Episode 23:
Queen of Thieves Part Four:
“So…” Twilight broke her brief silence as she looks on at the menacing smirks and grins around her while standing protectively in front her friends. “…this was your plan all along? This whole elaborate plot all set up to burn me to the ground?”
“Correct, Twilight.” Scar confirmed with a pleased smirk before turning to Rainbow Dash. “And the even more impressive part is that your speedy friend was able to figure out sooner than I thought. For a hot-headed pony who always loves to charge into action without thinking things through you’re pretty smart. I’ll give you that.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?!” Rainbow returned still feeling insulted and threatened.
“It’s no insult I can assure you…” Rainbow wasn’t convinced. “…after all what good is insulting someone just before they die. I mean with what I’m about to do to you it’s the least I can do.”
“Oh is that right?” Twilight commented like he is just playing them not even close to being scared. “So is this the part where we’re supposed to be intimidated or are we free to go?”
“You are all free to go…” He casually replied while gesturing to the open pathway to the exit. “…for another five seconds.”
Rainbow quickly bowled over the hyenas and jackals before rushing on over there…
…only to be electrocuted by shocking hot blue magic right at the opening.
Next thing Twilight, Sunset, and Spike know they were suddenly electrocuted from behind courtesy of their sudden attacker appearing right behind them, Starlight Glimmer.
“Yep I know, shocking isn’t it?” Starlight taunted to them as they all started to lose consciousness while summoning Rainbow back on over to the defeated group with her magic at the same time the hyenas and jackals recovered from the attack.
“Ugh!” They all said in pain and also while not finding humor in that pun.
“Yep.” Scar nodded as he looked down upon Twilight face to face as she barely mustered a defiant glare in his direction. “Like I said, five seconds. And now your time in victory lane is up. But don’t worry Twilight…” He said as he placed a paw on her chin who remained long enough to hear what he had to say next before passing out. “…your pain will soon be over. And I forward to every second of it.”
At the same time, the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard (sans Kion) have all arrived at the Outlands border along with Shining Armor and Cadance who can all see Starlight’s magical force field surrounding the volcano.
“Oh, Twily…” Shining was the first to express his worry for his sister now in distress. “…someway somehow I just knew this would happen.”
“Don’t worry, we’re going to save her.” His future wife assured before turning to the others. “And it’s very good thing you all came to us immediately.” She then turned to Kyoga. “Kyoga I need you and Fluttershy to both find Celestia, Luna, and Kion. Tell them we need help in the Outlands!”
“Got it!” Kyoga nodded before she ran off ahead with Fluttershy barely keeping pace with her in flight.
“Wait for me!”
“What do we do?”
“What’s the plan?”
Both Beshte and Fuli asked the princess.
“Well…” Suddenly and instantly, Shining Armor sprinted on ahead at full speed on over to the volcano. “…we simply follow his lead.” She said rather flatly before flying off after him.
“Sounds good to me!” Bunga happily agreed while rushing on after her.
“Shall we?” Ono asked seeing there is no other option now.
“Lets.” Fuli agreed too before rushing on after them with the rest of the Guard following suit with urgent and high hopes to save their friends trapped inside and on time before anything bad can happen to them.
Back in Seaequestria, Kion finds himself floating before the queen himself where he is accompanied by his parents along with the alicorn sisters where he is facing judgement for what he just did in setting Twilight, Sunset, Rainbow, and Spike free. And needless to say, the queen herself is still as furious even with the only indicator is her cold tone of voice. But that’s nothing compared to what his father had to say about it.
“Now don’t get me wrong, Kion, your actions were most disappointing as much as how I’m very disappointed in you.”
“I know.”
“It is tragic King Simba, but your son has obviously followed in the princess of darkness’s hoof steps.” Queen Novo commented sternly yet somewhat sympathetic for the burden his family has to deal with. “Kion is a criminal.”
Kion can only look down in shame as he knows that this is the end of his career along with Twilight’s before stepping forward to try to explain himself why he did what he did.
“Queen Novo, if I may…” The queen motioned for him to speak as if she is seeking that explaination. “…I know nothing excuses what I did just recently in regards to what went down earlier. Why I did what I did well… it was just I couldn’t bear the thought of Twilight spending the rest of her life in prison over something that didn’t even make sense to me. I didn’t even fully understand what was going on and even now I still don’t whether to trust her or not. Whether or not she was my friend or not.” He sighed. “Maybe I would've been better off if I'd never known her.”
It was there Nala moved to console her son. “Kion, you found a friend. One that share a sister-like bond with. A sister who once risked her life to save everyone once before."
“True, true…” The queen commented somewhat understanding but still wasn’t fully moved. “…but that doesn’t explain nor excuse why Twilight attempted to steal my pearl in the first place!”
“Maybe something else was going on that had you thinking that she was even though she wasn’t.” Kion suggested.
“And what proof do you have that says otherwise?” She asked.
