I sat in the royal garden, alone, gazing thoughtfully up at the night sky before saying to myself, “she makes the most beautiful stars any dragon will ever hope to see.” It was beautiful, the stars shone throughout the sky, like an infinite array of diamonds pushing back the darkness and bringing light to all of the corners of the dark sky. If I was vigilant, and lucky, I would spot one of these diamonds fling themselves across the sky as a paintbrush would on a clean canvas.

Twilight and Trixie were in their bed, their bodies were covered in sweat after the passionate activities they’ve recently engaged in. The two laid there, lidy embracing each other, glad that Nightmare allowed them entrances into the dream world. Their sleep was interrupted by some magical ashes flowing past the opened window above their bed, coiling like a snake finding sanctuary for sleep, and coalesced into a singular mass until, in a flash of magic, it materialized into two very recognizable, skinned, cutie marks. The orange fur and shining red triplets were accompanied by their cyan and spectrumed counterpart.

To the dismay of the bed’s occupants, they did not wake up instantly. No, the message had come in the dead of night, in the prime of sleep, when all was quiet, and it sat, festered, and allowed the still bleeding skins to release their juices into the covers. It was not until the crimson liquid began to soak the sheets that the two mares were warned of the disturbance. Twilight had awoken to mild discomfort that would come from the soaked linens rubbing incessantly into their flesh. She then screamed and screamed, and then screamed some more. She had awoken her lover, the pets that remained in their domicile, and many ponies that took residence within a few blocks.

The identity of the flesh the two mares saw was apparent, given the uniqueness of cutie marks, and that simple fact caused Twilight to shiver in horror. Phantom had gotten to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, it was his signature, but no letter had appeared as per the usual modus operandi. He had always left a message to show that it was him, to show that he was coming so he could instill fear into the ponies he was after, the fact that there wasn’t a letter was either a blessing or a curse that Twilight could not determine.

Rushing to confirm the well being of her friends, Twilight and Trixie tossed all caution to the wind, leaving the royal guards eating their dust, praying to Celestia, Luna, even Discord himself that they would be safe, that they would, by some miracle, escape the death bringer that was Phantom. Obviously their prayers would not be answered.

Even with their quickest rush they were still a quarter of a mile away when an explosion resonated through Sweet Apple Acres, the magnitude of the explosion was so great that it caused their teeth to buzz with power. Ash and smoke quickly filled the air as Twilight and Trixie made their way to the barn, an extra gear in their run. Twilight, who was no stranger to explosions, knew just how powerful that explosion was, making her pray all the harder for her friends to be okay.

When they got there, however, it was a nightmare all over again. They were greeted by corpses and death. The corpses of the guards were laying motionless. Twilight knew eleven guards were posted by the house, five unicorns and six pegasi, but she only counted nine guards lying there dead. ‘So where are the other two?’ Twilight thought to herself, but her thoughts were cancelled by a gaping hole where AJ’s house use to be. The two mare gasp from the sight. The two ran around the crater of the former house until they both heard crying from the orchard. Twilight and Trixie ran to where it was coming from and they saw the teenage filly.

“What happened?” Trixie asked, looking around.

“Spike...” she sniffed. “I-It was him and Nightmare... they put Apple Bloom and me to sleep... All I can remember is that there was a gas leak, a-a-and I left. I left Apple Bloom, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Big Mac, and Miss Cheerilee to die...” she sniffed. The teen then broke down in tears, having both her idol and best friend dead. Twilight wrapped the teenaged mare in her hooves, trying to calm her down.

“H-How did this happen?” Twilight asked. Scootaloo looked into her eyes and told her what Applejack had told them. Twilight couldn’t believe what she was hearing. From Scootaloo’s words, Phantom had set off a gas leak, sealed all the doors and windows other than the basement, and had to make them choose who to let go while the others died. Twilight was in shock that Phantom did all of this. “And where’s Fluttershy?”

“I-I don’t know…” she sniffled. “I was with Granny Smith, Winona, Big Mac, Miss Cheerilee, and Apple Bloom when he and Nightmare Moon appeared. The last thing I remembered was Spike eating Winona before I blacked out. When I woke up I was in the bed with Applebloom.” The filly would keep sobbing all throughout the night, but for the moment she would feel anger, in a moment she will know an anger she has never felt before.

A cough was all it took, one tiny misplaced sound, one so familiar and so out of place that it was impossible to miss.

“Bah,” they heard someone say in a displeased tone. “You gave away my position Scoots,” The voice was coming from the left. “And quite frankly, I’m tired of hearing my old name.”

“Murderer!” Scootaloo shouted as the figure walked forward, seemingly operating from the shadows themselves. It was a dragon, as tall as Celestia, lean, yet with a distinct tone to his muscles, purple scales, green underbelly and spines, wings, and those emerald eyes that radiated a softness and kindness that Twilight knew only one such being had been able to before.

“Spike?” she asked, her fated meeting with him was anything but her dream reunion. She had wanted to reunite with him alone, far from the eyes of her mentor, her lover, and anything remotely sentient. “Or should I call you Phantom now?”

The dark drake laughed, “I see you’ve found out about my name. Yes, it’s me Twilight,” he said, spreading his arms and wings in a grandstanding gesture. “In the scales.”

His smile turned back into a frown as he stared at the sole survivor of the barn massacre. “Scootaloo, I’ve got to be honest, I’m surprised they let you out,” he said, directing his attention to the quivering young mare before him. “I would’ve bet that you’d want Apple Bloom or maybe Rainbow Dash to live. I would’ve at least considered Apple Bloom a threat. They had thirty seconds, more than enough time to have an earth pony walk through.”

Phantom then placed a claw to his chin in thought, completely and utterly perplexed by the string of actions that unfolded before him. “Ah!” he exclaimed breaking the silence, “They were being cruel.” There was a mirth in his tone that simply didn’t belong. “Even to the last second, they were unbelievably cruel.”

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back, Phantom had gone too far. Scootaloo, with all the rage she could muster, released a deafening roar as she charged at the dragon. Unfortunately, it was useless, as Phantom was just too strong for her. He could have easily matched her blow for blow, but he just merely, narrowly, and mockingly, dodged her every punch.

“You lack martial arts training, Scoots. Your attacks are weak and unfocused. At this moment, you’re just a pathetic, exhausted beast.” Scootaloo temporarily stopped her assault and looked at Phantom with pure hatred in her purple eyes.

The dragon held up his hand with a smile. “Scootaloo, please relax a little,” he said playfully.

‘This jerk, he’s making fun of me!’ She jumped into the air again and threw her hoof for another punch. This time, Phantom swatted her hoof to the side, causing Scootaloo to fall to the ground.

“Think,” he continued as he dodged another strike from her hoof. “Applejack and Rainbow Dash were content to die together, Big Mac wanted to spend his last few moments in the embrace of his lover, much like she wanted as well, leaving only the two little fillies as a viable option.” Ducking under a rather lethal shot by the pegasus. “Apple Bloom would have been the better choice, as she had family, extended beyond compare, and I wouldn’t have even tried to harm her. The one who escapes is the one who lives, I was very specific. Yet in light of that, you came out. Why?”

