Road to the End

by JusSonic

Chapter 16: Shendu's Second Master Plan

The Degree Volcano is one of the hottest places, and I mean HOT because it is also a volcano. This place is also the home to the palace of one of the most evilest Demon Lords in Equestria: Shendu and he's about to return home.

In Shendu's Palace, the goblin had solved the puzzle after making both together. The Pan'ku Box glows in green, floated, and then fire on the giant throne chair. It then attach to the chair then the Pan'ku Box beam out as it open a big portal Shendu stepped out from his portal, freed once more.

Shendu breathe in and out before he looks around. With a cruel smile he said, "Yes; Freedom at last. At long last, my powers...once more used outside the realm of my imprisonment. Speed... Invisibility... Astral-projection; and my personal favorite: Ruuarrghh!" From the glowing red eyes, the Dragon Demon roared before preparing something. "Combustion! "

Shendu clasp his hands to form a sphere of pure fiery energy that fire off a discharge at the entrance. The goblin panic while screaming. He quickly ducked down before he gets his head roasted.

"Booomfruvhmmm," Soon outside Shendu'a palace, a highly destructive & explosive force destroyed the outer walls while sending any gravel off down below. Man, talk about some serious firepower, both mentally & physically to be sure.

Shendu chuckle evilly, "Perfect. My powers have been perfectly restored to me." He turned to the goblin who quickly bows down. "You have my thanks, Todd."

Todd, surprised that Shendu knows his name, asks, "You know my name?"

"While you're not a great warrior as anyone else, you have great loyalty to me and my brethren for many years. Be sure that we have not sent you to battlefield to get killed."

"Oh thank you, Master Shendu! I thought I would change sides to join Grimmore because you didn't give me credit."

"Huh?! What was that?!" Shendu demanded, wondering what the goblin just said.

Todd quickly said, "Um......Nothing!" Last thing he wants is Shendu to punish him...harshly for suggesting that.

Shendu glare at Todd with his glare. The goblin shivers as the Dragon Demon said, "Matters not. Now, go to Tso Lan's Palace and await for his order, Todd."

"Yes master."

Todd immediately left the chamber as quickly as he can. Shendu approach and sat on his throne chair. His eyes glow in red. In every corner of the shadows, creatures are hidden that has red eyes and are looking at Shendu. They await his orders.

"Be prepared for our visitors. This time, we will succeed." Shendu said to the hidden ones sinisterly.

The hidden ones nod as they get ready. No more failures this time. Shendu will succeed...

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

Twilight and her group sweat a bit. The Degree Volcano is indeed one huge volcano. No wonder the last ingredient, the Sacred Flame, can be found here.

"So, Twilight, where's the last ingredient we're looking for?" Spike asks, wondering what ingredient is the last to get here.

Twilight looks at the map then gulps while answering, "I'm not going to like this, Spike. But the last ingredient we're looking for is inside of Shendu's Palace."

Everyone but Twilight gasps, "Shendu?!" The Sacred Flame is in his home?! Oh, not good. Shendu is one of the most powerful Demon Lords besides Tso Lan.

"Oh boy, that's not good." Phobos said with a frown.

"The Demon Lord of Fire," Nyx yelps with a fright. She was worried that the group would come to this moment but why now?

"Of all of the places, can't the place at least be nice and good?" Dumbledore groans a bit in despair and fright. Not good at all.

Bocolix nods, saying, "Yeah, that would be nice." Anything is better than coming to Shendu's wicked palace of fire!

"Everywhere we go is always 'de worst." Tough said, commentating on no matter where the gang goes, they always find a dangerous place or so to go to. "Even so, Ah'd say we can handle 'de battles pretty well."

"Tough's right; We had faced and overcome the Demon Lords' pets, servants and even six of themselves." Ben said, nodding in agreement. "Besides, we're almost finished in gathering all the ingredients. We need the last one. If those Demon Lords were to come and face us, we still have the voice and the Mystic Banishment Ingredients to fight them."

"You're right, daddy. We can do this. We had come too far for this." Nyx said in determination. The group has made it here this far, time to finish it with the last ingredient.

Twilight smiles in determination, speaking to the others, "Yes. I'd say we finish this journey once and for all. Are you with me?"

Ben smile, hugging Twilight while saying, "To the end."

Nyx jumped up and down like a certain pony, giggling, "Me too."

Spike throws a fist into the air, remarking, "Let's do this, guys."

"After this horrible trip, we can all go home." Phobos said. Once Shendu is beaten, the End of Equestria quest will finally be over.

"Yew bet, guys." Tough said, agreeing to join in as well.

"I wonder if they're gonna forgive us for lying to them if they know that we're really Boxco and Dum-Dum." Bocolix whispers to Dumbledore in concern. What if their new friends find out the truth of who the new Alicorns really are? Would they be forgiven?

Dumbledore whispers right back, "Doubt on that one, pal. But still, we did manage to get Twilight Sparkle safely, didn't we? So, let's finish this nightmare trip for good."

Bocolix nods. Twilight trots on, saying, "Alright, everypony, let's go; One last journey."

Twilight and her friends got onto the cart. They move towards Shendu's Palace for one last journey, preparing for the worst. Koga heard rustling coming from some bushes. He turn and snarl at them before barking at the bushes.

"Easy, Koga; I know it's scary but we're almost done." Ben said, petting Koga though the stallion is unaware as the real reason why his wolf cub is doing that. "Just wait a little longer. I promise you. We'll be fine."

Koga whimper in worry as he turn back to the front. Unknown to Twilight and her friends, the bushes open up to reveal reddish eyes, glaring at them while hiding in the shadows.

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

Pinkamena was reading but shivers and says, "It seems that some time or so a new enemy will be made from the blood of some of the gang and the gang will be dealing with a powerful Demon."

Golden Heart say in concern, "I see but nothing that the evil ones will make be strong enough to beat the powers of light and friendship but the fight I cannot do."

Pinkamena heads to Omega and says, "Omega, I need you to help Twilight and friends beat this powerful Demon and then once you done return back here,:

"Understood."

Omega heads off at fast speed to get to the gang as Pinkamena sits down and begins reading again.

Pinkamena spoke up, "Anyway the gang are doing well."

"Ok." Golden Heart said, relieved to hear that.

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

Twilight and her family had entered the large hallway of Shendu's Palace. They saw the bones of ponies and some strange creatures, along with their broken weapons and torn clothes. They looked scared and worried at seeing the scene. Ponies must've come here and not came out to tell the tale.

"Wow. That's some whack place." Dumbledore remarks with a shudder.

"I wonder what really happen in this place." Bocolix comments while looking around in concern.

"What you see is the battle between forces of good and evil." A familiar voice spoke. Everyone yelp as they turn and saw Tao who smiled. "Hello."

"For Dragon's sake, Tao, will you quit doing that! We had a heck enough in fighting with the monsters for a week!" Phobos complains to Tao. That last surprise was unnecessary and scary!

Tao hits Phobos while scolding, "Respect the elders."

Spike chuckle as he apologize to Tao, "Sorry about that, Tao. You know, we're so tired from fighting and running for our lives."

"I see. So what are you doing here in this dreadful palace of Shendu?"

Twilight sighs while explaining, "We come for the last ingredient, Tao."

Nyx smile while asking, "Do you know what this mean?"

Tao smile while answering the little filly, "Indeed, I do, Beauty of Night's Hope. This will be your last journey to get the ingredient. Thus, you'll save the home of your dearest sister-like, Twilight and my dear friends."

Twilight smiles; She says, "Indeed, it is, Tao. And, thank you too."

"For what?"

"For helping us; You see, ever since we came to the End of Equestria, we were so worried that we wouldn't make it out alive until you came."

Tao pretends to be confused as he spoke out, "But I'm merely hermit pony. All I did is give advice to you."

Nyx smile while pointing out, "That's the point, Mr. Tao. Your advice has given us confident and hope; We had overcome everything. Now we made it to the last ingredient."

"You said it, Nyx." Spike laughs while patting Nyx on the back.

"Thank you so much, Tao. Once we turned, we won't be seeing you again." Ben said, knowing that Tao would disappear again like so any times back. Everyone turn to the front for a while. They turn back but gasp upon noticing that...the old pony didn't disappear! "Wait! You didn't disappear like before. Why?"

"And let you journey through this dreadful palace? I don't think so, Ben." Tao said to Ben in concern.

"Then, why not before, pal?" Phobos asks Tao with a frown.

"Because Shendu's Palace is very a dangerous place, especially since this involve Shadow Demons."

Bocolix and Dumbledore ask in alarm, "Shadow Demons?" That doesn't sound good.

"What's that?" Spike ask, getting worried by what Tao just said as well.

"Shadow Demons are very mindless yet persistent and loyal to their masters. Though not powerful, they are very fierce and a dangerous army." Tao explains to the group. "They will spawn more to increase more soldiers. Shadow Demons has eight tribes: Tso Lan's Razors, Shendu's Ninjas, Bai Tza's Squids, Tchang Zu's Samurais, Dai Gui's Crabs, Xiao Fung's Mantises, Po Kong's Sumos and Hsi Wu's Bats. Each of the tribes possessed the unique ability and talents in battling their enemies. We must be very cautious."

"So, these Shadow Demons, where are they?" Tough ask while looking around. If the Shadow Demons do exist, they may be watching the gang right now!

"Hiding in shadows, in their deep Ssumber and awaits for their masters' arrival and order."

"So how do we avoid them?" Nyx ask Tao in worry. She wants to be ready in case those Shadow Demons were to show up, causing trouble.

"By not making any noise; I shall guide you through this palace." Tao said to Nyx gently. If the group doesn't make any noises, they can find the ingredient and get out without causing any confrontations with the Shadow Demons themselves.

"Thank you, Tao." Twilight said. The group will need all the help that they can get.

Tao took the torch and light to the stairs while leading Twilight and her friends up to the top floor. Twilight and her friends looked around and saw the dead bodies. What happened here?

"So, what happen here?" Ben asks Tao curiously yet worried.

"Thanks to Tadaka and Lorcan, heroes from old age have managed to defeat most of Demon Lords and their army. And this place is the final battle between Princess Celestia and the forces of good and the last Demon Lord, Shendu." Tao explains grimly. "Though they had won the battle, there is a price to pay: brave souls of ponies had sacrificed their lives to save their homes from being destroyed."

"That's very sad." Nyx said, making a sniff. A lot of ponies had lost their lives to save Equestria from an evil monster and his horde.

"I don't like the word of 'sacrifice'." Spike remarks with a shudder. The word 'sacrifice' reminds him of how he gave his own life to save everyone that he cared about from Lorcan.

Tao nod, saying, "Indeed, it is very painful to anyone to see the fallen heroes like the ones in this place."

Twilight thought for a moment, then she begins to speak, "Tao, I was wondering. Is this the reason why the Mystic Pony couldn't restore the End of Equestria to the Valley of Peace because of the Demon Lords' curses?"

Tao nod as he said, "Yes, Twilight. After the Demon Lords' banishment, a Mystic Pony believed that his Light could cure and restore the land. But unfortunately, the land consists of both Warlords and the Demon Lords' Dark, Demon and Curse Magic, it had nearly corrupted and consumed him to become corrupted from restoring it."

"Ouch, that really hurt." Dumbledore remark, cringing at what the Mystic Pony has gone through.

"I hope he's okay." Bocolix said in concern.

"You know, Tao, I really wish to meet this Mystic Pony, like Twilight had said. I hope he's okay." Ben said with a nod. If the Earth pony can meet the Mystic Pony who did all he could to try to restore the Valley of Peace, it will be worth all the trouble.

Twilight said, "Ben........"

Tao smile while saying, "Someday, you will, Ben."

Twilight and her friends continue to go up the stairs. They had arrived on the top floor. The group continues to journey and arrived at the fork road that consist of two entrances.

"So which way to go," Phobos ask while pondering which way to go now.

"Aieyah; I forgot." Tao groans as he slaps himself on the forehead with one hoof in embarrassment. "I had not been in this place for 30 years. This curse place shivered me a lot."

"I can tell of that." Spike said with a nod. He knows how it feels to forget something upon being terrified.

"There's nothing we can do, but to rest until Tao remembers." Ben suggests.

Twilight and her friends took a break and rested for a while. Tao play his leaf flute while looking at the entrance. Nyx sighed as she approached Tao, "Tao, I need to ask you something."

"What is it, Nyx?" Tao ask, wondering what Nyx wish to ask him of.

"I need you to be honest with me. Did you and my parents had a talk about me? Is Tso Lan really my real father? He told me who I really am, especially from what Bai Tza and Po Kong had told me before."

Twilight and Ben turn to Tao and Nyx; Looks like the time has come. Both parents are worried as to how their daughter would feel about hearing the truth the hard way. Would she be the same afterwards?

Tao sigh, "Promise me that you will not be angered." Nyx nods. "It is true."

Nyx look shocked while sighing, "So, I really am a Demon. I really am Tso Lan's daughter."

"Nyx, you're not a Demon." Twilight said to Nyx gently. She refuses to let her daughter berate herself like that.

"You shouldn't let that bother you." Ben said in agreement to his daughter.

Nyx sob to her parents, "Why are you being so nice to me? You already know the truth of who I really am. I brought sufferings and harm to you and everyone I know of. I am Nightmare Moon's Reincarnation and Tso Lan's daughter. Why, Twilight and Ben," Why would the two ponies even care for her after hearing what Tao just said?

"Because Nyx, you're our daughter and part of a family."

