//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: The Final Battle // Story: [CANCELLED] The Revival of the Tambelonian Empire // by AlphaWP //------------------------------// CHAPTER 14: THE FINAL BATTLE The Legion of Doom had just been defeated, and Twilight and her friends were trapped in the dungeons of Tambelon once again. Though now, Shining Armor and the Pillars were with them. “How has this happened twice today?!” Rainbow Dash asked in fury. “What are we going to do now?!” Star Swirl frowned. “With the pieces of Chrysalis’ throne around the cell, our magic is useless.” Rarity pointed to the ceiling. “And it seems as though Grogar has mended the ceiling entirely.” Flurry Heart pouted. “This isn’t fair! I miss my mommy!” She flew into her father’s hooves, who held her close. Shining Armor turned to Twilight. “Twily, do you have any ideas?” “Me? The last plan I had was a complete failure… we were captured by Grogar.” “But, Twilight,” Starlight began, “he expected it… it wasn’t your fault it failed.” Celestia smiled. “You are a strong and capable ruler. If there’s anypony who can get us out of here, it’s you.” “You think so?” Discord placed a claw on Twilight’s shoulder. “We know so. You showed me forgiveness long ago when I didn’t deserve it… and for that, I thank you.” Trixie approached Twilight. “If it weren’t for you, I would still be a failed magician with no friends.” Starlight smiled at Twilight. “And I would still be oppressing my old village.” Luna kneeled. “You saved me from Nightmare’s grasp… so if there’s anyone who is strong enough in friendship to help us get out of this, it’s you.” Flash held Twilight’s hoof. “You are the most powerful pony we know.” Twilight’s look of fear suddenly became one of confidence. “Okay. I just need some time to think on how we can get a guard to come down here and then make them unlock the door.” Just then, there were footsteps coming from the nearby stairway. Sunset Shimmer frowned. “Well, you better get ready, because it looks like someone is coming.” The heroes prepared to attack when they saw Drog holding the keys in his hand and unlocking the door. “Drog?” Pinkie asked. Spike raised an eyebrow. “I thought the only one you could look out for was yourself.” Drog sighed. “I thought that too… until I had time to consider what you said. I realize that I do have a choice.” “What about the other Troggles?” Sunburst asked. “Many of them, if not all, are fed up with Grogar. If you truly can stop him, then they would be more than happy to join you.” Somnambula smiled. “It looks like hope is back on our side.” Rockhoof picked up a shovel from one of the open cells. “Aye. It may not be my shovel, but it might do some damage!” Spike cheered. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go stop Grogar!” “Wait,” Twilight said. “We have no idea where the Bell of Freedom even is. We can’t just rush into the castle without locating it first.” Star Swirl smiled. “I can tell you where the bell is, Twilight.” “You can?” The unicorn wizard nodded and used his magic to create an image of the bell and its tower. “I was in Tambelon before Grogar was banished, and back then the Bell of Freedom was in the highest tower of Grogar’s castle.” “Great,” Rarity said. “Then Twilight can just fly up there and ring it.” Star Swirl frowned. “I am afraid it is not that simple. The bell can only be rung by alicorn magic… but the only way to reach it is through Grogar’s castle.” The heroes gasped. “Grogar’s castle?” Applejack asked. “But he’s still in there. Wouldn’t Twilight be in real danger?” Twilight put on a face of determination. “I have to save Equestria.” Flash Sentry approached Twilight. “Are you certain, Twilight? We could find another way to—” “I have to.” Flurry Heart hugged her aunt. “Auntie Twilight, you can’t!” Twilight smiled. “I’ll be okay, Flurry.” She turned to her friends. “The best thing to do now is for me to find the bell and get to it before Grogar starts his spell at midnight.” “Then you need to hurry,” Fluttershy said. “Because there’s not that much time left!” The heroes rushed out of the dungeon and into the streets of Tambelon. When the Troggles saw them, they were preparing to attack, until Drog stood in front of them. “Listen!” he yelled. “For years, we have allowed Grogar to oppress us and treat us like nothing. But these ponies have found