Author's Notes:

So remember when Twilight drank Zecora's white potion thingie, and saw the battle between Celestia and Luna? If you were to google it and watch it again, watch very, very closely when Luna says: "There can only be one princess in Equestria, and that princess is ME!" and she raises the moon to where it blocks the sun. Notice how when some strange magic circles around her in this exact scene, she looks scared. This is not my opinion, like they seriously animated her to look nervous and zombified as if the transformation was not planned or was not of her control.

I decided to play around with this a little bit, because her appareance looks rather frightning once she laughs and Celestia appears. Luna looked like she was posessing some... dark magic, and that is why the scene seemed so dark, intense, and evil. This will be explained in the chapter, because I think we need an explanation!

Get ready for some villainous behavior, grab your snacks, and let's get this story started! Hope you like it, sorry it took so long had school and stuff, but the wait is over! Enjoy!

-Venomblast

Celestia stared out into the extensive mass of pitch-black storm clouds, the buzzing essence of magic booming from Ponyville thundered with the roar of its release. Her hoof rested on the lookout's railing, her telescope not needed at this moment as the green and black colors overwhelmed her and just about any pony who felt it. The magic she felt, it was the dominant magic, compelling but unmatched and easily recognized even after thousands of years. The whipping wind blowing back her flowing mane, and the hungry lightning licking the sky was enough to prove that she was back. Soul Seeker, the mare wielding the unbeatable type of dark magic singeing the land of Equestria was here.

War was on the horizon, unavoidable, along with her opponent's taste for blood. She could feel the despair, the sadness, and the resentment, seizing every other emotion that used to hold Equestria hostage and destroying it. Every pony far and wide noticed it, no longer thinking peace was among all the races and instead fearing that something... was coming. Celestia was no fool, the magic she was observing was caused by the distress of her ancient foe, but more overpowered and exceedingly striking fear in the very depths of the Alicorn's tremoring heart.

A second Alicorn watched Celestia from the doorway, her hooves sparkling along with the sapphire blue mane that waved in a rhythm similar to her sister. Her eyes followed the sun mare's movements, carefully watching the sky's colorful void wrap around the small village of Ponyville in a swirl of destruction. Luna's attention focused on the ripples of magic causing vein-like lights to scatter across the sky, pulsating as if it were alive. Her head silently slipped out of the doorway, as her hoof-steps echoed in the stillness of the abandoned hallway.

Perhaps it was time for her to investigate on her own, and she had to be wary to avoid her daytime sibling from picking up on it. The challenge would prove most difficult, but the reward was what continued her drive.

With the guardian of the night's steps and the echo of the storm behind her, she activated her horn with a worried expression. Without another thought or word, her magic enveloped her, and she simply vanished without a sound, heading towards where the Black Magic surged through the only pony capable of it... Soul Seeker.

----------------

A demon, a Changeling, and an earth pony sat on the peak of a mountain inside a hallowed out cave, breathing in the thin air and listening to the rain pounding outside. The storm had picked up after they fled Ponyville with the fear of being discovered, afterward, Shadowbound still held Pinkamena tightly as her tears remained glistened on her cheeks. Occasionally a pulse of energy would spew from her fur, but it was just a weak surge of magic that fizzled out as quickly as it came. They had to flee, they couldn't think of a plan straight away, but every war strategy was bound to have a few hiccups along the way.

Chrysalis seemed to have enough of the silence, "I am just saying if we just wrapped the Elements of Harmony in a cocoon-"

Pinkamena's eyes flashed as thunder boomed overhead, "NO!"

The queen sank into her own armored body, avoiding the wrath of the upset mare-warlock. She snuggled back onto her demon's shoulder, her spine relaxing as her tense muscles twitched from her anxiety. Her heart, it was so sore, and her eyes ached from the tears it produced, while her mind pulsated from a violent headache. The intensity of the sorrow she felt, mourning the death of the friendship she had was enough to cause her to break out once more in tears. She tried to release her feelings, but she had cried herself dry forcing Pinkamena just to sniff and hug her crippling body.

Shadowbound stroked her cheek as gently and carefully as he could, while Pinkamena's eyes remained foggy and millions of miles away. Her demon knew she didn't have time to heal or to process what happened, but he still gave her the time they could spare so that she could gather what was left of her heart. She could again hear the ringing screams and cries of Pinkie throbbing against her skull, and it terrified her to the very center of her soul.

The group didn't notice something casually walking in the gentle puddles of rain, their hooves splashing on the rocky surface under them, with a cloak hiding their face. The lightning sparked overhead, leading the rolling thunder that hid their approach towards the resting alliance that comforted Pinkamena. The black hood covering their face was soaked, droplets of water dripping down their muzzle as they hopped over the rivers of water; flowing down the side of the mountain. The dirt was caked under their hooves, making them slip and slide along their treacherous journey to reach the peak as quickly and as silently as possible.

Once their climb had taken them to the center of the mountain and the flicker of a campfire was in sight, they stopped. The wind grasping the un-sheltered figure almost blew off their hood, as they quickly used their forelimb to keep the gusts from pulling it back. They seemed hesitant, wary, and almost fearful, as their chest breathed in the wet air around them before walking forward into the mouth of the cave.

Pinkamena's nose twitched, some pony or creature was here. The scent was that of lavender, mixed with an odd aroma of Cedarwood that caused her head to pick up in alarm. Her senses were heightened, and she could hear the un-natural rhythm of their heart and the unsteadiness of their breathing. Her Black Magic could zone in on the exact type of magic they used, it was a form of High Magic which was what royal Unicorns practiced. Kings and queens passed this kind of magic along with their bloodline, almost like a requirement among those who shard the lineage of a regal.

