//------------------------------// // Chapter 51: The Beginning of the End Part Two // Story: Light and Dark: Road to Redemption // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 51: The Beginning of the End Part Two Inside the Crystal Castle, no pony expected of what had just happened, they had just held off and defeated King Sombra, but unbeknownst to anyone, the emotional damage from Sombra’s attack was enough to Twilight to break down and cry in despair. “What the hay just happened?” Rainbow Dash spoke up from her shock as she slumped down to the ground. “We just defeated Sombra!” “Think maybe something he showed her just a minute ago might have something to do with this?” Applejack replied with her best guess. “Could be.” Princess Cadance agreed with that possibility. “Since he is known for showing everypony their worst fears.” “Well whatever it is, we’re going to find out.” Shining Armor firmly spoke up as they made their way in the direction Twilight ran off too. Together they all made their way through the hallways until they came across hearing Twilight’s crying from a nearby bedroom. “Let us deal with this first girls.” Cadance told the Mane 5 with a raised hoof to stop them from joining them as she knocks on the door to the room Twilight is currently in. “What?!” Twilight cried out loudly. “Twilight, it’s your B.B.B.F.F., sister-in-law, and niece.” Shining Armor called out to her. “Can we come in please?” Twilight reluctantly obliged to his request before opening the door with her magic to let them while closing the doors after them. Once the three were inside as they approach Twilight buried face first into the pillow on the bed, Cadance immediately stroked Twilight’s head with her wing as she buries her face into her chest. “It’s okay, Twilight.” Cadance comfortingly told her sister-in-law as she stroked her mane. “We’re here for you.” Flurry took the time to try to make a funny face to cheer her which did little to cheer her favorite aunt up as she couldn’t stop crying. “Did something happen when King Sombra showed you your worst fears?” Shining Armor asked his little sister as he patted her on back. “Yes!” Twilight exclaimed in tear-eyed pain. “I…I just can’t relieve it!” Cadance seeing that whatever it is too painful for her to recall thinks of an idea by levitating over an ice bag and a box of tissues for Twilight to dry her eyes with. “What this ice pack for?” Twilight wondered she is attempted to dry her eyes as Cadance places the ice pack on her head. “So it can ease the pain when I try to use my magic to find what King Sombra tormented you with and made you see.” Cadance calmly replied. Twilight nervously gulped as the ice bag is placed on her head as Cadance works her magic on Twilight’s mind to where she is able to show an aura of what happened in her mind which showed Midnight facing down Twilight in the dark Canterlot throne room to which shocked Flurry Heart into hiding behind her aunt upon seeing her again. “You have the heart of darkness just like me Twilight.” Midnight told the young brighter furred alicorn. “Accept your destiny! There is no other choice!” She told her as she pulled a flashback aura with her magic of her friends blowing her concerns over ascending to the throne to the sky to which plays back in her mind along with the flashback of her friends abandoning her at the wedding rehearsal along with their fight on the beach outside of Equestria. “But you're all acting more calm about this! This is a big deal!” Twilight tried to voice her concerns about all of this. “What do we do if something big happens and the princesses aren't there to help?!” “Um, if you think about it, they literally almost never help.” Rainbow blew that concern to the sky much to Twilight’s secret disbelief and Applejack’s confusion. “I never would have done it and I never asked her to join in on this, but in case if anypony else hasn’t noticed this isn't Equestria!” Twilight then said in frustration back back at the beach on Mount Aris. “We can't just dance around with con artists, make rainbooms in the sky and expect everything to work out! It's not enough! We are not enough!” “No, Twilight! We stuck together! We were gonna get the help we needed!” Pinkie retorted while pointing a hoof back in her direction. “The only thing that stopped us... was you!” “Well, I'm doing the best I can!” Twilight angrily swatted the hoof away with her anger building up from the accusations and not being able to explain herself as she walked opposite from Pinkie. “It's all on me. I'm the one Midnight and Tempest want. I'm the last Princess!” “And like Midnight you're also the only one who doesn't trust her friends!” Pinkie went the extra mile to insult Twilight to which Starlight gasped in shock knowing that she really pressed Twilight’s button saying that to her. “Well, maybe, I would've been better off without friends like you!!!” Twilight furiously yelled back at her with her horn flaring up just like Tempest and briefly turning into the appearance of her evil counterpart. “C’mon, y’all. Let’s go check on the princess.” AJ told the others being the only one disgusted of her friends disgusted by her behavior as she coldly glared at her as she and the others walked by and out of the room at the first Canterlort Wedding rehearsal. "Face it princess, friendship has failed you!” Tempest told the caged princess during their trip back to Canterlot in the flashback as Twilight then sweated as the painful memories all play out in her head with her teeth gritting in pain as she recalls her most painful memories. Once all the memories play out and Cadance stops playing them out she then drops to the floor, sweating and breathing deeply as both Shining Armor and Princess Cadance help her back up to the bed while Flurry hugs her aunt as the three family members show surprised looks at what Twilight was keeping in deep down while from outside every mare having listened to what had happened also couldn’t believe their ears too even Tempest when she realizes her past words had played a role in Twilight’s pain and suffering as they hear Twilight