With the help of Spike and several other dragons, the group returned to Equestria. They were dropped off where a vast desert ended and the Forbidden Jungle began. Or the other way around depending on where you’re going. There was a long trail that separated the vast green of the jungle, making it all the more easier for the 6 ponies to walk through it.
On top of the trail leading them through the Forbidden Jungle, the trail was also able to guide the ponies to the Badlands. A large and rather hazardous canyon. After camping at the edge of the jungle, they made it through the canyon during a very long night. The sun rose just as they left the canyon.
"Wow, lucky us," Party Cannon said when the sun rose. "I have a feeling if the sun was up, the canyon would be quite the hot spot."
"Well we're not done traveling just yet," High Red said as he was somewhat hovering over the others. "We're probably not even halfway there."
"Oh what are yer wings getting tired," Apple Core said rather frustrated. "What ah wouldn't give to be able to fly around."
"For your information, it's not always a picnic flying around!" High Red said as he flew up to Apple Core's face.
"All right, that's enough High Red," Picture Perfect said as he got in the middle. "Apple Core didn't mean anything by it, he's just a little tired. Right?"
"Yeah, sorry."
"It's okay," High Red said and as he got out of his face.
"Picture is right," Party Cannon said. "It's been a long walk, we're tired and getting on each others nerves, " Party Cannon then looked over at Cryme with a rather nasty face to his confusion.
"Uh, I'm sorry for whatever it is that I did to upset you. I don't remember doing anything but clearly I did do something otherwise you wouldn't be mad," Cryme rambled once again.
"Oh it's all right Cryme," Party Cannon said as he hugged Cryme who rather enjoyed it. "It takes a big stallion to admit when he's wrong." The group continued on before resting at a certain swamp.
"We still have a ways to go but let's just focus on getting to the final Element of Harmony," Miracle said.
"Yeah once we get it," Apple Core said. "Harmony, you want to say it Miracle?"
"Oh no, go right ahead."
"Harmony will return to Equestria once again. That actually feels pretty good to say."
"Harmony will return to Equestria once again," Party Cannon said. "You're right Apple Core. Now let's get to where we're going to get what we need to do the thing I just said at the start of this sentence."
"Yeah," Miracle agreed. The group relaxed more and gathered some fruit before going down the trail once again and thanks to invisibility spells from Miracle & Picture, they fell under the watch of the shadow ponies. Eventually they made it to the end of the trail at Rambling Rock Ridge, where the group once again decided to camp out.
"After this break we should be able to get up the mountain," Picture Perfect said.
"Or rather through it," Miracle added. "My uncle Blueblood told me about a series of mines beneath the mountain that can take us to where we're going." Miracle then noticed a rather sad look on Cryme's face. "Is something wrong Cryme?"
"No, well, kind of, sort of, in a way."
"What is it?" Party Cannon asked.
"I'm just a little sad that the adventure is almost over. Yeah, there have been some scary parts and tough moments, but there were also a lot of fun moments."
"Yeah," Party Cannon agreed. "Like when we made all of Manehattan into one big party."
"Yeah," Cryme said. "I liked that too. I know it's weird, but I kind of don't want the adventure to end."
"I think I get what you mean, but it's okay. When one adventure ends, another one can start."
"Are you sure Miracle?" Cryme asked.
"Of course, there's always another adventure," Miracle said.
"But it rather begs the question, what's going to be our next adventure?" Picture Perfect asked.
"When we get harmony back I'm going to do Sonic Rainbooms everyday," High Red said.
"Every day?" Apple Core asked.
"Well, maybe for the next couple moons."
"I'd rather like to start my own fashion empire," Picture Perfect said. "With a building or store in every city, town, and village in Equestria. Maybe even beyond."
"I'm going to open a party cannon factory, so ponies from all over can throw the best parties," Party Cannon said.
"I," Cryme paused. "Might go back to living in the Undiscovered West, It really is a rather nice place."
"I guess I'll be heading back to my little village."
"Not happening!" Apple Core said, surprising his friend as he grabbed Miracle's shoulder and pulled him in for a hug. "Yer coming back to Sweet Apple Acres with me."
"But what about my Uncle Blueblood?"
"He can come live on the farm with us. Y'all can stay in the barn until we make rooms for ya."
"Well," Miracle said, rather liking the idea. "I guess a barn would have a lot more room than our tiny cottage. But will your parents be okay with that?"
"If we actually managed to save all Equestria, ah doubt ma and pa are gonna have that much of a problem with it."
"You mean when we save Equestria," Miracle said as he put his foreleg around Apple Core.
"Yeah uh," Cryme said, getting the other's attention. "Could I come stay with you? I've kind of always wanted to live on a farm."
"Of course!" Apple Core said. "In fact, all of y'all can live on Sweet Apple Acres."
"Uh thanks but no thanks," Picture Perfect. "I'm not really the type for farm life."
"But we can still come visit you guys," Party Cannon said.
"Yeah," High Red agreed. "And speaking of visiting, I'd kind of like to visit the dragons again."
"Hey," Miracle agreed. "It's so amazing that we got to meet actual dragons.” As the group rested by the fireplace, they recalled a little bit of their meeting with the dragons.
***
With help from Picture Perfect, Miracle's spell was able to show the exact location of the final Element of Harmony. But it was far from a pleasant surprise.
"Canterlot?" Cryme said. "But that's where, where, where-"
"Witchcraft lives," Miracle finished. "In all honesty, we probably should have seen this coming, according to the stories the last element is magic. The guardians were all named after the opposite of whatever element they were guarding. And the opposite of magic-"
"Is witchcraft," Cryme finished.
"Yeah, it actually is kind of obvious. I suppose it makes sense as well, the hardest part of a great adventure being the last," Apple Core said.
"True, but there's a fair chance this could actually be the easiest part," Picture Perfect said. "When I was young there were all sorts of rumors going around about Witchcraft."
"Really? Like what?" Cryme asked. "Did he decide to be good from now on or something? Who am I kidding?"
"Some ponies say," Picture Perfect continued. "After he killed the princesses and took over, he could no longer find purpose. So he took his own life," Picture finished creating a rather awkward silence.
"I kind of hope that's true," High Red said.
"STALLION!" Apple Core said shocked at what he heard.
"What?" High Red asked. "So it'll be easier to get the last element."
