Chapter 76:
The Ending of the End Part Two
As the villains watch from above, Midnight turns to the others ready to remind them one last time of the plan.
“All right we all know the plan.” Midnight said as she turned to Cozy Glow first. “You distract the element bearers and lure them into one of the caves.”
“Got it.” Cozy replied with a nod as Midnight turns to both Tirek and Chrysalis.
“Tirek and Chrysalis you two will create a diversion and keep the opposing soldiers busy.”
“Will do.” Chrysalis said pleased with the opportunity to be able to go toe to toe with the princesses again.
“Of course.” Tirek replied as Midnight turns to both Nightmare and Daybreaker.
“Nightmare once everyone is cornered strike that that tree with lightning while Daybreaker further accelerates the flames to keep the fire going because once the fire starts we need to quickly tackle every last pony there to ensure there is no room for escape for any of them.”
“My pleasure.” Daybreaker eagerly replied as her flaming mane rose higher as she gets ready for fiery destruction.
“When the clock strikes midnight.” Midnight added in Nightmare’s direction to make sure she keeps her fiery counterpart under control. “More specifically when I give the signal.”
“Understood.” Nightmare nodded in agreement before bringing up something else. "And what about Grogar?" She pointed out. "Shouldn't one of us be watching over the castle in case he shows up in our absence?"
“Oh, don't worry about that." Midnight replied as she held up Grogar's real bell in her hooves while presenting a image of an identical looking bell back at the center of the castle throne room. "I got that covered."
"You girls ready?" Midnight asked the Dazzlings through her orb waiting for Grogar from the castle.
"Ready when he is." Adiago confidently replied.
“Good." Midnight said pleased to hear that as she ends the transmission just as the real Grogar sneaks away from Mount Aris so he can take back his bell and take over Equestria.
“And what about me?” Sombra asked as he is the only one who hasn’t received instructions yet.
“You and me are going to on a little treasure hunt in Seaequestria which will prove crucial to the other plan I have in place should this fail.” Midnight said to him as she used her magic to conjure up air bubbles for them to breath while underwater as the two teleport down to the open beach as they both dive and swim into the ocean before diving down to the underwater kingdom.
Back on the beach, Luna meets up with Celestia as she watches Shining Armor train the soldiers in action.
“How’s the training going, sister?” Luna questioned the taller mare.
“So far so good.” Celestia answered as she still looks on concerned. “With this many ponies to help us in the fight for Equestria I’m sure Midnight will know we’re coming.”
“Listen…” Luna began voicing her concerns. “I understand you and the queen’s reasons for wanting to attack Canterlot but I still think we should hold off the attack at least until we actually know how to defeat Midnight herself.”
“I agree, sister.” Celestia solemnly and admittedly replied. “Because Twilight isn’t here to help us this time around. It made sense at the time because who knows what Midnight is doing to threaten the well-being of everyone still there and the more pain and suffering she will continue to do that will continue getting worse if action isn’t taken against her.” She said with a resigned look and tone. “It’s like along that this is the queen’s army and not mine I have no choice but to follow through with this.”
“That you don’t want to feel that you have left the ponies who look up to you feeling like that you let them down just like Twilight?” Luna asked figuring where she was going with this.
“Yes.” Celestia voiced of how much she feels like a failure to everypony. “And it’s all because of the one time I didn’t do what I should have done back at the wedding. It’s no wonder Twilight felt that I was unfit to lead Equestria. I really did it this time, Luna.” She added as she hung her head in sorrow and guilt.
“Well…” Luna began as she tried to be reasonable with her choice of words. “Unquestionably you have disappointed others time from time but so do everyone. Such as our feud episodes which paved way for Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon’s return along with Midnight’s.” She said as Celestia felt the sting from the bluntness of her younger sister’s words yet accepting of it even though she finds it accurate and fair. “But you have proven that you are a capable and wonderful leader and that you have made efforts into learning from your mistakes to improve yourself over time.” She said as she placed an assuring hoof on her older sister’s back with her point now made. “And we wouldn’t be together right now if it weren’t for her and she did teach us a thing or two about friendship.”
“She sure did.” Celestia replied with a heartwarming smile at her sister as they nuzzle each other. “Let’s go back up and see if she has returned.” She proposed to her sister as they both spread out their wings ready to fly back up to the top of the mountain.
“Let’s.” Luna replied as they started to make their way towards the mountain top until they heard an alarm going off from underwater.
“The pearl alarm!” The royal sisters exclaimed in alarm as they both fly over to alert Queen Novo as the latter used her part of the pearl to transform them including herself into seaponies as they went back to the underwater kingdom to stop the intruders and thieves.
At the same time the troops, Mane Five, and Shining Armor were all suddenly sent flying away across the beach by Tirek jumping onto the ground to create a small shock wave which was felt by the party heading down the mountain as they nearly fell off of the pathway. Acting quickly both Twilight and Cadance used their magic to catch Spike and Yona before they can fall down towards the sharp rocks from a high fall as they come face to face with Chrysalis.
“Hello princesses.” Chrysalis evilly greeted the two as they glared down at her as she attempts to strike at the two alicorns only for them to conjure up a magic shield to protect their friends before they charged at her together for a combined magic attack right at her chest.
