NOTE: Finally...the moment you've all been waiting for. :)
Also, there are two VERY special characters featured in this chapter. ;)
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Twilight bit her lip as she gazed at the clock that just floated past her a few moments ago. Breakfast of chocolate milk, pie, and some oat bars had come and go for her and Discord, but she wished it had lasted much longer.
Four o' clock. That would be the time.
The unicorn slowly closed her eyes and lowered her head in despair. Though that was still hours away, every second passing made her more scared.
Suddenly, she felt a soft touch on her side. Eyes fluttering open, she looked toward her back to spot a lion paw draped upon it ever so assuringly. She couldn't stop the small smile from forming on her lips before she trailed up the paw and found her eyes gazing up into the owner of that arm.
Discord gave her a soft smirk, his eyes lowering a bit as he gave her an assuring nudge. Nothing extreme was to occur today, both of them simply lying upon the lush grass that cut itself from the snowy area as they enjoyed the sunshine that shone upon them from the sky.
Last night had been everything and more for Discord. It truly was the best birthday he ever had, and to have a best friend who cared about him regardless of the past and what was occurring in the present, he was truly lucky. Though he wished the night hadn't ended...
Though he was a master at hiding his feelings, deep down, Discord felt certain that what he and Twilight were going to face when that clock struck four...was not going to be very harmonic.
He knew to expect hate and anger from her friends and loved ones, and sure, he was going to joke around with their frustrations which had been possessed for so long since Twilight left them, and, of course, he would come face-to-face with the Elements of Harmony once again...
He shuddered a bit at the thought. What if they tried to use it on him again?
Of course not! His mind chuckled as he laid close by Twilight, Little Miss Magic is here, isn't she? Can't have elements without Friendship, right?
But what if some way...if it were possible...
No! He shouldn't think that way! The elements were incomplete, making it impossible to stop him and return him to stone. And take him away from Twilight...
"I barely had any sleep last night..." His ears twitched a bit, almost missing out on what the unicorn just said.
Discord cocked an eyebrow as he gazed down at the violet pony, whose eyes remained on the grass.
"I just can't believe, after more than a week, we've finally come down to this..." She said quietly. She let out a small whimper, eyes shutting tightly. "I'm scared about this, Discord. Really, I am."
The Draconequus gazed down at her, his lion paw never leaving her side. As much as he trusted her that things will work out and she would always protect him if any of her friends dared lash at him, he shared the fear.
But with fear, there was hope. And the hope that he and this magnificent unicorn's friendship would remain intact was much stronger than before.
"Don't worry, my dear," before he could stop himself, he rested his head atop of hers, his beard draped to the side to join where the lower half of her mane was. His lion paw brought her closer to his side and he gently pressed against her, not daring to break ahold of his best friend. "It's natural to be afraid."
Twilight was grateful she didn't shed any tears as she nuzzled against Discord's side; that would have ruined this precious moment between them. And she begged herself that there would be more precious moments between them in the future...a future which involved her friends and loved ones altogether.
How she missed her friends, her parents, home both Canterlot and Ponyville. Though this past week in this forest had been so good to her and it felt like such a paradise, she knew she couldn't handle another day away from the life she had.
She wanted to connect the life she found now and stick it along with.
All the fun she and Discord could have: the lessons, the parties, the happiness of children, the innocent chaos that could make life even more interesting than it already was.
Please don't let me lose him, her mind begged.
For what felt like hours, the two remained in their current positions, sides pressed against each other while heads supported one another. Finally, Discord raised his head from Twilight's and gazed up at the sky once more.
"What is it?" Twilight asked him.
Discord remained silent for a few moments. Finally, he turned to her, wearing that mischievous smile Twilight knew so well.
"What are we moping about?" He let out a chortle. Twilight watched as he began floating about, tail flickering as his wings flapped.
"We should be enjoying the time we have left before we have to endure the pure boredom that is knocking some sense into your friends," he laughed.
Before Twilight could question him, Discord snapped his fingers.
A low rumble startled her as she immediately got on her hooves, cringing as she turned from left to right, wondering what on Earth Discord conjured up this time.
A small drop on her nose was her answer.
Twilight's eyes widened before she gazed up to witness colors of soft pink blanket the blue skies, and sweet rain poured down upon her mane.
"Brings us back to how we met, huh?" Discord chuckled as he lowered down beside her.
"You nearly ruined my mane," Twilight muttered, though there was a small smile on her face as more chocolate milk fell upon her body. "And seems you're doing it again." She rolled her eyes with a chuckle.
"You were quite a hard-headed egghead before," he spoke with a smile. "Now look at you. A little more-"
Suddenly, before he knew it, he was lightly smacked on the face with a milk-drenched mane. It didn't hurt, but the impact took him by surprise as he rubbed his nose and gazed at the unicorn with wide, surprised eyes.
Twilight smirked at him, her long mane wet and dripping with chocolate milk as more rained on her. Flipping her equally drenched tail, Twilight stuck her tongue out at him before galloping off, going wherever the rain led her.
Discord held a dumbfounded expression for a few good moments. Then he broke into a sly, playful grin before chasing after her, his wings flapping and his hair becoming equally drenched as hers.
_
Shining Armor stood off to the side as he watched a group of his men trudged through the streets of Canterlot, on their way to Trottingham to take care of some 'rain business' that had somehow seeped its way into the town.
Giving another salute as the array of armed unicorns left his surveillance, the captain finally lowered his hoof down like a limp noodle, hitting the ground softly. The strong unicorn gave a sad sigh, closing his blue eyes in as he lowered his head in despair.
"You okay, Captain?"
He immediately opened his eyes and snapped to attention as soon as he heard that all too familiar voice behind him. Turning around, he did his best to smile as his blue eyes were met with grayish purple ones.
Cadence knew how strong her husband was trying to appear as she stood before him, having decided to check on him after making sure the families around Canterlot were fine and safe. They two regarded each other for a few moments, simply reading each other through the connection in their eyes.
No doubt Shining Armor could see that Cadence was feeling the same as he had been this day, as of many days before that.
The captain of the Royal Guard let out a depressing sigh and lowered his head before his wife. Cadence quickly came over and wrapped a comforting hoof around him, holding him close.
"She's my sister, too, Shining Armor," she whispered softly to him. "I'm just as scared as you are."
"I know, Cadence..." He murmured. "I know..."
Slowly breaking away from her loving grasp, Shining Armor gazed up at the sky, Celestia's sun pouring down on the snow-covered Canterlot. This snow was freezing his flanks, but what made him ache even more was that it reminded him too well of how he and Twilight would play around it during their childhoods.
