Dreams of Broken Promise

Discord wandered the halls of the now organic castle, he stayed low profile hoping they would not guess his true nature. He searched high and low for any secret passages they may use to bring in the cavalry.

A single room adjacent the main hall was filled with simple castle supplies, but strangely he could feel a cold air wafting from the back wall. Slowly he examined the blank wall with his hooves, feeling for a crevice or switch. Briefly he felt a brick shift. The wall began to recede with a loud scraping sound, sending a sliver of fear down his back

"Guards! Did you hear something?"

"No sir, I'm sure it was just another loose stone breaking free of the tower..."

"You fool! What if it is an intruder? Go check, you mare brained twit!"

"At once sire...."

The changeling guard left the room, a mumbled curse escaped him. *Sigh* "Why do I have to check everything? Bloody paranoid king..."

Discord shut the door softly, he wondered how to explain the situation but thought that perhaps crawling through the tunnel would be his best option. He deliberated for merely a second before deciding that stealth would be a better option. Lowering his body to a crouch, he slid his body through the hole and shut the door.

The door to the room opened slightly, revealing a very irritable changeling. "Is anyone in here? Quit fooling around back here and get to your post!"

He waited a few moments before sighing and leaving the room. "Oh great now I'm ordering around empty rooms, joy!"

Discord released a long drawn out breath, his pursuer obviously was not the most intelligent of guards. He tried standing up and found the corridor was quite wide. He trotted through the long tunnel, hoping it would lead out towards the mountainside. The tunnel began to descend in a downwards spiral, heading further and further away from the castle above. A slight breeze began to pick up within, filling the tunnel with dry, musty air.

The changeling squinted into the darkness and thought he saw a sliver of sunny sky. A few minutes later he reached a seemingly dead end, the wall felt cold and wet to the touch, a single eye opened and stared at the little creature within.

"I see the way has been discovered once again, but first thou must answer a single question, What is your purpose here?"

"I am Discord, my friends plan to use this route to free the prisoners trapped within the castle. We may also need it for a small attack force!"

"The castle is besieged? My condolences, you may utilize my cave young master!"

The single eye reared back from the tunnel, revealing a large serpentine creature. Her golden eyes watched the changeling cautiously, unsure of his strange appearance.

"Yes, I am a changeling but you have my word dragon." Discord bowed low, hoping this gesture of good will would alleviate the distrust between them.

"Thou are quite noble of heart, a fine gift for your kind! I am Sil, the water dragon, at your service." The blue scales of the dragon shone in the moonlight, enveloping the cave with bright blue light. The dragons apparently female form was thin and wingless, two large fins replaced the hind legs.

Briefly the dragon dove beneath the water filled chamber before resurfacing with a small object resembling a breathing mask.

"Any who enter here must be able to stay submerged for several minutes, the cave has become flooded due to immense amounts of rain and must be drained."

:Thank you, do you know which way is east?"

"Once you reach the cave entrance head right, it will lead directly to the road."

Discord thanked her once more before diving beneath the water. A short time passed before he surfaced in a brightly lit chamber, the crisp night air felt like ice against his wet skin. At the entrance stood a familiar figure, it appeared that Starswirl had already planned to use this passage.

"Ah, there you are! Are the elements in place?" Asked the blue unicorn, a simple smile set upon his lips at the sight of the changeling.

"Yes, they are in the midst of planning their escape and the subsequent attack against the broodlord."

"Fantastic! Thou plan is working quite well, now return at once! We have a rebellion to lead!"

"Of course father!"

Within the dungeons of Canterlot, a plan was being hatched between the prisoners held behind iron doors.

"We carry with us two very powerful artifacts called the Elements of Harmony, thou shall take one each and unlock the powers within!"

"Aurora, I hear hoofsteps! Hide them now!" Hissed Ironheart, a sound of caution proceeding her words.

Aurora quickly dropped the elements in a small hole and set the single bed above it. The door swung open violently, crashing against the stone wall.

"You, apprentice scum! Come with me now!"

"No!"

