//------------------------------//
// The Tests of Harmony 
// Story: Harmony's New Heroes 
// by BrawnyCharger 
//------------------------------//

The six new bearers of the Elements of Harmony: Shining Armor, Derpy, Cheese Sandwich, Big Macintosh, Spitfire, and Sassy Saddles, along with Spike, stood defiant and ready to save Equestria.

“Wait, where do we even begin to look for Twilight and the others?” Spike asked.

“Last night, we traced the location of where the six of them were being held.” Luna answered.

“They’re in King Sombra’s castle in what is known as the ‘Realm of Somberness.’ It is another dimension. It can be accessed through a portal. It’s behind our old castle in the Everfree Forest. We’ve never once set foot through that portal. Though, we imagine it is perhaps one of the darkest, most evil realms we have ever heard of. If the six of you are going to have any chance of saving Twilight and her friends in this evil world, you must be brave enough to take on whatever challenges stand in your way. Remember. You have the Elements of Harmony, and you have each other.” Celestia added.

The six substitutes nodded.

Cadance walked up to her husband. She pushed the stroller with their daughter Flurry Heart inside it.

“You must be careful and come home safely. It’ll be hard living without you for the both of us.” Cadance said.

Flurry Heart cooed at her father.

Shining Armor remained strong however and said: “Believe me, Cadance. Life for everypony is already tough enough as is without Twilight. And it’s going to get even worse for all of us if we don’t rescue her.”

“You’re right.” Cadance said nodding sadly.

Shining hugged Cadance and kissed his daughter on the horn before leading the others out of the castle.

Outside the Castle.

Each of the new heroes were approached by the friends and families of the Mane 6.
Spitfire was speaking with the other Wonderbolts, Rainbow Dash’s parents and Scootaloo.
Spitfire turned to Soarin’ and said: “I’m leaving you in charge of the Wonderbolt team in my absence.”

“Yes Ma’am!” Sourin shouted as the Wonderbolts saluted in response.

Spitfire turned to Rainbow Dash’s family and said: “I can assure you that I will not rest for a second until Rainbow Dash is rescued and brought back to Equestria safely.”

The Rainbows nodded affirmatively as Spitfire left.

Big Mac was talking with the rest of the Apple family.

“Braeburn. You are in charge of taking care of Sweet Apple Acres for the time being. Feel free to have anypony else help you out if necessary.” Big Mac said.

“You can count on me. Big Mac.” Braeburn responded.

“Aw, Big Mac. Can’t ah come?” Applebloom asked.

“No, Applebloom. This task is very dangerous and little fillies could get hurt very badly.” Big Mac told his sister.

Applebloom pouted.

Big Mac turned to Braeburn and said: “Be sure to look out for Applebloom as well.”

Braeburn nodded as he turned to Applebloom and said: “Buck up, Applebloom. How about we have yer cousin, Babs Seed join ya back at Sweet Apple Acres.”

Tender Taps also joined in and said: “Yeah, and how about you and I go out later tonight for some ice cream.”

Applebloom cheered up and said: “Alright, Ah guess this won’t be so bad.”

Sassy was talking with Rarity’s family.

“I’m going to have to ask that you take over the Carousel Boutique back in Ponyville. I’ve already put somepony else in charge of the one here in Canterlot. There’s nothing really much to it. You don’t have to make any new dresses. Just sell what’s already there. Okay?” Sassy said.

The family nodded.

“I’ll be sure to bring Rarity home safe and sound.” Sassy concluded.
Derpy was with Dr. Hooves and Fluttershy’s family.

“Please be careful, Derpy. This is a very dangerous assignment and I don’t want you to get hurt.” Dr. Hooves said worriedly.

“It’s okay, Doctor. The Element of Kindness picked me for a reason. I’m sure I can help save Equestria.” Derpy confidently replied as she hugged Dr. Hooves.

“Don’t forget about Fluttershy. Please save her, Derpy.” Zephyr pled.

“I’ll try, everypony.” Derpy replied:

Big Macintosh joined in and said: “Relax. We’ll all see to it that Fluttershy is safe and back home.”

Mr. Shy smiled and said to Big Mac: “You know, Fluttershy’s real lucky to have a stallion like you.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac replied.

“Don’t forget to look after Fluttershy’s animal friends.” Derpy reminded the family.

Cheese Sandwich was with the Cakes and the Pies. He was playing peekaboo with Pound and Pumpkin, who cheered and giggled happily.

“You have just as much a way with foals as Pinkie does.” Carrot Cake said.

“I’ve played with many of them before.” Cheese Sandwich answered.

