Phantoms of the Truth

Chapter 9:

The Master and His Puppet

Twilight sat around the burning town she called home as she heard pony’s screams of terror and sadness echo around her as the crackling fire blocked any means of escape. But she just stared at what was left of her friends as she felt sadness and sickness take over as half of them where unrecognizable as their bodies hung in the air.

Their faces showed nothing but terror and emptiness as a menacing laughter rang out and then soon he landed in front of her and raised her head to face him, his smile everlasting as it showed no empathy, no sorrow, only insanity.

“Oh cheer up Twi i’m only having fun!” Neckros cooded as he began to laugh again “I mean everyone going to die eventually so why not now?!”

“p-p-please just stop- please!!!” she screamed but Neckros put a clawed finger to her throat and she quiet down to a whimper

“Like i said little pony, i don’t care for your town, nor do i care who gets in my way but alas Luna is about to break in, she’s getting better at it but i’m done here” Neckros said as she faced him and then he clicked his fingers and soon her friends were nothing but ashes

The last thing she saw was his glowing eyes and menacing smile as he put a finger to his lips and softly said *shhhh* “Go. To. Sleep”

Twilight awoke in a heap of Sweat as the sunlight came into the room. She sat there until her breathing calmed down and then she began to think.

“I have to stop these nightmares i haven’t slept in 2 days” Twilight got to her hooves and began to walk as she yawned “Later, for now just stay awake Twilight, the others are probably doing better than you”

Later...

Twilight was walking through town after finally fuelling herself with enough coffee to wake her but soon if she wasn’t awake before she was now as a rainbow blur tackled her to the ground making her yell.

“Uh- a- Rainbow Dash would you watch where you’re flying!” Twilight groaned as they both got up and Twilight noticed the bags below Dash’s eyes

“Oh um sorry Twi just haven’t gotten much sleep due to-“

“Nightmares” they both said before their eyes widened in surprise

“Wait-wait-wait you have been having nightmares too?” Rainbow asked as Twilight nodded then out of nowhere Pinkie appeared, startling them

“Pinkie let me guess Nightmares?” Twilight asked as Pinkie gasped

“Wait since when where you psychic?” Pinkie asked

“No, me and Rainbow have both had nightmares and if i had to guess the rest also” Twilight explained as they soon found the others and all of them were the same  

They all sat around a table whilst they waited for their breakfast to arrive and as Twilight explained her dream she left out the parts of them being dead but she somehow couldn’t remember the figure causing it all. As if those memories where stripped away

“That’s why i haven’t gotten much sleep but later I'm going to work on finding out anyway of stopping them” Twilight concluded

“Oh-oh i have something to tell all of you!” Pinkie said in her high pitched voice

“Yea what is it?” Applejack asked as she rubbed her ears

“I wanted to see if i could find anything in Blaze home to fix it but there was a weird sign up saying home is now property of the court, no trespassing” Pinkie explained as the rest grew concerned

“Wait but what happened to Blaze?” Twilight asked and Pinkie merle shrugged

“Right then until Twi figures out how to stop these disturbing nightmares the rest of us should keep a lookout for Blaze” Applejack said as the rest nodded

“I’ll get right on it” Twilight said as she began to walk away

“Alright but um Pinkie darling what were you trying to take from Blaze?” Rarity asked with concern

“Well Blaze said as long as i keep away from everything that explodes i could take whatever i want” Pinkie said as she brought out a weird white object and shot a blue beam into the distance and then shot the ground below her as an orange portal opened up and she was gone

“Ok... well the rest of us keep a look out got it?” Applejack said as the rest nodded and parted ways

*Location Ponyville 6:00pm*

For the entire day no sign of Blaze was found like he had jumped off the face of the world. They gave up the search when the night came near but one of them did one last search, even as it began to get cold due to the winter coming and as she almost gave up she saw him wandering the lonely street.

His facial expression was like someone had ripped his self out, he was depressed and had no bags under his eyes like the rest but soon he took notice of Dash standing to his left and gave a small smile.

