Chapter 19: Let There Be Light
Backhoofing a hissing serpent across his vile pointed face, I continued to stand my ground against the seemingly never-ending onslaught of monsters that threatened to overwhelm us. I examined my hoof with disdain, grimacing at having even laid it upon such a horrible being at times before I used my own elemental powers to send them away, and returned swiftly to the battle.
It had seemed like an age after Dusk had first begun using his unique magic to summon our friends to our location and I was starting to feel fatigue affecting me again. I wasn’t used to such an amount of physical exertion and was rather tentative to push myself further in case I started to, Celestia forbid, sweat on the smell… the very idea sickened me. Already, my wonderfully styled mane was starting to unravel, my fur was messy and unkempt, and my hooves were simply awful and in desperate need of a trip to the spa.
But I didn’t have time to worry about such things as of infinite importance they were to me, kicking aside another Paraserpent that threatened to sink his fangs into my leg. I couldn’t afford to be distracted by aesthetic appeal or else a chipped hoof would be the least of my worries. I was needed to defend my cousin and to defeat the tyrant Discord and his minions and I was duty-bound to do as was needed of me. It was only proper and a lady always honored my agreements and devotion to duty.
“As soon as this is over though,” I murmured to myself, “I’m taking a long, hot bath… for a few days perhaps, or weeks maybe.”
A strange sound made me look around and I looked to see Zecora had flung a bottle of potion at one of the attacking Paraserpents, the liquid landing on its head. The instant it made contact, the head swelled to the same size as a large cart, causing it to topple over and unable to move due to the sheer weight of its head. Panicked and confused, it started to whip its tail around in the air and ended up only causing grief to any of its fellows who were unfortunate enough to be nearby.
Interesting effect, I wondered, watching as Zecora turned her attention to another group, blinding them with another potion which exploded in a bright flash and striking while they were unable to see. I made mental note to ask her about the possibility of mane care or beauty potions she might make. It could do wonders for me…
Shaking those thoughts aside for now, I glanced around to see how the others were handling themselves. Zecora was holding her ground nicely, her bamboo staff whirling above her head, I was still performing my spell, looking both eerie and beautiful at the same time; Gold Star had been both cutting down Paraserpents and reflecting their magic attacks with the blade of his great, black sword; and Hearth Forest, the royal cousin I had only just met today, had managed to push back the vile reptiles with blasts of her Water Magic. It seemed all to be going well until I looked to see Leon surrounded by Paraserpents while Fluttershy was backing away from one that crept towards her, slowly wrapping its tail around her legs and grinning maliciously at her.
Panic gripped me and I was about to bolt over, to knock the beast aside and relinquish its grip from my friend before it could do her any harm. But suddenly two more Paraserpents blocked my way, reflecting their fellow’s grin.
“Where you going, pony?” one hissed at me.
“Out of my way you brutes!” I ordered. “Stand aside, I say!”
They both exchanged a look and their smiles widened. Quick as a flash, one coiled its tail around my hooves, rendering me unable to attack, and lifted me up into the air.
“You hear thissssss? It thinksssssss it can command usssssss.”
“How very ssssstupid.” the other agreed. “Let usssssss remind it of who issssss in control here.”
I cried out as they tightened their coils around my hooves, laughing at my pain and no doubt feeding off my suffering. I kicked out at them, but they either missed or the ones that hit failed to let go and just made them grip all the more tighter to make me suffer more.
No one’s view
From hearing Rarity’s cry of pain, the teal eyes of the Pegasus moved from the beast looming over her to the ones that held Rarity in place, burning with fear and terror. From hearing another grunt in pain, Fluttershy discovered Leon had been captured by the Paraserpents surrounding him, their coils tightening on him. At first, it seemed as if she would start crying. But, in that moment, Fluttershy’s expression faltered and changed from fear to one of anger.
“STOP!” she commanded and the serpent actually did pause, even the ones that held Rarity and Leon looking toward her with surprise. “Alright, mister, I’m only going to say this once! Let go of my legs, right now!”
It stared at her, then laughed, a horrible, rasping sound. “Why should I do asssssss you sssssssay?”
There was a slight falter again, but she maintained it. “I’m sorry, did I say something funny? No, I don’t think I did.”
Rarity’s view
Hearing her outburst, I looked to see Fluttershy scolding the Paraserpent before her, using the Stare upon it.
“What? How sssssstupid are you po…”
“Don’t take that tone with me! Don’t you dare take that tone with me!” This time, instead of laughing, it actually recoiled and shivered. “You are nothing, but a big, dumb bully and you do not talk to me that way or grab my legs or anything like that!”
