//------------------------------//
// Heroes at Last 
// Story: Harmony's New Heroes 
// by BrawnyCharger 
//------------------------------//

Shining Armor and his friends looked on with horror. The Mane Six glared at them with evil grins while Chrysalis and Sombra let out an evil laughter.

Shining Armor stepped forward and confronted them. “Twilight. You can’t be evil. You and your friends represent the Elements of Harmony more so than we do.”

“Oh, we’re just as true to our Elements as before,” Twilight snarled.

“Just as honest…” Applejack stated.

“Just as loyal…” Rainbow Dash added.

“Just as filled with laughter…” Pinkie Pie grinned evilly.

“Just as kind…” Fluttershy whispered intimidatingly.

“Just as generous…” Rarity hissed.

“And just as magical as before,” Twilight boasted.

Queen Chrysalis stepped forward and added: “Only this time they won’t be using their respective elements to help ponies.”

“Instead, they’ll be using them as weapons to help us take over Canterlot, Ponyville, Cloudsdale and ALL of Equestria! And we will destroy ANYPONY who tries to stop us!” Sombra roared.

The six new Element wielders glared at the two monsters and the corrupted Mane Six.

Shining Armor stepped forward and challenged: “Well you won’t get away with this. We’ll stop you! Right, everypony?”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed as the other 4 nodded determinedly.

“HA! Try us!” Twilight hissed as she blasted Shining and his friends with a laser beam from her horn.

Suddenly, the new heroes felt themselves stuck to the ground by some sticky green slime. They tried with all their strength, they tried flying, they even tried to teleport out with magic, but it was too strong.

Twilight laughed as she flew up to Spike in the bubble.

“As for you, Spike. I’m going to give you one chance to save yourself. Join us in our conquest of Equestria!” Twilight demanded.

“NEVER! I won’t partake in such evil. No matter what you do to me, I WON’T DO IT!” Spike shouted back, pounding on the inside.

“Suit yourself.” Twilight frowned and used her horn to turn the bubble into an hourglass with a glowing green liquid filling the top and Spike trapped in the bottom. Spike continued to pound on the inside.

“Save it! You’re going to be joining us soon,” Twilight scoffed.

“What are you going to do to me?” Spike asked.

“The liquid above you is a special venom that will permanently transform you into a vicious, fire breathing monster!  Over the course of one hour, it will slowly drain through and fill your cell, right up until it covers the very top of your spikey head. And then, once it’s consumed your whole body, you will be nothing more than a giant, reptilian monster of mayhem and destruction,” Twilight explained.

Spike was horrified. He imagined he’d be a far worse dragon than those such as Garble and the others. He’d show no love or friendship anymore. He’d just be a tool for death and destruction. Smashing, tearing, and roasting places and ponies. Even those who were once his friends. Nevertheless, Spike’s willpower wouldn’t be broken.

Twilight turned the switch on it and rapidly, little drops of the green liquid began dripping on Spike’s head before she flew back down to the others.

“AND NOW! ALL EQUESTRIA SHALL BE AT OUR MERCY! ONWARD!” Sombra roared as he, the Mane Six, and several of Sombra’s soldiers charged out of the room.

Queen Chrysalis turned to the heroes and said, “I’ll join them shortly, but first, my babies haven’t been fed yet. I’d say let’s have them snack on Harmony’s second-rate team.”

Several Changelings surrounded the Element wielders from a distance.

“Let them have a chance to watch our work before you finish them off,” Chrysalis said as she made several holograms of various parts of Equestria appear in front of the ponies. After that, she took off after Sombra and the others.


Canterlot Castle:

Princess Celestia was pacing back and forth, worried about the whole situation. Luna, Cadance, Sunset, Starlight, Trixie, and Sunburst weren’t feeling that much better either. Suddenly, a Royal Guard burst into the throne room.

“PRINCESS! We’ve got a major problem outside!” the guard shouted with a frightened look on his face.

Celestia and the others galloped up to the balcony and looked out across Canterlot. Black clouds were completely engulfing the skies as far as the eyes could see. The clouds were producing thunder and lighting, but they could also see something else coming out of the clouds. There were hundreds upon thousands of Changelings and evil soldiers swooping down from the skies above.

Celestia had a look of fear on her face as she turned to the others and shouted, “IT’S AN INVASION!!!”

Everypony charged back to the throne room as every door, window and secret entryway into Canterlot Castle was sealed shut.

Outside, it was utter mayhem. Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers were swooping down from above, firing lasers at various buildings and chasing after frightened pony civilians. The scenes were very much the same in Ponyville, Cloudsdale, and the rest of Equestria.

Even though entrance to the castle was made impossible to normal ponies, Celestia knew that it would only be a matter of time. Suddenly, the doors of Canterlot Castle burst open without resistance and the Royal Guards were swept off their hooves. The evil forces charged into the castle and burst into the throne room. They began to slowly advance with their weapons drawn on the Princesses.

Suddenly, two puffs of smoke levitated above the Changelings and soldiers and landed right in front of them before transforming into King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis.

“So Celestia, we meet again.” Chrysalis hissed.

“WHAT DO YOU TWO DISGRACES WANT?!?” Celestia shouted at the evil king and queen.

“You are just about to witness the end of your reign in Equestria and the beginning of ours!” Sombra roared.

“THOU SHALT NEVER REIGN OVER EQUESTRIA! WE SHALL DEFEAT THEE!” Luna shouted back at the villains.

Sombra and Chrysalis laughed at them.
“Oh, really? Well we have just the key that will ensure our victory.” Chrysalis replied.

“And what would that be?” Cadance asked.

Suddenly, a lavender flame appeared in front of them before turning into none other than Twilight Sparkle.

Celestia’s eyes widened and the look on her face turned from one of shock to one of absolute horror.

“Twilight…. NO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER?!” Celestia shouted.

“SILENCE!” Twilight shouted back at her now-former mentor as she continued, “With Sombra and Chrysalis as my new teachers, I will be able gain ALL the most powerful magic in Equestria. And once I have obtained it all, I, Twilight Sparkle, shall become THE MOST POWERFUL ALICORN IN ALL OF EQUESTRIA. Even more powerful than YOU!”

Twilight let out an evil laugh as she shot a laser beam at Celestia, Luna, and Cadance, trapping them in the green slime. Starlight, Sunset, Trixie, and Sunburst charged to help, but Twilight trapped them each in bubbles and levitated them above the ground. Twilight once again let out an evil laugh. Celestia and the others looked on with sadness and horror at the harsh reality that Sombra and Chrysalis were winning the war. Worst of all, they were using Celestia’s prized student and the Princess of Friendship to do it.


Cloudsdale:

The situation was the same. Swarms of Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers were attacking the ponies and causing chaos and destruction in their wake. However, the Wonderbolts were managing to put up a fight using their evasive skills, but even that wasn’t enough. There were just too many of them, and the Wonderbolts were exhausted from the chase.

As the Cloudsdale Pegasi were being terrorized, many of them were shocked to see a familiar face hovering amongst the villains. The Wonderbolts and Scootaloo were particularly stunned as to who it was. Rainbow Dash.

“DASH! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!” Soarin asked.

“Why are you with these monsters? You were always loyal to the side of good!” Fleetfoot exclaimed.

Rainbow Dash glared at them and answered flatly, “Under orders, I have to assist the Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers in their mission to take over Equestria. And I MUST be loyal to them and to their cause!”