Phantom stopped dodging her barrages, and simply accepted them for the tickles they gave him. “It’s because you’re alone.” That one sentence had frozen the orange mare stiff and Phantom kneeled down and placed a claw under Scootaloo’s chin. “Where are your parents, Scootaloo? For that matter, where are the ponies who would miss you when you pass? Many of them were in that hole just over there.” He pointed to the crater that was the Apple family house. “Most that mattered anyways. Can you tell me how cruel it is to allow somepony, who has nothing, watch as those that matter most are killed by her very hoof?”

“You killed them!” she shouted in rebuttal as she shoved herself away.

“Yes, I did kill them, a premeditated fiasco, but I didn’t leave them to die did I?” he smiled. “I had planned to kill them from the very start. Yet, you chose to leave them after they decided you must be the one to live. You could have refused and died with them, but you left your best friend behind.

“Y-You’re a monster...” Scootaloo said, as tears returned to her eyes.

“I’m surrounded by hypocritical mules,” Phantom sighed, knowing his words weren’t going to get through to these stubborn ponies. “If I am a monster for planning on killing ponies that have wronged me, then you’re worse for leaving a friend that thought everything of you.” Phantom clenched his fists as the playfulness in his tone ceased. “I already know what it’s like to be abandoned so I thought I’d give someone else a taste of the bitter feeling.”

“Quiet!” Twilight finally interrupted. “Scootaloo did nothing wrong! It was either they saved one pony or they all die! Like buck Rainbow Dash would leave anypony to die when she can save them. It is you who is in the wrong here... Ph-Phantom!” Tears came from her eyes as she choked out the name. He was no longer the dragon that he used to be.

Turning back Phantom vanished and reappeared right in front of the alicorn of friendship. He swiftly delivered a punch to her chest causing Twilight to fall to the ground, and hold her gut in pain.

“Twilight...” his deep baritone resonating in her ears. “You’re lucky I held back that punch. I know that you’ve really powered up since last I saw you, I don’t want this to be too easy.”

“Still, why couldn’t I have a little fun?” His serious tone had changed to a playful one. “Survivor’s syndrome is such an interesting thing to see develop. It’s no fun when ponies get in the way.” His face turned sad, flashing in Twilight’s mind the times when her young charge would come weeping in the middle of the night, spouting nonsense of her leaving him.

Despite the pain in her gut, Twilight forced herself to get back on her hooves. “Don’t make that face!" she shouted, sudden rage overcoming her. Phantom knew she was acting this way to keep herself from feeling guilty.

“This is my regular face, Twilight. Does it look wrong?” he asked.

“It’s the face that belonged to my number one assistant, you have no right to even know about it!” she screamed.

“That’s preposterous Twilight,” Phantom said eating up the moment, “All I did was change my weak name, this is still my face. Or maybe I’m some other handsome dragon?” He played along, enjoying the light banter with a soft smile.

“STOP IT!!” She fired a focused blast of energy at the drake, but Phantom simply flicked it away with his index claw. Though surprised by his strength, the purple alicorn continued her assault.

“That’s a smile only Spike should have! STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!!!” She continued firing bolt after bolt, each with the intention of killing this imposter, this doppelganger. Phantom that had taken the form of her best friend, her beloved brother. Phantom rapidly deflected each blast, unfazed by even one ray.

“That’s under the assumption that I have changed from my usual self, Twilight. Which I have to say, is very concerning. Talking without having all the facts doesn’t surprise me, given that damned hypocritical complex of yours,” he spoke while dodging her shots. “Like I just said, the truth is only the name I bore in my miserable life has been changed.”

“No! Spike wouldn’t have done all of these horrible things, my Spike wouldn't have threatened to kill all of his best friends. Spike isn’t a monster!” she screamed.

“Calling me a monster while you were the one who abandoned a baby dragon for something he obviously didn’t do?” His eyes then flashed in silent rage, “You really are a hypocrite,” he spat. Twilight’s eye twitched, it was like his catchphrase and she hated it every time.

“You’re right about one thing, I’m no longer Spike, the dragon you used to know and treated like shit,” he said. “Spike was weak trying to convince himself that the ones who abused and eventually abandoned him were his friends. He would have gone to the end of the earth to find anyone that would have harmed you and make them pay. Stopping at nothing to seek retribution to the perpetrator. I haven’t changed, Twilight. It’s simply that instead of you, it is my family.”

“Now I have a group who truly cares for me. They are my family now and I would have been content with just that,” Phantom sighed. “To tell you the truth, I really would have just disappeared from Equestria without so much as a single huff of annoyance. However, Queen Nightmare told me what happened to my family and my kind during the dragon migration. I’m sure Fluttershy told you, right?”

Twilight’s mind flashed to beakers and test tubes, cracked eggs and mangled corpses, electrodes and cries of pain, research of a hostile species.

“My family is the reason why I would walk to the ends of the earth. That I have walked to and past for. To make right a wrong that was caused simply for the sake of curiosity. To atone for the killing of the innocent.”

“That’s the same thinking a villain does in a cliched book,” Trixie spoke, the first time since arriving there. Phantom hated that she interfered in a conversation that didn’t concern her.

“Maybe, but I don’t seek world domination,” Phantom argued. “Some ponies hurt me in such a deep way that I will never be able to profess. You should know what betrayal feels like, Twilight. How did it feel when you found that your brother and foal sitter had died? Didn’t you feel enraged? Despaired? Shattered?”

“You at least got to know them, watch as they grew up, to see their story, say hi to them in the morning. I was robbed of that. When you felt angry or sad, or happy, you had your parents to talk to, but I had no one. Have you ever felt discarded or unwanted!? I had that in spades!”

Suddenly, Phantom began chuckling as if he found some comedy in this tragedy that was his life. “The funny and ironic part was that I didn’t even know!” he laughed. “I must have been a big joke to her, huh? Laughing and smiling when I came into this world, with the deaths it took to make it so. Trying my hardest to make friends with ponies, heck even making myself believe that I had any in the first place.”

The laughter died down and Phantom returned to his serious tone. “Me and Nightmare returned to Canterlot the day after we disappeared, to make sure of a few things. And do you know what happened the first time I asked somepony if they knew the dragon in the papers?” He shook in rage of the upcoming answer. “It wasn't Spike the dragon or your number one assistant, or even pet. It was ‘that purple alicorn’s slave’!”

Phantom threw his arms out and his eyes glowed bright green. “Given the same hypocrite of a princess was the one who named me, the name ‘Spike’ only served as a reminder of my abuse and humiliation!” he growled. “That’s why I saw fit to create a new name. I am Phantom of the Nightmares, nothing more, nothing less!”

