Chapter 8: The Driver Fight
In the Castle Nowhere's dungeon, Somnambula still remains on the ground, dead. Her eyes are closed. Her skin and body are still hard and dry. Suddenly, her hand twitch like it's trying to move. The scene then turned to her face, and then zooming and closing in to her eyes. They opened rudely.....
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In the Realm of Demons, Tso Lan and seven Demon Lords have been gathered once more. Tchang Zu informed his brethren of his mission and let's says that it isn't a good time for him at all.
Hsi Wu smirk then laughs cruelly, "Ha; told ya that Tchang Zu would lose the battle!"
Tchang Zu scowls angrily to Hsi Wu, "Silence!"
Tchang Zu threw a Thunder Spear at Hsi Wu. He got shocked. Hsi Wu got impacted and turned into black burnt. Hsi Wu coughed a bit. Tchang Zu can be touchy when he's ticked off.
Xiao Fung chuckle, shaking his head while saying tauntly, "Nice going, Hsi Wu; You've made Tchang Zu very proud."
Hsi Wu scowls angrily, "It wasn't my fault if Tchang Zu got so arrogant and confident that he can't beat a 'drunken' pony."
Tchang Zu yells in fury, "You dare mock me, Hsi Wu?!" The Demon has a right mind to throw another Thunder Spear for that remark.
"Dai Gui should have silenced you when you returned to us, brother!" Dai Gui grunts angrily to the nervous Hsi Wu.
Hsi Wu recovers however as he snaps to Dai Gui, "I dare you to try now, buffalo moron!"
"If he can think carefully, Hsi Wu; I'm not saying that Tchang Zu and Dai Gui are the most cleverest Demon among our brethren as we both." Xiao Fung jokes a bit. Needless to say, Tchang Zu and Dai Gui got very offended by the joker big time.
"You dare taunt at us?!" Dai Gui roars at Xiao Fung in fury.
"You shall feel our wrath, worthless scums!" Tchang Zu exclaims, getting ready for battle. No one makes a fool out of him twice! A battle soon begins in the room right now.
"Rock Thrower," Dai Gui exclaims as he is raising his hand up high, causing the rocks to come up and threw them out.
"Thunder Spear," Tchang Zu yells as he is throwing thunder spear-like.
"Wind Blower," Xiaon Fung exclaims as he blow out intensely.
"Heat Beam Blast," The first defeated Demon yells out as Hsi Wu blast his red eyes out.
The four attacks were about to impact until Tso Lan came into middle, yelling, "ENOUGH! Dark Claw," His hands are covered in darkness as they then enlarge into giant claws. Tso Lan place his two hands on both sides and stop the attacks. Tso Lan then waved them back. Dai Gui, Xiao Fung, Hsi Wu and Tchang Zu got hit by their own attacks, knocking all four down and injuring them. "I do not want to hear this childish nonsense argument! We must focus on the important task."
Bai Tza nods in agreement as she adds, "Indeed, Tso Lan. We must eliminate Twilight Sparkle. As long as that Alicorn lives, your daughter will continue to deny her true identity, heritage and destiny."
"It will be difficult to bring her back to us, brother." Shendu said, knowing that Nyx won't come with the Demon Lords with Twilight still alive.
"It doesn't mean that we can stop. But first where those ponies go," Po Kong ask wondering where the ponies are heading to next. Maybe the Demon Lords can try again.
Tso Lan open the portal, and it revealed Twilight and her friends continuing to walk through the forest. Tso Lan move to the portal to the front, and saw the area that is familiar to them.
Tso Lan answers, "The Lake of Tears."
Bai Tza hiss, "My empire?! So Twilight Sparkle and her family are seeking the next ingredient:the Lover's Tears. I certainly cannot trust my pet to do it."
"What concern you, my sister dear? You had destroyed that area and built it as your domain, especially getting rid of its ruler and the guardian. All of them are under your control." Shendu said, wondering why Bai Tza is angry all of the sudden.
"That's the point, Shendu. I have to make sure those insects not ruin my empire, especially winning my pet's trust and restoring that alicorn ruler! If that happened, my pet and empire will be restored to its former self. The only way to do that is," Bai Tza hiss before continuing, "Pure light magic such as Elements of Harmony and Triforce Elements. I cannot allow that!"
"What can you do? Your portal is locked permanently, unless there's a way to reopen it." Dai Gui remarks to Bai Tza, pointing out that as long as Bai Tza's portal is closed, she can't go back and stop her enemies from doing the inevitable.
Po Kong grunts, "We definitely cannot trust the Goblin in taking care of the mess either."
Suddenly a voice spoke from out of nowhere, "Lords and Mistresses of Demons......." The Demon Lords yelp and gasp in shock. Someone or something else is here with them!
"What was that?!" Hsi Wu yells in alarm while looking around to see who just intruded the Realm of Demons.
"An Intruder," Tchang Zu demands.
"Impossible! No one could have entered this realm or contact us, unless they've been banished or made contract with us." Xiao Fung said in shock and disbelief; How could anyone get into this realm unless otherwise?!
"We would have sense it earlier." Shendu said suspiciously.
"Who could it been?" Dai Gui ask angrily.
"Lady Bai Tza......" The voice said. Bai Tza looks shocked as she recognizes the voice, one that the female Demon thought she wouldn't hear again since the Castle of Nowhere!
"Impossible! That witch lived?!" Bai Tza gasps in shock and disbelief. But Somnambula died when she tried to absorb the youths of Bocolix and Dumbledore, so how is it that the witch is even alive?!
"Perhaps; or perhaps not; Let us find out." Tso Lan said thoughtfully. He open the portal to the person who called them. It revealed to be a deformed and dying Somnambula.
Po Kong, stunned, gasps, "She's alive?!"
"How is it impossible?! You told us that Somnambula was killed by ponies!" Dai Gui exclaims to Bai Tza in shock and disbelief.
"I thought so too." Bai Tza said in bewilderment.
Somnambula spoke slowly, "Milady, I was... Uh... temporarily.... poisoned .... by false Alicorns'... energies and youths. But I'm... too... weak."
Tchang Zu however scoffs as he snaps, "Excuses! She should be executed for her failure!"
Suddenly Bai Tza spoke up, much to the surprise of her cohorts, "No."
"Why not," Dai Gui demands to Bai Tza in frustration. "She failed to absorb purple Alicorn!"
"True. But Somnambula is the only servant I can trust in handling and looking out for my kingdom when I was banished. She will make sure that my pet do not do anything stupid."
Po Kong pauses then nods as she said, "She's right. We cannot let those ponies continued to retrieve the ingredients."
"We have to be ensured that she and others fail their mission miserably. Once they are down, we'll have our chance to capture Nightmare Moon." Xiao Fung said sinisterly. If Somnambula can complete this task this time, then Nightmare Moon will be the Demon Lords' once more.
"While that is true, Somnambula is too weak to fight." Hsi Wu said, reminding the others of Somnambula's predicament, "How can she accomplish of that with her state like that?!"
Tchang Zu nods, saying, "Even she did recovered, the witch will never make it in time to stop those insects. They will be gone and Bai Tza's empire will be in ruins."
"Not if we had special spell to stop them from retrieving it. A spell that will make any pure light and anything into permanent darkness, as long as the dark user remained alive and intact with the item of Dark Magic." Shendu said thoughtfully. "All of them that are near to her will be cursed, as well as giving the user eternal life."
Bai Tza smirks evilly as she said, "The Corruption Youth Spell. Yes, Shendu, that spell will make my empire eternally under the sea and cannot be restored to its former self. As long both Somnambula and the Dark Item is alive, pure Light Magic cannot restore the losses of that old home. Well thought, my brother. This could work."
"Do it, Bai Tza. And remember, the Corruption Youth Spell has a terrible price to pay." Tso Lan warns Bai Tza in precaution. "If your servant let the item be destroyed, the spell will not only kill her, but immediately reverse all of its and your curse of that land and restore to its former self."
"I will not let that happen. My servant will avenge my defeat." Bai Tza assures Tso Lan. She turn to her former servant. "Do you wish to live, my faithful servant?"
Somnambula nods as she said, "As long ....there's eternal... for me, I'll... continue to serve... and... get... revenge... on those...PONIES!"
"Then, listen carefully. I have an item and spell that not only restore your state but make you stronger and powerful. Here's what you must do. And make sure you bring Nightmare Moon and Ben back to us!"
"I will... milady."
Bai Tza smirked evilly. This time, the Demon Lords will succeed...
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At a lake that Twilight and her family will soon arrive at, Tao look at the Lake of Tears. He sighs at the sigh, with the looks of sadness on his face.
"I'd never thought that I would see that land again. I wish I could restore this and the rest. But everywhere I go and cure them, the darkness prevented me. It may try to destroy me from saving the Valley of Peace." Tao said in sadness. He sighs, "Jade, stop fooling around and hiding from the bushes."
Jade groan as she came out of the bushes nearby, "How did you know I was here?"
"You'd never listen. Did you finish your assignment?"
"Homework checked, grandunc."
Tao nods as he said, "And you'd left Mighty Heart behind in working on protection spell again. Dragon Kick will not be pleased of it, Jade."
Jade sheepishly said, "Right...... Anyway, what's with the sad look?" The pony nods a sad look on Tao's face. She realizes something, remembering his problems. "Look, Tao, I know you want to restore the Valley of Peace, but look around you. How can one Mystic Pony cure a large land of dead?! You could have asked some Mystic Ponies to help."
"Even if I did, the Mystic Ponies won't come. They still feared darkness and corruption. Our family's element is pure light which could withstand them. But I feared that my power alone, even with my knowledge and wisdom, could not restore them. It took me a year to cure the Lake of Eternal, which caused me to nearly be corrupted. Unless there is a source of it, I cannot restore the land."
Jade groan, "Easier to say than done; It's that what you said?" She looked at the Lake of Tears. "If I remember correctly, this place used to be a land where good ponies lived before it was turned into bad lake, right?"
Tao nod, answering, "Indeed; this is where Dragon Kick's first love-interest lived."
"That is so sweet and -" Jade stops as she realized something, much to her surprise and amusement. "Wait! Dragon Kick got a fillyfriend?! Weird, when I ask him to take a date for Hearts and Hooves Day, he avoided it. So this must explain why he'd hate it so much because of her, right? She broke up with him!"
"No, Jade. Dragon Kick never took interest of other mares because he lost the ruler of this land when Bai Tza took over it."
"'Ruler of this land'; Wait! You mean Dragon Kick's fillyfriend is an Alicorn and ruler of that area?! That must have hurt Dragon Kick's heart to see her being turned into stone!"
Tao sighs sadly, "Yes. I tried to restore her and the land. But I feared the Alicorn's guardian may try to prevent me from helping them. The guardian I know has been corrupted by Bai Tza. I do not wish to harm her; for she is that ruler's guardian and friend."