When the stranger poked their head into the cave, their hooves clattering on the solid flooring they rested on, Shadowbound threw himself in front of Pinkamena with a hiss. Chrysalis's wings twitched, as the fire revealed their cyan eyes which seemed to be pleading as they pulled the hood away from their face.

Their mane was released, the Persian blue colors waving behind them along the dance of the fire. Luna's prized hair-style captured the very soul of the night, but her dark-blue fur was soiled from the unforgiving rain that dribbled along the opening she ventured into. She carefully looked towards the floor, taking off the rest of the hood as Pinkamena's hooves started to spring to life with a spell that could hurl Luna down the mountain.

She bit her lip, staring at the creatures that were closing in, "I ask thou to allow thus to speak."

"I don't get a say around here, so you don't get one either! I am going to enjoy tossing you out into the rain, you dream-peeping tom!" The Changeling Queen snapped, her eyes slitting into shades of vengeance.

Luna seemed slightly insulted but instead bowed her head to Pinkamena who watched her heatedly, "I am not thy enemy, we come unarmed. We wish to speak to Soul Seeker, and we wish to become friends!"

Her mane swept the ground, as she lowered her stomach to where it flattened against the earth. It was almost as if she were purposely mocking herself, sullying her fur with dirt and grime, with a degrading and cowardly while submissive stance. If Pinkamena wanted to, she could wipe her off the face of Equestria, and she would never see it coming, she would never have a chance to protect herself... because Luna was allowing it.

The Angel of the Night, Luna, a royal and co-ruler of Equestria bowing to the enemy of her sister the great Celestia, interesting indeed. Pinkamena felt her hooves calm, the clashing sea of emotions she had growing still, as Shadowbound obeyed her gesture to back off. Chrysalis seemed rather upset but didn't question Pinkamena as she grumbled and kicked at a rock in frustration, allowing Luna to rise.

"We ask-"

The Changeling made such a great sigh of annoyance it caused Luna to jump back! "Will you do us the honor of speaking normally! You were banished for like... only a thousand years! Ugh.... it's so irritating!"

Chrysalis rubbed her temples as Pinkamena spoke up, "excuse her, she isn't very well liked as you can see."

Luna quivered, but she bowed her head, "my sincerest apologies Queen Chrysalis, I do rather revert back to my traditional speech when I get flustered. I do hope I can make amends to my future comrades, and that my discourteous impression did not ruin my chances for friendship."

Pinkamena looked towards the queen observing as Chrysalis tapped her hoof with a mumble, "kiss up."

The mare with the feud against Celestia cleared her throat catching Luna's attention, "you took a big risk coming here, why?"

Luna's eyes flashed, almost as if she were remembering something painful. Shadowbound was still alarmed, wrapping his wing around his best-friend tightly as he lowered his head threateningly. The princess seemed a little sad, as she fiddled with the ground poking at it distractingly in the heavy silence.

"I know of Celestia's past, and her crimes, I do not agree with her opinions and do not stand with her. When I was nothing mere of a filly, I observed her, and the Tree of Harmony lay waste to many magical creatures. The tree blessed her with Alicorn abilities after the deed was finished, before granting me the same power. I never agreed with her, and I pleaded her to cease, but she did not heed. I saw her corruption, but I was too defenseless to do anything back then, and by the time I gathered the courage to leave her side you were defeated."

Pinkamena nodded her head, "you were just a child back then, I do not blame you for being scared."

Luna continued, "after centuries went by, before turning into a thousand years and the fateful day came when all of Equestria was built under the rule of Celestia herself. I was older, but not as experienced as my sister, and she approached me that day asking me to learn of Black Magic with scrolls she had stolen from your village. I suspected she wanted this forgotten and unmatched magic all to herself."

Chrysalis burst out laughing slapping her hoof against her side, "what a hypocrite! So much for the magic being forbidden and evil!"

Pinkamena twitched her hoof, and a weaker voltage of energy zapped the queen on the behind, forcing her to pop up and yelp in surprise. Soul Seeker smiled to herself in satisfaction before nodding at the princess to keep going.

"My sister told me it was for the good of Equestria, and it would be safe in the hooves of its rulers. I knew she wanted it so she could become more powerful since it gave her such difficulty in the past. It had been a thousand years since your defeat, and I was worried you would never come back, so I decided to wield Black Magic and defeat the tree myself. I studied, I cast small spells, and I took baby steps to learn it, but like your village warned on their scrolls this kind of magic can take over a pony. It can completely change the user into something different, feeding off of the negativity to keep itself going."

Pinkamena bowed her head in remembrance of the warnings her kingdom gave to outsiders, without the proper training by demons and warlocks the magic would become hazardous. Effects would vary from takeovers, deformities, losing your ability to practice any magic, and even death. Luna didn't understand these things, and Celestia was using her as a test subject, it was disgusting really... but Luna used it for the greater good.

Luna flinched, "I performed my first major spell, and I was overtaken by it. The Black Magic overtook me, feeding off of the negative emotions I had resenting the ponies who loved Celestia's sun unknowingly following such a wicked mare. The magic turned me into a vessel filled with hate and rage, before turning me into Nightmare Moon when it decided to challenge my sister. Twilight's vision of my transformation was correct, but I always wondered why she never asked why I morphed into what I became so fearfully. The magic overwhelmed me, but like you, I was banished, unable to contain myself and my actions, and for a thousand years I sat on the moon without any control of it."

"Yes, I suspect the elements were your downfall and what cured you of your power when you escaped," Pinkamena stated.

