//------------------------------//
// Endgame 
// Story: Prince of Equestria 
// by Chlumpy 
//------------------------------//

[center]Prince of Equestria
Chapter 6
Endgame

Celestia paced Canterlot Tower, the sounds of battle making her uneasy. The fact that she was right next to a painting of The Dark Fire, didn't help either. How much longer, she thought. How much longer until I have to face him again? The Princess stopped pacing, looking up at the painting. Homes burned as Shadowblaze went on in his murderous rampage. 

The painting depicted the ponies' agony as he cut them down. It showed their sorrow as everything they owned was lost. It showed their fear and disbelief as a beloved Prince, who would play songs for them, destroyed everything in anger. She remembered Luna's words. 'How could our brother do such a thing?'

The Princess stomped a front hoof. "No," she said. "Our brother is dead. A demon has taken his place." She then walked through the hall, stopping at the Discord-Nightmare Moon Era. "But you two," Celestia continued. "I finally understand that it was not by your will alone to be corrupted."

"Discord, Shadowblaze had taken your heartbreak, whispered lies to you, and convinced you to become the monster that you never were. Luna, dear sweet Luna...all you wanted was ponies to love your night. You envied me, that demon twisting your mind. I swear, today, you will be free of a Shadowblaze's tyranny!"

"Such brave words for a coward," Shadowblaze mocked.

Celestia turned around, the stallion nowhere to be found. "Coward? Who hides in the shadows demon? Show yourself!"

The black Alicorn laughed, his body materializing from Celestia's shadow. "But who hides, as her subjects are being cut down by mutts, and insects?"

The Princess scowled, flairing her wings. "They are willing to fight, and die for Equestria. Something you wouldn't know about."

"Oh?" Shadowblaze began circling her, his hands behind his back. "You haven't forgotten have you? When I was beaten, tortured by those bandits, ready to die just to protect Equestria's prized possession?" He stopped, running his fingers through the Princess's mane. "The Fire of Friendship."

"I remember," Celestia shuddered. "I remember on how you disobeyed our uncles orders. Instead of throwing them in prison, you slit their throats."

The stallion chuckled, slapping her face. "That is why you are weak. You would extend mercy to a Cockatrice. Pathetic. I earned much honor when I killed those theives."

"In cold blood! There is no honor in murder!"

Celestia's horn glowed, and she fired a beam of magic at the stallion. He flew back, slamming into a pillar. The Princess sauntered up to him, scowling. "That is what you did on my Crowning. You murdered your own subjects. Ponies, who trusted you, loved you! Killed, in your anger!"

Shadowblaze smiled, wiping the blood from his mouth. "They trusted another Prince," he replied, standing. "A blind, merciful fool. Blackjack, who had wasted his time with the weak. He now knows his true calling. Shadowblaze! Dark Lord of Destruction!"

The armored pony then fired his own beam, Celestia's connecting with his. They strained against each other's magic, both only gaining the advantage for a moment. "Tell me Celestia," Shadowblaze shouted. "Did you miss me? Did you regret binding me to the planet's core?"

Celestia groaned, pushing harder against her foe. "Is that why you keep the title of Princess?" Shadowblaze continued. "Because you felt I deserved to be King?" The tables turned towards Shadowblaze. "Tell me!" His magic connected with Celestia's horn, the white mare slamming into the wall.

The Princess moaned, wincing as she moved a sore wing. Shadowblaze stomped over, grabbing her by the throat. "My ponies will stop you," the mare whispered. "You won't win."

"Your ponies? This is what is left of your ponies." Shadowblaze's horn glowed, and the two teleported to his camp. The entire population of Canterlot, citizens, and soldiers, stood in manacles. They were wounded, and fear shone in their eyes. Each pony waited their turn to be hanged at seperate gallows.

After a pony was hanged, the Diamond Dogs would toss the body in a trench. The bodies filling them rapidlly increased. "You see Celestia?" Shadowblaze asked, holding her in the air with magic. "Your ponies are dying, broken. There are none of your subjects that can oppose me."

The captive Princess chuckled weakly. "There are six."

"Speaking of which..." Shadowblaze shot a flame into the air. "Bring the prisoners!" Shadowblaze shouted. "Put them by the gallows, so everypony can see!"

Changelings and Diamond Dogs dragged in Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. The four mares were heavilly wounded, and bore the signs of beatings. Each one was shackled in weighted chains, and head harnesses. Rarity was forced to wear a magic dampener, the ring gripping tightly on her horn.

"No..." Celestia whispered. How could this have happened?

Shadowblaze chuckled. "If you think the other two are safe, you're sadly mistaken. Kindness is still being beaten." He grabbed Celestia's cheeks, wrenching her head to face him. "As for your faithful student, miss Twilight Sparkle..."

Shadowblaze motioned to a tent, and Celestia could hear the screams of agony inside. "One of my servants had a score to settle," the stallion continued. "She is being tortured, my servant disallowing her the relief of unconciousness. Tell me sister, how does that make you feel?"

