The Beast of Vengeance

Peach blossom petals swirl across the floating ruins, angled to look like a yin-yang symbol.

Deep within the ruins, Celestia meditated, yellow light shining from her form, set in the prime of her youth. Her white and gold robes shined with radiance, and her jade staff glowed with the symbol of her and her sister’s school.

“Inner peace..." Celestia breathed in contentment. "Inner peace…” A peach blossom petal landed on her nose. She twitched. “Itchy nose.” She blew the petal away, but when it got sucked back in by her breath, she sneezed, blowing the petal away. She grinned. “And back to inner peace.”

Unfortunately, her outer peace wouldn't last long. As a familiar, ominous presence brought a frown to Celestia's face, a green blade attached to a chain swung at the alicorn.

https://youtu.be/dH5hBXF6-oE

Celestia caught the blade, without opening her eyes. She sighed. "Oh, what now?"

She opened her eyes just in time to see another blade coming at her. Humming, the white alicorn tossed the green blade before seizing her staff, knocking the first blade into the second one and sending them soaring away with a spark of jade. She grinned softly, even as her feet planted in a combat stance.

“Tirek," she greeted. "My old friend.”

On the other side of the ruins, Tirek emerged from the shadows; a creature with red fur, cloven hooves for feet and a pair of large horns on his head. He wore a pair of black pants that stopped at his shin with a fur pelt wrapped around his waist along with a black sleeveless shirt that hugged at his muscular torso, a series of Jade jewels hung and jingled across his belt. With a yank of two chains wrapped around his wrists, the jade blades retracted to his hands, and his yellow and black eyes glittered darkly as he stared the white alicorn down.

“Master Celestia Solaris,” Tirek greeted with a grin. "Our battle may have ended five hundred years ago, but I'm finally back. Ready for a rematch."

Celestia merely chuckled. "Took you long enough."

With a growl of anger, the satyr charged Celestia, cutting aside a stony archway that floated across his path. He hurled his weapons at Celestia, but the Alicorn Master easily jumped away. All the same, she hummed as his attack shattered the foundation she had stood upon.

“You've grown stronger, my friend,” Celestia noted, glancing at his hooves before using her staff to draw a symbol with a golden aura before firing it at Tirek. "Haven't missed leg day, yes?"

Though Tirek was hit by the glowing symbol, it didn't seem to deal any damage to him.

“Five hundred years in the Spirit Realm can change you, Celestia," Tirek boasted, moving his hand to his belt. "Can help you pick up a thing or two.”

Celestia tilted her head as she saw jade pendants jingling on his belt. Tirek smiled evilly.

“I have taken the Chi of every master here, including...” Tirek lifted two pendants that Celestia recognized. “The Chi of the bug and her pony you've been so fond of as of late.”

Celestia narrowed her eyes. "No..." she muttered.

“Yes, and soon...” Tirek said, pulling his blades back to his hands. “...I will have your power too!” Tirek swung his blades, gaining momentum.

“Tirek, when will you realize? The more you take, the less you have?” Celestia protested.

But the satyr did not listen, throwing his blades into floating chunks of rock. Using the rocks like a slingshot, Tirek launched himself at Celestia, dragging the boulders behind him.

Celestia drew another yin-yang symbol, spinning it and making it grow in size as Tirek neared her. Just before Tirek could collide with the barrier, he pulled his chains and launched the rocks at the symbol.

The collision created a shockwave that shattered the boulders into dust. As Celestia rose out of the dust, Tirek hurled his weapons again. But this time, rather than cutting, Tirek snagged Celestia with the chains. Smiling in victory, Tirek drew the alicorn close, while a green glow enveloped his hands.

“With your chi Celestia," Tirek boasted. "I will finally be able to return to the mortal world. And this time…” Tirek laughs as the alicorn began to turn into jade. “...you won't be there to stop me.”

Yet, even as the alicorn's body was petrified, Celestia couldn't help but chuckle.

“Something funny Celestia?” Tirek asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It was never my destiny to stop you Tirek,” Celestia said with a smile. “Just like it was my sister's destiny to train the one who saved my wonderful Nephew” Celestia looked into the Satyr’s eyes with a peaceful smile on her face. “I have set another on that path.” And with that, Celestia closed his eyes as the jade encloses his entire body.

