In a room of multiple corridors with symbols of different cities and locations around Equestria, the Heroic 12, Princess Luna, Spike, Discord, CMCs and Zecora were waiting for Midnight and Twilight before the Powerful Pair walked in.
“Sorry we’re late, did we miss much?” Twilight asked their friends.
“Not really. Just chatting while also figuring out what’s our next move.” Storm said with his hooves crossed.
“Since we’re now fugitives, we’re going to find some way to sneak around Equestria without being seen.” Blaze said while looking at the map. “And not only that, we need to find Celestia and save her from the darkness before she gets lost any further.”
“It will be tough to find her since we don’t know where to look first.” Midnight said as he placed his hooves on the table while trying to figure out what their strategy would be. “But for now, we should stay low and wait until things cool down a bit before we could make a move.” He stated.
“What?! No way! We can’t wait around until Blueblood calls off his pony hunt for us, by then it’ll be too late to save Celestia!” Rainbow stated with her forelegs out, “We gotta get out there, and do something now!”
“Hold on, Rainbow. Midnight’s right. We need to think this through first.” Twilight said, which caused the rainbow pegasus to turn to her in shock.
“What? Twilight, seriously?” Rainbow asked in surprise.
“Look, if anypony wants to save Princess Celestia the most it’s me, but with Blueblood in control and wanting to get rid of us we can’t just charge in thoughtlessly, we need a plan first and find where Celestia might be.” Twilight explained.
Rainbow just groaned from that as she slumped her shoulders. “Oh fine.” She groaned.
“Well, I think our best option would be to get some distance from Ponyville.” Hydro spoke up, “Though hardly nopony knows of this chamber, it won’t belong before Blueblood orders his men to search the old castle; they might possibly find the entrance here.”
“Considering you girls manage to find us, I believe that, and Celestia has been here, and if she remembers in her full corrupted state,” Arbor added while looking nervous. “It might get ugly if that happens.” He added.
“I agree with you, Arbor.” Fluttershy said in agreement.
“So, we need somewhere that we know is safe from both Blueblood and Celestia for a while at least.” Volt concluded as they all started thinking.
Then an idea came to Rarity as she gasped, “The Crystal Empire! Blueblood wouldn’t dare search for us there unless he wanted to start a civil war with Cadance and Shining Armor.” She said.
The Seven Stallions looked at Rarity in confusion while the others smiled. “The Crystal Empire? That’s on the other side of Equestra.” Blaze reminded her. “And in case anypony forgot, the train station to get there is in Ponyville.”
“Oh shoot! He’s right, we’ll never catch a train without them guards on our tails like Fruit Bats on an apple tree.” Applejack realized.
Midnight rubbed his chin, “Maybe not,” He said before turning to the corridors, “Not if we use these Way-Points.”
“Way-Points?” Sweetie Belle asked in confusion.
“Before there were trains, the Original Swords of Justice made quick travel across Equestria through these special magical corridors called Way-Points.” Luna explained gesturing to each of the corridors, “Each doorway leads to a different location around Equestria, my sister and I also use them to travel to villages and cities really quickly without need of wing travel or transportation.” She added with a slight nostalgic chuckle.
“And you’re telling us this now!?” Rainbow questioned with a wave of her hooves.
“Hey, when you were down here, did you see the Way-Points?” Storm asked with a brow.
Rainbow was about to retort before she stopped and sighs. “Touche.” She coincided.
“And you're sure there’s one that will lead to the Empire?” Sunset asked.
Luna nodded and gestured to the corridor with the Snowflake Emblem above it, “This one, unfortunately, when King Sombra cursed the Empire, its Way-Point connection was greatly damaged and it still needs time to fully repair.”
“But we don’t have time to wait for it to repair itself, we need to get the Empire now.” Pinkie pointed out while raising her hoof to show a clock with herself in it with her hooves as arrows. “We might be caught before that happens!” She called out.
“Wait, how come you guys never use these Way-Points if the Crystal Empire’s damaged?” Spike asked the Seven Swords.
“We do, for our training missions and adventures.” Storm answered, “How else do you think we got all that treasure?”
Luna tapped her chin, “Well, we might be able to speed up the Way-Point’s recovery but to do it we need a large amount of magic, more than I have to offer.” She said.
Discord cleared his throat, “Forgive me, but I believe I may have the power necessary to give your Way-Point the charge up it needs.” He said while pointing at himself with an arrow that says ‘Me’ with flashing lights on it.
Fluttershy looked at him in concern, “Are you sure Discord?” She asked.
Discord patted her on the head, “Oh do not fear dear Fluttershy, I am the spirit of Chaos, Power is my Middle Name.” He assured her, showing his ID Card with him wearing glasses and a wide smile with the name ‘Discord. Power Draconequus’ before poofing it away, “Now stand back, this could get ugly.” He warns them.