“Um…” Kion wasn’t quite sure since he literally doesn’t have anything that says it for sure…at least until he remembered that he does have magic along with something Twilight taught him along the way. “…actually there is!”
He worked his magic and concentrated as he tried to recall what had actually happened when she thought Twilight was going to commit said crime. And with much struggle he was able to work his magic in showing the replay of Twilight conversing with Rainbow, Sunset and Spike just before obtaining the keys and lock picks they need to get it without tripping the alarm.
"I hope we're not too late." Twilight said to herself as they arrived inside the kingdom.
"Yeah, it would be a real shame if Starlight had already obtained the pearl first." Sunset commented in agreement.
"It sure would." Spike also agreed as they looked around to see if the attempted theft had already happened.
When they approached what is the most shiny part of the caste throne room, they witnessed the pearl up high and safely in it's net meaning they have arrived just in time.
"There it is." Rainbow commented upon being the first to spot the pearl in it's full glory.
After showing what was needed to be shown, Kion canceled the flashback scene as his horn glowed and blew steamy bubbles after doing so.
"So that's what happened." Queen Novo said in a tone of realization and remorse. "They weren't trying to steal my pearl. They were trying to help protect it while my back was turned. Well, this changes everything..." She then moved to make her final judgement. "Kion..." She firmly began. "...while I will have a talk with Twilight about this, what you have done, well..." She then said in a soften and warm tone. "...you did it out of friendly love. And you came back to take responsibility for your actions and I'm sure Twilight will do the same once we get to talk once more. Let us put this matter behind us. I think I have kept you all longer than I should have."
"Great thanks." Simba nodded very grateful for her reasonable judgement before the queen moved to guide them on out of the underwater castle. "Hopefully under better circumstances we can meet once again."
"We'll see."
Just when the group had emerged ready to talk new negotiations they heard the soon of Fluttershy screaming since she had lost control of her flying. Thankfully for her, Princess Celestia quickly caught her with her front hooves.
“Twilight, Sunset, Starlight…” She could barely get out between breaths.
“Easy Fluttershy just take a deep breath.” The warm sun monarch advised who quickly did just that once Luna provided her a paper bag to breath through. “Now what about both Twilight and Sunset?”
Once she calmed herself down she properly explained. “It's Starlight Glimmer, the pony Twilight beat. She's not beat, she's back. And she's got Twilight and Sunset held hostage at the volcano in the Outlands.
“Starlight?” Kion asked.
“Yes.”
“And Scar?”
“Yes. Working together. Which means Twilight was right about everything.”
“Again.” Kyoga added. “Not to mention they are both along with Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Sunset are all to be burned to ashes inside the Outlands Volcano!"
“What?!” Celestia spoke up in alarm with what she is hearing. “We have to help them!”
But even still Kion still wasn’t interested while turning his back on them. “That's their problem. They chose to go back to that life...”
“But Kion!” Fluttershy pleaded still upset at his refusal to take action to save her.
“Kion, I know Twilight and Sunset made a lot of bad choices, but that doesn't mean you have to.” Luna was the first to insist against it in a sympathetic manner.
“She is your friend.” Fluttershy further reminded. “How could you do anything else?”
“I'm being as stubborn as they were...” Kion said as he realized that he is still being too hard on her especially after learning the truth. As everyone looks on unsure of what he is going to say and do next, after a few seconds he turned with a ready to help smile. “Let’s do this! Show me the way!”
Everyone including Kyoga and Queen Novo smiled in approval with his noble decision much to Fluttershy’s relief as she rested her back in Celestia’s hooves while being flown on back there.
Elsewhere, inside the caldera of the Outlands Volcano, the many Outsiders have gathered around and spread so they can watch as Scar himself personally executes their prisoners one-by-one. Since Starlight has been tasked with keeping a tight magical hold on the other prisoners until it is time for their execution she literally gets a good side view of the show.
In order to kick things off in their sealed gathering, the first prisoner set to be executed is none other than Twilight Sparkle who is now currently in the clutches and claws of Scar’s paws.
“The prisoner former princess Twilight Sparkle has been found guilty of the crime of high treason. The sentence: death!”
The hyenas and jackals all cheered in excitement all while Spike, Sunset, and Rainbow all protest in vain through Starlight’s magical dome since she added the silencer spell in it. But if anyone can hear them, they would hear them shouting.
“NO! NO! YOU CAN’T DO THIS!”
“TWILIGHT!”
“THIS IS ALL SO VERY WRONG!”
With his moment of triumph just a hundred feet up high, Scar took this time to give his last regards to his foe.
“The time has come, Twilight. You stand upon the brink of the abyss. Yet even now, it is not too late.” He moved to turn Twilight around to force her to look at him. “I can save you from the flames of this world, and the next. Choose me, or the fire.” He said with the last part rather threateningly to remind her that this is her last chance to toe the line with him.
