//------------------------------// // Chapter 06: Things Are Just Getting Started // Story: Friends Today...Enemies Tomorrow // by JusSonic //------------------------------// Chapter 06: Things Are Just Getting Started At this time, scenery show the invasion by the Dark Mystics was foiled & that Ben managed to land a blow that about ended in Shadow Dragon’s defeat. However, not only with the appearance of Twilight Moon & Dragoking make something difficult…but it was seeing a new figure of an enemy entering the scene. From some light, the new enemy look like some Dark Mystic Earth Pony who’s appearance look similar to Azure Phoenix, but he was all dark fur color,a dark gray Chinese style mane, beard & mustache, & red eyeballs with yellow eyes with a demonic black pupil diamond-shape in the center. He wore on a purple clad of armor, a long red cape and golden hoof-wear, appearing as someone of a diligent manner of a warrior of a strong impression. His Cutie Mark was something like a family symbol with Bat Wings & Demon Long Sword to state his talent. This character, this individual, he was the one know…as Kishin Akuma. “Ohhohohohhhh….man! He’s actually here…in the flesh!” Tech yelped in fear in seeing and recognizing the Dark Mystic. “Well this is just perfect, now he’ll steal all the worthy opponents!” Longblade rolled off his eyes in seeing this guy will take all the fun out of this battle. “What do you mean?” Kilik questioned to stare at Longblade as their match has yet to be settle with neither one winning here. “You’ll see pretty soon.” Longblade remotely stated in what will happen very soon. Golden Heart’s party were arriving on the scene when they to saw who was just ahead of their pals with the near defeated Shadow Dragon. “New enemy has entered.” Omega issued in identifying the new enemy that has come into the picture. “Who is this guy, you know Golden Heart?” Jack Zen asked off towards Goldie if he might know the enemy. “The only thing I can say is that he seems like trouble.” Golden Heart stated with stern eyes in seeing who they have to deal with now. “Sombra, Autumn Gem, you better stay out of this one.” Pinkamena spoke in being serious here, something about this guy she don’t like & is trying to keep a few that aren’t ready or easily vulnerable out of it. Adult Nyx & the baby Dragons help up the Mane Six up while slowly recovering their injuries they suffered against Shadow Dragon while Starlight Glimmer was standing on guard for any attackers. But of course, their eyes were glued on who was here right now. “Okay, who’s the new guy?” Phobos asked off rudely in who was now making himself know; a new enemy. “I don’t know, but he looks familiar.” Adult Nyx raised an eyebrow in seeing this new foe…kinda has a splitting image to Azure Phoenix. “I’m not sure, he seems to give me the creeps.” Spike stated to say in not liking who this guy was, not one bit. "Whoever he is, he seems...different from the others." Starlight Glimmer stated from studying this new face. At the same time upon his arrival, Kishin Akuma was gazing around the battle that had been dealt upon. Many Dark Mystic Soldiers had fallen or retreated in battle. And as he looked around, he spots the many of those that are before him, such as the Mane Six & Ben & any other heroes that were scattered around to watch this guy’s movements as they got into gear for anything fishy that might come out. But this new foe seem to not flinch or seem concern over what has transpired, even in looking behind to seeing a kneeled Shadow Dragon while Twilight Moon was near him. “So….you are the warriors who defeated these Warriors of Darkness.” Kishin Akuma spoke off in looking around now while staring at only the main heroes before him. “Humph….some of you are hardly worth my praise. You can only gain my pity & disappointment.” He huffed off to say in watching those here while stepping on the heroes pride that they are a disappointment even after defeating so many Dark Mystics that were but mere Soldiers. “Hey! Are you the right to criticize us?” Rainbow Dash snapped off in feeling offended. “Right, in case ye miss it, we took down yer pals!” Applejack remarked off in making the guy see what they did. “And it was no easy feat!” Rarity sternly objected that taking on soldiers of the Dark Mystics ain’t easy. “Um, right...what they said.” Fluttershy shyly spoke in trying to be brave here. “Right, how dare you say we’re a disappointment,” Pinkie Pie protest to say in feeling that was just man for the guy to say. “Your petty squabbles mean nothing, what are you hoping to achieve by pushing forward so far?” Kishin Akuma remarked off in not being bothered by such manners from what others were saying. “Hey, hey, just who the heck is this guy?” Bickslow asked off in getting ticked off in paying attention to some guy acting like mister BIG shot. “We best be careful, I have Memory of this one.” Rufus spoke in being serious to watch this opponent to study him very carefully. “Kishin Akuma, once an ordinary Equestrian known as ‘Fool of Owari’ before he gain the trust & talents of many officers, thus becoming a ‘Lord of Owari’. He wage war against the Imagawa Clan where it led him to the path of conquest by starting to attack his own ‘in-laws’ family, destroying the religions & even innocents & children.” Hearing this made some feel shock to believe that stuff was even true to swallow. “His reputation & abilities made him a good retribution to the Dark Mystic Brethren, while making a terrifying nightmare tale to most of the innocent children as ’the Boogieman’ who feast their blood & flesh for being naughty…” Rufus gaze down in feeling that as of today, folks use this one’s name to scare children to behave or else the evil would come for them. “What!” Adult Nyx, Spike & Phobos yelped in sounding freaked out in having heard this. “Wait, I remember that tale! My private teachers use to tell me about him, but I thought it was a story!” Ben stated in recalling this while once believing it was just a story. “No Ben, he’s very much a real threat.” Celestia explained to her son with a serious face on her expression. “There is more to his name that I have memorized from reading certain history, but it was also said…he turn down to become a second General under Grimmore’s army. When the War-God took interest in his abilities, Kishin was taken in by Dark Curse.” Rufus spoke in speaking another terrifying matter that long ago, even the great evil known as Grimmore wanted to recruit Kishin Akuma as a general, but he turn down the offer to side with Dark Curse. “Impressive…to think there was still a tale of my work left behind.” Kishin Akuma spoke off in being surprised that his name rang off for all to remember. “Sister, what should we do?” Luna asked her sister in what they need to do with such an enemy. “Everyone listen, we need to be careful with this one.” Celestia spoke off to warn the group about this foe. “I’ve got the trap to do it!” Bickslow smiled off to say in preparing a trap spell to catch this guy. “Swords of Revealing Light!” As he held out his hooves, swords made of light appeared and surrounded the enemy, keeping him frozen in place. “Let’s get him!” Jack Zen yelled out in charging forth with some Royal Guards following behind him. “Wait! You don’t know what you’re doing!” Golden Heart yelled out to warn those about to dive into danger. Suddenly, Kishin Akuma’s eyes glowed in crimson as if preparing something… “Demon Aura Blast!” Kishin Akuma issued forth in preparing something that was about to be unleashed. Suddenly, Kishin lifted his hooves up & launched his powerful greenish screaming death blast in destroying the traps while blasting backwards Jack Zen & any Royal Guards to the ground hard. “He busted up that trap!” Bickslow let off a shock expression in seeing what just happened here. “No way, no way!” The Dolls responded off in being shock in seeing what happened as well. “Girls, we have to help out!” Twilight stated this off to her friends that the others need help. “Right!” The Mane Five nodded their heads in agreement there. Now it was the Mane Six that were about to go in & help those out against this enemy. However, Kishin Akuma noticed the mares coming as he prepares himself to counterattack. “Shadow Strike Blade!” Kishin Akuma announced forth in preparing for another attack on the targets. Soon Kishin Akuma charged in & swung his sword Demon King Sword against any targets that he could come across. He first started with the one that gave Shadow Dragon some problem, Ben Mare used the awakened bloodline & his two swords to strike the enemy, but Kishin instead blasted him across to crash against four buildings. And then it was followed by the others he came across: Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer, Adult Nyx, Spike, Phobos, Sombra, Autumn Gem, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Omega, Celestia, Luna, Crash Fire, Snowcrystal, Halon Blade, Senseless Joe & his oddball group, Kilik, Rufus & even the Royal Sisters. As the record