Finally finished, Phantom turned around and reaching into the shadow of a tree and pulled out Fluttershy’s wheezing form. “Nevertheless, I’m rambling and it’s getting late.”

He tossed Fluttershy at the mares, Trixie caught her effortlessly while Twilight readied another bolt. Phantom huffed as he saw Twilight’s horn still glowing, it was as if she hadn’t understood a word he said. “Take her, I was simply making sure she didn't do herself in.” He began walking down the path out of Ponyville, no one protecting him, not once turning his head, but he did stop a few feet from Twilight and Trixie.

“Remember this Twi, I won’t stop until all of you have paid the price for what you put me through.” Phantom’s eyes flashed brightly for a few seconds before returning to their usual appearance. “Today I’ll let you go so these words can sink in, given you’ve actually listened to what I’ve told you.” A bright green aura of magical energy radiated off Phantom’s scales. “But next time...” he pointed at her, “I will show you hell.”

Shivers ran down Twilight’s spine at these words. She couldn’t find the ability to verbally respond to the threat. All the purple alicorn could do, was continue to tremble at the menacing aura that Phantom gave off.

His faced turned neutral as he turned to walk away. That’s when Scootaloo struck. A war chant of old resonated through the slightly energized air as she cut through it like a hot knife through butter, using debris from the house as a makeshift weapon in her hands, rushing to claim his life. Phantom grabbed her by her throat without hurting her. She wasn’t even worth killing.

With one directed look of malice, Scootaloo had experienced such fear, that almost made her pass out. “Do not be so quick to die, Scoots,” he whispered. “There are still more acts to this play. The truth is, I actually like you, so I recommend you watch quietly if you don’t wish to see the other side.”

Phantom gently released Scootaloo and continued his way home. Paralyzed by the dragon’s warning, all Scootaloo could do was watch as Phantom walked away. Entering the shadow of the orchard, green flames engulfed Phantom’s immediate area. When the flames extinguished, Phantom was gone. Having lost the chance to avenge Apple Bloom and the others, Scootaloo began to cry.

Ponyville was in disarray, fearing that the dragon would fly over and burn them all to ashes during the funerals, which were held in the barn. All of Ponyville was there. The Apples and Oranges also attended to pay their respects to their lost kin. Even the princess of the sun attended, having to say that she had tried her hardest to protect her subjects, but failed.

The remaining elements spoke, paying their last goodbyes. Scootaloo didn’t speak, she didn’t want to speak, all she wanted to do was cry. After the funerals, ponies volunteered to harvest the apples in respects to the memory of the element of honesty and her family.

Applejack’s foalhood friend, Rara attended the funeral as well. Even though she was a busy pop star, she still have time to visit her old friend every now and then. She was absolutely aggrieved when she learned of AJ’s death.

The Wonderbolts established a memorial for the boastful Rainbow Dash, as she became an official member seven years ago. Even as a filly, she showed great potential as a flyer. It was such an honor to have her in their ranks.

Nightmare Moon was now officially the queen of the empire until they take over Canterlot, sat comfortably on her throne with Phantom standing beside her. Flurry Heart for her part understand and wasn’t ready to rule due to her young age. Of course, Nightmare Moon took her in and is helping her to rule what will be hers someday.

At the moment they were listening to a red pegasus mare’s progress. This pegasus was named Scarlet Blaze. Like Emerald Wind, Scarlet was one of the Zodiacs working for Obsidian. In her case, instead of dragons, Scarlet was in charge of the business with Griffonstone.

Doing business with the griffons was fairly difficult due to their greedy nature. However with patience, the griffons came to become reasonable, with the exception of a few. With Scarlet’s charisma Griffonstone agreed to exchange resources with Phantom and Nightmare. In fact, it’s because of Scarlet Blaze that Griffonstone’s queen, Gilda allowed Goldbeck into Phantom’s army.

“Captain, Snips, Snails and Pip have returned to bring a report.”

“Let them in,” Nightmare said from her throne. The guards saluted and opened the doors to let their guests into the throne room. With Pinkie’s allegiance to the Nightmare Guard now known, it was no longer safe for the pink mare to spy in Ponyville.

All three have physically and mentally changed from their training with Pinkie.

“Mission report,” Phantom asked as the three stallions entered the room.

“Ponyville is scared that you might come back,” replied Snails. “And some of the residents are moving out.”

“That’s a good start, at least.” Phantom said.

“Also there were reports that the Wonderbolts and the Royal Guard are joining forces to help fight against us,” Snips added.

“Figures,” Nightmare scoffed. “Anything else?”

“We don’t know if it’s true, but there’s a rumor around Ponyville that Appleloosa is making a militia to kill you,” Pip answered.

“I would love to see them try,” Phantom scoffed. “Anyway, this information is quite useful, so I thank you three.” The three stallions bowed as Snails teleported them all back to Ponyville.

Nightmare was getting bored of just sitting around and decided to take her free time as a chance to have some time with her student. “Phantom let’s go for a walk, shall we?” Nightmare offered in a tender tone. After all she made it a lovely night for a stroll through their new empire.

Phantom and Nightmare Moon exited the castle and walked down the streets of the Crystal Empire. Phantom was happy that two of his so-called friends were dead. The way he made those mares and their family pay for what they did to him seven years ago brought himself pride. Now Phantom could focus on the rest of the elements and their lovers, if they didn’t break up with them that is.

As they walked down the quiet streets, Phantom concentrated on tonight’s sky. As he looked up, he couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the night that Queen Nightmare had brought. The full moon brightened the dark skies along with the stars shining like diamonds. It was all so beautiful, but the beauty of the night couldn’t compare to the queen’s natural beauty. Her long, powerful, toned legs and gorgeous flank were moving from side to side. The way she just trotted down the streets would make any stallion or mare climax from the sight alone.

Phantom couldn't help but take a quick peek, the sight was beyond beauty. However as his interest in the queen’s flank, didn’t go unnoticed. Nightmare Moon purposely wiggled her flank and continued to trot, adding a little more pep in her steps. She really did enjoy teasing her student from time to time.

Phantom heard the childish giggle coming from his mentor. “See something you like, my dear?” the mistress of the night asked teasingly, causing Phantom to blush. Turning around Nightmare cupped Phantom’s chin with her hoof, and gave him her usual motherly smile. “It’s okay, my beloved student. You’ll have the permission to look as much as you like once we’re done dealing with your former friends.” The alicorn hissed at the word ‘friend’.

“We have to wait for Pinkie, Starlight and Midnight to bring the other guards?” the drake asked. Nightmare nodded to his question.

“So what now? I mean, we did force those pissant soldiers back to where they came from, and the crystal ponies that supported us have been released from the prisons.” Phantom did have a point, they’ve done all they could do to push back the guards and bring back some of the Lunar Guard at the same time. She stopped and placed a hoof on her chin, thinking about what to do before the guards arrived.

