Chapter 75:
The Ending of the End Part One
Shortly after hearing from Cadance that Midnight Sparkle and her army have just taken over more of the world sparked alarm to the royal sisters. They all quickly made their way to the top of the mountain where they met up with the other leaders and powerful ponies in Equestria so they can all discuss their next move.
And since Twilight, Starlight, Sunset, and Tempest are all still away at the other world they have no idea when they were all going to return and when they know for sure Twilight will come out back to their world a better pony than before even though they are only scheduled to be gone for a few days.
For Midnight adopting her latest plan “Divide and Conquer.” she now has control of the entire world with Mount Aris is all that is left to conquer before she has complete control of everything.
“So is it true?” Luna asked Shining Armor who was with Spike going over Twilight’s drawn plans and ideas for dealing with Midnight. “Has she really taken over more of the world?”
“I’m afraid so.” Shining could only reply as they look over Twilight’s blueprints. “Not to mention Twily and her friends aren’t back yet. So we have no idea of how much she has been improving or not ever since she left for her vacation.”
“My kingdom is all that stands and is left for her conquer.” Queen Novo said with a grim tone and expression. “It’s only a matter of time until she makes a move here to try to take away my kingdom again.”
“Technically…” Her daughter hesitantly spoke up. “She never really tried to take over. She just tricked you into thinking Twilight was attempting to steal the pearl so she could break apart the girl’s friendship and capture her.”
“Not to mention she captured me after burning down the School of Friendship.” Silverstream also brought up to which she and Skystar were greeted with a glare from the queen. “Just saying and point being, she has never made a move against us.” She quickly said to avoid getting herself in deeper hot water.
“Not yet.” Novo still grimly replied.
“Well, regardless…” Celestia spoke up to press forward with the issue as she thinks of something they can do to deal with Midnight. “We need a change in strategy and act fast.” She said as she flew over to get a good look of Equestria from afar. “I say we take the fight with Midnight back inside of Equestria! Right into the heart of Canterlot!”
“Huh?” The girls minus Rainbow Dash questioned in unison.
“What?” Thorax and the young ones said together.
“Seriously?” Skystar and Silverstream voiced their surprised thoughts that the sun monarch really is voicing to take action while Shining Armor also expresses silent surprise at the proposal.
“Whoa?” Cadance voiced her surprised thoughts of the idea.
“Let’s do it!” Prince Rutherford said in agreement.
“About time if you asked me.” Rainbow smirked with her hooves pounded together ready for a fight.
“It is time. Time to defeat Midnight and her followers once and for all.” Celestia said with a determined and serious expression.
“Aunt Celestia…” Cadance spoke up voicing her concerns with this plan of charging head-on to face them. “Even if we defeat Midnight’s army, we don’t know how to defeat Midnight herself.”
“With Midnight locked away in Tartarus along with her followers imprisoned and separated from her Midnight will be powerless for years to come and will never be able to threaten the balance of Equestria again.“
“But princess.” Shining felt the need to protest. “Forgive me for saying this but we still don’t know when Twilight is coming back and the last two times we faced off against them we got our flanks kicked with me, Cadance, and Tempest the only ones able to escape from her the first time with Discord zapping us away the second time. What you’re suggesting is very risky which could only cement Midnight’s total victory if the plan fails. As far as we know we could be charging right into a trap Midnight has set up for us.”
“Back then Midnight caught us by surprise.” Celestia returned to the prince still voicing her confidence that the invasion plan will work. “We weren’t prepared the two times she attacked and took over Equestria and the Crystal Empire. We too now have many powerful fighters on our side who are willing to help back us up in this fight in order to take on Midnight and her followers. We just need to have Midnight locked away after taking out her army. Without her followers, Midnight will be powerless and we can have peace in Equestria.”
“I don’t know.” Shining still voiced his uncertainty about the idea itself. “I still don’t think charging head on back into Equestria is the right move since we really don’t know everything about Midnight and what she is planning right now.”
