//------------------------------// // Chapter 24: Equestrian Girls Part Three // Story: Light and Dark: Road to Redemption // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 24: Equestrian Girls Part Three: The next school bell rings as students walk through the halls again now all wearing antennas with pony ears and blue tails on their backs tied up around their waists all clearly inspired to vote for Twilight Sparkle to become the Fall Formal princess. “Doesn't everyone look just fabulous?” Rarity spoke her delight to her friends as they walked down the hallway. “It was a great idea, Rarity!” Twilight agreed as Applejack’s smile turns into a frown upon seeing Sunset Shimmer smirking as she and her lackeys approach them. “Don't know what she's smilin' about. Twilight's the one that's gonna be Princess of the Fall Formal.” Applejack wondered what Sunset’s up to this time as the students look on in worry while the Mane Six are confused as she smugly walks by and knock’s on someone’s door to which the human version of Luna opens the door in response. “Vice Principal Luna! Something terrible has happened!” Sunset told Luna with her hands locked together and on her knees sounding innocently as the Mane Six eye at her with suspicion as Starlight joins them. “What is going on?” Twilight asked her. “Don’t worry, Twilight.” Starlight reassured her. “Sunset’s trying to frame you for trashing the gym.” “She trashed the gym.” Pinkie exclaimed in shock. “I worked so hard to get everything ready for the fall formal.” “But that will get her forced out of the competition if she is found guilty.” Rarity exclaimed in horror after realizing her plan. “That is ridiculous!” Applejack dismissed it as garbage. “Twilight was around us the whole time. This whole frame-up is straight up garbage.” “You’re right about that.” Starlight agreed as she pulled out some photos of Sunset in the act of trashing the gym. “So much that even if Luna and Celestia buy it I have these to further prove Twilight’s innocence and prove Sunset’s guilt with.” Starlight then told her she is making good on her promise to Twilight in having her back. Starlight then quickly closes her folder as Vice Principal Luna walks by back to her office while approaching Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle. Meet me in my office.” Vice Principal Luna sternly ordered Twilight as she pointed in the direction of her office across the room to which Twilight and her friends look on worried that Luna has bought Sunset’s ruse. “Oh, no.” Fluttershy whimpered as she walks inside her office for the discipline she is about to receive while Sunset walks back while smirking at her direction while the rest of the Mane Five glare at her direction. Starlight then followed after Twilight as Luna stops her from entering. “Since I know what you think Twilight did I have something that clears up this whole misunderstanding.” Starlight told her as she forced her way inside as Luna closes the door after her. “But... But I don't understand!” Twilight explained completely baffled at what she is accused of as Luna looks out of her office window. “This is clearly you in the photographs, is it not?” Vice Principal Luna explained as she showed them the photographs made to look like Twilight trashed the gym. “Yes, but...” Twilight tried to explain before being cut off. “I think it should be fairly obvious that the school cannot let someone who would do something like this compete for the Fall Formal crown.” Vice Principal Luna told her the price that is paid for doing so clearly convinced by Sunset’s manipulations while being unfair towards Twilight for not giving her the chance to explain herself. “And that’s why I’m here because Twilight is innocent since she was with her friends when this happened and I have real proof of who really did.” Starlight said in her friend’s defense as she shows her the photos of what really happened depicting Sunset and her lackeys really trashing the gym as a knock is heard on the door with Flash Sentry come with photos in his hand. “Vice Principal Luna. I found these in a trash can in the library.” Flash handed her the photos of what Twilight was really doing at the time with her cut-out and pasted onto the gym images. “Thought you should see them. Someone obviously combined these photos to make it look like Twilight was the one who trashed the gym.” “I appreciate you bringing these to my attention, Flash. You too, Starlight, since this certainly changes everything.” She said to them as she makes her way back to her chair. “In light of this new evidence, you may of course continue your bid to be crowned the Princess of the Fall Formal.” She told Twilight who smiles and hugs Flash in gratitude. “Thank you! You have no idea how important this is to me!” Twilight told him very thankful for what they did for her before breaking apart while blushing in embarrassment. “What was I gonna do? Not prove your innocence? Wouldn't be much of a Canterlot Wondercolt, would I?” Flash grinned at Twilight as she twirls with her hair while blushing at her crush to make it clear he is not letting Sunset deprive her of something she deserves. “I am afraid enough damage has been done to the gym that we will have to postpone the dance until tomorrow night. If you will excuse me, I need to let my sister know about this latest development and make sure Sunset Shimmer is punished for her actions which means she will not be allowed to compete for Fall Formal princess this year.” Vice Principal Luna told the three as she stands up from her chair and leaves her office to do so. “So, uh, I was wondering. If you aren't already going with