"Still stallion," Apple Core said before realizing the dragon lord sat down and was looking intensely at where the group would be traveling.
"Is something wrong Mr. Dragon Lord Spike?" Party Cannon asked.
"No," Spike answered as he placed his claw on the capital. "Just remembering. I have so many happy memories of Canterlot. I was there."
"Huh?" The ponies asked.
"I was there when Canterlot fell, it was the last time that I ever saw my home. Or mostly anything that I ever loved." There was another awkward silence that was broken when both Cryme and Party Cannon cried rivers of tears.
"That is so sad!" Cryme said as he continued crying.
"I think so too!" Party Cannon said as he continued crying. High Red flew away as he was between the stallions before they broke into tears.
“I did not need a shower today,” High Red said and he shook around a bit. “I don’t suppose you have towels here.”
“Yes actually,” Spike answered. The Dragon Lord then took the group to a different mountain where numerous other ponies were.
When Witchcraft took over, some ponies tried to fight back. While others fled the land they once knew and came to other lands, such as the dragon lands. Once there Spike told the other ponies there about the adventures of the group and how it connected to recent rumors that made their way to the dragon lands.
"Wait, you were the one that defeated all those shadow ponies from Las Pegasus," a pegasus stallion said. "No way, I mean come on, you're just a colt."
"And we're back to that," Miracle said.
"No it's true," Party Cannon said. "I saw him do the whole thing myself."
“Unbelievable,” the pegasus said. “Such talent at such an age. I was a member of the royal guard. If I had the passion you had, maybe I could have made more of a difference, but, perhaps now is my chance.” The group got a few supplies, such as towels for High Red while Spike and the pegasus helped put a plan into action. "There's a small opening at the base of the mountain that can get you into the caves, which'll get you to Canterlot. It'll take a while, but Witchcraft will never expect it. And the shadow ponies will never expect you to take such a long route to the mountain,” the former guard said.
“I’ll get a team ready to take you 6 back to Equestria,” Spike said.
“Are you gonna come and help us?” Cryme asked.
“Yeah! A dragon can really do some damage,” High Red said.
“No,” Spike answered sadly. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you fight Witchcraft. Please don’t ask why. We’ll help you get there though and I’m sure you’ll find a way to stop him.”
“Speaking of which,” Picture Perfect said. “If we get all the elements together, do we need to do something to activate them?” Picture’s question rather stunned Spike before he answered.
“I’m not sure,” Spike said. “From what I saw if you want to use them, you just use them.”
***
After resting the group at long last made it to the mountain where Canterlot stands.
"Wow," Picture Perfect said as the group finally entered the mountain and looked around the mines. "I know he said the mines go all the way from the top of the mountain to the bottom, but it's rather different to see it for yourself."
"Ah know," Apple Core agreed. "Can ya just imagine all the hard work the ponies must have gone through to make all these?"
"You think maybe we'll find ponies living here?" Party Cannon asked.
"Why would anypony live here?" High Red asked.
"Well it is kind of cozy," Party Cannon answered.
"But why live somewhere so bizarre?" Cryme asked. "Though I suppose I'm one to talk."
"There's plenty of room and it's a great place to hide from Witchcraft."
"Directly under where he lives?" Picture Perfect asked.
"The best place to hide from ponies is right under their muzzles," Party Cannon finished.
"I guess it's not that much of a crazy idea," Miracle said. Eventually the group made it through the mines and into the city of Canterlot.
"Well, no turning back now," Miracle said.
"Actually there's some time," Cryme said. "But I don't want to turn back, actually I do, but I'm not gonna. Even if I really want to."
"Well come on y'all, we ain't gonna get the last element by standing around," Apple Core said.
"Yeah," High Red agreed. "Let's get to it!" The group then made their way further into the once colorful and grand city of Canterlot. Miracle used his spell to point them in the right direction which led them to Canterlot Castle.
"Oh you gotta be kidding me!" Cryme said as he wanted to yell that, but whispered it. "Why does it have to be at the castle?"
"What's wrong with castles?" Party Cannon asked.
"Nothing, but that's gotta be where Witchcraft is," Cryme said as he started shaking.
"True," Miracle said. "But nopony said this was going to be easy." The group made their way to the entrance of the castle. Which to their surprise was not only open, but had 2 large statues on each side modeled after none other than Twilight Sparkle.
"Wonder how long those statues were always there," Miracle said.
"I was rather curious of that myself," Picture Perfect said. "Whoever did this took great care of what they were doing, it was a passion project for them to say the least."
"How can you tell that?" Apple Core asked.
"Just look at the statues themselves," Picture answered. "Smooth and carefully detailed despite rough material, they even painted them."
"Come on, we have a nation to save," High Red said. "We can admire the pretty statues later." High Red took the lead as the group made their way further into the castle.
As they did, they couldn't help but notice that the castle was all but filled with homages to the late Twilight Sparkle. All of the windows had glass frames of Twilight's accomplishments, the halls were covered in numerous statues of Twilight, even various tapestries of Twilight and her adventures were on nearly every wall of every hall that the group journeyed through.
"This is creepy," Party Cannon said.
"We're gonna die, we're gonna die," Cryme said as he shook.
"Maybe you should wait outside or be lookout or something," Miracle said as he didn't like seeing his friend so scared.
"No thank you, I'm so scared right now, probably more than I've ever been in my life, but I'm sticking with my friends no matter what."
"Wow that's actually kind of heartwarming," Apple Core said. "Ah know yer not the fighting type, but ah appreciate all that you've done for us." Hearing that made Cryme stop shaking and smile rather largely.
"You really mean that?" Cryme asked.
"Cross mah heart," Apple Core said as he crossed his chest with his hoof.
"Besides, maybe there's nothing to be afraid of," Party Cannon said. "No sign of Witchcraft, or even a shadow pony."
"Maybe the rumor was true," Miracle said. The group walked through the castle while seeing more and more versions of Twilight and eventually, Miracle was brought face to face with his hero. The group found themselves in a castle garden. Within the garden was a coffin of glass and gold and within it was none other than Twilight Sparkle.
"It's her," Miracle said as he approached the coffin overwhelmed by emotions having finally met his hero.
"She's so beautiful," Picture Perfect said. "Her mane is bold and, while not too colorful, unique. And that dress has enough velvet for me to win in."
