Chapter 56:
Frenemies
Throughout the following months since the School of Friendship has opened Midnight has been secretly taking her followers out to the forest nearby for training exercises to further improve their powers and abilities in order to prepare for her next big plan at the end of the semester.
So far King Sombra has been showing great improvement in his abilities in addition so has Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek even if the latter two showed signs of early rust from the former’s sanity slippage and the latter having just got his energy and strength back. Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon both managed to show impressive skill being able to take multiple targets and trees at once like it was nothing to them.
Overall, their fighting abilities have all improved ever since they have been brought together after being brought together with some being resurrected in Sombra, Daybreaker, and Nightmare Moon’s case. But one thing that hasn’t improved us their ability to work together as evidenced through the many times they have tried to train alongside with each other is working together.
Throughout the many sparing sessions Midnight has hosted while none of them could defeat her no matter how much of a fight they each put on against her, when it comes a sparring session between them they usually are evenly-matched but it is usually spent trashing the nearby forest trying to kill each other to which usually requires Midnight herself to break them up since Grogar isn’t usually around to supervise them all the time to avoid drawing unwanted attention to their hideout along with Sombra usually backing up from these reoccurring fights since these fights usually occur between the other four villains.
For Midnight herself, it is really starting to get on her nerves that they are all almost forgetting their one sole goal, fighting their actual enemies. And now she needs to find a way to get them to put aside their differences if they want to work together. She thought to herself of how she was going to do it until the idea struck her in the head.
One day, Midnight meets up with Grogar who is currently looking at his crystal orb which shows an image of an ancient bell.
“How’s the training going?” The grumpy ram inquired.
“Going fine, expect for the fact they try to kill each other every time they face off in a sparring match.” Midnight told him while masking her irritation at the thought of their infighting.
“And do you have any suggestions of how you’re going to get them to come to some kind of accord?” Grogar asked expecting a solution from her.
“I have one idea that involves this particular bell you’re eying at…” Midnight suggested as she looked at the bell on his orb. “But before we try that idea there’s one more idea I’d like to try out.”
“And that would be?” Grogar wondered what she is proposing.
“A little team meeting just in-between them so they can work out their differences.” Midnight proposed. “And if it doesn’t work I figured getting that bell will serve as Plan B.”
“And are you sure you can manage this?” Grogar eyed Midnight suspiciously as if he doesn't trust her.
“Of course.” Midnight nodded as Grogar’s eye’s still refuse to change towards Midnight until someone clears her throat to get their attention.
“Hello...” Daybreaker greeted. “…Just thought you might like to know Tirek left food out. Again.”
“I'll deal with it when I'm done.” Grogar irritably replied.
“Don't trust anything that nosy alicorn says!” Tirek immediately appeared with crossed arms with a crossed expression to match.
“I don't trust anything any of you say.” Grogar replied just as cross much to Tirek’s disgruntled dismay as he walks off as Chrysalis appears with a hoof over Grogar's orb.
“Are you planning on attacking anypony anytime soon? If not, I don't know why I'm wasting my time here. I am a queen, you know?” Chrysalis complained before flying off to which Grogar snorted in response before he and Midnight walked over to the room where the others minus Sombra are seated in chairs per Midnight’s earlier request.
“I'm leaving, since it's impossible to accomplish the work I need to do here. I suggest the three of you come to some kind of accord.” Grogar told the others as he enters the room they are in as the four villains all argue in protest only to be silenced with magic taping their mouths shut.
“I don't care how, but you must learn to work together!” Grogar coldly told them as he slammed his hoof onto the table. “Only then can we accomplish what you so greatly desire – the defeat of Twilight Sparkle and her friends!” He then said before leaving and cancelling his spell over them.
Once Midnight personally makes sure Grogar has left he then calls out to a voice in the hallway.
“Grogar’s gone!” Midnight called out to the unicorn king as he emerged from his room.
“I honestly can’t believe we have to kiss up to that old goat?!” Daybreaker angrily spoke.
“Keep in mind that you really aren’t when you all answer to me.” Midnight reminded her as she turned to everyone. “But he isn’t wrong that you all need to learn to work together in order for all of us to achieve what we what.”
“I don’t have to sit in and put up with all of this!” Chrysalis defiantly said with crossed arms and her back turned.
