Chapter 10: Victims of the Labyrinth
Po Kong informed her brethren of her mission. And of course, as usual, the other Demon siblings weren't very pleased of the failure at all. And as usual, they are ticked off.
Dai Gui snaps to Po Kong in annoyance, "How could you think of your stomach during your mission?!"
Tchang Zu agrees while snapping, "You're hopeless!"
"Be nice to Nightmare Moon?!" Xiao Fung asks while rolling his eyes in disbelief. "That's the stupidest thing I ever heard of!"
"I thought a little something that Nightmare Moon likes would wake her up." Po Kong said sheepishly and innocently.
Hsi Wu groan, "Like that ever work before. Now we failed again! Six Demons stuck in this realm while two more are left to the portal!"
"To get Nightmare Moon back to us, Twilight Sparkle must be eliminated! She's the plague and cause to our weapon!" Bai Tza remarks. Twilight is still alive and is a big problem to them all.
"Yes, she must. For a few battles, she had survived them very much! It seems that Twilight is willing to protect Nightmare Moon from harm at any cost, even at her life." Shendu said, commentating as to how Twilight was able to survive so far. "But the losses of any of her family, especially Twilight Sparkle, could trigger her darkness to return to Nightmare Moon."
"That is true, Shendu. But we will use it as our last resort. There is another way to get my daughter back." Tso Lan said, knowing of another way to get Nyx about no matter what.
"What would that be?" Po Kong asks Tso Lan curiously.
"It is time for my pet to hunt and bring her back to us. He will not fail me, even at the cause of his injuries. If she did exactly as I expected, she would fall to the power of Darkness."
"Agreed to that, brother," Bai Tza said in agreement. Hopefully this plan will work this time.
"Indeed, Tso Lan. Let us hope that we must not fail this mission." Shendu said in hopes that Tso Lan's pet would succeed where other pets have failed.
Tso Lan open a portal to a black-shaped as lion. He spoke to it, "It is time, my loyal pet." The creature roar. "Good. Listen carefully."
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As the scene now shows the gang still traveling through a barren wasteland area, looking losely, only Justin was seen being active and pulling the cart. The others were taking a little nap after their little work from their last little area in looking, passing and finding another ingredient as well as fighting Kouga and Po Kong. They were nearly exhausted to the bone, they were even pondering, are they even a third-quarter to reaching all of the End of Equestria? After that last adventure in freeing more ponies from night to day as well as the confrontations with Kouga and Po Kong really took much a toll. During this little moment, Nyx woke up to step up forward into the open where Tough Apple sat to hold the lines to command Justin the MechBull.
"Boy, today sure has made us tired. Yawwwnnnn….hope things can go…hugh?" While a tired Nyx yawned, she looked up to notice from above, there was a shadow of something flying through. "Hey everypony, I see something!" The filly issued to which it was starting to make a few ponies and Dragons in the cart wake from their naps.
"Wooough, what is it Nyx?" Spike yawned a bit from waking up in hearing Nyx's voice.
"Ugh, what at this hour," Phobos groans from not getting enough sleep to be awoken at this time of day.
"Take a look, there's something in the sky!" Nyx pointed in wanting the gang that could wake a bit to take a look at what she sees.
Soon the three along with the other pets came out to peek as much as they could to see….from the sun was some shadowy creature….with wings and some pair of feet.
"Is that a bird?" Nyx responded in thinking that was the type of creature to be seen flying.
"Maybe a Dragon," Phobos responded in thinking what they are seeing is a local Dragon in the area.
"But way out here in the End of Equestria," Spike responded in not getting why any Dragon, besides him and Phobos, would be in this terrible place.
"It could happen, we've seen ponies, why not something else?" Phobos shrug off to issue about finding more than just simple ponies in peril, maybe there might be a few strangling Dragons too.
"Wait, its features are coming up closer. It doesn't look like a Dragon, it looks like fur." Nyx spoke from focusing her gaze in seeing something from the shadowy feature that was conceal with the sun….from the wind breeze, something on the body moved in the pattern of fur then of feathers.
"A griffin; Hay wait, what if it's Gilda, Rainbow Dash's rival and an escaped crook," Spike yelped in fearing that if this was a griffin, but once more, was one of the missing Brotherhood Members that are still loose in Equestria.
"Crook; Where," Dumbledore quickly snapped out of his sleep in responding to the question.
"We are innocent!" Bocolix also responded while stating that he & Dumbledore were not crooks.
"He meant the thing in the air, jokers." Phobos rolled his eyes in seeing the Enforcers actually get a misunderstanding of their chatter, oh boy.
"It looks like, ah….ah…hugh!" Nyx was focusing very hard in trying to tell what sorta creature that was getting bigger and bigger as the filly noticed the shadow was large enough to…cover their entire area in the cart…
Then suddenly, quicker than a blur of some unknown flash that happened, the group was soon noticing that they were fine. Course, had there been much more closer attention, there would have been something amiss, but that was soon going to be taken as a notice now….
"Hugh? Wha happened? Was it de wind passing through me?" Tough Apple yelped himself awake in thinking some wind blew pass him, however….
"HEEEEEELP," Nyx's voice was heard shouting out from where it was…the sky.
And look and behold, the screen focuses on what was Nyx in the claws of white-gray fur of a giant lion, bigger than a usual one, black nose, pointed ears with tan-violet inner ear coloring, clear yellow eyes and has from its back…a pair of wings. While the wings were the same color as the fur at the front top, the feathers were light-violet, which was the same for the mane & the top edge fur hair from the tail, "Rooarrrrrurrrghhhh!" The mighty lion roared, as this was no ordinary lion from its large size, it was a Guardian, The Loyal Beast: Flying Leo.
"Hugh, Nyx!" Twilight peeked out from the cart along with Ben in seeing something happened right under their noises.
"Guys, what happened?" Ben asked off to those around in what even happened just now.
"Would you believe a lion with wings swooped down and snatched Nyx into the air?" Phobos spoke off in casually stating what happened without a second thought to what he was saying.
"WHAT!" Both parents shouted in horror in what happened to Nyx from out of the blue.
"I think they believe it." Spike pointed out in sensing from that tension, both Ben & Twilight are not so pleased.
"Tough! Make this thing go faster! My daughter's life is in peril!" Twilight issued with a snappy tone in wanting the tough stallion to pick up the speed to find & catch up to the filly-snatching creature.
"So should Ah avoid all safety reasons?" Tough asked off this little question about dropping all know-how's in driving safely and just be reckless in how to drive them.
"YESSSSSS," Twilight shouted out so loud that it almost broke someone's poor little ears, this mare was clearly not in any good mood.
"Okay, Yo Rabbichu, give Jus some juice!" Tough Apple responded in not arguing while wanting the little mechanical rabbit to give them a little juice of energy.
"Chhuuuuu," Soon Rabbitchu was laying its tentacles around the MechBull, fueling it with surges of energy.
"MWURARRRRRUGHHHH," Soon Justin felt energy coursing inside and soon dashed off with more lightning speed than usual.
"This might get rough!" Bocolix cringed from feeling their ride was getting a little more bumpy with each rock that they rolled over.
"For them or us," Dumbledore issue in sensing that if things aren't rough with the group, then it will be rough for them if they don't help Twilight out.
"Be careful my friends." A sudden voice came that all heard, and it was…a familiar female voice.
"That voice…Undine." Twilight spoke in surprise before looking at her necklace with the Guardian Rings with one of them lighting up a tiny bit; speaking by telepathically.
"The creature that took Nyx is following its orders from the Moon Demon. The Loyal Beast: Flying Leo is a Guardian with the incredible speed & movability of a hawk & the incredible strength of a lion." Undine's voice was giving words of caution that the gang is now facing another Guardian that has appeared with much skills to make it tricky to deal with a king of the jungle. "Whether in the air or on the ground, it's a fierce beast to tackle when it comes to combat. But when the creature serves the owner of it's ring, the Flying Leo will do any bidding without question or judgment to its own safety." The water nymph's voice issued that Flying Leo is going to be a tough opponent since it can fight on land & air so the gang's advantage is cut off a bit.
"No matter, for Nyx's sake, I'll pluck off that cat's feathers if he harms one paw on my daughter just so much for scratching her!" Twilight issued thus off to the Guardian from the ring that she doesn't care about her own risk, she'll get her daughter back and tear through anything that gets in her way; oh, scary.
Now this chase is gonna get really wild up now, as Justin was plowing through everything without much care while trying to catch up to what in the distance…was a giant flying lion creature carrying off a little pony in its paws.
Soon the scene changes to where the Flying Leo was now flying with its catch of the day in its tight paw-grip as Nyx was seen with half her lower self encase by this giant beast. No matter the little struggle that the filly tried, the Loyal Beast Guardian would not open & let its prey escape the mighty king of beast's grasp.
"Let me go! Why did you take me away from the others? What do you want?" Nyx issued out a lot of thing in why this thing came out of nowhere and pony-napped her.
"The question right now is, what are you doing now?" Spoke the voice belonging to a familiar Mood Demon within Nyx's head.
"This voice…you're that other voice that wanted me to surrender & be Nightmare Moon." Nyx froze up in recognizing who she was speaking to, the dark voice that Tao told her about.
"Correct, in case you have forgotten, I am Tso Lan, the Moon Demon. And I have sent my loyal pet to retrieve you and have him bring you…to us." Tso Lan's voice exclaimed forth in explaining the case while issuing of what deed is to be done.
Suddenly ahead of Nyx by what was 15 millimeters…a strange rift of red, black, dark green, bronze, and a whole lot of messy colors appeared like some wicked vortex to who knows where.
"You mean….you're trying to take me to where you Demon Lords are?" Nyx asked off in feeling a bit fearful within the lion's grasp in where it was taking her towards.
"Within the Demon Realm, correct. Here, you will be taught the property tutelage in becoming a true weapon." Tso Lan responded in explaining that he has plans to bring Nyx to where his demon brethren are and will show Nyx in becoming the weapon the Moon Demon wanted her to be.
"Thanks, but no thanks! I already said I wasn't gonna be a weapon!" Nyx snapped off in protesting this invite that she doesn't wanna go to.
"You appear to be delusional of your fate, Nightmare Moon. Just be patient young one and your true restoration shall be at hand in removing your weaken form." Tso Lan's voice exclaimed with a wise and calm tone in addressing that once Nyx is with the Demons, they shall mold her into the image she was supposed to be, Nightmare Moon, the evil weapon to bring Eternal Night all around.
"I already told you….I'm 'Not' going! And the Name's Nyx," Nyx snapped off in feeling really, really mad at ,this point and time now. "And one more thing…" As the filly was speaking, she was focusing her magic to glow around her body, which blinded Flying Leo before feeling the little filly…getting bigger. "I' am not so 'weak' to truly not defend MYSELF! HRUUUARGH," Nyx's voice was heard of a more mature adult tone as the scene shows that the little filly has transformed into her Battle Form before beginning her 'real' resistance.
At that moment, Nyx broke free from the Guardian's hold to suddenly zip out upwards to expand her flooded wings to soon fly, "GROOUUARRRRUGHHH!" Flying Leo roared to cease itself to turn away from the portal vortex in seeing the now transformed Nyx flying away from it after catching it by surprise by that stunt.
"Do not let her escape my servant. Fetch her!" Tso Lan's voice spoke strictly towards the flying lion creature in wanting it to go after the fleeing mare that was once a filly.
"ROARRUURRROGHHH," Flying Leo roared in pursuing after the Adult Nyx after hearing that order from its owner.
As Nyx's Battle Form was flying at a good distance, she looks back from hearing loud lion roars to see Flying Leo was vastly approaching her. She knew that she wanted to reunite with the others and plan to fight off this tough Guardian but it had a way bigger start and Twilight's group might not have enough time to catch up. So there was no other choice left for the big mare with the heart, mind & soul of a little filly, except…to fight back!
"Okay, relax Nyx, this'll just be like the time you fought off a herd of giant creatures from Everfree Forest that tried to attack Ponyville when you….accidentally placed Luna & Celestia in the Moon & Sun during the whole Cult event." Adult Nyx spoke in trying to keep herself in complete control of her situation. "I accepted my fate when Celestia spared me in her judgment in letting me start over small, as a filly, with all my powers gone to Luna. But now…" She looked to the foe after remembering her little state in life in what happened to her. "Now I'm fighting with my own strength & magic…the stuff I worked hard to acquire…to help protect the things I care for."
"ROOUUARRRRUGHHH!, Flying Leo soon came near the alicorn mare, swung it's sharp paw nails but hit….nothing. "Grrrrgurghaauaahghh…." The lion was growling when studying what it did yet didn't accomplished that puzzled it's mind.
"Night Illusion," Soon illusions of Nyx's Battle Form appeared like those that appear by magical illusion blurs to take form of the caster that surrounded the foe. "You shouldn't be surprise….while I may be related to Luna with the moon & stars, doesn't mean I haven't learn a few other extra 'tricks' to unleash on those I face." Adult Nyx responded out from one of the other copies in explaining that she's learn a few other 'tricks' than a simple Battle Form spell to make her bigger, stronger, and increase her magic power, she's got other techniques on hand to, or hoof, give or take.
"GROOARRRUGH…ROORUUARRRUGHH!" Flying Leo snarled and roared to attack the one that spoke, only to find it was a fake, and was soon attacking whichever of the moving illusions was Nyx.
Many of the Nyx illusions moved, behaved, and performed things like it was the real deal. But each time, the Loyal Beast missed to catch it's pray to be like it's playing 'cat & mouse' here.
"Powwfruvhmmm…." Even one attack that struck a mountain nearby from the lion's paw hitting an illusion of Nyx made a large crater in that side of rocky bedrock. Still, Flying Leo did not give in to just try to find and fly while fighting all of the illusions.
"He's very swift in speed, very nimble & quick in flight, and he has a monstrous strength to wrestle even another giant creature." Nyx's voice spoke from studying Flying Leo's movements while hiding in a higher cloud to find any sort of opening she could take. "There has to be a way to weaken it, right now, tiring it out seems my best option." The transformed Alicorn mare of Nyx's adult form exclaimed that she cooked up a plan to tire the foe out before delivering the final blow.
Sensing this struggle was useless, Flying Leo decided to rely on its other sense than its eyes, it used it's ears & it's nose.
"Drat! He's noticed me!" Adult Nyx cursed in seeing the flying lion has already found her too soon now.
"ROOOUUARRROGUHHH," Flying Leo soon swiftly pushed itself upwards with its wings to plan on catching its prey.
Adult Nyx quickly cast a strong barrier around her possession and like a cat-toy, Flying Leo rose up and hit the mare's barrier dome like a ball. That force sent Nyx far off before hitting a nearby cliff, her force field held, but then came another surprise. Flying Leo pounced on Nyx's barrier before whacking it across the wasteland. Then the beast flew in to pounce again but tried to break Nyx's barrier with its jaws, it was hard almost handling the shaking and almost being eaten…like from with the Hydra.
"Okay, should have realized protection spells shaped like a sphere in front of a cat, seriously a bad idea." Nyx responded in seeing this tactic was not working and needed to come up with something else, "Time for another trick. Night Dust," This determined mare issued in feeling the time to begin the next counterstrike was now.
Suddenly, Adult Nyx's body became dust around her barrier's walls before…the force field cancel out, letting Flying Leo chomp, but caught nothing except some dust blurring around its face, "GRUARROGUH-Roourrrrarrrugh!" Flying Leo growled and roared, whatever this stuff Nyx was was getting in its eyes to blind it and making its nose develop snuffiness to which, it can't smell now.
"Sorry, but in this form, you can't really harm me, but I can actually be a bit harmful to you," Nyx's adult voice spoke from near the lion's ear in earning attention in that direction.
"ROORUUARRGHH," Flying Leo roared in listening carefully to attack blindly in the general direction. "Powwffruvhmmm…." The beast thrown a punch that bashed against some rock, but did not actually get the target.
"Sorry, that was a miss." Battle Form Nyx's voice issued off a miss by the flying lion's attempt to get the not-so solid pony.
"GROOARRRUGHHH," Flying Leo roared again in figuring out where the voice came from this time to attack again, "Crumpowwfruvhmmm!" And struck a cliff that broke it in half to fall, but that was also not where the pony that was toying with it was.
"Let's see you escape this." Adult Nyx spoke from her dust form preparing something to end this fight.
Suddenly, now sparkling stars were getting all over the flying lion's body. And as the creature tried to swing, shake, and even fly off a different direction, it never saw Nyx's Battle Form remerge from her dust form above with her horn glowing, preparing for her next measure to end this.
"Night-Star Implosion," Adult Nyx announced forth in having her horn let off a bright flash 'zap' effect before...
"Boom-Boom-Boom-Boom, KUPOW-Kupow-Kupow, Kaboomfruvhmmm," Suddenly without warning, all over Flying Leo was a bombardment of tiny flash spheres that exploded like stars imploding from the night sky that completely overwhelm the entire sky-range where the giant creature was in. "ROOUUARRRUGHHHH!" Flying Leo roared during this infliction of attacks hurting it to the point it loses altitude to deceased in a spiral formation head first. "Crasshfruvhmmm…" The beast smashed against a cliff's edge while continuing to dive down in its current trajectory.
From afar with Twilight's group riding off at a fast speed, where last reaching where they saw Nyx get taken. And during the moment, they heard an explosion to look up in the skies to see something falling from the clouds….the Loyal Beast Guardian; Flying Leo. And where that creature is, Nyx is not far behind either.
"There it is! Step on it Tough!" Twilight issued off in seeing where her daughter might be and issued in wanting them to get there no matter what.
"Roger!" Tough responds in hearing this to command Justin the MechBull to really go the distance with more disregard to safety, even their own.
"Wait guys, that looks like a steep canyon, we should avoid…" Ben was looking ahead in noticing that they may wanna slow down causes the canyon that they're entering will be steep and going through there in an uneasy ride is…well crazy.
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHH," The Enforcers screamed to hug themselves with Spike & Phobos following along, this will get ugly…really fast now.
Now the scene changes to focus on where Flying Leo was slowly falling downwards to the bottom crater. "KURCRASHFRUVHMM…" A large crashing sound was heard that completely covered our field of view when the giant beast came close to the ground, "Gruarrrorrurghhhh!" And then the wailing of a lion's cry was heard, a bunch of its feathers were scattered around from where it had itself crash landed, "REOOWWRUGH-Woorrooohhh!" Now the beast was making loud cat noises in tearing to force itself back up to continue, but sadly, it was barely able to move much less stand on it,s own four legs.
At the same time, Nyx in her Battle Form flew down to arrive where her defeated foe lie across from her. She had done it, she won all on her own without aid from her mother, father, or friends, she made her decision to act like a grown up would and managed to do just fine in the end.
"It's over. I've won now." Adult Nyx responded in signing in relief to see that she's managed to win this fight for her freedom against the beast that kidnapped her.
"Is that so my child?" Tso Lan's voice was heard from a distance, but was much more being spoken in the transformed Nyx's mind.
"Save it! I'm not your child; Twilight & Ben are my adoptive parents." Adult Nyx issued off with a more grown up tone to dish out than her little filly form ever did in hearing this Moon Demon talk to her like she's his child and not her own pony person.
"Even if you continue to deny yourself, what you've managed to perform shows the same high-expectations I've long knew you were capable of." Tso Lan's voice explained forth that Nyx has shown promise, as expected from the handy work by the Moon Demon that created Nightmare Moon's evil long ago. "But sadly, you won't be able to escape."
"Just watch me!" Adult Nyx issued off to turn away to ignore the voice saying that she can't get away, well, she's about to do so now.
"My pet won't let you." Tso Lan's voice breeched the air in stating a little fact, that his servant isn't through yet.
"REWOOWWWH-GROREOWWWWOOHHH," Soon Flying Leo broke from its lying state to leap forth to stop in front of Nyx's position. "Clupfrushvmm…." But at the same time, the Loyal Beast's legs felt damage in areas to which caused it to drop on its knees, "Rweeoo-Rooarrrughh!" Flying Leo roared off in its struggles to get itself back up in facing that which it fought to capture.
"Looks like your pet is too wounded to stop me," Adult Nyx spoke off to the dark voice in her head with sarcasm in seeing that this creature can't stop her in such a shape.
"Even so, Flying Leo is the Loyal Beast Guardian, and it knows 'not' to disappoint its master, even at the cost of its own injuries." Tso Lan's voice remarked the fact that the creature before Nyx will end its own life to capture the pony and be brought to the Demons.
"You really are a Demon." Adult Nyx dryly muffed out in just hearing this kinda talk about life was….really getting to her.
"The next act is yours Nightmare Moon. Try to flee and my servant will struggle to bind & catch you to be brought to me. Or…" Tso Lan responded in giving out options in which way Nyx shall act in this case. "You can finish this right now in destroying this creature, making your freedom, guaranteed." So it was either flee to fight a struggling beast or put the thing out of its misery.
"And what makes you think I wouldn't have done so when I had the chance?" Adult Nyx raised her eyebrow in questioning the dark voice's suggestions.
"Then what is stopping you? If you have the will to fight, then fight, lose that will and submit in defeat and you are ours again." Tso Lan spoke in puzzlement in what shall happen if Nyx chooses to kill or be taken, she only has one way or the other.
Nyx was thinking hard in trying to not be lost by Tso Lan's riddled filled words. It's true that she and her family have fought other Guardians, both good and evil, and the results were their defeats. But something about this situation didn't sit well with Nyx's position, almost like there was….another force….glowing around her to actually make the choice to finish the job. And even if the girl flees, this creature will end up finishing itself to catch the pony. But the longer Nyx looked at Flying Leo's hurt & stuck state; something suddenly snapped in her mind….it was like seeing an image of Nyx as her filly form. Seeing this image reminded Nyx that from her side was her Battle Form of an adult and before her was like an illusion of her lost filly self that her mother, Twilight Sparkle, found her in a bush trapped in thorns when the Cult made her incomplete. In an almost nutshell moment, Nyx was recalling how Twilight first saw her, afraid at first, and almost deciding to end the filly, but was showered with kindness to help a poor soul in peril despite believing she was the evilness of Nightmare Moon reincarnate. Soon reality brought Nyx to seeing that Flying Leo was in the same state that the adult Nyx once experienced; trapped, struggling to get out and against an unknown force that could bring harm to it. All this was rushing in Nyx's mind and the familiar pains & experiences were there, almost helping to guide this mare away from killing this Guardian.
Finally, the decision to act finally arrived where Nyx in her Battle Form roses her shut eyes in knowing coming to terms with….what she will do with her foe.
"I know what I'm going to do!" Adult Nyx issued off with a determined and conclusive statement in her tone in what she'll do now.