Jade in concern asks her granduncle, "Well, if you can't help them, then who?"
"The only ones who can assist me in saving these poor souls are Twilight and her family. They might be the key to save them and break Bai Tza's curse."
Jade sigh, "I hope you know what you're doing."
"Yes." Tao said with a nod. He then straightened up. "Return home now, Jade, and please help Mighty Heart."
"Okay."
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Pinkamena was reading her book but stiffens and the book falls as her senses go off like mad twitching. Golden Heart says in worry, "What's wrong and by looks of things it must be rough."
Pinkamena slowly gets up and sits down getting her book and says while recovering, "Even if the gang did get more of the ingredients but to let you know one, the Hole just took another AU and it seems Somnambula might come back from the dead and much worse."
"Oh dear but I have faith that they will win."
"You're right brother I know they can do it but still things will be more tougher for them and I am planning to make something but I will tell in a later chapter or other fanfic."
Golden Heart blinks as he answers, "Ok?"
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During the group's travel so far now, from passing a few canyon rocky valleys, they came to a new place that was between the nighttime area; strangest thing was, the area was almost covered in gray mist, which was not so blinding, but its source...came from a lake. All around the outskirts, seem like a wasteland while there was water around with only a tiny island with a strange shaped rock form in the center that almost looked like a female alicorn in a praying form.
"Brrr....'dis place gives me 'de hibby-gibbies!" Tough Apple rubbed his shoulders in feeling something making him shiver about this place.
"Yeah, I feel something like that too." Dumbledore responded in seeing this place gave off weird vibes to them all.
"Just where have we come to now?" Bocolix asked in where the group arrived in now on their journey quest.
"According to the map, this place is called...The Lake of Tears." Twilight used her magic to levitate it up for her to study and see where they are, at a lake area.
"Wooh, how'd it get that, a giant crying to fill a lake?" Phobos responded in almost wondering how a lake gotten such a name.
"Phobos, I doubt that's why it's called that." Nyx rolled her eyes in hearing her pet pal make such jokes at this time.
"Still, I liked the other lake Tao showed us, The Lake of Eternal, that place was more peaceful, this place is...making my scales shiver!" Spike spoke in preferring the lake Tao showed them then this place, the two's different atmospheres felt...far different apart.
"Twilight, what's the ingredient we're after in this area?" Ben asked his love in pondering what they are looking for around here.
"The lake here is said to produce an ingredient called; the Lover's Tears." Twilight issued the name of the ingredient that they are seeking now. "It's said to be somewhere on the lake." She issued off that for the group, they need to find the next ingredient within this lake.
"Can we even cross, if it's too deep, then..." Tough was about to issue this fact when he was cut.
"Looky here," Dumbledore spoke when he and Bocolix got off the cart to walks a bit on the lake.
"It's kinda of swallow!" Bocolix issued in seeing where he's walking, the water isn't so deep near them.
Soon everyone got off of the cart left Justin & Rabbitchu to watch over the pet owl and wolf cub. The gang was slowly walking a bit at first, so far, nothing found so far.
"Don't waver guys, the ingredient must be here somewhere." Ben said to his group in precaution.
"Arrroooo," Suddenly, the crying calls of a wolf cub, Koga, alerted the group.
"Heads up, something's coming!" Phobos shouted out in getting a bad feeling, something was coming at them to freak a wolf cub out to alarm them.
Ben brought out his sword, Nyx transformed into her Battle Form, the Enforcers & Twilight got in stances with their magic ready and Spike and Phobos got themselves ready for anything, even Tough got his shotgun ready for anything. Then something swam in the water and then leaped out to attack and the group and they are, guess what; SNAKES!
"SNAAAAKES," Twilight screamed out in terror in seeing these things and was soon charging and blasting each snake that she saw, almost like she gone in a panicky crazy mode to aim, fire, look and repeat.
"Wooh, she really hates snakes!" Bocolix yelped to dodge Twilight's shots to fire his own to beat a snake.
"Who wouldn't like them, right?" Dumbledore responded after blasting his own snake after seeing Twilight's stunt.
"Hyrrrruuhh," Ben was making battle cries to slice a few snakes in half that tried to attack the group.
"Bang-Bang, Bang," Tough Apple was seen trying to blast a few snakes in the water with his shotgun with good aim. "Step back fellas, or slither back, whichever. Just git," Tough remarked off to say but gave it second thoughts about snakes not having feet, but didn't care so long as they weren't coming at him. "Bang-Bang-Bang-Bang...." And that tough stallion was blasting like nobody's business at the slithering fiends.
The Dragons were breathing fire to roast some snakes and Nyx did well in casting spells that fired sphere balls that imploded on the slither things. After a few short minutes, the group was back to back in wondering if anymore snakes would lash out to them, so far nothing, maybe they got rid of all the threats.
"Did we get them all?" Phobos asked off in pondering if they managed to defeat all the snakes that were living in the lake.
"I don't know, there might be more," Spike responded in feeling unsure if the group did or didn't get all the threats.
And as the gang was looking to see if anymore threats were left in the lake, the truth comes forth. For something was seen far off near the tiny island Alicorn statue center that showed....something swimming; fast! There was only a fin extended from the water before going back in the water to almost disappear from sight.
"Over there!" Adult Nyx pointed in seeing something moving in the water, but what?
"It looks too big to be a snake, maybe a fish!" Phobos spoke from trying to get a good look; the creature doesn't look like a snake, more like a fish actual.
"Well hay, maybe we can grill us up some grub if we catch it!" Tough shrug off in thinking that the heroes may strike having fish for dinner now.
"You might wanna rethink that plan Tough." Spike pointed with worried concerns in guessing that was no ordinary fish.
As the unseen creature in the lake swam, parts of its features were seen above the watery surface for the group to take notice of. It was a giant turquoise color fish monster which apparently was a mix of an eel, a catfish and a shark. And most of all were the red eyes it gave off, that was no ordinary fish, it was known as the Guardian Fish Beast: Driver. It dives into the water, the others stood ready, but then a geyser erupts from the front side, "GRUUARRUUUURRRUGHHH!" And soon the giant fish was rearing its open jaw teeth to swim so fast up to the group from its splashes to eat the targets.
"SEPARATE!" The Enforcers responded before they quickly pushed the gang in left to right areas. Soon the Fish Beast swings itself in a fast U-Turn motive just before the creature dives down. Bocolix was with Nyx, Spike & Phobos while Dumbledore was with Twilight, Ben and Tough as they were standing up.
"Everypony alright," Ben called out in wanting to know how everyone was.
"I'm fine, father." Nyx said to Ben with a nod.
"Same here, Ben," Twilight said, assuring her love that she is fine as well.
"Shucks, Ah ain't missing a limb or Ah is fine too!" Tough grunted a bit.
"So are we!" The two nitwits call out to Ben in relief.
"Listen, we can't tense up, we have to attack from an opening." Ben explained what their best course to deal with this creature.
"Got it," Dumbledore responded in hearing that issue crystal clear now.
"Cause its back!" Bocolix responded in seeing that the giant fish was coming back.
"RUUUARRRUGHHH," Soon Driver was roaring to swim straight for the Enforcers as they brace themselves before the two got tackled!
"Dumbledore; Bocolix," Twilight cried out in seeing their new friends were knocked back by the fast fish beast.
"Hruuaayghhhh," Ben makes a battle cry to charge forth when he saw the beast turning around in the water to come at them. "Stabvhmm...." Soon Ben stabbed the beast from leaping to impact which let of an eerie cry, "Woooh!" Ben suddenly lost his hold to fall off the charging beast into the swallow water.
"Ruuarrrrrughhhh," Soon Driver was swinging around to charge forth back at where Ben was with intend to eat him.
"Eat 'dis, fish face!" Tough came up and thrown a bag right into the beast while getting Ben out of the way, that caused Driver to be distracted enough at the time.
"Everyone, back on land," Twilight shouted before they all left the lake as the fish beast swam around in driving off trespassers.
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Moments pass by within the night sky with the light of the full moon was seen. Twilight's group was on land after being a bit unsuccessful in passing through the Lake Of Tears with that Fish Beast guarding it.
"So 'dis is all we have left now?" Tough asked off in noticing that the group's little food that they collected looks a little muddy.
"It'll probably taste like mud now." Phobos groans in seeing and eating a mud-half covered blueberry.
"From that issue in the lake, why wouldn't it?" Spike groans in feeling that what happened in facing Driver, that Fish Beast is not an average fish to any fishermen.
"Twilight, are you sure that the ingredient is here?" Ben asked his love who shared her meal with Nyx at the time.
"I'm certain Ben, the map says the Lover's Tears is located around here." Twilight responded that what the group seek, is without a doubt, is here.
"How are we gonna search this muddy lake?" Bocolix asked off puzzled in how they search around.
"We could try to have that Rabbitchu electrify the lake." Dumbledore issued an idea in what they can do to get rid of the troublesome fish.
"No, if the ingredient is in the lake, we would end up destroying it; we need to get it without any change to the water, especially with the temperature." Twilight issued that if the group used electricity, or freeze the lake, or use heat to boil the water, it could damage the ingredient.
"Well why not distract the thing so the other can dive from a cliff & search?" Phobos spoke off an idea in what the group can do here.
"No way, I learn from Miss. Cheerilee that fish would feel the movement in the waters." Nyx shook her head 'no' while explaining how fish knew in their waters if there was a sudden introduction in their area.
"Then it looks like we're not coming up with anything or what we may be dealing with." Spike sighed in feeling like they don't know how to deal with this now.
"What you are dealing with is no ordinary fish, this is true." Spoke out an old familiar voice during the gang's distracted minds.
Just when the gloomy mood seem to penetrated the depths of the group's hearts, they look to see on a cliff over their heads, an old pony sitting by who they least expected to see; Tao.
"Mr. Tao? Why are you here?" Twilight responded surprise to seeing this old pony out of nowhere now.
"An where did ye go after we last saw ya?" Tough issued off in what or where this pony was that made them so worried.
"Oh, here and there; the usual manner; Everypony doing alright," Tao shrug off in avoiding the question while answering it somehow before asking how the gang are.
"Not really, we're having a problem with a fish situation." Nyx shook her head in knowing they are having a problem at this moment.
"A fishy tale hugh, then you must have come across the Guardian Fish Beast; Driver. Created by the Demon of Water to be her pet and guard this area." Tao spoke in suddenly knowing what was troubling this group of travelers. "Any that enter will become fish food and the beast launches its spines off like pin-needles that look like rain from the skies. And the only thing worst about it would be its teeth to chomp. To defeat it, one must be able to handle holding above the creature to deliver enough strike blows to the head to completely immobilize it." Hearing this much made the gang realize how much of a troublesome fish they are truly dealing with.
"No offense, but I struck it, but it still remain strong; And the Master Sword should finish off evil creatures like the Swarm." Ben spoke to Tao in recalling he landed a blow, but that sword strike didn't do too much on the target.
