Villainous
by CrypticMetaphor
First published
A human takes a path that many in his situation have never taken before.
Featured on 13/09/2013 THANK YOU ALL!!!
"You either die a Hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the Villain."
Jasper William Montgomery, he just turned twenty and is absolutely bored with life. He's not suicidal, depressed, or a drug user with a penchant for drinking, he's just bored. Everything one can do in life, parties, going clubbing, video games, even computers don't really appeal to him. One thing that keeps him sane is watching shows from his youth and the occasional entertaining film. Due to a friends attempt to make him feel better he ends up watching all three seasons of My Little Pony and pretty much laughs at the fictional world. Being labeled a cynic and pretty much given up on by his friends, Jasper is alone. Until he's teleported away to Equestria by an observing Celestia.
TVTropes- http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/Villainous
(Cover image courtesy of UsagiFriday, thank you!)
Chapter 1: Meet Jasper
Cynicism, it is a form of jaded negativity, and other times, realistic criticism or skepticism of a lifestyle and at times people’s dreams as well as their goals. Many people who are like this tend to be very hard to work with or even BE around. Enter Jasper Montgomery, he has just turned twenty and has ascended into this category as well as being proclaimed a buzz kill. Jasper on the other hand could care less. It’s not like he did it on purpose, he just didn’t find anything that he did with his friends or ANYTHING for that matter to be entertaining anymore. Going to clubs, drinking, just everything one could do in his age bracket…bored him. Perhaps it was his age, maybe he was seeing the world from a more profound perspective, and maybe it was something he himself was unaware of. Whatever the case may be, he sat alone in his dingy looking living room of the lower middle class variety wearing a red t-shirt with ‘Iron Maiden’ written in black on the front as he cycled through TV channels. He ran a hand through his natural semi long dark ash hair as nothing but early afternoon greeted his storm bluish green eyes. He shook his head as an Adventure Time repeat emerged.
“Honestly can they put out more NEW episodes,” his tone was laced with a hint of mild annoyance, “or maybe they’re just lazy.”
His channel surfing was interrupted by his cellphone going off which he answered, “Moshi.”
A familiar voice responded, “Hey dude, what’s up?”
Jasper sighed, “Trying to find some decent entertainment that DOESN’T put me to sleep.”
The voice chuckled in what he could assume was mild humour, “Dang. Hey you wanna come to the mall and just, you know, chat?”
“Well I got nothing else planned for the day,” he glanced at the clock, “I’ll be there in a sec.”
Jasper stood up and switched off his TV before heading to his room. He grabbed a pair of dark, weathered navy blue jeans and threw them on before keeping them in place with his belt. Eventually his shoes had been donned and he was out the door. The walk to the mall was relatively silent as he mused to himself on his current predicament. At the moment he had been granted a small promotion to his job in Circuit City and was making some actual profit that was giving him more money on the side to NOT spend on essential things like rent and food. What surprised him most about today was the fact that one of his friends had called him. Last they had done that was half a month ago, he himself was patient. Soon he found himself entering the mall and surrounded by numerous people.
Jasper began to head to the food court due to the fact that he had yet to eat lunch. Upon entering it he turned his head and took notice of two things:. The lack of people in line which gave him a massive advantage and four people of whom he recognized at a far table. One was slightly lanky but well-built with almost white blond hair in a slight wave like fashion known as Sid. Two twin red heads sat giggling; one had green eyes the other blue, Freda and Tanner respectively. Lastly was a man about his age with an athletic build, lime green shirt with the word SWAG on it in yellow and a head of light brown hair known as Tony. Jasper stood in line with his mind buzzing with questions and conversation points. He got his lunch of pizza and coke and approached the table, Tony smiling and waving him over while the others looked on with indifference.
“Hey man,” Tony placed an arm around Jasper who smiled at the show of friendship, “how’s it going?”
Sid smiled, “Yeah, how’s the cave? Air conditioned yet?”
Jasper shrugged, “It’s tolerable I guess.”
The twins cleared their throats as Tony jumped slightly, “Hey dude. Can we talk?”
Jasper glanced at them as he took a sip of his drink, “Sure, that’s why I’m here isn’t it?”
Sid sighed, “Alright listen. We’ve been thinking for a while and well I think it’s time to come out and say it., Jasper, you’re a buzz kill, dude.”
Jasper shrugged, “Yeah and?”
Sid shook his head and pointed with annoyance in his voice, “Then there’s that,” he waved his hand in the air, “Whenever any of us try to talk to you, you just sort of get all…I don’t know the word but frankly, we’re all getting tired of it.”
Jasper looked at him, “Is that why you’ve taken this long to call me?”
Tony nodded slowly, “It’s not that we wanted NOT to call you it’s just…”
Sid bluntly stated it as well as the Twins, “You’re too irritating to be around.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow as Tony came to his friends defence, “Hey I thought we were gonna do this a little more…less brutal.”
Sid shook his head, “Tough love, man,” he looked at Jasper and began to count off fingers, “You’re sarcastic, condescending at times, you always ALWAYS find a way to put a damper on everyone’s mood and frankly it’s just plain irritating.”
Jasper glared at the man across the table, “So you thought the way to deal with this was to ignore your problem and hoped it went away? Well who’s the bigger ass in the mall Sidney?”
Sid reached across the table and grabbed him by the shirt, “Listen well, I wanted to do this nicely. We all did but now I don’t care anymore,” Sid leaned in, “You’re cynical asshole and we don’t want to be around you, we’ve TRIED to help you to lighten up and have fun but NO,” he shook his head, “you never bite. You’re a lost cause.”
“Sid, take your hand off of me, now,” the tone carried boiling wrath behind it.
Sid sneered, “And what if I don’t?”
Jasper responded with a swift and hard head butt to Sid’s face. Sid then recoiled in pain, clutching his now bleeding nose. Jasper stood up and took his pizza off the tray. Jasper glared at all at the table and turned to leave. He heard Sid’s footsteps from behind and acted on instinct. His move was precise and it hit its target, the still hot pizza smashed into Sid’s face who then howled in pain. Jasper then sprinted out of the mall with angry tears in his eyes refusing to look back.
*
That had happened two weeks ago. No police came with an angry Sid to press charges and Jasper had closed himself off from the world in an effort to forget and just to be alone with his thoughts. After the incident at the mall, he had been sleeping irregularly and felt nothing but contempt toward the individuals who he used to call friends. A knock on the door caused him to cast his gaze first then his movements followed. Soon he opened the door and on his doorstep stood a smiling Tony clutching a laptop case and a DVD. The glare that Jasper was giving Tony caused the man to falter.
Tony was sweating slightly, “Hey, Jas, what’s up?”
Jasper then sarcastically responded, “Nothing much. At all.”
Tony sighed, “Listen, about the mall and stuff-“
Jasper raised a hand, “No need to apologise I understand,” Jasper’s hand tightened on the doorframe causing to Tony to tense, “I’m a waste of a human being and who needs friends anyway. There so last season and bring nothing but pain, I’m better off-“
Tony pointed, “Do NOT put this on me and don’t EVER think like that! You’re my friend-“
Jasper scoffed, “So you say.”
Tony placed a hand on his shoulder, “We’ve been friends since we were kids,’s dude. We’re like brothers and nothing will change that.”
Jasper blinked and his hand loosened, “What’s in the bag?”
Tony smiled, “Well I thought I might try and cheer you up and bring you down to my level for a change.”
Jasper blinked, “Your talking about that show-“
“With the ponies,” Tony was grinning from ear to ear, “YES!”
Jasper ushered him inside.
*
Jasper sat the whole time with a bemused expression and said not a word as episode after episode played before him. Eventually they reached the final episode of season three and Jasper raised an eyebrow as they sang a song known as ‘A true true friend’. He glanced at Tony who smiled at him and gestured for him to continue to watch the episode. Jasper nodded a few times as the episode continued; when it reached the ascension scene he became slightly intrigued.
When the credits rolled, he glanced at Tony, “That realm Twilight was in, what was that?”
Tony shrugged, “Well there have been many theories but so far none have been confirmed. I think it might be a godly almost celestial plain.”
Jasper scratched his chin as the DVD was put in and he read the cover, “Equestria Girls?”
Tony nodded, “Yep! You’d be surprised how much hate this got then how many bro’s became hypocrites.”
Jasper waved, “Play on.”
*
As the movie concluded Jasper asked one question, “So if one of the Elements is taken, they’re all rendered moot?”
Tony nodded, “In a sense. But I think it might be the Element of Magic only.”
Jasper leaned back as Tony looked at him, “So what did ya think?”
Jasper sighed as he stood, “It was…fine.”
Tony looked at him, “Just fine?”
Jasper sighed, “It’s not that I disliked it, I mean there wereas just some, what the hell moments. Especially on the villains part; I mean, bad form much?”
Tony was surprised at the comment, “You mean you were disappointed that the villains were low par? Dude it IS a TV show.”
Jasper shook his head, “That’s not the point! The villains lacked COMMON SENSE; Sunset Shimmer came this close,” he made a pinching gesture, “to actually winning! But they all fell into the same rut of becoming cocky and underestimating the girls which resulted in their downfall. You think they would learn from their predecessor’s mistakes.”
Tony stood, “Yeah but then it would be a little…dark don’t you think?”
Jasper snapped his fingers, “EXACTLY! Things would be more interesting that way, so many story opportunities. I mean hell; I WOULD make a better villain even you would!”
Tony nodded, “Oh I see,” he pointed, “the show was boring for you like everything ELSE!”
Jasper narrowed his eyes, “Tony, choose your next words wisely.”
Tony shook his head, “Sid was right, you are a lost cause.”
Jasper crossed the room and glared straight into Tony’s eyes, “Get out of my house.”
Tony grabbed his stuff, “Fine! But don’t say I didn’t try!”
Tony stormed to the door and opened it but lost his fury and exhaled sadly, “Dude, they may have given up on you. But I won’t,” he glanced at Jasper, “I am your friend after all.”
Jasper then spoke four words which cut Tony deep, “I don’t need friends!”
Jasper then slammed the door behind a now deeply saddened and hurt Tony.
*
Jasper stared around his devastated bedroom after his rage out yesterday. He was currently sitting on the foot of his bed and stared with a hollow look at the floor.
Jasper remembered a line that that indigo pony had spoken in sadness whereas he then spoke it in anger and spite with clenched teeth at the memories of his friends, “With friends like these, who needs enemies.”
He stood up and inhaled, “I’m going for a walk.”
He walked through the living room and stopped when he noticed a picture on his sofa. It seemed like a Photoshop. He tilted his head and noticed it showed the ponies smiling in a manmade vectored picture and smiled a bit at Tony wearing a foam finger and Jasper beaming with a toothy smile. It seemed the one known as Pinkie pie was vectored holding a piece of birthday cake to Jasper. He reached down and pocketed it. Soon he was out the door staring at the sky and making his way toward the woods near his house. He walked through the trail, his mind was blank. He had not only burned bridges but might have just lost the only friend that might have still cared about him. He eventually came to a small cliff he and his friends had once used to dive off of into the water during the summer. He glanced at the crashing waves as a small rain shower began to start.
He then spoke monotone to himself, “Well the fall won’t kill me, but at least it will clear my head.”
He then shut his eyes and prepares to jump into the water to take a clearing swim. A buzzing in his ears caused him to swat at the air on instinct. He lost his footing and fell, he glimpsed the heavens and shut his eyes and took a deep breath. The feeling of water didn’t meet his body. Instead the feeling of hitting solid ground and banging his head met him. He opened his eyes and glimpsed an almost church like roof.
Jasper sighed, “Listen God, I wasn’t committing suicide. I was just going for a swim.”
“In the rain?”
Jasper nodded at the female voice, “Exactly.”
“Whilst thou was under the influence of depression?”
Jasper waved his hand slightly at the secondary female voice, “Eh, this and that.”
Jasper blinked a couple of times and sat up. He looked around at his surroundings and blinked once more in slight fear at the situation. He slowly turned his head as his eyes widened in utter horror, two familiar alicorns we’re staring at him worriedly at his current expression. Jasper shook his head and pointed at Celestia and Luna while mouthing ‘no’ over and over again.
Jasper started to nervously laugh, “You’re not real. You’re just two characters from a TV show,” the royal sisters took a step forward as Jasper pressed against a door and screamed, “GET AWAY FROM ME!”
“What are you afraid of, Jasper,” her look was that of genuine concern.
Jasper looked around frantically, “It’s a trick!”
Luna shook her head, “This is no trick, Jasper Montgomery,” she pulled him away from the door, “this is real.”
Jasper pointed shakily at both of them, “How do you know my name?”
Celestia smiled softly, “Know that we mean you no harm,” Celestia placed a hoof on his shoulder which he cringed at, “We only wish to talk.”
Jasper was still nervous, “That still doesn't answer my question.”
Celestia escorted him through the halls, “As you well know I am a quite powerful pony and my reach can extend far and feel much. As I was musing, I came upon your world and began to view it on occasion sort of as you do with ours.”
Luna chuckled at the human’s expression, “Weekends only.”
Jasper didn’t laugh. He was stone faced as he glimpsed the famous stained glass windows that depicted the forces of goods many victories over evil. He tilted his head at the most recent of Sombra’s defeat. He continued pace, had no other threat appeared in the time of Season 3’s conclusion?
Celestia halted, “Now in saying that I gaze at your world, I began to notice all of the misery and bloodshed,” she shook her head in sadness, “How you all can live like that is a miracle.”
Luna stood tall, “But even in the face of adversity and horror, thou’s race had one thing that helped them through every ordeal,” she locked eyes with Jasper, “Friendship.”
Celestia then stood before the human, “But you,” she stared at him with sympathy, “not only were you abandoned by your friends, but you cast the magic of friendship from your life.”
Jasper crossed his arms, “I never did that.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Tell me if this sounds familiar,” she then repeated words he had spoken to him that struck him deep, “With friends like these, who needs enemies.”
Jasper took a step back, “But what does that matter? It’s my business, not YOURS!!”
Celestia nodded, “This is true. But seeing how you were it was only a matter of time before you would do something you regretted. Therefore I thought a little bit of divine intervention was in order.”
“My sister has come to an idea, Celestia if you would,” Luna looked to her sister.
The solar princess smiled, “Of course,” she then turned once more to Jasper, “Jasper William Montgomery. I, Princess Celestia have brought you here for one purpose,” she smiled warmly, “to relearn the magic of friendship from my star pupil as YOUR teacher.”
Jasper blinked then laughed.
Both sisters were surprised at his reaction which Jasper took notice of, “You’re serious?”
Both nodded in unison, “Okay, I’m both scared beyond belief right now but also sort of touched that you took this extra bit of attention for me. But frankly I’m fine the way I am right now,” he didn’t hear a nearby door open, “I don’t need friends as far as I’m concerned WHY would I need them?”
He didn’t know why he became angry but he jabbed a finger in the sister’s direction, “All friends do is pretend to care about your problems so THEY can feel better about themselves. In my experience when they have a problem with you,” he made a sharp smacking gesture with his open hand atop a fist, “they stab you in the back.”
“This is the exact reason I brought you here Jasper,” Celestia tilted her head to the left.
Jasper followed her glance and noticed Twilight Sparkle in all her new princess glory staring at the human in sadness.
Jasper raised an annoyed eyebrow, “What?”
Twilight stepped forward, “I just never thought somepony could EVER have friends like that.”
Jasper looked to the side at the naïve comment.
“But that’s what I’m here for,” Twilight trotted to Jasper’s side as he cringed away slightly, “Princess, how exactly can we integrate him into pony society? From what you told me from your observations he not only eats meat but he also has unique clothing needs.”
Jasper blushed a tad at the comment as Celestia lightly chuckled, “That will be your job, Princess Twilight, show the ponies he is nothing to fear and that he deserves to be treated as any other.”
Twilight nodded at her mentor and peer as she turned to Jasper, “It’s nice to finally meet you in person Jasper,” she raised a hoof, “I’m Twilight Sparkle.”
Jasper glanced at the hoof and stood still.
Twilight sighed, “We’re going to have to work on your social skills.”
Jasper rolled his eyes, “My social skills are fine,” he then looked straight at her, “I’m just not used to talking horses.”
Twilight was slightly offended at the statement but did her breathing, “Alright, that’s understandable for a….person in your position.”
He then took notice of something, “Where’s your crown princess?”
Twilight tilted her head, “Back at my home secure in a powerful barrier spell. Why?”
Jasper then laughed a bit, “Wouldn’t want a repeat of the MIRROR incident would we?”
He walked past the three stunned alicorns, “What? I watched more than the show.”
Twilight ran after him as she bid the Princesses farewell.
*
Far north in the equestrian tundra, a shard of red sizzled with dark energy and heat. Something within it stirred as a voice emanated onto the breeze.
“Crystals….Revenge.”
Chapter 2: Meet The Ponies
Jasper sat on the train in absolute silence as it pulled away from Canterlot. The steady rhythm of the wheel upon the metal tracks did nothing for his nerves but cleared his head. The thought process began almost immediately as he glanced at the smiling Alicorn across from him. Surely this couldn’t be possible, it had to be some sort of hallucination or vivid fantasy that his mind concocted. But even though he wished this to be so it was not the reality of the situation. He sighed in defeat and glanced out the window and watched the mountain ranges pass him by.
Twilight took notice of his expression and tapped her chin, “Sooo Jasper,” the human turned at the sound of his name, “What do you….read back where you come from?”
Jasper raised an eyebrow as Twilight coughed awkwardly.
The human merely sighed, “This and that.”
“That’s…interesting I suppose,” Twilight was a little disappointed he wouldn’t talk to her and became slightly hurt.
Jasper took notice and glanced to the side, “I read novels, manga, and mostly classic comic books.”
Twilight looked up, “You have comics where you come from?”
“You all have comic books too?” Jasper was greatly surprised at this, “Well that’s something new.”
Twilight beamed at having made legitimate contact, “Yes we do. In fact, Equestria has several comic companies around the kingdom. My assistant Spike reads several from time to time.”
Jasper now fully faced the Alicorn, “You don’t say.”
Twilight nodded, “Yep,” the alicorn then thought of something, “Hmm, if you have comic books where you’re from do you think we may have titles here that you have? Maybe even your favorite one?” Twilight wanted nothing more than to make the human feel that he was in a friendly environment and not a hostile one.
Jasper casually added, “Do you have Mirage comics, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?”
Twilight was very confused at the statement, “Can’t say that we do…to my knowledge.”
Jasper looked away from her, “Then our worlds aren’t as similar as you think.”
Twilight pursed her lips at the remark but did her breathing, “You might be surprised,” she then whispered to herself, “I won’t give up on you Jasper, no matter what.”
*
Soon the time arrived for the train to pull into Ponyville station and both human and pony disembarked. Immediately upon exiting the train car they were all met with stares of fear and curiosity. It was like someone just fixed a massive neon sign upon Jasper’s head that pretty much advertised him as a freak. Several ponies bowed in respect to a slightly reluctant princess who told them it was not necessary while others gave the human a wide berth. Jasper glanced around with an annoyed scowl, inwardly he laughed at the irony of how they all we’re accepting in the show yet in reality they feared even him. Guess that friendship lesson with the zebra was a flop in the long run.
Jasper was shaken from his thoughts as he glanced down at a curious Twilight, “Huh?”
“I said we’re here,” she gestured to her familiar tree home, “welcome to Golden Oaks library!”
Jasper blinked and inwardly noted the name as he entered.
Jasper’s eyes widened as he saw the stocked shelves seem to rise up around him. The familiar aroma of news print filled his nostrils as his eyes skimmed the shelves, fiction, non-fiction, history, everything was there and well organized. Jasper walked over to a nearby shelf and began scanning the spines as Twilight hung up her things and took notice.
“Find anything you like?” Jasper glanced over his shoulder and shrugged as he continued to inspect the tomes.
Jasper muttered to no one in particular, “How many books of history and lore are here…”
Twilight picked up on that and was more than happy to answer, “Well there are several. In fact, there is even some dating back to when Equestria was founded and ruled over by Princess Platinum.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow as he turned away, “Interesting.”
A frightened gasp caused both parties to turn and reveal a small purple dragon against the wall in fright, “What the?! Twilight there’s a mutant ape standing beside you!”
Jasper narrowed his eyes, “Twilight, there’s a purple gecko yelling at me.”
Spike’s fear vanished, “HEY! I’m NOT a GECKO!”
Twilight stood between the two, “Cool it you two! Spike this is Jasper, you know, the one the letter told us about?”
Spike blinked a few times as he looked Jasper up and down, “Oh…so this is a hoomen. Weird, thought they would look different.”
Jasper was about to retort when Twilight yawned. Jasper gazed out the window and took notice that it was nighttime. Time had sure passed them by fast much to his utter confusion.
“Well it’s been a long and somewhat hectic day so I think it would be best if we turned in for the night,” Twilight then led Jasper to a section of the floor that had a bed laid out, “I had Spike make this when I left to get you so I hope that you feel at home. Have a good sleep Jasper.”
As the alicorn and dragon ventured upstairs Jasper glanced at the shelf he had been inspecting and plucked a history book with the date depicting the age of Equestria’s founding. The lights we’re extinguished but Jasper cracked open the book and began to read.
*
Twilight had awoken at a reasonable time and ventured downstairs to find Jasper sprawled out in an uncomfortable position snoring away. She gently nudged him only to get an incoherent mumble as a response. She shook her head and went to take more direct methods when she noticed something was amiss. She glanced at her organized shelf and narrowed her eyes, one of the four massive Equestrian history books was moved a fraction to the left when it was supposed to be to the right.
She glanced over to Jasper, “Did he read all of it? No Twilight, don’t be silly. One of these books alone took me at least three weeks to finish.”
Jasper sat up and rubbed his eyes as Twilight moved the book back to its rightful position, “Morning, sleep well?”
Jasper nodded slowly as he stood up. Twilight led him into the kitchen and began to prepare some breakfast. Jasper drummed his fingers on the table top as he began to silently muse to himself on a private matter.
“So Jasper I was thinking that today,” she levitated the food onto the table as she took a seat, “I would take you to meet my friends. I told them you were coming and what my assignment entailed. All of them are more than willing to help in any way they can.”
Jasper glanced up at her as he nibbled some toast, “Why exactly are they so willing?”
Twilight smiled, “That’s what friends do. They help each other out.”
Jasper blinked a couple of times and went back to his nibbling.
*
Jasper glanced around at the frightened ponies who either scampered away or refused to look at him, “What’s the point of all this? They fear me, plain and simple; nothing’s going to change that.”
Twilight chuckled nervously, “Well the town can be a little,” she saw Roseluck board up her windows and doors causing a less than amused Jasper to look at her, “nervous. But deep down they really want to get to know you."
Jasper noticed a metal shutter of all things slam down on a shop entrance, “I doubt that.”
Twilight glanced at the human who seemed to be gazing around and taking in his surroundings almost stiffly like a living doll. The alicorn was saddened about how little faith the human possessed toward others, whatever had occurred to cause this must have truly been horrid. Her spirits lifted when they approached Carousel Boutique, she had made sure this was their first stop. Not only was Rarity an ideal candidate to make first contact, but the thrill of having to make Jasper clothes excited her immensely. The front doors bell rang as both individuals entered the establishment, Jasper glanced around the interior with mild interest as Twilight smiled at the sound of approaching hoof steps.
Rarity rounded the corner and noticed Jasper, “Is this him?”
Twilight nodded, “Jasper, allow me to introduce you to my friend Rarity.”
Jasper gave a half wave, “Hi.”
Rarity gave a kind smile in return, “Hello.”
Twilight glanced from Jasper to Rarity and smiled, “Well I can see this is getting off to a good start,” she looked to Rarity, “I’m going to step out for a bit, you wouldn’t mind?”
Rarity waved the comment off, “Of course not Twilight. I said I would help in anyway I can and I mean it. Jasper, darling, you MUST let me take your measurements!”
“Uh…,” Jasper backed up slightly as Rarity’s smiled became a much softer one.
She spoke in a calming tone, “Don’t worry I’ll be gentle.”
Twilight stifled a snicker as Jasper slowly responded, “O-okay I guess.”
He was immediately dragged away by Rarity.
*
Jasper was staring unamused at the white unicorn before him as she magically held his arms in place so she could get better measurements. Even though she was depicted a certain way in the show, she was WAY pushier than he thought. She had told him to remain still which he complied to with some difficulty, standing straight on a pedestal for prolonged periods of time tends to get old very fast. Rarity had taken notice of this and decided to employ her magic to restrict his movements. Now Jasper had to stand as well as mentally sit while Rarity worked. He would have spoken up sooner but decided against it under fear of magical retaliation, but in truth that was just his paranoid mind mentally slapping him.
His eyes wandered around the room in an effort to keep himself occupied during his immobilization. He began to take in all the finery and expensive air the room gave off. He mentally chuckled at how even though Rarity lived as a town pony it was almost like she had her own little slice of paradise around her. Jasper shook his head as Rarity faced him.
She raised a skeptical eyebrow, “Is something the matter?”
“No,” he glanced around once more, “It’s just that I’ve noticed that even though you live in a common town you somehow have your own little slice of royal splendor here. It’s actually quite astounding.”
Rarity gave beamed with pride, “Well as the old saying goes, ‘A mares home IS her castle.’”
Jasper felt the magical hold leave him as he rotated his shoulders. He glanced over to Rarity’s work table but was met with a quick white sheet covering the item atop it.
