//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 - Metaphors Becoming Reality // Story: Distorted Worlds // by Cryssy-miu //------------------------------// “I'm shocked at you, Aegeus! After all these years, all the time we've been through, I would have thought you had more fight in you.” The bleeding, bone-broken stallion painfully rose to his feet, his cream-orange horn sparking with amber magic and spurts of blood from the injuries done to it. “I'm not down and out yet, you coward.” “Oh, a coward, am I?” Maelstrom laughed. “Granted it took me eons to finally stand up to you, but I think I've made my assertiveness quite clear, don't you?” The stallion snarled and sent another cascading blast of fire at the demon. “You're not as strong as you think. You resort to some evil stones to do your dirty work for you, you low life rat.” “I wouldn't speak so boldly to me if I were you; I'm the one holding relics that could very easily melt your face and your horn into a pile of goo.” “You manipulated the entire clan!” Aegeus snarled, “You took lives to make your gems of absolute power! You tricked those draconeqii to turn against all of us!” “What can I say, it takes a little bit of sacrifice to get what you want,” Maelstrom drawled, lazily juggling the rusted stones in his hands. “If it helps, the spirits of those draconeqii will be remembered in these stones.” He laughed as the magic from the gems trapped Aegeus in a force field, nearing him. “This is what true power is, reverting the very souls of living beings and manipulating their minds to change who they are.” Aegeus slowly shook his head. “You're a monster. You're nothing but pure evil.” All that received was a chilling laugh as Maelstrom prepared to deliver the death blow. “What was your first clue?” xxxxxxxx Chrysalis hated the girls. She hated the girls, she hated Discord, and she especially hated the little dragon that found himself asleep on her back, nuzzled into her hair with his scaly arm looped around one of her babies. Peculiar, one would certainly think, since she was willingly allowing Spike to cuddle her and had expressed concerns and gratitude for the traveling group that had saved her and her childrens' lives numerous times now. That was just it; that was why she hated them. She hated them because even the smallest shred in her dark heart cared about them. The queen chalked it all up to her damn, still-remaining-loving Flutterpony instincts, but she knew the emotions ran deeper than that. She had known that insufferable draconequus since they were fillies and colts, and she owed this group of girls her childrens' lives. Damn. Changelings weren't supposed to feel this way. Emotions were a necessity in a changeling's life, but not in the way they were for most ponies. They fed off emotions. They fed off love. That was all the use feelings were ever supposed to be to changelings. Now with the downgraded hunger Maelstrom's spell had given them, emotions didn't serve much of a use for the changeling and her few children, and yet the mare found herself feeling them strongly. They were far past Decaying Mountains by this point, and only about a half hour away from Tartarus. The queen only had a half hour to make up her mind about what she was going to do: lead the unsuspecting group into a brutal trap or collaborate with them to get out of this mess safely. “Be on your guard,” the changeling told the nervous ponies. “We are nearing the most dangerous realm in existence, and the strength of the demons and monsters is incomprehensible. Even with Discord's magic at full power now, monsters will be a challenge for even him.” The area surrounding the group emanated a translucent, golden hue from where a protective bubble was keeping them out of sight. Monsters were everywhere, and surrounded the entire group. They were oblivious to the ponies as long as the spell stayed up. “I'm scared,” Fluttershy whispered into Discord's fur. She was tucked in his arms with a whimpering Screwball, peering frightened eyes out at the demons around them. “Yes, and I'm with you on that,” Discord chortled shakily. “Those monsters do look like they're hankering for some pony flesh, as well as a big, fat old draconequus that tastes like sugar and cotton candy.” “How long will your shield stay up?” Twilight asked him. “Normally, this shield would stay up as long as I tell it to and it's regularly invincible. However, due to the certain...location we're in, the Decaying Mountains compromises with my magic. There are so many creatures here, and this is of course where the more demonic ones like fuaths and basilisks originate from. They have the ability to suck out any magic in the surrounding area. Comforting, no~?” The unicorn's ears pinned back, having been dreading that kind of answer. “So how long do we have?” “About a half hour—that should at least get us to the gates, and then all we have to worry about is Cereberus.” Applejack chuckled. “Ah wouldn't worry about 'im. Fluttershy managed to subdue 'im pretty well with a belly rub last time.” “Oh yes, her belly rubs are absolute magic.” Chrysalis paused