> Equestria's Warriors: King Ebon's Return
>  by Wildcard25
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> King Ebon Resurfaces
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the human world one night, Dustin Bowers was sitting on top of the Mikael Hotel, until Alistair landed beside him, "Spending your night up here brooding, what're you Batman?"

"Very funny, Alistair." Dustin replied dryly, as he rested his back against a wall.

"What's up, man?" Alistair asked, as he took a seat next to his pal.

"It's just so much has happened in the last month." Dustin answered, as Alistair recalled the ordeal they went through with their friends from Equestria.

"I know, but hey we defeated Ebon. We should be living it up for the rest of this summer." Alistair replied.

"Yeah, I know that, but remember what Blaze told us after he woke up form his healing?" Dustin asked, as they flashback to that one night when Ebon was defeated.



At the Bowers residents awhile after Blaze woke up from his restoration, he spoke to the group, "Guys, listen. There's something I want to tell you all because it involves why I really came here to New York."

"Why you really came here?" Dustin asked.

"What do you mean?" Alistair inquired curiously.

"Well there's more about my past than I led on." Blaze explained.

"More?" Pinkie asked.

"Yes. Remember I told you how my grandfather was testing me to see if I had what it takes to survive. There was more to it than that," Blaze continued, "He also told me of a prophecy that's been with my family for generations."

"A prophecy?" Celestia asked, as she and her sister were intrigued.

"Correct. It told the story of a dark warrior able to utilize both spirit and shadow energies. When he would reach the age of sixteen he would meet one of his greatest challenges in the form of a being from another dimension," he explained, as the pony/humans were surprised feeling this was Ebon he was referring to, "He would band together with other warriors and a group of other beings from another dimension to defeat this evil and restore harmony. My grandfather believed it was me."

"You?" Rainbow and Applejack gasped.

"Yes. I traveled to New York to train so that if what my gramps said was true I would one day meet these others. Of course I was only nine at the time so I had to also wait a few years to see if it really was true. But I became more convinced it was me when I saw Dustin and Alistair vanish."

"What?" The boys gasped as Dustin spoke, "Wait a minute did you say you saw us vanish?"

"Yes. One minute the two of you, Domino, Fievel, and Zyphon were standing around, until you vanished into thin air," Dustin, Alistair, Zyphon, and the two animals were shocked seeing that someone did witness them vanish, "I was so confused as to what happened to you guys, even after a split second you suddenly returned."

"Yeah, thanks to Celestia and Luna we got back at the same time." Domino cawed.

Blaze continued, "Anyway, I was curious as to what happened so I used a spirit technique I developed known as Spirit Sight which allowed me to see your pasts. And that's when I learned everything. I saw all of you," he motioned to the pony/humans, "At first I felt like falling to the ground laughing my ass off, until I saw the guys fighting along side you, the serpentine, everything. I saw you girls utilize the powers of your elements of harmony and I knew you were the ones the prophecy foretold."

"Wow, we're part of a prophecy!" Pinkie cheered, only for Twilight and Muse to hush her up.

"When I saw Dustin and Alistair head off I did feel a strange presence in the air that didn't seem like normal darkness." Blaze explained.

"Ebon!" Twilight gasped.

Blaze nodded, "He took off so fast I couldn't trail him, but it was for the best as I couldn't do anything about it anyway. The most I could do was just train myself as hard as I could until I reached the age of sixteen, and hope somehow the six of you would cross paths again with the boys I've monitored."

"So you knew about us this whole time?" Rainbow squinted at Blaze suspiciously.

"This was a prophecy, Rainbow. I didn't know what else to do but go along with it until the time to act was right. I didn't know anything about the elements of harmony needing to power up or the missing two elements." Blaze assured her.

"And you didn't come to us and tell us this before, why?" Dean asked.

"I didn't want to worry anyone here. I mean you all had enough on your plate what with dealing with this world, Felix, and Ebon." Blaze explained.

"Well you got a point," Spike spoke up, "If you told Twilight this she would've had her mind wrapped around it too much she would've lost sight of everything." Twilight responded with a annoyed glare.

"So you sacrificing yourself to protect us all..." Twilight trailed off.

"Was the only way to see if the prophecy was true," Blaze continued, "You guys were needed to defeat Ebon more than I was needed. I gave my life so that you would be around to finish him."

"That's why you said you did your part and the rest was up to us." Wild noted, as Blaze nodded and spoke.

"I know I once again lied to you about the prophecy, but trust me I didn't want to keep it from you. I just didn't know how to tell you all." Blaze looked down, until Fluttershy sat next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"We're all past that now that Ebon's been defeated. You no longer have a reason to keep secrets. We really know you were just trying to protect us, and we really appreciate that." she smiled.

"Yeah, and it feels good to finally get all that off my chest." Blaze admitted feeling like all the weight was off with nothing left to hide.



It cut back to the present as Dustin and Alistair continued relaxing, as the dark warrior spoke, "Who would've thought Blaze knew more about this than we did?"

"Yeah, but he didn't take in account it would be six ponies from an alternate world." Dustin chuckled with Alistair.

Alistair sighed, "I wonder what our next big adventure is?"

"What do you mean?" Dustin asked.

"Like what's gonna happen now that we defeated Ebon? I mean ever since that fight weeks ago Johan and Omaddon have vanished, and we haven't heard word of Felix either." Alistair explained.

"That is strange," Dustin admitted, "I mean it's not like Felix to suddenly just go into hiding. He would've just brushed this off and pick up where he left off."

"Well wonder what he's up to." Alistair said as the two just gazed up at the night sky and the moon, knowing Luna would see all from it.



Meanwhile in an abandoned fish cannery, Felix was sitting in a lotus position while concentrating, or rather Ebon was concentrating. After his defeat at the hands of the elements of harmony and the warriors, his body was purified, but his spirit lingered on and unknown to them forced himself into Felix to use him as a vessel. Suddenly a magical aura surrounded Ebon as his eyes opened and he rose to his feet. 

"Yes. I finally have my new powers under control, and while my magic may be only at half strength, it's all I need to replicate the portal magic in which Celestia and Luna used to send the boys back here and the girls as well. But first, I need to eat." he went to a table that had a cheeseburger and french fries on it. He started eating the burger, while looking partly disgusted and partly overwhelmed with delight as he bit into the cheeseburger. With Felix's body as his vessel he had ended up developing a desire for his favorite foods.

After finishing his fries he spoke to himself, "But if I am to once again embark on my conquest of Equestria and this world as well. I still need help. Unfortunately Clyde's been bottled up and I have yet to find any trace of Johan or Omaddon. The shadow soldiers will not suffice against the elements of harmony alone. So I will need additional support..." he pondered, until it dawned on him, "And I know just who to recruit." he got up and held up his hands and concentrated his magical aura. Suddenly appearing out of thin air was a portal. He jumped into it and it closed.



In Equestria with the location being a forest, it was also nighttime as a portal appeared and Ebon exited it. He took a deep breath and looked around, "Ah, Equestria. Home sweet home. Now onto my next destination, Tartarus." he concentrated, and using his new found dark energy flew off into the forest and past it before reaching a giant pit. He stood before the pit calmly before letting himself fall forward and down into it.

He fell through the pit spinning around a bit, before he flipped and was falling with his feet aiming for the bottom. Suddenly he pulled to a halt and hovered above the rocky ground and landed peacefully. He looked around seeing Tartarus, which was dark and gloomy. He looked around, "Good old Tartarus, where only the most evilest of creatures are imprisoned," he started walking down a path leading to a gate. Suddenly growling was heard, as Cerberus appeared with all three heads snarling at him, "Cerberus, looks like you're not a puppy anymore." Ebon humored the dog.

The dog growled as he lunged at Ebon who held a hand up with magic glowing around it. Cerberus was suddenly restrained by Ebon's magic and dropped to the ground docilely, "If this is the best you can do then Tartarus has really gone to the dogs since my time. No offense." he spoke to the dog who whimpered in response.

Ebon walked past the gate and through a long line of dungeon cells containing one or more prisoners who were reaching out through the openings of the bars wanting to grab Ebon. The dark king eyed the many prisoners with no amount of fear in his eyes knowing he towered over them all. He then approached a single cell and looked in seeing the Hypnobrai tribe of Serpentine laying around feeling bored out of their minds, "Hypnobrai!" he addressed them.

The tribe hearing their type called out, looked at the cell seeing Ebon standing outside the cell, "Who are you?" one of the tribe members inquired.

"I'm the one busting you out of here." Ebon answered, as he used his shadow gun to blast off the lock on the cell allowing the snakes free.

"We're free!" one of the Hypnobrai soldiers declared.

"Not yet you're not," Ebon continued, "Follow me," he led them to the next cell containing the Fangpyres, who were wearing mouth guards that were protected by magic so they couldn't remove them themselves, "Come on out, Fangpyres." he broke open their cell, allowing them to escape.

As they left the cell, Ebon used his magic to remove the mouth guards, "About time." A Fangpyre said, as he flexed his jaw around.

Ebon looked into the Venomari cell, seeing the snakes wearing mouth guards as well, "Venomari tribe, get a move on." he opened the cell, and they escaped with their mouth guards getting removed by Ebon. Finally he opened the Constrictai cell allowing the final living tribe to escape.

All four tribes stood together looking at Ebon curiously, recognizing his body as that of a human like Dustin's and Alistair's, but were confused by the four blue fox tails and ears on his head, "Who are you?" A Venomari soldier demanded.

"I'm the one who's about to get you out of this dump." Ebon answered, until a voice called out.

"Stop!" they saw two unicorn guards wearing armor charge at them.

The snakes were prepared to fight, until Ebon held a hand out, "Stop yourselves." he blasted them with dark energy, knocking them to the ground. He suddenly created a shadow portal below himself and the serpentine as they suddenly sunk into it and exited the shadow portal that appeared in the forest in which Ebon arrived in since he left New York.



"Fresh air!" a Constrictai soldier cheered.

"It's feels like it's been forever." a Fangpyre added.

A Hypnobrai soldier turned to Ebon, "Ok, talk. Who are you and why did you free us?"

"Of course," Ebon nodded, "Long before Equestria's beginning I once reigned as the dark King; brother of the King of creation. I am King Ebon!" he declared.

"King Ebon?" the serpentine asked, until a Venomari soldier gasped.

"Remember what we learned from Sombra about a dark King who tried to take over Equestria, until he was defeated by the six unicorns?"

A Fangpyre spoke to Ebon, "That was you?"

"Indeed." Ebon nodded.

"But how can this be, you don't look like a pony." A Hypnobrai said, feeling skeptical of Ebon.

"True, but my original form was lost to me, and now I have a new vessel with power that compliments me." Ebon explained.

"So why would the dark king of Equestria break us out of Tartarus?" a Constrictai soldier inquired.

"Because I come bearing a proposition for you all." Ebon answered.

"A proposition?" a Fangpyre asked.

"Yes. You see I have a plan to conquer Equestria, and another world, but I require assistance to help me."

"Don't you have minions of your own?" A Hypnobrai asked, while crossing his arms.

"Yes, but I do not have the power to call forth them, and the minions that come with this vessel aren't up to snuff with my enemies. Plus I've also had nothing but respect for you serpentine," some of the snakes looked moved at his claim, "Join me and I promise you revenge against those who not only locked you in those tombs a thousand years ago, but for those who put you in Tartarus as well."

"How do you know..." a Venomari began.

"Because your enemies are mine as well." Ebon answered.

"Why should we follow you?" A Fangpyre inquired.

"You're not even a serpentine." A Constrictai added.

"Calm yourselves," A Hypnobrai spoke up, grabbing the tribes attention, "I don't think we have much of a choice in the matter."

"What do you mean?" A Venomari soldier asked.

"How much can we possibly do on our own?" he began, "Pythor and our other generals are lost, and our tribe staffs are destroyed. Without them we cannot properly pick a new general to lead each of our tribes. I say we follow along with Ebon's plans. Who knows he may be a better leader to us than Pythor and the others were."

The tribes started debating as Ebon waited patiently, before the four tribes turned to them, "King Ebon, we've decided to follow your orders provided you hold your end of the bargain of promising us revenge and a portion of Equestria for our own."

"I accept the terms," Ebon began, "Now then I require a representative from each tribe to act as my co-council."

Suddenly a soldier from each tribe stepped forward, as the Hypnobrai soldier spoke up, "I Mezmo, shall represent the Hypnobrai tribe."

"I Fang of the Fangpyres shall represent my tribe."

"I Spitz shall represent the Venomari tribe."

"And I Chunk shall represent the Constrictai tribe."

"Excellent," Ebon smirked, while seeing his new army was gathered before looking up at the night sky, "Look out Equestria. Ebon's back in town."
> Badder than Ever
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning after the incident in Tartarus, at Golden Oaks Library in Ponyville, Twilight was as usual organizing the books on the shelves with Spike helping her. The alicorn was using her magic to levitate one last book to put in a spot, "Finished."

"Finally." Spike said, as he fainted, making the princess giggle.

"Oh, Spike." she giggled.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door, and entering was Muse, Wildcard, and Nightfall; Ebon's purified self who thanks to an extra dose of his magic and excess energy left over from the elements of harmony have allowed him to age to a colt about the Cutie Mark Crusaders ages within a week or two since they returned home, "Morning, Twilight. Morning, Spike." the three greeted them.

"Morning, guys." Twilight greeted them.

"Hope we're not interrupting anything." Wild said hopefully.

"Not at all," Twilight answered, "Did you need something?"

"Well, as you know Nightfall will be starting classes soon, and we were hoping to get him a school book for beginners." Muse explained, as Nightfall nodded.

"Of course. I got just the one." Twilight said as she started looking through some books, until Spike burped up a letter.

"A message from the princess." Wild and Muse gasped.

Twilight used her magic to levitate the letter and read it to herself before a look of concern grows on her face. She lowered the letter and turned to her two friends, "Guys, we need to round up the girls and get to Canterlot right away."

"What's wrong?" Wild asked.

"Princess Celestia says we got a situation and need to be told face to face." Twilight explained.

"Can I come?" Nightfall asked hopefully.

Muse looked down at him, "Sorry, Nightfall, but this between the grownups."

"Oh." Nightfall groaned.

"Spike, can you watch him please?" Wild asked the dragon.

"No problem." Spike nodded. So Twilight, Muse, and Wild left Nightfall and Spike at the library, and rounded up the rest of the girls before catching a train ride to Canterlot.



When they arrived at the castle, they entered and walked through the hall before seeing Celestia and Luna waiting for them, "Princesses." Twilight greeted them.

Celestia spoke up, "Twilight, it's good to see you and your friends made it here so quickly."

"Well, you did sound urgent in your letter." Twilight reminded her.

"What's the trouble, Princess?" Applejack inquired.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other and at them as the Princess of the sun spoke, "I don't know how else to put this, but I'm afraid the Serpentine have escaped from Tartarus."

Suddenly the ponies mouths dropped wide opened as Pinkie spoke up, "Wait a minute," she reached over and took a glass of water and drank it before spitting it out in a shocked fashion, "WHAT?!" she shrieked.

"How'd those snakes escape from Tartarus?" Applejack asked in confusion.

"Was it Pythor?" Fluttershy asked in worry.

"I'm afraid not." Luna shook her head, confusing the group even more.

"This was the work of another," Celestia began, "One of the guards in Tartarus claimed the thing that knocked him out stood on two legs, wore more clothing that most ponies..."

"Sounds like a human." Twilight started.

"But this creature was reported to have fox like features," Luna continued, "Four tails and ears."

"Four tails and ears?" Twilight asked, as the eight ponies shouted in shock, "FELIX!"

The princesses were shocked at the groups outburst, as Rainbow spoke, "How the hay did Felix get here?"

"Agreed, he doesn't know portal magic to Equestria," Rarity began, "Or does he?"

"I wouldn't be so sure," Twilight replied, "But you mean to tell me he broke the Serpentine out of Tartarus?"

"Apparently so." Celestia nodded.

"You don't think the snakes have joined forces with him do you?" Wild asked.

"It would make sense." Luna noted.

"But why in Equestria would those snakes follow somepony they don't even know?" Rarity inquired.

"We're not sure how he convinced them," Celestia began, "However, as of the Serpent King's defeat the five tribe generals have been lost and their staffs destroyed. Without the tribe staffs the tribes cannot pick another to lead them. They are like a flock without a shepherd."

"Logical." Muse admitted.

Twilight spoke up, "But that still doesn't answer our question as to how Felix could unite them under his lead."

"Yeah, we've seen the guy and I doubt he alone could command those four tribes." Rainbow added.

"Wonder what he's up to?" Pinkie wondered.

Twilight looked at her dryly and gave a sour sounding answer, "Gee, you think it might have something to do with the fact he wants revenge upon us for defeating him?"

Pinkie rubbed her head with her hoof before answering, "Too obvious, Twilight." Twilight could only face hoof.

"Well whatever the reason, we gotta do something about him and the serpentine." Wild suggested.

"I couldn't agree with you more." Celestia answered.

"I just wish we knew where they were." Twilight said, until the doors opened and a single guard entered in a rush.

"Your excellencies! We've just spotted Serpentine in the castle garden!"

The group gasped upon hearing the news, "Let's hurry." Celestia ordered as the group galloped off heading for the castle garden.



Meanwhile in said garden, the serpentine soldiers were fighting the castle guards, with the Venomari soldiers using their venom to distort their visions, "We haven't lost our touch." Spitz chuckled, as the serpentine continued causing trouble in the gardens.

Suddenly a bright yellow beam of magic blasted at some of the Hypnobrai knocking them back. The serpentine looked and saw the two princesses, and the eight ponies from before who defeated them approach looking firmly at them, "The princesses!" A Hypnobrai soldier gasped.

"And it's those other eight!" a Fangpyre soldier gasped.

"No sign of the boys." Chunk the Constrictai squinted at the group.

"Ain't you fellas a long way from Tartarus?" Applejack asked, with her eyes fixated on them.

"That place couldn't contain us!" Fang answered.

"Well, you don't surprise us anymore," Rainbow began, "We're much stronger since last time, and without your generals you're not so hot."

"How wrong you are," Mezmo answered, "Because we serve a new master now."

"So we've been told." Rarity answered.

"Where is this master of yours?" Wild inquired.

"Right here." a voice said, as a shadow portal opened up from the ground and rising up out of it was Ebon.

"Felix." the girls began.

"We don't know how you got here, but we're sending you back to New York where you belong." Twilight warned him.

"Very amusing plan, Princess, but with one little problem," he began, "I'm not Felix."

The group suddenly hearing his voice clearer and saw how his eyes looked more menacing than Felix's left them in shock, especially the royal sisters, "Wait a minute, isn't that?" Pinkie asked.

"I-I don't believe it." Applejack gasped in shock.

"But it can't be..." Twilight pondered, as they spoke simultaneously.

"Ebon?"

"The very same." Ebon answered with a chuckle.

"But how's this possible?" Wild asked in confusion.

"Yeah, didn't we like purify you up extra crispy style?" Rainbow wondered.

"My body perhaps," Ebon began, "But your elements of harmony could not purify my spirit. After you left my remains and took my body away my spirit lingered on. Felix who returned afterward thought I was gone for good as well. But I took him by surprise. Rather than wait again for another large amount of fear energy I took refuge inside Felix and now he is my vessel."

"But what about Felix himself?" Fluttershy asked in worry.

"Felix is shall we say taking a very long nap," Ebon answered, "A nap he will not be waking up from anytime soon."

"While I'm not exactly a fan for Felix, but not even he deserves something as this." Rarity admitted.

"The fool had it coming when he abandoned me in the fight," Ebon answered, until his eyes fell upon the two pony sisters and smirked, "Well-well, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, you two are looking very well."

Celestia frowned at him, "You should've stayed in the past like all the other evils you brought onto Equestria."

Ebon looked appalled, "Celestia, such rude manners. Is that any way to talk to your own uncle?"

"Save your words," Luna cut him off, "As far as our family is concerned, you are no uncle of ours."

"True, so true," Ebon began, as he started walking around the group in a circle, as the ponies stayed their ground, and the snakes were on standby, "I may not look the way I used to be thousands of years ago, but the truth is I've never looked better. Granted there are still some things I haven't quite gotten accustomed to yet using a human vessel."

"Such as?" Applejack wondered.

"Thanks to his body and Felix's desires I've developed a craving for human food, especially of the meat variety! I've become a cannibal!" he bellowed, making the ponies cringe.

"Well, that does sound unfortunate for you." Rarity admitted.

"Still Felix's lust for such foods is incredibly strong even for me while using his body." Ebon added.

"But how were you able to open a portal to Equestria all the way from the human world?" Twilight inquired.

"I've always known such a spell, ever since I latched onto Alistair and watched Celestia and Luna use their magic to open the portal," the dark king explained, "I've existed for millenia, which allowed me to known a magic spell just by watching others use it."

"So you came back, busted the serpentine out of Tartarus, and are looking for revenge?" Twilight added it up.

Ebon clapped slowly as if mocking her, "You guessed it, dear Princess. And now that the serpentine follow my orders, we'll take Equestria for our own!" he declared.

"No you won't." Celestia declared.

Ebon looked at her amusingly, "Oh, Celestia, you really have your father's dedication to his land and those he cared for. Sadly that will be your downfall!" he flew from his position to deliver a spin kick, only for Celestia to duck her head and swat her wing at him. Ebon landed on his feet as Luna spoke.

"It seems the years have not been kind to your own skill."

Ebon scowled but shook it off, "While it's true I don't possess my full power, but this new vessel of mine comes with other surprises!" he extended both palms out and launched blue fire at the group.

Twilight using her magic projected a barrier around them, but it didn't appear to hold much longer. They all got away and Twilight was able to dodge the flames, "Wow, he's a better dark warrior than Felix was." Rainbow admitted.

"And even more dangerous." Muse added.

Ebon chuckled, "Yes. Felix's dark warrior and yoko powers combined with what magic I have makes me a formidable opponent," he got down on all fours as his nails grew long and sharp, and his four tails started waving about wildly, "Here I come!" he took off like a bullet as he ran on all fours right for them.

"Move!" Celestia ordered, as they all jumped or flew up.

"Come on, girls, we still got our own moves!" Twilight reminded them, as they all stood ready and charged as Ebon only for the Serpentine to block their paths.

"Like old times!" Rainbow called, as she flew around plowing through the snakes, while a Fangpyre jumped on her back, "Hey, this ain't a taxi!"

Before the Fangpyre could sink its fangs into her flank, Applejack leaped up and delivered a kick to the snake knocking if off the Pegasus. Wild flew up and tackled two Constrictai soldiers, as Muse was bucking some Venomari soldiers. Felix stood before Celestia and Luna and spoke, "Quite a crop of ponies for the elements of harmony to select as their new bearers. They may have beaten me once before, but this time I will take them down and they can join the previous wielders!"

"If our parents could defeat you, then we can as well." Luna warned him.

"Oh, please. You two have no chance against me even if I'm at half strength," Ebon mocked them, "Your student and her friends only defeated me because your parents decided to take those other two as vessels!"

Celestia and Luna frowned as they crossed their horns and sent a combined blast of light and dark magic at Ebon. The attack nailed him as he was being pushed back before he deflected the blast. Ebon's clothing look rugged thanks to the attack and spoke, "I really like this outfit of Felix's," he sighed, "I suppose this has been a good enough squabble for now," he put his hands to the ground and sent a shadow portal underneath the serpentine that sucked them in, "But make no mistake, I will be back!" he sank into it as well, before the portal closed.

"Great, he got away." Rainbow grumbled as she touched down to the ground.

"He's just as dangerous than when he had a pony body." Twilight stated.

"Everypony ok?" Muse asked all around, as they all nodded in assurance.

"You think the elements of harmony can work on him again?" Fluttershy asked hopefully.

"I'm not sure," Twilight answered, "The elements even when they evolved were only able to purify his body, but somehow his spirit was able to survive it."

"So what do we do now?" Applejack asked opened for suggestions.

"I think the best thing to do is alert the boys back in the human world," Celestia suggested, but panted as she and her sister helped each other up, "Unfortunately, all that fighting and using our magic against Ebon has worn us all out."

"So what'll we do?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"I'll contact Dustin tonight in his dreams." Luna explained.

"For now all of you return to Ponyville and try and take it easy." Celestia ordered.

"Yes, Princess." Twilight nodded, as she and her friend started heading back to the castle.

"Hey our of curiosity do you think we should tell Nightfall about this?" Wild inquired.

"I think it's best we don't tell him right now," Muse answered, "He still has the occasional nightmare about his time as Ebon, and the last thing we need is for him to see his nightmares come to life." the mare's nodded in agreement, as Wild nodded as well deciding not to tell him about it.



So they returned home, and at the Library, Twilight, Muse, and Wild entered and saw Spike and Nightfall reading a comic about the Power Ponies, "And once again Maretropolis was saved thanks to the efforts of the Power Ponies and their sidekick Humdrum!" Spike finished dramatically, as Nightfall clapped his hooves.

"All right, Power Ponies!" Nightfall cheered.

The three older ponies smiled seeing that not only had Spike been able to watch Nightfall while they were away, but also glad to see that at least one side of Ebon was no longer evil, "We're back." Twilight spoke up.

"Hey, guys, how was the meeting with the princess?" Spike asked.

"Oh, you know the same old same old." Twilight answered, while not wanting to bring up what happened with Nightfall present.

"Did you have fun with Uncle Spike, Nightfall?" Muse asked.

"The best, mom." Nightfall smiled.

"Good boy." Muse rubbed his head as he giggled.

"What say the three of us grab some ice cream?" Wild offered, as Nightfall jumped up and down all excitedly.

"We'll see you later, Twilight." Muse told the princess.

"Bye, guys." Twilight bid the three adieu, and once they were out of the library she closed the door and spoke to Spike in a worried tone, "Ok, Nightfall's gone. Now I can talk."

Spike noticing the shift in his friends tone knew something was up, "What is it, Twi?"

"There was much more that happened while we were seeing the princess." she explained.

"And that is?" Spike asked wanting her to get on with it.

"The serpentine have broken out of Tartarus." she stated.

"What?!" Spike gasped, "But how?"

"Get this, Spike. Ebon had survived our last battle and took over Felix and is now using him as a vessel." she explained.

"Wait, 'who' is using 'what'?" Spike asked in shock.

"Just as I told you, Spike. Ebon's back and is using Felix's body as a vessel and is now leading the serpentine." Twilight replied.

"I thought that's what you said," Spike said, before fainting. He recovered and got up, "No wonder you didn't say anything with Nightfall in here."

"Yeah. Princess Luna is going to contact Dustin tonight and brief him on what's going on." Twilight added.

"Does that mean Dustin, Alistair, and the rest of the guys will be coming here?" Spike wondered.

"With any luck, yes," Twilight answered, "So we need to be ready and await word for tomorrow." Spike nodded, as they continued the rest of their doing their normal duties.



That night in the human world, Dustin was relaxing in a huge luxurious jacuzzi tub with Alice draping herself over his left side, Alicia draping herself over his right side, and Aria was sitting while draping herself over his chest, "Ah, this is the good life." he sighed in delight.

"Oh, Dustin, you're so good looking." Aria cooed.

"Very hot." Alicia added, as she nibbled his ear.

"And so daring." Alice finished, as she was nuzzling onto his shoulder.

"Yes I am," Dustin smiled to himself, as he enjoyed himself until steam from the jacuzzi started forming. He looked ahead seeing something approaching from it, "What the?"

Suddenly coming through the steam was Luna standing in the water, "Dustin."

"GAH!" Dustin shouted in surprise, as the three girls lost their hold of him, "Luna, are you nuts?!"

"I apologize for my interruption. You clearly seem to be enjoying yourself." Luna said, as she noticed the position he and the three girls were in.

Dustin looked at the three and sighed, "It's no big. I can have this dream any night," he answered, as the girls suddenly vanished along with the jacuzzi signaling the whole thing was a dream. Dustin was no longer in trunks but in regular clothing, "So to what do I owe this unannounced visit?"

"I'll cut straight to the point. Equestria is in danger." the Princess of the Night began.

"Danger?" Dustin asked, as he gave her his full attention.

"Yes. Have you heard word of Felix since our last encounter?" Luna inquired.

"No. Alistair and the rest of the guys and I expected he's laying low." Dustin explained.

"Well, I'm afraid he isn't," Luna began, putting a look of confusion on Dustin, "He's come to Equestria."

"Equestria? But how?" Dustin asked in outrage.

"Perhaps I should show you the truth?" Luna suggested, as she reached up with her horn touching Dustin's forehead.

Suddenly Dustin started seeing all that transpired between them, Ebon, and the serpentine that day in the castle garden. When she stopped showing him the memory, Dustin was left in shock, "You've got to be kidding me."

"I wish I was." Luna admitted wishing it were the case.

Dustin sighed, "I knew this was too good to be real with Felix in hiding, but this was not what I expected."

"Well, it's true. Ebon is using Felix as a vessel and his powers for his own benefit," Luna explained, "And with the serpentine under his command Equestria will be in for another time of despair."

"Well, I can't let that happen," Dustin answered, "I'll call up the gang tomorrow and tell them of the situation. The good news is my portal generator which I promised to finish will serve as our transportation to and from home and Equestria. After all we can't have you using your magic every time. Saves you the trouble."

"I will return and inform my sister of your answer." Luna bowed her head.

"You do that, and we'll be in Equestria soon enough." Dustin assured her.

"Until then, Dustin Bowers!" Luna faded away, and Dustin woke up in his bed seeing all was well. 

He got out of it and looked out his window and up at the moon, "Looks like we're going back." he said to himself.
> Return to Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last night, Princess Luna visited Dustin in his dreams and warned him of Ebon possessing Felix's body, as well as uniting the Serpentine under his command. Understanding the situation, he promised he and his friends would come to Equestria right away.

The morning after, inside Dustin's lab, Dustin gathered his pals Alistair, Elroy, Jade, Jethro, Aria, Alice, Alicia, Eu, Thatch, Topher, Blaze, Zimmer, Dean, Ralph, and the animal familiars. Dustin had just briefed them of the situation in Equestria, and needless to say all of them were in shock, "You have got to be kidding me." Dean said in shock.

"I wish." Dustin sighed.

"So we did all that just for him to possess Felix?" Topher asked in outrage.

"Unfortunately." Dustin replied.

"So what do we do about it?" Zimmer asked.

"What I promised we'd do for the princess. We have to go to Equestria and defeat Ebon and the Serpentine." Dustin explained.

Zyphon wheeled out a mechanical archway, "The portal, master." Zyphon spoke up.

"Good work, Zyphon," Dustin said, as he approached it, "As you know I've worked on this machine for about a year as a way for me and Alistair to ever return to Equestria. And now that it's finally completed we can all go there together."

"Shouldn't we bring along my brother and all?" Aria asked.

"This is something that's not going to take one day, besides your bro still has his job here." Dustin reminded her, and she nodded.

"Besides we're not going to try and go looking for Ebon and the Serpentine," Alistair added, "Equestria is incredibly big and finding him won't be so easy. No doubt the Serpentine have been looking for new hideouts as well since we busted up their old one."

"Shouldn't we hurry and get to Equestria?" Blaze suggested.

"Right," Dustin said, as he went to the control panel on the portal device, "I'll set a course for Canterlot castle. The princesses will be expecting us." he opened a portal.

"Finally, let's go!" Blaze called as he ran for it, but bumped Dustin causing him to throw another switch which in turn caused the coordinates to change.

"Blaze, wait, the portal's coordinates have been altered!" Dustin shouted.

"What?" Blaze called, as he stood too close to the portal and ended up falling into it screaming.

"Blaze!" Dustin called, as Aria spoke up.

"We have to go after him."

"Wait a minute, if we all start jumping in then who knows where we'll end up. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are expecting us." Dustin reminded her.

"Then what do we do?" Elroy asked.

"You all go on ahead. Zyphon and I will stay behind and try and pinpoint Blaze's location." Dustin instructed.

"Are you sure?" Alice asked.

"Yes. We'll meet up with you when we hear word from Blaze," Dustin promised, and turned to his familiar, "Domino, you go with them."

"Really?" Domino asked in confusion.

Dustin smirked, "I'm sure there's a certain feathered friend in Equestria who misses you the most." he winked.

Domino gasped recalling his crush Philomena the phoenix, "Of course!" he flew to Alistair's shoulder and spoke, "Look out, sweetheart. Domino's coming back!"

Dustin redid the coordinates to Canterlot castle, "Coordinates are back in place. Think you can handle things, Alistair?"

"Not a problem, Dustin." Alistair nodded.

"All right you guys, you better hurry." Dustin suggested.

"Last one in is eraser dust!" Topher called, as the warriors ran into the portal followed by the animals.

Dustin closed the portal up and started running a search through the universes for Blaze's whereabouts, "Are you sure you didn't want me to go as well, master Dustin?" Zyphon inquired.

"The reason why I wanted you to stick around Zyphon, is because I got something special for you that I've been working on in case we ever returned to Equestria." Dustin smirked, while Zyphon looked curious.



Meanwhile, at Canterlot Castle in the throne room, Celestia and Luna were going over some notes and documents, until they saw a portal materialize out of thin air, "Sister, look." Luna gasped.

"That must be them." Celestia theorized.

They heard screaming and flying out of it was Alistair, followed by his pals, and the familiars who landed on top of the humans, "Oh I hate not landing on my feet." Jethro groaned.

Suddenly three of the unicorn guards galloped over and pointed their spears at them, "Halt, identify yourselves!" one ordered.

"Guards, stand down." Celestia ordered as she and Luna approached them.

The guards looked at their princesses and back down on the group of humans as Alistair looked up, "Yo." he greeted them.

The guards gasped in surprise, "Mr. Savage!" one gasped recognizing him.

One of them helped him up and spoke, "Forgive us, but we just didn't recognize you."

"Well, I got taller and cut my hair, so it's reasonable." Alistair answered, as the rest of the guys got up and upon seeing the guards gasped.

"Check it out, pony guards." Ralph said.

"Look at this place." Alice gasped, as she looked around the throne room.

"Welcome to Canterlot castle, my human friends." Celestia greeted them.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!" Alistair gasped, as he motioned the group to bow their heads, and they did so.

After they finished their bows they stood up as Luna spoke, "It is good to see you all arrived here safely," she then did another take seeing they were missing some, "Where are Dustin Bowers and Blaze Shadow?"

The group were sheepish, as Alistair spoke, "Sorry, Princess, but some things happened and Dustin stayed behind with Zyphon to find Blaze. They should be with us shortly... Hopefully." he mumbled.

"So this is Canterlot castle?" Aria asked in wonder.

"Yes, we're honored to have you all here." Celestia nodded.

"Oh, I'm feeling all nostalgia here right now." Alistair admitted, as he walked around with Domino and Fievel on his shoulders.

"I know it's been like forever since we walked through these halls." Fievel added.

"You've all kept it in perfect condition since we were last here." Domino told the princesses who smiled.

"Not a bad set up." Tricera added.

"A splendid décor." McTwisp added.

"I'm glad Dustin was able to brief you all on what's going on," Luna began, "We have important matters to discuss."

"Right." the humans nodded.

"But perhaps we can do this in the parlor?" Luna suggested.

"Works for me." Ralph nodded.

Celestia turned to the animals, "And how would you all like to see the castle gardens?"

"Sounds good to me." Calem admitted.



So the princesses led them through the castle, as the newcomers marveled at the interior design, before reaching outside and into the castle gardens, "So this is the garden in which Fluttershy went insane with the animals?" Alistair asked with a chuckle.

"I'm sure your familiars will find it very enjoyable here." Celestia assured the owners of the animals.

"Hotcha, now this is a garden." Salem said as he walked around the place.

