Chapter Four

“Equestria needs... Us? What is this, the Avengers?” Allen was expecting one of many possible phrases to be uttered by the princess, but not that. “What can two strangers from another planet do for you?”

Luna filled them in. As it turned out, when Luna’s first explorers began reporting back information as to the nature of Earth and its life, they were shocked by the bloodshed, anger, coldness, and overall negativity of humans. The most shocking part, in Luna’s royal opinion, was how these human creatures could also show hints of a better nature: kindness to strangers, a good laugh, even strong friendships!

“There is only one good explanation, in my opinion, as to why humans can do such different things.” Luna gazed at the pony/humans in an almost sad way. “These negative things, while present in every human from their birth, cannot be an integral part of humans. Have you heard of Discord?”

Allen said no, Tony said yes, and Valiant laughed.

“You mean that dude that I helped defeat with Tom?” guffawed Valiant. “What does Mr. ‘Stoned’ have anything to do with earth?”

Luna glared at Valiant, but continued. “Much like our famed ‘Elements of Harmony’, there are elements that Discord is but one of. The elements of Darkness. Long ago, when the universe was young, Celestia and I were members of the universal court that decreed the elements of Darkness broken. You see, my little ponies, where there is not something existing, there is empty space. Darkness is what occupies this space, and reigns over. Breaking apart the elements allowed the Great Powers to bring the universe into its current form.”

Allen’s mouth stood agape. Tony spoke for every human in the room, asking Luna, “So... if Discord is here... then something is on Earth?”

At this, Luna shed a single tear. “Yes. I am sorry to tell you this, believe me.” Returning to a standing position, Luna looked each in the eyes. “Just as magic is the greatest element of harmony, so one element of Darkness exists through the others, controlling and gaining power when others are near. I strongly believe that the element of Evil resides on Earth.”

Luna’s voice lost its sadness. “Evil was a strange element. It chose to hide itself, never revealing its true form. It was in this way that it could survive, even while under watch of the Great Powers. Evil nests in the heart of anything that does not contain darkness, and strives to infect it. After the eons humanity has lived with evil, it is amazing to see that there is any goodness left in you. Truly, humans are stronger than they appear.”

Allen spoke up, asking, “So... evil exists on Earth. Why does Equestria care?”

Luna turned to Allen. “Both worlds should worry. With the connection formed, Discord and Evil are dangerously close to uniting. If Evil finds its way into Equestria, well...” Luna looked meaningfully at Allen.

“OK... but, what can we do? You said evil doesn’t take a form!” Tony spoke up.

At this, luna produced a sealed parchment. “Yes, but it does have to occupy something. Or, someone.”

~~

Septimus Banner had always attracted trouble. Standing 6’ 2”, he carried a muscular build and a shaved head. A picture of understated efficiency, he was a master at getting his fingers into anything that had a black market side to it. Which, on Earth, meant anything. Pulling a cigarette from his jacket pocket, he lit up.

“To hell with the doctor, I can afford machines when I’m older.” grumbled Septimus.

A diminutive young women walked into the office where Septimus stood. At 100 stories above Chicago, the Willis Tower office made Banner’s skin crawl. He never understood those who flaunted their illegitimate practices. After all, it was tax evasion that finally got Al Capone.

“E-excuse me, Mr...” The woman looked at her clipboard. “Smith. I believe you said you wanted your delivery Tuesday?”

At this, the Shaved headed man turned and faced the woman.

“Clara Jacobs. You may call me Sep. I said I wanted the delivery Sunday. Don’t change my dates for me, I have a much higher intelligence than your boss.” Sep paused for a moment. “Actually, cancel the order. Tell Robert that his business is going to the list.”

Sep had never intended to purchase anything from this business trip, aside from a small souvenir snow globe from the Willis gift shop. He specialized in shorting companies. 104 moderate to major corporations had been brought to their knees and reconsolidated under his direction, each one earning him several billion dollars.

As the Woman scurried from the office, face noticeably whiter, Septimus closed his eyes. His headaches lessened, for some reason, whenever he gave someone else one. Some days, it seemed the only reason he did this was to satisfy his cravings, and take his mind off the constant pain pounding through his head. Septimus had wondered on occasion if he was going insane. He could swear that a voice called out to him during dark nights, when he was alone. The most worrying thing was the things the voice said. We have done wondrous things... Think of how the world is different... someday, all will kneel to our power... they will know the pain they gave us... Those were not the worst things. The worst was when it gleefully described the results of his actions. Yet, whenever he stopped to think, it was like everything shut down. He came to a point where he didn’t care about morals. He was happy, after all... wasn’t he?

~~

Allen and Tony had donned their survival packs and some clothing. The clothes fit oddly on their quadruped bodies, but would be necessary for their mission. Valiant would stay in Equestria, on standby. Allen turned to Luna, who had accompanied the two of them to the point they had entered Equestria. “So, how long until we get sent back?”

“Three days, maximum. Remember, you will be able to come back any time before that point, but once three moons have risen and set, you will be brought back, no matter what. My sources on Earth have found the location of the spirit, but you will have to act fast. If it discovers you are searching for it, it will find a new host.”

Tony was a little shellshocked. “I still can’t believe it. You want us to infiltrate a high security area, capture and confine the essence of evil, personified, and take it back? You DO realize we are relatively young on earth, right?”

Luna gazed down at Tony. “You will not be alone. Valiant will be assisting you. And, if need be, I can grace Allen with my powers. He was changed into a Unicorn; he will be very receptive to magic.”

Allen asked a final question. “Yeah, about the Valiant thing... earmuffs? Will these really work?”

A voice issued faintly from the muffs around Allen’s neck.

“These things were magicked up by Twilight; they have unlimited range and HD quality. I think you should be amazed that such amazing devices were given to you.” Valiant said, sitting in the ponyville library. “Remember, kids, I’ll be listening. I also can’t understand why Luna wouldn’t allow me to give you any mechanic-” A glow surrounded the earmuffs, cutting Valiant’s voice off.

Luna rolled her eyes in a very un-royal fashion as she released her grip on the muffs, and then pointed her horn at the Two human/ponies. A blue glow surrounded and filled every corner of their vision, and then darkness enveloped them.

Tony and Allen woke up on the shore of Lake Michigan, sitting on sun chairs. They stretched and tested their once-again human limbs. Behind them rose the skyline of Chicago.