Chapter 44:
Shadow Play Part Two
The Pony of Shadows now reawakened and brought back evilly laughed as the dark clouds all formed around him.
“Your pitiful attempt to imprison me has failed, Star Swirl!” The Pony of Shadows laughed off Star-Swirls efforts to defeat him.
Star-Swirl tried to counter with magic from his horn but because he was in limbo for a thousand years all he could manage was weak sparks.
“You must return us to limbo. It's the only way to stop him.” Star-Swirl urged Twilight to do so as he is unable to power himself up for an immediate fight.
“I only figured out how to bring you back.” Twilight calmly replied with a shrug as Sunburst desperately searches through the journal.
“Working on it! No table of contents!” Sunburst nervously called out as he skimmed through the pages.
“Allow me to assist.” The Pony of Shadows offered as he staked the journal into one of the statues and released sharp thin rocks in each of the statues to tear them and the journal apart. “There! Without the power of Ponhenge, your banishing spell is useless!”
“You have studied my writings. Surely you have some other plan.” Star Swirl turned to Twilight for answers.
“I do.” Twilight answered as she faced their foe. “But it’s all the way back home.”
“Don't fret. When I extinguish the light and hope of this miserable world, you won't remember any of this.” The Pony of Shadow said as he shot a blast of dark magic right at Star Swirl as Twilight quickly got in the way and countered with a beam of magic of her own.
“No you don’t!” Twilight defiantly stood her ground as the beam pushed the Pony of Shadow back a few feet.
“Argh!” The Pony of Shadow groaned in pain as he struggled against the alicorn's magic. “This one is almost as... strong as you, Star Swirl. But even in my weakened state, she cannot stop the might of shadows!” He then sent another beam of dark magic at Twilight’s way as Twilight takes it on no problem as she effortlessly sends the magic right back at her as Starlight joins in to deliver the finishing blow to send him back flying up a mile into the air just when Twilight is solely overpowering him on her own.
“Thank you.” Twilight thanked her student as the Pony of Shadows flies over everypony still shaken up from the counterattack.
“Know this, fiend! We will not rest until we find a way to return you to limbo!” Star-Swirl vowed as he called out as everypony glares and stands their ground against their foe.
“Never!” The Pony of Shadow defiantly growled. “Your days of glory are through, Star Swirl. Now my dark power will reign, and you six will bow to me!” He furiously refused to surrender as he took off in a flash.
“Um... where'd he go?” Rainbow Dash wondered as she flew up to the now cleared skies along with Flash Magnus.
“That is a riddle we must unravel. And quickly.” Somnambula explained as she down to the ground.
“How long have we been gone?” Mage Meadowbrook asked Fluttershy.
“Over a thousand years.” Fluttershy answered as the other elderly ponies look at each other in surprise of how much time has surpassed since then.
“Then my spell worked… “ Star Swirl smiled before glaring at Twilight who just backed away from him. “…Before it was meddled with – and the realm has been at peace for a millennia!”
“Weeeeell... we did have to save everypony from Nightmare Moon and Discord and Chrysalis and King Sombra…” Pinkie technically pointed out as she placed a hoof on the back of his neck to which he didn’t appreciate.”…and there was the time when Twilight became Midnight Sparkle and actually succeeded in taking over Equestria…” She added as she pulled in Twilight who glares at Pinkie before nervously smiling at her idol before pulling Starlight in too who also nervously smiled and waved before both ponies were pushed aside. ”…and there was that one time when Starlight traveled through time and almost destroyed life as we know it! But that's all in the past.”
“If you are truly this accomplished, we will stop the Pony of Shadows twice as fast together.” Flash Magnus confidently said as Rainbow Dash smiles seeing this guy’s confidence.
“We shall see. It is an easy thing to say you have saved the world. It is quite another to do it.
“Oh, we've saved the world, Beardo. And we can do it again.” Rainbow confidently responded as she appeared upside down to face him then briefly pushed up his beard.
“Be that as it may…” Star Swirl shrugged it off much to her annoyance. “…the problem of locating the Pony of Shadows remains, and this land is vast.”
“It sounds like you need a map. Luckily, we have just the thing.” Twilight presented said item. “And a pony who has a plan back at the castle.”
Every pony makes their way back to the Canterlot Castle where Twilight leads everypony to the cutie map table.
“Something about this magic seems familiar...” Star Swirl as he observed the cutie map table before focusing his magic to make an image of the Tree of Harmony appear in the center of the table to where everypony gasps in amazement at his wonderful display of magic.
“Did you know he can do that?” Rarity whispered to Twilight marveled at her idol’s abilities.
“Of course!” Twilight happily replied. “He's Star Swirl! He can do anything he puts his mind forward too!”
“This map, and indeed this very castle are grown from the seed we planted over a thousand years ago.” Star Swirl told every pony.
“Then it did work!” Rockhoof spoke up.
“What worked?” Sunburst asked in confusion.
“Each of us infused a crystal seed with our magic in hopes that it would grow into a force for good.” Somnambula explained.
