//------------------------------//
// The Price of Victory 
// Story: Through the Centuries I loved Him 
// by TARDIS_Brony 
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The Price of Victory


It has been two years since we left our temporary planet home. In that time we have seen things fantastic and terrible in our tireless search for Equestria. It has been so long I now consider the TARDIS more my home than the place I am destined to save. I spent ten years living here around ponies I call my family what else could it be? This is my home it is familiar it is what I know best. I may not know what lays beyond the doors when we land, however so long as my family is their I know we can handle it.
We have been through so many adventures together, though some were hazardous we manage to get through. My sister and I support the Doctor anyway we can to make it back to the TARDIS unscathed. I recall my time against the Seraph and Ruin the lessons from those experiences help prepare me for later on. We have run into many hostiles in our travels whose main purpose is to rule over and control. I learned that many of them give promise of a bright tomorrow, but hide their true objectives until it is to late. This is the pattern the most of the evil we fought followed, I remember a creature that only purpose was to destroy.
The planet was lush and full of life, at least half of it was. The other half was a desolate waste land where nothing grew. At first we believed this natural state of the planet until we found the few survivors. The survivors were terrified scared they would be the next to disappear. They explained to us the the planet was once full of life until a star fell from the sky. After the star fell where it impacted begun to disappear bit by bit. They believed that the star was cursed so they sent parties to destroy it, none returned. It was soon after the villages began to disappear one day they be standing the next gone. Left behind was inhospitable land that was poison to any life left in the area. In only a few weeks time half the planet was gone the survivors gathered together to make a stand.
During this time the Doctor remained quiet, very unlike him, thinking about what we were told. I asked him what he was thinking. All he said is that if he is right about what is happening the planet was most likely doomed. I wanted to save the planet and the survivors, I told the Doctor I would do it with out his help. I set off to investigate the sight of the fallen star. I flew the place and found it, thanks to the director of the survivors. I analyzed the sight and noticed the crater size was far to small for the object that had fallen there, the object was not a rock, and it looked as if something had burst out of the object. I quickly returned to the survivors and told them what I found. They did not know what to make of it, however the Doctor did he called it a Devour.
Devours are creatures created by the Goddess's dark brother with only a single purpose consume all life on a planet. The Doctor does not know how many there are, but he knows of the destruction they cause. They seal themselves in a cocoon to travel through space hibernating until they land on a planet. Once there they change becoming the perfect predator and consume everything in their path. Once the planet is devoid of life they seal themselves away launch into space to renew their mission.
I was horrified by this information how many planets did it destroy before this one, how many innocent lives taken? I pleaded to the Doctor to find a way stop the creature. The plan he came up with was to gather the poisoned land and trick the creature into eating it. We gathered the rotting soil with magic, nopony could go near it without feeling ill. The Doctor told us the creature would be drawn to it if the soil was enhanced with magic by enchantment. He warned us it would be a one time deal if the creature did not perish it would become unstoppable.
We set the trap and waited for the creature to appear, I will never forget what I saw. The creature moved swiftly attracted by our bait, we did not even see it at first due to it's swiftness. When I finally caught a clear view of it I had to keep myself from shrieking in fright, it was a monster. The creature was huge with rows of teeth and razor sharp claws its skin was leathery and it smelled of rotting flesh. The screech it made was ear splitting as it examined our bait using senses for I could not see any eyes. The Doctor was worried it would not take the bait and told my sister and I to enhance our enchantment to make it irresistible. The plan worked and the creature took bait and we watched as it perished from it own poison. It was the first time I actively took a life, I hope I never have to again.
Not all of our adventures were bad we made many allies in our travels. One such ally was a rock being as the Doctor deemed them. The magic on the planet was in such concentration that it gave thought to the stone. Creating life out of something that never had it before, the Doctor called it environmental magic in it purest form. They did not know what to make of us at first, never seen organic creatures before. There were many tribes each taking what form they thought the best. We managed to get them to make friends with each other by showing they coexist using all the forms. They all became our friends even copied us taking shape of ponies to honor our visit when we left.
My memories are interrupted by the sounds of the TARDIS landing, wonder where landed this time. I make my way to the main area the Doctor and Luna already there.
"Sister how nice of you to join us perhaps now we can find out where we are," sarcasm in her voice. She has taken to the Doctor and is with him far more often than with me. In this time she has picked up some of his qualities such as his mischievous nature and sarcasm. There are times I can see the same glint in her eye and smirk as the Doctor that signifies trouble. She also knows more about the ship's operation than I, I believe she may have tried piloting the TARDIS and be responsible for some our rougher landings.
"Luna there is no need to act like that," scolding her. "Celestia needs some time alone to collect her thoughts," the Doctor grinned at me in my defense. "You two are sisters and should always look out for each other. I won't be around forever," he said eerily.
"I am sorry Celestia," the thought of losing the Doctor causing Luna to shake. I felt the same I could not think of us without him.
