//------------------------------// // Epilogue: Only Beginning // Story: Crystal Empire (Reboot) // by Shadow Master //------------------------------// Autumn Gem was still holding the wounded King Sombra, whose body slowly disintegrated and turned to ashes. Twilight Sparkle and her team were looking at it. "Is he?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern. Golden Heart hummed in concern, "I don't think he's dead but merely wounded. Unlike his brother, Sombra was filled with goodness and willingly to side with Crystal Ponies before he got corrupted by the Umbrum Ponies." "In other words," Ben Valorheart asked in confuse. The mysterious stranger sighed, "His goodness aura is keeping him alive, even though he's Umbrum Pony." "Okay... Shouldn't we do something about this?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern, "How do we help him out?" "Leave that to me," Mysterious stranger said proudly. She approached both Autumn Gem and King Sombra, "Don't worry. He'll be fine. I promised you for that. "Who are you?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern and uneasy. Mysterious Strange smiled beneath her cloak, "Just your friendly neighborhood Spider-man." "Uh... Seriously?" Ben Valorheart asked in annoyance. Golden Heart chuckled in amusement, "Just go with the flow, Ben." Suddenly, Twilight Sparkle and her team heard noise and calling their names. They turned to their back as they found the rest of their friends climbing up the stairs. Spike cried happily as he charged and hugged her as she hugged him back. Noticing King Sombra on the ground, Rainbow Dash gasped, "What the?!" "Oh dear!" Fluttershy said in shock. Applejack hissed in surprise, "I do not believe what I'm seeing." "I thought Crystal Heart destroyed both Umbrum and him," Rarity said in concern. "What are we gonna do?" Pinkie Pie asked in concern. "Simple," Shining Armor said dryly, "Getting rid of him now before he caused troubles to us!" Shining Armor was about to move but stopped by Strikespell, "There's no need to finish him off. He's harmless now." "Why?!" Shining Armor demanded. "Because Sombra was corrupted and forced to become a monster by King Umbreon and Umbrum Ponies," Twilight Sparkle explained calmly. Her friends turned and looked at her. She continued, "It's kinda complicated and long story to explain especially when it involved of his past." Golden Heart nodded in agreement, "But for now, he's a good guy. He just need some help." "And you're sure that he won't cause some problems?" Princess Cadance asked in concern. Mysterious Stranger smiled and nodded, "Don't worry. Crystal Heart has purged all of his evilness out. Just need to replace his Umbrum Pony's DNA with something better." Shining Armor hummed in concern, "But still, someone need to watch over him, just make sure he doesn't go evil." "Allow me," Autumn Gem volunteered, "It was my fault and responsibility to take care of him. And I won't let him become evil again. Not on my watch." "In fact, they're both will be watched by me and Goldie," Mysterious Stranger said happily. Golden Heart nodded, "Don't worry. We've got this." Shining Armor sighed, "Okay, then. We let you all keep him now." "Thank you, your majesties," Autumn Gem bowed humbly and calmly. She sighed as she looked at King Sombra, "What are we gonna tell him about his brother? He'll be heartbroken and sad." Golden Heart sighed, "Either way, he has the right to know it." Twilight Sparkle sighed, "At least, it's over now." "Well, see ya!" Mysterious Stranger said happily. And just before anyone could ask, Mysterious Stranger threw a smoke bomb on the ground. It exploded as she and her team disappeared from everyone's sight. Pinkie Pie gasped, "They're gone!" "But to where?" Shining Armor asked in concern. Golden Heart smiled, "Don't worry about them. Everything is fine." Crystal Empire was in peace as Crystal Ponies were enjoying their time and happiness. They're freed from King Sombra's and King Umbrum's grasps for good. Crystal Ponies chose Shining Armor and Princess Cadance as their leaders and rulers, which Princess Celestia agreed to it.  Shining Armor and Princess Cadance accompany Twilight Sparkle and her friends to train station as they're going home now. "I do so wish it was permanent. Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?" Rarity said in disappointment. Applejack sighed while smiled, "But... good things are better when they're a rarity." Rarity smiled happily in hearing her best friend commenting to her. "So, I'm a warrior now? Not better as you are, but good enough to protect Twiley," Ben Valorheart said proudly. Strikespell sighed, "Not bad only. You're not even close as a true warrior. You're still a brat." "Jeez! You're hard to get impress!" "I'm honest with what I see. You're still a brat for losing to King Sombra." "Hey, I did defeat Hydra once!" "Which I recalled you let yourself get eaten a lot. Gotta say I would like to see that happening. It would be hilarious." "It would be if I kicked your flank and prove that I'm smart." "Try me, brat..." Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were having chat with Twilight Sparkle, who looked disappointed and upset. Spike looked worry as he wondered if she was alright or not. Shining Armor smiled, "Everything's gonna be okay. You've gotta stop saving my rump like this. It's starting to get embarrassing." "Wasn't me who saved you in the end. It was Spike." Twilight Sparkle insisted. "It's just a test. Maybe she'll let you retake it." Shining Armor insisted calmly. Princess Cadance nudged her husband by her wing while shook her head. Shining Armor yelped in realization as he was trying to help. Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I don't think she's gonna give me a new test." Twilight Sparkle and her friends arrived at the train station. And before they could ask, she entered the train, without a word. Strikespell shook his head, "You have idea of how wrong you are." Twilight Sparkle and her friends have returned to Canterlot. Her friends were waiting outside of palace for her to get results from her mentor. She, Ben Valorheart, Strikespell and Golden Heart stood before Princess Celestia, who was looking and admiring the aura lights including a glassed case window of Spike holding the Crystal Heart from Crystal Empire. "It's beautiful." Princess Celestia commented. She turned and looked at Ben Valorheart, Strikespell and Golden Heart, "Thank you, you two especially you, my son." Ben Valorheart, Strikespell and Golden Heart bowed down humbly. "I wish it had been me who ultimately made it so." Twilight Sparkle said in disappointment, "But it wasn't." "Twilight, based on your friends' reports, I understand it. Spike brought Princess Cadance the Crystal Heart because you weren't sure how quickly you could find a way to escape the tower." Princess Celestia said calmly and gently, "You weren't willing to risk the future of the citizens of the Crystal Empire in an effort to guarantee your own." She sighed calmly, "Twilight, the truth behind the test isn't about saving Crystal Empire; but knowing your strength and weakness especially asking for a help from your friends. Far better that I have a student who understands the meaning of self-sacrifice than one who only looks out for her own best interests." Twilight Sparkle gasped in realization, "Does this mean...?" Princess Celestia smiled and nodded in agreement. This surprise and shock her and her friends. Strikespell smiled secretly like he was expecting it. Mane Five and Spike were still waiting outside of the palace. They were nervous and worried that she may freaked out and fail her test. As the door opened in two, both Twilight Sparkle and Ben Valorheart stood before them. They're both smiled proudly. Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I passed!" Everyone cheered wildly and happily for Twilight Sparkle able to pass her test. They even gave her a warm hug. They all knew that she can do it. Rarity: You were prepared to do your best Had what it takes to pass the test All those doubts you can dismiss Turns out you were All sans Twilight Sparkle: Prepared for this! Twilight Sparkle and her friends began marching out to the entrance. They all cheered and congratulated her happily and proudly. Applejack: You clearly have just what it takes Pinkie Pie: To pass a test with such high stakes Fluttershy: We knew for sure you would prevail Rainbow Dash: Since when does Twilight Sparkle ever fail? All sans Twilight Sparkle: All those doubts that you can dismiss Trust yourself and you cannot miss Twilight Sparkle and her friends were reaching to their destination - train station. They continued singing happily. Ben Valorheart, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie: Turns out you were Twilight Sparkle: Turns out I was Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Spike: Turns out you were Twilight Sparkle: Turns out I was Twilight Sparkle and her friends were within the train as it headed straight back to Ponyville now. Rarity: Turns out you were All sans Twilight Sparkle: Prepared for this! On Canterlot Castle's balcony, Royal Sisters and Strikespell watched the Ponyvill Express taking Twilight Sparkle and her friends home. They returned to the throne chamber at once. Princess Celestia summoned a book out. "One more test," Princess Celestia said calmly. She then looked at the mirror, "I hope she's ready for this one and bring my student back on the right path. It will test her