“We wanted to leave something to protect the realm in our absence, but we never dreamed our gift would become so powerful.” Mistmane further added.
“Y'all mean the Elements came from you?” Applejack asked in confusion if that’s where it all started as the elderly ponies look just as confused.
“You know, the sparkly crystal things that grow from the Tree of Harmony and represent each of us?” Pinkie happily brought up. “Laughter…” She brought up as flung up confetti and balloons into the air as she sat on her throne briefly. “Honesty…” She added as she hugged onto Applejack’s flank while showing every pony her cutie mark much to the farm pony’s annoyance at Pinkie's lack of personal space for touching her rumb without permission. “Generosity…” She added as Rarity posed her good look. “Loyalty…” She added as she pulled down Rainbow Dash by the tail. “Kindness…” She added as she hugged Fluttershy. “…and magic!” She finished as she released said sparkle of magic in rainbow shape as Twilight humbly smiles.
“They are reflections of our own elements of hope, strength, beauty, bravery, healing, and sorcery.” Somnambula explained as she pointed to Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrook, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, and Star Swirl in that order while Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Twilight stood by the predecessors with smiles well expect for Twilight who’s smile fades when Star Swirl still continues to give her the cold shoulder.
“We had no idea our small seed would bloom into the living spirit of the land. I am glad our mantles have passed to such capable ponies.” Mage Meadow commented in amazement of how much has changed while they were gone.
“More importantly, we no longer need Ponhenge to send our foe back to limbo. We can use the stored magic in this Tree of Harmony.” Star Swirl proposed his new plan while ignoring what Twilight has to say about it.
“But doesn't a banishing spell take a lot of power? We'd have to sacrifice the Elements for that.” Twilight objected to that proposal to which Star Swirl nodded that he is aware of that.
“They'd be gone... forever?” Fluttershy worryingly asked.
“Star Swirl, the Tree can survive without the Elements. If it dies, Equestria will suffer.” Twilight pointed out the main and sole flaw with that plan.
“If the Pony of Shadows has his way, your land will not exist. So unless you have a better idea...” Star Swirl again coldly dismissed her to which Twilight responds by speaking up.
“I do! Twilight firmly responded. “We use a portal spell that can be used to banish the Pony of Shadows that can allow you and the rest of the Pillars to be able to stay here without going back into limbo and without sacrificing the Elements of Harmony.” She explained as Star-Swirl listens intently on this proposal. “Also in order to do it we have to befriend said pony who is consumed with darkness and revenge and yes, that means reaching out to him and offering our friendship.” Twilight also added as Starlight smiles in approval as she gets what Twilight meant when she said she had another plan in place if this were to all happen.
“Hmm. I don’t think so.” Star Swirl immediately rejected the proposal. “Because I don’t believe that this villain is deserving of a second chance.”
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked sounding offended by the claim as Starlight shares the same look of disbelief. “How would you know without learning the whole story?”
“Because I don’t need the whole story to know what needs to be done!” Star Swirl firmly fired back. “Once a villain, always a villain!”
Twilight could not believe of what the pony she idolizes is flat out telling to her face as her shock turns into disgust.
“Well in this case you do want to learn the whole story because if you don’t listen to me you’ll be making the biggest mistake of your life by forcing banishment onto a misunderstood pony who doesn’t deserve it deep down!” Twilight further argued.
“Well maybe if no pony every listened to you in the first place that none of this would have ever happened!” Star Swirl still retained his stance towards the young alicorn. “Maybe you were better off not even existing in the first place considering Equestria was nearly doomed by you.” He further added to which Twilight reacted very hurt by the claim as she felt her heart and respect for her idol shatter into a million pieces as her friends are all shocked at this cruel statement.
“That’s not true!” Twilight fired back while resisting the urge to tear up. “Even when I did, I eventually turned myself around and came to see the errors of my ways while working my way into earning everypony’s trust again. Like the pony stuck inside the Pony of Shadows we were both just ponies deeply hurt because of what happened in the past that don’t deserve to be banished.”
“Your just saying that because you’re too blind from your ambition and envy for the sake of power to see that all this pony wants to do is destroy all of that is good in this world. There’s no way to befriend a pony like that!” Star Swirl further refused to listen with a pointed hoof at her direction.
“Or maybe you’re too blind to see that there is more than one side to this story that meets the eye!” Twilight yelled back to which Star-Swirl has reached the end of his patience.
“Or maybe since you are still a villain deep down waiting for the right moment to betray everypony you are better off just dropping the act and leaving before we get rid of ponies like you who no one even cares about!” He fired back. “Honestly, I can’t believe you of all ponies is even trying to put up a pathetic act of trying to act like she’s redeemed when you are really wasting your time on this pointless pursuit of trying to even avoid a well-deserved punishment!”
Twilight now completely hurt by what her idol just said to her could not resist as tears fall out of her eyes with her lips trembling as she cries after hearing his cruel words and comments. Even the rest of the Pillars could not believe Star Swirl would say something so nasty to somepony as much as her friends.