"I forgive you, so where are we?" changing our subject quickly.
"Let check the scanner," the Doctor turning on the monitor. To our surprise we saw ourselves on the screen.
"Doctor it is us," waving my hoof as the screen copied my motion. "Is there a camera in here?" moving back and forth in and out of the screen to make sure.
"No, this is quite strange the scanner has never done this," the Doctor fiddling with the adjustments. "The only way this would be possible is if we landed inside the TARDIS," looking around for a blue box inside the ship.
"Can we land inside the TARDIS Grandfather?" Luna questioned also looking for a blue box.
"The TARDIS can never exist in the same time in place," revealing a nature of the ship. "There must be some sort of magic involved," as the scene on the screen changed to that of a soap bar. The screen kept on changing showing us many different things from forests to volcanoes, it never stayed the same thing for long.
"What should we do Doctor?" I glanced at the reading showing us nothing constantly changing never settling on a single point.
"There is little we can do," the Doctor opening the doors of TARDIS. "We need to leave the ship and find the cause of all this mess. You two can go without me I need to get my equipment, do not go far," leaving the room.
"Let us go sister," Luna expressed excitedly leaving me behind exiting the ship. "You got to see this you will not believe it," yelling from the other side and I followed.
The sight that greeted me was amazing and confusing nothing I saw made any sense. The ground was checkered red and white forming into cones in different places. Other places the ground was rough and multicolored in another spot is was smooth and white and covered in soap, which my sister was currently skating on. The sky only added to strange scenery the sun and moon were constantly changing place flipping from night to day never staying the same for long. In the distance I could see a spot where it was snowing and next to it an area that appear to a dessert. Above me were pink clouds that looked much like cotton candy when one started to pour over our heads my sister open her mouth.
"Sister it is chocolate milk rain," drinking the rain as it pour over her. I drank some as well to discover she was right. Looking in the distance noticing mountains of ice cream and cake licking my lips wondering if they were a sweet as they appeared. My hungry curiosity was interrupted by the clattering of equipment hitting the ground. Behind me the Doctor stared at everything shocked into silence.
"Doctor, what is wrong?" never seen him so shocked that he would drop his treasured equipment. My sister hear the noise and my worry joining us to see why the Doctor is in such a state.
"Celestia, Luna I know where we are," he spoke looking around as if enemies surrounded us.
"That is good, is it not Grandfather?" my sister unsure if to be worried or not.
"Where are we Doctor?" the scene around us constantly changing never remaining the same. "This place is strange nothing makes sense, it is so chaotic," observing what I saw before my eyes.
"Yes chaotic is the right word," the Doctor spoke in a dark tone. "That is what this place is chaos. After all this time we finally made it," collecting his thoughts before focusing on us. "Celestia, Luna... welcome home," the words hit me like a buck to my side. 
"Please Doctor tell me your not serious," pleading with him, he did not meet my eyes. "This is Equestria?" looking at everything in a new way looking much more distorted than before.
"I am afraid it is," giving me the answer I did not want. "Everything you see is Discord's doing his influence on this world changing the land to his twisted whims," my sister's joy she had before now gone seeing the world for the abomination it is.
"What do we do now Grandfather?" Luna uncertain of herself.
"We do what need to be done," the Doctor standing tall. "The time has come for the two of you to fulfill your destinies that was given to you when we left on our journey. To rid this world of chaos and return it to the way it once was. Everything we seen and everything we done has been working to this point to make you both ready, are you ready?" looking at us with confidence.
"I am ready Doctor," inspired by his speech. My sister agreeing with me ready to take on the evil as well. "We will work together to stop Discord. You will help and guide us, right Doctor?" smiling at him.
"Of course," I could hear some regret in his voice. "The first thing we need is information," changing his mood quickly.
"What sort of information Grandfather?" Luna questioned.
"Do you two remember what we need to defeat Discord?" we nod knowing we need the Elements of Harmony. "We need to find out where the elements are," confirming our mission.
"Where do we go Doctor?" uncertain of the path before us.
"We need to go to a place with other ponies may be hiding," the Doctor looking deep in thought. "A place where his magic is weak, a place that has been bathed in chaotic magic, and a place he would leave alone."
"There is there place like that Doctor?" looking around us it seemed no place was beyond his power.
"You don't know his history like I do," he sad mysteriously. "Ah ha, yes there is one place," a light of realization in his eyes. "The Everfree Forest it fits my criteria," grinning smugly.
"Are you sure Grandfather?" my sister spoke tentatively. "The Everfree is scary nopony would go in there," trying to convince him not to go.
"Precisely that is why it is perfect place," certain of himself. "Nopony will go in which is why he would leave the forest alone. It also has been chaotic magic infused from when Discord first gained his powers, therefore his magic would be weaker in the forest," proud of his deduction.
"Are you sure ponies would hide in there from him Doctor?" knowing even untouched the forest would be dangerous to travel.
