> Equestria Wars Episode XVII: Revenge of the Alliance > by sonicdash123 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once upon a time in a magical land of Equestria.... EQUESTRIA WARS Episode XVII Revenge of the Alliance The Mephiles Alliance threatens to consume the land of Equestria. With Danny's return to the living, he commands a new empire that will help Charming Thunder defeat the Mephiles Alliance once and for all. After discovering the ruins of Ponhenge, the map at Twilight's castle activates and points to the locations of six artifacts that were used to imprison an ancient threat known as the Pony of Shadows. Charming Thunder dispatched himself to a museum in Canterlot to find the shield of his ancestor; Solar Comet, a member of the six pillars and hopefully bring it back to the ruins of Ponhenge.... > Chapter 1: The Pony of Shadows > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charming Thunder arrives at the Canterlot history museum. He entered and looked around for the shield of his ancestor, but found a stallion who worked at the museum. He approached the stallion and asked, "Excuse me?" "Oh, your highness," the stallion greeted with a bow to Charming Thunder's presence. "What brings you here?" "I'm looking for the shield of my ancestor; Solar Comet. Is it displayed here?" "As a matter of fact, yes. If you would follow me." The stallion led Charming Thunder to a room where there was a display case with the shield. Charming Thunder was amazed when he got his first glance of the shield. "I would like to have this shield." "Of course, your highness. May I ask why you need it?" The stallion then took out the keys to the display case and carefully took out the shield. "This is the artifact to bring him back from limbo." When Charming Thunder received the shield, it felt heavy at first so he decided to use his magic to carry it. "Thank you." "It was my pleasure, your highness." Charming Thunder walked out of the museum with the shield levitated and placed it in his new personal TIE Fighter. --------------------- Back at Ponhenge, Twilight, Starlight, and Sunburst make the last necessary preparations to cast Star Swirl's spell. The rest of Twilight's friends returned with the artifacts that were placed in a hexagonal pattern on the rock formations of Ponhenge. "Now all that's left is the shield of Solar Comet," Twilight said. "You mean this?" Charming Thunder said as he levitated the shield and placed it on the formation. "Good work, everyone. Let's do this!" Twilight, Starlight, and Sunburst then use their magic to cast Star Swirl's spell, and the magic between the six talismans successfully releases the Pillars of Old Equestria from limbo. Solar Comet landed and his shield flew up in the air. When it came down, he was quick enough to catch it with his arm. The others regained consciousness as Solar Comet looked around. "What has happened?" Solar Comet said. "It worked! We brought you back!" "To where?" "You and the others have been trapped in limbo for over a thousand years, but I figured out how to get you ho--" Solar gasped when a voice yelled, "What?! No, no, no, no! You must undo what you've done!" It was Starswirl who arrived to the scene. "What? Why? I mean, I don't think I can." "You cannot bring us back!" Solar said. "But I did. I brought all the Pillars back." "You cannot bring only the Pillars back!" Starswirl said until lightning began to strike and everyone gasped. As dark clouds gather in the sky, a black, amorphous creature comes into being, taking the form of a large horned pony with wings of smoke. Twilight's spell has brought back not only the Pillars of Old Equestria but also the evil Pony of Shadows as he laughed evilly. "Your pitiful attempt to imprison me has failed, Star Swirl!" the Pony of Shadows said. "Although I expected you to be with them." "You must return us to limbo," Solar said. "It's the only way to stop him." "I only figured out how to bring you back." "Working on it!" Sunburst said. "No table of contents!" "Allow me to assist," the Pony of Shadows said as he then uses his powers the magic columns of Ponhenge andStar Swirl the Bearded's journal so the Pillars of Old Equestria can't imprison him in limbo again. "There! Without the power of Ponhenge, your banishing spell is useless!" "You have studied my writings," Starswirl said. "Surely you have some other plan." "No," Twilight said. "I just wanted to save you. I didn't think--" "Don't fret," the Pony of Shadows said. "When I extinguish the light and hope of this miserable world, you won't remember any of this." "No!" Twilight fends off the Pony of Shadows with her magic. "This one is almost as... strong as you, Star Swirl. But even in my weakened state, she cannot stop the might of shadows!" The Pony of Shadows fired magic again and Twilight fired as well. Starlight helped her fend of the dark pony. "Lucky for her, she's not alone!" Starlight said as she fired her magic. The Pony of Shadows screamed as the clash was won by the two. "Know this, fiend!" Solar said. "We will not rest until we find a way to return you to limbo!" "Never!" the Pony of Shadows growled. "Your days of glory are through, Solar. Now my dark power will reign, and you seven will bow to me!" Weakened from his thousand-year imprisonment, he escapes to regain his power. "Um...where'd he go?" Rainbow asked. "That is a riddle we must unravel," Somnambula said. "And quickly." "How long have we been gone?" Mage Meadowbrook asked. "Over a thousand years," Fluttershy said. "Then Starswirl's spell worked--before it was meddled with by that alicorn mare," Solar said as he pointed at Twilight. Twilight covered her face with her wings and stepped away. Charming Thunder walked towards Twilight and comforted her. He then glared at Solar. "The realm has been at peace for a millennia!" "Well, we did have to save everypony from Nightmare Moon and Discord and Chrysalis and King Sombra and Lord Tirek, and there was that one time when Starlight traveled through time and almost destroyed life as we know it!" Pinkie said. "But that's all in the past." "If you are truly this accomplished, we will stop the Pony of Shadows twice as fast together," Flash Magnus said. "We shall see," Starswirl said. "It is an easy thing to say you have saved the world. It is quite another to do it." "Oh, we've saved the world, Beardo," Rainbow said. "And we can do it again." "Be that as it may, the problem of locating the Pony of Shadows remains, and this land is vast." "It sounds like you need a map," Rarity said. "Luckily, we have just the thing." --------------------- It has been a few hours since the Pillars of Old Equestria came to Twilight's castle. Charming Thunder paced around in his throne room. The doors opened and Danny entered the room. Charming Thunder turned to see him enter and walked up to him. "Brother, what brings you here?" "I sensed something going on at Ponhenge," Danny explained. "What's going on?" "The Pillars have returned from limbo along with the Pony of Shadows and we plan to stop him. Starswirl and the others are making a plan right now." "The Pony of Shadows has returned? My suspicions were correct then. Who knows what the Pony of Shadows has planned due to his returned. How are the Pillars?" "They are fine. Even my ancestor; Solar Comet." "You're ancestor is a member of the Pillars? That is amazing." Twilight then entered the room and said, "We have to use the Elements of Harmony to banish the Pony of Shadows." "If it is the only way, then so be it," Charming Thunder said as he placed his element around his neck. "Have you found him?" "Yes. He is hiding at the Hollow Shades." "Good. Then we leave at once. Danny you can come with in case anything goes wrong." "Right," Danny said as he followed Twilight and Charming Thunder out of the throne room. --------------------- Arriving at the Hollow Shades, the Pillars and the others walk to the abandoned village to investigate its state. "I don't remember reading anything that said the Hollow Shades was like this," Sunburst said. "The Pony of Shadows must have twisted it to his purposes," Mistmane said. Evil chuckling echoed in the village as Charming Thunder and Danny stopped to look for the source. "Prepare yourselves," Starswirl said. "He is here. Stygian! Show yourself and face us!" Laughter was heard as the ground began to shake and the floor collapsed dragging the group underground into a well. Sunburst looked around a little amazed. "I definitely would've remembered reading about this," Sunburst said. The group turned to see the Pony of Shadows and Starswirl puts up a magic barrier with his magic. Charming Thunder and Danny activated their lightsabers and got into their battle poses. "Welcome to the Well of Shade!" the Pony of Shadows said. "When you turned your backs on me, I discovered this place. The darkness spoke to me of a power beyond any I could imagine, and I listened. The shadow and I became one. Soon, all of the realm will be the same. Then all ponies will feel the despair I did when you cast me out!" "We did what we had to do," Starswirl said. "You tried to steal our powers for yourself." "No! It was you who were selfish! And now you will pay!" The Pony of Shadows then looked at Charming Thunder and laughed. "There's that fiery spit of hope. You have the spirit of a true Crystal Knight!" "You