Thinking of his missing sister sent another pang into the stallion's heart, and throwing away all manners of sombre and duty, he couldn't take it anymore and immediately broke down, his hooves giving up on him as he slowly dropped to the floor. Cadence quickly rushed toward him, wrapping her hooves around his neck as a few silent tears fell from his onto the snow; her tears combined with his.
While Shining Armor had been on duty, he would temporarily break away from his work to visit his parents, doing his best to comfort his mother while trying to assure his dad that they would find the missing member of their family. Honest to heart, his pain for his stolen sister was far greater than both his parents combined.
And the fact that it had been more than a week, and his men were nowhere close to finding a source, it was like his heart was being stabbed with a spear.
Discord...
Though neither he or Cadence had even met the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony as his parents had, they had been victims to his unusual powers not too long ago, after he had been released from stone. Shining Armor had been on duty and Cadence, who was his girlfriend before he popped the question to her, had been aiding in some Canterlot charities. If either had known Twilight had returned to Canterlot, it would have been a joyful reunion and they would have lunch together and catch up.
But low and behold, her visit was for Celestia only, and it was on the matter for all of Equestria.
Neither could have known Discord's pranks would affect either of them, Shining Armor's men being pummeled with pies left and right and chocolate milk raining down during their march. And Cadence was stressing over having workers pull down houses that somehow managed to float in mid-air.
Though both had been frustrated in the whole matter, their hope and confidence continued lying on the dear violet unicorn that were the happiness of their lives.
Now that unicorn was in the clutches of the enemy.
"What kind of brother can't even find his own sister?" He choked, allowing his bride to stroke his mane.
"Don't talk like that..." Cadence whispered to him, continuously stroking her husband. "If Twilight could hear you, she would be even more proud and grateful."
"But she's with the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony," he whimpered, "even your aunts had a difficult time defeating him before they finally encased him in that stone prison."
"Yes, Celestia and Luna told me all about the story," she said softly, "and the fact that they're no longer connected to the elements, but..." Her voice trailed off, biting her lip. She gazed at Shining Armor, her eyes glistening.
Shining Armor sniffed. "My sister is the most powerful unicorn in Equestria," he said with both pain and pride, "and her element is the most powerful of all. But without her, the Elements of Harmony are incomplete so Discord will continue taking her his prisoner-"
"Not for long, Shining Armor," Cadence cut in firmly, taking his face in her hooves so he would gaze directly into her eyes. "We're going to put a stop to this."
"He took my sister..." Shining Armor swallowed hard. "My beautiful little sister..."
"And he'll regret for doing such a thing," she assured him with soft eyes. "He'll pay for hurting our family."
The stallion could see the blazing fury in his wife's eyes, her concern completely focused on the little pony that had been her friend since childhood. How close she and Cadence were, no matter how far apart. Their sisterly bond was powerful.
And, as Cadence gazed up at Celestia's sun with glistening eyes, she hoped her love for her sister-in-law would aid well in this continuing search.
_
Twilight gazed at Discord from the corner of her eye, seeing how focused he was on the book in front of them. If only this little reading session could last forever...
After chasing one another through the chocolate milk-drizzling cotton candy clouds (which, Twilight was grateful for, did not reach anywhere near home), Discord insisted they do what Twilight loved best: read.
The Big Book of Chaos laid out in front of them as they rested on the grass, the clouds having evaporated and sunshine resumed over them. Though it was a fairly interesting book, Twilight knew all too well that Discord just conjured up and simply put the thoughts in his head onto the paper; most of the pages contained pictures of his usual pranks in the past, followed by some recent events he had done while he remained discreet among Equestria.
She smiled as she came across a picture featuring Discord resting upon a regular cloud, night surrounding his body as he laid on his back with his arms and legs crossed in a relaxed manner.
"Rainbow Dash has nothing on this," Discord chuckled. "No matter how soft her pegasi kind can make the clouds."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "At least you're modest," she said sarcastically. She turned the page and did her best not to laugh. "What happened to you here?"
Discord regarded the picture and he winced, a look Twilight found such amusement in the Draconequus.
"I was sleeping on some regular cloud, bored from watching you little ponies do your tasks," he explained with reluctance in his tone. "Then, what do you know, seemed I was near Wonderbolt training grounds and the sound of what could have been rocks scratching on chalkboard woke me up from my nap." He gave a small pout. "If I didn't have wings, things would have been very messy, my dear."
Twilight could barely hold it in before she finally let out shrill laughter, pointing a hoof at Discord as she continued so. Discord simply gazed at her, his pout becoming deeper.
"The Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony," she said between giggles, "falling off a cloud! Oh, Rainbow Dash would so enjoy that!"
"Yeah, yeah, keep laughing..." He muttered. "At least those Wonderbolts got what was coming for them with that invisible wall..."
Twilight wiped a tear from her eye and regarded Discord, though she continuously snorted under her breath. "Okay, not funny, I get it." But her laughter remained muffled as she bit her lip.
"And I thought Pinkie Pie was the Element of Laughter," he mumbled as he turned a page in their book.
However, the corners of his lips formed a small smile, simply basking in the sound that was the unicorn's laughter.
She should definitely laugh more often.
_
"Princess Luna! Princess Celestia! We came as fast as we could!"
The remaining elements, followed by Spike as well as the Sparkle couple, rushed through the main halls of the castle before they halted in front of the Royal Sisters. Having received urgent messages from Celestia, they were immediate to arrive and hear what news they were bringing. No doubt each of the elements read each other's minds knowing they were all hoping it was relating to finding their missing friend.
"We're here, princesses!" Rainbow Dash cried, her wings flapping as she stood above her friends. "What's going on?"
"Any sign of Discord?"
"My daughter?" Mr. Sparkle exclaimed, standing close by his troubled wife.
"Settle down," Celestia spoke softly, raising a hoof to calm them.
"My sister and I have called you here on a great discovery we've made," Luna said, her voice sounding almost elated.
"A discovery?" Rarity repeated, her blue eyes widening.
"Does it relate to that varmint Discord?" Applejack asked timidly.
Luna, during so, had held a grim yet grateful expression on her face when they all first entered; holding a sad smile. However, it widened a bit as she regarded everypony in front of her and Celestia.
"Not only Discord," she said simply, "but it involves all of us, every single one that has supported harmony from the very beginning of this quest."
"Wait a minute..." Pinkie scratched her fuzzy pink hair with a hoof as she raised a curious eyebrow. "Are you saying that everypony is part of some sort of discovery you two made that can really stop that big meanie Discord?"
"And our friends back in Ponyville?" Fluttershy asked, her eyes widening.