"There is only one way to find out," giving me that trouble making grin of his. We left the TARDIS behind to find the Everfree in this warped world, perhaps we will find ponies with information first then we would not need to enter the forest.
It was difficult to navigate this twisted world everything moved and changed, I believe that even the ground rotated changing our directions more than once. Finding the Everfree could be next to impossible assuming the Doctor was right and Discord had left it unchanged. 	I offered to the Doctor to take to the air to search giving the argument that I may be able to see beyond the changing landscape and spot the forest. He denied my request saying that we did not know where Discord was he could be anywhere watching drawing any attention to us could be hazardous. The Doctor explained it was possible Discord was already watching us, I looked around warily, and our presence was a source of entertainment for him. I pointed out if that was true why go about being careful we should try and get to the Everfree before Discord showed up and took a real interest. The Doctor told us if it was a game we had to play by Discord's rules if we did not Discord may consider us breaking his rules, in Discord's game the only one allowed to break the rules was him. I reluctantly took the Doctor's advice and stayed on the ground wondering if we were in Discord's game or not.
I do not know how long we traveled my concept of time was distorted due to the constant raising and setting of the sun and moon. I thought perhaps we may never find the Everfree or any ponies the insanity of this place getting to me.
"Look, I think I see something," my sister breaking me of my depression. "It is floating above," I look and see a floating island a large building on top.
"It is the castle!" I exclaim excited. Above us in the distance floated our old castle home. Finding it first meant we may not have to enter the Everfree after all.
"Yes and look what is near by," the Doctor pointed out. Near the castle was what looked to be a town of twisted buildings. "There I see our destination in the distance," the Doctor pointed out with his hoof. In the distance far away from the floating castle was the Everfree Forest untouched by Discord magic just as the Doctor predicted it would be. "Lets not stand here lets go," the Doctor heading in the direction of the forest.
"Doctor why do we need to go there?" I ask. "There is a town and the castle floats above that is where we need to go to stop Discord," I argue not wanting to waist time pointlessly.
"I do not disagree with you the castle may indeed where we need to go," telling me I was right. "However now is not time we need to go there," bring me confusion.
"What do you mean Doctor?" frustrated with his riddle. "The castle may hold the elements and Discord it is the place we need to go," getting irritated as I tried to get my point across.
"May is a very strong word the castle could just as well hold neither," using his reprimanding voice. "We do not know how long we were gone Starswirl or even Discord could of moved them anywhere. We need more information before we are ready to take on Discord and we will find the help we seek in the Everfree," lecturing me.
"What makes you so sure? For all you know the only thing we will find in there is danger," trying to make his point flawed. "There is a town why don't we find help we seek in there?" feeling we had a better chance in the village.
"Nopony in that town will be able to help us, they can't even help themselves," he says mysteriously. "I see you can't be swayed," looking at me. "We will go to the village, but you may not like what you see," he warned changing direction and heading towards the town.
I am glad the Doctor decided to go my way he can be stubborn at times. I will prove to him that my decision was the right one we will find somepony able to help us in the town. The town itself was twisted the houses, or what I thought were homes, were at odd angles and points. I found it hard to believe anypony would live here unless they had little choice. Finding somepony in this mixed up town may be a more difficult endeavor than I originally thought.
I finally spotted a group of ponies they were gathered in one place making my hopes of finding help seem brighter. As we got closer I noticed something strange about these ponies. They were grey devoid of any bright colors like ponies I met before. I am not going such a small detail get to me I will still seek aid from them.
"Excuse me, I was wondering if you could help me?" talking to the closest mare to us.
"You can't have it," she bitterly replied. "It is mine and I am not giving any of it to you," surprising me with her spiteful attitude.
"I do not not want anything of yours," staying calm to sooth her. "I am looking for help," hoping she would be more responsive.
"It is all mine and I will not share," she spoke greedily. "It bet you here to steal it," she growled at me guarding herself.
"I am not here to steal anything," trying to calm her. "I am just looking for help," confused by her angry stance against me.
"All the help here is mine," acting like it was an object. "Everything here is mine," picking up random things and protecting them from me as she left.
The next series of ponies proved no better some were mean, others lied, and some just laughed never stopping. Each pony I approached proved to be twisted as the town that surrounded us.
"What is going on here Doctor?" frustrated over my lack of success.
"They have all been Discorded," his sigh telling me he had been expecting this.
"What do you mean Grandfather?" my sister looking at the insane grey ponies.
"It is a terrible power of Discord's," giving a haunted look. "Chaos is the power of change in Discord's claws this is the twisted result. He uses his power to change ponies manipulating them into doing what he wants acting how he chooses. Everypony here is a victim in his warped game where the lives of innocent ponies are his pieces," the Doctor clenching his teeth in anger.
"Is there anyway we can help them?" my sister wanting to give them aid.
"Only by defeating Discord can they be saved," telling us why our mission was so important.
