//------------------------------//
// Chapter 15: The Terror of Peta 
// Story: Road to the End 
// by JusSonic 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 15: The Terror of Peta


The Demon Lords are talking to their last servant, Peta who has informed them of what he learnt from the previous adventure that the gang has gone through so far.

Tso Lan spoke, "So, tell me, Peta, what have you learn so far?"

"Compare to most of your brethren's servants and pets Twilight Sparkle and her family had fought, they are nothing. I did as you instructed, master. I learn all of I need." Peta said to Tso Lan with a bow to the Demon Lord. The Demon smiles evilly. He knew that he himself has chosen the right monster for this task.

"Good, Peta. Here's the mission that I want you to do. Retrieve the bloods of my daughter, Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare, Spike and Phobos."

Peta smirk while saying, "Ah yes........ I know what you desired. Nevertheless, I will complete without failing you. If my life needs to be sacrificed to achieve it, then so be it."

"Do what must be done; all of the Guardians are under your control, Peta." Tso Lan said to Peta calmly. Everything will go accordingly to his wishes, no matter what happens at this point.

"It will be done."

The portal closes. Tso Lan turn to his brethren with Hsi Wu the first to speak up in surprise, "So, that's your master plan? To get their blood and combined them into the new Nightmare Moon. Am I right?"

Tso Lan answers his sibling truthfully, "Precisely. I predicted that most of our servants and pets will fail us, but that time, I was mere testing the strengths and intelligence of Nightmare Moon, Twilight and her family. So far, they are worthy to our agenda, unlike the weak and simple minded fools like Boxco and Dum-Dum."

"I see." Po Kong comments as she licks her mouth. "Well, as soon as Peta finished them, if he can, he had to deliver me my meal."

Tchang Zu smirks while remarking, "Indeed. Once we gathered their blood, we, at once, create the new Nightmare Moon."

"Indeed. This Nightmare Moon is no longer any use to us." Xiao Fung said in agreement. It is decided that since Nyx won't go back to the Demon Lords, there is no further use for the failure formerly known as Nightmare Moon.

Dai Gui comments sinisterly, "Victory belongs to us."

However Shendu spoke up, "No; we will use the blood of Nightmare Moon later; for two of our master plans have been planned. We still have some use of this reincarnation."

"I see. I understand your plans, my brothers." Bai Tza said, understanding what both Shendu and Tso Lan are up to. "This reincarnated one will be a distraction and a pawn, while another one is our triumph card; Excellent work."

"Indeed, it is, my brethren. Now, I must be excused. I need time alone to rest for a while. Inform me of the success, my brethren." Tso Lan said. The Demon decides to rest for a while until the time comes for himself to enter the battlefield. He will be looking so forward to it.

The Demon Lords bow while saying at once, "Yes, brother."

Tso Lan, with the ability of his gravity powers, floated up above Demon Lords. He is heading to his own area for resting.

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Pinkamena was lightly giggling as she was reading her book. Golden Heart looks at her and says as Omega stares, "You ok?"

Pinkamena said, "Yep, just the gang just went on a thriller of a night but now they are off to get the last things and fight the last foes and will be coming home."

"Ok."

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As the Goblin is seen moving along, carrying the Kan-ku Box, he begins to mumble to himself from being given his next orders in where to find another portal, and by the Demon Lords attitudes raining down on him.

"Brother, I think being servant to the witch and now slave-driving Demon Lords is tiring; Goblin this, Goblin that; Just Goblin, but not my own name, Todd. Saying Goblin is better for servant!" Goblin responded off in complaining of his situation at this moment. "Maybe I should have listened to my cousin to join the Grimmore Army. I heard that many goblins there get nice getups, net-o gear & abilities, plus make you look much taller, 7 feet. Plus, you get to rid cool transportation on giant demonic bats to fly around with two types." He spoke in picturing how luckier Goblins are in the Grimmore Army and those guys are not just simple grunts, but well feared & respective, and simply feared soldier warriors. "And they make wicked cackle laughter that are so cool, I could do that! Hahahaha…Cough-cough…cough, okay, still needs work." The Goblin tried to make a scary laughter, but he chocked from trying too hard, boy, the others he's heard about make it sound so easy. "What were some of their names that other Goblins talk about…Hobgoblin….Green Goblin…Demogoblin; So many different Goblins with big names in that army. Boy, if this job doesn't work out, maybe I'll think of making my resume to join those guys, who knows?" He spoke off in thinking that if his duty for the Eight Demon Lords don't work out, maybe being with the cooler Goblins on Grimmore's team make his social life a lot more interesting, heck, sounds better then lackey servant.

And soon the goblin leaves to perform another duty task by the Eight Demon Lords.

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Twilight and her family continued to travel down on the road for two more ingredients. They spotted Tao who holds his joysticks in front of the foods of vegetables and gravestones.

"Hey, it's Tao. What's he doing?" Spike asks, wondering what Tao is up to now.

"What's with giving the food to stone tablets?" Phobos asks in confusion. Then again, the group is still in a graveyard so does it matter?

"Phobos, the stone tablets are graveyard stones. I can only guess that there is great battle here before." Twilight said with a sigh while glancing at the graveyard stones. Tao must be paying his respects.

Ben nods while adding, "A battle against the Demon Lords, no doubt."

"So, should we ask him?" Nyx suggests to the others.

"I think we should. I had the feeling that he knows what's next." The Alicorn princess said in agreement. Twilight and her family approach Tao from behind. The old pony put the joysticks on the grounds. He then push his hooves gently to each other and bow before them.

"Mr. Tao?"

"Ah, Twilight and her family, what brings you to the Graves of Brave Heroes?" Tao ask his friends in respect and politeness.

Everyone all ask at the same time, "Graves of Brave Heroes?"

"So, 'dis is a graveyard?" Tough ask a bit frightened and freaked out by what he's seeing in front of him.

"Indeed. Thousand years ago, a battle had taken placed between good and evil here. After the battle, those who had taken part buried the brave and defeated soldiers here as the honor of being heroic and self-sacrificed." Tao explains, motioning to the graves of those who fought and gave their lives in this battle.

"So, what are you doing here?" Bocolix ask Tao puzzled.

Dumbledore adds in, "Yeah. No one buried their graves here, which is kinda dangerous, unless there is a reason."

Tao nods as he explains, "I have come here every year for paying my respect to these brave heroes. The reason behind this is to remind anyone that coming to a place like this is very dangerous to come, unless you had courage and faith."

"So, what's with the food?" Phobos asks, glancing at the food that Tao has; Makes him hungry all over again.

"Offering."

"Cool, I could use some break."

Nyx stops Phobos before he could think of taking a bite, scolding, "Phobos, Don't! Tao meant offering the foods to these passed on soldiers. That's one of the Land of Ma's traditions."

"But they are dead. How can they eat the food when they're dead?" Spike asks Nyx. How can anyone dead eat any offerings that way?

"Physically can't, but spiritually can. For once they leave their bodies behind, they will go to heaven. Those who followed the tradition of my former home always and must bring and offer the foods to friends, ancestors and family while respecting them," Tao explains clearly to Spike. "One more thing: Do not used the word 'dead' in front of them. It is very rude."

"Sorry."

"I guess. Some of your ancestors got involved inthe battle, along with their friends, am I right?" Twilight ask Tao, suspecting that some of his ancestors were involved in this battle as well.

Tao nods as he answers, "Indeed it is."

Ben looks down and spoke to Tao in sympathy to give his consolations, "We're sorry."

In Tao's thought, the Mystic Pony said in his head, 'Indeed, you are. But there is nothing you can do to change. Be lucky, that you're not born on that day to see this. You had no idea how painful it can be when coming to these graves of brave heroes, and unaware of me being involved there, thousand years ago.'

"Can we pay our respects? I know we're not close to any of them. But we just want to respect them for their deeds." Nyx offers Tao with a smile. After all, the least she and the others can do is pasy their respects as well.

"Indeed, you are allowed. I'll teach you on how it works to respect them." The old pony said with a smile to Nyx's offer. Tao gave the three joysticks each to Twilight and her family. He then lights them up with his match. The joysticks start burning. "First, you need joysticks as in representing as wishes and respecting to the passed ones. You can ask them as guidance to help you through the hard journeys."

The group held the joysticks gently while facing in front of the gravestones. Tao continues, "When praying and paying respect to the passed ones, be silent at all, let your mind and spiritual speak to them. Let them hear your wishes and thoughts."

Twilight and her family were in silence as they speak to the passed one through their minds to respect them.

A while later, once all is done, Tao ask, "Done? Good. Now, place the joysticks on the ground in front of them. Let them burned as they send messages to the spirits of brave heroes." The visitors place the joysticks on the ground before they bowed to the gravestones "Well done, my friends. These soldiers are in peace for any of you show good respect to them. Be mindful of them, everypony. Be respectful and humble to them, at all time. I pray that you will be in safe journey.

Twilight smiles, not looking at Tao while saying gently, "Me too, Tao; me too."

"He's gone." Spike said. Sure enough as usual, Tao has disappeared from sight.

"Great. Can't that old pony stay here for once in a while?! Not to mention that we had to do some silly praying to the dead." Phobos groans in annoyance at this latest happening.

"Phobos; be nice! And be respectful. We're still at the graveyard." Nyx scolds her best friend, reminding the Moon Dragon as to where they astill re.

"Nyx's right, Phobos; I know it's scary. But please, be respectful, okay?" Ben insists to Phobos. After all, what if being disrespectful be a problem in the afterlife?

Phobos groans, "Fine. At least, it's not scary ghosts."

"Hopefully, not like before." Spike groans while cringing. He still hasn't gotten over what happened earlier with Michael Jackstone.

The group waits, knowing that the voice will soon speak. And sure enough, it did as everyone heard, "Guardians must defeat Guardians. Faith defeats the Darkest Hour."

Everyone all ask at once in confusion, "Huh?"

"Guardians must defeat Guardians. Faith must defeat the Darkest Hour."

"Okay, now what's the riddle's saying about?" Spike ask, a bit puzzled by the latest riddle.

"'Guardians'; is he referring to our guardians?" Phobos ask, suspecting that the Guardians parts is referring to the Guardians that Twilight has around her neck.

"Ah think he is, Phobos." Tough said thoughtfully.

"So what's with 'Faith must defeat the Darkest Hour'?" Bocolix ask, a bit puzzled by the last part of the riddle.

"Beats me; I'm not good at the riddles." Dumbledore remarks with a shrug, meaning that he doesn't know either.

"I can only think of one thing. We're not giving up our hope. We've made this far. We can do this and win this fight." Twilight said in determination. She knows that everyone has made it this far, they aren't giving up yet! The gang must move on, all of Ponyville depends on them all.

Ben nods as he looks on ahead, saying grimly, "I had the feeling that we're about to face Peta."

"I can only hope it's not Tso Lan or Shendu that we're facing with." Nyx said with a shiver. She rather faces Peta than any of those mentioned Demon Lords.

"If they are," Spike asks, fearing that the group will face those two villains eventually.

"Then, we face them, together. We have overcome the battles so far. We can do this. So let's go, everypony." Twilight said in determination.

"Right," Everyone said at the same time in determination.

From a safe distance, Tao glanced at Twilight and her family as they moved on. Dragon Kick appears in a puff of smoke to see the sight.

"Do you think that Twilight and her family can defeat Peta? Peta is a very powerful and dangerous mage." Dragon Kick said, recalling his previous battle with Peta and not with fondness. "I overpowered him because of my skills. But he escaped. Darn it. If I had caught him in time, Twilight and her family wouldn't have this problem."

Tao spoke, "There is nothing that we can do, Dragon Kick. But I have faith that Twilight, Ben and others will overcome the battle."

"I hope so."

"So, Starlight, have you come with something important?"

The Equestrian Eliminator, whom Tao suspects to be Starlight still, land on the ground. Once again, Tao has sense his arrival. The agent of Grimmore frowns as he said, "Indeed, hermit. I suggest you need to make sure that somepony knows not to sneak behind me."

The Equestrian Eliminator took something from behind his back. He held Jade's tail making Tao and Dragon Kick gasp. Jade giggle uneasily, "Hi........" She's in trouble.

"Jade! When will you listen," Dragon Kick scolds Jade for getting into trouble...again! The pony glares at the Equestrian Eliminator while saying, "If you harm her..."

"As I had said to the hermit before, I do not harm the innocents." The Equestrian Eliminator said calmly. He put Jade down before she gallops towards Dragon Kick as she hugged him. "I suggest you put a tight leash on her."

"Like you as a slave to Grimmore? Never!"

"If you don't, then she will be killed on the battlefield. You will be the one to regret it."

Dragon Kick sigh, "Yes, that is true. But I would have found a way to make sure that Jade is safe, without using the leash on her. This is called unselfish and caring."

"Yeah. Even though my uncle won't teach me and tells me to stay down, I won't." Jade said to the Equestrian Eliminator sternly, "Because I have instinct that Dragon Kick needs help, so I'll be there for him, even when I'm in big trouble."

"This is foolish." The Equestrian Eliminator scoffs at Jade's words. What nonsense!

Dragon Kick and Jade said at the same time, "It's called family." The Equestrian Eliminator groan angrily while clenching his hoof. He then turns to Tao.

"So, aren't you going to say my other name and ask me to do something?"

Tao shook his head as he said in sadness, "You know the answer, Equestrian Eliminator."

"Why did you call me that?" The Equestrian Eliminator asks in bewilderment. Before now, Tao called him by this 'Starlight' name. Why his agent name now?

"Grimmore's power is too strong for me to reach your heart and soul. Although not powerful enough against the power of Mystic Magic, Grimmore has his ways in achieving his goals. I believe he knows that I am here from beginning."

"So, you're not advising me something?"

Tao shakes his head as he said, "Nope. But I have a gift for you."

Tao threw something right to the Equestrian Eliminator who caught it. He saw a picture of someone that shocked and surprised him.

The Equestrian Eliminator hesitates as he asks, "What is this?"

"Considered this a farewell gift, my friend; for we must keep an eye on Twilight and her family for now; Make your own decision of what is right." Tao explains to the stallion gently.

"So be it, hermit."

With the smoke emerged, Tao, Dragon Kick and Jade disappear from sight. The Equestrian Eliminator took a glance at the photo. At first, he was about to destroy it but the pony sigh. The Equestrian Eliminator decided to keep it in his suit before he disappears in the shadows.

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As our traveling friends continue across the gorge valley of what is Bony Valley, everyone in Twilight's party feels more refresh now. After a little time, they've become more relax after having the near scare of their life so far, and that's saying something when it's a musical number. But now, we see that everything shall be where the gang try to reach an area to locate the ingredient within this valley of bones, the Glowing Mites, somewhere that is.

"Grugrugrruuaaghh….." Suddenly, a weird gurgling growly noise was heard that earn everyone's attention.

"Tough, could you keep your stomach down?" Twilight asked from feeling bothered that Tough's loud stomach was making that hungry noise.

"Dat wasn't me." Tough spoke off in protesting that what was heard, didn't come from him.

"Phobos, was that you?" Nyx turn to ask her pet pal if he made the growly noise.

"Why am I the next one? Why not those two," Phobos spoke off in his defense while pointing at Dumbledore & Bocolix being the most likely guilty ones.

"It wasn't either of us!" The Enforcers spoke that neither two Alicorn males made the sound.

"Not me either, what about you Ben," Spike responded that he didn't make the weird noises, so what if that was Ben Mare?

"Wasn't me, nor was it Twilight. Koga, was it you or Owlowiscious?" Ben stated that what was heard didn't come from him or Twilight, then that left their pets to answer the mystery here.

"Bark-Bark/Hoo," Koga & Owlowiscious responded that neither of them made a sound of what was heard.

"Chu…/Mruaawwurghhh," Rabbitchu & Justin also responded in answering the question.

"Well it wasn't our two mechanical critters, dat's fer sure!" Tough stated from hearing the two Machines of War give their two-cents of when or if the noise was them, which wasn't at all. "So…wha…" He yelped from something that fell on him and it was a gooey substance. "Yuck, wha is 'dis wet stuff?" The tough stallion stopped their MechBull pulling their cart to try to see what he got covered over him.

"It doesn't look like rain." Spike responded in seeing from the skies to Tough's state that what hit him isn't liquid of water.

"It looks like…saliva." Phobos responded off in seeing what got the stallion was something from some kinda thing's mouth that drooled.

"Yuck!" The Enforcers stuck out their tongues in finding this to be a little disturbing to them.

"But where it came from?" Twilight asked from using her magic to remove the saliva from Tough, much to his thanks.

"Saliva of that much had to come from something alive, either those that make enough or something big." Ben spoke from having a good guess theory in where that substance would come from, just not where at this time.

"Um mommy, daddy, everypony, you might wanna take a slow look upwards." Nyx spoke from looking above her in seeing…something very much attention grabbing.

Suddenly, the gang slowly looks up to learn where the portion of salvia came from…and boy was it big like….Dino-size! It was in the form of a tyrannosaurus Rex, but had wings & two spike horns of a Dragon. It's scales looked a bit of dark & light emerald green color with some strange dark violet marks on the body that looked like…it was decaying. Yes, from its dark violet talon nail feet to its stretched long arms with four dark violet claw nails, two dark violet horns and it's wings looked like dark violet color, but they were decayed to the point this creature might not fly with holes in its wings. What the gang saw was the very sharp teeth of the creature and from orange-red mix color with a yellow pupil, it's like staring into the setting sun, but from the creature's mouth was a dark-green reeky breath color. This was an insentient Dragon breed that was seen with decaying skin and reeky breath, hence it's known as Guardian Zombie Beast: the Dead Dragon.

"ROOUUARRRUGHHHH," The Dead Dragon let off a mighty roar that nearly shook the area in letting it's presence be known…to its prey.

"RUN AWAY!" The gang screamed while having Justin the MechBull let off a scream to immediately start to run off like they need to get away from a hungry beast. And from there, the gang was being chased by a rampaging dinosaur coming after them.

