Sanctuary in the Crystal Empire
As the sun began to set over the horizon, the trolley blazed down the tracks at high speeds, rocketing through the country land of Equestria. Inside, everyone just sat there, observing each other and the landscape that passed them by.
For Apple Bloom, Tirek, Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, Diamond Tiara and Discord, their minds were more focused just observing the entire land from the comfort of the trolley. But they felt a sense of sadness within themselves. Diamond Tiara just laid on the couch while Apple Bloom jumped up and sat next to her.
“Diamond,” Apple Bloom said. “Are you alright?”
“No,” Diamond Tiara said. “If anything, I feel a lot worse now than when I was back in Canterlot. Not to mention that I was almost killed.”
“I know how you feel about that,” Apple Bloom said. “When I saw what that monster Neigh Nanners did, I also freaked out not just because of what happened to you, but also what happened to Applejack.”
“And I still can barely feel my legs and arms,” Diamond Tiara said as she barely lifted her front right arm before it fell back onto the cushion of the seat. “I don’t know what that…meanie did. But he sure makes me wish I went down Cozy Glow’s path and became a full-fledged villain.”
Those words caught everyone in the vicinity off guard, especially Cozy Glow who got down on her four legs and tapped Diamond Tiara on the flank.
“Don’t say that,” Cozy Glow said.
“Well why not?” Diamond Tiara said. “After what Neigh Nanners did to Canterlot, Ponyville, and I believe even my own parents and Silver Spoon, I’d say I’ll go down that necessary path.”
Cozy Glow turned her head away in shame right towards Tirek and Chrysalis, who nodded back at her. The little alicorn filly closed her eyes and turned to face Diamond Tiara.
“You’re right that we’re similar in a way, Diamond Tiara,” Cozy Glow said. “But after seeing what Neigh Nanners was doing, and how destructive he was in his own lust for power, I lost my own taste for it.”
“So did taste for power taste like cupcake?” Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara, Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, Tirek and Discord turned their heads to see the Student Six, along with Juno and Huckleberry approach the alicorn filly.
“Hey, give her a break,” Apple Bloom said. “The last thing we need is a civil war within this escape vehicle.”
“Actually, we’re not here to confront Cozy Glow despite what she did at the School of Friendship,” Gallus said. “In fact, we’re not in that mood to be scolding her considering what Neigh Nanners did.”
“Yeah,” Yona said. “Cozy Glow;s status as worst pony pale in comparison to Neigh Nanners. He worst pony of all time.”
Smolder walked up to Diamond Tiara, who could barely more her arms and legs. The dragon held her hand out.
“Diamond,” Smolder said. “I heard you want to go down the path of evil because of the incidents that happened to all of us.”
“It’s true,” Diamond Tiara said. “I’m losing faith in the magic of friendship. In everything. It’s like I just want to let myself cut loose and go all out evil just to get back at them.”
“I would advise against it,” Smolder said as she held her hand out. “Not because a certain filly was evil, but because the last thing we need is for you to be that reckless.”
“But what else can I do?” Diamond Tiara said. “I’ve never felt so helpless in my entire life, and to see one selfish monster just come out and uproot everything we hold dear…”
Smolder reached out and slowly brushed Diamond Tiara’s mane with her claws, causing the filly to stop talking. She bent down and said “Then we fight together as one. No one should be fighting by themselves.”
“But with what?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“Whatever we can scrounge up,” Smolder replied. “We may not have much. But I guarantee to you that we will get as many as possible to make our final stand, and to get as many allies to help us.”
“I’m afraid she’s right and I’m surprised to have to say this,” Cozy Glow said as she slammed her hoof on the seat. “All we have left is the Crystal Empire and our last hope at saving Equestria from the greatest evil ever. Failure is not an option.”
The Student Six just stared at her in complete shock, with Yona’s jaw dropping down to the ground.
“Wow,” Gallus said. “Even after what you did, I’m surprised to hear that come out of you.”
“You should be more surprised that we’re agreeing with Cozy Glow on this,” Tirek said. “Right now, I've even become sick and tired of this madness coming out of this Neigh Nanners character. As someone who’s had a history as a villain towards Twilight Sparkle and her friends, I’m more than willing to lend a hand.”
“So am I,” Queen Chrysalis said, stepping forward. “I was also an antagonist towards Twilight and her friends…twice. And not to mention my own desire for revenge against Starlight Glimmer. But after I saw what a horrible monster Neigh Nanners turned out to be, and I hope Starlight is hearing this, I’ve lost my taste for revenge.”
