//------------------------------//
// Chapter 42: The Final Freezing Point 
// Story: To Equestria And Beyond (Rewrite In Progress) 
// by NightFurySpeedey8156 
//------------------------------//

It was late in the night and Night Fury was lying comfortably in bed. The pillows and mattress were made from the furs of Ice Moths. Far more comfortable than what could be found in Thunder Hollow or even Canterlot. However the dark warrior was not sleeping very smoothly. His face was scrunched up as if he was in a state of confusion and trying to solve what was going on.

-

There was a strong wind blowing in the snow covered mountains within his dream. The wind howled around the peak like a heavy storm, snow carried in each and every direction. At the top of the mountain, Night Fury and Emperor Snowdrift sat still in silence, the harsh winds seemingly non-existent to them as they were surrounded by their energy and blocked out the snow.

For Fury, he was meditating for gods knew how long. He was not sure when he started but he felt something was strange. It was not everyday he would just meditate with the Emperor with no prompting. The legendary Shifter beside him didn't seem to notice though. But for the younger feline, he wanted to know why he was here.

"Snowdrift? I know it's all beautiful looking up here, but I doubt you took me here just to meditate by the snow. You got something on your mind, don't you?" Fury said in a somewhat lighthearted manner. He was expecting it to be some new techniques or to talk about some weird poem Fury struggled to pretend to be interested in.

The emperor gazed back at him. He finally spoke up. "On the contrary, the meditation had a purpose. For right now. It helps clear any troubles in your head. Which is important for the new troubles about to come to you."

Fury sighed. Great. It was one of those dreams. Perhaps another troubling prophecy.

"New troubles? What's going on now, I've already got enough stress on my back trying to keep the Snow Shifters and Yaks from declaring war. What else do I have to worry about?" The young feline asked.

"About the Snow Shifters. This is the nation who you shall have to protect when you wake up. The one with horns and a shifter filled with wrath have come north to enact their vengeance upon you." 

Fury did not want to think about it. But he knew very well whom he was referring to in his euphemisms.

"Wait, you don't mean-" Before Fury could finish, he sensed a separate entity in the vicinity of their location. With just a single thought, Night Fury quite literally froze the snow storm in time, snow hanging in mid air and the wind abruptly stopping. He stood up and looked to his left, his senses pointing out that someone else had entered his head. He saw a cloaked figure walking toward him.

"I'm only going to warn you once. Reveal yourself to me now before I strip you of your guts while you scream in perpetual agony!" Fury growled, expecting the worst.

"Fear not, I am not an enemy. But a friend. The deepest of friends." The cloak hiding the head dropped. "Your love."

"Moonpie?!" Fury's expression switched around. "Great to see you. Uh heh, sorry about… you know, threatening to strip you of your guts like that. I just had some not so nice news from the old cat himself." He said, rubbing his head.

Luna responded with a light smile. "No need to apologize, you were just reacting naturally to a foreign entity within your domain. I would have probably reacted worse if something unknown came into my dreams."

But then Luna's expression turned serious. "But we have no time for niceties, my dear. Considering how you acted, I assume the Emperor told you about those threats."

"Tirek and Pyro are back, I know. The fact is they actually went out of their way to get up here to come for me. Could this mean that they've increased their power for this next, and possibly final fight?" Fury said, sweating in worry.

"Your hypothesis is quite plausible. It would not surprise me if they both have trained more for this final strike against you. But you won't have to do it alone as me and my sister are almost to Snow Henge. We have also contacted Shining Armor to lock down the Crystal Empire until further notice and to bring a few troops to aid in the fight." Luna reassured her love.

"Well, I guess it'll be nice to have you along. Along with your sis. I just hope she doesn't eat all of that cake when she comes." Fury said, forcing a smile. 

Luna was not taken by his supposed smile. "Fury, I know you well enough to know when you are genuinely at ease and when you are troubled. And right this moment, you seem conflicted."

Fury sighed as he let his fake smile fall. "Okay, you've got me. To be honest, I've been feeling a bit insecure about having any sort of help on this trip. Just yesterday, I had declined any help after fighting for my life to keep Fluttershy and Cadence from going down into an ice lake just because I felt inclined to push myself to the brink and just brush off the tiredness I felt later."

"And the day before that, I put up a bit of an argument with Cadence about doing recon for a shortcut up the mountain because I felt that since I was the main point of interest on this trip, I should shoulder the majority of the responsibilities." Fury lamented, looking down in sadness.

The dark princess understood how despite his power, he also felt the great burden of not being able to carry it out. She sat next to him.

Fury continued. "Believe it or not, I feel like I'm still not fully ready for what I'm supposed to accomplish. Even when I first fought those two, even if I was beating them, I always felt deep down I was not going to really defeat them. And they got away. I was right. So even with all my power, I wasn't able to defeat them. And now I wonder if it will happen again but worse. Much worse now that they're more ready." Fury said with a sigh. 

"That's why I get so stressed when my worth is put into question. It just reminds me of how much my worth was not only questioned, but stripped away from me in that one… gruesomely shattering moment that nearly pushed me over the edge."

Luna looked at him with empathy. Even with his birthday, even with his successful mission with the Yaks and Snow Shifters, Fury could not run from these burdens. She wished he never had to see those two again.

"I'm very sorry that you feel this way, Fury. It truly must have been painful for you to keep silent about this for all these years. I can understand how you feel." Luna said with pity.

"Well, no offense Luna, but I don't think so. You had to deal with the bare minimum, in my opinion. You just got some harsh glares, shivering ponies and some emotional distress."

"I had to deal with the entirety of what I held dear to me being stripped away by force, being tormented by the aggressive values and views of my own kind being drilled into me, listening to the constant internal screams of my everlasting nightmare that is my home life. You may have the same problems to deal with as me, but you never had to deal with such severity." Fury said, trying to keep himself together.

Luna was silent. 

"Look, I know you're trying to help me and I do appreciate that. But these struggles are not something to be easily fixed. They're so deep rooted, I don't even know where to start when it comes to finding the solution." Fury muttered.

"I see now that what you have been and are still suffering through is more than anything I have dealt with. It is true that I have dealt with resistance and fear for my actions against my sister, but never had I ever once dealt with suicidal thoughts such as yours. It is clear that what you do for us is not just out of an attempt at friendship, but a coping mechanism." Luna said, looking him in the eyes.

Fury was silent for a while then spoke up. "What do I do? I'm not really sure if I can fulfill my potential. I'm really not. What should I do?" Fury said more to himself than to Luna.

"Well, the first thing to do is to address the issue. And you've done that very well. Next, is to find someone to help you through it and accept that you can't do it alone. Don't think that just because you're of a high standard to others that you can't show your weaknesses. You have made that clear to me, my sister, Cadence and many others. And now, you should take your own advice."

Fury responded after a little while. "My village made me pay for my weakness. I don't know if I can do so again."

Luna then placed her arm on his shoulder. "We all have weaknesses and our flaws. Even those who claim to be better than you. But like my sister told me, it's those who acknowledge and learn from them that are truly strong. Need I remind you of how you were able to relinquish the secrets of your physical weaknesses?"

Luna wrapped him in a hug and placed her wings on his sides, wiggling them just enough to get a giggle out of him.

"Ha ha ha ha, oh yeah do I ever! You tricky alicorn! Ha ha ha! Come on, let me go!" Fury said.

Luna did so but still had a cocky smile.

"You know Luna, you've been on my side forever. Even back in Ponyville when that Truther guy told my secrets to the world, you were still there for me. I'm glad I have you to talk about these things with." Fury said with a soft smile. "Do you really think I will be able to get these two?"

"I have no doubt that you will be victorious." Luna said. Just then, the dream world around them began to shift.

"Woah, what's happening?" Fury asked.

"You are beginning to awaken. Don't worry, I will see you soon in the waking world. And remember, you are not alone. We all care for you and we love you, especially me. I shall see you soon, Lightning Bug."

Fury was surprised at this. But he was still grateful for what she said. "Thanks, Moonpie. And make sure Tia doesn't hog all the cake when she comes here!" He said to lighten the mood.

"Will do." Luna replied with a chuckle before disappearing into the expanding white void.

"Do you have something to say, Old Cat, before I go?" Fury asked.

The emperor only had a single thing to say. "We all stand with you, young one. Farewell and may the gods be with you." 

It was then the emperor's turn to disappear into the white void. Followed by the whole world, and then nothingness.

–

Fury jolted awake as he was brought out of his dream and into the real world, taking in his surroundings as he sat in the comfy bed that was inside chief Snow Globe's home.

The black feline felt a bit groggy but he was not in the mood to lay down more. He knew he had to tell the others about what was going on. Getting up from his bed, he stretched his limbs and went out to see where everyone was. 