crying in pain again. “Shh, shh, it’s okay, Twilight!” Cadance assured her as she handed her clean tissues to calm hersel down with and wipe away the tears. “We’re here for you.” “At least there are some around here who cares.” Twilight’s mood failed to change as she dried her red bloodshot eyes from all of the sobbing. “Unlike my friends!” “I’m sure they didn’t mean to hurt you like that, Twilight.” Shining Armor tried to take a turn to try to cheer her up. “Everypony learns from their mistakes.” “Try telling them that the thought of me ascending to the throne, stepping up to the role I schemed myself into as Midnight, all while the fact of how much this really hurts me doesn’t concern them one bit!” She said as she wiped her eyes to stop more tears from falling out to little avail. Outside of the room, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna arrive on the scene with worried looks. “We came as soon as we heard!” Princess Celestia spoke urgently with her wings spread out and horn flared up ready to use magic against the evil unicorn. ”Where’s my niece!” “Where’s Sombra!” Luna asked ready to take down Sombra herself with her horn flared and wings spread out. “Sombra’s been defeated and your niece is safe and sound.” Tempest reported to the princesses. “She is currently inside that room comforting Twilight because apparently she’s very shaken up by what happened.” “Like what?!” Princess Celestia asked with alarmed concern. “I think it’s best if you listen to her for yourself.” Tempest simply advised as she pointed to the sounds of Twilight’s crying inside and behind the closed doors. “So Princess Celestia and Princess Luna decided to it’s time for them to retire so they named you as their successor?” Cadance asked if she got it down correctly from what Twilight is trying to tell her. “Yes, with only a few days to prepare to take over.” Twilight replied surprising the alicorn sisters outside who both feel suddenly guilty that she is feeling they are forcing this onto her much like when she forced it onto herself in the past. “It’s like they are completely sure that I’m ready to take over even though I really not. It’s like they completely trust with something that I forced myself into back when I was Midnight.” “I’m sure they didn’t mean to unload it all on to you like that.” Cadance tried to defend their actions. “They probably just thought you were ready to step up after defeating Midnight and stopping her invasion with the Storm King.” “And that’s just the problem.” Twilight still spoke her mind. “Ever since I reformed I’ve been trying hard to work my way back into every pony’s good graces, at first I thought I did so when I got Starlight to change her ways, at least until my past actions of trying to move on ending up creating the worst villain Equestria has ever seen who just nearly took over Equestria, and because ever since she manages to get exactly what she wants every time she shows up even if no pony knows it.” “But you eventually defeated her and stopped her from taking over.” Shining Armor brought up. “Yes I did, but I did it alone.” Twilight responded sharply. “And even knowing she is locked away she is still able to come back whenever she feels like it with who knows when she’ll strike again. She could even be planning her next move right now for all we know. All while learning that I’ll be stepping up to power that I forced myself into even when it’s clear I wasn’t really destined to do so at the time.” “So what are you saying?” Shining Armor asked wondering what she is thinking. “I’m saying that with everything that had happened since Midnight recently invaded with Tempest by her side in their pursuit to hunt me down, I’ve been thinking long and hard about what they said.” Twilight answered as everypony outside wonder the same question. “And I now think what if they are right about friendship. What if friendship truly has failed me? Maybe I truly am better off without friends like them.” She voiced her biggest doubts as the Mane Five felt their hearts sink upon hearing that. Unlike when she yelled out those similar words this time she really meant every word. Everypony was even more shocked and speechlessthan before. Even Tempest was looking remorseful and stunned after seeing what emotional damage she has just inflicted upon her during her captivity. At the same time, Midnight and King Sombra back at the lair are both watching the scene from her orb. “Even without realizing it you once again you prove to be correct!” Midnight spoke impressed with her intelligence before turning to Sombra. “Well done, King Sombra!” “You’re welcome, Princess Midnight!” Sombra nodded his head. “So is this why you really wanted me to go through all of that trouble?” “Yes it was.” Midnight replied as she pulled up the image of Twilight having her breakdown under the crystal couple's comfort. “By doing what you did you planted doubt.” “No question about that.” Sombra thought nothing of it as Twilight is just another tormented pony come and go. “Especially when our doubts are traitors that can make us lose the good we’d ought might win by fearing to attempt.” Midnight further emphasized to make her point. “Which would allow also her to succumb to darkness.” Sombra added as Midnight smirks seeing that he’s getting what Midnight is thinking and angling the alicorn princess's emotions. “Exactly!” Midnight confirmed as she turned to face him as her heart glows neon purple. “And now for the next part of my plan which I will need your help as soon as the girls head back to Ponyville.” “Whatever you have in mind, I’m in!” Sombra evilly smiled as he is ready to listen to whatever Midnight has in mind to further wrack Twilight's doubt. Back at the Crystal Castle, Twilight having stopped crying gets up and off of the bed and makes her way to the door ignoring her family’s surprised reactions to her words about friendship along with Flurry’s whimpering pleading her to stay. “Thank you for both for trying.” Twilight calmly told them as she makes her way outside. “I should let you both get back to running the Crystal Empire.” Twilight then