Author's Notes:

So yeah, my apologies for this being published so late! I had to make sure that everything was perfect and Celestia's story added up to the actual lore of the show. I messed with it a little though heh heh :0

Hope you enjoy this new chapter, I worked really hard on it! Cheers everyone! Same as always, I love your feedback but don't be mean... kk? :)

-Venomblast

The group was silent, having a deep feeling of anxiety with a touch of lingering fear. Their heads were lowered, their ears tucked, as the looming castle of Canterlot came into view. Their mouths were dry from recently asking panicked questions, that Twilight herself couldn't answer. Fluttershy seemed the most nervous out of the group, who was being gently guided by Applejack who seemed rather calm and collected on the matter.

Pinkie trailed behind the group, her accomplice Pinkamena more silent than usual as they walked together. She thought it was rather odd that she has not made a remark, or has even managed not to give a tormenting mocking grin. Her silence was unsettling, making Pinkie fear that perhaps she didn't feel well, or she didn't like her anymore.

"Pinkamena why are you so quiet?" She asked nervously, stopping behind the group to place a hoof on her shoulder.

She continued walking, making Pinkie's hoof slide straight off of her as she followed the group without a sound. Something was bothering her, the pink mare knew it as soon as they started heading to Canterlot. She had a glazed over look and a stone-cold expression that left her wondering what she did wrong! Her buddy that had aided her during her roughest times now needed her help, but if she would just talk she could understand how to help her.

Pinkie Pie dropped her ears, lowering her head in defeat as she gently followed Pinkamena with a whimpering and begging gaze. Twilight and the gang were now entering the castle, trotting quickly to the throne room where the Alicorn princess of the sun awaited them. Once the throne room was in sight, Pinkie glanced over to Pinkamena who seemed oddly calm, with an unreadable expression. She stood next to her, nudging her gently with a gentle smile but to only be rejected by the mare who did not give any response at all.

There she was... the brilliant white fur of the ruler of Equestria gleamed like the sun itself. Not a hair was out of place, or a speck of dirt to be spotted, her wings groomed and preened like a royal was to be expected. Her long and sharp horn loomed over them, with her long and ever-flowing mane glittering with the live essence of a rainbow. Her golden plated armor shone brilliantly as if fireflies danced around in the metal making them shimmer and shine.

Celestia stood proudly next to Luna, who stood rather unmoving as the group approached and bowed to them both. Pinkie snuck a glance to Pinkamena, while their heads were lowered to the floor and their respect was being shown to the widely respected and loved Princess of Equestria.

She did not bow.

Her eyes were cold, almost spilling a frosty aura from her body making Pinkie Pie shiver at the harshness of her gaze. Her focus was unmoving, her body still as stone, as she watched the warm smile of Celestia spill over her subjects and her greatest pride "The Elements of Harmony."

Luna seemed oddly distracted, her mane in rough twitches but her practiced poker face successfully bringing no attention to her. Twilight approached and gave Celestia a friendly hug which she returned gladly, they both smiled at each other as the heads of the group came up and their eyes met with the princesses.

"We came as quickly as we could your highnesses, and we are here to offer you assistance!" Twilight said, watching as the princess's eyes shaded into a quick expression of relief. There was a pause, as Celestia looked around the room as if searching for something, but her eyes softened when they rested back on the group.

The sun Alicorn raised her head before speaking, "I am very thankful that you all have responded so admirably to my message. I hope that the travel was not of any inconvenience to you-"

Fluttershy was sweating, her ears twitching as she forced a hoof over her mouth to keep from speaking. Unfortunately, the anxiety of watching the Tree of Harmony droop and wither under the effect of ancient magic had forced her into a state of panic and she spoke with frantic words. "What is going on w-with the tree of Harmony? What is Black Magic, h-how are we going to stop it? This is just s-so scary, w-what are we going to do?"

Rainbow Dash slapped a hoof over her mouth, as she breathed heavily and fearfully from her nose. The group was about to scold Fluttershy until they were stopped with the raised hoof of Celestia and her relieving smile.

"I understand you are all very concerned, and you are probably wondering what Black Magic is and why it is of such great importance to repel." Celestia paced, her sister Luna refusing to speak as the Alicorn walked passed Twilight in an attempt to come closer to the group before continuing. "Black Magic is very old and evil magic. As powerful as it is, it comes at a very pricey cost. As much as it gives, it takes just as much."

Pinkie Pie huddled close to Pinkamena, paying little attention to Celestia's words. Pinkamena seemed to be radiating a very dark feeling, vibrating off of her skin and metaphorically stinging Pinkie Pie. She could feel her aura, she could almost hear the leveled breathing of her partner, almost as if she were withholding an urge.

Twilight spoke up, "I have heard of Black Magic. It is the art of practicing evil deeds, like necromancy, curses, hexes, spirit transformations, and many other forbidden acts of Equestria."

Celestia nodded to her prized pupil, "indeed you are correct Twilight. I expected nothing less from the Princess of Friendship. The reason this magic is forbidden is that of the devastation it can bring, it is tied with demons, evil spirits, and creatures beyond this realm. It can raise the dead, alter the thoughts and actions of ponies, control massive armies, and summon minions at will."

