The Mane 6 were sitting in the break room, trying to relax a little. Word is trying, because for them, this last couple of hours had been filled with awful surprises. The last ones were the worst of all. The Cadence and Shining Armor (The real one) abduction had been used to lure them away from Canterlot, leaving the royal sisters and everypony else alone with the main threat. FrostBound had made a fool of them all, playing them like pawns in his sick game. The confirmation of all this came from the mouth of the royal couple themselves.
“Bringing a never ending winter is not his main objective, Twilight” said Cadence, once her and Shining had been taken on board. “He wants Celestia. He told us, so that once you would save us, we could inform you about his plans”.
“And then he took my form, so to make sure to fool you all” added Shining Armor. “Twily, you and your friends must go back to Canterlot immediately! Celestia is in grave danger!”.
Thank heavens our parents are visiting in the Crystal Empire and Spike is with Ember and Discord thought Twilight Sparkle. I wish I could say the same for the family of my friend .
And so, the Dragon Watch split their forces. The Monarch and most of the other airship went to the Crystal Empire, so to take to safety the rulers of the country, while a smaller convoy, lead by the Sirocco, was taking her and her friends back to Canterlot. Neither Cadence or Shining didn’t wanted to let them go back alone, but Twilight refused to back up. “The Crystal Empire needs you” she declared. And when Shining Armor offered to bring their own army to help them battle FrostBound (idea that both Steel Wing and Cadence agreed on), she replied “No. Brute force will cost more than it’s worth. Only we stand a chance against that monster, the other may get themselves in the harm way!”. Calling reinforcement to battle a creature than can be affected only by us was a grave mistake. While is too late to stop the army of dragons coming in our aid, I won’t allow others to get others involved .
After a short glance, they decided to follow her will. But before they parted their ways, Cadence stopped to tell her something important. “Whatever he may do to you, do not hate him. His connection with the Windigos allow him to feed on hatred, making him even more powerful. Don’t let him get through you”.
Is not going to be easy thought the purple alicorn, staring at the table. Especially if he harmed in any way the princesses or the ponies in Canterlot .
“So... What are we going to do?” asked Pinkie Pie. Since the reveal of the fake FrostBound and Shining Armor, her hair had turned back to flat.
“Go back to Canterlot and give a lesson to FrostBound” was the response of Rainbow Dash, “What else?”. Despite her attempting to keep her cool attitude, she could do little to mask the concern in her tone.
“He will be waiting for us, you know” replied Rarity. “I think that, given how much of a trouble gave us his copy, our plan should be something more than just blast him with the Elements of Harmony”. She turned to watch Twilight, “Twilight, you are the smartest among us, you sure have a plan in mind, right?” she asked, while looking at her with eyes that pleaded for hope.
I wish I had, Rarity . “FrostBound has already given proof to be capable of perceive our presence. No stealth attack is going to work, unless somepony doesn’t distract him for enough time”.
“No!” shouted Fluttershy, that until that moment had remained quiet, avoiding eye contact with the others. “Please, no more death” she pleaded, nearly on the point of tears. She certainly blamed herself for the losses of the Dragon Watch.
“Oh my dear, don’t cry” reassured her Rarity, caressing her mane, “We won’t put more lives at jeopardy”.
“And don’t blame yourself, Fluttershy. Even if we had attacked him on the spot, I doubt that would have changed that much” added Twilight. It wasn’t exactly a comforting thought, but she didn’t wanted her friend to feel guilty for something she was not responsible for.
“Yeah, there’s only one here that is guilty: FrostBound” nodded Rainbow Dash. “Once we will be done with him, he’s going to think twice before dealing with us!” .
“What do you mean with us?” asked Applejack, with a grimace.
The rest of the Mane 6 exchanged a confused look. “Us Elements of Harmony, of course. What else are we?” replied the cyan pegasus.
“Good question. What are we, other than that?”.
“What you mean by that? We are the protectors of this world” jumped out Twilight Sparkle.