showed, Kishin Akuma attacked & knocked them all down to the ground or crashed against stuff while some managed to rebalance themselves to stand while others had some difficulty from what hit them. “Man, he hits hard!” Crash Fire complained in seeing what kinda serving they got there. “Is he possibly another Demon General?” Snowcrystal questioned this guy’s strength here. “No way can those guys beat all of us tough ponies so easily!” Pinkamena remarked off to snap such a question from their minds. “There is something not right about this foe?” Halon Blade questioned off in seeing how Kishin fights seems…unholy. “As expected of a stallion that was given the title: Demon King. It was said that around King Sombra’s Era, he was betrayed by one of his retainer: Quicksilver & his nephew: Samanosuke at the Honoji Temple where he died.” Rufus explained more about the history involving this enemy before them. “Wait, this happened during my era?” Sombra questioned off in having heard this for a first time. “But…if he’s dead, why does he look alive?” Autumn Gem questioned that if this guy died, how is he here now. “When 200 years passed, a former Demon General took an interest on him & decided to resurrect him & his loyal deceased warriors as his replacements. He’s very much someone feared that even the Royal Sisters & Discord know him…it’s hard to believe that in appearance & personality, he & Azure Phoenix are almost like Twins of good & evil.” Rufus explained more of the history that was also about to be another shocking thing to discover. “WHAT!” The gang replied off in having heard what they heard there. “THIS GUY COULD BE LIKE AZURE PHOENIX’S EVIL BROTHER?” Phobos yelled off in not believing what they heard, imagine if Azure Phoenix even had a brother like this enemy here! “Guess that explains why he’s so tough.” Spike stated that this guy was about as tough as the Mystic they know. “Maybe it’s some evil twin thing while not really being siblings at all.” Adult Nyx broke off the Fourth Wall in stating a possible outlook on the subject while Starlight Glimmer moans near the mare from what hit her. “This guy’s…really…Kishin…Akuma?” Ben sweated a bit in gazing forth in shock of seeing the guy he’s heard about to be said is like a nightmare…seem real. “That strength…what is he…a Demon?! No…” Ben was pretty much lost in his own thoughts and debating that this wasn’t real of who it was that they are facing. “Humph! Worthless!” Kishin Akuma huffed off in finding this lot to be a disappointment even more. “I barely even used my full power against you. You wouldn’t even be a match against anyone Grimmore gave rank as his General.” He issued off in remarking how those that are said to be strong, are nowhere near to take on him or those that are rank General in the Grimmore Army as they would be around his displayed strength. “Pathetic sight…It is time to finish you off…” He issued off in seeing that he shall end those that dare go against the Dark Mystics. “Grrr…no!” Golden Heart growls in speaking against such action upon them. “Systems in need…of repairs.” Omega stated off in seeing that his damage body needs fixing. “We have to stand back up.” Jack Zen stated in seeing they have to get back up again. “Right…or we’re all dead meat!” Bickslow spoke off to say in understanding the picture. “If we die, then we fail in stopping evil from where it stands.” Kilik issued off in knowing what’s at stake here. “Oh, but this will be too simple for me to deal with you. I will not kill you.” Kishin remarked off in stating this puzzling fact to everyone. “But I will let this be your pain…your suffering…& your nightmare…As you can see, Friendship never has been Magic from the Beginning. Many of you are delusional.” Kishin Akuma was exclaiming that he shall let those suffer this moment to be their waking nightmare & that the hope of friendship to be their magic guide is nothing but a hoax. “No! You’re wrong!" Starlight Glimmer spoke forth to defend against the matter. "She's right! Friendship is Magic! I’ve seen it happen from here to another world!” Twilight protest to say that what Kishin said about Friendship not being magic…is wrong. “Twilight Sparkle speaks true about the concept you seem to not know anything about.” Luna remarked off to protest the statement in what was about friendship not being magical. “It is also the reason why the Elements of Harmony, the symbol for Friendship, choose’d her & her friends.” Celestia stated off to explain how the Mane Six first develop & were chosen by elements that represent harmony among friends. “Is that so then? I hardly notice it at all.” Kishin smirked in taking in the protest remarks that everyone gave him about saying there was no magic in friendship. “Then why is it, that despite such things, Shadow Dragon remains loyal to our brethren.” He asked off this next question to see if anyone could even answer it. “Because of….because of…” Ben was about to protest in why Shadow Dragon is with the enemy, but…he did a second thought to realize, he doesn’t have much a case in making a claim. “Ben/Father?” Twilight & Adult Nyx softly call to Ben in seeing he was having a hard time reacting to the question. “What folly…it proves that Friendship can never save anyone’s lives, but to doom themselves. A pity, truly a pity…” Kishin shook his head in seeing the sight of those that cannot get over the question are as foolish as expected. “But rest assure, little ponies; once I am through, I will have your blood to be my drink, a toast to your failure & defeat.” He ridiculed off to say this in what shall befall those that go against him. “Now see if you can survive my wrath. Demon Wrath!” He announced forth in about to prepare one more move to end things here… Now Kishin’s body glows darkly as he levitates in midair while creating & enlarging the power of darkness, yet forming a Demoniacal sphere. Then he lets it drop & started to fall straight to the ground in where the lying heroes lay wait. “Time to use… Tiid Klo Ul! Slow Time!” Then Azure spoke his voice out as everything slows down as he acted unknown to everyone & appeared just as the dark demoniacal ball came close. Everyone felt at odd in what was happening, before no one saw a large claw paw grab the orb & in a blink of an eye, time went back to normal. Everyone was puzzled to look around in seeing that the attack Kishin threw at them didn’t explode on them, weird. “Um, wasn’t there supposed to be a large giant ball of death to explode & kill us?” Phobos asked off puzzled in why they are not dead yet. “But how could something that big not have hit us?” Twilight asked off puzzled in what was even going on. “What’s going on Shadow Dragon, where did that attack go?” Twilight Moon asked off in seeing that attack should have level the heroes. “It’s strange, only something powerful would be able to stop a move like that.” Shadow Dragon pondered off to question this sight. Even Dragoking was lost in what happened here. That’s when everyone started to notice a large shadow over their heads, & it look like the form of…a Kirin!? “Azure, you made it just in the nick of time!” Pinkamena smiled in seeing who it was that help save them in a last second. Azure slowly flaps his wings to land on the ground while holding back Kishin’s attack from making contact or exploding in a grand scale. “Well now we know, what became of the attack?” Tso Lan’s spirit head was seen in witnessing what stop Kishin’s attack from destroying the group. "Is that…a Kirin, Shadow Dragon?" Twilight Moon slowly asked in figuring out what sorta creature was before them. Dragoking growls a bit in seeing some new dragon-type species to be his opponent. “Yes, I see it & he’s holding the Demonic sphere from making contact.” Shadow Dragon narrow his eyes in seeing that Azure was keeping Kishin’s attack from finishing off his allies & friends. That really caught some folks off guard as they soon see that Azure has his right paw out as he begins to look at it. “How’d he managed to catch it? I didn’t even see him move, none of us saw how he did it?” Twilight questioned off how Azure, a Kirin type dragon, pulled off such a save. “Like I said, Kirin's will amaze you more ways than one!” Pinkamena smiled off to happily explain that answer for everyone to know about. “Um, Azure, do you mind dealing with that orb thing, please?” She asked off in wanting her dragon pal to deal with that attack of Kishin. “As you wish.” Azure nodded off in having heard the words of his mistress. Then as Azure stands on his hind legs, he then presses the orb with both his claws & the orb implodes…. But the great shock force of its explosion was being contain & the energy was being absorbed by the Kirin. Soon he begins to glow all over his body, then he goes back on all fours while the glow work vanishes. “Hehe….I did a bit of work & he can Absorb magic as well.” Pinkamena giggled a bit in stating what else the Kirin was capable of doing. “I got this inspired by a big bulky animatronic called Shadow Freddy from Five Nights at Freddy’s