makes her way outside while getting ahold of the other girls elements while ignoring the shocked reactions of her allies as she turns to Tempest. “Good to see you again, Commander Tempest.” Twilight nodded at the unicorn. “I hoping we can catch up and do something together when we meet again.” Before Tempest could try to say anything Twilight immediately teleported herself out of the Crystal Empire and to the Tree of Harmony where she placed the elements back before teleporting back to her room in Canterlot. Unbeknownst to her a black shadow with Sombra’s eyes and horn appeared over the tree as black smoke appeared over the tree as Sombra’s dark crystals appeared to destroy the tree along with the elements as King Sombra appears evilly laughing victoriously for managing to destroy the tree and the elements. At the same time Star Swirl who was currently venturing Equestria felt a disturbance as a part of him died inside as he gasped in pain as he immediately teleports away and to the tree just after Sombra had just left. After picked up the broken pieces of the elements he then immediately teleports away. Back at the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are both talking to both the princesses and Twilight’s friends of what Twilight had told her and how she feels about all of this. “Poor Twilight.” Fluttershy spoke feeling sad herself. “We didn’t mean to make her feel bad all over again.” “I know.” Rainbow Dash agreed as she face-hoofed herself. “When will we ever learn?” She groaned in realization that they repeated the same mistakes yet again. “From years of experience as a past villain like her it will definitely won’t just go away overnight.” Tempest voiced her thoughts as she places a hoof on her scar while thinking of Twilight’s scar while producing an image of her with her magic aura. “But considering how scarred she is right now it will take some time before the wounds heal.” She lamented with a regretful sigh as she regrets what she said and did to Twilight a month ago. "Although the scar will still remain." “Perhaps we were too quick to force this all onto Twilight, sister!” Princess Luna lamented in guilt seeing Twilight now down in the dumps. “Probably though we were forcing her into the position that reminded her of her past ambitions as Midnight Sparkle.” “Indeed sister.” Princess Celestia agreed. “We gotta go apologize to her.” At that moment Star Swirl appeared before they could even take a step forward. “Star Swirl?” Princess Celestia and Princess Luna exclaimed in surprise. ”What are you doing here?!” “The Tree of Harmony! It has been destroyed along with the elements!” Star Swirl seriously told the two sisters. “WHAT!” The girls all exclaimed in shock hearing this. “Yes, it had just happened.” Star Swirl somberly presented the broken elements with his magic to which the girls gasped in horror. “How did this happen?” Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief. “Twilight returned them to the tree.” “Well it didn’t stop some being of dark magic from appearing over the tree and destroying it.” Star Swirl theorized that a pony capable of dark magic committed the crime. “Sombra!” Everyone minus Star-Swirl said in realization knowing that only one other pony other than Midnight that has that kind of power to do that wickedly deed. “He must have followed Twilight without her realizing it.” Applejack correctly deduced. “So his defeat was planned.” Fluttershy added as she put the pieces together. “He wasn’t after the Crystal Empire. He was after the elements!” Pinkie also exclaimed upon realizing the truth of Sombra’s scheme. “It would seem so.” Star Swirl came to the conclusion as he turned to Celestia and Luna. “And with the elements gone we have no time to waste since the Everfree Forest is going to attack Ponyville and I’m going to need your help to keep it at bay!” “But what about Sombra?” Shining Armor brought up. “What are going to do about him?” “Well he knows better than to try to attack the Crystal Empire again…” Tempest spoke of her analysis. “So with you all you princesses are her he might be going after all of Equestria right now.” “Then that means all of our friends and families are in danger!” Rarity spoke in horror. “We left Canterlot defenseless…” Luna finished in realization. “He might be going after Twilight right now!” Starlight also came to the same realization. “We have to help her!” “You girls can help her and defend Equestria while we contain the Everfree Forest!” Princess Celestia immediately instructed the girls as she, Luna, and Star Swirl immediately teleport away to do so. “We’re coming with you!” Shining Armor immediately voiced his support. “Because I’m not to let another villain try to harm my little sister again.” “But Shining, the Crystal Empire.” Cadance immediately stopped her husband before he could take over. “We need somepony to watch over it in case he comes back.” “Already taken care of!” Sunburst immediately called out as she and Mistmane arrive on the scene as they both cast a protection shield spell with their magic together. “Mistmane!” Rarity smiled pleased to see her again. “Rarity!” Mistmane smiled in return equally pleased to see her likewise. “We got a protection spell already up and running in case he comes back.” Sunburst told the royal couple as he levitated the baby over to himself. “So while we protect the Crystal Empire and Flurry Heart you two can go and protect Twilight!” “I’m coming too!” Tempest immediately declared wanting in on this. “Since I’m part of the reason why Twilight’s lost her faith in friendship, helping restore it is the least I can do for her.” “Then me and Starlight will stay behind and watch over the Crystal Empire if you’re going.” Spike volunteered for the sake of satisfying both kingdoms. “But what about Twilight?” Starlight asked personally preferring to be with her along with Spike. “Without Tempest the Crystal Empire needs a pony as capable as her to watch over it and especially their brave and glorious leader who helped saved the Crystal Empire twice.” Spike firmly replied as he turned to Flurry Heart. “Plus Flurry is