Twilight and her friends have beaten many challenges before but now a new threat is coming to Equestria that Twilight and her friends must face, creatures made of darkness known as The Umbra. Can they beat this new threat in armed combat? Wait what?!
Twilight and her friends have beaten many challenges before but now a new threat is coming to Equestria that Twilight and her friends must face, creatures made of darkness known as The Umbra. Can they beat this new threat in armed combat? Wait what?! Twilight and her friends must gather up their courage and wield their new elements of Harmony if they want to stand a chance at protecting Equestria, saving their corrupted friends and families, and defeating the Umbra for good.
One night Twilight and her friends were in her tree.
“Everyone stacking their books neatly and efficiently?” Twilight asked.
Applejack kicks one of Twilight’s bookshelves so hard that she shakes the entire tree.
“Applejack!” yelled Twilight.
“Huh? You say somethin Twi?”Applejack asks as several books fall from the shelf and gently land on Applejack’s head in a perfectly neat stack.
“Uhhhhhhhhhh...nevermind. Rarity?” Twilight says as she turns her gaze to Rarity who is currently humming to herself as she dusts off a single book while gazes at her happily with hearts in his eyes.
“Yes Twilight?” said Rarity.
“Oh Rarity, you don’t have to clean the books. A little dust won’t-”
Rarity zips over and cover’s Twilight’s mouth with her hoof.
“Oh but I insist! No friend of mine is going have a bookshelf of dirty books, oh no no no no no.”
‘Well thats very nice Rarity, but tell me you’ve sorted more books than that.” Twilight said as she pointed her hoof towards Rarity’s tiny stack of three books.
Rarity blushes.
“Oh! W-Why of course not! This is just a...fresh stack?” she said nervously.
“Hmm...” Twilight gives Rarity a stare of suspicion.
“Okay then.” Twilight says then she happily trots off.
Pinkie Pie is currently sitting on an armchair constructed entirely out of books while read a book.
“Ah,I see.” said Pinkie, focused in her reading. Pinkie Pie then flips to an upside down position while still reading the book in her hooves.
“That makes perfect sense! Hmm...” said Pinkie. She then slams the book shut.
“I now know why the caged bird sings.” said Pinkie.
Twilight stops in front of Pinkie Pie with an eyebrow raised.
“Pinkie, what are you doing?” Twilight asked.
“Organizing books.” says Pinkie Pie.
“Are you sure, because it kinda looks like your on break.” Said Twilight as she inspected Pinkie’s well made chair of books.
“What?!” Yelled Pinkie, then she falls out of her chair and lands flat on her face. Twilight rolls her eyes then levitates Pinkie Pie inches above the floor and rotates her then places her down on her hooves.
“I’m not on break! I just have to read books before I can sort them, and in order to read a book I need a comfortable armchair to sit in so I made one out of all the books Fluttershy keeps missing”said Pinkie.
“Heads up Fluttershy!” Applejack said as she tossed a book to Fluttershy who lets out a mousey squeak as she ducks down and covers her head. The book flies and bounces off her flank and zooms over to Twilight and wacks her in her head so hard she goes cross eyed and falls over like a tree. The book lands on Pinkie Pie’s face open
“OOH! Important Life Lessons Facts and Tips That No One Seems To Care About! Life lesson number one, everyone should know how to duck.” I guess thats true! What do you think Twilight?” Pinkie asked innocently.
“I think Fluttershy should start trying to catch more...ooh...” Twilight said woozily with her head moving like a bobble head figure.
“Oh...okay Twilight. I’ll try...” Says Fluttershy. She then takes a deep breath and sticks her chest out with a look of determination on her face.
“Hit me!” Fluttershy said confidently.
Pinkie Pie and Rarity both turn to Twilight who just shrugs her shoulders.
Applejack tosses another book to Fluttershy who stands strong then lets out a yelp and quickly turns around and lets the book bounce off her back. The book flies across the room and bounces off a wall and heads straight for Rarity who screams and ducks the book as it soars over her and slams into Twilight, knocking her over again. The books flies up in the air and lands in Fluttershy’s hooves.
Fluttershy one of her eyes then opens the other.
“I did it?” she asked, surprised.
Applejack nods happily.
“I did do it! Twilight, did you see me?” Fluttershy asked excitedly.
“ Oh I saw alright, I just wish I saw it sooner...oh boy...” Twilight said woozily.
“Ooh, wanna know the odds of something like that happening again? Two billion one hundred and one.” said Pinkie Pie, then she closes the book with a loud slam.
“...Moving on. Hey, wheres Rainbow?” asked Twilight.
While everyone searches for Rainbow Dash, Pinkie’s tail starts twitching wildly.
“Uh oh, my tail’s a twitchin.” said Pinkie Pie.
Twilight screams and dives under a large pile of books while Rarity hides under a table and Fluttershy holds a book over her head and her eyes shut tight.
Applejack is currently on a ladder near the higher part of the bookshelf.
“Somethings gonna fall! Somethings gonna fall!Woah!” Applejack says as she looses her footing and falls off the ladder and lands on a pile of books. Everyone calls out “Applejack!” full of worry as they rush over to her aid.
“Oh no.” said Fluttershy.
“Holy Guacamole! “said Pinkie.
“Oh dear!” said Rarity.
“Applejack, are you okay?!” “asked Twilight”
“Uh...well yeah actually. These here books are softer than a pile a feathers.” Applejack laughs.
“Like a pile of Pegasus feathers, maybe? asked Rainbow Dash.
Applejack makes a realistic horse sound with a confused look on her face then she reaches into the books and pulls out Rainbow’s tail. “Found Rainbow.” said Applejack.
“Hi Rainbow Dash!” said Pinkie Pie.
“Hey Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow responds.
“Darling, just what in the world were you doing in there?” asked Rarity.
Rainbow Dash yawns.
“Ahhh...sleeping, why?” Rainbow said while she stretched..
“I thought you agreed to help sort my books?” said Twilight.
“Yeah, see the thing is...I was being sarcastic-” said Rainbow Dash.
“Wern’t y'all the one that said y’all were so bored that you’d agree to do the first thing some pony suggests?” said Applejack.