"Then do so, Nightmare Moon. Do so…" Tso Lan's voice addressed in sounding almost interested to see what Nyx will do while the mare just ignored being called Nightmare Moon again.
The Adult Nyx steps forth in coming ever closer to Flying Leo when it was growling in it's weaken state before roaring at the approaching pony.
"Sssshhh…it will be over soon." Adult Nyx spoke in preparing to end things here that will finish the suffering.
Suddenly during the moment, Nyx's horn began to glow with magical energy that began to spread around the Guardian Creature.
"Groroourrrrororughhh," Flying Leo let out a mighty roar against this act, as now what was about to become its fate was now brought forth by its prey becoming the predator.
However at this time, something became amiss when Nyx's act of magic was covering the Loyal Beast, what should be ending the foe was instead….healing the lion's injuries and wounds, even fixing what was once a broken wing from the crash.
"What are you doing? This is not a merciless act a weapon would be performing!" Tso Lan's voice issued off shock and surprised, the pony was not killing the Guardian, but helping it.
"No, not an act of a weapon, an act of a pony helping a hurt soul," Adult Nyx sternly told the dark voice that what she was doing was not being misled by a Demon to become what Tso Lan wanted her to be; an evil creature that shows no emotion in bringing harm to a helpless soul in peril. "Fluttershy showed me that when an animal is frightened & scared, it may act defensively against intruders….but show it caring and let them know you want to help." She remembered how Fluttershy helped Nyx as a filly, care for animals, and this was the way to help.
"Grugrugraa…reoowwwuvgh…" Flying Leo let off a little growl noise, but was feeling somewhat at ease.
"My servant; Obtain Nightmare Moon while she is distracted," Tso Lan's voice was heard within the air in issuing an order to the giant lion creature.
"Nrruarrorrrugh…." Flying Leo narrows it's head down in Nyx's magic, hearing it's orders from its owner, but….did not act upon it.
"What are you waiting for, heed the words of your loyal master and get the weapon." Tso Lan's voice spoke puzzled in sensing that Flying Leo was not proceeding it's orders, what was the Loyal Beast doing?
"Flying Leo, you should be free to make your own choices." Adult Nyx spoke in showing a smile of kindness to the Guardian being healed. "You maybe a Loyal Beast, but you should know…that when loyalty is to be seen, a loyal friend is something to be happy for. You should know about having a loyal friend being loyal to you than being loyal to one that shows no regard to what happens to yourself." The mare knows that being loyal is one thing, but wouldn't it be better to have the same loyalty shared between friends that can count on another to support each other?
"Roouuarrugghhhh," Suddenly, Flying Leo stood up on its hind-legs and wings spread as the magical healing process ended when giving a mighty beast roar. "Reoowwrrughh…Ruuuoovhhmmm…." Soon the Loyal Beast approached Nyx to lean its head before her and….cuddle against the mare's body like some overgrown kitten.
"Hehe, easy there big kitty, easy there; Good boy," Adult Nyx giggled from feeling the big mane from the lion tickle her a bit, looks like she earn this creature's loyalty…by showing loyalty in friendship.
"Unbelievable! You've managed to turn my Guardian servant against me! You and the others were never this kind to the others!" Tso Lan spoke in acts of being surprised while reminding Nyx that she and her group never were kind to the other creatures they fought.
"I treat those that want to be treated the same, those other creatures, Swarm, the Hydra, they acted on their own without much need of being controlled by you Demons." Nyx spoke with a stern tone in knowing that those that are evil will act as they are, but if there is a sense of good, then treating them like a friend is better.
"Grouurrrroguhhh," Flying Leo roared in agreement to the black mare's words.
"You may have escaped & foiled our plans for now, but you 'will' be ours, along with the stallion that bears the Triforce. You cannot escape your fate." Tso Lan's voice slowly issued this last stuff before his words began to fade and he was now done talking.
"I believe otherwise!" Nyx shouted out to the outer area to hear her echo in the canyon where she and Flying Leo heard the repeats. "Well, better find my family & friends." Adult Nyx sighed in seeing if this was over, time to reunite with the others.
"WAAAUUUAAAAA-AAAAAAAAHHHH…. Suddenly, there was a loud screaming noise that earned some attention that made a sudden…impact. "CRASHPOWWWFRUVHMMM…" Suddenly, a loud crashing sound made Adult Nyx & Flying Leo turn in spotting a crash site. "Uuuaagh-Aaaauughh…." Then from the smoke screen, was seen that the cart with the MechBull had crashed on the ground while in one piece, but the other living organic creatures like ponies and Dragons were moaning in pain.
"Look! There's Nyx & 'dat critter! CHAAAAARGE," Tough Apple issued out before grabbing his rifle and lead the first attack.
"Waaughhh," Soon Spike, Phobos and the Enforcrers were making battle cries while Twilight & Ben rushed out to fight the Guardian to get their daughter until…
"Wait!" Nyx came in-between the others and the now good Guardian. "It's okay, he's friendly now." She issued that Flying Leo is now a nice creature than of an evil servant.
"Friendly? You mean you tamed him?" Spike responded off in almost finding this hard to swallow.
"Reowwvuhmm…." Flying Leo was nuzzling Nyx in a playful nod that made her laugh playfully with a smile while the others….were pretty much speechless right there.
"Wooh, she actually managed to save herself out of danger." Dumbledore responded in seeing this act as something that the group never knew Nyx could do.
"And against a big kitty that could crush us like a mouse!" Bocolix issued off in how the Enforcers saw things differently if they were gonna fight the giant flying lion.
"Nyx, how'd you do it?" Twilight tried to ask this question, and was given the answer.
"I did what you did when you found me the first time mother; I helped guide him from following down the wrong path." Adult Nyx smiled proudly to pet Flying Leo's mane which was soon followed when the mare wanted the others to do it, which afterwards when they all tried, help make the Loyal Beast 'purr' like a cat in feeling good from the nice feeling.
"Well, Undine did say the Loyal Beast; Flying Leo, was naturally a good Guardian, just that he was stuck with a bad owner." Ben smiled in recalling what the Water Guardian told them about this Loyal Beast, it was not evil, just mislead.
"So….can we keep him?" Adult Nyx asked with wanting to know if they can keep this creature.
"Great, like I'm not in competition enough with an owl and a wolf cub, How am I gotta TOP a giant Lion with Wings?" Phobos remorse off in feeling like he'll have to complete against something like THIS, how's one Moon Dragon gonna do that?
"Nyx, I think we might have a hard time fitting something…like him…in our home." Twilight shook her head playfully in the thought of what Nyx asked was silly for them to picture getting this thing in their home.
"But that doesn't mean that he won't be with us." Ben smiled in stating, that like with the other Guardians from Mehitos, Egola & Undine, they will add a new one so that it's magical abilities will be used for good.
Nyx smiled while reverting to her small filly form before Flying Leo. "Okay big fella, you're free to decide if you like to come with us or not." Nyx gave this Guardian on if he wants to be loyal to them or decide not to, and the answer was….this!
"GROOUURRARRGHH," Flying Leo roared a mighty cry before vanishing in a bright glow of light. And then what should appear around Twilight's neck area, just attached to the necklace with the other Guardian Rings dangled what was a bracelet with cubic shapes around a chain to the one design of a lion's head from two wings off its side.
"Hugh, guess 'dat's a yes." Tough shook his head in seeing the Guardian decided to follow and be loyal to them, not too shabby there, right?
"So, shall we get out of here?" Nyx turn to the others in thinking it's time they get going now.
"We can't. The path is too much unstable for a MechBull to walk upwards while pulling us without the risk of falling." Ben shrug off in seeing they can't go back the way they came, the path is unstable and unsafe.
"I can't believe we fell down here when there was no safer way to come down here." Twilight sighed in feeling regretful now in what rash act they've taken.
"Hay, yew said avoids all safety measures, so Ah did," Tough protest in reminding Twilight that she told him to do everything to catch up to Nyx that was being abducted.
"So how do we get out?" Phobos asked off in what can they do in getting out of here.
"Hay, what's that other there!" Spike spoke in pointing at something far ahead of them.
Soon the group approach a towering canyon where heavy clouds covered the very top that even fliers can't go over to look below with such thickness. As the gang approach what was an opening, there was a strange sing outside the entry and in writing that was some instructions to any travelers that make it here. Twilight approached the sign before the others to learn what it was that they were about to face.
"The sign mark says…the Labyrinth of Fate's Illusion. 'All who enter, if what you hope to find, get through the maze and thy prize you shall claim.'" Twilight read the sign that explained some instructions of where the gang is and what this place is. "'But be warned, the Shadow Ghoul will try to fool you to take a different path of fate, and spend eternity lost in where your choice lay wait.'" That was the last thing the pony read out; looks like a place where one has to figure out how to escape a labyrinth.
"Boy, that doesn't sound too friendly of an invite!" Dumbledore exclaimed in not liking how that notice even sounded to them.
"Yah, let’s go back up instead, we'll fly or use magic." Bocolix stated in thinking that the group best leave here and continue on.
"Wait! Maybe this place can help us!" Twilight stopped the Enforcers from leaving in having second thoughts…maybe this place has an answer to what they are seeking.
"Hello, place of evil here! How's it gonna help us?" Phobos remotely issued if this pony was crazy, just the view said otherwise.
"One ingredient is said to be very hard to find because the trees that made them vanished & last anypony recalls were them being in the End of Equestria." Twilight spoke forth in what they need to find is very hard and very rare for them to even acquire on another scale measure of searching. "They were called Glow Leaves, a very rare leaf from the glow tree that produced much leaves that glow. Maybe what we'll find could be through here." Twilight felt that if they could find that type of ingredient, maybe such a rare object that can't be found elsewhere, was hidden in this place.
"Gee, if we've even managed to search everywhere and not find that one leaf, it's like a needle and a hay stack. That would make things really hard then." Spike spoke in thinking that if they managed to search all over the End of Equestria, would they truly find that one ingredient that might be extra hard to come across?
"It's a long shot. But…let's stick together, kay gang? Especially you Nyx, I rather not have my daughter swiped by another flying lion." Ben sighed in feeling that the group may have to brave the task and go into the maze and also wanted Nyx not to be unsupervised this time in making a tiny joke of her getting taken by another lion that flies.
"Hehe, I won't this time daddy, I'll stick close to everypony this time." Nyx giggled happily near her father in stating that she'll stick with her group no matter what.
"Alright ye'll, hope in, next place….through a spooky, creepy, an' possibly dangerous maze o' no return." Tough Apple called out to issue off, but then got weird looks from the group in how he announced that to them. "Eh, not as much sounding o' encouraging as it did in mah noggin. Dag gum!" The tough stallion shrug off to say before snapping his luck in messing up how he wanted to encourage the gang, not make it sound terrible, it was a slip of a tongue.
Then after everyone gather near Justin, the MechBull pulled their cart with all ponies & Dragons along with the pets inside to move forward. They slowly enter the strange towering opening that could not be seen from the foggy cloud ceiling. Looks like whatever they'll have to face, they'll have to get through this labyrinth maze and find what might possibly be a special rare ingredient they need. Questions are rising if the gang will get through this….or face unusual trails ahead.
------------
Tso Lan appear before his brethren. Shendu, though he doesn't really need an answer, spoke, "I take this mission is a failure."
Tso Lan nods as he answers, "Indeed. I have underestimated Nightmare Moon's ability and choice. It seems that she believed herself as a pony than a Demon and weapon."
Bai Tza hiss in fury, "Unacceptable. We need to separate her and others so we can obtain her. But first, where would they go?"
"Based on my observation, Twilight and her family are heading to the Labyrinth of Fate's Illusion."
Xiao Fung smirks as he comments, "If I recall correctly, brother, that's where Hsi Wu's devious and cunning servant work."
Dai Gui chuckle, "This might be our advantage to obtain Nightmare Moon." If the ponies and Dragons fail to make it out of the maze, Nightmare Moon will be the Demon Lords' once more.
Tchang Zu nods in agreement, "Indeed, Dai Gui."
"Oh. I love to see them to try to escape that." Po Kong remarks anxiously. "No ponies or even human escaped that labyrinth."
"Permission, big brother," Hsi Wu ask, wanting permission to begin the next task.
Tso Lan nods, saying, "Do it, Hsi Wu. Once they are separated, I would make my move. Even if she refused my offer again, I doubt that she can escape the sins of her past."
Bai Tza smirk while laughing, "Once a Demon, always a Demon."
"Yes, Nightmare Moon can never escape from her fate." Shendu said sinisterly, believing what the others say to be true.
Hsi Wu opens a portal to a black figure. He smirk evilly as the Demon spoke to the newcomer, "Shadow Ghoul. I have an important mission for you to do."
Shadow Ghoul smile, saying, "Cunning is my game, enemies fall to their deep fates."
Hsi Wu smirks as he continues, "Good enough. Now listen carefully."
--------------------
Upon arrival, Twilight and her friends spotted Tao in front of labyrinth. The Alicorn spoke up, "It's Tao."
Ben sighs in relief, "Thank my mother, he's okay. C'mon, let's check on him." Twilight and her family approach Tao to see if he's all right since they last saw the old pony during the conflict with Po Kong.
"Mr. Tao."
"Ah, Twilight, Ben," Tao said upon noticing Twilight's group. He glances at the others. "I see you have managed to save Nyx and others. Well done."
"Yeah. But glad to see that you're safe." Ben said to Tao with a smile, relieved to see the old pony is safe.
"Do not worry of me, my dear boy. I told you that we would meet again. And here we are."
"So what are you doing?" Spike asks, glancing at the latest meal in front of Tao while wondering what his friend is up to this time.
Tao look at his cookies as he answers, "Why having good cookies."
"Cool, I could have some snacks." The Moon Dragon said anxiously. Phobos ate a whole cookie. But Tao hits his head, causing the Moon Dragon to spit the cookie out. "What was that for?! I wasn't trying to be rude!"
"That is not the way of eating the cookies!"
"Isn't it supposed that we eat them like ate them whole?" Spike asks Tao, not sure why the old pony is upset for 'not eating the cookies' right'.
"No. These cookies are different. These are Land of Ma's famous dessert: fortune cookies." Tao explains clearly to the two Dragons.
"Fortune Cookies; Wow; I'd always want to know what kind of future the cookies hold." Twilight commented, squealing in delight.
"So fortune cookies are showing the futures of ours?" Nyx ask her mother in curiosity.
"Sometimes yes and no; But it depends of what kind of future lies in the cookies, whether it's good or bad. But I do know that we'd always be prepared for it."
Tao smile as he said, "Indeed. Perhaps, you wish to know your future through wisdom of cookies. One more thing: once you take the paper out, you can have the rest of cookies."
"Don't mind if we do." Ben said with a smile.
Everyone had fortune cookies of their own. They opened and read their fortune with Twilight reading hers first as she said, "'Wise, kind, noble and brave live as long as magic exists among friendship.' Through my experience in living in Ponyville and some adventures, I'd say that is very true."
Ben reads his own fortune, "'Once a sensitive pony turned into a true hero.' Well, I'm not exactly sure of that one."
Tao chuckles as he explains, "I told you, Ben, that you have so much potential; but used it wisely."
"Got it."
Spike begins to read his fortune, "'Be always generous and reliable to friends, love is always rewarded'. Well, I've always stick together with Twilight and everyone. I'm happy to be in service. That's good enough."
Phobos reads his fortune in a bored tone of voice, "'Do not be selfish, always be generous'. That sounds stupid."
Tao hits Phobos's head while scolding, "Never mock the cookies." This makes the Moon Dragon groan.
Tough reads his fortune cookie carefully, "'Control your temper, be always calm and patient'? What the hay is 'dat supposed to mean?!"
"'Once an enemy'," Bocolix reads his fortune cookie, gulping a bit.
Dumbledore then reads the fortune that is the second part of his pals', "'Had the chance to redeem the mistake they deem'. You'd think we're actually redeeming our mistakes?"
"Beats me; But as soon as this journey's over, I doubt we'll be friends again since you know who we once were."
Dumbledore nods. Spike glances to Nyx as he ask her, "Hey, Nyx, what's your fortune cookie?"
"'The Past and Darkness may haunt you, but the Light of Love, Friendship and Family will guide you home'. I don't know what it means." Nyx said puzzled a bit.
"It means, young Nyx, that you'd always have family and friends be with you no matter where and what, my dear." Tao explains gently to the young filly. "Darkness will not triumph over you."
Nyx smiled, saying, "Thanks, Mr. Tao."
"One more thing: do you intend to enter the labyrinth?"
Twilight nod as she explains, "Yes. The ingredient is inside. We intend to get it before leaving."
Tao nod while speaking in concern, "Then, I wish you luck. Nopony has ever escaped their fate."
"What do you mean?" Ben spoke up although he always knows.
"There is more to labyrinth than meets the eyes. For those who seek answers and freedom, it brings the terrible fate and questions of the one's existence."
"In other words, it sensed our fears, doubts, concerns and desires?" Twilight ask Tao, a little frightened.
Tao nods as he continues, "Indeed. Beware of it or you will never see the day of light ever again."
"I guess you're right. I hope we can escape from this place, Mr. -" Nyx stops as she saw that Tao's gone. Again, "He's gone again."
As like before again, the voice is heard, "Face your fate, remember the importance within you."
Twilight, Ben and Nyx ask at once, "Huh?"
"Face your fate, remember the importance within you."
"I've got the feeling that whatever inside, we had to be strong and firm to withstand our fates." Twilight explains to the others as she starts to suspect what the voice is telling her and the others now.
"Yeah; this is going to be tough." Ben said seriously, knowing that this labyrinth will not be easy for him and the others at all.
"Let's do our best and leave this place." Nyx said as she and the others finish their cookies and make their way into the labyrinth itself.
As Twilight and her family enter the labyrinth, Tao was watching from hiding. He smile while saying, "I have faith that Twilight and her family will overcome their deep and dark fates."
"You think?" A familiar filly spoke from nearby. Tao groan while glaring at Jade. "I know. I just want to see what kinds of fate that they're facing."
Tao sigh, "Just stay out of trouble, Jade as soon as they finish their journey." He and Jade continued to see the event. "One more thing: stop stalking at us, Starlight."
Jade gasps as the Equestrian Eliminator land on the ground. He glares as Tao while asking, "You're good at this, aren't you, old hermit? And who is the child?"
Tao smile as he explains, "I'm good at prediction and enemy's movement, of course. This child is none of your concern if you truly think harming an innocent will reward greatness."
The Equestrian Eliminator glare at Tao then asks, "So, she's close to you? You need not to worry, hermit. Although I'm the assassin, harming innocence such as the child is not one of my work."
"So, tell me what you learn of Twilight?"
"Twilight Sparkle is one who risked everything and even her life to protect the lives of her friends, family and even Nightmare Moon."
Jade snarl, "Her name is Nyx, Starlight!" The Equestrian Eliminator glares at Jade. "So you don't like somebody who call you by your old name! So don't call somebody's name by something else, pal!"
Tao scolds Jade sternly, "Manners, Jade."
"Yet, I still don't know why the name keeps bothering me, like it’s trying to reach me." The Equestrian Eliminator comments as he glares at Tao. "You know something about me, don't you?"
"Indeed, I do. But I will tell you, if you agree to leave Grimmore."
"I will not. Tell me, old pony, that labyrinth will reveal the desire and fate of the one who goes in, am I right?"
Tao smile as he answers, "Indeed. If you're hoping to find the answer of your true origin, then you may go in. But beware of what you want, and what choice you chose."
"Very well, hermit," The Equestrian Eliminator said. He pauses before speaking once more, "Why do you even care for me?"
"You already know the answer, Starlight. And of course, I know you were once a good pony with a good heart."
"I'll be honest that I can't be good. But I'll find my reason in there."
The Equestrian Eliminator threw the smoke bomb down. He disappear a the puff of smoke. After coughing a bit, Jade spoke to her granduncle, "You think that's a good idea of letting him off?"
"There is no choice; Come, let us see the event of Twilight and her friends." The old pony said as he open a portal for him and Jade to watch Twilight and her friends to see what they're doing.
-------------
As of right now, we return to what is now happening to the gang that had entered the Labyrinth of Fate's Illusion. They were going in with both caution and slow concerns in feeling that this place has some secrets to keep the gang from escaping. But Twilight once read about these mazes and learned that what humans always did was place their left hand to the left wall to follow the trail to eventually find an exit. So the gang will do the same, except, well, with different means.
"So far, everything seems pretty quiet around here." Dumbledore spoke off in seeing all seems quiet upon their entry.
"Yeah, but what about the whole 'too quiet' theme," Bocolix issued in fearing that maybe this was the calm before the storm of trouble.
"Brother, those clouds block out the view above that we can't even tell if it's night or day." Phobos remorse off in staring up in seeing no light, the walls of the labyrinth were too high up with much clouds blocking anyone to see things.
"Yeah, and these walls, I can't help but think they aren't even rocks but….mirrors." Spike spoke in noticing that the walls of the labyrinth seem almost…reflective, like crystal mineral or ice, almost like a mirror.
"Must be the temperature rupturing the molecular structure and the cloud mist seem to almost aid in making this maze make you think we're seeing an illusion of things." Nyx spoke off in making a strange theory exclamation to which, a few of the others didn't follow through at all.
"Um, sorry, Ah don't speak much brainiac tongue, ye gotta tone it down 'ta us folks dat ain't super-smart." Tough Apple responded to Nyx in stating that nobody except Twilight could follow that statement of smart-pony chatter.
"Nyx means that this place is made to almost fool us in thinking that there are illusions. At least, I hope that's all there is." Ben responded in understanding what his daughter was issuing, at least for the most part, the next part might be of a magical touch…if nothing else, from the Shadow Ghoul from within.
"Remember everypony, just stick close. As long as we have one grasp on the left side, we'll be fine." Twilight stated from leaning from her side in the cart to keep a left hoof to the wall side while their cart was being pulled so that they know that they themselves are following the path to not get lost.
"Question, what about the way back?" Phobos asked off this part of wonder in his mind.
"Why would we wanna go backwards if we can teleport?" Spike asked off in why the Moon Dragon would even ask such a question.
"Cause I think we just got lost! Look!" Phobos dryly remarked before wanting the gang to take notice of something.
Just like that, something was behind the gang in what was the left turn area that they came from….now long gone. Instead of it was replaced with a wall that meant no way to go through. But the group came from an opening, so how was it that it vanished and they are walking away from a wall, it made no sense, was this even real?
"Ugh, weren't 'dat 'de opening 'dat we just turn from, an' when did a wall appear behind it?" Tough spoke off in seeing there was something not right in where they came from, like it up and vanished on them.
"Something isn't right here. That can't be an illusion already." Twilight issued with a serious look, she was certain that the group can't be lost now, but how did this happen?