The others backed up as he stood in front of the Way-Point gate while wearing an orange and blue suit and his mane was black and spikey as he then brought his claws together as he pushed back a bit. “Ka-Me-Ha-ME!” He called out as his talons began to create an energy sphere as the ponies looked in shock and a little frightened.
“Ah, what’s he doing?” Rocky asked in shock.
“Don’t know. I’ve never seen Discord do this before.” Fluttershy asked in shock as well, never seeing Discord do that trick.
“Yeah, I think we should take cover!” Scootaloo called out in fright as she and her friends took cover inside a chest.
“Everypony, get down!” Twilight and Midnight ordered as they looked at each for a moment in surprise before smiling and rushing for cover.
Everypony else took over in a hiding place they could find as Discord gave a fierce look as his sphere on his hands glowed brighter.
“HAAAAAAA!!!!!” Discord yelled out as he blasted a beam of chaos magic straight at the Crystal Empire’s Way-Point as it glowed brightly and then erupted in an explosion of light.
In Ponyville the Guards were looking for the Fugitives from the skies and were about to call off the search when they saw a burst of light coming from the Everfree Forest, at the Castle of the Two Sisters.
“What was that?” One guard asked.
The commander narrowed his eyes, “I have an idea.” He said before turning to his men, “Gather the others and head for the old Castle,” He ordered.
The other guards saluted and flew off to gather the rest of the guard, as the Commander turned to the castle with a smirk, “This time, they cannot escape.” He said to himself.
Once the light faded, Fluttershy and the others came out from they’re hiding places and turned to see the Crystal Empire Way-Point was activated and Discord was slumped on the floor trying to catch his breath.
“Phew, okay, that was, a lot harder, than I thought it would be.” Discord panted as he wiped his head.
Fluttershy gasped in worry and rushed to her friend, “Are you alright?” She asked.
“Just out of breath, Fluttershy.” Discord assured. “It has been a while since I did that.” He added.
“You shouldn’t have done that!” Midnight yelled out as Fluttershy flinched from his outburst as Discord just looked at him. “That light blast could’ve given away our location!”
“Exactly, which is why those guards will be too busy dealing with me to follow you.” Discord said as he struggled to his feet, “You all head for the Empire and figure how to save Celestia and knock prince Bluebutt off that throne.”
“What?!” Fluttershy yelled in shock while the others were surprised by her outburst. “You’re not coming with us?!” She questioned in worry.
“Fluttershy, somepony gotta give those guards something to chase. And right now, I used up most of my magic to power up the Way-Point. I’ll only slow you down.” Discord explained.
“But Discord, you can’t take them alone!” Arbor told him. “Even a Chaos Draconequus like yourself wouldn’t handle them, especially in your weakened state!” He pointed out.
“My friend Arbor, do not despair, for I shall see to it that he does fair.” Zecora said as she walked next to Discord.
“You’re not coming too, Zecora?” Apple Bloom asked in shock and concern.
“I am a zebra my young filly, as such to me, the cold is not quite friendly,” Zecora reminded Apple Bloom that as a Zebra she does not handle the cold very well, “The Draconequus and I shall deal with our hunters, while you all form a plan within the Crystal Empire.” She told them.
“We are not leaving you two behind. Even if it’s for us.” Pinkie said as tears were about to form as her lips quivered.
“I think I heard something from underneath these floors!” A stallion voice called out from above them as they all looked up and gave worried expressions. “Find a way down!”
“No time to argue! Go quickly!” Discord ordered as he and Zecora stood at the doors, ready for the guards to charge in.
The Sixteen looked at their two friends as they were having mixed emotions about leaving them behind, the mares and Spike were sad and worried about them while the stallions were uncertain if they should leave them behind.
Midnight gave a sigh as he gave a salute. “We won’t make this sacrifice in vain, you two.” He said to them as the other six Swords raised their hooves and saluted them.
“Be careful Discord.” Fluttershy said to her friend with a sad expression.
“I will, Fluttershy.” Discord said with a small smile. “Now go. Save Equestria, again.” He added.
“Goodbye Zecora.” The CMCs said as they hugged the Zebra mare sadly.
Zecora hugged them back, “Thank you, but do not fear my friends, I assure you we will all see this through to the end.” She promised as Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow came and took the three away.
With that, Luna, the Heroic 14, Spike and CMCs charged through the way point as it closed. Discord and Zecora then turned to the lift as it was then burst to pieces as they covered their heads as the dust cleared out and saw the Royal Guards jumping down as they took a stance and raised their spears at Zecora and Discord.
“Stand down! Tell us where the fugitives are and perhaps we shall let you go!” The Commander ordered.
Discord answered with a raspberry and Zecora narrowed her eyes at him, “You can try as hard as you can to make us speak, but you will find we are far from weak.” Zecora told them.
“We’ll see about that.” The Commander sneered as he turned to his troops. “Restrain them and take them away for questioning!” He ordered.
