Guardians

It's been almost three years since I first entered Equestria, counting the year that went by when I traveled through time. I couldn't believe how much I had gone through, how much I've grown to love this world. On top of it all I've only known my pony friends for a year; the other two were somewhat lonely. Yet there were still things I was afraid of, thing I didn't and wouldn't want to face. These things were keeping me up. The only thing I would have to face, the one thing I couldn't beat on my own was still there; my greatest challenge would be myself.

"You won't be able to save them." a voice said.

"Who's there?" I asked the voice.

"I am darkness. Your darkness." It responded.

"My… darkness?" I said puzzled.

"Yes, there is always darkness where there is light, whether it be a shadow or an evil spirit, darkness lives. I am merely your worries, your hate, your weaknesses, your lost desires, and your worst nightmares." The voice spoke.

"I don't get it, how can you be my darkness, I only do the right thing, or at least try to. Why do you even exist? And what do you mean worst nightmares?" I had so many things to try to comprehend.

"You realized long ago that your powers rely on your emotions." It spoke.

"What about it?" I asked, not getting what the voice was getting at.

"When you're focused on doing the right thing, good things happen. But when you're focused on bad things, such as the possibility of losing a loved one, bad things will happen. You've been lucky so far, but if you don't get control of your emotions, those nightmares, won't be nightmares." It tried to convince me.

"I have a question. If you're darkness, why tell me this?" I said.

"I am your darkness; we are one and the same. I'm just the part of you that you wish never existed. All beings have hidden this part of them." It answered.

I paused for a moment before saying anything. "Am I a danger to my friends?" I asked.

"You are, that's why you must learn." It said. "I should warn you that darkness, no matter whose it is, will always desire to do evil. I am only helping you because I don't want to lose… well you know who."

"I know. I guess it's a good thing we're working together for now." I said.

"For now, but whether or not it's a good thing I can't be sure." It said. I couldn't say another word before it was gone.

"Blade?" Celestia asked. She asked me to come to the castle hall so we could speak about the missing changelings, which have been missing for three months since my return. There was only Celestia, Luna, and me in the room, it was still before dawn.

"Sorry princess, I was thinking about something else. What did you say?" I answered.

"Please try to stay focused. I said the changelings are planning something, and that we must stop them at any cost." She stated.

"I know the changelings are planning something, but we shouldn't risk losing everything. Instead we should be making allies. The buffalos are already on our side, there must be other types of creatures willing to befriend us." I offered.

"The only creatures I can think of are the dragons, the minotaur, and the griffins. The minotaur would gladly help us, for a price. The dragons are wild and juvenile, and the griffins, on the other hoof, are tuff, aggressive, and proud, which makes either of them unlikely to want or receive help. There is a good chance they would become our enemies when we ask for their aid." Luna told me.

"So we can't rely on the dragons or griffins, though the Minotaur may only give us a slight increase in numbers. On top of it all, Dan is still missing." I said. "There has to be something we can do."

"I don't think we have many more options." Celestia said. "The only other thing I think we could do is withdraw guards from the remaining cities to build up a stronger defense around Canterlot."

"That would mean giving up those cities, and letting them fall. I, for one, am not going to let that happen." I stated.

"Then what do you suggest?" Luna asked.

"I say we keep on our hoofs until we know what the changelings are up to. It's the only thing that won't hurt us or anypony else." I said with upmost confidence.

Both princesses sighed. "You seem to know the right thing to do, but sometimes it worries us." Celestia said.

"It worries me too." They seemed shocked to hear this. "I think these next three months are going to be hard on us all."

"Why the next three months?" Luna asked.

"Just a hunch." I said. This brought worried looks to their faces, since entering this world every time I've had a hunch, something bad has happened. "Let's just spend the next three months as we should, nothing good will come from worrying."

"We can't just act like nothing is going to happen!" Luna exclaimed.