Tears ran down the Princess's face, and she trembled in anger as the demon spoke. She merely spat at him in answer.

"Let's see how the two look like, shall we?" Shadowblaze sent a dog in each tent, and it told his servants to stop. The mares were brought out. Fluttershy's wings were broken, and she walked with a limp. The yellow Pegasus looked around in terror, a Changeling leading her to the other mares.

Twilight was worst of all. Celestia's stomach lurched in anger, sorrow, and horror as she saw her student's condition. Twilight's horn was broken off, and she was missing an eye. A long, puss filled gash ran along her face. One of her ears was torn, and several bruises and wounds covered her body.

Trixie led her over with the rest, beaming in all of her arrogance. Twilight's spear sat in her hand. Twilight looked directly at Celestia, a tear coming out of her one eye.

"Shadowblaze," Celestia sorrowed. "Why?"

"Why? Because you had taken everything from me. Now, I return the favor. Nightmare Moon!"

The black mare materialized next to him. "Yes Lord Shadowblaze?" She asked.

"Present her Highness with the last piece of hope Equestria has lost."

"Certainly." The mare threw a helmate on the ground, the Princess gasping.

"Ironmallet!" Celestia exclaimed. "You monster!"

Shadowblaze grinned at the compliment. "Do you see now Celestia? The Elements of Harmony are useless to you. Ironmallet is dead. The Buffalo will be dead when they arrive, and your ponies die by the second. There is no force, in all of the world, that can oppose me."

"Then, release me."

"What?"

"Release me, and we will test that theory. If you truly belive that nothing can stop you, duel me. You and I both know that is how you wanted me to die. By the blade if your sword, in battle."

"So be it." Shadowblaze released her, and she backed away.

"I will not run anymore. For over a thousand years I have foolishly done so. I am ready to protect my subjects-" Celestia's horn glowed, and she was surrounded in a beam of light. When it faded, she was in her anthro form, golden armor clothing her. "From you! If I die, then so be it. It will not change the fact that you will still feel empty."

"Such drabble," Shadowblaze said, drawing his sword. "I hope your skills have not been rusted. For I have waited for this day to come. Do not dissapoint me sister."

Sunlight flew into the mare's hands. It formed into a sheild shaped like her cutie mark on her left hand, and an angular lance on her right. She readied herself.

"Stop the executions," Shadowblaze announced. "I want those ponies to watch." He held his sword in both hands, and the Alicorns circled.

Shadowblaze charged, yelling. He swung at Celestia's ribs, and she blocked with her shield. The Princess jabbed at the stallion, and he dodged, launching a fireball at her. She dodged as well, and the fire connected with a gallow, setting it ablaze.

Celestia smiled, thrusting once more. Shadowblaze parried, cutting the mare's side. Celestia yelped, and flash bright light into her opponent's eyes. The stallion rubbed his eyes furiously, grunting. Celestia took her opening, and stabbed his stomach.

The mare then took flight, Shadowblaze madly flapping after her. The two clashed in the sky, everypony below watching. Each side cheered their leaders on.

'-'

Twilight set her plan into action. With a nod at Trixie, she emancipated her physical illusion.

Her body was completely unharmed, aside from the cuts she had reciebed earlier. The chains were an illusion as well. She and Trixie quickly scurried over to the other five Elements. The two freed them, casting healing spells on them.

"Why's she helping us?" Rainbow asked.

"Does it matter?" Trixie replied. "Where are your Elements?"

"They're in Shadowblaze's tent," Pinkie Pie said. "It's going to be hard getting in there."

"Not for me," said Trixie. "I can grab them, and send them over. I will be back." The Unicorn trotted off, the girls cautiously swaping stories.

"How'd you get caught anyhow?" Applejack asked Fluttershy.

"Some Changelings fooled me into thinking they were all of you."

"Oh, must Trixie take so long?" Rarity asked. "We need too free those soldiers."

With a flash of light, the mare's weapons appeared at their hooves. They picked them up, summoning their armor. "One more thing guys," Twilight said. "We won't be alone in this battle."

The mares then charged into the unsuspecting army, killing the closest. The army, after realizing their mistake, striked back.

'-'

Shadowblaze and Celestia's weapons connected. Each pushed against the other, trying to gain the advantage. Shadowblaze heard a noise, and he glanced down. He shouted in outrage as the Elements struck down his army.

Celestia giggled. "You were wrong. Those six mares are strong. They will be your downfall."

"They are highly out numbered, and they must fight my servants as well."

With a grunt, the stallion pushed Celestia back. He then dived straight at Twilight. He takled the mare, and they skidded across the ground. Twilight screamed, Shadowblaze bringing his sword down on her heart.

He was stopped, inches away. He was then sent flying back several yards. Twilight gasped at the sight of her savior. Ironmallet called his hammer back into his hand, and he smiled.

"Oi lass," he said. "Ye left some for me right?"

"Ironmallet!" Twilight ran over to the stallion, hugging him. "We thought you were dead."

"Neigh. Now, I suggest ye get back to fighting. I beought a few friends to help."

