//------------------------------// // The Big Night // Story: Equestria Girls (New Timeline Version) // by Jongoji245 //------------------------------// Twilight’s party was the last group to leave the gym. In any case of which student voted, all thirteen of her present company voted for her. They still cheered on as they walked down the hall. “I still can't believe we pulled that off!” Said Fluttershy when Rainbow Dash wrapped an arm around her. “I can! We're awesome!” “Enough chatter, everyone.” Rarity took Twilight’s arm and raced her out of the door “We need to get ready, and we need to look fabulous!” Flash and his brother First Base were about to get into the car when the former saw Rarity taking Twilight to her car. “Twilight!” The fourth Alicorn noticed Flash quickly running towards her, freeing her arm from the fashionista “Look, I know you said "no" about going to the Fall Formal with me, but would you reconsider and at least have one dance?” “I didn't say "no"! I mean, I did, but…” - The rest of Twilight’s party walked out of the front door, taking notice of Flash popping up the question - “I didn't mean no, to you. I was... Well, what I mean is..." - Twilight placed her hands together and nodded - "yes. I'd love to dance with you!” “Awwwwww….” Cooed Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle “Blech!” Gagged Scootaloo. Twilight and Flash turned to find them giving them smug grins, Pinkie and Fluttershy giggling at the two. First Base nudged his brother. “Totally… Worth it!” He said before sitting in passenger’s seat. “So…” - Flash turned back to Twilight - “Six O’Clock?” “Six O’Clock.” Twilight answered before Rarity took her hand again and ran her to the car. The Maximals reached their car when they noticed Cosgrove walking away. “Are you not coming with us?” asked Chelsey “I have a promise to keep.” He answers before turning around “If I’m not back, meet me back here.” “You sure?” Diver asked, receiving a nod in return. “Yay!” Zipper cheered “Thatmeansnoonehastorideabikebackhome!” “Enjoy it while it lasts.” Sunset chuckled “We still have Dapplewood to pick and then taking Cosgrove back home after the dance.” Taking her to this world’s Carousel Boutique deep in town, Rarity had a head start in working on Twilight’s dress. After five minutes of waiting, the rest of the Mane Six arrived. Fluttershy at first tried a predominantly green dress with an orange trim, but Rarity insisted she look for something else. In the meantime, Angel Bunny helped her decorate her hair. Pinkie Pie looked at the mirror before quickly switching dresses from a feathery blue one to a deep violet gown, to a very puffy candy corn color dress. She did try several hairstyles: a wavy hairdo (with a wooden boat on top), a sculpted swan, a wet hairdo, but ultimately decided that she looks just as fine settling into her own hair style. Rainbow Dash was quickly fitted with a dress best suited for little kids; not even her arms could move out of a T-pose. Glaring at Rarity, the fashionista giggled as she led her away to another dress. Applejack tried a very long, grass green, gown. Thinking that such dresses would be a problem if they are going to wear heavy boots the whole day, lifted up the skirt all the way to the farmer’s knees and began stitching. Spike was experimenting with all types of fake mustaches, but ultimately he was fitted with a small bow tie and bowler hat. Rarity was just finishing up her nail polish before carrying a chest containing necklaces, earrings, and hair clips. Yet from all that, each one of them chose jewelry that best suited them: balloons for Pinkie, apples for Applejack, and so on. Out of each dressing room, the Mane Six showed the dresses they would be going for. Rarity chose a sky blue dress, white boots with pink rose heels and a gem hairclip. Fluttershy’s dress had a blue blouse covering a daffodil yellow skirt that is comparingly longer from the others, up to her shins, alongside similar colored boots. Pinkie Pie wore a blue chest piece, a violet blouse wrapped around her waist like a bow, a pink skirt and violet boots with a baby chicken trim, and a tiny blue bowler hat nestled in her hair. Applejack’s dress was predominantly blue, but it had a few red marking at the bottom and top, her boots had grass green heels. She wore a different stetson with a red rose tied around the center. Rainbow Dash, fitting her name, had several colors on the tank top region of her dress, ending with a navy blue with a red-pink rose trim. She also wore deep violet sleeves and her boots were also a pink color with miniature wings at the laces. They all turned around to see Twilight come out, wearing pink boots with violet heels and a ruffled dress that was also pink with white and violet ribbons wrapped around her waist. Around 5:30 PM, Applejack dropped Twilight back to Great Valley Drive. “See ya tonight, Twilight!” Applejack called out. “Yeah! You too!” Twilight responded before the farmer drove off. “You look good in that dress.” - Twilight turned around to see Sunset leaning at the door, wearing a red-violet tank top separate from an orange skirt with a lighter yellow and violet stripe sweeping from the right, as well as much heavier built charcoal black boots with a faded purple fire on the front on each - “Are you excited?” “Yeah…” -nTwilight looked back at her - “You guys aren’t freaked out by the fact that I’m a pony princess from another dimension?” “That has to be the weirdest thing we have heard in a long while.” Sunset picked up a violet masquerade ball mask. Originally hers truly, but has since been refurbished with sky blue trimmings and the sun for the centerpiece “In your world… Is Night Dancer…?” Twilight, having heard of the unfortunate accident nearly three years ago, looked away. “I’m sorry…” Twilight noticed Sunset relaxing her shoulders when the sound of a car engine echoed the