“But I…”
“No! No talking, just listen, because I’m not going to say this again!” She glared right into his eyes, her head leaning forward as he backed away. “Let. Me. Go. Right NOW!”
Unable to wrench its gaze away, the Paraserpent almost seemed to shrink beneath Fluttershy’s glaring. It was just like when she stood up to that dragon and, despite the pain, I felt so proud of her. Finally, it whimpered and released Fluttershy, bowing its head to her, completely submitted to the power of her rarely seen assertion and the power of her Stare.
“I am sssssssso sssssssorry, little one!” it wept. “Pleassssssse, do not be angry with me, I have no wish to disssssspleasssse you further!”
Her motherly love of animals returning, Fluttershy smiled and rubbed his head. “It’s okay, just as long as you don’t do it again. You have to learn it’s not nice to do that to ponies.”
“Oh, I have learned and I won’t do it again, I ssssssswear it!” the Paraserpent promised. “Isssssss there anything I can do to redeem mysssssssself?”
“Yes, could you get your friends off of my friend please?” she asked politely.
“Of coursssssse, of coursssssse! Anything for you.” It rounded on its comrades, eyes glowing with magic. “Releasssssse the pony thisssssss insssssstant!”
“What magic issssss thissss?” one of them demanded. “Ceassssse this foolishnessss, right…”
The serpent was cut off by a blast of red magic to the face, knocking out instantly. The other received the same treatment and I was dropped to the floor. After rubbing my legs, I ran towards Fluttershy, beaming proudly at her.
The Pegasus smiled up at the Paraserpent. “Thank you that was a wonderful thing you did.”
“Oh, you are welcome, you are mossssst… welcome?” It blinked and shook its head, like it had woken up from a dream. “Wait, what am I doing? What have I just…”
He joined his fellows in unconsciousness as Leon came in and punched him hard across the face, sending him sprawling to the floor. Nodding in satisfaction while wincing from the pain, he turned to Fluttershy, smiling at her like I was.
“Good job, Flutters.” Leon said happily.
“Yes, that was very, as Rainbow Dash and Shield would say, gutsy of you.” I added, impressed by Fluttershy’s accomplishment.
“Thank you.” she said quietly. “You were in danger and… I did what I could to help.”
“And that was more than enough.” I assured her. “Thank you for your efforts.”
“You’re welcome, but I’m sure you’d do the same for me.” She glanced over at the unconscious snake. “Leon, did you have to knock him out? He seemed like he would help us.”
“Flutters, you saw what happened. Your Stare wore off on him. It had to be done.” Leon said firmly. “Now, let’s get back to the fight.”
“Quite right, Leon.” I agreed before looking to Fluttershy. “Will you need any further help?”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll be fine, especially with Leon here.” She gave a brave, little smile as the water elemental went on to stand beside her with a confident smile. “These guys just need a firm hoof.”
“They do indeed.” I jumped to avoid another attack and headed back to my position. “Good luck, both of you!”
“You too!” Fluttershy, more confidently than before, rounded on another three of them and I heard her firm tones raise again.
I looked to see that three of my own had arrived to fight me. Neck straight and head high, I waited for one to charge, smacking him hard across his face. I sailed through the air with a jump to avoid a magical blast and responded with one of her own, tossing fabric at him, and creating a blindfold before swiftly kicking the legs of another one while unleashing a gust that blew him away. The blinded one bit into the side of another, he screeched and fell, I trounced him between his covered eyes and soon the whole trio was at my hooves.
Smiling and allowing myself the satisfaction of a well-earned victory, I dusted off my hooves and rounded to engage more of them.
Though I didn’t like to exercise, battling the beasts was easy enough. Their long bodies meant that any strike would do some damage and, because of some uncouth ruffians I had handled before, I certainly knew how to apply enough force to my blows to indicate I was not to be trifled with. Furthermore, I was able to use my ladylike grace and elegance to dodge the attacks that my foes committed to. They had brute force, but they simply lacked my style, which would be enough to see me through along with my powers.
I had just furiously kicked another into submission when one I thought I had taken care of previously smacked me with its tail, launching me off my hooves and careering me into a whole group of the beasts. Hurriedly, I returned to my hooves, but knew right away there were simply more of them here than I could handle on her own. I was too tired from my previous efforts and would be worn out before I could.
“Well, this is distinctly bad.” I muttered, my eyes darting from one pointed face to another.