"You'll always be in our heart. You're not a Demon, you're a pony." Twilight said with a smile to the worried Nyx.

"Do you mean it, Twilight, Ben?" Nyx ask. Twilight and Ben smiled while nodding. "Even so, I don't know how long can you two keep this up. Tso Lan will do anything to kill you. Maybe I should have given up."

"Nyx......." Ben said in concern.

Twilight shakes her head whiles aying, "No......."

"Despite knowing your true identity, are you happy of your decision?" Tao ask Nyx, wondering if the filly would keep her decision and be happy with it.

"But what can I do?" Nyx ask Tao in plead. She wants an answer.

"Fight and defeat Tso Lan." Tao answers. Nyx looked shocked. "I know, it is hard and dangerous to face with him. But action speaks louder than words. If he won't listen to your words, then he shall listen to your action. Only you must face him alone."

"I guess so. But do you think I can handle it? I'm not sure if I can face my own father?"

"You have to, Nyx. Even if Tso Lan is your real dad, he's noting like Ben." Spike explains. "He doesn't even care about you like my brother did or your dad."

"Spike's right, Nyx; I'd say kick his flank for hurting us." Phobos remarks in eagerness. The Moon Dragon figures that if Nyx takes down Tso Lan, only then would that monster would pay.

"We'll be there fer yew, Nyx." Tough said with a smile. If the ponies are there for Nyx, they will give her the courage needed to defeat Tso Lan for good.

Bocolix and Dumbledore both said in agreement, "Yeah."

"No matter what happen, Nyx, we'll help and protect you." Ben said, nuzzling Nyx in comfort.

"You'll always be in our heart, Nyx." Twilight said with a warm smile to her little filly.

Nyx sob while smiling, "Thank you, mom, dad and everypony." Hearing that has change her doubts for good this time.

Nyx hug her family while Tough, Dumbledore and Bocolix sob. Tao smile at the scene, then he gasps in recognization, "Aieyah. Now I remember."

Everyone ask at the same time, "You do?"

"Left; come, my friends, we must make haste."

Tao leads Twilight and her friends into the left entrance. After a long hallway of the entrance, they have arrived at a large hall. The group looks amazed and surprised of the place.

"The Sacred Flame that we're looking for could be anywhere." Ben said while glancing around the hall.

"How we gonna find it in a large hall?" Nyx ask while looking around herself. Looking for a big flame is like finding a needle in a haystack back at Sweet Apple Acres.

Phobos spots the white light on the left side. He points while saying, "Over there."

"Phobos," Tao ask while turning to see where Phobos was pointing at.

Phobos heads to the left room. Everyone followed him. They arrive in a room that consists of more dead ponies skeletons, and in the middle is a big rectangle stone-like coffin. Most of the group shivers at this sight.

"Is that a coffin?" Spike asks in concern.

Nyx ask, "But whose coffin?"

"I see something on the tomb's top part." Phobos said, spotting a label on the coffin. He flew up high and read it, "'Tenkai the Spiritual Mystic.'"

Everyone but Tao ask in surprise, "Tenkai?" The group ponders who that pony is.

Tao was the one who answers their question, "A Unicorn, one of Mystic Ponies who controls and connects to the spirits and the Spiritual World."

"Tao, is he the one who restored the Lake of Eternal?" Twilight ask Tao, wondering if Tenkai is the same one who restored the Lake of Eternal to what it was before.

Tao shook his head as he corrects, "No; that was a Light Mystic."

"So, what's a Spirit Mystic doing here? Is he trying to cure the land too?" Ben ask Tao, pondering what a Spirit Mystic is doing here in the first place.

"Indeed. But going to the Demon Lords' Palace will put grave danger to anyone, even both Alicorns and Mystic Ponies. They may end up being corrupted or death."

"This is bad." Nyx gulps a bit. She and Twilight are Alicorns, would that mean that they would be in danger too?

"Indeed , it is." Tao said with a grave nod.

"Hey, look what I found." The baby Dragon calls over. Everyone turn and saw Spike holding a large dusty old book. "I found a book from the dead pony. Well, I wasn't trying to be rude."

"I know, Spike. Let me read this book, it might give us the clue." The old pony requested. Spike gave the book to Tao. "Heed carefully, this could be important."

Everyone gather around Tao, but Bocolix and Dumbledore spots the dead demon's skeleton, sitting on the well. As they look at it. Tao read the journal, "'My journey to restore the Valley of Peace had become in vain. I should have heeded the wisdom of my ally. I thought using my powers of connection to Spirits could help me restore it. But I was wrong. I sense nothing of their good essence but darkness. But worst is that more Shadow Demons have appeared. And it seems that they're very fierce and angered by my attempts. As I feared, the Shadow Demons continued to spawn more until the arrival of any masters to come. To prevent more spawning, all eight Demon Lords must be resealed again. My dear old friend; please be ensure that no monsters could ever come out from their prison. Or Equestria will fall.'"

"That's bad news?" Spike asks Tao in worry. The journal entry sounded like a nightmare!

"Indeed , it is, Spike. We must find the ingredient at once."

"Yes. I had the feeling that Shendu is here as well." Twilight said grimly. Shendu would most likely be in the palace by now.

"I can only hope that he doesn't spot or heard us." Ben said in concern.

As Bocolix and Dumbledore were about to touch the dead pony, something come out from the well. They both panicked while screaming. Everyone turned as Bocolix and Dumbledore return to the group at once.

"Bocolixl Dumbledore! What in tarnation did yew do?!" Tough demanded, wondering what those two goofy Alicorns has done now.

"Something's just come out!" Bocolix exclaims frantically to the others.

"Whatever it is, it's not good." Dumbledore points to the direction of the well while screaming.

Tao look shocked and worried while mumbling, "They know we're here."

Everyone look confused and worried. They soon saw the area covered by some shadows which emerged from the ground and form into blue humanoid-skinned creatures with black ninja suits with reddish eyes. They all glare at Twilight and her family. Twilight and her friends gather around Tenkai's tomb. This is not the welcome party.

Spike gulps, "Let me guess......Shadow Demons?"

Ben said sternly, "Shendu's Ninjas."

"Prepare yourself." Tao said to the group sternly.

Twilight and her friends armed themselves as Ben and Tao unsheathed their swords, the old pony got one out from his long bag, Nyx transform into her Battle Mode and armed herself with Twilight, Bocolix and Dumbledore, Tough armed with his gun, and Spike and Phobos were readied.

Phobos looks startled upon seeing Tao's sword. He exclaims, "Wait! You have a sword? Why didn't you tell us?"

"Only for emergency," Tao explains to Phobos.

"I guess this is." Ben said with a nod since this battle most likely count as an emergency.

"Everypony, get ready," Twilight yelled out to everypony and everyone else.

The Shadow Demon Ninjas charge from the top and the ground. They attacd Twilight and her friends as the good guys dodge the attacks while fought back against the Ninjas. Justin, Rabbitchu, Koga and Owlowicious stay back near Tenkai's Tomb to look after themselves and the ingredients and stuffs. Ben and Tao use their swords to block the attacks as well as dodging them from the Ninjas' attacks in using their weapons, fists and legs. While doing that, they fought back through slicing, cutting, attacking and defeating the enemy.

Twilight, Nyx, Bocolix and Dumbledore sticks together as they continue to dodge the attacks while firing their magic at the Ninjas who either attack from the distance or charging in. They sometimes used their hooves to fight when Ninjas come too close to Twilight and her friends. Spike and Phobos did the same routine as the others did: dodge and avoid the attacks while firing their Dragon and Moon Rage at the Ninjas or punching on their faces and legs. Tough use his gun and fire at them and sometimes fought them with his hooves against the Ninjas.

Twilight, Nyx, Bocolix, Dumbledore, Spike, Phobos and Tough had gather around together in one big circle to fight off against the Shadow Demon Ninjas. During that, some Ninjas swung their chains on top of their heads. They threw the swinging chains right at Twilight and her friends. Their hooves or claws, necks, tails and even bodies were tied up by the chains. Twilight and her friends tried to escape, but it is too tight for them to do so.

More Ninjas jumped down from the top floor or charged on the ground. They surround and grab Twilight and her friends. The black ooze appears on the ground. The Ninjas starts descending down to the black ooze while holding tight on Twilight and her friends who scream out loud.

Ben and Tao have managed to defeat the Ninjas when they heard the scream. The two turn and saw their friends had been grabbed. They’re starting to sink down. Bocolix, Dumbledore, Phobos and Spike got sank already.

"Nooooooooo," Ben screams in horror. He starts running towards Twilight and Nyx. He quickly grabs their hooves tight. Ben try to pull them out, but the ooze is too strong to let Twilight and Nyx go. "Don't let go!"

"I won't!" Twilight exclaims, fear in her eyes.

"Help us, father!" Nyx cry out in fear.

While Ben is being distracted in helping Twilight and Nyx, Ninjas armed their bows and arrows. They're aiming at Ben. Tao gasp as well Twilight and Nyx upon seeing this. The old pony charged in as quickly as he can.

Tao, Twilight and Nyx yell out to Ben, "Ben/Daddy, watch out!"

Ben turn and saw the arrows which have been released by Ninjas. They are shooting right at Ben. Tao grab him out of the arrows' range, just in time. But Twilight and Nyx got sank into the black ooze. Ben spot them in shock and fear. The black ooze disappears, preventing another chance.

Ben shook his head while screaming, "Nooooooooooooo! Twilight! Nyx! I fail them."

Tao pats Ben on the back as he say, "It's not your fault, Ben."

"But why; why would Shendu kidnap my family; Why not me?"

"I do not know. I do not like it either."

"I do." A familiar voice spoke up. Shendu's head appear before Ben and Tao, smirking like the evil Demon that he is.

"You're Shendu?! Where is my family?" Ben demands angrily to Shendu, wanting so much to hurt this guy for taking Twilight, Nyx, Spike and the others like that.

"They're in safe hands for now, Benjamin. I have a proposal."

"What do you want? I'll do anything to save my family and friends."

Shendu smirk while continuing, "Nothing difficult. Challenge me, Ben. I had seen your courage, wisdom and power to overcome your fate and my beast. I must say, that was impressive. If you do accept it, then come to my throne chamber."

"How'd I do that?" Ben asks Shendu, wanting to know how to do just that.

"Just follow the ninja."

Shendu chuckle as his head disappear. Ben is about to move, but he was stopped by Tao who said to him seriously, "I know you want to help your family. But you do not possess the means of understanding of defeating Shendu, Ben. It is too dangerous to face him."

"I have to. My family needs me." Ben said to Tao seriously. If he must face Shendu to save the ones that he himself care for, then so be it.

"Patience, Ben. We will save them. But you need to understand Shendu's powers first. "

Tao approach the animal pets and cart to find something from his bag. Ben sigh of this, he got no time for this. Twilight and Nyx needs him now!. He turn and spotted something. Tao continue to search until he found something and took it out.

"Hatcha; I found it. With this book, you can defeat Shendu." Tao said with a smile. He turns and found that Ben is nowhere nearby. Where could he be? Tao became very worried and concern; Justin, Rabbitchu, Koga and Owlowiscious turn and looking at the entrance that they came in. Tao's eyes are widen as he gasp, "Oh no. He wouldn't."

Ben has decided to take on Shendu alone.

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

Twilight groan as she gets up slowly. The mare soon found out that she's in a weird sphere. Twilight try to use her magic to break through it. But for some reason, it didn't work. She looks around and found some of her friends and family, trapped in other spheres as well. Nyx is now in her filly form.

Twilight calls out, "Is everypony alright?"

"I'm okay." Nyx spoke to her mother.

Spike nodded while getting back up, saying, "Me too."

"What happen?" Phobos mumbles, trying to figure out what just happen just now.

Tough grunts as he explains, "Those ninjas grabbed us down 'ta 'dis dark place, an' 'de next, we somehow end up here."

"I don't like it." Bocolix gulps a bit in worry. Shendu isn't wasting any time in getting what he wants.

Dumbledore looks around, asking, "Where are the ninjas?"

"The better question is why Shendu didn't finish us while not getting Ben but Nyx?" Twilight ask in concern. Shendu didn't get Ben for some reason so why didn't he? Unless...the Dragon Demon has something big in plan!

"Because I have something special, a challenge for Ben," A familiar voice spoke up.

Everyone turn and spot Shendu who came in from a door in the room. They say in alarm, "Shendu."

"We meet again, my enemies."

"What do you want? Why did you kidnap all of us?" Twilight demands angrily to Shendu.

Shendu smirk as he explains, "Well, I would have taken both Ben and Nyx to my brother at once. But I decided not to; because I wish to see and test the will of the holder of Triforce Elements of Harmony. And of course, to provide Nightmare Moon to know who is her true father."

Nyx groan in annoyance, "Look Shendu, I'm really getting sick of hearing you and the Demon Lords keep calling me Nightmare Moon, and you're thinking that I'm Demon? I admit that Tso Lan is my real father. But the real one who cares and loves me is Benjamin Mare!"

"Yeah! Nyx's a pony! Why don't you leave her alone," Spike demands to Shendu in agreement. These Demon Lords are like a broken record!

"I won't, Spike. Both of you belong to us, a family. I will prove to you, Nightmare Moon that Benjamin Mare is not your father." Shendu said darkly to Nyx, "For he is not strongest and powerful as Tso Lan. He is weak. Once I'm through with him, I shall bring you both back to us."