“You’ll pay for that!” She growled at the two before they prepared to go toe to toe with her as Spike, Flurry, Grubber, and the young ones watch from a safe distance after Starlight and Tempest teleport them to safety as Sunset flies over to help Twilight and Cadance.
Meanwhile, the Mane Five recovering from Tirek’s ambush suddenly find themselves face to face with Cozy Glow.
“Aww. What’s the matter?” Cozy mockingly asked them. “Someone knock you all down.”
Cozy then sends a magic blast to immediately knock them all out by surprise before any of them could react as she effortlessly takes them to one of the nearby caves so they can all die in the upcoming fire.
Meanwhile Grogar has made his way to the castle where he finds many of mind-controlled guards under Sombra's control guarding every inch of the borders.
"Mind-controlled guards?" Grogar examined the security before smirking confidently. "No problem."
Grogar then worked his ancient magic from his collar to effortlessly blast them all aside as he simply strides his way into the castle up into the throne room where the duplicate bell resided.
"At last." Grogar said as he used his magic to place it over his neck before finding himself surrounded by the Dazzlings.
“What’s this?” Grogar muttered as he finds himself face to face with the girls in front of him who perform sign a chant as they breath in Grogar's anger and annoyance as the ram effortlessly knocks them aside before teleporting off to just outside of the castle where he is immediately greeted by Nighttmare Moon blasting him to knock back into the castle walls.
“Queen Midnight Sparkle sends her regards.” Nightmare said as she quickly activated the real bell to drain Grogar of his magic before zapping lightning at him to kill him on the spot as the guards and the Dazzlings arrive on the scene.
“Dispose of him.” She told them and the unicorn guards as she held the ram with her magic in a magic bubble before teleporting back to Mount Aris to meet up with Daybreaker flying around waiting for the command. “Keeping moving! Be ready to fan the flames on Midnight’s signal. She wants to get rid of the every opposing pony and powerful pony in Equestria and Cozy Glow.”
Back on the mountain path the young ones watch as Twilight and Cadance face off against the evil changeling as Chrysalis tries to land blows on either alicorn. Much to her frustation she finds that her opponents are dodging and blocking her attacks no problem while the each take turns firing shots back at her. Chrysalis tried her best to dodge their attacks only to be struck down by Twilight with another shot square to the chest. Sunset proceeded to follow up with a punch to the face to send her hitting the nearby rocks hard.
Chrysalis upon seeing she is facing defeat as Twilight and Cadance float over her ready to apprehend with glaring daggers she quickly attempts to fly away only to be frozen in place by Twilight’s magic.
“It’s over Chrysalis, you lost!” Twilight told her as she and Cadance make their way to one of the caves to have her trapped inside with Chrysalis secretly smiling as she anticipated this to happen.
Back at Seaequestia, the alicorn sisters and queen make their way to the throne room where they see Skystar battered and bruised along with the other guards around the throne room.
“What happened?!” Novo urgently asked her as she immediately tended to her daughter.
“Midnight happened.” Skystar weakly replied as she passed out from her injuries.
And on cue said mare showed up appearing in front of where the pearl is kept.
“Funny you said just that.” Midnight said as she appeared before the three with an amused expression. “Because that’s what just happened.”
“Midnight!” Novo snarled in anger at her direction as the others glare at her.
“Hello your majesty.” Midnight mockingly bowed to her. “Forgive my intrusion but I needed to get something you have for me.” She hinted at the pearl from above.
“Not on my watch!” Novo exclaimed in determination as she charges at her to tackle her only for her to easily dodge the attack and crash into her own throne chair causing it to be trashed in the process.
Midnight then turns to her attention as she faces Celestia and Luna as Novo quickly recovers from the crash landing.
“Any of you would like to take up the challenge?” She asked of them as Novo notions them to get her daughter and the guards here out of here while she personally handles Midnight as they lock eyes.
Celestia and Luna immediately gathered all of the sea ponies after splitting up to cover the castle faster together with their magic but before they could leave Midnight blasted magic up to the surface to create bubbles from the surface to give the other villainous alicorns the signal.
All the while this was going on, Sombra used the distraction to stealthily steal the pearl and slip it from the defense system and into Midnight's tail to which she used to grab ahold of before quickly making his way back to the surface as he emerges from the surface and nods at Nightmare to strike lightning at the nearby boulders which created a fire as Daybreaker starts literally fanning the flames to further spread the fire with her magic.
As the fire spreads the Mane Five find themselves coughing from the smoke as Rarity is having a tough time trying to work her magic as Shining Armor is still unconscious from the shock-wave from Tirek’s attack as the centaur tosses a boulder at the trapped ponies which trapped Cozy Glow inside of the cave just as the opening was set on fire.
“What?” Cozy said in surprise to see this. “My mother didn’t say anything about a fire while I was in here?
Suddenly she started to cough from the overwhelming smoke as she quickly teleports away to the other side of the beach before dropping to the ground feeling very weak from inhaling and too close to the oxygen draining smoke for too long.
“I don’t understand?” Cozy said unable to comprehend what just happened as no one was quick to rescue her. “She told me to go in there.” She then had a frightening realization as tears of betrayal form around her eyes. “No, she wouldn’t! She couldn’t! She would never double cross me!”
She then cried as she looked around as fast as her hooves can carry her looking around for Midnight while pleading to herself and to her that she truly didn’t discard her like trash like that.