neighborhood. It was Flash Sentry, now wearing a typical tuxedo and black pants. He got out of the car just as the other Maximals were walking over to the Tamer residence. Chelsey’s dress composed of a light violet blouse with a white skirt. Diver’s dress was a flowy aqua blue gown just wide enough to flow over her massive build. Zipper wore bright blue tuxedo: though the duplicates’ body color are a few tints lighter than their pony forms, a typical black tuxedo would have blended in with his grey-black skin, and his mullet was also trimmed way down. Dapplewood wore a red tuxedo with green shoulders pads. Before the hair gel dried up, the boy manipulated it to resemble a mohawk. “Nice hairdo.” Flash complemented, to which Dapplewood replied with a snort before tapping his sunglasses onto the bridge of his nose. He turns over to Twilight, stretching his hand. “Shall we?” Twilight blushed a little before taking his hand and walked over to the passenger side of the car. The Maximals got in their car just when Flash drove ahead of them. Chelsey sat in the passenger seat, noticing Sunset looking at the dashboard. “You alright, boss?” “Hmm?” Sunset turned her attention to the others “Yeah… yeah… I'm okay.” She turned the ignition key, backing up the car and began their journey over to the school. Twilight and Flash were the third ones to arrive after Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Just three minutes after the Maximals arrived, Applejack arrived with Apple Bloom, who wore a simple pink dress, Scootaloo, wearing a similar dress, and Big Mac, who wore his casual clothing. Rainbow Dash parked her motorcycle afterward. “Rarity and Sweetie Belle should arrive shortly.” Said Applejack. “Oh good.” The group turned around to see Cosgrove, wearing a white tuxedo with a red scarf tucked into the collar, pushing Cogsworth's wheelchair “I thought we would be the last.” Many of the group curled a smile at the sight of someone they haven't seen since last summer’s Camp Friendship. “Hey, guys.” Cogsworth greeted through his breath “Still have room for one more?” Sunset walked up to the paraplegic Crystal Prep student. “We’d be honored for you to join us.” “First time a Crystal Prepper came to Canterlot.” Muttered Rainbow Dash when Applejack elbowed her ribs. Soon, they spotted a fancy limousine pull up in front of the front lawn. The driver got out and opened the passenger door, revealing Rarity and Sweetie Belle. “Thank you, good sir.” Rarity thanked as she gave the driver a tip. The driver bowed, “You are most welcome, Madame.” Rarity joined the others, opening her eyes to see Cogsworth. “Cogsworth! What a pleasure seeing you again in months.” “Same.” Chelsey lifted him out of the chair and carried him up the stairs, Big Mac carrying the wheelchair as well. When they entered the school, they placed him back on the chair. The rest soon followed, Twilight and Flash with their arms wrapped around each other. But with only one of the doors opened, the two lovebirds collided with the door trims, giggled a little as they recovered before entering. Granted, they weren’t the first ones there. Already, a third of the total amount of students coming to the dance were already swinging about, Vinyl Scratch already on the stand jerking a record back and forth before adding a few beats to a famous tune. “Let’s get this party started!” Shouted Rainbow Dash, prompting the people in the gymnasium to dance. As the upbeat music continued, Twilight looked around at how the bipedal mammals danced. Many raised their arms and circled around slowly, others gathered enough space around them to either flop on the floor, spin around on their heads, or crouch down and remotely move their flanks. Flash watched as his date’s uncertainty came to him. “Afraid to dance?” He asked. “Well, no, all I can say is,” Twilight curled back before announcing “the people in this school are so crazy when they dance!” Spike nudged Twilight’s heel, motioning her to at least try. “You never danced at your school?” “Promise you won’t laugh?” Flash nodded before Twilight got on all fours, moving her left arm/right leg, drew them back and moved her right arm/left leg. What Twilight considered normal in her world would make the human raise both eyebrows. Noticing this, Twilight immediately got back on her hind legs, chuckling as she rubbed the back of her head. Flush shrugged before getting on all fours and repeating the same dance before the two danced in unison. Many of those around them looked at them with raised eyebrows, some dropping their cups, spilling punch over the floor. Then, of course, Flash’s eyes widened when he felt pants beginning to tear. “Well, well.” - The two awkward dancers looked up to see Trixie, now wearing a deep blue dress and boots with a light violet cape - “Very unorthodox dancing for a Princess. Well, you may have the moves, but The Great and Powerful Trixie will top you off in song!” Vinyl immediately turned down the music when two of the spotlights shined on the two competitors. “Hey, hey, hey Canterlot High!” Vinyl sounded off through a microphone “Do I hear a sing off?” “I did!” Shouted Pinkie Pie among the silent crowd. “PINKIE!!!!” berated Twilight’s supporters “It’s time for a Royal Battle Royale! Twilight Sparkle VERSUS The Great and Powerful Trixie!” Most of the audience cheered on as Trixie put on a violet witch hat with blue and yellow stars, curling a smirk as she and her posse walked up to the stage. After a while of silence, Snips and Snails began to scat, providing the percussions while Fuscia and Lavender played on small electronic keyboards before Trixie plucked a few chords from a rock guitar. While Trixie sang her song, some of the audience couldn’t help but snap their fingers. Cogsworth was tapping his limp knees while Big Mac tapped his foot. After the song was over, Trixie threw a few smoke bombs on