Before she could react, one shot at her, mouth open, fangs bared and…
CLONK!
A wooden rod struck the beast on the head, knocking him out and I knew who had come to her aid this time. There was a loud bang and a cloud of purple smoke obscured her vision, but I felt a hoof grab mine and I let it drag me out of the Paraserpent scrum, feeling a blast whizz past my head and missing by inches. There were confused shouts and screeches from those who had been blinded by the smokescreen.
Once I had full use of my eyes again, I looked at Zecora and nodded. “Zecora, you couldn’t have timed that better. Thank you for your help.”
“When put to the test, I always try my best.” the zebra replied. “But it seems to me that we have further company.”
She indicated five Paraserpents, purple smoke trailing off them, had surrounded them and looked livid with fury.
“Shall I let you handle these?" she offered to her. She felt like she needed a rest from the fighting.
"If you like," Zecora nodded, then to the Paraserpents, "My promise that I will best you is no bluff, so come and have a go, if you think you are hard enough."
She whirled her staff above her head and stood, perfectly balanced, in a martial arts stance. For a moment, there was nothing except for her regular breathing and the incessant hissing. One of them pounced at her, hissing loudly.
Zecora intercepted him, slamming her staff down and lifting herself up on it like a javelin, kicking two more that came from behind with her rear hooves. Flipping onto the knocked-out serpent, she twirled her staff, hitting the other two multiple times across the face, and followed up smoothly by swinging the staff and striking them once more across their heads, knocking them out. The one she stood on raised its head to attack again, but she silenced it by hitting him with the staff too.
She let out a strange whooping sound within her throat, snorted once and jumped off, moving towards me. I, however, was looking past her at another larger group moving from the left, over a dozen of them. Even Zecora would have trouble trying to face down so many of them on her own. I had to help her, overcoming my wanting to just rest and moving as fast as I could to join her.
I had barely made it halfway, however, when Zecora turned to look at the group and didn’t even look worried. Instead, she took out another potion, one that had wavy lines and crossed eyes marked on the label.
“Let’s see if you remain focused on your duty once you inhale this little beauty.” She flung the bottle at the ground below them.
As soon as the leading four inhaled the smoky red fumes, they halted in their advance, their eyes glazing over. A few seconds later, they all screeched, rounded on their allies, and started to attack them, sinking fangs into scales, striking with tails or shooting their magic. Soon enough, the whole group had inhaled the potion’s fumes and they were all fighting among themselves. Within a minute, all of them were on the ground, motionless and twitching.
“What in the world was that?” Rarity asked.
“In answer, to your expression bemused, that potion makes those who become with it infused are driven mad and become confused.” She looked over the group. “As you can see for this band, a house divided cannot stand.”
“I can certainly see that. That was quite impressive.” Rarity admitted. “You truly are a wonder with your work, Zecora.”
“You words gladden me, dear Rarity.” she said kindly, smacking one across the face with the back of her hoof that she had missed.
“Water Creation Magic: Sea Dragon’s Roar!” From hearing that booming voice, a dragon’s head made of water appeared and forced its way through the approaching serpents, the five gone as the blast disappeared. We then looked over to the direction the attack came from and saw Hearth Forest coming over to us.
“Miss Forest, yourself, you do not restrict.” Zecora said as we both looked at her in awe. “And you surprise me with such powerful magic.”
“Of course. I am royalty after all.” Hearth Forest told her, modestly before she began to speak with a hint of concern. “Rarity, are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine, just a little tired that's all, I don’t usually do this kind of thing.” I panted a little and relaxed. “Just give me a few moments, I’ll be fine.”
“Here,” Zecora said after reaching in and pulling another potion from her bag, “drink this brew and you will find your strength anew.”
I took it and uncorked the top, recoiling slightly from the smell. I did my best not to show it for a lady had to be polite and it would be polite to drink it if nothing else. Holding my nose, I gulped it down, the bitter taste befouling my mouth. The payoff was that I certainly did feel like I had woken up after a session in the spa, rejuvenated and ready for action.
“Marvelous! Thank you very much again, Zecora.” I thanked her.
The zebra bowed her head. “To protect those I treasure, it was my pleasure. Now, to return to the fight and extinguish chaos’ blight!”
Fueled by Zecora’s potion, I found myself further bolstered when, quite surprisingly, Dusk spoke and began speaking in profound rhyme from his spot on the hill. With his lips moving and his eyes still glowing, it looked quite eerie, yet it was still inspiring even as he spoke.
Through fearful day,
Through raging night,
With strong hearts full,
Let our souls ignite.