In the closet storage room of the Crystal Castle, Shining Armor walked inside and coughed, “Boy, this place sure got dusty after Sombra took over.” He said as he walked in, “And probably should’ve started cleaning this place out after the Equestria Games.” He added as he looked around before he tripped and fell into the floor with a startled yelp. “And probably get some more lighting in here too.” He said with a frown. “Good thing Cadance didn’t see that.”
“Oh I saw.” Cadance’s voice called out from behind Shining Armor as the captain of the royal guard gave a startled scream as he turned and saw his wife at the door as she gave a chuckle. “Did you just scream like a little filly?” She teased.
“No, I just, um… Can we change the subject?” Shining asked as Cadance giggled. He then looked at her in concern, “What are you doing here Cadance, shouldn’t you be in bed?”
Cadance rolled her eyes, “Shiny, I only threw up once and now you're treating me like I’m the most fragile thing in Equestria,” She told him as she walked into the room, “Don’t worry I’m fine. For now let’s focus on getting the room cleared up and figure out what it was-”
She was cut off when she accidentally cut a rope as Shining pushed her out the way and screamed as something fell on him.
Cadance turned around and stared in disbelief as her husband was screaming flailing around because of a bunch of old banners flapping around him. “Okay, didn’t see that coming,” Cadance said to herself before turning to her husband, “Shining! You're okay, it’s just a bunch of banners.” She told him with a smile.
Shining stopped panicking when he realized she was right, “Oh, right. Banners, I knew that.” He chuckled sheepishly while Cadance shook her head in amusement. Then they heard a whooshing sound behind them and Shining screamed and jumped into Cadance’s hooves.
They turned to what looked like a portal as charging through it were the Mane 7, Spike, the CMCs, Princess Luna and Seven stallions they didn’t know.
The group skidded to a halt and looked around, “Is this the right place?” Scootaloo asked.
“Don’t look at us. We have never been to the Crystal Empire before.” The Yellow pegasus stallion said casually.
Twilight then turned and saw at the surprised Shining and Cadance and beamed, “Shiny, Cadance, your here!” She cheered before noticing the interesting position they were in, “Um, no offense but I think you should be holding Cadance, big brother. Not the other way around.” She commented with a giggle.
The others saw this and snickered or laughed as well. Shining realized the position he was in and looked at his wife in embarrassment, “Hehe, Have you been working out honey?” He asked.
“Just because I’m a princess doesn’t mean I don’t know how to stay in shape.” Cadance said with a chuckle as she put her husband down. “Even I take training exercises for self defense.” She commented with a smirk.
Twilight and her then approached each other and greeted each other the only way they knew how.
“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs away. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.” The two Alicorns did their signature greetings, prancing first, followed by peek-a-boo, then pattycake and finished with shaking their tails before laughing and hugging each other.
The girls and Spike smiled at the two while the Seven Stallions looked on in a weird expression.
“Um, excuse me, but what was that?” The Blue unicorn politely asked.
“Just their way of saying hello to each other.” Luna answered with a small smile.
Shining turned to the Seven Stallions, “So who are you boys?” He asked.
“We’re the Swords of Justice.” the Purple unicorn spoke as he introduced him and his team, “I’m Midnight Shadow, these are my brothers, Volt Havoc, Hydro Wave, Blaze Burst, Arbor Greenly, Rocky Roader and Storm Belt.”
“Swords of Justice? Is it some kind of new faction of the guard?” Cadance asked in curiosity.
“We’re not guards. We’re Knights.” Blaze announced.
Shining Armor stared at them for a moment before he gave a hysterical laughter as he fell to the floor while clutching his stomach while the Seven Swords looked at him in confusion while Cadance and the others glared at him from that.
Shining Armor collected himself as he calmed down and stopped laughing as he got up and wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes and faced them. “Good one. But you don’t look like knight material.” He said with a smirk of amusement.
Midnight looked at him dully before turning to Rocky and gesturing to Shining. Rocky smirked and then pounced on Shining, who screamed like a filly again as Rocky then lifted him with one hoof.
“Well, how bout this, partner?” Rocky taunted with a smirk as he then twirled Shining around as he started screaming as Rocky effortlessly tossed him to Blaze, “Think fast Blazy.”
Blaze caught him and then it turned into a game of hot potato between the brotherhood before it finished with Shining being held up by Midnight.
“Now do you believe us?” Midnight asked while the girls giggled at Shining reduced to a ball.
“Yes, yesyesyesyes! I believe you now! Please put me down! No more!” Shining cried out in panic as Midnight rolled his eyes playfully as he dropped Shining Armor as he fell to the floor with a yelp as he stretched out and took a breath. “I gotta stop jumping to conclusions.” He said to himself.
Twilight looked at him dully, “Yeah, you should.” She said with a dull tone.
Shining flinched from her little sister’s tone, seeing that she’s still holding a grudge for that day as he decided to change the subject. “Um, anyway, how did you all get here? And why did you come through a portal that just appeared in the closet?” He asked about what he and Cadance just saw just a couple of minutes ago. “And why didn’t you or Celestia tell us you were coming, Luna?”