"Wait! Bring me back to you?! I thought you guys hate me?"

"You call my father weak?!" Nyx yells out angrily, outraged by what Shendu just called Ben.

Shendu nods as he continues, "While my brethren doesn't like the idea of bringing you back to a family, I wanted, Spike. For your father and brother were my trusted allies and part of my family, they were blinded by ponies, but no more." He then turn to Nyx as he continues. "If your father truly thinks he's powerful, then he shall prove himself to me of how strong his words and actions can be."

"Trust me, Shendu, he'll beat you. I don't need a strong and powerful father. All I need is somepony loving and caring like him."

"Even though you accepted me, I already had a family, pal!" Spike exclaims furiously. No way is he going to be family to this freak!

"Spike........ Nyx........" Twilight said, touched by Spike and Nyx's loyalty to their true family.

Shendu just chuckle while remarking, "We shall see. Come; let us prepare the welcoming celebration for the arrival and demise of Benjamin Mare. I shall prove to you that Tso Lan is the true father to you, Nightmare Moon. And Spike, you cannot escape your true purpose of family."

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

Ben follows the ninja whom he spotted from Tenkai's Tomb area. It continues to jump over column by column from left to right. The ninja land on the ground and face him. Ben then arrived at the large entrance. The ninja disappear by phasing down into the ground.

Ben sigh, "This must be it." This door that the stallion is looking at now must be where he must face off against Shendu.

Ben opens the large door. He saw an area which is covered by pure gold, some treasures, gems and jewels, as well as Ancient Chinese structure-like stuff. He then saw Shendu, and his family and friends who are trapped inside spheres. Ben is surrounded by thousands of Shadow Demon Ninjas, who aren't going to let him attack early unless their master wills it.

"Welcome, Ben. I've been expecting you." Shendu said to Ben darkly.

"I did as you want. Now, let go of my family so we can start our battle." Ben demands to Shendu. He came so the others must be free at once!

Shendu smirk as he said, "I think not, my dear boy. For you see, you have two options to deal with."

Shendu put his claw up and reveal the Sacred Flame, a huge ball of fire which doesn't appear to be burning him at all. Everyone was in shock and surprise. What is this Demon Lord up to?

Ben said upon recognizing the item in question, "It's the Sacred Flame."

"Indeed , it is. We Demon Lords are aware of your arrival and purpose, Ben. Who would have thought that someone like our ally did a horrible thing to you?" Shendu ask slyly to Ben. Everyone was in shock upon hearing this. Someone was the reason why the Apples' farm isn't growing anything anymore?

"Wait! You're behind the attack?! Why?! So you can get me and Nyx?!"

Shendu smirks, shaking his head while explaining, "No, Ben. I believe you know your enemy very well, Ben since he is the one that you fought from the Realm of Humans."

Ben gasp as he knows what Shendu is referring to, "The Superior?! He's the one who did this! Not only has he gone too far to hurt poor ponies, but attacking and starving ponies to death. This is too much! So where is he?! You know him well, didn't you?"

"Indeed we do, but that is not important; back to our topic. While I hold this last ingredient you require, you have to make a choice." Shendu said. Ben was in shock, knowing what the villain would want him to do. "Answer me this, Ben. Will you sacrifice the lives of your family or thousands of innocent lives? Let us see why you've been chosen by Triforce Elements of Harmony in the first place."

Ben groans angrily as he thought for the moment while closing his eyes. What to do? What to do? Give up his family or Ponyville? The Earth pony of course isn't going to let one nasty Demon force him to make a tough decision.

Ben open his eyes with a determined look as he answer, "Guess what, Shendu? I'm not choosing. I'm doing both. I'll do what I can to save my family and Ponyville by defeating you!"

Everyone smile and cheer. Shendu said in amusement, "I see. You have the eyes of a hero, that's why. Very well, if you can defeat me, perhaps I could let them go. Don't get confident in defeating me, Ben."

"Count on it!"

Shendu stood up and prepare to attack Ben. Ben armed himself with his Master Sword and Hylian Shield. Everyone look on the battlefield carefully. The major battle is about to begin.

"Colt, you are going to meet your maker soon enough." Shendu comments to Ben with an evil grin. "And once you're gone, Nyx will return to Tso Lan. Are you ready to face defeat?"

"Never! I will never surrender, and I won't let you get Nyx and Spike!" Ben shouted in determination.
Ben charge and attack Shendu with his sword, but unfortunately, the Demon disappear from sight. Ben remain cautious to find him. Suddenly, he got his back attacked and hurt badly. He got hit onto a wall, very hard. Ben got up as he turned and saw Shendu appearing. He was in shock.

Dumbledore looks shocked as he yells out, "WHAT THE-!? HE SHOT HIM OUT LIKE NOTHING?"

"THAT AIN'T NORMAL STRENGTH!" Bocolix screams like a lunatic.

"How did you do that; your strengths; argh; it hurts!" Ben cringes a bit, feeling his back hurting big time.

Shendu smiles as he explains, "Invisibility and Super Strength. There's more where they come from. Come and give me your best shot."

"Sword Beam," The Earth pony yells. Ben blasts his weapon right at Shendu's chest. The Demon yell in pain as everyone cheer for Ben.

"Alright; that'll put a cramp in the Demon's pants!" Phobos cheers on eagerly.

As the smoke clouds clear, Shendu was seen growling from what hit him as a hole mark was seen in his chest.

"Did that work?" Nyx ask curiously wondering if that stopped Shendu.

"How do you like that, Shendu?!" Ben asks Shendu with a smirk.

"Not good enough, I'm afraid." The Demon said, apparently not weak. Shendu's chest slowly regenerate like cells. Everyone was in shock. "While destroying my heart is my weakness, as long I possessed both Healing and Immortality powers, I cannot be harmed."

"Even so, I'm not done yet!" Ben exclaims in determination.

Ben charge and swung his sword at Shendu, but his enemy moved back in one swift move. Ben was in shock, but he shook his head as the pony continue to attack Shendu as fast as he could. But the Dragon Demon move faster than Ben is. The hero became exhausted after a few rounds of attacking Shendu. The villain quickly gave Ben a big punch on his muzzle, causing him to hit the ground hard.

Ben groans a bit, "Let me guess: Speed?"

Shendu chuckles, "Indeed it is. When you're done, you get burned. Now, face my three fire powers; Dragon Flame, Combustion Blasts and Heat-Beam Eyes!"

Shendu's fire off an unusually strong and powerful beam of pure yellow-colored heat energy from his eyes, hands and mouth that blew off the ground floor; He blast right at Ben. The Earth pony quickly escapes.

Spike yells out in shock, "HE SHOOTS BEAMS FROM HIS EYES!?!"

Phobos groaned, "Great, like your brother Lorcan wasn't bad enough when he used that on us!"

Ben quickly uses his Hylian Shield and cover himself from being burned. For a few minutes, Shendu stop. Ben remove the shield as he was about to attack his enemy but Shendu is in front of him. The Dragon Demon gave hard punches onto Ben as hard as he can before he went invisible and escaped from Ben in speed.

Ben remains cautious as he prepare to attack and defeat Shendu. But the monster attack Ben from behind, before he disappear and escape. He then attack on Ben's front, then the left and the right before the back. Shendu continue to attack the Earth pony as fast and hard as he can while the Demon disappear and escape with his speed. Shendu then blast Dragon Flame, Combustion Blast and Heat-Beam Eyes at Ben. But he quickly covers himself from the attack with his shield. Just before the Earth pony could attack Shendu, he attacks Ben first and continuously beating him down.

Ben received major injuries. The hero coughs out while spitting some blood out. Ben looks around and saw that Shendu hasn't appeared. He looks up at the throne room in precaution. Ben groans as he drags himself to Twilight and her friends, despite receiving some injuries.

Before he could do that, Ben yelps as he's been lifted up. Ben was turn to the one who did that to him: Shendu himself.

Ben groans out, "Let me guess, your power is psychic?"

Shendu answers, "No. This is Levitation Power or you could say Telekinesis Power."

"Just who...or...what are you? How could you have more powers? You're the Demon Lord of Fire." Ben said in disbelief. Shendu apparently has more powers than most of the Demon Lords. How is that possible?

Shendu chuckle, "I am the keeper of the Talismans. I am the Apocalypse of which legend speaks. And I am, for once and for all, your executioner. There are things that you'd never know of my capabilities and powers, Ben. It looks like I've won. You had lost." He then turned to Nyx. "See, Nightmare Moon, I told you that your father is weak. He had failed you and his family."

Shendu grab and clench on Ben hard and tight. The Earth pony screams in pain while struggling to use his sword or shield to fight.

"Father; No," Nyx gasps in terror. At this rate, Ben won't make it!

"Ben." Twilight said slowly, tears in her eyes.

"How did Shendu do that?" Spike asks in anger. Shendu is playing dirty!

"I don't know, and I'm not gonna like this." Phobos gulps in worry. Ben won't last longer at this rate!

"Me too, guys," Tough said in agreement, fearing the worst.

Bocolix and Dumbledore nod their heads. Shendu chuckles sinisterly as he now say, "Now that I'm the victor. I shall claim my prize: the Triforce Elements."

Shendu's eyes glow in blue and fire right into Ben's eyes. He shouted in pain, "What are you doing?!"

"Absorbing your elements; while I'm done with that, I'll finish you off. Or perhaps, you can be still use to my Demon Brethren, and such as making your mother to surrender her kingdom to us." Shendu suggests darkly.

"Nooooooooo," Ben yells out in refusal. There's no way that he will be as a leverage to make his mother Celestia give out her kingdom like this!

"You do recall all the times she was criticized about her status as princess, and how she was being doubted by her critics." Shendu taunted evilly, "One day, she will snap and turn evil, just like your aunt Luna used to be."

"Even if that's the case...we would do our best to free her." Ben snaps to Shendu weakly. "Go ahead, do your worst. I won't be used as a leverage."

"Very well, your funeral," Shendu taunts his enemy cruelly.

Before Shendu could say anything else, he heard a weird yet swirling sound making him yell out, "WHAT?!"

Shendu, being hit from out of nowhere, let go of his grasp on Ben. He turns to find out who attacked him and then turned back and gasped upon seeing someone. Tao held Ben on his back.

"You," Shendu roars upon seeing Tao.

Everyone else but Ben calls out, "Tao!"

Ben weakly groans, "Tao......" It's a relief to see the old pony here but why?

Shendu spot Tao holding two octagon-shaped stones-like a light greenish snake and purple rabbit. The Demon roars upon recognizing them, "My TALISMANS! Give them back!"

Shendu was about to attack Tao and Ben, the old pony held tight on the two talismans as they both glow. Tao disappeared and zoom fast as quickly as a rabbit.

"Where are you?!" Shendu demands while looking around for an invisible Tao but could find no trace of him.

Tao's voice is heard, "My dear friends, hold on tight! We'll come to you as soon as Ben recovered from his injuries."

"Please, take good care of Ben!" Twilight calls out to Tao; Looks like this fight is put on hold for now.

"Please, Tao! He's my only father that I wanted." Nyx cries out to Tao hopefully.

"Hey, what about us," Phobos ask in alarm. Tao and Ben are just going to leave him and the others here at this monster's mercy?!

"Are you nuts, Phobos? Tao and Ben can't attack Shendu unless they know what kind of power that they're facing." Spike reminds Phobos. It's suicide to face an enemy that no pony got any clue against.

"Spike's right. 'Dis Demon Lord is different than anyone else," Tough said in agreement. "They have 'ta come up wit' a plan."

"I hope it's a fast one." Bocolix said hopefully.

"Or else, we'll be Dragon chow!" Dumbledore adds nervously.

Shendu growl before he smelsl something. The Demon saw some blood that Ben spits out during the battle. Shendu approach the blood as he smell closely. His eyes are widened in both shock and worry.

"Impossible! How could he be?! I must inform my brethren about this!" Shendu said. He then turns to his Ninjas. "Guard the prisoners."

The Shadow Demon Ninjas nodded their heads as their boss heads off to inform his brethren of the latest development.

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

Ben slowly opens his eyes. He was in shock and worried as he have realized something.

"Twilight; Nyx; Everypony; Arrgh," Ben exclaims as he got up quickly but instead, he shout in pain as the colt felt his body wounded and injured.

Ben cringed at his injuries. He saw Justin, Rabbitchu, Owlowiscious and Koga are close and surrounding him. Koga lick Ben's face making him pats the wolf cub on the head. Ben tries to get up but was stopped by Tao who held a bottle of light bluish water.

"Easy, Ben; you had received terrible wounds from the battlefield." Tao explains calmly to Ben.

Ben sigh upset, "What happen?" Ben thought that he was a goner for a moment.

"I saved you from danger or else Shendu would have possessed the powers of Triforce Elements." Tao explains to Ben. "Thank the Heaven that I've come just in time."

"Twilight; Nyx; Others; Are they...?" Ben asks in concern. Twilight, Nyx and the others must still be held by Shendu!

"I'm sorry, Ben. Your live is in peril danger. I must tend to your wounds first." Tao explains to Ben seriously.

Ben sigh, "Tao, when you tried to warn me about Shendu, he has more powers than fire, isn't it?" The stallion felt foolish about going after his enemy unprepared.

"Yes." Tao hits on Ben's head. As the stallion held his head while groaning, the old pony continues, "That's what I've been trying to tell you. But that's not important. Listen, Ben. Shendu not only possess Demon Fire Magic, but twelve Mystic Animal Powers."