As the three alicorns see the fire and are alarmed by the sight of how fast it spreading across the area and that the Seaequstrian soldiers and their friends are there.
“We got to go help them!” Twilight spoke to the others as they tried to fly over to help them but got blocked of by another strike of lightning aimed at the nearby mountain side courtesy of Nightmare Moon to create another burst of stronger flames leaving the three alicorns, two unicorns, and the Young Six all cornered and struggling to get oxygen. With no other choice they huddled together as Twilight and Cadance conjured up a magic force field to protect themselves while Chrysalis stealthily escapes her cave confinement as she managed to charge head on through the smoke while avoiding getting burnt in the process.
“Hang on!” Twilight told the others as she and Cadance worked her magic to teleport themselves and everyone around them to the other side of the beach leaving them all coughing and taking deep breaths to recover from nearly breathing in smoke from a mountain fire.
“That was way too close!” Starlight commented as she fell to her knees in exhaustion.
“Yeah, we just got smoked!” Smolder commented. “And I don’t mean that as a joke.” She seriously added to emphasize her point not to laugh at the pun she just did.
“I know.” Spike said in agreement not finding it funny either nor being in the mood for jokes. “That smoke can sure mess with your eyesight and knock you out just like that if you're not careful.”
“But the others!” Twilight exclaimed in horror as they watch the blazing fire through Mount Aris straight ahead.
“They are still there.” Ocellus said in horror as they realize they can’t reach them in time.
“We’re too late.” Gallus said in defeat as Twilight races off ahead desperate to salvage whatever the can for any survivors with the others following after her.
Back at Seaequestria, Midnight and Novo continue to deck it out. Midnight sends multiple magic blasts from her horn aimed at the hippogriff queen as she dodges each and every one of her attacks. Novo moved to ram right into her causing the alicorn to slam hard into the back wall as Novo prepares to charge at her for the finishing blow. Just at the last second Midnight had charged her horn to send a very powerful blast right at her chest to slam her right back into the tentacles surrounding the pearl system.
“Well done putting up a challenge against me, Queen Novo. Unfortunately for you I kept you busy just long enough.” Midnight said to the entangled queen as she approached her.
“Kept me busy? From what?” Novo replied confused of what she is talking about before resolving her hardened glare at the alicorn until she sees the pearl is gone and not right next to her as Midnight shows her the pearl in question.
“Looking for this.” She calmly said with a smirk as she held up the pearl now pieced together with her magic leading to the queen to growl in her direction. “In case you were wondering, I had an ally of mine obtain it for me while you were distracted fighting me.”
“All this so you could steal the pearl?!” Novo said outraged by the trick she had just pulled.
“Correct.” Midnight nonchalantly replied. “What good does these security measures do when I can just lure you here into my trap while having one of my followers obtain it for me right under your nose. I just wish Twilight had been more than willing to join my side the last time I was here otherwise the alarm wouldn’t have gone off and we’d be gone by the time you all got back.”
“Give it back!” Novo angrily demanded as she struggled against her tighten restrains.
“Well now you can spend the rest of your afterlife here trapped thinking about how Twilight felt when you banished her from Seaequestria all because you didn’t lend her an opening ear from the start and refused to explain herself when you saw her up there quick to accuse her on the spot.” Midnight casually shrugged off the threat as she activates the pearl’s magic against her. “And by the time you finally take action, it is already checkmate, for you don’t deserve to be one of us for the way you treated her back then.”
Midnight working her magic on the pearl turns Novo from a seapony to a hippogriff as she finds herself struggling to breath and run out of oxygen quickly as Midnight makes her leave intent on letting her drown as she swims away with the pearl in tow.
Celestia and Luna already back in their pony forms had just evacuated the last of the sea ponies who all were turned into hippogriffs all of the sudden leaving the two wondering where Novo is.
“Where is she?” Celestia questioned her sister who is wondering the same question as well.
“She should have met up with us by now.” Luna also wondered as they both suddenly think of the worst that could have happened to her.
“Do you probably think that Midnight has overpowered her?” Celestia thinks with wide-eyed fright of what Midnight could be doing to her right now.
“We better go down there and see what has happened.” Luna voiced of what they need to do as they use their magic to conjure air bubbles so they can breathe underwater as they dive back into the underwater kingdom. When they arrived in the throne room they both gasped upon seeing the unconscious hippogriff as she is now drowning and being deprived of oxygen due to her seapony transformation being undone.
“Novo!” Celestia said in shock upon seeing her on the verge of death.
“The pearl! It’s gone!” Luna added just as shocked to see the pearl is gone too.
“Midnight!” The two sisters said at the same time as they put the pieces together.
“Come on!” Celestia motioned to her sister to get back to their attention on untangling Novo with their magic so they can quickly get her out back to the surface before it’s too late.
By working together they were able to use their magic to untangle and free Novo from the tentacles holding her hostage and by holding on to her the two were able to quickly swim their way back up to the surface. Upon emerging they both managed to get a good look at the fire on Mount Aris. All they could do was look on helplessly unable to save those trapped there in time since they are carrying and trying to save someone too before swimming to shore with Novo in tow.
