CHAPTER 1: EDGE OF SANITY

“There are winds of destiny that blow when we least expect them. Sometimes they gust with the fury of a hurricane, sometimes they barely fan one’s cheek. But the winds cannot be denied, bringing as they often do a future that is impossible to ignore.” ― Nicholas Sparks, Message in a Bottle

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Sitting solemnly in the corner of a library veiled in shadow was a lone mare. She peered blankly towards the ground with her one eye, and seemed to be lost entirely in her own thoughts. She said nothing, and at one point ran her hoof over a large patch that covered the entire right side her face. Her mane was erratic and wild, and looked like it'd been ages since she ever combed it. She wore a large strap with a very peculiar weapon fastened onto the back. She simply continued to sit there silently, as she reminisced about days gone by, days lost to the hourglass of time.

In her head she recalled a familiar figure, a female changeling, boastful and filled with pride regarding its race. The changeling was yelling at her with a psychotic grin, a devious smile, and its words struck this mare to the core.

"It only makes your ignorance of the situation shine even more Ellie, it's pathetic! You're clueless to everything! There is no us, there never was! You're just a weak pony who has no idea what she's fighting for! A pony who defends an unjust cause, a pony following the herd! Those talks of a life after this, a life after the Gala, to think you have such dreams! I was just as clueless, just as foolish! Ponies and Changelings will never trot together, you daft little pony, accept it!"

Remembrance of the words only sent a chill down the mare's spine as her remaining eye snapped wide. She curled up in that corner somewhat, as she gritted her teeth. She looked as if she were losing it, but somepony broke the silence.

Clop Clop!

The mare's pupil dilated as she'd heard the sound. She looked up to find a pony with glasses, he'd seemed worried for her and he looked a little like some sort of science geek. He pushed up his glasses slightly before clapping his hooves together once more, trying to get the mare's attention.

"Elliot! Hey, Elliot, what're you doing? This isn't the time to be daydreaming, comon let's go!"

The mare revealed as Elliot Brightmare, a mare who'd witnessed the rise of Discord, simply nodded to the stallion who'd gotten her attention. She rose to her hooves, leaving the corner she was finding comfort in as they trailed around the library veiled in shadow, obviously all the lights were off in the place, but the two ponies weren't looking to turn them on either. Actually, as one would look at them, it'd be easy to guess they were actually attempting to keep as quiet as possible and remain hidden in the darkness. The stallion and mare then made their way quietly towards a large window that gave an entire overview of the city they were currently located in.

As one would look over the city, the scenery was quite familiar, except lots had changed since the last time these two were here. They were currently in Canterlot, now practically a military fortress, and a prize for Equestria's new king of chaos. Making their patrols were a multitude of guards madeup of many diverse races, ox, griffon, even ponies, although any pony guards were a rare sighting. Elliot and the stallion looked over the routes they could take from the window, they'd noted that they also had the cover of night.

Before discussing anymore, the stallion peered back at Elliot with a hesitant expression, before reaching back into a bag he had strapped onto his back and pulling out a book, he then winced at Elliot. "Are you sure this is it? This is the one we're looking for right?"

Elliot eyed the book once more to make sure, although she'd seemed a little irked by his need to confirm she got the right one. The book was titled Lessons of the Timelord, a common novel, but often overlooked just for how boring it was. But either way most citizens of Equestria barely got books these days, let alone pony ones. Elliot nodded to the stallion before muttering "Yes, now can we go Sharp Wits? I'd rather not be in enemy territory any longer than I need to."

The pony revealed as a stallion named Sharp Wits sighed heavily then nodded with a smile towards Elliot. He then pressed his hoof against a small earpiece and then spoke softly. "Eden, we've got the book but it doesn't look like there'll be any clear routes of escape. Do you have any suggestions?"