"Do not try my patience unicorn!" spat the guard, anger rising in his voice "The more you struggle the more we enjoy our meal!"

"Take me instead!" The changeling whirled toward the golem, a questioning look spreading on his face.

"Ha! You think us idiots? One cannot drain a creature with no soul! Get back in you cell, before I drop you into the furnace!"

The door slammed behind him, shutting out the protests within. He took hold of the chains around Auroras neck and dragged her along behind him.

"Hehe, With the potency of your magic we will have an army of young changelings by the end of the week! So foolish that you would dare wander into our midst."

"Do thou ever shut up?"

"Why you little-!"

"Letting the prisoners get to you again, Nightfall? You really are an arrogant moron! Is she ready for feeding?"

"Yes, now you can take this wench off my hooves!"

"Excellent..." The second changeling escorted Aurora to a small room with a single machine wired into the main hall. Gently he lay her on the seat contained within a metal sphere.

"This is my latest invention, the Emotion Generator! It will drain all the feelings you hold dear and release it as a gas wherein our children feed on your very soul. The experience will leave you emotionless for some time, but that is not for us to worry about! Haha!"

"Thou monstrous fiend! We will make thou pay for this, changeling!"

The changeling continued to mock her, ignoring her seemingly hollow threat. He reached up to the upper half of the machine and flicked a small switch. The large sphere roared into life releasing a small cloud of noxious gases. Aurora coughed and spluttered as she felt herself become limp. All she could do was watch as a elongated tube stabbed into her abdomen. A feeling of utter despair washed over her as the emotions were stripped from her very soul. Her screams echoed throughout the castle, filling the others with horror and fury at the disgusting act.

"These beasts must be destroyed, their foul stench will be cleansed!" Ironheart turned away from the horrifying screams and pushed back the bed to reach the elements stashed beneath it. "I need thou princesses to take these weapons and bond with their power. Once thou have done so, I will shatter the weakened door and we will free Aurora from her torment!"

Both princesses took the small stone spheres and began to feel a surge of power, the elements began to bond with their masters. Luna felt the powerful emotions of generosity and honesty bind to her soul, granting her a small medallion in the shape of a crescent moon. Beside her, Celestia felt the powers of kindness and laughter course through her body and mold to her very persona. She too was given a small medallion, though hers was in the shape of the sun. They stood silent for several minutes, amazed at the strange items now hanging from their chests.

"Ironheart, thou hath come to free our kingdom from destruction and for this my sister and I thank thee! What is thy plan of escape ma'am?"

"It is my pleasure milady, my loyalty to those less fortunate is unyielding! Our plan is simple, regroup with Discord and Starswirl and with their aid we will free Aurora then vanquish the foul demon that has taken thy throne!"

Luna nodded in agreement, her body itching to escape the confining walls of her cell. Hoofsteps rang out in the hall, giving pause to their actions. They heard the brief sounds of a struggle followed by several murmured words. The door panel slid open, revealing the bright blue eyes of Discord.

"Stand back! Starswirl is going to break the door down with magic."

A bright glow blinded the prisoners momentarily, a single bolt of energy struck the door. It stood untouched for several seconds before imploding and falling to the floor in a single ball of mangled iron. Starswirl stared at the malnourished alicorns, surprised at the energy they still possessed.

"We see that thou are attuned with thy elemental powers. Are thou prepared for the assault?"

"Yes sir! Mother has taught me much in the way of lunar magic, the powers of the night help thee now!"

"And thou, Celestia?"

"I am ready, my kingdom needs its share of heroes."

"Discord, what is thy plan?"

"First we must free Aurora, without her magic element we cannot destroy the threat. Follow me,, I know where the machine lies."

Leaving the dungeon far behind, they began their plan. Many of the guards had retired to the main hall for a night of feasting, leaving the lower quarters completely unguarded. Silently they wandered through the empty halls, trying to deaden the sounds of their hoof falls. Each door was sealed with a thick, black ooze that shifted and squirmed like a living organism. At the end of the hallway was a single untouched door, its wooden frame covered in trace amounts of blood. The door flew open, a single changeling came running out. His fearful eyes caught sight of the group before him sending him into a groveling posture.