Domino surveyed the scene, before flying onto a tree branch to get a better view, "Where is she?" he asked in confusion, before feeling a tap on his back from behind. He turned around seeing no one there. He suddenly felt another tap and turned back seeing no one. He kept getting tapped all around, forcing him to try and keep up, before he came face to face with the phoenix he was looking for, "Philomena!" he cawed in joy.

Philomena squawked in joy as the two birds started nuzzling their beaks together, "Oh, I missed you. Did you miss me?" he asked her as she squawked back confirming.

Alistair chuckled, "Well, he sure looks happy."

"That's his main squeeze?" Tricera asked Fievel who nodded.

"Yup. He knows how to pick them." the mouse admitted.

"You all play nice now." Alicia instructed them.

"I'm always nice." Salem shot back, while McTwisp and Calem rolled their eyes.

So the humans were in the parlor, and were each having a cup of tea with the princesses, "So you sent a message to Twilight and the others that we arrived?" Alistair inquired out of Celestia.

"Yes. They should arrive soon, and I know they'll be ecstatic to see you all." Celestia explained.

"I can't wait." Aria said in excitement.

"Yeah I want to see this Ponyville you told us so much about." Dean said to Alistair.

"Well, unfortunately I do not wish to return to Ponyville until Dustin gets here," Alistair answered, "It's only fitting that both of us return to the town together that way all of the residents can see us both again."

"But that could take forever." Ralph complained.

"Oh stop your bellyaching." Thatch chided him.

A guard trotted in, "You highness', Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends have just arrived."

"Excellent." Celestia smiled.

Soon the group went to the hall of glass windows, as Twilight and her friends entered, "Twilight, guys!" Alistair called.

"Alistair!" The ponies and Spike cheered, as they went over and hugged Alistair. Due to them being ponies again, Alistair's older form was now slightly taller than them.

"It's good to see you girls again after a long month." Alistair admitted.

"Right back at ya." Rainbow agreed.

"Hey, girls!" Aria called, as she and the others went over.

"Pinkie!" Ralph cheered.

"Ralph!" Pinkie cheered, as the two hugged.

"Wow as a pony you look even better." Ralph said, as he hugged her.

"So this is you as a dragon, Spike?" Aria asked the baby dragon.

"Oh yeah." Spike asked as he pumped his arms.

"So Dustin and Blaze ain't with yall?" Applejack asked noting their absence.

"Unfortunately." Alice sighed.

"But they should be with us shortly. I can't imagine them taking too long." Eu said.

"Well, as long as you're all here how about we show you something?" Twilight offered.

"Lead on, girls." Alistair answered, as he and the others were interested in what they had to show.

Soon they were in the hall of windows seeing all the ones Alistair and Dustin saw when they were last in Equestria, "Look at all these windows." Eu gasped.

"Each one tells a legend of Equestria," Alistair explained the same way he and Dustin were told, and stood in front of one, "This is my favorite." he motioned up to one that was the window that depicted Dustin, Alistair, and the girls defeating the Serpent King.

"Whoa." the boys gasped, as they saw Dustin's and Alistair's images in the window.

"That is so cool." Jethro gasped.

Eu studied Alistair's image in the window and turned to her guy, "Your chin looks a little big."

"I knew it." Alistair said feeling the image made his chin look bigger.

"You should see the last one they added here." Rainbow said, as they motioned to another window.

The group of humans looked over and gasped in surprise. The window they were now looking at depicted King Ebon in the center being defeated, while they, Twilight, and the other ponies in their human forms surrounded him, "That's us." Ralph gasped.

"We're in a stain glass window." Jade gasped further.

"We're legends!" Elroy cheered.

"Oh, Dustin would love to see this." Alice smiled.

"See what?" a familiar voice asked.

Everyone turned and saw Dustin standing before a portal, "Dustin!" they cheered.

"And me." another voice spoke. They saw stepping out of the portal was a robotic pegasus about the size of Princess Luna. It's body was silver, had blue eyes, its mane and tail were royal blue color, and its wings resembled small airplane wings that were pointed upward.

"Wait a minute," Twilight gasped, "Zyphon?"

"In the metallic Pegasus bod." Zyphon answered.

"Oh, this looks so awesome!' Rainbow cheered as she flew around Zyphon, liking his pegasus look.

"I'll say." Wild agreed.

The group went over to Dustin as Aria spoke, "You made it."

"Where's Blaze?" Alistair asked seeing the portal close.

"Did you find him?" Zimmer asked.

Dustin looked sheepishly, "Well, I found him, but ya see guys..." he trailed off and flashed back.



(Dustin's lab hours ago)

Dustin was tracking Blaze's location through the portal generator that was hooked up to the monitor, "Come on, Blaze, where are you?" he asked, as he continued his search before he saw a blinking dot on the monitor, "Zyphon, I found him!"

Zyphon in his pegasus body slowly trotted over and looked at the monitor, "Are you sure it's him?"

"I'm positive," Dustin confirmed, "Now to make contact," he typed on the control board and the portal projected a viewing image that was hazy at first, until he saw Blaze, "Blaze, can you hear me?"

Blaze hearing his name called, looked over and saw the portal with Dustin in it, "Dustin, is that you man?"

"Yeah, it's me. Are you ok?" Dustin asked in worry.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Oh, thank goodness. I thought we lost you there." Dustin replied in relief.

"Blaze, who're you talking to?" a voice asked as Dustin looked to see a long dark blue haired short girl come into view with Blaze.

"Blaze, who is that?" Dustin and the girl asked him together.

Blaze spoke, "Wendy, this is my friend Dustin. Dustin, this is Wendy my... new girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?!" Dustin shouted in outrage.

"Yeah, see I've been here for about a week now." Blaze began, only for Dustin to interrupt him.

"A week? But you've only been missing for a few hours!" Dustin replied.

"Hours? Whoa time seriously moves slow back home compared to here." Blaze noted.

"Blaze, I got to get you back so we can get to Equestria." Dustin reminded him.

"Right. Dustin, I really hate to say this, but I don't think I'll be joining you guys." Blaze answered.

"What?" Dustin asked in confusion.

"I know I said I'd be looking forward to going there, but this place has so much for me. And these guys probably need me more than you and the others," he explained, "I know this sounds selfish of me, but I think I may have found where I'm needed the most. I know you went through so much trouble to find me here, and I appreciate that. But this place has become like a home to me."

Dustin was shocked to hear how much Blaze meant about this world he landed in seeming right for him. He couldn't bring himself to order Blaze to come back against his will, and if the people of that world needed someone like him, who was he to say otherwise, "Well, Blaze, if this is really what you want."

Blaze nodded, "This is what I want."

"Then I'll support your decision." Dustin answered.

"Thanks man, and hey it's not like we won't see each other again. We can still keep in touch." he showed his his communicator that Dustin gave him after the events of Ebon trying to take over New York.

"Right. Well, I guess this is goodbye, for now." Dustin said.

"Until we meet again, Dustin Bowers." Blaze smiled as they ended their link.

(Flashback End)



The guys and the ponies were surprised, "So, Blaze isn't joining us?" Twilight asked.

"I'm afraid not." Dustin answered.

"What a bummer.' Rainbow said in disappointment.

"Yeah, he would've been a big help to us like he was last time." Applejack added.

"True, Applejack," Dustin agreed, "But it was clear that place needed him more than we do. And as his friends we should respect his choice."

"You have a point." Twilight admitted.

"So what's with Zyphon and the pegasus look?" Dean asked looking at the robot.

"I felt like putting this new body I made for Zyphon to the test. And this world is the best place for it." Dustin explained.

"Agreed, and behold my new style of flying." Zyphon began as his plane like wings folded down and were spread out. Suddenly the soles of his four hooves opened up emitting rocket boosters which allowed him to fly off the ground, and jets emerged from his wings and he started flying around in a circle above them.

"Whoa, look at him go!" Rainbow cheered.

"Excellent work, Zyphon. Your flight function works perfectly." Dustin clapped.

Zyphon touched back ground and his wings folded back into place, "That felt good." he admitted.

Dustin smiled, until he looked around seeing someone wasn't with them, "Where's Domino? And for that matter where are the rest of them?"

"Incoming!" a voice shouted, as Dustin turned as saw Domino fly right into him knocking him off his feet and onto the floor.

Dustin pulled the crow off him, "Domino!"

"Dustin, you're here!" Domino wrapped his wings around Dustin's face, as he laughed joyously.

Running down the hall were the rest of the animal familiars. When they halted they saw Dustin and the ponies, "Dustin, you made it." Tricera said.

"Hey, girls!" Fievel cheered.

"You all look like you're doing well." Twilight noted.

"Indubitably." McTwisp answered.

"Hi, guys." Spike greeted them as the animals eyed him.

"Is that you, Spike?" Calem asked, curiously.

"Yeah, Calem, it's me." Spike admitted as Tricera and Salem circled him.

Tricera took a few whiffs of him and smiled, "Well, how about that? It is him."

"I gotta say, kid, the dragon look suits you better than the dog look." Salem admitted.

"Thanks... I think." Spike replied, while not sure how to take it.

"So where's Blaze?" Domino asked.

"He's decided to sit this one out." Dustin answered.

"Really, that doesn't sound like him." Domino noted.

"Surprised me too." Dustin replied.

"This is great!" Pinkie cheered, "Now that Dustin's here, let's have a party!"

Ralph's smile brightened, "Ya took the words right out of my mouth, Pinkie."

"Well, then let's party!" Dustin called, as the humans and ponies cheered.



And so a party was held in Canterlot's great hall for the group, where the guys were either dancing, talking, or in Pinkie's and Ralph's case munching on party sweets. Dustin was off to the side talking with the princesses, as the rest of his pals continued enjoying the party, "So I'll put in a word to Burai and the others back home and have them come here as well. They should see Equestria as well, and if the ponies accepted me and Alistair, I'm sure they'll accept the rest of our friends too."

"We hope they do." Celestia agreed.

"Though I hope your friends are up for the challenge of taking on the Serpentine." Luna spoke up in worry.

Dustin gave her a dry look, "No offense, Princess Luna, but if me and Alistair could take them on as pre-teens, I think they're more than capable of handling them as well. Plus their generals aren't among them, so that's less of a threat."

"Even if the generals are not among them, there is no telling how much stronger they are while under the command of Ebon." Celestia warned him, with a hint of distaste for his overconfidence.

Dustin nodded, "Well, then we'll be prepared for the worse." he went back to the party as the two sisters watched the group.

"Do you think they're all ready for this task sister?" Luna asked the elder sister, "They are after all taking on the former dark king of Equestria and the former minions of King Sombra. Such a combination of threats is something not even we would ever imagine."

Celestia nodded, "I believe as long as they stick together and help each other, I feel they will do us proud as they have before." Luna watched them, and knew she had to believe in them as her sister did. Eventually after the party ended, they were all stationed into their own guest rooms and were able to catch some winks knowing tomorrow was gonna be quite a day.
> Ponyville Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia's sun was risen by said princess to begin the new day. The day that Dustin and Alistair would return to Ponyville to see all of their old friends again. Both Celestia and Luna trotted to a guest room and carefully opened the door to see Dustin sleeping peacefully on his king sized bed, and Zyphon powered down next to it. Domino who was sleeping on a dresser, opened his eyes and saw them before flying over, "Good morning, your highness'. Come to wake Dustin up?"

"Correct." Luna answered.

"Well don't worry, he was about to wake up anyway." Domino answered, as he did a countdown with his feathers before he motioned to a digital alarm clock Dustin brought with him, that he placed on the dresser. When Domino motioned his final feather down, the digital alarm clock activated and played Dustin's favorite song.



Hearing the song play, Dustin groaned before reaching off to the side to tap his alarm, shutting it off. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, "Oh mornings," he groaned, before looking off to the side seeing the princesses, "Oh, good morning, your excellencies."

"Good morning, Dustin," Celestia greeted him, "Did you sleep well?"

"Like a baby." he admitted, before slipping out of bed, and put his shirt on. He went over the Zyphon and switched him on.

As Zyphon started up, his eyes opened, and he rose to his hooves, "Good morning, master. Good morning your excellencies."

"And a good morning to you too, Zyphon." Luna replied.

"We've come to inform you the others are awakening as well, and breakfast will be ready." Celestia explained.

"Cool. I'll see them there." Dustin answered, as the princesses left him to get ready.



Soon, Dustin, Domino, and Zyphon were walking for the dining hall, and entered to see the rest of the gang sitting at the table, chowing on flapjacks. Below the table were the animal familiars enjoying bowls of their own food, "Morning, guys!" Dustin greeted them.

"Morning, Dustin!" they greeted him back.

"How'd you guys sleep?" Dustin asked, as he pulled up a chair near Aria and Alistair.

"I slept very well." Aria answered.

"So did I." Dean added.

"They got some comfortable beds." Salem said, as he sipped from his saucer of milk.

"I'll say." Tricera agreed, as he ate his dog food.

"Man, this stuff is good." Ralph said, as he ate a flapjack.

"Well, wait till we hit Ponyville." Alistair said, as he drank some orange juice.

"Yeah. Knowing Pinkie she's already got a party planned for today when we arrive." Dustin added, as he was served a plate of flapjacks, while Domino was given some bird feed.

Suddenly a portal opened up, taking the group by surprise. Exiting from it was Burai, Xever, Mitsukai, Valmont, and Belmont, "Hey guys!" Burai called.

"Bro!" Alistair and Aria called.

"Hey, guys, you finally made it." Dustin spoke up.

"Well, after we got to your lab, we checked the instructions you left us to use the portal and made it here in one piece." Mitsukai explained.

"You're just in time for breakfast." Topher stated.

"Cool, serve me some." Xever said, as he took a seat and was given a plate of flapjacks.

The others took a seat as well, before they were given some breakfast like the others, "Good to see you guys were able to make it." Alistair said.

"And miss out on seeing another world? Not on your life." Belmont answered.

"Well, just remember you guys, there's a lot about this world you'll have to get used to." Dustin reminded them.

"We'll be ready." Valmont assured him.

After breakfast, Xever spoke, "So, should we fly to Ponyville now?"

"Xever, you know it's unhealthy to fly with a very full stomach." Burai reminded him.

"Yeah. I still remember when I flew after having all those short ribs," Ralph began with a shudder, "I vomit like a river."

Elroy chuckled, "I remember you nailed eleven people!"

"Ok, so we walking?" Xever asked the group.

"Of course," Dustin answered, "After all Ponyville isn't the only place for you guys to see."

"Yeah. Canterlot's also a hive of activity." Alistair added.

"But it does have it's share of obnoxious self-absorbed snobs," Dustin put in, "But some of them aren't that bad."

"Hey, can we get this show on the road already?" Dean asked them.

"Dean's right. Let's get going." Alistair agreed.

"Have a good day my friends." Celestia smiled.

"Will do, Princess." Alistair assured her.

"Come on guys, let's bounce!" Dustin called as he led his entourage out of the castle, as the two sisters watched them leave.



In Canterlot's city, Dustin and Alistair were strutting around while feeling good to be back, while their group followed from behind. They all observed their surroundings feeling amazed as how beautiful a city could look, especially when populated by ponies. Some of the city's residents took glances at the group, making them feel awkward, "I feel so out of place." Alice said in worry.

"Relax, Alice. They're just curious." Dustin assured her.

"Yes. If you think these looks they're giving you are overwhelming, you should've seen the looks they gave us when we were first here." Zyphon added.

"Well, I get where you're coming from." Alice admitted, as she tried relaxing some more.

"Trust us, when you get to Ponyville you guys are gonna be in for a lot of attention." Alistair stated.

"The way you put it makes me feel uncomfortable." Ralph said nervously.

"It won't be so bad," Dustin chuckled, until they saw coming around the corner were two of Canterlot's most sophisticated of ponies Fancypants and Fleur de Lis, "Hey, Fancypants and Ms. Fleur, it's good to see you two."

"Been a long time." Alistair added.

Fancy and Fleur studied the two who greeted them, before they realized who it was, "Is that really Dustin Bowers and Alistair Savage?" Fancy asked.

"The very same." Dustin answered in confirmation.

"My goodness, what have they been feeding you boys?" Fancy asked curiously.

Fleur spoke up, "Yes, last time we saw you both of you were much shorter, and you Alistair had longer mane."

"Well, puberty does a body good." Dustin explained.

"And I felt the long haired look no longer suited me." Alistair added.

"Well, in any case it's wonderful to see you boys again." Fancy spoke.

"Likewise," Dustin replied, "And please allow us to introduce to you some of our own friends from our own world." he made way for them.

"First off this is my older brother Xever," Alistair began, as the older boy bowed his head, and the younger continued, "Then we got Elroy, Dean, Ralph, Aria, Alice, Alicia, Jethro, Jade, Eu, Mitsukai, Topher, Zimmer, Thatch, Buria, Valmont, and Belmont."

"Guys, meet two of Canterlot's sophisticated of ponies, Fancypants and Fleur de Lis." Dustin introduced them.

"Nice to meet you both." the humans greeted the two unicorns.

"And jolly good to meet you all as well," Fancy began, as he inspected them, "My don't you all look like such refined gentlecolts, and delicate ladies." he took Aria's hand into his hoof and kissed it, making the girl blush.

"Agreed. You boys look like you're in such fine shape." Fleur eyed the Baliton twins, making them blush.

"So what brings you fine lads here?" Fancy asked the two.

"Well, we're here on business." Dustin answered.

"And right now we're on our way to Ponyville to meet up with the rest of our old friends." Alistair added.

"Well, that sounds like loads of good fun. Be sure to give Rarity and her friends my best regards." Fancy replied.

"Will do, Fancy." Dustin assured him.

"Well, it was nice meeting you all, but we better get going." Alistair added.

"We hope to see you boys again." Fleur waved a hoof.

"I think you may very well get that wish." Dustin replied, as they said their goodbyes and continued on.

"Those two seemed real nice." Belmont noted.

"Oh, yes. Unlike other of the overly sophisticated type in the city, those two have no problems with those of a lower class." Zyphon explained.

"Well, there's the station," Alistair noted the train station up ahead, "Come on, guys."

Soon they were let on board and given their own train car by order of Princess Celestia. They enjoyed the train ride along with the animals as Salem spoke, "So is there anything we should know about before we arrive in Ponyville?"

"Well, for one thing don't mention about eating meat products." Dustin began, as they all nodded knowing where he was coming.

"Second, don't feel awkward if you try and speak their language," Alistair continued, "Like they use the words somepony or anypony."

"Though some of them can be a bit eccentric and such..." Dustin continued, as he thought of how he and Alistair first met unicorn Lyra, the pony was so fascinated with feeling up their hands, "They're still good ponies."

"And most importantly, don't embarrass us." Alistair warned them, and they playfully smirked.

"He's not kidding," Dustin replied, "We have nothing but the citizens respect and we don't need you guys making us look like fools."

"Since when do you need our help for that?" Alicia asked, making Dean, Aria, and Jade laugh. Dustin and Alistair could only face fault at her humor.



Eventually the train pulled into the station of Ponyville. The guys got off and entered the town seeing it looked deserted, "Not quite what I was hoping for." Jethro noted.

"Yeah. The place is so deserted." Jade added, as she looked around seeing the place was like a ghost town.

Dustin, Zyphon, Domino, Alistair, and Fievel looked to each other amusingly before they did a count down, "Five, four, three, two, one..."

Suddenly the sounds of party poppers, horns, and noisemakers were heard, as confetti, streamers, and balloons rained down all around. Suddenly they saw banners open up connected to some buildings reading 'Welcome back, Dustin and Alistair!' and 'Welcome to Ponyville, friends!'. They looked around seeing the whole town was suddenly cluttered with ponies ranging from all three standard types, and of all ages. Dustin, Alistair, Zyphon, and their familiars smiled expecting this, while their friends were in shock.

Suddenly a red carpet was rolling out right for them and when the end folded out, it revealed Pinkie Pie wearing a party hat and blew into a noisemaker, "Welcome back to Ponyville, guys!" she put party hats on their heads.

"Thanks, Pinkie, we expected you'd throw us a welcome back party." Dustin chuckled.

"It's more than a welcome back party," she began, "It's also a welcome party for the rest of the guys!" she cheered and put a party hat on each of them.

The rest of the girls, Spike, and Wild came over, "Hi guys so glad you made it." Twilight greeted them.

"And we didn't come alone." Dustin motioned to the older warriors.

"Burai, Xever, Mitsukai, Valmont, Belmont!" Wild called.

"It's so good to see you guys." Muse greeted them.

"Well, it's great to see all of you as well." Burai added, as his friends had to look down at the friends of their younger students.

"You all look so cute as ponies." Mitsukai smiled, as she hugged Fluttershy.

"And you look good as a young dragon, Spike." Xever admitted.

"Thanks." Spike smiled, in pride.

Suddenly they heard the mayor speak on a mic, while on a stage, "Good morning everypony, and welcome to this momentous occasion. As you know it has been nearly a whole month since the departure of our dear friends Dustin Bowers, Alistair, Savage, Zyphon, Domino, and Fievel. But today I'm proud to announce that our beloved friends from another world have come back to see us!"

The pony residents applauded and cheered, as Dustin, Alistair, Zyphon, and their familiars went on stage to stand before everypony, "Yes. Hello Ponyville!" Alistair proclaimed.

"The prodigal sons have returned!" Dustin announced.

"And we're delighted to see you all again." Zyphon added, as the ponies cheered.

"But this time we didn't come alone." Alistair spoke up, as the ponies listened.

"We have brought with us some of our own friends form our own world we'd like to introduce you too." Dustin explained.

"And we hope you treat them well as you've treated us before." Zyphon added, as the group motioned for their friends to join them on stage.

Alistair spoke as he brought Xever over, "First off I'd like to introduce to you a guy I am proud to call my big brother. Meet Xever Savage!" Xever walked to the center of the stage and waved at the crowd of ponies who cheered for him, as Alistair continued, "He taught me many of the things I know to this day, and girls he's single!" he winked to them.

"Al!"Xever cried, as he looked at several of the mares giggling.

"Couldn't resist." Alistair chuckled, while Xever grumbled.

"Next allow me to introduce to you two other older warriors who also taught me and Alistair a majority of what we know, and engaged to be wedded... Burai Sanzo and Mitsukai Tendou!" the happy couple approached and waved to the ponies who were excited to meet them and hear about them being engaged.

"Next allow us to introduce a duo of adventurous/explorers Valmont and Belmont Baliton!" Zyphon introduced the older twins who smiled and waved for the ponies in respect of their cheering.

"And now to introduce to you to the other students we trained along side with in our classes," Dustin began as he pulled Elroy over, "This is Elroy Zoil; one of the best martial artists in our age group. You try starting a fight with him, and he'll leave ya with a cleaned clock."

"Got that right!" Elroy called, as he waved at the cheering ponies.

Jethro followed, and Alistair spoke up, "Meet Jethro Scott; our renowned expert in the field of sci-fi and paranormal. If something is indeed out there that's not of this world, excluding us. He will be the first to find it."

"Nice to meet you all." Jethro greeted the ponies who applauded.

Zyphon went next, "Now let us introduce to you a girl with the skill and acrobatic stunts of a trained performer, Jade Wallace!" Jade ran to the center doing a few acrobatic jumped and flips before posing.

"Stick it!" she announced, as the ponies applauded her performance.

Dean followed up as Dustin introduced him, "Dean Colt here is our cool guy and ladies man."

"And that's a fact." Dean added, as the ponies chuckled.

Alistair brought Ralph over, "Ralph Booker here may be big and intimidating to those smaller than him, but the only thing bigger than both his appetite and strength combined is his heart."

"Aw gee." Ralph blushed feeling embarassed.

Zyphon nudged Alice and Alicia over, "Meet the Kingsley twins Alicia and Alice, though they look to be polar opposites, they are in fact devoted and caring siblings." Alicia and Alice waved to the ponies while smiling.

Dustin brought Aria to his side, "Aria Sanzo is not only Burai's little sister, but a very skilled musician to boot."

"I'm glad to meet all of you!" Aria greeted the ponies.

Zimmer walked up with Alistair who introduced him, "This is Zimmer Mendez; our video game wizard who uses video game logic to determine the best strategies."

"And they say playing video games is a waste of time." Zimmer added, as the ponies laughed.

Topher walked out with Zyphon introducing him, "This young man is Topher MacLeoud, who is an expert painter and drawer."

"Put a brush or pencil in my hand and I'll paint you a dream." Topher explained, as the ponies looked interested.

Thatch approached as Dustin introduced him, "This is Thatch Cragger. He studies Egyptian history. Why just wait he may be the direct descendant of a pharaoh and he doesn't even know it."

"That'd be cool." Thatch admitted.

Alistair finally brought Eu over, "And this adorable little sweetie is my main squeeze, Eucliwood Belthio!"

"Call me Eu, and it's nice to be here." Eu greeted everypony.

"Eu here is a sorceress meaning she has a lot of magical spells at her disposal." Alistair explained, as the crowd of ponies cheered.

"Well that about wraps up our friends..." Dustin began until he heard someone clear their throat. He looked down seeing Tricera, Salem, McTwisp, and Calem looking crossed, "Of course how foolish of me, and also with us are Domino and Fievel's fellow animal friends, Tricera, Salem, Calem, and McTwisp." the animals smiled as stood proud before the ponies.

"We hope you treat our friends with the same level of respect and dignity as we've received from you." Dustin said.

"But for now let's get this party started!" Alistair announced, and the ponies cheered as the party commenced.

As Dustin and Alistair stepped down from the stage, they were approached by Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Alistair smiled ans he squat down to their level, "I know how much older we look."

"It's just we remember you when you boys were shorter." Sweetie Belle stated.

"It's good to see you girls." Alistair hugged the three fillies who looked up to him, while Xever watched with a smile.



And so the party took off with each of the guys getting to know the resident ponies of the town. Elroy was demonstrating some martial arts moves for some of the younger ponies, who were applauding his performance. Jade was showing off some of her gymnastics abilities, as some mares watched her in admiration. Eu was doing a few magic tricks for the fillies and colts, while Twilight watched seeing she wasn't anything like her former rival Trixie in terms of showing off. Dustin and Alistair continued to reconnect with some of their old friends from Ponyville. Aria was doing a little violin performance, which impressed the more music loving ponies, and even Octavia the cellist was captivated by her performance.

Ralph was having a sweet apple cider drinking contest with Rainbow Dash, with the two chugging round after round, "How can they drink so much?" a stallion known as Time Turner asked.

Suddenly the two put their last rounds down before both let out a huge belch which nearly shook the area, "Excuse me!" the two said together.

Jethro was telling a story to some of the ponies starting off in a mystic voice, "A long time ago, in a galaxy far-far away..." he then began doing a one man role play of his favorite sci-fi movie, with voice mimicking included.

Topher was painting a picture of a scenery as the ponies watched him work. When he finished he unveiled it to them, and they looked in wonder, "Voila."

"Wow, that so amazing." Bon-bon gasped in amaze.

"You really are good with the brush." Lyra added.

"Hey, these hands were made for painting." he showed them his hands.

"Yes." Lyra said in awe, as she took one of his hands in her hooves and marveled at it. Topher watched feeling awkward at an equine having such a fascination for something so simple as hands.

Zimmer was helping a young colt known as Button Smash who was also a video game lover play one of his games, "I see where you're going, but you should stop in that one dungeon and search it inside and out for the key. Only then can you reach the next room." Zimmer instructed.

Button taking his advice did so and gasped, "You're right. I found it! Thanks, Mr. Mendez."

"Hey call me Zimmer." he ruffled the colts mane.

Alice and Alicia were being doted and fawned over by several mares and stallions about how cute they looked. Alice feeling flustered, spoke to her twin, "Are you enjoying this?"

"Just bear with it." Alicia answered, as she tolerated it.

Dean was mingling with several ponies telling them about how he fancied himself a ladies man in his world, and how all the girls wanted a piece of him, while some of the stallions who were amazed had started asking him his secrets. Burai, Xever, Mitsukai, and the Balitons were also conversing with the mane six about what was going on, "So just how good was Ebon using Felix's abilities?" Burai asked.

"Too good I'm afraid." Applejack answered, still recalling how they witnessed his display of power back at the castle.

"And these serpentine, are they really that tough?" Xever asked.

"Well, if Dustin and Alistair could handle them, I'm sure you guys should have no problem." Wild noted.

"And you have no idea on their whereabouts?" Mitsukai asked Twilight.

"I'm afraid not." she answered regretfully.

Burai sighed, "Well, don't worry we'll be coming here every chance we can to help you in locating them and defeating them."

The girls, Wild, and Spike smiled, "Thanks, guys. This really means a lot to all of us." Twilight thanked them.

"Hey, you helped us save our world." Valmont began.

"Now it's time for us to do the same." Belmont finished, as the ponies smiled.

Soon after the party ended, the mane eight, and Spike were showing Dustin and Alistair to their former HQ they had set up in Ponyville, "Well there it is." Spike said.

"Whoa! You guys lived here while in Equestria?" Dean asked Dustin and Alistair.

"That's right." Alistair answered as they approached the front door.

"Hey, buddy, ya miss us?" Dustin asked the house while patting the door.

"Just as we told you, we've been keeping the place in perfect shape." Rarity explained.

"And it's been our meeting point." Pinkie added.

Dustin pulled out his old key and unlocked it before they all went inside. Dustin, Alistair, their familiars, and Zyphon looked around seeing the old place, "Looks just about the same as we left it." Alistair noted.

"Yeah, but I think maybe it's time we did a little renovation," Dustin suggested, "After all now that we're bigger the place should be bigger as well."

"Just say the word and we'll rally the folks to help you in making it better than ever." Applejack stated.

"Thanks again girls." Dustin said as they decided to give the guys a grand tour.



When nighttime came, the mane eight, Spike, and Dustin and Alistair's friends exited the place, "Are you two sure you'll be fine here on your own?" Xever asked his bro and Dustin.

"We've been here without contact from you guys for weeks three years ago, remember?" Alistair reminded him.

"Just making sure." Xever replied.

"Don't worry about us." Dustin assured them.

"So we'll be back tomorrow so we can get to know more about Ponyville and the rest of Equestria." Aria stated.

"Right." the two agreed.

"Portal's ready." Zyphon spoke up, as he activated the portal for the other warriors to get back home.

"See you tomorrow." Burai bid the two adieu, as the warriors and the rest of the familiars entered the portal before it closed.

"We better get home too." Fluttershy added.

"Yeah, we'll see you boys tomorrow." Wild told the two.

"Until then." Alistair said, as the ponies and dragon took off.

Dustin and Alistair looked at each other, as the spike head spoke up, "Well, Alistair, let's catch some winks."

"Yeah tomorrow's gonna be another day after all." Alistair agreed, as they and their familiars went back inside and locked it up.

Suddenly popping up from a nearby bush was a Constrictai soldier who gasped, "Oh! They're back!" he burrowed into the ground.



Meanwhile far into the Everfree Forest, at the ruins of the former castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, the Constrictai soldier popped out of the ground. He went up the stairs and started running through the hall ways of the old castle. He finally entered the old throne room, where many of the serpentine were lying around sleeping, while Ebon was sitting on Celestia's old throne that was next to Luna's throne, "King Ebon! King Ebon!" the snake called as he ran for the throne.

"Easy yourself. What is it?" Ebon asked the Constrictai soldier.

"I've just been to Ponyville and have made a discovery." he began.

"Go on." Ebon insisted him.

"The boys known as Dustin Bowers and Alistair Savage have returned to Equestria, and they brought more humans with them." he explained.

Ebon after hearing that smirked, "I knew they'd come."

"What should we do your highness?" the snake asked him.

"Tomorrow we'll pay Ponyville a little visit." he smirked mischievously.
> Snake Swarm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Celestia's sun rose over the land, the light shined in through the windows of Dustin and Alistair's home. As the bright glow washed over their faces, they groaned and woke up, "Morning, Alistair." the spirit warrior yawned.

"Morning, Dustin." the dark warrior yawned as well.

They got out of bed, as Dustin spoke, "I'm starting to remember what it was like living here."

"Yeah. It was great." Alistair admitted, as the two chuckled.

They left their room, and saw Zyphon fixing breakfast downstairs, "Morning, Zyphon."

Zyphon looked over to them, "Ah, good morning you two."

"Are those eggs I smell?" Alistair asked, as he took a whiff.

"Scrambled, the way you boys like them." Zyphon answered.

"All right!" Dustin cheered, as the two went to the table.

Fievel and Domino who had already been downstairs were enjoying their breakfast themselves, "So what do we do today?" Domino asked Dustin.

"Well, we gotta show the guys around the rest of Ponyville, once they get here." Dustin explained.

Suddenly the door opened, and their groups minus the older warriors arrived, "Morning, Dustin. Morning, Alistair." Aria greeted them.

"Hey, there you guys are," Dustin began, "We were wondering when you'd show."

"Well, we each had a fast breakfast and came right over." Dean explained.

"I hate going through my food fast." Ralph grumbled.

"So what's on the plan for today?" Elroy asked, as they all looked at the boys curiously.

"We're gonna show you guys around more of Ponyville, " Alistair answered.

"Yeah. You guys still need to know the way of the land." Dustin added.

"Sounds good to me." Eu admitted.

"Me too." Alice agreed.

"Good, because there's a lot for you guys to see around here." Fievel said as he ate his cheese.

"I can't wait." Topher said eagerly. After the two finished eating, they led their entourage out of their home and began their way to the town.



They walked past the schoolhouse, as Dustin spoke, "This is the Ponyville schoolhouse. Me and Alistair gave a little lesson here about our world to the younger ponies."

"And they were loaded with questions." Alistair added.

They looked and saw the CMC trotting to the school house, "Well, good morning, girls." Dustin greeted the three.

"Good morning, Professor Bowers and Professor Savage." they greeted the two.

"Girls, I'm off duty from that." Dustin chuckled.

"And I'm not a professor." Alistair added, as Aria giggled at the two.

Eu spoke to the girls with a smile, "Alistair told me you three have such respect for him."

"What did this guy do that makes him so special?" Dean asked, while putting an arm around the dark warrior.

"He saved our lives." Applebloom answered.

"Yeah from a bunch of snakes." Sweetie Belle added.

"Since then he's been a fellow Cutie Mark Crusader!" Scootaloo declared, as the three stood together with Alistair.

"Well, how about that?" Elroy asked with a smirk.

"Alistair, you really have a way with fillies." Alicia smirked.

Alistair replied feeling embarrassed, "I was just doing what any of you would've done."

"Good morning, everypony." a voice said, as they saw Muse, and hiding behind her was Nightfall.

"Good morning, Muse." Dustin greeted her.

"Good morning." The rest of them greeted, as Nightfall peeked out.

The humans looked curiously, as Jade spoke up, "Wait a minute don't tell me that's..."

"Yup," Muse answered, "You all remember Nightfall?"

"Hello." the colt greeted them.

"What've you been feeding him?" Dean asked in shock.

"It's not what I fed him. The truth is some excess magic he had left over aged him up a little bit more since we left your world." she explained.

"Well, at least he's not an infant anymore." Jethro answered.

"Mom, why do they all look so familiar?" Nightfall asked his mom.

"Well, sweetie. These are the humans who helped save you." she explained.

'I guess he doesn't remember too much when he was Ebon, or maybe they're suppressed memories now?' Dustin thought, as Nightfall nodded seemingly recalling what little he could remember.

"Well, this is my first day." the colt told Muse.

"Here let me straighten that." Muse said, as she straightened his hair.

"Mom, it's fine." he groaned.

Muse smiled, "You have a good day. I'll be back to pick you up later, and be sure to listen to Ms. Cheerilee."

"Yes mom." he nodded.

Alistair turned to the CMC, "Hey. How about you girls show him the ropes?"

"You can count on us, Alistair." Applebloom nodded.

The three spoke together, "Cutie Mark Crusaders guides, go!"

