> The Dark Knight Triumphs
>  by TheClownPrinceofCrime
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: No Survivors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTRO

Pieces of rock were all over the stony ground. Suddenly, purple and yellow rays encircled them and levitated them up high. They reconstructed the rocks into the Bat insignia before the symbol was filled with light, expelling the darkness. 

INTRO ENDED


A desert was under the hot blazing sun early in the afternoon. There were little signs of life in the barren wasteland. Gusts of wind blew on the cacti and the sandy hills. Birds of prey were flying above in search for any signs of food. Disappointed with the empty results, they all flew away. Nothing significant happened in the wilderness...until now. 

A bipedal creature was lying on the sand, fully dressed with some armor on his belly and had a menacing mask over his mouth. He made no movement as he lay there with eyes closed. Three minutes later, he suddenly opened his eyes. He groaned in slight pain as he got up on his feet and beheld the strange environment he was in. 

“Where...am I?” he thought out loud. “Am I dead? Is...this the afterlife?” 

He vividly remembered his last moments on earth, particularly in Gotham City. He remembered the most crucial role he played in taking over Gotham and corrupting it with his ideology. He thought back on his archenemy Batman whom he physically broke and throwing him in the same prison where he was born in. That was truly a moment of triumph in his life. 

“My life—I must say that it was spent well and was worth it.” he proudly recalled. “Can it be possible that Gotham is actually destroyed? I don’t know who it was that killed me, but I deeply regret not seeing that decadent city turn to ashes. If that is the case, then I, Bane, have truly fulfilled Ra’s Al Ghul’s destiny.” 

Bane looked around and noticed that he was in a desert—a cartoony desert of course. Confused, he scratched his neck. “Who brought me here? How did I get here? Am I even alive?” he asked. 

He touched his own clothes and skin. Once he finished searching for any sign of an injury, he realized that he was truly alive. “Hmm, either it was my armor that saved me, or someone transported me here to save me from death.” he concluded. 

Suddenly, loud buzzes were heard above. Once he looked up, he saw a swarm of black insects descending from the sky. Instinctively, he ran for cover and hid behind a tall cactus. He peeked behind its branch to see who these creatures were and what they were up to. 

The insects appeared as black and cheese-legged with blue eyes, lacking pupils. Then another insect appeared in front of the swarm; it was the tallest one out of the swarm with a long, transparent, green mane covering its whole neck, with bright green eyes with bright purple iris and black pupils; its horn was long and crooked. Its  hole-covered wings were large. 

“Guards, bring the captives forward!” it authoritatively commanded. Bane recognized its voice as masculine. 

Two insects with purple armor brought two captives forward. The first one was a large creature with spider legs and crab claws; it had a long muscular neck with a bald head; his eyes were red with vertical pupils, and it had sharp teeth. The second captive was just a cloaked figure. 

“We must hurry! Queen Chrysalis is waiting! Let’s move!” the tall insect commanded. They marched forward with their captives in front of them. 

Bane was intrigued and curious of what they were up to, especially the cloaked figure. “Hmm, interesting. I wonder what these...animated characters are up to. Ha, never thought I would ever end up in a cartoon world.” he chuckled. He quietly  followed them without getting caught. 

After about fifteen minutes of wandering, the army finally arrived at their home, a large tower-like hive. “This way!” the tall insect ordered. They went down the hill as they entered their kingdom. 

Bane stopped behind a bush where he saw them go down. “Ahh, so that is where those insects live. Hmmm, I cannot enter there with their guards watching everything. But I can watch them with this.” he whispered, pulling out his binoculars. 


WITHIN THE THRONE ROOM


The tall insect with several guards brought the captives before a taller insect, sitting on the throne. It was draining the love energy from a pony who was cocooned. Once it finished its meal, it turned to the assembled guards and captives. “Ahhh, I see you have accomplished your mission, Captain Clavicle!” it commended with a feminine voice. 

“Your wish is my will, dear Queen.” Clavicle bowed. 

Chrysalis flew out of her throne and stood before the captives. She glared especially at the crab monster. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the great Clawbreak, King Vorak’s most ‘trusted’ advisor!” 

“Queen Chrysalis, you’re uglier then I expected.” Clawbreak grinned.  

“SILENCE, FOOL!” she angrily snapped. “My spies reported you two sneaking around in my territory! Additionally, I heard you also helped an infamous prisoner escape from Tartarus. The prisoner by the name of...Lord Tirek.” 

“It is as you say.” Clawbreak admitted. The cloaked figure remained silent, making the guards slightly suspicious. 

“Then please do tell...” Chrysalis drew nearer to Clawbreak’s face. “What is he planning to do? Where is he?” 

Clawbreak said nothing. Irritated, Chrysalis levitated him off the ground and pressed his face against a cocooned unicorn. “You see this poor unicorn, Clawbreak? I just drained her of her love. I must admit, it was so delicious! Your silence will only make your fate similar to hers.” Chrysalis threatened. 

Clawbreak grew an amused smile and slightly chuckled. This made Chrysalis even more angry and frustrated. She threw him on the ground and pinned him there. “THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING, CLAWBREAK!!” she screamed. “What is Lord Tirek planning to do?! Where is he?!” She failed to notice Captain Clavicle deviously smiling. Clawbreak still held his peace. 

“A lot of loyalty for a magic eater!” Chrysalis yelled. “No matter! I’ll make you talk by devouring your love! I’ll enjoy your screams of mercy!” Before she could open her mouth, a new voice took her by surprise. 

“One has to wonder why a Changeling Queen would drain his emotions that could prevent him from screaming in agony.” the raspy, aged voice spoke. 

Chrysalis turned around to see the cloaked creature slowly approaching her. She chuckled as she faced him. “Well, well, at least you can talk. Very wise choice. Who are you exactly?” Chrysalis asked. 

“It doesn’t matter who I am. What matters is our plan.” the creature coldly responded. “Besides, not one of my kind from my home cared who I was until I began absorbing magic.” 

“Really now? If I absorbed your love, would you still have that ability like Lord Tirek does?” Chrysalis taunted. 

“It would be extremely painful—.” the figure spoke. 

“HA! You’re a tough creature!” Chrysalis interjected. 

“—for you.” the creature menacingly finished. 

Bane so far was still intrigued as he saw their interactions within the hive although he couldn’t hear their conversation, being that far away. He somehow felt something dramatic was going to happen as he watched the gestures of the disguised being. “I wonder what that creature actually looks like without that cloak.” he said, still watching with his binoculars. 

He didn’t notice another army flying above the hive until he spotted their shadows on the sand. He looked up and saw an army of gargoyles surrounding the hive and diving down on the guards outside. Bane witnessed them quietly slaughtering the changeling bodyguards with their claws and throwing their bodies away.  “My, my, this is going to be more interesting.”  he thought. 

“Was getting caught a part of your plan?” Chrysalis asked. 

“Of course!” the hidden being replied. Clawbreak got back on his spider legs with a growing smirk on his face. 

“Well, congratulations, fool! You got yourself caught!” Chrysalis mocked. The ceiling of the hive then started to rumble, alerting the assembled guards except her. 

“Umm, my Queen?” a changeling guard asked, worried. 

“So, then, what is the next step of your masterplan?” Chrysalis mocked. 

The creature darkly chuckled which sent the changelings chills to their spines. “Destroying this hive...WITH NO SURVIVORS!!” he shouted, revealing himself before the changelings. They gasped in shock as they beheld the skinny old centaur himself. 

“LORD TIREK!! IT’S YOU!!” Chrysalis cried. Suddenly, Clavicle shot green beams of magic at Tirek’s and Clawbreak’s chains, freeing them. 

“CLAVICLE?! What are you doing?!” Chrysalis demanded. 

“Sorry, Chrysalis, but my allegiance is for Lord Tirek!” Clavicle proudly declared. 

At that moment, a wall exploded which revealed the armed gargoyles. They ran toward the throne where they injected an artifact on the throne’s back. There, it began to drain its life force and power. Chrysalis witnessed their work in shock. “NOOO!! That is what’s keeping magic at bay!! Guards, destroy them!” she commanded. 

However, the other gargoyles immediately attacked all the changelings within the hive, initiating the massacre. One gargoyle grabbed a changeling and stabbed it with a dagger. Another one beheaded a changeling who was fleeing away from him in desperation. Two more gargoyles seized several changelings, sliced off their legs, gauged their eyes out, and ate their bodies alive. The rest of the attackers shot, blasted, and eviscerated the helpless changelings throughout the whole hive. 

As Chrysalis was distracted by seeing the violent onslaught of Tirek’s forces and the slaughter of her beloved children—which made tears flow from her eyes—Tirek punched her in the face and kicked her against her depowered throne. Her hard impact caused it to shatter in pieces. 

Tirek drew near to her, opened his mouth, and drained her of her magic. Once he finished, he magically grew to the second form of his stature. He saw himself with more muscle, redder skin, bigger horns, and no longer hunched. “What’s the matter, Chrysalis? Too tired to face a mighty centaur of greater power?” he taunted, flexing his biceps.

She weakly looked up to Clavicle who was wickedly chuckling. “Why...why are you doing this? You are my most faithful captain...” she asked. 

“Your rules and directions were pathetic and useless...just like you and your worthless army. Lord Tirek offered me an intriguing deal: more magic and power which I always sought after since I was little. But you never gave me a chance since you cared only for yourself.” Clavicle said, glaring her down. 

“No...they are not useless...I always cared for my children...even you...please...have mercy...” she sobbed, failing to stand on her hole-covered hooves. 

“Too late.” Clavicle said, draining her of her love. Clawbreak then decapitated four guards with his claws. Tirek stomped his front hooves on Chrysalis’s back and swiftly pulled her neck backwards, snapping her spinal cord. 

“Gargoyles, ASSEMBLE!!” Tirek commanded. 

They finished slaughtering their changeling victims and assembled before their centaur leader as he commanded them. Clavicle and Clawbreak stood side by side with Tirek. “It appears that the fire has begun, master!” Clawbreak said. 

“Indeed, Clawbreak. The fire rises!” said Tirek. 

“The artifact is set to detonate, my lord.” one of the gargoyles mentioned. “Where do we go from here?” 

“We have much else to plan, my friend. Once everything is established, we will commence our conquest of Equestria. Everypony’s magic will be ours for the taking, and the princesses will not stop us...not even me!” Tirek announced. They shouted in agreement as they were eager to begin their conquest of Equestria.

Tirek levitated the love-drained unicorn via telekinesis to him. He drained her of her magic while holding her by the throat. “I sure hope the princesses will not discover our plans while we’re at it!” another gargoyle worried. 

“Now is not the time for fear, young warrior. That comes later!” Tirek said, throwing the pony down to the carnage-filled room. They all jumped down from the peek of the hive until they flew off to the sky with Tirek and Clawbreak riding on winged chariots that their army provided.

Minutes later, the whole hive exploded. The remaining survivors, wounded changelings and the powerless unicorn, all died in the explosion. Bane witnessed it from afar. “My impressions of that powerful centaur were true. These interesting creatures must be up to something. If I can relive my role as the reckoning of any city in this...strange world...I’m all for it.” Bane said, smiling under his mask.
> Chapter 1: Bruce’s New Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN FLORENCE, ITALY


The whole city was peaceful and quite as it was around nighttime. The full moon was shining brightly in the clear sky along with the stars, adding more serenity to the atmosphere. During that night, a car entered through the driveway of a wonderful home in the local area. Bruce Wayne stepped out of the car. 

“That was quite a refreshing dinner. I might even go there again.” Bruce said, opening the passenger door for his wife. 

“Refreshing? You mean decent...but I do agree we could go there once in a while.” she said, exiting the passenger seat. 

“I’m surprised this city has better restaurants than what Gotham ever had. No wonder Alfred visits here.” Bruce added. 

“I guess that’s another crime Gotham is known for: serving poor food that could generate more criminals.” Selina joked. 

“I bet that’s the actual case.” Bruce chuckled. They locked the car before they entered inside their mansion. “Ahhh, home sweet home.” 

“It’s been a long day, isn’t it?” Selina asked. 

“Indeed. Actually, you want to watch a movie before we head to bed? We haven’t watched movies in a while.” Bruce suggested, locking the front door. 

“Perhaps. Which movie you have in mind?” Selina asked, taking her coat and high heels off. 

“Maybe Transformers, Enemy of the State, or even The Lion King?” Bruce listed. 

“Transformers? I didn’t know you are a fan of that franchise.” said Selina. 

“I was always impressed with the concept of giant alien robots in a war with each other—Autobots, Decepticons—just very fascinating. And to think about it, if they only existed in our reality, I’m quite sure Optimus Prime would have done something for Gotham.” Bruce said, taking his blazer and shoes off. 

“Very interesting. Do you think maybe cartoons exist outside of our dimension, Bruce?” asked Selina. 

This slightly surprised Bruce as she asked him that; thus, his memory of his adventures with Twilight and her friends ignited. “Well...it depends on how you view life. W-why do you ask?” he stuttered. 

“Well, the very thought of a multiverse existing outside of our world just piqued my curiosity, Bruce. If our universe isn’t the only one existing, that would be so...intriguing.” Selina wondered. 

“You actually believe that?” Bruce asked. Selina then made a smirk which made him raise his eyebrow. 

“You think I don’t know what you’ve been through? Come, we’ll talk more about it upstairs.” Selina said, walking upstairs to their bedroom. Bruce unknotted his tie and hanged his blazer in the closet. He went upstairs to the bathroom to brush his teeth. Once he finished, Selina brushed her teeth as well. 

Entering the bedroom, they took off their professional clothing and lay next to each other in bed. “If I’ve heard correctly from Commissioner Gordon, you have your...friends from another dimension, yes?” she smirked. 

“You actually know that?” Bruce asked. 

“You should know that your wife doesn’t hide under a rock.” she chuckled. “Besides, I even saw some of those...ponies that have been flying and running around in Gotham. I would have never known that one day the great Bruce Wayne would familiarize himself with animated horses.” 

“Actually, the Batman hung out with them the most. They barely saw Bruce Wayne even though most of them know his secret identity.” Bruce clarified. 

“I see. Still, at least they associated themselves with two of those people. It really makes me wonder: why he would separate himself from them for three years? I mean, look at everything you guys have done together.” Selina reminded. 

“Look, Selina, what we went through together was memorable...I’ll admit it. But their time with the Batman is now past. It’s over. Like what you said before, he has given people everything. Bane is gone, Equestria is at peace, and so is Gotham.” Bruce stressed. 

“But have you ever thought about seeing them again? Have you ever thought of how much they miss you? I’ve never been to their...’Equestria’, but I can imagine them just talking about you every day of their lives.” Selina stated, embracing her husband. 

“I have. I have.” Bruce replied, kissing his wife’s arm. “I told them that they’ll see me again, but not the Batman. Batman has served his purpose. Blake is now taking the mantle in Gotham.” 

“I know it’s been a long time since Gotham was saved from its ultimate threat, but have you ever thought about the Dark Knight rising from the dead once more if something horrible ever happened to the ponies?” Selina asked. 

Bruce was silent for a few seconds before he looked up to her again. “No, I haven’t. But I’m sure my friends are doing well. However, if something bad were to happen, they’ll expect to receive my help, not Batman’s.” 

“If so, just hope that you won’t encounter another Bane.” Selina smiled. 

“Well, I cannot afford for a second round of my back getting broken, now can I?” Bruce smiled back. They both chuckled together before they kissed. 

Breaking from the kiss, they lay their heads on the pillows. “What are the names of your friends, honey?” Selina asked. 

“Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike.” Bruce named. 

“Did you know that they are the main characters of the show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic?” Selina asked. 

“I’ve heard about it, but had I watched the show earlier in my life, I would’ve known their names and their personalities since the day I met them for the first time. I never knew that they were from a show. I thought that they were just from a random cartoon universe.” Bruce explained. “Nonetheless, I must confess that I’m happy that I’ve met them. It’s better to actually meet them in person than to just watch them on television.” 

“You must feel really lucky, Bruce. I bet every brony in the world is jealous of you now.” Selina smirked. 

“Well, I’m not the only man in the world who has seen them. All of Gotham has too.” Bruce said. 

“If they know that, they’ll run to Gotham to get answers to satisfy their wildest dreams.” Selina said, putting her arms around Bruce’s chest. 

“Probably. As long as they don’t run to ally ways, they’ll be fine. But it’s best to keep the rest of the earth in the dark about it. I’m proud to know that Gotham never broadcasted their knowledge of the pony world.” Bruce said. 

“(Sigh) You love secrets too much, Bruce.” Selina frowned. 

“Heh, old habits, die hard.” he smirked.
> Chapter 2: An Uncertain Princess
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE


Early in the morning, the Mane Five and Spike arrived at the Crystal Empire from the train ride of Ponyville. As they were walking through the local town of the kingdom, they looked up at the castle, then the Crystal Heart, then the happy crystal ponies. It was supposed to be a big day particularly for the new alicorn princess, Twilight Sparkle. 

However, she was not exactly happy during that day as many things flooded her mind. Two of those troubling thoughts prevailed over the others. “(Sigh) I don’t know about this, guys. I’m not even sure if I even know my unique purpose as a new princess.” Twilight worried. 

“What do you mean, darling?” Rarity asked. 

“I mean, Celestia and Luna have their unique functionalities: Celestia raises the sun, and Luna raises the moon. For me? I don’t even know. What can I possibly do?” Twilight complained. 

“I’m sure you will find a way to find out, Twilight! I mean, Princess Celestia didn’t give you those alicorn wings for nothing, you know?” Spike assured. 

“Spike’s right. She had to see something special in you to give you that awesome position! So don’t be uncertain.” Rainbow added. 

Hearing her friends’ words of encouragement made her feel slightly better. “I guess you’re right.” Twilight sighed. 

As they continued walking, they encountered a crystal Spike statute in the middle of the street. Seeing it made Spike proud as he recalled the day he helped save the empire from King Sombra. “Seems only yesterday that I saved this place from being totally destroyed! Hey, you guys remember that?” Spike said, looking up at his statue. 

Dash groaned in annoyance. “You only mentioned it fifteen times on the train here.” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. 

“Yes, and we never hear a thing about you on your exploits.” Rarity retorted, smirking at Rainbow. 

“Heh, point taken.” Rainbow smiled sheepishly. 

“I’m glad you all wanted to come, but I don’t think it’ll be that exciting.” Twilight said. “I pretty much have to smile and wave as the dignitaries arrive.” 

“Yes, but you get to smile and wave like a princess!” Rarity encouraged. 

“How exactly is it different from smiling and waving like not a princess?” Applejack asked. 

Rarity couldn’t come with an answer as she hasn’t thought about it. “It isn’t.” Twilight muttered, frowning. 

“Come on, Twilight! I’m veeeeeeerrrryyy sure everything will be juuussst fine!” Pinkie assured, bouncing up and down. 

“Well, if you say so...” Twilight sighed, continuing her walk to the palace for rendezvous. The Mane Four and Spike slowed their walk behind Twilight to begin their new discussion. 

“Has anypony seen Fluttershy today?” Spike asked. 

“I did not. I hope she is all right.” Rarity replied. 

“Speaking of which, how come she didn’t come with us today?” Rainbow asked. 

“She told me she couldn’t come with us due to her personal...issues which she didn’t specify.” Applejack answered. “Ah meant to tell y’all earlier at the train about that.” 

“Does it have something to do with her prominent role in Discord’s grisly execution three years ago?” Pinkie asked. Her mention of the tragic incident made the others lower their heads somberly. “What is something I said?” 

“To answer your question, Pinkie...I suppose it does have something to do with that. But in her defense, it was completely justified...although quite unorthodox. At least he is dead along with...you know who.” Rarity said. 

“Yeah, good thing we cremated his body after Batman killed him.” Rainbow smiled. “But seriously, how is it that she is still depressed and mopey about all of that since it’s been three years already? Discord betrayed us for crying out loud!! He really deserved it!” 

“Justice is one thing, Rainbow Dash, but outright, violent revenge will never bring our souls to peace...especially if those villains are our closest friends or family. That’s not our way, so ah can appreciate Batman for his moral code.” Applejack lectured. 

“True, although it is unfortunate he too fell into that temptation.” Rarity added. 

“Come on, guys! The dignitaries are almost here!” Pinkie shouted before zooming off. The ponies and dragon caught up with Twilight within the castle. 

Much later, the crystal ponies were gathered along with Equestria’s surviving rulers: Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Prince Shining Armor. Before them came the oncoming dignitaries while the trumpets were blowing in royal salutation and welcome. Twilight stood on the balcony as she watched them approach , and she waited for her part to play. 

“The Duke and Dutchess of Maretonia!” Flash Sentry announced. 

The royals approached the rulers reverently before they bowed before them. Celestia, Luna, and Shining Armor returned the gesture. Then all five of them entered the doors of the castle. Twilight opened the banner on the castle with her magic. 

She simply smiled (faked) and waved at them and the rest of the crystal ponies gathered. 

“That was it?!” cried Spike. “Princess Celestia had you come all the way to the Crystal Empire just to do that?!” Twilight hung her head in depressed sorrow after hearing that. 

Realizing his mistake, he vainly tried to cheer her up, “I mean...uh...wow! Um, very important thing you did! Right?” Spike nervously chuckled. Applejack bumped him on the head while glaring at him. The others didn’t approve his outburst either. 


AT FLUTTERSHY’S COTTAGE


During that evening, within the cottage, Angel the bunny hopped around while holding a box of tissues. He stopped at the couch where the depressed yellow pegasus lay there while heavily crying her eyes out. Moved with compassion, he handed to her the tissue box. 

She noticed the compassionate look on his face and tissues he offered. She gracefully received the box and patted him gently with her left wing. “(Sniff) Thank you, Angel. I appreciate it.” she said before blowing her nose. 

Angel jumped on the couch and affectionately cuddled her to comfort her. The other animals including Harry the bear were sad to see her cry like that. They hovered over her to support her. “I appreciate you all for comforting me everyday. Because everyday, I always get horrible memories of what I did to...to...DISCORD!!” Fluttershy yelled, crying loudly. Her tears sprayed the animals so fluidly that Harry the bear had to use an umbrella to cover them all. 

“I always think about what I could’ve done...to (sniff)...spare his life. I was...so...(sniff)...consumed by revenge and anger for what he did. I’ll...I will never forgive myself for this!!” Fluttershy cried. 

“How can I call myself an element bearer of kindness if what I did was...unkind. I-I-I do not deserve that title and responsibility...(sniff)...at all.” Fluttershy muttered. Moments later, she closed her eyes as she was tired from her extreme sorrow all day and barely ate anything. 

Around midnight, the Element of Kindness on the Tree of Harmony started to slowly crack and lose its color.
> Chapter 3: A Painful Journey
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A changeling flew in the sky during the rising of the sun. But it was not any evil changeling that sought revenge or trouble after the demise of Queen Chrysalis and her army. “(Pants) I still can’t believe this is happening to me!! I really cannot believe it!!” he cried, tears escaping his eyes as he speedily flew. 

He rested on top of a hill just above Ponyville. As he looked down, he saw the pony residents happily talking and hanging out with each other. The more he beheld them, the more sorrowful he felt. “(Sniff) These ponies are so happy with their families, their friends, and their lives...the things which I have none...” he wept. 

“My mother Chrysalis, my brother Pharynx, everyone of my friends...dead.” the changeling cried, tears wetting the grass. “I can’t go down to the ponies. They might reject me, cast me out, or even think that I’m trying to create a scheme to overthrow them. I have nowhere to go!!” 

He was silent for a few moments before looking up to the sky, still weeping.  “I might as well just go to some place else. A place where creatures will love me, appreciate me, and graciously accept me as one of their own. Even if it takes me a week, it’s worth a try.” he thought. 

He turned around and flew off to the sky. As he flew in midair, he saw something unfamiliar in the Everfree Forest. Curious, he flew down and landed in front of a few trees. He slowly walked toward the river while looking around to make sure no animal would attack him on sight. 

However, he was not the only wanderer in the dangerous forest. Behind a bush, Bane saw him heading toward a river.  “Hmmm, that appears to be an interesting creature. It is surely one of those creatures I’ve seen at that large hive. Huh, apparently it survived the massacre.” he thought.  “I think it would be best if I start to know this creature and learn about him and his species.”

Thus, the masked man quietly followed the changeling in the same direction the latter went. Once the changeling arrived, he saw a whirlpool in the middle of the river and recognized it as a portal. “A portal in the river? Huh, their princesses must have created it. Well, I wonder where it will take me.” he said. 

“Hold up there! Mind if I have a word with you!” a strange voice called out. The changeling swiftly turned his head to see a clothed bipedal creature with a menacing mask approach him. He fearfully beheld him. 

“What in the name of Equestria are you?! Who are you?” he cried. 

“Fear not, little creature. You may call me Bane. You may not know me from this world of yours, but consider me as a...visitor if you will.” Bane introduced. He extended his hand to him in welcome. 

The changeling’s fear slowly died down as he saw his friendly gesture and manners. He held up his hoof and shook Bane’s hand. “My name is Thorax. I am a changeling from a hive that my mother Chrysalis used to rule.” he introduced himself. 

“Thorax, I see. A pleasure to you. I noticed you said ‘Used to rule’...did something happen to your mother or to your hive? I’m just wondering.” Bane asked, making sure he didn’t give any suspicious impressions. 

Thorax flattened his ears in sadness. “I lost my mom and the rest of my friends and family thanks to the centaur Lord Tirek and his army. (Sniff) I have no family and home now. One of the changelings named Captain Clavicle betrayed us. I...I have nowhere to go and no one to love and care for me!” Thorax cried at Bane’s feet. 

Bane looked upon him with compassion and somewhat felt emotional as he instantly remembered how Talia Al Ghul lost her mother at the hands of the inmates. He also remembered how he protected her and saved her by allowing her to escape the pit moments before he was nearly beaten to death by the inmates. Thankfully, Ra’s Al Ghul came just in time to give him the proper treatment to help him cope with the extreme pain on his face. 

He bent down and softly patted his head in comfort. “I understand your pain, little one. I know what it’s like to lose someone you love... and to suffer the pain thereby. I physically felt that most of my life.” Bane recalled. 

“You do? You also lost your mother?” Thorax looked up, face stained with tears. 

“Not exactly. I once saved a friend...a mother’s daughter in the prison I was born in. Because I loved her enough to help her escape the pit, I paid the price for it. Those criminals beat me to a pulp; hence, it is the reason why I wear this mask.” Bane replied, pointing to his mask. 

“Wow...I’m so sorry, Bane. I really am.” Thorax sympathized. “I wonder as to where you’re actually from. You said that you’re a visitor in Equestria.” 

“Generally speaking, I am from a planet called earth. It is a place where my kind called humans inhabit. So this world is called Equestria?” Bane asked. 

“Not exactly. It’s called Equus, but Equestria is the country that ponies live.” Thorax answered. 

“Ahh, I see. I believe that we could journey together in search of something that would satisfy our greatest desires. Maybe even look out for any enemy who may seek to hurt us. We could be friends together. You don’t have to be alone, Thorax.” Bane proposed. 

Thorax thought about it for a moment before he jumped in joy. “I would love to have a friend! We’ll be the best of friends, Bane!” 

“I am glad to hear that, my new friend.” Bane said before the sight of the whirlpool-portal caught his eye. “Is this where you were headed?” 

“Yeah, I was curious to see where it would lead me. Would you like to come with me?” Thorax asked. 

“Sure. Why not?” Bane accepted. 

“Great! Let’s go!” Thorax smiled, jumping to the whirlpool. Bane jumped after right him into the whirlpool until they both teleported. 