leave my brother out of this!" Danny said. The shield broke as Danny charged at him with a strike ready, but the Pony of Shadows used his magic to throw him towards a pillar leaving him unconscious. "And because of that, you all must die." The pony of Shadows then used his magic to restrain the Pillars and the element bearers leaving Charming Thunder standing. "Young alicorn, son of darkness, heir apparent to your father; Sombra. Whether there was conflict I sense darkness in you. Whether it was weakness, strength. Destroy your friends and the Pillars and fulfill your destiny." Charming Thunder looked at his lightsaber then turned to the others. "Starting with this one." The Pony of Shadows used his magic to move Twilight over in front of him. Charming Thunder closed his eyes for a moment then looked at his wife. "If it's the only way to save myself, then I know what I have to do," Charming Thunder said as he winked at Twilight. Twilight then pretended to be afraid and said, "Charming, please don't do this! I love you!" The Pony of Shadows only laughed at the beg for mercy. "You think you can turn him?" the Pony of Shadows asked. "Pathetic child. Love cannot save him. I cannot be beaten. I have seen his mind since my return. I have seen his every intentions." "No!" Starlight shouted as she struggled to break free. "Yes. I see him charging his horn readying himself to strike true." Charming Thunder secretly used his magic to lift up one of Danny's lightsabers while the Pony of Shadows was distracted. "And now foolish child, he uses his magic and kills his true enemies!" Now was Charming Thunder's chance. He activated the levitated lightsaber and chopped off one of the Pony of Shadows' hooves causing his magic around Twilight and the others to break free. The Pony of Shadows then collapsed to the ground as his hoof turned to shadow and formed smaller versions of himself. Charming Thunder saw Danny getting up from his unconsciousness and rushed on over to give him his lightsaber. "Open the portal!" Charming Thunder shouted as Danny and him stood back to back as the copies of the Pony of Shadows charged at them from both sides. They then began to cut them down to size as more keep on coming. Starswirl opened the portal to limbo as the Pony of Shadows gets sucked in. He held on as the ponies cast their spell to push him in. "No!" the Pony of Shadows said; struggling. "You will not trap me again!" Before Twilight can complete the spell, she sees a pony sticking out of the Pony of Shadows' body. "There's...a pony in there!" Twilight said before she flew inside the Pony of Shadows' body. Solar threw his shield at the remaining shadow ponies and Charming Thunder and Danny deactivated their lightsabers. He wanted to fly in there to save Twilight, but was stopped by Danny as he flew in front of him blocking his path. Twilight's voice was then heard. "Are you... Stygian?" "I was, once," Stygian's voice said. "Until my friends betrayed me." "But Star Swirl says you betrayed them. You wanted their magic..." "No! I wanted their respect. I brought them together. I planned strategy, and I read all I could about the beasts we faced. But I didn't have magic or strength, so nopony ever noticed me. I went to Ponhenge to make my own copies of the artifacts. With them, I thought I could be a Pillar, too, and stand by their side in battle. I never wanted to steal their power. But instead of sharing and letting me help, my friends threw me out." Stygian's voice then started to get deeper and deeper. "So I became stronger than any of them! The darkness welcomed me when no pony would, and I will do what I must to protect it!" "This is all a misunderstanding! If the Pillars knew how you felt, I'm sure they wouldn't have turned their backs on you. The shadow isn't who you really are. Let me help you be Stygian again." "Even if my friends did still care, what makes you think you have the power to help me?" "Because it's what she does," Starlight's voice said. Charming Thunder smiled as the conversation continued. "I wasn't so different from you, and Twilight helped me change. If there's one pony in Equestria that can save a friendship, it's her." "I... I want to believe you. But the darkness will not be stopped!" Twilight and Starlight come out of the Pony of Shadows' body and Twilight used her magic to make a rope to get Stygian out. "Fight the darkness, Stygian!" Twilight shouted. "You don't need it anymore! Revenge isn't what you want! Friendship is!" She struggled to pull Stygian out. "Twilight!" Starlight shouted as she used her magic to help Twilight free Stygian. "The shadow won't let go of him. He wants to stop, but he can't do it alone." "Then we must help him!" Starswirl said as he used his magic to help. Charming Thunder got into position next to Solar as the others work together to free Stygian from the darkness, and the darkness is banished to limbo by using the Elements of Harmony. A magic explosion was made later on. Charming Thunder along with Danny and the others got out of the Well of Shade. "Yeah!" Rainbow shouted. "Oh, it felt so good to do that again!" "Friendship power rush!" Pinkie cheered. "The Elements!" Rarity said. "They didn't disappear!" "Maybe because we used them for healing magic instead of banishing?" Fluttershy asked. "Look!" Applejack said as the others see Starswirl helping Stygian up from the well. "Long ago, you needed our help, Stygian," Starswirl said. "But instead of listening, we turned our backs on you. Pride clouded my judgment. I owe you an apology. Thank you for helping us see the errors of our ways, Twilight. It seems I never accounted for the Magic of Friendship." "Thank you, Swirlstar," Twilight said before correcting herself. "Uh, Starswirl!" Twilight and her friend's cutie marks began to glow. Starlight cleared her throat and said, "So, apparently a conversation can save Equestria?" Starswirl chuckled. "Something tells me I will be making a lot of apologies today," Starswirl said. --------------------- At the Canterlot castle throne room, Starswirl and the others talked to the princesses about what happened. "I simply cannot believe how tall you've gotten!" Solar said; surprised. "Well, it has been over a thousand years," Celestia said. "I'm not certain Canterlot is where I belong this time now that the Pillars are back," Starswirl said. "The realm has grown, and I believe I'll have a look around before I settle in any one place." "And I long to see what has become of my home," Mage Meadowbrook said. "I believe we all do," Mistmane added. "Then I hope you will return to Canterlot on occasion and share the wisdom of your great experience with the next generation of ponies," Celestia said. "We would be honored," Starswirl said. "But if it is wisdom you seek, look no further than your own pupil. She showed me that the power of friendship is a magical force indeed. And that in turning away from others, you hurt yourself as well." Twilight's friends and the Pillars come together for a group hug leaving Charming Thunder, Starlight, Twilight, and Danny to watch. "It's funny," Twilight said. "What?" Charming Thunder asked. "I thought meeting my idol would give me all the answers I ever wanted. But instead, I forgot what I already knew. Good thing I had a student of my own to remind me." Starlight smiled at the thought as Charming Thunder wrapped a hoof around Twilight. > Chapter 2: The Dread Ponies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At a top secret prison, guards patrolled as a cloaked figure approached the entrance. The guards walked up to the cloaked figure with their weapons pointed at the stranger. The figure stopped as the guards approached. The guards were suddenly lifted off of the ground and thrown to the wall. The figure then left them unconscious and took one of their pass cards. The figure then entered the elevator and pressed a button to go to the bottom floor of the prison. When the elevator reached the bottom floor, the figure exited the elevator and came across a force field. At the other side, the figure saw six masked ponies floating in each stasis chamber. The figure then levitated the pass key and swiped it on a terminal on the wall. The force field then deactivated and the figure then proceeded inside the chamber. The figure then approached a terminal that connects to the stasis chambers and began to press a few buttons on it. The stasis chambers then deactivated as the five ponies fell to the ground and got up to jump out of the chamber. The ponies then gathered together and turned to face the figure who freed them. "None can contain us," one pony said. "Not this prison, not the empire, and certainly not the princesses." "Then we have something in common," the figure said as he removed the cloak to reveal Mephiles himself. "It is a privilage to finally meet the Dread Ponies." "Of course," one of the Dread Ponies said. "The darkness is strong with you," the other Dread Pony said. "But you are in the presence of true power now." As Mephiles and the Dread Ponies talked, imperial guards along with the warden secured the area with their weapons up. One of the Dread Ponies sensed their presence and walked to their location. "In here, men," the warden said. "Take out the trespasser, secure the Dread--" He was interrupted when one of the Dread Ponies used their magic to