Everyone in the gym was visibly petrified. Nightmare Moon turned her attention away from us and glanced around at the frightened students and inhaled as if to relish in the fear. I turned away and slowly backed up toward Twilight in an effort to chat with her.
I whispered so that only she and the girls could hear, “Twilight, you’ve dealt with her before. How exactly did you get rid of her?”
Twilight exhaled, “The Elements of Harmony.”
I nodded, “Alright then lets rainbow beam this place up!”
Twilight reached into her bag but froze, “Uh…”
Applejack took notice, “What do ya mean uh?”
Twilight smiled in embarrassment as she looked from side to side, “Uhm…I seemed to have forgotten to pack it.”
*
Spike was sleeping in the guest room as The Crown rested on the nightstand.
*
Sunset blinked, “Your saying you forgot to pack the one thing that can beat her…”
Twilight’s embarrassment seemed to grow, “Yes?”
I then began to scream as did the rest of the girls.
Sunset however seemed to be pondering something. Without a word she looked to the stage and smiled. She then beckoned us to follow which we did reluctantly. Soon we were all backstage as Nightmare Moon addressed the captive students.
I muttered under my breath, “Villains and their monologues.”
Sunset led us through several hallways back stage until we came to the student dressing rooms. She approached one door and kicked it open. Son we were all watching in confusion as she put her ear to the wall and began to knock on it.
Rainbow Dash said what we were all thinking, “Sunset, why are you knocking on the walls?”
Sunset continued her task as she answered, “Looking for something. Remember that night after the talent show ended and I vanished from my dressing room?”
Rarity slowly nodded, “Yes, but what does that have to do with you knocking on walls?”
Sunset stopped for a second, “Umbra was there that night. It’s sort of hazy but I remember that he came out of the wall in THIS change room and escorted me down to his lair. So our wisest course of action would be to go down to his lair, circle back to the boiler room and get to Dash’s house and come back here.”
I smiled, “Did I ever tell you that when you plan your cute as hell.”
She acknowledged the compliment but then whooped in victory upon hitting a hollow spot, “BINGO!”
She then backed up and kicked the wall. In a flash it snapped open inward into darkness; she tilted her head and glanced in ward. Applejack and I fell in step beside her as the cowgirl flashed her cellphone into the darkness to reveal a stone staircase leading down toward a distant door. Sunset pulled out her phone and flashed her light down as well; pretty soon we were all descending into darkness since Pinkie had shut the wall behind us. At first we couldn’t even see the walls but eventually we reached the door. Sunset hesitated at opening it, most likely remembering what lay beyond.
I placed my hand on her shoulder, “Together.”
I placed my hand on the door knob and we both opened it into the familiar room. However it seemed to have been ransacked as if a wild animal or hurricane had been unleashed within. I passed by Umbra’s coffee table and took note of a claw mark on the woods surface. We continued to walk around with sorrow at the destroyed sanctuary that once housed our potential friend. I stopped when I noticed a black door. I it seemed to lay directly next to the red door, it was no wonder I had not seen it before, it blended in so well with the wall. But why was I seeing it now? Maybe what Umbra did to it had become undone after his demise.
I turned to the girls, “Hey! Check this out.”
Twilight approached the black door, “What do you suppose is behind it?”
Pinkie Pie was standing at the red door, “Well I want to see what’s behind this one!”
Sunset stopped her, “Trust me…you don’t.”
Pinkie pouted as Fluttershy placed her ear to the black door, “No one’s inside.”
Rainbow Dash stepped forward, “Well let’s get inside then!”
We all tried to stop her as she opened the door. But what she saw must have shocked her. I stood beside her and was shocked as well. Within the room were a disheveled bed and a desk; upon the desk were sketches and various objects. On the walls however were different things that caused us all to look around. The walls were covered in sketches and photographs of the girls doing various things. I plucked one photo off the wall that showed the girls at the Formal in their pone forms. I took notice that on this one there seemed to be dark splotches as if someone had…oh.