“That’s true, sister.” Luna supported his argument. “Remember what happened during our vacation there. We barely got out of there with our lives there.”
“Yeah, and I rather think we should instead guard Mount Aris and Seaequestria in case Midnight does make the first move and attack so that way we still have the last remaining kingdom on our side.” Applejack further suggested.
“Applejack’s right darling.” Rarity vouched for the idea too. “Even if we do manage to put up a fight, we still don’t know exactly what she is planning, she could have recruited more allies to her cause as far as we know.”
“But girls!” Rainbow protested against their reluctance. “The more we wait around the more Midnight is stepping closer to victory! We have to stop her!”
“I agree.” Novo again voiced her support to the speedy Pegasus’s argument. “We need to make our move now while we still can! Luckily, I have an army of guards and soldiers who are more than willing to fight for everyone’s freedom! She fooled me once and I’m not letting her fool me again or take my kingdom from me!” She voiced her fierce anger at the dark alicorn as she briefly looks on Equestria’s direction before turning back to the others. “It’s time to put an end to her reign of terror!”
“But mother…” Skystar tried to plead with her to no avail.
“It has been decided.” Novo firmly voiced her decision refusing to let anyone else to have a say or voice their opinion on the matter. “Come on Celestia, we need to get the troops ready for battle because I plan to attack three days from now as well as every piece of the pearl of transformation for safe keeping in order to keep from Midnight's greedy hooves!”
“Right away!” Celestia immediately agreed as she and Novo flew back over to Seaequestria so they can bring the troops out onto the beach for training.
“Why does no pony ever listen to me!” Applejack stated in frustration as she slammed her hat down onto the ground.
“Because we have bigger problems on the surface right now!” Rainbow argued to her face. “The more we wait around doing nothing the more Midnight takes over the world.”
“She already has control of the world!” Applejack argued back. “This here kingdom is the only one standing that she still has no control of. We can’t just leave it in the open for her to easily take over.”
“Girls.” Fluttershy spoke to them in an futile attempt to stop arguing.
“No matter what we do Midnight always manages to come out on top of us. We now have numbers on our side this time around!” Rainbow pointed out.
“Because she always thinks things through before executing them in contrast to you who always charges in head only to end with you kissing the dirt after five seconds in battle.” Applejack fired back.
“Girls.” Fluttershy spoke a little louder this time but still was unable to get their attention.
“That was not kissing the dirt!” Rainbow yelled back. “Do you want to see what it’s really like then bring it!” She pulled up her hooves ready to brawl as Applejack snorts her snout ready to charge at her.
“Bring it!”
“GIRLS!” Fluttershy yelled at them which finally got their attention. “Stop fighting! This is exactly what Midnight wants of us so we can never make up with Twilight! If we don’t stop now then Twilight will have every reason never to want to be friends with us again! And I wouldn’t blame her because as much as Twilight is at fault for her own actions we too are at fault for making her this!” She further yelled at them as she struggles not to cry thinking about Twilight’s well being.
Everyone was surprised at Fluttershy’s outburst as her words dawn on the others. More specifically, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Rarity as they see how spot on she is. From repeating the same mistakes she made when it came to handling when she was concerned with her letter to the princess, the wedding, to their first journey to Mount Aris, their first reactions to Twilight ascending to the throne, and most recently their failure to tell her the truth when she was acting like Midnight under the dark magic’s influence.
Believe it or not, they are all at fault for what happened that led to Twilight turning evil before and nearly doing so again.
“You’re right, Fluttershy.” Rainbow said with regret after calming herself down. “It’s just I really want to see to it that we can take back Equestria and defeat Midnight but at the same time I ignored the possibility of whatever she might have up her hooves to counter it. It’s no wonder I easily go down in a fight against her.”
“It’s no wonder Twilight decided she wanted to have nothing to do us.” Applejack said very downcast herself.
