Rainbow Dash bolted from Twilight before she could react, ran over to her daughter's body and lifted her up looking at her. “Come on Scoots, don't do this to me. Come back, please come back!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between sobs as she shook Scootaloo's body only to get no response from the filly. “No! Please don't do this to me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she held her tightly now sobbing loudly into her daughter's chest.

Rarity looked on at this and could not help but come to tears now herself. Yet this was not for the same reason as the others. Looking at Rainbow Dash now, how she was acting, how she was crying out. It was exactly how she acted when she lost her blood sister during the war. “Why didn't you stop her Twilight?! It didn't have to be this way!” Rarity exclaimed looking at the Alicorn with a glare now.

“As I said before, this was the only way...Scootaloo knew this.” Twilight replied wiping her nose only to barely dodge an attack by the draconequus. “Did you forget about me?” Discord said with a sneer.

Meanwhile Rainbow Dash continued to hold her daughter sobbing as memories of the times they had together flowed through her mind.

“Mom, watch this!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she performed an aerial somersault and landed on her feet.

Rainbow Dash smiled at her and clapped her hooves at the orange Pegasus's little performance. “Very Good Scoots. But you still got a long way to go if you want to be as good as me.” Rainbow Dash remarked with a grin.

“Oh come on! I'm learning as fast as I can! It's not like can get the hang of flying as fast as you did! Your special talent is flying fast, I don't know what mine is yet.” Scootaloo replied in a depressed tone at which point Rainbow Dash walked over to her and hugged her.

“Hey, don't worry about it scoots. You'll find your special talent one day, but you can't rush these things you know.” Rainbow Dash said in a soft yet comforting tone as she ran her right hoof through her mane.

“I know. I just can't wait to fly as fast as you do.” Scootaloo replied still sounding depressed despite Rainbow Dash's pep talk.

“Don't worry Scoots. That day will come and when it does you'll fly even faster than me.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile as she broke the hug and looked into her daughter's eyes.

“Really?!” Scootaloo asked her expression turning from depressed to excited.

“Oh yeah, you'll fly so fast the wonderbolts will even notice you.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk. Even though the cyan blue Pegasus didn't know this for a fact she was happy she was able to cheer her daughter up.

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

That's it, good try scoots but I don't think your ready!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she put her hooves around the filly only to get pushed away.

“Give me a little longer! I know I can do it!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she continued to attempt to get leverage under her wings.

“You don't have a little longer! Now let me catch you before you end up killing yourself!” Rainbow Dash replied in a panicked tone as she attempted to put her hooves around her again. The ground was now dangerously close to the two and in a mere ten more seconds both of them would be roadside pizza on the ground.

Scootaloo however pushed her away again much to the cyan blue Pegasus's horror having no choice but to open her wings to slow herself. “Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash screamed in a horrified voice as the orange Pegasus continued to free fall before darting downward using her wings now to propel herself in order to catch the filly.

“Come on!” Scootaloo shouted as fear began to overwhelm her and really regretting not letting Rainbow Dash catch her as she saw the ground clearly now and knew she would hit it within the next five seconds.

“I'm not going to catch her in time!” Rainbow Dash thought horrified but continued to dart down just the same.

A mere two seconds before impact Scootaloo gave a mighty beat of her wings and pulled up just in the nick of time feeling the grass on the ground scape her underside as she flew and landed safely on the ground a few moments later stumbling slightly as she placed all four hooves on the ground feeling her legs wobble and threaten to give way under her body from the amount of fear and adrenaline that was pulsing through her body at this point.

“What the heck were you thinking young filly?! You could have died! Don't you ever and I mean EVER push me away like that again! Do you hear me young filly?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in both fury and relief as she flew over to Scootaloo and hugged her tightly kissing her forehead multiple times and hugging her in rapid intervals as tears flooded from her eyes.

“Sorry mom, but I did it! I actually flew on my own!” Scootaloo replied finally able to keep her legs from shaking uncontrollably.

“Yes, you did. Where in Equestria did you get such a reckless streak? Good grief filly...” Rainbow Dash replied and hugged her once more as she felt her fury and worry be replaced with pride.

“I got it from you.” Scootaloo replied with a cheesy grin causing the cyan blue Pegasus to stop hugging her and blush furiously from embarrassment knowing that she did some pretty crazy things on a daily bases during her trick practice with Scootaloo watching.

“I need to be a better role model...” Rainbow Dash said in a dismal tone after a few moments facehoofing as she said this and few moments later both Pegasus broke into laughter.

END FLASHBACK

Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha.....

Rainbow Dash looked up at Discord whom now was laughing manically as he fought the others still holding her daughter as tears continued to flow from her eyes but now her expression was slowly changing from sadness to anger as she continued to look on at him.