Applejack wasn’t amused. “Twilight, you’re a great friend, and I hold our friendship to an high value. So, allow me to be honest”. The earth pony slammed her hooves on the table with force, “We are not warriors!” she shouted. That statement made the rest of the Mane 6 fall in a shocked silence. Taking advantage of that, she continued “Twilight, you may have been Celestia pupil and be turned into an alicorn, but we don’t have any of that stuff! Fluttershy is an animal expert, Rainbow Dash is a Wonder Bolt in training, Rarity is a fashionista, Pinkie Pie is a party expert and I’m a farmer. We try to live our lives at the best of our possibilities, in a world already filled with crazy stuff. We don’t need to have even more insane menaces shoehorned in it!”.
“How long?” was the only thing that Twilight could say, “How long have you being holding that?”.
"Since we have used the Elements of Harmony for the first time on Luna. After that day, I’ve been thinking about the role that had fallen on our heads, but I didn’t thought much of it because I thought it was going to be one off thing, and then everything would have gone back normal. But then Discord came, followed by all kinds of threats for Equestria. There may have been some small changes here and there, not enough to change how usually the things go”.
“Why didn’t you tell us this before?” wanted to know Rainbow Dash.
“Because for how much I thought we weren’t suited to be heroes, I knew that it was the right thing to do. Without us, Equestria or even the entire world would have suffered under the reign of tyrants and monsters. After a while, I started to get used to it and even enjoy our role in as protectors, because we were doing good to the world. And doing all of this with my best friends, made every danger on the road worth it” she added, with a weak smile, which her friends returned.
“So, what happened to make you change idea?” enquired Pinkie Pie.
“FrostBound happened. Our battle with him brought me down from the pedestal I placed us, it made me remember that the power we wield bring a lot of responsibilities, and risks. But most of it all, it made me understand that, without the Elements of Harmony to back us, we are nothing”.
“That’s not true!” objected Rainbow Dash. “We have saved the day even without the Elements of Harmony! Like that time we stopped the Changelings invasion of Canterlot!”.
“Cadence and Shining Armor saved the day. Not us. If I remember correctly, our attempts to stop the invasion ended with us getting caught and brought back to Chrysalis”
“Oh… well… we have saved the Crystal Empire from--“.
“That was more Spike, Cadence and Shining work, while we were gawking to the Sombra arrival. And in both situation, we have been incredibly lucky that things worked out for the best”.
“So?” asked Rainbow Dash, too much stubborn to give up.
“So we have been lucky. But luck can’t last forever”.
Those words resounded in the break room for too long for Twilight liking. With this mood, we are not going to last long against FrostBound “Is not luck that brought us together. It was our destiny to find the Elements of Harmony, just like it is our destiny to protect the world with them” replied Twilight Sparkle, hoping that her response would help improve the morale and put at easy the element of Honesty. And it did; Applejack seemed unsure about what to say.
But not Pinkie Pie. “Doesn’t that mean that our friendship is made up? I mean, if we were destined to be friends in a way or another, is less from our choice, but more because of some kind of above entity”.
Not one of the Mane 6 had ever thought this way, but before anyone could proceed on this argument, the speakers of the Sirocco got activated, “Princess Twilight, we’ll be near Canterlot in about five minutes”.
“Well, we will have to talk about this later, girls” she said, “It’s time for us to do our job”.
***
The destruction of the royal sister palace, the sudden appearance of a gigantic dragon or the sun getting changed into a freezing sphere, would have caused massive panic and hysteria to the ponies inside Twilight castle. But Gloomy Dusk, knowing far in advance that FrostBound would have appeared, prevented any chaos happening by casting a sleeping spell on all the ponies inside the castle. Sleep well. If everything goes as planned, you will wake up and this nightmare will be already over.
“Something’s wrong, my friend?”.
“Forcing asleep my friends is not something that I do with joy. I feel like I just backstabbed them” he replied to the mysterious figure.