somebody, wanna go to the Fall Formal with me tomorrow night?” Flash offered as Twilight rubs her hand on her arm. “That would be...” Twilight started to say yes in response before realizing what the Fall Formal being postponed means. “Tomorrow night!? No, no-no-no-no-no, no no no no no! Nonononono! I can't! The portal! That'll be too late!” She exclaimed in panic as that is the last night before the portal closes for the next thirty moons. If she misses it she’ll never be back as planned before running off leaving Flash and Starlight behind. “One "no" would have been fine!” Flash called out to her in disappointment. “Sorry about that.” Starlight apologized on Twilight’s behalf. “What she meant to say was yes she would. She’s just running on an important deadline in light of the fact that the Fall Formal has been postponed to tomorrow.” “Are you sure about that?” Flash asked her. “I’m sure of it.” Starlight firmly assured him. “Just find Twilight later tonight and explain to her what I told you and pop the question. She will be more than happy to dance with you then.” “Okay.” Flash replied in delight as he set off out of the office. “I better go get ready for the formal.” “Oh, I’m sure you’ll be ready by then lover boy.” Starlight knowing smiled at Flash’s direction before setting off to go catch up with Twilight who has run off to the clothing store where her friends are while rushing into one of the fitting rooms before placing her backpack on the stool inside before leaning her back against the wall with a sigh. “Everything okay in there?” Rarity asked Twilight from the other side of the curtain having clearly seen the worry on her face when she ran in as Starlight enters the place after finding where she is and ran up to the fitting room. “Yes!” Twilight answered before talking to herself with Spike with her. “Only it's not okay. It's not okay at all! If I don't get my crown tonight, I won't be able to go back to Equestria for another thirty moons!” She then slunk down on the floor with her hands over her face in despair. “Oh, what are we gonna do?” “Hmm.” Spike thought for a moment before offering a suggestion. “We tell them the truth. Let them know what's really at stake if you don't get the crown tonight. They'll help us figure somethin' out.” “But what if they won't?” Twilight pointed out. “What if when they find out how different I really am...?” She asked as she looked at herself in a mirror which showed her pony form for a moment. “Twilight, these girls rallied around you 'cause they saw what was in your heart.” Spike reassured her it won’t be that case. “They aren't gonna feel any differently about you when they find out you're a pony princess in Equestria.” “That’s true.” Starlight chimed in as she popped inside to join them. “No matter what, friends treat each other like friends no matter what happened in the past. I mean you taught me that from day one.” “I'm glad you followed me here, Spike.” Twilight told Spike as she petted her head. “You too, Starlight.” She then told Starlight. “Me too. Unless, of course, we get stuck here for another thirty moons.” Spike replied. “Or another set of moons to last for years to come.” Starlight added as Twilight emerges from the fitting room after opening the curtain. “You okay?” Applejack asked her. “The Fall Formal isn't happening tonight.” Twilight told her friends with regret. “WHAT!?” Pinkie exclaimed in shock. “It had to be postponed because Sunset Shimmer had Snips and Snails ruin all of Pinkie Pie's decorations.” Twilight explained to them as she held up a hand. “WHAT?!?” Pinkie repeated in further shock. “But the Fall Formal has to happen tonight.” Twilight added on her explanation. “Wha–!” Pinkie was about to exclaim for the third time before being cut off by Applejack placing her hand over her mouth. “You see...” Twilight tried to explain the truth to them after a sigh. “You're from an alternate world and you're a pony princess there and the crown actually has a magical element embedded in it that helps power up other magical elements, and without it, they don't work anymore, and you need them to help protect your magical world, and if you don't get the crown tonight, you'll be stuck in this world and you won't be able to get back for, like, a really, really long time!” Pinkie rapidly explained what Twilight was going to say much to Twilight’s, Starlight’s, and Spike’s jaw-dropping shock that she was able to figure that all out on her own. “Yeah, I'm pretty sure that isn't the reason.” Rainbow Dash said unconvinced after scratching the back of her head. “Nope, she's pretty much spot-on.” Spike said completely deadpan while sounding mildly impressed with the party girl. “He can talk!?” Rarity exclaimed in surprise as she grabbed her hair. “Oh, yeah! And back where I come from, I'm not even a dog! I'm a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon!” Spike proudly added as she walked up and stood on two legs. “This is so amazing!” Fluttershy said amazed at this discovery before leaning down to his eye level. “Tell me, what are you thinking right now?” “Sure would love a scratch behind the old ears!” Spike said while walking beside Rarity’s feet. “Gah...” Rarity said still stunned. “Uh, maybe later.” Spike offered while accepting her answer. “How did you know all that?” Twilight asked Pinkie how without her telling her with a confused shrug. “Just a hunch.” Pinkie simply replied with a shrug. “Wait a minute! Lemme get this straight. You're a pony?” Applejack asked for clarification after briefly pinching her forehead. “You're a princess?” Rarity asked in surprise. “You're from another world?” Fluttershy asked while kneeling up. “Mm-hmm.