After a quick zip around the place, he realized that everyone was already up and out. With this now within his grasp, he made his way towards the front door and walked out. To his surprise, Snow Shifters and Crystal Guards were moving left and right to set up the defenses.

Huh, I guess they must have already heard. But no time to hold up, gotta find the others.

Fury exited the hut and went out to find the rest of his friends. Looking left and right, he saw many things being moved around. Sand bags, rations, armor, weapons… it was all too familiar from his time back home in times of battles. Finally making it to the front gates, he not only saw Cadence, Twilight and the chief, but Fluttershy and the Royal Sisters had arrived.

He was happy to see familiar faces and decided to make himself known.

"Celestia! Moonpie!"

Fury ran up to them getting a bunch of snow on himself but he didn't care.

"Boy, am I glad to see you two. Being with Cadence was nice but I needed you two back." 

"Aww, did you miss us, Lightning Bug?" Luna cooed.

"More than you could ever imagine." Fury replied, hugging his girlfriend. 

"We're just glad you're all alright. So, I believe you know the severity of the situation on the horizon?" Celestia asked, getting a nod from the black cat.

"Yep. I just can't believe they're actually back. This is gonna be one heck of a fight. Speaking of which, I need to fuel up. Be right back." Fury said, taking off to the right. Nearby was a line of Speed Shifters grabbing what looked like a graham cracker from a stand. Fury went up and grabbed one, popped one in his mouth and gagged at the off taste before returning to the group.

Twilight showed her concern at the feline's disgust. "What was that you ate? It looked like it tasted terrible, and didn't seem like much to start off the day with."

"They're called K-2 defense biscuits, one of the relics of our earliest wars. You know the world's gone south if the food you're eating gets a model number." Fury moaned.

"Then why did you eat it? You seemed like you were going to bring it back up when you swallowed it." Cadence asked. 

"Well, for 1: You never want to fill up on a full breakfast when you know you're gonna be fighting, it'll just weigh you down. Just look at what happened when I slid down that ice slide with you on a full stomach. And trust me when I say, it gets even worse when you take a full blow to the gut after a batch of eggs and hash browns. Yuck!" Fury gagged, getting a similar reaction from the others.

"But most importantly, is number 2: it's… really all we Speed Shifters get out in the field. K-2s have been our main and only ration for a long time, and you can't expect to get good stuff like lime salmon out in the middle of a warzone. Like my dad always told me… 'You get picky with what you put in the tank, you'll be out of fuel before you get to what you want'."

"And sure, while those biscuits have about the same amount of flavor as a slab of concrete and the same consistency as a dog treat, it's the prime example of sustenance. Not food, sustenance. Not enough to give you the satisfaction and energy of a full breakfast, but just enough to keep you in the fight and keep you from starving to death, even if you might prefer that over tasting it." Fury explained. 

"Well, let's hope we won't have to resort to that kind of meal." Cadence said. "I wouldn't want to be forced into that kind of livelihood."

"Sorry to be a downer, but that exact attitude is what gets most Speed Shifters killed. Just wishing that the next meal isn't as bad as the last, it'll get your hopes up too high and just leave you more disappointed than if you just accepted mediocrity. Boy, what I would give to get an update for the ration supply we Shifters get. As much as I've come to accept reality, these glorified dog biscuits aren't that uplifting." Fury sighed.

Everypony seemed to be in agreement at that. Especially with dire news of the new threats.

"Well, maybe our souls will be uplifted if we knew the condition of our enemy." Twilight said. "Celestia, have you idea what those fiends are up to? And how powerful they are now?"

The princess of the sun seemed none the more confident.

"Sadly, their whereabouts are very foggy. And so is their personal information. Luckily, we did have some intel that they are significantly hampered by the weather. They appear to be going on an even more arduous journey than you did. They will not be arriving in Snow Henge for a while."

"Well, at least that's something. But it's not much. But I do have some information of my own." Fury said.

"Oh? Well please, tell us." Luna said.

"Well, I found out the real motive of the Shadow Shifters through the emperor in my dreams. Turns out, they're more than just a rival tribe… they're a religious group. A religious extremist group to be precise. Apparently, they follow the exact words of the Prophecy Of The All Powerfuls."

"That… does not seem to be an issue." Luna commented.

"Hold on, Moonpie. The key word is 'Exact'. When the original translation of the prophecy was written, it spoke of the All Powerfuls being a rare few that were given their power to bring glory to Speed Shifters and unite all feline life. And while that doesn't sound too bad to the normal outsider, the key word here is all feline life." Fury said, gesturing to himself. He went on.

"And the Shadow Shifters take that word very literally. By their logic, an All Powerful such as myself is meant to bring harmony and peace to the world by 'Cleansing the world of its wrongdoings'. And again, it doesn't sound too bad until you realize that the main way they see me supposedly cleansing the world is by ridding it of what they call 'Impure Blood'. I'll leave you to guess where the problem lies." Fury explained.

"I… see. And I suppose that would include anyone who has hooves instead of paws."  Twilight said, a bit unnerved.

"Bingo. And while they praise who I am, they have everything but praise for what I do. Now that I've made friends with you guys and have done the even more egregious act of making one my lover, they've now deemed me as 'Impure' and 'Unworthy' of the title of All Powerful and the power that comes with it." 

"So, they sent out Pyro Flare to find Tirek, get him to agree to their terms, and look for me so they can strip me of my power to use themselves in their efforts to bring peace to the world and right its wrongs. But in reality, we all know that just means mass genocide to build a new world order that's ruled by totalitarianism and fueled by religious extremism." Fury explained.

"W-well that sounds very bad. But is it possible they can simply enslave us instead of destroying us?" Fluttershy said with hope.

"Uh I guess? But believe me, with how they treated their captives in that village Cadence and I rescued my parents from, they won't be too nice. You'll get whipped, yelled at, beaten with a club, and some more stuff, you might wanna think about. Does that sound fun to you?"

"N-no." The yellow pegasus squeaked.

"Exactly. So we are neither going to cower or die. We are going to fight these weirdos off with all our might." Fury said. "As for me, I am not intending that one pony or Snow Shifter dies from this. Not as long as I'm still breathing myself." 

Fury then proceeded to see all the military at the ready. He saw a bunch of crystal ponies in their shiny armor marching with Shining Armor watching them. 

"Trot two, three, four! Trot two, three, four! Keep it moving!" The captain bellowed.

"Sweet, Shining Armor's here with the rest of the cavalry! We've got back up!"

Fury also saw the other side, a group of Snow Shifters also marching on with their own commander. They likewise also had armor but were more scaly like a dragon. Interestingly despite the ponies and Shifter's armor differences, they both looked reflective and had a bluish tint to them.

The All Powerful Shifter was quite happy with these soldiers. They both seemed like great warriors. Both had quite professional armies. He hoped they would unite to defend the Snow Henge.

"Okay, looks like everyone's here. All we have to do now is lead them out into the fray. Chief…?" Fury looked over to Snow Globe.

"I shall do the honors." Chief Snow Globe said, stepping up to the crowd of soldiers.

She cleared her throat. "Citizens of Snow Henge, today we are united with strangers. But these strangers are our friends, warriors from another kingdom. Just as today, so also in the past, the Crystal Empire and our city must unite to defend against an evil scourge today. One that wishes to misuse our prophecies for their own vanity. Speaking of prophecies, the All Powerful Speed Shifter has come to fulfill his own. He will fight beside us to bring victory on this day, leading us to a brighter future with his power. He will not only fight for us physically but he will remind us of the brotherhood we must show to all creatures including ponies. Please show your greetings to Night Fury!"

Fury decided to walk on by and present himself to the crowd of Snow Shifters and ponies. They all were mesmerized by his powerful figure, but the Snow Shifters were more inclined to show their respect by bowing to him like he was royalty.

"Oh great All Powerful, we ask you that you defend us from this evil before us. We ask you delay not in destroying this evil ahead of us!" Said an old Snow Shifter lady begging.

"As the All Powerful Speed Shifter, your prayers shall be rewarded, madam. I assure all of you that your city shall be protected with my last dying breath, to the ends of this planet. All of us will be victorious today, solidifying our names in history until the end of time! Oh and please call me Night Fury."

Everyone cheered for him. "Night Fury! Night Fury! Night Fury!"

Fury was glad that he was a beacon of positivity in these dark times. He was worried they would be very dour. But they seemed to have a great heart behind themselves.

"And we will help!" said another voice coming over. It was Shining Armor himself. "We of the Crystal Empire will make sure you, our former friends of old, will be safe. We might be of different blood but we both believe in freedom. And we'll fight to the death to uphold that for the people, shifter or pony. We will do our best and we ask the same for you!"