“Well I guess I’m lucky I never met you when I was Midnight!” Twilight tearfully and angrily retorted with pain in her wavering voice. “Because if you were around even after I gave up everything I had to save Equestria from Tirek, I still would have been banished to limbo too.”
Twilight then flew off and away crying as she made her way back to room so she could cry with her face buried into one of her pillows.
“You have some nerve treating Twilight like that!” Starlight spoke up in Twilight’s defense while angrily glaring at the old wizard. “Because that former villainous mastermind also happens to the be one offering the plan that will work out the best, a plan that could actually save you and your friend’s well-being from sending eternity from living life in limbo. At least she steps forward and puts others before her own needs considering she saved all of Equestria the last three times!”
“That’s right Mr. the Bearded! Twilight doesn't do anythin' halfway! And if she hadn’t we’d all be living under an even worse villain’s rule by know!” Applejack also spoke in her defense with a look of anger and disgust for hurting their friend's feelings like that.
“Especially not magic!” Pinkie also seriously added as she moved her hoofs around to make magic movements.
“Seriously! She got her wings by finishing one of your spells!” Rainbow Dash also added in disgust and in agreement with her friends. “Not to mention went through all of this trouble to save you and your friends because of how much she idolizes you up until you just had to shatter her heart into a million pieces!”
“I think you'll find her work is worth reading before you dismiss it out of hoof!” Rarity also added with disappointment written all over her face. “And until you come around and listen to her when she says she has a plan to deal with this we’re not helping you!”
“Mm-hmm!” Fluttershy simply replied with a firm nod in agreement.
“That’s right!” Starlight again agreed as she glared at Star Swirl. “I guess considering like Twilight I’ve been there before, I glad I never met you when Twilight stuck her hoof out to offer me her friendship when she didn’t have too otherwise I too could be joining her in limbo!” She then told him off as she made her way outside of the room. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my teacher!” She then stormed out of the room in Twilight’s direction.
“Come on y’all let’s go check up on her too!” Applejack also told everypony. “We’re not making the same mistake twice.”
One by one the Mane Five along with Spike all trot out of the room while silently expressing their disgust towards the ancient wizard for his ill-treatment towards Twilight just for accidentally bringing back the Pony of Shadows as the rest of the Pillars are silently agreeing that Twilight’s approach might be worth considering as they watch over the map to find where the Pony of Shadows is hiding.
They all make their way to Twilight’s room where she has calmed down that she’s no longer crying as from a few loose tears and is currently reading over the spell she was going to plan on using until Star Swirl immediately rejected it.
“Uh, Twilight? Are you okay?” Starlight asked as she is the first to approach her.
“Oh, I’m fine really…” Twilight sarcastically answered. “I mean I just unleashed ultimate evil and doomed Equestria again and in addition one of the ponies I idolized refused to hear me just because of one small mistake even when I had another plan to deal with all of this ready to go! Why wouldn't I be okay?!”
She then pushed aside the scroll containing said spell onto the floor.
“You didn't know that was gonna happen.” Starlight tried to help lighten the mood.
“But I should have listened to you and left things alone.” Twilight retorted and apologized to her pupil for not listening to her. “Now the Elements of Harmony will be lost to fix my mistake! Sometimes I don’t know why I even bother because all of this just turned into a mistake when I all wanted to do was help everypony as if accidentally bringing Midnight back wasn’t bad enough.”
“But if you hadn’t didn’t what you did Star Swirl and the rest of the Pillars wouldn’t be here and you provided an opportunity for them to be able to life live without going back to Limbo and let’s not forget I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for you.” Starlight countered refusing to let Twilight give up like that.
“That’s right, sugarcube!” Applejack said in agreement. “He had no right to treat you like that!”
“Yeah so don’t listen to him!” Rainbow also agreed with raised hooves.
“We believe in you.” Fluttershy sweetly added.
“Everypony knows that you’re great and talented at magic no matter what any other pony says and you shouldn’t let him stop you from thinking otherwise.” Starlight further encouraged Twilight as Spike gave her the encouraging smile with a hug around on of her hooves.
Twilight then sighed as she pulled the spell she had on the table to her with her magic as she then makes her way back to the throne room.
“All right.” Twilight said as her friends smile seeing this.
“That’s the spirit, darling!” Rarity said in response to Twilight’s newfound determination.
“But for the record I’m only doing this in order ensure the Pony of Shadows is defeated once for all.” Twilight then told her friends while still not smiling as she turned to face them. “Once everypony is saved that’s it. Even though Star Swirl knew what he was doing when he cast that spell, I can make it better and at least prove to him that he’s wrong about his approach and make this the only time I’ll have to see him.” She then said as she walked forward while her friends are all looking a little concerned at Twilight’s bitter attitude directed at her former idol as a result from their previous agreement. “Question is where to look for the Pony of Shadows.”
But before any pony could even try to cheer her up the Mane Six’s cutie marks all began glowing courtesy of the cutie map summoning them for an important friendship mission as the images of their cutie marks all fly over to an area on the map.
