Maybe I’m a Lion.
The Eve of the Parade has come with so many eyes watching Princess Celestia, due to her body being possessed by the sorceress Ultimecia.
The Mane Six arrived at Canterlot to go find out the source of Princess Celestia’s behavior, informed by a letter written by Princess Luna, who also whishes to solve the mystery to save her sister.
In the meantime the Warrior’s of Cosmos were stopped by an unexpected sight, manikins modeled after the Equestrians.
The Warrior’s of Cosmos were locked in a heated battle with the pony manikins, they weren’t expecting them to be so skilled in combat since the Equestrian’s never fought or had any formal training.
"They’re really giving me a run for my money!" Tifa said as she jumped away from a fire beam launched from one of manikin’s horn. They must get past this new obstacle in order to get to the gateway to the Rift and destroy it. For every second they don’t, more manikins emerge.
"Don’t give up! Vaan said as he used his crossbow attack but the Discorded Equine he was aiming at flew upwards and dodged with incredible speed.
Laguna pointed his machine gun at the manikins and fired. "They’re you go!" He shouted but all he managed to do was clip one of the manikin’s wings before it moved out of range.
Lightning back flipped to dodge as one of the Manikins fired an ice beam at her. It’s not that they were strong, they were just really fast! She moved forward and slashed at it but the manikin quickly moved aside.
The manikins charged at Yuna and tired their best to ram her down with a speed that rivaled Rainbow Dash. One managed to slam her in the back.
"Gahhhhh!" She wailed in pain.
"This isn’t looking good!" Tifa said, she wanted to go and kick one of the manikins down but they all took flight, making them nearly impossible to catch. Yuna stood back up and shook off the attack.
"I’m not about to quit after all we worked so hard for!" Lightning shouted. She changed her paradigm to Ravager. "THUN-DA-GAAAAA!" Large lightning bolts rained down and struck three of the manikins but only one was destroyed.
"Yes!" Laguna cheered as the dusty remains of the manikin rained down.
"Good idea." Yuna said. "We’ll have to beat them in the air!" She readied her staff as the Equines dispersed to take down the heroes. "Guide us with your light!" Yuna waved her staff and Valefor appeared and fired a laser from its beak along the ground and left several bright circles on the ground. The circles exploded and they reached high into the air, unfortunately the manikins flew away from the explosion and avoided it. She was shocked that she missed. "I can’t believe it!"
"Let me try!" Laguna said. A Discorded Equine swooped in to tackle Laguna to the ground. He looked up and waved his gun in the air. "Bombs away!" The bright blue Satellite Laser fired from above and smashed down on the Manikin and destroyed it. "Yeah!" He cheered. The heroes began to run for it as the manikin’s eyes flashed red and began to chase them around. Lightning changed her paradigm back to Commando and turned her Blazefire Saber from a sword to a gun and fired bullets at the manikin behind her unfortunately it was able to dodge them with little trouble. The Manikin moved faster and attempted to ram itself into her back but Lightning back flipped out of the way before she got hit.
"Shiva!" Yuna called. She had the Aeon of ice use ice magick against the manikin that was chasing her but it flew away so she missed again. Then another Discorded Equine shot a dark beam from its horn and struck Yuna from the side. She screamed in pain and went down, the situation kept getting worse.
Vaan noticed that Yuna looked like she was down and out. "Oh no!" He said as he fired his crossbow at one of the Equines but failing to hit it. Tifa tried her best to punch and kick the manikins whenever they got close enough but unfortunately for them they had not just the reflexes of Rainbow Dash, but also the flexibility of Pinkie Pie making them a REAL challenge for Tifa to hit with her martial art skills.
"I can’t believe this!" Tifa shouted. "I can’t touch them! Guess Chaos made a very formidable opponent for us. Lightning, while continuing to run from a Discorded Equine that was perusing her, thought about how they managed to destroy the two manikins earlier. Then she had a theory and decided to try it out.
She pulled out her two giant blades. "This is gonna sting!" She spun around and slashed her blades and several lightning bolts rained down and destroyed another one of the manikins. "That’s it!" Her theory was correct. She announced to her comrades. "Their weakness is to use an attack that traps an opponent!"
Vaan understood and knew just the attack to use. A blue arcane figure appeared in front of his body and Vaan punched it. "Rain Down!" He shouted. The figure moved above the manikin chasing him and rained down several large spheres of water fell down and the entire weight of the water crushed the manikin shattering it.
Lightning ran over to Yuna and changed her Paradigm to Medic. "Come on Yuna! It’s not over!" She waved her hand above her body and used her Cura spell to heal Yuna’s wounds.
"Thanks." Yuna said. "I heard what you said, I think I know just the attack to use." She stood up right and readied her staff. "Ixion!" She called. The lightning horse aeon appeared. "Pierce the Darkness!" The tip on Ixion’s horn had a dark sphere growing on it. The sphere emitted electricity and it began to pull in the last three manikins magnetically. The manikins tried to fly away from Yuna but the pull was too powerful. Once they got close enough, Yuna had the sphere explode. "End This!" Yuna cried and the sphere shattered the all the remaining manikins.
"That was pretty hard." Laguna said as he whipped the sweat from his brow.
"I must admit, if we had to fight as many as we did with the other types of manikins, we would probably be dead." Lightning admitted.
"Geez." Vaan laughed panting. "We win….Yet your still such a downer."
"Glad that’s over." Tifa said relieved. The group stopped to catch their breath and then continued towards the Gateway.
In Equestria the train just arrived in Canterlot and there was a carriage waiting for them in a greeting area, a large, muscular grey stallion was holding a sign with the names of the Mane Six written on them.
"Howdy partner!" Applejack greeted. "We’re them ponies you’re lookin’ for."
"Good, now I’ve been instructed to escort you to the Castle." Then he looked at Warrior and Spike. "I’m sorry Warrior, but I’ve been given orders by Princess Celestia herself to not let you into the carriage with them. But the dragon is welcome."
"Fear not, you serve your princess well." Warrior assured. The ponies gave Warrior a concerned look.
"Are you sure?" Rainbow Dash asked as she hovered near his face.
"That’s not fair." Spike said.
"Don’t worry." Warrior assured. The Rainbow Dash pulled the team together and began to whisper around to each other.
"What are you going to do?" Twilight whispered.
"I’m just going to fallow, and stay hidden." Warrior whispered.
"How? You’re not exactly a ninja." Rainbow Dash said.
"And darling, that outfit really makes you stand out." Rarity said.
"Trust me, I know what I’m doing." Warrior said.
"I hope you’ll be at the parade, it wouldn’t be the same without you!" Pinkie Pie sighed.
"You guys just stay focused on saving Lady Celestia." Warrior advised.
"Ok see you later!" Twilight said. The ponies all climbed into the carriage and the stallion began to pull the carriage towards the castle, Warrior waited until the carriage was out of sight and began to follow the same path the carriage took towards the castle.
Much later at Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia sat on her throne and watched her servants place the Elements of Harmony in the glass display case. Luna felt uncomfortable watching this but she decided to wait and play along with things until she could really understand what was happening to her sister. Just then a messenger arrived with a letter.
"Princess Luna, Princess Celestia." He called. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends have arrived."
"Good!" Celestia smiled. "Bring them to me!" The messenger turned and left to retrieve Twilight and the others, Luna fallowed closely behind the messenger. Celestia was curious about what Luna was up to.
"What are you doing?" Celestia snapped at her.
"I’m tired, I’m going to rest in my room." Luna answered. Celestia didn’t speak and Luna trotted out behind the messenger. Celestia had no idea that Luna was really lying. The messenger arrived at the large main entrance to the castle. Luna hid in a nearby corridor, she couldn’t let Twilight and her friends see her until they saw Celestia first.
The messenger greeted the guest with a friendly smile. "Twilight Sparkle, and friends. Welcome back to Canterlot. This way please, Princess Celestia is waiting for you." The messenger led the ponies down the hallway and walked passed Luna, not noticing her. The door closed and Luna waited until the Mane Six was out of sight. She sensed something more was happening on the other side and walked into the hallway and out the door. A second servant arrived and took Spike and led him to the suite the Mane Six would be staying at.
"I sense someone is sneaking around." Luna thought. She trotted down the small pathway slowly and eyed the nearby bushes. Until she saw rustling in the leaves. She stared down the bush and gave it a heated look.