“ Twilight replied with a nervous gulp as she blushed and scratched the back of her head. “That... is... awesome!” Rainbow responded with narrowed eyes before widening them in excitement of hearing this development. The girls all gathered around the three in excitement as Twilight looks at Starlight who simply shrugs her arms while Spike gives her a knowing look. “See? Told ya.” Spike told her as Twilight smiles that they are all pleased and excited with this discovery instead of freaking out like she originally expected. All seven friends all make their way to the gym where Sunset along with Snips and Snails trashed the place where they all look in shock of how far they are willing to go for the sake of securing victory over a competition. “I simply cannot believe they did all this!” Rarity expressed her disgust. “If I only had some kind of... party cannon that could decorate everything super fast!” Pinkie wished she had said item to do so. “I know it seems impossible, but, maybe if we all work together?” Twilight acknowledged that this won’t easy but doable. “Now that's the kinda can-do spirit I'm lookin' for in a Fall Formal Princess! Let's do it, y'all!”Applejack said in response to Twilight’s high hopes and spirit as she extended her hand out for the others join her. “Absolutely!” Rarity agreed as she brought in her hand. “Rock on!” Rainbow Dash agreed while doing the same. “Yes, indeedily!” Pinkie also agreed. “Count me in.” Starlight voiced her support. “Yaaay!” Fluttershy shyly whispered as Twilight brought her hand in too before raising their hands all together as they all set out to do so in order for the dance to go on as planned tonight. “It's time for us to come together It's the only way that things will get better It's time for us to take a stand So come on and lend a helping hand.” Twilight sang as she fetched brooms from the janitor’s closet and then tossed them to her friends. Rainbow Dash caught hers and then twirled it around, Applejack caught hers while ready to work, Rarity just barely caught hers while holding it aside clearly disgusted that she has clean up the place with it, Pinkie excitably caught hers no problem, Starlight also caught her broom no problem too, and Fluttershy was the only one who didn’t as she turned away in fright as it bumped it into her and fell to the ground as a result. “Fix it up Yeah, it's all right We'll get it ready by tonight.” The girls all sang together as they swept up all of the debris from the floor. “Mix it up Yeah, help a friend “We'll come together in the end.” The girls all sang as they tossed a bag of garbage to the trash can Pinkie was holding up. Fluttershy could only just barely catch and toss it to Rarity who quickly tosses to Rainbow Dash in disgust of having to deal with trash. “It's time to show that we've got school spirit Raise your voice and let everyone hear it.” Pinkie and Rainbow Dash sang as they Twilight drags a table away with two of the school athletes coming in to help out after seeing Twilight struggle a little doing so while being surprised to see her and then Applejack carry aside two more tables as Twilight giggled. “It's time to show that we're strong So come on, everybody, sing along.” Rarity and Applejack sang as they Pinkie got her hands and hair dirty sweeping up the place. “(Look...) Look how we've all come together (Things...) Things are only just starting to get better.” The girls all sang as they see Rarity, Fluttershy, and Starlight tossing decorations up onto the ceilings which caught more students’ attention as they told pitched in to help out. “(Look...) Look how we've all come together (Things...) Things are only gonna get better, better, better, better!” The girls sang as many students all joined in on the preparations. “(We... will...) Fix it up, yeah, it's all right (Come... tonight, tonight...) We'll get it ready by tonight (We... will...) Mix it up, yeah, help a friend (Come... together, together...) We'll come together in the end.” The girls sang as Twilight oversees the preparations before sweeping up the stage while accidentally bumping into Flash again who smiles at her while Twilight blushes at her crush again. “(We... will...) Fix it up, yeah, it's all right (Come... tonight, tonight...) We'll get it ready by tonight (We... will...) Mix it up, yeah, help a friend (Come... together, together...) We'll come together, together now!” The girls sang as they all got onto the stage together and placed hands on each other’s shoulders seeing they have successfully got the place all set up and ready for Fall Formal to go on tonight as planned. “This... looks... sooooo... GOOD!” Pinkie excitably complimented at their own work in amazement as Principal Celestia claps her hands to everyone for what they did with her sister standing by her side. “All right, everyone! Fall Formal is back on for this evening.” She announced to everyone as they all cheer at the good news. “So you'd better get out of here and start getting ready. Oh, and don't forget to cast your ballots for the Fall Formal Princess on your way out!” She instructed everyone to do so right away while everyone lines up to place their votes inside a box Luna held in her hands. “You got my vote, Twilight.” One of the students told her as he made his way to vote. “Mine, too!” Another student said. “Mine too!” Another student agreed “Mine too!” Another student also agreed. While all of the students were casting their ballots, Sunset watches from the closet on the opposite side of the gym with eyes of fury that her plan failed and backfired on her thanks to Starlight showing Luna proof that she was behind