"The flowers," Cryme commented as he looked at the various flowers placed around the base of the coffin. Doing this made the others notice them as well.
"These are quite pretty too," Picture Perfect said.
"No," Cryme said. "All the petals are still on and the stems are a fresh green." Cryme then looked at the others rather scared. "Whoever put these here, put them here recently."
Suddenly a moan echoed throughout a nearby hall.
"Miracle?"
"Yeah Cryme."
"Don't tell me your spell is pointing in the direction of that moaning."
Miracle checked. "It's pointing in the direction of the moaning."
"I asked you not to tell me that," Cryme said as the voice got louder and louder.
"O-h", the voice echoed as became more clear. "Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my dar-ling, Twilight Sparkle. You are lost and gone forever dreadful sorry, Twilight Sparkle."
"You know whoever that voice belongs to might get along well with you Miracle," Party Cannon said.
"Maybe," Miracle said. "But just to be safe," Miracle cast a pink bubble around the group and threw in an invisibility spell.
"Invisibility spell?" Picture asked when he saw the bubble vanish.
"And a bubble of silence, so whoever is coming can't see or hear us," Miracle answered.
"Really?" Party Cannon asked. "HELLO!" Party Cannon yelled at the top of his lungs, nearly making the others void their bowels in the process. "Hey, this bubble works swell," Party Cannon said as whoever was coming didn't seem to hear.
"Then I guess it's okay to do this!" High Red bonked Party Cannon right on the head. "Next time think before you want to scream your head off!"
"Okay," Party Cannon said while rubbing his head with both forelegs. As the moaning got louder the group got more tense. Chills went down their spines and their throats choked up.
"Is anypony going to mind if I wet myself?" Cryme asked.
"Yes," the others answered at the same time.
"Okay, sorry." The moaning suddenly came to a stop which somehow made the others even more uneasy. Suddenly, a figure appeared from out of the hallway.
"Is, is that Witchcraft?" High Red asked. "He looks weird, is he sick?"
"No," Picture Perfect said. "He's been hitting the bottle."
"Maybe we should fight him now," Apple Core said, causing the others to look at him. "Think about it y'all, if he's drunk he can't fight at his peak."
"That is kind of a good point," Miracle said. "Plus we also have the element of surprise."
"So kind of the seventh element," Party Cannon said.
"Yeah," Miracle agreed with a nod. "Let's do it."
"We, we're doing this?" Cryme said as he shook again.
"This does seem like our best chance, like arriving early at a clothing store having a going out of business sale," Picture Perfect said as he cracked his neck ready to fight.
"Oh. Oh, all right then, let's do this," Cryme said, still shaking but trying not to. Witchcraft, still unaware of his unwanted visitors, made his way to Twilight's coffin. Just as the group was getting ready to attack, Witchcraft finished the bottle of rum. He flipped it upside down to make sure none was left and threw it unknowingly right at the group. They instinctively ducked and the bottle went right over them, popping the bubble of silence while unaffecting the invisibility spell.
"Huh?" Witchcraft said as the bubble pop. "What was that?" Witchcraft shrugged "Ugh, must be hearing things." As Witchcraft looked back towards the coffin the group continued to stand still, none wishing to make a noise.
"Oh Twilight," Witchcraft said as he rubbed the glass of the coffin near Twilight's face. "Just wait a little longer." Suddenly Witchcraft's face went from somber to pure rage. "I will never forgive her for taking you away from me. Never. NEVER!" Witchcraft then suddenly shot a beam of magic into the sky that was twice as big as the one Miracle shot back in Manehattan. Having no idea how much stronger he had made the fear the group had for him. Witchcraft then burst into tears as he teleported away.
"No!" Miracle said as he canceled the invisibility spell. "We missed our chance! He got away!"
"On the bright side," Cryme said, still on the ground. "I don't have to pee anymore."
"EW!" The others said as they gave Cryme a bit of a wide berth. "Yeah, figured that would happen. But I wanted to let you know all the same."
"Well thanks for sharing," High Red said.
"Come on everypony we can't waste anymore time," Miracle said. "We have to get the last element."
"That's true," Apple Core said. "If we can get it, we won't have to fight. The Elements of Harmony will fight him for us."
"Then let's get going," Party Cannon said.
"Can I find a towel or something first?" Cryme asked.
"Here,” High Red said as he gave Cryme his towel.
After a little clean up Miracle used his spell to get them to where Witchcraft teleported. They traveled through the castle when suddenly, night became day. Witchcraft had teleported himself into a sleeping chamber high in the castle.
"Oh my gosh," High Red said as they were watching Witchcraft with a see through spell on the wall. "What great luck, he's asleep. This is even better than fighting him while he's drunk. We can get in, grab the element, and get out."
"But what if he wakes up?" Cryme asked.
"Then we fight him," Miracle answered stoically.
"Fight the monster that took over Equestria?" Picture Perfect answered.
"I think you might be getting a bit too gung ho buddy," Party Cannon said.
"We beat the guardians and everything else," Miracle said as he faced the others. "I know we look like a band of misfits, but when we work together, we can do anything." As Miracle finished he filled the others with inspiration, especially Cryme.
"Miracle's right so what should we do?" Apple Core asked.
"I say we go with High Red's plan, but instead of all of us it's just 1. If I go in alone it'll be all the more easier to focus on getting the element," Miracle said.
"Wait," Cryme said. "Let me go." Hearing that shocked the others, they might have screamed if Witchcraft wasn't on the other side of the wall. "I'm the quiet one, so this is the perfect job for me."
"But what if he wakes up?" Party Cannon asked.
"Well," Cryme paused. "Maybe he won't."
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Picture Perfect asked.
"Yes, no, no yes I am. I'm tired of being scared. I..I want to pull more of my weight."
"He is very sneaky when he wants to be," Miracle said. Miracle then slowly opened the door to the chambers just enough for Cryme to squeeze through.
"I must be crazy," Cryme whispered to himself. Cryme made his way towards the bed while the others watched. None of them could speak a word as Cryme made it to the edge of the bed looking like he was going to wet himself again.
"So far so good," Party Cannon said, being the one to finally break the silence.
Cryme got on all fours, still on the edge of the bed and breathing heavily. Cryme exhaled and inhaled rather quickly but also staying quiet, looking as if a thousand thoughts were flying around his head.