The group immediately frowned, “That’s kind of why we came here Shining.” Luna explained, “We need your help, let us adjourn to the throne where we can explain our dilemma.”
Shining and Cadance looked at each other in confusion as they looked back at the group, wondering and also fearing what they were talking about.
Blueblood slammed his hooves down, “Tell me where they are, you striped vagabond!” He yelled at Zecora as she remained steadfast.
After the guards returned with Zecora and Discord in chains as they just gave a blank look at Blueblood.
“Even if we speak about our friends’ location, you would never be able to reach them even with your obsession.” Zecora said naturally.
Blueblood growled, “Why must you speak like that?! Speaking anything other than proper Equish is for those less the ponyhood.” He demanded.
“This is but my culture’s language, though you wouldn’t know as you act below your age.” Zecora mocked.
Blueblood groaned in frustration as he turned to the Lord of Chaos. “Does she ever say anything that doesn’t rhyme?” He questioned.
“That’s just how she is. You can’t stop her from saying her heritage language.” Discord shrugged simply. “You get used to it after a while.”
“Well then, you will tell me where Luna, the false princess and her ilk are going!” Blueblood ordered.
Discord just scoffed, “I would prefer being a pigeon’s landing pad than telling you.” He said.
Blueblood growled as he then slammed his hoof on the table. “Tell me now or you're going back to stone!” He threatened.
Discord just scoffed. “You don’t scare me. And I know you don’t even know how to turn beings into stone.” He said with his arms folded and smirked.
Blueblood growled as he then looked away from them. “Curses, he’s right. I’m not as advanced in magic as the princesses.” He muttered to himself before facing the two again. “Very well then, if you will not tell me where they are, then you are sent to the dungeon until further notice. Guards!” He called out.
Discord shrugged while Zecora huffed as they were guided out of the room while Blueblood stood alone as he gave a thoughtful expression.
“Think, you handsome stallion, think!” Blueblood said to himself. “You’ve been thinking only about yourself and taking the throne that you haven’t been focusing on your enemies. If I wanted to catch them, I gotta think like them. Get inside their heads.” He said while placing a hoof on his chin. “Now, if I were Princess Twilight and Aunt Luna, then where would I hide to avoid being caught? Somewhere that they wouldn’t be treated like the criminals they are, somewhere they have ponies that even slightly care for them, somepony like…”
Then it hit him, “Cadance and Shining Armor! The Crystal Empire, of course!” Blueblood called out in realization. “The only place where they are treated and safe from harm's way! A place where love grows!” He said as he then gave a thoughtful look. “Mmm… but normally Aunty Celestia wouldn’t bother to launch an attack on the Empire since it’s run by my cousin. But then again, I am the new high prince, therefore Cadance will have no choice but to hoof over the criminals to me with the risk of war.” He said confidently.
He then turned to the door to prepare his soldier to finally capture the fugitives.
At the Crystal Empire, the castle is shining bright as the Crystal Heart shines brightly as there was silence, until it was broken.
“WHAT!?!?” Shining Armor’s voice cried out so loudly that it echoed outside the castle while some birds flew away in the process while ponies on the ground flinched as they heard one of their rulers yell.
In the throne room the group had finished telling Shining and Cadance their situation with Blueblood and Celestia.
“That’s crazy! I knew Blueblood was an arrogant bragging spoiled colt who always treated others poorly! But this is ridiculous!” Cadance said in disbelief.
“Crazy?! Try insane!” Shining Armor called out. “I mean, branding my sister and her friends as outlaws?! That’s crossing the line!” He angrily yelled.
“Not to mention branding Mistress Luna as a traitor to her subjects, which is really down the line.” Midnight said with a firm tone.
“Which is why we seek sanctuary here until we can save Celestia and get Blueblood off that throne.” Luna told them.
“Well, you ponies are welcome to stay for as long as you like.” Cadance told them with a smile before frowning, “But still, once Blueblood finds out you're here, he will come after you.”
“Let him come,” Shining dared, “I’ve flipped him over plenty of times during training, if wants a fight, he’s gonna get one.”
“Then that just leaves us with one question.” Midnight said as they turned to him, “Where is Celestia?”
Just as soon as he asked that, a huge explosion of fire from the doors blasted them all off their hooves and onto the floor. They all coughed from the smoke as they heard a familiar voice laughing but carried a much more ominous aura.
“You will not have to look far, my little ponies. Because I am closer than you think.” Luna looked up as the smoke began dispersing and within it, stood the obscured figure of her older sister.
“Celestia?” Luna asked in a horrified whisper.