"And the help we got from the Wonderbolts?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"And especially me?" Spike asked nervously, pointing to himself. "Really?"
Celestia smiled at all of them, and especially nodded to Spike. "Every single one that has aided us in our search for Twilight, the Element of Magic and Friendship."
Luna gave a firm nod to her sister. "Twilight Sparkle holds the most powerful element of all, even more so powerful than the rest of the elements. The magic of friendship is very strong, and so is its wielder." She turned toward Celestia.
"When the element was first summoned by you little ponies," the sun princess casted her gaze on the remaining elements, "it was truly brought out and given to Twilight through the friendship you made, and the compassion as well as the love you all cherished when you became her friends."
"I'm a little confused..." Applejack rubbed her head.
"Dear ones," the moon princess began, "togetherness is what brought out the magic of friendship, and the element itself."
It took some time for her words to sink in, then finally, every pony's eyes widened in pure realization as to what exactly the princesses were explaining. Spike's jaw nearly hit the floor as his green eyes hardly ever blinked; he felt his heart beat rapidly, almost out of surprise as well as sudden excitement.
"So with all of us together..."
"All of us..." Mrs. Sparkle gasped in realization.
"You're saying..." Spike choked a bit. "You're saying we can..."
"Yes," the sun princess gave a small nod, "we can stop Discord with our unity, our love, and our care among each other."
"That's the true magic in friendship," Luna added with a quivering smile, "and that is what truly powers the element."
Pinkie Pie could barely stop the smile from growing massive upon her face at hearing such news. She turned to her four friends, who all shared equal expressions of relief and joy. Even the news became too much for Mr. Sparkle as he leaned against his wife for support, his eyes tightening as a small, grateful smile formed on his lips, knowing that there was, indeed, hope.
"We can save Twilight! Even if she's corrupted, we can still save her!"
"We'll be able to rescue her!" Rainbow Dash cried, wings flapping even faster. Tears were near the edge of her eyes, but the furious growl replaced her expression of joy with hatred. "We'll put Discord in his place for what he's put us all through!" She slammed her hooves together. "Teach him never to mess with any of us again!"
"True as it may be, Rainbow Dash," Celestia sighed before lowering her head.
Her tone made all sudden happiness fade quickly, and all eyes fell on her, scared and almost pleading. Her sister took a deep breath before regarding the curious and slightly discouraged ponies before them.
"We're not sure how strong all of us combined with the remaining element wielders can be," Luna said dejectedly. "It may be enough...it may not be enough." She added sadly.
"But we've had so much help!" Spike exclaimed. "Don't tell me that doesn't boost power to the Element of Magic and Friendship."
"Everypony has done his or her part!" Rarity exclaimed. "We've all supported one another, which supports harmony all the same!"
"Surely that shouldn't be less than enough, right?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Why, it would be like less than enough food to go around in a party!"
"We know, Pinkie Pie," Luna sighed. "But still..." She swallowed hard. "For what it's worth, dear Twilight Sparkle must be saved, and Discord must be stopped."
The firm yet bitter tone in her voice made the room grow suddenly quiet, even Fluttershy felt herself tremble just hearing the moon princess sound so discreet.
"For good," Luna said firmly.
Like that would be difficult! Rainbow Dash nodded her head slowly, her magenta eyes narrowing as she imagined slamming her hooves against Discord once they did find him. Then she imagined slamming her hooves even harder once he was powerless and encased in stone.
"Carry on home, faithful supporters of harmony," Celestia said. "We will see to it that we spread word of this discovery, that way, we are more than prepared for when we finally discover Discord's whereabouts."
"And bring back Twilight Sparkle to us," Luna concluded.
"Oh, honey, did you hear that?" Mrs. Sparkle exclaimed, tears pouring down her face as she smiled at her husband. "We'll save our daughter! We'll save her!"
Mr. Sparkle said nothing, he was too busy shedding more tears than his wife as his heart pounded, the love for their precious daughter forever strong.
_
"So looks like all that flying around really paid off for something, huh?"
Soarin' turned from devouring a muffin and gazed over at his team captain, reading over the message the princesses had sent them. The Wonderbolts had remained in Cloudsdale for the time being, later going to prepare to search the skies once more. However, after the letter was given to them, a new plan was to be made.
The male pegasus swallowed his muffin slowly, almost not feeling too hungry anymore as Spitfire finished the rest of the letter.
So the princesses had managed to uncover something that could save one of their own...but, as Spitfire had read, it may not be enough.
But it had to be! Everypony had given his or her part to find that missing unicorn and bring balance back into Equestria! If being a 'massive team' was not enough to stop Discord, than what else?
"So, uh, Ponyville?" He asked quietly, not bothering to regard his muffin any longer.
"In a few hours," Spitfire sighed, putting away the note, "I'll contact Rainbow Dash and let her know we're coming."
_
The cyan pegasus gazed at the large notice displayed outside the mayor's office with sad yet hopeful eyes. Everypony in Ponyville was being informed as the great yet concerning news the princesses had sent.
Everypony was elated.
Everpony was nervous.
Everypony was scared.
The last time Rainbow Dash had felt such fear like this may have been that time during the Best Young Flyer's Competition back in Cloudsdale. She had been a nervous, emotional wreck, and her friends, minus a self-absorbed, winged Rarity, had done their best to calm her down.
But that fear could not match this new one she was feeling. To think she was actually frightened about something related to that jerk Discord!
But she really was...because he had Twilight.
"You wearing your element?" She turned and there stood Applejack, the Element of Honestly secured around her neck.
The pegasus gave a tight smile before silently nodding, her Element of Loyalty gleaming for all to see. "You'd think I'd do better with my own hooves than this piece of jewelry," she managed to chuckle.
"Don't count on it," Applejack snorted. "he'd sooner land you in some of that sticky cotton candy than you could flap your wings and pummel his sorry being."
"One time!" Rainbow Dash argued. "And it totally caught me off guard!"
Suddenly, before either knew it, the sound of trumpets invaded their ears before they were attacked with confetti and streamers.
"Pinkie!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "What the hay?"
"What?" The pink pony asked innocently, holding her usual smile as she bounced around them, a party hat on her head. "I'm celebrating early!"
"Celebrating early for what?" Applejack asked.
"For the princesses finding a way to stop Discord which involves everypony we know and love!" She giggled.
Both both were immediately tackled into a tight hug by the pink Earth pony as she blew into an airhorn that nearly got them both deaf.
"We're all going to be together!" She giggled. "We should make this like a party!"
"A party?" Rainbow Dash demanded, her wings flapping angrily. "Pinkie, this is no time for a-"
"Let her at it," Applejack cut her in, "at least she's taken a positive snag on this here whole situation."
