//------------------------------// // Chapter Eleven // Story: Mending Bonds:Daddy's Little Girl // by atomicpuffin //------------------------------// Flitterbee peeked out from her hiding spot and watched her family being marched out of the castle. She couldn't help the smile that graced her face. Del had come through for them and gotten Dusk and Cheese in just as he said he could. Now all she had to do was… "Wait…Where's dad!?" She whispered as she looked at the group walking away. He wasn't among them and that was a serious problem. She looked up at the sky, there was only a few more hours before the spell wore off. She looked at the group leaving, it was getting smaller and smaller as it moved off. She bit her lip and looked back to the castle. What was she to do? The plan was that she would follow behind them to their destination. But with her dad missing…she just knew that something was wrong. She sent a silent prayer that there wouldn't be any more problems with their plan and ran for the castle. She snuck around the edge until she came to the ledge of her window. She lifted herself up and peeked in. Thankful that it was empty. She carefully flew through the open window and moved towards the door. She almost screamed when something brushed against her back leg, but managed to bite down on her tongue. She turned to see Kirby snuggling up to her and she sighed in relief. Then she got a bright idea as she stared at the little ferret. "Hey Kirby…do you want to help mama cause some trouble?" Kirby looked up and chirped happily and followed his owner to her door. "Okay boy, go do what you're good at." Discord growled deeper at the changelings circling him. They felt smug knowing that he couldn't use his magic on them so they kept creeping in on him. Laughing when he would snap at one that got too close. "Keep laughing you insects. Soon you won't have anything to chuckle about." He growled at them. That only made them laugh more and one even shot a small bolt of magic at his flank. Discord growled and lunged at the changeling, narrowly missing it. He snorted and mumbled, "I don't have time for this. I have to get to Fluttershy." His ear twitched when he heard a soft click. The changelings didn't seem to notice the sound in their continued laughter. Discord glanced to the side towards the sound, noticed Flitterbee's room opening a crack and a small blur shoot out of the room. "So how much fun can we have with the almighty Lord of Chaos before the queen disposes of him?" One asked and the others grinned in response. "I think we should see how long it'll take his pride to break and him to yell for mercy." "Oh that sound-YOUCH!" The one who had started to speak looked down at his back hoof. "What is that?" Hanging from his hoof was a ferret. He shook it off and Kirby fell to the ground and began hissing ferociously. The other two came closer and looked at the creature curiously. As soon as they all got close enough together Flitterbee dove at them from above. She was holding her favorite jump rope in her mouth. She used the trick Storm had taught her and raced around the group, effectively tying them together. She skidded to a halt and gave the rope one final tug to tighten it. "What in Tartarus!?" They all shouted and struggle from the rope's grip. However the more they struggled the tighter it squeezed. "Don't bother. That was a rope from my brother. It makes jump rope a much more interesting game when the rope is enchanted and trying to capture you." Flitter said and nuzzled Kirby as a reward for his good job. Then she turned and ran to her father, throwing herself into his arms. "Dad! You're okay after all! Oh I was so worried when I didn't see you with the others; I thought they had already hurt you and that I was too late…" Discord laid his talon over her lips to shush her and smiled down at her. "I'm fine little one, thanks to you and your quick thinking." Flitter looked up at him and then gave him her most innocent look. "So…does this mean I'm not in trouble for leaving the camp?" "Oh no, you are most definitely in trouble…but that can wait given the circumstances." He grinned and then tightened his hold on her, whispering. "I'm just so thankful that you're okay…" Before releasing her. "Dad…there's something you need to know." Flitter whispered and Discord looked down. "The reason Chrysalis is here. What she's really after. She-" "Little one, I already knew why she was here." Discord whispered and Flitter's mouth fell open. "You did! Why didn't you tell everyone then?" Discord knelt down to his daughter and rested his paw on her head and gave her a soft look. "Do you trust me little one?" "What?" Flitter asked, confused even more. "Do you trust me?" He repeated and Flitter nodded in response. "Then there's nothing to worry about. I think Chrysalis has made a gross miscalculation in her plan. She assumes that she can use you mother and your aunts to obtain what she wants." "But she can! Dad, I met one of her soldiers and he explained everything to us! Chrysalis has found a way to use mom and the others to transfer the Elements' power to her!" Flitter shouted, tears filling her eyes as she thought of what that would mean for her family. Chrysalis would use the elements power to control the land and everything Flitter held dear would be destroyed. "Dad…she's found a way to separate mom and the others from the Elements. When she does-" Once more Discord covered his daughter's mouth to quiet her. He was still grinning at her and that did little to reassure her. "Flitterbee, this is just one of those times that you have to stop thinking about things and trust yourself. You just have to remember who you are and everything will turn out for the best." He whispered and pulled her into another hug. Flitter groaned and mumbled, "That doesn't make any sense…" Discord chuckled and pulled back from the