“True, but not even Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense could tell me that I’d be spending the night stacking books! So not cool.” said Rainbow Dash.
Spike belches out a letter from Princess Celestia but he’s so busy gawking at Rarity that he doesn’t even notice it.
“I mean can anyone seriously say they’re having fun?” asked Rainbow.
The other ponies all turn and look at each other then turn back to Rainbow Dash.
“Thats what I thought...” said Rainbow.
“Well, do you have any better ideas?” *Twilight asked.
“No! That’s why I’m sitting around stacking books!” Rainbow yelled.
Rainbow Dash beats her wings a single time and creates a gust of wind that travels throughout the tree and blows most of the books back onto the shelves in alphabetical order.
“HOO WHEE! That some fine stacking Rainbow.” said Applejack.
“Yaaaay...I’m the best book sorter in Equestria...” said Rainbow sarcastically.
“Has anypony seen Pinkie Pie?” asked Rarity.
“Maybe she got blown away...” said Fluttershy. “Over here!” said Pinkie Pie somewhere out of sight.
“Sounds like shes in the...bookshelf?” said Applejack.
“I’d check under P.” said Rainbow.
Applejack climbs the ladder up to the P section.
“Here she is.” Said Applejack. She then pulls out a Pinkie Pie shaped like a book and then slides sown the ladder and places her on the floor. Pinkie Pie then starts rumbling till she pops back into shape and starts stretching out her back.
“Wow! It was SO cramped in there. I don’t know how those books do it.” said Pinkie Pie while everyone is staring at her confused, but Pinkie just smiles at them.
“And with that...I think its time for bed.” Said Twilight.
The other ponies all nod their heads in agreement.
Later, Twilight and Spike wave goodbye to their friends as they head on home. Rainbow Dash leading the pack with Rarity on her left and Pinkie Pie hopping along side her right. Meanwhile Applejack is dragging Fluttershy by her tail while she has her hooves covering her eyes.
Twilight looks up at the night sky then looks around herself.
“Hmm...its a little darker than usual...What do you think Spike?” Twilight asked.
“Uh...everything looks fine to me. Don’t tell me some pony’s afraid of the dark? Spike teased.
“Very funny, now lets head inside.” Twilight says then she and Spike head back their tree and close the door.
The wind outside picks up a little. Little animals hurry into their home.
Later, inside the tree Twilight is sitting at her desk with all the lights off except a small lit candle net to her as she reads a book.
Spike is sleeping in his bed comfortably. He breathes out a tiny bit of fire each time he snores.
Twilight lets out a big yawn as she stares down at the pages of the book.
“So thats the meaning of life?...Pie? I think something is with this book. Or at least the person that wrote it.” Twilight says to herself.
Twilight turns the page and continues reading. Soon she is fast asleep still at her desk sitting with her hooves propping her head up.
Meanwhile outside, dark clouds loom over Ponyvile. The clouds grow so big that they block moonlight from shining on the entire town of Ponyvile shrouding it in darkness.
Inside Twilight’s tree, shadows creep along the walls and the floors all heading toward one target, Twilight. As the shadows close in on Twilight a section of them cringe at Spike’s fire snoring. The shadows quickly avoid Spike and reach Twilight’s chair and climb their way up it and begin consuming Twilight, turning her body darker and darker.
Later, Twilight awakens surrounded by pure darkness. Not a light or person in sight.
“Wha-Where am I...how did I even get here?” Twilight said as she looked around for anyone or anything.
“And...where is here?”
Twilight uses her magic to make her horn shine like a light, but it reveals nothing in the darkness as if there's nothing nearby in existence. Twilight takes a few steps but its so dark that it looks like she isn’t even moving, like she’s walking on a treadmill.
“I think I’m beginning to understand Fluttershy’s fear of the dark.” Twilight said to herself in an uneasy tone.
“Nyctophobia...” whispered by an unknown voice which startles Twilight.
“Uh...is anypony here?...you sound like you have a um...nice vocabulary and um..” Twilight nervously said.
A low and creepy voice snickers and is echoed throughout the darkness.
“Rainbow Dash If this is a prank-” said Twilight.
Multiple voices snicker throughout the darkness louder than the previous one.
“Alright! All of you come out here!” Twilight demanded.
The snickering voices grow silent.
“I said come out here now!” yelled Twilight as she stomped her hoof a single time.
Suddenly big creepy yellow eyes appear around Twilight in a circle radius filling the darkness. The eyes stare down on her focused, never blinking. “You’re not Rainbow...” said Twilight as her eyes grew large with fear.
Each time Twilight moves her eyes, the yellow eyes move as well making sure Twilight’s eyes always meet theirs.
“Okay, I’m ready to leave now...” said Twilight.
Twilight takes off running as fast as she can, more eyes appearing on her left and right sides as she runs. Before she can get very far she falls through the ground and falls till she lands on a giant open book.
“Ow...how was that even possible?” said Twilight as she rubbed her head in pain.
“OHHH I think you’ll find that alot of things that SEEM impossible are indeed VERY possible if the person pondering the possibility of them being possible BELIEVES that they are indeed possible THUS making the im-possible...possible!” said an unknown voice.
“Wh...What?” said Twilight as she scratched her head in confusion.
Twilight turns around and looks up at a giant version of herself with a crazy unkempt mane and a twisted look on her face. She is currently holding the book that Twilight is sitting on. The crazy Twilight stares at Twilight Sparkle with a psychotic grin on her face.
“Wha Wha Whaaaa...” said Twilight as she stared up at the twisted version of herself.
“Thats what I said! Such a crazy book! So you know what I did with it?” asked Crazy Twi with her eye twitching.
Twilight, too afraid to speak just shakes her head no.
“I...burned it!” said Crazy Twi. She then laughs manically then stops completely and stares at Twilight with her eye twitching.
“Well thats nice and all but...gottta go!” said Twilight.
Twilight leaps and tries to fly away but a second giant Crazy Twi appears in front of her with her eye twitching. Twilight then tries to fly in the opposite direction and gets blocked by a third Crazy Twi. Twilight tries to flay in a different direction again but a fourth Crazy Twi blocks her path once again.