“But you were the one who said we should have told her the truth from the start.” Rainbow pointed out.
“But I was the one who told everyone to forget about Twilight after her brother verbally smacked the hay out of her.” Applejack countered as Shining had an offended expression before relenting in agreement as it kick the whole domino effect into play.
“I too was quick to accuse her for stealing the Hippogriff’s pearl and drove her into shouting that she’d be better off without friends like us.” Pinkie added with saddened regret. “So you are not the only one to blame for that.”
“She is always there for us when we needed her yet we weren’t generous enough to return the favor.” Rarity could only say in shame. “And once again we were acting against our elements.” She then cried dramatically. “Oh, why did we walk out on her in the first place?”
“Why did I say those horrible things to her in the first place?” Shining said in sorrow as Cadance comforts him. “If only I could go back in time to take it all back then we wouldn’t be in this mess.” He said as he turned to the girls. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not just your fault, Shining Armor.” Applejack returned. “It’s ours too.” She added as she turned to the others who are just as guilty and to blame as him. “We had the choice to either stay or leave and yet we chose to further her broken and darken heart by abandoning her in her time of need. We all failed at friendship.”
“Well, hopefully, when Twilight gets back you can all make amends with her or at least work with each other as we prepare to take back Equestria, the Crystal Empire, and the rest of the world, because we will at least definitely need her to lead us if we want to defeat Midnight and her followers.” Cadance gently suggested to them. “But for the time being we better get ready for whatever Midnight throws at us and for next big battle to decide the fate of Equestria.”
“Since we are planning to attack Equestria, I better go over and help oversee the training.” Shining Armor then focused on what they need to do as he started to head on down towards the bottom of the mountain and towards the beach. ”And if we are going to invade Equestria then we are going to need all of the help we can get.”
“What should we do?” Gallus spoke up.
“You and your friends can help by staying here and keep watch in case Midnight does attack here.” Luna advised the young ones. “Just one of you holler in case something goes wrong.”
“I’ll do it!” Silverstream eagerly volunteered. “I can fly fast and yell really loud at the same time. LIKE THIS!” She screamed off of the top of her lungs which caused a vibration to be felt from the bottom of the mountain and created some waves from the nearby ocean.
“Perfect.” Luna complimented as she and everyone had their ears covered when she screamed before clearing them up. “Just as loud as a princess with her royal Canterlot voice any day.”
“I’ll say.” Ocellus remarked very impressed as Silverstream hugs her tightly.
“Thanks!”
As Cadance and Spike stay behind with the Young Six as Shining, Luna, and the Mane Six to both watch over the portal and from the top of the mountain as Midnight herself watches over the scene from her orb with a calculated expression at the same time the real Grogar spies on their scene with plans of his own.
"And I can tell you all that I too am ready with plans of my own." Grogar voiced his thoughts as he sinisterly smiled. "The perfect opportunity to retrieve my bell and prepare my own invasion of Equestria."
Meanwhile back at the other world, Twilight, Tempest, Starlight, and Sunset have just finished fixing the camp docks for the fourth time in a row after Pinkie had threw exploding marshmallows at it just after fixing it for the third time.
“There good as new.” Twilight said very pleased with their progress before wearily sighing. “Again.”
“Great! Now let’s all get away from it before any of us wreck it again.” Tempest strongly recommended with everyone else agreeing immediately before they all proceeded to walk away from it for good.
“And it only took the entire stretch of our vacation to get it all done after four times.” Sunset added with some disappointment with that consuming a small chunk of what could have been nice relaxing time.
“It’s okay.” Starlight didn’t think too much about it. “I was never a fan of camping. Also for future reference, I’ll never like camping. Arguably the best part about it was fighting a crazed vine controlling demon from the depths of a dark cave.”
Twilight chuckled in amusement hearing that as she remembers to well of their most recent friendship retreat where Starlight expresses her distaste for camping including the time she traveled with her friend Trixie and both times she slept with both her pony and human counterparts was just unbearable. She could hardly sleep until Twilight kindly moved her into her and Tempest’s tent.