Twilight heard a sound like thunder, and she saw a cloud of dust. She let go of her friend, shouting. "The Buffalo are here!"

The heard charged in, joining the fight. Twilight ran off, and stabbed a Changeling, her determination escalating. They could win this battle.

'-'

Shadowblaze jumped to his hooves, cutting down many Buffalo. He stomped over to Ironmalet, growling. "So, you still live."

"Aye. Next time ye kill me, make sure I'm dead."

The Alicorn yelled, jabbing at the old pony. Ironmallet dodged, using his powers on Shadowblaze. Nothing happened.

"Enchanted metal," the black pony said. "You can't kill me that way."

"No? I can add more troops this way though." Ironmallet summoned his powers, and the chains on the captive ponies broke. They then joined in, overwelming their guards.

"Ye should have thought of that earlier." Iromallet then joined the battle, Celestia swooping down at Shadowblaze. The two siblings were once more in their duel.

'-'

Rainbow clashed once more with Gilda, slashing at her. Gilda roared, tackling the Pegasus. The two grappled, throwing punches. The stonger Griffon pinned Rainbow down, and aimed her beak straight at her heart.

Suddenly, Gilda was hit with a beam of magic, and purple fire escaped through her body. "W-what?" Gilda groaned. "Dash? Hey pal..." She stood up, shaking her head.

Rainbow notched an arrow, and fired at Gilda's head. The arrow was blocked by a wall of magic. "Dash," Twilight said, helping her up. "Wait. I severed Shadowblaze's conection with her. She's okay."

"When did you learn to do that?"

"A voice in my head"

Gilda looked at the two, her face darkening. "Well, thanks for the help. But I've got a score to settle with him."

She flew off, killing Diamond Dogs as she went. "I'll be back," Twilight said. "There are five to go."

'-'

Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie grappled with the Diamond Dog trio. Rarity flipped over the big one, slashing him across the back. He growled, grabbing her as she flipped once more. The mutt was about to break her back, when he was clobbered by Pinkie Pie's mace.

The dog dropped like a rock, dazed. Rarity stood up, dusting herself off. "Thank you darling," she said.

The pink pony giggled, smiling. "No problem! It would've been bad if he hurt you. And it looked like he was about to. Speaking of which, those clubs they used hurt alot! Why would they hurt poor ponies like us? Maybe they just need a party to cheer them up or-"

"Behind you!"

The small dog was about to stab the mare in the throat. Pinkie whirled around, knocking him down. The dog put his arms up defensivly and Pinkie Pie raised her mace.

"Allow me dear," Rarity said. The mare's horn glowed, and she magically tied him up with her tape measurer. The mutt rolled around helplessly, unable to stand.

"When did you start carrying that around?" Pinkie asked.

"I never leave home without it dear. Speaking of things never left at home, where is your party canon?"

"I let Discord borrow it."

"Uh, guys," Applejack shouted, dodging the last one's sword. "A little help?"

The girls ran over, but were stopped by the sudden appearence of Changelings. "Sorry!" Rarity replied. "We are otherwise occupied!"

"That's fine!" The mare blocked the dog's next blow with her ax. While he was vulnerable, Applejack chopped off his free hand. He howled in pain, dropping his sword. The dog fell on his knees, grasping the bleeding stump.

"You little..." He growled, howling once more.

"Sorry," Applejack said darkly. "But you brought that on yerself." The othet two, after killing the Changelings, walked over to Applejack. Pinkie Pie, after seeing the dog's severed hand, threw up.

Rarity wrinkled her face in disgust. "Well, I had expected you to have an iron stomach dear. After all of those sweets you eat on a regular basis."

"That's only...if I like it," Pinkie Pie panted. "Gross things make me...sick. Oh!" The mare vomited again.

"What should we do with these fellers?" Applejack asked.

"Princess Celestia's orders still stand," replied Rarity. "We put them in chains."

"Actually," Twilight said, joining in. "I have a better idea." The Unicorn's horn glowed, and she cast the spell on the three.

"Uh," the small dog groaned. "Where am I?"

"What is mule doing in tight clothes?" The big dog asked, standing.

"Mule!" Rarity yelled. "I am obviously a pony!"

"My hand!" The final dog screamed. "Where is my hand?!?" The dog howled again.

"What did ya do Twilight?" Applejack asked. 

"I severed Shadowblaze's control," she replied. "By the way, Gilda's on our side."

"Come again?"

Twilight ignored her, kneeling by the medium dog. "Purple pony," he moaned. "It hurts..."

"Here. Let me help. Twilight cast a healing spell, closing the bleeding stump.

The Diamond Dog moaned in relief, licking his blood-stained fur. "Thank you small pony."

"Call me Twilight. These are my friends Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack."

"My name Rover. These are fellow Alphas Spot and Fido." Rover pointed at each.

Spot, the small dog, began chewing on his bonds.

"Hey!" Rarity scolded. "Stop that this instant!"

Spot stopped chewing. "Sorry," he said sheepishly.