"Ah knew being in a graveyard was creepy, an' 'dis proved it!" Tough complained off to say about where their situation has gone and turn out for them.

"What is that thing?" Dumbledore asked off in not knowing what kinda creature was after them.

"It looks awful!" Bocolix spoke off in seeing the decaying creature and it's reeky breath almost made him turn green in the face.

"Hey mommy; didn't you and daddy say you once chatted with great-grandma Megan about dinosaurs? So haven't you seen a dinosaur before?" Nyx spoke this sudden thought that came to her in remembering an event that from this creature pursuing them, kinda made her think about her folks learning about dinosaurs from the Jurassic period.

"Not with SKIN on IT!" Twilight shouted off to issue that they may have study such creatures, but not when they were alive, but extinct.

"Technically, it's scales!" Ben pointed this fact out for Twilight to recall, dinosaurs are lizards with scales, not with actual skin like apes or other animal types.

"Then Spike & Phobos are practically one o' them critters. So don't they have any ideas or can chat wit' it?" Tough spoke off in thinking maybe their own Dragons can try to handle the situation if whatever this creature was, Spike & Phobos might know what to do with Dead Dragon here.

A sudden stretchy noise sound happened that was sounding like a comical thing, almost like hearing a scratching record player. But the main focus was what Tough was asking of the two little Dragons. 

"I beg your pardon but what did you say about us Tough?" Spike responded in feeling upset in how that response from the stallion came out.

"Yeah; that's like us saying you ponies are practically a pet horse from the Mag'ne's world!" Phobos pointed off in feeling offended by what Tough said about their Dragon species to relate them with dinosaurs.

"Yeah, just because we're in a close connection of the lizard family, doesn't mean we're all in the same boot. Like us Dragons!" Spike spoke off in issuing this statement that if the ponies didn't know of this little issue of theirs.

"Yeah, we, mostly some, fly, breath fire, chew with our mouths closed. And have you smelt its decaying breath?" Phobos spoke off to explain, though stated off about Spike flying, the Dragons could do other things, but that dinosaur was gonna chew them out with an open mouth and its breath was stinky too.

"Alright already, gee-wiz, sorry Ah even brought it up," Tough spoke off in moaning off in seeing that he made one mistake and the little Dragons get up in his face about it.

"Guys, you ain't gonna believe this, but…" Bocolix was slowly speaking in starting to see something a bit surprising here.

"That thing…is actually flying in the air!" Dumbledore finally stated out what their pursuer is now doing even in such a state.

Like the Enforcers spoke, Dead Dragon was seen actually flying up high in the skies and with wings that look like they couldn't lift the heavy thing with holes in the structure. But what was worst was when the decayed Dragon opened its mouth to spit out a flaming fireball that came in contact where the gang's cart moved pass, but the area was set on fire.

"IT BREATHS FIRE!" Phobos & Spike schemed out in shocking surprise to see that feat come from something that was almost more a dinosaur than Dragon.

"So it is a Dragon, despite it being a T-Rex." Nyx pondered off in guessing that the group shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

"Tough, heads up!" Twilight shouted off in seeing something ahead that the gang is heading for if they do not act with caution.

Soon the gang had to immediately stop when they reach what looked like a grave area filled with grave-stones and scattered bones with clothing to weaponry, etc. which was cluttered around a hill area. There was even a Roman building infused in the mountain while just pass that, was some steel gate that kept anything from leaving. Course when the ponies & dragons were distracted by this, their pursuer was also approaching as Dead Dragon was about to attack….

"At ease, Dead Dragon," Spoke a voice from out of nowhere that could be heard. "Hmph-hmph, to think these stranglers would make it this far." The voice sunder like it made a joke of sarcasm while Dead Dragon drops to the ground, heeding the orders it heard.

"Who's there?" Ben shouted out with a serious voice in demanding to know who else was here if not them.

Soon an answer came from who appeared from the Roman temple area. To the gang's surprise, it was a strange human being with very pale apple green skin color with light apple greenish gray long flow of hair that reached his back waist and short drags in front near his neck-chest spot, and only one dark-emerald eye is seen on the left side. He's seen wearing a sorcerer's black robe with three triangles of reds and one white in the center (think the Triforce image) as the line design at the bottom of the exposed black boots to the edge of the sleeves with the wrist collars stretching down near the leg side, and at the bottom of his pointy triangle cap-shape dunce. This guy wears an opera necklace around his neck, and this guy gives off the impression of being calm & intelligent, but maybe very much bloodthirsty figure, literally perhaps.

"I see you were fleeing for your pitiful lives from the Zombie Beast Guardian, Dead Dragon." The mysterious being spoke with showing a slight amusement in what was being seen here.

"Dead….Dragon," Tough slowly responded in almost not liking the name of such a creature, especially one that is…dead.

"Then….he really is dead?" Spike spoke out in fearful request if that was indeed true.

"A decay form, but very much living, he's an insentient creature that is incapable of feeling or understanding things; an inanimate living vessel." The mysterious mage answered off to the group about the Guardian that the gang tried to not get eaten by, was nothing but a decayed beast.

"Buddy, who the HECK do you think you are, trying to bring an insult to us Dragons!" Phobos snapped off in demand in who this new face was to try to bring a harmful image to dragons by having a Dragon that's like a zombie be their challenge.

"Ah yes, introductions." The mysterious figure responded in never wintering from such a burst before getting down to business. "I'm Peta. The one in charge of making up strategies and keeping all creatures in the End of Equestria to how the Demon Lords want them to be," Now the gang has finally met the guy that was present, and the name did ring a few bells. "In short, I'm a strategic officer mage, who knows just the right amount of effort to put into anything and also cunning." This guy was clearly in the top branch league with the Demon Lords and has been making the End of Equestria be like it is, a place no pony can live in peace and the dangers are too much to stand.

"So you're the guy we have to face." Ben issued off from summoning his Master Sword; this will be another opponent that the group gotta get through now.

"Hmph…Ah, yes….you met Kouga & Maha Vailo." Peta raised an eyebrow before realizing, this group was alerted about him by the other two opponents they fought that served the Demon Lords. "Hehehehehh….to believe those two would fail in stopping you, it just shows how worthless they truly were. Just like Somnanbula?" He issued how those he knew, even the witch that stole ponies youthful energy were nothing that he cared for.

"What? Are you really insulting your own comrades?" Nyx responded shock in what this villain was saying.

"The term for them are just servants to Demon Lords, little Nightmare Moon." Peta responded off, much to those that didn't like him calling Nyx by that name. "While those two as well as the Yin-Yang Twins were forced into it, only Somnambula and some of us are are the true loyal followers and have been with the Demon Lords the longest." He explained that there was a brief time in two beings or a witch and mage that serve the Demon Lords for the longest time. "I am subject to any of their beliefs, and promised to archive immortality like they are." Now the gnu was really surprised when they heard this claim as Peta soon noticed it. "But I am leading off, leads get back to other measures. Is this what you seek?" He spoke from reaching out to pull something out from his left sleeve.

Soon Pete magically made something appear to be presented to the gang. It was a strange object; a bunch of glowing green bugs that crawl around. But no sooner did Twilight immediately recognize what Peta was holding that shocked her….

"The Glowing Mites," Twilight shouted off in having the others hear it too, that which Peta holds is the ingredient that they were seeking in Bony Valley.

"Yes, I've kept it with me while watching your struggles throughout the End of Equestria." Peta spoke in holding the prize that the ponies & Dragons have wanted to get as he knew that they would try coming after it eventually since he seen them in action before…

Then this guy waved off his left hand to present illusion images in the air. Each one showing Twilight's group in how they survived their treacherous events, obstacles and even fighting against other creatures, foes, opponents, Guardian Creatures, even six out of the eight Immortal Demon Lords.

"Wait, you've been spying on us?" Dumbledore asked off in wondering if this guy was spying on their adventure the whole time.

"Isn't that an invasion of privacy?" Bocolix issued off in thinking this was kinda a creepy invasion of their own privacy at hand.

"Hmph, it's simply a key insight to watch an enemy's movements…to determine the best course of actions to unleash the final blow to equal one's victory." Peta spoke off in issuing this as a means to an end in studying a strong foe before crushing them.

"That's all nice, but it'll take a lot more than your petty words to frighten us!" Ben stated with a determine face that the heroes won't be beat just cause this weirdo watched them travel through to whole time.

"I should expect such challenge remarks from the wielder of the Triforce." Peta closed his eyes in knowing how Ben would make such claims against him, but then his open eyes said something differently. "However, this shall be your finale stand against my lords. For the only way you'll get out of here & obtain this ingredient is to face me." With that mentioned, Peta used his magic to make the ingredient he held vanish from sight and it will remain hidden until he's beaten.

"Hah! Face yew, partner," Tough laughed off in finding this challenge to be too funny to not find humorist to him. "No offense, but we've each took on yer old chump buds & beat down yer Demon Lords & their nasty pets like no tomorrow. If we can handle 'dat, wha can yew dish out," Tough issued off that after everything else they faced and fought to now, what can one measly mage guy do?

"Hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph, true…" Peta was seen chuckling in understanding the thick-headed Earth stallion's key notes. "Even if I have one Guardian, he's only 'V' number with a name called Funf in being the strongest." Peta looked to Dead Dragon in addressing the Guardian as such in what he holds.

"V?" Twilight responded puzzled in hearing this out of nowhere now.

"That's the Romain numeral for five, isn't it?" Nyx responded a bit in thinking what Peta was saying to them.

"Which means…this Dead Dragon isn't the only Guardian he's got!" Ben responded off in thinking that Peta was saying…this was only the fifth Guardian he's got on hand.

"Correct and once you're all finished, I'll reclaim the Guardians you've taken from my lords." Peta addressed off with a fiendish smile in how he'll end those here and reclaim what the Demon Lords want from the gang.

"Forget it! These Guardians aren't going to be slaves under their evil! They have feelings like us, I've seen it!" Twilight protest to hold her necklace of the retrieved Guardians that she knows would not want to serve the likes of evil beings like the Demon Lords, not when they are free of being prisoners.

"Then try to survive not just two…but an onslaught number of the most dangerous Guardians that I have kept to myself." Peta exclaimed off in seeing that now is the time to show this group of heroes, what true terror can be. "While my masters have each chosen their own for a pet of service, I've managed to obtain ones that are truly powerful beings." Hearing this news did not sit well with Twilight's group in where Peta was getting, did he have even…'stronger' Guardians? "Now, I'll show you them. First the bracelet of Dead Dragon, the Zombie Beast Guardian," Peta spoke in showing what magically appeared on his left arm shoulder was a bracelet chain of circle symbols with the last unconnected piece being a skull with a cross that was dangling from a circle ring by the skull's teeth.

"ROOUUARRRUGHHHH," Dead Dragon roared forth in magically reappearing before the downhill side of where Peta stood at the hill top while his Guardian stood ready in front of the gang.

"And now I'll present to you Zwei, number II of being strongest, the Dark Herculean Soul Guardian: Remrace!" Peta spoke from an arm bracelet with a strange center symbol of some creature's head and the bottom was a mouth.

Once the glow happened of blue swirling magical summoning, a new Guardian entered the picture. It was another giant size titan that looked like a humanoid entirely dark violet/black with bull-horns on its bald-head and a long flat tail, was very bulky, had only a diamond-square mark of red lines on its right shoulder while its blank eyes were red and inside it's pointy sharp teeth. From its big feet & large hands of five toes & fingers, it looked seriously muscular to bench-press….well, about anything. This was the insentient creature, the Dark Herculean Soul Guardian: Remrace, and if looks were frightful, this one could beat any in an instant.

"GROOURRAAAAUAAURRRGHHH," Remrace did something shocking when it let off a mighty roar, the monster looked like its mouth was cracked across its cheeks to let itself open its sharp jaws more.

"That…looks like a Herculean version…of common dark souls." Twilight spoke with looking almost very pale in what she was seeing here.

"Come wha now?" Spike asked off lost, what was Twilight even saying and that word 'herculaen', what does it all mean with this Remrace Guardian guy?

"I looked it up that it means displaying superhuman strength or power, 'herculean exertions'. It's powerful, superhuman, above or beyond the human demanding more than human power or endurance." Twilight explained this brief little portion of her facts before continuing. "For anyone that is in-league to it would be difficult, hard, not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure The very word herculean means extremely difficult; requiring the strength of Mag'ne's old greek gods of legends, Hercules." That last part set off a big emotion that what the gang are seeing in a creature that would be considered on a scale pair to a Greek Roman God of Megan's Earth's History tales.

"You mean that thing could be as strong as a guy from the Mag'ne's world?" Phobos asked off shocked to believe this, not only do they have to deal with Dead Dragon, but an equally strong Remrace too.

"Um, nothing to fear, so wha if he's got…" Tough was trying to not lose his cool of their situation, but….

"Oh I'm far from done! Behold!" Peta spoke in having another strange ring on his left hand's ring finger that was of an opal center with a diamond symbol, like a shield thing. "The Guardian under in being the first, number I, come forth….Armored Spear Knight Guardian: Eins!" Peta called forth in using the magical ring he had to magically call forth another Guardian Creature.

Then from another glowy light appeared a giant knightly armored creature with a dark gray opal shield and long spear, wore brown boots, tan brown pants & sleeve shirt, dark emerald and front gray waist guards with its upper gray armor covered by a puffy shaggy fur coat around the shoulder region and worn a bronze basket helmet with one hole for the left eye of tan dark blue color, three spikes from near the right forehead area and a red fluffy hair topping in a spiky-form. This guy, despite looking strange, is still a knight guardian, hence while he is the Armored Spear Knight: Eins.

"Nrrughh…so you're the guys I get to destroy?" Eins spoke in sounding somewhat like it's wanting battle and somewhat arrogant by its personality.

"It can talk?" The Enforcers responded off surprise in seeing that this was a Guardian that could speak to them.

"Just like Undine & Swarm, but different," Twilight spoke in recalling the last two Guardians that could speak to the group while others were not much talkers.

"And more to still come; Monstrous Form Guardian: Peryton!" Peta then showed another magical ring that was she of diamond pieces to nearly be dots to line a real thing & one tiny piece in the center…just before it too glowed in summoning another Guardian. 

And from another glowy light appeared a monstrous form of a creature physically built, it's got dark blue/violet skin color, three silver color toe talons, a long skinny flat lizard tail with a scaly design line, long bulky arms with golden wrist bracelets, a gray-bronze waist belt seen around it's waist-line, two to three spiky stuff coming out of its back across left & right side like the appearance of wings while the center shows little spikes across the back line. From the head shows two long horns of a bull, each with a bracelet in the middle, light-turquoise on the right and golden on the left and its face appears monstrous of a white color with a wide mouth exposing it's sharp teeth and red-orange crimson eyes. And even on the edge wrist of the left horn and around it's left arm are turquoise color brace-bands. Truly this guy here was definitely looking like a monster foe that was both tough & powerful, not to mention scary, the Monstrous Form Guardian: Peryton.

"GRAAAAROOOUURRRRUUAAGHHHH," After the monster landed on its feet and palms, it lifted its head as Peryton was letting off a mighty monstrous roar that about shook the valley.

"That thing looks mean!" Bocolix responded in seeing what came and boy did it look fierce.

"Not yet! Still more! Limbo Serpent Skull Guardian: Wakan Tanka!" Peta spoke off in showing what appeared by magic was a long golden cross pendant with some circle symbol chains around to the pendant as it began to glow.

And then from that glowy bright light before a shroud of bursting flames arise over what was coming just as the flames cease. The next creature was a giant form of a winged skeleton-bodied skull with glowing red eye dots and a bony tail. The wings showed a dark-blue feathery touch, the skull's forehead had on some bandanna with a lock on the ear portion with two large feathers & three dangle ear accessories, and it's top was a long blue flaming lock in which case, seem similar to a feather headdress hat by Indian folks, and this creature might have some connection to the style & appearance. Though embodying the "divine sacred", the summoning has minimized the 'Great Spirit's' omnipotence in this giant form, albeit retains some of its ascendancy. Truly if there was a creature of which some would fear as an evil spirit, look no further than the Limbo Serpent Skull Guardian: Wakan Tanka.

"GRUWWRRUUGH..Grugrugruaaarrughh…." Wakan Tanka was letting off an eerie growling and snarling noise while any that look into its glowing red eyes….would feel like they feel a huge magical difference from the huge amount this creature is putting out that would hit anyone hard with magical senses.

"That thing looks worse!" Dumbledore yelped in not liking what Peta just called forth next that was nothing but bones.

"Come forth now, Living Inferno Bird Guardian: Phoenix!" Peta responded in showing his right hand that magically showed a dark-gray ring with a flame going around the sides like an active fire.

Then another new glory light flashed with the ground igniting before what entered was something the ponies and Dragons were gasping at the sight of a creature that emerged from the ground's inferno. It was a giant bird made of living fire, the only noticeable features where it's one legged yellow talon with sharp black talons and it's face was like a bronze head-figure of the beak & it's forehead to its eyes which seem burning from the heat pressure. The freakiest thing was seeing when it opens its mouth, one can see the living flames from the rest of its body and it's eye-sockets were of bright flame-lit like staring at the sun, but different. This was a creature from within the sacred flame of its cyclical rebirth and may consume all his opponents in flame, the Living Inferno Bird Guardian: Phoenix.

"GRUUARRRUUUOOOGHHH," Phoenix let off a monstrous bird squawk noise that almost made the pets shiver from sensing a really scary creature that holds dominance.

"He's summoned a phoenix!" Spike exclaimed out in shock to seeing a Guardian Creature in a phoenix form and it's really big & with one leg.

"And even bigger then what Celestia or the other birds we've seen are!" Phobos responded in recalling how they've seen phoenixes before but nothing like this Guardian Creature.

"Now for a terrifying creature, Kamikaze Dark-Bringer: A Bao A Qu!" Peta issued forth when he brought out a gray bracelet with two pointy daggers near the center piece of a dark-gray skull with a long neck-beard shape as it glowed before magically shattering to pieces in some summoning set.