briefly in her trot long enough to picture the ludicrous image of Fluttershy attempting to subdue Maelstrom with a belly rub. She almost burst out laughing at the thought. Well, if the little bearer of kindness was able to reform and befriend the spirit of chaos and the guard dog of hell, maybe she did stand a chance against Maelstrom. “Do we have...any idea of what we're going to face?” Twilight asked. “Are we up against a thousand demons? Some...leak of evil magic? Some monster we've never even heard of? “ She looked over at Chrysalis. “Do you have any idea?” Personally, I'd go with the 'monster you've never heard of', that's probably capable of snapping even Discord in half, or use him as a skipping rope. She'd have to remember that. It'd be perfect payback for how he played her like a bagpipe. “No, I have no idea.” Again Chrysalis had to stifle a giggle at the mental images. The golden bubble around them began to flicker, indicating the group was quickly running out of time, and there was at least ten minutes to go before they were safe from all these monsters....and in the territory of even more monsters. “We're running out of time!” Rarity exclaimed, “Make that shield of yours stronger!” She blanched at a particular grueling monster with thick, foaming saliva dripping from its fangs. “Oh, disgusting...” Discord's talon flickered, squeezing out the last bit of juice to power the shield, but it didn't do much to stop the dwindling power. “There's Cerberus!” The large guard dog of hell stood at the side of the gate, far larger and fiercer than Fluttershy remembered. The three headed beast was flat on its tummy, breathing heavily and peacefully as it slept. Its breath was like the air from a furnace. “I don't believe it,” Fluttershy squeaked. “It looks so different!” “It would,” Chrysalis pointed out. “The evil of Tartarus has become stronger, and the beasts inhabiting the land have become more sinister and powerful.” She smirked. “So have fun with the dog.” “If I had it my way I'd transform that mutt into a fluffy Pomeranian,” Discord muttered to himself. “Stupid...magic sucking monsters. Come on, this shield is not going to last forever. There should be enough time for us to slip through the gate.” “Why the hay would the gate be open?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously. “No wonder monsters are getting out!” “There's a difference between the seal of the realm itself, and the gate. The gate is how mortals who have been sentenced to suffering in this realm manage to get in, but the seal itself is what prevents the demons from releasing into our world. Something is weakening the seal, which is how the lands are cursed and the monsters are roaming.” “Right, right, let's have this discussion when we're inside the gate, in the safety of...” The draconequus trailed off. “Alright then, so let's just have this discussion another time.” The group of ponies quietly crept past the sleeping guard dog, pausing at the entrance to the gates long enough to look at the beast. “Still want to pet his belly, Flutter Butter?” Discord sniggered. The pony scowled at him. “Just get in the gate!” There were many things the group was expecting the moment they stepped through the gates; blinding heat, or the sight of fire and thousands of demon eyes staring at them. Instead, the only thing that washed over their bodies was an ice cold chill, and the sensations of thousands of demonic presences. Almost everything was pitch black other than the illumination of a dim crimson from the skies above. The ponies turned when a golden light lit the darkness behind them. Discord hovered there, his entire being brimming with intense magic, and his talon sparking brightly to guide them through the dark forest. He felt more powerful than he had in ages, and had no idea if he should be elated or concerned about that. “How...interesting my magic came back the moment we stepped in this realm.” Shouldn't Tartarus have the adverse effect on him? Then again, it was a realm entirely different from Equestria, and the Decaying Mountains marked the end of Equestria. Perhaps he was at a safe enough distance from the magic sucking demons by now. He didn't want to think of any other reasons as to why he felt strong in Tartarus. “At the very least we have enough light now,” Twilight mumbled, igniting her horn for some extra guidance through the black abyss. The group continued to trek carefully through the silent forest, preparing for any given moment that a demon would lunge at them. They had only been walking for a few minutes before they became aware of the ominous, black silhouettes surrounding them. Even Chrysalis felt her chest convulse with a surge of fear, as she had seen these shadows tormenting the damned souls of the living and knew what they were capable of. The ghostly entities just floated there, silently staring at the petrified group with the gaps of light that were their eyes. As Discord and Chrysalis prepared for an attack, they fled, all ascending out the top of the forest without giving any of them so much as a second glance. The group exhaled in