Twilight looks around at the four giant psychotic versions of herself, all of them staring at her with nothing but darkness behind them.
“ Listen you...me...whoever! Don’t make me do this-” said Twilight with her horn glowing ready to attack.
The crazy Twi’s all blast Twilight with their magic, shocking her and suspending her in the air.
“Twilight! Don’t you understand? We’re just like you, so if you can use magic, SO CAN WE!” said the Crazy Twi’s in unison as they continued blasting Twilight.
Twilight sees everyone of her friends flash before her as her body begins to turn to stone as dripping globs of darkness latch onto her.
“Twilight!” yells Spike’s voice.
Just then Twilight’s horn shines and the globs of darkness thats on her turn solid and shatter like glass. Twilight then spins and blasts each of the Crazy Twi’s in their faces and then flies off and vanishes into the the darkness leaving the Crazy Twi’s behind screaming out in pain.
“Spike! Spiiike!” yelled Twilight as she ran through the never ending darkness.
“Twilight!” calls out Spike.
Suddenly a bright light shines within the darkness.
“There!” said Twilight.
Twilight charges for the light running as fast as she can while endless pairs of the creepy eyes from earlier appear on her left and right sides. Twilight shuts her eyes, but keeps running.
“Twilight!” yelled Spike again.
The light grows brighter. Twilight opens her eyes and runs faster. Suddenly a huge gathering of those eerie yellow eyes appear in front of her. Twilight gathers her courage and takes a leap, spreads her wings, and flies straight through the eyes and vanishes into the light.
Back at Twilight’s tree Spike is shaking Twilight’s pale almost colorless body when her color starts coming back. Soon all of her color is back and Twilight leaps up and starts running all over the tree.
“Twilight! You’ve okay!” said Spike happily relieved.
Twilight stops and tackles Spike, hugging him tightly.
“Oh Spike! I never thought I’d see you again, or anyone else for that matter! Said Twilight.
“See now if only I could get this kind of attention from Rarity...wait a minute, what happened? I’ve been trying to wake you up for ages! You-You were all pale and-and-and...what happened?!” asked Spike.
“I don’t know...” said Twilight.
Twilight runs over to the window and looks through it then she runs outside and looks up at the dark clouds blocking out the moonlight.
“But there's one pony that may have the answer...Princess Celestia. Spike, we’re going to Canterlot.” said Twilight.
Later that same night inside The Castle In Canterlot. Princess Celestia paces back and forth, stopping to look at the clock every few seconds.
“Princess Celestia!” yells Twilight as she bursts through the castle doors with Spike riding on her back.
“Twilight, you’ve arrived. I was beginning to think something might have happened but...where are your friends?” asked Celestia.
“Thats just it! Something did happen! Something terri-” started Twilight before she paused with a puzzled look on her face and quickly turned to Spike,then she turns back to Celestia.
Princess Celestia raises an eyebrow then approaches Twilight.
“I sent you a letter quite a while ago instructing you and your friends to come to the castle as quickly as you can. I assumed you received it.” said Celestia.
“No, I didn’t get any-” said Twilight.
Twilight and Celestia both slowly turn to Spike who is currently sweating nervously with his eyes darting back and forth between Twilight and Celestia.
“ Uh...now that I think about it, I did get a letter from the Princess its just that I um...OHH! I WAS DISTRACTED ALRIGHT!” yelled Spike.
Spike makes a big nervous smile. Twilight and Celestia narrow their eyes and turn to each other then back to spike.
“Rarity?” said Twilight and Celestia in unison.
Spike drops his head down.
“Rarity...” said Spike reluctantly.
“Well that explains that.” said Twilight.
“Nevertheless, we have a bit of a situation on our hooves. It seems...” said Princess Celestia. She then pauses and takes a good look at Twilight.
“Why Twilight, what happened? You seem terribly shaken.” said Celestia.
“I’m a little more than shaken, Princess. See, I fell asleep reading and woke up in this...other world...” said Twilight with as she rubbed the side of her head.
“It seemed like one doozy of a nightmare to me.” said Spike.
“Nightmare? Continue Twilight.” said Princess Celestia.
“It was...surreal. I was in some kind of world of darkness. I tried to make some light with my magic but I still couldn’t anything...” said Twilight.
Celestia paces back and forth.
“As if there were nothing there to be revealed?” Celestia asked.
“Yes, exactly!” Twilight responds.
“I don’t get it...” said Spike, scratching his head.
“In order for something to be seen, light has to shine on it. If you shine a light in a room full of nothing, you will see nothing.” explained Princess Celestia.
“Oh...” said Spike.
“Continue Twilight.” said Princess Celestia.
“It was so dark I couldn’t even tell if I was moving, like I was walking in place, then there was these eyes...” said Twilight with her own eyes enlarging.
“The...eyes?” Princess Celestia asked..
Twilight uses her magic to project moving images of the creepy yellow eyes she encountered from before. She projects them all over the castle. Spike screams at the sight of them and quickly hides behind Twilight shaking.
Princess Celestia looks all around at the eyes and gets a focused look on her face.
“These eyes, they followed you? Watching intently, never averting their gaze? Princess Celestia asked.
“Yes thats it exactly...” Twilight replied.
“W-W-W-W-What did you do next?” Spike asked, shaking.
“I ran...or at least I tried to before I fell through the floor and ended up on a giant book.” said Twilight.
“Well that doesn’t sound so bad.” said Spike.
“Thats when I met...her...me...SOMEONE!” Twilight yelled.
Princess Celestia and spike both raise an eyebrow at twilight.
Twilight stomps her hoof and uses her magic to project a giant image of Crazy Twi behind herself with it’s never ending eye twitch.
“This thing!” yelled Twilight as she pointed her hoof back at the image.
Spike faints falling backwards, hitting the floor hard.
Princess Celestia slightly cringes at the sight of the image of Crazy Twi not sure what to make of it.
“I-I see...go on...” said Princess Celestia, reluctantly.
“This this...nightmare me tried to bury me in this mucky stuff. It was cold, I couldn’t move, and I couldn’t see. All I did see was everyone...friends, family...everyone.