The Snow Shifters cheered on even more. It was good to see ponies being welcome here instead of scoffed at as savages like Shadow Shifters would have done.

Just then, a loud war horn sounded in the distance.

Bwoooooooong!

"That's the war horn, it's time! Alright everyone, the time is nigh! Let's take our land back and show the world our force!" Fury bellowed, letting out the loudest roar he could muster.

Rooooaaaaagh!

The Snow Shifters roared in tandem and the ponies instead beat their spear against their armor. Everyone was ready for a good fight today. Fury transformed into a falcon and opened his wings, the sun on his back giving him a confidence boost.

"Let's get on the move!" Fury said as he took to the sky with an almost ear shattering shockwave.

The gates opened and a contingent of parties came out ahead. They marched to set up an ambush spot at the place that the two villains went through. One might think having all these soldiers was overkill, but they all knew considering their opposition, they would need as many as possible. 

Fury flew over the group. He was confident but at the same time, fearful. 

Is this all enough to defeat these two? I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

-

It was surprisingly a pleasant day while they were marching to the mountain pass. Which was pleasant to march through but also pleasant for Tirek and Pyro to march through. They made sure to double time it.

They finally saw their destination.

"Everyone, get into position!" Shining commanded. "When they come we need to blend into the mountains so we can strike before they strike us!"

Both ponies and Snow Shifters began setting up defenses, digging trenches and setting up ice walls to protect from any incoming fire. Bunkers and artillery were set along a set perimeter for support, laying out ammo and medical supplies for any need to reload the cannons or heal injuries. Meanwhile, Fury flew up to a nearby ridge to watch from above.

Fury wanted to be off the main front lines just in case Pyro and Tirek would target him specifically, mostly to draw their fire and give his allies room to attack.

He trusted the crystal army and the Snow Shifters to give their best, but he knew it would all hinge on his abilities. 

He watched and waited for a long while, sitting patiently as the time ticked by. Just then, he heard a loud stomping approaching the front line. He looked out into the distance with his falcon eyes and saw something vaguely red with a large shape, a smaller orange shape on one side.

Fury instantly knew what the deal was and decided to let the troops know. Using his energy, he made his eyes glow and blinked rapidly, making an attempt at Morse code to get the message across silently.

Shining Armor saw the red light out of his peripheral vision and took a peek, seeing the following message was being relayed…

Enemies Ahead, Prepare For Battle.

The captain signals to his own soldiers and the guards to be at the ready. All the soldiers had their javelins and spears at the ready. Along with pots of ultra freezing water, a gift from Snow Globe herself. And to be sure large gates that will shut to trap Tirek and Pyro in a never ending storm of aforementioned weaponry.

The stomping neared the front line. All of the guards, the chief, the princesses, and Night Fury were ready for a fight. And then, the guests of the hour appeared out of the snowy haze.

So there they are. Those cretins. I'm so gonna look forward to this. Fury thought to himself. Though now that I think about it, Pyro seems confident and a bit tougher. And Tirek… has he gotten taller?

From what Fury could see, it looked like both of them were figuratively and literally, walking taller. Tirek seemed to have gotten bigger, almost as big as the monstrous Kaiju he had heard of in old legends like King Gidora. Pyro was different as well, a more bright but less smug smile on her face. She almost looked more… humble. He guessed it was because of the near deadly beating he gave her, judging by the assortment of braces and bandages strewn across her leg and head. But given her attitude, she was less confident about her survival, but about something else.

It didn't matter though, the priority was to rid them of their places in this world. Now and forever.

The two stopped once they saw the fortified position, observing it with a great level of malicious intent.

While Fury had a certain level of dread, he knew the time was now to strike and strike hard. He gave the okay to Shining Armor. For Shining Armor, he gave the signal to all other commanders to prepare what he called Operation Cage.

A whistle was heard sounding like a bird. Tirek and Pyro still continued forward. Suddenly, a large stone gate blocked their back entrance. The two realized soon after the entrance through the pass was blocked. They were trapped.

"It looks like we've been discovered." Pyro said, licking her lips in glee.

"Indeed. It looks like the battle has just begun." Tirek said with a bit more seriousness.

The sounds of horns blew. 

"Alright, everyone, you know what to do! Give them a taste of Tartarus!" Shining cried out to a throng of yelling warriors.

It was then a strange liquid poured onto where Pyro and Tirek were. Upon a small bluster of wind, the liquid instantly froze around them. It seemed that they had an extra layer to their predicament.

"Good work everyone! We froze 'em like a popsicle!" Fury said as he flew close to where the villains were. Diving in at high speed, he extended his talons in order to snatch Pyro right off of Tirek's shoulder.

"Gah!!! Let me go, you!" Pyro said as his claws dug into her.

"With pleasure." He dropped her all the way down on the cliff, leaving her separated from the main fight and alone with him. Landing in front of her, he assumed his natural form and stared down at her, smiling like he was just about to get some long awaited revenge.

"So, we come to a one on one. It's just you and me, Flare. Make this easy on yourself and just call it off. Unlike your cult followers, I actually do what's right for the world. All I wanted was for some peace to come between us and ponies. What's with all of this 'Impure Blood' talk, huh?" Fury said, trying to reason with her. "Go on, you weirdo, I'll hear you out."

Pyro gave a devious laugh. "So, you wish to find out mine and the Shadow Shifters' motives, do you?"

Fury nodded. "Yeah, I got time to spare. And whether you want to live or die, is no concern for me. I'll deal with you how I wish after I hear you out." He said unsheathing his claws.

"Well, if you wish to find out so badly…" She snarled, standing him to face him. "Our group was built on the pure word of the Prophecy Of The All Powerfuls, its power holding our people high. We believe that this world is meant for us to live in and rule, that felines have a right to this land as much as the next poor soul."

"But why kill off ponies just to get your way? You have no real reason to get rid of them when you could easily do what I did and plead your case to those who control the land. It worked on my part and got my parents a happy life as we live amongst ponies in peace. And why do you think I should be stripped of my power and title? I have done nothing but prove my worth." Fury asked.

"You just answered your own question! Because instead of working to conquer, you laid back and partied with these… high and mighty lowlives. While they had a great empire, we felines were separated and reduced to small towns. These ponies used to be savages and then they had the idea they were the wise civilized ones! Bah! They stole our ideas of civilization! And they drove us to the edges of the world! We shifters are a laughingstock to these weak puny ponies who drove us out!"  

"Us moving out of Equestrian land was by choice, Pyro! The Great Migration took place as a way to survive, we couldn't survive that snow covered wasteland! And ponies actually do like us! The Emperor himself was allied with the original Queen of the Crystal Empire and had parties held in his honor! How can you say we were a laughing stock when, although by a small minority, we were celebrated!?"

"The emperor was a traitor to our cause. He ruined everything by allying with those crystal ponies. They conspired behind our backs. They looked at us smugly, thinking how dare we eat fish? How dare we eat meat? Do you not understand? It was all a ruse to make us weaker so we could be their vassals and slaves, just like you are now! You are not this alicorn's lover! You are her tool for dominance! She will betray you when you least expect-"

"Pyro, listen to me!" Fury bellowed, gripping her front legs and pulling her in before taking a breath. "Ponies only thought our diets were unusual because we had been and were the only meat-eating creatures they had seen. And Luna is no more in dominance of me than a rock has the ability to speak! She has given me nothing but praise! Think about it. We had all of this land to ourselves, that's true. But what would have happened if we did stay, hm? Ponies were not as knowledgeable and welcome to change back then as they are now, they would have eventually come after us as a preemptive strike against a possible enemy."

"Look at me, Pyro. Look me in the eyes. I really don't want to have to hurt you, you seem like a good girl. You just have to understand that following the exact word of the prophecy will be detrimental to not only you, but the entirety of the Shadow Shifters. You keep up this attitude, you'll only get so far before you're eventually seen as an enemy and watch as you're killed by those who otherwise would have been friends." Fury pleaded.

"Don't you want to live a good life? A life that gives good praises and doesn't have to be so unjust and cruel? Then leave behind the Shadow Shifters and Blueblood. Come with us and give it a chance. I can assure you, Tirek couldn't care less about you. He may want to rid the world of ponies just like you, but he wants to do it for his own benefit. To appease his father. Haven't you seen how cold and distant he is? How cynical he can be?"

Pyro was silent for some time. And then she opened her eyes and looked at him intensely. "How can you say that I want a good life?"

"Because you clearly have the look of someone who's been mistreated and peer pressured into living the way you are. I've gone through the same thing, and it almost pushed me to suicide. But I decided to look ahead and find a different way. You can too. Look at me and tell me straight… Do you really feel like all ponies should die? Or do you think that all ponies should die? I'm giving you a chance to tell your side of the story here, Pyro. Any alternatives would be a bad day for you." Fury said, sounding genuine and thoughtful.