torment the warden's mind and the other soldiers. "Warden, how so nice to see you," the mare Dread Pony greeted. "That lump in your throat?" the other Dread Pony explained. "It's panic. Think on what will happen next." "Show the Equestrian Empire the true meaning of terror," Mephiles said. "First the pupils dilate, muscles tighten, hysteria replaces rationality, and then..." The warden began to scream in terror as his mind began to torment him. "The mind shatters." The warden turned to his soldiers with his weapon drawn. The soldiers were too late to run when the warden shot all of them down. When they were down, the Dread Ponies then used their unicorn magic to shoot lightning at the warden forcing him to collapse to the ground dead. The Dread Ponies then approached Mephiles. "I'd be honored to learn the art of terror." "First, help us escape this wretched prison. Then, perhaps we can talk." Mephiles nodded and took out his holo communicator to contact one of the commanders of the Mephiles Alliance. "Commander, the Dread Ponies are ready for extraction." "Excellent news, master," the commander said before he turned to the Dread Ponies. "My lords, it's an honor to ensure your safe passage off of this prison. An evacuation team awaits you and Mephiles in minimum security." "Good. We'll strike out at once. Then, we will terrorize Equestria. You have much skill, Mephiles. Learn from what you've seen today. May it fuel your power." Mephiles nodded and turned off the holo communicator to escort the Dread Ponies out of the prison. --------------------- Charming Thunder was in his armor with his short cape replaced with a long one as he walked to the throne room doors of the Crystal Empire to visit his sister; Cadence. The doors open as he sees Flash Sentry making a report to the princess. "Thank you for the update on the prison break," she said. "I will make sure the Empire searches for the important escaped prisoners." "Yes, princess," Flash said. He then turned to leave the room as Charming Thunder passed by him without looking at him. He looked around the room and noticed pink armored elite guard at each window. He and the other princesses have those guards as well as Cadence depending on their color. Charming Thunder stopped in front of the steps meters away. "It is good to see you, brother. I was wondering when you would come." Cadence then had a look of concern. "How's your wound?" "It's nothing," Charming Thunder replied. Cadence sighed with relief as she slowly got up from her throne and walked up to Charming Thunder. "The mighty King Charming Thunder. When I raised you, I saw what the princesses saw before me. Raw, untamed power and beyond that, something truly special. The potential of your bloodline. A new...Sombra." Cadence then took a deep breath as Charming Thunder did not react. "Now, I fear I was mistaken." Charming Thunder then looked up to Cadence. "Are you starting to loose faith in me, my dear sister?" "Please take that ridiculous thing off, brother." Charming Thunder did what Cadence said and pressed a button on his helmet to take it off and placed it on the ground. "There's the face I like to see. You have too much of your father's dark heart in you, brother." "I destroyed my father's dark side. When that moment came, I didn't hesitate." Charming Thunder's chin was lifted by Cadence's hoof to gaze at her. "But look at you brother, the scar on your face has split your spirit to the bone. On that day Tempest invaded, you were unbalanced. Bested by a mare who had a broken horn and never held a lightsaber. You failed!" Charming Thunder's horn began to spark as the guards then got into battle position depending on the weapon they held. "Mephiles lives, sister. The seed of darkness lives. As long as he does, fear exists. I thought we would be the ones to snuff him out together. Unless, I am no Sombra. I'm just a child...in a mask." Cadence thought for a moment and placed a hoof on his shoulder. The guards then got back into their original pose as Charming Thunder hugged Cadence. They then broke their hug. "I did not call you here for a fight, brother. I called you here because there is a crisis on our hooves. Mephiles has freed the Dread Ponies from the top secret prison." "How did he know where it was?" "I don't know. But we can't let the Dread Ponies go free and spread terror to Equestria." "Who are these Dread Ponies?" "They are six powerful unicorns who once terrorized Equestria with dark magic as prophets, generals, and advisers. The princesses sealed them away thousands of years ago in stasis under the prison itself." "Then we must stop them with whatever Mephiles wants with them." "I agree. We are to meet with the other princesses about this matter at Canterlot." Charming Thunder nodded and walked with Cadence. > Chapter 3: The Secrets of the Crystal Empire > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the Canterlot castle meeting room, the princesses, Danny, and Charming Thunder sat in their seats as they discussed about the Dread Ponies being freed from their prison. Charming Thunder only grew concerned with why Mephiles would free them. "With the Dread Ponies freed from their prison, the fate of Equestria has changed," Celestia said. "We need a plan on how to stop them from whatever they are planning with their new master," Luna added. The terminal began to beep as Charming Thunder pressed the button on his terminal and revealed a hologram of a unicorn Jedi Master. "Pardon the interruption, your highnesses," the Jedi said. "I have made a recent discovery about the Crystal Empire." "Then you must reveal them quickly," Charming Thunder said as he stood up. "For even now, our enemies grow even powerful by the minute." "Of course, your highness. We have reached the roots of the kingdom and found some fascinating work. Symbols and iconography and revanoush of the report I found in the Equestrian archives." An image of two ponies appeared that were familiar to all of them. "The creators of the Elements of Harmony." "Yes. They are key to unlocking something I am sure of it." "There has been a great disturbance in the force. The death of one Dread Pony who went to the other world has altered the fate of the Mephiles Alliance. Though how, I cannot say." "Perhaps access to the area would provide some clarity, your highness." "We must seize whatever power is stored within. A conduit between the living and the dead." Charming Thunder paused and thought for a moment. "Once me and Danny arrive, we will proceed, Master Jedi." "Of course, your highness." The transmission ended and Charming Thunder got up from his seat along with Danny leaving the princesses with their discussion about the Dread Ponies threat. --------------------- Arriving at the Crystal Empire, Charming Thunder and Danny followed the fellow unicorn Jedi who contacted them deep into the castle. They then arrived at the room where the carving of an image of the creators of the Elements of Harmony stood in front of them. "Amazing," Charming Thunder said. He then went up to it to get a closer look at the carving. "It is the two creators of the Elements of Harmony." "How did you find this?" Danny asked. "It was found during our digging here," the unicorn Jedi said. "It is fascinating work done by the architects of this carving." Charming Thunder placed a hoof to feel the carving and felt something through the force. "Danny, come and look at this," Charming Thunder said as Danny approached and placed his hoof on the carving as well. "Do you feel that through the force?" Danny closed his eyes and said, "I feel it alright. Strong in both the light and dark." When Charming Thunder moved his hoof to another spot, voices was heard and the ground began to shake. A portal then appeared in front of them. Charming Thunder slowly walked up to it and placed his hoof through it then out. He then looked at Danny with concern then back at the portal. "Wait here. We will investigate." He then stood next to Charming Thunder and jumped into the portal together. --------------------- Danny and Charming Thunder made it through the portal and they looked around as they stood in a world between worlds. They heard familiar voices from their masters who taught them in the ways of the force. "What is this place?" Charming Thunder asked. "This place looks ancient." Danny said; amazed. "Like a world between worlds." "What do you mean?" "This place is strong with the force." Danny and Charming Thunder then walked up to a door and gazed through it. An image of a moment when Charming Thunder killed Danny to weaken Mephiles. "These doors and pathways exist between time and space, like this moment for example." Danny pointed to the door of the scene Charming Thunder was watching. "I wish I could've discovered this place sooner so I could save lives with it." "This place is not a toy, brother. We can't just enter and change time." Charming Thunder and Danny began to walk away from the door as the image faded to black. "Perhaps I can," a sinister voice said behind them. The two ponies then turned to see a deformed figure in a golden robe standing at the other side of the door. Danny stood in front of Charming Thunder in a battle stance. "Charming Thunder and Danny Eclipse. Mine at last." The figure then laughs maniacally then begins to chant something in a language they