Rarity magically untied him, putting her measurer away. Pinkie Pie bounced over to Twilight.

"So are we going to have to fight these guys agan?"

"I don't think so," Twilight said, helping Rover up. "Rover, will you and your pack help us fight the Changelings?"

"Alphas will help, pack will not."

"What do you mean?"

"Alphas free of evil pony's control. But pack is not."

"He still controling pack." Spot said.

"Purple fire still in pack mind." Fido added.

"What're they talkin about?" Applejack asked.

"Shadowblaze's influence I think. But I can't cast the spell on every single Diamond Dog."

"Maybe you won't have to," Rarity said. "Why can't the spell work on Shadowblaze?"

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Just use that magic of yours on him, and poof! No more fighting!"

"It's worth a try," Twilight sighed. "But I have to touch him in order for it to work. I need to get Discord and Luna back first though." She ran off, the others fighting the opposing creatures.

'-'

Fluttershy was surrounded by a circle of Nightmare Moons. She fearfully drew her dirk, wimpering. The circle laughed.

"You can't be serious," one said.

"You don't have the guts!" Another shouted.

"And," a third added. "You are shaking in fear of me."

Fluttershy mumbled something.

"I'm sorry," an amused Alicorn said. "I didn't hear that."

Fluttershy's face darkened. "When somepony's in your way...make them run like hay!" The shy Pegasus suddenly ran at the nearest mare, stabbing her in the chest.

She dissapated in starrie smoke. The broken circle gasped in astonishment, and Fluttershy began to cut them down. She was an unstopable killing machine, and she began smiling as bloodlust began to overtake her.

Finally, when the last Alicorn dissapated, she yelped as she realized what she had done. She dropped her weapon and began to cry. "I-I killed you...I'm so sorry..."

"You will be, a voice said.

Fluttershy turned around, her eyes widening in terror. The real Nightmare Moon scowled at her, raising her scythe. Fluttershy screamed as she swung. The weapon never arrived, as Twilighht jumped in, catching the blade on the middle of her spear.

"Fluttershy," Twilight grunted as she pushed against Nightmare's weapon. "Stand back."

"N-no problem." The Pegasus then jumped in a nearby bush. The dueling mares stopped their power struggle, circling each other.

"Twilight Sparkle," Nightmare snarled. "It has been a while."

"Drop your weapon, and I can free you from Shadowblaze's control. Please Princess Luna."

"Oh, must I explain this to everyone? Luna is gone!" The mare charged, swinging her scythe down again. Twilight dodged, tripping Nightmare with her spear.

The Alicorn fell, and Twilight was upon her. Thr Unicorn cast her spell, and Nightmare Moon screamed as a dark shadow climbed out of her. The shadow disappeared, and Luna groaned.

"No...you can't do this." Twilight stepped back as the Princess shakilly stood. "Wait, where am I? Twilight Sparkle, what a surprise."

"Do you remember anything your Highness?"

"There was the pain, and then...darkness."

Twilight explained what had transpired when Luna was Nightmare Moon. "But," the Princess said. "How could that had happened? When you and your friends used the Elements, I was free. Unless..."

"Unless what?

"The Elements brought me back, but the shadow still remained...It would seem they bring harmony, but cannot make it last when chaos still remained. How did you get me back without using the Elements anyways?"

"I used a spell. But, it's unlike one I had ever used. It severes Shadowblaze's control completely, lighting the darkness within, so to speak."

"Interesting. Pray tell, did you create it?"

"Uh, no...a ball of light did."

"Odd, I did not expect something like that to happen to you..."

"What do you mean?"

"I will explain later, or that light will. But we have a war to win."

The Princess flew away battling the Changelings in air. Twilight dragged Fluttershy out of her bush. "Come on, you have to help."

"I don't want to fight."

"Then be a medic. You're the only pony who can protect the wounded and get them back on their hooves."

"Okay...I'll try."

"Thank you. I need to get Discord back. When I do, make your way towards Shadowblaze."

Fluttershy nodded, and they went their ways.

'-'

Discord laughed as he fired Pinkie Pie's party cannon at a group of soldiers. They ignored the confetti, coming at him. The Draconeqques smiled and brought out his whip. The weapon wrapped around one pony, and he threw him into the others.

The soldiers were knocked over and a Buffalo charged at Discord. He flew in the air, and began to puppetear the bovine. He chuckled as he made the Buffalo impale himself.

"It has been a long time," a voice said. "You are starting to look like a sour lime."

Discord looked down and smiled warmly. Zecor stood below him, frowning. "Zecora!" Discord exclaimed. "How are you, you old Zebra?"

"Better than you I imagine, you must feel over a thousand."

"I actually am, oh look at the time! Now, I'm going to kill you after this rhyme."

He swung his whip at her, and the Zebra grabbed it. She yanked, and Discord came crashing down. Zecora reached into her cloak, and pulled out a knife. She brought it down, and Discord grabbed her arm with his tail, stopping her.