The ponies all looked horrified at the words coming from their fellow Wonderbolt.

“But, Rainbow Dash, you’ve always been loyal to us, as well as your friends and family. How could you join up with such horrible creatures? HOW!?!?” Scootaloo shouted.

Rainbow Dash just stared at her “little sister” then turned to the evil army and said, “Do what you want with them.”


Sweet Apple Acres: Ponyville:

The situation was just as bad, if not worse, in Ponyville as anyplace else in Equestria. The combined forces all over the town were destroying buildings and attacking innocent ponies everywhere. At Sweet Apple Acres, it was no different.

Braeburn turned and checked to see that everypony was present and safe in the barn. He sighed a relief when he saw Applebloom and Babs come to the front.

Suddenly there was a huge pounding on the barn door. All the Apples huddled together in fear, hoping that the changelings would go away. But the barn door crashed open and there appeared Applejack with a sinister glare on her face.

“Applejack! Yer alright! It’s so great ta see ya!” Applebloom cheered.

But Applejack just scoffed at her sister. “Oh, shut it, ya annoyin’ lil’ pest.”

Applebloom was both shocked and hurt by this outburst.

“Applejack! What in tarnation did ya say that for?” Braeburn asked.

“Well, speakin’ of annoyin’, if it ain’t mah blabbermouth, goofball cousin,” Applejack snarled at Braeburn.

“What has gotten into ya, Sugar Cube? Yer never this mean or nasty with anypony!” Granny Smith accused.

“Ah’m just bein’ honest, ya senile old hag! Always wakin’ up in the middle of the night and shoutin’ that there are timber wolves attackin’ the farm.”

To hear those words coming from her granddaughter were heartbreaking for Granny Smith. But Applejack wasn’t finished. She turned to the rest of the ponies and continued:

“Y’all are a bunch of fools! Each and every last one of ya!”

“Where’s Big Mac?” Applebloom asked.

“HA! He and the others are trapped at King Sombra’s castle and are about to be Changeling chow real soon. Me and the other five are takin’ over Equestria!” Applejack cackled as the other Apples watched in horror.


Sugarcube Corner:

Bon Bon and the other Sugarcube Corner patrons were huddled in the back room to hide from the soldiers and changelings. Mr. and Mrs. Cake came in, trying to calm down the crying twins.

“Is everypony here? Are we all safe?” Carrot Cake asked as he cradled Pumpkin.

“It looks like it. Everypony’s all here,” Cup Cake responded as she was cuddling Pound.

“WAIT!” Bon Bon shouted.

“Lyra is waiting outside! She’s in trouble! I got to help her!”

“Don’t go out there! It’s dangerous!” One of the other ponies warned her.

But it was too late. Bon Bon unlocked the door and charged outside. She saw her best friend, Lyra Heartstrings, quivering in fear out in the street. She galloped up to her, but as soon as she got there, “Lyra” transformed into a changeling and hissed at Bon Bon.

She screamed and tried galloping away, but stumbled and fell flat on her face. As she tried getting back to her hooves, she heard very familiar laughter. She turned her head and she saw none other than Pinkie Pie. Yet, she was pointing her hoof at the fallen cream-colored pony and laughing rather mockingly at her.
“HA, HA, HA! Oh, you’re such a klutzy-klutz, Bon Bon. You look SO pathetic! You should have seen the look on your face when you learned that was a changeling and not your bestest friend, Lyra!” Pinkie Pie laughed.

The real Lyra ran up to her best friend and helped her up. Both Lyra and Bon Bon glared at Pinkie and asked angrily, “What in Equestria has gotten into you!?”

Pinkie Pie answered mockingly, “Just trying to have some laughs. What’s the matter, you party poopers? Can’t you take any jokes anymore? Here, maybe these will cheer you up!”

Pinkie presented two cream pies to Lyra and Bon Bon. But before they could react, Pinkie slapped them in the faces with said pies.

Pinkie continued laughing at them. “What’s the matter? You ponies make messes of yourselves? Well why not just ‘wash up’ then?”

Pinkie tossed a bucket full of water on the two ponies and laughed at them. Just then, Maud walked up to Pinkie and confronted her.

“Pinkie. Stop this now. This isn’t the way you express your laughter,” Maud scolded in her monotone voice.

“Oh, come off it, Maud. You’re just so gloomy and you don’t know how to have fun!” Pinkie laughed. “Here, why don’t we just shake hooves and not argue. Okey dokey lokey?” Pinkie asked extending her hoof.

Just as Maud grabbed Pinkie’s hoof, she felt an electrical shock run through her whole body. Yet she remained stone faced.

Maud fell back and looked up at her sister, who laughed cruelly as she showed her hoof buzzer.


Carousel Boutique:

Octavia Melody was searching through the Boutique, when she noticed Rarity at the end of the door to the back room. However, Octavia noticed something strange about Rarity: she had a crazy look in her eyes and a rather creepy looking grin.

“Looking for something?!” Rarity asked.

“Um. I’m looking for something for my upcoming concert. Is there…” Octavia asked uncomfortably before being interrupted.

“Take this dress!” Rarity said.

Octavia looked uneasily at Rarity as she said: “But I haven’t tried it on yet. I don’t even know what it is.”

“Take. The dress!” Rarity hissed.

Octavia turned around to exit the shop when the door burst open with Vinyl Scratch entering and slamming the door.

Vinyl went up to Octavia, panting and with a look of fear on her face.

“Changelings and evil soldiers! They’re everywhere!” Vinyl shouted in fright.

Vinyl and Octavia looked out the window and saw everything that was going on. Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers, firing lasers, chasing innocent ponies and causing all around chaos.
The two musical ponies turned back to Rarity, who still had that crazed look on her face.

“Pretty soon, thanks to me and the other five, all of Equestria will be under the command of Sombra and Chrysalis,” Rarity cackled.

“Has she gone whack or something?” Vinyl asked.

“Just do as I say and take as many of the dresses here as possible!!!” Rarity responded.

“But we don’t have enough money for so many dresses,” Octavia argued.

“JUST TAKE THEM!!!!!!” Rarity hissed.

Just then, Hondo Flanks, Cookie Crumbles, and Sweetie Belle came in from the back room.

“What’s going on here?” Hondo asked as he was shocked to see Rarity acting intimidating towards some customers.

“Rarity! How did you get back? Why are you acting so strange?” Cookie asked.

“We’re clearing out! EVERYTHING must go! Take anything and EVERYTHING!” Rarity answered threateningly.

“But Rarity, this is a business, why would you be so forceful with the inventory?” Hondo asked.

“I’m JUST BEING GENEROUS!!!!” Rarity answered.

“Yes. But you’re usually not this… vicious about it,” Sweetie Belle responded.

“Well meet the new Rarity. And you’re ALL going to be taking something from here. Whether you want it…. OR NOT!” Rarity cackled as everypony watched in horror.”


Ponyville Hospital:

Dr. Whooves wearily walked down the hallway. As he passed by the ICU, he looked in at the ponies all hooked up to life support machines. As he turned around a corner, he was shocked to see Fluttershy standing right in front of him.

“Fluttershy! W-W-What are you doing here?” Dr. Whooves asked nervously.

“Just here to help these poor, hurt ponies,” Fluttershy answered in gentle, yet sinister tone.