"You knew it would be like this," I accused the Doctor. "Were you trying to prove a point to me?" crying in frustration.
"I was trying to prove nothing," he stiffly defended himself. "We came here because you wanted to I did not know what to expect. I feared it may be like this, but I was much like you hopeful to find somepony in this forsaken town that could help us. I did not want to enter that dreadful forest anymore than you," he admitted to us.
"I am sorry Doctor," ashamed how I acted. "Looks like I only wasted our time," I spoke in a depressed tone.
"You certainly did not," his statement surprising me. "Coming here gave us insight on the state of the world, I can only imagine what chaos has been inflicted in other places," I shuddered as images came to my mind. "If anything this adventure gave strength in our resolve to stop Discord," I look at the twisted town and nod in agreement. "To the Everfree and let us hope it holds the answers we seek," finding new bravery we head towards the Everfree Forest.
Leaving behind the cursed town we arrived at the boarder of the Everfree swiftly. We were all nervous about entering the wild forest, but we knew we had little choice and in we went. The forest seemed darker and more ominous from the inside  than the outside, I even looked behind us and the edge of the forest had vanished in the thick of the trees. In the forest it seemed everything obeyed it own set of rules. The light of the forest was always dim never bright, though the day was constantly between day and night the forest light seemed unaffected. Everything seemed alive around us from the rock to the trees ready to grab us should we venture to far. Long gone are the days when I was a filly and would of look forward to walking into these woods. I wonder why Discord has left it alone perhaps he enjoyed it keeping it the way it was a natural deterrent against ponies who may want to try to escape him. Judging from it size it has grown over time perhaps it feeds off the very chaos Discord admits, which would be a good reason for him to leave it alone.
The Doctor lead our trek through the Everfree, I am uncertain if he knows we are going. I decided long ago we were lost, but my sister and I continued to follow. The Doctor knew this forest better either of us he recognized plants and signs of animals that were of danger, without him I am sure we would of been some creature's dinner by now.
The Doctor came to a sudden halt I tried to ask and find out why we had stopped, but he silenced me before I got to ask motioning for me to listen. I heard as the trees were bent and even some break with the sounds of grunts coming behind us, we were being tracked by something large. I looked fearfully at the Doctor pleading silently for him to get us out of there. Whatever he had planned never came as six red eyes looked down on from the tree line it let out a grunt and we broke out into a run. I dared not look behind me as I ran keeping my sister and the Doctor in my view not wanting to be separated from them. The creature running after us I could hear it knocking down trees in it's pursuit if it caught us we were doomed. Our mad run came to an abrupt end coming to a dead end at a wall of rock with a vertical incline. The Doctor told us to take flight and get out of there he would distract the creature so we could get away, he told us we were far more important than him. We could not do it, we could not abandon him he never abandon us so why would we leave him? We both took hold of him and tried to fly, however it was far to late the creature caught up with us as dust covered us from the falling trees.
I could feel the creature gaze on us as I closed my eyes and prayed for a swift end the heat of the monsters breath on my coat. To my surprise I did not get chomped by a set of sharp teeth instead a long wet tongue met my coat as I was licked instead of eaten. I open my eyes confused was this creature play some sort of game, I could here my sister giggles of delight as I tried to look at the creature and was only met with a large tongue to my face and another coat of saliva.
"Cerberus," my sister laughed out. I looked up in shock my vision cleared to see the monstrous three headed dog. "You oversized puppy, you had us scared to death," my sister laughed as Cerberus tried to drown her in slobber. It was nice seeing our loyal monster dog after so long clearly he still remembered us his tail wagging happily behind him.
"Cerberus," called out the Doctor getting the dog's attention. "It been a while, you remember your good friend the Doctor," holding out his hoof so Cerberus could sniff. The dogs licking him and covering him in drool as my sister and I laughed. "Now that greeting are over I doubt you out here alone, isn't that right boy?" Cerberus wagging his tail in response. "It is in your nature to seek out ponies and protect them and I am sure you have a group here in these woods that you watch over," Cerberus jumps around in a circle as if to agree with the Doctor. "Take us to them Cerberus, take us to our friends," Cerberus crouching down letting us climb on his back taking off into the woods as soon as we were aboard.
Riding on the back of Cerberus is exhilarating watching as trees and rocks wiz by from his speed. My only disappointment of our trip was it was far to short for my liking. We made it to our destination quickly I was sad to get off of the giant dog. On his back we were probably the safest we could ever be in the forest, I scratched him behind the ear in thanks.
The place we were taken looked to me like a giant hole in the ground with stairs. I found it odd, did the ponies in here build this underground place? The stairs were old and worn some looked like only moss held them together, these observations threw out my previous thought. We made our way down the disheveled stair being careful not to let them crumble under our hooves. Together we came to a giant door that towered over us, I can't help but think it looks familiar, as we wonder what to do know that we were there. The Doctor took the initiative and proceeded to knock.
"Doctor, what are you doing?" surprised he would do something so bold.
