Chapter One: The Fall of Princess Twilight Sparkle
The orange mare bucked the door to the Carousel Boutique once, before calling out;
"Rarity! We gotta get goin'! I've already got Pinkie and Fluttershy!"
"Yes, yes, yes, Rarity! We've gotta go to Canterloooooot~!" Pinkie chirped in. "Oh my gosh girls! Aren't you as excited as I am to go see Princess Twilight? Oh, I just can't get over that. Princess Twilight! Our bestest friend is a princess!"
"I certainly am happy to see Twilight again, Pinkie." Fluttershy nodded, looking around her in her usual anxiety.
"Ah'm excited too, Pinkie. But we're not getting anywhere if we can't get Rarity out of bed! Sugar cube," Applejack nodded to Fluttershy, "would you be a dear and go find Rainbow Dash?"
"I. . . um. . . sure. I'll be back shortly." The shy little pony mumbled.
Suddenly the door to the boutique opened and a sleepy Sweetie Belle rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
"She said she's getting ready, just packing a few things."
Pinkie tilted her head slightly to look inside. "Hiiiiii~!" she called to Rarity when she noticed her.
"What in tarnation could she be packing? We aren't staying overnight!" Applejack was slightly antsy due to not really having the time for this trip, all attributed to the fact that her business had really grown over the last few months. She had been nearly as busy as Rarity, and the bits showed it.
"Oh, you know. Eyelash curler, hoof shine, mane brush, stuff like that."
Rarity approached the door with a couple of suitcases packed with her "essentials."
"What d'ya need all that fer?"
"I'll have you know that I am staying overnight! While I'm there, I have business to attend to."
"Well, if we don't hurry, we're gonna be late fer the train!"
A shocked, sharp gasp was heard from Pinkie.
"Oh no! We can't be late! That would make Twilight upset, and if Twilight was upset I don’t even want to know what would happen, and we don't want Twilight upset, cause if Twilight was upset we might not get invited over again, or not quite as often, cause you can't waste a Princess' precious time like that, cause you know she has many things to do and doesn't have as much time as we’d like for us anymore. But we're all good friends so I'm sure it will all work out in the end somehow, but I still get worried sometimes. Oh my gosh! I just hope, hope, hope that we aren't late...!" Pinkie continued to babble on as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash showed up, and still didn't stop when the latter began talking.
"Are we ready to go guys? I am."
"I-I am too."
"I reckon I've been ready fer a while now."
"-and oh my gosh she would be soooo mad! Oh yeah! I'm super ready! I'll even wear my mustache!"
"I suppose. Sweetie Bell, do be a dear and keep the shop tidy. Good bye!"
"See ya, everypony!" Sweetie Belle called out to the departing group before she shut the door.
After the train ride they rushed to the castle (with a detour at the hotel for Rarity to drop her things off in her room), and Rarity did a quick prep on everypony, sprucing them up for their visit.
"Oh, and Rainbow Dash, darling, please don't shake your head like that! You're messing up your beautiful mane." Rarity fixed her hair once more, and gave Rainbow Dash a sharp look.
Pinkie Pie bounced around, interacting with everypony she saw, as Applejack tried to calm her down for the visit. Fluttershy quietly giggled to herself, watching the two scenes play out in front of her, but keeping no part in them herself. It amused her to see her friends try to act prim and proper to some degree for Twilight, even though none but Rarity could pull that off.
"Girls... um, Applejack? Rarity?" The two turned to face her. Rainbow shook her hair free again, and Pinkie continued to bounce.
"Yeah, sugar cube?"
"What is it, Fluttershy?"
She shrunk back slightly.
"Um, it would be best to let them be themselves, don't you think? I mean, she is still the same old Twilight..."
That brought a smile to everypony's face.
"Yer right."
"Of course, silly me."
"Oh my gosh, could you imagine how weirded out Twilight would be if we weren't acting like ourselves!?"
"Thanks, Fluttershy. I really didn't want my mane done today."