hug, cupping his daughter's chin. "I can't believe I'm saying this…but in a few hours…it will make perfect sense. Now let's go get mom and little hope back." Fluttershy stayed close to her son's side during the move to where ever it was they were heading. She kept hoping that he would wake up soon, but he remained deeply unconscious. "Don't worry too much darling…I'm sure that a Discord will break loose and come after us." Rarity whispered, trying to cheer up Fluttershy. Fluttershy turned to her friend and looked down before answering, "What if he does follow us? Without his magic he'll…" She couldn't finish and Rarity looked away sadly. Twilight looked over and tried to cheer everyone up. "I know things seem hopeless right now, but we've been up against worse. And just like all those other times we'll pull through." The five other mares smiled and responded, "Together." "Oh will you please keep quiet back there! I'd like to keep my lunch down thank you." Chrysalis called and the mares glared at the queen's back. Twilight looked around and quickly recognized where they were heading. It wasn't far from the castle and they had been to this spot several times in the past years. "The Tree of Harmony…" The mares whispered in awe as they approached the almost sacred spot. To them, this was the very source of their magic and so was sacred in a sentimental way. "Twilight, what do we do now?" AJ asked as she looked up at the elements they had given up so long ago, but each still felt an attachment to. "I-I don't know…" Twilight whispered as the army stopped in its march and Chrysalis moved further ahead. She stopped when she was standing under the tree and looking up at the Elements it held. "At last. With these in my control I will be unstoppable and all will bow down to Queen Chrysalis. Even Celestia and Luna will fall under my hooves." She let out a great laugh and nodded at her soldiers to move the six Elements forward. As one of the changelings brushed against Fluttershy she could have sworn she heard it whisper, "Have no fear…Flitter has a plan…" But it disappeared before she could pinpoint which had spoken. Flitterbee? What does that mean exactly? Fluttershy looked back at Kibou and noticed his ears twitching. She hoped that was a sign that the spell was wearing off. "Now my dear little ponies, it's time for you to fulfill your part in all this." Chrysalis purred, getting all their attentions once more. She turned to face them fully and grinned wickedly. "I have been anticipating this moment for years." "Someone seriously needs a new hobby." Rainbow muttered and was jabbed in the side by one of the changelings. "Now, if you would all kindly step forward and line up." She asked, but none of them moved to do so. Chrysalis frowned at them and nodded to her guards. Each held a spear point to the throats of their loved ones. The mares cried out and tried to rush to their aid, but were blocked by the rest of the army. "Now, I will only repeat myself once. Step forward and line up." Chrysalis growled in a cold tone. This time the mares ducked their heads and moved forward until they were lined up before Chrysalis and the tree. "That's better." Chrysalis' horn lit with her magic and the six mares were engulfed in the green aura. Then the aura shot out, connecting each mare with the Element they represented. "Yes!" Chrysalis cheered as she watched the magic consume the Elements. The mares cried out as the magic also consumed them. Chrysalis turned to her army and cheered, "Soon my children! Soon this pathetic land will belong to us!" "You mean it will belong to you!" The army turned and looked up to see a lone changeling standing on a rock above them. Chrysalis growled as she stared up at the soldier. "What is the meaning of this!?" "You claim that all of this is for us Chrysalis! But there are those of us that know the truth! You don't care what happens to a single one of us. You just want the power those stones will give you. Once they're yours, our importance will diminish!" "Why you little…guards! Seize the traitor!" Chrysalis shouted. Before they could do as she ordered another shout stopped them. "You're the real traitor Chrysalis!" A yellow blur shot out of the sky and landed next to the changeling. "You!" Chrysalis shouted as she glared up at the filly those idiots were supposed to dispose of. "You betrayed your kind the minute you set out on this quest! You are the real traitor! You don't care about these creatures as you should!" "How dare you! All I think about is my subjects' wellbeing!" Chrysalis shouted back, her anger starting to flare. During this argument there were some murmurs running through the army. A clear division forming as some broke away from the group and moved back towards Del and Flitter. "If you cared for their wellbeing than you would have signed a treaty years ago!" The changelings backed away as Dusks Light suddenly stood up, no longer faking sleep. "You have been offered peace many times in the past and each time you have refused it! Because it wasn't peace you wanted. It was more power!" Dusk shouted. As soon as Dusk had stood up, Cheese began to scoot towards the others. He was to wake as many as he could while they kept the queen distracted. "I've heard enough of this! Take them!" Chrysalis shouted, but none of her subjects moved. They were all fighting their own internal struggles on who to believe. "Listen to me!" Flitter shouted from above them. "If you stand up for yourselves now things can change! We can make a new age for your kind! One filled with peace and love, instead of fear and hatred!" "Ha! Ponies will never accept us! You all know that is it only I who can love and protect you! There was never any offer of peace, only of domination! These ponies want to exterminate us and you are falling for another trap!" Chrysalis shouted back and was happy that