The ex-mare in the moon nodded slowly, "the elements took away my dark power, but that was because I was not tied to them. You, however, were chosen to harness its power, that was why it didn't destroy you and make you powerless. Just like you, I am confused as to why this is, the odds of you being one of the chosen ones even though you are trying to destroy the tree is dumbfounding. I suspect the Tree of Harmony left the chances randomly, or we simply do not know the reason as of late."

"So may I ask a question? Why did Celestia never suspect you were trying to take her down?" Shadowbound asked as the princess looked at him before answering.

"Being alone on the moon for a thousand years made me question if I was truly right, and once I was reunited with her I was just happy to be out of that horrible trance! She convinced me for months after that my views of her corruption were wrong even though I pleaded with her to stop speaking with that tree! I doubted myself, thinking perhaps Soul Seeker's views were wrong and that it truly was to protect Equestria. I created the Tantabus so I could relive the past over and over again, watching, punishing myself and trying to see what I missed while hoping to see Celestia's reasons but I never could."

Chrysalis blew a raspberry, her tongue fluttering as she spoke, "oh boo-hoo! My entire hive was destroyed by Celestia, and then Starlight took them away from me! Poor Luna, poor Princess of the Night having to choose between her sister or her own sanity... oh that sounds just AWFUL!"

Shadowbound opened his mouth, and a small flame caught itself onto Chrysalis's thin mane. She kept ranting until something started to burn, forcing her to roll on the ground to prevent the fire from spreading. Once her body was covered in fifth, she slowly turned her head and hissed at a grinning Shadowbound.

Luna giggled, pressing a hoof to her mouth to silence herself before continuing, "I ask if you are willing to allow me to lend you my strength, I only wish of one thing."

Pinkamena's ears flattened, but she listened, "What can I do for you?"

Luna fiddled with her hooves, "I ask you to spare my sister's life. I understand she is corrupted, but she is still of my blood! I think it is fair to de-throne her, or perhaps even throw her in Tartarus, but please I beg of you... do not take her from Twilight, or Sunset Shimmer or even me, regardless of how she treated me!"

The pony with the black ballooned Cutie Mark was heedful to her plea, but asking Pinkamena to spare the life of a pony that has slain over countless creatures was not up for debate. She was not just saying that from the fires of her own heart, Celestia's magic when focused correctly was not of something you could just contain or lock up. Even if it were possible for her to be captured, her abilities would prove rather challenging to keep suppressed. After all, Pinkamena was not even sure she could even pull off defeating her, so agreeing to hold back even just a little was a dangerous suggestion.

Chrysalis squinted her eyes on Luna, "Soul Seeker does not have mercy on miserable wretches like Celestia, your request is denied!"

Shadowbound rolled his eyes, "On whose authority? Yours?"

"Yes little demon, unlike you my opinions are valued."

Shadowbound tackled Chrysalis, and they both clashed with hisses and bites as they squabbled on the cave floor. Pinkamena ignored their curses and insults as she dragged her hoof across the dirt in an effort to think, only to hear Luna speak up with a hint of a beg.

"Just because Celestia split families, and took ponies away from you, it doesn't mean you have to follow the same path. I know you avoid taking lives, and that's the difference between my sister and you." Luna said bowing to show her dedication to her request, dipping her head once more to the mare before her.

Pinkamena didn't want to be like Celestia, but she was right for the quest because if it came down to it, she would stop the threat at any cost. Did that mean she didn't have morals? If she didn't, what made her different from Celestia? The sun Alicorn thought her path was for the greater good, expending lives for the sake of her own kingdom. The reason why Pinkamena called herself "the good guy" was because she was doing something for the greater good as well. Who was right? Both sides had a well thought up argument, a war was never encouraged but sometimes it was necessary to protect others, and that meant ponies would get hurt. Celestia's side could be understood, and so could hers, stopping the princess from taking down others that haven't proved they were a threat.

At the end of the day was she any different from Celestia, if she didn't kill guards or soldiers; because they had families, dreams, and the will to live... but killed the princess? She had a family, ponies that loved her, fans, goals, and guaranteed the will to live, hence the immortality. That is what made her different from villains, she had virtues and meaning with significant reasons that caused Luna to stand with her. Her goal was to defeat evil, not kill the ponies that it included to get what she wanted for the sake of her own mission. If she were to do that, what made her different from her enemy?

"I..... I will try, Luna."

The night Alicorn smiled gently, "That is all I ask."

Chrysalis was sitting on Shadowbound's back, as he squirmed and tried to drag himself out from under her weight. She slowly clapped by stomping her hooves on the ground before speaking, "Splendid, Luna joined the team.... she is bound just to slow us down!"

Luna flattened her ears, "I will do no such thing, in fact, I already know where the villains you seek are hidden!"

"How do you know about our plan?" Shadowbound asked, cocking his head.

The princess seemed a little embarrassed as she pointed to Queen Chrysalis. "That one over there was having a perverted dream about it."

"She speaks lies!"

"I am not a liar dear Chrysalis, but if you so wish for me to explain further to prove it-"

"We are going to be SUCH great friends.... dream-peeping TOM."

The two were glaring at each other angrily before Pinkamena decided to sperate them by dragging both of them away using her magic. When they both were at the opposite ends of the cave, Shadowbound sat next to Pinkamena as she considered Luna's words. Was she really going to allow Luna to join them? She could be on Celestia's side and be trying to gain their trust... so she would have to make her prove her mettle.

"Alright, since you are choosing to join us. I ask that you take us to Lord Tirek and help us free him." Pinkamena said, watching as her eyes grew wide.

"I will do as you say, but Tirek follows no pony! I doubt he will even listen to us!"