“Hey Dash, I'm just going to go on a whim and say you and the rest found out what happened” He said as Dash nodded as she walked beside him

“Yes but besides that where have you been? We’ve been looking for you” Dash said with some concern

“Let’s just say public opinion is a bitch, that and Goldenbar” Blaze said as he grit his teeth in anger

“Well tell me where are you going to stay, you have bits on you right?” Dash asked but his face gave her the answer

“Yes I'm an idiot, sue me” Blaze responded sarcastically

“Look Blaze as far as i can see you have no place to go so why not stay at my place for the night and i’m not going to take no for an answer!” Dash stated as she saw Blaze’s face consider the options and soon he nodded

“*sigh* alright fine” Blaze said as they both took to the sky

By the time they reached the massive home night had fallen and as Blaze and Dash began to walk into the building Blaze kept thinking as they walked in silence.

“Alright so i’m going to get some sleep and your room is the second door on the left” Dash said breaking his train of thought

“Oh-um yea thanks Dash for everything” Blaze said with a smile

“No problem anyway goodnight”

“K goodnight” Blaze responded but as she disappeared from view he just went to sit on the chair as he kept thinking

*3:23am*

Dash awoke from her nightmare just like the night before, as she wiped the sweat off her face and went over the window to get some air. But as she stood and watched the night go by she saw Blaze sitting on a lone cloud as she saw his mouth move and he look angry.

“For the last time no! i will not take the lives of others for my own benefit!” Blaze shouted as the voice continued through his own mouth

“It’s only 1 weak little pony i doubt he’s worth much to the hell he’ll be going to” Neckros said in a calm voice

“Just leave me alone” Blaze said as he sighed

“Fine whatever but if you need me you know where to find me” Neckros said before staying quiet then another voice broke the silence

“What the hay are you doing out here?” Dash asked as she flew down beside him

“Just dealing with issues” Blaze said bluntly

“What’s wrong?” Dash asked she had heard enough of his side questions she wanted the truth but Blaze sighed as he looked forward

“I-I just *Sigh* after everything Indigo said and just-just everything that’s happened” Blaze paused as Dash sat there with him, now worried “Dash i-i may seem fine and cheery but- but everytime i pick up my blade, i stand smiling in the face of everything that comes my way i fucking can’t help but feel nothing but fear, fear of losing someone close to me and I'm afraid... I'm afraid to die...”

The last words struck Dash like nothing before, this was Blaze the one who runs into hell itself with a cocky attitude but here he feared the loss of his friends and even death itself. She looked at him as she saw what Blaze truly felt, pain.

Out of nowhere Blaze felt something wrap around his chest and soon noticed that Dash had wrapped her hooves around him and felt safe, something he never felt from anything or anyone.

“Hey i may not know what you feel or even come close to it but i’m at least going to try” Dash said as she got Blaze to face her and smiled, soon Blaze felt a smile form on his face

“Thanks Dash i needed that” He said with a forced smile

“No problem, anyways you coming?” She said as she began to fly

“Yea in a few minutes i promise” Blaze said as he she flew away and Blaze smiled to himself “thank you...”

But Blaze still felt wrong as the night kept going by as his eyes began to change colour and some of his thoughts began to get sinister...

The Next Day...

Twilight sat in the library as a tower of books slightly swayed in motion as Twilight read through a book called “The Nightmare Dimension”

It stated that there are legends of a dimension filled with creatures that harvest the souls of others to grow stronger and if latched to a host can become stronger and corrupt the host over time.

Souls of other Nightmares can give them a trait when taken and only their kind and the one their bonded to can kill them, But the one’s in clothing are the most dangerous as they have absorbed countless souls and have a very high intelligence, speed, strength ect.

If seen they should be dealt with immediately; if their host begins to experience headaches, the nightmare controlling body functions or thoughts of anger then...

All Is Lost...

Twilight jumped in horror at the last part and soon saw the others pop into the room, they were going to speak until Twilight began to run past them as they followed

“Yo Twilight what’s got you in a fritz?” Dash asked as she kept flying beside her

“We need to find Blaze” She responded between breaths

“Why?” Dash asked now confused

“Before Neckros corrupts him!” Twilight blurted out as the others gasped and soon sped up knowing that at any moment Neckros could make his move

“Hehehehahaha!” Laughed a voice as it echoed around them “You may think you’re going to be the heroes and save him but your not...”

“I know what you are and how to beat you!” Twilight said with a little bit of confidence as Neckros laughed

“Yes us Nightmares have very few that’s why i mentioned them, because i know I’ll win” Neckros said as he cleared his throat “Oh god I'm sounding like Blaze what i meant to say is that Old Golden boy is just about to tip the scales in my favour...”  

