After packing for a three-day travel due to the necromancers and dragons fighting in the skies, every creature went to sleep. Starlight couldn't sleep. She kept on thinking about the end of the world she is witnessing. She's the reason why all of this is happening. Stars can't even look at her knowing what she did out of vengeance. Seeing Stars with one eye, a broken horn and two missing legs are unbearable to look at. As Starlight looked upon the night sky hoping all of this can be a nightmare, Stars left her house to check on Starlight.
"Can't sleep huh?"
"I'm the reason why everyone is suffering. I just want what I lost to come back."
"What was it that you lost?"
"My home. My town. The equal society I had before Friendship came and took all of it away..."
"What was it like then?"
"Everypony all had an equal Cutie Mark. Nopony in town was better than the other. Everything and everyone basically was the same. I on the other hoof, I hid my Cutie Mark and drawn an equal Cutie Mark so I can make things easier when ponies were searching for a new place for equality. Also, it allowed me to use my magic to extract the Cutie Mark off of ponies. Times were good until everypony got their Cutie Marks back and Friendship basically ruining what I've built. "
"So, why did you built the town?"
"You're me. You should know this."
"No, I don't know this cause the world I'm living in is Tartarus. Friendship is key here and without it, I would have never made the friends I have today and I would have never met the love of my life. So tell me why you built the town?"
"It's because of Friendship that Sunburst left me when he got his Cutie Mark. Once he was sent away, I became lonely and had no other friends because I didn't have my Cutie Mark."
"Oh, that feeling. Well, hate to tell you but Sunburst was never sent away."
Eyes widen for Starlight from hearing her counterpart say that.
"Well, actually, he refused to go due to the attacks that took place with the Dragon Wars."
"When Celestia fought the Grand Dragon?"
"Yea, Celestia's idiotic mistake was kidnapping the egg thus breaking the Dragon Pony Treaty. Celestia here isn't the brightest. She has her moments but mostly, she made bad decisions ever since Luna was banished."
"I see. Well, how did you lose your eye, horn, and legs?"
"I fought off necromancers on my own. They swarm but I held my ground for a while. I grew tired as numbers keep showing up. One necromancer scratched me so hard that it took my eye right out of its eye socket. Then another necromancer came and pulled my horn so hard as others held me in place. The snap of my horn caused enormous pain. That's when Blaze found me and he took down thirty-six necromancers at once. Each other decapitated by his sword. We ran the other way till a dragon came and accidentally landed her foot on me. The dragon is the reason why I lost both my legs. It was shattered beyond repair and so, the Yaks and Blaze came up with an idea for me to walk again. That is why I have these metallic legs. Also, Sunburst is another reason why I have these legs. He's the one who designed it as the yaks toughen up the metal using other bits of the sword Blaze uses."
"Well, that answers another question that I have in mind."
"Tell me this. Do you have other friends?"
"No..."
"Why not?"
"They are pointless to me..."
"So pointless that you'd be willing to destroy an entire future just to get what you want?"
Starlight remained silent after hearing that statement.
"Look, until you start having friends, you will remain miserable for the rest of your life. Change and live a little will ya. Now if you excuse me, I have to see how my friends are doing."
Stars left Starlight alone as she had no else to talk with. Starlight Glimmer decided to sleep outside for the night. Least then, she won't cause any more problems. Morning has arrived and everyone is up. Every creature went to their prospective groups to begin the search for survivors. Starlight Glimmer will be going with Blaze, Stars, Reaper, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike. They'll be heading towards the Crystal Empire to recruit the Shadowbolts along with Spike and his gang. Starlight Glimmer did not have a good night sleep as she thought about what Stars told her, Friendship and everything that has ever happened to this timeline.
"Is everyone ready to go?"
They nodded. Starlight nodded weakly.
"Good, let's get moving."
Blaze and Stars were in front of the group leading everypony and dragon towards the Crystal Empire. Along with their travel, all they can hear is dragons and necromancers fighting each other in the skies. Several necromancers fell to the ground bleeding to death. Hours went by during their travel and they have seen no survivors on their end. It's not surprising to Blaze that there are none that need saving but still, to keep an eye out for another who is struggling.
As a day came to an end, everypony set up camp. Starlight didn't even bother to help. She is devastated due to her actions. Cities scorched, dead bodies everywhere and an everlasting battle between dragons and necromancers. It's still too much to bear with. Stars came by but she only saw disgrace. Starlight Glimmer saw herself and looks down. Stars came closer swallowing the hatred she has for her alternate self.
"Hey..."