“Ah ah ah,” she tutted the human, “no peeking until it’s ready.”
Jasper pursed his lips but then turned his attention to an odd metal sculpture atop her dresser, “What’s that?”
Rarity trotted over with a light grin, “I see you have a good eye for modern art,” she levitated the sculpture in front of Jasper and he took notice that it resembled a pony made of bronze metal, “this little sculpture was a gift from my dear friend Spike. I believe it’s called ‘The Brazen Pony’, if memory serves.”
Jasper crossed his arms, “You pony’s actually do metal work here?”
Rarity shook her head frantically, “No no no! I mean yes we do, but I would NEVER attempt such a thing,” she glanced at her foreleg, “I could cut myself or chip a hoof. Many ponies here and there do it either as a pastime or their profession,” she then locked eyes with him, “But out of curiosity why do you ask?”
Jasper looked at his reflection in a mirror on the adjacent wall, “Back in my old school I got top marks in metal shop,” he thought for a moment, “If memory serves I think my last major project was that we had to build a piece of armor.”
Rarity was now VERY interested, “And did you?”
Jasper nodded with a slight smirk, “Yeah. I made a plate helm with a folding visor. Granted it consumed every moment of free time I had but the grade I got was well worth it.”
“Well if you’re going to stay here with all of us, why not take it up as a hobby,” her eyes twinkled with wonder, “I dare say, if I saw the kind of armor that your kind wears it would be simply astounding!”
Jasper heard the door open below and the familiar voice of a certain Alicorn as Rarity became all business, “Well Jasper it was nice seeing you, I sure hope you enjoy your stay here. Don’t be a stranger!”
Jasper nodded as he headed downstairs and soon out the door with his companion to their next destination.
*
Jasper was glancing around the trail they walked and took in the fresh smell of apples. He took note of the slight hill they had to trek up and the MASSIVE orchard that spanned almost to the horizon. Jasper then stood entirely still as Twilight trotted toward the farmhouse, his mind was working overtime as he mentally prepared himself for what was to come. He reached into his pocket and produced a folded piece of paper as well as a pencil from Earth. He laid the paper down upon a fence post and began to scribble on it silently muttering to himself.
“Whatcha drawin there?”
Jasper spun around and fell over the fence clutching the paper. Before him was a small filly with a pink bow in her hair who he recognized as the youngest Apple sibling known aptly as Applebloom. He quickly stowed the paper away and got to his feet.
Applebloom was frantic, “Ahm so sorry about that! Ah shoulda said somethin earlier!”
Jasper dusted himself off, “No worries. Nothings broken.”
Applebloom tilted her head and curiously circled the man, “Are ya that hooman ah’ve heard about?”
Jasper rolled his eyes, “Yes.”
Applebloom almost hopped up to eye level with him, “WOW!”
Jasper backed up slightly as a look of excitement plastered itself upon the fillies face, “Ah never thought that you would be so tall, where’s your fur? Do you have a cutie mark? Can you count to infinity? Can ya-“
“Applebloom!”
Both Jasper and Applebloom turned their heads to behold Applejack and Twilight approaching. The orange cowpony wore an apologetic smile.
“Sorry about that,” Applejack gave Applebloom a look which caused her to run off and play elsewhere, “She gets excited easily around new ponies.”
Jasper raised his hand, “It’s fine.”
Applejack then took on a genuine welcoming smile, “Well Twilight’s told me all about ya, names Applejack, and it’s a pleasure to meet ya!”
Jasper this time shook a hoof when it was offered to him, “Jasper, the feeling is likewise.”
Applejack was about to speak when the sound of a yell interrupted them. Jasper turned around just in time to be body slammed to the ground by a rainbow and cyan blur. Jasper grunted in mild annoyance and pain as his arm was pinned to his back. His glare fell upon none other than Rainbow Dash.
“Run and get help girls, I got this thing!”
Twilight yanked Rainbow Dash off of Jasper, “Rainbow Dash what in Equestria are you doing?!”
Rainbow Dash struggled in the magic that held her, “I was saving you two from this monster!”
“Rainbow this is Jasper, the hooman I told you about in my letter,” Twilight dropped the pegasus, “remember?”
Rainbow Dash glanced at Jasper, “Oh. Sorry about that dude.”
Jasper growled in mild anger and dusted himself off, “Yeah…no problem.”
Rainbow Dash approached the human rubbing the back of her head, “Let’s start over. Name’s Rainbow Dash. Best flyer in Equestria and the most awesome mare around!”
Jasper nodded as his gaze travelled around the farm, “I’m curious Applejack,” the cowpony glanced at the human, “does your family supply most of the apples to Ponyville and the surrounding places?”
Applejack scratched the back of her head, “Well we don’t mean ta brag about it, but we supply a great amount to Equestria.”
Jasper nodded, “I see.”
Rainbow Dash flew in front of Jasper who turned to leave, “Hey where’s the fire dude?”
Jasper gave an even smile, “Aren’t we going to meet Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy next?”
Twilight blinked but then smiled, “Oh yeah!”
Jasper and the mares then trotted toward the town.
*
The meeting with the last two went as well as one would expect. Pinkie Pie was more than ecstatic to meet Jasper and informed him of a party that was going to be held in his honor the following day. Fluttershy was very reluctant to talk to Jasper and would hide in fear whenever he would utter one word. Soon the sun was setting and the mares all bid Jasper farewell until tomorrow. Jasper and Twilight soon arrived back at the library and asked the oddest request.
“Come again?”
Jasper smiled lightly, “I want to take up a metal working as a hobby here. You know just to make small pieces of metal art. Do you know where I can buy the supplies?”
Twilight nodded, “Yes I do, I can take you to the hobby store tomorrow if you’d like.”
“Thanks,” Jaspers eyes gleamed, “I’d like that.”
Soon Twilight and Spike were asleep once more and Jasper plucked another book off the shelf.
Chapter 3: 3 Days Later
The days rolled by slowly but were quite productive for everypony. Jasper, though still out of his element, maintained a sort of serenity during his stay. Surprisingly he seemed to be more cheerful and a tad more open with the six mares of whom he called friends. The party which Pinkie had organized for him also showed many of the ponies in Ponyville who had been wary of the stranger that he was not one to be feared. Quite the opposite in fact, many ponies began to warm up to him. The party was indeed a big eye opener for all of them, Pinkie Pie and Rarity even gave Jasper some presents for his troubles.
“Well here it is darling,” Rarity levitated the package covered in white paper over to him, “It’s not much, but in my opinion I think it suits you.”
Jasper then opened the package and beheld a zip up black coat that would reach just above his ankles. It even had a hood attached to it in case of extreme weather conditions which he nodded at.
Applejack nudged him, “Well go on, and try it on.”
Jasper shrugged and complied. He had to admit, he looked pretty good in it. The coat itself seemed to be made out of a durable yet light material.
Jasper looked with surprise at the unicorn mare, “No one’s really given me something like this before…thank you.”
Rarity waved her hoof in a casual manner, “Oh it was nothing.”
Pinkie Pie then shoved a package in his face which rattled around. He opened it slowly as Pinkie Pie smiled wider. Within were a series of manually altered tools, his eyebrows rocketed upwards in surprise and a small smile spread across his face.
Pinkie Pie leaned against a chair as a small blue jay landed on her mane, “A little birdy told me that you were going to take up metal working as a hobby so I decided to buy you the tools,” she fed the bird atop her head, “Auntie Pinkie knows what ponies want.”
Jasper sort of tuned her out and slowly shut the box.
*
Sombra gazed around the bleak tundra unimpressed. He had once more been exiled from his kingdom and once more had been humiliated. No more, he was tired of being denied his rightful place upon a throne. He smiled sinisterly; there was after all, more than one throne. He transformed into a minor smoke blob and slithered off as a chilling laugh echoed on the wind.
*
Jasper sat in a small room in Twilight’s basement under the light of a small lantern as he toiled away at his project. Lying beside him were three books, one read, ‘Metal Ores & You’. The other book was titled, ‘Equestrian Alchemy: Advanced unabridged guide’. The final book was an odd one to say the least, Twilight herself expressed great confusion at lending it out.
-One Day Earlier-
Twilight gazed at the book levitating in front of her, “Why in Equestria do you want this? You can’t do magic?”
Jasper smiled, “True. But frankly I actually find it fascinating.”
The book was titled, ‘Archanus Magnum: Compendium of Ancient Magic’.
Twilight smiled at Jaspers response, “Alright, but please give it back when you’re done with it. It’s supposed to be my final magical book to study when...,” her ears flattened slightly, “get that far.”
Jasper nodded as the book landed in his hands.
*
At the moment he was now in Twilight’s lab consulting the alchemy book as he poured beakers upon beakers into each other. A gasp alerted him to Twilight standing atop the stairs staring at him. She bolted down the stairs and magically prepared to take the beakers.
“JASPER THAT’S VERY DANGEROUS TO MIX-“
Jasper cut her off as he poured the mixture onto his finger causing Twilight to scream.
He then raised his hand to reveal it was coated in jointed armor plating, “Relax,” the regular metal then slowly morphed into gold, “I was just experimenting.”
Twilight then got a massive smile on her face, “That’s amazing! You turned the metal to gold! Every time I try it always become foals gold.”
Jasper shrugged as he picked up the vial, “Meh, it’s no big deal.”
Twilight teleported in front of him, “But it is,” she pointed with her hoof at the metal, “gold is actually pretty…dangerous her.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow, “Seriously?”
Twilight nodded slowly, “Gold on its own is fairly reasonable, it’s relatively harmless. But refined and altered like you’re doing gold can be deadly. When used as a weapon it can cut through magical barriers like a hot knife through butter.”
Jasper looked to the side, “But what about bits? Aren’t they made of gold?”
Twilight shook her head, “Foals gold, it’s still valuable though.”
Jasper snapped his fingers, “Is that why the guards under Celestia’s employ wear gold and use gold weaponry?”
Twilight nodded, “Exactly.”
Jasper scratched his chin, “Well that explains a lot I guess.”
Twilight turned to leave, “Don’t be up to late,” she halted, “Oh yeah I forgot the whole reason I came down here. Rainbow Dash wanted to know if you wanted to tag along with the rest of the girls to go on a camping trip in two days to Rainbow Falls.”
Jasper thought for a moment, “Sure.”
Twilight squeed as she left.
-Several Hours Later-
Jasper sat on a chair in his small room in the basement and rotated his wrist. Covering his right hand was a golden armor glove. A small screwdriver was pressed against a slot and it was being tightened and untightened rhythmically with each rotation of his wrist. On the top of his hand dead center was a hole with a black fabric lining. With his other hand he flipped through the Archanus Magnum until he came across an entry which caused him to raise an eyebrow, ‘The Gem of Ages’.
*
Princess Celestia opened her eyes in her bed and sat up suddenly. She glanced around frantically and rushed out into the hallway forgetting her royal adornments. Several guards averted their eyes and blushed heavily while a night guard paid a day guard forty bits at her sudden passing. Celestia burst into the darkened throne room.
Luna’s face reddened, “Sister cover thyself.”
Celestia ignored the comment, “Luna I bring grave news.”
“What is it?”
Celestia steeled herself, “He has returned.”
Luna raised an eyebrow, “Could thou be more specific?”
Celestia nodded, “Sombra, I sensed his aura manifest. It’s slowly moving toward Ponyville. Though I am unsure when he might arrive, we must make the appropriate counter measures immediately.”
Luna nodded with a stern expression.
Author's Notes:
Apologies for the short chapter. I will attempt to make them longer as they go, now i ask you, who is the villain in this story?
Chapter 4: Turn On The Dark
The day was fairly quiet. Barely anypony was outside, the reason? It was because a mass of guards had been deployed. Celestia was scheduled to appear that following afternoon to deliver an explanation and as per usual, when guards of such magnitude showed up nopony wanted to be in the way. Six mares sat in Sugarcube Corner chatting about the current situation mostly because Twilight was informed before the guard’s arrival. Twilight on the other hoof was barely contributing due to the fact that she was both curious and worried for their human friend. Ever since last night after inviting him on the camping trip he had not come up for breakfast or responded to her calls. She chopped it up to him being caught up in his work; she could sympathize on that front and left him to it. She just hoped he was alright. She didn't want to say anything to the girls because she thought it was nothing. But for a while she was noticing more of her books had been slightly moved or relocated and she had not left them like that at all. Why would Jasper even want to read those history books as well as the arcane lore ones?
*
As this was going on, Jasper was sitting on the main library floor with his project in front of him as well as several books. He stood up from his chair and began to scan the shelves muttering mildly.
“Heya Jasper what’s- WHOA THAT THING LOOKS AWESOME!”
Jasper whipped around and saw Spike gazing with awe at the gold metal gauntlet that sat upon the white cloth on the table, “It’s not finished,” his tone became cold, “don’t touch it.”
Spike backed up, “Okay, chill out.”
Jasper rubbed the bridge of his nose, “Sorry, it’s just.”
Spike waved a claw, “Nah its cool. I understand,” he glanced at the slightly troubled human, “something wrong?”
Jasper nodded, “You know that I've kept track of all of your adventures up to date right?”
Spike nodded, “Yeah, Twilight told me all about you. Well at least all she knew.”
“Well if that’s the case,” he pointed his thumb at the shelves, “could you find me that book that had the information on the Alicorn Amulet?”
Spike nodded with a confident smirk, “That’s an easy one,” he stopped mid-stride, “just out of curiosity, why do you want it?”
Jasper smiled, “Research.”
Spike shrugged and began to look. He found the book immediately but he began to debate whether or not he SHOULD give the book to Jasper. In truth, Spike never really trusted Jasper. Deep down something unsettled him about the human, ever since he first laid eyes on him. He also noticed that almost behind every smile that Jasper ever gave, there seemed to be a flicker behind it, a subtle little thing at most. The flicker could only best be described with one word…wicked. Spike also noticed something in the human’s eyes whenever their eye met. Usually with the ponies he knew around town he could see love and compassion as well as companionship. But behind Jasper's eyes, he saw…could it be called darkness? Or perhaps it was the calculating mind of something much worse. Spike had seen that only one other time, when he was descending toward Sombra to grab the falling Crystal heart, he glimpsed almost the same thing in the dark unicorn’s eyes. Spike jumped when Jasper's hand shot out and plucked the book from the shelf.
“Thank you for finding it for me. You’re quite useful; man I wish I had a dragon.”
*
Hours passed by after the event in the library before Twilight and the girls arrived. Twilight opened the door and soon all six mares entered to find Jasper sitting in an armchair reading a small paperback book. When he heard them enter he glanced over the top of the book and nodded his acknowledgement at their collective presence. All of the mares trotted past him and seated themselves. Jasper sighed having realized that he wouldn't get peace and shut his book.
“So girls,” the mares glanced at him, “What’s the word?”
Twilight ushered him over to which he complied, “Well while you were here…speaking of which have you eaten anything?”
Jasper nodded and she continued, “As I was saying, while you were here at the library the princess sent me an urgent message this morning. I really wished to tell you about this at breakfast but you wouldn't answer me.”
“Sorry, I was busy finishing my project,” he mused, “It’s just missing one last thing. But that’s not important right now, continue,” he sat down nearby in a chair.
Twilight smiled and nodded, “Well you’re familiar with Sombra correct?” Jasper nodded as she inhaled, “Well the letter I received informed me that not only has he returned, but he’s on his way here. The princess has made it clear that I only tell the girls and you but rest assured that the information will be made public this afternoon.”
Jasper scratched his chin, “So Sombra’s coming here. Do we have a plan of attack?”
Rainbow smirked, “Hay yeah we do! I didn't get a chance to clobber him back at the Crystal Empire so I call dibs on the first shot.”
Rarity rolled her eyes, “By all means Dash do whatever brutish desire that crosses your mind,” her look then became slightly angered, “as long as I get a crack at him for trying to hurt Spikey!”
Applejack exhaled, “Now cmon yall we have ta keep a level head about this.”
Jasper nodded which caused the mares to glance at him, “Applejack's right. If we lose our heads the enemy can take advantage of the confusion and swoop in for the proverbial kill.”
Twilight nodded at the words of wisdom, “True, so very true,” she then became slightly saddened, “In light of these events girls, I’m afraid the camping trip is going to be called off until further notice.”
Rainbow Dash groaned in anguish, “Oh come on Twilight, we've been planning this for months! Why can’t we go?!”
Fluttershy raised her hoof, “Well Dash I think it’s because it’s more dangerous than before. Sombra could come out of nowhere,” she shivered, “even when we sleep.”
Jasper in the other hand was listening half-heartedly as his mind formulated something, “Say Twilight.”
The alicorn glanced at him, “Yes Jasper?”
“Isn’t the crystal heart needed to defeat Sombra?”
Twilight contemplated it, “Well no, it’s one method that was used once before. In truth, the Elements of Harmony are more than enough.”
Jasper stood up, “Well if that’s the case,” he walked across the room, “you all attend the meeting I have a few…things I have to sort out.”
Rarity stared curiously at the retreating human, “Are you positive? Aren't you curious as to what the Princess has to say?”
Jasper smiled over his shoulder at Rarity, “Well you’re the resident power ladies, so I think you all have everything in you capable hooves.”
The mares smiled at the compliments as Jasper shut the door.
*
Jasper leaned against the shut door and glanced at the desk in front of him. Atop the desk was the finished gauntlet. He approached his project, the gauntlets hand almost appeared like it was reaching for the heavens. The hole on the back of the hand was now carved into a specific shape. He grasped the object and donned it with a metallic clacking sound, first he rotated the wrist and readjusted he tightness accordingly until it fit like a glove. The gold glinted in the dim light as he flexed his arm. Now that it was completed, it covered his arm all the way to the elbow. He glanced at his fist and clenched it tightly. The smile that appeared on his face was one of joy…and a much darker ambition. He then grabbed his coat and threw it on making sure that his sleeve covered the gauntlet to the wrist. He then waited until the sound of the girls leaving the library met his ears. He then grabbed a series of paper clipped papers with notes scribbled atop them and disembarked immediately.
*
Spike on the other hoof was watching Jasper slink out the door with his notes clutched tightly under his arms. The second the door shut Spike bolted down the stairs and entered Jasper's work room. He immediately sifted through the papers that were left and saw scribbled prototypes for a gauntlet that was far too big for him but seemed to be made for a creature like him. What caught his eyes was a small scrap piece of paper that had cliff notes written on them, cliff notes of information he had been told by the girls and from…the books he had been lent?
“What are you planning Jasper?”
*
Outside the girls were heading toward the town square as the Princess was preforming her preparations for the afternoons events. However the ponies were unaware of two things, one being a coated figure with his hood up slinking into the Everfree forest. The other and more pressing matter was a dark unicorn with a red horn glaring down at the town with malicious intent evident in his glare.
Chapter 5: Somber Day
Jasper was currently venturing down the forested path toward his destination which he kept checking in his notes. The path took him to a massive Cliffside road which caused him to halt. A section of the road had long since crumbled and slid down into oblivion, the oblivion in question was another road at the far bottom. Jasper exhaled in mild annoyance and looked around for something to use, if he were to descend and lose any kind of hand hold he would plunge to his demise. He let down his hood and glanced from side to side, getting to where he needed to go was going to be a bigger pain in the ass than he thought. But it seemed the powers that be had other plans in mind for the human when he noticed a bunch of dense and strong looking ivy hanging from the rock wall behind him. Jasper wasted no time in wrenching down a good helping of the vines and tying them together to form a makeshift rope. He slowly lowered it down and continued to tie more vines on when needed to increase the length. Soon he had a fair amount of rope that stopped to allow enough of a dismount so it would not injure him. After all, the trip to the place he was heading was going to be difficult, but the trip back was going to be easy as pie.
Jasper tied the rope around a secured rock with his tightest knot and gave the rope a few practice pulls; it was taut and refused to give. He thanked whatever force of nature grew the things and began his descent to the floor below. Jasper kept his feet firmly planted against the wall as he performed a sort of awkward backwards walk down the cliff face. Jasper stared at nothing but his feet and refused to look down, eventually after a few minutes he glanced down and sighed. He was nearing the end of his rope…literally. Jasper nodded and steeled himself for the drop; he released his grip and bent his knees upon touching down. He then stood up and dusted his coat off as he continued down the road; he noticed ahead of him was a slightly open valley with two peaks forming a sort of gateway. He slowed his pace when he noticed something sleeping off to the side. He knew what it was; he had seen it once before back on Earth during part two of season one, the manticore.
*
While Jasper made his journey, back in Ponyville, Spike was sifting through the papers he had brought up to the main library floor with focused eyes. From what he could see, Jasper had kept notes on not only Equestrian history, but ancient legends and lore. Whatever he was planning it seems he had been keeping notes ever since he came to Equestria. But to what gain? He continued to sift until he stopped on a paper labeled, ‘Gauntlet: Final Draft Completed’.
“What?” Spike scanned the schematics for the gold gauntlet that he had seen.
The plans though completed seemed to have had additions made to them. Runes had been engraved on certain areas but when he looked closer he saw something that caused him great distress then it transitioned into anger.
“THAT SNAKE!”
He bolted from his chair and ran into Ponyville as fast as his legs could carry him. However, during the time of Spike’s investigation and Jasper's departure the town had long since gathered in the town square as the princess cleared her throat to address Ponyville on the current situation.
Princess Celestia approached the podium, “Citizens of Ponyville, I am afraid that even though I am visiting it doesn’t bring good tidings,” she sighed, “many among you have asked why there has been a sudden increase in guard activity. Well I am here today to put the questions to rest for I am sad to say that my old foe, King Sombra, has returned and is on his way here.”
The silence that fell over Ponyville was unsettling to say the least.
*
Jasper scratched his chin as he glanced at the sleeping beast. He would have to think fast if he was to sneak past; he chuckled mentally at his rhyme but then became all business. He glanced around and shrugged before beginning to sneak the manticore snoozed blissfully unaware of a potential meal that was currently leaving it behind. Jasper continued along his path until he ended up in a dark swamp and groaned in annoyance. If he had to sing a song to get through this, he would hang himself on a branch and wouldn’t care in the slightest of what ate him. He trekked further and gazed at the sky in an effort to pinpoint a part in the swamps dense canopy. He smacked into a tree and noticed an engraving on the bark that read, ‘TS,AJ,RD,PP,R,FS, Best Friends Forever.’ Jasper narrowed his eyes and pulled out his screw driver. He then dragged the instrument down the engraving effectively ruining it.
Jasper walked onward and came to a river. Without hesitation he crossed the river quickly and bolted into the forest on the other side. After many more minutes of agonizing walking he came to a large suspension bridge shrouded in mild fog. He grinned as it parted and revealed his destination, the old castle of the royal pony sisters.
*
At the same time of Jasper’s discovery of the castle, Princess Celestia had continued her speech after more silence.
“I understand you are all deeply afraid. But this is not a time for fear, but a time for us all to stand together,” she glanced at Twilight, “Princess Twilight has already made the necessary preparations for Sombra’s attack WHICH I might add I have calculated to be this coming day. We must prepare and under no circumstances are we to pan-“
“This coming day you say Princess?”
Everypony turned their heads and gasped as a whole. Sombra was standing at the far end of town with a sneer plastered on his face.
*
Jasper was crossing the suspension bridge when Sombra had arrived in Ponyville and was almost to the other side. The massive decaying fortress loomed before him and he nodded in respect for the imposing nature of it. An explosion far off toward Ponyville caused many birds to fly into the air.
“Hm, he’s ahead of schedule. No matter,” he entered the front doors and began to trek through the empty halls.
The old stone was cracked and covered in many kinds of vegetation, but this was not what he sought. He continued to venture forth and began to climb a set of stairs until he emerged in a massive chamber that had an immense apparatus that once housed the Elements of Harmony in their stone sphere form. He approached it and stopped; he then whipped out his notes and scanned them.
“Hm, let’s see here,” Jasper walked around to the back of the podium and found an inscription composed of engraved stones that stuck out, “Press this one here. Then this one, then this aaaand,” the back of the podium opened slowly and revealed a massive stone staircase descending into darkness, “bingo.”
Jasper then gazed once more at the area above ground and descended, after he retrieved his prize he would leave immediately. He had an appointment to keep.
*
The explosion that rocked the town was in fact from the combined force of Celesta, Luna, and Twilight. Luna having arrived immediately after receiving a telepathic distress calls from Celestia. Sombra had deflected the attack and decimated town hall which he laughed at. Within seconds his horn glowed with darkness and summoned up crystal spikes which shot toward the three royals with great speed. All the ponies scattered as the Royals took to the skies in perfect synch.
Twilight shouted down from her vantage point, “RARITY GET THE ELEMENTS!”
Rarity nodded and ran behind the stage and began to search under it. Sombra cackled as he transformed into his smoke form and surged through town toward the three princesses who blasted him with combined beams of arcane wrath. Sombra bent around the beams and smacked the ponies down. Sombra reformed on a nearby roof laughing in maniacal glee. Massive black crystals spires rose from the ground and destroyed the stage and snared the element of harmony bag. It was jutted to the heavens out of anypony’s reach.
“Well this is rather unfortunate,” Sombra taunted, “It seems that your only hope has been taken away from you.”
The sound of a throat being cleared caused all ponies that were on the defensive and offensive respectively to lower their guards and to behold a familiar coated shape.
Twilight ran over to it, “Jasper! Thank Celestia you’re alright!”
Jasper glanced at her with a neutral expression, “That’s Sombra?”