When all seems lost,
In a war of spite,
Look to the stars,
For hope burns bright.
Psychologically boosted by this, I fought all the harder and I was sure my companions were too. This was only added to when one of the puppets returned, bringing with it a large host of very recognizable figures.
“Hey, y’all! We miss much?” Applejack asked, knocking aside a serpent with her strong legs.
“Not at all.” I assured. “We saved plenty of foes for you to trounce.”
“How good of you.” Little Strongheart remarked, holding out her hoof. “It’s good to see you again, Rarity.”
I recoiled a little when I saw how dusty and dirty the calf’s hooves were. Not wanting to be rude, but also not wanting to get the dirt all over my own well-cared-for hooves, I shook it delicately and only for a moment.
“Yes, um… good to see you too, Little Strongheart.” I quickly retracted my hoof and cleared my throat. “Now there is, um…I believe more battle to be waged.”
“Sounds good!” Rainbow smacked one hoof into the other. “Ready to go, Shield?”
“Ready as you are, Dash!” Shield said before he spoke to Strongheart. “Strongheart?”
“I was born ready!” called the calf, who greeted me with a nod before sprinting off to battle more of them.
“Rarity! You’re okay!” I was surprised further by the sight of Sweetie Belle and her friends, but not in a good way.
“Sweetie Belle? But what are you… how are you… what is…” I rounded on Applejack. “What in the world are they doing here?”
The farm pony sighed. “Long story and I ain’t too happy about myself, but we had to bring ‘em, we didn’t have any other choice.”
“We only wanted to help, Rarity.” Sweetie put in. “I just wanted to see if you were okay.”
I felt my anger abate. After all with that pouty mouth, those big sad eyes, and her whimpering voice, who wouldn’t feel something like that? I still would have preferred it that they weren’t here, but they were now and I would have to adapt. Besides, I was quite relieved to see that my sibling was safe and somewhere I could see her.
“Very well.” I then pointed to Dusk. “Stay close to him, you’ll be safe there.” My little sister nodded and hurried off. “And Sweetie… it’s good to see you safe too.”
My sister looked surprised, but her smile was still enough to melt my heart. “Thanks, Big Sis.”
“Well, there are worse places to be.” Scootaloo remarked, approaching me. “He’s pretty cool, I guess. I mean, he is El Dragon and he did try and help us with our cutie marks.”
“Hey, Mr. Dusk! Dusk, hey! It’s us, the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Apple Bloom called out to him. Dusk didn’t even react to her. “What’s wrong with him? Why he ain’t sayin’ anythin’?”
I couldn’t help but smirk at their innocence. “He just a little busy right now and he needs to concentrate so that we can stop the monsters.”
“Is he using his special magic to bring the others together?”
The moment she asked that, I realized that there was more than one meaning to this question. Yes, Dusk had used his magic to find them when they were lost in the past, yet he had done so much more with himself than just shine a few magical lights. What wit reaching out to the desolate and forlorn, being part of a peace between two warring peoples, and restoring the memories and emotions of friendship to every single one of us, I saw the true magic wasn’t just the kind Dusk emitted from his horn.
Quite ironic how he, a pony who at first knew nothing of friendship until gaining three, didn’t think he even deserved it could be the best and most special friend we ever had.
“Yes. Yes, he is.” I finally said.
“Right, we won’t disturb him.” Sweetie promised.
“We’ll stay here and guard him, won’t we?” Apple Bloom suggested. “They won’t get past the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”
“Yeah, we’ll do that!” Scootaloo agreed. “Don’t you worry, Dusk! We kick the flank of any snake that even thinks about eating you!”
Although I knew that Dusk was deep in his magical trance and that he was concentrating on performing his spell, I could have sworn that as the girls were speaking, just as Scootaloo finished her promise, there was a faint ghost of a smile. Like he had actually heard them. But it was gone as quickly as it arrived and I wasn’t even sure if I actually saw it.
“Hold on,” I then realized what Scootaloo had said, “Scootaloo, did you just call him ‘El Dragon’?”
“Ee-yup!” Dog said as I saw him come over to me. “Dragonis told Sweetie Belle to reveal our secret.”
“What? Whatever for?” I asked, causing him to shrug. Putting my curiosity aside, I then returned my focus in protecting Sweetie Belle and Dusk. “Well, let’s us just focus on the situation ahead put our worries aside. We must ensure the Paraserpents are from Dusk until he has found and brought everyone here.”
