Darkness Beyond Twilight

by zerozoner

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Shining Armor, Adventure, Crossover, Alternate Universe, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 9115

An Alternate Universe were Discord revived himself a thousand years before the Mane 6 were born and battled Celestia to a draw. Story is a sort of crossover of the Slayers Anime with the MLP FIM cast playing the main roles.

It was not long after Celestia had to banish Nightmare Moon that the balance in the elements of harmony began to waver causing their power to weaken across Equestria. This allowed Discord who was only sealed a few years earlier to waken from his stone seal to wage war on Celestia who tried to fight back with the fading powers of Harmony. But without the aid of the full power of the elements of harmony Celestia was forced to sacrifice herself in order to seal Discord away once again, but without the elements of harmony his chaos stayed behind making Equestria a very dangerous place to live. With the fall of their leader the monsters erected a powerful barrier to prevent the elements from seeking out new ponies outside Equestria to wield them, thus giving the monsters time to find and destroy the elements. A thousand years have passed since then and the ponies of Equestria have grown accustomed more or less to the dangers of their new world, but as the land starts to grow more hostile and monsters attacks become more frequent all hope seems to be lost. It is in this darkness that a mare utters the incantation of the spell that would forever change the wheels of destiny.

"Darkness beyond twilight, Crimson beyond blood that flows, Buried in the stream of time is where your power grows"

these are the words that when chanted will make bandits flee in terror, brave men quiver in fear, cause powerful kings to cower, cities to vanish, spook dragons, and even scare the demon lords themselves. This is the tale of the one who made these words famous and dreaded among all who walk this world and beyond. Yes my friends this is the story of the sorceress known as Twily Sparkle and her companions who guided by the spirit of harmony traveled with her in the adventures that would forever change the world.

Published 2012-12-23 20:10:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-10-17 06:10:11 UTC

Chapter 1 Angry! Must Destroy the Town!

Chapter 1 Angry! Must Destroy the Town!

For a tale that would make and break legends of old, one would expect that it would start of in a glorious manner. But don’t forget this is the life story of the famous Twily Sparkle and her companions. So don’t expect anything to be normal about this tale especially the beginning which brings us to the base of the dragon fang bandits…

For several years now the dragon fang have made base camp in some old mountain ruins. Life had been good for them the towns were ripe with plunder. It was too far out in the country for the military to get involved. And their ace in the hole prevented the local towns from rising up against them. Yes it was a good time and place to be a bandit all they had to worry about was which town to plunder next. But rumors began to spread across the country side. Rumors of a powerful sorceress that had started killing one bandit group after another. All the rumors said that her activities were all a good distance from their turf. So they let their guard down on that one fateful night that would start the gears of destiny.

It was another glorious starry night on the mountain with the stars gleaming like diamonds in the darkness. However the members of the dragon fang were too busy admiring the real diamonds, gems, and gold in their hooves to notice. The last raid had been more fruitful than many had been in years and everypony even the leader a gruff looking earth pony, that wore a pink vest for some unknown reason, had to give his men credit.

“You bunch of slobs did well tonight, I doubt theirs a single gold bit left in that town.” The leader pauses mid speech to drain a massive mug of cider before continuing as one of his men refills his cup. “To show my appreciation here’s a little reward!” With his free hoof he reaches into one of the nearby chest full of gold and jewels and begins to throw hooffuls into the air while taking giant gulps from his drink.

Suddenly a bright orange orb flew over the ruins walls landing slowly in the middle of the camp before turning into an explosion taking close to a score of the dragon fang with it. Nopony seemed to notice the enigmatic shadow that appeared out of nowhere in the midst of the ensuing fires.

“What the hell is going on?”

Shouted the bandit leader over the din, before he could even get an answer from his men he knew what was happening. As the dust started to settle the form of a purple unicorn walking towards him told him all he needed to know.

“You, you, you…I can’t believe it! How did you find us you little magic using bandit killer, everypony run for your lives it’s Twily Sparkle!”

A smug smile spread across the mares faces as the bandits started to run in fear from her.

“That’s right! And I didn’t even have to give you your other two guesses like the last group. Congratulations here’s your prize, Fire Ball!”

Even from miles away the constant chain of explosions could be seen and heard drowning out the cries of the dragon fang. As abruptly as it began it ended as Twily Sparkle began he raid on the bandit’s treasure.

“And thus Twily Sparkle the sorceress supreme dedicates her life to defeating the evil terrine of the evil bandit gang. This one den of wickedness is destroyed, but so long as evil exist in this world Twily’s battle will never end.”

“How can you monolog about fighting for justice while stealing our treasure?”

Those were the last words the bandit spoke before the sorceress held out her hoof and released another fire ball towards him.

“Never interrupt the main character or a mare of such beauty as myself when she is talking. You guys are just the stupid first episode cannon fodder your only purpose is to make me look good.” With that she took her leave with her selection of the most valuable pieces of their treasure.

It was late afternoon the following day after the raid. Twily would have been enjoying the scenery if clumsy bandits weren't failing so badly at trying not to be seen by anypony.

Why does this always happen to me? All I do is destroy their homes, kill their comrades, and help myself to a little bit of their treasure I don’t deserve this. Sigh, might as well get on with this since they won’t stop following me until I do. Thought the mare as she did a spinning jump to face the direction she had just come from.