"I am knocking," giving the obvious. "Seeing if anypony is here," the smirk on his face telling me he was enjoying my reaction.
"What if they attack us?" I state worried.
"This is the only door it not like we can burst in there," revealing the logic to the situation. "Far better to ask for permission than to act hostile," speaking wisdom. The door open with a load creek and there to greet us are three Unicorns magic glowing at the ready.
"Who are you?" one pony asked magic still charged. "Are you minions of Discord?" clearly untrusting.
"We are no minions of Discord," responded the Doctor disgust in his voice.
"How did you find us?" another unicorn spoke.
"Cerby brought us here," my sister replied her wings flared out in defiance.
"Wait wings, horn ... it can't be," spoke the third disbelieving. "The two of you are Alicorns," staring at us in shock. "There is no need for us to be afraid these ponies are friends," as he bowed before us. "Allow me to first to welcome home Princesses," the other two shocked at the revelation bow as well.
"You know who they are?" inquired the Doctor.
"Indeed I do," smiled the Unicorn stallion. "What is more I know who you are Doctor," shocking the Doctor with that statement. "Please come in we have much to talk about," the doors opening wide revealing the pony resistance it hid.
The area was large with make shift tents all around I could see all types of ponies here Pegasus, Unicorns, and Earth ponies all were here. It looks like they found a way to live underground there were clouds for rain and water, some plants were growing too, above it all was a make shift sun to provide light. Looking at it all brought me happiness I could clearly see what can be accomplished when ponies work together. In the center of the rebel camp stood something all to familiar, a pedestal missing five round objects that should be in orbit of each other.
"Doctor this is where the Elements were," telling him of my discovery. "We are back where we started. This is where we left our parents," tears coming to my eyes. My sister joining me in a hug as we cried about what we lost the Doctor rubbing our back to console us.
"To see the three of you here, I thought it would never happen," spoke the Unicorn that met us at the doors. "You three are legends many were starting to think my Great-Grandfather was crazy," his word breaking us from our sorrow.
"May I ask who that pony is?" the Doctor inquired.
"My Great-Grandfather is Starswirl the Bearded," grinned the Unicorn stallion.
"Ah good old Starswirl where is he may I speak to him?" the Doctor sounding happy at seeing his friend again.
"I am sorry," the pony spoke sadly. "Starswirl passed away a lone time ago," I could see the pain on the Doctor face.
"How long were we gone?" the Doctor asked though clearly showing he would rather not know.
"I am not sure," the Unicorn responded. "I have read the journal he left behind so I can guess about one hundred years," it took everything I had to remain standing from the shock of what we were told. A hundred years of living like moles underground from the wrath and fear of Discord.
"Discord left you alone for all that time?" I spoke not understanding why Discord would let anypony for that long.
"Yes and no," he responded sadly. "Discord knows we are here, at least that we are in the Everfree. I don't know if he knows our location. While Starswirl was alive he and Discord had many fights, unfortunately Discord always came out on top. However, Discord enjoying giving Starswirl hope and then dashing it so he let Starswirl go so he could try again," I was angry I could see Starswirl was just a source of entertainment for Discord. "After he passed away Discord decided to leave us alone waiting for the next Starswirl to come along. However, should we leave the safety of the forest he Discord us and make us live in that cursed village of his," remembering the place we left behind to come here. "That is what happened to my wife," he spoke sadly from his memories.
"I am sorry for you loss," spoke the Doctor. "We never did get your name," hoping to change the subject.
"Oh yes silly of me to forget," he laughed slightly. "I am Dusk Shine," introducing himself. I got a better look at this descendant of Starswirl now that I knew who he was. His coat was blue with a hint of very light purple, his mane and tail were darker with streaks of red and purple in them. His cutie mark was a four point star black on the inside with a yellow outline. With a horn a top his head, I saw no signs of him growing a beard to follow in Starswirl's hoofsteps.
"I have a daughter as well close to Celestia's age," he mentioned proudly. "Her name is Midnight Twinkle, I don't see her around otherwise I would introduce you," looking for his daughter.
"I am pleased to meet you and of course you know who we are," the Doctor joked. "The question is how do you know?" wanting to be revealed how this pony knew of us.
"The reason we know of you is because of this," Dusk showing us an old book. "This is Starswirl's journal he wrote everything he could about the three of you. He describes what you look like and even your mannerisms Doctor," the Doctor giving a smile.
"I am glad he did not forget me," he spoke sadly. "Does he write about the Elements of Harmony?" asking the important question.
"There are mentions of them," he reveals. "However, he does not tell where they are only that he hid them," I believing that our mission may just end here. "Though he mentions a message meant for you Doctor. That he coded in his spell book for you to read. Many ponies tried to find this message including myself, but I never could," showing us a black book with the moon and stars on it.