Spike popped back onto his feet like a rake that's been stepped on.
“Then what happened?” asked Spike.
Twilight uses her magic to levitate Spike over to her.
“You spike, I heard your voice and suddenly I was able to break out of that dark goop and fly out of there. Figures I’d get the hang of flying at the last minute.” said Twilight.
“Then what happened?” asked Celestia.
“I just kept on flying until I saw this light. I could hear Spike’s voice coming from it so I dove in without a second thought. Then, I woke up back in my tree.” said Twilight.
“Freaky nightmare.” said Spike.
“That was no nightmare, Spike.” said Twilight with certainty.
“What?!” screamed Spike.
“..I’m afraid she’s right Spike. That was no mere nightmare. Twilight, you were pulled into The Border Between Light and Darkness.
Twilight and Spike both drop their jaws in unison, then Twilight drops Spike.
“The what? Asked Twilight.
Princess Celestia levitates an old book down from a high bookshelf. The book has seen better days, looks as if it was ruined by time and fire.
“That’s as good a response as any. From what I’ve researched there exists beings of darkness that bare no name, but for now we’ll just refer to them as the Umbra or Umbrians.” said Celestia.
“Umbra?” asked Twilight, still confused. “and whats the “Border Between Light and Darkness?”
“I don’t know much yet, but what I do know that the Border is as named as such because when inside it you are always a few steps between freedom...and nothing.” said Celestia.
“Nothing?” asked Twilight.
“Nothing.” repeated Princess Celestia. I’ve been reconstructing this book from its ashes. It apparently burned a long time ago. What I’ve been able to make out is that the Umbra are living incarnations of darkness that attempt to drag ponies into The Border Between Light and Darkness and attempt to consume them in a sense.”
“Consume you...” said Twilight to herself.
“They try to make you believe that you cannot escape, they take a small part of you and use it to seal you away in darkness and in a way, trapping you within yourself. No doubt your body back in the real world must show some sign of this.
“That explains why Twilight was losing her color!” said Spike.
“Within myself? So that other Twilight...was a part of me?” asked Twilight, struggling to accept that.
“It would seem so, and judging from what you’ve told me I believe I’ve seen her work before.” said Princess Celestia as she gives Twilight a small smile.
Twilight blushes as she makes a makes a circle in the floor with her hoof.
“Wait, then where did that light come from?” asked Twilight.
Princess Celestia face tenses then she paces back and forth searching her mind for answers while her worried student follows her with her eyes. She has to explain all she can even if she hasn’t yet figured it all out yet.
Princess Celestia stops and turns to Twilight. “From what I’ve learned so far, In The Border Between Light and Darkness, the only way out is to reach the light. In the border however, light is almost impossible to find.”Celestia pauses to piece some more thoughts together. ”Although, what we now know is this, sometimes the words of a friend can be all we need to pull us out of the darkness.You felt trapped until you heard spike’s voice, correct?”
Twilight pondered this for a few seconds then turns to Spike with a smile. “Thats right! If it wasn’t for you Spike, I might’ve never have made it out of there.. said Twilight.
“I know, I’m awesome. Not Rainbow Dash awesome, but pretty awesome.” said Spike as he brushes the scales on his head back and grins proudly.
“Rainbow...WHAT ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE? WHAT ABOUT PONYVILE!? WHAT ABOUT EQUESTRIA?! Princess Celestia, is there a chance that this could happen to other ponies?” Twilight asked, hoping for this to be a freak incident.
Spike stands massaging his temples knowing something bad is about to be dropped on them.
“That is why I summoned you to the castle along with your friends. Well, at least I tried to.” said Celestia.
“Won’t happen again...probably.” said Spike with an embarrassed smile.
Celestia nods with a smile then she turns around as her horn glows and and a two edged sword levitates down from to her. She suspends in the air in front of Twilight.
Twilight stares puzzled at the floating blade. Trying to piece together the reasons why Celestia would show this to her. Her confusion increases once she notices that some how her cutie mark is on the hilt of the sword. She double checks her flank to make sure that the sword is indeed a copy.
“Princess Celestia...what is that?” asked Twilight hoping for Celestia to clear up her worries.
“Its a sword, cool.” chimed Spike as Twilight raised an eyebrow at him.
“I noticed the change earlier. From what I’ve gathered so far, The Elements Of Harmony have taken this form to better handle this new threat. If this new form means anything, its that this time we’re in for a long ride unlike any other.” said Princess Celestia.
“This is my Element Of Harmony? H-How can that-” started Twilight as she inspects the sword.
Princess Celestia uses her magic to flip through the pages of the old book, the pages regenerate little by little with every turn.
Twilight walks around her Element trying to figure out how this change was possible, her concerned face reflecting off the surface of the blade as a shine rolls over it once.
“I don’t know about this...” said Twilight.
“Twilight?” Spike said in a worried voice, placing his hand on Twilight’s shoulder.
“I don’t know if I can handle this one...” said Twilight as she turns away from the sword with her eyes shut.
Princess Celestia immediately stops her progress on with the book and turns her focus to Twilight. Realizing the doubt and fear in Twilight’s voice. She knows this is alot to place on Twilight. Handing a weapon does foreshadow a new kind of danger after all, but there really isn’t any other choice.
“ Twilight, my faithful student. You’ve gone above and beyond time and time again for both myself and Equestria so I understand if you’ve reached your limit, but I ask you. Will you wield your element once more to protect Equestria once again?” Celestia paused then continued.
“I know this all of this is a lot to take in and I wish I had all the information I need to make the path more clear but despite all this, will you walk this path without a complete map, Twilight?
Twilight looks at Celestia then turns to Spike who just smiles lightly at her then she turns back To Celestia. Twilight gathers her courage and smiles, full of determination and uses her magic to pull the sword over to herself.
“ Princess Celestia, if this is the only way I can use the Element Of Harmony to protect Equestria, no matter how dangerous or difficult, even if I have to fight. then so be it!” said Twilight.
Celestia smiles full of pride.