"My," he said, standing. "How you waste your time. Sadly, though you taught me how to speak in rhyme, my friend...your life will now end." The Draconeqques grabbed Zecora's throat, and began to squeeze.

Suddenly, he stopped, and he looked around in confusion. "What was...?" Discord turned around, and hugged Twilight tightly. "Oh, thank you so much! I'm sorry about what I did."

"It's not your fault," she replied, shaking her head at a murderous Zecora. The Royal Advisor nodded, putting her knife away. "You're back to normal now. Well, as normal as you can be, no offense?"

"None taken." Discord let her go, apologising to Zecora.

"There is no harm done, little colt. My goodness, your pupil is no longer the size of an oat."

Discord removed one eye, pointing it at the other. "Well! So it is!" The one pupil had grew to be the size of the other. Discord put back his eye. He looked at a disturbed Twilight. "What? Just because I'm not Shadowblaze's pawn anymore, doesn't mean I'm not the Spirit of Chaos."

Twilight pointed her spear at him, and he put up his hands in defense. "Then you're still evil," Twilight said.

"No, no! Chaos isn't just destruction, and slavery, it's also mischeif. I'm mischeivious, not evil. Think about Pinkie Pie. She pulls pranks on everypony. That's mischeif."

"Believe me," Zecora said. "He tells the truth. He has been mischievious since his youth. A strange piece of art, but kind at heart."

"See? Even she agrees."

"I get your point," Twilight said, lowering her spear. "But are you on Equestria's side?"

"Oh, for goodness sake! Of course I am! How could you think otherwise?" He flew away, taking down Diamond Dogs grumpilly. Twilight looked at Zecora quizically.

The Zebra smiled. "Go now young mare, gather your friends, and take care. Shadowblaze awaits, defeat him before it is too late."

'-'

Once more, the two Alicorns struck. Celestia swung at Shadowblaze's arm, the stallion parrying. He tripped the Princess, and she fell on her back. Shadowblaze brought down his sword, and Celestia rolled away.

She quickly jumped to her hooves, summoning her magic. Right as her enemy swung his sword, he was bound in chains of light. The chains wrapped around his arms, legs, and neck. They pulled him down, forcing him to crouch uncomfortably.

The stallion yelled in frustraition as he struggled against his bonds. Celestia plucked his sword from his hand with magic. She brought her lance to his throat, frowning. "Call off your troops, and we can rule Equestria together."

"No," the stallion seethed. "I will never rule under you. You let Galaxina die!" Shadowblaze grunted as he summoned his fire, but to no avail.

"Shadowblaze, listen to me. I did not let her die. I was confined to my room during that attack. I had guards posted at my door. I had to watch our mother die. If there is anypony to be blambed, it's the Ursa."

"You could've escaped! You were far more experienced in healing! But no...you decided to be the weak creature you are, and refused to do what was right!"

"There was nothing I could have done. She was already dead...you never thought about how this affected everyone. Don't you think I mourned her? I simply learned to let mother go, something you never learned."

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight exclaimed, joining in with her friends. "You captured Shadowblaze!"

"Yes...but I havn't defeated him. That is your job. Please hurry, before there is more bloodshed."

The mares nodded, taking their positions. Their weapons glowed, and the rainbow rocketed towards Shadowblaze. He yelled as it coarsed through his body. Fire erupted from the Diamond Dogs, finally free from his control.

When the dust settled, the gathered gasped. The Changelings still fought on, apparently never under the stallion's control. Worst of all, Shadowblaze appeared completely unchanged.

The dark Alicorn opened his eyes, smiling cruely. "You may have freed my slaves," he said. "But the war goes on."

"H-how?" Celestia stammered.

"The Elements of Harmony only stop chaos. But I am so much more..." Shadowblaze broke his bonds, standing. "I am destruction!" With a burst of magic, he repelled his enemies.

They all flew back, landing hard. Taking his oppurtunity, Shadowblaze retreaved his sword, walking over to Celestia. The Princess struggled to stand, but Shadowblaze stomped down on her chest, forcing her down.

"I grow tired of this." Shadowblaze cast a spell, and the ground quaked. A quarry eel rose from the earth, attacking the troops below. "My pet is hungry. Only when it devoures every single creature that opposes it, will it sleep."

"Then we'll change Its mind!"

Shadowblaze growled as the Night Ponies attacked the eel. "You lose Celestia," the stallion leered, raising his sword.. "You always lose." He plunged his weapon into her chest, the Princess gasping. "Chaos has won!" He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Equestria shall burn."

Shadowblaze ripped out his sword, the Changeling Queen flying over to him. "Your orders my Lord?"

Shadowblaze cleaned off his sword with his cape. "Kill them all. Pony, Diamond Dog, and Buffalo."

The Queen nodded, she and her Changelings showing now mercy. Shadowblaze grinned at the six mares, flying to the castle. Twilight and her friends stood in shock, as Celestia slowly died. "Did that really happen?" Applejack asked.

"I see it, but I don't believe it." Pinkie Pie replied.

"Twilight, is there anything you can do?" Rarity asked.