the stage, immediately swallowing the entire band. “Yeah!” - Vinyl cheered - “Give it up for the Trix-ster!” On cue, the guests immediately cheered, echoing the gymnasium. The Mane Six looked around, Fluttershy made one quick look to find Trixie right at her face, scaring her. “Top that one.” She scoffed before walking away. “All right, now for T-White!” The light shined on Twilight. The Alicorn woman cowered a little when Applejack laid her hand on her shoulder, followed by Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy. They walked up to the stage, got their instruments set up. Rarity attuned her electric keyboard to have it sound like an actual piano. When the final chorus began, the crowd cheered. Even after competing for three days straight, Trixie had to admit that Twilight does have a good singing voice. As the Mane Six stepped off the stage, Vinyl moved the microphone towards her. “Aw yeah! Seems like we got two very talented groups. But we will know for certain who will be top dog! Hope you voted for the right gal!” Just as Twilight joined up with Flash, he noticed some of his friends signaling him to come up to the stage. Grabbing their musical equipment, they then began to play. By that time, a majority of the school have arrived, enjoying the celebrities. But with a crowded gymnasium comes limited dances moves. A majority resorted to the electric boogaloo, the swim, and the high knee. But in all this excitement, there is still one thing on Twilight’s mind. “Anybody see Roma Candle?” “Maybe she was too embarrassed to show!” Said Rainbow Dash as she had her hands in the air “She's gotta know you won by a landslide!” Twilight looked the other way, “Maybe…” she thought to herself. Once flash’s band finished their song, Principal Celestia walked up the stadium, silencing the cheering crowd with a few taps of the microphone. “First off, I wanna say how wonderful everything looks tonight. You all did a magnificent job pulling things together after the unfortunate events of earlier.” She signaled her sister to walk up the stage with a small chest and an envelope “And now, without further ado, I'd like to announce the winner of this year's Fall Formal crown.” Trixie, the Maximals, Crusaders and Flash leaned forward. “The Princess of this year's Fall Formal is…” Twilight’s friends huddled around her, the anticipation getting very high. Celestia tore the top of the envelope, removed the notecard and skimmed the name on the card. “Twilight Sparkle!” Immediately everyone cheered. After given a deep hug, Twilight walked up to the stage, ready to receive her possession. Trixie, on another hand, glared at her victorious rival. “Trixie demands some time alone…” She asked of her posse before walking out of the gym. Principal Celestia lifted the crown out of the satin cushion, “Congratulations, Twilight. Even being new in Canterlot High, you have accomplished so much in so little time.” She places the crown on Twilight’s head, the gem shining as it acknowledged its original owner. Just when Twilight stepped down from the building, her friends immediately hugged her before the more stronger members lifted her up, manipulating their fingers to bring her to the rest of the audience. The Alicorn Princess laughed at the sensation of being crowd surfed from one direction of the gymnasium before surfing to another. Spike looked at the clock: 10:00 PM. “Twilight!” Spike barked. Twilight looked at the same clock, turning her joy upside down. “Oh right!” Twilight looked down “Take me to the door!” “Okee Dokey!” Shouted Derpy as she and the audience crowd surfed Twilight over to the door. Upon landing on her two feet, Twilight immediately began running down the halls. “C’mon!” shouted Applejack before the Mane Five ran out to the halls Back in said hall, Trixie inserted a quarter into the snack food machine, reaching her hand inside to collect her favorite snack when her violet eyes picked up Twilight moving fast by her. She got up just before quickly hugging the machine to avoid being knocked over by the other five as they ran by her as well. Twilight reached the front foyer, placing her hand on the door when “TWILIGHT!” Twilight turned around to see her friends running towards her. “Why the rush, darling?” Rarity said between breaths “If I don’t leave by midnight,” Twilight looked at the clock, now at 10:10 PM “the portal will close for another thirty moons.” “What do you mean by thirty moons? How long is that?” Rainbow Dash asked “Two and a half years.” whispered Fluttershy. Being away from the loud gymnasium, the others heard Fluttershy’s answer. “We didn’t expect you to leave this soon.” Applejack said to Twilight. Pinkie’s hair deflated a little more than usual, “Without even saying goodbye.” She whimpered. Twilight looked back to the clock, now 10:12 PM. She pressed a hand to her chest, took in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, waving her hand forward in sync. “You’re right. I’m sorry I’ve rushed things a little.” - Twilight walked towards the group - “I promise I would visit, even if it takes another thirty moons.” After a while, Fluttershy walked up to Twilight and hugged her, “We can wait that long.” Said Fluttershy. “You’re always welcome, sugar cube.” Added Applejack. From the floor, Spike watched as Twilight felt the warm embrace of her friends. A notable habit in his world, but seeing it again in this world, maybe there is hope yet for them. The dog was caught in the moment as the glass door slowly opened. It was only when Spike saw a small shadow over him did he shout: “Twilight!” Twilight immediately turned to the sound of her distressed companion, noticing the doors immediately close. “Spike!” The Princess immediately ran out, immediately spotting Spike's kidnapper. Or to say, kidnappers. Roma Candle was standing five feet in front of the statue. Lorraine standing to the right