Fluttershy walked past Dr. Whooves and straight into the ICU. Dr. Whooves followed right behind.

“Aw. All these poor, poor, ponies are suffering very badly, what with having to be hooked up to life support in order to live. I think it’s time to end their misery!” Fluttershy grinned as she looked at each of the injured ponies each lying in their beds.

Dr. Whooves instantly grabbed onto Fluttershy’s wings. “You’re not going to shut down these life support systems, are you?”

“What, you want these ponies to suffer?” Fluttershy sneered at Dr. Whooves.

Whooves pulled Fluttershy out of the ICU and stood in front of the door. “What in Equestria has gotten into you, Fluttershy? The Fluttershy we know would never do this to anypony!”

“Well, I guess you could say I found a whole new way to express kindness. Now stand aside, Dr. Whooves, while I show some ‘mercy’ to these ponies,” Fluttershy hissed as she shoved Whooves aside and marched straight up to one of the plugs to the life machines.

However, Whooves was able to grab her legs and swiftly drag her out of the room. “Where’s Derpy?”

“She and the others are about to be put out of their misery by the Changelings back at Sombra’s castle, while we take over Equestria!” Fluttershy boasted while letting out evil laughter.


Sombra’s Castle:

Shining Armor and the other five were still struggling to free themselves from the slime while looking on in horror at the Mane Six’s heinous acts against everypony in Equestria. The Changelings started to move very slowly toward the wielders of the Elements. The bottom of the hourglass that Spike was trapped in was a third of the way filled with the venom, and still filling.

“There has to be some way to free ourselves,” Shining grunted as he continued to struggle.

“It’s too strong. We’re Changeling food,” Cheese Sandwich moped.

“We’ve failed. Equestria is doomed!” Sassy Saddles cried.

Big Macintosh turned to them. “Now, wait just a minute. We can’t just give up. During my test, I said that I would continue fighting ‘til Equestria was safe. I know for a fact that that’s what Twilight and the others would do. So, I intend to do so as well.”

The other ponies looked at Big Mac before Spitfire spoke up. “So do I.”

“But how do we get out of this goo?” Derpy asked.

Suddenly, Spike burped up a scroll that appeared out of the hourglass and floated down before it floated right in front of Shining Armor’s face and opened. The scroll read:


TO ESCAPE FROM THE SLIME,


YOU MUST FIGURE OUT THE CURE TO THE EVIL SPELL


THAT TWILIGHT AND THE OTHERS ARE UNDER.


HERE’S A CLUE:


LOOK AT WHAT THEY’RE DOING.


The six of them looked at the holograms of the Mane Six’s evil actions.

Derpy was the first to speak up. “All I know is what Fluttershy is doing is not ‘kindness’ at all.”

Suddenly, the slime released Derpy. The other five looked at her in amazement.

“What did I say?” Derpy asked.

“You just figured out how to break the spell!” Shining answered.

“Eeyup! And Applejack should know that’s no way to show honesty with anypony!” Big Mac stated as he pulled himself free of the slime.

“Rainbow Dash is being loyal to the wrong ponies, and that’s denying true loyalty,” Spitfire said as she was freed.

“There’s a right and wrong way to show laughter, and Pinkie Pie is doing it wrong!” Cheese Sandwich shouted as he leaped free.

“Rarity shouldn’t use generosity in that manner. She knows better than that,” Sassy Saddles stated as the slime released her.

“And the real Twilight wouldn’t use magic in that sort of manner. She’s the Princess of Friendship, and friendship is magic!” Shining Armor boasted as the slime completely vanished.

As the Changelings hissed in shock at the ponies escaping, the six ponies got into their battle stances.

“Alright everypony. Let’s deal with these Changelings and go save Equestria!” Shining said to the others.

The other five agreed as they charged at the Changelings.

Shining and Big Mac charged towards a small group of Changelings. Suddenly they stopped. Shining levitated the Changelings and dropped each one as they were bucked by Big Mac one at a time into a stone wall, knocking them unconscious. Big Mac and Shining brohoofed after.

Cheese and Derpy set up a cannon aimed upwards and Derpy jumped in.

“Presenting the ‘Pony Cannonball Muffin Juggler,’ Derpy Hooves!” Cheese Sandwich announced.

Cheese fired off the cannon and Derpy flew through the air juggling a bunch of muffins. Derpy threw the muffins in the faces of the Changelings. Each one was a direct hit. The Changelings scurried away, spitting and coughing.

Finally, Sassy and Spitfire were fighting off the remaining few Changelings, using bucks, punches, and magic shots.

Spitfire turned to Sassy and asked: “Is there anything you have in those bags we can use?”

Sassy looked into her saddlebags and brought out a bunch of spools of thread.

“All I have are these,” Sassy answered disappointedly.

Spitfire thought for a moment before responding. “Those’ll work! Hold them all up.”

Sassy held out all the spools from her saddlebag. Spitfire grabbed a few and sped off around each of the remaining Changelings, one at a time. When she was finished, the Changelings were all hogtied and gagged with thread.  The six ponies cheered.

“Great job, everypony. But this is no time to celebrate,” Shining told the others as he pointed up towards Spike.

The bottom of the hourglass was almost halfway full.

“But how do we save him?” Sassy asked.

The cloaked pony appeared. “The only way to save Spike is to break the spell on your friends. Now go. Be the heroes you were meant to be and save Equestria!”

He suddenly disappeared and a huge vortex appeared at the door.

“Alright, everypony. It’s time. You all know what to do. Even if that means having to fight them,” Shining stated to the others.

None of them even liked the idea of having to physically harm their friends. But they weren’t just going to let them continue to terrorize Equestria. They each gave an affirmative nod.

“Good luck, everypony,” Shining concluded as they each charged through the vortex.

Equestria:

Pinkie was still doing pranks that bullies pull. Fluttershy was still trying to “mercy kill” ICU patients with Dr. Whooves still preventing her. Rainbow Dash was still attacking pegasi without question. Rarity was still force-selling her dresses to patrons. Applejack was still telling hurtful truths to her family. Twilight was draining the magic from the princesses and her unicorn friends while the as Sombra and Chrysalis watched on, and the Changelings and soldiers were still terrorizing the citizens.

However, through six separate portals, the Element wielders charged through and headed to stop their Mane Six counterparts, charging through several soldiers and Changelings along the way.


***


Big Macintosh charged across the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres. He plowed through every Changeling and soldier like a raging bull until he reached the barn. There was a large pounding on the doors from the outside that frightened the Apple family on the inside. Suddenly, the doors of the barn burst open, knocking evil Applejack flat on her face. And there stood Big Mac with an army of knocked out Changelings and soldiers lying all over the over the orchard behind him.

“BIG MAC! Yer alright!” Applebloom cheered as the rest of the family likewise rejoiced.

“Eeyup! It’ll take more than some super strong slime to get the better of Big Macintosh!” he boasted.

“Ya may’ve escaped. But what makes ya think that a stallion that owns a stuffed pony doll and has dressed in drag fer an event can stop me?!” Applejack growled at her big brother.

“Applejack. I’ll have ya know that Smarty Pants was as a result of Twilight’s spell to get everypony to like and want it. As for the Orchard Blossom get up, I assumed that the Sisterhooves Social was a mares and fillies only sorta thing. It’s a good thing that since then, they’ve started a Brotherhooves Social and a Co-ed Siblinghooves Social. But the point is that even though I have my softer moments now and then, I am still ONE HUNDRED PERCENT PURE STALLION!”  Big Mac shouted.