many continued to stand on her side. But was also angry to still see several move to the side with the traitors. "The queen spouts more lies! These ponies offered me friendship and peace! Knowing what I am! It is time to stand up once and for all! Time to start a new era under the rule of Princess Black Widow!" Del shouted and at the mention of their princess' name more moved to their side. At the sound of her daughter's name Chrysalis turned furious. "So, even my own heir has betrayed me! So be it then! Once this power is mine you will all be punished for your treachery! "Attack my soldiers! Keep them away from me until the spell is complete!" Chrysalis shouted and turned to focus back on the Elements. "NOW DL!" Flitter shouted and the alicorn shot a bolt of magic into the sky. As soon as it exploded a great cry rang from the canyons sides. The changeling army looked over to see another army lining up along the sides. Flying above them was their leader, Princess Celestia. She began to glow with her magic and the sight made the changelings hesitate. "Stop this foolishness before there is unnecessary bloodshed!" Chrysalis was forced to look away from the mares next to her at the sound of her sworn enemy's voice. "Ah Celestia. How surprising it is to see you get your flank off that fancy throne of yours." "Enough of this Chrysalis! You cannot win and are only endangering the lives of your hive!" Celestia shouted as she hovered closer to the queen. Chrysalis chuckled and shook her head. "You're too late. The spell to disconnect the bearers from their Elements has already started and cannot be stopped! Unless you really do care so little for their lives." Celestia looked at the six mares, her old pupil in particular and growled. "So be it Chrysalis. If peace is so far from your mind then I have no other choice." She flew up higher and shouted, "Soldiers! Take down the enemy! We must protect Equestria!" The army shouted and charged, most being pegasi and able to fly. Those that were unicorns used the areas that were less steep. The changelings that had chosen to stand with Chrysalis charged to meet the army. Those that had abandoned her rule joined in on the opposing side. Flitter flew down to her friends, Del at her side. She looked over to see Chrysalis and Celestia locked in combat. The two beings holding each other off, neither one at an obvious advantage. She turned to see where Cheese was and he was just finishing waking Spike. Storm and Sweetie Belle had already been woken up. And were gaining their footing. Flitter ran to Storm and gave her a quick hug. "Oh I'm so glad you're alright." She whispered and Storm nodded. "Me too. But what about Kibou?" Storm asked as she looked over to her love. Kibou was still unconscious and Cheese shrugged. "I've tried everything Flit. He just won't wake up?" Flitter looked over to the battlefield. Her brother would be their best way to end it quickly. He knew how to control his magic and could stop the enemy with a single snap. If she tried that, she risked hurting everypony in the area. "Keep trying! If we can wake up Kibou we can stop this madness!" DL said as he joined Cheese in trying to wake the young draconequus. Storm flew past them suddenly and knocked several changelings that had been charging the colts away. She turned and shouted, "DL! You and me need to keep the fighting away from the others while they try to wake up little hope! Flitter, where is Uncle Discord?" "He's making his way towards mom and the others!" Flit pointed as she noticed her father thrashing his way through the fighting. He was looking straight at her mother and the clear determination in his eyes was frightening. "Then we'll leave freeing them to him. Come on DL!" Storm shouted and Dusk nodded as they faced off against several changelings that had already moved towards the group. Flit ran to her brother's side and nudged him, "Come on Kib. Wake up! We need you!" She looked up to see her dad had just reached her mother, who looked like she was in unbearable pain. She looked out over the two warring armies and watched as many from both sides fell injured. And yet they continued to fight each other, clearly prepared to fight to the death. Even Princess Celestia wasn't holding back as she fired at Chrysalis. Her shots that missed caused the sides to rumble and large pieces to fall around the fighting. Tears filled Flitter's eyes as she looked at the destruction and pain she had inadvertently caused. She lowered her head and whispered, "Come on big brother. I need your strength now more than ever." Discord reached his wife and growled as he saw her face contorted in pain. He reached for her and had to pull his paw back as the magic shocked him. He held his singed paw to his chest and growled. He looked at the tree and then back at the ponies caught in the magical aura. "Come on Discord. Think! What should I do?" He mumbled to himself as he looked at Fluttershy. He turned to see Celestia still holding off Chrysalis as the two flew high overhead. "There's got to be a way to stop this." He growled and heard a laugh behind him. He turned as one of the changeling soldiers sneered up at him. "You can't stop it. Once the spell is cast it can't be stopped. You will-" The changeling choked as Discord's arm shot out and latched onto its throat. He slammed the creature against the side of the cave and growled. "Start talking or I'll snap your neck." "Y-your bl-uffing…you wouldn't dare…" Discord tightened his grip in emphasize and narrowed his eyes as he snarled, "Try me. That mare there is the most precious thing in this world to me. If one hair on her head is harmed…your species will become extinct in minutes." Discord growled and the changeling swallowed nervously. Seeing the seriousness of the threat in the chimera's eyes. "Now. Start talking. How do I counter this spell?" "Y-you can't! I