a way to destroy his Bewitching Bell!” A Troggle lowered her weapon. “But how?” Flash Sentry flew above the Troggles and pointed to the highest tower in Grogar’s castle. “With the Bell of Freedom! When we ring it, Grogar will lose his magic and you can be free!” Rainbow Dash smiled and held a hoof over her broken wing. “So are you gonna let Mr. Goat-Face over there keep ruling over you? Or are you going to join us and be accepted by the ponies of Equestria?!” The Troggles lowered their weapons and began talking. They spoke about how these ponies could be right and that they could be free. They chose the second option. Drog smiled. “Then come with me to let the others know of these ponies’ heroism—and to ensure that nobody is left behind!” The Troggles followed him into the rest of the city and began going from house to house. Twilight turned to her friends. “Everyone, go with Drog. I’m going to the castle.” Everyone except the rest of the Mane Six and Star Swirl left. “No,” Pinkie Pie said. “We’re goin’ to the castle,” Applejack claimed. Twilight frowned. “No, it’s too dangerous. I can’t let you—” Star Swirl smiled. “Then I will protect them. I know Grogar’s fighting style. I can help you.” Twilight smiled. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go ring that bell.” Meanwhile, Grogar was overlooking the event from a balcony. “So Drog is trying to lead another rebellion against me?! This is unacceptable!” He walked back into his castle. “I will destroy those ponies myself.” The Mane Six and Star Swirl ran into Grogar’s castle and saw banners appealing to him across the walls. When Fluttershy saw one with Orthodox’s eyes on it, she whimpered. “I don’t like this.” Twilight motioned for her to come on. “Come on, Fluttershy. We need to stay as close as possible. Be on guard, everyone. Grogar could be anywhere.” Grogar appeared in front of them; his Bewitching Bell was emitting cosmic energy. “Or perhaps he’s right here!” He laughed and then turned to Star Swirl. “Hello, Star. I haven’t seen you since you were a young stallion. You’ve grown older.” Star Swirl frowned. “And you look just as old as you always have, fiend!” Rainbow Dash snarled. “You won’t stop us, Grogar! We have you surrounded!” Grogar charged his Bewitching Bell. “You’re wrong, pegasus. I have you surrounded!” He sent a blast of magic at Rainbow Dash, which she only barely managed to run away from. He proceeded to ram at Twilight. Twilight flew out of the way, causing Grogar to run into a wall. He quickly turned around and ran at Pinkie Pie, who screamed and jumped as high as she could. She landed on Grogar’s back and—being Pinkie—tried to reach for the Bewitching Bell, before Grogar flung her off. She landed on the ground beside Rarity. “Did you really think that would work?” Rarity asked. Pinkie chuckled nervously. “Honestly? Not really.” Grogar turned to Twilight’s back and charged his bell. He sent a blast of magic at her, but before it could attack, Star Swirl jumped in front of it. The blast sent him falling to the ground and the Mane Six ran to him. Grogar turned to a nearby hallway. “I have no time for this. It’s time I end the little rebellion you’ve started.” Twilight was in tears at the sight of the dying sorcerer. She tried using her magic to heal him, only for him to put his hoof on hers. “Twilight.” Twilight was crying. “Star Swirl, you saved me. I can help sa—” “No. It’s too late for me.” “But you’re Star Swirl,” Rainbow replied. “You can’t die.” Star Swirl smiled. “Even an immortal being like myself cannot escape death. But do not let my death be in vain. You six taught me that friendship is powerful. Now use that friendship to destroy Grogar. And look on the bright side—I can finally tell my master how much I’ve learned.” With that said, Star Swirl closed his eyes and passed on. Twilight frowned in anger. “You five go back and make sure that Drog and the others are safe. And take Star Swirl with you.” “What about you?