"No...that wound's fatal..." She began to cry.

"There's gotta be something," Rainbow said. "I mean, we can't let her die!"

"There's something," Fluttershy said. The girls looked at her in confusion. "I have a potion that can heal her. Girls, cover me." Without warning, the Pegasus ran off, her friends coming to their senses.

"Come on!" Twilight exclaimed. They ran after Fluttershy, cutting down any Changelings they encountered. Catching up, they quickly checked to see if Celestia was still alive. She was, but bearly.

Fluttershy quickly poured the contents of her vial into the mare's mouth. For an agonizing second, the Princess stopped breathing. The girls sighed in relief as her breathing returned to normal, the wound healing.

Celestia's eyes fluttered open. "M-mother?" She groaned.

"No your Highness," Twilight replied. "It's us."

"How am I alive?"

"It's all thanks to Fluttershy. If it weren't for her potion..."

The Princess looked at the eel in anger. "That creature must be stopped. But I have never encountered anything like it before..."

"I have." Ironmallet joined in, his armor dented, and his cape torn. "Its skin can't be pierced, and magic has little effect, so the only way to kill it is with brute force. And I'm the only pony strong enough to bash its skull."

Celestia nodded. "Go, and show these Changelings how powerful you truly are."

The old stallion grinned ear to ear. "They'll go crawling back to the hole they came from." The stallion ran off, yelling in excitement.

Celestia shakilly got to her hooves, the girls holding her steady. "We need to figure out a way to defeat Shadowblaze. I hate to admit girls, but the Elements are no match for him."

"We're screwed then," Rainbow Dash soured. "The Elements of Harmony were our last hope; how can we beat Shadowblaze without them?"

"She's right Princess," Twilight added. "If the Elements can't stop him, what can?"

There is a way.

Everypony gasped as an orb of light appeared. Rainbow notched an arrow, aim straight at it. "Wait!" Twilight shouted. "It's harmless!"

"How do you know?"

"It's what taught me the spell! Don't shoot." Rainbow reluctantly relaxed, eyeing the orb.

Speaking of such spell, it is the key to stopping the demon.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.

Goodness child! Do you not recall the book your father sent? 'That is why volcanoes are so blistering hot, the magma fueled by his rage.' The demon and the planet's core are intertwined. The heat matched his own rage perfectly, and severing his connection with it will allow you to defeat him.

How did he know that? Twilight thought.

"How're you so sure that your plan will work?" Applejack asked.

I am a magical light bulb, and I hear that technology is associated with ideas in this generation. Besides, if I am wrong, everything you know will be lost.

"Point taken."

"But," Rarity said. "Will the spell be enough?"

No. The demon will still have acess to his magic, as Nightmare Moon and Discord did. He is also a master swordsman, as you have seen.

"What's the point of the spell then?" Pinkie Pie asked. "If Shadowblaze will still have some power, why do we need to cast the spell?"

An excellent question. The spell will make him vulnerable to rhe Elements. If I recall, he has always been able to manipulate fire. Am I correct Princess?

Celestia nodded. "I'm curious, however. If my former brother will still have powers that rival my own, how will we keep him in one spot when these girls are using the Elements?" I doubt he'll accept defeat."

Your chains, Princess. They stopped him before, they will stop him again.

"But he escaped them centuries ago! They only slowed him down."

Then you need more than the sun. Ironmallet is facing the eel, so that leaves two powerful beings to consider. Your sister, and that jokester Discord. I am aware of  Luna's ability to confine things in the shadows. Discord is an expert shape-shifter, even rivaling the Changelings. You know the form that will stop the demon in his tracks.

"Yes, but nopony should go through what he did more than once, if not at all. I would know..."

Your brother is no more Celestia. A demon, a monster is all that remains...It is the right thing to do.

"Um," Fluttershy said. "Excuse me, please don't take this the wrong way. But, since you know everything, will Shadowblaze turn back into Blackjack when the Elements of Harmony get to him?"

How I wish that were so. No, that beloved Prince isn't even trapped beneath the surface. The demon will remain, but I forsee his magic stripped from him, his great streangh gone. You will have no difficulty controling him then. What is to be done with him, is for Equestria to decide.

The orb winked out of sight, and the group of mares thought over the plan. "That thing makes sense," Rarity said. "I belive we can defeat Shadowblaze, and he pointed us in the right direction."

"But we still have one problen," Twilight replied. The others cocked their eyebrows in question. "In order for the spell to work, I have to touch him. I don't think I can be fast enough to dodge him at the same time."

"That's easy!" Pinkie Pie giggled. "We still have the element of surprise! If you can sneak up on him, you won't have to worry about being a shish-kabab."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Twilight grumbled.

"Come on Twilight," Rainbow said. "If you can't pull this off, we're all dead!"

"I know! That's just it!" The Unicorn's eyes began to water. "I'm the only pony who can cast this spell...if I fail..."

Celestia walked over to Twilight, hugging her. "You won't. If anyone can make all the difference, It's you Twilight Sparkle."