Then something above the clouds darkened when something was deciding down in a truly scary form. A skull with its lower jaw attached to a sharp, arched claw and where should be its cheeks two 3-piece claws. Its coloring was a mix of dark & gray of blue coloring while it's two eye-sockets had yellow eyeballs there. Then suddenly from activation from being arisen, it's asteroid "jaw" and "cheekbone" cleave, from the 4 parts that separated to reveal a giant malicious eye of pink back coloring to its yellow eye color with the black pupil, appearing from some shroud of darkness. The ponies & dragons saw this creature, recalled a mystical monster of Malaysian legend. Thus was the creature of which its presence could scare any out of their minds, the Kamikaze Dark-Bringer Guardian: A Bao A Qu.

"Oh boy, that looks bad now." Ben responded in almost sweating right now, this creature looks just as freaky and there is no telling what tricks it pulls out.

Soon the gang was up against nearly six to seven Guardians that stood or hover in defending Peta's position. The eve lame could tell that from the heroes' expressions, they were in a very deep pickle against so many Guardians at once.

"Heheheheee….you may as let me give you a quick death sentence, you'll never be able to defeat me with this many Guardians around." Peta let off a chuckle in seeing that the ponies & baby dragons have zero chance against such overwhelming odds like these. 

"We don't know the meaning of give up!" Nyx spoke in defense before transforming into her Battle Form to stand ready. "Everypony, we have to fight back and defeat him." Adult Nyx stated off that if they want to win, they have to have fate in themselves and not quiver from sheer surprises like this.

"Against them numbers," Tough asked off in seeing that from seeing how hard it was beating a single Guardian, beating that many is not simple task.

"Perhaps you like what just one Guardian can do against you." Peta smiled in sensing that he'll have to show the group what his collection of Guardians can really do here. "A Bao A Qu, show them." He turned to address the one Guardian that was seen floating after it was summoned by him.

Suddenly, A Bao A Qu's eye gazes towards Tough Apple's spot, and before the stallion knew it, some glass was in front of him.

"Hayl Wha-wha is 'dis?" Tough yelped in seeing he was encased in some glass ball sphere that lifted him up off the ground and couldn't break out.

"What do you think you're doing to Tough?" Ben turns to Peta in demanding to know what the enemy was gonna try to do.

"Simple means of disposing worthless opponents." Peta addressed off the manner while earning angry glares before explaining what he's truly doing. "A Bao A Qu is a Guardian that explodes. By encapsulating targets and it explodes from the inside." That explanation seems enough for any mind to understand why this Guardian was known as the Kamikaze Dark-Bringer.

"What!" The others responded in almost not liking the very sounds of this piece of news.

"Unfortunately for your companion, when I say a certain word, he'll be done for." Peta remorse over what will happen if he says one word to trigger A Bao A Qu's ability.

"Wha; Daggum; Let me outta here!" Tough yelped in hearing that in his glass prison, he's trying to break out, but it's no use.

"Now, to see if your name stands for your being; Hehehehehh…" Peta cackled off evilly in seeing if Tough can survive this tragic ordeal of being enveloped in an explosion. "Burst Up!" Peta shouted out in issuing the command for the technique to begin here.

Suddenly at that moment, the skull's yellow eyes flashed brightly upon the command. "Puufffruvhmm…." Then in Tough's imprisoned state, tan-pink smoke filled from the bottom that covered the stallion. "Crack…Crack…Crackvhmm…" Then some forms of cracks began to spread out from the top of the glass ball before…. "BOOOMMFRVUHHMMM…" All to suddenly, a large explosion happened that spread around the field in releasing the imprisoned smoke clouds. "GAUURAAAAUGHHH….Guuoopphh…" At the moment, the gang saw Tough falling from the explosion before crashing on the ground, making a lot of smoke clouds upon impact. "Uuuaagh…Uaaugh-Aaauaaaughh…." Tough was seen with his mouth open, yelping out in pain from what was inflicted upon his bruised body from taking an explosive force.

"Tough!" The gang cried out before coming over to surround and check their wounded friend. He looked like he himself just came out form a terrible explosion and was a covered a bit in wounds.

"Tough, are you alright?" Twilight asked from trying to have herself & Nyx use healing spells to recover their friend.

"Cough…Ah've been better." Tough coughed up from snapping back awake from what hit him hard now while giving off a little smile of assuring he's okay.

"Oh man, how are we gonna beat this guy with such powerful Guardians if one could do that much? It's almost like facing all Demon Lords at once?" Spike asked off in having serious doubts if they can even overcome this big moment, it was hard getting through everything else, but now they are facing odds that were like almost all the Demon Lords or just the Superior all at once to be nearly impossible to overcome it.

"Call in us!" Spoke the voice matching a familiar Water Guardian that Twilight's group knows after Tough was completely healed up.

"Undine," Twilight responded a bit surprised in hearing their friend speak to them by mental needs.

"To defeat a Guardian, you need a Guardian of your own to help win." Undine stated to Twilight's group that if they wish to defeat an enemy's large forces, then only Guardians can defeat Guardians. "Please call in us and we will aid you." Undine's voice pleaded to let those the group have collected by of service to them in order to repay for saving them & for the trouble that has been caused.

"Alright, I understand." Twilight nods in understanding Undine's…no, the Guardians she has around her neck's wishes. "Everypony, get ready, this….is gonna be a bit more extreme." Twilight spoke to step forth in feeling ready to do something that'll really surprise them all.

Hearing that, Ben, Adult Nyx, the Enforcers, Tough, Spike & Phobos move back to give Twilight some room; Even from the cart with Justin & the pets, they saw Twilight focusing her magic for a brief moment as the others around was soon about to see….a big show.

"Come forth! Mehitos! Egola! Undine! Flying Leo! Torpedine! Gymnote!" Twilight opened her eyes in now using what she has to call forth many Guardians from obtaining them to stand present with the gang.

Soon from a glowing of light from the Guardians rings & necklace around Twilight's neck soon called forth those the gang had earned on their earlier journey here. And soon the Guardians of the Carnivorous Plant: Mehitos, The Ice Giant: Egola, the Water Spirit Guardian: Undine, the Loyal Beast: Flying Leo, have entered the field. And soon above the skies were two new Guardian creatures the group is now seeing. The first was seen flying across the skies from the light exposing what was like a giant stingray that was blue scale, a pointed tail pole and on its wings were golden bands with some writing on them that are attached under the wing to overlap the top area. It had yellow tan eyes and a third one on the forehead and with a mouth on its back with a few sharp fangs. Next to appear flying across the skies from the light exposing it was what resembled a giant, pink, eyeless electric eel with a tan underbelly with big fin-shaped ears and from its back head was likely its loose fin-hairs. Both new creatures let off roars that made the skies begin to rip from their electricity to cause a storm; they were the Electric Sea Creature Guardians: Torpedine (ray) & Gymnote (eel).

"Those are the new Guardians we got from Maha Vailo? A giant Manta Ray & an Eel," Phobos asked off in disbelief, he was not expecting such differently form Guardians from the sea.

"Well, their electricity, so they gotta be very strong, right?" Tough pointed out in thinking if these new Guardians were not from an electric ability, they might not have enough power to give them a bigger boost.

At this time, two sides had a small number of Guardians lined up against their summoners; Each one staring across in seeing their opponents and targets, an eye for an eye and a Guardian for a Guardian.

Peta saw this action by Twilight Sparkle and he could not help but smile in seeing what was standing before him now. The defeated Guardians that were once in the possession of the Demon Lords, now serving their new owner, a princess pony no less, what are the chances of seeing such 'horse power' being displayed here.

"Hehehehh….so you decided to go against the odds? Very well," Peta smiled ever more in seeing if the heroes wanting fight his Guardians with their own small band, then so be it. "We'll see who is the strongest and only one side shall fall!" He issued this off that only one of them will be able to leave this Bony Valley alive, whoever it shall be is the victor.

"We couldn't agree more!" Twilight spoke with determination, it's time that they begin to fight back here.

Soon the sides where Twilight's friends gathered, even Justin, Rabbitchu, and the pets near their front line of Guardians. Peta's side of Guardians was awaiting their orders in when they attack. Silence filled the air, it was almost like a showdown here, and whoever makes the first move will get either the advantage or disadvantage…..whatever moves can be made…will happen now!

"Get them." Peta issued off his orders for the army of Guardians on his side to begin already.

Now soon both sides of Guardians were rushing off towards the other from the other side. And before anybody could tell what happen, it looked like a car wreck had gone by. For soon each different Guardian was clashing or knocking another one off backwards from when they tackled.

As things were turning out, Undine was trying to fight off against Phoenix; water to put out its flames…easier said than done we're afraid to say.

"Groorrruaghhh," Phoenix opened its mouth to let off a flaming energy blast.

"Uuuagh….this battle will be difficult." Undine managed to dodge around the opponent, truly, this Guardian is more stronger.

Soon Egola & Remrace came up to the other and soon got into an arm-lock hold. As both Guardians let off growling noises, the Ice Giant was making it's area of frozen ice to give him extra strength, at least enough to keep it's self from losing to a Herculean creature like Remrace.

Mehitos was trying to handle A Bao A Qu, considering that when the skull creature tried it's explosion work, the plant just regrew itself.

Flying Leo was seen taking to the skies while Wanka Tanka flew off and breathe fire in unleashing it off as some very hot stuff. The lion creature was dodging while turning to try attacking but the winged-skull head used its tail to whip around its foe.

Another event took in where Peryton & Dead Dragon were facing off against Torpedine & Gymnote as the flying sea creatures unleashed attacks. The ray creature fired bolts of incredibly-high voltage lightning from its mouth while the eel fired an 'Electric Shock' from its mouth down where Eins was, but it used its shield for defense.

As the Guardians were clashing against the other, Twilight's group was rushing off towards fighting the ring-leader that stood alone: Peta.

"Hooo, so you used your servants to distract my own to come get me. A wise tactic," Peta responded in seeing how this group was trying to reach him by trying to distract him by their Guardians fighting.

"One issue; we had our 'Friends' stop your Guardians to give us a helpful aid!" Twilight snapped off to say in what the gang considered the Guardian Creatures they've obtain as friends, allies, not servants.

"Then if it's a clash of physical standards you want, I shall oblige." Peta responded in seeing that if they are to battle with their own bodies, then so be it, "Sickle Death." He held out his right hand and then a red scythe engraved with a gory vulture's head with a gray coloring of the face with the eye seen on either side.

"Watch out! He's got a creepy scythe like a Grim Reaper!" Tough shouted out in seeing this eve lame give him the creeps in what trick he's pulled out just now.

"I got this! Hrrughhh," Ben soon charged ahead to throw himself with the Master Sword to strike.

At the moment, Peta defended from Ben's attack but was pushed back.

"Surprise," Suddenly, Spike & Phobos appeared behind the evil mage to deliver a double knee-jab to Peta's below chin spot.

"Guwwwaughhh," Peta yelped off from that sudden attack that knocked him backwards. "Grrruurreeeh," Peta rested his ground to frown in growling at the ones that dare hurt him, which the baby Dragons smirked proudly for.

"Those two are in the lead now!" Dumbledore spoke from seeing what happened from above their view.

"Yeah, maybe this guy was all talk!" Bocolix responded off in seeing Peta was all talk; no action here.

"Mother, did you notice, he's slower than how fast we are?" Adult Nyx stated with a serious look to her mother, their enemy isn't as fast as them for some strange reason.

"Hmph…" Peta soon re-position himself to let off a smirk against his opponents like he's far from being done.

"Hruuarughhh," Soon Ben charged again to attack Peta with his Master Sword.

"Guuahhaaugh," Peta used his sickle to guard but was being overly pushed back.

"Heads up," The voices of the Enforcers flew from behind Ben to deliver a surprise tackle to Peta that knocked his scythe off and spin across the ground.

"Guagh…my weapon," Peta yelped in seeing those two Alicorns knocked his weapon out of his hands.

"Your mine now," Ben roared out before swinging his blade now.

And in that sudden instant, the Master Sword sliced Peta's waist to send his upper half flying off slowly.

"Alright; He got him!" Tough cheered with a big smile, they took down the baddy here.

Soon the scene shows Peta's upper body slowly fall back to the ground and land with an impact touch. But during that whole scene, the evil mage's expression was still…a smile. Why was that; was he just psychotic or just plain crazy insane in not seeing what happened.

"Way to end this Ben. You made this a quick win." Phobos landed near Ben to smile and pat the stallion for a job well done here.

"Hey wait, why aren't those guys stopping?" Spike spoke from noticing the Guardians battle against the others was….still not ceasing.

The scene shows the heroes Guardians are still having their hands full against Peta's own batch. Phoenix was really heating up with Undine almost being evaporated but kept a safety distance. Egola was seen cracking under pressure, literally while trying to re-heal itself with more cold, but the monstrous strength of Remrace was giving the ice giant a hard time. Mehitos was still in a stalemate with A Bao A Qu, even with the vines mostly being on fire from the explosions. Flying Leo's struggles with Wanka Tanka soon came down where Eins collided with the flying lion by surprise. Toredine was blasting electricity to Dead Dragon who fired off its own flames from its breath while Gymnote did the same attack Peryton, but the monstrous form creature emitted energy from its mouth before firing it off. All sides were either even or more likely trying to gain advantage, but nothing was speeding this up unless the gang decided to help their Guardians in need.

"Peta's control over those Guardians should have cease when he was defeated. Just what's going on here?" Twilight asked puzzled in what was happening here, usually when an owner is down or dead, the Guardians that they summon begin to disappear, so what was happening here?

What was going on indeed.

Twilight's group was in a major thought about what was going on, for starters; their fight here. Peta seemed too easy to beat and his Guardians have not disappeared while facing off the other Guardians with the heroes. Something was way off here, and any wrong moves could be costly, so what was behind this mystery of why the battle wasn't ending?

"Nrugh-huhuhuhhh…" Suddenly at this moment, a wicked laughter was heard that made everyone almost become wide-eye shock in surprise, that couldn't be… "Gruhuhuhh-hhahahahah-huhuhuhh…" Yes, from Peta's upper half was laughing with his same expression, he was still alive even when slaved in half.

But that wasn't the end of the freakiness for the guy was turning to some goopy purple stuff. The upper body half that was goop was moving like it was alive and was going into contact with Peta's lower half with the legs still standing and the waist…bubbling? When the two split halts came into contact, the top was merging with the served body to begin something….creepy.

"What is that?" Spike asked off shocked in not believing what was being seen.

Soon the upper goop was wiggling around on the top of the waist body before….one part of it showed a face with only a one eye seen. And soon that goop became Peta, his upper half remerge with his severed lower half like he wasn't cut at all, and he was laughing with an evil sense to it from seeing everyone's surprise faces. "You're wondering, how am I still alive?" He responded the question that was on all of his foes minds, how can he be alive after being sliced in half.

"Aaah, yeah, if you don't mind," Phobos slowly responded that they 'do' mind since the heroes don't know and wanna know.

"Phobos," Spike hushed his friend so that they can learn what they are dealing with here.

"Because of this, a magic wrist bracelet made from the Demons: Blood Body." Peta responded off in showing off from his left hand's wrist was a gray wrist-bracelet with a white center oval.

"What?" Twilight responded off surprised in hearing what kinda item Peta has and the name is not to friendly to hear about.

"Just what kinda demon artifact is that?" Ben asked off puzzled in why the Demon Lords they fought would give Peta such an item.

"With this artifact, lets me recreate the body of its user into blood thus immunizes any wielder against all physical attacks." Peta started off in explaining the basic function of the wrist-bracelet he wears that makes him safe from physical harm. "So from now on, physical attacks won't work on me…heheheheheh, while I have the Blood Body active." Peta finished explaining while he let off an evil laugh while his artifact ceases glowing white in the center to being red again.

"Yuck, 'dat means 'dt weird goop was…blood?" Tough responded off in realizing, that the goop form Peta was turn into was actually…some form of blood.

"Eeeeiiiiieeehhh," The Enforcers shivered in the thought of hearing this so suddenly.

"I had a strange feeling that it was too easy, but it figures a villain would pull off a sneaky trick." Adult Nyx responded in seeing that the tactic to harm this foe was not as easy as they had expected.

"Hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph…" Peta lets off a low chuckle in seeing the group's stump expressions in knowing that they have lost one way to attack him. "So what will you do now?" Peta asked off in wanting to see what this gang of trouble-makers for the Demon Lords will do now if they can't use physical means.

"I think the answer is simple, if Ben's sword won't work…" Twilight spoke off in seeing another solution to their problem here.

"How about magic instead," Ben spoke with a sly determine smile in getting what Twilight was suggesting they do instead.

"Oh course, magic!" Adult Nyx responded in understanding the plan, Peta can't be harm by physical, but magic was nonphysical substance.

"Yeah, lets hit him with some fire breaths too!" Phobos nods with a smile in seeing they have a way to hurt this guy now.

"Hey you two, try to help aim for this guy!" Spike turn to Bocolix & Dumbledore in wanting some extra magic users here.

"Right," The Enforcers responded to stand up to get into position with the rest.

Soon Ben was charging up his sword for a Sword Beam while Twilight, Dumbledore & Bocolix prepared a Magical Beam Shot, Adult Nyx was gonna fire her Night Burst while Spike used his Dragon Rage & Phobos use his Moon Rage attacks. And soon all the heroes fired their magical and elemental attacks to go directly for the evil mage. But strangely, Peta was neither concern nor worry, he seems…perfectly calm.

"Dark Reflector," Suddenly, Peta held his hands forth across his chest area with a sneaky smirk while he magically creates what takes the form of a black hole.

And then in that instant, when the gang's attacks impacted Peta's little move, a very unexpected event happened; it absorbed all the launched moves & magical abilities. Then Peta focused to suddenly have all that which was gunning for him, then blasts it back in the caster's direction; namely Twilight's group.

