice little place."Twilight said, as the door behind her opened up, Pinkie Pie bouncing in with her normal manner. "Hi Twilight! Hi Summer!" Pinkie greeted them, "It's me! Pinkie!" "I'm here too." Shadow Cloak said. "Hey Pinkie! Who's the new pony?" Twilight asked her dear friend. "I'm not new, Twilight. I visit every weekend."Shadow Cloak said."As well, I know you, you just don't know me. Allow me to explain. "Do you remember your battle with Discord? '...Then find the Elements back where you began.' was the riddle given by Discord. Celestia anticipated you would go to the library first, however the Elements of Harmony where were you first found them. I moved them there per Celestia's orders. "Also, when you and Princes Cadence were locked in the crystal mine underneath Canterlot, the Changeling Queen had sealed the exit. I opened it with special help from the magic of explosives. "I am part of a recently declassified special force unit known as Rays of the Sun. My code name is X-ray, because when I'm on a mission, I'm invisible. 'Alone we are invisible, but you see our work all around you.' That is our motto. Your brother, Gray Sun, a code name of the highest honor, is a member as well. It is a compilation of some of the greatest talents in Equestria. And that's how I know you." Twilight did not believe a word of it."Really?"she inquired disbelievingly, "you look a little young to be doing all that. How old are you?" "Same age as Pinkie Pie. I started to train for this at a young age. My parents submitted me to the program to aid in the defense of Equestria."Shadow Cloak said, serious as can be. "Yeah, uh-huh." Twilight replied sardonically. "So how do you know Summer?" Summer was the one to reply to this. " I met him one day while he was training for ROTS, or Rays of the Sun. We were still foals, and this big unicorn trainer was there. Shadow wouldn't stop running in place while we talked! "When we grew older he took a liking to me, and we hung out when he had time. In fact, he gave me the hat and scarf I'm wearing now. We have play arguments for fun sometimes, too. Actually, it was recently after I got these clothes that I opened this store." Twilight nodded and said,"Okay, but I still don't believe this Rays of the Sun organization exists." "Good, the less who do, the less who interfere."Shadow said with an unnerving smile. Just then, the door opened again, with Rarity and Spike entering. "Hello, everypony!"Rarity greeted them, all replying back with their own greetings. "I came by to receive inspiration my my next dress line up. And just look at this art! It's all so beautiful and insightful! I absolutely knew this was the one and only place to be for inspiring art." "Great!" Summer said, "would you like to buy some?" Spike then stepped up with a particularly elegant piece of art in his hand, "I'll get this one for you, Rarity." He offered. As Spike and Summer transacted, Shadow announced that he would be heading to the inn to get settled in, "I'll go with you." Summer said, brushing her mane all to one side of her face. And so, the group left the store, with Summer closing up early to walk with Shadow to the inn. The remaining ponies, and Spike, decided to tag along as well.
Chapter 2: EspioPinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, and Summer Palette followed Shadow through Ponyville toward the Ponyville Inn. Along the way, Pinkie asked, "So, Shadow, how was the train ride here? All the way from Canterlot, huh?" Shadow Cloak shook his head, "I didn't take the train, I ran. Also, I came from Manehatten, I just spent the night in Canterlot." Twilight had a hard time believing him again. "You ran?! That's insane! Why would you do that?" Twilight asked, trying to rationalize this strange pony's actions "To travel in utmost secrecy, of course. Force of habit." Shadow replied. He continued on with his head held high as the others followed. Soon after Shadow had stopped talking, a voice disrupted their quiet. It said, " Excuse me, everypony! Please listen." Shadow Cloak seemed disturbed. Under his breath, he muttered "That voice...It can't be." The group turned to face the mysterious pony. Somepony from Shadow's past? "Excuse me," the pony said,"I seem to have misplaced a letter with my current art projects in them. I had just received it too. Would you fine folk be willing to help me look for it?" The pony was a cream coated unicorn stallion with a blond mane. He wore a fine, black suit and had a smooth, posh voice. "Of course we will help!" Summer said with a cheerful smile. Shadow Cloak's reaction was the exact opposite. "Count me out! This guy looks like nothing but trouble! I can smell it on him." Shadow shouted harshly. Shadow leaned in close the the pony's face, glaring into his eyes. The unicorn averted his eyes. Rarity was taken aback by Shadow's reaction. "Shadow! How rude of you to say that! Especially to somepony so