//------------------------------// // That's the Power of Friendship // Story: Equestria's Warriors of Light and Dark // by Wildcard25 //------------------------------// Last time, after Serpent King rose up, he stormed for Ponyville with his army to take it for their own. The ponies and the boys fought hard to stop him, with Zyphon taking heavy damage. But with the combined forces of the elements of harmony and the boy's powers, they were able to defeat the Serpent King. What lies in store for them now will be uncovered. After the elements of harmony and the powers of light and dark defeated Serpent King, their magic restored all the damage done to Ponyville and knocked the Serpentine Warriors unconscious. The Orochi Sword was returned to its regular size while the Serpentine general staff was destroyed. When the magic died down, the ponies and the boys were lying on the ground. They each groaned before regaining consciousness, "Everypony ok?" Wild asked. "I am." Muse replied. "Same here." Rainbow added. Fluttershy looked around Ponyville seeing it was restored, "Girls, we did it!" "Ponyville's safe!" Applejack cheered as the girls did a group hug, while S.A, Cadence, and the trio smiled. Suddenly descending before them was Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. "Princesses." Twilight gasped. "Congratulations all of you." Luna began. "Thanks to your work Equestria is safe once again," Celestia continued, "And I'm glad you're all ok." The ponies joyed looks shifted to sorrow, as Twilight spoke, "Not all of us are ok, Princess." The princesses were confused, until their subjects motioned to the side. They looked seeing Dustin, Alistair, Domino, and Fievel looking down on Zyphon's destroyed body. Dustin looked at his robot assistant with tears, "Zyphon, look what he's done to you." The ponies approached, as Twilight spoke, "Can't you fix him?" "Not without the right tools from our world. Even with them I couldn't truly bring him back the way he was." Dustin explained. "Whatever do you mean?" Rarity asked curiously. "All of Zyphon's memories have been stored on a flash drive back at my home," Dustin began, "The problem is I couldn't save the memories he's earned here as back up. I could rebuild him back home, but those memories he had of this place would be gone forever. He wouldn't remember any of you. Zyphon!" He dropped to his knees and his tears fell from his eyes landing on his robot's torso. The other ponies looked saddened, as Pinkie and Muse shed some tears, while Pinkie's mane and tail turned flat. Celestia put a hoof on Dustin's shoulder as he looked up at her, as she tried to give him comfort. He wrapped his arms around her neck and she nuzzled into him. Domino and Fievel were comforting each other, as Fluttershy was helping them. Twilight looked at the fallen robot and then at her friends, growing determined, "It doesn't have to end this way for him." "Huh?" the girls asked, as Pinkie's mane and tail poofed back up. "It doesn't?" Dustin asked in confusion along with Celestia. "No," Twilight replied, "Maybe, just maybe we can use the power of the elements of harmony to restore Zyphon." "Are you serious?" Rainbow gasped. "Twilight, while that may sound like a reasonable plan, we have no idea the consequences of mixing our worlds magic with something like Zyphon from the boys world." Luna explained. "Luna is right. If you're not careful, Zyphon could end up in worse condition than he already is." Celestia added in worry. "Zyphon's our friend Princess, and we're not about to abandon our friend." Twilight explained, as the six elements of harmony stood ready. Dustin spoke in shock, "You'd really do that for him, for me?" Twilight smiled, "It's least we can do after you and Alistair have done so much for all of us." "What do you think, Dustin?" Alistair asked, knowing it was his decision to accept or reject it. Dustin looked at Zyphon and then at the girls before smiling, "Let's bring him back." The girls smiled at his answer, as Twilight spoke, "Then you and Alistair come over here and join us. We'll need the magic of friendship the both of you carry for Zyphon to help it work." Dustin and Alistair nodded as they took a position on both sides of Twilight while taking one of her hoofs in one of their hands. The eight closed their eyes and concentrated as the magic of the elements and the boys energies. The magic of the friendship Dustin and Alistair had for Zyphon was able to help power the elements of harmony as beams shot from the necklaces and crown. The beams started surrounding Zyphon, levitating him up as he hovered over the group. The princesses, Shining Armor, Wildcard, Muse, and