Applejack growled at Big Mac ready to pounce as her brother continued.

“Applejack. I’m going to do whatever it takes to free you from your evil state. If it means having to fight you, SO BE IT!!!”


***


Cheese Sandwich drove his party tank through the streets of Ponyville, blasting every Changeling and evil solder with pies. He stopped once he reached Sugarcube corner and sprayed green slime in the face of evil Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie tumbled on the ground, wiped the slime out of her eyes and shouted at the tank. “Hey! Nopony shoots slime in the face of Pinkie Pie and gets away with it!”

Cheese Sandwich stuck his head out to the cheers of the innocent ponies victimized by Pinkie’s cruel pranks.

Cheese jumped out of the tank and got in Pinkie’s scowling face saying. “This time the joke’s on you, Pinkie.”


***


Sassy Saddles galloped across Ponyville, dodging and firing sparks at any enemies that tried to attack. She charged right up to the door of the Carousel Boutique and charged in.

Evil Rarity was still forcing the dresses on the patrons until Sassy creeped up from behind and levitated her up five feet above the center of the store.

“That’s enough, Rarity!” Sassy stated as she dropped Rarity on her face.

Rarity’s family and the patrons cheered at the sight of Sassy.

“The Carousel Boutique is closed for the day, everypony. Get to safety, NOW!” Sassy said as everypony cleared the area and went into the house connecting the boutique.

Sassy and Rarity stared each other down.


***


Derpy flew into Ponyville Hospital and up to the receptionist.

“Oh! Where’s the ICU?” Derpy asked worriedly.

“Take the elevator up to the fourth floor, take a right down the hall, turn left, and it will be on your right,” the receptionist answered.

Derpy thanked the receptionist and galloped to the elevators. She tapped the “up” button and anxiously galloped in place. Once the doors opened, she hit the “4” button and stood anxiously waiting. As soon as the elevator reached the fourth floor, Derpy zoomed down the hall and turned left. She saw Dr. Whooves still struggling to keep evil Fluttershy out of the ICU. Derpy dashed at Fluttershy and tackled her.

Dr. Whooves looked up with relief and joy. “Derpy! Am I glad to see that you’re okay!”

“Doctor. It’s a good thing you’re doing, protecting these injured ponies. But you’d better go. There are more injured ponies out there that need help. I’ll deal with Fluttershy. Get going.” Derpy said as she hugged Whooves goodbye.

Dr. Whooves left and Derpy turned to Fluttershy.

“You leave those ICU patients alone!” Derpy stated as she and Fluttershy stared each other down.


***


Spitfire dashed throughout Cloudsdale, tackling Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers until she found her fellow Wonderbolts and Scootaloo in the Wonderbolt training area, cornered by evil Rainbow Dash and a group of Sombra’s soldiers. Spitfire swooped in and knocked the soldiers down like dominoes before ramming into Rainbow Dash, staggering her in midair.

The Wonderbolts and Scootaloo cheered as Spitfire landed in front of them.

Spitfire turned to the others and shouted: “Get Scootaloo to safety, and go help any other civilians you can find. I’ll deal with Rainbow Dash.”

The Wonderbolts took Scootaloo and flew off, while Spitfire and Rainbow Dash stared each other down.

“Time to show you who you what happens when you’re loyal to the wrong ponies!” Spitfire said.


***


Shining Armor reached the gates of Canterlot Castle and pulled the doors open with his magic. He charged through the hallways, blasting and knocking every Changeling and evil soldier that tried to stop him out of his way until he reached the throne room. When the doors of the throne room burst open, everypony turned toward the door and saw Shining and several Canterlot Royal Guards standing in the entryway and staring defiantly at the scene.

King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis were sitting triumphantly on the throne. Off to the side, Celestia, Luna, and Cadance were still trapped in the slime while evil Twilight Sparkle was draining their magic from their horns into an orb placed on a pedestal in the center of the room. Hovering above the room were Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, and Sunburst each trapped in bubbles. The room was filled with no less than 20 Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers, each.

“It’s time to put an end to your evil reign, Sombra and Chrysalis. And to bring my sister and her friends back,” Shining Armor shouted as he and the Royal Guard entered the room.

Sombra, Chrysalis, and Twilight laughed.

“Soon, this crystal orb will be full, and ALL the magic of the Alicorn Princesses will be MINE!” Twilight laughed.

“There is NO WAY you can win now!” Sombra roared.

“Do you think you can stop us with that pathetic army you call a ‘Royal Guard’?” Chrysalis hissed.

“Watch us! Guards! Battle stations!” Shining ordered as the rest of the Guard drew their weapons.

The Changelings hissed, and the evil soldiers growled as they drew their weapons.

“For Celestia! For Canterlot! FOR EQUESTRIA!” Shining shouted as he and the Royal Canterlot Guard charged against the combined evil forces.

As the Guards were laying waste to the Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers, Shining Armor galloped at full speed, bucking and shooting sparks at any enemies that attacked him. He charged at Twilight and tackled her to the ground, thus stopping the draining. Before Twilight could retaliate though, Shining Armor jumped to his hooves and galloped to the orb. Shining bucked the pedestal over, and smashed the orb with his back hooves.

Much to the horror of Sombra and Chrysalis, the energy drained from the orb escaped and returned to the horns of Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. The three Princesses used their combined magic to make the slime disappear. The bubbles released Sunset, Starlight, Trixie and Sunburst. The Canterlot Royal Guard tossed Sombra’s soldiers and the Changelings out of the throne room like bags of garbage.

Shining Armor turned to the rest of the Royal Guard and ordered: “Excellent job, everypony. Now go out into the town and take back Canterlot! I’ll save my sister.”

“Yes, Captain!” the guardsponies responded as they charged out the door.

Shining Armor turned to an angry Sombra, Chrysalis, and Twilight.

“That’s it! This time it’s between you and me in a fight to the death. Brother!” Twilight snarled at Shining.

“I will fight you, but only to save you, Twiley!” Shining answered back.

“But not here. Too many innocent bystanders. Somepony could get caught in the crossfire,” Celestia insisted.

“Very well, then. There’s only one place fitting for a final battle for both sides.” Sombra said.

Suddenly, Sombra, Chrysalis, The Mane Six, and the new Element wielders were transported out of Equestria.


Unknown Dimension:

The twelve ponies found themselves in a world with six large, elevated platforms. The platforms all surrounded a tall flat rock with King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis standing atop and watching everything. And hovering above the rock was the hourglass with Spike trapped inside, and the venom was now at least two thirds of the way full and still filling.

The Mane Six and new Element wielders landed on one of each of the six platforms in pairs. The matchups were the new Element representative facing off against their corrupted predecessors. Cheese Sandwich VS Pinkie Pie, Derpy Hooves VS Fluttershy, Spitfire VS Rainbow Dash, Sassy Saddles VS Rarity, Big Macintosh VS Applejack, and Shining Armor VS Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Both sides stared the other down. Flames surrounded each of the platforms the ponies were on, preventing anypony from escaping. The entire place illuminated an evil dark red, then, within a blink of an eye, the battles were on.