Back at the beach and the nearby caves all of the knocked out soldiers, Shining Armor, along with the Mane Five struggle to work their way out of their trapped surroundings but are unable to do anything as they find themselves overwhelmed by the growing smoke as they cough and are weaken from performing any flight or magic due to the lack of oxygen. Just when all hope was lost for them they suddenly find themselves protected by a magic shield.
“Way to go, Rarity!” Applejack weakly complimented as she started to recover.
“That wasn’t me.” Rarity quickly pointed out to her non-functioning horn as she struggles to get to her hooves as Thorax appears before them with Night Light and Twilight Velvet with working magic on their horns quickly rush over to help their unconscious son to his hooves as they both quickly help him out of the caves through the magic tunnel.
“Hurry!” Thorax urgently told them as the Wonderbolts quickly help the guards to their hooves as they fly them out with Big Mac and Granny Smith helping Applejack to her hooves. “The unicorn shield wouldn’t hold forever!”
“Come on!” Ember shouted at them as she carried Fluttershy out of harm’s way as Prince Rutherford carries Pinkie and Rarity on his back after lifting them up there while Garble rushing in to help the remaining soliders to their hooves.
“Let’s go, Rainbow!” Spitfire urgently barked at her as she and Soarin helped her fly out through the tunnel. "Let's move, move, move it!"
Once everyone was out of through the tunnel all of the other unicorns canceled their shield spell as Chancellor Neighsay uses a spell to evaporate the fire that nearly killed the survivors with the nearby ocean water.
“Are you all okay?” Sunburst asked them as he approached the recovering ponies as they all breath in the fresh air upon recovering from the smoke exposure and being knocked out from it.
“Yeah. Thanks to all of you saving us in the nick of time.” Applejack gratefully spoke to the rescue party.
“We were all almost fired there.” Pinkie giggled as the others glared at her. “Sorry, but I couldn’t help it since we are all okay!” She cheerfully exclaimed as she hugged the yak prince for saving her to which he allowed for his best pony friend.
“Of course Pinkie. Yaks will do anything for yak’s best friend.” Rutherford returned.
“Oh we are so glad you are safe, Shining Armor!” Twilight Velvet said in relief as she and her husband hugged their son together.
“We almost thought we had lost you son!” Night Light cried out as his wife starts tearing up at his near death experience.
“Well thankfully you didn’t as I have two great parents who just saved my rump from getting roasted.” Shining Armor said just as glad to see them. “Well done for conjuring the spell.” He complimented them as he turned to the other unicorns. “Thank you all on behalf of everyone here.”
“We’re just glad we got here in time.” Sunburst replied as he looked on to the mountain up in flames. “Too bad it wasn’t enough to save Mount Aris.”
“As long as everyone is okay that's what's most important.” Shining assured him no harm as he voices what's more important as he looks up to the flaming mountain. “I’m sure Queen Novo would understand if she was here too.”
At that moment the mountain's flames rose up as Midnight herself appeared from the flames evilly laughing as everyone looking up shows mixed reactions of shock and fear of the villainous alicorn like the many unicorns including Twilight Velvet and Night Light as they are like seeing their daughter turn evil before their eyes and changelings while others like the Mane Five minus Fluttershy, Neighsay, Ember look with a mix of fear and angered glares as Shining Armor bravely steps forward with an angered glare.
“Midnight!”
“Ah. Shining Armor. Girls.” Midnight greeted them after she stops laughing and looks down upon everyone before her. “I see thanks to your little rescue party you all have managed to escape my little scheme.” She said sounding somewhat disappointed there before smirking with what she says next. “Too bad the same can’t be said for all of the remaining alicorn princesses, the queen, and the young ones.”
Hearing this causes Twilight’s family to react with horror that she has managed to kill Twilight in the fire as Skystar, Ember, Garble, Thorax, Rutherford, and Grampa Gruff show horrified reactions that the young ones have been killed in the fire.
“Twilight!” Twilight Velvet said in horror.
“Cadance!” Shining Armor said in the same tone.
“The princesses!” Rarity exclaimed in terror as Rainbow looks around for them to no avail as they showed no signs of being alive anywhere around.
"My sister!" Both Shining and Garble said very alarmed as some of their friends share surprised looks that the known bully dragon is Smolder's brother.
“Mother!” Skystar said as tears started to tremble from her eyes in heartbreak. “No!”
“Guess again Midnight!” Twilight’s voice called out as she appeared with the other girls, the young ones just as Celestia and Luna emerge onto dry land with the queen in tow which sparked smiling relief into everyone’s hearts.
“You’re okay!” Rainbow exclaimed in relief as she flew over to Twilight who had her eyes locked on her evil counterpart.
“Ah. Twilight. The young soon to be leader of Equestria.” Midnight politely greeted the lavender mare. “Time for you to lead everyone back to Equestria while you still can.”
“We’ll never surrender to you, Midnight.” Twilight defiantly refused to give into her demands as she flew over in front of everypony joining her brother’s side.
“Ha.” Midnight scoffed off her defiance. “You don’t have the power to defeat me. None of you do!” She then said with a calm smile. “But if you or anyone else ever care to try you know where to find me and I'll be waiting.”
Midnight then evilly laughed as Twilight and Shining both angrily glare at the villainous mare as she teleports away in a flash as the fires die down leaving behind loads of smoke from the burnt up mountain.
Unbeknownst to her, Cozy witnessed the whole thing and is now left seeing the truth about her deception as she breaks down into the ground in tears completely heartbroken by this betrayal.