Muse smiled as she watched the three show Nightfall to the schoolhouse. Dustin spoke to Muse, "Does he know?"

"About..." Muse was confused.

"You know." Dustin gave her the hint.

Realizing what he meant, she sighed, "No, actually."

Alistair spoke, "You can't keep that secret from him. He's eventually going to find out."

"I know, but I don't know how to break it to him." she replied.

"Do it like pulling off a band aid. It's better if quicker." Ralph suggested.

"I'm not sure." Muse replied, feeling unsure.

"Well, it's best he finds out from you before he finds out the hard way." Topher noted.

Muse nodded, as Dustin spoke, "Well, we gotta get going. We got a tour to give our pals."

"I understand. Well, I hope you guys enjoy Ponyville." Muse said, as they went their separate ways.



First the group was walking up to Sweet Apple Acres, as Alistair spoke, "Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres. You can find the best apple products in all of Equestria here."

"Yee-haw!" they heard a familiar cowboy call. They looked over seeing Applejack charge for a tree, before bucking the apples down.

The group watched feeling impressed, as Alice spoke up, "Applejack, that was wonderful!"

Applejack looked and saw her human friends, "Well, a mighty good morning to yall." she greeted them.

"And good morning to you too, A.J." Aria replied.

"So that's what you earth ponies are capable of?" Jethro asked, as he looked at the tree and the bushel of apples.

"Ya darn tootin'." she nodded.

"Well, no wonder you were able to strike so many shadow soldiers so hard in fights." Dean replied feeling impressed.

"I have my moments," she admitted, "So what brings yall over here?"

"Well, Alistair and I are giving the guys a real tour of Ponyville." Dustin explained.

"And we decided to bring them around here." Alistair added.

"Well, I'm glad ya did," Applejack smiled before turning to the group, "Here yall try some of our apples." he tossed each of the group an apple.

They each looked at their apple, as Dustin and Alistair beckoned them to try it. So they each took a bite, and their faces lit up, "Wow! This is juicy." Topher gasped.

"Delicious!" Zimmer agreed.

"So good." Alice put in.

"Dustin and Alistair sure weren't kidding." Ralph noted.

"I'm glad ya like 'em." Applejack smiled.

"Well, thanks for the treat, A.J. But it's time we got a move on. See you later." Dustin said, as they waved bye.

"Bye yall." she waved her hat.



Soon they were walking up to Rarity's shop, "What's this place?" Thatch asked.

"This is Carousel Boutique; Rarity's shop." Dustin explained.

"This is where she made my suit." Alistair added.

"Nice exterior design." Topher admitted.

"Wait till you see the inside." Fievel replied.

Taking the hint, they went inside and saw the interior design, "Whoa! This is certainly posh." Dean stated.

They saw Rarity was preoccupied with designing a dress. Before they could speak up, Dustin and Alistair shushed them, as Domino whispered, "She's in the zone."

So they remained silent, until Rarity finished, "There, I'm done," she turned around to see the group, "Ah, why hello my friends. So nice of you to come by."

"Thanks, Rarity, sorry if we barged in. You did look you were busy." Jade noticed.

"Oh nonsense, Jade. I always have time for visitors. And you were all so quiet as I worked, so there was no harm at all." Rarity explained.

Aria looked at all the designer dresses Rarity had hanging up, "Rarity, these are beautiful."

"Oh, those old things are nothing compared to my more fabulous designs." Rarity retorted, as Topher studied them.

"Still they are masterpieces."

"Why thank you, Topher."

Eu looked at numerous pictures of Rarity and her friends during her fashion show, their outfits at Shining Armor's and Cadence's wedding, their outfits from Twilight's Princess coronation, and of them at Fashion Fiasco, "So many events. Alistair, Dustin, is that really you two?" she asked noticing them in the Fashion Fiasco picture.

"Yup, that's us." Dustin admitted, as he brought the group over to look at the photos.

"Nice suits." Jethro admitted.

"Thanks. Rarity put them together for us when we partook in that fashion show." Alistair explained.

"You boys must've really made an impression." Alicia noted.

"Oh, they were absolutely fabulous!" Rarity beamed, as she stood next to the two boys, "These two were some of my greatest models."

"Aw, Rarity, you're making us blush." Dustin chuckled, and the group laughed.



Meanwhile at the Ponyville schoolhouse, Nightfall was currently having lunch with the CMC, "So Nightfall, how're you enjoying your day so far?" Applebloom asked curiously.

"It's going very well, actually," Nightfall admitted, "Ms. Cherilee is very nice."

"Yeah. She's the best." Sweetie Belle agreed.

"So how's it like having a playwright pony for a parent?" Scootaloo asked, curiously.

"It's great. I get to see how my mom's newest shows are before they're shown publicly." he explained.

"That sounds cool." Sweetie admitted.

"Yeah, and because my mom's so close to Wildcard he's become like a role model to me," he added, "He's already been teaching me multiple tips in card games."

"Well, like us you got a blank flank, maybe you could be a cutie mark crusader just like us." Applebloom offered.

"Really?" he asked.

"Yeah, we'll find our cutie marks together." Scootaloo added.

"That sounds swell." Nightfall smiled.



Back with the guys, they were already taking a break from their tour at Sugarcube Corner. They were sitting at a table, while enjoying some milkshakes Pinkie whipped up, while the Cakes brought over some candied treats for them to try, "Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. These look delicious." Dustin said.

"Thank you kindly, Dustin." Mr. Cake thanked him.

They all ate, and Elroy spoke, "Man this is tasty."

"I know, even better than the sweets back home." Alice agreed.

Pinkie bounced over, "I knew you guys would love them."

Suddenly, Zyphon's antennae emerged from his head and he started beeping, "What's the buzz, Zyphon?" Dustin asked.

"Oh, dear. I'm picking up snake traces in Ponyville. Big snakes." he explained in worry.

"Serpentine!" Dustin and Alistair gasped.

"Oh, no!" Pinkie cried in fright.

Domino flew to the window and gasped seeing multiple serpentine storming around, "Zyphon's right."

Alistair turned to the Cakes, "Go to your kids and stay with them. And don't come out until it's safe."

The couple nodded before going to check on their children. The warriors and Pinkie went outside confronting the snakes, "Hey, snakes!" Dustin called, grabbing their attention.

"Ah, the boys!" a Venomari soldier hissed.

"We haven't forgotten what you did to Pythor and our other generals!" Mezmo declared.

"That was years ago on our part." Alistair replied.

"These are the serpentine?" Dean asked.

"Oh yeah." Dustin nodded.

"They're even uglier than you made them out to be." Aria gagged.

"Don't worry guys. If you could handle fighting Ebon's dark ponies, you can handle these guys." Alistair assured them.

"Speaking of which, where is this new boss of yours?" Dustin asked the serpentine, as Chunk answered.

"He's dealing with other business."

"What other business?" Alice asked, as the serpentine all looked mischievous rather than answer.

"If you're not going to talk, we'll make you!" Elroy declared.

"Let's get them, guys!" Dustin called, as they charged into battle.



Meanwhile back at Ponyville schoolhouse, none of them were aware of the serpentine in Ponyville, as some of them began leaving. Nightfall looked around seeing no sign of Muse anywhere, "Where is she?"

"Is everything ok, Nightfall?" Cherilee asked, as she stood at his side.

"Oh, yes, Ms. Cherilee. Just waiting for my mom." he answered.

"Well, I'm sure she'll be here soon." Cherilee comforted him.

"Not soon enough!" a voice called, as two Constrictai jumped out of the ground and restrained Cherilee.

"Ms. Cherilee!" Nightfall cried.

"Run, Nightfall!" Cherilee called.

Nightfall remembering to listen to his teacher, turned to run only to bump right into Ebon/Felix. He looked up and gasped as their eyes met, and his memories as King Ebon started resurfacing, "No! It can't be!" he trembled.

"But it is," Ebon answered, "Hello, former body." Nightfall trembled in fear as he stared at his former self in the eyes of his former employee.
> The King's Objective
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last time, as Dustin, Alistair, and their crew were hanging out in Ponyville, the place was suddenly under attack by the serpentine tribes. To make matters worse, Nightfall, while leaving the schoolhouse was confronted by his former evil self now inhabiting his former employee. Will Nightfall escape the clutches of Ebon, and will the warriors and ponies drive the Serpentine out of town? It continues now.



Nightfall continued to stare into the malicious eyes of Ebon, while Cherilee was still being held back by two serpentine, "You..." Nightfall gasped in fright.

"Yes... Me," Ebon smirked, "And I have a new form now."

"This can't be. I seem recall they purified you." Nightfall spoke up.

"Wrong! They didn't purify me. They purified you! I was merely stripped from you." Ebon explained.

Nightfall tried to get away, and like any colt he wanted his mother. Ebon appeared once again blocking him, as Cherilee called, "Nightfall, you have to run!" the two serpentine clamped her muzzle shut.

"Nightfall?" Ebon looked down at the colt, "That's what they're calling you now?"

"Yes." he answered nervously.

Ebon pondered before speaking, "Well, I suppose it could've been worse."

Nightfall tried to use his magic, but when he saw the glow on his horn he got scared. Ebon noticing this, smirked seeing he feared using his own magic for offense, "I see you are capable of using some of your magic, but you choose not too."

"Stay away. I don't want to be you again!" Nightfall ordered him.

Ebon could only laugh, "You presume too much, boy. I don't want you to be me again."

"Then what do you want?" he inquired.

"I'm here to take back what is mine," Ebon began, while Nightfall was confused, "You see when we met our untimely demise, shall we put it? We were separated, mind, body, and power. Ever since then you have possessed a half of our unicorn magic. I need that half in order to regain my full power!"

Nightfall shook his head, in response, "No! I won't give it to you!"

Ebon sighed, "I expected such a response. That's why I'm going to take it!" he grabbed Nightfall by the back of his neck, and held the colt up high from the ground so they were on eye level.

Before Ebon could attempt to do anything, he was suddenly bucked from behind. This resulted in him dropping Nightfall. The dark ruler looked up and saw Muse with Saba next to her, "Get the buck away from my son!" she ordered, as Saba roared.

Ebon got up and smirked, "Ah, Muse. So nice of you to join us."

"She's not the only one!" Wild flew in, and knocked the two Serpentine away from Cherilee.

"And Wildcard too? How fortuitous," Ebon chuckled. Nightfall ran to his mom, as Ebon continued, "I see you've been taking very good care of my former body since you and your friends ruined it!"

As Nightfall clung to Muse, she spoke while glaring at Ebon, "We did not ruin him. We removed the evil and hatred from him born from jealousy."

"In other words you made it weaker!" Ebon frowned.

Wild frowned and spoke up, "Being nice and kind is not weakness! It was such positive qualities that made up the elements of harmony which in turn defeated you!"

"But not permanently." Ebon countered.

"Well, this time's going to be different I assure you." Muse promised, as Saba growled in agreement.

Ebon looked ahead, and saw the others coming, "The cavalry is finally here. But it's hardly worth it."

The ponies minus Pinkie, came to a halt as Twilight called, "Ebon!"

"Ah, it's good to see you all again." he said pleasantly.

"All right bub, last time we were unprepared, but this time we're ready to take the fight to ya!" Rainbow called.

"I wouldn't worry about me right now," he began, "You should worry more about your warrior friends and your pink one."

"What do ya mean?" Applejack asked in confusion.

"The serpentine are already on a war path with them, even as we speak. Oh, that reminds me. I think it's time I joined them. Catch you soon." he vanished in blue flames, while the two serpentine who were with him tunneled into the ground.

Wild spoke knowing the others maybe in trouble, "He's right, we got to get to Pinkie and the others."

"Cherilee, take of Nightfall while we're gone." Muse instructed.

"Of course." she nodded.

Before they left, Nightfall spoke up, " Wait, mom, how is this... Why?" he asked feeling so confused.

Muse spoke to him, "I know you're confused sweetie, but I promise you I'll tell you everything."

"We all will." Twilight added, as Nightfall nodded.

"Come on!" Rainbow called, as they took off for the town square.



Meanwhile, back in the town square, Pinkie, and the warriors were holding off the serpentine. Jade was launching spirit arrows from her spirit bow at some Constrictai soldiers, while Aria and Dustin were close to her using their basic martial arts moves against some Venomari soldiers, "These things are definitely persistant." Aria noted.

"Like we said." Dustin replied, as he fired a spirit gun at a Fangpyre.

"Remember what we told you about these snakes, and their abilities!" Alistair called, as he fired a shadow shot attack at a Hypnobrai.

"Right, Constrictai have strong grips," Ralph began, as he dodged some of the said snakes, "But I can grip harder!" he used his spirit energy to increase the muscles in his arms and hands. He grabbed two Constrictai soldiers and threw them into a wall, making the two snakes leave behind body imprints.

Three Venomari soldiers started spitting their acid for Alice and Alicia, "Venomari's venom can cause you to hallucinate." Alice noted.

Alicia nodded, as the twins avoided the venom before throwing their fists back, "Shotgun double barrel!" they called, as they blasted the snakes.

Topher, Elroy, Jethro, and Dean were jumping around some Fangpyres, who were trying to bite them, "And you turn into a snake if these  Fangpyres bite you!" Elroy called, as he delivered a spin kick to one of the Fangpyres.

Topher saw one was about to bite him, until he reached down and picked up a boulder and held it out for the Fangpyre to bite. The snake cried in pain, as he felt his fangs fall to pieces, "Ooh! Hope you know a good dentist." the dark warrior cringed, while chuckling.

"And finally the Hypnobrai..." Dustin began, as Zimmer who was fighting four of the tribe members finished.

"Can hypnotize ya just by looking into your eyes!" he summoned his spirit sais, and started fighting back while avoiding eye contact.

"You all got it right. A+!" Pinkie cheered, as she was jumping around the snakes, or onto their heads.

As the group continued fighting the snakes, a blast of blue fire almost got them, but they jumped out of the way, "What the..." Jethro gasped, as Ebon stood.

"Hey, guys." he greeted them.

"Felix!" Dustin called, but remembered, "I mean, Ebon!"

"Correct," he confirmed, "I guess the girls and Wild already told you about me?"

"Got that right." Dean nodded.

"I can't believe you're using Felix to house your spirit." Eu stated.

"What can I say? It was either that or wait to assimilate more energy, and I sure as Tartarus wasn't going to go through that again." he answered.

"We may not have completely destroyed you the first time, but this time we'll finish you off for good!" Dustin warned him.

"I'd like to see you try." Ebon challenged them.

"Let's get him!" Alistair ordered, until Alice spoke.

"But what about the snakes?"

"Leave them to us!" Twilight called, as she and the rest of the group appeared.

"You made it!" Pinkie cheered.

"But where were you?" Eu asked them.

"Ebon here was after Nightfall." Wild explained.

"Why?" they asked.

"We'll tell ya later!" Applejack answered, reminding them of their situation.

They nodded, and the warriors went at it with Ebon, while the ponies started fighting the snakes. As Dustin, Alistair, and their group attacked Ebon, the dark ruler using all of of Felix's moves combined with his strategic maneuvering was taking all of them out one by one. Dustin and Alistair rolled across the ground as the spirit warrior spoke, "He's a lot harder to defeat now that he's got Felix's powers as well."

"Well, we can't give in!" Alistair reminded him, as they got up and went on the attack again.

Ebon kept blocking and intercepting their attacks, while thinking, 'These kids. When they fight together are almost too much for me. I better do something before I lose my edge.'

He finally released a burst of blue flames knocking the warriors off him, "Oh, that's gonna leave a mark." Dean groaned.

Aria got up seeing Ebon, and her pony friends taking on the serpentine. She frowned and spoke, "I'll fix them!" she pulled out her violin and bow, "Hey, Ebon, serpentine!" she called, grabbing their attention, "Let me play you a little Aria classic!" she concentrated her spirit energy into her bow and violin and began playing like a pro.

As she played, her violin started releasing a vibration of spirit energy that was starting to irritate the snakes and Ebon, as they started clutching their heads and covering their ears, "STOP IT!" a Hypnobrai cried in pain.

"STOP IT! I CAN'T STAND IT!" A Constrictai shouted.

"MY EARS!" a Fangpyre cried.

"The sound is getting to them. Keep it up!" Twilight called to Aria, who continued playing.

Ebon was growling in frustration, as he desperately plugged his ears, "STOP THAT INFERNAL RACKET!"

"We're getting out of here!" A Venomari cried, as the snakes burrowed into the ground.

Ebon frowned at the group, "I'll be back!" he vanished in blue flames.

Seeing their enemies gone, Aria ceased her violin playing and took some breaths, "Thank God for playing with an orchestra for so many years."

The town's ponies came out of hiding, and saw the snakes were gone. They cheered that they were saved by their eight favorite ponies, as well as their human friends. The group started surrounding Aria as Dustin spoke, "That's using your instrument, Aria."

"Such a shame those snakes couldn't appreciate such a talent." Rarity noted.

"Guess their ears were too sensitive." Dean suggested, and they chuckled.

Suddenly Muse gasped, "Guys, we got to get back to Nightfall!" The others hearing how serious she was in her tone, nodded and followed her.



They arrived back at the schoolhouse, where Cherilee was comforting Nightfall who was still shocked at what happened to him moments ago, "Nightfall!" Muse called.

"Mom!" Nightfall cried, as he galloped over to her and she comforted him.

"It's ok, sweetie, I'm here." she nuzzled him.

"He looks really out of it." Jethro noted.

"You would to if you obviously saw your former evil self before you." Alicia noted, and Jethro nodded.

Nightfall looked up to his mother feeling hurt, "Mom, how long did you know?"

"Nightfall, we also didn't know until a few days ago." she answered.

Nightfall started realizing why she and the rest of the group were summoned to Canterlot that one day, "Why didn't you tell me when you found out?"

"I wanted to, but I wasn't sure if you'd be able to handle it right away." she tried reasoning.

"Well, you sure took too long to decide when on letting me know!" he cried.

"Kid, we had no idea he would even think of coming after you." Wild explained.

"But he is!" Nightfall responded.

"What does he want with Nightfall?" Rainbow asked the two, as everyone else was concerned as well.

Nightfall answered, "Apparently when I was purified, his spirit was forced out of me, but half of our unicorn magic resides within me, while he retains the other half. I've always felt I had a very powerful magic force inside me, but I've always been afraid using it, fearing I'd hurt others close to me."

"Now Ebon's looking to assimilate that magic from within you to make his magic full again." Jethro concluded, as Nightfall nodded.

"And if he gains all his magic powers, then he really will be nearly impossible to defeat." Twilight feared.

Muse looked down at her colt sensing he still felt betrayed, but held him close, "Son, I know you are beyond the levels of disappointed in me for hiding this secret from you, but a parent always looks out for their child. I thought by not telling you about Ebon I'd be protecting you from the memories of your past life. But believe me when I say I am truly sorry." she shed a tear.

Nightfall seeing how his mother felt just as hurt as he was, couldn't bring himself to be any further disappointed in her. He wiped away her tear, and spoke, "I understand you were trying to protect me. But I can face these nightmares. I may not be King Ebon anymore, but I still have courage enough to face whatever truth is told to me from you or him."

Muse smiled seeing how brave he was and answered, "I know, son. I promise I won't hide anything from you no matter how painful it might be."

"That's all I ask, mom, and thanks for looking out for me." the two hugged.

"Aw!" the mares and girls smiled.

Topher turned to the guys, "Sorta gets ya doesn't it? Right here." he patted his heart and they nodded.

Twilight spoke up, "Well, now that we know what Ebon's truly after. I should report this to the princess to let her know as well."

"Right." Muse nodded.

Dustin and Alistair turned to their friends, as the dark warrior spoke, "So guys what'd ya think of fighting the serpentine?"

"Well it was challenging." Jade admitted.

"Those snakes were definitely not like shadow soldiers." Thatch noted.

"But they gave us quite the work out." Ralph added.

"I sure as hell can't wait to fight them some more." Dean said, in excitement.

"Well, you'll be getting' yer wish there, sugarcube." Applejack replied, as they all nodded knowing it wasn't over by a long shot.



Meanwhile, back at the former castle of the pony sisters, the serpentine were recovering from having to endure an ear splitting sound. Ebon meanwhile was pacing around in frustration, before growling, "Those meddlesome humans will stop at nothing from keeping me from accomplishing my plan."

"King Ebon!" a Fangpyre cried, "It's so horrible, look what they did to my teeth!" he showed them his two fangs that fell out of his mouth having been the Fangpyre who was tricked into sinking his teeth into rock. Ebon sighed as he used his magic to restore the Fangpyre's fangs, "Oh thank you, your highness."

Ebon scowled, "Next time you will do well to not sink your teeth into solid material!"

"Yes, your excellency." The Fangpyre nodded, while feeling sheepish before joining the snakes again.

Ebon sighed as he started walking through the halls of the ruined castle, "If I'm going to assimilate the magic left inside my former body, I have to come up with a real plan to get close to Nightfall without alerting the others," he wandered into the old library seeing it was cluttered with books dating back during Celestia's and Luna's earlier years, "Perhaps I can find something useful in these archives." he suggested to himself.
> Return of an Old Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Celestia's sun rose over Ponyville, Dustin, Alistair, and Zyphon were getting ready for the new day. After the boys showered and changed, Zyphon cooked them breakfast, and they were all set, "The guys should be arriving any moment now." Dustin said, as a portal opened and their friends came out.

"Morning, boys." Burai greeted them.

"Morning." the two greeted them.

"You two look all ready." Aria noticed.

"Got that right." Dustin nodded.

"So where are we meeting up with the others?" Dean asked.

"In Ponyville park." Dustin answered.

"Then let's go." Zimmer said.

"Right." the two agreed, as they all headed out. As they left, watching from behind a bush was a figure with his hood up. He quickly sunk back into the bush not wanting to be seen.



As they walked through Ponyville greeting the folks, they saw  their eight pony friends, their pets, Spike, and Nightfall up ahead by a tree, "Over there." Alistair motioned to them.

"And they brought animals too." Aria noted.

"Yes. A perfect opportunity." Domino cawed to Fievel, who nodded.

"Well, let's get over." Thatch said, as the group headed over.

As they approached, the group saw Muse's white tiger Saba, and froze, "They have a tiger with them?" Jethro asked in shock.

"Relax, Saba is tamed." Dustin assured him.

"Somehow I don't feel so assured." Salem spoke.

"Relax, Salem," Fievel began, "I met him before and thought I was tiger chow, but he's actually really sweet."

"Come on." Dustin said, as they continued on.

"Hey, girls!" Alistair called.

They looked over and saw their humans friends approaching, "Morning, guys." Twilight greeted them.

"Looks like you all and your pets are having a good time." Zyphon noted.

"Oh, we are." Fluttershy nodded.

Domino and Fievel scurried to the animals, "Hey, what's happen, fellas?" Fievel asked.

"The prodigal animals have made their comeback." Domino cawed, as the girls and Wild's pets went over.

"Hey, Angel, how's it going?" Fievel asked, as he and Angel bunny high pawed.

Domino flew to Winona, "Hey, Winona, nice to see you again," Winona gave a playful bark and began licking the birds face. Domino chuckled, "Ok-ok, before you soak my feathers."

Owlowiscious flew down to them, "Owlowiscious, you remember us right?" Fievel asked.

"Hoot."

"Us, Domino and Fievel." Domino cawed.

"Hoot."

"Us!" Fievel shouted in frustration, before letting it go. Suddenly he felt his back nuzzled, and spun to see Opal, "Ah, there's my favorite kitty! How're you ,Opal?" he hugged her face as she purred and nuzzled him.

Tank lowered down on his helicopter top before reaching the ground, "Hey, Tank, good to see ya." Domino cawed, as he bumped heads with him.

Fievel scurried up to Gummy, "Hi, Gummy, did ya miss us?" Gummy just stood there with his face all blank, before blinking his eyes twice, "Yeah, we did to you too." Fievel said, as he went along with it.

Domino flew to Baton, "Hey, Baton, good to see you."

"Awk, good to see you. Good to see you, awk!" Baton squawked.

The two animals looked to the biggest out of all the animals, "And Saba, you're looking great." Fievel said, as the mouse patted the tiger's paw, while Domino perched on his head.

"We got a good news for all of you," Domino began, "We brought some animal friends from our world to meet you all."

"Come on over, fellas." Fievel instructed.

And so the animals of the other warriors came over and presented themselves, "Guys, let us introduce you to the girls pets. That's Angel, Gummy, Tank, Winona, Baton, Owlowiscious, Opal, and Saba." Domino introduced them.

Fievel turned to the ponies animals, "And now let me introduce to you our friends, Tricera, Salem, McTwisp, and Calem."

Winona started sniffing Tricera, who in turn was sniffing her back. When they got a good enough whiff of each other, the collie nuzzled the wolf dog, "Well, it's nice to meet you to." Tricera said, as he nuzzled back.

McTwisp and Angel met, as McTwisp shook the other rabbit's paw, "A pleasure to meet you, Angel old chap. Domino and Fievel told me they knew of another rabbit here. Fancy a carrot?" the rabbit familiar offered. Angel accepted the carrot as the two rabbits took a bite out of their treats.

Salem was leaning into Opal, with a grin, "So you're the Opal Fievel told me about. I gotta say you're cuter than he told me. A couple of cats like us could make quite a pair, eh?" Opal hissed and tried swatting her paw at him, only for Salem to duck, "Feisty." he purred. Alicia and Rarity rolled their eyes.

Calem was on top of Saba's head, while looking down at Tank and Gummy, "Nice to meet you, guys, and for record I am not now nor have I ever been a snack."

The ponies and the humans watched seeing how well the animals were all hitting it off with each other. Nightfall trotted over and began playing with them, "Seems they really like the kid." Burai told the girls.

"Well, he knows how to be gentle with them." Muse explained.

"Obviously more gentle than his other half," Valmont said, but realized it wasn't the best thing to say, "Sorry about that."

"So he knows now?" Mitsukai inquired.

"He does." Wild nodded.

"And how's he taking it?" Belmont asked.

"Well, he was shocked that we didn't tell him about it sooner," Muse began, while looking down in guilt, "And he was very upset with me the most." Wild comforted her, as he continued.

"But he came around and told us not to keep secrets like this from him again."

"So what's happening with him now?" Xever asked.

"Well, I'm training him how to control his high magic reserves," Twilight explained, "He's afraid of using it because he fears with him unable to truly control it he'll hurt somepony close to him."

"Fear does bring down ones concentration." Burai nodded.

"But if anypony can help him harness his magic it's you, Twi." Dustin said with a smile.

"Thanks, guys." the alicorn smiled.



Meanwhile in the Everfree Forest, Ebon was still going through the books of Celestia's and Luna's former castle's library. He threw a book down in frustration, "I've scoured this library all night and have found nothing to help me!" he walked out of the library in need of a break.

As he walked down the dark and dusty hall way he stopped before a mirror on the wall that looked half broken. He looked at his reflection and smirked, "Oh, Felix, if only you could actually be a part of this whole revenge scheme of mine. But due to your betrayal you're in the backseat of things. Still I must admit your potential and strength as both a dark warrior and a yoko have benefited me thus far. When I've destroyed your former friends you will look like a pathetic loser." he chuckled before walking down the hall.

When he reached the main chamber where the serpentine resided, Mezmo ran up to him, "King Ebon!"

"Yes, Mezmo?"

"The ponies and their human friends have been spotted in Ponyville park, but there are some older humans in the town as well."

"Hm, Felix's former companions," Ebon pondered, until an idea came to mind, "Mezmo, instruct Chunk, Spitz, the Constrictai and the Venomari to go after them and bring me the colt Nightfall."

"Yes, master, but what about you?" Mezmo inquired.

"I'll be taking Fang and the Fangpyres to where those older humans are. They are more skilled and smarter than their younger friends. Take out the more experienced, and their forces are split."

"I'll be sure to send the Hypnobrai to meet up with you as well." Mezmo answered, as he went to follow his order.



Back in the park, the group were still relaxing under the sun with the animals off to the side playing, while Burai, Xever, Mitsukai, and the Balitons went off to explore more of Ponyville, "Are you sure it was all right to let your brothers and their friends go through Ponyville without us?" Twilight asked Alistair and Aria.

"I wouldn't be too worried." Alistair began.

"Yeah, we introduced the residents here to them." Aria added.

"So they should be just fine." Dustin agreed.

Suddenly the ground started shaking, "Tell me that's an earthquake." Dean said, and suddenly the Constrictai jumped out of the ground followed by the Venomari tribe.

"Nope, not an earthquake." Pinkie said, while holding up a wrong answer card.

"Give us the colt." Chunk ordered them, while motioning to Nightfall.

"Nightfall, get behind us." Muse ordered, as she and Wild covered him.

"Another match with these guys? Sounds like a treat." Dean smirked.

"By why only these two tribes?" Dustin wondered.

"No time to ponder." Alicia said, as the two tribes moved in for the attack.



Meanwhile, the five older warriors were walking through Ponyville square, before relaxing outside the town hall, "This place sure is relaxing, am I right guys?" Xever asked the group.

"It certainly is peaceful." Mitsukai admitted.

"Yeah, but peace doesn't always last." Burai reminded them.

"Dude, don't say it you'll kill the mood." Valmont said, and suddenly burrowing up from the ground were the Hypnobrai and the Fangpyre tribes.

"Oh, boy." Belmont sighed.

"Do you think these are the serpentine?" Mitsukai asked the boys.

"Well they're serpent like." Xever noted.

"Based off their scales and colors they're the Hypnobrai and Fangpyre tribes." Burai deduced.

"Correct." Mezmo hissed.

"We've got orders to bring you down." Fang added.

"Not if we bring you down first." Valmont retorted, as they summoned their weapons.

"So then you'll fight all of us?" a voice spoke up, as Ebon appeared and startled the older warriors.

"It's him." Belmont gasped.

"Ebon." Xever stated.

"In Felix's body just as they said." Mitsukai added.

"I'd wish to go after the younger warriors, but then I wouldn't have the opportunity to take out the ones who made them into the warriors they are today." Ebon began.

Burai stepped closer to Ebon, who wasn't moving and spoke, "Felix, if you're in there somewhere I am so very sorry this happened to you."

"Felix cannot hear you right now, boy." Ebon replied.

"Well, then you be sure to give him my message."

"Why should his well-being matter to you?" Ebon inquired, "He is your enemy, or have you forgotten what I had hired him to do?"

"We haven't," Mitsukai answered, "But he was still one of us."

"And that's a part of history we can't change." Valmont added and Belmont nodded in agreement.

"Oh yes, history indeed," Ebon said, with a chortle, "I've seen all of Felix's memories with all of you. He was really fond of all of you, even vying for your attention, child," he motioned to Mitsukai who frowned, "But alas his issues of inferiority due to so much competition drove him away from all of you. He indeed had a problem, and you all didn't do anything to help him."

"You're wrong!" Xever shouted, "We did try to help him, but I guess our efforts weren't enough." he sighed.

"No, they were not." Ebon justified his claim.

"But we're gonna get you out of him one way or another." Burai said, as he gripped his spirit dagger.

"I'd like to see you try," he challenged them, before motioning to the serpentine, "Attack!"

The two tribes went at it with the older warriors, while Burai and Xever went past them to take Ebon head on. Ebon blocked and attacked the two who were throwing all they had against him, "I must admit this is not a way we'd ever picture fighting Felix. With you at the wheel." Xever told Ebon, as he delivered a spin kick to the dark king.

Ebon caught the leg, and swung Xever aside, "Believe me, I had not originally planned to take his body as my own, nor was he really at the top of my list for a new vessel," Ebon answered, "But beggars can't be choosers. Besides I've already grown used to his abilities, so in the end I made a wise choice."

Burai grunted, as he used his spirit dagger to strike at Ebon, who was dodging before throwing a punch. He missed and Burai fired a shotgun attack at him knocking him into a building's wall. Ebon peeled himself off and looked seeing the other older warriors fighting off the serpentine while avoiding the eyes and the fangs, "I wonder how the others are doing?"



Back with the younger warriors and the ponies, the Constrictai and Venomari tribes continued to jump and attack them, while they were determined to protect Nightfall, "Shadow gun!" Thatch and Topher called, before blasting two members of both tribes.

Applejack and Muse were bucking some incoming Venomari soldiers who were trying to spit at them, "We can't afford to have them use their abilities on us." Muse stated.

"Got that right." Applejack agreed.

Ralph using his strength enhanced with spirit energy was pounding the Constrictai, "Hey, you think those other tribes went after Burai and the others?"

The group gasped, "They probably did." Aria gasped.

"I'm sure they'll be fine, unless Ebon's with them..." Dustin began, until he realized what he said and looked at Mezmo and asked sourly, "He is isn't he?" Mezmo only chuckled.

"We got to find them and help them." Dean stated.

"But who's going to help us?" Jethro asked, as he dodged the venom of one of the Venomari soldiers.

Suddenly lightning started striking all around the area and nailing the serpentine, "Good one, Eu!" Alistair cheered, until the girl spoke.

"Alistair, that's not me."

"What?" they asked in confusion.

Chunk suddenly saw Muse and Wild were too preoccupied with watching the serpentine flee, he took a chance and burrowed up form behind them and grabbed Nightfall, "Mom!" he cried.

"Nightfall!" Muse screamed, as Chunk dragged the colt into the hole.

"He's got him!" Wild cried.

"If I know where he's going, he's going to find Ebon." Dustin deduced.

"But where could he and the others be?" Alice asked, until they heard an explosion coming by from the town square.

"Over there!" they said simultaneously.

Dustin turned to Domino, "Domino, you and the other animals wait here!" they took off.

"Good luck!" Domino cawed.



Back at the other fight, Ebon stood before both Burai and Xever who were both looking worn down from fighting him, while the others continued holding off the snakes, but didn't look like they could keep it up, "What now, fearless leader?" Xever asked Burai sarcastically.

"I'm opened for suggestions." Burai answered.

Ebon smirked, until the Constrictai and Venomari soldiers popped out of the ground, "King Ebon!" Spitz called.

"We got him!" Chunk called, as he dragged the struggling colt over.

"Ah, yes. My former body," Ebon chuckled, "Chalk full of my magic."

Nightfall looked on in terror, as Ebon grabbed him by the back of his neck and lifted him up to his eye level, "Now to take back what is mine." his eyes started glowing.

"Ebon, let him go!" Dustin screamed as the others were charging over.

Ebon frowned, and snapped his fingers with his free hand, summoning shadow soldiers to block the warriors and the ponies paths. Burai and Xever taking advantage ran at him, but were jumped by Constrictai soldiers. Ebon turned back to Nightfall, "Where were we?" his eyes glowed again, as Nightfall's eyes did the same as magic started pooling out of his horn and was assimilated into Ebon's forehead.

"Nightfall!" the ponies screamed, as they tried getting past the shadow soldiers.

"WIND!" a voice shouted, as a blast of air blew around.

Ebon was knocked out of his concentration and off balance, causing him to drop Nightfall who ran for cover, "What?" Ebon gasped, as he looked around for the source.

They all looked and saw walking down the street was a figure with his hood up. When the hood fell down it revealed Blaze Shadow, who now had elemental symbols on his clothes, "Hey, guys, what's up?"

"Blaze!" the group cheered.

"Who?" the serpentine asked in confusion.

"A friend, and don't forget it." Blaze told the snakes.

"What're you doing here?" Alistair asked.

"Come o,n Alistair, I'll always be there to watch my friends backs." Blaze answered.

Ebon looked on in shock and confusion, "You, but how? I disposed of you myself!"

"Ebon, Ebon, Ebon," Blaze began, while shaking his head, "See that's the problem with you. You may have written a perfectly good script about what happened back in our world, and with this sequel of yours in the process to boot. But a sequel always has surprises such as this. So now let's see what happens."