“I overheard you, and I’m glad of it.” Queen Chrysalis turned her head to see Starlight Glimmer walk up to her from a previous trolley car.
“Starlight,” Silverstream said. “What are you doing back here?”
“I had a feeling that Queen Chrysalis could use some sympathy after what we’re all going through,” Starlight said. “I knew what it was like to desire revenge after Twilight and her friends defeated me. I even went back in time in order to extract my revenge.”
“Wait,” Queen Chrysalis said. “You went back in time?”
“Long story,” Starlight said as she shifted her head back in shame. “But when I realized what my actions would result in, I changed my ways thanks to Twilight Sparkle. And judging by your attitudes, it seems you three are in my horseshoes like I was. We’re far more alike than you realize. But if you disagree with me, then Tirek can take my magic.”
Chrysalis, TIrek and Cozy Glow looked at Starlight Glimmer with an awkward look on their face. They turned to face each other, with little clue what to do.
“You know what?” Chrysalis said as she turned her head towards Starlight before letting out a sigh. “You’re right, Starlight. And I’ll have to admit. We do have some form of similarities. Our own ego, our lust for power and desire for revenge. So Starlight, you little pony you, I’ll bury the hatchet between you and me. But mainly because we now have bigger fish to fry.”
Chrysalis raised her hoof into the air with the flat side facing Starlight Glimmer. The unicorn with the swirly mane nodded as she raised her hoof up, bumping it on Chrysalis’s hoof. Everyone watched with an “Awww” on their face, especially Silverstream, who looked very giddy.”
“This is,” Silverstream said, struggling not to cry. “A beautiful moment.”
With that, Silverstream grabbed Gallus and hugged him hard, causing the Griffon to squawk really loud.
“LET GO OF ME!” Gallus yelled in pain. “THIS IS BECOMING TOO MUCH OF A RUNNING GAG!”
The rest of the Student Six laughed in unison as Silverstream continued to hug Gallus tightly.
“Say,” Ocellus said. “How long until we reach then Crystal Empire?”
“Won’t be long,” Sandbar replied. “In fact, if you look outside, we’ve gone from summer to winter in almost an instant..”
Everyone stuck their heads outside as they saw the land was now covered completely in snow. They oohed and awed in total joy at the valley that was blanketed in total winter, all as the trolley dashed through without delay. In the further distance, lies the fabled Crystal Empire, a city that shines for lost souls.
Sometime later, the trolley makes its final stop at an emergency platform within the central palace of the Crystal Empire. Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Princess Flurry Heart and Sunburst stood there, anticipating the first pony to step out.
“I still can’t believe what transpired in Ponyville and Canterlot,” Shining Armor said.
“I also heard word that Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow are accompanying all of the evacuees,” Princess Cadance said.
“Do you think they’ll be a major problem?” Shining Armor asked.
“Right now, that’s the least of my concern,” Princess Cadance said. “There’s still that Neigh Nanners character that we have to worry about, and his cult of personality. I’m also hoping that Twilight Sparkle is in there, and okay.”
“So am I,” Shining Armor said. “Though I did hear that she took sides with Chrysalis, TIrek and Cozy Glow for a while. So she’s got a bit of explaining to do.”
“Well, it could have been worse,” Princess Cadance replied as the doors to the trolley began to open. “Neigh Nanners could have turned Twilight into his own servant.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor observed as the front passenger doors opened. The first one to step out was Discord, who jumped out of the car and landed on the platform, kissing it.
“Oh you beautiful, beautiful land,” Discord said as he continued to kiss the floor. “I don’t want to separate myself from your preciousness.”
Discord stopped kissing the moment he heard laughter. He looked up and saw Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and Sunburst chuckling. Even Flurry Heart couldn’t hold in her laughter.
“Discord,” Shining Armor laughed. “That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen coming out of you.”
Discord slowly picked himself up and dusted his fur off. He adjusted his two horns on his head and cleared his throat.
“I better not make this habit,” Discord said. “The last thing I need to be the Crystal Empire’s new court jester.”
Discord stepped aside as a number of ponies stepped off the trolley and onto the platform. Emerging from the crowd was none other than Sunset Shimmer, who held the Bewitching Bell on her side with her magic.
“You’re Sunset Shimmer,” Princess Cadance said. “Twilight told me all about you.”
“She did,” Sunset replied as she placed the bell next to her. “But I don’t think you’ll like what became of her.”
Shining Armor picked up Sunset in a freaked out tone and said “Is she gone? Did that monster Neigh Nanners destroy her?”
