Elements of Disharmony part 1

>Be a train ride to Canterlot
>Your bones are hurting a little from being so close to so many Unicorns.
>Apperantly, Celestia has put out the call for all students to return to Canterlot.
>The massive surge of conflicting magical energies is making your animated body hurt
“Twilight, would you be a dear and close that door, please?”
>With a smile, she magically closes it, not understanding the nature of the request.
>Fuck, more positive energy.
>Just kill me now, you ass.
>”Is that better?”
“Yes, thank you.”
>It’s a good thing you have no qualms with lieing, seeing as you can feel your joints coming loose from that last spell.
>”So, what do we know, Anon?”
>You face the speaker, Rainbow Dash
“As far as my contacts have informed me, Discord is laying low and waiting.”
>You ‘eye’ Fluttershy, who’s looking positively sick.
“I believe he may be waiting to make a move on the Elements once he has a clear shot.”
>As if on que, Fluttershy rolfs into a small bag.
>”So that’s why ya didn’ flash us there, huh?”
>You nod to applejack
“One of many, yes.”
>You do not voice that you also do not wish for him to get in a ‘Kidney Shot’ during a high-focus spell.
>You still have a score to settle with him, and you know why he called you out.
>”That still doesn’t answer why he wanted you, though…”
>Twilight is too sharp for her own good, it seems.
“I… May have had a small hand in your last encounter.”
>Shit.
>That got their attention.
“I committed to a duel with him, and disgraced him. He will be seeking revenge.”
>”Looks like we’re gonna hafta hurry then, ‘fore he makes a move ‘gainst ya.”
>You wish it was that easy.

>The train ride ends short afterwards, and you disembark with haste.
>Canterlot is in a much better sort than your last visit here, or the one before that.
>You wish you could visit more often, but no, not really.
>You hated Celestia’s guts and her all-too-perceptive insight.
>In any event, you follow your friends up to the palace, and arrive in short order.
>Celestia, as expected, begins to brief the six ponies on the situation.
>You ignore her, you already know everything from your contacts, spies and thralls.
>”-Discord has seized the Elements once more. I am not entirely certain how-“
>Wait.
“Excuse me, Princess, but you are meaning to tell me that you have allowed, once more, the Elements to fall into Discord’s hands?”
>You fix her with your burning gaze, a cold hate piercing through the embers in your eyesockets.
>To her credit, she doesn’t retreat from your tone, nor change from her motherly attitude.
>”We are still unsure how he has done it, but we fought him every step of the way. Discord refuses to play by any rules, save his own, which even he will bend at a whim.”
>You were sure of such.
>It still rustled your jimmies how incompetent Celestia was, though.
“Then our next course of action is clear, is it not, Twilight Sparkle?”
>The Unicorn in question nods in affirmation.
>”We find Discord, and the Elements, and we fix this.”
>You feel a disturbance in the Shadows, a slight twitch
“Then it appears we are already half way there.”
>You spin around, and come face-to-face with the man of the hour.
>Or, rather, Draconiquis.
>”Oh, you aaare perceptive, Anonymous.”
>He’s grinning like an idiot.
>This makes you slightly uncomfortable.
“To what do we owe the pleasure this time, Discord?”
>”Oh, I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.”
>With a chuckle, he vanishes in a flash of light, reappearing by Celestia’s side
>”You see, I want to play a game. It’s a fun one, I know you’ll love it. Celestia, less so.”
>The Alicorn snarls and stamps her foot
>”Discord, what are you up to this time?”
>Discord flashes into the air, somersaulting on nothing
>”It’s simple, really. I’ve been looking at the Elements, and I’ve been thinking. Why, exactly, do you need Twilight Sparkle and her friends? The answer is simple. They represent the Elements values.”
>He returns to your side, grinning maliciously
>”So, I thought, why don’t we play a game. See who finally comes out on top, dear Celestia.”
>The smug bastard always playing his games.
>His cockiness made you sick.

“Then let us play your game, Discord. But we do so on my rules.”
>He smiles
>”Now, Anonymous, that’s not how we play games. Don’t be so rude, I am the host after all.”
>You don’t bother looking at him.
“You will abide, Discord.”
>”And if I don’t?”
“Then we don’t play.”
>”And you’re willing to forfeit your precious Elements to spite me?”
“Who said we were forfeiting them?”
>”You play my game, by my rules, or you do not see them again, Anon.”
“Amusing. I can see them right now, sitting on a hill just outside of Fillydelphia.”
>He recoils, surprised, but is still smiling.
>”And so you confirm my suspicions…
>He chuckles unnervingly
>”Very well, Anonymous. You may name one rule.”
“No direct interference from either you, nor I, while the game is being played.”
>He flies into the air, yelling for joy
>”Deal! Let the games begin!”
>In a cloud of confetti, he disappears, leaving the Mane Six and Celestia looking on in confusion.
>Your dark, knowing laughter does not put them at ease.
“Come, my friends. We have a game to play.”
>With nothing but a parting word of warning to Celestia to avoid direct conflict with Discord, you leave with the Mane Six.
>Your destination: Fillydelphia.

