Road to the End

by JusSonic

Chapter 19: Aftermath of the End

Now the scene opens to where we see that the Mane Six's five members are in the restaurant own by the Mane Six Lookalikes. After what Pinkie Pie issued off earlier, they needed to come to a place to settle their worries. This place was slowly trying to get up after the Sandworm issue that happened from a smelly cheese problem, but that's in the past.

"So now what do we do," Fluttershy asked off in what they'll have to do about now.

"A.J., how's the veggie supply?" Rainbow Dash asked in trying to start a conversation.

"We're down 'ta very little, mah family's cousins can't bring enough, fast enough, or deplete much in their own homes." Applejack sighed to feel they have some serious problems with keeping everypony to have their vegetables.

"Oh this is terrible! What else can go wrong?" Rarity asked off in seeing they need to do something but what?

"De-Do-Waugh-Eek; Wababah; Oink," Suddnely, Pinkie Pie was doing some weird action movements that surprise her friends until; she stopped, "Oh no! Uh, Feathermay! Do you serve meat around here?" The pink pony asked the mare from her six working friends about a question on her mind.

"No. Hey girls, she asked if we serve meat." Feathermay responded confused before turning to ask the others that were lookalikes of the Mane Six.

"Eeew, no," Firecracker Burst exclaims, a bit disgusted by what Feathermay's suggesting.

"We don't do that here." Roseluck said with a shudder.

"Right, dreadful." Cherry Pie remarks with a frown, "To think of the very idea!"

"No, not really," Flitterheart said in concern while Plumsweet shake her head meaning no to Feathermay's question.

"Pinkie, why ask such a thing?" Rarity raised an eyebrow in finding that question to be really random, even for her.

"Cause I sense there was gonna be a bull charging through and ram us across a few distances!" Pinkie Pie responded off another randomly weird response out of nowhere.

"Oh, that does sound terrible!" Fluttershy responded worry if that was the case, but….

"Except we just got over in hearing that there are no bulls in this place, so we're all…." Rainbow was about to easily object to that even happening until…

"Poofrsuvhmmmm…./MRUUAAARRRRUGHHH!" Suddenly, a magical bright burst cloud came from within the kitchen of the restaurant.

"Fine…." Rainbow Dash finished her sentence in being a bit surprised to hearing a bull just now.

"Girls…?" Feathermay raised an eyebrow to her friends, they aren't supposed to serve meat, so why was that a bull calling from their kitchen?

"Odd, that never happened before." Firecracker said puzzled by the bull calling.

"Why in the Sam Hill there's a bull in our kitchen?" Roseluck ask her friends in confusion.

"Bad luck?" Plumsweet ask while eating a treat. Flitterheart and Cherry Pie are bewildered as well.

"Wha in tarnation," Applejack was about to ask what was going on, however….

"POWWVVFRUUVHMMM…./MOOORUUARRRGUHHH!" Suddenly without any warning, something rammed to break through the kitchen double doors to show a roaring rampaging MechBull busting through.

"Aaaaaaahhhhhh," The Mane Six's five members screamed in seeing this, and the creature coming towards….them!

Outside the restaurant, things seem fine that the citizens pay no mind…well that would soon change.

"POWWWVUHMMM…./URROOOARRRGUHHH!" For suddenly without warning, a mechanical bull ended up breaking through in roaring fit out of the restaurant while scarring some crowds, "KAPOW! KAPOW! Kapowfrvuhmmmm," Then outside of Ponyville, lots of loud implosive sounds of something bashing against some homes to end up crashing right near the side of what was Sweet Apple Acres; And during which, many of the residences were gathering around in chatting what was going on.

"Yikes! Are we being attacked again?!" Mrs. Cake gasps in horror and concern.

"As if the last time wasn't bad enough," Cheerilee cries out in worry.

"And we are down on our last supply of veggies as well." Caramel said, looking down in worry.

"Is this a bad omen sign?" Lyra asks Sweetie Drops who looks scared herself.

Soon near what was a rubble of plowed dirt and wrecked wooden structure, the dust clouds clear for all of us to get a view in what we are dealing with. First off, the Mane Six's five members were at the bottom, coughing from what happened before setting themselves up. After cleaning the dirt off, did they see what new problem they got.

"Goodness Gracious! What was all that about?" Rarity spoke off in fixing her mane after what just happened to her now.

"Oh, don't you remember, a bull came from out of the kitchen; we rammed across a few buildings, and ended up here!" Pinkie Pie happily some off in issuing what they had just went through now.

"Yeah, I think we know that after going along for the ride." Rainbow Dash narrow her eyes in thinking that the Mane Fiver knew that, question was, why?

"But, why was a bull there to begin with?" Fluttershy asked off in feeling concern over what happened even now.

"Bigger question is, how'd it even ram us fro' here 'ta mah family's farm?" Applejack pointed out in seeing where they are, at the ruined farm.

Suddenly, as if something was to answer all those questions and more, the rubble began to move that alerted the five mares & the other pony citizens of something moving under the gravel.

"Moowrruaaghhh," Suddenly, what was a MechBull brought out to shake it's body while some pony was letting the tail pull him out.

"Cough-cough, dag-gum; what a ruckus; Hugh…" The stallion in question was Tough Apple, but when he had his eyes blurry, he saw….the crowd that spooked him, "SHADOW! Back- Back!" The guy yelped in misunderstanding the crowd as the beast; The Shadow from the End of Equestria, "Bang-Bang-Bangh!" And soon the stallion got his pea-shooter to start blasting to frighten anypony that was near.

"Eek-Whoop, Yikes," Pinkie Pie yelped to dance away while the others were puzzled, what was Tough doing now?

"Boink," Suddenly, a whack to the stallion's head by a frying pan did a number to snap him out. "Tough, will you stop shooting them ponies for no reason!" Granny Smith snapped from throwing her frying pan to sternly get the pony under control, him and his losing temper.

"Oh Granny, am Ah glad to see yew! Is 'dat Shadow not here?" Tough Apple finally recognize his surroundings to sigh in relief while asking if the monster called; The Shadow, was no longer near.

"Cuz, what are yew blabbing about?" Applejack raised an eyebrow in what got Tough to be acting so strange now.

"Eh, Ah'll tell yah after Ah settle down. Come on Justin," Tough shrug off his shoulders to seeing that he'll explain better in a bit while getting the MechBull to follow him.

"Mwrrooughhh!" Justin responded off as the MechBull was slowly walking down from the pile of rubble.

"Chu," Rabbitchu suddenly popped out to hop on over to the other ponies while surprising them; they know this machine.

"Is that Rabbitchu? What are you doing here little thing?" Fluttershy responded in surprise as she bent down to see & ask it a question.

"Chu-Chu, chi," Rabbitchu responded in speaking in its animal talk.

"What! You & Twilight's group escaped from a scary Shadow?" Fluttershy responded in understanding what the creature told her.

"Toughy!" Feathermay came out from the crowd to hug the stallion that returned with such worry and overjoy. "So you made it back!" The mare responded in being happy that this tough Apple member return, she was worried when she heard he left to go somewhere dangerous.

"Gosh Feathermay, sorry if Ah worried yah over me," Tough Apple blush a bit under his fur in seeing that he musta made the mare he love worried sick.

"Wait, if you're here, then where are Twilight, Ben, Nyx, Spiky-Wikey & Phobos?" Rarity asked off in remembering, Tough went with the others, so where are they?

Suddenly, some rubblling was seen that brought everypony's attention on some Dragon claws digging themselves out.

"Ugh….anybody got the number of what of what we hit?" Spike groans in coming out while feeling like he can't remember what hit them just moments ago when Justin ram through town non-stop.

"A restaurant, a quill store, a cake's store, a spa place, the mail room, and a bunch of other things my aching head can't remember enough." Phobos responded off in marking the areas that he last recall before not knowing any, they must have wanted to get away from the Shadow so bad, when the gang teleported here that they forgot to stop.

"Spike & Phobos; You guys are okay!" Pinkie Pie cheered with joy, more friends have return.

"Yeah, I'm thinking that going through what they went through wouldn't be called 'okay', Pinkie." Rainbow Dash slowly remarks the fact of what's happened here was anything 'but' being okay.

"Hoot…hoot/Arrf-Bark!" Suddenly, what should scurry out of the rubble than a familiar owl and wolf cub.

"Of my, Owlowiscious & Koga; Are you hurt?" Fluttershy spoke to approach the pets in seeing that they came to wiggle out the dirt & dust on themselves while they shook their heads 'no' for the question. "Oh that's a relief!" The kind hearted pony sighs in relief to hear the pets were safe & not injured.

"But wha about Twilight & de rest o' her family?" Applejack asked off in wanting to know where her friend & her family are.

Just then, something was seen pushing against the rubble and it was shown to be seen…as a shield. And in a strange moment, some drama trumpet noises were heard during this moment (think of Disney's Hercules after the hero came out of the Hydra's claw to show he was alight). Everypony gasped in shock to see that from the light, Ben wielded the Hylian Shield that helped protected him and shown that Twilight was underneath. Soon the stallion offered his hoof to help Twilight up as she happily accepted it. The crowds were stunned at first then went into a loud cheering moment.

"They LIIIIVE," Big Macintosh shouted out in seeing that the two ponies were alive.

"Princess Twilight & Prince Ben have returned!" Golden Harvest exclaimed for joy for mentioning the names of the returned ponies that left them.

During the moment, Twilight & Ben wave around to the cheering crowds in happily being glad to have returned home again.

"Boy, are we happy to see you!" Rainbow Dash came over when the two ponies came down from the rubble, happy to see them again.

"We're happier than a gopher biting through a crop line." Applejack responded in her own sounds of joy that her pals have return now.

"Darlings, we were so worried when we heard the news." Rarity spoke in almost feeling traumatized over what their friends even thought of doing to help the farm.

"We're so happy to have you back. I think we should throw a party to celebrate your return from a land no pony's ever come back from." Pinkie Pie responded in being so happy that she bounced all around. "Except for the bunch that said they were cannibals and you saved them, but that's a different story." The pink pony stopped to quote off about the cannibals that came here by magic. "And maybe some more ponies but that's too long to explain."

"Um, where's Nyx?" Fluttershy spoke in noticing that some pony was still missing.

Suddenly, a record-scratching noise cut off the proud trumpet playing background with a sudden realization; where was Twilight & Ben's child?

"Nyx; where are you honey?" Twilight turns to call her child to answer her.

"Nyx, do something so we can find you," Ben hollered out for his daughter to show them where she is.

"BOOM,” Suddenly, an explosion blew off much more rocky rubble to allow some pony behind a cloud of dust to stand.

"Cough-cough, if that ain't a sign of something to locate Nyx then I'm not a Moon Dragon." Phobos coughed from all the dust in the air that got in his lungs.

"Then wha are ye, a donkey?" Tough Apple raised an eyebrow to ask Phobos this.

"Nooo; I was being sarcastic!" Phobos snapped off about still being a Moon Dragon.

"Cough…cough, mother…father….I'm okay." A 'Voice' came from the clouds of dust from that explosive stunt; it had to be Nyx, right?

"Hey, whose voice is 'dat?" Apple Bloom responded in hearing the voice, she didn't think it was Nyx.

"Sure doesn't sound like the Nyx that we know," Scootaloo spoke off puzzled about knowing their black filly friend's voice was much younger.

"I think we heard that voice long ago, but from where." Sweetie Belle rubbed her chin in pondering something on the mind in hearing that voice.

"Me too, it's like from the day I was honored Cutie Mark Crusader." Twist rubbed her chin in recalling something of Nyx and the voice that sounded like an adult mare.

Soon when the clouds of dust clear for everyone to see the little filly pony Nyx, except they would see a big surprise they never expect to see; When the grown-ups saw Nyx in her Battle Form, they were whispering words from 'It's Nightmare Moon' & 'Did something happen to Nyx' & 'Why is she like she was?' & 'That's Nyx's Cutie Mark, so it must be her.' & so much gossip that the adult Nyx frown in seeing a situation she once lived through once.

"Hey you lot, wha's eating yew? Can't yew show a little joy 'dat Nyx is okay," Tough Apple spoke off in not liking how stunned that the crowds are in seeing Nyx in a more grown up form.

"You don't know since you weren't here, but that form…is the form the Cult used to turn the filly into Nightmare Moon." Filthy Rich issued in stating a moment that lead to a strange cult, which he was unwillingly a part of, that made Nyx as the reincarnation of the evil Nightmare Moon.

"But we were told she was stripped of that power to remain a filly to begin anew!" Soarin' responded puzzled, the other ponies all heard about Nyx return as a filly to start life all over again as a fresh start.

"We're not sure if it's a curse or if something happened to you on your journey." Lucky claim with worry, what it something made Nyx return to her grown up form and it may only be a matter of time before….

"Everypony, what's your deal, she's still Nyx." Spike snapped off in not believing this crowd.

"Yeah, it's a form that she developed to fight in." Phobos issued off to tell the crowd this so they feel less worrisome.

The crowds weren't sure about this, many were still discussing in thought if Nyx was still her good filly self that was the adoptive daughter to Twilight & Ben or reverted to the evil Nightmare Moon; Decisions among decisions.

"Wait, we're still missing two others." Nyx's Battle Form responded in seeing that their group was missing two others.

Soon some magical rubble was lifted off the ground that surprised the crowds, what could this be now? And soon what came out were what Twilight's group could tell were the Enforcers: Dumbledore & Bocolix.

"Boy, talk about your rocky start!" Bocolix rubbed his head in feeling like that was a real bumpy part of the road trip.

"Yeah, I think that race was more Ben's win than ours." Dumbledore issued off in rethinking that Ben won the race for their lives, but it's better than losing to the Shadow.

"Hay, who are those two," Caramel responded puzzled in never seeing those new Alicorns before.

"They are some friends that came to help us on our journey." Nyx spoke in approaching the two new Alicorns to the crowd with an expression that was not the evil Nightmare Moon, but the pure & good hearted Nyx that they all knew. "They are Dumbledore & Bocooix, the Enforcers." Adult Nyx introduce the two Enforcers from the crowd to recognize.

"The Enforcers," Feathermay responded in hearing the name of the two Alicorns that must be a duo group.

"Wow, more Alicorns!" Braeburn responded with a smile in never seeing more Alicorns come around here.

"Are they heroes?" Sweetie Drops asked off in wondering if the two new Alicorn males are heroes, like Twilight, their two other princesses, even Golden Heart.

"Well, I wouldn't say that we're heroes." Dumbledore rubbed the back of his neck in feeling a bit bashful in being said as heroes now.

"Yeah, we were just in the neighborhood." Bocolix shrug off with a smile to say they just appeared before Twilight's group, nothing else, really.

"Everypony listen, a lot of things happened that if not for what we've gone through might not have return at all." Twilight instructed the crowd to hear her out about what the group went through to their return.

"Right, besides the ingredients, I've gained a shield & bow with arrows, Twilight gotten a few magical objects, Nyx showed us a magic trick called a Battle Form that can help her fight in the form you see, only without the armor, so she's not the Nightmare Moon of evil that we once remembered." Ben Mare explained to the other ponies about the crazy stuff that they came across, and boy, was it something wild to experience First Hand or hoof.

Now the pony citizens were starting to feel a little more better and not so afraid with Nyx's Battle Form that it may look like Nightmare Moon at first, but much of it was different, this one…was the Nyx to be when grown up.

"Nyx, why don't you show them," Twilight smiled to have her daughter show the ponies that she is still who she is, no matter what form she takes.

"Oh course mother." Adult Nyx responded with a mature tone that amazed the crowd then she glowed to revert to her smaller form. "See, I'm still me, I just changed forms now. Neat trick, hugh?" Nyx responded to which the crowd almost thought there was a change in personalities, but it was still a better thing than an evil Nightmare Moon personality, that they can deal without.

"Neat nothing, 'dat was amazing!" Apple Bloom came up to Nyx in feeling what she did was super amazing.

"You've got to show us that trick more often!" Scootaloo responded off in liking what Nyx has got could be helpful in their duties as CMC.

"Think you can teach us?" Sweetie Belle asked if maybe Nyx could teach her, a unicorn, such a spell, if possible.

"I thought that voice was you, we never forget a friend's voice." Twist responded with a smile in remembering how she saw Nyx in her grown up form in giving her the CMC cape long ago and even helped give her a neat gift on her birthday, the other CMC members.

"Ah, thanks girls." Nyx smiled in now hugging her friends in being happy to be back and that everypony accepts that no matter what form she's in, they'll still love & trust her.

Slowly, all the ponies began to feel good and decided to chat with princess Twilight, Prince Ben, even the Mane Six wanted to know some things too. Even Bocolix & Dumbledore were getting surrounded by lots of pretty mares complimenting them and the two didn't even make some comments of not liking Earth Ponies cause, well….they never actually been treated nice and be nice, that such Boris logic went out the door.

"Easy their ladies, like we said, we're no heroes." Bocolix held up his hooves to say that they've tried to say that the two aren't the real heroes.

"Yah, I mean, we helped some way, but those guys are better heroes!" Dumbledore reported the honest truth; the Enforcers were with Twilight's group for other reasons.

"Well yes, Twilight, Ben, Spike, even little Nyx are heroes." Lyra responded in letting the two Alicorn makes know that they knew about that fact.

"But it's not every day we get to see more alicorns." Derpy issued about how the ponies never get the chance to see more Alicorns these days.

"Especially two good looking ones like you that must be good ponies!" Golden Harvest stated how from just seeing the two, these Alicorn males don't seem evil in the least bit.

"You….mean it; Are we…really like good ponies?" Dumbledore asked off completely shocked upon hearing this, being Boris's minions, they did terrible stuff, but never thought that the two were good ponies.

"Would that mean, you even welcome us after helping out Twilight's group?" Bocolix asked off a question that was on his mind and thought…would this act let them be welcome back to their home?

"Of course," The flower trio mares responded that they thought the two alicorn males were something & be welcome to their home.

Dumbledore & Bocolix felt a little wrath in their hearts for the first time. Sure, this place called Ponyville may not be the great & fancy lifestyle of Canterlot, but here there were no such separate terms of classes of unicorns & Pegasus, they were just…ponies. And even though the two Enforcers were banished because of the trouble of the Demon Pony & for falling in Boris's plot that angered the sun princess, maybe their life could be better than they were of an evil Pegasus & unicorn stooges, maybe starting fresh as…good Alicorn ponies.

"Wooh, this does feel different from what we were used to being." Dumbledore responded in feeling this kinda kindness felt good to them.

"Yeah, and I…kinda like it, especially being welcomed." Bocolix responded in liking to be welcome back, while their old selves are banished, they can start better now as Alicorns.

"Pssss….Psss….." Suddenly, from the shadows behind the Enforcers, they notice a pony in a familiar cloak. From the hood remove, the two Alicorn males recognized it as a mare that they knew too well.

"Trixie," Both Enforcers responded surprise in their minds in seeing their ally and friend was here, but why…was it to remind them of their need to return before the authorities come and question their origin; well that would be bad for them, they guess.

"Um, we'll have to chat with you mares another time." Dumbledore responded in feeling a bit uneasy at the moment to say something came up.

"Yeah, we need to get going, sorry we can't stay." Bocolix responded that the two Alicorns love to stick around, but they can't and they really want to too.

"Aaawww…." The mares that were liking the new Alicorns responded in sorrow to hear this.

"Wait, you two are leaving?" Spike spoke from seeing and hearing what the Enforcers are gonna do now.

"Do you have to go?" Nyx asked in looking at the new friends that she & the others made when in the End of Equestria.

"Yeah, I was starting to like complimenting you guys." Phobos shrugs off to say something at this moment about the two Alicorns.

"You were?" The Enforcers asked off with hopeful smiles, the Moon Dragon had something nice about them.

"Hello, sarcasm, boy, you two are slow." Phobos issued off that he was pulling the two's legs, they really are slow on the subject and how they became Alicorns is a big mystery.

"Ohh…" The Enforcers mopped in hearing this, so much for thinking Phobos was actually wanting to be nice.

"You two really haves helped us out." Ben smiled to offer a hoof shake to which both the Enforcers did in surprise.

"Yah, maybe we'll see each other again someday." Tough Apple issued to give a hard pat on the two male Alicorn's backs, much to their surprise in how tough this Apple member was.

"It's strange, you two remind me a lot of two colts that I use to know." Twilight approached the two Alicorns in issuing this fact that completely caught Dumbledore & Bocolix by worrying surprise…does she know… "But they were different from how you two Alicorns acted in helping us today. Knowing what two colts I remember did things with their so-called boss of a jerk." The new princess smiled to shake her head about such thoughts in thinking of different ponies from her past that were involved with Boris.

UAh yeah, totally different," Dumbledore responded a bit worried if Twilight does recall that he was once the unicorn named Dum Dum.

"That be us, Alicorns all the way." Bocolix responded off in trying to shake off in recalling how Twilgith remembered him as the Pegasus named Boxco.

"Whelp, bye-bye!" The Enforcers quickly gave a little wave of farewell before they used their horns together. With that, they went through their own Warp Gate Spell and it closed soon afterwards. This left many spectators 'awing' over such an exit route by two mysterious Alicorns.

"Hugh, well that was weird." Twilight raised an eyebrow in finding that action a bit awkward.

"Princess Twilight! Princess Twilight!" Suddenly, who should enter the scene, then Private Kenny, out of breath, "Hugh-hugh, I have a message from Princess Twilight. Doh, I mean message about Ben Mare. Gaugh, I mean….the Princess wants to see you two at the palace! Hooo…" The private that's been running Shining Armor's jump as captain got a few things mess up on what his message was.

"Princess Celestia wants to see us?" Twilight responded of surprise that the princess wants to see them right away.

"You, your company, including your friends apart of the Mane Six group," Private Kenny issued off that the princess of the sun wants the entire group of Equestria's heroes of tough times to come at once.

"Can't this wait until after the farm is fixed?" Ben asked off in seeing that the group were gonna try to help fix the Apples' Farm so they can grow things.

"No time, urgent that you see them at once." Private Kenny shook his head in issuing that the ponies here need to go directly to the palace, it sounds very urgent.

"Well if we're going in a hurry, may as well try a new spell I've learn to perform." Twilight Sparkle spoke to see if they have to quickly meet with the princess of the sun, then she has the right spell to help, a new one too.

"New spell," The Mane Six repeated off confused, Twilight has a new spell to help them out?

"Yep, hang tight girls; and the rest of you too. Ready?" Twilight responded while wanting those to gather around her for what she's about to do. "Here goes….Comet Run!" Twilight Sparkle shouted out near that last part while her horned glowed.

Suddenly with another warning, Twilight, the Mane Six, Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos, and even Tough Apple & Private Kenny got swiped into a glowing white flashing ball with a tail-wave. And just as the name said, it looks like a comet shooting across the skies and over the distance at a fast rate to reach from Ponyville to Canterlot in a new quick way that the new princess is capable of now presently. However, behind a corner of a building, Dumbledore & Bocolix were actually there and haven't truly left their area, cause they were meeting with their friend, Trix Lulamoon

"Oh thank goodness! You two made it back alive!" Trix spoke to suddenly hug the two goofs by surprise; she was really worried for them. "Honestly, I wish Boris realize how lucky it was that you weren't killed in that area!" The girl sternly digress the matter that Boris could have lost some very loyal ponies & her close friends in the mess that they went through.

"Gee, you really mean that Trix? That you care about us?" Dumbledore responded in being surprise to actual hear this stuff.

"Yeah, we always see you loving the boss while we were just goofballs." Bocolix responded in hearing this & recalling what Trixie use to do when they interrupted her time with Boris.

"Uuuagh, why must you two even bring up 'that' relationship?" Trix groans in seeing that even the Enforcers bring up that relationship about her and Boris, really. "I don't even know where you got that." She huffed off in feeling a bit upset about the whole thing that got the rumor started.

"Well, we kinda notice it from afar." Dumbledore shrug off to say that even the two goofs that work for Boris noticed this action of love.

"And about Twilight might not be in love with Boris." Bocolix responded off to also issue another fact for Trixie to know.

"I don't wanna hear….wait. What do you mean?" Trix was about to snap, but stopped in being curious of what she heard.

"We check to see if Twilight was under a love spell , but she wasn't." Dumbledore reported about Twilight not being under some love spell to be loving Ben.

"Yeah, she's free to choose who she likes, which means its princess Celestia's kid." Bocolix issued that Twilight has just been 'natural' in love with Ben Mare.

"You don't say." Trix smiled under her lips in finding that info very pleasing to her…until she snapped to her senses. "Uhpm, anyway, let’s get back to Safe Haven, Boris will want to hear the news." The mare issued that they need to return to inform about what they've managed to learn.

"Um, could we tell him in say…a week or a month from today? Maybe two even?" Dumbledore responded in feeling a bit nervous about going now to tell Boris about their return, among 'other' issues to discuss.

"Right, if he learns what we experienced, it's not just about Twilight being safe, but about him wanting her." Bocolix responded that when Boris learns of Twilight's love situation, it'll only make the Red Devil pony madder.

"Nonsense, in anyway, come on, I'm sure the other Brotherhood members will be very 'surprise' to learn of your experience in being on your own." Trix waved off such thoughts while insisting that they get going now, they have to tell the other members of their group about what has happened.

Dumbledore & Bocolix couldn't help but give in to Trix Lulamoon, when she makes her point, she won't stop until it's heard.