“Once upon a time I was once called Celestia.” Celestia’s voice in a slight distorted tone. As the smoke fully disappeared Celestia was revealed, her pearl white fur was now bone white, her rainbow colored mane was now a blazing inferno of hair, her eyes no longer purple but orange and slited, her golden regalia was covered in jewels and beaded chains around her neck and black, her color resembling the Alicorn amulet with her cutie mark in it’s center, her crown now turned into a helmet with two golden Dragon-like horns jutting out from it, and her Golden Sun cutie mark now a fiery red and surrounded a flame-like pattern on her flank.
“You may now refer to me as Daymare Sol.” Daymare announced as she gave a small smile. “The more better, prettier and powerful version of your dear Celestia.” She said after flipping her fiery mane and giving an evil expression and pointing at Luna.
Luna looked terrified but shook her head, “No, I know this isn’t really you!” She said firmly.
Daymare however smiled, “Deep in my heart I’ve always had to hold back my true power. All because I wanted to protect the ones who took you away from me!” She snarled while looking at the younger ponies and dragon who were just recovering.
“Princess Celestia? No! It can’t be!” Twilight cried out in disbelief at her former mentor’s state.
“Oh indeed it is, my faithful student.” Daymare sneered with a smirk. “Just more powerful and with a new look.”
“Celestia, you need to fight it! This isn’t you!” Twilight called desperately.
"But it is me! The me that is held back by my worthless love for the pathetic mortals who have brought me nothing but pain and loss!" Daymare growled, "I've now come to realize that if ruled by love and respect, these ponies will grow selfish, demanding, lacking even the smallest hint of gratitude! But that stops now!"
"What do you mean?" Cadance asked her aunt in slight fear.
“Don’t any of you ponies get it?” Daymare questioned. “I’ve spent a thousand moons in loneliness because the ponies took my sister away from me for so long because she was never appreciated! And I had to make the hard choice to send her to the moon for so long, I had nopony to turn to when I was so lonely. All they care about is the sun and their greed, only thinking about themselves.” She growled.
The ponies around them look at Celestia in sympathy as they feel bad for her for feeling that way.
“Wow, Celestia really had it rough.” Blaze commented.
Daymare then pointed to Twilight, "And there were ponies like you Twilight Sparkle! Those who constantly unload their own problems onto me, acting as if I do not have such burdens or emotions, never once caring for my own suffering!" She continued.
“Princess Celestia, I didn’t think of you like that!” Twilight cried out.
“But I had a feeling you did. All those times we’ve spent when I was mentoring you, you didn’t even consider that even I have feelings.” Daymare pointed out with a glare. “All those years of ruling Equestria, all those burdens I had, every day of loneliness, I was so alone and nopony was there for me! Not even you!” She called out.
Twilight flinched from that as she looked down in guilt as Sunset came to her while placing a hoof over her. “Twilight, that’s not Celestia talking. Just her darkness, she’s not in her right mind.” She pointed out.
“She’s right, Twilight. She’s not well, she didn’t mean those words.” Blaze added in agreement as he came up next to Sunset.
“I-I don’t know about that.” Twilight said while looking down. “Luna told us that Celestia has been feeling this way of guilt and with that burden for so many moons, I never considered how she was feeling the whole time.” She said in sadness.
Midnight looked at her before turning to Daymare, "Still, how could Twilight have known? If you were truly in this much pain you should’ve told her or anypony else about how you felt! I'm sure they would've listened!" He told her.
“Like how Twilight’s friends would’ve listened to her when she needed them only for them to turn them back on her?” Daymare sarcastically asked as she paced in front of them.
The Seven Swords and Cadance looked on in confusion while the Mane 7, sin Sunset, and Shining Armor flinched from that while Twilight looked down in remorse while Luna and Spike gave Twilight sympathetic looks.
“Twilight, Shining? What's she talking about?” Cadance asked in confusion.
“Yeah, even we're in a loop here.” Storm added.
"What? You mean they don't know?" Daymare asked before laughing, "Well go on, Tell them! We mustn't leave our loved ones in the dark!" She mocked.
“Ponies, what is Celestia saying? What happened?” Luna asked in concern and confusion.
Daymare rolled her eyes, "Very well, if you're all too ashamed to say it, I will show them!" She then stomped her hoof and in a swirl of flames they were suddenly in the ceremony hall in Canterlot Castle. “It all started during the Canterlot Wedding Rehearsal for you and Shining Armor, my niece. When we were practicing for your ceremony, Twilight barged in having learned the truth of your imposter as she accused her of being villainous." She explained as the scene played out as she said.
“But apparently, the imposter’s act was quite convincing as she ran out of the hall in tears, tricking us into believing that Twilight’s investigation was false and that she was merely acting jealous and possessive of her brother. Shining Armor banned her from the wedding and we just left her behind, where I said, ‘You have a lot to think about.’ to her before we left, to be broken down in tears before the imposter sent her to the crystal caverns, which inadvertently allowed Twilight to return the real bride to us and prevented her conquest of Canterlot." Daymare explained further as she finished her story as the flames died down as the entire area returned to the Crystal throne room.