Maud walked up to Cheese and stated flatly: “Pinkie told us you’re a funny pony.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Cheese replied.

Limestone got up in Cheese’s face and growled: “SAVE Pinkie! Because if you fail, US PIES WILL COME DOWN ON YOU LIKE A ROCKSLIDE!”

“I won’t fail. I won’t fail. I won’t fail!” Cheese responded nervously.

Marble added rather shyly: “Um….Save Pinkie. We…..love her.”

“Um….You can count on me.” Cheese replied looking rather confused.

Cheese Sandwich turned to the Cakes and told them: “Pinkie’s family is…..strange.”

“Don’t bother trying to make sense out of it. ” Cup Cake said.

Shining Armor turned to the other five and said: “Alright everypony. It’s time!”

One by one, the six along with Spike fell in line as they vigilantly marched down the streets of Canterlot. Various ponies cheered them on, and hoped for their safety and success. Once they reached the train station, they took a train back to Ponyville, headed through the Everfree forest and arrived at the ruins of the old castle. They went to the back before encountering the portal.

They each looked at the portal with relative unease.

Shining Armor turned to the others and said: “The fate of Equestria is in our hooves, everypony. It’s now or never.”

One by one, the faces of each of the new wielders turned from nervousness to determination as they nodded at their leader and followed him into the portal.

Once they entered, the seven of them looked at their surroundings. It was a dark barren field that stretched for miles. Dead trees, withered crops, and pony bones were scattered across the field. The sky was completely blackened by dark clouds that stretched as far as the eye can see.

Everypony each felt a strong chill down their spines from the coldness of the area. All they could hear was an eerie wind blowing through the fields. It gave off the impression of a graveyard, a haunted house, and a warzone after a battle with high casualty counts on both sides.

“How ghastly!” Sassy shrieked as she covered her muzzle from the foul stench of the area.

“Don’t tell me you were expecting a fancy royal ball.” Spitfire retorted as she surveyed the surroundings before continuing: “Admittedly though, this is far worse than I imagined it would be.”

“Everything’s dying, or dead already.” Big Mac stated bluntly.

“This place s-s-scares me!” Derpy said quivering behind Big Mac.

“It’s pretty spooky alright. But maybe it won’t be so bad once we start to explore the place.” Cheese Sandwich responded optimistically as he started trotting forward.

Suddenly, a wall of fire shot up right in front of Cheese, blowing him off his hooves and sending him scurrying back to the other ponies. The other ponies instantly hurried over to help him up.

“Not so bad, eh?” Spike said sarcastically.

“The princesses weren’t kidding.” Shining Armor said.

Suddenly a church bell tolled once, then twice, and on the third, the large wall of fire surrounded the ponies. A large red flame sprang near the edge before a large cloaked pony appeared in it’s place. The pony’s body was completely covered from head to hoof in a black cloak. It held a staff with a pony skull on the end and the eyes within the hole of the cloak glowed an evil red.

The ponies stood there and stared at the figure with fear in their eyes but tried not to show it, Derpy and Sassy clearly the most afraid as they held each other tightly. Cheese was not quite as scared, but he did sweat at the sight. Spitfire, Big Mac, and Shining stared menacingly at the pony waiting for it to make a move. The figure, however, just stood there without moving.

Spike turned to the others and asked: “What does it want?”

“So far it’s not attacking us, so we’d best ask?” Shining answered.

Shining took two steps toward the cloaked pony before questioning it: “Who are you?”

“Never mind who I am. What are the seven of you doing here?” The figure asked in a deep intimidating voice.

“We’ve been chosen by Princess Celestia to stop King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis and rescue Twilight Sparkle and her friends using the Elements of Harmony.” Shining answered.

The cloaked figure stared at each one of the ponies before finally speaking:
“So, you are the ponies selected to battle the evil alliance between Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings and Sombra, King of the Realm of Somberness?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac answered.

“And who are you?” The figure asked, pointed at Spike, revealing it’s pony skeleton hoof.

“I-I-I’m Spike. Twilight’s dragon assistant. I’m here to help these six.” Spike answered, rather shocked at the sight of the hoof bones.

The cloaked pony paused before responding: “Of course.”

The cloaked pony turned to the rest of them and asked: “Do you think that the six of you are worthy enough to wear those elements? Are you sure that each of you can represent Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, and Magic just as those before you?”
Big Mac stepped forward and said: “The elements did choose us.”

“Now which way to Sombra and Chrysalis?” Spitfire added.

“Not so fast! Each of you must succeed in performing a task in order to reach Somber Castle.” The cloaked pony answered.