“You guys all suck at hide-and-go-seek so come on out already so I can get on with my life by ending yours.”

In response an earth pony stallion drops out of a tree almost instantly with his blade drawn.

“Finally caught up to you, now you have nowhere to run. Do you think you can steal our treasure and get away with it? Do you, you little witch?”

Twily Sparkle wasn't paying much attention to what the bandit was saying as she was trying to figure out how he was able to get up the tree in the first place. She did however catch the last part the bandit shouted at her and proceeded to pull out a rather large scroll from her cape.

“Do you, you little witch? Does your script really call for such lousy lines?” comments the mare as she scours the scroll “what do you know that really was part of the script, guess that shows how important your character is. Let’s just skip this whole dialog about you trying to get the treasure back, so just trigger the pathetic ambush already.”

The bandit is quit taken aback by this. How did she know about all his plans? Did she really have some sort of magic scroll that told her the future? His concerns about the scroll vanished as he saw his fellow bandits out in the open only hiding a leg at the most. We really do suck at hiding thought the bandit as he assured himself that she only knew of his intentions because she spotted his companions.

“Alright boys you heard the mare let’s get this over with nice and quick.”

Looking around her Twily Sparkle gave a sigh of pity. Sure after fighting many bandit gangs she knew the level of intelligence wasn't high among their kind, but still this was pathetic logic even for them.
“You guys really should read more books it would help with your stupidity.” With her hoof firmly planted onto her face she continues “If your entire gang wasn't enough to stop me inside your own base, what makes you think that half a score of bandits can take me on?”

“Witty and cute just what I like in a mare, to bad I have to kill you here!”

Sigh, one more fireball should be able to wrap this fiasco up, thinks the mare as she trails off in thought. Okay maybe I’m not the most upright of girls out there, but why can’t I get hit on by stallions who are not professional idiots…I mean criminals?

Almost as if by some queue on a script a shadowy figure of an a stallion in armor appears on the hill behind them

“Excuse me, but anypony who gangs up on a mare is going to get their flank beaten by me personally. So if you want to live I suggest you get running and I might not chase you down.”

This sudden appearance of an outsider quickly drew the attention away from the fight that was about to take place.

“Shut and stay out of this pretty boy. Just who do you think you are anyway talking to the dragon fang that way?”

It had been a sleepless night while pursuing the sorceress leaving the bandits rather irritable towards this new comer regardless of how well armed he was. The stallion quietly readied his sword flicking his mane from the front of his face with his free hoof.

“If I told you my name you would only get it dirty”.

“Screw this, guy’s we’re bandits let’s kill all of them!” A mighty cheer arose from the remnants of the dragon fang as they charged the new comer.

“Well I’m glad we came to a mature adult decision” muttered Twily under her breath.

Still scared of the sorceress from the events that had transpired the night before, the bandits decided to try their luck on the swordspony. Leaving Twily to day dream away.

Oh what should I do? I know I did kind of just wish for a decent guy to show up, but I’m a complete mess a little time to clean myself up a bit would have been nice. Wait shouldn't I help him? No remember Twily all those hours spent studding romance novels. This is where the dashing prince charming comes in and saves the beautiful heroine from danger. I have to play my part and act all scared and cute. She was about to give a fake scream of terror as the last bandit fell before the swordpony’s blade.

“Sorry asking you this all the sudden, but I've been searching for a pony named Twily Sparkle. I heard that she was around these parts you wouldn't happened to have met her?” Inquired the swordspony as he sheathed his blade.

Ah and here I was worrying about trying to act cute in front of him. When he’s clearly already head over hoof for me and has embarked on a daring quest in order to court me.

This mare really needs to stop day dreaming and reading romance novels.

“Shut up! What’s wrong with a girl having dreams?”

Doing a quick look around and seeing nopony besides himself around the puzzled stallion begins to questions the mare sanity.

“Um who are you taking to?”

“Oh no pony really just talking to myself….out loud….Anyways I’m Twily Sparkle may I ask what business you have with me.”

Totally mess this first impression up, might as well get this over with so I can forget this ever happened.

A look of relief came over the Stallions face and he smiled as he introduced himself.

“So you’re Twily Sparkle huh your just as Candace described you. Nice to meet you I’m Shinning Armor your brother in law.”

Twily stared hard at the white unicorn blinking a few times before stamping her hoof down.

“MY WHAT IN LAW!!!!?”

Much later at a restaurant and after the whole menu had been ordered much to the dismay of the waiter, chef, and owner did the unicorns talk to each other again.

“Before we begin I have a letter for you from your sister.”

Dear sister,
Sorry for the abrupt news about my marriage to Shinning Armor, but since you’re always running around the country side killing bandits I couldn't send you an invitation.

PS
You really should drop by home more often so you don’t miss things like this.

PSS
Just so that you know that this is really me and not a changeling again, don’t want to repeat what happened last time. Sunshine, sunshine ladybugs awake clap your hooves and do a little shake.

Love your sister Candance

Silently Twily folded the letter and hid it in one of the many pockets in her cape. Shortly after stashing the letter the food that was ordered arrived. All conversation was put aside as they gorged themselves. The ravenous eating of the two ponies made short work of the food which could have fed a small army for an entire day.