"I destroyed you once, I'll do it again!" Ebon bellowed, as he flew at Blaze who started blocking some punches, but received a spin kick that knocked him to the ground.

Blaze got back up, "Good move, but I still have a lot to repay you for putting that hole in my stomach!" he concentrated as the symbols on his clothes glowed and he launched a blast of fire combined with wind to created smoke around Ebon and the snakes.

"Blaze knows elemental magic now?" Eu gasped.

"Where did he learn that?" Dean asked.

"You can ask him after the fight!" Twilight called, as she started blasting the shadow soldiers with her magic.

"Mom!" Nightfall cried, as she ran to Muse.

"Oh, Nightfall!" Muse hugged him.

Dustin and Alistair flew over and landed by Blaze, while the others went to fight the snakes with the older warriors, "Nice to see you Blaze, but I thought you said you were sitting this one out?" Dustin reminded him.

"Hey, old habits die hard." Blaze chuckled, as they stood ready against Ebon.

"I'll crush all three of you!" Ebon declared, as the four lunged at each other and battled it out hand to hand.

Dustin and Alistair summoned their weapons and started striking at Ebon, who ducked or leaned back, only for Blaze to stomp the ground with the earth symbols on his shoes glowing, "Earth!"

A earth fist rose up from behind Ebon and punched him, sending him flying at both Dustin and Alistair who powered their fists up, "Spirit/Shadow Shotgun!" they combined their attacks that sent Ebon crashing onto a flower cart. He rose up with the flowers that were on his body to burn up from the fire he was emitting.

"I'll be back!" he vanished in flames.

"Retreat!" Mezmo ordered, as he and the rest of the snakes burrowed away.

The shadow soldiers vanished, and the groups started catching their breath. When they finished, the ran over to Blaze, "Blaze, it's really you!" Twilight cheered.

"You arrived just in time." Wild added.

"But what're you doing here?" Ralph asked.

"And how did you learn to use magic?" Eu asked curiously.

"Guys, easy. I'll answer everything, but maybe we should get out of here, before we get charged for damage of property?" Blaze suggested. They all looked around and saw the place looked wrecked, and quickly bolted.



They returned to the park, where the warriors animals were glad to see them all right, and Blaze was with them. Soon Blaze was seated with them and they began their questions, "How did you learn to use magic?" Eu inquired.

"Well, the world in which I accidentally landed it in is filled with magical users. I joined a guild of them," Blaze answered, "Now like you I use elemental magic with these symbols on my clothes."

"Sweet with that and your spirit energy you'll be a major asset to us once again." Dean said, while patting his shoulder.

"Not so much," Blaze answered, "I've stopped using my spirit energy. In fact I've used some magic to seal it off."

"You what?" they asked in confusion.

"Why would you do that?" Mitsukai asked.

"Well, during my magic training I went through a trial."

"A trial?" Alistair asked.

"Yeah. When Ebon put that hole in me, a portion of his darkness lingered on inside me even after King Dusk and Queen Dawn healed me," he continued, "That portion finally manifested into Ebon deep in my mind. He wanted to control me like a puppet, similar to how he is to Felix now. I fought hard against him, but through my struggling he was also fighting the friends I made with my own power. Eventually I conquered him and extinguished him from my mind. Still my own spirit energy was used to harm my friends. I almost lost them due to it, and swore I would never risk others using my energy against those I cared about. So I eventually embedded a magic seal on my chest to keep my spirit energy dormant should I ever decide to use it again. So I continued to practice in the art of elemental magic instead."

"Interesting." Eu admitted, while feeling impressed.

"So how did you get here?" Alice asked.

"Well, the time I spent in the other world felt like it was longer since time moves different in other worlds," Blaze spoke, "But one day during one of our parties, I felt a surge flowing through me. The Pendulum effect started dragging me back to our world. It was due to the fact I overcame the other shadows of my past involving my family. Before I could be fully transported back, my girlfriend Wendy jumped and returned to New York with me."

"At first I spent a week or two there showing her all around our home. She did get a lot of culture shock, but I walked her through it. We were happy together, but that fun didn't last forever. The same kind of Pendulum affect started dragging her out of our world and back to her's. I planned to go back to the lab and use the portal to return, but she made me promise her not to come back just yet. She wanted me to go and help you guys. Now that I conquered all my shadows I felt truly ready to resume my place fighting along side you. I remained true to my word by using Dustin's portal device to come here. I first went to the Princesses in Canterlot and told them everything. When they informed me of what's been going on here I came right over. I didn't want to reveal myself just yet until I knew what to say to you. Then Ebon and the snakes showed up on both sides."

"Then that was you using lightning magic?" Jethro deduced.

"Right."

"Well, we're glad you showed up." Dustin said.

Blaze smirked, "You guys would be lost without me."

"Don't push it, man." Dean warned him, and he just kicked back.

Muse checked Nightfall over, "Nightfall, are you ok, sweetie?"

"I think so, but my head feels tingly." Nightfall admitted.

"What was Ebon trying to do anyway?" Blaze asked.

"That was him trying to assimilate his magic from Nightfall back into himself." Twilight explained.

"It didn't look like he got much out of him." Alicia noticed.

"Still, if he could assimilate even a bit he'll eventually try and assimilate it all." Twilight stated.

"No!" Nightfall gasped.

"Don't worry, kid, we're gonna protect you." Wild assured him.

"Ya got that right." Rainbow agreed.

"And I'll be sticking around this time to help." Blaze promised.

"Well then, Blaze, how about you bunk with me and Alistair at our HQ in this world?" Dustin offered.

"Is there indoor plumbing?" he inquired.

"Of course." Alistair answered.

"Then I'm good with that."

"Well, now that this is out of the way, we should give Blaze a welcome to Ponyville party." Pinkie spoke up.

"I agree." Ralph put in, while the ponies and several of the warriors rolled their eyes, but laughed none the less.

Back in the castle ruins in the forest, the snakes were resting from their fight, while Ebon was pumping his arms as magic coursed through him, "Yes. I can feel my magic returning to me. Though I only got a small portion every little bit helps. And soon all that's stored up inside that colt will be mine again, and when that happens this land and all its inhabitants will be mine to command." he chuckled to himself.
> At the Gala
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One morning at Dustin and Alistair's HQ, the humans and their pony friends were enjoying a get together since everything was relatively quiet in Ponyville for a change.

"It's been a few days since our last encounter with Ebon and the snakes." Dustin noted.

"Yeah, what do ya think them varmints are up to?" Applejack wondered.

"Obviously, nothing good." Alistair answered.

"You guys worry too much," Rainbow said, as she was kicking back on a couch, "Why don't we forget about Ebon and the serpentine for a day and just relax?"

Muse turned to her with a scowl, "Have you forgotten what happened to my son the last time we faced Ebon?" Rainbow looked at her, noticing her tone of anger, "He assimilated some of Nightfall's magic. And if he did it once he'll do it again if we're not careful."

"I understand that, but stressing about it won't help," Rainbow continued, but noticed Muse's scowl didn't shift. Rainbow looked to her cousin, "Wild, back me up."

"I agree with Rainbow, Muse. I understand how it upsets you, believe me I'm just as upset," Wild laid a hoof on her shoulder, "But we're gonna do whatever we can to protect Nightfall and Equestria from Ebon."

Muse started letting it sink in and sighed in relief, "Yes, we will. Thanks for that, guys. I really need it."

"That's what we're here for." Rainbow answered.

Suddenly Spike belched up a scroll, and caught it, "A letter from the princess." Twilight gasped.

"What does it say?" Burai asked.

Spike unrolled the scroll and cleared his throat, before speaking, "My dearest student and fellow Princess Twilight Sparkle. As you know the Grand Galloping Gala is but a week from today, and I'm writing to tell you that you and all your friends including our friends from the human world are all invited. I understand that the last time you all attended your plans went awry, but I'm certain this time you will all have a much better time as long as you stick together. Your dearest mentor and fellow princess, Celestia."

"We're invited to the Grand Galloping Gala?" Wild gasped.

"Wow." Muse gasped.

"Grand Galloping Gala?" Ralph asked with a raised brow.

"What is that?" Alice asked the ponies.

"A special festivity held in Canterlot every year." Muse explained.

"I would assume Dustin and Alistair told you all what we told them about our experience there?" Twilight inquired.

"Oh yeah, you girls caused a ruckus there!" Dean laughed with Zimmer.

"I was once invited there, but I turned it down on some words of advice from my sibs." Muse stated.

"Well, this time it's gonna be different because we're going together." Pinkie put in.

"Just the way I wanted it to be." Spike added.

"And we're attending to." Dustin smirked.

"Is this a formal gathering?" Blaze asked with distaste.

"Of course." Rarity answered.

"Oye," Blaze rolled his eyes, "Never been one for such things."

"Oh, Blaze, don't be a stick in the mud!" Pinkie gave him a hoof noogie.

"Watch the head." Blaze got out of her gesture.

"Besides according to the princess, she said the girls made the place livelier," Dustin noted, "And if we're going we'll make it ten times as lively." he grinned.

"Dustin, you got that look in your eye." Alicia warned him.

"What look?" Dustin asked, as he was still grinning.

"I'd like to see what this Gala is like." Mitsukai stated.

"Me too." Burai agreed.

"So can we all go?" Thatch asked.

"Well, I don't have a problem," Twilight answered, before looking to the others, "What about the rest of you?" one by one they all started giving their ok of wanting to attend, "Spike, tell the princess we'll be there."

"Right." Spike wrote back and used his flame to send it off.

"Well, then if we're going to the gala then we're going to need to look our best." Rarity said on behalf of the girl ponies and humans.

"I can help if you want?" Mitsukai offered.

"That would be wonderful, Mitsukai," Rarity smiled, "Well, we best get started right away."



Outside the house, Chunk the Constrictai was listening through the window and smirked before burrowing off back to Everfree. Upon reaching the snakes and Ebon's lair, he entered and found Ebon, "King Ebon, I bring news."

"Speak, Chunk." Ebon answered.

"I have overheard the ponies and their human friends talk about attending the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot this week." the snake explained.

A look of amusement grew on Ebon's face, "The Grand Galloping Gala, huh? Now there's something I've never gotten a chance to go to."

"How so, sir?" Chunk asked.

"Well back in the old years I was still a child, and too young to attend such events," Ebon began, "And by the time I had come of age it was already too late. My parents stripped me of my alicorn heritage, and I had ran away. The rest is history. But now that I no longer abide to the rules of my parents, and that I am more than come of age since then. I have no problem with attending."

"Are you on the list?" Chunk asked.

Ebon turned to him with a frown, "No, you silly serpent! I don't need to be on the list because we're gonna crash it."

"We are?" Chunk gasped.

"Correct."

"But if they're all going won't Nightfall be vulnerable to have his magic assimilated?" Chunk inquired.

"I doubt he will be vulnerable," Ebon said skeptically, "If I know those girls, they won't leave Nightfall unless they had fail safes to prevent me from reaching him. I'll let it slide for this time. Go tell Mezmo, Fang, and Spitz the news." he opened a portal.

"Where are you going?" Chunk asked.

"If I'm going to be attending this gala, I should at least make myself look presentable." he jumped into the portal that vanished.



A week had passed, and during the twilight hour at Dustin and Alistair's place, the boys, Wild, and Spike were getting into their tuxes, while helping each other with their ties, "Boy, guys, we look like a millions bucks." Xever said as he straightened his jacket.

"I'll say." Belmont agreed.

"We should probably get over the boutique. The girls should be ready by now." Spike suggested.

"Indeed." Zyphon agreed, as they were about to head off, until Valmont stopped.

"Oh, man, I nearly forgot!"

"What?" Burai asked, as the boys were confused.

Valmont reached into his tuxedo pocket and pulled out a bottle of cologne, "Wild Fire!" he declared, as the boys minus, Wild, Spike, and Blaze started gasping and whooping, "I was saving it for a good time."

"Good call, man." Belmont admitted to his bro.

"Nice!" Elroy smirked.

"What is it?" Spike asked.

"Only the best cologne to ever be made." Dean explained.

Dustin held the dragon close, and whispered to him, "One little spray and Rarity will be all over you." he winked.

Spike's eyes widened as he looked at Valmont, "Give me a spray!" he demanded.

Valmont chuckled, and gave Spike a little spray of the stuff as the dragon whiffed it, "Ooh, not bad."

"Gather around boys, and prepare to smell like kings." Valmont said, as he gave each of the boys a little spray.

"Ok, we look good and we smell good." Ralph stated.

"Now let's get to the girls." Elroy finished as they headed off to Carrousel Boutique.

When they arrived at the boutique, they didn't see the girls outside, "Typical of them to take so long." Topher sighed.

Suddenly the door to the shop opened and out came a red carpet that rolled out. The boys watched as the pony girls stepped out wearing their dresses. Twilight and her friends appeared to be wearing their first gala dresses that were fixed up since they were in disrepair after the first time they were worn at the gala, and Muse was wearing a a gorgeous yellow dress with a touch of Shakespeare to it. Following them were the human girls each dressed up lovely, while girls like Aria and Mitsukai were wearing Japanese styled gowns, and Eu was dressed in a purple medieval style gown.

Boys like Dustin, Alistair, Burai, Elroy, Wild, and Spike were jaw dropping at the sight of their crushes on how gorgeous they looked. The girls stood before the boys, until Alice asked with a faint blush, "Uh, so how do we look?"

"Gorgeous!" Dustin announced.

"Beautiful." Burai added.

"Amazing." Alistair finished.

The girls blushed from their compliments, until Alicia sniffed the air around the boys, "Guys, are you wearing Wild Fire?" the girls wondering what she meant, sniffed the air and caught the stench as well.

The boys smiled, as Dustin answered, "It's a special occasion."

Alicia smiled, "It smells nice."

"Oh, yes very nice." Rarity agreed.

Muse spoke, "Ok, I had Twilight use a protective barrier around my place so it'll be safe for Nightfall to be tonight."

"And I promise you that spell is compliments of my brother and Cadence. It's strong enough to repel even Ebon in his current state." Twilight promised.

"Thanks again, Twi."

"No problem." she smiled.

"So how're we getting there?" Thatch asked.

"Allow me." Eu said, as she used her staff to cast a portal spell.

"Good work, Eu." Blaze smirked.

"Shall we?" Burai asked, as he offered Mitsukai his hand.

"Let's." Mitsukai answered, as she put her hand in his and they all entered before the portal closed.

Watching from behind a tree was Mezmo who spoke, "Yes, now to inform the master." he burrowed off.



Meanwhile in Canterlot, a portal opened up and the group exited it, "We made it." Rainbow gasped.

"Not a moment to spare." Rarity added, as they saw more and more guests arriving.

"Well, guys and girls, this is it." Dustin said, as they started their way up to the castle and entered.

As they walked through the entrance they saw multiple ponies of Canterlot roaming around. They then noticed Celestia and Luna walking about greeting everypony, "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna!" Twilight called.

The two sisters looked over and saw their fellow princess and her friends, "Ah, welcome everypony." Celestia greeted them.

"We're glad you all could make it." Luna smiled.

"Like we'd miss this." Dustin chuckled.

Suddenly the two sisters took a whiff of the air surrounding the boys, "That is quite a aroma you boys are emitting." Celestia admitted.

"Indeed, what is the source of that odor?" Luna inquired.

The boys looked at each other before looking back, and answered simultaneously, "Wild Fire!"

The two princesses were confused, until Aria spoke up, "Never mind, listen we're gonna go and enjoy the gala."

"Right, I wanna get to the buffet and quick." Ralph added.

Celestia smiled, "You all go on ahead."

"We'll meet up with you all later." Luna added.

"Until then." Xever said, as the group pressed on.

They approached the entry of the ballroom and saw the ponies were all gathered. Before any of them could enter, Xever stopped them, "Hold up there, amigos. If we're gonna attend this party, first thing we need is a grand entrance."

"Xever, what're you getting at?" Burai asked suspiciously.

"Come on, Burai. Don't you remember Junior year at Homecoming?"

Burai and the Balitons thought back and realized what he was getting at, "Clever." Belmont smirked.

"What're you guys talking about?" Applejack asked.

Mitsukai giggled and hushed them, "This is them trying to make a first impression."

Dustin peeked into the ballroom and looked to Domino, "Alright, Domino, go!"

Domino nodded and flew up to the ceiling seeing some spotlights were set up. He managed to turn one of the lights to aim at the entrance, and let out a number of loud caws to grab the the attention of the ponies below.

When the ponies were confused by the cawing sound, they suddenly saw the spotlight aiming for the entry way. Suddenly running into the room and sliding to a halt was Xever who did some finger pointing gestures. Coming in next was Burai, who skidded to a halt next to Xever, followed by Valmont, and Belmont. Finally the younger boys ran in each before skidding to a halt next to the older boys. First was Dustin, Alistair, Elroy, Jethro, Blaze, Dean, Ralph, Topher, Zimmer, and Thatch.

Once all the human boys were in the center of the ballroom, Xever spoke up, "Hello, Canterlot!"

Alistair spoke up next, "We're here to party hard!"

The ponies looked at them questionably, while the boys felt awkward. Valmont finally spoke up to break their silence, "Jeez, our high school class had more sense of humor than all of you."

The ponies said nothing, and continued to go about what they were doing leaving the boys feeling awkward. The girls walked up to them, "Bet you guys feel pathetic after that?" Jade asked amusingly.

Elroy retorted, "No, just feel bummed we wasted a perfectly executed entrance out on these guys."

"Relax, my man," Dustin began, "The night is still young, but we'll turn this gala into a regular party one way or another."

"Until then, why don't we just relax?" Twilight suggested, and they all agreed.



And so they were at a table, gossiping and such, while Ralph was at the buffet table sampling stuff. When he returned he got in on the conversation, "So you're saying Ven was willing to jump out a window and not fly off because he was so bored at the Gala?" the big guy asked Muse.

"Uh-huh."

"Well, I hope it doesn't come down to anything like that." Burai stated.

"Not unless I get bored out of my skull here." Blaze said in irritation from all the formal and old school style of a party.

"Not to worry, I got it all planned out," Dustin assured him as Zyphon approached, "Is it all ready?"

"Affirmative, master." he answered.

"Good, Octavia and her crew are on break. So let's get started." Dustin said as he, Zyphon, and Alistair went to the stage.

Zyphon activated a horn to grab all the ponies attention, as Dustin took a cordless mike from Zyphon, "Good evening, everypony. Hope you're all enjoying the Grand Galloping Gala. But if I must be honest with ya, I'm finding it bo-ring!"

Alistair took the mic, "Don't get us wrong, we're not insulting the old style of this wonderful occasion. But we feel for the current generation it deserves something more modern. And we'd like to liven it up by sharing with you real entertainment."

"You know just a little cultural exchange, if you will?" Dustin added, before turning to his robot, "Zyphon."

Zyphon nodded as an amp emerged from his torso, and started playing some hip hop dance mix. The girls recognizing the kind of beat from the dance club Techno Dome from the boys world started getting into the beat like before. Soon the humans and their friends went to the floor and started busting the moves out. The other ponies were concerned and confused by their display, until Valmont took the hoof of a mare and brought her onto the dance floor, while Jade brought a stallion out as well.

The two started showing the two ponies some moves, and the two equines made an attempt to mimic their moves. Eventually the ponies started giving it a try with the humans showing them how it's done properly.

Dustin, Aria, Alice, and Alicia were dancing close, as Alicia spoke, "Now this is a party!"

"Ya got that right." Aria agreed.

"A jolly good one indeed." a voice said, as Fancypants was dancing with Fleur like all the other ponies.

"Fancy, Fleur! I didn't see you two there." Dustin smiled.

"This is such a moving sound to move your hoofs too." Fleur admitted, as she shook it up.

"Quite so," Fancy agreed, "Is this the kind of music you dance to in your world?"

"Well, it's one of the types." Alice admitted.

"Well, I find it charming and fast." Fancy admitted.

"You mean it?" Dustin asked in surprise.

"Of course. While we enjoy the Gala and its traditional style, we have been wishing it would change up a bit. And it looks like you and your friends have done just that."

"It's what we do." Dustin admitted.

"Look at Xever!" Aria pointed, as they looked over seeing Xever break dancing with many ponies and his friends cheering.

"That Xever, always a show off." Alicia rolled her eyes.

"Hey, it's his specialty." Alistair reminded her.



Eventually the music ended and the party goers cheered, before they decided to relax and catch their breath from the big dance sequence. The group of friends went back to their table, "Whew, that was intense." Elroy panted.

"I'll say." Rainbow agreed.

"If I danced any harder I think my feet would've fell off." Jethro joked.

"Then we'd have to drag you home." Zimmer added.

"I'm gonna get me a drink." Mitsukai said, as she went for the refreshment table.

"I'll come too." Dustin went with her.

"Wait for me." Alistair followed.

As they enjoyed themselves, Rarity looked over and to her shock found Prince Blueblood walking in the direction of the refreshment table, "Oh, no."

"Oh, no, what?" Belmont asked her in confusion.

"It's him." Rarity said with distaste in her tone.

"Who?" Burai asked.

"Prince Blueblood." Rarity frowned at the memory of what he put her through.

"The Princesses nephew?" Wild asked.

"Unfortunately." she sighed.

"I remember you telling us what he did to you," Muse added, "Even Terra, Aqua, and Ven didn't like him, because he'd order them around like a pack of dogs. He once had Ven make the weather around him outside not rain on him by making a trail in the clouds so the rain wouldn't land on his coat."

"So typical." Rarity rolled her eyes.

"He made Aqua use her own unicorn magic to feed him, since he himself can barely use his magic." Muse added.

"It's a little known fact that when a unicorn royal spends so much time making others do work for them they never learn to use their own magic." Zyphon put in.

"What'd he make Terra do?" Pinkie asked.

"He'd just stand around and criticize his performance even when Terra wasn't on duty."

"What a jerk." Dean said with a frown.

"He's exactly why my sibs were really overjoyed to be transferred to the Crystal Empire." Muse added.

"And if he's walking right to those three who knows what'll happen." Rarity said, fearing for her three human friends.

"Yeah, the first time Dustin and Alistair met Blueblood here at the castle during the serpentine incident he dropped the insults on them like a ton of bricks." Spike added.

"Insults?" Xever asked, seeing his brother was insulted.

"Oh, yes," Zyphon added, "He called them monsters and freaks because they weren't ponies and said they should be kept in cages. He even called me a toaster with legs! It was so demeaning." The humans started frowning upon hearing how their pals were insulted.

"We'll go keep an eye on them." Burai said, as he, Xever, Valmont, and Belmont left the table.

At the refreshment table, Dustin, Alistair, and Mitsukai after getting some water, were about to leave until Blueblood approached, "Oh, you two are back?" he asked the two boys.

Mitsukai was confused, while Alistair scowled, and Dustin spoke, "Well, nice to see you too, Bluey." he said sarcastically.

"That's Blueblood to you." the prince huffed.

"Am I missing something here?" Mitsukai asked.

"Mitsukai, meet Prince Blueblood, the nephew of the princesses." Alistair said sarcastically with air quotes.

"Their nephew?" she asked.

"Indeed, and you are?" Blueblood asked.

"Mitsukai Tendou." she answered.

"And you know these two?" he asked.

"Yeah, I once babysat them." she admitted.

"I see, well I can imagine it must've been hard to watch two ruffians like them." Blueblood spoke while looking at the boys.

"Hey!" the two called.

"That's uncalled for wasn't it?" Mitsukai asked, "Granted they were a handful, but ruffians is a harsh word."

"Don't bother reasoning with him, Mitsukai." Alistair warned her.

"Yeah, Blueblood's the type who just writes you off the way he sees ya without even bothering to understand ya." Dustin added.

"You accuse me of such an act?" Blueblood asked in shock, "I am a prince and that far outweighs the both of you."

"You may say you're a prince, but what have you done to deserve such praise?" Alistair challenged him.

"All you do is stand around and sneer like you're the real ruler of Equestria." Dustin put in.

"I am just as right to be identified as that coming from the long line of royalty." Blueblood argued.

"That's a sack of guts!" Alistair growled, "If you stepped into the royal hall and looked at the windows on display you'd see far more fitting ponies or in this case us who deserve real praise unlike you."

"Yeah. How many window do you have dedicated to you for whatever you did?" Dustin questioned him, "Zip. Us on the other hand, we got two, and our friends have more than that."

"Face it Blueblood, behind that title of Prince you're just a narcissistic pain in the ass who can't do anything for himself." Alistair concluded.

Blueblood's eyes tightened into a glare, "I think it's time you beasts learned to respect your superiors."

Mitsukai let out a laugh, "I hope you're not talking about yourself."

Blueblood turned to her I equal disgust, "How dare you speak to me that way, you filthy little tramp!"

Mitsukai was burning with anger at what he called her, but before she, Dustin, or Alistair could do anything another voice shouted.

"HEY, DOUCHEBAG!" they turned and saw Burai approaching with Xever, and the Balitons behind him. When they reached the group, the ponies at the party and their friends knew something was going to go down.

Blueblood scoffed, "Oh great more of them."

The four boys confronted the prince, "You called my brother and his friend beasts and monsters that should be kept in cages? That's where you tick me off." Xever began.

"But when you insult my fiance like that? Well, you're just asking to be punished." Burai frowned.

"And that's no way to treat a lady." Valmont put in.

"And if that's how you treat all the mares then you're just a lousy pathetic excuse of a stallion." Belmont finished.

Blueblood frowned, "I'll see to it you fools are locked in the dungeon for life." he threatened them.

Burai frowned, "I detest threats."

"So why don't we show him what happens when you make threats against us?" Xever suggested with a smirk.

Burai smirked back, "Not a bad idea."

The four boys surrounded Blueblood from all sides, "What're you doing?" Blueblood asked in dread.

"Get him!" Valmont ordered, as the four charged and held the prince up and over their heads.

"Put me down! Release me you foul creatures!" Blueblood demanded.

"What should we do with him?" Belmont asked his pals.

Burai looked around and spotted a huge punch bowl on the refreshment table, "Over there, boys." the three saw it and smirked, before carrying the prince over to it.

"I demand you release me this very minute!" Blueblood ordered, but the four paid no mind.

When they were close to the bowl, Xever spoke as they swung Blueblood forward a bit, "One."

"Two!" The Balitons continued, as they gave him a second swing forward.

"Three!" Burai announced, as they finally threw Blueblood forward and he landed in the punch bowl getting his coat covered in the stuff.

He struggled to get up only to fall off the table with the punch bowl landing on his head. The ponies surrounding him laughed in amusement, while the four boys high fived, "Oh yeah, just like in high school!" Xever chuckled.

Blueblood growled as he stood up with his coat covered in punch, "My aunts will hear of this!"

"We're already here, Blueblood." A familiar voice spoke, as Celestia approached with Luna.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!" The boys gasped.

"Aunties!" Blueblood cried like a baby, "Look what those horrible boys did to me for no reason whatsoever."

"Man, that's a damn lie!" Xever shouted at the prince, only for Celestia to hold her hoof up to silence him.

"Blueblood is our nephew and as blood we are to listen well to his words." Celestia began, while Blueblood looked at them smugly.

"However," Celestia continued, "We also expect him to tell us the truth."

"But, Aunt Celestia, they..."

Luna spoke up, "And they had every right to do so after you insulted our honorable human knights of Equestria just as you did in the past."

"And more so insulting the fiance of one of their trainers with such words is not befitting of a prince." Celestia added.

"But..."

"You will remain in your room for the rest of the night." Celestia ordered as she and Luna teleported him away.

Seeing it was taken care of the ponies went back to the gala. The sisters approached them, "We are terribly sorry the way our nephew treated you." Luna apologized.

"Hey, we put up with his smart mouth three years ago, we could handle it." Dustin admitted.

"Mitsukai, are you ok?" Burai asked his fiance.

"Yes, I'm fine. And it looks like you boys beat me to him." she noted.

"Yeah, we know you could've given him an ass kicking, but he wasn't worth you dirtying your hands." Valmont stated.

"Thanks, guys." she smiled.

"Come on, let's get back." Belmont suggested, and they all went back to the table.

When they sat down, Ralph spoke, "We saw what happened from here."

"Are you guys all right?" Twilight asked in concern.

"Never better." Alistair admitted.

"That was hilarious what you guys did to Blueblood!" Rainbow laughed.

"Super funny." Pinkie laughed with her.

"I'll say." Alicia smiled.

"Thanks, you know that wasn't the first time we did it." Xever noted.

"It wasn't?" Muse asked.

"Oh, no. You see we did that in our Junior year at Homecoming." Valmont explained.

"Why?" Applejack inquired.

Mitsukai spoke up, "You see I was dating this guy, Shane Grundler. We went to Homecoming together, but I eventually saw he ditched me for another girl. I felt humiliated and used."

"So the four of us ganged up on him, took him out back and dumped him in one of our school's dumpsters." Burai finished.

"Guy deserved it." Wild admitted.

"Exactly." Xever replied.

"You could also say that was when I decided that Burai was my true love." Mitsukai said, as she smiled at Burai who smiled back.

"How romantic." Rarity swooned.



Everypony continued to enjoy the gala, until a shadow portal appeared on the floor below some of the ponies, and started increasing in size. When a mare looked down and saw the portal she screamed in fright causing all the other ponies to notice it and back away from it, as it continued increasing in size.

The warriors and pony group looked over and saw it, "A shadow portal." Thatch gasped.

"You know what that means." Dean said.

Suddenly jumping out of the portal was Mezmo, Fang, Spitz, and Chunk followed by more of the snakes, "The serpentine!" Alistair gasped.

"And they didn't come alone." Burai noted, as a fireball shot out from the portal and fell to the floor revealing to be Ebon wearing a red zoot suit.

Ebon smirked and spoke up, "How's the party, everypony?"

"Ebon!" Celestia and Luna declared.

Ebon seeing the sisters smiled, "Celestia and Luna, judging from the way the guests are you sure know how to host the gala. You know this is my first time ever attending such an event. Wasn't able to because of certain events. What can ya do?"

The warriors and ponies approached, "I don't remember getting your RSVP, Ebon." Dustin began.

"Yours or the snakes." Alistair added.

"Well, I would've sent ours in, but since I am this lands King I figured why bother?" Eon asked.

"You are no king of Equestria." Celestia replied.

"And we demand you and the serpentine leave at once." Luna added.

"But I waited a whole week for this occasion," Ebon began, before motioning to his attire, "I even dressed the part."

"Where'd you even get an outfit like that?" Rainbow asked.

"I got it from Felix's wardrobe I scrounged up from our old lair."

"Felix had that in his wardrobe?" Burai asked with a raised brow.

"You'd be amazed at the outfits he's got." Ebon answered.

"Well, while I'd love to talk fashion, I agree with the princesses that you must leave." Rarity insisted.

"We'll leave when we feel like it. Right, boys?" Ebon asked the snakes who hissed with snickers.

"Then I guess we're gonna have to drive you party crashers out." Blaze said, as the warriors and ponies stood ready.

Ebon snickered, "I hoped you'd say that. Attack!" And on the command, the serpentine engaged in combat.

"Spread out!" Xever called, as they did so and took on a faction of the snakes.

Dustin and Alistair summoned their weapons and started striking at the snakes, while all the guests took cover behind tables, "So much for a calm party." Dustin said.

"What can ya do?" Alistair asked rhetorically.

Alice and Alicia were fending off against some Fangpyres. One was about to take a bite at Alice, until she caught its jaw and held its mouth opened. She looked at its teeth and looked repulsed, "You need a dentist!" she threw him over her shoulder and it landed on a table.

Blaze pulled out a chain weapon and spun one end, "All right, boys. Come and get me." he started swinging it around nailing some Constrictai.

When one of them got hit in the head, he groaned, "Ow, that hurt!" he rubbed his head.

"Uh, that's the point." Blaze said dryly.

"Blaze, look out!" Eu called, as a Fangpyre was about to land on him with its fangs ready to bite him, "Wind!" she aimed her wand at the snake releasing a blast of wind that blew the snake into a wall.

"Thanks, Eu." Blaze said.

"No problem." she answered, as they got back to fighting.

While the younger warriors and ponies were handling the snakes, Burai, Xever, Mitsukai, the Balitons, and the alicorn sisters dealt with Ebon. Xever and Burai fought him head on using their combined martial arts skill, while Ebon was evading them, "Both your skills are truly impressive. Such a shame you two waste it on these meaningless fools."

"Meaningless to you, but we'd gladly fight by their side." Xever answered.

"Then you can fall with them!" Ebon declared, as he released the four fox tails from his behind, and powered up his flames. He extended his palms and fired flame shots.

"Look out!" Celestia called as she used her magic to protect them.

Ebon charged and threw a punch, only for Valmont to catch it and the two fought before Valmont jumped away. Belmont struck next while wielding his throwing disks and threw them. Ebon dodged one, but the other managed to cut some strands of fur from one of his tails.

Ebon growled before jumping all around them while finger motioning to them powering up with dark energy, "Shadow gun!" he fired his blast, only for them to hit the floor to take cover.

Ebon chuckled, "Now this is a party!" Suddenly a cream pie nailed the back of his head, "Who threw that!?" he looked back only to get pied in the face this time.

Down on the ground, Pinkie had her party cannon loaded with cream pies, "Hungry for pie?"

"I'm hungry for vengeance!" Ebon declared, as he flew down for Pinkie.

Pinkie jumped aside as Ebon landed on the floor while on all fours, as he surveyed the scene around him, seeing the ponies had surrounded him, "You crashed the wrong gala, Ebon." Wild warned him, as he and Rainbow Dash flew around to distort him.

Ebon got back on his legs before flying up to strike the two, but was knocked aside by Ralph, "Eat floor!" Ralph slammed him into the floor face first.

The former dark king knocked Ralph off him, and got up to dust his suit off, "Enough of these games!" he summoned a sword made from dark energy and started striking at Ralph who was dodging.

"Guys, I could use some help!" Ralph called.

"Hang on, buddy!" Thatch called, as he summoned his shadow Claymore and blocked Ebon's strikes.

The snakes continued to fight the warriors, until they saw just about every guard in the castle arrived and looked ready to fight, "Uh, Ebon?" Mezmo spoke.

Ebon looked around seeing more help arrived. He groaned, but brushed it off, "Well, this was a very nice party. We should do it again real soon. Boys, time to go!" he turned into smoke and flew back into the shadow portal. The serpentine ran from their positions and jumped into the portal before it closed up.

With Ebon and the snakes retreat, the ponies and the humans calmed down to catch their breath, "Well, glad that's over." Dustin said.

"Oh, no, look at this place." Aria gasped seeing the ballroom looked like a mess.

"Oh, don't worry about that." Celestia began, as she and Luna used their combined magic to restore the ballroom to be good as new.

"Nice." Eu gasped.

"All right, now this party is back on!" Dean called, as the guests returned to the party while finally being able to overcome what just happened.



Soon it was getting late, as most of the guests had cleared out, "So shall we get going?" Dustin asked.

"Where are Mitsukai and Burai?" Jethro asked, as they all looked around.

Aria looked out to the dance floor and smiled, "Well, it looks like they're getting one last dance in."

And indeed she was right. Mitsuaki and Burai were waltzing as Octavia and the band was playing a song, by request of Burai himself.



Dustin smiled before turning to his three girls, "Shall we, girls?"

Aria, Alicia, and Alice smiled before obliging as they went to the dance floor and danced together. Alistair offered his hand to Eu, and the two joined them. Wild offered his hoof to Muse who accepted it, as did Rarity to Spike's offer. The rest of the group watched them dance while Blaze smiled, but deep down thought about his own true love, 'Wendy.' he thought with a sigh.
> Forming an Alliance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Ponyville, Wildcard was minding his shop, until he heard the bell ring signaling a customer, "Coming," he trotted over, and saw it was Nightfall, "Hey, Nightfall, what brings you here?"