She breathed in and calmed down. "Fine. If you want to know my side of the story, I will give it to you. I will give the whole story of why I fought this way. Why I fight for the Shadow Shifters." 

"Okay," Fury sat down and brought her down with him. "Talk to me. We're away from the fight, so let it go."

Pyro Flare breathed in and out, calming her nerves. Then she spoke. "As a child, my mother was a very religious Shifter. She always spoke of how the Speed Shifter master race was going to return and rid the world of its wrongdoings by killing off those who she deemed unfit for life. She made me read books and pamphlets she had curated over the years to indoctrinate me into following cultist beliefs. I did as I was told, even if I was beat on while doing so. My father was someone different though…"

"Ice Monger, I presume?" Fury jumped in, surprising Pyro.

"You know of my father?" She asked, getting a nod from Fury.

"Yes. He is actually my grandfather. He remarried some time after your mother and him separated, marrying my grandmother, Snowflake. She gave birth to my mother who eventually found my father, and gave birth… to me. And by the logic of family trees, with you being the child of my grandfather, that would make you… my aunt."

Pyro was somewhat shocked at this. Though not as much as she could have been. She knew there was something more to her family then what her mother told her about. And why she was always bitter at her father.

"So… the grandchild of my father, that being you… makes you my nephew?"

"Pretty much. You're a daughter of my grandfather from another family, making my mom your half sister. Surprised? Well, it was for me at first. I mean, you got quite a temper like me. My problem came from my childhood as well. I screwed up in the most heinous way when we were being attacked by a Cragodile, at least by the rest of my village's standards. I flaked out when the time was right to strike and they grilled me for it, casting me out as if I had killed the chief himself. Like you, I was also indoctrinated into a false belief. A belief that I was nothing but a waste of flesh."

The feminine Speed Shifter could see even more of herself in this young one now. He might have been more laid back but he was also filled with rage and had a burden of understanding and adapting to this prophecy.

"After that day, the chief of my tribe gave an order that under no circumstances, would any other creature be trusted unless explicitly shown to be friendly. I was shunned for my lack of bravery in that attack, told that I was worthless, a mistake… a Shifter who was better off not being born. Like you, I was pushed into a mold by someone else to fit a select narrative. But instead of a modified version of our oldest written prophecy, it was the belief that I was the biggest mistake to walk the planet. I was close to turning on my kind, showing them that I wouldn't be pushed around… But I held back and decided to take a different route." Fury explained.

"I decided instead of enacting revenge on those who pushed me into the mold they saw fit for me or doing as they told me was the best way to live my life, I went out in search of an answer. Another way to go about my trauma. And that's when I decided to make ponies befriend our kind and see us in not so much of a villainous light. I used my trauma to better myself and the future that would come to pass, and I know you can too."

"Life isn't a mold you have to fit into so you can live the way you want, you make your own mold. You say your mother pushed you to hate other creatures because of her twisted view of the prophecy? I say shove it! You can change your ways, Pyro. Don't let who you were forced to be stop you from being who you want to be. It may have been the only way you were told you could live then, but that's not true now. You can forge your own way of life. Now, are you going to agree with the trauma you were given and follow it just to feel like you're doing good, or are you going to step out of the Shadow you were placed in and make your own good in this world?"

Pyro thought about what he said for a moment. She could still hear the battle raging next to her as she thought of her actions. She never truly felt happy pursuing what she thought was good, she always felt like there was more to just listening to what you were told.

Perhaps he did have a point. She was never pleased after all with how the Shadow Shifters all seemed so out of touch with the world. Never pleased with their supposed campaign to do good but never bothering to be kind and good themselves. Including their abuse to her. 

Could Fury be right? 

She became silent. She breathed one final breath… and spoke.

"Okay, I'll do it. To be honest, I never felt satisfied with ruling over this land with an iron paw. It just made me feel like all there was to do was to get more out of life that it could give me. But now I see it's not about what life is willing to give us, it's what we are willing to make of what little we have." Pyro said softly, finally cracking a genuine happy smile for what felt like ages.

Fury also smiled, she was finally getting to see the true light of the world in front of her.

"That's good to see, Pyro. Life is what we make of it, not what it gives us. If we always asked for the world to give us what it had, we'd just fall into greed and hate. But you see now that as long as you make the best out of what you have, you'll prosper more. So, would you like to join us in showing our true strength? Join me in showing the world that Speed Shifters aren't that bad?" Fury asked, holding out his paw.

Pyro was nervous. This would be the first time she had ever thought of seeking guidance on what she was meant to do after so many years of being told what she was made for. But through all of it, she was ready to leave her trauma behind and embrace the new.

"Yes. I will join you… All Powerful." She said, taking his paw and rising with Fury.

"That's good to hear. But, it's time you make this known to those who will be your true judge. Hang on…" He said, swinging her onto her back and speeding towards the battle once more. Pyro held on for dear life as he took off. But as she felt the wind in her fur and the snow in her face, she felt something new. Something she hadn't truly felt before. She felt… freedom.

"He he he he… Ha ha ha ha ha! Woohoo!" She squealed, finally letting go of her problems and bringing in her new life.

"That's it! Do you feel it!? Do you feel the freedom of living your own life!?" Fury called out.

"Yes! I finally feel free from my childhood! This is amazing!" She replied. Fury smiled widely at her, knowing now that she was finally getting to live her own life. 

Fury eventually raced up to the princesses taking cover in the trenches that were still getting heavily battered by the large centaur. They noticed the ambassador with Pyro on his back and began to question him.

"Night Fury, you've captured Pyro Flare! I'm surprised you showed any mercy to her." Luna said.

"Oh I showed her mercy, but not for the reason you would expect." Fury said, leaving all of the princesses confused.

"What do you mean?" Celesia asked. Fury let Pyro Flare off of him and led her to speak her peace to the princesses.

"Pyro, I believe you have something to say?" Fury asked, getting a nod from the captured Speed Shifter before she spoke.

"Well…"

"Pyro, I know you want to change, but you can't change if you don't make things right." Fury said. "And there's no shame in admitting your wrongdoings. So go on."

Pyro took his words to heart. She teared up. "Princesses of Equestria, forgive me for what I have done. My actions against you, Night Fury, and all of pony kind have been… disgraceful. I was pushed into thinking your kind was the enemy and that our All Powerful Speed Shifter was coerced into adopting your ways. But, now I realize that all of what I was pushed to believe was a lie." Pyro said, continuing to pour her heart out.

"As I've heard from the ambassador, he also suffered from being pushed to the brink to follow what his tribe thought was his inevitable future. But, he took what he had suffered through and turned it into something that would benefit all walks of life instead of just his own. I see now that when the original translation of the prophecy was written, it wasn't just meant to unite just feline life… it was meant to unite all life."

"Today, I've learned that the world isn't something you fit into. It's something that you create yourself. Everyone has their own lives and we create the worlds that we wish to live in. And today, I wish to change the world I live in. I wish to accept friendship and learn from you in the ways of living a truly free and happy life, away from the pressure and abuse of my childhood. Will you accept my surrender and allow me to serve true greatness under the guide of friendship?" Pyro asked pleadingly, bowing to the royalty before her.

Luna was hesitant. She was furious at how she destroyed her guards. How she scarred Fury and was partly responsible for his parents being kidnapped.

But she also knew she was genuine, just as much as her love was. She knew what it was like to be rejected, to feel like you could never change anything about your life. She understood. 

But before she could speak, Celestia stood up and faced her. Extending her wings and standing at her full regal height, she spoke in a calm and caring tone.

"Pyro Flare, while your actions against this land were heinous, disgusting, appalling and downright deplorable on many standards…"

Pyro shrank at that sound of Celestia's calm but stern voice.

"I see that you have truly accepted the reality of friendship and are willing to learn how to adopt it into your life. You are correct, life is what you are willing to make of it. It is what you, and you alone, see yourself doing to live to your full potential. I see that you have been taught well in the arts of acceptance and accountability, and I could not commend the ambassador's actions any further than I can physically speak."

Fury blushed at the sun goddess' words of gratitude. She continued.

"As a test to see if you truly wish to live amongst us, will you assist in the termination of Tirek and his hate fueled tirade?" Celesia asked. Pyro still had some tiny voices in her head telling her otherwise, to use the opportunity she had to strike at them. But they were silenced by her ambitions to truly become greater and better.

"Yes, yes I will. I shall do my best to prove my worth, your highness." Pyro said, smiling her best smile.

"There we go! Now, let's solidify this new union. Bring it in!" Fury said, opening his arms for a hug. Pyro blushed and her ears went flat, she had never hugged anyone before.