"Oh, it's nothing..." she smiled back to them.
A moment later, and Rarity felt a poke on her shoulder, but it was AJ who had the first word.
"Well, howdy Spike!"
The little purple dragon had a smile to his face, but he seemed a little sad. Obviously Twilight had changed enough to make him unhappy some. Perhaps she was no longer the same person as she used to be, now that she was a princess?
“H-hey, guys. Have a nice trip? I heard you were sticking around Rarity? Is there a chance I could help you out while you’re here?”
There were murmured agreements that it was a good trip, until Rarity chimed in.
“Actually, yes, Spike. I was actually hoping you could help out this mare one more time, if the new princess doesn’t have you too busy now?”
His smile faltered slightly. She hasn’t had time for Spike for a few weeks, recently.
“Um, I’m sure I have time to squeeze you in. I mean, I wouldn’t offer, otherwise, right?”
“You’re just a dear. Thank you. Oh! I had a present for you Spike, but I left it in my bags back at my hotel. Perhaps when you swing by tomorrow, I can give it to you then?”
His eyes lit up. Rarity giving him a gift? Spikes heart went aflutter like it used to, his recent woes and concerns temporarily lifted.
“O-of course! Now, um, are you guys ready to see her?”
“Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!” Pinkie bounced over to Spike and gave him a super tight hug. “We are absolutely ready to see our bestity-bestest-best friend!”
Spike hugged her back, and nodded to the others.
“Okay then, follow me to the throne room everypony.”
Discord was hanging from the chandelier, looking at the purple Alicorn as she spoke. He yawned slightly to himself, as she babbled on about the--- Wait, what was she talking about? He decided to tune back into the conversation.
“… and that is why I need you. Any questions?”
“Why, yes, Princess. What am I doing, again? I just need the short version, if you will.”
She sighed, allowing her head to dip only a minuscule fraction.
“You, Discord, are appointed to investigate the recent sightings of ‘the ghost of King Sombra’ around the Crystal Kingdom. Upon learning anything new, you are to report back to Cadence and tell her what you know. Remember, this is also a test to prove that you truly are no longer evil.”
And yada, yada, yada, he thought to himself.
“Oh, I assure you, I will do nothing to betray your trust, Twilight. When would you like me to go?”
“Immediately. I have a train waiting for you as we speak.”
He sighed, disappearing from the chandelier, and reappearing on the floor.
“As you wish your highness.”
“I told you not to call me that.”
A devilish grin.
“My apologies.”
Spike, followed by the rest of the gang, enter the throne room at this time. Pinkie Pie bounces over to Twilight with speed that rivals Rainbow Dash, hugging a lot rougher than she did with Spike.
“TWILIGHT~! Oh, I’m sorry, PRINCESS TWILIGHT! Oh, how I’ve missed you! How have you been? Has Spike been bothering you to visit us? Have you been too terribly busy to write us? It’s been three months since we’ve talked you know. I’ve been keeping everypony in Ponyville happy, but I miss making you happy. Are you happy? Oh, oh, OH, PRINCESS TWILIGHT!” she giggled happily, holding the purple princess with her Kung Fu Hug grip.
Twilight openly laughed with Pinkie Pie.
“I missed you too Pinkie, I’ve missed everypony. I’ve been good, but I have been busy guys. I’m sorry for not keeping in contact… It’s hard. I never knew how difficult it was being a princess. I have a newfound respect for Celestia.”
“Well, this grand reunion is wonderful, but I must depart. Have a wonderful time everypony. Especially you, Fluttershy.” Discord said, just before disappearing out of the throne room. He didn’t care to wait and hear more of this reunion.
She was finished.
Finally, after weeks of isolation, she could finally step out of her self-made prison and into the sunny streets of Ponyville. Her masterpiece was complete and just in time. She could already hear the long whistle of the train making its approach. Her train. Princess Twilight Sparkle's train.
Octavia delighted at being so privileged.