"Morning, Wildcard. Listen I came here because I need some advice." he answered.

"What kind of advice?"

"Well, you know mom's birthday is coming up?"

"Oh, yeah. I got it marked on my calendar."

"Well, you see. I'm trying to figure out what to get her," Nightfall explained, "And I've got nothing."

"Well, when you want to try and get something for somepony, you have to think of the pony and what they're into." Wild began.

"Well, I know mom loves theater and stuff." he answered.

"True, but there's more to her than her theater work. She likes stories and legends." Wild noted.

Nightfall then lifted his head up, "That's it! I'll make a story for mom."

"There you go." Wild nudged him.

"And it'll be something I've been thinking about for awhile. Thanks for your help, Wildcard."

"Anything for my surrogate son." Wild ruffled the colt's mane.

"See you later." he trotted off, as Wild watched him feeling proud.

"Ah, they grow up so fast."



Later that day, Dustin, Alistair, Alicia, Alice, Aria, Dean and Jethro were watching Eu and Blaze spar using elemental magic. Eu unleashed some ice magic, while Blaze released fire magic, causing the ice to melt, "Blaze sure knows how to use magic." Alistair noted.

"For real." Jethro agreed.

"But Eu's still got him on the run." Alicia stated.

"I wouldn't count Blaze out just yet." Dustin reminded her.

The two magic users continued pitting their magic against each other, before reaching a stalemate, "You're very good." Eu smiled.

"So are you." Blaze added.

"Ok, you two, towel off." Dean said, as the two went over to them to have a drink of water.

"The guild you learned magic from taught you well, Blaze." Alice said.

"You got that right." Blaze nodded.

"Hey, isn't that Nightfall?" Aria asked, as they saw Nightfall underneath a tree, and appearing to be drawing something.

"What's he doing?" Alistair wondered.

"Let's find out." Eu said, as they went over.

"Nightfall?" Blaze asked.

The colt looked up and saw them, "Hi, guys."

"Whatcha doing?" Dean asked.

"I'm making something for mom's birthday."

"Ooh, what is it?" Alice inquired.

Nightfall looked around seeing nopony appeared to be watching. He whispered, "I'm making her a comic book."

"Really, and what made you decide that?" Jethro asked.

"Well, my mom loves thinking up ideas for her plays and such, so I want to show her how creative I can be."

"And what's this comic about?" Dustin asked.

"Well with inspiration from the Power Ponies comic and the Five unicorns, I've made my own pony heroes. I call them the Pony Rangers," he showed them the title featuring five ponies wearing colored spandex outfits. The colors ranged from red, blue, pink, yellow, green, and their costume motifs ranged from creatures such as a dragon, serpent, phoenix, tiger, and shark, "What do you think?"

"Amazing." Aria gasped.

"Cool." Alicia smirked.

"Wicked." Dean nodded.

"Not bad, kid." Blaze said.

"Thanks, guys. I should have it finished before mom's birthday."

"I know she'll love it." Alice ruffled Nightfall's head.

"Well, I better get back to work." Nightfall, said as he continued drawing up his comic.

"We should too." Alistair noted, as the humans went off to continue their sparing.



Meanwhile off in the Badlands, Ebon was flying in the sky before touching down before a cave, "Ah, here we are." he stepped forward only to be blocked by two changelings.

"Hold it right there!" one began.

"State your business." a second said.

"I wish to see your queen." Ebon answered.

"Our queen isn't expecting company." the first said.

"That's because I'm dropping in unannounced." Ebon replied, as he blasted the two changelings into a mountain wall. Walking past them, he entered the cave of Changelings.

As he walked through the dark cave, he could hear the buzzing sound of the changelings flapping their wings, meaning he was being watched from all around. He looked above and saw a huge nest of Changeling cocoons with Changelings sleeping inside them, "Disgusting bugs." he frowned, as he continued on.

Finally he saw green eyes glowing from all around him, revealing to be more Changelings. They flew right at him to attack, only for Ebon to power up his magic and dark energy and repelled them all into the cave walls. Suddenly a female voice bellowed, "WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE?!"

Ebon looked ahead and saw descending before him was the Changeling Queen herself, Queen Chrysalis, "Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, I presume?" he inquired.

"You presume correctly, and you are?" she asked.

"Just a fellow royal who seeks the assistance of another royal." he answered.

Chrysalis frowned at his vagueness, "I do not follow."

"You don't know who I am do you?"

"I'd definitely recognize a creature like you." she replied.

"Then allow me to enlighten you," Ebon began, as he paced around her, "Thousands of years ago, the King and Queen of Creation did battle with a tyrannical unicorn who was always meant to be the true ruler of Equestria, but had everything stolen from him by his younger brother."

Chrysalis listened, and started piecing his story together before letting out a gasp, "Wait a second, you don't mean..."

"Yes, I do."

"King Ebon?" she gasped, while the Changelings who pried themselves off the cave walls gasped as well.

"Correct."

Suddenly the hostility Chrysalis had vanished, and spoke up pleasantly, "Oh, forgive me your excellency. I didn't expect the one true king of Equestria to appear..."

"In the form of some bipedal fox creature?" he finished, and she nodded, "Well, through a series of events I lost my original body and took this one as a vessel."

"I see."

"And as I stated before. I've come here in hopes of an alliance of some sorts."

"I'm listening." the queen answered.

"I have a plan to conquer Equestria, but it requires the use of you and your changeling army," Ebon began, "With your love consuming magic and shape-shifting powers combined with my tactics, dark magic, and dark energy we can take Equestria together."

"You really believe that?" she asked with a hint of skepticism.

"Of course. Changelings and Serpentine. Alone they are but mere soldiers, but when acting together they form an army unlike any Equestria has ever seen." he tempted her.

"I already know of the Serpentine's former failure to conquer the land, "Chrysalis began, "What makes you think they can do any better under your command than while they were under the command of Pythor?"

Ebon spoke, "Pythor and his fellow generals couldn't lead an army if their lives depended on it. The Serpentine needed a more competent leader. There enters me. Compared to their previous battles from before they fight harder and stronger, but I however have other enemies besides the ponies. These creatures known as humans have power that makes them formidable foes. But if we combine our forces, we can take them out like that." he snapped his fingers.

Chrysalis started getting intrigued before answering, "The plan sounds very amusing, Ebon. Though what will me and my changelings get out of helping you?"

"All the love in the land you can feed off of." he answered, putting a smirk on her face.

"You've got yourself a partner."

"Good, but before we begin I will require you to bring me something."

"And that would be?" she asked.

"My former body." he answered.

Chrysalis smirked, "I think I can manage that." she snickered, while her eyes glowed green.
> Villains plan into action
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the Ponyville schoolhouse, all the kids were exiting the building, while Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Nightfall walked together, "I'll see you girls later. I got something I need to finish." the colt said, as he trotted off.

"See you later, Nightfall." Applebloom waved bye.

As Nightfall walked past a bush, a pair of green eyes peeked out and watched him, before going back into the bush. Suddenly out from the bush came Nightfall who had a smirk on his face, as he trotted back to the schoolhouse.

Inside the classroom, Cherilee was gathering some of her sheets together, before 'Nightfall' entered the class, "Ms. Cherilee?"

"Oh, Nightfall, I thought you left." the teacher said in surprise.

"I remembered I forgot something in class."

"Oh, well make sure you get it before we close up." Cherilee noted.

"Actually it's right in front of me." 'Nightfall' said, as he approached Cherilee who was confused.

"Nightfall, what're you talking about?" she asked, while feeling a bit uncomfortable as he approached her, making her back away.

"What I forgot in the classroom, was you!" 'Nightfall' suddenly glowed green and in his place was Chrysalis. Cherilee let out a shriek at the sight of the changeling queen. A minute later stepping out of the schoolhouse was Cherilee smiling who looked as if she didn't even go through the ordeal with the Queen.



At Muse's place, Nightfall entered, and was greeted by Saba who licked him, "Hey there, boy." he chuckled.

"Nightfall, is that you?" Muse's voice came from the kitchen.

"Yes, mom, it's me."

Muse trotted in, "Welcome home, sweetie. How was school?"

"Never better," he answered, "Well I got a lot of homework to do, so give me some privacy."

"Ok, sweetie." Muse nodded, as Nightfall went to his room.

He went to his desk and emptied his bag to reveal his half finished comic book. He brought out his materials and spoke, "I can't wait for mom's birthday tomorrow. She's going to be so happy when I give this to her." he began working on the rest of his comic.

About two hours later, Nightfall had finished the comic, "Yes, it's finally done."

"Nightfall, dinner time!" Muse called from downstairs.

"Coming, mom!" he called as he put the comic in his desk drawer before heading downstairs.

Watching from his window was Mezmo who slid down a drain pipe before burying into the ground and popping up somewhere in the Everfree Forest where Ebon was, "Well, what'd you find?" he inquired out of the Hypnobrai.

"The colt is unaware of anything at the moment."

"Good. Chrysalis has already done her part, now we just need to initiate the next part of the plan tomorrow.

"Yes, sir." Mezmo nodded.



The very next morning, all the filly's and colts were in class, where 'Cherilee' was writing stuff on the board. As she did, some of the students were gossiping, "Is Ms. Cherilee all right today?" Scootaloo whispered.

"I don't know. She barely knew half of our names." Sweetie Belle noticed.

"And she's been soundin' a bit rough in her tone." Applebloom added.

"I don't know why but she's been eyeballing me for half of class, even during recess," Nightfall put in, "It's scary, actually."

When the bell rang, 'Cherilee' spoke, "Well, that's it for today, class. See you all tomorrow. Oh, Nightfall, would you please stay a bit after class? I have something to discuss with you."

Nightfall gulped, while the other students took off. 'Cherilee' approached his desk, as he spoke, "Is there something wrong, Ms. Cherilee?"

"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to have a private conversation with you without the other students around."

"About what?"

"Well, how are you holding up in class since you began learning here?"

"Doing all right. You should know that since you know about all your students."

"I do, but the fact is I'm not the only one who wants to know how you're doing."

"Who else?" he asked curiously.

'Cherilee' smirked, "Your true self." suddenly her eyes turned green and she transformed into Queen Chrysalis, taking Nightfall by surprise.

He shouted in fright, "You! You're the Changeling Queen!"

"Correct, little one." she snickered.

"What have you done to Ms. Cherilee!?" he demanded.

"Oh don't worry, she's perfectly fine." Chrysalis answered, as Cherilee was actually locked in the schoolhouse shed roped and gagged.

"Why're you here?!"

"I've been hired by your formal self to keep you here." she answered.

"Oh no!" he turned around to try and get away, only to bump into Ebon.

"Hey, kid. Miss me?" he smirked, while Nightfall trembled in fright.



Meanwhile at Muse's place, Pinkie, the girls, and Spike were getting a party ready for Muse's birthday, "Come on, girls. Muse and Wild will be back with Nightfall." Pinkie said, as they all pitched in.

"She's sure gonna be excited." Applejack said.

"I just wished, Dustin, Alistair, and Blaze were here to help us." Rainbow grumbled.

"They said they'd be here shortly." Twilight reminded her.

Suddenly Pinkie's tail started twitching, "Oh, no. Twitchy tail!"

The girls looked cautious and looked above them seeing nothing looked like it was ready to fall from the ceiling, "False alarm?" Fluttershy asked.

"Uh, girls. Something's falling, but it's not in here." Spike said, as he was looking out the window.

They all looked out it and saw Changelings dropping down on Ponyville, "Changelings!" Twilight gasped.

"And they're not alone." Rarity gasped, as they looked to see Serpentine popping out of the ground.

"The Serpentine, too?" Fluttershy gasped in confusion.

"This is bad." Twilight gasped.

"And Wild and Muse are out there." Rainbow added.

A moment ago, Wild and Muse were walking to the schoolhouse, planning to pick Nightfall up, "Wild, you didn't have to come with me. I'm more than capable of picking up my own son."

"Well, he's like my son too, ain't he?" he reminded her.

"Point." she admitted.

"Besides us walking together like this makes us look like a married couple." he smirked, and she blushed.

"Please, don't say such a thing so casually." she said, with her head turned away from him.

Wild laughed, until the two were startled by the number of changelings that dropped in, and the serpentine who popped up, "Whoa!" he gasped.

"Serpentine!" Muse gasped, as she backed up close to Wild.

"And judging from those other things, they must be the Changelings Rainbow told me about." Wild deduced.

"Sorry, but we cannot let you two continue on." a Fangpyre stated.

"Why not?" Muse asked suspiciously.

"Our leaders are in the middle of something, and wish to not have any interruptions." A Changeling answered.

Wild and muse podnered, before it dawned on them, "We have to get to the school!" Muse cried.

"Right!" Wild was about to fly through them, but many Changelings piled on him.

"Get off me!" he struggled.

"Wild!" Muse tried to help him, but the Serpentine were blocking her off, as she struggled to get past them.

"We got them now!" a Constrictai said to the other snakes.

"Not today!" a voice called, as the snakes and changelings were blasted by both spirit energy, dark energy, and lightning magic.

Wild and Muse were freed, as they saw Dustin, Alistair, and Blaze rush over, "Are you three ok?" Dustin asked.

"We're fine, but we gotta get to the schoolhouse. Nightfall's in trouble!" Muse cried.

"Oh, no." Alistair gasped.

They tried to head for the schoolhouse, but more Changelings and Serpentine arrived, "These things won't give us a break!" Blaze growled.

"I'll stay with Wild and Muse to hold them off," Alistair offered, "You two go on ahead and save Nightfall!"

"Ok!" Dustin nodded, as he and Blaze blew past their enemies.

"Don't let them escape!" a Venomari cried, as the Changelings tried to go after them, but Alistair blocked their path while wielding his Shadow Buster.

"Sorry guys, but I'm your focus." he warned them, as he, and the happy couple attacked the two group of creatures.



As Dustin and Blaze arrived at the school grounds, they saw some Changelings and Serpentine blocking the entrance, "Doesn't look so tough to get in." Dustin noted.

"Then let's go," Blaze began, until he looked up ahead and stopped, "Whoa, hold up."

"What?"

"Take a look over there." Blaze motioned to the shed behind the school house, that was also being guarded by serpentine, "Is it just me, or is there something in there those snakes don't want us to know about?"

"It's not just you," Dustin replied, "You go in and find Nightfall, I'll see what that's about."

Blaze nodded as the two split up. As Blaze took out the Changelings and Serpentine, at the front entrance, he went inside. Dustin went around and attacked the Serpentine, knocking them out. He broke the shed opened to see Cherilee still roped up and mouth gagged, "Cherilee?" he ran over and took the gag out.

"Oh, Dustin, thank goodness." Cherilee gasped.

"What happened?" Dustin asked, as he untied her.

"This horrifying creature that looked like an insect pony disguised itself as Nightfall and captured me, before taking on my appearance."

"It's gotta be their queen," Dustin said, before looking at the teacher, "Go on home and stay indoors until it's safe."

"Ok." she galloped off.

Meanwhile inside the schoolhouse, Chrysalis was using her magic to restrain Nightfall, as Ebon extended his hand out and gripped the unicorn's head, "Now to regain my full powers!" he started assimilating the magic out of Nightfall, as he screamed in pain.

"How long is this going to take?" Chrysalis asked.

"Don't worry, last time I absorbed a good amount, so this shouldn't' be a problem." Ebon assured her, as he felt more of his powers return to him.

"Let the kid go!" Blaze called, as he barged in and blasted the two with fire magic, forcing them to release Nightfall, and Ebon to let go of his head, disrupting the absorption. When Nightfall could move again he ran to the back of the classroom.

"Who is that?" Chrysalis asked, as she eyed the newcomer.

"A traitor." Ebon growled.

"So, Ebon, are you like dating this hideous creature?" Blaze wondered.

"We're partners." Ebon answered.

"So is that a yes?" he asked.

"Silence!" Ebon ordered, "You'll pay for disrupting my meal!"

"I'm not picking up your check." Blaze retorted.

Ebon turned to Chrysalis, "Secure the colt!" Chrysalis went back to grab Nightfall, while Ebon and Blaze went at it in the classroom.

Ebon fired blasts of spirit energy and dark magic, while Blaze dodged and attacked with his own elemental magic. As Ebon dodged most of the attacks, he said to himself, "An impressive feat of magic, Blaze. Instead of doing violence on me, it should do violence for me!" he jumped Blaze while defense was down and grabbed him by the skull.

"What're you..." Blaze cried in pain as he felt a surge through his head, while Ebon was assimilating his magic.

"Your magic will be my appetizer, while my former body's will be my main course!" he called, as he was assimilating the magic out of Blaze faster due to it not being Equestria magic.

Nightfall watched helplessly as Blaze was getting his magic assimilated by his former evil self. Suddenly Ebon removed his hand from Blaze as he fell to the floor looking weakened, "What's happened?" he groaned.

"I just assimilated your elemental magic from you, and it's made me stronger than ever!" Ebon explained, "And now to finish what I was in the middle of." he turned to Nightfall.

"Wait a minute." Chrysalis interrupted him.

"What is it?" Ebon asked feeling irked form not getting to Nightfall.

"Forgive the interruption, but I am sensing quite the aura of love coming from that creature," the queen began, "There must be somepony very special to him that he loves. It's delicious." she approached the weakened Blaze.

"What're you?" he groaned.

"I'm going to feed off whatever love you have and grow stronger." Chrysalis licked her lips as he gnarly horn started to glow green.

Before she could do anything, jumping into the room and blasting her with a spirit gun was Dustin. The attack knocked Chrysalis back, causing her to drop Nightfall who ran behind Dustin.

"Dustin!" Ebon growled.

Dustin looked down and saw Blaze, "BLAZE?! What did you do to him?!" he demanded.

"That's nothing compared to what I'm going to do to you." Ebon answered, as he powered his dark energy up, preparing to strike as the two charged before the scene froze.
> Lose some Gain some
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dustin had slammed Ebon as the two crashed through a window and landed outside. When they broke their grapple, Dustin looked at the busted window, "I hope they're insured." he said before they went back to fighting.

Inside the school, Nightfall was standing his ground wanting to defend Blaze from Chrysalis, "Stay back! I mean it!" he ordered.

Chrysalis let out a mocking laugh, "You pose no threat to me, little one." she powered her magic up, until a shadow gun shot at her.

Entering was Alistair, Eu, Wild, and Muse, "Nightfall!" Muse cried.

"Mom!" he galloped over to his mom who comforted him.

Alistair saw Blaze, "Blaze!" he and Eu got down to him and shook him, until he was coming to, "What happened, are you ok?"

"Ebon, he assimilated my magic." he groaned.

"What?" Eu gasped, "But how?"

"I guess his power can work on regular magic from our worlds too." he groaned.

"He's the not the only one with absorption power, you know?" Chryalis reminded them.

"The queen." Eu gasped.

"Let's get her!" Alistair called, as he and Eu engaged Chrysalis forcing her out through the broken window.

Wild went to Blaze and helped him back to his feet, "Take it easy, man." Wild said.

"Without my magic I feel so weak." Blaze groaned.

"Just take it easy now." Muse encouraged him.

"We have to help Dustin, Eu, and Alistair," Wild suggested, and turned to Nightfall, "You wait here with Blaze, kid."

"Ok."

"Come on!" Muse said, as they jumped out through the window seeing Dustin and Ebon still going at it along with Alistair and Eu fighting Chrysalis.



Ebon frowned at Dustin still managing to keep up with him, until he felt the ground shake, "About time," popping up from the ground were fifteen serpentine, "Get him!" he ordered.

The snakes attacked Dustin, as he fought back. Chrysalis saw more of her Changelings have come to her aid, and assisted her in fighting Alistair and Eu. Wild and Muse jumped in and started helping them.

Wild flew around and kicked some Changelings, while Muse bucked some herself. Chrysalis while noticing the two could feel something stir in her magic, "Ah, those two. Ebon said there was a couple among the group. Perhaps I can grow powerful enough to take hold of this partnership. She flew in and blasted the two.

"What the?" Wild gasped.

Chrysalis smirked as her magic activated, "Now your love for each other shall make me invincible!" she aimed her horn at them and started assimilating their love until she gasped and saw various images flash through her mind featuring King Dusk and Queen Dawn.

"You shall not harm these ponies!" King Dusk ordered.

"Get out!" Queen Dawn ordered.

Chrysalis was repelled and knocked against a tree, "Your majesty!" one of the Changelings gasped.

Chrysalis panted, "Those two are not normal. Do away with them!"

The changelings obliging the order attacked Muse and Wild more ruthless than before with Alistair and Eu trying to help them.

Blaze walked to the hole in the building and looked out seeing what was going on between his friends and their enemies. He saw Dustin was still holding his own against Ebon and the snakes, but the Changelings weren't giving Alistair, Wild, Muse, and Eu a chance to fight back.

'My friends are in trouble. I want to help them, but what can I do now without my magic?' he thought, 'Please, I want to protect my friends. I don't wanna lose them!' he shouted in his thoughts, as something in his body was suddenly triggered and he dashed out through the hole leaving neon copies trailing him.

He ended up knocking three Changelings away from Eu, taking her and the others by surprise, "Blaze?" they gasped.

Blaze stopped in place before realizing what happened, "Whoa. I could never move that fast, and what's with the neon particles behind me?"

Ebon looked over and saw what happened, "How? I assimilated his magic, he shouldn't be able to do anything now!"

Dustin smirked, "If you knew Blaze by now the way we do it's this. He's always full of surprises."

Blaze saw the Serpentine started coming right at him, "Time to make like a frog and jump!" he jumped up high and upon landing on the ground put a huge crater in it along with releasing a pulse of energy that knocked the snakes off their feet.

"What?!" Ebon gasped.

"That is new." Alistair admitted.

"Guys!" Twilight called, as the ponies, Spike, and Zyphon arrived.

"We sent the serpentine and changelings back there running scared." Rainbow said.

"What about here?" Applejack asked, as they saw Blaze helping his friends fight the Changelings, while some were still protecting Chrysalis, until she got back up.

"What's going on with Blaze?" Pinkie asked.

"Ebon absorbed his magic, but is somehow using another power." Dustin answered, as he dodged an attack from Ebon.

Chrysalis got up, "Now I'm mad!" she charged up her magic and started blasting at her enemies.

The girls spread out, as Twilight flew in, "I still haven't paid you back personally for making me look crazy!" she attacked Chrysalis with her own magic, while the Changeling Queen defended herself.

"Come on girls!" Applejack ordered, as they went on the attack.

"Count me in!" Zyphon called, as he readied his blasters and started shooting at the queen and her remaining forces.

Ebon watched seeing the Changelings were suddenly getting overwhelmed by his enemies and frowned before calling out, "Chrysalis! You and your changelings are cut from our deal!"

"What?!" she bellowed, only to receive a punch in the face from Alistair and Blaze, sending her crashing into a tree.

"We have to get her out of here!" A Changeling called, as they gathered around her, and the Queen said to the ponies.

"One of these days I will make you pay!" they vanished in a column of green flames.

Ebon looked and saw them all ganging up on him, "I'll be back next time." he vanished as well with the serpentine.

They all sighed in relief, as Nightfall came out, "Is it all safe?"

"It is now." Muse answered.

"Blaze, are you ok?" Dustin asked, as he Alistair, and Eu went to him.

"Fine, in fact I've never felt better." he admitted, while stretching.

"How did you do that? I thought Ebon absorbed all your magic." Eu said.

"He did, but I don't think this was the work of magic."

"What do you mean?" Fluttershy wondered.

"I felt as if it was some kind of other energy that opened up inside me."

"Hmm," Dustin pondered, "I better take Blaze back to my lab and see what this could mean."

"Well then let's go." Blaze said, as Zyphon opened a portal for them and they went through before it closed.



About half an hour later, the boys returned to their friends, as Twilight spoke, "Well, what'd you find?"

"Well, after all my observations and scans Blaze has in fact lost his elemental magic, but somehow a bit of magic residue was left over and awakened a deeper power inside him." Dustin explained.

"So we've seen." Rarity noted.

"The best term to describe Blaze now would be a conduit." the spike head continued.

"A condu-what?" Rainbow asked.

"A conduit; a species of creature with superhuman abilities through mental or physical enhancements."

"Unbelievable." Eu gasped.

"But there's still much we don't know about his powers. Those two we've witnessed might not be the only things he's capable of doing now." Dustin continued.

"And I got to find out what they might be and control these abilities I know I have." Blaze added.

"How?" Spike asked.

"I'm going to go to Canterlot. Maybe the princesses can help me in finding ways to control my powers."

"Really?" Eu asked.

"I don't want try practicing them here and risk hurting anypony." Blaze replied.

"Well, if that's what you want, we'll support it." Alistair said.

"I'll even send the princess a letter about this." Twilight offered.

"Thanks." Blaze smiled, until Pinkie spoke.

"But can you leave for Canterlot after the party?" Pinkie asked.

Blaze remembered nodded, "Ok."

"Party?" Muse asked, until they looked at Pinkie who covered her mouth with her hoof.

"Oopsie." she said sheepishly.



Meanwhile in the castle of the pony sisters, Ebon was recovering from his fight as well as the snakes. He stood up and spoke, "I never should've trusted that bug of a pony."

"So now what?" Mezmo asked him.

"Simple, we continue where we left off. I need the rest of my old magic to be at full strength. And with the boy's element magic added to my own I feel even stronger."

"Sir, if you could assimilate his elemental magic, why not try and assimilate the magic from the princesses?" Fang suggested.

Ebon turned to him shooting a glare, "That would be disastrous."

"How so?" Spitz asked.

"This body would not be able to handle all of the princesses magic combined if assimilated into it. It would pop like a balloon taking me with it," the snakes cringed at that thought, "It can only fully handle the magic I'm assimilating from Nightfall because I am in control of this body and can handle magic I'm used to."

"I see." Mezmo answered.

"But still, I need to eliminate them somehow," he thought about it before he smirked, "And I know just what to do."

"What is it, sir?" Chunk asked.

"Pack your bags my boys, because we're going to be taking a little field trip."

"To where?" Fang asked.

"A little place called New York City." he snickered.



Meanwhile back in Ponyville at Muse's place, they were throwing the pony her party as planned, but it wasn't so much of a surprise since Pinkie let it slip out. They were enjoying the party games and activities, until it was gift time. Muse received wonderful gifts from all her friends, until Nightfall trotted up levitating his gift to her.

"Here you go, mom, happy birthday."

"Thank you, Nightfall," she opened up and saw the comic book, "Nightfall." she gasped.

"I made that comic just for you." he said.

"You made this?" she asked as she looked at the pages and how detailed and graphic they were.

"Uh-huh."

"Wow, you really know how to draw." Rainbow nudged him.

"A splendid work of art if I do say so myself." Rarity added.

"You did good, Nightfall." Wild congratulated him.

"Do you like it, mom?" Nightfall asked her.

"Like it? I love it!" she cried, as she embraced her boy, who returned the gesture.

Suddenly they saw something appearing on Nightfall's flank. It was his cutie mark that was of a comic book page with a pen on it, "It's my cutie mark!" He cheered in excitement.

"This is such a proud day." Zyphon said.

"Congratulations, Nightfall." Fluttershy smiled.

"You found your special talent." Applejack added.

"And now you can focus your skills to that talent." Rarity put in.

"Yeah, I'll start a comic book series." Nightfall smiled.

"And if we can have this one mass produced I can have them sold in my shop." Wild offered.

"Great idea, Wild." Muse smiled.

"Ooh, this was such a great day!" Pinkie cheered.

"It sure was." Blaze agreed.
> Back to the city
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moments before Celestia was meant to raise the sun for a new day, at the castle of the royal pony sisters Ebon stood before the Serpentine ready to speak, "Listen up, Serpentine. This world I am about to bring you to is not like Equestria. But I assure you over half the inhabitants of this world are sniveling cowards compared to the spirit and dark warriors. Now then are you ready?"

"YEAH!" the snakes cheered.

Ebon opened a portal large enough for them all to enter together, "Go!" he ordered, as the snakes charged through the portal. When all the serpentine went through, Ebon jumped in before it closed.



Later on when morning came over by Dustin's and Alistair's HQ, the two boys, their familiars, and Zyphon were up and about getting ready.

Zyphon looked out the window, "Ah, what a glorious morning today isn't it, masters?"

"Sure is." Dustin agreed, as he relaxed in the arm chair with Alistair plopping on the sofa.

"So what do you think we should do today?" Alistair inquired.

"Maybe we can check out Sugarcube Corner and see if they got some new ice cream combos?" Dustin suggested.

"Sounds good by me." Domino cawed.

"And me." Fievel agreed.

"Why not?" Alistair asked.

"Well, then let's go." Dustin said, as they were about to leave, until Dustin's communicator started ringing. He answered it, "Dustin, here."

Dean's voice came from the other line, "Dustin, we got a problem here back in New York."

"What problem, Dean?" Dustin inquired.

"The Serpentine have been spotted in New York."

"What?!" he shouted.

"I know, we're gonna need all your help here in fighting them." Dean said.

"We'll be right there," Dustin said, as he ended the call, "Alistair, Zyphon, we need to round up the others."

"What's up?" Alistair asked in concern.

"I'll explain on the way." Dustin said, as he rushed out the door with Domino, and the others followed him.



Soon enough, they found their friends at Sugarcube Corner and explained the situation, which left them in shock, "Ebon and the Serpentine are in New York?!" Twilight gasped.

"Yeah. That's what Dean told me." Dustin nodded.

"To bring the Serpentine to the human world, Ebon must really want to cause trouble this time." Muse said.

"Yeah, so what do we do?" Wild asked.

"The only thing we can do," Twilight began, "We have to go back to New York and fight."

"I'm cool with that." Rainbow answered.

"So am I." Applejack nodded.

"Then let's go!" Pinkie cheered.

"Hold on," Alistair spoke up, "You're all going to need your elements of harmony if you're going to combat them on our turf."

"He's right. I'll go back at the library and fetch them." Twilight said, as she hurried off.

"And I'll be right back too." Muse went off as well.

"How much damage do you think the Serpentine can cause in your world?" Wild asked Dustin.

"Too much."

"Well, just wait till we get there. We'll show them a thing or two!" Rainbow called, while throwing punches and kicks while flying.

"Ya darn tootin'." Applejack nodded in agreement.

"Ok, I'm back!" Twilight galloped over with her bag, "And I've got the elements of harmony right here."

"All we need now is to wait for Muse." Rarity said.

"Already here." Muse said, as she trotted up with Nightfall at her side. The colt was carrying a bag as well.

"Hi, guys." Nightfall greeted them.

"Why's Nightfall with you?" Alistair asked.

"He caught on to where I was going and he demanded to come along." she answered.

"That's right." Nightfall smiled and nodded.

The girls looked at each other nervously, while Wild spoke up, "Look, kid, this world we're going to is dangerous. The Serpentine and Ebon are there, and it's all the more reason why you should stay here where it's safe."

"But this world is a place I've been too before," Nightfall reminded him, "I admit I barely have any memories of it, but still. I want to see more of what is out there. And you can't stop me!"

Dustin rolled his eyes knowing there was no time to argue, "All right. You can come, but you have to stay close to us and not wander off."

"Deal." he nodded.

"Ok, let's go." Zyphon said as he opened the portal for them.

"Here we go!" Dustin called, as he and Alistair jumped in.

"Come on!" Twilight called, as the ponies, and Spike jumped through it.



The group suddenly appeared on an empty basketball court in New York. Dustin, Zyphon, and Alistair looked at their friends seeing they re-assumed their human forms they took the last time they were in New York.

"Hey, you all still look good." Dustin said.

"Oh, yeah! This is awesome!" Rainbow cheered as she pumped her arms.

Spike seeing he was a dog again barked, "I still look cute."

"Uh, what's happened to me?" Nightfall's voice was heard.

They looked over at Nightfall seeing he also assumed the form of a human boy about eleven years old. He wore a blue shirt under a red vest with his cutie mark symbol on the side of it, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. On his back was the same bag he had when he left Equestria with the others.

"Nightfall, you've become a human too." Fluttershy gasped.

"I have?" he asked.

"Very much so." Rarity nodded.

"Take a look." Zyphon held out a mirror for him to look into.

Nightfall gasped upon seeing his reflection, "Is this me?" he asked.

"It sure is." Wild nodded.

Nightfall ran his hand through his hair, "My mane feels funny. And these clothes. I didn't think I'd need so much."

"Well, in this world clothing is something humans need 24/7." Rarity explained.

Nightfall took off his bag, and looked inside seeing all his art supplies, "My stuff's still in here."

"Maybe while you're here you can get some new ideas or settings for your comic series." Twilight suggested. Nightfall nodded, while holding onto Muse's hand.

"But you're going to have to avoid calling Muse mom." Dustin warned him.

"Yeah, a sixteen year old with an eleven year old calling her mom really isn't something people want to know about." Alistair added.

"Right. It's best he doesn't call me that in public." Muse agreed.

"If you all say so." Nightfall went along with it.

Dustin and Alistair looked around seeing the area was awfully quiet, "No sign of Ebon or the Serpentine.

"Maybe they got bored and went home?" Pinkie suggested.

"Doubtful." Alistair answered.

"So now what?" Rainbow asked.

"I'll check in with Dean," Dustin pulled out his cell and made a call, "Dean, we're close to Bleecker, but there are no sign of the snakes or Ebon for that matter. What? Ok, we'll keep an eye out up here." he ended the call.

"And?" Rainbow asked.

"Dean, Thatch, Topher, Jethro, and Jade said the snakes fled to the sewers, and they went after them. The others are still up top keeping an eye out in case they resurface." he explained.

"Then we better keep our eyes peeled as well." Spike noted.

"Right. So come on." Alistair said, as they started off.

As they walked on, they were unaware they were being watched by two figures on top of a roof, "It's them." one of the figures spoke.

"What're they doing back here in New York?" the second wondered.

"I don't know, but knowing them something else must be going down."

"Should we get the drop on them?"

"Not yet. Let's shadow them until the time is right." the two figures vanished.



As the heroes walked New York, they started feeling nostalgia as a pool of memories from their time in the city came rushing back to them. Nightfall however, was taking in all the buildings and such committing them to memory for him to use in another volume of his fan-made comic.

"This city looks like it hasn't changed a bit." Rainbow said.

"Yes, it's still noisy." Fluttershy said, while ignoring all the horn honks from the vehicles in the street.

"That's New York for ya." Domino cawed.

As they continued walking, Alistair looked and saw a figure run into an abandoned building, "Hold up, guys."

"What is it, Alistair?" Twilight asked.

"I think Ebon just ran into that building."

"Are you sure?" Rarity asked.

"Positive. I could feel dark warrior energy radiating in that direction."

"Then let's go!" Rainbow called.

"Hold on," Dustin interrupted her, "Zyphon, I want you to take Nightfall back to my place for safety."

"Yes, master."

Muse got down to Nightfall's level, "Nightfall, I want you to behave for Zyphon while I'm gone."

"Yes, mom."

"That's my boy."

Zyphon placed Nightfall on his shoulder and gave him a piggy back ride all the way back to the Bowers residence.

"Ok, all of you dawn your elements of harmony." Twilight instructed, as the girls and Wild dawned their respective elements.

"Ready." the group said.

"Ok, let's move!" Dustin said, as they headed for the building Alistair saw the figure run into.

Dustin kicked the door open, and they entered seeing the whole building was deserted and abandoned with debris and such lying around. Rarity looked around in repulse, "Ugh, they really need to get somebody to clean this place."

"See anything?" Applejack asked the others.

"Nothing yet." Dustin answered, as they searched around.

As they continued to look around, they heard a call, "Hey, down there!"

The group looked up and saw standing on a railing from an upper level was the Chaos Duo; Johan and Omaddon. The two jumped down and landed on the level the group was on, "Been a long time, hasn't it?" Johan asked the group.

