A next day...
At Manehattan, its citizens and ponies were busy in their daily lives such as business management, selling marketing, taxi for ponies to across the cities, building and constructing the cities, designing arts and fashions and more. They were happy and joyful in their lives. There was no threat.
At the cafe, a pinkish Unicorn mare was drinking a tea, along with gray Unicorn dressed in black suit and wore black hat. For the moment later, the shadow loomed over them, along with some ponies. They looked up to the sky. They gasped in shock and feared. They screamed in fear and scared.
They saw thousands of black demonic and scary winged-dragons flying around the Manehattan City. Riding the dragons were demonic black masked and armored Dark Mystic Ponies. Their leader was in front of their squadron was the dark demonic helmet with two long crimson strings and armored black Earth Pony with dark crimson eyes and his Cutie Mark was demonic halberd, who was riding the giant black demonic and dark black dragon, and with him was the pinkish Unicorn with brown mane and tail in ponytail with transparent lightish scarf and her Cutie Mark was a blue Butterfly.
Seeing the appearances of Dark Mystic Ponies's arrival, ponies and citizens of Manehattan screamed in fear and worry as they turned and ran as fast as they can. They were escaping and running away for their lives from their enemies. They hid behind beneath the subways, homes, basements, stations and ground levels of cities, hotels, apartments and blocks
The Dark Mystic Raider headed to the front and looked at his squadron leader, asked: "General Devil Destroyer and Lady Butterfly, is it time?"
Devil Destroyer's eyes narrowed in his anger and snarled, "Do as you wish. If this attract his attention, then I can finally finish of what I had begun."
Butterfly Dancer gasped in concern as she turned to her lover and asked, "Lord Devil, you wouldn't do such a thing! There were innocent ponies down there."
Devil Destroyer groaned in irritation before breathed lightly, "Don't worry, Butterfly. These attacks was meant to put some fear upon them. And this mean, none of those ponies will get hurt."
"How are you going to do that," asked Butterfly.
Devil's eyes narrowed in anger, "Scare them off! Blow the cities up! That would attract our old friend's attention." He held his halberd up high and cried: "Blow it up!"
Dark Mystic Soldiers roared and cried wildly and loudly as they rode their dragons flying straight down to the ground. They charged right on the grounds of Manehattan. They nudged their dragons hard, causing them to blast their fireballs, fire blast, fire spin and firestorm in destroying the streets and cities to burn. Most of second Dark Mystic Ponies took their Magical Guns, Sniping Guns, Missile Launchers, Bows and Arrows. BOOM! They blown most of the cities and shattering the glasses to pieces. Some of raiders swung their swords, spears, pikes, blades, axes, maces and weaponry blades in destroying thousands of carriages, glasses, towns, and houses into pieces.
Ponies and citizens of Manehattan among in their hiding from their hideouts. They screamed and cried in fear, pain and agony from the charging and attacking of scary and demonic Dark Mystic Ponies. Most of the city was in ruined and destroyed.
Royal Guards arrived and charged into the battlefield. The five, second and third waves of 10 Royal Guards were armed with their spears and pikes while fourth, fifth and sixth were armed with their bows and arrows as they prepared to battle with their enemies.
From air and ground, Dark Mystic Ponies continued charging right at Royal Guards. The Royal Guards remained waiting and preparing in firing their arrows at their enemies.
Closing to their enemies, Royal Guards released their arrows, and they shoot straight at Dark Mystic Ponies. Their arrows had pierced through on most of Dark Mystic Ponies' chests, heads and limbs, injured or killed them to death. Most of Ground Dark Mystic Ponies charged straight at Royal Guard, who quickly thrust their spears and pikes at their chests, pushed them to the ground or pushed them forward to others.
For the moment Royal Guards thought they had killed their enemies. Instead... Dark Mystic Ponies shaken their legs and heads while they hissed and roared in anger. Royal Guards yelped in fear before they screamed. Dark Mystic Ponies roared wildly as they took their swords, blades, spears and pikes as they stroke, thrust and pierced theirs at Royal Guards to death and defeated.
Seeing Royal Guards were unable to kill their enemies, they were forced to withdraw and escape before they got slaughtered and killed by their enemies. Dark Mystic Ponies continued chasing and killing every last of Royal Guards. Most of them were killed in the battlefield, some had escaped the battle in hiding among the hideouts or managed to escape.