"Sister, we must. If we show our concern, the citizens will be concerned. We have to show no fear." Celestia said calmly. "You may leave now Blade. My sister and I have much to do today."

"I have much to do too, thank you princess." I said before leaving, heading for the train station. I was heading to Ponyville, I had grown accustom to going every so often to see my friends, though I usually went with Shield, who had the task of making sure the elements were safe. This time the trip was more than just seeing my friends, I needed some questions answered, and only one pony could answer them.

Shield met me at the train station; he wanted to see how everypony was doing. I could have flown, but I preferred the train, reminded me of trips my dad use to take me on. We didn't speak, he could tell something was on my mind, and I was focused on getting answers.

(Meanwhile)

"Good, plans are going according to schedule. That alicorn has been a thorn in my side for too long, now my time for revenge is finally coming." Chrysalis laughed. "And Ace has been missing for far too long for them to think he's alive." She laughed again.

"Chrysalis." a zebra said, fear in his voice. "What if this plan fails like the others?" it asked.

"Those other plans did not fail!" Chrysalis hissed. "They were perfect plans that only malfunctioned because of unforeseen complications. He has no more tricks hidden in his power. We must not give him time to find a way to defeat us though; he is much cleverer than I originally thought. I'm surprised he avoided plummeting into that pit."

"There are still things to be done until construction will be complete. But we should be done before Dusk tomorrow." The zebra stated.

"The plan will soon be in motion." She grinned. The zebra took this as a chance to leave. "He will not stop me from destroying this pathetic world and build a new one in its place."

(Back with Blade)

The train had finally stopped and Shield and I had gone on our own business. He went to Twilight's while I headed to the forest I went through. There was a certain sorceress I had to talk to.

"Zecora?" I called entering the hollow tree that was her home.

"It's nice to speak with you again, I would like to know how you have been." She said in her rhymes.

"I've been through a lot. There are some questions I hope you could help me answer." I stated.

She looked outside for a moment. "Questions you say? Well go ahead and ask away."

"I was wondering if you could tell me about the zebras. Why you left and why they decided to help Chrysalis." I said, not expecting her to give me a clear answer.

"Very well, this tale I will tell. My kind is peaceful and just, though some were driven by jealousy and lust. Our mystic ways were too great to match, but our minds were easy for others to catch. I came to these woods when Anansi rose; he led the others to face his foes. He hated Celestia and all who followed, for a while I was saddend and hollow." She began tearing up "He was defeated at Lunar's might; his darkness was too weak to fight. That is when Chrysalis saw her chance, without a leader we'd fall at a glance. She led them astray with her persuasion, and now she plans an invasion." She was still teary eyed." She said. "I hoped I answered what you asked, because now I ask you for no simple task."

"A task?" I asked.

"Free my kind from Chrysalis' lies, make them your friends and make them wise. They are tortured and in pain, their sadness is their bane." She said.

"You want me to free the zebras?" I asked.

"That is what I ask, like I said it's no easy task." She said again.

"I'll do my best. Now, my next question is important. I want to know about the inner darkness inside all beings." I said.

She seemed to freeze. "Ones inner darkness is no ordinary power; it lives in everything, growing every hour."

"What if it speaks to you?" I asked.

"Do not trust a single word, it knows all you've seen and all you've heard. It uses your weaknesses and strength, and to be free will go to any length." She said.

"Does it feel your emotions?" I asked.

"It is at a low chance, but for it to do so is a great advance. All light must have a dark, just as a tree must have its bark." She stated.

"I have one last question. How can I gain control of my powers?" I asked my final question.

"That is one question you must solve, around yourself the answer revolves." She said.

"Well, thanks anyway." I responded. I immediately left to meet Shield.

Exiting the forest I heard my inner darkness again. "Are you going to listen to her?" it asked.

"Why not? She knows a lot about me, though I don't know how." I retaliated.

"That's right; we don't know how she knows. She could be a spy for the changelings." It responded.