>Discord’s plan was clear.
>Almost immediately after leaving Canterlot, things began to get interesting.
>Discord was constantly present, always pulling the strings.
>This was a game of gambits.
>Neither of you could directly influence the Mane Six, as you explained to them you needed to meditate, they simply let you be.
>Discord tried to insite Pinkie Pie to become depressed over your disappearance with constant misfortune.
>You countered by ensuring Rainbow Dash had a number of unused prank supplies ready for some entertainment with Pinkie Pie.
>Such events go onwards for the better part of five days, a constant game of gambits and plans.
>Finally, the train arrives after numerous delays, and you watch in self satisfaction as the six collect the Elements at long last
>You can’t help but notice something is off with them, however.
>They do not shine as vibrantly as you remember.
>And you have impeccable memory.
>”Ah, well, it was fun while it lasted…”
>Discord saunters up from behind a bush
>”But you have the Elements, girls… You may fire when ready.”
>He comically grabs a cluster of daisies and clutches them, wiping his nose with some tissues.
“Wait, Twilight, don’t-“
>Your warning is ignored, as you realize he’s acting.
>You knew how painful the Elements were on a creature such as yourself.
>You watch as Twilight and her friends float into the air, and see out of the corner of your ‘eye’, Discord smirking.
>It happens in a flash.
>The Elements begin to crackle with fel energies
>The levitation ends, and the girls fall to the earth
>The elements remain in the air, spinning.
>Discord laughs mockingly
>”I win! I win again!”
>His haunting laughter rises into a shrill pitch as a blinding light envelops you all.
>You never truly went unconscious
>It was more of a psionic blanket, caused by the Elements, that sent you into a ‘Knocked out’ state.
>Rising quickly on magical winds, you scan the area around you.
>Equestria is different.
>Very different.
>For the first time in your existence, you are horrified by what you see.
>The world is darker
>The skies are not as clear, or as bright
>The air is thicker, less refreshing
>Nothing is as it was, darkness descending upon it.
>Your first priority is your friends however.
>You rush to their side, and find them unharmed.
>They stir, slowly, and Rarity is the first to speak
>”Wha.. What happened?”
>You wish you had the answers.
>”Did.. What happened to the Elements? Discord.. he..”
“Hush, Twilight. After what happened, I’m content to answer those questions in due time. First I must see you all to safety.”
>She grows silent, confused and disoriented.
>You help the others to their hooves, just as confused as they are.
>Discord hadn’t influenced them, of that you were certain.
>This could only leave-
>Oh no.
>How could you ever be so blind?
>You look at where the Elements laid, and saw that they were not only darker, lacking their sparkle, but their appearance had changed.
>Discord had not meddled with the wielders this time.
>He warped the Elements themselves.
>That brilliant bastard.

>You pick the six medallions up, and can feel the pulse of their magic.
>One in particular sings to you
>It is Applejack’s, now mostly devoid of color, the gem now a sickly green.
>You can feel its essence twisted around, calling out to you.
>You hold the medallion in your right hand, and reach out to it with your mind.
>With a surge of power, the medallion glows, and its potential is unlocked.
>Together, the Elements of Harmony were a singular weapon.
>Their power was no less potent alone, however.
>The Gem melts away into a heavy, sickly mist that clings to you.
>”Anon… What.. What did you just do?!”
“Calm down, Applejack. It would appear your elements have been corrupted.”
>”The Elements of Harmony… Were… Corrupted?”
“Yes. Twisted into their opposites.”
>You hold up the five for your friends to inspect.
>”I see mine, Pinkies, Rarities, Dash’s, and Fluttershy’s, but..”
>Twilight looks up at you.
>”Where’s… Applejacks?”
>You call to the mist, which forms in your hand as an exact, if off-color, replica of Applejack’s
“I have stored it away for safe keeping. It is the only element that can be used to, hopefully, restore the rest.”
>You never did have a problem lying through your teeth, but you can’t bring yourself to lie completely.
“My friends, I need you to trust me, now more than ever. I have a plan, I can restore the Elements, but to do so, I will need time.”
>You gather your magic, and runes carve the air around you.
“Go to Celestia. You must stall Discord every step of the way, but above all else, never forget who you are.”
>The barrier between the worlds begins to split. The Ponies shy away from your massive portal.
>”Never forget who your friends are, little ponies. Never doubt that they will be there for you.”
>You ‘wink’ to Pinkie Pie, and in a surge of energy, you sink into the AEther.
>Ironically, to seek out a brigand that goes by such a title.