Suddenly the necklaces shot forward five beams revealing 5 vortexes each in the color of the gems of their respective elements.

The cloaked pony turned to them and said: “Big Macintosh, Spitfire, Cheese Sandwich, Derpy Hooves and Sassy Saddles. Your tasks await you beyond these vortexes. Good luck.”

One by one, the five ponies each entered the vortex of their gem’s respective color. Big Mac into the orange vortex, Spitfire the red, Cheese the cyan, Derpy the pink, and Sassy the purple. Once they all entered, the vortexes all closed.

“Shining Armor. You and Spike shall come with me.” The cloaked pony said.

A much larger vortex of flames appeared as the cloaked pony led Shining and Spike through it.
Shining Armor and Spike reached the other side of the vortex and it revealed a giant scary castle. It had tall conical spiking towers nearly a hundred feet above the ground. It was surrounded by a moat of lava with a closed drawbridge as the only way in. A giant black cloud hovered overhead with thunder and lightning flashing constantly.

Spike and Shining looked around but the cloaked pony was gone.

“I’m guessing that that must be Somber Castle.” Spike said.

“You’re probably right, Spike. Now we have to figure out how to get in.” Shining Armor replied.
Suddenly a large crash of thunder boomed throughout the sky. A lime green beam shot out from the top tower and trapped Spike in a bubble.

Spike pounded on the inside trying to get free, but was unable to as he shouted: “Hey! What’s going on? Let me go!”

The beam pulled the bubble containing Spike up to the tower.

“Spike! Bring him back!” Shining shouted.

The voice of the cloaked pony spoke from out of nowhere: “You will need to defeat the combined armies of the Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers in order to enter the castle.”
Suddenly, hundreds of Changelings and ponies dressed in dark silver armor emerged from above and completely surrounded Shining Armor.

Shining Armor got into a defensive position as he aimed his horn. The army charged at Shining Armor from all sides as he fired beams from his horn at any enemies in front and bucked any enemies as they came from behind.

Cheese Sandwich’s Test:

Cheese reached the other side of the portal and looked around. He was inside a run down house, with creaky floors, holes in the roof and six ponies all with unhappy expressions. Two of them were crying, while another two were whimpering in the corner. Two older ponies just looked on with gloomy expressions.

Cheese looked at the ponies and asked: “Why is everypony so glum?”

One of the older ponies glared at Cheese and stated: “Why are we so glum? Because everything’s wrong with us!”

“We have no reason to be happy.” The other older pony added.

“We live in a horrible world.” One of the crying ponies said.

“We’re ruled over by a horrible tyrant.” The other one cried.

“We’re afraid of losing our lives.” One of the ponies in the corner said.

“But we know it’s going to happen any day now.” The other one added.

The first older pony walked up to Cheese Sandwich and told him: “You see? Life is miserable!”

Cheese Sandwich stood there as he thought to himself: “This can’t be right. Nopony I’ve ever come across has ever been this unhappy. What would Pinkie Pie do?”

Suddenly he got an idea in his head.

Cheese Sandwich grabbed a bunch of wood and tools and built a stage in front of the six suffering ponies. Cheese jumped on the stage with a mic.

“Good evening, everypony! I now present to you a series of ten things that will make you laugh!”

First. Cheese dressed up as a DJ, stood behind some turntables and played some dubstep music while a turkey dressed as a rapper came out and gobbled to the music.
Second. Cheese was juggling three basketballs while a large bull charged onto the stage. Cheese passed all three balls to the bull. The first two were punctured by the bull’s horns and the third was headbutted right into a basket.

“Three points!” Cheese shouted.

Third. Cheese brought out a whole pile of waffles and started building things with them. The first was a waffle model of a pony. The second was a waffle model of a clock tower. Finally, he built a waffle model of a wagon. Cheese then spread butter and poured syrup on the waffle sculptures, and ate them all in one bite.

Fourth. Cheese was riding a big bouncy ball, bouncing all over the place, while playing the accordion.

Fifth. Cheese came out on rollerblades while wearing a bearskin cap and skate-marched up and down the stage.

Sixth. Cheese charged out wearing a suit of armor while battling a giant gold coin. The coin rolled around Cheese before it fell down flat on top of him.

Seventh. Cheese wheeled out on a unicycle and started cutting logs with a chainsaw.

Eighth. Cheese was wearing a radioactive suit while spinning on a game show wheel. The wheel stopped and it landed on a picture of a cake which was splatted in Cheese’s face.

Ninth. Cheese came out with a giant hammer and was whacking giant snakes as they popped up.