Suddenly a small buzz came from both Elliot and Sharp's earpieces, followed by a youthful male voice. "Hey you guys, I'm happy to hear you're both doing okay. I've heard Discord really changed the place since we were there last, judging by your question I'm guessing those rumors were correct. Anyway; don't worry I've got it all sorted out of course, you see, on the western sector of Canterlot, there's a small cargo train that passes by, it'll head southwest towards New Manehattan. You guys need to hop the train quickly and quietly, the next one should be coming around in the next 10 minutes, more than enough time to make your escape."

Elliot was already in the process of silently cutting a large hole into the window. Her horn began to spark with yellow magic, before slowly calming into a steady yellow light. That light soon burst forth from her horn onto the window, cutting through it like a tiny laser as when she'd finished, she used her hooves to silently lay down the circular piece of glass onto the floor. She then nudged her head in Sharp's direction, signaling the stallion to follow her. "Comon, let's go."

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As they landed softly atop the tiles of the roof of a small building, Sharp Wits practically slipped on a loose tile as he cringed at the sight of the tile sliding off and about to hit the pavement below. The pavement where the very same guards they were attempting to avoid patrolled on. As the tile clanked and tumbled downward, Elliot quickly used her telekinesis to levitate the tile gently back up to the roof on impulse. She then smirked somewhat at Sharp with a wink.

Sharp felt a blush creep onto his face as he rolled his eyes. "It's times like this I wish I wasn't an earth pony."

-

As the two of them steadily made their way from rooftop to rooftop, avoiding being seen under the cover of night. Elliot couldn't help but wince every now and then, for she'd also been being accompanied by a shade of her haunting memories, which she attempted to ignore and block out of her mind. As they trotted atop the roofs, the changeling would only keep reappearing, she wasn't actually there of course, but to Elliot, she was as real as anything.

"Look at you, a mare who just can't let go of the past, you're a hindrance to the group as a whole you know. It's funny considering the fact you play such a minor role in all this, you want to play the big part, you want to make a difference, but you don't have power to do so. You're an insect trying to dance with the gods, it's time you accept just how powerless you truly are Elliot Brightmare."

-

At that moment the shade of the changeling surged forward towards the mare, as Elliot shrieked in fear atop the rooftop. She scurried backwards on impulse as Sharp Wit's eyes snapped wide. Elliot's sudden reaction caused multiple tiles to slip loose and fall, crashing onto the pavement below as the guards didn't hesitate to flash their lights towards the rooftops, catching a glimpse of the two subterfuge ponies, they began yelling as they sounded the alarm.

Elliot's expression worsened dramatically as she recovered from her little, setback. She then looked at Sharp who simply had an expression of pure annoyance placated on his face as he shook his head. He uttered "Let's go! We don't have much time at this point!" He hurriedly trotted past the disturbed mare as he didn't hesitate to shoot her a scowl in doing so. "What's wrong with you? There wasn't even anything there!"

Elliot's eye widened as she peered down towards the rooftop with a saddened expression. She gritted her teeth, angry with herself for a moment before trotting on ahead. They'd made progress towards the station, and it was now or never, or so they thought.

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Sitting in his throne room in a redesigned Canterlot Castle was Discord with a bored expression. He yawned as he'd curled somewhat on his chair, letting his hind legs hang over the edge of throne as he held a wine glass in his left claw. He continued to toss and groan in pure boredom as he muttered. "This is truly dreadful, I swear, what's the point of chaos when everything is well....chaotic!? Perhaps I should just go destroy something for fun."

Suddenly approaching the draconequus was a little filly, she didn't look unique in particular, simply baring a brown mane and light orange coat. She wore a maid's uniform and was currently levitating a pitcher of chocolate milk. She also wore a smile, and as she arrived at Discord's throne she asked him in a curious tone, "More chocolate milk my lord?"

Discord smirked at the little filly before nodding, satisfied by her execution of the task. "Why yes dear, thank you ever so kindly for the offer."