Slowly now as she continued to watch the fight unfold her pain was slowly at first being replaced by an unspeakable rage. Memories of the times she had with her daughter seemed to flash before her eyes now which fueled this unspeakable rage. “You took her away from me...” Rainbow Dash said in a low tone that could not be heard over the roar of battle.

Watch this mommy!

“You took away the purpose to my life...” Rainbow Dash said in the same low tone as her rage was nearing it breaking point now as her mane and tail began to slowly flail now.

No matter what happens Scoots. I will never let anything happen to you.

“You murdered her without a second thought...” Rainbow Dash said as her mane and tail flailed even faster now.

I love you mom!

“You have no heart....” Rainbow Dash said as her mane and tail flailed even faster now.

I love you too Scootaloo. No matter what happens, you will always be my daughter...

DISCOOOOOOOOOOOOORD!!!

Rainbow Dash roared at the top of her lungs, tears flailing to to the wind, as her tail and mane flailed wildly now as magic began streak a crossed her body at random intervals.

Applejack was able to ready to buck the draconequus upside the head when in a blur Rainbow Dash appeared and struck Discord which sent the draconequus flying back.

“Holy horseapples covered in caramel!” Applejack exclaimed in shock as Rainbow Dash struck Discord, disappeared in a blur seemingly, and reappeared behind him and struck him again.

The six ponies could only watch slack jawed as Rainbow Dash moved at blinding speeds beating the draconequus around as if he was in a pinball machine.

“She's plum lost her lid just like Fluttershy does!” Applejack remarked in shock at this spectacle.

“Beating the snot out of him won't defeat him! We need to use the elements of harmony on him!” Twilight exclaimed in annoyance yet concern of Rainbow Dash's attacks.

“No, it's worse than that.” Fluttershy remarked looking at Rainbow Dash's actions.

“What do you mean darling? She's just doing what you did when you lost your temper.” Rarity replied in a confused tone.

“No, you don't get it! I can tell! When I lost it, at least my was able to track it's limit!” Fluttershy exclaimed in annoyance.

“Wait, what are you saying Fluttershy? Isn't this just like you?” Twilight asked in a concerned tone.

“During the war, I was told how my gift worked. Look at the magic streaking a crossed her body. Does it look anything like mine?” Fluttershy asked pointing a hoof at Rainbow Dash.

“Now that ya mention it, it does look a might different.” Applejack remarked in a concerned tone.

“It looks dark, unlike Fluttershy who's magic which reflected her fur color.” Twilight remarked feeling a sense of dread coming on now as she looked on.

“My gift is fueled by my rage, but I lose all sense of reality when this happens. I had this gift naturally, but Rainbow, she taught herself by watching me. She's never fully lost it like this before. Unlike me, she was able to control it.” Fluttershy said looking at Rainbow Dash now looking more worried by the second now.

“So in other words, her body doesn't know it's own limit! She does, but her body doesn't! And if she..umm..goes on long enough...” Fluttershy said trailing off now.

“She'll kill herself...” Twilight said finishing Fluttershy's sentence for her as the world seemed to slow down now upon this realization which filled her with fear for Rainbow Dash's life.

“Somepony needs to talk to her, bring her back to her senses!” Rarity exclaimed in a panicked tone.

“Fluttershy, how were you brought back to your senses?” Twilight asked in an urgent tone.
“I...umm..wasn't...no pony could reach me until my body reached it's limit then I would pass out...” Fluttershy replied in a worried tone.

“We gotta try!” Applejack exclaimed as she ran forward and began to call out to her lover.

Welcome Scootaloo...

“Where am I?” Scootaloo asked in a confused tone as she looked about herself. She was in a white room that seemed to stretch endlessly with a black mare standing in front of her several feet away next to two large doors.

That depends on you really. For many ponies, this is known as limbo. The realm between the afterlife and the living world.

“So I'm dead?” Scootaloo asked in a soft tone her voice cracking.

Your life was as the higher powers call it”A special case” which means that you have choice. You can either return to the world of the living or cross over.

“You mean I can become alive again? But as long as I’m alive Discord is invincible. I represent the element of hatred.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone.

You mean that foul looking thing that went through these doors moments before you appeared here? No, you no longer represent the element of hatred. You ceased to be it when Discord murdered you himself. But you see, you did give your life. It would be anti-climatic to go back now wouldn't it?

“Maybe...”Scootaloo replied in a thoughtful tone.

You lived a good life and you did a lot of good. You should rest.

“Yeah, they will be fine without me.” Scootaloo replied to the black mare and began to walk towards the door when suddenly Applebloom appeared for a brief moment in front of her.

“Please Scootaloo! Ah know your still in there! Come back to us! Ya momma needs ya!” Applebloom exclaimed with a teary expression before she faded away.

Interesting, so that's the pony with the element of love. It seems she holds a special bond with you to be able to reach you on this plane of existence...