Tirek compressed Celestia into a jade pendant. As Tirek brings Celestia’s pendant towards him, green rays spread across Tirek 's body. Tirek formed a vile smile as he looked at Celestia's jade pendant in his hand - a calmly resting Alicorn in the shape of a Yin-Yang.

“Then I will find them, and take their chi too,” Tirek replied as a green glow covered his body

Tirek smashed the pendant on the ground. A ball of green and dark chi spread around, teleporting Tirek out of the Spirit Realm.

Twilight burst through the front doors of the Celestial Palace, her face alight with determination.

“Time for Revenge,” Twilight said, leaping into the air, followed by the Furious Five as she swung off the staff of a statue of Celestia.

Fluttershy flew over the path, while Rainbow ran along the ground. Briefly, Twilight tripped and crashed through the trees, but just before she could hit the ground, she cast a rubber spell, bouncing off the ground and catapaulting into the air, sharing a chuckle with Rainbow Dash.

In the orange sky, Twilight saw a cloud shaped like Master Macintosh. Twisting into a kick, Twilight shot through the cloud, separating the head from the body. Plummeting towards the ground at a speed that left tears in her eyes, Twilight used magic to slow her descent and landed in a dramatic pose, the Furious Five following her lead.

"We are here," Twilight declared, gazing up at their destination with glee: the Jade Dragon.

"Daring Do and The Revenge of Ahuizotl" was written in big letters across the flyer plastered to the front door.

"And not before time," Rainbow declared, dashing into the library. Twilight barely managed to avoid getting hit by the swinging door before Rainbow came back out, two books in her arm and a wide smile on her face. Tossing one of the books to Twilight, the two masters prepared to indulge in the latest adventures of Daring Do... only for Pinkie to snatch them up and shove them into her hair.

"Ah-ah-ah," PInkie chastised, waggering her finger at the two of them. "You guys said 'only getting.'" She pointed to another building just across from the Jade Dragon; the Wild Spark Winer and Diner. A changeling waved at the masters from outside.

"Read while we eat," Pinkie bargained with Twilight and Rainbow. "Sound fair?"

Twilight and Rainbow exchanged a glance, before shrugging.

"Fair enough," Rainbow replied, and together, the kung fu masters entered the restaurant.

"Welcome, Masters," the changelings inside declared, bowing to the group. They had changed from the minions of Sombra; their wings now shined with a new luster, and their shells sparkled with new colors.

“Please, you all don’t have to be so polite,” Twilight said, blushing as she and her friends sat down at an empty table.

A changeling server walked up with a green glow on her cheeks. “Wh-What can I get... you all,” she asked, glancing at Rainbow Dash with a hopeful expression.

“Two justice platters, please.” Twilight said as the Changeling wrote down the order on a notebook

“Three, Darling,” Rarity corrected with a smile holding up three fingers.

“And a few tofu buns,” Fluttershy said quietly

"Oh, and the spicy noodle soup," Rainbow added, struggling to pry her book from Pinkie's hair. "Extra on the side."

After their meal, the Furious Five and The Celestial Warrior made their way back to the palace, high fiving the crowd along the way. One pony freaked out as her hand was unintentionally set on fire from the speed of the kung fu masters.

Eventually, Twilight and the Five landed outside of the Training Hall. Twilight landed in a combat pose, though, for once, the Five didn't copy her.

“You guys aren't doing the dramatic pose?” Twilight asked, keeping her pose

“We don't have to strike a pose, every time we land,” Applejack replied, adjusting her stetson.

"Then you clearly underestimate the power of a dramatic entrance," Twilight replied, summoning a scroll. "I could tell you about so many masters who won a fight just by throwing open the door. Like this!"

To prove her point, Twilight lunged at the door, ready to kick it open in a dramatic pose. However, her leg stopped in front of a stoic-looking Luna. Twilight yelped, barely avoiding hitting her master, though Luna's ears were still blown back from the wind of her kick.