"Well, at least she's wearing her Element of Laughter..." Rainbow Dash muttered, folding her hooves.
_
Twilight felt her heart pound as she watched the clock strike two; only a couple more hours before...
The unicorn let out a despairing groan as she laid her body upon the mass made of clouds. She and Discord had retreated back inside the house of chaos and decided to settle in the little field of cloudy trees where they could relax, though mostly in Twilight's part. However, it didn't seem to be working as her eyes kept glued to the clock that floated by every now and then.
"You're getting quite worked up, you know," Discord commented as he laid beside her on his back, arms folded over his chest as he gazed at the never-ending ceiling.
"Sorry," Twilight blushed a bit, eyes glued on her fore hooves. "I've usually counted the time before. And well, seems we've got two hours and..." She looked back up at the floating clock. She let out a terrified squeak. "No, make that one hour, fifty-nine minutes, and fifty seconds!"Discord sighed, seeing her mane become frizzled at the process of anxiety. Lifting himself off his back, he sat up straight and stared down at the unicorn.
"Look," he began gently, "we both know it's not going to pretty..."
"Definitely not pretty," she gulped.
"But regardless of that..." he went on strongly.
Before Twilight knew it, Discord had leaned forward and laid on his stomach, duplicating her position, and wrapped his lion arm over her frame before bringing her close. Her eyes widened a bit when her coat brushed against his and his beard was draped upon her head as before.
"Let's enjoy the time we have left," he said simply. "Alright, my dear?"
Hearing his calm, soothing tone, Twilight felt a rush of self-assurance course through her and she managed a small smile.
"O-okay..." She murmured, allowing herself to be held and comforted by the Draconequus she was proud to call her best friend.
She dared not look at the clock once more as she closed her eyes and embraced in the closeness she had with her dear friend this very moment.
_
"Dear, you really should eat some more."
Upper Crust looked across the table toward her husband, barely paying any mind to the bowl of alfalfa in front of her. She was just too nervous and somewhat excited to eat. While Fancypants and Zecora were up to their own devices, the couple had been left to continue the task of caring for the four ambitious foals that were eating at a table beside theirs.
They would be going to Ponyville quite soon.
"Oh, darling, I simply cant think of my stomach right now," Upper Crust said with an apologetic smile, "not when I feel that we're so close to what we've searched painfully for!"
"You're going to hug her as soon as you find her, won't you, dear?" Jet Set asked, adjusting his glasses with his magic.
"Yes," she said simply. Then she blushed a bit. "Right after her dear mother and father do so."
While the couple discussed, a certain little colt's ears twitched, having overheard their conversation.
"You going to eat your biscuits, Pipsqueak?" Scootaloo asked, turning to him after nearly finishing her plate.
"Here," he said quietly, pushing them towards her.
Apple Bloom watched in disapproval as Scootaloo devoured his meal before turning to their male friend. "You're still thinking about Twilight?" She asked sadly.
"Well, of course he's still thinking about her!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, pointing towards him. "She's on everypony's mind!"
"Well, seems more so him," Scootalloo commented nonchalantly after cleaning off the last of the biscuits.
Pipsqueak immediately blushed as soon as she said that. Ignoring her, he turned toward the clock hanging outside the cafe they were eating at.
They would leave so in half an hour. Yet...why did Pipsqueak suddenly feel like time was becoming so precious lately?
_
Twilight didn't bother to look up at the clock. She knew it had finally struck four.
She was too busy taking her packed traveler bag out from her room and setting it next to her door. The unicorn let out a sigh before she made her way over to her mirror, making sure she looked presentable. Her mane was fine, and her eyes didn't appear as if they would dilate out of anxiety anytime soon, but the curve of her lips in that worried pout still remained.
Twilight lowered her head in front of her reflection, both despair and fear eating her up as before.
She knew the others would bring harm to Discord as soon as he reeled his chaotic face back at them. What about harm towards her? No! They would be happy that she has returned...right? But would they be angry that she had gone missing on them despite that note she left behind? Would they be so overwhelmed with mixed emotions as she was at the moment? Oh, dear Equestria, her mind was gaining a total headache right now!
The unicorn flinched and her eyes widened when she felt something drape over her trembling body, Gazing at her reflection, she saw a pair of mismatched hands drape her beloved red cloak with the fuzzy white cuffs over her frame. She couldn't help but smile tearfully as he gently fit it on her, making sure the hood was over her mane."Want you to keep warm when we get out of here," Discord said simply, gazing at his reflection as well as he lowered to Twilight's level. The unicorn noticed that he had slipped her elemental crown into the pocket of her cloak as well.
Twilight smiled, feeling her eyes well with tears as she gazed at her dear friend.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Discord looked at her, his gaze matching her own as they stared into each other's eyes. His smile seemed just as tearful as he couldn't break away from the gratitude and care that shone in those large pools of purple on her face. Twilight could barely hold her smile, her lip quivering as she gazed at the creature she wished would stay safe by her side no matter what.
Neither knew who started first, but the next thing they both knew, arms were wrapped around each other and they sank into a warm embrace of assurance.
No matter what, their friendship would remain intact whether the consequences were either troubled and triumphant.
_
"And so," Mayor Mare concluded as gazed up at the sun with a smile, "we all must keep a strong hoof and make sure nopony is left behind when we eventually..." Her voice trailed off. "Well, you know, when that time comes..."
Shining Armor, no longer dressed in uniform, surveyed the large crowd of ponies around him. He and Cadence had unfortunately only managed to stay in the back, same went for his parents, barely hearing the Mayor of Ponyville make her motivational speech. The stallion turned away from the crowd and gazed at the town itself.
This wouldn't be the first time he and his wife had visited his sister's other home. Shortly after their honeymoon, they had surprised Twilight and the three had spent time together while she gave them a tour of the town. It was a such a nice memory as Shining Armor recalled with a small smile; it almost took him away from the despair that reigned upon all of them this moment.
"You sure your aunts were right?" He asked as he turned toward Cadence. "You know, about how we might manage to help support the Elements of Harmony and stuff?"
"Celestia and Luna have done their best to find a solution," she assured him, though she couldn't smile. She gazed at everypony around them. "Now all we need is to put into action.
_
Before Twilight blinked, a snap of Discord's fingers made the house in which they just exited completely vanish in a flash.
"Well then," Discord began as he looked toward the sun, "shall we?"
The unicorn shuffled her hooves a bit, gazing at the ground. "Um, Discord?" She began quietly. "Before we go on...could you...?"
"Yes?" He asked gently, staring at her.
She swallowed. "Could you...could you raise the moon?"
That completely caught him off guard as he raised an eyebrow at her.