Twilight quickly and correctly saw it as forced servitude while she alone survives and quickly spit in his face in response while giving him a very defiant glare to make it clear to him that she would rather die than give him to his demands.
None of the less, Scar moved to finish up his judgmental speech to the jury before moving to properly carry out the execution while taking the alicorn’s spiteful response in stride.
“The alicorn Twilight has refused to recant. This evil pony has put the soul of every citizen of the Pride Lands and Equestria in mortal jeopardy. So in the name for justice, and for her own salvation! It is my sacred duty to send this unholy demon back where she belongs!” He moved to fly up towards the top of the volcano before looking down at the hot lava boiling over her before moving to drop her into the pit.
At the same time both Shining Armor and Princess Cadance took lead as they made their way up towards the volcano at the same time Scar flew up. From there they were able to witness they have under a minute to come to her rescue. And they need to be able to do it fast with another pony’s magic trying to keep them out.
At the same time with no one Twilight expects to come to her rescue and knowing that she is without magic and without any escape plan she can pull off in an instant, she calmly accepted her fate. All while drowning on the cheers and jeers from the Outsiders eagerly watching to see her plummet into the lava.
Without seeing it, both her brother and sister-in-law appeared right at the entrance. They both shared a nod with the others just when the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard arrived by their side.
With the silent confirmation they know what they have to do in order to save their friends, Princess Cadance flew up while Shining Armor got into a charging position with the others ready to back him up while following his lead.
The moment Scar is about to drop Twilight, he and everyone else heard the sounds of banging on the magic dome which alerted them someone was right outside the volcano. Before anyone could wonder what was going on while Starlight was struggled to maintain her grip on the spell, Shining Armor burst through the force field and sent multiple blasts to knock the hyenas and jackals aside like hitting them with lasers.
At the same time, Princess Cadance appeared from the top of the volcano before swooping in to fire a blast of magic at Scar who swiftly and barely dodged it while maintaining his grip on Twilight.
Before Starlight could try to intervene, Shining Armor quickly blasted her aside forcing her to release her grip on Rainbow, Spike, and Sunset thus freeing them.
Once they were free, they were quick to spring to action. Rainbow charged ahead and once more bowled over the hyenas and jackals attempting to attack the white stallion from behind while Spike breathed fire in their direction along with jumping on top of each and every one of their heads while making his way across. At the same time Applejack and Rarity moved to buck and karate kick each and everyone one of them to help clear a path for their friends to make their escape.
Pinkie moved to play mind games on them appearing and wearing an Arabian-like outfit. “I am here.” She then reappeared behind someone else. “No. I am here.” The distraction was used to allow Rarity to knock them out to the side of the rocky terrain.
Sunset moved to confront Starlight and quickly engaged in a magical battle with her.
“So…” Sunset spoke up first. “…I heard you’re tough.”
“I am. Though if I may, might I suggest you polish up on your magic because from what I hear you’re clearly out of practice.”
“I think I going to kindly dismiss your suggestion, because my magic is quite on par to any unicorn like you.”
“Care to put that to the test?”
“Bring it!”
The two move to have at it at each other where Sunset was quick to go on the offense by firing a few shots at Starlight who swiftly blocked and dodged them. Upon seeing that she is not going to down easily she charged at the unicorn with fiery magic who quick used a magic shield to fend off the attempted attacks before retaliating with rocks and pebbles like machine gun bullets.
Sunset was counter them with her magic before getting ash blown into her face which left her no time to prepare for another blast aimed directed in the gut after being blinded by the attack. She ended tumbling across the ground because of before being hoisted up in the air by the neck through her telekinesis.
Feeling she has this fight under control she hoisted Sunset on over to the lava pit so she can plop to her fiery demise by giving her a good toss on over there. But Sunset wasn’t about to have it so she quickly teleported in the nick of time and appeared right behind her and kicked her attempted murder square in the back. She then fired another beam of magic right at her to force her back across the rocky area for good measure as she marches upon her opponent to send the message that she isn’t an easy pony to pick on even with little to no practice on magic.
Starlight was left shocked and enraged but still full of determination to try to take her down as she roared and charge another attack towards her after shaking it off where the two continue to duke it without with a even dead lock battle of magic.
Sunset staggered briefly when Starlight finally managed to get another hit on Sunset before she quickly moved to dodge several more attacks from the latter. She then moved to attack her with fiery magic from both her horn and one of her back hooves as she attempted to send a kick at Starlight. They both missed as Starlight dodged them, spun around, before continuing back on the offense with the multiple sharp rocks and volcanic ash around them.
Sunset continued powering through to block off the attempted attacks along with shooting off her fiery magic before conjuring up a magic shield to which she used to block off the volcanic ash. Once she dispelled of the shield she moved to leap up out of the shield's protection and quickly sent a powerful blast of magic along with a strong and mighty kick that connected. This attack caused Starlight to tumble backwards and slam into the nearby walls of the volcano.