"What?" Ben yelped in seeing what was coming at them, and they couldn't avoid it in time. "Gaaughh…./Gaaaaughhh!" Soon Ben and everyone else was instantly impacted, HARD by their own attacks sent back at them.

Twilight's group struggled with some aching pains coursing through their bodies, most of them handled a little of that stuff, but still, what a knock off force from them.

"Guhahahahaaahhh…" Peta laughed off at this while dispelling his Dark Reflector to smile at the group's agonizing pain.

"Ooohhh, dat there hurt!" Tough cringed in seeing since he didn't attack with magic, the stallion watched how his buds didn't like taking that kinda inflicted pain.

"Grrughh…this guy's strong." Spike struggled from getting himself to stand up after that impact he took of his own attack.

"He'll resist the physical attack with that Blood Body move…" Adult Nyx spoke in stating that no physical attack could harm this evil mage.

"And return our magical and element attacks with Dark Reflector." Twilight stated another issue where their magic will be reflected back at them.

"So we can't hurt him physically or with distance magic." Dumbledore spoke in seeing how the gang can't do the two things that can deal damage to an enemy.

"Don't we have another source to use against him?" Bocolix asked if they had another way to attack this villain.

"Right now, our own Guardians ain't here to help try something to give us an advantage." Phobos responded in seeing that their own Guardians are still at by with Peta's Guardians and it's still looking rough there too.

"There has to be a way to weaken this guy. The Master Sword should hurt evil creatures, so somehow, that 'Blood Body' move of his keeps avoiding the sword's holy power." Ben issued responded with a stern face in how his sword could hurt this Peta guy, but with a body that turns into blood to avoid being harm by sharp physical touch is a hard riddle to figure out.

"What's wrong, are you done already?" Peta broke the group's time in having some quiet moment to chat up some counter-measure plan against him.

"Actually, we just came up with a plan. If we can't slice or burn you…." Ben responded in feeling like his courageous self again in what they can do here if two options were out in hurting Peta. "Then we'll strain you away!" The stallion responded to bring forth his sword to hold it up high.

"Yeah," The Enforcers & Tough responded in agreement as they were gonna back Ben up.

Soon Ben charged forth to deliver another slash against the unmoved Peta which sliced him up. Dumbledore & Bocolix tried to fire off some magically formed buzzsaws to help Ben slice up Peta's body into a few more pieces. The scattered body shrouds of Peta were floating and yet they began to move. Tough saw them and decided to use his rifle to blast a few extra holes to make the pieces of Peta even smaller.

"And now's a good as time for a high speed magic attack guys!" Ben issued in seeing this was their chance before Peta can reform himself to reflect their magic attacks.

The group was trying to make their attacks be faster this time. Soon the heroes unleashed what was a very swift speed of magical and element attacks that seem to be blowing across the goop blood shrouds of Peta and they seem to have been sent outwards in looking like the heroes won…

But then something was off, the scattered purple blood goop froze in midair that define the logical sense of the mind.

"What the," Twilight yelped in wide-eye surprise, what kinda trick was this now?

"Why did it stop?" Adult Nyx asked off in not understanding, this should have worked unless…

At this time, the scattered blood goops of Peta's being were molding together in a loop ring and then fell on Ben Mare.

"Guuuaggh-Aaaauuukh," Ben yelped from getting caught as he brace himself but was caught in a messy situation. "Gruagh…I'm stuck! Guuagghh," Ben struggled in seeing the goopy liquid blood caught his hooves and soon was stretching to cover the rest of his body.

"Ben!" Spike cried out in horror, their plan to get Peta this time failed them.

"He's being caught by that goopy substance!" Phobos responded off in seeing that now their pal is really in a messy state.

"Guuagh…Nrruuaaghhh!" Ben is seen really struggling to get out of his sticky state, as the goopy form was having all but his bottom hooves and head covered up. "Guaugh...Huaarguh…Grruaaghh!" As Ben struggles to get himself free, one goopy blood substance over behind his head begins to show Peta's face.

"Nhuhhuhuh-hahahah…" Peta's head becomes solid for him to laugh against his caught stallion. 

"Hang tight Ben!" Dumbledore shouted out for Ben to hear them.

"We'll help out!" Bocolix issued off that they'll come and help now.

As the Enforcers were flying off to tackle Peta to free their friend, something happened.

"I rethink your strategy for I have a surprise for you two fools." Peta spoke in seeing the approaching Enforcers as he has a surprise to turn this battle more in his favor. "Come out, Giant Hands Guardian: Saint Anger!" Peta issued forth in surpising everyone in calling forth a Guardian's aid here.

Then without any warning, bursting out of the ground were what was two gigantic armored gray hands with blue color cloth wrists with dangling green orbs with red drapes around the collar; they looked so big, so powerful, that these things could crush opponents with their…well, bare hands. These were the Giant Hands Guardian: Saint Anger.

"Uh-oh," The Enforcers responded in seeing that they were now facing a Guardian of not one, but two gigantic hands that could crush them, "Yiiiikes!" The two yelped when the two giant hands grabbed them in their clutches.

"Another Guardian; and this one is a pair of giant hands." Adult Nyx responded off surprised to see this unexpected surprise twist.

"Waaaheeelppp," Soon Dumbledore & Bocolix screamed out from being thrown across to end up hitting… "Guuuaghhh," Yep, they were thrown to be rammed into the other before falling onto the ground, very much in pain.

"It's always best to keep some reserves; you showed me your entire fold, a big mistake to be costly." Peta spoke in instructing the heroes of how one needs to plan to keep their best cards in play until the timing calls for them.

This made the gang growl in fury, Peta had another trick like this up his sleeve and they fell for it. But now Twilight & Nyx saw Saint Anger coming towards them and used their magic to take Tough & the two Dragons to teleport out of the way.

"With those two Alicorns & your friends distracted, now for you, wielder?" Peta remotely exclaimed in having his surprise stunt catch Ben's friends off guard that they can't come to the stallion's rescue. "Die." Peta addressed this off with an evil sly smile across his face in what he'll do now.

"GUUAAAAUGHHH," Ben screams, as those around see that Peta's bloody goop form begins to put the 'squeeze' on his caught prey. "Grrrugh…Uurrgh…." Ben was feeling his body getting crush by this death-gripping hug.

"Nuhuhuhu-GWuhuhuhuhoohhh…." Peta was just smirking and laughing at the stallion's pitiful state.

"Grrrrr…if I've survived hugs from Big Mac & Tough, then yours…is nothing…when I cut it! Master Sword!" Ben struggled with his hoof near his sword as he decided to take a swing. Soon in a quick motion, Ben managed to slice Peta's bloody goop body to get free to move away. "Hugh…haaaugh…" The stallion settles himself down after just getting out of that hard trap.

"Ben/Father," Soon Ben was accompanied by Twilight & Adult Nyx, followed by Spike & Phobos.

"Darn it! Now we're two Alicorns short o' a gutter wit' them being chased by giant hands!" Tough cursed their situation, now the Enforcers have their hands or hoofs full with a new surprise Guardian of two hands trying to capture them.

At the time, Peta completely reform his bloody body back into its original form shape to show off that creepy eerie smile of his.

"Grrugh….what is with this guy?" Spike growled in seeing that their plans in facing Peta are not helping them out.

"It's like beating putty, but much harder!" Phobos complained that this evil mage was like putty in their hands, only they can't beat such difficult putty.

"Hugh-hugh….just keep focusing everypony." Ben slowly spoke from sitting himself up to hold his sword against their opponent. "Hugh-hugh….we can't fall here, not when we're so close." Ben issued from keeping a determine face in seeing if they fall now, it's game over.

"Hahahaha-heheheh-haaahh….Garnet Claw," Peta was laughing off in finding this scene to be truly amusing, and soon from holding up his left hand, a set of razor-sharp blood-colored claws that are made from his fingernails appeared.

"Heads up, his nails got wickedly long! I'll hold him; you all heal Benny-boy!" Tough stood defensively ready to aim his rifle gun to hit the target to keep him at bay. "Bang-Bang-Bang…." Try as the tough stallion could, his bullets could not harm the Blood Body of Peta and the villain came up to instead….slash his sharp claw nails against Tough, "Guagh-Gaaugh, Geeehhh!" The stallion was getting the worst slash cuts he's ever had, even worse than paper-cuts.

"Hehehehahahahaha," Peta let off an evil cackle in slashing across the defenseless Earth stallion that held no value to him.

"Gaaugh, Grrugh…" Tough made a few over yelp cries from taking on such an abusive slaughter of attacks.

"Tough!" Twilight shouted off in seeing her friend was not able to defend when Peta had the upper hand.

"Gruuagh…Guuaugh!" Tough was last seen knocked backwards from that last strike against the sharp nails by Peta, he dropped his rifle before hitting the ground.

"Abyss Cannon," Peta aimed his right hand forth that soon unleashed what looked like tortured souls that he fired at his enemies as a mouth cannon.

"Guuaaaughhh," Twilight, Adult Nyx, Ben, Spike & Phobos were launched backwards to land hard on the ground, batten and a bit weaken from what hit them by surprise just now before the technique faded.

"Grrugh…he's too strong." Phobos groaned to say in sensing this guy was really a strong foe.

"Not a single form of attack will work on him." Adult Nyx responded in being baffled, how can the heroes defeat someone that has the unbeatable street like Kouga & the magical abilities of Maha Vailo, but in another league?

"How did you like that? A technique that feeds upon the hatred of more souls than there are in Underworld and expels it," Peta explained how he managed to pull off such a technique right now. "Of course, this area holds the most, seeing that every single decease creature that lay waste here was put by me!" As he was explaining this fact, his evil smirk was seen in explaining such a statement issue.

"Wha…what," Twilight responded off in not believing what the gang just heard now.

"They were heroes too, but they were meaningless creatures that were worthless." Peta spoke off in making light conversation over the decays of the the graves the group sees around them. "I've been following the Eight Immortal Demon Sorcerers before they became known today as Demon Lords. They'll eventually make all of Equestria their possession." He issued this forth as a forth-coming event that will change Equestria for all times. "From them, I became aware that humans & all natural life are trash as well." To Peta's eyes, all human life & other intellectual creatures are worthless to those that are not eternal, "The flowers, trees, and humans & all intelligent creatures. Those with life are only pretending to be of the beauty of the world. But, they're only getting ready to rot away or perish. The only true beauty is eternity. And with the immortal Demons, we'll burn the wretched, and purify this world." This explanation was long, but it sounds like from what were dices, the Demons plan to have complete control over this world & instruct terror and fear to all life…for all time. "Do you understand? Their ideals are mine in making this world be ruled by them." He issued in wanting this degree of his philosophy to be well-known.

The gang growled in hearing this evil mage's view of the world. Believing in Demons, becoming immortal, out-living life and never rot away, seeing natural life if you’re not a powerful ever-lasting creature is nothing special. And to control all things against their will is just…so wrong.

"I bet you lot don't," Peta remotely issued how this group of heroes doesn't fully follow his ideal matters even now.

"Heh, why should we care about that?" Ben spoke from when he and the rest were getting up which made Peta focus on them. 

"Yes, our purpose is to gather the ingredients to save our friend's home and all of Ponyville's need of balance." Twilight spoke off in issuing what they are here for and nothing will stop them from pulling this act off.

"Ye mess wit' mah family's farm an' yer're gonna pay!" Tough Apple stated off with a stern face in ready to pop if he's gotta go through walls to save his family's home.

"Along with some revenge for all the other souls you took away that came here!" Spike snapped off to tell that they'll also avenge the lost souls Peta took when they came to this place.

"Yeah, don't think that Blood Body of yours will protect you forever!" Phobos also declared forth that they'll find a way to beat this creep, count on it.

"How pointless," Peta responded with a dry response to this bravo act of heroism. "It's such minor issues." He spoke off in addressing the heroes’ claims as miner things. "How's about I let you all experience the pain that other travelers felt." As he spoke this, he held up his arms while making a fiendish smile appear from his face.

"Hugh? What's it now 'dis time, buster?" Tough asked off with showing a cheeky & cocky attitude in not being scared.

"You shouldn't worry for this technique is meant for the more 'special' types." Peta exclaimed of what he's going to unleash is not gunning for Tough but the others with him instead. "Blood…" As the evil mage held up his hands together, a dark sphere form near his wickedly evil smiling face, "Syringe," After he finished saying that line, nearly six spheres that were suddenly changing into…spiked glass orbs with needle spikes.

And then in a sudden instant, and much to anyone in a slow reaction, Ben, Twilight, Spike, Phobos & Adult Nyx were stabbed from either their exposed backs or behind manes or just their scaly bodies with them orbs acting as needles. They each made yelp cry responses; Adult Nyx was a bit more, since she was suddenly jammed with two spiked orbs. And then what happened next was that a sudden flow from the spikes was filling the glass orbs….it was their blood.

"Aarrughh; this is why I hate needles!" Phobos yelped to cringe from feeling like he got a shot from a doctor.

"Uuuugh, what did he do?" Spike groans from feeling awfully strange all of a sudden.

"Grrrr….he's….sucking away our blood." Twilight moans from the pain but looked at Peta with her gaze eyes in what this vile mage was doing.

"I see, so…this is what he's done to unsuspecting heroes that came before us." Ben cringes a bit from the pain of what he's feeling that's happening to the group.

"You stole their blood and let them die out, didn't you?" Adult Nyx snapped off in feeling mad, this Peta guy was clearly heartless in this action in killing off heroes that came to the End of Equestria.

"Not only the blood." Peta inters the subject that what the heroes are feeling are more than a loose of blood. "Blood Syringe absorbs your magical power & health." This message was clear, Peta was gonna weaken the heroes of their health and drain away their magic too. "In other words, it sucks away life itself." As Peta was explaining this, the spiked glass orbs were now completely filled up with blood.

"Wait! Wha yew say," Tough yelped in hearing this right, that sounds like the worst thing to ever befallen a hero.

Suddenly, Twilight's group begins to yelp in slowly falling backwards from a sudden feeling. As Tough watched, and even the Enforcers saw from afar from trying to deal with Saint Anger that their friends are in trouble. Peta however stood over the lot in laughing wickedly.

"Noo…we can't fall yet…" Ben spoke this out within his mind with concerning expression in what's happening before…they hit the ground.

"FELLAS," Tough cried out in seeing what has happened to his pals and it wasn't good.

Twilight, Ben, Adult Nyx, Spike & Phobos lie still from what has happened to them; It really looks like their states are in a cross of being near life and death.

"You rotten crook; Why'd yew try 'dis; Ah thought them bosses o' yers wanted Ben & Nyx alive!" Tough snapped off to Peta in demanding to know what he's thinking, the Demon Lords want two of his friends taken alive, not dead, right?

"Correction, they want the Triforce & Nightmare Moon." Peta issued to make a correction to Tough's little assumption of what is to be played out. "While killing Ben Mare and taking his body is one way to work, Nightmare Moon is a tricky case." As Peta spoke this, one spiked glass orb on Nyx's Battle Form popped off from her to come to him. "Hehehehehe, but I've been given special orders to even take her life and bring her back so the Demon Lords can restart from scratch." He actually let off an evil cackle while stating how even if Nyx dies to bring her corpse body and the Demon Lords will revive her…as a weapon that they know; Nightmare Moon.

"Wha," Tough yelped in shocking horror, the Demons are now trying that now?

"There's more. Their genetic coding in their blood is also the key accentual to everything of possibility. Imagine…." Peta spoke in showing the container of Nyx's blood and how it along with the others under the same situation is having their blood taken. "The blood of Nightmare Moon brought back, along with that of the new Alicorn princess, the blood that once felt the Trifroce & still is connected; add in the Moon Dragon and even Tadaka's son that should hold Demon blood within." He spoke of Nyx, Twilight, Ben, Phobos, and even Spike of the imaginations of having such blood of such characters in the palm of villain's hands. "And with Nightmare Moon's blood & the rest, they can create more evil creatures of this lot or more so….create a SUPER Weapon by mixing their blood!" Peta exclaimed forth the unimaginable imagine in where the group’s blood is used to create a creature of such power and terrifying might, it will be a weapon of great disaster.

This left many that were still standing to be in shock. The Guardians with Twilight's group wished to help, but the Guardians under Peta's control still made that impossible. Even the Enforcers that tried to dodge from getting grabbed or bashed by Saint Anger couldn't help but find the news shockingly surprising.

"Did he say mixing their blood?" Bocolix asked off in hearing what he heard but couldn't believe it.

"He said that and it sounds bad!" Dumbledore responded in fear, mixing Twilight's & the gangs blood for evil sounds extremely bad.

"You got it now!" Peta spoke off in seeing if these fools were getting the bigger picture here. "I not only take blood, but save it for my Demons as my service! So they can use the blood of powerful creatures to create more powerful creatures!" That alone set in motion of great evil to be born by the blood of others of great power of good, made to do bad, "Imagine it, a new Nightmare Moon with Twilight Sparkle's Element of Magic, Ben Mare's Triforce and a bonus of a Moon Dragon's strength & the dragon cross Demon child from Tadaka & Shendu! The very creation that Tso Lan would feel please to gain for their conquest!" Peta's smile grew so wide, imagining such a weapon of such proportions could equal total dominance to all of Equestria.

"Buddy, yer're a crazed-up evil mage fruit-loop!" Tough snapped off in saying that Peta's mind is more a mess then he believed, "Hey yew fellas! Get up! We can't let 'dis varmint win!" The tough stallion turn to those that were down, they have to stand and stop this lune.

During the moment, the spiked glass orbs were still stabbed in those with Twilight, she, Ben, Adult Nyx, Spike & Phobos. They have not move for over a minute at this time.

"Not yet….it's not over yet." Peta responded in seeing that this situation with his foes is still not at an end yet.

At this moment, the heroes that were believed to have fallen are still showing signs of life.