Devil Destroyer riding his black dragon to the outskirt of Manehattan. He held and raised halberd up high. He roared wildly in front of his squadron on both ground and air, who roared wildly. The victory was theirs! But Manehattan wasn't the first place to be attacked, but more areas such as Trottingham, Appleloosa, Tenochtitlan Bastion, Hallow Shades, Saddle Arabia, Kouma Island, Land of Ma and more, including Mystic Realm's Metal Country, Wood Country, Ice Country, Water Country and Earth Country.
The attacks on both Equestria's and Mystic's had turned into a large and dark terrifying, horrifying and unspeakable massacres and destruction. Both worlds were now... in grave danger... The Third Mystic War had begun...
Few days had passed since nearly one week for a massacre...
At the mystical, magical and royal Jade Palace, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance headed and visited Jade Emperor and his Mystic Council at the large crimson hall. It consisted of the large rectangle table which had twelve Mystic Ponies including Tao and Azure Phoenix sitting on their throne chairs. They stood before Jade Emperor and his Mystic Council.
On the middle of the rectangle table was sat by a pale Earth Pony with white mustache and long bearded Jade Emperor dressed in golden Chinese Emperor's robes and wore golden headwear crown and his Cutie Mark was a Celestial Dragon on the clouds.
On his right were Tao, Azure Phoenix, Courage Tiger the young crimson Pegasus dressed in silver and crimson armor and his Cutie Mark was ferocious tiger, judge hammer and sword; Iron Brave the grayish Earth Pony with short brown bearded, short spiky mane and short tail wore spiky helmet and dressed in silver armor; and Lightning Wisdom the black and white mixed Pegasus with short gentle cyan mane and tail and his Cutie Mark was Lightning Shape with Fishing Rod and Yin-Yang Symbol.
On his left were Susano, Dark Knight the blackish and grayish mixed Unicorn dressed in black armored and cape; Virtue Dragon the green Earth Pony with black mane in bun and short tail and his Cutie Mark was golden Dragon and Peach Blossom; Arthur the cyan Unicorn with brown mane in bun and short tail dressed in blue Roman's robe and armor mixed and his Cutie Mark was Scimitar and 'Jin' in Chinese; Frozen Sage the whitish Unicorn with white gentle long mane and tail and her Cutie Mark was long sword, shield and giant ice crystal-like; and Princess Leaf the female pink Earth Pony with short and gentle brown mane in ponytail and tail dressed in in Japanese Kimono.
Both Equestria and Mystic Ponies were having important discussion and counselling about the war and battle of how they fought back and wondering why Dark Mystic Ponies had conquered any of the area or city. They muttered and argued angrily and concern about the situation they were having.
"Silent! Be silent!" Jade Emperor ordered firmly. Everyone calmed down as he spoke up, "I understand that all of us are facing great catastrophe in our history. And it repeated again. Arguing with each other is not helping us solving the situation and problems, but making worse than we realize. So, we must remain calm down!"
"Calm down? With all due respect, your highness," Lightning Wisdom said in concern, "But we are at war against those monstrosity, demonic and chaotic Dark Mystic Ponies! We must take action now!"
Iron Brave nodded his head in agreement, "Gotta agree with the kid. We're at war. Time for action, not negotiation."
"Yes. These guys are getting more bothersome than before," Arthur said mumbly and uninterested.
"What must be done," Princess Leaf asked in concern, "I do not wish both Equestria and Mystic Realm to lose thousands lives and homes to those monsters."
Princess Celestia nodded her head in agreement, "We won't. That is why we must fight Dark Mystic Ponies back before they could continue their assaults and attacks on our home."
"Together, we will put an end of this Third Mystic War for good. The first was worst as it lasted 100 year war between our mother and father's kind," Princess Luna said in concern about her parents. She breathed lightly, "While I was not involve of Second War, it lasted at least 5 years. But we do not wish to see this bloody and massacre war again."
Jade Emperor nodded his head in agreement, "I agree with you for one thing. We cannot let Dark Mystic Ponies continued rampaging across both realms without the fight."
"The only option we can end this war was to invade and attack Dark Mystic Ponies," Dark Knight answered, "Those who were willing to surrender, then we will capture them. Resist us, they will died."
"Logical and reasonable indeed," Frozen Sage agreed.
"Then, when should we begin?" Courage Tiger asked in concern and worry, "The sooner the better. We must be hard and haste to defeat them."
"Yes..." agreed Virtue Dragon, "For our ponies. For our home. And for our freedom. We must put the end of our enemies."
Azure Phoenix nodded his head, "Then, we should set and prepare our army for the battles. Our officers who gave their lives for the Second Mystic War must no be in vain for nothing. We will end and defeated them for good. And this time... we won't make mistake."