Somewhere Else...

Blaze was walking through town as he went about his business, this being get to Twilight’s library and sort out these headaches he had been having, it only occurred after turning into Neckros but somehow they’re growing

Blaze at some points drifted due to them but this time he ran into someone and they both fell to the ground as Blaze’s attention snapped back.

“Oh um sorry about that” Blaze said apologising before the pony spoke

“You should watch wh- you” Said Goldenbar as he grew a smirk on his face “I thought they kicked you out of Ponyville”

“No only my home which thanks to KAI is on lockdown so i don’t mind” Blaze said simply as he tried to end the tension but couldn’t help but feel the anger grow

“That property is owned by the Town hall and i do believe that means all of the belongings” Goldenbar said as he kept pushing

“Well yes but there are items in that facility that are too dangerous for ponies to handle hence why i locked it away” Blaze said growing more agitated

“You will hand them over or are you jealous that you’ll be out of a job with people stopping all the threats that attack this town, if so then you’re worse than the princesses and that fake one” Goldenbar said as he spat

“What is your problem!? Ive done nothing but help this town and tried keeping everyone out of harms way and all you’ve done is make my life a living hell, so tell me why do you continue to fuc-” Blaze shouted but soon felt something connect with his face as he fell to the ground as blood began to drip from Blaze’s muzzle

“You dare speak to me that way! Learn your place monster!” Goldenbar snapped as someponies began ridiculing him as the mane 6 arrived

They noticed the commotion being made as they began to argue with Goldenbar but Blaze was completely zoned out and only heard one voice

“Oh please let me teach him a lesson, trust me i won’t harm a hair on his head promise; i mean seriously you have shown them you would give your life to protect this world so why not remind them of their place” Neckros said as Blaze thought it over feeling his reason disappear

“Ye-yes do it” Blaze said as he soon felt pain rush through his head as everyone notice Blaze clutching his head in agony

“Blaze what’s wron- oh no we’re too late!” Twilight asked, startled but soon her voice and everyone else’s were cut off by the sound of psychotic laughter as Blaze’s body became helpless as his arm turned black and his fingers  were that of claws.

“Ahhh what are you doing?!” Blaze said as his metal leg turned black

“Ive waited too long to take over, this friendship crap has gone on long enough!” Neckros said as Blaze’s was absorbed by a black light and then in only a few seconds Blaze was replaced by the demonic demon as he glared at them with his wide grin.

“Blaze is gone from this world and you will all suffer my vengeance!!!” Neckros laughed as he began to sing whilst pointing his finger at random ponies

“Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, Catch a pony by the tail. If it hollers, let em go, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. There goes one, and there goes the second and it’ssssssssss YOU” Neckros finished as his clawed finger landed on Goldenbar as he began to turn and run but soon stumbled into Neckros’s legs as he cooded

“Oh come now what’s the rush?” He said as he watched him turn only making it more enjoyable “Come now keep a leg up!”

Then with one swift slash of Neckros’s claws and Goldenbar’s legs were in chunks as he screamed in pain and ponies stood in horror including the mane 6 as the blood drained from his body like a fountain

“Now, now i did say i wouldn’t harm a hair on his head but his head...” Neckros then crushed his head under his foot as he faded away and soon a green flame was in Neckros’s hand as he crushed it “But i do mean specifics hahahahahaha!!!”

With the sound of Neckros’s laughed everyone began to run for their lives as some were impaled by Neckros’s tendrils and some smashed against walls as he kept going until he felt a something poke through his chest and noticed a rainbow blade as he fell to the ground and bled out from the pain.

“I’m sorry Blaze, i’m sorr-“Dash was cut off as Neckros rose to his feet and threw the blade back to her as he turned with a grin

“Let me clarify something, 1: i can’t be killed by you, 2: you see that shop over there?” Neckros said as she turned only to feel him grab her hair and kick her flying into the wall a she yelled

“What are you doing!?” Twilight yelled as she felt fear wash over her as Neckros glared at her with his soul piercing gaze

“I hate repeating myself you bitch” Neckros said as he slashed forward but Twilight avoided but Neckros was faster and brought his tail down on Twilight’s back as she yelled in pain

Neckros laughed at this “Oh- you-you really think you girls have a chance? Let me explain, everything up until now is nothing compared to me Loki is another story but the rest, i could have killed them a million times over, so tell me what do you think you have that can stop me?”