Rainbow Dash's cracking voice came up next, "so Black Magic was what was used on the Tree of Harmony? In the second volume of Daring Do the Artifact in Dusk Tower, she said that Back Magic was extinct! The ponies who practiced it were defeated thousands of years ago, and the secrets that contained the way to unlock it were lost along with them!"

Twilight scolded, "Rainbow don't interrupt the-"

Celestia lightly chuckled before placing a hoof on her shoulder, "it is quite alright Twilight. Rainbow is correct, I destroyed the last known traces of that magic in my younger past. The Tree of Harmony was indeed infected with a form of this magic, but I am afraid it is because of an enemy I thought I defeated many eons ago."

Applejack spoke up, "Woah now, hold 'yer horses. Are you 'sayin there is still 'ah pony out there using this here Black Magic?"

The sun princess nodded slowly before answering Applejack, "I am afraid so, the creature or rather 'demon' you mares encountered is the henchpony of an evil pony that almost ripped Equestria apart."

"Henchpony?" Rarity gasped.

Celestia took a long breath, her horn responded to the summons of its master before illuminating with a bright yellow light. The group looked over to where a bland and dull stain-glass window started to morph and adjust to the light of the Alicorn's magic. The awes in the room grew louder, when the hidden picture revealed in the room of past battles the Element's of Harmony defeated, started to come into view.

A morbid scene caused the ponies to hide within the safety of each other, as they gawked at what was uncovered. A pony melted in shadows stood above a wasteland of defeated foes below them, armies of hundreds lying in heaps of broken armor and shattered shields. The shadow pony had ruby-red eyes, fiercely glowing and tearing into the souls of the mares around it; their body donned the armor of darkness gleaming in the moon behind them. A blood-red background proved just how dangerous this piece of history indeed was, as the Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies lie wounded at the base of their hooves.

The torn wings of Pegasi made Rainbow Dash flinch, and the broken and smashed horns of the Unicorns caused Twilight and Rarity to feel slightly sick. Celestia allowed the ponies to let the scene sink in, before gently speaking to calm the flood of fearful tears spreading across their cheeks.

"The creature you see before you is an Earth Pony, one full of hatred and lust for revenge. This mare took countless lives by the thousands, wiped out my armies with ease, and even managed to almost defeat Luna and me. She is the most powerful foe I have ever faced, just by wielding the power of Black Magic."

"You are saying this was caused by a mare? This chaos was caused by an Earth Pony?" Twilight sputtered in disbelief.

Celestia nodded before caressing Twilight's tear-soaked face with her hoof, "yes, do not be fooled that she is not of the Unicorn race. She did not need a horn to create such dangerous magic, her kingdom was actually all made up of Earth Ponies. The threat of their evil magic and their defeat had caused this mare to go into a rage, and I had tried to stop it to avoid this catastrophic war before-hoof, but I could not spare the lives of those who faced her."

Rainbow Dash was quivering from head to hoof, but she still managed to hide it for the sake of her pride skillfully. "So what was this mare's name? 'Cause if anyone can defeat her, it is the widely known bad-guy kicking butt squad known as the Elements of Harmony!"

Celestia smiled at the Pegasus before her face twisted in a painful memory. "She went by no name. The soldiers that were sent into war decided to call her 'Soul Seeker' for the rumor that once she defeated a foe, she collected their souls. This was rumored to be the reason why she grew so powerful, she sacrificed the souls of her victims to the realm on the other side and was granted with more power and Black Magic."

Fluttershy squealed causing the group to jump, "she steals souls? N-No, no, no! This is too scary, too much! I cannot... I cannot-"

Applejack caught Fluttershy's tail in her mouth just as this yellow Pegasus decided to bolt in the air. Her wings snapped to her sides like they did every time she was scared, and she was yanked back to the ground.

"Yes my dear Fluttershy, I am afraid to discuss this as well. Soul Seeker was not always this powerful I am afraid, she went through some ancient ritual before the war to increase her magic rapidly. I suspect she has lived all these years in hiding due to immortality granted to her by the demons of the other realm. She has had all this time... Centuries or millenniums to be precise... to prepare, and with her growing magic I cannot imagine the scarring she will do to Equestria."

Rarity scratched her head, "I do see why she is dangerous, but what caused her to go all evil and such." Rarity seemed rather worried, but when she caught sight of her flicking hoof she lit up. "Ooo! My hooves are just so shiny, I got them polished, but none of you cared to even bring it up!"

Applejack hid her eyes under her hat in embarrassment, but Celestia decided to answer her question. "I think your hooves look rather delightful Rarity, but to answer as to why she became evil, that is a long tale that I am not very fond of."

Pinkie Pie popped up. "Ooooo, yay! A story! This was getting boring anyways! All this doom and gloom and dark and blah!"

Celestia giggled at her optimistic voice, as Luna caught a glance of her sneaking a little elbow nudge into the empty air while whispering something to herself. The princess of the night seemed intrigued, yet alarmed as she focused her gaze on Pinkie Pie from within the shadow of Celestia.

"Well, I guess I need to inform you mares on the backstory of Soul Seeker. Let us begin, do you remember the feud of the Unicorns, Earth Ponies, and Pegasi? When they did not get along long ago before the founding of Equestria?"

Rainbow Dash snorted, "well duh! The school in Cloudsdale made us sit through a play about it every time it came close to Hearth's Warming Eve! It was totally lame, you can even ask Fluttershy!"