nicely dressed." She pushed passed the others and went to the strange unicorn. "I'm Rarity, it's an honor to meet you." The unicorn looked in her eyes and gently lifted her hoof in his like a gentlepony."Espio Nage is what most call me. I'm glad to have met you as well. Shall we begin my search?" Spike took notice of how close Espio was getting to Rarity and got a little irked. "Getting a little close there, Espio." Shadow began to capitalize on Spike's irritation, saying "This guy is no good. None at all! Right Spike?" "Yup!"Spike agreed. Twilight frowned at their attitudes. "You boys are being super prejudice right now. What's the matter with you two?" She asked, sounding disappointed. Again the group's train of thought was interrupted by another appearance. "Mr. Espio! Mr. Espio! I found your mail! I have it here!" The voice belonged to a grey coated, blond maned, and cross eyed pegasus mail-carrier named Derpy Hooves. The pegasus touched down next to Espio and handed him a large manila envelope. "There you go!" She said "Thank you very much." Espio said, staring into her eyes with a memorizing look. "Oh, it was nothing!" Derpy replied, blushing slightly. She looked around at the rest of the ponies, and Spike, in the group. One of her eyes locked on Shadow Cloak and he cocked his head. "Hey, you're Shadow Cloak, right?" She asked. "I have a letter for you." Derpy searched in her mail satchel and pulled out a letter. It was clearly marked 'From LoveStruck dating services' Shadow Cloak quickly grabbed the letter and stuffed it away in one of his olive colored saddle pouches. Summer looked at him oddly, as if he weren't acting strange enough already."Shadow, is something wrong? You're always so kind, and what's that letter?" She inquired sternly. "It's nothing..."Shadow replied. "It certainly is!" Summer said. "Tell me what it is!" "It's classified." Shadow said bluntly. Summer's face twisted in frustration. She growled and said "You don't tell me anything! Everything is 'Top Secret' this and 'Classified' that! How can I trust you? How do I know that's not from some other mare?" "Summer, Please" Shadow said, a hint of pleading in his voice. "You shouldn't worry about it, please trust me." Summer shook her head."That's just it, I'm not sure I can." Espio looked at them blankly, then smirked. "I think I'll leave them to their quarrel. I'm going to host a ball at my house just outside of town, near the Everfree forest." He then walked to Twilight. "I would be honored if you and you're five friends attended." Espio then walked off toward the forest. "A party!?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily. "Count me in!" She jumped with joy and began to follow Espio. "I'm going with you girls." Summer said, turning her back on Shadow. Shadow shook his head, saying "Please, don't do it. He's no good!" Spike was about to agree with him, when Twilight levitated him onto her back. "Come on, Spike. Shadow can help himself. He seems to be a professional at being alone anyway." Shadow stood in disbelief. All his friends, even his special somepony, left him for that blasted"Infra-red!" Shadow thought, saying the last part aloud. "Blast you Espio."He whispered, continuing to the Inn. A short time later, Shadow arrived at the Ponyville Inn. He walked in just as Derpy Hooves, who nodded happily to him, left. He saw an old acquaintance tending to the counter, however the stallion appeared to be swooned. "Zee?" Shadow said to the light gray coated earth pony with a blue mane and eyes. His name was Sleepy Zee. Zee sighed."Isn't she just the most adorable pony you ever saw?" He sat on a stool and shook his head. "What's up Shadow."He asked. "Things are not well, my friend." Shadow said. "I'll take a cider please." He then took a seat at the counter, and also ordered a room. Sleepy got him his cider and Shadow downed is quickly. "What's wrong, Shadow?" Zee asked, trying to be kind to his friend. "Summer and her friends probably think I'm a bad pony now. I couldn't let them talk to Espio!"Shadow lamented, putting his hoof to his face "Espio?"Zee asked, "Wasn't he that former ROTS agent who went AWOL to the Land of Griffons?" Shadow nodded. "That's the one. He's a lying, cheating, and crafty unicorn with a serpent's tongue. They totally misjudged him and me. I mean, look at our cutie marks! Mine is a shield with a cloak of courage behind it, and his is a deceptive masquerade mask. What do they know...Not like their talents are judging. I mean, Summer's is art supplies ." He shook his head and sighed. "Oh, I should not speak ill of her," Shadow folded his forelegs and rested his head on them on the counter. "I still lo- wait a second...Zee, are you even listening to me!" Zee had fallen asleep while Shadow was talking. His cutie mark was a pillow marked with a Z, containing a crescent moon in the background. Shadow slapped him, waking him up. "uh-oh-uh-huh, wah?" Zee