“Maybe we should try there?” Spike suggested as he pointed to where the Mane Six’s cutie marks are floating over on the map.
“Then it looks like we know where to go from there.” Twilight groaned seeing that her question just immediately got answered there.
“The Hollow Shades. I think a branch of the Apple family lives there.” Applejack though to herself as she gets a good look at their summoning location.
“They'd have to be pretty distant. The Hollow Shades was abandoned eons ago.“ Sunburst theorized as he got a look at the holographic image of the place.
“Hmm, that's odd. The only time the map's called all of us to one place was Starlight's village.” Rarity recalled.
“So it's like a super-villain tracker!” Rainbow guessed as she flew in towards the area of the map which earned her glares from both Twilight and Starlight. “No offense.” She quickly added.
“None taken.” Twilight sarcastically commented with her expression evidently showing that she is not in for jokes right now as she pressed forward with the subject. “If that was the case with the map then I sure we’d be able to find and take down Midnight while we’re at it too.” She further irritably spoke to her friend who winced in response at her cold attitude.
“Sorry.” Rainbow apologetically said as she hung her head in shame.
“So anyways…” Twilight continued. “This must be where the Pony of Shadows is. That’s where our best shot of stopping him is.”
“Hmm...” Star Swirl commented. “The Tree of Harmony acting to protect the light of the realm... Yes. A good thought, Twilight.”
“Eh.” Twilight thought very little of the compliment to which her friends took notice of and for a good reason since her newly formed grudge of her former idol and attitude towards him isn’t like of her to say and act.
“In addition, I will make notes on this spell. Ready yourselves for battle.” Star Swirl instructed every pony.
“And when we get there we are taking my approach to this.” Twilight seriously added her instructions to which Star-Swirl glared at her in response taken aback by her bold attitude towards him.
“Didn’t I make myself clear earlier?” He sternly asked the young alicorn to assert that he is in charge here.
“Yes you did and we don’t have time to argue with this.” Twilight responded with a glare and frown not backing down from her stance. “And whether you like it or not we are defeating the Pony of Shadows my way so unless you got a better idea up your hooves I suggest you follow my lead.” She then bitterly spoke back as she turned to everypony else. “Just have everything you need with you ready to go when we all set out tonight.” She calmly instructed every pony before setting off to do so but not before turning to Sunburst. “Sunburst can you come with me please?” She also kindly asked of him who quickly obliges to her request as he joins her.
Her friends still show great concern over Twilight seeing her ice cold tone of voice as they all follow her and set out to do as Twilight asked of her seeing that her argument with her former idol really did a number on her happiness.
“Come. We must prepare for the struggle ahead.” Rockhoof instructed the others as they all leave the room.
“Girls could I talk you all for a second?” Starlight asked the Mane Five and Spike before they all could leave.
“Sure but make it quick.” Applejack reluctantly agreed to spare a second. “What is it?”
“It’s about Twilight.” Starlight quickly brought up. “I’m just concerned that what Star Swirl said to her might have soured Twilight’s attitude big time.”
“Yes we all saw that there.” Applejack said with a truthful sigh. “And to be honest we can’t really blame her since what he said to her was very hurtful and goes against everything she learned and was taught to her.”
“And it sure was understandably so nasty for him to say that darling was better off not existing in the first place or to even flat out tell her to drop the act as if she truly never had changed.” Rarity also chimed in.
“I know, and I’m just bringing this up because I’m worried that might convince Twilight to go back to her old ways since she already has developed a cold attitude towards others instead of forgiving and forgetting.” Starlight also brought up her earlier attitude towards Star-Swirl.
“I’m sure she’ll come around once she takes the time to cool off.” Spike tried to assure the unicorn. “After all Twilight isn’t the pony to hold the grudge forever.”
“Even still, I still think I should go and talk to her again just to make sure of that.” Starlight said unsure about it from the way Twilight’s been acting just recently. "Also Spike could you fetch Princess Celestia to try to talk to her for a minute before we go?"
"Can do!" Spike agreed as he ran off ahead without hesitation.
“Okay.” Rainbow Dash not even attempted to argue with the unicorn's request. “In the meantime we’ll get ready to face off against the Pony of Shadows.” She said as they all set off to catch up with the other Pillars while Starlight made her way to where Twilight, Sunburst, and Star Swirl are currently reading through books.
“That looks like a lot of work.” Starlight commented at the sight.
“It is what must be done, and it would be best if we were not disturbed.” Star Swirl firmly replied.
“I'm sorry, Starlight, but we can't stop to talk. The stakes are too high, and we have to…” Twilight apologetically and politely addressed her pupil.
“Save Stygian to limbo. I get it.” Starlight finished her sentence knowing of what she was going to say.
“Uh, who?” Sunburst asked in confusion.
“Stygian was the name the Pony of Shadows gave up when he turned to darkness.” Star Swirl explained to him.