“Oh, thank goodness you’re okay!” Twilight Velvet said in relief as she hugged her daughter along with her husband as Shining Armor and hugs Cadance at the same time.
“We were really worried about you there.” Night Light added in the same tone.
“Well thankfully it’s going to take more than attempting to set the mountain on fire to get rid of me.” Twilight expressed her relief that everyone is okay as she embraces her parents.
“We really thought you were dead.” Twilight Velvet added in emphasis of how worried they were for her.
“Really?” Twilight asked wondering why before remembering. “That’s right! The fire at the School of Friendship.”
“Yes, dear, and it wasn’t until someone who knew you who just managed to escape from Midnight managed to lead us here with hopes and rumors brewing around that you were alive.” Twilight Velvet added as she teared up while still embracing her daughter.
“I’m sorry you thought I was dead.” Twilight could only say and apologize since she did have the other leaders keep it a secret.
“It’s okay dear as long as you are okay that’s all that matters dear.” Night Light told her it’s no big deal very understanding why she did what she did. “Especially when it comes to surviving from that evil look-alike pony who had just tried to killed you.”
“I know.” Thorax said in frightened agreement as fear sparked in his eyes upon the mention of her. “It’s like she knows what we’re planning.”
“Crazy alicorn too scary even for yaks.” Rutherford said in agreement as the other leaders reunite with their young ones with a stoic but visible frightened expression.
“What should we do?” One of the guards asked with worry in his tone of voice.
“Prepares we should call off the attack.” Sunburst recommended.
“No!” Rainbow Dash immediately tried to convince everyone otherwise. “That’s just what Midnight wants you do to! She’s just trying to scare you!”
“Well it’s working!” Ember voiced her agreements as she tightly holds on to Smolder.
“I agree!” Novo weakly spoke up much to Rainbow’s surprise. “If she can go toe to toe with me and still be able use my security system against me while setting my kingdom on fire in order to take over what chance do we have against her?”
“Unless of course Twilight…” Skystar who is tending to her mother speaks to the alicorn in question. “…we still know how to defeat Midnight. Don’t we?”
Before Twilight could respond they were drawn to their attention by crying from nearby.
“Cozy Glow!” The Cutie Mark Crusaders said together as Twilight is the first to fly in the voice’s direction as they all head over around the corner where they see the young filly crying with her hooves buried in her face.
“I’ll deal with this.” Twilight said to them as she steps forward to confront her.
Just as she is approaching her with her wings spread out with a stern expression she can’t help but find something off about her crying but still presses forward as Fluttershy joins by her side.
“Please, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked of her as she stopped her in her tracks after taking note of her crying. “Can I join you? There might be a chance she is being sincere with her tears this time around.”
“Fine.” Twilight calmly relented as she led the way. “But I will not hold back if she is trying to trick us again.”
“Cozy Glow!” Twilight sternly called out to her as she appears before her with her wings still spread out.
“Please Twilight.” Cozy begged for mercy as she looks up at the alicorn with tears in her eyes. “Before you decide what is fit for me, just here me out okay. I swear I’ll cooperate and I am not pulling any strings this time. I’ll do whatever you say.” She pleaded before burying her face into her hooves again while uncontrollably sobbing.
“Cozy….?” Twilight asked with some concern for her while still keeping her guard up. “Are you okay?”
“No.” Cozy cried too ashamed to look at her in the eyes. “I ruined everything! It’s all my fault! I should have listened to you from the start!”
“About what?” Twilight wondered where she is going with this.
“That friendship truly is magic and that you were right all along about it!” Cozy admitted as she looked up to her. “Midnight doesn’t care about me! She never did!”
“And what made you realize that?” Fluttershy asked.
“She attempted to have me killed in the fire after attempting to trap me in one of mountain caves.” Cozy answered as she looked up to face her as she thinks back to just earlier when she looked around for Midnight only to see that she is making no effort to see to it to come looking for her leading to the young girl to break down in tears after seeing her true colors. “Even after everything I did what she asked and everything she gave me in return.” She said as she calmed herself down a little as Fluttershy suddenly feels sympathy for her as well as everyone else to varying degrees from unconvinced like the Mane Five or in between like the other alicorn princesses. “All this time I really thought we were family when she took me in only to find out it was all a lie.”
“Twilight, please, I know what I did was inexcusable and I don’t blame you for not wanting to forgive me but all I can say right now is I’m sorry.” Cozy further apologized as she turned her attention back to Twilight who still looks down on her with her still stern expression. “I should have never turned my back on the one who turned cared from me from the start. The one who truly and actually tried to care for and help me as a true mother only I still ended up choosing to throw it all away for the sake of power.” She said as she hung her in shame. “I’ll understand if you still don’t want to forgive me and want to have me face punishment for you see fit for me.”
Twilight thought for a moment as her expression is still calm and stern as she looks down at the remorseful filly while ignoring Fluttershy’s pleading looks not to be too harsh on her as the others worry while wondering what Twilight is going to do to her especially since she is making it clear she is truly sincere for what she did as Twilight places a hoof on her chin to get her to look at her in eye…before pulling her for an embrace.
“What?” Cozy said in surprise by this gesture as much as the others. “But why? How could you forgive me after everything I did?”