Sunset let out a sigh and said “Nope. She’s here, but not how you envisioned it.”
Sunset pointed to the trolley front door, where Midnight Sparkle emerged onto the platform. Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Sunburst’s jaws dropped in horror, all while Shining Armor unintentionally dropped Sunset Shimmer onto the floor.
“Twili?” Shining Armor said. “What happened to you? Did you…turn evil?”
Midnight Sparkle sighed as she said “It’s true. I lost so much of my confidence during the failed Summer Sun Celebration that…well…I gave up being a princess and chose to take sides with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.”
“I don’t believe it,” Shining Armor said. “My own sister went rogue?”
Princess Cadance turned her head for a moment and said “Our guest was right about Twilight. From losing faith because of this Neigh Nanners to forming an alliance with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow to even becoming Midnight Sparkle.”
Shining Armor tapped Princess Cadance and asked “Honey. Did you say something?”
Princess Cadance raised her head and said with an embarrassed tone “Oh no. Nothing to worry about right now.”
Sunset walked up to Midnight and said “Something is definitely odd here.”
Midnight Sparkle whispered back and said “And here I thought I was the guilty party.”
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer emerged from behind Sunset Shimmer and Midnight Sparkle, catching Sunburst’s attention.
“Starlight,” Sunburst said as he ran and picked up Starlight with his hooves, lifting her in the air.
“Sunburst, I’m glad to see you,” Starlight said as Sunburst set her down.
“When I heard what happened in Ponyville and Canterlot,” Sunburst said. “I feared the worst. But I’m glad you’re alright, along with whoever you’re with.”
“Well you’re not going to be happy with who I’m accompanied by,” Starlight said. “But at least we’re away from Canterlot for the moment.”
“If it has to do with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow,” Sunburst replied. “Then that’s gonna be the least of my worries.”
Starlight Glimmer, Midnight Sparkle and Sunburst stepped aside as Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow stepped out from the passenger car with Cozy Glow holding Diamond Tiara in her arms. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance walked up to the trio.
“Princess Cadance,” Queen Chrysalis said in a cold tone.
“I was hoping we wouldn’t see each other again,” Princess Cadance said. “Nor did I want to fight you again. But it seems we’re at an impasse with this Neigh Nanners monster.”
“Indeed,” Queen Chrysalis replied, keeping her eyes on Cadance. “I know why you still have a grudge against me. It’s because of your Wedding with Shining Armor that I tried to manipulate him into helping me conquer Equestria, and because I chose to kidnap your entire family.”
“That may be true,” Princess Cadance said. “But after reading the letter from Princess Celestia prior to Canterlot being invaded, I’m willing to put my grudge aside for the moment.”
“So am I,” Shining Armor said. “Though I’m still surprised that you, along with Tirek and Cozy Glow, were able to get Twili onto your side.”
“We were also surprised by Princess Twilight Sparkle’s decision to join our cause,” Tirek said. “But that pales in comparison to that jerk’s decision to sic his rabid base on us.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Princess Cadance said. “I’ll also consider a temporary truce with you three for the moment. But act out of line, and I will be swift in judgment.”
Diamond Tiara immediately squirmed in Cozy Glow’s arms as she yelled out “What about me?”
Princess Cadance looked at Diamond Tiara and said “What happened to you?”
Cozy Glow held Diamond Tiara up and said “Neigh Nanners struck her down. Discord was able to stabilize her mind. But it appears it won’t be enough. She’s going to need special treatment.”
Princess Cadance’s face turned to total shock. She turned towards Cozy Glow and said “When we go up to the castle, I’ll take you both down to the medical ward. They’ll know what to do with her.”
“Good,” Cozy Glow said. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to her.”
Princess Cadance turned her head towards Discord, who was upright and was a bit somber.
“I overheard what Cozy Glow said to you,” Discord said. “It’s true. Even back when I was a villain, I loathed the idea of harming an innocent little child, despite Cozy Glow being a devious little witch. But when Neigh Nanners chose to strike Diamond Tiara down, that’s when I knew I should have followed that code of honor. I promise you this, no little filly or colt will be harmed by me, no matter what.”
Princess Cadance walked up to Discord and said “At least you’ve made up for that incident with pretending to be Grogar. Thanks.”
Shining Armor turned his head towards Midnight Sparkle, who slowly walked up to her brother. Shining looked down at her and said “While I am disappointed in you, sis, one thing I am glad is that you are safe.”