molding, having Spike in a headlock in one arm with her free hand gently clutching the top of his head. Sierra stood to the left molding, wielding a sledgehammer. Seeing this, Twilight clenched her fists. Magic or not, her friends could tell she was ready to dish some very serious damage. “Don't you dare hurt him…” “Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. But because of you and your posse, you had forced me to use lethal measures.” Roma crossed her arms. “Like what you monsters have done before with Trixie?!” Rarity hissed. “Monster?” Roma points to herself. “I'm the monster?” - She chuckled - “That word has been said around the world to others who have been tossed aside like garbage. Like I said, you all had no vision!” “And getting the crown will solve it?” Applejack fiddled the piece a little “Just some rudimentary object will give you magical powers?” “Yes! With the power of the crown, I will restore my rightful place in the world!” “But you already have a place.” Pinkie furrowed her brow “We already have a place here too!” She places her hands on her hips “And we like it just the way it is!” The other five agreed by scowling at their foes. “No, you’ll see. You’ll all see! I was born to lead the school! It is my right and my duty!” - Roma’s rebuttle made Sierra roll her eyes as she held the hammer upright - “But for you, Ms. Sparkle. You don't belong here, so I’ll make you an offer: Give me the crown, and you can go back to Equestria tonight with your pet. Or keep it” - Twilight eyed Lorraine tightening her grip on Spike, causing him to whimper - “and both of you will never go home.” Twilight slowly looked at each of the three, taking special attention to every possible scenario and outcome if she surrenders or fights back. She took off her crown, looking at her reflection at the top. Roma raised an arm and looked at her watch, now at 10:30 PM. “Tick-tock, Twilight. We haven't got all night.” - Twilight was looking at Spike as he squirmed in his captor’s arms, trying to break free - “Here, I’ll make this easier. One…” Twilight looked up, noticing Roma having her arms crossed, but exposing the fingers of her left hand. Her index finger was already raised before the middle finger was raised up. “Two…” - Rainbow Dash fidgeted a little before her eye caught Sierra making a bobbing motion with the sledgehammer. Roma’s ring finger was now raised - “Three.” Fluttershy was in the direct line of view with Lorraine. An idea fluttered in her head, but she never did this with a classmate before. “Four…” Said Roma with her Lorraine noticed the caretaker shut her eyes before the latter looked at her. The deranged classmate had heard the rumors, now she is witnessing this first hand as Spike noticed her fidgeting. “Okay, because you tested my patience already.” - Roma placed her thumb with her middle finger, not noticing Lorraine still fidgeting - “Five-Six” - Trixie walked towards the doors, seeing the negotiation - “Seven-Eight” - Now entranced by The Stare, Lorraine was loose enough for Spike to move his neck - “Nine-” Roma stopped when Lorraine reeled back in pain, flopping on the floor before inspecting a small bite mark. Twilight knelt down as the dragon immediately ran and hopped onto her arms. Hearing his sniffles, Twilight immediately glared at Roma. “No.” “What!?” Sierra yelled before pointing to the portal “Your life! Your home! Lost to you forever! Don't you see what I'm about to do?! “Yes,” - Twilight put Spike back on the ground before rising to her full height - “but I've also seen and read what your people have been able to do here without magic. Equestria will find a way to survive without my Element of Harmony. This place might not, if I allow it to fall into your hands. So go ahead. Destroy the portal.” - Twilight drew the crown back “- You are not” - Twilight raised the item above her head - “getting this crown!” Twilight placed the crown on her head, ending her speech as she stood fully erect. The Mane Five glared at them, Spike baring his teeth with a slow growl. Sierra began to shake, holding the handle of the sledgehammer tighter, before looking at the portal. “Can’t win, don’t let the winners get the spoils!” Roma turned to see her friend arc back then swung as hard as she could. The portal immediately swallowed it up. Back in Equestria, with the hour approaching, that world’s Elements of Harmony, Princess’, and Shining Armor stood by, hopefully waiting for Twilight to return. Applejack spotted a ripple on the surface. “Here she comes!” She says before the sledgehammer came flying out, almost hitting the ponies before it collided with the wall, chipping out a piece of crystal. Still keeping Celestia’s word in mind, they could only guess what was going on at the other side. At the other world, Roma shook her hand covered head at the dumbass maneuver Sierra had done. Spike jumped onto Twilight’s arms, wrapping his paws around her face. “Should’ve expected it to be a bluff.” Said Applejack “It wasn’t even midnight when this shenanigan started.” Hearing this, Rarity stomped towards AJ and rose on the toes of her boots, “If you knew that, then why didn’t you do something!?” Applejack pointed to Lorraine, “Because Lorraine would’ve killed Spike.” “Still,” - Rainbow turned to Twilight - “I can’t believe you would risk losing your home for us! You... are…” - The Athlete pressed her hands on her cheeks, making a fishy face - “so awesome!” “It's no wonder you're a real live princess!” Fluttershy squeaked. In Discord’s dimension, Screwball now had only her King and two Rooks. Discord still had all of his chess pieces scattered about as they have taken down piece after piece. The chaos pony looked up at her father looking at her with sympathy before raising his lion paw, pressing his thumb onto his middle finger before nodding. Screwball grinned before clopping her hooves. Back in the human