“Dramatic entrance?” Luna asked with a raised eyebrow

“Master Luna!” Twilight yelped, meekly backing up.

“The Celestial Warrior is correct,” Luna said, closing the doors to the training hall. Twilight looked up.

“I am?”

“But of course. Before the battle of the fist, comes the battle of the mind. Hence, the dramatic entrance.” With a kick, she blasted the door open, thrusting her staff at the air. From above, Celstial Palace archers - having recieved Luna's signal - fired flaming arrows at large pots. The room lit up, revealing two snow leopards who let out loud echoing roars, before one erupted into green flames revealing the current Changeling Queen and her mate. Twilight watched the whole thing with stars in her eyes.

“Nice!” Twilight declared before glancing back at Luna. “What's the occasion?”

“Today, shall be my final class.” Luna said.

Twilight and the Furious Five exchanged shocked and worried glances.

"W-Wait. Final? But... are you sick?" Twilight teleported to Luna, checking her wings and ears. "You have been looking a little..."

"I'm not sick," Luna barked, grabbing Twilight's hand and twisting it. Twilight wisely backed up.

"You are right," Twilight stammered as she retreated. "Healthy. Very healthy." She massaged her hand. "Very-very healthy."

Luna exhaled, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “This is my final class because from now on, your training will be in the hands of..." Luna pointed her staff towards Twilight. "The Celestial Warrior."

“Oh well that’s a relief…” Twilight paused, the weight of the alicorn's words hitting her with a force that rivaled the Royal Canterlot Voice. “WHAT?!?!” Twilight looked back and forth. "M-Me? Teach? But I... I mean, why not Rainbow? I mean she's always telling everyone what to do.”

“Oh, shut it, Twilight,” Rainbow said, crossing her arms.

“See?"

“Rainbow Dash is not the Celestial Warrior.” Luna replied, pointing at Twilight. “You are.”

“But... come on, they're the Five!” Twilight said, looking back at her friends. “What can I possibly teach them?”

“There is always something more to learn,” Luna replied. “Even for a master. For instance, let me show you another move…” Luna twirled her staff before holding it in front of her. “The dramatic exit.” She pointed. “What's that?”

Twilight fell for it; briefly looked away, she turned back to Luna just in time to see the door quietly close behind her.

“Oh no...” Twilight said before glancing at the others. Applejack shrugged.

"Well..." she said, before all five bowed to Twilight.

"Master," they said as one.

“Girls, Master Luna left.” Twilight insisted. But they were not fooled by her denial.

“We await your instruction, Darling,” Rarity said with a smile

“All you have to lose... is our respect.” Rainbow added, grinning up at Twilight.

“Seriously Twi,” Applejack said, walking up behind her. “how bad could it be?”

Twilight chuckled nervously at her friends.

“Very bad! Very, very bad!” Applejack screams before getting slammed by two wooden clubs

Twilight flinched, trying to hide behind the bo staff in her hands.

“Okay-okay, let's switch it up. Uh, Rarity, immovable mountain stance!” Twilight said to the white unicorn who was training on the moving dragon planks.

“Yes, master!” Rarity says becoming still... and falling through the Dragon Planks.

Twilight cringed before looking to Rainbow, who was dodging flaming clubs. “I mean... Rainbow, tornado backflip!”

“On it, master!” Rainbow said, flipping backward... and getting hit by the fiery club. As she recovered, Twilight noticed the tip of her wing on fire.

“Fire!” Twilight shrieked, pointing to Rainbow’s wings

“Fire!” one of the Palace Archers asked, causing the others to fire their flaming arrows.

"NO!" Twilight wailed.

But it was too late, the archers fired randomly through the Training Hall's interior. One of the arrows hit Rainbow in the rear, eliciting a yelp of pain.

“Sorry! My fault!” Twilight stammered before looking towards Fluttershy. “Uh, Fluttershy, go high!” Almost too late, she saw the yellow master heading straight for Pinkie, who was swinging from the rings below. "Wait, LOW, I MEANT LOW!"

Her command came too late, and Fluttershy flew into Pinkie. Both mares tumbled on top of Applejack, who had been laughing at Rainbow Dash as she struggled to put out the fire turning her blue gi black.

