Episode 29: Shadow Play (I)
"The best elements within us can spread light and virtue, and I know ponies who represent them all," Star Swirl narrated, "from Equestria and Mystic Realm."
A grayish Unicorn with moderate cerulean and arctic blue shorty mane and tail searched fare and wide. He has recruited and gathered the heroes of Equestria and Mystic Realm such as Star Swirl the Bearded, Rockhoof, Flash Magnus, Mistmane, Mae Meadowbrook, Somnambula, Blackwitch, Master Kung Fu the White Pegasus with light green spiky short mane and tail in his 30's worn black Kung Fu robe, Dark Curse, Mystic Tao and newly and young Crown Prince Nezha. All of them were set out to protect and save the world from the forces of evil.
"The Heroes from Equestria - Rockhoof's Strength, Flash Magnus's Bravery, Mistmane's Beauty, Mage Meadowbrook's Healing, Somnambula's Hope and mine is Sorcery. As for the wise and noble Elemental Masters from Mystic Realm; there were five of them only - Blackwitch's Knowledge, Master Kung Fu's Spiritual, Dark Curse's Deception, Mystic Tao's Righteous and Crown Prince Nezha's Justice. Since the death of Emperor Mystic Avatar and his wife Princess Lauren Hope, all of us were gathered together by another to maintain and share the light of these powerful ideals. We formed the group and called ourselves the Pillars of Equestria and Mystic Realms."
As the journey progress for the Pillars' journey to defend the worlds, the young unicorn quickly stolen 11 ancient relics and weapons for his agenda. However, he was caught by them. They retook theirs while banished him for his treachery and betrayal.
However, during his banishment, the young unicorn slowly transformed into a large yet demonic shadowy unicorn-like monster. He roared wildly and darkly as he returned to destroy the world. The Pillars armed themselves for the greatest battle against the Pony of Shadows.
"But we soon came to believe the pony who brought us together only wanted that power for himself. Cast out and alone, this power-mad pony turned to darkness to satisfy his thirst. Transformed into a Pony of Shadows, he returned for revenge – to extinguish the Pillars' light and rob the world of hope. To stop him, the Pillars and I must make a grave sacrifice.
But we shall leave behind an important knowledge of powerful sacred relics. Hopefully, one day it will be a great force to stand against the darkness for all time. We must now face the fiend with the only plan we have..."
"...I only hope it will be enough." Sunburst read out loud on the Star Swirl the Bearded's Journal. He then turned and looked at the princesses at the throne chamber. He said in concern, "That's the last entry. And maybe Star Swirl's final words before he vanished."
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna looked shock and worry of what they just heard, along with other ponies. They couldn't believe of what they just heard. Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Lance, Shiroi, Spike, Nyx, Sunset, Flash and even Starlight were there as well. They also couldn't believe it either.
"I've always wondered what happened to Star Swirl." Princess Celestia said in relief and shock as she received the book from Sunburst. She then opened and looked at it, "This is quite a discovery, Sunburst."
Sunburst bowed humbly. Flash nudged his friend while commented, "Way to go, buddy. First, becoming the Crystaller for Flurry Heart and Advisor to Crystal Royalty. Then, you get your girl. And now, impressing the princess for finding the book."
Sunburst blushed, "It was nothing."
Twilight approached and asked excitedly and happily, "So it's genuine? You can verify that this journal really belonged to Star Swirl the Bearded?!"
"Indeed." Princess Luna nodded as she looked at the journal, "From the looks of it, the last thing he wrote before facing the Pony of Shadows."
"Hold on a second now." Applejack spoke up, "All those legendary ponies were real, too? And they went off with Star Swirl to face the Pony of Shadows, and then none of them were ever heard from again?"
Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "Even my father was involved of it..."
"And not to mention," Blazefist said firmly and sternly, "Dark Curse and Nezha were among them as well."
"Uh, yeah. Weren't you listening?" Pinkie asked in annoyance, "And they say that I don't pay attention to school."
Laxtinct nodded in agreement, "Ponies always said that funny ponies aren't the smart and brave ones. As if! Not always!"
"It appears so." Princess Celestia confirmed calmly, nevertheless.
Saber nodded, "So hard to believe that the Grand General of Ultimate Warriors and Dark Lord of Dark Mystic Ponies worked together with the Pillars of Old Equestria."
"Yeah. But I have the feeling that something changed them," Aqua said suspiciously, "We know the Humans hurt and experimented him changed and twisted him into raging Ultimate Warrior. But for Dark Curse, it's another story."
"I don't think I want to know," Rarity said in concern.
Princess Luna hummed thoughtfully, "We never met the other Pillars, and we were too young to understand the danger they faced."
"But what happened to them all?" Fluttershy said in concern.
"They must have defeated the villain, since Equestria is still full of light and hope." Rarity said proudly and amusingly.
"But how? And where did they go?" Starlight asked in concern.
Rainbow nodded, "Yeah! That's gotta be something happen to them!"
Princess Celestia hummed in concern as she read the book, "My Olde Ponish is a bit rusty, but I wonder if the answers can be found somewhere within the pages of this book."
"But you got history and story about it, right?" Sunset asked curiously.
Flash shook his head, "Nope. No one knows, Sunset. Most of us think that the Pillars are legendary heroes."
"Flash's right, Sunset," Princess Luna said calmly, "No souls were there to witness the great battle between the Pillars and Pony of Shadow. Historical records are incomplete."
"Well. That's just great." Rainbow said in annoyance.
Twilight scoffed, "Well, I just happen to be an expert in Olde Ponish. I mean, I've practically memorized every ancient text about Star Swirl there is!"
Lance, Shori and Spike groaned while Nyx squealed happily, "Seriously. All of them."
"I believe there's more to this story than meets the eye," Shorty said firmly.
Terrorcreep nodded, "One way or another, we will find out of what's really going out soon enough."
"We have fond memories of our old teacher." Princess Luna said happily, making her older sister nodded in agreement. She levitated and passed the book to Twilight, "If you could discover what happened to him, we would be most grateful."
"Solving a thousands-year-old mystery could take forever!" Sunburst said happily and wildly, "Think of the research! The re-reading! The re-re-reading!"
Flash groaned, "There he goes again. He's gone crazy over the books again."
"Well, he can't be worse than Shorty," Tailtech joked.
Icy giggled, "Think about how mad he can be when it comes to big research, theory and experiment for science."
Princess Celestia giggled, "You might find you need help."
"Luckily, she's got a whole bushel o' helpers right here." Applejack said happily.
"Totally!" Rainbow exclaimed happily, "Uh... how long will all this research take, exactly?"