In the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, Bane and Thorax jumped right out of the portal and landed on the surface of the water. They looked around and saw the dawn and seagulls calling above them. “Wow...this is amazing! We’re in a whole new world now!” Thorax said. “Hey, look there’s a city behind us!” 

“It is indeed beautiful, Thorax. I always appreciated the beauty of nature and its...huh?” Bane said just before setting his eyes on the city which he never, EVER thought he would set his eyes on again...Gotham. 

Instead of being in ashes—wiped out from existence—the city is in perfect condition as if nothing had happened. He could not believe it. Could his very eyes be deceiving him? He even noticed a billboard that said “Bane had Batman’s permission to die.” with a troll face inserted. 

“That city looks beautiful, right?!” Thorax said excitedly. 

“Yeah...that.” Bane replied, seething in full, extreme rage and boiling anger. 

 “I was right. I do need to relive my role as a city’s reckoning. It appears it has to be this accursed city...again. That centaur might be the tool for that to happen. But I need to keep this as a secret from Thorax.” Bane planned.
> Chapter 4: Coping with Pain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BACK IN EQUESTRIA


At the palace of Canterlot, Twilight was standing on the balcony of the castle later that morning. After the events she went through yesterday at the Crystal Empire, she felt even more useless as the new princess. She could not even remember why she was chosen as Equestria’s new princess. The more she wondered in disbelief and doubt, the more depressed and uncertain she felt. 

“Are you all right, Twilight?” Celestia asked as she rejoined her. Twilight looked back in sorrow before sighing in distress. 

“I can’t honestly say I am.” Twilight replied. “Yesterday was nothing special to me personally. All I had to do was just smile and wave. That’s it. I feel like I don’t have a unique purpose as a princess.” 

“Twilight, I know how discouraging it may seem to you, but please remember that one day you will know what is your true purpose in Equestria.” Celestia assured. 

“But how will I know what my true purpose will be? What if I will never find out?!” Twilight worried. 

“Twilight, please...” Celestia gently put her hoof around Twilight. “You may feel insignificant; you may feel worthless, but know this: you are valued, appreciated, and loved by your friends and family no matter what position you may hold or what you may be. Never forget that.” 

Twilight wiped a couple tears from her eyes and slightly smiled. “Thank you, Celestia. I needed to be reminded of that.” She then hugged her mentor before the latter hugged back. 

After they broke the hug, Luna joined in with them. “Celestia, we have a friendly visitor wishing to see us here.” she smiled before looking to Twilight. “Would you care to join us, Princess Twilight?” 

“Sure. I would love to.” Twilight smiled, feeling slightly better. 

The three princesses returned to the throne room while Luna and Twilight stood side by side of the throne while Celestia sat on it. A guard approached them with a bow. “Your highnesses, a visitor from Gotham City would like to see you all.” he spoke. 

“Great. You may bring the visitor in.” Celestia permitted. 

The guard nodded and signaled to the other guards to open the doors. Once they did so and stood aside to their posts, Commissioner James Gordon appeared to them and made a slight bow. “Greetings, princesses.” he smiled. 

“Commissioner Gordon! You’re here!” Twilight smiled. 

“It’s been a long time, Twilight. How long? Like, 11 years? I just thought that we could be better connected. You see, I haven’t felt this sort of...friendship so to speak ever since we faced King Sombra.” Gordon said. 

“I understand, Commissioner. It is truly a pleasure to see you again after so long.” Celestia said. 

“Indeed. But may I ask, how did you manage to visit our world from Gotham? Did you come from the portal my sister and Twilight made?” Luna asked. 

“Yes, I did. Although I discovered it by accident while flying over the Alanctic Ocean in my helicopter. Heh, who would’ve thought that our worlds would be connected like that?” Gordon chuckled. 

“Indeed, old friend.” Celestia chuckled back. “We too had missed you so much after what we went through back then.” 

“Really? Even though it was just...one day at that time?” Gordon asked, surprised. 

“Of course. The Magic of Friendship works in various ways in the lives of creatures, Commissioner. And to be fair, it could be quite a blessing to those who receive it.” Luna stated. 

Gordon took a brief moment to dwell on that. “That’s amazing. Naturally, it doesn’t work like that in my world especially in Gotham. That city knows nothing of friendship...at least your interpretation of it.” he said. Then he turned to Twilight. “I noticed that you have wings now. A special endowment, I suppose?” 

“Well, Princess Celestia gave me these wings since I’ve proven how much I learned of the Magic of Friendship. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t grateful to her.” Twilight said. Her ears suddenly fell flat as she continued. “But during the last three years, I really never saw my unique potential as Equestria’s new princess. Celestia raises the sun, Luna raises the moon, while I just...smile, wave, and...be happy? (Sigh)” 

Gordon drew nearer to them as he listened. Twilight stepped down the stairs and got close to him. “Really? So during all those years, you felt...worthless?” he asked. Twilight sadly nodded. 

“I’m sorry, Twilight. Listen, I may not know what it’s like to be a monarch or a ruler, but just remember that whatever is throwing these negative thoughts in your head, feeding lies about your identity, bringing you down...” Gordon paused as he contemplated what he said and felt emotional. “(Sigh)...increasing your pain.” 

Twilight looked up to him with tears on her eyes. “You sound like something horrible happened in your life that led you to that.” she observed. 

“You know...you’re not wrong.” Gordon said. 

“What happened?” Twilight curiously asked. 

“Eleven years ago, we had a faithful district attorney named Harvey Dent—a brilliant white knight of Gotham. But a tragic event happened to us both...including Batman. After losing our beloved friend Rachel, he turned over a new coin and became a criminal murderer.” Gordon somberly recalled. 

“He threatened to kill my son to teach me a lesson about losing someone you love. Then...(sniff)...Batman saved my son from the madman. After he died, Batman took the blame for Dent’s murders while I...I had to...” Gordon covered his face as a few teardrops fell. Twilight felt anxious. 

“Had to what? Don’t cry!” Twilight said, hugging him on the waist. 

“...I had to uphold Dent’s reputation on a lie...to spare Gotham pain.” Gordon finished. “For eight years of course.” The princesses gasped at the revelation. 

“So during all those years, you withheld the truth from your city?” Celestia asked. 

“Gotham needed a hero. It turned out that it was the only one who saved us all...it was the Batman.” Gordon softly smiled. 

Twilight was silent to process everything that Gordon advised her and told them all. This very man, a close ally of Batman, stood on a lie for a murderer that long? “I can’t believe it. You must’ve felt depressed every day knowing that you were lying to Gotham.” she said. 

“I know. My wife left me because of that. Plus, she was deeply traumatized by that terrifying experience. She even took the kids with her to Cleveland. She never gave me a chance to say goodbye to the kids, especially my son.” Gordon recalled. 

“Thus, I paid the price for it. Not only did I cope with my pain but also faced it. I, Batman, and all of Gotham’s police fought against our enemies who sought to destroy Gotham. Even though they exposed the truth of Harvey Dent and nearly drove Gotham to a false hope, we used our learned lessons to take them down for good.” Gordon smiled. The princesses smiled as well. 

“I’m glad you did, Gordon. I’m sure Twilight and my other ponies will learn of your experience.” Celestia said. 

“I hope I can be a better role model...like how Batman was to me.” Gordon said. 

“You definitely are. Will you be staying with us?” Luna asked. 

“For half a day before I head back to work in Gotham. Can’t stay away forever, you know.” Gordon replied. 

“I’m happy you will be here with us. I can bring you to my friends!” Twilight rejoiced. 

“I’ll be happy to see them again.” replied Gordon.
> Chapter 5: The Alliance of Pain part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

ON THE MOUNTAINS


Around early afternoon, several animals were running for their lives right in between the mountains. Those animals consisted of rabbits, squirrels, deer, foxes, snakes, and wolves. Both prey and predator ran together in fear from an apex predator who smiled gleefully with bloodlust. 

“Come here, little ones! Don’t worry! I promise I won’t hurt you...mercifully!” Clawbreak sadistically grinned. 

His spider legs gave him an incredible amount of speed that would make even Rainbow Dash jealous. The animals fled desperately from their superior predator until they encountered a dead end. They stopped before a large stone wall that had strange markings scratched across on it. They looked behind them and beheld the evil crab monster as he sharpened his claws. 

“Your heads will make fine additions to my collection.” Clawbreak taunted. 

They quivered in fear and embraced each other—prey and predator—for their cruel death. Clawbreak lunged at them and impaled them with his razor sharp legs. He cruelly smiled at the sounds of agony they uttered. Then he peeled their skins off and decapitated them. He picked up their torn bodies and devoured them one by one. 

After he finished his meal, he placed their bloodied heads underneath his trench coat where several other heads were attached. “Ahhh, I love my job. Too bad King Vorak never understood the benefits of poaching.” Clawbreak bragged.

“Clawbreak! There you are!” an angry voice called. He looked back to see Tirek, Clavicle, and their gargoyle henchmen arrive to his location. “Where have you been?! What have you been doing out here?!” Tirek demanded. 

“Pardon me, my lord, but I was simply resuming my former occupation. I dearly missed it since I was banished for it by your own father. Nostalgia never ceases.” Clawbreak replied. 

“I ordered you to stay put! You might end up getting spotted by those ponies! We cannot afford to have our plans go up in smoke before we are ready!” Tirek reprimanded. 

“My apologies, son of King Vorak. It must have slipped my mind. Oh, please do forgive me for my rashness in seeking power, mighty Vorak—I mean, Lord Tirek!” Clawbreak sarcastically mocked. 

“STOP MENTIONING THAT IDIOT’S NAME!!!” Tirek bellowed in rage. “Fortunately, he is dead in that way I’ll not only take over his kingdom but also ALL of Equestria as their new king! Celestia and Luna will be dead before they see it coming!” 

“I love your spirit, master. Vengeance and hatred are more deliciously powerful than love which my foolish mother erroneously savored.” Clavicle commended. 

“Yes...excellent point, my dear changeling.” Tirek agreed. “When I was young, I never knew anything about the wonderful uses of magic...and its taste thanks to my pathetic excuse of a father. Luckily, Sendak the Elder tutored me about magical uses and how to execute them skillfully.” 

“I remember that old hermit.” said one of the gargoyles. “He was a great instructor until he was confined to the mines for his actions. Our people were so self-righteous back then.” he finished contemptuously. 

“True, but his ways will never be forgotten.” Tirek evilly smiled. “Now, in order for us to dominate this land, we need to have a guideline as to how we can accomplish that. We all heard how it went for King Sombra, yes?” 

His servants nodded in reply. “Therefore, we need to seek guidance from someone I know who will be able to give us directions.” Tirek finished. 

“Who will that be, master?” Clavicle asked. Tirek’s yellow pupils glowed as he grinned. 

“The Lurking Phantom.” Tirek said. 


IN THE EVERFREE FOREST


Bane paced through the trees and bushes. If ever there was a time when determined revenge was to be exacted perfectly with needed help, it was at that moment for him. He might have lost his army and his resources to Batman and Gotham, but he at least knew that there were potentially dangerous creatures in the colorful world who could assist him. 

“I sure hope that Thorax is enjoying himself with those corrupt heathens. Soon, he will see the truth, and the truth...will set him free.” Bane said. 

After he passed by three more trees, he saw a sign out of nowhere that said “Tirek is straight ahead from the forest.” Bane was confused and wondered if there was someone else who heard of those creatures and knew of their whereabouts. However, he decided to waste no further time. He walked passed the sign and followed its direction. Little did he know that the sign quietly sunk in the ground by itself. 

As he exited out of the Everfree Forest, he saw two large mountains in a distance. He looked right and left before spotting another sign which said “You will find him within that mountain trench.” Not willing to again question who wrote those directions and knew the centaur, he quickly followed its direction. Just as he passed by, the wooden sign grew a Jack-o-lantern-like smile and wickedly chuckled. 


WITHIN THE TRENCH


“Are you sure that’s how it works, my liege?” a gargoyle asked. 

“Of course. That’s how the ancients always contacted him whenever they needed him. Legends say that he has the power to solve mysteries known and unknown. His origin is unknown, but his power is unmeasurable.” Tirek explained. 

“We are ready, my lord.” Clawbreak notified. 

“Good. Summon him.” Tirek commanded. 

Clawbreak held a sharp stone while two gargoyles shot their magic from their horns right to it. The ancient stone hovered in the air as it brightly beamed. Suddenly, it sent a massive beam of yellow and black magic at the scratched markings on the wall. The ancient markings glowed bright yellow and emitted a shadowy phantom; afterwards, it grew tall and loomed out of the wall. The villains, except Tirek, trembled before the being. “Ahhhhh, Tirek, I presume...” the phantom spoke with a deep, gravelly voice. 

“You...you know me?” Tirek wondered. 

“Yes, I’ve heard many things about you. I am assuming you summoned me to give you your guideline to conquer all of Equestria, yes?” the Lurking Phantom spoke. 

“Yes, precisely that, mighty one.” Tirek bowed. Then he perked his ears up. “Wait...how did you know that?” 

“I know everything and hear everything, my good centaur. Now, as far as your guideline is concerned, I shall gladly assist you in that department. For the time has come that every single earth pony, pegasus, and unicorn surrender themselves to us. The inevitable is nigh at hoof.” the Phantom continued. “To prevent yourselves from making the same fatal mistake that Sombra made, you need to complete three requisites as follows:” 

“First, finding a villainous creature of experience from another universe to facilitate your plans. Second, gaining recruits from every place in Equestria; and third, eliminating any loose end that will rattle our cage.” he listed. 

Tirek and the villains listened to everything he said to them with various reactions: Tirek stroked his beard as he attentively listened, Clavicle looked scared and tried not to look at the spirit, and Clawbreak appeared to be confused. The gargoyles were silent as they were frozen with fear. Once he concluded, Tirek stood back up on his hooves. “Much appreciated, Looming Phantom. We will do our best to adhere to this guideline you gave us.” he said. 

“Of course; however, you need not worry of the first step as I have already done it for you.” the Phantom said. 

“You have?” Tirek asked. 

“Yes. Dear children, your benefactor has just arrived!” the ghost proudly announced. 

The villains turned back to see Bane approaching them while he held on to his trench coat and breathed heavily through his mask. Tirek and his men looked both surprised and bewildered to see a strange bipedal creature with a menacing appearance. Bane looked at the ghost slightly confused until he remembered the signs from earlier.  “So that phantom was the one who directed me. That makes sense.” he thought. 

“Greetings, mighty beings of this Equestria! The admirable centaur leader Lord Tirek, I presume, I am pleased to meet you in the flesh.” Bane formally greeted. 

“Who are you?” Tirek asked. 

“The name is...Bane, Gotham’s reckoning.” he darkly replied.
> Chapter 6: The Alliance of Pain part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I don’t think I’ve ever been in this...Ponyville you mentioned.” Gordon said. He walked with Twilight on the path to her local hometown. She was really excited to spend some time with him along with her friends. 

“That’s why we are going there! This is so exciting!” Twilight squealed. 

Once they arrived at the town, everypony waved happily at Gordon and warmly greeted him. He slightly blushed from the love he received from them and waved back in gratitude. “These ponies are so warm and friendly unlike most people in Gotham. That’s really saying much.” he complemented. 

“Really? You mean your people are mean and unkind?” Twilight gasped. 

“Not always, thankfully. But quite often...especially our politicians and officials. I just get used to it every single day of my life regardless.” Gordon clarified. 

“Haven’t they shared with everyone else outside of Gotham of what Equestria—we—can offer?” Twilight asked. 

“No. We decided to refrain ourselves from spreading the news of another world’s existence lest our planet goes berserk with the idea of magical talking ponies actually being real.” said Gordon. “Batman and I didn’t want to put any of you in danger. Our world is crueler than yours.” 

Twilight thought about what he said before sadly nodding. “Okay. I understand that.” she said. 

“YAAAYYY!! UNCLE GORDON IS BACK!!!” Pinkie Pie shouted. She lunged at him and tackled him to the ground and tightly hugged him. “I missed you, Gordy!! I have to throw you a ‘Welcome back to Equestria” party!!” 

Gordon grunted and tried to get up to his feet. “Ahhh! Okay! (Grunts) Thank you...ahh...Pinkie Pie. I missed you too. Okay...ow...you can let go now.” 

“Oh! Sorry!” Pinkie smiled sheepishly. After she released him, he got back up on his feet.

“It appears that my first appearance eleven years ago really made a difference, didn’t it?”  Gordon said. 

“Yep! Just like Batman has!” Pinkie smiled. 

“Speaking of which, is Batman okay? The last time we saw him in Equestria was just three years ago! Is he still all right?” Twilight asked, her thoughts of him coming back again. She remembered his words that his alter-ego Bruce would come but not the Batman. She hoped that it didn’t mean what she feared it could mean. 

Gordon changed his happy expression to a saddened face. He would never forget the very sight that nearly shattered his heart: that nuclear bomb detonating over the bay that apparently killed his hero. However, he also remembered the surprise he received that one morning in Gotham where he discovered the bat signal fully repaired on the rooftop. Thus, he became uncertain as to Batman’s actual fate. 

“(Sigh) The truth is...I don’t know. I’m not even sure where he is at this point. Since he’s been gone for a long time, he might’ve moved on. That’s my honest answer, Twilight.” Gordon replied. 

Twilight was somewhat more sad as she heard him. “I don’t want to go through another year without seeing him again. He was such an inspiration to me and to my friends and to everypony else in Equestria! He shouldn’t have moved on! What if there will be another evil villain seeking to destroy either Equestria or Gotham or both?” Twilight asked, fear and sorrow overwhelming her. 

“Don’t worry, Twilight, we have a new nightwatcher to guard Gotham since Batman left—Blake, also known as Robin.” Gordon slightly smiled. 

“Really? Batman passed the torch over to that Robin guy?” Twilight asked, raising her eyebrow. 

"Of course. If you ponies have any trouble or some villain threatens to harm you, you can call any of us for help.” Gordon said. 

“That’s great to hear, darling!” said Rarity as she joined the group. “My goodness, darling, I haven’t seen you in ages!” 

“Time flies, doesn’t it? Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you again, Ms. Rarity.” Gordon greeted. “Is everything going all right with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy?” 

“Applejack is busy working on the farm with her family at the moment while Rainbow Dash is going through some training with the Wonderbolts.” Rarity informed. 

“As for Fluttershy, weeeelllllll...” Pinkie spoke while nervously tapping on the ground. “She’s not feeling well. Yeah, she’s not in perfect condition to come out.” 

“Ohh, I hope she recovers from her illness. It sucks being sick. Send her my thoughtful regards and that I said ‘hi’.” Gordon told her. 

“Okie-dokie-wokie!!” Pinkie said before zooming out of the town. 

“Well, I must get back to my business. I’ll see you around, Mr. Gordon!” Rarity waved. 

“Likewise.” he waved back as she left. 

“Come, would you like to come to my library?” Twilight asked. 

“Sure, no problem.” he said. They both went their way to the library. 


WITHIN THE MOUNTAIN TRENCH


“Bane? Gotham’s reckoning? Where do you come from?” Tirek demanded. 

“Many souls have asked me that same question before I put on this mask.” Bane said, slowly coming close to him. “Where did I come from? What am I doing here? What are my true purposes in life? Much, much, much more, my centaur friend. These questions do not matter; for what really matters is the salvation of souls who are kept in bondage to corruption, selfishness, and artificial power.” 

“But do not fear the wrath of those who would seek your hurt, brave warriors. For if you are creating enemies of those who actively oppose your stance, then you are truly doing what is best. Now, tell me, what creatures are you after?” Bane asked, pausing his speech. 

“We are after the pathetic ponies of this land. Once we destroy them, we will gain all of their magic and use it for ourselves! Then we will rule Equestria!!” Tirek proudly spoke. His henchmen cheered behind him. 
“What are your true intentions, Bane? What can you actually offer to us?” Tirek suspiciously asked. 

“I do not seek for power; I only seek to enact proper comeuppance to all those who dare strike the downtrodden and forsaken ones.” Bane calmly replied. Then he eyed Tirek’s army standing in front of him. “Based on what your leader has said, you all desire power and this...magic in this land from the ponies...whoever they may be. But don’t you all think that it is time to adopt the unorthodox method?” 

They looked confused as to what that approach was. “What are you talking about? Are you suggesting we try a different way of destroying them?” Clavicle asked. 

“Of course! I may not know what those horses have done to you, but from my experience, the most effective way to annihilate your enemy is to know them. Know your enemy! Otherwise, your plans will be nothing but a forgotten memory. Using the unorthodox method must be the prerequisite for your accomplishment. If you wish to succeed, then you must follow my counsel and my expertise on the matter—join forces if you will—and I’ll show you all how you could break whatever corrupt city this world may have...and destroy Gotham.” Bane finished. 

Clawbreak stood impressed and amazed at Bane’s demeanor and mannerisms. “Sweet Equestria, I have never seen a bipedal creature with that high level of eloquence and intelligence. I’m liking this Bane.” he said, gazing at him. 

“Oh, please, what makes you think we will follow orders from you? Huh?! Tirek’s our master!!” one gargoyle scoffed, running up to Bane. “This is what real terrorists are made of!!” He swung his fist at him only to be caught by hand as soon as his claw was close to Bane’s face. 

“Did I say I was taking charge over you? Do you feel empowered?” Bane menacingly asked, tightening his muscular grip on the gargoyle’s hand. The soldier screamed in agonizing pain. “Does your strength give you power over me?” 

“AHHHH!!! STOP!! YOU FREAK!!” he defiantly yelled. 

“I’m a necessary freak. And yes, I’ll stop...painlessly.” Bane cracked the gargoyle’s hand, grabbed his head, and snapped his neck with ease. Everyone else stood in silence and awe of what happened.

Tirek, however, disregarded the grisly death of one of his own men and darkly smiled at Bane. “We have a new team player, men. Welcome aboard, Bane. We will await your directions.” Tirek and Bane shook hands together. They all clapped as they warmly welcomed him. 

The Lurking Phantom grew a toothy smile after listening to everything he heard in silence. “Excellent. It’s all going according to plan.” he whispered.
> Chapter 7: Kindness Destroyed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN GOTHAM


“Whoaaa...I’m loving this world already!” Thorax gleefully said. He flew all over the city during its usual business. He passed by its tall skyscrapers, large highways, the bridges, and many houses outside of Gotham. Never in his whole changeling life has he visited a world full of strange yet attractive wonders. The only thing concerning him were its inhabitants. 

“This city looks great! I do wonder how these bipedal creatures will react to my presence though.” Thorax said. “Have they seen a changeling before?” With that, he flew down to see the humans. 

Once he was on their level, he stood before several young bystanders who were texting on their phones. “Hi, there! I’m Thorax! Pleasure to meet you creatures!” he kindly introduced.  “At least, Chrysalis isn’t here to see me not act like a changeling. She would’ve been infuriated.” he relieved in thought. 

He waited their response to him. However, they paid no heed to him. They were still texting on their devices regardless of whoever was talking to them. Thorax raised his eyebrow in confusion. “Umm...hello? Strangers? I’m...uh...talking to you. Nice to meet you. What are your names?” he politely asked. 

 “What are those rectangular thingies they’re staring at? They look like...ehhh...I have no clue.”  Thorax idly wondered. 

After a few moments, they walked away from him without looking back to him as if he wasn’t there. Seeing them walk across the street, Thorax lowered his head in sadness. “(Sigh) Well...that didn’t work out. Let’s see if I can try somewhere else.” he said. He flew out to the road where there was heavy traffic. Cars and trucks were aggressively honking at each other during the long traffic jam. 

Thorax saw those vehicles and put his hoof on his chin. “Hmmm, those look really interesting. I’ve never seen those things before. Are they animals? They’re sure making loud noises to each other, so they could be. Wait...” Thorax noticed a new detail. “Those things don’t have eyes or mouths. They have wide glass over their heads.” 

He landed on a tanker truck and viewed the glass. “Hello? Are you all right, creature?” Thorax asked the truck. In reply, the truck honked right on his ears. “AHHHH!! Easy! Easy! I can’t understand what you’re saying!” he cried, closing his ears. Then he noticed the truck driver inside. The latter looked both shocked and appalled by the former’s nasty appearance. He got out of the vehicle and angrily faced the changeling. 

“GET OFF!! GET OFF OF MY TRUCK!! I don’t want any of your darn business here, weirdo!! Get AWAY!!” the man screamed. 

Thorax had looks of confusion and fear. “I’m so sorry, sir! I didn’t mean to hurt your animal!! Plus, this is my first time here in this city! Please, I mean no harm!” Thorax apologized. 

“I don’t care!!’ I HATE PONIES!! Leave me alone!!” the truck driver screamed. He entered his truck, put his seatbelt back on, and drove off. Thorax was again bewildered by the behavior he’s been witnessing so far. 

“I don’t understand. What are these creatures? Some of them are like those mean griffins I've heard a lot about. I just hope that I can at least meet nicer creatures in this city. Also, that guy has met ponies? Have ALL of them seen them?” Thorax wondered. Deciding to spare himself any more trouble, he flew back up to a skyscraper and sat on top. 

So far, there hasn’t been any creature in Gotham that had friendly and respectful gestures to him. He didn’t understand why some of them were rude and disrespectful to even a common visitor. As he was reflecting on what happened so far, he was beginning to be regretful of even thinking of coming here in the first place. But what choice did he have really? “There’s got to be a comfortable area somewhere in this city. Isn’t there some creature who is kind and pleasant enough to hang around with?” he wondered.

“I wish Bane was here. At least he is a kind and compassionate friend whom I can rely on. But I can’t give up. I’ll just have to keep searching.” Thorax determined. He flew back out to the city to resume his adventure. 


 IN EQUESTRIA


Back at the cottage, Fluttershy left her home in the afternoon and walked toward the Everfree Forest. She had red eyes with a tear-stained face after days of crying and depression. As she was walking, she unnaturally disregarded any animal that warmly greeted her like the rest of them always have. 

Angel gave her a bowl of carrots, but she ignored him and walked by him without saying a word. Angel put the bowl down and looked at her as she dejectedly walked away. He became sad and bounced off. 

Harry the bear tried to cheer her up by giving her a big hug. After compassionately hugging her, he looked at her on the eyes to see any glimpse of appreciation and joy. To his disappointment, she felt no joy and no comfort. After he put her down, she continued her path to the forest. The birds looked up at him and chirped their concerned calls. He uttered a slight growl of worry for her. 

Fluttershy’s mane was messy and all over her head. She even had the deadpan look on her face. By the time she got close to a tree, she angrily kicked it which scared the bids from their nests. She went to another tree and kicked that one as well. The squirrels fell from the tree branches and tried to re-gather the acorns that slipped from their grasp. 

Once she reached to a third tree, she banged her head on its trunk repeatedly. The more she bashed her head on the trunk, the more sorrowful she felt and wildly cried again. Her tears sprang like a water fountain and drowned the ants that were underneath her. 

(Sniffing) I hate myself now. My whole life...(choking in tears)...HAS BEEN A LIE!! I—I just...want to...AHHH!!!” she shrieked, throwing a rock on a fourth tree in rage. Suddenly, her bright color faded, and she turned to dark grey. Her cutie mark also disappeared. 

The Element of Kindness lost all of its color and crumbled to pieces. Its fragments fell from the Tree of Harmony.
> Chapter 8: Encouragement
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gordon sat with Twilight in the library later in the afternoon. She showed him some books that she’s read before, other books she has both read and reread, and other books she was reading. “This book looks really interesting, Twilight. I didn’t know you guys had a thing for technology.” he said, skimming through a particular book. 