Finally. Cheese came out walking in a weird fashion while wearing a military officer’s uniform before stopping and saying “It’s too silly. Let’s end this.”

Cheese then fell off the stage.

The six unhappy ponies just looked at the stage until one of them started to snicker. Another then smiled a tiny bit out of the corner of her mouth. Another giggled, until all six ponies started bursting into laughter.

Cheese Sandwich looked at them with satisfaction as the ponies rolled on the floor laughing at the spectacle that took place in their home. Suddenly five of the ponies disappeared, while the last one transformed into the cloaked pony from earlier.

“Cheese Sandwich. Congratulations. You have passed your test. You put in all the effort you had to make those sad, unhappy ponies laugh. You truly are worthy of wearing the Element of Laughter.
A beam of cyan shined down on Cheese as the Element of Laughter floated down and landed around his neck.

The cloaked pony continued: “Now head through the portal and you will arrive at Somber Castle. Shining Armor is battling the combined forces of Sombra’s army and the Changelings. He could use your help.”

The cloaked pony disappeared and Cheese Sandwich charged through the vortex.

On the other side of the vortex, Shining Armor was beginning to get tired, there were still too many soldiers and Changelings for him to handle. Suddenly a vortex appeared and a giant tank rolled through it and at fired some pies at some evil soldiers, sending them flying, and Cheese Sandwich jumped out of the top.

“Cheese Sandwich! Am I glad to see you!” Shining Armor cheered.

“Hey, Shining! I passed the test! Now let’s blast some evil soldiers and Changelings!” Cheese shouted as he got out his own party cannon.

Shining Armor felt resurged and charged back at the henchponies.

“I just hope the other four are okay.” Shining said.

Sassy Saddles’ Test:

Sassy found herself walking near what appeared to be a volcanic crater. She was feeling very hot and scared at the same time.

“This place is just so horrid! Not to mention I’m practically burning up. Now where is this task that I’m supposed to perform?”

Suddenly the crater began to erupt. The flames and lava shot straight up into the sky , scaring Sassy Saddles off her hooves. She rapidly crawled back from the crater until she was at a safer distance. The lava subsided, but the wall of flames still burned high. In the center of the wall, some of the flames danced into the shape of a giant pony head.

The head spoke in a hissy voice: “Beware. For you are now at the Pit of Sacrifice!”

“The P-Pit of S-Sacrifice? W-What do you want me to do?” Sassy asked as she sweated nervously.

“Everypony who encounters the Pit of Sacrifice must give up something that is of sentimental value to them in order to continue their journey. If they don’t, they will be consumed by the lava and flames of the pit!” The head cackled.

Sassy gasped at the thought of being burned alive as she responded: “Alright. I think there may be something in my saddlebag worth something.”

Sassy took off her saddlebag and removed the contents within.

“Spools of thread, I’ve got plenty back in Canterlot. Sequins and gems, I guess these are somewhat hard to come by.”

Sassy looked at the last item in the bag and gasped. It was rolled up purple satin with gold trim on the ends of it. Sassy stared at it as she remembered.

Flashback to 1 week ago:

Sassy was in the back room of the Canterlot Carousel looking through a catalog for new material for the dresses. Sassy turned the page and something caught her eye.

“Rare Saddle Arabian Satin. Worth 1000 bits. Limited offer. 50 BITS?!?”

“This is Perfect! Rarity did say she was looking for something rare for her new line. I’ll order it now.” Sassy said excitedly.

Sassy got out an order form scroll and quill and wrote down the order.

Two days later, The mailpony arrived at the Canterlot Carousel with a package. Sassy brought it back into the shop and presented it to Rarity.

“I wonder what this could be.” Rarity wondered as she opened the package.

When Rarity saw the purple satin with gold trim, her mouth was agape.

“Sassy. Is…this the…?” Rarity asked overwhelmed by the sight.

Sassy nodded.

“This…is…just…PERFECT!!!!” Rarity cried as she hugged her friend.

“I found it in a catalog and they had a special discount on it.” Sassy replied.

“Oh, Darling, This will make for some stunning dresses. How can I ever thank you.”

Flashback Ends:

Sassy stared at the rolled up satin with very sad eyes. She turned and glared at the crater.

“I strongly fear how Rarity would feel if something were to happen to this beautiful satin.” Sassy stated.

She stomped slowly towards the pit as she continued: “But if this means saving Rarity and the others, SO BE IT!!!”

Sassy hurled the satin into the pit with her magic. The flames and lava subsided as the depths of the pit began to glow a bright purple before it too subsided.