Just a bit taller than him, standing on his hind legs, he wore a cloak that covered pretty much his whole body, while a hood casted a shadow on his face, accentuating the blue/white glowing of the eyes. The mantle was of a deep hue of cobalt blue, while some kind of painting here and there, that kept changing place as if the cloak was a alive.
“But you also knew that let them see that” the figure said, pointing at the large window and what was going on outside “Things would have gotten chaotic and people could have gotten hurt in the frenzy”.
“Maybe. Or maybe they would have tried to help the Elements of Harmony, getting in even more danger”.
One of the glowing eyes of the stranger narrowed in bafflement, “Would they really be so naïve to think to stand a chance against FrostBound?”.
“You’re new here, kid. Around this parts, people think that Friendship can do the impossible. And in a way, they would be right. Problem is that this thing outside is way out of their league. As I am afraid that the Bearers of Harmony are about to find out”.
“True, but they do have an important part to play, in this story. That said, I can feel that there’s more that is bothering you”.
Gloomy Dusk remained silent for a few seconds, impressed by the empathy of his collaborator. “Is just that I’m used to deal by myself with threats. I’ve trained since I was capable to stand on my hooves, to fight monsters, gods and tyrants to protect the Balance and my friends. I won’t shy away the fact that I’m pretty good at my job. And yet, today I actually found a creature that may be too much for me, imagine the ponies around here. A part of me regret to not just have taken his soul when I had the chance”.
“You could have just ignore the instructions and do it your way” The caped figure said, “I probably would have been too much shocked to stop you. What made you halt your hand?”.
“The fact that I just can’t bring myself to betray the trust of my grandpa, master and parents, by acting like an idiot that thinks to know everything in life and that can take all the choices”.
“That’s very wise of you”.
“Speaking of choices, I sure don’t have the right to declare if that dragon deserves death or less” he walked to the window, taking a good look at FrostBound. The colossal dragon had long sit down, giving his back to Canterlot, waiting for the arrival of the Bearers of Harmony. “It’s absurd, I know, but no matter how absurdly powerful and scary he looks, I can’t help but feel bad for him. I don’t see a monster, but one of the many victims of destiny. But unlike others, this one has an actual chance to be saved. And I will do anything to help him” he said. And then, with a smirk, added, “Also, once cured, he might become a good sparring partner, other than a good ally and member of the Silver Lotus. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. How long before the Bearers of Harmony arrive?”.
“More or less five minutes”.
“Good, then you can help me to something no less important”.
“Oh? And what is it?”
“Helping me clean the dishes”
“Dishes?” repeated the figure, puzzled “But…why?”.
“Because we have time. And because is the least I can do to repay the ponies for this little trick of mine”.
“I guess it can be a good way to spend time” admitted the caped stranger, following the ‘unicorn’ in the kitchen.
***
Just as they saw Canterlot, they saw FrostBound. He was sitting near the frozen city, just as tall as mountain where Canterlot had been built. He was looking directly at the Sirocco and to the Mane 6.
“Why isn’t he attacking us?” wondered aloud the captain of the Sirocco, nervously.
Twilight knew the answer “Because he don’t see you as a threat”.
“That’s not exactly comforting to know” muttered the earth pony.
“Comforting? No, but is not bad either, because in this way you will not be attacked, unless you provoke him” Twilight said, “Now, we will go face him. Whatever happens, do not approach him or attack him”.
"And we should let you fight that… thing alone?” questioned the captain, just as confused as the rest of the crew.
“We appreciate your courage, captain” replied Applejack, “But you have already seen how ineffective your weapons are. We don’t want to put you in more danger”.
"And what should we do if something goes wrong?” inquired the earth pony.
“If we had to fail, I…no, we, want you and the other airship to go to my castle down in Ponyville and take with you all the ponies that are there barricaded; Once done that, take them to the Crystal Empire” explained Twilight, “There you should be protected against this unnatural cold and start planning a counter attack with princess Cadence and my brother, prince Shining Armor. The Crystal heart should be powerful enough to give you a chance against FrostBound”. Or at least I hope so she thought, worried. The actual awful truth was that, if the Elements of Harmony failed, nothing could have stopped him. Absurd, how can the power of friendship fail against the power of hatred? I refuse to believe that to be true . “Let’s go girls”.