The filly nodded to Discord with a soft chuckle before pouring some chocolate milk into the wine glass. "Of course my lord, I live to serve!" She then turned, trotting steadily back in the direction she came. She may have seemed happy, but in truth she knew no better, ever since the beginning of Discord's reign, there were ponies unfortunate enough to be born right when it began. That filly was one such case, all she knew was the life of a slave, and Discord cherished the ones who'd be brought up to know only him as their single ruler. As the filly left the throne room, a minotaur guard made his way in hurriedly, shoving the filly to the side as he stepped.

The minotaur snarled at the little filly. "Watch where you're going twerp!"

The filly shrieked a bit before stuttering. "F-Forgive me! I'll pay more attention next time!" She then trotted hurriedly out of the throne room as fast as she could.

The minotaur rolled his eyes with a slight scoff before making his way over to the king of chaos. Upon arrival he bowed to Discord and then stood to his hooves once more and didn't hesitate to speak. "My lord! It seems in the cover of night there were some intruders who'd just escaped from the sealed quarter of the library! We're not sure what they were looking for, but either way we believed it best you were informed right away!"

Discord's eyes widened as he lit up like a child waking up on christmas day. He rose from his throne before clapping somewhat with a chuckle. "Intruders!? Oh goodie! The library you say? Now that's a first, hmmmm...I wonder what they wanted from that damp old place....either way I could use the exercise, I wonder who the resistance has cooked up for me this time!" Discord immediately poofed from his throne, reappearing a few feet away. He then began to proceed stretching as if he were preparing to exercise, he'd even suddenly had a headband. "They always seem to lighten the mood these days, you mentioned they escaped? Ah, no, not escaped, but they're in the process of escaping. And I have a pretty good idea of where they're heading, relax friend, I'll deal with this myself."

The minotaur gasped as he shook his head before making his way to Discord. "M-My lord! Please, we'll take care of this for you, there's no need for you to get involved!"

Discord let off a hearty laugh before turning to the minotaur. "I've relaxed enough for now. Now don't worry yourself."

The minotaur persisted, he opened his mouth uttering "B-But my lo-" but he grew silent as he noticed Discord's expression change almost instantly. The draconequus was growing impatient with the minotaur, and he could see it in Discord's eyes. The once goofy, comedic draconequus now peered towards the ground with a impatient expression and half closed eyes, before shooting the minotaur a cold and callous glance.

Discord simply inquired. "Are you disobeying a direct order?"

The minotaur's heart raced as he immediately bowed to the draconequus in absolute fear. "F-Forgive me my lord! I, I was foolish to persist, please overlook my disobedience."

Discord suddenly lit up happily once more before laughing and patting the minotaur's shoulder. "Ahahaha! Don't be too hard on yourself now, where's the fun in that!?" Discord then levitated himself before shrugging at the minotaur. "This will be over soon enough, try not distract yourself with such meager things. Say, why don't you go to the brothel, I hear they got some new 'workers' from Fillydelphia, bahahaha!" With that the draconequus was gone, disappearing from the throne room.

The minotaur stood to his hooves once again, attempting to recover from the entire scenario. He gulped as his body trembled somewhat, he clenched the hilt of his axe before muttering to himself. "T-Too close...."

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As Elliot and Sharp were now passing through the alleyways of Canterlot, they'd soon arrived at the station, and waiting for them was already a cargo train filled with a multitude of diverse items, mainly consisting of weapons, food supplies, and simply things for the guards. They were currently at the back of the train, there being a small ledge for them to climb up on as well as a ladder that lead to the top of the train itself. It puffed with smoke as the departure bell rang out.

-

Sharp grinned, delighted by the prospect of escaping. "Whew! We made it, let's get out of here!"

Elliot nodded in agreement before shrugging. "Haha, a hair's breadth of death."