"Just grab it and get out," Cryme said to himself making sure not to talk above a whisper. "Simple as that, he won't wake up, he won't wake up." Cryme then lifted himself up and saw the face of the creature that drove the land into darkness. Suddenly almost instinctively, Cryme grabbed the element and broke it off the necklace that was connected to it.
"He's got it," Apple Core said.
"He's got it," Miracle said.
"I've got it," Cryme whispered. He then flew straight out of the room and the group gathered around him as he closed the door and Miracle dispelled his see through spell.
"Way to go Cryme," High Red said.
"Bold as teal yet subtle as salad green," Picture Perfect said.
"Is anypony gonna mind if I wet myself again?" Cryme then gave the Element of Magic to Miracle who got out the other elements.
"Finally," Miracle said. "Now at long last, harmony will return to Equestria once again." The others then gathered around Miracle as he lifted all of the elements with his magic making them hover just above them. All of them smiled as big as they could, but after a few seconds of nothing happening, they slowly turned into frowns.
"What's going on?" Apple Core asked.
"More like what's not going on," Party Cannon said.
"Isn't it supposed to do the thing you just said it was going to do?" Cryme asked.
"Maybe you need a password," High Red said.
"Elements of Harmony go," Miracle said. "Elements of Harmony activate, Elements of Harmony awaken, Elements of Harmony work already and beat Witchcraft so you can bring back to the thing you're the elements of.” But no matter what he said the elements would not work.
"Nothing," Party Cannon said.
"I don't understand," Miracle said as he lowered the elements and sat down holding them in his forelegs. "We have them all together, why won't they work? Twilight Sparkle used them for situations just like that."
"I don't suppose they only work when Twilight Sparkle uses them," Party Cannon said. "Cause that's going to be a problem."
"There's got to be someway to make them work," Picture Perfect said.
"Well whatever the reason they aren't working and whatever the way it is to get those elements to work can we please move away from Witchcraft’s chamber before something-"
"WITCHCRAFT!" A voice from outside called out.
"Wakes him up," Cryme finished.
"Maybe he didn't hear-"
"WITCHCRAFT!"
"Nevermind," Party Cannon finished. "We should probably get of-"
"On it," Miracle interrupted as he teleported his group back to the garden, right next to the coffin of Twilight Sparkle.
"You took everything away from me," the voice called out once again even louder because the group was now closer to whoever it belonged to. "My home, my family, my entire life." The group decided to run over to where the voice was coming from to hopefully get him to shut up.
"Come out and face me Witchcraft. I was told to hide from you for so long, but now I have nothing left to lose. So come out and fight me," the pony once again called out just as the others got a good look at him. A rather large white pegasus with surprisingly small wings and before any of them could speak to him, he was blasted by a magic beam that sent him straight through not one, but several walls.
"I don't know what I hate more," Witchcraft said as he teleported to the garden. "Getting woken up or having to fight while I'm hungover." Witchcraft then looked up to the sky and looked away almost right away because of the sun. "I take it back, I do know. The worst part is having to come out during the day." Witchcraft then held an amulet he was holding and suddenly the sun set and the moon took its place.
"Did you see that?" Apple Core asked.
"Yeah," High Red said. "That amulet can control the sun and moon."
"Now that that's taken care of, perhaps I should get back to my research. I've kept Twilight waiting long enough."
"What's he talking about?" Miracle asked himself.
"No," Witchcraft said to himself. "I need to get more rest. I can barely think when I'm like this. But don't worry Twilight, we'll be together once again and." Witchcraft suddenly stopped as his foreleg reached to grab the element, but when he realized it was no longer there, he looked as if he had suddenly been stabbed. "The element? Where's the element? WHERE IS IT?" Witchcraft screamed so loud it echoed across all of Canterlot.
"Uh Miracle," Party Cannon said. "Now would probably be a really good time to figure out how the Elements of Harmony work."
"Yeah," Miracle said. "Too bad I'm clueless."
"In a minute we're gonna be dead," Party Cannon said.
"Please don't say that please," Cryme said. "I've voided my bowels enough for 1 day."
"Okay seriously, that’s getting annoying," Party Cannon said.
"Actually he's right," High Red agreed.
"Well I'm sorry, but this is a really scary situation," Cryme said.
"Settle down y'all," Apple Core said as he played peace maker by getting between them. "This ain't no time fer ah barn raising."
"Yeah come on, let's give the tyrant king a wide berth," Picture Perfect said.
The group then ran in the other direction where Witchcraft was becoming more and more emotionally unstable.
"NO," he screamed. "WHERE IS IT?! IT'S THE LAST THING I HAVE TO REMEMBER HER BY!"
"Besides all of the statues, colored glass windows, and tapestries of her," Party Cannon said. "Not to mention her actual corpse," he added, which Miracle couldn't help but laugh at.
"Don't laugh, he might hear ya," Apple Core said. "It was pretty funny though," Apple Core added as he couldn't help but chuckle.
"I think it's time for you to do that invisibility bubble combo," Picture Perfect suggested.
"Yes please," Cryme said. "Hurry do it before-"
"No more potty humor!" Party Cannon interrupted.
"Witchcraft finds us, was going to be the rest of my sentence, and is now a major part of this one."
"Oh, sorry, at this point I'm sure even the readers were probably getting tired of it."
"Who?" High Red asked.
"No idea why I said that," Party Cannon answered as Miracle performed his combo.
Witchcraft made his way into the garden where the group was hiding once again. He then began to pound his forelegs into the ground and managed to split the ground from one end of the garden to another. Doing this resulted in the crack hitting the group before they had a chance to react causing them all to scatter. While the others fell down and were forced back Miracle somehow rolled all the way to the coffin of his fallen hero.
"NO! Are you all right?!" Wichcraft said as he came over to the coffin.
"Oh I'm all right," Miracle said a bit out of it as he was rubbing his head.
"Not you, you worthless rat, get away from her!" Witchcraft then grabbed Miracle and rolled him away from the coffin.
"Oh Twilight," Witchcraft said as placed his hooves and head on the coffin. "I failed you once again," Witchcraft added as he actually started crying.
"How did she die?" Miracle asked which shocked not only Witchcraft, but his friends as well.
"What?" Witchcraft asked as he stood up and whipped the tears off of his face.