"Hmph-hmph-hmp-hmph….they're not dead yet." Peta was seen chuckling evilly in seeing this lot was not dead yet, which meant more time for him to have fun. "Hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph…." He continues to laugh in seeing that the heroes that he's taken into such a state are not done yet with him.

"Yew dang vile mage," Tough growled in about to lose his temper here.

Soon we see the others that have fallen, each of them looking like they are just struggling with their bodies to move. But during their unmoving stasis, they are hearing voices of evil.

"Is that all?" Peta's voice called out from speaking that Twilight, Ben, Adult Nyx, Spike & Ben heard in their minds with their eyes still open. Within these fives minds were their home, Ponyville, and all of Equestria…that was seemingly set on fire caused by evil's hand in the matter. It's like a painful scene in foreseeing what tragedy awaits for the gang's home if they fail. "Is it over already, little ponies & Dragons?" Soon the evil version image of Peta was seen over in the inferno background of the gang's ruin home, him and the Demon Lords.

From the gang's eyes, seeing such a vision was snapping them out of their stasis mode.

"Don't kid yourself." Ben groanly issued from his eyes glaring upwards in what he saw in his mind & heard and won't allow it to come true.

"There's no way!" Twilight spoke from struggling her own depths in her mind in not wanting what the fallen ones saw to come to pass.

"We let you getaway…." Spike growled with his teeth grinding together to spat this out.

"With any of that," Phobos snarled off in looking ready to explode from his developing anger.

"We will not….fail!" Adult Nyx responded off with a determine face in refusing to fail here and everyone else.

Suddenly, during the moment, Twilight, Ben, Adult Nyx, Spike & Phobos were suddenly letting off a lot of their magical auras over their bodies. Trying to force fight themselves to not give up and push hard.

"Hmph-hmph-hmph, hmph-hmph; that's right; struggle more," Peta chuckled in seeing that the heroes were trying to struggle when they were nearly of death's doorknob. "Struggle & use up the last ounce of magical power you have left." Peta was wanting the group who's had a loss of blood use up all of their last strength as an act to struggle to fight on.

"If ye don't shut up, Ah'll make yah!" Tough snapped to show his shotgun, having enough of Peta talk down to his pals.

Hearing Peta's crawl remarks of them struggling to only end up dieting really set the others to crunch their teeth to struggle harder now. At the sudden moment, some of the spiked glass orbs showed cracks happening when being enveloped by the more magical power that the heroes are letting out that they seem hard to absorb. Then from one mighty battle cry from Twilight, Ben, Adult Nyx, Spike & Phobos, they unleashed so much of their inner magical aura that the Blood Syringe glass orbs completely shattered.

Tough and the Enforcers saw that act and were very much surprised, but relieved.

"Oh, they broke them orb things." Bocolix responded to say while ducking a giant fist that almost smashed him.

"And with their magical power too!" Dumbledore issued in what else was seen while watching a giant palm slap from the giant hands.

"Nice going gang!" Tough cheered for his pals in getting through that tough case.

Course even from all the cheers, it was clear that those that had their blood, health, and even magical powers taken were shown to be very weak. And most strange still was seeing the destroyed glass orbs' contained blood from the group hover above them.

"Guuagh...huuuagh; Grghh…guuaghh…" Ben was struggling first to push himself up while the others were trying to push their own efforts up.

"Guuuagh…come on….everypony…guagh!" Twilight spoke from holding her side from feeling some pain.

"We can…do this…" Spike spoke off in stating they can still turn this battle to their win.

"I ain't…done yet!" Phobos struggled to say when pushing himself upwards here.

"Me….hugh…neither!" Adult Nyx spoke from a few short breaths, but was pushing to keep from falling.

But while these five show much resilience, their foe was however….simply not worried of what happened.

"Hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph…" Peta was seen smiling to let off an evil laugh at witnessing the struggling five as he raise up his hands. "Congeal!" Peta announced off in suddenly making the escaped blood that hovered suddenly shot off into the skies. The blood was forming above together, a flash soon revealed a stone-carved blades that are soon thrown downwards.

"Fellas; Watch out!" Tough shouted in seeing that evil mage was pulling another nasty surprise.

Twilight's struggling group heard the warning, but could not act quick enough. Suddenly, a cry groan escaped from some voice before the shocked Tough and Enforcers saw what happened. The bladed stones made from blood had pierced…Undine the Water Nymph Spirit. When did she get there when she was struggling with Phoenix?

"Hmph, decided to risk yourself for them since you failed to protect your old owner?" Peta remotely remarked off dryly in how Undine's previous owner, she failed her when Bai Tza did a curse in torturing the souls the Water Demon conquered. "Give it a rest already." Peta spoke off in never ceasing his smile in talking down to his foes. "I'm sure those five don't even have the energy left to fight back." As Peta explained this, Undine was seen shielding Twilight, Ben, Adult Nyx, Spike & Phobos with her back exposed and the stone blade pierce through her watery body, all to protect them.

"Guagh-haaugh….I rather take this pain, then see more lives…lost. Ugh…" Undine struggled from feeling this magical pain, she saw what was happening and rather take this then see her friends hurt anymore.

"Not yet…" Twilight struggled to say in finally getting herself to stand.

"We won't let you hurt us or our friends." Adult Nyx groanly stated to the evil mage of not watching this act go on.

"You think even Guardians don't have feelings then you're clearly wrong after what one just did for us." Ben spoke in feeling that while Peta sees Guardians as nothing but tools, then he's sadly mistaken there.

"Right, they're our allies." Spike responded in agreement to that part.

"And allies help each other!" Phobos issued off about them helping an ally in need.

Soon Twilight, Ben, Adult Nyx, Spike & Phobos came near Undine whose back was still jabbed. Their auras were glowing while they pushed themselves up to help Undine that was in pain. And then in a sudden unexpected surprise, the heroes’ auras magical force shattered that bladed-stone of blood to pieces, thereby freeing the Water Nymph Guardian from being stabbed.

"Hmmm…" Peta responded a bit surprised by this action, never expecting the five that should be weaken, to help save another from suffering on their account. "Wow." Peta actually let off a smile in being astounded by this scene, Twilight, Ben, Nyx's Battle Form, even those two little dragons showed much strength despite being so very weak.

"Guaugh…huaghh…you….shouldn't worry over me." Undine spoke from feeling herself at a near lost of her strength in what's happened to her so far, even if her body is made of water to handle this kinda punishment.

"Like Tartarus would we do that," Adult Nyx spoke off in protesting to hear that excuse.

"Cough-cough…yeah, what Nyx said," Phobos let off a few coughs from what they did just now.

"Tough, please….watch over her." Twilight turns to ask the Earth stallion to help watch Undine, they won't let Peta hurt her like the Demons did long ago; friends won't let other friends die this way.

"Ah'm doing 'dat, plus shooting 'dat darn Phoenix 'ta keep back!" Tough responded off in stating while he spots something coming and shots at it with some magic coating his shotgun.

"Arrrourrghhhaaaahhh," Phoenix let off a squawking noise to dive around and missing the target here.

"Boy, I'm hoping when this is over, that Phoenix could be a friend instead!" Spike struggled to say in smiling to think, it be nice if that giant phoenix was not an enemy, but on their side.

"Gaugh….I'm sure….it would Spike." Ben spoke with a half-made smile in liking the idea, a phoenix as an ally.

As the group of five were slowly pushing themselves up, Peta was staring shocked at such tenacity that left him speechless. Course, as they tried to get their balance, Twilight, Adult Nyx & Ben used their magic to give any healing while not using too much and some to help Spike & Phobos. But truth is, they were just pushing themselves on sheer will power alone here.

"It's hard to believe that you can still stand." Peta issued off in seeing the struggling five heroes push themselves to such limits seem about impossible.

"Heh, you don't say." Phobos ended up making a small smile in hearing that they surprised this evil mage.

"Right, we can't die like this." Spike spoke in where a puzzled Peta hears out this claim. "Cause if we die, then we'll make sure you die with us." The baby dragon proclaimed this matter that if any of them die, they'll take Peta with them.

"We'll gain the ingredient you have and have our friends obtain the last one…hugh…hugh…" Adult Nyx spoke from her struggling breath in telling this issue like it is.

"Our friends & all of Ponyville needs us and we won't perish without saving those we care for!" Twilight spoke with her struggling position but was determined to not go down and let all those counting on them be heartbroken.

"It's absurd." Peta spoke this out in his mind with a blank surprised face in what he was seeing here. "These ponies and Dragons shouldn't be able to do anything more than stand." He can see that these five that came to the End of Equestria, are just standing on their last leg of strength but yet why are they not falling down in defeat. "Then, what is this fear?" For the first time in so long, Peta is seen actually sweating from being nervous, he's been on the unbeatable side, but somehow, he's actually afraid of what Twilight's group can actually do that he cannot see.

"What's wrong…you look like you've seen a ghost." Ben responded off in holding his sword to lean on, seeing, or more likely, sensing Peta begin to fear this band of heroes.

Now that last act just pushed by Ben when stating if the evil mage of the Demon Lords, was actually afraid even from such advantage against the heroes.

"Geeeh…..I'll start by ending you for that insult, Ben Mare!" Peta growled in feeling a tins bit upset by that remark, "A Bao A Qu!" He turned to call forth his Guardian that was still fighting against Mehitos.

Suddenly, the Guardian with the big eye turns to begin a glare gaze work….at Ben's spot.

"Father,” Adult Nyx suddenly pushed her father out of the way, only to instead be caught…in the glass ball trap by the Guardian that makes explosions.

"Nyx," Twilight called out in seeing her daughter get raised up into the air while inside the glass ball.

"She's stuck in that glass orb that could explode!" Spike yelped in realizing what could happen to their friend, like with Tough, and he just barely got out alright.

"No way, this creep must know that she's already hurt enough and could take her back!" Phobos protests in stating that instead of Nyx getting blown up, Peta could just take her away.

"Phobos," The others snapped in hearing the Moon Dragon says such things at this time.

"What, just saying so he doesn't blow her up!" Phobos spoke in his defense that he doesn't want Nyx to be blown up and at least the captive approach is still with her alive.

"While that idea is what the Demon Lords want…" Peta spoke with a sneaky smile on his face, like there was going to be a 'but' quote in what they are discussing. "I still have samples of her blood and that of all of yours. In short….YOUR EXPANDABLE," That last part was shouted out in much to anyone's horrors that even this evil mage could just kill then & not bother keeping them alive, cause he has collected their blood samples to create evil creatures instead. "Burst Up!" Peta soon made the command order in issuing what he wants A Bao A Qu to do with its new captive.

Suddenly at that moment, the skull's yellow eyes flashed brightly upon the command given again. "Puufffruvhmm…." Then in Adult Nyx's imprisoned state, tan-pink smoke filled from the bottom that covered the Alicorn mare whose was bracing for what was to come. "Crack…Crack…Crackvhmm…" Then some forms of cracks began to spread out from the top of the glass ball before…. "BOOOMMFRVUHHMMM…" All to suddenly, a large explosion happened that spread around the field in releasing the imprisoned smoke clouds. "Uuuarrrughh…Gaaaaughh…" At the moment, the Nyx's group saw her Battle Form falling from the explosion before crashing on the ground, making a lot of smoke clouds upon impact. "Nrrugh…hruagh…aaauughh…" Now inflicted upon her bruised body from taking an explosive force, Nyx was apparently unable to make much moving effort, it's an amazing feat she hasn't reverted back into a filly or this stuff would have killed her for sure.

"NYX," Twilight, Ben, Spike, Phobos, Tough, and even the Enforcers shouted out in watching what happened to their companion.

"You…monster," Twilight growled in feeling angry, but from feeling so depleted of her magic, she couldn't even burst in flames from her feelings of rage now.

"Don't worry; you'll all be joining her soon." Peta assured Twilight with his evil smear face that where Nyx is going, the others will follow…to death.

"You may think you're winning, but we're not giving up! And that's why you’re afraid of, hope that can find a way through to beat you!" Ben issued to tell this towards Peta, no matter what this evil mage does, he's now showing he's afraid of them and that will lead to his downfall.

Peta was now frowning in hearing this, and so he'll make a response to it by not with words….but action. Soon Peta reactivated his Garnet Claws from his nails and now he has himself armed again, "Grruauaghhh!" And with that, the evil mage begins to go forth to attack by slashing.

"Guuuaagh…" Spike yelped from being the first to get slashed by the nails.

"Trruaaghhh," Peta roared off in swinging his next hand off against these weaken heroes.

"Doough…the nails," Phobos yelped off from getting slashed by pointy nails.

Soon the scene is showing Peta on-slaughtering Twilight & Ben along with Spike & Phobos with his Garnet Claws as they were only just able to stand and not defend. Tough was watching this while shooting off Phoenix but seeing this one-sided battle was just too much even for the tough stallion to bear watching.

"Gaaaaughhh…" At the moment, the scene shows Twilight, Ben, Spike & Phobos falling backwards from that last strike. These four landed on the ground across a few meters away from where Nyx's Battle Form rest near; They all looked up to the sky and almost believing to reach their end. Strangest thing was, they began to hear voices of their friends while in their frozen staring to the skies state.

At the hour, Peta soon turns to notice something…to his pleasing moment. "Wooh, looks like the Guardians battle is over." The evil mage spoke in sounding very cocky in noticing another event that's played forth into his hands.

Tough heard this to turn around and got a big surprise in what was coming to a bad closing. Remrace swung Egola out of their hand-lock to leap in the air, clasp it's hands together to deliver a powerful skull-basher on the Ice Giant's noggin. That enough caused Egola to have a cracked head to fall on the ground before Remrace approached, used it's horns to lift up the ice giant, grab it's left arm and the back of it's left leg, and soon the herculean creature was starting to bench-press Egola's body, like a toothpick or a wish-bone, and after that painful moment, did Remrace toss the Ice Giant to crash below the hill where above the others were fighting. Phoenix long left Tough to attack Mehitos by diving and setting the plant on fire, burning its roots to make it cry, Wakan Tanka opened its mouth on Gymnote, the eel let off a screechy scream while feeling some powerful flames burning it's scales. Flying Leo & Torpedine were tackled above by the Dead Dragon & Peryton that crashed them near the defeated Egola. Eins was seen dragging the plant vines of Mehitos over to be tossed with the other defeated lot while A Bao A Qu floated near it's other summoned Guardians near the beaten ones.

"Guuaaghhhh," And then from out of nowhere, two gigantic hands from Saint Anger gave palm smacks into the ground were Dumbledore & Bocolix.

"Yew guys, don't tell me yew were..." Tough yelped in not believing this, even the Enforcers got pinned big time and by giant hands no less.

"We were." Dumbledore responded from feeling himself trapped underneath this giant hand.

"Sorry." Bocolix apologized while trying to get out of this squash state, but the big hands wouldn't let them.

"Heh, they and all of you never stood a chance." Eins spoke off in seeing that the Enforcers & the heroes Guardians stood no chance from the beginning.

"No, this can't end like this!" Undine gasped for fear in what was happening and would mean one thing for the defeated Guardians.

"How unfortunate but you've been beat from the beginning. I'll take back the Guardians you have and present them back to my lords!" Peta spoke towards the Water Nymph Guardian in sadly saying that all those that were gained by Twilight's party shall be return to their Demon Lord Masters. "I'll be given a greater reward of service than ever before. Hehahahahahaaahhh," The evil mage exclaimed with a wicked intension of what service he'll receive when he shows the dead heroes & presents the stolen Guardians back to serve the Demons, what a tragic end for the good guys.

During Peta's witty-banter monolog, Adult Nyx was awake enough to glare from the vile evil mage to notice something that glimmer on the ground. And that's small enough to fit in the palm of one's hand or hoof. The design was of an asp etched with the carving of a white maiden from a dark emerald center of the shield while the rest were of gray lining and structure. Whatever or wherever this object came from, just seeing it made Nyx become curious to find something beautiful when in this situation of crisis.

"What's this…a shield charm?" Adult Nyx asked off from struggling to use her right hoof to scoop up an item that must have gotten lost in this valley be left here. "It's small and it looks like it couldn't defend something this big. Kinda like how I was." This pony remembers how she, used herself as a shield to protect others, she might have been small to be protective against big threats, but she tried, and that counts for something. "Please, if this is a sign, help give us strength. Help by shielding those I love very much and help us stay safe. Please…." Adult Nyx pleaded this last part out silently, but never the less, was begging, hopping, an answer could come to save those from dying here.

Peta could see from the fallen heroes here that it was over. He had the advantage and with all the good guys forces finally beaten, it was time to pull the finishing blow. As a smirking Peta raised his left hand up and suddenly used with magic to lift his Sickle Death scythe back into his grasp as he held it.

"Haheheheheheehhh-huuuagh…." Peta let off an evil chuckle before taking a breath to continue laughing. "Hahahah-huhuhuhahahaahh…." As he was letting off this evil laughter of victory, he welded his scythe up to prepare the killer strike blow here.

"Noooo," Tough, Bocolix & Dumbledore cried out in horror as they could do nothing but watch the unthinkable begin to happen here.

The entire scene seem frozen in where one strike from Peta's scythe and he'll perform the act of a grim reaper….killing off the living, starting with these ponies & baby Dragons.

"Diiiieee," Peta roared forth in swinging his weapon to kill the fallen heroes and send them to their graves.

Twilight, Ben, Spike, & Phobos looked like nothing was gonna save them this time….or would there be? For without a single explanation, a white shield barrier formed around the heroes in time to stop the attack.

"Geeeighhh," When Peta's Death Sickle impacted this barrier, it snapped his scythe off to spin in the air…and landed behind him.

"W-Wah…Wha is 'dat?" Tough responded off surprised in seeing something save his pals, but what?

The Enforcers that were pin down were left speechless too, who actually helped them out here?

"Haaaugh-Haugh-Huuuaghh…" Peta was seen shaking his nervous hands on his broken scythe in being almost exhausting his breathing from what happened, "W-What? What is this?" Peta let off in gasping in shocking surprise, what was this that stopped his attack.