The others couldn’t answer as Neckros continued

“And what makes this better is that you all never batted an eye at my appearances and even then i was gaining more and more control over Blaze’s body and none of you noticed!” Neckros finished as he waited for them to respond

“I just...” Twilight trailed off as she fell to her knees as Neckros kept absorbing the negativity that surrounded the area

“Exactly nothing, you are all nothing compared to me; i’m the fucking embodiment of negativity you can’t win!” he yelled as he brought his fingers up “Now if you excuse me i have some politic issues to deal with” with that he clicked his fingers and was gone as he left them in the rain to crumble

They had lost their friend, they failed to protect innocent ponies and now Neckros was on a blood rage.

Later...

Celestia and Luna both sat in their throne room as they waited for what was coming, like a storm that refused to stay tamed and soon the creature stepped through the door as he grinned. He held what looked like a crushed royal guard helmet but it was painted in blood as it dripped off the helm

“Oh hello Luna, Celestia I'm just out on official business so if you let me I’ll be quick” Neckros said as he slowly walked over but soon stopped “Oh son of a-“

Soon he was surrounded by a transparent forcefield and he began to poke at it as Celestia spoke.

“You have no right being here you have slaughtered innocent Ponies and almost crippled Twilight and her friends!” She shouted

“Do you mean physically or mentally or both?” Neckros asked as he stared at the Princess “I mean come on i look and act like a psychopath and yet even you the princess who has 1000 years of experience can’t see that I'm evil!”

“You shall from this day forward be banished to the sun!!!” Celestia roared as the chamber holding Neckros disappeared and soon the air fell silent

“Are we sure this will work Tia?” Luna asked in concern

"Nope, just make things more entertaining" Neckros said with a laugh as he landed beside the sisters

“No magic in Equestria can break free that quick” Celestia said and soon her spine sent chills to her core like wildfire as a voice chilled her thoughts as she turned and gasped  

“Funny thing about that” Neckros held Luna by the neck as a purple energy travelled from her body into Neckros’s as he grinned in delight “I’m not from this world but yet you still think I'm sane despite all this”

“What- why Blaze?” Was all Celestia could say in fear of what he planned to do

“Not Blaze...Neckros and what i plan to do...” Neckros then threw a punch at Celestia as her world spun “To get my revenge...”

Later...

After the Mane 6 recovered they began to make their way to Canternlot to warp Celestia of Neckros’s rampage and hoped that she already took action, Maybe she had already beat him and brought Blaze back or maybe she banished them both. Their answer soon can swiftly as no guards were present and the Castle was too quiet as the wind howled and they made their way inside.

When they busted the doors open to the throne room what they saw was almost unreal, like they were all trapped in their nightmares again but they were wide awake for this.

Neckros held Celestia by her neck as a purple energy ran from her body onto Neckros as he grinned. Off to the side was Luna who was watching weakly as she was unable to move. Then Neckros turned as he dropped Celestia like a stone and smiled at the six.

“Too little too late I'm afraid soz” Neckros said playfully

“No what-what have you done to the princesses?!” Twilight demanded as Twilight stood frozen in fear and Neckros relished it

“Oh all i did was drain their negative memories and emotions and god knows that was a power house but sadly i need just i tiny kick more” Neckros explained as he lifted his hands slightly in front of him as he began to channel his power and soon the Mane 6 felt dark memories resurfacing.

“Disloyalty, Lies, Cruelty, Hate, Fear, Sadness, Greed these, fuel my wrath!” Neckros shouted as the Mane 6 felt odd but still in good condition to watch the horror that played in front of their eyes

Neckros’s arms gained smaller spikes as well as his legs, his wings tips became a tint of purple and he gained thin spikes on his spine as a faint purple aura surrounded him as he exhaled loudly as he smiled

“100% it’s not much in appearance but the power is too sweet to pass up, now then who would like to be gutted first?” Neckros said as he took a step forward

“Why- why are you doing this?! You helped us doesn’t that tell you anything?” Twilight begged as the rest nodded in agreement only making him laugh harder as he cleared his throat as for once a frown replaced his smile and it felt like they were in a blizzard

“You want to know why? You’re kind, Mud ponies, Feather Brains and Horn heads took what little kindness i was ever offered in this world and you SLUATERED IT!” Neckros they took another breath as his smile returned