“And as Twilight said he is a misunderstood pony who ended up consumed by darkness from trying to recreate the Pillar’s power to become one of them.” Starlight further argued back
"And as I said before he wanted more power than he had, and that desire led him down a path from which there is no return! Stygian wants to destroy all that is good in this world. There's no way to befriend a pony like that.” Star Swirl again shot down the thought that redemption could apply to him.
Hearing this again sparked Twilight’s anger at her former idol again as she flew in front of Starlight to face Star Swirl again.
“You still want to hold on to your old beliefs fine but right you are making a very grave mistake of insulting my student Star Swirl.” Twilight said with her ice cold tone again. “Because like me she was given a chance to redeem herself when no pony else would. And right now we have got a battle against the Pony of Shadows to prepare for so get back to researching and keep quiet, understand!”
Star Swirl simply let out a “Hmph.” in response to being talked back to like that again by the young alicorn as he set off to do so.
“I’m sorry you had to see that Starlight.” Twilight then calmed down with a sigh. “But I’m not about to let him dictate my stance on how we defeat the Pony of Shadows.”
“Please Twilight.” Starlight tried to reason with her teacher as she teleported her out of the room. “I trust that you know what you’re doing but please don’t keep harboring a grudge against him and I’m not saying that you should forgive him. I’m just asking of you to not let your bitterness and anger consume you anger before you do something you’ll regret like turning back into Midnight.” She pleaded as she placed her hoof on her shoulders trying to reach out to her. “Please for the sake of avoiding limbo to and for any hope we have of defeating Midnight herself when she invades Canterlot.”
Twilight hearing her student’s words and taking them to heart as she reflects on her previous cold behavior since Star Swirl insulted her.
“I promise I will try my hardest to.” Twilight calmly answered with great sincerity. “Just if I could get everything I need ready that would be great please.” She also added as she only asked of Starlight to let her get ready for battle.
“Of course.” Starlight answered as she complied with her wish as they both went their separate ways for the time being until they all got together so they could go to the Tree of Harmony.
Just as Twilight made her down the hallway to meet up with the others she found herself face to face with the sun monarch.
"Oh, Princess Celestia." Twilight greeted her while surprised to see her at this moment as she wasn't expecting to see her until she and her friends got back.
"Hello, Twilight." Princess Celestia greeted her student. "I was hoping to catch you before you left because I wanted to talk to you for a minute."
"About..." Twilight asked wondering where this conversation is going as the sun monarch's smile faded.
"Spike told me about your argument with Star-Swirl the Bearded." Princess Celestia said as Twilight looked aside as she didn't look interested in pursing the topic any further.
"And I suppose he told you that I have no intention of seeing him once this is all over?" Twilight figured.
"Yes, and I figured you needed some much needed encouragement when Starlight voiced her concern that you've been acting more cold and hostile towards others." Celestia added as Twilight frowns.
"Not to everypony just to him." Twilight said in her defense she as looked at her mentor in the eye. "All I ever wanted was to help free him from limbo and get to see him in full glory. But instead I get rewarded with hostility with my plan to deal with the Pony of Shadows immediately rejected along with the idea that a villain can redeem him or herself if he or she wants to."
"He sure can be frustrating can he?" Princess Celestia sighs as she remembers what it's like.
"And I suppose he did something similar to you?" Twilight asked despondently.
"Well maybe not as harsh as saying those nasty comments to you but definitely something similar." Princess Celestia explained as she placed a wing on her back. "But do you remember that magic mirror from awhile back in the Crystal Empire." She asked her student who nods while wondering what it has to do with what with Star-Swirl.
"I remember the first time I traveled to another world where I first met Sunset there." Twilight said as she is listening to Celestia's story.
"It also had a history before moving to the Crystal Empire. Back when I was his student we managed to create an alternate way to travel through time together." Princess Celestia explained as she showed her flashbacks of her and Star Swirl doing so by traveling to various places in the past and alternate worlds and Star-Swirl time traveling to various places as the years went by from visiting the time when dinosaurs were around to modern and current times.
"If the secrets of cross-dimensional travel are to be kept down here, do you think I should put up some protections? Maybe a trained supernatural beast?" Star Swirl proposed as he thinks of ideas.
"Maybe a hydra?" Celestia suggested.
"Oooooooh! I like that idea! " Star Swirl said in delight.
"Really?" Twilight asked in surprised interest seeing she had the same intriguing interest in Star Swirl's work as much as her as Celestia nods.
"Oh yes. You would have to see it to believe it, Twilight." Celestia gave her a knowing wink. "But long story short, I eyed a particular world so much that I secretly went behind his back to visit it every so often until he caught me in the act and closed the portal permanently after scolding me severely for doing so."
"Even after a thousand years in limbo certainly does help doesn't it." Twilight sarcastically commented as the sun princess gets straight to the point to which she proceeds to do so to appease her student.
"Anyways, he came to forgive shortly afterwards when I learned first-hoof of the consequences of time traveling to a specific alternate world one too many times nearly endangered said world and this world." Celestia explained as she recalls the memories of her past with Star-Swirl while showing a flashback with her magic which showed her secretly traveling to another world behind her teacher's knowledge until one night she came across him waiting for her to return after waking up shortly after Celestia left.