“Not even for a tray of cupcakes?” Midnight stoically offered a tray of cupcakes onto the table to which Chrysalis groaned as she helped herself to one of the treats. “And furthermore, if you want your changeling kingdom you and everyone else are going to have to do things my way unless you all want to be sent back to Tartarus.” She further warned them. “So like him, this is what I want you all to do, is that clear?” Everyone all nodded in agreement after sighing in defeat. “Good! Now first order of business for this meeting is that in order to work together to defeat our enemies. Which means we need to trust each other.”
“If we are to trust one another, perhaps inform Lord Tirek to stop trying to absorb my essence!” Chrysalis spoke while yelling at Tirek who is doing just that who immediately stops and spits his fiery magic he had just used onto one of the cupcakes.
“I wasn't doing anything of the sort! How dare you!” Tirek immediately denied as he put the cupcake down and pointed a finger in Chrysalis’s face in defense before crossing his arms as Nightmare Moon eyeing that cupcake picks it up with her magic before eating it in one bite.
“Seriously?!” Daybreaker said in disgust as Chrysalis and Tirek could not believe that she actually did that.
“What?” Nightmare Moon thought nothing of it as Midnight and Sombra show no reaction to it. “It’s actually pretty good.”
“How dare I?!” Chrysalis said in anger when she is rightfully accusing him. “Do you know to whom you are speaking?”
“How could I not? You talk to yourself every five minutes.” Tirek retorted as he and Chrysalis glared at each other as Nightmare Moon gets an idea as she sings to a tune as an purple spotlight shines on her.
“I think I know a way that we can grow
Time to try something new, something better
No more solo, trust is the way to go
And all we need to do is work together.”
Nightmare Moon sang as she tossed aside the cupcakes and placed Tirek’s hand and Chrysalis hoof onto the table to urge them to try to do so.
“Ah, please!
No thanks, no way, I feel the need to say
I'm smarter, stronger, and I don't need you five.”
Tirek sang as he backed away with his arms up as he pointed to his brain, flexed his muscles, then pointed to the others minus Midnight as an orange spotlight shined on himself.
“Ha! Stronger? Okay, I guess we'll downplay
How bad you got your rear end handed to you.”
Chrysalis sang as a green spotlight shined on her and she then levitated the large centaur while turning him around with his rear end facing Chrysalis.
“It's time to try a better way to be bad.” Nightmare Moon further encouraged them to get along as they both groan in annoyance again.
“Do we really need a better way to be bad?“
Chrysalis and Tirek sang in annoyance.
“United as one.”
Nightmare Moon sang as she flew up in the air as Midnight and Sombra watch on with bored looks seeing this song is going nowhere with their meeting.
“Teamwork? Please, what a fad.”
Chrysalis sang while dismissing the concept of teamwork.
“Combine all our strength, we'll go to any length
Once we have a better way to be bad
Let's go begin, this time we're gonna win.”
Nightmare Moon sang as she placed a blindfold on Chrysalis twirled her around and pushed her off of the cliff as Tirek ends up moving aside causing Chrysalis to hit the ground instead.
“The ice you're on is thin, so watch what you say.”
Chrysalis sang as she threatened Nightmare Moon as Tirek finds himself pushed down the stairs while wearing a blind fold as both Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker both watch from the bottom of the stairs.
“I know you're in, I think I see a grin.”
Daybreaker sang as she stepped aside when Tirek fell in front of her.
“For all this pain and torture, I swear you'll pay.”
Tirek sang as she glared the flaming alicorn.
“This time, we've got a better way to be bad.”
Daybreaker sang as she, Chrysalis, and Tire walked on a tight rope before Daybreaker deliberately tipped the scales to send them falling down to the pool of water below them.
“Sounds like a long shot, this "better way" to be bad.”
Both Tirek and Chrysalis sang as they grumbled in disgust at the idea.
“United as one, we'll make those ponies so sad.”
Daybreaker sang as she held up a Twilight doll as she burned it to flames.
“If we say "okay", would you just go away?”
Tirek sang as he scratched the top of his head in annoyance.
“Once we have a better way to be bad
We want to break their friendship.”
“We want to make them weak.”
Both Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon sang together as they hold dolls of the rest of the Mane Six along with Starlight.
“You want revenge on Starlight.”
Nightmare Moon sang as she handed Chrysalis the Starlight doll to which she ripped in half with her magic.
“You want that huge physique.”
Daybreaker sang as she pushed over a mirror so Tirek can see his own reflection as he flexes his muscles so hard he cracks the mirror and the mirror frame.
“So let's increase our chances
By working as a team
To crush our enemies to dust
And laugh as they all scream!”
Both Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon sang in unison as all four join hooves and hands together before all share an evil laugh together.