MLP style.” She went off to break the Fourth Wall in having said where she got such a random idea. That makes everyone puzzled why crickets are heard in the background. Things begin to quiet down a bit when the random pony saw what was going on. “Heheh….I still love it when you all get surprised by such random stuff that makes no sense.” Pinkamena giggled at seeing the silly faces everyone was giving her. “Demon Speed!” Kishin spoke off in preparing to strike again when his foes least expect it. Then before anyone even knew it, Kishin Akuma was seemingly using a Demonic, yet hyper powered speed technique. “SLASH-SLASH-SLASH, SLASHSLASHSLASHFRUVHMMM…” Within the blurs seen, he was striking with his sword that was actually cutting through the Kirin’s hard body. “GROOOAARRRROUGHHHH!” Azure let off a monstrous roar of sounding in pain, much of himself seem to have taken in much damage on his gigantic body. “AZURE!” Pinkamena screamed out in seeing her friend was hurt & look ready to fall… “Uh oh….I think we know dat’s coming next!” Spike spoke in noticing that Azure’s position seems to be tipping towards…them. “Right…the Giant Dragon Timber routine. RUUUUUN!” Phobos slowly nodded off before yelling at the top of his lungs at what comes next. “Cloupwwfruvhmmm-Poowwfruvhmmm….” Soon Azure’s giant size Dragon body landed on the ground backwards while causing a terrain-size quake that shook everything in sight; even gave everyone else the jumpy feeling. Smoke had covered everything, there were a few coughs heard here & there. Ben struggles to pull himself up a bit after everyone survived that Demon Wrath attack & a falling Kirin…only to stop when someone levitated near him: Kishin Akuma. “Ready to enter your worst nightmare?” Kishin Akuma issued off in preparing to make Ben’s world…one living nightmare. Ben was frozen with fear as he wanted to pull up his Hyrule Shield, but his body wasn’t moving…he was going to perish before a Demon… “Thruspvhmm…” Just then, Kishin’s right hoof was bounce off from touching Ben’s flesh as it was…covered in some vibrating force. “Sound Armor!” Spoke off a grouchy voice from the distance. “That voice….is that…Zebura?” Ben suddenly snap his senses in recognizing that voice to look around to find his last minute rescuer; of all ponies too? “Darn You….YOUR CHOP FULL OF COCKINESS!” Zebura’s voice was heard snapping off from which shook the area in sounding extremely upset. Suddenly, the background was playing ‘Transformers Cybertron Theme Instrumental (Extended Battle Version)’ to really jam up the event cooking here. And we soon spot Zebura on top of a hill, his red crimson aura was blaring up while he lets off a snarling voice as if about to let off much anger in seeing someone was being….COCKY around here! “Oh, reinforcements. Pity, it’s only one.” Kishin spoke off in being mildly intrigued, but was not phase by a new opponent to face him. “Not just him!” Pinkamena’s voice interrupted to say without warning… “Frussvhmm….Boommfruvhmm….” Then a Blades of Pinkie Pie were tossed near Kishin’s spot just as he lean backwards to avoid it. And soon entering the fray was Pinkamena, only she was in her Element Form - Aging. And she wasn’t alone, Crash Fire transformed into his Scar-Red Nova form, Snowcrystal transformed into her Ice Maiden form, even Halon Blade transformed into Sword Blade. From a get-go look, four superpower up ponies were now standing against Kishin & to protect their pal Ben from being harmed. “You thought we were down, but we’re not!” Scar-Red Nova snapped off to say in letting his firry aura burn to temperatures to really burn the whole area here. “This time, we’re ready!” Ice Maiden issued forth in stating that this foe be ready, for it’s about to become a cold frozen wasteland when she’s in play. “Let us see how sharp your blade really is! Against a Sword that IS Destructive…” Sword Blade issued forth in holding his large sword & suddenly was having it glow with much charge energy. Then something was seen flying in the skies that landed across the area for everyone to notice. Then rising up from it was a familiar Flying Sky Serpent creature: Cubellios & on top of her head was…Anakonda! “You harm my friends, & you shall face…Anakonda! Hisses….” Anakonda issued this threat while letting off a snake hiss in sounding serious. Dragoking yelped upon seeing those that were here as those that were apart of the Serpent Clan & were also…family. Then suddenly, many flapping bats were seen across the night skies before gathering around to…transform into…Vampire Ponies! And leading this group was the known Ruler of all Monsters: NeoVamde! “If you value the life of the living, then leave before you join the land of the dead.” NeoVamde threatened this foe that if he wishes to not lose the only life he’s got now, he should heed the warning. Then something was popping out a portal that was form that soon came three more figures of the user and pals: Yugo, Hoboken Joe, even Armor Stark in his Buster Armor along with Gemini Sparks. “Hey guys, hope we’re not too late to help!” Yugo smiled off to say while getting down to being serious. “Ye done good son, right on time!” Hoboken Joe smiled of in being proud that his boy got them all here from Canterlot. "Kid's got a good use for portal travel." Armor Stark issued before summoning forth; the Storm Armor as it let lightning surge forth. "Twins Of Light & Darkness..." Light Gemini Sparks started off to say this... "Present & accounted for!" Dark Gemini Sparks finished off that claim. “You big villain shots never get it!” Then entering from a blizzard of snow was...another hero on the scene. “When in doubt, a Hero always arrives in the nick of time!” Snow was then seen entering the area while doing what he always does, showing up just in time for the hero to save the day here. “Yeah! We’re heroes!” Then Senseless Joe and his oddball pals were popping up in cosplay hero getups. “You don’t need to pay us, when you need saving." Then suddenly, Ivy was seen near a hill with the rest of the Forgers: Kazeshini, Talim, Tempo, Wildman, Kidd Razor, & Kitana as they all held their weapons to prepare for battle. “My, my….we have a troublesome enemy! And shooting a low matter about Friendship!” Then another ally was seen hovering from above while preparing his own Beast Forces to surround from all sides. “Clearly you are the one missing a point here.” Gravi issued off that this enemy was like him, he did not see the truth in the value of Friendship & it shall be a costly one at that. “Yo, am I too late to help a bro. out?” Then Z-Strap was seen nearby in arriving on the scene with metallic wings that he flew on to get here. “Nope! We’re here to whip ourselves into shape!” Jones Venture spoke in arriving by whipping himself across some trees to get here to help. “We came to offer aid in where we all shall stand.” Then Azuma along with the Clone Six appeared from near a hill side as Azuma made many of his clones reaching 5000 to which they all shall attack together. “If this guy thinks I’m letting him hurt my sister & friends, he can think again!” Shining Armor showed up in preparing to help save those he loves. “Shiny!” Twilight called out in seeing her brother was here all of a sudden. “Don’t worry Twilight, we’re here to help you all!” Cadance was seen along with Mangani as they were helping to heal the wounded warriors of justice. “We’re also here too!” Appearing was Flash Tiger, she, Shadow Cat, Flower Dog & their family group are here. They too are ready to offer help to protect their friends. “No way was I missing this concert’s closing.” Then Johnny Brock appeared from out of nowhere as he’s gonna rock out in this battle. “You who speak of wanting war, shall not start one here!” Magnus then hovers by his magnetic powers in about to show the villain what war casualties lead to. "Oh, but if it's a beat down, then he just WALKED into one alright!" Then appearing was Nightwatcher as he whipped out his chain & appearing near him from smoke & dust clouds was Smoke & Dust themselves with Fidget the Nimbat near Dust to look serious. “You want a piece of this! Kishin Akuma!” Then Tao’s voice was heard from a distance that alerted everyone. “TAO!” The Mane Six replied in seeing that Tao’s family was here to help them out. And it wasn’t just Tao’s family, but many Mystic allies that the heroes have met & befriend during some visits or adventures. They all came to help them out in this time of need. “Megan!” Celestia & Luna responded surprise in seeing that even the human girl of legends, the Mag’ne was on the scene & stare off against Kishin. “Look around you Kishin, you say Friendship has no Magic, but from where I’m standing…THIS…is the Magic that brings all our friends together to help one another out!” Megan declared forth in looking around her area in seeing that if friendship had no magical power, then this evidence proves otherwise. Soon loud cheers from Warriors, Mystics & Element Users are heard along with some normal Equestrians. And for some, their magical auras were