Twilight was puzzled at the statement, “Yes, why?”
Jasper gave a small smile, “Wait here.”
Twilight yelled her objections which fell on deaf ears as Jasper rolled up his sleeve to above the elbow. Sombra glared at the interloper and his eyes widened, fixed perfectly into the back of the hand of the gauntlet was a ruby coloured gem in the rough shape of a unicorn head with a curved horn.
Sombra’s eyes widened further, “The Gem of Ages, it’s not possible.”
Jasper smiled, “Oh but it is I’m afraid.”
Twilight and the princesses collectively gasped as he raised his hand so Sombra could see the gem shine in the light. Sombra teleported down in front of the human with slight fear evident on his face, but the fear soon vanished and was replaced with a smirk.
“You seem quite intelligent creature,” Sombra approached the now neutral faced Jasper, “It’s such a shame that you have to be stuck with these ponies, let me ask yo-“
Jasper cut him off, “Let me stop you there. The whole corruption speech is sort of useless coming from you. Hell, you couldn’t even handle a baby dragon and a lone princess of a nation that you conquered.”
Sombra’s eyes glowed with menance, “Insolent creature! Who do you think you are?!”
Jasper casually raised his hand, “The first and last thing you’ll ever see.”
The Gem of Ages lit up brightly and in the blink of an eye, a mass of raw red arcane energy bombarded the dark king. No scream was heard but the effect was felt. The crystal spikes and spires shattered immediately as the blast dissipated. All that remained of the dark lord was a pile of ash. Jasper stared at the smoldering remains that had once been Sombra. Equestria herself seemed to pause to breath, the coat Rarity made for him blowing in the wind as he unclenched his gauntleted fist with the sound of moving metal. The gold metal glinting in the light as the gem shined. The ponies around him then erupted in applause, many other ponies began to congratulate and give their gracious thanks to the human that had been their salvation. The Six Elements weaved through the crowd and smiled.
Rainbow Dash was ecstatic, “That was SO AWESOME!”
Rarity raised a hoof, “Stupendous!”
Applejack nodded, “Heroic.”
Pinkie jumped happily, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!”
Everypony stopped their cheering and looked with amused confusion at the pink mare that merely squee’d.
Jasper stood tall and stared unmoving at Celestia and Luna who approached him and bowed in gratitude. They rose and smiled.
Celestia beamed at Jasper, “Jasper I am truly grateful to you for saving us from Sombra and freeing all of Equestria from his tyranny. You’ve earned my trust and surely the compassion of my subjects,” she then noticed the Gem of Ages once more, “But I am afraid I must lock this gem away once more to ensure the safety and freedom of my little ponies.”
Jasper noticed her horn flare and…the gem didn’t budge. She tried again and was met with the same result. She became confused but then took notice of something, surrounding the gems resting place upon the gold gauntlet was a string of ancient Equestrian runes.
Celestia had only seen them once before on the clasps of a certain amulet, “Jasper, what is the meaning of this?”
Jasper looked at her with an innocent smile as he held the gauntlet up to reveal the same runes around the trim of where his arm entered the glove, “Oh what these old things? I read about them in a book,” he looked at an astonished Twilight, “knowledge is power after all.”
Luna stepped forward, “Remove thy gauntlet Jasper Montgomery, thou dost not know what thou trifles with.”
Jasper pursed his lips in thought and spoke one word, “No.”
All ponies gasped at the act of defiance as Twilight chuckled nervously, “Oookay Jasper the jokes over,” she became nervous, “can you take off the glove before something bad happens?”
Rarity nodded as he turned to look at her, “Exactly. You’re being seen as a hero now and your rude actions are beginning to make ponies nervous.”
Jasper looked at all the assembled ponies, “And?”
Applejack tilted her hat, “Whatya mean AND? Yer scaring everypony.”
Jasper smiled, “Maybe they should be scared.”
Twilight shook her head, “Jasper what’s wrong with you?”
Rainbow Dash got close to him, “Yeah! You helped everypony against Sombra and freed us, now you’re acting disrespectful and rude. What’s the deal?!”
Jasper’s smile became a tad more sinister forcing Rainbow to back up, “Well you see I wouldn’t say freed,” he turned to the princesses as he calmly stated, “More like, under new management.”
He then sharply raised his outfitted hand and discharged a red blast that hurled both Princesses into the town fountain effectively obliterating it.
Author's Notes:
Now that the backbone of the opening act is completed, lets get to the main show shall we?
Chapter 6: The Man Who Would Be King
Jasper smiled in satisfaction as the dust billowed into the air. He checked the gauntlet and raised an eyebrow, mild amounts of magical steam were rising from his hand which he made a note of for later. He glanced at the mixture of shock and anger plastered on all of the ponies faces. The royal guards immediately surged in force toward the human who merely laughed with mirth and sent out a red wave from his hand which effectively grounded the pegasi and petrified the unicorns. The ponies of Ponyville backed away at the display as his smile grew.
Without turning to face them he coldly stated, “Don’t even think about it.”
Twilight magical grip on the Elements bag did not waver, “Girls, formation.”
Jasper whipped around and faced them, “Yes that’s right blast me, turn me to stone, maybe incinerate me. But answer me this,” his smile turned to a knowing smirk, “how fast can the elements fire before I do something?”
Twilight was frightened by the comment but quickly regained herself, “That won’t happen, what makes you so sure you’ll win?”
Jasper pointed with his thumb behind him at the fountain, “I’ve beaten your princesses and bested Sombra, though he wasn’t much of a threat to begin with. So now all I have to do is start dealing with another annoying threat,” his gaze turned cold as ice, “by destroying you.”
“No, you won’t.”
“So,” Jasper chuckled, “enjoy your flight princess sun butt?”
Celestia narrowed her eyes as did Luna when Jasper turned to face them, “You know the part I think that burns you up the most? It’s that a mere mortal, me, deceived an all knowing goddess so easily.”
Celestia’s tone was decisive and blunt, “Be that as it may, I brought you here and it’s time I send you back to where you came from.”
As Celestia charged her horn Jasper inhaled then proclaimed powerfully, “I INVOKE THE PLATINUM GAMBIT!”
The silence that followed was so instant and final that one could hear a pin drop. Celestia inhaled sharply through her teeth as did Luna, Twilight on the other hoof gasped in shock.
Applejack glanced at Twilight, “What the hay does that mean?”
Twilight stared somberly as the princesses approached the human, “The Platinum Gambit is one of the oldest laws in Equestrian history that’s still in practice. During the time of Princess Platinum’s rule, there were some disputes over her methods and laws she used. So having enough, she decided to implement the Platinum Gambit.”
Rarity was slightly confused, “But why did such a law stop the Princess?”
Twilight sighed, “Not only is it a law, it’s also a declaration for a duel. See, Princess Platinum though reformed and more caring was still prideful. The law dictates that anypony can declare it to contest the Equestrian throne.”
Rainbow’s eyes widened, “So you’re saying.”
“Yes,” Twilight gazed at the annoyed expressions of the current royals, “Once it’s been declared the present rulers can either accept or decline. The loser is banished from Equestria whereas the winner remains the present ruler,” she then shivered, “or the challenger takes all royal status and power onto themselves and is crowned the new ruler. Worst of all is the fact that only one gambit can be claimed every one thousand years, the last being when Celestia banished Nightmare Moon.”
Fluttershy looked to her friend, “Why has no pony declared it up until now?”
Twilight glanced at Fluttershy, “Would YOU want to fight the princesses two on one?”
Fluttershy nodded slowly, “Point taken.”
Rainbow Dash snorted, “PRINCESS! YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT HIM! LET US TAKE CARE OF HIM!”
Jasper nodded, “She’s right. You don’t HAVE to.”
Luna narrowed her eyes, “What are you saying?”
Jasper shrugged, “Nothing, nothing at all. Say for the sake of argument you DO decline, true you banish me back to Earth. But your missing one small detail,” he raised his arm, “THIS won’t come off unless I am the one who removes it willingly remember? Think of all the damage I could do on Earth with this small stone and no regrets.”
Celestia shut her eyes in thought causing Luna to stare at her sister in shock, “Sister, surely you are not considering this!?”
“I’m afraid he has our hooves in a bind dear sister,” Celestia glared into the smug humans stare, “Very well, I Princess Celestia of Equestria accept your gambit Jasper Montgomery under the condition upon your loss you shall relinquish your gauntlet.”
Luna stood beside her sister, “I accept your gambit as well.”
Jasper nodded, “Very well. Let the game begin.”
Jasper then slammed his gauntlet upon the ground as a wall of solidified red air sprung up around them. The top then bubbled and effectively turned it into a dome.
Jasper smiled, “I knew your emotions and overall personality would not allow you to let me leave Equestria with the gauntlet and the Gem of Ages, accepting the gambit was inevitable.”
Luna snarled at the human, “So you think you can out think us? Gem of Ages or no, we both have eons of magical prowess under our proverbial belt! Do you think raw power will defeat us?”
“Oh I won’t use force,” Jasper cracked his knuckles, “in fact I’ll count to ten and then I’ll win.”
Celestia and Luna fired two blasts at the pompous human. Jasper was consumed by the magic as the sisters did not let up. But both sisters visibly shook when they heard a voice in the smoke which was steadily rising.
“One, Two, Three, Four.”
Luna and Celestia gasped as twin red beams surged down their magic beams and smashed into their horns.
Jasper slowly approached speaking in a monotone voice, “Five.”
Luna rose up and was engulfed in a massive glow which moved into her horn. Jasper slowed his pace as the princess of the night’s eyes turned entirely white and glowed with arcane fury. Luna then discharged a blast which could only be described as the night sky herself being brought down to Earth. Jasper raised an eyebrow as the red gem flashed; time around him seemed to slow to a crawl whereas the princesses perceived him moving faster than possible. He zoomed over to Luna and touched the tip of her horn with the gauntlet.
“Six, Seven, Eight,” he was in front of Celestia as he grabbed her by her horn, “nine.”
The dome lifted as Jasper backed away from the princesses who began to scream. Red glowing cracks began to seep over them originating from where Jasper had touched them. Soon, one final yell was heard as both monarchs erupted into red fire which spread fast around their bodies.
Jasper then uttered one word as the smoke cleared from the flames, “Ten.”
Both Princesses now stood with permanent looks of horror on their faces, frozen in black stone. Jasper glanced at the princesses then at the looks of anguish upon everypony’s faces. He then broke out into a fit of maniacal laughter. Twilight ran past the human who paid her no mind. The alicorn hugged the petrified leg of her once beloved teacher and wept. All the other ponies wept with her as Jasper briskly walked to the statues and stared down at the alicorn with a stoic expression.
Twilight looked up into the eyes of the one she had once called friend, “W-Why….,” she then yelled out in anguish, “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!”
Jasper regarded her with absolutely no pity in his eyes, “A lesson must be learned here Twilight. A lesson that the six of you will all learn, now, bow to me.”
Twilight’s look then became venomous, “We will never bow to you. You…MONSTER!!”
Jasper stood and addressed Ponyville, “Citizens of Ponyville. Bow to your new king.”
All the ponies looked to each other than reluctantly followed suit all except for the elements of harmony who remained defiant which Jasper look at with mild annoyance, “I shall enjoy breaking you all. When that is done, you WILL kneel before me.”
Jasper then raised his hood and then casually stated, “Now if you’ll excuse me I have some royal duties to preform,” the gem glowed bright and King Jasper vanished in a flash of red.
Twilight stared at the ground in defeat but then became stoic, “Girls, find Spike and meet me at the library. We have some planning to do.”
Author's Notes:
Now the real story begins, all the chapters from here on shall vary in length as i tell you the tale and chronicling of King Jasper's reign as Equestria's first human king and it's greatest villain,
Chapter 7: Crystal Glass
The royal guards all glanced around in confusion as the unicorns of the palace had detected a massive surge of magic, and then silence. It was as though three powerful forces fought one another and two were abruptly silenced. However they came on guard when a red aura engulfed the door and it swung open to reveal the creature known as Jasper Montgomery strolling into the throne room. He then approached the throne and sat down.
One guard approached him, “What are you doing?!”
Jasper smirked as he took the seating stance reminiscent of one of the jarls from Skyrim, “Simple, I called The Gambit and triumphed. So I’m testing the new throne.”
“You’re lying!”
“Really,” Jasper snapped his fingers and the frozen princesses appeared before him, “They say differently.”
The guards looked to the statues then the human, “You’ve all been educated on the law. Plus I’m a guy with some arcane knowledge in my head thanks to Miss Sparkle. So to put it simply,” he then coldly stated, “Bow before me.”
The guards had no choice but to obey.
*
At that very same moment, Twilight was doing something that surprised everypony present. She was hurling books everywhere after cycling through them for information.
Rarity ducked to avoid an encyclopedia, “Do you think we should say something?”
Applejack dodged several hardcovers, “Ah wouldn’t recommend it.”
“AHA!!”
Rainbow hovered above her head, “What aha?”
Twilight placed a massive old looking tome down in front of them that had a book mark in it, “I knew Jasper had been doing something when Spike and I went to sleep every night.”
Twilight placed a hoof on the section of the magic book she had lent him, “See here! It seems he had been looking through various sections of the book for specific spells,” her eyes became focused, “The spell he used on the princesses was the petrification hex. With the fact that he possesses the Gem of Ages, it’s no wonder he could perform it so easily.”
Fluttershy raised a hoof, “Um…what is the Gem of Ages?”
Pinkie Pie pulled in a massive window that displayed the comment bar, “Yeah, everypony has been driven nuts on how little it was explained,” she tapped her chin, “Although the magic book clarifies how he knows spells, even though it was mentioned he borrowed it from you.”
Everypony just stared at her as she folded the window up and stuck it in her mane, “Just saying,” She then stared at the reader, “pay attention now.”
Twilight shook her head quickly, “Right…,” she then hoofed through one of the books that Spike seemed to have brought up from the basement, “Alright let’s see here…Gem of Ages….here we GO!”
Twilight then cleared her throat, “Now the Gem of Ages, like the Alicorn Amulet, is a powerful magical artifact. It also shares the Amulet’s unknown origin, no pony knows who made it or why. But the earliest recorded occurrence of its usage was when Starswirl the Bearded & his apprentice Nickel Flamel studied it in great detail. From Starswirl’s notes, he claimed the gem itself has the capability to make even a mundane pony become on par with the most skilled and powerful magic users. Thing is, he later discovered that the more it was used the more it would literally burn up a ponies life force.”
Rainbow Dash scratched her head, “So it’s like a double edged sword?”
Twilight nodded, “Exactly! But from the notes Spike left here, it seems Jasper encased it in the gold to eliminate the drawback. But it seems that it’s only dulling it, I noticed steam rising from his gauntlet which means his little weapon isn’t entirely perfect. The princesses were told of the gem after the research was concluded and sealed it away. I’m so glad Spike found these notes, now we might have a-” she then blinked, “I just realized something, where is Spike?”
Rarity nodded, “I was wondering that as well.”
Pinkie Pie stuck her head outside and looked around and gasped, “Girls…I found him.”
All the ponies rushed outside and Rarity shrieked. Spike was lying inside of the bush beside the front door, frozen in stone. A small sticky note was attached to his shocked expression; Twilight pulled the note from its place and read it out loud.
“Mama don’t like tattle tales.”
Twilight gritted her teeth in anger as the note combusted, “That does it! Girls, get the elements. We’re going to pay his highness a visit.”
*
If it had been several minutes earlier, the ponies could have found Jasper sitting in Canterlot. But that was not the case. He had long since teleported away and appeared at the Crystal Empire with a battalion of guards backing him.
He approached a crystal guard pony, “I’m here to see Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadance,” the pony raised an eyebrow at him, “I’m the new king of Equestria and I am ordering you to let me pass.”
The guard narrowed his eyes, “King or not, you have little power here.”
Jasper smiled, “Your right.”
He then pointed his right index finger and there was a red flash. Where the guard had stood, there was now nothing but a pile of steaming armor. The Canterlot guards all widened their eyes as Jasper strolled into the castle. The human glanced around until his eyes fell upon his targets.
“Greetings to the happy couple,” he bowed, “I am Lord Jasper and I’m here for two simple requests.”
Both royals were skeptical at the fact as Cadance tilted her head, “And those would be?”
Jasper checked the finger nails of his left hand, “I’m here to repossess the Crystal Mirror and take it back into Canterlot custody,” he raised a finger, “I’m also here to ‘acquire’ the Crystal Heart.”
At the mention of the two requests both royal’s got on the offensive, “Why should we give you either human?”
Jasper gave a small smile, “Well you could either give them to me willingly,” a dangerous flash appeared in his eyes, “or I could take them.”
Shining advanced on the human, “Listen here. I don’t know who you think you are, but you come into OUR kingdom and threaten US? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t blast you into the tundra!”
“Because if you lay a hoof upon the winner of The Platinum Gambit against Luna and Celestia,” he stepped forward, “Not only would you be attacking Equestria’s new king, but I will take it as a sign of war and retaliate so fast it will make your equine head spin.”
Shining backed up, “You declared the Gambit?”
Jasper gave a toothy smile, “Yes I did.”
“My lord, we have the mirror.”
Jasper turned to look at the reflective surface, “Excellent.”
Flash Sentry ran into the room and quickly bowed, “I apologize. I tried to stop them.”
Jasper raised a finger on his right hand, “Hold down the fort gents,” he blasted the glass which rippled with red energy, “I won’t be long.”
Jasper then stepped through.
*
The human emerged onto dirt and glanced around at the school before him, “Jeez, it was pretty accurate.”
With no hesitation he walked up the stair with a powerful stride and opened the door into the inactive hallways. He scratched his chin in slight annoyance at the fact that classes were still in session, but this was dismissed when he looked to his left and noticed that a school assembly was in progress. He then began to walk through the hall whistling Twisted Nerve from Kill Bill. As he passed by several lockers he stopped when he noticed a picture of the girls at the Fall Formal. He raised an eyebrow, and then he blasted the case into oblivion. He continued to whistle his tune as his pace quickened. Soon he came to the gym doors and threw them open hard shocking every student and teacher present. He casually strode among the shocked faces ignoring the teachers who were yelling at him. He walked onto the stage and approached Principal Celestia.
“What is the meaning of this!? Who are you?!”
Jasper responded by pushing her off the stage and into the crowd.
Shocked murmurs and gasped were heard as he took the microphone, “Good day Canterlot High. I am Jasper Montgomery, the new King of this world and the other one you’re all so familiar with. Now I have one question,” he scanned the crowd, “where is the one known as Sunset Shimmer? You realize you all are harboring a traitor to a kingdom right? I’m willing to grant you all leniency if you bring her forward.”
The room was silent.
Jasper merely smiled, “I was hoping you would do that,” he raised his right hand toward the ceiling as every light began to erupt into sparks and the metal above began to tremble, “Bring her forward so she can answer for her crimes!”
Something moved in the corner of his eye and he zeroed in on six girls making a break for the doors. He smirked and appeared in front of them.
“Leaving so soon?”
Sunset Shimmer backed up as the girls attempted to block her form Jasper, “Oh come of it.”
With a mere wave of his right hand the girls were pinned to the walls as Sunset was levitated off her feet, “So miss ex-student. Let’s have a little chat about what you've learned during your enrollment shall we?”
Sunset struggled against the magical grasp as she was pulled screaming from the school and back through the portal.
Chapter 8: Dark Shades
Cadance and Shining both stared at the mirror as its surface began to ripple. In a flash of light, Sunset Shimmer was thrown clear across the room and smacked into a suit of armor. Jasper casually stepped out and dusted himself off. Shining Armor leveled his now glowing horn at the human king who merely raised a finger in a warning gesture. Shining reluctantly backed down as the human walked across the room and grasped Sunset by her mane.
“Gentlemen,” the guards saluted forcefully, “Keep the present royals out of the guest bed chambers. I have an interrogation to perform.”
Sunset Shimmer thrashed in his grasp, “When I get my hooves on YOU!”
Jasper’s glove flared and Sunset’s lips zipped up, “That’s enough out of you. You’ll need your strength Miss Shimmer; there are some secrets you have that I want to know.”
Sunset Shimmer was then forcibly dragged through the now empty halls until they came to the guest chambers. Jasper opened the door and levitated the unicorn into an arm chair. Magical shackles bound her hind legs and front legs in place preventing her from moving. Her horn began to glow causing Jasper to roll his eyes.
“Really?”
He pointed his right index finger at her horn which was then encased in red crystal. The unicorn stared wide eyed in fear at the human.
Jasper smiled, “Now not the preventative measures have been put in place,” he approached the now helpless pony as a malicious smile crept onto his face, “Let’s get cracking at that noggin of yours,” the last thing Sunset Shimmer saw through fearful tears was the Gem of Ages glowing an angry red.
*
Nopony remembers how long the two beings were gone for. For some it seemed like hours, others minutes. But to Sunset Shimmer, it felt like agonizing year upon year. She didn’t know when it happened, perhaps it might’ve been from the agony she felt of having her very thoughts ripped from her head or she couldn’t take the pain anymore. Regardless of the driving factor, she eventually passed out and descended into darkness.
*
Jasper slowly exited the room as two solar guards stared at him, “Take her back to the Canterlot Dungeons, she must pay for her crimes against the kingdom.”
The guards nodded and went inside. Slumped comatose in the armchair was Sunset Shimmer, her mane dishevelled and drenched in sweat. Jasper calmly walked into the throne room as the unicorn was taken out of the castle. Jasper glanced outside ignoring the glares he was getting from Cadance and Shining. Below two lunar guards and solar guards were staring with great shame at the Crystal Heart at what they were about to do.
“Well?”
The guards looked up at the human who raised a dangerous eyebrow. The guards sighed and then forced the Crystal Heart from its resting place. The effect that transpired was instantaneous, the protective dome that kept the elements out disintegrated and the blizzard winds rushed in. The crystal ponies noticed this and began to panic, losing their famous crystal appearance. Cadance rushed to the human and attempted to appeal to Jasper.
“Please stop this! DO you know what you’ve done!?”
Jasper cast her a glance, “I merely acquired a powerful magical catalyst that will be used properly.”
Cadance lost her usual composure and placed her forelegs on the human’s shoulders with pleading teary eyes, “Don’t you understand? The crystal heart is the one thing that keeps my subjects safe. Without it the Empire is in danger of not only from the natural tundra’s elements, but from much deadlier threats that lay in wait out there in the snow,” she began to shake in growing sadness, “Without the heart, my subjects will die.”
Jasper’s gaze was even and cold as he grabbed her forelegs and threw her to the ground, “A weak ruler is the sign of a weak kingdom. If you can’t handle the world at large, you were better off in those crystal caves.”
With that he turned sharply on his heels and snapped his fingers. Two unicorn guards levitated the mirror off the ground and began to carry it. A blast of magic knocked the human to the ground. He got to his feet as Shining Armor stared with unbridled fury.
“You MONSTER!”
Shining prepared to fire another attack, but he was cut off. The way was simple; Jasper slowed time and closed the distance in an instant. Soon his right hand closed around the prince’s throat and lifted him off the ground. Cadance looked on in absolute anguish and horror.
“DON’T HURT HIM, PLEASE!”
Jasper smiled, “Oh I don’t intend to,” his smile vanished, “However, such an act against the King must not go unpunished.”
He then whipped around and hurled the unicorn prince through the Crystal Mirror. In a flash he then blasted the glass, which then turned to stone.
Cadance ran to the mirror and scraped at it, “W-what…”
“He has been exiled,” Jasper pulled her from the mirror and placed her on the ground, “consider your tithe to the Equestrian Kingdom paid, I’ll be in touch.”
Jasper then left a sobbing Cadance where she lay. He came to a halt when he noticed a guard staring at him, “You,” the guard looked to him, “what’s your name?”
The guard spoke in a shaky tone, “F-Flash Sentry your highness.”
Jasper smiled, “Congratulations Flash Sentry, you’ve been promoted to Captain of the royal guard.”
Flash blinked as Jasper stalked past him, “Consider this day as your resignation from Princess Cadance’s employ, now, you work for me. I expect you in Canterlot post haste.”
Flash saluted, “Yes sir.”
Jasper clapped his hands, “Now, what pony do I see about a dragon?”
The guards stared at him.
“I do need an assistant after all.”
One of his guards approached him, “If that is the case then sire, we shall escort you to the Hatchery.”
Jasper smiled, “Perfect.”
*
The arrival of his highness back at Canterlot was treated with silence and a somber mood. It probably had something to do with the fact that Celestia and Luna’s statue forms were placed in the Canterlot sculpture gardens as a new decoration. Jasper briskly followed the guard as he began to lead him down several stairs toward the Royal Hatchery. The hatchery itself was a palace myth only whispered about in the darkest of sectors, only a select guard knew of its existence beneath the castle. The royal sisters would only go down there to retrieve an egg for the last phase of Testing for the entrance exam. Jasper on the other hand was going down there for a whole different purpose.
Upon his arrival on the landing of the Hatchery, he took in the room itself. It was an immense room that seemed to span the same length as a large library. Arranged in rows were marble pedestals, atop each one sat an egg underneath a heat lamp. Each egg was a different color with somewhat odd patterns on them. Jasper gazed at a lime green Pegasus dressed in scrubs that trotted over to him.
“My lord,” she bowed low and rose when instructed by Jasper, “We’ve been expecting you.”
Jasper began to walk amongst the rows, “I’m looking for a dragon to be my assistant and confidant. Have any of interest?”