I looked to find Rarity and the girls still in shock as I saw her looking at a photo of herself smiling at the photographer.
I glanced at the group photo, “What do you make of this?”
Sunset glanced around, “Some sort of twisted shrine?”
Rainbow Dash noticed photos that had been edited with cut outs, “Hey I know these ones.”
Sunset nodded slowly, “Bad memories.”
I shook my head, “This isn’t a twisted and demented shrine this is some sort of cry for help.”
Twilight glanced at me, “How do you know?”
I showed them the photo I held, “These are tear marks, and I was right in my speech when I said Umbra wasn’t a complete monster.”
Twilight understood as the girls took the photo, “He was lonely. Angry, but lonely.”
I remembered the scene back on the roof when Umbra had been reformed and sighed, “That must have been another driving factor for his revenge. If he was lonely then so to should everyone else be.”
The girls became saddened at this but cheered up. We all remembered that Umbra had been grateful for what we did for him. The girls placed the photo upon his bed and we all shut the black door. Soon we were all climbing the stairs to the boiler room.
*
Sunset glanced back and widened her eyes. A spectral Umbra stared back up at her, his hair having changed to resemble a more boyish version of hers. The white star rimmed with silver seemed to glint as he smiled at her.
Sunset happily whispered, “Goodbye Umbra.”
He waved, “Be seeing you Sunny.”
*
We all exited the school swiftly and made for the road. Above we began to take notice of the sun setting prematurely. Time was running short and we all knew it. So without any more delays we rushed down the street toward Rainbow’s house. After about close to an hour of walking we managed to open the door as Twilight zoomed upstairs. Immediately after she vanished to the upper floor she was descending fast and we were back out the door again but beheld the area. The moon had risen in the sky and it was unnaturally dark, I looked to Twilight who was horrified but none the less determined to stop the evil force within the school.
Twilight donned The Crown as the girls transformed, “Alright we know what has to be done. I just hope we’re not too late!”
I looked at her flatly, “You’re going to teleport us again aren’t you?”
Twilight nodded, “I apologize in advance.”
We all soon vanished in a flash of white.
*
Chrysalis was gazing from her vantage point down at the panicking gymnasium on anger, “How dare she take what’s mine? Oh is she in for it when I get The Algorithm back!”
Chrysalis’s eyes widened when she noticed a flash of white appear on stage and the familiar group of annoying friends emerged from it.
Her expression then changed to one of intrigue, “Well you know what they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
*
Twilight stepped forward, “Nightmare Moon, your time is up!”
Nightmare turned to regard her nemesis, “Ah now there is a face I remember. I see you brought the element of magic with you, but where are the others,” she smirked showing fangs, “Don’t tell me you’ve gotten sloppy?”
Twilight narrowed her eyes, “The magic of friendship is everywhere Nightmare Moon and your about to learn that-“
She was cut off as Scribe ran back stage holding his mouth.
Twilight cleared her throat, “As I was saying, you’re about to learn that the hard way!”
Nightmare Moon merely laughed, “Your threats would have more power behind them if it was not for the fact that you brought children to fight me!”
Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, “Oh I’m going to enjoy this.”
Nightmare Moon raised an eyebrow as her aura manifested upon her forehead again. Clouds gathered near the ceiling as lighting flashed and struck the floor at the girls feet causing them to jump back in fright.
*
I emerged from back stage, “What’s happening, did we win?”
I took notice of the scene before me as Nightmare Moon landed on the stage and advanced on the girls. I instinctively grabbed a nearby broom and rushed her with it, adrenaline fueling my actions.
She grasped the broom in mid-flight and wrenched it from my hand as I stared into those dark eyes, “Uh…”
Lightning flashed above turning her eyes into glowing white orbs.
I gazed at the imposing woman in armor and spoke with my voice breaking in fear, "You know, I’ve suddenly decided that I’m terribly afraid of you!"
