//------------------------------// // Chapter 06: A Farewell to Snow // Story: MLP: Tough As...Snow // by JusSonic //------------------------------// Chapter 06: A Farewell to Snow Within the Rainbow Kingdom, many of the citizens were going about their daily business after the terrible event of the Cold Nebula Comet and what was turning their hearts cold pass over. The only things on many of the minds of the ponies were if their princess, her council of friendship, her prince and many other allies would return soon. “There they are!” Mrs. Cake spoke out in spotting someone from afar. “They’ve returned!” Mr. Cake issued to say with a smiling face now. Soon a large crowd was cheering when they saw the heroes that saved them coming back home. Some were coming by their wing power, levitation spells or Omega carrying some and Snow driving some ponies on his Shiva Cycle. Once the Mane Six and their gang arrived in the center of town, the citizens were surrounding them, cheering with wide open arms…or hooves in this case. “As Mayor of Ponyville, I say…welcome home…your highnesses and friends.” Mayor Mare spoke on behalf of the citizens in welcoming their rulers and their allies back with more cheering in the background. “Heh, a heroes’ welcome, can it get any better than this?” Snow responded off with a smile in liking this little approach. “Welcome back, my friends.” Celestia’s voice was heard, as above the skies, everyone saw her & Luna coming down to join. “Princess Celestia & Princess Luna!” The Mane Six, Nyx and the baby Dragons responded off in seeing who has come personally to see them. “Safe to say this is better?” Jack Zen asked off in seeing how this little scene came up. “Apparently it just did.” Goldie nods off to say this was just as nice. “It is good to see you all safe and sound. What news do you bring?” Luna spoke forth in asking a question of the heroes that have return from the Frozen North of what has transpired. “Oh nothing much, just that we stop two evil Ice Rulers of the Ice Kingdom from the Frozen North from freezing our hearts and turning all of Equestria and the planet, plus the Mystic Realm, into an icy cold wasteland of the dead. But we managed to win in the end.” Pinkie Pie explained off all of the case in that quickly wrapped up sentence before smiling off and having everyone look at her with puzzled and bizarre expressions. “Yeeeeeah, I guess that sums it up.” Rainbow Dash rubs the back of her head in feeling that kinda explained enough. “Surprising dat was made a bit quicker.” Applejack stated in what she thought was a surprise there. “Well, I suppose if that saves us time to go into detail, fine by me.” Rarity spoke off in feeling that what was told is good enough. “The other thing we can tell you is that we stopped the Ice Queen.” Twilight spoke off to begin saying unit she was cut off. “And the king!” Pinkie Pie reminded her pal to not forget the Ice King, even if he was the silliest villain to be seen. “Right….anyway, we stopped her plans of freezing the planet and it freed the ponies she captured and froze their hearts. We managed to lead them near the train station where they would all be taken back to their respectful homes.” Twilight continued to explain things about helping save Equestria from a nearly new Ice Age along with rescuing victims and getting them to a spot that they can each return to their separate homes. “Well…I’m glad we managed to save those poor Troop Penguins, now that the Ice Rulers are gone, they can get back to being naturally penguins again.” Fluttershy smiled off with a shy tone in stating her own good opinion on things. “I just hope the next enemies we face aren’t conceal by cuteness.” Phobos asked off in hoping the next foes are not distracting the gang by cuteness. “Right, cause sometimes cuteness can be used as a weapon.” Spike nods in thinking that could be a dangerous weapon in the future. “Something tells me we won’t have to worry about such problems for quite some time now.” Ben smiled off to say this from having a better view of things. Then without any warning, Pinkamena was seen giggling that earn some attention. The others were kinda puzzled in what was the matter that the pink pony was letting off weird giggle motions. “Um, Pinkamena….what’s so funny?” Crash Fire asked off the question that was on their mind. “Heheh, silly, I just thought up of something.” Pinkamena gives a sly smirk to the group from speaking off between her giggles. “That while I may have earn my Element Form, I didn’t need to use it as much. Due to me already being tough and strong, I would’ve decayed our enemies’ evil power if I wanted by using Endless Decay.” She explained her own case on the matter to which when this was heard, made a lot of folks feel shock. “WHAAAAT!” The Mane Six, Ben, Nyx & baby Dragons responded in almost not believing what they are hearing. “You mean you actually HAD a cool move that whole time AAAAAND it could have stopped a comet that turn us into popsicles?” Phobos asked off in disbelief if this was some kinda joke, cause he ain’t laughing. “That’s right, out of anyone, she actually