"Oh..." Princess Celestia said in surprise to see him awake at this hour.
"How many times have you been in there?" Star Swirl sternly asked her pupil.
"Not often..." Celestia tried to talk her way out of telling the truth.
"HOW OFTEN?!" Star Swirl demanded to know.
"On and off...for a while..." Celestia confessed as she turned away in shame.
"You know what kind of consequences there are to visiting this world too often." Star Swirl then said in alarm. "We talked about this. You promised me...we can't risk it! You're putting everyone in danger. What could possibly be worth it?!" He then scolded her.
"What do you think is worth it?" Celestia asked as a single tear falls from her left eye as she lowered her head down. "I'm sorry...but I can't just..."
"No, Celestia, no...I'm ending this." Star Swirl solemnly replied as he looked away from her.
"What do you mean "ending this"?" Celestia asked as she realized what he is going to do. "You can't I..." She desperately pleaded to no avail.
"I will not let you put your kingdom... and his at risk. This is. Over. Now." Star Swirl refused to change his stance as he prepares his spell to close the portal for good. "Kingdom come and kingdom go. A land so close to our core. Our worlds now severed, ebb and flow,, down from this point, we close the door."
"No!" Princess Celestia cried tears in vain. "At least let me say goodbye!"
"I never want to talk about this again!" Star Swirl simply responded as he didn't turn to her. "I am very disappointed in you princess."
Completely devastated, the white alicorn ran off in tears as Star Swirl still didn't have the heart to console her.
"Really? Even after all of that?!" Twilight asked in further surprise as Spike appears from the nearby hallway corner having heard and seen the last part of their conversation.
"Twilight, everyone's ready at the front door." Spike told her.
"I'll be there in a flash, Spike." Twilight told him as he ran off ahead.
"Point being Twilight, is all I ask of you is to find it in your heart to forgive and forget what Star-Swirl said to you and remember to be the pony we all know and love." Celestia quickly told Twilight before she could turn around and teleport away. "Can you promise me that Twilight?"
"I'll try." Twilight honestly and sincerely answered as Princess Celestia gives her a pleased nod as she teleports away as the group then makes their way to the Tree of Harmony.
“I am glad we have the chance to see what has grown from our efforts so long ago.” Somnambula marveled of how the tree has blossomed in the last thousand years.
“It seems a shame to harm it.” Mistmane feels bad at the very thought of doing so.
“A necessary sacrifice. With the Elements' power, we will bind the Pony of Shadows in limbo.” Star Swirl assured her. “And thanks to Twilight, we will remain to watch over the realm ourselves.“
As Star Swirl uses her magic to extract the elements from the tree, Twilight even when being complimented still isn’t smiling at all and hasn’t ever since he hurt her feelings to which Starlight still looks on worried for her as the elements appear on the Mane Six.
“Um... how do we use them?” Rockhoof asked in confusion as he observes Applejack’s element.
“Well, you... Oh. I'm not sure. They simply work for us.” Rarity tried briefly yet was unable to completely explain to the best of her ability.
“The Elements are attuned to you. We must use their magic in pairs.” Star Swirl instructed every pony to which Twilight eye-rolls as she is silently groaning that means she has to team up with Star Swirl.
“No problem. We're used to banishing evil before breakfast.” Rainbow Dash confidently replied as she and Flash Magnus share a hoof bump.
“And it'll be an honor to save Equestria with y'all.” Applejack told the Pillars as she bent her hat down as they all set off to find the Pony of Shadows.
“I really hope Twilight knows what she's doing...” Starlight voiced her concerns of Twilight’s well-being as Star Swirl walks beside with Twilight still continuing to be stoic and bitter.
The group all made their way to Hollow Shades to where the place is currently a ghost town by the time they all arrive.
“I don't remember reading anything that said the Hollow Shades was like this.” Sunburst commented on the place’s current state.
“Ohhh. The Pony of Shadows must have twisted it to his purposes.” Mistmane said having a bad thing about all of this.
“Prepare yourselves. He is here.” Star Swirl instructed everypony when they hear the Pony of Shadows’s chuckle from a distance. “Stygian! Show yourself and face us!” He called out to him as he evilly laughed and caused part of the ground they were standing on in the center of town to fall apart from under them and for all of them and land inside a hidden museum.
“I definitely would've remembered reading about this.” Sunburst commented as he readjusts his glasses and sees where they landed as the Pony of Shadows shows himself as Star Swirl casts a force field around them to protect everypony.
“Welcome to the Well of Shade!” He greeted everypony as he approached Star Swirl. “When you turned your backs on me, I discovered this place. The darkness spoke to me of a power beyond any I could imagine, and I listened. The shadow and I became one. Soon, all of the realm will be the same. Then all ponies will feel the despair I did when you cast me out!” He furiously added as he walked around the group.