"Perhaps you have not notice that you must struggle between two acts in what you see is best. Both seem hard, but only one is the right way." Tao explained the serious issue for the moment as it were.
"What does that mean?" Spike looked a bit lost in what this old pony was saying now.
"I shall tell you, before, this area was a land...where ponies lived in joy, but then the demon named Bai Tzu appeared, used a spell that summoned much water, to which the aftermath...is the lake. It's called the Lake of Tears, because the joys were turn to tears that day." Tao spoke in sounding a bit blue in recalling what this area use to be a beautiful place before a familiar demon the group had met before ruined it.
"Oh, so sad," The Enforcers spoke in feeling sadden in hearing what happened to this area now.
"And since then any that enter the mist, their strength & magic are cut in half, and unless the guardian is beaten, it will not leave. Tao stated his exclaim about whenever ponies enter this place, they don't know it, but their strength is cut in half cause of the mist.
"So then, how can we get through defeating that creature if our strength is zapped and we can't get it back without beating the Driver?" Ben asked the old hermit pony in how they can defeat a creature that lets off something in the air that cuts their strength and it won't go unless the Driver is dealt with.
"I am sorry, I have no answer." Tao sadly shook his head in response, before suddenly perking up the group here. "But perhaps, with my music, it can help calm down your stressful minds to find a solution, yes?" He asked to show a little leaf he'll use to play a little tune for the gang.
"Well, I'm not sure if that can help." Twilight responded in thinking that might not help their solution against the Driver Fish Beast, but...
"Come on mommy, maybe Mr. Tao's music from his leaf flute could help us a little bit?" Nyx asked her mother to let them hear something to ease their minds before coming up with a plan.
"Well...alright, Mr. Tao," Twilight nods in accepting the decision before turning to the pony hermit.
"Of course," Tao nods in seeing the group is ready to hear him play.
Soon the Mystic Tao was playing a harmonic tune from the leaf that helped calm and ease everyone's minds. The music rose in lilting waves, feeling the dead air with beauty. Everyone's minds were imagining things differently from where they were in hearing the music; Crystal-clear water trickling in cool shade, birds singing in leafy green, children laughing and playing, flowers lifting their faces to the sun and blooming magnificently. The images helped bring smiles to everyone's faces, it was as if this is the story that Tao's song told.
Suddenly, the water from the lake splashed off a bit before louder noises were heard that caught more attention. The Enforcers turn to notice what it was, and was fearful of it.
"Ah, guys, we..." Bocolix spoke in wanting the gang to notice something.
"Pipe down, we're listening here?" Tough hushed the Alicorn males in wanting to hear Tao play his song.
"But you really should..." Dumbledore was trying to say until he was cut.
"Oh brother, what is it?" Phobos groans to complain, what could be so important to pay attention to.
"That!" The Enforcers pointed at seeing what everyone should see.
Just on the land from the lake's water was the Fish Beast; Driver, as it lied there. Strangely, it was sitting there peacefully, unmoving like it was not of a life-threatening now, was it cause of the music. During the time, Tao cease playing when he was done.
"It's the Fish Beast Driver!" Phobos shouted out in suddenly seeing this foe until...
"Do not move." A voice spoke out in instructing everyone what to do. "Keep playing." The voice seem to originated from where the twinkle from Driver's eyes seem focus, as the fish was the one that spoke. "Play, now!" It issued off in a strict demand in wanting Tao to continue to play his melody from earlier.
"Hmph, well no need to be hasty, but...I suppose if you like the melody." Tao was huffing at first, but shrug it off in seeing this was a creature that liked his music.
Soon Tao began to play his leaf like a flute, and from the calm melody, Driver's eyes shut to let the melody calm the ravage beast. The others could not believe many things, Tao's music helped calm Driver, the Fish Beast of this lake, or that this creature could speak.
"Why have you come to this forbidden place?" Driver asked the gathered group in why they have come to this place.
"It...can really talk." Twilight responded surprised, which from this action caused everyone to flinch, even Tao cease playing his music in sensing tension in the air.
"Do not stop!" Driver snapped off to Tao who cease playing all of a sudden. "Continue playing." Driver instructed in wanting the hermit to continue to play his song.
"Well, some manners wouldn't kill you. But, alright, not every day I'm asked to play my music for a fish," Tao responded off issuing before shrugging off in not bothering, since he's asked to play a melody so he shall.
Soon Tao continues to play his leaf by a flute melody which helped to have Driver close his eyes to feel peaceful and calm now.
"Answer me. Why are you here?" Driver once again, wanted a response from the group in why they are here.
"We came here looking for an ingredient." Ben spoke in issuing the reason why they are here with a stern face in speaking to this foe. "It has special meaning to us." The stallion explained that they are here for that purpose.
"An ingredient," Driver responded surprised to hear some travelers are here for just that, why?
"It's called the Lover's Tears and it's said to originate around here. So we need the ingredient." Twilight explained of their objective target and that they need to find it.
"Right, to help fix our friend's farm and bring plant life back to it," Nyx issued of another point to their journey here.
"I know the ingredient of which you speak." Driver issued in response in knowing that which this group is seeking.
"Where is it?" Twilight asked with a serious face in wondering, where their target lies?
"It is in my keeping." Driver issued that he has what the group is looking for.
"What; really; Huh," The group exclaims in shock and surprise. So that's where the next ingredient's at!
After everyone got over being surprised did another shock come forth before them.
"It is the only thing in this lonely, bitter place that comforts me in my misery." Driver issued that it has the ingredient as an object that helps to ease the fish's misery. "Do you think that I would let you take it with nothing in return?" The Fish Beast Guardian remarked off with a stern tone that he will not give what aids his pain without something in return from this group.
"What do you want in return?" Twilight asked off puzzled in what they need to do to get what they seek from this giant fish creature.
"If it is within our power, we will pay it." Ben steps forth to say that they will do everything in their power to grant Driver's wish of what they can give this fish to get the ingredient without a fight.
"Gehihihiheeehh...." Suddenly, Driver lets open its mouth to let off a laugh in finding this surprise response very surprising. Soon this caused Tao to stop playing in sensing something else about to happen here, "Very well. I will tell you." Driver was now calm down in responding to this quick decision act the group has shown. "I want him!" The fish tilted its head to the left in narrowing the gang's eyes towards...Tao's position. "I enjoyed his song...." Driver issued with finding Tao's music very pleasing for him to hear.
This caught everyone's attention to rethink what they would have to do if they agreed to such terms.
"HIM," The Enforcers responded in surprise, they fought Tao, and if the fish thinks he'll come quietly, this guy may become fish-food instead.
"You want an old hermit?" Phobos asked off in not believing what they heard.
"Hugh, being asked to stay and play my music for a fish, even for a hermit, it's...something unexpected. If not flattering," Tao responded in finding the invite a little strange.
"No way," Twilight rejected the idea with a stern expression on her face.
"Come with me!" Driver instructed the hermit to come with the fish where it shall take Tao. "Come into the lake with me and sit on the weeping stone." The Fish Beast Guardian turn its head towards the statue figure of an Alicorn mare praying, but from another look, it does look like...it weeps. "Play to me through endless days and lonely nights." Driver instructed in wanting the old hermit to play his leaf like a flute for the melody that the fish likes. "Ease my pain for as long as you live." Driver exclaimed in wanting Tao to play the melody music that would ease the fish's pain till the day, well the old hermit ceases to live.
Nyx, Phobos and Spike cringed in not liking this debate, if the group goes along, sure they get the ingredient from Driver, but at what cost? They have to willingly give up Tao's freedom to serve a fish and that's the fishiest excuse anyone would ever do. Just then, Tao leaps down from where he sat on the cliff to be behind the group.
"Mr. Tao?" Twilight responded in seeing the old hermit before them, Tao isn't actually gonna...agree to the terms of surrender to allow them the chance for the ingredient.
"Well, if that is what you wish, then I shall agree to the terms. To think, as a hermit, my life would finally meet its final path, never would have guessed this." Tao responded in preparing to go along without showing any fuss or argument.
"No way Tao," Ben held the old hermit's left hoof to keep him from going off.
"Right-o, we ain't letting yew give ye're self up 'ta a fish!" Tough objected to grab Tao's left hoof to keep him from doing this, it all sounds fishy to the extreme here.
"I appreciate your thoughts for my wellbeing, but I have no problem. I am old; surely you would not rest your mission, of saving many lives, for just one, would you?" Tao ask the group a simple question.
Ben heard this and almost instantly froze in hearing this. He was asked this familiar question about choosing two hard choices that one would have to act in which were right, but difficult to go for. If they save Tao, they can't get the ingredient to save the Apple's Farm, but if they get what they came for to complete the journey, would they live with themselves of losing one life. This was a hard situation to overcome, how can one choose between two paths, only to lose out on the other, there just has to be a way around it; but how? Their options are limited along with time.
"It appears he wishes to join." Driver responded in seeing that the old hermit wishes to join the fish as part of the agreement they set for letting the group have their ingredient. "Let him do as he pleases." The Fish Beast issued that if Tao wants to join him, the others shouldn't get in the way.
"There's no chance we're handing him over to you!" Spike snapped off to grab Tao's back hooves to keep the old hermit from going with the Guardian creature of the lake.
"Yeah, he maybe an old hermit, but he's OUR old hermit!" Phobos declared off that the group doesn't care about the ingredient with such a lousy trade deal like this one.
"And our friend," Nyx spoke with a stern tone that no matter what, the group can't give up one life even to save more, there has to be another way.
"Give him to me or I will kill you!" Driver spoke in sounding very upset while making a threat that if the gang cut out of the deal now, there will be consequences to pay...with their lives. The Fish Beast rose up from the water, opening its mouth to prepare to attack those that get in the way.
"Just try it!" Ben responded in getting ready for round two against this foe.
"GRUUARRRRUGHH," Soon Driver roared to attack by charging at Ben, who used his sword to block the attack when the fish swung around in the water.
"Urrrgh...." Ben cringed a bit from that move, now the fish was really mad with them now.
"Ben!" Twilight cried out while she and the others were on dry land to keep Tao from leaving them or do anything funny.
As Ben was thrown in the air, he suddenly grasped something during the fall, which was of the whisker of the Fish Beast; Driver. Getting a determine face, Ben held his sword near the beast's eye, trying to catch the creature's attention.
"How about now; we like to see you kill us!" Ben issued off in challenging the foe's issue of wanting to kill them to get Tao.
"No!" Driver responded off in seeing the pony was going to attack him and finish him off, the creature cannot die from this.
"We won't hand over Tao!" Ben sternly was issuing that they will not give up the old hermit pony to this creature. "He's traveled around for who knows how long, he may have suffered some spots along the way of his travel, and just meeting him has helped us feel like we've managed to learn that the End of Equestria is not all a lost cause." What the stallion spoke was true words, thanks to his group meeting Tao, did they learn and find many things they never knew. "He came here for our sake when we thought things were a lost cause. No matter what, you won't have him!" Ben issued from where the others heard the brave stallion make this claim of protecting a friend.