The Black mare's voice remarked with a curious look.

“Yeah, she was special to me alright...” Scootaloo replied with a sigh. For some reason the mare's words had an effect on her she couldn't explain. When she saw Applebloom she suddenly wanted to go back but upon hearing the mare's words the feeling vanished.

Come now, it's time to cross over. Let mortal affairs handle themselves.

The black mare's voice said in a soft tone

“Yeah, I guess you're right...” Scootaloo replied and began to walk towards the doors again only for a black figure to appear in front of her but it wasn't the mare rather it was an Alicorn.

“Scootaloo! Do no listen to this mare! She feels nothing! The only thing that matters to her is making deals with unicorns who are able to appear in this plane of existence to strike deals with her and sending souls to the afterlife . Whether they are ready to or not.” The Alicorn remarked flashing the black mare a glare.

How dare you interfere Luna! You have no power here! The higher powers will punish you severely for this!

The mare's voice echoed in an angry tone.

“Perhaps, but I will not allow you to use your power over souls to convince a pony who's time has not yet come to cross over.” Luna replied still glaring then looked at Scootaloo again.

“Yes, but because of what I have done in life I was given special privileges. Scootaloo, listen to me. Your mother needs you right now. She is consumed with grief and rage over your death and you are the only one who can reach her now. If you do not, then I fear she will be the next pony to walk through these doors.” Luna replied in a concerned tone.

Upon hearing Luna's words she suddenly felt her concern and worry for her mother return ten fold as her eyes snapped wide open. “Mom! How do I get back to her Luna?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a worried tone.

Discord let out a pained cry as Rainbow Dash struck him in the chest and sent flying back. “This isn't like before, she's acting just as that Yellow Pegasus did before yet...something is different. It's as if she isn't weakening or nearing any type of limit.” Discord thought to himself moments before Rainbow Dash appeared right in his face.

As he looked into her eyes the draconequus could see tears still flowing from them yet despite this the same unspeakable rage Fluttershy held in them. Mere seconds after he looked into her eyes the next thing he saw was a hoof to the skull which made him see stars as he was sent flying back.

“Rainbow! Come on! It meh, Applejack! Ah know your in thar! Come back to meh!” Applejack exclaimed as loud as she could yet despite her pleas, Rainbow Dash seemingly could not hear her.

“This is bad, very bad! If she goes on any longer like this...” Twilight said looking at Rainbow Dash feeling worried yet pissed off at herself for not knowing what to do.

Meanwhile Applebloom continued to sob over Scootaloo's body unknowing of her eyes suddenly snapping wide open. “Please come back...ah can't live without ya...” Applebloom said between sobs then let out a startled gasp as she felt Scootaloo sit upright and looked at her.

“Heya, Applebloom.” Scootaloo said with a smile and promptly tackled and hugged by the farm pony as tears of joy flowed from her eyes.

“Ah knew ya would come back! Ah knew it!” Applebloom exclaimed between sobs of joy now and locked lips with the orange Pegasus in a long and Passionate kiss. The sudden cry of rage from Rainbow Dash jolted the two from their loving embrace however and looked over at Rainbow Dash.

“I've gotta reach her.” Scootaloo said in a soft tone as she stood up and took off from the ground.

Just as Rainbow Dash was able to strike Discord again Scootaloo appeared in front of her which caused Rainbow Dash to let out a startled gasp. “Scootaloo, you're alive?” Rainbow Dash said in soft tone her voice cracking as she spoke and would have fallen out of the air if it were not for Scootaloo catching her.

“Yeah, sorry I worried you mom.” Scootaloo replied in the same soft tone as she flew over and hugged her mother tightly at which point Rainbow Dash's mane and tail stopped flailing wildly as she sobbed into her daughter's arms.

“I thought I lost you forever...” Rainbow Dash remarked between sobs of joy now.

“Scootaloo? You're alive?” Discord remarked in shock as he regained his bearings feeling his wounds heal quickly due to his magical power.

“Yeah, not even you can kill me, horns for brains.” Scootaloo replied flashing the draconequus a glare.

“I will rectify that statement now!” Discord exclaimed as he thrust his claw hand forward at the two.

“No!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she whirled Scootaloo around and flung her away expecting to be impaled moments later only for a loud clinging sound to echo throughout the room.

The cyan blue Pegasus opened her eyes to see she was now being held by Gina. “G-Gina?” Rainbow Dash remarked in a shocked tone then gasped in horror as blood could be seen dripping from her back.

“Dragon scales come in handy...” Gina remarked in a pained tone then let out a cry of pain as Discord retracted his claw hand at which point Gina and Rainbow Dash fell to the ground with the purple Pegasus taking the brunt of the fall.

“Gina, no!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she recovered from the sudden throw from her mother having seen what had just happened.