“Oh?” Midnight said as she stopped in place.
“I don’t know what would have happened if Neigh Nanners took you captive,” Shining Armor replied as he put his arms on his sister’s shoulders. “A part of me would have lost it. Gone completely nuts. I don’t know where I would be without you.”
Midnight Sparkle looked up at her big brother. She didn't know what to say. Midnight made her first move towards Shining Armor, but stopped when Princess Flurry Heart flew up and gave her aunt a hug.
"Twilight," Flurry Heart said, cuddling into Midnight's mane.
"Even Flurry Heart misses you," Shining Armor said. "And she would be upset if you were lost."
Midnight Sparkle said nothing as she looked down at Flurry Heart and gave her a big hug.
"Don't worry," Midnight said. "I won't be forever lost. I promise."
Princess Cadance’s smile turned into a frown when she saw Queen Novo walk a depressed Princess Luna out of the train. She immediately ran up to Novo and Luna, passing by Midnight, Sunset, Starlight, Sunburst, Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara.
“Aunt Luna,” Princess Cadance yelled. “What happened?”
Princess Luna turned her head away as Queen Novo said “I’m afraid Princess Celestia stayed behind so that we could all escape. And now, I fear she may be dead.”
Princess Cadance, Princess Flurry Heart and Shining Armor’s face went completely blank. Their jaws dropped down in total disbelief. Their eyes shrunk down to a single dot. They remained motionless.
“This is even worse than I imagined,” Princess Cadance said as she started pacing back and forth. “Princess Celestia fell to Neigh Nanners? What are we going to do?”
Princess Luna raised her head, eyeing Cadance’s frantic pacing. She got up and stopped Cadance in her tracks.
“Princess Cadance,” Princess Luna said. “I know I should be saying this to myself and I miss my sister even more so than ever. But now is not the time to panic. You’re better than this.”
“But what can I do?” Princess Cadance asked.
“You’ve defended the Crystal Empire from King Sombra with the help of Spike the Dragon,” Princess Luna replied. “You repelled Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings with the help of Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle. You are far more capable than you realize.”
Princess Cadance calmed down. She took a few deep breaths and said “You’re right. We need to prepare for the worst.”
Luna’s scowl turned into a smile as she said “Then it’s time we prepare for our final battle. Neigh Nanners will come for the Crystal Empire, and I believe the Crystal Heart may play a role in that.” Those words caused Princess Cadance’s face to change to wonder.
“Wait,” Princess Cadance replied. “I think I know what you mean.”
Princess Cadance turned towards Midnight Sparkle, who stood there like she was ready.
“I think you have an idea on what to do,” Midnight Sparkle said.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Princess Cadance said. “You’re not the only one with a secret. Just early ago, a guest came by our kingdom and told me of what transpired about the Emotion Amplifier. He said he would like to meet you at the Crystal Chalice Tavern.”
“Crystal Chalice Tavern,” Midnight said. “Got it.”
WIth that, Midnight Sparkle bolted for the staircase in a hurry. Princess Cadance immediately turned to Sunset Shimmer.
“Sunset,” Cadence said. “Go with Twilight. Just in case.”
“You don’t need to tell me anything else,” Sunset said with a smirk on her face. “I know just what to do.”
With that, Sunset Shimmer picked up the Bewitching Bell and ran after Midnight Sparkle in a hurry, leaving Princess Cadance to wipe the sweat off her forehead.
“If it makes her feel any better,” Tirek said. “I volunteer to look after those two.”
Princess Cadance looked at Tirek and said with a smug look on her face “Knock yourself out, big boy.” Those words displeased Shining Armor a bit.
Tirek was about to take off when he felt a hoof tapping his leg. He looked down and saw Applejack standing right there, still buff as ever.
“I know you have some important things to do,” Applejack said. “But you’re free to take back the magic you gave me.”
Tirek just smiled and said “Keep it. It’s my gift to you.” The centaur then took off for the staircase, leaving Applejack dumbfounded.
“Dagnabit,” Applejack said as she threw her hat down onto the ground. “I was hoping to get mah softer body back.”
“Well look on the bright side,” Pinkie Pie said as she walked out of the passenger car. “There will be ponies that will talk about the buffest pony in all of Equestria. They’ll sing songs about you, about your legendary muscles, and write horrible shipping fanfiction about it.”
“That’s not helping, Pinkie,” Applejack said in disgust.