"There is no code that Starswirl has made that I can't crack," the Doctor smiles smugly. Taking the spell book and reading it. "A time travel spell," chuckling to himself. "I just make it a few changes," altering the spell. "There will last longer and be more stable," going through the spell book making changes to age old spells.
"Those works are priceless," Dusk spoke in a worried tone. "What are you doing?" getting frantic at the Doctor actions.
"Solving Starswirl's puzzle of course," he spoke without looking up from the book. "He knew none of you would touch his spells, but I on the other hoof would. Here we are the final spell, looks unfinished,"studying the final spell. "I don't believe I am the one to finish either, though his plan was quite foalish," closing the book.
"Were you able to solve Starswirl's message Grandfather?" Luna asked and I too wanted to know the message.
"Of course I did," the Doctor spoke smugly. "It was rather simple once I saw the mistakes in his spells, he was very clever to hide his message that way. A perfectionist like him would never of put spells like the ones I saw in his book, granted still usable just weaker. He knew the nopony here would mess with his spells it was made for me to change," he spoke proudly of Starswirl's cleverness.
"What does the message say?" I ask wanting to know about the Elements.
"It is better if I show you," he grinned and went to work. The Doctor went around gathering crystals and having Dusk aid him in placing them on the pedestal where the elements once sat and placing a crystal structure in the center of it all. "There now Dusk could you get everyponies attention? This message is meant for them as much as it is for me," waiting until all eyes were on the pedestal.
The Doctor grinned as he had Dusk light up each crystal one after another a sound appearing from each one as it was lit. The order as each one rang out made out a melody that echoed through the chamber. The central crystal lit up on it own playing back the tune. The tune itself was beautiful though I never heard it before I am certain I will never forget it. The sound of the tune made all the crystals in the chamber light up color shining every where. In the center an image appeared, it was Starswirl in the center of the chamber for all the ponies to view.
"Greetings to all to view this message," spoke the large Starswirl image. "Especially you Doctor since I made this message for you to find," he gave a chuckle. "I have no doubt Celestia and Luna are safe and are watching this message with you. If you are viewing this message it means that I have passed on and failed to stop Discord on my own. That is why I left the message and carved it magically into walls of this chamber for you to view when you arrive. My message is of the location of the Elements of Harmony. The simple fact is they are same place they always been," I was confused by this fact. We were in the place where the Elements should be, however they are not. "I could not move them from the pedestal at least physically, however magically I could. The Elements are no longer on this dimensional plane my spell removed them from this time and place," I wonder how we were suppose to get them. "Retrieving them will not be an easy task for when the spell was cast the castle had yet to be moved. However Discord change that when he took the castle and made it float. In order to get the Elements back the castle and this chamber must first be reconnected. After that it is up Celestia and Luna," I listen in knowing what comes next will be very important. "They must summon up the power of the final Element and its power will bring forward the other five," wondering how we were suppose to do this that Element was lost the day it came into the world nopony knew where it was. "I am sorry to push all the responsibility on the two of you, I have the greatest confidence in the two of you," the image giving a smile and fading away.
"What do we do now Doctor?" asked the astonished Dusk.
"Exactly what we need to," the Doctor said confidently. "We reconnect the castle and summon the Elements," stating the obvious.
"How?" asked the confused Dusk. "The castle is floating and is under the control of Discord. It is not like we can ask him to put the castle back," he speaks frustrated.
"Why not?" the Doctor's response surprising us all. "He wants to get at the Elements as much as we do. I am right am I not," speaking to the air.
"Doctor what are you doing?" I ask confused by his actions.
"Come on out," ignoring me and continuing to talk to the air. "Three unknown ponies enter you kingdom, how could you pass up the chance to watch them? Laugh as they wander around confused, but wanting them to solve for you what you could not," his calls to the air getting reactions as if listening to his words. "In a few hours three ponies were able to do what you could not for a hundred years, how frustrating that must be?"
"Who are you talking to Grandfather?" my scared sister squeaked out.
"Who else?" was his response as his words sunk in. "I know your there come out Discord," he calls to the air as everypony waits for the evil king to appear.
"It is no fun when I am called out like that," came a voice from the air. "You are very clever I will give you that, but you will not ruin my moment," said the voice. A bolt of lighting flashed through the air drawing the shape of a crooked tooth smile. "Fee fi fo fum I smell," a distorted nose appeared in the air taking a whiff. "Well I smell something perhaps it is me," another sniff followed by a cough. "Indeed it is me, note to self chocolate milk sours," came a laugh as the most crazy mashed up creature appeared before us.
I could see the body parts of many animals that made up his senseless form. I could see a griffon claw, a lions paw, the slender body like a snake with mismatched horns and wings. He was different colors with scales, fur, and long beard. Everything about Discord made no sense, but everypony around us was stricken with fear by his presence.