never heard of. He then began to send blue fire through the door towards Charming Thunder and Danny, but they blocked the flames with their force abilities. The flames vanished as the figure approached the door; laughing. "Run!" Charming Thunder said as him and Danny began to fly away from more blue flames came through the door towards them. They flew as fast as they could as the flames came closer. A blue whip came out of the flame and grabbed Charming Thunder's leg. He landed on the ground as he got pulled into the flame. "Danny!!!" Danny stopped to see Charming Thunder. "Don't run away, Charming. Help me." The figure's hand came through the door as he tries to come through. "He's coming through!" Danny flew towards Charming Thunder with his lightsaber active and sliced the whip causing the figure to withdraw his hand from the door. They then continued to fly away from the flame. They then see a portal where they came from and flew into it. "NO!" The flames impact on the portal, but never went through. --------------------- Charming Thunder and Danny land on the ground as they flew out of the portal. The portal then closed as the Jedi unicorn approached the two. "What happened?" the unicorn asked. "What did you find?" "Something that shouldn't be used in this kingdom," Danny said. "I suggest that you seal this place and stop the research so that nopony opens the portal again." "But all the hard work we put through!" "I would do what my brother says," Charming Thunder agreed. "It is too dangerous to use." "Y-Yes, your highness." Charming Thunder and Danny walked away from the site as it began to shut down. "Who was that figure, brother? A friend of your dark masters?" "No, but I have heard rumors about this person from my masters when I returned to the living," Danny explained. "Only one name matches the description given to me; Supreme Leader Snoke." > Chapter 4: Son of Queen Chrysalis > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charming Thunder sat on the throne gazing out the window as he watched the night go by with his elite guard standing at each window. He then turned his chair and got up from his throne and walked down the stairs and walked to the door. He left the room and walked to the map room where Twilight stood looking at the map of Equestria with updated locations on it. "How's your school coming along?" he asked. "Great, honey," Twilight said. "The students like it there. Even though I made it my own rules instead of the EEA's guidelines." Charming Thunder only smiled and stepped up to Twilight. "There has also been...strange activity at the Everfree Forest if you haven't heard." "What kind of activity?" "I am not sure. But there has been chocolate rain coming down at the center of the forest." "It's probably just Discord having a little fun over there." "I don't think so." "I should investigate this matter." Charming Thunder walked past Twilight before he was stopped with a peck on his cheek from Twilight. "Be careful and come home safely." Charming Thunder nodded and walked off. --------------------- Arriving at a safe location at the Everfree Forest, Charming Thunder got off of his speeder bike and began to walk through the forest. He then began to smell chocolate milk and followed the scent to the source. He arrived at an area what appears to be a chocolate milk lake made by someone. He looked around and stepped up closer to the lake. He could see his reflection and looked around again. He then looked back at his reflection and was about to touch the chocolate lake, but was stopped by a snapping sound coming from across the lake. Charming Thunder quickly drew his blaster pistol and aimed it at the direction where the sound came from. "I feel like that I am being watched," he said as he walked around the lake slowly. He reached the other side of the lake and walked towards the bush. When he was about to pull the trigger, he was tackled by a mare with swirly eyes and a propeller hat on her head. He was shocked to see her as he was pinned to the ground with his blaster out of his hoof. "I was hoping that we meet at last," the mare said. "Not really, Screwball." "So you have heard of me after all." "Yeah. And an enemy of my ancestor. Mind telling me what are you doing here out of Alcatraz prison?" "Ever since the attack at the prison, I knew it was Danny's doing. So, I got out and went into hiding." Charming Thunder struggled to break free, but had no budge. "Are you the source of this chocolate lake here?" "Indeed I am. I just so happens I love love love chocolate milk and decided to make a lake here." "Mind getting off of me please?" "Oh, of course. I'm sorry." Screwball released Charming Thunder and allowed him to get up. He picked up his blaster and holstered it. "I thought you were somepony else at first." "Somepony else?" Charming Thunder then heard a rustling sound from the bushes and turned to see an adult changeling come out of the bushes. He had a resemblance of Chrysalis with his mane being the same color and holes on his legs, so Charming Thunder activated his lightsaber and readied himself for anything. "Relax, your highness. He won't hurt you." Charming Thunder looked at Screwball and then back at the changeling. He then deactivated his lightsaber and approached him. "I know you don't remember me, but I am the son of Queen Chrysalis; Prince Mothball," the changeling said. "Give me one good reason not to throw you into a cell along with Screwball, your highness?" Charming Thunder asked as he came face to face with Mothball. "Me and Screwball have information about a common enemy." "The Mephiles Alliance and the Dread Ponies?" "That is correct." "And why should I trust you after what your parents have done to my friends and family?" "Because I betrayed my parents by leaving them." "It's true," Screwball said. "He left his family to be with me." "You?" Charming Thunder asked. "We met not long after my breakout of that prison. We got along well for a few days and we fell in love." "DISCORD!!!" Discord magically appeared in front of Charming Thunder with a yawn. "What is it this time?" Discord asked. "Can't you see I am trying to get some shut eye here?" Charming Thunder pointed at Screwball and Discord turned to see her. "Screwy! What are you doing here?" "Hello, dad. I'm just talking to Charming here about the same threat you two have." "But...you were in prison." "It's a long story," Charming Thunder said. "So you are not aware of these two?" "The changeling and my daughter?" "Yes. Like I said; it's a long story." Charming Thunder started things from the beginning and explained to Discord the situation. --------------------- The next day, a meeting was held at the map room at Twilight's castle as Charming Thunder attended. "Can they really be trusted?" Applejack said. "After all of the things they have done in the past?" "With the information given to me, yes," Charming Thunder said. "And what of this Prince Mothball?" Rarity asked. "Can he really be useful?" "He is the only changeling that hasn't changed like the others yet, I know. But he hasn't done anything to us in the past." "Screwball has," Twilight said. "Let's not turn this into an argument, everypony," Fluttershy suggested. "She is right," Rainbow said. "Now is the time to figure out what to do with this information." "Thanks to the data given to us by the two, we now know what the Dread Ponies are planning with the Mephiles Alliance," Charming Thunder explained. "The ponies are planning to spread fear across Equestria starting at who knows where." Suddenly, Danny entered the room in a hurry. "Sorry to interrupt, but I have a lead on where the Dread Ponies are," Danny said as he walked up to the map and pointed to the location that Charming Thunder and the others are unfamiliar with. "They are already spreading fear at their old palace in the dragon lands." "Why the dragon lands? Is Ember aware of this?" "She is aware of their presence in her kingdom. We must leave immediately, Charming." "What about the rest of the element bearers?" "They need to stay here until something comes up." "Agreed." Charming Thunder nodded as he followed Danny out of the map room leaving the remaining six in their seats. > Chapter 5: Defeating the Dread Ponies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arriving far away from the Dread Palace, Ember saw Charming Thunder's shuttle land in front of her as she stood back for its ramp to lower. Charming Thunder and Danny walked down the ramp to meet the dragon lord as a dragon scout landed next to her. "You have a report on the Dread Ponies' actions here?" Charming Thunder asked. "They came without a warning," Ember explained. "Their palace is defended by some troops from the Mephiles Alliance. Droids and turret defenses are also there." "What's your plan then?" Danny asked. "Leave the defenses to us while you two handle those Dread Ponies. Some of my dragon folk are afraid to face them, but I am not and some of the soldiers you gave me to defend my land. We will show them no mercy in the end." "By the time we are done, nopony will remember the Dread Ponies," Charming Thunder said. The ground suddenly began to shake as five ghostly Dread Ponies appeared behind Ember without a warning. "Not enough," one Dread Pony said. "You dare strike against us?" the second Dread Pony said. "For every