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m going to ring the bell.” “Good luck, Twilight,” Applejack said. Twilight shed a tear. “Tell Flash I love him.” She ran out of the room toward the same hallway Grogar went through. The heroes and the Troggles were gathered in Tambelon Square. When they saw the Mane Five arrive with Star Swirl’s body, the Pillars and Royal Sisters immediately ran to them. “What happened?!” Flash Magnus asked. “He was killed while trying to save Twilight,” Rarity answered. “I’m so sorry.” Tears formed in Celestia and Luna’s eyes as they held each other in an embrace. The Pillars cried as well, with many of them doing so while hugging Star Swirl’s lifeless body. Rainbow Dash approached Flash Sentry. “Twilight wanted us to tell you that she loves you too.” Flash shed a tear. “I just hope she’s okay,” he mused. “Don’t worry,” Sunset began. “She’s Twilight. She’ll be okay.” Twilight was flying through the castle using her magic to locate the Bell of Freedom. “Come on. Where is it?” She accidentally knocked into a torch on the wall and revealed a secret staircase. “Yes.” Twilight entered the staircase and used her magic to close it. Little did she know that Bray—still possessed by Orthodox—was already waiting at the top. Grogar had just finished igniting the Blood Torch in his throne room with cosmic fire, causing it to begin shaking. He smiled when he saw that it was almost midnight. “Now it’s time to stop this little rebellion.” He walked onto a balcony that overlooked the roads of Tambelon. The heroes were running toward the gates of Tambelon. Shining Armor was in front. “Okay, everyone! Just a bit further and we can finally get out of here.” Grogar charged his Bewitching Bell and sent a blast of cosmic energy in front of the heroes. They were only able to escape it by hiding under an archway. “Oh, my!” Rarity exclaimed. “It looks like we’re trapped!” Discord held Fluttershy close. “We just have to stay away from Grogar’s range until Twilight rings the bell!” Suddenly, a beam of light came from the Blood Torch and above the castle appeared a black portal. The skies turned dark and heavy winds started to blow. When Fluttershy saw it, she screamed. “What is that?!” Celestia examined the portal. “A portal to the Dark Netherworld! Grogar has started the spell!” “Then what do we do?” Drog asked. Pinkie Pie shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe we sing a song? That always works.” Rainbow Dash frowned. “You wanna sing a song?! What would it even be called—Let the Bell of Freedom Ring?” Flash Sentry had a look of anger in his eyes. “Will both of you just stop arguing?!” “Sorry.” Flash looked at the portal. “I really hope Twilight is safe.” Twilight was rushing up the stairs until she finally reached the room with the Bell of Freedom. “Yes! I’ve found it!” Bray’s possessed body jumped at her from the shadows. “Not so fast!” cried Orthodox. “Orthodox? How are you—” “Still in Bray’s body? Did you really think a simple blast against the wall would be enough to draw my spirit away? No. Your magic is nothing compared to mine!” Twilight frowned. “You’re right. Your magic is extremely powerful, but I know that the magic of friendship is stronger than you will ever be!” She tried to charge her horn, but it wouldn’t. “What?” Orthodox made the donkey smile sadistically. “Foolish child.” He held a piece of Chrysalis’ throne in his hoof. “I knew you would come here, so I took a little piece of the changeling’s throne. A way to block your precious powers.” Twilight tried to run at the possessed body, but with the portal open above them, Orthodox could use his magic through Bray without a source. He looked at Twilight and smiled. “Now how are you going to ring the bell? It’s time I finally destroy you.” He began to seemingly drain her life force slowly. Twilight felt herself growing weaker—she needed to think of something fast. The heroes managed to run through the streets while evading Grogar’s blasts. Every blast, Grogar had to charge his bell—which allowed them to use that time to run under the next archway they saw or hide between buildings. When the party finally made it near the gate, Discord tried to use his magic to open it, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t. “The door is protected by a magical seal,” he said. “We would need a blast from Grogar to get it open.” “The one of us would have to draw his fire,” Starlight replied. “But who would do that?” Spike asked. “Someone who’s fast,” Shining answered. Rainbow Dash frowned. “I’d do it, but my wing is broken.” Fluttershy put on a brave face. “I’ll do it.” Discord frowned in protest. “No, you won’t. We can’t risk you getting hurt.” Fluttershy frowned. “I need to do this for