The voice of the head spoke from out of nowhere: “Sassy Saddles, You have passed the test. You chose to give up something of sentimental value in order to save your friend. You are truly worthy of wearing the Element of Generosity.”

Two purple beams of light arched from the cauldron and down right in front of Sassy Saddles. From the first beam came the roll of satin which landed back in Sassy’s saddlebag, and the other came the Element of Generosity landing around her neck.

The voice spoke again: “Now you must join Shining Armor and Cheese Sandwich at Somber Castle and help them.”

A vortex appeared in front of Sassy and she galloped through it.

On the other side, Shining’s resurgence was beginning to run out, and Cheese was beginning to get tired as well. Suddenly Sassy appeared through a portal and charged at the army.

“Sassy! You’ve passed! We could sure use your help!” Shining shouted.

“Yeah, I’m running out of gags.” Cheese added.

“Usually I try to avoid partaking in such barbaric activity. But Rarity’s in trouble so BRING IT ON YOU RUFFIANS!!!!” Sassy shouted as she shot magic sparks at the henchponies.

Derpy’s Test:

Derpy was flying through a scary looking back alley, not having a good feeling about what lay in store for her.

“I hate this place. Why did I have to be put here?” Derpy said as she turned around a corner.
Derpy saw a larger stallion pulling a basket out of the hooves of an older mare. She hid behind a wall as she watched.

“NO! THOSE ARE MINE! PLEASE LET ME HAVE THEM!” The mare screamed.

The stallion snarled back: “Well, they’re mine now!”

“But they’re all I have left!” The mare cried.

“Too bad!” the stallion scoffed as he snatched the basket from her and ran away laughing in a cruel manner.

The mare laid on the ground sobbing as Derpy came out from her hiding place and slowly approached the mare.

Derpy shouted in the direction the stallion ran: “That’s not kind! Nopony is ever that mean in Ponyville!”

Derpy turned to the mare who was still crying as she helped her to her hooves.

“Are you alright, Miss?” Derpy asked.

“No, I’m not alright. That basket contained the last of my food and I have no money left to feed my family. My life is in shambles I tell you!” The mare cried.

Derpy looked sadly at the mare wondering what to do.

She thought to herself: “Is there any way I can help this poor pony. What would Fluttershy do?”

Derpy looked around for something until she remembered her saddlebag.

“Here, you can take these muffins that I made yesterday.” Derpy offered the mare.

“Really? You would give all of these just for me?” The mare asked.

Derpy answered assuredly “Don’t worry, I can always make more.”

Derpy placed the saddlebag on the mare, who tearfully smiled and hugged Derpy as she said: “Oh, thank you, young one. You are so kind. Celestia bless you.”

The mare left. Suddenly a bright pink beam of light shone down on Derpy as a voice spoke.
“Derpy Hooves. You have successfully completed the task. You were willing to go out of your way to help this poor unfortunate pony. For that you have proven your worthiness of wielding the Element of Kindness.”

The Element of Kindness fell from the beam and landed around Derpy’s neck.

The voice continued: “Now head through the vortex to Somber Castle and help Shining Armor, Cheese Sandwich and Sassy Saddles against Sombra and Chrysalis’ combined armies.”

Derpy flew threw the vortex to the castle.

Back on the other side, The battle had started to shift towards the evil armies as Shining, Cheese and Sassy were all getting worn out from battle. The portal opened once again and Derpy flew right through it.

“Hi, Shining Armor, Cheese Sandwich, and Sassy Saddles.” Derpy shouted.

“Derpy, you passed the test! Now help us if you can.” Shining called out.

“How do I do that?” Derpy asked as she flew backwards, bumping into a bunch of Changelings and soldiers, knocking them over like dominos.

The other three cheered as they got back into the battle and Derpy looked at them sheepishly.

Spitfire’s Test:

Spitfire was hovering over a barren field that stretched as far as the eyes could see.

“Now, where is this task? There’s practically nothing here!” Spitfire complained.

Suddenly, a crash of thunder rolled across the sky, and an image of a pony that Spitfire recognized appeared right in front of her.

“Soarin’! What are you doing here?” Spitfire asked.

“Spitfire, Please. You have to come back to the Wonderbolts!” Soarin’ replied.

Spitfire asked: “What? Why?”

“Everything’s going horribly. We can’t do our routines as well without you there. We need you, Spitfire. PLEASE!” Soarin pled.

“I’ll help you out once we save Rainbow Dash and the others.” Spitfire reassured her fellow Wonderbolt.

But Soarin responded: “NO! Come back to the Wonderbolts now! We need you right NOW!”

“Is it really that bad?” Spitfire asked worriedly.