"I know thou art sneaking around there, come out immediately!" Luna said in her booming voice. Then upon command, Warrior emerged from the leaves. He flet a little put out since he wasn't as stealthy as he thought.
"The Warrior of Light!" Princess Luna said in a very happy tone. Warrior didn’t know who this mare was, until he noticed how she had wings and a horn, so since she was an alicorn. He figured it out.
"You must be the second Princess of Equestria." Warrior said.
"Indeed, I am Luna." She trotted forward and bowed to the knight.
"Please Lady Luna." Warrior said as he picked up her head. "I bow to you." Warrior knelt to the Princess of the night.
"Thou art kind Warrior, but I must show respect to Equestria’s greatest hero." Warrior sighed as he rose onto his feet. "I wish I could get to know thee more but something’s afoot! In fact, I must say I’m glad thou ignored Celestia’s order for you to stay behind."
"I almost did until you mentioned your sister was acting strangely."
Luna gave the castle a determined look. "Thou must also know that Celesita has ordered that you not be allowed into the Castle and if you are spotted on the grounds thou art to be thrown in the dungeon." Warrior raised an eyebrow, he was surprised at how Luna wasn’t kidding when she said Celestia was acting very odd. But Warrior noticed something also strange, there were several guards in the area and many of them were aware of Warrior’s presence. Yet they did nothing.
"How come none of the guards are trying to stop me?" Warrior asked.
Luna smiled. "Because I belayed that order without my sister noticing."
"Is she aware of it now?" Warrior asked.
"No, I acted without her knowledge, also I ordered the guards to keep thee quiet." Warrior felt odd about being kept a secret.
"We don’t have much time, I’ll show thee to thy room and there I will discuss a plan with thee and I will need thee to discuss it with the others."
Meanwhile at the throne room the ponies bowed before Celestia. She felt disgusted to be in the presence of the very same ponies that gave the Emperor such trouble. But she felt powerful having these mares bow before her. However the mares had no idea and didn’t want to think about the one who was really manipulating her.
"The six ponies that saved Equestria from the legendary Mare in the Moon." Celesita said in a malevolent tone. Also the ones who helped the Warrior defeat the Emperor.
"I’m so happy to be in your presence again Princess!" Twilight smiled.
"Ah, the leader Twilight Sparkle." She paused and looked at the silver ring on her horn.
"I like your ring!" Twilight said. When Rarity heard the word ‘ring’ her face beamed and she darted closer to the princess and stared at the ring.
"Oh my that is a lovely ring!" Rarity cooed. "I do love its lion design.
Celestia felt disturbed for Rarity being so close to her. "Back away now!" Celestia hissed. Rarity flinched and slowly backed away from her. However the others couldn’t really blame Celestia since Rarity was, sort of in her personal space.
"Sorry." Rarity said weakly.
"Just don’t do it again." Celestia warned.
"You wanted to see us Princess?" Twilight asked.
Celestia smiled. "Yes I want you to join me in the army. The day after tomorrow, we will march on the area called Trottingham."
"What is it you want us to do?" Rainbow dash asked.
Celestia continued to smile. "Simple, I want you to do what you do best and wield the Elements of Harmony."
"But why?" Fluttershy asked.
Celestia dropped her smile. "I will discuss more of this on the day this happens. But for now depart for your room and enjoy the parade tomorrow." The Ponies bowed and trotted out of the throne room and towards the room they were staying in.
Luna just departed the guest room and left Warrior alone inside. She went back to her chambers before the others arrived. When they arrived they opened the door and found Warrior sitting in a chair against the wall on the right side of the room. And Spike staring out the window at the lovely view they all had.
"Oh Hello Warrior!" Twilight cheered they were all happy to see him.
"So you did find a way to join us." Applejack said happily.
"There’s something you need to know." Warrior said.
"What’s that?" Pinkie Pie asked.
Warrior took in a deep breath, he knew what he was about to say wouldn’t be easy. "Princess Celestia wishes to take over this world and wants to us your powers to do it." The team all looked shocked at Warrior’s accusation. Spike heard that and joined the others to hear Warrior explain this further.
Twilight felt a little offended by Warrior’s statement. "Warrior, I understand that she may be acting strange but she would never perform such an evil action."
Warrior knew they wouldn’t believe it right away. "I know it’s hard to accept, but understand I spoke with the other princess and she told me that Celestia’s been acting cold hearted towards all the ponies here. She hurt her sister’s feelings on many occasions."
"Maybe she’s just stressed!" Twilight said. She was still unwilling to bend about Celestia being perfectly fine. The others were frozen completely and just watched and listened.
Warrior sighed. "Twilight, I understand that she’s your mentor and you trust her with your life, but understand. Lady Luna also told me that Cosmos senses Chaos’s presence surrounding her."
Twilight didn’t want to believe it. "But…." Then her friends spoke up.
Applejack was first to break the silence. "Twilight, think about it, she didn’t tell us what she wanted us to do with the Elements of Harmony." Twilight hung her head in sadness.
Rainbow Dash also had something to say about it. "Also you didn’t ask her why she canceled your lessons."
"I'm afraid the evidence does point to the god of Discord." Spike shrugged.
"So what can we do?" Rarity asked.
"Um….panic?" Fluttershy suggested.
Warrior sighed exasperatedly. "Maybe, but that’s not an option. In fact I was discussing a plan to save her from whatever Chaos is doing to her."
"Oh boy I love planning for things like this!" Pinkie Pie cheered. She reached into her bag and took out a fake mustache. "I’ll wear this mustache." She placed it on her upper lip and began to make scheming faces. The whole group rolled their eyes.
Warrior began to explain the strategy that Princess Luna gave him. "As far as everyone here is aware. The Princess is unaware that anyone is suspicious of her behavior, or she knows but doesn’t care. Tomorrow during the parade, she’ll be away from the Elements of Harmony and Lady Luna will take them and give them to you then you will purify Celestia of whatever Chaos is doing to her."
"Are we doing this during the Parade?" Rarity asked.
"Oh I hate party crashers." Pinkie Pie moped.
"Don’t you see?" Applejack said she figured out what Warrior was talking about. "That maybe our only chance to get them away from her."
"Not to worry we have the stallion guards on our side." Warrior took out a map of Canterlot city and on it was a highlighted pink line which shown the rout the parade was going to take through the city. He flipped it around and pointed at an arch that stood in the city that the parade would go through. "When the float Celestia will be riding on gets into this archway guards will flip a switch and the archway will trap her inside. Giving you your chance to use the Elements of Harmony on her."
"Guess this can work, I hope." Fluttershy whimpered.
Rainbow Dash gave Warrior a serious stare. "You know if you’re wrong, Princess Celestia will throw us in the dungeon. probably forever."
"FOR-EV-ER!" Pinkie Pie said sounding dramatic.
"Everyone!" Twilight called. Everyone looked at her. Twilight looked upset with something; she was hiding her eyes under her mane.
"Yes Twilight?" Fluttershy asked. They all gave her concerned looks.
"I need to be alone for a little bit."
"Is something wrong?" Pinkie Pie said.
"No, but…please, I need to be alone." The group began to move out of the room. "Except you Warrior." The group paused and wondered why if she needed a friend, why only Warrior.
"Ok." Pinkie Pie said and the ponies left Twilight and Warrior alone. Warrior walked up to Twilight and knelt to see her face better.
"Are you alright?" Warrior asked. Twilight looked up at Warrior and revealed her face, there were wet streaks coming from her eyes. Warrior felt sad for her, he knew she was crying.
"I’m sorry, but after all that has happened. Like when the Emperor held my family hostage. I’m just emotional about how all those I care about have been in so much danger lately, and it's only going to get worse. I just can’t stand it with their lives being at stake. Princess Celestia is like another parent to me, and even though it’s oblivious that something has happened to her. I just don’t want to believe that something has." Warrior paused for a moment he hated seeing the ponies in pain like this. "If Princess Celestia really is in danger, then how much longer until my friends get hurt?" Warrior put on a very concerned look. She didn’t start sobbing, but more tears rained from her eyes. Warrior also figured out why Twilight was being the most stubborn about believing that Princess Celestia was touched by Chaos.
Unfortunately Warrior would have to try his best since he didn’t really know what to say. "I understand you’re upset. Please don’t despair, I will never stop trying to protect everyone here. But I will need support from you and the others. Twilight, I need you and the others at my side. I need you to believe."
"Believe in what?" Twilight asked.