Nyx used her magic to throw a little pebble and soon…it made contact, dropped to make a sound; it's the real deal. "It sounds real." Nyx replied in stating that what she hit was not a fake illusion.
"Um, guys….why do the ground feel all shaky?" Bocolix asked off from suddenly feeling that the ground that the gang is on from the cart was….moving in an unsteady movement.
"And more importantly than that…why we're all shaky?" Dumbledore asked off with worry in noticing that the gang was more shaking than the ground was.
Just then, the most unexpected thing was happening from the ground and the walls and above, the quakes were not natural, and here's why. The walls were either expending or shrinking of turning in a different pattern, worst yet, the ground was popping and the walls were sinking while everything was just simply reshaping its appearance. The worst of it all was that during the process, the gang was stuck right as this stuff was happening on their watch.
"Wooh, what's happening to this place?" Spike yelped off in seeing something was happening in the maze, everything was going crazy now.
"The maze….it's shifting itself! Hold on-Aaaahhh," Ben was issuing what was happening and just as he was about to state a word of caution, the ground beneath them gave way that caught them by surprise.
"Waaaughh," During the shaking, a lot of the ground was blasting upwards of cube towers that knocked and pushed the gang's cart upwards that made them scream in surprise. The entire labyrinth was shifting and changing its entire outlet layer form to begin a hard trial for the ones coming in. And then if that wasn't enough, the screen shows that Justin the MechBull was wailing to steady its self while grabbing the lines were Rabbitchu, Koga and Owlowiscious helping to calm the big creature which when everything settled down, they all did. Once the ground was no longer shaky & the structure was done, the animals noticed that they were short a few passengers, the ponies and Dragons and lead up to a very important question: Where did the others go? And could the cart filled with pets & machines find their way out of this place and reunite with their missing friends?
"Heh-hehehehe-hahahahaha-Aaahhhhh; Welcome," A cackling voice issued off all over the labyrinth in which we soon see the camera zooming around before finding…the other missing travel members, "Said the spider to the flies. You are now within my web." During this wicked announcer's creepy intro, we find Ben somewhere by himself, Twilight & Spike in another area, and Nyx was stuck with Tough, Phobos and the Enforcers in another part of the maze. "You will face trails in which it's for those of you alone, in a pair or in a group. In either way, if you wish to leave my labyrinth, you must first face your fate's challenge. If you can….Keh-heheheh-Hahahahah," That cackling voice echoed all over when the others stood up to notice their surroundings and can tell that if they wanna get out of here…they have to play the games of the 'host' of the Labyrinth of Fate's Illusion; Great.
"Um, Twilight….you do have a plan to get us out of here, right?" Spike asked his smart pony friend if there is a way for them to get out of this mess and meet up with the others in this maze.
"At the moment, I'm more worried about the others' safety just as much as our own. Come on!" Twilight issued off about being concern about those the two got separated from as she begins to lead them down a chosen path in hopes to find the others.
"But-but….oh man, if this was one of Pinkie's surprises, its one thing! But this feeling of surprise just isn't a good one!" Spike groans in seeing that Twilight is rushing forth without hearing him out, just before chasing after the pony to hope they can escape this peril that the End of Equestria has unleashed that it'll take more brains then brawn to survive in.
"I better find Twilight, Nyx and the others. They gotta be here somewhere." Ben spoke from where he was in seeing that no one else but himself as he spots a path down to his right. "Hopefully, they'll make it out to the exit." After saying that, the Earth pony rushed off to find a way out while wanting to meet up with the others, wherever they are.
"Oh no, what do we do? What do we do?" Dumbledore grasp his cheeks in fearing the situation was bad, real bad, cause they were separated from Twilight.
"We have to fly up and find Twilight & anypony else." Bocolix issued that the Enforcers need to hurry up and find where the others are, if not, they'll face 'bigger' trouble back home.
"Hello! You two are more likely having your heads in the clouds without going up and actually doing that sorta deed." Phobos dryly remark in telling the Enforcers that they can try to go up, but they themselves won't be able to do much even if they flew up.
"Besides, ye never find them, 'dat stuff looks way too thick, it's like cutting through a mist like it was pea-soup!" Tough responded from seeing above in the clouds that with the maze's walls, seem almost going forever, it be hard to learn if they can find a path to escape from here.
"But…but…." The Enforcers were afraid that if they can't find where Twilight was or Ben & Spike, then the two failed and they'll face the consequences….if the two get out of here that is.
"Everypony, listen!" Nyx suddenly spoke off in stopping the adults with their loose control of thinking straight.
"Gegh-hum," Phobos coughed in reminding Nyx, that he's a Dragon.
"And Dragons," Nyx corrected herself in seeing that Phobos wanted that done, so she did. "Mommy said to stick to the plan, left hoof on the wall and follow it to the exit." She held her hoof up to the wall and instructed that they do just that to escape.
"But wha if 'de maze shifts again?" Tough questions if the maze tries to give the group another issue to separate and confuse them even more.
"It might have done that to split us up." Nyx stated that from a point, it's job was done and might not do that now. "Come on, as long as we stick together, we'll be okay." The little black filly stated with a smile to help brighten the group to not give up just yet.
Tough & Phobos shrug off in deciding to agree on Nyx's point, if this filly managed to take out a Guardian by herself, then they can trust her to help lead the way. The Enforcers were amazed by Nyx's calmness and willing to help them get through this difficulty state, Dumbledore & Bocolix almost feel like the times they saw Nyx as Dum Dum & Boxco, she's really showing some stuff from this journey. After setting aside many thoughts and doubts, did this group of five followed down one path in hopes…to finding a way out and reunite with the others in the maze.
Now all sides were gonna act on their own to get through the maze, three areas moving, and only a clear path to either freedom….or despair.
------------------
As Ben goes down a path somewhere in the labyrinth, a familiar face appears from out of nowhere. Tso Lan spoke, "Benjamin Mare, we meet at last."
"Who are you?" Ben ask suspiciously. This must be one of the Demon Lords but which one? So far there are two that he and the others haven't met yet!
"I am the one controls the moon. I am the one who is oldest of the Demon Lords. I am Nightmare Moon's creator and true father."
"Tso Lan!"
Tso Lan smirks as he begins to ask the son of Celestia, "Tell me, Ben, do you truly care for her as your daughter?"
"Of course, I do! She's part of a family." Ben insists sternly to the villain.
"Is that so? Is it because of the appearance of her cuteness or is it because of her loyalty?"
Ben snarl, "I don't know what you're trying to do. But I know one thing for sure. It's not about her appearance, but her heart. She's different from you, Tso Lan! She belongs to a good family."
Tso Lan asks in his own amusement, "Is that so, Ben?"
"Yes! You and I are maybe Nyx's dads. But there's a difference between us, Tso Lan. And that is how much I love and care for Nyx while you cared for your empire."
"I only desire one thing, Ben; The conquest of Equestria and full of loyalties of minions such as all those who served us, along with Nightmare Moon."
Ben snarl while snapping, "She's not a weapon! She's a living pony! I will not let you take her away from us."
Tso Lan remarks in amusement, "We shall see, Ben. Let us see how brave and strong you truly are in your test."
"I know one thing for sure. I will pass and protect Nyx from you!"
Tso Lan smirk just before his head disappear.
-----------------------------
Back in the Realm of the Demons, the Demons themselves were talking amongst each other.
"Let us see how you could escape this fate, Benjamin Mare." Shendu said in amusement.
Xiao Fung nods as he said, "Indeed. Let us see how good he's facing his Demonic self."
"He's going to be sorry for playing the flute. He will be defeated." Hsi Wu said while fuming in fury. Ben will rue the day that he even decided to use the flute to banish him in the first place. Vengeance will be his!
-------------
We soon focus on where Ben was traveling down one path he was going through within the maze, thinking about nothing but to find Twilight, Nyx, and the others. They all must be worried and there is no telling how much of them have been separated and are worried if they'll be easy pickings, well not on Ben Mare's watch. Course, that's assuming he'll find and watch them to pull off that action.
"Okay, so I've gone done this path." Ben spoke off to knowing of where he is station here. "And so far, all seems alright. Hope the others are getting through." The stallion spoke with worry for his love ones and friends, he has to get through this…for their sake.
"You should be more worried about yourself, my little stallion. Keh-heheheeh-Hahahahah," At that moment, the sick & twisted voice was heard again from within the room in speaking towards Ben Mare.
Ben reacted to this to turn in spotting something on the walls, something that was showing a magical warp of shadows beginning to form….something. It was firstly just the head without a body in this magical labyrinth, but the features were disturbing none the least bit; the head of some emerald color bug with weird choppers, four antennas and what looked like nine red eyes with four of each side and one in the center.
"So you're the Shadow Ghoul. Are you all eyes and nothing else?" Ben spoke off with making himself not afraid of what this freak looked like and registered him as the creature the gang was warned about since entering the maze.
"Oh believe me, having a physical form now when you're all so strong & healthy, and filled with hope….is not tenderizing for my appetite." Shadow Ghoul revealed responded with a strange hankering personality of a twist in liking to play with its meal…..before beginning the festival feasting.
"Okay, that's some sick and twisted sense you got there." Ben raised his eyebrows in just finding this type of enemy to be about as weird as psychopaths get to, at least at the time being here.
"Thank you…and now, time to face your trial, Young Mare. Kehihihihihh-hahahahaa-Haaaaahhh…" Shadow Ghoul responded in being amused to let off a creepy laughter within the dark that ticked Ben off along with how this guy was toying with him. "Choose your actions, for your fate within this labyrinth will lead you to freedom or in my clutches!" And with that, the creepy creep's face was vanishing like a blur stain that never appeared on the wall in mystery after giving a clue to Ben's task.
"Alright….I knows I never figured out the voice in my head that helped me out, but I think I prefer that over this guy. Still…" Ben was issuing how if he wanted to hear a voice, he rather it be a friendly one than of a creepy, insane, freaky nut-job he had the unpleasant moment of meeting. "What did he mean?" The station held his chin in thought about what the Shadow Ghoul spoke about his only way to escape the labyrinth or be trapped within it.
During the confusion, Ben was walking aimlessly down one part of the maze's route…..which began to display a weird fog mist around the area, hover, the stallion kept his hoof on the left side of the wall. But as he continued, the stallion suddenly heard something that was more surprising, more shocking, more undeniable in what he could honestly say wasn't prepared to face a trial of horrors within the End of Equestria, which was….the sounds of happy laughter from children! Yes, by the time Ben came to the area, he ended up spotting what was no doubt, some fillies running around, playing games, each acting different and the strangest thing was….they looked like the filly forms of the Mane Six.
"No way, those are…" Ben was protesting in seeing this, and was denying the possibility, this was…this was…his friends.
"Hey looky; A new playmate," A Young Pinkie Pie popped up around Ben by surprise that made him yelp a bit. "Did you come to play with us, hugh-hugh-hugh? Did ya? Did ya?" The little pink filly was bouncing and hopping around, just like Ben knew she does when she was older.
"Ugh…" Ben was a little unsure how to deal with talking to a younger filly of his friend.
"Settle down Pinkie! Sorry mister, she gits excited when she sees a face." Young Applejack came near the young Pinkie Pie to apologize for the rudeness.
"Yeah, I can tell." Ben held a bit of his chuckles in figuring this Applejack was being honest about such things.
"Um, can you tell us, who you are? If-if you don't mind." Young Fluttershy came up, but was feeling very shy in wanting to know who Ben was since they don't know him yet.
"Well it's…um….Benjamin!" Ben was thinking fast in what to do about stating his real name, so instead, he goes with his first full name than just Ben, in case of anything off should happen.
"Hugh, not a bad name there big guy," Young Rainbow Dash flew up near the big stallion adult in checking him out.
"Yes, and you certainly seem like a role model, and that Cutie Mark, why….it's simply marvelous!" Young Rarity spoke in coming up to see Ben and just loved his appearance and even his mark on his flank was something amazing.
"Thanks….I think." Ben responded off a bit in seeing how these other two were also like his friends.
"It's very nice to meet you Mr. Benjamin. So, why are you here?" Young Twilight came up to join her small bnad of friends while pondering of Ben's sudden appearance to them, which the later was almost lost in seeing…he's speaking to the pony that he himself loves, but much younger from his childhood.
"I was trying to find my way out, um…I don't suppose you can tell me." Ben spoke a bit in trying to stay focus overseeing the filly that he fell in love with before issuing about trying to get around this place.
"Sure, don't know why we're in a place, playing around like all is well either. Maybe it has something magical involved! Oh, maybe it has something to do with you! Oh-oh, or maybe…hmph-hmmm…" Young Pinkie was starting to speak off a few other random things about the girls’ situation until Applejack covered her friend's mouth to stop the non-stop chatter.
"Buddy, just follow 'dat there light over yonder," Young Applejack pointed from where ahead of their area, there was a little light coming from the little mist spot.
"Yeah, it'll help lead you out of here, lickity-slip!" Young Rainbow flew up in making a statement that the stallion can't miss that area and it'll lead him out.
"Are you sure?" Ben raised his eyes in almost finding that, since he's in a maze, and in the End of Equestria, this sounds too easy.
"Oh, well, if you're not sure, then…you don't have to listen to us. After all…you must know what's best than from a few fillies." Young Fluttershy spoke in feeling like they were not being helpful to Ben, since he's a grown up and they're just silly kids.
"Now wait, I never said that!" Ben responded in feeling that he never actually was saying such things, the last thing he would do is hurt a sweet filly's heart.
"We know, Fluttershy here just feels that we're not helpful in guiding a stranger lost is all." Young Rarity spoke in assuring Ben that Fluttershy was just concerned if they were truly being of any help at all.
"Well, could you feel better if I was…a friend?" Ben spoke with a smile in thinking, the best way for them to get along well, is if they could be friends and not strangers.
"That would help and I wouldn't mind being a friend to you Mr. Benjamin." Young Twilight spoke with smiling at the older Ben Mare, stating that she's happy to be his friend.
"Thank you." Ben smiled much from the outside and inside, hearing Twilight say she be his friend from long ago when he was a colt. "Well, I better head off, enjoy yourselves, okay." Ben spoke from standing up and beginning to walk pass the little fillies group.
"Okay." The Mane Six or five of them responded in staring at Ben's leave. "Bye-bye!" Young Pinkie Pie finally got her mouth free to speak off in saying bye-bye to their new adult friend.
As Ben was further from the fillies, he stop to look at them young lookalikes of Twilight's group play like there was nothing going on. It was still amazing to see Twilight, playing with her five friends as fillies, almost like in a different life; they met earlier to become friends.
"This is weird, like Pinkie Pie weird." Ben responded in not helping, but smile in seeing his love one and friends having fun without any worries, but was still puzzled. "How am I seeing younger forms of my friends?" The stallion did not figure out why such an event was occurring around him at all, until….
"Isn't it obvious?" Shadow Ghoul's voice spoke before his floating insect head appeared near the stallion.
"Oh, what do you want?" Ben frowned to look in seeing this strange foe from within the labyrinth, what does this guy want now?
"Just popping in and enjoying the show! Kehihihihih-hahahahahaaaah…." Shadow Ghoul responded in letting off a cackle in liking what he was seeing so far, much to Ben's own confusion.
"Well if you're trying to get my guard down, forget it. Showing me my friends as little fillies isn't gonna make me lower my senses for you to use them in attacking me." Ben declared off in figuring that whatever this creature of the labyrinth is up to, he's not gonna drop his guard.
"Oh, ye of little imagination," Shadow Ghoul responded in sounding almost in pretend shock in hearing this. "I have only showed the illusions from your heart, young Benjamin." The creature from the shadows spoke in explaining what he was truly doing at this time.
"My heart," Ben responded off lost and confused, what did that even mean that his heart is what made the illusions?
"Yes, the heart that knows your friends from spending so much time with them, and even if you never met them long before, their personalities are the same." Shadow Ghoul explained the matter that for Ben Mare, his heart is so connected to those that are his friends that even their previous selves as fillies would act and behave like their adult forms would be.
"Hugh, guess that explains it. No way could you make a possible Pinkie Pie personality when you never met her." Ben thought this over and had to agree, not even from seeing Pinkie Pie here, could Shadow Ghoul manage to make an evil fake that's THAT perfectly like Pinkie Pie.
"There's that, but there's more to be expected." Shadow Ghoul shrug off that topic before focusing on another part here. "For unless you figure out your fate here, you'll spend eternity on the wrong path you've chosen." The creature instructed Ben that if he can't overcome this trial of fate's illusion, he'll never escape.
"Gee, spending forever with my friends as fillies that like to play, that doesn't sound too much of an evil degree for a villain." Ben made a sly remark with a smirk in issuing, this wicked insect can't be serious; this was nowhere near vile villain’s level of torture.
"Who said there wasn't any suffering to be involved? Take a look over this way!" Shadow Ghoul issued off that Ben was mistaken, there was more then what was being seen.
Suddenly, much of the mist was clearing a spot, only to find another pony figure on a lonesome bench. And when Ben saw the pony, it was a little colt, but this was not any colt, it was….
"That's…me! Before I was…" Ben gasped in seeing the familiar features, that's his younger self, before his disappearance.
"Yes, before you left for so many years as a Demon Pony." Shadow Ghoul responded with a sneaky sly tone in making this statement. "But surely you must know that what your heart remembers is what you 'were'….the shy colt that never could fit in with others, and feels alone in the world! Keh-hihihi-hahahah…" The vile creature of the labyrinth was making a sinister cackle in finding this teasing to be truly enjoyable.
"You're pushing it buster." Ben narrows his angry eyes at the headless ghoul from that tone. "What does this have to do with me now?" The stallion wants answers, what does seeing his past self has to do with now?
"Why not find out for yourself, unless you figure it out…your fate is sealed." When that was spoken, Shadow Ghoul vanished from the spoke after giving Ben a hard riddle to solve.
Ben was really starting to dislike the creep popping and going as he pleases. But now wasn't the time for that, Ben had to solve the riddle to get out of the labyrinth and meet up with his friends. And to do that, the mystery, the key, lies with his younger self.
"Hay there buddy; what's wrong? What's your name?" Ben approached his younger self to sit down and to chat.
"Sniff…I'm…Ben Mare…and I'm…by myself. No pony wants to play with me." Young Ben spoke from feeling a bit sadden in being all alone with no pony to be with him.
"Why would you think that?" Ben asked off in puzzlement by such a claim.
"Cause I'm…well….I just can't do it." Young Ben was about to say, but just issued off that he couldn't play with other ponies.
"Can't or won't? Cause those two is a big difference." Ben raised his eyebrows in suspicion about what his younger self was protesting. "Why don't you wanna join those fillies over there? They seem nice." Ben had his younger self look to where the Mane Six Fillies were playing a game of tag.
"But, they're scary." Young Ben spoke from looking away in fear that the fillies playing…were scary.
"Scary? Them; you're kidding me, right?" Ben asked off skeptical with an expression that said 'you're pulling my leg' sign, why would his younger self even say such things?
"No, it's true. Like that….orange filly that looks tough and that she took rope to tie up that pink one that always pops out of nowhere to scare ponies." Young Ben spoke in seeing what the younger forms of Applejack & Pinkie Pie were doing, thinking that they were scary ponies.
"What, Applejack and Pinkie Pie?" Ben asked off in seeing what made his young self feels nervous. "Listen, Applejack maybe strong, yes, but she's an honest pony to her friends and wanting to help. And Pinkie Pie, yeah, she surprises ponies, but not to scare them, it's only cause she wants to have fun with everypony, even throw a party with all of them laughing to have a good time." The older stallion explained about the good sides to the ponies his younger self never knew about.
"But what about that blue Pegasus that seems so quick, she could spin circles around me? Or what about that quiet yellow Pegasus, what if she's just playing and could be real mean?" Young Ben asked off in seeing the younger forms of what Rainbow Dash & Fluttershy are doing and finds them suspicious.
"You're kidding on those parts, right?" Ben asked off in a rhetorical sense in finding this hard to come from his younger self's mouth. "Rainbow Dash maybe a cool show off, but the part of her that counts is being loyal, that's a friend who won't let you down. And Fluttershy is shy, but she's also very kind to others, and is a gentle pony, you just have to look pass her fragile self to see she can be brave for you." Ben was once again, explaining the parts of those flying ponies for his young self to not feel worried about.
"Well…what about the two unicorns, the white one that keeps making the others wear strange things and the other one…." Young Ben stopped from seeing the young Rarity to be a bit bashful in seeing Twilight. "Well, she seems more into books than wanting to know me." The young colt felt that maybe the filly that was into books wouldn't even notice him.
"Trust me; they'll get to like you." Ben made a playful expression to pat his young self's shoulder to ease up over his problems. "Rarity loves jewels and fashions to help her friends by being so generous. And Twilight…" Ben stopped from seeing the filly form of Twilight and spoke with memorable parts of what he knew of her in the past. "Twilight Sparkle is a pony that loves to study things and learn lots of things, and deep down…she's a pony that really feels better when having those she can call friends that give her a strong magical feeling inside." Hearing much of this made even the younger form of Ben Mare look to his unknowing older self, sounding very sure on all those claims.
"Gee, they all sound so different from what I thought." Young Ben spoke in second guessing himself on what he once believed.
"I know it's scary to try to fit in, but everypony is different, and if you get the chance to know them, you can show them what's the real you is," Ben spoke in encouraging his younger self to make himself be known and not always be afraid to show his stuff.
"Well…" Young Ben was starting to feel some courage built up inside of him, until….
"Aaaahhhhh," Suddenly, a bunch of filly screams were heard that made Ben & his young self turns to see…trouble. The Mane Six were cornered in being approached by a large pony of a different texture matching……a Demon Pony!
"The Demon Pony; How's…." Ben responded off to stand up from the bench in seeing another blast from his past, but how?
"Kehi-hahahahahhaha…surprise," A wicked cackle spoke to appear and hover around Ben's left side.
"You again; are you really this annoying?" Ben narrows his upset eyes at this creature in beginning to really dislike the guy.
"More annoying than that Moon Dragon or that rogue farmer or maybe those lung-headed male Alicorns? In any case, it matters little." Shadow Ghoul remotely issued the claim around before deciding to return on the subject. "The question remains, what will you do when you see your greatest fear as an obstacle to your fate?" The ghoul spoke another riddle that Ben had to solve or risk never getting out of here at all.
"So you're making me now stand up to my own fear?" Ben asked off in getting what this creep wants from him to stop his past Demon Pony self from hurting his friends in the past.
"In a way, 'yes', and I'm 'so' looking forward to how you'll escape your fate….if you can. GWEHAH_hahahahaaahaaahhhh," Shadow Ghoul lifted his eyes in responding to that question very shrew before disappearing to cackle in leaving Ben more questions than answers in how to get by this area.