"Please don't hurt me, the hivemind wanted me to drain her. I had no part in- ack!"

Aurora grappled him from behind, pinning him against the wall. "Shut thou foul mouth beast! How long till they work out we are free?"

"About fifteen minutes, but if the king discovers the open cells it will be slaughter!" The changeling coughed out, his voice straining under the pressure.

"Hmm, just enough time to strike down thou tyrant king and sever your connection to the hive!" Aurora swiftly snapped his neck, leaving his corpse to fall in a heap.

"He was a prisoner! Thou cannot murder them in cold blood!" Starswirl glared at his apprentice, displeased with the way she handled herself.

"As if thou can judge me... Besides he was the kings adviser, if we had let him live it would of been for naught!"

"We can discuss this later, we need to save Equestria!" Shouted Discord, his eyes lit with purpose.

They began to head downstairs to the well guarded throne room. Luna held out a hoof, barring Discord from the others. She leaned close and whispered a single sentence, "We wish to make a promise... If we are ever separated... or worse. Would thy always remember me? Though we have only met twice, we have felt a connection to thou since the first meeting."

"Do not fret Luna, I would never forget you... Not ever! Now let us vanquish the beast that drained you of emotion!"

"Yes, let us destroy him... Together!"

Finally they reached the kings chamber, a small elite troop stood barring the way. The leader trotted forward, a large scythe hanging in the air beside him. The blades blackened steel glinted in the moonlight, its edge finely sharpened.

"Amusing... A small army, nay a group of victims deep within changeling territory? You will fall before me and my brethren! The kings chambers shall not be breached... This day will be your last!"

With less then a second to respond, the guard charged forward locking his blade with Discords horn. He reared back swiftly and dropped the scythe in a downward arc. Discord rolled beneath the blade, avoiding it by mere inches. The rest of the troop suddenly ran into the fray with weapons drawn. The others retaliated swiftly with their magic, sending several changelings crashing into the wall. At first they seemed defeated but alas they swarmed upon the group, pushing them back from the room.

Discord continued to dodge the relentless onslaught barreling down upon him, the blade almost slicing him clean in two. The large changeling began to laugh, believing that victory was assured. He didn't seem to notice the creature beneath him writhing on the floor. As sharp talons began to grow around Discords hooves, he dragged them across his tormentor and dug in deep. The changeling reared in agony, his laughter cut short by this turn of events. Around him his followers strength began to wane, unaccustomed to such powerful magic. The beating of wings echoed through the room as Discord took flight. He charged with great strength towards the open window, whereupon he threw the changeling through the thin glass and retracted his talons, causing his victim to plummet hundreds of feet.

Within the room the guards began to grow fearful. With every attempt at control, the ponies before them blasted them with bolts of energy and caused their green blood to spill. The changelings became desperate, slashing their weapons in a wide arc. One by one they fell, their lifeless husks collapsing to the floor.

"We have smote his greatest fighting force in a single fell sweep! Before us stands the traitorous dog that took this city by force. Be warned, his powers far out match that of an ordinary changeling. The Elements offer the only weapon that can stop him!" Starswirl stood up and trotted over the fallen corpses, briefly he blasted the door bursting the very hinges themselves.

The tall shadow of the king stood at the window, surveying the land far below. At the sound of shattered wood he turned slowly towards his adversaries.

"My, my! You have definitely made a name for yourself Discord. We should have butchered your mother much earlier... But then we wouldn't have seen the great Starswirl stoop to such low levels. Hahaha!"

"Thou hath nowhere to run, perhaps it is time thou begged for mercy..."

"Beg? My army has already received word of your coming, within a few minutes this throne room will be crawling with my kind! But first I must see to you...personally!"

The broodlord roared in fury, his form began to change swiftly. Draconic wings shot from his elongating spine ending in sharp edges that could easily cut through stone. His body grew tenfold in size, large claws forming beneath him. Within several seconds he had reached his full form. Aurora erected a bubble of protective magic as the brutal flames erupted from the former changelings maw.