Everyone nodded and muttered in agreement about the option and plans. It was their time to finish of what they had begun. Princess Celestia looked at both Princess Luna and Princess Cadance, with her pleasant smile. They both nodded their heads in agreement.
Susano cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention as he spoke: "There is one element we need to do with this. We need Shadow Dragon for this battle."
Mystic Council muttered about the idea of having Shadow Dragon in returning to the battlefield since he had made his mind up in staying and living with Twilight Sparkle and her home: Ponyville.
Princess Celestia looked concern and worry about the proposal in bringing Shadow Dragon to battlefield. She seen his eyes. His eyes were firm, calm and gentle as the last time he remembered before he went berserk in becoming Dark Mystic Pony. He finally returned to his true and good self, and even finding peace with Twilight Sparkle. And now Susano wanted Shadow Dragon return to the battlefield?!
Princess Luna and Princess Cadance looked at each other, with concern and worry expression. They did not like the idea of that either.
Princess Celestia stomped her hoof on the ground hard; getting Mystic Council's attention as she spoke, "That is out of the question." Mystic Council turned and glanced at her as she explained, "After nearly thousand years had passed, Shadow Dragon had finally found his peace. A peace to calm him down from the terrible time. You and I know how it feels during the Second Mystic War. And now, you wish to bring him out for the battles?!"
Tao nodded his head as he spoke, "Princess Celestia had spoken the truth. My son has gone through enough of bloodshed war. He needs alone to have peace without involving a war or battle. And I finally see his true self. One who I had been waiting for to reunite. My very son I had raised."
Susano breathed heavily, "Sadly, this is not an open discussion of letting him to be in peace. We're at war now. And we need everyone to fight and battle against Dark Mystic Ponies. And that includes Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Therefore, we need everyone we had to be prepare for this war. We will end it, no matter what."
Azure Phoenix thought of the moment before he gave the big sighed. He spoke, "Susano's right. This is not an option. When we're at war against with Dark Mystic Ponies and especially three powerful Demon Generals, we need everyone we can for this war. However, I'd prefer Twilight and her friends remained at home as the last line of defense, should we fail or Shadow Dragon fail to stop them. After all, the Tree of Harmony had chosen them to be at the level of Rainbow Power in against our enemies - just like how Element of Darkness chose him."
Susano nodded his head in agreement as he asked, "All in favor for bringing Shadow Dragon back to battlefield?"
Mystic Councilpony looked at each other for some discussion and talking. They all but Tao nodded their heads. They raised their hooves up. Susano nodded his head as he slammed his judge hammer down hard in agreement.
Jade Emperor nodded his head in agreement, "Then, it is settle." He turned to Tao, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance. He spoke seriously and firmly, "Since four of you and his former team are close to Shadow Dragon, convince and talk with him to rejoin our forces. It is not an option for him to chose to ignore. We need him to help us to end the war of what he had begun. Do I make myself clear?"
Tao took a deep breathe. He nodded his head gently and bowed before the Jade Emperor, "Yes... Your majesty. It will be done."
Tao, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance looked shock and concern. This had not gone well...
"WOW!" Twilight screamed in fear and worry. She was sliding down on the long blackish neck in spiral formation while screaming, "This is not what I had in mind! Stttooop!"
For the long moment in sliding down, she dropped on the tight wrapped and grasped of neck. She yelped painfully; feeling tighter grasping neck around her. The familiar serpent's head slowly came out from the bottom. He stuck his serpentine tongue out while hissing in front of Twilight. She yelped in fear and worry. Was this the end?
Twilight squealed in fear as she was staring and looking at frightful and terrifying beasts in her life: snakes. She had not guts and heart in doing it. Fear and scared to face with them, she turned and closed her eyes as she squealed and whimpered; preparing for her end.
The black serpentine Hydra leaned slowly and closer to Twilight, who was looking away from him. His slimy tongue slowly and gently touched on her face; licking hers up. Twilight gasped. She turned before she could do anything. The Hydra's head continued licking her face for five times.
Touched by his slimy licks, Twilight giggled happily, like she was actually having a pet in licking with her. He then nuzzled her. She continued giggled happily. She then gently patted his head.
Twilight leaned and gently kissed his forehead. She said gently, "You guys are not very scary. I hate to say it, but there weren't many snakes dangerous as you are."
The Hydra smiled, showing his teeth before he licked on Twilight's face.
"I told you he's not dangerous," The gentle voice spoke. Twilight looked up and found Shadow Dragon sliding down before her. He helped and held her out from his wrapping and grasping tights of Hydra. He smiled, "Dragoking maybe ferocious and terrifying beast, but he is an intelligent and gentle serpent. And he likes you now."