Princess Cadance just laughed as she said “Okay. Let’s get things taken care of. Cozy Glow, take Diamond Tiara with me and we’ll head to the Medical Ward to get her healed up. Shining, take everyone else up to the city and alert everyone. Our final fight begins.”
Shining Armor nodded as Princess Cadance guided Cozy Glow holding Diamond Tiara up the stairs. Everyone else was gathered around the older brother of Twilight Sparkle.
“Okay everyone,” Shining Armor said. “Follow me. We’re going to get you all ready for the fight of your lives.”
With that Shining Armor lead the group out of the trolley and up towards the staircase. Within the group, The Student Six marched with caution.
“Still can’t believe what kind of mess we’re all in,” Smolder said. “I hope we can get through this one unscathed.”
“We will,” Sandbar said. “As long as we are united together, we can give that Neigh Nanners a piece of our mind.”
“I hope so,” Ocellus said. “Because even with the Bewitching Bell and the Crystal Heart, it may not be enough.”
“There will be a way,” Sandbar said. “Whoever this guest is, he may be our last hope.”
Meanwhile, at the Crystal Chalice Tavern, Midnight Sparkle walked in from the entrance and looked around. There were ponies across the room enjoying their food and drinking the finest beverages of all of Equestria. She immediately walked up to an empty stand and got up onto the seat.
“So this is the Crystal Chalice,” Midnight Sparkle said. “Kind of a lively place to be if you ask me.”
“About as lively as the rest of your friends, Twilight,” Midnight Sparkle turned around and saw Sunset Shimmer and Tirek come in through the entrance and took a pair of seats to the right of the dark alicorn.
“Guess I can’t be without good friends,” Midnight said with a smile on her face. “I take it Princess Cadance wants you guys to be with me for this moment.”
“You could say that,” Tirek said.
Sunset Shimmer placed the Bewitching Bell onto the counter. The barkeep of the tavern walked up to the trio.
“So what will it be?” The barkeep asked.
“Your best apple cider,” Midnight Sparkle said.
“Make that two,” Sunset replied.
“Ahh what the hey,” Tirek replied. “I’ll have one as well.”
“You got it,” the Barkeep said as he reached down into some shelves below the counter.
Sunset and Tirek turned towards Midnight Sparkle, who looked a bit embarrassed.
“So,” Sunset said. “Princess Cadance mentioned a guest here in the Crystal Empire.”
“She sure did,” Midnight Sparkle said. “Whoever he is, I hope he can help us with what we’re facing. Be it Neigh Nanners and the Emotion Amplifier. We’re facing a lot worse than anything else in our entire lives.”
“And you should know that I was the one responsible for that dangerous artifact in the first place.” Those words immediately caught the attention of Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and Tirek. They all turned their heads to see a male ram with a moderate cornflower blue coat, a light cobalt bluish gray mane, and pale apple green eyes sit to the left of the dark alicorn. Midnight Sparkle and Tirek’s face turned into total disbelief.
“I don’t believe it,” Midnight Sparkle said. “You’re…Grogar. The Emperor of Old Equestria.”
Grogar took a swig of apple cider from his mug and laid it down before turning towards Midnight and said “That’s a name I have not been called in more than a millennium. But….I have long retired from that position, and wish to simply live in peace.”
“So you’re the one who Princess Cadance called a guest,” Sunset said.
“Yes,” Grogar said. “I also foresaw your arrival to the Crystal Empire, all thanks to that mad stallion known as Neigh Nanners.”
Tirek got up, slammed his hands onto the counter and said “I don’t suppose you’re really Discord in disguise, are ya?”
Grogar just laughed and said “I am fully aware of Discord pretending to be me. I was furious the moment I found out. But I observed with pure curiosity on why he would impersonate the one you see. But my curiosity turned to amusement the moment you turned against him.”
Grogar continued to laugh before he took another swig of cider, all while Tirek returned back to his seat.
“Then I owe you an apology for that assumption,” Tirek said.
“No need,” Grogar replied. “Just that moment involving that impostor’s humiliation was more than enough.”
Sunset looked at the Bewitching Bell. She picked it up and got out of her seat, holding it out to Grogar.
“I believe this is yours,” Sunset said, shocking Midnight and Tirek.
“Sunset, what are you thinking?” Midnight Sparkle said.
“It does belong to him,” Sunset Shimmer said, turning her head towards Midnight. “Maybe he can use it to stop the Emotion Amplifier.”
Grogar smiled as he pushed the Bewitching Bell back, much to Sunset’s surprise. He then said “I appreciate your gesture. But you need that bell more than I do.”