“Kick Mcgee!” Applejack wailed, holding out her leg.

“Uh... Pinkie and Rainbow!" Twilight commanded. "Do... uh, like a totem pole!”

"Okie dokie!" Pinkie declared, balanced on top of the cyan pegasus.

“Poison... Technique! Uh, you two... do... a swarming insect bite with a yellow tail, yellow jacket, uh, spicy... tuna…” Twilight slowly shrunk back as her commands only resulted in more and more injuries. "Okay, stop! STOP!"

The training concluded, and the Furious Five slowly walked up to Twilight. Twilight winced at their state: Rainbow had scorch marks along her body as well as the tip of her ear on fire, Pinkie was somehow tangled herself around a training dummy, Fluttershy's blindfold was a single thread away from being split in two, and Rarity pulled herself along the ground with Applejack in tow.

“Good... job….Twilight.” Fluttershy mumbled before passing out.

Twilight hesitantly reached out to snuff the flame on Rainbow's ear, only for the cyan pegasus to slap her hand away.

"So..." Twilight mumbled. "Did you... learn anything?"

“Yes I did actually.” Rainbow Dash growled smothering the flame in her fingers. “I learned you can't teach.”

“And Rainbow's flammable,” Applejack added, before one of the training equipment fell from the roof.

Twilight sighed, leaving the Training Hall and the Celestial Palace. Taking refuge behind a rock, Twilight found herself flashing back to her first days as she once again heard voices.

“That was a complete disaster.” one of the archers was commenting.

“I'm glad we're not Twilight right now.” the other agreed.

“What a loser."

“What was Luna thinking?” a third added.

“Not just Luna; what was Celestia thinking?” the second archer laughed. Unfortunately, their conversation brought them around the rock, where they found Twilight staring at them, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. Her horn flared, and she teleported away, leaving the archers glancing at each other guiltily.

"Do you... think she heard us?" one of them noted.

Twilight appeared in the statue garden. Right before the statue of Celestia. Twilight gazed up at Celestia's visage, sighing as she lowered her head.

“I'm sorry, Master Celestia," Twilight whispered, turning away... to find Luna in front of her. Twilight yelped, nearly teleporting again. “Would you stop doing that?!”

“How was your first day teaching?” Luna asked with a smile.

“Humiliating.” Twilight replied.

“So I’ve heard.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Who told you?" she asked. "Rainbow?"

"Rarity," Luna replied. "And Fluttershy. And Applejack. And Tai and his wife. And Mrs. Cake from the gift shop. And the archers. And yes, Rainbow."

"Well, they all should've mentioned that it's not happening again," Twilight replied, walking past Luna. "Because I'm done."

“Teaching?" Luna replied. "Or being humiliated?”

“Both!” Twilight shouted. “Why did you ever think I could teach that class.”

“I knew you couldn't.” Luna admitted with a chuckle

Twilight's eyes narrowed. "So you set me up to fail," she realized. "To teach me more lessons?"

“If you only do what you can do, you'll never be more than you are now.” Luna replied.

Twilight's eyes lit up. "Master Starswirl said that to his student Stygian," she remembered.

"Technically, my sister said it to Master Starswirl first," Luna pointed out.

"But..." Twilight shook her head. "I don't want to be more. I like who I am."

"Do you? You don't even know who you are.”

Twilight blinked. “What do you... of course I do. I'm the Celestial Warrior.”

Luna closed her eyes and shook her head. “And what exactly does that mean?”

Twilight started to open her mouth, before she blinked in shock. What 'did' that mean. “It means... you know... saving people. By fighting. A lot."

"Fighting and saving people?" Luna asked. "You think that is what the great Master Celestia saw for you?” Luna pointed her staff at her sister's statue. “A five hundred year old prophecy fulfilled, just so you could spend your days fighting and being praised by ponies and dragons?”

“Um... Yes...?”

“No!” Luna barked, causing Twilight to jump.

"Okay, no!" Twilight stammered, as Luna sighed and put her hand to her forehead.