stumbled over his words. "I'm sorry. It sounds tough." "Yeah, right. You weren't even listening, you narcoleptic fool." Shadow said with a large furrow in his brow. It shown through his headband. Zee sat back. "Well, maybe you should go see what he's up to. You know, Espio. You say he's always up to no good." Shadow nodded his head,"You're right, I need to sneak around that ball he's having and find out what he's after." Shadow thought a few moments with a look of pondering, then looked a little irritated. "He said his house was next to the Everfree forest. To sneak into the back, I would have to go through there. What a pain." "Well, it seems you have a plan." Zee said, his eye lids heavy and drooping. "Alright then. Let's get to it."Shadow said.
Chapter 3: The BallShadow took off his saddle pouches and put them on the counter. He looked to Zee and said, "Now, the ball has started now, but it's only sun down. I'm going to head out at night. However, one can never prepare to early." Shadow pulled open the largest pouch and pulled out a few flat rocks and a small metal spike. "What are those?" Sleepy asked, giving a yawn afterwards. He seemed apathetic, though he truly was interested. "Top secret research. However, They will be revealed soon, so I don't think I'd get in too much trouble if you spilled the beans. I really do not think you will, though."Shadow explained, beginning to carve into them. The rocks felt to be made of clay, but they were a dark gray color. "These are what I call Stones of Chaos. Powerful magic. I'd get into detail, but I don't think you'd understand." "Fair enough." Sleepy said with a shrug."Call 'em anything?" "Can't tell you." Shadow replied flat out. As he rustled in the pouches for more of the mysterious stones, he noticed the letter he had stuffed inside them. He pulled it out and opened it. It read: Dear Shadow Cloak, Well of course you should share your words with her. Be you hopeless romantic or not words are powerful. Even if you are reserved, she will appreciate your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, in a reserved relationships, heavy words can make people nervous. But just because they can’t articulate their thoughts, doesn’t mean they don't return yours! Though, do be wise about what you say. A poem can melt the heart, but may be overwhelming to some - you know this mare well, think about how she would react, but don’t feel like she’ll be upset with you. Words are the most powerful thing I know, so choose wisely! (Thanks to the creator of asklovestruck.tumblr ) He closed his eyes and sighed."Not sure I could give her that poem now even if I wanted to." Shadow murmured, continuing to rune the stones. Soon after Shadow had finished, he went outside. The sun had set and he turned, saying through the open door to the inn, "Do not follow me, Zee. I work best alone." As Shadow made his way to the Everfree forest, Spike the dragon had found his way out of Twilight Sparkle's grasp and had come back to contact him. "Spike, why aren't you at the party with the rest?" Shadow Cloak asked the baby dragon. "There's no way I'm going to that girly dance, especially not with that Espio character there." Spike replied, a look of disgust on his face. "I understand." Shadow replied and trotted past him, continuing toward his objective with no more regard for the dragon. Spike was surprised to see somepony cut him off so abruptly. "Why are you in such a hurry?" He asked, not receiving a reply from Shadow. Spike kicked at the ground in annoyance. Just as he was about to return to the library where he lived, Spike noticed Sleepy Zee had stopped next to him. "Um...Hello?" Spike said, implying a question that asked why Zee was standing there. "Well, aren't we going to follow him?" Zee asked. Spike pondered this for a small moment, then nodding and climbing up onto Zee's back. They both began to follow Shadow from a distance. Shadow had reached the Everfree forest, and was following closely to the perimeter as he stole to Espio's party, which was well on its way by now. The forrest had heavy, humid air. Many floral sents wafted about, trying to distract Shadow. The plants scratched his coat as he pushed past them, sounding like nothing more than the rustling of the wind. He stopped suddenly and gave an annoyed sigh. "Why don't you two stop trying to be covert and get up here with me. I thought you would get scared and leave after a while, but I misjudged you." Shadow said, voice impatient. Sleepy Zee and Spike came out from behind a few bushes. "Aw. Were we really that noticeable?" Spike asked in a sort of depressed tone. Sleepy had a tired expression, and said nothing. "You need to remember that I'm a trained professional at this game."Shadow Cloak said. "Now follow closely, and don't make any more noise." Zee and Spike followed his command to the best of their ability, and followed quietly. Shadow had lead them