shooting up like sky rockets in preparing to go all out on Kishin that it even shook the entire foundation of the field. Even Ben was surprised to see that this…was a sign of those that are truly…his friends. At the same time, the background music finally reach its closure now. “Sweet Buttercup….LOOK AT THEM ALL! WE’RE DEAD IF WE STICK AROUND!” Tech yelps in staring in wide eye shock terror, they can’t fight THAT many tough heroes & Mystics at once; its suicide! “Ha ha ha…Most impressive.” Kishin Akuma laughs off in finding this somewhat amusing him. “One thousand opponents. One thousand burials. Hah! An army of equal sides or not does not mean you are a match for Kishin Akuma…Prepare yourselves…to fall!” He was preparing himself that even if an army of both Equestrians & Mystics showed up, he shall gladly take them on. Just then, Shadow Dragon’s hoof touch Kishin’s shoulder as Twilight Moon watch the injured Dark Mystic seem serious in wanting to discuss something. “We should withdraw now, our primary objective is complete.” Shadow Dragon silently whispered this to Kishin Akuma that they should not fight after achieving their REAL task. “And there is one among them heroes, I promise Dragoking no harm would come to her or their clan.” He ushered quietly from seeing that with Cubellios & Anakonda present, if any of them are hurt, his pet will seek vengeance on Kishin. Dragoking leans down to glare at Kishin Akuma to snort off at him, as if saying in his own words ‘touch them, you’re dead-meat’ since he has feelings for those outside of Shadow Dragon & company as…a family he cares for. “Humph! Very well, but I shall do so & withdraw…for now.” Kishin spoke off in accepting the issue that they withdraw since Shadow Dragon asked it. “Kishin Akuma!” Then appearing from the Mystics was none other than Azure Phoenix as he gaze down on Kishin Akuma. “Ah, Azure…surprise to see me?” Kishin spoke off in seeing who was suddenly here all of a sudden. “More than you know.” Azure Phoenix remotely stated in having to see this particular Dark Mystic was doing his own tricks again in causing such trouble. “We shall chat again soon, until then…all of you…fallback!” Kishin spoke that the two will have to chat another time as he turns to order all Dark Mystics to fallback; they’re done here. Soon many of the Dark Mystics remaining soldiers were quickly taking any chances to escape while dragging their out cold buddies with them; any that aren’t dead that is. At the moment, Dragoking soon helps pick up Shadow Dragon while Twilight Moon follows him along, & Tech quickly tries to blend in with the crowd leaving. “Shadow Dragon!” Ben’s voice was heard from a distance, which cause those taking Shadow Dragon to stop & for the guy to turn & have his eyes set forth on the weakened, but struggling Equestrian. “We shall meet again, Benjamin Maregillian. As of this day forth…” Shadow Dragon spoke these words with a serious tone of his voice to glare at Ben. “You & I are now enemies…” He issued this with the coldest of intention that the next time they meet, it will not be as friends, but as enemies. Soon Dragoking continues to move while taking Shadow Dragon into a Corridor of Darkness by having him ride on his back & then Twilight Moon also goes along too. Tech was looking back & forth in what happened there before he snap in seeing what any genius should do. “WAIT FOR MEEEE!” Tech screamed out in in not wanting to be left behind to face against this major army of heroes. And soon the corridor of darkness vanished afterwards at this time with all the Dark Mystics & their evil allies gone. Ben slowly drops to his knees & held himself up with his front hooves while he drop his weapons that vanished afterwards. That there was the closest moment he’s ever survive against something Kishin brought out, but the worse thing of all...was letting Shadow Dragon escape along with his lies & deceitful act to fool him & everyone. “I am sorry for whatever acts have befallen, Ben.” Tao spoke to approach Ben to gently pat his shoulder. “I’m sorry that the shield you guys gave to protect us is gone.” Ben spoke off to apologize in seeing they lost the Mystic Shield now. “We’re just glade we made it in time when we felt the Mystic Shield no longer sent out any mystic energy. Worse, that Kishin Akuma would show up.” Dragon Kick spoke off to say in knowing the problem that happened & seeing a new problem arose here. “Ah big deal, he’s just one more Dark Mystic to deal with.” Jade rolled her eyes in not being so scared of Kishin Akuma. “Jade, you must be careful. Kishin Akuma is a very frightening Dark Mystic. He’s as terrifying & malicious as Dark Curse is evil.” Mighty Heart spoke to explain to the young Mystic child that Kishin Akuma is a very dangerous foe, one to watch out for in the future. “We were lucky that we reach Zebura to send a signal to call in some allies while we request the Mystics.” Celestia spoke off in feeling glad that they were able to get help when they did. “For now, let us treat everyone, the battle is at least over & we can hopefully move on with our lives.” Luna spoke off to say in hoping that things can be a bit peaceful now. “I’m afraid knowing my brother & the Three Lords.” Azure Phoenix slowly spoke in sounding grimly serious over the issue of what’s happen here. “The battle…is never over.” He looked over the horizon in feeling that what’s happened here is only just getting started. Everything begins to fade out while everyone that fought against the Dark Mystic army raid to get into Ponyville to recover. Some of the reinforcement heroes decided to stick around for a bit until it was okay to return to their own homes when everyone was all better. One things certain, things are truly about to go downhill from here. --------------- Within Tartarus, the evil Overlord King sat upon his thrown with a look that was…focus. After learning of what his enemies have done that may have actually gotten his attention even more, annoyed the War-God. The Mystics try to keep him from enjoying himself & other evil forces from preparing their attack. Well, that is where everything changes. For now the act of Shadow Dragon as his alias name as Chase has finally accomplished his task of finding the Mystic Shield & putting an end to its protection over Equestria. The open window of opportunity has arisen. “At long last, what those foolish Mystics tried to do has slipped through their grasp.” Grimmore spoke to himself in making this issue on witnessing from a fiery portal window…of the act that has happened. “They mostly done this to keep me from touching Equestria, yet it only shows how much they truly understand how much they fear me, so instead....it is more a display that they have a right to fear me." Grimmore claimed forth the reason his foes wanted to protect Equestria, the foolish Mystic Ponies did this cause they respect & fear his powers that they try something of this approach. “Time for a change within the winds! Ji-Ga-No!" He spoke in feeling the game is afoot now, and summons his mighty Metallic Dragon into the throne room "Here, my lord!" Ji-Ga-No responds to bow before his tyrant of a ruler. "The Mystic Shield that has strengthen Tao's protection spell & what else those Mystics had done is finally down.” Grimmore spoke in getting to the point of something he saw happen when Chase had achieve his undercover mission objective. “That is excellent news, my liege.” The Metallic Chinese Dragon nods to look up in hearing the news before speaking. "It would seem that to have many lives to protect all across Equestria, they never believed that one unseen enemy could befriend them to crush their hopes & dreams.” He spoke in seeing that the shield that protected all of Equestria from Grimmore & the Superior’s forces is taken care of, the time to retaliate seems to be in order. "Hmmm....Then, it would seem that now the die has cast where their planning is coming apart now.” Grimmore waved off his hand in now seeing that Chase’s display in causing mischief has paid off. “From evil's hand by Dark Mystics work, so....I'll just begin...Setting up my own countermeasures." He spoke devilishly to hold up a magic sphere of contain dark magic that was sparkling so violently, it's like its alive & very dangerous. "My Lord, do you mean that you...?" Ji-Ga-No asked off in believing his master is going to do something about this; could it be what Grimmore said he do from before. “The Mystics believe that one spell can keep me & the other powerful forces of evil out, then I'll return the favor." Grimmore spoke in holding the darken orb that reflected his image before showing Equestria that were...vacant without the precious Mystic Shield protecting all around it. "By acquiring areas to be ruled under evil & that all those that carry the weight, magic, & been blessed as Mystic Ponies will be shun from the lands. And their magic, even the strongest of casters & warriors, will not penetrate & all attempts will be backfired." He spoke this out as a plan that, if the Mystics