“I know right?! Princess Celestia even taught me this subject back at the school of Gifted Unicorns!” Twilight said. 

“I thought technology didn’t exist here in Equestria. Don’t you ponies teach about magic in your schools?” asked Gordon. 

“Well, yes, but we also share other topics such as math, science, and history besides magic. Miss Cheerilee can attest to that.” Twilight replied. She put one of her books back on the shelf. 

“Hmm, interesting. So...” Gordon sat back down on a chair Twilight provided for him. “I was just wondering earlier if you don’t mind. (Clears throat) Have you ever...felt that Batman was like a...close friend to you. I noticed how you miss him so much. After he left Equestria, as you claimed, how did that make you feel?” Gordon asked. 

Twilight lowered her head in sadness before setting her books aside and sitting back down. “(Sigh) It felt as if my life was being...torn apart. I mean...now that I’m the new princess of Equestria with no clear idea as to my unique purpose, it is now even harder for me to bear.” Twilight explained. “Batman was like the true protector of Equestria to all of us...to me. I can’t imagine our home enduring its fiercest enemies without him.” 

Gordon slowly nodded to process what she shared. “I feel your pain, Twilight. I nearly felt the same way when Batman left Gotham for eight years after Harvey Dent’s demise. It just didn’t feel the same anymore...not for me at least. Although Gotham flourished in his absence due to the Dent Act, it only prepared itself to fall because of my lie.” 

“Gotham needed a hero. It even needed one more than ever when a new evil rose up against us and threatened the very foundation which we stood.” Gordon continued. “When we all thought we were doomed, Batman returned at the right time to save us.” 

Twilight smiled at the thought of what they went through. “I’m so happy to hear that, Gordon. By the way, who was it that stood against you guys? Another villain in Gotham?” Twilight asked. 

“His name was Bane, a body-built terrorist. I don’t know much about him, but I know that he was a whole new level when we faced him. Arguably, he was the only villain who really came close to destroying Gotham.” Gordon recalled. 

“Bane?” Twilight repeated. “Wait...that word means ‘something that causes annoyance, distress, or death’! It’s no wonder he is called that! What was he like?” 

“He was like other rogues we faced before; however, he had that deep hatred, that fervent zeal in executing his plans to fruition. To be honest, I’ve never met a criminal with that amount of zeal before.” said Gordon. 

“Wow...I can’t even imagine of what he would do to Equestria if he were here. But Batman was able to defeat him and his plans, right?” Twilight asked. 

“Of course. No matter what comes in our path, the Dark Knight is always prepared for those challenging situations. Therefore, I can tell you right now that what you’re going through is the same no-Batman period like how my city had endured for eight years. Do not beat yourself down just because he isn’t here at this time. From what I’ve learned, Batman can be anyone...even an alicorn princess who is well able to discover her uniqueness as a princess and to help those in need. Have faith, Twilight.” Gordon encouraged, lifting her chin up. 

Twilight teared up at the passionate encouragement he gave. She gratefully hugged him and nuzzled his chest. “Thank you...so much, Gordon. I needed to hear that today. I’ll never forget it.” she thanked. 

“Anytime, my friend.” Gordon smiled. After they broke the hug, he got up from his seat and turned to the door. “Well, I must be on my way back home. I can’t be late for my police duties.” 

“No rest for the weary, I guess?” Twilight giggled. 

“Exactly. I’ll see you and your friends again, Twilight.” Gordon waved. 

“Thanks for stopping by!” Twilight waved back. Gordon nodded and left the library. Then she lowered her head and thought on what he had shared moments ago. “(Sigh) Please come back, Bruce...Batman.” Twilight whispered. 


IN FLORENCE, ITALY


“This airport really is busy today, huh? Heh, I wonder if it is starting to be like Gotham.” Bruce joked. 

“Most airports never really rest...just as how you don’t, Bruce.” Selina remarked, smirking. 

“Hey, that is just a part of my personality. My father barely rested when he had to work his butt off to build that train station years ago for Gotham. Isn’t it admirable to get things done during the day?” Bruce said. 

“Well, as long as one doesn’t deprive himself of rest and energy. Hmmm, now does that not remind us of someone we know?” Selina replied. Bruce chuckled at that. 

“I see what you did there. At least the Dark Knight won’t bother himself to save or help anyone now that his work is eternally done. He is born again to start a new life with his beautiful wife...together.” Bruce said before they kissed. The announcement was given that signaled their turn in lining up for their airplane. 

“Come on, let’s go.” Bruce said, breaking from the kiss. They grabbed their luggages and tickets as they headed to the gate which led to their plane. 


AT THE EVERFREE FOREST


The Tree of Harmony began to weaken as it was beginning to lose other Elements. The remaining Elements began to lose their color since the Element of Kindness commenced their breakdown. After several moments, a dark presence revealed itself before the weakening tree. 

“Ahhhh, yes. Just as expected...with one Element gone, the others will fall with it...the domino effect is always effective.” The Lurking Phantom smiled wickedly.
> Chapter 9: New Recruits
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bane, Tirek, and their comrades roamed throughout the grasslands to initiate their masterplan. After their recent alliance, Tirek looked upon Bane as a guide to their success. Although he was a human from another dimension, he appeared to be and displayed himself as a menacing force of nature that ought not to be trifled with. He was truly impressed with his knowledge and strength that nearly reflected his own. With him by his side, Tirek would definitely triumph. 

“How far do you think Equestria is from here?” Bane asked. 

“Considering how far we’ve gone so far, we should be no more than ten miles away from Equestria.” Tirek replied. 

“Noted. We all know the first part of the plan: gaining sympathizers for our noble cause. I’ve heard of a man who broke Gotham many years ago and plunged it to chaos and anarchy. That tells me that truth reveals the secrets of the heart; thus, it will cause those souls to defect from corruption.” Bane said. 

“Hey, uh, Bane? If I may ask, uh...what is this Gotham you’re talking about?” Clavicle asked. 

“A city in my world...a city full of decadence and evil. I saw how it was beyond saving when I witnessed its sins. My former mentor showed me of its true nature. Does this Equestria have those same elements?” Bane replied before turning to Tirek. 

Tirek grew slightly angry as he recalled everything that happened to him years ago. “Painfully true. Celestia and Luna are the most self-righteous rulers I’ve ever seen that rivals that of my weakling, pompous father.” he disdainfully replied, uttering the last word with deep contempt. “They hoard vital information, let their gullible subjects do their dirty work, deprive ponies of their true freedom, and keep all their magic for their selfish needs!” 

Bane shook his head in disgust. “How unbearably despicable. Fear not, my friend Tirek, for we shall be the ultimate punishment they shall ever endure. Equestria and Gotham will be judged according to their works!” Bane declared. The henchmen shouted in joy and cheer. 

“Which place do you recommend we go first?” Bane asked Tirek. Tirek thought about it until an evil smirk grew on his face. 

“I have an idea...” Tirek said, stroking his beard. 


IN GRIFFONSTONE


“Hey! Get off of me!!” a griffon snapped, pushing another griffon off of him. They both growled in anger. 

“You took that gem away from me, you dolt! GIVE IT BACK!!” the first one demanded. 

“NO! IT’S MINE!!” the second defied. They then tackled and ferociously fought while rolling towards a haystack. 

Three other griffons were hissing at each other as they pumped at each other’s shoulders. They parted ways to their respective destinations. One of them went to her house with the same moody, bad temper that nearly all of them had. “(Groans) Those guys are just stupid. Who cares about how many bits they can have?! Literally no one does! Ahhh!!” she angrily yelled. 

Several minutes later, an unusual knock on her door alerted her from her business. She looked back to see if what she had heard was correct. “Did I just hear a knock on my door?” she whispered. 

She waited to hear another knock; after fifteen seconds of silence, she shrugged it off and resumed her duty. Suddenly, a second knock interrupted her time. “Ughhh, fine!! I’m coming!!” she groaned, flying to the door. 

Once she opened it, Bane stood in front of her. “Greetings, young creature. I thought I could be of assistance.” he said. 

The griffon stood speechless at the sight of a menacing-looking bipedal creature with a scary mask. She slightly trembled before his presence before she slowly regained her composure. “W-who are you?” she asked. Bane entered inside the house. 

“The name is Bane, the reckoning of the world.” he answered, shutting the door behind him. 

“Well, whatever you are, I don’t accept strangers in my house! What do you even want anyway?” she demanded, trying to keep her usual demeanor as much as possible. 

“I couldn’t help but notice your troubling situation. You seemed to have a strong distaste for anything that greatly annoys you.” Bane said, getting close to her face. She instinctively backed away from him. “I can sense your hatred, your anger,...your pain.” 

“Pain? I have no pain! I’m happy with the way I live! What are you even getting at?! Leave me alone!!” she snapped. Bane however remained unfazed by her hostility and still came close to her. 

“Your hostile behavior speaks for itself, young one. I can even see it through your very eyes. You may try to lie to yourself about your true feelings, but you know in your soul that you...are in pain. Others have led you to this path, have they?” Bane asked, lifting her chin up. 

She then started to feel scared as if the man was discovering her secrets. She thought back on two particular ponies she met in her life, one of them being her childhood friend, and how they treated her for her rude and bad behavior. “Yeah...they have. I had a friend named Rainbow Dash once; we were really good friends until that stupid pink pony ruined our relationship. Because she cared more about her friends than me, she...stopped being my friend.” she said, a tear falling from her eye. 

Bane wrapped his arm around her shoulders with a sympathetic look. “There, there, child...the pain must be released, and you must let it out. Those ponies truly care for no one but themselves, do they?” 

“Yep, they DO!! They will pay for humiliating me in front of everyone else, especially Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie!” she gritted her teeth. “I’m Gilda by the way.” 

“Betrayal is the sharpest knife that divides souls and pierces the softest of hearts.” Bane lectured. “If you want to seek vengeance, consider joining...the revolution.” 

Gilda thought of the offer for a moment. Joining a revolution against...ponies? She felt intrigued by the idea and enticed with the thought of getting revenge on Rainbow and Pinkie. Smirking, Gilda shook his hand. “Count me in, Bane.” 


OUTSIDE CLOUDSDALE


A green pegasus flew over the clouds with lightning speed. She performed all sorts of stunts around and over the white clouds while keeping her speed. “Oh, yeah!! That’s what I’m talking about!” she cried out. She beheld the clouds then resembling her face and mane. 

“Lightning Dust is back, baby! Better flyer and better everything than ever before!” Lightning bragged. She flew off to her home as she called it a day. 

Before she could reach home, however, another pegasus flew in front of her. “Hey there, buddy! What to have a talk?” he asked. 

“Sorry, I’m already worn out for the day. Talk later, dude.” she dismissed. But the male pegasus stopped her track again with more persistence. 

“Wait, hold on! You’re Lightning Dust, right?” he asked, smiling. 

“Yeah? I am.” Lighting said, raising her eyebrow. 

“I’ve heard of your banishment from Wonderbolt Academy thanks to the efforts of Rainbow Dash. I’m guessing you have a grudge against her, right?” he asked.  

Lightning cringed as she recalled that humiliating event. “Ughhh, don’t remind me...and yes, I do have a grudge against her. Why do you ask?” 

“Because I have a plan to get you back inside the academy.” the stallion pegasus evilly smirked. 

“Pfffff, like I ever want to get back to those worthless Wonderbolt losers again.” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. “What makes you think I want to return to them? What can you really do to help me?” 

“More than you know, Lightning Dust. To find out, follow me.” he said, then beckoning her to follow him. Lightning was confused at the strange direction given. Still, her interest and curiosity prevailed over her suspicion, prompting her to follow him. 

The stallion’s eyes flashed green when she wasn’t looking. “This is going to be perfect...” he said, smirking wickedly. 


AT SWEET APPLE ACRES


Two stallion twins walked together with bags of equipment and bits on their backs. They hid behind a large bush to avoid being spotted by the Apple family. They looked at what they had brought with them and then opened a map with an outlined plan. 

“This will be quite an adventurous scheme, my good brother! One which neither of us will ever forget!” one of them with the mustache said. 

“Right you are, Flam! With all the required bits and resources we have gathered, our resort will become a beautiful reality!” Flim agreed. “Now we just need to find the available transportation to Las Pegasus.” 

As the FlimFlam brothers looked over their map, Clawbreak jumped out of the soil and landed in front of them. They looked surprised and terrified at the sight of the spider-crab hybrid. “Brother of mine, what is that?!” Flam shrieked. 

“I have no clue at all, dear brother! Dear creature, please don’t hurt us! I assure you that we don’t taste good! Our pony flesh is as sour as a place without a resort!” Flim begged. 

“Yes, and you won’t get a refund after eating us! Trust me!” Flam added. 

Clawbreak groaned in annoyance while listening to their pleads for mercy. “Guys, I’m not going to eat you. I don’t eat ponies anyway; they all taste like junk food. Any who, would you consider joining my cause for a revolution?” he offered, unenthusiastically. 

The FlimFlam brothers looked at him puzzled and looked at each other blinking with confusion. “Umm, a revolution you say? What’s in it for us?” Flim asked, raising his eyebrow. 

“And a revolution against what or who exactly?” Flam also asked. 

“Hmmm, perhaps getting rich with bits, ruling Equestria, yada, yada, yada, yada. You get it. Also, a revolution against its rulers and turn everypony into slaves and all that stuff. So what do you say?” Clawbreak said, trying to put on a smile.  “I suck at negotiations. I’m better off poaching delicious animals, not doing any of this.” he lamented in thought. 

They then brightened at the offer. “Ohh! Including owning a resort in Las Pegasus? Getting the Apple family out of business so we could own Sweet Apple Acres?” they excitedly asked with eyes beaming with eagerness. 

“Uhhh, yeeeaah...that too.” Clawbreak said. 

“EXCELLENT!! We accept your offer! Now, would you like to have a sample of our...” Flam said before they both brandished giant glowing shards of brass. “EXCLUSIVE BRASS SHARDS?!” they both simultaneously spoke. 

Clawbreak again groaned angrily in annoyance.
> Chapter 10: Strengths in Friendship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later in the evening, Fluttershy trotted to her hometown Ponyville. At that moment, her attitude and behavior were completely different from what they were before which defined her character. With her Element of Kindness vanquished from her heart and personality, she was then depressed, angry, and moody. She coldly passed by the bewildered critters on the road and ignored their calls of concern. 

“Forget about kindness. Forget about love. Forget about FLUTTERSHY! She is now...dead.” she contemptuously moaned. 

She kicked back the twigs and dead leaves on the ground and angrily stomped on the blooming flowers on the grass. Then she resumed her walk to the town. 


IN THE LIBRARY


Twilight and Spike finished their duties in organizing the library books and dusting the whole room. “Okay, Twilight, all done! Everything is as good as new!” Spike said, wiping his hands. 

“Great. I really wish that Gordon could stay with us tonight. He’s such a joy to have around here!” Twilight lamented. 

“I know. It is was awesome to have him here earlier today though. I just wish that Batman...or Bruce was here to see us again.” Spike said, his tone filled with sadness. 

“You really miss him a lot, huh?” Twilight asked, noticing his mood. 

“Yeah, I really do. I remember him saying that we would see him again one day but not see his alter ego Batman.” recalled Spike. 

“I still don’t like the thought that he moved on like Gordon mentioned earlier. Batman can never abandon his duty of protecting Gotham and even Equestria! Heroes never give up and never forsake their lives’ work! I can’t imagine having to live the life of Equestria’s princess without having him around to protect us!” Twilight whined. She slammed her head on the table in frustration. 

Concerned with Twilight’s emotional state of mind, Spike ran to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “Twilight, I know that Batman was and is an inspiration to us all, but you need to stop solely depending only on him for strength! You need to develop that on your own while being inspired by his heroism! Relying on people’s strength without developing your own will atrophy your potential.” Spike lectured. 

“How?! How can I develop my own strength if I don’t know what is my unique purpose as a princess?! I just feel so worthless and helpless right now!” Twilight said, beginning to cry on the table. 

“Twilight, listen to me! Crying and moaning about it isn’t going to work! It will never solve your problems! While knowing your problem is a good start, you need to search for wisdom—maybe ask Princess Celestia to help you. I believe in you, Twilight. If Batman was here, I’m sure he would tell you the same thing.” Spike advised, lifting her chin up. 

Twilight wiped off the tears from her eyes and hugged Spike with deep affection. “Thanks, Spike. I know I can count on my number one assistant.” she smiled. 

“Any time, Twilight.” Spike smiled and hugged back. 

“Well, come on, let’s just get ready for bed, shall we? (Yawn) I’m getting really tired now.” Twilight said, getting up from the table. 

“Same here. Right behind you.” Spike said, following her. 


IN GOTHAM


“That moon sure does look very beautiful. Very lovely.” Thorax observed as he looked upon the full moon shining brightly in the night sky above Gotham. He was hovering right above the whirlpool of the Atlantic Ocean where he and Bane ejected from earlier in the morning. 

Suddenly, Bane flew out of the whirlpool portal and landed on the water’s surface below Thorax. “Hey, Bane! I didn’t expect you to come at the exact time for tonight like you said you would. Very good timing!” he commended. 

“I’m a man of my word, friend Thorax. I’m never late for timely appointments.” said Bane. 

“Awesome! Maybe we can talk somewhere...safe? Some sea creatures could come out at night to hunt.” Thorax suggested. 

“You’re right. You think you can carry me to the city? You sure are small...no offense.” Bane asked right until Thorax shape-shifted to a bugbear. Bane looked at him surprised. “Did you just—?” 

“Heh, heh, sorry...I meant to tell you that as a changeling, I can shape shift into any creature I want to. This is done for the sake of disguises whenever changelings infiltrate kingdoms or spy on ponies while undercover.” Thorax explained. 

He gently grabbed Bane and put him on his back as he carried him to the city by flight.  “Very impressive! So your mother and brothers utilized that unique ability of yours to conquer kingdoms and enemies?” Bane asked.  “Thorax could be of great use to us with that type of capability. We need more infiltrators to discover what our old and new enemies are up to.” Bane planned in thought. 

“Well...yeah.” Thorax said, a mixture of sadness and hesitancy in his tone. Bane immediately noticed it. 

“What’s the matter, friend?” Bane asked as if concerned. 

“Well, it’s just that—(sigh) it’s just that I was never in favor of devouring love from ponies. I never cared about war, conquest, national domination like how my mother Chrysalis did. She was obsessed with ruling over Equestria with much hatred and power-hunger. I only wanted to make peace with ponies.” Thorax explained. 

Bane looked down at his bear face slightly puzzled. “Really? Your mother was a tyrant? And you said something about...eating love? What is that?” Bane asked. 

“Changelings thrive on love. It is our main source of food, and without it, our race will starve to death. Sadly, that no longer matters since my whole family is dead thanks to Tirek. I have no family, no friends, and no home.” Thorax cried, tears dropping. 

Bane thought on what he shared.  “This changeling went through so much painful ordeal as of late. It’s nearly similar to what I endured in that wicked prison years ago. I will have to think about whether to have him join or not.”  he thought. 

“I feel your pain. Please be assured that I will always be here for you to help you with whatever you need. We will endure and fight together, little friend.” Bane encouraged. 

Thorax smiled before he landed on a roof top of a skyscraper. Bane got off of his back, and Thorax changed back to his normal form. “Thanks, Bane. You’re the only friend I have now.” he said before hugging him on the waist. Bane hugged him back. 

“Indeed, Thorax. Indeed.” Bane muttered, looking up at the stars. 

Unbeknownst to them, the Lurking Phantom slithered around another skyscraper next to them just below them. As he viewed them, his smile grew larger which displayed his sharp teeth. “Goooooooddd...now, time for my rendezvous with the yellow pegasus. She’s in for a big surprise.” he hissed, slithering away till he disappeared.
> Chapter 11: Gathering of Rebels
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Around midnight, Tirek and his men assembled themselves within a hideout cave five miles from the Everfree Forest. They also took with them new recruits such as Lightning Dust, the FlimFlam brothers, Gilda, and more. Tirek stood on a rocky podium while Clawbreak stood on his right side. “This meeting is now in session! Greetings to all of you here and a special welcome to our new recruits of our revolution!” Tirek greeted, extending his hand to the newbies. 

“Hey, aren’t you Lord Tirek who sought for the magic of those ponies with your brother Scorpan?” a teenage dragon asked. 

“Indeed, I am. Pitifully, my worthless brother was too weak-minded to pursue what was supposed to be truly ours. Thus, he is dead to me. I shall be the one to initiate what we should have started!” Tirek declared. 

After the gargoyle goons applauded him, Gilda flew up to him with a scowl. “Listen here, muscle head, I only joined to take my revenge on those eye-candy ponies. If you think I should bow to you, forget it! I take orders from nobody!” 

Tirek had to resist the urge to drain her magic and tear her head off for the insult and defiance, but he knew that it would do no good for their cause. Thus, he let it slide and smirked right at Gilda. “Make no mistake, young griffon, I have not gathered you as a warlord or as a conquerer but as a liaison for you and your new comrades.” clarified Tirek. 

“Now, with all doubt removed, let us bring your assembled number to account, shall we?” Tirek said before nodding to Clawbreak. 

Complying with the silent command, he opened a list of the names of the new recruits they brought together. “The names of the new members of our soon-to-be winning team are as follows...” began Clawbreak. 

“Lightning Dust.” 

“Here.” she raised her hoof. 

“Gilda.” 

“(Sigh) Here.” the griffon rolled her eyes. 

“Garble.” 

“Here!” he waved. 

“Flim and Flam.” 

“Present!! Can’t join with these splendid folks here without my good brother of mine!” Flim said. 

“Likewise, good brother!” Flam smiled. 

“(Groan) Idiots...Trixie Lulamoon.” 

“Welcome, everypony! Make way for the Great and Powerful Trixie!!” the magician introduced, throwing smoke bombs on the ground for dramatic display. 

“Hold on...where is that pegasus who brought me here? He said he would come back in two hours!” Lightning said. 

“Sorry, I’m late! Here I am!” the male pegasus said as he suddenly flew inside the cave and landed on the left side of Tirek. A green flame enveloped him and turned him to his true form. “I pray that I didn’t miss anything or interrupt anything, my master.” 

“A CHANGELING?! HERE?!” Lightning yelled in shock. 

“Precisely! No longer bound by my idiotic mother with a false sense of patriotism. I have personally brought you here since you, along with your new associates, have great potential in bringing true justice to ALL of Equestria!” Clavicle declared. 

“Wait...you want us to help you to—?” Garble asked, puzzled. 

“Yes...Equestria is full of self-corrupting influences that warrants its thorough purging and reformation. As you can see, all the magic of Equestria rightfully belongs to me; for I was destined to rule this land with a stronger will and power that none has ever done before. My father was a pathetic weakling, a wrench, a failure who neglected my desires and needs and foolishly fell prey to the hollow sins of Celestia, Luna, and all of these puny ponies!” Tirek passionately spoke. The whole squad listened attentively to his speech. 

“Those fools have oppressed the gullible and vulnerable for centuries. Thousands of even non-ponies have fallen to the erroneous ‘moral’ codes of these princesses. It is high time that we overthrow the established order of Equestria and raise up a new order...a new kingdom!” Tirek bellowed, raising his muscular arms. 

The villains shouted cries of war and of joy. Tirek evilly smiled at the joyous reception of his message. “Now then, let’s finish this with our new allies. I ask that you all come forward.” he commanded. They obeyed and went forward before him. 

“Gilda, Trixie Lulamoon, Garble, Lightning Dust, and the FlimFlam brothers, as your authorized facilitator of this revolution, I shall ask you one thing and one thing only: Do you swear to strictly follow the plans and orders that we shall give you in fulfillment of our destiny and mission and to maintain your unwavering loyalty to our cause, understanding the dire consequences should you ever consider betraying us to our foes?” Tirek commandingly asked. 

The recruits had a moment to think of their next decision. They somewhat shuddered at the thought of having to help initiate what could be a bloody war that could both ravage and rattle their entire civilization for a long time. However, the other part of them had a dying thirst for revenge and domination. As they thought about what tortures imaginable they could possibly do to those who defeated and humiliated them, they sinisterly grinned to each other.

They respectively nodded to each other and then to Tirek. “We do!” they swore simultaneously. The other villains heartily  cheered in the background while Tirek, Clawbreak, and Clavicle smiled in satisfaction. 

“Wise decision, my new allies. Gargoyles, welcome our new revolutionaries!” Tirek announced, provoking an uproarious welcome from the gargoyles. 

“Now, rest yourselves for the night. We have much to do tomorrow, for tomorrow evening is the time when all of Equestria will be ours for the taking!” Tirek finished.

As they prepared to settle for the night, the red centaur looked towards the forest in a distance. “I sure hope that Bane is doing fine. Too bad he couldn’t make it to the meeting tonight. Fortunately, his help will be a seal for our success.” Tirek said. 

Clawbreak and Clavicle looked somewhat  concerned before facing each other. “I do wonder what he does in his leisure. Anything he does could be a bit suspicious.” said the changeling. 

“Indeed. Oh, and what’s with that mask? Does he even have a face? I can’t imagine what he looks like.” Clawbreak agreed. 

“Hmmmm, do you think he is hiding something from us? If that’s the case, then I’m going to that forest and have a talk with him—find out what’s going on.” Clavicle decided as he flew off. 

“Wait for me! I want to skin more animals while you’re at it!” the hybrid yelled, running after him.
> Chapter 12: Painful Recalls
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Early in the morning, Bruce and Selina exited from the airplane and arrived at the Gotham City Airport. Once they arrived there, Bruce ordered an Uber to drive them to their designated area. Afterwards, they went to one of the benches outside of the airport to sit down to await their Uber drive. 

“The Uber should arrive in twenty minutes. Hopefully, he won’t be too late.” said Bruce, laying his luggage down. 

“And hopefully, you won’t have to snore so loudly like you did in the plane.” Selina scowled. 

“Our flight took about ten hours to get here. You don’t think I should have my rest during such an everlasting flight?” Bruce excused. 

“Sure, but you do realize that not many people appreciate their ears bleeding from the loud snoring, right? Do you know how many times I had to bump your elbow to stop snoring?” Selina said, raising an eyebrow. 

“(Sigh) Okay, fine, I’ll stop snoring...even though I have no power in my being to cease it since I’m...hmmm...oh yeah...asleep! Hello? But sure, I’ll try to stop.” Bruce sarcastically replied. 

“I thought the Batman had all the power in the world to behave himself?” Selina smirked. “Surely, you cannot be that weak to face a fearsome enemy—the loud snoring that kills the innocent ears of people. Will the Dark Knight be able to defeat such a foe?” 

“Nice try. Batman could defeat his enemies if only he were still here. But since he is no more, it is up to me, Bruce Wayne, to stop his inner foes.” Bruce jokingly remarked. 

There was silence between the couple as they continued to wait for their ride. Bruce kept track on his phone of where the Uber driver was. As they were still waiting, Selina decided to take the initiative with a different topic. 

“Bruce, do you still believe in what Batman believed in before his...’death’?” asked Selina. 

Bruce looked at her as if she was stating the obvious. “Of course...why do you ask?” 

“Do you still have love and good will for those ponies in Equestria? Do you really miss them?” Selina asked, ignoring his question. 

“Yes, I do miss them. I really mean it, and I still have great respect and love for what they do and for who they are. It’s just that...” Bruce paused for a moment once he remembered the tragic mistake he made over a decade ago in Equestria when he battled his archenemy. 

Selina noticed his change of expression. “That what? Tell me.” she said, concerned. 