the trio watched in amaze as the magic was actually started to repair Zyphon's body with all his wires and circuits being reconnected and looking good as new, as well as the hole in his torso was re-configuring, until it looked like his body was scratch-free. Suddenly Zyphon's severed arm floated over and reattached itself to the robot. Zyphon was lowered onto his feet by the magic as it faded, making the ponies and the boys cease the magic spell. They looked at Zyphon seeing while his body was properly restored with zero damage he had yet to awaken. Suddenly Zyphon started twitching, until his eyes shot open and he gasped in shock, "Oh dear me, what happened?" he asked looking around. The group was concerned wondering if his memories were still in tact. He looked at the group and gasped, "Master Dustin, Master Alistair, and my pony friends!" he said joyously. The group smiled seeing he remembered everything, signaling he was ok, "Zyphon!" they cheered, as they all rushed over and piled on him with laughs and hugs. "I though we lost you forever!" Fluttershy said, while hugging his side. "You can't keep a good robot down." Zyphon answered, only to receive pounding on his torso from Dustin who shouted at him. "You big bucket of bolts, don't ever scare me like that again!" "Truth be told I scared myself a little." He chuckled, as they all got off him with the princesses approaching. "It's good to have you back, Zyphon." Celestia smiled. "So good to be back princess," Zyphon looked around and spoke up curiously, "What happened to Serpent King?" Suddenly as if answering him, they heard grumbling before popping up from the ground looked like Pythor, only he had the same white and gold coloring as Serpent King, and only one head. The power of the elements not only transformed him back to his original form with different coloring on his scales, but the consciousness of the other four generals were locked inside his body. He growled and spoke in his regular voice, "They cheated! So help me when I get my claws on those ponies they'll be begging for mercy!" he swore as he slunk over with determination, until he saw he was facing a bunch of legs. It zoomed out to reveal he had been reduced to the size of garden snake, if not a bit smaller. He gasped and looked up seeing the mane six, the princesses, Dustin, Alistair, Zyphon, Shining Armor, Cadence, Muse, Wild, and the trio looking down at him with smirks on their faces. "You were saying, Pythor?" Rainbow asked mischievously. Pythor shrieked in fright, as he spun around and tried to slink away while swinging his arms, but wasn't moving anywhere due to Twilight having her hoof pinning the end of his tail to the ground. Twilight used her magic to levitate the former general above them as he looked terrified, "My how the Serpentine generals have fallen." Dustin asked smugly, while crossing his arms. "I believe that the elements have a strange sense of humor." Ven stated. "I think this is a fitting demise for him." Celestia smirked. "What do yall reckon we should do with him now?" A.J asked the group. "I say we serve him up to the animals of the Everfree Forest." Wild suggested. "Or we can put him on hook and let the birds peck at him." Muse suggested mischievously. "NO PLEASE DON'T DO THAT I BEG YOU!" Pythor pleaded in fright. "Whose the one begging for mercy now?" Dustin taunted him. "Ooh, ooh! I know! I know! Let's keep him as a pet!" Pinkie cheered, while the others looked at her with deadpanned looks. "I don't think that's such a good idea." Rainbow Dash answered. "Well we gotta do something with him." Alistair replied. "Any ideas?" Luna asked everypony. "Allow me to deal with him," Zyphon said, before gripping Pythor by the edge of his tail, much to the tiny snake's horror, "This is for severing my arm and stabbing me in the chest!" The robot's body spun around at a fast pace, with Pythor screaming in dizziness. Zyphon stopped and released Pythor sending him flying across the land screaming. "And it's out of here!" Dustin called like a baseball announcer. "Home run!" Alistair cheered, while Pinkie waved some flags. "I wonder where he'll land." Fluttershy wondered. "Wherever it is, guarantee it won't be pretty." Terra replied. Meanwhile, Pythor landed in the waters of the Hayseed Swamp and surfaced, "So help me! One of these days I'll get my strength back and reunite the Serpentine. Then Equestria will be ours!" he declared, until he heard breathing. He looked and saw two crocs rubbing their stomachs hungrily at him. The micro Serpentine shrieked as he zipped across the waters as the crocs swam after him. Some time later in Canterlot, inside the castle throne room, many