Twilight giggled, "Yeah... I noticed that." She turned and glanced at the kind and happy Dragoking, looking at her. She continued while patted on his head gently, "To be honest... Who would have thought that I had been afraid of the snake since my foalhood until now I befriended a kind and gentle side of the serpent."
Shadow Dragon smiled, "You finally conquer your fear. Let's meet with others, shall we?"
Twilight smiled, "Of course."
Shadow Dragon looked at Dragoking as he gave an order, "Take us down, Dragoking."
Dragoking nodded his head. He lowered his head down, allowing both Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle to walk across on his head. He then lowered down to the ground. Shadow Dragon came down. Twilight Sparkle was about to get down. He held his hoof up, allowing her to come down. They met up with their Mane Six, four Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike.
Spike and Nyx smiled happily as they approached to her.
"Hey, how's your dealing with fear going?" Spike asked in concern.
"I hope Dragoking doesn't scare you too much," Nyx said playfully.
Twilight giggled happily. Dragoking lowered his head on her left side. She turned and patted his head gently. Mane Six, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike gasped in surprise and happy. Twilight turned and smiled at them.
"Works like a charm."
Fluttershy giggled innocently, "To be honest, Twilight, I'd never thought you actually treating them like a friend. The very first Winter Wrap Up you tried, you woke those snakes up. And they scared you off." Twilight had crimson blushed on her face in embarrassment of what Fluttershy had said. She squealed in shame, "Sorry about that, if you hated it so much."
Twilight shook her head gently, "Don't worry, Fluttershy. I'm over of that snake phobia."
"Not sure of how, but..." Rarity looked at the ferocious and terrified face of Dragoking while he smiled gently. She gulped in concern, "I'm still in snake phobia ever since we first met him."
Rainbow Dash chuckled lightly as she nudged on Rarity's shoulder, "Oh lighten up, Rarity. When Shadow Dragon said his Hydra is safe, and he means it."
Pinkie Pie giggled happily while she was bouncing and jumping up and down on Dragoking's head, and cried: "Rainbow Dash was right! He's so fun to play with for a Hydra. After all, you won't believe of what I'm gonna said next. This monster was gonna voiced by Frank Welker, but instead, the author chose Dee Bradley Baker as his voice because he can talk more monstrous and made wild animal voice!"
Everyone looked at each other in oddly and concern. They were not sure of what was Pinkie Pie's thinking. Was she even fine or noticed of what she had said?
"You might have to get use to that one. Pinkie Pie is still and always random." Rainbow Dash informed Shadow Dragon. He nodded his head in understanding.
"But still Shadow Dragon's pet was so awesome!" Apple Bloom exclaimed happily. She snickered a bit, "I can't wait to see how that Chimera's react on this one."
"Yeah! I can't wait to see how Diamond Tiara react to this. She's so in trouble of who she's messing with," Scootaloo smirked before giggled playfully.
"And he's so cute." Sweetie Belle remarked. Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike turned and looked at her, with their skeptical and odd looks. She looked confuse as she answered, "What it's true. He was cute when he wasn't so ferocious monster."
Applejack shook her head in amusement as she approached to Twilight. She placed her right hoof over Twilight's shoulder and said: "But more importantly, folks." Everyone turned to Applejack as she continued, "Twilight got over her snake phobia. Ever since Shadow Dragon came and lived among us, he has been a great help to us; like taking care of Cutie Mark Crusaders, solving our problems and situations, and of course, helping and teaching us in using our martial art skills."
Twilight smiled and nodded her head in agreement, "Yeah. Because of that, we're improving well. The next time Dark Mystic Ponies tried to attack, we will be ready for them."
Shadow Dragon smiled in relief as he was glad to help and assist his friends and Ponyville in anyway he can since they had welcome him as one of them and a member of the home. And more importantly, they were safe and secured from harm. He looked down in concern. How long will he protect them? How long? Feared of his enemies' relentless attacking and the war, he wondered if his former allies would able to hold and defeat Dark Mystic Ponies. He prayed that it won't happen in the future...
Shadow Dragon, Twilight Sparkle and their friends were on their way back to Ponyville while they chatted happily with each other. Upon reaching to Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, they spotted and found Tao, his family, Dragon Strike Force, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. They looked concern and worry of seeing their friends' arrival at Ponyville.
"Princess Celestia? Princess Luna? Cadance? Shining Armor?" Twilight asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon looked at his father and his family, and his team as he asked in concern, "Father? Guys? What is wrong?"