The Seven Swords, Luna, Cadance and even Sunset were shocked by this as they turned to the rest of the girls and Shining Armor while Twilight looked down in sadness while the others gave a guilty expression.
“You turned your backs on Twilight who knew Cadance better than anypony else when she tried to expose Chrystalis during the wedding from the very beginning!?” Sunset asked in shock from what she just heard.
“T-that’s… That’s crazy! Unfriendly-like!” Volt cried out in shock.
Cadance looked at her husband with a betrayed and heartbroken expression, "Shining, how could you not tell me about this?!" She demanded.
Shining looked away in shame and confliction, unable to give a good answer, "I, I couldn't." Was his only answer.
"You couldn't? Even after I thought more had happened, you couldn't tell me the truth?!" Cadance asked him.
Luna turned to the rest of the Mane 7 as she gave a disappointed look. “Is that what happened during the wedding when I was in my quarters to rest after making sure no nightmares can happen in ponies dreams?” She questioned them.
The girls lowered their heads in guilt and regret while Twilight couldn’t even look at them as she spoke in a soft tone. “Yes. It really did happen.” Twilight answered.
“I was just conflicted on which side I would choose and I didn’t want anypony to hate me when that happened.” Spike said in guilt, feeling bad for leaving Twilight behind so that he doesn’t get shun by the others during the wedding.
Daymare simply grinned, "So, the truth comes out. And as ruler of Equestria, I must pass my verdict." She declared, "I pronounce you all guilty, your punishment: Death."
The group looked up as Daymare charged up her horn, "Oh boy, hit the deck!" Midnight yelled as they all jumped out of the way just in time as Daymare blasted at them.
“Okay, we can talk about this wedding issue later! Right now, we need to purge Princess Celestia of this darkness before we lose her forever!” Hydro spoke out as he jumped over another blast.
Cadance gave Shining a 'this conversation is not over' look before she turned back to Daymare, "Auntie, even if I'm angry at Shining for keeping this from me, I won’t let you harm him." She said while unfurling her wings and readying her magic, "I'll grant you this one chance to leave peacefully or I will force you out!"
Daymare gave a sinister chuckle. “Oh my little niece, you really think you could stand against me?” She mocked.
"You seem to forget who’s land your in right now!" Cadance the focused as she harnessed the power from the Crystal Heart to supercharge her magic, "Feel the light and love of Equestria!" She yelled out as she fired a beam at Daymare.
Daymare got hit as she was blasted back a little with a startled yelp as she steadied herself while giving a glare and a smirk. “That tickles.” She taunted.
Cadance gave a wide eye from that. “What?! You’re still standing! That was my most powerful blast!” She called out in shock.
"Now, allow me to show you how it's done-" Daymare was interrupted as Midnight pounced on her from the side.
"Why don't you pick on somepony your own size!" Midnight suggested as he held on to her neck.
“Get off me you puny stallion!” Daymare called out as she flew around to get Midnight off her. “Nopony dares touch me!”
"Then you better call me 'Nopony'!" Midnight mocked.
Daymare screamed as she then moved to the walls and ceilings, making Midnight crash into them as he held on tight while grunting in pain from the impacts.
The others saw this as they were shocked by this. "Midnight!" Twilight exclaimed in worry.
“We have to help him!” Blaze called out to his brothers and friends.
“Let us assist our brother!” Hydro announced in agreement as he drew out his weapon.
The other Knights nodded and drew their swords as well, firing elemental blasts at Daymare as she dodged and they almost hit Midnight instead, "Whoa! Guys!" Midnight shouted indignantly.
"Oops, sorry Cap'n!" Blaze said before Daymare finally managed to shake Midnight off and he landed on top of Blaze, "Oof!"
Daymare finally managed to hover in the air and growled, "Very well, if you wish to resist then I will end it here then!" She then started building up a massive amount of power.
Luna saw this and turned to younger ponies and dragon, "Everypony! We must leave immediately!" She told them as it was going to get very hot soon.
Cadance and the others nodded back before she noticed Twilight was staring at Daymare in fear, "Twilight? Twilight!" She called.
“Twilight, can you hear us?!” Spike called out in worry.
In Twilight's perspective, Daymare charging her powers unearthed memories she didn't know she had. Around her was a broken and burning city, cries of mares, stallions and foals rang around her and above her she saw the shadowy figure of a stallion flying over her, eyes glowing blood red.
Then flashing through her were the images of the eight planets, a magnificent city, an army of shadow beasts and the blurred image of a Star emblem, with whispers in her ears, “No. No no no no. What, what is this?! These, these memories?!” Twilight muttered as she trembled in fear as she held her head. “What.. what do they mean?!” She questioned herself as she shut her eyes, trying to block it all out.
"Twi?...Twi?!...TWI!" Midnight’s voice called out through her mind as she felt herself being shaken and was brought back to reality where she saw Midnight next to her with his hooves around her as he shook her. “Wake up, Sparkle!" He called out.