"You've done very well, Boxco and Dum-Dum." A familiar voice interrupts the departure. The two Alicorns gasp in surprise as a familiar old pony is nearby, something that they thought that they themselves will never see again.

"Tao; you're alive!" Bocolix and Dumbledore exclaims at once to a friend that they thought was gone for good.

"Tao; As in Mystic Tao, one of Mystic Ponies and one of Mystic Council; Powerful and great Mystic Pony of Light," Trix ask in amazement and curiosity.

Tao smiles as he answers, "I wouldn't want to be arrogant, Trixie, but yes, I am. You've done well, despite being the daughter of Smaug."

"Look, if you are here for my punishment, I haven't done anything wrong."

Tao smile, waving a hoof to assure her of no worries while saying, "It's okay, Trixie. In fact, I am here for three of you for two missions that I've made."

Trix, Boxco and Dum-Dum ask in surprise, "Missions?" What does this Mystic Pony mean?""

"Three of you had made the first step of redemption. I'm proud to see that. Your mission is to redeem Boris from not only his darkness, but his lust. For one day, Boris will be freed from his blinded lust."

"Do you think so?" Trix ask Tao hopefully.

"We really can do it?" Bocolix ask with a hopeful stupid look on his face.

"I don't know. Boris is very hard pony to convince." Dumbledore said, concerned as to how hard it is to convince Boris to let his lust for Twilight just like that.

"Never gave hope up. Always have faith." Tao advises the two goofy Alicorns and Trix wisely.

Trix smile while saying, "I understand. So, what's the second mission?"

"I want Boxco and Dum-Dum to help you in spying and helping Princess Celestia by knowing what our enemy is planning."

"You work for the princess?" Bocolix ask Tao in surprise.

"So that's why you're so busy on something. But why do we need to help?" Dumbledore ask, knowing that the princess herself is not happy with him and Boxco right now.

"It's not that we hate it. It's just Princess Celestia won't forgive us for the things we had done."

"She will, my friends. For she knows you from the beginning, you had redeem it." Tao said to the two mysteriously.

"I don't know. When boss or the Superior asked us to do something, we might be doing something bad." Bocolix explains to Tao in hesitation.

"Yeah; you're not mad at us, right?" Dumbledore ask Tao, hoping that the old pony isn't mad for what he and Bocolix has done under Boris's or the Superior's orders.

"Perhaps, I will. But that's the reason why Trixie avoid anything by acting cruel, boastful and arrogant, to avoid being detected or suspected by her dark father." Tao explains to the three with a grin.

"In other words, we played dumb?" Bocolix ask a stupid question.

"Aren't we always?" Dumbledore ask Bocolix in confusion.

"It might be hard and painful for you to do bad things again, but it worth everyone's effort. After all, you have desired to become something more. And that you will, if you help us, we can end the war, by making everything looked okay, but in the end, failure." Tao explains what must be done to stop Grimmore and the Apocalypse Ponies once and for all.

"Don't worry, I'm here to help. I'm willing to take the punishment." Trix said with a nod.

"Really," Bocolix and Dumbledore ask Trix in surprise, surprised that their pal is willing to take the punishment regardless of what she does.

"Yes."

Bocolix cringes then shrugs as he say, "It might be painful, but hopefully one day to redeem it when this mess is over. Sign me in."

"Count me in, too. You're a true friend, Trixie." Dumbledore said to Trix with a smile.

"Good now, I believe the Superior or the Brotherhood is waiting for you. Remember, you must do something bad to Twilight and her friends to avoid suspicion from your allies." Tao warns the trio in precaution. "If they do, it will be difficult for any of us to win the war."

"We won't let you down!" Bocolix exclaims stupidly while saluting the old pony in his usual way.

"You can count us out." Dumbledore remarks stupidly while nodding.

"It's 'You can count us in'. Boy, you haven't change." Trix said with an annoyed sigh. Even when they are Alicorns, those two still mess up their sayings.

"Patience is the virtue. Everything will be fine. Now go." Tao said, giving out one piece of advice for the bad guys in spying.

"Thank you, Mystic Tao."

Trixie, Boxco and Dum-Dum left at once. Soon the three traveled by a Warp Gate Spell that would lead to their Safe Haven, and from what happens next will be another surprise to come from the news of what happened in the End of Equestria.

Tao smile while saying, "Good, everything is in places. Now, we had to wait for the right moment to redeem Boris, or he will end up like his dark father."

And now, the time come to reveal himself alive at last...

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

Back in the realms of Tartarus itself, the Equestrian Eliminator was struggling to keep what Tao has told him alive while dealing with the evils of the world itself. As he does, a voice spoke up, "I see you had enjoy your mission and had socialized with old hermit and his family very well, haven't you, Equestrian Eliminator?"

Starlight turn and encounter a pale pony with dark, spiky and long mane and tail while his eyes are snake's irises-like and wore the hard, strong and steel armor. His Cutie Mark is the head of black Dragon and Snake formed into heart shaped and faced at each other.

"Shadow Dragon," The Equestrian Eliminator said with a frown. He knows this pony too well.

The Shadow Dragon smirks as he said, "It's been while, hasn't it?"

"What do you want? For a duel we had last time from my training?"

Shadow Dragon smirk as he said, "Not exactly. I'm here for the mission as well though I can see that it's now finished. Like you, I have come to check progress on the holder of Triforce Elements of Harmony by my personal reason and my master's command. It's hard to believe that the heir of Celestia will be chosen by my former powers."

The Equestrian Eliminator look shocked as he ask, "So, you're telling me that you are the predecessor of that powers?"

"Indeed . But I was too obsessed of more powers, and demanded more to become powerful warrior. That Triforce was mine to command. Curse that council, they removed it from me and bestowed to someone who is worthy to them."

"Ben Mare?"

"Indeed . But it matters not. I enjoy the show, especially Ben's performance." The Shadow Dragon comments then he chuckle evilly. "Ben may not realize that everything he believed is nothing but false history with his mother."

"What are you talking about?!" The Equestrian Eliminator demands suspiciously to the former holder of the Triforce Elements.

"Pity that Grimmore never knew about Celestia's and Ben's true connection, unlike my master, who prepared the important event: 'Elements Prophecy'. Its time is upon us."

"The old hermit spoke of it as well. What is it?"

"If I told you, that would create the spoiler of our fun." The Shadow Dragon taunts the former pony known as Starlight wickedly. "Besides, my master is making return to Lord Smaug after this event."

"I see. The Great Dark Mystic Pony has returned from his Dark Mystic Realm." The Equestrian Eliminator said, understanding who the Shadow Dragon is referring to.

"You have to make the right decision, Starlight, or you will died."

"Between Twilight and my master?"

The Shadow Dragon smirks as he trots around the conflicted Equestrian Eliminator, taunting, "Between him and my master. We may have become the alliance to Smaug, but we do not trust Grimmore with plans we had stored for our enemies. So be wise of it, Equestrian Eliminator."

The Equestrian Eliminator huff, "So be it, Shadow Dragon. I do not trust him either, but I am his servant. I must obey."

"Not necessary. For a servant who surpassed everything will become the master, I'd say Grimmore feared your powers."

"What makes you say that?"

"How else my master knows about Grimmore since thousand years ago? In fact, they weren't great friends, but rather rivals to prove who is the true master of darkness," The Shadow Dragon explains sinisterly to the Equestrian Eliminator, getting the latter's interest some more.

"I will be pleased to find out." The Equestrian Eliminator remarks while nodding a bit.

"Indeed you will, Starlight. If you chose us, the truth of your existence will be revealed. Farewell. Be warned of anything you chose."

"I'm not afraid."

Shadow Dragon smirk as he said, "You will be, my boy. You will be......." The villain disappears into the shadows.

The Equestrian Eliminator is not sure what to do at this point...

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

Soon after Twilight's group have entered the throne chamber, princess Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart, plus Flash Sentry as well as Cadance, Shining, Night Light and Twilight Velvet; A warm-hearted greeting to the brave ponies; Twilight, Ben, Nyx, Tough, and especially the brave little Dragons, even the animals, living and metal that were within the room. After such matters were already done & settled, the time of reporting of what Twilight Sparkle had decided among herself in venturing to the End of Equestria & bringing a small band of volunteers to even having Hoboken Joe secretly give out two Machines of War to go along the journey, which that last one might have been of extra support aid, it was done without permission, much.

"I gotta admit, we deal with some major problems like cannibals, the Swarm, Hydra, the Grundles who I am happy to report are still around and wish to be friends with us again." Twilight said, smiling on the last part.

"That's good to hear." Celestia said, pleased to hear that her friends from old ago are safe and are willingly to return to friendship with the ponies.

"And then, there's the peaceful lake where we met a new friend." Nyx said with a sad sigh, recalling the loss of Tao.

"And the defeat of the Demon Lords...and that robot thing," Ben said, scratching his mane puzzled. "Who is it anyway?"

"That can be resolved for later." Golden Heart remarks with a slight chuckle. He smiles, knowing that it's still best to keep Pinkamena safe.

"And of course Nyx and I almost fell to darkness twice." Spike remarks, shuddering about the fights with Shendu and Tso Lan. "And then the Shadow..."

"Creepy!" Phobos remarks with a shudder of his own.

Pinkie Pie comment, "I knew you would make it back. Not only does the author have A LOT more stories in his series, but Season 4 starts in a few months or days. For the record, the only two real reasons I didn't go with you is because 1. It wasn't in the script and 2. I had to foalsit Pound and Pumpkin anyway."

"Twilight, could you & your friends please step forward for moment," Celestia spoke in wanting the ones called to come before her. "Now Twilight, tell us all, when you went to the End of Equestria, you had with you a different group than of the other five Elements of Harmony?" She knows that Twilight wanted her five original friends to aid her, but they didn't and got a different group instead.

"Ye…yes," Twilight slowly nods before Celestia.

"And so tell me, should you have managed to get your five friends to come along, would the results have been the same?" Celestia asked the next question with a steady tone in awaiting a response.

"Umm….I…I…" Twilight was at a loss of words, she didn't know how to respond…

"Mom, it's not Twilight's fault, nor was it the others, they were just being concerned about not losing a friend." Ben spoke in wanting his mom to understand the different circumstances.

"Which is why, they knew what was best for them and what was best, for you all," Celestia spoke in which earn much confusion from the regulars. "Twilight has shown much improvement in becoming an Alicorn, I'm seeing her teachings have helped her face such terrible conflict even in the End of Equestria. And you Ben, you've helped Twilight because of what your heart told you. And you've even managed to meet Hiko Seijuro that helped awaken your abilities further." She was issuing facts in how both Twilight & Ben have overcome some obstacles that have helped make them stronger, form enemies to unexpected opponents that lead to discoveries.

"So you did know him mom? I have to say, that guy was no ordinary Earth Pony, even Boris would be shocked from the strength that guy possesses." Ben responded while smiling in thinking in thought, what Boris do if he met an Earth Pony that even a Devil Pony couldn't beat no matter what?

"Indeed, but if not for that confrontation, you might not have been able to gain the Hylian Shield & the Hero's Bow, with them along with the Master Sword, the weapons from the Hero Of Time & the Triforce, have helped make you stronger at this stage & time." Celestia responded that it was thanks to Hiko Seijuro, that Ben acquired new arsenals to give him better usage in fighting evil.

"And me grandma?" Nyx asked in wondering if she grew stronger from this journey.

"I was especially surprise to learn of what you've displayed Nyx, and to think Spell Nexus didn't tell me of this was almost surprising." Celestia spoke towards Nyx about her own surprises from the black filly. "To unlock a power that gives you back the strength you once had or possibly more so then that with change, with your own Battle Form, you can truly be like what you've done before. Defending Equestria like a shield to protect those you love." The princess of the sun nods in feeling that from Nyx, she can truly become a great force to protect Equestria from evil, even while still so young.

"Awww…thanks grandma." Nyx smiled to feel happy to hear this.

"Um, ma'am, um…princess….is there nothing about me; Heck, Ah know's Spike & Phobos must be special, but…" Tough Apple was a bit nervous in speaking to royalty and didn't know if he was anything special at all.

"True, Spike & Phobos show a little of improving while truly being there for their friends & family, even the pets here showed much courage to face such dangers." Celestia spoke from seeing how the Dragons, even the pets showed courage in facing such horrifying trials. "But such things would not be possible, if not for the strong heart with plenty of strength of a courageous tiger could not have done what he did to protect those around him." Celestia smiled in saying that Tough Apple played a part, being strong, willing, and being there to helping keep those he cares for out of harm's way whenever he can.

"Gehhh…gosh princess, ye's making me blush." Tough Apple felt like he was gonna blush all over in hearing such things.

"And now, for the rest of you," Luna turned to look at Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. "As you know, you have chosen to not go where danger lay wait. You began to puzzle yourself if what you did was the right choice." The princess of the moon issued this puzzling fact towards the mares.

"Truth be told, you did what you had no obligation to object what you knew was true to yourselves." Golden Heart shrug off to say that those five had no choice but to not risk the dangers.

"Hugh?" The Mane Six's five Members responded puzzle, what did that even mean?

"Begging ye pardon princesses & Golden Heart?" Applejack spoke in wanting to say something here.

"But what do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked off in what was even being said here.

"Yes, this obligation as you said it." Rarity spoke in pondering the very question as it were.

"What does that even mean?" Pinkie Pie asked off in not knowing what obligation stood for.

"And how is it being true to ourselves, um, if you don't mind answering please," Fluttershy asked off in feeling, but shyly asked in liking to know here.

"For you see, Twilight, Nyx & my son aside, they possessed powers to aid them even against the land that is the backyard to Tartarus." Celestia spoke in notifying that those that risk and have return from such dangers have become stronger than before.

"In short, everypony has a limit they can never surpass unless they are strong enough to do so." Golden Heart pointed out the blank issue about reaching a limit one can't easily get over.

"You five, you faced much danger, we know this is true, but…" Luna spoke in acknowledging the five mares of the Mane Six that have face such other challenges in the past, however…. "Had you listen to your hearts, then instead of aiding a friend, you would cause her to lose something more…your lives." What Luna said was of a very stern and strict meaning of what the outcome may have become if Twilight's original band journey to the End of Equestria.

Utter silence filled the room that everyone was in thought. It's true that no normal pony could have braved the task to travel and go all the way across the End of Equestria; anyone would perish during the trip.

"So…dat's it…we're not strong enough 'ta help Twiley." Applejack uttered out in disbelief in realizing their own weakness.

"I know we're not soldier material but…that's just unfair!" Rarity spoke in feeling that she maybe classy, but she still doesn't accept this.

"I may be a bit shy, weak maybe, but…I really do wanna help." Fluttershy spoke in feeling that she doesn't wanna let anyone down because of her.

"Me too, me too; I don't wanna let some limitation keep me down!" Pinkie Pie spoke off in a bouncy way about wanting to show that she can conquer her limitation.

"Yeah, there are tons of villains out there like the Superior & Grimmore! Twilight will need us to fight against them!" Rainbow Dash issued off in protesting this, the other five have to be there or else Twilight will be alone.

"You girls," Twilight spoke in feeling touch, her friends may have not come with her for fears and reasons of her safety and theirs, but she was happy to hear they still wanna help her out.

"Boy, this seems like a tough case." Spike spoke in seeing this little display is hard to get over.

"Yeah, how can they be the Elements of Harmony if five aren't as strong as the leader?" Phobos shrug off to say about Twilight being so strong, the others don't stand much a chance.

"Phobos," Nyx sternly scold her Dragon for saying that too loudly.

"I hate to say this, but it might be even harder now for us girls." Twilight sadly spoke in staring at the ground in admitting, the issue here of her friends helping might be out of line. "I've been studying the Xros Fusion Spell to where it's our bound in friendship to make us fuse into a strong being, rather than by force. But that might be farther away that we need more training." After what's happened, the friendship the six mares share might be uneven and even using the Xros Fusion Spell might be dangerous if not done near perfectly.

"Dag-gum; isn't there someway 'ta help them yer highnesses?" Tough Apple cursed in seeing this was a tough break, there has to be a solution somehow.

Silence filled the air in almost feeling like there was no other hope to help give the other mares from the Elements of Harmony to help Twilight. Will there be nothing for the five mares but to be lightweights?

"There may be one 'other' way, Twilight. A spell that can bring forth the power from each of your six elements," Celestia suddenly spoke in earning some attention at this hour.

"Sister, you're not suggesting that." Luna spoke in almost being surprised in what Celly is saying, she couldn't mean….

"I think she is Luna and that's a big gamble." Golden Heart nods in having the feeling; Celestia truly means 'that' other way to help the Mane Six in their situation.

"Private Kenny, the elements if you please." Celestia issued the private nearby to bring something to them.

Soon Private Kenny came back later with all six Elements of Harmony as the Mane Six place them on themselves while still confused.

"Princess, what is it you have planned?" Twilight asked puzzled, what does her mentor have planned here anyway?

"A certain spell that that can make any element wielder acquire a power to ascend themselves." Celestia responded to twilight of having a way that the Mane Six may acquire a power to go beyond their limits. "It is called; 'Element Evolution'." The princess of the sun responded with a very firm tone in addressing such a magic type force.

"Element Evolution," The Mane Six & a bunch of other ponies responded to this as they have never once heard of this type of spell or magic. Just what was it that could help them out, the group are about to find out.

"This power however requires something in which once cast over the users of elements will make it harder to the point you might not use the six elements of harmony to cast the rainbow force unless you unlock your 'true' inner self of your respected element." Celestia issued what the cost of performing such a spell to unlock such magic will do as it will make it harder for the mares.

"Why is that, princess?" Twilight asked in liking to know this answer for herself.

"Because even if one of you manages to awaken your evolution of one of your respective element, controlling it also requires you wear or are the symbol of that element." Golden Heart took the moment to explain the next part that the six mares need to know. "Like Crash Fire says he's an element of fire or Johnny Brock is the element of music, those are different types from the jewels of the elements of harmony; even the Triforce is different from them that Ben has." From that explanation, it's clear there are other ponies with such elements that they represent by birth or other talents, unlike that like the original Rainbow of Light to the Triforce.

"The risk are very high, it was something even myself & my sister….have had the most trouble doing." Luna spoke in recalling that even the Royal Sisters, have 'yet' to complete such an issue themselves and apart of a different history to what leads to the present. "We maybe powerful, yes, but even we have yet to master that which can be in a form that some say, is nearly related to being a Mystic Pony." The princess of the moon issued this fact out that literally surprised everyone in either knowing what a Mystic Pony was, or know it from experience of meeting.

"So now I ask you, do you accept, once you try to surpass your limitations to try this, there will be no going back." Celestia issued that she wants the six mares to think this over careful, once they take the step, going back will not be possible unless the mares wish to remain as they are.

Now the Mane Six gather around in a group huddle to discuss what they have been offered. And there were a lot of chats in what they should do or not do in this case.

"Wha do yew girls think?" Applejack asked around to get others opinion here.

"I say we do it!" Rainbow Dash issued that they take what is being offered to them.

"But if we do, can we even handle being in sync to unleash a rainbow when things look bad," Rarity asked off, performing a rainbow when the mares use the elements normally tired them out, now they'll have to struggle just to summon it to defeat their foes before they unlock their inner power.

"Um, maybe if we try, really-really-really-really hard, it might." Pinkie Pie thought for a second to respond a simple idea to her child-like thinking.

"Oh this is so scary, what do you think may happen if we go through an evolution? Can we ever change back?" Fluttershy asked off if they should really do this or not, it should like they'll change and might never change back, it's not like Nyx's Battle Form…or is it?

"Fluttershy, I think since the princess said that it's almost related to the Mystic Ponies, it just means we can power -up when we go into a serious battle and afterwards change back." Twilight calmly explained the issue so her friend will not think badly if they go through with the choice.

"But can we even do it, we already failed ya once." Applejack spoke in sorrow in knowing that she didn't even helped Twilight when she was gonna risk to save her family's farm.

"Too true, we reach our…dare I say; limit, as it were." Rarity spoke in nobly agreeing that the mares have come across a bridge that they couldn't cross.

"Listen to us, the only reason we're such as we are is cause we haven't tried to go over our limits." Rainbow Dash tried to get the girls here to see that if they themselves can surpass the limit they have for themselves, the mares can become ponies to truly be of much better help.

"I'm not sure Rainbow, you & Applejack might, but I'm not sure I could." Fluttershy spoke in feeling that she alone would be the least helpful one.

"Maybe I could. But the question to how makes me almost wanna puzzle myself even more," Pinkie Pie spoke off while questioning her own thought over the matter.

"Girls listen, if you don't wanna do this, I'll understand, you're my friends, and that's all I care for even if we're not powerful." Twilight spoke in feeling she shouldn't force her friends to go through something that they don't feel comfy with. It's the same as asking them to travel with her to the End of Equestria all over again.

Hearing this from their princess friend made Twilight's five mare pals realize…they just care too much for the other to not be supportive. Twilight went the distance and came back stronger than ever. If someone that was even a bookworm that they meant could do that even after becoming an Alicorn, then maybe…just maybe; there is hope for the lot as well.

"Twilight, we're right about us being friends. Which is why….we can't back down," Applejack responded with a serious and determine face in wanting to go ahead with the offer Celestia is giving them.

"Hugh?" Twilight yelped in surprise, was AJ being serious or just reckless?

"Applejack is right darling, if we're afraid to even take a chance to help, then we'll still be the same cowards as before." Rarity spoke in being noble in her decision, they'll just be like they themselves were before, letting a friend down, and they can't have that.

"I may be scared, but…when I'm helping a friend or a poor hurt animal, even I can be brave enough to face any danger. And this time, I truly wanna mean it." Fluttershy spoke with showing a little more of a smile in wanting to be a more supportive friend to Twilight in her cause.

"Yeah, life's too short for the party to be cancel on such short notice." Pinkie Pie smiled widely in pointing out another way to look at this.

"So you better be ready, and don't threat, we'll work extra hard to make sure we can still fire a rainbow attack. But I bet it'll be awesome when we get that 'Element Evolution' stuff down and we won't be tired out from using even a rainbow then!" Rainbow Dash spoke off with her same old confident attitude to never get scared, always look forward, and with this open chance, they can possible become better than they are presently.

Twilight stared with noticing the smiles from Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and even more so from Pinkie Pie. Twilight was very lucky to have meant these girls and become friends, even if they were friends from Rainbow's Sonic Rainboom stunt that helped earn their Cutie Marks. Sighing in knowing this relief, the group broke off their huddle and turn towards the princesses, Goldie and for everyone else to watch…their decision in action.

"Princess Celestia…we're ready to accept the task." Twilight addressed Celestia that she and her friends have come to the decision; and will acquire the power of 'Element Evolution' here.

"Luna…" Celestia turned to her sister to come before her for what they shall do. "You are very brave my little ponies." Celestia responded before both her horn and Luna's horn glowed in sync here.

Suddenly, the horns from the Royal Sisters shot six magical beams in the gem stones of the six Elements of Harmony. At the moment, the Mane Six were glowing white and looking like they were about to unleash a rainbow of light version lie they've done in the past to previous villains. But then the six mares floated down, touch the ground, and the glowing white aura around their bodies…cease. When the Mane Six came to it, they check themselves out, but they as did their group of friends notice, nothing else has shown a change for them.

"Um, nothing happened?" Pinkie Pie asked off in seeing she was still the same, nothing at all has changed her.

"Did we do something wrong already?" Fluttershy asked off worried if they failed to do what they were given right just now.

"Goodness and I was prepared to get dirty too." Rarity issued off that she was gonna do something she never does, but that won't seem to be the case.

"Princess Celestia, what happen 'ta 'de spell?" Applejack questioned the two princesses in why the spell to give them a new form of magic doesn't seem to look like it worked?

"Are we able to evolve or not?" Rainbow Dash blurted out if the 'Element Evolution' thing didn't work and now they won't be able to perform something against their more powerful foes.

"As mentioned, the spell, when cast, will sleep inside yourselves; but when you wear your element, and if you manage to truly unlock your true self, you'll know it. And from that awaken magic, you'll become much more." Celestia wisely spoke that in due time, when the Mane Six face something to help them overcome it and unlock their 'true' inner selves, a certain moment will happen that can be the sign of the 'Element Evolution' at work.

The Mane Six smiled a bit, they may not technically be powered up now, but during the course of time and whatever they may face….if they can unlock their true inner selves, then they'll be able to stand a new fighting chance. And that maybe the best hope to face against the Superior's 13 order organization and even Grimmore's own army.

"Mom, could you…maybe try that spell on me too?" Ben asked his mother if she could see if he may be able to perform the Element Evolution himself.

"My son, your ability sleeps inside you already, but once you've truly unlocked & uncover your inner power , you too will know it." Celestia spoke with a kind smile that for Ben, her son's Triforce will awaken its own inner powers for him, one step at a time until the stallion truly wakens it's full use for the greater good.

"I understand." Ben nods in completely understanding his mother's message of advice.

"Wow, I feel so motivated now!" Spike responded in just witnessing this stuff was being enlightened somehow.

"Yeah, so…can we go now?" Phobos shrugs off that feeling to say if they can head out about now.

"That's right; we still have to help bring back the crops in the Apples' Farm." Nyx responded in recalling that the gang need to hurry back to bring back the veggies now.

"Then go little ponies." Luna issued to have the group go and finish the task they started.

"And make us proud now." Golden Heart smiled in wishing the group much luck here.