"I need you to believe in me and in your friends. I need you to believe in how as long as you’re united with your friends then nothing can go wrong." Twilight smiled and to Warrior’s greatest surprise Twilight reached out and wrapped her front legs around Warrior. Warrior was frozen for a while until he realized that she was hugging him.
Warrior felt good inside, he felt warm inside to be trusted by someone, as far as he could recall, this was the first time he felt anything like this. He liked feeling like this, it made him feel happy. Warrior closed his eyes as he slowly wrapped his arms around Twilight and returned the hug. Wow, these ponies were very soft.
"Fear not I will always protect you and those you care about. No one’s going to get hurt as long as I draw breath." Warrior assured.
"Promise?" Twilight asked.
"Promise." Warrior said, they stayed hugging each other.
Meanwhile, Kain was at The Roof of Pandemonium he was only a shot ways behind the other Warriors of Cosmos.
"Not so fast!" Called the voice of a arrogant mare. Kain stopped and to his surprise, Trixie appeared in front of him. Kain was surprised to see an Equestrian this far in dangerous territory.
"An Equestrian?" Kain said shocked. "Get out of here, this place is too dangerous!"
"It may be for Warrior’s of Cosmos like you." Trixie mocked. Kain’s eyes bugged out at what he just figured out.
"You sided with Chaos haven’t you!?" Kain shouted.
Trixie took her chance to introduce herself. "Feel honored that you get to be in the presence the most powerful pony in all of Equestria. The Grrrrrreat and Powerful Trrrrrrixie!" She gave a boastful pose and Kain just rolled his eyes at it.
"How could you possibly side with the army of disharmony!?" Kain yelled.
"Simple, they promised to help me get even with that unicorn Twilight Sparkle, I believe you know her."
Kain paused. "Yes, I know Twilight Sparkle."
"She and your friend, Warrior of Light humiliated me. Chaos was the only one who could grant me power to get revenge on them. So after some grueling challenges in Hell, I passed and became a Warrior of Chaos."
"You can’t possibly comprehend what awaits you for selling your soul like this!" Kain yelled.
Trixie scoffed. "Selling my soul? I’ve become more powerful than any creature." Kain took that as a challenge, so he readied his lance. "Don’t get excited, we won’t fight today."
Kain was displeased. "You speak such brave words but refuse to fight?"
"Oh, I'm not going to fight. Instead you will taste the new soldier I helped make for the Army of Discord. Her horn started to glow it dissipated, then three Discorded Equines appeared right next to her. Kain was in utter shock, at what he was staring at. "Beautiful aren’t they?" She stared at one of them in the face. "We used the image of the second Princess of Equestria so that it can hold all the deadliness of both the Pegasi and the Unicorns. Thanks to my knowledge, I poured everything I know about pegasi and my knowledge of magic into this manikin. In fact thanks to the powers of Discord expanding my knowledge it only makes them more deadly."
"So you not only sell your soul but you sell your body and your homeland!" Kain scolded.
"Maybe but soon, I will attack Equestria and bring Twilight Sparkle and Warrior of Light to their knees. Kain was absolutely disgusted by Trixie’s words, and her lack of shame. "In the mean time have fun with your new enemy." Trixie vanished and left Kain alone with the manikins. Kain grunted as the Discorded Equines took flight and charged right at him. Kain quickly noticed their phenomenal speed and jumped high to avoid getting tackled. Luckily he still had his lance at the ready.
"Lance of the Covenant!" He shouted and he threw his lance at the manikins but they quickly evaded it. Kain grunted as Kain’s lance returned to him. The three manikins fired ice beams from their horns at Kain. He jumped up and landed down on one of the manikins impaling it with his lance destroying it. Unfortunately, when he landed on the ground the last two Equines fired two dark beams and they combined into one and struck Kain hard.
"AHHHHHHH!" He wailed. Kain was down on his knees and it felt as if the magick that was used on him was holding him down. He noticed one of them dashing hard in front of him, as if it was going to ram him down from the front. Luckily Kain had enough strength to use his lance, so he quickly swung his lance and smashed the manikin completely. Unfortunately there was still one Discorded Equine left and it fired a fire beam from its horn and burned Kain’s body. He screamed loudly again, the hold on Kain’s body was broken and he had full control again. He grunted and clutched his chest as the damaged he suffered from Exdeath before was just making this fight even harder.
Kain knelt down and grunted in pain again. He looked and noticed the manikins were charging up a electric beam on thier horn and got ready to fire at it at Kain, he began to worry. Then just like Warrior, he began to pray. "Dragons, I need your might to win this. I need you to lend me your power in order to help me win this!"
Over at Canterlot, Spike walked around the city eyeing the gem stones in a nearby jewelry store. All of a sudden he felt something tickling his brain. As if he felt Kain’s prayer. He turned away from the window and looked up into the sky.
"Kain?" Spike said, he didn’t quite understand what was happening but if it meant Kain was in trouble he would do all he could to offer his assistance if he could. "Are you in trouble? Well. I’m glad you called me! Of course I’ll help you out!"
Back with Kain he leaped away to dodge the electric beam the Discorded Equine fired. Kain held out his lance and the tip began to charge up a white holy energy. This was the power of the dragons he was praying for, in fact Kain felt the presence of Spike in that energy. "Know my strength!" Kain sneered. The manikin raced towards Kain to tackle him down, he smiled as he thrust his lance at the manikin and sent the power at the manikin and it slammed into it and shattered the Discorded Equine.
Kain stood proud over his field of victory he was still in a large amount of pain but happy he made it out of the battle. He stared at the lance and then looked to the sky and smiled. "Young Spike, you’ve grown so much. Thank you for aiding me." He went back to catching up with the other Warrior’s of Cosmos.
That night at Canterlot, Princess Luna flew over to her sister’s chambers to check on her again. When she arrived at the balcony outside her window she peered through the curtains but kept most of her face hidden. She looked to see her sister staring at herself in the mirror again, it struck Luna and a lot of other ponies odd. Celestia’s been doing that a lot as of late. Luna stared at her sister’s reflection as he face showed an evil smile and that’s all she would ever show. Luna got a closer look at her sister’s eyes and gasped lightly. Celestia’s eye’s were yellow and slit like a cat’s. Luna understood that this was the revealing piece of information that something only a mirror could give her. She turned away and flew away from the tower.
"I wish I noticed this sooner!" Luna said slightly irritated with herself. "Whoever that is, that’s not my sister!"
Princess Celestia grunted bitterly as she threw herself away from the mirror and moved towards the bed, she laid down under the covers and turned in for the night. Ultimecia went to visit the real Princess Celestia in her mind again.
Ultimecia smiled at Celestia. "What a shame. At times you manage to gain a little control of your body, all you do is stare into the mirror. Seriously there’s no point to this, you might as well stop fighting and let me gain full control."
Celestia returned the smile. "Maybe, but did you think that maybe there’s a meaning to me being obsessed with the mirror?"
"Of course I did. Did you forget? It matters not what your planning I’m more powerful than any creature in this world. Just watch and see me be worshiped at the parade tomorrow."
Dawn had come to Canterlot, the parade was only a few hours away. The team was going over their plan once again.
"We’ll be in front of the archway waiting for the Elements of Harmony. Rainbow Dash said getting reassurance of the plan.
"Correct!" Warrior said. "Now it’s almost time, you better get going." The ponies left but Twilight noticed Spike wasn’t fallowing them.
"You coming?" Twilight asked the dragon.
"No way! If Chaos is involved, I want no part of it." Spike objected. "I’ll just stay here with Warrior."
"Suit yourself." Twilight said as the group left for the town square in front of the archway. Just when they left Princess Luna flew through the window and looked frightened.
"Warrior, I must tell you what has happened to my sister!" She said.
"You figured out what happened?" Warrior asked.
"I’m not sure how exactly, but Chaos is manipulating Celestia against her will!" Warrior didn’t doubt the Princess but he needed to know. "How do you know this?"
"I saw in a mirror, that her eyes were not her own."
"What do you mean?" Spike asked, he didn’t quite understand how her eyes were a sign.
Luna smiled at the Dragon. "You see, a mirror can reveal many things, one of them being, a portion of the soul." Spike understood perfectly. Warrior got a theory.
"Maybe the real Celestia was trying to tell you something." Warrior suggested.
"Perhaps but now that we know what’s happening to her, at least we we’ll know the Elements of Harmony will work." Luna said.