Now, with a renewed determination to protect my little sister, I looked at Applejack and Dog and the three of us ran together into the battle, Dusk’s voice once again in our ears.
Against all odds,
In a battle full of fright,
We stand strong,
Even in the blackest night.
Never losing our hearts,
To darkest dread.
Knowing we are not alone,
As others join our stead.
As love conquers hate,
We never back down from the fight.
We stand united,
Within a hero’s light.
Now they were even more formidable with the added help of not only our friends, but also by those who weren’t even wielders and who didn’t need to be here. Wondering who else might have come along too, I saw another puppet fall from the sky and land silently on the ground. A nearby Paraserpent stared at it, confused, until…
“Coming through!” A pink form bounced on the head of the Paraserpent, followed by a larger purple one, making it crash to the floor as a party cannon sounded off. “I’m baaaaaaaack!”
“Quick, somepony! Twilight needs help!” the large scaled purple being called. “She’s been hit!” A few seconds later, I heard thundering hooves.
“I’m here!” Strongheart said from behind me, hurrying up with a small pot and bending over Twilight, who was groaning weakly.
“What… where?” I asked, concerned for my friend. When I got closer, I realized who it was as it could only be him. “Spike?”
“Oh, uh… hey, Rarity.” He flexed his enlarged muscles and grinned at me. “What do you think? Pretty cool, huh?”
“Um… yes, I suppose…” Truth be told, I was a little unnerved at this “new” Spike. I much preferred the old one. “How did you get like that?”
“Oh, you know, working out, hitting the gym, running…” He laughed nervously at my raised eyebrow. “Actually, it was a potion Zecora gave me. But still, it is pretty good, right?”
“Right… Spike, I…”
“Take it easy, Twilight. Slowly stand up.” Strongheart’s voice was saying. “You took quite a hit, but you’ll be fine… nice and easy.”
“Twilight!” Both Spike and I cried. “Are you feeling well?”
She touched her head and stood up, shaking it. “Ugh… my head feels like somepony just dropped the entire works of the Magical Compendium on it, but I’m fine.”
I exhaled and smiled. “Well, that’s quite a…”
“Are you sure? You got hit right in the face!” Spike fretted. “Do you need a lie-down? How about some food? Or a drink? I could…”
“Spike, trust me, I’m fine." she cut off gently. “But thank you for your concern and for getting me here in the first place.”
“Yeah, it was nothing.” he said in a would-be modest tone.
“And, once again, that’s why you're my number one dragon assistant.” she added.
“Twilight, you’re making me blush.” He paused for a moment. “Hey, I didn’t say stop. I mean, I guess I was pretty heroic now you mention it, quite gallant and brave you might say…”
“Don’t push it.” she warned, but she was still smiling. “I think it’s enough being Number One Dragon…” She trailed off and the smile was wiped off her face in an instant. “Oh, my gosh! Dusk! Is he okay?”
“Don’t you worry, he’s right there.” I pointed with a knowing smile.
I knew too well what my fellow unicorn felt for Dusk, our mutual male friend and my cousin, no matter how much she might deny it or how much she kept it hidden. Except, since all this began, it had shown itself a lot more than previously, like she had finally decided to start being honest, both to herself and to Dusk. Perhaps, when all this was over, she’d finally let it be shown fully. Perhaps.
Positively beaming at the sight of him, Twilight hurried up to Dusk, followed closely by Spike also expressing his relief.
“Dusk! Oh, I’m so glad you’re okay!”
“Hey, buddy! Check this out! Have you seen me?” Spike flexed his muscles again, stopping when Dusk didn’t respond. “Dusk? Can you hear me, bro?”
“Dusk? Dusk, it’s me. It’s Twilight.” she said softly. “What’s happening? I’ve never seen him like this before.”
“He needed his concentration to perform the spell to bring us all back together.” I informed them. “But we’re all here now, so he should stop now.”
We flinched at the sound of an explosion and a screech, reminding us of the battle raging around them.
“Well, why hasn’t he?” Spike asked.
“Perhaps he’s simply not aware of our presence because he’s so immersed in the spell.” I decided to try my hoof at it. “Dusk, can you hear me, darling? It’s Rarity. You can stop now, we’re all here.”
“Yes, we’re all here.” Twilight echoed. “You don’t have to keep doing your spell. You can stop performing your magic now.”
“Yeah, snap out of it! Come on!” Spike added, waving his claw in front of him.
Still Dusk didn't respond, if anything, his spell seemed to increase in intensity, his face remaining strangely blank and impassive. His eyes and horn glowed even more brightly than before with the magic that fueled them, the colors that whirled inside both of them now like a raging ocean in a fierce storm, both beautiful and terrible. The blue stone around his neck was also shining brightly.