Starlight remained silent.
"Alright, listen you."
Starlight looked at her.
"You need to snap out of this. Really, you need to. Otherwise, your just dead weight being dragged with us."
Starlight looks down at the dirt.
"Fine, be the dead weight you are. You are nothing. You having nothing and therefore why bother helping somepony with nothing left. Why bother helping us when you are gaining nothing from what you are seeing and experiencing By now, you should have known what you really need but guess I'm wrong. Wanna be terrible then you are doing a great job at it."
Stars left Starlight Glimmer alone. She headed back with Blaze as they started to gather firewood. Starlight Glimmer remained where she is. Unfazed by what her counterpart has spoken to her. Without friendship, Tartarus came to Equestria. It's a living nightmare. Sunset Shimmer noticed how Starlight is feeling and decided to check on her.
"Hey...Are you feeling alright?"
Starlight looked at Sunset and shook her head no weakly.
"I know exactly what you're going through. Being neglected for losing something precious, going on a tirade and now, trying to make matters worse for our benefit."
Starlight nodded weakly but refuses to look at Sunset Shimmer. Sunset decided to sit next to Starlight but Starlight looks the other way. She feels that she doesn't deserve any attention from anypony else for causing all of this.
"It'll get better in due time."
Starlight is now looking at Sunset.
"H-How?"
"For starters, we'll need more allies to help us."
Sunset offers her hoof to Starlight.
"You want my...help..?"
"Yea, you are one powerful unicorn. You may have more magic than Twilight over there and you are compatible with combat. Discord and I had a hard time capturing you when we went searching for you in the caves."
"Yea, but I used the cave's element to my advantage for escaping. Not for fighting."
"Exactly my point. You exploit an advantage to better yourself in a situation. I bet you can do the same thing against Nero the Necromancer. It just needs to take time with the right friend beside you."
Starlight Glimmer thought hard about this. She hasn't had a friend in such a long time. Sure she used to have her village and things her way but a true friend such as Sunburst, it's been a long time. Starlight smiled a bit and shook Sunset's hoof. The two smiled and Fiery Flames flew out of Sunset's head and lands on Starlight's head which startled her a little.
"Uh...hi?"
Fiery Flames hugged Starlight's horn which made Starlight uncomfortable for a brief moment.
"Don't worry," Sunset giggles a bit, "that's his way of showing his love for a new friend."
"Really? By hugging?"
"Yea. His way of knowing that a friend is around the corner making the right decision."
Fiery Flames stopped hugging and flew right back to his mother. Landing on her head and resting on her hair.
"So is the baby phoenix like your pet or something?"
"Nope. He's my son. My baby boy."
"Cute."
"Come to join us for supper Starlight."
"I think it'll be best that I stay here. Away from Stars since I...upsetted her."
"Alright then. I'll bring supper to you and you and I can eat."
"You sure you want to do that for me?"
"Of course. We are now starting to become friends after all."
"...Friends."
Sunset left Starlight for a few minutes. Starlight ponders about having Sunset as a friend. Does she really deserve one now? In this world's condition. Why is she being nice to her? Is it a plan for the crimes Starlight committed. There has to be some logic to it. Sunset came back with apples, bananas, and berries. She used her magic to set an old book with paper on fire for Fiery Flames to eat.
"Thanks, Sunset."
"You're welcome Starlight. Now, let's eat."
The two ate their suppers and had a nice time talking with each other. Getting to know one another better. Twilight ate her supper and read a book to keep herself occupied. Reaper took the first shift to keep watch. Spike went up to Blaze as Stars decided to keep watch with Reaper.
"Uh, Blaze. Can I ask you some questions?"
"Sure, what's on your mind?"
"What is this world's Spike like?"
"Well for starters, he's one of the tougher dragons. Second, he has a strong hatred for Celestia and most of ponykind. Third, he hates anything with a corruptive mindset and most importantly, he doesn't let anyone down in the darkest hour."
"So, how did you and him became best friends?"
"He and I traveled a lot together. I told him everything about me and he told me everything about him. We both don't like Celestia. Spike during his rush stages of growing up, he finds Equestria disgusting."
"Uh, why?"
"Well, it's doesn't shout out dragon. It's too colorful, to say the least, and everything must be governed. In the Dragon Lands, it's basically one dragon in control of all the others and they can do whatever they want to do."
"So, what does this world Spike do?"