“I think I see a better way to be bad.”
Tirek sang as she punched the stuffing out of the Rainbow Dash doll.
“Just put me in charge, make me queen, you'll be glad.”
Chrysalis sang as she placed a crown over her head.
“No! Listen to me, I'm the best of us three”
Daybreaker sang as she confiscated the crown as she flew up in the air.
“Then you'll see a better way to be bad.”
All four sang together as they spun around in a group circle.
“Wait!
This is my thing, a better way to be bad.”
Nightmare Moon sang in argument as she confiscated the crown from Daybreaker as the two glare at each other.
“You shall do as I command, I will rule this triad!”
Chrysalis took over the song as she forced Tirek into submission.
“Hey! This is our song!”
Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon both argued in song.
“Sorry, not any longer!”
Tirek and Chrysalis both gloated in the two alicorn’s faces.
“A better way to be bad.”
All four sang together as they all dog piled each other.
“Now you're making me mad.”
Daybreaker sang as she burned in flames to force the others off of her.
“Won't the ponies be sad?”
Tirek sang in sadistic glee.
“That would make me so glad”
Chrysalis sang in agreement.
“Now we've got a better way to be baaaaaad!”
All four sang together as their song came to a conclusion.
“Ugh.” King Sombra groaned in annoyance. “Finally! I thought they would never stop singing.”
“Couldn’t agree more Sombra.” Midnight agreed as she sat cross legged on her chair while looking at her orb with stoic disinterest. “And in three, two, one…”
“Hey! You stepped on my cue!” Nightmare Moon angrily accused Chrysalis as she gets up in the latter’s face as Daybreaker gets up in Tirek’s face.
“Well, I did not! You stepped on our cue!” Chrysalis denied just as angry.
“Ah, your rhythm was way off!” Tirek shouted in Daybreaker’s face she singed his finger in response.
“Oh, you think you're so cool just 'cause you're a queen!” Nightmare Moon snapped at Chrysalis as Midnight has Sombra disappear to alert him Grogar is coming back inside as the latter is clearly reached his tolerance with their in-fighting.
“Enough!” Grogar shouted to shut them up. “I had hoped by now you would've resolved your differences, but apparently not.”
“Perhaps if we knew what the plan was, we would be better able to prepare!” Chrysalis argued back.
“Assuming you even have a plan.” Tirek added in agreement with the changeling.
“Of course I have a plan!” Grogar replied in response. “I have located an object of power, and it occurs to me and Midnight that this is the perfect test. The four of you will work together to retrieve it.” The four irritably nudged each other for getting too close in each other’s personal space. “Against this item, those ponies won't stand a chance.”
“I have come close to ruling Equestria several times. Perhaps I should be the one to lead us.“ Chrysalis arrogantly stepped forward to boast as Nightmare Moon pushed the changeling aside.
“I nearly came close to defeating Princess Celestia along with Twilight and her friends to nearly bring out eternal night! That was good!” Nightmare Moon boasted as Tirek pushed the dark alicorn aside.
“I absorbed all the magic of Equestria! I could feel it flowing through my body as I grew!” Tirek boasted as he flexed his muscles.
All four all continued arguing which really infuriated Grogar to his last nerves as he uses his magic to pin them all to the way to shut them all up.
“Each of you failed to defeat Twilight Sparkle and her friends!” Grogar shut them all down. “My power is greater than all of yours combined. This is but a fraction of it! Understood?!” He threatened them as they all struggled under their restraints before relenting in agreement to get Grogar to release his magic hold on them.
“Now you shall retrieve the rest of it.” Grogar instructed them as his magic formed a flashback of Equestria hills at night. “Thousands of moons ago, the self-righteous Gusty the Great, unable to best me face-to-face stole my Bewitching Bell. A talisman containing much of my own magic.” He narrated as said pony snatched his bell. “The Bell cannot be destroyed, so Gusty hid it in a place it has taken me millennia to discover – an enchanted cave high atop Mt. Everhoof, protected by magical winds that prevent anypony from reaching its peak.” He narrated as he showed an image of Gusty placing the bell in said area. “There, the Bell has remained until now.” He concluded his narration as he gave them his orders. ”Scale Mt. Everhoof. Bring me back my Bell.”
“The ease of this task is laughable.” Chrysalis laughed it off as Midnight still doesn’t change her stoic expression knowing full well of what challenge they’ll be facing.
“Well it looked easy.” Chrysalis stood corrected as they all eyed said mountain while both Midnight and Sombra watch from her orb so they can watch and see the former’s plan in motion.