Ben got serious in seeing the Demon Pony was cornering the six little fillies, he has to act and save them from the monster that he was. The stallion now had things that could make him capable of taking down the beast, his Triforce, the Master Sword; it would be cake walk to him now. Ben Mare was stronger, he was more courageous, Ben Mare was now a pony that can make the difference. But then he noticed something near him, Ben's young colt self was shaking like a leaf….being afraid & nervous about such actions since that was what the older stallion was long ago instead of what he is today.
"Hay, don't be afraid. It'll be okay." Ben tried to calm his younger self to not feel scared by this.
"N…no it won't; Look at that thing! It's too scary! I'm afraid…" Young Ben protest in feeling that he can't do anything to stop something like that, he just can't.
The older Ben felt like he didn't have time for this, he saw the Demon Pony approaching the fillies of Twilight's group of the past. However, before the stallion, Ben, could go in there to stop this act, something entered his mind…
'Wait! This is all an illusion, right?' Ben spoke in his thoughts in just recalling this trial within the labyrinth. 'And to escape from the labyrinth, I have to face an illusion of my fate to escape! 'Both are my childhood self being shy and the other was being the Demon Pony.' Ben remembered these parts of his past; they were the things he never could overcome much of. 'What if the two are connected? What if…I'm not supposed to fight off my greatest fear, but help overcome it?' The clue was for Ben to find a way to defeat the Demon Pony using a different method, but it would not be of his present self. 'I grew out of my shyness when I was with Twilight, and when I was the Demon Pony, I felt like a little colt trapped inside a beast and never escaping my imprisonment. What if possibly…' Ben was coming close to unraveling the mystery to not choose a fate through an illusion's act, but go for one that can be the correct choice.
A dawning moment flash in Ben's mind to stare at the Demon Pony, the part of him that was a loose beast of his nightmares in being on the run and then to his younger self in being shy & nervous of ever having friends. The two were the challenge to Ben, and to overcome this, the stallion realized the right answer to the mystery.
"It's not me that has to conquer this trial…" Ben spoke in coming to terms from looking away at the Demon Pony, to the Young colt of himself. "It's to help my young self deals with both cases; facing what I feared in always being and never gaining friends." It made sense, it was to help Ben's younger self overcome the trial, for if he can't, then the older Ben will never escape the labyrinth. "Listen Ben, you have to block that pony's march." Ben kneeled down to speak to his younger self in trying to give a big task in wanting the colt to stop the Demon Pony.
"What! Face up to the Demon Pony? But I can't take him on! I don't have that kinda power! I'm just…just too afraid!" Young Ben spoke in surprise and disregard it as crazy thinking, he can't face the creature of legend that has always been terrifying.
"It's scary, I know, but…" Older Ben nods in understanding his younger self's doubts…before trying something to help this colt out of it. "Power isn't the only thing you need. You need Courage to push yourself; Wisdom to guide you through the hard roads. Only from those two, can you unlock true Power in you." Ben was explaining how in truth, his abilities of the Triforce Element, can serve to help anyone, even when they don't have the magic power. "And it's not only from that, but if you cherish other ponies, you'll stand stronger than you would stay alone." Ben gave the final key point that if his young self knows this, true strength comes from not by the one, but from wanting to protect others.
"Re...Really; Do you think even I…could do the impossible?" Young Ben asked off in feeling some of that stuff made him believe it, could he do all that?
"Yes, I believe you can, and you can to if you believe." Ben smiled at his young self in stating that he believes the young colt can achieve that much from believing.
"Aaahhhh…" Young Twilight's scream brought the Ben forms of his stallion and colt to notice the Demon Pony was almost closely closing in on the six fillies trapped in a corner.
"Now go show that Demon Pony what you got and help your friends out." Ben instructed to his younger self with a 'can-do' attitude here.
"My friends…?" Young Ben responded to look from his older self to the six fillies in peril. "My friends….need help. I get it!" The colt responded in suddenly brightening himself up in realizing things, he has friends, and the six fillies are his friends to be and need help.
Then the young Ben dashed off quickly while leaving the older Ben standing up to now watch calmly in how this little scene will play out.
"Grrr…." The Demon Pony was growling to about to attack one of the fillies frightened until one brave colt cut across its path and made everypony pay attention to…Young Ben Mare's standoff.
"Li…Li…Listen up, Demon Pony." Young Ben spoke in trying to stand up against this scary Demon Pony. "I…I don't want you to trouble us, you…you maybe big and scary, but I won't let you hurt these ponies, cause…" Young Ben looked back to the young forms of Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity and even more so at Twilight Sparkle, the colt swallowed hard before facing the scary monster. "Cause I wanna be their friend and I won't wanna lose having friends to you. So just back off," The young colt issued off this final claim to wanting this meant to not hurt his new friends.
Then the little brave colt then did something surprising, by turning around to buck-hoof the Demon Pony's chin area. And that in some unexpected twist, the strength of a little colt easily sent the big Demon Pony backwards to….to where it's legs snapped like the sounds of twigs and it had its head fall off…like it was not real, but made of cloth.
"Hugh?" Young Ben responded puzzled and confused, that was not a real Demon Pony, it looked more…like a fake. Even the older Ben was puzzled in where this was leading to.
"Hehe, nice shot there Ben." Suddenly, what came out of the body of the Demon Pony, much to the shock of older Ben was…his other old pal in his colt years; Flash Sentry.
"Flash…Flash Sentry; what are you doing?" Young Ben responded in surprise, what was his friend from the castle of Canterlot doing here?
"Helping make a costume to help the Royal Guards practice if they face a real Demon Pony," Young Flash responded off in stating what he was doing here for the gang to know. "I got so hot wearing the costume that I became dizzy. Sorry." The colt sheepishly explained that when he was wearing the costume, it was so hot inside, he felt dizzy and didn't know what to do.
"You mean you ended scaring us for nothing?" Young Ben asked off surprised that his best pal from the guard nearly had them all scared out of their wits….by a costume.
"Us; You mean them?" Young Flash Sentry pointed to the fillies that were coming around in seeing no danger now. "Hugh, well I'll be, you stuck up for yourself to protect some ponies in believing that they were in danger." The colt responded in seeing how young Ben did for himself, helping to protect others that were in trouble; that was really noble of the adoptive son of Celestia.
"Well…I thought I was…Guess it was silly to think I was being brave against a real Demon Pony." Young Ben sighed in feeling disappointment, he thought he was actually able to stop a real Demon Pony, but it was just a costume and Flash being unknowing of his actions….this effort might not have been needed after all.
"Are you kidding me? You were awesome!" Young Rainbow Dash flew near the young Ben in issuing off that the Earth colt was actually very amazing.
"Darn shooing, why, we thought it was 'de real deal an; were too shaky 'ta move." Young Applejack spoke in saying that the fillies thought that Demon Pony costume was so real, it even had them fooled.
"But…you both look so much stronger than me?" Young Ben asked in believing that these two ponies were far much more better to handle themselves than he would have if he didn't interfered.
"Silly, it's not about the strongest pony, it's about the heart. And you surprised us by being so nice." Young Pinkie Pie popped near the colt in exclaiming the matter isn't about who's strongest, it's about heart and that counts.
"I was scared too, but then…you wanted to help us, and we didn't even ask, and so…it was very nice of you." Young Fluttershy came up to smile a bit in feeling that what Ben did was very kind and brave that showed he cared for them.
"And while I admit, the costume was…authentic to being very real, you on the other hoof, showed much bravo." Young Rarity spoke in trying to say that while the costume may not have been much of being real, Ben showed much courage to face what they didn't see was not so scary.
"Um, thanks." Young Ben responded in not knowing how else to respond, he's never been giving such compliments from other kids his age.
"What's your name?" Young Twilight approached young Ben with a smile in liking to know this colt here.
"Um…it's….it's Ben Mare." Young Ben felt a bit weird in speaking to this filly from feeling so….bashful around her. "I know, my last name is of a female pony, but…" He was about to say about knowing his last name was weird, but…
"Yew kidding partner, wha does 'dat matter." Young Applejack waved off that such a thing don't matter.
"Right, a name don't mean squat, even if it sounds silly." Young Rainbow nods in thinking that what makes a good pony won't be looked over by the name.
"Right, we cherish the pony's acts, not by what he is on the outside." Young Rarity nods with a proud degree in stating how the fillies like to see a pony.
"You all…really mean that?" Young Ben asked in being very surprised by this, he almost thought they would laugh at his last name.
"Well yes, and….is it okay, for us to say you're our friend as you said we were." Young Fluttershy nods with a shy request if it's fine to say they are friends.
"I…well….I have nothing wrong against it." Young Ben was so overwhelmed, that he finally got together in saying he was fine with them being friends.
"In short, my pal means, he be glad to be your friend." Flash Sentry steps in to help his pal out in cutting straight to the point.
"Great, then what are we standing around here for? Let's go setup a party to celebrate Ben being our friend!" Young Pinkie Pie jumped for happy joy in thinking they gotta throw a party for this special occasion.
"Do you wanna join us Ben? I…we…really like to get to know you more." Young Twilight asked before looking away in feeling a bit bashful, she thinks this colt was kinda cute.
Young Ben was lost when he noticed this act Twilight did in blushing…like the filly may like him just as he likes her. But from the colt looking to his unknown older self who nodded with a smile, that answer was clear.
"Sure. I love to!" Young Ben responded in feeling very happy from having such a big number of friends around.
Soon the Mane Six giggled and laugh with young Ben & even Flash Sentry joining in to play around now. The older Ben Mare watched this with a smile, he was happy to see that his past self was having so much fun…like all the troubles he's felt the hardships were fading away.
"Gwwwuuuhhhuuuughh; you were supposed to attack the Demon Pony!" Shadow Ghoul snapped from sounding upset to appear near Ben Mare watching the little kids having fun, it seemed the Earth Pony has completed the trial of what his fate he wants to take is.
"I saw through your plot. You said I had to overcome my fate of my childhood and my worst Demon, I just decided to help inspire myself to beat it and earn himself the belief in having friends." Ben responded in seeing what was the real trick to this trial and the stallion decided to have a moment of overcoming the illusion of fate in where his young self overcame his Demons in more ways than one.
"You are more clever than I anticipated, but know this! You may have won and earn your freedom, but unless the others do so, they'll never escape." Shadow Ghoul snapped off to hover around the stallion in underestimating Ben's potentate, but the same could not be said for the others with such luck. "You've won…NOTHING! Gweh-hahahahah-Aahhh….." The evil creature let off a sick and twisted cackle that was heard all over. "KLUNKVHMMM…" Course that ended very fast by the sudden introduction of…a frying pan in its face, "Gwaaaaaauaghhhh," Shadow Ghoul cried out from being stun, who would dare to smack him?
Ben soon saw who whacked the creep in the first place and with a frying pan no less.
"Hoboken Joe; is that really you?" Ben was so surprised, it was Hobo Joe, his hobo friend from his childhood in what he is today, but was it real or an illusion?
"Hehe, it is what it is, Ben." Hobo Joe responded with a little laugh before speaking up. "Course I'm not really here in person, why I'm but an illusion made from this place…from your heart." Ben remembered that his heart helps make the illusions seem real, and this was how he recalls Hobo Joe a lot.
"Niiiiiegh, I won't be silence by my own magical illusion work! You stay out of this now, or…." Shadow Ghoul recovered to float near the old hobo stallion before… "Klunkkfruvhmmm…." Yep, during the threat making, got his face whacked by another frying pan by that old Earth pony, "Giaaaaaughhhh!" Shadow Ghoul cried out from another hit before fading away from the scene.
"Heh, teach that ghoul to not underestimate what an old stallion can do from a pony's heart." Hoboken Joe remarked off in seeing the ghoul leave them in peace, good riddance to bad company.
"Hugh, I guess you're right. You're everything I remember you from when we met." Ben smiled in seeing his old friend, everything that makes Hoboken Joe, the same older Earth pony the guy remembers long ago.
"Yep, and you just single-hoofed off this trial and opened the path from your fate's course." Hobo Joe pointed to the light form the mist as it glowed brighter to reveal a way out for Ben. "Ye did good Ben." The old stallion smiled with proudness for what Ben has done and very well too.
"Thanks, but you know, it's strange," Ben nods in thanking for the compliment, but turns to see how his colt self is doing, even in this illusion plain within the maze. "When I look at my younger self, how he's now playing around with others, having plenty of friends & facing his troubles…I envy that." Ben felt almost so happy that he's seeing how his younger self is living now than what he ever had when Boris pranked him in becoming a Demon Pony to leave home for so long.
"Cause that was something you've long wanted for yourself, right?" Hobo Joe issued of in completely knowing all what Ben Mare here would have wanted in his past. "Benny boy, I know that your past can't be unchanged, but in the present, you can make something for de future." The old hobo issued that there is a way to make a good future, by learning things from the past. "After all, that's wha truly counts, right?"
"Yah, you're right, as always, old friend?" Ben smiled before he came up, and even thought Hobo Joe was an illusion, the sense to touch was not a fake from the strong magic that makes the illusion physical. "It's like Nyx said, you make a fine uncle, always helping to watch over me and give me advice." Ben issued how this old stallion would make a great uncle in helping to give wisdom to a young pony in need of learning things.
"Well, not always, but I try whenever I can. For now, you can make your own decisions to help others. Just like you helped yourself now," Hoboken Joe responded with a smile and pat Ben's back in knowing the stallion has learn some things from him, but he'll make his own choices to help out others in need. "Ben, try to get a good look at this. It may be an illusion, but it can help let ye know that in a different life….you would have been friends with them ponies no matter where or when you meant." The old stallion issues in seeing the younger forms of today's ponies play games and do so many things, it's like watching new beginnings.
"I guess so, and it's funny…I don't have much memories of having fun with other fillies and colts, other than with Flash from the Royal Guards, Twilight…and you." Ben Mare responded in knowing how he's only had this many friends in his past, seeing his younger self with others was…a new good feeling. "I'll remember this scene in my heart, to know that deep down, my life, despite what happened to me, would have lived a happier childhood. And I'll treasure how that feeling would be whenever I'm with Twilight & her friends…cause they're my friends too." Ben spoke that he'll always remember this and treasure this as something to fill in his heart with happy colt memories…from seeing his younger self play with his friends & love one of the past and currently in the present.
"Good to hear, now ye better move along, your opening to exit this place is waiting." Hobo Joe issued off in wanting this pony to quickly get moving, he's got a lot of things to finish up on his journey.
"Until the next time Hobo Joe," Ben signals off to his old friend with a happy smile.
Soon Ben turns to look back in seeing Hoboken Joe wave out to him while seeing the younger Ben Mare play, laugh, and having fun with the Mane Six & Flash Sentry. And he can almost see an illusion of a distinct future, them grown up and having such a happy life, it was all….so beautiful, and happy. If such a path ever happened to Ben, he would have loved experiencing such times growing up, but he's already happy…just where he is now.
"Until the next time, you'll always have happiness Ben, be it your old life or your new one, true friendships will be as they should stand….always." Hobo Joe responded with a pride & proudful smile while he was slowly disappearing in the light when Ben had left through his exit of the maze. It was now clear here, Ben Mare's trial of facing the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate: Pass.
As Ben leaves the trial area, Tso Lan's head appear, saying, " Most impressive, Ben. It seems your memory and experience had taught you, hadn't they?"
"You bet, Tso Lan. No matter where I go, I'll always have friends and family. Nyx risked everything to save me. It's my turn to save hers from you." Ben said to Tso Lan in determination.
"What one promise, cannot hope to protect another, if sacrifice's required to obtain victory."
"I won't let you harm Twilight! I won't let you get Nyx either."
Tso Lan remarks, " I look forward to find out."
Tso Lan's head disappear.
------------
"Unbelievable; He escape his fate!" Hsi Wu exclaims, a bit upset over Ben's victory in his trial.
"Impossible. How did he manage to overcome that?" Xiao Fung asks in disbelief and curiosity of his own.
Shendu chuckle as he spoke to himself, "Benjamin, you're indeed a worthy opponent. I shall challenge you and take the Triforce Elements of Harmony."
-----------------
Jade, who saw how Ben has succeed in his task, whistles in amazement. "Wow. Ben's good. But how did Ben know that?"
Tao explains to his grandniece, "Through his experience and life for such as being shy as a foal and Demonic tempered as a Demon Pony, Ben knows how to connect them and defeat his fate. I have watched him carefully through his life since his birth."
"So if he fails?"
"Ben's childhood form will never make friends, as well as being brave. Thus, Ben will regret slaying the very best friend that he ever has before. He would have become Tso Lan's slave."
Jade nod as she and Tao continues watching the show.
---------
Two familiar friends walk through a hallway to their own trial. Tso Lan's, Shendu's and Bai Tza's heads appear in front of Twilight and Spike. The Dragon, startled, exclaims, "Yikes! Bai Tza! And who's other two?!"
Twilight recognize the last two Demon Lords instantly, "Tso Lan and Shendu!"
Tso Lan smirks as he said, "You know my name, Twilight Sparkle. Well intelligence you possessed. But it is a pity that being the mother of Nightmare Moon will be your great burden."
Shendu remarks as he glances at Spike, "As well as my sworn nephew, which he belongs to me!"
Twilight glare at Tso Lan and Shendu, demanding, "Why do you even care?! Her name is Nyx, Tso Lan! Spike never belongs to you, Shendu! All of you want is the empire and never care for them!"
Tso Lan, Shendu and Bai Tza laugh. The female Demon remarks in amusement, "I'm truly curious of you, Twilight. Since when did you care and love the creatures that ruin your whole life such as Spike and Nightmare Moon?! Spike is Lorcan's brother. Thus both are your enemies."
Twilight groan as she answers, "That maybe. But I'll never mistreat them as you did to any innocent lives!"
"Regardless of that, Twilight Sparkle, you did something bad to them before. We had watched the battle and event as well. Such as Spike, you replaced him with a new assistant and blamed him for the mess. You also did not told him the truth of his past and family." Shendu spoke, reminding Twilight of some of her biggest failures.
"You mostly mistreat Nightmare Moon, despite showing love and care for her. You are the reason of bringing her reincarnation complete, and such as allowing two filthy ponies to bully her and lead her to the ruins of the Princesses' old Palace. You had surrendered her to Celestia to eliminate the threat. Thus, you had completed her resurrection." Tso Lan remarks, accusing Twilight of what happened in the incidents that brought form the return of Nightmare Moon.
Bai Tza then adds, "So tell us, Twilight, are we the ones that mistreat Nightmare Moon and Spike or did you?"
Twilight remain silent while looking worried of what the Demons had said. Spike however spoke up, "You may be right. But there's one thing I know Twilight's trying to do: protecting me and Nyx from someone like you!"
Twilight spoke gently to her little brother, "Spike........"
The three Demon Lords laugh evilly. Shendu remark in amusement, "You are so much like your grandfather, father and brother, for they possessed compassion and loyalty to the ponies. It is a pity to see them but your grandfather betray their former allies. You are alone, Spike."
"Maybe; But I'm not. Do you know why? I've got a family to be there and care for me. Twilight is the first pony that cares for me!" Spike snaps to the trio of Demons sternly.
Spike hugs Twilight as she hugs him back. The Alicorn smiles as she said, "Spike's right. As long we're together, we'll overcome anything, and even you! We're a family."
"We shall see. You cannot hope to protect everyone you love from the darkest hour and your enemies, Twilight. But mark my word; I will have my daughter back to me." Tso Lan said in determination and darkness. "When I do, I'll make her kill you and Equestria will be ours to control!"
"Not going to happen! Nyx maybe your real daughter, Tso Lan, but she's mine as well. She chose the light over dark!"
"Never be sure of the one's fate such as Nightmare Moon when it is not decided, Twilight Sparkle." Bai Tza said to Twilight in amusement.
"We'll see about that, Demon Jerks!" Spike remarks with a frown.
"Indeed, we will, Spike. Till we meet again," Shendu taunts as his head disappears. That concerns the duo, worrying if they will complete their trial or not.
-----------------------------------
The scene soon opens up towards where we see where the others are trying to deal with things on their own. For example, we see walking through a pathway was Twilight Sparkle and following her was Spike, both were keeping a left hold on the wall to keep themselves going in the correct way so to not get lost. Their objective was to find a way out, reunite with the others, and obtain an ingredient that they can earn by getting in and out of the Labyrinth of Illusions Fate.
"Twilight, you sure we're going down the right path," Spike asked in having a really bad feeling that they've been doing this for some time, and wonder if this was the right path they are leading on.
"Spike, the path is the same so long as we know where we've been." Twilight responded to the baby Dragon's question with an assured answer response.
"I know, but you saw the maze shift to change itself, what if it happens again?" Spike responded in getting the issue, but what if what happened that separated them happens again?
"Then we'll just have to be out of here before that even happens." Twilight issued to her friend to not worry, they got to get out of here and meet up with the others.
"My, my, what an interesting pair of spices we have here." Spoke a very creepy sounding voice coming from anywhere in the maze.
"Whah; who-who said that?" Spike yelped to get near Twilight in not liking the sound of who spoke to them.
"Show yourself!" Twilight demanded with a stern face in who was trying to speak to them.
"Kweh-hihihihi-Hahahahah," Suddenly, a familiar ghoulish face of an insect that was headless appeared before the two.
"YIKES! What are you?" Spike yelped in surprise; that was not normal, seeing a head without a body.
"You're the Shadow Ghoul of the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate, aren't you?" Twilight sternly issued in seeing who the two are dealing with here, the creature that would be their enemy in this maze.
"Guilty as charged, my pretty. Hehehe-hhahaha…." Shadow Ghoul responded off in identifying himself while making an evil cackle that was just plain creeping the group out. "And I must say, you two are an odd bunch, now aren't you?" The ghoul responded in hovering above in studying the pony & baby Dragon.
"Odd, have you seen yourself? You're a floating talking head with a creepy laugh!" Spike issued in stating that the only odd and weird creature was Shadow Ghoul itself.
"What are you saying?" Twilight demanded with a serious tone, what was this ghoul trying to say about her and Spike?
"I'm saying that fate must have been cruel to have put a pony & a Dragon together! Never being one or the other!" Shadow Ghoul spoke in a riddle motion about the two creatures being different.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Twilight snapped off to this ghoul freak in his words of meaning. "Spike and I are happy together, he's been there for me and I have for him too." The pony exclaimed how she and Spike have been there to help the other's back.
"But are you his mother? Or are you his sister?" Shadow Ghoul asked off this issue to which made Twilight fell silent at the moment. "No, you're nothing but a pony that was greedy to keep a Dragon around instead of with his own family." The creature hovered around the two in pushing some buttons to get under their skin.