"Thanks," Twilight sniffed, wiping her eyes.

"Incoming!" Pinkie Pie shouted. The group was surrounded by Changelings, and they drew their weapons. The insect-like creatures laughed mockingly. The Queen stepped forward, scowling.

"So, Shadowblaze didn't make sure you were dead before he left. A mistake, I will correct." The Queen changed her arm into a wickedly sharp blade, brandishing it.

"Why have you allied yourselves with that monster?" Celestia asked.

"It's simple really. My people need food, Shadowblaze promised it to us. He even said I could feed on every single portion of love your body contains. A good way to get revenge, woudn't you say?"

"Speaking of revenge," a Changeling said. Without warning, it changed form, biting off the Queen's head. Discord spat it out in disgust. "That's for controling my friend's brother."

The Changelings looked at the former Queen in shock. "She's dead," one whispered. "You killed her."

"I'll do the same to you if you don't get the buck out of Equestria."

The Changelings nodded, flying off. They proclaimed the news, and their bretheren joined the retreat. Discord summoned a glass of chocolate milk, chugging it down. "Ugh," he said, wiping his mouth. "She tasted horrible."

"Discord," Celestia stated. "You're back."

"Nice to see you too." The Draconeqques winked, and the Princess smiled. The two embraced, tears forming. "You have no idea how much I missed you Celestia.

"Same here."

The girls awwed, Rainbow Dash gagging. "Hello everypony," Princess Luna said, landing next to them. "Did I miss anything?"

'-'

Ironmallet struck the eel's stomach once more, dodging its fangs. With the Changelings gone, it was just the eel and him battling it out. The beast was proving to be tougher to kill than he remembered. I need to retire, he thought. Oi, thats right. I am! He shouted, knocking out a large tooth.

The eel roared in pain, snatching up the stallion in its jaws. He laughed, hammering its side as he was tossed around. "Hey General!" Trixie shouted, watching the ordeal.

"Oi, lass! I'm a bit busy at the moment! Leave a message!" He broke the eel's jaw, freeing himself. He landed on the ground, the beast roaring at him.

Trixie ran up to the General. "I know a spell that will end this quickly."

"I'm wearing him down lass!" The stallion picked her up, runnimg out of the creature's range. He set Trixie down, chuckling.

"He's wearing you down too. Your armor is in shambles. Besides, I havn't seen the mighty Ironmallet's magnetism in action."

"In case ye didn't notice, he 'aint metal."

The Unicorn's horn glowed. "Now he is."

The eel was turned into a machine. With the wirr of its gears, it climbed out of its hole, slithering at the stallion. Ironmallet's eyes changed steely gray. "Stand back lass. I'm about to be put in the history books."

As the eel slithered ever closer, Ironmallet put his hands up. Trixie could feel the raw power coming from him. The eel roard as it struck, and Ironmallet stopped it in place. "Down boy!" He shouted, his voice metallic.

The eel crumpled underneath the stallion's might. Metal harshly screached as it bent and collided. The eel shrunk smaller and smaller, until it was the size of a hoof. Raising Steel Meteor, Ironmallet brought the pile of metal to him.

Finally, he crushed it underneath his hammer. His eyes turned back to normal, and Trixie stood there, dumbfounded. "Come on lass," Ironmallet said. "We have to help the wounded."

Trixie nodded, and they walked to the fallen creatures.

'-'

"Come on girls," Twilight whispered. "Just a little farther." She and her friends raced through the castle, making their way to the throne room. They arrived at the ornate doors, hesitant to continue.

"If we don't make it," Rarity said. "Then I am glad to call you all my friends." The other mares nodded in agreement.

"Well," Applejack gulped. "I guess this is it."

"Yep!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Let's give it our all!"

"I just hope they're in position..." Fluttershy whispered.

"They will be" Rainbow Dash replied. "We're wasting time, let's go already!"

"We'll face him together," Twilight said. "As a team." The Unicorn magically opened the doors and they stepped inside. Shadowblaze sat on the throne, deep in thought. His ears twitched as he heard the girls enter.

The stallion opened his eyes, and smiled. "You six are much more resourceful than I thought," he said. "I admire that in my enemy. It makes you worthy to taste my blade."

"We'll give you one last chance Shadowblaze," Twilight replied. "Surrender, and we can help you."

Shadowblaze stood, chuckling. "With what? The Elements of Harmony are useless against me."

"Then you give us no choice. I'm sorry, but you must be stopped." The girls drew their weapons, taking a defensive. Shadowblaze scowled, umseathing his blade.

"So be it." He charged, Twilight following his example. With a swing of his sword, he hit her spear. The other girls took their chance. Rainbow began to fire arrows at the stallion, Applejack joining in the fight.

Shadowblaze disconnected from Twilight, burning the arrows, then sending a fireball at Rainbow. The stallion then clashed with Applejack, kicking Twilight away. Rarity joined in, slashing Shadowblaze's face.

He growled, picking her and Applejack up magically. The Alicorn then threw them at Rainbow, the three colliding. Pinkie Pie then joined in, slugging the stallion's armor. Shadowblaze ignored her, blocking a thrust by Twilight.