Chrysalis scoffed. "Not to mention we don't know how to get into Tartarus. Even though I am quite the powerful Changeling, I am afraid I don't even know where to start looking."

Luna grinned sheepishly. "Getting to Tartarus will not be of issue, for I know the way. Getting in will also be very semi-simple, for the door only opens with a special form of High Magic which is possessed by my sister, and I."

Shadowbound elbowed Chrysalis, "Sounds like she's more useful than you."

The Queen's horn started to fizzle before a giant blast of magic zapped Pinkamena's best friend. She laughed heartily, as Shadowbound twitched on the ground, coughing out a ring of smoke. His flames were minimized, darting along his back in tiny embers, while with his black fur singed and frizzy.

"Knock it off you two," Pinkamena warned, forcing them both to stand at attention. When she turned her back, they bumped each other threateningly, wanting to continue the fight without drawing Soul Seeker's eyes.

Luna watched as Pinkamena approached her, and the princess noticed her black Cutie Mark. Three balloons rested on her flank, two leveled to each other, and the middle one raised just above the ones parallel beside it. The two that were at the same height contained a skull in each balloon, while the raised one contained a rather strange symbol. It looked to be a golden balance scale, with two plates chained to it representing fairness. A sword rested sideways on the plates, with a hilt that formed into a what looked to be a half-moon.

This was a bizarre Cutie Mark, it appeared to have more meaning then what most ponies would understand, but Luna couldn't figure it out either. Most ponies had a simple symbol on their flank, to give others a taste of what their hidden talent was. Was her Cutie Mark to represent the war she was in? Hence the sword? No, that wouldn't make any sense because there was a balance scale, but what could it all mean?

"If you don't mind me asking princess, how did you find me?" Pinkamena said, standing next to the dark blue Alicorn.

"I've encountered Black Magic before and have used it, so I sensed it when Pinkie Pie came to speak with us. I suspect you've been living among her all this time, but have been trapped, and that is why I have not noticed."

"Did Celestia not sense it as well?"

Luna answered with a shake of her head. "She felt another presence, but I guided her away from thinking it was you."

The mare with the strange Cutie Mark reflected on this, was the moon Alicorn telling the truth? She had never seen Luna try and attack her during the first attempt at war, or really try to help Celestia at all back then. She felt kind of sad for Luna, her life had been so upside down lately; first being forced to see her sister commit disastrous crimes. Then she witnessed Celestia coming obsessed with her power, and Equestria, making her get involved in magic she didn't understand. Then after that, she was banished to the moon, once she couldn't handle the power! Yikes, the poor princess has been through a lot if her story was true.

"Do you mind taking us to Tartarus?" Pinkamena asked softly, taking pity on the princess as she shook her head.

"I do not mind, but I must warn you that the creatures you seek there may not follow you and may become hostile once freed."

Pinkamena laughed a little darkly, much to Luna's surprise. "I am counting on it."

The Alicorn didn't know what her new ally was planning but decided not to question it. Her horn started to come alive with magic, overtaking the shadows in the room with brilliantly shining blue light. It was pretty and emitted a relaxing tenderness, like the melatonin that causes ponies to get tired under the radiance of the moon at night. The group's hooves started to rise, as the magic swept under their stomachs and wrapped around their flanks gently.

Chrysalis seemed uncomfortable as the magic tickled her, "get your perverted magic away from me!"

As soon as her words were said, they were swallowed by a slow swirling cyclone that closed in around them. They all heard a loud poof, and when they relaxed themselves allowing their eyesight to adjust they were outside. There was no storm, just the light plum ambiance of the night sky above them. Luna stood staring at a door, it seemed a little overly guarded with enchantments and markings as big as a house! There was a seal that Luna studied, and it had been recently beefed up to contain the creatures inside, but unfortunately meant it was a harder lock to pick.

Chrysalis and Shadowbound came to Pinkamena's sides, as she looked at the leering door before Luna spoke. "My sister had this door's security embedded with protective magic, almost impossible to crack. I can get it open, but it will take extreme concentration and all the power I can muster just to get the lock to-"

Crunch!

Luna's wings sprung out in surprise, as the giant door seemed to cave into itself! Cracks and splits were in the metal, as it dented and bent to some unknown force! Was Cerberus trying to get out? No, that couldn't be, he was not strong enough to cause such colossal damage! The moon Alicorn's mouth was agape before she realized the sound of magic actively being summoned behind her. Luna turned to see Pinkamena with an outstretched hoof, a bored look on her face; as her magic crumpled the door as if it were a thin piece of paper!

The door was beaten in, and as soon as the barricade looked like a big ball of twisted scrap metal, it began to float over their heads. The giant ball of what was left of the "un-sealable" door of Tartarus was tossed aside and left to sit beside the group with a giant wave of dirt from its release. The dust blew their mane's back, as they all stood speechless at what they had just witnessed.

Luna was the only one to muster enough strength for words. "H-How is that possible? It takes almost all of my magic just to unlock it! H-How did you just destroy the door with no...… effort?"

Pinkamena scratched her cheek lazily. "Hmm? Oh, sorry I just got impatient."

Chrysalis had a dreamy look on her face as she bumped a stunned Luna with her elbow. "We should like totally ask for her autograph. Imagine how much it will be worth once she takes over Equestria!"

The group then walked together in the dark, desolate pathway that lead into the heart of Tartarus. Shadowbound pressed himself against Pinkamena, as the group swallowed nervously at the vicious glowing eyes from the caged creatures. They hung from cliffs and stacked on top of each other on the ground, and probably hundreds of eyes all followed the group hungrily and furiously. Stalagmites stories tall stuck out from the ground like giant spikes, matching along the drips of water falling from the cave-like ceiling. Luna stuck her head tall, as she walked next to Pinkamena lighting the way with her horn.