“(Sigh)...it’s just that I don’t want to put any of my friends in danger if I return again. When I returned to Equestria months after I defeated King Sombra, things only got worse since it received new enemies who not only greatly challenged my friends but also me.” Bruce resumed. “If I return the second time, its newer adversaries, if they have any or will have them, will do even greater damage and threaten more innocent lives. I won’t allow that to happen.” 

Selina wrapped her arm around her husband and kissed him on the cheek. “Honey, listen. I am sure you had those same paranoid feelings before you initially returned to Equestria. But that doesn’t mean that you should back down in fear while you let evil villains to tear apart innocent souls. What if someone in Equestria such as...one pony among them who misses you, is inspired by you, and wants to be heroic like you were? That same pony may not have any idea where to start and where to go from there.” she said. 

“I’m not saying that is actually happening in Equestria or that there is that kind of pony in there because I’ve never been to that place. I’ve only watched its show when I was a little girl. I’m just saying that something like that could happen in the future. What then?” she clarified. 

Bruce presses his chin together as he was thinking on what she said. “Suppose if none of their rulers or princesses who have no idea or clue whatsoever on how to counsel, strengthen, and encourage that pony in a way in which you do. Wouldn’t you need to be there for that creature and support him or her in whichever way possible?” Selina continued. 

“That’s...that’s quite reasonable, sweetie. I can’t really argue against that. Honestly, I would if I had the chance.” Bruce admitted. 

Selina smiled. “So that means that you would be more than willing to go to Equestria and perhaps even...dwell or live with them to bless their lives?” 

“Live with them? I don’t know about that, Selina. You need to slow way down with this, okay? Look, I perfectly understand your points and line of reasoning. I’ll think more about this and see where we will go from here. However, this does not by any stretch of the imagination mean that it will automatically resurrect the Caped Crusader. Besides, there can be only one mask to roam around the multiverse.” Bruce concluded. 

Selina slightly frowned on the last two statements. “Well, at least you’ll be thinking more about this.” 

“Yeah, and that will end up with one more discussion to settle it. Nothing more and nothing less.” Bruce said. 

After about twenty minutes of waiting, the Uber driver finally arrived at the airport and picked them up from there. 


IN EQUESTRIA 


Fluttershy turned grayer and grayer as she continued walking her way to the train station. Her hair was covered with several twigs, pebbles, and dirt. Her eyes were bloodshot red as she barely got any rest last night in the Everfree Forest. Once she arrived at the station, the train conveniently arrived at the exact time. 

Several ponies exited the train with their belongings whereas she was the only one who was to get inside the train. Suddenly, a conductor politely approached her and made a slight bow. “Pardon me, madam, is everything all right? You seem not like yourself today.” he said, concerned. 

“NO...you don’t have to ask. Fluttershy is not okay and never will be okay. As a matter of fact, she is dead. I am...nothing.” she emotionlessly replied. 

“Ummm...very well then.” he said. “The train is about to depart to the Crystal Empire. Would you kindly—?” 

“I don’t have any tickets, and I don’t really care.” Fluttershy flatly stated. 

“Oh no, that’s fine. Please come along, my dear. The Crystal Empire will do more than just soothe you during your time of anguish and distress. I can clearly assure you of that.” the conductor smiled. 

“Well, if you say so...” Fluttershy said, getting up from the bench to enter inside the train. 

“ALL ABOARD! THE NEXT STOP IS THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!” he announced.

Just before he entered inside the train, he looked back at a window with an evil smile on his face and had glowing red eyes. “Step one: complete. Now step two: coming right up.” he said before he wickedly chuckled to himself. After he got in, the train departed from the station.
> Chapter 13: Fluttershy Snaps
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight trotted to Sugarcube Corner with Spike to have some breakfast. Although it was a beautiful day with Celestia’s sun shining bright in the morning sky, she was not frankly in a happy mood. “Did you have a good night sleep, Twilight?” asked Spike. 

“Ehh, not really. Plenty of stressful thoughts bombarded my mind while I was trying to sleep.” Twilight admitted. 

“Let me guess, it’s about your role of being Equestria’s new princess and Batman’s absence, isn’t it?” Spike sighed. 

“Y-yes...” Twilight nodded. 

“Twilight, how many times do we have to remind you that this isn’t the end of the world? I know how much you love Batman and everything he did for us, but you need to stop with this self-pity of yours! You know there’s more to you than meets the eye!” Spike sternly rebuked. “I told you several times about this already!” 

“I know! I know! But every time I keep leaning on my doubts and anxieties, I forget about everything you guys encourage of. I’m sorry, I—I j-just need to...(sighs)...I really need to have some breakfast right now to calm my spirits.” Twilight said, opening the door of Pinkie’s house. 

“I’ll join you. You need more comfort and support than that, you know.” said Spike. 

Twilight came to the front desk of Sugarcube Corner where Pinkie Pie was quickly making sweet pastries with Mrs. Cake for the breakfast hours. Both mares turned to the guests that entered. “Morning, Twilight! Morning, Spike!” Pinkie greeted. 

“Good morning, Pinkie and Mrs. Cake!” Spike greeted back. Twilight simply waved at them with a weak smile. 

“So good to see you two this morning! What would you like for breakfast?” Mrs. Cake asked. 

“We can have five cupcakes for both of us...with some apple slices on top please.” Spike ordered. 

“Sure thing! That would be ten bits.” Mrs. Cake replied. 

Spike gave the ten bits on the desk for Mrs. Cake. Once she took them, Pinkie immediately brought the apple-topped cupcakes to the duo. She then noticed the depressed look on Twilight’s face. Mrs. Cake went back to the kitchen to finish baking the pastries which Pinkie had started. “Is everything okay, Twilight?” Pinkie asked, concerned. 

“I..I rather not talk about it.” Twilight said, slowly eating her cupcake. 

“Why? What’s wrong? Is it about the depressing and discouraging thought of Batman not being there for you, and that you have to carry the burden of being a princess even though you have no idea of what you’re going to do and what’s your unique purpose in that role?” Pinkie rambled. 

Twilight widened her eyes in surprise. “How do you all that?” she asked. 

“Lucky guess. It wasn’t that hard though after reading your expression.” Pinkie said. 

“Says the pony who can’t read a room...” Spike mumbled under his breath. 

“What was that?” Pinkie said, turning to Spike. 

“Umm...nothing!” Spike said. Then he preceded to eat his cupcakes. 

“(Sighs) You’re right, Pinkie, on everything. I can only imagine what Batman would do if he were to see my predicament which I’m finding myself in right now. I don’t know anypony else going through similar situations in Gotham, but I’m very sure he encounters such people, helps them solve their problem, and gives them encouraging hope which I barely have—not that I don’t appreciate what you guys are doing for me.” Twilight said, finishing her first cupcake. 

“I don’t know, Twilight. Wouldn’t you be saying the same things to him if he were to say the exact same advice we’re giving to you? Because no matter who is giving you strength, you’ll continue to complain and moan in distress like nothing. Seriously, you need to control your feelings because constantly complaining about your weaknesses will never help you.” Spike advised. 

“He’s got a point, Twilight. I mean, what more can we do for you? Oh, oh, I know!” Pinkie said as a light bulb appeared above her head. She took it and replaced a dying light bulb on the ceiling with the new one. Then she dashed from the kitchen and brought party hats and a vanilla ice cream cake with candles on top. “We can all have a HEARTY PARTY FOR YOU TO CHEER YOU UP!!” Pinkie shrieked, blowing confetti everywhere. 

However, Twilight tore off her party hat and threw it to the floor. “I’m sorry, Pinkie, but I don’t think that a party would do anything better right now.” Twilight said, looking sadly on the floor. She ate the rest of her cupcakes and dejectedly walked away from the front desk to the door. “I better go now. I don’t want to waste your time or my time, especially with many books I have to read and study. Thanks for the breakfast though. That’s the only thing that will cheer me up...slightly at least.” 

Spike and Pinkie looked on as their discouraged friend walked out of the house. They looked at each other briefly before looking toward the door again. “You think we should follow her?” Pinkie asked Spike. 

“Nah, we will just let her have time with herself alone. She needs it for Celestia knows how long she’ll need it for.” Spike suggested. 


AT THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE


Once the train arrived at the station, Fluttershy exited out of the train and looked at the city in front of her. Still having a dejected look on her face, she decided to enter into the city to have that soothing recuperation she was advised to take. Behind her stood the conductor of the train with a menacing smirk on his face. The moment she was out of sight, he turned back to the train’s entrance. “Let the fun begin.” he grinned. 

Fluttershy kept walking and walking with no regard to the butterflies and birds flying over her and beside her. Suddenly, black waves of darkness surrounded her in a aurora; the more she walked, the more the darkness grew around her. 

Thus, she entered the crystal city with a dark presence which terrified the crystal pony pedestrians. As she continued walking on the crystal road, more crystal ponies received a fearful and evil sensation coming from the broken-hearted pegasus. Then at that moment, the crystal ponies started to lose their color and their crystal magic of love and peace. 

Unfortunately, Fluttershy paid no heed to the gradual degradation that affected her whole being and spread to the pony bystanders. “I am a failure, a fraud, a miserable pony, and...I AM A FREAK!!!” she shrieked at the top of her lungs. 

The Crystal Heart within the castle got several cracks around its surface from that uttered scream of darkness. As a result, the winds slightly increased with the crystal ponies beginning to death glare at each other.    

“Why aren’t you wearing your coat, you idiot?! Don’t you realize how cold it is outside?!” a crystal pony insulted. This greatly angered the pony in question. 

“Me?! Why don't you mind your darn business as I do mine!!” the male pony yelled. Then the two ponies began to pounce each other. The others joined along. 

Fluttershy, on the other hoof, kept walking to the very entrance of the crystal castle. She gave a enormous death glare right at the Crystal Heart and stomped her hooves on the ground. After a few seconds of silence, her eyes glowed with red iris and yellow pupils. “You think that love and peace will save you? Huh? HUH?! Let me show you how false it is in the REAL world!!!” Fluttershy screamed. 

She flew up to the Crystal Heart. The darkness completely overwhelmed her as the dark process was complete. She was covered in black while her wings had sharp feathers with sharp claws. She also grew canine teeth along with purple eyes. She punched the heart with much force from the darkness that it made the Crystal Heart...shatter. 

As the shards fell on the floor, the castle began to mightily shake as if it were shaken by an earthquake. The darkness enlarged itself and spread itself across the whole empire. The rest of the crystal ponies then grew more violent with a strong bloodlust. 

Every pony began to kill each other with razor-sharp knives and rocks. Parents began slaughtering their children, and children slaughtering their parents in similar fashion. Elderly ponies ignited other homes on fire while some male ponies had the audacity to murder and eat the fillies and colts...alive. One of the stallions grabbed a filly, beheaded her, and slowly boiled her carcass for dinner. 

Fluttershy walked away from the empire while oblivious to the carnage unfolding behind her. A trail of black fire followed her path. At that moment, the entire castle collapsed on the ground, creating a large huge pillar of smoke and ash. Shining Armor appeared in front of it via teleportation. 

“WHAT IN THE NAME OF CELESTIA IS THIS?!” he yelled. Hearing the cries of bloodlust and sickening sounds of flesh being torn and bones broken, he looked back and saw his own citizens eating each other. The sight horrified him beyond imagination. 

“WHAT?! No!! Guards, stop this madness now!” Shining ordered. The crystal guards ran to the fighting ponies with their spears on hoof. Unfortunately, the ferocious ponies quickly disarmed them by chewing away their spears like dogs on rabies. Then they grabbed several hatchets with them and decapitated the guards. 

Shining stood appalled by the horrid sight of seeing his own stallions murdered by their own citizens. “I need to notify Celestia and Luna! This is getting way out of hoof!!” 

Meanwhile, the Tree of Harmony lost all its elements along with their magic. Large black tentacles sprouted from the ground, wrapped its arms around the tree, and squeezed the tree till it was destroyed. The Lurking Phantom arose from the ground and smiled at his accomplishments. However, he picked up a mysterious chest that was next to the tree and threw it away. 

“My work here is done. Now that the chips are down, these ‘civilized’ ponies will eat each other till Equestria gets...sold out!” he maniacally laughed.
> Chapter 14: Spotted in the City
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN GOTHAM


“Words can not express how wonderful this city of Gotham looks! I feel like I want to live here forever!” Thorax exclaimed. 

“Are you sure about that? Even after the way those ill-mannered people treated you like you mentioned to me before, you still want to dwell in this God-forsaken place?” Bane asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“I know, the way they treated me was horrible. But still, I want to give it another chance. There may be more to this city than meets the eye.” Thorax reasoned. 

 “Oh, there is more to this city all right.” “Believe me when I say that this ‘great’ city is not what it looks like from the outside. It may be glorious and appealing on the surface, but inside, it is full of wickedness and vice. It makes you wonder as to why these people still exist in this world today.” Bane said. 

“Well, even if that is true, I would rather be insulted and mistreated by strange creatures than by ponies. Those ponies are heartless when they deal with dangerous creatures like a changeling. They don’t show mercy to changelings!” Thorax said. 

“You have my sympathies, Thorax. Whatever those ponies you speak of believe in, they should realize how important diversity and variance are in the history of civilization.” Bane said. 

Bane and the little changeling wandered throughout the streets of Gotham while the former wore a ragged coat and a hood to avoid discovery from the people and the police. During the early afternoon, they reached to a subway down below the streets and waited for a specific train to come. 

“Umm, Bane, what are we waiting for?” Thorax asked. 

“We will be taking a train to a particular building I’m familiar with. It is a special place I want the both of us to go to.” Bane replied. 

“A train? What’s a train?” Thorax asked. 

“A train is a series of connected carriages or wagons moved by a locomotive. It is one of the mostly used means of transportation.” Bane answered. 

“Oh, I see. I’ve never actually been in a train before or seen one.” Thorax said, rubbing the back side of his head. 

“Not even on your world?” asked Bane. 

“I’m not really sure. Maybe.” replied Thorax. 

“Well, no matter, my little friend. Once our train arrives, we will head to the building called Wayne Enterprises. It is a place where someone I know used to be the head thereof. I know you will love its admirable beauty very much.” Bane said, smiling underneath the mask. 

“Great! I’m looking forward to seeing it!” Thorax said, flying around in excitement. 

 “Indeed, Thorax. Plus, I might need plenty of help in extracting the necessary resources to annihilate this entire city with all these corrupt people with it. You will be of great assistance to me.” Bane thought. He was determined to persevere in his goal of destroying Gotham for good by any means necessary. In one way or another, he planned to succeed and, if possible, exact revenge on Batman for possibly stopping him. 

 “Speaking of assistance, I do wonder what happened to Talia? I haven’t heard any of these people mention her name or her fake name. I do hope she is alive and well.” Bane hoped. Whenever I get a chance, I must find her and release her from prison if she is there.”


IN THE EVERFREE FOREST


“How is this possible?! I know for sure this Bane went to this forest, yet there is no sign of him!” Clawbreak irritably shouted. “We have been searching everywhere almost all night looking for that guy!” 

“I know! I know! Jeez, you obviously have not gotten any sleep at all, haven’t you?” Clavicle asked, lifting a boulder with his green magic. 

“Of course not! Although I enjoyed poaching several manticores though. Anyway, I’m now starting to think that Bane has bailed on us and just left us here for nothing! What in Vorak’s name was he up to last night?!” Clawbreak cried. 

“I never trusted him to begin with. Plus, it is highly unclear as to where in the Everfree Forest he headed. That makes him even more suspicious in my perspective.” said Clavicle, dropping the boulder. 

“Neither did I. Look at us now! Lord Tirek and our army are probably getting ready for the revolution, and we’re missing out! We need to find this Bane guy before they commence the war!” Clawbreak determined. He closed his claws in frustration.  

“Agreed. But just hold on for one second...” Clavicle said as he spotted a squirrel crawling on a nearby tree. He immediately grabbed the critter through telekinesis and drained the poor squirrel of its love. 

Once he finished devouring its last ounce of love, he dropped the motionless squirrel on the grass while licking his mouth in satisfaction. Clawbreak stood still while trying not to vomit in disgust. 

“Ahhhh, delicious breakfast. I really needed that since I had no dinner last night. You want some, buddy?” Clavicle asked, levitating the drained squirrel to his comrade. 

“I am not a changeling, Clavicle! Are you blind or something?! I am a hybrid of crab and spider, the last of my kind before King Vorak took me as his captive!” Clawbreak shouted. 

“What? He massacred your precious people and took you alive?” Clavicle guessed. 

“Of course! That moron thought that electing me as his royal advisor would magically wipe out my horrible memory of watching my people die!” Clawbreak said angrily. 

“He must’ve felt very sorry for you, huh?” asked Clavicle. 

“Don’t get me started on that. Compassion is a weakness our enemies will not share. That’s why it felt so good killing all these changelings in that hive. Chrysalis sure got what was coming for her.” Clawbreak evilly smiled. 

“Indeed, Clawbreak. That was a moment of pure triumph—what is that?” Clavicle saw a shining light coming from a river in a distance. Clawbreak followed his gaze and spotted it too. 

“Is something shining over there? I wonder what that is.” he said. 

“Well, there is only one way to find out.” said Clavicle before spreading his wings and flying off. The crab-spider hybrid followed his lead to the river. 

Once they reached to the river together, they saw a whirlpool spinning continuously as before and recognized it as a portal. “Wooooowww, that looks...dazzling! I wonder where this portal takes us to.” Clawbreak said, gazing at it. 

“This has to be the path that Bane took. If that is the case, we better go through here. Let’s go!” Clavicle ordered as he jumped right into the whirlpool. 

“Wait for me! I’m not that fast, mind you!” Clawbreak yelled, jumping right after him. 

The two villains ejected from the portal and landed on the watery surface of the Atlantic Ocean in a new world. They looked around idly as they saw a vastly different atmosphere and view of reality they discovered themselves in. After they finished gazing on the sunny sky and the vast ocean filled with several boats, cruises, and ships, they then feasted their eyes on Gotham City. Again, they wondered in confusion and surprise. 

“Where in the name of Equestria are we?!” Clavicle shouted. 

“I have no clue! But wow, that city looks quite attractive! I bet Bane is in there! I think that is where he lives! We will definitely find him for sure now!” Clawbreak smiled. 

“Precisely. Come on!” Clavicle said before flying speedily toward the city. Clawbreak opened his long legs and sped through the ocean surface like a cruiser. 


IN THE TRAIN


Bane and Thorax sat next to each other while keeping silent in the midst of many people either sitting or standing within the train. Bane had to hold Thorax carefully to not be tossed back and forth as the train was in motion. 

“Enjoying the ride so far, Thorax?” Bane whispered to his ear. 

“Well, aside from being shaken back and forth in this...train, yes, I’m enjoying the ride. A lot of these humans are so quiet. Why is that?” Thorax asked. 

“Because it is respectful and courteous to be mindful of each other’s peace. They don’t like it when others are being noisy and loud on their phones or music of some sort.” Bane whispered. 

“Ohhh, I see.” Thorax understood. 

Moments later, they arrived at their destination. As they got off the train, they walked up the stairs out of the subway where they saw the particular tower they were looking for. “Here we are, my wonderful friend. This is Wayne Enterprises!” Bane pointed. 

“Whoaaa, that looks fantastic! Let’s get inside!” Thorax was about to fly until Bane held out his arm in front of him. 

“Hold on, there. They have security guards stationed at the front doors to prevent uninvited guests from entering inside the tower.” Bane warned. 

“Really? So, how are we supposed to get in there?” asked Thorax. 

“We need to create a plan. We must strategize a way through which we can gain access to the tower.” Bane advised. “You said you could disguise yourself as anybody you desire, correct?” 

“Yeah! That’s a good idea!” Thorax complimented. “It could be possible that I could disguise myself as a human or as one of those guards. Maybe I could—!” 

“Well, well, look what we got here!” a familiar voice called out. Bane and Thorax turned to see Clawbreak and Clavicle standing in front of them with sinister grins on their faces. “It appears we have a survivor from the destroyed hive! Plus, he’s made a friend here!” Clawbreak said, not recognizing him as Bane. 

“How pathetic—trying to cope with the loss of your precious mommy and friends, huh Thorax? Don’t worry, you’ll be joining her soon!” Clavicle threatened, sharpening his fangs. 

“CLAVICLE!! IT’S YOU!! We need to run, pal!!” Thorax shrieked in terror before pulling Bane’s arm. Bane was somewhat confounded as to how his own allies even discovered the hidden portal and discovered him and Thorax in such an inconvenient time. 

Bane found himself struggling with what to do next.  “Should I expose myself to my comrades and explain myself with the high potential of betraying my vulnerable friend?” he thought.  “Or will I pull a Batman to protect Thorax as I need him for my plans?”

“Your time is up, Throax! You and your pathetic friend won’t be able to escape our grasp! Hahahahaha!!” Clawbreak menacingly approached with chopping claws. Clavicle hissed hungrily at his prey while hovering in the air. The Gothamite bystanders fled the streets in panic. 

Bane then made his decision. He looked back to his quivering friend. “We need to run. Go! GO!!” Bane sternly advised. Both of them ran away as fast as they could. 

“GET THEM!!” Clawbreak shouted as he and Clavicle gave chase in the city.
> Chapter 15: The Chase
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clawbreak and Clavicle fiercely chased their two victims throughout the whole street until the latter turned to the next street to the right. “Don’t let them get away!” Clavicle yelled. “I’ll take Thorax! I will make him suffer slowly and painfully for all the humiliation he put me through as a youngling!” 

“Then that leaves me with that friend of his! Perfect! I will skin that creature alive while Thorax watches! Then he will die with him!” Clawbreak added. Both evilly laughed while still chasing them down. “What about Bane though? We cannot forget about him!” 

“We will find him after we finish our business with loose ends, buddy. He still needs to come clean with us.” Clavicle answered. 

“Excellent! Let’s get ‘em!” Clawbreak said, following his changeling companion behind him. 

Bane and Thorax ran across the street where there were plenty of cars and trucks filling the street right before the traffic lights. Once the light turned green, the vehicles started to drive through the road whereas the duo had to avoid being struck by any of the cars and trucks. 

“Behind you!” Bane warned. Thorax looked behind him as told to see a speeding car coming right at him. He immediately flew out of the way to avoid being hit by the vehicle. “Stay close to me, little one! It is getting less and less safe out here!” 

“You got it!” said Thorax. 

“This way! Follow me!” Bane commanded, pointing to the tunnel on their left. 

They both ran to the tunnel while they were in between several cars that were driving to the tunnel. The evil pursuers saw them and followed them to the tunnel. Clavicle flew above the cars while Clawbreak crawled on the tunnel itself from the inside, keeping his sight on their prey. Grinning maliciously, he slightly increased his speed until Clavicle was just a few inches behind him. 

Once the evil changeling got a good view on Bane and Thorax, he ignited his horn in green aurora and blasted beams at them. Thorax saw the beams coming and dodged them one by one. Bane however made dramatic moves by front flipping over the cars, successfully evading all the blasts in the process. When the drivers saw the commotion, they suddenly pulled over to the side of the road. “What the heck?! Who are those freaks of nature?!” a driver shrieked. 

“Oh no, I ain’t dealing with this craziness! I need to call for help!” another driver spoke. He grabbed his phone and preceded to call 911. 

Meanwhile, Clavicle got another look at the moving vehicles. He suddenly got an idea. “I may not have a clue what those thingies are, but they sure do look...disposable.” he grinned. He fired three deadly beams at three cars that were in front of Bane and Thorax. He managed to blast their roofs off which exposed the drivers and some of the passengers. Then he looked at their tires. “What are those? Feet? Hmm, maybe blasting their feet off would do the trick.” he said. 

He blasted the tires off which made the automobiles swerve around on the road until they crashed to each other. Realizing they lost all control, the drivers and passengers jumped out of their vehicles before the latter collied with each other in an explosion. The humans landed on the concrete being injured in the process. 

Bane grabbed Thorax in his arms to prevent him from being smashed by the rolling car. Holding the little changeling carefully, he jumped away from another car that was on fire from the explosion. He then reached to a safe sidewalk away from the inferno. “Thank you for saving me, Bane.” Thorax smiled. 

“Don’t thank me yet, friend. It’s not over yet. We have yet to find cover somewhere in this city from these two.” Bane admonished. 

“You’re not going anywhere, fools!” Clawbreak shouted. He and Clavicle surrounded their victims left and right to block their escape. The wicked changeling licked his fangs as he hungrily beheld his prey. 

“Time to say goodbye to your friend, Thorax! Once we’re done with him, you’re next!!” Clavicle said gleefully. 

“Indeed! Come on, Clavicle, let’s have our FUN!!” Clawbreak sharpened his claws as he slowly advanced towards the cornered duo. Bane still held Thorax in his arms and tried to figure a way of escape from their persecutors.   

He instantly got a flashback where he saw himself in a similar predicament when he saved Talia from being murdered by the violent inmates in the prison eons ago. He remembered being beaten brutally almost to death as a result of his selfless sacrifice to save the life of that girl whom he sworn to protect. Although he was excommunicated by his former master from the League of Shadows, he still had a strong relationship with Talia years later. 

Bane prepared himself to strike once the opponent was about to make his first move. He would be more than willing to fight against his own allies even if it meant saving someone else for his own plans or because of the bond he had with Thorax. 

Suddenly, shots were fired. The bullets struck Clawbreak’s right arm, disabling his right claw. “AHHHH!!!” he screamed in pain. Clavicle turned to his left to see dozens of police cars surging to the area they were in. The first car revealed Commissioner Gordon having his firearm on his right hand. He blew some smoke away as it came out of the barrel. 

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! These creatures have weapons?! What are they?!” Clavicle shouted. The police officers then took their guns out and pointed them at the creatures. 

“Don’t move! Don’t move!” one officer ordered. 

“Get down on the ground now!” another commanded. 

“Step away from the hooded citizen...and whatever that bug pony is!” the third yelled. 

Thorax saw the escalation in surprise. “Whoa, these humans have those type of weapons? Somehow they remind me of the Royal Guard from Canterlot. Do you know what those thingies are, Bane?” he whispered. 

“Those are called guns. Very effective weapons of defense and war.” Bane replied, still holding Thorax. 

“Wow...that’s cool! I want one of those.” Thorax said. 

“You might end up hurting yourself, Thorax. But I’ll teach you the pros and cons in the future.” Bane said. 

“I don’t know who you are, but NO ONE commands ME!! LORD TIREK IS MY MASTER!! He will be dominating Equestria in the next few moments! DO YOU HEAR ME, BIPEDALS??!!” Clavicle screamed at the top of his lungs.

“Tirek? Who’s Tirek?” Gordon asked rhetorically. “You three, get those two innocents to safety now! The rest of us will hold off these hostile animals!” 

“Yes, Sir!” one complied. 

“Dominating Equestria? That doesn’t sound good. Twilight and her friends could be in danger!” Gordon said. 

The officers kept their guns pointed at the creatures until they looked down below their legs to see Bane and Thorax completely gone. Clawbreak followed their gaze to see what they were looking at. To his shock and anger, they were gone. “DAHHHH, look at what you creatures have done! Our prey disappeared!! Ouch!! My arm!! Clavicle, hold them off!!” Clawbreak ordered before dashing off to catch the duo. 

“WHAT?! I’m not doing all the work, Clawbreak!! Get back here!!” Clavicle yelled. He then blasted their cars with deadly beams. Some of their cars exploded which killed several of their officers and wounding the others. Gordon and the untouched officers ducked for cover behind their vehicles. Then they returned fire on the aggressive changeling. 