relief. “Scary shadow monsters,” Twilight murmured; “Check that off the list of Things To Watch Out For In Tartarus.” Pinkie Pie quivered, her hooves knocking together as she gazed around the insidious land. “This doesn't look like a nice place to stay. It's so dark and...it could really use some color and sunshine!” “Yes, well remind me to bring confetti and balloons on our next trip,” Discord snapped. “We can have a party to liven up the place.” Ten minutes into the journey, the group of ponies spotted a crack of light in the distance, spilling in blood red rays. They weren't sure whether or not to they should be relieved at leaving the cold forest, and into....most likely a more frightening and dangerous situation. Discord floated closer to the red opening and turned to the mares. “Here is where you kids stop. I'm not letting you go any further.” Every jaw hung in shock, and Rainbow Dash stomped her hoof. “You've gotta be kidding me! You think we're just going to let you go confront....whatever you're confronting ALONE?” “Yes,” the spirit said sternly. “We're in Tartarus and I'm the best bet out of all of us against whatever monster is in there causing everything. Plus, I have excellent negotiating skills. I'll be able to persuade it to stop this carnage easily~” Chrysalis bit her lip. Her plan wouldn't work this way. “You are strong, Discord, but I really feel you should have the Elements as back ups. They're the strongest relics known to Equestria, and should your magic and...negotiating fail, you'll have another plan up your sleeve.” The draconequus looked thoughtful for a moment, and then he nodded. “I suppose that's correct. Stay in the thickets unless Chrysalis tells you all otherwise. Hopefully you won't be needed—no offense, ponies. I just don't want to put you all into un-necessary danger.” He glanced down when he saw a certain, loopy, lavender pony clinging tightly to his leg and whimpering like a pug. “No, Screwball, you aren't coming.” He physically pried the pony off his leg and pushed her toward the group of concerned mares (and dragon). “Will you be alright?” Twilight asked softly. Discord tried for a brave smile, but his chest was fluttering on the inside. “I wouldn't worry, Sparky. God of chaos here, so I'm certainly not helpless.” He leaned over when a saffron pegasus flew up to him. “Be careful, sweetie,” Fluttershy whimpered out, tears in her eyes as the two nuzzled. “Come back safely.” A playful look came to her wet, teal eyes. “If you don't I'll send the feather duster after you. I brought it, you know.” He giggled. "I'll keep that in mind." The spirit took a deep breath as he set her down. “I want you all to tell my wife I love her, and my unborn child as well.” He sniffled and wiped a tear from his eye. “And if I do die out there, I want you all to know-” sniff, “that you're all very annoying.” The girls exchanged wayward frowns and Chrysalis snorted. Discord turned to the opening leading out of the forest, and with a deep breath, he stepped out. xxxxxxxx “Would you care for a freshly baked biscuit, your highness?” The queen's face turned a lime green at the mention of food, and she fought back the urge to gag. Taking it as a no, the servant quickly hurried off. It had been like this all day. Scratch that, all week. Eat, throw up, repeat. Eat, throw up, repeat. Eat, throw up, and then throw up again, and then again, and then repeat. “Oh, you are definitely your father's child,” the monarch sighed as she rubbed a hoof over her stomach. “You're more trouble than you're worth.” The seed of the goddess of harmony and the god of chaos... What an endearing train wreck that was going to be. Her violet eyes roamed to the door when she spotted the pale, beige snout of her favorite servant peering in. “Come in, Rain Drizzle. No need to spy now.” Flushing, the elderly mare quickly scurried in, her magic hovering something behind her back. “My apologies, Celestia. I just wanted to be sure you were up.” “Yes, I'm gracefully hacking my lungs into a bucket right now, but I can spare a moment I suppose.” “I brought you something.” A large and rather lifeless bouquet of flowers was gently set on the bed. The queen gently grazed a hoof over the limp petals, watching as they broke merely by her touch. “How...thoughtful?” Rain Drizzle shuffled her hoof sheepishly. “These were the most alive flowers I could find in the gardens. The drought is spreading to Canterlot.” Celestia shuddered out a sigh and laid her head back against her pillow. The pathetic, dying morsels that used to be luscious blossoms were proof of the disasters ravaging the lands. “Equestria is dying and there is nothing I can do to stop it.” Rain Drizzle lifted Aegeus's memoirs from Celestia's bedside table and hovered it in front of her. “Weren't you reading this to see if anything in it could help us?” Celestia took the book with a heavy sigh and started flipping through the pages. “I was, yes, but so far I haven't found any solutions to our problems. The only thing I've accomplished is invading my father's privacy.” She flipped the the page with the rogue looking Elements