"The night is so much more peaceful," she confessed, "especially for something like this." She blinked up at him, "I would love the moon to be raised early this time."
Discord just gazed at her. Then a small, gentle smile formed on his lips.
"As you wish, my dear," he said before snapping his fingers.
_
Suddenly, moonlight consumed the sky, frightening everypony. Gasps and screams emerged as Mayor Mare nearly fell off her podium from the unexpected surprise.
"Whoa!" One voice shouted. "The moon is up!"
"What?" All eyes turned toward Rainbow Dash, her wings flapping angrily. "It's only past four! What the hay?"
"Discord must be playing us again," Applejack grumbled. "Boy, I sure hope when we find him this plan does work!"
Pipsqueak felt his legs buckle as he gazed up at Luna's moon cascaded a blanket of light over the town. Now he seemed even more frightened at this moment. It was like Discord was scaring them right under their noses!
However, as he gazed up at the crown he had made a couple of days ago, his lips tightened.
He had to be brave. He wanted to be brave.
He wanted to be her hero.
_
Twilight blinked at the sight of the glorious moonlight that draped over her and Discord as they silently passed through the woods. They had only been walking for a good ten minutes before they suddenly came to a halt.
The unicorn looked up at Discord before turning back toward the trail before them. Nothing but more grass and trees in front of them, still seemed a long way.
However, Twilight flinched when Discord raised his hands and a soft glowing aura emerged from his palms. The unicorn let out a startled gasp when she saw that magic merge forward, and before she knew it, seemed like the trail before them was shifting, like an image being altered.
Standing bravely, Twilight watched as trees and grass soon faded through a burst of light...and the next thing she knew, she was gazing at familiar streets crowded with familiar faces before them.
Her jaw fell in disbelief while Discord held his usual smile.
"Well, what do you know?" He chuckled, folding his arms. "Looks like all your friends are in one place.
_
"Everypony, calm down!" Mayor Mare shouted over her podium as the crowd before her erupted with cries of fear. "Please, settle down!"
As soon as everypony quieted down and regarded their just-as-shocked mayor once more, she cleared her throat.
"Well," she began, "seems we've gained early nightfall...again."
"This is messing our sleep up," One said.
"Mayor," another called out. "Let's stick with the plan, remember? Can you go over again what the princesses had been talking about?"
"Very well," she said before looking over her notes. "As the royal sisters had stated just earlier..."
"Oh, come on!" Rainbow Dash bursted out, all eyes falling on her. "What's the point of listening to this stuff if it's not getting us any close to finding that jerk Discord or Twilight? Now night's up, and it'll be harder to search that way!"
"Well, search no more, Rainbow Dash!" The pegasus felt her wings stop in mid-motion when she heard that voice. Even when she plummeted to the ground, she still bore the expression of utter shock and disbelief. Almost fearfully, she turned around...
All eyes fell on the glowing aura that surrounded two figures, one on all fours and wearing a cloak, and another quite tall that its silhouette seemed almost terrifying. Behind them was a glowing entrance of some sort, nearly blinding everypony before them.
Shining Armor struggled to keep his eyes open as he stood protectively by his wife as the aura shone upon everypony. However, catching sight of the figures coming toward them, he felt his heart about leap in his chest and he was almost afraid his mind was playing tricks on him. Was he dreaming? Please, oh, please, don't let it be a dream...
Cadence's eyes widened even larger than his as she gazed at the two figures that slowly made their way toward the crowd. "No way..." She muttered. "It's...it's..."
The stallion swallowed, his heart continuously pounding. "T-twilight."
Spike's eyes widened as he found himself gazing at purple unicorn from a distance as the two figures came closer toward them.
"Twilight..." He gasped. Joy and happiness filled his heart at the sight of his dear unicorn friend. He just wanted to run over and give her a hug and pour out all his worries to her while crying on her shoulder. However, five certain ponies beat him to it.
"Twilight!" The remaining elements cried out in joy as they pushed their way through the crowd and stood before the unicorn.
Rarity wanted to run over and hug her dear friend, but she stopped and blinked in surprise, gazing at the red garment that hugged Twilight's body. "Darling! Where on Earth did you get such a lovely cloak?" But she was shoved aside by a certain overjoyed pegasus.
"Oh, my gosh!" Rainbow Dash could hardly stop the tears from pouring down her face. "It's you! It's you! It's you! It's you!" She was about to swoop over and tackle Twilight in a hug that would bring them both high into the sky, but a certain yellow pegasus' voice broke the moment.
"Not just her..." Fluttershy squeaked before her green eyes gazed up at yellow and red ones.
The Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony folded his arms, eyes lowered and his single tooth sticking out in that usual smile of his as all eyes suddenly fell on him, the joy of the pony's return having faded. Spike's eyes widened and his jaw fell as he took sight of him; he didn't notice that a certain stallion far-off in the crowd held eyes of furious fire as they regarded the creature as well. And another pair of eyes, so large in surprise and shock for a little colt, simply gazed at Discord, hoping his hoof-made crown would make him all the more braver.
"Discord!" The crowd erupted in pure fear as the creature himself stood behind Twilight and regarded everypony.
"Yes, yes, nice to see you all as well," he chuckled lightly.
The other elements stared at him in utter horror, Fluttershy trembling as she lowered herself to the ground, part of her face hiding beneath her pink mane as she whimpered at the sight of him. Rainbow Dash, however, bared her teeth and her magenta eyes blazed at him with so much anger and hatred.
"You..." She growled, wings flapping angrily. "You...jerk!"
"Is that all?" Discord chuckled, smirking down at her.
"Oh, you're in for a world of pain now, buddy!" She shouted before she bolted at him.
However, she was immediately yanked back before her hooves could strike his face. Surprised and outraged for missing her shot, she turned and her eyes widened in disbelief to see Twilight's teeth taking ahold of her tail.
"What is Twilight doing?" An onlooker demanded as all eyes watched the unicorn in utter confusion. "She should let RD pound that guy!"
Applejack's jaw fell in shock, unable to believe that her own unicorn friend had prevented the pegasus from punishing her captor. "What in tarnation?" She exclaimed as Twilight released Rainbow Dash's tail.
Just as she imagined they would react...Twilight let out a deep breath, closing her eyes. Despite her calm position, her heart was pounding rapidly, her hooves feeling stiff from anxiety. But she knew what she had to do, for both her and Discord's sake. She slowly opened her eyes and gazed at the others, all regarding her with questionable expressions.
"Guys..." She begged in a soft, child-like tone that would have made Fluttershy's voice more dominant. "Please don't hurt him."