Shadow Dragon nodded, "I'm not really good with linguistic. Trust me, I'm terrible at Olde Ponish."
"So does all of us else, Shadow," Terrorcreep said calmly, "To Mystic Ponies, Olde Ponies considered to be least important language because we have evolved more to advanced and modernized."
Saber nodded, "He does have the point."
"Let's get this back to my library." Twilight said confidently, "I'm sure we'll figure out what happened in no time."
Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement. Both Shiroi and Nyx looked at each other as they knew that there is a better way than researching.
"You know there is another way," Nyx said calmly. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "Instead of doing research on history and book, why not ask one of the Pillars now?"
"You do realize that the Pillars went missing, right?" Spike reminded.
"Yeah." Shiroi nodded in understanding before smirked amusingly, "But there are some still alive and here. They must have known about it."
Lance hummed thoughtfully before gasped, "Of course! Why didn't we think about it?!"
"Meaning?" Sunburst asked in uncertain.
"Seriously?!" Shiroi and Nyx asked in annoyance. Everyone looked confuse and uncertain. They sighed, "Mystic Ponies from the Pillars!"
Everyone gasped and awed in realization, "Oh! Right..."
"I can't believe we forgot about them," Twilight said amusingly before slapped her forehead. She smiled, "If we're gonna find out about what happen to the Pillars, we need the remaining member to help us. The Mystic Ponies."
"Well. Asking Blackwitch, Nezha and Dark Curse out because they and us aren't quite friends. Master Kung Fu is missing." Shadow Dragon said firmly, "Only my father can help us."
Using the Mystic Portal, Twilight and her friends went and entered Tao's Antique Shop, hoping that he possessed the answers about what has happened to the Pillars of Old Equestria. They have found Tao, Mighty Heart, Dragon Kick and Jade were talking about the new ancient statue of warrior from the past.
"Father," Shadow Dragon called.
His family turned and greeted Shadow Dragon for coming back to the shop. Tao smiled, "So, what brings you back to our home? I have the feeling that you didn't come here without the reason."
"Yeah. We do need your help," Shadow Dragon said calmly.
Tao scoffed a bit, "Of course, you do. Why go after the most noble and calm wise pony in Mystic Realm?"
"Noble and calm?" Jade asked amusingly before snickered, "Not in vocabulary for him."
Mighty nodded playfully, "Yeah. He still is when he's not moody and impatient."
Dragon Kick gave the glare to both Mighty and Jade, who then whistled and looked away while pretending that they didn't do anything.
Twilight sighed as she shown Star Swirl's Journal, "We need your help about this."
Tao looked shock and worry of what he just read, "Where did you get it from?"
"I sort of found it from the blind buy barrel," Sunburst explained. Tao looked away while holding and looking at the journal. He continued, "And so, we read the journal. About him, you and the rest of Pillars becoming the heroes of Old Equestria and Mystic Realm. And not to mention, you all fought and faced off the Pony of Shadows!"
Tao remained silent for the moment. Everyone looked confuse and uncertain about him. Dragon Kick looked worry as if he knew something is bothering his uncle.
Dragon Kick asked, "You all read the journal?"
"Yes. We did. We were hoping that you know what has happen to that day when you all face the Pony of Shadows," Twilight said calmly, "You do know about it, right?"
Tao turned and looked at his son and friends. He shown disheartened and angry like something bad has happen to him. And at the same time, he was holding the grip on the journal by magic. Everyone looked uneasy and scared about him.
"What's wrong with him?" Shadow Dragon asked.
Dragon Kick sighed, "You might not like this one especially the book you've found."
"Grandpa Tao?" Nyx asked in concern.
Lance asked, "What's wrong?"
"Everything that this stupid book has said is a damn lie!" Tao snapped in anger as he thrown and slammed the journal to the ground hard. Everyone yelped in shock and worry. He screamed, "Star Swirl is a damn fool and liar!"
"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in shock and concern.
"What are you saying, father? What happen?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
"The Pony of Shadows never betrayed him. They betrayed him!" Tao snapped in fury and anger. Everyone was in shock and confuse. He continued, "It was those fools, who created and turned him into a monster! They're the traitors, not him!"
"It can't be... How?" Twilight asked in concern, "It doesn't make any sense."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "Father, can you tell us of what really happen from that day?"
Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement as they wanted to know what really happen to the Pillars and the Pony of Shadows. Dragon Kick remained firm and silent as he already knows what happen. What turned them to fight against each other?"
"You want to know what happen?" Tao asked dryly. Everyone nodded. He sighed, "Very well. I shall answer it."
Flashback:
"Before he became Pony of Shadows, he has a name - Stygian. I've known him very well," Tao's voice narrated, "It happens when his home was invaded by the Dazzlings..."
"The Dazzling?!" Everyone's voices asked in surprise.
"The Sirens?!" Nyx's voice asked in fear.
"Those meanie girls that attack C.H.S.?" Spike's voice asked in concern.
Thousand years ago, Stygian packed up his stuffs and was about to leave his home. As he was climbing up the hill, he spotted and found the Dazzlings, in their Sirens' Form, were singing calmly and gently yet darkly. Their singing voices have hypnotized the ponies to argue and fight with each other.
This scared and worried Stygian to run off and travel across the Equestria and Mystic Realm, hoping to find some heroes for saving his home.
Tao's voice sighed, "Yes, it's them, Spike. Let me continue the story before I hit your head for disrespecting and interrupting my narrating!" He cleared his throat, "As his home was invaded, Stygian traveled across the Equestria and Mystic Realms, in search of both brave and wise ponies to help him fend off the monsters including me."
Stygian encountered and met the heroes - Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrook, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, Mistmane, Star Swirl the Bearded, Blackwitch, Master Kung Fu, Dark Curse and Nezha. They headed straight to the Mystic Portal, which led them straight to Hikari Capital City, Sacred Light Land. They arrived at the antique ancient building. They knocked the door.
Hearing his home's door knocked, young adult Tao approached and opened it. He found Stygian and his friends stood before him. They bowed before him. He explained his reason of seeking and recruiting him to be part of Pillars of Old Equestria.
Tao, initially, wanted to decline but saw worried and scared Stygian is. He changed his mind as he shook his newly friend's hoof, making Stygian and others smiled happily to hear the news.
"They told me what has been happening. At first, I wanted to decline that offer because I wanted to have simple life and not be bothered. But Stygian... He has shown his sincerity, concerns and sadness about his home. And so I agreed to join the band. And so together, we went and face off the monsters."