While our heroes were enjoying their meal, a mighty roar echoed from the destroyed fort of the Dragon Fang. For deep within the mountain itself a dragon was awakening. The thick steel chains that bounded it to the mountain went taunt. Gashing cracks began to appear in the mountains solid foundation underneath the onslaught of power from the angry dragon. The prison that had held it captive for years finally gave way to the dragons might. With its freedom won at long last the dragon took flight once again to terrorize the country side.

As the poor waiter pony began to move the entire pantry from their table back into the kitchen, the unicorns spoke again.

“So now that you've finally met your new sister in law what do you plan to do now?”

It was plain to see that the stallion wasn't the brightest bulb as the purple unicorn could see faint traces of smoke coming out of his ears. Before long he hit one of his fore hooves on top of the other with a complete blank look on his face.

“You didn't plan that far ahead did you?” a silent nod was the only answer her question received “just how did such a scatter brain catch the attention of my sister much less marry her?”

“Excuse me youngins, I don’t mean to interrupt but name is Samons the elder of this village and I can’t help but notice you two aren’t from around these parts.”

Twily was caught completely off guard. She had been so busy observing her new family member that she hadn’t notice the strangers approach. Trying not to show her surprise she slowly turned around to face the new comer. She was greeted with the seasoned face of an old earth pony. A slight twinkle shone in the purple mares eyes. She had been on the road long enough to guess that this old stallion was interested in talking business with her.

“Now I might be mistaken due to being old and all, but are you by any chance the renowned sorceress Twily Sparkle?”

In her journey so far Twily Sparkle had learned that when conducting business with strangers it was best to confront them bluntly and get to the point.

“As a matter of fact I am.”

Some level of shock and awe of such a powerful, famous, wise, and most importantly gorgeous mare gracing a town with her presence was to be expected. But why was the one most surprised by this her idiot of a brother in law?

Trying to respect her sisters choice in a mate Twily decided to give this stallion the benefit of the doubt. In that he thought she was some other pony with the same name, but she was quickly reassured that this stallion was dumb.

“Wait you’re a sorceress?”

At the utterance of this statement face hooves and tables went rampant in the restaurant sending several dishes onto the floor. The content of which caused some ponies to slip adding to the chaos of the scene.

It took a few seconds of silence and controlled breathing before Twily removed her hoof from her face. She was red with embarrassment for being in the company of such a pony. Not only that, but she had hit her face quite hard with her hoof making her face all the more red.

“What did you think what I was wearing was a school uniform” she saw Shinning about to open his mouth to speak and quickly cuts him off “no please don’t answer that, just keep your mouth shut till I say so.”

Several coughs from the elder bought him their attention once again. After several more coughs he made his plea.

“This village is currently in great danger and are currently in need of the famous bandit killer and dragon spooker-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa wait a minute I’m okay with bandit killer, but what in the wide wide world of Equestria is a dragon spooker?” Asked the mare.

The old stalion must have had a cold for he kept on coughing for the longest time before responding.

“It means that even dragons step pass in sheer revoltion.”

Once again a great clamor arose in the restaurant. As Shinning did his best prevent Twily from bashing the elder of the head with a spare chair she had picked up with her magic.

“Wait! I did mean to offend you. Please we need your help!”
Never one to give up a quick bit Twily lowered her weapon. However a quick twinkle in her eye told the elder he was going to get charged a leg or two for what he just said. Not wanting to further aggravate the dangerous and greedy mare the elder got straight to the point

“The people of this village are under the cruel hoof of a cruel band of pink shirted bandits-“

“The name of this gang wouldn't happen to be the dragon fangs would it?” asked Twily inquisitively “If it was you don’t need to worry about them. I took care of most of them yesterday and believe it or not that stallion finished off the rest this morning.”

Upon hearing this news the elder’s face beamed with joy and took off towards the door, faster than a pony of his age should have been able to. All the while shouting about how they had been saved from the black dragon that the dragon fang kept. Once he was gone Shinning leaned over and held a quite conversation with his sister in law.

“Did you really defeat a dragon?”

“Nope didn’t know they had one. So what do you say we forget about it and leave town before it gets here?”

“I like the way you think sister.”

Sister… it’s going to take a while to get use to him calling me that.

The pair didn't even get the chance to make for the door before the air was ripped apart by the fearful roar of a dragon flying overhead. As if to testify the dragon strength the whole town shock and windows broke from the pressure produced by the shock waves created by the dragon just flying by. On its second pass over the town a river of fire came from its mouth setting a third of the town ablaze.

Screams of terror and fright could be heard all around as ponies of all tribes try to flee the dragons wrath. There was however one pony that fought against the crowd to get inside the crumbling restaurant. It was the mayor who was a slightly darker hue than before due to his singed coat.

“You youngins lied to me you said you beat the dragon! Now the dragon is on a rampage! It’s already destroyed half the town and just finished burning the library I was in to the ground!”

Rather than being ashamed of lying to him and apologizing profusely as he expected. Twily had a blank look on her face with her eyes vacant of all light giving them an empty feeling that rather unsettled the mayor.

“So let me get this straight that dragon just torched the entire library, turning all the books into ashes?”