Suddenly, during the moment, Ben's Triforce Cutie Mark began to glow in responding a bit to the stallion's heart on response with his words. The others could see this and could almost tell that Ben's special power was making something happen around the Fish Beast.
"Mommy, it's daddy's Triforce!" Nyx spoke with a smile in seeing something happening here.
"It's responding to Ben's emotions to helping us." Twilight responded in recognizing this feeling, the mist that once cut off their abilities, was fading away.
"Wooh," The Enforcers responded in finding this very surprising, so that's Ben's power, the Triforce, they never expected the light to feel so...warm, gentle, and caring, very different from Boris's actions that they tolerate.
"A decision, well-spoken of, young Ben Mare," Tao secretly smiled in seeing Ben's chosen a right act to follow; not to give up a life, but not wanting to give up others as well, so Celestia's child will make sure they can save all even with his own life at the risk now.
"Grrruugh...You would throw away your life for him? For the hermit," Driver groans from what was happening, this pony was wanting to risk it all for another, it's unheard of. "And he would do the same for you." The Guardian Fish Beast issued in knowing Tao wanted to help even by his own risk for this group; it was very much the same thing.
"That's what Friendship is all about." Twilight spoke next in flapping her wings to approach the now unresisting Driver to speak about what they are doing, is acts of caring for a friend is. "Friends would help from anywhere, and if one was to give up their own to help another they care for, that would rise to others, no matter how much they fear it." The princess spoke words that came from the heart, that everyone heard and felt something spark in their minds; the words that helped shape one's state to learning, caring, and loving another, from friendship & love, and many others.
"Yeah Twilight; You tell the fish!" Spike cheered to clap his hands in seeing that Twilight truly had this down.
At this moment, The Guardian Fish Beast; Driver absorbed all this to suddenly come to terms in how much the group was staying true. Even Tao smiled ever still in seeing the group really helped to become more aware of how to defeat an enemy that suffers.
"It would seem Twilight Sparkle has learn a special lesson; 'How to Truly Defeat Your Enemy'. The answer would be none other; 'Then By making them you’re Friend'. This teaching can only be reached to some, but even a little change, can come a long way." Tao spoke in seeing that Twilight has learn a lesson not very much something seen, to defeat an enemy by making them your friend is a special secret not performed so often, it's almost hard to say if it even works. But cases like the disguised Dum Dum & Boxco, it may just be a weapon to use in the future, but only for some cases. For not all enemies, can become friends.
"A long time ago…" Driver spoke off from when the moon light brightens the field around the Lake of Tears. "I would have done the same thing." As Driver spoke this from its eyes focus above at the moon, the Guardian Fish Beast began to glimmer in a color aura from Ben's Triforce power while…making the dangerous creature sound like it too; would have been in the pony's shoes or horse shoes in this case.
"Wow, is it me, or is that Fish Beast, Driver, actually…" Tough Apple responded in being almost stun to believe in what they may be seeing.
"Actually glowing along with Benny boy's power?" Phobos responded to finish the statement in what was even happening here, it made no sense.
"But why would that happen if Ben knows evil creatures would take advantage of it?" Spike asked off in not knowing if Ben was doing this on purpose or by his own power acting to aid him during the hour, it's so puzzling.
"What if…if maybe this fish isn't as evil as we think," Nyx spoke in thinking, the enemy was not really an enemy, but a poor soul that was place here in the End of Equestria.
"Hugh?" The Enforcers looked back in confusion, what was the little filly even saying?
"It is as spoken, let us hear this creature's words & learn of it' fate." Tao nods calmly to issue that they hear what Driver wishes to say about itself.
Twilight nods as she and everyone was quiet to hear what this former foe of the lake wish to say.
"Something is happening to me!" Driver spoke from suddenly realizing that whatever Ben was doing to it, it felt strange to him, yet it was not much like he was endangered. "You can see into my mind!" The Fish Beast responded to Ben in suddenly feeling that the stallion was peeking into his very mind.
Ben was confused at first until he had the Triforce of Wisdom to clue him in. "My Triforce…It must be reacting to both our wills." Ben couldn't explain it but his power from Courage must be affecting the fish creature in acknowledging that from the stallion's words of strong & true friendship made a strange reaction.
"Nrruuaarughh," Suddenly, Driver's eyes widen and a heartbeat was reacted from him by surprise in what Ben was doing, was strangely effecting the creature, but at the same time, not hurting the fish. "In another time, another place…I was like that…" During the discussion, the Alicorn statue from before is seen again, but more of a living pony when Driver issued about being like Ben & his group, wanting to risk the other to save the one they care for.
The new Alicorn was a mare, she has a silver fur coat color, the mare's mane & tail was a mixture of gold, silver and platinum, her eyes are green, and the Alicorn is middle size, beautiful and has a scepter with stars on it as a cutie mark. This Alicorn smiled towards what was inside the Guardian Fish Beast, Driver, before an evil shadow enshrouded her…meaning a terrible fact happened. Another scene shows a strange water nymph, a female, entering the area. And this creature was trying to stop the evil shadowy force from trying to harm the pony she cared for. But the act was too late as the Alicorn was struck with some magical curse, leaving the water nymph wide eye in shock, tears filling the eyes in seeing the act performed.
Back to the present, we see the still golden aura covered Driver, with the fish's eyes widened in almost being lost. "What is this?" The Guardian Fish Beast asked in being completely "What sorcery are you…" The Driver asked in being unsure what Ben was doing to it, was the pony trying to now harm him or…trying to help the fish creature?
"It's not sorcery." Ben responded in feeling a bit calm in speaking to this creature now not as an enemy, but as someone that wishes to answer the question of one that is strangely 'not' evil. "Somehow my Triforce's ability with Courage is showing you the truth with Wisdom aiding it." The stallion responded in answering the question forth here, "My guess. What you just saw is the truth!" Ben stated this out for Driver to understand the fish's own situation.
The bright light coming from Driver was glowing brighter suddenly bringing into the light for all to see & not be afraid.
"Woouuaaghh….You can see into my mind!" The Driver cringed its eyes in feeling the effects of the Triforce were making Ben see things in its mind. "I…I'm the Guardian Fish Beast Driver, I am the loyal pet servant of Bai Tzu. That's who…I am! Am I?"
"Bai Tza!" Dumbledore responded off in remembering that name from Castle Nowhere now.
"The Water Demon," Bocolix issued in knowing that name was from a Demon of water.
"I figure she must be involved with this place." Twilight sighed in annoyance; it figures that this Fish Beast Guardian had Bai Tza's theme work all over it.
"Fear not, your friend seems to have helped calm & ease the beast." Tao patted Twilight's shoulder to ease tension for Ben has perform a deed in helping a poor soul in peril rather than ending its life.
Soon the bright glowing golden aura around was fading, and from the clear full moon in the skies, anyone could see the calmness that has gone around, even the lake's water was splashing calmly near dry land. We soon see Ben holding onto the part of Driver's whisker part, but the fish was not showing any resistance, but a tame theme to the stallion on it.
"What…do you want?" Driver slowly spoke in feeling submission from Ben, willing to allow what the stallion wants.
"The ingredient; The Lover's Tears," Ben issued in what he and his group need from this fish guardian. "Please, give it to us. Not only for our cause, but perhaps, even to help to go back to what you once were!" Ben issued that after they get the ingredient, they can help Driver be what he once was after learning the truth. "To get back what you lost!" Ben spoke this with some sorrow in his voice, but was firm, whoever Driver use to be, this fish was once a good creature before Bai Tza did something and made this creature into a pet.
"Uaauughh…" Driver's eyes were still wide in feeling that for the first time, Ben & those with him wish to even help the fish that tried to harm them earlier. "I will." Driver responded in complete obedience in seeing that if Ben wants what he seeks, the fish will allow it without question.
Then from some motion, Driver was turning it's self in the lake around and heading directly for the tiny island center of the lake. The others watched in surprise, they never would have believed that they get help from a strange fish. Tao on the other hand nodded to smile in seeing that some good was happening here.
"Tell me, how did you become like this with one of the Demons?" Ben decided to bring up a conversation to learn a bit more about this Fish Beast & about Bai Tzu's involvement.
"Long ago, I was a guardian to an Alicorn named Gwen Fillyson, she helped setup a beautiful area in the Valley of Peace, before it was the End of Equestria. This was once our home called 'the Ominidrex Kingdom' before it was a lake. But that all changed when evil forces invaded, Bai Tza came here, used a spell to create mountains of water, and destroyed everything." Driver explained the harsh memories the fish recalls of the past of what happened to this area long ago. "This place represents the tears of sorrow of all those that lived here, which is why it's called; The Lake of Tears. Bai Tza decided to change me into a creature as a pet to watch over her favorite dominion of conquest." Driver responded in feeling agony in knowing that many things felt tears of sorrow in what they lost and the fish was turn into a servant for one of the Eight Immortal Demon Sorcerers.
"I'm so sorry to hear that." Ben patted gently on Driver's wet scales in feeling pity for the poor fella, that stuff this creature experienced musta been hard for anyone to live through. "But don't worry; whatever pain you've gone through, I promise, we'll help set you free. Bai Tza won't hurt you no more." Ben spoke in assurance that he and his friends will aid in helping to make sure Driver is no longer a prisoner of misery from Bai Tza's curse.
"How can you be so certain?" Driver asked off with raised eyebrows, what makes Ben so sure he could help this fish when so many others haven't.
"Now why would I go and lie to you? Even lie to a fish, I can see that you're a person despite what you look like and how you acted earlier." Ben smiled to proudly use Flash Sentry's words to help calm Driver's mind and soul that he was not gonna lie about helping the fish.
Soon Ben reached the weeping Alicorn rock statue from Driver's aid, leaped off onto the rocky area to begin searching. He started to climb the structure a bit, hoping to come across what he was knowingly looking for. Suddenly from a reflected light, Ben reached an area where he saw…the ingredient. The Lover's Tears, solid black rock like tears with the symbol of Love right on the center.
"Is that what you are seeking?" Driver asked off in seeing Ben has come across that which he and his friends were seeking.
"This is…" Ben slowly spoke in taking notice of the ingredient that he was seeing now. "I thought Twilight said the color was of another color." The stallion responded confused to himself in recalling what the Lover Tear's was, and that Twilight said it was pinl.
While Ben was unsure in his confusion, he can feel that from his Triforce of Wisdom that this was indeed the ingredient they seek unmistakable. Still, why was this ingredient this color in the first place?
"What is the matter?" Driver asked in seeing some hesitation from Ben after finding the ingredient the fish recognized as such.