Stygian led the Pillars of Old Equestria and Mystic Realm to his home, where they all charged and battled against the Dazzlings. Stygian remained behind to help and guide them of how they deal with the sea monsters.
Meadowbrook, Mistmane and Blackwicth protected and saved the citizens. Rockhoof and Master Kung Fu covered and escorted them to safety while knocking some debris and blockades. Flash Magnus and Somnambula distracted and annoyed the Dazzlings to go angry and attacked them, giving Tao, Nezha and Dark Curse to attack them via their spells and strengths. They have worn and exhaust the sea monsters as much as they can do. Star Swirl quickly summoned and activated the portal for the Dazzlings to enter it. The portal closed down.
Ponies cheered wildly and happily for the Pillars of Equestria and Mystic Realm for saving their home from the monsters. While Stygian looked upset and disappointed that no one considered him a hero, Tao held his newly friend's hoof up high and cheered happily. Some ponies gave halfheartedly cheer to him. He smiled a bit that Tao support and considered him a hero and friend.
"Yes, everypony. He maybe the scholar but he is the one who has brought them together as one to face off our enemies. In fact, he was the true leader and a hero, not Star Swirl. If not for him, we won't able to defeat the Dazzlings and save the world. So, we worked together to protect our world and defeat the monsters."
Months have passed since the Pillars have defeated the Dazllings, ponies across Equestria and Mystic Realm cheered and applauded wildly and happily to the heroes. Stygian was left out. He told Tao about his plan, which shocked and concerned the Mystic Pony to protest and disagreed with him. Stygian bowed and pleaded him to let him go with the plans.
Tao reluctant to let him to do so, and giving him the Elemental Spell Cards. Stygian hugged his best friend, making the Mystic Pony to hug him back. They departed. Stygian headed off at once to tell his friends that he wanted to borrow their artifacts and copied their powers for making his own. Tao sighed as he prayed that everything is alright.
"As time goes on, ponies recognized and cheered for us for being heroes while they treated Stygian as nopony. He was alone, and wanted to be part of the Pillars. So, he told me secretly that he wanted to copy all of the artifacts and make his own to join the group. I told him that being hero comes from within, and the artifacts. He refused to listen to me and begged me to let him do this. So, I reluctantly allowed him to do so, and told him to tell others."
Tao was summoned to the Castle of Two Sisters, where he learnt from his colleagues that Stygian was banished due to him 'stealing' their artifacts for his agenda. He got into the argument with them and even Star Swirl about their mistakes. They refused to listen to him. He was furious and angry as he decided to leave the group, followed by his Mystic Colleagues, who have other concerns to deal with.
"However, terrible things happened. I have found out that the Pillars have banished Stygian for stealing the artifacts for his own agenda. It makes me furious and angry to start the argument with them especially that ignorant Star Swirl about our friend's true reason. They did not heed my advice and saying that I'm too close to him and let my relationship with him blinded me! I was so furious that I decide to leave the group for their ignorance and selfish action from turning their backs on him."
Few days have passed, Tao was meditated calmly and peacefully until he received the report involving Stygian turned into Pony of Shadows and attacked the Pillars for his revenge. They even asked him for help. Angered by their selfish and ignorance, he turned down and refused to aid them.
"As I have feared, something terrible has happen to Stygian again. I was informed that he has accepted the Great Evil's gift and become the Pony of Shadows. He is now coming for the revenge on his own friends. The Pillars tried to call my help, but I refused since it was their mess and let them to clean it. Dark Curse, Nezha and Blackwitch refused because of their responsibilities. Master Kung Fu was the only pony to help them."
Few days have passed, he received the report that both the Pillars and Pony of Shadows have disappeared from sights. This has made him worry and guilty. He feared that they could have been dead, all because of him. He should have been there and stop it, then none of this could have happen. He has failed them...
"But the next thing I know, they disappeared from their last stand. I'd never heard and seen them for next two thousand years. They're gone now..."
Flashback Ends
Tao sighed as he looked down in shame and sadness. Everyone sans Dragon Kick was in shock of what they just heard. They also couldn't believe that the Pillars have turned their ears to deaf from Stygian's reasons and banished him at once, and not even Tao could convince them about it. All of them were upset and angry about it.
"I can't believe them," Rainbow said angrily, "How could they turn their backs on him?!"
Pinkie nodded, "And not to mention, he called Stygian a 'thief'! The nerve!"
"Agreed. To think that our beloved legendary heroes have turned out to be jerks," Rarity said angrily, "If it weren't for Stygian, they wouldn't become the team in the first place!"
"Yeah! They don't deserve to be heroes!" Laxtinct exclaimed in anger.
"Something doesn't add up..." Saber said suspiciously, "Why would Star Swirl and the Pillars think that Stygian stole and claimed the artifacts' powers for his own?"
"You're not thinking Mr. Tao's a liar?!" Icy asked in shock.
Tailtech shook his head on protest, "Yeah! He's an honest and wise pony. He would never lied!"
"No, he doesn't..." Shorty said suspiciously, "Something did happen to cause the Pillars turn on him. But what and why?"
"So, you have no idea of what has happen to them?" Twilight asked Tao.
Tao shook his head, "I'm afraid not. I wasn't with them during the Last Stand."
"So, we came here all for nothing?" Applejack asked in shock and upset.
"But we did learn the truth, right?" Fluttershy reminded her friends.
Sunburst nodded as he wrote down on his scroll, "Agreed! Now the history knows what really happens especially how the Pony of Shadows was created."
Flash sighed, "Not to mention that the Legendary Heroes are actually big jerks for making a big mess in the first place. If they hadn't, then Stygian wouldn't have turned into Pony of Shadows."
"Still, why didn't you tell anyone about this?" Starlight asked in concern.
Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Ponies would have prevented that catastrophe especially turning Stygian into a giant monster."
"Uncle did. But ponies considered Star Swirl more respectable, experienced and wise pony than anyone else," Dragon Kick said in concern, "So, they chose his story than uncle's."
"I don't believe it. How could they be stupid?!" Lance exclaimed in anger.
Jade and Nyx nodded, "Yeah! It's not fair!"
Mighty huffed in anger, "Sensei is the wisest and noblest pony I ever known! He deserve more respect and treatment, and so does Stygian."
"Forget it. That is in the past. You can't change it. Even if you wanted to do so, those ponies will ignore you and consider you're mad ponies," Tao said dryly and annoyingly, "Either way, Stygian was destined to become a monster for the Pillars to fight. And now, they're gone."
"But where?" Aqua said in concern.
Blazefist nodded, "You must have known somewhere they have gone to have their final battle."