Those within the barrier could almost instantly see something that protected them; it looked like….the spirit forms…..of the ones they care for. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Shining, Candace, and many others Twilight's group has come to known as friends, including Nyx's filly form as they were forming a line wall with shut eyes as if focusing. Soon their spiritual forms began to fade a bit into energy particles.

"Please let our friendships & love ones protect us." Nyx's filly form spoke from within the distant winds.

And then without another single warning, a great holy light was flashing forth across the wounded heroes. The light was helping to seal up and close wounds all over Twilight, Ben, Spike, Phobos' bodies, even Adult Nyx herself was being treated. And the light was even scratching further to the wounded Guardians of their team, even Tough & the Enforcers felt…their injuries and strength returning to them.

"Guuuaghh…What is going on?" Peta gasped in yelping backwards at this sudden action in shock, why are the wounded suddenly being healed when this lot has not much magic to do that, what magic is this?

"What is that light over there?" Dumbledore asked off puzzled in what was going on here.

"Their wounds are healing along with ours." Bocolix responded in being lost during this himself.

"That power, can it be? The Legendary Holy Item, Aegis." Undine responded off surprised in realizing what was being done while feeling herself healed, this magic was…from 'that' source.

"Legendary Holy Item," Tough responded in almost being completely stun in hearing this out of the blue.

"Uuagh…ugh," Twilight and the others began to twitch their eyes in feeling their injuries and cuts, even pierce marks from when their blood was taken begin to smoothly fade away like they never existed.

"Aegis uses the strength of any person's heart to protect others for shielding & healing. It's a item with a very rare ability, said to have only been with mystic beings before disappearing." As Undine was explaining this, Adult Nyx began to stand up while holding up in her hoof…the revealed small shield item that was glowing; she had found Aegis, the Legendary Holy Item.

"Wooh, guys, what's happening?" Spike asked off in feeling weird, but in a good way now.

"I feel all better and no shots included!" Phobos responded in feeling fine, and not from a doctor's needle shot or from Peta's attack.

"Nyx, that item in your hoof?" Ben asked in seeing his daughter had something that was actually helping them get better, but what was it?

"It was something I found, I don't know why, but I prayed that with hope, that I won't see us get hurt and to help our friends." Adult Nyx responded lost herself; she only wished to protect those that she cares for and then this happened.

"I don't believe this. That item's magic is what's protecting us." Twilight responded in feeling amazed, such majestic magic, it's almost like the time with the 'Necklace of Eternia' that it performed a miracle that saved Ben's life & Spike's own.

"The stronger & more earnest feelings Aegis experiences, the greater the effect," Undine spoke to explaining what power the Holy Item Nyx has found is capable of.

"Guuhhaaaugh…What is going on? This holy power…" Peta gasped in sweating from his face, this power was unreal; how did his foes even possess something like this, "Guuaaghhhh!" Suddenly, a brighter flash of light caused Peta to yelp in shielding himself from this.

And suddenly appearing to even the now wide-eyed and gasped Peta where Twilight, Ben, Adult Nyx, Spike & Phobos from within the shadow; And the light was so strong, it even caused the Guardians of the heroes to rise up again slowly, Tough felt like he could stand and even the Enforcers used their magic to teleport out under Saint Anger by surprise to be near the tough stallion.

"Impossible." Peta responded in utter shock of disbelief, this couldn't be happening in what else he was seeing.

From the glowing Aegis item, it's glow faded to soon show the entire gang of ponies & baby Dragons together….all fit, fine, and seem to be in perfect health.

"Looks like…we're protected by everyone," Twilight smiled in feeling that those that are her friends, even if they are not here, somewhere in their hearts, those that care for them, their feelings were reached even in the End of Equestria.

"Geehiiiihh….Darn you," Peta growled to glare at the ponies and dragons that are healthy again as he swung off his broken scythe away, seeing it's useless. "I've heard that you may have been receiving aid to defeat my lords and this is obviously their work! Tell me, where are the Mystics!" The evil mage snapped off in stating that he heard from the Demon Lords that a Mystic being was aiding this group and this might be another of their works.

"Mystics," Spike, Phobos, Tough and the Enforcers responded a bit lost, what was this guy talking about?

"We have no idea what you're talking about." Ben responded a with a raised eye, it's almost like the Mystic Ones sound almost like Mystic Ponies, but that can't be it…can it?

"Don't play dumb! They must be behind this ploy, just as the Mystic Banishment Spells that sealed the other Demon Lords! Now answer, what do you know of the Mystic Ones!" Peta snapped at this group in feeling a loss of temper, he wants to know what makes this group so special, is it cause of Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare, Nyx, or Spike, why would the Mystics aid this lot if they were not special to them?

"Even if we knew of who you spoke of, we wouldn't tell you!" Adult Nyx issued off in stating that even if the group knew who helped them, they would never rat out a friend.

Now that just set off the evil mage to get angry here in not receiving an answer, "Blood Syringe," Soon he held up his hands to his chest, creating another purple energy force that began to become six. "Suck away their magical power again!" He ordered out his technique to perform the same stunt before as he sent them forward.

Before the ponies or Dragons could react, Aegis vanished from Adult Nyx's hoof to reappear to grow in size until it covers the user & allies from any attack heading in its direction, "Bam-Bam-Bam-Bam-Bam, Bam!" And soon all six of those spiked glass balls impacted the shield that caused them to impede on contact.

"Wow; 'Dat's some trinket ye found Nyx!" Tough respond in being surprised in what his pal managed to pull out of nowhere here.

"I'll say!" The Enforcers nods in feeling like they completely agree here.

"And I think this cover gave me an idea, Twilight, everypony, listen up." Ben responded in seeing their new state, smiled in coming up with a new battle plan to finally gain the upper hand against Peta. "I got a plan, but first, Spike & Phobos, distract Peta to have him focus more on us!" The adoptive son of Celestia wanted the two little Dragons to help stall their foe for a bit here.

"Right," Both Dragons responded in understanding to climb up the shield until they stared down at their enemy with cocky attitudes being seen.

"Hey buddy, what's wrong! Losing against our shield here?" Phobos asked off in trying to annoy this foe to take the bait they are giving out.

"Try and break this down if you can!" Spike waved off his left claw in challenging the evil mage to come at them.

"Grruhuuaghhh," Peta yelped in grinding his teeth with a sweat drop, that attack of his was blocked so easily. "You leave me no choice now." Peta responded off in seeing that he's now in an angle to force his hand. "I'll use my last & strongest weapon." He clutched his opera necklace in stating he'll use his own weapon that is his own strongest possession in this battle. "Come out my Guardian. Black Diablo: Body Eye!" Peta spoke these words with his right hand on the necklace as it let off a glow effect.

Then from above the skies grew dark clouds as something began to pierce through the clouds surface. What was coming out was some wingless Diablo with runic bonds sealing it's lower half, it looked like a black 3-eyed monster with a fourth eye on its breast (two normal eye locations were glowing red, the other odd spot eyes were yellow-orange eyeballs with red colors with a black opal center). This creature appeared to have been called forth upon the Earth as a depending doom to any that come across it: the Black Diablo Guardian: Body Eye.

"GROOOUURRARRRUGHHH," Body Eye let off a very eerie howl wail sound that could almost make a person see a real demon in front of their presence. And what was dropping on the ground was more of that weird purple blood stuff, most likely from this creature's entrance. Soon Body Eye flew down to stand above its master, Peta, in awaiting it's orders.

"Hmph-hmph-hmph, hehehahahaha, guaaaghh…" Peta was heard laughing maniacally over seeing he brought forth another Guardian Creature that was of his own favorite. "This here is my own personal Guardian, a true Demon, he however doesn't possess any satanic extraordinary; its power manifests in a myriad of bats while it itself wrecks massive destruction with its hands."

"Okay, I didn't expect him to pull that one out." Spike responded in seeing this was not a part of the plan if the enemy did that.

"Yeah, like he didn't think of using his other Guardians, he pulls out another." Phobos groans to complain in seeing this situation was really getting crowded with so many Guardians around.

"Body Eye, destroy that pesky shield first. And with that gone, get the rest behind it," Peta gave out the order for his Guardian to destroy the shield that helped heal his prey of their injuries.

"Gruoorrruaarrghhh," Body Eye heard the order clearly, as it crossed it's arms while it's center eye forehead glowed bright. And then it unleashed a swarm of manifested bats of darkness to attack the shield. The baby Dragons yelped out of the way when the bats impacted the shield to disappear, but each time they hit, little by little, the shilled started to show light cracks. Then Body Eye was diving down and soon raised its right claw to deliver…the final blow. "Breakrsivhmm…" Soon the Aegis that was morph into a shield was broken into pieces and scattered across the ground. Those behind the shield were Twilight, Adult Nyx, the Enforcers, Tough, and rejoined by their baby Dragon pals; Phobos and Spike.

All were present here...except for one.

"Wait a second….Ben Mare is not there." Peta glared off annoyed in noticing that there was one person missing that was behind the shield, so where was the stallion with the Triforce?

"Gee, I wonder. Any ideas everypony,” Twilight spoke off with a sarcastic response to her friends that showed pretend unknown faces, now they were just pulling the evil mage's leg.

"I'm over here!" Ben's voice was heard from way above the enemy's head.

"Guugh,” Peta gasped a bit to look up and to see Ben was pointing his Master Sword downwards to plan a dive trust maneuver on the unsuspecting enemy.

"Haaayihh," Ben's sword made its impact in the ground, but it did not actually hit Peta?

"Guuaaghh," Peta yelped backwards from this surprise stunt by the enemy, what was the point of attacking with physical means if he can counter it?

But unknown to Peta during a slow scene of dodging the attack, on his left wrist-bracelet, the artifact that he got from the Demons soon broke off from being damaged from the pointed weapon edge from Ben's sword.

"Gughhaaaugh; what was that for?" Peta stepped back enough while unaware that his item was scattered on the ground in pieces.

"Heh, we figured out how to truly get pass one obstacle with you!" Ben laughed off to pull his word out of the ground to hold it up-straight, "Now that I broke that agent of your little magic trick." The stallion was talking about the item Peta used that was exposed and since he never felt it on the body, he couldn't change into a bloody goop to avoid it.

"Gaugh-huhaaa-huuuagh," Peta suddenly reacted to hearing this news to stare in shocking horror, his item to perform Body Blood was the true target and with it gone, he's not immune against physical attacks. "Darn you." The evil mage glared at the stallion that managed to destroy that which kept him safe from physical harm.

"Wha's wrong, can't fight if ye don't cheat?" Tough asked off in taunting the bad guy that looked like he lost a HUGE advantage here.

"Yeah; You afraid to fight fair and bear," Bocolix asked off in seeing this guy couldn't fight fairly without his little trick ability.

"No, that's fair and square! But, who cares now!" Dumbledore corrected his pal for mixing the different meanings of his words, but that can be slipped out for now.

"Now we'll let you feel the wrath of twice the magical power you stole from us." Adult Nyx issued off with a stern statement that they'll make this guy, feel trice the strength of these heroes then they were previously.

"Thanks to that Holy Item, Aegis, it helped return vitality to us with a lot of injuries and loss of a lot of blood." Twilight stated that from what her daughter found, they have been completely healed, completely recovered, and back into feeling more prime than ever to take on this evil mage and win.

"So ready to face the odds here," Spike spoke off in showing his hands to say 'come and get some' to Peta now.

"Cause it's not only us that are back in action, so are these guys!" Phobos spoke off in turning his head to smirk at seeing that the main group aren't alone in facing this jerk.

True to Phobos's words, their Guardian Allies of Mehitos, Egola, Undine, Flying Leo, Torpedine & Gymnote were back to being healthy again, and a sudden surge of empowered moment made them feel…stronger. There were a few let off battle cries and growly sounds or just those that let off a normal wail sound, but they were now fully ready to go out into battle now. During the sudden moment of the situation, some background music began to be heard, it was an extended song of 'Seeker' from Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope that was being played right at this critical moment of a final battle to happen here.

"That's nothing compared to my deadliest creatures! Go, A Bao A Qu, Eins, Peryton, Wakan Tanka, Phoenix; Finish them!" Peta shouted off for these called Guardians of his to begin attacking now. Soon the Guardians on Peta's side begin to go forth to attack.

"GROUURARRRUGHHH," Phoenix roared from still flapping it's flaming wings in the skies before diving down to burn it's enemies.

"I know you are a prisoner, but this shall do you good!" Undine spoke to fly up towards her opponent with her water-like abilities, this time, to put out such extreme heat, needs extreme moisture of liquid. So the water spirit nymph created a sphere of water, and was focusing all the slow time she could muster to make it big before the Phoenix attacked her….but made the tactical area of entering the large water sphere.

"KRUWWRARRRGUHHHH," Phoenix let out an eerie screech cry from where all can see the bird made of flame was being put out, before slowly vanishing while nothing but steam escapes the water sphere; The first of Peta's forces, mighty Living Inferno Bird Guardian, Phoenix, Defeated.

"Augh…Phoenix….it's flames were put out!" Peta gasped in staring in shock and disbelief that one of his fearsome Guardians was stopped so easily. "Teeeeh, what are you all doing, get that Water Nymph!" Peta growled before looking to his other Guardians to attack Undine right now.

"Grruurarrrughhh," Eins was seen charging to attack Undine but then Tough stood near to protect the nymph. "If you wanna die, then so be it!" Eins responded to prepare his spear to screw this enemy.

"Too bad Ah ain't an' yew shouldn't harm a lady. Now eat 'dis magic enhanced bullet stuff, buster!" Tough issued off to say while getting his shotgun ready and it was magically enchanted with magic, "Bam-Bam!" Soon he fired off two powerful shots going right for the target.

"Like I'll be hit with them with my shield to block it," Eins responded off to lift his left hand's shield to block the shots.

"MWRUUAGHH/Clopvhmm…" At this sudden moment, Justin the MechBull came and bashed against the shield to trip the giant Guardian's balance.

"NRruagh…blasted bull-headed…" Eins yelped in dropping his guard to snap at the mechanical beast that attacked him…. "Stab-Stabvhmm…." But the moment this Guardian failed to watch out, Tough's shots impacted to crack his helmet near his eye. "Gwuuaaugh…." Eins let off a yelp cry from now being aware that he was attacked and realized the MechBull was a decoy. "Uwaaaugh…./Clupowwfruvhmmm…." From another moan, this guy fell backwards to impact the ground hard before disappearing, now the Armored Spear Knight Guardian, Eins, is defeated.

"Eins has fallen by just one mere Earth stallion?" Peta responded in shock to see what has happened to his other Guardian. "Then in that case, A Bao A Qu, capture him again!" He turned to give the order in wanting another Guardian to finish off Tough, this time without any mercy.

A Bao A Qu's center eye caught a gaze in where it was staring at. It had caught Tough as he was lifted up off the ground, but then without warning…the stallion's body was shifting like a bad image projection.

"What! An illusion," Peta yelped in seeing that and then looked that under the Guardian was…Twilight Sparkle, preparing a powerful spell in her horn. "Hugh, Twilight Sparkle….she isn't about to…" The evil mage yelped again in seeing this action and could only guess where it might lead to.

"Unicorn Burst," Twilight shouted before firing her spiraling beam of pierce type magic towards her target.

A Bao A Qu was about to dodge, but then Mehitos came from underneath to keep it from moving before taking the full force of the powerful spell. Twilight's technique broke through the center eye causing the rest of the body to fade away afterwards, now Kamikaze Dark-Bringer Guardian, A Bao A Qu, was defeated.

"My exploding Guardian….defeated…grrrrr…." Peta responded in sheer surprise shock, even the most deadly Guardian with explosive touch was beaten, this infuriated him. "Remrace, Dead Dragon, get that alicorn princess now while she's distracted!" Peta turns to give his orders out the stronger Guardians that he had left to take care of this problem's issue.

Hearing the orders, Remrace soon ran forth to begin its own attack. The Dead Dragon was soon opening its mouth to suck in the air of some energy form.

"Those two are going after Twilight!" Phobos spoke from noticing what the bad guy was doing now.

"Not with our team, they won't get her." Spike smiled to state that the gang have no worries cause they know who can stop this stunt.

Now Remrace leaped into the air and was about to swing a right hook to hit the target… "Poowwvhhmmm," But in an unexpected new feet of strength, Egola interfered to smack Remrace with its left hand. "Powwfruvhmmm…." And from being knocked across, Remrace impacted the ground but that powerful punch broke off its left horn and cracked its left face side. Soon in that matter, Remrace's presence vanished from the field of battle.

"What! A single Ko'd punch from Egola, but he had no ice, so how…" Peta was staring in complete puzzlement, where did such strength come from, it couldn't be from…the heroes empowered the Guardians they have with more strength than before. "Nrrrugh….Wanka Tanka, get them!" He growled ever more before turning to get the flying skull beast to get the others.

Wanka Tanka was soon flying across the skies before going down to chomp or breath fire at the gang…or would he?

"13 Totem Poles," The Enforcers voices are heard before spiraling from under the ground where thirteen totem poles that went of flying. The totems soon made two poles bash against Wakan Tanka's head, making the Guardian roar out in pain before…it's glowing eyes faded away. And zoo the totem poles cracked through the skull and then split apart to start dropping in and smashing the other pieces. It wasn't long before the bony remains began to fade away, showing that the Limbo Serpent Skull Guardian, Wakan Tanka, is defeated.

"Oh yeah; we broke bone-head's bones!" Bocolix cheered off in seeing they totally owned that Guardian just now.

"That'll teach him not to mess with us!" Dumbledore smile din seeing they did very well here, even for some stooges; that was pretty good.

"It can't be! Even those two nitwits managed to beat one!" Peta responded in near gasping surprise, that the Enforcers that were just dumb ponies with special abilities won; inconsolable. "Peryton, get them all!" Peta turns to give orders to the other Guardian he had to deal with the troublemakers.

Peryton heard this and soon began by opening up its chest to show an orange orb as it began to power up.