Seeing her chance, Sunset moved to finish this off as she made her charge. She moved to dodge the weakened blast of magic sent at her before locking her legs around Starlight's neck and flipped her over, sending her tumbling across the ground before rolling to a stop. To finish things off Sunset was quick to fire one of her hottest (but not fatal) blasts of magic as she leapt into the air.
By then Starlight was able to awaken and see what was about to happen before quickly and desperately tried to act to prevent it. Sunset moved to connect at the same time Starlight mustered up all of her energy into shooting one of her strongest beams of magic right at her gut. The two blows land at the same time as both ponies were tossed away from each other by the combination of attacks, landing near opposite sides of the caldera in clouds of dust and yells of pain. But none of the less, Sunset managed to stand back up on her own two hooves victoriously while Starlight was left too beaten and weakened to continue thus ensuring that the former has truly won this duel by the time the former moved to confront her again.
At the same time Cadance is working her magic to take on Scar who is currently holding her future sister in law captive, and so far it is a pretty close match given that neither one has managed to land a hit on one another. Ever since Cadance made her appearance known to Scar they have been fighting, the latter has still maintained his grip on Twilight to prevent her from escaping and using her magic to help out.
Seeing at this rate there won’t be a clear winner until someone makes a mistake sees she needs to be able to tip the balance somehow against this dangerous enemy and save Twilight in one move.
“Shining!” She called out to him hoping he can help her find an angle along with a distraction.
“On it honey!” Shining quickly rushed on over in her defense and charged into the fight by leaping off the edge and throwing himself towards Scar.
Once he was close enough to land a shot, he quickly delivered a literal head-butt to the lion / alicorn hybrid which was enough to disorient him and drop his control over Twilight allowing her to be free. But given the sudden impact of the attack her brother implanted on Scar had no control to stop herself from falling into the lava below her.
Luckily for her, Shining was quick to use his magic (just barely due to still recovering from the impact of the head butt he used) to grab ahold of his little sister just mere inches before she could hit the lava face-first to which Cadance was quick to swoop in and hoist her up and away from the boiling pit just inches away from touching it. Before passing out, Shining quickly worked his magic into freezing the lava pit (for a good ten seconds) to protect his bride from touching it.
Scar who had just recovered from the impact (thanks to having used the time to apply healing magic to his brain during this time, only had enough to time to witness both Twilight and Cadence charging at him. With no time to be able to defend himself from the hot beam of magic along with a punch to the face from the former with the latter giving an equally powerful beam and kick to the gut.
From there the two quickly overwhelmed the lion / alicorn hybrid with a short barrage of punches and magical blows that left him no time to be able to defend himself. Before long he then found himself in for the biggest knockout blow to finish off the fight to which Shining Armor had recovered from the head trauma so he can chime in just when the alicorns have reversed away from him on the opposite side of the caldera so they can regroup with him.
“Ready?” Twilight asked the others who nodded before they all charged together. “On the count three going down. Three…” She started off.
“Two.” Cadance said next.
“One. Blast off!” Shining finished before they all delivered one heck of a magical punch that created a massive explosion that sent Scar flying far away from the Outlands along knocking out every Outsider when they slammed into the nearby walls behind them.
“Poa!” Beshte was the first to remark in amazement.
“I knew we could take them!” Bunga proudly stated just when the siblings and in-law quickly led the way on towards the exit.
“Let’s go!” Twilight ordered of everyone as they all wasted no time in getting the heck out of there before things could get worse for them.
For good measure, they quickly moved towards the nearby downhill lava stream so they can make a quick exit out of the Outlands. For a handful of ponies without wings (with the sole expect of Bunga and Spike) it was a first time for them. Normally they would be unsure and uncomfortable with the idea of sliding down the slope when it involves avoiding touching boiling hot lava. But with not enough magic at their disposal at their hooves given that it was used to dispel of Scar and his army, they had to take the fastest option that gets them out of here before Scar even has a chance to retaliate.
At the same time, Kion and the others are all rushing off ahead with both Fluttershy and Kyoga guiding Kion towards the Outlands as they make their way towards the portal at top wing speed. They were all panting hard and really exerting themselves as they are trying to keep up this speed but they were all determined to ensure that no harm comes between Twilight and the others with who knows what Scar could be doing to them now.
“I hope we’re not too late!” Kion wished.
“Me too!” Fluttershy expressed in agreement.
By performing the same maneuvers needed to speed across the downhill lava stream on the volcano (to which Rainbow took the time to actually enjoy it) they were all able to make quick time in getting through the Outlands much like Twilight, Bunga, and Spike did in the past. Others who could fly chose to stand by so they can ensure they don’t make the wrong move which is very understandable given the circumstances at hoof and paw.
“Aw, yeah!” Rainbow cheered as they made their way down the volcano. “Took long enough to finally be able to do this!”
“You can say that again!” Pinkie agreed as she is riding down like she is on a roller-coaster and a kiddie ride. “Whee!”