"Um…nothing," Ben responded in not bothering to tell this fish guardian that what Driver was guarding wasn't what they seek as he could sense that the creature of this lake was not a liar. "Let's go back to the others." Ben issued from picking up the strange ingredient.
Back with the others on the dry land part outside the lake.
"Look, they're back!" Nyx pointed with a smile in seeing her daddy was coming back, and was glad to see their new friend coming to, even if it was…a fish.
"Ohhh," Phobos responded in agreement to Nyx, the girl was right.
From within the lake, the group sees Ben riding Driver through the water with the ingredient in his possession.
"He got 'de ingredient!" Tough Apple smiled in seeing that their pal has gotten what they came for in the Lake of Tears.
"But wait! It's weird, he doesn't look too happy." Spike responded puzzled in noticing Ben's expression was not of a successful face of obtaining their target.
"Hmmm…you're right. Something seems up." Twilight responded with a stern face, they got out of this situation okay & obtain the Lover's Tears, but what was making Ben seem…uneasy?
As Ben was slowly heading back to the others, he was pondering about the color of the ingredient. He was carefully having his Triforce of Wisdom fill his mind with thoughts about this mystery. Turns out the Lover's Tears was of a special object for more than just an ingredient needed to cure the Lifeless Growth Spell that happened to the Apple's Farm; Turns out that the Lover's Tears grows pale in the presence of evil, or when misfortune threatens its' owner. The adoptive son of Celestia looked to the object in seeing it was pale in color to what it's supposed to be.
"So the pink's gone pale, and become black…" Ben theorized the matter of what has happened to the Lover's Tears now. "Oh no! Driver, we need to watch out for something!" Ben turned to warn the Guardian Fish Beast of misfortunate that was approaching them now. "Something evil is near!" The stallion issued this word of final caution out in fearing that if the ingredient has gone pale because of some evil within the area, things won't be pretty.
Tao was able to hear that warning and looked up to notice…the evil that would approach.
"It would seem nearer than one believes, young Benjamin." Tao responded in whisper silence in sensing what evil lurks near the group.
From above in the clouds, they turn red while covering the moon. And then if that wasn't enough, lightning began to flash from the clouds that attracted attention. But weirder still was when the lightning soon aims together above and then drive itself downwards towards…Ben's fish riding position. "Powwfrusvhmmm…." That sudden impact in the lake caused by the lightning, created a force shock-wave, and worst news was….water and electricity, definitely, shouldn't be mix in.
"Guuuagh-Haaaugh…Aaaaahhhh!" Ben held onto Driver's fin part from feeling the after-effects and the surge of voltage getting him.
"Ruurrarrughhh," Driver was feeling the worst effects since it was a fish, a water amphibian; the shock was harming it more than the stallion.
"Brzizizvh….KAPOWWWFRUVHMMM…" The entire spot where the attack happened was electrified to the point where a giant explosion imploded that shook the entire lake and knocked those still there off their rockier.
"BEN!" Twilight cried out from where she and the others saw what happened in shock and horror, where did it come from?
"It would appear an evil villain foe has come to face you all, it seems." Tao responded with a stern face in seeing another threat was going to come up between Twilight's group now.
From the Lake of Tears, Driver was seen out of it, the Guardian Fish Beast was floating around near outskirts of where giant flames erupted from the area the lightning bolt struck. "Huh-hahahah-ha-hah…." Then there was some laughing from behind the flames, and a strange figure was seen. "Welcome to my mistress's garden." The voice issued from the flames before being seen as…some sorta young female foe before the group as she was seen smiling from her lips within the blistering flames.
"Gruuvmhmm…" Driver suddenly gasped while aching in pain while Ben held on with wide-eye shock in seeing this villain that appeared, but there was one problem.
"My name…is Somnambula!" The strange figure held her right hand which held a mysterious red ring with a demonic eye carving center of the sorcerer's ring figure, now revealed as….a witch version like Somnambula! Expect this woman's hair has a white streak in her black hair. She is now wearing a red robes with a silver belt, golden bracelets and green eyes.
Everyone is shocked and surprised to see Somnambula alive, especially Twilight who is stunned since she saw the witch died after trying to absorb Bocolix and Dumblefore. But the woman's different from what her old form or even gaining young pony's youth energy has done for her in the past. Her skin color is even more smoother. Besides her new appearance, her new ring, given to her by the Demon Lords to give the witch a second chance, make her more powerful now, giving her a new form & new identity, with more power than ever before.
Somnbabula then speak using "Moonspeak", which is simply unidentifiable mumbling before her ring glows & shouts her new name to fire a beam, "Vanity!" The newly young & powerful witch decides to aim it at a disobedient pet of her mistress.
"KURBOOOMFRUVHHMMM," Once the newest enemy had arrived in the area and fired an attack, it impacted Driver right on the forehead area, "GRUUAR-Arrrruuuuugh!" Driver let off a painful cry from its mouth to be blasted back and swung off Ben with the fish.
"Gaaughh…." Ben was knocked off, but at the same time, he lost his grip on the ingredient, "Guuagh!" Ben gasped in seeing what he's done, but say the object landed near the Alicorn weeping statue area & then in the lake before the stallion landed in the water, "Guuagh!" Ben finally pokes his head up from the water, that little surprise act completely caught him and the others off guard.
The group laughs as Vanity addresses Ben & company, "You dared enter Bai Tza's domination? You all killed or freed creatures that the Demon Lords kept as Guardians or pets or both. And now, you are making another creature of the Demon Lord's hand work do your will! You even defeated five of the Eight Immortal Demon Lords, much to my agony & heartbreak of this...unforgivable!"
Then in the next act, the new enemy cast another spell that ended up exploding and knocking Ben across the lake unprepared, much to the foe's amusement. But turning attention towards a Fish Beast that lies in the lake's water, weaken and hurt from that full close impact of a spell; the new enemy smirked with a 'huff' remark at Driver in what pitiful state the creature is in was its own fault.
"Did you think to escape?" Vanity responded with a dry remark towards the Guardian in what it was hoping to achieve. "You will always be my mistress's creature! Lord Bai Tzu's pet!" From hearing these cold remarks from its weaken and hurt state, Driver was unable to answer, too badly wounded from being punished by its disobedience in willing to aid the ponies in their quest then of serving a demon by forceful means as a servant.
"Ben, you okay?!" Twilight ask as she and the others come together to check up on the Ben in lake.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Ben said to the group in assurance. Of course all but Tao watches in seeing the act's going on, yet he knows he can't interfere for less he reveals he's a Mystic Pony to Twilight's group.
"What about the Lover's Tears?" Nyx ask her father who held up a familiar idea. "Wait, why is it black and not pink?"
The new foe laughs at the group while issuing, "You can't escape from me now!"
Tough snaps, "Yew old hag," The Earth pony got his shotgun and fires at her, but Vanity uses a magic barrier to protect herself, blocking Tough who curses against the smirking witch.
Vanity remarks to the pony, "Do you honestly think in thought that such an attempt would work on me?" She send in a blast, causing Tough in getting knocked back across the lake to Tough's pals. Twilight and the others are still lost, how is it when they saw Somnambula die from Dumbledore & Bocolix's interference, she is now before them?
Twilight is the first in demanding to know, "How could you survive?! I saw you died when you tried to absorbed Bocolix and Dumbledore's energies!"
Vanity smirk as she explains, "While it's true, in reality, I was poisoned and weakened."
Nyx then ask, "How did you restore your strengths and become stronger?"
Vanity smile evilly as she explains, "I was restored by someone who I truly owe to. She's the reason why I become stronger than before, ponies. And you're the reason of her defeat!"
"Wait! You're not saying -!" Ben yelps, realizing whom Vanity is referring to.
"It's yours truly, Benjamin Mare." A familiar voice spoke up. Bai Tza's transparent head appeared before Twilight and her families. They gasp.
"Bai Tza!" Twilight gasps in shock and alarm. "You're the one who resurrect Somnambula?!"
"Yes. I'm glad you remember my name, Sparkle. I have not forgotten the defeat and humiliation you gave me, Twilight."
"How did you find us," Nyx ask in bewilderment, wondering how Bai Tza found out where the group been all this time!
Bai Tza chuckles as she explains, "I told you before, Nightmare Moon, being trapped in the Realm of Demons, doesn't mean we can't hear or see, thus this is the result."
"I'm getting tired of you guys calling Nyx, 'Nightmare Moon'!" Spike groans in annoyance.
"You said it!" Phobos growl in agreement. "So, why don't you scram, you witch; Moon Rage!"
Phobos launches his fire attack on Bai Tza. But it passed through. Everyone was shocked to see this. Tao remain silent. Bai Tza chuckle, "You amused me even more, Dragons. Though I can see this scene, but I cannot harm you nor could you, because my body is still in the Realm of Demons."
"You won't get away with this!" Twilight exclaims in determination.
"Especially what you did to these ponies and Driver; we'll beat your servant, and find a way to restore this land!" Ben exclaims in agreement.
Bai Tza snaps, "Fools! Do you think you can come here and change my scenery of empire?! Think again, mortals! I'll not let you ruin my beautiful garden! You will never restore this poor unfortunate land! Somnambula or Vanity; finish all of them! Show them your great powers! And remember; bring Nightmare Moon and Ben Mare back... alive."
Vanity bows as she says, "With pleasure." Bai Tza spot Tao. She hissed at him while Tao glare back at her. Her head disappeared. "But it does puzzle me even more: why is your Alicorn friends' energy and youths are impure?! Usually, Alicorns are pure, either born natural or become natural. It makes concluded that you're not really Alicorns, aren't you?! You used some kind of magic potion to become one didn't you or someone help you?
Bocolix and Dumbledore panick. Everyone but Tao was confused of this information. Twilight puzzled ask her new friends, "What does Somnambula mean that you use a magic potion to become Alicorns?"
"Guys, what's going on?" Ben asks the new Alicorns in a bit of suspicion.
"Okay, you win. The truth is we're not really Alicorns!" Bocolix groans a bit, fearing the worst.
"He's right! Because we were just ordinary.... um.....Earth Ponies," Dumbledore said, covering up whom he and Bocolix really was. "So, we traveled far to find ...... good potions to make us immortal!"
"It worked perfectly! We just want to live on! We're afraid to die! We didn't mean to lied to you!"
"We're really sorry! We didn't mean to put a lot of troubles on you all!"
Bocolix and Dumbledore cry. Tao pauses as he said gently, "Despite lying to your friends, you did good and harmony deeds."
Bocolix and Dumbledore sob while looked confused. Ben said in agreement, "Tao's right, guys. Even though you're just regular ponies, but you saved Twilight, didn't you?"
Bocolix and Dumbledore nod. Tough adds in, "Ben's right. While Ah hate lying, yew did 'de right thing: saving Twilight fro' Somnambula getting her youth."
Bocolix and Dumbledore both ask at the same time, touched by the kinder words, "Really?"