Eyes went to Fluttershy as she cowered under the gaze of Celestia, "oh.. um.. I rather enjoyed it."

Twilight slapped Rainbow Dash's head before peering up to the princess respectfully, "please continue."

"Before the land of Equestria existed you all know the story of how the different pony races did not see eye to eye and had many quarrels with the land's resources. One pony kind was on the bottom of the chain, the Earth Ponies were bullied by the other races, and forced to grow their food in return for nice weather and protection along with the sun and moon from the Unicorns. They had no way of fighting back, and one kingdom, in particular, had a grudge against the demanding rules of both the Unicorns and the Pegasi."

Pinkie Pie scrunched her nose, she remembered being Chancellor Puddinghead in a play she put on. Her friends were all an active part of it, explaining in detail about the history of Equestria.

Celestia continued, "this kingdom did not take lightly to what the other races demanded from them. They were a part of the Earth Pony alliance that had little villages and kingdoms all across the land. The other kingdoms did what their leader asked of them, but this certain one has had enough from all of them. The leader of their home decided to invest his time in discovering the magic that could trump the power of both the Unicorns and the Pegasi. They planned on overthrowing them, and forcing them into exile so that they could live worry-free."

Twilight's ears flattened, "but what about the play and the whole history that we were taught as foals?"

"I am afraid this exact time in history was forgotten, it was voted among Star Swirl and I to leave it in the past so that Black Magic would never be revived. My tale does not end here my little ponies, I am afraid that much more is to be said." Celestia took a quick break to allow the worried whispers to end before going on. "They succeeded in gaining this power, and overthrew the Pegasi and the Unicorns. They sent them far away, until they reached my sister and I and the Pillars of Old Equestria, and asked us to help them regain their home."

Pinkie Pie gasped, "were you a princess when they found you? Huh? Huh? Did you zap those bad Earth Ponies with your Alicorn powers?"

"Pinkie!" The group yelled.

She growled at her friends, before sitting down with a disgruntled huff. She just wanted to know if Celestia was a princess or something... Gee-whizz!

Celestia shook her head, "I was very young during that time. My sister was of a filly, but my magic was still of use. We went to the land where the Black Magic wielding ponies lived and begged them to allow the Pegasi and the Unicorns to come back. They refused, and ran us out with an army of demons and threats of curses, so the Pillars decided to use the ancient magic of a tree they knew."

Applejack nodded, "I reckon 'yer talkin 'bout the Tree of Harmony."

"Yes Applejack, once the Tree was informed of the situation and the pillars and I agreed to use its power to take out the Earth Ponies responsible. A great light burst from the tree and vanquished the ponies that were causing the rift in the peace of the land. The quarrels between the Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies were declared over, and the Tree of Harmony blessed them with the gift of a promise to destroy 'disharmony,' if it ever came to light again."

Pinkie Pie didn't like the sound of that, what happened to the Earth Ponies that used Black Magic? They were defeated but what did that mean? Were they thrown in Tartarus? No, that didn't seem right, she has been there and saw very few creatures that resembled Earth Ponies.

The other mares in the group seemed satisfied that the evil was vanquished, but they did not catch on to what that entailed.

"The Tree of Harmony did just that, disposing of anything that it did not view to be harmony. When peace finally rested in the hooves of all races, they celebrated, and for three years nothing ever bothered them. Unfortunately, one mare did not like how her kingdom fell, and she vowed to destroy the Tree of Harmony and every pony that it uplifted. Soul Seeker attacked us out of the blue one day, taking the lives of many good soldiers that stayed to protect the Pillars and I from her wrath."

Rainbow Dash chewed her hoof, she was starting to get really nervous of this "Soul Seeker" mare Celestia talked about.

Pinkie Pie thought while her friends asked each other questions, it seemed like the Earth Ponies were using evil magic for their own protection. It didn't look like a crime to not want to be bullied by other races, they didn't exactly hurt them, just ran them out of their homes so they could live peacefully. She wasn't sure, but she didn't think she agreed on wiping them out, and if she didn't know any better it sounded like they were...

Murdered. Pinkamena thought, unaware of Pinkie Pie.

Celestia continued, "when our masses were defeated, ponies were fleeing by the hundreds in fear. Rockhoof decided to bring all the races together in an attempt to stop Soul Seeker, with a grand speech and a spark ignited by the Tree of Harmony. We traveled to every single small and large village of every pony race, the Pegasi, Unicorn and Earth Ponies that did not agree with Soul Seeker's magic and looked down upon her village joined up. Within days our army grew, but I feared that would not be enough. One night I went to the tree with Star Swirl the Bearded, and we begged the tree to give us a power like no other."

Luna spoke up for the first time that night, "We speak of the Elements of Harmony, Tis a powerful known defense as thou know."

The princess of the night was resting on her stomach, her flowing mane representing the stars in the sky behind her. Celestia looked at her, and she met her gaze with a firm and more directing posture as she gave her an unknown signal which the group could not read.

Celestia turned her head to address the group once more. "Yes, my sister Luna speaks the truth. We were given the Elements of Harmony once they were created by the combined magic of the tree and its determination. Once we had this weapon in our hooves, we challenged Soul Seeker with one final battle. She proved most skillfully in combat, but when we released the power of the elements, she was defeated and thrown into the very core of the earth. Star Swirl and I had the impression that she was destroyed, but I fear that is not the case anymore. Only one mare is left with the power of Black Magic, and knowing her demon Shadowbound has poisoned the Tree of Harmony I know we misjudged her abilities."