“Well, I’m afraid you’re wrong about that Chrysalis.” Midnight commented as she conjured up popcorn for herself and Sombra to enjoy as they both watch the show knowing they won’t be able to do it on their own.
“And you really think this will teach them about teamwork?” Sombra questioned.
“Of course not, but the others needs some motivation to understand its importance in order to be able together more.” Midnight replied as she munched into her popcorn.
“But what about when they do fail?” Sombra asked.
“That’s where I will step in to give them the motivation they need.” Midnight answered as Sombra ate some popcorn. “And since you are already understand it, you don’t have to partake in this team building exercise.”
“All right then.” Sombra agreed without further questioning. “I will trust your judgement here. And it might be fun to watch the show here.”
They watched as Chrysalis and Daybreaker both being very competitive try to race each other to the mountain while Tirek and Nightmare Moon realizing that none of them can do this mission alone decide to both set up camp.
Daybreaker and Chrysalis both tried to fly over there with the fiery alicorn the only one of the two successfully since she had stronger wings forcing Chrysalis to make her way on foot.
Chrysalis made her way through the woods where she was being stalked by many pairs of eyes before deciding to scare them all with a hissing glare.
“As if anything on this mountain as is scary as I.” Chrysalis smugly laughed as she made her way forward with Midnight rolling her eyes unimpressed as Sombra casually takes a sip from his drink.
She then made her way to an ice pond where after nearly slipping and sliding on ice transforms into a huge cragadile to swim her way across before transforming into a mountain goat to make it the top.
“Almost there.” Chrysalis said with confidence as she continues forward after changing back into her original appearance before finally making her way just opposite of the mountain. “Apparently I don’t need anypony else.” She then said as she transformed into a mountain eagle to fly her way over there. But unfortunately for her skills and abilities weren’t enough to allow her to grab ahold of the cliff so she could continue forth and finds herself blown back to where she started flying leaving the defeated changeling groaning in defeat.
Meanwhile, Daybreaker made her way to where the bell is before finding her blocked off force field which forced her back to the edge of the cliff. She then got up and placed a hoof on the force field again only to get stung again by the repelling magic. Even when she uses her fiery magic to try to force an opening the extreme cold and strong winds were too much to keep her flames going before her magic gave way and sent her crashing back into the forest leaving her shivering in defeat leaving both Nightmare and Tirek laughing at her humiliation.
“It's not funny, Tirek!” Daybreaker angrily snarled as she flamed up again once she was able to warm herself up again.
“Didn't make it to the top? Surprise, surprise.” Tirek still laughed her off.
“You didn't make it to the top either.” Daybreaker pointed out to the centaur.
“I didn't try to.” Tirek calmly replied.
“What?!” Daybreaker exclaimed in anger.
“It took about five minutes to deduce that Grogar was right. None of us could make it up alone.” Tirek explained as he sat back on the chair he created. “So, rather than subject myself to the elements, I decided to let you two face the danger, take what you learned, and use it to my advantage.”
“I put up with your "I'm smarter than you" attitude ever since we teamed up but now I’m over it!” Daybreaker still fuming as Nightmare Moon calmly watches them let it all out again.
“I'd had enough of your fiery attitude whenever things don’t go your way claiming to be more fitting ruler than Princess Celestia. At least now we can see the real you.” Tirek fired back as Daybreaker glares at the centaur just about ready to lose it.
“Of course I am a more worthy ruler than Celestia!” Daybreaker roared back as flames burst in the air from her mane. “I am more attractive, beautiful, and more powerful than her!”
“No, you're not.” Tirek scoffed it off. “You're annoying, and you burn every bed you sleep on!”
“Well at least I don't talk to my Gram-Gram in my sleep.” Daybreaker retorted after cooling down a little from her brewing anger with a knowing smirk.
“Don't you dare bring Gram-Gram into this!” Tirek took offense to tha as an Ophiotaurus appears right before their eyes and roars at them.
“This is your fault!” Tirek and Daybreaker both blamed each other as the Ophiotaurus approaches them as Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon immediately spread their wings as they both send a combined magic blast to force it causing it to be thrown back into multiple trees. The Ophioturus then got back on his tail as he approached the two alicorns ready for a fight only for another Ophioturus, a female one to show up and charm her with her attractive looks.
Daybreaker, Nightmare Moon, and Tirek all eye this particular lady Ophioturus as the other approaches her with love-stricken eyes before transforming back into Chrysalis as she sucks out the love from him leaving him drained and defeated as he collapses onto the ground.