it. “You're lucky she was able to pull this off. Next time I ask you to make a mess of things, try to show a little restraint!” She scolded Snips and Snails hiding inside with her before turning back to the voting students. “I need this Formal to go on tonight just as much as she does.” She sinisterly said while still handling getting her Fall Formal princess rights revoked with her true involvement out in the open just as smooth as she closes the door. “I still can't believe we pulled that off!” Fluttershy told the girls as they made their way back to the clothing shop they were just at. “I can! We're awesome!” Rainbow Dash told everyone feeling proud with herself before being cut off by Rarity. “Enough chatter, girls. We need to get ready, and we need to look fabulous!” Rarity told them they too need to get ready for the big night as she pulled out a rack of dresses by her side for them to try on and see what suits them the best. “This is our big night We're getting ready And we're doing it up right.” The girls sang as Fluttershy looked a green dress while Pinkie tried out pink, blue, and yellow dresses for fitting as she looks at herself in the mirror. “This is our big night Friendship survived, Now we'll start it out right.” The girls sang as Rainbow is forced to try on a dress a pink pimped out dress much to her annoyance before being pushed aside by Rarity so she can change out of it and while she then makes some adjustments to Applejack’s long green dress much to the latter’s annoyance. “The time's right, gonna make it last 'cause it's the first night That we're ever gonna start to just have fun together We're so glad, so happy we could never be mad Did it right now, this is our big night now.” The girls sang as Pinkie debated on multiple hairstyle choices before deciding to go with her original poofy hair. Fluttershy had gently brushed her hair with help from birds holding up her hair while Spike debates on wearing fake mustaches. “Six friends on the way up now Six friends here to show you how.” The girls sang as Rarity worked on painting her nails and put on lipstick before showing her friends some jewelry from one of her chests for them to use for necklaces and further prettying themselves up with as they get their hair done. “This is our big night We're getting ready And we're doing it up right This is our big night We made it happen Now let's party all night.” The girls sang as they put on the jewelry with their outfits for the Fall Formal. “This is our big night This is our big night This is our big night This is our big night.” The girls sang as they all get dressed up in their dresses. Pinkie wore a blue and pink dress with a purple sash with a yellow bow with purple knee length boots, Rarity wore a sleeveless light blue dress with knee length white boots, Fluttershy wore a blue and yellow sleeveless dress with light blue knee length boots, Rainbow Dash of course wore a rainbow colored sleeveless dress with red knee length boots, Applejack wore a sleeveless blue dress with red decorations on it with brown knee-length cowboy boots with a brown cowboy hat. Twilight, Starlight, and Spike were all amazed by their impressive dresses as the two girls find themselves placed into the fitting room their dresses for tonight. Once they both emerged after changing they emerge with very beautiful dresses themselves. Starlight had a long sleeveless red dress that covers her legs wearing black knee-length boots underneath, with matching gloves that cover her arms with red lip-stick on her lips while Twilight wore a sleeveless pink dress with sparkling and matching knee-length boots. All the girls were amazed with how they looked as they all gathered together with how gorgeous they both looked in their dresses. That night the girls all rode their way back to the school in the limo as many students make their way inside. The girls all chatter in excitement for the big night as Twilight is finally going to be given her dues as they all make their way inside. “Wow, Starlight!” Spike spoke up as he wore a black top hat and bow tie while marveling at her look for the dance. “Who would have thought you would look good in a dress.” He complimented. “Well, I mean this is my first time I ever I had to look nice especially for a friend’s big day.” Starlight said as she placed a hand on the back of her head as she thought little to nothing over it as a black car with yellow lightning bolts on the side of the car with a blue shield on the hood pulls into its parking space. The car belonged to Flash Sentry as he got out of the car and caught up to Twilight. “Uh, Twilight! Look, I know you said "no" about going to the Fall Formal with me, but I was told that you were in a hurry to get everything ready for tonight so would you reconsider and at least have one dance?” Flash asked her as he blushed and scratched the back of his head. Twilight then looked at Starlight who winked at her to reassure she managed to clear that misunderstanding up and then nudged her head forward to get to her to dance with him. “I didn't say "no"! I mean, I did, but... I didn't mean no, to you. I was... Well, what I mean is... yes. I'd love to dance with you!” She awkwardly responded before accepting his offer. Flash offered his arm for Twilight to take as they walked inside together before Flash accidentally crashed into the closed door beside her to which Starlight quickly opened the door for him so they could continue walking in together. Inside the gymnasium, everybody is having the time of their lives partying. The Cutie Mark Crusaders are dancing together. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were all dancing and butt bumping together, while the seven girls were all dancing together to the beat of Flash’s music with the rest of the band playing their music. “Anybody see Sunset Shimmer?” Twilight seriously asked her friends. “Maybe she was too embarrassed to show! She's gotta know you won by a landslide especially after she got disqualified for trashing the gym and framing you!” Rainbow Dash assumed as she nothing of it. “Maybe...” Twilight replied unsure about that as Starlight thinks the same just because she knows she lost doesn’t mean she’s not out of the picture yet. “I’ll check up on her, Twilight.” Starlight told her as she set out to do so as the music stops when the song comes to an end as everyone cheers as Principal Celestia walks up onto the stage to make the announcement everybody’s been waiting for. “First off, I wanna say how wonderful everything looks tonight. You all did a magnificent job pulling things together after the unfortunate events of earlier.” She thanked everyone as Luna comes forward with Twilight’s crown as she hands her the letter. “And now, without further ado, I'd like to announce the winner of this year's Fall Formal crown. The Princess of this year's Fall Formal is...” She announced as she opened the envelope and pulled out the paper. “Twilight Sparkle!” All of the students cheered at the announcement as the girls hugged each other before Twilight made her onto the stage to accept her prize. “Congratulations, Twilight.” Principal Celestia congratulated her as she put her crown on her forehead which sparkles on her forehead as the girls look on proudly. Just as Twilight as waving to everyone she heard Spike’s cries for help. “Twilight! Help!” Spike called out to her. “Spike?” Twilight said in alarm as she sees him growling while being taken away by Snips and Snails. “They've got Spike!” Twilight exclaimed as she took off after them with her friends all follow after them outside and to the front of the school where Sunset is waiting for them with a sledgehammer in front of where the portal is. “That's close enough!” Sunset threatened to destroy the portal and the only way back to Equestria if they try to save Spike as she raises the sledgehammer up in the air. “Twilight!” Spike exclaimed trying to break free. “Don't hurt him!” Twilight sternly warned them against doing so. “Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. I'm not a monster, Twilight.” Sunset calmly replied as briefly spoke to her lackeys. “Let him go.” They did exactly so as Spike quickly runs up to Twilight who embraces him in relief while Sunset turns back to Twilight while holding out her hand demanding the crown to issue her ultimatum. “You don't belong here. Give me the crown, and you can go back to Equestria tonight. Or keep it and never go home.” Twilight gasps as she sees that Sunset is willing to go that far for power as she readies her aim at the portal. “Tick-tock, Twilight. We haven't got all night. The portal will be closing on its own in less than an hour. So, what's your answer?” Sunset told them as she pointed out to the moon above them as Twilight briefly took off her crown as she thought about it before giving her answer. “No.” Twilight stated firmly and defiantly. “What!?” Sunset angrily exclaimed as that was the answer she wasn’t looking for nor expecting. “Equestria! Your friends! Lost to you forever! Don't you see what I'm about to do to the portal?!” She further threatened her to remind what’s at stake if she doesn’t comply. “Yes, but I've also seen what you've been able to do here without magic. Equestria will find a way to survive without my Element of Harmony." Sunset could only grip the sledgehammer in irritated disbelief. "This place might not, if I allow it to fall into your hands. So go ahead. Destroy the portal. You are not getting this crown!” She then stated with a tone that her decision is final as she put on the crown willing to live out the rest of her days here if that’s what it takes to keep everyone safe. “Fine. You win.” Sunset conceded in defeat as she dropped the sledgehammer narrowly hurting her lackeys behind her in the process. “You... are... so awesome!” Rainbow Dash complimented. “I can't believe you were gonna do that for us!” Applejack added as she slapped her on the back of her shoulder. “It's no wonder you're a real live princess!” Rarity also complimented as Sunset growls very furious beyond her breaking point. “Oh, yes, she's so very special!” Sunset furiously exclaimed as she charged at Twilight and tackled her to the ground knocking her crown off of her forehead then tried to pull her away from the crown as Twilight quickly responded by punching her in the jaw and kicking her off of her before tackling Sunset to try to pin her down. “Grab him, you fools!” She ordered her lackeys to pursue Spike as he grabs the crown and runs off with it before finding herself cornered unable to open the doors back inside the school. But before Sunset could confiscate the crown he sees Rainbow Dash calling out to her just as Starlight tackles Sunset as the two tumbles down the stairs together before breaking free and charging after the crown’s direction. “Spike! Spike!” Rainbow Dash called out to her to toss her the crown to which he does and having to keep it out of Snips and Snails reach. “Fluttershy!” She called out to Fluttershy who barely catches it and then finds herself being charged by Sunset, Snips, and Snails. Seeing that she is barely going to move frozen in fear, Applejack quickly lassos the crown away before she could grab it as it lands in Snips hands before Pinkie quickly snatched it away who then passes it to