Twilight shook her head, "This had to have happened thousands of years ago. How could she take a hit from the Elements of Harmony and not be drained of her magic? They always disarmed any foe we faced, Nightmare Moon was stripped of her evil magic, Discord was turned to stone, Tirek was turned back to his weakened state, and all the magic he stole was returned... how did she manage to keep her evil magic and come back after all this time?"

"That is a question I do not have the answer to my dear Twilight. What I do know, is that the Elements of Harmony were not as powerful as they are now. The magic you mares have bonded to, and the elements you wield are enough to stop Soul Seeker once she attacks. I ask that you prepare for battle, the Tree of Harmony will understand the mission I have given you, and my sister and I will keep the Everfree Forest from messing with Ponyville in the meantime, so I beg of you to take the elements."

Twilight looked at her friends, she knew they had her back when it came to these things. They all seemed somewhat cautious at accepting this mission hesitating slightly, for the foe they were preparing against seemed merciless.

"Do not worry little ponies, I assure you that Ponyville will be safe. I will send a letter to Twilight's brother Shining Armor and his wife Princess Cadance, and inform them of the situation. I am sure Shining Armor and his legion will prove quite useful at this moment in time, and along with the assistance of Luna and I we should be able to repel this threat."

Twilight's eyes sparkled at the thought of getting to see her brother, but he would be on duty and not have much free time much to her disappointment. Celestia had seemed to calm the nervousness of the group by allowing her assistance of the royal guard to secure Ponyville, as well as being under the watchful eye of both Luna and herself. A glimmer of hope seemed to lighten the dark doom that had gripped the hearts of the group earlier, now that they had a slight ray of hope that rested in the elements.

Celestia beamed at the group, "I ask of you to rest before you venture back to your home in Ponyville. Allow us to treat you to a good night's sleep in the Canterlot castle, if there is anything you mares need before you depart or before then; please do not hesitate to let the guards or one of us know."

Twilight quickly offered a hug to Celestia, which the princess accepted with a sweet giggle. The Princess of Friendship and her friends thanked the flowing rainbow-maned Alicorn before chattering excitedly and departing from the throne room. When the group had been escorted by one of the castle guards to their chambers, they broke up into twos for an unexpected sleepover for the night.

Fluttershy noticed Pinkie Pie sitting in a corner, not approaching any pony as if she didn't want to spend time with any of them. The animal-loving mare dipped her head down before slowly and cautiously letting the pink pony catch her curious but concerned gaze.

"Pinkie Pie, do you think it might be time to talk to the group about what happened that night?" Fluttershy asked softly, trying to encourage her best-friend to resolve the unsettled issue.

Pinkie Pie patted her light-pink mane before answering with an oddly happy tone. "There is nothing to resolve, I already have concluded that you silly fillies don't understand me. Which is totally fine, not every pony can see eye to eye with Pinkie Pie."

She laughed at her little rhyme, but Fluttershy seemed even more concerned as she nuzzled into Pinkie worriedly. "It is not healthy for you to be alone P-Pinkie. I know you may not want to face every pony, but we are still your friends..... and we care for you. How about tonight you sleep in my room, we don't have to talk about anything..... if... you know... you don't want to."

Pinkie shook her head politely, "I am never alone, especially not now!"

With a quick scruff on Fluttershy's head, she bounded away without a care in the world. The yellow Pegasus whimpered feeling oddly trapped with Pinkie Pie's uncanny behavior because she seemed to be actively avoiding them in a way that endangered their friendship. Perhaps they went too far this time? Was Pinkie starting to have seconds thoughts about being around them? Fluttershy hoped not, the group would never be the same without the silly and imaginative pony that brought smiles everywhere she went.

"Umm.... girls?" Fluttershy asked quietly, but no pony was paying any attention to her.

Pinkamena's hoof-steps could not be heard, for part of the punishment of not being whole. The Element of Laughter trailed behind her silently as she perched herself on the balcony overlooking Canterlot in the room they were so graciously given. The brisk wind from the oncoming season bringing the annual mark of fall, and "The Running of the Leaves," was blowing through the mane of the quiet past reflection. Pinkie watched her emotionlessly rest herself on the ground, her forelimbs poking through the protective railing to prevent any pony from falling while watching the stars.

The frosting scented mare gathered herself, before joining Pinkamena on the porch overlooking the kingdom Celestia created. She nudged under her friend's nose, but once again she was ignored as if she were never there; making her snuggle herself against Pinkamena in an attempt to get her to speak.

"Pinkamena, why are you so upset?" Pinkie asked, her voice cracking as she traced the hairs making up her companion's mane.

She pressed her ear against the walking pony of silence, and the mare that had turned real just like one of those filly-tales her parents read to her when she was small. She could hear the active lungs of her friend taking in the air, and letting it out in shaky breaths, while her heartbeat seemed like it was going to pump itself out of her chest! The spasms of her muscles, giving quick and rough twitches indicated that she was filled to the brim with adrenaline. Her coat was damp but hot, in a way that represented that she was giving off nervous sweats.