and showed it to the mare. “But take a look at this. Doesn't this look like a morphed version of the Elements? Their colors are rustier and the diamonds are sharp and jagged, but what else could it be?” Rain Drizzle blinked. “Maybe those can help us.” “But what are they and how do we find them?” She gazed at the gemstones and felt a chill wash over her. They were only drawings, but something about them gave the queen an unsettling feeling in her stomach. “Perhaps you should read further into the memoirs,” the aged mare suggested. “I doubt your father would mind you invading his privacy if it's for the sake of saving your country.” That was true. To Aegeus, Equestria always came first. It was his first priority and he'd do anything to protect it. She knew her father would want her to do the same. Celestia thanked Rain Drizzle for the flowers and determinedly set the book in front of her, relentlessly scanning the frayed pages for a solution. xxxxxxxx So far, Tartarus wasn't as bad as Discord feared it would be. Sure the decor wasn't in his tastes, but there weren't as many demons trying to chew off his limbs as he feared there would be. In fact, there were none. For a realm designed for the damned souls and mutated monsters, it was empty. When Discord did encounter a demon it fled the moment it saw him. Perhaps this won't be so difficult after all. The draconequus stood on one of the volcanic rocks and peered around at the empty surroundings for any sign of life. “Hello? Is any monster there?” It was silent other than a ripple of hot wind, and then the spirit heard an ominous and somehow...familiar chuckle. “We prefer the term 'demon', as it is much less insulting.” Immediately, the spirit's talon flared in defense and the voice laughed again. “Now there's no need of that, child, but it's good to see you have some fight in you. The name is Maelstrom. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, oh King of Equestria...” The spirit's breath hitched as the source of the voice slithered out of the darkness. Instantly, his attack stance fell as he nearly staggered in shock, staring at the monster. “You're...” The creature was larger than him, but there was no mistaking what he was, from the twisted horns, to the mismatched limbs, and two poking snaggleteeth. The entity's eyes mirrored a sea of blood--wet and demonic. His head was a rusted brown, and the rest of his serpentine form so brown it was nearly black. Extending from his back were two wings, almost the size of his entire body. One was a pure, feathered white, while the other one was jagged and jet black. His crimson tail slithered across the rocks, black spikes protruding from the scales. “You're a draconequus?!” Maelstrom slowly circled the younger draconequus, his eyes never leaving him for a moment. He took in every detail of the smaller body, his face unreadable. “So you're finally here.” Discord shivered as the demon's grisly paw gripped his smaller face, the crimson eyes studying him before finally pulling back. “You're a draconequus...” the spirit breathed out, needing to blink several times to make sure he was seeing things correctly. A real, live draconequus was standing in front of him. He staggered back a step, and Maelstrom made no movement. “You catch on fast, don't you kid,” the demon snorted. He smirked when the younger spirit's face scrunched up into a pout, and he ascended higher into the sky. Still babbling for a moment, Discord followed him. “Are we the last of our kind?” Discord's eyes roamed over the realm, but it was still nothing more than a ghost realm. “Strange, I would have thought Tartarus to be a little more....rowdy.” A cold sneer slid over the larger draconequus's face as he turned to Discord, his red eyes piercing him. “We are indeed the last of our kind.” A sad, almost melancholic look came to his face as he gazed around. “Our kind was killed off long ago by those wretched alicorns. The same kind as the ones you've lived with the majority of your life.” It felt as if a block of ice had settled in the pit of the draconequus's stomach, but he forced away the panic as he tried to rule out the logical explanations for Maelstrom to know he lived with Celestia and Luna. “I guess you know that because of my status, right?” Discord's talon began to instinctively glow in warning as the larger entity began to circle him once more. “Oh, not quite...” The sinister chuckle made the spirit shiver, and his magic to flicker and sputter in fear. “I know everything about you, child... I've shadowed you since you were an infant, and I know every detail of your life...” Intimidated and feeling dangerously trapped as the demon prowled around him, Discord managed a shaky snort. “Well, I can't help but feel personally violated about that part. Why exactly have you been stalking me since I was born?” Maelstrom bellowed with laughter, making Discord shudder all the more. “Oh now, stalking is such a harsh word. I merely wanted to be sure you were being raised the way you were supposed to be.” His face twisted in utter disgust and pure, black hatred. “Needless to say, I was