"How did she die? Please I know you know, Twilight Sparkle has been my hero for as long as I can remember. I have to know how she died. Did she give her life for somepony else or something?"
"Something like that," Witchcraft answered. Witchcraft then closed his eyes and suddenly a shadowy figure appeared from out of the ground. The figure then took the form of a large white pony with pegasus wings and a long unicorn horn. Though what really caught Miracle's attention was her large mane and tail which seemed to move all of its own. "Long ago this land was ruled over by a wise and powerful princess," Witchcraft said as he made the large pony walk around the garden.
"How is he doing that?" High Red asked.
"I'm not quite sure," Cryme answered. "I mean I'm kinda sure, magic, but even for magic this is incredible."
Witchcraft then created another figure that turned into a Twilight Sparkle. “Beside her was a passionate student, who only wished to make the princess happy." Suddenly the small Twilight Sparkle ran over to the princess and hugged her foreleg.
"A-w," Party Cannon said.
"But then 1 day the princess, to whom the student had never shown anything but kindness and loyalty, cast the student away over what she believed to be a fault in the student's actions. But this was a costly mistake. For she learned too late that like always, the students intentions were pure. Overtime the princesses selfish and cruel nature revealed itself more and more, but the student was too blinded by her desire to serve the princess to see it."
Witchcraft then made a younger version of himself who tried to comfort the figure of Twilight.
"Despite her blind loyalty to the princess the student had many friends, one such was an umbrum that loved her with all his heart."
"Love?" Miracle asked.
"1 day the umbrum couldn't take it anymore and tried to make the student see with her own eyes the cold hearted nature of the princess. This however angered the princess and she cast a fury of spells on the umbrum, and when the student tried to defend him," Witchcraft paused as tears ran down his face. "She paid the ultimate price."
Suddenly all the figures disappeared as they became the shadows they were formed from and returned to Witchcraft.
"I vowed I would avenge Twilight Sparkle and after taking the life of the princess that took her from me, I forced everypony out of Canterlot, which begs the question. What are you doing here?”
“Uh,” Miracle said just as it dawned on him that his common sense had recentky taken a massive detour. Suddenly Witchcraft looked as if he'd been stabbed again.
"IT WAS YOU!" He screamed as his face became pure rage. "You took the element! Give it back!" Witchcraft then charged at Miracle who summoned a shield, but Witchcraft broke through with a spell beam. Miracle quickly adapted however and forced him back with a spell beam of his own.
"Looks like telling that story sobered him up," Party Cannon said.
"Guess we're doing this," High Red said as he flew over to help.
"Come on y'all," Apple Core said as he charged in with the others, even Cryme.
"Going up," High Red said as he grabbed Witchcraft by his back and managed to lift him off the ground. "You're kind of light for a full grown stallion."
"Put me down you brat!"
"If you insist." High Red then did just that, Witchcraft used a spell to soften the blow but when he landed Picture Perfect cast a powerful light spell right in his face.
"What are you doing?" Witchcraft asked with his forelegs in front of his face. "Oh I get it, cause I'm a shadow pony. You'll have to do better than that."
"Fine with us," Apple Core said as he tried to buck Witchcraft but he summoned a shadow wall to block him. "Get out of my face," Witchcraft said as he pushed them back with several magical bubbles.
"Hey everypony here's another combo," Miracle said as he lit up his horn with light then fired another beam. Witchcraft tried to block it with another shadow wall, but the spell went right through it and hit him dead on.
"But how?" Witchcraft said as he got up.
"Like I said, a combo. A light spell mixed with an attack spell," Miracle said.
"Oh I get it," Cryme said. "The light got the other spell to break through the shadow wall."
"One clever trick won't be enough to stop me," Witchcraft said as he cast several spells that hit the entire group dead on.
"That, was impressive," Party Cannon said with his back to the ground. "And also very painful."
"Can you get up?" Cryme asked.
"Yeah," Party Cannon said as he did just that but fell a bit. "But my body doesn't want me to."
"Swarm him!" High Red said and they did just that. High Red flew all around him, getting in numerous hits that Witchcraft couldn't block because of his speed. Miracle and Picture blasted him with spells and even hit him at the same time. That blasted Witchcraft into the air a bit, putting him in the perfect position for Apple Core to buck him right in the spine and he landed face first on the ground. Party Cannon blasted him with over half a dozen of his namesakes, with Cryme helping.
"Seriously, where do you keep, oh forget it," Cryme said as he helped Party Cannon fire.
"This won't stop me," Witchcraft said as he got up and all of a sudden a piece of cake flew right into his mouth. "Mmm, chocolate." Witchcraft then created a barrier around him, but not above him, this allowed him to fire a spell straight up. When it started coming back down, it spilt into a dozen beams that the group barely managed to dodge. The party cannons however, were broken into pieces.
"Don't worry I saved the cake," Party Cannon said as he ate the last of it.
"You lot have put up more of a fight than I thought you would, but you will fall like all the others," Witchcraft said after putting the barrier down.
"We beat all of the guardians and you ain't gonna be different." Apple Core said.
"The guardians?" Witchcraft asked. "So that's what you're doing here, you want to use the Elements of Harmony. But harmony vanished from this land long ago."
"Because of you," Cryme said rather upset. "Do you even have a clue how much ponies from all over suffer now because of you?"
"I don't care enough about the ponies to think about that," Witchcraft answered. Suddenly Cryme flung himself right at Witchcraft, punching him right in the face. That punch sent Witchcraft flying and nearly through a wall.
"Is that all you can say!?" Cryme said, engulfed with rage. "You're just like the guardians, a heartless shell." Cryme then flew straight at Witchcraft who tried to blast him, but Cryme dodged every spell. "I had to live in the Undiscovered West for 8 years because of you!" Cryme said as he dodged. "You hear that, 8!" Cryme made his way to Witchcraft and punched him for every year that he lived in the Undiscovered West.
"Wow," High Red said.
"Yeah," Picture added. "Cryme has a lot of pent up rage."
"Is that bad?" Apple Core said.
"It is for Witchcraft," Picture replied.
"And it's about to get a lot worse for all of you," Witchcraft said as he gave Cryme a punch of his own that forced him back. "Did you honestly think that a group of misfits like yourselves could be enough to defeat me?"