Tao shook his head, "I don't."
Spike cleared his throat as he held Star Swirl's Journal, "Try reading his book? It might help us where we could find that place."
Lance sighed, "Research again."
"Don't try," Tao said annoyingly. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "Trust me. His hornwriting is extremely terrible and very hard to read too! You'll never find anything from it. All it ever did is giving you more headaches."
"You're kidding?" Terrorcreep asked in annoyance.
Dragon Kick nodded and groaned, "I tried. It got my head exploded and complained that Olde Ponish are to be best forgotten and not worth to read."
"Me too," Mighty agreed, "I'm terrible to linguistic and Olde Ponish. They're too hard for me to read and understand."
Twilight groaned as she slapped the book right at Shiroi to grab. She sighed, "GREAT! How on Equestria are we gonna find and learn of what happen to the Pillars and Stygian?!"
"Calm down, Twilight. We'll figure this out," Shadow Dragon said calmly as he patted Twilight's back, "We always do."
"He's right. But where do we start?" Flash asked.
"Star Swirl's Study Room would be perfect to start with," Sunburst suggested.
Twilight sighed, "It's better than nothing. Let's get back to research."
Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement with Twilight. And just before they could move out, they heard someone muttered in Olde Ponish language. They turned and looked at Shiroi, who is reading Star Swirl's Journal.
"Hearg sylfum se Ponhenge Toward dol grimlic of Fola Firgenbeorg User endemest scield," Shiroi read the sentence out loud. Everyone looked at her oddly and surprisingly. She shrugged, "I have no idea what it is said. Looks sloppy."
"Temple of Ponhenge at the base of Foal Mountain..." Twilight, Tao and Sunbust said in shock and surprise. They then gasped, "Our last stand!"
"Wow! You can read that old language?!" Lance asked in surprise.
"Demon Magic," Shiroi explained, "It helped me to read any languages, though the hornwriting's pretty sloppy. Mr. Tao's right. Star Swirl's hornwriting is terrible."
"Either way, looks like we found the clue," Shadow Dragon said firmly.
Tao nodded, "Indeed. Let's go to the Ponhenge and find out of what happen to Stygian. I go packed up my stuffs."
Everyone sans Dragon Kick looked surprise and shocked of what they just heard. Pinkie asked, "Did he just-?"
Say 'What happen to Stygian', and not his buddies?" Laxtinct asked in shock and surprise, "He's more worried about Stygian than the rest?"
"Well, he blamed them, didn't he?" Blazefist pointed out.
"Actually, Tao is worried about Stygian because he liked him a lot than being friends." Dragon Kick remarked amusingly, "And also, he's gay."
"Gay..." Everyone said while nodded in understanding. They yelped, "GAY?! MR. TAO IS GAY?!"
Jade groaned, "Well, that explains why Grandpa Andrew said that Tao never married with ladies. I thought he wasn't unpopular with them or maybe he was too shy to do so. But I didn't expect this."
Mighty nodded in shock, "Me too. Just glad he didn't make a move on me. But I'm glad that he and I are Sensei and Apprentice."
"Did you know?" Twilight asked in shock.
Shadow Dragon shook his head, "No! I just found out! I'm shock as you are!"
Using the Mystic Portal, Mane Six and their allies appeared and arrived at the Foal Mountain. They then entered the ruins of Ponhenge. They all were in shock and surprised by the ancient ruins.
"This is it. Ponhenge." Dragon Kick commented, "I've always wanted to come here, but never get the chance until today. I can't believe it."
"There could be some clues here. Split up," Tao said firmly. Everyone looked at him oddly. He groaned, "Can you stop bothering and worrying about my relationship with Stygian?! It's very rude and annoying especially when it involved me being a gay!"
"Sorry!" Everyone apologized in concern.
The ponies split up on different angles of Ponhenge. They checked and investigated carefully, finding some clues of what has happened to both Pillars and Pony of Shadows. Sunburst looked at the giant stone with strange symbols.
"I've never seen magical runes like these before! Have you?" Sunburst asked excitedly.
"I don't think anypony's seen any of this, Sunburst," Dragon Kick said happily while dusting off from the rock, "After all, nopony remember or bother to come here. Not even me."
Flash hissed as he was on midair while looking at the Ponhenge, "It'd take a whole team of ponies to clear away all this brush."
"Even then, I'm not sure we'd find out what happened here over a thousand years ago." Fluttershy said in concern as she looked at the stone's structure.
Twilight halted to the giant well-like stone. She gave some thoughts of what her friends' opinion. She sighed, "You're right. I suppose it was a long shot."
"No! There must be somewhere here! There must be clues about what happen to them!" Tao exclaimed in fury, "I must know!"
"Father, calm down! Being angry isn't gonna help us anything," Shadow Dragon said calmly. Tao glared at him. He continued, "We will find out of what happen. But we need some time to figure this out."
"Well, it's not like the mystery would just magically be explained." Twilight commented as she put Star Swirl's journal on the first stone.
Suddenly, the journal's symbol glowed brightly in blue. It then flipped the pages and formed the transparent appearance of Star Swirl the Bearded. Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw.
"Star Swirl!?" Twilight asked in surprise, "I... I've wanted to meet you my whole life! I can't believe you're here!"
Star Swirl remained silent yet firm and calm. Shadow Dragon hummed in concern as he waved his hoof at him before touching him. He hummed, "I don't think he is here." He then looked at the back. He gasped, "I don't think any of them are."
Everyone looked around as they found the Ponhenge's six empty stones are taken over by Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Meadowbrook, Somnambula and Master Kung Fu. They couldn't believe in their own eyes of what they just saw. Star Swirl fired his white magic beam on the stoned well, causing it shaken and quaked wildly. The blackish goo emerged out from the well. It transformed and formed the Pony of Shadows.
His appearance shock and scared the group off. Nyx, Jade and Spike screamed in fear as they hid behind Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Dragon Kick. Most of them and even Laxtinct shivered and quivered in fear while other Dragon Strike Force remained firm and brave.
"Stygian..." Tao said in shock and concern.
Pony of Shadows laughed evilly and darkly, "You summon me at your peril, Star Swirl! Once I defeat all of you, this realm will embrace the darkness as I did so long ago!"
He spread his wings out while giving a loud roar. The Pony of Shadows sprouted out the blackish vines in webbing and trapping all seven Pillars. And at the same time, his vines are also weakening and draining their energies and powers. He even drained out most of the bright lights while blackout the sky into darkness.
Pony of Shadows once again laughed, "Drawing me here will only make me stronger. You will never defeat me!"