"Ok, but get ready to get the Elements of Harmony to the ponies at the town square." Warrior suggested. Luna nodded and flew away.
Luna flew over to the throne room and looked at the display case with the Elements of Harmony in it.
Celestia approached from behind. "See something interesting?" Celestia asked. Her talking surprised Luna. She jumped and turned around.
"Aren’t you supposed to be going to the parade?" Luna asked.
"Maybe, but I’m curious."
"About what?"
Celestia glared at Luna. "Did you find anything interesting in my chambers last night?" Luna grunted, she wasn’t expecting to get caught like this. Luna was frozen and couldn’t speak. "I saw you in the mirror."
Luna couldn’t hide it anymore, she was going to unleash everything she held back. "You snake! Release my sister at once!"
"So you do know what I truly am!" Ultimecia laughed. "Unfortunately for you, others are blissfully unaware. Gaurds!" Then five stallion guards arrived. "Throw this troublesome mare in the dungeon!" The guards hesitated but finally grabbed princess Luna and dragged her into the dungeon. Unfortunately this now means Luna won’t be getting the Elements of Harmony to the parade in time.
"Now I have subjects to greet." Ultimecia said.
Later the ponies were all waiting outside right in front of a podium where Celestia was going to give a speech before the Parade officially began. Several pony shaped balloons and small creatures were up in the air. There was a giant crowd waiting for Celestia to take the stage.
"Think this will work?" Fluttershy asked.
"I hope so." Applejack said.
"Come on, have a little faith!" Rainbow Dash said. Just then the crowd erupted in cheers and applause as Celestia appeared on stage and took the podium.
She eyed the cheering ponies and scoffed. "Lowlifes!" She insulted. "Shameless filthy wretches! How you celebrate my ascension with such joy. Have you no shame?" As she said such mean things some of the applause began to quite down. "Surely you’ve heard tales of the sorceress who destroyed nations and ruined countless lives. Where is this sorceress now? She stands before your very eyes as your ruler AHAHAHAHAHA!" A stallion guard approached her from the side. He was concerned to hear Celestia insulting her subjects, and what did she mean by sorceress?
"Princess Celestia, are you…" But Celestia cut him off but hitting him with a bolt of lightning from her horn. The crowd silenced their applause and gasped in fear. Celestia wasn’t going to have her speech interrupted.
"This is reality." Celestia continued. "No one can help you. So sit back and enjoy the show." The crowd gulped in fear as Stallions began moving the crowd to make way for the floats. "Rest assured you fools. Your time will come. This is only the beginning. Now allow me to start a new reign of terror!" She raised her front hooves and did a malevolent pose. "I will let you live a fantasy beyond your imagination." She left the stage and took her seat on the front float. The ponies were frightened by their princess’s speech. They had no idea what was really happening. Or the terrors that awaited them.
"Ok that was freaky!" Rainbow Dash said.
"She must be more cuckoo than a clock!" Pinkie Pie said.
"Oh my, I had no idea she could be so mean." Fluttershy whimpered.
"Don’t worry sweetheart." Rarity said as she placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s back.
"Remember, that’s not really Princess Celestia." Twilight said.
Rainbow Dash smiled. "Finally accepted that that’s not Princess Celesita?"
Twilight had a defiant look on her face. "She maybe my teacher. But I won’t let her rule Equestria with a reign of terror." Twilight said boldly.
The group went out and ran towards the archway and waited for the float to move into it. Several mares that the Princess hired moved out in front of the float wearing flashy white short dresses and danced about in a very elegant fashion and moved forward as the float departed and began to move around the city. The float itself was white colored with a beautiful array of flowers streamed out all over it. A gold throne was in the center which Celestia sat on the top of the throne also had flowers on it. The floor was dark red, the same color as blood. Three other floats fallowed behind it. They were decorated the same way but had statues of Celestia on them.
The ponies sat in front of the archway and waited for the Elements of Harmony to be brought to them.
Back over at Canterlot Castle Warrior and Spike were watching the parade from the balcony Warrior noticed that Princess Luna hasn’t brought the Elements of Harmony to the ponies. Warrior had a bad feeling, most of the guard Celestia at the parade.
"Something’s not right." Warrior said.
"Where’s Princess Luna?" Spike asked. "Has she taken the Elements of Harmony to Twilight?"
"I’m not sure." Warrior said, he walked out of the room and Spike was not far behind him.
"Warrior of Light!" A stallion said as he entered the suite.
"Yes?" Warrior asked.
"I must take you to the dungeon, there’s something you need to see." The Stallion said. Warrior, and Spike stared at each other and fallowed the guard to the dungeon. Once down there, Warrior noticed the cell doors were repaired after Warrior broke them open back when the Emperor invaded. Unfortunately, Warrior and Spike groaned bitterly at the sight of Equestria’s second princess locked in a cell.
"Warrior, I’m sorry. I failed you." Luna sighed.
"What happened?" Spike asked.
"Celestia spotted me spying on her last night and caught me before I could get the Elements of Harmony. I was a fool, I called her out on controlling my sister, since I knew the truth she threw me in here."
"Can’t you just order the guards to let you out?" Spike asked.
Luna sighed sadly. "I already tried, unfortunately the guards were unsure who to obey, me or Celestia. Despite her behavior, some of the stallions still feel very loyal to her."
"I understand." Warrior said. The parade has started, so there’s not much time left. Warrior turned and ran out with Spike behind him.
"Godspeed!" Princess Luna whished.
Warrior burst through the doors to the throne room and he and Spike walked over to the display case with the Elements of Harmony still inside them. Warrior was not happy to see the Elements still here.
"What do we do?" Spike panicked.
"We’ll have to bring the Elements of Harmony ourselves." Warrior said he opened the glass case and took out the Elements of Harmony. Since he wasn’t a being of Chaos, he could safely touch them.
Spike grabbed the Elements of Loyalty, Kindness, and Generosity. Warrior grabbed the others. They ran out the door and towards the city to catch the others before it’s too late.
Back at the parade Celestia was staring at the crowd, the ponies were too afraid to smile or cheer as she rolled by. However the Princess didn’t seem to mind that at all, she would rather be feared than loved.
"Where’s Princess Luna?" Twilight panicked.
"She’s almost at the archway." Rarity panicked.
The team walked and fought through the crowed and got over to the archway next to the road so that there would be nothing between themselves and the archway. The team stared at the archway, Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Applejack, stared down the float as it moved into the archway. Fluttershy and Rarity looked worried since the Elements of Harmony weren’t anywhere close nearby. Pinkie Pie wasn’t fazed by it, she still held her smiling face. Then the float entered the archway and once it was perfectly centered into it two stallion who were working up on the top of the arc hit two levers and to Celestia’s Surprise on both sides of the float strong metal bars shot up from the ground trapping the Alicorn Princess inside.
"What!?" Celesita screamed.
"Make way!" A pony in the crowd shouted, the Mane Six turned behind them to see the crowd opening up so that Warrior and Spike could get through.
"Warrior, Spike!" Twilight said.
"Where’s Princess Luna?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"She’s in prison, Celestia is aware that were suspicious of what’s happening to her. You don’t have much time!"
"Put your Elements on now!" Spike said. The ponies did as they were told and then they all ran to the float together.
Celestia was furious to see the Warrior of Light with the ponies.
"How dare you disobey your princess! I shall have you executed!" Celestia shouted to the ponies.
Twilight gave her a death look. "You’re not Princess Celestia." Twilight said coldly. The ponies Elements began to glow and their eyes began flashing a white light. Their bodies rose into the air and floated in a perfect circle with Twilight at the apex. Warrior, Celestia, and the whole crowd gasped in awe at what the six have become.
"So this is the power of their, so called, friendship?" Celestia mocked. The six elements glowed and shot colored lights and they all mixed together making a rainbow. It shot to Celesta and completely engulfed Celestia. She screamed and a black mist flew out of Celestia’s mouth and shot several feet away from Celestia’s body. Then the black mist took the form of Ultimecia. She was down on her bottom at first but quickly rose up. The crowd gasped at her sight as the Mane Six went back down and the glow left them.
Warrior knew who she was. "So, Ultimecia." Warrior said as he gave her a deep heated look. Princess Celestia’s body was lifeless on the ground.
"So you figured me out." Ultimecia said. "Bravo." Pinkie Pie took notice of her beast like arms and legs.
"What’s with the arms and legs?" Pinkie Pie asked.