The shield began to waver as the immense heat began to build. "Discord, quickly! Thou must pool the others magic and help me unleash it. Starswirl, take command of the shield, we must have enough time to release the elements!"

"Go now, we've got control over the shield, he will not end us!"

A heavy, booming voice echoed through the palace, "Fools, my fire will consume you utterly! No pathetic sorcery can stop me!"

"These are no ordinary artifacts Arachnor, they are the Elements of Harmony! We managed to hide the gems far from thou greedy hands!"

"Ironheart?! Impossible..."

Discord stood up and flew up toward the broodlord, his face inches from the illusionary dragon's.

"With the seven Elements here within us, your reign shall fall this night! Dear Luna grant us your Generosity and your Honesty! The Loyalty of Ironheart will be used this day!

"My friend Celestia, grant us your boon of Laughter and Kindness! And I shall grant the power of Diversity, together with Magic these seven powerful emotions will destroy your lifeless, black heart!"

Arachnor simply ignored the threat posed by the ponies beneath and proceeded to shatter the shield blocking his path. Aurora began to rise into the air, the combined elements filling her with tremendous amounts of magic. A large ring of magic surrounded the room, its blinding light closing around the broodlord. Desperately he fought to free himself from the bonds but found his way barred with powerful old magic. From outside the thrown room, changelings began to flee. They knew full well that the hum of energy they felt would tear their chaotic forms asunder.

The seven connected ponies shook with overwhelming power, their eyes glowed silver as the magic reached ita full charge. With a scream of fury and anger, Aurora released the pent up energy.

"No! NOOOO!"

Kaboom! With a massive surge of power the room simply exploded, the bright colors of the rainbow shone through the now ruined throne room. The broodlord was utterly disintegrated, his dark, twisted body exploding into a thousand glittering pieces. The shock wave blew through the changeling horde, sending them back to the depths of their caves. The hatchery was obliterated, thousands of eggs were shattered along with the cocoons encompassing the surviving denizens of Canterlot.

For miles around the explosion could be seen to all. On the borders of the city the king and queen rejoiced at the sight, glad to see Starswirls plan had payed off. All over Equestria the shouts of joy could be heard in the early morning air, the changeling horde had been destroyed.

Aurora collapsed upon the ground, her body having been host to a magic unseen for three centuries. Discord ran forward and stood by her side, his concerned look simply elicited a small chuckle from his sister.

"It seems like yesterday when our roles were reversed... Thou weakened frail form held within my hooves. We are fine, simple bed rest will do!"

Luna trotted forward and helped Discord raise her from the ground, Starswirl followed at a slow pace, making sure his apprentice wasn't injured in any way. Celestia opened the door to her chamber, whereupon a soft satin lined bed stood in the center. Briefly they hoisted her up with magic and gently lay her on the bed.

"Ah... This bed is heaven-" before she could finish however her body fell into sleep. For several moments they watched her chest rise and fall, her face the picture of perfect bliss. Quietly they shut the door behind them and wandered out into the hall.

"Thou hath done well my dear Discord, the king and queen will want to knight thou for all that was accomplished! But for now we must rest, a long night full of action sends my back into aggressive spasms..." Starswirl bowed to Discord, a proud smile set upon his lips..

Luna watched the elder pony leave before turning to Discord, "Thank thee, Discord! It seems once again thou hath saved my life... A true friend thou truly are!"

"Hey! If I knew another, more attractive princess, I may have not saved you at all!"

The changeling burst into laughter at the scowl that was pointed in his direction. He yawned loudly, his body worn out from the days events.

"So umm where do I sleep?"

"With an attitude like that? The hallway... Goodnight!"

Discord watched her go, his face a bright red at the sight of her rump. He shook his head profusely, No! She is a princess... I think she may be out of your league... He lay down upon the cold marble floor and reflected briefly on the days events. Within a few minutes his mind fell into sleep. His dreams focused on his best friend and her lovely smiling face.