“Humph! Filthy halfbreed.” Discord remarked in an annoyed tone as he flung blood off the tips of his claw hand. Her hard scales had stopped his attack which had only allowed the tips of his claws to price her body but could go no farther.

“I-I'll be fine. My dragon half heals me fast.” Gina replied in a pained tone as Scootaloo rushed over to her.

“Are you sure?” Scootaloo remarked in a worried tone as she looked over her.

“She'll be fine Scootaloo. Sleeping is how dragons heal their wounds.” Twilight chimed in as she lifted Gina up with her magic and laid her down behind her.

“Yeah, she'll be fine.” Twilight replied with a smile which vanished as she saw that Discord was preparing to fire a beam of magic at the two, disappeared in a flash of magic, and reappeared used her wings as a shield to block the draconequus spell. “Nice try Merrick! It's over! Your last defense is gone!” Twilight exclaimed as she deflected the magic with her wings and glared at him.

“As if! I am invincible! Your elements of harmony didn't defeat me even after my elements were destroyed!” Discord countered with a sneer.

“Wrong! You destroyed your last defense yourself when you killed Scootaloo!” Twilight countered with a grin as she nodded to the other six whom began to focus on their elements once again and began to float up.

“But she's alive! So that means I am still invincible!” Discord retorted even though he sounded less confident than before now.

“Wrong again, horns for brains! When you killed me, you killed your element, but not me! And now you have no defense!” Scootaloo replied with a cocky grin.

“No! I won't be defeated! I refuse to!” Discord roared as he fired a beam of magic at the seven which seemed to be nullified upon hitting them. He then looked again and didn't know if his eyes were playing tricks on him or what, but now instead of the seven ponies, he saw Celestia and Luna before him.

“You will never defeat me!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as he used both his lions paw and claw hand now to pummel the seven as their own beam of rainbow colored magic shot forth and immediately began to overpower his own magic.

“You've lost Discord! You will never harm ponies again!” Twilight exclaimed at which point the magical rainbow light intensified ten fold, blew the draconequus's magic away like nothing, and engulfed him in it's light.

“Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as his body began to turn to stone from the foot up until his cry of horror was abruptly cut off by his head turning to stone at which point his statue fell to the side on the ground.

Upon Discord's statue hitting the ground however the cave around them began to rumble violently. “The cave is collapsing! Lets get out of here!” Twilight exclaimed as the seven ponies began to run for the exit to the room while Twilight carried Gina with her magic.

Applebloom looked behind herself just in time to see a large rock come crashing down over Discord's statue crushing it to fragments at which point she recoiled, snapping her eyes shut as she did so. “Ah tried to save ya Merrick. Ya could of done good with ya power...now we will never know how ya coulda been...” Applebloom thought to herself in a sad tone as she followed the others.

The group managed to get out safely just as the cave behind them collapsed completely leaving no way back in or out.

“Finally, he's gone. Now Equestria will be safe again and the ponies will return to normal.” Twilight remarked with a smile at the other seven whom all returned the smile except for Applejack whom was looking up at the sky.

“Ah don't mean to beh raining on y'all parade, but if Discord's been defeated, why are those consarned cotton candy clouds still in the sky?” Applejack remarked in a confused tone at which point everypony looked up and gasped.

“This doesn't make sense! With Discord gone, his power should have vanished!” Twilight exclaimed in a confused tone.

“Who the heck could still have the power to keep Discord's magic still working?” Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone.

In the next moment however they got their answer as they suddenly found themselves tied down and unable to move on the ground.

“You may have defeated my daddy, but as long as I am still here. His legacy will live on!” A pink mare exclaimed as she stepped forward.

“How did you tie us up with magic when you aren't a unicorn!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger.

“Weren't you listening? I'm Discord's daughter. So of course I can use his magic.” The pink mare replied with a smirk.

HUH?!

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

Sweetie Belle was sleeping soundly along side of Spike when suddenly her eyes snapped open with a sense of worry and dread. “Pinkie Pie!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a worried tone.

“It's Pinkie Pie. Something is wrong. She's being restrained at the moment, I can feel it.” Sweetie Belle replied in a soft tone.

“Maybe that's just you're just tired after the fun time we had?” Spike remarked with a grin.

“Grow the buck up Spike.” Sweetie Belle replied sourly as she got out of the bed, used her magic to tidy up her mane and fur, and rushed down stairs.

“Hey, where are you going?” Spike called down to her just before she ran out the door.

“Weren't you listening? Pinkie Pie is in trouble! I've got to go to her!” Sweetie Belle replied and ran out the door closing it behind her.

“And they said it was the males who have a habit of running off after getting laid.” Spike remarked with an eye-roll gesture and a sigh.

I just hope my magic has recovered enough to do anything...

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

“Now then, who shall be the first to die?” Screwball said with a malicious grin as she paced back and forth as zombie ponies stood still watching her move.