“I have been planning this from the beginning all of Blaze’s negative emotions were unlike anything ive encountered”

“So i played my part in helping when he needed it and with every transformation i grew stronger and gain more control. Don’t you get it i own this world, no alicorn or weapon can stop me now ahahahahahaha!” Neckros explained as he cracked his knuckles  

“Now then enough talk i think it’s time for Neckros to let er rip!” He shouted as he began to walk towards them but soon felt something connect with his jaw as he didn’t even flinch “I was wondering when you would show”

“You think this is fun, this is not fun and i think someone odda teach you a lesson” Discord said as he stood in front of the Mane 6 “Get your elements charged and unite them perfectly”

“How do we do that?” Dash asked in confusion

“6 sided star unites the center” Discord said as they nodded and ran off “Now time to see who the best is”

“Yes now let’s see the Sprit of Chaos vs. The Living Nightmare!” Neckros yelled as he instantly charged Discord through a wall as their battle ensued

The Mane 6 began to formulate a plan to use the elements outside in the court as it would give them plenty of space to avoid Neckros’s attacks if possible knowing his speed and teleportation. Applejack brought up something important.

“This might work but what if Blaze is destroyed with him?” Applejack said making them all bare frowns as they knew this risk was too great

“I-i don’t know the elements remove all evil from a pony so he could survive” Twilight said as she ran the scenario through her head

“It will work i have faith” Dash said with enough confidence to lift the others spirits and just in time a the wall behind them imploded as Discord’s unconscious body dropped and Neckros came walking out with no injuries to match as he seemed frustrated

“Alright no more games at least of the ‘save the world variety’” Neckros said as lunged towards Rarity only to have something sharp slice his arm off but it soon regenerated back in place as Dash held Blaze blade in her hoof

“Ok so i mind-raped you so what?!” Neckros said as he saw her grin and then she back-hoofed him, stunning the demon as he glared at her “You son of a-“*Slap*

“Catch me if you can you weakling” Dash mocked using one of Neckros’s line as he charged forward but missed as he felt a tingling feeling on his back and then noticed the yellow beam coming from Fluttershy as her element effected him

“Well this is quite sad Anywho” Neckros then charged towards Dash as she flew away and Neckros followed as he fired Blasts that skimmed Dash but it was short lived as she found a blade-arm hurling towards her

Their blades connected as Neckros swiftly grabbed the weapon’s blade and threw it away and brought a fist to Dash’s face as she fell. What Neckros didn’t know was 2 more beams connected to him as he then switched targets and attacked more animal like as his tendrils whiplashed around Pinkie but missed as he somehow missed her and soon saw her beam knock him back as it connected to his chest.

“No-no-no-no i won’t die like this!” Neckros hissed with anger for once instead of his comical domineer as he teleported and began to choke Twilight as she tried to escape his grasp but was failing if Neckros didn’t have hole through half his face as Celestia shot a bolt at him and he turned and faced her directly as Neckros grabbed her head and kneed her and swung her into a wall as Luna’s attacks where easily dodged as Neckros fired off a bombardment of orbs that imploded around the princess as she fell

Neckros noticed she was grinning and soon realized why as all the Element’s beams were connected but were doing nothing as he laughed

“But how?” Twilight said baffled by this then her heart sunk as she knew why

“I can’t be killed” Neckros said with a mocking grin “But please try your best”

“Blaze i know you’re in there fight him!” Dash shouted as she continued “It’s not your fault, i know your in pain but we can help you though it, that’s what friends are for”

Neckros began to charge his attack but soon felt it disappear as his arm began to shake and soon his own head felt pain unlike any other

“Get out of my head you demon, get out, get out, GET OUT!!!” Blaze yelled “I’m not your puppet you freak!!!”