Ultimecia smiled at the pink pony. "You see I’m more than just a weak human."
"How dare you deceive us like this!" Rarity shouted. The front gate lowered and the team ran in to check on Princess Celestia.
"How ironic." Ultimecia hissed. "I knew not to underestimate your power. But I had no idea that even your Princess would still be able to resist a little of my power."
"Just what did you do to her!?" Fluttershy shouted. She still wouldn’t stand for her friends being hurt.
"Simple, I possessed her body." Ultimecia explained. The others were shocked to hear that. "Unfortunately I was unable to gain total control. If I did, then I would be able to touch your precious Elements of Harmony. Not only that, there were a few moments where Celestia managed to regain control of her body for a small time and at first I couldn’t understand why she would continually make herself stare into a mirror, but until I met this one’s sister. She found out who I truly am by seeing the reflection then I figured out what she was trying to do. Trying to send you a message about what was happening.
"Wouldn’t you know it, she succeeded!" Applejack said also glaring down the sorceress. The six all struggled to get the lifeless Celestia onto their backs.
"You have influence on her no longer, leave at once!" Warrior shouted.
"Not quite yet." Ultimecia said. She turned her attention to the crowd and gave them all an angry look. "Ponies…..Curse all ponies! Swarming like locusts across generations. You all disgust me. Since I can no longer conquer this world, your price for your meddling is beyond death."
"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"You see, my primary powers are Time. With this power I will rule this land in more than just the here, and now. I will rule the Past, and the Future to!"
"How?" Twilight said, she was really confused at such power.
"I will compress time! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The crowd gasped at the idea.
"What will happen to us?" Rarity asked.
"Your price for meddling, I will send you to a dimension beyond your imagining. There I will reign, and you will be my slaves for eternity. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"No way!" Twilight said. "We shouldn’t have that kind of power!"
"And why is that?" Ultimecia asked Twilight.
"It’s unnatural to manipulate space, time like that!" Twilight said.
Warrior sighed at Twilight’s objection. "Twilight, while I admire you for your ability to think smart and logically. You need to remember, everything you once learned about what is natural and unnatural, fair and unfair, no longer apply."
"I know." Twilight sighed as she hung her head.
"So prepare yourselves for the great beyond but before I send you all away I’ll be taking my ring back." She used her powers that were much like the unicorn powers, to manipulate the ring still on Celestia’s horn and take it off and place it on her finger.
"No…." Grumbled Celestia weakly. Her eyes were opening for the real Princess Celestia regained full control of her body once again. The whole crowd was happy to have their real ruler back to normal, but none of them were as happy as Twilight. The ponies let her down and she stood tall on her legs, it didn’t take long for her to regain her former strength. "You may have deceived my servants, hurt my sister and attempted to take control of my world. But I will not let you compress the time of my world. She stepped forward and gave the sorceress a challenging look. She was going to duel her!
The others couldn’t let that happen. Twilight was the first to act. "Princess! We can’t let you do this!"
"You’re too weak!" Warrior said. "Let us handle this."
"I’m fine, I must make her pay for her making me hurt everyone." Celestia said giving a heated look to Ultimecia.
Ultimecia smiled. "Oh but seven on one? That’s not fair. Allow me to even the odds." She snapped her fingers and three manikins appeared behind them. At the sight of the manikins the crowd of ponies screamed and ran back to their homes. The manikins were a Transient Lion, a manikin that resembled a particular Warrior of Cosmos. A Transient Gunner, a manikin that resembled Laguna, and a Transient Witch, a manikin that resembled Ultimecia.
Ultimecia rose up and created a black ball of Magick and used it to blast down the bars behind the archway. "Now if you’ll excuse me I have time to compress." She used her two black wings and flew over to the Castle throne room. Celestia flapped her wings and chased after her.
"No Princess wait!" Warrior called.
"Climb on!" Fluttershy said she lowered herself to Warrior and Warrior climbed onto her back. This really shocked all who witnessed this because Warrior, including everypony had a very hard time simply touching her let alone letting someone ride on her back. Maybe she took the whole ‘not hurt my friends’ thing very seriously. Fluttershy rose up and the two chased after Celestia, chasing Ultimecia.
"We have to help them!" Twilight said but unfortunately before she could chase them she was cut off by the manikins.
"I think we gotta take these guys down first." Rainbow Dash said as they stared down the manikins.
Celestia and Ultimecia arrived at Canterlot’s throne room and Celestia stared Ultimecia down as the just gave her a mocking smile.
"You’ve been here long enough! You will leave Equestria right now!" Celestia threatened.
Ultimecia was unphased by it. "Oh, and if I refuse?" Ultimecia mocked.
"Then I’ll make you!" Celestia threatened.
"Brave words." Ultimecia complimented. Just then Fluttershy and Warrior burst through a window thanks to Flutterhy’s careful nature they didn’t break it. They landed on the floor and also gave Ultimecia a heated stare.
"Princess Celestia, go rest, leave this Warrior of Chaos to me." Warrior said as he drew his sword.
Fluttershy gulped at the sight of Ultimecia her serious demeanor was gone when she noticed that the others were not with her. She looked at Warrior and felt a little better at least she was with one friend. She trotted close to Warrior’s side and gulped again and attempted to sound tuff.
"Leave this to us! Fluttershy said in a tuff but weak tone. Ultimecia looked at Fluttershy and laughed.
"So you must be the kind one." Ultimecia said. "I hear you have quite the skill at cooperating with animals."
"Yes." Fluttershy peeped.
"Apparently you can tame any creature by simply staring at it." Ultimecia said.
"H-h-how do you know that?" Fluttershy asked.
"Don’t forget. They have a spy that’s been watching us." Warrior reminded. Warrior also took the opportunity to ask Ultimecia about it. He stared her down. "Speaking of that, why don’t you tell me where the spy is?"
"Are you serious?" Ultimecia mocked. "If you really want to find it, then all you need to do is look up."
"What do you mean?" Celestia asked.
"Figure it out." Ultimecia hissed. Then she turned her attention back to Fluttershy. "If you think you’re so good with animals let’s see how you deal with THIS! She flashed the Pegasus her ring. A GF!"
"A what?" Fluttershy peeped. Warrior’s eyes widened.
"A Gaurdian Force." Warrior explained.
"Indeed I have the most powerful one and I shall use it against you!" Fluttershy squeaked as Ultimecia’s ring began to glow a green light. The light left the ring and flew outside the castle. Celestia, Fluttershy, and Warrior all ran towards the window and saw the green light growing to a giant size. Fluttershy began to shake in fear as the light morphed and transformed. Once the form was made, the light flashed and Fluttershy gasped at the sight of what the light had become.
"She summoned a Guardian Force!" Celestia gasped. Ultimecia just had another evil smile.
Ultimecia laughed evilly. "Yes, the most Powerful Guardian Force, Griever! You shall SUFFER!" Ultimecia said devilishly. The Guardian force was a giant black lion with black bat wings but had white feathers instead of flesh. Its mane was white and fluffy with six large, crooked red prongs sticking out like a crown. The elbows had two large red blades sticking out. Its expression had a deadly combination of evil and ferocity. "Griever! Destroy this city! And kill all ponies you find!" Griever let out a gigantic roar and proceeded to move towards Canterlot.
"No, I won’t let this city be destroyed again!" Celestia said.
Warrior looked around and saw there was no one else to spare. He would either have to challenge Griever or Ultimecia. He looked at Celestia and she nodded to him, he figured out that Celestia would rather have her subjects be safe rather than herself.
"I will take down your lion!" Warrior said. He was going to charge out the front door of the castle and meet out the Guardian Force. Until Fluttershy trotted up to Warrior and used her mouth to tug on his cape. He turned and looked down to her. "Stay here." Warrior ordered.
"I….I can’t." Fluttershy objected.
"Why?" Warrior asked.
"I…I want to help you. I….I…I won’t stand by and do nothing while you risk your life." Warrior glared at Ultimecia. He might as well just take Fluttershy with him. He wouldn’t dare leave Fluttershy alone with the sorceress.
"I guess I have no choice." Warrior said as he stared down Ultimecia. "Princess, come with us!"
"No. I will stop her here!" Celestia said staring down the sorceress.
"Don’t be stubborn I need you!" Warrior said loudly.
"Go! Now! You’re running out of time!" Celestia said. Fluttershy walked over to Warrior and lowered herself and Warrior climbed onto her back.