Something moved in the darkness, before fiercely hopping into a defensive stance and slamming their paws in front of the group. Luna recognized Cerberus, his three heads locking their six eyes on the trespassing group; along with his saliva slathered jaws dripping thick liquid into pools at their hooves. His muscular build rippled with power, his teeth gleaming and making Shadowbound and Chrysalis rub their tender throats.

"I shall calm Cerberus, we did not have a scheduled Tartarus visit, so he will not allow us to pass. I will try and reason with him." Luna said, stepping forward.

She tried speaking, but his savage roar made her jump back quickly! Luna couldn't imagine being trapped in his jaws, and being crushed mercilessly like any of his meals or bones he loved chewing on. She found herself trembling because he was indeed a force to be reckoned with and not one to bargain, a very appropriate protector of this place.

Pinkamena gently pushed Luna aside, as she stepped forward with the princess's warning. "He will not listen to us! He is preparing to attack, I ask of you to let me handle this, or you will suffer his power!"

The mare nicknamed Soul Seeker was not fazed by Luna's warning, as the princess bit her lip nervously at her approach. Cerberus was fearless, a noble warrior that guarded this prison with an iron paw, no creature could outsmart him or escape without his permission.

Pinkamena walked forward, as Cerberus snarled baring his dagger-like teeth that could strip flesh straight off of bone in one weak chomp. He lowered his heads, his red and veiny yellow eyes locking onto the tiny Earth Pony looking at him as she walked. His growling lips twitched before they started to fall, he could sense the mountain of living magic hidden under her fur. It was contained, locked up, but if she were to release it, he was not sure he could stop it! His nose picked up her scent, millennials old, and her magic.... far more advanced than any kind of villain, princess, or creature he had ever come across!

Her figure came closer, almost close enough to touch his paw. He picked up his leg, his heads cowering under her terrifyingly calm expression. When she didn't stop, he started to back up wanting for that... that thing, with the powerful magic to stay as far away from him as possible! The pounding of his heart made the ground around the hooves of the group vibrate, as he shied away from Pinkamena who didn't stop approaching. When his shriek of fear almost busted the eardrums of every creature, he took off after the mare patted his claw. She chuckled, as he bolted with his giant tail tucked under his legs and his stomps rattling the cages around them.

Luna couldn't believe that the fearless guardian of Tartarus just fled! Soul Seeker's magic was so forceful he could smell it, and even he felt that it was too much to overcome. Luna was glad she was on her side, in no way would she ever want to get in a scuffle with that mare.

A giant cage could be seen ahead, along with a sizeable descending light that was cast on the metal. Pinkamena could sense the magic-infused within the bars, probably to keep the creatures inside on it from busting out. The group climbed the stairs until their forms were exposed to the Pegasus and the Centaur inside.

"By golly Tirek, looks like we have visitors! How exciting, new friends!" a sweet voice said from within the shadows of her cage. It sounded like a filly, one that was cheery even though she was imprisoned.

Chrysalis blinked in confusion. "Why is there a filly here? This seems a little bit over-the-top for the princesses to do to such a young child. Even the great Queen of the Changelings wouldn't stoop so low!"

Luna rubbed her forelimb. "My sister likes imprisoning ponies and creatures that she fears will destroy Equestria."

Shadowbound squinted, "She's a FILLY Luna!"

Pinkamena pressed her nose against the cage, noticing the pinkish gray color in her messy fur. She picked up on small wings clamped to her sides as the filly grinned at the mare inspecting her, "I am assuming you are Cozy Glow."

"My goodness, you are smart! You must have heard of my little ouchy with the School of Friendship, don't worry I won't hurt you! I am just a sweet little filly like your friends have said, I would love to give you a nice hug since you look so lonely, but I am stuck in this small and cramped little cage!" Cozy Glow said happily, knocking her hoof against the bars in an attempt to express her confinement.

Luna tugged on Pinkamena's straight mane, catching her attention with a whisper, "that... that filly over there tried to take over Equestria just a fair warning."

Cozy Glow giggled, "Silly Luna I didn't try to take over Equestria I just wanted to be the empress! I think I would have made a great leader! Way better than that meanie Celestia, which I doubt you would understand."

Chrysalis flicked her tongue, "Nah we are pretty much on the same page."

Pinkamena watched Cozy Glow's peachy and flush cheeks, as she fiddled with the lock by bringing it up with her hoof. The small Pegasus tisked, before speaking "I know you are probably really strong Miss, but I must warn you that if you try and break the lock, it gives you a nasty shock! I wouldn't want anything to happen to my new friend, after all!"

The mare smirked, it was infused with powerful magic.... but not enough!

She clenched her hoof, and the metal was squeezed and ripped off. The lock popped off, magic sizzling throughout the bars until it settled. The cage door opened, and Cozy Glow shook her head in disbelief as she walked out carefully and cautiously next to the mare who freed her.

Black and yellow eyes widened in the silence of his cage, as his low chuckle caught the attention of Cozy Glow and the rest of the gang while he spoke. "Well, aren't you just brimming with strange magic! I don't think I've ever seen such an ancient presence with this kind of power. Tell me dear mare, what kind of magic do you use?"

Cozy Glow got in front of Pinkamena, before putting a hoof to her mouth so that Tirek couldn't hear them, "Miss I would just not listen to that big bully over there, he doesn't like making friends and cares for no pony!"