An eerie murmuring laugh came from Twily’s mouth as her eyes went blood shot. Her mane seemed to gain a life of its own as it started to dance like tongues of flame. She slowly started to the door with such a murderous air about her that the two stallions were quivering with feer. As she excited the building she turned to look at Shinning with the face that not even a mother could love. It was not the face of Twily Sparkle the bandit killer, but that of the dreaded dragon spooker. It was a fitting name though Shinning as he doubted even dragons wouldn't flea in fear when seeing such a monster approaching them.

“Well what are you waiting for brother? Let’s get ourselves some dragon meat!”

Chills ran down his spine when she called him her brother. Just what type of crazy family did I marry into? Was the last thing he thought before he was grabbed by Twily’s magic and dragged out of the building.

Weather he liked it or not Shinning was now force to confront not one but two beasts. That even the bravest of knights would grow pale from hearing their names uttered around the fireplace. One happened to be his newly met sister in law. This gave him mixed feelings about his idea of having the wedding before meeting the rest of the in-law family. He shuddered to think what the rest of them might be like.

Despite the chills constantly running down his spine he suddenly felt very warm. It was a fireball that Twily had just pitched at the dragon in quite a flashy way considering they were attacking an angry dragon. A second later there was a tremendous explosion that engulfed a second third of the town in flames. Truly this was turning into a battle between two monsters.

“Guess it’s my turn to show what I got” Spoke the stallion as he brandished his sword and charged the dragon with a fierce battle cry.

Upon hearing the cry Twily briefly left her dragon spooker state. “Wait you numskull you’re a comical relief character. By attacking it you’ll only-“ she didn’t have time to finish her warning before the dragon repelled him with a swing of his tail sending him flying into her.

She was now trapped underneath her surprisingly heavy brother’s unconscious body as the dragon advanced toward them. In her panic she forgot to use any form of magic to escape. The giant claws of the dragon’s foot were on its way down to crush them. Then all the sudden the dragon stopped its foot like it was about to step on something disgusting. Preforming an awkward leap over the two of them it continued to walk away destroying the rest of the town as it went.

“Wow it just stepped over us like a pile of…”

Of course my brother in law had to come too just at that second. “Speak for yourself” yelled the mare as she shoved Shinning off of her. “Okay that’s it dragon you’re going to get it now, Levitation!”

Without warning a twister of magical wind surrounded the two unicorns. Much to Shinning’s dismay he flew for the first time in his life. Quickly discovering his new found fear of heights he grabbed onto Twily’s leg. A mischievous shine appeared in her eyes.

“Good idea brother, you distract the dragon while I cast the spell.”

He was about to protest what ever idea that had just come into her head. But before he could do anything she had already flung him towards the angry dragon. With sword still drawn Armory flew towards the dragon ready to strike a fatal blow to its head.

He had though never fought a dragon before and underestimated the hardness of its scales. Thus he got his sword stuck in the dragons forehead. The pain from the wound caused the dragon to renew its rampage with vigor as it tried desperately to ride itself of the insect on its head.

“Darkness beyond twilight, Crimson beyond blood that flows. Buried in the stream of time is where your power grows. I pledge myself to conquer all the foes who stand, before the mighty gift bestowed in my unworthy hoof. Let the fools who stand before me be destroyed, by the power you and I possess...DRAGON SLAVE!”

With the final words uttered a screaming beam of crimson energy launched from Twily’s hooves. The beam vaporized all in its path, upon reaching the dragon an explosion so powerful and large it could be seen from space enveloped the entire area. The resounding thunder of the explosion echoed loudly throughout the mountains and valleys for hundreds of miles. Some witnesses even swear that they saw a cloud shaped like a mushroom tower of the highest peaks.

Somehow Shinning had survived the blast that obliterated the dragon along with most of the town. Upon seeing her companion Twily landed near him.

“How’s that for a title drop. Anyways I did it my magic destroyed the dragon, haven’t done that spell in quite a while.”

Lifting his bruised head from underneath a pile of rumble the white unicorn began to rub his aching head. “Got anything in your bag of tricks for a headache?”

“Well I’m glad nothing important was hurt.”

Chided Twily in good humor, but she was once again taken aback by her brother as he actually agreed with her.

“Yeah that’s true”.

Just then the mayor appeared from underneath some rubble. Was this stallion faking his age or what thought Twily, but she quickly put on her business face.

“So mayor can I get a reward for saving the village? Maybe twenty gold pieces, yeah that sounds fair for beating a dragon.”

The mayor pony shook with anger. “SAVE THE VILLAGE! SAVE THE VILLAGE! JUST LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO IT!”

As he said this he threw his hoof in the direction of a massive creator that was the remains of the town. Twily nodded in appreciation of her handy work.

“Well to make an omelet you have to break a few eggs”.

For so much destruction a lot of villagers emerged behind their mayor unscathed.

“Now we’ll break you”

“Well I’d love to stay and chat, but I don’t want to be tardy to my next appointment so…see ya Shinning.”

With that the purple unicorn quickly began to gallop away. Shinning was quick to join her in running away from the mob yelling death threats to them.

"May I ask where we are running to" asked Shinning between deep breaths.

"I was planning on visiting Canterlot's libraries to catch up on my studies".