"Twelve Mystic Animal Powers; that's many! But he only show me 8 of his powers. But why not 4 of his," Ben asks Tao in surprise.

"Some are powerful or dangerous, others are too important to be used. But know this, Ben. Each power belonged to twelve Mystic Zodiac Animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig." Tao explains, counting down the Zodiac Animals.

"Horse; Wait, one pony is a part of the Zodiac? So what's Shendu's history?" Ben ask Tao. He wants to know what's the history of Shendu and if the horse part is indeed part of the Zodiac.

"Yes, Ben. The Horse is indeed a pony but also an animal too." Tao answers. Then the pony got to the history part, "After the long war between Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi, the Mystic Council decided to choose twelve animals as not only guardians of Equestria, but to balance between good and evil. But unfortunately, after the unification of the three pony tribes, Shendu used his copy spell on the Twelve Zodiac Animals as his own powers to become powerful and invincible."

Ben sigh, "Great. I thought the Demon Lords are tougher than he is. Now, it's hopeless to fight against him," May as well give up. The Earth pony cannot win.

Tao hits Ben's head, snapping, "Not yet, Ben. When there's strength, there's weakness. To defeat Shendu, we must remove all of the Talismans."

Ben felt his head. He knew that Tao is right. Shendu can be beaten if his Talismans is gone. Won't be easy but it can be done, right?

"How," Ben asks Tao, wondering how the task can be done. There must be a way!

Tao took a book out, explaining, "Before you learn the extraction potion, you must understand the powers of the talismans first."

"Okay." Ben said with a nod; May as well figure out what to do here.

Tao hits Ben's head, scolding, "That's for being reckless and foolish!" He hits him again. "That's for giving me a heart attack!" Tao hits Ben, making the pony cringe. "That's for being doubtful and hopeless! And-" The Earth pony is about to embrace for the next attack. To his surprise, it never came as Tao hug Ben instead. "This is for seeing you fine, Ben."

"Um........Thanks?" Ben responds with a blank look on his face. Not what he's expecting, but it works.

Tao depart Ben as he put some water on his body. He continues, "While I tend to your wounds, you must attend to your studies of understanding the powers of talismans."

"Got it; By the way, what's with the bottle, Tao?" Ben asks, glancing at the bottle that Tao has. It must be important.

"This is Healing Water. It will heal your wounds, cuts and bruises as fast as it can." Tao explains. "But now, you must study and understand the powers of Talismans first. One more thing: you will use these two talismans to fight: Invisibility and Speed. They come in handy."

Ben nods as he read the book while Tao put some medicine on his wounds. The son of Celestia will need all the help that he can get to save Twilight, Nyx and the others from Shendu.

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

The Demon Lords appear as in transparent heads; their sibling has summoned them for something important. Shendu has informed his brethren about his discoveries on Ben's blood and they were in shock.

"Ludicrous!" Dai Gui yells out in shock and alarm. This can't be!

"It's impossible!" Tchang Zu exclaims stunned.

"How can this be," Po Kong asks, still absorbing what Shendu has informed her and the other Demon Lords.

"I knew there's something fishy about that brat!" Hsi Wu growls. Ever since he first met Ben, there's something about him that the Demon did not like.

"But what could this mean?" Xiao Fung pondered; If what Shendu suspect is true...

"Clearly, Princess Celestia is hiding something from us." Bai Tza said with a nod. "But what and why?"

"I don't know. But what should we do with Ben, my brethren?" Shendu ask his fellow siblings. "Should I kill him at once when he returns to the battlefield?"

"No, Shendu. Even though we know his origin, we still have the advantage in taking over Equestria, and reveal the truth to them as well." Tso Lan assures Shendu, dismissing the idea. The Demon Lords will get to that problem when they can.

Shendu nods while saying, "I see."

"Since we're done with Ben Mare, what about Twilight Sparkle? She needs to be terminated at once." Bai Tza demands. As long as Twilight is still alive, Nyx cannot be brought back to the dark side.

"And she will my dear sister, Bai Tza. In fact, I have someone else do our work." Shendu said with an evil smirk, already having an idea on to getting rid of Twilight once and for all.

"Indeed , Shendu. Both my daughter and another shall do. But I'm mostly concern for the other is Spike." Tso Lan said with a frown.

"Dai Gui does not understand your purpose, Shendu. He is a traitor!" Dai Gui exclaims angrily. Why would Spike be needed since he betrayed the Demon Lords, in Dai Gui's POV, "Why do we need him?! He helped ponies."

"Indeed, he must be terminated!" Tchang Zu exclaims in agreement.

"Or he can turned against his own allies without them realizing that Spike is one of us." Shendu suggests darkly to the fellow Demon Lords.

"How do you intend to make him join us? Restoration Spell can only work on person that lost the former self from the past such as Nightmare Moon." Po Kong points out to Shendu. It's true, the spell can only work on someone like Nyx.

"I agreed with her of that one, Shendu." Tchang Zu remarks with a deep frown.

"Don't tell me you're gonna talk to a Dragon who sided with the ponies for who knows how long." Hsi Wu remarks in annoyance and disbelief.

"I intend to awaken their darkness, rather than using the Restoration Spell." Shendu said sinisterly, much to his siblings' notice.

"So, that is your Second Master Plan. Using the Tiger Talisman; Impressive, brother," Bai Tza said impressed, now understanding what Shendu is planning on doing, yes, it could work.

"It is said that it not only separate the person's Yin and Yang, but also to make either his/her light or dark reach its full extension and existence of good or evil." Xiao Fung recalls how the Tiger Talisman works.

Hsi Wu chuckle, "I'd say. It's a nice trick that you have, Shendu."

"Very well, for once, we shall allow Spike to return to us since your former servants did before." Dai Gui said. If Tadaka and Lorcan can return to evil, it makes sense for Spike to do the same thing.

"Indeed, it is, my brethren. The second master plan is in place. Shendu, you know what to do." Tso Lan orders Shendu evilly.

Shendu smirk as he says, "I will. You all shall be honored to watch the 'Demise of Twilight Sparkle'."

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

In the throne chamber, Twilight wore the Anti-Magic necklace while her hooves are in tight chains as she was led by 3 Shadow Demon Ninjas before Shendu. The Alicorn doesn't like this. Ben hasn't come back yet.

Twilight gulp, "You're going to kill me?"

Shendu however gave a simple smile as he asks, "Now why would I do that, Twilight?"

"As long as I lived, Nyx won't come back to you. Besides, Demon Lords like you are not always keeping their words." Twilight exclaims angrily. She knows this to be true since Demon Lords always known to back out of their word at the last second.

Shendu chuckles, "Impressive display of analyzing and conclusion to the situation, Twilight; while it's true, I rather save my energy for Ben. But my servants will deal with you."

"So what's the deal?" Twilight ask Shendu suspiciously. Who are these 'servants'? As far as the princess knows, Tadaka and Lorcan are since gone (though Twilight still doesn't know that Spike's brother is still alive!).

"Should Ben fail to return to battlefield, I'll give you and your friends' freedom and a prize to get by defeating my servants," Shendu explains to Twilight calmly as if going through on his war.

"Shouldn't be that hard since I defeated your pet, Mo Sie the Hydra, if I recall correctly," Twilight said with a smirk. After all, she and her friends has defeated the Hydra, defeating Shendu's newest servants can't be hard, right?

"Don't get confident, my dear. You'll soon find out and regret the decision you made." Shendu said cruelly.

Shendu return to his throne chair. Twilight notice something not right in the prisoners' caged spheres. Two members of her group are missing...two that the Alicorn cares about.

"Where are Nyx and Spike?! What did you do to them?!" Twilight demands furiously to her enemy.

Shendu snap his fingers. The Ninjas freed Twilight from her Anti-Magic necklace and chains. Shendu point to the front. Twilight turn and saw something shocking and worrying to her. The Ninjas freed Nyx and Spike from their chains and Anti-Magic Necklaces. It didn't take long for the princess to realize what 'servants' that Shendu is referring to!

"No! Nonononono! No! I won't do it! I won't hurt Spike or Nyx! They're not your servants, Shendu!" Twilight protests to Shendu in alarm.

"What; you mean we're facing Twilight! No! I won't do it!" Spike yelps in shock. Shendu promised him and Nyx that they and the others would go free if they defeat their enemy in combat...but the Demon Lord didn't bother to mention whom their opponent was!

"Me neither! She's my mother!" Nyx said in agreement.

Shendu's eyes glow in black as he booms, "You will, Spike and Nightmare Moon. Twilight Sparkle is not your mother! She is an abuser, a monster, a traitor and she doesn't even care for you! Now, unleash your true colors. Tiger Talisman: Darkness Overtake!"

Soon something begins to happen. Shendu blasts right at Nyx and Spike. They both shout and scream in pain. Twilight and her friends were in shock and worry to see this. The two soon transform...into something hideous.

Nyx transform into Nightmare Moon while Spike transformed into a giant furious and fierce dragon with large wings and sharp claws. They both laugh evilly. Not good. The heroes knew that Shendu must've use his talisman to corrupt them somehow!

Twilight was in shock as she screams, "Spike; Nyx; Noooooooo!"

Shendu smiles as he said, "Correction, dear Twilight Sparkle; Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon. Welcome home, Children of the Demons."

Twilight snarl angrily, "Change them back now!" She won't be forced to fight those that the filly cared about!

"I'm afraid I won't. I told you that to gain your freedom and prize, you must defeat my servants or be perished." Shendu reminds Twilight.

"I won't do it!" Twilight exclaims in refusal. There's no way in Tartarus that the mare will fight her adopted baby daugher and son.

"Then, you are destined to meet your fate, Twilight Sparkle." Shendu said in amusement. The Demon Lords' transparent heads appeared. "My brethren, behold the 'Demise of Twilight Sparkle'."

The Demon Lords laugh evilly, sinisterly and wickedly. The ones still trapped watch helplessly. There is nothing they can do at this point.

Twilight turns and faces Spike and Nyx who are now Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon. She got to get through to them! The mare exclaims, "Spike! Nyx! Fight back! Fight Shendu's Magic! Remember who you once were!"

Spike with a brutal and vicious voice snarls, "Why do you even care; All you did is 'Spike this', 'Spike that' and ask Spike do anything you wants! You tried to replace me with that stupid owl! You even keep the truth about my family from me! I'm sick of listening to you, Twilight! I hate you a lot!"

Nyx with a sinister and heartless voice adds, "Indeed , Demon Spike. You will pay as well! I love you so much, but you turned against me! I tried to tell you about Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, but you wouldn't listen. Thus, making me lost in the forest! You also gave up on me to Princess Celestia too! I didn't want to go! But you gave up on me! I hate you, Twilight Sparkle!"

Twilight Sparkle is heartbroken to hear this. Tears came out of her eyes while she tries to explain, "No. I would never..."

Spike interrupts Twilight, "Save it; Time for your punishment!"

"Prepare yourself, Sparkle!" Nyx exclaims darkly.

"Nyx, please," Twilight begged tearfully.

"There is no Nyx, only Nightmare Moon, peasant!" Nyx booms evilly, much to Twilight's horror. It's like her disowning the mother all over again...and this time, Spike is by her side!

Twilight became scared and worried as she goes back and back. Demon Spike attack Twilight with his claws as hard on her face and body while punching her to Nightmare Moon. The corrupted Nyx attack her with magic as many times as she can give. Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon continue to attack Twilight as hard and fierce as they can. No matter how hard, the mother shows no resistance in fighting back. She struggled to get up.

"Get up, Twilight! What's the matter? You're too kind to fight back?!" Spike demands, frustrated as to why Twilight isn't fighting back.

"We had our fun. It's your turn to fight." Nyx demands to Twilight darkly.

"No." Twilight said in refusal.

"Then, more for us; come on!" Spike laughs evilly.

The others watch in horror as Nightmare Moon and Demon Spike continue to attack, punch, kick and using their powers against Twilight Sparkle. She shouted in pain from the attacks.

"Nyx; Spike; Stop it; STOP!" Phobos exclaims to Nyx and Spike frantically. That monster Shendu!

Tough hits the glass very hard while groaning angrily. Bocolix and Dumbledore cover their eyes from watching the scene. If Twilight is gone, then fearing Boris's wrath is the least of their worries!

The Demon Lords smile and laugh, but Tso Lan and Shendu did not for some reason. Bai Tza asks, "What is the matter, brothers? Victory is in our grasps."

"Something's not right with this battle." Shendu said with a frown. Why isn't Twilight fighting back? Doesn't she wish for her freedom or life?

Tso Lan agrees saying, "Indeed, Shendu. Twilight Sparkle did not seem to fight back against her enemies."

Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon gave the last attack by blasting their Dragon Rage and Night Star Implosion at Twilight. The Alicorn got her head on the wall. She pant in being tire and exhausted. At this rate, Twilight won't have much time left.

"Last chance, Twilight Sparkle. Fight back now!" Spike orders the Alicorn.

"This is getting bored for not having fun to fight!" Nyx complains in frustration.

Twilight shakes her head while refusing, "I'll pass."

Shendu roar in disbelief, "You're throwing your life away! Are you willing to accept defeat, Twilight Sparkle?" The Dragon Demon is upset that Twilight isn't even fighting back!

Twilight has struggle but manage to get back up. She glared at Shendu while responding, "Defeat? No, you're wrong, Shendu. It's love. I love Spike and Nyx as my children, no matter how different they are. This is something that you and Demon Lords will never understand."