Her friends nodded, not uttering a word. Scared. Just like me . It wasn’t until they were in front of the door that would lead them out, on the bridge and onto the battle with FrostBound, that Twilight decided to try one more time to improve their morals. “Pinkie, you’ve asked one good question. On which I, unluckily, I don’t have an answer. The truth is that I don’t really know what brought us together. But I can tell you one thing: Our friendship is real”. The alicorn turned around, giving an honest and uplifting smile. “We have been through both good and bad times. We have faced challenges that put our friendship to the hardest test. Maybe destiny may have created a bond, but I can assure you, that no prophecy will ever break us apart”.
This time, her speech worked. Her friends finally cracked a smile, even Applejack. “Thank you, Twily” said the orange earth pony, speaking for the rest of the team.
“Yeah, now that was a inspiring speech!” nodded Rainbow Dash, “Now let’s go kick that dragon tail”.
“Right”. Satisfied, Twilight opened the door.
Once outside, their fiery hearts got nearly turned off by the glacial temperature. The winds that for so long had howled now were deadly silent. The sky was black and filled with stars as if it was already night, despite the sun being still in sight. The light that the celestial body now emitted, united with all the snow that had fallen in the last couple of seconds, made the landscapes look like the Mane 6 were in another planet. Everything was just as cold as it was shining. So stunning couldn’t help but think Twilight, And yet so deadly . She looked up in the sky, watching the cold sun that was beaming freezing light. Twilight wasn’t the only one wondering how much time they had left, before the cold sun would have made the everything too cold to live on the planet. They had to hurry.
The Mane 6 activated the power of the Elements, turning into their empowered forms, and then they flow off towards the ice dragon, as fast as they could. FrostBound remained still, his wings opened in a majestic way, his eyes following the Bearers of Harmony.
Unlike the snarling copy, the true FrostBound was just as calm as a frozen lake. Even his eyes, while still gleaming with hatred, seemed less severe. And once they were a few miles away from him, he actually spoke as a normal person. Or, at least, a normal person with a voice that boomed like a thunderstorm.
“We finally meet at last, Bearers of Harmony” he greeted them. “I’ve been waiting for you”.
“What, no more dragon freaks or ice-clones from you?” noticed Rainbow Dash.
“My wyverns and my replica already served their part in my plan. I don’t need them to deal with you. Especially you, Rainbow Dash”.
Hearing the giant dragon calling her by her name made the façade of bravado of the cyan pegasus fall apart. “You… know me?”.
“He probably know all our names. Without a doubt he forced this and who knows how many information out of Shining and Cadence!” scoffed Rarity. The white unicorn and element of Generosity was not willing to let that big bully let intimidate them.
“I assure you, that I didn’t tortured them to have your names, Rarity” pointed out FrostBound, without sounding insulted. “Celestia told me your names, one by one. You two. Pinkie Pie, Applejack” he summarized, focusing for a bit on each of the Mane 6. “And at last, Twilight Sparkle, her favorite” he concluded with a scornful and menacing tone, centering his gaze on the purple alicorn. “And I know that you’ve came here to save the Princesses. But I’m afraid that is too late for that” he added, as he started to fold his wings, revealing what little was left of the royal sisters palace.
“No” whimpered both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.
“You monster” hissed Twilight Sparkle. “What have you done to them!? Where’s Celestia!?” she demanded, nearly shouting.
Her rage had the only effect of making FrostBound smirk a little, “Is that hatred what I feel flowing through your hearts and mind? And I thought that the Bearers of Harmony were beyond such negative emotions. Not that I mind. More free energy for me to feed on” he said, mockingly. As to mark his words, his stature increased of a dozen meters.
His words reminded the Mane 6 about what Cadence had just told them. And, just as Twilight had predicted, keeping her feeling on check was nearly impossible to do. The idea that both Celestia and Luna were gone was just too much for them. Is like trying to stop a dam to break apart without magic . “Why are you loquacious, all of sudden?” asked the purple alicorn.