Ultimecia snickered at Fluttershy. "Just so you know, staring at it won’t help you. It only obeys me!" Fluttershy began to tremble but Warrior stroked her mane to help reassure her that they can do this. Fluttershy rose up and the two flew out the window and towards the evil lion, leaving the princess and the sorceress alone.
Celestia continued to stare Ultimecia down. "I will take you down and stop you!"
Ultimecia scoffed. "Oh, and how do you think you’ll do that?"
"I may have vowed to never again use my hidden powers of magick, but I’ll have to make an acception."
Ultimecia smiled. "This may be interesting. In that case, I’m honored to meet an Equestrian who can match my power."
Back with the others they stared down the three manikins. Without Fluttershy or Warrior to help this may be difficult. Spike curled up in a ball and cowered behind Twilight.
"Ok everypony, just believe and we’ll beat these guys!" Twilight encouraged.
Rainbow Dash made a boastful pose. "Don’t worry I’ve taken a few of these guys down before this’ll be no problem!"
"You mess with the bull you get the horns." Applejack warned the manikins.
"You guys look coolie looking all crystaly." Pinkie Pie laughed. "But I gotta beat you guys up."
"Don’t worry. Your bodies won’t go to waste." Rarity said as she looked at the manikins crystal bodies with hungry eyes. The Transient Lion was the first to act. He used a sword that resembled a gun. It rose up high and dove towards and rushed at the ponies with incredible speed with its blade sticking out. Twilight had to act fast since the ponies, except Rainbow Dash weren’t quick enough to get away.
"Protect!" Twilight called out and a large yellow barrier appeared in front of the ponies and the manikin’s attack was deflected away. The barrier went down when the Transient Lion fell to the ground.
Rainbow Dash was surprised. "How did you…."
"Cosmos gave me more magicks." Twilight said.
"Will you share those with me when this is over?" Rarity asked. Twilight nodded to her. The Transient Witch curled up on its side and began to spin, it created several hundred axe blades and launched them at the ponies like gunfire. Twilight again acted quickly and casted her second new spell.
She shouted "Shell!" An aqua colored barrier appeared surrounding the ponies and since the axe blades were made from magick, the barrier shielded the ponies from the attack. Once it ended the barrier went down. Once it stopped the ponies saw their chance to strike back.
"Thunder!" Twilight called, a large lightning bolt jolted from the sky and electrocuted the Transient Witch. Applejack charged forward with her Element of Honesty glowing and it consumed her body. The manikin tried to move away but it only walked, so it didn’t move very fast. When Applejack reached it she bucked the manikin in the midsection and shattered it. Unfortunately the Transient Gunner threw a grenade at the ponies and Twilight was too distracted by Applejack destroying a manikin to notice and cast Protect again. Rainbow Dash did notice however and she attempted to dash to her friends and scoop them up and carry them out of harm’s way. She did scoop them all up but she didn’t get away fast enough. The grenade exploded and the blast sent the ponies flying in all directions and hit the ground hard. They all lay on the stone ground of Canterlot in pain.
"Grr." Rainbow Dash grumbled and picking her head up off the ground. "I’m sorry guys. I just wasn’t fast enough." Spike was dizzy since he was too busy cowering, he had no idea what just happened.
"Don’t worry." Twilight groaned. As she and the others shook their heads and picked them up out of the ground. Unfortunately the Transient Lion raised its sword and it shot up a fiery red beam. The team began to worry if this attack connects it will kill them. Twilight had to act fast she concentrated extra harder and began chanted the blizzard spell. Then something strange happened, a giant pointed icicle appeared above the manikin and slammed into the Transient Lion and shattered it, thus saving the group.
The whole group was in shock when they saw what happened. Normally the Blizzard spell hits the target with a small chunk of ice. This spell seemed much more powerful. But before the group could ask Twilight what happened they were galloping away as the Transient Gunner opened fire on the group.
"Protect!" Twilight called and the yellow barrier shielded the group from the bullets. "Come on girls!" Twilight and the others joined together and their Elements of Harmony began to glow, their powers worked just fine despite Fluttershy not being with them. Their powers of Firendship fired a gold beam instead of a rainbow one at the Gunner and while it attempted to destroy the beam by shooting it, it wasn’t enough. The beam smashed the manikin and the others lowered themselves and their glow faded. They looked all happy as they stood upon their field of victory. They looked around and noticed the crowd of ponies returned to their homes out of fear.
Twilight looked at the Castle. "Come on everypony! Princess Celestia, Warrior, and Fluttershy are in there!" The team all charged towards the castle.
Back outside, Fluttershy and Warrior managed to meet the gaze of Griever long before he could reach Canterlot, they continually circled around his giant body like a gnat. Fluttershy gulped as she stared at the Gaurdian Force with great fear. It seems perhaps she found something more frightening than a dragon. Before anything happened the voice of Ultimecia filled the air.
"The GF’s true power….Allow me to show you! Griever! Make Them BLEED!" Griever roared very loud and the ground around them began to shake very hard, good thing Warrior and Fluttershy were in the air. The atmosphere became very thin, making it quite harder to breath. Then all of a sudden Griever crossed his front legs and roared again and this time Fluttershy and Warrior were frozen as they were encased in a snow white barrier, it was transparent so they could see through it.
"Warrior, what’s going on!?" Fluttershy panicked.
Warrior began to worry. "I fear this maybe the dreaded Shockwave Pulsar!"
"The what?" Fluttershy squeaked.
Warrior had to explain further. "I don’t know much about Guardian Forces but I do know about some of their most powerful attacks."
"Oh no!" Fluttershy squeaked.
"I’m sorry but this will hurt!" Warrior said. They were being held up high as the area around them became grey and wavy. Almost as if they were inside a storm cloud. Then two lightning bolts shot, one from the bottom and another from the top. They connected and formed a large black gravity sphere. Fluttershy and Warrior shrieked as the sphere exploded and blasted the two out of the cloud and they slid across the ground several feet away from Griever. They were both writhed in pain and could hardly move.
"Fluttershy are you ok? Warrior said as he managed to stand back up.
"I’ll be…(cough cough)…fine." Fluttershy said as she flapped her wings and rose up.
"Luckily it will take him quite a while for him to use that attack again." Warrior explained.
"Let’s just hope we can beat him before he attacks us like that again." Fluttershy squeaked. Griever roared again and charged at Fluttershy. She was frozen in fear and wouldn’t fly away. She stared at it as Griever raised his claws and attempted to claw Fluttershy to death. Fluttershy shrieked and closed her eyes fearing the worst. Fluttershy heard a cloud ‘Clang’ and opened her eyes to see Warrior sent flying to the side and slamming face first into the ground. Fluttershy began to feel guilty, she figured out that Warrior took the attack for her.
"Oh Warrior!" Fluttershy peeped.
Warrior struggled to get up and Fluttershy covered her eyes when she notice that his face was bruised and one of his cheeks was scraped. Warrior had to face the fact that Fluttershy’s not a fighter, so he had to get her out. He was panting and trying to catch his breath. "Fluttershy….you need….to get out of here…That monster will kill you." Fluttershy really wanted to just spread her wings and fly away. But she knows she can’t just leave Warrior in the bad shape he was in, he would most certainly die.
Fluttershy had to try her best to be strong. She had to keep Warrior safe. She gulped and gave Warrior a serious look. "No! I won’t leave you here! I won’t let you get hurt anymore than you have!" She kept her serious face and turned towards Griever and flew up to his face and began giving him her intimidating stare, and began to confront the Guardian Force.
"Who do you think you are!? Swiping my friend with that big paw of yours? You think that just because you’re a Guardian Force, you can just push everyone around? I should find your mother and tell her what you’ve been up to!" There was a pause between the two, Warrior grabbed his sword and began to panic.
"FLUTTERSHY GET AWAY FROM ITS FACE!" Warrior screamed at the top of his lungs. Fluttershy snapped out of her stare and noticed that Griever was unaffected by it. She squeaked as Griever opened its mouth and its tree trunk size sharp teeth frightened Fluttershy to the point where the color left her body. She fainted from fear and fell to the ground fast, which was good because Griever attempted to snap her up but missed. Warrior charged at her and caught Fluttershy before she hit the ground. Warrior lightly tapped her cheek to wake Fluttershy back up. The color returned to her and she opened her eyes.
"Oh Warrior!" Fluttershy squeaked. "Ultimecia was right, my stare didn’t work!"