Pinkamena approached the Centaur, he looked old and tired with a frail frame. His arms and face were a rusty red color, along with a darkened chest and a dark gray pony-like body and legs. His nose snorted out a puff of smoke, making the ring connecting his nostrils flutter from the gust.

"My name is Pinkamena, I am here to offer you a deal for your freedom."

Lord Tirek rubbed his white chin-beard. "A deal hmm? Say, you look familiar; you remind me of a pony that annoyed me once... but her name has slipped my mind."

Chrysalis hissed, "Stop wasting our time you overgrown shriveled prune! You are in the presence of-"

Pinkamena hushed her by bringing her hoof slowly up to her lips, making the queen obey her and lower her head to keep from talking. The mare brought her attention back to the magic-stealing Centaur, who was tapping the cage with his long claws. His eyes were set in a malicious stare, his lips parted in a jeering and mocking smile as he looked into the ruby-red eyes of his ticket out.

"Alright, what is it you want from me?" Tirek asked pressing his head through the bars to get a better look at the familiar pony.

"I wouldn't trust him, Miss, he refused my friendship, it would be awfully sad to see him do the same to you!" Cozy Glow said nuzzling Pinkamena's leg with a sorrowful look.

The dulled mare took a deep breath, "I will free you if you join us in taking down Celestia. That's it, pretty simple really."

The Lord tapped his hoof, "Taking down Celestia hmm? Sounds awfully difficult, not to mention the Elements of Harmony that would be in your way.... you would need a resourceful ally like me. I guess it wouldn't hurt to lend you my strength, but first, you would need to free me, yes?"

His long and stretched out speech was obviously hiding his excitement just to take off once he was free, but the group stayed quiet under the calmness of their leader. Cozy Glow tugged at Pinkamena's hoof giving her many warnings, but she was ignored. The mare smashed her hoof against the lock making it drop and clatter on the rocks below. Lord Tirek watched eagerly as his cage door swung open, letting him revel in the open air containing his freedom. His four hooves stepped out onto the stone, as Soul Seeker gave him his space. Cozy Glow shot up into the air in alarm, as he towered over the group inhaling a breath of satisfaction.

"What idiots, did you really think I would gladly give up my freedom and serve you like some mindless soldier? You lot are just as dimwitted as the princess who trapped me here!"

Cozy Glow wrapped her hoof around the frail arm of Tirek, "I knew you'd betray us! Don't hurt my new friends, you jerk!"

The Centaur growled before flinging the filly off of him, "Get off you stupid child! Being stuck in here with you was bad enough, I don't need you also stopping me from taking Equestria's magic!"

Cozy Glow's strength was outmatched, and she was flung off the side of the raised rocky cliff. She barreled down into the depths of Tartarus, unable to catch the air underneath her feathery wings. Before any of the creatures standing with Pinkamena could react, her body was caught in a bright green hue and gently brought back to the mare's side. She was placed carefully on her hooves, as Tirek shoved the group aside storming towards the exit.

He opened his mouth, standing firm on the rock as the creatures locked in cages started to grow weaker, while light spilled from their bodies and flowed to Tirek. Pinkamena held out her hoof, stopping Luna from charging in to stop Tirek from sucking the magic out of them. The dark-pink mare watched as his form grew bigger, and bulkier, his colors more vibrant as his horns pointed outwards even more. With the hundreds of creatures that were now void of magic, his body was now once more alive with the strength he prided himself with.

"What a laugh, such weaklings in charge of their magic. Do not worry little ones, it has now gone to a greater power." He said, his voice noticeably deeper and stronger no longer possessing the weak traits he once had.

Luna bumped Pinkamena carefully, "I don't know what you are planning, but now that he has consumed the magic of hundreds of powerful creatures he may as well be unstoppable!"

The mare nodded before responding casually, "Oh I know."

Pinkamena trotted after the giant Centaur crushing the stone beneath his hooves, as Cozy Glow, Luna, Shadowbound, and Chrysalis all looked at each other with terrified gazes. They didn't talk as they followed their leader anxious about what she had planned, and how she was going to convince Tirek to join them. It was evident from the start that he was not going to listen to her, so why did she free him?

The group followed him outside, to where his body tensed at the fresh and cold air that blew against his ruffled mane. He smiled, he inhaled the fresh scents of magic stored in the bodies of millions of ponies across Equestria; just begging to be stolen and consumed by Lord Tirek himself. His power was , and his muscles ached with the sensation of wanting to smash Twilight and her friends into the ground. His hooves could render houses to rubble, and just his roar could shake mountains!

Pinkamena approached Tirek as his lethal and deafening roar tore apart the peacefulness of night, creating a sonic boom that echoed for miles. The creatures were horrified, as their idol 'Soul Seeker' tugged on his tail without any precaution what-so-ever.

The magical Centaur turned, "Get lost. I will spare your magic and your lives for freeing me, but I will not be so merciful in the future if I ever encounter you and these morons ever again!"

His hot breath could nearly melt the stones around him, but the tiny mare at his mercy seemed oblivious to his power, "Sure yeah... thanks for that. Anyways, since you are so powerful and all why don't we have a duel?"

The creatures mouths dropped open, as Tirek blinked in astonishment, "You're kidding.... you're kidding, right?"

Pinkamena shook her head, "Nope! Not one bit!"

Cozy Glow bit her hoof, "She's crazy! Miss, that's a reaaaaaally bad idea!"

The filly's voice reached Pinkamena's ears, but she just rested her rump on the grass in front of Tirek's hoof. The Centaur was rather taken aback by her perky tone and relaxed posture.