Clavicle had neither the time nor the patience to hold them off. Not having any clue what those weapons were, he got struck on his left arm and right leg. Screaming in pain, he flew away from his attackers and tried to follow his hybrid companion. 

Bane and Thorax reached to the end of another road as they stood before a tall skyscraper under construction. Deciding to find cover in the half-built skyscraper, they rushed to the entrance and passed by all the construction vehicles and piles of dirt and rock. They remained silent for a few moments as they sat down to catch their breath and to relax. 

“Those humans...have the capacity...to resort to violence when necessary. Those guys actually saved our lives. If it weren’t for them, we would’ve been dead!” Thorax recalled. Bane folded his hands together and drew close to Thorax. 

“Indeed...they did.” Bane said.  “Of course, they would’ve had my head if I had revealed myself to them.” 

“Maybe these humans aren’t that bad after all. Some of them may be bad and all, but now I realize that...perhaps...perhaps not all of them are bad. I’m starting to think that there may be good people that dwell in this city.” Thorax said. 

“I highly doubt that.” Bane honestly spoke. “Considering the history of harboring cruelty and injustice that made it a decadent city, I find it very hard to believe that theory. What saving grace does this city have?” 

“Well, probably those guys out there that saved us. Think about it, Bane. Clawbreak and Clavicle would’ve killed us if they hadn’t interfered to stop their brutal attempt of ending us!” Thorax argued. 

Bane then took a moment to think of what he said. Those police officers actually had the audacity to step right up to save their lives. Not too long ago, he saw several officers in the streets who were actually bonding with the civilians on the streets and helping the poor—something which was never done in the history of Gotham. He even saw former criminals who were previously locked up in Blackgate Prison now making steps in being good citizens such as community service. He was shocked to see them smiling with joy. 

How could it be possible that a city—full of injustice and vice—is actually making progress in reform? This was something that Bane never thought would ever happen in this city. He then started to have second thoughts on his initial plan in going to Wayne Enterprises. 

Suddenly, a brick wall exploded right next to them. Clawbreak jumped right out of the smoke and opened his functioning claw. Clavicle descended from above and landed behind them. Bane and Thorax stood close to each other while facing both foes. “Good thing we can smell you two pests!!” Clawbreak said. 

“There is no escape this time!” Clavicle added. 

Before they could attack, Bane rushed up to Clavicle and punched him three times in the face so hard that he was knocked out. Clawbreak stood in shock at what he did. Enraged, he jumped right at him. “I WILL KILL YOU FOR THAT!!” he screamed. 

Bane dodged his attack and jumped on his back. He kicked and punched his neck several times which caused him to wince in pain as he had more sensitive skin. Once he saw his claw approaching him, he got off of him just before Clawbreak accidentally  scratched himself.  “OWWW!! HOLD STILL, VERMIN!!” he yelled. He turned to see the hooded figure again. 

Thorax then crashed against his face to blind him. He was tempted to absorb his love but couldn’t since that would only increase his feral nature.  “I really do not want to resort to love drainage as that’s what Chrysalis would want me to do. I don’t live that life anymore.” he thought. 

Bane looked up and saw what Thorax was doing. “You have to figure out a way to stop him and fast!” Thorax said. Clawbreak struggled to regain vision and desperately tried to get the changeling off his face. 

“Get off my face, Thorax! You’ll regret that!” Clawbreak threatened. 

Bane started to look around to see anything useful that could give him an advantage. He looked back and saw a crane carrying a large, steel beam. Then he looked down to Clawbreak who was now fighting Thorax after he got off his face. He got an idea. He entered the crane, turned on the engine, and lowered the crane’s arm right above Clawbreak. 

“You see my face?! Your life is done!!” Clawbreak said, pinning Thorax to the ground. 

“BANE!! HELP!!” Thorax cried out. 

“Bane? Wait, he’s here?! WHERE?!” Clawbreak asked, frantically looking back and forth, not noticing the metal beam just above him. This made him loose grip of Thorax. 

At that moment, Bane released the beam. Throax flew out of harm’s way. Too late to see the large object descending on him, the beam landed on his head and crushed his skull. His blood splattered everywhere. His detached body lay lifeless on the ground. 

Bane turned the crane off and reunited with his friend. Thorax hugged him in gratitude and nuzzled him. “Thank you, Bane! Thank you!” 

“What can I say except, you’re welcome!” Bane said. He softly hugged him back. 

Clavicle regained consciousness and saw his hybrid companion dead on the ground. Then he turned to see his enemies still alive. “NO!! CLAWBREAK!! I will have my revenge, Thorax!! You will pay!!” he threatened angrily. He flew off from the contraction site. 

“What do we do, now?” Thorax asked. 

“I need you stay here and find somewhere safe. I have...an important business to begin elsewhere.” Bane said.
> Chapter 16: The Revolution Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN CANTERLOT


Princesses Celestia and Luna were having their lunch within their dining room of the castle. As they were about to finish their meals, a letter appeared in a white flash and landed on the table. “A letter? Hmm, I wonder whom it’s from.” Celestia said, setting her plate aside. 

She levitated the scroll with her magic and opened it up. Once she opened it, she read the letter in her mind: 

 “Dear Princesses Celestia and Luna, this is an emergency letter I am sending to you. The Crystal Empire has mysteriously been attacked by an unseen entity and all of the crystal ponies have somehow been corrupted! They are devouring and killing each other as we speak!” 

 “I escaped the destruction of the crystal castle, but unfortunately the Crystal Heart itself...has been destroyed. I don’t know who it was, but something is destroying the empire! Please notify Twilight and her friends about this!” 

Yours truly, 
Shining Armor.” 

Celestia gasped in shocking horror as she finished reading. “What is it, sister? Who is it?” asked Luna, concerned. 

“It’s Shining Armor. The Crystal Empire...is under attack by an unknown foe according to him. The crystal ponies have now turned on each other by killing and devouring the other! Plus, the Crystal Heart is destroyed completely!” Celestia alerted. 

“WHAT?! How is that possible?! Has Sombra returned? Who did this?” Luna demanded. 

“It’s not Sombra. However, we have no clue of who the perpetrator is. Not even Shining Armor has an idea of who it is.” Celestia replied. 

“This...this is terrifying...I never thought that this day would come. I remember when the crystal ponies were spreading anarchy after Cadence was assassinated. Who would’ve thought that would be a foreshadow of what would happen later on...even today?” Luna grimly recalled. 

“Indeed, Luna. We must alert Twilight and her friends immediately to have them discover who was behind this appalling crime.” Celestia said. She brought another scroll and wrote her letter. 

“Should we alert all of Canterlot and Ponyville about this?” Luna asked. 

“No.” Celestia firmly ordered. “I do not want to spread mass panic to our ponies. As long as we keep this between us, Shining Armor, Twilight, and her friends, it will be better for us.” 


ON THE MOUNTAINS


Tirek, Clavicle, the new rebels, and the gargoyles gathered together on top of the mountains where they had a panoramic view of all Equestria. The evil centaur wickedly grinned to himself as he had been waiting almost all his life to exact revenge and terror to all the ponies and steal their magic for his own power. With all his allies by his side, he realized that none would stand in his path of conquest. 

Suddenly, Bane—stripped of his raggedy coat and hood—ran up behind them and reunited with Tirek and the rest of the crew. “Thank you all for your patience, my wonderful allies. I truly did not want to miss out on this glorious day of our triumph.” Bane said. 

“Of course, I appreciate your commitment and timely arrival myself.” Tirek replied. “I assume that your private business of some sort went well?” 

“Indeed, it did.” Bane said. Clavicle, however, was still suspicious of Bane’s true intentions. 

“What exactly were you doing, Bane?” Clavicle demanded, raising an eyebrow. 

“That doesn’t concern you, comrade. What’s important is our utmost cooperation to make our revolution a strong and robust reality.” Bane reminded. 

“Indeed.” Tirek agreed before turning to all of his army. “Attention, ye faithful bearers of true justice and vengeance! Today is the day of judgment for ALL of Equestria! United as one, we march against these pathetic ponies, take their magic, destroy their lives, and rule this land FOREVER!!” he passionately declared. The army shouted in eager agreement and uttered battle cries. 

“We take back what is rightfully ours and crush all those who stand between us and Equestria! I am saddened that Clawbreak could not be here with us to assist us in our inevitable victory. May the Magic of Friendship perish both now and forever once we eliminate everything that will both ruin us and dethrone us! GO FORTH!!” Tirek commanded. 

They then marched down the mountains while some of them such as Lightning Dust and Garble flew in the air to provide necessary air support. Bane marched next to Tirek as the second-in-command. Clavicle, however, was still angry over his comrade’s demise, and he still felt uncomfortable with having Bane around them. He lowered his head sullenly.  “The next time I encounter that hooded creature from that dimensional city, I will discover his identity then kill him and Thorax.”  Clavicle plotted. 


BACK TO CANTERLOT


The Mane Five and Spike rushed to the throne room where the Royal Sisters were facing them. They all kneeled in reverence before the rulers. “We came here as fast as we could, princesses! What’s the emergency? Is something wrong?” Twilight anxiously asked. 

Celestia solemnly nodded her head. “Twilight, I regret to inform you that the Crystal Empire is under self-genocide. The Crystal Heart has been destroyed along with the entire castle.” 

The ponies and dragon gasped in horror and shock. “WHAT?! How can that be?! Is Shining Armor okay?!” shrieked Twilight. 

“He is fine, Twilight; however, I cannot say the same for the crystal ponies who have killed and eaten each other.” Celestia answered.  Twilight signed in relief until she gagged at the last part of her sentence. 

“EATEN EACH OTHER?!” Rarity yelled, fully disgusted. “Sweet Celestia, these ponies became cannibals?! I cannot image having to eat the flesh of another pony!!” 

“Yeah, that is really disgusting! I bet they taste like rotten and mushy cupcakes!” Pinkie added. The others looked at her with raised eyebrows. “What? I’m just guessing!” 

“Who do you think caused all this?” Rainbow asked. 

“It is yet unknown who did this. But we do know that somepony or something corrupted them all and motivated them to destroy each other which will result in the Crystal Empire’s demise.” Luna replied. Celestia nodded. 

“That can’t be good! What do we do now?” Applejack asked. 

“We need you ponies to activate the elements of harmony to restore friendship, love, and peace in the Crystal Empire and help Shining Armor find a new energy to repair the Crystal Heart to save the kingdom from the upcoming winter storm.” Celestia commanded. 

“No problem, princesses! You can count on us to restore love and harmony in the Crystal Empire, right girls?” Twilight said before turning to them. 

“Mmm-Hmm!” the four ponies said in unison. Spike, however, noticed something wrong. 

“Umm, girls? Have any of you seen Fluttershy? She isn't here with us.” observed Spike. 

The Mane Five looked around confused until they too noticed the same thing. “You’re right, Spike! What happened to Fluttershy? I haven’t seen her around lately either!” Rainbow said. 

“Don’t worry, everypony. Once we get the elements, we’ll reach out to Fluttershy together! Come on, guys!” Twilight replied. She and her friends huddled together until they teleported with Twilight’s magic. 

They teleported right at the entrance of the Tree of Harmony. “Come on, everypony let’s save the Crystal Empire!” said Twilight. However, the moment they all ran to the Tree, they shuddered in deep, heartbreaking shock at what they beheld with their very eyes—the shattered remains of the Tree of Harmony and the Elements. Twilight picked up her broken element with her magic and tried to piece it together. It didn’t magically connect. 

“What. Just. HAPPENED?!” Rainbow yelled. 

“It...it can’t be!! This can’t be real!” Rarity shouted. 

“The Elements are destroyed! First, the Crystal Heart and now THE TREE?! Can things get any worse?!?” Pinkie exclaimed. 

At that moment, the ground shook mightily with rocks and pebbles flying everywhere. “You probably shouldn’t have said that, Pinkie!” Spike scolded. Suddenly, the Lurking Phantom arose from the ground with his bright, scarlet eyes and evil smile. The Mane Five and Spike trembled exceedingly before the feared spirit. 

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the mighty Element Bearers with their precious dragon. Good to see you again!” sneered the Phantom. 

“What in Celestia’s name are you?!” Rarity cowered. 

“You may address me as the Lurking Phantom, a mighty and powerful spirit of the ancient times and the ultimate monarch of every darkness and shadow of this world. Too bad your adorable pegasus couldn’t be with you today...” the Phantom grinned. 

The ponies gasped. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO FLUTTERSHY?! Where is our friend?!” Rainbow demanded, trying to attack him. She was restrained by Applejack to prevent her from foolishly fighting the dark spirit. 

“Oh, don’t worry, she is fine. She has done a wonderful job in handling the Crystal Empire all by herself. But, of course, you didn’t think that her gradual change of heart affected the state of this tree and your elements, did you?” he taunted. 

Twilight took a moment to realize what he meant. Then she gasped in terrifying shock. “You corrupted her?! She was the one who caused all the catastrophes in the Crystal Empire?!” Twilight accused. Tears started to fall from her eyes. 

The Phantom mockingly laughed. “Hahahahaha!!! I didn’t do that. She brought this on herself—that singeing pang of guilt because of her primary involvement of that poor draconequus’s execution. How pitiful really...how brilliant that clown was.” 

“Wait a darn minute, how do ya know all that?! And what did ya mean by ‘good to see ya again’ earlier? We’ve never seen ya before!” Applejack asked. 

Suddenly, the Mane Five and Spike got zapped by a magic beam. Then they were sealed in a cage of light purple energy. They weakly opened their eyes to see a blue unicorn with a white mane and a black cloak. She was accompanied by two gargoyles. Twilight instantly recognized the unicorn. “What? No...TRIXIE?!” she yelled. 

“Wrong! It’s the great and powerful Trixie to you! Your time of self-glory is over, and your hour of great humiliation is come!” Trixie wickedly grinned. 

“No! Why are you doing this?! I thought we were friends! I thought we put our grudges behind us!!” Twilight cried. 

“Sometimes, looks can be deceiving, Twilight. A simple hoof-shake will never make me forget the times when you humiliated me and shamed me before everypony!! Now it’s your turn! Trixie will be superior again!” Trixie declared. 

“Hahahahaha! Splendid work, Trixie! Take them away and let them watch everypony in Equestria suffer...and DIE!!” the Phantom commanded. 

The gargoyles took away the ponies and dragon and carried them to Ponyville. The Phantom smirked to himself. “My true self will be revealed. My victory...is inevitable.” he muttered. 

Tirek marched throughout the Equestrian borders and saw Ponyville in a distance. The ponies that were in front of him ran for their lives, but they were blocked by Garble and Gilda. “Where do you think you’re going, ponies?!” Garble said, showcasing his sharp teeth and claws. 

The terrified ponies backed away until Tirek stood behind them. Grinning malevolently, he opened his mouth and drained their magic. They fell down slowly as their life force was slipping away. The energy strengthened the centaur while he proudly flexed his biceps. 

Gilda grabbed the five ponies and threw them to Garble. “Get ready for the heat!” Garble said. He opened his mouth and spewed fire at the weakened equines. They screamed in agonizing pain as they burned alive. 

Flim and Flam had a large cannon pointing right at the Sweet Apple Acres farm and field. The Apple Family—Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith with their dog Winona—fled the area from the pursuing gargoyles. The FlimFlam brothers fired their cannon; the projectile struck the whole farm, exploding it on impact. 

Lightning Dust flew across the sky near the Wonderbolt Academy and flew in a circle repeatedly until she produced a tornado.  The tornado went to the Academy and demolished the whole building along with half of Cloudsdale. “Ha, take that challenge, Spitfire.” she smirked smugly. 

In Ponyville, Bane walked over to Tirek who just finished draining three more ponies of their magic.  He beheld every gargoyle in the town either slaughtering, capturing, or attacking the pony residents. For some reason, he felt some compassion for the ones who got brutally mutilated or murdered. He didn’t know why he felt that, but he felt sorry for them. Thorax came into his mind as he was thinking about this. 

“This is a dream come true, Bane. I thank you for your help in inspiring us to carry this out.” Tirek said. Then he grabbed another pony who was a grey pegasus with a yellow mane and drained her magic. 

“You’re quite welcome, Tirek.” Bane said, shaking off his true feelings. 

“Here, I have something I want to give you. This was given by someone very close to me. I offer it to you as a sign of my gratitude and loyalty.” Tirek said, taking his triangle-shaped necklace off and wrapping them around Bane. 

The guardian gargoyles carried the Mane Five and Spike in the cage and brought them to Tirek. Bane saw these mares and dragon with a curious look on his face. “Ahhh, what do we have here? A dragon, a pegasus, two earth ponies, a unicorn, and—what? Another alicorn? Interesting!” Tirek observed as he beheld them for the first time. 

“Wait...you must be Lord Tirek! I’ve heard about you!” Twilight said. 

“Indeed! I have returned to take back what is rightfully mine!! And you are all next in line!” Tirek grinned. 

“NO!!” Twilight cried. Tirek opened his mouth again and drained them all of their magic slowly. They screamed in pain as it happened. Once he absorbed their magic, Tirek grew to his third form where his horns and beard grew larger. 

“Bring me the princesses along with the current ruler of the Crystal Empire! I will savor their powerful magic!” Tirek commanded. Three gargoyles nodded before flying off. 

Twilight looked helplessly on as all her friends were being killed or captured. All of Equestria was now being taken by the arisen evil, yet neither she nor her friends had their elements with them to stand up against the new threat as they were destroyed. All hope seemed lost. “No...we...we failed.” Twilight wept.
> Chapter 17: Questions Asked
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN GOTHAM


“Get the body out of here! Do not allow anybody to go near it!” Gordon commanded. 

“Yes, Sir!” an officer complied. 

The police officers had already wrapped the corpse of Clawbreak with a large tarp and chains, and they carried him by the helicopter’s hook. As they were about to fly off to their location to dispose and decompose his body, Bruce and Selina set their eyes on the dead hybrid’s head from several blocks away since his head was poking out.  

“What is that thing? Wait...” Bruce said. Moments later, the realization came to him. “Is that the creature who was chasing that hooded person with a bug-like pony earlier?” 

“He wasn’t alone. That big changeling was by his side to catch them too.” Selina informed. 

“That’s what they’re called?” asked Bruce. 

“You really need to watch the show more often to know that.” Selina smirked. 

“(Chuckles) Okay, fine. Anyway, I wonder what happened to those pursued individuals. I just hope they survived those ferocious beasts.” Bruce said. 

“Me too. If there is anything that Gordon needs to find over there, it should be clues that can explain what happened here.” said Selina. 

“You got that right.” Once he said that, he started to grow somewhat curious of where those creatures came from. Then he remembered that the changelings are also from the same world which Selina mentioned.  “Why was the big changeling chasing down its own kind? Was it trying to kill it? Eat it? There has to be more to the story than what is shown.” he reasoned. 

Thorax saw the helicopter take off with one of his would-be murderer’s body as he hid in an alleyway. “(Sighs) I am so glad he’s out of the way. Unfortunately, Clavicle is still out there to hunt me down. I think he returned back to Equestria to resume his work for Tirek. I hope Bane comes back soon. I can’t survive without him.” he said. 

Then he turned his attention to the police forces to see what else they were going to do. Gordon was encountered by several news reporters and journalists who kept pressing him to answer their questions. Sighing in frustration, he lifted his head and spoke to them.

“Please be informed that the injured civilians are being treated in the hospital at this time. I am sad to announce the deaths of our several officers who died in the line of duty. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. The whole construction site is now under police investigation as we speak. We have yet to ask ourselves if these creatures who could be from Equestria are either seeking something from us, or they just ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thank you.” Gordon finished. 

The crowd still pressed their core questions to him as he turned his back and left. “He will be taking no further questions at this time! Thank you!” a police detective spoke. 

Before Gordon could do anything further, he spotted Bruce and Selina on a sidewalk.  “I’ll be right back, Detective Bullock.” he said to him. 

He walked toward them with a smile of slight surprise and relief. “Wow, I never thought that the Batman would arise from the dead. After all these years, I never imagined I would see him again.” he said. He shook Bruce’s and Selina’s hands in welcome. 

“Commissioner Gordon, pleasure to see you again. I take it that another trouble arises from the dust?” asked Bruce. 

“Probably. Having ponies visiting from Equestria is one thing, but to have potentially Equestrian troublemakers to reck havoc in our city is another thing—a very bad thing.” said Gordon. 

“Tell me about it. Did you see those two guys being chased by those monstrosities?” Bruce asked. 

“Yes. One of them was a half pony and half bug. The other one looked like he was in poverty. What could they possibly want from a poor man?” Gordon asked. 

“Changelings. They are called changelings—a race of bug creatures who feed on love as a source of food to survive. They can blend and disguise themselves as anything they see and find.” Selina informed. Gordon had the puzzled look on his face. 

“Really? You know that?” Gordon asked. 

“I wouldn’t know all that if I hadn’t watched the show long enough. The more you watch it, the more you learn.” Selina said. 

“My question is why was that huge changeling chasing after one of its own kind? What did he really want with it?” Bruce asked again, putting his finger and thumb below his chin as he pondered. 

“Plus, it said something about this...’Lord Tirek’ taking over Equestria. Do you realize what that could mean?” Gordon asked. 

Both Bruce and Selina widened their eyes in shock as they realized what it could dangerously mean. Before they could speak again, they were suddenly interrupted by the approaching changeling. “Hey! Over here! I might be able to help!” Thorax called out. 

Once they turned to him, Gordon and Bruce recognized him as of the victims who were chased by Clawbreak and Clavicle. Bruce knelt down to his level to make appropriate eye contact with him. “Hello there. I’m Bruce Wayne. What’s your name?” he kindly asked. 

“My name is Thorax, the last good changeling of my kind.” he sadly introduced. He lowered his head. 

“Nice to meet you, Thorax. I’m Selina, and this is Commissioner Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department.” she said. Gordon nodded in acknowledgment to Thorax. 

“What do you mean by ‘last good changeling’?” Bruce asked. 

“My entire family, ruled by my mother Queen Chrysalis, was slaughtered by the centaur named Tirek. He and his gargoyle army killed all of my friends and family within our hive. Clavicle, the changeling you saw chase me, betrayed me and our family and sided with Tirek. Now they are making plans to take over Equestria! I’m afraid to go back there because Clavicle will kill me once he sees me!” Thorax explained.

Bruce, Selina, and Gordon felt very saddened by what they heard. But they were also shocked to learn of another dangerous threat rising in Equestria who could possibly endanger the lives of Twilight Sparkle and her friends.  Selina knelt down to comfort the sad changeling. “Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of your family. I’m very sorry.” she said. She stoked his head comfortably. 

“I know what that is like, Thorax. I know how it feels to lose a family...people who you care about. It hurts deeper than a cutting knife.” Bruce said. He got brief flashbacks of the murder of his parents and his former girlfriend, Rachel. 

“Thank you so much, guys. I’m starting to like you guys already. It’s good to know there’s more good humans like you here in this city.” Thorax smiled. 

“You can say that again.” Gordon chuckled. 

“But don’t just worry about me! Worry about my other friend too!” Thorax said. 

“Who? That hooded figure who was with you?” Gordon asked. 

“Yes! His name is Bane! He’s a great friend of mine! He helped save me from Clawbreak, the giant hybrid whom you took away earlier! After killing him, he told me to stay put because he had to take care of business to manage elsewhere.” Thorax happily replied. 

The very second when Bane’s name was dropped was the same second that made their hearts stop, facial features change, and mood swiftly alter, especially Bruce. Being overwhelmed by shocking confusion and bewilderment, Bruce presses his face against Thorax’s. “WHAT? Bane? THE Bane? Where exactly is he right now?” Bruce sternly demanded. 

“Ehhh, he could be in Equestria right now. Maybe.” Thorax nonchalantly replied, unfazed by Bruce’s changed attitude. 

Then Bruce got up from his knees and turned to Gordon. “I need you to take me and Selina a ride to Wayne Tower ASAP with Thorax coming along.” 

“What for?” Gordon asked. 

Bruce looked back to Selina to see her reaction to all this. She had the smug look that said “Mmm-Hmm, now you are going to get back on the wagon again.” He remembered the past conversations he had with her of his work as the Dark Knight and what he had done for Gotham and Equestria. Realizing that he can never truly rest from his life’s work and solemn duty, he then fully understood what he had to do. That one man whom he buried long ago—who sacrificed himself for all Gotham and saved it from destruction—must be revived. 

Turning to Gordon, Bruce put back on his stern demeanor. “I need to pay Lucius Fox a visit.”
> Chapter 18: Thorough Preparation and Shocking Truth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gordon drove Bruce and Selina in his police cruiser to Wayne Enterprises while Thorax flew close by the car. It took about thirty minutes to get to the tower. Nevertheless, they wasted no time to get to their destination, for they were on a critical mission to save Equestria from mortal danger. Even Bruce was finally willing to pick back up the mantle which he stopped using many years ago. 

“What were you and Bane doing here before those creatures chased you down?” Bruce asked. 

“Well, we were just taking a tour around Gotham City so that I can be familiar with this city. He taught me plenty of things which I never heard about such as guns, trains, cars, and so forth. He is really cool to hang out with!” Thorax smiled. 

Bruce internally cringed at the last part.  “I have no clue whatsoever about what he sees in Bane that I don’t. Did he brainwash him? Beguile him? As a matter of fact, how did he even meet with Bane in the first place?” he wondered. 

“If I may ask, how did you and Bane meet?” Bruce asked. 

“I was in Equestria when the both of us met. After my family and friends were massacred by Tirek and his goons, I was left alone with no friends and no family to talk to or to hang out with. It all changed when he met me in the Everfree Forest. That’s where we had some things in common! We made great friends together! We love to talk to each other—!” Thorax spilled. 

“Wait! Hold on...in the Everfree Forest? THERE in Equestria? How did he even get there in Equestria?” Bruce asked, completely confused. 

“Uhhhh, hmm...I—um...I honestly have no clue. I only know that there’s a whirlpool portal that lies in that large ocean over there to bring any creature there.” Thorax replied, pointing at the Atlantic Ocean. After they finished speaking, Bruce turned back to Selina and Gordon. 

“That’s just strange. Bane obviously was killed by Selina while she used my Bat-pod. How is he even still alive?” Bruce whispered. 

“That makes no sense! I saw him lying dead on ground when we fought for Gotham! I killed him myself! There has to be some logical explanation of how he came back! Who even brought him in Equestria? Has he known about it before?” Selina whispered. 

“Believe me, I too demand answers, but right now, we need to formulate a plan to save Equestria and stop Bane! I don’t care what that bug says. Bane is a manipulative scumbag for all I know and care.” Gordon whispered. 

“How are we going to explain to Thorax about what he did to Gotham? We can’t keep him from the truth.” Selina advised. 

“I understand that. In fact, that is exactly what I’m planning to do. He needs to see the real Bane which you both and I knew long ago. He may be asleep like Batman, but soon he will awaken to finish what he had started. I know it.” Bruce said. 

“Who do you think will awaken the Bane we know?” Selina smirked. “Someone we know?” 

“What do you mean? Wait...” Bruce took a moment to realize what she meant. Then he remembered whom she referred to. “Ohhhh...well, when the time is right, he will know.” 

“I’m looking forward to that. The fire rises.” Selina said. 

Several minutes later, they arrived at Wayne Enterprises. Once they got out of the police car, they faced the whole building in all its glory. Thorax gazed on it. “Wooowww...I LOVE IT!! I’m finally able to visit this place!” he squealed. Bruce slightly smiled from his reaction. 

“But wait! What if they see me? They might not like my appearance!” Thorax said. 