“Well said, Starlight.” Tempest voiced her thoughts. “Because that was my favorite part too.”
“Even with all of the craziness I still had fun.” Twilight said as she looked at her human counterpart. “Meeting the other me for starters and helping her overcome her trauma and past.”
“It was also nice seeing you too, even though it took some time getting used to your appearance and outfit for the trip.“ She pointed to her tough girl like outfit along with Tempest’s.
“Yeah, it does take some time to get used to but I think this might be a one-time thing since I plan on changing it back when I head home.” Twilight replied with a somewhat awkward smile.
“Can I ask why?” Her human self asked.
“Well it was just simply trying and liking a new hair color which I thought looked good until I saw myself in the mirror clearly and saw that I was acting more like Midnight Sparkle back from my world and just like I once did instead of being the pony I truly am.” Twilight answered. “It wasn’t until I had friends of mine to help remind me of that.” She said with a heartwarming smile in Starlight, Sunset, and Tempest’s direction. “Interestingly enough, being past villains gave us plenty of common ground, as they ended up being the one’s to bring me all the way out here to help you.”
“What about your closet friends?” Human Twilight asked again unaware she is touching on a sensitive subject there as Starlight and Sunset both exchange uneasy glances at the mention of how their friend is going to react to this. “Have they helped out when times got tough?”
“Long story short, they weren’t exactly my closet friends during the time I became Midnight but before and after then I really counted on them as they counted on me to help them, but they ended up abandoning me when times got tough, thus letting me down, and as a result I never viewed them as friends since then.” Twilight calmly answered.
“Oh, sorry I asked.” Human Twilight quickly apologized after realizing how insensitive her question really was.
“It’s okay.” The princess assured her it’s no big deal. “It’s all in the past now. All that’s left is to go back and make amends with them.”
One by one her friends in this world all moved to say their goodbyes to their healed friend.
“Well let’s hope it goes well, darling.” Rarity wished her good luck.
“Go get them Twilight!” Pinkie happily cheered for her.
“You got this, Twilight!” Applejack voiced with encouraging faith in her friend.
“Knock them dead like you have during our little competition during our trip.” Rainbow also said with encouragement before quickly fumbling after realizing what she just said. “Not literally of course.” She then said in her haste to correct herself.
“Thanks girls.” Twilight gratefully spoke to everyone as they all embrace each other for a group hug as the buses arrive to take them home.
Back at the Canterlot Castle, Midnight observes the heartwarming scene in the war room with Chrysalis from her orb as she looks on with silent stoicism at their bond.
“What an interesting turn of events.” Midnight pleasantly remarked. “Wouldn’t you say so, Chrysalis?”
“With all of Equestria’s most powerful ponies preparing to attack the heart of Equestria, the real Grogar lurking around with plans of his own, and Cozy Glow thinking of switching sides. I’m not sure interesting is the word I’d use.” Chrysalis voiced her uncertainty of these new developments coming into light.
“Oh don’t worry, Chrysalis.” Midnight assured her. “I’m always two steps ahead.” At that moment Cozy came inside the meeting with a tall servant coming inside with cold drinks and hot tea with Sombra escorting them. ”Ah, Cozy Glow. There you are.”
“Yes mother, I’m here as requested.“ Cozy replied with a somewhat forced smile. “So you wanted to see me?”
“Of course, dear girl.” Midnight kindly replied. “Because it is time to launch our attack on Mount Aris and Seaequestria.”
“Why so soon?” Cozy wondered as Chrysalis spoke up.
“Because Equestria's most powerful ponies and armies from Mount Aris and Seaequestria are planning to attack Canterlot together.” Chrysalis answered. “Meaning we need to attack before they do.”