"Johan and Omaddon?" Twilight gasped in surprise.

"Rakka, rakka, rukka, rakka!" Omoaddon called.

The group looked confused as Applejack spoke to Johan, "What'd he say?"

"It's a catchphrase he came up with." the dark warrior answered.

"What does it even mean?" Wild asked in confusion.

"Nothing, but it sounds cool." Omaddon boasted.

"Only you would think that." Twilight said dryly.

"Hey, I think it sounds cool too." Pinkie spoke up.

"Finally someone who appreciates my phrase." Omaddon said.

"So it was you two I sensed come in here." Alistair squinted his eyes.

"Who did you expect?" Johan asked.

The group decided not to inform them of Ebon's return, as Dustin spoke, "Never mind, now what're you two doing back in New York?"

"We figured after how long it's been since Ebon's defeat we could finally come back here and hook up with Felix." Johan explained.

"Problem is we haven't seen or heard word of him." Omaddon added.

The girls looked at each other nervously, as Applejack spoke, "Ya don't say?"

"Yeah. Now what brings all of you back here?" Johan asked suspiciously.

"And why are you wearing your elements of harmony?" Omaddon added in equal suspicion.

"No reason." Wild answered.

"Oh, keeping secrets huh?" Johan asked, "Well, we have ways to getting others to spill the beans," he snapped his fingers and summoned some shadow soldiers, much to the good guys surprise, "Get 'em!" Johan ordered, as the shadow soldiers went into battle with the two dark warriors.

"Hope you all still know how to fight in human form." Dustin said, as he and Alistair went into battle.

"That training Burai, Xever, and the Balitons put us through doesn't go away that easy!" Rainbow answered, as she joined the two in the rumble.

"Let's take them!" Pinkie cheered, as she joined in.

"Let's go!" Twilight called, as the rest of them joined the fight, with Spike, Domino, and Fievel taking cover.

And so the good guys went into battle against the duo and the shadow soldiers. Rainbow threw a punch at one of the soldiers, and spun kicked another, "Oh, yeah! Just like old times!"

"We don't even need our elements against these varmints!" Applejack added, as she fought two shadow soldiers.

"That's for sure." Wild agreed, as he dodged an attack from one.

Dustin and Alistair went to fight the two dark warriors. Dustin and Johan fought as the older dark warrior spoke, "You don't fool me one bit. I know your friends are here for a reason, and Omaddon and I will be getting the information out of you one way or another."

"Over my dead body!" Dustin answered, as he fired a spirit gun at Johan knocking him back.

Suddenly Omaddon appeared behind him and pulled him into a bone crushing hug, "Sounds like a plan." he said.

"Can't breathe!" Dustin cried.

"Hang on, Dustin!" Alistair went to help, only for Johan to block him.

Wild seeing Dustin was getting the life squeezed out of him had to do something. He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out some dice. He flicked one as it was flung at Omaddon's head like the speed of a bullet. The impact to Omaddon's head made the big guy recoil, allowing Dustin to headbutt him with the back of his head causing him to let go.

"That really hurt!" Omaddon rubbed the side of his head.

"Come on, Omaddon. Let's show them that we're not going down without a fight!" Johan ordered as the two stood together ready to fight.

Suddenly popping out from the floor were the Serpentine, which sent them all into surprise, "What the hell?!" Omaddon gasped.

"The serpentine!" Muse gasped.

"Here of all times?" Twilight asked.

The snakes started swarming around both the heroes and the Chaos Duo, "Johan, maybe we should've stayed away from the city awhile longer?" Omaddon suggested, while Johan could only nod.
> Two Problems
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last time, after catching word Ebon took the Serpentine to New York city, Dustin and Alistair took their friends back to their home city to track them. When they went to find them, they unexpectedly ran into Felix's partners Johan and Omaddon. With no other option the group fought the two and the shadow soldiers, only to be interrupted by the appearance of the Serpentine.



The Serpentine surrounded the heroes and the Chaos Duo, "Aren't you snakes a long way from home?" Dustin asked.

"We're on a field trip." a Venomari answered.

"This city is truly a wonder of a place." A Constrictai added.

"But unlike you humans, the others are nothing but sniveling cowards!" A Hypnobrai announced.

Dustin frowned, "Humans may be weak alone, but together they're stronger than any army!"

"That's right!" Twilight agreed, as she stood her ground with him.

"Attack!" Alistair called, as they went on the attack against the snakes with both sides throwing all they had at each other.

In the midst of the fighting, Johan and Omaddon were sneaking into a corner behind a desk, "Johan, what do we do?"

"I don't know. I didn't taken in account we'd get ambushed by snake creatures."

"Pst!" a voice whispered. The two looked over and saw around a corner was Felix, "Over here!"

"Felix?" they asked.

"Come on!" he called, as the two maneuvered around the fighters before getting to their comrade.

"Felix, what's going on here?" Johan asked.

"Don't worry, I'll explain elsewhere." 'Felix' opened shadow portal for them to escape.

As the guys continued to fight the snakes, the Serpentine burrowed into the floor making their escape.

"They're getting away!" Rainbow said.

"They'll be back." Wild assured her.

Applejack looked around, "Where are those duo varmints?"

The group looked around seeing no sign of them. Alistair sighed, "Great, even they got away."

"I didn't expect we'd run into them." Fluttershy said.

"Neither of us did." Muse added.

"Well, looks like we got two problems to worry about." Wild said.

"What do we do now?" Spike asked.

"Let's go back to my place and think this through." Dustin suggested.

"Good idea." Twilight agreed, as they left the building.



Meanwhile, the duo exited the portal with their friend and were at the abandoned fish cannery Ebon was occupying during his time in Felix's body. The duo looked around as Johan spoke, "Not a bad place for a second HQ."

"Except for the smell." Omaddon plugged his nose.

"Felix, what happened to you?" Johan inquired.

"Yeah, after Ebon's defeat we thought you were gone." Omaddon added in worry.

'Felix' smirked, "Gone? They can't get rid of me that easily." he spoke with Ebon's voice.

"Felix, what's with your voice?" Johan asked.

He turned and revealed himself, "Sorry, guys, but Felix isn't available right now."

The duo jumped back in shock, as Omaddon asked, "Ebon?"

"That's right, Omaddon."

"But-but how, we thought you were..." Johan trailed off, until Ebon answered.

"The details of my destruction were greatly exaggerated."

"So why do you look like Felix now, and where is he?" Omaddon asked.

Ebon sighed at his density, "I don't look like Felix. I am Felix!"

"What?" they asked.

"After you two fled like sniveling cowards, Felix had also abandoned me leaving my body to be purified," he explained, "He then returned afterward and I forced myself into his body. Now you see the results."

The duo looked awkward before Johan asked, "So what now?"

Ebon answered, "I have been looking for you two for quite some time now."

"Well, we were laying low after what happened. But when those snakes showed up..." Omaddon began.

"Ah, I see you've met my new army."

"Army?" Johan asked.

"Yes," Ebon whistled, and burying up from the ground were the Serpentine putting the duo on edge, "Meet the Serpentine. Your new comrades."

"Our comrades?" Johan asked.

"Yes. Now that I've found you boys it's time we got back to our roots."

"Hold up, man. We ain't working for you anymore." Johan said defiantly.

"What was that?" Ebon asked firmly.

"We work with Felix, not you. Remember we quit!" Omaddon answered as defiantly as Johan stated.

Ebon frowned, "You two have not outlived your usefulness to me, and you will follow my lead like before."

"And if we refuse?" Johan tested him.

Ebon smirked, "Then I can't guarantee Felix's safety."

The duo lost their defiant looks and donned shocked ones, "What do you mean?" Omaddon asked.

"This is just a temporary thing. I don't plan on living in Felix's body forever. I just need him as my vessel until I can regain my full magic powers. But I cannot do it with the Serpentine alone. I need you two to help me."

"How can we trust you about Felix's well being?" Johan asked suspiciously.

"Then I'll give you a moment with him." Ebon answered, and suddenly Felix's body gasped, and out from his mouth came Felix's voice.

"Huh, what? Where am I?"

"Felix, is that you?" Johan asked.

"Johan, Omaddon, what's going on?"

"It is you!" Omaddon cheered in relief.

"Felix, listen close. Ebon is inside your body." Johan explained.

"He's what?!"

"Calm down, but we're gonna help him in order for you to get your body back." Johan calmed him.

"How?"

"By helping him getting his magic back. We don't know how, but we're gonna help you no matter what." Omaddon said.

"Oh, guys..." he strained, before Ebon's voice came out of the mouth.

"Are you convinced now?"

Johan scowled, "All right, Ebon. We'll help you again. But we're doing it for Felix, not for you."

"It makes no difference to me. So long as you help me."

"So how can we get your powers back?" Omaddon asked.

"By absorbing it from my former body."

"Former body?" Johan asked with a raised brow.

"Yes. The elements of harmony purified my body leaving my spirit to wander. It contains a half of my unicorn magic. I've assimilated some of it so far, but I need it all to reach my full power."

"So where can we find your old body?" Johan asked.

"It is here in the city. I can feel it," the dark king answered, "In this world it would have the appearance of a small child roughly ten to eleven years old."

"And how are we going to find a kid like that among the millions of kids in this city?" Omaddon asked.

"Keep an eye out for the humans and the girls, find them with a child and we've got him."

"We understand." Johan answered.

"Good. Now get going on patrol. I have my own stuff to check out." Ebon said, as the two vanished.

When Ebon was along with the Serpentine, Mezmo spoke, "Very clever of you to pretend you let Felix take control over his body. They're playing right into your hands."

"Yes. And as long as they help me gain my powers they will have served their purpose."

"Sir, how could you have been so sure they would go along with you?" Fang wondered.

Ebon smirked, "Because Felix is their best friend. He's always been since he busted them out of juvie and gave them their dark warrior powers. He gave them a new lease on life. They would do anything for him just as the girls and the human warriors would do for each other. So in a sense they are no different from our enemies. But just like them, their emotions and care for their close ones will be their undoing." he snickered.



Back with the heroes, they just arrived at Dustin's place. They entered to see Roswell Bowers and Zyphon watching Nightfall sketch. Muse whispered to them, "He's in the zone now."

Nightfall did a few more touches, before sighing in relief, "Finished."

Nightfall, Zyphon, and Ross saw the group at the entrance, "Oh, welcome back, Dustin." Ross greeted him.

"Hey, dad."

"Mom!" Nightfall ran to Muse as they hugged.

Zyphon spoke, "Did you find Ebon?"

"No, but we did find something." Alistair answered.

"What's that?" Ross asked.

"Johan and Omaddon are back in the city." Dustin explained.

"Oh, dear." Zyphon gasped.

"As if things weren't bad enough with the Serpentine running amok in New York." Alistair said.

"We need to consult this with the others." Twilight said.

"Agreed. I'll call up everyone and meet at the training hall at Mikael Towers." Dustin said, as he went to make some calls.



Sometime later at Mikael Towers training hall, Dustin, Alistair, and their friends were gathered to discuss the current events. Ralph spoke up, "The duo is back in the city?"

"That's jacked up." Dean said.

"So who do we go after now?" Alice asked.

"Well, the logical thing to do is to split up." Xever answered.

"Maybe, Xever," Burai retorted, "But Ebon is still very powerful even if he doesn't have all his magic."

"And with all four Serpentine tribes under his command he's even more dangerous." Mitsukai added.

"Point." Xever admitted.

"So how do we decide who to go after who?" Belmont asked.

"Perhaps we can help." a voice said, taking them by surprise.

They looked over seeing a portal open up, and stepping out were three figures about the same age as the older warriors. They were two boys one older and one younger and one girl. The older boy had short brown hair with matching eyes, wore black DM shoes, dark brown pants, and a gray shirt with the image of a sword stuck in a rock on front.

The girl had short aqua blue hair, sapphire color, and her clothes included, black sneakers, black knee stockings, a short blue skirt, a purple top with a magic staff in front of an ocean wave on front.

The final boy who was the youngest of the three had blondish spiked hair, and blue eyes. His outfit was composed of black cross trainers, golden earth pants, a black short sleeved shirt, and a white short sleeved unbuttoned shirt over it, with an image over the breast pocket of a shield with wind blowing around it.

"No way!" Wild and Pinkie gasped.

The older boy cracked his neck, "Well, that was a fun travel wasn't it?" he asked the other two.

"I'll say." the younger boy answered, as they looked at themselves.

"Well, the transformation between worlds worked." the girl said.

"Guys?" Muse asked.

The three looked over and smiled, "Hey, there's our sis." The older said.

"Guys!" she cried as she ran to hug the three who the elements of harmony wielders, Dustin, Alistair, and Zyphon recognized based off the images on their shirts were Muse's sibs.

"Hey, sis. The human look really does suit you." Ven said.

"Likewise, but what're you three doing here?" she asked.

"Princess Celestia sent us a letter stating you could probably use our help here." Terra explained.

"So we came right over to Canterlot where she explained the situation." Aqua added.

"She used the same portal magic she used to send you all here, and well we made it in one piece." Ven finished.

"Wow, look at you guys." Twilight gasped.

"You three look simply fabulous." Rarity added.

"You think so?" Terra asked, as he flexed one arm.

"We know it." Dustin nodded.

Aqua giggled at their compliments before turning around and was face to face with the Baliton brothers, "Uh, hi." she said awkwardly.

"Hello." the greeted her in lovestruck sync.

"Who're these three?" Xever asked Muse.

"Right, this is your first time meeting. Everyone I'd like you to meet my three older siblings. Terra Quake, Aqua Blue, and Ventus Hurricane. The elemental trio of guards from the Crystal Empire."

"You of course know Dustin and Alistair's friends from what we told you about." Twilight said.

"Right, it's nice to meet you all." Terra greeted them.

"A pleasure." Aqua agreed, before her hands were each taken by Valmont and Belmont.

"Please, the pleasure is all ours." Valmont said, as both brothers kissed her hands making her blush.

"Oh, brother." Rainbow rolled her eyes at their display.

"Uncle Terra, Uncle Ven, Auntie Aqua!" Nightfall ran to his surrogate uncles and aunt.

"Hey, Nightfall!" Ven said, as he hugged him.

"How's our little nephew doing?" Terra asked, while ruffling his hair.

"I'm doing great." he answered.

"Looks like this human world makes you look all the more adorable." Aqua rubbed his head.

"Has Ebon managed to assimilate more magic from him?" Terra asked Muse.

"No. In fact we haven't seen him except for the Serpentine." Muse answered.

"He can't be too far from them." Applejack believed.

"Well, when he comes out of hiding we'll be ready for him." Dustin said.

"And we'll be there with you." Terra said.

"I'm confused, though," Alistair said, "If the princess sent you three, why didn't she send Blaze as well?"

"Blaze is still controlling his new powers and was requested to stay put in Canterlot castle." Aqua answered.

"Bummer." Dustin replied.

"Well, guess we'll just have to make do." Elroy said.

"Agreed, but it's late now and we should all return home and get a good nights sleep." Burai suggested.

"Right." Xever nodded.

"So how will we handle it this time?" Dustin looked at the ponies now humans.

Aria spoke, "They can stay at my place. Burai and I have more than enough room. Besides they could use a new change of living quarters."

"Agreed. No offense Alistair and Xever, but after your place I'd like someplace more cleaner." Rarity said.

"Hey, I'll have you know I've improved on my housekeeping." Xever responded, "I started using my hamper."

"Well, it's a start." Rarity sighed.

"We'd be honored to stay with you for the time being, Aria, Burai." Twilight said.

"Great, I'll get the rooms set up." Burai said. Soon they all took their leave.



That night out in the city, on top of a skyscraper ledge was Johan and Omaddon, "Do you really trust Ebon, Johan?"

"He's got Felix's body. What choice do we have?" Johan asked.

"Well, I thought he'd be madder at us for abandoning him like Felix did." the big guy said.

"I know what you mean. I thought he'd incinerate us like that."

"Why don't we just eliminate him ourselves?" Omaddon suggested, "He doesn't have his full magic now. We can easily take him."

"Don't be stupid, Omaddon. If we try destroying him, we'll only destroy Felix in the process."

"Oh, right." he remembered.

"For now we'll have to play his game, until he frees Felix from his control."

"I hope you're right on this, Johan." Omaddon said.

"So do I." Johan answered, as both let their heads drop feeling so confused.

Omaddon spoke, "Because if Ebon goes back on his word I'll smash his head into rakka-rakka-rukka-rakka!"

Johan nodded, "Agreed."
> Junkyard Brawl
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last time, Ebon had tricked Johan and Omaddon into believing he would return Felix to them if they once again followed his lead. With the duo once again allied with the dark king and the Serpentine, things could be hectic for the heroes, but with the sudden arrival of Muse's siblings things just might be better.



The very next morning at Dustin's place, the guys were all gathering into his living room. Dustin spoke to the trio of guards, "So how was your first night sleeping in a new form?"

"Well, it was a different experience. Beds were longer." Terra started.

"And comfy too." Ven added.

"I'll say, I almost didn't wake up." Aqua finished.

"It's true," Aria started, "It took both me and Burai to get her out of bed."

"Ok, yall," Applejack began, "We got a lot of work to do in finding Ebon and the snakes."

"Right, we need a plan to find them and how we're going to deal with them." Twilight added.

"Let's brainstorm." Alistair said.

They all started thinking and pondering, until Dustin spoke up, "I got it!"

"You do?" Fluttershy and Alice asked.

"Yes, and it's full proof," Dustin said sounding sinister, which scared some of them, "First we find the snakes, then we lure them into following us."

"And where will we be leading them?" Rainbow asked.

Dustin smirked, "Right into Clara's backyard!" he laughed.

"WHAT?!" the group asked in shock.

"Dustin, are you insane?" Wild asked.

"What it's full proof. We get the snakes off our backs, Ebon loses his new army, and Clara gets a whole mess of snakes for pets. Everybody wins... Except Ebon of course."

"Sounds inhumane." Jade said.

"Who is Clara?" Aqua asked.

"A human you don't want to know about." Spike shuddered.

"And what if those snakes eat her alive?" Muse asked Dustin.

"That'd be a bonus." he answered.

"Dustin!" Twilight chided him.

"All right, so my idea isn't that good. What have you all got?"

"Well, Dustin's luring plan does have merit, but not so much with luring them to Clara's," Twilight admitted, "Perhaps we should lure them elsewhere."

"And how, you think they'll just come after us with no reason?" Rainbow asked.

"Maybe we need to give them a reason to follow us." Dustin said, as his eyes fell on Nightfall.

"Why're you looking at me like that?" the kid asked.

Muse catching on started calling out, "No! No way! Absolutely not! Out of the question!"

"Muse." Dustin began, but she cut him off.

"There is no way in Tartarus you're going to be using my baby as live bait!"

"I'll do it!" Nightfall spoke up, grabbing their attention.

"What?" they asked.

"I want to do it." he replied.

"Nightfall, don't be foolish." Twilight said.

"Yeah, what you're agreeing to do is dangerous." Terra added.

"I'm already in danger of having my magic absorbed. How much more danger could I possibly be in?"

"Kid's got a point." Rainbow agreed, as Muse sent her a glare.

"Mom, sooner or later they're going to try and keep us apart so Ebon can get to me. Let me help in this case. Please." he pleaded.

Muse wanting to continue to resist his request, started falling victim to Nightfall giving her the Bambi eyes and Puppy pout, "Oh, all right! But I'm not letting you go out there alone."

"Leave that to us." Ven offered on behalf of himself, Aqua, and Terra.

"We'll shadow him, and make sure he's far from the snakes so he can lead them into our trap." Aqua added.

"I shall accompany them as well." Zyphon offered.

"All right, so where will we lure them too?" Dean asked.

"Group huddle." Dustin called, as they gathered together to talk.



Sometime that afternoon at the fish cannery, Ebon stood before the duo and the snakes, before speaking, "Listen up. You snakes will now fight along side Johan and Omaddon in order to obtain Nightfall and my magic. Any problems, you take it up with me. Though I should hope there won't be any problems from either side?" he glared, and they nodded.

"We understand, sir." Mezmo hissed.

"Good."

"So what do we do, Ebon?" Johan asked.

"You and Omaddon will lead the snakes throughout the city, but you'll do it in teams," he began, "Johan, you'll take the Hypnobrai and Venomari tribes, and Omaddon the Fangpyres and Constrictai are with you."

"Yes, sir." Johan nodded.

"How will we keep in touch with you after we've found them?" Omaddon wondered.

"With these." Ebon snapped his fingers and amulets appeared around both Johan and Omaddon's necks.

"Amulets?" Johan asked.

"Just touch the gemstone and I will hear your voices."

"Works for me." Omaddon said.

"Good. Now all of you get out there and find them!" he ordered.

"Yes, sir!" they headed off.



Meanwhile Nightfall was walking around New York city, trying to blend into the crowd, while the three sibs were shadowing him from on top of other buildings. Nightfall looking at his wrist was wearing a communicator watch to link himself to Zyphon. He spoke into it, "Zyphon, you have my location?"

Zyphon who was another roof top further from him answered, "Yes, master Nightfall. I got your location."

"Any sign of Serpentine in my range?"

"Nothing so far, but keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity." Zyphon warned him.

"Right." Nightfall ended the transmission, as he continued walking while ignoring all the looks the pedestrians were giving him.

The girls and the others meanwhile were waiting by a junkyard, with Dustin receiving Zyphon's update, "Ok, Zyphon, keep us posted."

"Why're we hiding out here in a junkyard?" Rarity asked, while finding it very hard to take a step without stepping in something.

"Because this place is more secluded and far from any innocent lives," Alistair began, "If Nightfall, Ven, Aqua, Terra, and Zyphon can lure the snakes here then we won't be putting any innocent lives at stake."

"Assuming this plan works." Rainbow said, having doubts.

"It has to." Muse said, worried for her son, as Wild comforted her.

"Well, we better get covered. Find a hiding spot." Dean ordered, as they all went around piles of junk to hide themselves.

Back with Nightfall, he crossed a street before getting a message from Zyphon. He answered the communicator, as Zyphon's voice came, "Nightfall, I'm picking up serpentine signatures approaching your location."

"How many?"

"It seems about two tribes worth of snakes, and one signature's that of a dark warrior. It might be either Johan or Omaddon."

"Those two dark warrior's mom told me about?"

"Yes, be careful. Remember your mothers siblings have your backs."

"Right." the transmission ended.

He continued along until he looked around a corner and saw Omaddon looking around with the Fangpyre and Constrictai tribes looking out, 'That's them. Now how do I get their attention?' he thought before an idea popped in.

As Omaddon and the two tribes were looking around, Fang spoke, "This is taking forever!"

"I know, but what else can we do?" Omaddon asked.

"We promised Ebon we'd find them, and most importantly his former self." Chunk reminded them.

"But it could still take forever to find one little kid." Omaddon complained, until they heard a whistle call. They looked down the street and saw Nightfall waving his arm to get their attention.

Fang and Chunk studied the boy's appearance, and realized it was Nightfall, "There he is!" they both announced.

"Him?" Omaddon asked.

"No doubt about it." Chunk confirmed.

"Then let's get him!" Omaddon ordered, as they started charging.

Nightfall seeing this, started running. As the chase started, Omaddon put a finger to his head and spoke, "Johan, I found the kid Ebon's looking for, we're on Bleecker!" he turned to the snakes, "They're on their way."

"You better report this to Ebon." Fang suggested.

Omaddon nodded and touched the amulet as it glowed, "Ebon, I found the kid you're after. No we don't have him, but we're right on his tail. Yes, I won't lose him. Ok, you'll know how to find us." he ended his message.

Nightfall continued running as fast as he could, but knew eventually they would catch him. And to make matters worse, he saw Johan with the Venomari and Hypnobrai tribes.

"Omaddon, I see him!" Johan called.

"Let's grab him together!" Omaddon called back.

Nightfall seeing there was no way to outrun them both looked ready to give up, until Terra jumped down and grabbed the boy, with Aqua and Ven landing next to him.

"What?" the duo and the snakes gasped.

"You want this kid, you're gonna have to try and take him from us." Ven said.

"Get them!" Johan ordered.

"Come on!" Aqua called, as the three ran off with the duo and the snakes chasing after them. However because the three were older and in better shape they were running much faster than Nightfall did alone.

"Pick up the pace!" Johan called, as they ran faster.



Back at the junkyard, Dustin got another alert from Zyphon, "Guys, Terra, Ven, and Aqua are on their way with Nightfall. The serpentine are right behind them, but apparently so are Johan and Omaddon."

"What?" they asked.

"So now the duo are back with following Ebon?" Alistair asked.

"Apparently so." Dustin nodded.

"Well, this is a surprise." Twilight said.

"No matter, we'll take both sides out." Aria said.

"Here they come." Dustin said, as they saw the four run into the junkyard and hide amongst all the junk piles.

The duo and the serpentine entered the junkyard and looked around, "Where'd they go?" Omaddon asked, as he looked around.

"They can't be far." Johan said, as he summoned his shadow whip.

The serpentine were feeling weary of their surroundings, as Mezmo spoke, "I got a bad feeling about this."

Suddenly from below them a huge net caught them and was lifted off the ground by crane operated by Ralph, "What the?!" Chunk called.

They all looked and saw their enemies looking up at them, "You!" they glared.

"You guys are so easy, it's laughable!" Dean laughed.

"I can't believe they actually fell for it." Rarity gasped.

"Well, good thing for us they did." Jethro said.

"Bad news for you is I didn't." Ebon said, as he appeared on top of a pile of compressed garbage. He conjured a blue fireball in his palm and threw it at the cable of the crane that cut the net free allowing the serpentine and the duo to land on the ground and free of the net.

"Uh-oh." Dustin gasped.

The duo got up with the Serpentine, as Johan spoke, "Didn't expect this did you?"

"It might've slipped my mind." Dustin looked sheepish.

Ebon called to his forces, "Attack!" And so the duo and the serpentine engaged in combat against the girls and the warriors.

"Elements of harmony activate!" The eight bearers activated their elements of harmony, with Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Wildcard regaining their wings, Applejack, Muse, and Pinkie with their strength, and Rarity along with Twilight could use their magic again.

"Let's go!" Dustin called, as the good guys went into battle.

Rainbow and Wild were flying right through some Venomari snakes knocking them off their feet. Rarity was blasting some Constrictai with her magic, until one grabbed her from behind, "Get off of me!" she demanded.

"Hang on!" Elroy called, as he jumped in and punched the snake off.

"Oh, thank you, Elroy."

"No prob."

Alice and Alicia were fending off against some Hypnobrai, until they were knocked to the ground and Mezmo stood before them, "Look into my eyes!" he began hypnotizing them.

Pinkie seeing the Kingsley twins were being hypnotized had to do something, "Hang on, girls!" she activated her element of harmony which took the form of the mallet she used last time she was in the human world. She ran and jumped above Mezmo calling, "Hammer time!" Mezmo jumped away avoiding the impact which in turn snapped Alicia and Alice out of the trances they were in.

"Close on." Alice said to her sister.

"Yeah, thanks, Pinkie." Alicia thanked her.

"Always glad to help." Pinkie grinned.

Applejack and Ralph were busy fighting against the Fangpyres, "How does it feel fighting like a human again?" Ralph asked.

"Actually, not too shabby." Applejack admitted, as she spun kicked one of the snakes.

Dustin, Alistair, Burai, Xever, Mitsukai, Twilight, and the Balitons stood ready, as Johan summoned the shadow soldiers to fight along side him, Ebon, and Omaddon, "Destroy!" Johan ordered.

And so they engaged in combat with the older warriors taking on the shadow soldiers and the duo. Dustin and Alistair went ahead to fight Ebon.

As the former king fought the two, he spoke, "Clever of you to lure my army here to catch them, but you overlooked a small detail. You cannot pull one over on me!" he attempted to claw swipe at Alistair who ducked, and jumped back.

"That's hilarious coming from the former king who lost to us months ago." Alistair mocked.

"Silence!" he blasted the two with blue fire.

As the three guards and Nightfall watched from behind some garbage, they saw how everyone was holding their own, but saw Dustin and Alistair were struggling against Ebon, "They need help." Terra said, as he was about to join, but Ven held him back.

"Terra, you can't honestly expect to take on the dark king, especially when you're in this new form."

"If Muse and the others can handle it, then how difficult can it be?" he went to join them.

As Dustin and Alistair fired their attacks at Ebon, he took the blows. He was about to launch one of his own, until Terra jumped in and delivered a flying kick to the former dark king, knocking him back.

"Terra!" they gasped.

"Need a hand, as they say here?" Terra asked, and the two smiled.

Ebon frowned and spoke to Terra, "You have just stepped over the line."

"And I don't wanna go back." Terra mocked.

Ebon attacked the three, as they fought back. Terra with all his knowledge of combat he learned in guard training was able to hold his own, but this new form allowed for better usage of attack like spin kicks and punches.

Aqua and Ven watched as their brother and comrade fought along side Dustin and Alistair, "Oh, wow, look at Terra go." Ven gasped.

"He's incredible." Aqua said in awe.

"I sure wish we could get out there and do something." Ven said eagerly.

"You know what we're supposed to be doing." She reminded him of Nightfall.

"Right."

Suddenly they saw shadow loom over them. They turned and saw some shadow soldiers had snuck away from the fight, and attacked the two, "Nightfall, run!" Aqua cried.

Nightfall tried to make a run for it, only for two Constrictai two pop out of the ground and restrain him, "Let me go!" he struggled.

"King Ebon! We got him!" one of the snakes called.

Ebon after dodging two attacks from Dustin and Terra, saw the two snakes holding onto Nightfall, "Yes!" he vanished from sight and appeared next to Nightfall.

"Get away from him!" Alistair called, as he, Dustin, and Terra went to stop him, only for more shadow soldiers to block them off.

Ebon looked at Nightfall who was scared, "Time for a recharge." he smirked and gripped Nightfall's head, and started assimilating the magic out of him.

"NIGHTFALL!" Muse cried, as she and the girls tried to get to him.

Ebon smirked feeling he was closer and closer to regaining all his magic, until he was suddenly nailed in the back by a stream of pixelated projectiles. He lost his hold on Nightfall, and Aqua and Ven quickly attacked the two snakes holding him in place, before taking him away from Ebon.

"Whoa dares?!" Ebon demanded, as they all looked up and saw standing on top of a larger pile of compressed garbage was Blaze.

"Blaze?" the group gasped, as their comrade gained pixelated wings on his back and floated down to the ground, before the wings vanished.

"I'm back." he answered.

Ebon growled at the sight of him, "Why do you constantly meddle in my affairs?!"

Blaze shrugged, "It's a habit."

"How'd you even get her?" Rainbow asked.

"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna told me Ebon had come here with the snakes. Not wanting to miss out on the adventure I popped right over myself with their portal magic."

"What about your training?" Eu reminded him.

"Don't worry I've finally discovered all I'm capable of doing now," He assured them, "That little demonstration was known as video manipulation."

"Well, it worked." Dean admitted.

The duo seeing him looked totally surprised, "Ebon, I thought you killed him!" Johan said in confusion.

"I did." Ebon answered.

"A ghost?" Omaddon asked in worry.

"Hardly. He's just been spared." Ebon replied, "And last we fought he gained new abilities now."

"New abilities?" Omaddon wondered.

"Yes, be careful of him." he warned the two, who nodded.

"Well, if it isn't the traitor." Johan said to Blaze.

"Rakka-rakka-rukka-rakka!" Omaddon called.

Blaze was confused at what he said, but shook it off, "And if it isn't the two idiots."

"Let's skip these pleasantries and pick up where we left off! Serpentine, attack!" Ebon ordered.

"Get them!" Johan ordered the shadow soldiers.

Blaze smirked as he ran ahead with his body getting covered in concrete and plowed through the snakes, knocking them down like bowling pins.

"Just like before when he used that tremor attack in Ponyville." Alistair said.

"Admire later." Twilight said, as they all went back into battle, while Terra, Aqua, and Ven guarded Nightfall.

Dustin, Alistair, and Blaze fought against Ebon, Johan, and Omaddon, with all six giving it their all. Dustin and Alistair aimed their index fingers at their opponents, "Spirit/Shadow gun!" they blasted at them.

"Shadow gun!" the three retaliated with their own blasts.

The three heroes dodged, as Blaze spoke, "Here's a little something called smoke shot!" he fired a bolt of smoke and embers.

The three dark warriors recoiled, until Ebon stepped forward, "Playing with fire is dangerous. Let me show you why!" he concentrated his blue flames and started launching blasts at them.

The three started jumping around avoidng the flames, "If these flames spread all around the junkyard will go up in flames!" Valmont called.

"Leave this to me!" Eu began, as she used her magic to bring down a downpour of rain to put the fire out as well as Ebon's flames.

"Little witch!" Ebon growled.

"That's Ms. Little Witch to you!" she blasted Ebon with lightning magic which shocked him due to being drenched in rain. He fell to his knees.

"Ebon!" the duo gasped as they ran to his side.

Suddenly the Serpentine tribes were getting tossed over to the duo and Ebon. Twilight smiled, "We got them now. Let's finish them!" the eight bearers stood together, until Ebon's head shot up and spoke.

"Another time, perhaps!" he used his magic to repel them all back, before opening up a portal below them, "Well, boys. Hope you're ready for a trip to Equestria."

"To where now?" Omaddon asked, as they were assimilated into the portal that vanished.

Seeing they were gone, the girls and Wildcard powered their elements down and returned stood next to the warriors, "We drove them off." Wild said.

"Yeah, but they only went back to Equestria." Muse reminded him.

"And that don't sound any better." Applejack agreed.

"Well at least the day is ours for now." Blaze finished, as they all smiled.



Back in Equestria at the old castle, the portal opened up as Ebon and his forces exited it, "Where are we?" Johan asked, as he and Omaddon looked around the old castle.

"Welcome to the former castle of my two nieces, located in the Everfree Forest in the Land of Equestria." Ebon explained.

"Equestria?" Omaddon asked.

"You mean we're on your home turf now, the land of ponies?" Johan inquired.

"Precisely." Ebon smirked.

The duo looked at each other wondering if rejoining Ebon really was worth it they were now forced to remain in his own world.

Back in New York, they were recovering at Dustin's. Muse was hugging the life out of Nightfall, "Oh my baby!"

"Mom, please!" he got free, "I'm fine really I am."

"But still more of your magic was taken."

"I know. I feel like I'm getting weaker every single time he does that." he admitted.

"And if you're getting weaker then he's getting stronger." Twilight deduced.

"And that's not good." Spike put in.

"Well, it's a good thing I got my new powers down. I can once again help in fighting him." Blaze said.

"Right, but as long as Ebon still has the Serpentine under his command it's not going to be easy." Dustin noted.

"So what now?" Ralph asked.

Dustin, Alistair, Blaze, and Zyphon stood with their pony/human friends, "We're going back to Equestria to keep an eye on things." Dustin explained.

"If things get too hectic, we'll send for the rest of you." Alistair added.

"Ok." Aria nodded.

"Be safe." Eu said.

"We will." Dustin nodded, as Twilight activated her element of harmony and was able to produce a magic portal for them. They all entered, as the rest of the warriors decided to head back home as well.

Back in Ponyville, a portal materialized as the group stepped out with the girls, Wild, Nightfall, Terra, Ven, and Aqua as ponies again.

"I don't know about you guys, but I should sure go for a bite." Blaze said.

"Yeah. I'm starving." Rainbow added.

"Let's get dinner." Dusitn suggested.

"Works for me." Applejack agreed, as they all headed off to get food.
> Painful Memories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One evening in Ponyville, Dustin, Blaze, Alistair, Zyphon, Domino, and Fievel were on their they back to their place. They went inside, and Zyphon locked the front door.

"Boy, what a day huh, guys?" Dustin asked with a yawn.