"Hay buddy, what's that supposed to mean anyway?" Spike snapped off in feeling annoyed in what this creep was getting at.
"Your fates are something, hmmm, tangled in a mistaken working." Shadow Ghoul spoke off in a random manner in making a tease statement there.
"Mistake," Both Twilight & Spike responded in not believing what they just heard.
"One is a pony. The other a Dragon; why could the other not be like the other is?" Shadow Ghoul remotely issued how things be simple for this family, if one was the other, and vice-versa.
"Um, wha with the what-what now," Spike was now literally all confused in what this headless freak was getting at.
"Are you playing mind games here?" Twilight asked off in feeling annoyed in what this ghoul was trying to do to them.
"I am speaking in what you may as well deny yourself of ever being." Shadow Ghoul spoke forth the issue about the two's issue of ever being as they are. "Do you long to be like the other to feel like a family or is it that you can't tell who you really are?" The head floating freak spoke in his hidden riddles in pressing a tricky quiz that was hard to solve.
Both were puzzled in hearing this and when they would have just boosted off what they think, the thought instead took its toll on them. From their experiences, there could have been times Twilight wish to not be a pony and Spike wishing not to have been a Dragon. And when the two finally became like a family, could the issue say that they are all good with a Dragon & pony relationship in an adoptive family matter or was the real thing of being with one kind all the bigger difference?
"Twilight…" Spike spoke in wanting his friend and family friend to help answer this, but...
"Ugh…" Twilight was so at a lost in not being able to respond back to Shadow Ghoul's mind games about themselves.
"You shall face a trial that you must prove to escape the maze, only one fated path will help bring you together, but the other will lead you away." Shadow Ghoul issued off in turning to the two in announcing their challenge of fate they must pass. "Kehihihihi-hahahahaha, I wonder what your answers might be? Are you a Pony….Or a Dragon?" The ghoul made a cackling remark with a wicked twist of humor of the manner of the situation. "Time we find out…by severing your path." That last issued seem to make a statement that didn't sound good.
"Clupvhmm…" Suddenly, a wall popped up in-between Twilight & Spike, leaving the pony up front and the baby Dragon in the back; cut off from the other.
"Spike," Twilight called out to turn to the newly form wall to reach her baby Dragon friend.
"Twilight," Spike shouted out to bang against the wall that was here, but got nothing.
"Until you can meet again…and if you want to make the other happy, by being what is best….QWAH-Hahahahaha-Haaaahhhh!" With that finally issue, Shadow Ghoul vanished from sight from this scene.
"That laughter of his is really annoying!" Spike responded in feeling just about enough of hearing that weird creep and his voice, it was like hearing a madman talk to them.
"Spike, listen! You have to follow a path that will lead you to me." Twilight called out to her friend on the other side with instructions to help them get through this.
"But what if I can't, I'm not a pony with a magic horn or wings?" Spike asked off from being unable to do the stuff a pony could do in where he stood.
"I know, and I'm not a Dragon that could breathe fire to signal my presence." Twilight responded from her side in issuing her own problem in where she was in.
"Then…we have to try to find each other, alone?" Spike asked off with wide eyes that the two have to find each other by themselves.
"Just trust in yourself Spike, we've overcome other obstacles before." Twilight called out from near the wall to have her baby Dragon believes that they've been through worse.
"Yeah, but I feel like maybe…being a pony should be what I have been born to be." Spike spoke from turning to lie himself against the wall to drop to his bottom, feeling some sorrow in having second thoughts now. "Being born a Dragon of a father & older brother that wanted to kill ponies and the thing with the Demons now…I'm wishing that I wasn't like this." He folded his arms to his knees to sink in, feeling that after learning a bunch of connections to terrible enemies of Equestria, maybe Spike would have been better off not being a Dragon at all.
"Spike, not all Dragons are evil, you know that from King Spykoran the Old, your grandfather." Twilight lean to the wall in trying to have Spike not feel so terrible about himself and how he was born a Dragon. "Sometimes, I even wished I could understand what it means to be a Dragon of the good kind, how they appear powerful, long lasting, creatures that stand at the top of other animals." The mare turn to the wall too slip and land on her flank in admitting something to Spike about sometimes, feeling she even wonders if she was meant to be a pony at all.
"Wait, so you've always wondered what it be to be a Dragon?" Spike asked off a bit surprised from the other side of the wall, Twilight wanted to be like him…a Dragon?
"About as much as you wonder how you be if you were a pony." Twilight spoke off a little half a smile in quoting that from her side of the wall.
"Well…I guess we better hurry up and try to find each other." Spike slowly responded to look what's in front of him in knowing…they have to find a way back to the other.
"Yeah, we'll use our magic auras & your nose to learn of our presence. Okay." Twilight responded from having her horn glow to help her learn which way her Dragon friend is.
"Okay…" Spike responded from sniffing a bit before wiping off any tears from the eyes.
"Good, don't worry Spike, it'll be fine….we have to be fine." Twilight spoke softly to pat her hoof to the wall, and in vice-versa, Spike did the same from his side….like the two were almost about to come in contact from the wall that separated them.
Soon both Twilight & Spike sat up and were going down their own paths within the maze. To find themselves, and more importantly, finding out whom they really are…
At this time, a musical number was being played when Twilight & Spike were going down separate paths. We soon focus solely on Twilight, as she was traveling down a path with the reflective walls & sparkling glimmers off the area. The pony was completely in sorrow from the passing of time that seemed forever to her, and soon started to express herself….by singing.
Twilight: I reflect on my reflection
and I ask myself the question
Twilight was approaching one side of the maze's walls in feeling sadden in her thoughts. And soon Twilight stops near one of the walls to see clearly her Alicorn pony form in the reflection of herself, looking almost pitiful and lost within sadness and sorrow that was questioning her logic.
What's the right direction, to go
I don't know
Twilight turn her head in the other direction of where the maze gives her the choice to pick. But Twilight leans her head down in sorrow to shake it in being unable to think or even know what she should do at this time, everything now, everything she ever knew, done, believed, was her existence of being what she is doing now…really what she is meant to be.
Am I a pony or am I a Dragon
As Twilight was singing this out towards the reflective wall, her own pony image began to fade away from her spot. And what instead came was a purple Dragon with a dark purple with a pink stripe in its hair as well as purple eyes. No mistake about it, what was here was none other than Twilight Sparkle…as a teen Dragon.
Dragon Twilight: (am I a Dragon)
The reflective Dragon image of Twilight sang forth to her pony self, which the latter turn to look behind her…to not see someone there; this was an illusion in showing a different version if the pony Twilight was a Dragon.
Pony Twilight: If I'm a Dragon, then I'm a very womanly Dragon
Pony Twilight sang forth in issuing this message about herself…to her reflective Dragon self from the mirror wall rock.
Dragon Twilight: (a very womanly Dragon)
Dragon Twilight responded to this like a mirror, but only in a difference appearance in the formality.
Both Twilights: Am I a Dragon (Dragon) or am I a pony (am I a pony)
Soon the scenery changed where Pony Version Twilight was going through more parts of the maze while singing, just as she leans near another mirror wall to see her Dragon version lean to see her in repeating them other parts of the song.
Pony Twilight: If I'm a pony that makes me a Dragon of a pony
Pony Twilight sang off to look upwards to sigh this out before leaning her head to see her reflective Dragon form speak next.
Dragon Twilight: (a Dragon of a pony)
Dragon Twilight also lean from her side to make this response as both pony & Dragon lifted their hoof and claw to touch the surface; almost like they are closer of being the other than they think.
Suddenly, during a short scene changed, we now find where Spike is. Just walking across another area within the labyrinth in a deep thought state before he too….begins to sing his emotions of his difficult state he's in.
Spike: I look into these eyes
and I don't recognize
Spike was looking around the mirror walls of the maze, issuing what he was staring at through his own eyes. But even from seeing the reflection of his baby Dragon form, he doesn't recognize himself as being….who he really is of being.
The one I see insi-i-i-ide
It's time for me to decide
Spike looked around the reflective mirror walls as he was walking, but no matter how many times he's seen his reflective Dragon side, he can't recognize who he truly is at this time. And soon Spike stops in front of one mirror wall while in a room that had plenty others showing himself on all sides, this one…the baby Dragon wants to stare at in deciding….what he is meant to be for real here.
Am I a pony or am I a Dragon
As Spike was singing this, his reflection of a Dragon on the mirror wall began to fade away from the spot. And what instead came was a baby light purple with a light chartreuse Alicorn, a pony with a green horn and purple wings, with a moderate sap green mane and tail, a greenish gray underbelly and light lime ears and chartreuse green eyes. No mistake about it, what was here was none other than Spike….as a baby Alicorn.
Pony Spike: (am I a Dragon)
The reflective pony image of Spike sang forth to his Dragon self which the latter turn to look behind him…to not see someone there; this was an illusion is showing a different version if the Dragon Spike was a pony.
Dragon Spike: If I'm a Dragon, well I'm a very manly Dragon
Dragon Spike sang forth in issuing this message about himself….to his reflective pony self from the mirror wall rock.
Pony Spike: (a very manly Dragon)
Pony Spike responded to this like a mirror, after both touch their stomachs that were different from their two appearances being a Dragon & pony in feeling what it possibly felt like.
Both Spikes: Am I a Dragon (Dragon) or am I a pony (am I a pony)
Now both Spike's Dragon & pony forms sang off this part together in questioning themselves. Which were they to be, a Dragon or a pony, both check themselves of different bodies and yearn to know….who they rather be.
Dragon Spike: If I'm a pony that makes me a Dragon of a pony
Dragon Spike responded off in gazing at his reflection to issue off in seeing his Dragon form right now of what he be from the outside part to the inside.
Pony Spike: (a Dragon of a pony)
Pony Spike gaze to his other self in repeating those words back in how they both would be like, completely understanding the other; and like a reflection, when the Dragon moved onwards, so did his pony self in going somewhere.
Now as if by magic, within a white void realm, we see two sides of both Twilight & Spike, both pony & Dragon versions of themselves; two for two, making it be four in total. And they were all about to sing this part…as a group chorus quartet.
Twilights & Spikes: Here I go again
I'm always running out of time
The two of two different versions of pony & Dragon were playing a piano in issuing their state about their time.
I think I've made up my mind
Now I understand, who I am
Suddenly, both Twilights of pony & Dragon stare to the other as did the Spikes of Dragon and pony in understanding from their made up minds…in who they are: and what they are meant to be. And this act will affect the decision of the twos fate within the labyrinth once...and for all.
The instruments pick up the drama beat, now that the scene changes to Twilight's station where she was before…giving her answer out.
Twilight: I'm A Pony!
Twilight stretched her wings to soon fly and stretched her hooves in announcing that she is to be as she is….a pony.
Spike: I'm A Dragon!
Then the scene shifts over to where Spike is, raising his claws up against the reflective mirror rocks showing his Dragon self after issuing that he is….a Dragon.
Twilight: I'm a Dragon of a pony
The scene shifts back to the white realm with the pianos as we see Twilight declaring this off with much pride & self-awareness while her dragon self was seen to acknowledge this fact.
Spike: I'm a very manly Dragon
And Spike was seen in the white realm playing the piano with his pony self in herby declaring that he himself is a noble dragon while the pony version played the piano in responding to this response.
Twilight: I'm a Dragony Pony
The scene shifts bad to Twilight soon soaring up higher and higher in the labyrinth in digging deep in declaring that she is a proud to be her, be issued pony or Dragon, she will be as she is.
Suddenly during the instrument vers, Twilight's horn reacted brightly in finding something before her….a light behind the mist, as she soon realized where it should lead her to and dove in.
Back with Spike's area, he stood still in looking at one reflective mirror rock that showed the illusion of his pony self. And then in another magical moment, the image of the Pony Version Spike faded away as now there stood the Baby Dragon form of this Spike. The baby Dragon has accepted his role of being who he is, be it Dragon or pony, he'll be as he should be.
"Spike," Spike heard Twilight's voice, as he turn to see the alicorn drop down near him.
"Twilight; you're…still you." Spike responded surprised that Twilight found him and she's still a pony and not a Dragon like him.
"And you're still you Spike, and that should never change. I'm so sorry I never realized how you felt." Twilight responded with joy to smile in being glad Spike is a baby Dragon instead of being a pony as she apologizes for not understanding his hardships of being who he is.
"Really, well in truth, I'm glad you're a pony, and….I'm still a Dragon." Spike responded with a happy face in being glad Twilight was glad he's still a Dragon, cause he likes himself for who he is.
At this, the last part of the song is soon sung from voices afar.
Twilight & Spike: That's what I am
"We'll be who we are meant to be no matter the outside." Twilight responded to soon come forth to hug Spike with her hooves and her wings.
"Right. Cause it's the person inside that matters." Spike responded with a smile to return the hug to his caring friend, they like being who they are no matter what others say.
At this moment, the instruments come to a close in showing a perfect union of two creatures, they are who they are, and true friends respect that and never wants to change that. And for that, Twilight and Spike learn a lesson to be who you are, never change yourself, cause that's the most important part that makes them…who they are.
"GRUUAARRRUGHHHH! Curses," Suddenly, Shadow Ghoul's head figure appeared in looking really ticked off in annoyance to hover around the two victorious challengers, "First that stallion with the Triforce, now you two! You shouldn't have overcome your fate! Especially with such a thing like singing," The ghoul cannot believe another made it through his trap of illusions, he should have bagged these two, but they outdid themselves.
"Triforce…Ben. Ben made it out!" Twilight smiled in realizing that Shadow Ghoul was issuing her love got through A-KO.
"Alright, then we'll see him soon too." Spike smiled in liking this, best news they've heard all the while.
"You may have escape getting caught in my web, but make no mistake, the last ones that stick together…shall perish together! GWAH-Hahahaha-Hahahahaaahhh," Shadow Ghoul hovers near the pony & Dragon to make this vile and wicked threat notice while letting off a sinister cackle in what he'll do for the others.
"If me, Spike, and Ben could do it, so can my daughter Nyx & the others!" Twilight issued off in stating that if they & Ben could do this, so will the others too.
"Then we'll see, won't we? I'll make sure there are no errors this time with their illusions of fate." Shadow Ghoul responded to glare into the serious Twilight Sparkle's eyes; the creep will not lose again.
"Until then, why not deal with other problems?" Spike pointed off in making a sly smirk in issuing something the ghoul head can do instead.
"Others; what others," Shadow Ghoul responded puzzled in hearing this suddenly, what did Spike mean?
"Oh, the two different illusion versions of me and Twilight," Spike pointed behind the ghoul as the Pony Spike & Dragon Twilight leaped upwards to…attack their other version's foe of a head.
"Wha…GWAAAAAUGH! GET OFF OF ME! I AM THE MASTER OF THE LABYRINTH!" Shadow Ghoul yelped from getting grabbed and beater by more illusions from the victors, as he was wiggling around until he faded from this area to go down another pathway
"He'll be busy for a while now. Come on Spike, let’s go." Twilight smiled in stating that Shadow Ghoul will be kept busy while they concentrate on leaving this maze behind them to reach the exit.
"Twilight, you think if we were different creatures, we learn this lesson too." Spike asked his friend in wonder, if they were switched from a Dragon being a Dragon and pony being a pony, would their alternative selves appreciate being who they are like they just did?
"I think we would have cause friends will cherish a friend & love ones will cherish love ones, no matter what their origin maybe." Twilight smiles to tell Spike that be it here or another world, where ponies are Dragons & Dragons are ponies, so long as they know that single lesson to respect a different being with caring and friendship; nothing is impossible.
Smiling to this, Spike soon hopped onto Twilight's back to get comfy. And from seeing another glowing light seen from some mist shine brighter, they have clearly overcome the illusion fate of their own troubles. Now the two flew off and went straight through the light to meet up with their colleague; Ben Mare. Now this time was clear for us, Twilight & Spike's trial of facing the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate: Pass.
As the duo are leaving as well, Twilight and Spike spot Tso Lan's floating head once more. The baby Dragon smirks as he declares, "How do you like that, Tso Lan?!"
Tso Lan said, "Most impressive. But your journey is far from over."
"You're right. We'll get all the ingredients we need. If any of you or the monsters tries to stop us, we'll beat you all! I'll save and protect Nyx no matter what. I have faith that Nyx will never become Nightmare Moon and be with you. Nyx will always be herself!" Twilight exclaims to Tso Lan in determination.
"You may have escaped your fate, Twilight, but how will your daughter escaped hers since she had made terrible sins? She knows it well. She will return to me since there is no one who will accept her. She is destined to become Nightmare Moon."
"Maybe; But Nyx is willing to redeem everything. Everypony had accept and forgiven her. She's not a monster, Tso Lan. I know, because she's my daughter."
Spike adds in, "And my sister, pal!"
Tso Lan chuckle, "Let us how right your words can be, my dearest Twilight Sparkle."
"Count on it, Moon Demon!" Twilight exclaims. Tso Lan's head disappear, leaving the two alone.
-------------
"What; they defeat their fates!" Xiao Fung exclaims back in the Realm of Demons in defeat. Now Twilight and Spike has succeeded!
"Singing?! That is stupid!" Hsi Wu scowl in disbelief by the duo's beating their fates by singing!
Dai Gui grunts a bit, "Unbelievable!"
Tchang Zu ask the other Demon Lords in annoyance, "How could this be?!"
Po Kong scratches her head while commentating, "Though that song is good, I kinda like it."
Bai Tza sigh while shaking her head, "Twilight is truly determined to protect her loved ones, even though she knew it's the truth."
Shendu frowns as he said to himself, "Spike. You are so much like them, yet you deny your destiny as the servants of the Demon Lord of Fire. But nevertheless, I'll defeat Twilight."
-----------
Jade whistles in amazement as she and Tao saw the results of Twilight and Spike's trial, "Whoa. Ponies said that music beats the darkest problems and challenges; never thought that they actually did it on labyrinth."
Tao nods as he speaks, "Indeed, Twilight and Spike learned that they are not necessarily need to be the same species, but how much you truly care for each other."
Jade smiled as she comments, "You bet. We and them are like family."
Tao smiled some more as the two now watch the final trial in motion.
---------------------------
Sometime after, Golden Heart and Pinkamena made it to the room with the robot cyborg. Pinkamena says, "Thanks for helping me in getting Omega here and also to inform you about what is happening; the gang were able to beat another Demon and saved another pony who was cursed; they almost got though all of the Ends of Equestia."
Golden Heart, looking at Omega, ask his sister, "I see but what I'm asking is how does it turn on?"
"Easy, it will turn on right now."
As soon as she said it, the cyborg's eyes glow yellow as it turns on. The cyborg's joints move a bit as it looks around slowly and says in a robotic like sound, "Systems on; begin quick scan of everything." The cyborg then scans as Omega stops as it looks at Pinkamena and Golden Heart. "Scan complete, standing by for any task."
Omega goes on standby as Golden Heart says really surprised, "Have to say, it works."
Pinkamena nods as she say, "Yep but for now we wait for what will happen next and maybe we can put Omega on a test run on a later chapter."
"Um ok."
--------------
Things have come down to Nyx and her group's trial. As the three trots on, Tso Lan's head appear in front of Nyx and her friends.
Bocolix yelps in alarm upon seeing the head, "Who's that?!"
Dumbledore gulps in fright, "I don't like the looks of that one!"
Phobos nods in agreement while exclaiming, "Me too!"
Tough blinks as he recognizes the Demon, saying, "He's 'de same creep 'dat talk 'ta Po Kong!"
Tso Lan said, "Correct. Nightmare Moon should know of me."
Nyx gasps in shock and anger, "Tso Lan! Will you leave me alone?!"
"Unless you surrender to me first, my daughter."
"So what if Po Kong said it's true? I already have a father!"
Tso Lan chuckles as he explains, "One who claimed you as his daughter is never your real father from the beginning, for the blood we possessed, we're truly one."
Nyx glare at Tso Lan while protesting, "You're not my real father!"
Phobos remarks in agreement, "Yeah! Leave Nyx alone pal! Or I'm gonna-"
Tso Lan interrupts sternly to Phobos, "Moon Dragon such as you will learn his place not to speak against the masters!"
"No! Phobos's right! Ben is Nyx's real dad, maybe not blood, but how much he cares fer her!" Tough exclaims, siding with Nyx and Phobos. "Nyx's nothing like yew!"
Bocolix exclaims in agreement, "Yeah, pal! Beat it!"
Dumbledore remarks, "Or you're gonna get our bad sides!"
Tso Lan chuckle as if this was a joke to him which it is, "Such amusing. We shall see, imbeciles. Enjoy your trial while you can, my child. But be warned, once you enter it, you cannot escape your sins of the past, Nightmare Moon."
"I'm not afraid of you! We shall see." Nyx exclaims to the Demon Lord in defiance.
"You will, my daughter, you will."
------------------------------------
Now we focus on where the scene opens up near where the last few others are dealing with the matter in their own way. As we see leading was Nyx, followed by Phobos, Tough Apple, and the Enforcers: Dumbledore & Bocolix. They had their hoof and Dragon claw on the left wall to help them be on the right direction to leading them out of the labyrinth & not get lost in doing so. And boy, it's a miracle so far with 'most' of this group sticking to the plan and not doing something foolish while trying to get back with the others and still located an ingredient hidden within the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate.
"Dag gum. Can we put our hoof down, it's getting' tiring holding it against 'de wall side." Tough moaned to complain that they're getting tired of holding up their hoof to the wall side.
"Me too," Bocolix responded in agreeing to this debate.
"Me too," Dumbledore also was responding to this discussion.
"Me three; Oh wait, or am I four?" Phobos replied off, but second-guess about it since it had him at a loss of number order.
"Come on guys, we can't just give up here. The others are counting on finding us." Nyx spoke to encourage the others here to not give up just yet now.
"Ah know 'dat. But it's like a needle in a hay stack, an' trust me, Ah've lived through 'dat experience." Tough Apple shrug off to say about this place is like looking for their buds in a big place that's very hard to get through. "'Dis maze must be so big; it's a wonder we're still together." The tough stallion issued how that with the labyrinth being so big, it's a miracle they themselves, aren't split apart.
"Oh yah, considering what our group is made of," Phobos rolled his eyes to remark the fact about those of their group that aren't 'exactly' the ones to best be stuck with.
"Hay," The Enforcers snapped off in feeling hurt by that remark by the Moon Dragon.
"Stop it! We need to keep ourselves focus!" Nyx stopped the others from getting into an argument; they won't get by with this attitude. "Remember, we have to use our heads to get out of here."
"And it's those precise heads you'll lose if you make even the most stupidest of mistakes." A sneaky, creepy, and twisted voice spoke from all around the group's surroundings.