“Yep. Told ya you would have fun with it!” Bunga proudly remarked while steering like it was a casual trip to the ski resort for him.
“Rainbow Dash! Pinkie! Bunga! Focus!” Twilight quickly scolded to remind them the urgently of their current situation.
“Oh right!”
“No more joking around!”
“Yep!” To make her point clear she adopted her serious game face like she did before taking on and defeating Discord.
“Get ready!” Twilight called out to the riders as they approached the sharp turn that serves as the exit towards the rocky platforms leading up to the Pride Lands borders. “Our exit’s coming up!”
“You got only one shot at this!” Spike further added as he got ready to jump. “So make it count!”
“Got it!” Sunset nodded as not another word was said as they approached the last part of the stream leading up to the sharp turn up ahead the straightway.
Upon approaching it, they all reached accordingly and they all jumped at the same time the flyers flying beside them flew down to catch their ponies. Cadance for Shining Armor. Rainbow for Applejack. Ono for Bunga. Kyoga for Fuli. And Twilight for Sunset while all of the flyers muster their extra energy into levitating Beshte along for the ride.
“Pinkie! Now!” Twilight called out to her.
“Yes sir, ma’am, sir.” She saluted before quickly tossing down trampolines on each and every one of the platforms so they that everyone can bounce their way across, Beshte included.
The trampolines used were definitely so strong and powerful that they were able to send each and every pony and Pride Lander across each and every rock platform with ease.
“Whee! Hop! Hop! Skip! Jump!”
“Hop! Hop! Skip! Jump!”
Both Pinkie and Bunga cheerfully stated as they treated it like hop scotch while the others focused and treated it like they were performing one of those obstacle courses they’re used to practicing on back in Ponyville.
“Good thing Kion had use training like this, huh Fuli?” Beshte commented.
“Yep. And we’re just a few more leaps there!”
And in very little time, each and every one made it across to the Pride Lands safely as they all leapt across the final platform and right by Flat Ridge Rock where the border lies.
“Okay, great! That’s everyone.” Twilight was now satisfied as she made helped ensure Sunset was now out of the Outlands safely before flying out on of there herself with a super-powered super speedy sprint. “We should be…OOF!”
Suddenly she finds herself flying backwards into the first pillar standing between her and the Pride Lands by a quick swift magical attack accompanied by an arm from certain reddish-orange fur colored fellow…
…who is now appearing up in the skies before moving to confront her while quickly drawing up a magical barrier to prevent the others from interfering as he prepared to kill Twilight himself.
Upon seeing him so suddenly had Twilight quickly conjuring up a magical dome to protect herself as she made her way back up top of the platform she was slammed into.
“Well Twilight, I’m impressed.” He complimented with a smirk. “No team of siblings has ever gotten the better of me like that. And to think it is almost a shame to have to kill off someone so talented. Almost…”
With nothing else to say, he dropped the friendly pretenses with a frown and charged right at her who quickly sent the magical waves from her force field right back at him causing him to fly backwards into the magical barrier he himself created. He then moved forward and charged ahead all while the others can only watch on with great horror and anxiety greatly and desperately hoping that Twilight pulls through once more.
“Oh, no! Not again!” Shining cringed once more with his wife’s comfort once more as they once more can only watch on helplessly upon seeing his sister has to fight off this dangerous enemy once more alone.
“Twilight!” Both Rainbow and Sunset cried out in her direction upon seeing the danger she is still in.
Twilight kept her eyes focused as she focused her magic on resisting Scar’s attempts to break through her barrier as he fired off shot after shot at her. But no matter what Twilight refused to crack under the pressure she was determined to see to it that Scar runs out of firepower in his efforts to break through her dome.
Unfortunately for her, Scar’s current firepower is still powerful enough to give her a run for her money as he gradually managed to wear down the strength of her dome with a relentless barrage of firepower that would incinerate someone into being scorched earth had that been an ordinary pony he was dealing with. In just under a minute she found herself sweating from the intense heat she was now feeling and had her realizing she needed to prepare to fight when the dome breaks.
He continued firing multiple blasts of fire before firing off one long continuous blast that had her sweating. One look on Scar’s evil grin could tell that he has done enough work to burn off the outer barrier leaving with just one more blast that’ll allow him to break through it.
Everyone watches on with worry and anxiety as Scar chalks up another fire bomb as he prepares to unleash that attack on Twilight. With a good charge and leap upwards he unleashed it just when he appeared right in front of the dome and managed to crack it. And just when he was relishing in unleashing this brutal attack…
POW!
“Oh!” Scar suddenly found himself flung backwards and slamming into the barrier he himself created face-first, much to the others amusement.
“Ha, ha, ha, ha!” Rainbow laughed her heart out while rolling onto her back mid-flight. “Look at his stupid face!”
“I know!” Bunga agreed finding it equally amusing even though his face is more of a pained and serious look rather than a comedic one. “It’s so appealing!” Everyone all turned to face him like everything just stopped. “Wait. That came out way lamer than I expected.”