"Time for us to get in the shots," Spike turns to Phobos in issuing that this will be their moment to step in.

"You said it!" Phobos nods with a determine face, time they turn up the heat; Dragon style.

Both Dragons fired off their strongest berths of fire against Peryton as the Guardian soon fired off a powerful light-violet beam ray that caused both attacks to stop in their tracks. The two sides were in a stalemate of being even, but it looked like the Guardian would have the advantage. But in another twist, Torpedine was seen above and unleashed a high-voltage surge of electricity. Peryton saw this and was about to dodge but it couldn't without dispelling it's focus on the Dragons attacks and soon was impacted by that, lost its focus to give the dragons the upper hand, "GROOUUAAARRRURGHHH!" The attacks collided to cause the creature to let off a wailing cry before its presence vanished in the light, now issuing that the Monstrous Form Guardian, Peryton, was defeated.

"We rock!" The Dragons jumped to give a high-five here, they did it; they won.

At the time, the Dead Dragon had completed absorbing energy into its mouth. "Powwfruuvvhmmm…." And the decay dragon fired a powerful purple beam stream heading for the target; Twilight & her other ally friends.

But soon Ben Mare steps into the game and soon presents a new twist, his shield; the Hylian Shield. And soon the attack from Dead Dragon was pressing against the shield.

"Nrrughh…you think that shield will protect your love one?" Peta growled in struggling to see that Ben was putting up a mighty effort here.

"I don't think, I KNOW!" Ben remarked off to declare this statement here.

"Then let it be Shatter!" Peta roared out that he'll break Ben's hopes of winning here.

"No…CHAAAANCE!" Ben shouted off in being raring to go all serious now.

"Powwwfruvhmm…." Suddenly, Ben's shield started to respond to his Triforce, and in that instant, the fire ability was absorbed enough that a pure form of flame went off towards the Dead Dragon. "Truussfruvhmm…." Dead Dragon was completely enshrouded in this attack and there was nothing left that it could do…but fade away from where it stood. Ben soon stood proudly over defeating that powerful Guardian with a gift he unlocked from his own small portion of abilities.

"Urr…Rrrrrrgh, in that case, Saint Anger!" Peta growled in seeing he's being pushed into a corner, time to try a different tactic. "Capture Nightmare Moon and crush her!" He issued forth on what he wants the other Guardian he has to do now.

Saint Anger appeared from beneath the ground where Nyx was before the giant armored hands caught her in their grasp to haul her up into the air.

"Heheheeh, what will you do now?" As Peta was laughing evilly, he soon noticed that the gang's expressions were not caution or concern, or even anger, but…calm determination, "Hmmm? What's with your expressions? I have your friend!" The evil mage asked off in not knowing what was happening here, why was these ponies being so calm when their friend is in trouble of being killed.

"What you caught is a world of hurt." Twilight smirked off to issue this fact that what Peta has done, he'll be in for a world of hurt now.

"What?" Peta responded lost and puzzled, what did that message even mean?

"My name is…" Adult Nyx's voice is heard from within the gigantic armored hands. "My name is…." At the inside, we see Adult Nyx had her eyes shut for a brief moment before….she shot them wide open, "NYYYYYXXXXXX!" Adult Nyx suddenly was heard shouting her name before light escaped from the giant crack marks on the Gaurdian hand's fingers. "Powwfruvhmmm…" At that moment, Saint Anger was pushed away from a glowing aura off of Nyx's Battle Form of unlike any magical force before, causing the hands to tense from the pressure. The hands soon vanished from the overwhelming aura that they were hit with, now resulting with Giant Hands Gaurdian, Saint Anger, to be defeated.

"Im-IMPOSSIBLE," Peta was seen sweating a storm in staring with his one seen wide-eye, that Nyx overpowered that powerful Guardian by her sheer will. "She overcame Saint Anger….with inner Magical Force! Is this really….the Weapon Tso Lan wanted to create?" The evil mage could not believe this was the same Nightmare Moon the Moon Demon wanted to bring forth; it was more powerful than it should be to his knowledge.

Once Adult Nyx landed on the ground, she seems a little wasted, but kept herself from losing balance. She really did gone maybe a tiny bit overboard there, the term use is 'tiny' bit. Question now would be, what it would be if it was 'Overboard' measures?

"I'm sorry Tso Lan, but until she's detained from serving good, she'll have to die! Aybss Cannon!" Peta apologized under his breath in seeing that Nyx is too dangerous to be let off easy, as he fired the same technique of evil spirits mouth cannon towards Nyx's area.

Adult Nyx saw the attack coming, but then Twilight teleported before her daughter, horn glowing to prepare a shield barrier when….

"Shadow Wall…" A sudden male voice was heard from out of nowhere during the confusion. And then without warning, a magical wall of shadow emerges from the ground that protected Twilight & Nyx from Peta's attack as it absorbed it all. Once that was done, the wall made of strangely solid matter of shadow, evaporating downwards to sink into the ground while leaving much confusion in the wake.

"This technique; It's…" Twilight responded a bit surprised in seeing this and recognized what it was…

"Shadow Magic; since when could Twilight Sparkle perform this?" Peta responded in surprise, he's heard of this magic, but could not believe that someone here was using it, course he thought Twilight did it, but in truth, it was an outside source.

"ROOURRRGUHH," Peta's actions were caught, as he had to dodge Flying Leo that clawed the ground after seeing that act, and the Guardian approached Twilight & Adult Nyx. Just like a loyal beast, awaiting & willing to protect its owner.

Seeing they were safe now, Twilight turned to see near a bottom hill behind some graves, was the same unknown masked pony from the Hydra event. But then the masked pony vanished from all the debris smokescreen. Twilight couldn't stop him from going, seeing him again made her feel strange of his presence and actions, but for now…those thoughts will have to be saved for after they defeat the enemy here.

"You're beat buster! Ye're alone now!" Tough pointed out in seeing Peta's lost practically all of his Guardian army.

"Wrong, I still have a Guardian at full strength and you've used up all of the others!" Peta issued off that he's not done yet, he still has one Gaurdian, Body Eye, and this group already used up their entire strength to stop the others.

"Not everyone." Spike spoke off with a sly smile in saying they haven't had all of their reserve members duke out.

"Or have you forgotten that today’s sushi menu is….eel!" Phobos smirked to make a fun rhetorical sense of what this guy is about to face and would be something off the menu in sushi bars.

Soon what was rising up into the skies for all to bear witness was a long giant size pink eel Guardian we know, "GROOUWROOUUUGGHHHH!" Gymnote let off a roar up to the skies in being presented before it's friends to be of service of their aid now.

The evil mage saw the heroes had one Guardian that has plenty of renewed strength and must take care of it; posthaste. "What are you standing around for, Body Eye? Slice it away!" Peta issued off in annoyance in seeing his Guardian stand still when there is an enemy to face.

"Gruuarrrroorrrughhh," Body Eye turned in hearing it's master's orders to roar off to attack its new target. 

Body Eye swung itself to attack Gymnote, but it fly around like it swim in the skies to escape that attack. Body Eye saw where its target went and tried to try another jab attack with its left claw, but during the moment, Gymnote circle around in the air the enemy thrown its attack in….for the eel to squeeze in to grasp the target. Soon with only its two free arms, Body Eye was smashing Gymnote's body to weaken it to release him.

"Grrrnrruaaaaghhh…" Peta was growling in anger in seeing that its Guardian was caught and wanted it to escape while powering it up with his own magic.

But at the same moment, Twilight's group was letting their magical aura glow to give it…to their Guardian friend fighting.

"Sorry, but we can't, Peta. We can't lose to you no matter what!" Ben responded off with a serious tone in his voice in them not wanting to lose here.

"You showed your true colors and we won't let you continue harming anyone else ever again!" Twilight issued this off that they will stop Peta from doing any more harm under the Demon Lords orders, and that, is a promise to the future.

At the time, Gymnote rises its long neck over Body Eye's right shoulder to trap it's arm, as it begins to put the squeeze on the enemy. "Gruuoorruarrghh!" Body Eye had one arm left but it let off a crying roar in feeling itself…be crushed. "Breakrisfruvhmm…." And at that moment, Body Eye's entire body was broken to pieces that was raining all around while Gymnote lessen itself in seeing it's crushed prey gone. This would be noted that the Black Diabloe, Body Eye, was now defeated totally without any complains.

"Guuagh..Uuuaaggh! My Guardian….My Black Diablo," Peta squealed in terror and horror in seeing this happened to his only defense, "Guoowhugh-Haaaugh!" Then he yelped when his opera necklace where Body Eye came from completely broke apart upon defeat, "Huuagh!" But then Peta looked up to notice that things were not settled yet.

For above, Gymnote flew upwards to lean it's head towards something; Peta's position, even without eyes, it knew where he was, "GRUUAOORRRUGHHH!" For soon Gymnote let off a roaring scream to dive down towards its allies' enemy.

"Guumpvh…" Soon Gymnote created a gust of wind from its speed pressure as Peta yelped from this when the eel came near him, "Guuagh….Gulp…Gruaarrughh!" Now Peta was suddenly getting caught in the giant Guardian eel's body as he felt himself get a tight squeeze. "Guuahhuuagh…I can't move...Eeehhuuagh…I've lost Blood Body and now…I can't even use Dark Reflector in this state." Peta was now seeing he was in trouble, the monster couldn't become a a blood goop to avoid physical harm with Blood Body destroyed and Dark Reflector requires his hands which are tied up: he's caught in a trap.

"Alright; we caught him!" The Enforcers cheered in seeing they caught their enemy, now he's on the ropes now.

"Settle now, it's not over…till it's over." Adult Nyx told Bocolix & Dumbledore that this wasn't over…until they put Peta down for the count for good.

"I can't lose!" Peta opened his shut eyes to cry out this claim that he can't lose here, "GWUUAAAAAAAAAAUGHHHHh!" Peta let off a scream to struggle for his freedom, he's come so far, Peta had dreams with becoming Immortal to be like the Demon Lords, to have it all end here…it can't be.

Soon within Twilight's group, they were preparing some final attack move on the caught mage.

"Too bad," Spike responded off to issue this off on Peta's luck being up.

"You should have thought of that before trying to stop us!" Phobos remarked off in claiming that if Peta didn't get in their way, things would have been different; oh well.

As Gymnote lie it's head low to the ground while it's upper part held Peta upwards, still trapped, and with the heroes finally ready to unleash their full-force of attacks on this villain's zero defense.

"GUUAAAWWWUAGHHHH-Huuuuaagghhh," Peta was squalling out with horror in the eye, from this pain that he was feeling while gasping from being in the front-row seat of this magical stream wave of the heroes combined attack, "Guagh-Gaaughaauh, WAAAAUUGHHAAAHH! Graaarrughhh," Peta lifted up his head to let off a painful cry of agonizing pain coursing through his very being before….he was blasted out of the giant eel's grasp.

"Here's the Finisher! HUURRYAAAHH," Soon Ben was seen charging down with his Master Sword in his hoof and soon took a swing at the enemy that was exposed with zero guard.

Everything was silent when the screen focused off set above this valley and also at the time the background music finished at this point.

Soon our focus goes towards a sight where a body impacts the ground, as it was Peta….with a shock horrified expression. The body lies still there while Twilight's group watched on in what has taken place and Ben recalled his sword to disappear for the time the battle was over. Then spectacles of light were flying off from Peta's body, no doubt his life source. It wasn't long before the body begins to evaporate into red sparks of demon magic, clearly obliterating Peta's form when he's perished away. Soon nothing is left, the others were surprised to see that, but figure that at least now, Peta will never hurt anyone, human, pony or any other creature again for the evil Demon Lords, now he'll rest in peace.

"Feewww, Ah feel exhausted!" Tough sighed from feeling tired out about now, that fight really took it out of them.

"Why are you tired all of a sudden here?" Dumbledore asked off confused in what Tough was saying here.

"You only fired your gun with our attacks." Bocolix issued that they fired with powerful spells, not a shotgun, even with enchanted properties.

"Still…we should give our thanks…to this," Adult Nyx spoke in magically bringing up the now small shield that was whole again; Aegis, "Coming across this, I wonder…if fate had a helping hand with us here."

"Whatever the reason honey, we owe a big thank you to you for coming across it." Twilight said with a smile. "And another pony, just who was he; the unicorn that uses Shadow Magic, why does he appear & disappear instead of coming up to us? Why?"

"Twilight Sparkle & friends," Undine soon hovered near the group with her hands clutching something. "We wish to thank you, for what you've done in aiding us in this battle. Here…" She gave thanks with a smile and presented two things, the ring of the Living Inferno Bird: Phoenix and what was a gray bangle of armor covering with two armored fist bumping their knuckles in a lock, this was the item that contain Giant Hands: Saint Anger. "I've managed to uncover the Guardians: Living Inferno Bird, Phoenix & Giant Hands, Saint Anger. They are now Guardians whose loyalty & trust of being with you in seeing your strength of friendship & speaking to free them of evil has helped them a lot." The water nymph used magic to make the ring connect with Twilight's necklace with the other Guardian Rings and even had the bangle connect onto Twilight's left hoof wrist spot.

"Thank Undine." Twilight nods to thank the water nymph for these gifts they shall treasure, and new Guardian friends to have around & let them be free of evil.

"Wait, that's only two Guardians!" Spike responded in seeing the number count that the gang got out of the fight.

"Yeah, what about those other six or seven guys," Phobos asked off in not seeing themselves get those other cool, if not scary and dangerous guys they just survived beating.

"Unfortunately, during the confrontation….they seems to have been recruited by another presence. It's strange, but the magical aura that reached them felt….unease. Between light & dark," Undine spoke with a puzzling expression, that the other Gaurdians missing: Peryton, Wakan Tanka, Eins, the Dead Dragon, Remrace, and A Bao A Qu, even Body Eye if it is around, may have already been taken into custardy by a being who's path between good and evil is still in questioning….for the moment.

"Sounds like it might be whoever it was that may have been lurking in the shadows." Ben said in concern, remembering what his love just mentioned. “Twilight said she saw a strange masked pony when he saved her from a Hydra attack and we may believe he was responsible for destroying that labyrinth we escaped from its illusions."

"So is this hidden guy, a friend?" Dumbledore asked off in being unsure if whoever was helping them from the shadows; was he a friend?

"I don't know, he maybe an enemy!" Bocolix groans out in not knowing an answer like that, for all they know, it's a stealthily enemy.

"Like you two aren't suspicious enough." Phobos rolled his eyes in having strange suspicions about the two Enforcers that the gang is stuck with on their journey.

"Chill Phobos, we don't know much of anything of what's going on." Adult Nyx spoke to scold Phobos to be nicer just as she used her magic to change back into her filly form. "Besides, we still gotta find that ingredient Peta showed us." Nyx issued off in seeing they need to find the Glowing Mites before finishing their mission to save Sweet Apple Acres.

"Oh my goodness, that's right! We have to find it! Everypony fan out!" Twilight yelped off in remembering this and issued for everyone to find that ingredient.

"Good luck, and remember, if you need us, just call our names and we'll be there." Undine spoke with a gentle smile as she, Egola, Mehitos, Flying Leo, Torpedine & Gymnote glowed before vanishing in light, back into their rings & bracelets that Twilight held around on her made necklace by Ben…until needed.

"Yew know Nyx, wha yew did back there in beating Saint Anger was 'de most awesomest stunt Ah ever done seen pulled." Tough spoke with a smiling face in complimenting the filly for that one heck of an act she pulled that surprised them all.

"Yeah, maybe your lost powers Princess Celestia gave to Luna are slowly coming back to help out. What do you think?" Spike nods in feeling that Nyx being this strong must be a sign she's regaining her old strength, but without being all evil and looking more like Nightmare Moon.

"Heheheh, it's a nice thought if they did, I thought they would if I grew up. Just never expected that they work faster in a Battle Form," Nyx let off a giggle in thinking that was the answer to how she felt much stronger. She held the Aegis charm shield with a smile and decided to keep it for the next time they need it to save their bacon from such close callings.

After about fifteen or so minutes later, the gang was finishing up getting their gear near the cart with Justin the MechBull being ready. Rabbitchu and the other pets were fine, thanks to the former watching over them. After much time went by, the gang found the ingredient turns out in was in that Roman ruin in the center pillar stand for display, what are the odds? But they obtain what they needed, and that's good enough.

"We finally obtain it! The Glowing Mites of Bony Valley," Twilight expressed her gratitude in using her magic to bring the ingredient over before bagging it in their sack.

"Mwruauaghhh," Justin made a loud sound off in feeling ready to go now.

"Okay everypony, Justin & our cart's set up! Time to head out," Tough called out to the gang in having everything ready now, they can now leave this bony valley place behind them.

"The last ingredient," Spike spoke with some thoughts that since this weren't the last, but second to last ingredient, just one more is out there.

"Yeah, the very last one," Phobos nods in agreeing to Spike, they bag the last ingredient then they'll have everything on the list that Zecora gave them.

"If we get this, then that means…." Dumbledore spoke off in smiling to his pal in knowing what this'll all mean to them both.

"We can go home & out of this place!" Bocolix responded for joy, they'll get out and Twilight will be safe at last and so will they from Boris's wrath.

"See our friends & family again!" Nyx issued off in knowing they can see their friends & family once they get home, oh the joys.

"And help save our home's vegetable lose & keep a friend from leaving." Twilight stated off in knowing they'll help the Apples not leave while making sure Ponyville has their vegetables.

"Alright gang, according to the map, we'll just go over this large gate & we'll be out to travel towards the final place to accomplish our task. So lets do this!" Ben explained this out to the others in seeing they need to open the gate's doors that reach up to the top of the valley, the group open that, they'll head out to what else is there for them to travel through and obtain their final ingredient.