"Remember, when you have your element, and when you truly face a challenge before you, if you can overcome it…then the power of Element Evolution, maybe the next key to our salvation to gain peace." Celestia spoke her final advice for the Mane Six, that so long as they wear their jewel element and when they face a challenge to discover their true inner self, the power that is Element Evolution will shine their way.

"We'll remember that princess Celestia, I serve as a princess, and to my fellow ponies. We'll work hard to keeping peace in Equestria." Twilight turned to tell Celestia with a positive expression, that they shall succeed in their task to protect that which they love, they'll get through this like they've always have, even if the events play out differently, they'll get through anyhow.

With that, the ponies were now leaving the room to finally help fix the Apple's Farm by giving what they brought back, to Zecora. Now the only ones left in the room were Celestia, Luna & Golden Heart when they finished their chat with their friends.

"Can I come out now?" Lorcan is heard speaking. Celestia nods as the scarred Dragon came in with a smile. "My brother is safe."

"As we have hoped," Luna said to Lorcan with a giggle. "So what is it you wish to tell us?"

"Trixie just reported that she brought the tweedles back to Safe Haven...and get this; those two Alicorns? They are really Boxco and Dum-Dum turned into Alicorns!"

"Interesting, like how Trixie was turned from an unicorn to an Alicorn." Golden Heart said in surprise. "But why did they help Twilight and her family and friends?"

"Simple; Boris ordered them to go out to keep Twilight safe...though it was mostly on Warring Malice's suggestion." Lorcan explains with a shrug then looks thoughtful. "Although I am thinking that those two dimwits seem to have changed a bit."

"Yes, Trixie should keep an eye on them both. Who knows? They may surprise us yet." Celestia said with a smile. "Come, let us...well, Lorcan in hiding...see the progress of the return the Apples' crops and the safely of Ponyville..."

-----------

"Well, to make up for our currency of military might." Flim spoke forth in having something to say about their situation right now.

"We've created a new batch of machines to aid our Brotherhood." Flam issued forth that the brother salesman mechanics have created something astounding.

"And that would be?" Gilda asked with a raised eye in what the two unicorn brothers made, and she was speaking with a dry bored tone.

"Behold!…The Steel Clan!" Flim & Flam waved up their hooves to the upper ceiling for the rest to see…their latest creations.

Suddenly, some loud noise sounding….like a rockets engine was heard before the Brotherhood members, except for Flim & Flam, nearly yelped in what descended down from above in large numbers. They appear as an impressive figures, tall and powerfully-built gargoyles. At first, they seem like they are alive, but they are armored battle robots with their abilities & appearance modeled after 'real' gargoyles in general, specifically the one shown as the mightiest warrior & even most formidable opponents cannot easily defeat them. While the others are gray & black trim, one is distinguish by its red & black trim, but they all share the same red clear optic eyes. As they landed, their rockets ceased and their wings folded back. This was the Steel Clan and there was a nice battalion of over so many, it left the other Brotherhood members speechless.

"Wow, you guys sure been busy." Dumbledore responded off surprised in seeing the vast new mechanical creations by Flim & Flam.

"When did you finish making them?" Bocolix asked off that since the Enforcers have been away, they don't know when 'these' guys were done.

"Just recently, with some aid from the other Diamond Dogs of course." Flim explained that with the number of many Diamond Dog soldiers, they helped speed up in building this many number of the Steel Clan.

"And speaking of which, this batch was 'specially' crafted made." Flam exclaimed to say that the Steel Clan is by far, that which was made specially from a unique source from their appearance alone.

"Specially crafted," The Diamond Dog leader trio responded a bit surprised, what kinda special use did Flim & Flam use to make the Steel Clan different?

"Yes, these mechanical marvels possess rockets on their backs along with stabilizers on their feet which allow flight and razor-sharp wings for maneuverability." Flim explained from going near the Steel Clan to have all eyes see the wings function part and on the backs were jetpacks, why even under the uprise heels would shot off jet thrust.

"They are equipped with retraceable arm-cannons on their right forearms along with razor-sharp talons." Flam pointed out as some of the Steel Clan had the said arm reveal an arm-cannon that looked seriously loaded & could pack a wallop, even the claws could be seriously wickedly dangerous if someone got scratched. "And the batch is capable of generating electricity along their bodies to prevent enemies from coming into physical contact with them." From that statement, one of the Steel Clan bots produce electricity as some protective coating, so even enemies that wanted to fight physically, would be given trouble.

"Hugh, you actually made something useful for us." Gilda rubbed her chin in beginning to lighten up in seeing with these gargoyle machines to aid them, they might be a bit tougher than before.

"It's impressive, but how are they any special from the Machines of War, which you two FOOLS let Celestia's forces acquire?" Boris responded off at first before snapping that a lot more of the Flim-Flam Brothers machines were left for the Mane Six & Equestria to take to aid in stopping Lorcan's declaration of war & uses the weapons made for protection against tough invaders.

"Why with a third member to our aid, he provided assistance we never imagine or dreamed of such possibilities, thanks to Trix of course." Flim spoke off in a highly creditability of someone else that gave the unicorn brothers a hand, or hoof, in creating the Steel Clan.

"Yes, a smart fellow that helped provide a special powerful gem to give their system & weaponry power and the machinery is very high-tech." Flam responded in commenting the other person as a member of the order in which only Trixie has had enough times to know such a character of such brains with machines.

"Yes, Wilco 'did' provide guide aid from a magical portal chat." Trix spoke off remotely in looking away, recalling someone from the organization she requested help her friends, even by a long-distance working order. "But, what of their programming," Trix asked in what the program function of the Steel Clan is after being seen physically impressive, but how was their I.Q. function?

"Well, it maybe primitive, sorta speak if they make mistakes." Flim rubbed the back of his head to sheepishly say that the Steel Clan has a few minor problems that need fixing.

"But, they, unlike real gargoyles, have many superior abilities." Flam boldly spoke that besides that technical problem of being primitive, the Steel Clan are still in another league then the real living creatures.

"Real gargoyles can only glide on wind currents in the manner of gliders, the Steel Clan are equipped with rocket engines, giving them the power of controlled flight." Flim explained the basic difference between a living Gargoyle to their latest creation of fighters.

"They are also armed with a magical beam weapon that is built into the forearms and have a magical control system that links them to a command interface, especially for the Red Gargoyle." Flam stated how these Steel Clan can attack from a distance, and can communicate with a magical connection to receive orders, especially from the red type which seems to be the leader.

"So instead of Diamond Dogs working overtime?" Fido slowly spoke in figuring something out here.

"Diamond Dogs can finally be given break?" Spot issued that with the mechanical gargoyles around, the Diamond Dogs won't be working 24/7 as much.

"Finally, you have enough hands to work longer than our entire army." Rover sighs in relief, ever since they had to increase security from an intruder issue, the rest of the Diamond Dogs haven't gotten much sleep.

"So what, just cause we have air-support won't mean we'll stand a chance against Equestria." Gilda dryly remarked about them having more troops as military might, won't mean a thing even now from what's happen since they've gone into hiding. "After hearing how Twilight Sparkle's group survived the End of Equestria, they'll be better than us! And I really hate to admit when there really is someone better than me, only means Rainbow Dash will find a way to catch up!" The griffin huffed to herself in knowing that from what Dumbledore & Bocolix told them, Twilight's group has gotten plenty of experience to become strong opponents from surviving all of the End of Equestria's bonders, including going against the Eight Immortal Demon Lords.

"Says the little lady that was given our latest griffin weaponry class design; to which, we customized it for her own talents be it melee or range usage." Flim spoke off in making a rhetorical comeback statement in pointing to what Gilda wore; was a gray-bronze gauntlet with thin, sharpen, long kataras that extend and retract from the metal guard on either wrist and comes with a cross-bow feature.

"The Rogue Gauntlet, modified to give a normal griffin extra 'slashing' ability to break through solid stone, and comes with specially design crossbow feature to fire charged arrows." Flam explained how well the weapon Gilda has makes her a much more harder griffin to beat, and add the range function with her flying ability makes her a more formidable foe now.

"Wait, they made Gilda that?" Dumbledore asked off lost and confused by this sudden introduction of a new arsenal for their member pal.

"I never saw it until now!" Bocolix rubs the back of his head in puzzlement, Gilda didn't have that before during Lorcan's Invasion right or did she? It's hard to remember that terrible day.

"The Diamond Dogs still have classic enhanced weaponry from swords, shields, clubs, axes, spears, crossbows." Flim explained the basic equipment they've even given to the other Diamond Dogs around the Brotherhood members.

"Even Rover, Fido, and Spot use them and we tried to make theirs stronger from their soldiers." Flam pointed how the three trio leaders carried their own weaponry choices but much stronger than their soldiers.

"It's true!" The Diamond Dog leaders responded to wield their own chosen materials. Rover has a huge sword, Fido a mace with crystals on it and Spot who is wielding a battle ax.

"But still, despite our own comings, no doubt we're only at a good half-baked strength, compared to the Organization & even the Grimmore Army." Boris rolled his eyes to rhetorically claim that the group is only a medium class of powerful villain foes, the true terrors lie with the Superior's Apocalypse Ponies & Grimmore with his own army in Tartarus. "We need something to truly topple in our favor. At least a nice leverage to say we're not completely powerless." Boris snapped off that if they don't show something that proves they are not second-rate class and should be feared with respect.

"Which is why we been secretly working on a top project." Flim spoke off with a cocky smile in having just the sorta project to give Boris what he needs, besides Twilight Sparkle's love.

"What's the secret?" the Enforcers asked off together in liking to know what the Flim-Flam brothers were gonna say.

"If we told, it wouldn't be a secret, now follow us everyone." Flam issued that they can't tell a secret project without revealing it, but instead…will show to the group.

Soon Flim & Flam…It looked like a giant dinosaur (note: resembling Godzilla in the form that looks like Gigan), stood almost 65 to 120 feet in height and may weight almost 25,000 to 60,000 tons. From the white metallic scales around the waist to the knees, show dark-bronze/gray ankles to three sharp toes, and even off the upper legs show four crescent design facing vertically upwards. Then from the chest was gray & tan-red trim plating with a cannon from the chest, and gray arms with five sharp finger claws. A long darken steel tail was seen that looked like it could strangle anything caught in one's clutches. And from the neck, was gray with the head of a Dragon, golden mouth jaw-bites & a blue visor over the eyes. In back of its head was a steel Mohawk that if the creature swung it's head near a mountain, could chop the thing off. There was even a dome where a pilot seating was set for one or two controllers to sit in to pilot this powerful beast

"What….is that?" Trix asked off amazed in seeing something like this that stood towering over them, it's as tall as an Ursa Major, maybe more.

"My dear, meet the titan that is very strong, & 'very', hard to beat. To which even magic isn't enough, especially if that opponent was someone like Lorcan." Flim pointed off in exclaiming a fact that what the group have is something the brothers made with a strong chance that even tough villains like Lorcan can't beat this kinda machine, they've learn from the last time Flim & Flam tried to fight that Scarred Ruler in Gazooris and won't make a second mistake.

"The Metallosauras, this monstrous beast is so strong, from the physical immeasurable strength to the claws & teeth, the stretchy tail and the cannon off the chest just says; watch out, all over. Plus the addition dark blue & red crimson beams from the visor could really take out opponents flat." Flam pointed forth in sounding so assuring that what the brothers have made, is a true titan of terror to which even fighting an army of Dragons couldn't break a sweat with this beauty under their control.

"Very impressive; is this the weapon to help us if we're in a jam?" Boris nods with a showing of a smile in starting to rethink Flim & Flam done something worth wild here.

"That's where another secret project we're currently working on comes in, with the use of the Steel Clan's aid. Our own airship," Flim spoke forth in announcing another secret project the Flim-Flam Brothers are working on, an airship vessel.

"Airship?" the others responded in surprise as they saw the Steel Clan was leaving while taking with them…some metal materials & other stuff for the brothers use.

"We like to call it, the Aerial Fortress, if we need to work from Safe Haven or in the skies, we'll still be free as birds." Flam spoke proudly forth in saying that if the group need to work in on something, be it here or even from another area, no one will even know until it's too late.

"Hmmm, very well, seeing as how things have turned out, I'll let you carry on." Boris slowly nods in seeing Flim & Flam truly have things under control as the Brotherhood member's mechanics. "The Superior & I don't see eye to eye and perhaps a secondary base of operation wouldn't kill us neither," To the Devil Pony's mind, Trixie's father might try something, and if Safe Haven is no longer suited to protect them, they may have to leave in this Aerial Fortress vessel. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some training to attend to." Boris responded off before turning to prepare himself to leave from his fellow members.

"Training," Fido responded off in hearing what Boris just said.

"With who," Spot asked off lost if Boris had someone to train with.

"Any of Diamond Dogs," Rover requested to know who out of the Brotherhood or even their army of Diamond Dog soldiers, would Boris need to train against.

"No, with my own supply of troops, my Lava Stallions," Boris responded off with a strict tone in having his own 'resources' to give him his own army even without aid of the others.

Suddenly, a vast number of large stallions of a muscular mass, fast speed and powerful strength to break the stone pavements on the solid ground floors with ease appeared from flaming markers. These stallions were strangely spooky because of their appearance, black coat, blazing flames of their manes and tails, even their orange-yellow eyes were just glowing with no pupil marks. The freakier thing was they got weird fiery style marks on their hooves with a line from under their bellies and a line starched under their necks. These beasts were made from tar and lava but in the form of some devil stallion brigade. These were the very same fierce creatures Boris the Red Devil once commanded a few during Lorcan's wrath on Equestria, but now….there was more of them and looking far more intimidating than before.

"I've been making myself strong enough to summon my own army, for the more of them I can create, the stronger my own Devil powers become." Boris explained his own training issue to make certain that he gets far stronger, the more he can call upon his Lava Stallions to his aid. "I have already managed to succeed in creating tens to ten-thousands of them, it may be tiring, but overcoming that alone, allows me to summon them with ease. And my own physical strength & magic have increased enough to feel stronger than last we even serve under Lorcan." Boris had his horn glow, his Devil's aura brightening & his own magical power could be felt in the room; it was both amazing & terrifying at the same time. "Now with everything all set, I leave to train, for my rage & hunger feed me the fuel to push myself beyond what I once was." With that last stuff spoken, Boris opens his wings to take flight while his own army of Lava Stallions follows him.

"It is very true, Boris has grown stronger and all of us have slowly shown it too," Trix responded in seeing that all of the Brotherhood members have shown some increase in their skills since Lorcan's war on Equestria, and Boris has not been slacking. "Hugh, just wish it was not under such negative impulse." She sighs in feeling that Boris was only getting stronger because he still wants Twilight and that rage of desire will push the devil pony to the limit until he gets what he wants.

"Something up Trixie," Gilda came near her ally to stare a bit puzzled in seeing that the Great & Powerful Trix feel their struggle to become better was 'not' something she felt was good considering that Boris kept his eyes on another prize.

"Nothing, I'll chat with you all later, I have some….little errands to run." Trix spoke in feeling she'll need to excuse herself now.

Now even Trix became a magical dust of sparkles to leave the scene and gone through their Magical Gate across from them….having another 'matter' to attend to.

"Boy, you think after surviving the worst place in Equestria, we could relax." Dumbledore responded in thinking that the two Enforcers just came back from a place like Tartarus's backyard and think that it be over. Of course, he, Bocolix and Trixie still got spying work from Tao but still...

"Yeah, but after everything we went through, our judgment is in question." Bocolix issued off to the Enforcers that their situation isn't over by a long shot.

The two Enforcers knew what Tao told of them and their new found emotions of experience in hanging with Twilight's group. When the time comes, both sides will learn the truth and Dumbledore & Bocolix may have to decide…what is the 'right' choice for them to choose under: Minions under Service or Friendship? These questions will come at a later time.

--------

Ponies gather around the ruined Apples' farms. What will happen? Zecora nods to Twilight who holds out a bag of ingredients as she say, "Put the ingredients into the hole." Sure enough, the zebra had Big Macintosh make a hole in the ground big enough.

Twilight obeys as she puts the ingredients into the ground. Once that's done, Big Macintosh covers them up. Zecora sat down and motions everyone else to move away. She needs quiet for this task.

As everypony watches on, Zecora begins to chant a few words...and begins to glow. The ponies gasps as the ground begins to glow as well...then shoot a ray of light into the sky, startling a few. They wait for something to happen.

Soon it begins to rain, hitting the ground, trees, everything. To the surprise of many, crops came out of the ground as the trees begin to glow, getting better. Even the houses around are restored back to normal. The spell worked! The Apples' farm has been saved, everything is growing again!

Twilight, Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos, Tough, the Mane Five, CMCs, Shining Armor, Flash Sentry, Twilight's parents, 3 Princesses, Zecora, Golden Heart, Pinkamena (though in disguise) and citizens of Ponyville and victims from the 'End of Equestria' smiled in amazement, joy and happy, as well as the animals. Everyone cheers for seeing Applejack's home restored. Twilight sigh as she looks down, as well as Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos and Tough. Koga and Owlowiscious whimpered. Ben patted on Koga's head gently.

Celestia, noting her student's sad look, ask, "Twilight? Ben? What's wrong? Were you not happy that Applejack's home was restored, as well as Ponyville is safe from harm?" The last thing she saw her niece-in-law like this is when Twilight is sad that she may have to leave Ponyville back after Princess Luna was restored.

"I know, princess. It's just....... it's just that......." Twilight sobs a bit. How can she explain what happen to her teacher?

"Twiley; what's wrong?" Shining ask Twilight in concern.

"Did something happen at 'de 'End of Equestria', sugarcube?" Applejack ask Twilight in concern. Something must've happened to make her friends sad like this.

Everyone became very worried. Twilight sobbed, "Yes. We met this pony. He's an Earth Pony. He came to the End of Equestria for peace and quiet, just before he started helping us."

"Who is he, darling?" Rarity asks Twilight, wondering who this pony that her friends has met is.

"His name is Tao. We've met him for a several times just before we begin the fight with our enemies and gather the ingredients." Ben explains to his friends and family in sadness.

"But when we got the last ingredient, we've lost him." Nyx said in sadness.

"Lost him?" Fluttershy squeaks a bit in worry, not liking the sound of that.

"Wait! You don't mean he's gone, as in 'dead'?" Rainbow gasps in horror.

"No way......." Pinkie whimpers as her mane went flat just like it always does when something sad happens to her or somepony else, whatever she knows them or not.

"It's true. We got out of Shendu's Palace just in time, but Tao couldn't because," Spike sob as he continues barely, "Because he sacrificed himself to save all of us from Shendu."

"The last thing we saw is the green light from Shendu's palace before it got destroyed." Phobos explains with a sigh. "So, we'd think Tao banished Shendu."

"But we'd never see him again," Tough groan a bit in sadness. Tao is gone and he never got to say goodbye.

"No." Gwen said in shock and disbelief. Tao, her old Mystic Pony friend...is gone.

"This cannot be." Jones said in concern and sadness. Tao has helped in changing him back to the pony that he was truly was instead of Kouga. And now...the old pony is gone.

Behind Applejack's home, Lorcan overheard everything. He sobbed softly, "No....... Not him. Anyone but Tao; He can't be dead. He can't be."

Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart and Pinkamena gasp in shock. Pinkamena sobbed loudly while Golden Heart patted her on her back. As Luna sobbed, Celestia's wing is placed over her back while nuzzling her face.

Twilight sobbed as she speaks, "I may have saved Ponyville, but I failed to save Tao. One life is not worth to be sacrificed for the mission. He maybe a strange hermit, but he's good friend and ally we ever met. It's all my fault."

Ben sobbed as he hugs Twilight, "No, Twilight. It's all my fault. I had the chance to save him but I fulfilled Tao's wish instead. I left him for dead. I'm such an idiot and selfish."

Both Twilight and Ben continue to sob. Shining Armor, Night Light and Twilight Velvet approach and hug Twilight. The mother said to her daughter softly, "Oh, my sweet little angel. Don't cry."

"It's hard, I understand, Twilight, but there's nothing you can do. I'm sorry, dear." Night Light said in agreement.

"Shhh.....Calm down, Twilight. I'm very sorry. If I could be here earlier, I would have saved your friend in time." Shining said to his sister in concern. If he would've arrived earlier, the stallion would've come along to help and maybe save Tao.

"Even so, Shining Armor, Tao wouldn't want you to be dead. I know because he wants what best for my home." Twilight said to Shining with a sad sign. No matter what happens, Tao doesn't want others to give his life just for him.

Celestia, Cadance and Luna hugged Ben. The mother said, "Don't blame yourself, Ben. It's not your fault. It's the right thing to do. It's what he wants. I believe he knew that you need all the ingredients to save Ponyville."

"But what about what we want? I don't want his life be sacrificed for our mission, mom. I wish there is a way to save him." Ben said in frustration while hitting a hoof to the ground. He wanted Tao to be with the gang to celebrate their victory but now...he's gone!

"I know how you feel, my dear nephew. It's okay to cry for someone we don't know who risked everything for us. Tao made a great heroic deed." Luna said to Ben, assuring him that it's okay to cry regardless of whom they know or not.

"Shhhh........Calm down, Ben. Be calm. We're here." Cadance said while hugging her cousin gently.

Nyx sobbed, "I wish I could thank him for giving me a good advice."

Spike hugged Nyx as they both sobbed. Phobos sobbed loudly, and so as Tough. Flash sigh, "I'm sorry, Ben. I really am. I should have gone with you. If I did, I could have flew and get him out."

Ben shakes his head, speaking, "It's not your fault, Flash because I know Ponyville needs more help than us. And that is you, Flash. Thanks for taking care of our home."

Flash sigh, "But I still don't deserve it."

"Twilight, Ah'm very sorry." Applejack said as she put her hat over her head out of respect for poor Tao. "If all o' us had been there fer yew, we would have saved 'Tao' in time. Ah'm very ashamed o' all 'de things Ah did fer a week. It took me long 'ta realize 'dat running away fro' problem like mah home will bring pain an' suffering 'ta anyone we know o'. Ah'm very sorry, Twilight."

"Indeed . We are terribly sorry, Twilight." Rarity said in sadness to her dear friend Twilight.

"Some heroes and bearers of Elements of Harmony we turned out to be." Rainbow groans a bit, feeling like hiding in a cloud and never come out again.

"I really wish we could be braver and stronger like you, Twilight." Fluttershy whimpers while her ears fold back a bit.

"Me too; this is so not the good and best day ever." Pinkie whimpers while crying like mad.

"Girls, it's not your fault. I know, because all of you are scared and afraid." Twilight said, assuring her good friends that it's not really their fault for backing out of this mission days ago.

"Still, it's not 'de right thing 'ta do, Twi. Ah'm really sorry." Applejack said in shame.

Apple Bloom sigh, "Ah guess we're not great an' reliable friends as we thought."

"We're very sorry, Nyx." Sweetie sighs to Nyx while patting a hoof on her back.

"I guess this is the end of the Cutie Mark Crusaders since none of us are great friends. When friend needs the most, we just left them." Scootaloo groans a bit. She and the original members felt bad for not bothering to help when it was needed.

"What; Why?" Nyx ask Scootaloo, shocked by this comment.

"Because of the cost we paid, you'd lost a friend who helped you out in your journey." Pipsqueak explains to Nyx.

"We're really ashamed of ourselves." Dinky said to Nyx looking down a bit.

"Yeah, Dinky; All of us feel that way." Twist assures Dinky while patting her friend on the back.

"I guess this is the end of our club." Babs groans a bit, feeling that the CMC is finally over big time.

"Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. None of us know what will happen next." Nyx assures her friends that what happened wasn't any of their fault at all.

"Yeah; I wish Tao's here." Spike sighs a bit in sadness. "He would be happy to see Ponyville is safe and beautiful as the Lake of Eternal."

"Sure hope so, Spike, I sure hope if that really happen." Phobos said in agreement. He also wishes for Tao to see how Ponyville is restored once more but now...that will never happen.

"Yewu bet . Sure hope we could listen 'ta his music again." Tough grunted a bit.

Everyone look down to hear what Twilight and others had said. Suddenly, as if a wish was granted, a flute is heard playing. Everyone heard the song and are surprised to hear somepony singing.

?: We must awake and make the day

Twilight, Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos, Tough, Koga and Owlowiscious were both shocked and surprised as they recognize the song. Could it be?

To find a song for heart and soul

"'Dis song......." Tough said in shock and disbelief. He heard this song before back in the End of Equestria.

"No way! It couldn't be! Could it?" Phobos exclaims in bewilderment. Only one pony could play that song but he's gone now! Isn't he?

"I know. But this song is played by somepony that we know of." Spike said spooked as the song continues onward throughout the area, much to the surprise and confusion of everypony listening.

Some folk we never forget
Some kind we never forgive

Applejack notes the shocked look on Twilight's face, making her ask, "Twilight?"

"What's going on?" Flash ask in alarm. Who is playing that song and why does Twilight and those who came with her to the End of Equestria are familiar with it?

"There's one pony we know who play this song before." Ben said in amazement, recognizing the song for sure.

Nyx nods as she adds, "We saw him gone in Shendu's Palace when it was destroyed."

Everyone keep on looking for the source. They turn their backs and saw a familiar pony playing the flute. It's him!

Haven't seen the end of journey yet
We'll fight as one as we live
All eyes on the mysterious land
To the End of the World's border

Twilight, Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos and Tough gasp. The purple Alicorn was the first to speak, "It........ It can't be."