“W-what?” Twilight asked herself as she shook her head. “Midnight?” She asked the unicorn stallion next to her.
"Come on! We gotta go! NOW!" Midnight told her with a glare as Twilight looked up and saw Daymare about to fire her spell.
“R-right! Let’s get out of here!” Twilight called out as the others nodded in agreement.
“Everypony, fall back!” Shining Armor called out to them as they all galloped out of the Throne room with Spike and CMCs riding on Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash.
Daymare then fired her magic down on the ground as it gave a large burst of flames that plowed through the halls and right on the heroes' tails.
The ponies manage to make it out of the castle but not before the flames blasted them right out the doors, through the air and crashing on the road.
"Ohh, that only hurts a lot." Applejack groaned from the hard impact they just had.
“If this is what it was like when I was Nightmare Moon, then I owe you ponies a deep apology.” Luna groaned as she rubbed her head.
“You didn’t do much fighting with us when we first faced you, Luna. So no need to apologize.” Fluttershy said as she trembled on the ground a bit while rubbing her tail to try and ease her stress.
“But Celestia sure packs a punch.” Scootaloo groaned.
“Well, she is the ruler of Equestria, so wouldn’t be surprised that she picked up a few tricks over a thousand years.” Storm commented as he cracked his back into place as a few bones popped into place.
“Well, now I know what an oven feels like.” Pinkie groans with a small smile while her tail has a bit of flame on it as Volt licks his hoof and puts it out.
“Well here’s a new plan: We find as many ponies as we can and vacate to the other side of the world.” Spike suggested.
“Okay, I know that we just got our flanks kicked, but how about you girls power up your Elements of Harmony so we can get the advantage and help us save Celestia!” Blaze called out.
The Mane 7 and Spike looked at each other with sheepish looks while Cadance, Shining and Luna gave worried looks as they turned to the Seven Stallion. “Um yes, about that darling…” Rarity started slowly.
“We uh… may not have the Elements of Harmony anymore.” Twilight revealed nervously.
The Seven Stallions looked at them with wide eyes from that. “WHAT?!” They all cried out in shock as the others all flinched.
“You don’t have them!? But you’re the Elements of Harmony!” Arbor pointed out.
“Yeah, but the thing is, they gave them up a while ago and Sunset doesn’t have an Element.” Spike revealed sheepishly.
“Spike! Seriously?” Sunset asked while giving Spike a look as the dragon flinched as he realized what he said.
“Oh, oops.” Spike said nervously.
“Wait, what?!” Blaze asked in shock by this.
“Yes, um. I think I must’ve forgotten some details to tell you knights about.” Luna said sheepishly.
“Yes, Mistress. You sure did.” Midnight said in a shock tone.
“Yeah, you guys are really out of the loop of not knowing this.” Spike said with a sheepish smile.
“You think?” Rocky sarcastically asked.
“How could you not even know about this?” Shining Armor asked in confusion. “It happened some time ago where they gave up the Elements to the Tree of Harmony to stop the Everfree Forest from growing out of control.” He pointed out.
“Wait, that’s how those vines disappeared?” Volt asked while his brothers were surprised. “That explains how they disappeared like that.” He commented.
“How much do they not know, Luna?” Candance asked in confusion at the Seven Swords not knowing about Twilight and her friends about their adventures and heroic deeds.
Luna gave a sheepish chuckle as she rubbed her head. “Um, I may have been too busy training them and keeping them secret to explain every detail of what's happened in Equestria.” She admitted embarrassedly.
“Wait, you train them to become the new knights but you didn’t have time to tell them about us?” Spike asked in surprise.
“Oh don’t give me that look. You try keeping a secret until the Seven Swords are ready and not enough time when you are tired in the daytime after working at night.” Luna said in defense.
“Touche.” Spike said in understanding.
“Ugh! Can’t this day get any worse?!” Midnight called out in frustration.
But then as Midnight said that, the nineteen were then surrounded by Canterlot Royal guards as they circled around them while pointing their spears at them, including Shining Armor and Cadance as they all just froze there in surprise.
“Me and my big mouth.” Midnight muttered under his breath at the karma that struck them.
“Why do we ask these questions, why?” Spike asked in annoyance since this keeps happening why they said the ‘word’.
And then in front of the heroes, a few guards move aside to clear an opening as Blueblood begins to walk up to them with a victorious smirk.
“Well, well, well, I knew that I would find you traitors here.” Blueblood said with a smirk before turning to Shining and Cadance. “Cousin Cadance and former Captain Shining Armor, what a disappointment to find you two harboring fugitives.”
“Blueblood! You crummy little weasel!” Shining Armor glared hatefully at him.
“What are you doing here, Blueblood?!” Cadance demanded with narrowed eyes. “The Crystal Empire is my Kingdom.”
“Oh, don’t worry cousin. I’m just here for these sixteen hooligans out of the way.” Blueblood said before turning to his guards, “Take them.” He ordered.