"Do you have any idea who I am? I am Lord Tirek, I have defeated Celestia, Luna, and even Cadence by stealing their magic! Twilight Sparkle couldn't even defeat me when she contained every single ounce of power from every Alicorn in Equestria! Are you seriously going to ask me to fight you? I could end your measly life with one stomp of my hoof, little earth pony!"

Pinkamena waved her hoof. "Then you have nothing to worry about... right?"

Tirek rolled his eyes. Clearly, this pony was mental! "I don't have time for this, go back to whatever nut house you escaped from."

The mare who had been denied circled around Tirek as he took a step forward, only to be stopped by Pinkamena who stood against him. "It would be a shame if word were to get to the Elements of Harmony about your escape, then poor Lord Tirek would be locked up again."

The giant looming creature pointed a claw at her with a low growl. "Is that a threat?"

"No I would never threaten such a powerful Centaur like yourself, call it.... a warning."

Tirek roared, "Fine! You ignored my generous offer to let you live, and you have the audacity to threaten me? Your end shall be painful, and slow with your screams of pain reaching-"

Pinkamena patted his hoof, "Yeah, yeah, slow and bloody and whatever. Anyways, let's make a wager if I win you have to join us, and if I lose, I'll give you power you couldn't even imagine."

Tirek burst out laughing while crossing his muscular arms. "Little pony if you win I'd carry you anywhere you'd want to go! Haha! I'd even go as far to say I would let you walk on me to avoid a puddle of water in the rain! This won't even be a fair fight, this will be over in a minute!"

The leader of her posse squinted. "Yeah you are right it wouldn't be a fair fight... Chrysalis, Luna, and Shadowbound you are all on Tirek's side."

Tirek was shocked as they ran to his side, not wanting to disappoint Pinkamena as he roared with frustration. "No I meant this wouldn't be fair for YOU, idiot! Lord Tirek works alone! I don't need backup, this is ridiculous!"

"Are we really fighting against her?" Chrysalis whispered to Luna, as the night princess shrugged her shoulders.

"Oooh, Oooh, what about me Miss?" Cozy Glow shouted, waving her hoof in the air.

"Cozy Glow call out all the creatures that seem unable to battle anymore, if they are out they cannot come back in. Last creature standing wins for their side, does this seem acceptable Lord Tirek?"

"This is the most idiotic thing I have ever seen! This will be over before I even take a breath of air! You and your servants will meet their end by my hoof!"

His voice boomed, as Shadowbound covered his head in fear. Chrysalis flexed her back, as Luna rolled her eyes at this strange plan. They wouldn't really battle? Would they? Pinkamena was just bluffing.... right? Yeah, Lord Tirek and Soul Seeker were just bluffing, she had an alternative plan to all of this. Wait... what was she doing?

Pinkamena breathed out, as green light formed at her hooves. Her body was concealed by a dark shadow creeping up her spine and melting away her pink fur. Her eyes flashed, as her mane and tail blew along a gust of wind that circled around her and her demanding magic. Tirek and the others watched, as her body became cloaked by hardened material and the magic seemed to dry into something shiny and exotic. Her body was now hidden by jet-black armor, hiding her Cutie Mark but exposing her belly. Designs could be seen carved into the metal, it looked like clashing demons that were fiercely clawing at each other in a tale told along the armor.

A gargoyle poked out from her chest, with glowing and active red-eyes. The raised area in her chest that contained the strange decoration that resembled a gargoyle opened it's mouth releasing smoke. Her mane blew freely, but curved black tusks crept out from under her chin, bending into a sharp point outwards. Two crystal-like balls that seemed to contain swirling souls within them were glowing bright red as the liquid inside actively curled. Her hooves were the last part that could be noticed, claws poked out from the armor, ones that moved with the pony it was attached to. Her claws ripped up the dirt as she flexed her body, getting used to having her armor on after all this time.

She had no helm, but the armor plating that went up her neck and into the tusks she wore, was enough to show that she was not playing around.

"We are really fighting.... guys we are REALLY fighting!" Shadowbound squeaked, as Luna's eyes darted from Pinkamena to Lord Tirek frantically.

Lord Tirek's mind seemed to be actively trying to recognize the mare in front of him, but his rage took over pushing the thought out of his head, "Very interesting display, but not enough to spare you. Let's get this over with!"

Cozy Glow smiled waving her hoof in the air. "Every creature ready? Three.."

"I am not ready! Ooh, Oooh, my leg, I think it's broken!" Shadowbound screamed.

"Two!" Cozy Glow said.

"Can I get an autograph first? Or is it too late for last requests, before I am killed?" Chrysalis asked calmly.

"One!" Cozy Glow shouted.

"This is not fair, thy enemy cannot be serious? Thou need to rethink this through!" Luna said flustered.

"GO!" Cozy Glow bellowed, as chaos broke loose.

Tirek charged, his thunderous hoof-steps shaking the ground as he picked up speed. Chrysalis leapt forward while grabbing Shadowbound's tail with a psychotic laugh, Luna flew alongside them both, but still, their speed did not match the Centaur. Pinkamena seemed not at all bothered, as her sides started to stretch and shift, she flinched as something burst from her fur forming into a shadow. Both of her sides now contained this shadow, as Tirek approached closer with his mouth open in a battle cry. Her shadows formed into what seemed to be mighty leathery wings, with a bony outstretched outline that separated the sections.

Tirek lunged, with his horns ready to gouge his prey, but was surprised to see her leap up with incredible finesse. His mouth twisted in alarm, when her body was above his slowed attack, she was controlling time? His body was almost moving at the pace of a snail, while she moved without danger until she rested at his exposed spine. He couldn't turn, or block, as she came down with her hooves. He expected a little tap but what came forth was an excruciating bone-crushing slam! Time seemed to restore, and his face was buried into the dirt with a mighty crash!