"What?" She winced when she was met with erupted shouts of shock and outrage. She lowered her head nervously, ears lowering in slight fear as she witnessed her friends' horrified expressions toward her.
"Don't hurt him?" Rainbow Dash demanded, looking down at Twilight. Then she pointed an accusing hoof at Discord, who still remained silent while close to the unicorn's side. "Why the hay not?"
"This guy kidnapped you!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing on her hooves in frustration before pointing at Discord himself. "You were stuck with him for a really long time!"
Twilight's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at her as if she had become even more insane. "Kidnapped?"
"He took you away from us!" Rainbow Dash added angrily, before shifting her eyes toward Discord, who just raised an eyebrow at her in confusion.
"He made it snow!" One voice shouted.
"He raised the moon early for days!" Another one added.
Finally, Pinkie Pie stood between Twilight and Discord, her blue eyes gazing fiercely at him as she growled, lowering herself on her hooves like a guard dog for Twilight. "He's a bad, bad guy!" She snarled..
"What?" Twilight cried, her purple eyes widening even more, horrified by such accusations. "You guys! You have it all-"
"Oh, come on!" She was cut off as all eyes fell on Discord, who simply stood off and allowed them their space of special reunion. "What's wrong with being a little bad?" He asked with slight annoyance. Though he did well to hide such an expression, deep down, he was pained by such lies.
"You monster!" Rarity shouted, tears threatening her eyes as she stood close by Twilight. "You horrible, horrible monster!"
Twilight let out a horrified gasp as the others followed the white unicorn's example and she could just feel that growing animosity in the air.
"Guys, wait!" She urged as the crowd drew in, becoming as brave as the five ponies before her. "Guys, listen to me!" She did her best to press her hooves against the other elements, desperate to keep them from getting any close to Discord. She winced as her hind hooves pressed deep into the ground while her fore hooves pushed against strong bodies.
"Twilight, why are you holding us back?" Rainbow Dash demanded, completely taken aback by the unicorn's attempts at stopping them. "Come on, let us go at him for taking you away from us!" Her wings flapped faster, her flight aiding her in moving further despite Twilight's willing strength.
"He didn't take me away!" Twilight exclaimed frantically.
Rainbow Dash's wings slowed down a bit, simply gazing down at her friend in utter confusion. Her magenta eyes gazed into her purple ones; Twilight's eyes glistened, gazing at the pegasus, pleading her desperately. For a moment, as Rainbow Dash gazed at her sorrowful expression, she almost considered that maybe Twilight was telling the truth.
However, the pegasus' expression hardened, remembering too well that Discord was a master of manipulation.
"Oh, come on!" She argued, pushing her hooves away. "You've been missing for more than a week, we've busted our flanks looking for you, and you're saying he didn't take you away?" She demanded angrily. However, despite her growing rage, she felt nothing but sorrow and self-shame as she gazed at her friend, fearing the worse had truly happened
"Well, no, not exactly, I mean..." Twilight felt herself grow small as her mind felt rushed, trying to utter the words.
"What exactly are you trying to say, Twilight?" Applejack asked gently, yet her tone still held firm as she took a step closer toward the unicorn.
Twilight gulped as all eyes fell on her, pausing the moment to challenge her chaotic friend and listen to her so-called explanation. The unicorn felt her throat burn, but she needed a say in all this...or she would lose Discord in a heartbeat.
"Okay, well, look..." She began frantically. "Discord didn't mean to...the snow was just..." She nearly choked on her words, desperate to hand out an explanation so simple that she had worked it well in her head. However, she was failing miserably in this reality. "Guys, he visited my house before he showed his face again! I mean, he's been watching me for a while as I've learned!"
Suddenly, she regretted that last statement as gasps emerged from the crowd.
Twilight's eyes widened at her sudden mistake, and she quickly shook her head. "No, wait!" She cried. "That came out wrong! I mean, just re-read the-"
"You!"
Twilight felt her body quiver as the sound of a loud, terrifying tone nearly shook the streets of Ponyville. Hearing the sound of that voice, Twilight feared it was either Rarity or Rainbow Dash, their tempers having risen beyond the limit at Discord. But when she saw which pony was glaring daggers at her dear friend, she realized it was much, much worse.
"How dare you!" Fluttershy said bravely as she stood before the chaotic creature. Despite her shaking frame, the shy pegasus stood her ground as her ocean green eyes gazed into Discord's red and yellow ones. Her usually calm face held so much rage and her pink hair seemed almost frizzled from the anger she was displaying for all to witness. "How dare you trespass on our friend's home and completely wash her mind ever so slowly!"
Twilight felt tears at the corner of her eyes as she helplessly watched her usually shy friend yell at Discord. This was even worse than that time...before Twilight had inflicted that memory-erasing spell on her...Fluttershy truly did hate him and she had the attitude to reveal it.
"Whoa..." Discord actually took a few steps back as he gazed down at the Element of Kindness. "I haven't even corrupted you and look how unkind you seem!"
"Guys...Fluttershy..." Twilight begged helplessly, her heart sinking. Seemed like reality was slapping her in the face as she watched the hate and anger in the others' eyes; it felt like hope was slowly seeping away no matter how hard she tried to prevent and amend it. "Please, don't-"
"Grab her!"
Before Twilight knew it, Rainbow Dash had swooped down and tackled her, the pegasus' teeth now clinging to the backside of her mane.
"Don't let her near Discord!" Rainbow Dash growled through her clenched teeth as it grasped Twilight's hair.
"I got her!" Applejack shouted as she rushed over and clung to the unicorn's leg "I ain't letting that varmint control her anymore!" And despite Twilight rough attempts at trying to kick her off, the apple farmer wouldn't budge, desperate to rescue her friend from the mind control Discord had laid on her all this time.
Pinkie Pie rushed over and, with both hooves, grabbed her tail and pulled her back, playing tug-of-war as Twilight tried to yank it away. Fluttershy, now out of her rage to help her friends in need, pressed her body against Twilight's front side, keeping her back and assisting Pinkie Pie. Rarity, of course, was clinging onto the red cloak, pulling at it to keep Twilight's entire body from trying to escape.
"Let me go!" Twilight cried, struggling under the hold of her friends as she was drawn to the crowd that wanted her safe.
Despite his growing anger with every second he was gazing at Discord, Shining Armor watched Twilight from where he stood, horrified that she was still desperate to keep by Discord's side. What had that monster done to his precious sister? Severe mind control perhaps?
"Discord's totally got you mind-racked!" One voice shouted.
Though still fighting her friends, Twilight eye's widened in disbelief. "Mind- racked?" She demanded.
