As the six stepped out into the sunlight of Firefly Forest, they were greeted by a burst of magic as Seraph’s paws connected with the earth. It seemed as though the lifeblood of the island was coursing faster now, the magic beating like the heart of a beast. The power of the other Epics burst outward, refueling their respective elements and increasing the strength of all magic on Prodigy Island. Twilight could feel the resurgence of power, and it felt amazing to feel the earth and creatures connected once more.
The air around Andri crystallized and became colder as his magic kicked into full strength. “Thank you, Twilight. Seraph, I believe you’d be best suited to show Twilight around Firefly Forest.”
Seraph nodded and trotted forward, her tail wagging with delight, when a dark aura suddenly overtook the clearing. Out of the shadows stepped a tall man with a purple hooded cloak and a staff with a shadow crystal on the top. “Well, well. Look who’s returned. I had hoped that my little blunder would keep you away for longer, but never mind that. Now that you’re here, it’s time to finish this.”
Andri growled and assumed a defensive stance in front of Twilight. “Puppet Master! You’re not going to hurt my friends!”
“It was you who sent us to Canterlot?” Erion gasped. “How’d you manage that?”
“Never mind how,” Syrus said, fire magic swirling around his claw. “We can’t let him into Equestria. Twilight, get back home and close the portal. We’ll be fine.”
“I can’t leave you here. Like it or not, I’m helping you fight.” Twilight flew over Andri and charged her horn. “If we all attack as one, we can take him down.”
The Puppet Master laughed. “Foolish Epics. Even with your little friend’s power, I am still stronger.”
Caspian raised a claw and grabbed Erion’s hand. “Well, I think striking together is a great idea.”
Erion grasped for Syrus’s claw and blushed. “Alright then, together.”
Andri and Caspian joined claws and Seraph and Twilight stood with their front paw and hoof touching. The group stood and glared at the Puppet Master as magic of all types began to swirl around them.
Fire, water, lightning, ice, and earth joined together. Fueled by the power of friendship, their combined magic became a brilliant gold, glowing from within. The power of the Astral Magic flew at the Puppet Master, tearing into him and banishing him from Prodigy Island.