Suddenly they'd heard the sounds of the guards rapidly closing in on them & the train wasn't going to wait for them to hop on either. They gave each other a quick glance then nod, before hopping on the train eagerly. As the train began to surge forward, out of the city, the two ponies couldn't help but snicker and chuckle at the sight of the yelling ox and their gryphon pursuers, who'd obviously rather stay behind rather than risk leaving and angering Discord for leaving their posts. Sharp stuck his tongue out at the infuriated guards as the train soon disappeared in the distance.

-

As the train rode along the tracks at rapid speeds, one could still take notice of the scenery of Equestria in the distance. Having just left Canterlot, the train was trailing along the side of a steep mountain at the moment, heading downwards into the open plains. It wasn't hard to take notice of the lush green forests and rolling mountains to the right further in the distance, such sights made one often forget they were currently under the rule of a crazy monarch. But alongside the beautiful mountains and fields of green, there were also the slightly less, common, things. The clouds of Equestria were now made of cotton candy, and mixed in with some forest lands were forests made up of sugary delicacies and other crazy things. All a result of the king's chaotic powers of course.

Sharp and Elliot made their way up the ladder and atop the train. In order for this to go smoothly, all they'd have to do is remain hidden and anonymous, and make their way off at a specific stop. But as they were hopping from freight car to freight car, Sharp Wits couldn't help but cock up a curious plan he had.

He looked to Elliot curiously. "Hey Elliot, this train sure has a lot of useful things we can take back to the group."

Elliot winced at him somewhat before stating. "Sooooo." She knew where he was going with this, and she didn't like it, hopping the train was one thing, taking it over and stealing everything on it was another. She crossed her hooves, standing on her hind legs as she raised a brow at him. "Think about it Sharp, we take these supplies & not only do we risk getting caught a second time, but we'll be causing lots of trouble for other ponies out there. If the other cities don't get this food we'll end up starving all of them, the chaos enforcers will lower the pony rations and keep all the food to themselves."

Sharp scowled somewhat at Elliot before stating. "Fine fine whatever..."

Elliot sighed heavily with a shrug. "And we can live off the land easily, least it's not all bad."

-

The two of them grew silent for a brief moment before turning and looking to their right. They faced the gorgeous view with soft smiles as the speed of the train fiercely caused both of their manes to flail about wildly with the wind. They didn't mind however, it wasn't often they could enjoy two nostalgic things at once, peace and scenery. As they simply continued to stand atop the freight car, Sharp looked at Elliot for a moment, before eyeing her patch in specific.

He raised a brow at the mare. "Hey Elliot, you never told me, what happened to your face?"

Elliot winced somewhat as she seemed offended, missing the point. "What was that?"

He laughed nervously before shaking his head and hooves in defense. "No no no! I didn't mean it like that, I mean-..uhm.."

Elliot raised a brow at him before smiling softly. She laughed a little. "Oh, uhm, yea it's a long story...perhaps another time.."

Sharp shrugged, returning the smile. "Whenever's best for you."

The two of them then continued to stare off into the distance.

Sharp continued the conversation. "So, what do you think about Sombra, he's really been on the edge lately."

Elliot shrugged. "He's a good leader, he's just a little overwhelmed is all. I'm sure it's nothing."

Another looming silence.

The two of them just continued to gaze at the sights as Sharp smirked. "Beautiful isn't it?"

Elliot nodded simply, still smiling. "Yep..."

Another voice chimed in. "Yes it's just absolutely lovely, I must say I did pretty good with the place hm?"

Elliot and Sharp's eyes snapped wide as they both immediately felt the chill run down their spines. They turned towards the back of the train to face the sudden voice, which they both knew with tragic recognition.

There, smirking atop the train as he sat in a manifested throne, was Discord himself, the master of chaos.

Sharp muttered to Elliot. "W-We're screwed!....."

Elliot replied hastily, yet softly. "Yep..."