highly displeased with the way that wretch chose to do it.” Discord's fear diminished as a deep flicker of rage burst forth in his chest, his teeth baring viciously as his hands became engulfed with fire. “How DARE you speak about my father that way! You say anything bad about him ever again and I will personally rip out those gross, red eyes of yours and stuff them down your throat. “My father was a kind, just King, and he never committed any atrocities in his day, and certainly never did anything to earn the title of Wretch!” “Is that really what you think, colt?” Maelstrom snarled viciously. “Has living with ponies for thousands of years corrupted your mind that much? You know nothing about Aegeus and what he has done to our kind. I highly suggest you watch your razor tongue around me, boy.” Discord yelped as tendrils of black constricted firmly around both his arms and legs, holding him back from the entity, whose face was brimming with hate. The spirit whimpered as the tendrils held him tighter, binding him there in the spot as he snarled and thrashed, his magic dispelling the binds and glowing dangerously with the intent to attack. “Whatever he did you deserved. Aegeus was an honorable stallion and I will not tolerate such disrespect against him. I am the KING of Equestria, and I will have you-” “You really think your little title has any power over me, child?” Maelstrom laughed. “Oh Discord, if only you knew who you were dealing with. Your passion at the very least is commendable if not simply pathetic.” He grinned maliciously, caressing the spirit's face with a sharp, falcon talon. “I wouldn't waste your energy, boy. You need to save it.” Discord snapped viciously at the draconequus, but he only drew back with a sneer. A blast of fire pulsated from the tip of the spirit's claws, and sent Maelstrom slamming back into a rock. Wincing, the elder draconequus pulled himself to his feet and smirked, wiping the blood stains from his face and passing a healing talon over the bits of charred flesh. “Such a pity. I was hoping we could actually talk and get to know each other better before you took a tantrum.” Discord smirked, his snaggle tooth glinting ferociously in the red light. “I can see trying to negotiate with you is going to be futile. You're like the way I used to be when I was nothing more than an evil bastard that refused to see reason.” Maelstrom laughed as he prepared a colossal orb of black magic in his own hands. “Oh yes, such wondrous days those were. They were the only days that gave me hope you wouldn't turn out to be such a weakling.” Discord bristled with rage. “I am not weak.” Maelstrom only smirked. “Then prove it.” xxxxxxxx Celestia had been reading through her father's memoirs for hours, and so far, there was nothing that she found helpful. Aegeus didn't have much in the book other than describing his experience at the Guardian Council—something Celestia remembered very little of, being as young as she was. “This is hopeless,” the queen snarled, hurling the hard book onto the mattress, It flipped open to a page she hadn't seen yet. Cautiously, she picked up the book and stared to read. It's been three days since the war with the draconeqii. Maelstrom has been eradicated, hopefully for good, but our problems are far from over. If anything, a reckless decision on my wife's part may have started a whole new one. The home we've constructed is ready for us to finally move in so we can raise Celestia and our-soon-to-be-born foal. Celestia was out in the gardens for the first time, and Astraia and I were near the sprouts we recently planted when we heard Celestia shriek. She came scampering back to us, and she wasn't alone. A tiny, ugly little mismatched critter followed her back. It could barely walk, so we knew it was young. It didn't take much investigating to learn it was a baby dracoenquus, and that it had somehow survived the extinction of the draconeqii clan. There was something concerning to me about the baby though. I could sense it had overwhelming power and I knew it wasn't the son of any normal draconequus. I'm not a cruel king, but I was prepared to regretfully terminate it. No good could come of any draconequus being left alive, not if Maelstrom tainted all of them. Astraia wouldn't let me kill it, and somehow thought adopting it would be a good idea. We learned from our seer that the baby was the spirit of Discord; chaos and disharmony. She warned us to drown it before its evil became uncontainable, but Astraia refused. I couldn't say I was too fond of the idea of killing it either. It was only a baby after all. It was a long shot, but Astraia and I decided we would teach Discord about harmony, and our seer advised we lock away the records of the war and prevent baby Discord from ever learning about where he came from. At this point I'm not sure what the outcome will be. He's bound to find out eventually in life and we know what that demon was capable of. If Discord truly is who we think then there may be no suppressing his evil. xxxxxxxx “Had enough yet, child?” The bruised and bloodied Maelstrom hovered in front