“You can’t do this!” Shining spoke out while standing in front of the others.
“But I can, I’m the ruler of Equestria, remember?” Blueblood reminded him while looking proudly. “And unless you wish to start a war, you will hoof the assailants.”
“You can’t just start a war just for not getting what you want!” Cadance pointed out in anger.
“Oh but I can. I’m a prince. I can do whatever I want and get whatever I want.” Blueblood said stubbornly.
“You are so immature and stubborn, Blueblood.” Twilight groaned in annoyance. “You can’t just go around doing as you please, you’ll throw Equestria into chaos,” She pointed out.
Blueblood scoffed “And what do you know about being a leader?” He asked, “As a leader, others must respect you, do as you command as the underlings they should.” He stated.
Twilight shook her head firmly, “No, a true leader in anyworld leads, not by forcing others to bow before them, but by inspiring others to stand with them.” She declared.
Midnight looked at Twilight in surprise by her words as he gave a small smile as Blueblood gave a scoff. “For a Princess of Friendship, you clearly don’t know the meaning of being a leader.” He rudely said before he was zapped to the face by Shining Armor, who was glaring at him from that comment. “Aaah! You dare!” He yelled out.
“Did you forget that I was once Captain of the Royal Guard in Canterlot?” Shining questioned with a glare. “And that’s my sister you are talking to!”
Blueblood growled and tried to advance but was stopped by Midnight. “Stand aside knave.” He demanded.
“You have no command to give me orders.” Midnight firmly said with a look. “As a Knight, I have a duty to protect the royal family from tyrants like you.”
“Tyrants?!” Blueblood asked in shock as he gave a hateful glare. “The only tyrant I see are sixteen fugitives on the run while the one who is related to my aunt has corrupted her with her dark magic!” He yelled out.
“Says the kettle calling the teapot black.” Sweetie Belle whispered to her friends.
“I heard that you rotten filly!” Blueblood yelled at Sweetie Belle as she flinched from his words.
“How dare you say that to my sister you ruffian!” Rarity yelled in anger as she glared at Blueblood as she walked over and put a comforting hoof on Sweetie Belle.
Hydro stood in front of them, “Keep your distance, you scoundrel! These young mares are under my protection.” He said strongly.
“The same goes for the rest of them, including our Mistress.” Midnight firmly said while giving a serious look as the other Knights stood in front of the Mane 7, Spike and Luna while taking ready stances while Shining Armor and Cadance watches in impressives expressions as they gave a smile at the Seven Swords.
“Fine then. Guards, get ready to arrest these stallions and then the rest of these ponies…” Blueblood trailed off as he looked over their heads, “Oh my.”
“What’s the matter Blueboy, cat got your-” Blaze was cut off as he, the other swords and the Mane 7 were caught in a fiery red magic aura, “What the-?!”
Daymare Sol cackled as she raised them up, “You ponies didn’t even get far then I thought you would.” She mocked as she gave them a sinister smirk.
“A-Aunty Celestia?” Blueblood asked in slight fear.
“Not anymore. I am Daymare Sol!” Daymare called out. “Your new ruler of Equestria!” She announced as she gave an evil laugh.
Twilight grunted as she tried to break free as the others did the same. “Celestia! Please, you don’t want to do this!” She called out.
“Oh, but I do want to, Twilight.” Daymare said. “But it’s become clear to me that you 14 will remain an obstacle on my path of retribution. Fortunately there is always one way to get rid of trash.” She said.
“Recycle?” Volt asked hopefully.
Daymare chuckled, “No, throwing it away, so now.” Then with a swing of her head she launched the fourteen ponies away, “Goodbye!”
The Heroic 14 screamed as they were flown far off into the frozen distance.
“Twilight!” Cadance and Spike called out.
“Rarity!” Sweetie screamed.
“Applejack!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“Rainbow!” Scootaloo panicked.
“Twily!” Shining Armor called out with his hooves raised.
“Boys!” Luna cried out next as she was about to fly after them before she was held in place in a fiery aura as well as she turned to Daymare. “Sister, let me go!” She demanded.
“Sorry, sister. But I can’t do that.” Daymare then chains Shining, Cadance, Spike, the CMCs and the guards, “Now, where is my dear nephew?”
She looked in the distance and saw Blueblood running away, “You know, somehow I’m not surprised.” Shining deadpanned.
“He was always a chicken in many things.” Cadance said dully.
“Mmmm. He never was an action stallion, but he won’t matter.” Daymare said with a shrug as she turned to her captured ponies. “Now that the Swords and the Elements are out of the way, and that chicken Blueblood is running with his tail between his legs, we must return to Canterlot and the Day of Vengeance will soon be upon us.”
Daymare then starts laughing evilly as the sky turns a blood red while the sun's light beats down on them, melting the snow around them. Luna and the others look at each other in fear, hoping that the heroes would return soon and save them and Celestia.