And why not, she mused. Her music reached thousands, if not millions, and the applause was deafening. Tonight would mark the first time she shared her vision with the residents of the Crystal Empire. The first of many visits, she imagined. She was buzzing with excitement.
But first, the train. She was already late!
Octavia took off as fast as she could; taking care not to overturn the small cart she was pulling behind her. An artist like herself could never travel lightly. She had instruments, sheet music, and other essentials to manage. It was important to be prepared for absolutely anything she reminded herself. A heavy cart was a small price to pay for genius. This train was special, and she had to hurry. It had been dispatched upon request by Princess Twilight Sparkle on an express route to the Crystal Empire. It was by sheer luck that it lined up perfectly with Octavia's plans. The princess was generous, so she had naturally agreed to Octavia's presence on the train.
"After all," she had said, "It would help to have extra eyes on my ‘other’ passenger." Whatever the purpose of this train, it was a secret. Octavia loved secrets.
She made it to the platform just in time; as the train puffed its goodbye to Ponyville, Octavia smiled. Today was going to be one to remember she was sure.
Meanwhile, Discord was outside of the castle humming a tune to himself as he walked his way towards the train station. The ponies around him still didn’t trust him, he could easily see that. They walked away quickly and didn’t make eye contact. He frowned to them, disappointed that he still wouldn’t be getting the time of day from anypony.
Ah, such is life. Discord arrived at the station a little early, and bought himself a snack. An apple. He wondered if it was from Sweet Apple Acres, or if it was a competitor of Applejack’s. He shrugged, biting half of it as he sat down on a bench.
The wind was crisp, and had a slight chill to it. The sun was warm, which evened out the temperature. Birds chirped happily, and squirrels bounced around collecting for the upcoming winter. Other than his apparent unwelcome presence, everypony was happy as can be. In short, it was a nice day.
He swallowed the half of the apple he was chewing and popped the last half in his mouth. Just has he finished chewing the last half, the train rolled into the station.
The train made good time, sliding easily into a stop at the Canterlot platform. How strange... Octavia looked out the window; perhaps this was where the mysterious passenger was joining her? A few minutes passed and she began to get impatient, pacing in front of the window and casting eager glances outside.
“All aboard! En route to The Crystal Empire! We will be leaving in five minutes!”
That was his queue.
"Where are you?" she wondered aloud.
"Ohh, my dear..." came a voice from behind her.
Turning, Octavia's jaw dropped as her eyes landed on Discord.
"You?!"
"Octavia," he purred with a grin, "How nice to see you."
The train lurched as it left the platform and drove off toward the Crystal Empire. Octavia just stared.
"Hm?" he slid his body onto one of the plush benches and stretched out, "It's rude to stare, you know?"
Get yourself together Octavia, she told herself. It's just Discord. He's not a bad guy anymore... Right?
"I'm just surprised to see you." She said briskly, sitting across from him, "Shouldn't you be with Princess Twilight?"
"She hates being called that." he chuckled.
"I know." Octavia couldn't help but grin, suddenly taking a liking to the sinewy creature before her.
"Twilight and her friends don't quite trust me yet," Discord told her with a pout, "It's so hard to do the right thing when nopony trusts you!"
"What 'right thing' are you supposed to be doing?" she asked curiously.
"Surely you've heard the rumors!"
Octavia tilted her head and shrugged.
"Well," Discord disappeared and reappeared on the back of the bench behind Octavia whispering playfully, "It's just a rumor. It isn't important."
She laughed, "Oh, but now you have to tell me."
They looked at each other, face inches apart and shared a grin.
"King Sombra is back!" Discord declared, "Or so they say."
"Is that so?"
"Indeed!" he reappeared back on the bench across from her, "I have been sent to check on these rumors and report to the Princess Cadence."
"Sounds lovely." Octavia said.
"Boring!" Discord gasped, lying across the bench dramatically, "Being good is so boring! I don't know how you ponies do it for so long. Don't you ever want to just... be bad? Just once?" He looked at her expectantly.