“Especially considering that Twilight is now powerful enough to take back control of Equestria.” Midnight further added on as the servant serving drinks looks on with intrigued interest at what she is saying. “But in order to do it Twilight has to be to get all of the most powerful ponies and allies by her which she already has and will have to summon all of the elements bearers together to summon the most powerful blast of rainbow magic from the Elements of Harmony she can muster.” She added a she presented an image of the Tree of Harmony from her horn. "And it would require the very little life of the Tree of Harmony at the Castle of the Two Sisters to do so." As Midnight explains the servant looks on with amazement that it’s all possible. “The very power of the elements will utterly overwhelm me and my army.“ She then seriously added as her smile faded. “My rule will come to an end and I'd cease to exist.” She then finished with a solemn expression at the very thought.
“Really.” Cozy said sounding surprised and saddened to hear that’s possible. “Golly.”
“So with that said..." She said while smiling once more. "...it’s time for the final battle against Equestria’s last and remaining ponies and creatures left in the fight. Time to say goodbye to the element bearers and the royal family but…” She then spoke turning to bring in Cozy close with one of her hooves. “…I’ll need my beloved daughter to distract said element bearers for the plan to work.”
“Just distract them.” Cozy said amazed to hear how much of an easy assignment she is getting.
“You merely have to lure them into a nearby cave and keep them there while the rest of the plan unfolds.”
“I can do that no problem.” Cozy voiced her confidence at her task.
“Excellent!” Midnight said very pleased to hear it as she patted her on the back. “Once again Nightmare Moon will lead you to the nearby beach caves tonight. Now go get yourself ready and prepare to do your part as we take over the final and remaining kingdom left to conquer. The big one.”
“You got it mother.” Cozy replied with a smile before setting out to do so as she left the war chamber.
“In the meantime Sombra, fetch me Tirek, Daybreaker, Nightmare Moon, and Adiago Dazzle. We will need their help as well.” Midnight asked of the unicorn king who bowed with respect as he obeyed her command.
“Yes, your majesty.”
As soon as Cozy leaves the room with the servant in tow Midnight takes the opportunity to speak with Chrysalis privately.
“If the plan works, we’ll soon be rid of the royal family, the element bearers, and the remaining la resistance, and a potential traitor along with a potential conqueror.”
“And if the plan doesn’t work?” Chrysalis skeptically questioned.
“I’m two steps ahead, Chrysalis.” Midnight confidentially replied as she eyed her orb projecting images of all of their obstacles around them along with the pearl of transformation, Twilight's heart, and the Dazzling girls. “I already have another plan in place.”
As Midnight eyes her orb her heart glows neon purple again as she evilly grins.
Shortly afterwards the servant at the first part of the meeting quickly zaps away from the castle and back to Mount Aris while revealing himself to be Discord who breathes a heavy sigh of relief that he managed to do his job just like Twilight demanded of him and now he has crucial information they can use against her or so he thinks…
Back at Canterlot High, the buses have all arrived back at the school allowing everyone to return home. The Mane Seven along with Princess Twilight, Tempest, and Starlight all group together just nearby the portal.
“Well, I guess this is goodbye.” The princess began her farewells to the girls.
“You’re leaving?” Human Twilight voiced her disappointment that they have to go so soon.
“Yeah, we have to go.” Sunset apologetically replied as Human Twilight comes over to hug her princess counterpart.
“Don’t worry.” The princess assured her. “We’ll meet again soon because right now I have an evil alicorn ruling Equestria to be defeated in order to allow lifelong peace in Equestria.”
“Good luck, darling.” Rarity wished her luck as the others wave her, Sunset, Starlight, and Tempest off as they leave.
“Hope to see you soon.” Fluttershy said in her direction as the four girls all make their leave through the portal as the exit one by one with Tempest going first, then Starlight next, then Sunset, and lastly Princess Twilight herself.
Back at the top of the mountain as the sun was setting as Celestia lowered the sun so Luna can raise the moon before focusing on overseeing the training of their army, Cadance, Flurry Heart, Spike, and Grubber watch over the portal while the Young Six all pass the time taking turns keeping watch on the horizon for Midnight while occupying themselves with their favorite hobbies to keep the time moving for them.