were trying to keep him out of areas filled with innocent civilians, then a counterweight is needed in those without much life to protect. So even if the Mystic Ponies do try to keep areas with ponies around safe, all of the other areas will be expose for the picking & not even shields or barriers will last much when this spell in unleashed. "And to just add insult to injury, I'll make it so that any attempts by the Mystics to come within the barrier fields will spread all out in affecting all, by ten THOUSAND times the pain!" He evilly exclaimed with a dark smile, that if the Mystics even step forth in areas that have no largest sum amount of pony lives to protect, as a village, town or city, then outside borders of any civilization is strip of their contacts...until he says so. "Hah-hah-hah, what a marvelously evil idea! Turning something the Mystics tried to keep you out into something that they themselves cannot get to. And with that blasted Mystic Shield gone, all of Equestria may as well be vulnerable to attack." Ji-Ga-No laughed off evilly in finding amusement, now the Mystic Ponies will have problems, they can protect those filled with ponies, but everything else; is keep sakes. And without their Mystic Shield, Equestria is once again expose for conquerors to step forth. "But what about those that are not Mystics?" The evil metallic Dragon question, would the spell his lord will perform keep ordinary ponies out too? "That's just it, others that are not Mystic Ponies are free to cross in & out." Grimmore wave out his arm freely in stating, those that are not the legendary Mystic Ponies are free to enter the areas where his magic will keep out any that bear Mystic in their genetic code. "And since I've taken measurements that not even Susano, Azure Phoenix, or any other powerful Mystic can get in by any kinds of planning, their only chance...lies in the hope of the other ponies." He smiled again that if the Mystic Ponies wanna enter the areas if evil is afoot, they must call in special ponies that are strong, but are not Mystic beings, in short...mortal creatures. "How very sneaky, that means that if the ponies cross outside their border of where the Mystics could cast a simple protection spell to only stall the inevitable, they'll be easy prey." Ji-Ga-No smirked in finding this to be a treat, those that can leave their safe homes to enter dangerous areas will be left to defend themselves. "Exactly." Grimmore nods in saying that is the plan alright, without the powerful Mystic Shield up & his own plot to make sure the Mystics attempts are limited to which they can’t interfere & there's more. "And I think it's time to finish & wrap up my little 'first wave' project I've been working on." The Dark Elf responded in having the moment to begin wrapping up things on his side. "Do you mean....?" Ji-Ga-No also gasp in thinking, was this going to be...'it' of what his lord was doing this whole time. "Yes...." The Dark Elf nods while holding a single Copy Crystal, feeling it's power grown & be nourished to such an extent, especially after his time from meeting with the Devourer. "I've managed to perfect a new line of powerful creatures to become my Elite Warriors, like Metal Jell." He recall how he created the first of his Elite Warrior, & now he's finally reaching the conclusion of his first wave of truly powerful elites. "And to seal the deal, to which even those foolish Mystics can't interfere....the countermeasure we discuss will activate when the new objects I make are active & spread around the entire region to keep them out. They'll be called....Territory Gem-Seeds.” He spoke in having a plan to spread his influence all around, the areas that will be under territory of those he unleashes, that even if the Mystic Ponies approaches will be utterly useless to proceed any further, no might or magic will work, not even the most powerful of Mystic Artifacts. "So at last, you're finally moving up." Ji-Ga-No made a sinister smirk in seeing they got a move to use at last. "Yes, but to make sure no more surprises will stop us..." Grimmore spoke in believing, it's time he became more serious to make sure, no Mystic Ponies will interfere once his 'new' warriors come forth & plant the seeds to make their territory. Suddenly, a map of Equestria showed up with all its valley borders of Ponyville, Canterlot, & places that are in the wild. Those that have some white glow over the area are those that are filled with pony citizens living in the area. And soon the number of Copy Crystals surrounded the magical map's borders, by thousands, no ten thousand, one hundred, a million, a billion, too many to count! "Make no mistake, if they think they are safe in thinking of protecting the areas of where the ponies live, then let them try...." Grimmore spoke in feeling very cocky in seeing that if the Mystic Ponies wanna protect innocent pony life, then he'll not get to them at this time, instead... "But everything else….& soon…All of Equestria….” He makes an evil smirk across his face in preparing something else under his sleeve. Then at the moment, the Copy Gems spin around all over the wild life areas while turning red, something was about to happen. "IS KEEP SAKES!" Grimmore roared out from holding his right hand out to unleash red pulse wave to the gems, the reacted to this to merge in the magical map areas, and.... "THRUOSSSSUUVVHMMM....." Soon from Tartarus, a powerful red wave that was so thin & invisible was spreading across from Tartarus to its outside borders & spreading further. "RAARRRUUUAARRROOORRRRRUGHHHH!" An eerie monstrous roar sound came from the invisible magic within the area, as it was covering everything in Equestria really fast. And while the towns, cities & villages with ponies living around may not have the powerful & best defense Mystic Shield up anymore, the spell unleashed instead was covering the skies & making areas glimmer red before vanishing. This act was Grimmore finally taking into account of the Mystics act to become....very serious now. -------------------- Meanwhile, Tao, his family were in their own area within Ponyville, discussing things with Susano & Azure Phoenix. They were discussing how to fix the loss of the Mystic Shield & are left vulnerable now without a way to keep powerful villains out when... "POOOOWWFRRRUVHMMMM..../Arrrrughhhhh!" Suddenly, what spread over Ponyville like an invisible force went over the part of Equestria the Mystics were in, but the eerie monstrous roar seem to cause...other effects from within the building. "AAAIIIYAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Tao yelled out to hold his head to kneel down on the ground, like a splitting headache struck him. "AAAAAHHHH....." The other Mystic Ponies were holding their heads & their bodies in feeling something, something that felt like it was hurting them! Soon the passing of what went by had ended, & then the Mystics got up, a bit dizzy, but feeling like what they experienced was only a short moment of pain. "Wooh! What in Equestria was that?" Jade asked off in feeling like something knock the wind seriously out of them. "An immensely powerful spell was just cast. Ugh....& from the after effects seems to have affected us." Tao spoke with much worry as if his face was going pale, a very strong, very powerful, & very effective spell, has been cast that may put them in harm’s way. "But none of the civilian ponies have noticed or felt it! Why?" Dragon Kick spoke in looking out the window, every pony is going by like nothing of great danger was even present & they missed it. "That is cause what was cast was something too powerful to have not been felt if those without special heighten sensory skills cannot detect." Susano spoke in feeling, they felt the spell cause while its presence was strongly hidden from average ponies, maybe even the Royal Sisters, the Mystics sense & felt it to be more alert. "This is a spell cast only by the highest power of any living creature, a creature that rivals the power of both a god & a Demon." He spoke with a very serious voice in what this could only mean. "Grimmore! So he's made a bigger response than we thought!" Azure Phoenix rub his chin in seeing the Dark Elf has done something, after their Mystic Shield was taken down, the OverLord King of Tartarus was bound to retaliate sooner or later during the mis-confusion. "But I thought he couldn't attack while the Mystic Shield was believed to still be up?" Dragon Kick question this case which instead, made Tao whack his forehead. "Ow!" He yelped from again, being scolded by his uncle. "Pay ATTENTIOOOOON!" Tao scolded while yelling this out to the stallion for missing out of what's happening. "Grimmore has unleashed a spell combined from over so many Copy Gems of the Triforce essence itself has only been made to perform something to which it can't be seen or heard!" That was the explanation, the power of this spell was done so no pony would notice, not unless their senses are extremely high & well trained. "But how come we did?" Jade asked off