“Yep.” Both Applejack and Fuli commented in unison agreement as they all resumed watching the duel that was taking place in front of them.
After the attack, Scar ended up slumming down onto the ground below the rocky platforms while Twilight hovers over him while being cautious and careful of approaching him and making sure he is out and cold. Twilight being a smart and cautious pony didn’t dare to fly in close nor tried to make a run for the barrier feeling that’s just exactly what Scar would want her to do.
So instead, she teleported away from the scene much to Scar’s shock when he immediately opened his eyes, flew up, and looked around for her. To him, she had to be somewhere around the Outlands as his force field would have detected her trying to cross the borders whether it’s towards or away from the Pride Lands.
“But where…” He thought to himself as he looked around his surroundings while flying up and searching the whole perimeter…
ZAP!
Came Twilight’s horn as Scar found himself knocked aside and tumbling across the rocky platforms after being taken by surprise for once in this fight. And before he realized it, he found himself relentlessly attacked from all of his blind spots left and right before he can even have a chance to recover and attack back up until he found himself facing backwards from the borders leading into the Pride Lands.
After finding that this one-sided beat-down has gone on long enough, he growled before planting his on one of the platforms while sporting a serious face with his magic ready and waiting for the right moment. And instantly he sensed his next attack right on his left shoulder before turning around with a powerful backhand to smack Twilight aside and into the barrier.
Before anything else, Scar quickly seized her and recaptured her before she could try to retaliate much to everyone else’s horror as evidenced by their gasps of shock.
“Don’t think I’m not through with you yet. Up we go!” He stated before flying back up into the sky before setting his sights on the large lava stream right near the Outlands Volcano once more.
It was there that Kion and the others had arrived at the borderline to witness what was happening and why the others aren’t able to come to her rescue. One look was all it took for them to figure out what to do.
“Luna with me!” The white alicorn quickly instructed.
“Got it, sister!” Luna nodded upon getting the message before flying off ahead alongside her while Kion ran off ahead going as fast as he can at the same time Scar eyes a very good body of lava for her to plop in for her demise.
By working together Celestia and Luna were able to create an opening big enough through Scar’s force field so both Kion and Sunset could be the first to charge inside the Outlands so they can rush over to save their friend.
Upon sensing and seeing what was happening, Scar saw it was time to take quick and direct action before moving to hurl on over there with the greatest and fiercest strength he can muster in a split second before quickly pursing her to personally ensure that she hits the lava.
Thinking quick, Twilight was able to slow her descend and use the lava above her to distance herself from Scar but just barely as she is finding it a struggle given she is now acting under pressure to save her own life here.
Upon entering the Outlands, Kion quickly scooped up Sunset before taking flight in order to play catch-up to both Twilight and Scar with the former still at the latter’s mercy and they were sure racing as fast as they can in order to come to the rescue.
Luckily for them, Twilight’s self-defense bought them the time they needed to mount an intervention on her behalf. By launching Sunset off of his back, the fiery unicorn was able to tackle Scar from behind just when he was about to trip Twilight up so she would fall into the lava.
At the same time before Twilight could find herself touching the lava after being tailed too long and too close for comfort, Kion swooped in and managed to freeze the lava briefly before hoisting Twilight up and away from the lava that had just managed to reemerge much to the latter’s grateful relief.
Upon being lifted up and away from the lava, Twilight’s focus was turned back to Scar who had just managed to subdue Sunset by being slammed down into the ground in a brief magical skirmish despite the latter managing to put up a few punches and blasts from her horn.
“It’s time we put an end to this!” He furiously stated before pinning the unicorn with one of his claws before readying his teeth ready to go for the bite to the neck.
“NO!” Twilight exclaimed before sending another powerful blast to knock him aside into the nearby rocks to which has the lion / alicorn hybrid grunting in pain upon hitting his ribs from the impact. It didn’t injure him but left him with a noticeable bruise there.
And before anything else, another powerful blast struck him right in the chest thus leaving a huge scorch mark on his chest followed by another equally brutal attack to the face before hitting his back on the rocks again much to the others surprise since those attacks didn’t come from any of them.
Said attack came from both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna themselves who appeared before Scar with their righteous fury with her horn glowing and ready to capture and finish him off for what had attempted to do today.
“On the contrary Scar…” Luna said with an angry and stern expression. “…it is time that you put an end to this by surrendering now while you still can!”
“And if I were you…I would surrender before you make this worse for yourself!” Celestia coldly added ready to unleash her wrath on him that no other villain has received before.
Scar heavily breathed as he looked on as he is surrounded by the other hybrid, two alicorns, and unicorn along with the rest of her friends and family standing at the Outlands border ready to move in and corner him on the spot. It was there he realized he has lost this battle, but was still determined to keep the game going on while he still can.