world, Roma began to twitch, pulling apart strand after strand of hair, twitching her lip as she watched the compliments continue. “Oh, yes, she's so-very-special!” She yelled before pouncing on Twilight, dropping Spike and the crown behind them. Twilight looked up to see the human snorting through her nostrils as she pulled out a knife - “Let’s see how special you look after I’ve carved off your face!” Rainbow Dash immediately ran to Twilight's aid when Sierra punched her in the face. Twilight shifted her neck aside as Roma stabbed the concrete, denting the knife. Before the crazed human could make another strike, Rarity and Pinkie Pie grabbed her hand, slowly tilting her upper body bag. But through this madness, she did spot the crown. Wrenching free, Roma bounded for the crown when Twilight grabbed the heel of her boot. “At last!” - Roma strained herself, her fingers just itching to reach the rim of the crown - “More power than I could ever imagine!” That was proven wrong when Spike jumped on Roma’s head and snatched the crown with his teeth. “GET HIM YOU-” Roma saw that Applejack and Rainbow Dash had already subdued her two mooks, the farmer wrapping them together. Roma kicked Twilight’s face before chasing after the dog, the Mane Six following her. Spike saw Trixie at the other side of the glass, pawing and whimpering to get inside as a shadow loomed over him. Roma stared him down, drawing a toothy grin as she reached her hands for the small mammal. Back at Discord’s Dimension, the draconequus snapped his fingers. Back in the human world, Trixie pushed open the door, shoving Spike out of the way and smacking Roma on the side of her face. “That is for using Trixie!” - Before Roma could recover, the magician punched her straight in the teeth, knocking the wind out of her as she staggered and fell back on the concrete - “That is for kidnapping her!” The others were dead silent as they looked at Trixie; Applejack even in the middle of tightening the lasso was looking. “Whoa…” Pinkie broke the silence “That must have really hurt after that last punch.” Trixie raised her hand high in the air, “Pain is an Illusion to Trixie!” - Her audience noticed her knuckles flushing red - “An illusion that” - the magician jerked back, holding the damaged appendage - “really, really, hurts!” She finished before groaning. Still holding the crown, Spike trotted past the unconscious Roma, scraping a few concrete crumbs into her hair before trotting over. Trixie raised an eyebrow as the Maximals walked out of the school. Sunset and Cosgrove stared at the hag, noticing how low she has gotten in the past three days. “Trixie has paid her debts,” Trixie raised her pointer finger at the winner “but do not think we are finished. Trixie will return and when she does, she will succeed!” Spike placed the crown down before turning around, “Yeah, you do that.” Trixie raised an eyebrow; a dog that can talk, if only she could have her parakeets sing a quartet. With a huff, the magician flipped her cape as she turned around and entered the school. Soon after, Cosgrove grabbed Roma by the collar and walked forward, dragging her along the concrete before laying her down on her goons. “Now. Did you sabotage the cameras in the gymnasium and destroyed Pinkie’s decorations?” Sierra and Lorraine looked up, seeing a majority of the Mane Six and the Maximals scowling at her. The two looked at each other before noticing Sunset pulling out her phone. Lorraine fidgeted at the thought of the cops showing up. “It was the blockhead’s fault!” Lorraine shouted to the unconscious Roma “She threatened to call the cops on us, she even beat us to a pulp for what we’ve done at the farm!” “Yeah, where’s your magic powers now!” Sierra added, swinging her head to hit Roma’s shoulder. The two teenage crooks looked up with pleading eyes, still looking at the scowls of them. Roma fluttered her eyes open, noticing Twilight picked up Spike still holding the crown. “It will take quite a while for-” Twilight suddenly lost balance. Roma delivered a sharp kick to her legs while she wasn’t looking. Once again, both dog and relic were sent flying. Applejack was able to catch Spike before he landed one paw on the surface of the portal. The crown descended at a different angle when a hand wrapped in a massive sleeve grabbed the rim. Roma stood up, breathing in and out slowly as she raised the crown over her head. “Twilight.” - Rarity leaned over to the princess - “What happens if one of us uses your relics?” With one quick motion, Roma placed the crown on her head. She took in a deep breath as she drew a grin. The others saw her open her eyes, appearing renewed. But it was a long, awkward silence. “Huh,” - Pinkie once again broke the silence - “what a rip.” Suddenly, the jewel of the crown began to bubble before making a quick flash, surrounding Roma’s body in blue rings, ascending up and down, faster and faster before a small alchemy circle shined below her feet, engulfing her in a stream of blue fire. It was so bright that even Dapplewood couldn’t see clearly through the sunglasses. And it gained attention from the students and alumni inside the building as they shielded their eyes from the bright light. Roma slowly opened her eyes, flicking them around as she appeared to be viewing much more of the Centennial State. She looked down to find her friends and enemies below her, as well as not even touching the ground. “See me now as-!” Just when she flung her hand forward, she noticed something way off. Rather than her usual red-orange, her arm was a sharp blue with four-fingered claws. She quickly descended to the ground taking a good look at herself through the mirror. Her body was the exact same blue with a few browns on what remained of her clothing. One remarkable addition is the appearance of wings jutting from her back. The whites of her eyes were gone, leaving only her