puzzled, they felt this spell, but how was the act not seen so clearly for the other ponies. Suddenly, Jeff the Gentle magically teleported into the room....but he looked like he was almost seriously wounded. Like he just came back from a fight, & just came out of it still alive & hanging on by a thread. "Everypony, we got trouble!" Jeff spoke from trying to approach, but trip to have Mighty Heart hold his balance. "I was leaving Blueblood & exit outside of Canterlot's border to suddenly feel....a surging repelling force. Ugh & it really pack a punch that I had to teleport here instead." He was feeling very soar, so much that Mighty had to bring him over to a couch. "Oh my!" Mighty Heart spoke with worry, everyone else was worried, & some had to perform a little healing spell...but that was only slowly aiding the poor fella. "That must be it, Grimmore has performed something which we did." Azure Phoenix spoke with a serious face in realizing what this all equals to. "He's setup a barrier that will repel & hurt us." He stated out in realizing, their dangerous foe of all times, has pulled one over them, & they fell for it. "But, why didn't it harm us here & why it affected Jeff when he left outside Canterlot borders?” Dragon Kick asked off in seeing that the spell that was cast, didn't do any harm to other ponies around & why some of them are fine while others seem like they had better days. "Because the spell cast is accounting of the large number of ponies in the area.” Tao spoke in explaining with a serious face that that they are okay but when Jeff was far away from ponies in the area; well they saw what happened. "He cast a stronger spell to keep us out of everything else that's miles away from where many lives are in need of protection." Tao notify that their enemy has made sure that which they want to protect all innocent creatures will not work anywhere except in civilization spots. So if it’s not of a larger amount of mortal ponies, they’ll get a terrible shock; Grimmore has given them both something to protect, but kept them prisoners from venturing to any parts of Equestria that has the smallest of pony lifeforms: he’s out played them big time now. "Woah, that means that the places like here, Cloudsdale, Canterlot, & where other ponies live are..." Jade yelped for big time, that means the spots where they wanted to protect ponies are the only places they may enter freely & their own world in the Mystic Realm. "Grimmore has learned enough that we will keep him & others out of such places, but those where there is nothing by wild nature of our planet is fully exploited for his moment to move." Tao nods with a cautious & concerning face, knowing their enemy has at last done something, to turn the tide against them. "And worst of all, is that we can do nothing to stop the evil forces unless they come to populated areas to which we can fight against. We instead must put our trust...in the heroes that are not Mystic Ponies & fight against the slow rising of....'new' evil!" Tao stated out that if evil enters the parts of Equestria where a large sum of ponies are vulnerable, they can fight, but outside the fewest that doesn’t equal like a colony is left to ponies that are not Mystics & must journey to fight against great evil. That made everypony in the room suddenly go silent & knew they have to alert their other Mystic Pony comrades to announce this unexpected display before it hurts those without them knowing it, as the scene grew dark. Looks like the coming of evil is slowly growing & reaching it's hand out to them. ----------------------- Meanwhile, where Dark Curse & his Dark Mystics were at, they too also witness the powerful spell that was casted from the land, sea & air while everything seem to have gone back to normal. "Woah, some show here!" Clumsy Rat spoke off in being amazed in what they saw. "It looks like it's over." Shades stated in seeing the show was over now. "Bros., I don't know about you, but that spell felt almost....weird." DJ Red spoke off weird in what they witness was feeling like weird vibes. "Master, what could this event mean?" Black Tiger turn to Dark Curse, thinking he knows this. "Yes, what could this sign tell us?" Demon Assassin nods in agreement, what has befallen Equestria now. "I know what it stands for." Dark Curse smiles evilly in noticing & feeling this spell & it was perfect to let loose a chuckle. "Hmph-hmph-hmph, Grimmore has done us a solid!" He spoke from giggling under his breath in seeing, the Dark Elf War-God was behind this. "He's cast a spell where our enemies, the Mystic Ponies, cannot venture outside without leaving populated areas where they want to protect ponies." He issue in sensing the power, it's so strong that it will repel even their mortal foes. “You mean he’s made it so they are only allowed entry into populated pony filled areas?” Devil Destroyer responded with an evil grin, this means that their mutual enemies are helpless to be cornered in a trap they can’t get out of. “Wow, guess that’s why the Dark Elf is so powerful, I almost be impressed.” Tech responded in almost being completely astounded by this sudden news Grimmore has performed. “He’s managed to act just as Shadow Dragon took care of the Mystic Shield. Looks like we’re one step closer to WORLD DOMINATION!” Tech responded off to holler this message like an announcer, ready to take on the world…with evil. "Wait, seriously?" Shades asked off in almost finding this stuff hard to believe. "So we could just walz into the plain-fields or the Everfree Forest & they won't pop up?" DJ Red asked off in thinking they can enter a place, & no Mystics could stop them. "Yes. We can use this to our greatest advantage." Dark Curse spoke out in feeling very intrigue, they can exploit this spell to their advantage. “Tech, has the spell done anything to our own barrier?” “Ah, nothing unusual on my watch. I think we’re good, I’m 75 percent sure.” Tech responded to pull up a mechanical watch to press it to check the readouts, to which when the others heard the last part, gave him frowny expressions in believing…25 percent could be devastating odds against them if he’s wrong. “Course the 25 percent might be a different story. But I’m positive the readouts show it’ll be most effective against Mystics of the Light & not us Dark Mystics of Evil. BONUS Evil!” Tech responded with a positive evil upbeat in feeling they have no worries, even if their enemies the Mystic Ponies try to withstand what Grimmore pulled out, the side of evil will still have the bigger advantage. "Then that means…we can work more in planning our conquest to rule!" Black Tiger grip his hooves in believing they have a shot now. "Or perhaps, you can use this to finally reach your 'true' objective." Demon Assassin stated another objective their master and leader has plans for. "Yes, with the Mystic Ponies out of the way…for now, we can venture forth when the time is right." Dark Curse responded that they can use this chance to acquire their biggest objective when the hour is near. "And gain Ben Mare to join us!" He smiled evilly, soon, Ben's Triforce Element will be theirs to command & use however they see fit. Dark Curse soon chuckles evilly, this event may yet prove to be the most effective way to aid him & his Dark Mystics to gain their objective. Best of all, since they are not Mystic Ponies but Dark Mystic Ponies, the spell that keeps out the good won't affect them. They can take advantage of this. The scene grows dark here as now another evil can ride up during the time the Mystic Ponies can't interfere while watching & protecting the home areas of innocent civilians; perfect for evil's move. ------------------------ We find Ben within Rainbow Castle within his own bed chamber at this time. He was all healed up & looking better after the battle to protect Ponyville from invading Dark Mystics from the loss of the Mystic Shield. But also in learning Chase was actually an undercover spy; Shadow Dragon. Ben was able to stop Shadow Dragon this time, but the guy was cut to half his strength & was wounded. But the real dilemma was remembering the encounter against Kishin Akuma, seeing the thing that once scared Ben as a colt who’s real & even as a grown stallion with a powerful element; he was like a deer to bright lights. He couldn’t stop thinking about that Demon General; that Demon, his words that echo about Friendship isn’t magic & it’s only a delusion to those who hold onto it. “Ben…are you alright?” Twilight suddenly cuts in to snap Ben back into reality while seeing a worried Twilight by his side. “Oh…I’m okay. How bout you?” Ben yelped a bit while recovering himself to then respond with a different question. “I’m good. The others that helped us are making slow recoveries.” Twilight nods off to say this while stating the situation. “And…what about Azure…he took a nasty hit from….well…” Ben was about to ask about another subject, but then that brought up Kishin Akuma which made the guy freeze up slightly before shaking himself. “From Kishin