“Thank you Twilight. Now you’ll need to get your friends here so they can receive they’re new elements as well.” said Princess Celestia as she brings over a chest using her magic and opens it, instead the other Elements being inside only a note sits.
“Whats this? The Emements are...gone.” Celestia said completely surprised.
Spike falls on his back like a tree, fainting comically.
“Theres nothing here but a piece of paper.” said Celestia.
“What does it say?” asked Twilight.
“I’m sorry but your mystical elements of power have been misplaced at this point in time. For inquiries about this sudden phenomenon, please stomp your hooves seven times.” said Celestia as she read the strange note.
Twilight and Celestia both turn to each other with an eyebrow raised each then they proceed to stomp their hooves seven time, counting as they go. On the seventh stomp all of the windows in the room shatter raining glass down on them. Princess Celestia shields
Twilight and Spike from the glass with her wings.
“Ahh! Whats going on!?” Spike screamed.
“I’m not sure! It seems familiar though...” said Celestia.
“Look! The glass is forming something on the floor!” yelled Twilight.
Falling shards of glass form a snake like pattern on the floor, landing like puzzle pieces. The image has a horse like head with an antler sticking out of it along with a goat’s horn. Limb forms that is that of a lions’s paw while the other limb belongs to an eagle.
“Oh no...”mumbled Twilight, dreading whats about to happen.
“Sorry I’m late but I fell asleep waiting you to finish with all that BORING exposition.” chimed Discord’s voice though out the room.
“Discord!” roared Twilight. “What do you want! Kind of a bad time here!” said Twilight as she looked left and right expecting Discord to pop up like he always does.
“What did you do with the elements, Discord?!” yelled Princess Celestia.
“Why its all apart of a little game I like to “ Discord teased.
“Ooh! I like games!” chimed in Spike.
“Spike!” yelled Twilight.
“Oh can you blame him? Games are fun.” Discord taunted.
“DISCORD!” yelled Twilight. “Stop hiding and come out here now!” Twilight stomped her hoof.
“Oh very well, if I must.” said Discord.
In that instance, Discord’s reaches out from Twilight’s ear grabs and pulls her ear upward stretching it till he steps out of it like a door and then returns it to its normal shape.
“There, better?” said Discord as he folds his arms. “ Wow, that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, get outta my head...” said Spike with a baffled look on his face.
Twilight shakes her head wildly then feels her ear hoping that there was no lasting damage done by Discord.
“What the-how the- is that even-ugh! Never mind...” sighed Twilight, giving up on understanding what just happened here.
“Discord, why in Equestria did we have to stomp our hooves seven times?” asked Celestia hoping for a meaningful answer.
Discord coughs up a nail file and begins filing his claws with it.
“Because I have seven letters in my name of course. Come now Celestia old girl, I assumed that part was obvious.” said Discord, filing his claws without a care in the world.
Princess Celestia gets ready to respond to Discord and poke a few holes in is so logic but just gives up and sighs.
“Yeah, that made perfect sense...” said Twilight with an eye roll. “.Now whats this about a game?
“Well, I wanted to make sure you and your friends were ready for the task at hand. After all I have been the most powerful foe you’ve faced until now.” said Discord proudly with a big grin.
“What about Queen Chrysalis?” grins Twilight.
“and King Sombre.: Spike added.
“They do have a point.” said Celestia with a smile.
“Oh please! No one even liked king sombrero.”said Discord, not amused at all by their teasing.” I assume the fact that I’m the only one still breathing means nothing...
“Not to mention that since you’re reformed I’m afraid I’m going to have to take off some points for that.” said Celestia with a bright smile.
“Ah, I see...pick on Discord day. Silly me, must’ve forgotten to mark my calendar. ANYWAY! It may be all fine and dandy to just HAND Twilight the all powerful Sword Of Harmony or whatever you plan on calling it. Since she has a TIIIIIIIIIIIIIINY idea of the dangers ahead.” Discord paused. But what about the other ponies?
Twilight and Celestia turn to each other and then back to Discord.
“What about my friends?” Twilight asked knowing that her friends would always be at her side to help her through anything. Even so, a small part of her has a small idea of what Discord may mean.
Discord snaps his fingers and makes a water fountain appear along with a glass in his hand. He then walks over to the fountain dips the glass in filling it up then drinks the glass like it was water and sits the floating water down like it was a glass.
Spike stares a Discord and the water blinking in awe.
“ Will they be willing to take on this task before seeing what they’re dealing with? As the poet once said, “Tis it right to hand a warrior his weapon before showing him the monster he must face?” recited Discord.
“What poet said that?” asked Twilight suspicious of Discord.
“Of course my friends will be willing to help. They’re always there to help me!” said Twilight, angered by Discord’s words.
“Now now, don’t give me that look. I just fear they may lose their nerve once they actually SEE an...I’m sorry what did you call them...Umbra? Yes well when you see an Umbra in the light and realize how you have to get rid of them you may lose your nerve as well. You know that isn’t used to cut grass right?” said Discord as he pointed to Twilight’s sword. “Not to mention the fatal flaw of your elements. If everyone doesn’t show up to the party, nobody gets to dance.”
“That won’t happen, I have faith in them.” said Twilight.
“Well then put some of that faith in me and play my game. If you do you might just stand a chance out there.” said Discord.
Twilight looks towards Celestia with a deep uncertainty.
“Princess Celestia?” said Twilight.
“...I believe you should trust him Twilight.” Celestia responded.
“What?!” yelled Twilight.
Spike faints once again but this time Discord reaches in the fountain and pulls out two electric ells and rubs them together building up electricity then touches them to Spike’s belly shocking him and wakes him up completely. Discord then looks at the eels for a second and shocks himself for some reason, turning his body black.
“Uhhhhhhhhh...” said Twilight not sure what to make of that last gag.
Discord shakes the ash off of his body. “I assure you Twilight, this time I’m on your side.” said Discord with a big cartoony smile.
“...Oh fine, whats the rules of the game?” asked Twilight with a defeated sigh.
“Oh goody! First a little riddle.The elements are far away from here, but to you and your friends always near, if you want a chance to save your manes, all you have to do is-call- the- names.... Now the rules are simple. You cannot just give your friends their elements. You have to help them find them. They are out of your grasp at the moment anyway right? Rule number two is, learn how to go with the flow. Good or bad, change is always necessary. Rule three is...well actually thats all I have for now...” explained Discord.