unlock her Element Evolution before the girls.” Spike stated in thought, while the Mane Six are destine to unlock that great power, Pinkamena awakened hers much earlier. “And hers was Aging and you could use those moves in your element form, right?” Nyx asked off that for Pinkamena to perform her element moves, she have to be in her Element Form. “Yep! But….I decided to just fight like I always do and get stronger, so my form becomes stronger as well.” The pink pony lookalike pointed off to mention before continuing. “That, and I also like to watch you guys and others with elements inside them and get them certain types of element forms that either are or just related to Element Evolution, to not only help that pony become one with their powers, but help with some huge great battle between light and darkness in harder battles to come.” Pinkamena explained another of her reasons for doing such things in the first place rather than use them at that time. “You mean you could have helped stop the madness sooner if you did that?” Snowcrystal asked if this was all the truth of what the pony was saying. “Yep! But, I thought that be good on a last second if we were in a really, really, really big pinch.” Pinkamena stated off that if they came close where they were gonna face certain doom, THAT would be pulling a close second calling. “After all, Element Forms are of those that unlocked Element Evolution, the strongest form ever, and it’s needed to be used wisely against our foes like the REAL Three Lords of Equestria.” She pointed out the case that to use such powerful forms is for when one is seriously in need of more strength against truly dangerous enemies. “Besides, every pony needs to unlock their inner hero, right Snow?” Pinkamena spoke off in bringing up a good question on the subject itself. “Hugh, you know, I’m actually in agreement with the random pony here.” Snow smiled off to say that he has no argument there. Then while the others were puzzled, Pinkamena giggles while doing a cartwheel and leaps in the air…only to land onto her brother Golden Heart. “Oops, sorry bro. But hey, you know me…I am like Pinkie Pie.” Pinkamena smiled sheepishly while apologizing to her brother for landing on him by mistake. “Hugh, true.…and I probably wouldn’t have it any other way.” Goldie let off a happy sigh to state this matter of being glad his sister is who she is. That brought in a little laughter moment for the two siblings of Goldie’s party. They soon decided that they are needed to return to their home to tell those waiting the news. And that leaves only those seen with the crowd to be left with other matters to tend to. “Princess Celestia, Luna, pleasure to meet your royal highnesses.” Snow spoke off humbly in his own way, as he made a little bow. “At last we meet, we’ve heard much about you and your performances, Snow.” Luna spoke in seeing the character that they have heard rumors about in the Frozen North. “Yes, and we like to thank you for helping our friends during such a situation.” Celestia spoke with much grace that Snow helped out where he could for Twilight’s party. “Well I helped, sure, but they also helped themselves when it came to it.” Snow stated off in sharing the credit with those that also deserve it as much as he does. “Ben, the Mane Six, Crash Fire & Snowcrystal and the others showed they got the right stuff.” He spoke in giving everyone the grade-A attention. “By right stuff, you mean hero material?” Nyx asked an interesting question that was on her mind. “Right.” Snow nods in responding to that question there. “Heroes aren’t born, they’re made. So you gotta make yourselves a hero for everyone here.” He explained the case to which many young hearted ponies felt like such inspiration was very wise words indeed. “And it’s thanks to you, we managed to do so.” Snowcrystal complimented how Snow help them, especially the girl and her brother; even to acquire their own awaken abilities that match up to one's Element Form. “I almost wonder where I should try out my new skills.” Crash Fire stated from feeling like with the new stuff he’s obtain, what from his transformation, he has a LOAD of cool new techniques to test out. “Why not come see me when you feel like you want an extra training session, I think I can help.” Snow smiled in giving this little advice to this bunch that if they wanna get stronger, they can come find him and he’ll help out. “Wait! Come see you, are you saying you’re not staying?” Spike asked the question in hearing what Snow said which sounded like…he was leaving. “Awww, do you gotta go, you were awesome at kicking butt.” Phobos moans to complain in feeling that they should have Snow stay, his skills could really help them a lot against their foes. “Thanks, but like you…I also got some ponies I care for…waiting for me.” Snow spoke off in reminding this bunch that he’s also gotta head back to the Crystal Empire, some ponies are waiting for him. “But don’t threat, you’ll see me again, cause I’ll be ready to help beat down some bad guys for yah if they might be almost too tough for you new heroes.” He smiled to eagerly state this for the gang here that if they are in a tight jam, he’ll bail them out in no time flash. “Oh, um….if you say so.” Fluttershy meekly spoke in a shy tone in hearing such words of helping out. “Fluttershy, he’s yanking our chain here.