“Please follow me,” the dark alicorn said before walking off to the crystal fields. Phantom tilted his head in confusion, then followed in pursuit. Minutes later, the two walked toward the field in the outer city, to their amusement it wasn’t bloody nor did it have the lingering stench of death and decay that was prominent within the other areas. The gentle night breeze passed through fur and scales, giving off a good vibe. No fighting, no killing, and no torturing.

This was like the time Phantom was living in the woods, as he had nothing to worry about. It was just him and Luna, playing and enjoying the nature of the world. Phantom really wished he had spent more time like that with Luna before his unfair banishment. He always enjoyed listening to her stories of the night sky, cuddling her in his sleep and feeling her gentle hooves on his spines. Phantom really did enjoy her company, he was falling more for the alicorn with each second.

Feeling mischievous, Phantom leapt into the air and tackled Nightmare. They both fell and rolled around the field until they came to a complete stop. The drake rested on top of the alicorn queen with his eyes locked with her. They were able to see each other blushing.

Out of pride, Nightmare made an effort to hide her blush by turning her head toward the view of the city. Phantom placed his claw on her cheek, gently leading her to look back into his emerald eyes. Their heart rates quickly picked up. Phantom was the first to lean into a kiss, their lips inches away from each other. It was exciting, Phantom’s first kiss was about to be with the queen of the night.

“PHANTOM! NIGHTMARE MOON!” Pinkie’s high pitched voice sang through the air, gaining both their attentions, and ruining the tender moment between them.

‘Every fucking time!’ Phantom angrily thought.

Nightmare bucked Phantom off her and stood. Phantom, groaning from the mild pain, stood as well, rubbing his underbelly

“I brought the night guards like you asked me to, it was real easy. First, I gathered them for a super awesome party, then I told them-” Before Pinkie could finish, Midnight placed a hoof on Pinkie’s mouth.

Starlight blushed in guilt that she had ruined the moment. “Sorry we interrupted but you two, but we’re all here,” she said. Phantom and Nightmare dusted themselves off and looked at the seventy five lunar guards that had gathered. Twenty-five were earth ponies, twenty-five unicorns, and twenty-five pegasi. All of them had bat-like wings and slit eyes like a cat.

“How many have you brought?”

“Seventy five, milady. We have five more who are remaining in the castle gathering information. The other twenty still remain loyal to Princess Celestia,” Midnight informed them.

“Didn’t you have more Nightmare?” Phantom questioned the fact that there were over nine hundred to a thousand soldiers in the royal guard.

“I wish, my dear. When we returned, my ‘sister’ gave us a hundred guards and asked the rest if they wanted to join. Sadly, there were none that wished to join, so we made them our personal Lunar Guard,” the dark alicorn explained. “Now listen up.” Nightmare spoke in her regal tone, getting all of the guards’ attentions. “The Lunar Guard is no more! From now on, the Nightmare guards will patrol and protect the night and her princess!” The guards saluted to the alicorns words.

“Now, from this day forth we will set up a brand new system with Spike or who you will all know now as Phantom as captain.”

Phantom stepped forward and addressed the new recruits in a powerful voice.

“CRYSTAL PONIES, LUNAR SOLDIERS WE ARE ALL ONE NOW! MERELY A NATION PRETENDING TO EMBRACE FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE YET IGNORING. WE WILL THIS IGNORANCE UPON OVERTHROWING CELESTIA! SOON ALL EQUESTRIA WILL BOW TO OUR REGIME AND OPEN THEIR EYES TO A TRUE LAND OF HARMONY AT THE BEHEADING OF THE SOLAR MONARCH EQUESTRIA AND THE DRAGON EMPIRE WILL SERVE AS ONE NATION FROM THIS DAY FORTH, WE ARE THE NIGHTMARE FAMILY!!!”

The guards threw their hooves into the air as their captain finished his speech.

These soldiers were not fools, they knew the crimes their new captain had already committed, the atrocities he has done, but they also knew they were done with good reason. They heard of the dragon’s unfair banishment and were willing to support him to the end in anyway they could. Above all, they were loyal and from what they had heard, Phantom’s betrayal and misjudgment was something many of them could not even begin to comprehend. But what really bothered them was that one of the elements, who they say betrayed him, and ask for forgiveness. Loyal as there were, they still wouldn’t trust her.

“Captain Phantom,” Midnight stood ready to follow Phantom’s commands. “What are your orders?”

“Midnight. I want you to take fifteen guards and post them by the borders of the empire, and have two help guard Princess Flurry Heart when she’s not with Sunburst or Starlight, then come back to the castle, I have an assignment for you. The rest of you will be living in the castle. I don’t want that bitch and her guards attacking my empire or my family. Is that understood?”

“YES SIR!” the guards said in unison.

“Pinkie,” Phantom began as he turned to the pink mare “I want you to make sure Snips, Snails and Pip keep an eye on that white whore.” Pinkie nodded and in her own random fashion, hopped south where she seemly disappeared. ‘I got to find out how she does that.’

“You are dismissed,” Phantom shouted and the guards once again saluted before Midnight began picking the five guards and escorted them to the border. After the guards were settled in their respective barracks in the castle, Midnight flew back to the throne room, interrupting a small conversation Phantom and the queen were having. Phantom stepped down while Nightmare took the throne, turning and walking over to Midnight.

“Afterwards, I want you to send somepony to Las Pegasus and tell them to hold a fashion show. In case they ask, tell our messenger to say it’s a request from Hoity Toity to get some snot-nosed assholes and bitches for his next fashion line... And make sure Fancy and that white bitch get the invitation.” Phantom spoke stoically as Nightmare giggled as she was remembering the way the guards had spoken, Phantom made a perfect impression.

Pinkie saluted and ran to fulfill her orders. stopped and turned to her captain. ”Before you go, make sure our guest is well fed and rested. Wouldn’t want her to miss her sister’s big execution.” Midnight nodded to Phantom’s orders and flew out of the throne room, leaving Nightmare and Spike to themselves once again.

Nightmare still gazed at the dragon, who just yawned. He hadn’t slept in two days, busy fighting guards and freeing the crystal ponies who sided with him. “Get some sleep, my student. As the captain, you need the most rest.” Nightmare spoke in a motherly tone.

“You sure Luna? I mean, the ponies that I saved-” The drake was stopped when Nightmare raised her hoof.

“I understand, Phantom, but you’ve been up for two days. I want you to be well rested for what fate brings tomorrow. And don’t worry, if something happens, I or the guards shall contact you.”

Phantom nodded to Nightmare’s words before he bowed and walked to his chambers. Before he exited through the door, Phantom turned and looked at the alicorn who sat upon the shared throne. She smiled lovingly, causing her student to do the same.

‘Someday, I’ll be sitting on the throne, with you by my side. By my side... as my queen,’ Phantom thought, fantasizing about his new love. The queen of the night, had not only repaired his heart, but claimed it for herself. Looking at her one last time, Phantom left the throne room. His said chambers happened to be the same room where Shining Armor and Cadance once slept.