Fluttershy helped the other three up, and all four charged in. Shadowblaze began to cackle as he blocked and parried their blows. He knocked Fluttershy aside as she stabbed him in the arm, Rarity dodging his fire.

Rainbow Dash swooped by, slashing the Alicorn's shoulders and sticking her arrows in him. He grabbed her leg amd slammed her on the ground. As he thrust his sword, it was batted aside by Pinkie Pie. Rainbow crawled out of the way, while Applejack sliced through Shadowblaze's arm, leaving a bloody gash.

Finally, executing her plan, Twilight tripped the stallion with her spear. He landed hard on his back, the girls jumping on him. He batted them aside, and Twilight cast the spell. A jet of flame escaped Shadowblaze's body, his connection to the core severed.

He howled, standing up. "You will burn my little ponies! I swear it!" He cast a spell, and his whole body was engulfed in flames. The mares backed away in terror. Shadowblaze was truly a demon now.

With a shout, he charged, his flames trailing behind him. Just as he was about to strike, he was bound in chains of light once more. "What!" Shadowblaze roared.

Celestia entered the throne room, frowning. "Next time, make sure I'm dead."

Shadowblaze struggled against the chains, his horn glowing strongly. The chains groaned as they began to give way, when shadow-like chains added streangth to them.

Princess Luna emerged from Celestia's shadow. "I'm sorry brother," she said, teary eyed. "But you must be stopped."

"Nightmare!" Shadowblaze shouted. "I'll have your head!"

"No. That tyrant is gone for good. Luna, Princess of the Night rules her own mind now."

Shadowblaze growled, struggling even harder against the chains, his horn more luminous than ever. To everypony's surprise, the two types of chains began to groan once more. They could feel Shadowblaze's anger as he struggled. It made them sweat fiercly, as his flames reflected it.

The stallion was almost through, when a voice, as lovely as a harp stopped him cold. "Blackjack...stop."

With a flash of light, an Alicorn appeared before them. She was white, her coat changing from orange, to purple at her legs. Her mane and tail were the same way, as were her wings. Those wings seemed to flow like a galaxy.

Shadowblaze put out his flames, his expression shocked. "Do you not reconize me my son?" The Alicorn asked.

"Mother..." Shadowblaze said, his voice cracking. Tears began to flow down his cheeks. "I thought you were dead..."

"Nothing truly dies, litte one."

"Please, help me out of these chains. Celestia has betrayed Equestria by letting the Ursa kill you That Day."

The Alicorn sighed, shaking her head. "No Blackjack. It is you who has betrayed your country."

"What!?! N-no, I have done no such thing, I am serving Equestria!"

"No, you aren't. You are killing your own ponies, as well as creatures Equestria has respected for centuries. You are destroying everything our family has built in your war."

The mare walked up to him, wiping his tears with her hoof. "I must leave you my son. I hope seeing me again has brought you peace."

"Go girls," Celestia whispered. "Now's your chance." They nodded, taking their positions behind the new Alicorn.

"No mother!" Shadowblaze cried. "I cannot bear losing you again!"

The mare sighed, and began to sing. "Hush now, my baby. Be still now, don't cry."

The girls weapons glowed as they charged up. "Mother...please." Shadowblaze sobbed.

"Sleep as you're rocked by the stream. Sleep and remember,my last lullabye."

The girls floated in the air, the famous rainbow flying out of them. "Don't go..." The stallion begged.

"So I'll be there, when you dream..." The mare disappeared, and Shadowblaze cried

"Mother!" The rainbow streamed through his body, and Princesses looked away from the light it gave off. "NO!" Shadowblaze howled.

When the light settled, the mares present examined the stallion. He was unconcious, and his mane and tail were no longer made of flame. Instead, purple hair served in the fire's place.

"We did it!" Rainbow exclaimed. She then swooped in the air, doing several loops. When she noticed her friends not celebrating with her, she landed. "Hey, what gives?"

"Don't get us wromg RD," Applejack said. "We're glad Shadowblaze is powerless, but..."

"We've got alot of other things to think about now," Fluttershy continued. "Like the wounded."

"And the homeless," Rarity added.

"Don't forget Ponyville," Pinkie Pie said. "It's gone remember?"

Rainbow lowered her head. "Oh...yeah."

"That mare that Discord became," Twilight said. "Was she...?"

"Our mother," Celestia replied, her voice tinged with sadness. "Queen Galaxina, Mistress of The Stars and Galaxies. Even if it was Discord, seeing her again..."

"Resurfaced old feelings," Luna added. "I now understand how this would drive our brother insane."

With a flash of light, Discord appeared, his face stricken. "It was torture on me," he said. "I could barely control myself when I was her. It was all for me to do but cry during that."

"Well," Celestia said. "I am glad you could help. Shadowblaze's rage almost got through both Luna and I's chains."

"Speaking of said stallion...What are we going to do with him?"

"We let Equestria decide."