“Now whoes getting heavy with the exposition?” mumbled Twilight.
“That last one seemed more like a tip to me.” said Spike.
“Would the nice dragon like a snack?” said Discord while dangling a gem in front os Spike.”
“YES!” yelled spike while sitting like a dog and wagging his tail wildly.
Discord tosses Spike the gem. “There, now be a good boy and keep quiet”
“One more thing Twilight, remember that the power to use the elements is something that comes naturally and no matter what, its always with you. In this form, if you need it, your element will be there.” said Celestia.
“I understand.” responded Twilight.
“Also, be wary of strange happenings such as changes in behavior in animals, personality changes in ponies, or weird weather.” Princess Celestia added.
“Weather...THE DARK CLOUDS OVER PONYVILE!” yelled Twilight.
“What?! Twilight, I think you should hurry back home and check on your friends!” said Celestia.
“I think you’re right.” Said Twilight.
Twilight turns to grab her sword but paused for a second then she grabs the sword handle with her teeth and the minute she touches the sword it vanishes. Twilight turns to Discord.
“I swear, It wasn’t me.” said Discord as a halo magically appears over his head all of a sudden.
“Then where did it go?!” yelled Twilight.
“To the blacksmith?” said Spike.
“AHHHHHH! FORGET IT! WE’LL FIGURE IT OUT ON THE WAY! C’MON!” yelled Twilight. She then grabs Spike and tossed him up on her back and runs off through the castle doors.
“Go Twilight, meanwhile I’ll be here trying to reconstruct the book.” yells Princess Celestia.
“Remember Twilight! The elements are far away from here, but to you and your friends always near, if you want a chance to save your manes, all you have to do is call the names.” recites Discord.
Discord...do you plan on cleaning up all the glass you broke?” asked Celestia narrowing her eyes at Discord.
(Small Note: The Action Is bloodless. No gore. Lots of fighting with no blood)
Twilight and Spike arrive back in Ponyville to the sight of small Imp creatures of darkness. They have bodies shaped kind of like a bean, short stubby limbs with claws on their feet and hands and dark goo dripping off their black bodies. Their faces have
Big sharp toothy smiles too big for their faces and the same big unsettling yellow eyes from Twilight’s nightmare. The Imp’s are running around Ponyville terrorizing Ponies, smashing up homes, and climbing all over homes.
“What in Equestria! It’s...It’s those things! The Umbra!” yelled Twilight.
“Do they look better in the light?” asked Spike.
Just then a single umbra laughs crazily as it punches itself in it’s face repeatedly then it sits down and puts its feet into its mouth and somehow morphs into a ball and speeds off like a car zooming past Twilight and Spike leaving skid marks like a tire and a trail of smoke.
“ Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...what was the question again?” Twilight said with a baffled expression on her face.
Suddenly several pools of darkness appear on the ground around both Spike and Twilight. A group of Imp’s rise out of the pools saying “The pony of magic” in their raspy voices. Twilight and Spike frantically dart their attention back and forth between each of the Umbra Imps surrounding them.
“Not Good!” said Twilight.
“Twilight...what do we-” said Spike.
Before Spike can finish speaking the Imp in front of Twilight does a back flip then dashes inches above the ground with its shoulder out as it hits Twilight like a football player sending her flying through the air.
“Twilight!” calls out Spike.
The Imp that hit Twilight then turns and smacks Spike with his arm knocking him through the air. The Imp them motions his head toward to the other Imps who all nod then run off after Spike. Meanwhile Twilight slams into the ground yards away from where the Imp struck her.
Twilight gets up on her hooves and looks up only to see that she’s surrounded by Imps.
“Twilight!”calls out Spike.
Twilight looks for an opening but finds none as the Imps start moving towards her like a closing circle.
“Twilight!” Spike calls out again.
“C’mon Element Of Harmony! NOW would a pretty good time..."said Twilight in a worried tone.
Twilight shuts her eyes as she thinks back on the words of Princess Celestia’s words.
“Twilight, remember that the power to use the elements is something that comes naturally and no matter what, its always with you. In this form, if you need it, your element will be there.”
Twilight opens one eyes, looking around.
“I sure don’t see it yet...” said Twilight.
The words of Discord now play back through Twilight’s head.
“The elements are far away from here, but to you and your friends always near, if you want a chance to save your manes, all you have to do is call-the-names...”
“NAME?! WHAT NAME?! WHY IN EQUESTRIA IS EVERYTHING A STUPID RIDDLE!? UGH! C’mon...name...name...name...” yelled Twilight, frustrated.
Just then, the ring of Imps surrounding Twilight all lunge at her with their claws out in unison. Twilight then stomps her hoof and lifts her head up.
“I think I’ve got it! It’s The Shinning Star!”Twilight called out.
Suddenly A bright white light flashes from Twilight so bright it blinds the area. When the light fades Twilight is down covering her head with her hooves. Twilight then looks up and sees a two edged sword sticking out of the ground a few inches from her face. The sword has Twilight’s cutie mark on its hilt.
Twilight stands up and looks around and sees that a small barrier of light in surrounding her and her sword while the Imps are clawing at it trying to get in.
“My Element.” said Twilight.
Twilight looks around at the Imps slamming their fists on the barrier. One of them charges head first into the barrier and and smacks into it comically and and loses a tooth.
“Well...the only downside to this is...I have to thank Discord...” said Twilight as she sticks out her tongue disgusted at the thought of thanking Discord.
“You’re quite welcome Twilight” echos Discord’s voice out of no where.
Twilight hits herself in the face with her hoof.
“Twilight! Help!” yells Spike.
Twilight grabs her sword by its handle with a determined look on her face.
“I get it now...this time things are different...this time...I have to fight.” said Twilight.
Twilight switches to a low stance as the barrier explodes and pushes the Imps back several feet. The Imps looks up as Twilight comes out of the smoke holding her sword with a serious look on her face.
“Move! I gotta help spike!” said Twilight.