of Ponyville's and Canterlot's inhabitants were gathered around on two sides as Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Spike, Zyphon, Shining Armor, the Elemental Trio, and Discord stood before them. The doors opened as some of the guards were playing fanfare as Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Muse, Wildcard, Applejack, and Fluttershy walked forward, while Dustin and Alistair were up front strutting it out, while smiling at all the ponies who showed up. When they reached the royals, they turned to face the crowd as Celestia spoke, "Today we gather here to once again honor the courage and bravery of not only the bearers of the elements of harmony, but four new friends they have made. They stood up to the Serpentine and their generals. Even when the odds were stacked against them, they did not give up hope. They stayed true to themselves knowing that the friendship they had inside them would overcome any obstacle." The crowd of ponies cheered for their heroes, as Celestia used her horn to unveil a new stain glass window depicting their victory. At the bottom it showed the Mane six, Muse, and Wild smiling while beams shot out from their bodies upward. In the middle was an image of Serpent King defeated by them. Above the Serpent King's image was a big Yin Yang symbol with Dustin on the right side of it and Alistair on the left side of it. Both boys were facing each other with smiles as they each had a raised hand as if they were holding up the yin yang symbol. The elements of harmony smiled, along with Muse and Wild who spoke to his marefriend, "What an honor to have your image in the castle's window." "I know." Muse agreed as she saw her siblings smiling at her. The ponies noticed Alistair was feeling his chin, while studying his image in the window, "Is my chin really that big?" he asked them, and they giggled. "Alistair," Dustin began, as he faced his friend, "We did it, man. Just as we promised." Alistair smiled, "Yeah. We saved Equestria. Not bad for a dimensional trip huh?" "Wouldn't have it any other way." Dustin replied, as the two friends shook hands. Dustin pumped a fist up to Alistair who nodded sensing what to do. The two friends stood facing the crowd of ponies, while raising their arms up conjuring their spirit and dark energies that each took the form of both a yin symbol and yang symbol above them. The two symbols moved closer, until they combined forming the one symbol that glowed with the light and dark auras making the crowd cheer and their pony friends smile. The very next day, Dustin stood outside his and Alistair's temporary H.Q locking it up, "I'm sure gonna miss this old place." Dustin said to Domino on his shoulder. "Yeah, but we know the girls will take care of it." Domino squawked. "Coming, Dustin?" Alistair asked, as he and Zyphon were waiting. "Coming." Dustin answered, as he went to join the two as they headed into Ponyville square. Upon entering they were met with a huge surprise, literally, "SURPRISE!" Pinkie cheered as the boys saw all of Ponyville, even the princesses, Cadence, Shining Armor, Discord, and the elemental trio gathered for a going away party for their human guests. Dustin and Alistair smiled as the spirit warrior spoke, "Thanks, Pinkie." "No problemo." She answered and brought the two over so the party could begin. The boys were partying with the group of ponies knowing this would be the last known chance they would have with them. Alistair was kneeling before the Cutie Mark Crusaders as well as Babs who was invited to join them in seeing the boys off. They were each wearing their Cutie Mark Crusader capes along with Alistair who was kneeling before them, "Stay strong fillies. Applebloom, you keep hard at work and you'll earn that cutie mark." "Thanks, Alistair." "Sweetie Belle, try not to get on your sisters nerves too much." "I promise, Alistair." "Scootaloo, keep those daredevil stunts up and you'll be more awesome than you already are." "You got it, Alistair." "And Babs, keep looking out for your friends as always." "It's a promise, Alistair." "Oh, come here and give me a hug, girls!" Alistair beckoned with open arms. The four fillies jumped into Alistair's embrace as Sweetie Belle spoke, "We're sure gonna miss you, Alistair." "I'm gonna miss you girls too." Alistair smiled, until he heard a throat get cleared. They looked seeing Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon. The four crusaders scowled expecting them to ruin their moment, "What do you two want?" Scootaloo asked. The two stuck up filles looked nervous as D.T began, "Well we just wanted to… that is to say…" Silverspoon finally spoke, "We just wanted