Rarity and then back to Twilight before tossing it in Starlight’s direction before Sunset intercepted it by catching it before Starlight could reach it. “I'll take that!” Sunset declared as she chuckled evilly that she finding has the power she has been seeking out of it. “At last! More power than I could ever imagine!” Sunset said as she puts on the crown seeing this as her crowning moment. But as soon as she did so she found herself engulfed by an overpowering blue blinding light as she finds herself lifted into the air much to her own sudden surprise. She is then forcibly transformed into a demonic-like creature with red skin, large red and black wings and boots, with flaming red and yellow hair, dress, and tail while tearing up in pain while this unfolds. She evilly laughed when she marveled at her new transformation while the Mane Five looks on in shock as if she was someone who emerged and escaped from Tartarus while Twilight looks on with determination to stop her with no eyes even when this is just the way she looked when she first transformed into Midnight Sparkle with the only difference is that she is not a pony in this world. By shooting blue and black beams of magic at Snips and Snails, they transformed into orange and blue demonic creatures too leaving the Mane Five all backing all slowly in horror at their new transformations while Twilight grits her teeth in anger at facing her villainous self in the mirror as the students that have come out to witness this all back away in terror at Sunset’s monstrous form. “I've had to jump through so many hoops tonight just to get my hands on this crown, and it really should have been mine all along.“ Sunset told every student as she growled fiercely before she evilly smiled. “But let's let bygones be bygones. I am your princess now, and you will be loyal... to me!” Sunset added as she used her magic to blast a hoof in the school entrance causing the students to flee inside to avoid facing her dangerous wrath as her eyes glowed blue and black, deranged out of her mind as she cast hypnotic spells to force their loyalty by placing them under a spell so they act like mindless zombies. “Round them up and bring them to the portal.” Sunset ordered her lackeys who salute her before carrying out her order as she walks back outside to face Twilight and her friends. “Spoiler alert: I was bluffing when I said I was going to destroy the portal. I don't want to rule this pathetic little high school; I want Equestria! And with my own little teenage army behind me, I am going to get it!” She announced as she pointed to her zombie-like trance army including Flash to which Twilight was a little heartbroken seeing him like this. “No, you're not!” Twilight confidently responded she won’t let her as she flies over to her. “Oh, please! What exactly do you think you're going to do to stop me? I have magic, and you have nothing!” Sunset scoffed as she malevolently smiled. “She has us!” Rainbow Dash confidently replied as her friends all join by her side to which Twilight appreciates greatly to which Sunset growls in response before laughing it off. “Gee, the gang really is all back together again. Now step aside! Twilight has tried to interfere with my plans one too many times already! She needs to be dealt with!” She said as her eyes glowed blue as she threw a fireball at Twilight’s direction as they all huddle together to brace for impact while Starlight dodges the upcoming attack leaving Sunset laughing victoriously. However, her victor is short-lived when she sees that all six girls are still alive protected by magic from her blast. “What!?” She exclaimed how this is possible. Seeing that the magic of friendship is what protected them, Twilight sees this as her key to victory against her as she once again confidently faces off with her. “The magic contained in my Element was able to unite with those that helped create it!” Twilight told her as the Mane Six underwent transformations. “Honesty!” She said as Applejack gained pony-like ears and a hair extension. “Kindness! She said as Fluttershy gained ears and a hair extension too with her pony counterpart’s wings. “Laughter!” She said as Pinkie got her hair extension and pony ears as Pinkie took a moment to really enjoy her it like looking at her tail just like her pony counterpart. “Generosity! Loyalty!” She said as Rarity and Rainbow Dash underwent their transformations before Twilight herself went through hers with Rainbow flying at super speed now that she has her wings. “Magic!” She said as she obtained her alicorn wings along with her ears and her hair extension. “Together with a crown, they create a power beyond anything you could imagine, but it is a power you don't have the ability to control!” She told off Sunset as she now struggled with the element’s power. “The crown may be upon your head, Sunset Shimmer, but you cannot wield it, because you do not possess the most powerful magic of all: the magic of friendship!” She said as the girls all clasp hands to create a rainbow that encircles Sunset around her. “No! What is happening?!” She screamed as she finds herself overwhelmed by the rainbow magic over-powering her. “Here and in Equestria, it is the only magic that can truly unite us all!” Twilight said as their magic proceeds to free everyone from Sunset’s dark spell and restore balance to this world while transforming Snips and Snails back into their original forms with Sunset. When everything was back to normal, Twilight found herself reawakening with her friends exhausted from the magical surge and helped back up to her feet by Starlight as Spike licks her on the face when Starlight