“Got any five’s.” Ocellus asked Yona who groans in defeat as she hands over the cards.”
“Dang it! You win again!” Yona grumbled along with the others as they all put down their cards in frustration.
“For the thirteenth time in a row.” Gallus remarked in annoyance. ”Seriously? Why do you always have to be so great at this game?”
“It’s like you know what we have.” Sandbar added in the same tone. “How do you keep doing it?”
“Sorry.” Ocellus replied with a blush. “But I’m just a really great guesser. It’s really just a matter of knowing what others ask for and figuring who has what specific cards you have on hoof or claw.”
“How is it out there, Silverstream!” Gallus asked the young hippogriff who is watching over the horizon as the sun goes down with the night time sky starting to appear.
“So far no sign of any crazy alicorns, changeling queen, large red centaur, or a crazy unicorn.” Silverstream reported as she kept her eyes focused on the horizon.
“Are you kidding me?” Gallus remarked rather exasperated that Silverstream isn’t even making eye contact with her. “You know can do speak face to face with even when on lookout?”
“And risk the bad guys catching us by surprise?” Silverstream questioned immediately dismissing the idea. “No way! Not even the smallest second can be spared with a threat as big as Midnight on the horizon!”
“Oh boy!” Smolder could only say in response that she is taking this very seriously compared to the rest of them.
At that moment a bright surge of magic appeared from the portal as all four ponies all emerge back in Equestria.
“They’re back!” Spike called out to Cadance and Flurry Heart who both immediately turn around to greet them as the former quickly ran up to her.
“Twilight!” Cadance immediately greeted her sister-in-law as she ran up to her.
“Cadance!” Twilight returned the favor just as happy to see her again.
“Sunshine, Sunshine, Lady Bugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” The girls chanted their welcome greeting before hugging each other as Flurry joins in on the group hug with Spike while Starlight and Tempest share weirded out glances at each other seeing this bonding moment of theirs along with most of the Young Six expect for Ocellus, Yona, and Silverstream who find it adorable.
“Do they seriously do this every time they meet?” Tempest whispered to Starlight.
“Only when the fate of Equestria isn’t at stake.” Starlight whispered back as Cadance and Spike start to catch up them with Grubber immediately hugging onto Tempest's hooves.
"Tempest!" Grubber greeted her as she gave him a warm smile as she returned the hug in kind. “I missed you so much!”
“Welcome home, Twilight! It’s so good to see you again.” Cadance happily greeted.
“You too.” Twilight happily returned.
“How did your vacation turn out?” Spike asked.
“It went well, I got to meet my human counterpart as we all went camping together with the other girls.” Twilight recalling her adventure. “We also dealt with a creepy vine demon from the forest while learning that she is just a camp counselor trying to settle her debts to keep the camp up and running but thanks me and our friends we were able to help her out.”
“And I see that you are feeling much better than when you initially left here.” Cadance commented noting of her now positive attitude and bright smile.
“That’s because I am in a much better mood now.” Twilight happily said as her ears and smile perked up. “And I owe to Tempest, Starlight, and most importantly Sunset for her getting me into going on this vacation with her plan to help me overcome my inner turmoil.”
“Well, you saved me from my fate of being sucked up in a tornado.” Tempest thought nothing of it with a shrug as Grubber continues to hug his best friend.
“And you helped me see the errors of my ways.” Starlight added while feeling humble about it when it was Sunset’s idea.
“That’s what friends are for.” Sunset commented pleasantly to her friend as she approached them as they all marvel in surprise at what they are seeing “What? Why you are all staring at me?” She asked them in confusion until she turned to her side and saw that…
…she has a pair of wings on her back.
“What the…?!” Sunset jumped in surprise as her wings spread out with a magical bright white light flashing before their very eyes.