"Well it'd be stupid to say no now," Miracle said as he fired another beam but Witchcraft countered with a beam of his own and pushed his beam back. Giving Miracle a rather painful sense of deja vu.
"Miracle!" Apple Core called out. Before he could do anything about it, he and the others, were blasted by a series of vicious spells. Witchcraft then used a spell that forced the group together.
"And there's the pain again," Party Cannon said as he tried to get up.
"He looks really mad," High Red said as Witchcraft was charging for another spell.
"We gotta get out of here," Cryme said back to his gentle, easily frightened self.
"Not gonna happen," Witchcraft said as suddenly a ring of black fire surrounded the group. Witchcraft's previous attack had hit the pegasi in their wings preventing flight. Picture was knocked out and Miracle needed a moment to recover.
Another painful sense of deja vu.
"Nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide," Witchcraft said.
"If anypony has an idea," Miracle said. "Now would be a good time."
"I have one," Party Cannon said.
"Is it a good one?" Miracle asked.
"I think so," Party Cannon answered.
Witchcraft charged his spell and cast it straight at the group, but just before the spell hit, the group vanished into thin air.
***
When Picture Perfect managed to regain consciousness he, along with the others, found themselves in a large pink area with bubbles and sparkles in the air. And around them were dozens of party cannons. "Where, where are we?"
"This is where I keep all my name sakes," Party Cannon answered. "My own personal pocket dimension."
"I," Miracle paused. "Have so many questions."
"Yeah I bet," Party Cannon said. "My grandma was a talented unicorn and when I was a colt she made a pocket dimension just for me. She made it so only I can open it and open it anytime or anywhere I want."
"So this is how you were able to pop the party cannons out of nowhere all the time," Cryme said.
"Why didn't you pull us in here earlier?" Apple Core asked.
"I never tried it with other ponies so I wasn't sure it would work," Party Cannon answered.
"Well now that we're in here, we have plenty of time to think up a plan for round 2," High Red said.
"We already have a plan," Miracle said with gusto and a little bit of swagger. "The Elements of Harmony, and since we're here I'll have plenty of time," Miracle stopped when suddenly cracks appeared. "To." The cracks spread more and more. "Figure out, how to finally, make, them, work." As Miracle finished the cracks spread halfway across the pocket dimension causing it to break. This caused the group and the rest of the party cannons to fall out of what was that of said dimension.
"Welcome back," Witchcraft said with a rather sinister smile. "A pocket dimension, I have to admit, is quite unique. It would have worked with my guardians but not me, I specialized in unique magic long ago." Witchcraft charged his horn once again. "Now where were we?" Witchcraft then fired the spell at the group but just as quick as he cast it, it disappeared.
"Huh?" Witchcraft said as well as the group, with the exception of Miracle Maker.
"Oh," Miracle said with swagger. "Did you want your spell back? Alright." Miracle then opened the pocket dimension which caused the spell to be fired right back at Witchcraft.
"My own spell?" Witchcraft asked as he was forced to the other side of the castle.
"Miracle, how did you do that?" Picture asked.
"I stopped the pocket dimension just before it closed and reworked it to be able to absorb and reflect spells, with a little boost for added damage," Miracle answered.
"Wow Miracle," Apple Core said, still shocked along with the others. "I knew you were talented in magic, but even ah had no idea you could do that."
"I wasn't all that sure myself, but I had to try something," Miracle answered. "Come on, we need to get out of here before Witchcraft comes back."
"You want to run away?" High Red asked.
"Not a chance," Miracle answered. "But we need to retreat, regroup, and rethink how to really let that tyrant have it."
"I like the sound of that," Party Cannon said. And with that the group ran off higher into the castle, thinking Witchcraft wouldn't look there, at least not right away. As the group made their way to the top of the castle near Witchcraft's chambers, they came across another sleeping pony.
"Who is that?" Miracle asked as his group stared at another alicorn. One with a mane and tail of a beautiful starry night and a moon cutie mark. She was resting peacefully on a bed which was surrounded by a large golden bubble.
"Is she another shadow pony?" Apple Core asked.
"Oh my gosh," Picture Perfect said. "It's Princess Luna."
"A princess?" High Red asked.
"She was the Princess of the Night," Picture Perfect answered. "I remember when I was a colt she came into my dreams and really helped me out."
"So, she isn't a shadow pony?" Party Cannon asked.
"No," Picture answered. "But it's still a shock to see her here. I thought she died with the other princesses. What is going on here?"
"Well I know a way to find out," Miracle said as he approached the bubble and used his horn to pop it.
"Wha?" Princess Luna said when the bubble popped. "Am I, awake?" She asked as she lifted her head and slowly got up.
"Uh, yes," Party Cannon answered.
"But how?" Princess Luna asked.
"Because you aren't asleep," Party Cannon answered again.
"Who are you? What's going on?" Princess Luna asked. Miracle quickly explained things to Princess Luna rather quickly. While making sure to get all the important details across. "Wait, you found the Elements of Harmony?"
"Yes," Miracle answered. "But we can't get them to work. I don't suppose you know?"
"The power of the elements is held in the bond of the wielders," Luna answered as she tried to stand up but fell. "I'm still waking up, I've been asleep for so long. It's going to be a while before I can get my strength back."
Picture Perfect used his magic to put the princess on his back and carried her out of the room with the others.
"Thank you," Princess Luna said.
"No problem, your highness," Picture Perfect answered.
"Why were you sleeping for so long anyway?" Cryme asked.
"It wasn't my idea. Little," Luna paused. "Witchcraft forced me to stay in the dream realm. He seeks to bring Twilight Sparkle back to life." Hearing that made the entire group freeze in their tracks.
"Bringing somepony back from the dead? Witchcraft can do that?" Miracle asked, part of him actually hoping it was true.
"No, he can't," Princess Luna answered.
"Yes I can," Witchcraft answered as he appeared from a shadow that was formed from the ground in front of the group. "So now on top of collecting the elements and defeating my guardians, you woke her up," Witchcraft added. "You're really starting to get on my nerves."
"Please Witchcraft stop this," Princess Luna said. "Twilight Sparkle isn't coming back. She's gone."
"And whose fault is that!?" Witchcraft asked in rage.
"Twilight wouldn't want this," Princess Luna added.