"Aaaahhhh," The Enforcers screamed out to hug the other in fear of that creepy voice.
"Who said that?" Phobos asked off in not finding anybody around.
"Where it come from?" Nyx asked in not knowing who or what even spoke to them.
"Hey mister, quit hiding an' show yerself!" Tough Apple snapped up to the ceiling in demanding that whoever was scaring them, come out now.
"Very well…." Suddenly, what would appear then an insect head of a familiar creature of the labyrinth, "Gwehhhihihihihih-hhahahahhaha!" Yewp, it was Shadow Ghoul and he was making that creepy laughter of his that could scare even little fillies and colts out of their minds.
"Wha-wha-what is that thing?" Dumbledore muttered off in feeling that there were no words in describing this creature.
"It looks like a headless insect head?" Bocolix issued off in having his best guess that this thing, was a bug without a boy.
"'Dat is disturbing on soooooo many levels." Tough spoke off in feeling like he's already feeling sick in seeing what the gang noticed was anything normal.
"You and me both," Phobos dryly issued on having the feeling this freak was disturbing for all of their sense and wills.
"Are you…are you the Shadow Ghoul?" Nyx slowly asked off in recalling what her parents read from when they came into the labyrinth, to be weary of a creature by the name and…might be the one they are witnessing before them.
"Why yes…that I am, little one. And my…." Shadow Ghoul responded in staring at Nyx in focusing on the black filly in question. "Aren't you a piece of resistance? Keheheh-hahahahah….." He lets off a creepy cackle that made even Nyx swallow hard in not liking what was spoken.
"Hay buddy; Back off!" Phobos steps in front of Nyx in not liking this weirdo anywhere near the filly.
"Yeah, ye be creeping us out!" Tough snapped off to step up further to be the grown up in scolding this ghoul on what he's doing.
"Well you should be frighten, because what I'm about to do…is challenge your fates." Shadow Ghoul spoke in hovering closely near this group in making a creepy issue…that he's got something very nasty in store for them.
"Gulp….our fates?" The Enforcers responded from gulping at not liking the sound of that issue.
"Yessss…..and make no mistake, what I have in store for you all will be the hardest to surpass. This time, there will be no mistakes." Shadow Ghoul spoke in making a dark menacing tone about making sure, that no one will escape what he'll setup now.
"This time," Nyx repeated hearing that before something came to mind. "Wait a second; that would mean you didn't succeed before?" The black filly could tell that this ghoul had failed in making sure others wouldn't succeed, and that might mean their friends and family did.
"Wha's wrong, lose out 'ta Twilight or maybe Benny boy or how about little Spiky." Tough asked off in making a sly smile in asking which of their pals he never did beat.
"Hah! I bet this joker lost to them all and is cheese'd off!" Phobos taunted to make fun of the ghoul head creep in losing to all three of their pals in a row.
"Gruvvhhmmm….." Shadow Ghoul growls in getting upset in being reminded of his failure. "As I was saying….what you will face is a trial." The ghoul creature continued to tell this little band of what they'll be facing next. "You will be given an illusion so difficult that what I did to the others was child's play! For this challenge, you will have to escape the haunting of your crimes." Shadow Ghoul explained the rules of what this group of five will be facing and it's a trial related to their crimes.
"Crimes," The group responded in almost finding that to be the most unbelievable thing ever told.
"Hay buddy; what kinda junk you selling here, hugh?" Phobos asked off in not liking this weird talk in the slightest bit.
"Yeah, we ain't 'de bad guys! We're 'de good guys!" Tough Apple issued off that they were not bad, they were good.
"Ohh….I beg to differ." Shadow Ghoul proclaimed to float around the two protesting what he said. "For many of you hold chains of sin that weigh you down. And you try to hide them." The ghoul issued this off in seeing what he can tell, when someone hides a terrible deed from the past.
"And….these crimes are…" Nyx slowly swallowed up her fear to ask what the answer could be, but it might actually be…..closer to her than the filly thinks.
"Will start with you…little Nightmare Moon." Shadow Ghoul spoke in narrowing his focus on the filly who was truly the Mare in the Moon that was evil once.
"My name…is Nyx!" Nyx protests in getting tired of being addressed by that other name.
"Does it matter; a name can only hide so much." Shadow Ghoul spoke forth in insinuating a fact of what Nyx still is in truth. "You are the reincarnation of evil from the Moon Princess, Luna. And you've even taken the mantle of accepting on who you were after being told the truth!" This evil creature was trying to give a lot of push comes to shove in what course played out for Nyx. "And you've done things…sinful things. Taking over as the New Ruler, imprisoning Celestia & Luna in the Sun & Moon, and even after being spared of your fate….it haunts you ever still!" It raised its eyes in bringing down the heavy stuff of what Nyx had done and even to this point, that act….still haunts her daily day.
"I…I…" Nyx was a bit lost in words in fearing to respond cause; it was all true and how can she argue against it.
"Buddy, keep talking and I ROAST YOU!" Phobos steps up to issue that if this weirdo doesn't step-down, he'll burn the floating head to dust.
"I wouldn't take that tone if I were you, Moon Dragon." Shadow Ghoul remarked off in floating around near Phobos area. "What was it, you served in Tadaka's Dragon Army and got banished into the Void because of the evil Dragon's plan to kill off everypony in Equestria." That earned some silence from the Moon Dragon as the insect head continues. "You were apart of it, and once you've joined, trying to get out of your fate with evil will lead to pulling you back in. Mwuhuhuhuhhahahahaha…." The evil cackling of this freaky freak made even Phobos fell speechless in what truth was revealed.
"But I…that wasn't…I was…" Phobos was trying to protest about his past, he's a good Dragon now, he's not bad; it was just a mistake…wasn't it?
"Okay listen mister, leave them little critters alone! So they made mistakes, we've forgive an' forget, 'dat's life." Tough stood near Nyx & Phobos to stop this ghoul from toying around with what they did and what sin they now have to bear, but everyone at least deserves another shot, a second chance in life.
"Is it now? That's unusual, coming from you!" Shadow Ghoul spoke from hovering closer to Tough in curiosity. "As I recall….you were a rotten apple since birth, Mwuhmhmhmhmhm…..and a lost of temper at that." This little taunting & laughter was making Tough grew mad in hearing those insults. "Yessss, why, you're so strong and fearsome, yet that's why others stay away from you….they don't wanna be hurt by somepony that is more trouble than he's even worth." Shadow Ghoul was really letting himself float around Tough to get under his fur and the stallion was getting madder by the minute.
"Now hay there! Ah've changed, Ah'm a better pony." Tough snapped up in his defense in being label as a pony that's no better than a bad guy. "Sure Ah've lost mah cool, but Ah got friends an' my family, even mah Cutie Mark was changed fer 'de better." Tough Apple could never forget how he once was, but all that changed when he came to Ponyville, he ended up learning self-control of his temper, gain some loving respect, and even his rotten Cutie Mark changed from discovering his true self.
"Maybe so….but all I can see…." Shadow Ghoul appeared behind Tough in preparing one final push that would be over the edge. "Is coverings to conceal your past, a past of terrible deeds you can't easily fix by saying 'sorry' all the time!" The ghoul could almost sound like it was amusing itself in seeing the stallion's eyes beginning to look red.
"Why yew little….Ah feel like wrangling yer neck fer 'dat!" Tough Apple turns to about to choke this insect freak for those taunts.
"And I rest my case." Shadow Ghoul responded with a remark before floating away from Tough before the stallion could try to harm him, if he could that is.
"Hugh?" Tough raised an eyebrow in not following what just happened.
"He means you proved his point, Tough." Phobos rolled his eyes to issue a clear case of Tough being beaten when this guy got his point taken crystal clear from the stallion's action just now.
"Do'h!" Tough Apple cursed under his breath, why do things like these always bite him from behind?
"Let's see, whose left?" Shadow Ghoul spoke to look around, he's done Nyx, Phobos and Tough Apple, and that leaves…two left here. "Ah yes, you two are a pair of faces that seem to have some 'good' ones." The ghoul addressed Dumbledore & Bocolix, and when he said 'good ones' by that freaky & creepy tone, it musta meant something bad.
"N…No, we don't; we're not 'really' bad!" Dumbledore nervously replied in stating the Enforcers weren't actually bad as they thought of being.
"Yeh, we only did that thief thing with that old pony!" Bocolix nods with a worried face while bringing up the lie Tao told to the others.
"Oh….then maybe I'll save the trouble of pointing out other faults and just skip for the direct manner." Shadow Ghoul remotely issued in seeing that if it comes to the last ones here, he'll just spill it out in one statement. "You two…Aren't….Heroes." The creepy ghoul floated near the two Alicorn males in darkly issuing of who they 'are' and not what they 'believe' to be.
"Whah," The Enforcers yelped in what was said about them, what did that even mean?
"Yes, you two are nothing but hopeless cases and it's amazing your dumb luck lasted this long, even when being Alicorns." Shadow Ghoul spoke in circling the two in issuing these facts with much cruelty in its voice. "Or is it you 'truly' think you have a chance, so long as you're with 'them'…to make ends meet?" The ghoul asked in pretend remark if Bocolix & Dumbledore believed that they could be heroes with the group in Twilight's exploring group. "You both are delusional to believe that you can be anything else….you may as well face facts; You're not Heroes, your both Zeroes. Kehihih-Hahahahah….." That last part earns the wicked ghoul head to flip its head in laughing at such pitiful states of false hope and beliefs.
Dumbledore & Bocolix were silent in feeling more miserable then when they were working with Boris during the Demon Pony event to banishment and for learning something in trying to actual do good for a change: they are nothing but fakes.
"Leave them alone!" Nyx steps up to defeat the male Alicorns from being discouraged from what a floating insect head was pulling.
"Oh, hmph-hmph, how amusing, you wish to defend the dopes when you have no clue about them?" Shadow Ghoul asked off in sounding amused to see one little filly, defending the ones that once tried to do Nyx harm in the past.
"I know plenty! I maybe what I am cause of what others know and fear but that doesn't mean I can't be given a shot to prove that I'm a better pony." Nyx issued off in making her own statement claim of knowing who she once was and who she is now. "If Dumbledore & Bocolix feel that they wanna be somepony to fix their mistakes and prove they aren't losers like you says. They aren't perfect, but that's okay as long as they try." The black filly's words were so pure that even Dumbledore & Bocolix couldn't believe that this little pony was defending them, the former average Dum Dum & Boxco like they are truly friends and deserve to be having a second chance.
"Oh brother, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm with Nyx in defending those two goofs." Phobos slapped his forehead in seeing this act and can't help but get into it.
"Same here, well…except fer 'de goof parts." Tough issued off to say while correcting about how he was saying this defensive claim.
"We'll take on your challenge trial and take the path that will be our real fate and not some illusion." Nyx made her final decree that they will pass whatever this ghoul has for them, cause nothing will stop them from getting out of here & joining the others.
"Very well, but remember…" Shadow Ghoul spoke in floating upwards while giving this final claim to the group below. "You asked for it and this time….I will not spare any chances of you overcoming my web. And when you fail, you, little Nightmare Moon…" Nyx glared at the ghoul for calling her that name while it had something extra to say to her. "Will be led down fate as your true nasty self….Kehihihi-Hach-Hach-Hahahahaaahhhh!" With that final remark and laughter, the ghoul vanished away in stating when this group fails to pass, Nyx's fate will have her become….the evil that is Nightmare Moon.
"Hay buddy, her name's Nyx!" Dumbledore snapped off in making a defense claim for the filly.
"Remember that, jerk!" Bocolix also protest in arguing what the ghoul freak was doing in teasing Nyx.
"Thanks guys." Nyx smiled to the Enforcers which made the male alicorn stallions smile a bit bashful from being thanked. "Now come on, lets face whatever he's got ready for us." Nyx lean her head over in the direction for them to face the trial awaiting them.
"But where to?" Phobos asked off, they're in a maze, so how will they face what Shadow Ghoul has prepared for them?
"Maybe 'dat there weird light through 'de mist maybe it." Tough pointed out in which the group turn to see….a little light from some mist area; it must be where they need to go.
"Worth a shot, come on!" Nyx responded with a shrug shoulder response before issuing the group check it out.
The group was in agreement, if nothing else, they have to pass whatever illusion of fate that tries to stop them.
At the time, the five went through the mist and soon the light flash a bit before…the mist began to fade away from their area. And in it's place appeared what could almost be described as some courtroom.
"Great. Just where a couple of criminals end up….IN A COURTROOM," Phobos dryly spoke at first before loudly snapping that they have just walked into a place where wanted fugitives end up, just peachy.
"Phobos, ease up a bit, kay?" Nyx tried to have her Moon Dragon pet pal calm down during the little outburst.
"How can I relax, you heard what that creepy ghoul said?" Phobos spoke off in remembering Shadow Ghoul's last words, they'll be judged by their crimes.
"'Dat 'de fella make 'dis 'de hardest illusion fer us 'ta face our worst fate?" Tough pointed off in recalling that whatever bad stuff they've done in the past is about to come at them hard.
"Gee, I'm starting to wonder if it's too late to us our magic to teleport out of here." Bocolix responded off in thinking that the group needs to use magic to escape if they should fail to pass.
"Yeah, maybe we can just teleport to where Twilight is instead? Right," Dumbledore nods in feeling to agree there, if they find Twilight's magical presence, they'll teleport there, right?
"You there," The group of five turn to encounter a big muscular griffin wearing some uniform; like a bailiff for the court house. "Don't even think about leaving, you're on trial!" The griffin bailiff instructed the group to not be going anywhere here.
"Ye mean a trial 'ta pass?" Tough asked off a bit confused by what the word meant here.
"No, I mean a trial in judging your future for a list of crimes against Equestria." The bailiff issued off in telling this group about facing the trial of crimes than a trial that leads them away.
"Crimes to Equestria," The Enforcers repeated off a bit surprised and spooked out, this almost makes them recall how the other Brotherhood members were on trial before being sent to prison.
"Sir, we're willing to face this trial, and we won't flee no matter how scary!" Nyx steps up in declaring with a determine face, they are gonna face this trial, fate or judgment, and get by it…somehow.
"Brave words from a little filly; and sorry to say, age restrictions won't save ya here!" The bailiff responded in seeing the little filly maybe brave, but even Nyx will be judged and won't be let off easy cause she's under age. "As acting bailiff, you each got crimes of being reincarnation of Nightmare Moon…" Nyx swallowed her gulps in hearing this in almost remembering how Celestia once prepared to pass judgment that took away her powers & memories of Nightmare Moon back to Luna. "A Moon Dragon apart of Tadaka's Army…." Phobos was twiddling his fingers in looking a bit shaky in having this brought up. "A loose rogue stallion vandalizing & destroying property damage…." Tough made a nervous sheepish face to rub his back neck in feeling that might be bad in how it's sounding to him. "And I go on, but the list is too long. Looks like your fates are already sealed." The bailiff shrugs off the list he hands in stating, it isn't looking too pretty for this bunch.
"Gulp," Bocolix & Dumbledore swallowed much gulps down their throats, maybe Shadow Ghoul wasn't kidding when he said; he's not taking any chances for any mistakes.
"Come on guys, remember…we have to get through to find mommy, daddy and Spike and get the ingredient." Nyx turn to her band in trying to help make them not give into their fears of what judgemnt that they'll suffer for.
"Nyx is right; it ain't over till the fat lady sings." Tough responded in suddenly snapping himself to be like his name states; tough, they ain't gonna crack from being scared.
"How's about a fat judge instead," Phobos pointed out in a dry remark in noticing who their judge was gonna be.
"Clank-Clank, Clank," Suddenly, a gravel was whacking on its pad that earn some silence in the room. "All Rise For Judge Stonewall!" An announcer spoke that had all the crowds and jury stand, even Nyx's group followed through. And the judge that sat in the high stand to stare down the entire courtroom was depicted with a bull or a lion's body, eagle's wings, and human's head. This was a creature called a Lamassu from its black hoof feet but showed fingers on the front arms, was big, bulky from its bull/lion body that was gray fur, white eagle wings & tail, showed a long black beard and a long curve mustache that seem sneakily sinister looking, from his male human face was bright emerald eyes, he had bronze horns stuck off on his head where his only hair up top was a back-blown Mohawk style up against it's back; giving the appearance of a near bald-headed middle-age person. This was the judge of the courtroom within the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate, Judge Stonewall, the Lamassu.
"So what do we have here?" Stonewall spoke off with a deep voice in addressing the case that is presented to him, "A couple of ponies & a Moon Dragon who deserve to be punished to the full extent of the law." He exclaimed the matter that Nyx's group is willingly (or most of them), awaiting to take punishment by the full extent of the law for their past in breaking the law. But in truth, this was just gonna be a trial of an illusion of fate the ponies & Dragon had to overcome, simple, right…? WRONG!
Suddenly without warning, some heavy beat of rock music
"My Law!" Stonewall addressed off with a sneaky declare that showed Shadow Ghoul in the background, like he's playing the game now. "Gehahahahahahaha….." The Lamassu raised himself up to stretch his arms in laughing maniacally in seeing he'll pass judgment on those below him of their fate.
Nyx, Tough, Phobos, Dumbledore & Bocolix looked to the other in feeling concern in what they are truly…about to face their judgment.
Stonewall: You think you're Big Men!
When you're out on the streets
Soon the judge is showing by a magic illusion of Nyx's group driving a fancy big monster truck type carriage.
You got BIG Plans,
And you run fast on your feet!
Phobos in the illusion notices the time and steps on the gas petal that made the ride speed off on the street, crashing through many houses in Ponyville; ouch, bad driving.
But all that changed, when you came through my door.
Now the illusion shows the gang bust into the court of Judge Stonewall as he was snapping angrily at the bunch for the damage that they've done.
We play by MY Rules!
Then the judge brought out a magic wand that shrunk the others to the size of peas.
[You won't be so BIG anymore!
The four ponies and Moon Dragon were so tiny to land on a gravel pad before looking up.
And I mean no rules I have my face is TESTING!
And from the illusion came Stonewall lifting his gravel mallet up leading the tiny pea creatures screaming before….they got flattened.
"HUUGH," From Stonewall's voice, the illusion broke apart as our focus returns to the courtroom in section.
HARD TIME!
The judge slams his mallet on the gravel in in declaring this forth.
Is just around the corner
Stonewall pointed around his backside in stating where the 'jailhouse' is located.
HARD TIME!
Stonewall slammed his mallet gravel on the stand in announcing this fact again.
Is waiting for yooooouuuuu!
The judge points his mallet at the convict group in stating that prison is waiting for their arrival.
HARD TIME!
Stonewall announced off in slamming his mallet on the stand in stating this again.
Is just around the corner
He once again points to behind him in where the prison is located.
And there's nothing you can say or….DOOoooooo
The judge points his left hand in declaring there is nothing Nyx's group can say or do anything at all while waving his arms upwards on that last part.
I'm Arresting Yoooooou!
Stonewall waved his mallet to shake it near the ponies and Dragon in saying that he's gonna arrest them.
"Teh-hahahahaaa…." Stonewall lets off a cackle laugh in smirking in what fated plans he'll have for this guilty party.
During the moment, Dumbledore & Bocolix had their legs shaking together like skeleton bones from being afraid, Phobos was biting his nails from being nervous, Tough Apple gulped in not liking this state, and even Nyx was seeing their bravery slipping; as this judge continued to sing.
I got your new cloths!
I think they'll fit you just fine
The next magical illusion shows Nyx's group wearing prison stripes fitting for ponies & Dragons.
I hear that stripes are red
Where you'll be spending your time
The judge leans to whisper this latest tip notice about where the group gets sent will be red & white instead of black and white.
The cells are cold
And the beds are hard
The next illusion shows that the group are feeling cold in their cell and they can't get comfy with hard beds.
But there'll be lots of friends to play with….In The Yard!
And the latest scene shows an illusion of Tough, Dumbledore, Bocolix & Phobos in the yard of their jailhouse breaking gravel before they get surrounded by….the big tough prisoners that look mean & looking ready…to beat the group here.
Even though they're not the kind that you can TRUUUuuUST!
Soon the other prisoners dive bomb the four in a dust cloud to start beating them up to a pulp; yewoch!
That illusion fades away, as we return to the situation unfolding in the courtroom now.
HARD TIME!
The judge slams his mallet on the gravel in declaring this forth.
Is just around the corner
Stonewall pointed around his backside in stating where the 'jailhouse' is located.
HARD TIME!
Stonewall slammed his mallet gravel on the stand in announcing this fact again.
Is waiting for yooooouuuuu!
The judge points his mallet at the convict group in stating that prison is waiting for their arrival.
HARD TIME!
Stonewall announced off in slamming his mallet on the stand in stating this again.
Is just around the corner
He once again points to behind him in where the prison is located.
And there's nothing you can say or….DOOoooooo
The judge points his left hand in declaring there is nothing Nyx's group can say or do anything at all while waving his arms upwards on that last part.
I'm Arresting Yoooooou!
Stonewall waved his mallet to shake it near the ponies and Dragon in saying he's gonna arrest them.
Jury: We're here to take you away
Stonewall: WAH-Hahahahaaa-Hughuuuagh…
The judge was laughing madly while the jury is seen discussing the matter at hand.
Jury: We're coming to take you away (YEaaahhh!)
The jury was a flock of griffins that stood up in declaring this while the judge cheered during this stuff.
Stonewall: HARD TIME!
He looked to the jury in wanting to know if this lot was guilty.
Jury: We're coming to take you away
The jury shook their heads in stating that they have not come to complete terms for that…yet.
Stonewell: GRRRrrrrr…..HARD TIME!
The judge growled in annoyance and demanded again if these ponies & Dragon are guilty or not.
Jury: We're coming to take you…
Stonewall: WELL…
The judge wants the answer NOW and it is…
Jury: AWAAAAAY!
The griffin jury cheered forth in declaring this with thumbs pointing down; stating the party be guilty, much to Stonewall's sneaky smile.
Stonewall: The deputy for determining'…
So that you can pay your DEBT….to Society!
Soon the judge grabs a lever and switches it from middle and instead of down left side label 'innocent', it went to the right side label 'guilty' on it. And then a trapdoor opened under Nyx's group's position to fall down a hole and soon land in a strange gray color wasteland all around them without any color…or life for that matter. And this group turns behind them to find the Lamassu judge flapping his wings to appear towering them.
I find no reason to convict you
The judge addressed off in pointing to the group in seeing nothing worth in convicting the convicts of their crime.
Then it's time to see
What assist you can do
Then Judge Stonewall magically pulled out an electric guitar from nowhere and started to play it in picking up a beat in announcing what assistance Nyx's party can do.
CAN DO FOR YOOOoooooUUUUuuuu!