"I suppose." Octavia sighed.
"What do you do instead?"
"Make music." She smiled.
"Music?" he peered at her, "That's it?"
"For me it is, yes."
"You? Play music?" he didn't seem convinced.
"Yes!" she laughed.
The train whistle sounded over their conversation. They had arrived.
"Will you show me?" Discord asked suddenly, as the train rolled into the Crystal Empire train station.
"I... well," Octavia paused, "I have a piece to perform tonight. My very best. Perhaps you should come?"
He looked at her intently, considering her offer.
"It…it would be all right if I did?"
She nodded, "Of course!"
Glancing out the window, she caught sight of a familiar pony and waved. She turned back, but Discord was suddenly absent.
"Maybe he's not so bad after all." Octavia whispered as she trotted off the train to retrieve her luggage.
The dazzling and beautiful Crystal was laid out in front of him as if on a canvas. It was beautifully painted so to speak and was enough to take anypony’s breath away in a heartbeat.
Almost instantaneously, Discord thought about ways it could be better. And by “better,” he meant with a lot more chaos. Some classic chocolate milk rain, some floating crystals, and houses, changing colors that would give the whole city a rave feeling and everyone discorded! Ahaha! The mere idea of it all gave him excitement.
All that was left was a sort walk, and he was there.
However, upon getting halfway there, he noticed someone was beckoning for his attention. It was a sweet looking mare that he thought he’s met before. Upon further inspection, it seemed like it was… Octavia? He waved, and appeared in front of her.
“Hello there, Octavia. It seems our paths cross again! Congrats on tracking me down once again.”
She smiled, and started walking to the east of the Empire. “Thank you Discord. I was wondering if I could show you something? Come with me, please.”
“Of course.”
He followed her for a short range, until she suddenly stopped behind a small of trees. Before him, she magically changed into a dark and very tall figure. This mare had green eyes, hair, and holes all over her body. It was Queen Chrysalis.
“Oh my, you aren’t Octavia.”
“Of course not, I am Queen Chrysalis!”
“Hm. And I suppose you already know who I am, so I am at the disadvantage here.”
She smiled at him, giving him those seductive eyes. “I request your help. King Sombra has been seen everywhere, and I want to make it known that he is back. But not by our words… by his very own! I believe that his soul is asking to be resurrected, and I intend to help him. Together, he, you, and I can rule Equestria!”
She laughed in her genuine evil tone, as Discord gave her a considering smile.
“You need my help to revive an old washed up villain that can be defeated by love? Hardly seems of my worth.” Have to play screwball Discord.
“That’s exactly why we revive him without such weakness. It is possible, and I can’t do it alone. I’ve tried.”
He put an eagle claw to his chin, and floated upside down as he thought. He had always wanted to rule over Equestria. And this was the perfect opportunity. But what about Fluttershy? Was he going to give up his friendship with her so easily?
“I’m not so sure, Chryssy. I mean, I’m trusted by Twilight, and I don’t want to disappoint my friend Fluttershy.”
“Trusted? She sent that musician pony to spy on you. To make sure that you don’t do anything you’re not supposed to. And if you didn’t get away from her when you did, I would have had to find a different means to get your attention. You aren’t trusted, Discord. Everywhere you go, you’re watched. Do you really want to be sided with everypony who doesn’t trust you?”
This was true. He thought back to the ponies treating him like an outcast on his way to the train station, and even Octavia when he first saw her. Sure, she settled down a little once they got to talking, but it still had the same effect.
He was an outcast still, and it was likely it wasn’t going to change anytime soon. But again, “What about Fluttershy?” he asked, still unsure about his friendship.
“She was appointed to your reformation. She didn’t even want to do it, cause she thought the same thing as everypony else. It was only after she agreed that she actually started to believe in you. But even now, it doesn’t seem like she truly believes in you, does it?”
She was right. When he played with, or around Fluttershy, she was always getting onto him, or asking his if he was doing something wrong, or bad.