"Yeah. You're the good guys. That's for sure." Spike said, though he still got some mixed feelings about those two ponies at this point.
"Spike's right. You saved everyone, even though you made some mistakes." Nyx said with a smile.
"I can't believe I'm going to say this: you guys are cool friends." Phobos remarks to Bocolix and Dumbledore. They feel touched, being given kind words than what their usual allies would give them.
Vanity huff, "It matters not. I shall make sure that you will not succeed this mission! I'll bring both Nightmare Moon and Ben Mare back to my lords and mistresses!"
Vanity's body glow darker and blacker. Tao look around his surroundings while gasp in worry. The lake grew darker and more upset. The old pony said in thought: 'I sense great darkness. I sense the Dark Magic. It's the Corruption Youth Spell! That explains why Ben is upset of the Lover's Tears he found. Both the land and ingredient were corrupted. I cannot interfere in the battle, but I can find the source of Corruption Spell.'
Tao notice the flashlight from Vanity's hand and spotted the ring on her finger. He thought, 'I had found it; Time for my voice.'
Twilight prepares herself while saying to her family and friends, "Okay, everypony, get ready to fight."
Tao manages to throw in his voice without anyone suspecting a thing, "The Lake will not be cured, as long as the curse item existed."
"What?"
"The lake will not be cured, as long as the curse item existed."
"Curse item? But I don't see it." The purple Alicorn said in concern. A flashing hit Twilight's eyes. She turn and spots something on Vanity when she raised her hands up. She gasp. "That's it!"
"What's it, Twilight?" Ben asks, wondering what Twilight is realizing just now.
"The voice warned me about the curse item, and the lake."
"What was that about?" Spike asks Twilight, wondering what his adopted mother/sister meant.
"The reason why the Lake of Tears and Lover's Tears grew more darker and corrupted, it's because of Vanity's ring!" Twilight exclaims as she points to the ring that the evil Witch is now wearing.
"Meaning," Phobos ask, wondering what the point is to this.
"If we defeat Somnambula and destroy that ring, we can restore the land!"
"Alright, then it's clear. Let's do it!" Ben exclaims in determination.
Twilight and her friends armed themselves in the battle against Vanity. She land on the ground safely. Tao look at the battlefield while saying to Twilight, "Be careful, my friends, especially you, Twilight and Ben. She will not be the same as before."
Twilight answers, "Thanks for the advice, Tao."
Twilight, Nyx who transformed into her Battle Mode, Bocolix and Dumbledore fire their magic powers at Vanity on the front while Ben, Tough, Spike and Phobos launch their attacks from her back. The witch quickly unleashes her protection spell and protects herself from both sides of attacks.
"Oops. It looks like I prevent you from attacking me." Vanity mocks her enemies in amusement.
"Now what," Spike groans; how in the world will they even hit something that can't be hit?!
"Keep firing!" Phobos exclaims.
Spike, Phobos, Dumbledore and Bocolix continue to attack and firing their magic, Dragon and Moon Rage at their enemy. Vanity's shield continues to resist and defend the attack.
"Not good. Her shield won't go down! We won't able 'ta attack her!" Tough exclaims in frustration to his allies.
"There has to be another way. She can't be invincible!" Nyx exclaims. Vanity can't be invincible all the time, she must have a weak point somewhere!
Vanity smirk while taunting, "Unfortunately for you, I am truly invincible. Prepare yourself! Take this!"
Vanity drops her shield and places her hands on both sides, firing her Dark Magic laser beam-like at them. Twilight and her friends dodge the attacks. Twilight flew up and fired at Vanity, but she quickly shield up from the attack. Twilight groans at it as she landed down.
"Too slow," Vanity remarks to Twilight sinisterly, but the Alicorn got a thoughtful look on her face.
"The only weakness is when Vanity wants to attack; she has to drop her shield down." Twilight said in realization. "Everypony, keep an eye out for an open space!"
Everypony armed themselves and readied to attack when Vanity dropped her shield down. She smirked to chant her spells. Twilight and her friends were ready to attack. Vanity's hand glows in dark purple. She let her shield down and immediately punched on the ground, causing the shock wave-like. The ponies got hit by the wave, knocking them all down.
Twilight recovers from the attack and fires her magic at Vanity but she blocks the attack. The witch launches and threw dark balls-like at her enemies after she lowered her shield down. Everyone quickly dodged the attacks quickly. Nyx, Spike and Phobos quickly went back at Vanity and launch their attacks at her. She quickly turns and blocks the attacks with her shield.
Vanity lowers the shield down and launches the lightning at Nyx, Spike and Phobos. They dodge the attacks. Tough fires his gun at the witch at once; But Vanity quickly deflect the attack with levitation, right at Ben. He quickly block with his sword and then quickly charge, trying to slash her down. Vanity block and make Ben bounce back.
Nyx groans out, "This could be a problem. Every time we attack, Vanity prevented us."
"In that case, we'll have to keep an eye on her move to attack." Ben advised the ones in his group. There must be a way to get an attack onto Vanity somehow.
Vanity lowers her shield down. Ben quickly uses his Sword Beam at her but she launches her black laser-like at the Sword Beam to block it. Bocolix and Dumbledore charge in and are about to fire. However Vanity moves the laser impact and hit both Bocolix and Dumbledore.
Vanity laugh, "What can you do?! Even if you do know my weakness, you still cannot defeat me. I won't let go of it."
"We'll see about that, witch!" Spike exclaims in determination. He won't give up just yet!
Phobos agrees while snapping, "Try this witch!"
Spike and Phobos fire their Dragon and Moon Rage at Vanity but she quickly use the shield and deflect the attack. Vanity exclaims in madness, "Doing nothing but dodging! Take this!"
Vanity lowers her shield down and launches her magic attacks while spinning around. Twilight and her friends dodge the attacks. The Alicorns flew up while Ben, Tough, Spike and Phobos dodge by jumping over the attacks. Twilight and her friends launch their attacks at once at Vanity. But the witch manages to finish her attacks, and put up her shield.
Twilight groasn while Vanity laughed evilly and wickedly, "As I had said before, there's nothing you can do now. But I'll spare you if you surrender both Nightmare Moon and the Earth Pony to my lords and ladies."
"I won't surrender to you!" Nyx snaps to Vanity in defiance.
"Forget about it, witch!" Ben exclaims angrily and in agreement. He won't be given up to the Demon Lords! The prince would rather die first!
Somnambula laugh evilly, "Then, you are doomed."
"At this rate, we will never beat that witch!" Bocolix exclaims in despair.
"We can't attack head on or wait for her to drop her shield down for us to attack. It's getting hopeless!" Dumbledore exclaims with a groan. So far, all the group's attempts have failed.
"Not yet. We'd still have our chance to win. We'd need some distraction." Twilight said in concern. The group needs a distraction to get a chance but what?
Suddenly, a flute is heard sounding. Everyone turn and saw Tao who is playing his leaf flute. Phobos puzzled asks the others, "What's Tao doing?"
"I don't know. I think he's helping us." Spike said in bewilderment.
"How's music is gonna help us?" Tough ask doubtfully, wondering how music can stop Somnambula/Vanity now.
Vanity laugh evilly at what she thinks is a poor attempt, "Your mere leaf flute cannot harm me, hermit pony. Do you think you can stop me? Your music is nothing but a nuisance."
Tao stops playing to speak sternly to the witch, "I wasn't trying to harm or stop you. I was creating a peaceful song. Something that witches like you couldn't understand it. Obtain victory doesn't require brute force, but having faith to earn it. Believe me. Music creates harmony, and it is not a nuisance. It is you."
Tao continue to play his flute. Vanity snarls and growl at Tao. The music irritated and annoyed her a lot when listening to it, too peaceful and harmony for her.
"I'll teach you some lessons! You'll pay for your insolence!" Vanity exclaims in madness. Tao shall go next!
Vanity focus on Tao as she chants her spells to attack. She fires her magic at Tao. But he moves to his right while continuing to play his song. Her shield lowers down. Vanity became annoyed as she continues to blast her dark magic at Tao while he keeps on dodging and playing his flute.
Twilight, seeing an opening, yells out to the others, "Everypony, now!"
The four Alicorns fire their magic at Somnambula/Vanity. The witch gasps as she got hit hard and pushed back. Tough punches on her back hard; Phobos and Spike fire their attacks on Vaniy's front. Ben try to attack her with his sword but she dodge the attacks by jumping back. Vanity was about to used her shield, but the flute was sounding once more. The witch got annoyed, turning and glaring at Tao who is playing the music.
Tao smirk while taunting the once Somnambula, "Where is your boast, Somnambula? Have you lost it because of music; Pity."
Before Somnambula/Vanity could do something, Tough quickly hit her back with his head butt. Spike and Phobos gave punches on the witch hard, just before Twilight, Nyx, Bocolix and Dumbledore launch their magic attacks. Ben charge and try to slash on the witch's hand. Somnambula/Vanity dodges the attack and is going back to the defensive. But instead, the witch got hit by the four Alicorns' attacks from the back while her front is attacked by Spike's and Phobos's Dragon and Moon Rage.
The heroes and allies had blocked Vanity's advanced and attacks. She got weakened by the attacks and growled before yelling in anger. Vanity launches the shock wave and hit on the ground. Everyone got hit and fall down to the ground.
Vanity turn and glare at Tao, yelling, "I've had enough of your music, hermit! Time to die," He chuckled, much to her notice and further annoyance. "What is this?! You're just a hermit who enjoyed music and peace! You just laughed for what; for fun?!"
Tao spoke, "Actually, this is a victory for Twilight and her family."
"What do you mean-?!"
With a slice of a sound, Somnambula/Vanity was in shock. Everyone turn and saw Ben. He held his sword that has blood, and on the ground is witch's hand with her ring.
Vanity screams in horror, "What?!"
Ben smirks as he taunts, "It's over, Somnambula! You had lost."
Ben used his sword and slam onto Somnambula's ring. The ring was smashed into pieces. Somnambula/Vanity was in shock.
Somnambula scream in anger, "Nooooooooo! This cannot be!"
"It seems you had underestimated them. Brute force will never obtain victory, but faith will. Though the Corruption Youth Spell may have worked on the user to have eternal life and curse everything into deep darkness and curse, but should it be destroyed, there is a price to pay." Tao explains to Vanity in amusement.
Somnambula/Vanity screams in fear as she look at her body. She saw her hands have been transformed into something dry and hard, along with her body.
"Curse you, ponies! Curse you!" Vanity screams as he body slowly transform into a tree. Her ring's darkness dispelled in smoke, into white light.
"It is over. Lake of Tears shall return to its true form." Tao said in relief and triumph.
Suddenly, during the villain's defeat, bright light was coming from the background, before a huge geyser erupted which made the heroes decide to run from where they are. And during the villain's spot of defeat, the body twitched to the point that it impeded into dark shades that vibrated from where it's being even existed. The huge geyser erupted to cover over the area before all went dark.