Phantom looked out the nearby window and gazed at the city of crystals. The queen’s moon reflected off the crystal buildings, making them glow like lanterns. The Crystal Empire, was now his.

Las Pegasus, the second largest city and one of the most popular cities in Equestria. The lights and colors, the ponies working in the casinos, bars, and restaurants, and even the atmosphere, it was a place where ponies could win or lose it all. A place where even Pinkie could party from dusk to dawn. But what made this city great was the cloudwalking spell that was placed on the entire city. The spell was meant for anypony other than winged creatures to walk on the linked clouds to go to see the breathtaking building and shows. It was a marvel of pony engineering, each individual cloud having a rune generate the power and work the magic that allowed grounders to walk on them.

Rarity was in a fancy hotel building named Las Paradise, owned by her soon-to be husband, Fancy Pants. She loved him deeply and tried to break it off with him for his own safety, but as a perfect gentlecolt, he is willing to sacrifice himself so she could escape the monster’s wrath. Fancy requested to have at least twenty or so guards posted around the hotel.

At Hoity Toity’s request, Rarity was to present her finest and latest fashion line for a fashion show he was hosting. Rarity had declined at first, as her sister’s disappearance was at the forefront of her mind. However, the letter she had received from Phantom the day after Rainbow Dash, Cheerilee, and Apple family’s funeral, stipulating that Sweetie Belle will attend. Without, a second thought, the seamstress started packing.

The white mare pulled out a small box from under her bed and opened it, inside was a heart shaped fire ruby, the one Phantom willingly gave her the day before his birthday. Rarity hugged it against her chest tightly. ‘Please come back to us, Spikey-Wikey. Please.’

Hours later, Rarity was sitting in the front row seat of the fashion show, right next to Fancy, but this seemed to worry her. The guards that were posted all around the ballroom gave Rarity strange looks. The light dimmed down, the spotlight shone on the stage.

“FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS,” a stallion’s voice echoed throughout the ballroom. “WELCOME TO THE TENTH ANNUAL EQUESTRIAN FASHION SHOW, HOSTED BY THE MASTER OF FASHION, HOITY TOITY. IN THE FAMOUS LAS PARADISE, OWNED BY ONE OF CANTERLOT NOBLES, FANCY PANTS. NOW WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, LET THE SHOW BEGIN!”

Ponies began to pour out of the back room wearing the most breathtaking of dresses that anypony has ever seen. Even Hoity was clapping his hooves together, enjoying the ponies creations in ways only one could imagine. Some fancy, other revealing, but what made even Hoity and the rest of the ponies gasp, but Rarity eyes widen, was a young white coated mare with a two tone light/dark purple mane that came out to the stage. She wasn't wearing anything special, just a plain khaki dress. What’s more, she was crying.

“What’s the meaning of this, Miss Rarity?” the dark gray stallion gasped before the light turned off, filling the room with gasps and mumbles. When the light came back on, a purple scaled dragon was standing right behind the teenage mare with his wings spread, signaling fear. He was wearing a black coat with gems decorating the shoulders, and crescent moon symbols on each breast.

By Phantom’s side were several other individuals: Starlight Glimmer, Thorax, Zecora, Midnight, Goldbeck, Obsidian, and somepony dressed in a hooded cloak, shielding their identity.

Suddenly a bright flash appeared, and the audience saw two more ponies once the light cleared. One was the dark alicorn everyone knew, but what surprised Rarity, Fancy, and even Sweetie more, was the second pony. Rarity gasped, knowing the only pony with a cotton style mane.

“S-Spike? P-Pinkie?” Rarity gasped in surprise, seeing them here.

“Hey all!” Pinkie begin as Phantom grabbed Sweetie and tossed her towards the edge. To keep things dramatic, the pink mare was dressed as a jester. “Welcome to the fashion show of horror! Hosted by falsely accused, Phantom the dark dragon!” The jester mare paused for a moment as one of the guards rolled a now shivering Fluttershy onto the stage. “Captain of Nightmares,” she said coldly, sending shivers up everypony’s spines.

“W-Who invited you... you monsters!?” Hoity asked in a venomous tone. “This event is for the nobles and nobles only!” Fancy held his bride-to-be as Sweetie leapt off the stage and ran toward both her sister and soon to be brother-in-law. “Guards! Guards! Come get these barbarians out of our sight!”

The guards didn’t listen, they only stood by the doors, waiting for their queen and captain’s orders.

Amongst these guards was a white stallion named Cloud Skipper, who was one of the three Zodiacs trained by Midnight. Cloud Skipper and Midnight have known each other since they were foals. They did everything together including play, sing, and even joined the Royal Guard at the same time. Midnight of course was always better at close combat than Cloud, but not once was he jealous of her. Though the stallion was more strict when it came to the rules, while Midnight was like a wild card.

Cloud didn’t become one of the Zodiacs because he wanted to or anything like that. He joined because of his friend, and because of the betrayal Phantom suffered seven years ago. In fact, he was one of the stallions that knew the truth about the relationship between his captain and Princess Celestia.

Hoity Toity and Fancy Pants had no idea the guards they had hired were working for Nightmare. “What’s wrong with you guards, do something!” Hoity screamed, much to Nightmare’s amusement.

“It’s no use,” Midnight said with a smirk. “All of the guards you hired are actually part of Queen Nightmare Moon’s army.”

“Don’t be foolish enough to try to leave either,” Nightmare spoke. “The room is magically locked, and if you ponies even try to escape... you will know the true meaning of eternal slumber.”

“So with that said, let’s start this show with a magic trick. Of course, I’ll need a volunteer.” The dragon walked to the end of the catwalk then smiled, pointing to the crowd of frightened ponies.

“How about you, Fluttershy?” Phantom turned with a sickened grin. The mare meeped, turning away, unable to utter the words she needed to protest. Not after what Phantom had become. Phantom snapped his claws, instigating he wants something. The guards pulled out two boxes: one metal, the other wood. Each box was big enough to encase a full grown pony.

“For this trick, my scared former friend, Miss Fluttershy here, will be in one box, and come out all good and new... Well not so new, she may come out with burns and some holes, but she’ll be fine out of the other.” The drake smiled as a lime green aura encased the broken mare’s body. Phantom levitated her from the wheelchair into the wooden box. The guards chuckled, shutting the door.

“Now,” began the drake, as Nightmare took a seat next to the ponies. Pinkie hopped to the back, but came out a second later with a bag of razor sharp swords.

Obsidian noticed one brave stallion rise to his hooves and run towards the door. The pink coated stallion tried desperately to open the magically sealed door, but Obsidian shot a grey ball of fire at the stallion. As the flames encased the stallion, he screamed bloody murder as he slowly turned to ash. Phantom and Pinkie looked at him with little to no concern while Nightmare just sat there, watching her student and friend’s performance. The others, however, turned their attention towards a guard laying still, sentinel on the door she’s guarding.