Neckros then began to move towards the smiling Dash as his body began to freeze up as parts of his body began to turn to stone and his pupil-less eyes widened as he smiled like a mad man as he felt to his knees as his body almost turned to stone as he said

“This isn’t over...” then his frozen body began to crack as it soon shattered into millions of pieces as Blaze lay there as he began to awoke as Dash helped him up

“Wait Dash is that you? Wait did i...” Blaze couldn’t finish the sentence as he remembered all the innocent lives he slaughtered without batting an eye. Then he looked at Dash as she smiled warmly

“It’s not your fault it was Neckros got that?” She said as Blaze nodded and slowly rose to his feet

“I-i just think i need to...” Blaze said as he failed to think of anything to say as Twilight came over

“We’ll work through this together i promise” Twilight said but soon Blaze’s eyes went wide

“Wait where’s Neckros?!” Blaze said frantically

“Blaze we beat him he’s gone” Twilight said as Blaze eyes showed nothing but fear

“No he can’t be-“Blaze couldn’t finish the sentence before the world went white as everyone yelled in pain

“Oh god is everyone alright?!” Shouted Blaze as they all responded with moans as all their visions began to return

“Blaze?” Dash said in a startled voice as Blaze’s eyes adjusted to the light

“Yea Dash what’s-n-No” Blaze said as everyone soon gasped as their eyes widened at the scene; as they saw Dash standing with a hole in her chest as the blood soaked the grass and Blaze rushed over and grabbed her as she fell in his hooves

“Oh out of all the people I've killed in my life that one is going to my most memorable” Neckros said as he stood grinning as he cracked his neck

“Dash- Dash hey stay with me alright your going to be fine ok?” Blaze said as he felt his entire world shatter in that moment as she smiled weakly at him making the pain in his chest grow

“Hey i-i told you before to not-not worry about me got that” Dash said weakly as Blaze’s tears fell as he couldn’t hold them back

“God damnit please don’t leave” Blaze asked as he tried to think of anything but nothing seemed to pop up as KAI stayed silent

“I’m glad i met you Blaze and all of you” Dash said as tears began to roll down her face

“No-no don’t say that...” Blaze said as her eyes closed and her chest stopped moving as Blaze’s eye grew wide with fear “Dash- Dash no please no... god damnit!” Blaze said as he cried into her chest as the rest silently cried also

“I-i broke my promise...I 'm- I'm sorry...”

"New Objective  Added: Terminate That Fucker" KAI said angrily and Blaze's face turned from sadness to absolute rage

Neckros stood and watched as he just smiled in delight.

“Ok well I'm going to go destroy the world so... seeya” Neckros said as he began to walk away but stopped when Blaze talked

“Don’t you dare turn your back on me you deceitful bastard!” Blaze growled as he lifted his blade and carefully set Dash down

“Oh you flatter me... so it’s come down to this, well then give me your best shot” Neckros said as Blaze began to feel his elemental form change his body but now he felt his power rise as he stood upright and even Neckros was taken back by the rise of power as he laughed

“Oh now it’s a fight so then what do you-“Neckros was interrupted by a punch to his lower jaw sending him flying. He then appeared where he once stood and smiled

Blaze felt his power surging through him as not only his pain but will causing the rise and soon Blaze got into a stance and glared at his negative side as it glared back with an evil grin and soulless purple eyes

He would kill Neckros for what he did. Blaze was not going to play around anymore this time he will kill for vengeance and nothing is going to stop him. Nothing.

“Oh and after I'm done here maybe i should pay a visit to your friends and show them a fun time” Neckros thought out loud making Blaze even more angry to the point of absolute rage

“Let’s Dance!” Blaze shouted as he glared at the demon

“Time to let er rip!” Neckros shouted as they both waited for the right moment to strike

They both waited for the other to move like they have always done, but this time it's no game, no this is to prove who’s stronger.

They both disappeared as they soon collided claws with blade as the shockwave formed a slight crater as they began to strike with such speed as the wind whiplashed off their bodies and they soon had clean cuts on their bodies as they jumped back.

Neckros didn’t waste time as he teleported to Blaze and disarmed him as Blaze took punch after punch and didn’t faze once and let his body take the hits. Neckros threw one more and it felt like he hit rock.

“Ok now this is just unfair?!” Neckros said in confusion

“We are one in the same remember and that means you can’t do shit to me!” Blaze said as his blade returned and he began to throw slash after slash into Neckros “Now it’s my turn to have fun!”

“Oh boy” Neckros murmured

Neckros was then sent flying after the initial slashes and soon felt something on his back as he yelled in pain as he saw Blaze sword slash through his wing and then 2 legs connected with his face as he tasted nothing but dirt.