The Lamassu was really playing that guitar for so long with eyes shut that the Enforcers panicked to quickly snatch the others to fly away to flee: Bocolix carried Tough while Dumbledore had Nyx & Phobos to try to get away.
AAAahhh!
Soon the judge was done with that solo moment before flying off in pursuing the guilty party.
HARD TIME!
Stonewall declared off what will happen to those that flee from his grasp.
Is just around the corner
When the Lamassu aim its top part of the guitar down which was shooting off lightning, LIGHTNING! The gang saw this and the Enforcers picked up their speed to fly faster away from this.
HARD TIME!
Soon Judge Stonewall saw the ponies & Dragon escaping further ahead of him…or so it seemed.
Is Waiting For Yooooouuuuu!
Then the Lamassu leans across the skies to play the guitar in that extra beat moment. And in a sudden moment, the ground erupted into a square form tower, pushing the gang upwards.
HARD TIME!
When the ground stopped, the gang notice where they were and peek out to look down in seeing their pursued judge was down below by a thousand feet from their height; wow.
Is just around the corner
Stonewall pointed to behind him, in stating where the prison is that's nearby.
And there's nothing you can say….
Soon Judge Stonewall was playing his guitar, as strikes of lightning zapped him from above, suddenly making the Lamassu creature into a towering titan with the guilty party below him.
Nothing You Can Do! Yeah!
Now the size-enhancing work cease, and now Nyx's party was witnessing a titan that announce there was nothing they can do now.
HARD TIME!
The males were a bit shaky like bones in fearing what was happening here.
Is just around the corner
And when the gang looked to the corner to see a scary image in what was prison known as Grimdark, the second fearful prison next to Tartarus.
HARD TIME!
And from within Grimdark were ghostly images of Tough, Phobos and the Enforcers as withered away spirits of old and de-crippled age in waiting for freedom….it was truly horrible.
Is so….Waiting For Yooooouuuuu!
The males were screaming their heads off in seeing what was about to become their WORST fate…EVER! And it was about to get worst, when lightning struck Stonewall's open right hand that forged into….a gravel mallet fitting a titan judge.
HARD TIME!
Soon the grim shadow of the titan form of the Lamassu judge blocked the gang's only light with much of them showing some form of fear.
Juuuuust around the corner
Stonewall leans down to wave his free hand in where the prison; Grimdark is, as it shows itself like a nightmare for any pony wishing to never go.
And there's nothing you can say or….DOOoooooo
The Lamassu held out his mallet in declaring there was nothing this group can do as he lifted his mallet high above the skies. And on that last part line, swung the mallet that let the others scream in terror before Nyx tried to use her magic to save them…. "Powwfrusvhmmm…." And soon the titan's mallet completely bashed the tower structure that wrecks it to pieces with almost a good chance of getting the others.
GERRrrr-Hach-Hach-HachHachHachHaaach-HachHachHachHachHachHum….
Judge Stonewall was seen laughing maniacally with the head spinning in a vortex while the entire scenery was warping back…into the courtroom. There during the timing of only instruments being heart, Nyx's magic managed to save her friends, but was tired, Bocolix, Dumbledore, Tough & Phobos were hugging the filly with fearful faces until they noticed their return station.
"Now…. Stonewall spoke in speaking to the guilty party. "Do you Lower life forms have ANYTHING to say?" He asked in wanting to hear any last words from this gang, "BEFORE I SENTENCE YOU!" He lifts up his gravel to prepare in sentencing the criminals to their worst fate.
"Oh please be merciful, your honor! Pretty please," Nyx spoke in trying to speak in wanting the judge be merciful without knowing Shadow Ghoul was pulling the strings now.
"Yeah, some of us & those two bozos meant no harm." Phobos pleaded to clap his hands in before pointing to themselves and the Enforcers about their situation was not of being harmful.
"Right, we're just trying 'ta complete our journey as a bunch o' Player Performers." Tough nods in stating of what the heroes are just trying to do even now.
"PLAYER PERFORMERS," The Lamassu judge responded in surprise to hear this before leaning forward a bit from his stand. "You fellas are player performers?" He asked in becoming interested in learning this fact.
"Why ugh, yes your highness!" Dumbledore slowly responded with a smile in thinking this was a good thing.
"Yeah, we can sing & dance too." Bocolix nods in agreement that if the judge knows this, they'll be okay…right?
The judge was giving some second thought in hearing this. "Well you know, fellas? I can never get enough from that Classic & Theatrical Opera House Performance." Stonewall spoke off with a happy tone in what he likes to see, performers for the opera theme. "THERE FOR!" He boldly announces off in wanting to get attention here. "I hereby sentence you…to Two-Thousand Hours of community service." He held his gravel mallet in preparing to sentence the gang here of some community service. "Where you will play nothing….but Classic & Theatrical Opera House Performance…while on your journey." Stonewall made a smile to secretly wink in liking the gang to perform nothing but long hours of putting on a show of opera themselves from classic to theatrical, no exceptions.
"Ah No-NO," Phobos cried out in fear in not wanting this. "I Can't STAAAAAAND Opera House Performances!" The Dragon held his ears in almost in pain; he can't stand doing something like opera shows!
"Me neither! It's so boring, Ah feel like one could DIE fro' it!" Tough spoke off in fearing that if he hears opera and it becomes so boring, somepony might just pass over from the boredom.
"Guys, is it really that bad?" Nyx asked off if her group was…overreacting a tad bit.
"YES!" The others replied off that doing nothing but an opera performance for 2000 hours is gonna be a killer task, for them and when they can't stand it.
"WE'RE DOOOOOMMMMM!" The Enforcers cried out to hug the other, they'll be living in a fate of being in an opera business forever.
"Nyx; you gotta do something to help get us out of here!" Dumbledore looked down to the filly in asking where to help get them out of this jam.
"Yeah, cause if not, our fate is gonna be in the boring theater!" Bocolix pleaded for the filly to have an answer for them to get their flanks out of here.
"Okay guys, I think I may know somepony to help us. A pony that could blow away this kinda trouble we're in." Nyx responded in agreement in having an idea on how they can get help here, "Pinkie Leaf Blower." Nyx issued the name of their only savior that can get them out of this.
"Who," The others responded a bit puzzled, who was that pony?
"She's somepony Aunt Pinkie Pie issued could appear when the justice was being wrongly accused and blow them away like a leaf blower." Nyx explained out what she was told by Pinkie Pie of a pony that could help them when the justice system was not doing its job right.
"Isn't that just Pinkie Pie with another alias name?" Phobos asked off with a raised eyebrow suspicion about the two ponies with Pinkie in the beginning.
"Who cares! Ah don't mind if it was 'de Mag'ne herself!" Tough issued off in not caring much of the difference, so long as they can escape.
"We'll take that bet Nyx." Dumbledore nods his head that they'll listen to get that savior.
"How can we get her here?" Bocolix asked off how they can get the one Nyx is requesting all the way out here.
"Use our magic horns to call her and sing a song to summon her. That's what Aunt Pinkie Pie said works." Nyx explained how they can do this in contacting that pony.
"Works for us," The Enforcers responded in agreeing to that idea without any disagreement while the instruments were ceasing from the earlier song.
Soon the Alicorns were using their horns in bringing them together to make some sorta signal receiver making contact with another pony, "Calling Pinkie Leaf Blower! Calling Pinkie Leaf Blower! Please Respond!" Nyx issued off in trying to reach the one pony that might be able to get them out of this fix courtroom.
At that moment, a new jam pack rock song was being played. As the scenery was slowly and magically letting illusions begin to make a bright yellow background. And who should appear from the rising sun, then a familiar Pinkie Pie that has a strange hat, cloak-cape to carry a leaf-blower while her Cutie Mark seem to have a leaf with balloons (or was it just a leaf on her flank, oh well?). Now the song picks things up before Nyx's group begins to sing during this action.
Phobos: She'll risk it all, for the sake of adventure!
The scene shows the pony of mystery, going off on an adventure with a happy smile.
Tough: Laughing in 'de face o' de sun
And she's seen on a hill-top, laughing into the sun like all happy like.
Bocolix: With her mane mess with leaves
And sure it's colored red, she loves being under the spear
Then we see the pink pony's mane a bit messy with leaves in it. And while the mane & tail maybe reddish, she's seen ducking below an incoming spear.
Dumbledore: Though she walks among mortal ponies
Soon it's seen that the mysterious pony with leaves is walking along your other everyday ponies.
Nyx: She's surely not one of us, guys
Nyx happily cheered off in issuing how that pony is not like ordinary ponies like them.
And around here, the entire group of Nyx, Phobos, Tough & the Enforcers joined the number.
Group: When there's danger anywhere
You can bet that she'll be there!
The group of five march forward in proudly declaring a hero to show up wherever danger shows up.
Pinkie Leaf Blower…
Pinkie Leaf Blower!
Soon blowing across the screen on a leaf blower blowing a breeze and leaves was Pinkie Leaf Blower herself. And from zipping over the others below, in the skies was her name written in the clouds.
Tough, Phobos & Nyx: She'll streak across the sky
The three held out their hooves and claw in witnessing a pony streaking fastly across the skies.
Dumbledore & Bocolix: On a leaf blower as she flies
The Enforcers waved off their hooves in the air in stating how this pony travels before signing together in a group again.
Group: Pinkie Leaf Blower…
The group was again in their marching performance at this moment before pausing and…
Pinkie Leaf Blower!
The group cheered off in declaring the pony hero they know that can come to help them.
"Isn't she great guys," Nyx asked off with a smile to her friends about the pink pony with a leaf blower.
"Heck, I'll say she is!" Tough responded in thinking that pony may just help them after all.
"I agree wholly!" Phobos responded with the Enforcers nodding in whole-heartily agreement there.
Soon the instrument vers was ending to bring back everyone to sing again.
Nyx: She'll defeats that are Death…Defining!
As though danger…was all just a game
As that was sang out, what we see the heroic pink pony doing in defeating bad guys…was actually a board-game.
Dumbledore & Bocolix: And we'll watch with wide-eyes
As she goes soaring by
The Enforcers watch from below in seeing the pink mare go by on her leaf blower at such speed, it was….
Phobos: A speed you can reach on a Pegasus
The Moon Dragon popped in to show a bunch of Pegasus flying but there was one that went by even faster, and with a leaf blower to boot.
Tough: Cleverly disguise as a master
The scene shows Pinkie Leaf Blower wearing fake mustache to slip pass a couple of Diamond Dogs.
Nyx: No one comes to the rescue, FASTER!
Nyx turn to her pals in proudly announcing that the pony they are calling can get here real fast.
Soon the scenery returned to the entire group joining in now.
Group: When there's danger anywhere
You can bet that she'll be there!
The group of five march forward in proudly declaring a hero to show up wherever danger shows up.
Pinkie Leaf Blower…
Pinkie Leaf Blower!
Soon blowing across the screen on a leaf blower blowing a breeze and leaves was Pinkie Leaf Blower herself. And from zipping over the others below in the skies was her name written in the clouds.
Tough, Phobos & Nyx: She'll streak across the sky
The three held out their hooves and claw in witnessing a pony streaking fastly across the skies.
Dumbledore & Bocolix: On a leaf blower as she flies
The Enforcers waved off their hooves in the air in stating how this pony travels before singing together in a group again.
Group: Pinkie Leaf Blower…
The group was again in their marching performance at this moment before pausing and…
Pinkie Leaf Blower!
The group cheered off in declaring the pony hero that they know that can come to help them at any minute now.
Suddenly, the scenery returns our focus back towards…Ponyville.
Female Chorus: The punishment, to the len
Pinkie Pie is seen, but her ears twitch when suddenly picking up something in the air
The fellas are in-rich!
Soon the pink pony zips pass other ponies to go near the Fall Leaves March place for some strange reason.
These feathers, through the heaven
Pinkie Pie gets a bag from a large hollow tree to dump some rainbow colorful leaves in some nearly deep pit.
Unless this rhythm, on the edge!
Then after grabbing some getup, Pinkie Pie quickly jumps up to dive down into a pit of colorful leaves which…glowed.
Suddenly during the instrument vers swirling near Nyx's group in a cyclone of leaves for a brief moment; and then when that scene was all over, who should appear then…
"Pinkie Leaf Blower," The others responded in not believing it, they've managed to call forth the pony Nyx said would help them.
"I am the Tourney Leaf Blower!" Pinkie Leaf Blower presented herself with a badge in issuing that she's now a 'Tourney' in her line of work.
"Wha's that mean, like an attorney," Dumbledore asked off a bit unsure in how to register that claim as.
"If it's our lawyer, we'll take it!" Bocolix shrug off in stating if she helps them in court, who cares, right?
"What seems to be the problems, boys and girl?" Pinkie Leaf Blower leans down to smile in liking to know what was up that this group needs her.
"Oh please, you gotta get us outta here!" Tough begged near the strangely if not familiar pink pony.
"Yeah, that-that….judge just sentence us to playing 2000 hours of…NOTHING…But Opera Performances on our journey." Phobos issued off in almost choking and squeezing his ears in almost feeling in pain of what they've been sentence to.
"Can you help us out?" Nyx asked with hope that the pony Pinkie Pie said could help would do the task.
"Leave everything….to me!" Pinkie Leaf Blower porously declared that she will handle this situation.
Soon we return to the courtroom, where Pinkie Leaf Blower is now Nyx's group's attorney in their defense.
"Excuse me…Your Honor." Pinkie Leaf Blower spoke in wanting to speak with the judge. "These so-called as you say harden criminals are not fit to live! Let alone play Opera performances." The pink pony was pointing at the gang in issuing they rather die than to actually do opera performance. "And further more! I feel…" She was about to continue going on until...
"Psss…." Suddenly, Nyx came up to stop this pony in what she's doing. "You're supposed to be defending us." The filly was telling this pony with a leaf blower that she needs to defend the gang, not be against them.
"Oh ah, really," Pinkie Leaf Blower raised surprised eyes to ask if that was the case.
"Yep," Nyx nods in assuring, that was the case here.
"Ugh, your honor," Pinkie Leaf Blower turns to the bored judge in preparing something entirely different, "When in the course of pony events, fine young individuals like these guys are unjustified accused." She was pointing towards Nyx's group in issuing some laywer language chatter, "Where as the postulant of detrimental reliance here to for, tends to strifeful…this sight," This pony was about to continue going on with more things to protest and argue about until….
"CLANK-CLANK-CLANK…/ENOOOUUUGH," Judge Stonewall was whacking his gravel on his stand in stopping this attorney pink pony's protesting degree. "I can't TAKE…anymore of that lawyer….galloping pony!" The judge was unable to handle and about to lose his mind in hearing the pink pony annoy him to no end here. "Just get them varmints…OUTTA here!" He turned to point his gravel to have Nyx's group leave and be gone if it'll stop this lawyer chatter; and even Shadow Ghoul glared from the shadows, he's been dealt a major blow setback.
During the moment, the rest of the song sung by Nyx's group was gonna be finished up.
When there's danger anywhere
You can bet that she'll be there!
The group of five march forward in proudly declaring a hero that showed up wherever danger shows up.
Pinkie Leaf Blower…
Pinkie Leaf Blower!
Soon blowing across the screen on a leaf blower blowing a breeze and leaves was Pinkie Leaf Blower herself. And from zipping over the others below in the skies was her name written in the clouds.
Tough, Phobos & Nyx: She'll streak across the sky
The three held out their hooves and claw in witnessing a pony streaking fastly across the skies.
Dumbledore & Bocolix: On a leaf blower as she flies
The Enforcers waved off their hooves in the air in stating how this pony travels before singing together in a group again.
Group: Pinkie Leaf Blower…
The group was again in their marching performance at this moment before pausing and…
Pinkie Leaf Blower!
The group cheered off in declaring the pony hero that came to save their day.
When there's danger anywhere
You can bet that she'll be there!
The group of five march forward in proudly declaring a hero that will show up wherever danger comes up.
Pinkie Leaf Blower…
Pinkie Leaf Blower!
Soon blowing across the screen on a leaf blower blowing a breeze and leaves was Pinkie Leaf Blower herself. And from zipping over the others below, in the skies was her name written in the clouds.
Tough, Phobos & Nyx: She'll streak across the sky
The three held out their hooves and claw in witnessing a pony streaking fastly across the skies.
Dumbledore & Bocolix: On a leaf blower as she flies
The Enforcers waved off their hooves in the air in stating how this pony travels before singing together in a group again.
Group: Pinkie Leaf Blower…
The group was again in their marching performance at this moment before pausing for the drama moment…
Group: PINKIE LEAF BLOWER!
The group cheered off in extra loudly in declaring the pony hero of the hour in the final stretch to the song.
"Ohhh, thank you Pinkie Leaf Blower," Dumbledore & Bocolix thanks their savior by shaking her hoof.
"Ye saved our hides!" Tough thanked the Miss Leaf Blower pony for the save.
"We'll finally get outta here!" Phobos cheered in knowing they'll not be stuck here now.
"I knew Pinkie Pie's words in Pinkie Promising you come was no lie, she never break such a promise." Nyx smiled in knowing that if this pony was a lie, Pinkie Pie would have broken a Pinkie Promise, and non-DARE do that.
"No….problem," Pinkie Leaf Blower responded to the group here. "And besides, you'll get my bill in the mail. For now, charge my leaf blower to help us leave this place." She responded to issue off this little thing before planning for their leave near a glowing light from a mist spot.
"Coming right up," The Enforcers responded to charge their horns to give the leaf blower a super-magic charge.
"Like I'll allow it; Nruuaagh," Shadow Ghoul appeared to wanting to stop this group, but….
"Poofruvhmmm…./GWUUAAUGHHHH!" Suddenly, a dust of clouds and leaves blasted everywhere with the gang of ponies and Dragons blasted off through the white light. Thereby allowing the group to overcome the trial of their fate's illusion of crimes & sin acts and now from Nyx, Phobos, Tough, Bocolix & Dumbledore's acting in the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate: Pass.
"PINKIIIIIIE LEEEEEAF BLOOOOWEEEERRRRR!" And then the scene shows that above the cloudily area of the Labyrinth of Illusions' Fate, a cloud of leaves blew out with a hollering voice of the pink pony. And soon that cloud and swirling leaves vanished from sight entirely to leave anybody in mystery to what happened and where the pony came from.
Tso Lan's face appears once more, speaking to Nyx, "Well done, Nightmare Moon. Never thought that you would summon an ally of yours to help you; but this is far from over."
"What do you mean of that, Tso Lan?!" Nyx demands to Tso Lan in suspicion.
"You will soon learn that obtaining victory requires great sacrifice. Question is how long will Twilight Sparkle keeps you away from me?"
"As long as we're together, Tso Lan! We'll beat and overcome you! After all, Ben, Twilight, Spike, Phobos, my father's and mother's sides are great family!"
"You said it, Nyx!" Phobos cheers on, agreeing with Nyx.
Tough remarks, "Yeah, yew freaks are gonna think twice fer making fun o' us!"
"You betcha," Bocolix cheers on eagerly.
Dumbledore nods while adding, "Don't mess with the pony!"
Tso Lan chuckle loudly, "We shall meet again, little Nightmare Moon. Once we meet, you shall learn why you should have surrender to me from beginning of your journey."
Tso Lan's head disappear. Nyx sigh, "I won't give up. I'd never join you, Tso Lan. I have a family. They protect and care for me. I shall do the same for them. I will defeat you, Tso Lan."
-------------------------------
Jade sighs in relief as she saw what's happening from the usual portal place, "Phew. That was close. I was worried that Nyx is going to fail. Who would have thought that Pinkie Leaf Blower help them?"
Tao smile while saying, "Nevertheless that Pinkie Pie had surprised me even further than before. She had done well in saving the lives of her friends despite being afraid of coming here."
"Wait! Pinkie Leaf Blower is Pinkie Pie?!" Jade ask in bewilderment. Tao nods. "Wow, weird. Pinkie could have made as Mystic Pony."
"Nah! Pinkie Pie has lots of things to learn and understand."
"Like how not to be random so much?"
Tao and Jade laugh together. It's funny because it is so true.
--------------------
Now the scene changes to where we find what looks like the entry to the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate, but in actual truth….it is the exit. Yes, not long before, Ben had come out of the labyrinth and soon followed by Twilight & Spike. The two pony lovers hug in rejoice in seeing the other made it out alight. Spike was welcomed back as well by Ben, and by a surprise, Justin the MechBull with the cart and everything in it. And their questions remain in how the others were faring only to see an answer….when a breeze of cloud and leaves blasted out from the entrance to show…Nyx, Tough, Phobos and the Enforcers outside; a bit knocked around and piled together, but okay non the least.
"Hey, you guys made it out okay!" Spike responded surprise, but in joy to see his friends appear with them at last.
"Oh Nyx, you're safe! All of you are!" Twilight came up to nuzzle her head to her daughter in speaking on being glad Nyx was safe, and looked up in being happy the others are too.
"What happened to you all, how'd you come out like that?" Ben asked off a bit surprised in seeing how the last of their friends that made it out done it a bit…..differently.
"It's a long and unbelievable story." Phobos rolled his eyes in stating that even talking about such a thing would take too long to explain.
"Darn right, heck, Ah ask mahself if any o' dat was real!" Tough responded in knowing that what they went through is unlike anything they've ever done before.
"Mwrruuaghhh," Suddenly, the others turn to see a familiar MechBull pulling up near them with their pets in tow.
"Hay look, it's our cart buddies!" Bocolix pointed out in who was showing up at this moment after so long.
"How'd they make it here?" Dumbledore asked off puzzled, they each took trials of fate to get out of the maze, but what of the animals group?
"Good question. How did these guys get out of the maze?" Spike asked from coming near Justin, Rabbitchu, Koga and Owlowiscious in thought, how did these guys make it out at all?
"My guess, they were ignored and the illusions didn't affect those with machine features." Ben responded in thinking that the ones with the cart were ignored and the ghoul from the maze focused solely on the ponies and dragons. "Probably meant that they used their own senses and abilities of direction to get out of there, hugh guys?" He shrug off in thinking that these guys used their other senses to lead them out much better than the others did.
The pets and machines responded with their own cheers and replies which everyone smiled in seeing they all made it out, safe and sound.
"Wait, what's this on you all?" Twilight took a piece of some weird rainbow leaf that was shifting colors to glow and…. "Oh my gosh! This…this is…a Glow Leaf!" She yelped in realizing what she picked up from what was in Nyx's mane…was the ingredient they were seeking that was rare to come across.
"Hold on! Ye mean dat stuff we was gonna get at 'de end o' making it out?" Tough Apple asked off in recalling that the group went through the labyrinth to find this bunch, and now they got it, but how?