***


Pinkie Pie threw a bunch of pies at Cheese, who dodged each one successfully. Cheese retaliated with shooting cheese balloons from a bazooka. Pinkie dodged most of them, but knocked one of them back in Cheese’s face with a baseball bat. Pinkie followed up with another pie throw, but Cheese caught the pie with a large elastic band and slingshot the pie back in Pinkie’s face.

“THAT’S IT! NO MORE MISS NICE PIE!” an angry Pinkie shouted as she brought out her party cannon.

Pinkie shot out frosting from the cannon. Cheese dodged each one while he hopped in a small tank. Cheese fired out water balloons from his tank at Pinkie. Each one was a direct hit. Once he cornered Pinkie up just up to the flame barrier, Cheese jumped out of the tank and slowly walked up to Pinkie.

Pinkie Pie fell to her knees and put her hooves up as if to surrender.

“Alright, Cheese. I surrender. You win. Shake hooves?” Pinkie said rather half-heartedly.

Cheese could see that this could be a trick. But he also extended his hoof to shake. Once the hooves touched, there was a major buzz in the hooves, but Cheese felt nothing, much to the chagrin of Pinkie. Cheese was wearing a rubber glove to block her hoof buzzer. Cheese followed up with a pie to Pinkie’s face.  Pinkie staggered back until she accidentally backed into the fire barrier.

Pinkie screamed in pain as she leaped into the air and hopped around with her tail on fire. Cheese instantly sprayed Pinkie with a fire extinguisher, putting out the fire. Pinkie Pie fell to the ground and glared at Cheese Sandwich, who stood triumphantly over his corrupted idol.


***


Derpy and Fluttershy hovered over the ground while staring each other down.

“Please, Fluttershy. I don’t want to fight you.” Derpy pleaded.

“Fine then. If you won’t fight me, maybe you’ll fight my little friends, instead,” Fluttershy quietly stated.

Suddenly, a whole group of forest critters appeared right next to Fluttershy. They all glared intimidatingly at Derpy with glowing eyes. Derpy floated backwards in fear, but stopped just before she could get to the flame wall.

“Now, my little friends, why don’t you go put poor Derpy out of her misery.” Fluttershy grinned evilly.

The animals charged at Derpy one by one. Derpy however, dodged the attacks simply by staying airborne. However, the birds were able keep up with and peck at Derpy. Several birds perched on Derpy’s back and pecked at her constantly. Derpy felt that the birds were far stronger than any normal birds. She was unaware of her surroundings when she accidentally backed into the flame barrier. The birds all squawked in pain and fell off Derpy, before changing back into Changelings. Derpy turned to the rest of the animals.

“If the birds were Changelings, the rest of the animals must be Changelings too!” Derpy thought.

Derpy landed on the floor and charged at the attacking animals. One by one, she bucked each of the animals into the fire barrier, turning them back into Changelings. After all the bucking, there was only one animal left. Fluttershy’s bear friend. Derpy looked up at the beast with fear in her eyes.

The bear swiped at Derpy, but she dodged, galloped around him, and bucked him from behind. It didn’t do much to faze him. The bear turned around, but Derpy flew behind his head and bucked him again. Derpy flew in front of him and attempted a diving missile buck to the bear’s chest, but the bear caught her in his claws. Derpy struggled to get free, but the bear held his grasp.

“Aw. How cute. Now give Derpy a nice, big, HUG!” Fluttershy ordered in a soft, yet sinister tone.

Before Derpy could react, the bear pulled her in and squeezed her in a hug. Derpy kicked and struggled to free herself, but her efforts were futile. She was wheezing and coughing as the bear continued to squeeze the life out of her. Derpy was losing consciousness fast, but she noticed that his nose was one inch away from her face. So, in an act of desperation, Derpy bit the bear on his nose.

The bear growled as he released Derpy and held his nose in pain. Derpy dropped to the ground and took a moment to get air back into her lungs. When Derpy saw the bear staggering from the bite, she dashed at full speed and tackled him head on into the fire barrier. The bear roared in pain before turning back into a Changeling and falling to the ground unconscious. Fluttershy saw all the Changelings laying on the ground and then looked at a determined Derpy looking back at her.

“And now it’s just you and me, Fluttershy!” Derpy stated floating at her.

“Um, you wouldn’t dare harm somepony as kind as me. Would you?” Fluttershy asked rather nervously.

“Bring back the REAL Fluttershy!” Derpy shouted.

“Well, um, you see. I am the real Fluttersh…IIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!” Fluttershy squealed as she accidently ignited her tail in the fire wall.

Fluttershy ran around screaming as her tail was burning. Derpy obviously worried for her safety held her down on the ground and stomped out the fire on her tail. Fluttershy looked up at Derpy, who looked down on her with a determined face.


***


Both pegasi stood in position to attack, never taking their eyes off their opponent. Suddenly, within the blink of an eye, both Spitfire and Rainbow Dash flew at each other. Most of the time, the battle was just them zooming around the battle arena. Nopony could tell who was winning as it all happened so fast. Suddenly, they both stopped nearly fifty feet above the floor. Spitfire and Rainbow Dash were struggling against each other, tumbling upside down and side to side in midair. Then they started punching each other in the head, back and forth.

“Give it up, Spitfire!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she punched the side of Spitfire’s face.

“NO! YOU give it up! You can’t win siding with those monsters,” Spitfire shouted back as she punched Rainbow Dash back.

“Fine! If I can’t win, I’ll destroy the BOTH of us! I’ll drive us both head first into the ground!” Rainbow Dash threatened.

Rainbow Dash grabbed Spitfire and flipped upside down. Slowly she ascended to as high as the fire barriers would allow. Rainbow Dash gave an evil grin as she looked down at the platform at the bottom. Spitfire sweated as she stared into Rainbow Dash’s eyes with fear in her own.

Suddenly, Dash and Spitfire zoomed down at top speed before ramming into the ground with a big crash. A huge puff of smoke and debris clouded the area. As soon as the smoke cleared, however, there stood Spitfire standing over a dazed yet still very much alive Rainbow Dash, laying on her back with her body imprinting in the platform.

“How come we’re still alive?” Dash grunted in pain.

“I punched you in the gut and slammed your back into the ground just before we collided. It’s over, ‘Rainbow Crash’!” Spitfire stated as she stood over her fellow Wonderbolt.


***


The two fashionista unicorns stared each other down.

“Rarity, darling. You know I don’t want to resort to this,” Sassy pleaded her boss and friend.

“TOO LATE! I’m going to give you everything I’ve got!” Rarity hissed back.

“Very well, then. Don’t expect me to hold back, either!” Sassy shouted.

The battle was on. Rarity fired beams and sparks from her horn, while Sassy managed to dodge most of them. Sassy retaliated with some sparks and beams of her own. It went back in forth until Rarity used her magic to steal a long sash out of Sassy’s saddlebag with her magic. She instantly wrapped it around Sassy’s throat very tightly and yanked Sassy towards her. Sassy coughed and wheezed as she struggled to pull the sash off her neck. Rarity used her magic to toss Sassy around like a rag doll.

“SURRENDER NOW, OR SUFFOCATE!!” Rarity hissed at Sassy.

Sassy was beginning to lose air very quickly. But she stared at Rarity and shouted, “NEVER!”