to thank Alistair for saving us yesterday from those snakes." The four crusaders looked confused wondering if they were actually thanking Alistair, while the boy was just as curious, "Really?" he asked. D.T sighed, "Yeah, you were very brave there. A lot more than we gave you credit for. You're not a freak at all. You're actually… great" Alistair smiled as he approached the two and ruffled their heads, "Was that so hard to admit?" he chuckled, which resulted in the two chuckling with him. Over by the Apple family, Dustin was having some of their apple pie, "Boy I'm gonna miss this pie. Granny Smith, I don't think I'll ever taste another pie as delicious as yours." "Well thank you, youngster. We're sure gonna miss not seeing your muzzle around here." Granny Smith said cheerfully. "Eeyup." Big Mac nodded in agreement. "Likewise." "Hey Dustin! Alistair!" Rainbow called, as she stood with the Wonderbolts, "Better watch the sky, because have we got a show for you two." And with that she and the Wonderbolts took it to the sky and started giving everypony an air show. Dustin and Alistair watched in amaze almost like they were watching a regular air show back home, only instead of jets, they were watching Pegasi. For the finale, Rainbow had performed her specialty the Sonic Rainboom which left everypony in surprise. The boom was so powerful it left Alistair's mullet standing on straight, "Now that was awesome." Alistair gasped. "Very awesome." Dustin agreed. "A spectacular show." Zyphon put in. Soon the party was ending as Mayor Mare stood with the boys on a stand, "It has been over a month since these boys had come to our world, and though they must go, they will always be welcomed here in Ponyville, if not all of Equestria." The ponies cheered, as the boys took it from there. "Thank you, Mayor," Dustin began, "Alistair and I are overjoyed that you all could throw this going away party for us." "You know when we first arrived here in Equestria we were shocked, scared, and confused. But spending time here and getting to know all of you have been one of the greatest things that ever happened to us." Alistair added. "We want to thank you all for putting up with us and showing us things we never even knew about," Dustin continued, "You know at first Alistair and I thought we knew everything there is to know about friendship, but it was thanks to a group of ponies, we learned the true magic of friendship is probably one of the strongest forces in the universe, we just never gave enough credit for." Alistair first turned to the three Ponyville Cutie Mark Crusaders, "First to these three fillies, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. If not for their mishap in trying to earn their cutie marks we never would've found our way to this beautiful land, met all of you, and save it from certain doom. Thanks you three." The three fillies smiled. The two walked to Fluttershy, as Dustin spoke, "Fluttershy, bearing the element of kindness. When we first got here, she volunteered to shelter us for awhile until we got a place of our own. Her act of kindness has touched our hearts and we will never forget this sweet pegasus." The two hugged her as Alistair spoke. "Thanks again, Fluttershy." "You're very welcome boys." She smiled, as she embraced them back. Off to the side, Domino and Fievel were saying their goodbye's to Angel Bunny, "Thanks for the fun times, Angel." Domino cawed. "You're one cool rabbit." Fievel added as Angel rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. The boys went to Applejack, "Applejack, representing the element of honesty has been there to let us know when we'd make mistakes or let us know if we'd have good ideas. We're proud to know this great and honest pony." Alistair said, while putting an arm around her as she smiled. "We're gonna miss ya, Applejack." Dustin said with a smile. "Same here, sugarcubes." She hugged them back. The two went to Rarity, "Rarity, representing the element of generosity has been so generous to us. Making us new outfits for us whenever we needed them and allowing us to showcase other styles she would come up with. This ponies generosity will always be remembered by us." Dustin said as Alistair spoke. "Thanks for making us all those outfits for us to take home, Rarity." He motioned to Zypho, who was carrying two cases containing the outfits she made for them for the theater and the Fashion show. "It was my pleasure, darlings." Rarity said nuzzling with them. They stood before Rainbow Dash as Alistair spoke, "Rainbow Dash, here being the most loyalist of ponies we ever met here has shown us that she will always come through even in a pinch. We're lucky