The puffs of mist coming from her nose clashed against the cold fall breeze, creating a cloud of vapor trailing up into the sky before vanishing. Pinkie would be dumb if she didn't recognize the signals of undying rage, but she didn't understand why Pinkamena was so upset. Perhaps it was because she didn't let her kick Rainbow Dash? Or was it something she said, or something her friends might have said?

Pinkie had an idea and quickly shook her mane out to where a few bits came out. She tapped Pinkamena on the shoulder, but when she didn't respond, she just kept prodding all sorts of places.

Pinkamena's ears flattened in annoyance before she responded, "please stop poking my muzzle."

Pinkie Pie gave her a jolly smile before shoving the shiny golden bits in her face, "I hid these in my mane, and I brought them along so I could get a midnight snack! There is a bakery open super duper late, and it is one of my favorite places to get some hot chocolate with frothy whipped cream! I was wondering if you would like some too, I bet all my bits that they will be so delicious, your mouth will water for days!"

Pinkamena turned to look at her pleading face, she only wanted to make her happy in the best way she could. Pinkie Pie was seriously unappreciated among her friends, she would kill herself just trying to make them smile. The mare with the hidden secrets gently rubbed her hoof along Pinkie's puffy mane with a small smile. "Sure Pinkie, I wouldn't mind sharing one with you."

She seemed shocked that Pinkamena had willingly touched her in a caring way, but she hid the excited fireworks deep within the pit of her stomach. She bounced almost fifty hooves in the air, containing her squeal of joy as she bounded off to get the drinks as fast as possible so she could rejoin Pinkamena under the stars once more.

Once the door to their room slammed closed behind her, Pinkamena was left alone with the dying city that went home for the night. Businesses shut their doors while locking them, restaurants dumped their unused food in trash cans, while the streets were being cleaned from any stray pieces of junk. The stars and moon shone brightly, their delicate rays kissing Canterlot and wrapping them in the gentle embrace of the chilly night.

Pinkamena's peace was interrupted as a furious flutter of wings made her ears twitch, as something slammed onto the balcony with a deafening cry of pain.

She didn't turn her head as she spoke, "Hello Shadowbound."

"Oh! The pain, everything hurts! I see darkness and nothing else, walls are closing in, my life is ending!"

Pinkamena sighed to see Shadowbound rolling on his back, his hooves in the air as his tongue lolled out of his mouth. He took ragged breaths, his body trembling and his wings flailing as his head threw itself onto the ground like a fish out of water.

The dark furred mare sighed while picking herself up off the floor and approaching the demon howling in pain before her. He clawed at the ground, reaching out his hoof before he spoke, "Pinkamena keep me from the clutches of death, save me!"

Pinkamena pressed her hoof in his mouth with a giggle. "Sheesh, Starlight and Twilight must have really messed you up! That is what you get for being careless though, didn't you learn anything from our childhood?"

Shadowbound stopped flailing, before popping up and limping with a disgusted look! "You think I got injured while fleeing from ponies? No that's not it at all."

Pinkamena blinked. "Then... why are you so injured?"

Shadowbound stuck out his hoof with a pout, "I was running away from them in the Everfree Forest and I got a splinter."

His best-friend eyed his hoof and saw the most innocent and tiny piece of wood sticking out from under his fur. She gave him the most annoyed and frustrated look, as tears pricked his eyes while he posed with a quivering lip. He was the biggest adult demon baby that could ever live, so much for demons being ruthless and tough.

"You are such a child! How old are you again? My age? Immortality was granted on the both of us, stopping us from aging around nineteen, but our minds keep maturing... except for yours apparently."

Shadowbound growled, "if you had a splinter you would be in pain too! I may be a little on the odd side and was bullied by all the other demons your village summoned, but I don't want to be like the others! We got along because we both were different from every pony, I am more gentle and kind than other demons, and you are more intelligent and goal driven then the rest."

Pinkamena grabbed his hoof making him flinch, as he fearfully prepared for her to rip it straight out of his skin! She rolled her eyes as he squeaked every time she came near it! "Chill out! I am not going to yank it! You are such a fledgling!"

Shadowbound squinted his eyes, his shadows flickering at her teasing insult. She often called him "fledgling" when she was referring to his pathetic childish side, and he often fired back with a not very creative insult he thought up last minute. Pinkamena plucked the splinter out with as much care as she could muster, but when his howls and screams of pain almost managed to wake up all of Canterlot she sighed in embarrassment.

"That was not gentle at all! Am I bleeding? Oh, who am I kidding, I am going to bleed out and die right here all because you couldn't let go of your tough-mare act!"

She slapped the back of his head playfully, making him stop and stand up with a serious gaze in his eyes. He stuck out his "injured" hoof with a semi-angry and demanding look on his face, "kiss it Pinkamena."

Pinkamena wrinkled her nose. "I am not kissing your stupid injury. Grow up, build a bridge, and get over it."

Shadowbound's eyes twinkled with mischief, as he giggled playfully. "If you don't kiss it and make it better after mutilating me like that, I am giving you the silent treatment."

"That would be a blessing."

Shadowbound hissed, his tongue slithering out from his mouth and shaking at her angrily. She ignored him, as she sat back under the stars in silence letting him fume at her last words. He had a few things to say to her, she was so... so... infuriating sometimes! He accepted her for her faults, she could at least come to an understanding with his ways without being so insulting all the time!