"Well, he brings the fight to the enemy. He was one of the first few to stand face to face with Nero and gave him a run for his money in the first fight on Suicide Hill. He got lucky when Celestia and Luna joined in but it ticked off Spike because that was his fight. The ponies were no match for Nero. Dragons, however, they can last longer which is why the Dragon Nation is battling in the skies. So far the Dragons are winning. Spike right now is taking his time recovering but we don't know where. This is why we need Sunny Flare and the Shadowbolts to bring Spike back cause by now, he should be 110%."
"So how much longer will it take for us to get to the Crystal Empire?"
"Another day or two to say the least. We are taking a shortcut after all."
"We are?"
"Yea, I do know my way around in Equestria so I know every pathway to certain destinations."
"Will Sombra help?"
"Of course he will. He's my best friend."
"R-Really?"
"Yea. I know him better than anypony. Sure he has his moments but he's a nice guy when you get to know him. He's different and sometimes Celestia doesn't like difference."
"Huh, that is clearly not our Celestia."
"Really? How so?"
"Celestia has a kind heart. She'll listen to everypony. Help support everypony and smiles."
"That's how Celestia is here but she has certain hatred against fellow ponies and creatures. Nothing really is the same."
"Blaze, I do have another question."
"What is it, Spike?"
"Whatever happened to Queen Chrysalis and her Changeling Army?"
"They were destroyed by the Necromancers for interfering. Nero took liberty and annihilated Chrysalis himself. It was an epic battle but Chrysalis fell short. She just wasn't powerful enough."
"Did you tried to help out?"
"Yea, it didn't go so well. The necromancers surrounded a young mare after her eye and horn were ripped apart."
"Wow...So is this mare uh...?"
"Yes. My beloved Starlight Glimmer. For now, though, she's Stars. Turns out that Celestia sent an Armed Alicorn Force to stop Nero but ultimately failed."
"Armed Alicorn Force?"
"Different specialist of magic and flight. They took down a lot of necromancers but proven to be too much. If I hadn't stepped in, they would have been drained first then die. Things can't be helped at times but in the end, you gain something out of it."
"So, was Stars the only survivor from the Armed Alicorn Force?"
"No, there are three others who did survive but I'm not sure what happened to them. They left me with Stars and I took her to safety."
"Wow. How long ago was this?"
"Two years ago while the ponies and necromancers were fighting each other."
"Wow."
"They are still no match for the power of a necromancer. I tried to warn them but they didn't listen. Like Celestia stupidity, they chose to ignore me. I hope my buddy Sombra can help me bring down Celestia in the next war. To create a United Equestria where all creatures of all kinds can live in harmony together."
"So, uh...how did you and Sombra become best friends?"
"I took refuge in the Crystal Empire for a while since Celestia and Luna were far away from the kingdom. I noticed a colt in the cold along with the Crystal Guards just north of the Empire. He can only say one word during that time so the guards decided to name the colt by the one word he would say, Sombra. I decided to pay close attention to Sombra for a while. Throughout his youth whenever I saw him walking around the empire, I would have small talks with him. A few weeks later, he introduced me to Radiant Hope. We became friends right then and there despite I was older than the both of them. Then when the Crystal Faire came, he would normally get sick for some weird reason. I decided not to celebrate the Crystal Faire until he felt better. Apparently, he had a condition that every year the day of the Crystal Faire came, he'll get sick. Hope and I stood by and watch him suffer in agonizing pain. Before the Crystal Faire days came, Sombra, Hope and I would have amazing fun throughout the years. One day, I visited the Crystal Heart with Sombra and Hope. The Crystal Heart revealed my destiny. To create a United Equestria filled with all creatures within the world. I now know that the heart wasn't lying. As for Hope, she saw herself as a Princess. Sombra however, he would turn into a demon but refused to tell all of that including in the presence of Princess Amore. After a few years, Sombra started to change. Soon enough, I figured out something out of the ordinary. An Umbrum Crystal was sticking out and with my very own eyes, I saw my best friend transformed into the creature everypony knows today. He turned into King Sombra, shattered the Princess and took the empire away for one thousand years. Now that he's back, he alongside his two wives are now bringing forth the army we need to take down the Necromancers once and for all. Sombra, Hope and I talked to each other, had our fun as friends but it's every now and then when the necromancers are not present. Hoping to change all of that soon."
"Wow. So when was the last time you saw Sombra?"
"Three months ago. We talked as we fought the necromancers with the dragons. He got injured and I took him back to Cadence and Radiant Hope. He refused to be escorted back to the Crystal Empire. Him being an Umbrum Demon Pony change a lot about his perception and personality. I am working on a spell to reverse the effects but still, need time to perfect it."