to have met an awesome Pegasus like her." "Ya got that right," she replied and noogied the two, "And I'm glad to know two awesome humans like you guys." They stood next to Pinkie as Dustin spoke, "Pinkie Pie lives us to her reputation as the element of laughter. Whenever me or Alistair was ever feeling down and gloomy, she'd always be there to makes us laugh and put bright smiles on our faces." "And let's not forget her parties," Alistair added, "I don't think I've ever partied as hard as I have at her parties in my life. And she taught me how to bake. For that I am very grateful to her." He hugged Pinkie who hugged him back. Dustin hugged the party pony and spoke, "The next time we meet, Pinkie, we expect you to throw the biggest most bestest party that you've ever thrown. Even bigger than this one." "It's a Pinkie Promise!" Pinkie cheered as the three did the Pinkie Promise before laughing. They stood next to Twilight as the dark warrior explained, "Princess Twilight Sparkle, being the element of magic has shown us magic we never knew about. With her take charge, leadership, and love for her friends we wouldn't have been able to take down the Serpentine as well as we could have. Plus we owe her the biggest of thanks, for she stopped me and Dustin from destroying our friendship. You're the best, Twi." The two hugged her as she hugged them back. "We're glad to have you as a friend." Dustin added. "Thanks guys. You also some of the best friends I could have too." She smiled. They then approached Spike as Dustin nudged him, "Keep your hopes up about Rarity, Spike." Spike raised a brow at his words as Alistair continued. "We think you stand a chance with her." "Thanks guys." Spike smiled. The boys stood next to Wildcard, "Wildcard here offered us a part time job in his game shop. It had to be one of the best jobs we could ever ask for. We'll sure miss working for you." Alistair said. "You two will always be my best workers." Wild admitted as he high hoofed it with them. The two then stood next to Muse, "And let's not forget Muse, the pony who supplied us with all the info we needed to combat the snakes. We'll also miss the great plays she came up with during our stay here." Dustin said. "Next time we meet I'll make sure the adventure we had will be my next biggest hit." Muse promised them. The boys smiled and approached Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, "If ever you need extra support to ensure Equestria is safe from other monstrosities like the Serpentine…" Dustin began as Alistair continued. "We would be more than happy to come back here and lend you our support…" the two got down on one knee each and bowed their heads before speaking together, "You're excellencies." The princesses of day and night smiled at each other as they leaned down knighting the boys with their horns, "Consider yourselves honorary knights of Equestria boys." Celestia said. The two looked at each other before high fiving, "WHOA-OH!" they cheered. "And you won't have to worry about the Serpentine tribes," Luna continued, "They've all been locked up in Tartarus, where they won't be causing trouble any time soon." "That's good news." Zyphon replied in relief. Dustin and Alistair looked at Discord who smiled and they noticed tears in his eyes, "Is the master of chaos actually crying?" Alistair joked. "What?" Discord gasped as he wiped his eyes, "Don't be ridiculous. This is called liquid pride, and that's entirely different from tears!" "Right." Alistair answered with a chuckle. "Now I know what to call manly tears." Dustin whispered to Alistair. Domino meanwhile was saying his goodbyes to his new love interest; Philomena, "Though I have only know you for awhile I feel as though you are my soul mate. Do you feel the same my darling..." Domino said in a faux French accent. "Domino!" Dustin called to him. Domino's face turned deadpan and spoke in his normal voice, "Killjoy," he looked back at Philomena, "Wait for me my darling. One day I shall return…" he kissed her wing, making the phoenix blush and hide part of her face beneath her wing. Fievel grabbed his pal, dragging him off, "Let's go, Romeo." When they were away from Philomena Domino spoke, "Did you say your goodbyes to Opal yet?" he teased the mouse. "I did, but alas it was not meant to be, for we are two different creatures. And the laws of nature are not ready for such a pair," Fievel answered, until he saw Opal approach him, "Opal?" Opal dropped something she was carrying in her mouth down to Fievel, "Meow." "Hmm?" Fievel looked down seeing it was one of Opal's bows she would normally wear on her head, "This is… Opal." He gasped. "Meow." The cat nodded. Fievel