Star Swirl grunted in pain, "We did not come here to defeat you."
"In fact..."
Master Kung Fu grunted firmly, "We're here to make sure that you will never threaten our worlds and friends again!"
Stars Swirl grunted as he fired his Unicorn Burst in destroying the vines. He levitated his journal in midair, giving and creating more powerful light beam within. It hits on Master Kung Fu's Battle Gloves, followed by Mistmane's Flower, and then hitting on Flash Magnu's shield, and next beaming on Rockhoof's Shovel, Meadowbrook's Mask and Somnambula's blindfold before returning the beam back to him. It created the star shape of heptagon, which also trapped Pony of Shadows within.
Pony of Shadow hissed in anger, "What is the meaning of this?! What are you doing?!"
"We came... to contain you."
Star Swirl said firmly, "Together!"
The Pillars gave the loud battle cry as their artifacts glowed brightly. All of them including the imprisoned Pony of Shadows are being lifted up in midair. A powerful light within them sparkled and blackout the world. As soon as the light dispersed, the Pillars and Pony of Shadow disappeared from sights, leaving the artifacts to drop on the ground. But they all disappeared from sights.
Everyone was still in shock and surprise of what they just saw.
"Well, you did ask for a magical explanation." Pinkie joked playfully.
"Uh... what just happened?" Rainbow asked in shock.
"I... I have no idea..." Shorty admitted in concern. He turned and looked at the journal, "But I do know that Star Swirl's Journal must have recorded the whole event of this area."
Starlight nodded, "It looked like Star Swirl cast a spell that banished the Pony of Shadows."
"Of course! Powerful magic like that would leave an impression on this place." Sunburst said thoughtfully, "Shorty's right. Bringing the book back here let us see what happened."
"Still, what happen to the Pillars?" Flash asked.
"Did they died?" Sunset asked in concern, "I remember that some spells require life and sacrifice to complete it."
"That is true." Twilight said in concern as she held the book, "Star Swirl and the rest of the Pillars sacrificed themselves to save Equestria."
"No. They're not..." Tao said firmly. Everyone looked at him. He approached to the well while continued his explanation, "They're not dead, Twilight. I know that spell well. They used the powerful spell to send Stygian to limbo."
"The what now?!" Laxtinct, Tailtech, Icy, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Jade and Spike asked in confusion.
"A limbo," Mighty explained calmly, "A realm between the Living and Dead Realms with its time and space remained still for neither going forward or backward. So, they're not dead but trapped within that realm for eternity. They used their magic to open a portal between worlds – to limbo – and pulled the Pony of Shadows inside. It's that what you theorized?"
Tao nodded firmly, "Indeed, it is, Mighty. Star Swirl thought the only way to trap Stygian in limbo was for the Pillars to take him there."
Twilight gasped, "That is so pure genius!" Tao groaned as he whacked her head. She yelped while rubbed her head gently while realizing of why he was angry. She cleared her throat, "Sorry. At least, they didn't kill Stygian?"
"Either way, we know that the Pillars and Stygian aren't dead. They're just trapped," Dragon Kick said calmly.
"Poor them..." Fluttershy said in concern.
"Seriously?" Terrorcreep asked in annoyance, "Why do you pity them since they started the mess?"
Blazefist sighed, "Either way, we still need to get them out, and find a way to restore Stygian."
"I believed that I have a specific spell to bring them back home. And of course, I can use the purification spell on Stygian too," Tao said calmly and firmly. Everyone looked at him. He continued before scoffed, "And you think Star Swirl was the only unicorn to be genius? Please. He's never be the best as I am."
"That's insulting, but awesome and intriguing idea!" Twilight exclaimed happily, "We might have the chance to reform Stygian!"
"Are you serious? You can save the most legendary ponies of all time?" Sunburst asked happily.
"No offense, Mr. Tao. Are you sure you want to do this?" Starlight asked in concern, "I know you and Stygian shared deep bond, but can you really purify him?"
Sunset nodded, "She has the point. Do you think we can save him?"
"Starlight, Sunset, I have faced many dangers and demons in my life. Removing the demon's possessions of hostage is child's play," Tao said confidently and amusingly, "Better than Star Swirl."
"That's kinda a bit of overconfident for you, father," Shadow Dragon said in concern. Tao whacked his son's head. He yelped, "OW! What did I say?!"
Tao sighed, "Either way, I need some specific ingredients to prepare the spell. But I also required the most important artifact for my spell. And I also required your assistance too, Twilight."
"Me?" Twilight asked in surprise.
Tao nodded, "Yes, Twilight. I need you. You have written Star Swirl's spell to fix his mess. You can do again. But first, we must do research!"
Twilight squealed happily, "I love it!"
Starlight sighed before smiled, "Well, I learned that lesson before. Never underestimate the Mystic Pony's magic. If what you said is true, Mr. Tao, then we'd better start finding a way to get them back. So, we can clear the misunderstanding."
"I agreed." Twilight nodded, "Plus, Equestria would be safer with the Pillars in it."
Shadow Dragon shook his head, "Doubtful. It's you and your friends are enough to defend the Equestria."
"I know. But I prefer to have more friends and allies to help us out and save our worlds together." Twilight said calmly before giving thoughts, "If I'm right, we need to find items that are connected to the Pillars in some way."
"You mean, like, stuff that belonged to them?" Rainbow asked.
"How would we know what to look for? Or where?" Fluttershy asked curiously.
Twilight hummed thoughtfully before looked at the book, "I believe this book can help us. Star Swirl took a lot of notes."
"And maybe Cutie Map can help us too," Shadow Dragon added. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "Well, the Destiny Tablet worked well with the Cutie Map to find the Elemental Elements, so why not with the book?"
"You do have the point," Tao agreed, "We'd better get back home now."
Tao summoned the Mystic Portal for him and his friends to enter. They're all headed back to the Castle of Friendship's council chamber.
Mystic Portal appeared at the Council Chamber. It opened and allowed Twilight and her friends to enter it. All of them approached to the Cutie Map. Twilight opened the book. Before she could read, she turned and looked at her friends. They all nodded firmly and calmly.
Twilight read the book out, "My compatriots are as varied as the realm itself and hail from every corner of our land, bringing with them artifacts and talismans of great power."
Suddenly, something glowed in pure gold. Everyone looked up and found six ancient artifacts that belonged to the Pillars. The artifacts flown down and landed on six locations. Rockhoof's Shovel is at the Mighty Helm's Island. Flash Magnus's Shield is on the Dragon Land. Mistmane's Flower is at Dragoon Republic Nation's Garden. Meadowbrook's Mask was located at the Bayou Swamp. Somnambula's blindfold can be found at Somnambula Village's Pyramid. Master Kung Fu's Battle Gloves was at Tao's Antique Shop.