We'll ride in the darkness storm
Until we get our long lost hopes
Far away from The End of the World's darkness.

Tao stop playing his flute. Everyone looked confused and shocked as he look up. The old pony smiles while saying, "Oops. I hope I didn't interrupt anything. I hope I didn't mean to ruin your sadness moment."

Twilight, Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos and Tough sobbed, "TAO!"

Tao yelp when Twilight, Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos and Tough jump up high, and even Koga, Owlowiscious, Justin and Rabbitchu. They all hugged Tao down and do so tight. Everyone but Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart and Pinkamena were surprised and shocked to see this; the ones who weren't surprised and shocked smile at the scene; Somehow, they knew that this would happen.

"Aieyah; that hurt; Get off me; I'm not young stallion that I used to be." Tao exclaims in pain yet a bit happy for this greeting from those who thought that he was gone forever.

Twilight and her family giggle and chuckle as they got off of Tao. He smiled as the old pony slowly got up. Twilight sobbed while smiling, "You're alive!"

Ben sobbed in confusion, "But -! But we saw you -! The green light! Shendu's Palace," He thought that Tao was dead!

Nyx sobbed with a smile, "We thought you're dead."

"Let's say I'm lucky to survive that, my friends." Tao said to his friends who believed him dead with a chuckle. He then looks at Applejack's farm. "I see you did an excellent work on saving your sister-like's home in time."

Spike sniffed, wiping while a tear while adding, "Yeah. We did it. We managed to overcome it too."

"For a weird and strange hermit, you are one tough pony." Phobos remarks to Tao with a grin. The old pony was able to survive the fall of Shendu's Palace so easily!

"It's so good to see yew alive, old pony." Tough laughed eagerly to Tao, happy that his friend is alive and well.

Tao smile as he said in a riddle, "Appearances can often fool everyone, my dear friends."

Twilight sobbed, saying, "It doesn't matter. What matters is to see you back and alive."

Twilight hugged Tao, followed by Ben, and then Nyx and Spike while Phobos and Tough sobbed. Applejack looks confused as she ask, "Twilight, who is this?" How is it that she and those with her knew him?

"Ben, is he -?" Flash ask Ben, suspecting who the newcomer is.

Ben smile as he spoke to everypony else, "Everyone, this is Tao. He is the one who gave important and great advice to us."

Twilight nod as she adds, "He is the one who sacrificed himself in saving us from Shendu."

"He's the reason why I defeated Tso Lan. He gave me hope and confidence." Nyx chirps while nuzzling Tao happily.

"Mr. Tao, thank yew so much." Applejack said, bowing to Tao in respect for all he has done for Twilight's group.

"Yeah; Yer're one amazing pony." Apple Bloom said happily to Tao.

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh remarks with a smile.

Flash nods, adding, "You help us very much, sir. You bring our best friends and sibling-like we ever thought of back home." It was thanks to Tao that Twilight's group came back safe and sound.

Rarity giggles, "If they never made it back, we would be very guilty and regret of decision that we made."

Sweetie Belle nods, adding, "We would be very upset of not seeing them back."

"Yeah, it wouldn't be 20% cooler to see them back alive." Rainbow remarks with a smile, happy that her worries has been calmed down at last.

"You said it, Rainbow Dash." Scootaloo remarks to her sister idol proudly.

"Not to mention that the parties I've been working so hard for them to come back wouldn't come true. We're really ashamed to ourselves for not being good friends." Pinkie, with her mane turned back to normal (or what's close to it anyway) exclaims, bouncing up and down happily.

"Yes. I'm very happy to see our friends back. Thank you so much, Mr. Tao." Fluttershy said to Tao politely.

"We all are so grateful, Mr. Tao, for helping my sister. That was amazing guts you got there for defeating Shendu and army of Shadow Demons." Shining said, impressed and grateful for Tao helping his sister and her family and friends like that.

"We are in your debt. You are truly an amazing pony in surviving the battles." Cadance said with a nod.

"Yeah," The Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaims happily.

Tao chuckle as if trying to wave the whole thing off, "I am merely an ordinary hermit. All I did is give advice. That's all."

Phobos scoffs as if saying 'yeah right' which he did, "Yeah, right. Like how you lied to us that you had a sword." Spike hits Phobos's head. "Hey! What was that for?!"

"Be respectful! Or had you forgotten that you promised Tao that you'll be generous?" Spike scolds Phobos for almost breaking a promise made not too long ago.

"Oooooh. Looks like 'de Moon Dragon got himself busted." Tough laughed a bit at Phobos breaking his promise without remembering it.

"Note to self: never make promises to dead pony when you can't make it." Phobos groans to himself.

"Phobos, be humble." Nyx giggles to her best friends. Turning to Tao, she said in awe, "You did an amazing thing, Mr. Tao, especially fighting with the Shadow Demons and Shendu. That is so heroic and amazing!"

"You said it, little sis! Tao is a hero." Spike said with a smirk, giving a thumbs up to Tao.

Twilight smile as she said, "Thank you for everything, Tao."

Ben smile as well, adding, "Welcome back home alive, our friend."

Tao smile, saying as if nothing matters, "It's nothing special, my dear friends. I did what ponies do: saving lives."

Everyone chuckle and laugh together. In hiding, Lorcan chuckle softly, "That old pony. He hasn't change a bit. Tempered, weird and strange on the outside, but wise, brave and kind on the inside; He's one tough Mystic Pony."

Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart and Pinkamena smiles as they approach Tao while everyone bowed before their rulers AKA the Royal Sisters themselves. Soon what happens next, almost no pony has realized until now.

"It is so good to see you again, my dearest old friend." Celestia said while hugging Tao gently.

"Dearest old friend," Everyone ask in surprise. Tao is one of the Sun Alicorn's dearest old friends?!

Tao smile, hugging back while saying, "Indeed , it is; I hope my death did not bring grieve to you."

Celestia smile while assuring, "Even though of what my son had said, I had no doubts that you'll never be defeated easily, old friend."

"Yeah, it was, pal! You scared me to death when I sensed sadness from Twilight and her friends when they're on their way home!" Pinkamena, still hidden, remarks in amusement. "Man! For a hermit, you had strange ways to scare us!"

"For an alternate pony, brave lion you once were had turned into squeak little mice." Tao said to Pinkamena, making another joke at the alternate pink pony's expense.

Pinkamena groan, "I'd still not used to your jokes."

Golden Heart chuckle while shaking his head, "Even so; It's so good to see you're alive, old friend."

"Indeed it is." The old pony said pleased. Tao spotted Luna who is behind Celestia, recognizing her at once. "Luna? Is that you?"

Luna trots over to Tao, bowing her head while saying, "Tao. It's been a while."

Tao smile as he said, "Indeed , it is." He notice her sad look. "What is the meaning of this, my dear? Were you not glad to see me alive?"

"I am. But I don't deserve to see you because of what happen in the past." Luna explains. She sobbed. "I'm sorry, old friend. I'll never be good as my sister because of my jealously and hatred."

Tao patted on Luna's shoulder, saying with a gentle look, "Those are thousand years ago. I had already forgotten and forgiven of what you had done since that day you became Nightmare Moon. I knew that you never want to hurt your family and friends, because there will always good in you."

Luna smiled while sniffing. She said quietly, "Thank you, Tao. I missed you so much after a thousand years."

"Thousand years," Everyone yells out in shock and alarm; how could Tao be around for a thousand years?!

"No way," Soarin' exclaims in alarm. "Wouldn't he be...uh..."

"Dead; Yeah, I know!" Sweetie Drops exclaims in disbelief.

"Whoa, he must be old!" Scootaloo exclaims making Nyx nudge her in annoyance. "What?"

"Wow, creepy yet amazing," Plumsweet remarks with a giggle.

The victims from the 'End of Equestria' approached Tao, as well. Gwen hug Tao while saying, "Thank Celestia, you're alright. I thought I would lost you when I heard what Twilight and her family had said. But I'm so happy to see that you're alive."

Tao chuckles, hugging back while saying, "You should know, Gwen. I cannot be defeated or killed easily."

"Indeed it is. Besides, all of us from the 'End of Equestria' owe Twilight and her friends, and as well as to you, too." Jones said to Tao, still grateful for being back to normal after so long.

Gwen and her ponies and the Kung Fu Frog nodded their heads while Mowgli and his ponies, Yin, Yang, Joey and Karma looked confused. Tao smiled though the ones outside of them are determined to figure out the mystery of this old pony...with the ones who came to the End of Equestria trying to figure out who Jones is.

"Hey, who are you?" Spike asks Jones in suspicion. Weird, this pony looks familiar for some reason.

"Yeah; you kinda look familiar." Phobos remarked, glancing at Jones curiously.

"Whatcha yew talking about," Applejack ask, a bit puzzled by what's going on.

"He's the guy you rescued from 'End of Equestria'." Rainbow said, reminding the two Dragons as to whom Tao is. What, they forgot already?

Twilight and her friends that went with her look confused. Rarity clears up the confusion, "I think what Rainbow darling saying is that you saved and bring him back to his pony form after you freed him from Dai Gui's curse."

"But- but- But-! 'De only servant who got cursed fro' Dai Gui is Kouga." Tough pointed out in bewilderment. They never saw this Jones pony before...did they?

"Wait a sec! You're Kouga?!" Ben gasps in shock, finally recognizing Jones who was once Kouga. This was the former giant minion of Dai Gui?!

"Not anymore, Ben. My real name is Jones Venture." Jones explains to Ben with a smirk.

"How is it possible?!" Nyx ask in amazement. She and her group didn't restore Kouga back to normal...so who did?

"What's wrong, Nyx?" Cadance ask Nyx, wondering what is on her niece's mind.

"From what Jones told us, you freed him from the curse after you destroy the Dark Item, and he teleport himself here and cured." Shining explains to Nyx with a smile.

"Um...... Shining, destroying the cursed mask didn't free, cure or teleport him." Twilight explains awkwardly to her brother.

"What do you mean?" Fluttershy ask Twilight puzzled.

"I don't follow, Twilight." Pinkie remarked, not wondering what Twilight is talking about.

Twilight explains, "The mask Jones wore is Demon Magic. No ordinary magic can cure a cursed servant to his original self. Only one way can cure him is Mystic Magic." It's true; the mare doesn't have Mystic Magic so she and her pals didn't restore him after beating Kouga.

Everyone, but Celestia, Luna, Tao, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Jones, Gwen, Yin and Yang, look confused and shocked of this. Ben spoke to the former minion known as Kouga, "Kouga - I mean - Jones, what really happen? You're hiding something from us."

"Better be a honest one." Flash suggests to Jones wisely.

"Ah don't take a liar very friendly if yew tells a lie." Applejack remarks sternly to Kouga. The mare should know, she was once a liar herself thanks to Discord.

"I wish I could tell you. But the answer you're looking for lies with him." Jones explains as he pointed at Tao. Everyone look confused and shocked; Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Gwen and her Ponies smiles, knowing something that they don't know.

"But what's that gotta do with Tao?" Spike asks in concern. How is Tao involved in Jones being restored to normal?

"I really don't get it." Phobos remarks with a shrug, not getting it either.

Twilight thought for the moment as she recall how her mentor, Luna, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Jones and Gwen are somehow connected to Tao, his status for living over thousand years, and his role of being there for them since they entered 'End of Equestria'. It didn't take long for her to suspect something.

"Tao...... Who are you?" Twilight ask Tao, looking at the old pony suspiciously.

"Uh...... Twilight, he's Tao, remember?" Phobos asks Twilight, reminding her. What, she forgot whom her old friend was all of the sudden?

"No, Phobos. What Twilight mean is what are you really?" Ben asks Tao curiously, "Like you had known my mother, my aunt, Golden Heart, Pinkamena and Gwen Fillyson for a long time, as in thousand years ago."

"Not to mention, you had something to do with helping Jones becoming pony again." Nyx said with a nod. She suspects that Tao had a hoof in how Jones became what he was again.

"Don't forget, you appear and disappear for more than one time, just before the fight starts." Spike said, recalling how Tao kept appearing and disappearing various times. "I think you had watched us from the beginning to the end, didn't you?"

"So, Tao, who are you really? You're not an ordinary Earth Pony." Twilight said with a nod. Tao can't be just an ordinary Earth Pony.

Tao smile before he chuckle, "My, my, and I thought I'm the only one who has been observing and analyzing you the most, Twilight Sparkle. Most impressive, you're actually studying me. But I shall give you a hint of a riddle: 'beginning of the day we met, when you heard a tale of I had spoken somehow connected to what he and I desire, before the last ingredient you found and my end'."

Everyone look confused, shocked and annoyed as they mumble themselves while thinking of the answer. Pinkamena groan, "Here we go again." These riddles are confusing than ever! Celestia and Luna giggle while Golden Heart chuckle.

Celestia smile as she explains, "As usual, Tao loved to give riddles for ponies to figure out."

"He hasn't changed. That old and sly pony," Luna said while shaking her head at Tao and his usual techniques.

Golden Heart smile while adding, "Indeed he hasn't."

"Great; I had forgotten of how much I love riddles since high school, and now I hate it." Shining groans while slapping his forehead. "It's giving me a headache. Do you know anything, Cadance?"

Cadance shakes her head while saying, "Not really, I maybe a princess, Shining, but it doesn't mean I know everything from my long past."

"Hoo boy! I didn't expect to meet this kind of challenge." Flash said with a groan, not getting the riddle either.

"Yeah, Ah'm not sure Ah'm getting 'ta there, partner." Applejack said, not understanding the riddle either.

"Me too," Apple Bloom remarked with a shrug, clueless as her sister.

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh remarked, not understanding the riddle either.

"Boy, you guys'd never told me that he would give a riddle. I hate them a lot. They give me a big headache." Rainbow groans while feeling her forehead. That riddle gave her one Tartarus of a headache!

"You said it." Scootaloo said agreeing with Rainbow.

"Agreed; Puzzles and riddles are not my dazzling style to answer." Rarity sighs a bit.

Sweetie nods while remarking, "This is going to be tough."

Pinkie giggles playfully, "I love guessing! Is it Time? No wait! It's journey! No; I know, he's an Alicorn! That's the only explanation of how he lived for thousand years, and knows Celestia and others from the past."

Everyone awed at Pinkie's answer. Tao however chuckles, "Not exactly, Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie gasps in amazement, "Huh?! You know my name?! How?! We just met!"

"Please, Mr. Tao, can you give a more simple and easy riddle?" Fluttershy ask Tao meekly. "I think it's too hard. Can you explain of how you know so much about us?"

Tao chuckle while shaking his head, "Sorry, Fluttershy, there is no shortcut, you have to answer it. If you answer correctly, then I'll explain it."

Tough yell angrily as he threw his hat down, "Blasted Pony Feathers! 'Dis is even harder than Ah thought. Not to mention he almost knows everypony like he met them before."

Phobos groans in frustration, "I-hate-RIDDLES!"

"I don't think we understand that, Tao." Spike sighs to Tao, giving up on answering the riddle."

Tao smile as he insists to the clueless and frustrated ponies, "Keep on trying. Just recall what you had been doing since you had entered the 'End of Equestria'." He said the last part to those who has been to the End of Equestria before.

"'Since you had entered the 'End of Equestria'? Wait a sec; I think I know what he meant about 'beginning of the day we met'. At the 'Lake of Eternal' is where we first meet with Tao." Nyx said, recalling on how she first met Tao before.

"Of course; Nyx, you're a genius. Then, he told us the story of how a Mystic Pony cured the Lake of Eternal." Ben said, recalling the story. "'Before the last ingredient you found and my end' means when we found Sacred Flame and Tao's gone at that time."

"We got almost all of the puzzle right. 'Somehow connected to what he and I desire'? This is something I don't get. I know Tao is referring to the Mystic Pony and himself. They both desired the clean, perfect and love place of nature. Mystic Pony has been there for a long time. But Tao......I can't seem to find some connection between two -" Twilight gasp in realization. Of course! It makes sense now! "It...... It can't be. It's not possible."

"Twilight?"

"What's de matter, sugarcube?" Applejack asks Twilight, wondering what her friend just realized.

"I know who Tao really is. I'd never thought all of us had actually met one from the beginning." The Alicorn said with a smile while pointing to Tao. Everyone look at Twilight. What is she talking about? "He's the Mystic Pony!"

Everyone gasp but Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Gwen and her ponies, and Jones who know all along. Spike ask in surprise, "Seriously?!"

"No way," Phobos said in disbelief. Tao is the Mystic Pony that was mentioned trying to cure the End of Equestria?!

"Twilight, are yew sure?" Tough ask Twilight to see if she's right.

Twilight nods, explaining, "Yes. Appearing and disappearing in the End of Equestria like nothing's wrong with the world, voice is heard and having weird stuffs before the battles begin, and even most of the Mystic Banishment Ingredients appeared and helped us defeat Demon Lords. There's no spirit or ghost, but one I know who has been watching us from the day we met. Isn't it, Tao?"

Tao smiles and chuckle, "Most impressive, Twilight Sparkle. You solved the mysterious pony's tricks and purpose."

Everyone was shocked to hear this. Ben spoke in disbelief, "No way."

Tao smile and ask, "Don't believe me? Can any Earth Pony or your Triforce do this?"

Tao wave his hoof out as five cards flew out from his robes. The ponies were shocked to see this. Tao move his hoof from left to right, and back to left, and repeats the routine. The cards follow Tao's hoof movement. Everyone watch the performance in amazement and shock.

Tao stop moving and closed his eyes as five cards surround him. He opens his eyes as they glow white. Tao stomp his two hooves in front of his cards. Rocks emerge from the bronze card, and fire emerges from the red one. He then stomps on his back. Both air sphere-like appear from the green card and water emerged from the blue one. The golden card in front of him glows in white as his body glow in gold. Everyone was shocked and surprised to see this while gasping. Tao's eyes slowly return to normal, his glowing body slowly is depleting to his normal self, and his cards stopped moving.

"Still having doubt about me?" Tao ask the ponies. Everyone shook their heads. "Good. The connection, relationship and alliance between mortals and immortals have been restored."

"Wait a sec! If he's really a Mystic Pony, then why wouldn't he help us from beginning," Phobos demands in annoyance. Why didn't Tao helped out the gang during all this time?! "We would have gotten all the ingredients and get out from 'End of Equestria' sooner!"

Tao sigh, "Have you learn nothing about Mystic Ponies?"

"Actually, we do; Now we know why yew keep disappearing an' appearing 'ta us fer so many times," Tough said, explaining as to why Tao kept on disappearing and appearing a few times.

"Duh....... They are only here to guide us or anyone else for the answers that we're looking for. That's for us to find the ingredients." Spike explains to Phobos while rolling his eyes.

"But to do that, we had to deal with obstacles that stand in our way." Nyx said, recalling the obstacles that the group had dealt with before.

"The obstacles we're dealing with is are not only the Demon Lords, but some monsters and servants to deal with and rescue everyone who got involved in the End of Equestria to themselves." Ben said, recalling what he and his group has deal with in the End of Equestria.

"Tao, is that your only purpose?" Twilight ask Tao hopefully.

Tao shook his head while smiling. He explains, "There is more, my dear. My job is to observe of how strong and great your will is. If you had proven that, the Mystic Ponies will agree to the alliance between mortal and immortal ponies." Everyone looked surprised and curious of to what Tao had said.

"So what's the alliance for?"

"Defend Equestria and the Mystic Realm and defeat both Grimmore and the Superior." Tao answers, making everyone gasp. "That is the true threat to both mortal and immortal."

"Threat to you and your Mystic Ponies; Seriously," Rainbow asks Tao, disbelieved by what she just heard.

"But I thought Mystic Ponies are immortal, powerful and invincible. They can defeat anyone, and even Grimmore or this Superior." Rarity said, recalling what she heard.

"But why would they be threat to the Mystic Ponies?" Fluttershy ask Tao in concern.

"Well, hello. Earth to Mystic Pony," A certain funny pink pony giggles. She uses a stick and poke on Tao's body. It annoyed him but he remained calm. "It's not like the Superior or Grimmore can do anything harm to you like Discord or King Sombra."

"Pinkie's right. It's not like they're after something." Applejack said, not sure why Tao is concerned about the bad guys being a threat to the Mystic Ponies.

"I'm afraid there is more, Applejack. Grimmore has his ways of defeating us. But they also seek something from the Mystic Realm. And that is the Mystic Crystal." Tao explains seriously to everypony.

Everyone ask in surprise, "Mystic Crystal?"

"What's that?" Ben asks Tao in concern. That twist seems to have come from out of nowhere!

"The Mystic Crystal is the life energy and powerful crystal. It gave not only life of Mystic Ponies, but the powers of the special talent they possessed after they earned Cutie Marks or the lessons and principles they carry on. Mystic Ponies are not necessary be given birth, but can be chosen if one had truly shown great potential, remain to their true beliefs and power to surpass great challenge." Tao explains to Ben as to what the Mystic Crystal is.

Everyone was surprised and shocked to hear this. Nyx is the first to ask, "So, do you think that the Superior and Grimmore are after that source?"

"Indeed it is. The Superior will do anything to gain more powers to become powerful a warlord. But Grimmore, it's a different story; for he seeks destruction of immortal ponies, we had wounded, prevented and banished him to Tarturus for many long years. We won't know of how long can the seal holds. This is the reason why we must be united again against the threat."

Everyone became worried and scared. Celestia nodded as she spoke, "So, the Mystic Council finally understand the situation. If they succeed in capturing all of Equestria, they would find the source of portals to the Mystic Realm."

"Mystic Portal; is that have something to do with Superior's and Grimmore's purpose if they ever show up in the Mystic Realm?" Twilight ask, worried by what her enemies can do to get Equestria and everything.

Luna nods as she speaks, "Indeed . While the Mystic Ponies have ability to pass through between ours and their realm, there is another way to get there. And that is the Mystic Portal."

"Mystic Portal; don't you mean like the mirror to the human version of our world?" Spike ask, recalling the mirror that he, Twilight, Ben, Nyx and Phobos once used to enter the world that is a human version of Equestria.

"So where is this portal?" Phobos asks in concern.

"Indeed it is. There are more than one around Equestria, but we've hidden them, so no one, and not even our enemies, could find them." Luna explains. "But to find one is difficult, but to get there is even more difficult. "

Celestia nods as she continues, "To find one requires the guidance of the Mystic Ponies or the map to it. For you see, the Mystic Portal to the Mystic Realm can be opened by purest light of magic and hearts of ponies, and even the Mystic Ponies."

"Wait. What does yew mean 'even Mystic Ponies'?" Applejack ask, bewildered by that sentence.

"As you can see, my friend Applejack, not every Mystic Ponies can be pure and good as Tao, but rather some can be evil if they're too greedy and lust as a dragon or prideful and wrath as the griffon." Zecora explains seriously. "If they are not careful of that, the Mystic Portal can no longer recognize Mystic Ponies as one of their kind."

"I think I had my brain hurts." Rainbow groans while feeling her forehead for anything that hurts.

"Tell me about it." Scootaloo groans in agreement.

"Ah'm not sure Ah'm following it, Zecora." Apple Bloom said to her friend with a deep frown, not getting what the zebra is saying.

"Me too," Sweetie groans a bit while holding her head.

"What Zecora means if any of the Mystic Ponies prove to not showing love, caring, generosity and kindness to us, they can no longer be Mystic Ponies, but Dark Mystic Ponies." Twilight explains seriously to her friends.

"Dark Mystic Ponies," Everyone else gasps in surprise and worry. That doesn't sound good!

"For short, Dark Ponies; for they are either corrupted, greedy, spoiled, selfish, lusted, cruel, ambitious and pure dark and evil." Tao explains seriously of that part.

"You mean like an evil version of the Mystic Ponies?" Nyx ask Tao in concern. The way that he sounded it, the Dark Ponies sounds like cruel creatures indeed !

"Yes, Nyx; The Dark Ponies are very dangerous and powerful as the Mystic Ponies, but they are very focused on powers and control of mortals because of their beliefs." Twilight said, recalling what she knows about the Dark Ponies.

"What beliefs will that be, Twilight?" Spike asks Twilight, not liking that one bit.

"Dark Ponies think that they are high and mighty than any of us just because they had more powers and live for than thousand years." Ben explains to Spike while rolling his eyes at this.

Flash groan, "That is so uncool to treat any of ponies in Equestria."

"Why Ah outta-" Applejack growls a bit. What kind ponies are these Dark Ponies anyway?! "'Dat is so not 'de way 'ta treat 'de ponies. They are worse than Boris fer treating Earth Ponies like garbage. But now, some bad Mystic Ponies think 'dat like they owned 'de barn 'ta themselves!"

"You said it, AJ." Rainbow said, agreeing with her friendly rival.

"How selfish and greedy," Fluttershy said, frowning at what these Dark Ponies is.

"Not gonna make party for those bad ponies. But they are such thing, are they?" Pinkie asks in concern.

Tao nods while answering, "Indeed it is, Pinkie Pie. Be vigilant and cautious, of how they behave and do; for I fear, they might be working for the Superior."

"I understand, Tao." Twilight said in concern. It may be difficult to see which one are indeed Dark Ponies but she will try.

"By the way Tao, how long have you known my mother, aunt and anyone else from the past? And I meant more than 30 years ago." Ben said to Tao. He wants to know how long that Tao has known Celestia, Luna and anyone from the past.