really eager to want to spend time with you.” Starlight turned her attention to said foal who flies up and hugs her and giving her a big smile and buttoned up eyes pleading for her to stay. “Awww.” Starlight couldn’t resist smiling. “All right! Let’s go be on the lookout for Sombra” She then instructed Spike as she, Mistmane, Sunburst, Flurry Heart all ran off to do so. “Then we have no time to waste!” Applejack told every pony as they huddled up for a group teleportation from both Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. “We’re coming Twilight!” She confidently said as all ten ponies all teleported away. Back at the Canterlot Castle, Twilight is in her room reading her books in preparation for ascending to the throne while feeling very stoic and depressed as she reads through her books as she comes across the friendship journal she and the girls wrote. She looks it at then frowns as she looks at her scar from her mirror before approaching the nearby fireplace ready to burn it until she notices Flash Sentry standing at the doorway. “You’re really thinking about doing it Twilight?” Flash Sentry asked if she is really serious about doing it. “Yes.” Twilight answered with a sigh as she turned to face him. “Because ever since I’ve been appointed as Celestia and Luna’s successor to take over in a few days I am finding myself feeling forced into the position and my friends are blowing my concerns to the sky again.” “But your friends do care for you.” Flash tried to assure her that’s not the case. “Even if they do say some they truly don’t mean deep down.” “But they don’t understand.” Twilight retorted unconvinced by that claim. “Friendship didn’t defeat Midnight when she invaded Canterlot. I did. Equestria has only been safe to my leadership alone and it was only when I came a realization was when Midnight was finally defeated. Point being friendship hasn’t come through for me when I really needed which was why I became Midnight in the first place.” “Come on, Princess Twilight.” Flash refused to give up on her as he approached her. “Remember when Midnight attacked the Crystal Empire, or when Queen Chrysalis captured your friends and family, when you traveled to Canterlot High twice, or when the Pony of Shadows came around. They all had one thing in common.” “What about them other than the villains all ended up defeated in the end?” Twilight wondered where he is going with this answered question. “They were defeated when the power of friendship was used on them when you worked with your friends.” Flash answered as he took control of the book and opened it up to those specific journal entries. “By working together under your leadership you proved that the power of friendship prevailed in the end and that’s why you were appointed the Princess of Friendship.” “But how can I be sure deep down friendship won’t fail me in the end.” Twilight still further voiced her doubts about friendship. “Because the mare I know and love deep down never gives up hope it prevails in the end.” Flash sweetly replied as they gaze into each other’s eyes as Twilight ends up smiling hearing those encouraging words. Before they could kiss each other one of the guard’s bursts into the room. “Princess Twilight! Sorry to interrupt!” The guard quickly spoke in his haste regretful over breaking up a tender moment. “But King Sombra has breached castle grounds and has mind-controlled every pony in Ponyville are all heading this way!” “Then it’s up to you and the other guards to stop them!” Twilight quickly ordered him who immediately saluted and ran off to do so while stopping Flash from following him. “Come on!” Twilight immediately instructed Flash to follow him. “But Twilight, the guards don’t stand a chance against Sombra alone.” Flash questioned her for making that order. “You really think they’ll be able to stop him?” “No, but they’ll buy us the time to prepare for his arrival.” Twilight answered to her boyfriend as they approach the throne room. “While we prepare for Sombra when he comes to us.” “That’s the spirit!” Flash smiled when she sees that Twilight has got her faith in friendship back. Outside of the Canterlot Castle, The Mane Five, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and Tempest all arrive where they are all greeted by every pony already under Sombra’s control. “Apple Bloom!” Applejack spoke in a disheartened tone seeing her little sister under Sombra’s control. “Sweetie Belle.” Rarity cried out seeing her little sister along with Apple Bloom on the castle balconies. “Aw, everypony's all evilly!” Pinkie said disheartened by the sight. “Sombra's gonna force us to fight our way through our friends?!” Fluttershy asked the others that this is what this is going to be. “Not if I can help it!” Rainbow Dash quickly charged ahead only to be immediately intercepted by the Wonderbolts who refuse to stand down in the face of one of own not under Sombra’s influence along with being nearly blasted by the nearby unicorns upon nearly being caught off-guard. “Okay, guess we need a different plan.” She then immediately flew back to the others. “One thing Midnight isn’t wrong about. Your immediate charge into battle without a plan.” Tempest stoically and deadpan quipped. “You’d be lucky to be able to charge and last three seconds in a fight against her.” “You got a better plan, Commander!” Rainbow retorted in defense taking offense to that comment. “Yes, since we have two major problems at the same time we’ll take care of hypnotized mob while you girls help Twilight defeat Sombra.” Tempest responded without batting an eyelash as she points to herself and the royal couple. “Tempest is right!” Shining Armor agreed. “I have years of fighting experience against these guards so I can take them.” He then charged head on as the ponies cross the opened drawbridge to castle and plowed his way through the guard ponies that tried to charge at him while a group of ponies that got by the unicorn charged at Tempest who quickly charges to and kicks a few rocks she picked up nearby right at their faces followed by a spin kick to knock them all off of the bridge and