"A-are you sure?" She asked shakily.

"You don't have to if you don't want to, but it'll make you feel better." Fury encouraged, flicking his claws in his direction. Pyro shrank a bit, but finally gave in and hugged Fury, squeezing him tight as they embraced in a newly formed flame of friendship.

"And I am the same." Luna said. "It will take awhile but I will see you as a fellow comrade to fight against the impending threat that is lurking."

"And I will do my best to prove it, your majesty." Pyro said, releasing Fury.

"Looks like we're all in order. Now let's get-" Before Fury could finish, a bright light shines behind him. Turning around, he saw that the bright light was the Crystal Heart floating behind him.

"What the- The Crystal Heart? Hey Cadence, did you teleport this thing up here?" He asked the Crystal princess.

"It wasn't me, I never let it leave from its post in the Crystal Empire." Cadence responded. Then, something weird happened.

"Night Fury of Thunder Hollow, you have proved that you have true love and passion in your heart. And by any standing records, you are the most passionate creature on the planet." Everyone's jaw dropped, even Celestia's. To their surprise, the Crystal Heart was… talking.

"The Crystal Heart is talking. Did I hit my head somewhere on the run over here?" Fury asked himself, rubbing his head.

"I assure you, you are in perfect health. The voice you hear is the voice of love in its purest form, speaking to you through this artifact. The love you hold within you is without a doubt, the most powerful force I have ever felt. The passion you show for bettering the world is astonishing, and I commend you for it. But such actions cannot go unappreciated. Which is why, I will assist in the defeat of your greatest enemy." The Crystal Heart said.

"Huh? How are you going to help us with Tirek, you're just an artifact meant to protect the Crystal Empire from the crazy weather that comes from up here." Fury said, genuinely puzzled.

"Oh, I can do more than just protect. I can also empower those who are of pure heart. And you are the perfect candidate." Before anyone could react, the Crystal Heart rushed forward and beamed into Night Fury's chest. He absorbed the artifact like it was nothing, letting its power run through him as he began to float and glow. 

"Woah, what's happening to me!?" He frantically asked. Everyone on the battlefield, from the princesses to Tirek himself saw his glowing form, stopping the action and watching as he glowed blue and shone bright. Fury's coat turned snow white and his eyes went blue, swishes of blue light making markings along his body and head. He also grew wings made of ice and crystal, shining like diamonds in the sun as he beamed for miles like a beacon of hope.

Finally making contact with the ground ahead of the fortifications, he revealed his now icy form to the world with his new wings and white fur. He stayed silent out of shock that he had just been upgraded by the Crystal Heart, but it didn't last long.

"Oh yeah! I got a level up!" He called out, getting cheers from the soldiers on the ground and the princesses behind him. Just then, the sound of an earthquake could be heard. But it wasn't just an earthquake. Looking back, Fury saw not only the Yaks, but the rest of the Mane Six and even his parents making a mad dash to the front lines.

"It looks like everyone came right on time for my new form." Fury said. As everyone got closer, they saw Pyro on the front lines as well. They seemed intimidated at first.

"Get away from our son, you monster!" Black Ice said.

Fury came to her defense though. "Hey, cool it. She's on our side now! You hurt her, you deal with me! You understand!?"

Black Ice was about to respond but Obsidian stopped her and motioned her to look into Fury's eyes. She saw his face that was expressing true conviction in his words.

"And besides, considering how family trees work, that makes her your half sister and my aunt."

Black Ice looked at Pyro closely. She could see it. She could see the resemblance in her eyes, she even had a similar jawline. 

"You… really do look like a part of the family. Firestarter, right?" Black Ice asked.

"Yes, she was my mother. And Icemonger was…"

"My fath- Well, I guess I should say our father now." Black Ice chuckled.

"Hmmm, I can see it alright." Fury said. "Yep, you both look a bit like gramps. But you two sure both don't act like him. What with you two being fiery hotheads. Yep, you two really have that in common." He said with some snark.

Pyro went deadpan and looked to Black Ice. "Is he always this cheeky?"

"Almost every day, he has something smart to say. But, he wouldn't be my son if he didn't." Black Ice chuckled. 

"Maybe he got that from me." The father said amused.

"Glad to see you two are getting along. Now, let's get down to business." Fury said, turning back to Tirek.

"You see all of this, Tirek? This is true friendship and loyalty! You can't stand against the truth of united nations!" Fury called out. Tirek was baffled that Pyro would switch sides, especially after all that talk. 

"Pyro! How could you ally with these weaklings!? They have turned you to what you feared the most! I was going to provide you with absolute power!!!" Tirek said, screaming.

Pyro simply scoffed at him. "Oh don't deceive me. You would have betrayed me the first moment you got powerful enough. And I have realized that this isn't worth the pain I would have gone through! I decided to live my own life!" Pyro declared.

Tirek was enraged at this. But then he chuckled. "Well since you have turned traitor, I am sure your tribe will look forward to this news. I cannot wait for that day."

"That's not happening with us! Especially with me! I'm taking this to heart, and I'm going to end this now! Come on! Fight me!" Fury encouraged, flying up a bit to face Tirek.

"As you wish." Tirek walked out to face him. "I must admit you have a nice form. But that won't be enough this time. I absorbed some powerful ponies while I was away. You shouldn't be so cocky."

"I'm not alone anymore, you freak. I don't stand by myself, I've got everyone I know behind me. And this… is the final stretch. Let's do this!" Fury said, shooting a cold ice beam out of his mouth and covering Tirek's face before flying high and fast to get above the crowd below. Everyone went on the offensive, rushing the centaur with might and fury.

This is the day I finally take charge of my life. The day I set things right. The day I leave my tragedies behind and embrace my new home.

"Gahhhhhh!!!! Take this!!!" Tirek said while shooting a laser at Night Fury. It was larger than three alicorns combined. But Fury smirked at it.

"Not today!" Fury announced, forming a thick ice ball around him and taking the brunt of the blast with no damage whatsoever. He eventually broke out of his protection and dove in for another run.

Let's see what the Crystal Heart gave me to use.

He said to himself as he went to slam down in front of the charging group. On impact, the crowd behind him floated up a few inches of the ground from the sheer force. A wave of snow plowed into Tirek's legs, instantly freezing them solid like pillars.

"I can't even move now! I broke that chieftain's ice spell! Why not this one?" Tirek asked, trying to escape.

"Well, it's not just a Speed Shifter's power. It's the power of the Crystal Heart itself. It's given me the power of several generations of those who loved and would die for that love. Same goes for me." Fury said, disappearing from sight and reappearing overhead. He used some snow to form large icicles, heaving them downward and watching as they impacted the head and horns of the frozen centaur. 

"Gahhhhhh!!! My head!!! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS, YOU ANNOYING BRAT!!!" Tirek said as eyes glowed white and his horns as well. The ice around him melted. "You brought this on yourselves. I didn't think I would have to use this but now my true vengeance!" He shot a white hot beam right at the feline in the sky. It came at him way faster that he anticipated and got too close to block himself.

Shoot, it's coming in too fast! I can't block this.

Fury braced for impact when he heard an explosion. And then silence. Thinking he had just died, he opened his eyes in anticipation of being met with the gates to the afterlife. But in return, he was met with a golden barrier that was steaming from the blast.

"Oh no, you're not! You're not going down just yet, Fury!" Cadence said forming a barrier along with Twilight.

"Whoa. Heh, thanks for the assist, ladies!" Fury said, genuinely grateful.

"What? Did you think we'd let you die that quick? Remember, you've got all of us on your side. We're here for you!" Twilight reminded him.

"Fine, whatever. Your barrier is nice but you won't be able to do anything trying to counteract the beam!" Tirek yelled. "It's only a matter of time before I break it!"

"Not before I have a say in it! Celesia, Luna, get up here!" Fury called to the crowd down below. The two royal sisters flew up and joined him behind the barriers.

"I've got an idea. How about an Ice Torpedo, huh?"

"Wait, who's going to be the torpedo? I assume it's you?" Celestia asked. 

"I've got the power, don't I?" Fury said, forming a capsule of ice around him. "You two combine your magic and send me flying at supersonic speeds, we'll get the chance to overwhelm him for just long enough so that I can get the final blow. I'm sure Twilight and Cadence can keep the barrier for a little longer."

"You can count on us!" Twilight said. "Now hurry before the barrier breaks!"

Fury focused his power, along with Luna and Celestia, they all gave out an intense aura that was almost blinding to Tirek. 

"Hey Tirek?! Ever played ball? Cause here comes one right at you! Now!" Fury yelled out as Twilight formed a millisecond long hole while Celestia and Luna launched Fury as with such speed it looked like a long streak of colors all the way from the princesses to Tirek.