"A lot, young Ben; When I was a young stallion, Megan, your mother, aunt and Star-Swirled the Bearded came for my help," Tao explains seriously to Ben.

"I can bet , you would -" Spike begins to say but Tao cut him off.

"I refused, Spike." Tao said suddenly. Everyone were shocked but Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart and Pinkamena. How could Tao refused to help Megan, the Royal Sisters and Star-Swirled, "Because of my disgusted liking to see ponies being friendly with cruel and savage Humans. But I see the potential of the two princesses, and even Megan, they are unlike any of the archives or experience I've learned so far. For they possessed that is similar to one I had not seen for a long time: the Elements of Harmony or the Rainbow of Light."

"So you agree to help them?" Twilight ask Tao hopefully.

"Indeed it is, Twilight. Thus, I have joined Celestia's and Luna's quest in building the new world and order: a unification of three pony tribes. But I believe you know much of that already, as well as my involvement against Discord, King Sombra, Smaug the Great and even the Demon Lords and Grimmore. After a long battle and journey, peace has been restored and new age of Equestria had begun. But the tragic had happened."

Everyone's eyes are widened of what Tao is about to said. Nyx was the first to answer, "Nightmare Moon."

Tao nods seriously as he continues, "Indeed , it is. For you see, the Mystic Ponies couldn't take much more of war, betrayal and bloodshed after seeing how blind we did not foreseen that Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon, while allowing Tadaka and Lorcan wage a war against the ponies. They believed that ponies like you will be lusted for more powers. Since that day, we have disconnected with the mortals and remained in the Mystic Realm for over thousand years."

Rarity sigh upon hearing this, "That's the worst - possible - thing -ever!"

"Yeah, because of her jealousy and hatred for Princess Celestia, Luna transformed into Nightmare Moon. Things had gone wrong." Rainbow remarks, recalling how Luna's jealously and hatred caused trouble, enough for the Mystic Ponies to leave Equestria.

"Actually, Rainbow Dash, there's more to that." Nyx said in sadness. Everyone looked confused but Twilight, Ben, Spike, Phobos and Tough who knew already. "Nightmare Moon was actually a living being, not part of Princess Luna. She was created and trained by Demon Lords to control Equestria."

Celestia and Luna gasp in shock. The Goddess of the Night said, "That explain why I couldn't control my emotion and powers; allowing this monstrous to take my body and mind."

"And so, that explains why in the past, the Demon Lords made you so obsessed in killing me. To prevent me from finding any new holders," Celestia said, now realizing what has happened back then.

"So sugarcube, yer're saying 'dat Nightmare Moon is actually a living being? Like yew?" Applejack asks Nyx in worry.

"But that's okay. We saved Princess Luna. We even make Nyx to be herself than Nightmare Moon when she first came to our world. At least, it's fine in the end." Fluttershy assures that everything turned out fine. Luna is back to herself and even Nyx has become more than just Nightmare Moon.

"No it isn't." Nyx said in more sadness, much to the others' confusion and/or concern.

"What do you mean?" Pinkie asks Nyx, unclear as to why she means.

"Nyx, what's wrong?" Apple Bloom ask Nyx who looks away in sadness.

"Did something happen at the 'End of Equestria'?" Sweetie asks Nyx, knowing that something has happened in the End of Equestria that made her this sad.

"Yeah, don't keep us in suspense of it." Scootaloo urges Nyx to tell everypony already. What is bugging her?

Nyx sobbed as she spoke, "Nightmare Moon is not only the Demon Lords' creation, but rather Tso Lan's daughter. If Nightmare Moon is his daughter, then I am his as well. I am her reincarnation."

Everyone was shocked to hear this. They turn to Jones, Yin and Yang, who were once servants of the enemies, who nodded their heads. They mumbled about Nyx, more concerned about her and maybe a bit doubtful.

"No! I don't believe it! Nyxie is not a monster." Shining protested, refusing to believe that his niece was a monster. True, he was suspicious of her since she freed him from her dark essence but at least the stallion forgave her around the time of the wedding!

"I agree with Shining Armor. There is no way Nyx can be a Demon." Cadance said in agreement with her husband.

"I'm with ya. As far as I can see about Nyx, she's a very good filly to her family and friends." Flash said in agreement. The Pegasus guard refuses to believe what may be clear about the filly.

"I'm not gonna believe that! You're not a monster, Nyx!" Rainbow exclaims, wanting to cheer the filly up and not letting her believe the worst about herself.

"Rainbow Dash's right, Nyx; you are kind, gentle, brave and loving filly that we ever met since the day you came to Ponyville and save our lives from monsters." Fluttershy said, trying to cheer Nyx up as well.

Rarity nods while adding, "What you're talking about is nothing but nonsense."

"Yeah! You can't be A Demon. Wanna know why, because they're evil, cruel, selfish and monsters too! They're so not like you." Pinkie insists to Nyx.

"Listen Nyx, yew shouldn't believe what yew heard fro' those Demon Lords. They are nothing but liars." Applejack insists to Nyx. She can't let the filly believed what was told to her otherwise.

Apple Bloom nodded in agreement, exclaiming, "Yeah; 'Dat's stinky garbage!"

"You're not a monster!" Sweetie exclaims to Nyx in determination.

"You're a great friend to us! Right, girls and guy," Scootaloo exclaims to the other members of the CMC, wanting some support and backup.

"I won't believe it too. Nyx is not a monster." Pipsqueak said with a nod.

"Yeah," The rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders said with nods.

However Nyx just sobbed, insisting, "But it's true. I saw it with my own eyes."

Spike nods as he explains, "It's true, guys. Not to mention, I also learned that my family were once Shendu's servants. But unlike Nyx, they are willing to kill me."

"Except Shendu," Phobos points out to Spike.

"Anyway, my point is that because of me being daughter of Tso Lan, I almost brought danger to my family. Somehow, I should never be born on that day. I wish I would have been died." Nyx said while slumping not. Not good, the poor filly is feeling down and out again.

"Nyx, don't talks like that. It's over. You are home with us, with friends and with family. You are safe. We got home safe and sound." Twilight said, hugging Nyx and not wanting her to feel this terrible again. Not after what the gang endured against Tso Lan.

"In fact, you have beaten Tso Lan for good. You had proven to him that you are not Nightmare Moon that he created before." Ben explains to Nyx, reminding her what she did. The filly has stopped Tso Lan, so she can't be Nightmare Moon!

Nyx sobbed while saying, "But still. Tso Lan will return and take revenge on me. He might want to make me the completed form of Nightmare Moon. There is no turning back. I don't know if this will happen to me again or not."

"Oh Nyx," Twilight sighs in sadness. What will she do with Nyx?

"Don't think of that." Ben said to Nyx seriously.

Both Twilight and Ben nuzzle Nyx on her face while she sobbed. Tough, Spike and Phobos look down while everyone, even Celestia and Luna, looked worried about Nyx. How can they help her? Tao approach Nyx as he suddenly said, "Nyx, throughout your harsh and difficult journey, you had overcome your fear and inner demon. Since the day you were born, you had grown so much love towards to both your family and friends than what original Nightmare Moon couldn't. In fact, like your mother, you had the right to earn it."

Nyx sniffed as she asks puzzled, "Earn it? Earn what, Mr. Tao?"

"Although your birthday is not too distance in future, it does not mean that I can't give you the important gift now. Now it is time."

"Huh?"

Tao smiles as he answers Nyx's question, "Your true heritage."

Tao place the small bottle in front of Nyx and close his eyes. For a moment, he open his eyes with pure glowing purple light. Suddenly, a purple piece of light-like appears out from Nyx's chest. She looked confused while Twilight gasps in seeing this. The purple light goes around her body. It then splits into three: one hover on her head, the second on her upper body and another on her lower body. Nyx was lifted up high as Tao used his right hoof to lift her up.

Everyone look concern and worried, as well as wondering as to what's going on. Tao pointed his left hoof at Ben. Suddenly, Ben's golden soul comes out. Tao move his left hoof and clap on his right one, causing the fourth part light to move, splits into three and join with another three purple lights spinning on Nyx. They spun together. Nyx was shocked to see this event happening. Soon Tao use his right hoof and point at Nyx who felt her chest hurt. She stretched out when the Mystic Pony pull his hoof back hard. The long black light comes out from Nyx's chest. Everyone was shocked and amazed to see this happening.

Tao move his right hoof and make his like slamming on the floor, causing the long black light to go down into a bottle. With the black light inside the bottle, Tao, psychically, closed the bottle's cap. The Mystic Pony used two hooves of his, spinning around, causing both golden and purple lights to move around on Nyx. She was shocked and confused. Tao stop spinning around as both purple and golden lights stop. He push his hooves in front of himself, causing both lights to hit and enter Nyx. The white light emerged from her body as it glare and glow in a bright light.

Everyone use their hooves to block their view from the glaring lights. After a while, they remove their hooves and saw something shocking. They saw a familiar navy shield with light crescent symbol. Tao move his hooves down gently and slowly, causing the picture of cutie mark slowly descending. The light of Nyx's cutie mark slowly fades out while revealing the familiar figure in front of them.

"This just like before, Twilight," Applejack said, recalling what happened when Twilight turned into an Alicorn princess.

"But question is what's going on now? I seriously doubt it's becoming a princess." Flash said puzzled. Nyx is already an Alicorn so what's different this time?

"Yeah, I know, Flash; I think we're about to find out." Ben said, knowing that he and everypony else will soon find out what's going on.

"Nyx; is that you?" Twilight ask her daughter hopefully.

With light's gone, Nyx slowly gets up. Her eyes are closed. She slowly opens them. Nyx's eyes are now normal pony's eyes with light blue cyan with rounded black and small rounded whites. Everyone gasp in shocked and surprise.

"Oh mah herd......." Applejack said in amazement.

"For real," Rainbow ask in bewilderment. Nyx's eyes are like when she disguised them before.

"Nyx......" Apple Bloom begins to speak in amazement to her friend.

"Dude, your eyes........" Scootaloo speaks, not sure how to explain what happened to Nyx.

"My eyes; what's wrong with my eyes?" Nyx ask Scootaloo in confusion.

"I think you're about to find out." Rarity said with a smile.

Sweetie Belle giggles, "I don't know if you're gonna be happy or sad about this."

Rarity levitates a small mirror in front of Nyx. The Alicorn filly looks closely at the mirror and gasp while looking at her own eyes. Nyx exclaims, "My eyes! Oh my grandmother....... I'm...... I'm....."

"Normal," The Mystic Pony ask with a smile as he approach Nyx. Everyone turn to him as he explains, "Like I said before, Nyx, you earned your reward. Ever since you and your family enter the End of Equestria, I begin my test on all of you and those from Ponyville, and it is the same: Test of Endurance, Determination and Faith. But yours is different: the Test of Identity and Heart. For you, you must choose what is really right, not for your family, but for yourself."

"So, Nyx has passed the test?" Fluttershy ask Tao in hope.

Tao nods. Pinkie bounces up and screams out, "This is so goooood!" She bounced around happily.

"But is eyes my reward?" Nyx ask Tao suddenly. Are her eyes changing the only reward that she got for passing this test?

Tao smile as he answers, "Let's find out. And see how your reaction is when you encountered him again."

Tao spins his right hoof for three times as it creates a dark sphere before he slammed down onto the ground. A puff of smoke emerges as an illusion of Tso Lan's appearance appear. Everyone gasp in worry and scared. What is going to happen? Nyx looked worried and scared of him. Before she could do anything, the filly noticed something...something different this time.

"My chest...... I don't feel any pain anymore." Nyx said in amazement. In the past around Tso Lan, her chest would feel pain but now? Not this time.

Everyone looked confused and shocked, especially her family. Spike points out, "But when we came to Tso Lan's Palace, you feel the pain because of Tso Lan being near us."

"But what does this mean?" Phobos ask wondering what this new development means now.

"I....... I don't know." Nyx said dumbstruck. Even she is unsure how to answer that question.

Twilight nuzzle Nyx as she said, "There must be reason as to why you didn't feel pain. According to Tso Lan, whenever your body feel in pain, that means he's close by."

"Tao, can you explain?" Ben asks Tao, knowing that the Mystic Pony has an answer.

"Of course, Benjamin; did you see the piece of light?" Tao ask, making everyone nodded. "That piece is the soul and blood of an individual. Each individual possessed different colors as in representing their minds, souls and hearts, such as Twilight Sparkle's Purple Soul represent Intelligent and Curiosity, and Ben Mare's Golden Soul represent Courage and Wisdom."

"But what's that gotta do with Nyx?" Spike asks, not cleared by this.

"I'm not done yet. Tso Lan's Black Soul represent hatred, anger, cruel, ruthless and darkness. So I removed that essence, blood and soul from Nyx, and replaced with what she had long desired. Combine and united with the one's blood who is now her biological mother."

"Say what?" Phobos ask in confusion. He doesn't get it.

Twilight gasp as she got it, "I am Nyx's biological mother because of my blood. But when you said, you removed and replaced Tso Lan's blood with Ben's. Then, that means......"

Ben's eyes are wide opened; he spoke hopefully, "I'm Nyx's real and biological father." Everyone gasp in amazement. That does mean one thing!

"So, Tso Lan is no longer my biological father, but Ben. That means......." Nyx gasps in happiness and hope. "I finally have a real family! Yeah! I finally really have one!" The filly hugs Ben and Twilight. Everyone smile and cheer at this event. No longer will Nyx has to worry about suffering by Tso Lan any longer.

"Wow, I can't believe it. I'm really Nyx's dad?"

"I think it is." Twilight said to her love with a warm smile.

"Nice work, Ben." Shining laughed as he pats Ben on the back proudly.

"Congratulation, Nyx." Cadance said with a warm smile. Nyx is definitely a Sparkle and a Mare for sure!

Twilight and Ben nuzzle Nyx softly while Spike patted on Nyx's head, saying, "Welcome to your true family, Nyx."

Tao smiled at the scene as Princess Celestia approached him, speaking, "That is very kind of you, Tao. Though I'm pleased to hear that Ben have Nyx as his own and real daughter, I'm in concern of something else."

"Sister," Luna asks Celestia, wondering what is wrong with her sister. Celestia is conflicted, scared for some reason. Does this have anything to do with Ben wanting to find his real parents not too long ago?

"What's wrong?" Golden Heart asks Celestia in concern. Why is the Sun Alicorn feeling worried?

Tao sighs, knowing what his friend is going through, as he said to Celestia, "One day, you have to tell him the truth, your highness, or things may get worst. I may have known of your past with 'him'. But I cannot reveal it to your son, without your permission."

"Then, it's best you do not. Please, old friend, for old time's sake?" Celestia pleads to Tao with puppy dog eyes, even for a grown mare. She wishes to tell her son when the time comes.

Tao sigh as he agrees, "Very well. You know you are stubborn as he and his son are, but it is very good to remember about him, my dear. But I suggest you must do it before we meet our enemies in the future."

"Sister, is something wrong?" Luna asks Celestia in concern. She must know why her sister is acting like this all of the sudden.

Celestia shakes her head as she speaks, "I will explain later, Luna. Promise me, that you will not tell anyone about this. This is something that happened to me, my son and Tao when I 'found' him."

"Something tells me, this is not very good. But very well."

Nyx approach Tao, getting a serious look on her face as she speaks, "Mr. Tao, thank you for giving me the best gift. But can I ask you something?" Tao looks confused. "Can you return my eyes to original ones?"

Everyone gasp in confusion. Nyx's eyes are now changed to a normal pony but now she wants her Nightmare Moon ones back?

"Did she say-?" Spike asks in surprise and disbelief.

"Want her eyes return to the way it was? As in having her dragon irises-like," Phobos asks in concern. Why would Nyx want her eyes back? Doesn't she wish to be a normal pony?

"Why would you need it, Nyx?" Scootaloo ask Nyx in concern.

"Aren't you happy of what you are now?" Sweetie asks Nyx. Her friend wants the eyes that remind ponies of what she once was?

"Yew did say 'dat yew want 'ta be normal like everyone else." Apple Bloom reminds Nyx of what she said. Her friend wants to be normal but wants her old eyes back?

"True, but to be honest; I know my eyes are different than anypony, but I like it. Not because of how scary it was, but how much hope I have. When I look in a mirror, I always thought that I'll always be a monster." Nyx explains as she sighs. "But living here and meeting new friends, I'm starting to accept them. It's not the curse; it's my faith and hope."

"Nyx; Are you sure?" Ben asks Nyx, wondering if having her old eyes back is what she wanted.

"You know that you'll always be in everypony's heart, no matter how different you are." Twilight said to Nyx gently. No matter what appearance she is, the filly is in everypony's heart.

"I know. But this is my decision. And I want my real eyes back. Not because everyone can recognize me, it's who I really am. So, can you please return those to me?" Nyx pleads to Tao seriously.

Tao smile in understanding as he said, "Of course. I had a feeling you might say something like that." Tao touch Nyx's muzzle as her body slowly glow blue. Her eyes are slowly changed and returned to her original eyes: dragon irises. Tge Mystic Pony show the mirror to Nyx as he said, "There it is done. I have returned what you truly want as a symbol and the identity of who you are."

Nyx smile as she chirps, "Thank you, Mr. Tao." She hugs Tao tightly. True, she got her old eyes back...but her blood now belongs to Twilight and Ben. No one will ever take that away from her. Tao smile as he and Nyx depart from hugging.

"Now that is over. I would like to introduce you to my family."

"Wait, you have a family?" Spike asks in surprise. Tao has a family of his own?

"So who is -?" Twilight begins to ask when somepony interrupted her questioning.

Nyx yelp when someone just pushes her. Everyone gasp in shocked and confusion as a new filly, Jade, hugged Nyx tightly, making the filly ask, "What the -?"

"Oh my gosh; I can't believe I finally meet her! I finally meet the heroine who was the bad guy, saved the day from monsters of terror! Oh yeah! Jade made contact and touched with Nyx!" Jade exclaims, giggling like an obsessed fan.

"Uh....... So, Jade is your name?"

"So, who in tarnation are yew?" Apple Bloom asks Jade, wondering who she is.

"We'd never seen you around." Sweetie said, not recalling seeing Jade in Ponyville so who is she?

Scootaloo looks at Jade awkwardly as she adds, "Not to mention, you're weird. No offense."

Jade giggle as she departs from hugging Nyx. Tao chuckles as he introduces Jade, "This is Jade Adventure. She's my grandniece."

Nyx and the CMC gasps in surprise, "Grandniece?!"

"So, how old are you?" Pipsqueak asks Jade curiously.

Twist smiles as she speaks, "You must be a Mystic Pony, right?"

Dinky chuckled, "Wow, things getting really exciting."

Babs nods as she remarks, "This is so cool, you all."

Karma smiles, commenting, ""First, our friends made it home and now we're meeting a Mystic Pony."

"Yes, I'm a Mystic Pony. I'm 200 years-old. And guess what? I'm good at one thing: Ma Fu flank whooping! Check this out." Jade said eagerly, wanting to show off to her new friends.

Jade breathe in and then out as she position herself in a battle position. She then starts to punch ahead for a few times with her front hooves and then jump and kick for few times with her back legs. Jade then slammed onto the ground with one hoof. The ground shakes causing everyone to awe at Jade's ability. Nyx and the CMC awed and cheer at Jade's ability.

"That's amazing, Jade," Nyx said to Jade eagerly.

"It was nothing. I am a Mystic Warrior." Jade bragged to Nyx.

Suddenly Dragon Kick appears, saying in irritation, "Jade, you are not a Mystic Warrior. You haven't even matured or grew older enough to understand the powers within you yet."

"Dragon Kick, it's so good to see you here." Gwen said to her love with a warm smile.

Dragon Kick and Gwen hugged together. Ben in amusement ask, "I'd take you two had known each other for a long time in the Omnidrex Kingdom?"

Gwen smile as she explains, "Indeed it is, Ben. Thanks to you, I finally returned to the one I truly love. I miss him so much."

"Yes, this reminds me of how much I miss Ben." Twilight said warmly making Ben blush at this.

"By 'de look o' yer body, Ah'd say yew've got some workout well." Applejack said, impressed with Dragon Kick's body work.

"So, Dragon Kick, you've got some good moves like Jade Adventure?" Rainbow asks Dragon Kick, her eyes arch in eyebrow at the Mystic Pony.

Dragon Kick chuckles as he explains, "Yes, of course. I learn it by myself."

Tao hits Dragon Kick's head, scolding, "You took credit from my training and good influence as your own. In fact, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't make a good Mystic Warrior in the first place."

"Uncle, I am not a Mystic Warrior. I am a Mystic Civilized archaeologist."

"That's so boring. I mean seriously? You were a warrior, now you turned into a wimpy egghead?" Rainbow ask, unimpressed with this. "Of course, you're like Daring Do. I might like adventures."

"Archaeologist; Oh my, a gentlecolt like you work for the dirt? That is uncouth, Mr. Dragon Kick." Rarity said, the idea of dirty disgusts her a bit.

Dragon Kick groans in irritation, "Archaeologist is not an egghead! It's the research and study of understanding and learning the ancient pasts of our old times. It’s worth everything, Rainbow Dash. Do not use the word. You won't know until you found something interesting like gems."

"Gems; Of course; I'm sorry for my rude behavior."

Dragon Kick roll his eyes as Fluttershy said kindly, "I think it's nice."

"Yeah! It's so super adventure." Pinkie giggles. She bounces around until the pink pony bump into someone in front of her. Pinkie recognizes who it is from days ago. "Hey, it's you!"

"You're the guy we bumped into." Flash said as he recognizes Mighty from days before.

Mr. Cake exclaims to Mighty with a smile, "Mr. Mighty Heart!"

"We've been looking everywhere for you! We thought you might want more cookies." Mrs. Cake said to Mighty eagerly as she shows 50 boxes of cookies to the big pony.

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Cake," Mighty said as he took the 50 boxes of cookies. "I'm sorry. I'm not allowed to bring Golden Eggs."

Tao hits Mighty's head as he scolds, "In fact, you shouldn't! Golden Eggs are the bits for our realm, not Equestria!"

"Really; Oh my! We didn't mean to disrespect you!" Mr. Cake gasps nervously as he bows a bit, a bit embarrassed as if disrespecting the Mystic Ponies unknowingly.

Mrs. Cake holds out the eggs that Mighty paid with earlier, saying, "Sorry, Mr. Tao; Here's the eggs."

Mr. and Mrs Cake return the five Golden Eggs to Tao. He smiles as the old pony wave his hoof around the eggs. The Golden Eggs transform into lots of bits. Everyone gasped upon looking at this.

"How did -!" Mr. Cake exclaims in amazement by this.

"I am a Mystic Pony, my friend." Tao said to Mr. Cake with a mysterious smile.

"Hey, Jade. I was wondering. Would you like to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Nyx ask Jade with a smile. Somepony like her deserves to be with friends like the CMC!

"Really," Jade asks Nyx excitedly and hopefully.

"Seriously; Yer're asking 'de Mystic Pony 'ta join us?" Apple Bloom ask Nyx who nodded, "'Dat's a very great idea!"

"I really, really love it!" Sweetie exclaims, excitedly about having a new member and friend.

"This is so awesome! So what do you say, guys?" Scootaloo ask the other members of the CMC their opinion.

"Yeah," The Cutie Mark Crusaders cheers on in eagerness, now accepting Jade as one of their own.

"Awesome! Dragon Kick, can I join the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Jade ask Dragon Kick with puppy dog eyes look.

"Hmm....... I don't know. Let me think." Dragon Kick said in hesitation, wondering if allowing Jade to join the CMC is a good idea.

"Please! I really need it! I finally get to meet Cutie Mark Crusaders, Nyx and the heroines of Equestria!"

"Please, Mr. Dragon Kick! I'll look after her." Nyx pleads to Dragon Kick, giving him the same look. Darn, those puppy dog eyes are irresistible even in Nightmare Moon eyes.

"Please," The Cutie Mark Crusaders plead.

All of the Cutie Mark Crusaders gave the pouty eyes to Dragon Kick. They and Jade pleads hopefully, "Pretty Please?"

"Hmmm," Dragon Kick hesitates then he sighs. The Mystic Pony gives up, he can't say no to those eyes. "Okay. But better make sure you get your work done."

The CMC cheered on, "Yeah! Welcome to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Jade!"

Jade grins, holding a hoof in the air while exclaiming, "Oh yeah; Jade's in the house!"

Tao approach Princess Celestia with a flowing paper in front of her. The Alicorn looks at it carefully then hopefully ask, "The treaty?"

"So does this mean -?" Luna asks, hoping that this means what she thinks it means.

Tao nodded as he answers, "Yes. The alliance is complete. We are prepared." It's official. The Mystic Ponies are now rejoining their old allies of Equestria once more.

"Indeed." Celestia said, pleased that her old friends of thousands of years ago has rejoined Equestria. It seems like yesterday when the Flutterponies rejoined after Megan's return. Celestia sign on the treaty paper with the feather pen. Everyone cheer eagerly.

"There is one more thing to do. Places, everyone," Tao makes his cards spin around him while Dragon Kick, Jade and Mighty Heart push their hooves gently to each other. "Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao!"

Everyone gasp in shock. Applejack's home and crops glow in white light. But hers isn't the only one, but the rest of Equestria including Ponyville, glow in white as well. For a few moments, it burst out, causing the Rainbow shockwave across the world. Many Dark Elves were shocked to see this from where they are. They quickly and immediately escape the battle or whatever it is that they are doing at once but the shockwave hit them hard.