This was met with laughter from the white unicorn. "You're just as Cadance described you a hot tempered egg head.”

For better or for worse this is how the story of the famous sorceress Twily Sparkle who would become feared by bandits, evildoers, kings, and even by demon lords began.

Q & A
Hey Twily here to answer some of your questions, not that we have any at this time seeing that this is the first chapter. So I’ll go through some questions that you ponies may ask in the future.

Q: Wait Twilight is Lina and Shinning is Gourry, are you shipping them together even though they’re siblings?

A: First off if you are actually reading this part of the chapter you should know by now that Shinning is already married to my sister Candance. So no shipping is going to happen between us. Why the cast is like this, well what story doesn't call for strong bonds between characters to further the plot? Also this isn't a direct retelling of the Slayers story cause that would be boring and uninteresting not to mention unoriginal and illegal on some level.

Q: If that’s true why are there so few differences between this and the Story for Slayers?

A: For Pete’s sake ponies this is the pilot chapter/episode and the author’s first attempt at doing something like this so give it a few chapters before it gets a definite life of its own. Though the underlying plot will remain the same this is a slayers alternate universe/crossover after all.

Q: Why didn't the Mane 6 beat up Discord when he broke free?

A: In this world the elements on Harmony grew rapidly weaker after banishing Nightmare Moon. Allowing Discord to awaken close to a thousand years before the "Mane 6" were even born.

Q: What’s up with the weird names?

A: Well since in the pony universe you’re most use to Shinning calls me Twily and my first companion in the series is this universes version of him the author went with that name. As for other characters that show up some more plot related names may be used.

Q: How did you obtain a script?

A: That's a rather interesting story. A pink earth pony just appeared out of nowhere and gave it to me when I asked who she was all she said was. "that's a secret" then she vanished. Wonder if I'll ever run into that crazy character again?

Q: Shouldn’t the chant for the Dragon Slave be different if it’s coming from Discord?

A: Actual question from a reader here, so let’s not mess this up. Truth be told this is going to be explained soon in a future chapter. So please be patient.

Chapter 2 But I'm the Main Lead?

"Tock tick, tick tock goes the old broken clock. Forever trapped in the fantasy that had once been and was to be never more. Decades, centuries, millennia we have tried to create a dance that would invigorate the old grandfather's arm to swing once again. Now after all this time, patience, and toil the pieces for the biggest dance yet have started to take the floor. Stars and planets in the planes beyond must have aligned for such a wonderful chance such as this!

The strings of a thousand orchestras shall fill the air with sweet humming, thunderously will the brass of the percussion clash throughout the land, sweet chimes of bells will echo in chorus through all the kingdoms, and the choir's melody will resound like an echo through every living soul. But alas some actors for this grand festival have yet to take the stage. Do not fret my guests of honor for I've sent a special invitation to each that cannot be ignored. For this dance must go on. This royal ball that will shatter the will of mortals and the dreams of light!"

Far to the north past vast rolling plains, swelling rivers of brown, and heaven piercing mountains laid the ruins of a forgotten country. A decade ago it was an infamous kingdom prized for its lumber rich forests and quarries that produced the finest marble. However all that had been long buried by the brutal sands of time. Years of blight and drought shriveled and withered the kingdom. Its once green fields had become barren the soil brackish with fire covered in a continual snow of ash. Lumber which had been worth its weight in gold now stood barren over the scared land. Gnarled and white as bone the forests stood as tombstones marking landscape showing where life had once been.

Though the scorched earth of this forsaken land a lone traveler marched ever onwards. Dressed in the cloth of the sister hood the mare cut her way south through the wasteland. Looking back she could see her tracks vanishing as a new layer of ash fell steadily from the sky. In front of her was the entrance to one of the many great gnarled forests. She sniffed the breeze lightly, the faint aroma of food waived through her nostrils. Shaking herself of the gathering ash the sister lumbered into the dark gates of the forests edge.

Not far from the edge of the forest deep within the trunk of a fallen forest faint sounds, strange sound emerged. The sounds of life. The sound of laughing children.

Upon hearing the stifled laughter the sister stopped in front of the hollow log. "Poky and Dozy come out of there right now!"

Slowly two heads poked their way out of gaps in the log. "Ah, Mommy how'd know we were here?"

"Dozy and me only wanted to 'urprise you afore you gotted back."

The pegasus wrapped a wing around each of the fillies and smiled. "Well, Poky and Dozy I am the champion of hide and go seek. I use to hide from hundreds if not thousands on a daily basis. I actually got a medal for being able to do that. However, I don't remember ever getting a medal for being upgrade from a Sister to a Mommy."

Poky's big brown eyes pierced the Sister's soul with their innocence. "What type of medal do we need to give you to upgrade you?"

The Sister felt her heart throb and her face fluster. She quickly looked skyward to avoid having to look the two fillies in the eyes. "Well that's a difficult question Poky. I guess it all depends on the mare. Though most prefer a ring of sorts given by a handsome gentlecolt."

Cuddling deeper into the cozy wings Dozy began to rub her horn against the Sister. "So all me Poky have to do is get brother Rift to give you a ring an you'll be our Mommy?"

The mare stopped walking and looked at the two little lives hiding under her wings. "Sorry, but that won't work for me. Like I just said it all depends on the mare and this mare won't accept the medal from family."