into the water “Oh, sorry about this, Fancy Pants!” Rarity apologized in her shriek as places a blind-fold on him causing him to drop the net he was going to use on the Mane Five while Applejack and Pinkie Pie quickly tie them up with the net. “We promise we'll let y'all out as soon as we can!” Applejack quickly apologized as they see Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy being pursued by the hypnotized peagsus guards in flight. “Ooh, will I go here? Or here? Or here, or there?!” Rainbow Dash repeating as she rapidly changes directions in zig-zag motions while Fluttershy is barely turning and dodging the guards pursing her. “Huh?” Fluttershy takes notice of Rainbow giving her a confident nod as they both fly towards each other before flying up to make the guards crash into each other to which Princess Cadance quickly stops them from crashing into the ground while placing them aside. “Gotcha!” Rainbow smirked after out-foxing the hypnotized guards while Tempest who is currently using her magic to blast away the oncoming ponies in front of her to nod and smile in respect for her as Princess Cadance tackles down a pony who tried to take advantage of her brief distraction before blasting him away with her magic. “You're all clear, girls!” Princess Cadance told the girls. “Now’s your chance! Go to Twilight!” Tempest ordered them to do so as the Mane Five all charge inside the castle. “But what about you three?” Fluttershy asked still very worried for them. “We got this!” Tempest assured them as she continues fighting off the army with her magic along with Cadance. “Go now!” Shining Armor barked at them to which the girls quickly did so as they all make their way inside. Inside the castle throne room, King Sombra arrives inside only to be greeted by Princess Twilight who is currently waiting for him along with Flash. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the Princess of Friendship with no friends. And no backup other than her cute little boyfriend.” Sombra chuckled in amusement. “This is certainly a surprise to see you have finally have the courage to step up to the role as ruler of Equestria. Alas a shame to see that you think that’s enough to stop me because you’re useless without the power of friendship now that the Elements of Harmony has been destroyed thanks to yours truly.” She further taunted the alicorn who simply glares at him. “How about we drop the trash talk and get straight down to fighting okay because I am not in the mood to hear you smugly gloat about how great you are.” Twilight simply responded with an annoyed look as she spreads her wings out and lights up her own horn ready to fight as Flash spreads his wings too. “Let’s!” The dark-magic fueled unicorn gladly agreed as he flared up his horn and attempted to blast Twilight with dark magic to which Twilight easily countered with a shield before sending a magical blast right back at him to which he easily dodged before getting quickly blasted in the face with another beam she sent right at him. Sombra growls in response as he tries to retaliate with another dark magic blast at Twilight to which she easily counters as Flash flies around constantly trying to throw Sombra's concentration off as she swiftly dodged his attacks. Inside the castle hallways, the Mane Five make their way through the castle as they come across Discord floating in the hallway biting into a pickle. “Oh, my. No Elements? No princesses? Seems like you're in a bit of a pickle!” Discord commented as he presented said pickle on his fork. “Or are you in...” He poofs up a jar of jam ”...more of a jam? Mmm!” He then dips his pickle into it and bites into the pickle again. “Discord! What are you doing here?!” Applejack demanded. “Well, I was going to hang these up all over the castle to celebrate your coronation, but apparently it's a bit premature.” Discord presented posters of Twilight wearing a crown. “Speaking of which where’s the princess that is represents the element of magic?” “Inside the castle facing off against King Sombra himself!” Rainbow Dash quickly answered. “We have to help her!” “You know…” Applejack got an idea. “We could really use some all-powerful Lord of Chaos help right now!” “Moi? Oh, I couldn't possibly.” Discord kindly refused as he walked off ahead. “Oh, poodles!” Pinkie exclaimed upon coming across three of the guards under Sombra’s control from the nearby hallway. “Discord, please!” Fluttershy pleaded him while buttoning up her eyes with a sweet smile. “Oh, fine.“ Discord relented unable to resist Fluttershy as he tosses aside the book and glasses. “Just to be clear, I was really rooting for you to do this on your own and parlay that confidence boost into being the best protectors of Equestria you can be.” “A little less talking and a little more helping?!“ Rainbow urgently told him as the guards approach them to which Discord effortlessly conquers up a spider web and a trapdoor along with three scoops of ice cream with a snap of his fingers. “Thank you, Discord!” Fluttershy happily told him. ”I don't know what we'd do without you!” Back inside the throne room, Twilight and King Sombra continue to deck it out with their magic while Flash continues looking for openings to attack from as King Sombra leaps from dark crystal he created underneath him to run around to try to nail Twilight as she flies up and counters his attacks with magic shields to defend herself even when he tries to throw quicker attacks at her. She then uses her magic to deliberately miss him to which he finally tries to fire a shot at Twilight only to fall to the ground with a blast right at him to knock him hard into the ground with Flash following with a punch from his hooves to stagger him to near-unconsciousness. Once King Sombra was subdued Twilight then used her magic to entrap him in a magic bubble impenetrable to his dark magic just as the Mane Five and Discord all arrived on the scene. “Well look at that it seems young Twilight has already got this all under control. So it looks my job is done.” Discord then happily said as he disappeared before reappearing. “Oh, here is the