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes to jab her friend in the gut while smiling still. “Right, he’s just teasing’ us, dat’s all.” Applejack nods off to say with a happy expression. “But not in a rude way I might add.” Rarity replied to say with a fair smile on her face as well. “Right, it’s more like a silly thing to say to make one giggle.” Pinkie Pie happily bounce around in stating this off. “Snow, thanks a lot from coming to us. And helping us and helping us save Equestria, and…” Twilight was about to go on in giving some thanks to the guy, but he cuts her off… “Hey, no problem. I’m just hoping this makes up from not being there for you when you needed help against one Frozen Queen problem.” Snow spoke in wanting to make sure that this has helped from not being there when the Sparkle Family and the Crystal Empire needed a hero the most at the time. “You mean from when we dealt with Frozen Sage, hey man, that was the past. And you more than made up for it.” Ben spoke off in understanding the situation of what Snow felt bad about and it was okay. “You should give yourself some credit, after all, you help us get through the Frozen North and met up again, and we all felt stronger after that.” From the adventure the gang had, they feel like they gotten a bit stronger now, and that’s also something in the end. “Heh, well….if you put it that way, can’t argue with Celestia’s kid, now can I?” Snow smiled off to suddenly get his second wind here. “But my offer will stand, if you need another ally, you know who to depend on; old Snow will bail you out of it.” He was pointing to himself in giving a heroic speech on the state of what can happen in the future, as he’ll be there for his pals… Soon the scene shows were many of the gang were saying their farewells to Snow as he got onto his Shiva-Cycle before riding off in a ‘cool’ & ‘icy’ theme show for his motorcycle. And it really wow the crowds, as the guy was zipping across to be seen heading out of Ponyville. Many will probably not forget that hero stage exit for some time. “Hey look, it’s snowing!” Nyx spoke off in seeing that suddenly, some snowflakes were falling all around. “OH NO! NOT ANOTHER ICE VILLAIN AGENDA AGAIN!” Phobos screamed out to duck in fearing this was the Ice Queen or someone else pull this stunt. “Hey look, it’s only dropping and melting when it touches.” Spike pointed out that this was not seriously a bad storm, just something light…and pretty. “Snowcrystal, is this you’re doing from your ice element?” Crash Fire asked the question in thinking his sister was doing this, but… “No, but I think we know someone else who is.” Snowcrystal shook her head while giving an honest to happy smile at this time. “Snow…” The others responded in having a feeling, falling snow…has to do with their pal Snow from his element; they should have known. “Definitely, I’ll be glad to see him again in the future sometimes.” Ben smiles to state that they’ll be happy to see Snow again someday in the future. “We all will Ben, cause remember….heroes arrive when you least expect it.” Twilight leans to her love to speak these words of feeling that Snow’s talk about ‘heroes & their actions’ kinda got to her. “And Snow is one of those heroes, for sure!” Nyx happily spoke this in knowing that pony is a hero in lots of ways. The group lets off with a nod with smiles in how they know Snow will return, heroes always do when they are needed. But for now, the Rainbow Kingdom has some new heroes to be around, and they’ll do all they can to make sure no enemy big or small, will ruin their day. With that, everything begins to fade out a bit from this nice closing of the scene… ---------------------- Meanwhile, within the dark bowls of Tartarus, the scene focuses more around a familiar evil castle in the center of such a terrible place. And as we zoom even closer, we enter a familiar throne room where the most powerful creature in all of Equestria is kept sealed in; the Overlord King himself, Grimmore. And soaring nearby the War God was Ji-Ga-No as the metallic Chinese dragon had arrived just moments ago after receiving word of what almost happened. The info about the Ice Queen’s move to her defeat was seen from a magic portal window before it faded from existence; much like the woman that proclaimed herself as the true Frozen Queen. “My Lord, it would seem that even a small portion of the copied power of the Triforce failed in stopping those heroes.” Ji-Ga-No stated from having seen what was done, even when given such tiny fraction, the Ice Queen failed after asking them for aid. “Ah, but that’s just it my loyal general, I only meant what I said. The power I gave them would have perform well, but it would not have done so….against the heroes & those that have awakened their next inner strength.” Grimmore explained with his ever calm, collected, and emotionless expression