"I don't think she's a spy, and she seemed genuine with her request. So I trust her, but the real question is can she, and everypony else, trust us?" I said.

"What a dumb question, they already trust us." It smirked.

"They trust me, they don't know about you. I don't want you to take control and hurting them." I calmly said.

"There's nothing to worry about, I already said I'm on your side." It was getting irritated.

"I'll believe that when you show me." I said.

"You don't believe me! But I'm you!" it shouted within my mind.

"You're a different part of me, a darker part." I said. I could tell it wanted to say something, but realized it would be useless.

"Fine, but I'm watching out for us." It said annoyed. I was just reaching the library. I gasped at the sight before my eyes.

"Where is it? Where is it?" she looked panicked, I could tell, the whole place was a mess.

"What's wrong Twi? I asked.

"I can't find my crown. The princess said that keeping the elements on us would be safer." She panicked again.

"Wait, you lost your element of harmony!" I was in a panic now too.

"Shield went to see if the other elements are gone too." She looked for a few more minutes before finally giving up. "Well it's not here."

"Can't you make them appear at will?" I asked.

"Usually, but my crown hasn't shown up. I think somepony stole them, there must be some strong magic keeping them." She spoke. Shield soon returned, followed by the rest of the elements and the red hooves.

"Just as you feared Twi, all the other elements are gone." Shield said.

"This is bad." She said.

"More like disastrous." Rarity added.

"The fools have just lost the only thing that can save them." It chuckled.

I went to the other room where I couldn't be heard. "Did you have something to do with this?" I asked angrily.

"No it just amuses me that this was inevitable." It said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"This is what was meant to happen, this is your final test." It chuckled again.

"Whatever, I have to help them." I said.

"I'll at least tell you where they are. The zebras have them." It full out laughed this time. I walked into the room where my friends were chatting.

"We should tell princess Celestia." I heard Applejack say, she and Dash were arguing.

"And I say we should have Twilight find them with her magic." Rainbow said.

"I've been trying for a nearly ten minutes. I can't find them." Twilight interrupted.

"They're with the zebras." I said. The rest of the room turned to me.

"How do you know that?" Twilight asked.

"It's a safe bet; the zebras are stealthy, good with magic, and under Chrysalis' control. I think Chrysalis is up to something." I said.

"Not good." Shield said glumly.

"Let's head to Canterlot. We have to tell Celestia." I stated.

"Right!" they all said, except Dash who just grumbled. We got Lunar and Blaze and headed for the train.

"Shield, you go with the elements. I'll fly above with the Red Hooves and keep watch." I said.

"Good, it will be much safer with the seven of you up there." He stated before getting on the train.

I turned to around to speak with the Red Hoof pegasi, I didn't say one word before Blue arrow cut me off. "What's the plan lad?" He asked.

"We fly above and keep watch, there might be some tricks along the trip." I said.

"You're right about that." The voice said.

"Shut up." I told it. The train was getting ready to leave, but one pony had to get on first, one I had spoken to earlier. "Zecora, what are you doing?" I asked.

"I'm going to give you some aid, otherwise me you cannot persuade, magic is what I'm good at, the best in fact." She rhymed as she jumped on the train.

"Red Hooves, take flight!" I yelled as the train started.

About half an hour later the train was slowing down, "Must be reaching the narrow part on the mountain." I said to Blue arrow.

"Ai, perfect place for a trap." As soon as he finished saying that a boulder fell onto the track, farther up the narrow mountain path. The train slowed to a stop, just yards away from the boulder.

"Perfect." I said sarcastically. "How about you remove the boulder and I'll make sure no more boulders fall." I offered.

"Ai." He said, going to tell the other Red hooves. I began flying towards the top. I didn't notice the zebras and changelings until I neared the top when an arrow flew by.

"It's an ambush!" I yelled flying back down. More boulders began rolling down. I managed to keep the boulders from hitting the train, but I couldn't keep them from stopping the Red Hooves.