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Discord then hopped from his throne onto the freight train at the back before chuckling. "Now it's far too dark out, let's get some light in here shall we?" With a snap of his claw, suddenly the sun rose, nearly blinding the two ponies from it's sudden and unexpected appearance. The draconequus then began his dreadful approach as he had a comedic smirk and a raised brow. "Now now, don't look at me like that you two, you have no idea how much I've missed you. Come, enlighten me, I'd love to know where the rest of your little group is hiding out at."

-

The two ponies knew Discord was an enemy beyond their capabilities, and they stood no chance, their only option was to flee, but how could they escape from such an unstoppable foe? No, there was only one way to make it through this, Discord had one major flaw even with all his power. His own need to be entertained, he was confident in all forms, and he had every right to be, but it also made the option of sacrifice a liable option.

Elliot peered back at Sharp and his bag with the book before wincing slightly, she thought on her hooves, and with a mighty buck sent him flying a freight car back. The mare then used her horn to disconnect the couple of the rest of the train from the car her and Discord were standing on, allowing Sharp to make his escape.

As the stallion came to, he'd eventually came to realize what the mare had done. He snapped at her "Elliot what're you doing!? You can't do this!"

Elliot simply smiled at him as she watched the train disappear in the distance.

Sharp snapped angrily once more as his voice faded from earshot. "Elliot!"

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Discord couldn't help but snicker. "Touching, you know, you always seem to be involved in these sorts of things."

Elliot turned to face the draconequus with fierce determination. She remained silent, simply unsheathing her blade as she took in a deep breath.

Discord continued his approach. "I recall when you were boohooing about Chrysalis, my humblest condolences for that as well by the way." Discord paused for a moment before trailing side to side in a steady motion. "I always wondered about your name, Elliot, it's uncommon for ponies I must say. After spending more than a few seconds thinking about it, I decided that I'd look into such a strange case. Your family really was the odd bunch hmmm, your daddy's obsession with mythological creatures, to even name his own daughter based off one of the words of their language. But the meaning is also quite cute, 'Strength and Right' or 'Bravely and Truly'." Discord smirked before unsheathing his jawbreaker sword. "Tell me, what drives you? Is it Strength and Righteousness, or Bravery? Or ultimately is it all just stupidity?"

Elliot remained silent as she got in her fighting stance.

Discord chuckled. "Either way, I think we both know how this is going to end. I just wanted to thank you for keeping me entertained for all these years, it's truly disappointing that they decided to send you out into the fray, I was hoping I'd be able to see you as well as those other two in a glorious final stand! It would have been a blast! Ah well, things happen." Discord then acted as if he were a dancer wielding a rapier. "So, shall we dance once again? Let's see how much you've learned since last time."

Elliot gulped somewhat. Just around thirty seconds, that's all he should need to make a clean getaway. But even thirty seconds is a stretch with Discord, if he doesn't cut me down in the first five.

-

There was a brief moment of silence as Discord simply smirked at the pony wielding her sword.

Elliot took in another deep breath before making taking the charge. She was the definition of pure concentration as her swift movements led her to Discord's clawed feet, the mighty figure looming over her with confidence. She made sure to make each movement count as she went into a whirling motion with her blade, roaring with motivation as she spun her blade at the draconequus's side. Discord simply sidestepped her attack, blocking it with his own sword.

He laughed a little. "Good good! The form could use a little work but you've progressed well!"

-

Elliot snarled somewhat as she then swung her blade upward, Discord simply took a few steps back, dodging another one of her attacks, this was all too natural for him. But as she'd done what he expected, she suddenly turned out to be quite the surprise, in a fleeting moment her horn bursted with magic, levitating her sword flawlessly, the blade spun itself with incredible speed, moving behind Discord then shooting back like a boomerang. A large grin creeped onto the draconequus's face as he'd let the blade phase through him in an instant, Elliot expected as much as she caught her sword with her forehooves and then stared Discord in the eyes.