to the edge of the forest, and they were now in proximity of the house. They could hear faint orchestra music and the chatter of conversing ponies. "You two will stay here, or leave. I'm going into the house to eavesdrop. I don't want either of you blowing my cover." He told Zee and Spike. "Luckily, there is an open window where I can get in. Now, stand back." Zee and Spike did as Shadow cautioned them. Shadow took one of the rocks he had carved upon out of his pouched belt. It had a zero like symbol etched into it. Shadow closed his eyes, and the rock disintegrated from the grasp of his mouth, and the dust enveloped him. It glowed an eerie green, before he disappeared completely. "Whoa! Where did you go?" Spike asked surprised. By this time Zee had fallen asleep again. "I am still here."Shadow said, there was a slight distortion of the light where he stood. "It isn't perfect, but this invisibility spell should be more than enough to get me in there." Shadow quickly trotted to the window, his ghostly form appeared slightly while he moved quickly. Stopping by the window, he faded completely again. Shadow then commenced infiltration of the party. Summer had changed into a yellow dress bordered with warm colors, and she had put a white flower in her mane. She was at the dance, talking to Rarity and Twilight sparkle as music played in the background. The ballroom was wide, and had a ceiling that was at least five ponies high. The room was furnished with potted shrubberies and many decorative string instruments. "That Shadow Cloak pony...What's his problem?" Twilight Sparkle asked Summer. Rarity was nodding her head in agreement with Twilight. "I'm not sure, but we shouldn't be to hard on him."Summer said, dropping the last part of her sentence. "Too hard on him? He is the toughest, meanest looking earth pony I've ever seen!" Rarity said,"And if he doesn't want us to be hard on him, maybe he shouldn't have been so hard on Espio." She looked over at Espio, who was mingling with other guests, with a look of concern on her face. "Please, girls. He usually has a good reason..."Summer whispered, feeling like she could no longer fight for Shadow's honor. "You said yourself that he abused you trust."Twilight said."If I were you, I wouldn't have gotten involved with him in the first place." "Maybe you're right...I really liked him though."Summer said, feeling defeated. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "Sweetie, if he doesn't treat you right, there is no reason to like him."Rarity explained, now directing her concern to Summer. "But he does. Just today was strange and all the top secret stuff is hard to deal with." Summer said, a small glimmer of hope for defending Shadow returned. "I'm quite incredulous when it comes to all that stuff he spouted back at the shop."Twilight said "Are you sure any of that is real?" Summer was about to answer when Espio included himself in their group and asked, "How is everything for these fine young mares?" Rarity began to reply, "We are just-" but be for she could finish, another mare, a pegasus, interrupted with "Great!" The party turned their attention to the other mare. It was Derpy Hooves, the gray coated pegasus with blond mane and tail, and the most enthralling eyes. "Ah, the courier from earlier." Espio said, half explaining to himself and half to the group. "That is very good news." "Aw, I'm so glad you were concerned." Derpy said, a large, exaggerated smile on her face. Espio smiled a bit nervously, but cleared his throat to regain his composure. "Anyway, I was wondering of you lovely mares could tell me about yourselves." He looked at the whole bunch, Derpy was the first to answer. "Me? Lovely? Aw, you're such the charmer." She gave a giggle afterward. Summer listened to her last sentence and was slightly unnerved. "You already know I'm a courier. Oh, I really love muffins. I can cook them well too! Do you have any muffins? I can cook you some if you don't!" "No, no, that's quite alright,darling. Please do not trouble yourself. Anypony else wish to share?" Rarity began to speak this time."I run the Carousel Boutique here in Ponyville." Summer replied next, saying, "I run Summer's Palette. It's an art and art supply store." Lastly, Twilight answered. "I'm a student under Princess Celestia." The final statement caught Espio's attention. "Please, elaborate." Espio asked of Twilight. The other mares took notice of this, Rarity and Derpy looked a tad jealous. "Oh, okay." Twilight said, continuing."Well, I live here in Ponyville to study the magic of friendship! I'm very talented when it comes to magic." Espio nodded, asking, "That is so, you must know many obscure magics, am I correct?" "Yes, I do!" Twilight said, a proud look on her face. "I've used a time travel spell once, and I can use powerful artifacts, like the Elements of Harmony." A sinister grin crept upon Espio's face. "Please, tell me