“Celestia saw greatness in you, Twilight," Luna insisted. "Against my better judgement... More than you can see in yourself. Incredible power awaits you. Power beyond anything you can imagine.”

Luna placed her hands close to each other and formed a stance. As her hands glowed a dim yellow, she directed them towards a dying plant. Twilight's eyes widened as the plant slowly rose back into life.

Twilight ran to the plant, peering at the petals. “Whoa! What was that?” Twilight asked looking back to Luna. “I thought you lost the ability to use magic?”

“That wasn't magic," Luna replied, putting her hands behind her body. "That... was chi.”

“Chi?" Twilight brushed her chin, trying to remember where she had read that. "I think I’ve read about that somewhere in my brothers library.” After a moment of thought, it clicked. “Oh yeah! Master Amore was able to use Chi to heal others, but it never really explained what Chi was.”

“Chi is the energy that flows through all living things,” Luna explained to the unicorn.

“So what you're saying is..." Twilight whispered with a gasp. "If I teach, I'll be able to do cool stuff like that?”

Luna smiled and nudged Twilight back from her. "No," she replied. "I'm saying that if you teach, 'I'll' be able to do cool stuff like that.”

Twilight deflated with disappointment. "Oh."

“Mastery of chi requires mastery of self.” Luna continued to explain. “Celestia sat alone in a cave for hundreds of years asking one question: Who am I? Who am I? I'd be lucky if I get five minutes before someone interrupts.”

“So... I have to sit alone in a cave for years?” Twilight asked

“Eventually,” Luna confirmed. “After you master teaching.”

“Teaching?" Twilight sighed. "But there's no way I'm ever gonna be like you.”

“I'm not asking you to turn into me, Twilight.” Luna said, plucking the plant from the ground and putting it in the unicorn's hair. “I'm asking that you turn you... into you.”

“Turn me... into me?" Twilight looked away, brushing at the plant in her hair. "Wait a second, that makes no...“ Twilight started to say, only to find Luna already descending the stairs. Twilight rolled her eyes. “Almost there, Master Luna! Just a little more confusing and you'll be the next Celestia!”

Luna chuckled, while Twilight glanced at Celestia's statue with worry.

“Oh, ah, sorry. No offense, Master Celestia. I just…” Twilight lets out a sigh. “I'll let you get back to your eternal peace.” Twilight said bowing to the statue before going to her room in the dorm.

As Twilight left, a green aurora glowed in the sky behind Celestia's statue.

Miles away on a farm, a Pony and a female Griffin were tending the earth, when a green explosion knocked them off their feet. The two farmers glanced at each other, before walking closer to the dissipated explosion.

In a massive crater, the farmers gasped in shock as Tirek rose from the dirt.

"Uh, nope," the pony said. "Nope-nope-nope, not getting involved in that."

Unfortunately, Tirek had other plans, and cut their escape off with a toss of his blades.

"I guess we are getting involved in this," the griffon whimpered as Tirek towered over them. "Who cares what we think after all?" She tried to chuckle, but eggs of extreme fear shredded her pants and piled between her legs.

“What is this place?” Tirek asked the farmers.

"Uh, my... brother's farm," the pony whimpered.

“Ah. And if I stepped on you, would you die?” Tirek asked stepping closer to the trembling pair.

"Yes," the griffon whimpered, now almost able to sit on the pile of eggs she was laying.

“The Mortal Realm.” Tirek mused as he lifted Celestia’s jade pendant. “You hear that, Celestia? I'm back.” The Satyr let the jade pendant fall back to his belt before turning his head to the sky. “Tirek has RETURNED!”

Both the pony and the griffin look at each other in confusion before looking back to the Satyr. “Who?” they both said in unison.

Tirek stared down at them in confusion. "T-Tirek," he insisted. "You know, General Tirek? Supreme warlord of all Equestria?"

The farmers glanced at each other. "I-I don't know," the griffon mumbled.

"Um..." Tirek mumbled. "Oh, wait! The Jade Slayer!"

They shrugged.

"Master of pain?" Tirek asked. "The Beast of Vengeance? Maker of Widows?"