“Because you were just misguided and lost with yourself.” Twilight calmly answered. “Considering how manipulative and misleading Midnight can be and know how to pull your heart strings with your heart’s desires, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to me that you didn’t see her betrayal coming. I also befriended someone who was in your hoof steps when we first met.” She further added as Tempest realizes that she is talking about her. “And she too betrayed her even after time of servitude to her when she was no longer of use to her for Midnight has no moral restrains of how far she will go to get what she wants and doesn’t value friendship as much as I do. So having said that you deserve that opportunity to let friendship into your heart too.” She said the young filly who started to smile at her kindness and compassion as her friends slowly understand her reasons. “But you still have a ways to go to in earning redemption and everyone’s forgiveness and…” She then said sternly catching Cozy by surprise by her change in tone. “…if this is another double-cross…you’ll have to answer to Tempest Shadow and she does not show mercy on her enemies.“ She gestured to said unicorn whose horn sparked up electricity before she blew it in away as Cozy nervously gulped in response.
“Understood.” Cozy could only say in response as Twilight helps her up to her hooves before the former hugged her again. “Thank you for forgiving me.”
“It all comes in part of being the Princess of Friendship. Its a part of who I am.” Twilight thought nothing of it as the rest of the royal family approaches her.
“Indeed it is.” Celestia complimented her. “And it is a noble trait that makes you, you.”
Twilight’s warm smile turns into a cold frown upon seeing her mentor, brother, and the Mane Five but doesn’t turn away as she is willing to hear them out.
“Before you turn us away just hear us out okay.” Shining Armor added as he approached her as her expression didn’t change. “Ever since you were born I knew we were going to be my L.S.B.F.F forever from the start. I have always loved you even after the times we fought together. Point being we know what we did was wrong and we should have told you the truth the second we felt you were acting like your former self but the truth is I felt guilty for saying those horrible words to you ever since the day you first became Midnight. It was honestly the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life that I really regret doing to this day.” He further went on as Twilight’s expression softens upon hearing his apology. “A part of me just didn’t want to hurt you all over again and see you become the mare that nearly took over Equestria.”
“You really mean that?” Twilight spoke as the Mane Five nod in agreement as Celestia approaches her.
“Of course we do.” Celestia replied. “And we’re sorry we didn’t when we should have. All we wanted was to ensure that weren’t overcome by the stress of everything that has happened but by doing so we ended up disappointing you the same way.”
“Quite ironic isn’t it?” Rarity added sounding very guilty as Twilight sighs sounding very forgiving towards them as she prepares to respond to their heartfelt apology.
“You all had good intentions and I should have had more control over myself even when I have this dark magic inside of me. But you all know that the truth is always better than a well meant lie.” Twilight calmly replied while not sugarcoating their mistake. “If either one of you had just told me sooner I would realized what I had done was wrong sooner.” She said as she turned to Capper. “Having said that I’m sorry for what I did to your friend back in the skies, Capper.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Capper shrugged it off that it’s no big deal. “He wasn't my friend anymore and it was bound to happen to him sooner or later. Just wish he could have turned himself around sooner.”
"That being said..." Twilight continued back towards the others. "...with all things considered I don't blame any of you for initially trying to keep it a secret from me. If the roles were reversed I probably would have done the same thing."
“So what do you say Twilight?” Applejack hopefully asked the question.
“Do you forgive us, darling?” Rarity also asked sincerely.
“Please?” Fluttershy added with a pleading look.
Twilight immediately pulls the Mane Five, Celestia, and Shining Armor all in for a hug with her magic.
“Does this answer your question?” Twilight asks them as she tightly hugs them all together as they all return the embrace.
“Yep.” Rainbow Dash replied as Twilight loosened up her grip enough to allow them to enjoy it more comfortably.
“Very much so!” Pinkie happily added.
“Wow, you hug tight for a little sister.” Shining Armor couldn’t help but comment on her strength.
“Well it comes with some much needed tough love.” Twilight said as she turned to Sunset and Tempest. “Thank you both!”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Tempest said in agreement with a small smile.
“What can we say?” Sunset responded. “Sometimes a little vacation is all it takes to unwind from everything that has happened. And having said that Princess Celestia...” She said turning her attention to the tall alicorn with a expression of regret written all over it. "I'm sorry for blowing up at you."
“It's okay Sunset." Celestia returned with an embrace. "Because I'm sorry too for doing the same as well. You had every right to call me out for not being honest with her from the start. And we both said and did things we regret. ” Celestia said in agreement before suddenly taking notice of her wings. “And it seems thanks to Twilight’s friendship to you, you have managed to prove yourself worthy as a princess too now that you have your very own wings.”
“Oh yeah.” Sunset replied as the others marveled in amazement of her recent transformation. “It just happened during our vacation because I managed to do a princess worthy deed in the past.”
“Two if you count the time you saved me from a surprise attack from Midnight.” Celestia replied as she recalled the memory.
“Three if you could saving my human self from becoming Midnight.” Twilight added on while also referring to their camping trip.
“Sweet!” Rainbow exclaimed in excitement as she hugged Sunset. “Another flying buddy!”
“Yay! Another alicorn party!” Pinkie cheered in excitement as she created more confetti and part balloons around them.