of Discord, who was injured as well. Maelstrom took the brunt of the damages; gashes and magical burns adorned his skin. For the most part, he was testing the kid draconequus's strength, and hadn't doled out many blows himself. “I'd like to keep going if you don't mind, gauge your strength more...” Discord wheezed out a coughing laugh, clenching his fists tightly as the two draconeqii slowly circled each other, on all fours. “I assume you won't be relenting anytime soon. Just what exactly is your plan? What are you trying to accomplish here?” A smile snaked over Maelstrom's lips. “Funny, Chrysalis asked me the same thing. Wanting to know my motives seems to be a popular notion it seems. Wouldn't you say so, Chrysalis?" The spirit felt his blood froze rigid. “Chrysalis?” It was then that the spirit spun around, and spotted the eight bodies hanging helplessly in the air, bound and immobilized with changeling magic. Chrysalis stood right below them, surrounded by changelings. “Well done, Bug,” Maelstrom smirked. “You've been far more valuable than I expected you would be.” “No...” Utter, cold betrayal stabbed into the draconequus's chest like a knife as he simply stood there, the look of anguish and disbelief enough to cleave through anyone's heart. “No, you couldn't... You wouldn't!” The look on the queen's face was as frosty as ice, no longer keeping the gentle masquerade as she stalked toward him, pinning him to a rock in a web of green magic. “I knew it,” Discord snarled painfully, lifting his face to meet the strained face of the mare standing in front of him. “I knew we couldn't trust you. All this time when we actually thought you were helping us. You were always siding with the demon.” “You're wrong, Discord,” the changeling said coldly. “I didn't choose him over you. I chose my children. We were promised the life and power we've deserved since the changelings were born.” From behind her, Maelstrom cackled. “And the fact you actually listened to me was perhaps your biggest blunder yet, you old mare.” Instantly, the look of assured confidence dropped from Chrysalis's face, and her ears fell back, the regal changeling queen looking more like a filly than she ever had. “What?” She cried out as needle sharp claws dug into her chest as Maelstrom jerked her up to his face. “Did you honestly think I would keep my word? Were you actually stupid enough to believe the god of death itself would keep his promise to you, or were you simply that desperate? I'm the King of Darkness, and the last thing I need is a little parasite like you trying to keep up in my shadow.” Instantly, the wide eyes of the changeling narrowed into wrathful, murderous slits. She snarled so viciously her lips felt as if they would split her face. As her horn began sparking with dangerous, green bolts, Maelstrom simply hurled her back with an explosive blast. Chrysalis's spell lost its grip on the girls and Discord, as the ponies hurriedly scrambled to the box containing the Elements. “I have to give you credit, kid,” Maelstrom chuckled as he tilted Discord's chin up. “You certainly have the fire your mother did. Such a shame you didn't inherit much from me other than the dashing good looks.” Discord was barely conscious, but the unadulterated shock still slammed into him with the force of a mallet, his blurry eyes widening as he stared at the entity. “Wh...what?” “Formation, girls!” Twilight shouted, flipping her tiara onto her head. The ponies gathered to form a circle around Maelstrom, the gemstones on their necklaces and tiara beginning to pulse with power. There was no apparent fear on the demon's face, his smirk only growing all the more wider as the magic grew stronger. Suddenly, the Elements became blinding and emitted a piercing, resounding shriek that echoed through the entire realm. The jewels began to quiver and spark with electricity, screeching so horrendously it was deafening. There was an explosion of gold as the necklaces and tiara shattered into tiny fragments, and the charred ponies were blasted back, convulsing as their bodies sparked and jolted. No longer stones, the rainbow energy of the gems rose up from the group of injured ponies, and began to rotate around Maelstrom in a circle. Black magic seeped from the draconequus's hands, and slowly, the rainbow hues began to morph. The group could only watch as the vibrant rainbow slowly lost its pigments of color and became darker and rustier, taking the jagged shape of deformed diamonds. The ponies stared, watching as Maelstrom slowly ascended into the air with the corrupted Elements. He cackled, and his cackles were joined with hundreds of others, echoing from across the realm. “You ponies should never have tried to be heroes,” he called out to the helpless and wounded group. “Because now you've lost...” The cackles grew louder as the foundations of Tartarus began to crumble, and the ground shook. Discord barely had the time to weakly summon up a shield to protect the girls, his serpentine form curling around the seven of them as they watched as - in a literal and metaphorical sense - all hell broke loose.