bill for my services.” He then presented said bill before disappearing. “Uh! He actually expects us to pay this for essentially doing nothing!” Rarity expressed her disbelief at the high price he is charging them for. “Well that’s Discord for you.” Rainbow replied with a knowing shrug as he expected something odd from the Lord of Chaos. Sombra having regained consciousness grunted and struggled to break free from his restraints as Twilight prepares to send him to Tartarus but the split second Twilight prepares her transportation spell King Sombra used his magic to break free and opening from his confines and then send magic right at Flash who took the hit leaving him paralyzed from the attack. “FLASH!” Twilight cried in horror as King Sombra evilly laughs and the others watched in shock seeing this. “Aww, so sad to see lover boy hurt like that.” Sombra mockingly taunted the grief-stricken alicorn as Twilight's hold on Sombra was immediately dropped upon seeing her gravely injured boyfriend. “Guess he should stayed in the Crystal Empire where belongs and away from you seeing he gave his life for you.” Twilight angered by this growls back at Sombra as her darker instincts kick in from pain and rage. “Face it princess, there is nothing you can do to stop me!” “Oh, yes there is!” Twilight roared back as she conquers up her most powerful blast of dark magic to fire at King Sombra who finds himself incinerated to ashes and dust from the very power of magic. Once King Sombra was defeated every pony under his control finds themselves free from his magic as all of the dark crystals created all disappeared in a flash with everything returning to normal and the Everfree Forest now vine-free. However the damage has been done as Twilight is still upset of what Sombra did to Flash as carries him over her shoulders as she quickly flies him over to the medic room. “Twilight!” Applejack called out to her to try to talk to her to no avail as she flies off in tears flying just by the three princesses, her brother, commander unicorn, and Star Swirl having just arrived inside the castle as the Mane Five all walk after her direction feeling very sorry for her. “What just happened?” Princess Celestia asked the group after seeing a sobbing Twilight with Flash in tow. “It would seem we came by just when Twilight again had the situation under control and at a bad time since King Sombra during a moment of distraction struck down her boyfriend.” Applejack lamented as she took off her hat and placed it to her chest. “What?” Cadance exclaimed in shock. “Oh, Twilight.” Cadance immediately felt even more sorry for her sister-in-law. “She probably now feels worse than before now because of that.” “And now she now blames us for him getting hurt.” Fluttershy sadly said with tears in her eyes. “But she didn’t say anything like that to us darling?” Rarity pointed out as she handed her a tissue for her friend to dry her eyes with. “Not yet.” Pinkie backed Fluttershy up just as sad as she looks like she is going to cry. “Not even an apology party can get her to forgive us.” “I’m sure she’ll come around after she cools off a little.” Tempest tried to assure her as she, Shining Armor, and the princesses walk off to go to Twilight. “At least as long she is sure that her boyfriend is okay.” Inside the castle infirmary a few doctors have placed Flash under intense care as they examine the wound and treat it’s injuries while Twilight trembling with loose tears watches from outside pleading he survives before pacing around the hallway just as the princesses, her brother, and friends arrive. Cadance and Shining Armor’s sibling instincts kick run up to her and hug her as Twilight buries her face into their chest's as Tempest watches on solemnly. “How is he?” Princess Luna asked. “So far they are still treating his injuries and is still alive but that’s all I know!” Twilight said in between sobs. “Why did this all have to happen to me?” She further cried as she buried her face into her brother and sister-in-law’s chests. “Twilight…” Princess Celestia tried to speak. “Please don’t.” Twilight interrupted as she faced the two sisters. “I know what you're going to say. I should have called on you as soon as I knew how dangerous it was. A good leader knows when to ask for help, and I didn't. And because of me, the Tree of Harmony was destroyed, and Flash is now in critical condition. Equestria deserves somepony much better than me as its leader.” She then lamented as she still looked aside in tears. “You're right.” Princess Celestia spoke up much to Twilight’s dismay. “About one thing.” She finished much to her surprise. “A good leader knows when to ask for help, but a great leader has the courage to admit when they've made a mistake and the strength to make it right. Today, you've proven to me beyond any doubt that you will be a great leader.” “Will be?” Twilight asked in surprise to hear it as she steps forward to her. “Luna and I after hearing what happened in the Crystal Empire have decided it may have been a bit unfair to thrust this upon you without giving you the time you need to prepare without feeling forced into it.” Celestia further explained. “And for that we are sorry for putting you through all of that.” She then added as Celestia hugged her student. “Thank goodness!” Twilight said in relief. “I really wasn't ready!” "Don't worry Twilight" Star Swirl assured. "Because no pony is meant handle everything on their own." "Star Swirl!" Twilight expressed her sudden surprise upon seeing her idol again. "The Tree of Harmony, it's—!" "I know." Star Swirl quickly replied while she was mid-sentence. "I alerted the princesses as soon as I could. I felt it when it happened. Like part of my essence just ceased to be." "I know what you mean. I'm sorry." Twilight remorsefully said. "I should have known what Sombra was planning." "Don't be." Star Swirl again assured her with a hoof on her chin. "And with the princesses help I've had more than enough magic in me to keep the Everfree Forest under control." "You actually did that?" Twilight asked in amazement. "The Pillars and I planted the