"Greetings everypony it is I Discord your Chaotic King," cheers and whistles came from the air using his magic to hail himself. "I know almost all of you here except for you three," his demented eye appearing before us looking us over. "Three unknown ponies appear in my kingdom from no where," reenacting the moment we arrived with magic. "It was the most interesting thing that has happened in a very long time. The dark colored younger one enjoyed herself in my chaos," my sister looking ashamed. "I thought finally somepony that appreciates all the fun I gave this world. Then the grumpy old one told the pony I was evil," his magic showing a much older and grouchy form of the Doctor lecturing us. "This only drew my curiosity a pony that I did not know knew of me and my name and magic. I had to find out more," the magic playing out showing our journey. "I could of stopped you at any time and demanded to know who you were, but what fun was that especially when one of the players knew the game," a picture of the Doctor explaining to me why I should not fly showed. "He knew the rules without me telling him investigated my little town on the suggestion of a filly," certain he said that to annoy me. "Into the forest they went and found safe travel on a giant mutt," showing us riding on Cerberus. "I knew I found somepony important that dog is loyal to very few he is the royal pet after all. My adventure ends here after seeing old mop beard and finding he had one last trick for me," his story closing shutting like a book as it disappeared into a wisp of smoke.
"Were you able to figure out who we are Discord?" the Doctor challenging him without fear.
"These two are simple enough," glowing signs over my sister and I heads saying Celestia and Luna. "They are Alicorns I only knew of three Mo..and Fa..," as it seemed he struggled to remember something. "The Lord and Lady of Equesteria."
"What did you do to our parents?" demanded my sister.
"I did nothing with them," as he looked sad. "They left me, all they did was say we are sorry and we love you and then left," I could feel his anger. "They faded before my eyes and left me all alone," again I could hear sorrow in his voice.
"What of the third?" the question slipping from my mouth.
"Third? There is no third only two," he had clearly forgotten about the third Alicorn. "The two of you are their offspring," focusing back on us. "According to the message left by mop beard you two are the ones that are going to stop me," he let out a burst of laughter.
"Don't think they can stop you," rang out the Doctor voice. "I assure you they can and will," speaking with high confidence in his voice.
"I know they can't," Discord argued back. "Mop beard hid the Elements from me and now I know where they are," he chuckled. "The best part is in order to get them you need to reconnect the castle in order to even use them. All I have do is keep my castle a float and you can never stop me, not well thought out at all on mop beard's part," he said in a board tone.
"Doesn't sound like you at all Discord," the Doctor goaded Discord. "The again you could never beat me no matter how many times you tired," the Doctor speaking of Discord's past.
"Beat me?" Discord laughed. "This is my first time meeting you wrinkled stallion. Who are you any way?" Discord questioned examining the Doctor with a magnifying glass. "You seem familiar, yet I am sure we have never met."
"You have met me before," the Doctor revealed. "In that twisted mind of your hides my identity and how you know me. Let make a challenge of it," the Doctor purposed. "You figure out who I am and you can do with me what you wish, should you give up you reattach the castle," giving his dangerous stakes.
"It has been so long since a pony has stood up to me," Discord thinking about the Doctor's offer. "I also want Celestia and Luna to play with me, I always wanted siblings," I held back my retort that we were not his siblings.
"That choice is not mine to make," spoke the Doctor as he looked over to us.
"We promise to play with Discord," I spoke holding back the disgust in my mouth.
"Then we have a deal," Discord held out his claw and shook the Doctor's hoof. "How did you know the rules to my game?" Discord starting his guessing game.
"We have played before," responded the Doctor. "You enjoyed making your own rules being in control," telling Discord of his nature.
"That does sound like me," Discord agreed. "When did you meet me?" Discord continued.
"Which you do you speak of?" the Doctor asking his own question.
"What do you me which?" I could see Discord was annoyed. "There is only one king of chaos so the being before you," Discord retorted.
"A few minutes ago," the Doctor smirked at Discord.
"You told me I knew you from before," Discord growled I could see his amusement waver.
"I did, you knew me from before you were Discord," the Doctor revealing Discord was not always who he was.
"I have always been Discord," he replied angrily.
"Not always there was a time before," the Doctor tried to remind Discord. "Before you absorb the power of chaos," the Doctor trying to break though to Discord as wind blew around the chamber.
"I always have been chaos," Discord clutching his head. "I remember three ponies when I entered into this world," spoke Discord from his twisted memory. "Two stallions and one mare, I don't remember the mare, one stallion was my teacher he just started growing a beard," I could see the memories were causing him pain. "The other was the one who cast me into the void that took me 20 years to be free. I cursed his name as I was sent away I have forgot his name, but I remember the hourglass cutie mark on his flank," staring at the Doctor's cutie mark, "You," he growled out.
"I was never there on that day," the Doctor trying to calm Discord down. "No matter how much I wanted to be there, no matter how hard I tried I could not be there on the day you needed me the most," Discord charging up his magic, "I am sorry Ev...," never getting to finish his sentence. I watch in horror as he is hit with a blast of chaotic magic.