The Egg Maiden nodded, “Well there are the red dragon eggs they’re quite loyal.”
Jasper scratched his chin and tuned out the mare as she began to list off various dragon races as he scanned the eggs. His pace slowed when he noticed a black egg with dark indigo diamonds on it.
“What’s this one?”
The mare stopped, “Oh…that’s a black dragon egg. Trust me sire, you do NOT want that one.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow ignoring the warning, “Are they a strong breed.”
The mare nodded, “The strongest and rarest. The only reason we have this egg is due to our treaties with the black dragons. Granted we used to use the eggs during the exam, but the hatchlings proved to be…unruly and disloyal.”
Jasper picked up the egg, “All it needs is a strong guiding hand, I’ll take him.”
The mare was about to object, but she was silenced by his glare, “If you need me I’ll be in my chambers.”
With that, Jasper left the dark chamber.
*
Twilight and the girls were gathering their supplies and stared at the clock, “Tomorrow Jasper, you pay for your crimes.”
Chapter 9: Test Your Might
Jasper sat in his chambers staring at the egg. Within lay his future assistant and confidante, but one thought at the back of his mind nagged at him. Granted he had achieved a decent hold in Equestria but for some reason he felt a sense of creeping dread. He glanced at the gauntlet and pulled it off and exhaled. The runes he had inscribed were from the clasps of the Alicorn amulet, this meant only he could remove the glove and or gem. Any outside force was useless against the enchanted runes. His gaze traveled to the window as he glanced out and began to brood. Deep in thought, the human reflected on the time he had spent within Equestria and what he had done up to this current point in time. Was it worth it? The ponies wished only to help him and give him some decent friends. His calm look turned to one of disgust; he didn’t need their pity or their charity. Why have friendship when one can merely take what he/she wants with power.
He walked over to the bed and donned the gauntlet once more. His gaze fixed on the shiny surface of the egg. The smile that spread across his face was reminiscent of exuberant joy mingled with some malicious intent. Outside the castle, there was an immense flash of red energy within the royal chambers accompanied by a victorious yell.
*
The Friendship Express pulled into the train station and let its passengers disembark. The six mares, plus one dragon statue with a now restored head all gazed at the once beloved castle. But the looks were not ones of warm joy, but of spite and purpose.
Spike narrowed his eyes, “I knew that guy was trouble.”
“I know Spike,” Twilight looked with anger at where the princesses now stood, “He deceived us all and he will NOT win.”
“Tell it loud and proud sister!” Pinkie yelled in agreement.
Rarity huffed as they approached the large double doors, “And to think I made him that coat as a gift,” she pet Spike on the head, “now he’s hurt my little Spikey Wikey,” she became greatly angered, “I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!”
Spike wiggled his nose in horror, “Oh no, IT’S ITCHING!!!”
Applejack trotted over, “Got ya covered Spike.”
Twilight knocked on the door, “JASPER OPEN UP!”
The double doors swung inward. Standing in the door way was neither a guard nor the guilty human. In fact, it was a dragon that was Spike’s age. The dragon had black scales that shined in the light and his belly scales were a deep dark indigo. Atop his head were small black curved horns that seemed darker. Running down his back were small dark indigo spines. His ruby red eyes stared at the shocked mares with disinterest.
“Yes?”
Twilight blinked a few times, “You’re a baby black dragon?”
“Yeah, I am,” the black dragon was becoming slightly impatient, “can I ask what your business here is?”
Twilight regained herself, “Right. We’re here to see King Jasper…Mr?”
The black dragon rolled its eyes, “Ignatius, assistant to his highness.”
Twilight gave a small smile in an attempt to appeal to the dragon, “Well would you be so kind to let us in?”
Ignatius tapped his chin, “Do you have an appointment?”
“Well…no but-“
The door slammed in Twilight’s face.
*
Jasper heard the door slam as Ignatius walked into the throne room, “Visitors Iggy?”
Ignatius nodded, “Just six ponies and a dragon,” he smiled proudly, “They tried to get in without an appointment but I showed em what for.”
Jasper gave a small smile, “Good work lad. I’ve taught you well.”
Ignatius shook his head, “More like crammed a book load of knowledge into my brain and aged me up to,” he gestured to his being, “this in one sitting.”
Jasper placed a scroll he was looking at aside, “Certain measures must be taken. Now would you be so kind as to show those ponies inside?”
“But-“
Jasper cut him off, “I’ll handle them.”
Ignatius was indifferent at first but nodded, “Yes my lord.”
Jasper raised a hand, “Jasper or Jas, no need to be so formal.”
Ignatius nodded and walked out of the room. Jasper folded his hands and waited patiently as the sound of a distant door being opened met his ears. Ignatius walked into the room and gestured half-heartedly.
“Presenting the Elements of Harmony.”
The black baby dragon then left through a side door.
Twilight walked into the throne room backed by the girls, “JASPER!”
Jasper smiled and stood up, “Twilight! So nice of you to drop by,” his smile dropped, “Unannounced.”
Twilight stood firm, “Jasper what you have done is utterly despicable! Deceiving all of us and abusing our trust!”
Jasper raised a finger, “ALL within the boundaries of Equestrian law. I have not broken any laws, I’m afraid you have no leg to stand on.”
Pinkie tapped her chin, “But she has four.”
Rarity sighed, “It was an expression.”
Jasper approached them, “Why all the hostility? I won the gambit fair and square, if anything you should be showing me respect,” the last word was spoken with power behind it.
Twilight snorted, “Cadance wrote me, she told me what you did. Celestia and Luna would never-“
“Which is why they are unfit to rule,” Jasper paced in front of them, “to rule, one must make necessary sacrifices to preserve ones kingdom. Cadance is about as fit to rule a sovereignty as you are. Hell, you got your title because of a magical fluke.”
Twilight narrowed her eyes as Jasper bent down to her level, “You barely worked to achieve what you have now. You were pushed along, bred to be what you are. You’re nothing more than Celestia’s pet project that has entered the final phases of its testing. In short, the fact that you have the title and wings is a laughable joke. You are nothing without your friends and magic, and you’ll always be a nothing Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight’s eyes burned with rage, “HOW DARE YOU!”
She then blasted the human into the throne he had taken residency in as he laughed, “Tell me I’m wrong?”
Twilight flared her wings and advanced on the human who stood and opened his hand. In a flash, a familiar pony appeared in his grasp.
Rainbow Dash stepped forward, “You coward!”
Jasper held the limp Sunset Shimmer in front of him, “You want her?”
Twilight froze in mid-stride as Jasper sneered, “Heheh, I thought so.”
He threw her into the purple alicorn and took his seat.
Fluttershy checked the unconscious unicorn and sighed, “She’s alright, but she needs care and rest.”
Twilight once more reeled on Jasper, “What have you done to her!”
Jasper casually gestured, “I merely took some information from her. Did you know she has studied much more fluently then you did? Celestia gave her a really good lesson plan.”
Twilight advanced, “Why you!”
Jasper raised a hand, “How about this. You hit me with everything you have, if you take me down, I shall consider giving the throne back,” his tone then became dark, “Fail and I shall take from you something of importance.”
Rainbow Dash landed beside her, “No way! If she’s fighting were gonna help her!”
Jasper pursed his lips, “Say that you do interfere, what shall become of you?”
The other ponies looked at each other but Twilight raised a hoof, “It’s alright, I can handle him.”
Spike whooped, “GO GET EM TWI!”
Twilight stepped forward, “Prepare yourself.”
Jasper became bored and leaned back, “I already have.”
Twilight’s horn then began to light up with its familiar aura. Her eyes began to glow bright white as the aura increased in mass and overall size. She gritted her teeth as Jasper raised an eyebrow. Twilight narrowed her eyes as her aura turned a celestial white.
“Enjoying the magic reserves fido?”
Twilight yelled out in anger and fired.
The explosion rocked the entire castle to the very foundations as smoke filled the air. Twilight was on the ground panting as the smoke began to clear, Jasper was gone.
Rainbow Dash began to do a dance in mid-air, “In your face Jasper! Twilight kicked your flank so HARD!!! NICE ONE!”
Rarity helped her friend to her feet, “That was astounding darling!”
Twilight stood up slightly woozy, “Yeah it was, wasn’t it?”
A visible chill ran through them all as a slow clap was heard.
“Bravo Twilight, you literally blew my expectations out of the water.”
All the ponies whirled around to behold Jasper smirking behind them, “Surprised?”
Twilight was speechless, “How did?”
Jasper smiled, “A high powered glamour with a voice projection spell.”
Ignatius walked out smoking from head to toe, “Cut it a little close didn’t you?”
Jasper gave the small dragon a pat on the head, “Apologies. See Twilight, when you blasted me into the throne a few moments ago. The flash you saw when I brought in Sunset was in fact me trading places with Iggy whom I had glamoured when he walked off to the next room, the next room which contained Miss Shimmer.”
Twilight stared helplessly as Jasper approached, “Now then, about your failure.”
Before anypony could speak, Jasper snatched the Element of Magic from atop Twilight’s head and teleported to his scorched throne. He smirked at the ponies as a battalion of guards surrounded them.
Twilight noted one in particular, “Flash?”
Flash looked to the side, “Sorry.”
Jasper addressed Flash, “Captain Sentry, escort these neophytes from the premises immediately, they have entered unannounced and have disturbed my preparations for the royal summit.”
The guards then proceeded to escort the six out as Twilight yelled, “This isn’t over!”
Jasper yelled back, “I know it’s not, the lesson has yet to be learned!”
*
As Twilight and the girls sat in silence, the alicorn turned to Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy, can I ask you a favour?”
Fluttershy nodded, “Of course.”
“Could you tell Discord to come back to Ponyville?”
“But he’s on vacation in Las Pegasus,” she shuffled slightly, “he would be so upset if I cut it short.”
Twilight spoke monotone in annoyance, “He’ll survive.”
Rainbow smiled almost evilly, “But Jasper won’t.”
Chapter 10: Chaotic Measures
The day that followed would be recorded as the day that chaos fell, but not in the way one would think. It had begun as any other day, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and his royal highness decided to grace Ponyville with his presence. Jasper wasn’t wearing his coat this time, in fact, he was wearing dress clothes as he casually strolled down the street with a private escort. Many ponies glared daggers at the human who in turn paid them no mind. He approached a nearby stand that had a familiar farm pony behind it as he glanced at her wares.
“And just what in tarnation are ya doin here?”
Jasper glanced at Applejack, “I was feeling peckish, so I decided to come purchase some of your food.”
Applejack narrowed her eyes, “Why should ah sell you anything?”
Jasper put on a kind smile that had a hint of menace behind it, “You wouldn’t deny your beloved ruler some nourishment would you?”
Applejack was about to tell him what she REALLY though of him when Big Mac appeared at her side, “AJ, ah’m with ya on this one, but business is business. Plus he is the king,” Mac practically choked on the last word.
Jasper pulled out a satchel, “Two golden delicious if you please.”
The apple siblings followed through and gave the human scathing glares as he deposited his money and went on his way.
Ignatius tugged on Jasper’s pant leg, “Jas.”
“Yes Iggy?”
Ignatius went over a clipboard he was holding, “Your meeting with The Mayor is scheduled to occur in a few minutes concerning the damages caused to Ponyville during your, quote unquote, rise to power. “
“I see,” Jasper took a bite of the apple, “alright, let’s head there now.”
The royal entourage headed toward town hall as more pony’s shot glares his way.
*
Twilight and the rest of the girls sat and waited patiently as Fluttershy wrote her very long and somewhat wordy letter to Discord. After she finally finished, Spike took it from her and sent it on its way.
“Twilight,” the alicorn glanced over at a somewhat concerned Rarity, “do you think Discord will help us?”
“He has to,” Twilight glanced downwards, “I hate to say it, but he’s the only chance we’ve got.”
“Well that’s a tad insulting.”
The disembodied voice’s owner suddenly appeared in a flash of light. Discord was wearing aviator shades as well as a red and white floral shirt. He smelt of light sweat, alcohol, and shame.
“So, I’m in Las Pegasus minding my own business when out of the blue this letter,” he revealed the offending object, “appeared on the dice table and cost me two grand. This had better be good.”
Twilight sighed, “Discord, we need your help with something.”
Discord then began to laugh, “Wait, wait! Let me get this straight. YOU! Need MY help? OH that’s rich!”
Discord was hugging his sides as he was rolling around on the ground in utter hysterics the other ponies save for Fluttershy had scowls on their faces. Fluttershy did something that surprised everypony; she walked up and bopped Discord on the head.
“OW!” Discord rubbed the sore spot, “what was that for?!”
Fluttershy’s voice was stern yet quiet, “Listen, while you were gone something terrible happened. A creature known as a human came here to learn the meaning of friendship.”
Discord muttered under his breath, “That was probably torture in itself.”
Fluttershy ignored the comment, “We treated him nicely and with care, then he stabbed us in the back and turned both princesses to stone. He invoked the Platinum Gambit and….he’s now are king.”
Discord looked slightly intrigued but bored, “And this matters to me because?”
Rainbow Dash grabbed his beard, “Listen her buster, if he’s on that throne there’s no telling what he can do. Heck, he could order you to move mountains around just for HIS enjoyment.”
“Nopony orders me around,” Discord laughed at the ridiculous threat, “besides I doubt he could out think me.”
Twilight then flatly stated, “He has the Gem of Ages.”
The color from Discords face drained, “I’m sorry, he has what?”
“He found it,” Twilight advanced on him, “and he knows how to use it.”
Rainbow smirked, “Like I said, when he’s through with you, you’re probably going to be a dog on his leash.”
Discord became slightly agitated at that remark but then smirked, “This hoomin sounds interesting. If he pulled the wool over all of your eyes and then took the throne, I think I might have just found a worthy challenger.”
Discord snapped and his vacation wear vanished, “What do you need me to do.”
*
The meeting with the mayor to Jasper was mind numbingly boring. He was tempted to just set something on fire to just ease the boredom, though he was curious why such thoughts entered his mind. He would have to look into potential research into the effects magic has on humans. At the moment, he was sitting on his throne glancing over his invitation to the summit when a flash appeared in front of his throne.
“Discord, I had a feeling they would send you,” he lowered his invitation with a welcoming smile, “welcome.”
Discord raised an eyebrow, “You were expecting me?” He smirked as a small black dragon handed him a glass of chocolate milk, “thank you pint size.”
In one swift move, he downed both the glass itself and the milk.
Jasper leaned back, “Of course I was. Though I was wondering if they would get desperate enough to summon you to do theirdirty work. Tell me though, why are you here anyway, the REAL reason.”
Discord floated in midair, “Well it’s simple, you’re a potential threat to this land as well as little old me. If you were to wreck the place, there wouldn’t be enough left for me,” he then gave a light cough.
Jasper half smiled as he folded his hands on his lap, “And what’s stopping you from taking the gauntlet of my arm right now?”
Discord rolled his eyes as he pointed at the item in question, “The fact that it’s gold, which is-“
“Magic kryptonite, I know.”
Discord raised a talon, “PURE gold is, that little thing just has gold coating, am I right?”
Jasper pointed at the spirit, “Congratulations.”
Discord landed and bowed, “Thank you,” he lightly coughed again, “man it’s musty in here.”
Jasper paid the comment no mind as he stood up, “So banter aside I’ll state this, there isn’t room in this world for two villains. So with all due respect, shove off.”
Discord laughed, “Make me.”
Jasper glared at Discord, “You know what annoys me most about you, human? You lack creativity, so you have the throne. What now? Rule with an iron fist? Take other kingdoms? How painfully predictable.”
Jasper felt a slight stabbing sensation in his head as he suddenly snapped, “YOU KNOW NOTHING!”
Both the spirit and the black dragon cringed as Jasper shook his head, “What the…”
Discord glanced at the gem and then at the Gauntlet, “Ah…now I see why you don’t look drained. It’s draining something else,” Discord clapped giddily, “Oh this is going to be entertaining.”
Jasper looked to the side, “THIS won’t be entertaining, because you won’t be around.”
Discord casually began to approach him, “What are you going to do strike me down or-“, he then began a massive coughing fit.
Jasper turned his back on the spirit, “You know Discord, I had a tad bit of a hypothesis,” Jasper took a seat as Discord slowed his coughing, “Gold proves to be quite formidable to magic users when in a solid state. But one thing I was curious about was this.”
Discord’s vision began to swim as Jasper inhaled, “If it can affect magic users in certain ways externally, what happens if the gold goes internal?”
Discord’s eyes widened, “WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!?”
Jasper smirked, “Guess I’m not as predictable as you thought I was. Before you arrived, I gave my guards the day in the barracks. After that I released gold dust throughout the room, BUT I isolated the throne area and the small surrounding area in a powerful barrier.”
Discord narrowed his eyes, “I was wondering why that was there.”
Discord then snapped his fingers to wreck the barrier and bury the human in snakes…only for a small fizzle to emit from his talon.
“OH, so that’s what it does.”
Discord then became fearful as the human rose slowly from his seat, “Now Discord, quick or slow?”
*
The ponies of Ponyville gathered in the square a few hours later as Jasper stood before them on a large platform with a sheet covering something behind him.
“Citizens of Ponyville,” the ponies put their full attention on the hated monarch, “I am well aware that certain factors have made you all grow to feel less than amused with my presence. But accept this token of my gratitude, a new center piece for the town square.”
Jasper nodded at Ignatius who pulled the sheet down. Discord was frozen in solid gold with a look of absolute terror on his face. Fluttershy’s scream cut through the din as Jasper walked off the podium and approached the six mares. All six of them glared with tears in their eyes as the human stopped in front of Twilight.
He flicked her nose, “Bad bad work Ms. Starbuck.”
He then turned sharply on his heel and left the now somber town as he headed back to Canterlot.
Author's Notes:
Happy Halloween!
Chapter 11: Lord Shredder
The days that followed in Equestria were ones of relative peace; Jasper didn’t make much of public appearances after Discord was frozen, but his presence was felt. Many ponies dared not to give him glares anymore out of fear; the fear of banishment beyond the mirror…or worse lingered in their minds. Jasper did however go about making changes. Firstly, he decreed that royal taxes were to be implemented to fund weapon and castle defence construction. Many ponies were greatly opposed to this idea, but obeyed. Secondly, he decreed all banners and remnants of Celestia and Luna’s rule in the castle were to be stripped away and replaced with his own crest. His crest depicted two gold scimitars crossed in an X; upon their point of intersection was the gem of ages. All of the royal guard armor was given slight upgrades. They covered more of their vital spots and reflected the Spartan armor of old, which he personally found amusing on them. Captain Flash Sentry was among a very small hoof full of guards who hated the way things had changed. It especially tore him up inside to see how Twilight and her friends had suffered at his hands, even Sunset Shimmer laid in the dungeon comatose.
Though he would never say it within earshot of Jasper, he utterly despised the human and hoped he would get his in the end. But his training forced him to be loyal to the ruling monarchy and from what he’s seen; insubordination against the human would not be taken likely. So for now, he would suck it up and bear with it. Though, word through the grapevine was that Jasper took some time from his royal duties to enter the library’s restricted section and research ancient magic, hex’s, charms, runes, you name it. Not only that, but that black dragon would never leave. Ignatius was more like a protégé than an assistant; he hung on every word and lesson that was given to him. Never once did he leave Jasper’s side when he roamed the corridors or when he attended to his studies and royal business. Speaking of the young black dragon, he was currently dressing in formal attire for the royal summit. Both he and Jasper waited with eager anticipation.
Ignatius straightened his red tie and knocked on his proverbial big brothers door, “Are you ready yet Jasper? The envoy from the summit will be arriving with our escort soon.”
The door opened silently as the king stepped out, Iggy widened his eyes in shocked awe. Jasper was clothed neck to foot in solid gold armor. The armor a marvel of the crafter’s skill, smooth edges was seen on each and every single plate. Engraved with care on the pieces were arcane looking lines and swirls. The left and right shoulder pads had four small curved adornments reminiscent of spikes upon them. On his left forearm plate were six small blade like protrusions that curved toward the floor, and atop the back of his left hand were two slender curved blades three inches longer than an index finger.
Ignatius took notice of the blades, “What are those for?”
Jasper calmly walked past him as a vermillion cape billowed behind him, “For…personal dealings up close.”
“Cool,” Ignatius glanced at Jaspers posture and mirrored it quickly, “So, are you excited.”
Jasper gave a wiry smile, “Immensely. Remember though Ignatius, a ruler masks his emotions until the appropriate time. Never let them betray you for if you do, then you’ve lost.”
Ignatius nodded absorbing the wisdom like a sponge. Before he continued down the hall, Jasper stopped for a moment and placed a gold circlet upon his head. Upon doing that, a beige unicorn stallion with a blonde mane dressed in azure robes approached with a hesitant bow.
“My lord, your carriage waits.”
Jasper nodded slowly, “Well met envoy.”
The envoy smiled as he followed the two, “My lord.”
Jasper cast a glance at the envoy, “Might I ask why the dragon is attending?”
“Simple,” Jasper placed his right hand upon Ignatius’s head as the Gem of Ages gleamed, “He is my assistant and my protégé, and I trust there won’t be any qualms with this?”
The envoy got sweaty upon noticing the gem, “O-of course not.”
Jasper approached the open door of the carriage and sat down with a quick, “Good.”
Ignatius was beaming at being acknowledged as someone closer to Jasper then his assistant. In a way, Iggy saw Jasper not only as his father but big brother. He would do anything to earn Jasper’s respect.
*
The carriage ride was one of silence and contemplation. Jasper gazed out the window as the foothills below rolled steadily by below them. Jasper’s mind wondered back to that time when he had defeated Discord and blew a fuse. Never before had that happened and no matter where he looked, no book held the answer to what he sought. What bothered him most was that he was suffering nightmares; this had caused him to lose some sleep, though he was holding quite well. Every time he would close his eyes, those shades would torment him. He would also catch a glance of a familiar shape on the horizon gazing at him with glowing white eyes; it was time she and he had a chat.
“Envoy.”
The pony glanced over, “Yes?”
“Wake me when we get there.”
*
Jasper glanced around the dark landscape. It was a twisted perversion of Canterlot and he knew full well what lay outside. He glanced out of the stained glass window that was to his right and coiled away. The dark shades outside shrieked inhumanly and churned, waiting. Jasper narrowed his eyes as a familiar feeling of his armor and gauntlet met him. He turned his head and gazed at the door as he ripped a decorative spear off the wall, time for action. Jasper roared as he surged out the door and smashed a shade into wisps. He raged through the infested streets smashing the shades away, the shades that would get past him would rip away at his armor. When they got underneath, their ice cold claws slashed through his skin. Jasper tried to block it out, the horrible wails, the icy sting of their very touch akin to frostbite incarnate. He would then sluggishly slash away the shades and advance further, only to be met with a swirling mob that tore into him. He yelled in anger and pain as he glared around him. Without warning his right hand shot through the icy cold cloud of black and grasped something solid that gasped suddenly. His voice was hoarse, but firm.
“Got you bitch.”
The cloud dissipated to reveal a weak looking Luna.
“I had a feeling this would happen,” Jasper tightened his grip on the alicorns throat, “WHY are you doing this.”
Luna glared daggers at the human, “Though I would enjoy doing this deed, tis not my doing. These creatures are a present force personified, even now they wait to consume you,” she sneered, “they continue even now on the fringes of your senses.”
Jasper clenched tighter as Luna gasped in agony, “I’ll break your neck in two.”
Luna spoke choked, “You cannot. I am not really here, you cannot kill me here.”
Jasper smiled maliciously as Luna perceived his eyes flash red, “You’d be surprised what you can experience mentally, some have died from mere sensory overload from intense nightmares. So yes Luna, I can’t kill you here and now but,” he leaned forward as his eyes flashed red once more, “You’d be surprised what you can live through.”
*
Jasper smiled contently in his sleep.
*
In Canterlot, Luna’s statue gazed vacantly onto the gardens of Canterlot. A lone droplet of blood bloomed from her eye and dripped down her face like a tear.
*
Twilight was thrashing on the ground in agony as an immense high pitched noise tore away at her mind and soul.
Author's Notes:
The stage is set, now dear fans and readers. Let the show begin.
Now for some harmless group plugging. Another nice reader of this fic has liked it so much, he has made a group dedicated to it. He needs more members, so join and be merry! :3
Chapter 12: The Summit
After a long travel period, the carriage touched down at its destination. As per tradition, all royal summits were to be held at a place where the delegates of the kingdoms would feel no need to fight due to it being sacred ground. Mount Unity was among one of the tallest of Equestria’s landmarks, they say in the time before, the creator herself made the mountain her home. Therefore it was only fitting that any Summit be held at the mountains summit. The door opened as The Envoy disembarked first quickly followed by Ignatius. The black dragon glanced at the carriage as Jasper emerged, cracking his neck as he blinked his eyes in the sunlight.
“Jasper,” Ignatius asked with concern, “You alright?”
Jasper nodded, “Just had a little trouble sleeping.”
Ignatius nodded as Jasper clacked onto the ground. The human took notice of the other carriages; he didn’t recognize their make but guessed who they belonged to. His eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed a second Equestrian Carriage and one made of a crystal like substance. As he walked, he felt his stride strengthen as he set his shoulders. The time to think on past sins was over; he looked ahead with purpose and a confident smile as they were almost at their destination. He turned his head sharply as something slithered out of the corner of his eye, his confident smile fading. What was that he just saw? It looked familiar like…that was impossible. He shook his head as The Envoy glanced at him with an expression of concern. Jasper motioned to him that he was fine as The Envoy stepped inside, the sound of his throat being cleared entered Jasper’s ear.