Tao and Princess Celestia looked at each other in concern. As both of them looked worry and concern, they knew they had to do it and cannot ignore the important fact and mission. They turned and looked at both Twilight and Shadow Dragon. They both spoke at the same time, "We need to talk alone."
Their tones of concern and worry had affected their minds, making them worry and scared of what really had happened. Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle looked in concern and worry as they were about to find out of what really happened.
At the Living Room of Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, Tao explained about Mystic Council's decision in bringing Shadow Dragon back to the battlefield as the Ultimate Mystic Warrior and General of Mystic Military Army for the moment.
Shadow Dragon looked annoy and upset by Mystic Council's proposal and decision of bringing him to the war. He hated and didn't like the idea of going back to the war and especially involving his darker side. It frightened and scared his family, old and new friends and especially Twilight Sparkle. He didn't want that very much.
Nonetheless, he answered calmly and firmly, "As I had said before, the answer is no. I don't want to be involved in any war or military. I'm retired."
Tao sighed lightly, "I know, son. But the Mystic Council's decision was final. You and I know that you cannot avoid it. Dark Mystic Ponies will not stop until both Mystic and Equestria Realm to be under their commands. And trust me, my son, these monsters will do anything to complete their mission."
Shadow Dragon looked down in concern, and asked: "I thought you said that you will handle the situation and problems. You promise me to leave me alone in peace and quiet."
Dragon Kick sighed in concern and feared as he spoke: "We did. But It has gone out of control. Dark Mystic Ponies has gone relentless, ruthless and cruelty in destroying the cities and attacking innocent ponies."
Shadow Dragon gasped in concern and worry as he asked, "Don't tell me..."
Tailtech shook his head innocently and painfully as he said: "You're not going to like this, Shadow Dragon."
Blazefist breathed lightly as he took the files of some photos out. He placed them on the table in front of him. Shadow Dragon gasped in shock and concern. He took photos up. He looked at them one-by-one. Most of them had shown to be massacre of Royal Guards and Mystic Soldiers, ruins and burnt of cities, towns and villages, dead animals and even innocents.
His eyes widened in fear and concern, Shadow Dragon was in pain and despair as he was in speechless. He spoke, "Why... Why... WHY?!"
Lightningblade's eyes narrowed in anger and concern as he spoke: "There is a theory. Dark Mystic Ponies wanted their revenge on you, and especially your former Dark Master."
"In other words," said Shorty in concern, "they won't stop until everyone in both Mystic or Equesrtia Realm are dead. And that includes... Twilight and her friends..."
Shadow Dragon gasped in shock, with his eyes widened in feared and concern. These Dark Mystic Ponies... Were they willing to kill so much and more of innocents for revenge against him?! Why?! Why must it had to be him to be involved of this war?! He hissed in anger and upset, felt like he wanted to kick or punch something.
Terrorcreep breathed deeply, "I can tell you're angry and upset of these attacks. But we did our best in stopping these monsters. But they're becoming more unpredictable and dangerous than before."
Laxtinct breathed deeply, "In other words, these guys are more prepared than we thought. They actually expecting this to happen. Unbelievable."
Aqua nodded her head, "Yeah. The only way to prevent more causalities and massacres is that we fight and kill the Dark Mystic Ponies."
"Aqua's right," Blazefist agreed, "It was the only way. And we know that you want peace for yourself. But this is no longer peace and quiet, but a war between good and evil, and especially this involved the innocents."
Shadow Dragon looked down in concern and reluctant like if he did join the military, what would happen to Twilight and her friends. He did not want to hurt them emotionally because they were important friends as his family and old friends.
Saber Dragoon noticed Shadow Dragon's looks before he gave a big sigh about it, said: "I can tell of your look. You really want to stay, do you?"
Shadow Dragon turned to Saber and nodded his head. Saber sighed a bit before shaking his head before he cleared his throat, "Listen, let's say that you want to stay here and not get involve in the battle and war, and you hope that nothing can go wrong. But what if Dark Mystic Ponies really did came after your friends and those you care so much? Do you think you can save them all by yourself?"
Heard of what Saber had spoken, Shadow Dragon looked down in concern as he had fears of defeating his enemies alone. He also knew that Dark Mystic Ponies were very tricky, merciless and crafty enemies to deal with. And if he chose to stay, then he had to hate to see it with his own eyes.
Icy approached to Shadow Dragon as she spoke, "Don't worry. If you come with us now and finish the battle as soon as possible, then our friends will be saved from harm."