"How'd you come across this stuff when we never got it?" Spike was asking how the last group to come out managed to come across this rare ingredient leaf.
"It musta been Pinkie Leaf Blower!" Phobos responded off in thinking back to the pony that blew a breeze with leaves to help them out, the object in question musta came from her.
"Right; she musta blown the leaves and us out, and somehow, we musta got some stuck on us!" Nyx responded in looking at herself, Tough, Phobos and the Enforcers, they had some of them Glow Leaves on some part of their body when they were blown towards and out of their exit route.
"Um guys, what are you talking about? Pinkie Leaf Blower," Ben asked off in feeling like the only pony lost in this weird conversation. "It sounds like a nickname Pinkie Pie came up with herself." The stallion responded in recognizing the 'Pinkie' part from the pink pony they know back in Ponyville.
"But we saw her! She came to our rescue!" Dumbledore responded in stating that the group saw the real deal before their eyes.
"Yeah, and she had a leaf blower, and…" Bocolix was stating the stuff they saw that was a different pony before being cut off...
"I think the illusions from the maze made what you 'wanted' from your hearts to appear when you needed aid." Twilight issued this off in having a theory in what may have truly happened to this group. "Ben told us of what happened to him, so it makes more logical sense that way." She issued from where her lover is in recalling what Ben saw was illusions made from the heart to help guide one through their path.
"Hugh, maybe she's right." Phobos scratched his noggin in feeling that maybe what his group saw was only an illusion.
"But still, what a stunt 'dat missy showed ‘dat ghoul face!" Tough smiled off in recalling what Pinkie Leaf Blower did to Shadow Ghoul right before they left.
"So tell us Twilight, what's so special about these colorful glowy leaves?" Spike asked from looking at the collected bunch of colorful leaves changing colors from where the light angle changed to glow them.
"It's simple really. Glow Leaves can possess magic to transport anypony that jumps into a pile any random area of the user's choice of feeling." Twilight explained the properties in what one single Glow Leaf can do and imagine the larger pile of numbers brought together. "For that reason, in the past, many ponies seek'd out the special leaves, for if one could transport one to any familiar area or to another pony's side, a large pile could have them go to meet those from Ponyville to the Crystal Empire." Twilight knew why these leaves were rare, even none unicorns or ordinary unicorns that could hardly travel such far distances, relied on these Glow Leaves for such usage for easier needs.
"Wow, those leaves sound very important!" Dumbledore responded a bit surprised to hearing this stuff while never knowing it.
"I can't tell if we got them by the maze or not." Bocolix responded in puzzlement in how they came across the leaves by luck or something of helpful aid of outside source.
"I wonder if what made Pinkie Pie always so random to pop around anywhere was cause of those leaves." Phobos issued off in thinking that maybe these Glow Leaves gave Pinkie Pie the unusual ability to pop in at any time and even sense if somepony was gonna break a Pinkie Promise….it could be possible.
"Come on, you think Pinkie Pie would keep a bunch of Glow Leaves hidden somewhere and have some on her to pop out of nowhere all the time?" Spike rolled his eyes in thinking that the Moon Dragon was getting a little ahead of himself in thinking of such thoughts.
"It could happen," Tough shrug off his shoulders in never knowing if their pink friend had such things.
"Maybe we'll ask Pinkie if she does and about this Pinkie Leaf Blower stuff." Ben spoke off in making this suggestion in what they'll do when they return home. "For now, we're together, we have another ingredient;, we're getting closer and closer to our goal now." The stallion looked on the brighter side of things in how they've obtain another ingredient to help save the Apples' Farm.
"I agree Ben, we're very close indeed." Twilight smiled to nod in agreement, the group is getting closer with each step.
"Then lets head on out to find more ingredients," Nyx cheered off to say with a happy face, the sooner the gang get moving, the sooner they'll be able to head home and fix everything.
After getting everyone together and packing their gears in the cart, did Tough Apple took the front seat to grab the liens to tell Justin the MechBull to start moving out. From the roaring of a bull cry, the mechanical creature was pulling the group's cart to continue their journey, Dumbledore & Bocolix were telling Spike, Ben & Twilight of their trial challenge in the labyrinth and how thanks to Nyx, they made it out. Course, the question about how it all went down will be discussed later when the gang plans to camp out to rest. Right now, Twilight was counting the different ingredients that they've managed to gain: the Raspy Footlong Cucumber, the Flower of Eternity, the Tasteless Diamond, the Anti-Evil Roots, the Golden Nugget of the End's Center, the Colored Icicle, the Lover's Tears and the Glow Leaves, so far, that was a total of eight so far. Just a bit more and the gang will have about gotten enough ingredients from traveling a 3/4th or so in the End of Equestria.
However, once the gang left the area by about 20 to 40 or 50 yards, they were too far to see…what happened next. For coming out of the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate was a familiar head of an insect foe; the Shadow Ghoul. Only now the head was rising up to the point that some shadowy mist stretched from it and the maze to make…a form. The ghoul that was only a head of illusion's from the labyrinth was forming a body, it was a large insect-humanoid body with long arms with three talon claws and about five legs with three talon toes (two in front, three in back), and even those red orb marks on it's knees, shoulders and long neck area; it was truly a giant insect that creep out from the shadows of the labyrinth.
"You may have gotten out of the labyrinth, but my prey will not escape my clutches." Shadow Ghoul issued this in grasping its claws up in preparing to make another strike on the gang. "I am the source of the labyrinth, I hunt my prey that comes inside, but if I must, I shall return to my physical form to go forth and finish them off to feast on their flesh before I'm satisfied, and…" The ghoul was about to rush forth to attack Twilight's gang, killing them without any care or the order to get Nyx & Ben, but… "Stabfruvhmmmm…." Suddenly, something ended up striking the insect that pierced through its chest, "Gwuuhhuuuhuu-Haaaa-Haaaughhh! Whhaaaauuugwhaat!" Shadow Ghoul yelped in pain to clutch itself to not lose balance as he looked to see the object was….a spear…made of shadow magic, "Grrruvhmmm….a Shadow Spear? But where…?" The ghoul questioned off in not knowing where this magic object made from Shadow Magic came from, however...
"Shadow Assault," Suddenly, another voice was heard from afar and before the ghoul could react, he was soon in the line of being surrounded by hovering forms of Shadow Spears by an almost unlimited number of them.
"Gwuuaguh…" Shadow Ghoul cried out in gasping horror in not going to like this. "Thous-Thous-Thpous-Thous…." And soon the unknown figure unleashed a storm of Shadow Spears that not even the ghoul could block or reflect, "Nruaarrrrughhhhh!" Shadow Ghoul screamed out in pain from being stabbed all over of the spears that pin his position, just before topping over on the ground. "Gwuuhhh-Haaaughhh….Whoo…" The insect cringed from the pain, but tried to look around, wanting to find who was attacking him, the Shadow Ghoul.
Soon entering the scene out from the shadows was none other than an agent from Tartarus, Number 13: The Equestrian Eliminator. And from his cold emotionless expression, he showed no signs of being intimidated or frighten of being seen by this giant bug. So the mystery of who used those earlier Shadow Magic spells was from this masked pony of mystery.
"Y-Y-Yooooouuuuu; what is….the meaning of…this?" Shadow Ghoul snapped off in near rage, what was this creature of being that serves evil doing here?
"It's your sentence for failing in your task." The Equestrian Eliminator responded for the ghoul creature to understand his position as it were.
"Nrrrughh….Who put you up…Nrrrughh….to this?" Shadow Ghoul struggled off to speak his words in wanting an answer. "I was aiding the Demon Lords. Why….would they do this," He asked off in why an agent that serves the side of darkness and evil, is suddenly attacking a ghoul that serves Demons.
"My orders in attacking you did not come from those eight." The Equestrian Eliminator responded with a dry tone to move a bit off near the wounded ghoul "My orders came….from a higher up than your class." He issued this off with a serious gaze about taking about those higher up then the Demon Lords that the Shadow Ghoul serves.
"Huuuaagh…The…Demon of Godhood…the imprisoned being of Tartarus…you can't mean…" Shadow Ghoul was gasping in almost nearly forgetting his pain in realizing, what this masked stallion was speaking. "The Dark Elf, Grimmore; The Overlord King?" Even this ghoul that works from the shadows knows of the powerful dark elf from long ago.
"Exactly…" Agent 13 responded that what was spoken is indeed the one person, the one powerful deity that he serves.
"But…even the Superior would not cross with the Demon Lords to finish me….I am still of use!" Shadow Ghoul spoke in protesting that the Superior would not dare do something to upset the eight Demon Lords, even if none dare raise a rebellion against the dark elf in fear of his great force.
"Your actions speak louder than your words, you plan to kill them, including Nightmare Moon & the stallion with the Triforce." The Equestrian Eliminator broke the camel’s back in reminding the ghoul that he betrayed the eight Demon Lords in defining the strict orders to get Nyx & Ben alive, killing them along with Twilight's entire party was NOT part of the order.
"Gruvhmm…Mruvhmmm…." Shadow Ghoul groans from his pain in realizing his major mistake that may be costly to himself in being tortured. "Hugh….But wait….how could you be here….and I never sense you?" The ghoul suddenly realized, how did one of Grimmore's agents get here, he have to get through the labyrinth, and Shadow Ghoul would have known his presence, so why?
"I slip within the shadows, you never noticed because your focus was elsewhere." The Equestrian Eliminator responded that the ghoul did not notice a shadow slip by since this creature was focus on Twilight's group.
"But you should have come across a trial of fate…you should have!" Shadow Ghoul protest that his labyrinth reveals one's own fate by illusion, unless conquered, they'll never escape the maze.
"Indeed and the trial I face was….executed." The masked pony responded with a stern face from its eyes being serious in what he's done. "It showed me images of something I have no recollection of; Twilight Sparkle as a filly with her little brother, Starlight, and facing the Scarred Ruler before his earlier death, Lorcan. I decided to just end the test before it began by decapitating the Dragon and moving on…." The Equestrian Eliminator explained that what he saw was of the past of what happened to Twilight Sparkle with her younger brother's death by the evil dragon Lorcan to which this masked unicorn ended it to move on without delay or bother.
"Whah….but then your fate in the illusion was…" Shadow Ghoul was shocked to believe this, that meant that this guy should be trapped, but then…how is he here?
"It didn't matter, the young ponies were only fooled to believing it was a dream I put on them, leaving a different life….to nothing but your illusions." The Equestrian Eliminator responded that he didn't see a point in letting an illusion play out from his act, and left Twilight & her brother Starlight, even as illusions live like the fate of meeting Lorcan never existed.
"No….Gwuuagh….that should have been the illusions from your heart….it was meant to break the will of visitors! I've done so for the Demon Lords for ages…" The Shadow Ghoul protested again through his pain he was enduring in his stabbed place, how could one pony overwrite fate like that, his service has never been defeated like this with the Demons.
"And now the time of your role has reached a verdict." The Equestrian Elimiinator responded in seeing this creature, has lived up to its end of the bargain of service. "My Lord, the one above your Demon Lords, sees your use has long be overdo, and there is no need for a piece that has lost it's use…." The stallion issued before turning to slowly leave from where he stove near the ghoul.
Suddenly, a strange spell that was of glowing red lines was forming from where the masked pony stood. And the lines went in two way splits around the Shadow Ghoul to further sides of the canyon walls, almost like they were creating a smile piece, or was it supposed to be…a circle.
"Wha…wha are you doing?" The Shadow Ghoul asked off in noticing a spell that was being cast, but something was wrong; it was almost like it stretched to him & the labyrinth; what powerful spell was it?
"You are a creature of shadow; therefore, my magic has pierced your shadow molding to return to the labyrinth as well as injured your body. But I am far from done." The Equestrian Eliminator responded in issuing these facts while the spell on was reaching more parts of the labyrinth during the discussion. "Seeing Twilight Sparkle has best'd you, it makes little sense for an insect to try again, so everything here….with cease to exist." During that last bit from this agent of Grimmore, the scene shows the strange spell line appears near the entrance of the labyrinth before connecting: and above the blocked clouded skies, a giant red line circle could be seen.
"GWUUAHHH-Haaaughhh-Hhaaughh…." Shadow Ghoul gasped in almost understanding what was happening and was almost shown sweating, this spell….it couldn't be meant to….destroy him & the labyrinth!
"This is farewell; this is neither an act of good or evil…" The Equestrian Eliminator issued off the further he was leaving, the lines in the ground were glowing ever stronger as if a force of concentrated power is about to be unleashed. "It is simply the will when you've reached the end of the line." The masked pony stops to turn a little of his head to stare with emotionless emotions in stating that the ghoul has outlived its use and shall perish along with everything in the area.
"Noo…Noo….GWUUAAGH…HAAAAVVVVE Mercccccyyyyyy," Shadow Ghoul cried out in trying to raise up its claw to beg for its life, he doesn't wanna go out this way, he can't…he…
"Shadow…Obliteration!" Equestrian Eliminator responded with a glimmer of red from his eyes as this simple magic spell he cast to now fully be…unleashed and deliver it's fatal fury on the victim & everything else.
"Gruvvhmmm….." Suddenly from around the far side corners to the mid line where Shadow Ghoul was, he witnessed a dark margarita color rising up from the sides to almost…close between where he stood. "GIIEEEAUUGHH-AAAAAHHHHH…" Shadow Ghoul unleashed one last agonizing cry when this spell was reaching his area to almost enclose him before… "Clumpvhhm….." The ghoul was soon seal shut and the entire screen shows what spell the Equestrian Elimanitor cast; one that form a sphere of darkness with a shut mouth in trapping anything inside with crescent eyes still shut. "Trussfruvhmmm!" Then the eye marks from above the sphere opened up, as something was about to react. "TRUOOSSVHMMM…TRUOOSSSVHM…./Wruusssuuvhhmmm…." The face vanished, flashes of white lines dash across the surface before….it looked like an inferno contain about to explode… "Roousssfurvhmmm!"
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Now suddenly afar with Twilight's group, two sudden moments happen area their area. First the alicorns & Ben felt a strange magical force, and then they and the others heard to look back in witnessing…. "BOOOMKRUFRUVHMMM…" A large implosion of light from the labyrinth area they left from. The entire area was quaking from the shock force to tremble even the mountain canyons around to come tumbling down. Everyone on their cart was feeling that shake, even Justin was jumping up from feeling the tremor shake around them.
"Dag Gum! Wha happened?" Tough Apple yelped off to control the MechBull from getting scared over what happened behind them.
"That came from the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate!" Dumbledore issued off in recalling that location from afar.
"But we just left, so what in Equestria could have happened?" Bocolix responded confused, what happened all of a sudden?
"You guys aren't gonna believe this but…" Spike was looking through a pair of binoculars, only to nearly gasp in what he saw. "There's an open path there now and maybe a crater, the labyrinth is completely….gone!" The baby Dragon lowered the binoculars in almost being completely shock and speechless, the place that the gang escaped from, was gone in an instant.
"Gone; what do you mean, it's gone? How could a large structure just up and go?" Phobos asked off in finding this the most unbelievable story he's ever heard.
"Some of use sensed it; some very strong magic was used." Ben spoke with some thoughts of concern in what he felt back there. "But a spell that powerful…..you think there was someone that knows a spell powerful enough to pull that off. What do you think Twilight; did you also sense something else?" Ben was stating and asking his lover; whoever pulled off that big flashy and quaking display did more than destroy the labyrinth, but possibly the creature from within it.
"I sensed it too Ben, somehow, the darkness of Shadow Ghoul just faded away." Twilight responded in feeling that whatever presence of the ghoul they all saw was no more. "The question remains, if whoever used a spell that powerful, it almost contains strong portions of dark magic. But the real question behind it is…." She stopped herself to think this question carefully before issuing it. "Is the caster a Friend or Foe? Because depending on it, coming across a powerful spell like that would be disastrous," The new princess could tell that whoever used such a powerful spell, would be dangerous as an enemy, but more likely a helpful ally, but of course, that remains to be seen.
"So, should we turn back to investigate?" Nyx suggested this out if this was concerning everyone here.
"Go back to check what? I say, serve that ghoul right in what he tried to do!" Phobos remarked off that going back shouldn't be a concern, since the only one gone was Shadow Ghoul and a villain gone is better since it means one less bad guy to fight.
"Little fella's right, besides, we gotta pick things up, time waits fer no pony." Tough nods in agreement to Phobos, they can't stick around too long, the gang got more ingredients to find.
"Come on guys, for now, let’s just be thankful that no more innocent lives will be lost in that labyrinth again." Spike spoke to try to ease some tension rising by pointing out the good thing and not the bad parts about it.
"Spike's right mommy, at least that's some relief," Nyx smiled in telling her mother about a positive moment that occurred to them now.
"I suppose so." Twilight sighed in agreeing with what her daughter was saying, so long as no one else gets lost in a troubling labyrinth, it's not a complete bad thing to have happen.
"Come on, let’s continue to move on and then we'll find a place to camp out….probably further away from here at least." Ben suggested that they continue to travel, and then find a place to rest furtherest away from the labyrinth's former area.
Now the group moves on to leave the scene, they've already had what was another handful in being within the End of Equestria. Each passing day, the challenges and obstacles get harder and harder, and more exhausting; it's a wonder that the group is still kicking it alive. Course, with luck, the group will be even luckier to get back home with everything intact, cause whatever maybe out there that destroyed the labyrinth, should be taken heavy precautions if it's another threat for the future.
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But back at what 'used' to be the Labyrinth of Illusion's Fate, we see a huge crater that showed smoldering redness in the ground. Apparently, the spell technique performed completely disintegrated anything within the sphere of darkness. All the towers that reached the skies of the labyrinth were gone, even it's guardian that prey on visitors; the Shadow Ghoul, was completely annihilated in that one spell. And just outside near some dust clouds near a field from seeing his work, the Equestrian Eliminator stared at what he's performed.
"This place may have been made to capture lost souls, but that age is over. Shadow Obliteration will disintegrate anything, big or small, no matter what it is." Equestrian Eliminator issued off this statement in the powerful spell he's used that could take out giants & armies after wiping out the spot in this land that has taken many other lives. "Your group is slowly progressing well, Twilight Sparkle, but the more you close further in, the harder things become." He turns to look down the pathway that leads to where Twilight's group was while continuing to leave, unaware in whose has aided from the shadows. "Nothing's changed, if you can survive the last parts, then you'll truly overcome all obstacles." The agent from Grimmore responded that if Twilight can get by the last few areas, she'll have proven herself that she's grown stronger than ever. "But for me, my destiny….whatever it is that connects us, I will not allow it to interfere in my work." The Equestrian Eliminator issued this cold fact out with glaring eyes in stating this what is starting to distract him, a connection he has with Twilight that is clouding his judgments. "I am a mercenary assassin under Lord Grimmore's orders to watch you on your progress. However, if it comes time to where I must face you." The stallion looks between his largest made crater from his strongest dark Shadow Magic before turning towards a different direction while addressing a fact about what happens if Twilight & he were to ever come face to face, but may end up fighting… "Then you best be ready to face me, whatever concerns there is of you, and I, and Starlight…my will…is the will of Grimmore's Law." And with that final settling, the masked pony slowly walks in to the dust clouds and when the wind blows them away, the stallion was long gone. Just like a shadow, this Number 13 agent of Grimmore is not only craft, clever, stealthy, and skilled for combat….he appears very powerful, and could either become an ally…or an enemy to Twilight Sparkle & all of Equestria. The choices….are still a mystery around this one.
Of course, the Equestrian Eliminator didn't go long as he encounter Tao and Jade. He pauses while asking, "Tell me, is what you said is true? Am I truly Starlight?"
Tao nods as he answers, ”Indeed, you are, Starlight."
"If that's even the case, how did I become Grimmore's servant? Why did he erased my memories? For what purpose?! Destroy Twilight? So that's his plan, isn't it?"
"Indeed, Starlight."
The Equestrian Eliminator spoke sternly, "I don't deserve that former name even if that was the case."
Tao ask the one who could be Starlight in concern, "Why not?"
"Because I am the Equestrian Eliminator; I live to serve my master without question and mercy. Tell me, old hermit, why are you helping me?"
"Family. You are Twilight's brother, and never be the enemy. I will not force you to come with me. Learn more of Twilight Sparkle. You'll understand that Twilight's love for family and friendship made everything possible and miracle."
The stallion pauses then spoke, "Perhaps, or perhaps not. But I'll take your advice for once, hermit. I shall decide what to do and what my decision should be. I'll learn more of Twilight Sparkle."
"Once the journey ends, you'll decide the fate of your choice, Starlight. Goodbye. We must leave." Tao said as he and Jade disappear in a puff of smoke. The Equestrian Eliminator stares and glance at Twilight Sparkle and her friends still in the distance.
"I don't know who or what I was before I'm Equestrian Eliminator. But somehow, learning and seeing you, Twilight, it felt familiar. I shall keep an eye on you."
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Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, right near the pit where Pinkie Pie dropped in, she popped out while removing her disguise as Pinkie Leaf Blower.
"Okay, now that 'that' random aid is done, time to put everything away." Pinkie Pie responded before firing her leaf blower in the pit and opened her bag sack to bag all the Glow Leaves inside.
"Pinkie Pie; What are you doing?" Suddenly, Fluttershy came from behind to see what her friend was doing, catching her off guard.
"Oh Fluttershy, I…um….just watching the leaves," Pinkie Pie kept things behind her back before trying to make something up while not ruining the surprise here.
"But we were wondering where you went off to." Fluttershy stated about when the pony left, the Mane Four got worried.
"Long story, I'll explain later. Tell the others that I'll be right there." Pinkie Pie patted her friend on the shoulder with a smile in saying all is well.
"O…okay," Fluttershy slowly responded in deciding to let that be the answer before taking off to rejoin Applejack and the rest of the Mane Six's party group.
"Pheww, it may be a while before I reveal these magic colorful leaves I found longs way back. They help me pop up whenever there's a pony in need of a little Pinkie Pie random action." Pinkie Pie sighed in relief in seeing she managed to keep this little secret, a secret for herself in using the glowy leaves without knowing what they are, to help her pop around places. "For now, I'll keep them here. And put the leaf blower here too." She quickly hid the bag of Glow Leaves and her leaf blower in a hollow tree for safe keeping, "Time to get back to helping ponies with the veggie shortage." She turn in declaring what she'll be doing now after finishing her little work here.
With that, Pinkie Pie was bouncing along to join with the others while having a good feeling, Twilight's group is gonna be fine. And for the secret behind Pinkie Pie's secret popping up in random places with magic Glow Leaves may remain a secret for the time being, including her other self that she disguised as Pinkie Leaf Blower. Boy, with this pink pony, ain't nothing ever simple or logical, it's all just so…random.