"I am your best friend Pinkamena... you could... you could-" his choked up stutter was something that the Earth Ponies that lived alongside him and Pinkamena used to poke fun at a lot. Yes, he was a stranger demon from the rest, timid when meeting new creatures, and emotional on a bigger scale than his scary race, "-Could... try and be n-nicer to me when I get upset! You know I am d-different!"

The stargazing mare recognized his emotional stutter, he only did this when he was upset over something. They had grown up together, and she couldn't remember a time when he was not there. Ever since he was a baby demon, he was an outcast, laughed at by every pony in her village for his caring and genuine nature. She didn't get why he chose to stay by her side, other than the fact that they were bound together by a ceremony her parents performed to give her an eternal guardian.

Pinkamena closed her eyes. "You are only my friend because you were forced to be. My parents summoned your soul straight out of the Underworld, and you were given a mortal form. If it weren't for my parents, you would have never existed this way, and you would have been free once you were born the natural demonized way. Unfortunately the Black Magic they used sealed our souls together, and you are bound to serve me forever. You don't care for me, that's just what you have to do, you have to follow me anywhere and everywhere until the day I die... from a pony's hoof, or from something other than age, it's your curse."

Shadowbound's ears drooped, that's what she thought? She thought that he only followed her around because he had to? Yes, he was forced to serve her due to the "Demon Companion" ritual her parents performed, but he didn't just do it because of that. He enjoyed being Pinkamena's friend more than anything in the world, their adventures had hardships, weak points, and danger, but he considered it exciting and a blessing if anything else.

He crept close to his best friend, before sitting down and nudging his head under her chin and pausing, "I follow you because you are my friend, your parents only brought us together. Most demons are used as servants, in both the Underworld and the overworld. You treat me as an equal, you don't ask me to go fetch you lunch, or carry an umbrella for you in the rain. Actually quite the opposite, you defended me during our childhood, when we were both fillies and fledglings. Yeah, we were never accepted, you being weaker at Black Magic, and me being a silly and playful demon, but we found friendship with each other. I don't see you like the rest of the demon summoners that were in our village, because your parents knew you needed a friend, some creature to be there for you... because they sensed that there was something that was special about you."

When Pinkamena didn't respond, he went for a dangerous move and pulled her into a hug to comfort her. She seemed shocked that he would dare to do this, but he didn't care if she pushed him away or tried to run away, because he knew she needed it. She would never cry, she never has, but he had known her long enough to sense when she was hurting and right now she needed to know he cared.

He continued. "They felt you had a destiny, they didn't know what... they didn't know when it would come... but they knew it. I am very sad to hear that you think I only walk alongside you because of what your parents did to protect you because that is not true. No, this isn't a curse, this isn't a punishment, it's a gift Pinkamena. I say that because even though we were thrown into the core of the earth, and forced to go through all this chaos, I get to share your adventures with you. You are kind, passionate, and loving deep down inside, you just haven't had the chance to show it yet. I will be here, encouraging you and aiding you during all those tough times, because you are my best-friend Pinkamena!"

Pinkamena tried to pull away but was hesitant, the words he had said made her skin crawl... but weirdly, in a way, she sort of felt relieved that he was stuck with her. She never thought of him as a slave, or a burden she would have to carry, or an annoyance even though sometimes it seemed that way. He was the only creature she could ever talk to, and being here in his tight and warm embrace reminded her that they were partners. He would be there for her forever, but he didn't think of that as a bad thing, he had called it.... a gift?

She had extremely conflicted feelings before she broke free from his grasp. "After all this time, you still remind me of when you were a fledgling, a mushy, gushy, fledgling demon is what you are!"

Shadowbound smiled, she could try all she wanted, but she still accepted his hug... they were making progress!

She was blushing, it was a furious blush because of his sudden move of forcing her to hug him. Still so sappy
and emotional since their childhood, but she wouldn't want any other demon being her partner for life.

Dear God, she would never admit it though!

Her demon friend stretched out his wings, and yawned before speaking, "Oh and by the way I spent most of the day tracking down some creature who might be of use to us. I sort of thought that it might be good to have a little gang of our own since we are going against every pony in Equestria."

Pinkamena eyed him suspiciously. "What kind of creature?"

He shrugged, "I read about them a long time ago and their civilization was also wiped out by the Tree of Harmony leaving very few left to continue their lineage. I assumed they would want to aid us, and in return, I said that you had the power to help them rebuild their hive once you got your powers back."

A shadow fell over them both, as something blocked the rays of the moon. When the object came closer, it looked as if they had bug-like tattered wings that vibrated in a blur to keep them airborne like a hummingbird. Holes were dotted across their legs and forelimbs, as their skin... or rather chitin was the color of the darkest gray you could imagine almost giving the illusion that it was black. The body shape gave the impression that it was a female, with a flowing long and thin dark cerulean mane blowing in the breeze. Her eyes were greenish with an odd mix of other colors surrounding her pupil, with a splash of dark green decorating her eyelids.