Tree of Harmony. Who do you think kept the Forest under control before it did?" Star Swirl confirmed with a warm smile to which Twilight further grinned in amazement at her idol's accomplishments. Just seconds later, a doctor came outside of the room to which Twilight immediately took notice off. “How is he?” Twilight hopefully asked. “Still very sore, but he’ll live.” The doctor assured her to which Twilight sighed in relief hearing that. “Can I see him?” Twilight pleaded with a button-eyed tear filled smile. “Of course.” The doctor relented unable to tell her no. “Just be very careful not touch his tender areas, okay.” Twilight then immediately flew off ahead and rushed to the bed where Flash is resting to where Twilight immediately hugs him in relief to see alive. “Flash.” Twilight said in happy tears. “You’re okay.” “Twilight.” Flash returned the hug and briefly winced in pain. “I’m glad you’re okay.” “It’s over now, Sombra has been defeated, and everyone is now safe.” Twilight explained as she lets go of Flash while still sitting on top of his bed. “Good to hear.” Flash responded with a smile. “Hopefully me having your back there along with Midnight’s previous invasion will help you see that friendship will prevail in the end even during the toughest times.” “You really mean that don’t you?” Twilight asked him that he is really persisting her not to give up on friendship as they gaze into each other’s eyes and share another kiss together. “Of course he does.” Tempest spoke up to vouch for Flash Sentry as she walked up to them while clearing her throat. “Excuse me, for interrupting your love moment but I was hoping to offer some words of advice too.” “Like what?” Twilight wondered where she is going with this as she blushes in embarrassment seeing that the commander unicorn had just witnessed what was meant to be a personal and tender moment with her boyfriend. “Like what Flash said about not giving up on friendship.” Tempest answered to the alicorn’s surprise. “Until I met you, I too felt friendship failed me when I got my scar and broken horn, but after you saved me and showed how powerful friendship is, it made me realize how wrong especially after Midnight despite all of the praise she gave me for my efforts to serve her, did nothing to save me from that tornado that could have ended me there.” She said as she directs her attention to Twilight’s scar. “Even though it has its ups and downs you taught me that friendship always prevails in the end no matter what happens. And here I am telling you what you told me.” “About what I said about friendship?” Twilight getting the idea said in response. “Yes, Princess Twilight!” Tempest replied. “After all that’s why you are the Princess of Friendship in the first place.” At that moment Twilight spotted the Mane Five just outside of the door having watched the scene from outside. “Exactly sugarcube!” Applejack agreed. “And as your best friends we owe you an apology for blowing off your concerns to the sky.” She added as she removed her hat. “It was only after hearing what King Sombra subjected you to see did we realize we weren’t doing a good job of learning from our mistakes back at the wedding rehearsal and during the trip to Mount Aris.” “As your friends we should have taking your feelings into consideration.” Fluttershy added with regret in her voice. “And we’re really sorry we didn’t take the time to do so.” “Us too darling?” Rarity apologized. “And I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us.” She pleaded for her forgiveness as Twilight ponders for a moment while looking at every pony. “Of course.” Twilight said with a smile as the Mane Five all pull her from the bed for a group hug. “Yay! Group hug!” Pinkie exclaimed in happiness. “Also, truth be told, Celestia and I had fun today fighting side-by-side with Star Swirl for our home.” Princess Luna spoke up with a smile. “It's been years since we've gotten to do what you girls do. You all make it look so easy.” “Well, we are kind of an awesome team.” Rainbow bragged a little. “Every adventure is heart-pounding, but so rewarding.” Fluttershy sweetly added. “I'm up for anything, as long as it's with all of you!” Pinkie happily vowed earning a giggle from Rarity. “Life certainly hasn't been dull since we met.“ Rarity positively recalled. “Nowhere else I'd rather be.” Applejack agreed. “We are pretty incredible together even when I find myself handling these major villains on my own.” Twilight didn’t even deny how well they work together. “And we would do anything for Equestria. I guess I know, when the time comes, as long as we're together, we definitely got this.” She confidently vowed as the girls hugged each other to which Tempest provided a warm smile at the sight at as Discord secretly watches the scene from the nearby window outside with a narrowed eyed expression before disappearing. "Speaking of friends I wonder how Grubber been doing back at the Crystal Empire in my absence?" Tempest couldn't help wonder to herself what he is doing right now. "My guess knowing Spike is they are probably helping themselves to everything in the kitchen again." Twilight giggled at the thought. "It's just amazing how much alike we are." Tempest couldn't help but note with a small smile. "The first friends we really had before being introduced to friendship." "Couldn't have said better myself, Tempest." Twilight agreed with her new friend. "Which means we'll have to stop at a nearby market to restock and replace the food they have already eaten." Shining Armor then groaned in annoyance. "Aw, come on, Shining." Cadance insisted otherwise. "How bad can it be?" She wondered as both Twilight and Tempest chuckled in amusement. "What?" She asked looking somewhat confused trying to understand what they both find funny about it. "I'm afraid the answer is pretty bad considering their appetites for food alone." Twilight giggled while having to break it to her sister-in-law as everyone laughed knowing both Spike and Grubber so well. And sure enough the two big eaters are both currently lying down on the kitchen floor with their bloated bellies