“Now presenting his royal highness, King Jasper of Equestria.”
The doors opened as Jasper entered and gazed around the room with a neutral expression, deep down though in a part of his mind he was surprised. He saw a Griffon decked out in silver armor, from the build and appearance it was female. Beside her sat a familiar face. Princess Cadance had indeed seen better days, black circles were around her eyes and her mane’s colors were muted slightly and its luster had all but vanished. Her coat was faded and her eyes were slightly bloodshot. When her almost hollow eyes met Jasper’s she looked at him with utter malice and contempt, which he returned with an even glare. He walked past a young red drake wearing bronze and a zebra in tribal armor with gold fitting in his mane. Jasper stopped when he saw where his seat was.
“Why are they here?”
Twilight gazed with a false smile as her friends remained silent, “ALL Equestrian royals attend the Summit Jasper, what, didn’t you know? Hm, imagine that.”
Jasper narrowed his eyes as The Envoy cleared his throat, “Lord Jasper, if you please.”
Jasper took a seat in silence as The Envoy began to list off various orders of business disputes between the certain kingdoms. The dragon, which he learned the name was Diamondback, was having a slight land dispute with the Zebra king Tikeel. It had started over a gem mine, of which one of the tunnels accidentally expanded into Diamondbacks territory. After a heated debate, as per the Equestrian standard, they settled their differences and negotiated equal share of the mines profits. Jasper rolled his eyes, he had suspected even politics in this land would be lack luster as all hell and just rode the storm. The Griffin queen, known as Silver Wing, was currently looking for support. Turns out when the Crystal Empire went south, Cadance asked for aid from the Griffons which they more than graciously provided. Silver Wing however requested for more help in the effort of setting up defenses and efforts to supply the Crystal Ponies with heating Matrix’s, Griffon product for the cold seasons, post haste. The other parties agreed, to which Cadance was grateful, but then it came to the Equestrian branches.
Twilight smiled with warmness at her most dear family member, “Of course we’ll help you Cadance,” she glanced at Jasper with slight anger, “it’s quiet unfortunate that this tragedy befell you.”
Jasper blinked as he snapped out of whatever world he wondered to, “Yes…very unfortunate.”
Twilight looked at Jasper with seriousness, “Which is why we WILL supply troops to your kingdom.”
Jasper looked at Twilight, then at Cadance and sighed, “No.”
Without warning, Cadance closed the distance and tackled Jasper to the ground. She pressed her hoof to his throat with murderous fury in her eyes. Jasper gasped for breath as his mind became clouded, his thoughts scattering.
“IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT! BECAUSE OF YOU MY HUSBAND IS GONE,” she began to tremble, “Because of you my subjects are freezing, b-because of….,” she broke down into tears and fell off the king as her resolve crumbled, curling into a ball.
Silver Wing narrowed her eyes at the human, “So what she spoke was the truth,” she shook her head, “Have you no heart or decency to lend your aid?”
Jasper righted his chair, “In my eye, I would, but we just can’t afford to. Equestria, MY kingdoms wellbeing must come first. If Equestria was to fall from one of its enemies, what’s stopping them from attacking all of you?”
The Summit fell silent at this revelation as Jasper produced a piece of parchment, “Which is exactly why I come with this arrangement. This treaty started formulation in secret, during my times away from the eye of many.”
He placed it down as they all leaned forward, “This treaty brings something to the table which has never been brought before. Why should we all live in fear of separate enemies when one of them can live in fear of us? This paper,” Jasper poked the treaty, “outlines a merger of our powers under the Equestrian banner. Think of it, no threat of wars, land disputes, resource struggle. We would ALL be equal.”
Diamondback scoffed as he read a line, “Equal eh? Says here YOU would be top drake, all of US must answer to you.”
Silver Wing looked away, “Preposterous.”
Tikeel nodded, “I might be old, but never would I do something so foolishly bold.”
Jasper showed them his gauntlet, “Look upon me not as your king, but as a brother. I may not be of your world or your species,” he gestured around, “Look at us all, we meet upon this sacred ground as one already. Yet, why must we be divided? I say no more! We work and fight as one,” he glanced at Cadance with sympathy, “so that we might help one of our sisters in need.”
Silver Wing still scoffed which Jasper pointed out, “Silver, when your youngest sister fell ill. Who did you got to with a request for the necessary remedies, even now she fly’s around happy and free, If not a tad moody.”
Silver glanced at Tikeel with a warm smile, “I still haven’t thanked you for that.”
Tikeel waved a hoof, “It was merely a deed, a good deed indeed.”
Jasper then looked to Diamond back, “When you and your brothers were trapped upon your countries volcano, who gave aid in the rescue?”
Diamondback looked to Silver Wing with a warm smile which she returned.
Jasper approached Cadance, “And Princess, need I say more?”
Cadance looked to the side, memories of Sombra returning and Equestria’s aid.
Jasper stood in the center of the table and spread his arms, “Once, we were proud and separate. But yet we ask for help in the most dire of times. Well I say, we unite and become the first Equestrian Empire! A force that nopony can topple! Now who will join me? Say aye!”
Silver Wing shut her eyes as Twilight looked with concern at her friends.
Tikeel nodded firmly, “Aye.”
Diamondback stood, “Aye.”
Silver Wing exhaled, “Aye.”
Everypony looked to Cadance, who remained silent, her tears fresh. But these tears were not of sorrow.
She looked with sheer happiness at Jasper, “A-aye, and thank you so much.”
Jasper smiled, “It takes a true ruler to request assistance from their others.”
It was then upon that day that the treaty was signed, when all the royals departed, they all flew Jasper’s banner. Cadance shocked Twilight when she hugged Jasper.
“Thank you,” she cried into his armor as he slowly patted her on the back, “you have no idea how much this means to me.”
Jasper nodded, “Shining is fine, he is living, but he misses you so.”
Cadance nodded, “I shall endure, and will you consider lifting his sentence?”
Jasper sighed as she was upon her four hooves, “I shall contemplate it.”
Cadance thanked him once more as she departed. Twilight and the girls approached him and stared at him with mixed feelings, Twilight however was looking through him.
“Whatever your planning,” she pointed, “rest assured I WILL counter it.”
Jasper shrugged, “Do as you wish, I was merely doing it for all of our benefits, more Cadance if anything.”
Twilight lost her composure, “But you were the one who caused it! You’re the cause of her ENTIRE situation! What occurred here was nothing more than….,” Twilight’s eyes widened as a spark went off; her mind fit the pieces together and saw everything.
Jasper smiled, “-was a momentous thing,” he then turned on his heel, “As I said, I was only helping us out as a whole.”
Jasper entered the carriage as it took off. Twilight on the other hoof stood motionless as she realized the truth.
*
Many more hours passed before Jasper’s carriage touched down. For once, since he arrived, he donned a genuine smile. He walked through the castle and headed toward where the Royal Sister’s statue’s rested. As he went through the castle, he noticed something strange; the guards were not all at their stations. His eyes widened in horror as he and Ignatius stood in the hall.
“Iggy, go to the dungeon and check on our guest.”
The black dragon nodded and ran away. Jasper ran to the statue garden and froze, the royal sisters were gone. Two guards ran to their lord who started trembling.
“My lord-“ he was cut off as Jasper reeled on him.
“WHAT. HAPPENED,” his tone was cold and radiated masked rage.
The guard backed up, “I-it happened so fast, one moment we were guarding the area. The next, we woke up moments ago.”
Jasper inhaled sharply as he walked away from them and put his fingers through his hair as he continued tremble, “Do you know, who did this?
Jasper then grasped one of the statues legs as the gem glowed, steam rose from the point of contact and spoke through gritted teeth, “I am not going to lose my temper,” he then released the statue as a burned hand mark appeared there, “Alright, here is what’s going to happen. I am going to go take a shower in what is considered my bathroom. I am then going to go to sleep, wake up in the morning, and when that occurs I expect breakfast and a list of potential suspects with it. Understood?”
The guards nodded frantically as Jasper left swiftly as Ignatius appeared before him, “Sunset Shimmer, her cell door was destroyed, and she’s escaped.”
Jasper nodded as he walked away from him, he wordlessly ended up in the room were all the stained glass windows were. He gazed at the impressions as his eye began to twitch; he clenched his right fist as his rage built. His eyes then fell upon the very first window showing Twilight and the ponies defeating Nightmare Moon. He then let out a yell of rage as he blasted the window to bits; he whipped around and blasted another, then another, then another. Soon he fell to his knees and stared at the ground. A smile crept onto his face as Ignatius rushed in to find him; Jasper threw back his head and laughed. The laugh echoed through the halls and sent chills down the spines of all who heard it.
He stood and inhaled to calm and compose himself, “That’s better,” he then looked at Ignatius, “Now they all believe in me. Ignatius, compose a letter to the Queen of the Changelings.”
Ignatius raised a worried eyebrow, “Why?”
Jasper smiled, “I wish to speak with her one on one, I have a proposition.”
Jasper then walked away with no emotions on his face. He entered his chambers and froze, before him in the dark was one of them, a Shadow. He yelled out in shock as he blasted it, his wardrobe fell in pieces to the ground. He shook his head and sighed, scolding himself for being foolish, he laughed. It was just a trick of the light, his mind wiping free the last fleeting thoughts of his nightmares, nothing more.
Author's Notes:
Happy Update Everypony!
Now to you all i give you this, I wish for a better cover. Therefore, anypony who might know, or might be willing to draw me a cover, send me a response to this via PM.
Chapter 13: The Usual Suspects
Twilight Sparkle and her friends were relatively calm, for the most part. Though they walked toward Golden Oaks Library with smiles, deep down they were deeply unsettled. Though they knew Jasper was most likely planning his next move, they remained vigilant and aware.
“Ah don’t know what Jasper is tryin to accomplish,” spoke Applejack after a prolonged period of silence, “But knowin him, it’s gonna be downright dastardly.”
Twilight sighed as they stopped at her front door, “That’s the thing; his plan is already in motion. By taking the Crystal Heart and causing the Crystal Empire to become the way it is now, he cemented this little alliance of his from the beginning.”
Rainbow Dash landed, “Wait a minute, your telling me he PLANNED all of this before it even happened?”
Rarity gasped, “It’s like he can see two moves ahead of everypony else.”
As they opened the door to head inside they froze at a familiar voice.
“No, it’s more that I can read this world like a book.”
Everypony cast there gaze upon Jasper, who was wearing the same clothing he arrived in, only difference was that the gauntlet was securely fastened to his right arm as usual.
“Hello everypony,” he gave a small smile, “How have you all been doing?”
Twilight narrowed her eyes as her friends slowly entered the room. Spike hopping off Twilight’s back and running forward.
“YOU!,” the small dragon pointed with anger, “You turned me into a lawn ornament!”
Jasper nodded, “Hey Iggy,” the small black dragon walked out from Twilight’s kitchen holding some gems, “play with Spike here while the big ponies talk okay?”
Ignatius exhaled ruby red smoke from his nostrils as Spike gulped and ran away upstairs with Ignatius giving chase. The ponies all reluctantly took their seats at Jasper’s gesturing.
“Now that the children are out of the room, let’s talk business shall we,” he leaned back and folded his hands on his lap, “You see, last night I arrived back at the castle and found out something disheartening,” he rose from his seat and walked around behind the mane six who became slightly unsettled, “You see, I was in a rather good mood after the success of my unification of the Equestrian nobles and wanted to muse a little in the statue garden. But when I arrived at where my favorite sculpture was,” he stopped behind Twilight who tensed up, “I not only found it missing, but this was brought to my attention this morning at breakfast.”
He produced a piece of paper that showed one half of both the sun and moon merged into one symbol with words below it which Jasper read out as he walked around to the front of them, “Equestria shall rise again, interesting slogan,” he nodded as the paper burned to a crisp in his right fist, “You know, I wouldn’t care as much if I didn’t see something like this before in history books.”
He stood near the reading table visibly getting agitated as the ponies remained silent, “So I’ve come here to ask one simple question,” he inhaled calmly.
He then drove his right fist through the table and reeled on them with a yell of fury, “WHERE ARE THE STATUES?!”
Twilight merely gazed at him, “I don’t know, and even if I did, I would never tell you.”
Jasper’s eyes widened in rage as he inhaled sharply through his nostrils, “Tell me what you know Sparkle.”
Twilight shook her head, “Like I said, I don’t know anything.”
Rainbow Dash smirked, “What’s the matter Jas, ticked that you don’t have EVERYTHING just so?”
Jasper glared at her, his right hand flew through the air as the back of his hand smashed into Rainbow’s muzzle. He threw her chair aside as he advanced on the stunned pegasus, raising his hand which became engulfed in raw red energy. He stopped when he heard the hum of two horns behind him, he glanced over his shoulder and saw Twilight and Rarity glaring to make a move while the others prepared to intervene. Rainbow clutched a hoof to her bleeding nose and throbbing muzzle. Jasper blinked and shook his head.
“IGGY,” the black dragon appeared with Spike suspended by a rope behind him, “we’re leaving.”
Ignatius dropped Spike as he joined his surrogate fathers side as Jasper put a hand to his head and pointed warningly at the mares, “Consider that a warning, rest assured, I will find the ring leaders of whatever this is. When I do, I intend to make them an example of them. I know you all know something, how can you not,” he rolled his eyes, “after all you’re the six main characters, so you have your hooves in everything.”
The door slammed shut behind him.
The mares exhaled as Fluttershy placed a tissue to Dash’s nose, “You alright Dashie?”
Dash nodded and puffed out her chest as she checked her jaw, “Yeah I’m fine. He hit like a filly.”
Twilight walked to her table as Spike was untied, staring at the hole with focused curiosity, “Hm.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow, “What is it Sugarcube?”
Twilight looked to her friends, “Did Jasper look…different to you?”
Rarity snorted, “I’ll say he did,” she checked on Spike, “he looked he looked positively shaken.”
Pinkie nodded, “I think he might be going loco in the coco.”
Twilight nodded, “It’s a possibility, the sudden bouts of aggression, the slight mood swing he had, and the fact he looks like he’s had trouble sleeping.”
Rainbow spoke with a muffled voice as two tissues were stuck up her nostrils, “So what? The plothole just backhanded me and I also think he was going to vaporize me.”
Twilight shook her head, “Though it looked like it, Jasper hasn’t killed anypony yet. Though…that makes me even more unsettled, we have no idea what he might do to lure out these so called ring leaders.”
Rarity patted her friend, “You didn’t crack under him darling, you held firm,” Rarity gagged slightly, “But ring leaders sound so garish, I like to think of ourselves as…what’s the term?”
Fluttershy raised a shaky hoof, “Freedom Fighters?”
Rarity pointed, “YES, exactly that!”
Rainbow exhaled, “I’m just glad he didn’t bother to search the library,” she chuckled, “I’m still surprised as all heck when you came to us that day and told us everything.”
*
(A few minutes after Chapter 11)
Twilight sat in the chair at Rarity’s Boutique as the girls sat in silence, “And then I heard some sort of piercing sound. It hurt me on such a level that it was unbearable, but when I focused on it, I found it was actually a scream for help.”
Rarity leaned forward, “Who was the one screaming?”
“Luna,” everypony gasped, “She sounded like she was in agony. I couldn’t bear to hear it anymore.”
Rainbow stood up and flared her wings, “ALRIGHT THAT CLINCHES IT!”
Everypony looked at Rainbow as she slammed her hoof down, “It’s time that we fight back!”
Twilight stood as The Envoy waited patiently outside, “Rainbow we can’t! Jasper has my element and the Gem. We don’t stand a chance against him in a fight.”
Rainbow got a devious smirk, “We don’t have to fight him, we just have to undermine him.”
Applejack looked at her friend, “Are ya talking about starting a revolution?”
Before Rainbow could finish, a flash of light and a heavy clunk turned their attention to Sunset Shimmer who was panting on the ground. The royal sisters were behind her still frozen.
Twilight rushed to her, “Sunset? What are you doing here with that?!”
“Well I regained consciousness a while back and waited until some of my strength returned to me before I escaped,” The mare shakily stood on her hooves, “I put the guards to sleep then I tracked your aura here before teleporting.”
Rainbow looked at Twilight, “Well there’s no turning back now eh?”
Twilight sighed as The Envoy knocked again, she looked at Sunset, “Take that the Ponyville library and started working on a counter spell to-“
“Thaw them out,” Sunset leaned against the statue, “you’re talking to her first student here remember? I got this covered.”
*
The girls walked down into the basement as Sunset sat in a chair drinking some water. Luna’s right eye and ear, as well as her mouth were unfrozen as she fixed Twilight with a welcoming glance. Celestia’s head and…rear were unfrozen as she craned her neck to smile at Twilight.
“Twilight, it’s so great to see you,” she looked at Sunset and nodded which she returned; “you have no idea how grateful I am.”
Luna glanced at her sister, “Explain to me why I’m only partially unfrozen?”
Sunset rolled her eyes, “Hey, I said I was tired.”
Twilight hugged her mentor’s neck, “I’m so happy that I can speak to you again.”
Luna growled in annoyance as her ear twitched madly, “Curse this confounded itch!”
Twilight walked over, “Here you go,” she scratched Luna’s ear which she smiled at.
Celestia sighed, “Dare I ask what has transpired during our imprisonment?”
Twilight looked to the side, “It’s a long story.”
Celestia chuckled slightly, “Well I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, so by all means,” she flinched slightly, “though before you do, might I ask you a favor Twilight?”
“Anything Princess.”
Celestia sighed with a slight blush, “There’s an itch on my…,” her rear fidgeted slightly, “could you please?”
Twilight looked and blushed; “Uh…sure,” she glanced at her friends who became slightly uneasy as Rainbow snickered.
“Go on Twilight,” Rainbow gestured stifling a laugh, “scratch the sun.”
Twilight growled slightly but slowly trotted over to Celestia.
Author's Notes:
Just a little update to fill in some blanks and to bring a little funny. Now rest assured, more updates are coming for my other stories now that i'm back into the swing of things. And yes, your plot would be itchy if you were thawed out after a long time of being frozen.
Chapter 14: Changes
Jasper sat in silence, the silence gave him peace and a moment to think. True the statues were gone and Sunset Shimmer had escaped, but all was going according to plan. He couldn’t move against the girls or anypony unless he got solid evidence first. If he stepped out of line to much, the empire he had made under false pretenses would crumble around him. Then there would be the threat of war, all those kingdoms against Equestria. Ironically though, where he was at the moment could offer a reprieve from the humdrum of his rule. The “human world” beyond the mirror, though a flawed copy of his Earth gave him a semblance of peace.
“Jasper,” he looked down at the red eyed black puppy beside him, “What exactly are you planning.”
Jasper sighed as he looked at the ground below him from the high school roof, “Sometimes I wonder that myself,” he gave a small smile, “But then I remember how far I’ve gotten.”
Ignatius nodded, “Makes sense,” he sighed, “one thing I’m curious about…why.”
Jasper glanced at the dog as some of the students below cast fear filled glances up at him as they trudged along, “Why what?”
Ignatius looked to the side, “Why did you do all of this, just, why bother?”
Jasper chuckled, “It’s simple really. We humans talk about peace and love, but deep down in the backs of all our minds we crave destruction and chaos. Some claim that we don’t, but we’re lying to ourselves. Humanity as a whole are naturally destructive and chaotic, call it the human condition or mindset, but it’s a present factor,” he glanced at Iggy with a serious expression, “But when I saw this world and all the dreck it spouted, I thought it was just *gag*. Whenever villains showed up to disturb the social norm, they were beaten by sunshine and friendship.”
He stood up as Iggy looked on in awe, “So the fact that I was brought here was like divine providence,” he gazed at the gauntlet as the gem gave a soft glow, “This world is overdue for a good villain, so as a wise man once said.”
Jasper dropped off the roof and touched down as red energy slowed his decent. He gazed at the pony statue atop the podium.
He smirked as he raised his hand and crushed the pony statue into dust…then a sharp pain coursed through his brain, “Wait till they get a load of me.”
Ignatius leapt off the roof and was caught by Jasper’s magic as he stepped through the portal.
*
Upon exiting into the throne room, Captain Flash Sentry opened the doors looking distressed, “Your highness!”
Jasper put Ignatius down, “What?”
Flash pointed with a hoof to the door he had just came through, “Changelings, they’re in the court yard! I have the palace forces converging on them as we speak.”
Jasper put on his coat, “That won’t be necessary, I was expecting them.”
Captain Sentry was dumbfounded, “What?”
Jasper glanced at the black dragon at his side, “You did send out the memo didn’t you?”
Ignatius shrugged which Jasper rolled his eyes at.
Jasper raised his hand, “Call off the troops. I’ve scheduled a meeting with their queen.”
Captain Sentry blinked a few times and nodded before flying off.
Jasper shook his head as he slammed the door shut, “Idiot ponies.”
*
Jasper walked into the courtyard and gazed at the darkened sky and the ground filled with changelings.
Jasper raised an undaunted eyebrow, “Good afternoon,” the changelings became slightly confused as to why this life form was not fearful of their numbers, “Now that the greetings are out of the way, might I speak with Queen Chrysalis?”
Some odd chattering reached Jasper’s ears as the changelings discussed amongst themselves of their collective answer. Jasper tapped his foot in annoyance as the changelings continued their conversations, his eyes narrowed as his patience began to wear thin.
“You’ll have to excuse them,” a two tone voice echoed from behind him, “They are merely protective of their queen.”
Jasper smiled, “Queen Chrysalis, I see you got my letter. Was your trip long?”
Jasper turned to behold the bemused Chrysalis, “Long and boring, I never thought I would ever darken these halls again after the last time I was here.”
Jasper smiled, “Well I assume my promise of a life changing offer piqued your interest then? Why else would you have showed, to invade?”
Chrysalis pursed her lips as she gazed at the castle, “The thought crossed my mind.”
Jasper turned his head and stared at her subject, “What about them? Did you feel it necessary to bring your entire kingdom with you?”
“Oh heavens no,” Chrysalis chuckled, “That’s just my honor guard.”
Jasper went bug eyed when they entered the castle.
*
Twilight was staring in shock through her telescope as the princesses and the girls followed her gaze.
“The changelings now?!” Twilight was on the verge of hyperventilating, “What! Why!”
Sunset glanced at the elements, “Is she always like this under pressure?”
Spike nodded, “Yep.”
Celestia gazed through the telescope, “This isn’t good.”
*
Jasper sat calmly across from Chrysalis who was absently stirring her tea with a black stir stick, “So Chrysalis,” Jasper broke the ice, “you’re looking well.”
Chrysalis sipped her tea and grimaced as she added more sugar, “As well as I can be,” she added a ton of sugar after a brief pause and sipped it with a content smile, “Did you know after that shield blasted me, it was a wonder in itself that I survived? I crashed in a bucking rock quarry at mac 10!”
Jasper winced, “Ouch.”
Chrysalis narrowed her eyes, “Ouch is an understatement. Now why don’t we get down to business then, why have you called me here exactly?”
Jasper leaned back, “Simple,” he folded his hands, “I’ve called you here to propose to you.”
Chrysalis spat out a flurry of tea as a guard dramatically leapt in front of it, “What?!”
Jasper turned to the soaked guard, “Thank you Wingkins,” the guard trotted off as Jasper continued, “Just as I said, you strike me not as a heartless monster, but more of a Queen who wishes to preserve her people. You merely went about it wrong.”
Chrysalis’s left eye twitched, “B-but what do you mean propose?!”
Jasper smiled, “Just as I said,” he produced a silver wedding band and placed it on the table, “If we marry, our kingdoms become one. Plus if you accept, you will have all the love,” he snapped his fingers as the Crystal Heart was wheeled in, “To last you a lifetime.”
Chrysalis gazed at the band, the human, and then the heart multiple times. She set her jaw and inhaled.
*
The courtyard doors burst open as a changeling ran outside, “THE KING WILL MARRY OUR QUEEN!”
The changelings gasped then cheered.
Author's Notes:
Short update, but it's integral to the plot, now onto the next update. Enjoy :3
Chapter 15: White Wedding
Jasper adjusted his bow tie and gazed at his reflection. At the moment, he was wearing a black tuxedo; his hair had been combed back and for once, his gauntlet lay upon his bed. He glanced at it for a moment; in the back of his mind he wished he could wear it. But Chrysalis informed him that it would clash with his and her outfit, therefore she decreed to him, “No weapons at the reception.”
“What a pain,” he checked himself one last time, “Can’t she understand that I might need it?”
His reflection shook its head, “She doesn't’ understand, none of those stupid ponies do. Besides, our plans can’t be deterred. Not after how hard we've worked.”
Jasper turned from the mirror, “But what if the alliance suspects before the last move is made…all of our hard work will be for nothing.”
The Jasper turned around and the reflection sneered, “Their just a means to an end, once all is said and done,” Jasper and the reflection smirked in unison, “I’ll be the top dog around here.”
Jasper blinked a few times before he grabbed the mirror and smashed it against the ground. He panted as his hair became slightly askew.
“This…has to end.”