“Lady Nightmare said that anyone who tries to leave will die.” The drake paused while the ponies turned their heads. “Now then, let’s begin Pinkie. Oh, and remember what we talked about. Don’t hit her vital points, or the fun will end early.”

“Yes siree, captain!” she said, taking one of the blades in her hoof. “Just like this!” she said, thrusting towards the wooden box, stick it in. Unfortunately, the blade missed its target. “Oopsies, I missed,” Pinkie giggled, and grabbed another sword, aiming for the other side. The blade pierced through the wood, hitting the shoulder of the mare trapped inside. The only thing that was heard, was Fluttershy’s piercing scream.

Phantom blew a small jet stream of flame towards the wooden box. The screams of the shy mare filled the the room. Rarity watched as the heat of Phantom’s flames slowly burned the wooden box and the screams of her friend filled the air. She couldn’t take it anymore.

“STOP THIS NONSENSE AT ONCE, SPIKE!!” Everypony turned to see the ivory mare leaving Fancy’s side, and get up on stage. Phantom raised a brow, seeing the heart shaped fire ruby necklace she had on. All while the wooden box burned away as it did, Fluttershy’s screams faded.

“It’s been awhile you slut,” Phantom said as he leaned in, only to feel Rarity’s hoof smack him across the face. Rarity cringed as her hoof hit his hard scales, but managed to resist screaming in pain.

“I’m ashamed of you!” she began. “The Spike I knew wouldn’t go around killing his closest friends. Nor would Pinkie help it if it meant the death of her best friends.” Nightmare snorted at the sound of ‘closest friends’, but Rarity ignored it and continued. “The Spike I knew, the one who would follow me around like a puppy, wouldn’t act so uncouth with all those atrocious acts!” Rarity stomped her hoof, but before Phantom could speak, Nightmare stood up and walked toward the stage. She had been, and would’ve been fine with simply watching her pupil perform, but Rarity’s puppy comment had made her snap.

“WE COMMAND YOU TO BE SILENT!!” Nightmare demanded in her royal Canterlot voice. Rarity immediately stopped her rant.

Thorax spoke next, “Phantom could only make unreasonable action if he wasn’t dead, Rarity,” the changeling said coldly.

“His name is-” Rarity began but Nightmare cut the seamstress off before she could use her student’s old name. She hated that name just as much as Phantom did.

“I SAID SILENCE!!” she fumed at Rarity’s ignorance. “Seven years ago, you and your so-called ‘friends,’ banished a poor baby dragon for something he hasn’t done. You’re the bearers of harmony, are you not? Do you feel even remotely guilty for what you did to young Phantom, here? Where were you when he needed you?” Nightmare’s questions left the ivory mare speechless as Phantom opened the metal box to reveal the butterscotch mare, now covered in blood and ash from head to hoof.

“Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I know! I know!” Pinkie exclaimed bouncing around the stage. “She was with her coltfriend, having some late night fun in his bed. And then when Discord told us where to find Phantom, she returned to Canterlot because she was too afraid to see Phantom face-to-face.” Pinkie stated. Rarity’s jaw dropped, wondering how Pinkie got this infomation about her sleeping with Fancy.

Nightmare turned her gaze to the cloaked pony beside Obsidian. “That’s your cue. Reveal yourself,” she ordered, much to the audience’s confusion.

The hooded pony took her cloak off to reveal her identity. The audience gasped at who now stood there. It was a mare who had disappeared about six years ago.

Fancy Pants’ former marefriend... Fleur Dis Lee.

Phantom looked at the former supermodel with sympathetic eyes. Seven years ago, he found it suspicious that she didn’t attend the Hearts and Hooves dance as Fancy Pants’ date. Turns out that Fancy was more of a jerk than Phantom knew, as he had dumped Fleur for a younger mare. When the news of this got out, Fleur was humiliated and heartbroken, and so she fled to the Crystal Empire. Not too long afterward, Starlight found her and offered her a chance to get revenge on the ones who humiliated her.

Fleur knew much about business since she was Fancy’s marefriend. Therefore, Nightmare had Obsidian take her under his wing. Over the next years, the black dragon educated the unicorn mare about the business with the other nations who are connected to the Dragon Empire. Now, Fleur serves as one of the twelve Zodiacs of the Nightmare Guard and an executive for Obsidian’s division, along with Emerald Wind and Scarlet Blaze.

While Emerald did business with the dragons and Scarlet worked with Griffonstone, Fleur had the responsibility of making deals with Prince Rutherford and the yaks. The yaks were always respectful to Fleur and found it a pleasure to do business with somepony so charming. Honestly, Fleur’s been living a much better life providing for Phantom, who treated her much better than the snobs in Canterlot. Plus she’s secretly become quite... fond of Obsidian.

“F-Fleur...” Fancy managed to say, “Why?”

“Oh honey, you should know why.” Instead of screaming or yelling, the mare was calm and collected. “After the break up, you ended my career. I had it all, fame, money, and a stallion who loved me. But that wasn’t enough for you was it?”

Fancy gulped then nodded. “Yes you were enough, but something happened.”

“Please enlighten us Fancy. Why would you dump a supermodel like me for a bitch like her?” Fleur asked, pointing at Rarity.

Fancy didn’t say anything. He wanted to explain, but he couldn’t find the words.

“That’s what I thought,” Fleur scowled.

By this point Fluttershy began to come back to her senses. The pain of being burned and stabbed had caused her to pass out. “Oh, hey Shy... you’re just in time,” Phantom smiled once more.

Starlight’s horn lit up and she zapped Rarity with a paralysis spell. This, however caused Fancy to get up and place a hoof on stage, but he was stopped by Nightmare’s galactic tail wrapping around him.

“Unless you want your bones crushed by our queen’s grip, I’d keep quiet,” Starlight warned. Fancy shivered at her words. Starlight then turned to Sweetie Belle and lifted her back on stage via magic. Phantom looked at Rarity while Starlight held her sister in her magical grip.

Fleur couldn’t help but giggle at her former coltfriend’s predicament. “So unsightly,” she mocked.

“I’m inclined to agree,” Phantom said, smirking at the pink mane unicorn. “Say, I’d like to play a game,” he said walking towards the imprisoned mare. “You remember that song Shy sings? Well, I want you to sing it.”

“E-Excuse me?”

“You heard me. And if you get one word wrong... you can tell your sister how you failed to save her life.” With that, Phantom readied his dagger-like claws.

The ivory mare shook her head. “I refuse! Sweetie Belle has nothing to do with what we did to you, Spi-” Rarity cut herself off. If she addressed him by his discarded name again, Phantom might kill Sweetie Belle right now. “I mean, Phantom. Let her go and-” Rarity was cut off by the sound of tearing cloth, the young mare was now exposing her body in front of the ponies in the ballroom. Phantom placed a claw on her chest, piercing Sweetie’s white coat. The red liquid fell from the small cut, earning him the cutest groan he had heard.