“Twi, can't ya use your magic to break these ropes?” Applejack whispered to the Alicorn.

“Don't you think I haven't tried? These ropes seem to render me unable to use magic.” Twilight whispered back.

“How about...you!” Screwball said with a cruel grin as she stared directly at Twilight now.

“Why do I feel a sense of deja-vu?” Twilight thought to herself dismally recalling the same line being said by Trixie.

Twilight then felt the ropes around her fade away at which point she jumped up and tried to use her magic only to be still unable to do so.

“Ah,ah,ah! No magic now. I figured I’d give you a sporting chance to fight for your life, but magic is just cheating.” Screwball remarked with a smirk.

“Says the mare who has us tied down with magical ropes...” Rainbow Dash remarked in a sarcastic tone unknown to the pink mare.

“Fine, I don't need my magic to kick your flank.” Twilight replied as she narrowed her eyes at the mare.

“Oh, i'm sorry. Did you think you would be fighting me? How silly of me! Ha,ha,ha!” Screwball replied with a light laugh before pointing a hoof forward at which point the zombie ponies began to pace towards the Alicorn. “You will be fighting them.” Screwball said with a sneer.

“Consarn it all! She knows Twilight will never kill those innocent ponies! She's fightin a losin battle!” Applejack exclaimed in a pissed off tone.

“Coward! Fight her yourself!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed trying to fight against the magical ropes now even more than ever but making no progress.

Twilight looked about herself now as the horde began to close in on her. “If I can clear a path to Screwball, I should be able to take her out and put an end to this.” Twilight thought to herself and began to buck at zombie ponies in an attempt to clear a path to the pink mare.

Just as she had managed to clear a path Screwball gave a startled expression as the Alicorn lunged at her only to be tackled away by a zombie pony who had lunged at her from the right. “Clever work Twilight Sparkle, you planned to clear a path directly to me. Sadly though it fell though. My servants would never let a lowly creature such as yourself lay a hoof on me. And now, the real fun begins...” Screwball said as her expression turned from a smirk to a evil glare as zombie ponies began to pile onto the Alicorn.

“Twilight!” the others shouted nearly in unison now as they struggled against their ropes but to no avail.

Applebloom and Scootaloo then found themselves suddenly unbound and looked to see Sweetie Belle making a hushing gesture to which they caught on. Applebloom and Scootaloo slowly crept up on Screwball and without warning lunged at her only to be blocked by two zombie ponies.

“How did you two-?!” Screwball exclaimed then snapped her gaze over to Sweetie Belle who was attempting to free Rainbow Dash now, lifted her up via magic and chucked her over next to Scootaloo and Applebloom. The horde that was piling on Twilight at the moment then got off her and charged at the three.

“Fine, if you three wish to go first, I can delay Twilight's execution a little longer.” Screwball said with a smirk as the Alicorn suddenly found herself tied up once again and flung over next to her five friends.

“Yeah, if Sweetie Belle hadn't jumped in when she did though, I’m not so sure I would be though.” Twilight replied in the same whisper.

“Ya don't stand a chance!” Applebloom exclaimed as her element glowed brightly which caused the hordes around her to suddenly stop behaving like zombie ponies and act like themselves again.

“Unless you want to lose the rest of your minions, I suggest you face us head on Screwball.” Scootaloo said with a cocky grin.

“Fine, i'll get my hooves dirty. By the time your pathetic lives come to an end though, you will wish you hadn't challenged me directly!” Screwball exclaimed as she paced back and forth waiting for them to make the first move.

Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle now looked at each other, each wearing confident smiles. “We ready to kick some flank crusaders?” Scootaloo asked with a grin.

“Sweetie Belle! Use my element!” Rarity exclaimed as she flung it from her next at the unicorn filly who turned to see it latch around neck as if by magic.

“Scoots! Take mine as well!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she flung hers as well towards her daughter.

“What a laugh! Only those to represent it's attribute can wield the elements of harmony!” Screwball exclaimed with a laugh only to gasp in shock as the elements began to immediately respond and glow around Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's necks.

“They did! When Sweetie Belle threw herself in the way of Discord's dagger to protect Roseheart. She displayed the element of generosity by offering her life in exchange for Roseheart's!” Rarity exclaimed in a triumphant tone.

“Scootaloo displayed the element of Loyalty to her friends when sacrificed herself selflessly in order to defeat Discord!” Rainbow Dash chimed in with an equal smile to Twilight who now was smiling as well.

Upon hearing this Screwball scowled in fury but resumed her composure with the same sneer. “Element of no element, they still have no chance against me!” Screwball exclaimed and charged at the three.

Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle looked over at Screwball charging at them then back to each other and knew what each other was thinking.

CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, EVIL PONY FLANK KICKERS! YEAH!