“Say what?” Sunset said, confused.
Grogar reached down with his magic and picked up what appeared to be a second Bewitching Bell. He set it down on the counter as Sunset got back up onto her seat.
“One bell will not be enough for this fight,” Grogar said. “I forged a second Bewitching Bell in case something like this would pop up. And it appears my calculations were correct.”
“Guess one can never be too prepared,” Tirek said with a laugh.
Sunset looked down at her Bewitching Bell and said “So what should we do with this one?”
Grogar pointed to the bell in Sunset’s arms and said “You will need that bell to take enough of the energy of the Emotion Amplifier, and use your Crystal Heart to nullify the effects of the Amplifier.”
“So what does the Crystal Heart have to do with the Emotion Amplifier?” Midnight asked.
“The Emotion Amplifier is based more on negative emotions,” Grogar said. “Long ago during my rule over the ponies of Equestria, I had discovered a cache of the most powerful and dangerous energy on the entire planet known as ‘Nihilism Magic.’ A magic so dangerous that even going near it would alter your mind.”
“I have never heard of this Nihilism Magic,” Midnight Sparkle said.
“Me too,” Sunset said, nodding her head in agreement.
“Even as the Emperor of all that you see,” Grogar said. “I did not like the idea of this magic seeping into the atmosphere and turning ponies’ emotions into powerful entities. As a result, I crafted what one calls the Emotion Amplifier to contain Nihilism Magic. I referred to it once as ‘Nihilism’s Bane.’ But holding onto that artifact out of fear of what it would do corrupted my mind.”
“Guess that is why they call it the Emotion Amplifier,” Tirek said. “This Nihilism’s Bane.”
“Nihilism’s Bane drove me mad,” Grogar said. “I became a monster under its influence, harming every being within my reach, or turning them into a crazed maniac like I was. It almost brought down all of society had one pony not stopped me and taken away both my Bewitching Bell and Nihilism’s Bane.”
“You’re talking about Gusty the Great,” Midnight Sparkle asked.
“Yes,” Grogar said. “She wielded an artifact of pure hope known as the Sword of Harmony. The power of that sacred blade was enough to quell Nihilism’s Bane. She took both the bell and the bane away in hope of hiding them away from the whole world. I would have been outraged by my defeat and banishment. But in reality, I owe Gusty more than I realize.”
“More than you realize?” Sunset asked. “What do you mean?”
“Gusty the Great was my adopted daughter,” Grogar said. “I found her long ago when a monster by the name of Majestic the Prideful was displacing ponies left and right for his own amusement. I raised her as my own daughter, taught her my own ways and helped her overthrow Majestic the Prideful. Though she did turn on me when what you call the Emotion Amplifier turned me into a monster, I am proud of what she did. Since then, I allowed the ponies of the world to take over while I hid in secret. I even wrote a book about my adopted daughter, as a reminder of how far I fell and how proud I was of her.”
“I never realized this,” Midnight Sparkle said. “The one who wrote the story of Gusty the Great was both her arch nemesis and her adopted father.”
“And now you know,” Grogar said. “And knowing is half the battle.”
“But don’t we need the Sword of Harmony for this fight?” Sunset asked.
“You will not need the sword,” Grogar said. “You have my first bell and the Crystal Heart. What you will need is an individual with enough Nihilism Magic as a prism to quell all of it. One that Neigh Nanners has gotten his hooves on.”
‘I think it might be Princess Celestia,” Midnight said with a shock on her face. “She might be alive.”
“Then she will be the key needed to quell the magic of Nihilism,” Grogar said. “Lure her to the Crystal Heart, use my first bell to extract the magic, and use the magic of the Crystal Heart to create a purifying effect that will cleanse the land of all Nihilism, and disable what you call the Emotion Amplifier.”
“So what will you do?” Sunset asked.
“I will confront Neigh Nanners on his own turf, and make him pay for all the crimes he commited,” Grogar said, holding the second Bewitching Bell.
“Then it sounds like a plan,” Tirek said as the drinks were set next to him, Sunset and Midnight.
“It won’t be easy,” Midnight Sparkle said. “We have the objectives. If we can hold Neigh Nanners’ own cult back and lure Princess Celestia here, then we should be able to extract this nihilism magic out of her, and use the Crystal Heart to purify every pony.”
Grogar lifted his chalice into the air and said “Then let us all toast to this upcoming fight and to our victory.”
Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and Tirek held up their drinks and clanged them with Grogar in a celebration before drinking down the cider in the mugs.
To Be Continued