In a last-ditch effort, Sassy shot out a beam of magic that hit Rarity right in the face. Rarity rolled on the ground, covering her face in pain. Sassy quickly pulled the sash off her throat, giving herself much needed air.  Rarity was about to get to her hooves and attack, but with her magic, Sassy used every spool of thread around each of Rarity’s legs before tying them together, pulling Rarity off her hooves and back onto her back. Sassy trotted up to and triumphantly stood over her hogtied boss and friend.


***


The two Apple siblings stared each other down. Big Mac was very thankful that Applebloom, Granny Smith, and the rest of the Apple family weren’t present to witness the heartbreaking sight of him fighting his own sister. But it was too late to back out now. It was this or doom for Equestria.

Applejack attacked first with as she lassoed Big Mac around his neck. Big Mac struggled to shake off the rope.

Applejack yanked the lasso as she yelled: “GIT O’ER HERE!”

But Big Mac didn’t budge.

“NOPE! YOU GET OVER HERE!” Big Mac shouted back as he yanked the rope with all his might.

The force pulled Applejack toward Big Mac. He nailed his sister with a big clothesline, knocking her down. But Applejack got back up and clobbered her brother with a big right front hoof and he fell backwards. Applejack jumped on Big Mac, but he countered and flipped his sister over on her back. Applejack got back up and bucked Big Mac in the face, staggering him backwards. Taking advantage of the situation, she jumped on Big Mac’s back and put him in a sleeper hold. Big Mac struggled to shake her off, but his sister held firm.

“Ready to go to sleep, Brother?” Applejack hissed as Big Mac was fading.

In a last-ditch effort, Big Mac knocked Applejack in the head with his right front hoof, causing her to release the sleeper hold.

“Nope!” Big Mac stated as he bronco bucked Applejack off of his back.

Applejack charged at her brother, but Big Mac simply turned around and gave Applejack a huge buck to her face. Applejack’s neck snapped back as she flipped over and fell down right on her back. Big Macintosh walked over and stood triumphantly over his sister.


***


Like Big Mac, Shining Armor hated the fact that he had to fight his sister to save her. But it had to be done. He looked up and saw that Spike’s little prison was now very close to being full.

Instantly, Shining Armor fired a big spark at Twilight. But Twilight teleported out of the way. Twilight appeared above him and blasted him with a big spark of her own.

“What makes you think that your magic can match my much more powerful magic?” Twilight laughed at her brother.

Twilight fired another spark at Shining, but this time he blocked it with a forcefield around himself. Shining kept firing at his sister and she kept teleporting away. Twilight kept firing back, but Shining kept his shield up. Eventually Shining was getting fatigued, but Twilight wasn’t even breaking a sweat. Twilight then made many duplicates of herself which surrounded Shining Armor and slowly moved in on him.

“Can you figure out which is the real me? You only have one guess!” Twilight said sinisterly.

Shining looked around him and above him. There must have been nearly fifty Twilights.

“There’s only one way to find out.” Shining answered.

Suddenly, Shining Armor sent out a major blast from his horn, causing all the Twilight copies to vanish and revealing the real Twilight Sparkle. Twilight fell flat on her face and Shining walked up to and looked down on her sister.

“Stop this now, Twilight. It’s over!” Shining stated.

Suddenly all the platforms were merged together and reuniting the Mane Six and the new element wielders. The six heroes stared down their predecessors. Sombra and Chrysalis stood behind the Mane Six, and Spike was desperately pounding on the glass as his container was now a few minutes away from being full.

Now is the time.

“Twilight. Please snap out of it. You’re not using the Elements properly!” Shining pleaded.

“What do you talking about? Aren’t we just as true to the Elements as before?” Twilight scoffed.

“Aren’t ah honest?” Applejack asked.

“Eeyup! But you’re using it wrong. We don’t use honesty to put down other ponies for their flaws,” Big Mac answered.

Suddenly, it looked as though Applejack was flickering back to her normal, bright color scheme. But it only lasted a second.

Figuring that it must be working, Big Mac continued. “We use our honesty to help other ponies learn from their mistakes, try to overcome their flaws, and become better ponies in the long run. That’s how you were before, Applejack. That’s how we Apples use our honesty. Please come back, Sis’.”

Applejack started flickering back and forth between dark shades and evil and regular shade and good, like a flickering light bulb.

“What about me? Aren’t I loyal?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“You’ve been loyal to the wrong ponies. You can’t just be loyal to a default,” Spitfire answered.

Rainbow Dash flickered for a second.

“If you’re going to be loyal to somepony, be loyal to those you feel are your friends. Why would anypony be loyal to such monsters as Sombra and Chrysalis? The Rainbow Dash I know is always loyal to the ponies she trusts the most. I’ve learned to be that way from you.” Spitfire concluded with a small smile.

Then Rainbow Dash was flickering like a strobe light.

“Haven’t I been laughing this entire time?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“You have. But it’s all mean spirited laughter. Jokes and pranks. Just because it makes you laugh doesn’t mean that other ponies find it funny.” Cheese Sandwich answered.

Pinkie short-circuited for a moment.

“Ponies use laughter to bring happiness and joy to other ponies. To make Equestria a happier place. That’s why I idolized you, Pinkie Pie. Please bring the Pinkie that inspired me to be a party pony back,” Cheese Sandwich said.

Then Pinkie was flashing back and forth.

“Haven’t I been trying to show kindness?” Fluttershy asked.

“No, you haven’t. ‘Mercy killing’ does not mean ‘kindness.’” Derpy responded.

Fluttershy’s body blinked bright and then back to dark for a second.

“The Fluttershy I know and love is kind by being nice to ponies and helping them feel better when they’re feeling bad. You and I have so much in common. In spite of our problems, we are still kind to everypony we’ve met. Please. I want that Fluttershy back.” Derpy said with tears in her eyes.
Then Fluttershy joined the others in flickering.

“Wait a second. If I wasn’t being generous, then what was I doing?” Rarity asked.

“That was being forceful with your belongings and driving yourself into poverty. That is not being generous,” Sassy Saddles answered.

Rarity’s body flashed bright for a second and back.

“Generosity means sharing the things you value with others. Not completely giving everything up and leaving yourself with nothing. We give to those who need and want things so they can enjoy them all while we can still enjoy them ourselves. I learned that from you ever since I started working with you, Rarity. Please, give us back the Rarity that I know,” Sassy pleaded.

Then Rarity started joining the others in flashing rapidly.

“And how is my handling of magic all wrong?” Twilight asked.

“You’re obsessed with trying to obtain all the magic in Equestria for the sake of power. And you won’t find true magic there.” Shining answered.

Twilight began to flicker for a brief moment.

“The magic we all should seek comes from Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness, and Generosity,” Shining added as the five necklaces appeared around the necks of his friends. Shining continued.

“And they all contribute to the greatest magic anypony could ever hope to obtain. Something that you know and cherish more than anypony I know. Twilight.”

A light opened up over Shining Armor and the crown floated down and landed on Shining’s head.

“The Magic of Friendship!”

Shining walked up to Twilight who was just standing there looking blankly at him.

“This is the kind of magic that you stand for, Twiley. You’re the Princess of Friendship. The Princess of Friendship would never side with evil forces like King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis. Please, come back to us. My LSBFF!” Shining pled with a tear in his eye.

The poison filling Spike’s prison was now down to its last drops. Twilight was the last pony to start flickering, and suddenly, the Mane Six opened their mouths and shots of green energy fired into the air. The Mane Six returned to their normal color tints and fell to the ground.