Relieved and glad to have his old teammates to support him, Shadow Dragon couldn't help but to shake this feeling was bad. He turned and looked at his family and friends. He asked, "And what about my friends? What will they do? I know they had Rainbow Powers, but I fear they're underestimated the Dark Mystic Ponies. I don't want them to get killed."
Tao cleared his throat as he explained: "Jade and Mighty Heart will remained with Twilight and her friends as the bodyguards. They will keep an eye on your friends. And they will protect them."
Jade smiled gently, "Let's not forget about the weapons we're about to give."
Mighty Heart nodded his head in agreement, brought six crates of weapons in front of Shadow Dragon and he said: "These weapons will help and protect them from harm. We promise you of that. You had nothing to worry about."
Shadow Dragon breathed deeply in relief, yet he looked down in concern and feared. He was glad that his friends were provided by powerful weapons. He wondered if he really did chose the right path and way to protect his friends from harm. He wondered if he truly did return to his darker side. And he wondered of how they react to his decision or how she react?
Tao placed his right hoof on his adopted son's shoulder. He asked: "What is your decision, my son?"
Shadow Dragon looked at his adopted father for the moment before looking down on his hoof. He had some thoughts about the decision he was about to make. He took a deep breath before he sighed. He looked up and had his eyes narrowed in determination and fierce. He had made his mind up...
Princess Celestia informed and told everything that had occurred in the past incidents and massacres from Dark Mystic Ponies. Most of her friends were worry and scared by the reports and especially Twilight Sparkle, when she heard about Mystic Council's decision in bringing Shadow Dragon back to the war.
"Princess Celestia... Can't you do something about this," Twilight asked in concern and upset. Princess Celestia looked at her former student's eyes. Twilight continued, "Shadow Dragon... He doesn't want to go back to the war and especially involving his darker side of him. I don't want to see that again."
Twilight's friends nodded their heads in agreement that they had seen Shadow Dragon's darker side when he was on the battlefield in against any strong or powerful enemy he faced at.
Princess Celestia sighed in defeat and concern, "I am sorry, Twilight. There is nothing I can do. This is Mystic Council's decision, not mine."
Twilight grunted in upset as she stomped her right front hoof on the ground, "It's not fair! They can't do this to him! He finally found his peace! He finally found a place to call home!" She breathed deeply, "And to be honest... I am happy. Happy to have him here in my home. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have gotten over my snake phobia and mastered my martial arts if my magic runs out. Right, everypony?"
Twilight's friends and family nodded their heads in agreement as they knew that it was true. Ever since Shadow Dragon lived among their home, he helped and taught them well in anyway he can.
Twilight looked down in upset as she said, "I don't want to say goodbye to him. He can't go."
Princess Cadance breathed deeply; approaching to Twilight and hugged her as she said: "I know, Twilight. I really want him to stay here because you helped and changed him for a better pony." Twilight looked at Cadance. She continued, "I saw the difference between present and the past. He was no longer a monster I faced. He is the pony I remember the very first day I met."
"Twilight, I know it pains you the most to see him off but if he does not help us end the war sooner or later," said Princess Luna, "I feared Equestria will meet their extinct, and soon it will be under Dark Mystic Ponies' control. There is no other way."
Twilight breathed deeply. She looked at her big brother, Shining Armor for some supports and assistance in preventing Shadow Dragon from leaving. He breathed deeply as he approached and shook his head, "I'm sorry, Twilight. I really wish I could help but I can't. I am in no position to stop Shadow Dragon from going since he belonged to Mystic Realm."
Seeing there was no alternate ways to prevent him from going, Twilight looked down in defeat as she felt hopeless and losses.
Princess Celestia approached to Twilight as she gave her a hug, "I know he meant well to you as his friend. And I really wish to stop him from going to battle. I am sorry, Twilight. There's nothing I can do."
Twilight looked at her former mentor and asked: "So, that means I had to say goodbye?"
"I'm afraid so," said Princess Celestia.
Twilight looked down in defeat, losses and despair, followed by her friends and family. This will be their last time to see him...
Everyone was outside of the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom. Shadow Dragon had packed all of his stuffs, including wearing his old armor and had his Darkness Blade sheathed. Tao, Dragon Kick and Dragon Strike Force watched and looked at Shadow Dragon saying goodbye to his friends of Ponyville.
Shadow Dragon bowed before Twilight and her friends as he said: "I'm truly thankful of your hospitality and friendship. They meant well to me. And I would be happy and honor to keep them in my heart and mind."
Nyx, Spike and Cutie Mark Crusaders approached and hugged Shadow Dragon gently. He breathed deeply as he knew how they felt. He hugged them back.