dry blue eyes in a deep voice in her skull. “Just like the Trixie in my world…” Said Twilight. “What?” Rainbow Dash asked. “In my world, magic isn’t just used as a tool, it can be an influence of a persona.” - Twilight turned around to see Roma sniffling - “If the person had bad intentions, to begin with, then the magic is reflected upon as well.” - She places her hand on Roma’s shoulder - “I promise to stay as long as I can to -” “Heh, heh, heh, heh, heh,” - Twilight began to step back as Roma rose on her feet, her chuckle slowly becoming faster before turning into a full out cackle - “With this much power, looks mean nothing!” “Well,” - Rainbow Dash placed her fist in her hand, cracking a few knuckles as she squeezed - “guess you won’t mind if I make a few additions to your ugly mug!” Roma notices the palms of her claws glowing before looking at Lorraine and Sierra. “Make it an appointment for three!” She replied before shooting out streams of dark magic directly at her two crones, engulfing them in flame. But rather than destroy, the two screamed in pain. Lorraine’s colors were changed from her usual pink-violet to a series of browns, with a few shades of navy blue from three spiny dorsal fins and a few stripes covering parts of her scaly belly, barely touching the spikes jutting out from the center of her body. Her eyes have become one, lidless, red shell situated just above a toothy beak. Her forearms and her feet were just meat hooks with a pair of dewclaws on the sides. Sierra’s body color is a more deep blue, with a violent stripe across the chest, and is the bulkiest of the three. Much of that was with an orange speckled shell on her back. Like Lorraine, her forearms were also replaced with weapons, here a pair of drills. Her face isn’t even remotely human anymore, just a head with four large eyes, fangs, and a massive horn. For Discord’s chess pieces, numbers be not the issue… If the three weren’t twice their height as Lorraine and Sierra broke out of their binding. “Heh, heh.” - Pinkie Pie shrank back as she lifted a shaky pointer finger - “And it’s not even Halloween.” Sierra made a series of clicking sounds through her fangs before replying, “All this and you still have room for jokes.” Without a second warning, the massive bug charged forward, lifted Applejack and Rainbow Dash, and slammed them on the floor. Lorraine, on the other hand, drew a hook back before jumping a few meters forward, splitting the ground as she hit the concrete. Pinning their arms to the floor, Rainbow and AJ could only watch as Sierra inched her spinning drills towards their heads. “Cutting up frogs are overrated.” “Well allow me to share my opinion!” Sierra looked up to see Chelsey punch her straight in the mandibles. The Maximal turned around to pull the farmer and the Athlete when they saw two massive drills behind her. Immediately, they pulled her forward and charged at the mutant human, pushing her forward a few feet. Sierra thwacked Rainbow Dash aside before Chelsey took her place. Dapplewood watched the battle from afar before his brother and Diver place their hands on his shoulders. With a flick of his glasses, his two comrades tossed him up the base, giving him the height advantage needed to jump on Sierra’s shoulders. Even with part of the lasso torn apart, Applejack salvaged as much of the rope to make another lasso, this time with a size judged by Sierra’s now comparatively small head. “Dapplewood!” She shouted, getting his attention before tossing the loop. Dapplewood then inched as high as he could to get the loop around the horn, trying to keep his balance as Sierra swung back and forth. Applejack pulled hard on the rope, tilting the beast back. Diver tied the other end of the rope to her waist before falling flat on her back. Rainbow Dash held her head as she watched the effort. Rising onto her boots, the Athlete charged forward, delivering a flying kick to Sierra’s chest, the one thing needed to topple the bug over. Flash moved through the watching crowd, seeing that already one the demons have been toppled, before looking at the other. Despite having similar weapons as Sierra, wielding them with accuracy was a problem. Sunset, Cosgrove, and Zipper especially were able to dodge the wide swings of Lorraine’s hook hands before delivering a series of quick blows. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy watched as Sunset gave a sweeping kick to Lorraine, toppling the one-eyed giant. “Fluttershy, you must use your stare again!” Said Rarity. “No, i-i-i couldn’t.” - Fluttershy quaked. True she did it once already, but while Lorraine was not three times as scary. “You may not get another chance.” Pinkie added as Cosgrove and Zipper applied all their weight, holding the monster’s blade limbs behind her back. Fluttershy gulped before stepping forward. Lorraine tilted her head up, seeing the timid girl approach her. “You do know” Her red optic glowed bright green “it is impolite to stare!” Fluttershy ducked as Lorraine fired a beam straight ahead, taking a slice out of the high school. Cosgrove and Zipper felt Lorraine’s body vibrate as dirt shot out of the ground, falling off as the monster spun upward onto her feet. She looked as the spikes on her body stopped spinning, giving off a toothy grin. “IT HAS A BUZZSAW!” screamed Rarity. “Nuh-uh! Belly saw!” Pinkie chuckled, receiving a glare from the fashionista. Lorraine laughed at this new feature before pointing a claw at them. Hearing Cosgrove and Zipper running at her, Lorraine turned around and launched out the dewclaws, wrapping their bodies in a metal chain before swinging them over, slamming their backs hard on the ground. Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy began to cower as Lorraine pointed her claws right at them. Flash immediately ran back inside, running down the halls towards the parking lot doors. Sunset got in their way when another set of chains wrapped around her jacket sleeves. The Maximal leader pulled back. “Run!” - another set of chains wrapped around her free arm - “Get out of here!” Sunset strained herself as Lorraine twirled her arms one by one, drawing her closer to the circular saw. Twilight looked up, growling at the sight of Roma Candle laughing at how her mooks are actually doing something right for once. Noticing Sunset soon being drawn closer to Lorraine, the Alicorn’s priority was saving her friends. “Not so fast!” Roma shouted before firing a stream of fire, dividing Twilight between the two fighting groups. Sunset was now halfway to being cut up into ribbons as Lorraine laughed. “Say hi to Night Dancer for me, Minimal!” Lorraine cackled before her eye reflected the headlights from an oncoming vehicle. Before going any further, Flash jumped out, rolling a while on the grass. The vehicle collided with the monster, tearing the hooks off Sunset’s jacks as the Lorraine was carried all the way to the school’s right wing, cracking the bricks. Roma Candle snarled as she saw Twilight run up to Flash and got him up to his feet, spotting Rarity and Fluttershy getting Cosgrove and Zipper back on their feet. “Urrrgghh…” - Cosgrove groaned - “Feel’s like Fido hit me with a sledgehammer…” Zipper noticed the tears on the undersides of Sunset’s sleeves before bending back, popping his lumbar vertebrae. “You… Okayboss?” “Yeah…” - Sunset panted as she fingered the tears - “Thank you… Flash.” “Hey, couldn’t be a Wondercolt if I didn’t.” Flash chuckled before wincing in pain as he placed a hand on his left side. But their victory was short-lived as Lorraine sawed her way through Flash’ car, pushing the car pieces aside as she approached her enemies. Sierra had also one advantage, she stretched over before igniting a pulse, blasting away the pile of humans, standing up before tearing the rope off her neck. Roma continued to cackle as the glass doors opened, revealing the witnessing guests, “It’s so amazing, even in numbers, a gun’s a gun.” “Then I suspect you aren’t bulletproof.” Roma turned around to see Cogsworth in front of the school scowling at her. “You!” - Roma landed on the ground before levitating the boy out of his chair - “Ever since your little accident, I've had to jump through so many hoops just to get my hands on this crown, and earn everyone’s respect.” - the she-demon immediately flung him aside, Chelsey wrapping him around her arms as Sierra and Lorraine surrounded them. The school gasped at the possibility that the people they supported would get killed, getting Roma’s attention - “But let's let bygones be bygones. I am your princess now, and you will be loyal…” - She raised a hand, surrounded the front foyer in an aura - “to me!” Closing her hand, she crushed the foyer, driving the students into a panic, Wilhelm and Howie being the loudest among them. “Oh, that’s not any way to treat your princess…” - She places her hands on her head before closing her cavernous eyes -“Let’s see if we could be… Calmed...” Her eyes shot open into spirals as they fired a series of rings onto each student, making them turn around, their eyes a listless green as they stood there moaning. “Oh, this is just too perfect!” - Roma turned around - “I really should thank whoever of your kind made that portal. Perhaps I should make a visit someday!” “I won’t let you do that!” - Yelled Twilight - “The portal will close soon!” “Oh really? Do you think that’s going to stop me?” - Roma pointed to herself “Sierra, Lorraine and I have magic, and you have nothing! We may have to wait a while, but when we do, we would have control of this world! First the police, then the National Guard, then the United States military, then all of the world! Why do you still hope for the better?" Rainbow Dash stood up, “Because she has us!” she answered before Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and even Fluttershy stood next to Twilight. Such a moment had Roma sprout a tear, “Bravado in the face of death... Very well, I’ll see to it that all of your deaths be swift!” She clapped her hands together, slowly pulling them apart as a fireball becomes ever larger. Behind the Mane 6, Flash, Cogsworth and the Maximals looked up as Sierra and Lorraine raised their weapons, ready to deal the final blow. Above the Human World, Discord and Screwball could only watch the outcome. “My favorite event of them all:” Screwball chuckles as Roma’s fireball was as big as her body and bright enough to be seen on her enemies eyes. The chaos pony happy face became a chilling one - “Sudden death…” Screwball’s King piece fire the projectile at the Mane Six, covering them in flame. “Twilight!!!” Flash screamed Roma laughed at her victory before turning her attention to the Maximals, “And now to finish- What!?” When the smoke cleared, the beast found that the Mane Six were still alive, surrounded by a light violet aura. “But-!?” “The crown isn’t just a reliquary, but also my Element.” - Twilight pointed to the jewel on top of the crown as it glowed white - “And the magic contained in my Element was able to save those that help it: The Elements of Magic!” The jewel immediately shot out a purple stream at the Mane 6, engulfing them in a bright light. When the light faded, friend and foe alike saw the transformed people. At the least, their ears became much larger and their hair extended to a ponytail. Rarity also sprouted a horn on her forehead, while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sprouted wings. Twilight, being an Alicorn, had all three traits. Nonetheless, they all floated in the air. “Honesty! Kindness! Laughter! Generosity! Loyalty! Magic! Together, they create a power beyond anything you could imagine, but it is a power you don't have the ability to control! The crown may be upon your head, Roma Candle, but you cannot wield it because