Nightmare Moon picked me up with her magic as I yelled out in surprise.
*
Twilight raised her hands, “Don’t hurt him!”
Nightmare Moon smiled, “Well I might consider not doing so unless.”
Twilight became slightly nervous, “Unless what?”
Nightmare Moon smiled maliciously, “YOU and only you kneel before me and proclaim me your better.”
Twilight was taken aback, “What?!”
Nightmare Moon shook her head, “Better yet, give unto me your undying allegiance and I’ll consider letting this one go.”
Twilight clenched her fist, “Never!”
Scribe was not amused, “Twilight if I die because of that, I’m going to haunt you for eternity.”
Twilight gave Scribe a look, “You won’t die I’ll make sure of it.”
The girls stepped to her side as Nightmare Moon raised an eyebrow, “Oh this again? Well unfortunately for you I have this,” Nightmare Moon produced The Algorithm, “You sure it’s wise to proceed?”
Scribe began to laugh as the girls started to glow, Nightmare Moon glared at him, “What’s so funny?”
Scribe pointed at The Algorithm, “That thing is only at half power, you’re pretty much just brandishing a cap gun.”
Nightmare Moon glanced in fear at The Algorithm dropping Scribe, “No. NO NOT AGAIN!!”
Twilight then grasped her head in pain and dropped to her knees.
*
I took notice of this and rushed to her aid, “Twilight what’s wrong?”
Twilight spoke through the pain, “The Element, it’s taking too much power to wield fully. My body can’t take it!”
I quickly removed the crown as the girls reverted back to normal, “That better?”
Twilight nodded, “Much.”
Nightmare Moon was upon us in an instant, “Well, well, what’s this? The Elements of Harmony have failed? How unfortunate, for you.”
We all readied ourselves for what was to come but it never came. The Algorithm, which was clutched in Nightmare’s hand, was wrenched from her grasp from behind by a familiar figure.
*
Chrysalis clutched The Algorithm and glared daggers at Nightmare, “I made you and I think it’s time that I unmake you!”
Chrysalis opened The Algorithm and began to move her fingers as Nightmare Moon froze in place, “NO STOP!!!”
Chrysalis paid her no heed as she continued the process. Soon Nightmare Moon began to scream in pain as her very being began to flicker back and forth between Luna and Nightmare Moon. Twilight took notice of this and looked at the crown. Without much thought the princess donned it once more and bit back the pain. Chrysalis took notice of this and began to weigh her options, on the one hand she COULD let Nightmare Moon go and possibly destroy the group. On the other hand if she fled now, granted she would be down another asset, but she would still have The Algorithm in her possession.
Chrysalis noticed that the girls were starting to glow and proclaimed, “Another time then.”
She then leapt from the stage and ran toward the doors.
*
I saw Chrysalis run and was about to give chase but stopped myself at Sunset’s insistence, “Your in no condition to fight her.”
I sighed in anger and witnessed the girl’s fire the Element’s at Nightmare Moon who yelled out in pain and surprise. As the energy dissipated Vice-Principal Luna was on her knees in a daze as a piece of azure armor dropped to the ground. Luna blinked once and fainted as I retrieved the armor.
I ran over to the girls, “Nice one! Granted it was a tad anti-climactic but who cares! Twilight how did you-“
Twilight’s eyes rolled back as she dropped much to our horror.
*
The silence that hung in the air at Rainbow’s house was just as maddening as we hung around in the living room. Fluttershy and Rarity walked down the stairs with calm expressions.
We all stood as Fluttershy smiled, “She’s fine, just exhausted.”
Rarity nodded as she lifted The Crown, “To think something this beautiful could be so powerful.”
I sat down and shook my head, “I had her.”
Applejack glanced at me, “Scribe?”
I stood up and turned my back to them, “I had her girls. Chrysalis was right there.”