comes to help Twilight back up who then embraces both of her friends in a hug that they all emerged unharmed from the whole ordeal as Twilight turns her attention to the crater created where the defeated Sunset is in and on her knees in the true princess's mercy. “You will never rule in Equestria. Any power you may have had in this world is gone. Tonight, you've shown everyone who you really are. You've shown them what is in your heart.” Twilight then told her as everyone gathers around her leaving Sunset tearing up in remorse. “I-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't know there was another way.” She groveled in defeat. “The magic of friendship doesn't just exist in Equestria. It's everywhere.” Twilight said as she turned to her friends who got together for a group hug. “You can seek it out, or you can forever be alone just I have in the past. The choice is yours.” She told Sunset as she crawled out of the hole. “But... But all I've ever done since being here is drive everyone apart. I don't know the first thing about friendship.” Sunset tearfully said as Twilight helps her out by taking her hand. “I bet they can teach you.” Twilight offered. “Because after I went down the same path you did not long ago, I ended up pushing my friends away in my pursuit and ambition for power and control until someone from my world helped me realize the errors of my ways. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the magic of friendship.” She said as she looked on at the proud group of friends before her. “Those are my girls! Woo-hoo!” Spike cheered for them. “Did that dog just talk? Whoa. Weird.” A boy with light blue hair said in surprise. “Seriously? The talking dog is a weird thing about all this?” Spike asked him completely deadpan compared to dealing with Sunset in her monstrous form. “I, for one, think you're adorable.” Rarity replied as she picked him up and scratched his ear. “Oh, yeah.” Spike said as he is finally enjoying the scratch his human counterpart’s crush is giving him. “I believe this belongs to you.” Principal Celestia spoke to Twilight as she held up her crown. “A true princess in any world leads not by forcing others to bow before her, but by inspiring others to stand with her.” She told her as Twilight bowed before her as Celestia places the crown on her head. We have all seen that you are capable of just that. I hope you see it too, Princess Twilight.” She added as she knelled down to her eye level and placed her hand on her chin. “I do.” Twilight replied as the crowd cheered for her as they stood up. “Would now be a completely awkward time to ask you for that dance?” Flash asked as he walked up to her while offering his hand. Twilight thinks about it then looks at the moon above her. Seeing that she has time for one dance with Flash and unable to say no to his crush she accepts as Flash brings her in for a dance. “This is our big night We made it happen Now let's party all night.” The girls all sang as they all danced back inside the gymnasium with Rarity leading a conga dance with Pinkie on the tail end of the line. Fluttershy is currently chatting with two other girls, while Applejack and Big Mac dance together. The Cutie Mark Crusaders all danced together when Rainbow Dash swoops in and hoists up Scootaloo in the air and onto her back as she flies around the gym now that she has wings and super speed. “We're here now and we worked so hard to make it come around To tonight so let's try to make it last forever The school lights so bright, beat is pumping through the night Party's starting, DJ's got the music just right!” The girls sang as Twilight danced like a pony back from her first birthday celebration with her friends which weirded everyone around her expect for Flash who decides to dance beside her in perfect sync while Starlight dances and twirls around beside them while tossing Spike up and down who twirls around in her hands while jumping down to show that even she is not embarrassed to join in on the fun even when she doesn’t have the best dance moves. “Six friends on the way up now Six friends here to show you how.” The girls all sang all eight friends gathered together for a group photo. “This is our big night This is our big night This is our big night.” As soon as the dance ended they grouped up together outside so Twilight, Starlight, and Spike can prepare to leave and go back to Equestria while Sunset peers from inside the school in fear and shame to even face them after all she has done. “You'll look out for her, won't you?” Twilight seriously asked the girls to watch over Sunset as she stays behind so she can begin her road to redemption who is currently and fearfully watching them from afar. “Of course we will.” Rarity reassured her they will. “Although I do expect some sort of apology for last spring's debacle.” She added while crossing her arms that forgiveness won’t come easy to her. “I have a feeling she'll be handing out a lot of apologies.” Twilight told them as Vice Principal Luna appears beside her to hand her shovel while Snips and Snails wheel over a wagon of bricks and cement so they can start answering for their mistakes by fixing up the mess they made starting by repairing the destroyed walls to the school. As Sunset prepares to accept her punishment, Starlight walks over to say some last words before going. “I know this is tough as I too went down the same road you did. But I know for a fact that friendship will grow stronger than before if given the chance.” Starlight reassured her with a heartwarming smile as she places a hand on her shoulder to which Sunset accepts in silent gratitude. “I mean I’m still