you do not possess the most powerful magic of all: the magic of friendship!” Holding their hands, the Elements of Harmony united into a heart shape, their outline glowing white before firing a rainbow spiral into the air and trailing down, wrapping the demon in a tornado of color. Sierra was the next one to be sucked in. Lorraine dug her hooks into the ground, but only became vain when she too got sucked in. In the midst of that, the eyes of the school populace returned to normal before they winced at the bright light once again. Once the light faded once again, the school populace saw the Mane Six descending on the ground, amazed at the new features on their bodies. Rainbow Dash, as is in her pony counterpart, still hovered in the air. “Here and in Equestria, it is the only magic that can truly unite us all!” Twilight finished before Spike walked up and hugged her. “Uh, Twilight?” Fluttershy pointed forward. The school populace was gathering around a huge hole in the ground, left no doubt by the rainbow attack. The Elements, Maximals, Flash and Cogsworth gathered over, finding virtually nothing in there but smoke seeping off the Element of Harmony. Rarity looked at Twilight with an uneasy look, “Did we…?” “No, the Elements aren’t made to destroy. Only change.” - Twilight placed a hand on her chin - “Then again, this hasn’t been done on humans.” “But we have stopped them, right?” Asked Rainbow Dash as she hovered around Twilight. “Yes. They shouldn’t disturb you any longer.” - Waving a hand in sync to her horn glowing, Twilight lifted the crown to her head - “Any power they have is gone.” There was a long silence before Derpy clapped her hands, then Flash Sentry, then Sunset, then the Maximals, and more and more until it echoed the neighborhood of the school. “Those are my girls!” - Spike cheered, standing on his hind legs to cheer - “Woo-hoo!” Silence once again as they saw a talking dog. “Did that dog just talk?” asked Brawley Beats “Weird.” Said Sweetie Belle Hearing this in his ears, Spike slapped his muzzle, “Seriously? The talking dog is a weird thing about all this?” Spike was suddenly picked up from behind, turned around to see Rarity. “I, for one, think you're adorable.” As she scratched his ears, the dragon couldn’t help but : Oh, yeah. “To quote the various rulers that once lived in our world,” - the student body parted to allow Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna to approach the Princess - “A wise capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures, and conjunctions, and would never keep faith when by doing so would be against his/her interests. The past three days, we have all seen that you are capable of just that.” - Celestia places a hand on Twilight - “I hope you see it too, Princess Twilight.” “I do.” Twilight answers before hugging the schoolmaster. Once in every while that this happened, Celestia relaxed her shoulders before joining the embrace. After letting go, Twilight’s ears shot up before turning around “What time is it?” “11:10.” The entire school answered, holding up their cellphones to her face. Twilight folded her wings before turning to her friends, lifting up her hand in Flash Sentry’s general direction. “One more dance wouldn’t hurt, right?” As soon as Flash grabbed her hand, Twilight immediately pulled him towards the foyer. Soon, everyone was back in the gym dancing for the next forty minutes. Going out of her usual boundaries, Twilight square danced with the Apples, river danced with the Maximals, failed miserably at breakdancing, but did very well at the slow dance. Rainbow Dash wasted no time to fly around, snatching Scootaloo off the floor at one point. Cogsworth shifted his weight around, rising up on the back wheels of his wheelchair before hopping around. “YOU!” - The Elements of Harmony turned around to find Photo Finish holding a camera - “I must capture the Magics!” Without having her ask twice, they all joined in the group photo. Photo also took other shots of the class such as the Maximals (with a special request from Photo that Sunset wear the mask) and Crusaders. It was now ten till midnight, and everyone watched as Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie hugged this year’s Fall Formal Princess. Still holding her backpack, Twilight pulled out her journal and gave it to the others. “You’re givin’ us your journal?” Asked Applejack. “If I am correct, you can always write to me. Just wait until I’m back home.” - As she handed them her journal, she asked one more question - “You'll look out for each other, won't you?” “Of course we will.” Answered Rarity Spike looked up, seeing just a sliver of the light side of the moon, “We better get going.” Twilight looked at the rest of the students as they slowly waved their hands, “I know we've only been friends for a short time, but I'm gonna miss all of you so much.” With a sigh, Twilight turned around and walked towards the statue, Spike trotting next to her. “That crown really does suit you, Princess Twilight.” Said Spike with a wink. “You know what, Spike?” The Princess looked up at her head ornament “I am starting to feel a little more comfortable wearing it.” “And the wings?” The Alicorn stopped right at the portal before answering, “I've been walking on two legs and picking things up with these! Wings? I'm thrilled that's all I'll be dealing with back in Equestria!” And with that, Twilight and Spike walked forward, easily swallowed up by the glass. A short while after, the dark side of the moon took over. At once, the ears, horns, wings and tails the Mane Five possessed are now gone. Rainbow Dash, being in the air at the time, landed rear end on the ground. Pinkie Pie tried rushing towards the base of the Wondercolt statue, only to slam her body on the solid glass and falling on the ground. “Oh,” - Pinkie’s hair deflated a little as the others joined up with her - “bummer!”