Sunset approached me, “Scribe you were in no position to make a move against her, there were to many people around and you were hurled pretty hard.”
I turned on her as my anger boiled, “That’s not stopping her from attacking us in public. Plus correct me if I’m wrong but don’t you think magic is pretty much a common occurrence now?”
I shook my head and headed for the door, “I’m going for a walk.”
*
Sunset took a step to pursue but was stopped by Pinkie Pie, “Just give him some Scribe time to cool down.”
Sunset sighed, “Why did I stop him? I mean at the very least I could have gone for Chrysalis myself.”
Rarity smiled at her, “We were all afraid darling, it couldn’t be helped.”
“Be that as it may, Scribe has a point.”
They all turned to see a wobbly Twilight staring at them, “Chrysalis has had The Algorithm long enough and I have a theory that she knew the element would drain me after prolonged usage.”
Fluttershy shook her head, “Why that…she was purposely doing this to us?”
Sunset nodded slowly, “Tire the enemy so they can barely put up a fight when the final battle reaches its zenith.”
Twilight stood tall even though she was visibly spent, “We have to get The Algorithm and I think I know how.”
Rarity leaned forward, “But your in-“
Twilight sharply replied, “I’m fine. We’re going to go get a professional opinion.”
*
As I walked I couldn’t help but venture to the school. Maybe a part of me wanted some sort of familiar surrounding or I just didn’t want to be alone but regardless I stood before the statue and placed my hand against the surface.
I spoke to the sky, “Why did you choose me for this mission. I mean come on! I can’t even fight back against these things that Chrysalis sends against us!”
I shook my head and sat against the statue, “It’s just so difficult, lying to the girl I love and just…everything about this place.”
A voice made me look up, “Sounds like you need a second opinion.”
*
An hour earlier
Chrysalis entered Mr. Discord’s office with a slightly disheveled look about her, “Discord.”
Discord looked up from his worked and smiled, “Ah Chrysalis, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
Chrysalis produced the claw clipping, “It’s do or die now, it’s up to you to rid us of our collective nuisances.”
Discord removed his glasses and inhaled before a massive joker smile appeared, “Finally.”
*
I looked up and yelled out in surprise and fear. Mr. Discord had been morphed into…something. His face and stature remained the same except for a few things. Everything below his neck was covered in dark brown fur with a tattered brown over coat over it. He wore a scarf that dragged on the ground made up of different fabric samples. Protruding from his head was an antler and a goat horn. His sclera had become yellow and his hair was now wild and sticking in multiple directions. His right arm looked like that of a lions where as his left resembled Gilda’s when she had morphed. The pants he wore were tattered and black which concealed the fact that his left leg was that of a goat whereas his right was a lizard leg. He even had a red dragon tail with a whit tuft at the end.
Discord grinned which revealed one sharp fang, “Good day Mr. Scribe, your appointment is overdue.”
I stood up and made to run when I heard a snap and a ball and chain attached itself to my right ankle, “What the hell!?”
Discord was hopping in place like a mad man, “Oh goodie! I wonder what else I can do!”
I reached down in an effort to free myself only for another snap to reach my ears as I was put in medieval stocks, “Crap!”
Discord walked over to me, “Well let’s get right to it shall we?”
“STOP RIGHT THERE DISCORD!”
Mr. Discord turned and I too beheld the girls, “Girls!”
Discord wasn’t amused, “Well look who it is, more head cases.”
Twilight stepped forward but I took notice that she was trembling, “Release our friend now.”
Discord levitated, “Hmmmm…no.”
He then snapped his fingers and my entire nerve layout overloaded and all was black.
*
Sunset made a move toward the warped psychiatrist, “I’LL GRIND YOU INTO POWDER!”
She was held back by Dash and AJ.
Twilight glared at Discord, “What did you do to him?”
Discord answered with a snap of his fingers and Scribe, he, and Sunset vanished in a flash.
A rumbling coming from the sports field caused them all to run toward the commotion.