“Yes… you’re right Chryssy. I have decided that I will help you.”
“Excellent! Mwahahahaha!” She cackled in her trademarked evil laugh. “This is the start of a new era!”
“So, tell me, where exactly are we?”
“Just watch. Actually, pour your magic into me. With your power, we can do this.”
He gave her a skeptical look. “And I’m just supposed to trust you?”
“Don’t even start on that. Now do it.”
Discord rolled his eyes and touched the middle of her back, instantly transferring a copious amount of magic to her. At the same time, she started casting a spell on a black crystal.
The crystal floated, and spun with a great intensity. It shone brilliantly in a dark fashion, similar to a black light. Then there was an explosion. Shards of crystal scattered everywhere, and some fragments even stabbed Chrysalis and Discord, causing them to bleed.
More evil laughing could be heard, but of a different flavor. They had succeeded. King Sombra has returned! He looked before the two with distaste. “It was you sorry disgraces for villains who have revived me? This is unacceptable! No matter, you shall serve me well.”
“Serve you? You should be grateful! We can rule Equestria together!” Chrysalis exclaimed.
“You know, I kind of expected this to happen.” Discord raised an eyebrow.
“Ha! A likely dream of incompetent fools!” Sombra then began cast a spell. It’s effects weren’t immediately apparent. But he knew what was to happen.
Discord and Chrysalis looked at each other, and the prior shrugged his shoulders. A moments after, both of their eyes went black.
King Sombra began laughing again. “You are under my control! Now, it is time for me to rule this land…”
“Um, Twilight?”
“What is it Spike?”
“Shouldn’t we ask Cadence if Discord has reported in with her?”
“Good idea. Write her a letter immediately.”
Spike wrote to her, and expressed his concern, but in Twilight’s words. Then sent it to her with his dragon magic fire. Minutes later, he received a response. When he read it, he dropped it in shock.
“Twilight… it’s bad. The rumors are true! Kind Sombra is back! And he’s enslaved Discord and Queen Chrysalis!”
Twilight stood up upon hearing this, and looked at her friends who had gotten quiet over this news.
“Okay, everypony. I need your help. Take the train to the Crystal Empire posthaste, and meet me at the city’s gates. Understood?”
“You got it, Princess! Oh my gosh! Another adventure with Twilight! This will be so fun!”
“Understood. Ah’ll be there lickety-split!”
“But of course, darling!”
“U-uh yes! Sure thing, Twilight.”
Twilight teleported there instantly with her magic, knowing full well that she couldn’t afford to wait on her friends this time around. She appeared at the gates, and walked in the empire. What she saw did not make happy. Thousands of changelings were attacking the empire, the city was dark, black crystals were shooting upwards everywhere from below and the crystal heart was gone! It was raining chocolate milk, and various buildings were spinning upside down. It constantly changed from day and night, spring and autumn, summer and winter. I was pure evil chaos!
She took flight and looked around with worry, and anxiety. Perhaps she should have waited on her friends.
It was too late now. She searched for the cause of everything, until her eyes rested on King Sombra himself. Bingo. She flew over to him, and landed just in front of him.
“Your reign has come to an end, Sombra!”
He laughed, “You jest! I cannot be defeated so easily this time, Princess. I have no more weaknesses! But you… you are weak and tired from working long hours. You’re sad and lonely from not seeing your friends. You are useless without them. You are the perfect pawn.”
“Pawn…?”
“Yes, just like I have control over Discord, Queen Chrysalis, Princess Cadence, and your brother Shining Armor, so shall I have control over you!”
She stepped back a few hoofsteps. “You have Shining? No, it can’t be! I will stop you, Sombra!”
“You have already lost.” He declared, as he cast that spell one more time.
She dropped to her chest, and held onto her head with agony. Must not let him control me! She screamed in her head. I can’t let this happen! No! No! N-
She stopped moving entirely.
“I am yours, King Sombra.” She said, standing up, only to kneel before him.