Discord burst into laughter as he raised a brow. "Now that was marvelous! Aaaah, you all know how to get the blood pumping, it'll be sad the day this all has to come to an end. Either way, I realize what you're attempting to do. Distractions always seem to be an effective method, and I praise you for deciding to off yourself without a second thought, but you see, all of it is pointless. I will find out what you two stole from the library and why, and I will eventually find where the rest of this little resistance of yours hides. It's been a fun game of hide and seek but you all aren't trying hard enough, I'm getting closer and closer, its time to step up your game." He winced at the mare somewhat. "It's adorable you're still trying. But in the end you're all simply insects, waiting to be crushed. Your roles are too insignificant to make a difference, you're no Celestia, and certainly no Luna, all you are–"

Discord snapped his claws as suddenly pouring from a cloud above, would be strawberry milk and vanilla icecream. As it pelted atop the freight car, Elliot couldn't help but slip and fall to her side as she gritted her teeth attempting to stagger to her hooves. Discord obviously wouldn't allow it as he was suddenly looming over the distressed mare with a smirk. "Is a bunch of ordinary ponies...." He raised his jawbreaker sword as he then swung it down in a powerful motion. Elliot's eyes widened as she knew what was coming, and was powerless to stop it, this was it.

CLANG!

A sudden block of defiance? But from who?

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There was a mighty flash of light from atop the freight car as Elliot had her head covered with a hoof. The shine was blinding to say the least, and even Discord let off a slight groan of discomfort. The very skies began to twist and crack with lightning as in a moment, night and day fell rapidly in and out of place, before the day came under control again, but not from the draconequus. As the light died down, Discord stumbled back and steadily came to once again. But what he saw caused him to simply stare in disbelief as he held onto his sword. He looked upon the figure with piercing wide eyes, in awe.

-

As Elliot laid atop the train with her head covered, she'd eventually decided to peek herself, wondering why exactly she was still not dead yet. As she looked upon her figure of protection, the one who'd saved her from her untimely demise, she to stared in awe. What she was looking at was the back of what appeared to be an alicorn, she bore a coat similar to the shade of the cotton candy clouds which were a fiery pink color. Her mane was wild and erratic, outgrown and long, it consisted of lemon yellow, violet, as well as a darker shade of pink. Her wings were mighty and large, decked with gradient purple tips on the feathers.

Discord simply stared at the alicorn for a bit before grinning fiercely. He peered at her necklace which was what appeared to be a crystal heart. He burst into a maniacal cackle as he laughed spreading his arms in delight. "Princess Symphony! Why, what a surprise! What brings you to my humble abode!? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The alicorn referred to as Princess Symphony simply peered at Discord angrily. She spoke however in a calm and elegant tone, filled with grace as familiar with both Princess Luna and Celestia. "So it's true...you despicable coward..."

Discord grinned. "Now don't be like that, this should be a touching family reunion! Tell me, how is the little Princess Cadence? I do hope she's quite alright. I never expected you'd actually leave the eastlands to come here, this, this is truly a delight, a delight indeed. I welcome you Princess Symphony, or should I say? Mi amore Simfonia..."

The alicorn simply regarded the draconequus with a slight wince. Before she manifested a blade made up of fiery pink gems and a rainbow hilt. She seemed confident in herself before stating "I'll end this sickening rule of yours here and now Discord. Today, all the ponies of Equestria shall be freed, and the Crystal Empire will take its foothold upon the lands as the new guardians of peace and love in the days to come. I hope you're ready."

Discord continued to chuckle as he got into his stance once more. "Hmhmhm, now this, will be fun."

Elliot simply remained silent as she watched the two mighty beings prepare to do battle. She couldn't help but wonder who exactly this was, she'd never heard of any other Princesses, but, this alicorn couldn't have been anything else. Princess Symphony otherwise known as Mi Amore Simfonia? Little did she know–

The ruler of The Crystal Empire had arrived to the battlefield.

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