“Yes. It’s that bad. The only way we can get things done is if you are there to help us.” Soarin answered.

Spitfire was about to respond, but she stopped. She turned around and thought about it and turned around and faced Soarin again.

“Well, are you coming back?” Soarin asked.

Spitfire took a deep breath, looked him in eyes and answered: “Soarin. Ever since the Equestria Games, we saw Rainbow Dash show loyalty towards her friends in Ponyville. Because of that we’ve had to reevaluate ourselves and our philosophy. Ever since then we have established ourselves as loyal to each other through thick and thin, just as Rainbow Dash has. And I will always be there for my fellow Wonderbolts. However, right now, I have a duty to my fellow Elements of Harmony here. They need me, and I need them. I can’t just abandon a mission like this, Soarin. The fate of Equestria is at stake right now and I’m NOT returning until Rainbow Dash and the rest of Equestria is safe! I’m sorry, but right now my loyalties lay with Shining Armor and the other four. And don’t forget. Rainbow Dash is a Wonderbolt too.

Soarin bowed his head sadly and looked back up at Spitfire, but then he smiled and responded in the voice of the cloaked pony: “Spitfire. Congratulations. You have passed. You chose to remain loyal to the mission at hand by respectfully turning down the temptation to return to the thing you love so much. You are worthy of the Element of Loyalty.”

The image of Soarin disappeared and a red beam of light shone down from above. The Element of Loyalty was hovering in the center of the beam. Spitfire flew up the beam and to the necklace, which placed perfectly around her neck.

The voice spoke again: “Now, head to Somber Castle and assist Shining Armor, Cheese Sandwich, Sassy Saddles and Derpy.”

A portal appeared across from Spitfire and she zoomed right through it.

On the other side, the evil armies were controlling the battle. Shining had taken a few blows, Cheese Sandwich had just about run out of ammo in his party cannon, Sassy had just resorted to physical contact, and Derpy’s klutzy luck was starting to fade. Suddenly a fiery streak flew across the sky, turned around and blasted through a squad of Sombra’s soldiers.
“Spitfire!” Shining shouted.

“You passed!” Cheese cheered.

“Are we glad to see you.” Sassy said.

“Yay, Spitfire!” Derpy cheered.

“Alright. Time to kick some henchpony flank!” Spitfire said intimidatingly as she flew down and started bucking and kicking the heads of Sombra’s soldiers.

And just like that, the other four ponies got back into the fight.

Big Macintosh’s Test:

Big Mac was walking along the edge of a cliff when he saw a long suspension bridge going across a gorge of mist and fog. It was impossible to see how far down it was but Big Mac guessed that it had to have been too far down to fall. He came across a sign and read it.


BRIDGE OF TRUTH
ANSWER TEN QUESTIONS RIGHTFULLY AND CROSS SAFELY
FAIL AT ANY QUESTION AND PERISH


Big Mac was nervous as he read that last line, but he thought to himself: “I can do this. I have to if I want to save Applejack, Fluttershy and the others. Just answer the questions as best you can and you’ll be just fine.”

Big Mac approached the edge of the bridge with confidence. Suddenly a loud lightning bolt struck the edge of the bridge and there appeared a robed pony with a long beard holding a staff.

“STOP! Pass and cross. Fail and fall.” The robed pony stated.

“Ask away!” Big Mac stated confidently.

“One. Who are you?”

“Big Macintosh Apple!”

“Two. Why are you here?”

“To rescue the Twilight and her friends and stop Sombra and Chrysalis!”

“Three. Why were you, and the others in your party chosen and not anypony else?”

“Because the Elements of Harmony decided we best represented them!”

“Four. Do you have any desires to be a hero?”

“Eeyup!”

“Five. Have you ever showcased any jealousy towards your sister Applejack, because of her hero status?”

“Eeyup!”

“Six. Have you had any experience in saving Equestria from evil?”

“Nope!”

“Seven. Do you personally feel you and your comrades are most deserving of those elements, more so than say, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, or Scootaloo?”

“Eeyup!”

“Eight. What do you have that you can contribute in your quest?”

“My physical strength and power!”

“Nine. What do you hope comes out of this?”

“That my family, friends, and all of Equestria are safe from evil!”

“Finally, Ten.  Will you succeed in defeating the forces of evil and saving Equestria?”

“All I can say is that I certainly hope so. Because if we don’t at least I can say that I didn’t go down without a fight!”

Suddenly the robed pony vanished into a puff of smoke, but it’s disembodied voice continued to speak.