determination and resolve. It also will change her life if she passed her test." Princess Luna nodded, "Don't worry, sister. She can do it. After all, she is the one." "I had my own doubts before," Strikespell said calmly, "But now I have my faith in her. Twilight will succeed. She will bring your student back to the right path. After all, she is the Chosen One." "I hope so, son. I hope so..." Princess Celestia said in concern. "You must tell him the truth. Ben deserves it." "I will. But not yet. He's not ready to know the truth about us especially how we're related." "I hope you're right. For Iris Crystal's sake..." "I know what I'm doing. But for now, let's focus and be certain that Twilight Sparkle is the one. Hopefully, one day, she will find it soon..." In a hidden chamber, Mysterious Stranger and Autumn Gem were looking at King Sombra, who was breathing with oxygen mask within the water tank-like magical water canister. Golden Heart arrived at the scene and looked at it. "How is he?" Golden Heart asked. Mysterious Stranger smiled, "He's okay. With this technology, we're gonna replace his old DNA with a new Unicorn's. He'll be normal and enjoy the Faire, like he always wanted." Autumn Gem sighed, "One day, Sombra. One day..." At Golden Oak Library, Twilight Sparkle and her family were sleeping peacefully and happily in their beds. However, the young unicorn groaned in pain like she was having a nightmare. As she struggled in sleeping while tucking herself with blanket, she found something poking on her. She looked up and found Midnight Sparkle flying and floating above her. "Wh-What?! How?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern. Midnight Sparkle smirked darkly, "This is only beginning, Twilight." She giggled in amusement as she touched and patted Twilight Sparkle's face gently, "I'm gonna enjoy it with every seconds when you're so down, angry and emotional. And you know what else I enjoy." She leaned close to her good counterpart's ears, "Killing traitors like your friends for everything they have done to us. All will die!" Twilight Sparkle gasped as she closed her eyes and screamed, "Nooooooooo!" As she opened her eyes, Twilight Sparkle found Midnight Sparkle gone. She breathed and panted heavily while closing her eyes and sighed uneasily. "Damn it. This can't be real. It just can't be..." Present... Finishing their adventure from RESTORE, Twilight Sparkle and her friends yawned happily as they gotten up from their reliving within memories. They all chatted and commented happily about it. "I hope you all enjoy it," Shorty Thinking said calmly. He then noticed Twilight Sparkle's concern looks. He asked, "Twilight, what's wrong?" Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at Shorty Thinking, "D-Did I turned into Midnight Sparkle? Did I harm everyone I loved?" She sobbed tearfully, "If I did, I shouldn't have gone to Crystal Empire in the first place. I'm so stupid." "Twilight," Ben Valorheart patted Twilight Sparkle. Spike shook his head, "You couldn't have! No way!" "You did once, Twi," Applejack said calmly. Twilight Sparkle looked down in shame. She continued, "But at the end, you stop your evil self and save us too!" Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah. The next story and others are gonna be awesome especially Sunburst was there to help us." "Really? He did?" Ben Valorheart asked in surprise, "I'd sure like to know more about him." "You will, darling. You're gonna love these stories," Rarity remarked happily. Fluttershy nodded, "Some of them were pretty scary." "But nothing we can't handle it," Pinkie Pie said happily, "And besides, if your Sci-Twi can do it, so can you, Twi. Don't worry too much." After thinking of what Pinkie Pie has said, Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I guess you're right. Maybe some stories I would like to see more." Shorty Thinking smiled, "Maybe next time. For now, you've got celebration to make." END... Review and Suggest... Main Casts: Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Midnight Sparkle Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Mysterious Stranger Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Princess Luna Jason Marsden: Ben Valorheart Cathy Weseluck: Spike Orlando Bloom: Golden Heart Doug Erholtz: Strikespell Robin Atkin Downes: King Sombra Nolan North: King Umbreon Minor Casts: Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia Andrew Francis: Shining Armor, Crystal Pony Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance Lara Jill Miller: Autumn Gem Cameo: Skiip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking Daveigh Chase: Nyx Midnight Chris Sanders: Phobos James Hong: James Ratio Kirk Thornton: One-Eyed Anger Beau Billingslea: Armorhide