Though I knew his color magic to be little more than harmless movements of light, even I started to feel a little bit of worry at this sudden change. From the way they were acting, I could certainly say that something was about to happen as a result of this and it certainly wouldn’t be anything good. I couldn’t be entirely certain of course for we didn’t know the full extent of it, but that seemed about the way of it.
“Ooh, boy! That doesn't look good.” Spike remarked.
“I would see fit to agree.” I concurred.
Twilight addressed Dusk now in an even more worried tone. “Dusk, I don’t know what you’re doing or what you think you might be doing, but you can stop now! Please, just stop! You’re scaring me…”
Spike looked as if he was about to say something, but a Paraserpent chose that moment to leap at him and wrap itself around his body. With his increased strength, he ripped the beast off him and flung it skyward, whipping around and returning to the battle. I would have joined him, but Twilight still hadn’t moved and I was anxious to see how this might unfold.
I was about to say something a little more drastic myself, step in perhaps and, though I might feel guilty for it later, hit Dusk hard across the face to snap him out of it. But only now did he respond though not in his usual gentle, quiet tones, but in an echoing voice that lingered in my ears long after he had stopped speaking.
“Don’t be afraid, Twilight. I know what I’m doing. I’m not done yet. There is still one last thing I must do.”
Twilight stared at him. “But…what is that exactly? What are you trying to do?”
That ghost of a smile returned to his face and his eyes looked directly at her. “I have brought you all together again. Now I’m going to make sure the Paraserpents cannot separate us ever again.”
“But… but Dusk… how can you…?”
“Please, don’t be scared, Miss Sparkle.” I looked down to see that his claw was now over Twilight’s. “Trust me. Have faith.”
They remained like that for a few moments, Dusk’s eyes shining all the colors off Twilight’s concerned face, though this now dissolved away the instant he said those words and she nodded bravely. Dusk returned it and removed his claw and gaze from her, giving his full attention to the important matter. Twilight however still hadn’t moved from her spot in front of him, her watery eyes still fixed on his face.
I laid a hoof on her shoulder. “Twilight, come on. The others need our help to hold them back.”
At first, it looked like she wouldn’t move but she sighed and nodded. “I know, I’m coming… wait, hold on.” She turned back to Dusk, hesitated for a moment, then allowed her lips to make contact with his, holding the kiss for a few seconds before pulling away again. “Good luck.”
As we turned around to engage the enemy once more, I could have sworn that I heard Dusk whisper in response to this.
“You too.”
Now we fought against our enemy once more as they slithered and spat at us furiously, trying to gain some kind of hoofhold. But now we were all here, combing the use of hooves, magic, cannon, tooth, and claw against the forces of Discord, not giving them one single inch. With us came even more Paraserpents, but we would hold our ground against whatever forces came at us no matter what.
It was almost like watching it slow motion. She saw Applejack and Strongheart floor a Paraserpent, Dog freezing a few before kicking them away or out of the ice, Rainbow taking on three of them by herself with Shield doing the same, Twilight blasting one back with a burst of magic combined with a fireball from Spike, Pinkie slamming her party cannon onto the head of one before blasting another in the head and sending volts of electricity, Zecora flinging her potions at the horde while Fluttershy commanded attacks from the head of one close by while supported with the use of his cannon, Gold Star cutting down the serpents with his sword, Hearth Forest striking them down with her magic, and the Crusaders even lending a hoof, smacking any ones that slipped by them and threatened me. Up above, lightning and sun shone through the clouds with water and pieces of stone raining from above as well as great gusts of winds with some giving a freezing chill as the princesses and Dragonis fought their ancient foe.
Here we all were—great and small, young and old, pony, buffalo, dragon, and zebra—all of us battling to save our home from Discord and return harmony to all. If one needed further proof of friendship’s power, here it was.
Now we all heard Dusk as I spoke once more, repeating it like a mantra and further spurring us to fight on.
For Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasus,
It's time to end the chaos.
Do not give up,
As nothing is lost.
My friends, we will not fight alone,
As we have a helping hoof to lend.
Standing side by side,
We fight until the end.
Our foes will not break us,
We shall not give in.
They will not bring us to our knees,
For we shall win.
When I turned back around to view Dusk’s progress from his pause in speech, I saw that Dusk had closed his eyes and the orb he had created had now begun expanding to an even larger size. It was only a moment after that he then spoke.