smiled as he held onto it, "I'll cherish this forever." "Come on you two, home's a calling!" Alistair called, as their familiar went back over to their respective humans. Celestia and Luna used their magic to open a portal out of nowhere, surprising the ponies, and the boys, "This is our way back?" Dustin asked the princesses. "Yes. We've also added a time spell to it," Celestia explained, "It should send you all back to the same place and time when you left it." "Awesome, that way it would be like we never left." Dustin said to Alistair in excitement. "Well masters I guess this is it." Zyphon said acting emotional. "Hey don't worry Zyphon, this isn't goodbye forever." Dustin assured his robot. "Yes, I know." Zyphon brightened up his face. They approached the portal before looking back at the Ponyville inhabitants and all their friends, "Until next time, everypony!" Dustin called. "We'll be back one day!" Alistair announced, as the ponies cheered before the group entered the portal that closed upon their departure. When they were actually gone Pinkie started crying, "Oh I'm gonna miss those guys!" she sobbed and was being comforted by the others. "We all are, Pinkie. We all are." Applejack assured. "But like they said, we'll see each other again." Twilight added with confidence. Pinkie's face brightened up again, "Yeah! Oh I better start planning ahead for their welcome back party. After all why wait until the last minute?" she asked and the group of friends laughed. Through the portal, Dustin, Alistair, Zyphon, Domino, and Fievel were flying through it screaming as they were reaching the light. Suddenly in a flash they woke up on solid ground. They looked around seeing they were back at the very spot in New York where they vanished from, "Guys, look!" Dustin called. "We're home!" Alistair cheered as they saw where they were. "And look!" Zyphon called pointing to a nearby clock reading 7 PM. "The exact same time we vanished." Fievel gasped. "Just as the Princess said!" Domino cawed in joy. "Which means we can still make it in time for dinner!" Alistair called. "You think we should tell them about what happened to us?" Dustin asked. "Normally I would say no, but this is something we really shouldn't keep to ourselves. Let's just try and explain it to them as slow and sane as we possibly can." Alistair explained, and Dustin nodded. "Well come on race ya!" Dustin called as he raced off with Alistair, Zyphon, and their animals following. When they were out of sight, appearing around the area was a black cloud that took the shape of a shadow colt's head with a unicorn horn, "So this is where that portal brought me?" he asked himself, "Those two princesses really do take after their parents in the field of magic. And I'm lucky that the one dark being was there when I needed him. He provided the perfect camouflage for me from the princesses' magic by latching onto his person. And I'm ever so grateful to the Serpent King for stirring up enough fear in the ponies' hearts which allowed me to feed off it and manifest in this form. Now that I'm out of the reach of those elements of harmony I can first take over this new land before I become strong enough to take Equestria. Although I will need to first obtain more fear energy to restore my body to its proper form. So I will need to acquire some assistance. And when I regain my pony form, all of this land will quiver before the might of King Ebon!" he cackled, before flying off into the city at night. In Ponyville, three months had passed since the invasion of the Serpentine, and everything had more than since returned to normal. That is as normal as Ponyville could get with its inhabitants. Though they never could find out how Muse and Wild were able to use magic given their heritage as a Pegasus or an Earth pony, but Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence vowed they would help them find out how and why. Inside Golden Oaks Library, Twilight Sparkle was studying as she did even before the boys landed in Equestria, with Spike assisting her. Suddenly Spike belched up a scroll, "A letter from Princess Celestia?" Twilight gasped as she used her magic to unravel it and read its contents. "What's it say, Twilight?" Spike asked as he got back on his feet. Twilight was surprised and concerned, "Spike, we need to round everypony up." She ordered. "What's wrong?" Spike asked. "Princess Celestia says there's a matter of great importance that requires our attention. Come on!" she ordered, as Spike got on her back and she galloped out of the library determined to find her friends. For she knew a new adventure was about to begin for her and the Elements of Harmony.