“You have wings.” Twilight told her as Sunset touched them to make sure she isn’t imagining this.
“You’re an alicorn!” Cadance said just as surprised at this new revelation.
“But how?” Sunset said unable to comprehend her new transformation.
“I think I know how.” Twilight began as she thinks back to their camping trip. “Because of what you did back at the camping trip.” She said as she recalled her actions back at the camp. “From your actions in helping the girls back in the other world embrace their newfound magic along with helping the Twilight there overcome when she briefly became Midnight Sparkle to helping me open up my eyes to help me see what I am really doing is wrong. You have displayed the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course, the leadership of a true princess just like me.”
“Whoa, this is all so amazing yet so sudden!” Sunset could only say as they all were drawn to their attention by a lard thud on one of the mountain side which they all ran up to see what the commotion is all about.
“Solider!” Shining Armor barked at the solider he was addressing as he apparently retaliated against another solider as they growl and get into each other's faces before being separated. “What do you do that for?!”
“He rammed into me, sir!” One of the hippogriffs pointed to the yak solider standing next to him.
“Yak did it because hippogriff rammed me first!” The yak fired back as they locked heads together.
“By accident! Why are you buffalo breathed bison so hot-headed?! Learn anger management will ya?!” The hippogriff solider returned further angering the yak in the process.
“That’s it!”
Before the two can deck out they were both stopped in their tracks when they heard a loud voice.
“ENOUGH!” Prince Rutherford commanded of them to which they immediately obeyed. “Is this any way for warriors fighting for our nation to behave?!”
“It most certainly is not!” Shining firmly agreed with the yak leader. “So both of you will sit out these next few drills and will head on over to those nearby rocks and think about what you just did. And you will not move until I say so! Do I make myself clear?!” He then sternly shouted at the two to cease their argument now.
“Yes sir.” the two ashamed soldiers immediately obeyed his order as they both went to opposite sides of the beach just about 100 yards apart from each other.
Unbeknownst to anyone Grogar was awaken by the disturbance from one of the nearby caves at secretly witnessed the commotion as he then secretly turns back to think of a way to teach them a lesson of disturbing his nap.
“Can either of you explain to me why all of our allies are preparing for battle?” Twilight questioned her sister-in-law and to her adopted younger brother and son as they watched from the top of the mountain.
“While you were away, Midnight attacked the other kingdoms outside of Equestria.” Spike answered as they observe Shining Armor, Luna, and the Mane Five all helping train and oversee their army’s preparations for their upcoming battle against the forces of evil. “She ran out the changelings, yaks, dragons, and griffons out of their kingdom while capturing those who weren’t so lucky to escape.”
“This kingdom is all that’s left to conquer.” Cadance further added to her sister-in-law who could not believe what she has missed out while they were away. “And since it is only a matter of time until she makes a move here, Queen Novo is calling for an attack on Equestria right into the heart of Canterlot.”
“What?” Twilight said in disbelief that they are seriously thinking about the idea itself. “While I applaud the queen for wanting to take action, there is one flaw with that plan. Defeating Midnight herself.”
“That’s what I said only for them to reason that she will be powerless once she is locked away in Tartarus and will be without her followers.” Cadance returned as Tempest too voiced her disagreements with their bold move to attack now.
“I agree. That there is just asking for Midnight to lay out a trap for everyone trying to take back Equestria that is a really bad idea, because if something goes wrong then they all could get captured or worse killed.”
“Have they all forgotten the one time we all fought against Midnight on her own?” Starlight questioned sounding incredulous herself.
“I know I haven’t.” Sunset immediately said as she recalled the memory of saving her mentor’s life by taking in an attack meant for her. “And I wouldn’t be here now had I not survived nor would Celestia had I not taken the hit for her.”
“Neither would Flurry Heart.” Cadance said in agreement with her voice filled with pain and anger at the memory of Midnight striking down her child by surprise. “Even after surviving my poor little foal has been suffering nightmares about her.”