"She didn't want to die either, but she did. But when I find a way to bring her back I can set everything right."
"What is he talking about?" High Red as he looked at Princess Luna.
"When Twilight Sparkle comes back to life, she'll be the one to restore order to this land. As the princess she was meant to be, with me standing by her side."
"And?" Party Cannon asked which somewhat stunned Witchcraft.
"And what?" Witchcraft asked.
"Is that your master plan?" Party Cannon added. "To just bring somepony back to life?"
"Yes!" Witchcraft answered. "Twilight and I will make this land far greater than the so-called royalty could."
"Twilight Sparkle would never work alongside somepony like you," Miracle said in anger.
"And what do you know about Twilight Sparkle?"
"Apparently more than you!" Witchcraft then charged in a rage, making it all the more easier for Miracle to counter it. Miracle cast a light spell that blinded him and Picture took that opportunity to blast Witchcraft. The others then joined in hitting him in various ways. From bucks to punches in the air to a party cannon that wasn't broken.
"You won't defeat me," Witchcraft said.
"Princess Luna, can you fire a spell too?" Picture Perfect asked.
"I still don't have my energy back," Princess Luna replied. "I need a little more time."
"Too bad you aren't going to get any," Witchcraft answered as he once again fired a series of spells. Miracle was the only one that managed to dodge, but barely. Miracle then fired a series of spells that Witchcraft blocked by summoning a shield around him. "That won't be enough to stop, wait. Where did he go?" Suddenly Miracle teleported in front of Witchcraft and punched him right in the face.
"Alright, Miracle!" Apple Core said as he cheered for his friend.
"I took down the royal pony sisters," Witchcraft said as he got himself up. "I took control of the entire capital," Witchcraft said as a shadow-like aura surrounded him. "So there is no way that I'm going to be defeated by a band of misfits." Witchcraft then transformed into a giant shadow that covered the room in darkness. The group tried to escape but not even light spells would work and moments later the entire room collapsed causing the group to fall. Even Cryme and High Red as the darkness somehow affected their wings.
"What happened to my wings?" High Red said after falling from one floor to another that they couldn't help notice was filled with strange crystals. Some were similar to the ones that the ponies used to keep the shadow ponies away.
"He can mess with the magic of other creatures," Princess Luna answered. "It's a specialty of his."
"Yes," Witchcraft's voice echoed throughout the room as the darkness came down through the hole in front of the group, staring them down with a look or pure dread. "It's a unique ability of mine that has served me quite well."
"You mean like when you took over Equestria?" Party Cannon asked.
"Yes, like then," Witchcraft answered. "And like how I'm going to finish you off," Witchcraft added. But suddenly a wall of blue magic separated Witchcraft from the group.
"I'll hold him off," Princess Luna said, finally getting her strength back. "You get out of here. Think of some other plan or look for others that can help."
"But what about you?" Miracle asked as Witchcraft tried to break the wall.
"Don't worry about me," Princess Luna replied. "He won't kill me."
"He won't get the chance," Miracle replied, refusing to move a muscle as the wall started to crack.
"What?" Princess Luna replied.
"We have to beat him now. If we run away we'll never get another chance," Miracle added as he lit his horn. "He'll expect another attack or lead one on us with the shadow ponies."
"He's right y'all," Apple Core said. "This here's our best chance to stop him once and for all."
"I'm not the fighting type, except for today, or tonight," Cryme said. "And normally I'd try a nicer way, but we have to fight this guy. So I speak for every pony when I say I'll lend a hoof in the fight.
"More than a hoof," Picture Perfect added. “Much more.”
"Yeah, we're sticking together no matter what," High Red said.
"What they said," Party Cannon said. "Friends stick together no matter what better than any glue. I really hope I don't go out on that joke."
"Friends," Miracle said just as the wall broke.
"Time to finish you all off," Witchcraft said as he headed straight for them but was suddenly pushed back by a strange rainbow that appeared out of nowhere and around the group.
"What's going on?" Witchcraft asked as suddenly the Elements of Harmony floated out of the saddle bag.
"I get it now," Miracle answered. "The magic that gets the elements to work. It's the same magic that's kept us going throughout this whole journey. It's what helped me defeat Cruelty, it's what helped us defeat all the guardians. The magic that will help bring harmony back to Equestria once again. It's the most powerful magic of all, the magic of friendship."
"What?" Witchcraft said as the elements glowed brighter and fired a beam straight at him. The beam not only forced him back to his normal form as all of his magic drained out of him, but also somehow got the other crystals to shine. A rather large one shaped like the symbol of love released a wave of magical energy and did some major damage to Witchcraft as well. Who took so much damage that cracks appeared all over his body before he broke apart into pieces.
The group was silent for a moment as they were in awe over what just happened. Even Miracle didn't say anything at first, until the whole thing finally set in.
"W-E DID IT!" Miracle said as he yelled as hard as he could. "WE DEFEATED WITCHCRAFT!" Cryme cried rivers of joy, Party Cannon danced with Princess Luna, Picture Perfect and High Red embraced one another, and Apple Core did the same to Miracle.
"We did it," Apple Core said. "And it's all thanks to you Miracle."
"In a manner of speaking it is," a voice said. They turned around to see none other than the ghost of Twilight Sparkle.
"Twilight Sparkle," Miracle said at the same time as Witchcraft. Who to everypony's surprise was still alive, but was reduced to a small formless shadow on the floor.
"I finally brought you back," Witchcraft said in a weak whisper as his head & foreleg came out of the small black puddle, but what was left of him was slowly fading into nothing. "I knew I could do it. Now we can rule this land, make it truly great. Now, I can finally tell you, that I, have always." But as fate would have it, Witchcraft couldn't finish that sentence as what was left of him disappeared into nothing. Twilight Sparkle looked at where the tyrant disappeared with deep somberness.
"I AM A HUGE FAN!" Miracle said as he approached Twilight with a giant grin. "NOT A HUGE FAN, THE BIGGEST!"
"I know," Twilight answered. "I've been watching over you for quite some time."
"Not to spoil the moment or anything," High Red said. "But how are you here?"
"I'm not quite sure myself," Twilight answered. "When you used the Elements of Harmony they somehow connected with the crystals in this room and pulled me into the physical world."
"Works for me," Miracle said. "I have so many questions, where do I start?"