"Don’t feel bad." Warrior assured. "We’ll just have to think of another way." Warrior was done playing around. At this point he would have to get aggressive. He didn’t want to hurt it for Fluttershy’s sake, but now is the time to say, ‘kill or be killed.’ Fluttershy began to tremble at the sight of Warrior holding his sword and shield ready for battle. Warrior charged forward and Griever fiercely swiped his claws at Warrior. He concentrated hard and was able to dodge every swipe. Fluttershy smiled as she watched Warrior not getting hurt. He worked himself in a safe area beneath his legs.
"Bathe in the light!" Warrior called as he dug his sword in the ground and sent his Light Wave attack at Griever. It traveled through the air and burned Griever’s belly. Fluttershy swallowed her fear again and flew up and soared towards Warrior, which shocked him to see Fluttershy acting so brave. She quickly lowered herself and Warrior quickly got onto her back. Then the two resumed their first strategy of circling around Griever’s body like a fly. Warrior knew that while he managed to damage Griever before, he would need to do something to make a bigger impact if he were to defeat the Guardian Force. Warrior knew that the right move would be to gamble.
He dropped from Fluttershy’s back and had his shield at his front. Fluttershy moved away from Griever and covered her eyes. Warrior was falling from the air and waited and timed his shield just right and once he was in Griever’s face he used his shield of light attack.
"Shine!" Warrior called and the light pierced Griever’s vision and he roared in extreme pain. Unfortunately Griever wasn’t blinded so he swiped at Warrior and his large claws Warrior screamed as the large claws sliced Warrior’s side and sent him flying hard and he crashed his back against a rock. Warrior wailed in pain as he lay on the ground.
"WARRIOR!" Fluttershy screamed. She flew over to him and checked up on him. He looked very bad his right side was bleeding hard and his back had a huge red bump. He could have a serious back injury. "Please be ok."
Warrior was struggling to speak, he was now at the point of giving up he looked at Fluttershy’s face. "Fluttershy…flee, it’ll kill you. Leave me…. Go, be with the others." Fluttershy began tearing. It seemed like Warrior was saying his goodbyes.
"No! I can’t leave a friend like this!" Fluttershy squeaked. "I’m not going to leave you to die!" She stared at her Element of Kindness. She closed her eyes and covered her Element with her front right hoof, and made a wish. "Please help me do something to stop Griever." Her Element of Kindness began to glow and it sent the glow into her eyes. Her fears went away and she flew up to Griever and went in front of his face again. When the Guardian Force met her gaze the glow shot from Fluttershy’s eyes and pierced Griever’s eyes. He roared in horrendous pain and when all of the light left Fluttershy’s eyes. Griever kept roaring and soon he began to fade into the green light as he started. Fluttershy smiled, she just defeated Griever. Warrior saw the whole thing and gave her a thumbs up.
Warrior regained a little strength but was still very weak. "I may….not be able…..to show it. But I’m very proud of you. The Cutie Mark Crusaders…..were right……you are the Stare Master." Fluttershy blushed and flew down to Warrior and she picked up Warrior’s body with her head and Warrior was able to stand on his two feet but was unable to walk. He leaned on Fluttershy and she helped him stand up and they worked together slowly to get back to Canterlot Castle.
Back at Canterlot’s throne room Celestia and Ultimecia stared each other down. Celestia rose into the air and so did Ultimecia.
"Here!" Ultimecia hissed and she began to throw several orange blades at Celestia rapidly.
"Reflect!" Celestia called. A blue barrier rose up and when the hit the barrier they bounced back and were sent flying back at Ultimecia. Ultimecia smiled as she flew to the side and dodged.
"Blizzaga!" Celestia shouted she sent several boulder size icicles. Were sent flying at Ultimecia from above and from the front. Ultimecia waved her hand and a giant axe blade was she flying vertically and it smashed through the ice. "Firaga!" A large almost meteorite size fireball was sent flying towards Ultimecia and it blasted through Ultimecia’s blade and slammed into her. Ultimecia laughed at how Celestia managed to actually hurt her. "Thundaga!" Celestia called. Three large lightning bolts appeared above Ultimecia and it seemed like they were going to hit her until….
"Time!" Ultimecia shouted. Then everything froze, she used her powers to stop time. She moved out from underneath the attack and Ultimecia unfroze time and began charging a large sphere. It was a clear as a bubble at first. Celestia grumbled as her Thundaga simply hit the ground. She noticed Ultimecia charging up a sphere, the sphere gained a solid shape, it had a brown, and blue hue to it. It looked as if Ultimecia was going to, literally, crush her with a planet. Then she had to act quickly. "Reflect!" The blue barrier rose up but Celestia made a giant mistake. She didn’t know that the attack was physically based instead of magical.
Ultimecia fired the sphere at Celestia and to Celestia’s surprise the sphere went right through the barrier and smashed Celestia down.
"There is no running from this pain." Ultimecia hissed. She sent a pentagram and once it was underneath Celestia’s body a large beam shot up from the center and hurt Celestia even further. Unfortunately Celestia was down and out. Ultimecia laughed as she stood tall over her victory.
"This is what Equestria’s Princess has to offer?" Ultimecia mocked. "How pathetic."
Back down at the entrance the five friends with Spike arrived at the door and fortunately at the same time so did Fluttershy and Warrior. They all smiled happily at their reunion.
"Fluttershy! Warrior!" Twilight cheered. Unfortunately she hadn’t noticed Warrior’s injuries.
"You guys all right?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"No…" Fluttershy squeaked. "Warrior…he’s…." They looked at how Warrior was hunched over Fluttershy’s side, in the worse shape a person could possibly be in.
"Oh my!" Rarity squealed as they all gathered around Warrior and helped him off of Fluttershy and placed him on the ground. They all gathered around him and began tending to some of his wounds. He was wracked in a lot of pain and he wasn’t speaking
"What happened?" Pinkie Pie said in a shaken voice. She never saw a friend in a position like this. This was a new experience she didn’t like.
"Ultimecia summoned a monster to destroy Canterlot. Only I and Warrior stood a chance to stop it. In the end I did, Warrior fought so bravely against it but…this happened." Fluttershy explained. She started tearing up, she was about to start crying.
"Don’t worry." Rainbow Dash assured. "As long as you stopped that monster, it’s ok."
"Twilight can you help him?" Spike asked.
"With Rarity’s help." Twilight said as she stared at the white unicorn. Rarity nodded and they both concentrated as a white glow appeared on the tip of their horns.
"Cure!" They both said together. Then the two glows left their horns and completely consumed Warrior’s body. The two spells healed all his injuries and wounds completely. Warrior stood back up with great speed. He felt woozy so he rubbed his head.
"We’re all together." Warrior said as he looked at everyone together. Warrior noted how his strength returned. He already knew how he was healed. "I suppose I’m in your debit again."
"Please don’t say that." Rainbow Dash said.
"We couldn’t stand it if you really died!" Rarity said.
Warrior turned to Fluttershy. "However you should save your praise for Fluttershy. She defeated the Guardian Force with her Kindness and her amazing Stare. I think she managed to turn it into an attack rather than a means to confront animals." Fluttershy blushed again.
"Warrior, I couldn’t have done it without you." Fluttershy said.
"Warrior was confused. What do you mean?"
"You see, you’re courage. It helps give me strength." Fluttershy said happily. "I think I would never get any stronger if I had not met you."
Warrior looked aside. "Don’t be ashamed of yourself. Your kindness is your true strength. You valuing life makes you more stronger than a hundred murderous thugs." The group all smiled at the pegasus who was blushing even harder.
Twilight was snapped by a disturbing reminder. "Ultimecia is still in there!"
"Right, and she’s alone with Princess Celestia!" Warrior said. The team broke through the doors and ran through the halls. Spike turned and went back to the suite. He didn’t want to go to the dangerous fight. He didn’t want to end up like Warrior.
They burst through the throne room doors and gasped as they saw the fallen Princess Celestia, next to a proud Ultimecia.
"Princess Celesita!" Twilight yelled. They all surrounded her and checked on her. She was still alive, but couldn’t fight.
"You fiend!" Warrior said to the sorceress.
"So you managed to defeat Griever." Ultimecia said.
"Indeed, now it’s your turn." Warrior drew his sword. "Everyone! Get the Princess out of here! Leave this witch to me!" The ponies worked together and got Princess Celestia up on their backs and rushed her out of the throne room. Warrior was left alone with Ultimecia.