“Very well Celestia…” He calmly yet furiously replied while sparking up some magic with his paws like lighting up some burning rocks. “…but be warned Twilight Sparkle, this is not over yet! Same goes to you, Kion!”
Before anyone could react he used the sparked rocks to create a massive cloud of smoke along with leaving a huge rubble and crack into the ground so he can make his escape. When the smoke cleared after the four quickly used their magic to dispel of it before any harmful effects could happen to them, he was gone, along with finding themselves to a rumbling volcano that is about to erupt in just a few seconds.
“Hang on!” The ponies and half alicorn all huddled together so the ponies with magic could create a group teleport out of the Outlands and back to the border while just inside the Pride Lands where everyone else was waiting for them just when the volcano erupted once more which was only big enough to coat the volcano with large amounts of overflowing lava to flow down it's downhill slopes.
“Poa!”
“That was amazing!”
“Un-Bunga-veilable!”
“So regal, darling!”
“So fast!”
“So super speedy fast to the finish!”
“Yep.”
“You were so brave!”
“Great rescue, Kion, Sunset!”
Beshte, Kyoga, Ono, Rarity, Rainbow, Fuli, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Ono all complimented in that order.
“Twilight!” Shining was the first to quickly hug her out of relief that she made it out of the encounter alive. “Oh I’m so glad you’re safe!”
“Me too.” Cadance happily expressed in relief as she joined in on the hug before turning her attention to the purple pony’s saviors. “And I have you all to thank for that.”
“Well what were we supposed to do…” Sunset asked while looking at Twilight in a joking manner. “…just leave you be to become scorched earth. Not on our watch.”
“I wouldn’t expect it from you.” Twilight and Sunset shared a friendly giggle together along with a friendly hug.
Kion looked on proudly at the sight before moving to say a few words himself. “Neither would I.” He agreed. “If I hadn’t come when I did then that would have been a different story.” He then looked on regretfully with matching lowered ears and eyes before moving to apologize for what went down the last time they saw each other. “And for that I’m sorry I almost put you in that position, along with doubting you, and provoking you into attacking me.”
“You did what to Kion?!” Simba asked highly shocked and surprised to hear that last part to which Twilight innocently shrugged and slight embarrassment though she knows she is going to get a talk for that later on when it is more convenient.
Twilight turning her attention back to Kion moved to have her say in the matter. “It’s okay, Kion. Even with all things considered I didn’t help my own case by not telling you of what was really going on before all of this had happened along with losing my temper back there. And for that I’m sorry too.”
“Well, at least he came through and managed to be there for you when you needed it the most.” Sunset assured both apologetic friends feeling very proud of them for what went down in the Outlands before turning to her alicorn friend.
“And that was a very brave thing you did there, son.” Simba also complimented to Kion equally proud of him.
“Thanks, Dad. And so you were, Sunset. I mean it’s not everyday anyone is willing to risk a confrontation with Scar in order to save their friends.”
“Eh…” She shrugged. “…it was the least I could do.” She then felt a certain shadow looming over her head. Without even looking she knows who’s it belong to. With another deep sigh she moved to say what needs to be said. “Princess Celestia, I know the last time we saw each other, I was your snide little pupil who betrayed and abandoned you.” Twilight cringed at some of her choice of words but none of the less allowed her to speak as she has been there before. “But now I come before you a changed pony, humbly asking for forgiveness, guidance, and knowledge.” She then quickly and nervously added. “Or I can just go, and you never have to see me again.”
Much to her heartfelt surprise and delight, Celestia accepted her apology and kindly reciprocated it with her warm hug from her wings.
“I've missed you, Sunset Shimmer.”
“I... I'm so sorry.” Sunset tearfully apologized while returning the hug herself much to everyone heartfelt delight at seeing the reunion as everyone all shared a group hug together to assure the unicorn she’s welcome here and that they are all family.
Once they broke apart from the hug, everything fractured friendship was all smoothed over with Kion’s bond with both Twilight and Sunset stronger than ever.
“Let's go home.” Shining Armor told everyone. “We have some unfinished business.” Everyone all proceeded to make their way away from the Outlands so they can take of something that has been postponed long enough.
Later that week once everyone was fully recovered from the whole ordeal and all past tensions inside and outside of Equestria have been settled, came the wedding that finally happened, the wedding between Shining Armor and Cadance that finally happened without anymore interruptions and distractions. And for everyone gathered it was all worth the wait. Twilight's the best mare, Kion's the best lion, the Mane Six along with Fuli are the bridesmaids, including Sunset who is more than happy to extend her stay here in Equestria so she can further reconnect with Princess Celestia along with staying away from her previous heartbreak in Canterlot High.
“Mares and gentlecolts,” Princess Celestia announced to everyone like before. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings please?” Spike presented the wedding rings, which were placed on the bride and groom’s horns. “I now pronounce you mare and colt!” With that, the two it was all finally official and the entire crowd all cheered for the newly wed and happy couple. Both Shining and Cadance stood on the tower balcony and waved to the crowd below while the Lion and Pony Guard watched on equally happy for them.