“Don’t worry, Thorax. It will be fine. I won’t let them hurt you.” Bruce comforted. 

“Okay. But just in case...” Thorax said, suddenly enveloped in a green flame and changed to a human. He appeared as a teenager with jeans, white T-shirt, sneakers, and black sweater. Gordon and Bruce looked surprised to see him in his alternate form whereas Selina chuckled in amusement from their reaction. 

“I told you, boys. Changelings are great masters of disguise. Plus, he looks decent. That will do.” she said, giving Thorax a thumbs up. 

Thorax blushed from the compliment. “Heh, heh, thanks, Selina. I didn’t think that this disguise would work. But judging on what you humans wear everyday, I thought I would give it a shot.” 

They entered the building through the front doors. As they encountered the security guards, the latter requested their ID. Once the three identified themselves, they cast a curious look at Thorax in disguise. “What’s your name, young man?” one of them asked. 

“My name is Thorax.” he replied. 

“Thorax. Is he your son, Mr. Wayne?” the guard asked him. 

Bruce thought about it before replying back. “Not exactly. He is actually our nephew who is here for the first time. I just like to give him a tour of this place I was once CEO of, right Thorax?” 

“Uhhh, yes! Definitely! I heard so much about that I thought I like to visit here.” Thorax smiled. 

“Interesting. Very well, guys. You may precede. Glad to see you, Commissioner Gordon.” he saluted. 

“Likewise, Michael.” Gordon nodded. 

The four of them entered an elevator. As the doors closed, they were elevated to the fourth floor of the tower. “What is this big box we’re in? I just felt its force pushing us up.” Thorax asked. 

“It’s called an elevator. It can take you to any floor of the building once you push the appropriate button to take you there.” Bruce replied. 

“An elevator...” Thorax repeated. “Nice! So where are we going?” 

“An area to meet the best man of this whole company. Trust me when I say that.” Bruce smirked. 

They reached to the fourth floor. After they exited the elevator, they reached to the CEO’s office. A woman outside greeted them and had them wait in the room to inform her boss. 

“Mr. Fox, we have guests here today who would like to see you.” she informed. 

“Excellent. Bring them in please.” he said. 

Nodding, she brought the four guests to the CEO and left the office to resume her work. He looked up and saw his old comrades before him. “Well, well, Mr. Wayne! Long time no see! Didn’t expect to see you today!” he warmly greeted. 

“Great pleasure to see you again, Lucius!” Bruce said, shaking his hand. 

“Good to see you both as well, Gordon!  Selina!” Fox greeted. He shook their hands in welcome. Then he turned his attention to the young changeling in disguise. “Young man...I don’t think we have met before. What’s your name?” 

“My name is Thorax. It’s good to meet you for the first time, sir.” Thorax nodded. 

“Is he a relative of yours, Mr. Wayne?” Lucius asked. 

“Well, don’t be surprised, Lucius. He isn’t any regular person you see.” Bruce said, beckoning Thorax to change back. Thorax shifted to his normal form, slightly surprising Lucius. 

“Wow...color me surprised. I assume he is one of those ponies who have visited our city from...Equestria as they call it?” he asked. 

“Well, I’m a changeling. Half-pony, half-bug if you will. We came here on a mission to save Equestria from Lord Tirek and his army. Right?” Thorax said.  

“Yes. I need your assistance, Lucius. I know it’s been a long time since we have done something like this, but I have friends there who are in danger. I’m not willing to sit here while they get endangered by the passing second.” Bruce spoke. 

“Wow. It absolutely amazes me, Mr. Wayne. No matter how many times you may try to get away from your calling, the Batman never truly dies. I can clearly see that now.” Lucius observed. 

“Um, who’s Batman?” Thorax asked. 

“We will show you later, Thorax. Come with me.” Lucius directed. He lead them to a secret room downstairs where many sorts of gadgets and armory were stored. Closing the door behind them, he guided them to a  desk. 

“Long ago, I had brought many sorts of new materials for your flexible bat-suit ever since you ventured out into their pony world. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to ask you if you would consider trying them out. But now that you’re here, I finally have the privilege to introduce you to them.” Lucius began. 

“Please do share.” Bruce said. 

“This ought to be interesting.” Gordon muttered. 

Lucius took out several armor plates and silver batarangs. “These are the upgraded Kevlar plates with advanced resistance to magic beams and magical teleportation. So if a unicorn or any other creature tries to levitate you via telekinesis, they will fail trying.” he said. 

“That will surely make my reunion with Twilight quite slower. But I’ll take it.” Bruce muttered. 

“Next, we have these silver batarangs. They are not the normal batarangs you’re accustomed to. They have the unique ability to slice through concrete and metal as well as endure the highest heat levels such as in lava. Plus, they can impede a creature’s magic.” Lucius said, showing him the weapons. 

“Very impressive, Lucius. I’ll take them as they will be needed for the battle that all of us will be involved in. I’m glad you’re still keeping your touch during times like this.” Bruce thanked. 

“Anytime, Mr. Wayne. Before you leave, just remember that no matter what happens, never lose your touch as the Dark Knight. Gotham will always look up to him.” Lucius smiled. 

“Thank you, Lucius.” Bruce smiled back. He grabbed the upgraded equipment and put them in his backpack. Both Lucius and Bruce shook hands. 

As they left the tower and got back in Gordon’s cruiser, the commissioner turned the engine back on and took off. Bruce took his phone out and contacted a close friend of his. “Hey, Blake! How is everything going?” he greeted. 

“Bruce? Is that you? I thought you were dead! It’s been years!” Blake said on the phone. 

“My death was a bit exaggerated, but that was when I thought the Batman should be no more. But guess what? It appears that I can never truly get away from what I was destined to be.” Bruce explained. 

“Well, I’m glad to hear your voice again. What brought you back from the dead at this point in time after so long?” Blake asked. 

“You’ve heard about Equestria and its ponies that used to visit our city from time to time right?” Bruce asked. 

“Yeah, I’ve heard about them although I’ve never met one before. What’s going on?” asked Blake. 

“Equestria is in great danger as our new friend has informed us. We need to get to the bat cave to be thoroughly prepared for what could be the biggest battle Equestria may ever have.” said Bruce. 

“Well, when you say it like that, that does sound quite serious. Mind if I can join in?” Blake asked. 

“Yes, I’m going to need all hands on deck for us to succeed.” Bruce said. 

“Very well. I’ll meet you at the bat cave. Oh, and by the way, call me Robin.” he said, hanging up the phone. 

“Robin, hm? That doesn’t sound like a bad name.” Bruce muttered. 

“Indeed. Better than Boy Wonder at least.” Selina added. 

Bruce then faced Gordon. “I need you to bring half of the police forces with us, including the SWAT team.” Gordon was a bit puzzled from his request. 

“Really? You think those mythical creatures are that dangerous that warrant such forces to be recruited like ours?” Gordon asked. 

“Desperate times require desperate measures, Gordon. Twilight and her friends are in danger. I will not let them be taken away on my watch.” Bruce sternly replied. 

“Very well then. I’ll contact them immediately.” Gordon complied. 

As Gordon was doing that, Bruce faced Thorax who was again flying close outside the passenger window. “Thorax, I have something to tell you that you need to hear.” he said. 

“Okay! What is it?” Thorax asked. 

“Bane and I actually have a history together. You may not believe me, and you may not find it in Bane, but he is a dangerous mastermind who almost destroyed Gotham after he broke my back and killed dozens of people across the city. He even tried to kill Gordon at one time once his hideout was discovered and tore the whole city apart when he released all the criminals from Blackgate Prison. In short, Bane is...EVIL.” Bruce explained. 

Thorax had the mixed look of shock and confusion. His very friend is...an evil man?! Someone who almost destroyed a city of innocent people and murdered people’s lives? He truly couldn’t believe it. “But...but that’s impossible!! He’s my friend! How could he do something terrible like that?! He never told me any of that!” he exclaimed. 

“Listen, I’m not lying to you, Thorax. I have absolutely no reason to. But this is the truth about Bane and what he did. Selina and Gordon know that it is true.” Bruce somberly said. Gordon and Selina nodded in agreement. 

“If that is true, then why didn’t he tell me any of that?” Thorax asked. 

“If he didn’t tell you everything that I shared with you, then that tells me that he is keeping secrets from you and knows that you are against terrorism and tyranny.” Bruce concluded. “He might even trick you to join him in a scheme to retake Gotham. But don’t take my word for it. When you see him again, you confront him and ask him serious questions. Okay?”  

“(Sigh) Okay. I still find this revelation unsettling though.” Thorax admitted. 

“Understandable. Here we are.” Bruce said. They stopped before a waterfall and got out of the vehicle. Thorax shifted to a large umbrella to cover them from the heavy water. After they went through it, he shifted back to his real form and stood by Bruce. 

The bat cave opened up and revealed Robin within it. “Welcome back, Bruce. Selina, Gordon—good to see you both again.” he greeted. They nodded in acknowledgment. Then he faced Thorax. “This is the new friend you mentioned earlier, I presume?” 

“Correct. I trust that my suit is still in preserve?” Bruce asked. 

“Always has been as a memorial of what you were before. But now, it becomes alive again.” Robin smiled. 

He guided them to the inner sections of the bat cave Bruce used to roam around years ago. Gordon, Selina, and Thorax gazed at everything they saw especially Robin’s extra suits, gadgets, vehicles, and so forth. “You’re lucky Bruce gave you all this luxury. I envy you.” Selina said. 

“Our mansion isn’t enough, Selina?” Bruce asked. 

“Just kidding. No need to be offended.” Selina giggled. 

“So this is where all the magic happens. Fascinating.” Gordon noted. 

Then they stood before the iconic bat-pod. Bruce bushed the button that activated a transparent case to rise from the stone on the water. It rose up and revealed the legendary bat-suit. 

“Whoa...who’s the Batman?” Thorax asked. 

“Guess who.” Bruce said. He reached near the case and took the suit.
> Chapter 19: The Dark Knight Returns
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN PONYVILLE


All the surviving ponies in the town were locked up in cages. Every pegasus, earth pony, and unicorn—young and old, filly, colt, mare, and stallion—were in chains. The gargoyles were guarding every cage in the town whereas Tirek and Clavicle were facing the magical cage that held Twilight and her friends. The power-hungry centaur grinned hungrily at the weakened protectors of Equestria. 

“Such a pity to see you in this helpless state of yours, Princess Twilight. Fortunately for me, I have your powerful magic at my disposal.” Tirek taunted. Twilight and her friends were firmly glaring at Tirek in silence. Tirek then generated three orange orbs that had all three pony races in each one. 

“How does it feel knowing that soon every pegasus, unicorn, and earth pony will bow to my will, and that there is nothing you can do to stop it?” Tirek further boasted, slamming the orbs together as glass. 

“You will not prevail, Tirek.” Twilight growled. 

“Ha! A bold claim from a young princess!” Tirek scoffed. “Perhaps you haven’t heard of how I managed to destroy Queen Chrysalis and her weakling army in her own hive! Clavicle here can attest to how easy it was to wipe out their useless existence.” 

Twilight and her friends gasped in horror at the revelation. Clavicle wickedly cackled at their horrified reaction. “Yessss, Chrysalis’s cries of anguish were music to my ears.” he grinned. 

“The princesses will defeat you, muscle head! They’re coming for you!” Rainbow Dash defied. 

“Lord Tirek, we got the princesses and Shining Armor!” a gargoyle shouted. Five gargoyles descended from the sky and revealed the Royal Sisters and Shining in chains. The ponies looked on in shock as they witnessed their rulers being brought before the centaur. 

“You were saying, Rainbow Dash?” Tirek smirked. Rainbow was speechless as her last ray of hope was vanquished before her eyes. 

Tirek then angrily faced his own gargoyle henchmen. “What took you so long? I expected you five to capture these simple ponies immediately!” 

“My apologies, my lord. The alicorns were exceedingly resistant to our commands to fully surrender themselves to us. They were also a heavy challenge to overcome, so I had to use these bracelets on their horns to keep their magic at bay,” one gargoyle replied, pointing to the bracelets on their horns. 

Tirek then angrily punched his troop in the face. “YOU THOUGHTLESS IMBECILE!! I need their magic NOW!! Once those bracelets are taken off, it will take roughly half an hour for their magic to be fully restored!!” he berated. 

“Oh!! S-s-sorry, my liege! I wasn’t thinking right! I was in a rush when I was fighting them! I was just trying to—!” his head got blasted off before he could finish his sentence. His headless body fell down and went limp. 

Tirek’s orange orb between his large horns disappeared once his anger died down. Then he afforded himself a chuckle as he faced the Royal Sisters. “No matter how long it takes for me to take every bit of magic in Equestria, your humiliation is inevitable. How does it feel to be powerless to save all your precious subjects from death and annihilation?” 

“You cannot win, Tirek! You can attack us, and we may fall! But Equestria will still stand, united in friendship! And we won’t stop until we defeat you no matter how many ponies you take down!” Celestia spoke defiantly. 

Tirek laughed heartily in amusement. “You have truly deluded yourself, haven’t you? See, your pride and self-righteousness have led you right at my mercy! You think you can actually stand up against my might and save your pathetic friends? Delusions of grandeur at its finest. That alone tells me that you all are nothing more than arrogant fools who couldn’t lead a pony in poverty, let alone a little filly. Pathetic...” he contemptuously snorted. 

“You’re one to talk, fiend.” hissed Luna. 

Tirek sent a wave of magic at her muzzle to silence her. “Silence! You will not speak unless spoken to!” he yelled. 

Then he turned his attention to the royal widower. “What do you know? The great prince Shining Armor also caught in my net! It is a real shame your wife couldn’t be here today. I would’ve loved to see her face... and to have my fun with her.” Tirek lustfully smirked. 

Shining gritted his teeth in seething anger. “Do NOT speak of her like that again!” 

“What’s the matter, Shining Armor? Jealous that her magic would have been more delicious and satisfying than yours? Oh wait, I almost forgot... she’s dead. Hahahahaha!!” Tirek taunted. 

Shining angrily ignited his horn to shoot at the centaur, but a gargoyle punched him in the stomach and held him to the ground. “Shining, NO!! LEAVE HIM ALONE!!” Twilight shouted with tears on her eyes. 

“When the blood runs hot, a stallion forgets his actions have consequences. Bravery and resilience are one thing, but foolishness and impulsiveness are completely different. You have miserably failed to submit to the former while you systematically succumbed to the latter, Prince Shinning.” Tirek grinned. 

“Stop! You don’t know anything about him! He is my brother who made countless sacrifices to protect Equestria! So have Celestia and Luna!” Twilight defended. Bane stood by as he listened to their discourse and thought on what was being shared from both sides. 

“Is that so, Princess Twilight? If your superiors have indeed made tremendous progress in keeping Equestria in one piece, then you wouldn’t be in your cages, would you? Have they ever considered the time to do something productive besides attending to their selfish desires—besides getting somepony else to do work for them? Hm?” Tirek questioned. 

Dead silence filled the area. Twilight hoped to see their bright spirits of courage still ignited. However, the Royal Sisters and Shining couldn’t say a word of defense for themselves. 

Relishing their looks of guilt and defeat, Tirek motioned his two other gargoyles to bring Shining to him. Once they did so and bent his head to Tirek, the latter quickly drained all his magic while the unicorn winced in pain. After Tirek was finished draining his magic, Shining fell down on the ground weakened. 

“Perhaps another direct measure is required to show you how failure can kill you all.” Tirek said, igniting his horns to execute Shining Armor. 

“NOO!! PLEASE!! STOP!!” Twilight begged. “Brother, no...” she cried with tears soaking her eyes. 

Suddenly, gunshots were heard. Two gargoyles that held Shining had their heads shot through with blood pouring on the dry ground. They fell down dead. Tirek swiftly turned his head to see an approaching army of... bipedal creatures? They got closer and closer on top of a hill over Ponyville until they could be seen by everypony down below. It was an army of SWAT officers and police officers with Commissioner Gordon at their head. Bane beheld them in deep surprise as he immediately recognized them. 

However, two more figures appeared. Selina in her cat-outfit and with her whip slid down the hill with Robin by her side. Once they landed at the bottom of the hill, the all-too-familiar bat-pod sped down hill and passed his two allies. 

The third figure stopped his bat-pod and jumped right out. He landed in front of everypony who were completely dumbfounded and amazed. The gargoyles and Clavicle were very puzzled whereas Twilight and her friends were amazed to see him return after so long. 

“IT’S... IT’S YOU!! YOU CAME BACK!!” Twilight rejoiced. 

“No... that cannot be...” Bane muttered, shocked beyond imagination. His worst enemy—the MAIN source of hatred in his life—is still alive? Here? He even spotted Thorax among the police army. 

The figure surrounded his armored body with his black cape and fiercely glared at the centaur. “Who in the name of Tartarus are you?!” Tirek demanded. 

“I’m Batman.” he said.
> Chapter 20: The Wrath of Tirek
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Batman and his army stood before the large centaur and his army with a piercing glare. Catwoman and Robin stood with him side by side. Robin wore a Kevlar-armored suit similar to Batman’s except he had a yellow R symbol on his chest, held his battle staff in his hand, wore a black and yellow cape, and an eye mask. On the other hand, Thorax held a chest that looked like a treasure box with keyholes. He kept it next to him. 

Tirek angrily glared back at his menacing opponent. “How dare you barge into my territory?! Who do you think you are?!” he bellowed. 

“Uh, Tirek? I don’t think you understand—.” Bane tried to warn. 

“I’ll take care of this nonsense!” Tirek snapped. He turned back to face Batman. “Since you’re obviously not a citizen of this land, I’ll have you know that I am LORD TIREK!! I am the most powerful magic user the whole world has ever seen!! I will rule the entire kingdom of Canterlot and all Equestria, and I will not be intimidated by a wannabe thug who happens to—!” 

A sudden kick to the face interrupted his monologue. The centaur fell to the ground on his back while Batman landed on his chest and looked down on him. “Enough talk. Let’s get nuts.” he growled. 

“As you wish...” Tirek hissed. 

Batman front flipped to a safe area before Tirek could grab him. The latter got back up on his four hooves and took a glance over his shoulder toward his army. “ATTACK!! DESTROY THEM ALL!!” he angrily commanded. The gargoyles roared aloud and flew up in the air to begin their assault on the opposing forces. Batman faced his allies with a determined look on his face. He nodded to Gordon who stood on the hill along with all the police and SWAT forces behind him. 

“EVERYONE ATTACK THE GARGOYLES!! FREE THE CAPTIVES!!” Gordon commanded them. 

“Yes, Sir!” they spoke in unison. They all shouted battle cries like they did during the Battle for Gotham against Bane. To them, it felt very good to relive that heroic moment of their lives when they displayed their police bravery and moral strength. The corrupt and immoral life which most of them lived was drastically changed by beholding the sacrifice of Batman and their devotion for the protection of Gotham. Now, they will manifest that spirit once more to save Equestria. 

They raised their loaded firearms and rifles and aimed at the charging gargoyles. Immediately, guns were loudly blazing with bullets flying off in the air. Dozens of gargoyles were shot dead with their blood spilling out on the ground. However, some of the surviving gargoyles were very agile and fast. Seeing their brethren slain by the police, they managed to swiftly dodge the bullets. The police and gargoyles were then in a fierce battle. 

Dozen other gargoyles charged at Gordon, Catwoman, and Robin. “Here they come!” Robin said, brandishing his battle staff. 

“Hope you’re ready for this.” Catwoman calmly said. She sprinted toward an angry gargoyle. The latter attempted to scratch her with his claws, but she dodged the slash, extended her claws, and slashed him on the chest. 

Then she flipped him over her, twisted his elbows, and snapped his knuckles. He screamed in agonizing pain. Lastly, she jumped on him and dug her sharp heels on his throat, cutting off his oxygen. He feel down dead. 

Two more gargoyles ran forward. “Behind you!” Robin shouted. He threw his battle staff at one of them which knocked him unconscious. The staff spun around to the second one who was knocked out as well. It spun right back to his hand. 

“Thanks.” Catwoman said. 

“Don’t mention it. I’ll hold them off while you help Batman.” Robin ordered. 

“Fine by me.” she said before sprinting off. 

Gordon looked around him to see the police and the other gargoyles duking it out in the battlefield. Suddenly, several creatures came forward in front of him with death glares. Garble, Trixie, Flim, Flam, Gilda, and Lightning Dust were growling in their battle stances while slowly advancing towards him. “Didn’t expect filthy bipedal creatures like you to ruin our fun!” Garble growled. 

“Yeah, you get your butt out of here before you get hurt.” Gilda threatened. 

“On the contrary, the only ones getting hurt will be you.” Gordon spoke, holding his handgun in place. 

“Well, you can’t say we didn’t warn you, stranger!” Flim said. 

“My good brother of mine is correct! Don’t get angry at us for doing what we have to do to get rid of unwanted guests like you!” Flam added. 

Lightning Dust rushed forward with her wings. She flew speedily toward Gordon before he jumped out of the way. She landed on the dirt and faced him again. She dashed at him again, this time ramming him to the air. His gun flew out of his hand as he flew in the air until he crashed down on the ground. Wincing in pain, he got up to see Garble and Gilda flying over him and then flying downward to strike him. 

Tirek faced the Dark Knight as his magic glowed brightly between his horns. He shot his magic at him. Batman jumped out of the way and threw explosive pellets at him. They exploded all over his body; however, the pellets had very little effect on him as the magic he absorbed made him stronger. 

He shot another beam of magic at him. Batman grabbed his grapple gun and shot at the roof of the Mayor’s Hall. He launched upward and stood on top of the building while keeping his eye on the centaur. He observed the orange ball of magic being formed between his horns. 

“So that’s where his magic is coming from.” Batman said. He took out three silver batarangs from his utility belt and held them. 

“You cannot defeat me, warrior! No matter how skilled you may be, I’ll always be superior!!” Tirek boasted. 

Batman then jumped from the rooftop and threw the batarangs directly at his horns. The batarangs impaled his horns as Batman landed on the ground at a safe distance from Tirek. The latter laughed mockingly at him. 

“What a pathetic attempt to strike me at my weakest point! You should have at least gone for my eyes!” Tirek taunted. He attempted once more to obliterate his adversary with his powerful magic. 

However, nothing happened between his horns. Confused, he looked up and saw no orange orb formed at his will. He tried again to generate it. Still, no magic birthed. Then he angrily looked at Batman. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY MAGIC?!” 

Batman smirked at his irritated foe. 

“Your weapons can immobilize my magical capabilities, eh? Fine then. I’ll just destroy you with my bare hands!” Tirek yelled. 

He launched himself at the Dark Knight. Batman jumped up and collied with Tirek’s face as they began to tackle each other on the ground. 

Catwoman slashed two gargoyles across their faces until she wrapped her whip around one of them and body-slammed him against the second gargoyle. She then took her gun out and fatally shot the third gargoyle in the eyes and forehead. His eyeballs burst to blood as he fell on the torn ground. 

She choked the strangled gargoyle with her whip until he stopped breathing. Twilight and her friends were beholding the fights between the heroes and villains dumbfounded and amazed. The alicorn came near the bars of the cage. “Excuse me, ma’am! Over here!” Twilight called. 

Catwoman looked to her right and saw the ponies and Spike trapped inside the cage. “Hey there! You must be Twilight Sparkle, right? Don’t worry, I’ll get you guys out of this cage!” she said. 

“Wait, you know me?! How do you know my name?” Twilight asked. 

“Let’s just say that dear Bruce told me a lot about you six. The other explanations I’ll save for later. I must wonder where is your friend Fluttershy?” Catwoman asked, noticing she was not among them. 

“I don’t know! We only know that something horrible happened to her! We have to find her once we defeat Tirek and his army!” Twilight said. 

“Can you get us out of this cage?” Rainbow asked. 

“I’ll see if I can try!” Catwoman said. She wrapped her whip around the cage. Suddenly, the cage sizzled that nearly electrocuted Catwoman. “This is one feisty cage. Luckily, my suit is electric-proof.” 

“My goodness, darling, your suit makes you so marvelous and gorgeous! I love it!” Rarity commended. “What is your name?” 

“The name’s Selina, but you can call me...Catwoman.” she smirked. 

Gordon dodged every breathe of fire that Garble spewed at him. He saw his handgun several yards from him before Trixie teleported before him. Suddenly, he saw himself surrounded by all six rouges. They evilly laughed in unison. 

“Can’t go anywhere now, can ya? This is going to be your own grave, old bipedal!” Garble taunted. 

“Prepare to be exterminated by the great and powerful Trixie!” she added, charging her horn. 

However, all but Trixie charged at Gordon to tear him to pieces. Waiting at the right moment, he ducked under their legs and sprinted after his gun. “GET HIM!!” Lighting shouted. They ran/flew after their escaping prey. 

“Wait! I thought we were just going to blast him! Ughh!!” Trixie said as she followed them. 

Gordon ran as fast as he could to get his only weapon to defend himself. Just as Garble was going to catch him with his claws, Gordon dived toward his gun and grabbed it. Within a split second, he shot several rounds at his attackers. Three bullets tore through Garble’s skull that splattered his brain matter. The other three struck Lightning’s wings causing her to crash on the ground. 

Gilda quickly stopped herself and saw Garble lying dead on the ground and Lightning Dust severely injured. Angered by this, she sharpened her claws and slashed Gordon’s right arm. “AHHH!!” he yelled in pain. 

“You think you’re so tough, huh?! GET A LOAD OF THIS!!” she screeched. She again scratched Gordon across his chest and back, earning her groans of pain. Gordon struggled to maintain his balance from all the wounds he suffered. 

“Lights out, stupid bipedal!” Gilda boasted. As she raised her claws to kill Gordon, a large sword punctured through her beak. Blood poured out of her mouth like water while her eyeballs rolled back. The sword then retracted before she fell dead on the dirt, revealing Robin. 

“You all right, Commissioner?” Robin asked, extending his hand to him. 

“I’m fine. Great timing though.” Gordon commended, accepting his hand. Robin got him up after the latter retrieved his gun. 

“This isn’t over yet!” Flim said. 

“We are not yet through with you!” Flam added. Trixie stood next to them. 

Before they could do anything to the duo, the SWAT soldiers surrounded them with their guns and rifles and aimed at the three unicorns. “Get on the ground! Get down now! Do not fire your horns! Surrender!!” several of them commanded. 

Flim, Flam, and Trixie looked around them with terrified looks on their faces. Realizing they were outgunned and outnumbered, two of them ceased their aggression and got on their knees. “We surrender! We surrender!” the FlimFlam brothers shouted. 

“The great and powerful Trixie never surrenders!” Trixie defied. Guns then pointed at her head while locked and loaded. 

“The great and powerful Trixie surrenders! Please don’t kill me!” she whimpered. The purple aurora on her horn that had always been ignited flickered off. 

The magical cage trapping Twilight and her friends disappeared, freeing them all. “Hey! We’re all free again! YAYY!!” Pinkie celebrated. 

“Go ahead! You need to get the princesses and Shining Armor to safety! I’ll go help Batman!” Catwoman ordered. The ponies and Spike nodded and went to assist the rulers. Twilight stayed behind. 

“Wait! I want to help you! By helping Batman, I can gain some confidence as a new princess! Please, let me assist you!” Twilight begged. 

“Really? Huh...it appears that my prediction of somepony needing some help in Equestria was correct. Am I that good or what?” Catwoman smirked, after pausing a moment. 

“I’m sorry, what?” Twilight asked, arching an eyebrow. 

“I’ll explain that later. Come on, kid, let’s help daddy beat down that big baddie.” Catwoman said. Smiling brightly, Twilight followed her to accomplish their task. 