Luna came by next, spitting out a powerful beam of magic from her horn. Pinkamena created a shield of shadows, and the attack just ran across her protective barrier, bleeding off of the sides and never touching their target. Chrysalis saw she was distracted and sent a volt of energy towards her opponent, courtesy of the queen herself! Soul Seeker spotted the green energy hurtling towards her, and stuck out her hoof to catch the magic in her claws. The Changeling was speechless, she was absorbing it without even needing to deflect it! Pinkamena's orbs that were connected to her armor flashed, as they responded to her calls; making the queen's magic start to bend and stretch until it was headed her way! Her own magic chased after her, forcing her to flee as it hunted her down to catch up!

Pinkamena's shield dispersed, leaving Luna and her alone and airborne on the sky battlefield. Shadowbound joined the princess's side, as they both combined their power to hit Pinkamena with their magic. Luna blasted with everything she had, springing to life a shock wave that made the air itself sizzle from its strength, along with the demon who aided her with a breath of fire! The two attacks combined, twisting along each other until they melted into each other's form in a combo strike! Pinkamena lowered her gaze, as the magic bore into her with everything her enemy could muster. Luna and Shadowbound seemed proud as they hoof-bumped when Soul Seeker was caught in the explosion. The residue of their force was earth-shattering proving Luna did indeed possess a strong horn, but their excitement was short-lived as Pinkamena sprang from the smoke and fire slicing her claws across Shadowbound's chest.

He was knocked out of the air spiraling down into the hard earth below him, before splattering on the grass. His eyes were wide, and his body was caked in dirt from the dent he had made that broke his fall. There was a zap, and a scream as Chrysalis's magic caught up to her causing her to fall over in defeat.

"Shadowbound and Chrysalis are out tee-hee! Only Lord Tirek, Pinkamena, and Luna remain! Two versus one! An all-out brawl!" Cozy Glow cheered, who had found time to tie a tissue onto a stick to make a flag and was waving it excitedly.

Tirek seemed to have recovered from his blow, as he shook the dirt and rocks buried in his mane off. He leered at Pinkamena, his nose snorting smoke as he roared with anger. A ball of fire formed in-between his massive horns, before he released a blast of power almost making him slide back from the recoil! The magic he had just produced was enough to destroy all of Canterlot, and no pony or creature could possibly survive it!

Luna and Pinkamena were caught in the pathway of his blast as the Alicorn spoke up, "Tirek I am on your side! You'll take both of us down!"

Soul Seeker pushed Luna out of the way, hardly missing the energy but leaving her partner exposed to it. Luna shouted as she whipped around with her wings to watch fearfully as the mare was consumed by it. The magic formed into a ball before exploding, causing a massive discharge of wind to blow every creature away. Lord Tirek stood tall, watching victoriously as his power was no doubt tearing the Earth Pony apart!

As soon as the magic gathered and exploded, it was gone. Pinkamena flapped her wings, and it just simply vanished! Tirek's eyes grew wide, not even a scratch was on her... how was this possible? The smoke from the attack was still visible, as her wings kept her steadily secure in the air. She didn't speak, as green-like lightning sparkled in between her hooves, growing in power each second that went by. He watched frozen in his place, as she held her hooves facing each other creating a little ball between her claws with a tasty spell she was cooking up for him. Tirek was no fool, even though he was unbeatable he was not going to just let himself get hit! He tried to move his hooves, but something was holding him prisoner, and when he looked down he saw claws gripping his legs! He grunted and pulled against them, but there was no use, he was at the mercy of the Earth Pony!

The Centaur was starting to sweat as Pinkamena took her sweet time charging up her magic, and by the time it grew to the size of a beachball she let it go. Tirek yelled out, as the hypnotic colors took over everything that he saw, Equestria was nothing but a big glowing mass of green. He couldn't move, he couldn't deflect in time, so all he could do was close his eyes and accept Pinkamena's strike.

The blinding light and ruthless wind caused every pony and creature to cover their eyes, and hide in the safety of their hooves as Tirek was swallowed. His cries of anguish were the only thing louder than the magic itself as an earthquake split boulders and tore rifts in the ground. Cozy Glow couldn't help but peak through her wing-feathers, but she could not see any creature's outline, not even Tirek's. Once the dazzling light calmed, and the magic faded into a thin pillar before disappearing, Pinkamena landed next to a heavily carved out hole. The creatures that had been defeated as well crept closer scared of looking upon the magic stealer's body and what was left of it.

Cozy Glow popped her head over the edge and was first to see Tirek laying sprawled out on the dirt, his mane still sparking with energy spewing from his fur as he groaned. The cavern Pinkamena made was almost so deep that they thought they needed to lower each other with a rope just to get close! His hooves were chipped, his horns broken and hanging loosely, and his fur missing patches, but he seemed to be okay other than that.

"Goodness me, I guess that means Pinkamena is the winner! Assuming Luna had forfeited." Cozy Glow announced as the princess nodded hastily.

"We could FORFEIT?!" Shadowbound yelled with a cracking voice, popping what seemed to be his dislocated skeleton.

Tirek tried to get up, but he fell flat on his stomach as Pinkamena gently floated down beside him. The Centaur's eyes rolled around loosely, as the mare that had one the duel tapped his shoulder.

"You gave a good effort," she said.

"But... but how? You are just an earth pony! How do you have such power, this can't be!" Tirek said in disbelief as his opponent gently stroked his cheek.

"There is time to answer all your questions, but for now... It looks like you will be carrying me. After all, it is a long way back to Ponyville!" Pinkamena said coyly.