The ice spear struck Tirek in the face, breaking the ice and causing an explosion of energy to blast not only him, but Fury backwards as well. While Tirek was blinded and staggered a bit, Fury was flying out of control towards the ground. Luckily, a few new friends came to snatch him up. 

In a split second, both Pyro and Snow Globe combined their auras to form a solid slide that safely deposited Fury onto the snow and into Pyro's awaiting arms to slow his approach.

"Gotcha! Are you okay, Fury?" Pyro asked. Fury smiled up at her knowing that she truly had changed.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for the soft landing. But now's not the time to start making snow angels, we have to rush Tirek and get him weak so I can take him out. Come on everyone, let's go!"

Snow Globe and Pyro followed him. He took to the right of Tirek's head. 

"We're gonna ram into his ugly head with full force!" Fury said.

"Heh, I like how you think, Fury." Pyro said with enthusiasm.

"It sounds like this will become a bit messy." Snow Globe admitted preferring more elegant takedowns.

"Well, you two better get used to my crazy shenanigans if you ever plan on visiting Equestria later. Either way, this is gonna be one hefty hit. Now charge!"

All of them charged for one last attack. After opening their eyes, they gave a combined roar that was so loud the Crystal Empire could hear it. Fury had lightning and ice, Snow Globe had ice, and Pyro had flames. And so they all pounced toward Tirek.

"Ah finally, my sight is back and I can rip you all to- Huh?"

"Surprise! You miss us!?" Fury asked as they all ran at him and let loose their best attacks. Yaks rammed into his body, ponies stabbed him and blasted him with magic, and Speed Shifters used their powers to overwhelm him and confuse him.

Tirek could not even keep up with all the attacks and roared in pain. "You… can't… beat… me…. I'll… destroy you all…"

Then Fury appeared right before his face, "You sure about that?" He sent a beam directly into his eyes, covering them in snow.

"Daaaaaaugh!" Tirek roared in pain, jerking his body and shaking the mob off of him. Everyone retreated back to a safe space and watched as he twitched in agony.

"Large centaur is almost down! Yaks have done great damage to him!" Prince Rutherford spoke.

"He's almost down and out! Just a little more!" Rainbow Dash called out.

Fury heard this and decided that now was the time to take his final stand. He flew up high once more, letting the sun cast a shadow down upon the kneeling centaur as he spoke. 

"You see, Tirek? This is what true power is like! You don't have to take it to make yourself into a great warrior, it comes from true dedication and honest work! But you have left that notion to die! And I am going to make you pay!" Fury spoke, charging up one final time. Blue energy circled him as his icy wings extended to full, embracing the power that the Crystal Heart was giving him.

Tirek looked up at the glowing feline and made his final words known. "You cannot defeat me! I will return! Stronger and better than before, you will cower before the name Tirek!"

"That's… Not… Happening!" Fury said, readying his final strike as he looked down to a particular pink alicorn.

"Hey Cadence, this one's for you!"

Fury then ran up with all the energy of the Crystal Heart and with his own Shifter energy and with the will of his ancestors he swooped in and lunged right into Tirek's neck.

BOOM!

The whole valley to the point where ponies and shifters struggled to stay up. Everyone there could swear they heard the voices of ghosts at that moment.

When everyone got to their senses they saw what happened to Tirek.

"Is that Tirek?" Twilight asked. Right in front of everyone's eyes was Tirek, frozen in ice like a mammoth from the ice age.

"No way, Night Fury turned Tirek into a popsicle!" Pinkie Pie spoke.

"Yeah, but where's the one behind it?" Rainbow asked.

"Um… I think that would answer this question." Applejack said, pointing over to where a pair of white legs and paws were sticking out of the snow.

"Uh… Guys… A little help down here?" Spoke a muffled voice. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie just laughed at Fury's embarrassing position.

"Wow. The big guy made such a show of it all, even making it out to Cadence in her honor… and he ends up face down in the ground." Rainbow laughed.

"Hurry! He's in there!" Fluttershy said, running to dig him out under the large pile of snow. 

"Oh worry not. It's just snow." Snow Globe said as she grabbed the snow causing part of it to melt freeing Fury.

"Well, did I do it?" Fury asked.

"I believe you have, Lightning Bug." Luna said, pointing to the frozen statue of Tirek.

"Alright, the final boss is toast!" Fury cheered.

"It must have felt very special if you had to make it out in my honor." Cadence chuckled.

"Eh, I guess it was the heat of the moment. Either way, these ice powers are awesome!" Fury said, shooting a couple of ice rays to test it out.

"I soooo want to keep these powers! I could be the most powerful thing on the planet! Forget the royal sisters, make way for the emperor!" Fury spouted off.

"It seems the power of the Crystal Heart has gone to his head." Luna commented.

"Indeed sister. Perhaps it is time to relinquish your oh so powerful form?" Celesia asked. Fury looked at both of them as if they just called him fish breath.

"What!? No way, I'm keeping this! I'm gonna rule the way I was meant to with these guns!" He protested.

"Sorry, Ice king. But as all good things do, they come to an end. Sorry to disappoint, but it's gotta go." Cadence said, charging her horn.

"Wait, nonononono-" Before Fury could protest further, Cadence grappled him in her magic and stripped the power away from him, leaving him with his original black fur and restoring the Crystal Heart to the physical realm as he flopped onto the snow. Less cool and less powerful.

"Awww, nuggets!" He huffed, crossing his arms and puffing his cheeks out.

"Sorry, but this crystal magic would have worn off anyway. Especially with how much you used. And you were only able to do it because I was nearby and it cannot be used lightly. I need this energy for myself. I got weaker when you got the upgrade so that's why you can't keep it." Cadence explained the harsh truth to him.

"Aw come on, It could have made it better! It could have made me better! Now I just look lame." Fury snorted, sounding like a fussy child.

"To think on the one paw, an epic warrior and persuader. On the other paw, someone who wants to keep his power like a cub wanting to keep a toy when he was four." Snow Globe said with a giggle.

"I could have been the All Powerful to end All Powerfuls. Now I'm just lame and scrawny with these dumb lightning powers. Hmph!"

"Wait, did I hear you just mock our lightning powers, son? You sound like your mother." Obsidian asked with unusual unamusement.

"I don't sound like her! And besides, that fossilized hothead has more hot nonsense to spew than an active volcano." Fury said, roasting his mother.

"I am not a volcano!!!" Black Ice said, enraged.

"You just exploded like one, so what's your point?" Fury shot back.

Meanwhile Snow Globe and Pyro Flare just looked at the now arguing family with amusement.

Pyro Flare grinned. "I see that these three are quite the family. It must be very interesting to have to deal with this on a daily basis. It makes me wish I had met this long lost nephew of mine sooner."

Snow Globe nodded. "I agree. Though considering how dramatic you are, I would not say you are one to talk. You have just as much drama and sass as the rest of them."

"Heh, touché. But besides that, I never knew that I had such a diverse family beyond what I was shown. It makes me feel… whole." Pyro said, approaching the three family members with her own scheme in mind.

"Okay you three, break it up." She said, splitting the three up before kneeling down to Fury.

"Now listen here, little one. Don't be upset that it's over, be glad it happened. You have the best powers to ever grace the planet already, don't mess that up. Do you understand?" Pyro asked.

"Okay, I understand… auntie." Fury said, hugging the new family member.

"Thank you… But never call me that again, nephew. It is very… embarrassing.

"Is that so… Auntie Pyro?" Fury said cheekily.

She got angry. "Yes! Yes it is! What are you, a cub?!"

"No. But if you want me to stop, you have to catch me first…" Fury paused before he booped Pyro's nose and said…

"Auntie." Before running to the safety of one he knew would protect him. His sweet Luna.

"Princess, I need to punish my nephew with my paw! Let me do my job!" Pyro demanded.

Fury simply hugged Luna. "Sorry, since I'm this fine lady's love, I got immunity from harm. So take that, aunty!" He said sticking his tongue out.

"Since when was I just a natural barrier to you? Am I truly just a defensive border for your mischief and mayhem? I feel so offended." Luna said exaggeratedly, holding a foreleg to her head.

"Oh come on, Moonpie. You know I don't mean that literally. And besides…" Fury paused as he took a step back, curled his tail and…

Thwip!

"Eep!" Luna's wings shot open on both sides as her face blushed and the crowd around her shared a variety of mixed emotions with some like Rainbow laughing, Rarity horrified at the uncouth behavior, Cadence smirking at Fury's risque love tactics and Applejack rolling her eyes.

"...I know you love me. Especially when I offend you. You love that mischievous part of me. And I don't care who sees, because I'll do anything to make sure you and everyone else knows who you belong to." He said in a sultry voice.