“He’s not joking, and don’t you dare help her Fluttershy,” Starlight snarled. The mare shivered in response, but nodded.

Satisfied, Phantom turned his attention back to Rarity. “I don’t like to be kept waiting skank,” he growled.

“B-Before I begin, h-how did you know we’d be here? And how do you have Fluttershy when she was in the hospital in Canterlot under heavy supervision? And why are Pinkie and Starlight helping you?” Rarity asked. “Pinkie, you were the one that nearly killed him during Winter Wrap Up. And Starlight, you were the once student of friendship!”

“Oh, that’s easy, and since Fluttershy nor Sweetie can speak, the Nightmare Family has spies on the inside, as well as in Ponyville. That’s all.” Phantom shrugged. “And as for why Starlight and Pinkie are helping me, One: unlike you ungrateful cunt Starlight defended me during my trial. Two: Pinkie was the only one to seek me out and asked for forgiveness. NOW SING!”

Rarity began to sweat, knowing Phantom would kill her little sister if she messed up even one word. “I-I-I watch you change...” Rarity sung. “I-Into a fly. I turn away. Y-You were on fire.” Phantom nodded, wanting her to continue.

Rarity gulped and continued her singing “I-I watch you change, in you, l-Like you never. Feel the same.”

“I-I watch you c-c-change. I-I-In you. Like you never, feel the same… I-I took you h-h-home.” Fluttershy covered her ears, remembering what Phantom and Nightmare Moon did to her.

“I-I-I put you on the glass. I pull off your wings.” She stopped and sniffed at the humiliation. “T-Then I lie!” Phantom shook his head and began snickering. Nightmare, Pinkie, and the rest of Phantom’s clan soon joined in.

“Wow,” Phantom said as his laughter died down. He placed his claw to Sweetie’s neck. “You not only failed, but you messed up the first line.” Phantom leaned in closer and whispered, “Any last words before you go to sleep?” Sweetie didn’t respond. “Good, because I’ll be taking away what you hold dear, Sweetie.” Sweetie was shocked to hear that he’ll take away the one thing she had worked so hard to earn.

Her voice.

Phantom raised his claw in the air and Fancy tried to fire a spell to stop him, but Nightmare’s ethereal mane and tail which was still constricting him, cancelled out the spell. With great speed, Midnight appeared in front of Fancy and kicked him in the face, as punishment for trying to hurt Phantom.

“Bastard,” she snarled.

Fleur walked over to Fancy with a smirk, as the kick had caused some of his teeth to break out. Ashamed, Fancy tried to turn away, but the unicorn cupped his chin forcing him to look at her. “You’re starting to look better, dear.”

Rarity could only watch in horror as Phantom’s claw came down, gashing Sweetie Belle’s throat deep. The crowd gasped in shock and horror. Most mares, stallions, and the host fainted seeing the blood pour down the teen’s white coat. She tried to speak, but couldn’t as Phantom tossed the body toward the floor. She rose a shaking hoof toward her sister, moving her lips, trying to say something. But with her final breath, she mustered up four words.

“I love you Rarity...” she said with her last dying breath. Her hoof dropped.

Rarity let out a blood curdling scream and charged towards Phantom, eyes filled with rage. “Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-YOU MONSTER! HOW COULD YOU?!!” she screamed, as she ran towards Phantom. The dragon simply stepped to the side before delivering a kick, sending the white mare crashing into Fluttershy.

“Monster? I’m sure many of you think I’m a monster don’t you?” Phantom asked, spreading both his arms and wings in display. Ponies who hadn’t fainted nodded, some even screamed ‘monster’ or ‘heartless dragon.’

Nightmare gritted her teeth, she and signaled Obsidian to silence these snobs for insulting her student. Obsidian’s eyes glowed as he unleashed his dragon wrath, slashing and burning a few ponies in the audience.

Completely shocked at what had occurred, the audience had stopped jeering out of fear they would be next. Obsidian growled angrily as he has comforted Phantom as one of his first soldiers. It was disgusting how society would shun him, just for being a dragon.

Pinkie took the a few swords into her hoof and begin to juggle them, her eyes glaring at the ponies, ready to throw them if they dare insult Phantom again.

“Really?” Phantom scoffed as he pointed to Fancy, who was still trapped in Nightmare’s mane and tail. “And I guess no one here but this prick who may or may not cheated on poor Fleur knows that I was banished from the country now, did you?” Phantom asked, walking to the end of the catwalk.

Finally, a mare got the courage to speak up, “We all know about your banishment and murders, you monster!” she yelled. She was quickly silenced as Midnight rushed forward and kicked her. Midnight’s great strength and speed caused the mare to fly straight through the wall.

“But did you all know that I once thought of Celestia as my mother!?” The remaining crowd gasped, hearing Phantom’s words.

The crowd of ponies began to yell, thinking he was lying, as one stallion shouted, “Princess Celestia would never take in an evil beast like you!” A foolish mistake, as Obsidian thrusted his claws into the stallion’s stomach and pulled his innards out.

“Oh, it’s true,” Phantom assured, unfurling his wings irritably. He was getting tired of these arrogant nobles cutting him off. He then walked toward the two mares, “I’m guessing they didn’t tell you, but Celestia killed my real family and many other dragons during the great migration over two generations ago.” The drake turned around to look at the ponies, who were now in disbelief.

“Again, this monster of a lizard speaks nothing but lies!” another stallion said, but was silenced by Starlight. The unicorn encased the stallion’s neck in her magical grasp and twisted.

Phantom’s veins popped out, as he was reaching his limit. “If you snobs would stop interrupting me, I can get to the point!” he growled. “Also, the next one who calls me lizard will either have a sword to the face, or burned to death!” Pleased with the silence, Phantom cleared his throat and walked over to Rarity, who was readying a spell.

“As for you, I had fallen in love with you the day I laid my eyes on you whore.” He clenched his fists so tight, his thumb claw cut into one of his knuckles. Phantom easily ignored the pain as blood dropped from the fresh wound. “I worked tooth and claw to at least get you to notice me, and for what!? So you can flirt around and spread your legs for any stallion that gives you the slightest stare!? Well, I’ve been waiting for this for some time now.”

Phantom held Rarity’s cheek and slowly moved toward her lips. Nightmare’s eyes widened in shock, seeing that Phantom was about to kiss the pony that toyed with his heart. Such an action, almost made her burst into flames, but apparently Phantom wanted this. She would definitely deal with it later. Pinkie just stared at Rarity, with an ‘I’m sorry for you’ look in her eye.

Rarity was in shock and confusion as Phantom was just mere inches away. She knew Fancy wouldn’t like it, but maybe this small act could get her Spikey-Wikey back. It didn’t work, before their lips touched, Phantom pulled away.

“BLAH! She smells like shame! Like a loose bitch!” The dragon slapped Rarity hard across her face, causing her to fall to the floor. She got up from the floor and held her bleeding cheek, shocked that Phantom had insulted her in front of a crowd of high class ponies.