The Demon Lords chuckle as if Twilight just told a joke. Tso Lan comments, "It seems that you were unable to defeat your sinful past. It shall haunt you continuously such as today's event."

"Twilight Sparkle believes that love conquers all? What a joke!" Dai Gui remarks in amusement.

Tchang Zu agrees while saying, "Indeed. What could love do?"

"Love will only bring harm and betrayal to friends, family and somebody special like what you did to Nightmare Moon and Demon Spike." Xiao Fung said trying to make a point to Twilight.

Hsi Wu chuckle, "That is the result of how love becomes tragedy."

"What a pity for a mother being betrayed and killed by her own children." Po Kong remarks with a cruel chuckle.

"The whole purpose of you battling Nightmare Moon and Demon Spike is to gain your freedom and prize." Bai Tza said to Twilight in amusement.

"But you are unwilling to kill them. All because of love," Shendu said while shaking his head. He turn to the corrupted ones, continuing, "Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon, finish her off. Make her suffer for what she had done to you."

Demon Spike grabs and caught Twilight in his tight grasp. Twilight try and struggle to get out but to no prevail. Nightmare Moon appears before Twilight on Spike's hand. Both Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon gather their energies as they armed themselves: Spike's firebreathing and Nyx's Dark Magic in preparing to finish their enemy off.

Tough, Phobos, Bocolix and Dumbledore were in shock. The Moon Dragon calls out in terror, "Nyx! Spike! Don't do it!"

Before the two could do the task, Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon notice and heard something. They look at Twilight Sparkle: she's crying and sobbing. They were shocked of this as memories came into their minds...

As a baby Dragon, Spike saw and heard the lightning and thunder coming out a window of the tower. He cries and sobs in fear in his rocking bed. Filly Twilight heard the crying and came over to Spike. She used the Levitation Spell on him, Spike being lifted and brought to her. The filly doesn't want him to cry...she has come to care for him as the brother that Twilight always wanted...especially after what happened to Starlight.

Spike sob. Twilight smile while she wiped his tears off while saying gently, "It's okay, Spike. It's just lightning."

Spike in a soft and gently voice spoke, "Spike...... scared. Spike scared."

Twilight rock him gently with her Levitation Spell while smiling. Spike giggle cutely while smiling. The lightning doesn't seem to scare him anymore.

Twilight continues, "It's okay to be scared. But as long I'm here, you don't have to worry about what you're facing. I'll always be there for you."

"Mommy......." Spike said with a soft smile.

Twilight was shock at first but smile as she said, "I'll sing for you."

Twilight hum at Spike while rocking him gently and softly.

Nyx sob on her bed, both upset and disappointed. Twilight came up to her room and found that she was crying. Something is wrong with her daughter. She approach Nyx, and nuzzle her gently.

"Sweetie, everything alright," Twilight ask gently to Nyx.

Nyx rub her tears off as she spoke, "I'm fine, mom." Twilight gave a stern glare at her. Nyx sigh. May as well fess up, "Ever since after the Nightmare Moon incident, no ponies but you, the princesses and my friends still won't accept me; they still think that I'm Nightmare Moon, especially Granny Smith; I tried to be nice, but they still hate me. To be honest, I should have been banished than be staying here."

"Don't talk like that, Nyx. The ponies are still trying to get used to what happened." Twilight assures Nyx that ponies outside the group are still recovering what the incident. "Remember, Nyx, not all ponies hate you. It's just that they're just scared. Give them a chance, honey, for a few days. Maybe someday, they'll get to know and accept you. But remember, Nyx, no matter what happen, Nyxie, I'll always love and help you."

Nyx sobs while smiling, "Thanks, mommy."

Twilight and Nyx hug together. The mare smiled while asking, "How about a lullaby?"

"I would love to, mommy." Nyx said with a nod. Twilight still hug Nyx while humming the song.

Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon cease their attacks as they looked shocked in seeing Twilight crying. The mare sob, "Spike........ Nyx........ No matter who said otherwise to you, I'll always love you as my children. Both of you will always be in my heart."

Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon were shocked as something else return to their minds.

Twilight put both Spike and Nyx into their beds. Just before she could go to her bed, Spike pull Twilight's tail. She turn to him and ask, "Yes, Spike?"

"I know that I'm older, but can you sing our lullaby?" Spike asks Twilight hopefully for the lullaby that he adores when he was littler.

"Pretty please, mommy. I like it so much." Nyx said with a smile.

Twilight smile as she said, "Of course."

Twilight nuzzled both Spike and Nyx then she begins to sing.

Twilight: Please stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hoof
Hold it tight

I will protect you
From all bad ponies
I will be here
So don't cry

For one so young,
You seem so strong
My hooves will protect you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can never be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

'Cause I'll be in your heart
Yes, I'll be in your heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

I'll be in your heart
No matter what they think
I'll be here in your heart, always
Always.../

Twilight smiles; Spike and Nyx yawn as she nuzzles them both gently. No matter what happens, the mother will care for them always...

Singing and Flashback EndsDemon Spike and Nightmare Moon were shocked as they both sob and cry. Twilight noticing asks, "Spike; Nyx?"

Demon Spike put Twilight down. Both Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon glow in white lights. The Demon Lords were shocked to see this. This wasn't supposed to happen!

Shendu's eyes glow white all of the sudden. He screams in shock, "What is going on?! What is wrong with my Tiger Talisman?!"

Shendu scream in fear and pain as his eyes blast right at both Demon Spike and Nightmare Moon. They both continue to sob while both glow in light as they both transform back into their normal forms: baby Dragon and filly form.

"Nyx; Spike," Twilight sobbed in relief and happiness as she hugged her children.

Spike and Nyx were scared as they looked at their hands or hooves in both shock and worry. What did they almost do? Although Twilight was still shocked, she is still happy while hugging both Spike and Nyx some more. They were both shocked. How could she still love them after what Spike and Nyx almost has done?

"I don't believe it." Po Kong said in disbelief, not believing what she is seeing.

"Unbelievable!" Tchang Zu yells out in fury and shock. The second master plan was supposed to be foolproof so what in Tartarus has happened?!

"Ludicrous," Dai Gui grunts, upset as well.

Hsi Wu stunned spoke, "Nobody or even ponies could restore the balance of one person's light and dark. Only Shendu can control the Tiger Talisman."

"It's impossible." Xiao Fung said in agreement. How coudl the pony known as Twilight be able to do what hasn't been done before?!

"How could Twilight Sparkle achieve it," Bai Tza demands furiously.

"How could my talisman reacts to them? It's only me to decide." Shendu said, still stunned and shocked over what just happened. Somehow Nyx and Spike has shaken off their darkness and restore themselves to normal!

Tso Lan chuckle in amusement as he spoke, "Incredible. Twilight Sparkle, you truly are a worthy opponent. I'm impressed with your tenacious and love for them."

Spike and Nyx were shocked to see Twilight hugging them. The baby Dragon was the first to ask, "Twilight? Why?"

Nyx continues, "We hurt you badly. But you forgive us?"

Twilight smiles, tears of joy came out as she explains, "Of course, you guys. Because I love you both no matter what. You'll be in my heart, always. That's what mothers do for their children."

Spike and Nyx sob and hug Twilight. Then the mare heard them say something, but is surprised to hear it from Spike, "Mommy!"

"Spike; did you call me -?" Twilight gasps in surprise and happiness. Spike called her...mommy.

Spike nods while saying, "No pony, human or Dragon could be best and better as you are, mommy."

Twilight smiles, hugging Spike while saying, "I accept that so much, my son."

Twilight, Spike and Nyx continue to sob while hugging. The others trapped smiles. Nyx and Spike were saved. Looks like the second master plan didn't go as planned. Not everyone is happy though.

Tso Lan clench his fists tightly, he snarls to Shendu, "Shendu, finish the job. It seems that your Talisman had failed us. And bring Nightmare Moon back to me." Forget Spike, he wants only Nyx now.

Shendu growl, "Understood."

The Demon Lords' heads disappear. Shendu jump and stomp his feet right in front of Twilight, Spike and Nyx. They got shocked and panicked as the three of them were levitated by Shendu. Shendu separated them: on his left is Twilight while on the right is Spike and Nyx. Shendu clench Twilight in his tight grasp and squeeze her tight. If Spike and Nyx can't kill her, he will finish her himself!

Spike and Nyx screams out in horror, "Mommy; Nooooooooo!"

"How is it that one pony could achieve the impossible powers?! No one, not even a mere Alicorn such as you could restore the balance of one's Yin and Yang." Shendu hiss furiously to Twilight, still outraged of how Twilight was able to do the impossible.

Twilight struggle to get out of Shendu's grasp while glaring at him. She said, "I told you before Shendu. My love for my friends, family and special ones conquer the impossible. You don't even know and understand that much as I do."

Shendu snarl at Twilight, "This time, Twilight Sparkle, I'll put you to death permanently. Nightmare Moon and Spike will return to us!"

Shendu squeeze tightly on Twilight. She screams in pain as she try to get out of Shendu's palms but is trapped tightly. Twilight coughs out some blood.

Spike and Nyx scream in worry, "Twilight/Mommy!!!" Shendu chuckled evilly. This will all be over soon.

Shendu continue to squeeze on Twilight as she shouts in pain while gasping for more air. Nyx and Spike sob to see their very mother dying.

Just before anything happens, Shendu's back of his scales has been magically penetrated. The Demon Lord roar as he stopped squeezing on Twilight, "WHAT; AGAIN!"

He shook off his back. Shendu turned and saw the deactivating invisibility to reveal Ben Mare with his glowing hooves while holding the light greenish Sheep Talisman.

Everyone calls out in surprise and happiness, "Ben!" The son of Princess Celestia has arrived!

Spike and Nyx sob in happiness, "Daddy!"

Twilight sobs in the same way, "You came back."

"So you had return?" Shendu ask in amusement. So the weakling has returned to face his final demise. Well, perhaps he could finish Ben off before finishing Twilight off next!

"You bet Demon jerk! This time, I'm ready. This time, I won't lose!" Ben exclaims in determination, preparing for his rematch.

"We shall see, mortal fool!" Shendu exclaims sinisterly.

Shendu levitate Twilight, Spike and Nyx and threw them over his back. They were about to hit the ground but luckily, Tao came in with Justin with the cart, Rabbitchu, Owlowiscious and Koga. They land on the cart safely. Tao sigh in relief. That was a close one!

Twilight, Spike and Nyx exclaims upon recognizing their friend, "Tao!"

"It looks like we've made here just in time; Apology for leaving you behind. I couldn't risk Ben's live while he was being weakened." Tao explains that he didn't mean to leave the trio and the others behind. The old pony must tend to Ben first.

"I know, Tao. Besides, you saved us in time, didn't you?" Twilight ask, smiling in relief and assuring no hard feelings.

"That makes us a-okay ponies." Nyx giggles in relief.

"What's with glowing hooves?" Spike asks as he notices that Ben's hooves are glowing for some reason.

"That is the Extraction Potion. It allows Ben to extract twelve Talismans out, making Shendu completely vulnerable and useless to fight." Tao explains to the group. So that's why it took him and Ben long to get here.

"Twelve Talismans," Twilight ask in surprise.

"That many; No wonder, he's powerful and stronger than the six Demon Lords." Nyx said in amazement and concern. That does explain how Shendu got so many powers.

"But bad news is that Ben won't able to get them all." Spike said.

Tao however smiles, saying, "Not necessary, Spike. The key to defeat Shendu is to remove the Rat Talisman. It has the ability to give motion to motionless."

"Huh?" Spike asks, unsure what Tao is referring to at first.

Twilight explains, "It means that Shendu will revert back to his original state and making sure that he cannot move again."

"That's good news." Nyx said with a smile. If Ben could get the Rat Talisman, then Shendu will fall!

"I only hope that Ben finds the Rat Talisman ASAP or he'll be Demon Chow." Spike said in concern.

"Oh, Ben, please hurry..." Twilight prayed out loud.

Shendu goes around on Ben while growling at him. Ben goes back while looking at Sheep Talisman. He mumbles quietly to himself, "Okay, what does the Sheep Talisman do? What power does it have?"

Shendu blast his Heat-Beam Eyes at Ben on the ground, causing him to be pushed back and got hit on the wall. The Sheep Talisman glow as it activated its power. Ben got up but he found himself unsuspecting different. His body is completely transparent while his solid body is down there. Ben panicked and is shocked to see this. Was he killed?!

"Aw man! Now I remember!" Ben exclaims, suddenly recalling what the Sheep Talisman does now!

"Aieyah; Wrong Talisman to use, Ben," Tao exclaims to Ben in alarm.

"Detail," Spike asks Tao, wanting to know what the Sheep Talisman does.

"The Sheep Talisman is Astral Projection. It not only gives the one who possessed the ability of spiritual form, but to enter ponies' dreams." Tao explains the details to Spike.

"I'd take that is not good to use." Nyx suggests, knowing that she got her answer anyhow.

"This is very bad! Ben better hurry now!" Twilight calls out to her love to return to his body ASAP!

Shendu smell and sniff Ben's body. With an evil grin, he snarls, "Hmmm.........Fresh Meat."

Ben panicked while his eyes are widened, exclaiming, "Aw man!"

Ben's spirit form enters his solid body. The pony open his eyes before he scream in panic. With his speed, Ben goes under Shendu's body while touching his legs. He took a talisman out. Shendu growl angrily as he chased after him before Shend could fire his Heat-Beam Eyes at Ben. The stallion quickly dodges the attack to his right and activated his next talisman. It fired at Shendu's top head making him shock.