"Grandfather!" I didn't even realize I was the one to scream it until the words left my mouth. Rushing over to him as he laid on the ground my sister swiftly joining me.
"Don't be so dramatic," came the irritating voice of Discord. "He probably just turn into a gerbil or something, though I never used that much magic on anypony before it will be interesting to see what happens next," clearly getting enjoyment from the Doctor's pain.
I watched as the chaotic bolts of magic danced over his body as he struggled to stay conscience. My sister cried as we watched him spasm his breath short and wheezing. He was in pain and all Discord did was laugh. I wanted so badly to help, but I did not know how. He raised me taught me everything I know turned every adventure into a lesson. He wanted us to call him Grandfather, but I never did because he was more a parent to me then my real parents ever were. I love him, I should of told him that so many times. My sister said it so easily to him when she thought I wasn't around. Why was I so reserved in saying the same? He is my family and he is my friend and I wish so desperately that I could help him.
"Hello little one," came a sweet soft voice in the back of my mind.
"Who are you?" not knowing if I was speaking or not. "Where are you?" looking around in the darkness.
"I am right here," all small light with a purple tint appeared in the dark. "As for who I am we met before. I am here because you called me here," the light giving off a familiar glow.
"Goddess," remembering the softness and feeling I was given when she was around. "The Doctor he been hurt," I say in a panic.
"I know, but don't worry my dear phoenix will rise again," her sorrow leaking into me telling me there was more to it. "You have a destiny to realize," changing the subject. "Grab hold of my power and use it to save Equestria," her voice fades away as I feel the power she spoke of. I take hold of it and the power floods my system. It was the missing element I could feel everypony around me like we were all connected to me they all needed me to save them and to be their friend. Friendship the true power behind the Element of Magic and now it was time to bring it back to Equestria.
I opened my eyes magic glowing around me I could see the surprise in my sister eyes I smiled at her and looked over to the struggling Doctor tears running down my face. Resolute in my decision I set forward to bring the other Elements and stop Discord once and for all. My mind expanded beyond the chamber overlooking the chaotic wasteland I found the castle floating in the air and pulled it back. Discord must of felt my pull because I felt resistance as I pulled the castle to its original place.
"Sister join me together we can stop him," as she took hold of my hoof and the magic coursed through us both. The fight was easy after that as the we rejoined the castle to the chamber. I could feel the other elements and we freed them of their dimensional prison.
"Any last words Discord," the Elements floating around us concentrating their magic.
"It more of a question really," raise his paw in the air. "What do you think of this pose?" giving out a laugh as he was hit with a rainbow of colors and turned to stone. I could feel the shift in the world as every that was wrong was turn right to it's natural state. I could feel the joy in nature as it returned to the way it should be.
"Grandfather," I cried his suffering now my greater concern. "We did it Discord's power has been eliminated, how do you feel?" hoping his suffering has stopped.
"It brings me great joy to hear you call me Grandfather Celestia," he coughed out his pain seeming to be unchanged. "I am very proud of you both in your success. I have a favor to ask of both of you," his coughs getting worse.
"What is it Grandfather?" spoke up my sister ready to help in any way.
"I need you to bring the TARDIS here," we both found this request to be strange.
"Can we even do that Grandfather?" I ask knowing how hard his request may be.
"Yes," his breath now shallow. "Individually you two are powerful in your own right, however together you can do anything. Let that be my final lesson to you," the thought of him leaving us brought tears to both our eyes. "Concentrate join your powers call the TARDIS and it will come," my sister and I touching horns calling out to the Doctor's ship.
I thought that finding the ship would be difficult, such was not the case for us. There are many things I do not not understand about the TARDIS, but right now I believe it may be alive. The TARDIS returned our call. I felt as if it sensed our distress and need for help. The ship gave us no trouble as we locked onto it with our magic letting us find it. Grabbing the TARDIS with magic proved hard it existed in and out of time in so many places it was hard to describe, I believe the ship help us there trusting us to bring it to the Doctor. I wasn't sure we succeeded until I heard what I thought to be the sad wails of the TARDIS appearing before us.
My sister and I help the Doctor into his ship. My sister did little to hide her emotions as tears ran down her snout. I tried to stay strong, but I could not stop some tears from falling. We let the Doctor go as he struggled to stand making his way to the controls, we watched he deserved to say goodby to his ship.
"Celestia, Luna," coughed out the Doctor. "I am sorry I won't get to see you grow into the rulers you were meant to be," we cried as he said his final words. "I am very proud of you both, treat each other well and be kind to the one who replaces me," gasping as he fell to the ground. Wishing I could help as I remember the words of the Goddess, how she said her phoenix would rise again and now the words of the Doctor.
"Luna look," the Doctor starting to glow. Light surrounding his head and legs it getting brighter and brighter. The light around him bursting in a bright flash and then dimming to nothing. There in the Doctor's place was a new stallion unknown to both of us. I wondered as I looked at this new stallion was our victory worth the price we paid.