"How are you holding up from all of this?"
"Not so well to be honest but have to be strong for those that I love and protect those who can't defend. It's a cruel world out here little Spike."
Twilight finished her book and Reaper came by to check on her.
"You alright, Twilight?"
"Yea, I'm fine Reaper." She looks at him. "Is Reaper your real name?"
"No, it's the name I have chosen to get back at the necromancers who killed my family, my sister, and taken my wife away from me."
"What was your original name?"
Reaper looks at Twilight and sighs.
"Sorry, I cannot tell you my original name. It brings back many memories. I need to stay focus on the task at hoof."
"Sorry for asking."
"It's fine really."
Stars came by with more firewood for the fire. She saw Reaper engaging with Twilight and let them be. She tossed the firewood to brighten the area. A dragon landed next to Blaze and Spike. Only Twilight, Sunset, and Starlight were startled by the appearance of a dragon.
"Blaze."
"Kate."
The two looked at each other and hugged each other. Stars is happy to see Kate for the first time in several months.
"I see you're going forth with fighting the necromancers."
"No," Kate shook her head. "I'm here to give all of you a ride to the Crystal Empire."
"What?"
"You heard me pony boy. I'm taking you all to the Crstyal Empire. Sombra is in need of your assistance."
"Perfect. Everypony! Pack up your things. It's time to get moving."
After a few minutes of packing up, everypony got onto Kate's back and she flew everyone towards the Crystal Empire. She saw her fellow sister dragons flying towards suicide hill to bring the fight to the necromancers. Kate waved as she flew towards the Crystal Empire. Everypony but Blaze, Stars, and Reaper saw the amazing view. There are some areas that the necromancers haven't touched. Spike is observing Kate thoroughly. She looks similar to him and he thinks about seeing his actual mother. Spike walked onto Kate's neck. As close as he can without falling off.
"Uh Kate, my name is Spike. Did you once had a child?"
"Nice to meet you, Spike. Yes, I once had a child but he was taken away from me. I never got to see my baby dragon grow. It was after I saw him age and taking control of the next generation of dragons."
"Is the dragon name's Spike as well?"
"Mmmhmm. My husband and I never got to name him cause he never hatched from his egg. When I saw my baby, I can see hatred in his eyes. That is something I did not want to see from my child. I am glad to see my baby dragon. It's a shame that you're from a different timeline."
"Wait, how did you know I'm from a different timeline?"
"Well, for starters, dragons are more intelligent than ponies. Second, I know my own baby dragon from the moment I see in their eyes. Third, we dragons have a sixth sense for sudden changes. In the night sky, the stars align themselves very differently. Lastly, we received a message from Blaze once he found out about the sudden news about altering timelines. He uses his magic to send telepathic messages as far as he can without the presence of necromancers. So far, he only managed to reach to us dragons. It's more than enough cause we are faster fliers than the pegasi."
"Hey, know any pegasi named Rainbow Dash?"
"Yea, she's with the Shadowbolts as we speak."
"Really?!"
"Yes. She suffered a broken wing which is now metallic. She is no longer on Celestia's side of the war. She and Indigo Zap are now the fastest pegasi Sombra's army has to offer."
"Wow. Twilight!"
Spike ran for Twilight which Twilight flew towards Spike.
"What is it, Spike?"
"Rainbow Dash is alive and is at the Crystal Empire!"
"What?!"
"It's true, Twilight. Rainbow Dash is at the Crystal Empire. She along with other survivors from Celestia's army has chosen to reside with Sombra's army."
"Kate, who else you know is with Sombra?"
"There's Maud and Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack. Flash Sentry I think and Soarin."
"What about Fluttershy?"
"The animal lover? She died four years ago when a necromancer took her life. It possed her pet bunny, Angelo, I think and killed her."
Twilight eyes widen that Fluttershy was killed by a possessed Angel Bunny. Spike couldn't believe that Fluttershy in this world died.
"I would chat more but we are here."
Kate flies down cautiously and lands in front of Sombra's castle. Sombra waved at Blaze from the balcony and made his way down. Hope and Cadence saw Kate and Cadence was happy to see Twilight. She flew and hugged Twilight. Spike is confused for the way Cadence is feeling. He thought that Cadence would not be this energetic. He thought Cadence would be depressed and less of herself. Everyone else got off of Kate's back carefully. Kate then takes off heading south of the empire.
Blaze waited for Sombra's arrival. As he saw his best friend coming closer he smiles.
"Long time no see huh Sombra?"
"Too long my friend."
"How you holding up?"