Nyx looked up and asked: "Can't you stay with us? I don't want you to go. You're the best stallion and foal-sitter I could ask for."
"Yeah. It wouldn't be the same, without you, Shadow Dragon," said Spike.
Shadow Dragon shook his head gently, "You know I can't. If I stay here, then more Dark Mystic Ponies will come after you, your friends and your family. I don't want to endanger you all." Nyx and her friends looked down in upset. Shadow Dragon held her chin up while giving her a weak smile, "But I promise you that I will return. But I need you to help and protect your family at all cost. And when I get back, we'll have some best time in playing games. How about that?"
Unhappy and saddened by Shadow Dragon's decision, but his caring and promising words were enough for them to accept. Nyx, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike smiled weakly and nodded their heads. They hugged him tightly and gently. He hugged them back.
As he departed, Shadow Dragon looked at Mane Six as he bestowed them a gift to each one of them.
Shadow Dragon took a cyan crystallized spear-like to Rainbow Dash as he spoke: "Rainbow Dash. I appreciate your loyalty and confident in believing me, and especially your speed. I give your the special gift: Mystic Magical Spear. This has three transformation: Gun Mode, Spear Mode and Nunchucks Mode. I'm sure this will help and support you in dealing with any kind of situation. Thank you."
Rainbow Dash held Mystic Magical Spear as she looked at him with a smile.
Shadow Dragon turned to Fluttershy, "Your shyness maybe weakness, but it is a strength and I present you this." He gave the crimson ruby on both sides to Fluttershy, "This is the very powerful Animal Ruby. It allow you to take any kind form of animal when you're facing in battle. And it will give you confidence. Be strong and be brave."
Fluttershy smiled weakly while nodded her head.
Shadow Dragon turned to saddened and unhappy Pinkie, "Don't give me sad smile, Pinkie. Besides, they need your happy smile to keep everyone happy. You are the core of ponies' happiness." He took rectangle box attached to the pinkish armor and passed it to Pinkie Pie. He continued, "This is Party Launcher. Think of it as super canon blast to hit your enemies. Deadly but great. Keep on smiling, Pinkie."
Pinkie sniffed while smiling happily as she took Party Launcher from him.
Shadow Dragon turned to Rarity as he spoke, "Your generosity is amazing, Rarity. And I'm truly grateful of that. And I wanted to return the favor to you for that. And giving a good present to remind me of my home." He took the five sapphire diamonds, which made Rarity gasped in surprise and happy. He continued, "This is Diamond Gatling Blaster. They will help you deal with any situation in distance and counts but combining them as one. They formed a powerful diamond in defeating your enemies. They're useful and beauty. I hope this will be enough."
Rarity smiled while having her tears coming out from her eyes as she lifted five sapphire diamonds up in her magic.
Shadow Dragon turned to Applejack, "Applejack, thank you very much in believing and supporting me. You are indeed worthy, honest and trustworthy pony I ever met. I truly appreciate of your supports." He passed the metallic ropes to Applejack as he explained, "This is Mind Whiplash. A very powerful, strong and hardened metal ropes. This one is special because it was mind reader. It obey you and you alone. Thank you, Applejack."
Applejack smiled as she took the rope from him.
Shadow Dragon turned to Twilight Sparkle as he made his final speech: "Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am in your debt for accepting me to be your bodyguard and guest. And not only, you believe in me for being good than evil, despite my dark past. I am thankful for once in my life time that someone like you had finally accept me the way I was. I have a gift for you." He took a long blade, and its brownish handler had the sparkling star. He passed it to her and explained, "This is Star Sparkle Sword. It's mystical and magical sword. It allow you to channel your magic through this blade and battle with your enemies. And I assure you. It is safe for you to use. You have nothing to worry. And I am sorry for putting you and your friends in danger."
Twilight shook her head gently before hugging Shadow Dragon, making him surprise and shock. She spoke, "What you did here... It was magical and amazing for helping all of us, not because of your mistake for bringing Dark Mystic Ponies here. This is your home. And you are always welcome to it. No matter what happen, Shadow Dragon; I'll wait for your return. You are... my friend."
"Princess..." Shadow Dragon asked in surprise. His tears came out from his eyes and flown down. He hugged her back. He spoke, "I promise you... I will return. Goodbye, Twilight..."
Twilight gasped before she sniffed and sobbed in despair, "I... I... I don't want to say goodbye... I don't want to... I don't want to..."
Shadow Dragon breathed deeply, "I know. I'm sorry. I really am... But we will meet again."