The imps grin at Twilight evilly as they dash at her in unison with their claws out. Twilight spins with her sword giving the group of Imps a slash that sends them flying. Them Imps slam into the outside of nearby houses. Twilight sees them as they splat then she dashes off.
Meanwhile, Spike is chased into an alley and cornered by three Imps.
“Hey g-g-guys! Can’t we talk about this?” Spiked begged.
The Imps shake their heads to and smile with their mouths open, exposing their sharp and pointy teeth. Their teeth begin to glow when suddenly Spike is enveloped in Twilight’s magic and is lifted into the air and over the Imps. The Imps stare up at Spike in Awe
“Dragon fly...” said the Imps in amazement.
Twilight then charges in and rams the Imps into the wall the she jumps back and slashes them in half with a single cut.
“Spike! Are you okay?” Twilight asked.
“Me? Forget about me! What about you?! That was amazing!” cheered Spike.
“Yeah? I think I’m getting the hang of it. Huh?” said Twilight.
Twilight turns and sees the Imps she defeated fade away into black smoke.
“They really are pure darkness...” said Twilight.
Twilight and Spike head out of the alley but before they can get too far they run into another group of Umbra. More Imps. The Imps all cackle and snicker as they stare at Twilight and Spike with their big yellow eyes twitching.
“Um...Twilight? That thing where you make the scary monsters go away...think you can do that again?” said Spike as he trembled, scared.
Twilight looks at her sword then she smiles confidently and she goes into her battle stance.
“I think I can give it a shot.” said Twilight full of confidence.
The Imps smile and fully reveal they’re claws and sharp teeth.
“Oh...so you...were holding back? Said Twilight with her confidence waning.
The Imps nod their heads eagerly to Twilight’s question.
“H-How bout that...Spike...you wanna stand back?...Spike?
Spike is hiding in an apple barrel covered in apples with only the spikes on the top of his head visible.
“Way ahead of you Twilight.” said Spike with his voice muffled by the apples. Twilight rolls her eyes and shakes her head annoyed.
The Imps then all attack Twilight. Three of them dash at her together, Twilight blocks against them with her sword. The Imps slash at Twilight’s sword wildly sending sparks into the air.
Three more Imps leap in the air at Twilight from behind. Twilight takes notice and she then pushes the first set of Imps off herself then she leaps in the air and back flips through the air and spins with her sword upside down and slashes through the airborne Imps, cutting them in half.
Twilight then lands on the roof of a shop. Several Imps leap off the ground heading for Twilight on the roof. Twilight throws her sword spinning like a buzz saw, slashing through all the imps except the last one. Twilight’s sword stops under the Imp while maintaining its spin and juggling The Umbra slashing it over and over.
“Teleportation!” yelled Twilight as she vanished and reappeared under the Imp and catches the her sword and then slashes the Imp in half as he falls from the sky.
Three Imp run and slam into Twilight, knocking her through the air, another Imp manages to knock her sword out of her mouth. The Imp then grows large red claws and swings them at Twilight but her sword reappear in her mouth and she manages to block the Imp’s attack then Twilight swings her sword incredibly fast, hacking the Imp’s claws down to nubs. The Imp inspects his claws then he gives Twilight an embarrassed smile.
Twilight grins then she turns around and kicks the Imp so hard he flies through the sky and vanishes from sight with a twinkle in the sky.
“I...think that’s all of them so...I did it? Somehow I...did it?” said Twilight, surprised at her accomplishment.
Twilight sticks her sword into the ground and looks up at the ominous clouds still looming over Ponyville.
“Then why are the clouds still there?” Twilight asked.
Spike walks over to Twilight, eating an apple.
“Don’t know, wheres a pegasus pony when you need one?” said Spike.
“Spike! How can you eat at a time like this? You can’t be that hungry.” said Twilight as she pokes Spike in his belly with her hoof.
“Hey, long as you have that sword and your skills, I don’t think there's any reason to worry.” said Spike as he finishes his apple.
“...If only that were true. I don’t even know how I did all that just now I was just...going with the flow...Discord...” said Twilight as she looks at her sword.
“Huh?” went Spike with an eyebrow raised.
“It's nothing.” Twilight responded.
Twilight and Spike both take a moment to look around at the now desolate and deserted Ponyville.
“It’s going to stay this way unless I find my friends...” said Twilight.
“Yeah, combined with them there's no problem you can’t face.” said Spike.
Twilight's ear twitches then she quickly darts her head left.
“Spike? Do you hear that? It sounds like something’s coming this way...fast.” said Twilight in a focused tone.
“Like what?” Spiked asked.
Suddenly a pink blur appears in the distance heading toward Spike and Twilight's direction. Twilight squints her eyes as she tries to make out what this blur is.
“It looks like...Pinkie?” said Twilight.
“Oh, she must be coming to-” Spike started.
Pinkie Pie comes soaring through the air across the ground spinning like a drill and head butts Twilight in her face and sends her flying across Ponyville.
“Twilight!” yelled Spike in a panic.
Twilight slams into her tree home and bounces off it and hits the ground hard, sliding on her stomach. Once she comes to a stop she slowly gets up on her hooves and shakes her head wildly.
“Ow...if that was Pinkie Pie...she has a really hard head...hm?” went Twilight as she looks up and sees Pinkie Pie soaring towards her again. “It IS Pinkie Pie!”
Twilight's sword materializes in her mouth as she vanishes and reappears behind Pinkie Pie with her hoof holding down Pinkie Pie's tail. This in turn causes Pinkie to travel a great distance with her tail stretching until she suddenly snaps back to Twilight like a rubber band.
“Hah! Thought you could get me again huh?” said Twilight proudly.
Suddenly Fluttershy flies in and punches Twilight in her face and sends her through the air somersaulting until Twilight opens her wings and stops herself in midair.
“Fluttershy?!” yelled Twilight in shock.
Just then, a lasso snares Twilight and swings her around and slams her into the ground and makes a small crater. Twilight manages to look up and sees Applejack standing over her with the other end of the lasso in her mouth.
“A...Applejack?” said Twilight weakly.