“We did what we had to do. You tried to steal our powers for yourself.” Star Swirl retorted in response.
“No! It was you who were selfish! And now you will pay!” The Pony of Shadows fired back to crack Star Swirl’s shield with his dark magic.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Starlight asked Twilight one last time.
“Yes, yes I am.” Twilight calmly replied as she got into position. “Just be ready to join me when I give the signal. You know what to do from there right?” She asked Starlight who nods in response now willing to cooperate with her here.
“Ready? Open the portal...” Star Swirl instructed the element bearers on his command. “ ...Now!”
The Mane Five all tune into their elements as their elder counterparts all group together with them so they can do the same as Star Swirl and Sunburst cast the spell to open back up the portal to suck the Pony of Shadows.
“No! You will not trap me again!” The Pony of Shadows defiantly struggled as he is currently being sucked through the portal as he resists the pony inside briefly emerges from the dark giant.
“Twilight! Push him in!” Star Swirl commanded him as Twilight looked at Starlight instead before flying inside of the giant.
She then flew inside the darkness to where she used her magic as a flashlight so she can approach said pony.
“You must be Stygian.” Twilight said to the upset pony.
“I was, once. Until my friends betrayed me.” Stygian replied feeling depressed instead of angry.
“How so?” Twilight asked as she expected that reaction.
“Because I wanted their respect. I brought them together. I planned strategy, and I read all I could about the beasts we faced.” Stygian explained himself as he turned to her. “But I didn't have magic or strength, so nopony ever noticed me. I went to Ponhenge to make my own copies of the artifacts. With them, I thought I could be a Pillar, too, and stand by their side in battle. I never wanted to steal their power.” As Stygian explains himself everypony outside listens as the Pillars especially Star Swirl react in surprise hearing this to which Starlight responds with a silent “I told you so.” glare as she waits for Twilight’s signal. “But instead of sharing and letting me help, my friends threw me out.” He then said with a deep and pained voice as he started to transform back into the Pony of Shadows. “So I became stronger than any of them! The darkness welcomed me when no pony would, and I will do what I must to protect it!
“This is all a misunderstanding! If the Pillars knew how you felt, I'm sure they wouldn't have turned their backs on you. The shadow isn't who you really are. Let me help you be Stygian again.” Twilight tried to reason with him.
“Even if my friends did still care, what makes you think you have the power to help me?” Stygian replied with growing doubt.
“Because I’ve been there before and since then I have helped ponies like me turn themselves around.” Twilight replied back as she turned around briefly. “Starlight, Now!” She called out to her who immediately flies inside to join them.
“She’s right!” Starlight said as she approached him. “I wasn't so different from you and Twilight, and she helped me change. If there's one pony in Equestria that can save a friendship and pursue redemption, it's her.” She added as she placed a hoof on her chest briefly to which Twilight actually smiled for the first time in a while hearing that.
“I... I want to believe you...” Stygian replied as he struggled to resist the darkness inside of him. ”But the darkness will not be stopped!”
Twiight then responds by grabbing ahold of Stygian as she moved to pull him out of the Pony of Shadows who grunts painful groans in response.
“Fight the darkness, Stygian! You don't need it anymore! Revenge isn't what you want! Friendship is!” Twilight called out to him. “I’ve been there before and if it weren’t for my friends I would have been consumed by darkness to!” She then further called out to him as Stygian is pulled back inside as Twilight doubles down on her strength and efforts to keep on pulling as Starlight joins in on helping her. Even though the two were able to avoid being pulled inside with him the darkness wouldn’t let go of him.
“Ugh! The shadow won't let go of him. He wants to stop, but he can't do it alone.” Twilight told every pony.
“Then we must help him!” Star Swirl declared as he and the other element bearers use their magic to join in helping pull him out and successfully before allowing the Pony of Shadows to be sucked back inside through the portal who screams as Twilight closes the portal with a burst of rainbow magic surging into the sky.
Once they have all succeeded in defeating the Pony of Shadows everypony emerges from the giant hole in the center of town with smiles knowing that they have all won.
“Yeah! Oh, it felt sooooo good to do that again!” Rainbow cheered.
“Friendship power rush! Whoo!” Pinkie also cheered as she tackled Rainbow for a hug.
“The Elements! They didn't disappear!” Rarity said in amazement seeing they still have the elements hanging around their necks.
“Maybe because we used them for healing magic instead of banishing?” Fluttershy correctly guessed.
“That is correct!” Twilight smiled again at Fluttershy to which pleased to see her prior coldness has melted away.
“Look!” Applejack called everypony’s attention to Star Swirl as he pulls Stygian out of the crater.
“Long ago, you needed our help, Stygian. But instead of listening, we turned our backs on you. Pride clouded my judgment. I owe you an apology.” He remorsefully told the unicorn as Twilight approaches them. “And the same goes to you, Twilight, for not listening to you when I should have.” He also said told her in the same apologetic tone. “And for that you have my thanks for it seems I never accounted for the Magic of Friendship.”