Shadow Dragon departed from hugging. Twilight departed as well yet her hoof still touching his left hoof. With a slip, Shadow Dragon let go of her hoof. He approached to his father, his team and royalties as he prepared to go.
Shadow Dragon took a glance at his back. He then turned back to them as he asked, "Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Mighty Heart and Jade, you will look after them and especially Twilight, right?"
Shining Armor nodded his head, "Of course. You just leave Twiley to me. And I'm gonna miss your guts for stopping Dark Mystic Ponies."
"I'm gonna miss your little angry personality. But thank you, Shining Armor." Shadow Dragon bowed before Shining Armor as he did to him.
Shadow Dragon turned to his father, his team and Royal Sisters and said: "I am ready."
Tao nodded his head, "I know you are."
With Tao's eyes glowed in white, the whitish sphere surrounded and covered him and others, preparing to teleport. Shadow Dragon took a glance at Twilight, who got up slowly and looked at him. He waved to her as she did to him. They will miss each other. They will...
PUFF! Shadow Dragon, his team, his father and Royal Sisters disappeared. Twilight and her friends will miss him. Twilight looked down in sad. Shining Armor noticed her sad and painful look. He placed his hoof over her shoulder, comforting her. She should have told him. She should have tell him about her feeling before he left...
At dawn, the black modern uniformed Dark Mystic Soldiers were at several Dark Mystic Military Tents, neared to the borders and the walls of Mystic Realm. Some were eating their foods and supplies, including eating some fresh meats. Most of them were training and battling with each other in combats, weapons and weapon-vehicles. Others were having fun and jokes with each other.
The black and demonic masked, armored and uniformed of Dark Mystic Pony was standing in front of his army and then looked at the Walls. He breathed deeply. The dark navy Pegasus with spiky crimson mane and short tail and had small crimson mustache and beard approached to his leader of the company.
The masked pony spoke calmly, "What is it, Black Tiger? Can't you see I'm trying to figure it out on how to bring Shadow Dragon out. After two attempts in attacking Ponyville, they had resisted the force and even General Shredkiller's."
Black Tiger cleared his throat a bit, "No, sir. I've brought some news. Commander Burnblast received some reports. He's coming back, Colonel Houndkiller."
Houndkiller's eyes widened in shock and concern. He turned and glared at Black Tiger as he spoke, "Prepare the army. It is time we move out and meet with him." Black Tiger nodded his head in concern. He continued, "We will finish and fulfill our master's darkest dream and ambition. The world will know our wrath. We will change the history. We will had both worlds under our command."
Black Tiger breathed deeply. He returned to his tent where he met up with DJ Red, Clumsy Rat, Shades, Burnblast the greenish Pegasus with black mane and short tail and his Cutie Mark was black patch, gun and sword dressed in the armored and helmet Samurai, and Wild Maniac the bulky and muscular crimson Pegasus with long, wild and spiky blond mane and tail and his Cutie Mark was two-forked pike symbol. They were chatting and talking.
"So, he has come..." Burnblast asked in concern. Black Tiger nodded his head. He breathed deeply, "it looks like we're gonna have some brotherly reunion."
Wild Maniac scoffed, "You're gonna pick a fight with him? Can't wait to see that since you were his teammate."
"I know. But I've made a choice because I want to become strong and powerful to face off against him, one day and someday. Either war or peace, both him and I will had the fight till the end," said Burnblast.
DJ Red hissed in concern, "Ouch. Just like the old times."
"Yeah... Going back to the Mystic War again," said Clumsy Rat, "I wonder if he knew about his own kid."
"He has to," Black Tiger spoke calmly, "Truth or not, he is part of him. His blood and flesh. And soon, we're gonna make decision. The right one."
Shades took a deep breath, "Yeah, Black Tiger's right about our decision. Trust me. It's gonna be shock and pain for Shadow Dragon. Right, Lance?"
Everyone turned to the blackish Pegasus with golden short and spiky mane and tail with stripes of navy and crimson dressed in black armored soldier, looked at them back. Lance spoke softly, "I've gotta to see him. I've gotta see my dad. I wanted to see him... with my own eyes..."
Burnblast nodded his head in understanding, "Trust me, kid. You'll get to see him soon. As soon as he and I had some scores to settle. I want to see who is champ and who is the chump. Then, we'll decide of what's next."
Lance breathed deeply, concern of what happened next and he wondered of Shadow Dragon's reaction on him.
Who is Lance Justicestrike? How is he connected to Shadow Dragon? What was his purpose?
To be continue...
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