“Mmmm... So much love. I haven't eaten this well in ages.” Chrysalis felt very satisfied as the others look very disturbed by what she had just did. “Just so we're clear, I didn't save you because I like you. I did it because... because I...” She told them and hesitated to say what is needed.
“Need us?” Nightmare Moon finished with a knowing smirk.
“Yes.” Chrysalis admitted with gritted teeth.
“Clearly I was right to wait.” Tirek proudly stated. “Now tell us everything you learned today. Leave nothing out.”
“And now comes my part.” Midnight stated as she teleported away leaving Sombra to watch over the scene as he relaxed in his chair.
When Midnight teleports to their campsite she finds that the Opohioturus has already been cocooned by Chrysalis as the others are sitting by the campfire enjoying marshmallows together.
“Why are you doing that? Didn't you already drain it of love?” Daybreaker asked in confusion as she climbs around the cocoon.
“I always save a little for the next day.” Chrysalis replied as she took her seat next to her who had multiple marshmallows roasting from her flaming mane and tail.
“So you cocoon all of your... meals?” Daybreaker questioned with a raised eyebrow as she hands her a branch of roasted marshmallows.
“Of course.” She simply replied.
“So when you pony-napped Twilight and the others, you cocooned them.” Daybreaker also asked.
“Yes, well expect for Twilight herself who somehow managed to escape my grasp who with the help of that sow Starlight Glimmer freed them, corrupted my subjects, and stole my hive!” Chrysalis then angrily recalled at the memory.
“Those ponies have weaknesses. I used that turncoat Discord. Tricked him into helping me capture his so-called "friends".” Tirek recalled without any remorse.
“Discord was really something until friendship ruined him.” Chrysalis remarked with disappointment. “And apparently the same goes to Twilight herself when she used to be one of us.”
“I know.” Tirek said in agreement. “You should've seen Twilight's face when I blew up her library. She ended up beating me down and sending me to Tartarus powerless.”
“When I posed as her former foal-sitter, I thought she was going to implode!” Chrysalis chuckled at the thought of her.
“You should have seen her face when I destroyed the elements the first day she set foot in Ponyville. She looked very devastated.” Nightmare also sinisterly recalled.
“You know this was before she turned to evil right?” Tirek questioned her and brought up certain facts of the matter.
“True.” Nightmare nodded in agreement. “But still at least I came close to defeating her on my own compared to the rest of you well expect for Daybreaker of course.” She further added while quickly turning to Daybreaker who was giving her a glanced eyebrow in response. “Who wouldn't love to see those prissy ponies realize they lost everything?”
Queen Chrysalis getting an idea transforms into Twilight to mock her.
“I'm a pathetic pony princess! I made a detailed list of all the ways I'm a failure!” Chrysalis said while portraying Twilight as over the top in failure mode to which Tirek found funny expect for Midnight who watches with an annoyed expression as she appears to reveal herself to them.
“So I take it you are finally learning to work together or playing mock princess behind my back?” Midnight questioned them who all reacted in surprise to see her.
“Midnight!” Chrysalis exclaimed in shock to see her as she transformed back into her normal appearance. “What are you doing here?!”
“Checking up on all of you.” Midnight calmly replied. “After seeing you all try to conquer the mission on your own and failing miserably.” She added as she approached Chrysalis. “Also for the record, Twilight has a track record for success, so try to put more effort in improving your Twilight impersonation.” Chrysalis slumped in embarrassment as Midnight dresses her down before the latter turns to the others. “And you know, by working together you all can accomplish much more than what you are capable of on your own.”
“And how do we know you’re not going to betray and kill us like you did to most of the Storm King’s army?” Chrysalis rightfully asked. "Compared to us you two also failed to defeat Twilight and take over Equestria and yet Grogar didn't punish you."
“That's because unlike with the Storm King and his goons ambitions came into conflict along with some members showing some hesitation in following me with my plans and because I know you all are truly deserving of being rewarded with what you desire and I make good on my promises which I never would have done if you all gave into the ways of friendship.” Midnight replied. “Also given I have the power to send you all back to where you came should I could to see that you all have no interest in following my lead, you all wouldn’t be here now, would you?”
“True.” Tirek conceded in defeat.
“Though in all fairness, Twilight and all of Equestria got very lucky at the last second when Twilight alone managed to catch me off-guard and even with the failed takeover I managed to take out the competition along with using this attempted invasion as a learning experience in dealing with her allies next time around." Midnight then explained to them. "Also I do owe it to Twilight for creating me which led to all of my accomplishments since then.” Midnight also brought up.