“Not trying to damper the happy mood here…” Novo stepped forward as she cleared her throat to get their attention. “There is still one major obstacle to still deal with. Midnight Sparkle.”
“I think I can help you out there!” Discord offered as he appeared to everyone.
“Really?” Applejack replied with a skeptical look. “How?”
“During my time spying on Midnight, I been trying to figure out how find out how to get the secret that could prove crucial to Midnight’s defeat and I must admit it was very difficult considering she can sense my presence from a mile away. I mean there was no way I was allowing myself to get near her if she can use instantly use Grogar’s bell against me.” Discord explained as he recalled sneaking around the castle grounds trying to avoid Midnight while trying to spy on her before disguising himself as one of the servants so he can walk inside undetected. “And even with my best efforts I found nothing useful until after I was able to walk in on one of her war meetings where she explained her plan to deal with those who refuse to surrender to her and that’s where I managed to obtain very crucial information. That is of course if you are willing to hear what else I have say, Twilight.” He said towards the lavender mare.
“As long as it is useful.” Twilight replied as she allowed him to explain himself with a hoof gesture. “Go on.”
“Okay.” Discord said as he continues thinking back to Midnight’s meeting. “Midnight said that only you can defeat her with the help and power of the Elements of Harmony.”
“Okay.” Twilight said as she and the others take it in. “That’s true since the elements did purify me and Luna of the dark magic that made us Midnight and Nightmare Moon respectively.”
“Indeed.” Luna said in agreement.
“But it’s got to be the most powerful blast of magic you got it so the magic will overwhelm Midnight.” Discord further added.
“Oh yeah, just blast Midnight with the elements!” Rainbow immediately liked the idea.
“But it’s going to take a lot of magic and power to do so.” Rarity voiced her concerns. “And that’s without Twilight straining herself again.”
“Not without help.” Twilight returned as she faced the royal sisters, the Mane Five, the Pillars, and Young Six. “As one wise pony said before, no pony is meant to handle everything on their own.”
“Indeed.” Star Swirl said in agreement. “And it is thanks to another wise pony I know that taught me that in the first place.”
“But still, getting back to the castle won’t be easy as long as Midnight’s army is there guarding every inch of it.” Luna voiced her thoughts of dealing with them.
“Indeed sister.” Celestia said in agreement.
“But all the more reason to proceed with the plan to attack Canterlot.” Twilight spoke up her approval of the plan much to Rainbow, Celestia and Novo’s delight. “And with the right organization I’m certain we can make this work because not only is this about defeating Midnight’s army. But because we now have a plan to defeat Midnight as well.”
“And I will to help you out too mother.” Cozy vowed her support to which the latter found endearing.
“And so will the rest of your friends and family.” Twilight Velvet said in support.
“All of your family.” Night Light said in agreement as Twilight looks around at all of the encouraging smiles around her.
“All right then. Since everyone is on board…” Twilight said as spoke to everyone as she uses her magic to pull out a stand with a map of Canterlot on it. “Then here’s of how we are going to do it…” She said as she used a pointer to point to the Canterlot borders. “The first thing we need to through is the borders to Canterlot. The royal guards under Sombra’s brainwashing will be monitoring them every second of their patrol. Thorax, Ember, can you both have the changelings and dragons divert their attention away from the borders long enough for us to get by?”
“Absolutely!” Thorax immediately agreed.
“We’ll take care of those mind-controlled fliers.” Ember said in agreement as she pounded her fists together.
“Next up is the guards occupying the castle.” Twilight pointed to said castle. Prince Rutherford, Grampa Gruff, can you both do the same to deal with the guards there?”
“With pleasure.” Grampa Gruff said as he pounded his fists together.
“Whatever it takes to drive those bad guys out of there.” Gilda voiced her support.
“Yaks will crush mind-controlled ponies.” Rutherford said as the other yaks cheered in agreement.
“And that just leaves us the main threats occupied at the castle.” Twilight further went on as she pointed to the center of the castle. “We need to clear an opening since Tirek and Chrysalis will be guarding the entrance so we can deal with Midnight herself. So having said that Queen Novo, you lead the hippogriffs, the team of unicorns and the other girls to deal with them while the pillars and the young ones try to do everything they can to get restore enough live to the tree at the ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters so I can summon enough power to deliver the final blow.” She then pointed to said area near the Everfree Forest in Ponyville.
“Of course.” The queen replied with a nod as Twilight turns her family.
"We'll do everything in our power to try to restore the tree so it is powerful enough to vanquish the ultimate evil for good." Star Swirl vowed as the other Pillars and the Young Six nod in agreement.
“That just leaves us to deal with Midnight herself when we get to the throne room so when those leaders fall we can assume the throne…” Twilight spoke of their role to them. “But of course Daybreaker, Nightmare Moon, and Sombra will all be there waiting for us. So Celestia and Luna, you both will take on Daybreaker and Nightmare while Shining Armor, Cadance, Flurry, Sunset, and I take on Midnight and Sombra.”
“Ready to put our evil counterparts in their place, sister?” Celestia asked her sister.
“Ready.” Luna agreed with her. “Because it’s time to put our dark past behind us for good.”
“We’re with you, Twilight!” Shining Armor confidentially vowed her support.
“As always!” Cadance voiced her determination and support as Flurry giggles and claps her hooves together as well. “Time to take back the Crystal Empire from Sombra once and for all!”