Ben glances at the talisman: a dark reddish Dragon Talisman. Spike cheers on wildly, "Alright! Booyah! Go, dad! Go!"

"Keep beating that Demon!" Nyx cheers on her father.

"Ben, keep finding that Rat." Twilight said to Ben with a nod.

"Indeed , he must end it." Tao said with a nod of agreement. Ben must get the Rat Talisman to stop Shendu for good.

Shendu's head is restored into his completely healed body. He smirk making Ben groans, "Great. Ancestor of all ponies gave healing to the enemy."

Shendu roar angrily as he launches both Dragon Flame and Heat-Beam Eyes at Ben. He quickly dodges the attack as quickly as he himself can. Shendu flew over Ben with Levitation Power . The pony quickly stop as he saw that his enemy is about to use Super Strength to punch Ben. The Earth pony quickly used Snake Talisman as in Invisibility. Shendu slam onto the ground only, much to his anger.

Shendu felt his body being touched. He growl angrily as the Demon turn and glare at Ben who now has two talismans: a black and white Tiger Talisman and a brown Monkey Talisman. Before Ben could do anything, Shendu use his tail and swipe atBen's legs, causing him to lose the Snake Talisman and the Rabbit Talisman. Shendu levitate them both back to his body.

Shendu snarl while smirking. Ben shook his head as he looked at two talismans. One of these must help him somehow!

Ben mumbles, "The Tiger is out because its power is balance. Monkey Talisman; what does it do?

Shendu stomp on the ground while demanding, "Give me back my talismans, brat!"

Ben yelp in alarm, "Yikes! Better think before I become a kitten!"

"You can do it, Ben!" Phobos shouted.

The Monkey Talisman glowed. Ben noticed as he quickly uses it and blast at Shendu. The Dragon Demon transform into a kitten in a light glow, much to the awe of everyone else.

"Aw....... What a cute little kitten." Ben said with a smile.

Spike chuckle in amusement, "Guess he's no threat to us." With Shendu as a kitten, he won't cause any further trouble, right?

Nyx smile as she giggles, "I could pet another kitten."

"Monkey Talisman changed anything into anything?" Twilight ask Tao curiously, wondering if that's what the Monkey Talisman does.

Tao smiles as he answers, "No. It changed anything into any animals."

Phobos huff in annoyance, "Hopefully, I don't get turned into a fluffy doggy by that Monkey Talisman. I already lived through that back in the human version of Equestria!"

Ben chuckles. Shendu glare and hiss at him as his eyes glow in yellow before he blast at Ben. Looks like this kitty isn't so harmless after all! The Earth pony dodge the attack as the wall behind him got blasted. Shendu disappear from sight. Ben gasps in alarm.

"Where are you?!" Ben asks as he looks around for Shendu.

Suddenly, Ben felt his hoof got bitten. He let go of the Monkey Talisman. Then, it was being levitated in midair and away from Ben. Shendu deactivate his Invisibility while he holds the Monkey Talisman as it glows. The Dragon Demon transform back into his humanoid dragon form.

Shendu roar in fury, "Try to escape this, Chicken boy!"

Shendu blast his Monkey Talisman right at Ben but he escapes the attack. The blast hits a vase as it turn into a chicken. After dodging, Ben quickly ran as fast as he can while Shendu chase after him as well as firing his Dragon Flame and Heat-Beam Eyes at him. The hero quickly used his Hylian Shield to block the attack. Shendu hit the shield as hard as he can. But Ben pushes his shield aside while using the Dragon Talisman and blast at Shendu's chest.

Ben quickly touches Shendu's leg and took the light red Rooster Talisman. Ben continues to run as Shendu got up while roaring. The Demon chases after Ben. Shendu break the pillar and threw it right at the pony who yelps. He held tight on Rooster Talisman and hope for the best. The pillar stops. Ben was shocked but smiled at this turn of events.

Ben, using Levitation, threw the pillar back at Shendu. But the villain dodge then he snarl and glare at Ben who panicked and quickly escape. The Earth pony got cornered by on the throne chamber's corner. Shendu used his Speed and Super Strength as he ram right into Ben in hopes to crush him. The Earth pony dodges the attack by going under his bottom while touching his two legs. Shendu turn as he was about to attack. Ben attacks his enemy by kicking on his face.

Shendu got knocked to the ground while Ben land onto the ground safely. Everyone but Tao was in surprise to see this. He then looked at the talismans that Ben now got: the Rabbit Talisman and one with a bluish ox's head: the Ox Talisman.

Ben grin as he cheers, "Alright, I've got Super Strength."

"Ben! Look out!" Twilight screams out as she saw something.

"Huh?" Ben asks but Twilight's warning came too late.

Shendu grab Ben tightly while throwing him to the corner. Luckily for him, Ben use his Rooster Talisman and land on the ground safely. Before he could do anything, Shendu attack Ben from behind. The hero quickly held his hooves tight against Shendu. Both held their hooves/claws tightly as they keep on pushing.

Ben groans, "Give it up, Shendu! You can't win! The plain field... is almost even...Shendu!"

Shendu snaps, "You may have possessed the Triforce and 6 Talismans but you believe that you can win?" The Demon chuckle, "You shall learn the hard way that I not only known as the Demon Lord of Fire because of my savage might, but because of my cunning."

"We'll see about that, monster!" Ben shouted in anger.

Shendu chuckle as he disappears from sight again. Ben groans as he armed himself with Master Sword and Hylian Shield. Before Ben could do anything, his back leg was being grabbed and has slims and saliva on it. As Ben was being lifted up, he shouts while dropping his sword, shield and 6 Talismans that fell down to the ground. Shendu appear as a Hydra in a solid body. He held Ben tight on his left back leg.

"Oh no; Not again," Ben exclaims in alarm at seeing the Hydra, so to speak.

"Pity that you will not live to witness me & my siblings reign over your world," Shendu gloats to Ben. "But you shall be the first pony to be tasted."

Using his long tongue, Shendu drag Ben to his mouth while he Ben screams. This could be it!

Everyone else yells out, "BEN!"

As soon as Ben is close in Shendu's mouth, the Dragon Demon closes his jaws tight. Shendu's jaws are being lifted up. Ben held tight and push up in the Demon's mouth as he try to escape. Shendu's jaws continue to push Ben down.

"We've gotta help Ben!" Spike exclaims in alarm.

"I can't lose him!" Nyx cries out. She got to help Ben!

"We have to do something!" Twilight exclaims in determination. She almost lost Ben so many times before; the mare doesn't want to go through that again!

"That we will," Tao said as he took out a flask of yellowish water. He pour onto the others' hooves and claws for Spike, as well as his own. "With these, we can finish the battle."

Twilight nods while exclaiming, "Let's do this!"

While Ben continued to hold his strength, Shendu use his tongue and wrap his hoof, causing him to fall down. The Demon closed his jaws hard with Ben trapped inside his mouth. Just before Shendu could swallow him up, figures appear all over him. Twilight on Shendu's head, Nyx and Spike on his leg and Tao on his back, penetrate and touch on Shendu's scales. He roar in fury. With his mouth open, Ben escape and jump onto Shendu's face. Five of them continue to search through Shendu's scales for the remaining Talismans.

Twilight, Tao, Spike and Nyx took the talismans out. They escape and got away from Shendu. Twilight has the Monkey Talisman and the light blue Horse Talisman, Spike has the pinkish Pig Talisman, the Nyx has yellowish Dog Talisman and Tao has the Snake Talisman. Twilight fire the Monkey Talisman at Shendu. He return unwillingly to his humanoid dragon form as Ben continues to look for the Rat Talisman.

"We have Snake for Invisibility, Monkey of Animal Transformation; Horse for Healing, Pig for Heat-Beam Eyes and Dog for Immortality." Tao said, counting down what Talismans that the group has so far.

"That leaves one for Ben." Twilight said, knowing of only one Talisman left for Ben to get.

Ben took a blackish Rat Talisman out, grinning as he shouts out, "Alright; Rat!"

Ben jumped down quickly. Shendu gasp before he roars, "Not that; Noooooooo!"

"Do it, daddy! Do it!!" Nyx shouted eagerly.

Shendu glow in bright yellowish light as he was transformed into a statue with his head out. He flew to the ground. Everyone cheer. Shendu has fallen!

Twilight hug Ben while saying, "You did it, Ben!"

"We did it." Ben said with a smile. He has done it with the others' help. Shendu has fallen!

Twilight, Ben and Nyx help their friends out from the spheres. Spike took the Sacred Flame and passes it to Twilight. Yet another ingredient recovered....and it's the last one!

"We have all the ingredients that we need." Twilight said eagerly. The mission is a success! All the ingredients have been found!

"So Shendu's original form is a statue?" Nyx ask, glancing at Shendu's statue form in amazement. To think, she was scared of something like that.

"Mystic Ponies put a small curse on Shendu after he copied the Twelve Mystic Zodiac Animals' powers. And that is the Rat Talisman." Tao explains to Nyx. "Without it, he will revert to his statue form."

Spike, Phobos, Dumbledore and Bocolix stick their tongues out at Shendu while taunting, "Nah-nah! You can't hurt us!"

Shendu glares while hissing before he fired his Dragon Flame at them. But luckily, they escape from the attack. This monster is a threat even when he's a statue!

"You shall be sorry for the mockery! Fools," Shendu roars out to his enemies in fury.

"One more thing; Shendu can still talk and breathe Dragon Flame." Tao explains to the group though his warning came a bit too late.

"Could have told us a little earlier," Phobos exclaims to Tao in irritation. Why didn't the old pony just tell them and spare what happened?

"Mark my word, Benjamin. You may have won the battle but I will have my revenge!" Shendu demands furiously to Ben. "I will get Spike and Nightmare Moon to the Demon Lords! You cannot hope to protect them from us. We will get them. When we do, we will have them killing you!"

Ben snarl as he raise up a hoof, "Think again, Shendu! Even without the Mystic Banishment Ingredient, you can't do anything because you're a statue. You had lost most of the talismans. Say goodbye, Shendu."

Ben use the Dragon Talisman as he was about to fire the attack on Shendu. Tao hits Ben's head, stopping him in time. What gives now?

"Do not destroy Shendu! Shendu cannot be killed!" Tao exclaims to Ben in alarm and fear.

Ben rubs his head while asking, "Why?!" If Shendu isn't destroyed, he would come back somehow, so why not finish him off?!

"Should his vessel be destroyed, his spirit will seek a new one, possessing the new body as his own." Tao explains clearly to Ben. In other words, Shendu's spirit will find a new host to possess if his vessel is destroyed!

"You mean us? That means if he possess any of us, he will take us to the Realm of Demons." Nyx yelps a bit. Even Ben looks a bit alarmed. He almost made a terrible mistake!

"What; Aw man! What was I thinking?!" Ben asks in guilt and embarrassment. He almost cause a disaster even after winning!

Twilight hug Ben while saying, "It’s okay, Ben. You didn't know. At least, it's over."

Shendu hiss in fury, "Perhaps. But I am not through with you yet! Prepare for my final ploy; Structure Destruction Spell!"

Shendu's eyes glow green as he fired at the ceiling. The building starts shaking and some woods and bricks start falling down. Everyone was shocked. That doesn't look good.

"What did you do?" Ben demands to Shendu.

"Your destruction," Shendu explains darkly to Ben.

"Twilight; what's going on," Spike yelps as he held Twilight by one of her legs. The whole place appears to be coming down!

"Shendu used the Structure Destruction Spell to bring the whole building down, along with us. We have to escape." Twilight said in alarm. Shendu is going to assure that if he does down, his enemies goes with him!

"What about the Talismans? They might come in handy." Bocolix said in concern about the Talismans that were dropped after the battle.

Suddenly, the Ninjas appear along with six different kinds of Shadow Demons: bulky and big Sumos, creatures with wings Bats, the armored samurai-like Samurais, the muscular warrior with scorpion tail and crab's claw Crabs, creatures with four tentacles Squids and the creatures with Mantis's blade and four legs: Mantises. They glare at Twilight and her friends. The Talismans is apparently the least of their worries!

"Um; never mind," Dumbledore said sheepishly.

"My friends; we must leave now!" Tao ordered. Twilight and her friends got onto the cart that connects Justin. They quickly escape Shendu's throne chamber which is collapsing.

"After them; Bring Nightmare Moon and Spike back!" Shendu orders his minions. Almost seven Shadow Demon Tribes went after Twilight's group. "And bring me my talismans at once!"

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

Twilight and her friends continue to escape through the hallway as fast as they can while dealing with some resistance of 7 tribes of Shadow Demons that are trying to stop them. Tao and Ben slice and strike at the Shadow Demon Ninjas and Samurais when charging out from shadows, rooms or hallways. Dumbledore and Bocolix fire their magic at Shadow Demon Bats. Spike and Phobos fire their attacks at Shadow Demon Crabs and Mantises. Twilight and Nyx protect Tough and the cart from being attacked by Shadow Demons through arrows, shurikens and spears while firing at Shadow Demon Sumos and Squid who are trying to block their way out. Shendu's minions are going way out in their attempts to stop our heroes from escaping.

Justin ram at the Shadow Demons with the help of Rabbitchu in firing its electrical shock on them. They continue to fire and fought the 7 tribes of Shadow Demons as hard as they can. They went downstairs but Twilight and her friends soon find out that the area that they entered is a long road and stairs.