“Why is that?” Tirek wondered.
“And exactly how were you created.” Chrysalis also asked in the same curious tone.
“Considering I am created off of Twilight’s personality and appearance and it wasn’t too long ago when it happened, Twilight is still a part of my life who just needs my guidance for my vision for Equestria’s future. The same vision she had back when she was Midnight Sparkle and when I was Twilight Sparkle.” Midnight explained as she formed an aura with her magic to show a flashback of Twilight when she was a unicorn deep down in reading her books.
“When I was Twilight Sparkle
I spent most of my time buried deep down in my books.
So when I was tasked by the princess to travel to Ponyville
I had no interest in making new friends.”
Midnight sang as she showed the flashback of Twilight learning and reporting to Princess Celestia about her findings of Nightmare Moon’s return before finding herself riding on a chariot to Ponyville.
“The princess said I needed to spend less time with my books
And more time with making new friends
With the power of friendship by my side
We could change the world for the better.”
Midnight sang as she showed flashbacks of Twilight making friends with the Mane Five before together defeating Nightmare Moon with the Elements of Harmony.
“Even though we had our ups and downs
We remained true friends through and through.”
Midnight sang as she showed Twilight’s bonding and falling out moments with the Mane Five.
“But then came the day
Where Princess Mi Amora Cadenza
Was destined to get married
And met an enemy I didn’t see...”
Midnight sang as she showed the castle’s preparation for the wedding with Chrysalis sending Twilight underground to which Chrysalis smirked with sadistic glee upon recalling the memory.
“That's how I was born
When I was Twilight Sparkle.”
Midnight sang as she showed the memory of Twilight confronting Chrysalis at the wedding rehearsal.
“The changeling attempted to take over
By posing as my foalsitter
But I saw through her disguise and unfooled
I exposed and ran her out of the room.”
Midnight sang as she showed the memory of Twilight doing to so to Chrysalis with her crocodile tears to fool everyone else.
“I expected to be thanked fair and well
For stopping that treacherous thing
But Shining Armor instead berated and disowned me
And banned me from the wedding all together
Even my friends and mentor walked out on me like I deserved it.”
Midnight sang as she showed the memory of Shining Armor telling her off with her friends and mentor coldly walking out on her like she deserved it causing her to be reduced to tears.
“And it was there I knew friendship had truly failed me.
That's when I became Midnight
When I was Twilight Sparkle.”
Midnight sang as she showed flashbacks of Twilight’s bitterness growing inside of her as she solely focuses on stopping Queen Chrysalis and then tells off her friends in return before running off in anger.
“After months of carefully plotting my vengeance
I finally succeeded in taking over Equestria
And once my plan succeeded
Celestia was princess no more.”
Midnight sang as she showed flashbacks of Twilight engineering the train explosion, being blasted by King Sombra during their first fight back at the Crystal Empire during Twilight's beginning steps as Midnight, the second staged changeling invasion at the second wedding, along with her duel with her friends and family at the snowing Equestrian Games after shattering the Crystal Heart, along with Twilight’s fight with Tirek, to Midnight being resurrected when the Crystal Heart was shattered again, before showing her most recent memory of Twilight facing off against Midnight.
“If it weren’t for Tirek and later Twilight
I'd have ruled Equestria to this day.”
She sang as she showed the flashback of Twilight mustering all of her strength to defeat her and lock her away in Tartarus.
“But now, it is time
For Celestia and Twilight to pay.”
She sang as she canceled her flashback aura from her magic as the others watch and admire her accomplishments and singing talents.
“That's why I still am scarred
From when I was Twilight Sparkle
Oh-oh
That's why I still am Midnight
And why I'll conquer Equestria!”
She finished singing as everyone applauds her performance to where King Sombra who was watching couldn't resist applauding in secret while impressed even though he is not a singer like them.
“So thanks the wonders of failing friendship that’s how it happened.” Chrysalis remarked sounding impressed that she paved way for a unbeatable foe to surface on the horizon.
“Oh yes.” Midnight answered. “So you see of how much working together against our common enemy will help us better to work together under my lead we’ll be unstoppable when the time comes.”
“Well, I suppose we could give it a try…” Tirek willingly agreed to Midnight’s proposal.
“Perhaps... as long as it results in the complete destruction of our enemies.” Chrysalis also agreed.