told you, once it's started the spell can't be stopped. If you do the lives of the ponies it's connected to will also be severed. In other words…" "If I try to stop the spell…I'll only end up killing them." Discord finished. He glared back at the changeling, then threw it to the ground. "Get out of here before I change my mind." The changeling didn't hesitate and buzzed away quickly. Discord turned back to his wife and frowned. He knelt down beside her and whispered her name. Fluttershy, hearing her husband's voice, forced her eyes open through the pain. "D-Discord…you…you came…" She winced in pain and had to stop talking. Discord hushed her, "Don't speak love. I'm here…I promise that I'm going to get you out of this. Somehow, I'll make this right." He whispered. He wrapped his arms around her and gritted his teeth as the shock was worse this time. He endured it in order to hold his love in his arms, sharing in the pain she was going through. He winced and hissed through his teeth, "I'll protect you no matter what my love. I promise…" Tears fell from Fluttershy's eyes that had nothing to do with the painful magic surrounding her. Suddenly Discord was shot away from Fluttershy and all the mares screamed. Those screams were so loud and terrifying that they stopped the fighting as all eyes turned towards the Element Bearers. Celestia turned at the sound of the mares' screams and Chrysalis took this chance of distraction. She shot forward and used her horn, glowing with its magic, to pierce Celestia's right wing. Chrysalis used her magic to tear through the feathers and there was a sickening crack as it pierced Celestia's Ulna bone. The princess howled in pain and no longer able to fly properly plummeted to the earth. She crashed in a heap of flying dirt and rocks. Several nearby guards, including Shining Armor raced to her side. "Princess!" Shining shouted as he helped his leader to her hooves. Celestia grimaced as her right wing hung limply at her side, red staining her beautiful, white feathers. At least those that were left. "I'm fine Shining Armor. I got distracted at the wrong time." "But, that was Twily screaming." He muttered as he looked over to the tree and the six mares. Discord shouted and ran towards Fluttershy again, but was once more shot back before he could touch her. He growled in frustration as he pushed himself to all fours. His hackles raised more when Chrysalis landed next to the screaming mares. "Stay away from them Chrysalis!" He shouted and leapt for her. However the magic still blasted him away before he could get close to her. "It's all over now! The Elements will be mine and then all of you fools will have to bow down to me!" She laughed and Discord growled deeper, baring his teeth at the demented creature. "That's what you think Chrysalis. There are those of us that will never bow to a monster like you." "Then you shall be destroyed. It's really that simple." She chuckled and glanced down as the six mares collapsed simultaneously. "No! Fluttershy!" He shouted as the aura left her body, but she remained unmoving. Tears flooded his eyes and he balled his fists in fury. "I'm going to tear you apart Chrysalis. Each part, bit-by-bit, slowly until you crumble into dust." "My-my…I don't believe I've ever seen you so ferocious looking. It's quite handsome actually, maybe I'll keep you as a pet after all… Or better yet." She reached down and ran her hoof through Fluttershy's mane while smirking at Discord. The sight sent his blood boiling and his entire body tensed in pure fury. He didn't think, he just leapt for the changeling. "That's right you fool." She whispered as the draconequus drew nearer. When he was close enough she ducked and leapt herself. She had positioned herself under Discord and as she leapt she caught him under his stomach. Leaving a long, deep gash in his soft belly. Discord howled and fell to the ground, holding his stomach as he felt the sticky sensation covering his fur. "DAD!" He heard his daughter shout and looked over to meet her tear-filled eyes. He felt his own lowering and fought the need to collapse, knowing he had to stay conscious. Chrysalis chuckled as she looked down at him, "You're weak now that you let love control you. So easy to manipulate and now you will watch everything you love being taken from you. After all…" She leaned in close to whisper to him and his eyes widened at the words. "Why should you have everything when I have nothing?" They were the words from his dream and they pierced his heart as he realized he had failed his family. The premonition was coming to pass and he had made the mistake of letting his guard down. His only hope was that his other hunch was correct. He looked back to his daughter and prayed that for once, things made perfect sense. Flitterbee watched in horror as Chrysalis walked away from her father. She saw the red spot under his paw and claw and tears flooded her eyes. She couldn't believe that her father had been taken down. Even without his magic he was a strong fighter, but Chrysalis had used his one weakness against him. Flitter looked back at the others and they were also looking at the fallen mares with tears in their eyes. Each unable to believe that their mother had been defeated. Flitter took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. She turned to Kibou and growled, "Okay you! No more excuses! It's time to wake up NOW!" Kibou grumbled, but his eyes remained close. Signaling that the spell was wearing off, but not fast enough. Chrysalis' laugh brought Flitterbee's, and every other creature present, attention back to her. She walked up to the glowing Elements and grinned. "Now, after all this time. It will finally all be mine!" Her horn glowed with her magic and all held their breath as she prepared the spell to connect the Elements with herself. Discord groaned and dragged himself