"Nuts! There's long way to go!" Bocolix exclaims in alarm and worry.

"This is so not good!" Dumbledore remarks in agreement. This could take forever!

"How are we gonna escape?" Tough ask his friends in concern.

Tao pant tirelessly while looked worried and afraid. Ben notice his condition as he ask the old pony, "Tao?"

"I am fine, Ben." Tao insists to Ben, trying to assure him that everything's fine...or is it? He notices something far away from here. "There. That is our escape route." Tao turn to Ben while continuing, "Listen closely, Ben, I do not have much time. No matter what happens to me, you must lead your family to escape this place."

"Tao?"

"We must move at once! Do not falter!"

Twilight nods while saying, "Got it, Tao. Tough; head off!"

Tough whip his ropes on Justin. Twilight and her friends rush off as fast as they can through the stairs and the long road. The group must get as far away from their enemies as possible. They arrive on the bridge. Twilight and her friends stop at once. The bridge looked unstable, how would anyone cross it?

"Aieyah; we're trapped!" Tao exclaims frantically. "If we go move too fast, the bridge will not support our weight."

"Nope, not yet; we can't fly up too high. More Shadow Demons will be attacking us from the air. We'll have to go one by one." Twilight suggests thoughtfully. Perhaps going one by one can be better than going on all at once; "Tough heads first.

Tough nods as he and Justin slowly move onto the unstable bridge followed by Owlowiscious and Koga. Spike and Phobos were about to move until the arrows and shurikens attack them. Tough and Ben turn to find the source of the attack. They found the attacks from the top as more arrows and shurikens continue to strike down on them. Twilight, Tough and Ben shoot the enemies with their magic, gun and Hero's Bow at the enemies from top.

Some Shadow Demons were attacked, wounded and killed by Twilight and her friends; they either fall into the pits of darkness or onto the ground of their position. Spike and Phobos continue to get across the bridge. Bocolix and Dumbledore quickly get across the bridge. The bridge suddenly broke into small halves. This bridge might not have much left!

"Do not delay!" Tao exclaims to the allies quickly, seeing how the place is falling down like mad. "We must move! Shendu's Palace is going to be destroyed sooner or later."

Tao gallop and jump over the gap of bridge, Bocolix and Dumbledore grab him in the nick of time. Tough, Bocolix and Dumbledore covered Twilight, Ben and Nyx's escape by blasting their magic at their enemies from top floors.

"C'mon, guys!" Spike calls out to Twilight, Ben and Nyx, the only ones not across yet.

"Hurry," Phobos calls out as well.

Twilight quickly flew over the gap. Both Ben and Nyx were about to get across when the bridge's part start to fall apart. Ben and Nyx went back as fast as they can. More Shadow Demon Bats flew down as they prepared to attack Ben and Nyx.

Twilight calls out in worry, "Ben; Nyx!"

"Nyx, remember the leapfrog?" Ben asks Nyx, recalling the game that they played back in the caves that led to the Grundles' home.

Nyx nods, answering, "Yeah? Why?"

"Jump over the bats."

Ben and Nyx quickly gallop and jump on the Shadow Demon Bats one-by-one on their heads and backs. They jump over their enemies until Ben and Nyx arrived on the bridge. Twilight grabs both Ben and Nyx in time, happy and relief for their safely.

"That was close." Ben said with a sigh. Looks like the worst is over...but then again, one can speak so soon.

Shendu roar in fury, "Twilight Sparkle! Benjamin Mare!" The group gasps in alarm. The Dragon Demon must've been restored to his Dragon form after getting the talisman back!

"Quick! We must leave!" Tao calls out quickly. Twilight and her friends continue to escape as Shendu came down the stairs. He looked very angry, vicious and tempered.

Twilight and her friends had crossed the long bridge and arrived at the large door. Ben, Tough, Bocolix and Dumbledore try to open the door but to no prevail.

Bocolix exclaims in alarm, "It's locked!"

"Now what," Dumbledore ask frantically. There must be a way to get out of here and in a hurry!

"Look up!" Tao exclaims as he points a hoof to a huge lock on the top of the door. It didn't take long for Twilight to figure the whole thing out.

"It's the lock. We can use our magic to open it." Twilight explains to the others clearly. "Come on, we need to make haste."

Twilight, Bocolix, Dumbledore and Nyx use their magic and zap at the lock to open it. Shendu roar angrily, the monster is not too far behind!

"Shendu's coming!" Spike yelps in alarm and worry.

"Hurry," Phobos exclaims in worry and concern. The magic users may not have much time left to open the door before Shendu arrives!

"My friends; Open the gate quickly! I'll hold him off." Tao exclaims sternly to his friends.

"Old Tao, don't!" Tough exclaims in alarm while freaking out; However Tao gallop back to the long bridge, preparing for what could be a fight for his life. Ben groans while shaking his head. He was about to gallop after, much to the shock of some of the others.

"Hey! You're not planning to fight Shendu?!" Bocolix calls out to Ben frantically. Fighting this creep would be suicide!

"I have to. I'm not leaving Tao behind. Open the gate as fast as you can!" Ben exclaims to the others sternly.

"Ben/Daddy," Twilight & Nyx calls out at the same time. Ben gallop to the bridge where Tao is standing in front of it. They both held their swords tightly, ready for combat.

"We cannot afford to rely on removing talismans now." Tao explains to Ben in concern. "Time is not on our side. This palace will be destroyed in anytime. We must hold Shendu off."

Ben nods while saying, "I know. Let's do it."

With loud and heavy footsteps, Tao and Ben encounter the angry Shendu and the army of seven tribes of Shadow Demons. Shendu roars in fury, "You will not escape, fools! I will have both Spike and Nightmare Moon back! This is for you, Tadaka and Lorcan!"

"We will escape." Tao said to Shendu in determination.

"But not with you to follow us, Shendu. This will be our final duel. I will protect Spike and Nyx from you!" Ben exclaims to Shendu. He is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his loved ones safe.

"Then, so be it." Shendu remark. He then roars, "Shadow Demons, attack!"

All seven tribes of Shadow Demon armies charge at Tao and Ben. Shendu charge as well. Tao and Ben dodge the enemies' attacks, such as Squids striking the enemies with tentacles, Samurais, Crabs and Mantises attacks them with their own weapons, and Ninjas, Sumos and Bats attack them head on.

While dodging, avoiding and blocking the attacks, Ben and Tao continue to fight off against the Shadow Demons through slicing, striking and attacking their heads, shoulders, legs and bodies. Shendu growl angrily as he launches Dragon Fire, Heat Beam Eye Blast and Combustion Blast at Tao and Ben. But they dodge the attacks by moving to their sides. The attacks hit on the some troops of Shadow Demons.

As Shendu is ready to use another powerful attack, he gets hit by a beam and is sent back a bit as the Demon blocks it. The gang looks to see a robot cyborg Alicorn. As the gang look puzzled, it says, "I know what you're thinking but I am not made by those unicorns Flim and Flam but right now we need to defeat this Demon."

The gang decides to get back to fighting Shendu along with this unknown ally. The one known as Omega (unknown to the group), Tao and Ben charged at Shendu. The monster punch at the three but they dodge the attack while he slammed onto the ground. They sliced and blast on his hands and legs as many times as the trio can. Shendu's wounds heal as he use his speed and chased after Tao and Ben, despite Omega blasting at him. They both moved to the left, thus hitting some of Shadow Demon Sumos, Samurais and Crabs to pieces.

"This Demon is a crazy one indeed." Omega mumbles as he flies towards his new friends, fighting at Shendu.

Shendu brought the rocks down from the ceiling through his Levitation. Ben, Omega and Tao keep dodging and avoiding being hit by the rocks while battling with the Shadow Demons who are charging and attacking them. Shendu then use his super strengths to punch at the three but they instead dodge. Shendu destroy half of the Shadow Demon Squids and Mantises army in the progress. The Shadow Demon Bats and Ninjas attack Omega Tao and Ben from the air but the three jumps up high in midair and slice/blast their enemies one-by-one as they come down.

Shendu then used his invisibility. Omega, Ben and Tao look out for any attacks from Shendu. Suddenly, the three of them receive punches very hard from the front, back, left and right, just before more Shadow Demons attack them with their fists, legs and weapons to attack.

"This does not compute!" Omega booms as he fires at the Shadow Demons, only for them to knock him down.

Tao and Ben receive injuries, but they continue to resist and fought off the Shadow Demons just before something hits onto the ground, causing a shock wave to goes against Tao, Ben and some Shadow Demons. Shendu appear from behind as he blast his enemies through Dragon Fire, Combustion Blasts, Heat Beam Eye Blast and levitating the rocks and threw them at Omega, Tao and Ben.

Omega, Tao and Ben manage to dodge and avoid being hit but they received some wounds (metal damage for Omega) from some attacks. Before Tao and Ben could do something, Shendu appear in front of the two with one second arrival. He then gave them a hard punch. He then punches Omega as well, hitting him the hardest.

"You cannot hope to win this fight, fools. You have lost." Shendu said to his enemies sternly. "And metal one: whoever sends you to interfere will pay three times than what you're getting!"

"Not if you fall first, Demonic one." Omega remarks to his enemy with major beeps.

"Now what," Ben ask with a frown to Tao.

"Focus your Triforce powers and let it give you the strength to overcome Shendu. You and Triforce must be one." Tao advise to Ben carefully. Maybe there's a way for the trio to win.

Ben nods, saying, "I'll try."

Ben closes his eyes as he focus all of his powers from the Triforce Elements to give him strength. Thus, the Earth pony glow in golden before he open his eyes; Looks like it works.

"Ready?" Ben asks Tao and Omega in determination.

"I shall fight by your side always." Omega said with a salute.

"To the death," Tao said with a nod to his allies, ready to fight for his life if need be.

"Let's do it." Ben said in determination.

Ben's golden aura went to Tao and the Alicorn robot. They and Omega move very quickly just before Shendu and Shadow Demons could make a move. They strikes their enemies one-by-one with a quick swipe and strike as well as avoiding the attacks from Shendu's powers and talismans powers. Ben, Omega and Tao had defeated Shadow Demons. Before Shendu could launch his fire attacks, they attack on Shendu from the legs, body, hands and then his head. Ben and Tao used their hooves and slam onto the Demon's head down. Shendu scream in pain just before he land on the ground.

"It appears enemy is down." Omega said. Ben and Tao have won the battle. More Shadow Demons appear to make things difficult. Twilight, Nyx, Bocolix and Dumbledore continue to use their magic to open the door. With the sound of unlocking, the door opens. Everyone cheer in triumph.

Spike head to the long bridge. He wave them high up while shouting, "Ben! Tao! Weird robot thing! Hurry! The door is open!"

Ben, Omega and Tao turn and head off to the bridge. Shendu slowly get up while the Shadow Demons chased after the fleeing trio. Spike, on the bridge, waved them hard to motion them quickly. But without warning, Shendu use his Levitation on Ben. Spike gasp in worry. Ben tried to run as far as he can but Shendu brought his enemy over to him.

Ben chuckle uneasily, "Hi?"

"I will rip you apart, heir of Celestia!" Shendu exclaims furiously to Ben, planning on ripping this stallion to pieces.

Phobos yelps in alarm to Spike, "Where's your beam sword! Use it!"

Shendu roar angrily but before the Demon could do anything, he felt his leg being kicked and slashed at. Shendu look down to see someone that he did not expect.

"Spike," Ben and Shendu asks at shock as Spike is slashing at the Dragon Demon's leg like mad.

"Let my dad go!" Spike demands furiously. Ben looks shocked and amazed. Did that baby Dragon just called him 'dad'?

"Say what?" Ben ask Spike hopefully.

"First, you accept Twilight Sparkle as your mother and now Ben Mare as your father!" Shendu exclaims, outraged over this turn of events, "How dare you accept the ponies as your family?! We are family, Spike! You are under my right from your father's vow. Don't you see?! You lost your family all because of the ponies. Don't repeat your father's mistake which he learn too late. It cost him & your brother their lives!"

Spike glared at Shendu as he said, "Here's a little something! You're wrong, even if what you say is true, I already have a family. My father & brother may have lost their sense by evil, but I'm not. And I won't lose my family! So let my father go!" The baby Dragon activates his beam sword. "Come get some; Dragon Rage!"

Spike fire his Dragon Rage and burn on Shendu's face before jumping up to slash him cross the chest. Shendu yell in pain as he let go of Ben who lands safely on the bridge. Spike sob as he hug Ben, happy that he's all right.

"Spike," Ben asks Spike, still surprised over what the Dragon called him before.

Spike sniffs a bit while saying, "I'm glad that you're okay. I always want to have a dad. And you're the one. Twilight and Nyx sure pick the right stallion, especially a father that I want."

Ben hugs him back, saying gently, "Like Nyx, I'll accept you as a son to me, no matter how different you are."

"Thanks, dad."

"Not to be rude, Ben and Spike. But we must go!" Tao said, reminding his friends that they still got to make their escape ASAP!

Shendu roar loudly and angrily while shaking his head hard. He hiss loudly making Ben and Spike yelp, "Right!"

Ben, Tao and Spike ran across the half of the bridge. Tao stops right there. Ben stops as well when he noticed that the old pony has stopped. What is Tao doing?

"Tao, hurry, we've gotta move!" Ben exclaims to Tao in concern.

"We're almost there!" Spike exclaims with a nod, knowing that the group are almost out of this place of evil.