“Big Macintosh, you have proven your worthiness of wielding the Element of Honesty. You didn’t just give answers I wanted to hear, you answered how you truly felt about things. Shining Armor and the other four are now battling Sombra and Chrysalis’ army in front of Somber Castle. Now, claim your element and go help the others!”

A beam of orange shot down from the sky and onto the center of the bridge. The Element of Honesty was floating down the beam when Big Macintosh ran across the bridge towards the center of the bridge. Big Mac jumped at the beam and the element landed safely around his neck.
On the other side of the bridge, a vortex opened up and Big Macintosh galloped through it.

On the other side of the vortex, all five of the others were laying on the ground being stalked by the evil soldiers and the Changelings. All five ponies were worn out, battered and bruised as they backed away from the advancing evil armies.

Shining Armor told his comrades: “Well, everypony. This is it. We either take them all on or we…”

“Look!” Spitfire shouted.

The portal opened up and Big Macintosh stepped right through it to the other side.

Big Mac stared down the army of soldiers and changelings that glared at him.

“You attacked my sister…” Big Mac began as he started kicking against the ground with his hind leg.

The changelings hissed.

“Posing as my cousin…” he continued as he kicked faster.

They hissed again.

“Seriously injuring her…”

Another hiss.

“Kidnapping her…”

Yet another hiss.

“And her friends…”

The soldiers got in battle stance.

“You attacked my family.”

The henchponies stepped towards him.

“And now you threaten my new friends!?!?” Big Mac threatened as he was now kicking at full speed.

The soldiers and changelings started looking at him nervously.

“WELL THEN, IT’S TIME FOR A BIG MAC STAAAAMPEEEEDE!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Big Macintosh roared as he charged at full speed towards the evil armies. When he collided, countless soldiers and changelings were sent flying through the air. The other five cheered him on as he continued to plow right through the sea of henchponies. When he finally reached the center, he checked on his friends.

“Everypony okay?” Big Mac asked the others.

“We are now that you’re here.” Sassy answered.

“Thanks, Big Mac. We thought we were finished there.” Shining replied.

“Now that we’re all here, let’s celebrate!” Cheese said.

“Yay, Big Mac!!!” Derpy cheered.

“I’m afraid we still have work to do, everypony.” Spitfire said glaring at the evil forces who were starting to come to.

All six ponies suddenly felt a resurgence of energy and health as the five necklaces lit up. Suddenly, from out of the sky, the Element of Magic crown lowered and landed on Shining’s head. The six then each got into a battle ready stance as a majority of the soldiers and changelings were back up on their hooves.The eyes of the ponies all lit up. Six beams of energy shot out of the Elements and blasted a huge portion of the soldiers and changelings away.

“Alright, Shining Armor. It’s your call.” Spitfire said.

Shining Armor turned to the others and said: “For now we should split up in groups of two and divide them. So far we’ve been taking them on by ourselves. We can be more effective if we use a bit of teamwork. Sassy. You team with me. Our unicorn combined unicorn magic can be even more powerful than alone. Spitfire and Derpy. You take it to the skies. Ambush enemies from above. And Cheese Sandwich and Big Mac. You two know what to do.”

Both gave a smug wink at Shining before everypony went charging into battle.

Shining and Sassy each shot sparks at the evil forces. Then they each touched horns and released a huge energy blast knocking back several soldiers. A group of changelings came charging at the two unicorns. Shining and Sassy just stood there with their backs to the moat as they waited until they were close enough. They levitated the changelings over their heads and threw them against the stone wall above the moat. They both turned around to see two more soldiers running at them full speed.

“Now!” Shining Armor shouted as they teleported away. The two soldiers stopped just on the edge. Shining and Sassy reappeared right behind the soldiers and bucked them over the edge and into the moat.

Shining and Sassy brohoofed at their accomplishment.

Shining congratulated Sassy: “Excellent job!”

“Thanks. Hey Shining. Is there a chance that any of the other guards are single? Sassy asked flirtatiously.

Shining thought about it and said: “I’ll see about that once we save Equestria.”

Spitfire and Derpy were hovering above a group of soldiers. The two pegasi flew upside down in the direction of the solders. Just as they were directly above the front of the soldiers, they did a curve dive and rammed into two of the soldiers, thus knocking down all them like dominoes. Suddenly a swarm of changelings appeared behind them.

Spitfire turned to Derpy and said: “Now, here’s what I want you to do.” And whispered in Derpy’s ear.

“You got that?” Spitfire asked. Derpy nodded.