“About time you two came to your senses.” Nightmare Moon remarked. “The same goes to you too.” She added in Daybreaker’s direction. “For soon Equestria will be our’s…” The dark alicorn declared. “…under your leadership of course, Midnight.” She quickly added to avoid being glared at by the Princess of Darkness.
“Excellent!” Midnight said with a devious smirk seeing that they are all finally coming to an accord together.
By working together and putting aside their differences the four were able to walk up to the mountain flawlessly. When they all faced the guard blocking the road Nightmare Moon simply teleported them away to the other side to avoid detection. Then Daybreaker used her fiery magic to shoot a beam at the nearby mountain to cause an avalanche. Then when faced with a tree branch had fallen down onto the mountain trail, Chrysalis turns into an Ursa Minor to remove the branch off of the path. They all climbed to where Chrysalis had reached the farthest on her own as Tirek uses vines from their camping site with Chrysalis turning into a mountain hawk with Nightmare Moon teleporting on the other side of the mountain to tie the rope onto the sturdy rock on the other side of the mountain to create a makeshift tight-rope bridge for all of them to climb across. Once they all made it across they finally managed to reach the cave where Daybreaker managed to reach on her own.
“Chrysalis, wait!” Daybreaker tried to warn Chrysalis who approached the cave entrance but too late as she made contact with the repelling force field and was forced back to the edge of the cliff and nearly slipped and fell but was saved thanks to Nightmare Moon grabbing her before she could fall over.
Chrysalis sighed in relief as Nightmare Moon pulled her up as Tirek examined the force field magic. He grunted as the touch of the force field singed his hand from contact.
“Believe me I ran into the problem before.” Daybreaker commented as she explains. “Because of a force-field spell cast on this cave, no one can get in or out of this cave.”
“So can you make it go away?” Chrysalis asked the white alicorn.
“Only when my magic is the strongest which is a problem since we are in freezing tundra of snow.” Daybreaker shivered a little as she tries to keep the flames on her mane and tail going.
“How about you Tirek? Can you absorb and make it go away?” Chrysalis then asked the centaur.
“I can only absorb magic from living beings.” Tirek answered that his magic is no good against that force-field.
“Like her?” Nightmare Moon hinted at Chrysalis.
“Betrayal!” Chrysalis reacted in anger and defense.
“Not betrayal. Teamwork.” Nightmare corrected her as she held up one of Tirek’s biceps. “If Tirek absorbs your energy, he might be strong enough to break through.”
“And then?” Chrysalis still felt the need to ask.
“Then... he gives it back.” Nightmare added as Tirek snaps out of flexing his muscles upon hearing it.
“I do?” Tirek asked in surprise.
“Mm-hmm.” Nightmare nodded in response.
“How do I know you won't take my magic and leave me?” Chrysalis suspiciously asked.
“Would we do that to you?” Nightmare asked as Chrysalis glares at her. “Okay, normally, yes, we would. But as Midnight said all of this is part of teamwork.”
“I'll give you your magic back.” Tirek said just to assure her.
“Do it.” Chrysalis relented as she lights up her horn to allow Tirek to absorb her magic allowing him to assume his next powerful form as Chrysalis collapses drained of energy from the exchange.
“So... much... power!” Tirek reveled in his briefly regained form as he kissed his biceps again. “Welcome back, baby!” Tirek then used his powers to force an opening to the cave. “It's not big enough for me!” Tirek strained as he struggled to hold onto the opening.
“Maybe not you!” Nightmare replied as she transformed into a baby alicorn. “Keep it open, or I'll be trapped forever!”
“Would that be so terrible?” Chrysalis weakly asked as Tirek and Daybreaker both chuckled in amusement before the former resumes to grunt from his struggles of keeping the cave open for Nightmare Moon.
“Can't... hold... much... longer! Hurry!” Tirek called out to Nightmare as she managed to emerge back outside and transformed back into her grown-up alicorn form.
“Ta-da!” Nightmare presented the retrieved bell.
“My magic...” Chrysalis groaned weakly as Tirek after a moment of thinking then relents as he gives her magic back leaving her pleased yet surprised. “I-I wasn't sure you were going to give it back.” Chrysalis honestly admitted in astonishment.
“Neither was I.” Tirek replied just as astonished. “But working together seemed smarter than to continue fighting.”
“When we helped each other, it felt better somehow.” Nightmare replied feeling touched inside.
“I haven't felt like this since before I lost my hive. Having others who will be there for you is... pleasing.” Chrysalis admitted feeling just as pleased
“All of these years taking power from ponies...” Tirek said feeling like he is having a change of heart.