Dreaded plague…
From those words, two colors appeared as they began spinning in the white shining depths of the orb, a light of purple set to the left and another of lilac on the right flowing from top to bottom within the middle and crossed each other towards the center.
Chaos and blight…
Four more appeared, two of each appeared beside one of two first lights, cyan and dark blue beside lilac and blue and green accompanying purple.
The shadows all,
Shall fear my might.
As the orb’s creator continued to speak in rhyme, another four lights appeared, yellow and orange on both sides with different shades of the two to the right of which matched the fur of my friends Fluttershy and Applejack.
When darkness falls,
Don’t fear the night.
With the addition of pink towards the right and red towards the left, all fourteen lights began whizzing around the orb as it became filled with rainbow light. Its creator continued to speak, though Dusk also looked to be sweating whilst looking directly at it.
Harmony’s new dawn comes,
Let there be light…
Now it grew brighter still, even the others all pausing in their fight to stare at it, the Paraserpents recoiling and hissing in fear. Now it was making a strange humming sound that grew louder and louder every second, beating and pulsating like a heart.
Harmony’s new dawn comes,
Let there be light!
“Everypony, cover your eyes!” Twilight cried over the din, the brightness becoming unbearable.
I did so, feeling the claws of Spike wrap protectively around me as I hid my head in my hooves and screwed my eyes shut.
No one’s view
As his friends kept their eyes shut and ducked down, midst all the shouting, screaming, screeching, and hissing of the Paraserpents, Dusk had crossed his arms as he faced the army of black serpents, crying out once more.
Harmony’s new dawn comes,
LET THERE BE LIGHT!
With those final words, the orbs exploded and filled the area with light, the lights that formed with it flying and whizzing around, striking the Paraserpents and causing them to screech as some were sent flying. A moment after this, there was a great bright flash that filled the area.
Then… silence.
Dragonis’ view
I felt a sharp pain as I was thrown into the ground, every bit of me aching and stinging from the battle I had partaken in. My wings felt as if they were going to drop off, my horn’s magic flickering feebly and a feeling like a vice being closed on my head. I tried to get up, tried to return to the fight, but I just didn’t have the strength anymore.
Two more slams told me the sisters received the same treatment, Celestia colliding with ground before Luna, the two smacked to the ground beside me, their bodies covered with bruises and cuts, from which blood oozed in little red trickles. I felt fear grip me, seeing both Luna and her powerful and immovable sister in such a state. They too tried to return to their hooves, to push themselves to the limit they had already reached when a goat’s hoof stepped on the ground, causing it to shake and force the two back down again.
“I would stay down if I were you.” Discord warned. “You’ll find it's a lot easier than getting up just so I can knock you down again.”
“Not until… until you're beaten…” Celestia groaned, coughing as she raised her head.
“Oh, yes, not until I’m beaten.” he repeated mockingly. “If your goal is to achieve that, we could be here for a while.”
“What is there… to stop us?” Luna asked. “We shall… we can defeat thee…”
“Oh, when are you two just going to face facts?” he asked exasperatedly. “I’ve won, you’ve lost. You ran the race and came up second best, you leaped for the moon and hit the floor, you ran up the side of the wall and fell because you ran out of wall. Why can’t you just accept that?”
“Because… we beat you last time… we can… do it again…” Celestia replied.
“Yes, but last time you had the Elements and now you don’t even have those. It’s been a thousand years since we fought and I’m still to you as a spoon is to a bowl of ice cream: unbeatable. So why even try? Doesn’t that tell you anything? Dragonis?” Much like the sisters, I remained silent, glaring up at him. “You too? And they say I’m unrealistic. Fine, I guess I’ll…”
THOOM!
My head shot up painfully at the sound that met my ears. From another part of the town, tear-drop-shaped swirls of color were shooting everywhere like fireworks and small black shapes were being tossed into the sky, blasting off and crashing all over the place. Several landed smack beside them here and I saw the dazed and beaten form of a Paraserpent. It tried to lift its head, but slumped down in defeat.
Discord made a noise of disbelief and had to dodge out of the way as he was almost hit by some of his own minions. As painful as it was, I glanced over at her Luna before we both looked to Celestia and the three of us exchanged a smile. At least we had done what wew needed to.
“What-where-when-who-why?” He asked in quick succession. “What’s going on here? Why is it raining minions?”