Then the screen focuses where in a surprising twist, a sun-rise was happening over the mountain areas. Soon the area was zoomed into what was now a dried up Lake of Tears with only a few fish flapping around. And the focus came near the weeping Alicorn statue, still in place, but now one can walk to it without worrying of deep waters and swallow areas.
"Guuuaghhh…" The scene showed us Driver was near the statue as it was gasping from lack of water in its fish lungs, "Guuagh-Haaaugh!" But suddenly, Driver was covered with a golden magical dust that surprised the fish. "Waaaugh-Aaaugh…." The Guardian Fish Beast was exhaling it's breathing before…it was magically glowed. And then in an instant, the giant fish vanished completely while leaving a new glowing creature in it's to land on the dry ground, "Uuugh!" And now the revealed Guardian Fish Beast: Driver, was changed into something before the curse from Bai Tza: a beautiful sentient being made of water, a water nymph by some records, with gray bands around her waist & neck, a light violet triangle marking across the chest area, turquoise clear eyes, and her legless tail of water that hovered above the ground, from there to over her body & head were white cloth drapes with written symbols. This was the true beauty hidden within the beast, a Water Nymph Guardian.
The other ponies and Dragons were staring in surprise as was the original form of the fish foe they believed was an enemy.
"Ye mean 'dat ugly fish was a pretty lil' water lady?" Tough asked off in almost being spellbound in seeing this sudden surprise.
"I think they are known to be called 'Water Nymphs', Tough?" Nyx issued that what they are seeing was called as such from what the little filly studied in learning what type of creature this was.
"But, now this here's a real beauty on sight!" Phobos spoke off in almost staring non-stop in seeing that for the first time, there was truly something 'beautiful' within a region that was filled with despair & ugliness.
"You can say that again!" Spike responded in almost sighing in feeling that seeing a real water nymph has got both Dragons almost forgetting things nor the troubles that they had.
Twilight & Ben rolled their eyes in seeing the dragons, Tough, even Bocolix & Dumbledore get a bit goofy & amazed in seeing something beautiful, but in retrospect, they aren't surprised while being happy to see something good happen.
While this was happening, another event was taking place; the Alicorn statue was glowing a blue line coloring with light escaping the cracks.
"Look! That statue," Twilight pointed out from where the gang was on a cliff in observing things taking place here.
The Alicorn statue of a weeping pony was cracking around from the escaped light all around.
"Hugh!" The water nymph looked up to gasp in surprise, could this possibly be…true?
"Kapowfruvhmmm," Suddenly, the entire rocky structure exploded into pieces to scattered apart. Then what would appear in its place from a statue, to the real live Alicorn mare called Gwen Fillyson, who smiled upon being freed. And then the mare held out something that glowed from within her hooves, it was the ingredient, the Lover's Tears, only this time, it was representing it's true color from not being pale, now with no evil around or misfortunate.
"The Lover's Tears," Ben shouted off in surprise in seeing what was now seen before them, the ingredient he lost was with the freed Alicorn mare that was a statue.
"Gwen Fillyson….you're free…" The water nymph was so overjoyed that from her features, tears leaked out, but they were of pure joy than of sorrow.
Soon the new mare Alicorn came up to the water nymph by her wings to land, kneel before her friend with a smile. "I have missed you to, Undine." Gwen Fillyson responded with words of praise in missing...an old friend of hers as well.
Soon the revealed water nymph lifted her hand to touch the Lover's Tears before a bright flash of light erupted from it and the two. The light completely started to spread around from where they stood to change the wasteland lake into lust greenery. And more so then anyone's guess, a few surprises came when other ponies of Earth, Pegasus, and Unicorns were seen lying on the grass plain then of the rocky lake when the magic passed over the fish; the ponies around the Lake of Tears were turned into fish! Who knew, right? Stallions, Mares, even colts & fillies that were big or small fishes were seen lying on the ground, and began to stand up in realization; their curse was lifted and now they are free. As the new batch of ponies that were taken by the End of Equestria stood up in joy, hugging with their friends and love ones. Seeing this action, really even helped give an extra warm feeling for Twilight's group in seeing, they've performed another miracle in this dangerous region; The End of Equestria, like they did with the former cannibals.
"Those fishes were really…ponies!" Dumbledore exclaimed in almost being completely shocked in witnessing this transformation here.
"I'm just glad we never decided to catch any!" Bocolix responded that if the group ever wanted to get fish to eat, they never succeeded cause, well, of this really.
"Trust me…Huummmmruagh….just thinking about it an' 'dat Fish Beast if we ate them makes mah stomach all quizzy-like." Tough Apple responded to hold his mouth from vomiting in just thinking if they did such a thing, they'll be like the former cannibals, eating a live-pony creature without even knowing it.
"Incredible….the ponies of Ominidrex Kingdom have been brought back!" Twilight responded in surprise, this was a sight to truly be called a miracle in helping free pony lives that were lost to this land.
"It is like a dream…" Ben spoke with a few words from his face in acknowledging this; this was both out of their way, but a true blessing to see.
"But it seems pretty real." Nyx responded in seeing that ponies were once fishes and now they turn to normal was the real deal here. "Or we're all dreaming the same dream." The little filly responded in feeling that maybe everyone in their group was seeing this and believe they are dreaming.
"I guess when we defeated Somnambula or Sombula, whatever, her power of a Demon from being Bai Tza's representative must have been the key and the curse was lifted." Twilight responded with the only clear logical choice in the matter, that when they defeated the foe here, it help lifted the curse that Undine, A.K.A. Driver The Fish Beast was under and freed a stone Alicorn to which their union helped set this land area back to being it's peaceful ways like evil never touched it.
The gang smiled for joy in knowing this, so long as all things turn out good, that's all that really matters the most; helping lives.
"What about you Tao? Um…Tao," Spike was saying before he turns to see, Tao was no longer with them, he vanished again.
"Great, that old hermit has gone and bailed us again!" Phobos groans, how many times is Tao gonna show up and leave them hanging with more questions about his disappearing act?
"My friends…" Suddenly, the gang turns their attention towards an old fish foe that was nearby.
"Driver…" The gang responded in recalling who this water nymph use to be or was until she was changed back.
"Actually, my name is Undine; I am a Guardian Water Nymph." The revealed water nymph issued in stating who she was to the brave heroes. "The ponies of the Ominidrex Kingdom are in your debt." Undine spoke with appreciation towards those that have helped freed those trapped under a curse. "Especially to the gallant warrior that aided in the final strike to the witch," She issued to the other person in the group that helped landed the last blow that helped defeat the enemy that appeared here.
Everyone smiled in hearing that a bit of cockiness was being shown from Spike, Phobos, Tough, Dumbledore & Bocolix which made the rest chuckle at their sheepish behavior in getting such compliments. After a few moments, we see some calm breezes blow through the grass-fields of what was once a lake. Now Twilight's group stood before the former Fish Beast Guardian; Driver & the weeping Alicorn statue: Undine & Gwen Fillyson in about to have a chat now while the freed once fish pony civilians gather round to hear things out from the two they considered to lead them.
"This here is my owner, Gwen Fillyson." Undine introduced the rest of Twilight's group to the new free Alicorn that arrived here from being stone. "She is the leader of the pony citizens of the Ominidrex Kingdom. And we have been freed from the curse Bai Tza placed on all of us, thanks to you." Undine responded with much a smile
Soon the now freed Alicorn mare approached Twilight with something in her hooves. "You were seeking this, correct?" Gwen Fillyson responded in showing the object Twilight & her party had been seeking.
"Y...yes," Twilight responded a bit flattered and surprised as she held out her hooves to accept the ingredient from a fellow mare Alicorn as the Lover's Tears was now given.
"We are all grateful to you." Undine responded in feeling very glad that Twilight and her friends for what they have done. "For a long time, we have been suffering at Bai Tza & Somnambula's hands." The water nymph issued about what has been happening to many of the civilians within this area that were once cursed. "And now we are finally free!" She exclaimed with much appreciation that they are free from a Demon Lord's curse.
Twilight's group was now feeling very much overwhelmed but they smiled in accepting this compliment towards them. It was like when the gang freed the once cannibal ponies in the End of Equestria, from Hsi Wui's control when he held the tiki idol, it was almost the same thing….almost, but just a hint different with the usual happy ending afterwards. Soon Twilight moves to place the gain ingredient the Lover's Tears in a bag with the others, but then the necklace Ben made for her glimmer from the light.
"That…that is…" Undine responded in seeing that what surprised her and her Alicorn friend Gwen Fillyson to gasp in seeing….some Guardian Rings the Demon Lords held possession over: Mehitos & Egola. "Those are Mehitos & Egola's Magic Guardian Rings! I thought they were still in the possession of the Demons. How are they here?" Undine asked these surprised questions in never would have believed she see those Guardians that were under the Eight Immortal Demon Lords within the Demon Realm.
"It's a long story." Nyx shrug off in responding that question in seeing they got some explaining to do now.
"I guess I shouldn't ask why. But why is there only two attached to that necklace?" Undine responded puzzled in seeing only two Guardians' Magic Summon Rings around Twilight, like there was a thought of more than that.
"It's something I made to allow Twilight to carry these things, since…well ponies don't have fingers." Ben shrug off his shoulders in saying he made the necklace for Twilight so that the Guardian Rings would be with them and never again in evil's clutches.
"Then tell us, have you've faced Evil Guardians, like the Wasp Creature: Swarm, belonging to Xiao Fung, the Wind Demon or even the terrible beast none has ever imagined to defeat called: Mo Sie the Hydra, a vicious pet belonging to the Fire Demon, Shendu?" Gwen Fillyson clapped her hooves in almost asking a question in denial, if the group had already fought off Evil Guardians already.
"Wait! You mean frog-face's pet bug, and worst…That snake-head-splitting Hydra that tried to nearly be the end of our lives?" Phobos asked off in almost not believing that these new faces were asking if they defeated such Guardian foes of evil, like that was some joke to be spoken of.
"Boy howdy, we already survived those terrible varmints an' just barely survived them!" Tough rolled his eyes in sighing in relief to push that memory out, it was a near life-death experience, way too scary to even imagine.
"That is what has happened. I can hardly believe it." Gwen Fillyson rested her left hoof to her chin in letting this information sink in, defeating the Guardian Creatures are no small task for any pony, and yet this group has gone and done the near impossible. "I feared from what Bai Tza promised us before she sent us into darkness…that Equestria would lose one of its princesses & the balance of good and evil would shift now within the course of the years. She said that nothing would be the same again…" She spoke in feeling that events that lead to Luna being Nightmare Moon to many other events have been spoken for already.
"Wait, how long have you been cursed?" Spike asked in almost mishearing that last part.
"Since Celestia & Luna first became the rulers, why?" Undine responded puzzled, was there something that they miss knowing since time was the last thing on their minds when being cursed?