“Well that was eventful” Neckros’s responded as his wing tried to regenerate but failed “Oh boy”

“You may have controlled me when we were together but without me you're nothing!” Blaze shouted as Neckros rose to his feet and stared in delight

“Now things have gotten interesting” Neckros said as he and Blaze waited again to attack but Twilight felt something; as she focused she could feel magic flowing between Blaze and Neckros

Their power was equal and consisted on Positive and negative energy and soon they collided once more on they set off a concussive blast as they collided causing the others to brace themselves.

Neckros swiftly dodged Blaze’s swings and impaled Blaze’s arm with his and began to repeatedly punch Blaze in the gut

“Hehehehe...” Blaze laughed

“What’s- son of a-“Neckros said

*BLAST*

Blaze blasted Neckros through multiple walls of the castle as his wounds slowly healed back up

“WAKA, WAKA!” Neckros yelled as he dropped kicked Blaze into the ground leaving a massive ditch as Blaze slowly rose back up

Then Neckros and Blaze connected legs over and over as they sent sonic booms off from the impact and Neckros teleported and kicked Blaze twice in the back as he followed it up with an axe kick knocking Blaze to the ground as Neckros slashed away at his back, ripping away at his rainbow coloured wings

Blaze teleported which was surprising to Neckros as Blaze shoved his blade through his neck and twisted it as it broke something and soon Blaze felt one of the tendrils wrap around his leg as he was sent flying into walls and objects at blinding speeds but slowly his bones regenerated.

Blaze grabbed a wall and flung Neckros into the ground but the whiplash sent Blaze into the air as he hovered there and then saw Neckros chanting

“I’ll end you here boy, Hate, Greed, Cruelty, Lies, Disloyalty, Fear, Sadness, these fuel my WRATH!!!” Neckros finished as he kept charging everything he had into the shot

“Loki couldn’t stop me, the elements couldn’t stop me, Discord couldn’t stop me, NOTHING WILL STOP ME!!!” Neckros roared like a true monster

Blaze hovered with his eyes closed and his defence down as he waited for Neckros to attack. He couldn’t do this anymore, even if he won...

“If you think I’ll let you quit then your an even bigger idiot” A familiar voice said as Blaze opened his eyes and felt something around him

“What can i do he can just regenerate” Blaze said as he felt something painful hit his face but before he responded he looked at Neckros’s injuries, Injures he couldn’t regenerate! “What the?”

“Look you can win you just have to have faith, isn’t that what you told me?” said the voice as Blaze smiled under his mask

“Alright then Dash lets show him how awesome we are” Blaze said with determination as he shot forward as he saw the beam hurdling towards him

“Ok then Sonic Rainboom!” Blaze shouted as KAI activated his own copy of it as Blaze used his Sword’s ability to shoot forward at Mach 20 towards the beam as they collided

“HAHAHA-wait... what!?” Neckros said as his beam faded away once in made contact with Blaze but Neckros didn’t stop he kept his attack going “You won’t defeat me...”

Neckros kept struggling as he saw what Blaze held in front of him as he grew only inches from Neckros’s chest and Neckros grinned brighter than ever.

“Heh well played” Neckros said before Blaze’s sword pierced Neckros’s chest and soon the area imploded

It had been minutes since the air fell silent and no one dared speak as they soon saw someone coming through the dust. They all felt fear paralyse them; then they all saw Blaze appear without a demon following in sight.

“Blaze is he-“Twilight said before he fell to his knees as he reverted to normal, Twilight knew the answer but knew he didn’t care as she walked towards him

“Blaze..?” Twilight asked as he stared at the ground not uttering any funny remark, no smile of glee, nothing only emptiness...

The Next Day...

The clouds hung grey in the sky as drops of rain hit the ground around them. No one dared to utter a word as some sobs could be heard as they all stared at the new gravestone that had been cut to resemble a lightning bolt at the top.

Then all their gazes were brought to the metal person slowly walking towards the grave and a face showing only sadness and regret as a multicoloured blade trailed behind in his hand as he stopped in front of the stone.  

He then swiftly brought his sword up with two hands and plunged the sword into the ground as it held firm in the dirt as he laid his hands on the grey stone in the hilt.

Then he turned and began to walk away before saying to Twilight in a hurt voice.

“I’m done...” Twilight turned only to see the visor facing the other way as he finished “I have nothing left to stand for...”

With that he disappeared out of sight; Twilight stood and thought about all that happened and knew that they didn’t win Neckros did, he took not only the lives of others but Twilight’s best friend and the joy that her and her friends had. He had won...

To Be Continued...