Just as the last drop of poison was about to drop on the very top of Spike’s head, the hourglass shattered and Spike was free. Shining Armor used his magic and levitated Spike down to safety.

“You did it! You broke the spell!” Spike said excitedly.

The six new heroes and Spike went to check on the Mane Six, who were all groaning in pain.

“OW! My hoovesies hurt again!” Pinkie Pie whined.

“And my beautiful horn is bent.” Rarity cried.

“I…can’t…feel…my wings!” Rainbow Dash grunted.

“YOU FOOLS! You may have foiled our plans, but at least we had a backup!” Sombra roared.

“You see. The healing of your injuries was all a part of the spell. Which means that once you are freed from your brainwashing, your injuries will all come back.” Chrysalis laughed.

Shining Armor and the others carried the injured Mane Six over to a large formation of rocks. Sombra fired lasers from his horn to try and stop them. But they were able to make it to safety behind the rocks.

“Shining Armor. You and the others have to defeat Sombra and Chrysalis with the elements.” Twilight said painfully.

“But Twilight. What about you and the others?” Shining asked.

“We’ll be alright. It’s your turn to save the day, BBBFF.” Twilight nodded.

“Show those two how Wonderbolts handle things, Spitfire.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Yee haw! It’s your turn to be the hero, Big Mac. Go get ‘em!” Applejack cheered.

“Sassy darling. Punish those ruffians!” Rarity told her friend.

“I know you’ll win, but be careful, Derpy.” Fluttershy said softly.

“Kick their flanks, Cheese Sandwich. Because my friends believe in you, your friends believe in you, Equestria believes in you, the writer believes in you, and most importantly. I believe in you.” Pinkie Pie concluded.

“Spike, you stay with them.” Shining said as he and the other five galloped out into the arena.

The former king of the Crystal Empire and the queen of the Changelings stood angrily staring at the six ponies who have foiled their plot.

“Now it’s down to us two against you six!” Sombra shouted.

Sombra and Chrysalis used their horns and blasted the six ponies off of their hooves. However, they instantly got right back up and stared down the villains.

“King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis! Your evil ends right here and right now!” Shining Armor stated as the others nodded.

“FINE! WE SHALL DESTROY THE SIX OF YOU OURSELVES!!!!!” Chrysalis angrily shouted as she and Sombra fired another blast at the ponies.

Suddenly an orange beam fired from Big Macintosh’s necklace. It managed to stop the blast just barely two feet away from the ponies. Spitfire’s necklace followed suit and fired a red beam pushing the blast back further. Cheese’s necklace added to it with a blue beam, Derpy’s fired a pink beam, and Sassy’s fired a purple beam. The beams eliminated Sombra and Chrysalis’ blast and were now harming the two evil monarchs.

“ARRRRGHHH!!!!!!! THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE!” Sombra roared in pain.

“YOU SIX AND EVERYPONY WILL PAY FOR THIS HUMILIATION!!!!!” Chrysalis angrily shouted.

Finally, Shining Armor fired a bright light from his crown and joined with the other beams in blasting Sombra and Chrysalis. The two most evil villains in all of Equestria were blown away in a major blast.

Back in Equestria, all of Chrysalis’ Changelings and Sombra’s soldiers were blown off into the sky along with their king and queen, back to whence they came.

“YOU HAVEN’T SEEN OR HEARD THE LAST OF UUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Sombra and Chrysalis shouted as they disappeared into oblivion.

The dark clouds above Equestria instantly vanished leaving clear blue skies and a bright sun. All the ponies in Ponyville, Cloudsdale, Canterlot and everywhere else in Equestria slowly came out of their homes and looked around. All the Changelings and evil soldiers were gone.

Good had won! Equestria was SAVED!

Everypony cheered and rejoiced, for they had survived and won the most dangerous game they’ve ever had to play. However, once the cheers had calmed down, they realized something:

Where were the six heroes and the Mane Six?

Just then, one of the Ponyville ponies looked out in the distance and faintly saw six figures coming back into the town. Everypony looked at them and once they could make out their coat colors, there was no mistaking. The six heroes of harmony had survived, and they were carrying back to town the injured Mane Six.  Big Macintosh was carrying Applejack. Spitfire was helping Rainbow Dash, Cheese Sandwich was helping Pinkie Pie, Derpy Hooves was carrying Fluttershy, Sassy Saddles was helping Rarity, and Shining Armor was carrying Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Everypony charged up to congratulate them for their heroism, but Shining stopped them.

“There’ll be time for celebrating later. Now we have to get Twilight and her friends to a hospital. Now!” He told them.

Within minutes, six ambulances arrived at the scene. The paramedic ponies all loaded Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow and Rarity into each of the ambulances along with the heroes and they sped off for the hospital.


Ponyville Hospital:

The Mane Six were taken into the ER and thoroughly examined. The six heroes waited outside, hoping that everything would be alright. Despite some worry among the group, they mostly felt calm, knowing that the worst was now behind them.

Down the hall they heard the clanking of metal hooves. They turned and saw none other than Princess Celestia flanked by two guardsponies.

“How are Twilight and the others?” The princess asked.

“We don’t know yet, Princess. They were injured pretty badly.” Shining Armor answered.

“Princess. Do you think that you can forgive them for what they…” Sassy started before being interrupted.
“Relax. We all knew Twilight and her friends in their right minds wouldn’t really sink that low.” Celestia answered.

Suddenly the doors to the ER opened and Doctor Horses came out with a clipboard.

“We’ve examined all six patients, and there’s nothing too serious. However, since they have some broken bones, they’ll all have to wear casts for about three to six weeks. None of them will have to have surgery though. They just need to stay here, rest easy, and they’ll be back on their hooves, flying, and using magic again before they know it.” Doctor Horse smiled as he bowed to the princess and went back into the ER.

The ponies all sighed in relief as they now knew the fate of Equestria was now off their shoulders.

“I personally came by not just to check on the status of Twilight and the others, but also to offer my sincerest gratitude to the six of you. Thanks to each and every one of you, Equestria can rest easy knowing evil has been defeated.” Celestia said.

The six ponies bowed. Then Derpy noticed Dr. Whooves walking across the intersecting hallway. She whispered in Celestia’s ear and lead her down the hallway.

“Excuse me. Doctor Whooves, is it not?” Celestia asked as she approached him.

“Princess Celestia! It is an honor.” Whooves bowed to the Princess.

“Derpy tells me that you did something truly noble in our moment of terror. You helped several hurt ponies seek medical attention and helped protect severely injured ponies from Fluttershy’s attempts at ‘mercy’.” Celestia told Whooves.

“I was only doing what I felt was right. By the way, what happened to Fluttershy?” Dr. Whooves asked.

“It’s alright. She was freed from her evil spell. Same with Twilight and the others.” Derpy answered.

“I just wanted to acknowledge my gratitude and admiration for your bravery and nobility in your actions. No matter how big or small, acts such as those can make a huge difference.” Celestia concluded.

Dr. Whooves bowed and said: “Thank you, Princess.”

The Mane Six were moved to hospital beds and had their legs, hooves, wings, horns, and backs patched up. They received many get well wishes and gifts from ponies all over Equestria.
Twilight Sparkle regularly got visits from the Celestia, Luna, Shining, Cadance, Flurry Heart, her parents, Spike, Starlight and Sunset. Her parents also expressed pride in Shining’s heroism. Twilight apologized for her evil actions and thanked everypony for their support.