Discord just stood still, allowing to be regarded as such. He desperately wanted to reach down and take Twilight away from these ponies she called her friends and pour chocolate milk on their heads to clear their insane minds, but he didn't want to make himself look worse and he promised Twilight he wouldn't use his chaos to harm anypony.
"Oh, really, is that all they assume I did?" He said in a snarky tone, quite provoked by that punch.
However, deep down, he seemed almost frightened. What made him feel this emotion grow stronger was the aching fear that he could possibly lose Twilight forever.
Twilight cried out in despair, wishing she was by Discord's side. The Draconequus' head jerked up, his eyes widening at the shrill cry of his best friend. He took a step forward, desperate to be near her side. However, he was stopped by a few brave ponies having come all the way from Canterlot.
"Stay away from her," Upper Crust said through gritted teeth, her eyes blazing at the sight of him.
"Let me go!" Twilight pleaded, trying to fight off the hold her friends had on her. "No, please!" She begged. "Please leave him alone!"
"Dude, that wacky Discord's really got her mind drained!" One shouted.
"He's going to pay for that! The jerk!"
"Discord!" Twilight screamed.
Twilight struggled as she was continuously held back. She tried to push her friends off, trying to smack them away with the end of her cloak.
However, when her sides bucked, something slipped out of her pocket. Her eyes widened in horror as it fell to the ground, its jewel glistening in the moonlight.
"The Element of Magic!" Rainbow Dash grunted, teeth still clamping onto Twilight's hair.
Before Twilight knew it, Spike grabbed it and slammed it on her head. "No!" She cried, desperately trying to shake it off to no success.
"What do we do now?" Pinkie Pie shouted as continued grasping her tail.
"I don't know!" Applejack cried helplessly.
"Let us through!" Mrs. Sparkle pleaded as she and her husband tried to push through the crowd. "I want to see my daughter!
Despite her and her husband's pleas, there was just too many to push through, and Twilight was just too far a distance from where they stood. Even Shining Armor and Cadence couldn't fight through the angry crowd of ponies that were blocking their way. Couldn't Twilight see how worried and relieved her whole family was right now? And was Discord's mind spell on her that powerful? Mrs. Sparkle only hoped Celestia and Luna were right for what they all must do.
Pipsqueak gulped, watching the commotion before them as he stood close by his friends. He wanted to be Twilight's hero...but how?
Suddenly, Sweetie Belle screamed.
"What?" He asked desperately.
"Discord brought ghosts!" The little unicorn cried, pointing a hoof down at the ground.
Following where she was motioning, Pipsqueak and the other tow Crusaders gazed down. Their eyes widened in complete shock.
Beneath their hooves was a flowing white aura of some sort, and it seemed it was surrounding everypony as well.
"What's happening?" Sweetie Belle cried.
Suddenly, the jewel in Twilight's crown began to glow, and everypony could see how its light was merging with aura that suddenly surrounded them all. Cries and screams emerged from everypony as it became much brighter.
Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle watched as light surrounded their bodies, freely connecting with light that surrounded others. Upper Crust and Jet Set clung to each other as light slipped through their hooves, and it connected with the light that emerged from behind where Fancypants and Zecora stood. Spike gulped as his hands tried to touch the light sources, but he felt nothing on his fingertips; but he did feel something course across his body as the light resume its brightness. Shining Armor especially placed his guard down as he and Cadence gazed at the power coursing across their bodies; this was not unicorn magic.
"Wha...?" Discord gasped, eyes widening at the sight before him. "What's happening?"
Applejack scanned around them, seeing such an usual light cover everypony. Suddenly, she felt something quiver and gazed down at the element around her neck.
The Element of Honesty was glowing.
The others ponies, while holding Twilight down, noticed theirs were glowing as well, and they were becoming brighter as the white aura became much stronger in appearance.
Realization struck them and Applejack found herself smirking at Discord, who had his mismatched hands over himself and his tail curling in utter fear.
"Say howdy to our big stack of harmony, partner," she said, her tone filled with pride as she braced for whatever her body was going through.
As the unicorn struggled, a burst of color immediately shot out of her element, and her eyes widened in horror. What she had been fearing seemed to suddenly reach reality as a burst of color emerged from the joining of her five friends.
"No!" She screamed again, trying to flail her arms or kick her hind legs, wishing to knock the crown off her and break it into pieces. She desperately gazed over at Discord, who was blocked from ever getting near her. "Discord!"
The Draconequus watched her struggle, touched she was willing to fight those dear to her just to save him. But he knew it was pointless now that he was trapped, and he suddenly lost the will to use any magic to either rid the elements or leave in a heartbeat. As if he had been stripped of his powers...
Before gazing at the bright power that was shooting out of all directions, all brought out by the unity of friends and loved ones that supported the elements themselves, his red and gold eyes gazed into her purple ones.
"Twilight..." He whispered painfully.
And the rainbow hit him square against the chest and he roared out in agony.
"Let me go!" She cried, horrified by the sight before her.
The world almost seemed to slow its pace...everything was a blur to Twilight as she watched helplessly...
This was just like her nightmare.
Despite his struggles as the rainbow engulfed him, Discord gazed at her once more. A tear slid down his cheek as he just remained still, accepting what was to come.
More tears poured down Twilight's face as she watched her best friend just stand there, his sad face calm yet pained as the rainbow engulfed his entire figure.
The glimmer in his gold and red orbs connected with hers...soon they began to fade as his eyes began to lose color...
"Discord!" Twilight screamed out even louder, her voice straining with so much pain and agony to just watch happen in front of her.
For a few moments, light had blanketed among everypony, the burst of light glowed continuously as the rainbow resumed...
Then finally, it all faded.
Tired and feeling drained, Twilight's friends slowly released her, all falling in a heap. However, Twilight stood on shaking hooves while everypony was regaining themselves from what had just occurred. Her pupils dilated as she slowly made her way through, every step painful as the next as her eyes kept lookout.
Despite the cheers and applauses around her, especially words of praise and joy that she was saved, Twilight paid no attention. Her face remained expressionless, almost lifeless.
Pipsqueak immediately rushed up to her, the biggest of smiles on his face as he stood before her, proudly wearing his crown. He expected she would come over and scoop him up into a big hug, saying how grateful she was that they saved her and how much she missed all of them, especially Pipsqueak himself.
But she didn't. She passed him as if she hadn't even seen him.
Despite his slightly mixed emotion of confusion and hurt as he realized Twilight had just ignored him during this moment of triumph, Pipsqueak watched as she continued her small trek.
The unicorn slowly came to a stop where Discord stood...now here he laid.
Stone.
The look on her face made many raise eyebrows. And everypony was even more surprised when she bent down to Discord's imprisoned figure. Eyes widened when her hoof gently touched the creature's stone face.