She landed gracefully on the bars surrounding the balcony, as her hard armored body clanked once her hooves touched them softly. She raised her head proudly almost as if she were entitled to a bow of some sort, as she spoke with a strange voice. "My name is Queen Chrysalis leader of the changelings and nemesis of Celestia and Starlight Glimmer! I demand to know why I have been summoned, you just seem to be an imbecile wasting my precious time. I have been lied to, there is no creature here other than you here 'One Called Shadowbound'; if you do not give me the power I seek I will destroy you and any other demon that has tried to trick the Queen of the Changelings!"

Pinkamena snorted, she seemed quite boastful considering Starlight, and a few villains defeated her and took her hive away. If she were to guess, she still wore that title to intimidate others into giving her what she wanted; but the mare knew better because she saw it all through Pinkie's eyes.

"Don't get your mane tangled Chrysalis, I just have to use some magic to allow her voice to be heard by your ears. She is not whole, and cannot be seen or heard by any other creatures besides the one she is connected to, and me."

Shadowbound touched Pinkamena's shoulder, and suddenly pieces of her came into view. First her red-eyes, then her head, and lastly her resting body. Chrysalis was unamused, until she saw the face of the pony in front of her, forcing her eyes to grow in terror and her knees to weaken significantly at the sight in front of her.

Her voice was hoarse as she backed away, "S-Soul Seeker! Y-You are alive?"

Her head immediately went down in both fear and respect, as she dipped her forelimbs forward in a sloppy and quick bow. Pinkamena cocked her head in confusion before addressing her. "How do you know me? It seems odd that you could recognize me just by seeing my face, I existed thousands of years ago before Celestia defeated me... how could you possibly know me after she tried so hard to make me forgotten?"

Shadowbound looked over at Pinkamena. "Thousands of years? I thought we were only in the core for a few centuries?"

She shrugged. "Apparently according to Celestia it was longer than that."

Chrysalis refused to move, keeping her bowing stance as she spoke up with a shaky voice! "Y-You are a legend! Before I was queen, the Tree of Harmony wiped out my hive forcing the ones who survived to find a new home. My father the king before me died trying to use his magic to keep the colony safe, so my mother took the throne and led the changelings to a new place before I was born. Once I was old enough, my mother told m-me the story of how you fought Celestia to avenge the creatures that were destroyed by the tree. Your story is known throughout all the survivors from the Tree of Harmony's attack, we tried to find you so we could aid you in your quest to avenge the fallen... but you never could be found unless you were in active combat, and one day you just disappeared, and we all lost hope."

Pinkamena motioned for the queen to rise before giving her a hard stare, "how do you know what I looked like, you never saw my face... only Celestia did in the final battle."

The Queen hesitantly pointed to her with a wobbly hoof, "y-your scent, we tried tracking you down by your scent. I never forget the smell of any creature especially when we found the remains of the battlefield you fought on."

Pinkamena did not seem convinced, "your kind is not immortal, how have you survived all this time?"

Chrysalis cleared her throat while swallowing nervously, "I-I am not immortal; I just live longer than most species. Like dragons, I have a long and dragged out lifespan, and feeding off of love helps keep me younger and stronger."

Shadowbound squinted, "so will you help us get rid of the Tree of Harmony?"

She perked up, her wings vibrating vigorously as he hooves went up into the air, "Yes, YES, with the most powerful Black Magic user on my side... Celestia will fall, and her reign will be over! I will gladly serve your cause, I have struggled endlessly without my hive, forced to find another purpose in this harsh land. B-But Soul Seeker can help me redeem my legacy, we can build another colony!"

Pinkamena leaned over to Shadowbound before whispering in his ear, "she went from arrogant to fan-queen, zero to sixty really quickly. I don't know about your thoughts, but she is a villain, and I am not... that doesn't mix well."

Shadowbound replied his hot breath tickling her ear, "You need allies, ones that will obey your orders and help you take on Celestia and her forces... make friends, not more enemies."

She growled watching the excited look on the Changeling's face, before taking a deep breath and leveling her stare with the Queen. "Do not double cross me. Do not cause any disruptions in Equestria, don't get caught, and do as I say and we might have a shot."

Chrysalis cringed, "I may have quite a past for double-crossing creatures, but I would be a fool to do such a thing to the most powerful Earth Pony in Equestria. I do believe there are a few other creatures, who might be of service... but a few of them may not be as tip-toed and loyal as I am."

Pinkamena raised her eyebrow, "How so?"

"They are villains to the land of Equestria, but I doubt once they hear that it is Soul Seeker they are aiding, they would want to anger you. Ponies may have forgotten you, but the creatures who have lived through Celestial's reign have not."

The three creatures thought it over, Pinkamena couldn't believe she was considering bringing together a legion of villains. With their combined power, and the strategic mind of Pinkamena, they had to have the best chance at saving the world from the Tree of Harmony once it decides to destroy all the "disharmony" as it did before. So Chrysalis was one of the ones that fell victim to the tree... did that mean there were others like Pinkamena who survived it as well?

Pinkamena had fallen due to the elements, but if it were not for Shadowbound forcing her out of the village before the blast hit... she wouldn't have been the lucky one.

Pinkamena sighed, "Go and find these villains but do not ask for them to join just yet. I need to have my Black Magic back before I introduce myself to them, just make sure you don't get caught, and report back to me once you know of their locations."