"You said it," Alistair stretched his arms, "All that work at Sweet Apple Acres and Sugarcube Corner sure can be a handful."

"I'll be sleeping like a baby tonight." Blaze concluded, as they headed for their rooms.

"Likewise." Domino cawed, as he flew to his makeshift nest up on the ceiling.

"Goodnight, guys." Fievel said, as he went into a little mouse hole.

"Goodnight, masters." Zyphon bid them a goodnight, as he was ready to power down.

So the three bid each other a goodnight and went to their respective rooms for a well deserved sleep, knowing tomorrow was going to be another day.



Meanwhile at the Princesses former castle, Ebon who was reading a spell book in the castle library smirked, "Yes. It's perfect," he snickered before calling out, "Johan, Omaddon, get in here!"

The chaos duo ran into the library and saw him, "You called, sir?" Johan inquired.

"Indeed I have." Ebon nodded.

"What is it?" Omaddon asked.

"You know how to stop an army?" Ebon asked.

"How?" Omaddon asked.

"You take out it's strongest member." Ebon answered.

"Brilliant, but how're you going to do that?" Johan asked curiously.

"And who're you going to do it to?" Omaddon wondered.

"Dustin Bowers," he answered, "Take him down, and the others will practically be broken without him."

"But sir, what about Alistair?" Johan warned him.

"Don't worry when I'm done with Dustin he will be next."

"But how're you going to take him out alone?" Johan asked, as Ebon answered.

"By attacking him where the others cannot help him."

"Where's that?" Omaddon rubbed his head curiously.

"In his mind," Ebon explained, as he got into a meditating position, "See to it that the serpentine do not disturb me, and that goes for the both of you too."

"Yes, sir." the bowed their heads and took their leave.

"All right, Dustin. Let's see just what's behind that subconscious of yours." he finished getting into his meditating form, and started concentrating as dark magic started surrounding him.

Suddenly a ghostly shadow apparition of Ebon's pony self left his body and flew out of the castle before heading into Ponyville.

It found its way into Dustin, Alistair, and Blaze's place as it dove right into Dustin's body. Upon entering him, Dustin started looking distressed in his sleep.



Deep in his mind, Dustin woke up in a dark void that was just empty with only smoke shrouding the floor, "Huh, what's going on?" he looked around seeing nothing around him, "Hello?!" he called out, only to receive an echo.

He suddenly heard a noise and spun to see nothing. He shook it off as he started to walk only to see something up ahead, "Who's there?"

"Hello, Dustin." out from the shadows came Ebon.

"Ebon?!" Dustin gasped.

"Who did you expect, King Sombra?" he asked rhetorically.

"What're you doing here, and why do you have your body back?" Dustin demanded, as he got into a fighting stance.

"This is merely a manifestation of my former body inside your subconscious." he explained.

Dustin grew confused, "What, we're inside my mind?"

"Correct."

"How did you get inside my head, and why?!"

"Just a little spell, and the reason being is I'm here to show you just how much of a failure you really are." Ebon mocked him.

"I'm not a failure!" Dustin shouted, as he ran to attack him only for Ebon to vanish causing him to miss.

Ebon reappeared behind him, "You don't see it now, but first how about a little flashback?" Dustin was confused, and suddenly found himself fading into darkness.

He opened his eyes and saw he was in his old bedroom, but it looked much bigger to him, and didn't have all the stuff he decorated it with, 'This is my room, but it's all different.' he thought to himself.

"Dustin." a female voice spoke up.

'That voice, it can't be.' he thought before he saw his bedroom door opened, and entering was a woman.

The woman was beautiful with long scarlet red hair, blue eyes, and wore a light blue sleeveless blouse, and violet pants, "Morning, sweetie." she smiled.

"Mommy!" he gasped, but realized his voice sounded much younger.

'Yes I remember, this was the day mom passed away, before it all happened.' he thought.

"Come on, Dustin, you don't want to be late for school." his mother Bianca said.

"Yes, mommy," the words came out his his five year old mouth, but he mentally thought with his teenage persona, 'I remember mom drove me to school that day.'

It flashed forward to his mother driving up to the school building, "All right, sweetie, this is it. You behave yourself ok?"

"I will, mom." he answered, as he leaned forward and kissed his mom's cheek before leaving, "Bye, mom. I love you!" he raced for the school.

"Me too, Dustin!" she drove off.

"But then it all happened." Dustin said to himself as he flashed forward to seeing his mother in a hospital bed looking very injured, with both Ross and Darius surrounding the bed, with Dustin crying.

"Mommy!" he cried.

"Dustin," Bianca smiled as she reached out to touch his face, "Dustin, you are very special to me. Always remember that." she shed a tear before her heart rate stopped.

"Mom! MOMMY!" Dustin cried, as Darius and Ross held him back and tried to get him out of the room so not to see his mother in this state.

The room faded as Dustin back in his regular age gasped, "No!"

"Yes," Ebon's voice echoed, as smoke surrounded Dustin, "That did happen. She died all because it was her job a spirit warrior. If it wasn't for that fact she probably would still be alive and with you."

"No, that's not true!" Dustin shouted.

"Isn't it?" Ebon tempted, "Being a spirit or dark warrior means putting your life on the line, and your mother did just that leaving you and your father alone!"

"Shut up!" Dustin tried to drown his voice out.

"What's the matter, Dustin, afraid to face the truth? Because it's all true. And just as your mother died in battle, someday soon you will meet the same fate the longer you continue to pursue this path of goodness like she did."

"I don't believe it!" Dustin cried.

"Oh, don't you? Then perhaps you require to see more of what will make you change your thoughts." Ebon said, as memories started appearing.

He saw a flashback of when he, Alistair, Alice, Alicia, Dean, and Burai were on a mission when he and his friends were ten to eleven years old. They had run into some shadow soldiers and fought them. Dustin was having fun while fighting them, and fired his spirit gun up at a hanging large pipe to drop on some of the shadow soldiers, only for it to roll down hill on a rock pile heading straight for Alice who was fighting two shadow soldiers.

"Alice, look out!" Alicia screamed.

Alice gasped as she saw the large pipe rolling right for her and would squash her. Burai, acting quickly flew in and saved her.

"I remember that day. I almost cost Alice her life because I was careless." Dustin said to himself, as he saw his conversation with Darius and Burai, with both looking disappointed in him.

"Dustin, what were you thinking?!" Darius asked firmly.

"I-I was..." he tried to find an answer, but had nothing.

"Not only were you reckless, but you put Alice in danger." Burai put in feeling equally disappointment.

"I was only..."

Darius held his hand up to silence him, "Dustin, I care about you like a grandson, but you need to take being a spirit warrior seriously. Your mother would not want to see you like this."

Dustin looked crushed hearing about that, and fell silent, "We'll discuss this later. You may go now." Darius dismissed him, and Dustin left the room saddened.

Older Dustin watched in guilt remembering how he almost got his friend hurt, "Painful, isn't it?" Ebon's voice asked.

"I learned from that mistake and was never again reckless like that!" Dustin retorted.

"Oh, really, have you already forgotten how you left yourself open to this?" Ebon asked, as Dustin looked back into another memory Ebon was bringing up.

He saw him and Alistair during their first time in Equestria fighting Pythor and Skales who hypnotized the two into attacking the girls, and were forced to fight each other for the amusement of the serpentine.

"No, not this again!" Dustin cried, as he remembered.

"Yes. You and Alistair foolishly fell victim to the Hypnobrai hypnosis and became a puppet to attack your pony friends, and your best friend as well."

"No, stop!" Dustin cried, as he was forced to constantly watch his past self fight Alistair against his will while Alistair did so as well.

"You fell victim to hypnosis because you were weak, and you still are." Ebon mocked him.

"I'm not weak!" he screamed.

"Hard to back that up with all these failures and disappointing moments." Ebon said, as he continued to show more of Dustin's mess ups during the course of three years since he and Alistair returned to their world.

Dustin watched helplessly as he saw certain memories of him slipping up or making mistakes on the job, along with Ebon feeding false words to him using the voices of his friends to put him down and lower his confidence. He even went far as to using the voices of the ponies and the princesses to further bring him down. He dropped to his knees and cried from all the mind rape Ebon was delivering onto him.



Outside his mind, Dustin was throbbing around before he fell out of bed with a thud. Hearing that, Alistair, Blaze, Zyphon, Domino, and Fievel came in and saw him on the floor thrashing about.

"Dustin!" Alistair called, as he and Blaze ran over to try and calm him down.

"Come on, man. Snap out of it!" Blaze tried shaking him awake, but to no avail.

"He's not waking up!" Alistair told Zyphon in worry.

"Let me try something." Zyphon lifted his index finger up, that popped open revealing a syringe. He stuck it into Dustin's arm and injected him with a substance causing him to calm down.

"What was that about?" Domino asked.

"A panic attack?" Fievel asked.

"I wouldn't think so. He's been fine all day as we worked." Blaze noted.

Alistair put a hand on his friends shoulder, and gasped as a dark essence surrounded his hand before he removed it from Dustin, "What was that?" Zyphon asked the dark warrior.

"I'm feeling a dark essence radiating off him, but it's not dark energy like mine. Rather it's like dark magic." he explained.

"Magic?" they asked collectively.

"Yeah."

"This can only be Ebon's doing." Zyphon said.

"But what's he doing to him?" Blaze asked.

"I don't know, but we got to tell Twilight about this now. Come on!" Alistair ordered, as Zyphon picked his master up, and they left their place to head for Twilight's wondering if she could help him.
> Dustin Gets his Groove Back
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last time, Ebon using his dark magic entered Dustin's mind and forced him to look at painful memories to bring down his confidence. Forced to relive his worse memories Dustin slowly succumbed to doubting himself. Can the ponies and warriors find a way to awaken him and renew his faith? Tune in now.



At Twilight's place, after getting the princess and Spike up they had Dustin lying down on her bed, as Twilight inspected him, "It's just as Alistair said, dark magic is radiating off Dustin." Twilight explained.

"And you're certain it's Ebon's?" Blaze asked.

"Positive." she answered.

"Any way we can deal with this?" Alistair asked hopefully.

"None that I know of." she answered with guilt.

Zyphon sighed, "Oh, dear what're we going to do now?"

"Leave this to me." a voice said, as the door to the library balcony opened up and entering was Princess Luna.

"Luna." Alistair and Blaze gasped.

"Princess." Twilight gasped.

"I knew trouble was stirring in Dustin's mind." Luna began, as she approached him.

"What's going on?" Alistair asked, hoping she'd have the answer.

"From what I can gather Ebon has used magic to force himself into Dustin's mind." she began.

"Why's he doing that?" Spike asked.

"Because he is forcing Dustin to relive hurtful and painful memories." she answered.

"Uh-oh." Alistair and Zyphon gasped knowing that would be bad, especially for Dustin.

"Oh, my gosh, we got to do something!" Twilight said in worry.

"And you will." Celestia's voice came, as she entered the library with the rest of the girls and Wildcard.

"Girls, Wild!" Spike gasped.

"What're you doing here?" Zyphon asked in confusion.

"Princess Celestia came by each of our homes and told us to come here." Applejack explained.

"I hope it truly is important, because it's so late." Rarity sighed.

"Rarity, things are critical with Dustin!" Blaze warned her.

"What do you mean?" Rainbow asked.

"Ebon's inside his mind and is torturing him with painful memories!" Alistair explained frantically.

"Oh, no!" Fluttershy gasped, with a hoof to her mouth.

"How painful are we talking?" Pinkie asked curiously.

"As in so painful he could be traumatized for life if we don't help him." Zyphon explained.

"That's bad." Wild noted.

"What can we do?" Muse asked.

"The only thing to do is go into Dustin's mind, and help him." Luna said.

"You can do that with us?" Rainbow asked.

"My dream walking magic can work with others so long as I choose it." Luna answered.

"Then we should hurry." Alistair suggested.

"Indeed." Celestia nodded in agreement, as they all surrounded Dustin on the bed.

Luna's horn glowed with her magic aura, and every pony was surrounded by a dome before they all fell unconscious. Zyphon whose mind being artificial could not be affected by the dream walk and instead watched over their bodies.

"Good luck, my friends." he said, while praying for their safety.



Inside Dustin's mind, they appeared in the void, "Whoo, that was far out!" Pinkie giggled.

"Where are we?" Spike looked around.

"No question about it. This is Dustin's mind." Twilight answered.

"Seems kind of empty." Rarity said seeing there wasn't much to it.

"Ebon must've really done a number here." Blaze stated.

"Where's Dustin?" Wild asked, as they looked around.

Alistair looked ahead and spotted Dustin lying on the ground under a spotlight, "Over there!" he shouted, as they ran over.

When they reached his position, Blaze lifted him up, "Dustin, Dustin, can you hear us?"

"Come on, man. Wake up!" Alistair pleaded.

Dustin's eyes flung open looking scared, "It's a trap!" he announced.

The group was confused, when suddenly they were launched backwards by a dark magic blast. They got up, only for them to be repelled by a force field, "What gives?!" Rainbow demanded, as they suddenly heard Ebon's laugh echo around him, before his pony head appeared above them giant sized.

"I knew you would all eventually come here. Now you can watch up close as Dustin Bowers becomes a shell of his former self."

"No, you won't do that to our friend!" Twilight shouted.

Ebon laughed, "And who's going to stop me? You're already too late to help him now that he's relived his worse memories." he showed them the same memories he made Dustin relive.

The ponies and the princesses gasped seeing just the kind of things Dustin had gone through in his childhood, and that Ebon had to torture him with the memories of them.

"You're a monster, Ebon!" Blaze screamed.

"Showing him his worse memories. You really are heartless!" Alistair called in anger.

"Soon you will suffer the same, Alistair," Ebon chuckled, "But first, Dustin must now join me."

"Join you?" the royal sisters asked.

"Yes," he looked down on the spirit warrior, "Dustin, don't you see how much pain they will suffer because you are not strong enough to protect them. You can only be truly strong if you join me."

"Dustin, don't listen to him!" Twilight shouted.

"You can't trust Ebon!" Alistair added.

"You don't need his help, you're already strong!" Wild put in.

"Remember all the good you've done for us and your friends back home!" Applejack noted.

"I have done good." Dustin remembered, as Ebon spoke up.

"A few petty community service level good deeds. But they don't compare to the good you can really do if you give yourself to my darkness." Ebon tempted him.

"Dustin, do not fall for Ebon's trick!" Luna warned him.

"Silence!" Ebon's zapped at the group through the force field, knocking them off their hooves or feet. Ebon manifested a shadow hoof down to Dustin's level, "Join me Dustin and end the suffering of everything."

Dustin hesitantly reached out, as the group called for him to not do it. Before Dustin's hand could grab the hoof, another hand grabbed Dustin by the wrist, stopping him. The ponies, Spike, Alistair, Blaze, and Dustin gasped.

Standing at the spirit warrior's side was his mother Bianca, "Hold up there, kiddo." she told him.

"Mom!" Dustin gasped in shock.

"Dustin's mom?" the ponies gasped in wonder.

"But how?" Alistair asked in confusion.

Ebon frowned and spoke, "You are not welcomed here, woman."

Bianca looked up at him with a scowl, before answering, "Tough, luck. You stirred up my memories. Now you're stuck with me. And it's time Dustin saw the real memories that count." she said as her body glowed.

"No! Stop!" Ebon ordered knowing she'll ruin everything, but was too late.



Suddenly they were in another memory, where Dustin who was nine was training with his father. Dustin blocked a few strikes, but wasn't able to block a fourth one, and was knocked off his feet. Ross helped him up, "Good work, son. Your spirit energy level keeps getting stronger the more you practice."

"You think so?" Dustin asked.

"Yes, but remember this. Spirit energy can be powerful, but sometimes it won't always save you."

"Really?"

"That's right. Sometimes the best weapon you have is in here." he motioned to his head.

Younger Dustin took the words to heart as, everyone was watching, until Ebon spoke up, "Pretty words, but what good did they do?" he asked Dustin, "That best weapon didn't save your mother from dying!"

"Show's how little you know," Bianca retorted, "But that's not the point I'm trying to make."

"Then what is this point you're making I would like to know?" Ebon asked sarcastically.

Bianca smirked, as the memory flashed forward to twelve year old Dustin with Ralph, Xever, Burai, Alicia, Alice, Alistair, and Jethro taking on a pyromancer enemy over by the docks. Their opponent was keeping up against the warriors, and knocked Dustin away, "Dustin!" the warriors called, but could not help him due to their opponent keeping them at bay.

The girls watched in worry, while Alistair started recalling the fight, until Ebon let out a mocking laughter, "This is the point you're trying to make?"

"Hey, shut up!" Alistair silenced him.

"Yeah, I want to watch this." Rainbow said, as she got comfortable.

"She's right. You might actually learn something." Bianca added.

Dustin seeing he had to help his friends, but was low on spirit energy had to do something. He suddenly saw a crane that had a bridge girder connected to the cable. Dustin smirked as he climbed into it and fiddled with the controls before he knew how to work it.

As the pyromancer was looking ready to finish the others off, Dustin used the crane to swing the girder around knocking the pyromancer off the docks and into the sea. When he surfaced he was soaked and unable to ignite his flames leaving him powerless. He was apprehended and taken away by Burai and Xever, while the other warriors gathered around Dustin congratulating him.

"Dustin, that was awesome!" Ralph cheered.

"Yeah, the way you knocked him into the water!" Jethro laughed.

"How'd you know what to do?" Alice asked curiously.

"Simple, I used the greatest weapon of all." he answered.

"What's that?" Alicia wondered.

"Up here." he pointed to his head.



Older Dustin after remembering the good memories was coming out of his moment of despair, "Right. I defeated him without my spirit power."

"Yes," Bianca nodded, "You protected your friends, even when the odds were against you. You've even managed to protect your pony friends even when the odds weren't in your favor."

Dustin started recalling all the good he's done in New York and Equestria and smiled, "Yeah! That's right!" he got to his feet and looked up at Ebon, "Your words won't work on me anymore, Ebon! I see it all now. I'm not weak, I was never the weak one. The only one weak here is you!"

Ebon frowned, as he materialized into his full pony form at Dustin's size, "I will show you who is weak!"

Dustin looked to his mom, "Mom?"

Bianca smiled and nodded, "Go get him, son." she faded into the shadows.

Dustin turned to Ebon while powering up his spirit energy and the two started going at it. Ebon launched a blast of magic at Dustin, who jumped aside and landed on the wall of the force field clinging to it like a spider before jumping off it and flew around blasting at Ebon with his spirit gun.

Ebon kept retaliating by using magical shields to repel the attack, but when Dustin fired his shotgun it shattered, "All right, Dustin!" the ponies cheered.

"Yeah!" Alistair and Blaze pumped their fists up, while Celestia and Luna smiled.

Ebon and Dustin stood on the ground facing off, "This mind isn't big enough for both of us." Dustin warned him.

"I agree," Ebon answered, "So one of us must go. Preferably you!" he sent his shadow magic at Dustin surrounding him with it.

"Hey, I can't see!" Dustin groaned, as the darkness was blinding him.

"Dustin, no!" Alistair shouted, as he pounded on the force field.

"Leave our friend alone!" Twilight called, when suddenly all eight of the bearers of the elements started glowing.

Spike, Alistair, Blaze, and the princesses watch in surprise, as the eight broke through the barrier, "What?!" Ebon looked in shock.

The eight illuminated the dark magic surrounding Dustin who got back to his feet and stood by their side, "Nice try." he smirked.

"This can't be, there is no greater power here but mine!" Ebon declared.

"You never learn, Ebon," Dustin answered, as Celestia, Luna, Alistair, Blaze, and Spike go over to his and the ponies side, "Your dark magic can be intimidating, but it's no match against the power that comes from the friendship I share with my friends." he said as all his friends and family from New York and even Equestria were standing by his side.

"No!" Ebon gasped.

"I don't need some special weapon or power to defeat you," he was channeling all his spirit energy, "My friends are my power! And with that power I force you out!" he fired his spirit force at Ebon who screamed while fading away into nothing.

Suddenly Ebon back in Felix's body at the one castle woke up in shock, "No!" he bellowed, which in turn caused Johan and Omaddon to rush in.

"Sir?!" they asked.

"You're awake?" Johan raised a brow.

Ebon got up and blasted a table, "I was so close!" he growled.

"Maybe we should leave him alone?" Omaddon suggested, and Johan nodded as they backed away.



Back in Dustin's mind, Dustin powered his energy down as all but his pony friends, Spike, Blaze, Alistair, and the princesses faded away, "Dustin, you ok?" Applejack asked in concern.

"Best I've felt all night." Dustin smirked.

"You were so awesome back there!" Rainbow cheered, as she flew around.

"Congratulations, Dustin." Celestia congratulated him.

"You really did it." Fluttershy added with a smile.

"It wasn't just me, it was all of us." Dustin explained.

"Indeed it was." Bianca said, as she reappeared.

"Mom!" Dustin gasped, as she approached them.

"Well, Dustin, aren't you going to..." Bianca began, until Dustin caught on.

"Oh, right!" Dustin began, "Mom, these are my friends, Alistair Savage and Blaze Shadow. And these are my friends from Equestria. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. Guys, I'd like you to meet my mom."

"Bianca Bowers, and it's nice to meet you all." Bianca greeted them.

"The pleasure's ours, darling." Rarity insisted.

"Dustin's told us so much about you." Fluttershy said.

"I'm so very glad he did," Bianca smiled at her son, who blushed, "And I want to thank all of you for looking after and protecting my son."

"It's an honor to fight along side this guy." Alistair said, as he held Dustin close.

"What he said." Blaze agreed.

"So what happens?" Pinkie asked.

"It's time Dustin awoke." Luna said.

"But what's gonna happen to..." Dustin wondered about his mom.

"Don't worry, Dustin. I'll always be with you in memory as well with your father. I'm proud of you, Dustin. I want you to know that." she smiled.

Dustin's eyes started brewing up with tears before he embraced his mother who returned it, "I love you, mom!" he whispered.

"I love you too." she answered, as Dustin's friends started getting emotional, including Rainbow Dash who was trying to hide it.

When the mother and son broke embrace, the void started illuminating as Dustin watched his mother vanish into his memories.

Outside the mindscape, every pony, Spike, Blaze, and Alistair woke up, as Zyphon, Fievel, and Domino saw them, "Are you all ok?" Zyphon asked in concern.

"We're fine." Alistair said, as they all rose up.

"And Dustin?" Domino asked in worry.

They all looked at Dustin on the bed, seeing he was twitching before opening his eyes, "Dustin?" the ponies asked.

Dustin sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, "Ugh, what a sleep." he groaned.

"Dustin!" the girls cheered, as they, Spike, Alistair, Blaze, and Wild piled on him.

As they laughed and voiced how worried they all were, Zyphon pried them off, "Please, let's give him a moment to breathe."

"Thank you, Zyphon," Dustin said ash e got off the bed and stretched, "Thanks for all you've done in snapping me out of it."

"Of course, what're friends for?" Twilight asked.

"It's what we do." Alistair added.

"And I'm glad it is," Dustin smiled, until he saw Celestia used her magic to raise the sun, "Morning already?"

"Looks like it." Applejack said.

"Well, another day another adventure." he finished, and they all laughed.
> Talent Show
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One afternoon in Ponyville, Dustin, Alistair, Blaze, Alice, Alicia, Eu, and Aria were walking around town, until Dustin saw a flyer posted on a wall, "Hello, what have we here?" the group went up to look at it, as Aria read it.

"Ponyville Talent show this week, opened to all competitors willing to display their best talents."

"A talent show, huh?" Alistair asked, "Sounds neat."

"I'll say, maybe I'll enter." Blaze said.

"You will?" Alicia asked him.

"What, does it surprise you?" he asked.

"Well, what would you do?" the stoic twin inquired.

"I would sing. I'm a good singer." he answered.

"So am I, so maybe I'll try that as well." Dustin added.

"Me and my violin would be a shoe in for first place." Aria said.

"This calls for me and my break dancing stunts." Alistair put in.

Alicia spoke up, "Sorry, guys. But if anyone here would win this thing it's Alice."

Alice turned to her twin in shock, "Alicia!"

Alicia smirked at her, "Come on, Alice, out of both of us you're better at singing solo than me."

"She does have a point, Alice." Aria agreed.

"Uh, well..." Alice stammered.

"Then it's decided, we'll enter this competition, and no matter who wins or loses we'll all did our best." Dustin said, as they all nodded.

"In that case we better start practicing now." Blaze suggested.

"Agreed. I'm gonna go see Vinyl and ask if she's got any fresh beats for me to break it down to." Alistair said, as he took off.

"Wait for me!" Eu went after him.

"Catch you guys later." Blaze ran off.

"I'm out of here." Aria headed off to practice.

"I'll see you two later. Good luck, Alice." Dustin said, as he flew off.

When the twins were left alone, Alice turned to her sister, "Alicia, you shouldn't have nominated me without discussing it with me first."

Alicia spoke up, "Alice, I'm doing this for your own good. Dustin likes both of us, but we need to get him to like each of us individually more and not always as a duo. I can handle that myself. But you could use some help with that, and you making an impression at this talent show is just what you need to earn extra points."

"You think so?" Alice asked.

Alicia smiled, "I know so. Now let's go see Mitsukai. She can give you some good tips on singing." the twins headed off.

When the coast was clear, Johan and Omaddon appeared and looked at the flyer as well, "Ponyville Talent show, huh?" Johan asked, "Sounds interesting."

"How so?" Omaddon asked.

"Because Omaddon, we're going to enter this and take home first prize." Johan smirked.

"What? But, Johan, what about Ebon?"

"What about him?"

"Won't he get mad if we're caught slacking off?" the big one asked.

Johan answered, "Ebon hasn't given us any orders for days. I suppose he's just biding his time until he actually comes up with a plan. Besides if we're gonna stay here until he releases Felix, then we might as well have our own kind of fun."

"But will they even let us join?" Omaddon asked, "I mean we're not exactly local faves in this world."

"The form says 'open to all'." Johan noted.

"Ooh, smart," Omaddon smirked at the loophole, until another thought crossed his mind, "But, uh, what're we going to do in it?"

Johan smiled, "Just leave everything to me my friend." he escorted him off.



Later on at Dustin, Alistair, and Blaze's HQ, each of the three were giving each other enough space to practice and not interrupt each others.

Alistair had a boombox playing dance music, as he was break dancing on top of a mat with Fievel and Eu observing him. When Alistair jumped to his feet, Fievel stopped the music, "Well, Fievel, be honest, what did you think?"

"Wonderful job, Alistair. Those moves of your know no bound." Fievel answered.

"He's right. I can't wait to see you perform." Eu added.

"Thanks."

"Hey, what's going on over here?" Applejack's voice came, as she, the rest of the girls, Wild, and Spike approached.

"Hey, you guys, what's up?" the dark warrior asked.

"What's with all the dancing here?" Rainbow asked.

"What this? Well, I'm practicing for Ponyville's Talent show this week." he answered.

"Really?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, me Alice, Aria, Dustin, and Blaze are entering."

"How wonderful." Rarity smiled.

"And you're going to be dancing?" Pinkie asked.

"Break dancing, but yeah." he replied.

"Cool." Wild admitted.

"Anypony else joining?" Alistair asked.

"Well, Nightfall is signing up to display his artistic talent." Muse answered.

"Nice, I'm sure the crowds will love his work. Especially after all the ideas and designs he got from seeing New York."

"No kidding." Dustin said, as he, Blaze, Zyphon, Alice, Alicia, and Mitsukai approached.

"Hey, guys, how's your practicing going?" Eu asked.

"Couldn't be better." Dustin answered.

"Same here." Blaze added.

"Mitsukai's been helping me out." Alice explained.

"And she's coming along nicely." Mitsukai added.

"So, who's going to be judging at this Talent Show?" Zyphon inquired out of Twilight.

"Well, I will be for one, so will the mayor, and the third is..." Twilight was interrupted as Discord appeared.

"Me!" he cheered.

"Discord?" Dustin, Alistair, their familiars, and Zyphon gasped.

'So that's Discord.' Blaze thought.

Discord upon seeing Dustin and Alistair looked overjoyed, "Why, Dustin Bowers and Alistair Savage. How good to see you two again!"

"Great to see you, Discord." Dustin said, as both he and Alistair locked fists with Discord's paw.

"You look well." Alistair said.

"So do the two of you," Discord said, "And Domino, Fievel, and Zyphon. A joy as always."

"Quite so, Discord." Zyphon agreed.

The master of chaos suddenly saw the others, "Ah, and these must be some of the friends Twilight and the others have told me about. Blaze Shadow; the deceptive one," Blaze raised a brow at that, "Mitsukai Tendou; the senior spirit warrior, Eucliwood Belthio; the witch girl, Alice and Alicia Kingsley; the twins."

Dustin nodded and introduced his friends, "Guys, this is Discord the reformed master of chaos."

"We did hear about you from Dustin and Alistair." Mitsukai said.

"Good things I hope?" he asked.

"So and so." Alicia replied, making Discord confused.

"So you're also going to be a judge?" Alistair asked.

"That's right. And I for one think it is an honor to be a part of something like this." Discord said proudly.

"As long as you don't play favorites." Zyphon warned him.

"Right." Twilight agreed.

"Play favorites?" Discord asked, "Why everypony, I'm shocked. I would never play favorites among anypony."

"I agree," Fluttershy spoke up, "Discord values all of our friendships equally. Don't you?" she hugged him.

"I would never put any of you above the other." Discord answered.

"Well, you all better get back to practicing, the competition may surprise you." Wild said, as the humans nodded and went back to practicing as the others took their leave.



Later on in New York, at Mitsukai's place, Alice was singing a few notes with the older spirit warrior, until they decided to break. They sat down and enjoyed a beverage, as Mitsukai spoke, "The lessons I've been giving you are really paying off."

"You think so, Mitsukai?"

"Of course. So what was the reason Alicia volunteered you to compete?" she wondered.

"Well, it was to improve my relationship with Dustin. If he saw how good I was up there he'd be very impressed with me."

"Oh, so your sister was pimping for you?" Mitsukai grinned.

"Yes. I felt embarrassed." she blushed.

"Alice, Alicia's just trying to help you. I know the both of you love Dustin almost as much as Aria. And I'm glad to see how much the both of you care for him. And I know he cares a lot about you two as well. But when you go out there, don't do it just to impress Dustin, do it for yourself."

"Myself?"

"Yes. Because in the end you're the only one you need to do it for."

Alice smiled, and embraced Mitsukai, "Thanks, Mitsukai."

"Anytime." Mituskai smiled, as she returned the embrace.



A few days later in Ponyville, outside the school was a stage set up for the talent show competitors, off to the side was Twilight, Mayor Mare, and Discord in the judges seats, while everypony in Ponyville was in the crowd eager to watch the performances.

Spike walked on stage and read his notes, "Welcome Mares and Colts to Ponyville's Talent show. We have some great contestants here tonight who're eager to show off their talents. So without further adieu let's bring out the contestants!" the ponies cheered, as Spike read off competitor after competitor who each showed off their talent from singing, dancing, juggling, comedy, etc.

After the latest contestant walked off stage, Spike came back, "Thank you. And now our next competitor is somepony we all know and love like our own. We have here with us the dark warrior hero of Equestria; Alistair Savage and his talent break dancing!"

The ponies cheered, as Alistair walked onto the stage with a boombox and dance mat. Once he sat everything up, he turned on the boombox and began showing off his dance steps for the crowd of ponies.

In the crowd, Wild, the girls, Burai, even Xever were enjoying the younger Savage brother's performance, "That's my bro." Xever smiled in pride.

When the music finished, Alistair got to his feet as the crowd applauded and cheered. Alistair waved to the crowd before collecting his boombox and mat.

By the judges, Discord spoke to the two ponies, "He certainly has moves down, don't you think?"

"Indeed. He's obviously been doing that for a long time." Mayor Mare said.

"Yeah. And I thought Xever was good with his legs." Twilight added.

Spike came back to introduce the next guest, "Next up we have a new girl with us from the other world of our human friends, here to share with us what she does best. Give it up for Aria Sanzo and her violin playing!"

The crowd applauded, as Aria stepped out carrying her violin and bow. She bowed to the ponies and spoke into a mic, "This is a little number called Shadows."

And so Aria began playing her violin like the professional she was, as the lights form above cast her shadow off the scenery behind her. The ponies enjoyed the sound of her violin playing, until they noticed Aria's shadow was no longer following her movement, but was instead doing some dance routines.



Twilight and Mayor Mare were in shock, "How is she doing that?" The mayor asked the Princess.

"I don't know." she replied, until her eyes fell suspiciously onto Discord.

"Don't look at me, this isn't my doing." Discord answered, feeling just as confused.

So they continued to watch Aria's performance with her shadow. Suddenly her shadow picked up her own violin and began playing music, while Aria sat hers down before doing a dance just like her shadow was. Eventually she picked her violin back up and played along side her shadow as both were moving different instead of in sync. When Aria finished, the ponies roared with applause as both Aria and her shadow took a bow before walking off stage.

When Aria was back stage and out of the light, her shadow vanished. She saw Dustin, Blaze, and Alistair looking at her in shock, "Aria, how did you do that?" Dustin gasped.

Aria smiled, "That's the beauty of playing Shadows." she walked off to grab some water.

"I wonder if we'll ever know how she did that." Blaze said.

"Probably never." Alistair replied.

"Blaze Shadow!" Spike announced from on stage.

"Oh, that's my cue. Wish me luck guys." Blaze said, as he went on stage.

Blaze took the mic, and spoke, "Evening, everypony. I hope you're all ready because this song I chose especially to describe myself." And so music started playing, as Blaze started singing.



The crowd listened with interest, while the humans were rocking their heads to the rhythm, "He chose a good one." Burai told Xever, who nodded in agreement.

When Blaze finished, the ponies applauded, as Blaze took a bow before going back stage where Alistair and Dustin congratulated him.

"Way to go, Blaze, that was awesome." Dustin congratulated him.

"Thanks, Dustin, and good luck to you out there."

"Thanks."



When Dustin was called out he took the mic and began singing his song with passion.

 

The ponies were rocking to the rhythm as Dustin sang, while backstage Alice was watching Dustin in awe. Alicia and Mitsukai who were backstage with her smiled. Mitsukai spoke, "He's got some voice doesn't he?" Mitsukai asked.

"He sure does." Alice nodded.

"And soon enough you'll wow him with your own." Alicia added.

"I hope I do."

Mitsukai said, "Just remember what I taught you."

"Yes, Mitsukai." Alice nodded, as she continued to watch Dustin until he finished his performance.

When he was done, Dustin accepted the applause before going backstage where Zyphon offered him a beverage, "Good show, master. Good show."

"Thanks, Zyphon," Dustin accepted the drink, and looked over at Alice and Nightfall, "Hey, good luck you two."

"Thanks, Dustin." Nightfall thanked him.

"Yes. Thank you." Alice blushed.

"And next we have that artist of a colt, Nightfall!" Spike called.

"Ok, Nightfall, that's your cue." Alistair said.

"Here I go." Nightfall galloped onto the stage to see the cheering ponies.

Muse cried in joy, "That's my boy up there!"

"For my talent I shall paint you all something I have seen what not many ponies have had the honor of seeing that resides in the world of our human friends." Nightfall explained, as he started setting up his artist equipment.

The others watched him from backstage, "I sure hope they like his art." Dustin said.

"So do I." Alistair agreed.

"Well, I hope they like it when we win." a voice said, as they turned around and saw the Chaos Duo.

"You two!" the humans gasped.

"Rakka, Rakka, Rakka!" Omaddon ranted.

"You shouldn't have come here!" Blaze was ready to strike, until Johan held out a hand halting him.

"Ease up, Blaze. We're here as competitors, not to cause trouble."

"A likely story." Alistair called their bluff.