Dread Guard killed before this fight, we will destroy every single dragon in this kingdom." "Unless you wish to bargain," the third Dread Pony said. "One of you tell us a secret. Tell us what you fear and we will spare them all." Charming Thunder began to got scared at the thought as Danny stood his ground at the Dread Ponies' presence. Charming Thunder then took a step forward in front of Danny with bravery. "Stop!" Charming Thunder demanded. "You want to know something I am afraid of? I'll tell you." "Charming, what are you doing?" Ember asked. "Saving your race from extinction." "Speak," the first Dread Pony said. "Name your fear!" "I fear for the life of my family if they fought in this war. I blamed myself for my brother's death once. So I went into hiding. But I cannot forgive myself for what Danny made me do to weaken Mephiles." "Let that thought suffuse you," the fourth Dread Pony said. The five ponies then ignited their horns and tortured Charming Thunder a little. "Enough humiliations," the third Dread Pony said. "You will confront us soon enough." The five then disappeared in a flash as Charming Thunder lowered his head. Danny then placed a hoof on his shoulder to ease his pain. "I forgive you already ever since that day you killed me," Danny said. "But we have a fight to win." "There's more to this," Ember said. "My scouts reported that....Mephiles himself is at the palace." Charming Thunder and Danny gasped at the news. "This could end the war with his defeat as well," Charming Thunder said. "I advice bringing him in alive," Danny said. "He is my father and I want to confront him." "Patience, brother." Charming Thunder turned to Ember. "Have the soldiers begin their attack at once along with any dragons that can fight." Ember nodded and flew away from the two. --------------------- The battle began as some dragons breathed fire on the enemy forces and droids and the soldiers opening fire on any enemies that were heading their way. Some dragons chewed off wires off of the turrets to disable them. Meanwhile inside the palace, Charming Thunder and Danny made their way through the halls as they heard voices in the main throne room. The two hid behind the door and opened it a little so they can take a peek at what is going on. Mephiles stood in the middle of the throne room as each of the five Dread Ponies were seated at their throne. He laughed as he took the news received by the Dread Ponies. "Tied on a string indeed," he said. "Well done. Soon these dragons will be no more with your power used on them." "Do not forget our part of the deal," the first Dread Pony said. "When do we strike at the princesses and their so called king?" "You will have your chance after the extinction of the dragon race." Charming Thunder and Danny continued to observe as Mephiles stepped up to one of the Dread Ponies. This was their chance to sneak in undetected. Danny used his ghost powers to turn invisible as Charming Thunder teleported right behind one of the Dread Pony's thrones with one of them sitting on it. "With the dragons out of the way, you will have that land for yourself again like that time a thousand years ago." Charming Thunder quietly unhooked his lightsaber from his belt and snuck behind the throne where the pony seated was unaware of his presence. "And then we will take on the princesses starting with the one that the king cares about." "You mean the new one we were unaware about?" the second Dread Pony asked. "Indeed. Lord Tirek is about to kidnap Twilight and her friends and bring them to me at my flagship." Charming Thunder pointed his lightsaber at the right spot on the throne and ignited his blade piercing one of the Dread Ponies in the chest. This caught the others attention and Danny appeared next to Mephiles which scared him. Charming Thunder then cuts the Dread Pony in half and came out of hiding. Mephiles floated in the air as Charming Thunder stood next to Danny. "So it is true. My son returns." "Surprised, father?" Danny asked. Mephiles then turned his gaze to Charming Thunder. "And by the looks of it, Charming Thunder is still alive even though I sent Twivine to hunt you down, but instead found your daughter. But I can see that she has failed and has joined your side." "This will be your only chance, Mephiles," Charming Thunder shouted. "Surrender and we can end this peacefully." Mephiles only responded with an evil laugh. "Surrender? To you? Don't make me laugh." Mephiles looks at the Dread Ponies. "This is the pony I told you about along with my son. Destroy them both and you will continue to spread fear to Equestria." Mephiles then flew out of the room in a hurry. As the Dread Ponies got up from their thrones and activated their lightsabers. Charming Thunder and Danny stood back to back as they took on two ponies as their opponent. They then split up as Charming Thunder and Danny took on their opponents. Charming Thunder elbowed one of the Dread Ponies in the face and threw him towards the other. Danny blocked the incoming strikes and left a wound on one of the Dread Ponies. He was then grabbed by the other Dread Pony's magic and grabbed him in the throat. He then took the opportunity to use his ghost powers to go through the Dread Pony holding him and stab her in the back. He then turned to see his last opponent disconnecting his double bladed lightsaber and twirled it around. Charming Thunder clashed with the two Dread Ponies and broke it with a shove and was pointed his blade to taunt his opponents. He then turned to see Danny clashing with his opponent and lowered his blade as a Dread Pony behind him twirled his blade and strike at the unicorn. Charming Thunder blocked the incoming strikes and forced one of the Dread Ponies to kneel so he can chop his head off with his lightsaber. He then suddenly got attacked without warning and dropped his lightsaber. He then grabbed the Dread Pony's weapon and his opponent went around him to choke him with the hilt of his blade. Danny's arm was grabbed by his Dread Pony opponent and struggled to break free. He then dropped his lightsaber to break free and grabbed it with his other hoof and slashed his opponent to the ground. He turned to see Charming Thunder being strangled. "Brother!" Danny shouted before he tossed one of his lightsabers to Charming Thunder. He caught it and activated it to stab the last Dread Pony in the eye and deactivated it. The Dread Pony then collapsed to the ground as Charming Thunder got up and threw down his opponent's lightsaber to the ground and levitated Danny's back to him. "Thanks for the assist, brother," Charming Thunder said as Danny grabbed his lightsaber and placed the two lightsabers back on his belt. "We need to contact Celestia. If what Mephiles said about Tirek taking our friends and family is true, we need all the help we can get." "You are right. Once this battle is over outside, we can be free to leave the dragon lands and head to Canterlot to prepare our defenses if my father plans to attack Canterlot." Charming Thunder and Danny then rushed out of the throne room and headed outside to see the situation of the battle. They then arrived to see that the dragons have won the battle. Ember landed in front of them and reported, "The enemy is retreating and Mephiles got away." "We are aware of Mephiles' escape. Nice job on clearing the area. We must head back to Canterlot immediately." "As you wish." Ember flew away as the dragons and the soldiers cleaned up the mess and Charming Thunder and Danny headed back to the shuttle. > Chapter 6: The Sacred Texts of Friendship > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charming Thunder sat on his seat in Canterlot as he and Danny were in a meeting with the princesses. "The good news is that we defeated the Dread Ponies," Charming Thunder said as he was about to stand from his chair. "I take it that there is the bad news?" Luna asked. "Yes," Danny said. "Twilight and the others have been taken by Lord Tirek." "What would Mephiles want with the element bearers?" Celestia said. "I don't know," Charming Thunder said. "Probably lure us into a trap. But who knows where they could be." "At least we know that it was Mephiles who freed the Dread Ponies." "And he plans to invade Canterlot," Danny added. "What?" Luna said. "It's true," Charming Thunder said. "We need to find Twilight and the others fast." "Agreed," Celestia said. "In the meantime Charming, me and Luna would like to speak to you in private." Danny nodded and stepped out of the room. Celestia then walked next to Charming Thunder. "One of the young Jedi Padawans found something during their Jedi trials. I think it may interest you." "Where is this Padawan now?" "She is still at the Crystal Empire. What he has found, I do not know." "Thank you for the details, Aunt Celestia. I will head there immediately." Charming Thunder then walked out of the room as Luna stood next to Celestia. "Do you think he is ready for this?" Luna asked. "I have confidence that he will confront Mephiles and end this war." "I sure hope so." --------------------- Charming Thunder's TIE Silencer lands at the Crystal Empire as a mare holding a book waited for his arrival. Charming Thunder exited his ship and walked up to the mare as she bowed to him. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, your highness," she said as she rose up. "You found something during your trials?" Charming Thunder asked. "Yes." She held out a book with a symbol on the cover. Charming Thunder was unfamiliar with the book at first and levitated to go through the pages. "The original texts of friendship." Charming Thunder closed the book and puts it away in his saddlebag. "You have done well finding this book. I cannot complete your training, but I wish you luck in your remaining trials." "Thank you, your highness." The mare walked off to the temple as Charming Thunder headed to the castle to visit Cadence for a little bit before he reads the book. --------------------- Charming Thunder sat at a table at the library as he read the texts of friendship. He understood it at first, but got confused a little. Shining Armor entered the room with his daughter; Flurry, in his arms. Charming Thunder turned to see him and smiled. "I take it you are here on personal business?" Shining asked. "Yes," Charming Thunder said. "This book was given to me my a Padawan during her trials to become Jedi. But when I look at the book, it reminds me of Starswirl's writings. "What if it is?" Charming Thunder looked at Flurry and caressed her niece's mane as she giggled. "I think that it is. What if it is his lessons on friendship in the past life before the Discord Wars? I grow worried every time I look at it." "Twilight would know if she were here." Charming Thunder looked away for a moment after Shining brought her sister up. "I know. I miss her too. But think this over for a moment and do what must be done." Charming Thunder nodded as Shining Armor left the library. Charming Thunder then looked at the book and levitated it to read it a little more. --------------------- When Charming Thunder got home to Ponyville that night, he held the book in his arm and walked through the Everfree forest to a nice quiet spot. Little did he not know that a familiar Jedi spirit was watching him as he stopped to turn to see an old friend. "Luke," Charming Thunder greeted. "Charming Thunder," Luke replied. Charming Thunder smiled and looked at the book. "I am soon ending this. The war, the Mephiles Alliance. I'm burning it down." Charming Thunder then walked further away from Luke as he placed the book on a stump and his horn began to glow. He struggled to destroy the book. The glow on his horn faded as he looked down to the ground. Luke then closed his eyes and reached out with the force to levitate the book and lightning came down from the sky which caught Charming Thunder's attention as the book was dropped back on the stump; caught on fire. Charming Thunder took a step back in shock as Luke laughed. "Ah Charming, I have missed you." Charming Thunder looked at Luke and back at the burning book and tried to grab it, but was blasted back by another lightning strike which impacts on the book. He landed further away from the fire as he lays there on the ground watching the fire spread. "So it is time...for the war to end." Luke appeared in front of Charming Thunder as he watched the fire. "It is time." Luke turned to face Charming Thunder and knelt down to him. "For you to look at an old book." "THE SACRED TEXTS OF FRIENDSHIP!!!" "So you have read it?" "Well I--" "The pillars were not page turners. Yes, yes, yes. It may hail wisdom, but that book contained nothing that the Padawan found." Charming Thunder was shocked at what he was hearing from his mentor and looked down. "Charming, for the first time ever, you are looking to the horizon. Never in your heart. Now. The need in front of your nose." "I was weak the day I killed my brother. A murderer." "You may have lost your brother once. But you must not loose him again to his father." "I can't be what he wants me to be." "I once never heeded Yoda's words. Pass on what I learned. Strength. Mastery. But weakness...folly...failure also. Because failure is the greatest teacher. But you succeeded on what I could not. Bring a new Jedi Order to your world." Luke got up and walked next to Charming Thunder and sat next to him as they both watched the fire. "Charming, we are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters. Even a king." Charming Thunder looked at Luke, then back at the fire as he knows what he must do. > Chapter 7: The Blade of Harmony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charming Thunder walked with Danny through the halls of the castle as they talked. "So the book was not that important after all?" Danny asked. Charming Thunder only nodded as the two entered the library. He then used his magic to levitated a book from the shelf and scrolled on through it. "The power of the elements is not enough," Charming Thunder explained. "I need something that will not harm Mephiles, but redeem him back to the light." "And how pray tell are you going to do that?" Charming Thunder stopped scrolling and found the page he was looking for. "Have you ever heard of the Blade of Harmony?" Charming Thunder then levitated the book to Danny and showed him a picture of a sword with the Elements of Harmony on it. "Yes. It's a blade used by Celestia during the Discord Wars. But what does it got to do redeeming my father?" "Think about it; the Elements of Harmony were used to defeat Nightmare Moon when she returned. What if it could do the same with just one strike of the blade." "It could work, I guess. Where could we find the blade?" "It's not just found. It is made. The elements are currently at the Tree of Harmony. So we use them in addition with the Element of Courage to make the Blade of Harmony." "Then to the Tree of Harmony we shall traverse." Charming Thunder nodded and then walked with Danny out of the library. --------------------- Twilight and her friends are locked up in a magic proof cage at Mephiles' hideout. Twilight struggled to get out while the others just sat there. Mephiles then entered the room as she stopped to see him. "What do you want, Mephiles?" she demanded. "Just want to see how my favorite ponies are doing," Mephiles said. "After all you are all my guests." They then took a pause as Twilight sat down in the cage. "So much strength. Darkness rises, and light to meet it. I warned Twivine when she was my ally and was growing stronger, that your daughter; Lucina, would rise against us. Charming Thunder... I assumed. Wrongly." Applejack then stood up and stepped up closer. "You underestimate my husband, and your son, and us," Applejack said. "It will be your downfall." Mephiles only chuckled. "Has Twivine told you things? A weakness in me?" Mephiles laughed as the room echoed with his laughter. "Young fool. I knew Twivine was not strong enough to face your daughter. And now, Princess Twilight here will give me every detail of Charming's plans to destroy me or I will let Tirek drain all of your magic so he can claim it for himself." "No," Twilight responded. "Yes." Mephiles then levitated Twilight in the air and began to torture her. "Give. Me. Everything." Twilight began to scream in pain as lightning came out of Mephiles' fingers. --------------------- Charming Thunder's shuttle landed in the Everfree Forest where the Tree of Harmony is located. Starswirl, Charming Thunder, and Danny exited the ship while the other members of the Pillars waited for them. "Your highness," Somnambula greeted. "It is so good to see you again." "I need to borrow the Elements of Harmony to make the Blade of Harmony," Charming Thunder explained. "Starswirl gave me permission that in return, I must return the elements to the tree." "Of course, but it is not easy to make the blade," Mistmane said. "What do you mean?" Danny asked. "It requires some strength of an element bearer like yourself in order to call it here." "Then that is the sacrifice I must make," Charming Thunder said. "It is the only way to stop Mephiles." "Then follow us to the tree," Meadowbrooke said as she gestured Charming Thunder to follow the Pillars to the Tree of Harmony. When they arrived, Charming Thunder stood in front of the tree as the others stood back. Solar Comet then stepped forward and asked, "Are you sure you want to do this?" "I must," Charming Thunder said before he closed his eyes as the Element of Magic was levitated off of the tree first and began to circle him. The Element of Kindness then levitated off of the tree along with Loyalty, Honesty, Generosity, and Laughter. Finally the Element of Courage levitated off of the tree and the elements began to surround Charming Thunder. They then circle around him in a fast speed. Charming Thunder's eyes then began to glow when they opened and he floated in the air as the elements closed in on him. A bright light flashed and when it faded, Charming Thunder wielded the Blade of Harmony in his hoof and raised it in the air. He then lowered the blade and turned to face Danny and the Pillars. "It is done," Starswirl said. "The Blade of Harmony is now reborn. Bound to you alone." "Thank you, my friends. Now I must prepare for the final battle with Mephiles and his alliance." "Agreed," Danny said. "Whatever Mephiles wants with our friends and family, it can't be good." "I feel it too, Danny. I felt Twilight's pain and suffering from across Equestria. She is still alive just as Rainbow and Applejack are." "Then we must find them." --------------------- Mephiles released Twilight from torture and dropped her back to the ground