The Queen saluted happily, which was not of her harsh Changeling nature before sneakily slipping off into the night sky. With the Changeling leader off to complete her mission, it only left Shadowbound and Pinkamena together on the balcony in silence. They both had a bad feeling about asking villains to become their ally, but if the Queen was right, they seemed to have a fondness for the 'Soul Seeker' role model they looked up to.

Shadowbound nudged Pinkamena's hoof with his own, "are you going to steal the souls of the villainous creatures if they cross you?"

She snorted stifling a laugh, "I can steal souls, but I don't like doing it. Unlike Celestia's manipulative words that I had to sit through, I have never taken any lives... not even one. I just reformed their essences into something harmless before giving them to the spirits of the Underworld for safe keeping... I was going to release them after the war, I am not a monster."

Shadowbound burst out laughing, "So in a more filly-friendly way as you described, you took their souls and gave them to demons. Do you understand how psychotic that sounds when you say it out loud?"

Pinkamena shoved him innocently. "That is why they call me Soul Seeker because they saw me turn their armies into small little white ghosts. They are all fine, probably unaware they are even in the Underworld and once they are released one day it will be like it never happened, just need to erase their memories so they can live a peaceful life."

Unlike Celestia who actually took the lives of ponies, Pinkamena knew the armies she faced had families, dreams, and wanted to live. They were terrified of her but fought because they thought their cause was right, she admired that, and in her past, she didn't want to be a murderer. So she found another way to defeat them without harming them, but Celestia was going to milk that whole 'Soul Seeker' and 'Crazy Malicious Mare' titles for all they were worth.

Her kingdom was kind and giving, they just didn't like that they were being bullied. So even though they used Black Magic, and it was considered evil to other ponies... who cares? It helped them get rid of the ones breathing all over their backs, and they never hurt any creatures, they just wanted to live alone in solitude. The Tree of Harmony simply attacked them because of the magic they used, and the rebellion they caused, even after trying to plead with Celestia to leave them be. They didn't want to live under some other race's rules, they wanted to thrive on their own without depending on any other pony that dangled what they wanted in front of them with the threat of consequences.

There was nothing wrong with what they did, and Pinkamena would always stand by that.

She tried avoiding taking lives in the past, but she didn't know if it was possible this time even though she actively tried to find a way around it. Pinkamena was not sure this would be enough, and she was running out of time now that Celestia knew she was back. She could sacrifice her hidden identity if it meant repelling the final battle a few more days, the Tree of Harmony had to be destroyed soon, or it would sacrifice all sorts of creatures for the greater good.

Dragons, Changelings, Yaks, Kirin, even ponies! Were any of them safe? Which species would the tree consider "disharmony?" There was no way of telling what creatures were harmless and which ones were not, it started to stir because it felt the growing power of other beings... and it didn't like it.

Pinkamena nudged Shadowbound when she heard bouncing hops from beyond the door, "Pinkie Pie is back, you will need to hit the road for now."

Her forever friend gave her a quick and snuggly hug, making her snarl and shove him off before she felt all tingly. He gave her a nod of appreciation, as she felt his power forcing her to go back into an un-seeable state to other ponies. He could have just touched her a little instead of hug her, what was the random embrace for? He didn't need to do that to turn her back to normal! Stupid fledgling!

He leapt off the balcony, swooping into the air with his massive wings before melting into the blackness of the sky. Pinkamena felt a little sad seeing him go, but she remembered a certain pony when the door burst open hopping through with a platter carrying two mugs.

"Pinkamena get it while it's hot! You wouldn't believe the line I had to stand through! My hooves were falling asleep by the time I got up to order, I even saw Rarity sneaking in like a dozen midnight snacks! Who would have thought that Rarity of all ponies would have an ache for some cake! Ooo, I did it again Pinka-Wiinka I rhymed! I crack myself up sometimes!"

She slammed down the platter, causing the foamy and melted whipped cream to slosh a little. Pinkie Pie nudged the mug over to her hoof excitedly, watching her with wide and bright eyes as she lifted it up and sniffed it. The warmth coming off of it was refreshing during the cold night they sat among, and the sweet aroma that drifted from it made Pinkamena happy to try it.

Before she could take a sip Pinkie Pie gasped, "No, no, no! You can't drink it yet, we have to say cheers!"

"Seriously? But I-"

Pinkie Pie shoved her mug in her face, "Say cheers!"

Pinkamena rolled her eyes before grinning playfully. "Cheers."

They bumped mugs, and Pinkie Pie didn't waste any time hopping over to Pinkamena and snuggling against her happily. She did not seem very amused but decided to let it slide because after all, this was Pinkie she was trying to understand. They sipped on the warm beverage they shared, each of them gawking at how delicious it was and sharing a few words that lifted both their spirits. Pinkamena's filly-like partner tried to make her laugh by creating a foamy beard made of whipped cream, and she decided to let go a little and enjoy the moment while it lasted.

She knew that one day these moments would end, one day Pinkie Pie would never laugh with her again. Pinkamena was not one to treasure memories, usually letting them go so they didn't weigh her down. She never liked laughing, or snuggling, or talking, but for some reason, she didn't mind doing this sort of peculiar thing with Pinkie Pie.

With the endless laughs of them both, she took a moment to look at the stars making a wish like she did when she was a filly. They never came true, but she hoped for once they would listen to her pleading thoughts.

Please let there be some other way.