“Well you’d be amazed of how much it can play a factor in ponies’ lives.” Twilight then calmly spoke to him as she and her friend’s cutie marks glow to signal to them they have succeeded at their task at hoof as Starlight approaches Star Swirl with a cleared throat.
“Soooo... apparently a conversation can save Equestria?” Starlight asked with a “I told you so.” tone with both she and Twilight giving him the knowing looks to match to which Star Swirl chuckles in acknowledgement of what he needs to do now.
“Something tells me I will be making a lot of apologies today.” Star Swirl said in response as they all set back to Canterlot.
There they all meet back in the Canterlot throne room where the royal sisters where there waiting for them to return and they are both very excited and pleased to meet up with their old teacher again.
“I simply cannot believe how tall you've gotten!” Star Swirl commented to Celestia who is now a head taller than him now.
“Well, it has been over a thousand years.” Princess Celestia said with a smile. “Will you stay here and teach magic once again? My sister and I have such fond memories of your lessons.” She asked of him as the two sister’s rest each other’s heads on each other’s cheeks.
“As long as you don't ask for those essays we owed you before you disappeared.” Princess Luna added as all three chuckles at the thought of the past memory.
“I'm not certain Canterlot is where I belong. The realm has grown, and I believe I'll have a look around before I settle in any one place.” Star Swirl said in response.
“And I long to see what has become of my home.” Mage Meadowbrook spoke of her interest of returning there.
“I believe we all do.” Mistmane also agreed.
“Then I hope you will return to Canterlot on occasion and share the wisdom of your great experience with the next generation of ponies.” Princess Celestia wished them all luck as Star Swirl bows in response.
“We would be honored. But if it is wisdom you seek, look no further than your own pupil.” Star Swirl then said as he pointed a hoof in Twilight’s direction to which she is taken aback by the praise he is giving her. “She showed me that the power of friendship is a magical force indeed.” She smiled and teared up hearing that. “And that in turning away from others, you hurt yourself as well.” He then said as he, Stygian, Spike, and the other element bearers all shared a group hug as Twilight approached Star Swirl.
“Indeed it is because like Stygian when my friends walked out on me in a time of need I too choose to run away seeking revenge and control of Equestria and have actually succeeded in doing so. It was only when after risking my own life to save everypony in Equestria when defeating Lord Tirek I was able to let forgiveness back into my darken heart and let the Elements of Harmony heal me from my inner darkness. And from there the rest of what happened in Equestria back history as I worked for others to follow my example.” Twilight said to him as she turned Starlight to smile at her again. “And for a while I nearly forgot of what I knew about why I reformed and redeemed myself.” She said as she brought Starlight in for a hug. “Good thing I had a student of my own to remind me.”
“Well as you taught me that’s what friends are for.” Starlight kindly returned.
“Well having said I owe you another apology for all of the things I said to you when we first met.” Star Swirl then again apologized. “It was wrong for me to say that.”
“Apology accepted.” Twilight replied with a smile. “After all I am a mare not to hold grudge against any pony and if I had then things would have been a lot differently under an era of darkness by now.”
“That is definitely true there.” Star Swirl acknowledged with a nod. “So very true.”
"And speaking of ponies of capable great evil Princess Celestia." Twilight turned to the white alicorn with a confused expression of what she has on her mind now. "What was this particular world you enjoyed visiting in the past?" She asked of her. "Was it the one where you visited and developed a crush on King's Sombra's good counterpart there?"
Hearing this causing her to be taken aback in surprise as she blushed in embarrassment sensing that Twilight's guess was pretty spot on there.
"I guess it seems I have a lot to discuss with you some more about my past time-travels Twilight." Princess Celestia said with a smile with her cheeks still red from her blushing as she leads Twilight away from them to discuss in private some more as Luna and Star Swirl give her knowing looks.
At the same time, Midnight is currently watching the entire scene from her orb with a calm and stoic expression on her face as she puts her orb away as she emerges from her tent as Tempest Shadow approaches her.
“Report, Tempest?” Midnight questioned.
“All of the troops are all trained and ready for battle, Midnight!” Tempest just as stoic as her commanding officer.
“Good! Very good!” Midnight said very pleased with the results as they both walk over to the training grounds where the Storm King’s soldiers are training together in perfect sync. “Excellent! They are ready!”
“So when shall we depart for Canterlot?” Tempest asked for her orders.
“We’ll head out three days before the Friendship Festival is scheduled to occur.” Midnight answered. “I’ll give the order when I learn when exactly it is going to happen so that way we get there when the festival is just starting.”
“So just to clear you want to invade Equestria during this upcoming party in Canterlot?” Tempest questioned without a change in expression just to be clear of her plan.
“Oh yes, Tempest!” Midnight said with a dark smile. “Because if there’s one small thing you need to know about me is that I always prefer to attack when I have the element of surprise at my disposal and by carrying out this attack according to this schedule we’ll be setting up the perfect takeover.” Midnight then chuckled evilly as her heart glowed neon purple as the two ponies watch over the Storm King’s army training for battle together.