"You’re so pathetic." Ultimecia hissed. "Have you forgotten? You and your allies have already lost. Sooner or later, the manikins will burn them alive."
"Your point is?" Warrior asked.
Ultimecia smiled. "Simple, why don’t you just give up? Cosmos will fall and this world will soon die with her."
"Not as long as I draw breath." Warrior threatened.
"No matter you won’t be drawing breath for much longer." Ultimecia said. She spread out her body and flew into the air and backwards several feet away and landed on the ground. "I am Ultimecia….Time shall compress….All existence denied."
Warrior charged as Ultimecia rose back into the air and used her Apocalypse attack. "There is no running from this pain! She sent a pentagram towards Warrior, he focused his gaze on it and waited until it was a few inches away, and he leaped to the side and dodged when the lights shot up and attempted to kill him.
Warrior got close enough for him to try an attack so he tried his shield of light. "Shine!" It hit Ultimecia and sent her flying until she slammed into the wall. She grumbled as she removed herself from the wall. Warrior continued to charge at the sorceress and attempted to attack her with a Bitter End, but when Warrior threw his shield at her she flew up and when Warrior pulled his shield back to him Ultimecia found her opening, and spread out her body.
"Right through!" Ultimecia shouted. Several blue blades launched from her hands and the blades floated in midair for a few seconds and then launched at Warrior and damaged him from the side. Warrior groaned but quickly regained himself. He looked up and noticed Ultimecia was going to use her Knight’s Blade attack. "There!" More blades fired at Warrior with rapid speed. He quickly raised his shield and blocked all the blades. Once they stopped Warrior took his chance to use his Ultimate Shield attack.
"Release!" Warrior grunted. His shield began to glow and he threw it at the sorceress and it slammed right into her face. Ultimecia was knocked for a loop, when the shield pulled back to Warrior he smacked her around with the shield a few times and sent her flying again. That hurt Ultimecia, but she wasn’t down and out yet. She regained herself and began charging up a grey gravity sphere in her hand.
"Deep Despair!" Ultimecia hissed. She threw the sphere at Warrior and it created a gravity field that began pulling Warrior in. Warrior knew this was Shockwave Pulsar, but a weaker but more effective version than what Griever had. Warrior tried his best to get away, but he couldn’t. The sphere exploded and damaged Warrior sending him up in the air. "On your knees!" She created three black lances and had them rise up and impale Warrior. He screamed in pain and began to bleed.
Warrior too wasn’t down and out despite the pain he was in. But he felt like he was slipping so he had to try and end this right now. Ultimecia created a giant axe blade and threw it at Warrior, he charged at the sorceress and knocked the blade away with his sword. Ultimecia wasn’t expecting that. Warrior charged right at Ultimecia with his shield in front and bashed her with it.
"Prepare!" Warrior said, he used his Ascension attack. He smashed her a few more times and then smacked her upwards and once she was above him, Warrior used his strongest attack. The Rune Saber. "Blade of Light!" He created the magic diamond above him and electrocuted Ultimecia with Holy magic, and then thrusted his blade upwards and the diamond turned into a giant blade and stabbed through Ultimecia’s body.
Ultimecia was badly damaged, there was no way she was getting back up anytime soon. "Uggghhh…ut..ahhh…."
"Warrior!" Twilight called, he turned and looked at the six ponies charging through the door with their Elements on. They all sighed happily to not having to come to Warrior when he’s on the verge of death.
"Princess Celestia’s resting in her bed." Rainbow Dash explained.
Applejack was a little put out. "We were going to help you out, but…"
"Looks like you already did it." Rarity said, she felt relieved that she didn’t have to do any fighting.
"Hip hip HOORAY!" Pinkie Pie cheered.
Fluttershy noticed Warrior’s bleeding. "Oh no, you’re hurt again!"
Twilight knew exactly what to do. "Don’t worry, me and Rarity will handle this." Both Twilight and Rarity concentrated together again.
"Cure!" They both said at the same time. Then the glow left their horns and covered Warrior and light healed his wounds and restored his strength.
"You think you’ve won?" Ultimecia said as she struggled to up on her knees. She clutched the open wound Warrior gave her in her left shoulder.
"We’ve defeated two of you guys. We can handle anything!" Rainbow Dash said boastfully, as she hovered above the sorceress’s head.
"Really? Anything?" Ultimecia mocked.
"Yes! Anything!" Rainbow Dash argued.
"I doubt that." Ultimecia said. "Not even you can survive the cruel march of time."
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked. Ultimecia focused her attention to her.
"Your magic comes from your friendship." Ultimecia explained. "It’s as strong as long as you’re all united. I wonder what you all would do if it was strained at all?"
"Never!" Twilight said. "Our bond is strong, we’ll remain strong friends forever."
"No you won’t." Ultimecia said confidently. "You see, nothing last forever. Not families, not love, not life. You see your friendship will die. It may take several years for that to happen. But in time your friendship will die, and when it does. You will be powerless."
"But for now. You are defeated." Warrior said. "You’ve lost."
Ultimecia wasn’t fazed. "Hmmmmhmhmhmhm. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You think my primary goal was to conquer this pathetic world? I just tired that for a little fun."
"What are you talking about?" Rarity asked.
Ultimecia scoffed, she was hoping they would be smart enough to figure it out. "Think about it, did I really have to possess your Princess to conquer this world? No! I did that because she held the information Chaos was seeking. We were just not going to waste time trying to hunt the reports in this world to figure it out. My powers allowed me to slip into her mind and get the information without the Reports."
The team gasped at the revelation. "No!" Warrior shouted.
"Now you must realize, you’re doomed." Ultimecia vanished leaving only her maniacal laughter.
"What’ll we do!?" Rainbow Dash panicked.
"Don’t worry! If we worry, we’ll only be giving her what she really wants." Twilight explained. "As long as we stay together. Chaos won’t win!" Warrior began to think hard about what Ultimecia said, their true power comes from their friendship?
After two days the chaos returned to normal around Canterlot. Princess Celestia sat on her throne and this time she was back to her sweet, kind, self again.
The team all knelt before her as Spike stood at their side.
Celestia couldn’t lose her big smile. "My friends, I could not be any more grateful than I am right now. You saved not only me, but all Equestria from a gruesome fate of time compression. Your deeds shall not be forgotten. The team all rose." "Twilight Sparkle have you learned anything from this ordeal?"
Twilight smiled. "I believe I have, thanks to Fluttershy. Warrior is a brave knight and never lets anything stop him. The comparison of him and Fluttershy shows if you were to place them together. Fluttershy isn’t a fighter, during her battle with the Guardian Force. She had several opportunities to run and be safe. In fact nopony would think any low of her if she did. But she chose to stay and help Warrior. I’ve learned that weather a life is at stake or not. There are many more things that are more important than wanting to be safe. I’ve learned that true courage, like what Warrior and Rainbow Dash have, is really just believing in something that’s so strong that’s more important than being afraid. That something is our friendship."
Celestia smiled. "Very good Twilight. Now you’ve said you discovered a strange flux in your magick?"
"Yes, you see When I cast the ‘Blizzard’ spell it looked like it got much stronger for some reason. It took on a different form and looked more powerful."
Celesti continued to smile, she understood what she was talking about. "I see, you’ve become so adept with that spell that it’s gained a level."
"Gained a level?" Rarity asked.
'It means it grew to a new stronger form." Celestia explained. Your ‘Blizzard’ spell, has grown to Blizzara." Twilight smiled.
"Now I have a great present for each of you." Celestia used her unicorn powers and opened a curtain and it revealed a large stain glass window. The whole team gasped as it showed the six ponies in their harmonious formation, as Warrior stood in the back as he was holding his sword handle to his face.
"You didn’t have to do that." Warrior said.
"I know but I had to." Celestia said still smiling.
"Hey can we go home yet?" Spike whined.
"I guess." Twilight sighed happily. The team bowed to the Princess and they all walked out of the throne room. Then Celestia looked and began to tear up as her sister entered the room and stared at her. Luna galloped to the throne and the two princesses hugged each other and started to cry happily.
"I’m so sorry." Celestia sobbed. "I couldn’t stop her."
"It’s ok, it’s not your fault." Luna sniffed. "That evil witch made you do such horrible things. I’m just so happy you’re back to normal. The two stayed that way, it was a very heartwarming scene.