That speech was enough to make everyone in the cart cheer with their spirits encouraged. With that, Tough signal Justin to pull them off towards preparing to leave this place now. Once the group reached the gate's door, did the magic users put their might together to make the giant gates open that would have taken a colossus, or unless there was a mechanism they missed, oh well. With the deed done, did the travelers make it through the gate while it was closing behind them; This is where they say farewell to Bony Valley and pray that the fallen spirits of this land can at last…rest in peace, and that with the evil mage Peta gone….the End of Equestria can begin a new slow recover…in regaining its old Valley of Peace appeal scenery in a couple of years.

However, once Twilight's group had left this ending part of Bony Valley, something began to happen; the rings & necklaces of the defeated seven Guardians under Peta's control began to appear from the shadows to hover up. And then from a bright flash of light, the defeated were seen again: the Monstrous Form; Peryton, next the Limbo Serpent Skull; Wakan Tanka, third was the Armored Spear Knight; Eins, fourth was the Zombie Beast; the Dead Dragon, fifth was the Dark Herculean Soul; Remrace, the sixth was the Kamikaze Dark-Bringer; A Bao A Qu, and the seventh to lastly Guardian favor to Peta the most, the Black Diablo; Body Eye. These seven soon registered their area just as lost & confused by what happened to them.

"What is this? Weren't we defeated?" Eins, the only Guardian among this group lot that could speak, responded in not figuring out how they are here? "Those ponies & Dragons are gone and Peta's magical presence has vanished, so who summoned us?"

"I can answer that." A mysterious, serious tone voice spoke out in answering that question of thought.

And soon something came from the shadows like a blob at first before taking form. And soon came forth the image that was of the Equestrian Eliminator, the agent from Tartarus that is currently observing Twilight Sparkle & her group as they travel. And right now, he seems to have business with these Guardians that he has helped to bring up after their defeat by the heroes.

"It was I that managed to obtain your items with Shadow Magic, and hence forth…with Peta the Evil Mage cease among the living, his ownership is changed." The Equestrian Eliminator spoke forth in stating that with these Guardians now freed agents for new owners, he's obtain them through his own stealth approach of magic.

"And we're supposed to accept that you are our new owner?" Eins spoke for all the other former Guardians under Peta's service that they just kneel over just cause a pony in a mask says so. "It's just the same as before, working for someone underfoot of the Demon Lords." This Guardian in a knight's form responded off that from their view, this stallion that came from the shadows is a servant to a Demon, even if they don't know which of the known Eight Immortal Sorcerers.

"No, my lord is different from the Eight Immortal Demons within the Realm of Demons."The Equestrian Eliminator responded with a serious dry tone in stating he works for a demon of an even higher order. "I serve the demon Dark Elf, Grimmore, the Overlord King of Tartarus." He explained who he served, and the name of his lord, really set things into motion now.

"What? Grimmore," Eins yelped off to say in being surprised, as were the other Guardians that stared to the other in learning of this huge piece of news. "Nrrrugh, so you’re not only a pony, but you serve the most dangerous demon prisoner sealed in Tartarus. That dark-elf containing a godlike power unlike anything that had to be locked away!" Even the Guardians from any parts of the End of Equestria know much about from the eight Demon Lords to the Dark Elf in where they stand in totally different levels of power and authority.

"Yes, that much is true." The Equestrian Eliminator nods in issuing that what is mention about his lord was the truth of the matter. "And if you come willingly, then you shall serve under my order." He issued this off for the seven Guardians to recognize as his offer for their service.

"What's the catch?" Eins asked off from looking from the other Guardians in speaking for them in what this masked pony was saying. "Surely you didn't just take us from joining those heroes." If this stranger just took them to have them take orders from him, it's not that much different from what Twilight's little band of travelers would want.

"Your prowess is more suited to combat and bringing destruction around your area." The Equestrian Eliminator explained the context of why he selected these Guardians under his eyes and interest of their abilities. "They may have obtained the Guardians: Phoenix & Saint Anger, but you seven will be more putting your skills to better use in my line of work." The agent of Grimmore declared that from his line of work, these Guardians will be performed for the jobs this pony does in his own service.

"And what is your work?" Eins asked with some interesting in wondering what their new owner does for a living.

"Mercenary…Assassin…Spy….an Agent to Grimmore, Number 13. Code Name: The Equestrian Eliminator." Equestrian Eliminator introduced his porfolily to the Guardians to not keep much of any secrets of what he does when serving Grimmore and his own army. "I shall ask again, side with me and you'll be treated much better than you would have with Peta. You'll be given some freedom, but under strict rules….My rules." From his narrowing focus eyes, he was not kidding, he wants these Guardians to know they'll be free to be not as slaves or tools, but the masked pony will want them to perform task for him.

Now the seven Guardians begin to look at each other while sending signals from their eye expressions and low growl noises to communicate. After a while of discussing, did the one that spoke simple English turn back to the masked pony.

"Alright, alright, seeing that we're lucky to even still be alive, you must want us since you summoned us." Eins held up his hands in saying they get what is happening and seeing their options to reject seem pretty far off now. "Very well, it's decided…we'll serve you as our new owner & master." He issued this off in what the other Guardians have decided on, this masked stallion may not seem like it, but he seems very skilled and very powerful for a unicorn…maybe even more then Peta was.

"Good, now that the agreement has come into term." Equestrian Eliminator nods in signaling from his eyesight that the arrangements in siding with him are done with. "It's time we continue to watch their progress." He instructed the first task he and his own brand of Guardians will be doing now.

"Their progress; who do you mean?" Eins asked puzzled that neither he nor the others are following.

"Twilight Sparkle & her band; they've managed to overcome this area and shall soon be heading for their last ingredient." Equestrian Eliminator stated how that Twilight's party is about to enter the next area to obtain the final ingredient and he is to see if she can do so…or fail, it matters not so long as their is results.

"Grugruaaoorurghhh…." Body Eye soon let off a response here in making some attention in what it's trying to communicate in its language with the other Guardian Creatures.

"Hugh, Body Eye says he saw you did something to save that pony. Why'd you do such a deed if you're a Demon's agent?" Eins responded a bit puzzled in trying to figure out their new owner, like why he save Twilight if he's on the Demon's side?

"Isn't it obvious?" The Equestrian Eliminator stated off with a dry remote response in saying his answer is clear.

"Eh?" Eins responded lost, as neither him nor the others were even following or this guy was getting them sidetracked.

"Because I've been order to see her active progress within the End of Equestria, even without my aid, she would have stopped Peta's last attack well enough." The Equestrian Eliminator closed his eyes in explaining his case was simply a matter of knowing the results that would have played out in the end; even without interfering….or was that really all? "I only thought it was just a wasteful effort for your former owner to go for such lengths." He exclaimed to open his eyes in stating out, that what he did was cause Peta was already wasting effort to attack when he already lost after his Blood Body broke. "By the way, what did he do with the blood samples that he got?" The masked pony narrow his eyes in asking around a subject, recalling Peta got sample bloods of those among Twilight's group with special magic properties, save for Tough, Bocolix & Dumbledore.

"Heck if either of us knows, Peta magically sends it to where other villains or Demons could study powerful creatures by their blood types." Eins shrug off to respond that non of the Guardians here that serve Peta knew what he did with the blood samples, he could have sent them to be hidden or given to clients of evil, even Demon servants.

"I see then it may mean….new enemies may arise from that gathered blood and may pose some neutral threat. By that doesn't matter much." The Equestrian Eliminator closed his eyes in understanding the events that may play out, having a theory that new foes may rise from the blood of powerful foes by used….to create evil life and so forth. "We're going. Follow my orders well without too many questions, and our mutual arrangement in working together as a unit, will be essential." He opened his eyes to focus on his own band of Guardians in saying they shall aid him in whatever filed he'll work in, and wants them to follow along and they'll be fine then.

"Huh…Uh-hugh," Eins yelped before nodding to agree there, now he & the others got a new, if not unusual owner different from Peta. Not really sure if this pony is evil or not, but for now, whatever decisions are made, they will follow them.

With that settled, the Seven Guardians: Peryton, Wakan Tanka, Eins, Dead Dragon, Remrace, A Bao A Qu, and Body Eye, disappear from view to return to their magical summon items. All these Guardians that serve a new owner, Agent 13 of Grimmore's Order, the Equestrian Eliminator, now holds new power in his hoofs. Soon the masked stallion looked around the grave site, sensing the souls that have long since deceased feel somewhat at ease. But from their purity, some form of light particles shows up near Agent 13 in…the form of a young unicorn colt; Starlight. The Equestrian Eliminator doesn't make any sudden motions towards what he believes is an illusion and of something he keeps telling himself that he is NOT that decease colt. With a magical motion from his horn, the Equestrian Eliminator soon disappears back into the shadows to leave this area…and continue to trail Twilight's party on their progress. But during such a departure, the spirit form of Starlight begins to fade while saying this response…

"Keep watching out for her, kay?" That was all the spirit form illusion of Starlight said before disappearing. Seems another mystery keeps appearing one after another with lots of questions? Just what is going on around in the End of Equestria, and how will Twilight's group handle obtaining the final ingredient….it all remains for fate to decide…and for us to see next time.

------------

"They did it!" Jade cheers on as she and the others saw Twilight's group now leaving Bony Valley. Peta is defeated, that means the Valley of Peace is one step closer to being restored.

"Amazing; The Holy and Mystical Item had saved them in time! Now, they had to seek one more ingredient." Dragon Kick said with a smile. One more ingredient to be gained and it's over.

"Indeed." Tao said in amusement. A familiar figure appears from Tao's behind. "So, has Grimmore decided to kill me?"

"He's still unaware of it yet. But I've considered something about Twilight. Each time I see her, my memory seems slowly return, especially the photo you gave me. Why," The Equestrian Eliminator demands, narrowing his eyes at the old pony.

"You already know the answer, my dear boy."

"I understand, hermit. But I doubt she would accept and see me again after long disappearing since Lorcan came to me and her, if this is truly the case of my identity."

"There is no doubt, but faith. But take time, my friend. Someday; But maybe tomorrow, next day or years later; But who knows, you may change sides." Tao said to the Equestrian Eliminator, who he knows to be Starlight.

The Equestrian Eliminator was silent for a moment then he sighs, "Perhaps. But my heart and soul are still in a tight leash as you had said. Perhaps I can break free; someday."

"Patient is the way to earn victory and reward."

"Perhaps; before I leave, I have present for you to return." The Equestrian Eliminator threw three rings to Tao, Dragon Kick and Jade. They saw the rings of Guardians Peryton, Remrace and Body Eye. They were surprised, "Considered this: even, hermit."

The truth be told, the Equestrian Eliminator felt like it's best that the mentioned Guardians be in the possession of someone who could used them better than he could. The stallion has already discuss the idea to the others and they approved...as long as the Equestrian Eliminator comes back to get the trio when need be.

"Then, so be it, Starlight." Tao said with a nod.

"But we shall meet again, hermit." The Equestrian Eliminator said as he turn, preparing to leave, "One more thing. Be warned and aware of Grimmore. He may be close to you than you think."

"I'm not afraid of him." Jade said sternly, not aware of the one called Grimmore.

"You will be. You will."

"Bad Day," Dragon Kick said, worried that what the Equestrian Eliminator said will need come true.

"Thank you for the information, Starlight. I knew there is good in you." Tao said with a slight smile. Grimmore can try all he wants but he will never get rid of the good that is still Starlight.

"You will never know when I'll be backstabbing, old hermit. So you'd better watch out." The Equestrian Eliminator said, giving Tao and the others a fair warning.

The Equestrian Eliminator disappears in the shadows; Most likely to keep on following Twilight and her group no doubt.

------------

In the area that is filled with rocks, Tso Lan is still standing and staring at the space. The Moon Demons has yet to know about Peta's failure...and even if he did, Tso Lan didn't think of that now as a song begins to play.

Singing: Great Demon Father,
You know I am a great Demon Lord
Of my judgment I'm justly proud.

Chorus: Et tibit Pater (And to you, Father)

Tso Lan turn around and head towards the fireplace. He begins to sing.

Tso Lan: Oh Great Demon Father,
You know I'm so much intelligent than
The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd

Chorus: Quia peccavi nimis (That I have sinned)

Tso Lan's look became worried and feared.

Tso Lan: Then tell me, my Father
Why has my daughter denied her destiny
Why has she betray her own blood

Chorus: Cogitatione (In thought)

He then cross his hand tights while looking at the fireplace. The fire shaped the form of Nyx. Then appeared the form of Twilight Sparkle; They both hug together, much to the Demon's fury.

Tso Lan: I fear her, I'm losing her
Twilight Sparkle has taken control of her
Has driven me out of all control.

Chorus: Verbo et opere (In word and deed)

Tso Lan's eyes grew in widen with both fear and concern.

Tso Lan: Like magic
Demon Magic
This witch's in her blood

He sigh. Tso Lan then clench his hands tight.

This power
Desire
Is turning me to light

Suddenly, the humanoid dressed in black hooded ones appear on the left and right. Tso Lan gasp.

It's not my fault

Chorus: Mea culpa (Through my fault)

Tso Lan starts floating away but more of black hooded ones appear on sides.

Tso Lan: I'm not to blame

Chorus: Mea culpa (Through my fault)

Tso Lan: It is that Alicorn Witch
The princess who sent this light

Chorus: Mea maxima culpa (Through my most grievous fault)

Tso Lan: It's not my fault

Chorus: Mea culpa (Through my fault)

Tso Lan: If in my Father's plan

Chorus: Mea culpa (Through my fault)

Tso Lan stood before the black hooded ones as they slowly faded back. The fire flow and passed him by. Then, it enters into a fireplace.

Tso Lan: He made the angel so much
Stronger than a Demon

Chorus: Mea maxima culpa (Through my most grievous fault)

Tso Lan looked very worried and feared as he continue to watch both Nyx and Twilight playing together.

Tso Lan: Help me, My Great Father
Don't let this siren cast her spell
Don't let her take my daughter away

Tso Lan clenched his hand tight and raised his up. In the fireplace, he saw Twilight Sparkle shot down by Dark Magic. Then, imagination of Nyx appeasr before him. She bows before him as Tso Lan hug her tight.

Destroy Twilight Sparkle
And let her taste the Demon Magic of Darkness
So my daughter can finally return to me.......

"Brother Tso!" A familiar voice yells out. The Nyx that Tso Lan hugged disappear. Tso Lan himself, awakened from the dream, pant as he turn and saw Hsi Wu flying towards him. Tso Lan shook his head and make his hair gentle.

"What is it?" Tso Lan ask Hsi Wu, wanting to know what he wants. 

"Peta's lost the battle. Twilight and her friends escaped death again."

"What?"

Hsi Wu smirks to Tso Lan, adding, "Don't worry. Good news is that Peta sent all the blood including Nightmare Moon's to us before his death."

"Well done. Inform our brethren gathered up for the meeting." Tso Lan said anxiously. Hsi Wu nods as he flew away. "I will have her. I will bring her back, even if I had to break her heart to pieces! And that is your mother: Twilight Sparkle!"

Tso Lan glared at the fireplace as he resume singing.

Demon Magic
Dark Magic
Now, my dearest daughter, it's your turn. 
Choose me, or your mother's death. 
Be mine, or you shall be in pained!

Tso Lan blast his Blackish Blade on the fireplace. The fire grew in darkness and became larger. Tso Lan stared at the flames as it grew darker and larger.

Chorus: Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)

Tso Lan: Demon Father have mercy on her

Chorus: Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)

Tso Lan: Demon Father have mercy on me

Chorus: Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)

Tso Lan: But she will be mine
Or she will be in pained!

Once the song is over, Tso Lan continue to stare at the fireplace as it slowly return to its normal size. He panted as he himself at once leave his area and meet up with his brethren who were waiting for him to show up.

Tchang Zu glares at Tso Lan as he demands, "What took you long?"

"You were okay at first, but now you're tired." Hsi Wu adds in concern, noting how tired his brother is.

"Care to explain?" Po Kong asks a bit curious.

"Having trouble with the fireplace; But I am fine. For now,” Tso Lan said with a sigh. Perhaps now is not the time to explain what happened. That will give them more reason to worry.

Shendu on the other hand can guess what happened. Deciding to drop the matter, the Demon Lord said, "I see."

"Here it is the blood of Nightmare Moon, Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare, Spike and Phobos." Xiao Fung said. Tso Lan receive five tubes of his enemies' bloods from Xiao Fung. He smirks.

"Excellent. With their blood on our sides, we will create the perfect duplicate Nightmare Moon with such magnificent and powerful strengths and might in the world." Tso Lan chuckle in delight. "Shendu, proceed with the second master plan. And be sure about what you had said before."

"I assure you that I will succeed in capturing both Nightmare Moon and Spike." Shendu said with a smirk as he turns to the goblin, "Goblin?"

"Yes master." The goblin, annoyed by his real name not being used again, grunts.

The portal is opened in front of Shendu ho passed through it. Once he is done, Bai Tza spoke up, "So what is your second master plan?"

"A soon as Shendu captured all of them while dealing with Ben Mare as he requested, I have some use of Nightmare Moon and Spike in against the one who raised them." Tso Lan explain. Hearing Spike's name made the other Demon Lords gasp in shock.

"Spike," Po Kong yells out in shock and alarm.

"I understand Nightmare Moon, but why Spike?!" Xiao Fung asks in shock. Why in the world would Tso Lan want with that little traitor?!

"But he is a traitor." Xiao Fung said in concern.

Hsi Wu asks suspiciously, "Can he be trusted?"

Tchang Zu, agreeing with the skeptic siblings, adds, "He is now an ally of ponies!"

"Never say never, my brethren. Shendu requested me." Tso Lan explains, making the other Demon Lords snarl at the request. "But do not fear and worry. For we had more surprises for our enemy, such as Shendu possessed more than just the Fire Element. "

The Demon Lords looked confused. Bai Tza, being the first to get it, smirks as she said, "I see. I can't wait to find out more of how Shendu achieved in bringing Nightmare Moon and Spike back to our sides."

"You'll be intrigued, my brethren. Victory will soon be ours."

Tso Lan laugh and chuckle evilly, followed by the Demon Lords. Everything will go as planned...