The three shouted simultaneously, high five each other, and jumped in the opposite direction of each other at the last moment caused Screwball to charge forward and miss only to turn about and attack Applebloom directly.

However just as she reached the farm pony Sweetie Belle stood right in front of her way and used her magic as a shield to stop her directly in her tracks and moments later Scootaloo came at her from the air with a mid-air buck which knocked the pink back backward, but recovered only to see Applebloom charging forward with a follow up buck sending her flying backward even more so now.

“Holy horseapples! It's like they know what each other is thinkin!” Applejack exclaimed in shock as the cutie mark crusaders acted and seemed to feed off each others movements against Screwball.

“It doesn't surprise me actually. Those three have always been very close. It's only natural that they would have a bond like that.” Twilight replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

Screwball struck at Scootaloo who used her wings as a shield now, but since she wasn't an Alicorn she could only stave her off so much, however Applebloom at the precise moment Screwball's hoof connected with Scootaloo's wings could be seen using Scootaloo's shoulders as a springboard to jump beside her at which point Sweetie Belle was on the other side and in the next moment Scootaloo flung her wings forward knocking Screwball off balance only to see the three turn about five and buck her from three sides simultaneously effectively causing the pink mare to see little fillies dancing around her head for a few moments before she shook her head and growled fiercely at them.

“Enough of this nonsense!” Screwball roared as a burst of magic erupted from around her which sent all three fillies flying in the opposite direction.

The turn in events caused the six to give panicked looks as the three managed to recover but were clearly weakened.

“Any more bright ideas?” Scootaloo asked in a dazed tone as she walked up to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom who looked about as dazed she was while Screwball once again began to pace back and forth waiting for them to make their next move.

“Okay, so who's gonna be crazy enough try to do that?” Sweetie Belle asked in a skeptic tone.

“Hoof, tail, mane?” Scootaloo suggested to which her and Applebloom immediately began to play their little game which ended with Scootaloo's hoof beating Applebloom's tail.

“Horseapples...” Applebloom remarked in an dreading tone and turned to face the pink mare.

“So umm, Screwball. Are ya sure this is what ya want? Ah mean, ya don't have to be the evil one here. We could all be-” Applebloom began to say only to get a buck to the face which sent her flying back into a skid right in between Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

“Any other bright ideas?” Applebloom asked in a dazed tone as her eyes swirled until she was helped up by the two.

“If you two are done with your little chat, perhaps we could get back to the part where I kill you and then your pathetic friends.” Screwball remarked as she paced back and forth which caused the three to look over at her with the same glare on each of their faces.

“If there's one thing I do know, she's the one who tried to covert me into one of her slaves.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a low tone to which the others narrowed their eyes at Screwball.

“No more miss nice Cutie mark crusaders then!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a glare at which point the three charged at her.

However as the three charged forward Sweetie Belle was tripped by Screwball with a hoof to her neck which caused the two to freeze and stare. “Your elements, toss them!” Screwball exclaimed in a demanding tone.

Scootaloo and Applebloom stared on for a few moments before they reluctantly tossed them from their necks and to the ground a good distance away only for Screwball to laugh evilly. “Pity, if you had continued to charge head on despite your friends life being in danger, you could have defeated me with your elements. Now your fate, will be hers!” Screwball exclaimed as she swiftly rose her hoof up in preparation to strike down to the horror of Scootaloo and Applebloom only to suddenly be shot back by a mighty buck.

“Who dares?!” Screwball exclaimed with a glare as she looked about herself and saw her. “Hello mother...” Screwball said a few moments with a glare.

“Enough of this Screwball! Discord is gone!” Screw Loose exclaimed with a glare.

“Just because daddy kicked the bucket doesn't mean I can't carry on his fine work.” Screwball replied with a sneer as she paced around her mother.

“Celestia damn to me to Tartarus for even fooling with that draconequus! The only good that came from it was you!” Screw Loose exclaimed as she paced back and forth.

“Who cares what you think mother. Just like daddy, we are gods among insects. Only I didn't go insane and start barking like a wild dog. How did you regain your sanity anyways?” Screwball asked with a cruel sneer.

“My sanity was lost the day I thought you were dead. For two thousand years I went insane, then Discord came back. That's when something in me snapped me back to reality. If Discord was back, so were you. At least that's what I told myself to keep myself sane.” Screw Loose replied as she paced back and forth not taking her eyes off her daughter.

“Well guess what mother, I haven't been dead, I’ve just been sleeping, just like daddy did. When he came back for the third time so did I. So how about you stop being a miss goody two hooves and rule this new world with me.” Screwball replied with a sneer as she extended a hoof to her mother.

“Perhaps you really are dead. The Screwball I raised would never tolerate a world in this state.” Screw Loose replied and let out a sigh as she looked at Twilight and her friends.