Phantom turned to the black alicorn and bowed. “I’m sorry Nightmare,” he said. “I’m ashamed I even considered giving my first kiss to this worthless whore.” Nightmare was relieved, for a moment, she actually believed her student was going to give up his first kiss to a pony who took advantage of him.

Phantom grabbed both Rarity and Fluttershy by their manes and pulled them across the catwalk. Ponies were too scared to escape, they knew full well the consequences of attempting to leave.

Phantom lifted Rarity by the mane, threatening to rip it out, as he lifted her higher into the air for her to dangle. Phantom was about to thrust his arm and stab Rarity in the back. An idea popped into his head. He had thought of how Rarity slept with rich stallions while ignoring his genuine feelings. “No, I have an even better idea,” he said as he dropped her.

Nightmare didn’t know what her student was up to, but she loved that look in his eyes. She couldn’t explain it, there was just something about Phantom’s dark side that made her adore him.

Phantom signaled one of his unicorn guards onto the stage. “Teleport her to the Crystal Castle dungeon, but don’t kill her. I have something special in mind for the white skank.” The unicorn guard saluted and wrapped his arm around Rarity's throat as he teleported them both to the empire.

The crowd of ponies all gasped, as Nightmare and the guards smirked, while Pinkie closed her eyes, praying for her former friend. Fleur on the other hoof couldn’t help letting out a small giggle, out of excitement at what Phantom had in store for Rarity.

Phantom turned his attention back to Fancy Pants, who was screaming and trying to break free from Nightmare’s grasp. His struggling proved useless until the black alicorn released her hold.

Now free, Fancy advanced toward Phantom. “GIVE HER BACK!!” he shouted. Sighing, Phantom caught the stallion by the horn and tossed him across the ballroom. Fancy got up and noticed blood pouring down his head. He glared at the drake, the monster who had just kidnapped his love, holding a horn of a unicorn. Fancy’s eyes widened, knowing who’s horn it was.

Phantom flipped into the air and delivered a dropkick to the hornless stallion’s back. Fancy Pants dropped to the floor coughing blood; the kick had nearly broke his spine.

“Fancy, you’ve known me for years. Do you really think I would do all this simply because I wanted to?” Phantom asked the stallion. Though furious, Fancy was quelled by the shock of having his horn torn off, it had left him, somehow, with a calm and clear head.

“I would not have expected this from you Phantom, if that’s what you call yourself now. What happened to you?” he asked.

“I shouldn’t answer as you would never understand my suffering,” Phantom scoffed. “I was betrayed. Not just by my friends, but by everyone. Did they tell you what my banishment was for?”

“You murdered a noble Equestrian and attempted to kill Princess Flurry Heart.”

“No, I was framed,” Phantom corrected.

“Stop lying! The princess herself said that you posed a threat to Equestria!”

“How could I have posed a threat?” Phantom asked managing to keep his cool. “We all know I’m not above killing, but I take life for specific reasons. As a carnivore, I’ve been forced to kill wild animals, in order to live. The ponies who had banished me, like the slut who is currently awaiting her fate back in the Crystal Empire, used me for their own selfish gain.” Phantom’s emerald eyes shined as he grew angry at how he was treated. “That includes that bitch and her fuck toy who teased me for being weak, or like most of you, who just fears me for what I could not help, being a dragon, even with the knowledge that she held for animals... even with the knowledge that some of them eat meat as well.”

“I’ve gotten to know Phantom as one of my first friends,” Starlight spoke placing her hoof on her heart. “He helped me reconnect with my foalhood friend, who is now the love of my life.”

Thorax spoke next, “After the failed invasion on the Canterlot royal wedding, I could no longer stand life in the changeling hive, so I deserted the kingdom. And that’s when I met him..” Thorax turned to his captain with a smile. “Phantom treated me like no one else had, I was ashamed of what I was. That’s why I’m officially done with the changeling hive, I’m never going back. My loyalty forever lies with the one who saved me.” Then changeling’s eyes then grow angry. “I’m one of the few who can truly relate to Phantom. Just like him, ponies judged me simply for my species and tried to kill me.”

“When Phantom was banished.” Pinkie began, still catching and throwing blades in her hooves. “I was the only fucking pony out of the six of us closest to him that came to ask for forgiveness!” Pinkie shouted twitching. “He told me to go out there and feel the pain he feels every time he has to kill, and I did. I understood the pain he felt. He never wanted to kill anything. Oh, no no no no no no no! He only did it because he didn’t have a choice!”

Pinkie paused for a moment to look at all the ponies in the room. “You know, I bet most of you snobbish, boring ponies don’t even know what a zebra is, or why it has stripes. Don’t bother to raise your hooves, because, you're blinded by what goes on inside Equestria so much that we don’t worry about what happens outside of it.” Pinkie looked over to Nightmare who nodded at her speech before Phantom continued.

“I loved all the ponies that raised me,” Phantom began, still playing with Fancy’s broken horn with his claws. “But you all treated me like a doormat just like that scorched mare over there,” he said as he pointed to Fluttershy. “What’s worse, is that your princess, the one I once called my mother, killed my family and my people. Having suffered enough, I threw away the name given to me by the mare who caused me the most pain; your newest princess, Twilight Sparkle. I am not Spike, the weak dragon who always let himself be pushed around, and as a result died. No, my name is Phantom now!”

He then threw Fancy’s horn aside. “All of this is to avenge my deceased kind and get back at the ones who abused me. So if you still want to call me a heartless monster, you should first take a good look at yourselves and your princess.”

Fluttershy, who just stared in horror. She knew Rarity was alive, but the yellow pegasus couldn’t imagine what would happen to her. Not able to take it anymore, she looked at Fancy’s horn which had rolled up to her. Taking it in her mouth, the pegasus stabbed herself.

The butterscotch mare knew by this point, that she brought everything that had happened to her on herself.

Neither Phantom, Nightmare, or any of their soldiers cared about the butterscotch mare’s death. As far as they were concerned, Fluttershy had served her purpose. Fluttershy knew this would come eventually.

“We’re done here,” Phantom announced as he stepped off stage, walking out of the room with Nightmare and the rest of their clan in tow. He had special plans in store for his newest prisoner, death wouldn’t satisfy him after the way Rarity had broke his heart.

He let out a laugh, unable to hold in his thoughts. “You’re next, Twi... Oh, I can’t wait to see your face again,” Phantom chuckled, already hatching a sick and twisted plan to murder his former best friend, his ex-caretaker, and older sister.

The ponies that attended the fashion show now sat in waiting as the guards left one by one, the atrocities still burning deep in their minds, the stuff of nightmares filling their thoughts nearly as much as Phantom’s words. For if they were the truth, then the princess had much to answer for. The deaths of many and the broken relations of foreign countries could be but the beginning. Celestia had much to answer for, indeed.