"Again, boy, how many ponies have been here without knowing the times?" Phobos sighed in seeing that it's the cannibals’ event of missing out all over again and they gotta explain things.
"You see, a lot of things happened, when Luna left a 1000 years ago in being within the moon before she returned, and…many other events did play out as you were told." Twilight spoke in slowly starting how things played out during such cases.
"But no matter what, we're still fighting strong against problems, and even now to help save lives, much like yours." Ben spoke in assurance while smiling to say that they are slowly making things how they were, just like with these ponies that were under a curse and are now free.
"Indeed, you are correct." Gwen Fillyson spoke with responding to such a term by the young ones before them. "No cause is lost while brave souls live and do not despair." She smiled in issuing that so long as there are brave heroes, then even in despair, there is no lost for hope at all.
The gang smiled in hearing such words, it was the perfect kind of medicine to help anyone, pony or otherwise, know that nothing was too far for them to find hope in despair. Then in puzzlement, they suddenly hear what sounded like a church bell.
"What's dat sound?" Tough asked confused, it's the first sound of civilization since being in this place.
"It is our bell…" Gwen Fillyson smiled in responding in recognizing the sound that was the bell that belongs to this group of freed ponies while a gentle breeze blows through with flower petals.
The group of freed ponies looked to the clear skies in joy and relief in hearing the bells coming from an old ruin that was of their old home; it was the new sound beginnings…of hope. While everyone was distracted however, a lone rat came by near where the fallen witch villain's body disappeared, leaving only the Demon's Ring to get taken and ran off to who knows where.
"We shall never forget any of you brave souls for saving us." Gwen Fillyson responded with a smile on her face in staring at the heroes.
"Here, I'll magically transmit a spell to your mind, so you can teleport everypony here, to Ponyville, and hopefully, meet the princesses again." Twilight leans her horn close to the new alicorn mare, a little glimmer came between them, but Twilight managed to give coordinates in where Gwen Fillyson can take her group of ponies back to their home.
"It's been forever since I've seen Celestia…Luna…Golden Heart, and many others like us that have lived the longest, thank you." Gwen Fillyson spoke with a smile in thanking Twilight for allowing her a chance to see faces she hasn't seen in ages. "I too, shall give a gift to what may aid in your quest. Undine," She responded in saying before turning to the water nymph.
"Yes…" Undine spoke to approach in what her owner wants of her.
"Please join this new princess and help her as you've done for me. As she'll be your new owner and friend," The new Alicorn before Twilight's group issued a request that caught everyone by surprise.
"Wait, you mean she'll come with us?" Dumbledore responded a bit surprised in what was going on here.
"Weren't you two like friends separated so long?" Bocolix asked in recalling Undine was a curse fish while her friend was a statue, shouldn't they stick together?
"It's true, but now she sees that my aid now is to help with the next generation of heroes." Undine nods in feeling like she understands what her now previous owner wants of the Guardian Spirit of Water. "You've gotten most of the Guardian's that were never evil, but were forced to do evil biddings. I am happy, and yet worried about others out there, as well as how many of the Eight Immortal Demon Lords you've faced so far." Undine spoke with both relief and worry, some of her own Magical Guardian Kind are saved while others that are not evil, are still force to be evil in whoever wields their rings, namely the Demon Lords
"Well there's the bat-guy, then the frog-guy, then the bull-groundhog, and then the fishy-water lady. As well as the weirdo that shoots out lightning. Anyone else," Phobos counted up to the number of Demons they fought so far by their appearances, it seems.
"You've faced the Demon Lords of Sky, Wind, Earth, Water and Thunder. All that are left are just Fire, Mountain, and Moon." Gwen Fillyson spoke with caution in her advice in sensing what were left would be just as hard to overcome for the gang.
"Great, can't wait to meet them." Tough remarked off with a dry tone in learning this just now.
"Until then, good luck," With that much said, soon Gwen Fillyson glowed her horn and then in an instant, all the other civilian ponies (even their bell from the church ruin) were teleported upwards like a bright sphere and zoomed at fast speeds; heading for the gang's home & outside the End of Equestria.
"Here is my ring, should you ever need me." Undine spoke in magically making a gray ring with an 'S' symbol top center be seen, like a wave of water, now appear on Twilight's necklace. "Just ask for my aid, and know, that even if you or your friends are my master & owner, we'll be friends to help each other. Just as you all have helped remind me…thank you." With that last stuff said from Undine, she magically vanished in a beautiful aura to return to her Guardian Ring that Twilight now keeps.
The gang was now staring at Twilight's necklace that held three Magical Guardian Rings: first was Mehitos, second was Egola, and now Undine. For the most problems they've faced, perhaps from obtaining these magical creatures from this land, can help the gang survive when they least expect it.
"So….what do we do with her now Twilight?" Spike asked off in not knowing if this was a good thing for them now.
"I've read about Water Nymphs before, Spike. That they have devastating torrential power, they can create and shape water. Like erupting geysers from the ground where there's no water or make water appear like magic like a sphere in their hands." Twilight explained to her friends about her understanding of water nymphs, especially since the group has fought off against a water sentient before like Bai Tza, but Undine here was not evil. "I once heard that if you played them like some jerk, they could form a water bubble to cut off one's air." She issued off in knowing that if 'some' males were trying to be 'rude' to water nymphs; those creatures would show their scary fangs in a new way.
"Yikes, cool, but scary!" Phobos yelped in issuing that from hearing that.
"At least she & Bai Tza are different types of water nymph creatures, with the part of not being evil and demonic." Nyx issued how Undine was much nicer and pretty looking then the evil Demon Lord of Water was.
"Undine….She has her own will and I can sense she's extremely loyal to whoever holds her ring." Twilight spoke in sensing the new Guardian Ring she has that was of Undine. "I'm hoping that we can all become such good friends." She smiled in wishing that they can be friends with this water sentinel Guardian for a long time to come.
"I'm sure Twilight, I'm sure." Ben patted his love on the back in assuring, that they'll be friends with this new Guardian Creature, no questions needed.
"Hay fellas, let's pack up an' head off 'ta 'de next place, kay." Tough issued off in wanting the gang to pick up their pace, cause they still got plenty more stuff to go after.
With everything on that agreement, the gang returns to Justin the MechBull & Rabbitchu awaiting them. They repacked their things in the cart, with a few things accomplished; an ingredient obtained, a freedom of more lost ponies in the End of Equestria, and a new Guardian added to the collection. Soon the gang was riding off where the sun was held up high in the sky, most of them may have to takes a little nap, since they miss some sleep, but things will be well when they wake to arrive…at another destination.
Twilight and her friends left the Ominidrex Kingdom and headed for the next item. Puff of the smoke appears behind Gwen Fillyson. She turned and gasped to see someone familiar to her.
"Tao; is that you?" Gwen Fillyson ask Tao hopefully.
Tao smile as he responds, "Hello, my dear Gwen." She hug Tao and he hug back.
"You're alive. I thought I'd never see you again."
Tao chuckle a bit, "Oh, Gwen. You have forgotten that I'm no ordinary pony."
Gwen Fillyson giggle, "Of course I know, Tao. But it's so good to see you again. I have not seen you and Dragon Kick since-" The Alicorn gasps as she realizes something, "Dragon Kick! Is he-"
Tao smile as he assures Gwen, "He's fine. In fact, he's been thinking and loving you so much since you had been turned into stone."
Gwen Fillyson sighs in sadness, "I must have hurt his feeling since that day." The mare sobs, feeling terrible. "I'm really sorry, Tao."
"Sorry nothing, my dear. But most important of all, you and ponies are restored and saved. In fact, if you wish to see Dragon Kick, I suggest you go to Ponyville."
"Understood, Tao."
"One more thing, Gwen; When you reached Ponyville, you must not reveal anything about me or the Mystic Ponies for helping Twilight and her family to anyone but the Princesses Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Discord and Lorcan." Tao said, giving Gwen Fillyson a word of precaution as to not reveal about him and the Mystic Ponies helping Twilight and her family out.
Gwen Fillyson gasps in shock and disbelief, "Discord? He is one of us? That's impossible. Why I can't reveal about the Mystic Ponies to anypony but our friends?"
"There are lots of changes, my friend. Discord is reformed by Twilight's kindhearted friend. But more will come, when you see Princess Celestia and others. As for the Mystic Ponies, ever since the Demon Lords, Discord and Smaug the Great brought ruins to Equestria, the Mystic Council left no choice but to banned all of us from helping and interfering in the mortal's affairs while being hidden from them. For we feared that they will be in lust, tempt and greed for more powers of Mystic." Gwen Fillyson sighed about this. "However, we only guide to those who seeks peace, freedom and justice for all ponies and harmony in Equestria, such as Twilight Sparkle."
"So no one, not even today's ponies, had known about you or anyone?"
"Yes. But do not be grim, my dear. If Twilight and her family had succeeded in the journey, I will reveal my identity and the existence of Mystic Ponies to them. It proved that ponies and Equestria had proven their worth and determination in defending world's freedom and hope, despite some crimes and battles. The ponies have grown stronger, braver and kindhearted. This may convince the Mystic Council to change their rules and minds. We may have a chance to protect Equestria from forces of evil."
Gwen Fillyson smile while saying, "Thank you, Tao. But when I see Dragon Kick, do you think he wants me?"
Tao smile as he answers, "More than anything, my dear. He missed you so much and dearly. But remember do not reveal anything about your past with him to anyone but our friends. This may create complications. When you see him, you follow him to have a private chat."
"I understand. What will you do?"
"I'm Twilight, Ben and their family's Mystic Guardian. It is my duty to guide them through the difficult journey and battle to gain the ingredients as much as they need, and to home. Now, I must leave."
Gwen Fillyson bows, saying in respect, "Till we meet again, Tao."
With a puff of a smoke, Tao disappear in it. Gwen Fillyson smiles, she can't wait to see Dragon Kick again.
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"Unbelievable," Po Kong exclaims in shock and disbelief. The Demon Lord got word of the witch's defeat and once again, they aren't happy at all.
Dai Gui roar in worry, "That witch had lost the battle again!"
Tchang Zu slaps himself in frustration while saying, "I knew she's useless to us!"
"My empire is now in ruins! My pet has reverted to her true form! The ruler has been restored! Curse you, Twilight Sparkle!" Bai Tza exclaims angrily. That Twilight Sparkle is beginning a true pest to the Demon Lords.
"They had obtained the ingredient again!" Shendu exclaims, knowing how his enemies now have the Lover's Tears.
"This is so unfortunate!" Xiao Fung exclaims while shaking his head. Isn't there any way to stop these enemies?!
"Now what," Hsi Wu asks in anger and disbelief. All the Demon Lords' attempts have failed big time!
Tso Lan spoke up, "It is not over yet, my brethren. They may have freed Bai Tza's slaves and obtain the item, but our battle with them is yet over."