Grimmore shout in anger as all of his portals are closed off. And so as the Superior, his portals are also closed as well. Both yell out furiously, "Curse you, Mystic Ponies!"

"The Protection Spell is complete . I have set everything in all of the areas. So, the Superior and Grimmore cannot harm you or your home anymore. But if they come here personally, be prepared for it." Tao said in precaution. He knew that the Protection Spell won't hold out the enemies for long, they will find other ways into Equestria and Ponyville.

Twilight nods as she said, "I understand. And thank you very much, Mr. Tao."

Ben nods while adding, "Yeah. You helped and saved us, Tao. You create a Miracle."

"We owe everything to you." Nyx said to Tao gently.

"Me? You're mistaken, Twilight and Ben. Everything I did is guiding and making you prepare for the enemy's arrival and battles." Tao insists to his friends with a light chuckle. "In fact, it is you, Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos, Tough and those come came with you that had created the Miracle for everyone. While some may not go to the end of the world, they had never given up on your hope and faith. So, it proved to me and on my behalf of the Mystic Ponies that the Equestrian Ponies are indeed worthy, determined, enduring and faithful. All and each of you possess one thing in great common: Friendship. Your ruler will be proud of you, my dear friends."

Dragon Kick said with a nod, "Yes. If you need anything, call us. We'll be there for you."

"After all, it's what friendship is all about." Jade said happily.

"Nothing, it's impossible when you believe," Mighty said mysteriously. Don't ask.

Twilight smile before speaking, "Mr. Tao, I was wondering. I know you are done with all of the mission but will you stay here for a while? My friends and everyone will like to get to know about you."

"Please, Tao. It's very important for everypony to get to know more about you, especially a Mystic Pony like you." Ben said to Tao with a hopeful smile.

"Pretty please," The filly asks as she gave the pouty face to Tao and his family. They smile.

"I will be honored, my dear friends." Tao said gently to his allies.

Everyone cheered as Pinkie bounces up, cheering, "It's time for a Party! Party for Twilight and her family's homecoming! Welcome Party for Tao and his family!"

Tao smiles while adding to Twilight and Ben, "One more thing; for you two, I have one riddle for you to listen. Because deep in the future, you will face a great challenge: No matter who and what happens to among your family, always remember that deep in their hearts they will always love you."

Twilight gasp as she ask, "Is it about my brother?" Could it involve Starlight and what happened to him? His brother was never found so it may help!

"My parents included?" Ben ask making Celestia gasp in worry and concern for some reason. The mystery around his origins may get mysterious by the moment.

Tao smiles as he explain, "That you must solve alone. If you need more guidance, I shall be there for you."

"Yes. Thank you, Tao." Twilight said with a smile. Maybe someday, she will find out the answer to the mystery that haunted her for years.

"We are ready for anything." Ben said in determination.

"One more thing: the Element Prophecy is upon on us. Should anything happen, seek the origins of Elements of Harmony." Tao said mysteriously, much to the ponies' puzzled state.

"What was that about?" Nyx ask puzzled; 'Element Prophecy'? What is Tao talking about?

"Something's bad is about 'ta happen?" Applejack asks in concern; The Element Prophecy?

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Flash spoke, wondering if this Element Prophecy will be a factor someday.

"I only know what event is coming, but be prepared for it." Tao said to his friends and allies in precaution. When the Element Prophecy does happen, the ponies must be ready for when it does.

"We will. Right, everyone," Twilight ask her friends with a smile.

"Yew bet , Twi. A'll be there fer yew, mah sister." Applejack said in determination. She let Twilight down before, but not this time!

"Absolutely," Rarity exclaims excitedly while smiling.

"Rock on!" Rainbow laughs while flying upward in determination.

"Ready whenever you are," Pinkie remarks while saluting her good friend Twilight liked a soldier to a general.

"Yes, we are not afraid of anything. Of course, not everything," Fluttershy said, getting meekly at the last part.

"I'm always with you, Twilight." Ben said, putting a hoof around Twilight.

"Me too, mommy," Nyx giggles while nuzzling Twilight on one of her fore legs.

"Count us in." Spike remarks while giving a claws up to his sister/mother/friend.

"We dare the danger." Phobos remarks in eagerness.

"We are ready fer anything!" Apple Bloom exclaims with an eager smile on her face.

"You said it!" Scootaloo laughs while giving Apple Bloom a high hoof.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders will be ready for anything!" Sweetie exclaims cutely.

"Yeah!" The rest of the CMC cheers on wildly, ready for anything.

Shining smiles as he speaks, "I'll be there for my sister."

"Don't forget about me." Cadance said, hugging her husband gently.

"I'm ready for danger!" Flash laughs as he got his sword out, waving it around recklessly.

"Always remember, Twilight, everyone you know, will be there for you." Celestia said to her student/fellow princess/friend/niece-in-law gently. The newest Alicorn will be reminded that she got friends who will be there for her always.

"In mind, heart and soul, my dear family and friends," Luna said wisely to Twilight.

"One more thing," Tao said with a frown. He hits Golden Heart and Pinkamena's heads, making them yelp in pain, "Golden Heart and Pinkamena! Thanks to you, you almost brought danger and destruction upon Ponyville! One more thing, I warned you not to attack Grimmore! One more thing, you should be very careful especially in collecting that stupid trophy of yours; One more thing!"

Golden Heart and Pinkamena are ready to embrace the pain. To their surprise, it never came as Tao said gently, "Thank you. For if you had not made Grimmore show what he's capable of, even in his seal, the Mystic Council would've been hard to convince. I, old friends, owe you a great debt."

"Thanks. And sorry the mess that we made," Golden Heart said to Tao sheepishly. Luckily, some of the ponies didn't seem to hear Pinkamena's name so she is safe for now.

"I promise that I would be careful not to play fire or anything, without any supervisor." Pinkamena said though her hooves are somehow crossed behind her back.

Tao smile while saying, "A lesson learned indeed . Well done. Come, my friends, we celebrate victory! Victory that we ponies are united as one, as well as showing our enemy that we will not fall, we will rise!"

Everyone cheered together happily, faithfully and hopefully. The CMC hugs each other, Ben and Twilight nuzzles one another and dancing a bit. They begin to sing a new song.

Nyx: I'd always thought there's a darkness, but no more.

Apple Bloom: Ah used 'ta be afraid, but no more.

Sweetie Belle: Now I have faith that we will be one and safe

Scootaloo: And now we will face our darkness together

Jade: Our hope and faith will never be lost again.

Spike: Our unity will be strong and powerful always.

CMCs: Let our Harmony light our darkest hour

Twilight and Ben: I'd always thought there's a darkness, but no more.

Applejack and Flash: I used to be afraid, but no more.

Rarity and Pinkie: Now I have faith that we will be one and safe

Rainbow and Fluttershy: And now we will face our darkness together

Princesses and Shining Armor: Our hope and faith will never be lost again.

Everyone: Our unity will be strong and powerful.
Let our Harmony light our darkest hour.

Miracles can be made,
When you believe.
Though the hope is frail,
It'll never be lost.

Twilight and Applejack: It'll never be lost.

Everyone: Who knows what miracles,
When you had faith.

Ben and Flash: When you had faith.

Everyone: When you believe,
Somehow you will.
Now you always will.
You will when you believe.

Mane Six, Ben, Flash, Nyx, All CMC, Spike, Phobos, Tough, Shining, Cadance, Celestia, Luna, Twilight's Family, Tao and his family: When you believe

Nyx and Spike: You will always when you believe.

Once the song is over, everyone smile and cheer happily. Twilight and Ben gave each other a kiss while Flash patted on Applejack on the back while she patted his. Tao smile while saying, "You are ready, my friends."

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

Now the scene focuses on the Apocalypse Ponies in their gathered meeting. They have finally witnessed the even where the Apple Farm has been fix to where their plan was completely ruined. And despite the portals being closed, the Apocalypse Ponies can always make more.

"Well it appears we've failed entirely." Suffocator Jill sighed in seeing that the heroes have won once again it seems.

"This is becoming a bad habit on our part." Deadly Rager issued in seeing that this was becoming problematic with the dealings of Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare, and the other heroes.

"Yeah, and did you see how much close the Shadow almost had them? Hehehehe, makes me almost wanna bake them cupcakes….AND WATCH THEM SQUIRM FROM ACID FLUIDS!" Psycho Pie was laughing like a mad lune, even stating something crazy that she would have done to the heroes.

"Well I would have enjoyed the spoils of having those Guardian Rings, they simply are divine." Crarity spoke in her own greedy thought of what she would have taken from the heroes had they failed.

"Aw, who needs those Guardians if they were beaten so easily, I say…let them keep them! They're of no use for us!" Fluttercruel snapped off in a remarking tone about not caring if they had those Guardians under their control, if they lost to Twilight's group, what use are they to them?

"I still can't believe Grimmore brought out something that powerful & that much chaos didn't finish the job." R. Chaos spoke off stunt shocked, Grimmore summoned the Shadow, yet it didn't win nor lose, cue the prey managed to escape before they were caught & finished right there.

"It was unbelievable when they managed to defeat all of the Eight Immortal Demon Lords, even acquire the Pan'ku Box, to keep it so they never escape the Realm of Demons?" Ms. Moon spoke from stating what she learned has also happened as of recently, the heroes have the object that frees the Demon Lords, so now from their defeat, the eight Immortals can't get out even if another thousand years pass by.

"To think even Twilight Sparkle survived not only the injures done to her by Tso Lan, she escaped the Shadow by an inch of luck. How I despise that!" Wilco snapped off in feeling his arms screech like metal against his throne, once again seeing how Twilight Sparkle has cheated death on such close accounts.

"All things seen, it would make sense we underestimated them a bit 'too' much now." Starven Fran issued off in starting to see they overlooked the potential from Twilight's small band of travelers, even if they were not of the original Element Bearers, they still performed better than they had expected.

"I'll say we have. But then again, they don't know how strong we 'really' are, so that'll leave us with some chance to catch them off guard." Warring Malice spoke off in stating her own claim, Twilight's group may have some stronger players, but they don't know the 'real' terror of the members of the Apocalypse Ponies, especially when they barely survived an illusion image of the Superior in Sunset Shimmer's human world version territory.

"And what do you think of this, father?" Trix asked to look at her father & leader, what will his reaction be from seeing this work unfolded?

"You're probably not too please that even our own ally Grimmore didn't end things." Merluck spoke in thinking that even their best ally didn't help stop the heroes.

"Patience, my children; As Grimmore claimed, he wishes to entertain, and so he was entertained." The Superior spoke to hold up his cloak sleeve in stating a fact, Grimmore was just wanting to be entertained, the odds were never much to his concerns if the enemy lived or perished. "He's a formidable foe that when he truly becomes serious, then all of Tartarus will be on the loose from his onslaught." The Superior's darken tone issued a serious warning threat, that if Grimmore were to ever, EVER, become serious, nothing could stop the demon god, even while still imprisoned in Tartarus.

"Well I wasn't bought by thinking he was actually gonna succeed." Liarjack spoke off in once again, lying about her belief that the heroes were gonna be done in.

"Wilco, how goes the 'gift' we received from Grimmore some time ago?" The Superior turns to the schemer in how goes progress in something they gain that will still tip the balance to their side.

"I've nearly finished my work, Superior, soon, the copied portion of the Triforce from the Copy Crystal will give us strengths unimaginable." Wilco spoke to humbly bow to his leader, stating the item they got from Grimmore, a Copy Crystal that has the raw power portion of Ben's Triforce, is nearly complete & will be used for their own gain.

"And once it's complete, our day of hiding in the shadows will be long over." Deadly Rager issued off in smirking in seeing that soon, all shall fear them.

"Wow, can't wait for that to happen." Warring smiled in thinking the idea was something a pony of war would get into.

"Aren't we rushing things a bit?" Trix asked off in thinking they sound like they are ready to strike Equestria; hard! If that becomes a situation, she'll have to warn Celestia of the dangers as an inside spy.

"Why, are you 'scared' to fight? After being beaten when you work under Lorcan?" Fluttercruel cruelly remarked in thinking that Trix here was afraid to fight after what happened during Lorcan's Invasion event.

"Ease off, that's my sister you’re speaking to." Merluck spoke off in protecting his little sister from being ridicule by such awful manner of a memory.

"At last, we'll show them what 'real' chaos looks like!" R. Chaos pumped herself in feeling the urge to cut loose, at last.

"Everything will begin, but only when our leader gives the word." Ms. Moon calmed the others to say they can't do much of anything without their leader's okay, and going against orders is punishable.

"Is he gonna say it? Ohhhh, this is driving me crazier than usual!" Psycho Pie asked off in wondering if the Superior will finally say 'Yes, we'll attack now' for them to be more active.

"Any crazier and we be doomed." Suffocator Jill spoke off in hearing what this member said, like she isn't crazy enough as she is now.

"As stated, my members….our time will come. For now…." The Superior issued off in stating that the time when they finally act will be near, but not yet. "We must carefully bind our time, our planning, and then when Equestria least expects it…" When he was saying this, he almost sounds very serious in his darken words. "We'll have them all within our grasp." With a lift of his hooded end of a sleeve, it looked like he was grasping the chance to obtain victory in crushing Celestia & Luna's kingdom.

"And the Demon Lords, what about the situation we were in, thanks to Boris's goofballs?" Ms. Moon spoke in recalling that Tso Lan was very upset in what the Enforcers from Boris's side did in aiding the enemy, the Demon Lords will want revenge for that.

"I would almost destroy them where they stand, however…." When the Superior spoke this, Trixie got worried if her father would do it, but that was pushed in the back of her mind. "This situation may turn into our own favor. For there will be useful pieces in strategy, and every sacrifice is necessary to obtain victory." The way he spoke, it sounded like he will use Boris & his forces until the day comes where they outlive their usefulness.

"Father, what are you…?" Trix was about to make an objection here, if she wasn't cut off.

"Consider Boris's pardon, a gift, my daughter, but the next slip up will not be so forgiving without punishment." The Superior pointed to Trix in stating that he's giving mercy to Boris the Red Devil, but the next time that Devil Pony does something against his back, there will be consequences.

"Ouch, sounds like your lover's in hot water again." Merluck spoke off in remorsing the fact in hearing what will happen to the guy Trixie's got a crush on.

"MERLUCK; REALLY; Must you do this overtime we have to discuss things?" Trix snapped off at her brother to almost be flustered by her red embarrassing face on the idea, even if it's kinda true on her part.

"There's an old say I find amusing to my station. All's Fair in Love & War. And I enjoy seeing the love of war." Warring Malice issued this off with a cocky smile in loving to go to war, and the love part was what she enjoys.

"Hugh, why do I even bother?" Trix signed in annoyance in getting nowhere here with these members.

"Meeting adjourned, return to your stations to continue your assignments." The Superior waved out his arm in giving the order to his members.

All the members nodded with serious looks on their faces before their meeting here was finished. They each disappeared through their own Corridors of Darkness; everything was soon quiet after that with some sneaky suspicion, that this group is closer to becoming active than anyone thinks.

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

At this time, Twilight, her family & friends were all down having some picnic & to fun moment to chat. Even Nyx was having fun with the Cutie Mark Crusaders since it's been ages since they were last together, even the pets of Twilight, Ben & Phobos join the Mane Six's pets to have fun, and it was even crazier fun when Justin the MechBull joined in along with Rabbitchu. Things seem to be getting quite strange, but then again, it's the sign of much happiness to being home with familiar faces.

"I got to admit, after all that adventuring, I am happy to be home again." Twilight said while lying down on the blanket. "Seriously, I felt like I was in the End of Equestria for months!"

"Probably because the delays by the authors and such," Pinkie chirps a bit, making the others look at her oddly. "What? It's true."

"As usual, Pinkie, you are random." Rainbow remarks while shaking her head a bit.

Meanwhile, as things were happening with the gang having a peaceful moment, Nen Mare was lying against a tree that provided him shade as he was seemingly taking a nap. From all the stuff that's happen & the fights & acquirements he's achieved, he felt that he himself desire the first peaceful nap since being home again.

But little did Ben know it, some strange mist cloud was surrounding the stallion's body while at the same time, his Cutie Mark glowed.

"Hmm…wha….?" Ben struggled in opening his eyes when he felt something weird about himself.

Finally opening his eyes, Ben found himself in some cloudy fog bank with nothing around to be seen. Once more, the grassy ground & the tree he lied against was now long gone, causing the Earth pony to stand on his hooves.

"What's going on here? Where am I?" Ben asked in not knowing where he was, how he got here or where Twilight & the gang were for that fact.

Suddenly, as if answering the question, the sound of an animal cry was heard near the right foggy distance….weird as it sounded very close to….a horse.

"Who's there?" Ben asked in getting a bit defensive….in case it's an enemy come to do him harm.

Then some clanking hooves in horseshoe-wear were heard and approaching from the fog was some shadowy figure unknown to Ben Mare. As Ben would have gone defensive, something happened that caused him otherwise because…when the creature came into view….it was a surprise for the stallion to see….an Earth form base horse, like from the Mag'ne's world. This was some brown coat stallion with a white long flat messy mane & a drop tail, white furry color ankles near his bronze hooves, a brown muzzle and blue eyes. This horse even had on some equipment meant for someone to ride it.

"Who…are you?" Ben asked in utter surprise, he can't help but feel that there's something about this horse that differs from regular ponies in Equestria.

The mysterious horse responded not with words, but a basic language of an average ccreature from Megan's world from a few snorts & 'nahh' sounds.

"Your name's….Epona? And you’re a…" Ben spoke in finally catching the name of this unique horse before him and amazingly, the stallion understood everything that was said.

The revealed horse nods while making horse snort-like sounds like it's trying to speak with Ben.

"Okay, but tell me. How did I get here? And why are you here?" Ben asked from trying to get to the point of how in Equestria, he ended up in this limbo place.

Epona made some horse noises while stomping it's hooves in also communicating by body language.

"You're saying…I'm here & seeing you cause….we shared a connection." Ben responded off a bit puzzled when he heard something like 'that' out of nowhere. "What kinda connection?" Ben asked in feeling unsure what connection he has to this creature, just what was it?

Epona nodded his head to Ben's flank where it seemingly glowed a bit. Maybe cause without Ben knowing it, he somehow was understanding Epona from the Triforce's magic, perhaps.

"The connection that revolves are….the Triforce?" Ben responded off a bit more confused, did this average horse have some connection to the power within Ben, but how?

Suddenly, a whistle noise was heard that caught Epona's attention to turn and walk towards the sources.

"Hay wait, where are you going?" Ben cried out in not wanting to be left alone here.

Ben was chasing after this mysterious horse called Epona, wondering who was calling him. Only to get an answer from seeing two more shadows within the fog, only their shape seem familiar for Ben to tell.

"Wait a second, are those….people," Ben responded off in having a good look to see, what was behind the fog was not a pony or another creature, but human figures, like the ponies human friend Megan from her world.

When coming into the picture, the two shadowy figures were revealed that were petting Epona.

One to the left side was an elf girl with blonde hair wearing a crown, & the other one on the right was a male elf wearing a green outfit. Another interesting fact was seeing the male elf wield the Hylian Shield on his back, carrying the Hero's Bow, and another surprise was the Master Sword only supposed to be wielded by the Hero of Time.

Now Ben was really surprised to see some human elf creatures because of their pointy ears, he's basically seen the Dark Elf Grimmore, but these folks seem more good & nicer than that villain is.

Epona made a horse sound which Ben understood from his Triforce as the latter seemed surprised.

"You're saying that they're your friends?" Ben responded in hearing Epona say those here were this horse's friends.

Epona made some sounds while moving his head from the female to the male on each of his sides to speak something.

"One is the Princess of a kingdom called Hyrule from long ago, Zelda." Ben heard the first part to stare surprise in meeting a princess of long ago, but was then looking at the other guy, "And the other….Is your rider & friend, Link. And he's…." Ben almost stopped in hearing that latter part he translated to be wide-eye shock to know who this Link guy is. "He's….the Hero of Time." Ben finished off to say, but was stump to believe it. He's heard of the Hero of Time so many times, the connection between him, the Triforce, the Master Sword, and the other items used by this person called Link.

Epona nodded in saying that Ben was correct in what he learned.

"Unbelievable? The real Hero of Time? But then, that means you…?" Ben was so stump to believe this, that something also came to his attention, where these elf citizen maybe, just maybe….

At this time, Link & Zelda held up their right hands where a green & blue triangle shape of the Triforce was seen. And in response, Ben's Triforce glowed in accordance to their own; this meant one thing to which even Ben realized…he was standing before the original bearers of the Triforce.

"They were once the chosen ones of the Triforce? Zelda was the Bearer of Wisdom, and Link the bearer of Courage." Ben spoke in seeing & understanding the different Triforce marks on the hands of these two, especially since the color was an easy give away. "Tell me something, I've always been curious. Why was I chosen to bear the Triforce?" Ben has wondered this for some time, maybe he'll be given the answers that he needs to know about.

Epona answered that with a little horse response & tap of its front hoof to the ground which Ben followed easily.

"Because over the years, only a descendant from the Hero of Time would be bestowed the gift," Ben responded a bit puzzled in hearing this correctly by his translation skills. "But that makes no sense, I'm a pony and it shows that I can't have inherit a bloodline from an elf creature," From Ben's view, both Zelda & Link were not of his species, so how was it possible he got the Triforce by a related blood…then it hit him. "Unless….through the descendants, it was not for his kind of people, but….his steed," Ben turn to Epona with a wide-eye shock, could it be…since he was an adoptive child to Celestia with no memory of his own bloodline family….was he perhaps….a descendant from Epona, the steed connected to the Hero of Time, Link.

Epona nods his head in signalling the answer very clearly; this also left Ben astounded to realize…that's how he & Epona were connected; unreal.

Now Zelda & Link wave their hands with the Triforce marks to magically summon something in midair. And it took the form of something Ben recognized, the flute he obtain & left behind in the End of Equestria.

"Wait, that's…the flute I used to beat Hsi Wu with!" Ben exclaimed insurprise, why was that object here of all places, for what purpose?

Suddenly, a magic from the Triforce logos embodied the flute in a magical glow before it soon floated over to Ben Mare's spot to find…it had changed. Now the flute was of some light-tan blue ocarina with seven holes & around its base hold…was a gray band with the symbol mark of the golden Triforce. Ben ended up holding the item when the glow faded, and he felt…something.

"What…is this?" Ben asked completely surprised to be holding this something he doesn't recognize, but remain astounded.

Epona responded with a few horse made sounds in saying something.

"The Ocarina of Time," Ben responded off puzzled in learning of what the name of the flute object he now holds.

Zelda's lips never moved, but her hand with the Triforce glowed in almost sending a signal in communicating to the stallion.

"A sacred instrument secretly passed down for generations within the Royal Family of Hyrule, kept it safe from those that would exploit its power to cause others harm." Ben responded in somehow understanding the explanation Zelda told him in his mind.

Then Link performed the same deed, he used his Triforce from his hand to glow & speak to Ben through the stallion's mind.

"This treasured heirloom of the Royal Family was only given to the one who will open the Door Of Time to retrieve the Master Sword and that person was…the Hero of Time. That was you, Link?" Ben was now responding the words that he heard from Link about how important the ocarina really was that aided the hero long ago.

Link nods in agreeing that what was said is true, he is, or was, the Hero of Time long ago.

"This thing with endless mysterious powers, why give it to me?" Ben looked at the ocarina in concern, why would these two bearers give him such a treasured & potentially powerful item?

Epona spoke in saying something in his natural tongue for Ben to follow.

"Because I've proven myself from the harsh trial that I've face, not only myself, but my friends & love ones." Ben responded in somehow, understanding this claim. He has faced much, has slowly awaken the Triforce's three elements, and now this proves he's another step closer.

The three nodded their heads in saying that what Ben Mare said is the truth.

"But tell me, how can I know how to use it?" Ben asked in never once, practiced an instrument when he was young, sure he pulled off the flute with Hsi Wu, but that was not a mysterious instrument like this ocarina is.

Zelda pointed to her glowing hand with the Triforce of Wisdom reacting, signaling this meaning to Ben.

"The Triforce of Wisdom will teach me how to use it & that the songs I'll learn will be passed down for me to use," Ben responded in understanding this meaning from the princess.

Soon Ben felt his own Triforce glow for a moment, he yelped before…suddenly feeling some unexplained 'knowledge' coming into his head. The stuff was about the Ocarina Of Time, the songs one can use to solve puzzles, affect the weather, communication, calling allies, warping to certain locations around Equestria, healing tormented souls, awakening those from deep slumber, makes listeners fall asleep, invigorates singing voices, create a replica, slow down or fast forward time, & other song melodies that were so overwhelming. Once the deed was done, did Ben sigh in feeling like he has absorbed a lot of information, but knew what to do with it.

"Thank you, I feel like I might not have been the most worthy in obtaining the Triforce or the other weapons & items bestowed to help me, but…." As Ben spoke, he held the ocarina close to his chest, feeling like he's making a pledge. "I promise to use them wisely and to use that power with courage…to face whatever comes my way." Ben spoke that he'll use what he has and what he'll gain to do what is right, to protect those he cares for, that is all.

Epona made a loud cheer in hearing that claim while saying something else.