“Alright, GO!” Spitfire shouted as she and Derpy dashed straight towards the wall of the castle and the changelings chased right behind. Just as they were about to hit the wall, Spitfire shouted “NOW!” as they made sharp turns in opposite directions alongside of the wall with changelings following them. Then they both curved upwards in a semi loop before slanting downwards in a crisscross. This made the two changeling teams who followed them crash into each other and fall to the ground.

“Woohoo! We did it, Spitfire.” Derpy cheered.

“You know, Derpy. Have you ever considered becoming a Wonderbolt?” Spitfire asked.

Derpy smiled widely.

Finally, Cheese Sandwich and Big Macintosh were using a simple ground game with hoof to hoof combat. Big Mac was applebucking several soldiers. He even managed to take out ten of them with a single buck. While Cheese Sandwich was using his gags against the evil army such as pies to the faces, his party cannon, hoof buzzer, and giant whack-a-mole mallet. It eventually came down to just ten soldiers, and they marched towards them in a triangle formation.

Cheese Sandwich turned to Big Mac and smugly asked.: “Big Mac. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac answered smugly.

Cheese Sandwich curled up into a ball and Big Mac positioned himself with his hind legs right behind Cheese.

“Ready?” Cheese asked.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac answered.

Big Mac bucked Cheese Sandwich, who rolled full speed towards the soldiers. As he approached, the soldiers screamed in fear. Cheese Sandwich collided and sent the soldiers flying in all sorts of directions.

“Strike!” Big Mac grinned.

Cheese Sandwich rejoined Big Mac and said: “You know, you and I could make a great team. We could call it “Mac ‘N’ Cheese”! Get it!”

Big Mac just stated: “Eeyup.”

The two earth ponies were rejoined by the other four and they cheered and hoofbumped each other.

Shining Armor turned to the others and said: “Great work, everypony! You know, I probably wouldn’t have survived without each and every one of you. And I’m really glad to have you all as friends.”

The other five smiled at his statement. But they also started to look around.

“Shining Armor. Where’s Spike?” Derpy asked.

Shining Armor stated: “Spike was captured by Sombra and Chrysalis just before the soldiers and changelings attacked. He’s probably being held with Twilight and the others.”

Suddenly the drawbridge lowered.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go save them.” Cheese Sandwich cheered.

The ponies all charged across the drawbridge and into the castle. The castle looked even darker and scarier on the inside. The décor looked very gothic. Not too surprising considering who’s castle it was.

Sassy shivered as she looked at the scenery and said: “This is far worse a place than I imagined.”

“Well, Where are they keeping Twilight and the others?” Big Mac asked.

The voice of the cloaked pony spoke: “Follow the torches of red.”

Suddenly the pathway with torches lit up with red flames leading from the main hallway down a corridor. The six ponies followed the trail down the corridor which turned right. After 20 feet, the torches turned left. They led to a tall staircase heading upwards. At the top of the stairs was a door. The ponies opened it, and it lead to a huge armory that looked like a battle arena.

A voice yelled out to them from above the center of the floor: “Guys! Up here!”

It was Spike, still trapped in the bubble.

“Spike! Don’t worry. We’ll get you down!” Shining Armor called as he and the other ponies ran to the center of the room.

“NO! IT’S A TRAP!” Spike called back.

Just then a huge ring of flames shot up and completely surrounded the arena. Then, they heard the evil laughter as King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis walked through the flames and into perfect view.

“Well, If it isn’t the Elements of Harmony B-Team!” roared Sombra.

“What makes you think you can be better heroes than the originals?” laughed Chrysalis.
Shining Armor glared at those two monsters and shouted: “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND HER FRIENDS?!?!?!”

Chrysalis explained: “Oh are you six in for a rude awakening! The good news is that we’ve magically healed the injuries they were given by my precious babies. However, we did that under the condition that they get, shall we say, an ‘attitude adjustment’.”

Sombra and Chrysalis let out an evil laugh as one by one, the Mane Six each walked out into full view of the six new heroes. Twilight Sparkle, then Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and finally Rarity. All six walked out unscathed and fully healthy. But this time their colors were all a darker shade and they had an evil glare in their eyes.

Shining Armor and the other heroes looked on in horror at the sight before them. They couldn’t believe it. The Mane Six, the very ponies who represented friendship and harmony and whom everypony could look up to and rely upon for guidance and love, had now joined the forces of evil.

Shining Armor shouted: “Noooooo. How can this happen? This cannot be for real!”

“SHUT UP!!!” Twilight hissed at her brother.

She continued: “With King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis as our new teachers. We will destroy you. Then Celestia will fall! THEN ALL OF EQUESTRIA WILL BE OURS!!!!!!”

Twilight and the other Mane Five let out an evil laugh.

To Be Continued…