more." There was a sudden crash coming from another room, followed by the sound of a window slamming open. "Eek! A ghost!" Somepony screamed from the other room. Shadow leaped from the window, still slightly invisible. Galloping past where Zee and Spike were still hiding, the two followed swiftly behind. "Where are you going?" Zee shouted to him, Spike riding on his back. "I must secure the Elements! Espio is after them!" Shadow yelled back to them in a still stable tone. The three ran straight to the train station. The train had not arrived yet, so Shadow ran down the side of the tracks toward Canterlot. Zee and Spike were still behind, but slowing. "Wait a second," Spike said, "Only the Spirits of Harmony can use them! We don't need to worry!" "That's where you're wrong!" Shadow screamed, leaving them in the dust as Zee stopped galloping, panting and out of breath. "I'm sorry...I'm not...athletic..."Sleepy said, falling over and asleep, Spike slamming the ground next to him. It had been about an hour now, Shadow was still galloping beside the tracks. He heard the whistle of the train blowing, and he ducked behind a large rock on the side of the trail. He carefully observed the windows as the train went by. Shadow's jaw dropped, whispering to himself, "I'm too late." Aboard the train were Espio, Twilight, Rarity, Derpy, and Summer. They were headed for the Elements. Shadow lie on the dirt, eyes wide and with a desperate expression. "No, no, no..."He whispered to himself. "If Espio sees the Elements, he'll be able to make copies!" Shadow said, louder now and standing up. "I need...I don't know what I need!" He shouted, slamming his forehead against the rock he had hid behind. He huffed air from his nostrils, then ran back toward Ponyville
Chapter 4: HelpShadow reached Ponyville Train Station huffing heavily. Waiting for him there was Sleepy and Spike. He trotted over to them, stopping with slight skid. "They're on their way...As expected..." Shadow told them, huffing and then coughing as he lost control of his pulmonary system shortly. "Well, can you stop them?" Sleepy asked with a yawn, fighting off his intense narcolepsy with all his might. Spike looked at Shadow with bright eyes, expecting Shadow to tell him yes. "No." Shadow said, seeing their jaws drop in the realization of how bad the situation was. "Not alone, at least." Sleepy shook his head. "I don't know what is going on, really, but if this Espio guy is more than enough for you, that's bad." He hummed and looked at Shadow accusingly,"Unless...those stories you tell me are lies..." His voice trailed off "They are not lies." Shadow retorted. He trotted away, the two following after him. "I did tell you that he can make functional copies of everything he sees, and he's going for the Elements of Harmony! I told you that, right?" Spike chimed in this time, saying,"But he can't use them without the spirits of harmony, too. You know?" He folded his arms, smiling and satisfied with his reasoning. Shadow looked back to spike and said, "Yes, for the real Elements. However, he can alter his copies to harness them for himself." He looked forward, heading toward the Everfree Forest. "There is one thing, though. They wont be as powerful without the spirits of harmony. They will still be a force to be reckoned with." Spike kept his happy look and said, "Well, then we can just get our own Elements and put him out of commission!" "I like your attitude, Spike." Sleepy said with a nod, taking his side. Shadow shook his head. "Sound logic, Spike." he admitted. "However, Espio knows that, too. I'm sure he has a plan to dispose of the originals, or at least keep them out of reach. You do remember how easily Discord...did..."Shadow trailed off at the sound of himself saying Discord. "Come on, let's go. I've got a plan." Spike hopped onto Shadow's back and Sleepy hurried after them as Shadow galloped off toward the forest. The crew of misfits reached their destination in a few minutes. Spike and Sleepy were still confused as to what the plan was, or why they were in such a place. They pushed through bushes, trees, and brambles till they came to a hole covered with a boulder. "Aww, seriously! Who put this rock here!" Shadow exclaimed, frustrated at the large impediment. He walked up to the rock and kicked it out of anger. Taking a closer look, Shadow received a shocked look on his face. "What is it?" Sleepy and Spike asked in unison. "I think its...Tom?" Shadow said, a look of repulsion on his face. He sat next to the boulder. "Oh, what did they do to you, Tom? After all you've done for them...Well, you didn't do anything, really." Shadow shrugged and reached into one of his pouches and pulled out a piece of a clay like substance. He molded it and then showed it to his followers. "Who's that?" asked Sleepy, a quizzical look on his tired face. Spike slapped the stallions leg lightly, "It's Rarity, duh." He pointed