"Guess that answer the questions." Shadow Dragon said amusingly, "Though I'm surprised that Master Kung Fu's Battle Gloves is at my family's home."
Tao shrugged, "Well, it's for keepsakes and reminder of my adventure and journey."
"I guess we don't need to figure out who should get what." Twilight said calmly. She turned to Tao, "We'd better do some research on both undo spell and purification spell."
Tao nodded, "Agreed. Let's get started. Time is wasting."
Applejack, Saber, Dragon Kick and Jade headed off to Rockhoof's ancient home of Mighty Helm. But they're not alone. More archaeologists including Han Zero were digging out the ground while searching and looking for some artifacts. They then turned and overheard the conversation from Petunia Paleo and Professor Fossil.
Petunia Paleo show the dirty Mighty Helm's helmet to the professor, "Professor! It's a Mighty Helm headpiece! Maybe it belonged to Rockhoof himself!"
Professor Fossil scoffed a bit, "Legends don't wear helmets. This belonged to a real pony."
"Oh, I can guarantee Rockhoof was as real as you and me." Applejack remarked proudly.
Professor Fossil chuckled amusingly, "And I suppose that ravine was dug with his trusty shovel to save the village from an erupting volcano. I love old legends as much as anypony. But this story is... preposterous."
"And you think Mystic Ponies aren't real?" Saber asked amusingly.
Professor Fossil was about to argue but stopped and nodded a bit. Dragon Kick smiled, "Trust me, professor. Mystic Ponies have been around for more than thousand years because they don't aged, and they're immortals. Rockhoof is real. He and my uncle were once friend. And I believed you know him as Mystic Tao, Mystic Councilpony of Light?"
"Oh my..." Professor Fossil said in surprised. She cleared her throat, "This is interesting. Tell me more about your uncle and Rockhoof. After all, hearing stories from Mystic Ponies, who lived for more than thousand years, could be prove to be useful information."
Petunia Paleo gasped, "Hey, I know you. You're Apple Bloom's sister!"
Applejack nodded a bit, "She told you about me?"
"Well yeah! I heard she and you went to an island that had a bunch of dinosaurs on it!" Petunia Paleo said before squealed happily, "So exciting! I wish I was there!"
Jade nodded, "Yeah. It sounds exciting too."
"Actually, they're called Ancient Beasts." Applejack corrected, "But trust me, you don't wanna go there."
Saber cleared his throat, "We should focus on finding the artifacts now."
"Hey! I found something over here!" Han's voice called. Everyone turned to him. He pointed them to the large boulder blocking a large gate-like. He then dug some rocks out, "Whatever it's inside, I can't wait to check it out."
As Han continued hammering and digging some rocks out, Saber noticed the large boulder shaking wildly. He gasped, "Look out!"
Han looked confuse before looked up and found the large boulder is about to come out. He yelped and moved aside. The large boulder rolled towards the group. Luckily, Applejack and Dragon Kick held it back, with the help of strong hind legs. Saber unleashed a powerful Wind Storm in blowing it away and over the to hill hard.
"I can't believe you just did that. Y-You saved us!" Professor Fossil said in surprise.
Saber smiled charmingly, "So, you believed that Rockhoof is real?"
Professor Fossil gulped, "Maybe..."
"Hey, guys! Check this out!" Jade called.
Jade entered the chamber, followed by her friends. They all stood before an ancient altar that has the portrait of Rockhoof, and the old shovel. They all awed in surprise of what they just saw. Applejack approached and held the shovel up. It then glowed in bright light.
"Looks like we found his shovel," Saber remarked.
Professor Fossil hummed, "I suppose some stories might be true. And Rockhoof's appears to be one of them."
Rarity, Shorty and Tailtech headed off to Republic Dragoon Nation. Thanks to Saber's royal seal, they're able to enter the kingdom. They told both Virtue Dragon and Skysoar Intellect about their purpose of visiting their home. They both knew what they were talking about. They led and guided them to the garden on the western part of Dragoon City.
Skysoar opened the door via his levitation spell. Rarity, Shorty and Tailtech enter it and then bowed humbly before the Prime Minister of Dragoon Republic Nation, who returned the bow to them. He then left the house. The unicorn trio marched and walked through the jungle of messy and dirty bushes and tress as they were searching for Mistmane's flower.
Upon reaching to the end of hallway, they have arrived at the open and cleared space. It was where they have found the most beautiful flower within the pot. And just before they could reach it, a plant shovel appeared and whacked their hooves hard. They yelped in pain. They then followed the shovel, which led and returned to the old mare named Lotus Petal.
"You keep those hooves to yourself, dearie!" Lotus Petal scolded firmly while climbing down the stairs and approached to the unicorns, "This place has been in my family for generations, and I'm not about to let some whippersnapper take the last good piece of it! Time was, ponies came from far and wide to see these gardens. But that flower's the only worthwhile thing left!"
Three unicorns can't help but feel pity for the old mare and her garden. They gave some thoughts of what they can do to help her. Knowing the idea, they looked at each other while smiling and nodding happily.
Using his Element of Wood, Shorty has his hooves glowed in orange colors and slammed them on the ground. He used both 'Regeneration' and 'Heal' powers to restored the plants, trees and bushes to the original state. And at the same time, both Rarity and Tailtech swept the dirty and broken leaves and twigs out. And at the same time, they creatively cut the bushes into various ponies and animals-like statues. That took them for a short time.
The messy and dirty scenery turned into most beautiful and unique garden. Lotus Petal was shocked and surprised by her garden's new appearance.
"Perhaps it just seemed like your gardens were worthless." Rarity commented, "But a little pruning can work wonders. Of course you will have to look after more than just one flower now."
Tailtech nodded, "And it wouldn't kill you to call for gardener to help you out."
"So, your garden is cleared from weeds, mud and dirt. But make sure that you need to water them and also get rid of some weeds. That should be simple," Shorty commented while dusted off dirt. He continued, "So, will this be enough than one flower?"
Lotus Petal was in shock yet relieved and happy as she spoke tearfully, "You've given me back my family's legacy." She sighed as she levitated and passed Mistmane's flower pot to Rarity, "The flower you wanted seems like a fair trade for that."
Rarity smiled as she held the flower pot. It then glowed in golden. Tailtech and Shorty were surprised by the sudden glowing.
"Guess this is it," Tailtech commented.
Shorty nodded, Definitely, it is."