Rushing from underneath the Sisters wing Dozy confronted the pegasus. "But, but, but, you a pegasi and Rifty a Griffun!"

The sister felt the other filly leave her wing to join Dozy. "You two foster family like us! Why can't you get married and be our Mommy and Daddy?"

Once again the older mare lifted her head to the sky. This time to fight back tears that she didn't want seen. "I'm, I'm so sorry Poky and Dozy. Becoming a mother is a big thing to do and I'm not somepony who can do..."

"Yes, you can!" Shouted Dozy and Poky in unison.

"You read us budtime stories to chase the munsters away from our buds."

"Cook delicious food *sniff* for us."

"Scolted us when we're be bad."

"*Hic* Make our booboos go away."

"Song us to sleep on scary nights *Sniff*."

"Clean our beds so we have a nice place to sleep."

"Fixedted *Sob* our clothes when we teer them."

"and, and, and, *Sob* so much more! So why, why can't you *Sniff* realize that you're already our Mommy in our hearts!?"

Amid the sniffles an sobs of the fillies, the sister felt two hot rivers flowing down her face and a heart that was about to explode. Before she could question anything, she found herself embracing the two snot and tear covered fillies giving each a kiss on the forehead.

"Hush now, don't cry." Assured mare in a voice so sweet and soft that it sounded alien to her. "There's no need for tears in your Mother's wings. All the world could be against you and you'd be safe here. So dry those lonely tears my children, your Mother's here."

With a surprising gentleness the newborn mother began to wipe the tears from the fillies eyes with her wings. No form of cider, song, or fire had ever erased the chill of a windy winter night like the words that were spoken to her in that moment.
"We love you Mommy!"

For both parent and children the remaining walk through the petrified forest of boney claws passed by without notice. The three little lives in the woods caught up in a dream of happy merriment oblivious to the world around them. Before they knew it the abbey courtyard had come into sight.

Upon seeing their home the joy within the children sprang forth as a well. Dozy and Poky made a mad dash through the empty cobblestone clearing, up the marble stairs, and straight inside to tell everypony else the good news. The news that they all had a Mother!

The Sister stared at the run down abbey, with its weather worn walls and caving roof. Never in all her life would she have imagined that this would be the home that she would start a family in. Sweet and bitter dreams long forgotten rushed to her mind. Some personal life goals others desires that she had wished to achieve before settling down. But her she was now beyond that and with the mantle of motherhood on her shoulders. It was a heavy burden that weighed on her heart, had she made the right choice? Or was this just another in a long line mistakes? Shifting her wings the Sister stowed her scarf and earmuffs. For all the burdens of this new mantel, it sure did a good job keeping her warm inside, maybe even to warm.

From behind the heavy oaken doors the sister heard the clattering of hoofs and the shrieks of laughter from the abbey children. Over the din came a booming voice. "What's this I hear by the door? If it's a bunch of naughty children avoiding their chores I'll have to eat all the dessert myself tonight."

The pegasus chuckled to herself as the storm of noise quickly fled. The voice was of her father and the Father of the small abbey. "Wonder if I should start calling him Grandfather now instead?"

"What's this about being called grandfather now?" Came a gruff voice from the open wooden doors.

The mare shuffled awkwardly at the sight of her father standing in the pale shaft of light coming from the door. She felt sheepish like a foal that got her head caught in the cookie jar. Forget bringing a coltfirend home saying that they were engaged, she had just come home and announced that she was the mother of a baker's dozen.

Father Feather, as he was called by the abbey children, gave a sigh of contemplation before addressing his daughter. "Come walk the grounds with me as your brother puts the finishing touches on the evening meal."

Walking side by side with her father always mad the pegasi feel tiny. Father Feather was a giant even among the northern griffon tribes, which was already the biggest clan in the land. Built like granite forged like steel was one of the ways he had often been referred to by others before they had settled down in this lost land. Easily three times the size of a pony and with a wing span that matched a drakes more than any great bird he was not a being many would argue with.

Together they had covered half of the grounds before the Father opened his beak to talk again. "Three years. It's been three years since we first started calling this place home. Do you remember that day my daughter?"

The sister stared down the path lead towards the abbey. "How can I forget father. We had just successfully escaped another event without being over whelmed. Honestly it was like being on the front lines of a battlefield every single day back then. We couldn't even go for a quick fly in the sky without being chased down."

"Wah ha ha ha," Boomed the griffon in a merry laughter. "Indeed those were some crazy times we shared as a family. I remember when both you and your sister had to hide in the sewers for two days straight to escape once. But those days are now behind us and this is the life that we chose... Do you regret not leaving with your sister?"

Not taking her eyes off the path before her the Sister began to scowl. "Why would I ever wish to go with that giant wind bag! First time she has to take responsibility for something in her life and she runs from it with her tail tucked between her legs. She even had the gall to turn on us and, and ..." Through her anger and frustration the sister can't get the words out of her mouth.

The Sister felt a push from her father's giant wings. "Don't blame your sister for what transpired that day. It was partially my failure as a father to her to install the notion of responsibility into that overly thick skull of hers. However you on the other hand learned firstclaw the joys and sorrow of leading a responsible life, something that I also failed to teach you about back in the old days."
It wasn't often that Feather gave out compliments to others. So the ones that he did gave out were both surprising and meaningful. Which caught the sister off guard as she began to feel flustered for the second time that day.