“When you use your power to help others...” Daybreaker also thought long and hard about their recent teamwork.
“Yes, it feels...” Chrysalis continued before realizing what she is allowing into her heart. “Nooooooooo!”
“Whoa!” Tirek replied in surprise by her outburst.
“The Magic of Friendship is like a disease!” Chrysalis angrily ranted. “An infection that spreads to those around you! I watched it infect my hive! I will not let it get me!”
“That’s right!” Daybreaker agreed. “Midnight once ended up falling sucker when she allowed friendship into her heart and look what happened to her! We are not about to let that happen to us just like it infected the three princesses!”
“Agreed.” Nightmare said without question.
“Obviously.” Tirek also agreed.
“But... Grogar said we have to work together and that’s something that Midnight wants us to do.” Nightmare brought up.
“Grogar is too powerful.” Chrysalis acknowledged his abilities and that they are no match for him. “Something must be done about that. Let Grogar think we're his loyal servants. In the meantime, we'll hatch our own plan.”
“Ooh... I love a good backstabbing!” Daybreaker spoke in agreement of the idea.
“After that, we can go back to trying to destroy each other!” Tirek also proposed.
“In the meantime, what do we do with this?” Nightmare asked as she presented the bell in her hooves
“Leave that to me.” Midnight answered as she appeared.
“Midnight.” Chrysalis said in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to say well done.” Midnight replied as she levitated the bell to herself while providing Daybreaker a heating blanket to warm herself up with. “It’s great to see that you all finally have learned to work together and that’s the kind of success I look for going forward.”
“And I suppose you are planning to foil our plan to take down Grogar with his bell?” Daybreaker groaned in defeat despite now feeling comfortable and warm again.
“No.” Midnight replied much to the others surprise. “I’m going to help you all with your plan.”
“You are?” Tirek asked in mild bewilderment.
“Of course!” Midnight nodded. “It’s the least I could do after I helped you all learn the lesson you all needed to learn.”
“Wait a second!” Chrysalis said in realization. “You didn’t just set all this up with Grogar so we learn the lesson we needed to learn?”
“Well clearly you all were trying to kill each other during our training sessions, along with you all initially going at it solo, and you all needed to learn to work together, so yeah.” Midnight didn’t even attempt to deny her involvement. “Well expect for the bit with Grogar I convinced him into going along with my plan.”
“You…” Chrysalis tried to argue only to realize. “Well, true.” She then conceded that she had a point there.
“But not to worry everyone…” Midnight assured everyone. “Because I have a plan in regards of dealing with him.”
“We’re listening.” Nightmare spoke intrigued with her proposal as they are all devoted into following her leadership.
“You failed to retrieve the Bell?!” Grogar later bellowed in anger and disappointment to the four groveling villains back at their hideout who can only slump in sorrow and fear as Midnight watches from the side of the room looking just as disappointed at them.
“W-W-We're sorry, almighty Grogar.” Nightmare could not say as she slumped on her flank.
“We worked together as you asked.” Tirek added as he got down on one knee just as apologetic.
“We just aren't as powerful as you.” Chrysalis looked down as she slumped down on her flank too as Grogar angrily blasted a hole into a nearby wall in frustration.
“Obviously!” Grogar agreed with that notion. “At least you finally did as you were told and worked together.” He grumbled as he walked off ahead.
“Of course!” Daybreaker called out to him as he left.
“Whatever you command!” Tirek replied with a smirk as she turned to the others as Sombra reappeared alongside with Midnight having the bell appear in her hooves.
“You were right.” Chrysalis turned to Midnight who is very pleased with them. “We're so much more powerful... when we work as a team.”
“So I take it training sessions going forward won’t be a problem?” Sombra asked as Midnight nods.
“I think that’s now in the past now that they all have learned their lesson with the right words to motivate them all under my command.“ Midnight turned to the unicorn. “In the meantime, we can now all gear up for my next big plan involving the school of friendship.”
“Does that mean…” Daybreaker hopefully asked.
“Yes, Daybreaker!” Midnight confirmed. “When the time is right and we have everything ready by then “And by then Celestia and Luna, and even Twilight won’t know what hit them.” Midnight added as Daybreaker viciously grins in anticipation for that big day as she conjures up her orb and pulls out an image of a pony. “And I know just the pony who can help us do the work we want them to do.”
As Midnight observes this shadowed figure from her orb her heart glows as she evilly grins at her newest pawn in her game as she also observes Twilight meeting up with said figure in her office with papers present at her desk.