full of food. "Wow!" Grubber said with a belch. "I can't believ we atet all that foodt." Grubber remarked in amazement of seeing the mess we made. "I know right!" Spike couldn't agree more as he lifted himself up. "Now we gotta go replace all of the food we ate before Shining Armor and Cadance come back." "You go ahead." Grubber replied as he still laid on his back. "I gotta reth from all of that footh." "Come on!" Spike forced Grubber to come with him by carrying him onto his back as they pressed forward to get more food. "At least we don't have to worry about the food being eaten on the way home." He told him that he is having none of his laziness as he forcibly drags him along. Back at the lair Grogar and Midnight both arrived to meet up with Tirek, Chrysalis, Nightmare Moon, and Daybreaker. “Let us hope the four of you will be enough for our plans.” Grogar told them as he and Midnight walked over to them. “And what of King Sombra?” Chrysalis asked whether or not he was successful. “Did he succeed?” Tirek also asked with clarification. “Hah!” Grogar scoffed as he showed them Twilight vanishing Sombra with the most powerful blast of dark magic against him. “I'd say he gambled and lost! But at least he can serve as a warning to those who doubt continuing with my plans. Unless any of you have doubts.” “Uh, not I.” Tirek nervously replied in response to this intimidation. “Nope!” Chrysalis replied in the same tone as Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon simply shake their heads “no” with no fear in their eyes. “Then we shall join forces and work together to bring Equestria to its knees!” Grogar proclaimed as he and Midnight evilly laugh together as the other villains join in although Chrysalis and Tirek intimidated by Grogar are more nervous in their laughter. As soon as Grogar then leaves, Midnight turns to the others with a raised hoof. “Wait here!” Midnight told them as she secretly followed Grogar with his knowledge as he makes his way to the exit. Once he was sure the coast was clear he left in a flash as Midnight secretly witnesses his transformation and leave before making her way back to the others. “All right now that he's gone...” Midnight told the others as she began. “We shall all join forces together along with pursing what we really want…” Midnight encouraged the others she turned to face each and every one of them. “Your changeling kingdom…” She said to Chrysalis who smiled at the thought. “Your homelands…” He said to Tirek with the same smile. “And revenge against Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” She turned to both Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon who evilly smile as well at the thought of taking down their benevolent counterparts. “And with that we will rule Equestria!” Daybreaker proclaimed as Nightmare and Midnight give her stern looks. “Under your leadership of course, right Midnight.” “Of course, Daybreaker.” Midnight replied with a dark smile. “And the same goes for you two, Nightmare.” She told the pleased dark alicorn. “You both can rule by my side once we succeeded in taking over as long as you both follow my lead. And that goes for the same for all of you.” She told the others as she made her way up the nearby stairs to address everyone from above. “I know the best way to go on about this and as long as you all stick with me you’ll find my leadership very promising and rewarding. So are you all with me?” “I’m in.” Chrysalis vowed her support. “Me too.” Tirek agreed. “Count us in!” Nightmare Moon also agreed. “Excellent!” Midnight said very pleased to hear what she is hearing. “In the meantime, you all make yourselves at home we’ll we lay low for the time being.” Midnight then flies off to her room after the other villains all make their way to their own quarters in separate levels through the lair. Once Midnight makes her way to her own room and made sure she was alone. She then performs the same spell from earlier to bring Sombra back from the dead with the exact same spell she used to resurrect him. “Mission accomplished.” Sombra reported as he dusted himself off. “Though I do question having me die all over again after going through all of that trouble to get my flank handed to me.” “Well had you tried to do it on your own, you would have suffered defeat anyways.” Midnight explained to Sombra as she replays his fight with Twilight. “By doing what you did you goaded Twilight into giving into her inner darkness, which means that at this rate with her faith in friendship further shattered she will be reminded of why she became evil in the first place and eventually sink onto the same dark path she had once fallen onto before and eventually the perfect princess and destiny I have set in stone for her.” “True.” Sombra acknowledged and understood why he went through with all of that with a nod. “I just find dying over and over again really painful and exhausting.” He once more repeated his displeasure over that experience. “Well at least I had a plan to resurrect you otherwise I wouldn’t have asked you to do all this.” Midnight assured him she values his life and usefulness. “Plus I also believe in giving ponies their dues when earned such getting you inside of the castle before Princess Cadance along with providing you the magic to avoid being forced outside of the force field.” She said as she presented an image of the Crystal Empire. “And once we take care of our enemies once and for all, you can have the Crystal Empire as your ultimate reward for your services.” Sombra smiled as he is warming up to Midnight’s leadership. “And with the way you managed to get Twilight to give into her darkness with the way you shot down her crush like that I’ll definitely need you once we reach my endgame plan.” “Count me in!” Sombra evilly smiled as she and Midnight evilly laugh together as the latter’s heart glowed neon purple as she pulls up her orb having six various creatures, a young dragon, a young yak, a young griffon, a young hippogriff, a young changeling, and a young pony from across Equestria feeling a great disturbance after waking up all at the same time.