“Then let’s all get some rest because tomorrow we are going back to Equestria right into the heart of Canterlot.” Twilight said as she flew up into the air.
“Midnight and her forces will be defeated once and for all!” Celestia also announced her vow to everyone as she joined by Twilight's side in flight too. “And we will have peace in Equestria!”
Everyone cheered in support as all prepared to space out across the beach so they can go to sleep as they prepare for the biggest battle of their lives as Twilight approaches Neighsay and Discord.
“And thank you Chancellor for saving me and my friends.” Twilight gratefully spoke to him before turning to Discord. “As well as providing us this valuable information.”
“I’m just as glad you are okay too, princess.” Neighsay kindly returned. “And I am truly sorry for what I put you through.”
“Honestly that wasn’t nice…” Twilight started to which Neighsay accepted that comment as he felt he truly deserved that. “…but I am glad that you have learned your lesson now and that we still have a shot of taking back Equestria.”
“And I can assure you princess that with every unicorn in Equestria by our side we see to it that the real villain is defeated.” Neighsay assured her as Twilight’s Canterlot friends approach her for a hug.
“And you got your old friends by your side, Twilight.” Moondancer said to her friend. “If we can make amends before then we can take on anything as you believe in the power of friendship.”
“Truer words have never been spoken.” Twilight said in response as Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine nod in agreement.
“They sure are!” Minuette also said in agreement. “I’m ready to kick some bad guy butt tomorrow!”
“I’m sure everyone else is.” Twilight points around to everyone discussing the same thoughts as they find somewhere to rest before heading on out back to Equestria. “Go on get some rest. We’re going to need everyone at full strength for the big day tomorrow.”
“Will do.” Minuette replied as she happily went off to do so along with the other unicorns as the Mane Five, Spike, and the rest of her family approach her.
“Coming Twilight?” Spike asked. “Because everyone means you too you know.”
“Of course.” Twilight kindly replied as she joined them as Discord set up personal tents for everyone with his magic. “And thanks to you Discord.”
“Just doing my part in helping make up for my mistakes.” Discord humbly replied. “I’m hoping that this is enough to do it.”
“Of course. As long as Midnight and her forces are defeated for good. I’ll forgive you too. You’ve earned it as much as everyone else here.” Twilight replied as Discord happily celebrated with confetti and balloons appeared around her as Twilight still cracked a smile upon seeing his silly antics as Rarity approaches her.
“I think we can agree on that too, now if you mind, darling. I’d like to treat you to a pre-battle makeover.” Rarity offered.
“Are we talking just a hair dye job or some kind of makeover you have in mind?” Twilight wondered.
“Definitely a hair job at least.” Rarity spoke of her insistence. “I just find the black on you a little crime of fashion. What?” She asked as her friends chuckled in amusement. “It is.”
“Like the time you wore a goth girl like outfit to cover your mane.” Twilight snickered as Rarity gives a flustered and embarrassed reaction.
“Well even though it all worked out in the end it probably could have been avoided if someone didn’t mixed up my shampoo bottle with floor removal.” She said as she regained her composure and glared at Pinkie who nervously chuckled with a matching smile in response.
“Sorry.” She said with raised hooves to match her apologetic gesture.
“All right, all right.” Twilight immediately agreed not wanting another fight. “No more bickering, let’s just get this hair job done so we can all get our much needed rest, okay?”
“Let’s.” Rarity said immediately focusing on what she would like to do to Twilight’s hair as she led her to her tent as Cozy turns to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
“Welcome back, traitor.” Scootaloo bitterly remarked as Cozy was taken aback by this until she did a 180. “Just kidding.” She then chuckled as she lightly jabbed her on the shoulder to let her know she was just kidding.
“It’s good to know that I am on the right side now.” Cozy humbly replied. “And I am really sorry I turned my backs on you along with setting you up to fail.”
“It sure is.” Apple Bloom replied as she accepts their new friend's apology. “And it’s okay, at least you are now turning yourself around.”
“Better late than never I always say.” Sweetie Belle added in agreement. “Come on, you can sleep with us.” She then offered as she led them to their tent. “Just as long as you don’t poison us in our sleep.” She then cautiously warned her.
“I won’t.” Cozy honestly replied as Pinkie immediately appears over her.
“Do you Pinkie Promise?!” Pinkie ominously asked the filly.
“Do I have too?” Cozy whined a little in protest over going that far for a promise as the four glare at her with Pinkie handing her a cupcake. “All right.” She said with a reluctant sigh as she mimicked the motions Pinkie taught her in perfect sync. “Cross my heart and hope to fly…stick a cupcake in my eye.”
“Ookay dokay!” Pinkie then cheerfully said as she hoped away to her tent as Midnight watches the events from her orb back at the castle.
“It’s time to for this world to end in darkness and for a new world to be born from the shadows.” Midnight said with a determined expression as she pulls out the pearl she obtained as she turns Sombra. “Go set the wheels in motion in preparation for their attack.”
Sombra obliged with a nod as he ran off ahead to do so as Midnight looks out the window towards the stars in the sky at the same time Twilight who now has mane turned back into it's original color is flying over the top of the burnt down mountain sporting the same expression as they both look on to both kingdoms to which the former now has control over as the latter silently expresses her determination to take it all back from her when the sun rises.