"Ever since that day you made that choice to stay with your brother and old bird of yours I've seen how this place has been changing you for the better. I only wish that this place was in better condition for you to raise such a boisterous family my daughter. It fills me up with such joy knowing that despite how you use to act that your heart wasn't made of stone, but was rather frozen solid by the harshness of our old life. Though I am surprised it took three years for it to finally warm up. I've accepted the fact that it would happen eventually, just never expected it to be tonight."

Gazing up at the ash laden sky the Sister realized the importance of what was being said. "Today was the day wasn't it? Both you and Rift have been such a kind family to an orphan pegasi like me. I only wish I could have met her and gotten to know her."

Spreading a wing over his daughter Feather joined her in watching the shifting ash in the sky. "I'm sure my wife would've loved to have met our lovely daughter as well."

Back further south in lands that had never seen or felt the fangs of drought, plague or desolation in years the golden orb of the sun was breaking over the grey horizon. Tiredly two ponies trudged through the cool hours of the morning. Twily and Shinning had been chased through most of the night by the angry mob from the village. Only to finally lose them sometime a few hours before dawn. Despite their bodies constant nagging for sleep the two carried on walking down the worn path.

"By the Sun's Beard," sighed Twilight, "For villagers who couldn't drive off a simple group of bandits and survived a raging dragon attack they sure had a lot of energy to hunt us down!"

"Oh come on Twily it wasn't that bad, at least we escaped." Called Shinning as he slowed down his pace to match his companions.

The stallion instantly regretted interrupting the mares rant as she grabbed him be the collar and glared into his very soul.

"Not bad? NOT BAD! I did all that work and got absolutely nothing out of it! Even a blockhead like you should know that bandit removal has at least a small bounty reward and let's not forget about the bloody dragon! There I was saving them from a vicious band of bandits and a rampaging dragon, but did they thank me? No. Do they pay me? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Instead they try to kill me!"

Shinning felt like he was going to hurl as his sister in law began to violently shake him as her rage over the event resurfaced. "Well... When... You... Put... It... That...Way... It... Was...Bad..."

Letting go of the stallion Twily continued on her way, "Well as long as you understand how this makes me feel I suppose I can let you off with just this."

Rubbing his neck to relieve the afflicted whiplash knight couldn't help but muttering under his breath, "No wonder your sister said you'd be a spinster, only a troll could take this type of abuse."

"What was that?" Hissed Twilight venomously.

Shinning instantly wished that he had just kept that thought in his head as his sister in law began to give off the aura of a gorgon ready to strike. "Uh um, I think that we're near a village and we can get some food there."

The mare turned away from the stallion and let out a mighty sigh. What in the world was her sister thinking getting married to such a simple minded buffoon. Surely there had to be some other pony that she could've chosen for a husband? But now she was stuck with this lump of coal and lead for a relative. A smirk crossed the mares face, you can chose your friends but not your family huh. Guess that old pony saying was coming true, no it was not true it was now haunting her.

"Now where's this exorcist- I mean town?"

It was midmorning by the ponies reached the town. The cool night was a thing of the past as the blue sky above seemed to be melting underneath the scorching summer sun. Having run all night without food or water the two companions were beginning to have trouble keeping one hoof in front of the other. Twilight felt he legs buckle underneath her like a pudding cup taken out of its mold. She felt every inch of her garment stick to her with the soggy sensation of sweat which ran unchecked down her face. Behind her she could hear the heavy panting of Shinning who was having a harder time moving with all his armor on.

The town itself was mediocre at best. A couple of fields to grow crops scattered around the outskirts with sporadic houses here and there. The center plaza of the town was dedicated to commercial business. In her long travels throughout the kingdoms Twilight had seen houses and even bandit dens bigger than the entire town, field included. However after a rough all night march in country any sign of civilization was more than welcomed.

Once the duo reached the center of town Twilight began to veer her path towards a small shack on the outside of the plaza. Compared to the other shops that hosted signs and billboards advertising food, bed, and other luxuries Shinning thought it was an odd choice for a first stop.

"Hey Twilight, food and stuff is that way!" Called Shinning swinging a limp hoof in the direction of an inn.

Twilight didn't even turn around, she wasn't sure she had the energy to do so. "Shinning, if we want food then we need to have money first to pay for it."

"But I can see large treasure bags through your cloak clear as day so we do have money?"

"Oh? So you do have something that resembles a brain in that skull of yours." Remarked Twilight opening the door to the shop. "Indeed
this is treasure, but it can't be used to buy anything. Well not just yet I have to trade it in first. You should stay out here, these types of shops don't like customers who have no prior experience. I'll be back in a second with some money."

"What does that mean that this place is a bro..."

"Finish that word and I'll eradicate you down to your very SOUL!" Blared Twilight from the front of the store. "For starters how did you even get that from what I just said? You know what I don't want to know!"

True to her word Twilight was back out within seconds of entering the store, but the panicked expression on her face told Shinning that this wasn't the way she planned on leaving. Without even a second thought the cowering mare fled behind her brother in law to hide. From within the shop the stallion could hear the crashing of shelves and the shattering of pottery. A shrill shriek rent the air as a pony with blood shot eyes leaped out of the doorway brandishing a crimson dagger.