*
Jasper stood on the podium as the Canterlot nobility, visiting royals, and other honored guests gazed around slightly uncomfortable as Changelings mingled with them in the seating sections. Soon the far doors opened and in entered the bride. Chrysalis’s mane had been done up in a fashion that framed her face spectacularly. Small green and harlequin beads had been weaved in and her wedding gown was a pristine white and looked like it had been woven with the finest skill. She stood beside Jasper as he mentally prepared himself, the Queen herself on the verge of tears. Soon the ceremony began in earnest. Their vows were said and soon the one thing that the priest even spoke with uncertainty.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Jasper turned and scratched the back of his head, “Um…”
Chrysalis was engulfed in green fire and Jasper’s eyes widened when it dissipated. Standing before him was a woman equal to his height with emerald green eyes and a figure that would be the envy of any woman.
Her voice was single toned but as warm as honey and smooth as silk, “Come here husband.”
Jasper nodded stupidly as she smirked and pulled him into a passion filled kiss. The human pulled away after they had finished and blinked in surprise.
“Wow…,” he looked at the human changeling, “How did you?”
Chrysalis shushed him, “I can do a lot more,” she then whispered in his ear, “But that can wait until later tonight.”
Jasper blushed heavily but slowly nodded.
*
The reception afterwards was a celebration of not only a marriage but of the unity of a once enemy nation. Ponies were socializing and absently chatting with the couple of the hour, Chrysalis still wearing her human guise. Jasper nodded after his latest conversation and took notice of Twilight at the far end of the reception. He narrowed his eyes as he closed the distance, the purple alicorn looked up as the human took his seat.
“You have some nerve showing your face here,” Jasper glared daggers at the almost smug alicorn.
Twilight took a sip of some punch, “I’m only here to congratulate you on your happy marriage.”
Jasper leaned forward, “I know your only here to gloat, granted that would be a first for you,” he then pointed at her, “Rest assured, your reckoning is coming.”
Twilight then absently said, “You’re not wearing your gauntlet.”
Jasper looked away in response as Twilight stood, “Think what you will, but whatever you have at this moment you should enjoy,” she then leaned forward and locked eyes with who she considered not only her enemy but intellectual rival, “Because it’s you who will have a reckoning.”
Jasper stood, “Really now? Is that before or after I break you?”
Twilight merely teleported away.
*
Jasper paced in his chambers, “The audacity of that mare…I swear when I get a hold of her I’ll skin her alive and burn what’s left!”
“That sounds a little brutal.”
He turned his head and beheld Chrysalis in her gown still and maintaining her human form. Jasper grabbed the gauntlet and put it upon his hand and made for the door.
“I’ve kept her and her friends alive long enough,” his irises took on a slight reddish color as he stalked past her, “It’s time I remedy that.”
But a firm yet soft hand stopped him, “Let it go for now love, they can wait,” her hand gave a soft green glow.
Jasper nodded slowly, “Your right…,” his eyes lost their red color and returned to their original color, “They can wait. I’m just so tense, something’s wrong with me, plus this rebellion is happening and…”
He was shushed as Chrysalis let a strap fall from her shoulder, “Let your worries cease, it is our wedding night,” she gently pulled him toward his bed not paying the gauntlet any mind; “a consummation is in order. Besides, should you not sire an heir to carry on our legacy?”
Jasper smiled, “Your right,” he and Chrysalis then fell upon his bed as the gem on the gauntlet, which was never removed for the whole night, gave a soft glow.
Nopony in Canterlot knew of the union that took place, but many could guess.
*
Jasper awoke the next morning to an empty bed, he saw a note on the bedside table that informed him that his wife still had some matters to attend to back in her domain and greatly apologized for the early departure. Jasper shook his head with a smile, the nights events had indeed calmed his nerves. He stood and glanced around; he felt a weight on his right arm and glanced at his gauntlet in surprise. He shrugged and donned his regular clothes and opened the door. But he froze when he noticed Ignatius and a changeling scout staring at him.
“Can I help you?”
The Changeling bowed his head, “Lieutenant Hisk of the recon corps your highness. I realize we have not met, but we of the recon heard whispers of a rebellion and that you seek to implicate the Elements of Harmony.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow, “Your point?”
Hisk smirked, “I took it upon myself to assist our new king, consider it a wedding present,” he then stepped forward, “I bring information as to the whereabouts of your missing statues and prisoner.”
Jasper’s eyes became slightly red once more, “I’m listening.”
Author's Notes:
I am aware that this chapter is slightly shorter than the others and the quality might be lack luster. But i am practically half asleep and the other updates will have more plot and will be longer, trust me! :3
Chapter 16: Dark Light
Jasper sat upon his throne clothed in his gold armor. His fingers drummed against the armrest as he was lost in deep thought. Granted he had now achieved his goal, hell he had succeeded where many villains failed, he had beaten the mane six and the princesses. But despite all of his victories and success he felt…empty. Granted it had been two days since his marriage with Chrysalis and he had single handily cemented his empires might. He sighed as he shook his head, his gazed locked on Flash Sentry.
“Am I a good king?”
Flash was surprised by the statement, “Sire?”
Jasper shook his head, “I’ve given my subjects security and safety, yet they still fear me,” he glanced at Flash once more, “have I been and am a good king?”
Flash Sentry looked to the side for a moment, “Well…permission to speak freely?”
Jasper nodded, “Granted.”
“You've done several actions that not only are considered evil, but borderline on psychotic,” he inhaled as a light layer of sweat appeared on his coat, “So with all due respect, the ponies have every right to hate you.”
Jasper nodded slowly as he stood, “Understood.”
“Sire,” Flash walked beside him, “You seem tired as of late, is everything all right?”
Jasper’s eyes narrowed, “No…nothings alright.”
He opened the doors to the still destroyed hall of stained glass windows. The gem flared dangerously bright as his eyes scanned the area.
“Flash…leave me. No matter what happens, do not open this door.”
Flash was about to object but nodded as he shut the door.
Jasper stood with his back to the doors that had once held the elements of harmony’s box, but within it now rested the element of magic. Jasper sighed as he clenched his right fist, the left fist’s blades gleamed dangerously.
“So…you decide to darken my vision once more, eh Princesses?”
Behind him, Celestia and Luna emerged with looks of justified fury upon their faces.
“Your tyranny is over Jasper,” Celestia spoke in a serious tone, “Surrender now.”
Jasper laughed in response, “How little you forget, I defeated both of you last we met.”
Luna grit her teeth, “That was because we were holding back; we did not wish to harm you. My sister was under the impression that you could see sense. But it is now clear that is not an option.”
Jasper smiled coldly, “So Sunset freed you then?”
The royal sisters blinked but maintained their composure.
“Ah, so I’m right,” he crossed his arms as the two ponies and king began to circle each other, “Why else would she and the two of you vanish in the same instance. But I’m deviating from the point at hand. Why have you truly come here? Surely avenging yourselves upon me isn’t the only reason.”
Celestia stepped forward as gold battle armor materialized on her, “No it’s not, we have come to retrieve the Element of Magic. But if you insist on stopping us,” a halberd with a golden shaft adorned with ornate patterns with a scalding white blade materialized before her, “We WILL cut you down.”
Luna’s battle armor was jet black and a scythe with an azure blade whereas the shaft looked like a gnarled branch of black metal scraped along the ground.
Jasper was surprised for once, “You two never struck me as violent, I suppose the show didn’t capture your true essences as a whole,” Jasper however steadied himself; “However I can’t let you take that.”
Luna narrowed her eyes, “Then prepare for battle.”
Jasper’s right hand opened and a red crystal shot out of it with a gold handle attached to it. He grasped the handle immediately as he raised the crystal sword in a challenging manner.
“Bring it on ponies.”
The three then charged each other.
*
Twilight paced nervously around the library, the fact that Celestia and Luna had left to confront Jasper once more unnerved her. Sunset on the other hoof was going over Jasper’s notes with a look of interest and what could be considered mild respect.
“You got to give the guy credit,” Sunset chuckled, “He played you guys for chumps.”
The girls glared at her to which she raised her hooves, “Whoa, I was just kidding.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, “Not cool.”
Sunset trotted over to Twilight, “Something bothering you Sparkle?”
“Yes,” she sighed, “I’m just unsure if Celestia and Luna are enough to beat Jasper.”
Sunset elbowed her slightly, “Hey, this is OUR teacher we’re talking about, she’ll do fine.”
Twilight glanced at Sunset, “But the thing of it is, Jasper’s sanity is being sapped by the gem. That coupled with all the stress he’s most likely dealing with, he might become an even bigger monster than me and the girls have ever faced before.”
Sunset glared at the castle.
*
Celestia swung hard at Jasper who caught her blow with his crystal blade. Behind him, Luna went for a powerful vertical swing which Jasper quickly rolled to the side of. The scythe blade buried itself in the floor much to Luna’s anger. Celestia rained a flurry of jabs at the human who was forced to back up to avoid, smacking aside those that threatened to reach him. Jasper felt sweat on his brow as the royal sisters attacked him left and right in an attempt to exploit his blind spots. Jasper rolled, parried and deflected to the best of his abilities. Luna swung wide and got him in the stomach, a crunch echoed through the hall as Jasper smacked into the far wall. His vision swam as he felt warmth begin to coat his skin. He glanced down and mentally thanked god that the scythe hadn't pierced his armor fully, it had however gone in a fair amount. He looked up as he felt the gem burn with power, the warmth spread through him as he stood. He saw red as he advanced slowly on the sisters, his blade dragging and kicking up sparks. Their voices muffled as he approached.
“Jasper stop, I do not wish to end your life!”
Jasper raised his sword and struck. Celestia was on the defensive, Luna attempted to join the fray, but she was hurled away by a wave of Jasper’s right hand. Jasper’s sword came as a red flash as his vision became red with each blow. He felt his throat vibrate as he let loose a roar, his sword breaking through Celestia’s front armor. She staggered back as the human descended upon her. He brought his sword back and with adrenaline as well as magic fueled strength, he slashed her weapon in twain. Celestia attempted to flee to a better vantage point, Jasper swung.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
Celestia’s right wing flew wide and landed with a plop as the solar princess’s blood erupted from the wound. She smashed into the ground hard.
*
Luna looked on in horror as the golden clad human drenched in her sister’s blood turned toward her. The stare he possessed was akin to a force of nature, they were cold, unfeeling, and now lacked mercy.
Luna then roared out in anger, “DIE CREATURE!!!”
Jasper muttered one word, “Trash.”
He snapped his fingers as red energy swords materialized and hurled at full speed at Luna who gazed on in horror, the swords struck their mark. Two buried themselves in Luna’s back as she attempted to veer away. Another struck her right shoulder, four impaled each wing. The last sword struck her below the neck. Both royal sisters lay bleeding at Jasper’s feet, he impaled his sword beside Celestia’s head. His vision cleared as he took in what had transpired around him, the red was gone. But what he did see, lingering at the dark corners were the shadows. They gazed at him in stone silence.
Jasper threw back his head, finally lost, and laughed.
*
A flash of red outside the library alerted the ponies to something out front of the library. They opened the door…and all of them screamed in horror.
Chapter 17: Train of Deception
Twilight sat in silence gazing out at the sky, the moon having risen long ago after they found the princesses on her doorstep. They were critical condition, but luckily thanks to the combined efforts of Fluttershy, Sunset, and Twilight, they had been stabilized. Celestia and the wing that had been severed had both been deposited on her doorstep with a sword riddled Luna. The wounds were currently being healed naturally after the mixture of magic and medicine was employed. Rainbow Dash was fuming as she stomped back and forth.
“Now he’s gone too far! Twilight, we’ve waited here long enough,” Rainbow struck an aggressive stance, “it’s time we fight back!”
Rarity nodded, “Though I don’t care for violence, Jasper must be stopped more than ever.”
Sunset Shimmer was busy in the corner examining more of Jasper's notes with a raised eyebrow, “Hm…interesting.”
Twilight glanced at her, “What?”
Sunset tapped the paper, “Says here he figured out a way to petrify the glass of the crystal mirror,” she chuckled, “gotta give him credit, he knows his stuff.”
Twilight looked away in shame, “Because I practically helped him. If anything, this is my fault. He used me and I didn’t see through him.”
Applejack patted her friend on the shoulder, “There, there, none of us knew what he was planning. He played us all fer chumps.”
Rainbow Dash snorted, “Which will make beating him all the sweeter!”
Twilight sighed, “Even if we could, we don’t know when and where to actually strike.”
Sunset smiled as she trotted over with a crystal, “Well I wouldn’t say that,” the crystal started to glow, “before I left, I decided to swing by and use this on some papers he had in his bed chambers.”
She placed the crystal on some blank paper as words began to write themselves upon its surface. After a while, the crystal turned to dust when the paper was filled.
“A babel crystal?” Twilight picked up the papers, “where did you find one?”
“Turns out mister shiny golden god isn’t as perfect in guarding the alchemy wing of the castle.”
Rarity glanced at the dust, “I’ve heard of these, aren’t they supposed to record and duplicate any vocal or written information?”
Sunset nodded, “And then transfer it onto paper.”
Twilight read through the paper with frantic eyes. Her eyes widened in horror when she finished.
“We have to get on board the Friendship Express as soon as possible,” she stood up and started locking down the house, “SPIKE! Watch Celestia and Luna!”
Spike saluted.
Fluttershy glanced at her panicking friend, “Why do we have to get on the train?”
Twilight stopped and spoke in a grave tone, “Because Jasper is planning to do something unspeakable.”
*
Jasper sat in the dining car of the train, the royals from the other kingdoms sitting with him. His armor glinted in the light after it had been re-forged, cleaned, and shined. At the moment, Silver Wing had finished telling a war story of old.
“And that is how I whooped your legion Diamondback!”
Diamondback grumbled, “Only because our weapons were faulty.”
Ignatius appeared carrying some wine glasses filled with the beverage in question, “Here are your drinks.”
Jasper smiled, “Thank you Iggy,” he took a wine glass and placed it in front of him.
Jasper casually drummed his fingers on the table, “It’s a shame Cadance couldn't attend, but she must run her kingdom as it recovers. So it can’t be helped.”
Diamondback stared at Jasper for a moment, “Is it true what they said? Were you attacked in Canterlot castle?”
Tikeel swished his glass a few times, “From you there must’ve been dread, for surely you feared you would be dead.”
Jasper smiled, “The…assassins, were dealt with accordingly.”
Silver Wing clutched her glass, “Word through the grape vine is that there is a small rebellion in your midst.”
Jasper’s smile vanished as Iggy eased out of the room, “That will be dealt with….soon.”
Unbeknownst to the party, a flash of purple appeared on the farthest cart. The train passed through a tunnel as Jasper raised his glass.
“A toast, to a new age.”
All the rulers raised their glasses and drank. But then the far door burst open revealing Twilight, her friends and Sunset. Jasper widened his eyes as Twilight stepped forward.
“DON’T DRINK THAT WINE!”
The rulers looked with confusion at the mare as Jasper remained silent. The rulers lowered their glasses as Silver Wing skeptically glanced at her glass. Tikeel sniffed his, whereas Diamondback was indifferent.
“Jasper plans to poison you,” she placed the papers down on the table; “these were taken from his chambers detailing this little ploy of his.”
Silver Wing glared at Jasper, “Is this true?”
Jasper merely smiled as she blinked her eyes for a moment, “Unfortunately yes.”
Tikeel opened his mouth to speak, but instead he began to convulse and fell from his chair. Foaming at the mouth, he gurgled sickeningly.
Diamond back grasped his chest as his eyes bugged out of his head, foam soon coming out.
Silver Wing pulled her sword free from her back holster and went for the gold king, but fell beside his chair. Jasper glanced at Twilight and the girls and gave them two thumbs up with a toothy smile on his face.
Silver Wing looked at his eyes as Jasper kicked her sword across the way.
He stood up, “Sodium cyanide, among one of the deadliest poisons known to man. It’s funny that it could be made in a land like this. I’m surprised though, it seemed to have varying reactions to each one of them.”
Jasper leaned against the table, “Congratulations Twilight, you figured out my grand scheme,” he picked up the wine glass he had held and sipped it before chucking it against the wall, “Yes, before you ask. I planned this since I started that little alliance at the summit. I was planning to drag it out a little more, but all of your constant meddling forced a change of plans. None the less, I now have complete control of the deceased monarch’s respective kingdoms.”
A flash of red and he clutched the treaty which he read aloud, “Should the rulers of the named kingdoms meet with an unfortunate passing, control of the respective kingdom will be handed to the controlling party of this document until such time that he wishes to relinquish control to the heirs of either kingdom.”
The treaty vanished, “Well, I guess that means. I have majority control; being married to Queen Chrysalis has even granted me a bigger boon.”
Twilight narrowed her eyes, “All of your actions were leading to this, and everything you were doing was getting you to this point.”
Jasper clapped his hands, “Congratulations, the last horse finally crosses the finish line. Everything is going according to plan, except for a few minor details,” he turned his back to them, “there were six, but now it’s seven,” he whipped around as his crystal sword extended from his gauntlet, leveled at Twilights nose.
Jasper glared into the seven mares eyes as they all circled each other, “For quite a while I’ve been debating what to do with you. The fact that you’ve lived for this long has been nothing but a charity. Granted I want the lesson to be learned first,” a crazed look entered his eyes, “consider the lesson the main event, this train is taking us there and can be considered an intermission. Like every play, things can happen during the intermission, accidents.”
Jasper stepped forward and slashed downwards, the blade cutting through the floor and carpeting. The mares scattered, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy ducking behind an overturned table. Applejack lassoed Jasper’s sword arm and pulled, the human losing his grip on the sword and grasping the rope with his free hand. He then kicked a chair at AJ who had to duck to avoid it; Jasper then yanked with all his might and brought his left arm. A sturdy piece of wood broke across his back as he was pulled down. Rarity smiled in triumph as she hurled the piece of the broken table to the side. Jasper was brought to his knees as he felt a blade at his throat, he turned his head and saw Sunset Shimmer levitating Silver Wings sword.
“Move and your toast.”
Jasper smirked, “Good idea.”
The far back door opened revealing Ignatius who blew a jet of ruby fire that was twice the size of his body at Applejack, then at Sunset. When AJ moved, Jasper hurled himself backwards onto his back. The train car was burning as Jasper blasted the room with a wave of energy that dispelled the flames as well as hurl the ponies backwards. Jasper rushed past them and yanked his sword free on his passing. He reached the back next cart and stopped at the clamp, with a look of spite; he slashed the connector and watched the mares roll away. He waved goodbye to them as Twilight’s section of the train sped away. Jasper’s eventually slowed to a stop, he sat in a passenger car and it soon went in the opposite direction, guided by his magic.
*
Twilight cursed silently as she lost sight of Jasper’s section of the train, “We were too late.”
Sunset looked around at the train car, “I’ll head back to Ponyville, he might try to make a move against the Princesses. Good luck Sparkle.”
Sunset vanished in a burst of teal light.
Rainbow Dash looked out of the train and watched it steadily roll along, “Where do you think it’s taking us?”
Twilight shook her head, “We’re going to find out soon enough.”
After two hours passed, the train rolled to a stop nowhere near a station. Twilight exited and approached the conductor.
“Where are we, why did we stop?”
The conductor sighed, “Orders from the king.”
The train then trudged away as the six mares looked down and blinked. Below them surrounded by a small lake was the small trading town of Lillyhoof. Where the mares stood was on a cliff overlooking it. What caught their attention most of all was the fact that Jasper was staring up at them from below with a smile. The mares flew down and teleported respectively. Jasper pointed to the town and gave a warm smile.
“You know, a character from a movie that I saw once said something quite deep to a hero,” he glanced at the mares, “This is why only fools are heroes, because you never know when some lunatic will come along with a sadistic choice.”
Rainbow Dash stepped forward, “What choice?”
Jasper stepped before them, “Exactly Rainbow Dash, NOW! THE LESSON CAN BEGIN!”
Author's Notes:
That's right dear readers, the lesson will be learned next chapter. But how did Jas get there so fast? Enjoy this and the chapters to come!
Chapter 18: The Sadistic Choice
In Ponyville, Sunset Shimmer appeared in the library and glanced at the faces of the worried Princesses. She looked out the window and sighed, that human was indeed…different. Her eyes suddenly widened as a bright flash appeared in the town square, a large magical screen depicting Lillyhoof, the girls, and Jasper who merely smiled. All across Equestria, the same screens appeared in the capital cities as well as the surrounding villages. Big or small, everypony now had their eyes on the screens in both curiosity and slight fear.
Jasper cleared his throat, “Citizens of Equestria, heed my words. All that you are about to see is not false, fabricated, or an illusion. It is most real, now sit and enjoy the show.”
*
Jasper turned from the small hole levitating before him, acting as a projector and walked to the front of the mares. He gazed out across the expanse of water toward the Lillyhoof and nodded. His gaze still locked onto the distance.
“You know something, I’ve been thinking,” the mares looked at the human as he continued to speak in a distant voice, “Was all of this worth it? I mean, in some instances, I could have won the affections of my subjects with showmanship and gifts. But then I realized something.”
He looked over his shoulder at them with eyes shrouded in darkness, “Why should I? One doesn’t fully respect another out of kindness,” he glanced at his fist, “Only through fear and displays of power can one achieve supreme conquest, and it is this path that will deliver Equestria to me.”
“Supreme conquest,” Twilight spoke the words as if they were foreign, “Jasper, you have to see just by what is occurring now that what you have suggested isn’t enough. The species of Equestria only see you as a monster-“
Jasper rolled his neck, “Getting real tired of that word.”
Rainbow Dash snorted, “Well get used to it, because all of Equestria is saying it.”
Jasper rolled his eyes, “Oh. Is that all?”
Pinkie Pie shook her head, “Maybe if you weren’t so mean all the time ponies would stop.”
Jasper shook his head, “They’ll all be singing a different tune soon enough.”
Jasper gestured to the town, “Now as I said before, I am here today to give you the sadistic choice. Your lesson,” he started walking, “Lillyhoof, population, three-hundred ponies’ strong including tourists and visitors. This however is not the choice,” he gestured to town, “I have placed inferno runes at key vocal points around the town. Courtesy of my wife and her swarm who swung by the previous night. With a mere thought, I will level this entire town and all who reside within. They, unlike the rest of Equestria, cannot see or hear this broadcast.”
The mares all gasped in horror, “Now here’s the choice, either you give your lives in exchange for the lives of Lillyhoof. Or they are destroyed in a flash of fire, wood, and stone. But now here is your other option,” he smiled like a predator, “you take up arms, and kill me, here and now.”
*
Celestia shook her head, “No Twilight, don’t.”
“Why shouldn’t she,” Celestia glanced at an angered Sunset, “he’s an animal, he deserves nothing less.”
Luna stared at Sunset with an even look, “No, if she were to do that. True, Equestria would be saved,” Luna became steeled, “But would Twilight or Equestria for that matter ever look upon her as the same again?”
Celestia was filled with rising sorrow, “She would have stooped to Jasper’s level. In her eyes, she would be just as bad as he is.”
*
Twilight was in utter shock, “No…don’t do this.”
“I’m done playing,” Jasper glared at the mares, “the time for hesitation has past.”
Twilight fidgeted slightly, “There has to be another way,” she stared at Jasper in sadness, “Please.”
Jasper advanced on her, “This is the harsh reality Twilight, and sometimes there is no other way. It’s either black or white, there is no grey area.”
“There is always a grey area, there is always another way,” Twilight stepped forward, “the world isn’t as black and white as you think.”
Jasper laughed, “Tell me then, how is it you know this?”
Twilight flattened her ears, “It’s…”
Jasper got down to her level, “What? It’s always been like this? Well sorry to burst your bubble, but where I’m from, it’s never been as such. There are no happy endings. There is no peace, happiness, magic of friendship, there is nothing but the harsh life you’re born into and eventually leave.”
Twilight looked at Jasper with pity, “What happened to you? Why are you like this?”
Jasper snorted as he stood, “Why is none of your concern. The concern is that how long you intend to stall. The Princesses won’t come here, they to now fear me. What will it be?”
Twilight glanced at the hole that was projecting themselves and everything around them. She then glanced to her friends who all wore sad smiles, they all nodded in unison. Twilight lowered her head.
“Alright.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow, “Hm?”
Twilight glared defiantly at Jasper, “We willingly give ourselves to you as sacrifices for the ponies of Lillyhoof. But know this Jasper, even though we will die here on this day, six more ponies will be chosen by the elements. Your dynasty, even your descendants, will eventually know defeat. For as long as the ponies of Equestria live and breathe, there will be hope. We ponies are strong, dedicated, and will not be pushed over so easily!”
All over Equestria, ponies felt a swell of pride toward the princess. Applause erupted across the land as Jasper slowly nodded.
“Celestia chose a worthy student,” he then looked at the town, “unfortunately your choice, though honorable and of a light heart, was the wrong move.”
He raised his hand as the gem blazed bright like an inferno, Lillyhoof trembled for a moment. Then the entire town went up in a mass of flames and smoke. No screams were heard, but Twilight and her friends stared on in complete horror and despair. Tears flowed freely from their eyes as Jasper stared on in indifference. He then turned to the projector.
“Remember this day well ponies. If ANY ever dare to cross me again, you shall receive no mercy from me. So be compliant, content, and GRATEFUL that I still allow you to live and breathe.”
Twilight gazed up at Jasper he stared into her tear filled eyes, no pony or human spoke a word. He walked past them, intent on returning to Canterlot.
He paused for a brief second, “Two days,” he glanced over his shoulder, “in two days’ time, you will report for an audience at the castle.”
He vanished in a flash.
Applejack looked to Twilight, “Twilight?”