>You watch as the world shifts into focus.
>You could feel the Elements pulling through time and space, wanting to reach their perfect vessles.
>Each one pulled, save ‘Honesty’, now warped into the Element of Deception.
>The power unlocked in that single element is immense.
>You have at your fingers so much ready potential, and you are eager to see what a singular Element is capable of.
>You arrive in short order, dumped unceremoniously to the ground in a crumpled pile of robes.
>You do not move, instead, you wait.
>You can feel three pairs of eyes on you.
>You have made an entrance, that much is for certain.
>”What in the name of Celestia..?”
>You slowly rise.
>You have no time for these ponies.
>Fortunate that they have sided against your targets.
>”It’s moving!”
>”Is it another one of those humans?!”
“Not quite.”
>You turn to face two ponies and guard armor, and a bound human.
>This would be the one known as Shermanator.
>Your small, pinpricks of green flame flare into raging inferno’s
“Be gone, pests.”
>With a flick of your wrist, a concussive wave of air floors Shermanator, and sends the other two Ponies flying through the air.
>Your skeletal felt clack coldly on the hard, marble floors.
>Hmm, would appear you made more than just a timely entrance.
“Remain calm, human.”
>He looks at you incredulously
>”Calm?! You just bulldozed two guards that kicked the shit out of me!”
>Surprising. He’s more concerned with your actions than your appearance.
>Your ‘eyes’ return to their calm cinders once more.
“And I am releasing you as we speak. Now may we move past the obvious?”
>There is a click, clack, and the sound of knuckles hitting bone.
>Your world spins ‘round and ‘round as your head goes in a wild spinning motion.
>You stop your head with a well-timed grab, and reset it upon your spine.
“That was fairly ill-advised.”
>He looks at you dumb-founded.
“I am your ally, Shermanator, not your enemy.”
>He still has his fists up, watching you.
>You raise your hand in a snap-motion, and send another gale of wind, launching the recovered guards back across the room.
>If you could get motion sickness, you’d be puking by now.
>Reset head, look at Shermanator blankly, as if you had a choice in your facial expressions.
“I would appreciate it if you were to come with me, quickly, and vacate this area before I am forces to deal with our guests a third time.”
>He surveys his surroundings, and nods to you.
>Walking past him you give the recovering guards a good blast of flame to make sure they stay down...
>Well...
>For now, at least.

>The late-day sun lands upon your robes and the back of your hood as you exit out into a small fort's courtyard.
>And there are armored ponies everywhere.
>"Well, atleast this won't be boring.”
>You turn to look at this so-called “Shermanator”.
>You could see why the Elements had seeked him out.
>Fortunate that another of the new Elements was also here.
“I shall provide assistance, good sir. I will leave you to do as you will to the ponies who bar our escape.”
>You could simply teleport away with your new ally.
>Escape would be easy, with the correct spells.
>Seeing Shermanator in action, however, was far more important.
>You call upon the darkness in the corners of the bastion, and fade into Shermanators own shadow.
“I’ll be watching and helping when I’m needed.”
>You almost laugh as you hear Shermanator gulp, before charging forwards.
>You muse sending him into an unholy fervor, but that might damage him too severly.
>Instead, you opt for something more enjoyable.
>There is a cascade of light, as ice crawls over the Shermanators body, forming a light, strong carapace.
>He’s to busy ramming his foot up a sorry Pegasis’ ass to notice much, given how the ice is hardly cold to the touch.
>Mage ice was like that.
>You idly muse as you watch him, what his reaction will be once he realizes he’s covered in the stuff.

>Swing left hook
>Upper-cut
>Knee to the chin
>You’re striking wildly, and these Guards, even with their armor, are dropping like flies.
>You don’t think about finess
>You don’t worry about precise application.
>You put the mother-fuckers down.
>You tap in to your rage
>Everyone that is depending on you, everyone who would be hurt if you don’t keep going.
>With a throaty roar, you lay into one Court Unicorn with a massive haymaker, the little runt going flying to the dust.
>You feel a crash from your back, but only the force of it moving your into a stumble.
>You don’t feel the pain of your back breaking from a bucking.
>”It would appear we have made an exit.”
>It’s that skeleton fella again.
>Where has he been this whole time?
>You watch as a Guard is tossed over his shoulder by a massive black hand.
>You blink.
>Again.
>What?
>No, seriously, What?

“What was that?”
>”What?”
“That giant black hand.”
>”Magic.”
”You can do magic?”
>”Yes, I can. I have spent Ten-Thousand years studying it.”
>Ten
>Fucking
>Thousand
>Years
“Okay, what the fuck?”
>The Skeleton just stands there, as if processing a good response.
>”I knew you were not the most intelligent of individuals, but I was unaware you did not understand the benefit Undeath provides.”
>Oh, okay.
>So, you were saved from imprisonment and later execution by an undead skeleton zombie.
>Sorry, an Undead Skeleton Zombie WIZARD.
>Brain-check:
“Wait… Are you a wizard?”
>He pauses
>”… Yes. Yes I am.”
>Undead Skeleton Zombie Wizard it is.
>Fucks.exe has crashed and stopped working
>Send error report?
>Cancel
“Alright then.”
>The Skeleton tilts his head, before making a motion with his hand
>A massive pillar of stone rises behind him, rocketing a guard high into the air
>”I recommend we take out leave.”
”Yeah, let’s… Do that.”
>”Oh, and, you have something on your shirt.”
”Hm?”
>Oh, that’s just a cracked set of armor made out of ice.
>Nothing out of the ordin-
“WHAT!?”