“It seems that… your victory isn’t as… complete as you thought…” I noted. “Harmony… still… lives on…”
Discord’s quick look of worry was replaced with self-assured arrogance in a flash. “You think it’s enough because they’ve won one little battle? If you intend to cut out a weed, you go for the root, not the leaves and stalk. Unless you’re me, in which case that weed will keep on growing no matter where you cut it.”
“But they’ve already beaten your monsters… how long before… they defeat you too?” I shouted this as I charged at Discord again, fire, earth, air, water, ice, and lightning surging in my wake.
With a casual flick of his hand, Discord struck me with a bolt of chaos energy that tickled me with a load of feathers, throwing off my concentration before dropping an anvil on my head and dropping me to the floor once more, dazed and beaten once more. The sisters would have tried one last attack themselves, but they simply didn’t have the energy.
“So boring, all of you.” Discord taunted. “Let’s try and make you a little more interesting, shall we?”
He touched Celestia with his claw, a flash of magic shooting from it. To mine and Luna’s horror, from her flank to her head and spreading fast, the spirit of chaos was turning her sister to stone, immobilizing her in the same way they had done to him. Celestia tried to stop the flow of stone up her body with her own power, but she was too weakened and Discord was too strong.
“I thought you said you didn't turn ponies into stone.” I glared at him, a petrified Celestia now by my side.
Discord only grinned. “I lied.” It wasn’t long until I watched as Discord had done the same to Luna, my beloved princess slowly becoming stone. “So still think your master was right, Luna? That your little pony is who you think he is?”
“We don’t think so, we know so.” Luna said as she locked her eyes on his, just as the stone was reaching her face. “And so dost thee.”
“We’ll see about that.” Discord said as I looked to the sisters, in horror as they were now incased in stone, preventing any further movement and imprisoning them completely.
Fate it seems wasn’t without irony. Despite my worries, I wasn’t afraid for what Discord would do to me for I had seen those clouds of color shooting across the sky and knew that only one pony could have done such a thing. That meant he had almost learned the truth and there was just one little thing left.
“Hm, it’s certainly an improvement.” Discord remarked conversationally. “What do you think, Dragonis? Too serious? Perhaps brighten it up a bit?”
“If you mean to give me the same fate, just get on with it.” I retorted.
“If you insist.” he shrugged. As soon as I felt the cold stone slowly creeping up my own body, I was determined not to be scared, not to panic. After what I just saw, I couldn’t help but chuckle, confusing Discord. “Hmm? Found something amusing?”
“It’s nothing.” I simply told him with a smug. “Just that, even though you believe you’re winning, your fate has been sealed.”
“You mean my victory over you and returning to my rightful place as ruler of Equestria?”
“No. Your fate as being defeated.” I then went on to explain. “You see, sometime after your defeat, I had sought out Fore Sight.”
“Let me guess, to see how he was doing?”
“Nope. I sought his guidance. When his end was near, I came to him hoping that his madness had finally broken. Before all this, I believe he still had some sanity missing, but now I see that he hadn’t lost any whatsoever.”
“Okay, get to the point, Borington.” Discord was now getting tiresome of me talking.
“When I found him, I asked of him to use his powers one more time, to tell me of anything that had to be known about the future. You may have learned about the prophecy of which Luna held onto, but you never knew of the prophecy of which he bestowed upon me.”
“Another prophecy?” Discord was now curious.
“Yeah, and I remember it well, word for word.” I said as I then told Discord of what Fore Sight said to me:
From the brightest day,
With great might,
Comes a hero born,
To set things right.
When darkness falls,
And bring the blackest night,
The hero rises,
And takes up the fight.
The dreaded plague,
Chaos and blight,
Evil shadows all,
Shall fear his might.
For the night full of darkest dread,
He brings hope that burns bright.
With a strong heart full,
His soul shall ignite.
Never losing his heart,
To greed, fear, or hate,
Becoming the hero to all,
That is his fate.
When all seems lost,
Filled with chaos and fright,
Harmony’s new dawn shall come,
With the Hero of Light!
Discord’s view
With his neck now beginning to turn to stone, I only scowled as he kept that smile of his from what he just said.
“And it is with Dusk that your chaos will soon be brought to an end.” With that, Dragonis then lost his smile and lifted his head, his eyes closed as he fully encased in stone.
Looking back as the lights disappeared, I thought about what Dragonis said. Was he telling the truth? Did Fore Sight really speak of another prophecy about a pony like Dusk? With things like that, Dragonis hardly made a joke, didn’t he? Best not to take any chances. If that old fool of a unicorn did talk about something like that, then I should deal with it before it becomes a problem.
Time to see if the little pup is this so-called “Hero of Light”…