The alicorn didn’t respond, her spirit, having finally been broken.
Chapter 19: True Colors
Silence was king and its queen was despair when the ponies arrived back at their homes in Ponyville. Even Pinkie Pie, who could find laughter in the bleakest of situations, was deflated and tearful. Twilight suffered the most, the usual magic and optimism was gone. In its place was a silent void, nothing seemed to reach her. When the door to the library opened she trudged in silently without meeting the princesses or Sunset’s eyes. She merely hobbled upstairs and collapsed on her bed in defeat.
Sunset looked at her old rival with genuine concern, “Nopony should’ve endured what she did. Hm,” she shook her head, “What are we supposed to do now.”
Celestia gazed at Canterlot, “For once…I am unsure.”
*
Jasper was practically prancing through the halls as he shook random guards laughing like a merry child on Christmas. Everything had gone according to plan for once, no interference, no setbacks. He had finally triumphed over the Elements of Harmony, he had broken them!
“Man, it’s good to be the king,” he opened the throne room doors to reveal Chrysalis sitting on a brand new throne that she made beside the original, “Ah, and my darling wife.”
“Hello husband,” she smiled showing her fangs, “I assume that the plan went off without a hitch?”
Jasper ran up and grasped her front hooves and started to waltz with the surprised Queen, “It went swimmingly! I’m so happy right now, nothing could spoil this mood!”
Chrysalis smiled warmly as she transformed to her human form to better support herself in the dance, her black and emerald dress spinning about her, “It’s always good to see ones significant other happy.”
Jasper tilted her back as she giggled sweetly, “Have I ever said that when you giggle, it’s the most adorable thing ever?”
Chrysalis smiled with lidded eyes, “Keep talking like that and I might have to respond with...,” she licked her lips, “my own compliments.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow, “Someone’s frisky.”
Chrysalis traced a line under his chin, “Well…I do feed off love, lust in motion is like the finest and most addicting kind a changeling can have.”
“Well then it would be rude of me to deprive you,” he gave her a quick peck on the lips, “wouldn’t it?”
Chrysalis purred lightly as she placed her hand on his cheek, “Bedroom, now.”
Jasper picked his wife up and made for the door only to stop when Ignatius opened it, “Uh….”
Jasper and Chrysalis rolled their eyes and spoke as one, “Yes?”
Ignatius raised a scroll, “The plans you requested have been finished.”
Jasper widened his eyes and a bigger smile appeared on his face, “PERFECT!”
He snatched the scroll and gazed at an unamused Chrysalis, “I’ll just be a minute.”
“Alright,” she smiled sexily and kissed him on the lips, “I’ll put on that outfit I used during our wedding night.”
Jasper glanced at the plans as she sauntered off with a sway of her hips.
Ignatius whistled slightly which Jasper noticed, “Dude, she’s my wife.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t eye ball her.”
Jasper chuckled, “You’re too young to think about girls like that,” he blinked, “plus, don’t you like females of your own species and not ponies?”
Ignatius smirked, “That’s the best part. Changelings only resemble ponies, so the cross species taboo thing isn’t a factor.”
Jasper nodded slightly, “That explains how she pulled off a human shape just by seeing me,” he blinked, “wait a minute, doesn’t that mean that-“
“Changelings are universally compatible with every species?” Iggy smiled, “Yes, yes it does. Jeez here I thought you were educated.”
Jasper gazed evenly at the dragon, “Smartass,” he then tilted his head, “you don’t think that…she might one day…or might be…”
Ignatius shrugged, “Who knows. If she is, it would be the first hybrid between a hooman and an Equestrian. Heck, there’s no telling what it might even look or sound like.”
Jasper nodded, “I won’t be long,” he smiled slightly as his back turned to face the hallway, “not nice to keep a lady waiting.”
*
After looking over the plans and partaking in what some of the guards call, ‘the wild rumpus’, Jasper kept to himself for the remaining days leading to the audience with Twilight and her friends. The day finally arrived and at Jasper’s request, Chrysalis was to go off and do her own matters for a while. Jasper waited patiently on his throne as the doors opened before him, the girls in question were escorted into the throne room as Jasper sat in silence.
“So, here we are again,” he gestured to the girls then to himself, “You there, and me here.”
Applejack glared daggers at him, “Just tell us want you want you no good snake in the grass.”
Jasper nodded as he took note of Twilight, “She is mourning. Understandable.”
“She hasn’t stopped since that,” Rarity looked away, “despicable act.”
Jasper placed his left fist onto his chin, “I see,” he stood as he approached the group who moved to intercept, “Calm yourselves, I only want to ask her something.”
Twilight gazed up at him with empty eyes as he knelt to her level and placed his gauntlet upon her head, “I am a merciful king, though I might be cruel. Here, as a show of good faith,” he waved his hand as the mirror shimmered, “you may go to your brother, retrieve him if you wish.”
Twilight glanced at him uneasily then spoke in a monotone voice, “Only if you escort me…”
Jasper raised an eyebrow but looked to the side, “Very well.”
With Twilight at his side, the king stepped onto the breach.
*
Twilight emerged and looked around frantically as the Canterlot High Five approached her, “Where’s my brother, where is Shining Armor?”
Shining emerged dressed in a white sport coat and matching pants. His cutie mark was on the back of the coat, “TWILEY!”
Both brother and sister embraced as Jasper looked on in indifference, “So, now you see the gifts I can give.”
Shining glared at Jasper as Twilight was moved behind him, “You sent me here,” he pointed at him, “what these students told me of when you first came here; it only shows that you are nothing but a coward hiding behind a metal glove.”
Jasper’s storm bluish green eyes flared dangerously, “Choose your next words wisely Armor, because they might be your last,” he gestured to Twilight, “ask your sister. I’m not above killing you cretins anymore.”
Shining’s eyes widened in horror, “You…”
Jasper sneered as he leaned against the portal, “You know, your wife is doing quite well under my banner. I can let you return to her if you wish,” he checked his nails, “there’s just one small matter that I want you and Twilight to do.”
Twilight narrowed her eyes slightly as Jasper stood.
“Bow before me, proclaim me as your king and lord,” he gestured to the portal, “and I can let you return to your home again Shining. See your family, your wife, everypony you care about.”
Shining Armor looked at Twilight then at the smug human, “As long as I live and breathe, I will never bow to you.”
Twilight widened her eyes, “Shining…”
Shining Armor set his shoulders, “I am loyal to the banner I served under and who ruled under it. You have no right or claim to have that privilege, so kindly go rot in the deepest pits of Tartarus, kid.”
“You act as though you could take me on in a fight Armor,” Jasper summoned his sword and leveled it to Shining’s heart, “I’ll dissect you on this sidewalk before you even tense a muscle.”
Shining stared at Jasper as Twilight stepped out from behind her brother, “Jasper,” she looked at Shining, “I wish to return to Equestria now.”
Jasper smiled at her sign of knowing her place and lowered his sword….only for Twilight to close the distance and disarm him swiftly. Jasper fell on the ground when the girl planted her boot on his stomach to pull the blade from his grasp. She leveled the sword at Jasper with hate burning in her eyes, hate and fury.
“There it is,” Jasper smiled like a shark, “that’s what I was waiting for. Finally you let it out Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight growled at his lack of fear and stepped forward pressing the tip of the sword into his skin, “For two days I’ve been thinking of why I thought you could be redeemed. Two days I never slept because of the screams I heard,” her irises began to darken, “you, who have caused nothing but pain. Now I’ve realized that now, you’re a lost cause, a mistake.”
Her irises then became onyx in color as her pupils became slits, “A mistake I plan to fix,” her purple skin started to darken as well as she raised the sword, “RIGHT. NOW.”
Jasper started to chuckle, “Well it seems you’re not as virtuous as you think.”
Twilight hesitated for an instant but steadied herself, “Silence!” Her voice was now more…demanding and cold?
Jasper narrowed his eyes as the blade froze in mid-air, “Even when I’m at your mercy, you still hesitate. You’re all talk and no fight,” the blade vanished from her grasp. Jasper then stood as Twilight rushed him. He sidestepped her as she tumbled through, him following soon after. After ending up in the throne room once more, Jasper raised his eyebrow at Twilight who was panting heavily. Her coat was transitioning back from a much darker shade of purple to its original color.
“So, it seems being a princess has its own disadvantages,” he walked past her as the mirror’s glass turned to stone, “I’ll make this simple, bow before me and no unfortunate drawbacks will befall you.”
The girls remained stoic as Twilight joined them.
“Fine then, this song and dance has bored me enough,” he stood and looked gazed at them with boredom, “Since you have undermined me and my kingdom enough. Effective immediately, you, your kin and any families you stay with are banished from Equestria. Any and all funds as well as business products are property of the crown effective immediately.”
Applejack yelled out in anger, “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!”
Jasper blasted her into a suit of armor as his voice rose with each word, “Never speak to me in that MANNER! I AM KING! YOU WILL OBEY OR FACE EXECUTION! AM I CLEAR!?!”
The ponies gazed in fear at this new Jasper before them, “Your brand is mine. All funds made by the brand are mine. You all now have nothing to your names but the saddlebags on your backs and the bits within them. You have a week to leave my borders, if I get reports of any of your ilk remaining here. I will take action.”
Twilight looked at him with finality, “Then consider this war Jasper. We will return, and it will be to win!”
“I relish the day then,” his voice then boomed throughout the halls, “Now if you would-“
Twilight stepped forward, “Not until I have my Element back!”
Jasper smirked as the crown appeared in his hand, “Oh, you mean this? Well you see I would be inclined to give it to you but there’s just one problem with it.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow, “What?”
Jasper then crushed the crown in his glove as the remains fell to the ground, “It’s broken.”
Twilight screamed in horror and rage as Jasper pointed to the door, “BEGONE, ALL OF YOU!”
And so on that day, the Elements of Harmony left Equestria. But the days that followed….well…you shall see.
Chapter 20: Heavy Metal
One Week after the Element’s Banishment
One week. One week had passed the ponies of Equestria by when their saviors, and friends, had been sent away. Ponyville seemed faded in color, no smiles adorned the faces of anypony, and all was somber. Discords golden statue hadn’t helped in lifting anypony’s spirits at all. Many stared at the empty residences that the ponies they had all grown to love once lived, empty and bordered up. Only ghosts lingered within, the buildings akin to the tombs that they so aptly haunted. During this week however, many ponies who have thought of joining the rebellion, did just that. They were not the only ones, many others who have either been wronged by Jasper one way or another joined the rebellion or made their own cells to attack him. The griffin Princess supposedly did attack him, after planning for many, many days and nights. But many dismissed it as rumors.
However one thing did reach the ears of the public, Chrysalis was with foal. Nopony dare make a move against the queen lest they incur the wrath of her swarm or worse, her husband. The days had not been kind to the human though, his paranoia escalated and his temper threshold was much thinner. Many guards as well as the servants of the castle feared his wrath more than any enemy that could ever surface. Currently though, the human king was in negotiations with two ponies, twins to be precise.
“So, will you be able to build them? Money and supplies will not be a factor I assure you.”
Flim tapped his chin as Flam glanced over the plans once more, “Of course your highness, my brother and I are quite honored that you came to us first, isn’t that correct my dear brother?”
Flam nodded, “Indeed.”
Jasper shook his head, “Do you have an estimate of when they might be ready?”
Flam checked his hoof for dirt, “The first two hundred can be ready in four days.”
Jasper smirked, “Excellent, I’ll expect a full battalion within a fortnight.”
Flim smiled sneakily to his brother, “Well we could get a battalion done for you post haste, but we will need more money for an assemb-“
“Name your price,” he crossed his arms, “But you had best deliver, for your sakes.”
The Flim Flam brothers began to sweat under his gaze.
When Jasper left the two twins, Ignatius found him. He was carrying a scroll which he took without a word.
“What’s this?”
Ignatius cleared his throat, “It concerns the recent guerrilla style attacks on the supply lines and trade routes. Captain Sentry has narrowed it down to where they are most likely operating from.”
Jasper narrowed his eyes when he read the scroll, he ripped it to shreds in anger as he walked to the door, “Ready my carriage, bring the guards.”
*
Soon the guards were mobilized, and in a mere few hours, positioned outside a two floor forest cottage home to one Willowsong & Oak Heart. They were medicine ponies, and mother and father to one Fluttershy. Jasper was busy searching the interior of the home as the two frightened pegasai watched on. Jasper went into the cellar and produced a map of Equestria with marks on them.
“What is this?” his temper flared, “conspiring against me with those cretins?!”
Willowsong bowed in apology looking more like her daughter, “Please, we take in anypony from the cold and give them room and board, we were unaware of our daughter’s allegiance,” she grasped his boot, “have mercy my lord.”
Jasper gazed down at her with an even face, “Very well, but until such time your innocence is proven you shall both be under house arrest.”
Jasper left the home and shut the door behind him. He then grabbed a stick from a nearby wood pile and passed it to a confused Flash Sentry. Jasper then melted the knob and mechanism within as he then lit the log on fire.
He turned to Flash, “Burn it.”
Flash looked at the makeshift torch, “What?!”
“They are traitors to the kingdom and must be made examples of,” he pointed to the home, “burn it until its smolders.”
Flash looked at his king in disgust, “I was trained to protect ponies and Equestria, not kill them indiscriminately.”
Jasper looked at him with even rage, “But you were trained to follow ORDERS.”
Flash looked at Jasper then the home, with a look of defiance; he threw the log into a rain barrel. Jasper snorted at the display and raised the gauntlet; a stream of fire erupted through the windows and exploded throughout the top floor. Flash pushed past the mad king and pushed through the door. Discovering Willowsong and her husband, he quickly helped them out of the burning building. Flash smiled…only to be met with a hard kick to the muzzled. Blood flew wide as he dropped coughing to the ground, the red substance oozing from his nose. Jasper loomed over him with a glare of cold fury.
“If I ever see insubordination like that again,” his glare intensified, “I will have you hanged in the courtyard, you spineless coward.”
Jasper and the guards departed. Soon they all arrived back at the castle, Jasper retreating to the throne room. Flash and the guards went back to the barracks, the guards later congratulating him on his courage.
*
Two days past by before Flash appeared before the King…but he was out of uniform. Flash stood before the king as Ignatius looked on in interest.
“Jasper, the guards and I have been talking and we’ve got something to say to you.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow, “Really now?”
Flash opened his mouth to speak but Jasper cut him off, “You all quit. Is that it?”
Flash became shocked as Jasper leaned back with a smirk, “You know, for quite some time now I’ve been aware of a very interesting factor. The day the statues and Sunset escaped me, I took notice the guards were not where they were supposed to be. So, doing some extensive research I found that you and your troops literally let her not only escape with my prize, but a Babel Crystal.”
Flash backed up but then he smacked into something hard behind him which exhaled akin to a steam kettle. He turned and backed up in fear. A pony stood behind him, only difference was that the pony was made entirely of bronze metal with gold intricate lines adorning its surface. Its eyes were empty, excepted for a pair of burning red orbs of light. The wings of the pony spread with the sound of an unsheathing blades, each feather like a miniature sword.
“Like it? These are your replacements, I call them the Brazen Ponies,” he walked to it as the Brazen Pegasus followed it’s masters stride, “it thinks and is self-sufficient like anypony in this land, only difference is that its loyalty to me is undying. Best part, they don’t talk back.”
Flash gazed in horror, “They’re…monsters…”
“Fitting don’t you think?” he spoke the words with spite, “After all that’s what you all call me behind my back. Brazen #65,” the machine glanced at its master, “escort Flash Sentry and the Ex-Royal guard from the castle grounds, and inform your brothers and sisters.”
#65 nodded slowly and pushed Flash along his way as Jasper sat down with a smile.
*
The days that followed were recorded to date the bloodiest. Jasper’s new royal guard systematically hunted down any rebels that were found by the swarm’s intelligence network and cut them down. Streets, floors, and even roads ran red as the ponies of Equestria were not organized enough or skilled enough to fight against this new foe that seemed to come from nowhere. Equestria was then put under martial law, every town and city was watched by the automatons that neither slept nor ate. A curfew was in effect everywhere and any signs of rebellion were treated with hostile counter measures; Equestria was no longer a light happy place. It was now under a dark sky that was ruled by an even darker tyrant of a king.
Somewhere outside of Equestria.
Sunset glanced at her sleeping partners and the princesses as she gazed at the gold knife she was sharpening. Her eyes narrowed as a ruined Brazen Pony chassis laid upon a table in front of her.
“Twilight might not be able to do it,” she gazed out the window, “but as the old saying goes. To kill a monster, send a monster.”
Author's Notes:
MERRY LATE CHRISTMAS, TWO CHAPTERS FOR YA!
Sorry if this seemed rushed or anything, but now shit heats up. The curtain call approaches....
Chapter 21: Gold Knife in the Dark
Night had taken the land immediately; all was quiet except for the drumming of metal on stone and dirt. The Brazen Ponies gazed around sharply and continued along their way without pause. However, a shape slinked past their patrols with ease. One might mistake the mare in the cloak for a phantom, or the grim reaper, except he doesn't work on holidays. The shape teleported and dashed from shadow to shadow avoiding the red glares of the machines with practiced efficiency. The mare had only done such techniques like this once before in the Crystal Empire, they wouldn't catch her. Soon she was clear of the small town she and her cohorts had stayed in and boarded the train which left toward Canterlot. While this occurred however, Twilight Sparkle had awoken for a drink of water and noticed two things. One was that her sharpening stone for her kitchen knives had been used, and the fact that there was a note on the table.
The note was short but ominous, Dear Twilight, Jasper has been on the throne long enough. The fact that none of you are willing to go the extra yard is just stupid, granted, you shouldn’t cross that line. But since I almost did once, who better than me to do it? Do NOT try to stop me. Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight widened her eyes in horror and whispered, “Sunset, what have you done.”
*
The halls of Canterlot castle were as silent as a tomb when Sunset teleported into the throne room. She quickly glanced around to make sure Jasper wasn’t lurking in the shadows ready to pounce, she found nothing. She sighed and started to silently skulk through the halls she had once called home, the castle she adored more than anything now gave her chills. She always had the sense something was lurking near her, watching her every step as she advanced, waiting. She shook her head as her pace quickened; she glided silently passed several changeling guards and Brazen Ponies before she found her prize. The royal bed chamber doors loomed above her, her magic engulfed the steel handle of her gold dagger as she brought it from its sheathe. She silently pushed the doors open with her magic as she entered. She froze when she heard snoring on the ground, Sunset’s glance found Ignatius sound asleep on a small bed with his tail sticking out. She glowered at the appendage and approached the bed; a lump was under the covers as her eyes glinted. She raised the knife above her head and plunged it deep into the lump repeatedly.
“You’re buying me a new comforter you know.”
Sunset whirled around as Jasper slowly walked out from behind the door, “Well, well, well,” he smiled with dark glee, “the prodigal daughter returns.”
Sunset brought the slashed at the human with the knife. Jasper raised his hand to blast it away, but the blade cut through the magic pulse and sparks flew up. Jasper backed away in sudden surprise as Sunset smirked, twirling the knife in a flourish.
“You’re not the only one who knows about gold,” her magic flashed along the blade and it extended to sword length, “I even know a few tricks to manipulate it in its solid state, but your armor’s got some heavy duty stuff in it. I hate to say it, but good form.”
Jasper summoned his own blade as he and the mare backed into the hallway, “You know I sort of respected you for how you planned everything out when you went through the mirror. THAT, was quite a feat,” Jasper took quick swings which Sunset countered one at a time as they soon found themselves in the throne room.
Jasper and the mare exchanged fierce blows as red and gold sparks flew into the dark air of the castle. Sunset grit her teeth as she pushed forward which pushed Jasper back toward the mirror, she smiled as she shot a bolt of energy at the glass surface. Jasper glanced back in shock only for the mare to tackle him through the magic looking glass. Jasper fell on his back hard and his vision swam slightly, but he regained his senses when Sunset barreled through the portal like a hunter. She brought her sword down toward his head, only for his weapon to block it quickly.
“How did you unfreeze the portal?!” Jasper pushed her back as best he could, “It’s not possible!”
Sunset smirked, “Maybe you shouldn't have left your cheat sheets lying around.”
Jasper growled in anger as he kneed her in the stomach. Sunset gasped in pain as she was shoved off, the red crystal blade of his sword soon burying itself where her neck was. Sunset barely managed to avoid the attack, a small knick having opened on her neck. She clutched her neck on instinct and glanced at the blood that was on her palm.
“Hurts eh?” He twirled his blade in the air, “there’s more to come. But why bother fighting me? There’s no trick that you or Twilight know that I can’t trump.”
Sunset sighed as she shoved the blade into the dirt, “There’s one trick I can do still that you don’t know about,” she opened her palm revealing the Element of Magic’s gem, “I am one good pickpocket.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow as Sunset held the gem up, “You think you’re a monster?” She smiled almost evilly, “you don’t know anything about monsters.”
The gem began to glow with her teal magic, but shutting her eyes in concentration the magic aura turned to that of dark magic akin to Sombra, “Find the feeling I felt on that day,” Sunset’s eyes opened as they started to glow white, “and embrace it!”
There was a massive discharge of corrupted magic which rocketed to the sky as the student body recognized it. They all backed up as the aura faded, revealing a familiar demonic creature.
Sunset narrowed her eyes at the human, “Now,” the sword levitated to her hand as the gem levitated into her pocket, “Let’s see who’s the bigger monster.”
Jasper started to laugh hysterically as he glanced at the demon girl, “Finally a challenge,” his cape was engulfed in energy as they took on a membrane like appearance and he took flight, “have at you then!”
Both villains then clashed in the sky as a boom akin to thunder rang out across the school. Both blades clashed in fast flurries of skill and power, each point of contact sent small magical shock waves ringing across the sky. Demon Sunset brought her left claw back and blasted Jasper point blank through the roof of the gym. Demon Sunset laughed as she touched down, but she fell silent when she noticed the debris but no body.
“Where are you?” Her demonic eyes searched the area and found nothing, “Hiding won’t help you.”
“Who’s hiding?”
Jasper appeared out of thin air and brought his right fist into her diaphragm. Sunset gagged as black blood flew from her mouth and onto Jasper’s armor. Jasper gripped her throat with his left hand, the blades dangerously close to Sunset’s face as he hurled her into the adjacent wall. Jasper turned at the sound of her weapon clattering to the ground, which he sliced in half before advancing.
“Is that all the great Sunset Shimmer can do? How disappointing and yet,” he taunted her with a smile, “expected.”
Demon Sunset growled as she brought her hands back, fire magic roaring to life above her head.
“BURN IN HELL!” She let loose a massive geyser of her magic at the human.
Jasper dismissed his sword as he raised his right hand, a blast of raw red energy equal in size smashing into the inferno. Both combatants narrowed their eyes in cold fury as the various energies burned and destroyed the surrounding area. Sunset smiled victoriously as her magic started gaining some leverage and distance. She cackled as the magic started to reach the now straining human.
“It seems King Jasper is about to be dethroned!” She mockingly pointed out.
Jasper’s worried look vanished as his expression was replaced with one of malicious intent, “Not really, I was holding back. I wanted to see if you were worth the effort,” the gem released a surge of light from itself which in turn added to the current blast, “now perish.”
The blast then rebounded on the demoness and she was hurtled to the ground. Her demonic shape having evaporated, she glanced around in fear as the gem was taken from her. Jasper slowly advanced on her like a lion ready to devour a zebra. Sunset scrambled to her feet and ran through the halls, stopping briefly at a supply closet and quickly grabbing something before rushing around the corner. Jasper ran after her, his cape billowing behind him. But when he reached the hall that she turned down, a huge hammer head rounded the corner and smashed into his chest plate knocking him down hard.
Sunset stood over him with her sledgehammer and proclaimed, “I’m ending this now!”
Jasper growled in rage as he raised his hand quickly, “Finally something we agree on!”
The blast knocked Sunset off her feet and through the air. She crashed through the glass of the doors and rolled down the concrete stairs hard. She was coughing and moaning in pain as she tried to stand, but a firm boot planted itself on her spine causing her to cry out in pain.
Jasper glared at everyone else and yelled, “ANYONE ELSE!? Care to test yourselves against me?!”
Jasper glanced down once again at the human Sunset Shimmer with mild amusement, “Attempting to flee after an assassination attempt on your beloved ruler?” He chuckled, “This isn’t going to look good at your trial.”
Sunset glared daggers at him, “You’re no ruler of mine human!”
Jasper raised an eyebrow as the two blades on his left hand glinted, “Oh really? Then who is?”
Sunset stood up but never broke eye contact, “Princess Celestia and Luna, they’re better rulers than you’ll ever be.”
“I could kill you in an instant for those words,” His glare became dark and foreboding causing some spectators to back up.
Sunset did not yield under the glare, “I dare you.”
Jasper smirked at her before turning to the portal, “I’m not going continue this petty combat with a traitorous witch of a pony.”
Sunset growled in anger and leapt for his gauntleted arm. Time slowed to a crawl as the gem flashed, Sunset did not notice the fact that Jasper was moving faster than her. He whipped around and brought his left hand up; the screams that followed pierced the afternoon air like sirens. His blades came down in a sharp arc and slashed Sunset Shimmer vertically downwards on her right eye. Time snapped back to normal as she thrashed on the ground clutching her injury. Jasper stared coldly at the screaming girl and raised his right hand. A red glow enveloped the fiery haired girls head as he turned back to the portal.