"Before you start," High Red said. "I have one, how were we able to get the Elements of Harmony to work?"
"It's as Miracle said," Twilight answered. "It's when he truly saw the value of the bond you share. Just like I did so long ago."
"What do you mean?" Cryme asked. Twilight then guided the group to a different part of the castle, the hallway with Twilight's accomplishments on the windows. As they traveled there they saw numerous ghosts flying around the castle as well. Such as a large white alicorn that Luna was very happy to see.
"Luna!" The ghost cried out.
"Celestia!" Luna cried out too as the two ponies ran over and embraced each other.
"Wow, you wouldn't think this place would look more cheerful with ghosts flying around," Party Cannon said.
When they got to the window of Twilight defeating Nightmare Moon, Twilight used her magic to change it. She started by showing an earth pony wearing an element.
"Hey, it's my sister Applejack!" Apple Core said, amazed. "Just like in the photos ma and pa showed me. She helped y'all beat Nightmare Moon?"
"She wasn't the only one," Twilight answered as she made more ponies appear, restoring the window to its original design.
"Who are they?" Miracle asked.
"My friends," Twilight answered as she looked at the group one by one. "Apple Core."
"Yes?"
"You're much like Applejack. Treats others like family, a bit stubborn at times, but also filled with integrity, and the Element of Honesty. Cryme, you would have gotten along great with Fluttershy, a gentle soul who cared deeply for animals like how you care deeply for plants. She was the element you are now, the Element of Kindness.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“Party Cannon, you are the Element of Laughter like my friend Pinkie Pie, because you both love to make others smile.”
“I do like to do that.”
“Picture Perfect, you're like my friend Rarity, a fashion lover with eyes for detail and giving towards others, because you're the Element of Generosity.”
“Wow, being compared to a fashion pony like her, what an honor.”
“High Red, while young and somewhat reckless you stand by your friends no matter what, just like my fast flying friend Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty."
"Rainbow Dash?" High Red said who heard of her and her accomplishments. "That's actually really flattering."
"And Miracle, you are the Element of Magic, like me."
"Like you?!"
"Yes," Twilight answered with a giggle. "Like me."
"That's so cool. So your friends helped you defeat Nightmare Moon?" Miracle asked.
"Not just then, my greatest accomplishments were thanks to them helping me. I couldn't have done any of them without their help."
"Wow, kind of like how I couldn't have saved Equestria without my friends."
"Well," Cryme said. "Not to be a wet blanket, but we didn't save it yet."
"True," Picture Perfect said. "We still have the Umbrum to fight."
"I can help with that," A pink alicorn ghost said as she brought the Crystal Heart to the others. "Or rather this can help with that."
***
With the help of the late Princess Cadance, Miracle and his friends activated the Crystal Heart which somehow connected to similar crystals across the land, spreading precious light across all of Equestria. Forcing the shadow ponies back into the dark corners they crawled out of. Many ponies around Equestria and even the lands beyond saw this and would make their way to Canterlot to see how this happened.
"Did we save Equestria now?" Party Cannon asked.
"Not unless we have something else to fight," High Red said.
"No, you saved Equestria," Twilight Sparkle answered right before the ghost of a rather large red earth pony appeared not too far away from Twilight. "Now if you'll excuse me there's another pony that needs my affection, er attention." As Twilight made her way off, Party Cannon got the name sakes that weren't destroyed.
"You know what this calls for right?" Party Cannon asked, as if he needed to. "A PARTY!"
Soon all of Canterlot was 1 giant party. Many ponies from near and far would gather to see a once dark and dreadful place, now returned to the beacon of light it once was in days long past.
"My gosh, can this really be," Moondancer said as she and her friends made it to Canterlot. "It's a miracle."
"Yeah it is," Minuette said. "Look, it's Miracle." She pointed to the young unicorn who was greeting guests along with Apple Core. But suddenly Apple Core's family along with Blueblood made their way through the front of the crowd.
"MIRACLE!" Blueblood said as he ran over to hug his nephew as hard as he could, while Bright Mac and Pear Butter did the same for Apple Core.
"You are so grounded," Blueblood and Apple Core's parents said with a laugh. Making the 2 stallions smiles disappear, however Apple Core insisted on them stopping by Manehatten on the way back.
***
"Dad?" Pear Butter asked after making it to Manehatten in no time thanks to former royal guards that broguht them via chariot.
"Pear Butter," Grand Pear replied with tears of joy streaming down his face. "It's you, it's really you. I'm so sorry for what I did, I was just so angry-"
"It's in the past dad," Pear Butter said as she cut off her dad with a warm hug. After talking with her father for a little bit, the Apples got ready to head out, with a new family member to bring home. Pear Butter was so happy she listened to her son. "Thank you so much for this Apple Core, between that and helping Miracle, I'm so proud of you." Hearing that made Apple Core smile with sheer pride. "But you're still grounded."
***
Miracle, after returning harmony to Equestria at last, returned home.
But not for long.
"We're really moving to Canterlot?" Miracle asked his Uncle Blueblood.
"Yes. With Witchcraft no longer in control I can regain my role as prince. A title you'll be getting as well."
The 2 stallions got to work clearing out the cottage for the things they'd be taking. As they finished they took one last look at the small but cozy and now empty cottage they called home for so long.
"Wow," Blueblood said, feeling rather bittersweet. "As much as I can't wait to live in the castle again, I'm actually going to miss living here."
"Yeah," Miracle said.
The 2 stallions took their things and said goodbye to the village with several ponies, including Miracle's friends, helping them get back to the capital.
"So Miracle's going to be a prince?" Cryme asked.
"He was always a prince, besides it's the least that can be done. You and your friends saved Equestria," Luna answered.
"I suppose you’re right,” Miracle said.
"Don’t think it’s time to relax now, that was the easy part," Princess Luna replied.
"That was easy?" Miracle answered.
"Compared to what's next anyway. With Witchcraft defeated now, we'll have to start the long road to rebuilding Equestria," Blueblood answered. “But I suppose that can wait, we still have a party to attend to. But after that you're grounded.”
The ponies made their way back to Canterlot, which was party central and wouldn't be stopping anytime soon for ponies alive and dead. Ponies and other creatures from all over Equestria and the land beyond came as well. All to celebrate, as the long period and suffering and darkness faded into memory.
THE END