Upon looking at them, the binds around them vanished much to Screwball's rage. “What do you think you are doing mother?!” Screwball exclaimed in a hostile tone.

“Fixing a mistake I made over two thousand years ago!” Screw Loose exclaimed as she began to glow brightly.

“What are you doing? Stop it!” Screwball exclaimed as she began to glow as well.

“Twilight Sparkle and friends, I am grateful to you for your efforts to save my daughter and Merrick. Believe me when I say he was not always like you saw.

“Ah know, I sensed it in him when we fought for some time...he only wanted to be loved. What are ya goin to do?” Applebloom asked as Screw Loose floated up along with Screwball whom could only flail in defiance in vainly.

“I am removing any last trace of his power in this world by removing me and my daughter from existence! Take care and thank you!” Screw Loose exclaimed and in a blinding flash of light her and Screwball vanished without a trace at which point the cotton candy clouds vanished and the world reverted back to normal within seconds.

“Sure as hay don't feel like it though.” Applejack replied as they looked around themselves.

“We have damage control to do. Come on, lets go see if everypony is okay.” Twilight replied at which point the others nodded and followed her.

FIVE YEARS LATER...

A orange Pegasus came trotting into carousel boutique along with a orange mare with a cowboy hat on.

“Ah reckon we are doin alright. Right honeh?” Applebloom said with a proud smile as she nuzzled Scootaloo affectionately who returned the gesture with her own.

“Yeah, things are going great. Roseheart's just gone in for her first year of grade school.” Scootaloo chimed in with a equally proud smile.

“That's great to hear darlings. How's that hard headed Pegasus doing?” Rarity asked with a smile.

“Mom is just as hard headed as ever. She brags that she the fastest runner her Equestria now instead of flier.

“Well as long as she is coping with her condition then I suppose it's for the best.” Rarity replied and let out a sigh.

“You should go visit Twilight. I'm sure she would like to see you again.” Scootaloo said in a suggesting tone.

“Oh I simply couldn't. She's far too busy now at days as you both know. But I must admit, without her around the rest of us have had a bit of a falling out with one another.” Rarity remarked with a sigh.

“Oh! Ah almost forgot! This is for you.” Applebloom said with a smile and placed a piece of paper on the table to which Rarity lifted with magic and read.

Twilight Sparkle cordially invites you to the fifth annal grand galloping gala in honor of Princess Celestia.

Rarity placed the piece of paper on the table and smile. “Honestly, she still hasn't taken to her role yet?” Rarity remarked with a smirk. “Now where is that sister of mine? Sweetie Belle!” Rarity called out.

“Yes, she says that she remembers being apart of the fight against Discord and Nightmare Moon, but she still says she can't recall why or how.” Rarity replied and let out yet another sigh.

“Ah guess she really did give all her memories of herself as Selena to the keeper of souls in exchange for Fluttershy's life.” Applebloom remarked looking up at the stairs as the door began to open.

“I think it's for the best though. Now she can live her own life without worrying about living in the shadow of another.” Scootaloo chimed in as Sweetie Belle slowly took steps down the stairs along side of spike who was helping her down the stairs.

“Now careful darling, I wouldn't want anything to happen to my unborn niece now.” Rarity remarked as Sweetie Belle nearly tripped only to be caught by Spike.

“Don't worry Rarity, I would never let anything happen to her.” Spike said with a cocky grin.

“Ah certainly hope not! Course ah can't speak for the package she's carryin in her belly thanks to ya!” Applebloom exclaimed with a grin to which Spike's eyes lit up at the sight of Scootaloo and Applebloom.

“Scootaloo, Applebloom, good to see you two!” Spike exclaimed with a warm smile.

Sweetie Belle managed to make it to the bottom of the stairs and walked over to Rarity now. “You best have a good reason for calling me down here. Those stairs are a pain in the flank to walk up and down!” Sweetie Belle remarked in an annoyed tone at which point Applebloom giggled.

“Ah remember how much of a pain it was for meh so ah feel ya on that one Sweetie Belle.” Applebloom said with a knowing look and a smile.

“Sure, but at least we aren't trying to hide it from everypony like you did.” Sweetie Belle replied with a grin of here own.

“Yeah, yeah. No need to bring back those stinkin memories now.” Applebloom retorted in a sour tone but managed to keep her lighthearted expression on her face.

“Well, we have been invited to the fifth grand galloping gala by Twilight.” Rarity replied to which Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up.

“Alright! It's been forever since I last saw her. I wonder if she'll still recognize me?” Sweetie Belle remarked thoughtfully aloud.

“Oh I’m sure she will. After all her and Spike keep in contact quite often from what I understand.” Rarity replied looking at Spike.

“Yeah, but since she took on her new role she's only been able to send me a letter once a month now at days.” Spike replied with a slight frown.