across the dirt as Chrysalis had her back to them. He ignored all the pain racing through his body. Once goal in mind as he clawed his way to her. He reached her side and wrapped himself around her. Feeling her warm body under his was a great relief. "She's alive…thank the heavens…Fluttershy…wake up." He whispered and nudged his wife until she moaned and opened her eyes. She lifted her head and looked to Discord. When she noticed his injury she gasped, "Discord! You're hurt!" She cried and he chuckled, although weakly. "Just a scratch love. I'm just happy you're alright. Quickly, you have to wake the others and get away from here." He whispered and Fluttershy shook her head in protest. "No! I can't leave you here alone!" "Please love…trust me…get the girls and I'll be right behind you." "No you won't! This is another Morgana! You're going to sacrifice y-" She was cut off as his lips latched onto hers and his claws held her head in place. She cried harder as she read the desperation behind his kiss, as if he did fear it would be their last. He pulled back and revealed that his own eyes were filled with tears. "Not sacrificing my love. But I am gambling and I don't want you to be hurt if I turn out to be wrong. Please…" He rested his forehead against hers and she cried before pulling away and moving towards her friends. Discord sighed in relief and looked to Chrysalis. She had finished preparing the spell and released her magic. Six identical beams latched onto the Elements, once more covering them in the sickly green magic. Chrysalis was so focused on the spell she had to cast that she failed to notice the mares being woken up behind her. Each one regaining their hooves as they looked up at the monster before them. "Chrysalis…What have you done." Twilight whispered as she realized she no longer felt the connection to the Element of Magic. "Twilight…we have to get back. Who knows what will happen when Chrysalis' spell is finished." Rarity whispered and the princess nodded. She turned to see Fluttershy moving back to Discord's side. "Fluttershy…I told you to get out of here." He growled and she smiled softly at him. She moved under his lion arm and used her body to lift it up. "I haven't listened to you in nearly fifteen years of marriage…what makes you think now would be any different?" She whispered and Discord groaned. Rainbow moved to his left side and did as Fluttershy had and helped the injured draconequus to his feet, at least on all fours. "Come on pal. It's time to kick some changeling flank. Don't tell me that you're down after one hit." "Let's see you do any better." He growled, but was smiling at the same time. "You're last minute efforts at heroicness are for nothing! The Elements will be mine!" Chrysalis shouted, and all eyes widened as the Elements began to glow softly with the green aura. Discord growled and closed his eyes. Please let me be right at least once… Flitterbee and the others near her gasped as they watched the Elements glowing. Flitter turned to Kibou and felt her heart sink further. "It's hopeless now…even if we wake Kibou. His magic can't stand up to the Elements of Harmony…nothing can…" Storm whispered and Flitter looked back at those around her. Storm, Dusk, Cheese and Del all looked down in defeat. As she looked at her friends, Flitter realized that if she truly gave up than there would be no one left to stand up to Chrysalis. "No! We're not done yet! So long as we have each other, the friendship and love we share will make us stronger than even the Elements!" DL perked up and whispered, "Isn't that what they represent anyways? Maybe if we stand together we can weaken Chrysalis' hold on them!" That made the others look up and Flitter nodded enthusiastically. She moved past them to Kibou's side once more. "That's the spirit! We can't give up because our mothers never did! It's our turn to protect them and all of Equestria!" "I'm behind you Flitterbee, one hundred percent! You ponies showed me that it is possible for a brighter future. It's time to prove that to the rest of my clan by defeating the queen once and for all." Del said and Flitter looked at him worried, "Del…maybe you should get out of here. If something happens to you…" "Nonsense! I'm here with you to the end because that's what friends do right?" Cheese moved to Del's side and grinned at Flitter. "Right. We can do it so long as we stick together and stay strong." Flitter smiled and nodded, then she turned to Kibou once more. "Even so. It doesn't hurt to have an Ace hidden in your tail…" "I knew you were cheating at Poker!" DL shouted and Flitter laughed, She moved to Kibou's tail and looked down at the long serpent like scales. She sighed and moved to the spot right below his tuft of fur. "Sorry big bro, but this is for your own good." She whispered and latched onto his tail. Kibou flicked his tail in his sleep, but didn't wake up. "Oh come on!" Flitter shouted and Del moved forward. "Allow me." He smiled, revealing his two sharp fangs. "Um…I don't think you want to do that Del. You see Kibou wakes up rather…" "I can handle it. Plenty of changelings are cranky risers." "No it's not just that, he…" "I said I got this. Trust me Flitterbee." Del said with a big grin. Flitter nodded reluctantly and looked at Storm who was standing by Kibou's head as Del opened his jaws above the tail. "Uh Storm…you might want to step back." Flitter warned as she and the two colts behind her ducked down. Storm followed suit and Del glanced back at the ponies just as his teeth latched onto the dragon-like tail. Del mumbled, his mouth full, "Wha mmare myou…" Kibou's eyes shot open and he let out a giant roar and began to thrash like a crazed beast. Poor Del was thrown to the side, but DL caught him in his magic. "She tried to warn you." Dusk said as Del hung there with his mouth wide open. The changeling lifted his hoof and