"We're pinned." Papyrus said.

"I know." I replied, tired from the continuous barrage.

"Let me take control. I can stop this." The darkness said. I couldn't go for much longer, so I reluctantly allowed myself to be plunged into darkness. "Thanks." It said. I stood on the train, darkness controlling me. It used my wings to knock boulders back up the mountain, shattering boulders falling down.

"Now more rocks are falling, good job." I said sarcastically.

"No problem." It confidently snickered. He flapped once causing a medium sized tornado to carry the smaller rocks away. One more big boulder was falling towards us. My darker half just stared at it, then just at the last instant he kicked the wall, causing rock spikes to pop out of the mountain, knocking the boulder away from the train and the zebras down to us. The changelings flew away. "You're welcome." It said, instantly retreating back into my subconscious.

I went over to the Red Hooves who had the three zebras already tied up and getting them onto the train. "Let's go." I said getting on. They followed.

In the train car, the zebra prisoners, my friends, and the Red Hooves were gathered. Zecora was trying to convince the zebras they didn't have to follow Chrysalis. I went to sit with the Red Hooves and my friends.

"How did you do that?" One of the Red Hooves asked.

"Yea, what's going on?" Twilight added.

"I don't know." was my only response. "All I do know is that I'm confused."

Shield went to interrogate the zebras, Zecora had given up by now. Ten minutes later he came to tell us what he got out of them. "The only information I could get out of them was that they were sent to stop the elements from getting to Canterlot." He said.

"How about I try. I am the one who made them fall." I said walking towards the zebras. "Alright, what's Chrysalis up to?" I asked. They remained silent. "Fine, just answer me this." The three zebras looked nervous. "Why do you let Chrysalis push you around?" I said.

The three looked shocked, but after a few minutes, the one in the middle spoke. "She told us that she could get us the same respect as all the other kinds of ponies. We zebras are the only ones who are treated like outsiders." He said.

"When did this start?" I asked.

"Twenty six years ago, there were two leaders, the sorceress here on the train, and her brother Anansi. They ruled together, until he turned dark. Using his horrible magic, he cast a spell that couldn't be broken, forcing his sister to only speak these cryptic messages, before casting her out. Sixteen years ago, the one who ruled us out of fear was slain, by that alicorn over there." I could only assume he was talking about Lunar. "Chrysalis then took our weakened forces and twisted our minds with her lies. We've been her servants ever since." He said.

"Zecora said something similar. I'll ask her and Lunar about what happened later." I thought. "You don't have to serve her." I said.

"Why is that?" the zebra on the right asked.

"You traded one leader for another and both rule by fear. Just look at Zecora. She's happy, despite what she's been through." We looked over to where Lunar and Zecora were talking.

"She does seem happy." The last zebra said.

"And she's her own pony, she's free, she has friends. You could be like that too, all you have to do tell me what Chrysalis is doing." I told them.

This seemed to convince them. "She's building something, we don't know what and we don't have the details. We do know, however, that she had some of our colleges steal the elements of harmony and Celestia's jewel. Whatever she's building must use their power to operate." The middle one said.

"Thanks." I said starting to head back to my friends, but I turned around soon after. "I'll untie you if you stay in the car and don't go back to serve Chrysalis." I said.

"Thank you." They all said appreciably as I untied them. I then returned to my friends.

"That, Shield, is how you do it." I mocked.

"What? How?" he said questionably.

"I asked them why they let Chrysalis order them around and offered them another option, one to be free. I guess they didn't realize there was a path other than the changelings." I explained.

"You let them go?!" Shield asked furiously.

"They were forced to serve Chrysalis, and I don't think they'll go anywhere. They realize now that they don't have to listen to her." I retaliated. Lunar and Zecora now joined us from their conversation.

"Fine, what did you learn?" he asked annoyed.