“Consider me repairing your eye a gift,” he then pointed at her, “it will function normally and will not be wounded. HOWEVER, the scar’s you shall receive shall serve as a mark of not only your defeat, but as your curse. For whenever you look upon your face and see those wounds may you remember all of the dark and traitorous acts that you have ever committed in your life.”
Jasper turned to enter the portal, “And if you think of coming back to Equestria again I won’t scar you,” he raised his bloody blades, “I’ll rip you to pieces and feed what’s left to the Everfree Forest.”
Jasper reappeared in the throne room of Canterlot and regarded the mirror with distaste. He turned his attention to a pair of Brazen Ponies.
“5 and 6, take this relic back to the Crystal Empire,” he looked at it once more, “it disgusts me.”
The Brazen Ponies nodded and left with the mirror as Jasper went back to his bed chambers. He glanced down at Ignatius and placed an envelope beside him before he left the dark room.
*
Morning arrived and Ignatius was still gazing at the letter that had been left to him.
Ignatius felt tears stain his eyes as he read it for the tenth time, Iggy, when you read this I’ve most likely already departed to Chrysalis’s kingdom to inform her of the same thing, it is no longer safe for either of you. I realized after much time that my mind is fleeting with each day, granted this was unexpected, but not entirely without foresight on my part. I’m unsure if the threat will come from the rebellion or myself, but know this, you are like a brother to me and I want you to be safe. Go to the changelings after you read this; watch over Chrysalis and my heir when it’s born, be its friend. I’ll find you three…..one day. Jasper.
Ignatius sucked in a breath and cleared his eyes, “Alright.”
The dragon soon departed and steeled a glance back at the city as a flash of red appeared from within, “Goodbye Jasper, live long and prosper.”
The black baby dragon then vanished from the sight of those who would seek him.
Chapter 22: Back on Earth
(Present Day- Earth)
Tony sat in his room staring at the ceiling in silence; many weeks had passed since Jasper’s disappearance. No one knew how it had happened or where he had gone, it’s like he just…poofed. His cellphone, which Tony had tried to call many times after his departure, was on Jasper’s bedside table untouched when he dropped by to see if he was alright. Tony feared the worst and called the authorities in an effort to search for his childhood friend, they did as much as they could but recently informed him that as of now they was no guarantee he was alive or in the same city anymore. Tony was still saddened that he had not tried harder and blamed himself for the days that followed to and after the mall meeting. He hadn’t seen Sid either, though he was extremely pissed and the burns he sustained would probably stick with him for a while. Sid refused to speak to him or the others due to the gong show that was the mall. Sid, like Jasper, fell away from the group. This didn’t help Tony’s mood at all, he glanced at a photo of Jasper and him screwing around at an archery camp. Jasper was mock strangling him with the bow whereas Tony was mock stabbing with the arrow.
“Dude, where are you?”
His cellphone went off which he answered quickly, “Hello?”
“Hey Tone,” Freda’s voice calmed his nerves slightly, “You alright? Tanner told me the news that the five-oh gave you, I’m sure he’s alright.”
Tony sighed sadly, “We should have tried harder. I should have tried harder.”
Freda huffed, “No, don’t think that! I admit it, we were horrible friends. You stuck by him and we all abandoned him. If Sid was here he would agree.”
“I doubt that,” Tony glanced out his window, “He wasn’t Jasper’s BIGGEST fan. If anything he would still blame him.”
Freda was visibly silent but then said warmly, “You want us to come over and hang out? You shouldn’t be alone in this man.”
Tony thought on it for a moment and nodded to himself and spoke a quiet, “Sure.”
*
When the twins arrived, they both hugged him in supportively and smiled. They all soon sat on Tony’s couch and gazed at the TV as it was flipped on; all of them watched The Matrix in silence. Tony as well as the twins had no idea what to say, granted they should talk, but no words arrived. Tony slowly spaced out and thought back to his and Jasper’s childhood, specifically when they had first met. Tony had been on the beach with his grandma and went off to play in a cove, that’s where he found Jasper. His hair was wild and unruly looking and he had constructed a small fort with rocks for a pair of hermit crabs. Jasper had glanced up at Tony and welcomed him with a smile, both boys soon were on the shore making a massive castle that had working canals due to current and angles working with them. Tony smiled at the memory and recalled how happy Jasper had been when he had first met him; he even remembered the same smiles on Jasper’s parent’s faces.
“Tony?”
The man glanced at them, “Yeah?”
Tanner smiled, “You alright?”
Tony nodded and stood up, “Yeah…gotta use the bathroom. Excuse me.”
As the man left, Freda and Tanner turned to glance at the TV which was starting to descend into static. Tony entered the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water; his face stared back at him. The face had worry evident in its eyes, small dark bags under his eyelids proved he had missed some sleep over Jasper’s disappearance. He punched the mirror in sad anger at being useless, why couldn’t he talk to him? A pair of twin screams followed by a low bang alerted Tony to something in the living room. Tony entered the living room ready to fight and froze, then fell to his knees. Princess Celestia glanced at him and smiled warmly.
“It’s alright, I mean neither of you any harm,” Celestia offered Tony her hoof, “please stand, we must speak.”
Tony took her hoof shakily, “Holy shit…you’re real.”
The twins were hugging each other with bug eyes, “She IS?!”
Celestia glanced at the twins and blew at them causing them to cringe slightly, “Indeed I am.”
Tony bowed in respect, “Your majesty, it’s so great to meet you.”
“Like wise Tony Eckhart,” she smiled at his surprise, “yes I know who you are,” he gaze fell on the twins, “Lyme sisters.”
The twins shivered, “Tony, why aren’t you scared!”
“Because she’s friendly,” he coughed slightly, “can I ask something Princess? Before we talk?”
Celestia was slightly puzzled but nodded.
“C-can I….hug you?”
Celestia gave a look that could melt the coldest heart, “Of course you can.”
Tony wrapped his arms slowly around her neck and smiled at the warmth she exuded. Celestia hugged him back with her wings. Tony then nodded at her being real and seated himself, Celestia on the other hand glanced at the twins and sighed.
“I am aware of your worry Tony. That’s why I have come before you now,” she chose her words carefully, “I…know where Jasper is.”
Tony smiled, “You do? That’s great! Where is he?”
Celestia bit her lip and looked away, “He’s…in Equestria. That’s why I’ve come here, we need your help. HE needs your help.”
Tony stood up quickly ready for action, “What’s happened?!”
Celestia didn’t dare meet his eyes, “I’ll explain when we arrive.”
Tony widened his eyes, “We’re going to…wow.”
“Make sure you ready yourself and watch your step,” her horn began to glow as she gave the twins another smile, “farewell,” she smiled slightly in a joking manner, “nopony will believe you.”
Both human and alicorn vanished in a flash of gold.
*
A flash of gold alerted the six ponies and Luna to Celestia’s return the group entered the room and gazed in amazement at the new arrival. Tony waved his hand in a nervous welcoming gesture.
Twilight gave her best smile, “Tony, it’s nice to finally meet you,” she sighed sadly, “we…have something’s to tell you about Jasper.”
“What is it? Is he alright?”
All the ponies became saddened as Tony’s face fell, “What?”
Author's Notes:
Well now we've seen what has happened in Jasper's absence. Are you all stoked?! :3
Chapter 23: Gathering The Force
Tony sat in disbelief, shaking his head, “No….you’re lying.”
Applejack shook her head, “We’re not,” she glanced at the banner of Jasper’s that they had taken, “He’s done….horrible things.”
Tony stood up and leaned against a support beam, “I won’t believe it! I know Jasper has his…problems, but he’s not evil.”
Rainbow Dash flew up to him annoyed at his denial, “He’s not just evil, he’s a monster and a murderer!”
Tony slammed his fist against the post shocking everypony, “Why did you bring me here then huh?! Just to tell me my friend has turned into a tyrant!”
Luna shook her head, “My sister and I believe you might be able to talk some sense into him. However, we will not be able to enter the palace easily.”
Tony turned to look at the night princess, “What do you mean?”
Luna glanced at the map of Equestria, “If we are going to get in, we must go en-masse. All of us must gather our allies and prepare for an assault on Canterlot,” Luna and the others gathered around, “While Jasper’s forces are distracted with our army, Twilight and her friends will sneak you into the castle to the throne room.”
Tony glanced at the princess, “You’re planning to lay siege to your own city?”
“Jasper has left us little choice,” Celestia was clearly determined, “we already have many allies among the other races and our other small pockets of the rebellion.”
Tony glanced about, “But in all honesty here, how many do you even think will stand with you? Who can we even get?”
Celestia smirked, “Leave that to us.”
*
Cadance nodded firmly with Shining Armor beside her, “My people are ready to mobilize at your command.”
Celestia nodded as the two embraced, “I’m happy that you managed to unfreeze the glass with the notes Twilight sent you.”
Shining was hugging his sister, “As am I.”
Twilight glanced at Shining, “Have you seen her since the attempt on Jasper’s life?”
Shining nodded, “She’s….fine. But she barely ever leaves the school library, she just sits in there….mumbling and writing notes.”
Twilight sighed, “I think the attack on her must’ve hit her much deeper than I thought.”
She turned to Tony, “Come with me,” she glanced at the girls, “I won’t be long.”
*
Both Twilight and Tony glanced around as cleanup crews disposed of the last of the debris. Tony shook his head as he glimpsed the destruction and the somewhat fearful faces of those who stared at him.
“Why are they looking at me like that Twi?”
The indigo girl sighed, “They think you might be in league with him, so they’re wary of you.”
The Rarity of that world stood outside the library with the other girls and took notice of Twilight, “TWILIGHT! Thank goodness you’re alright!”
Twilight glanced into the library via the door windows, “How long has she been in there for?”
Pinkie pulled out a watch, “Two days, forty minutes and now….eight seconds.”
Tony nodded, “Dang, I knew she was accurate, but damn.”
Applejack straightened her hat, “She’s refusing to talk to either of us, all she does is ignore everyone else and goes about her own business.”
Twilight set her shoulders and opened the doors as Tony followed her, “Sunset we need to talk.”
Sunset straightened up, “What’s there to talk about?”
Twilight narrowed her eyes, “The fact that you went off on your own to fight Jasper without us to back you up. It was reckless and foolish, you could have been killed!”
Sunset stood up and whirled around, running vertically down her eye were two white scars.
“Don’t you think I know that, THIS!” she pointed to her scars, “Is proof that he failed to kill me.”
Twilight shook her head, “There’s another thing, why does he let us live when he could kill us? It makes no sense.”
Tony sighed, “If what you’ve told me is true, it’s psychological warfare. The fact that you are the ones he leaves alive will weaken your resolve; break you down slowly, while others die. That way when he does kill you, it will leave a bigger impact.”
Both girls looked at him as Tony nodded, “It’s a common tactic with villains,” he spoke the word with great sadness.
Twilight then glanced at Sunset, “Princess Celestia and Luna are gathering our allies for one massive assault on Canterlot to take back Equestria. She wanted me to come and get you,” she placed a hand on her ex-rival’s shoulder, “Equestria needs the both of us and what we know. Please Sunset.”
Sunset chuckled, “I was waiting for you to come and get me you know, what took you so long?”
Twilight rolled her eyes with a half-smile, “We were preoccupied with planning.”
Tony approached Sunset Shimmer and raised his hand, “Tony Eckhart, it’s nice to actually meet you in person.”
Sunset took his hand and shook it, “Twilight, who’s this?”
“Jasper’s friend from Earth,” Sunset was surprised at this, “He’s with us.”
Sunset’s eyes glared into Tony’s, “You realize your friend has done a lot of horrible things right?”
Tony nodded slowly, “Yeah…so I’ve been told.”
Sunset powered through the door, “Well in my opinion it’s go time, give me something pointy and I’ll shove it through his wind pipe.”
Twilight quickly walked after her, “We are NOT going to kill him, we’re going to try and have Tony talk to him.”
Sunset rolled her eyes, “Yes because talking to him works so well.”
All three went through the portal. Upon arriving on the other side, the Rebellion went about gathering their forces. First they had to coerce the Minotaur’s into helping since they saw Jasper as a force to not be taking lightly. The negotiations went well…The Stare was a big boon. The Dragons, Griffins, and Zebra’s joined without question. The rebel’s however were scared beyond belief, but at seeing the number of reinforcements backing them already relented. However, among them was one overzealous Trixie.
“Why shouldn’t we track her down?! Trixie stands by the fact that if we have the Queen, we can bargain!”
Sunset shook her head, “That would just give him more reason to level us and everything else.”
Celestia stamped her hoof, “We are not taking hostages or bargaining with them. We will NOT stoop to his level.”
Tony gazed out at the horizon with a solemn expression. Twilight took a seat next to him and placed a hoof on his hand.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine,” she gazed into the distance, “The Jasper you know is still in there.”
Tony nodded, “Your right. But do you think we’ll make it in? Or even get out in one piece?”
Twilight nodded with a warm smile, “We’ve done it before.”
Author's Notes:
Before you say anything, i had this written done several days prior, trimmed a few things and added a few things. The next chapter...well....it's what you feared. The last.
Chapter 24: Paradise Falls
Anger, that’s what was felt from within the walls of Canterlot castle. Jasper blasted many of the stained glass windows and display cases as he trashed the castle. His hair was a mess, his eyes slightly bloodshot and he had bags under his eyes due to him skipping sleep or sleeping less. He glared around and stared at the cowering changeling scout. The scout had not only delivered news that Ignatius and Chrysalis were doing well, but he had also informed the monarch that the rebellion he had been working so hard to eradicate had become organized into an army. Worse yet was that they were matching on his city, HIS KINGDOM.
“You’re sure this is correct,” the king didn’t meet the changelings’ eyes, “if you are lying, so help me.”
The changeling shook his head, “It’s all true your highness.”
Jasper rubbed the bridge of his nose, “I see, alright then. Return to your queen. I have business to attend to.”
Jasper walked past the departing changeling and gazed down the stairs to the barracks. He inhaled and walked down the stairs and into the massive room. Most of the furnishings had been removed in favor of a more blank room, lining the floor however was merely a small amount of the total Brazen Ponies force.
Jasper cleared his throat as he spread his arms, “MY TROOPS! OUR ENEMIES ARE AMASSING AT OUR GATES AND WISH TO END THE EMPIRE I HAVE BUILT! WE SHALL MEET THEM, BUT YOU SHALL LEAVE NONE ALIVE!”
All of the Brazen Ponies clanked straight in unison, to many of the remaining servants, it sounded like a thunder clap of metal.
*
Near Canterlot’s borders, there was a massive army below. Composing the army were many races that wished for nothing but to see Jasper defeated. They were all outfitted in armor fitting of their standing and race, but they all flew one banner. The banner was now raised as a flag, not the banner that many celebrations in Equestria would see flying proudly, now it was a flag of war. Celestia called for a halt as she saw the sky darken with metal and the ground tremble with the approaching enemy army. Tony widened his eyes at the opposing forces.
“Jasper….did this?”
Rainbow nodded, “He’s been busy, trust me on that.”
Tony’s eyes widened further when he saw someone descending from the castle on a pair of fabric like wings. The shape touched down and Tony couldn’t believe his eyes as his childhood friend stepped forward into the light and angered expression.
“You have the gall, to show your faces to me,” he gestured to the army, “After everything I’ve done for you.”
Celestia narrowed her eyes and stepped forward only to freeze when Jasper’s sword tip pressed to her throat, “This ends today.”
Jasper nodded, “I couldn’t agree more, I’ve kept you all under boot long enough.”
Jasper flew to the sky and spread his wings. When he did, a massive series of red holes appeared behind him as blades, from numerous types of blade weapons that were made out of red crystal, emerged.
“I saw this on a show I once watched,” his eyes widened with bloodlust, “mongrels!”
The minute that was spoken, it began to rain. But water did not fall; it was a rain of weaponry that streaked across the heavens like a lethal tide. Celestia let loose a yell as the army charged against the opposition. The clash of metal on metal rang through the air as the blades continued to rain down, several ponies, minotaurs, and even dragons were impaled or obliterated. Blood tainted the grass and rocks underhoof as the Rebellion pushed. Tony dodged around a few blades as he called Jasper’s name, but to no avail. Tony wrenched a crystal short sword from the ground and slashed half of a Brazen Ponies head off causing it to crumple. Twilight appeared bedside him with the rest of the mane six all clad in golden armor, Sunset’s armor was ebony colored as she blasted down a few Brazen Unicorns.
Jasper noticed the battle was gaining some leverage as he flew back toward the castle, specifically the balcony overlooking the battlefield. The seven mares and the human noticed this and sprang into action. Pushing forward with Twilight and Sunset making both a cloaking spell and an impact barrier, they literally bulldozed through the enemy lines in an effort to make it to the castle. Eventually they got just enough breathing room and Twilight teleported the group into the main foyer. Acting quickly they rushed through the halls climbing the stairs and reaching the throne room doors.
Twilight steeled herself, “Alright everypony, beyond this door. No pony makes a move, we allow Tony a chance to talk. If worse goes to worse,” Twilight inhaled to steady herself, “we…attack to kill.”
Tony narrowed his eyes as he opened the door to the throne room. Upon entering they noticed Jasper still staring down at the battlefield, aside from the clang of metal and occasional scream, the room was silent. Jasper’s look was distant and he slowly turned and regarded the group but when his eyes fell on Tony, a small glimmer appeared, but it was faint. He turned to gaze back at the battlefield, but then he spoke slow and with…sorrow?
“A long time ago, there was a child from a nice family. A loving mother and father who worked their hardest to provide for the family, the child’s smiling face was their reward every day. The child loved his mother and father dearly, but, it was not to last,” Jasper blinked as his gaze darkened, “one day his father died from an aneurism while at work. The boy though sad, endured and moved on but kept his father’s memory alive in his heart. But the boy had the help of the friends he had made and the love of his kind mother.”
Rarity raised an eyebrow in confusion, “What is he talking about?”
Jasper continued as his face hardened, “But one day, when the boy was to become a man on the eve of his birthday. There was a car accident, his mother and the other driver the victims. His mother survived, but at a terrible cost. The trauma she sustained caused her mind to falter; she lost memory of herself and her family. The boy was shattered,” Jasper clutched the rail, “the doctors said if the boy who was now a man did his best, she would remember. But as the months passed, the man turned twenty from two years of trying, but the mother wouldn’t remember. She forever saw the man as the nice person who helped her along in life. From that day on, the man always saw life as a sick joke, he never found happiness in it again.”
Tony blinked in realization, “Dude….I never knew.”
Jasper cleared the room in a blur, “You never asked.” He turned on his heel and walked away from them.
Tony looked down, but pursued him, “JASPER STOP!”
Jasper froze and turned, “What?”
Tony walked forward, “All this time….all this time we thought you were dead. The twins, I was devastated. I thought you had committed suicide, it tore me apart.”
“Was Sid choked up?” Jasper smugly stated, “or did he shrug it off like you all did to me.”
Tony stepped forward, “Dude it was never like that! We told you, it was because you were acting like an asshole. But I see now there was a reason for it all, but you endured it all by yourself. I’m sorry,” he placed a hand on Jasper’s shoulder plate.
Jasper smacked it away turning to him and pointing at him in anger, “I don’t need your fucking pity!”
Tony was losing his patience, “What is wrong with you! I’m trying to help you,” he stepped forward once more only for Jasper to turn away, “Dude just let me in.”
Jasper growled threateningly, “It’s none of your business, leave it be.”
“NO!” Tony stood firm, “You’re like a brother to me dude, and brother don’t give up on each other.”
Jasper glared at him, “Then maybe you should have been there for me, like a brother should have.”
Tony shook his head, “Do not pin this on me. This isn’t the Jasper I knew, you’re just a dark, twisted perversion of what he was. Look around you! Is this what the real Jasper would do?”
Jasper grit his teeth visibly getting angered by Tony’s comments, “You would do wise to hold your tongue.”
Tony shook his head, “Why? Do I upset you? Is it because I’m right? Or is it that you’re just too ashamed to accept the truth.”
Jasper reeled on him and yelled, “I AM KING!”
Tony yelled back with equal volume, “NO! NOT HERE!”
Tony became visibly distressed and clutched Jaspers shoulders as the seven mares gazed at the scene, “You give this up,” he gestured to the room, “Give all of this up. Give the princesses back their titles, drop this charade and you come home.”
Jasper shook his head and turned away once more, “I’m not hearing this.”
Tony became both saddened and angered, “Jasper look at you! This being king is destroying you! Just listen to me for once,” tears were in his eyes, “I don’t want to lose my best friend to a hunk of metal and a gem stone.”
Jasper reeled around and struck out with his hand at Tony, “SHUT UP!!!!!”
Everyone froze at the sound of flesh tearing. Tony gasped for breath as he glanced down; blood stained the entire stomach area of his clothes. Jasper noticed the hand he had struck with was his left hand. He pulled back and stood frozen as Tony clutched his gushing wound, Tony stared with confusion at his friend. Everything then moved in slow motion as Tony dropped to the ground…unmoving. Jasper still stared in shock as Twilight ran over to check Tony; tears began to fall from her eyes.
“He’s dead.”
Tony’s blood pooled around him in a puddle as Jasper stared in disbelief at the scene before him. Tony’s lifeless body and he standing there, alive and breathing. The sound of Brazen Ponies entering barely registered with the human king.
Sunset Shimmer then yelled, “ARE YOU HAPPY NOW!? HE WAS ONE OF THE ONLY BEINGS IN THE UNIVERSE WHO CALLED YOU FRIEND AND YOU MURDERED HIM IN COLD BLOOD!!!!!!!!”
Jasper glanced at his hands and then turned his head to glance at his reflection in a Brazen Pony. What he saw made his blood run cold, sunken and sleep deprived eyes, bloodied hands and gleaming armor. Truly what he saw was a demon from hell, some form of gruesome gargoyle that had once been human. Something inside his mind finally crashed, the shattering pained him to the point of his breath leaving him for a moment. He dropped to his knees and reached up slowly to his shoulders, his movements slow and robotic as the ponies watched with pregnant a pause. A series of clicks were heard and soon the entire suit fell apart at the upper torso. He ripped his left gauntlet off and then his hand lingered on his right arm.
“Game over,” his muttering was calm and decisive as he pulled the gauntlet from his right arm.
The mares glanced around as the Brazen Ponies deactivated. Twilight looked at Jasper as the old guards and the princesses entered. Luna noticed Jasper’s eyes travel to the blades from his left gauntlet. Jasper grabbed them and raised them above his head and everypony stepped forward knowing full well what he was about to do.
“STOP!”
Celestia magically blasted the human to the ground as he was soon seized. The solar princess contemplated hard that day on the infamous human’s fate. To this day, nopony knows why, but Celestia sighed.
“Jasper Montgomery though your crimes against my little ponies are immense in number and absolutely atrocious I am willing to show mercy,” she looked at the silent human who had gone limp, “Your sentence is life imprisonment in the Canterlot dungeon in a high security cell. Have you any rebuttal?”
Jasper remained silent.
Celestia nodded somberly, “Take him away.”
Jasper was dragged from the room as Sunset approached her, “Princess, why didn’t you send him back to his world?”
“Because, that would be a fate worse than the one I have given him.”
Twilight nodded in understanding and looked with sorrow after the human who met her gaze for a brief instant, Jasper was there. But just from looking in his eyes, nopony was home.
*
Jasper sat in the place he had been placed and stared blankly at the wall. His body and soul were in that cell but the rest of him was not.
*
Jasper slowly walked through the mall and gazed up at the upper levels as all the ponies he had terrorized watched him. He came to the food court where Tony and the gang were happily chatting away. When he approached, Sid gestured causing Tony to turn around. Upon noticing Jasper he smiled and stood up, he approached him and hugged the human. Jasper returned it as Tony stood in front of him.
Jasper spoke with hurt evident in his voice, “I’m so sorry. Please…forgive me.”
Tony smiled as tears welled in his eyes, “It’s alright man. It wasn’t your fault.”
*
Jasper’s then looked to the heavens and screamed in anguish. His screams echoed through the halls as he thrashed and punched the floor and walls, blood dripping from his knuckles when he had finished. He then fell on the ground exhausted and curled into a ball, in the dark…..alone.
*
And so Equestria recovered as it always did after a disaster. But due to the gravity of it, the very reign of King Jasper was then recorded in the history books as one of the greatest tragedies’ to pony kind. The entry was simply titled, “The Reign of The Gold King.” The gauntlet was sealed away and the gem was used to free Discord, abet with much difficulty. The element of magic was repaired and given back to its proper wielder. The Brazen Ponies were melted down and the metals were used for repairs. Eventually Equestria returned to its former glory and the ponies frolicked. But one pony would always look back and linger. Twilight would on occasion visit Jasper at his cell, but he rarely or never spoke to her or anypony. But some guards tell her they hear him mumbling or whispering in the night. Only she felt pity for the loathsome creature that was once Equestria’s greatest enemy, and another’s true friend.
The End…..For Now.
Author's Notes:
There it is, all finished. Many of you attempted to guess the ending, but it was KILLING me to see you're false predictions. Now the format i had was a simple one. It showed Jasper winning and succeeding. Everything after that was essentially him losing and slowly falling into darkness, Tony's fate finally broke him. Jasper is reformed or good now, he's merely....i don't know the word for it. I love preemptively writing stuff o3o Finishes things so much faster.
NOW! Fanclub members, the cannon is set. HAVE AT IT!!!!!!!!!!!