everypony. If this is the last time we see each other, there’s something I need to do.” “What?” She kissed the draconequus on the cheek. “That.” Discord’s eyes turned into hearts, and he created a smaller version of himself in the form of Cupid shooting an arrow at the original. Fluttershy flew in front of the gate and turned to Grogar. “Hey, Grogar! You’re nothing but a big bully, and I won’t let you hurt my friends!” Grogar charged his bell and frowned. He sent a blast of energy at Fluttershy, who managed to escape it and the blast hit the gate, causing it to collapse. Fluttershy landed. “Now we can get out.” Luna shook her head. “Not yet. We cannot leave until Twilight has rung the bell.” Sunset stared at the portal, in which she could see an army in the distance. “Then she needs to hurry, because I don’t think Orthodox is the only one coming out of that portal.” Twilight was still caught in Orthodox’s spell. She looked at the piece of Chrysalis’ throne in Bray’s hoof and had an idea. “Orthodox? Can I just ask you one question before you take my life force?” The possessed Bray raised an eyebrow. “You may.” “How did you meet Grogar? How did you make him the warlord he is today?” Orthodox smiled. He began to tell the story of Grogar and stopped draining Twilight’s energy for a brief moment. In that moment, Twilight was able to jump at the piece of the throne and crush it against the wall. Orthodox hissed before Twilight levitated Bray’s body with her magic and threw it against the ground. Without a second thought, Twilight rushed to the Bell of Freedom and charged her horn. Orthodox followed close behind, but she evaded him and used her magic to ring the bell. Orthodox could feel his spirit leaving Bray’s body. “You will pay for this, Princess Twilight! I will not forget you! Mark my words—I will destroy everyone you love!” With that said, Bray was free from his control and fell to the floor. The Bell of Freedom echoed throughout Tambelon. The heroes and Troggles cheered as the portal to the Dark Netherworld was closed, and the Blood Torch was extinguished. Grogar opened his eyes in fear as his Bewitching Bell began to shake. It stopped glowing and unlatched from his collar—falling to the streets below. The ram began to scream as his body began to shake. His form began to disintegrate into shadow, and he let out one final yell as he exploded into oblivion. The heroes and the Troggles cheered as they rushed out of Tambelon and onto a nearby hilltop. They waited there for any sign of Twilight, but she was nowhere to be found. Flash shed a tear as he and the Mane Five kept staring at the ruined city. Just then, they could see Twilight flying away from Tambelon with a smile on her face. She landed in front of Flash. “Hey, Flash.” Tears formed in his eyes as he hugged the violet alicorn. The two stared into each other’s eyes and let their hearts take hold. Before they knew it, they were sharing a passionate kiss. Meanwhile, the Pillars gathered around Star Swirl’s body. Mistmane shed a tear. “Goodbye, old friend.” She laid her flower on his body, and the other Pillars laid down their magical artifacts as well. They had a moment of silence. Celestia and Luna looked at Star Swirl with tears in her eyes. “He was like a father to us,” Celestia told the Pillars. Luna started crying in her sister’s mane. “He took us in when Angus murdered our parents.” The sisters continued to mourn Star Swirl. Discord and Fluttershy shared a hug, before the former confessed his feelings, prompting the yellow pegasus to do the same. They shared a long embrace. Twilight approached Drog. “So now that you’re free from Grogar, where are you all going to go?” Drog smiled. “The Troggles and I have decided to stay in Tambelon and rebuild it. Perhaps we can make this city into the farming village it once was.” Twilight smiled. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” At that same time, the Bewitching Bell began to shake. Twilight charged her horn and stood in front of her friends to protect them. The bell sent one final blast of energy to reveal small orbs. The orbs formed into the weakened members of the betrayed Legion of Doom, who saw the heroes battle-ready. Cozy Glow smiled nervously. “Hey…” The young pegasus could see that the ponies before her would attack if she made a wrong move.  “So… about trying to destroy you…”