mumbled, "I think he chipped one of my fangs." Kibou continued to roar and thrash until Flitter flew forward and grabbed his face. "Kibou! Relax it's only us!" She shouted and the fog over Kibou's eyes faded as he looked up at his baby sister. "Flitter? What are you…" "There's not much time to explain, just look!" She shouted as she turned his head to the mayhem below. Kibou gasped as he say the injured lying all over. As his eyes scanned the area they fell on the scene by the tree. He growled when his eyes fell on Chrysalis and his parents. "Dad's hurt." He growled and opened his wings to take off. Flitter wrapped her arms around his neck. "Wait! Kib we need to-" "We need to go down there and help!" He shouted and took off with Flitter still holding onto his neck shouting. Storm quickly followed racing after the two. DL and Cheese sighed and galloped after the group. Del was running alongside them and glanced over at DL, "Is your entire family like this?" "Worse." The two colts answered together. Chrysalis laughed once more as she looked up at the Elements. She cast the final spell that would make them hers. When the spell connected, each Element began to glow even brighter with her magic. She grinned as she waited for the spell to be complete and to feel the overwhelming sensation of unstoppable magic. "Chrysalis!" She turned at the sudden roar and was surprised to see the Chaos Children flying towards her. Somehow they had managed to wake the younger draconequus, but that no longer mattered. "So nice of you to come join your family as I use the same magic that brought them together to destroy them all." Kibou landed and growled at the queen, the ground rumbling with his power, just as it had with Morgana. "You are overly confident Chrysalis and that shall be your downfall." He growled and Flitter slid off his back to stand at his side. "Flitter. Get to the side. I'll handle this myself." Kibou growled and Storm flew to his other side, grinning. "You're starting to sound like Uncle Discord and you know what kind of trouble he always gets into." He looked down at Storm, but she shook her head before he could speak. "We already talked about this before waking you. We're going to stand against her together." Kibou looked around as Dusk, Cheese and an unknown changeling come up to stand beside them. He chose not to question the changeling at the moment and turned his attention back to Chrysalis. The queen was laughing at their little display of courage. "I have to admit, you are very entertaining in your determination. Foolish as it may be." "I wouldn't be so sure Chrysalis…" Discord hissed, bringing the queen's attention back to him. He was barely able to hold himself up and yet he still forced himself to stare down the changeling. "You've finally made a fatal mistake in all this." He chuckled as he fell the ground, Fluttershy at his side instantly. "What dribble is this? Are you trying to distract me so that I won't be able to complete my spell? Nice try but I've already finished it!" She shouted as she shot one last blast at the tree, causing the ground to shake all around them. The six creatures facing Chrysalis stood their ground as the tree began to glow brighter, the Elements themselves being almost blinding. Discord smiled up at Fluttershy and whispered, "Time to see if I still have the knack for detecting chaos." Chrysalis laughed as she flew above them confidently. "Say your final prayers you pathetic weaklings!" She aimed her magic at the Elements in order to pull their magic from the tree. "Now you shall all bow down to-WHAT!" She suddenly shouted as she felt the Elements pull from her magical grasp. She turned to see them glowing with their own magic and no longer surrounded by her aura. "What!? NO!" Chrysalis shouted as the six Elements shot their magic out, each connecting with their rightful owners. However, the six mares stared in wide-eyed awe as the lights were shining on six different creatures. The Elements of Harmony were bonding with the six that stood in front of Chrysalis. Discord chuckled as he raised himself to explain in the confusion, "Just as I thought. When Chrysalis forced the break between you and the Elements, it also forced them to link with new bearers. Although the changeling is something I didn't bet on." Twilight got to her hooves and looked at their children and whispered, "New bearers. Most of them being the children of the former bearers…but…" She stared confused as she watched each Element connect with its new bearer. Discord chuckled once more and let his eyes fall closed finally as he mumbled, "Not exactly what you'd expect…but when does anything in my family really make sense?" Back to the six that were being surrounded with the Elemental magic. The six looked up in shock as the Elements separated from the tree and flew towards their new owners. Chrysalis tried to snatch them out of the air. Her calm demeanor long gone, replaced by utter desperation for the power that was slipping from her grasp. "No, no, no, no! Those belong to me! ME!" She shouted, but it was futile. The Elements flew right past her. Then just as they had done in the past each formed into a golden necklace, latching onto the throat of its bearer. Kibou and Storm, as expected received the Elements of Kindness and Loyalty. They instantly felt the power filling them and combining with what they already possessed inside them. Cheese received the Element of Laughter, just as his mother had in the past. Del was twice as shocked as the others when the Element of Generosity latched onto him, believing it must be some mistake. Dusk looked at the two remaining Elements flying through the air and closed his eyes as he waited. When he felt the necklace latch to him, he opened his eyes in shock. He looked down at the Element of Honesty and smiled. That only left one…Flitterbee stared up in