Luna smiled at this. "Why yes. I do love that about you. But… I think you have it wrong who belongs to who…" 

Luna then proceeded to kick up some snow in his face, trip him, and pull him up to her face with half lidded eyes and a sultry smile.

"Because I believe that you… belong to me." She whispered, just loud enough for everyone to hear. Fury shivered at her touch, a bit of electricity shooting up his back.

"Heh I guess I do. But hey, who wouldn't?" Fury said, giving her a kiss.

Pyro was now less angry and more intrigued at this relationship. It amazed her how they could be so different but blend in so well at the same time. This Fury, she never thought someone so immature could have such a charm. He was something else for sure.

"You seem to have quite the relationship. I must say, despite the species difference, you two get along quite well. But tell me, your highness… how do you handle the young one's occasional fits of… bloodlust?"

Luna thought about this. Sometimes she wondered about that herself.

"I would say above all… persistence. Persistence and pure love. I love him so much, I reach out to him and do whatever I can to get through to him, even if he yells at me for trying. I knew as soon as he relayed his checkered past to me that he was a bit on the… aggressive side after being mentally manipulated and tortured for so many years." Luna said somberly. 

"And for me… I suppose there is a comfort in finding someone who understands what being ostracized feels like, who understands loneliness and understands being misunderstood. And yet I know behind all that is someone who is truly loving and will jump to the moon to help those he loves." Luna said.

Fury was quiet and seemed genuinely touched. "Thanks, Luna. I'll go up and over to keep you with me." Fury said, hugging her close and tight.

"Why is this so beautifuhuhuhul!?" Black Ice weeped, clinging to the love princess next to her as she cried happy tears.

"I know it truly is. It is the type of love poets have spoken of millenia ago." Cadence said.

"RUTHERFORD THINK THIS VERY ROMANTIC TOO!!!" He said, blowing his nose into Black Ice and causing her to jump.

"Eeeuuugh! How disgusting!" She squealed.

The couple soon separated and gave each other a loving look. 

"You know I love you, Luna. And I always will." Fury said. "Now, let's get back to the basics " 

The Speed Shifter ambassador waved Snow Globe over to where Prince Rutherford and the rest of the Yaks stood before introducing them.

"Chief Snow Globe, meet Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan. Prince Rutherford, Chief Snow Globe of the Glacier tribe."

Snow Globe bowed before shaking his hoof. "Why it is most delightful to meet you, Prince Rutherford. I hope that the children of our two nations may forever know peace."

Then Rutherford repaid the compliment. He shook her arm, lifting her up and down. "AGREED, SNOW CAT! WE WILL BE FRIENDS AND FIGHT FOR EACH OTHER FOREVER! NOTHING CAN TAKE US DOWN!"

The chief got dizzy. "Y-yes Prince, I-I agree with that."

Then it got darker. Everyone saw the sun was about to go down. 

"Huh, looks like we've hit the other end of the day. Well, I'm glad my trip up here to make peace didn't go down the drain." Fury said. Just then, a bright light flashed into existence in front of him. It revealed a familiar face.

"Woah… Hey Twilight, girls, come check this out!" Fury called out. The Mane Six immediately came to check out what the deal was.

"You know who this is?!" Twilight asked.

"That's right, my former student." Celestia said. "It is someone me and Luna know very well. Our mother."

"That would be right, my children. And I believe it is time for me to introduce myself to the rest of you." The light gave way to the white alicorn with red mane that was none other than Fausticorn herself.

"Oh hey Lauren, glad you could make it." Fury said casually.

"No way! Is that… y-you're real?!?! Not just a legend?!" Twilight asked. 

"You got that right, young lady. I've been around for a while just waiting for the right time to make an appearance. And today was just that day." Faust said, looking at Fury. "And you Fury, I trust everything worked out after all, huh?"

"Smoother than a baby's bottom." He quipped.

"And weren't you all worried thinking everything would suck and fail?" Faust asked with a smirk.

"Okay, okay. Fine. I was a bit… worried. But what matters is the results. And with a new Speed Shifter ally and new friends, I think it all turned out well." Fury said.

"Good." Faust said. "Now, I will say that you all have accomplished something magical today. And now, it is time for the reward of that success."

Lauren extended a wing and revealed she had been carrying the chest from the Tree of Harmony. But it looked different. The six keys the Mane Six had acquired had been inserted into the keyholes and the paw mark on top was glowing Fury's signature red.

"Woah. The chest… it's got the keys in it." Rainbow Dash said.

"I… suppose we should turn them?" Twilight assumed, getting approving nods from her friends. The six of them walked up to the chest and grabbed each key, turning them at once to hear a click and watch as the paw mark in the middle stuck out to be pressed like a button.

"Well, our job is done. Now it's your turn, bud." Applejack said. Night Fury hesitated.

"Are you sure? I'm still not exactly sold on the idea that I was required to unlock this thing." Fury said cautiously.

"You've come a long way, darling. I believe you have the full right to be involved with this." Rarity encouraged him. Fury looked at his friends and got a nod from all of them. He took a deep breath, and decided it was time to take the plunge.

"Okay, here goes nothing." He said. Extending his paw, he touched the top of the chest. He felt his energy ignite on contact, his body glowing as the chest seemed to feed his aura. He felt nervous and looked to Lauren for support.

"Go on, you can do it." She encouraged him, sounding just like his mother.

Knowing he had full support from those around him, he flexed his muscles and pushed in on the chest.

A surge of energy stormed into his mind and soul, his eyes glowing white and his veins glowing under his fur for all to see. The All Powerful then saw visions, from all the animals he had become, all the ponies and shifters he had befriended, his ancestors and finally the emperor. 

The energy gave him a shot into the past, seeing everything and everyone that stood in the past during his time alive and even before. Every form he had taken ran through his mind. Each cry, roar, screech, and bellow rang out as the surge played his entire life back in a split second. It even showed forms to come to his possession in the future before the surge reached max capacity and he let it all out in a rainbow shockwave.

Every bit of rainbow energy shot out in a dome before streaming down towards the Mane Six.

"Whoa, look at that! What is going on?!" Twilight asked frantically. Just then, a portal opened directly to Ponyville. On the other side, sat an open field next to a lake.

"Whatever's going on, it has to do with that portal! C'mon, let's book it!" Fury said, immediately dashing through it. The rest of his pony friends, his parents and even Pyro followed his lead and left the snowy mountains behind, immediately being met with the more warm and grassy scenery of the rural town.

They then saw something truly spectacular. Something that they thought would only be seen in the Crystal Empire.

"Is that… a tree?" Twilight asked in disbelief.

"Not just a tree, brainiac. I… I think that chest just gave birth to a castle!" Fury exclaimed. The bright castle was made of crystals like the Crystal Palace, multiple towers and a balcony sticking out like branches on a tree with a flag on top.

Rarity had to resist fainting from the glory emanating. Meanwhile Pinkie, so excited, bounced ahead to feel the crystals.

"Ooh, these crystals are super cold to the touch. Brrr!" She shivered.

"No way… I've got to see if I can climb this thing!" Fury said, about to go and dig his claws in.

"Pump the brakes, kitty boy. I don't need your claw marks running up and down this thing." Twilight said, holding him back.

"Aw come on! Can't I have fun just for once!?"

"Not on my watch." Twilight said, moving him with her magic to the ground. "Come on, let's go in through the front entrance."

"What a tyrant." He muttered. But he was still eager to see the inside.

And no doubt it sure impressed everyone, the halls and window fixtures rivaling even that of the Canterlot Castle. But nothing could compare to the beauty that came in the main chamber, a table in the center with all the seats. 

"My goodness they all have our cutie marks! How considerate." Rarity said.

But there were not just six seats but also one other one. Everypony saw a symbol of lightning. 

"Is that… mine?" Fury asked.

"Why yes it is," said Faust. "I hope you like the decor because this will be your new base. You will be part of a whole new world not just for Shifters, but for all creatures."

"Sweeeeet! Ya main feline Fury has got himself a throne!" Fury cheered, jumping up and landing on the plush cushion that hugged his behind just right.

He sunk into the cushion and gave a deep sigh of pleasure. This is the life of a chief or an emperor. All he would need would be a headdress; he'd be like royalty.

"I see you're enjoying the luxurious life of ponies, dear love of mine. How does it feel?" Luna asked.

"Well for one, my rump has never felt so snug and comfy. And two, I'm enjoying this to the max! Maybe even too much if I'm going by the standards of my mother, what with her constantly saying she never wanted to spoil me. Too bad I guess." Fury said in amusement, although he knew his mother was not one to talk considering how she loved her own shopping.

"It does indeed befit you, All Powerful." Celestia said.