"Come on out me pretty?" cooed the crazed stallion, "we're not done being together yet. I have so much more I want to do with you!"

Turning his head to Twilight, Shining couldn't help, but ask again. "Are you sure that this wasn't a broth..."

He stopped short as he felt an unusual heat begin to gather at his back. "Tell me brother what do you think would happen if I hit a pony with a fire ball at point blank range? Now enough with your dumb questions and fix this problem already!"

Trying to put the fact that he was between a rock and a hard place aside Shinning began to advance towards the crazed pony.

"I don't know who you are, nor do I really care. You threatened my family and that's more than enough for me to act, no other motivation is EVER needed. However due to rules of the colt code I'm sorry for what I'm about to do to you." *Ahem* Shinning clears his throat and cups a hoof to his mouth. "WAY TO GO BRO THAT'S THE SPIRIT! LET'S SKIP TOWN ANS GET WASTED! WHO KNOWS YOU MIGHT EVER GET TOGETHER WITH THAT CHERRY SONG THIS TIME!

Twilight was about to question why he was yelling instead of using his sword to deal swiftly with the insane shop keeper when a low growl caused the ground to rumble. She looked on in shock as the color from the stallions coat completely vanished from existence. Not even the royal barbers could bleach something to such a ghostly white. They once red eyes filled to the brim with anger and madness now looked like a terrified college student who hadn't studied for their exit exam at all. Still red, but this time bloodshot with absolute terror. Another growl emanated from the store shaking the earth beneath her all the much more. Whatever was making the happen was getting closer.

Quickly turning on his hind hooves Shinning began a mad dash towards Twilight, whom he simply scooped up and continued running in the opposite direction. For a pony who had fought bandits, a dragon, and ran throughout the night Shinning was putting on a tremendous amount of speed. Twilight assumed that whatever was coming out of the shop after them was something that she didn't want to fight.

A third and final growl rent the air as a lone figure exited the doorway of the tiny shop. If not for the fear of biting her own tongue off Twilight's jaw would've hit the ground. For it what exited the shop was a beautiful mare who probably had no rival within twenty miles. However what startled her the most was what happened when the mare touched the shop keeper. Even from her growing distance from the event Twilight could tell that it was just a slight tap. But that tap completely shattered the cursed dagger which had caused the shop keeper to go berserk. On top of that all strength that the out of control stallion had before deserted him as he fell flat on the ground motionless. Just what type of demon was that?

Back at the abbey the paleness of morning had arrived. Due to the dense blankets of ash in the sky the sunlight had not been seen in many years. Day and night were told apart by how far away one could see their own hoof or claw in front of their face.

Without the aid of song birds to wake them in the morning the family of the abbey had to use their own internal clocks to tell them when it was time to get up. Both the hour, day, and season were mostly guess work for them because of this. Though in a world were the only season is ash it made very little difference if they were off by a little bit.

The morning chores of cleaning the interior of the abbey of any ash that had come in during the night was tackled by the children. Who often turned it into a game that foals in other lands would call a snowball fight so it always took longer than needed to finish, but it was always more fun that way. Brother Rift was the one in charge of cooking the meals for the abbey. Since any source of food was scarce there was little room to let somepony train in the culinary arts and waste precious food. He had originally gotten the job because he could tell the difference between sugar and salt. The Sister was charged with gathering supplies from the ruins of the kingdom. Her smaller frame and pegasi speed allowed her to go places that her larger family members couldn't. Father Feather was tasked with the impossible job of keeping the building from falling apart which without a source of lumber was a tough nut to crack and teaching lessons three times to the children.

This is how the daily life at the abbey had gone on for years, however something was off today. The Sister felt it in her bones before she departed for the hostile wasteland to look for supplies. The abbey was to quiet for this hour of day. She pushed the thought aside thinking that everyone must have been just tired from the party they had last night to celebrate them coming together as a family.

As the mare flew off through the ash laden skies high above the gnarled forests of boney wood she missed another traveler in the world of grey below her. A traveler who was traveling on a parallel path to hers towards the ruined abbey. Compared to the stark background of grey and white the traveler's red cloak stood out like a drop of blood on a perfect marble floor. Unlike the other inhabitants of this land this new traveler carried an air of importance and self worth about them. Every step was slow, graceful, and calculated with the chimes of bells echoing with every hoof fall. The silent forest grew even more so as the figure entered it. If one listened to hard in between the bell chimes the whispers of the void could be heard, whispers that shatter the wills of mortals.

Wait the chapters over already? But I got so little screen time! I thought that this was a story about me, Twily Sparkle. Not some nun. Oh well I'm still getting paid for this call me again in four years when the next chapter comes out.

Author's Note

This was actually a really hard chapter to make. In the original source material it was mostly a filler episode that show cased Lina using magic to break the magic economy of a town. The only stuff of any plot value happened at the end. So instead of wasting time on that I decided to use this chapter to create a back story for one of the other main characters that will be popping up in the future. Naturally it wasn't as simple as this and it wasn't till this year alone that I came up with this revision of the chapter. Hope everypony enjoys it and that it won't take me so long on the next one.