Akuma?” Twilight finished Ben’s sentence in knowing what he was gonna say. Hearing the name made Ben feel like a heel, he couldn’t even say the name without tensing up in fear, what was wrong with him. He’s a grown stallion, he shouldn’t be scared of some Boogieman, but….that Boogieman is very real & very dangerous. “Pinkamena’s helping him get better, even Mangani is healing the Kirin, so it’s not in any danger of dying.” Twilight soon was speaking off in mentioning how Azure is doing with those treating the poor Kirin. “I imagine how enrage Pinkamena would feel if that happened.” Ben stated off in feeling that if Azure died in that battle, Pinkamena would go into a feral fury to hunt down to get back at Kishin. “Still…Kishin Akuma…I’m feeling…like a fool! I froze before him!” Ben silently spoke off in feeling gloomy about what happened to him when they saw such an opponent, he choke. “Ben…it’s okay. We all were afraid, he did almost kill us, but he didn’t. Do you know why?” Twilight hugs her love to calm Ben down in trying to ease her love’s suffering in feeling scared, but there was something to cheer him up, which earn Ben’s curiosity. “It’s because he thinks Friendship isn’t Magic, at times, I felt I couldn’t get others to believe me, but you & our friends…help me through. And that saved us.” Twilight explained how that it’s from everyone that has believed in her and the magic of friendship that they came this far & that’s what saved them when their allies gathered to drive away such a dangerous foe. “I… guess so.” Ben slowly felt a little more better; Twilight was right, there was strength in the friends they have to help another out. “Good, now come on, help me get Nyx, Spike & Phobos to bed. Starlight Glimmer is just reading them a story now.” Twilight smiled off in seeing she help cheer up her love to not be so scared no more. Ben soon got up to join Twilight to help get everyone ready for bed. Ben may still harbor somethings that scare him, those like Kishin Akuma, but…maybe…as long as he has his friends & family, it’ll keep him strong to not be so scared; he can only hope there won’t be any coming days of facing that Demon again. But as the scene goes dark, we know for sure…that such wishy-washy thinking will not happen and a day may come where Ben will have to face…Kishin Akuma again. --------------- The scene opens around where Lelouch was kneeling before a magic portal mirror, but who he was speaking to was blurred out to make it hard to see who it was. “I’ve return.” Lelouch exclaimed to say. “You've disobeyed me…” The mysterious voice of someone spoke in sounding disappointed. “I just wanted to see if he's really the one. And looks like everything went well. Sorry for my disobedient, Great One.” Lelouch exclaimed off to say this in knowing what he did was against what this guy wanted. “Matters not. Because of you, Equestria is feeding us more of negative energy & feelings. And each time they met their greatest defeat, our power grows & restore slowly.” The mysterious being stated off to mention this as some kind of fact. “But the rest aren't here.” Lelouch stated of them missing others. “Do not worry. When the pure of Light & Dark between Good & Evil clashed again, it will slowly reawakened your brothers & sisters. Soon, our revenge will come. And accursed Mystic Creatures & all others will pay for the treachery we endured.” The mysterious force stated in what will come soon… “What is thy bidding, my master?” Lelouch bows down again to request what he’s to do next. “Awaited for the time to come. For now, we let Grimmore to play his own game. And this time, no more interferences, Melancholy. We only have limited Heralds now: Pride, Manipulation, Sloth, Envy and you. We must wait for others to come for us.” The mysterious being stated to let things play out as they are still shorthanded. “Yes, my lord.” Lelouch nods in obeying that claim. “And keep your slave in leash from getting 'pizza’.” Then what the mysterious being said sounded somewhat out of character. “She's not my slave. She's my wife, my witch and my lust of the opposite male species.” Lelouch remarked off in stating this claim. “Even though she's the daughter of Mystic Councilpony of Wisdom, you treated her as your equal.” The mysterious voice remotely lectured Lelouch about the matter at hand. “Yes….” Lelouch looked down in hating to agree on such terms. “Very well. It is your decision. Just make sure she won't betray us again.” The mysterious being stated this off before the portal vanished from sight. “She won't. She's no longer a Mystic Pony, she's my Mystic Demon Wife & Witch…” Lelouch responded off to say this while etchings go dark in how he speaks about Celtic…of who she is & forever will be. -------------- Within the Mystic Realm, a secret gathering was happening with only a few select rob members seen & only few among them that were speaking. “It looks like Grimmore made his move. But that doesn't stop me from getting my target.” The one called Black Alpha spoke off in making this claim about what he’ll try to do, even with the spell Grimmore has made that limits much Mystic beings from being active in Equestria. “Don't try, old friend. This is exactly what Grimmore was planning. He wants to expose the Mystic Guardians out. And no one knows it but us alone.” The one nearby called Yuko exclaimed to state this matter of what the War-God was planning. “That means nothing to me.” Black Alpha lightly brushed off the matter. “Maybe. But Grimmore may desire your power because you're the strongest as I am among the Mystic Council. If we expose too much of who we really are, he will find & hunt us down.” Susano exclaimed off to state with concerns of what such an enemy will do. “I agreed. Grimmore may not be powerful as we are after the Time Lapse deprave him of much his strength, but his treachery & cunning knows no bounds since he was trained by Herald of Manipulation. Grimmore plans to ascend to the power of Demon God by taking both Mystic Guardians & Heralds of Darkness’ powers to overthrow his previous one. The worse yet, he may actually succeed.” Yuk explained the dire case of where even if Grimmore is not currently at his strongest, he makes up for it with treachery, cunning, & other means of where if they are not careful, he will become so powerful that hope will be lost to everything. “The last thing we want is to have him to bring ruins to the balance.” Susan shook his head off in hating to bear witness such an event. “Hugh…Very well. We shall stay low. He has yet sense our presence. So, he still doesn't know Mystic Guardians among the living…” Black Alpha sighs to say this in hoping that their presence, will continue to be not detected by any evil means… “Not yet…but if his powers grow stronger than anticipated, then it will mean the end.” Yuko shook the head in being concern about future events. With that, the scene goes dark as much shrouded mysterious are still clouded of what threats still lie in wait. Soon the entire scene here goes completely dark around now, as whatever events are happening; it’s becoming more & more complex than one can keep track of. ------------------- Meanwhile, the next day in Rainbow Castle, Twilight was having a gather meeting with her friends Applejack, Rainbow, Spike & Nyx. But there was someone not here, it was Ben…he seem to be missing out on today’s event. “Ben still not here?” Rainbow Dash asked off in seeing Ben has arrived to join them. “No, daddy’s in his private room.” Nyx shook her head in stating this. “Hugh…I hope Ben's alright. Maybe I should tell him the truth about Shadow Dragon & his heritage.” Twilight sihns in feeling concern about Ben. “Twilight, don't! Ye know it's not de right time.” Applejack patted her pal’s back in knowing that won’t help no one. “But still…” Twilight was still feeling uncertain. “I know, Twilight. Believe me, I don't like too. But it's Princess Celestia's choice. We just have ta wait.” Applejack insisted about this matter of what they were told. “I just don't like it. He's Princess Celestia's Son…& yet....” Twilight spoke off puzzled in why Celestia, Ben’s own mother, would want something kept out of Ben’s knowledge about Shadow Dragon’s past. “Cheer up Twilight, I’m sure we can help.” Spike smiled off to speak some supportive words. “She’s right, despite what happened, we’re all here to support another.” Rainbow issued off to say this in what they firmly believe. “Yep! After all, after a little time to cool off, I’m sure daddy will be bouncing back in no time!” Nyx nods off to happily state this in being extra positive over the thought of Ben bouncing back, not staying down for long. “If anyone can help Applejack, it’s you Twilight.” Applejack exclaimed to say this in speaking with an honest thought. Twilight smiled in looking at her friends, they were being supportive to which the Princess of Friendship sighs to smile in nodding for agreement. Looks like maybe she shouldn’t worry so much, if the problem rear’s itself again, she just has to handle it; hopefully, it’s