Rainbow, Aqua and Blazefist flew and entered the Dragon Land, with the help of Spike and General Echo Five. Spike was riding Rainbow's back. The Dragon General led and guided them through Dragon Land as he has to make sure that they don't get lost or get into trouble with dragons.
"I can't believe Flash Magnus' shield ended up in the Dragon Lands." Rainbow commented. She noticed Echo Five growled at her. She laughed uneasily, "No offense."
"Well. It's not our choice to have your artifact here, Rainbow Dash..." Echo Five said dryly, "You should be lucky that I'm the only dragon that can help you navigate our customs."
"Don't forget about me. After all, I am the official Equestrian friendship ambassador to the dragons and changelings," Spike commented. He gasped as he pointed at the gorge's lava, "Check this out! Our favorite sport – gorge surfing!"
The ponies and even Echo Five turned and looked at the lava fall. They found some dragons were surfing on the large stoned surfboard across the lava river and fall. The ponies and Echo Five landed on the ground from behind.
"Okay. That was awesome." Rainbow exclaimed happily.
The dragons yelped in surprise. They turned to their back and found ponies stood before them. They all shown annoyed faces to have ponies at their homeland.
"Dragon Lord Ember commanded us to make peace with ponies, but it doesn't mean you can surf in our spot." Billy the Orange Dragon commented dryly. Echo Five cleared his throat. He yelped as he saluted firmly to him, "General Echo Five! Officer on deck!"
The dragons quickly saluted at once. Echo Five sighed, "At ease." The dragons put their claws down. He continued, "Sorry to bother your fun. Official Equestrian friendship ambassador and his friends are here for some specific artifact. If you have seen it, then report to me at once."
"Are you serious?" Garble demanded as he entered the scene. The red dragon shown some minor bandages on his face, "Why should we do something favor for them?"
Some dragons and even Spike snickered amusingly at Garble's injuries. Echo Five scoffed, "For starters, you wouldn't want to end up like this for secretly working with Drago to destroy the alliance."
Garble groaned as he shown and spin around the familiar shield on his tip of finger, "Whatever. Stupid Dragon Lord Ember's boyfriend!"
Spike groaned, "I'm not her boyfriend! I'm her friend!"
"That's Garble?" Blazefist asked curiously. Spike nodded a bit. He scoffed, "He doesn't look tough. My wife can kick his ass for the seconds."
Rainbow gasped, "Hey! That's an ancient pony artifact!"
Rainbow was about to grab the shield, she was blocked and thrown back by Garble, "Hooves off my gorge board! I found it in the desert, and finders keepers."
"It isn't yours." Rainbow snapped in anger.
"Garble..." Echo Five snarled in anger while crossed his claws.
"Hey! It's mine! I found it first! I get to keep it! No one else especially the pony like her get it!" Garble snapped in annoyance. He then shown amusement looks with snicker, "But I might consider racing you for it."
Rainbow smirked, "No problem."
Aqua blocked Rainbow's way, "No. Let me handle this. I've been itching to race with the dragon."
Garble scoffed, "No! I'm choosing Spike to win the race. I want to see how you can handle it, without your girlfriend."
Spike gulped, "Oh no! And for the last time, Ember and I are friends!"
"What's the matter? Afraid to pick up a fight with pony like me?" Aqua asked amusingly.
Garble scoffed, "You? I doubt you'll win, old hag."
Suddenly her twitched in anger, Aqua demanded, "What did you call me?!"
"Aw man," Blazefist said in annoyance and has facepalmed.
"Good luck, Garble..." Rainbow said amusingly, "You're in for it now!"
And just before Garble could ask anything, Aqua charged and slammed him to the walls. She screamed in anger as she landed multiple Ice Punches and Hydro Cannon on his head, body and arms. The red dragon screamed in fear and pain while shouting for 'mercy'. Everyone especially dragons looked scared and worry of what they just saw.
After finishing punches, Aqua kicked very hard against Garble's guts, making the latter grunted and groaned in pain. He fell on the floor hard. She then picked up the shield while approaching to her friends. She thrown it to Rainbow. The shield glowed in gold. She turned and glared at the dragons.
"Any dragons wanna mess with me?!" Aqua demanded in anger. Dragon shivered and quivered in fear while shaking their heads. She huffed, "Next time, don't call me 'old hag'!"
"Don't mess with the tiger," Rainbow joked.
Blazefist whistled, "That's my wife. Sorry about Garble, General."
Echo Five sighed, "No worries. Garble always learned the hard way than easy. He'll recover. He's like a hard rock."
"True. Just make sure he stayed down for good," Spike joked as he and his friends turned and headed off at once.
Echo Five chuckled, "Will do, Dragon Lord Ember's Boyfriend."
Spike yelped, "I am not her boyfriend! She and I are just friend."
Blazefist laughed a bit, "Keep telling yourself, Spikey-Wikey."
"Yeah. You and her might be getting married," Aqua joked.
Rainbow snickered, "Spike and Ember sitting on the tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! The perfect dragon couples!"
Spike groaned, "Knock it off!"
Fluttershy, Terrorcreep and Icy arrived at the Bayou Swamp for getting the Meadowbrook's Mask. However, they have to help the shy pony with something important - moving the flash bees' hive.
Cattail used the Meadowbrook's Mask as distraction and disguise as queen to lure the flash bees away. And at the same time, both Terrorcreep and Icy helped by firing their Thunder Balls and Frozen Shards in deflecting the creatures' attacks. Fluttershy quickly moved the flash bee's hive to the highest tree's branch. Seeing Fluttershy succeeded her mission, they quickly hid behind the bushes. No sign of their enemies or queen, flash bees flew back to their hive.
The group returned and regrouped with Fluttershy, who led and guided Bayou Creatures into the swamp. Cattail passed the mask to her. Like other artifacts, it glowed in gold as well.
Terrorcreep groaned, "I don't know why you bothered to help these animals when we're here for the mask."
Icy giggled, "Terrorcreep, don't you know your own wife? She always worried about the animals, so she helped them out first."
"I know that," Terrorcreep said in annoyance, "But we have the mission."
Fluttershy giggled playfully, "I know. But you always have time and patient to help me out with the animals." She kissed Terrorcreep's left cheek, "That's why I loved you."
Terrorcreep blushed a bit before sighed, "Fine. I'll let this go. But let's head back now."
Laxtinct and Pinkie went to Somnambula Village. They both requested the villagers, Daring Do and Nicole to help them out. They used the diving suits as they entered greenish yet acid pool to find and get the blindfold. And at the same time, both Daring Do and Nicole were pressing down two vintage air blowers, giving them some air to breathe.