“Because I wanted to talk with you” replied the ice dragon.
Pinkie Pie raised an eyebrow, “Talk? About what?”.
“I have a proposition for you”.
“If you want to offer place to your side, you can forget about it!” affirmed Rainbow Dash.
“Yeah, we will not be your slaves!” added Applejack.
“I don’t require slaves. And for a place on my side, I think the only one I could offer you is the one as an ice sculpture in my palace” clarified FrostBound. “The proposition is this: give up. If you don’t oppose me, I promise your fate will not as painful as the one that waits your people and the rest of the world”.
“That doesn’t sound like a good offer” pointed out Rarity, defiantly.
“Is the only choice I’m going to give you”.
“What makes you think we would yield without even attempting beating you?” wanted to know Twilight.
“Because you know you can’t beat me. If you thought otherwise, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now”.
“Maybe we just wanted to know what happened to the princesses, before we prepare ourselves to blast you away” countered Rainbow Dash.
“You’re lying” warned them the ice dragon, accentuating his glare “And not just to me, but to yourselves”.
“Enough!” shouted Twilight, “If you think you can scare us to submission, then you don’t know us at all!” added.
“Let’s put it to the test, shall we?” said FrostBound, “Do it, attack me with the power of Friendship, if you want. I won’t move, I promise”.
And so the Mane 6 did. Few seconds of charge, and then the rainbow ray was shot towards the giant ice dragon. This one kept faith to his word and remained still, not even attempting to react to it. Not even when he got hit by the power of Harmony showed any reaction, much to the terror of the ponies. Even when they augmented the energy of the Elements, there were apparently no effects on FrostBound. After minutes of prolonged assault, the Mane 6 ceased their attack, catching their breaths. “How” gasped Twilight Sparkle, “How can this be… the Elements have never failed”.
“There’s always a first time, Twilight Sparkle” answered FrostBound, as he watched the point where the rainbow ray had hit him. Maybe it was because of the fatigue, but Twilight could swear that there was a slight hint of disappointment in both his voice and eyes. But as soon as his eyes turned back at her and her friends, the only emotion in his features was anger and hatred. “Not that I should be surprised. After all, you struggled to beat my copy. Since when you hit him with the power of Harmony, I knew that I had nothing to worry about”.
“You’re… You’re wrong!” cried Twilight, as she and the rest of the Mane 6 felt their hopes being dashed against the horrible reality.
“Be as you think, it won’t change the fact that you never stood a chance against me. In fact, you and your world were doomed in the instant I broke free”.
“You’re wrong!”.
“Twilight, I don’t think repeating those words is going to help our cause” commented Pinkie Pie.
“You should listen to your friend. They don’t seem to be as deluded as you are” remarked FrostBound, contemptuously.
That was the last drop for the purple alicorn. “You underestimate our power! We are more than prepared to take you on!” she shouted at the ice dragon, before turning to her friends, “C’mon girls, one last time. For our friends, for Equestria, for the world!”.
“You are not prepared” replied FrostBound, detached. His words got ignored by the Mane 6, which nodded at her friend and started to charge once again the power of Harmony in one last desperate attack. But this time, FrostBound didn’t stood idle as they charged their worthless attack. He raised his arm, grabbing the protective sphere of magic that was protecting the Mane 6, ignoring the power of the Elements of Harmony and their scream of fear. His massive claw closed in a fist, apparently crushing them as if they were nothing but annoying bugs. When he opened it, the Bearers of Harmony were still alive, but most of them had fallen unconscious and turned back to normal because of the massive pain and exhaustion of power.
Only Twilight was still conscious, although barely. “The Elements” she uttered, her voice just as broken as her hopes “Have failed”.
“And so have you, Twilight Sparkle” stated FrostBound.
The last thing that the purple alicorn saw before losing her senses, was the ice dragon opening his massive maw. And then everything went black.