"You look a little off, Tia. Jealous perhaps?" Fury joked, getting a huff of laughter from the solar princess.

"No, I've experienced too much to worry about a throne seat. I'm perfectly fine with my own measly seat. You can have yours." Celestia said nonchalantly. 

"Oh I don't know, maybe we could trade seats since I'm so generous." Fury said.

"Oh you don't have to-"

"Because this big seat would be a better fit for you!" He said followed by slapping his own knee and then laughing.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "The future uniter of Speed Shifter kind, everypony…"

But then Celestia turned serious. "Alright Night Fury, now that you've witnessed the castle. Let me ask you. Do you understand what this castle means? What it means for all of you as well as the Mane Six?"

Fury scratched his head. "I guess it means… we got some new responsibilities?"

"Indeed. With this new castle, you will be subjected to bigger and more important responsibilities now that you've proven you can handle the pressure. Each and every one of you will be expected to hold a reputation and a public image regardless of what you represent and who you are. You are all heroes and heroines now and you will be seen as such, regardless of your current situation. And this will no longer just be a few small villages, but the whole wide world." Celestia said.

"What do you mean exactly, the whole world?" Rarity asked.

"I mean that depending on your actions and how you are perceived, you might just help lead this fractured world to unity and friendship. There is still conflict in the world and distrust. And we must break those barriers. So I say this to you. Be ready for a new era. I hope you all will be ready for new challenges." Celestia said. 

Twilight nodded. "You can count on us princess. I've what my abilities about friendship were for. And now I know. It's to make friends with all the world. And Fury was the start and with him the end too."

Fury smiled confidently "Well, if I can convince a crazy fiery wacko to be good, then I bet I can convince others to be friends!"

"Oh ha ha, very funny." Pyro scoffed. "You are quite the jokester, you know that?"

"Of course I do. And I know that if I let that disappear from my personality, everyone would worry and miss the old me. Trust me, it's happened before." Fury said both humorously and with some regret.

Luna was quite happy at this. "And that I can attest to with all my heart."

"Same for us!" The Mane Six said in unison.

"We wouldn't want you any other way, kitty cat. We all love you for who you are, and we'll always be sure to remind you." Pinkie Pie squeaked, running up and hugging the black feline.

"I know I can count on it. Whether it's clowns or silly songs, you guys know how to get me back." Fury said with a chuckle. 

The other Mane Six also laughed. Everyone knew no matter what happened they would be ready for whatever came their way.

"Oh and one last thing before I chow down on some grub. Pyro, do you have somewhere to live and will those Shadow Shifters be a threat to you?" Fury asked the older shifter.

"Well, once they find out about my betrayal, there will be no doubt a wave of targeted attacks on the same wavelength as your attempted assassination case. And I do not have a place to stay, nor do I have the bits to even rent an apartment." Pyro lamented, looking down.

Fury rubbed his chin for a moment before coming to an answer. "Why don't you stay with me? I've got a nice villa with multiple guest rooms. And before anyone makes it clear that she has tried to kill me multiple times… I'm looking at you, mom… I'm perfectly content with her being in the same house as me." 

Pyro was somewhat shocked. She was expecting him to simply tell her where to get an apartment, maybe give her money for it. But living in his household? Most Shadow Shifters did not have that level of hospitality.

"Y-you'd be okay with me staying with you?" She asked.

"Of course. But, as the ambassador of our species, that comes with terms and conditions." Fury said in a serious tone, standing up from his throne and walking to her with a straight face.

"If you're going to live with me, you're going to agree to these terms. You will be expected to assist with any chores, run errands, and overall maintain the house as a punishment for your previous transgressions. Every week, you will write a letter to the royal sisters as an update on your current situation and what you have learned over said week." 

"When addressing any visitors from town or farther out, you will use 'Sir' and 'Ma'am' as you would a dignitary. Once you have proven your suited for separation and solo living, which will have to be judged by the royalty that occupies this room and myself, you will give a speech to a crowd and the press, officially stating your cooperation with Equestria's ways and accepting the reality of your new life."

"Do or do you not agree to these terms?" Fury asked her, sounding much like Celestia with his stern tone.

Pyro almost groaned at having to do these sort of gestures to ponies that would probably be of a lower rank than her. But she realized that with what she did, this was mercy. So she accepted it.

"Yes, I fully accept these terms and conditions for the foreseeable future." She said.

"Good." Fury said acceptingly, pulling out a key. "Fluttershy, be a dear and show her to my villa so she can get settled. But take Cadence with you, just in case."

"Right this way, Pyro." Fluttershy said, the pink Princess of Love following suit.

"Thank you." Pyro said.

"Ahem?" Fury cleared his throat, correcting Pyro's mistake.

She's young enough to be my daughter! "Ma'am." Pyro corrected, swallowing her pride as she left with the animal caretaker and the Crystal Princess.

"I must say, your diplomacy and etiquette have improved dramatically." Black Ice spoke up. "Much more eloquent than when you were a cub for sure."

"Thanks, but let's not see it get too much improved. Otherwise, I may just lose what makes me… me." Fury said with a cheeky smile. "Just like how you wouldn't be you if you weren't stuck up and telling me how immature my pranks are while insisting your jokes are supposedly witty." He said with his tongue out.

"Fair enough, but I'm not that bad." Black Ice said, making Obsidian and his son look at her like she was crazy.

"You… can not be serious. You are so stuck up and unfunny, that even Twilight herself would yawn." Night Fury exclaimed.

"Uh thanks? I guess." Twilight said.

She looked to Obsidian for some sort of defense on her behalf.

"Sorry honey, but that couldn't have stuck closer to you if it was covered in tree sap. The last time I saw you fall victim to a whoopie cushion that Jade and Night Fury planted, you were more than just a tickle monster after you found out…"

"That was only one time… Okay, maybe three. I had to teach them a lesson! Especially Fury corrupting such a gentlecat like Jade!"

"Mom, come on. You know just as well as I do that mine and Jade's earliest memories were when we used to fill up water balloons and go on a splashing spree. And besides, my silliness was what got some of the other Shifters to like me. Remember Queen Bee, my old babysitter?"

Black Ice's face softened and smiled at the memory.

"I do. I do. She really was fond of you. I was actually worried she would dislike taking care of such an… energetic cub. But she apparently said you had a charm about you. Something that filled her boring life up. And… as much as I would not want to admit it, it was not because you were a gentlecat for sure. But because of your wild attitude that has not gone away since." 

"Not to mention she was the worst tickle monster to ever exist. She was even worse than you with that game she always played with me. What was it again? Hide And Tickle?" Fury said, shuddering as the humiliating memory.

His mother on the other paw smiled. "Ah that was my favorite part, she was a proud practitioner of the art of Hide and Tickle. Maybe even better than me. A true model for all future parents trying to teach their cubs the penalty for naughtiness." She said dreamily much to her husband and son's looks of utter disgust.

"I may even reinstate that old game as a little fun activity of my own, perhaps even adding Cadence in on the deal." Luna said.

"Oh great, now you gave the moon pony new ideas. Thanks a lot, now I have to worry about her and her pipsqueak niece."

"Right you are, kitty, right you are." Cadence said eagerly. "This pipsqueak will make you squeal like a pig when we're through with you."

"Sweet googly moogly, when did you get back!?" Fury asked frantically, jumping at the sight of the pink alicorn.

"Just now. Just wanted to say hi. But now, I feel like I'm in the mood for some fun. So how about we be the Speed Shifters and you be the deer we're chasing down?" Cadence said with Luna nodding.

"How nostalgic I feel like joining in." Black Ice said.

Fury gulped at this.

"You better get ready to run away, son. I'll try to hold them off while you escape." Obsidian said.

"Thanks for the assist, pops. Gotta go!" Fury said, jumping up and using Celestia's long neck and back as a slide to give him some momentum. 

"Oof! I'm sure that must have been some kind of joke at my expense. You have my blessing, you three. Go forth and let him know what true terror is." Celesia commanded.

"Sorry sunbutt, but if you and your mom weren't basically a pair of albino giraffes, I wouldn't treat you like you like such. By the way Lauren, your snout is so long, it looks like a white whale with two blowholes." Fury shot off.

"You really are trying to make as many enemies as you can today, aren't you?" Obsidian sighed. 

"Let them rage for my speed will save me in the end from the wrath of the giraffe demons! So in conclusion, hasta la vista!"

Fury then dashed off.

"Come back here you!"

And so Fury was chased once again by those seeking to tickle him.

Fluttershy and the Mane Six looked at him being chased by the three along with Obsidian.

"Does he always get everyone chasing him?" Pinkie asked.

"At this point, it might as well be a hobby for him." Obsidian said, watching as Fury and the princesses went on the chase of their lives.