An hour has passed, the greenish pool suddenly drained down into the sink. And at the same time, both Pinkie and Laxtinct came out from it. Pinkie was holding the blindfold.
"This old blindfold was stuck in the drain." Pinkie demanded.
"Pinkie, that is the old blindfold we were looking for," Laxtinct said dryly.
Pinkie looked surprise before looked at the glowing blindfold, "Oh, yeah!"
After doing some research for both undoing Star Swirl's Spell and purification spell, Twilight and her group headed off to the Ponhenge. Shadow Dragon, Flash, Lance, Shiroi and Nyx brought Master Kung Fu's Battle Gloves with them as well.
Tao, Twilight, Mighty, Sunburst, Starlight and Sunset set up the cauldron as they began mixing and mashing some ingredients together into it, which consisted of chicken's feather, scorpion's poison sting, toxic potion, some green and blue potions, komodo dragon's sharp toe, spider's webs, flash bee's honey, strawberries and shinning diamonds. They're preparing the purification spell. Shadow Dragon placed the battle glove on Master Kung Fu's place. He and his friends patrolled and kept their eyes on anything. They're almost done.
"I can't believe I'm gonna meet Star Swirl the Bearded!" Twilight commented happily, "You know, outside of my dreams."
Tao scoffed, "I don't give damn about Star Swirl. I'm gonna free Stygian from his prison, once and for all."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Oh, Father..."
"I can't believe you're actually going through with it." Starlight said in concern, "I'm all for pushing the envelope, obviously, but this is pretty out there for you, Twilight and Mr. Tao." Tao glared at her. She gulped, "I know that you stand up for Stygian and care for him so much, but is this the right thing to do? I mean, 'the most legendary ponies of all time' knew what they were doing, and we shouldn't mess with it especially trying to purify and reform Stygian."
"Starlight's right. Are you sure you wanna go through it?" Sunset asked in concern, "I maybe not highly magical unicorn, but I know the risk when I see one."
"The chance to save Stygian worth the risk! I know I can save him from the evil shadowy beast!" Tao said firmly and angrily, "Star Swirl can go to hell for all I care for the mess he created! He knows what he's doing?! More like he knows how to screw things up! What a joke!"
Twilight sighed, "Mr. Tao, I understand you're still mad and frustrated at Star Swirl and the Pillars for their mistakes, but they just... It's just a mistake and misunderstanding. They could be misheard and misinterpret of Stygian's message or something."
"Yeah. That cost my friend's life, no thanks to him." Tao said firmly, "Even if the spell failed to bring him and others back, at least, I get Stygian back."
"Mr. Tao..." Twilight said in concern.
"That sounds like revenge, father," Shadow Dragon said in concern.
Tao scoffed, "Call what you want. I will bring him home. I will save him! I will reform him back to the way he was. No matter the cost."
"Let's hope so..." Blazefist said firmly. He and the rest of his friends have arrived. They also brought the artifacts with them as well. He continued, "We're here now."
Tao nodded firmly, "Good work, everyone. Let's do this! It's time to bring Stygian back!" He turned to Starlight and Sunset. He passed them Glimmering Ancient Staff and Blazing Sunset War Fan, "You will need them for battles."
Starlight and Sunset looked at each other with concern looks before nodded and grabbed their own weapons, "Alright."
"And the rest of Pillars too, Mr. Tao," Twilight reminded. Tao scoffed as he readied his purification spell cauldron. She sighed, "I'm starting to regret doing this."
"Now, you know it." Starlight said in annoyance, "Maybe you should stop it."
Twilight sighed, "Maybe. But Tao's right about one thing. We have to try reformed Stygian from the Pony of Shadows. After all, my friends and I have reformed most of villains including Shiroi and you. We also gave them the second chance."
"Make sense, I supposed. Everypony deserve the second chance. I just hope we're prepared for it," Starlight commented.
Sunset nodded, "Yeah. It might turn ugly..."
Twilight and her friends placed the rest of Pillars' artifacts to the positions. Tao, Twilight, Sunburst and Starlight charged up their magical horn before firing them at Star Swirl's Journal. It then hit the rest of artifacts. They formed the star shape of heptagon.
The artifacts slowly lifted up in midair as they clashed and combined together in creating a powerful sparkle of light. It then dispersed and revealed seven Pillars and giant top part of Ponhenge's rocks. The legendary heroes landed on the ground while giant boulders were about to crush them. Luckily, Mane Seven and Dragon Strike Force quickly moved and get them out in time.
"What... What has happened?" Star Swirl asked weakly. He looked up and found Tao stood before him, "Tao?" Tao struck a punch at the wizard's face, making him yelped in pain, "Ow! What the hell was that for?!"
"That's for betraying Stygian and turning him into a monster!" Tao snapped in anger.
Twilight cleared her throat, "You and the others have been trapped in limbo for over a thousand years, but I figured out how to get you ho—"
Starswirl gasped, "What?! What have you done?!"
"The right thing!" Tao said firmly. He turned and faced to the well. He took a deep breathe before released it, "Everyone to your position! Get ready!"
Spotting the dark clouds forming and even sensing pure evil in his skin, Shadow Dragon gasped as he quickly summoned the Darkness Blade, "The Pony of Shadows is coming! Get ready!"
The shadowy goo appeared on the well as it slowly began forming and transforming into large demon. Mane Eight, Dragon Strike Force, Tao and his family, Lance, Shiroi, Nyx and Spike were armed and readied for the fight. The Pillars struggled to stand up and readied to fight as well. They all looked at the creature's complete transformation.
Pony of Shadows stood before the ponies while laughing evilly, "Hello, everyone! I'm back!"
"This is it!" Tao said firmly, "Stygian! I'm coming for you! I will save you, old friend!"
Prepare for Final Episode...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer
Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer
Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry, Garble
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Princess Luna
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai/Kasai Songbird
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Josh Keaton: Blazefist
Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
Christy Carlson Romano: Aqaustroke
Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep
P.J. Bryce: Laxtinct
Kate Higgins: Tailtech
Cristina Vee: Icy
Minor Casts:
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia, Lotus Petal, Billy
Jackie Chan: Dragon Kick
Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure
Noah Nelson: Mighty Heart
Ian McKallen: Star Swirl the Bearded
Donnie Yen: Master Kung Fu
Bill Newton: Stygian/Pony of Shadows
Kelli Ogmundson: Professor Fossil, Petunia Paleo
Alessandro Juliani: Han Zane
Jason David Frank: Echo Five
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