Applejack then takes a few steps back as Rarity walks up to Twilight and uses her magic to create a giant glowing bulls eye over Twilight. Meanwhile high in the sky above clouds Rainbow Dash is hovering. Rainbow then starts flying downwards at high speeds, going faster with every passing second.
Meanwhile Twilight stands up ad looks down at the bulls eye then she looks around at Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack as they all backup out of the bulls eye. Their eyes solid white with no irises in them and no life.
“What are...” Twilight started.
“Twilight! Up in the sky!” yelled Spike as he comes running.
Twilight looks up at the sky and sees Rainbow Dash zooming down from the sky like a missile with spiraling clouds of darkness trailing behind her.
“On no, she going to do the sonic rainboom!” said Twilight in panic.
Just as Rainbow starts to break the mach cone her eyes flash back to their normal state for a single second before going back to blank white but now Rainbow has slowed down just enough to stop the Sonic Rainboom from happening.
“She...she stopped. What is happening?” Twilight asked.
“I know this is going to sound weird but-” said Spike before taking a deep breath and yelling. “TWILIGHT !YOU HAVE TO FIGHT BACK!”
Twilight quickly readys herself with her sword as Rainbow Dash zooms down at Twilight and lands with a huge boom, filling Ponyville with thick blinding dust. Soon the dust clears and reveals Twilight standing while holding her sword up, blocking against Rainbow Dash who now has a single edged blade of darkness.
“That sword...Umbra?” said Twilight as she notices the dark blade.
“Rainbow Dash movers away from Twilight and lands on the ground side by side with Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. They all stand like statues, not moving and emotionless.
“Rarity?” said Spike as he approaches her.
Rarity then blows steam out of her nose. Not sure how to respond, Spike darts his eyes left and right then slowly backs away. Twilight's sword vanishes into a flash of light.
“Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, are you there? Can you hear me? Are you okay?” Twilight asked, full of concern.
The ponies all give no response to Twilight, not even a blink of the eyes.
“Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Pinkie Pie! Rarity! Fluttershy!” yelled Twilight as she stomps her hoof one single time.
“Girls...” said Twilight sadly. She then takes a step towards them but they all draw swords of darkness and point them at Twilight.
Twilight looks at her friends then slowly drops her head. Spike then reaches out to comfort her but Twilight's sword appears in her mouth as she takes her battle stance with her mane covering her face.
“Fine...If I have to fight...If I have to fight to free you from this nightmare...If I have to fight to get my friends back...Then thats what I’ll do...” said Twilight in a low and serious voice.
“But Twilight, can you do that?” Spike asked, worried.
“For my friends...I’LL DO ANYTHING!” yelled Twilight.
Twilight lifts her head and looks at her friends with tears rolling down her face. She's hurt but determined. Tears also seem to stream down the faces of Twilight's friends as they all charge at her together.
“Spike...” said Twilight. “Hide...”
Spike nods then takes off running as fast as he can. Twilight then charges at her friends. Apple starts off the battle by flipping with a turn and slamming her sword into the ground and sending rising pillars of energy through the ground in a line but Twilight stabs her sword into the ground and deflects the attack into two directions and hits both Pinkie Pie and Rarity,
sending them flying into the distance. Fluttershy and Rainbow dash both fly circles around Twilight as she keeps her eyes on them both. Fluttershy and Rainbow start flying and slashing at Twilight but she jumps to the side and dodges Fluttershy then blocks a strike from Rainbow Dash then turns and blocks a second slash from Fluttershy then
Twilight spins and clashes with Rainbow Dash three times. Fluttershy leaps at Twilight from behind but Twilight vanishes then reappears behind Fluttershy and bites onto her tail and slings Fluttershy into the distance.
Rainbow Dash then starts zipping back and forth past Twilight from all angles while she slashes her repeatedly until Twilight starts teleporting all around,dodging Rainbow Dash's attacks constantly. Twilight suddenly stops and stabs her sword into the ground and
creates a magic barrier around herself which Rainbow Dash slams into face first then slides down it. Twilight watches her fall. Rarity then charges head first and peirces the barrier with her horn and causes it to explode and fill the air with smoke.
The smoke clears revealing Rarity is hacking away at Twilight with her sword while Twilight defends with hers, every single hit pushes Twilight back a few inches. Soon Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbowdash all join in on slashing at Twilight one after the other while Spike watches nervously.
“Go with the flow Twilight, c’mon think of something...wait, I think I’ve...got it?” Twilight thought to herself.
Twilight does one mighty swing with her sword and knocks all of her friends off herself. They all land with a backwards slide then charge at Twilight again.
“Haaah!” yelled Twilight as she focuses and starts glowing purple as she stands with her sword floating in front of her.
“I meant it when I said for my friends I’ll do anything to save you, for all of you...I’ll do anything. HAAA!” said Twilight with an echo.
Twilight then grabs her sword and soars through the air with a trail of glowing light following her. First she slashes Applejack then zooms over to Rarity and slashes her then zips over to Pinkie Pie and cuts her then does the same to Fluttershy and lastly she soars
over to Rainbow Dash and cuts her. They each freeze in place as Twilight lands on the ground and the trail of light that follows her makes a constellation with her friends as the points, together it forms a sword constellation.
“Star Swirl Strike!” yelled Twilight as her attacks suddenly take effect and sudden;y her friends receive random chains of slash attacks until the go flying up in the air then slam into the ground.
Twilight watches them with her sword ready but they don't make a move. Spike comes running over to Twilight.
“That was amazing and scary! But...are they going to be okay...they don't look damaged but...” said Spike.
Suddenly all of Twilight's friends all stand back up as their swords materialize in their mouths again.
“Oh come on!” yelled Spike.
Twilight stands ready for another fight as Spike hides behind her. Twilight stands focused until she notices the tears running down the faces of her friends. Their faces show no pain and yet they are crying. They start to move towards Twilight but it's as if something is
pulling them back. They then turn tail and scatter in different directions. Twilight watches them all with a confused look on her face. She then turns to Spike who belches out a letter from Princess Celestia that bounces off Twilight's face and lands on the ground.
Twilight and Spike both look at each other then they look down at the letter...