as he laughed maniacally. "Well, well, I did not expect your husband to be stupid enough to challenge me," he said. "We will give him and his Equestrian Empire the death he desires." He then began to take his leave as Twilight slowly got up. "You won't get away with this, Mephiles," Twilight said. "Oh, I already have, princess." Mephiles laughed as he left the room. He then turned to a soldier guarding the door. "Bring them aboard my flagship. I have plans for them." "Yes, my lord," the soldier said as he entered the room while Mephiles continued to leave. --------------------- Charming Thunder sat on his throne as the holo figures of Celestia, Luna, and Cadence stood in front of him. They grew concerned about using the Elements of Harmony to make the Blade of Harmony in order to stop Mephiles after a brief explanation from him. "I understand," Celestia said. "But are you sure it will work?" "It helped saved Luna," Charming Thunder said. "Yes," Luna said. "But we fear what will happen if you would fail." "I won't." "We will rendezvous at Canterlot on Celestia's flagship to make our stand against Mephiles' fleet," Cadence said. "I sure hope you know what you are doing, brother." "You worry too much, big sis." The transmission ended as Charming Thunder got up from his throne and gazed out of the window. > Chapter 8: The Battle Begins > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aboard Celestia's flagship over Canterlot, Charming Thunder stood at the command bridge as he watched the rest of the fleet arrive next to the flagship. He then sees the enemy fleet in the distance while an officer walked up next to him and reported, "Your highness, the fleet has arrived and the enemy is upon us. Your orders?" "Patch me to the fleet," Charming Thunder ordered. "I want to speak to them before our attack can begin." "Yes, your highness." The officer then gestured one of the engineers to activate comms as Charming Thunder took a step back. He then spoke loud and clear. "My fellow officers of the empire, we stand on a great threshold! It's okay to be scared! Many of us won't be coming back! Thanks to Mephiles, the time has come to punish him and his followers. We will blow them all sky high!" Cheering could be heard on the bridge of the flagship. "Forward march!!! The end of the Mephiles Alliance has finally come!" Squadrons of TIE Fighters began to fly out of their Star Destroyer including the flagship. Charming Thunder only turned away and gestured two pilots to follow him to the hangar level of the flagship. Charming Thunder and his pilots arrived at the hangar and they got into their TIE Fighter and departed from the hangar. The two TIE Fighters flew beside Charming Thunder's TIE Silencer. "Follow my lead." He then piloted his fighter towards the enemy fleet and got a glance of the Mephiles Alliance fleet. The main vessel of the fleet is the Harrower-class dreadnought while the rest are six Valor-class cruisers escorted by ten Hammerhead-class cruiser. Enemy fighters were being deployed as Charming Thunder piloted his fighter towards the main flagship. He fired at the vessels hull and took out some of its guns on it. His wingmen took out some fighters to cover him while Charming Thunder spun his TIE Silencer and fired lasers on the hull more. He then flew towards the hangar and pressed a button in the cockpit to arm some torpedoes. When he was in range, he fired the torpedoes at the hangar bay and destroyed many fighters inside. He was then going for the bridge before he felt a familiar presence. His targeting computer beeped as it locked onto the bridge. He struggled to pull the trigger and decided to pull out and he received a transmission from Cadence from one of the Star Destroyers. "Bro, Danny has made it onto the flagship," Cadence reported. "We can't cover you at this distance. Return to the fleet." The transmission ended while Charming Thunder turned his ship around and headed back to the flagship. --------------------- Aboard the enemy flagship, Danny sneaks into an elevator while in his ghost form to go to the detention level. He then uncloaked himself and when the elevator opened, two soldiers along with Tirek were standing guard at the cell where Twilight and the others are held notice him and the soldiers aimed their blasters at him. Danny used the force to knock out the two soldiers by slamming them into each other. Tirek only clapped his hands as he approached him slowly. "I hear that you were the one who took my friends and family, Tirek," Danny said. "So you are alive after all," Tirek said. "Suprised?" "You are so stupid to come here without your brother." "I don't need him to help me take you down. Surrender and go back to Tartarus in a cell or suffer by my power." Tirek only responded only with a laugh. "Ha. You think a mere pony such as you have the power to defeat me? So stupid." Danny fired powerful lightning from his hoof at Tirek. Tirek then collapsed to the ground weakened. "Wha- what is this power? This isn't magic." "The power of the force is my ally and I will stop you." "Then I welcome you to your second demise." Tirek fired magic from his horns and Danny avoided it. Danny flew up in the air and tackled Tirek to the ground and activated his lightsaber to cut off his horns. He then got off of Tirek as magic began to fly out of Tirek's horns. "NO! What have you done?!" "You are now depleted. I have released the magic you stole from countless lives." "I'll kill you for that!!!" As Tirek began to shrink to his original size, he charged at Danny, but Danny opened a portal in front of him and Tirek went through it taking him to his old cage in Tartarus. Danny then walked up to the cell where Twilight and the others are and pressed a button on the wall to release them. Rainbow flew towards him and hugged him tightly. "I'm glad you came!!!" Rainbow said; relieved. "I'm just glad that you are safe, my dear Rainbow Dash," Danny said. "Where is Charming?" Twilight said. "Holding off the fleet as we speak. If we rush to a nearest escape pod, we can make our way to Canterlot castle where you will be safe." The six nodded and followed Danny to the escape pods. --------------------- Mephiles stood on the bridge of the flagship as he observed the battle. An engineer nervously approached him and reported, "Lord Mephiles, Princess Twilight and the others have escaped...with Danny." "Then Tirek has failed," Mephiles said as he turned to the engineer. His body then to a crystal like substance and used his powers to kill the engineer. He remained in that form and turned to the commander. "Tell our ships to hold fire." "Sir?" the commander said. "Do as I say or you will end up like this engineer here." "Y-Yes, my lord." The commander then left the bridge as Mephiles channeled his rage. --------------------- Charming Thunder approached the bridge and noticed the fighters retreating and the capital ships stopped firing. "They stopped firing," the admiral said. "But why?" Charming Thunder then noticed a tiny figure approaching slowly and floated in the middle of the battlefield. He then recognized the figure as Mephiles. He then stepped up closer to the window. "I want every gun we have to fire on him," Charming Thunder ordered. "Sir?" "Do it!" The admiral gestured an engineer to ready the weapons on the flagship. The cannons on the flagship began to open fire at Mephiles. Every shot impacted on him and flak of smoke appeared every time the lasers impact on Mephiles. "More! More!" The admiral had enough and said, "That's enough. That's enough!" The guns stopped firing as Charming Thunder took a deep breath. The admiral then looked at Charming Thunder. "Do you think you got him?" Charming Thunder's eyes widened and saw a shadow of Mephiles appeared at the smoke. The smoke faded and no scratch or bruise was left on him. Mephiles then wiped off his shoulder; taunting Charming Thunder. He had only one option left. "I am going to him. Admiral, you are in command of the flagship until I return." "Your highness, don't get distracted, our goal---" "He is my goal." The admiral then sighed. "Right away, your highness." > Chapter 9: Charming Thunder vs Mephiles the Dark > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stormtroopers escorted Danny and the others from the escape pod. Twilight looked up to see that the battle has stopped. She then noticed Charming Thunder flying towards Mephiles. "Charming is facing Mephiles alone," she said. "I should help him!" Danny stopped Twilight from taking off. "No!" Danny said. "We must go." --------------------- Above the grassy land of Canterlot, Charming Thunder came face to face with Mephiles. "That's a new look for you," Charming Thunder said. "Did you come here to join me?" Mephiles said. "Just as your father once did a thousand years ago?" Charming Thunder only shook his head. "No. This ends today." "I know it does. I've seen it. That's why the rest of my alliance and your empire will enjoy the show. Because we all know that I'm the one that beats you." "In your dreams, Mephiles." Charming Thunder then closed his eyes as the Elements of Harmony on the blade began to glow. A multi color light then appeared then faded as he transformed to his form that defeated Cyber Eclipse. The two then flew towards each other and fought with there fists. They mirror one another, neither