nothing too serious; right? --------------- Meanwhile, in Ben Mare's private chamber...he was seen looking at an old photo of him & Chase; AKA Shadow Dragon's disguise form. He remembers the times they had, good & bad, but still...none of that matters it seems. "The battle is over....we stop you from harming us...yet still, I still feel something lost." Ben stated in feeling his chest, his heart seem to feel like...it aches. Ben was still not over what Shadow Dragon did, what he performed, everything... "You took our friendship for granted, you abused it & toyed with me." Ben remotely stated this off in having to glare at the photo to shake it, as if losing control of himself. Then at that moment, Ben dropped the photo before stomping on it with his one hoof. Then his eyes showed some hidden & furious anger & rage that seem to be a beast lying dormant inside him. "The next time we meet Shadow Dragon, you will pay for what you did...you crossed the final line!" Ben Mare issued off to say this as he picks up the photo while looking super upset. Then in an instant, Ben toss the photo up, summoned the Master Sword to slice it in two in separating; a picture of him & Chase together. The scene darkens in showing some hidden blur of red that vanished deep within Ben's now return normal eyes. Apparently what Shadow Dragon managed to achieve did succeed as the scar marks not left on body, but on soul...now remain. ----------------- Meanwhile, somewhere in a location where only Shadow Dragon, Twilight Moon & Dragoking are located; the mare was treating the warrior’s wounds. The guy was gonna let himself recover the natural way rather than quickly healing by magic, especially since one; Rufus Lore's new spell: 'Element LightBurst Alchemy' stun like the dickens & that will take a long while to heal over. Second reason, Shadow Dragon wanted to feel the pain, to memorize it as the beating he was dealt upon by his rival in their future battles; Ben Mare. For once he recovers, he’ll wonder if he’ll feel this again if Ben can get stronger or not, remains to be seen. “Ouch! Careful there!” Shadow Dragon cringed from feeling Twilight Moon put a patch on his backside that kinda stun him without warning. “Oh would you hold still, you brought this on yourself!” Twilight Moon scolds the guy to let her do her part to help treat the guy. “Agreed. You shouldn’t have been so easy on Ben Mare while provoking him with meaningless trifles to get him riled up, now…he’ll become a problem.” Tso Lan appeared by his spirit head in lecturing Shadow Dragon of his lack of decision making. “Maybe so…however…it fits fine with our plan.” Shadow Dragon showed a smile in stating this matter. “Plan?” Tso Lan raised an eyebrow in having heard this out of nowhere. “Ben has now become Super Strong now after his bloodline awakened, I recall very few warriors have that when a great warrior long ago passes on, their bloodline on their descendants still harbors to wait for someone to awaken it.” Shadow Dragon explained in having seen a side of Ben that has now awaken more of his next inner strength than he could hope for. “It may have occurred when he went to retrieve his two missing elements, but make no mistake. He’s now reaching a point to be far stronger than an average Earth Station even without his element. And when in use with the Triforce, it’ll make him even stronger.” He stated that with Ben’s inherited strength from his ancestor, Epona, with the combine force of the Triforce, it’ll make Ben much stronger than he was when he first met the guy. “And this is good, how?” Tso Lan raised an eyebrow in still pondering where this was going. “You shall see, for the more Ben’s power grows, then he’ll become prey to which he shall become….one of us. And by toying with his heart of the friendship we had, it will help in our quest to making him join the forces of darkness.” Shadow Dragon smiled with a wicked expression that in the eventual future to come, the more powerful Ben becomes, then once that great warrior falls from the light…he shall become a warrior of the dark; it was made to be perfect. “Guuaagh!” But then Shadow Dragon yelped out a cry when he felt an even bigger patch of medicine be applied to his aching body. “I told you to hold still!” Twilight Moon scolds Shadow Dragon to be still while she’s treating him. Tso Lan & Dragoking snickered in watching this event, but one look from Shadow Dragon shut the two up. But there was still snickering & he turn to the corner to spot Tech was there in having watch the scene. While annoyed, Shadow Dragon made a sly smile before looking up towards Dragoking, gave an eye signal for him to go…’play’ with Tech, which the Hydragoon nodded. And soon Dragoking approached Tech which its shadow overlap Tech’s before looking up. “Um, nice boy!” Tech chuckled nervously while a snarling beast was gazing down at him. “Eheh…I just remembered…I gotta go get a…THING check out. BYE!” Tech pretended to be surprised in looking at the time & made an excuse that he’s gotta be somewhere else now. Then Tech dash off like a cloud image of him before Dragoking started stomping on after the guy. Soon some crashes & mama colt cries are heard along with the roaring of the Hydragoon beast. Shadow Dragon made a sly & amuse smile in feeling something amusing was going on that made him feel more at ease even with Twilight Moon treating his pain. And also, when the two look to another & snuck in a little...kiss, much to Tso Lan’s disgust. And with that, everything goes dark at this time to end things here… ---------------------- At this very moment, the scene begins to shift from the Rainbow Kingdom towards the Everfree Forest. The forest seem peaceful during the time, nothing but crickets are heard while some night animals were seen doing their night activities while other creatures slept. However, there was something that was going on around a certain location by a familiar cave in which within it lead to…the Tree Of Harmony. It was glowing in a strange reaction, ever since the destruction of the Mystic Shield, but around it were different magic aura flows of what were perhaps….many different elements from many users. The tree sense them & focus around the six jewels of Honesty, Laughter, Generosity, Kindness, Loyalty & Magic as their magic trail went into the center point of the Tree of Harmony. It flash for what was but a single moment before….it sank deeper into its body & vanish beneath the ground. But at the sudden moment around the side of the tree, a strange crystal flower pod pops out of the ground & begins to unfold its leaves to reveal something…inside. Emerging from it was not an object, but rather….it was a unicorn body of a mare that slept with a mark on her flank that shows six gems that when together, are harmony. “Hmmmm. This place….” The mare slowly was lifting her eyes to look around her surroundings. “I was…over there.” She questioned from spotting the tree before her. “I was….the Tree…of Harmony?” She asked off in feeling curious about what it, or rather…she was. Taking into the moment of studying herself, of what she…was, or rather, was supposed to be than what she is now. It was very strange, it was unusual; it made little sense to her. “Harmony….that is me. That is…my name. Oh…” The new mare was gathering to know something while knowing what her name is, but yelps from the sudden movement of her legs that she fell on her soft pod bed. “I am….alive? And with a body and mind….it is…a new feeling.” She stated in realizing what she is now & that she was more than being just a tree…she is flesh and blood now. She approached the tree of where the elements still hung to, & from touching it, she could sense everything that goes on within the Everfree Forest. Slowly learning to make sense of her body & consciousness, to help her understand while she felt a need to help maintain all that grows in the forest. “It feels I must stay & watch over this place, this forest to insure its protection.” Harmony spoke in sensing what she must do as her role to aid here & now. “As the tree, I have the elements…& yet, I can sense other elements afar & when in use…including….one I have. Balance…is that, what I am…a living element.” She ponders to say in being curious about if she somehow has become a balancer from the six elements off the tree. “Yes, perhaps it is so…I am…the Embodiment of Balance…one with the Element of Balance, to balance things out as they stand.” Harmony smiled to nod her face, in feeling like she understands herself a little bit. “Yaaaaawn….I feel sleepy, maybe I’ll see what is happening….& rest a little….rest. What a new feeling that sounds.” Harmony responded after a yawn, feeling mostly tired, but will do some rest in a bit. Then in a surprising moment, Harmony soon phases into the Tree of Harmony & vanishes. The tree glows while the mare inside senses all things within the forest, all helping to keep things in balance. The scene begins to zoom away as many new mysteries are starting to grow outside of anyone’s notice… The End