“This is your victory as much as theirs,” Princess Celestia said to Twilight. “You persisted in the face of doubt, and your actions led to your being able to not only bring the real Princess Cadance back to us once before, but also exposed the truth of danger lurking around in the Outlands. Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn.”
“Couldn’t have said it better.” Twilight commented in agreement as she turned to Kion. “And I think the same can be said to you Kion, if it weren’t for you, I’d probably not be here right now. You saved me.”
“How could I do anything else?” Kion asked like it was a trick comment. “You’re my best friend. In fact my B.S.B.F.F!” Hearing those words really touched Twilight to the core as they shared a hug together. “And I’m sorry was quick to judge against you without fully understanding what was really going on.”
“It’s okay.” Twilight assured it’s all water on the bridge. “You came through when it really mattered. And I’m sorry too for not upholding my promise to tell you of suspicions when they started occurring. Like I said before part of me was trying to avoid the heartbreak I suffered that led to this whole mess to begin with but much like last time it caused more problems than it was worth.”
“Don’t blame yourself for that.” Simba consoled. “If I were in your paws I would have felt and reacted the same way you did.”
"And with all things considered I don't blame you for not telling everyone right away without getting all of your facts right, Twilight. Nobody does." Everyone all smiled and nodded in agreement to assure it's all water under the bridge now. "I probably would have done the same thing too." That earned a chuckle among everyone.
“Yeah…” Twilight agreed feeling better already. “…you do know we’ll have to tell the others of our discovery right?” She then reminded while eyeing the crowd inside the wedding hall.
“Of course.” He looked on to the crowd all around them. “But we can tell them after this is all over. One secret that can be kept for one more day.”
"As long as you don't draw it out." Sunset nodded in agreement and also advised.
Celestia also nodded in agreement. “Indeed.” She said before turning to whisper in Rainbow Dash’s ear. “Rainbow Dash, that’s your cue.”
Upon being told that, Rainbow quickly flew right out of her bridesmaid gown, flew high in the air above the castle, and set off her long-awaited Sonic Rainboom which spread across the entire sky above Canterlot.
“Best… Wedding… EVER!” Dash cheered as she flew through the air in trumiph. And it really was. That night they had fun at the reception party where Twilight sang the song she originally planned for the wedding once handed the microphone as everyone danced to the music.
“Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom,
Two hearts becoming one
A bond that cannot be undone because…”
Twilight moved to toss Kion another microphone to encourage him to singalong. So with her nod of approval Kion moved to sing the next part.
“Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You're starting a life and making room
For us (For us, For us....)”
After the reception, both the bride and groom made their way to the carriage where they set out for their equally long-awaited honeymoon together.
Before setting out, Shining Armor turned back for this parting exchange with both his sister and the lion he sees as a brother too. “Twilight! None of this would've been possible without you, little sis. Same goes for you too, Kion!”
“Aw, thanks!”
“Love ya, Twily.” Shining said while embracing her in a hug together.
“Love you too, B.B.B.F.F.” Twilight kindly returned.
“Ready to go?” Shining asked his newly wedded wife.
“Yes.” Then she remembered something. “Oh! Almost forgot.” She quickly pulled out the bouquet of flowers and tossed to one person she believes is deserving of it...
Sunset Shimmer.
"Really?" Cadance nodded in response as it is her way of saying thanks for being one of Kion's best friends and for her role in saving Twilight back in the Outlands. "Wow! Thanks!"
Both Kion and Twilight along with the rest of the crowd waved on as they watch the chariot take off with the newly wedded couple.
“Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom.”
“You're starting a life and making room
For us, (For us... For us... Aah...)”
“Now this was a great wedding.” Bunga was the first comment feeling pleased with how it all went down.
“You said it, Big B.” Beshte agreed.
“If you thought that was impressive, just wait until you see what I have planned for the bachelor party!” Spike commented as he laughed while everyone else joined in on the group huddle while the fireworks went off to in the skies.
In the end, everyone was happy…
…well, all but one.
“Well…” He commented in frustration with all that had went down in his new Outlands lair. “…it seems the war has just begun, again.”
Just then he heard and saw panicked screaming from Pinkie who is looking on the magical observation like she is trapped inside.
“Wait a minute. WE'RE NOT GETTING OUTTA HERE, MAN! WE'RE NOT GETTING OUTTA HERE! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND IT, MAN?! THIS IS IT, GAME'S OVER, MAN!
Scar glared at her who smiled with embarrassment written on her cheeks back at him along with an innocent shrug and squee before disappearing and canceling the visual.
“Dang pony.” He muttered under his breath rather annoyed by her antics as always.
But none of the less, he still has more plans and ideas to keep stirring up conflict even when the truth of his whereabouts and contact with the Outsiders is perfectly clear as he still smirked to himself in optimism going forward.