"It's true, see for yourself." Omaddon showed him the list of competitors, and saw their names were officially registered.

"This has to be some kind of joke." Dustin said.

"No joke about it. We registered ourselves." Johan assured him.

"What's your game?" Mitsukai asked, while ready to attack.

"No game. We're just here for the fun." Omaddon answered.

"And what could you two possibly do for talent?" Zyphon asked.

"After the boy is done we'll show you." Omaddon replied.

"You realize Nightfall is who Ebon wants, right?" Blaze asked seeing how this would be an opportune moment for them.

"Ebon can get him on his own time. This is our time, and we don't want to do with any of his plans now." Johan explained.

"Very well." Dustin replied, as they decided to let them be.



Back on stage, Nightfall was hard at work painting, while every pony in the crowd waited in anticipation. When he finished, he put his brush down and revealed his painting to the crowd being that of a landscape of New York City, "Voila!"

The crowd gasped in awe for how neatly detailed the painting looked right down to the last brush stroke. The colt took his painting and supplies off stage and around back.

"Not bad, kid." Johan said.

"But wait and see, first place is ours." Omaddon smirked, as Nightfall just went right past them and over to the others.

Spike read the card, "Next is... Johan and Omaddon?!"

The ponies were confused or shocked by his reaction, as the Chaos Duo took the stage, while Spike left.

"Evening, ponies." Johan greeted them.

"Rakka Rakka Rukka Rakka!" Omaddon ranted.

"Tonight my partner and I are going to put on a little musical performance." Johan explained.

"So get ready to rock!" Omaddon called, as the two summoned guitars with amps behind them.

The two started rocking out hard with their music blaring. The ponies started covering their ears on how badly they were performing, while only Discord was snapping his fingers around to the tune.

When they finished they looked out seeing the crowd was wide eyed with all their mane pulled back from the blaring sound. Johan smiled, "See, Omaddon? They're so taken by our talent, they're lost for words."

"First place is ours for sure, Johan." Omaddon smirked, as they went backstage looking confident.

After recovering, Spike called out, "Ok, after that we have our final competitor. Please welcome, Alice Kingsley!"

Backstage Alice got herself together and relaxed, "Ok, here I go." she walked onto stage to face the crowd, "Hello, everypony. I'd like to dedicate this piece to a special guy I know. And I hope he likes it." she explained, as Dustin looked curiously knowing she was talking about him. And so Alice started singing. 



As she sang the crowd listened and felt moved by her lovely voice, while Rarity was looking the on verge of bawling with happiness, and even Discord flicked a tear from his eye. Dustin listened while smiling at how Alice sang the truth about how she felt about him since they met.

Mitsukai smiled as she watched one of her younger fellow warriors sing from the heart, while Alicia herself smiled while watching her sister perform and know she was going to leave a big impression.

When she finished, Alice bowed her head as the crowd applauded. Alice went back stage, as Alicia hugged her, "You did it, Alice. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Alicia." Alice hugged her twin, as Mitsukai hugged her.

"You did marvelously, Alice."

"I owe it all to you."

"I can only take some credit. Most of it was all yours." Mitsukai replied.

"I thought you did great, Alice," Dustin said, "I'm proud of you."

Alice smiled while blushing, "Thank you, Dustin." she hugged him, and he returned it.

Johan and Omaddon watched looking bored, "How long until the judges decide the winner?" Omaddon asked.

"Can't be too long." Johan answered.

When the three judges were finished with deciding the winner, Spike was given an envelope with the winner's name, "And the winner of the Ponyville Talent Show is... Alice Kingsley!"

The contestants were surprised, while Alice was in shock, "Me?" she asked her friends.

Mitsukai smiled and nodded in confirmation. Johan and Omaddon were outraged, "Seriously?!" Johan asked.

Alicia shooed her sister to the stage, "Get out there!"

When Alice went back onto the stage, Twilight, Discord, and the Mayor presented her with a trophy, "Congratulations, Alice. You earned it." Twilight smiled.

"And it was a wonderful performance my dear." Mayor Mare added.

"It was spectacular." Discord finished.

"Thank you, all of you." Alice smiled.

"And a round of applause for our other competitors!" Spike called, as Dustin, Aria, Blaze, Alistair, Nightfall, and all the others went on stage for an applause on their hard work. All but the Chaos Duo.

"This was a bust. Come on, Omaddon, let's go." Johan said, as the two vanished.



After every pony was clearing out, the guys were still being congratulated by their friends, "You all did well despite not coming in first. You should all be proud." Burai congratulated them.

"You did so well, Nightfall, that I'm gonna hang this in my office." Muse said, while looking at her colt's painting.

"Thanks, mom."

"Why don't we go out and celebrate?" Rainbow suggested.

"Yes! To Sugarcube Corner!" Pinkie announced.

So they all started heading out, but before Dustin could follow them Alice pulled him back, "Alice?"

Alice without saying a word, pulled Dustin into a deep kiss. This act took Dustin by surprise, but went along with it as he wrapped his arms around her waist. When they parted, they looked into each others eyes, as Alice spoke, "How was that?"

"Perfect." Dustin panted.

Alice smiled, "Let's go." she took his hand and led him off to catch up with the others.
> Ebon No More
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One late afternoon in Ponyville Park, the Mane 8 and the warriors were busy fighting the Serpentine, The Chaos Duo, and Ebon. The younger warriors and the ponies were focusing on the snakes, while Valmont, Belmont, and Mitsukai dealt with the duo, and finally Burai and Xever tangled with Ebon.

Ebon fought the two warriors, while noticing Nightfall was taking cover under a bench, "Get out of my way, you fools!" he struck Xever.

"Xever!" Burai called, before he and Ebon went at it.

With the snakes, a Constrictai maneuvered through the ponies and warriors before reaching Nightfall, "Gotcha!"

"Let go!" Nightfall struggled, but to no avail.

"Nightfall!" Muse cried.

Ebon seeing the snake had his former body restrained, smirked, "Yes!" he got past Burai, and appeared before Nightfall, "Come to papa!" he grabbed the colt's head and started assimilating his magic back, "Yes, almost there."

Dustin after punching a Fangpyre, saw what was happening, "Let him go! Spirit gun!" he fired the blast at Ebon's back causing him to take his hand off Nightfall.

"You!" he growled, but before he could attack, Xever swung in and delivered a tornado kick knocking him to the ground.

"You feeling lucky, pal?" Xever asked, as he readied his shadow switchblades.

Ebon frowned before calling out, "Fall back!" he faded into the shadows. Johan and Omaddon hearing this retreated into the shadows as well, along with the snakes burying out of there.

The ponies and warriors went over to Nightfall, "Nightfall, are you ok?" Twilight asked.

"I feel like I'm getting weaker now." Nightfall panted.

"He must be even lower on magic than last time after this." Dustin deduced.

"This is bad." Burai said.

"I know. If he loses more magic he may be depleted." Muse added in worry.

"I'm scared." Nightfall said, while trembling.

Muse comforted him, "Don't worry, sweetie. Mommy's gonna protect you no matter what."

"We better get out of here." Dustin suggested, as they headed back to Dustin, Alistair, and Blaze's HQ.



Back at the Castle of the Royal Pony sisters, Ebon was harnessing the magic he had assimilated, "Yes, I've almost got it."

"What do you mean, sir?" Mezmo inquired.

"My magic is almost fully back to me. If I can get to the colt just one more time and assimilate the magic without any interruptions I'll have it all and be one with my magic again."

"And then Equestria we'll be ours?" Spitz asked.

"Correct." Ebon answered.

"And you'll release Felix?" Johan asked, while crossing his arms.

"Of course. We all get what we want. Now you all go and get yourselves healed up I need to plan our next strike." Ebon left the throne room.

When the snakes took their leave, Johan and Omaddon remained behind, "Isn't it great, Johan? Soon we'll have Felix back, and the gang can pick up where we left off," Omaddon said in excitement, but realized his partner didn't seem all thrilled, "What's wrong?"

"I've had my suspicions and doubts about us going back to work with Ebon." he answered.

"Well, so have I, but once this is over we don't have to follow him anymore."

"That's what's got me concerned, Omaddon. Will Ebon really leave us alone after we get Felix back, or will he just keep us around for his own amusement?"

"What use could he have with us if he's ruling Equestria?" the big guy asked.

"I just have my hunches we shouldn't have joined him again."

"We did it for Felix, remember?"

"I know. But I think there's more to what's going on than Ebon's telling us. And I want to find out." Johan said, as he went off to where Ebon left with Omaddon following behind.

The two could hear Ebon from inside the castle's library and peeked in to see him talking to himself, "Once I have my magic back, all of Equestria will bow to me, and then I'll move onto the humans world and take that for my own as well. Then both worlds will recognize me as their ruler and master. Of course I'll have to get rid of some excess baggage when the time comes. Starting with the duo, they're not as valuable as the serpentine are."

Upon hearing his words, the duo were left in shock. They walked back making sure Ebon did not know they were there. Once they were back in the throne room, Johan spoke in disbelief, "He lied to us."

"He used us." Omaddon added.

"And we fell for it like suckers." Johan clenched his fist.

"Should we take him down now?" Omaddon suggested.

"No, if we're going to defeat him we need help."

"Like the serpentine?"

"They won't stand a chance against him. Plus I doubt they'd listen to us. We need the others." Johan answered.

"You mean... Them?"

"It's our only chance." Johan said, as the two walked out of the castle.



That night at the boys HQ, Dustin, Alistair, Blaze, and Zyphon were at meeting, "This is getting dangerous," Dustin began, "If we don't put an end to Ebon soon Nightfall could wind up in critical condition than he already is."

"Why isn't it the girls don't use the elements of harmony on him again?" Blaze asked.

"Because it wouldn't work," Alistair replied, "Last time it only purified his body, but his spirit wandered and forced himself into Felix. If we try again he'll merely be separated from Felix and try to find another vessel."

"Can't we find a way to contain the spirit using magic?" Blaze suggested.

"No dice," Dustin replied, "Either we get rid of Ebon for good or nothing. We can't have any trace of him floating around anywhere so he can find another body to inhabit."

"Quite so, but that goes back to the bigger question," Zyphon spoke up, "How can we ultimately defeat him?"

"I wish I had the answer." Dustin sighed.

"Well, we won't find an answer with lack of sleep. I'm turning in." Blaze said, as he headed for his room.

"He's got a point." Alistair admitted, as he went to his room.

"Coming, master?" Zyphon asked his creator.

"In a minute." he answered, as Zyphon went to power down and recharge. Dustin walked to the nearest window and gazed out it and up at the night sky, 'What can we do?' he thought to himself.



The very next morning at the sister's old castle, Ebon stood in the throne room before the entire Serpentine army.

"Listen up! Today marks the final day for freedom in Equestria. For today we take it for our own starting with me assimilating the last of my magic. Then we will deal with those elements of harmony once and for all!" the serpentine cheered.

"Now let's get going, we have a lot of..." Ebon looked around, "Wait a minute, where are Johan and Omaddon?"

"We haven't seen them, sir." Chunk answered.

"Well, find them!" he ordered, as some of the snakes took off into the castle to retrieve them.

He waited impatiently until the snakes returned, "Sir, there's no sign of them."

"What?" he asked firmly, much to the snakes fright.

"There's no trace of them in the castle." a Fangpyre said.

"Did you check every room? Remember this place is also rigged with secret passages."

"Yes, they aren't here your highness." a Venomari assured him, even though he knew he wouldn't like it.

Ebon's aura started rising due to his anger, and the snakes could see his dark warrior aura surrounding him. He then screamed to the roof, "JOHAN! OMADDON!"



In Ponyville, the three boys, and Zyphon met up with the ponies and Spike at the library, "We have to protect Nightfall at all costs." Muse instructed.

"I know, if Ebon strikes again today and we know he will, he'll try anything to get close to Nightfall." Twilight nodded.

"Yesterday Ebon was fighting twice as hard," Dustin added, "With all that magic he's got so far we're not making as much head weight as we did before."

"So we'll fight even harder than before like always." Rainbow spoke up.

"I don't think that's enough of what to do, Rainbow." Blaze replied.

"Then what do you suggest?" Rainbow inquired.

Before Blaze could give her a response the dark warriors tensed up, as Xever spoke "Guys, dark energy is approaching us."

"And we know who it belongs to." Valmont said, as they went outside and saw Johan and Omaddon approaching casually.

"You two!" Wild frowned.

"Get ready, everypony." Twilight said, as the eight dawned their elements of harmony.

"Wait!" Johan called, as he held his hands up to stop them.

"We mean you no harm. We need your help." Omaddon added.

The ponies stopped in place, as Applejack asked suspiciously, "What exactly do ya mean 'need our help'?"

"We need you to help us take down Ebon." Johan explained.

Pinkie burst into laughter, "Oh, that's too funny. And I wondered if you guys did have a sense of humor."

"We do have a sense of humor, but that was no joke." Omaddon answered.

"Huh?" the ponies asked.

"Why do you guys want to take down Ebon when you've been more than eager to fight us while at his side?" Dustin asked suspiciously.

"Because he lied to us." Johan answered.

"Lied to you?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

"Yes. He promised us if we helped him reclaim his magic he'd let Felix go." Johan explained.

"And you believed him?" Muse asked in outrage.

"Well, he did let us talk to Felix for a moment so we thought..." Omaddon trailed off, until Twilight spoke.

"He deceived you. I think he only pretended to let Felix communicate with you."

The two looked at each other feeling more ashamed of themselves, until Johan continued, "And we walked in on him claiming once he's conquered Equestria he'll take our world as well, but intends on disposing of me and Omaddon before that."

"Oh, dear." Rarity gasped.

"Wait a minute, how do we know this isn't some trick of Ebon's?" Rainbow inquired, while glaring at the duo.

"Our loyalty was never with Ebon this time, it was for Felix. We care about him the same as these guys here did." Johan explained, while motioning to the older warriors.

"He broke us out of juvie and gave us another chance at life. Even if in your eyes it wasn't the right kind of thing, at least we made new images for ourselves." Omaddon explained.

"We'd do anything for our friend just as you all do for each other." Johan concluded.

Suddenly Rainbow Dash's element of harmony began glowing, "Hey, what's going on?" the pegasus asked in confusion.

"Your element of harmony seems to be responding to their claim." Twilight explained.

"And if it's loyalty, then it's true what they say." Muse caught on.

"Johan and Omaddon truly are loyal to Felix and not Ebon." Burai finished.

They looked to the duo who stood proud letting them know they were telling the truth, "Well, I'll be. Looks like these two do have some goodness." Applejack smiled.

Pinkie jumped and embraced the two, "It's so touching to hear how much Felix means to you."

"You're hugging us in public." Johan said, feeling awkward.

Pinkie let go of them, as Twilight spoke, "All right you two, we believe you. Now how can we stop Ebon?"

"By taking the fight to him." Johan answered.

"And we know where he is." Omaddon added.

"Where?" Wild asked.

"This castle located in the Everfree Forest." Johan answered.

Spike and Twilight gasped and spoke simultaneously, "The castle of the Royal Pony Sisters!"

"Yeah, that's the one." Omaddon nodded.

"He and the Serpentine have been there the whole time?" Rainbow asked in outrage.

"Why didn't I see it before?" Twilight asked in embarrassment.

"Well, now we know where to go." Mitsukai said.

"And this time, we'll get the drop on them." Belmont added.

"Then let's go!" Blaze called, until Twilight stopped him.

"Easy, Blaze. Barging into battle without a plan never ends well."

Zyphon looked over with his eyes acting as telescopes before speaking, "Princess, I don't think we have enough time to formulate a plan of strategy."

"Why?" she asked.

"I'm seeing serpentine approaching us." the robot explained.

"Uh-oh." they gasped.

"Guys, I got the feeling this could be our last battle with Ebon." Alistair said.

"If that's the case, then we better make this last battle count." Blaze stated.

"Let's go!" Burai called, as the group charged in the direction the Serpentine were coming from.



When the two sides met, they stopped in place, as the snakes cleared a path for Ebon who took front, "Well, good morning, everypony. Lovely day isn't it?" he asked. The ponies frowned, until Dustin spoke.

"Today's where it all ends, Ebon."

"I agree. And come tomorrow Equestria will have new order, my order." the former King answered.

"Not if we can help it." Johan answered, as he and Omaddon approached.

"You two. I should hope you led them here to their demise." he asked, while knowing it wasn't the case.

"No. Actually, we've joined them." Omaddon answered.

"And what in the wide world of Equestria would you do that? Don't you care about Felix at all?"

"Of course we do, but you lied to us." Johan said, as he summoned his shadow whip.

"You tricked us into following your orders." Omaddon added.

Ebon hearing that couldn't help but smirk, "So you finally figured it out. I guess you two aren't as stupid as I thought you were."

"We'll show you who's the stupid one!" Johan cracked his whip.

"Agreed. Serpentine, attack!" Ebon ordered, as the snakes went into battle.

The warriors and ponies charged and both sides were in a brawl like always. With Johan and Omaddon fighting at their side this time, they were knocking the snakes down better than before."

"You know, fighting these snakes are a lot better than fighting at their side." Omaddon admitted.

"I feel that way too." Johan admitted, as he used his whip to ensnare a Hypnobrai's foot and tripped him.

Ralph and Blaze struck at some Venomari, before they punched the earth to release a fissure that messed with the snakes balance.

Alice and Alicia aimed their index fingers side by side creating a bigger spirit gun, "Spirit gun, combo shot!" they released it as it knocked the Fangpyres off their feet.

Rainbow flew around some Constrictai, before tackling one into another, "Totally awesome!"

Pinkie was jumping around on top of some Hypnobrai one by one while announcing, "Rakka-rakka-rukka-rakka!"

Omaddon who heard her, called out, "Hey, that's my line!"

Pinkie landed at his side, "I know, but I've wanted to try it ever since I first heard it."

"Well, you said it perfectly." Omaddon admitted, with a smile.

"Thanks." Pinkie grinned, until they went back to fighting.

Johan was dodging some Venomari spit, only to get restrained by a Constrictai from behind, "Let go of me!"

"Hang on, partner!" Applejack called, as she bucked the snake off Johan.

"You saved me." he gasped.

"That's what a friend does, don't ya know?" she asked.

"A friend?" Johan asked.

"Sure. I mean you'd do that for Felix, right?"

Johan hearing that couldn't help but smile, "Yeah."

Dustin, Burai, Alistair, and Xever fought Ebon, who was managing against all four, "Take a look around, Ebon, your forces are dropping." Dustin warned him.

"And with the Chaos duo fighting along side us you don't stand a chance." Alistair added.

"Don't sell me short just yet, you fools!" Ebon answered, as he released his blue fire on them to push them back, "I was merely stalling for time so I can do this." he held out his hand concentrating his magic and suddenly Nightfall appeared hovering with him at his side.

"Mom!" Nightfall called.

"Nightfall!" Muse cried, as she tried to get to him but the snakes wouldn't let her.

"How did you?" Burai asked in shock.

"With enough magic I developed the ability to just transport him straight to me. And now I shall take it all!" he grabbed Nightfall's head and started assimilating the magic out of him.

"Nightfall, no!" the ponies and warriors cried, as they struggled past the snakes.

Ebon smirked as he could see the color in Nightfall's eyes fading, and his own cutie mark disappearing. Finally the magical aura surrounding Nightfall was depleted and he was left without a cutie mark, and fell unconscious and onto the ground.

Wild flew past the snakes before reaching Nightfall, as Ebon gained his distance. Wild inspected Nightfall, "Nightfall, come on, buddy. Wake up." he pleaded.

"It's too late for him, Wildcard," Ebon began, in a sinister tone, "He's lost his magic, making him nothing!"

"No!" Muse cried, as she held onto Fluttershy.

"Oh, yes. And finally after so many attempts to assimilate it from him. I am finally complete!" he powered his full magic up and started blasting at the ponies and the warriors, while even the serpentine were getting caught in the crossfire.

"Hey, watch it!" Mezmo called.

"We're on your side, remember?" Fang reminded him.

"I do not need you snakes anymore. I have all I needed, and now I shall take Equestria for myself!" Ebon declared, as he continued blasting at the guys, who were taking cover.

"Come on guys, like before!" Burai called, as every spirit and dark warrior, along with Blaze flew at Ebon attacking him, but fell one by one.

"Come on, ponies!" Twilight ordered, as they tried attacking as well, but Ebon dominated them all.

Twilight tried blasting him with her magic, only to get brushed off, "Your magic is impressive, Princess. But still on a rookie's level compared to me." he sent a lethal blast aimed at her.

"Twilight!" Everyone cried.

Suddenly Twilight was shielded by a magic dome. They all looked up and saw Celestia, Luna, and Cadence descend from the sky with their magic activated.

"The Princesses." Dustin gasped.

"Twilight!" A voice called, as Shining Armor arrived with the elemental trio.

"Shining Armor." Twilight gasped.

"Everypony ok?" Aqua asked.

"We're all good." Rainbow answered.

"But Nightfall..." Fluttershy trailed off, as they looked upon Muse comforting her unconscious colt.

"Your reign of terror is over, Ebon." Celestia declared.

"Over?" Ebon laughed, "I think not. It's only beginning! And now that all four of Equestria's princesses are gather together. I can really make some destruction," he was about to power up his magic, but jerked, "What? Impossible!" he groaned, as a familiar voice came out of his lips while struggling.

"No. You won't use me for this!" Felix's voice came out of the mouth.

"Felix!" Burai, Xever, Mitsukai, and the Balitons gasped.

"Is that really you this time?" Johan asked hopefully.

Felix struggled before looking back at everyone, "It's ok, guys. It's gonna be ok. I've got him. But we don't have much time. Bring the kid over." he motioned to Nightfall.

"What?" Muse gasped, as she held Nightfall closer.

"I can help him, but you need to trust me." Felix pleaded.

Terra turned to her, "Muse, bring him over."

"What?! Terra, you can't possibly..."

"Muse!" Wild argued, "It's for Nightfall."

Muse torn between whether to truly trust Felix, swallowed her fear and brought Nightfall over. Felix reached down to put his hand on Nightfall's head, but jerked it back, as Ebon's voice came.

"No, you fool! What do you think you're doing?!"

Felix struggled as he grabbed his hand to force it back to Nightfall's head, "I'm giving back what you took!" he laid it on Nightfall's head and started transferring his magic back to the colt.

'You fool! Stop this!' Ebon's voice echoed in his thoughts.

"Just about finished. Yeah!" Felix called, as the magic died down and was suddenly repossessed by Ebon.

"I have to get my magic back!" Ebon tried to assimilate it back, only to be repelled by a force field surrounding Nightfall with the magic from it emanating from the colt's horn.

"Nightfall?" Muse gasped, as the whole group watched Nightfall levitate above them. Suddenly his cutie mark reappeared and his eyes opened up with a glow.

"I have awoken!" he announced in a voice similar to Ebon's only it sounded pure.

"Did his voice crack or something?" Dean asked.

"I don't think that's the reason." Ven answered.

Ebon looked up in shock, "No, it can't be!"

Nightfall looked down on Ebon, "But it is. I was the true Ebon that existed long before jealousy overtook me. I was the side that cared about my brother Dusk, until I let petty jealousy consume me."

"No! You are nothing but a shadow of my former self!" Ebon declared, as he tried blasting Nightfall, who repelled the blast.

"Correction, you are the true former self. As Nightfall I have been reborn with a chance to make things right. And I will start by eliminating the evil that once plagued my heart!"

"You're bluffing, you cannot defeat me without my spirit wandering." Ebon called.

"Maybe not alone, but with my magic and the elements of harmony we can do the impossible. But first," Nightfall looked down on all the Serpentine, "Back to Tartarus for all of you!' he sent a magical shock wave that when washed over the snakes, caused them all to disappear into thin air.

"The serpentine!" Ebon gasped, knowing his whole army was sent back to Tartarus.

"Now, elements of harmony. I shall share with you my power so that together we can finally vanquish this evil!" his magic glowed from his horn, and a beam was released before splitting into eight separate beams that entered each of the elements of harmony.

With the elements powered up, the eight ponies levitated up to Nightfall as the magic of the elements surrounded them. Ebon tried to escape, only for the pony sisters to use their magic to hold him in place. Ebon looked up seeing the rainbow beam aim for him.

"NO! NOT AGAIN!" Ebon cried.

The beam of magic covered Ebon, as he screamed before his eyes glowed and mouth opened out. Out from the mouth came a cloud of black smoke that materialized into Ebon's real head as he screamed before the cloud disappeared into nothing while the area was illuminated with light.
> Peace once Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last time, after a hard and struggling battle against Ebon, Felix gave the magic back to Nightfall who re-awoken his memories of when Ebon was good and combined his magic with the elements of harmony to defeat Ebon for good.



After the defeat of Ebon, the whole group was on the ground unconscious, before they started waking up. They looked up seeing the eight bearers of the elements descend to the ground with Nightfall or Good Ebon the last to land, "It's done." he said.

"Nightfall, or Ebon?" Muse asked in confusion.

"Don't worry. I prefer Nightfall now," he smiled, before seeing Celestia and Luna approached, "Celestia, Luna. I know no amount of apologies can make up for what I did to both you two, and your parents, but when I say this I mean it. I am so-so sorry." he apologized with guilt.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other before smiling, as Celestia answered, "We forgive you."

"Huh? You forgive me, like that?"

"The evil that was inside your heart is gone now," Luna explained, "Believe me I can relate to you, Uncle. But what matters now is you don't look back on the past you have and live for the future." she looked at her sister smiling.

Nightfall/Good Ebon smiled, and shed a tear, "Thank you. Muse, Wildcard, keep looking after my body." the couple smiled and nodded.

"Wait, what's going to happen to you?" Dustin asked in concern.

"My time is over. It's now Nightfall's time. And I hope he turns out better than I did."

"We'll make sure of it." Wild assured him.

"I believe you," he answered, before his eyes flicked, and Nightfall looked around, "Huh, what just happened?" he asked in his normal voice.

"Nightfall!" Muse cried, as she embraced him much to his shock and began kissing him.

"Mom, you're hugging and kissing me in front of everypony!" he said feeling embarrassed.

"Oh, sweetie. I'm just so happy you're all right." she replied, as Nightfall just hugged her back.

Everyone smiled, until they heard a groaning sound. They looked over and saw Felix on the ground waking up, "Ugh, now that felt weird." he groaned.

The group looked in shock for Felix was no longer a dark warrior, and had regular skin color, and his fox ears and tails were the classic red.

"Felix?" the guys asked.

Felix looked over, "Hey, guys. Did we win?"

"Felix, look at you." Burai said.

"You look different." Omaddon added.

Felix was confused, until he looked at his hands to see they were no longer the dark warrior blue skin tone, and his fox tails were red, "I'm not a dark warrior anymore."

"No. You've been purified by the elements along with getting Ebon removed from you." Twilight explained.

Xever spoke, as they looked down at Felix, "Felix, you've done a lot bad things since you left us. But we always believed in second chances, and we'd like to give you that chance."

Burai offered his hand, "Will you accept the chance and a renewal of all our friendship?"

Felix was shocked to hear the friends he betrayed were willing to give him a chance even after all he did. He reached out and took Burai's hand before he was pulled up to his feet. He looked at both Burai and Xever, with guilt in his eyes, before pulling them into an embrace, "BROS! I'm so sorry. I really am." he shed some tears.

Burai and Xever knowing he meant it, returned his embrace, "Welcome back, man." Xever said.

Valmont and Belmont approached, as Felix went to them, "Guys, I'm sorry I spiced up your lunches that one time."

"That was you?" Belmont asked, as Felix smiled sheepishly. But the twins embraced Felix forgiving him.

Finally Felix approached Mitsukai, "Mitsukai, I was probably a bigger jerk to you than I was to them. I shouldn't have fought Burai for your love. You loved him over me and I refused to accept it. I can only hope you can forgive me for being a selfish jerk."

Mitsukai smiled and pecked his cheek before answering, "I do."

Felix smiled and embraced her, "Thank you," Felix saw the duo approach, "I can't believe you guys joined Ebon just to try and save me."

"Well, we were lied to, so it was for nothing." Johan sighed.

Felix put a hand on his shoudler, "No, Johan. Yours and Omaddon's hearts were in the right place, and in the end you succeeded and brought me back. Thank you both." he hugged them, and they returned it.

Finally the yoko looked to the ponies and the younger warriors, "I want to thank you all for freeing me from Ebon's control. Even before that I was still a heartless fool who did nothing but try and destroy you. I know I am asking a lot of you all, but could you ever forgive me?" he asked, as his fox ears dropped with sadness.

Fluttershy fluttered over and patted his head, "Of course we do."

Felix looked up and gasped at her answer, before looking around seeing the ponies and warriors smiling and nodding in agreement, while Rainbow and Blaze looked skeptical, until they were nudged by Applejack and Eu, making them smile and nod as well.

"Guys, thank you."

"Hey, only a true friend could truly forgive." Dustin said,

"And that's exactly what we could be to you," Twilight added, as she sang, "A true, true friend helps a friend in need. A friend will be there to help them see," Dustin and Alistair joined in, "A true, true friend helps a friend in need to see the light that shines from a true, true friend."

Soon enough all the ponies and warriors joined in singing as they paraded into Ponyville causing all the ponies in town to follow along and sing with them.



As they sang the song, Felix, Johan, and Omaddon sang along while feeling as if the magic of friendship had truly changed their outlooks. When they finished singing the Mane 8 joined the warriors in a big hug.



Later that day, the group of ponies stood on opposite side of the warriors, "Well, guys, as always it's been fun. But it's time for us to go." Dustin said.

"As always, we'll miss you all." Twilight said.

"And we will to you." Alistair noted.

"We can't thank you all enough for finally defeating Ebon. Maybe now Equestria can once again have it's moment of peace." Celestia stated.

"Until something new comes up." Blaze whispered to Jethro who nodded.

"And we will have two new apprentice guards to train for such an event." Celestia added, as she and Luna side stepped to reveal Johan and Omaddon.

Johan spoke to his partner, "You know, Omaddon, maybe working for these Princess sisters ain't gonna be such a bad thing, you know?"

Omaddon smiled, "Yeah. Maybe we can learn a lot here?"

"Trust me, you'll learn a lot." Spike replied.

Felix smiled seeing they were gonna have fun while training to be guards for the Princesses, before looking at Shining and the elemental trio, "Take care of those chuckle heads, will you?"

Shining nodded, "Don't worry, they're in good hoofs."

"And we'll make guards out of them for sure." Terra added.

"Though they'll have to change their title of Chaos Duo." Ven said.

"And what's wrong with chaos?" Discord asked, as he appeared, "It's done wonders for me."

"Hey, Disc." Dustin greeted them.

"So you're leaving?" Discord asked.

"Afraid so." Alistair answered.

"What a shame, we hardly ever get to hang out." Discord said with a pout.

Aria spoke, "Don't worry there will be other times."

"Really?" he asked hopefully.

"Sure. Until then, just be patient." Mitsukai added.

"I'll be waiting."

Zyphon opened up a portal for them, as Dustin spoke, "We'll see you all again someday." the warriors entered the portal that closed, as the ponies smiled.



Sometime later back in New York, the guys returned to the Mikael Hotel, where Darius stood before a kneeling Felix in his private room on the top floor, "Felix, you realize that over the last few years you have betrayed us, and tried to destroy us."

"Yes, sir." he answered.

"I have every right to hand you over to the proper authorities for your crimes." he added, while Xever was ready to call Darius out, only for Burai to stop him.

"I understand." Felix answered, awaiting for whatever punishment was in store for him.

"And finally, all I have left is this to say," he paused, as Felix was prepared for the worse, "Welcome back."

The warriors gasped, as Felix looked up at him, "Master?"

Darius smiled, "If my students and the ponies of Equestria could forgive you, then I feel I can forgive you as well."

Felix shed a tear of happiness, "Thank you, master." the two hugged as Darius spoke.

"Welcome back."

The warriors smiled, until Ralph spoke up, "You know what this calls for, guys?" Before any of them could answer, the whole room was decorated for a party with refreshments, decorations, and music, "A party!" he cheered like Pinkie.

Everyone was partying, while off to the side, Dustin, Alistair, Eu, Blaze, Alicia, and Alice were enjoying some soda, "So what happens now?" Alice asked.

"We get back to enjoying summer, of course." Alicia replied.

"I hear that." Dustin agreed, before he groaned and started scratching his leg.

"What's with you?" Blaze asked.

"Sorry, but ever since we left Equestria my leg's been getting these itches that come and go." Dustin said, as he scratched his leg until the itch passed.

"Weird." Alistair admitted, before shrugging it off.

"So, Blaze, what about you?" Eu asked.

"Me?"

"Yeah, now that you got these new powers, what'll you do next?" Dustin asked.

"I think I'll use your portal and go back to see Wendy and the guild. They're going to be shocked to learn I lost my magic and all, but hey at least I can still fight." he joked and they laughed.

"You think you'll be staying there for real this time?" Alistair inquired.

"Not sure. Things have a way of taking an unexpected turn, right?"

"Yeah." Alistair nodded.



Later on after the party at nighttime, Dustin was the last one to lock up before leaving the room. Suddenly appearing out of nowhere on the floor of the room was mini Pythor who was still white scaled.

"Yes, I finally made it," the former Serpent King said with pride, "After so many months of traveling and survival in the wild I made it back to Ponyville. And that Dustin had no idea I hitched a ride on his leg. He thought his leg had an itch, well he was sadly mistaken." he chuckled.

"And Ebon, he thought he could commandeer the serpentine and take Equestria? Well, the last laugh was definitely on him," he looked over and saw the display case containing the Orochi Sword, "Hello, old friend."

He slunk across the floor before scaling up the table leg and latched onto the side of the case, "If I can get a hold of the Orochi Sword it can restore me to my former glory." he dove his fangs into the glass, and carefully dragged them through it forming a circular outline.

The outline fell onto the carpet underneath the table and case giving Pythor an opening. The former general jumped from the opening and landed on the sword's hilt. He wrapped himself around it and the power started coursing through him.

"Yes. Yes. I feel it. It's coming back to me!" he cheered, as the sword levitated out through the hole in the case with Pythor still holding on.

Suddenly the room was illuminated by a blinding light, and when it died down Pythor was lying on the floor groaning. He got up and saw he was his normal size again, and his scales were all purple and black again like before, "My body, it's back to normal!" he cheered, before hearing more groans.

He turned around and saw his fellow serpentine generals, Skales, Acidicus, Skalidor, and Fangtom on the floor as well, having been separated from Pythor, "Skales, Fangtom, wake up!" he slunk over and shook them, "Wake up, all of you! Get up!"

"What?" Acidicus groaned.

"What happened?" Skalidor rubbed his head.

"Where are we?" Fangtom asked.

"Pythor?" Skales asked.

"Yes, it's me. It's all of us!" Pythor cheered.

"We're free?" Skalidor looked at each of them.

"Yes. We're five again," Pythor explained, "All thanks to the Orochi Sword." he held the sword.

"But where are we?" Fangtom asked.

"We're in the world of those human boys, Fangtom." the Anacondrai general explained.

"What, them?" Skales hissed in anger at the memory of the boys.

"Yes, but we'll worry about them later. Right now we have bigger things to do." the Anacondrai general said.

"Like what?" Acidicus asked.

"For one thing, this." Pythor held the sword up that glowed and suddenly five new serpentine tribe staffs reappeared and landed in each of the generals claw.

"My staff!" Skales hissed in delight.

"I never thought I'd see it again." Acidicus held his close.

"And this is just the beginning," Pythor said, as he slunk in between the four, and put his claws around Skales and Fangtom, "Those ponies and the boys better watch out, because we're back." he snickered, as he camouflaged himself and his fellow generals leaving their snake eyes to be the last thing showing before they completely became invisible.