"He...he..." Twilight choked on her words as more tears slid down her cheeks.
"We should so throw a party!" One voice shouted in excitement.
"Ooh! A party!" Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves. "We'll call it a 'We-Beat-that-Big-Fat- Meanie-Discord' celebration, and it'll have cake, balloons, oh, and streamers! Definitely streamers!"
Twilight didn't even hear her. Her eyes gazed into the lifeless ones of her dear friend.
Discord's expression...pain, misery, loneliness. She gazed at the calm yet painful expression on his face. It was as if he was saying goodbye...
Twilight's heart plummeted deep in her chest as her hoof never left his face. How she wish she could feel his fur again...see his smile...hear his laugh...feed his hunger for life itself...continue hanging out with her best friend...
Suddenly, before anypony knew it, a blaze of red aura and was shot out from her horn across the street, its impact so powerful as it knocked a few ponies down, one of them especially Pinkie Pie.
"Hey, what gives?" Pinkie Pie asked in utter surprise as he picked herself up, gazing at Twilight with confused blue eyes.
She immediately cowered, lowering down on her hooves at the sight of the unicorn's expression...Twilight looked angry.
The unicorn bared her teeth, her eyes blazing with both fire and tears as she glared at everypony, especially her five friends.
"HOW COULD YOU?" She demanded angrily.
"How could we what?" Fluttershy gasped, trembling at the sight of her enraged friend.
"Oh, don't lie to me, Flutter-rage-is-my-thing-shy!" The unicorn spat, glaring daggers at her. "You know, I don't regret using that memory-erasing spell on you anymore!"
Fluttershy's eyes widened a bit, though she was still confused. However, she was hurt by her comment.
"Memory-erasing spell?" Rainbow Dash questioned.
"Well, you don't need it!" Twilight shouted, nearly scaring her off her hooves. "You were so good at forgetting things! Especially about Discord himself!"
The pegasus was quite taken aback by her comment, and she felt honestly hurt as her wings began to slow and she had descended to the ground, gazing at the enraged unicorn with near-tearful eyes.
"Twilight, what is wrong with you?"
"I should be asking you all the same thing!" Twilight shouted as she rushed back to Discord's side. "You! All of you! You did this to him!"
"You make it sound like it's a bad thing!" One voice shouted.
"It is!" Twilight sobbed, her anger just temporarily dying down as the emotional pain pang her heart even more. "I was never 'corrupted' by him! I was never kidnapped!" She stared at all of them, her eyes running with tears. "Didn't you even read the note I left?"
"Note?" Spike asked in disbelief. "What note?" He felt his tail twitch, and his green eyes widened a bit, and suddenly, he felt a bit nervous for some reason. Seeing Twilight so angry...it frightened him. But what made him even more frightened was that he felt he had done something wrong.
"The note I left on my desk!" She cried.
Then she looked over at Spike, whose expression held one of utter horror as well as self- shame.
"Oh, no..." The baby dragon murmured, his green eyes wide as dinner plates as he felt a whole load of weight fall on his shoulders.
"So wait..." Pinkie Pie racked her brain. "Discord...didn't...take you...?" She blinked in confusion, staring at the sobbing unicorn.
"No, you sad excuse for the Element of Laughter!" Twilight cried.
Pinkie Pie felt her hair deflate a little as soon as Twilight said that. Her bottom lip quivered and her blue eyes glistened, threatening to shed tears. However, Twilight could care less about her sensitivity right now. Same went for Fluttershy, who was just as hurt from one of Twilight's recent comments.
She didn't care what they were all thinking. She felt she couldn't care about them anymore...not after what they had done to her best friend.
Before any of the elements knew it, painfully ripped from their necks were the powerful necklaces, all taken off by the violent use of Twilight's magic. The unicorn's tears never ceased as they all floated above her, close to the crown on her head.
"I hate all of you!" She shouted angrily.
Shining Armor could not believe what he was hearing as he stared at his sister. All of this...all the trouble that had erupted...was from one single misunderstanding?
So Twilight had not been kidnapped? Discord never penetrated her mind?
If Discord hadn't...if Twilight was never really...then did that actually mean...?
Twilight sniffed, knowing she couldn't stand another minute being among these...these...monsters.
Using part of her magic, Twilight took hold of the statue of Discord and brought her close to her side. She continued glaring at everypony, then gazed back at the face of Discord, her expression temporarily mournful. "He was my...we...I..." Her voice trailed off as more tears fell from her eyes.
Before they all knew it, Twilight rushed off, her magic forming a little portal of light before her. Ignoring the cries and pleads around her, Twilight jumped through the hole, the elements and Discord's statue joining her.
"Twilight!" Shining Armor shouted as he pushed through the crowd.
But he was too late and his sister was gone. Again.
_
The tears continued pouring down her cheeks as Twilight rushed through the woods in which she and Discord had resided in before. It didn't feel the same anymore, not since Discord was now...
"Oh, Discord..." She sniffed as she laid his statue in front of her, followed by the elements.
The unicorn gazed down at her best friend, her tears falling against his stone face.
She lost him. She truly had lost him. And what made it all the worse is that she had lost her friends as well.
Her friends...they did this to him. Twilight promised she would protect him no matter what and she failed to do that because they wouldn't listen to her! They never even read the note she had left a long time ago!
Some Elements of Harmony they were! Applejack was an honest pain in the flank...Rarity was a too generous airhead who would tremble at the sight of a mere spider...Rainbow Dash was rude, crude, and disrespectful...Pinkie Pie was insensitive and just plain annoying...and Fluttershy...just...just...pathetic and horrifying to see just how much tonight showed she very well contrasted with her Element of Kindness.
And all that magic that occurred between everypony! Why?
Who was truly to blame...the unicorn didn't care anymore. She was broken. Alone and broken. What was left for her now that she had lost everything? Discord, her friends, her pursuits in life...
Her horn softly glowed, and it brightened further as she closed her tear-filled eyes while allowing the aura to begin slowly engulfing her body.
"If you won't be part of this world..." Twilight said sadly, her eyes open to gaze into those stone ones with tears. "...neither will I."
And as her horn continued glowing, the lower half of her body began to change texture.
Stone.
Sure, as insane as this act was, and there was still so much to live for...what was the point when you yelled, degraded, and turned away from the ones you love? What was there to be for when a very dear friend was not going to be there?
She couldn't think any better, and this felt like the only thing left to do. She truly was there for Discord no matter what. More tears fell to the grass as she tried concentrating on her magic.
And before the unicorn knew it, before she could finish her spell, she was tackled to the ground.
_