Flurry Heart nodded in agreement as she clinged onto her mother’s head as the thought of the villainous mare causes her shudder in fright.
“She’s more powerful than Sombra, Tirek, Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, Nightmare Moon, and Daybreaker combined.” Twilight also voiced the seriousness of how dangerous Midnight Sparkle is. “And she is even more powerful now that she has control of most of the world with the other villains working together for her. We’d be lucky if we can even imprison her again even though I did that only once assuming she doesn’t have an escape plan all ready to go like last time.” She further went on as she recalled her fight with Midnight back at Canterlot with the Storm King’s army at her disposal. “Even though I defeated her once before, she still came out on top when she created Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon right under our noses to help her escape and went on to build an army which none of us didn’t even know about until too late. Not mention it took everything I had to try to bring her down.”
“But even if you do bring her down and risk your life again there’s always a little crystal magic to help you live through right?” Ocellus hopefully asked as she turned to the princess of love.
“True, but that was when I was very lucky to save Twilight after Midnight and Sombra shot her.” Cadance replied as she cringed at the memory when Twilight went down at the School of Friendship. “I don’t know I can be able to save her should she get hurt like that again.”
“I don’t know if Midnight can be beat.” Twilight voiced her doubts about it as the others have various reactions of surprise hearing that.
“But Twilight.” Ocellus began with strong disagreement. “As you once said before all evil can be defeated even Midnight when said pony is made of dark magic.”
“That’s true.” Twilight admitted that she is right there.
“And you also said that as long as you stay true to who you are you can overcome anything.” Silverstream also recalled.
“We know you’ll figure out how to defeat Midnight even if this war goes on for years.” Sandbar added while voicing his confidence in her.
“And that you always manage to rebound and try again and again no matter how many times she knocks you down.” Smolder also voiced in a courageous tone of voice.
“No matter what, Yona thinks that pony princess will never stop trying to defeat her.” Yona also added while hopping on her hooves. “And that Yona thinks you’ll blast that evil pony back to where she came from.”
“Good thing they all came all the way out here with us didn’t they.” Spike said to Twilight who smiles at the students to bring them in for a hug.
“You all have learned about friendship very well haven’t you?” Twilight complimented them for not giving up on her. “It’s no wonder you all represent the elements.
“We sure did.” Gallus agreed as he hesitated with what he had to say next. “Because as you said before. Friendship is magic.”
“But still…” Twilight voiced her thoughts about Novo and Celestia’s plan. “We should at least still go down there and get them to hold off their attack and instead focus their energy in going on the defensive. At least until we can figure out a way to truly defeat Midnight.”
“Good idea.” Starlight agreed. “Because that is just one big trap just waiting to be sprung so they can be all captured on the spot.”
“That kind of reminds me of how Chrysalis was able to capture me twice.” Cadance said in agreement. “Once she had me somewhere where I couldn’t use magic I was literally cornered. Next thing I know is that I am trapped underground and then in a cocoon until Twilight saved me twice.”
Twilight humbly blushed a little as she thought nothing of it as her sister-in-law deeply compliments for her heroism.
“Even now I still have yet to understand how Chrysalis was able to pull off capturing us all back then.” Spike also wondered how she managed to capture them all until Twilight came to their rescue.
“Come on, we better go tell them.” Twilight instructed the others to follow her as she led the way down the mountain through flight with everyone following after her.
At the top of the mountain just after they had all left, Midnight and her army appeared via teleportation as their leader look down on everyone below them from everyone training on the beach to the others heading down the mountain towards everyone training in preparation for battle.
“Is everyone ready?” Midnight asked her followers as they all nod in response that they are ready. “Then let’s begin the takeover of the final stronghold outside of Equestria.” She then said as her heart glowed as she grinned evilly as she prepares to enact her plan to attack Mount Aris and Seaequestria and take over the final stronghold standing in her way of conquering all of the world.