Bane was standing by and beholding all the  bloody battle taking place in his eyes. The forces of good and evil were waring with each other, but as for him, he just...didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t even sure as to what side he should be on considering his previous epiphany. It’s either the side he was on or the opposite side which he vehemently opposed and fought against for so long. However, he knew that his final decision had to be quick. 

Thorax flew in front of him with a frown. He also stood on top of the chest he carried with him. “Bane, it’s good to see you again. But I have to ask you a very important question: is it true that you were responsible for all the death and destruction in Gotham City years ago? Didn’t you really terrorize all the Gothamites?” he asked. 

Bane stood bewildered at the sudden knowledge Thorax had. Knowing he never said anything of his past deeds to him and how displeased he would be, he tried to cover it up. “No! Of course not! I see the city is actually making progress to reform! I had done nothing of the sort!” Bane lied. 

Thorax however suspiciously raised an eyebrow at him . “I do remember how distasteful you were of Gotham whenever you talked about it. Now, you’re being positive about it? Do not lie to me, Bane. You should know that friends trust each other.” Thorax sternly reminded. 

Seeing his attempt at deception was futile, he sighed in defeat. “Okay...fine. Everything you said is true. I did bring Gotham to ruins.” Bane confessed. 

“WHY?! How could you do those horrible things to a city full of innocent humans? You see why I never agreed to that type of lifestyle which Chrysalis tried to force me to live? How come you never told me this? I thought we were friends?!” Thorax yelled. 

“We are friends! But you must understand, at that time, I was too arrogant to see the full truth and—!” Bane tried to explain until Clavicle jumped at them menacingly. 

“AHH-HAAA!! I knew it! I knew you couldn’t be trusted! So it was YOU who killed Clawbreak, didn’t you?!” Clavicle accused. 

Bane stood his ground while Thorax hid behind his legs in fear. “Guilty as charged.” he confessed. 

“YOU TRAITOR!! You shall be executed for your treachery, Bane!! And you, Thorax shall be my dinner!! PREPARE TO DIE!!” Clavicle exclaimed with his fangs displayed. 

Bane held Thorax close as he prepared himself to fight his then-former ally.    Suddenly, a zooming creature flew by and latched itself on Clavicle’s head. “Ahhhh!! GET OFF ME!!” he screamed. The creature unleashed its sharp teeth and tore off Clavicle’s skin from his face. It then ripped off his brain, cheek bone, tongue, and both eyes. Green blood soaked the grass beneath him. His whole body fell limp. 

The creature hissed violently at Bane and Thorax until it flew off. The duo looked a bit spooked and shaken by what they just witnessed. “What...was that creature?” they both asked in unison. 

Tirek grabbed Batman’s whole body and threw him against a house, causing it to crumble to pieces. Batman got out of the rubble and threw more explosive pellets toward his face. The exploding pellets only distracted Tirek as he tried to wave off the smoke from his face. 

Batman then wrapped a rope around Tirek’s hooves and tried to trip him over. Unfortunately, Tirek’s might was too much for the rope. He easily snapped the rope in half and grabbed Batman again. He slammed him on the ground and punched him repeatedly. Then he lifted him up and tossed him across the town. 

“You are a fool to stand against me! This is what happens when someone tries to face me while I possess the ultimate power that Equestria will tremble towards!!” Tirek declared. 

He once more seized Batman and held him with his mighty hooves. He closed his red fists and raised them high up. “Prepare to meet your maker!!” he evilly smiled. Batman desperately tried to reach to his utility belt but his hands were stuck under Tirek’s hooves. 

Before Tirek could kill Batman, the same deadly creature smote Tirek on the face and enveloped him with its dark magic. “WHAT?!? WHAT IS THIS TRICKERY?!? NO! NO! NOOOOOOO!!!!!” Tirek screamed in agony and pain as the twirling magic consumed his whole body, causing an explosion in the midst of Ponyville. 

Batman managed to jump out of the explosion. Once the fire and the smoke quenched, all that remained of Tirek was his skeleton in its skinny and weak form. All the magic he stole returned to the surviving ponies including Shining Armor. The magic he got from creatures he killed vanished to thin air, never to exist. 

Catwoman and Twilight rejoined Batman and saw Tirek’s remains. “BATMAN!! I’m sooooo glad you’re okay!!” Twilight yelled, hugging Batman tightly and kissing him on the cheek. 

“Twilight...it’s good to see you too...but not in front of her.” Batman admonished. Twilight glanced over to Catwoman and blushed in embarrassment. 

“Oh, sorry.” Twilight smiled sheepishly. 

“What happened to that big guy?” Catwoman asked. Suddenly, the creature landed before them and growled monstrously. 

All three of them gasped as they recognized who exactly that creature was. They couldn’t believe it with their own eyes. “Fl—Fluttershy?! Is that YOU?!” Twilight exclaimed.
> Chapter 21: Fluttershy’s Reform
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy, in her demon form, hissed as she slowly advanced toward Twilight, Batman, and Catwoman. The darkness behind her back twirled around her body. Her eyes glowed dark purple as she fiercely glared at the three, mostly at Batman. “You monster...YOU FIEND!!! You ruined my life; you defiled my conscience; you took away every single energy I ever had! Thanks to you, I AM NOTHING!!!” she wrathfully bellowed. 

Her screams shook the whole torn town. The last remaining gargoyles and the police were shaken by the demonic voice. Once it died down, they resumed their battle with each other. Still shocked by her changed appearance, Twilight drew a little closer to her corrupted friend. “Fluttershy, what happened to you? What is going on?!” she asked. 

“Do NOT call me that hideous name!! Fluttershy is dead! She was a dumb loser who thought it was a good idea to kill her best friend mercilessly. I’m going to wipe the floor with you fools to erase all memories of her!” Demonshy spoke. 

“No! This isn’t who you are! I know Fluttershy is still inside somewhere!” Twilight pleaded. 

Batman took a moment to observe Demonshy’s hostility and aggression. Then he realized how exactly she turned that way. “Twilight, it was her strong guilt that clouded her judgment. Her prominent role in Discord’s demise drove her to insanity and endless depression. It appears that she will do anything to forget that tragic incident that nearly broke us that night...including her.” Batman said. 

“Wait...she killed Discord, the Lord of Chaos? Wow...you girls really went beyond Batman’s limit. I’m very impressed.” Catwoman smiled. Batman slightly glared at her. 

“What? I’m just saying they did something...unorthodox. That’s all.” Catwoman clarified. 

“ENOUGH!! I will kill you all!!” Demonshy screamed. She spewed beams of dark magic from her mouth. Batman stood in front of Catwoman and Twilight and blocked the deadly beam with his magic-proof armor. 

“Fluttershy, stop now!! You will only hurt yourself more!” Batman pleaded. 

“Never! I’m taking you down, bat-loser!” the demented pegasus yelled, lunging directly at the Dark Knight. 

Twilight jumped between them both and tackled her friend on the ground in a desperate attempt to subdue her and protect her other friends. Catwoman took out her whip and wrapped it around Demonshy. The pegasus ferociously struggled to release herself, but the three heroes restrained her movements by holding her wings and hooves. 

“Fluttershy! Please! Listen to us! We don’t want to hurt you! I don’t want to hurt you!” Twilight again reasoned with her. Nevertheless, the darkness kept enveloping its victim; almost as if it refuses to let Fluttershy go from its powerful bonds. 

“She is DEAD! I killed her! Her misery will be forever forgotten once I’m finished here!” Demonshy cried, pushing all three individuals with her magic off of her. She flew in the air and growled like a lion. She then gnashed at them with her canine teeth to further intimidate them. 

She then spewed purple fire from her muzzle right toward Batman, Twilight, and Catwoman. The brave alicorn shielded them all with her magic shield causing all the fire to pass around the shield. Demonshy then bashed her head against the shield. “This stupid shield...won’t...stop MEEE!!” she angrily roared.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Shining Armor, Celestia, and Luna had shocking looks as they witnessed the escalating confrontation between them four. “Come on! We gotta help our friends over there!” Rainbow said. 

“Wait. Let them handle this. They got this. They will find a way to bring her back to normal.” Robin advised. 

Rainbow looked up at him in confusion seeing a new bipedal creature in Equestria. “Umm, who are you?” she asked. 

“I’m Robin, the new protector of Gotham City. I guess I’m now Batman’s partner since he is back in the game.” Robin smiled. 

“Marvelous design, Robin! I also love your cape! It looks absolutely splendid!” Rarity praised, holding his cape with her magic. 

“Thanks. It’s high density polarized titanium, ten times stronger than steel.” said Robin. 

“Fascinating!” Rarity said. “Oh, and I like that mask as well! It makes you look very mysterious!” 

Robin had a puzzled look at her before turning to the other ponies and dragon. “Is...she always like this?” he asked. 

“Ehhh, you get used to it. She adores fashion after all.” Pinkie shrugged. 

“Hmmm, that makes sense.” Robin nodded. 

Demonshy finished her breathing of purple fire. She flew up in the sky and rammed against the shield with brute force. Her massive strike broke Twilight’s shield to pieces. Once they were exposed to her again, Batman took out four silver batarangs and held them behind his back to see what the demonic pegasus would do next. 

She growled angrily at the trio before flying right at them for a direct assault. At that moment, Batman threw the four batarangs at her wings and front hooves. They impaled her directly at the same areas he aimed at. She screamed in pain from the attack. “AHHHHHH!!!” 

As she fell on the ground and writhed in agony, Batman, Twilight, and Catwoman rushed to her and held her down on the ground so she would not constantly move around. “LET ME GO, YOU MONSTERS!! I’LL DESTROY YOU ALL!!” Demonshy violently threatened. 

“No! We’re not leaving you alone! We want to help you! You have to come back, Fluttershy! Please!!” Twilight begged. 

“Why should you help me?! I am a worthless pony who carelessly puts her feelings before her best friends!! Batman drove me to this!!” Demonshy accused, pointing at Batman. 

“I did not drive you to madness, Fluttershy. The problem was that The Joker indirectly severed the relationship between you and Discord. He converted him back to his old ways, and let him do all sorts of chaos and destruction in Equestria which broke your heart and drove you to make a hard decision that would save Equestria. I know what it’s like, my friend.” Batman explained. 

“Harvey Dent was my best friend, a close ally much like how Gordon is. He was Gotham’s White Knight until The Joker ruined him and brought him down to his level. When he threatened to kill Gordon’s son, I had no choice but to take him down to save Gordon’s son’s life. Harvey died in the process. Did I allow it to becloud my judgement? No. Was I discouraged? Of course. But I still had hope...hope for better things to come.” Batman finished. 

Demonshy somewhat softened her resistance and listened to everything that Batman shared. Once he finished his speech, she raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “If that was how you reacted to that situation, then what makes you think I’ll do the same? How can I pull myself from the mess I’m in?! I’m just so...terrible!! I have no hope anymore!!” she yelled. 

“You just need to remember all the accomplishments you have done in the past, kid.” Catwomam advised. “Look, I too lost all hope when Gotham was under siege by Bane years ago even though I didn’t want to admit it. Bruce reminded me of my true worth and how I could improve myself.” she said, holding Batman’s hand affectionately. “It’s how I helped him save the city.” 

“Even though Discord is gone, you still have us, Fluttershy. We still love you and always will love you. We will always be there for you no matter what comes in our way. Friendship...is magic.” Twilight smiled, extending her hoof to her. 

Demonshy was very uncertain at first as she looked at her hoof. Then considering everything they said to her, her emotions were beginning to fill her heart. All the bonds she made with her friends were truly dear to her and would not have them meet the same fate as Discord. Tears falling from her eyes, she accepted Twilight’s hoof. At that moment, all the darkness vanished from sight and the pegasus returned to her true normal form. 

“I love you too, Twilight. You too, Batman.” she said, smiling brightly. She embraced both Twilight and Batman as she began to cry. “I’m so sorry for the mean things I’ve done to you. Please forgive me.” 

“We forgive you, Fluttershy. We’re still friends.” Twilight said, smiling warmly. The other four ponies and Spike along with Robin saw this and rejoiced over Fluttershy’s reform. 

“YAYYY!! Group hug!!” Pinkie shouted. They all came forward and joined in the hug. 

After the rest of the gargoyles were defeated and killed, the police forces reunited with Gordon as they had seemingly won the battle. “I think we did it, sir. We won!!” a police officer said. 

“It would seem that way.” said Gordon. 

Bane came forward and eyed Gordon. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the great Commissioner James Gordon! A great surprise to see you I must say.” he said. 

Gordon was startled to see him again. Seeing him in his unharmed healthy look even though he was killed years ago in Gotham was just a mystery to him. Gordon pointed his gun at the villain. “What are you doing here? Were you helping that Tirek guy to take over Equestria?” he demanded. 

“Yes, I was. Helping a friend to vindicate a just cause is always a blessing.” Bane said, despite the feelings he had earlier. However, he had no clue of the most shocking truth he would ever hear that might make it all change. 

“Seriously, Bane?! You helped him?! Behind my back?! How could you do such a thing?!” Thorax shouted in shock. 

“Don’t you at least have a fear of ponies? What if they did some horrible things to your friends in the past? They could be what Tirek described them as.” excused Bane. “Besides, this necklace he gave me was a sign of his gratitude and loyalty.” 

“That may be true, but you have never met or talked with any one of those ponies! How could you know for sure they are like the Gothamites back there?” Thorax asked. 

Bane thought on the logic of that statement before turning to Thorax. “Perhaps you are correct. Now, I still have one question in mind for Mr. Gordon.” he said, turning to the Commissioner. “Where is Talia? I know you imprisoned her, so where is she?” Bane demanded. He was hoping she was still alive. 

Gordon then made a fearful expression as he knew right away the consequences that will follow if he tells him the truth. He remembered his role of covering up Harvey Dent’s crimes and was determined to not make the same mistake again. He was ready to defend himself for the protection of Gotham and even Equestria. 

“I regret to say this, but—(clears throat)—Taila...is...dead.” Gordon confessed. 

The exact moment those dreadful words slipped out of his mouth and struck Bane’s ears, Bane widened his eyes in extreme shock and terror. His actual friend whom he desperately saved from the murderous thugs in the prison eons ago and whom he dearly loved...was DEAD?? He wished he did not hear those words that would haunt him forever. His ultimate task...had failed. 

“WHAT?!??!?!? NOOOOOO!!!!!!” Bane shrieked. 

After Batman and his friends broke the group hug, they looked around Ponyville and saw everypony happy with their magic back and the princesses coming to them. The silver bracelets were removed by Shining Armor, and they had their magic fully restored. “Well done, everyone. I’m very pleased to see Batman back. My sister and I are very grateful for the work you have done in saving Equestria.” Celestia commended. 

“And I see you have brought new friends here too. Pleased to meet you both.” Luna nodded to Robin and Catwoman. They nodded in acknowledgment. 

“It’s not over yet. I have still yet to apprehend Bane.” Batman said. 

“AND FACE ME TOO!!” a dark voice called out. Suddenly, the Lurking Phantom arose from the torn ground and smiled wickedly at the amazed ponies and heroes.  “Hello again!” 

“It’s that phantom again!” Applejack said. 

“Get back!” Robin ordered. The Mane Six and Spike got behind Batman while the latter faced the villain. 

“Who are you?” Batman asked. 

“Don’t you remember me, old pal? The times we fought together and our battles together? Surely, you wouldn’t forget your archenemy now, would you...Batsy?” the Phantom asked with a familiar voice and tone. 

Batman immediately recognized the voice and widened his eyes at the revelation. “No...it can’t be...” he muttered. 

The Phantom laughed maniacally while he formed a Glasgow smile on his face. “YESS!! It is I! Yours truly, The Clown Prince of Crime in his true form! Hahahahahahahaha!!!!” Joker laughed. 

“HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?! Batman killed you!” Twilight yelled, shivering in fear. 

Fluttershy covered her face with her pink hair to avoid looking at the very one who broke her life. “This can’t be happening! This can’t be happening!” Spike said. 

“But it is, little dragon!! If you’re so dying to know, then allow me to show you how exactly everything happened.” Joker said, showcasing a panoramic picture of the events that happened before.
> Chapter 22: Flashbacks and Tests
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

YEARS AGO

Within the crystal caverns of the Canterlot castle, there laid a casket in the middle of the darkened room. It was surrounded by several dozen guards who awaited the princesses’ orders of what to do with what the casket held. Within the casket was a cold, rotten corpse whose head had a frightening makeup with Glasgow scars over the face’s lips.   

At that moment, an echoing laugh emitted from his forehead although the guards couldn’t hear it. The still, small laugh soon stopped. A dark shadow arose within the casket over the body along with a demonic smile. Its eyes were crimson red, and it raised claw-like hands with a gesture of scaring someone. 

“Ahhh, it really warms my dark soul knowing I have made the greatest accomplishment of my life: turning Batman against his own code.” the shadow spoke. Then it looked down on the body. “Look how handsome I am! The great Joker has finally managed to break Batsy the second time. A world record I say!” 

Moments later, The Joker exited the casket and looked over the waiting guards with a sinister smile; the guards failed to notice a dark shadow that appeared on a ceiling above them. The princesses then appeared before them with grim looks on their faces. The rulers nodded to them their silent command. 

Accepting the order, the guards picked up the casket with their magic (since they were unicorns) and slowly trotted to the exit where the Royal Sisters were standing. The shadow spirit was then left alone once they fully departed from the area. He then grew to his full phantom form. “My, my, my, I do truly wonder what they plan to do with my body. Out I go!” The Joker said. He began to slither himself away like a snake and escaped the caverns. 

As he got outside the castle, he noticed the blue sky contained a shining sun and singing birds. He looked around Canterlot City until he spotted something fascinating within it. All the ponies were gathering around his empty body which was out of the casket and tied to a pile of sticks and hay. 

Among the gathered ponies were the Mane Six, Spike, Mayor Mare, Shining Armor, the Royal Sisters, and all the Ponyville residents. Fluttershy was standing far away from the body and barely even looked at it. Although their deadly enemy who terrorized Equestria and threatened its safety was dead, she was still not in the mood for any form of celebration. The Joker carefully scrutinized her attitude and emotions. 

“Hmmmm, that yellow pegasus doesn’t look very jolly and all. I wonder what’s eating her up. Haha, get it? Eating her up? Like eaten by depression like you get eaten by an alligator? Hahahahaha!!” Joker laughed hysterically. 

Twilight and her friends—minus Fluttershy—picked up their torches and drew close to the corpse. Then they lowered their torches and set the body on fire. The ponies cheered in victory as they beheld the public cremation of the Clown Prince of Crime. 

Applejack went to Fluttershy and wrapped her hoof around her neck to comfort her. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. Just be happy that Joker is finally gone. Though we might’ve brutally destroyed Discord, that was for the safety of Equestria. Be proud, okay?” she smiled. Fluttershy only nodded in silence with tears on her eyes. 

“Ahhhh, it’s her guilt in participating in Discord’s death, I see. I think that will be a great opportunity for me to get back on those annoying ponies. Now for my grand visit in Gotham City.” Joker planned. As he wickedly laughed, he vanished from the sky. 

 AFTER BATMAN’S “DEATH”

The Joker Phantom slithered across the streets of Gotham as he sought for any signs of trouble he could use for his advantage. “Ughhh, boy. These past eight years of tempting and manipulating people as a spirit does get boring sometimes. It would be far better if I were flesh and blood again.” he said. 

He then started to chuckle to himself. “Oh yes, I forgot...” he said, transforming to his old body again. He looked at himself and saw he wore the same clothing and makeup he had before. “Yesss, I love the good old me.” Then he noticed the streets of Gotham were empty. 

“Hm? What’s this? Oh yes! The part where Batman sacrificed himself to save Gotham from the bomb Bane created? Haha! Poor Batsy is so predictable as he always was. Let’s see if there are any survivors.” said Joker. 

He continued wandering across the streets until he spotted a body lying on the floor in a building. Curious, he entered through the broken doors and saw the wounded body. It was Bane. The Joker deviously grinned as he bent over him. “Look how the mighty has fallen in the midst of battle.” he said.  Suddenly, he got an idea. 

“Say...I wonder if you can get a boost of your confidence and strength if I heal you and have you exact chaos in Equestria? I’ll make sure to have you seek some help there to make sure those ponies get what they truly deserve.” Joker smirked. He preceded to heal Bane’s open wound on his chest and cured all the injuries he got from Catwoman’s blast of the Bat-pod and his battle with Batman. 

Once he finished, he took Bane, morphed to his phantom form, and flew all the way to the Atlantic Ocean over the whirlpool portal. He descended into the portal and entered the Everfree Forest. However, he didn’t stop there. He continued his journey to a place far away from Ponyville. 

Arriving in a strange desert, he laid Bane’s unconscious body on the sandy ground. He then eyed the changeling hive with a dark grin. “Once he awakes here, there will be a centaur who could be useful for him. I heard he escaped from Tartarus with some help. Knowing his past and personality, I know Tirek can be helpful to him. Soon, those ponies won’t be able to stand on all four hooves.” Joker evilly chuckled. 

He disappeared from the area, leaving Bane alone. Thus, those events have led up to what the prologue had showcased. 

THE PRESENT TIME 

The heroes gasped at everything The Phantom had revealed to them. “So you see, Basty, I had everything planned from the start. After witnessing Talia’s death at your hands, I knew for a fact he would be very upset with you if he were to see that. Speaking of which...” he said, seeing the enraged Bane approach Batman. 

“You...you MURDERED Talia after my death?! Did you?!” Bane accused. 

Batman lowered his head and closed his fists. “I’m sorry, Bane. I did what I had to to save Gotham.” he said. 

Bane screamed in rage and ran at the Dark Knight to kill him. But Thorax flew in front of him and stopped him from attacking Batman. “BANE, STOP!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?” Thorax yelled. 

“GET OUT OF MY WAY, THORAX!! I HAVE A FRIEND TO AVENGE!!” Bane bellowed. 

“No! Revenge will never bring back your friend! That’s not the way we settle scores!” Thorax rebuked. 

“Do you believe him, Bane? You value your friendship with him, don’t you? Or do you value the deep friendship you had with dear beautiful Talia when she was alive?” The Joker-Phantom asked. “Which will it be, hm? Thorax or Talia? Two ts!” 

Bane thought hard on his decision. One was Thorax who was very nice and had a close bond with him since the day they met. The other was the one whom he nearly spent almost all of his life with as her friend and protector—the one whom he saved and served that earned him a lifetime of pain and suffering. 

Of course, it didn’t take long for him as he made a logical decision. “I’m sorry, Thorax. But I will do what I must...to avenge her death...for Ra’s Al Ghul’s sake.” Bane concluded. He pushed Thorax out of the way and faced Batman. 

“BANE! NOOO!!” Thorax cried. 

“Bane, Talia is dead. Get over it. Move on and be satisfied with what you have! The war is over!” Batman pleaded. 

“NEVER!!” Bane rejected. But before he could engage Batman in another duel, the Lurking Phantom stopped him.  

“Hold your horses, big boy. I have another test to give.” he said, looking at Fluttershy. He drew close to her with a toothy grin. “So, my dear, you see how you managed to destroy the Crystal Empire that easily with the darkness that took hold of you? I perfected it with my darkness of course!” 

Fluttershy started to slowly cry again as she was reminded of the destruction she caused in the Crystal Empire. “That’s right, Fluttershy. Think of all the horrible deeds you have caused. All the innocent lives who killed and ate each other—all the destruction and the deaths, the Crystal Heart—all because of YOU. This is all your FAULT.” The Phantom said. 

Fluttershy already had a terrifying realization of what she caused to happen in the Empire. Knowing very well that it should be a barren, frozen land with no survivors by now, she had a bitter taste of what her life would be going forward. The Phantom hoped that this reminder would break Fluttershy’s spirit again. 

However, Fluttershy stopped crying and glared at The Joker. Her eyes had a rainbow flash right through her iris as her element spirit was activated. “Joker, I know I have made grave mistakes. I realize the consequences of what I have done. But instead of lamenting over my failures, I will own it like a mare I am and make up for all the mistakes I’ve made! I am Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness!” she spoke. 

“It would be unkind of me to just learn from my mistakes and yet not apply them. Going forward, I will stand up for what is right and do everything I can to make everypony happy again! And YOU. ARE. NOT. WELCOME HERE!!!!” she finished. All her friends cheered for her and were happy for her. 

“Well spoken, Fluttershy.” Batman slightly smiled. 

Fluttershy then turned to Shining Armor. “Whenever you need me to help rebuild the Crystal Empire, I’ll be available.” she said. 

“I will definitely appreciate that, Fluttershy.” Shining said. 

The Phantom then got angry and glared at her. “That...is NOT funny.” he growled. He shot his beam of dark magic at Bane who screamed in pain from the impact. “Time for the big guns.” 

Bane continued to groan in pain as he suddenly started to have his muscles expand and grow abnormally. He grew in bigger size with every single vein of his body revealed on his exposed skin. His coat was ripped in half, and strange tubes appeared around his arms and back which injected a strong venom in his blood stream that gave him that superhuman power. 

Once he was done, he looked over Batman and the ponies with fiery hate in his eyes. “It’s clobbering time.” Bane said, smashing his fists together.
> Chapter 23: The Endgame of Friendship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bane uttered a war cry once he smashed his two fists on where Batman stood. However, Batman jumped out of the way before Bane could crush him. He then threw his regular batarangs at the villain. Bane stood there while the batarangs crashed against his body and shattered to pieces. Bane laughed as he proudly flexed his muscles. 

“Your gadgets are powerless against the power I now possess, Mr. Wayne.” Bane bragged. “I broke your back once. This time, I will break you...in half.” He then rushed toward the Dark Knight to strike another blow. 

Celestia and Luna stepped in front of him and fired their combined magic beam toward the monster. The beam struck him on the chest, but it only annoyed him as it did very little damage on him. 

“Everypony! ATTACK!!” Celestia ordered. All the unicorns fired their magic beams as well at Bane while the other ponies evacuated the area. 

“Might as well enjoy the fun! Hahahahaha!!” Joker laughed. He arose in the air and sent waves of shadowy magic at Batman and his friends. He, Robin, and Catwoman grabbed the Mane Six and Spike out of harm’s way. 

After they put them down in a safe place, Batman faced them with a stern face. “We have to split up in order to engage Joker and Bane. Even though we may be many, their power are greater than ours.” Batman said. 

Twilight caught something with her eye. She looked behind Batman and saw a chest right below the hill were several SWAT officers were guarding the FlimFlam brothers, Lightning Dust, and Trixie. Surprised by its appearance in Ponyville instead of the Everfree Forest, Twilight levitated the chest with her magic and brought it over to them. Her friends were surprised as well. 

Batman raised an eyebrow as he eyed the chest. “What is that?” he asked 

“That’s the chest which used to be right under the Tree of Harmony! It has six lock holes that requires six keys to unlock whatever is in that chest.” Twilight explained. 

“Hmm, do you think it can help us defeat Joker and Bane?” Robin asked. 

“I hope so. I feel as if this is our only chance in defeating those monsters and saving Equestria.” Twilight said. 

Suddenly, a loud crash arrested their attention. Several Royal Guards were flying in the air while screaming in terror. They crashed against a house in Ponyville, and fell down unconscious. Bane pounded on his chest like a gorilla and jumped high on another house. “What’s the matter, Batman? To afraid to ask for my permission to die?!” he taunted.

“You seven figure out how to open the chest. Selina, Robin, and I will hold them off to buy you some time!” Batman ordered. The three heroes then rushed out to the open to hold off the Phantom and Bane. 