that seem more empty thcentre n even the coldhearted Ice Queen, as he explained that what he gave would help, but for absolute guarantee, that was up for the heroes to pull off…which they did in the end. “With the Ice Queen gone, the side of evil is losing some potential strong forces.” Ji-Ga-No raised himself up a bit in questioning how their scattered side of many evil beings is being fanned out. “Do not worry, for while this battle may have become another loss of a Copy Crystal, the results can provide excellent performances.” Grimmore held up his free hand in stating that another loss of the Copy Crystal he gave out is nothing, compared to the results of what they have seen. “The results, my liege?” Ji-Ga-No asked in becoming interested in those words. “Yes, it helps test how strong of the power one crystal stores, and from when I’ve multiple it.” Grimmore explains what he’s done in his latest scheme here of using the Copy Crystal as such tools. “Patience is the key to winning wars & battles, and he whom controls the true power and has all the players performing as expected, will know what acts to take.” As he spoke this, his magic game piece board appears, showing all the characters from heroes and villains in Equestria and the Ice Queen & Ice King’s pieces froze to shatter into nothingness; symbolizing their existence is long gone. “Ahhhh, then the Apocalypse Ponies and Dark Mystics are performing under your own accord.” Ji-Ga-No smiled deviously in seeing what was going on, even the other two Lords of Equestria are going according to Grimmore’s ploy for their movement. “More or less, for I’ve foreseen what will occur.” Grimmore spoke off in having everything go according to his own efforts from afar. “With the slow appearances of more elements, the side of light grows strong….but so does the forces of evil to combat such forces.” As he spoke these words, more hero pieces keep showing up, their magic auras growing stronger…but the side of evil shows their own efforts to increase their own as well. “Then what will happen in the end?” Ji-Ga-No asked forth this question that seem to be the intriguing thing to ask; what will happen in the very ‘end’ of things? “That shall be what fate decides.” Grimmore declared forth the mysterious meaning of his shrouded words. “For before a War God, there is no power that can defeat me. Neither allies or foes, my word…is law…my dominance….is supreme…all life….is mine to command.” He spoke this in making his board game vanish in stating he holds all the power to do as he wants. “And very soon, all of Equestria shall know of it too…” He announced this with evil eyes gazing off across the distance…knowing many shall know the terror he possesses. Then at this moment, the scene backs away from Grimmore’s castle as his evil laughter is soon heard echoing across Tartarus. As everything goes dark in showing that even the coldest of hearts, compared to a creature who truly has no heart is far more evil. All of Equestria will have to be on the lookout, cause the power of the Dark Elf is something to prepare for….and it’s on a scale none can reach at this time. -------------------------- The scene opens to Pinkamena’s secret dungeon, as we find Sombra, Autumn Gem, Havis and Flutterbat there. It wasn’t long before the rest of Goldie’s group return from where they came from to meet up with their pals. After taking a moment to sit down and talk things out, there was much to tell; the Ice Queen’s role of her evil plot, the Cold Nebula Spell that was bringing down an ice comet, victim ponies with frozen hearts, etc. But at least when it got around the ending, everything managed to become better. “That is some tale my friends.” Havis stated off in having heard such a tale, it was very surprising. “Trust us, we almost thought the moment was lost.” Jack Zen stated that what they went through, some would have lost hope. “But in the end, we managed to help our friends and stop what almost became a new Ice Age.” Golden Heart smiled off to say this while giving his friend a pack on the back. “So both the Ice Queen & Ice King are gone along with their Ice Kingdom?” Sombra asked this in feeling almost too stun to believe those two evil Ice Giants are gone along with their kingdom in the Frozen North. “There were no signs of their life-force, it is safe to assume they are now gone and out of the picture.” Omega explained this case of what has happened, both Ice Rulers of evil are gone. “It’s surprising, they were tough opponents for sure.” Sombra stated from almost doubting that such a thing has happened. “Well, maybe not the king, but the queen was far worse. I’m just glad they are not going to be a problem in the future.” He stated this off from his own concerns over the main issue. “I’m pretty much happy that Snow was there, he really helped out in more ways than just to fight.” Pinkamena smiled off in giving some credit to another pony individual. “He was? How so?” Flutterbat asked off a bit interested in this story. “Cause, while Snow has unbelievable strong in strength that he could TOTALLY handle himself against Dark Mystic