"Wait, you say before I go, Zelda & Link want me to listen to something? Well okay, I'm game." Ben responded a bit puzzled in thought, but decided, sure, why not?

Soon Zelda took some harp out while Link brought forth his own Ocarina of Time, much like the one Ben now holds. Soon the two were playing something, a melody Ben, despite having its knowledge, found it ever so soothing, it calmed himself, he felt like his worries would fade away.

"Ben….hey Ben; wake up…." A sudden voice spoke during the scenery that a bright flash blinded Ben's presence with Link, Zelda & Epona.

"Hugh, what now…?" Ben's eyes were seen waking himself up, to notice the others gathered around him to stare at him. "Um, everything okay?" Ben asked from having a weird feeling by the sudden attention here.

"Ben, you've been asleep very deeply, we were getting worried." Twilight spoke in feeling worried about her love that seems so much asleep, he wouldn't wake up no matter what the group did.

"An' 'dat's after Ah hit dat noggin o' yers wit' a Frisbee, sorry." Tough Apple spoke off in apology in being at fault in what happened to Ben.

"I said he wouldn't get knocked out by a Frisbee, but then again, who hasn't?" Phobos rolled his eyes in stating this little fact about those getting unconscious by such acts.

"Hey Ben, what's that behind your back?" Spike asked in noticing something behind the stallion's backside.

Ben reached behind himself in puzzlement until he felt something. When he pulled it out, he soon saw to his surprise, that it was the very Ocarina of Time that Link & Zelda presented to him….so it wasn't a dream.

"The Ocarina of Time," Ben responded shocked, where he went did happen, he didn't imagine it while his friends never saw it, it must have happened when it was just his soul that was separated from his body momentarily.

"The whatty-wha-the again," Rainbow Dash repeated off lost and puzzled, what was this guy even saying?

"It's something related to me, to the Triforce…and to…The Hero of Time." Ben slowly spoke in sating these facts while holding the flute in his grasp, recalling the hero that he's now knowing of his connection to, even if it's just a tiny bit.

"Why darling, that's simply marvelous of a gift that you've gotten." Rarity spoke in feeling this was a nice little thing for Ben to be given.

"Oh, can you play a song for us; Huh-huh-huh, can yah? Can yah?" Pinkie Pie popped around in asking if Ben can actual play such an instrument.

"Twilight, does Ben know how to play an instrument? Oh, if you don't mind me snooping around for such an answer," Fluttershy asked her friend meekly in wondering this puzzling question of thought.

"It's fine Fluttershy, but…I don't think Ben's played an instrument when we were young. The only time that he played a flute was our moment in the End of Equestria." Twilight spoke with some thought in mind, the only time she saw Ben play a flute was against the Sky Demon Lord, Hsi Wu.

"So hon, think ye might play a tune fer us?" Applejack asked with a smile in thinking this boy might play them something nice.

"I think I know a good number of songs to try, but I think I got one for just relaxing us." Ben spoke in thought, he has a whole knowledge of songs, but Ben may have something that can be helpful in just relaxing those that need serious R&R.

"Can you play it for us, daddy?" Nyx asked with excitement on her face, wondering what her father might be able to lay.

"Sure, this one's called…'Song of Healing' to help us heal over our stresses." Ben spoke in having a song that was label to be the perfect key to recover all of the things that they've felt over their adventures.

Soon at the moment, Ben was playing that song by his flute, the entire background was filled with utter peace. The silent sounds of a piano with the stallion playing his ocarina flute seem to help calm every pony & Dragon's minds. For Twilight, Nyx, Spike, Phobos & Tough, their pets, this music sounded as nice and peaceful comforting from when Tao played his leaf to his lips. It wouldn't be long before a lot of citizens felt like their minds felt calm & collective, the music, the melody, it was so relaxing, it felt like all their troubles could just…fad away. Even from behind the shadows, Lorcan watched, but felt some force of that melody calm him while he continues to hid from ever being spotted.

Once the song is over, Celestia appears, joining in on the celebrities. The Alicorn look surprised upon Ben's Ocarina of Time, asking, "Son? Is that...

"An ocarina; Mom, it's a long story." Ben said to Celestia. The mother smiles as she sits down near her colt son.

"Tell me. I got all day."

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

Grimmore was having another meeting with the Apocalypse Ponies...when a noise interrupts the whole thing. The evil Overlod King demanded, "Who goes there?!"

A puff of black and darkness appear. Everyone in Apocalypse Ponies' chamber coughs. Soon they soon encounter Shadow Dragon, DJ Red, Clumsy Rat and Shades, a black Unicorn with a long white beard, his eyes are left green iris and right yellow iris, and wore the black Chinese robe, and his Cutie Mark is 'Darkness' Chinese Symbol with dark staff. The second pony is a dark blue Pegasus with orange spiky hair, small mustache and tail, his Cutie Mark is black tiger picture head.

"You again," Grimmore ask upon recognizing one of them.

"Dark Curse and the minions of Dark Mystic Ponies," The Superior said, recognizing the group.

"Wait! As in Dark Mystic Ponies?! I thought they're just a myth!" Wilco exclaims in amazement upon seeing the legendary evil ones besides the Demon Lords.

"Like the Demon Lords or Mystic Ponies we had encountered?" Suffocator Jill ask while rolling her eyes. "Believe me; I think he's far too real."

"Agreed," Starven Fran said with a nod of agreement.

"One who help us in building the powerful organization, and the army of Dark Mystic Ponies," Merluck said with a smirk on his face.

"Oh no......." Trix said in concern. If this was the case, Boris's punishment may come regardless of what the Superior said earlier!

"Greeting, unworthy mortals, and God of Useless," Dark Curse said, taunting everyone in sight much to Grimmore's annoyance.

Grimmore snarl, "Have I ever told you of how annoying you can be?!"

"Did I ever tell you of how stupid and unintelligent you can be?!"

"Have I told you that this is your fault from beginning?!"

Dark Curse kept on insulting Grimmore, not caring about how angry he is making him, "Have I told you that I'm the one who breaks the small portions of your seal? Allowing you to slowly breaking the seal parts, slowly and patiently?"

"Have I told you -" Grimmore begins to throw out another insult but a certain cloaked one has had enough.

"Enough!" The Superior groans in annoyance. Honestly, for two serious villains, they acted like little foals! "You two haven't changed a bit, have you? So, what is it, old ally?"

"So Twilight Sparkle and heir of Celestia had managed to overcome the End of Equestria?" Dark Curse asks the Superior and the others in amusement.

"Indeed . I presume you had predicted it?"

Dark Curse chuckles, "Indeed ." The villain licks his mouth, much to the disgust of some of the members. "It's hard to believe that Tao had managed to convince the foolish Mystic Council to rebuilt their alliance with Equestria when they know that the mortals are nothing but weak, useless and pathetic excuse slaves, such as poor ancestor of yours, Lord Smaug. "

Superior groan in annoyance, "Do not use that name in front of my members!"

Dark Curse chuckles, "My apology. But do not forget of what I had done as a favor for you than the mere fools of Demon Lords had given. Your missions are nothing but failure." The Dark Pony chuckle wickedly, "In fact, this is where the fun truly begins."

"What?! Are you saying you planned everything ahead of me?!" Grimmore ask insulted. The Dark Elf is the one who does that, not this Dark Pony idiot!

"Jealous, I sense?" Dark Curse chuckle evilly. "Pity, isn't it?"

"I have never seen Grimmore been more upset and angry when encountering Dark Curse. Impressive," Deadly Rager said impressed. He sits back uncomfortingly upon seeing Grimmore glaring at him. Perhaps now is not the time to aggravate him.

"Oh........ This is so gonna be good." Psycho giggles like a fool.

"Immortals or not, I don't care who's powerful! I want the job done! As far as I can see, none of your warriors are so ferocious as Hydra, especially that orange mustache Pegasus." Fluttercruel remarks to the newcomers cruelly.

"Ouch. Bad move, bad version of Fluttershy." DJ Red remarks to Fluttercruel with a smirk as if what she did wasn't bright at all.

"She's so in it." Clumsy said in amusement.

Shades nods while adding, "Black Tiger is going to kill her."

Black Tiger growl angrily as his eyes are widened with great anger, hatred and raged. He yells out, "Angry crow takes flight!" Black Tiger jump up high. "Evil stands on the mountain!" He landed on the chair in front of Fluttercruel. She gasps. "Black Tiger slaughtered on insolent fox!"

Black Tiger strikes his hoof right in front of Fluttercruel. She quickly covers herself. But instead of hitting on her face, Black Tiger stopped his attack in front of her while growling at her.

"Maybe unwise to do that,." Fluttercruel said a bit nervous and freaked out. Perhaps insulting Black Tiger wasn't the best way to go after all.

"Indeed , worthless mortal," Black Tiger remarked in satisfaction. Of course, secretly, Fluttercruel plans on punishing this jerk later for trying to do that to her.

"Black Tiger, return!" Dark Curse orders Fluttercruel. Black Tiger land on the ground near his master.

"Ah'm sure yer're a good use 'ta us." Liarjack said, lying as usual.

"As far as my welfare, you are nothing but show-offs." Crarity said, waving off the newcomers as show-offs to her.

"Give me one good reason as to why should I listen to you guys. I rather beat those punks upside down." R. Chaos remarks in annoyance to these guys. Why should she bother with these goons?

"Are you testing my powers?" Dark Curse ask R. Chaos in amusement. Time to prove her wrong, "Very well, DJ Red, Clumsy Rat, Shades, will you show them what powers are we capable of?"

"I thought you'd never ask, boss." DJ Red said with a wicked grin.

"The bad guys' song incoming," Clumsy Rat remarks madly and eagerly.

Shades smile while adding, "Rock and roll time."

"You should be careful of what you request, mortals." The Shadow Dragon warns the doubtful Apocalypse Ponies in amusement.

"You'll soon regret everything." Black Tiger remarks in agreement. He can't wait to prove these doubters way wrong.

DJ, Clumsy and Shades move to the middle as everyone in the room watch the event carefully. They soon begin to sing, showing off and using moves.

DJ, Clumsy and Shades: By the power of Darkness...

DJ: Evil...

Clumsy: Devil...

Shades: Shadows...

DJ: Demons...

Clumsy: Cruel...

Shades: Ambition...

DJ: Selfish...

Clumsy: Heartless...

Shades: Lust...

DJ: Gluttony...

Clumsy: Greed...

Shades: Envy...

DJ: Sloth...

Clumsy: Wrath...

Shades: Pride...

DJ: Faithless...

Clumsy: Lost...

Shades: Death...

Clumsy: Fallen...

Shades: Rising...

DJ: Darkness...

DJ: Evil...

Clumsy: Devil...

Shades: Shadows...

DJ: Demons...

Clumsy: Cruel...

Shades: Ambition...

DJ: Selfish...

Clumsy: Heartless...

Shades: Lust...

DJ: Gluttony...

Clumsy: Greed...

Shades: Envy...

DJ: Sloth...

Clumsy: Wrath...

Shades: Pride...

DJ: Faithless...

Clumsy: Lost...

Shades: Death...

Clumsy: Fallen...

Shades: Rising...

DJ: Darkness...
So you think you've got friends in high places
With the power to overthrow us

Shades: Well, sorry to say these smiles on our faces

Clumsy: You'll know what power is when we are done

DJ, Clumsy and Shades: Idiots...

DJ: You're playing with the Dark Mystics now

Clumsy: Playing with the Dark Mystics now

Shades: Oh, That's pretty.

DJ: Ev'ry spell and gesture

Clumsy and Shades: Tells you who's the best

DJ, Clumsy and Shades: You're playing with the Dark Mystics now[

You're playing with the Dark Mystics now
You're playing with the Dark Mystics now

DJ: Stop this foolish petty argument

Clumsy: Watch a true evil

Shades: Give an exhibition how

DJ, Clumsy and Shades: Better respect us, fools
You're playing with the Dark Mystics now!

Choirs: By the power of Darkness...
Evil...
Devil...
Shadows...
Demons...
Cruel...
Ambition...
Selfish...
Heartless...
Lust...
Gluttony...
Greed...
Envy...
Sloth...
Wrath...
Pride...
Faithless...
Lost...
Death...
Fallen...
Rising...

DJ, Clumsy and Shades: You're playing with the Dark Mystics now

You're playing with the Dark Mystics now
By the might of Dark Curse
You will listen and do for us
Kneel to our powers of darkness...

DJ: You put up a front

Clumsy: You put up a fight

DJ: And just to show we feel no spite

Shades: You can be our acolytes

DJ: But first, ponies, it's time to bow

DJ, Clumsy and Shades: Or it's your own grave you'll dig, ponies
You're playing with the Dark Mystics now
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Playing with the Dark Mystics
Now!

Once the song is over, the Apocalypse Ponies (most of them) look in awe and amazement. Crarity pauses then speaks up, "Now that's evil."

"Alright, Dark Ponies, you win." R. Chaos remarks with a shrug. Fine, she and her pals will work with these guys. They're in.

"Now, that's what I call killing ponies!" Psycho remarked with a mad laugh.

"This is more entertaining than before." Fluttercruel said in agreement. Their words of evil are cruel...perfect for her!

"Perhaps, more allies we require for our assistance and war as well." T. Moon remarks in amusement. The more allies that the villains get, the better for their conquest of Equestria.

"Now, that is clear, so any plans do you intend to do, old friend?" Dark Curse asks, wondering as to what the Superior has got planned.

"A lot, Dark Curse; In fact, Tso Lan and his brethren had failed us miserably." The Superior remarks with a frown on his face, recalling the Demon Lords' precious failures against the heroes.

"So it is pointless to bring them back, am I right?" T. Moon ask, knowing that since Tso Lan and his siblings has failed, what's the point in them returning, right?

"Indeed . Let us eliminate them at once. Let them know who is the one in charge." Grimmore said with a nod. The Demon Lords are now useless...or are they?

Dark Curse shook his head while chuckling, "My, my, Grimmore, once again, you lack the bigger picture."

"I beg your pardon, you insolent pony!"

"Why destroy them, when they are still some of use to us, and especially their very weapons, powers and minions?"

"Yes; that I agree the most, Dark Curse. In fact, you predicted even earlier before my opinion opened." The Superior said with a smirk on his face. Grimmore fumes a bit. He is the big Demon around, not Dark Curse and his idiotic band! This will not do!

"I did at what I'm good at. But there's a price for this mission." Dark Curse explains to the Superior in precaution.

"I'm listening, old friend."

Dark Curse explains the plan of what to do with the Demon Lords. By the time he's done, even Grimmore seems rather impressed with the idea.

"Despite your annoyance, your plan is still flawless and perfect." Grimmore said, admitting that even Dark Curse's plan is still flawless and perfect.

"There are so much more you do not know what are my plans; that is why I never trust you in the first place, even though I had helped milord more." Dark Curse points out to Grimmore, making the Dark Elf a bit irritated. One of these days...

T. Moon approach Shadow Dragon as she asks, "So what is this about, my dear friend?"

Shadow Dragon smile while saying slyly to T. Moon, "You will soon find out, Princess of Darkness. Be sure that you will be pleased of it." The mysterious hooded one couldn't help but giggle in delight underneath her cloak.

"I can't wait."

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

The Demon Lords sat in the Realm of Demons. All of the Demons are fuming. Their enemies has beaten them, Nyx is out of their reach and worst, Tso Lan has found out that Tao is not only still living (as the Demon Lords knew all along) but he also changed her blood with Ben's! Now Nyx isn't his daughter anymore, blast that Mystic Pony!

Suddenly a familiar hooded figure appears, much to the notice of the Demon Lords. He spoke, "Greetings."

"What do you want?!" Po Kong groans to the Superior. Had their ally come to spread more salt onto the wounds?!

Hsi Wu snarls angrily to the Superior, "How dare you visit us?!"

"This is your fault, Superior!" Dai Gui snaps as he and the other Demon Lords felt that the Superior is to be held responsible for their banishment and humiliations.

"Indeed. If your minions hadn't interfered in our plans from the beginning, we would have won!" Xiao Fung snaps furiously to the Superior, still recalling how Bocolix and Dumbledore got in the way in the first place.

"When we are free, we shall tear you apart!" Tchang Zu remarks angrily and sinisterly.

The Superior just chuckles, shaking his head while remarking, "I do not care of what you think, imbeciles! If you want to leave this world, you will do as my command, from now on."

Bai Tza hiss in anger, "You dare request us to be your slaves?! After all the things we had given to your ancestor, this is how we are repaid?!"

"We shall take your powers now!" Shendu snaps furiously. The Superior will pay for his insolence and demanding!

Before any of the Demon Lords could go through on the threat, the Superior smirk as he spoke, "I'm afraid you can't." The Demon Lords were shocked and confused. What does he mean? "The powers did not come from you, but from some ponies that I called allies."

"Who will that be?" Tso Lan ask the Superior puzzled by the explanation.

A familiar Overlord King appears, smirking as he taunts, "Me." The Demon Lords yelp and gasp in fear. They all know him...and would be foolish to even go against him, no matter how strong that these Demons are.

"No! Not him!" Shendu exclaims, shaking in fear even for someone who fought Twilight, Tao and their group to a standstill.

"The Overlord of Tarturus," Bai Tza exclaims, trembling in fear as well.

"Dai Gui feared his powers." Dai Gui whimpers while covering his eyes.

"Indeed !" Tchang Zu exclaims in fear. Grimmore puts fear in the Demons, even the lords themselves.

"Spare us! Don't kill us!" Po Kong cries out as she jumps behind a rock in a poor attempt to hide.

"We want to live!" Hsi Wu exclaims frantically, fearing the worst.

"Have mercy on us!" Xiao Fung insists to Grimmore, begging for his life.

Surprisingly, Tso Lan is the only one not trembling in fear. In fact, he just stood there, calmly apparently as he spoke, "I understand. So, you are the reason for giving Smaug the powers. I'm impressed. Perhaps, We had underestimated the ponies for far too long."

"I could end your life. But your powers, resources and armies are useful to our forces." Grimmore explains to Tso Lan in amusement. Of course, it was Dark Curse's suggestion but still he took it as his own.

"You're not suggesting our death?" Shendu ask Grimmore in surprise. Even after threatening the Superior, the Dark Elf isn't interested in finishing the Demon Lords off at all!

"On the contrary, I can ways to get you out." Dark Curse exclaims as he appears, much to the notice of the Demon Lords.

Hsi Wu, recognizing Dark Curse, spoke, "The leader of Dark Mystic Ponies, Dark Curse."

"Nice to see you drop by." Xiao Fung said, amazed to see Dark Curse in the Realm of Demons at last.

"How do you intend to do that? All the portals have been sealed!" Po Kong points out to Dark Curse in concern. All the portals had been sealed thanks to the Demon Lords' banishment.

"Pan'ku Box had been taken by ponies!" Dai Gui groans a bit, knowing that the only way to get out has been taken from the Demon Lords.

"Lies will not be accepted." Tchang Zu points out to Dark Curse. If this Dark Mystic Pony even thinks of lying to the Demon Lords, then his death is sealed!

"Thunderstorm Lightning!" The Dark Pony booms. Dark Curse fire his powers at Tchang Zu with humongous powers of thunder and lightning, causing him to scream in pain. He chuckles while the Dark Pony continues, "I do not lie to my allies of darkness, but to your enemies of Light, including Princess Celestia and her heir: Benjamin Maregillian."

"Perhaps, you know something about Celestia and her secrets?" Bai Tza asks, suspecting that Dark Curse may know the secret that the Demon Lords has found out about Ben not too long ago.

"Indeed . I know, all of you want revenge. It shall be done; for I have a special spell to bring you out from this pathetic world."

"These are desperate times. However, I want revenge on the mortals, especially Spike. He is now my enemy. It is pointless to bring him to our side." Shendu remarks with a grumble. Spike is now and forever the enemy of the Demon Lords. He will soon pay for his betrayal.

"Indeed . So what is our price to pay?" Tso Lan ask Dark Curse, curiously as to what the Dark Pony has in mind. The other Demon Lords are agreeing to take whatever price to get revenge on the ones who defeated them.

Dark Curse smirks as he explains, "Excellent choice, my Demon friends. Once I removed the souls from your former bodies, you will bond with the mortals that Lord Smaug had chosen. But we will leave some powers with you such as the powers of elements, the Shadow Demon Tribes and the 12 Mystic Talismans. But be warned, should your hosts died, get injured or somehow ejected you, you will return to this accursed world."

Tso Lan look at his brethren, who nodded their heads. He now speaks again, "Very well, we agreed. We are now your servants, Lord Smaug."

"I like it. But rather as my servants, you eight will be my only trusted generals." The Superior said to the Demon Lords, pleased by their cooperation.

"Dai Gui like it. Dai Gui smashed the enemies!" Dai Gui laughs as he smashes a rock nearby. The Demon can't wait to get back to Equestria and punish those who wronged him.

"As long there is a fight, I would be honor to enjoy this." Tchang Zu remarks with a shrug.

"Hopefully, I can get more good foods, especially sludges." Po Kong said, licking her lips hungrily.

"As least, I could have wings. It wouldn't be fun for me to be on ground." Hsi Wu said while spreading his wings a bit.

"When there's a intelligent and cruel being, I would love to torture my enemies." Xiao Fung remarks cruelly while laughing a bit.

"I would like to have my revenge on Twilight Sparkle, Lord Smaug." Bai Tza said eagerly. Twilight has defeated her servant, her pet, Bai Tza herself and taken her empire away from her! This shall not stand!

"So do I. I want the heads of Spike and Ben. They will pay for ruining my plan." Shendu remarks cruelly and angrily.

"Indeed . Nyx will be punished for her treachery against us, her family." Tso Lan said with a nod. Nyx will pay for even allowing herself to become something she is not to him: a pony.

Grimmore smirk while stating, "I'm starting to enjoy this."

"You may begin, Dark Curse." The Superior said, giving Dark Curse permission to do what he must.

Dark Curse close his eyes for a while, before he open them in black lights and his horn glow in mixed with black, red and green. He shouts, "Souls Removal! Powers Intact! Talismans Removed!"

Dark Curse fires his magic at the Eight Demon Lords. They cry out loud in pain. While screaming, something is slowly coming out from their bodies: the transparent heads of the Demon Lords. Their bodies fell to the ground. Shendu's body glow in darkness as the Talismans slowly comes out from his body. The Superior and Grimmore smirk at the scene. Things are going well.

"Removing the souls from bodies is complete ." Dark Curse explains to the Superior, "Now, your order, Lord of Equestria?"

The Superior smirks as he speaks, "Behold the chosen ones I have selected." Eight portals open in front of the Demon Lords. "Now go, and don't complain of the chosen ones I chose."

"Female, Male, children mean nothing to us. As long there is freedom, we are free. Now onward, my brethren," Tso Lan said in glee. He and his siblings are freed to cause trouble anew .

Tso Lan and Shendu heads to the left middle two portals, Bai Tza and Tchang Zu to the right middle two portals, Po Kong and Dai Gui head to the left two portals, and Hsi Wu and Xiao Fung head to the right two portals. They cried out loud as the Demon Lords enter the chosen ones that the Superior picked. The chosen ones hiss in pain while closing their eyes. They open up and revealed crimson eyes.

"Howdy, Demon Lord o' Earth. 'De name's Liarjack." Liarjack said, revealing herself to Dai Gui.

"The liar pony; But you like torture the enemy?" Dai Gui ask Liarjack puzzled.

"Sure do."

Suffocator Jill finds herself in an uncomfortable position with Po Kong in herself. She groans, "Unbelievable. I've been chosen by the fat Demon. She would probably want more foods."

"The more food we eat, the powerful we became." Po Kong points out to Suffoator Jill with glee.

"Better than nothing."

"Are you ready to kill anypony and turned them into cupcakes?" Psycho laughs eagerly to her bonding partner AKA Tchang Zu himself.

Tchang Zu chuckle in amusement, "I like your guts! I definitely like meats!"

"Do you have wings?" Hsi Wu asks his own bonding partner AKA R. Chaos herself.

"What do you expect, a wingless pony, Hsi Wu?" R. Chaos ask with a shrug as she held out what appears to be the weirdest pair of wings that one don't normally see on a pony. "Do you fly faster?"

"You bet, brat!"

"Sweet."

Tso Lan meanwhile is proud of whose body he is possessing. He spoke to the one called T. Moon, "Interesting. You had taken the powers of my daughter from another world?"

"Indeed." T. Moon remarks to Tso Lan evilly. "You're an interesting person, Lord Tso Lan. You and I and master Shadow Dragon will made an excellent team."

Tso Lan smirk as he comments, "I look forward to it." Perfect, very perfect indeed .

"Do you swim well, mortal?" Bai Tza asks Starven Fran curiously. She wants a pony whose can swim!

Starven Fran huffs in disbelief, "Do I look weak to you? I am one of the strongest and powerful members among Apocalypse Ponies! You want Twilight Sparkle's head, work with me. I'll get her head for you."

Bai Tza hiss anxiously, "Indeed ."

"So tell me, are you going to be nice?" Fluttercruel ask Xiao Fung, her bonding partner, cruelly. She can't have any Demon who is nice at all!

"Now, why should I when I can be crueler and evil? With my Wind Power , we can destroy our enemies." Xiao Fung said to Fluttercruel eagerly. Now this is his kind of pony!

"Fair enough."