"Ben, this is where my path ends." Tao said mysteriously and suddenly, much to Ben and Spike's shock.

"What are you talking about?!"

"What?! No! We're in this together! We're going home together!" Ben exclaims to Tao in alarm. The old pony isn't going to come with him and the others?! Doesn't he wish to escape as well?!

Tao stood his ground, saying calmly to Ben, "Ben, promise me. No matter what happens to me, you must lead your family to escape this place. Please, this is my goodbye."

"Tao! Don't you dare -!"

Tao slam his sword straight into the ground, causing the bridge to break apart. Ben stop his tracks before he could go forward to help the path between him and the old pony breaks away. Twilight and everyone were in shock to see what's happening.

Spike gasp in shock, "No........."

"Tao! WHY," Ben calls out to Tao in horror. The old pony is about to fall along with Shendu and the bridge just to keep the monster from going after the others!

"Ben, Spike, I'm truly appreciated you to think of my well-being. But now, it is my turn to take care of yours." Tao said, keeping his mind on his decision. "Ben, you must escape at once. I am proud and honor to fight alongside with you, my dear boy."

"Tao!"

"But -!" Spike begins to protest but Tao interrupts him, not having any of it.

"Please, Ben! Honor and respect my last wish and request. This is our goodbye." Tao said to Ben sternly.

"Tao........" Ben begins to say in sadness.

"Fly, you fools," Tao exclaims as he turn and face Shendu and the armies of Shadow Demons. "You shall not PASS!" Tao charge and attack the Shadow Demons while using his sword in all of his might. This is going to be his final battle especially since he is planning on staying.

Ben and Spike screams out for their friend, "Taaaaooooooo!" The two yelped and move away to avoid any of the falling structure that fell from the ceiling.

Ben groans while shaking his head. Spike frantically exclaims, "We have to go back and help him!"

"There's nothing we can do." Ben said to Spike in sadness. This is Tao's decision; he and the baby Dragon must respect it.

"But- but -!"

"I know it's hard. But this is what he wants for us. We have to do it for him."

Spike sob, "Noooooo..... We can't." The baby Dragon won't forgive himself if he leaves Tao to die like this! It won't be fair!

"I'm sorry. C'mon!" Ben insists quickly to Spike.

Spike groan angrily. Ben and the baby Dragon turn and went to their family and friends. Twilight in concern ask, "Ben, Spike, where's Tao?"

"He's staying back to fight off Shendu and the Shadow Demons."

Tough, Bocolix and Dumbledore all gasps at once in shock, "What?!"

"That's stupid!" Phobos exclaims, not believing what he just heard.

Spike sob, "But," The baby Dragon sob once more, "I want to - But-" He sobs for a third time.

"I don't want to leave Tao behind too, Spike! But he wants us to go. This is his wish. I," Ben begins sobbing as well now, "have to," The hero sob once again, "honor," Ben made another sob in upset, "his wish."

Nyx sob in worry, "But we can't. We have to-"

"Nyx, please! We have to honor and respect his wish. I know it's hard, but this is what he wants."

Spike sobs in agreement, "It's true, guys. I'm sorry, mom."

Twilight nods while hugging Spike. She said gently to him, "It's not your fault. This is what Tao want. We have to do it. I know it's hard but that's what he wants. Okay, Spike and Nyx?"

Spike and Nyx sob while saying, "Okay." It's hard for them but Tao would want them to escape with their lives and ingredients, right?

Everyone got into the cart. Twilight sobs while looking at the battlefield but rub off her tears. She turn to Tough while ordering, "Tough, get us out of here!"

Tough nod as he whips Justin to head off and escape from Shendu's Palace at once. The whole place's structures, bricks and woods continue collapsing and falling down. Everyone took one last glance back at the battle as Tao fought bravely, ferociously and determinedly in fighting against the Shadow Demons and Shendu.

Ben said quietly and sadly, "Goodbye....... Tao......"

Tao turns and glance at Twilight and her family while saying, "Goodbye, my friends."

As soon as Twilight and her friends got out from the battlefield, Tao turn and face Shendu and his minions. He close his eyes before the old pony open them. They glow in white as five cards appear from his robes and kill most of the Shadow Demons. Tao place his sword in front of Shendu who growl at him while the 7 tribes' army of Shadow Demons appear and glare at Tao.

"I was wondering why you did not use your true power . And it seems that I found my answer." Shendu remarks in amusement to Tao. "None of the ponies had known the truth about the Mystic Ponies' existence, haven't they? Is it because of the fear of lust and temptation of mortals? Pity, isn't it?"

"No, it is not. Now, my nemesis, it is time to finish of what we have started." Tao said in determination. As the structures continue to fall apart, the Mystic Pony place the sword in front of himself. "Do you recognize this?

Shendu gasp in fear upon recognizing the sword, "No! The symbol of Mystic Sword which defeated me! It is the only sword that can banish me! You have kept it until today?!"

Tao's five cards are spinning on it while he glow in golden light and cover by a sphere of wind, along with horizontal lines of fire in center, water in right diagonal and earth in left diagonal. The time has come for Shendu to fall once more!

"I call upon five elements to guide me to defeat the Demon Lord of Fire. Water, Earth, Fire, Wind and Light," The Mystic Pony booms. Tao glare at Shendu. "This is our final duel, Shendu! Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao!"

Shendu's eyes are in wide open as he screams "No! NO! Not again! Shadow Demons, destroy him!"

All of the Shadow Demons charged at Tao. But instead of attacking him, his elements block the attacks and kill all of the Shadow Demons who comes too close to him. Tao's sword glow in green as the final moments is about to come underway.

"Diiiiieeee," Shendu roars in fury.

Shendu blast his fire attacks on Tao while he blasts his sword at Shendu. Both powers clashes and impact; they both struggled to fight the powers while the structures from top continue to collapse. Both opponents continue to fight and struggle their powers to win the battle.

"For the Mystic Realm; For Equestria; for friendship and my family," Tao exclaims in determination. With his shouting, Tao glow in gold, his sword blast more and pierce through Shendu's fire attack and blasted on him. Shendu scream in pain as the final moments are coming.

Twilight and her family have escaped Shendu's Palace. They took a glance at that place as it continue to collapse while a green light shot out to the sky. The door appears behind of Shendu. It drags him to the door. Shendu grab onto the floor tight but the door continue to pull him in.

Shendu screams out to Tao, "Curse you, Tao! I will have my revenge on you and those ponies; TAO!"

Shendu got in the door, just before it close. With him gone, the Shadow Demons disappear into the shadows. Tao pant while gasping for more air. He drops his sword down, along with his five cards then landed on the ground hard. It appears that this is his final battle.

Tao gasp weakly, "So...... this is how it ends? How pitiful...... How regretful of me...... not telling him....... the truth....... Yet.......I'm....... Happy to fight alongside with....... Ben. He...... is so much...... like his parents...... I'm...... honored to be with him......."

Tao's eyes are closed as the building continues to collapse, falling down from the ceiling to the bottom. Soon Shendu's Palace fallen into pieces and ruins. It is destroyed, ending his rule once and for all.

Everyone gasp in shock and worry just before they sob, upset and in sadness. Ben hits on the ground with his hooves continuously. Shendu has been beaten, yes, but at the cost of Tao's life.

"Ben, easy; it's not your fault." Twilight said, trying to calm her true love down.

"I fail to save Tao! I can't believe I left him behind! How stupid I really am," Ben groans in sadness and regret. A friend died whom he left behind! Why didn't the stallion saved him when he had the chance?!

Nyx sob while trying to help, "Daddy, please; don't blame yourself about this mess. It's not your fault."

Spike sob in agreement, "Nyx's right. Tao would want us to go back home and save Applejack's home. That's what we've come here for."

"Do you think Tao would be happy to see us failing, Ben?" Phobos asks Ben, pointing out a fact. Tao wouldn't be happy if Ben and the others' quest would to fail right here, right now.

"They're right, Ben. If Tao hadn't stayed behind, Shendu would continue 'ta hunt us." Tough explains to Ben. "Ah'm not sure where 'de voice or the Mystic Ingredient Banishment is. There isn't time. Ah know it's selfish and wrong, but he wouldn't want us 'ta let everything down fer our folks."

"Tao banished Shendu, didn't he? I think it's good right." Bocolix points out with a sad smile. Tao must've banished Shendu, right?

Dumbledore nods, adding, "I know it's hard. But he would have wants us to live, wouldn't he?"

Ben sigh, "You all are right. Tao wouldn't want us to give up the mission in saving Ponyville. We're going to honor his wish. Before we leave, I want to build a tomb for him, without magic." It should be the least he can to do to honor the one who gave his life to help the heroes move on.

Everyone nod their heads as the heroes got to work. They put mountain of rocks onto the ground to make a grave for their fallen friend. The gang then bow in respect to the rocks while sobbing.

Bocolix begins the opening prayer, "I don't know how to say. But to be honest, if you hadn't come to us, we don't even know what we're supposed to do and deem good deeds."

Dumbledore said with a slow nod while doing a prayer, "Yeah. You're great and good....... for an Earth Pony."

Phobos continues, "You know. I really hate your riddles and guts to hit my head. But sometimes, I felt like that you had helped us; I kinda thankful of that. I'm really sorry for that, Tao. I'll be generous more. I promise."

Tough continues the prayer, "Ah didn't get mah chance 'ta say sorry an' thank yew 'ta yew, Tao. But thanks fer 'de compliment, an' sorry fer being rude. You're an okay pony, Tao. That's fer sure." The stallion felt better; his prayer has truly open up a lot for him.

Spike now says his own part of the prayer, "Tao, I can't understand your riddles, but I can understand one thing: you're trying to help us be better and not giving up. If you hadn't been there for us, we wouldn't know if we can survive this place or not. Thank you."

Nyx sob as she continues the prayer, "Tao, you told me not to give the important gift up that my family gave me. I promise you that I won't. I won't give up on theirs and yours. I promise you that I'll always be myself no matter what. Thank you for everything, Tao."

"Tao, even though you like to disappear and appear in anytime and anywhere, you're a good pony." Twilight said calmly while continuing with her part of the prayer, "I'd always thought the 'End of Equestria' is going to be the worst place to go to. But it's not. We're not afraid anymore. You are the reason of helping us to get through, no matter what happens. I'm very thankful of that, Tao. Thank you for being there for us and for giving advice. You're a great hermit."

Ben sighs as he spoke, "Tao, I'm sorry, I couldn't save you. But you wouldn't want me to give up the important mission. I get it, Tao. I don't want to sacrifice any more lives all for the sake of mission. But sometimes, we have to do it for our home and family. You told me that I'll be hero. But to be honest, I wasn't sure at first. But seeing you being there for us and on the battlefields, it makes me more confident and determined. If you had faith in me, then I promise you one thing: I won't give up on that. I promise you that I'll do anything to save lives and protect our home. Thank you for being there for us. Thank you for teaching me to be hero."

Everyone finish the prayer up, "Thank you, Tao. Goodbye."

Twilight and her friends bow in respect. Ben put the flute near the rocks. They got on their cart and leave. Ben took one last glance at Tao's grave. During their journey back home, everyone look very upset, sad and disappointed. They got all of the ingredients but Tao is gone.

After a pause of silence, Nyx became the first to speak up, "Mommy; isn't there another way to save lives without sacrificing good ponies? I don't want to see that happen again. It's not what we wanted."

Twilight sighs as she answers, "To be honest, sweetie. I'm sorry." Nyx look down. "But I do know one thing, Nyx. We'll do our best to protect the world from harm and evil. We also do our best to save lives, without sacrificing another hopefully. It's what brave ponies do and wanted."

"Not only for home, Nyx, but for everything they believed in." Ben adds to Nyx, smiling a bit sadly.

"Like Tao believed in us to be ourselves and save Ponyville?" Nyx ask her parents, recalling what Tao has believed in.

"I hope its worth for his effort." Spike sighs a bit while looking downward, knowing what it cost Tao to save them all.

"Yes, Nyx and Spike; we won't let all of his effort be in vain." Twilight said smoothly while patting her children on the back. She's right. The group can't let one death put them down. They must move on no matter what.

"Okay. We'll do our best to protect our home. No matter what happen," Nyx said with a sad sniff while getting rid of some tears from her face.

"It's what heroes do, like all of us did before." Spike said with a nod. It's sad knowing that a friend of his dies but he would want his allies to go on, right?

Ben nods, saying, "Yes, Nyx and Spike. We'll do our best to save our home, no matter the cost. We will not sacrifice any more lives for our sake."

Twilight and Nyx nod. Ben, Twilight, Nyx, Spike and even Phobos hug together. This is a family hug that they want to remember for a very long time.

After the family stops their hugging, Twilight spoke up, "Come on. Let's go home and save our friends' home. This is for you, Tao. It's what you want for us to do. Goodbye, my friend."

Twilight and her family continued to journey: going back home. They have lost a friend today but they themselves have gotten something back in return: hope and renewal.

"Say, where did that robot went off to?" Bocolix ask, noticing that Omega has gone missing since the escape from Shendu's Palace.

-----------

Omega comes back to the room and tells Pinkamena and Golden Heart, "The task is done and the gang will be coming home soon."

"Well done, now regain your strength Omega, you did good." Pinkamena said with a smile on her face. Twilight and her friends are coming home at last! Wonderful!

Omega goes on standby as Golden Heart says, "I have to say. Omega is powerful."

"Yeah but to tell you the truth, he only help in evening out the Demon's tricks and such."

"Ok."