horror at the Element of Magic as it formed into a much larger pendant than the others; covering all of her neck and chest in gold plating, almost like armor. When it latched onto her she gasped and looked at Dusk. "This…this has to be a mistake…" She whispered, but he shook his head and smiled at her. "The tree doesn't make mistakes…it's not allowed to." When the glowing faded the six of them stood together, each bearing their new Elements and the power than came with each. Kibou looked down at his sister and smiled, "I told you that you were just as special kiddo." She shook her head and frowned, "This is a mistake…the Element of Magic should have gone to Dusk. He's the son of Twilight the former bearer." "This is all a mistake! Those Elements belong to me!" Chrysalis shouted, bringing the attention back to the present situation. The queen looked even more demented than before as she advanced on the group. "You shall hand over those this instant! I have worked too hard for this moment for it to be ruined by a group of brats and a traitor!" She hissed. Chrysalis' gaze fell on Del and her anger doubled, "You don't deserve that kind of power! You are a betrayer and shall be punished fully for your crimes!" She shot her deadly magic towards Del. Kibou started to move forward to protect the creature, but Flitter was faster as she leapt into the magic's path. Her pendant began to glow as she reflected the magic away from the changeling. Her eyes were glowing softly, same as the Element on her chest. She turned to the queen and felt something surge through her. This was not the chaos magic inside her, but her own power that was fueled by her need to protect those close to her. "How dare you attack one of your own! The only crimes committed here were your own. Your reign of terror ends now Chrysalis! It's time for you to face your judgement." Flitterbee whispered and closed her eyes. As she did so the others followed and did the same. The elements they wore each began to glow brightly until their powers linked with one another. As Flitter opened her eyes, they were completely white with the Elements' power. A large rainbow that was far too familiar to those witnessing this phenomenon. It rose high above them before crashing down on Chrysalis. The other mares covered their eyes at the brightness, not realizing before how blinding it truly was. When the light faded they looked to see the six creatures laying on the ground exhausted. Then all their eyes turned to where Chrysalis was standing. They gasped at the sight. Where the large royal changeling had once stood, now lay a smaller changeling. Chrysalis lifted her head and glared at them, her eyes remaining the same as before. But her body had changed dramatically. She no longer looked like a royal changeling, but just like every other normal changeling. The fighting outside had stopped at the activation of the Elements of Harmony and now gathered around to stare at their leader. Celestia walked in and stared down at Chrysalis, "Your judgement has been passed Chrysalis. You are no longer the leader of the changeling hive. Your rule shall be taken over by you successor. Perhaps you can finally find inner peace in your simple state." She then turned to the changelings that were gathered around. She raised herself up to address them next, "It's time for all of you to go home. Inform the new heir that she shall now rule over your kind and that it is my hope that we can finally achieve peace." The army hesitated, unsure if they should take orders from the enemy's ruler. Del saw this hesitation and flew next to the princess. "It's time to let the fighting end! We finally have the chance to live in peace and I think you should all take it, but it has to be your choice." He called out and Flitter flew to his side and smiled at the changelings. "That's right. Just as our friend Del here chose to be free, so must you. You have to decide if you want to let friendship into your hearts or if you would rather hold onto the hate that has been fed to you." The changelings looked down at their disgraced queen and then over to the new Elements of Harmony. Each smiling in reassurance at the army. It was certainly strange to see two of the bearers being something other than ponies, but it also strengthened the fact that they could face a new future, full of change. "It's time to go home." Del whispered and bowed his head to his clan. They all bowed their heads in turn and then slowly turned to head home. Some stayed behind and made sure to take Chrysalis with them. Although she tried to struggle at first, in her weakened state she was without most of her magic and unable to put up a real fight. As soon as the army began to file out of the canyon the families began to reunite with one another. Spike and Applejack embraced each other tightly. Rarity held her sister close and cried dramatically, while Sweetie patted her back. Rainbow nuzzled her daughter and whispered, "I am so proud of you. You are definitely my daughter." Storm laughed and hugged her mother in turn, "Was there ever any doubt about that? I'm just so glad that you're all okay." Cheese was tackled by his mother and then squeezed in a giant hug. "Don't ever scare me like that again I thought that you were a goner and then with the Elements and everything I was like oh my gosh and-" Cheese covered his mother's mouth laughing and then hugged her back. "I love you too mom." Pinkie smiled and held her son tightly as tears filled her eyes. Twilight trotted up to her son and saw Shining Armor heading towards them too. She smiled down at her son and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. "So, looks like you kids really do take after all of us in the end." "Yeah I guess we do. So you're not surprised that I'm the Element of Honesty?" Dusk asked as he smiled up at his mother and she laughed. She wrapped