Fluttershy received visits from Derpy, Mr. and Mrs. Shy, Zephyr, and Cheerilee among others. Big Mac also checked in on his marefriend and fellow Pony Tone. He occasionally brought along fellow Pony Tones Toe-Tapper and Torch Song. Discord would also make visits, under the condition he doesn’t pull his chaotic shenanigans in the hospital. Dr. Whooves also visited Fluttershy. She expressed regret for her actions, but Whooves was quick to forgive her.

Rarity got visits from Hondo Flanks, Cookie Crumbles, Sweetie Belle, and Sassy Saddles. Coco Pummel even visited one time. Spike would often check in on her as well. Occasionally, Big Mac, Toe-Tapper, and Torch Song would make visits to Rarity. Once she was cleared to leave the bed, they along with Fluttershy would give Pony Tones concerts for the other patients.

Pinkie Pie was visited by Cheese Sandwich, Mr. and Mrs. Cake along with the twins, Mr. and Mrs. Pie, Maud, Limestone, and Marble. While recovering, she was still planning the DEM party. The events of what happened gave Pinkie the idea of turning the event into a “Hero DEM party” in honor of the six heroes. Cheese would help her make this the biggest and best one yet.

Rainbow Dash got visits from her parents, Scootaloo, and her fellow Wonderbolts. She apologized for her evil acts while under mind control, and they told her to not worry about it.

Applejack was mostly visited by members of her family. Mostly by Big Macintosh, Applebloom and Granny Smith. The other Apple family members visited on occasion. They expressed gratitude to Big Mac for his heroism and wished Applejack a speedy recovery. Applejack likewise apologized for her insults, and they forgave her. She especially expressed thanks and pride in her brother for finally becoming a hero.


Canterlot Castle: One Month Later:

The streets of Canterlot were decorated in gold as ponies from all over Equestria came to give thanks to the six “Heroes of Harmony” as they were now to be known as.  The ceremony took place in the throne room of Canterlot Castle. Several noteworthy ponies had been on hoof to witness the alicorn princesses honor the heroes.

The Mane Six were there on the stage, fully recovered from their injuries. The families of the Mane Six were also present. Zecora, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, and Sunburst were there as well. Sunset Shimmer had returned to Canterlot High once Twilight recovered. She bid an emotional farewell to Celestia before going back through the mirror. Finally, the guests of honor entered the room to thunderous cheers as they made their way to the stage while wearing the Elements of Harmony, giving and receiving hugs from their families and friends along the way.

Once they were on the stage and the cheers died down, Princess Celestia spoke:

“As princess of Equestria, and on behalf of everypony here, I wish to offer heartfelt congratulations to these six ponies for their bravery in not only defeating King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis, but saving our beloved Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle and her friends, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Equestria is now a safer place, thanks to Big Macintosh, Spitfire, Cheese Sandwich, Derpy Hooves, Sassy Saddles, and Shining Armor!”

Everypony gave a cheer for the heroes. Celestia continued:

“To reward you for your bravery, we would like to present to each of you the highest honor a pony could receive: The Golden Heart Medal. But first, I’m afraid the time has come.”

Suddenly the Elements of Harmony floated off the six heroes and circled in midair. The necklaces landed back around the necks of their rightful owners. Honesty to Applejack, Loyalty to Rainbow Dash, Laughter to Pinkie Pie, Kindness to Fluttershy, and Generosity to Rarity. The crown then turned back into a tiara and landed back on the head of Twilight.

Each of the six heroes walked up as Celestia presented each one with the medals. Then, each of the Mane Six spoke praising their respective wielder of their element. The ceremony concluded and the six heroes along with the Mane Six and everypony else, paraded through the streets of Canterlot.

Later that day, after the festivities cooled off, the six heroes were hanging in a park in Ponyville, wondering about their future.

“Now that our mission is complete, does this mean that our time of friends is over?” Derpy asked worriedly.

“Nope!” Big Mac answered smiling.

“Just because we no longer bear the elements, doesn’t mean we can’t continue being friends.” Sassy responded.

“That’s right. We’ll just go back to our regular lives and do what we always do. But if any of you want to hang out at any time, I’ll always be available.” Spitfire agreed.

“Yeah, and who knows. Maybe we’ll get the chance to save Equestria again someday!” Cheese said.

“We’ll be friends forever. No matter what lies down the road for any of us.” Shining stated.

Then before parting ways, all six ponies put their hooves together in a circle.


Epilogue:

Shining Armor and the Royal Canterlot Guard each received medals for their bravery and success in driving out Sombra’s soldiers and the Changelings from Canterlot Castle. The Guard has never been more effective since that battle. Shining Armor also continued to care for Cadance and Flurry Heart. Twilight couldn’t have been any prouder of her BBBFF.

Cheese Sandwich helped Pinkie Pie prepare for the Hero DEM party in Ponyville. It was one of the largest parties that Ponyville had ever had. Everypony loved the donuts, eclairs and moose. There was dancing, music, parades, food, and anything else you could think of at a party thrown by Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich. Fireworks shot off over the Ponyville skies. Some of which were in the shapes of the faces of the six heroes and their cutie marks.

For Sassy Saddles, the Canterlot Carousel has become even more popular than ever. Sassy has received several adoring fans, including several young handsome stallions who have asked her out on dates. She had also been making efforts to expanding the Carousel chain in other parts of Equestria, and she got Rarity to sign the deeds for stores in Baltimare, and Fillydelphia.

For Derpy Hooves, she has been receiving more love and respect from all the other ponies now than before she became a hero. Not that other ponies have been mean to her in the past. Derpy throughout her ordeals has been kind to everypony she has met. Now they in turn have reason to reward her by showing her the kindness back. She has been invited by Cheerilee to play with the fillies and colts at the school from time to time. She and Dr. Whooves share the medal as they both consider each other heroes in the battle against Chrysalis and Sombra.

For Spitfire, life also went back to normal. She and the other Wonderbolts still did their routines frequently. Rainbow Dash still gets the most fans. But now Spitfire has been getting almost as much admiration and respect from fans as RD. After Rainbow Dash fully recovered, she and Spitfire fulfilled the previous engagement to take Scootaloo to the Wonderbolts Hall of Fame.

Finally. For Big Macintosh, he couldn’t have been any more content with his life again. He had finally leaped out of Applejack’s shadow for good. He’s now regarded as the hero of the Apple Family just as much as, if not more so, than his sister. He still had his usual chores on the farm, the gigs with the Ponytones, his “Guy’s night out” stuff with Spike, Discord and now Shining and Cheese have joined the fun, his dates with Fluttershy among other things. But he can now look with pride at his framed medal that hangs over his dresser and say that for just one day, he was the hero. And tonight, he’s about to take Fluttershy out to Treehugger’s garden party.

For these six. life returns to normal. Sure, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are back to being the heroes of Equestria. They will continue to have more heroic moments in the future. However, for Shining Armor, Spitfire, Big Macintosh, Sassy Saddles, Derpy Hooves and Cheese Sandwich, their saving of Equestria will be forever remembered by everypony who lived through it. A regular pony’s single moment of heroism is worth just as much if not more than an established hero’s many moments.

This was their shining moment. And NOPONY can ever take that away from them!


THE END