one gaining or losing ground until each sees the exact same opening. Simultaneously delivering a thunder packed punch that sends both men flying backwards. Charming Thunder's wings slowed him down while Mephiles teleports behind Charming Thunder and kicks him down to the ground. He impacts on the ground and quickly opened his eyes to see Mephiles charging down towards him with a powerful punch. He rolled out of the way to avoid the attack. The two then floated in the air and mirrored each others attacks until one of them punched each other in the face. Charming Thunder impacts through the wall of the town of Canterlot. He slowly got up and then noticed that he was bleeding from the lip. "Can you feel it, Charming Thunder? The darkness closing in on you? I really should thank you for it. This form was meant to kill an alicorn. Because your purpose of life is to fall." Charming Thunder spits out blood and gets himself up off the ground. He then taunted Mephiles which didn't make him angry. Another fury roars in the streets of Canterlot, but this one ends with Charming Thunder unloading an explosion of kicks. Mephiles countered one kick with a powerful beam hitting Charming Thunder. He then flew up in the air and fired a giant dark beam towards the downed Charming Thunder. Charming Thunder was quick enough to dodge it and flew up to his level and kicked Mephiles in the back of the head causing him to impact through a tall building. When Mephiles got up, Charming Thunder attempted to tackle him, but was grabbed by the neck and threw him out of the building. Charming Thunder then flew towards Mephiles and began to fight mid air. --------------------- Arriving at the castle, Danny entered along with his friends and family assuring that they are safe for the time being. "Charming Thunder needs our help!" Applejack said. "He can't take much more like that." "He's doing this for a reason," Danny explained. "He believes that the Elements of Harmony can redeem my father." "Redeem?" Rarity asked. "After all the things Mephiles has done to us?" "He is the spark that'll light the fire that will burn the Mephiles Alliance down." Twilight watched out of a nearby window as the fight continued outside. --------------------- Charming Thunder and Mephiles continued their fight in the air leaving punches. Mephiles then fired a beam at him and blasted him down through the roof the castle and impacts in Celestia and Luna's throne room. Mephiles slowly came down to see the downed alicorn as Charming Thunder's power faded and reverted back to normal. Charming Thunder got up slowly and looked at Mephiles. "Your son failed you, Mephiles," Charming Thunder said. "I'm sure he is sorry about it when you killed him," Mephiles said. "Your empire will soon die. The war will end. And when I kill you, I will kill your precious princesses." Charming Thunder then got up on his hooves as blood came out of his lip. "Amazing. Every word of what you just said was wrong. The empire will stand against you. Even if I am struck down, I will not be the only one to stop you." "I'll destroy him, and you, and all of it." "No. Strike me down in anger and I'll always stand my ground. Just like your son." Mephiles only closed his eyes for a moment and clenched his fists. He then looked at Charming Thunder and charged at him with his hand turning into a sharp piece of crystal. Charming Thunder took the chance to strike with the Blade of Harmony before Mephiles did. They both slashed at each other and Mephiles slides past Charming Thunder and stood behind him. Mephiles slowly turned to see Charming Thunder standing still. He was about to approach him until a bright light appeared on his wound on the chest. Charming Thunder then slowly turned his head with a smile as Mephiles looked up at him. The blade then began to glow and the Elements of Harmony floated off of the blade. "No..." Mephiles took a step back as he covered his wound. "Return to the light, Mephiles." The Elements of Harmony then fired a rainbow beam towards Mephiles as he screamed in pain on the impact of the beam. Charming Thunder collapsed to the ground as the light began to shine in the room. The door opened and Danny and the others arrived to see Charming Thunder and Mephiles on the ground in his normal form. "Charming!" Twilight shouted as her and Applejack rushed on over to Charming Thunder. Twilight cradled him as the princesses arrive to the scene. Danny only approached his unconscious father and closed his eyes for a brief moment. "Charming, please get up!" Charming Thunder slowly opened his eyes to see Twilight and Applejack with him. "Is it over?" Charming Thunder asked. Danny placed a hoof on Mephiles' head and felt something in him. "He's still alive," Danny said. "And something has changed in him." "Then it worked." "It think so." Charming Thunder was helped up by Twilight and Applejack as he looked at Mephiles. Mephiles moaned as he shook his head and slowly opened his eyes as the princesses readied their horns for anything. He then got up and placed a hand on his head. "What happened?" Mephiles asked. "Where am I?" "Dad? It's me, Danny. Do you remember?" "How could I not forget my son. Was it you who saved me from the darkness?" "No. It was my brother; Charming Thunder." "Brother?" Mephiles turned to look at Charming Thunder. "Luna and Sombra took care of me for a thousand years." "And what about your mother? Your real mother?" "She is alive and well. I'll explain everything later." "All the lives I took. All the things I did." "Welcome to the circle of trust, Mephiles," Charming Thunder said as he let out his hoof. Mephiles hesitated at first and then grabbed Charming Thunder's hoof and shook it. A communicator was beeping and Celestia answered it. "The fleet is retreating," a voice said. "Your orders?" "I would let Mephiles decide that," Celestia said. "He is after all on our side now." Mephiles looked down and then back at Celestia. Celestia then gave the communicator over to Mephiles and he ordered, "Destroy what I have created." "Y-Yes, sir," the voice said; nervously. Mephiles then looked at everyone in the room and Danny began to explain things to him. With the fleet hunting down the remaining Mephiles Alliance members, the war was finally over. > Chapter 10: Peace At Last > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charming Thunder walked with Mephiles in the Canterlot gardens as they spoke in private. Mephiles thanked Charming Thunder for taking care of his son and hoped for good things in the future. "Can you ever forgive me for what I have done over the years?" Mephiles asked. "I already have," Charming Thunder said. "Your wife told me that you were a nice being before what happened." "I was...controlled by something dark and sinister. I fear that it will come for you next." "If that ever comes, I'll be ready for anything. That's a promise." --------------------- Twilight was writing in her book at the School of Friendship while her friends were teaching the students. Charming Thunder entered the room without disturbing her. She then noticed him and smiled. "What are you smiling about?" Charming Thunder asked. Twilight puts down her book and quill and approached Charming Thunder and gave him a hug. "I'm just glad that this is over," Twilight said. "The war, the darkness, everything. And that you are safe." "I am glad too, Twilight." Twilight nuzzled Charming Thunder and kissed him on the cheek. She then whispered in his ear very important news. "I am pregnant." Charming Thunder's eyes widened and smiled with excitement. "That's great news! I'm sure we will raise a great mare or stallion!" "Oh, it's a boy." "A boy? How did you know?" "When I told the girls, Discord showed up and did an x-ray on me." "Oh, he did that, huh? How did you take it?" "I always wanted a baby boy after all. I took it well." Charming Thunder walked towards the window and gazed. "What is it?" "Nothing. I was just thinking about what would become of our stallion in the future. And what would become of me and Danny now that he has reunited with Mephiles." "I'm sure that Mephiles will understand that his life as a pony is more important than being a Mobian as well as take care of his family." Charming Thunder sighed with relief as he turned to face Twilight and smiled. "Maybe you are right about that, Twilight." Charming Thunder walked past Twilight and left her back to her work as he returned to his duties as king. --------------------- Three years later... Nyx was telling a story to his baby brother and baby Flurry Heart about a tale of Charming Thunder. "And there he was, standing there waiting for the proper moment," she narrated. "He tricked Mephiles into attacking him and used the Blade of Harmony to redeem Mephiles to the good side and ending the war in the process. The end." The two clapped their hooves at the end of the story until the voice of Sunset was heard. "Dinner time!" Sunset said at the other side of the door. "Okay, mom," the young colt said as he got up. Nyx carried Flurry on her back while the colt stayed in his room and used the Force to put away his toys in the toy box. He then gazed out of the window and saw the stars sparkling in the night. Sunset Shimmer's voice was heard again. "Starshine!" The young colt then rushed out of the room to join his family for dinner. THE END