"I learned that Chrysalis had some zebras steal the elements, as well as Celestia's jewel, and she plans to have them power some contraption. I'll try to learn more later." I said.

"We need to speak with Celestia real soon." Lunar said.

(Later at the Palace)

"Princess, we need to talk." I said. Everypony was in the main hall.

"Yes, it appears that the elements and my jewel have been stolen. Something tells me you know who and why." She said.

"I do, but I would like you to hear it from the ponies I learned it from." I said. The Red Hooves came into the room with the zebras behind them. Once everything the zebra's knew, minus the story of how Chrysalis got control of the zebras, had been told, I told the princess about the incident on the tracks. "The zebras fear Chrysalis, that's why they helped attack the train and steal the elements. I think we can save the rest of them. And I would like to say that if we do, the zebras become Equestrian citizens." I said.

Celestia pondered this. "What would making them citizens do for Equestria?" she asked.

I hadn't thought about how it would affect Equestria. Luckily, Zecora answered. "More ponies to work and protect, their freedom and loyalty will not defect, as well as long lost magic, freeing them is a wise tactic." She said.

"I believe she's saying it will increase the number of guards for each town and also reintroduce some forgotten magic." I simplified.

"I will consult the council tomorrow. Everypony may go home now." She said.

It was getting late but I had to speak up. "Princess." I softly said.

"Yes?" she asked.

"I would like these three zebras to take me to Chrysalis' lair to try and free more zebras as well as get back the elements and your jewel." I said.

"Very well, leave tomorrow." She said.

Shield spoke up. "And I would like to request everypony stay in Canterlot tonight, the track is broken slightly and there are still changelings out."

"Do as you wish." She said and left.

Everyone was led to their own room for the night, except Blaze was with Dash and the three zebras shared a room. Before long there were only me, Lunar and Zecora heading to our rooms. "Zecora, Lunar, I need to speak with you two." Both raised an eyebrow.

"What about?" Lunar asked.

"Follow me." I said, heading for one of the several meeting rooms for guards, the council, and castle servants. Once we were all in the room, I turned to them. "I want to know about Anansi." I said. Zecora choked up. "Zecora, those other zebras told me he was your brother and that the two of you ruled the zebras together." Lunar looked shocked too.

"He was my brother, but he treated me as any other, he's the one who cast me about, and cursed me so only rhymes I blurt out." She cried.

"I was the one to kill him, he nearly killed Rainbow Dash and Blazing Dawn, he would have won if Dash wasn't carrying Blaze." Lunar said.

"I want to know if there was a reason he became dark." I said.

"That is a very good question, but there is no reason within comprehension." She said.

"It is odd there is a ten year period he didn't cause any trouble." Lunar added.

"That's what worries me, the first changeling attack, Anansi, and now changelings again. I know about Discord and the nightmare, Celestia told me about it, but those are explainable as semi-random incidents. I would think that Anansi would have attacked in all the commotion, using every advantage he has. It makes no sense to wait for your enemies to recover before you attack." I explained.

"That's a good point. Why did he?" Lunar said puzzled.

"Maybe I'm just too curious. But that's not the only reason I needed to talk to you two." I said, causing them to raise another eyebrow. "I was only able to save the train because I let my darkness take control." This surprised them more than Pinkie Pie randomly appearing out of nowhere (I still don't how she does that).

"Your darkness, everything hidden about you. If you let it take over, why are you speaking to us, and why did it help?" Lunar asked.

"I had to, if I didn't everypony on the train would have been crushed. And I know it wants to help, but I don't trust it. It being there makes me feel as if I am a bomb about to blow." I said.

"It wanted to help and it did. Trust it when you feel like you can." Lunar said.

"I agree, but if you need anything just come to me." Zecora said.

"Thanks. Let's get going to bed. See you tomorrow." I said. They too said goodnight and went to their respective rooms. I went to my room reflecting about all I said, and what my dark side did.