“Well, we have a week or so till the gala, Scootaloo would be so kind as to round up the gang so I can design dresses for them?” Rarity asked with a smile.

“No problem there! I'll be back in ten,Seconds, Flat!” Scootaloo exclaimed and sped out the front door so fast one could have sword she left a purple and orange streak in her wake.

“Ah swear, she still acts like her momma. Bit annoyin at times really.” Applebloom remarked with a facehoofing gesture.

ONE WEEK LATER...

Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom now stood inside the castle in Canterlot watching as ponies filed in and began to mingle with one other.

“Ten bits says the royal library.” Rainbow Dash replied in the same whisper.

It soon became apparent however that Twilight was in fact greeting guests as the others made their way in. “Twilight!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she charged forward to greet the Alicorn.

“Alright, I’ll just take it from our rainy day funds when we get back to the farm.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk.

Scootaloo however was halted as guard ponies stood between her and Twilight only for the Alicorn to snap them to the side. “Lay off you guys, these are my friends!” Twilight exclaimed in an annoyed tone allowing the Pegasus to tackle and hug her.

“Of course, Princess.” One of the guard ponies replied and resumed their position.

“For the last time, call me Twilight. Ugh, the whole princess title really doesn't suit me.” Twilight replied in an annoyed tone with a facehoof gesture as she spoke to the guard then looked to her friends. “So lets go to donut joes and hang out. Hows that sound?” Twilight suggested with a smile.

“B-But Princess! Who will greet the guests? It's custom for the princess to great ponies as they enter!” One of the guard ponies exclaimed in a panicked tone.

“You do it then, I'm going to spend time with my friends!” Twilight called out without looking back to which the guard pony looked at the huge line and gulped.

“I can't believe you mares. You really haven't been talking to one another without me around?” Twilight remarked in a disapproving tone.

“It's not like we haven't tried. It's just without your organizing skills, we never seem to be able to make time to hang out like the old days.” Rainbow Dash replied defensively to which the others nodded in agreement.

“You mares are hopeless.” Twilight remarked at which point they all burst into spontaneous laughter. “Well as your Princess, I hereby decree you all to make time to spend with one another.” Twilight followed up with a smirk.

“Whoa nelly y'all, we just got a royal order from the princess.” Applejack said in a mock intimated tone with a mischievous grin.

“Now she decided to act like a princess.” Rainbow Dash chimed in with an equally mischievous grin to which everypony began to burst out laughing anew.

“Lay off you guys, I'm still adjusting to this whole Princess thing!” Twilight exclaimed defensively.

“Three years as ruler of all Equestria and you still haven't fully adjusted darling?” Rarity managed to get out and stop laughing.

“Well if somepony would have kept their mouth shut, I wouldn't be in this spot anyways and be able to be with you guys.” Twilight remarked flashing a glare at Spike who gave a sheepish smile.

“Well, if he hadn't, then who would rule Equestria? Sweetie Belle countered to which the others nodded in agreement.

“I agree with my little sister on this. You are doing a splendid job darling.” Rarity chimed in with a smile to which the others once again nodded in agreement.

“At least you guys think so. But you guys don't have to deal with the royal advisers breathing down your neck everyday.” Twilight remarked in an annoyed tone then looked over to the royal garden which could be seen outside to a statue. “I wish she was here. She would know what to do most days.” Twilight remarked thoughtfully aloud at which point Rarity placed a hoof on hers and smiled as Twilight turned to look at her.

“Darling, if Princess Celestia were here right now, I have no doubt in my mind that she would be very proud of you.” Rarity said in a reassuring tone to which Twilight gave a soft smile.

“Yeah, your doing a bang up job of keepin Equestria in order Twi.” Applejack chimed in to which the others agreed.

“I just hope Discord's curse is lifted one day from her.” Twilight replied with a sigh.

“Oh it will darling, and when it does you'll be here to great her with open wings and hooves.” Rarity replied with a smile.

“Hey, donut joe! Another round of your special!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a grin at which point the eight spent the night chatting away of the times that they had and what they had planned while outside a small scroll lay on a statue of an Alicorn protected and held their by magic...

I write to you for the last time about the lessons I have learned about the magic of friendship. Today I learned that even when things look their worst and when you think that you are alone, your true friends will always be there to remind you that no matter what challenges a pony may face, they can always turn to their friends for help and they will be there for them no matter what happens. I have learned all I can about the magic of friendship and I think it is time I start to move on to learning about something new. From here on out, I will be studying the magic of love and what power it holds in those who share it with one another.

Your faithful student,

P.S. Thank you for everything aunt Celestia. You truly were like a second mother to me and I hope the day you read this you know that when you are free from Discord's curse I will be here to greet you with open wings and be happy to have you rule at my side just as my mother did before me.

A Filly's Tale

by Deathsia

A Mother's love Part 4