baddies of Ultimate Warrior level, but also any Mystics that would kinda give us problems.” Pinkamena explained the case in which Snow would have whooped the Ice Queen and her plans causes he’s very strong, super strong really to even compete against certain Mystic & Dark Mystic type opponents. “Like Smartscar or Frozen Sage almost did, but then they got the message & didn’t become our enemies.” Autumn Gem stated in knowing that though the Mystics are allies, two of them did seem a little…rough around the edges to get along and cooperate. “Yep, but the point is…Snow helped Snowcrystal & Crash Fire unlock their inner strength of their elements.” Pinkamena nods off to say while explaining the case some more. “As it turns out, while some wielders of different elements can get stronger & stronger by their training, some can unlock inner powers that transform them into stronger element users.” She explained the case where many can get stronger over time, but others can unlock transformation abilities to quicken the pace. “And that’s why you said they could almost rival those that achieved Element Evolution?” Jack Zen spoke in recalling how that the two topics are different, but one can rival the other…sorta. “Yepper! Guys like Snow is plenty strong, Crash Fire & Snowcrystal were helped out to get stronger along with the rest of Twilight’s group.” Pinkamena smiles to nod in stating that Snow helped get many others of their group to be stronger now. “I have to admit, Snow’s method of doing that does make me think he would have won even without our help.” Goldie rub his chin in having another thought on how Snow could have won that tough battle without their aid. “I’ve also calculated that Snow could have just attack straight away at the enemies if he choose to.” Omega explained that by his calculated skills, Snow would have easily defeated the Ice Rulers even without their assistance. “Guess he was like me, we wanted to help our friends get stronger in that battle.” Pinkamena smiled off eagerly in knowing that both she and Snow were helping their friends out who needed the ‘most’ help. “Let’s hope so, while it’s nice that two dangerous foes are gone, there are others still remaining.” Havis spoke to mention this off, as another important matter to think over. “The other Three Lords, goodness, you think Twilight and her group can get stronger to keep them back?” Autumn Gem gasped from feeling that facing powerful enemies like the Superior, Dark Curse, and even Grimmore, are far more powerful than the Ice Queen herself. “One things for certain, they shall not be alone.” Sombra firmly spoke in making this stated claim here; their friends aren’t alone in the case. “I agree, they’ll get help…from afar.” Flutterbat stated with a secret smile in knowing what they are talking about. With this, everyone nods in understanding the main point, should there be need, they’ll help step in if they are needed. After all, they don’t wanna be left out of the action, some like Havis will wait for the right moment to appear, but the rest of the group, will help from afar. As everything goes dark here in signing off at this moment… ----------------------------------- Outside the outskirts of the Crystal Empire, above a hill we soon see that Snow has arrived on the scene now. As the guy comes to a complete stop, he watches the beautiful scene of how the sun glimmers the empire made of crystal, it’s a lot more than just that, it’s also a home for those that enjoy their kingdom. Snow may have left it to get stronger, but he always feels better to come home and see it’s still here, along with friends and family inside. “Good to be home.” Snow smiled off in seeing he’s return to his home area now. “And those guys will be fine, even heroes have trust in their comrades….so even if apart, we’re still as strong as ever.” He spoke in feeling that he knows the Mane Six band will be alright, he has trust in them, but no matter where they are, they are strong comrades one and all. Just ahead of Snow, he saw two figures outside the gates of the Crystal Empire. Both of their appearances were conceal in shadow image from the bright sun light….but they look closely like mares. One holding like a sword and the other a bow of some kind. But Snow instantly knew ‘WHO’ those two were. “Woah now….look at who came to greet me. My sister-in-law and my fiancé.” Snow smiled off in seeing he has a welcome committee for him; how nice. “Wait there Lightning, Serah, I’m coming. And have I got a heroic tale to tell you.” Snow yelled out from where he was, as he was raving up his bike to get ready to drive on over. And then with that, Snow rides off on his Shiva-Cycle to rev-it-up a notch. As he was driving on down to meet up with two familiar close love ones and friends awaiting him. As the scene slowly gets darker, the story told now comes to a happy moment of an ending; as we see that no matter how cold things feel, one can enjoy the beauty of it while feeling that warm feeling inside. And that’s how the heroes know what’s true, and will fight for what is right, as this story has come…to an end…. The End