"Better. Ready for round three with them creatures of the underworld."
"Where's the army?"
"North where the Umbrum Crystal is at. I came close the other day of setting the creatures free from their imprisonment."
"Sombra, they are not the answer to defeating the necromancers. You know that of all ponies here."
"I know. They want freedom but I understand from your point that I'm not one of them despite being created by them."
"Then you should know that this is your kingdom. These ponies here are yours to protect. You have two wives. Why throw it all away in pure darkness."
"The voices...they won't leave me alone."
"Right. I'm still working on that spell for you. I need more power to perfect it."
Sombra looks down. Despite his powerful magic, it's nowhere near close to taking down Nero. He had his battles against him but not alone. It bothers Sombra to a point that he feels like a weakling.
"Look, even I had my downfalls against Nero but I'm still fighting. I'm not giving up and neither should you."
"I know," Sombra stomps his hooves hard on the ground that it cracked viciously. Everypony looked and stared at Sombra.
"You're causing a scene again Sombra."
Sombra looks at the other ponies. Then he turned his face away to hide his shame.
"I'll take you to the army, Blaze."
"Not just yet my friend. I need to speak with Sunny Flare."
"Flare? You want to bring the dragon?"
Blaze nodded his head.
"Figures. Alright then. I'll take you to Sunny Flare."
Twilight came up to Sombra.
"Excuse me, King Sombra?"
"Hmm?"
Sombra turns to see Twilight.
"Where is Rainbow Dash?"
"She's with Sunny Flare and the rest of the Shadowbolts. Come along if you wish to see them."
Sombra escorted Blaze and Twilight to Sunny Flare and the Shadowbolts on the eastern side of the Crystal Empire. From there, Twilight saw Rainbow Dash flexing her metallic wing. Rainbow Dash also has her left ear ripped and a scare on her left eye.
"Sunny Flare! You here?!"
Sunny Flare came out of her house to see Sombra. Then she saw Blaze and came up to him.
"Hello, Blaze. What can I help you with?"
"I need you to send a signal for Spike The Relentless and his squad to come here to the Crystal Empire."
"Alright then. That'll take me two hours to conjure enough magic to make the signal for him."
"Thank you."
Blaze and Sunny hugged each other. Twilight went up to Rainbow Dash with a huge smile on her face.
"Hi Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight but had no emotions for her.
"Hey. What's up?"
"Do you know who I am?"
"Celestia's student that saved as much ponies in Canterlot as she died in the process. I am surprised to see that you're alive and more surprise to see that you are an Alicorn. Did I miss something here?"
"Well, there is a lot that I need to discuss with you and a few other ponies."
"Who else?"
"Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity."
"Why them?"
"It's something important that can possibly defeat the necromancers."
"Alright then. Say no more. You have my interest."
Rainbow Dash zoomed off. Flying in the sky then landing back down in front of Twilight.
"Now, I'm pumped up for action."
"Quick question, can you perform the sonic rainboom?"
"Yes, but I found something more powerful than a sonic rainboom. I found out by flying faster with somepony capable of matching speed can create the ultra rainboom."
Twilight's eyes beamed with amazement and adrenaline. She smiled widely as Pinkie Pie have when she first saw the rainbow for the first time.
"What does the ultra rainboom do?"
"Well, our bodies become a rainbow and our speed is twenty times faster. Also, we can create a tornado in control by the way and the impact of our hits are powerful to move mountains. We can give the necromancers a run for their bits but unfortunately, if we are not moving, we lose our ultra power. Must have consistent movement at all times."
"Point taken. So I'm guessing you and Indigo Zap pulled it off?"
"You guessed correctly. We pulled it off numerous times but Nero gets in the way and ruins us before we can take him out. I hate him with all my heart."
Twilight sighs a little then looks at Rainbow Dash.
"Well, for what I have to say, it'll be a long story."
"I'm cool with it. I just need my popcorn for long stories."
"So, do you know where Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie are at?"
"They should be around here. Getting ready for the next battle. I'll show you the way around here."
Rainbow Dash showed Twilight around the eastern side of the Crystal Empire. They were able to see Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie along with Maud eating together in the mess hall. Neither of them was talking to each other. It didn't really bother Twilight as she is used to the changes in between timelines. She is just thrilled to see familiar faces. Twilight and Rainbow sit with them. Silence reigned. Nopony even bothered to recognize that Twilight is an Alicorn.
Out of place and out of the timeline, it'll take a while for Twilight to explain Friendship is Magic and the possibility of taking down Nero the Necromancer once and for all...