"Such power ; I can feel the fire within her. She is perfect." Shendu chuckles as he is now with his bonding partner: Warring Malice.

"I'm so not liking this." Warring Malice said in concern. She knows that the Superior picked her as punishment for having Bocolix and Dumbledore, through Boris, go to the End of Equestria in the first place.

"Care to explain, Superior?"

The Superior, appearing, explains, "She is the reason of how our plan went wrong. As long you're in her body, you make sure that she doesn't try to do anything else foolish in the future."

"Very well," Shendu said sinisterly. Warring Malice cringes in more worry. It's going to be hard to pull something when this Demon inside her.

"And now for the Talismans," Dark Curse said as he pass out certain Talismans to the Apocalypse Ponies and their Demon partners. "Each of you will take one for your own interest. Rat for, Ox for Liarjack, Tiger for Fluttercruel, Rabbit for Rainbow Crash, Dragon for Warring Malice, Snake for Deadly Rage, Horse for Trix Lulamoon, Sheep for Wilco, Monkey for Suffocator Jill, Rooster for Psycho Pie, Dog for Twilight Moon and Pig for Crarity."

"I do not need the Talismans. For mine alone, it's enough to finish my enemies for good." The Superior said, having no need for a Talisman of his own to use. His powers from Grimmore are enough.

"Then, it is settled. Our battles with mere fools will continue as we planned." Grimmore said pleased. With the Demon Lords with the Apocalypse Ponies, things are going onward as hoped.

"Indeed ." Dark Curse hiss eagerly, "Our enemies will fall before our might. Nothing can stop us."

"Yes, Indeed it is. Our forces against enemies will require more plans and ideas in creating both fear and destruction." Tso Lan said to Dark Curse with a nod.

"You're starting to get the ideas." T. Moon said impressed. "Purr.... I like your style. But of course, I rather be with Shadow Dragon; For he's much more handsome than Benjamin."

"I'm touched by your sweet and devoted words." The Shadow Dragon remarks to T. Moon, touched by her words.

"Wow, you guys heard it?" DJ Red asks his colleagues in amusement.

"I didn't know Shadow Dragon is taking a date with Twilight Moon." Clumsy Rat remarks in amazement.

"Well, after all, the Shadow Dragon never likes to reveal the truth to anyone." Shades said with a slight chuckle.

"Yuck. Love drives me nuts. Anyway, I would like to proceed to do something special." Tso Lan said with a sinister smirk. The Demon Lords had decided on punishing the one, besides Warring Malice, who dared send those idiotic Alicorns to get in the way in the first place.

The Superior smirk, "Very well, but make sure you bring him back in one piece." He promised that he himself will spare Boris as a pardon.

Too bad the Superior didn't say that the Demon Lords didn't make the same promise!

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

Boris got his training done when the Superior appears, much to his notice. The annoying hooded one got a mission for him apparently.

"Boris, it is time for your next mission." The Superior said mysteriously.

"Good, time for my battles." Boris said pleased for his next mission. What he hears next shocked him.

"Face your punishment."

"What?!"

"Hello, Boris." The voice that Boris never heard of until now he heard.

Boris turns and saw Twilight Moon, Warring Malice, Starven Fran, Psycho , Liarjack, Fluttercruel, Suffocator Jill and Rainbow Chaos. The Red Devil Pony in worry ask, "Guys or girls?" Why are they glaring at him like that? And what's wrong with Warring Malice?

Suddenly the spirit forms of the Demon Lords appear. Shendu mocks, "I was expecting powerful pony."

"Agree, brother. He is nothing but a joke." Bai Tza said to Shendu in agreement. Boris looks worried. These must be the Demon Lords...and they are obviously not happy about him sending in Bocolix and Dumbledore into the End of Equestria in the first place!

"You are unworthy to be an Alicorn." Tchang Zu points a finger of accusation at Boris.

"Dai Gui shall punish you!" Dai Gui exclaims madly.

"Let the torture torment begins." Xiao Fung said sinisterly, waiting so much to punish Boris after so long.

"We shall have our revenge, not on your lackeys. But you," Po Kong exclaims eagerly and madly, much to Boris's horror.

"Prepare for it." Hsi Wu suggests Boris sinisterly. Any anger that he wants to direct towards Ben and Tao will be directed at this fool instead.

"What's going on," Boris ask in alarm and worry.

Bocolix and Dumbledore were heading out to the kitchen for some snacks when they saw eight familiar Demons that they themselves wish to never see again. Bocolix gasps in fright, "Oh no! It's them!"

"The Demon Lords! How?! We're doomed!" Dumbledore exclaims frantically.

"Do not worry, Boxco and Dum-Dum. Your lives will be spared, for Boris must face the punishment for disobedience and disrespect my authority." The Superior explains to the two lackeys evilly. The two looks worried. Their boss and friend is getting punished for their mistakes!

Before Boris could do anything, he got shocked literally by Tchang Zu. Psycho remarks with glee, "Ouch; that really got it hurt."

"Serves that idiot," R. Chaos taunts Boris cruelly.

"Nah, Ah think he deserve a better life." Liarjack remarks with the usual lie.

"Who cares; as long there's fun to play, I would like to torture." Fluttercruel exclaims, eager to torture Boris until the cows come home (more or less).

"Thanks to you, I've bounded to the fat Demon!" Suffocator Jill exclaims angrily, blaming Boris for being bonded with Po Kong in the first place!

"But it is worth it, doesn't it, my sisters and comrades?" Starven Fran asks with a sinister smile to the others.

"Indeed , it is." T. Moon said with a pleased look behind her hood. "With the Power of Gravity, Darkness and Intelligent, I can destroy my enemies with one strike."

Warring sobbed, "I'm sorry. I really am." She didn't wish to do this but with Shendu bounded to her, what choice does the Apocalypse Pony of War has?

"Torture and punish him as much as you want, but I want him back alive. I have some use of him." The Superior said to the Demon Lords and the Apocalyse Pony members calmly. Boris won't be killed...until his usefulness comes to an end that is. For now, the Demons will have their 'fun'.

"It would be done." Tso Lan said sinisterly. "Come, my brethren. It is time."

Shendu smirk while agreeing, "Indeed it is."

"So, Boris; Say doom," Hsi Wu remarked with a laugh to the terrified Boris.

"Nooooooooooooooo," Boris screams in terror, struggling to escape but to no prevail. He is in BIG trouble now and all because he went and pulled a dumb stunt!

Using Psycho's and Liarjack's bodies, Tchang Zu and Dai Gui dragged Boris to the entrance while Tso Lan and his brethren followed. With the door slammed, Trix sobbed while Bocolix and Dumbledore shiver in fear and worry. The Superior smirks. Maybe next time, Boris will learn to respect and learn to listen.

"Now for the next plan," The Superior said in amusement, plotting his next move.

Dark Curse and the Shadow Dragon watch from the shadows. The latter remarked to his colleague, "The Superior is enjoying it, doesn't he; especially when this involved the 'Element Prophecy'."

"Indeed it is my apprentice. I know you had interest in Ben and his powers. So once, the truth of Ben's poor and unhappy childhood is out, bring him to us. We will train him the true path of darkness. He would make an excellent Dark Mystic Warrior." Dark Curse orders to Shadow Dragon. Once Ben learns the truth, things oughta be more interesting for the Dark Mystic Ponies.

"I am honored. He and I are the same, feeling betrayed by family and friends of the secret, forced ourselves to fight for our lives, and we would not forgive our enemy for hurting our loved ones. It will be done, Master Dark Curse."

"Be prepared for my order. It would be an interesting battle."

Shadow Dragon smirk as he finishes, "I am; my master and dark father."

Nearby, the Equestrian Eliminator was watching them. He whispers to himself, "You'd better be prepared for this, Twilight. War is about to come and so as the Element Prophecy."

The Equestrian Eliminator looked at the photo before he put it back into his suit. It won't be long now...

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

Meanwhile, within the region of a castle palace in the center of Tartarus, we see the Overlord King himself, Grimmore. As the Dark Elf sat on his throne, resting his head in his open right palm as he saw everything that happened so far by a magical portal view mirror made of inferno flames. The Shadow creature being unable to catch Twilight's group & making it back home to save the day. But when that portal vanished, something warped in dark energy in a sphere appeared that was of a dead creature. This was none other than the goblin that Tso Lan killed, Todd. But what was the Dark Elf planning on doing with this dead creature?

"Hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph, hmph-hmph, what a pity," Grimmore chuckled in what was before him, the creature that was now by death's doorstep, "A Servant that was killed by his master, such a shame for you." He spoke from knowing full well of what Tso Lan did to this goblin.

Then with a single bolt from one index finger, it course through the body of the goblin inside the dark sphere.

"GUHAAAAUGH; Gahugh-haaugh-haaaaaaugh…." And in that unbelievable moment, the dead Todd has risen to catch his first breath in such a while. "Where…am….I…?" Todd requested from trying to see where he was, only to see he was in the throne room, of the Dark Elf ruler of Tartarus, Grimmore.

"In my dominion; let me ask you something." Grimmore spoke in cutting straight to the point of this talk. "Do you wish to live; do you want to be better than you are now? If so, then say so, and the only price for it….is to join my army & serve me afterwards when you are….'rebirth', anew." The Overlord King can make such a possibility happen within his godly Demonic power , the only thing to pay for it…is servitude.

"Huuuagh…HuuuuAAAaugh…..I….Wiiiiiill…Aaaugh…." Todd the Goblin spoke from trying hard in taking his breaths as he gave his answer to serve the Dark Elf if it means his life can be restored, even if it means he won't be the same.

"Excellent choice then let the transformation begin." Grimmore spoke with his eyes narrowing in seeing the helpless creature was ready for him to begin things.

Then suddenly, the dark sphere of energy was pulsing with life and it was coursing with jolts effecting the creature inside; the goblin.

"Huaarrugh…Huuagh..HRUAARRRUGHHHH," Todd the Goblin was gasping in feeling something was beginning to happen; something from the Dark Elf's terrifying power was grasping his body & soul.

"Life Creation - Dark Renewal," Grimmore spoke to hold up his left free hand to have it glow a dark magenta color before he slowly was making it grasp while steam was flowing from it towards….the sphere with the living vessel inside.

"HROOUURRARRRUGHHHH," Suddenly, the darken cloud completely covered the sphere of darkness while blocking out he screams of the person trapped inside. Soon the body struggling scene was quickly coming to an end, and soon it dropped before the dark powers were infusing into the creature's skin; warping the structure entirely. The being inside was changing to become something different, even the clothing worn was warped & different accessories were mix in. "HARROORARRRUGHHHH!" Soon the sphere of darkness began to respond a horrific wail, as it landed on the ground to slowly vanish entirely….leaving a new creature in place of Todd the Goblin servant of the Eight Demon Lords. This character looked like he was 5' 7' feet in height, look to weighed at 140 lbs. (64 kg), seemed vaguely more muscular while his appearance is strangely a dress of Middle-age standard. Seems to wear what was a full black body suit that covered all but around the neck, wore a dark turquoise cap with it covering around its neck & provided a hood over his head. The outfit was composed of a chain-mail mesh capable of deflecting small arms fire, from bronze knee-boot & shoulder pads, to tan turquoise armor from a steel-toe, back heel, on his chain-mail outfit to pocket bags around the knees & shoulders, even provides gauntlets. What's more surprising was the face of this goblin creature, tan turquoise with a jaw mouth structure, a near-flat diamond nose, pointed ears holding the hood to allow clear red eyes from the face to be seen. The new goblin was in a kneeling pose, seemingly aware of what's happened to it.

"Arise, my new goblin….from this day forth, you shall be known as….Goblin Knight." Grimmore held out his free hand in signaling the new creature to rise up for him to see.

"Goblin….Knight…" The new goblin spoke while slowly moving his body up, his voice was far deeper then Todd's voice ever was, it sounded very demeaning. "Is that….really me, my lord?" This goblin now called Goblin Knight asked in puzzlement, almost like his old memories of Todd were but a breeze from the wind.

"Of course, have a look see." Grimmore spoke to soon snap his fingers to show this goblin his new appearance fitting his name.

Soon a magic mirror appeared for Goblin Knight to study, register the movement before…understanding that that's really him.

"Hooo….I like it; me….I…am Knight Goblin." Knight Goblin smiled in liking his appearance, very intimidating to frighten foes. "What can…I do?" He looked back at his lord & master that gave him this new life, what can he do now.

"Like the Goblins in my army, like you…they have Superhuman Strength, Speed, Stamina, Durability, Agility, Reflexes, even a Regenerative Healing Factor." Grimmore explained the benefits of what the goblins in his army are capable of that average goblin don't seem to have much of. "But for you, your laughter will become a weapon, capable of creating sound waves disorienting to most people." The Dark Elf explained that this new goblin will have a special power of his very own.

"I can do all that?" Goblin Knight responded with a smile in hearing the skill that he can do now. "Hugh, maybe I'll call it….my 'Lunatic Laugh', yes….it sounds right." He held his chin in thinking that be a good name for his laughter to be his weapon, at least, Todd the Goblin's old dream to sound evil with a maniacal laugh is more than come true.

"And more, with proper guidance; you'll be able to use goblin weaponry & gear." Grimmore explained the other matter of what this new goblin shall obtain while here, "Time to meet your fellow Brother Goblins." He spoke before his eyes focus on the open door as if 'expecting' something.

Soon something was seen flying within the air and on flying beast type creatures. We slowly get to see there was a total of three as their appearances were noted of being scaly flesh beings while in strange Middle-age, yet custom suits to fit their goblin appearance at a height of 7 feet tall..

"Hobgoblin," Grimmore spoke of the first of the three to be revealed.

The Hobgoblin had yellow & gray skin as he prefer to wear a cape & hood over his head. He wears blue clothing legs & arms while having on orange boots, gloves, waist & chest clothing along with an entire orange cape while having red eyes.

"Green Goblin," Grimmore then went off to speak of the next creature from this lot.

The Green Goblin had green skin, as he wore a purple outfit that only are boots, gloves, waist & chest parts and a cap over his head, while his arms and legs are seen without them while having yellow eyes.

"Demogoblin," And finally, Grimmore called out he last guy from this flying group having some crazy fun.

The Demogoblin had gray skin while he wore a blue outfit with orange boots, gloves & inside color for his cape while having orange eyes.

These three mentioned goblins flew around on their large human size purple bats with yellow eyes for the casual travel before landing them before their lord. These goblins, unlike the average bunch, perform more stunts of stealth, thievery, treachery and approach without so much being seen. But the moment anyone knows about them, they carry bombs in the shapes of pumpkins, once pricked off their tops and/or thrown, will expect with a green mist explosion while taking out a portion of any area. Other weapons may even be razor batwings; even their gloves can pack a magical shocking jolt blast at their enemies. They're basic modes of transportation are giant demonic bats for flight with two different types. Large human size purple bats with yellow eyes for the casual travel and enlarge size silver bats with yellow eyes that can provide more speed and allow access to firing pumpkin grenade bombs from a device strapped around their waist.

"So…these are my Brother Goblins?" Goblin Knight asked in seeing these three, he seems to recall knowing them from when he was Todd; just that now….they're the real deal.

"Indeed. But while you all have the same power, your abilities can only be so far similar to Skilled Combatant, Expert Marksman, Magic Manipulation to even Genius Level Intellect." Grimmore responded in stating that Goblin Knight will possibly show abilities different from those here that are only capable of one or two or three area fields of expertise. "You three may take him to begin his training and bring forth his own giant demonic bat for transportation." The Dark Elf pointed to command the other Goblins here to aid the new one while helping to give him transportation of a bat to ride on.

"Yes, Lord Grimmore." The three newer goblins bow in showing respect to their Overlrod King. Once that was done, Goblin Knight was approached and guided by these 'superior' Goblins of Grimmore's Army.

"Well newby, be get ready for ROUNDS of Fun around here! HeHeHeHe-Hahahahah," Hobgoblin spoke off with a madden expression in making this stated claim while making a cackling laughter.

"Quite true, you have to be crazy to survive what's inshore for you! Especially when you join this army! Ger-Hahahahaha-haaaa," Green Goblin responded off in almost sounding insane in the membrane when he stated this with his laughter.

"And the fun will be a laugh riot when your enemies tremble in fear of you. With their souls! Gwu-Hahaha-Whahahahahaaaa," Demogoblin issued this off while sounding so sure to laugh it all out like a demonic being.

"You know what? I think my new life here will be pretty well fit for me. So what are we waiting for, let’s have a BLAST!" Knight Goblin smiled in feeling his old WEAK personality of Todd slipping as he begins to embrace his new persona & identity with his truly terrifying Goblin Brothers here.

Soon the four goblins were off on their bats to prepare Goblin Knight a welcome onboard to their side of the Grimmore Army.

"I'm amazed you took that deadweight when Tso Lan killed him." A voice spoke to Grimmore when he appeared behind the Dark Elf, being a Chinese Dragon of a bio-mechanical structure.

"A Ji-Ga-No, you should know, when I find something amusing, they'll be something worth keeping….for the time being." Grimmore spoke with a dark hinted remark about having Goblin Knight around, so long as he is useful to the Dark Elf. "It was the same when I used that very same spell that gave birth to the Equestrian Eliminator. My, how little the years pasty in this realm of mine," Grimmore held his chin in recalling the day long ago, he acquired Agent 13, the Equestrian Eliminator, by the same spell that he used that gave Goblin Knight his new life & identity.

"Indeed . And how are you reacting to the failure of the Shadow?" Ji-Ga-No responded off to say while pondering something about the Shadow Grimmore summoned that didn't finish off Twilight's group in time.

"A tiny act that the ponies were lucky to escape from, nothing 'too' big to be concern for." Grimmore spoke from still being ever calm and collective, like the act was nothing but an ant-size to him.

"Then why wait, they've already grown strong enough that the time for action is near." Ji-Ga-No asked off in demand, surely his lord will wish they now combat the weak ponies & conquer their world by now.

"True, but why spoil it? When it's time to unleash 'some' of my forces, they'll begin to quake with fear." Grimmore spoke in feeling he'll unleash his army, but not all of it, little by little to rattle the ponies chains. "But when my Elites are sent, things will shake much more….just before my next work, of Warlords, is complete ." He smiled wickedly in just imaging the powerful players he'll unleash on the unsuspecting ponies of Equestria. "By then, the Apocalypse Ponies will have done something on their side that I can truly go as 'wild' as I please." Grimmore smiled ever still in knowing that organization run by the Superior, needs to perform something to allow him…a chance to truly 'cut' loose; MAJORLY!

"Then it won't be long then, now will it?" Ji-Ga-No made an evil smirk across his dragon muzzle, feeling the hour draws closer & closer now.

"No, not long at all." Grimmore spoke from his eyes looking upwards to the skies in declaring this 'hour of fate' that approaches. "Hah-hah-hah-hah, HAAAUGH-haahaahaahaahaahaaaa," The scene grows dark while the castle is slowly being zoomed away. Seems trouble in Tartarus is going to get even busier than the good ponies of Equestria ever believed. And when that happens, they'll have to pray Twilight & her band of allies…can stop it.

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

In her room, Pinkamena closes the book and says, "Well book is done and the gang made it back."

"That is good but you look a little upset." Golden Heart said as he notes the upset look on his sister's face.

"Well I sense somepony's think we are reckless that might be and if the head did blew to cause a food to lessen I did get something from the dead elves so I can plan to make an army. Of course, we saw what happened already, right?"

"Right. Anyway, an army of what?"

"Well come this way." Pinkamena said. She heads off as Golden Heart follows.

Pinkamena and Golden Heart make it to her basement and she opens a hidden door to a room and enters. Golden heart says upon seeing Omega working, "Um, asking sister, what is Omega doing?"

"Well I ask him to do this real quick in making sure that the army is ok as they sleep."

"Um what army?"

"Well when there is Dark there is always..." Pinkamena said with a smirk, leading up to something.

"Um light," Golden Heart suggests with a nod.

"Right!"

Pinkamena turns on some lights and he sees in surprise elves in some containers that fit sizable humans and sees the skin a little brighter than the dark elves. Golden Heart says in shock and surprise, "How you done this?"

"Well times like these and a little of DNA and molding it and well boom," Pinkamena said to Golden Heart proudly, "And Goldie? I like to show you Equestia's newest allies The Light Elves."

"So when will they be ready?"

"Well not for a while but they will soon but for now let's go, Goldie and Omega." The pink pony suggests. They nod and head off as Pinkamena is last to leave. She says as the pony looks at the readers, "We will see who is reckless when the time comes."

Pinkamena dims the lights as she closes the door. The screen goes dark.

Cast list
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, T. Moon
Jason Marsden: Ben Mare, Shadow Dragon
Daveigh Chase: Nyx
Cathy Wesluck: Spike the Dragon, Mayor Mare, Alternative Spike, Pony Spike, Golden Harvest
Scott McNeil: Tough Apple, Rover, Flam
Chris Sanders: Phobos the Dragon
James Arnold Taylor: Boxco/Bocolix
Richard Steven Horvitz: Dum-Dum/Dumbledore
Kazyie Rogers: Koga the Wolf Cub
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Liarjack, R. Chaos, Rainbow Droid
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Fluttercruel, Psycho Pie, Dr. Pinksano, Pumpkin Cake, Flitterheart, Rose, Daisy
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Princess Luna, Nightmare Moon, Nyx Battle Form, Granny Smith, Mrs. Cake, Crarity, Derpy Hooves, Pound Cake
Rebecca Shiochet: Twilight Sparkle (singing voice), Dragon Twilight
Shannon Chan-Kent: Pinkie Pie (singing voice), Silver Spoon
Kazumi Evans: Rarity (singing voice)
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle (singing voice), Cherry Pie
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeline Peters: Scootaloo
William Lawrenson: Pipsqueak, Mowgli
Cathy Cavadini: Dinky Doo, Firecracker Burst
Alexandra Carter: Twist
Brynna Drummond: Babs Seed
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia, Cheerilee
Andrew Francis: Shining Armor, Lucky Clover
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance, Lyra Heartstrings
Peter New: Big Macintosh, Various Cannibals, Justin the MechBull, Caramel
Brenda Crichlow: Zecora
Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry, Various Cannibals
Orlando Bloom : Golden Heart
Yuri Lowenthal: The Equestrian Eliminator
Ikue Ootani: Rabbitchu
Tim Curry: The Superior, Grimmore
Brian Cox: Merluck
Monica Rial: Warring Malice
Kathleen Barr: Trixie Lulamoon/Trix Lulamoon
Eric Stuart: Wilco
Tom Hiddleston: Deadly Rager
Meredith McCoy: Suffocator Jill
Cree Summer: Starven Fran
Crispin Freeman: Boris
Maryke Hendrikse: Gilda the Griffin
Richard Ian Cox: Fido
Lee Tockbar: Spot
Samuel Vincent: Flim
Matthew Mercer: Tso Lan
James Sie: Shendu, Dragon Kick, Shades
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao, Karate Samyn
Stacie Chan: Jade Adventure
Noah Nealson: Mighty Heart
Mona Marshall: Bai Tza, Po Kong
Frank Welker: Dai Gui, Hydra, Bats, Baliff, Kobalos, Private Kenny, Flying Leo, The Dead Dragon, Remrace, Peryton, Wakan Tanka, Phoenix, Body Eye, Gymnote, Grundle 1
Clancy Brown: Tchang Zu, Clumsy Rat
Corey Burton: Xiao Fung
André Sogliuzzo: Hsi Wu, Michael Jackstones
John DiMaggio: Black Tiger
Adam Baldwin: DJ Red
Latham Gaines: Dark Curse
Jim Cummings: Mehitos, the Swarm, Egola, Judge Stonewall, The Dark Elf Captain Dread
Laurence Fishburne: Driver
Grey Delisle: Undine
Sean Schemmel: Eins
Carter Hayden: Todd the Goblin
Brad Garrett: Kouga
Ashley Johnson: Gwen Fillyson
Scott McCord: Jones Venture, Yang
Jeff Glen Bennett: The Shadow Ghoul
Lisa Ortiz: Karma
Wayne Grayson: Joey Dice
Dan Green: Maha Vailo
Phil LaMarr: Hiko Seijuro
Stephen Morgenstern: Yin
John Hurt: Peta
Jim Miller: King Sombra
Vic Mignonga: Lorcan, Omega
Jayson Thiessen: Royal Guards
Kevin Michael Richardson: General Spanish Steel, Ji-Ga-No
Cody Ruegger: Small Pony
John De Lancie: Discord
Brian Drummond: Filthy Rich, Mr. Carrot Cake, Dr. Hooves, Noteworthy, Jack Zen
Chantal Strand: Diamond Tiara
Michael Daingerfield: Braeburn
April Winchell: Sweetie Drops
Jeremy Irons: Tadaka
Danny DeVito : King Hugo
Michael Bell: Grundle 2
Susan Blu: Grundle 3
Peter Cullen: Grundle 4
Ian McKellen : Star-Swirl the Bearded
Scott Menville: The Hole
Sam Riegal: Hoboken Joe
Tony Anselmo: Ducks
June Foray: The Exotic Daisy
Marnix Van Den Broeke: The Shadow
Monica Stori: Feathermay
Laraine Newman: Roseluck
E.G. Daily: Plumsweet
Matt Hill: Soarin'
Mark Hamill : Hobgoblin
Neil Ross: Green Goblin
Steven Blum: Demogoblin
Steven Weber: The Goblin Knight