starting out my road to redemption having just reformed so I think you will redeem yourself in time too.” “We better get going.” Spike told Twilight and Starlight as they both nod in agreement. “Starlight!” Twilight called out to her. “I got to get going, nice meeting you.” Starlight told Sunset as she ran forward to catch up with Twilight and Spike. “I know we've only been friends for a short time, but I'm gonna miss all of you so much.” She told her friends as she started to tear up a little before quickly wiping it away as the three friends then prepare to head towards the portal. “That crown really does suit you, Princess Twilight.” Spike told her with a wink. “You know what, Spike? I am starting to feel a little more comfortable wearing it now that I can face off and defend Equestria against my former self like I’m looking at her in the mirror.” Twilight confidently replied. “And I take it you’re referring to Sunset when she turned into a flaming demon from Tartarus? Because that’s what I saw in her too?” Starlight asked if she saw her past self in Sunset who is currently rebuilding the school entrance by placing cement and bricks on top of the hole she created to which Twilight nodded. “And the wings? Spike also asked. “I've been walking on two legs and picking things up with these! Wings? I'm thrilled that's all I'll be dealing with back in Equestria!” She told Spike as the trio walked through the portal. First Twilight comes back through the opposite side of the portal back in Equetsria where her friends and the Princesses were waiting for her as she wobbles on two legs before falling back on four legs. “Twilight!” Fluttershy happily said in relief she made it back in time. “Ah, you're back!” Rainbow Dash quickly flew over to her very happy to see her. “You've got your crown!” Rarity joined them in the same tone. “I knew you could do it!” Pinkie added as she hugged Twilight. “Oh, we were so worried.” Applejack just as happily said as she cried tears of relief. “Sunset Shimmer, is she alright?” Celestia asked about her still wondering about her well-being. “I think she's gonna be fine.” Twilight reassured her that she is still alive and now on the road to redemption like her and Starlight as she and Spike come through the portal where Starlight wobbles on two legs before falling back down on four legs while accidentally bumping into Twilight. “I left her in good hands.” “What are hands?” Rainbow asked as she and Rarity exchanged looks of confusion. "It's part of a long story." Starlight answered to let them all know they'll have the answers to all of their questions soon enough. Later the Mane Six, Starlight, Spike, and Princess Cadance all walk together down the hallway as the others ask her question about her, Spike, and Starlight’s trip. “Where did you stay?” Fluttershy asked. “What did they wear?” Rarity asked. “Did ya have fun?” Pinkie asked. “What'd ya eat?” Applejack asked. “Would ya say she's just as awesome as me?” Rainbow asked with his ego inflated a little as Twilight sighs in exhaustion. “I wanna tell you all everything, I do, but I'm just so exhausted from all the dancing.” Twilight replied as they made their way down the hallway. “Dancing?!” All the girls asked in surprise as Twilight accidentally bumps into the pony guard in front of her while she was looking where she was going. “We've got to stop bumping into each other like this.” The guard told Twilight as he helped her up on her hooves and then walked off as Twilight watches after her while blushing the whole time. “Who was that?” Twilight asked Cadance. “He's a new member of the castle guard. Flash Sentry, I think.” Cadence answered as she wonders why her sister-in-law is very interested in him with a knowing smile. “Why? Do you know him?” “Not exactly.” Twilight answered as she walked ahead while blushing to which her friends all saw through of what their friend is thinking about him. “Oooh! Somepony's got a crush on the new guy!” Applejack teased Twilight. “No. No, I don't.” Twilight insistently denies as Rarity walks up beside her with a knowing and pleased gasp. “She does! She absolutely does!” Rarity said clearly seeing through Twilight’s attempts to mask her feelings towards him as she looks away embarrassed before trotting ahead. “Oh believe me, she truly does like him.” Starlight couldn’t help but tease Twilight about her crush on Flash. “Don't be ridiculous. I don't even know him. He just...” Twilight tried to find the right words to describe him before… “Totally reminds you of a guy you met in the other world who played guitar, was in a band, and helped prove you didn't destroy all the decorations for a big dance, so you could still run for princess of the big dance, and then asked you to dance at that dance?!” Pinkie rapidly explained much to Twilight, Spike, and Starlight’s surprise that she too managed to figure it out on her own just like that. “How did you know that?” Twilight asked in surprise. “Just a hunch!” Pinkie simply said with a shrug as she hoped off while Twilight brings Spike and Starlight together with both of her hooves with an embrace as they look up in the sky as they silently celebrate in their minds their success of completing their task while getting another pony who has also fallen on the same path of darkness the alicorn and unicorn both went through separately as together they managed to help someone before she could make the same mistakes Twilight and Starlight both made. While this was going on the Crystal Heart outside glows neon purple as the mist of dark magic looms over it before flying off to the mountains ready for when the time comes to make its next move.