him in her hooves and said, "Not really. It suits you very well. You were always so full of integrity and kindness that I wouldn't have been surprised if you were the Element of Kindness either!" The two laughed as Shining Armor wrapped the pair in a huge hug. "I'm just glad my baby sister and favorite nephew are okay after all this chaos." The family laughed harder and continued to embrace. Finally Kibou and Flitterbee ran to their parents. Discord was still laying against Fluttershy, his eyes closed and his breathing shallow. However he opened his eyes as his children approached him. He chuckled, "Look at you two. Finally all grown up and ready to take on the worlds evil." Flitter fell next to her father and cried as she pressed her head under his. Discord nuzzled his daughter back and hushed her softly. "Hey, why the tears kiddo? You did it, you saved the day…and…you did it without chaos magic." Flitterbee lifted her head and looked up at her father with tears falling down her cheeks. "But you got hurt because of me! If I hadn't made that stupid wish in the first place than none of this would have happened." Discord sighed and shook his head, unable to explain to his daughter what he meant. Kibou moved forward and began to heal his father with his magic. As he did so, Fluttershy moved to Flitterbee's side and lifted her daughter's chin. "Your right. None of this would have happened." Flitter started to cry harder, but Fluttershy turned her head to the side and smiled. "None of this…" She repeated and Flitter looked out at the celebration taking place around her as Del finished assuring Princess Celestia that Princess Black Widow would most definitely agree to peace. She saw as her friends were showing off their new Elements and having their mother's praise them. Fluttershy turned her daughter's face back to meet her kind, teal eyes. Fluttershy wiped away Flitter's tears and whispered. "It's true that your rash thinking may have been the catalyst in all this…but you were also the one to help bring it to a close. You fixed the mistake you made instead of letting it take over you. I'm so proud of the young mare you've become my little one. You truly are amazing." Discord lifted himself up and Flitter turned to her father as he and Kibou smiled down at her. Discord ran his claws through her black mane and whispered, "I just hope that you can finally see what we've seen for years, watching you grow up." Flitterbee smiled up at her family and wiped away her tears as she laughed, "Yes. I'm the daughter of Discord and Fluttershy! I know who I am and it doesn't matter what I am so long as I remember that!" Discord smiled wider, prouder than he had ever been of his sweet little girl. But when her smile fell he started to worry again. "What is it little one?" Kibou whispered, also seeing Flit's expression fall. Flitter shook her head and raised her hoof to lay it over the Element resting on her chest. "It's just…why did I get the Element of Magic? I'm not even a unicorn." She whispered and Discord laughed harder. That laughter was echoed by Twilight who had come over to the family and heard that last part. "Oh sweetie…it actually took me a couple years to learn this, but I think I'll save you that trouble. You're not the Element of Magic…at least not the magic you're thinking of. You represent the greatest magic in the world. "One that you shared with a lonely creature today. One that you have freely given to all, never judging a creature by how they looked, but by what lies in their hearts. You take after your mother in that aspect." Twilight finished and smiled as Fluttershy blushed and Discord nuzzled his wife. Flitter looked at all the adults confused and then her eyes fell off to the side, on DL, Cheese and their new friend Del. It was then that it hit her what her aunt meant. "It's not the Element of Magic…but the Element of Friendship…and the magic that comes from sharing in friendship." She whispered and Twilight nodded. Flitter turned to her family and they were all beaming at her. Kibou came over and nuzzled his little sister. "There's no pony I know who's better at making friends than you kiddo. It's very fitting." Flitter smiled up at her brother and then at her parents. She gasped and looked up at the sky to see the sun dipping behind the mountains finally. She turned to her father and walked closer to him. He lowered his head and rested his forehead against hers. "I'm so proud of you Flitterbee. You truly have grown into an amazing young mare…but don't think that means I'm done being your over protective father." Flitter nuzzled her father as her body began to glow with a yellow aura. The aura surrounded her father as she whispered, "I'm not ready to be without my Daddy Discord yet anyways." The aura faded and Discord lifted his head away smiling. He snapped his fingers and a white rose appeared in his claws. The others smiled at the sign of his magic returning. He nestled the rose in her mane, behind her ear and grinned. "That's good, because you're grounded until you die." Flitter laughed and launched herself at her father, knocking him over. Laughing as well, Kibou jumped onto the pile. Discord laughed and pulled Fluttershy to him as well, kissing her cheek. With screams of delight more bodies joined the pile and soon every pony was lying atop one another, laughing in pure joy. Del stood to the side his ears back slightly as he looked at the laughing ponies. Flitter managed to wiggle enough to see him and laughed, "Come on Del! You're a part of this celebratory pile too!" Del perked up and smiled as he jumped into the pile of bodies, joining in on the laughter. At the bottom of the pile Fluttershy looked at Discord and gently kissed his cheek as she whispered. "Never a dull day right love?" He laughed and cupped her face in a deep kiss before responding, "Not with the chaos family!"