Joker flew high up in the air and spun around in a circle. The darkness expanded all across the sky and all over Equestria. Thunder and lightning bolts filled the black clouds. He even shot himself from one section of the atmosphere to another to fill the entire planet with darkness. Once he accomplished filling the whole world of Equus with his darkness, he descended from the sky to Ponyville. 

The Mane Six looked up and saw everything that The Joker did to the sky. Realizing what little time they had, they needed to act fast before things could get any worse. They surrounded the chest and discussed what they needed to do. 

“We need to figure out how we can open this chest.” Twilight said. After about fifteen seconds of thinking, she got an idea. “I did some research recently at the Castle of the Two Sisters on our journal, and there’s something interesting about those sections which I bookmarked.” 

Twilight teleported a journal from her library to her. She opened it to the exact page she bookmarked. Then she turned to the farm pony. “Applejack, do you remember when you had to tell everypony that the curative tonic of the FlimFlam brothers didn’t really work?” she asked. 

“How could I forget? It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.” Applejack recalled, wincing from the memory of exposing the scammers of their act. “I didn’t really want to ruin Granny Smith’s fun time, but in that moment, I knew I had to be honest. I just knew it. But what does this have to do with opening the chest?” 

“Each of you had to face a situation. The harmony you represent wasn’t easy. Fluttershy, it was the way you showed kindness to the breezies by forcing them to leave your home.” Twilight said. Fluttershy recalled in sadness of what she had to do during that time. 

“Oh, the looks on their poor little faces!” Fluttershy said, frowning to herself. “But difficult as it was, pushing them away was the kindest thing I can do.” 

“Rarity, even after Suri took advantage of your generosity at the Fashion Week at Manehatten, you didn’t let it cause you to abandon your generous spirit.” said Twilight. Rarity nodded in agreement as it was correct. 

“I simply couldn’t have lived with myself if I didn’t do something special for all my friends have ever been so generous to me.” Rarity smiled. 

Another loud crash interrupted their conversation. Batman threw many explosive pellets at Bane which were ineffective on him. They exploded without damaging him. Bane grabbed his legs and threw him to the other side of town. 

Luna was able to save him by levitating him over to her and Celestia. Once the three united, they resumed their fight with Bane while Catwoman and Robin fought against the Lurking Phantom. The Mane Six continued their talk inside a half-demolished house. 

“Rainbow Dash, you had the chance to fly with the Wonderbolts at the Equestria Games. But instead, you chose to compete with your friends.” Twilight said to her. 

Rainbow smiled proudly at that. “Being loyal to my friends was—!” Pinkie popped in front of her eagerly before the pegasus could finish. 

“Oh! Oh! My turn, my turn!” Pinkie said. 

“Pinkie Pie, you realized that seeing your friends laugh was more important than proving you were a better party planner than Cheese Sandwich.” Twilight said. 

“Best party I ever had!” Rainbow said. 

“It’s clear we’ve had our moments to shine Twilight, but I’m with Applejack on this. What does any of this have to do with opening the chest?” Rarity asked. The rest wondered the same thing. 

“All of you had tough choices to make, but when you made the right choice and embraced your element, it helped somepony else make the right choice as well. Each of you received something from those whose life you helped change.” Twilight explained. “I know it sounds crazy, but maybe there’s something special about them that could lead us to the location of the keys.” 

“The chest is connected to Tree of Harmony, and the Tree is connected to the elements. Plus, the elements are connected to us. There has to be a connection!” Twilight realized. 

“But how? The elements are destroyed along with the Tree of Harmony! How can  we stop those villains if we don’t have the elements?” Spike asked. 

“I don’t know, but finding the keys can be our only chance of victory. Come on! We need to grab those objects and figure something out! Bruce can’t hold them off much longer!” Twilight ordered. Her friends huddled together before Twilight teleported them all out of Ponyville. 

Bane punched away Celestia and Luna and kicked away Batman. The Joker blasted his magic beams at the Dark Knight, but the latter deflected the blasts with his armor and threw the silver batarangs at him. They electrocuted the Phantom which forced him to kneel his ghostly legs on the ground. 

Just before the Caped Crusader could strike him any further, Bane grabbed him in a chokehold and attempted to cut off his oxygen. “It’s way past your bedtime, Batman. Go to sleep.” he growled. 

“I’m not even tired yet.” Batman hissed, taking out his pepper spray. He sprayed him on the eyes, forcing Bane to release him. He covered his eyes as he wailed in pain. 

“You’ll regret that!” Bane threatened. He dashed after him to prevent him from escaping him. 

The Joker rose up in his shadow form and summoned lightning strikes to fall on the ponies. Shining Armor and the guards had to jump out of the way to avoid the deadly strikes. Celestia and Luna kept firing their beams at Joker and Bane as they too tried to buy the Mane Six more time. 


IN THE EVERFREE FOREST


“I don’t see anything on them that can give us clues as to where the keys might be. They’re just...ordinary, everyday objects.” Twilight said, looking at the five things they brought over: a Boneless doll, a bit, a rainbow-colored string, a Wonderbolt badge, and a blue flower. 

“Come on, Boneless! GIVE US THAT KEY!” Pinkie demanded, shaking the doll up and down. 

“I don’t think that’s going to work.” Twilight said. 

Once Pinkie threw Boneless at the chest in frustration, the chest magically transformed the doll into a golden, tri-balloon-shaped key and inserted it into the appropriate lock hole. The Mane Six gasped at the sight. That gave them a clear idea of what those objects were meant to do. They WERE the keys. 

Thus, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rairty put their respective objects on the chest. Then it turned the remaining four items into their elemental keys and inserted them into their lock holes as well, leaving a T-shaped lock hole left. “There’s still one key missing—the one that represents the element of magic.” Twilight frowned. “My element...” 

“Oh, but I’m sure that if we have gotten our keys, you have too, Twilight.” Fluttershy said. 

“Think, Twilight. When you have completed a difficult, magical task, and in doing so, encourage another pony to do the same!” Rarity said, stroking Spike’s head. 

“I haven’t! If I had, I would’ve written about it in the journal!” Twilight said. 

“Don’t worry, Twilight. You will get your key eventually.” Spike assured. 

“There won’t be an ‘eventually’ because time is running out!!” a strange voice called out. The Mane Six looked up and saw Thorax fly down to them. They were frightened at first because they haven’t seen changelings his size since the time they defeated Chrysalis at Shining Armor’s royal wedding. 

“Ahh! Another changeling!” Rarity screamed. 

“Who are you?! What are you doing here?!” Twilight demanded, charging her horn to defend herself. 

“Don’t worry, I am not going to hurt you! My name is Thorax, a good changeling! I’m here to help you!” Thorax said. 

Applejack arched an eyebrow in skeptically. “How do ah know you’re tellin’ the truth and not bein’ a spy for The Joker?” she asked. 

“Honest, I am NOT working for that lunatic. Listen, I am the one who brought that chest from the Tree’s remains when I, Batman, and his friends came from Gotham to stop Tirek and his army. I thought it had something that could be powerful enough to stop him. But since they are dead, and Joker and Bane are working together, I think we need to discover its secret now more than ever.” Thorax explained. 

Twilight and her friends looked at each other before they nodded approvingly. Her horn stopped glowing and drew close to Thorax. “Okay, Thorax. I think you’re telling the truth. I’m Twilight Sparkle by the way, and these are my friends.” she introduced, pointing to her friends. They waved at Thorax and smiled. 

“Pleasure to meet you, Twilight Sparkle.” Thorax said. 

“So you’re actually friends with Batman and his gang? That’s so awesome!” Rainbow said. “When did you guys meet?” 

“I’ll explain that later. Right now, we need to save Equestria before it’s too late! We have to find that one last key to open that chest!” Thorax reminded. 

“How can we find my key? Ever since I became a new princess, I never felt any significance of my true purpose in that role! You guys all had your moments to shine...but I never did. I don’t know what else to do.” Twilight said, beginning to cry.

Then she realized something she constantly ignored: the friendship that strengthened her during she had with her friends...even with Batman. Even during trials and times of danger, she still kept that bond dear in her heart no matter how strong the situation was. With that, she smiled at the realization and wiped her tears off.  

Thorax had to think of a solution as the stakes were high. Suddenly, he remembered Bane saying to him that Tirek gave to him a necklace. He remembered him saying that it was a sign of friendship between him and Tirek both. Then it clicked in his mind. Turning to Twilight, he formed a smile. 

“Twilight, I think I have a clue where your key may be.” he said. 

“You do?” she asked. 

“Yep! Follow me!” Thorax said. 

“Wait! I can teleport us back.” Twilight said. They all huddled again as she teleported them all back to the ravaged town. 


BACK IN PONYVILLE


Batman threw punch after punch after punch at Bane’s face. Nevertheless, they were also ineffective on the beast. He easily swatted him like a fly, causing Batman to crash against a wall of the house. He jumped high in the air and landed thunderously on the ground. 

He grabbed his cape and swung him around until he slammed him on a water fountain. Breaking the fountain to smithereens, he picked him back up and uppercutted him without giving him time to recover from the blows. 

Batman landed hard on the dirt and coughed out blood. Bane wickedly grinned as he saw his victory reaching to its satisfying climax. “The mighty Dark Knight has fallen once again. It is truly a pity it has to end this way. Oh, wait, I forgot...I have no pity for you. Why is that? It’s that simple...YOU KILLED TALIA!!!” Bane roared angrily. 

Batman groaned in pain as he struggled to stand on his feet. “It...was (cough) for the safety of Gotham and her people. You and Talia...(cough)...were hellbent in killing millions of innocent people.” he spat. 

“Oh, I’ve seen Gotham flourishing in reform as we speak. I’ve seen it myself, but I will not recant at least one thing which I know my former master would be proud of seeing me doing: killing the very one who took away his life. Once I’m done with you, your friends are next.” Bane said, cracking his knuckles. 

“Never.” Batman said. He looked behind Bane and saw the Phantom overcoming Robin and Catwoman by slamming them down with his tentacles and throwing them against a pile of debris. He did the same thing to Shining Armor. 

Taking advantage of his distraction, Bane grabbed him in a chokehold again. “Time to DIE!!” he said. 

“You first.” Batman said, grabbing a pocket knife. He sliced open a tube on his back that spilled some venom. That weakened Bane as the venom was the source of his superhuman strength. 

However, Bane was still standing. He punched Batman and threw him off to a distance. Then he ran up to him to deliver the final blow. 

Suddenly, Thorax zoomed by and bit off another tube on his back. Bane groaned in pain before he turned to his former friend. “Thorax?! You?! What are you doing?!” Bane asked. 

“Saving my new friends from treacherous creatures like YOU!” Thorax snapped, snatching away his triangle necklace. He flew off before Bane could touch him. 

“Argghhhh!!! GET BACK, YOU TRAITOR!!” Bane bellowed. Batman however threw a pellet on Bane’s exposed tubes that were leaking venom. It violently electrocuted him once it impacted the venom. Screaming in agony, he fell down on the ground unconscious. 

Thorax flew back to the Mane Six and held the necklace. “I believe this is the one you need to open the chest.” 

“Thanks, Thorax. But Fluttershy and I have something to say that Bruce needs to hear.” Twilight said, looking at Fluttershy. They both nodded and flew over to their friend. 

Batman stood up and saw Twilight and Fluttershy in a distance. Landing before him, they gave him warming smiles. “Bruce, I just want to say something that I wanted to say for a long time. You have been a great source of encouragement and strength for me during all those years that we’ve been together and worked together. But after you left Equestria three years ago, I’ve felt helpless and alone. I never realized that until I became an alicorn princess.” Twilight said. 

“I never understood what my true purpose was. But then I realized something which I hadn’t noticed until now: Friendship was what made me who I am. Without friendship, I wouldn’t even be here now.” Twilight finished. Her element started to glow purple. 

“I too am happy that you made me see my mistakes and my failures, Batman. I’m so sorry for those mean things I said to you when I wasn’t myself back there. All those lives gone...because of my selfishness. But together, I know for a fact we can make everything right.” Fluttershy said. Her element also began to glow yellow. 

The Joker wiped out the rest of the Royal Guard and wrapped around Robin, Catwoman, Celestia, Luna, and Shining Armor in his shadowy tentacles. “Hahahahaha!!! Your time is up, kiddos!! Your precious kingdom will no longer be the light of the world! Everything else will soon follow! It appears you’re going out on a laugh after all! Hahahahaha!!” Joker laughed. 

Then he spotted something unusual. He looked to his left and saw two glowing elements in the midst of the darkness. Widening his eyes in horror—which he rarely does—he beheld the transformation. Bane regained consciousness and saw in shock what was going on. 

Batman opened his arms to Fluttershy and Twilight who embraced his arms in return. Purple and yellow rays of light flowed through his arms all the way to his chest. The rays then combined themselves to a new form—a new element—in him. Then the forming magic morphed his armor and body into a bulky version of himself. 

His cowl had longer ears, his eyes were pure white, his bat insignia was bright orange, his armor was buff with dark blue plates, and his cape was twice as long as before. He emitted large white rays of magic. He extended his hands to the Mane Six. “Together...we need to do this together!” he spoke in a new, clearer voice. 

Nodding, Twilight took the necklace and laid it on the chest. It turned the necklace to a star-shaped key and inserted it on its lock hole. The ponies turned the keys in an unlocking position to open the chest. Suddenly, a rainbow came out of the chest and flew all the way back to the Tree of Harmony’s remains. The rainbow magically rebuilt the Tree and its elements. The Tree glowed brightly and shot its element beams high in the dark sky and fell on the Mane Six in Ponyville. 

The Mane Six then merged together within the chest and burst out of it in their new magical forms. Clothed with various different colors on their manes and tails, they rose up and reunited with the Dark Knight. Thus, the seven heroes boldly faced the terrified villains. The Phantom blasted his dark magic beams at them, but they were immune to his attacks. 

“No, no, no, no, no, no!! This can’t be!! You can’t defeat me again like this!! I DESTROYED YOUR TREE!! How can that stupid chest revive a tree like that!! I AM THE MOST POWERFUL BEING IN THE MULTIVERSE!!” Joker Phantom cried. 

“Thorax, surely, you cannot leave me to a fate like this, right? We are friends, aren’t we?” Bane asked, hoping to gain Thorax’s mercy. But the changeling thought otherwise. 

“On the contrary, Bane, consider yourself...broken.” Thorax growled angrily. He arose in the air and glowed bright pink. He emitted a pink ray of love right at him which struck him in the face. As he flew in the air, he landed right below The Phantom’s feet. As he looked up, he saw himself without his mask. His agonizing pain returned and tormented his face. 

“You misunderstand what is right in front of you, Joker! For we carry with us the most powerful magic of all!” Twilight declared. 

“THE MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP!!” they said in unison. 

“You will not prevail, Joker. On this very day, the righteous will stand, and the wicked shall fall. These ponies have truly shown me what friendship can truly show to everyone and everypony here, especially to my own allies.” Batman said, looking down on Gordon and the police officers who smiled back at him. Then the seven heroes started to glow bright. 

“For I am vengeance...” 

“No!” Joker said. 

“I am the night...” 

“Don’t say it!” Joker yelled. 

“I. AM. BATMAAAAAANNN!!!!” he triumphantly finished. 

Batman and the Mane Six glowed even more bright even as bright as the sun and shot all seven of their beams at The Joker Phantom and at Bane. Screaming in pain, the villains raised their arms from the tormenting beams they were getting. Lastly, they slowly burned to dust from the deadly blasts, never more to exist again. 

The metamorphosis of Thorax was accomplished. He emerged as a new type of changeling. He had antler-like horns, a silky green body, transparent wings, a purple underbelly, purple eyes, and a bigger size. He saw and admired his new look. Then he looked down on what remained of Bane—his mask. 

“I’m sorry, Bane.” he whispered. 

The glowing rainbow-colored blast did not stop at the demise of the villains. The Magic then became a humongous orb that expanded like a wave in the ocean. It filled the entire landscape and atmosphere, dispelling the darkness. However, it did much more than that. 

The Magic reached everywhere in Equestria. It even reached to the frozen wasteland of the Crystal Empire. The Magic wiped out all the ice and snow, rebuilt the whole empire, the Crystal Heart, and all the houses of the kingdom. Plus, all the dead citizens and crystal guards resurrected from the ground and saw everything around them. 

“Whoa, what happened? Did I fall asleep or something?” a crystal pony asked. 

“I don’t know. I remember walking in the street until some sort of blackness or whatever blinding my eyes. That’s it.” a crystal stallion replied. 

“I say the same. Ehh, it must have been a sleepwalk or something. Have a great day, friends!” another pony waved. All the crystal ponies then happily resumed their business. 

The Magic wave also extended to the cemeteries and graves of those who were killed by The Joker years ago. Once the wave entered the graves of the dead, they all came out. Nurse Redheart saw herself in her clean, healed body and the expanding rainbow magic in the sky. She rejoiced at the sight. “I’M BACK!! I’M BACK!!” 

The victims who died at the hospital and the Canterlot library were also resurrected. Doctor Horse came out as well as the unicorns whom Joker fatally shot in the head and celebrated their revival. “We’re alive again! We live again!” 

“I can’t wait to see my husband again! I missed him so much!” a unicorn mare said who cried tears of joy. 

“Me too! And my son too!” another mare said. 

Fancy Pants also came out of his grave. He looked at his suit and noticed his suit wasn’t stained from all the dirt and soil underneath. “I say, all that atrocious mud and dirt haven’t even touch my precious blazer here. My, what a delight if I say so myself.” he smiled. “I must stay away from nooses and clowns though.” 

Finally, a pink alicorn arose from her grave and saw everypony she knew rejoicing and celebrating their resurrection...Princess Cadence. “Wha-Where am I? Wait...I’m alive again? How? Did Batman and Twilight stop Joker and Discord?” she wondered. 

She flew up in the sky and saw the Crystal Empire safe and sound with the Crystal Heart. “I take it they completed their mission. I have to check on my family.” Cadence said, flying off. 

In Ponyville, all the dead Royal Guards came back to life and rejoined with Gordon and the police forces. Robin, Catwoman, Shining Armor, and the princesses stood together as their heroes land down on the ground. They reverted back to their normal forms. 

All of Ponyville was likewise restored with the dead ponies being brought back to life. All the evil creatures’ bodies burned to a crisp until they were dust and ashes. Once everything was revived and settled, the rainbow sprung from the Tree of Harmony and took the chest along with it. The rainbow struck an area in the middle of Ponyville where the chest was implanted there. From it grew a large crystal castle. 

“Sweet Celestia! Are you all seeing what I’m seeing?” Rarity wondered, gazing at the new castle. 

“Who...whose is it?” Twilight asked. 

“I believe it is yours, Princess Twilight.” Celestia smiled.
> The Epilogue: Batman Forever
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia and Luna guided Twilight in a tour inside the new castle. The Mane Six, Spike, and Batman followed behind them. “You’ve been wondering what you’re meant to do as a princess. Do you know now?” Celestia asked. 

Twilight thought about it for a few seconds before proudly smiling. “As a princess, I believe I have the power to spread the Magic of Friendship across Equestria. That was the role I meant to have in our world...the role I choose to have!” 

Her friends gathered around her as she smiled at them. “But I didn’t defeat The Joker and Bane on my own. It took all of us to unlock the chest!” Twilight said. She and her friends then embraced each other. Twilight took at glance at the Dark Knight who stood next to the princesses. 

“But we weren’t the only ones who gained the victory. It was also him...Batman...The Dark Knight who lead us and gave us the strength to face our fears and stand against other enemies. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t even be standing here today.” Twilight said before lowering her head in reflection. “Neither would I.” 

Batman gave a slight smile at her speech. He was very proud of her accomplishment, and that she finally learned her role and place in Equestria.  “That’s my pony.” Batman smiled internally. 

“Then it is unlikely that you will be taking this task alone.” said Celestia as she opened the hall doors with her magic. After the doors were opened, a royal gathering room was revealed. It had a large table that had a large crystal logo on top with eight thrones around the table. The seventh throne had a bat insignia imprinted on the head. It was the largest throne in the room whereas Spike’s throne was the smallest and stood next to Twilight’s. 

“You are now Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship!” Celestia announced. 

The ponies and Spike gazed at the dazzling sight of the room. They entered inside to get a closer view of their thrones and the table. 

Celestia then turned to Batman. “And you, Batman, are now The Dark Knight—the Prince of Friendship.” Batman arched an eyebrow in puzzlement. 

“The Prince of Friendship? How can someone rule over friendship?” Batman asked. 

“You have made exceptional leadership over the last several years while you were here. Ever since you visited Equestria for the first time, you proved yourself as a true hero—brave, determined, wise, intelligent, humble, and caring—a role model which Twilight clearly looks up to.” Celestia replied. “Because you have protected Equestria time and time again with such endurance, you are the seventh Element of Harmony—the Element of Perseverance.” 

Batman meditated on her words and realized the reason why he became such an element. Throughout all these years of working as Batman in both Equestria and Gotham, he never truly gave up and still kept on fighting the good fight despite the painful ups and downs he suffered from villains such as Ra’s Al Ghul, Joker, and Bane. Recognizing his important role as Batman, he accepted his new role in Equestria. 

“I am honored, Princess Celestia.” Batman said. 

“You will be quite a greater influence as a new element bearer.” Luna smiled. 

“Auntie Celestia!” a familiar voice shouted. The princesses and Batman turned to see the very alicorn whom they haven’t seen in three years due to her death. They widened their eyes in overwhelming shock and amazement. 

“Cadence? You’re ALIVE??” Luna asked. 

“Niece!!” Celestia responded, tears falling from her eyes. The three alicorns embraced each other tightly as they finally saw each other’s faces once again. “How?! I thought you were dead! We saw your own body!” 

“It was the Magic of Friendship, I presume. That could be the only explanation.” Cadence said. She also wiped tears from her face and hugged her aunt again. 

Twilight and her friends ran to the hall to reunite with their long-lost loved one. “CADENCE!!! You’re ALIVE!!” Twilight cried. 

“Twilight!! I so missed you!!” Cadence said. They hugged affectionately and wept gratefully. 

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! 
Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” Twilight and Cadence greeted while dancing. Celestia and Luna chuckled while Batman was a bit confused seeing their gestures. But he let it slide. 

“We’re glad to have you back, Cadence.” Batman smiled. 

“Great to see you again, Batman. What happened out there?” Cadence asked after briefly hugging him. 

“Just dealt with Joker’s machinations. He is gone for good, so no worries. Equestria is saved.” Batman replied. 

“That’s great to hear. I wonder how Shining Armor is doing.” Cadence said, flying out of the castle. 

Outside the castle, all the resurrected ponies reunited with their loved ones. They all rejoiced and celebrated their reunion together. Shining Armor was standing completely astonished at seeing all the ponies who were killed years ago alive again. “Those ponies—I thought they were dead? What happened?” he asked no one. 

“The Magic of Friendship obviously.” Cadence said behind him. He swiftly turned his head to see the love of his life now alive before his very eyes. Gasping in shock, he drew close to her and touched her face. “Cadence? Is it really you?” he asked. 

“Yes, honey. It’s me.” Cadence kissed him and hugged him. Shining returned the affection and began to cry tears of joy. 

“I—I never thought I would see your face again. I missed you so much.” Shining cried, blowing his nose. 

“There, there, and don’t worry. The Crystal Empire is in one piece and all the crystal ponies are safe and sound.” Cadence said. 

“Really? I thought it was destroyed!” Shining said. 

“I saw the empire myself. Whatever happened to it, Batman and his friends must have restored it with their magic for all I know. What matters is that Equestria is saved. From now on, we will stick together no matter what, okay?” Cadence said. 

“Touching and agreeing. I love you, Cadence.” Shining said. 

“I love you too, Shiny.” Cadence replied. They kissed again. 

In Ponyville, the Royal Guards were escorting Trixie, the FlimFlam brothers, and Lightning Dust who received medical attention for her injuries to a large cage. They locked them in and escorted them to Tartarus. 

Thorax saw everypony happy again as they reunited with their lost loved ones and friends. Realizing he still had no family of his own, he bowed his head in sadness. 

“You can still be one of us, Thorax.” a friendly voice spoke. Thorax turned to see Gordon accompanied by Batman, Catwoman, and Robin. “Losing a family is a terrible experience. I know Batman here can attest to that and so do I. Remember that no matter what you go through in life, there will always be those who genuinely love you and want the best for your life and for your future.” Gordon said. 

“You can live with us if you like, Thorax.” Catwoman offered. Batman drew nigh and bent down to his level. 

“You don’t have to be alone. You can live with us in Florence, Italy. I’ll even make room for you in our mansion.” Batman said. Thorax thought it over until he smiled and nodded. 

“Absolutely! I love to live with you guys! You’re already like family to me—more family-like then my own family ever was.” Thorax said. He hugged both Batman and Catwoman and teared up. They smiled down on him and stroked his head. Thorax gave another look at Bane’s mask until he picked it up with his horns (or antlers). 

 “I’m keeping this as a reminder of someone who could’ve been my best friend forever. I’ll still never forget you.” Thorax thought. 

“You think it’s time to head back now? It will be a long way to head back to that forest.” Robin asked. 

“No. I have a short cut.” Batman said. He raised his arms and shot white beams of magic at the ground. It grew to a large portal. “You can go on ahead. I’ll be here for a while.” 

“Very well. We should be working together going forward. Gotham will definitely need three sentinels to protect it.” Robin said. 

Batman nodded. All the police and SWAT forces entered the portal and stepped foot in Gotham City. Robin followed behind. 

“Don’t take too long, babe. I’ll be waiting for you back at the hotel in Gotham.” Catwoman said. 

Batman and Catwoman kissed before she departed in the bat-pod with Thorax and entered the portal. Gordon gave a soft smile to his closest ally and then entered the portal as well. The portal then closed. 

Later that evening, Batman stood on top of a hill and beheld the sunset. He saw below him all the other ponies having a party hosted by Pinkie Pie. They all laughed and had a joyous time together. 

Batman himself even smiled at seeing them fully happy again. Then he looked up and saw some stars in the sky as it got darker. 

 “My life will truly never be the same thanks to my interaction with these ponies. They have so much to offer to the multiverse and so much to share to Gotham. Now that the police have gotten to know these ponies, they will share that experience with the other officers and civilians in my city.” Batman thought. 

 “(Sigh) I will never forget the first time I met them in the forest.”he recalled, thinking back on how he met the CMCs and their sisters. He also remembered the sweet moments he had with Scootaloo and everything she learned about him. 

He also remembered his manhunt for Scarecrow and his thugs which lead him to Equestria years ago. The enduring fight he had with King Sombra was another thing he would never forget. The crystal magic he gained there marked the first time in his life he ever wielded magic. 

Sadly, he lost that magic due to his deadly fight with The Joker. He and Fluttershy both had bitter experiences that later affected their ways of life, especially after the way she executed Discord for his crimes. 

But now he had the most powerful magic of all: the Magic of Friendship. Now that he was the new element bearer and Prince of Friendship, he recognized the important roles he had to play in Equestria and Gotham. 

 “The weekends will be better for me in Equestria, but Gotham will need me during those nights in the week while I work in Florence in the day. With my ability to make portals, I can go anywhere.” he thought. 

For the rest of his life if he would ever have children, he will tell them and show them the ponies who changed his life forever. He will never forget the life lessons and experience that empowered him even more to remain what he was—The Dark Knight. 

With that, he flew off to the sunset with hundreds of bats flying in the background. 



THE DARK KNIGHT TRIUMPHS