out. Shadow attached a device to the clay Rarity and slapped it onto the rock. "I think he'll appreciate going out this way..." Shadow muttered?" "Uhm, going out?" Spike echoed in a question. "Get back."Shadow mumbled, slowly dragging his hooves a large distance away. He sat behind a tree and the others followed suit. "I'm so...so sorry Tom." Shadow said, a tear welling in his eye. He reached in his pocket and took out a detonator, then pressing the button. A large explosion rang through the forest, blowing the close proximity trees over. After the shrapnel settled, Spike ran out into the newly created opening and screamed, "Noooooo! Tom! No...He was too young to die!" collapsing on his knees and sobbing. "Plastic explosives took his life at 12:03, Monday the third...."Shadow said, taking his headband off and placing it near his chest in reverence. "You two done?" Sleepy said exasperated. He trotted toward the gaping hole in the ground that was covered by the boulder. Shadow retied his headband and trotted to their sides. The two looked at him and Spike asked, "What's down there?" Sleepy slid down the pipe that the hole had revealed. Shadow and Spike slid down without the question being answered. The gang tumbled into an large cavern that was dotted with mushrooms, stalagmite, and other rock formations. In the center was a stagnant pool of water. Sleepy had a pensive look, and wondered aloud, "Isn't that the Mirror Pool?" Spike laughed and cheered. "This is great, we can make an army of Shadow Cloaks to fight the bad guys!" "That's not what I'm here for, Spike," Shadow said, walking up to the pool of water. "An interesting proposition, but too risky. I came for what is around the pool." "But there's nothing but rocks and mushrooms." Sleepy said, a confused frown was placed on his face as he kicked dust off the ground. He and Spike looked to Shadow expecting an explanation. Shadow sighed. "You see, this pool is heavily saturated with chaos magic." Sleepy and spike looked at each other with looks of enlightenment, then back to Shadow with confused ones. "We don't understand." Sleepy said. "What's that got to do with rocks?" "This, Mirror Pool, is one of the few remaining artifacts soaked with magic from the time of Discord's reign." Shadow stared into the pool of water. "Its magic bleeds into the surroundings, and I can harness it with the use of Discord's own language. It commands chaos to bend to one's will." Turning to the others, Shadow continued,"Now I can't harness the magic from most of the artifacts, since Discord binds them to specific purpose. Like this pool of water, which clones a pony. For some strange reason...it only works on mares." "Another hole in my Shadow Cloak army theory...Oh, well." Spike said, a little depressed. He looked back to Shadow Cloak. "So how do you plan to win with that? It's not as strong as the Elements is it? I mean...it's just a side effect." "Correct. However, I can harness the magic to locate an artifact that I can utilize. It's called the throne of the Throne of Discord." Shadow replied, beginning to dig out some of the rocks from the area. "It's equal in strength to the Elements of Harmony. At least, that's what the records said." "That's good." Sleepy said. "Let's go get it, then." He walked over to Shadow, not sure what to expect. Shadow sighed and looked to his friend. A serious and tired face greeted them as he said,"Only one problem. The throne isn't active without its source magic flowing. In other words...It wont work unless Discord is free."
PrologueThe sun was setting again upon the city of Manehatten. As it beamed into the windows of hotels, many ponies closed their curtains. One of those ponies was an earth pony named Shadow Cloak. He had a brown coat, dark brown mane and tail with a short mane cut, and he wore an olive headband that matched his eyes. Shadow Cloak had just finished writing a poem for his sweetheart, Summer Palette. "How did I even write this?" Shadow pondered aloud to himself," Should I even give it to her, will she find it overbearing?" Shadow looked over the poem again, but his thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Mail!" shouted the mail courier through the door. Shadow went to the door and received his mail, with an advertisement catching his eye. it read 'Lovestruck's dating service: Need relationship advice? Ask Lovestruck!' As he finished reading, a smile crept upon his lips. "Hold on, I'm going to answer an ad." He said as he began writing a letter. He put the return address as the Ponyville Inn, and gave the letter to the courier. "Now, I must wait." He said to himself. The next day he packed his research papers and equipment into a belt with olive saddle pouches and checked out of the hotel. Shadow then traveled to the train station, but not to board a train. No, he began to run beside the tracks leading out of Manehatten, and all the way to Ponyville.