Title after title he offered, and each one was answered with only confusion from the farmers. Tirek glanced at his pendants.

"Uh... I used to work with Celestia?" he offered.

"Oh, Master Celestia!" the griffon gasped in recognition. "I know her; she was a great warrior.”

“Yeah, We've heard of Master Celestia…” the pony agreed. "Wise and..."

"ENOUGH!" Tirek boomed, sending the two running with cries of terror.

As Tirek grumbled in annoyance, he pulled six pendants from his belt. Turning the jewels in his hand, Tirek tossed the jade pendants onto the ground. The pendants glowed and expanded, materialized into six familiar beings, coated in jade.

“Find Celestia's students and bring them to me," Tirek commanded, causing the jade figures to split off into multiple directions. Watching them leave, he turned back to his pendant of Celestia. “By the time I am done with them, Celestia, there will be no one left who will even remember your name.” Tirek laughed maniacally, turning his head back to the heavens and the green aurora glimmering in the sky. "TIREK IS COMING!"

Long Lost Brother

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The following morning, Twilight walked into the Jade Dragon and found it void of any living creatures. The sounds of a knife against a cutting board and the sound of a hammer against gemstones sounded. The smell of cooking filled the air. Twilight smiled.

“Somepony’s making his favorite Gem stroganoff” Twilight noted.

Twilight made her way upstairs before entering her old room and finding it covered with a small amount of dust.

“Dear Faust.” Twilight coughed out, using her magic to conjure up several feather dusters and a small brush.

The dusters went to work on her room clearing away the dust on her bed, dressers and countless bookshelves. Meanwhile, Twilight went to personal work on clearing the dust on her figurines.

“Okay, what's wrong?” Spike said.

Twilight yelped, nearly dropping her figure of Master Rockhoof. Spike was standing in the doorway, and he looked concerned.

“Oh, hey, Spike, what's up?” Twilight said, resuming her cleaning.

“You’re cleaning rather heavily," Spike replied, pushing aside a feather duster as it tried to clean his scales. "Like, cleaning away dust on your dolls with a paint brush. That usually means something is bothering you."

“Oh, Spike," Twilight sighed, setting down Master Rock Hoof and picking up Master Spitfire. "They aren't dolls, they’re collectable figurines. And using a paint brush makes it easier to get every speck of..."

She paused, as Spike merely quirked an eyebrow and crossed his arms. Twilight sighed, putting down Spitfire.

“You are an evil brother, you know that?"

Spike shrugged and smiled. "It got you to stop, didn't it?"

“You know, you have no room to take about Action figures” Twilight replied.

"Okay," he shrugged, "So, you gonna tell me what's wrong?"

Twilight sat down on her bed. “Luna says I don't know what it means to be the Celestial Warrior... right after she said that she wants me to be a teacher?” Twilight chuckled darkly. “And I honestly thought I finally figured out who I was. If I'm not the Celestial Warrior, then who am I?”

Spike scratched his chin, thinking. Before he could speak, the bell to the front door rang. A customer.

"Hang on," Spike said, running downstairs with Twilight in pursuit. "Welcome to the Jade Dragon," Spike greeted. "Home to every book within the dragon's hoard?”

Standing in front of one of the bookshelves was a stallion wearing a wide rice hat as he read a book on Kung-Fu Masters. At first, he didn't seem to notice Spike or Twilight.

“My baby sister... She’s a Kung-Fu master?” the stallion whispered, reading through the book before looking around. “Maybe this library will give me something on where she is.”

Spike and Twilight exchanged a look, before Spike approached the stallion.

“Sir, can I help you?” Spike asked, causing the stallion to jump.

"Oh, yes. I think so," he replied, removing his hat and revealing a long blue mane around a horn. “I’m looking for my sister. And I think your books could give me a general idea on where she... is.”

The unicorn and Twilight had locked eyes. And Twilight felt a memory stirring. She had seen this unicorn before. From her memories of the past. When she had lost her family to Sombra.

"How so?" Spike asked, knocking Twilight and the stallion out of their stare.

"Well..." the stallion stammered, glancing at Twilight again. "I... received a message. Said my sister was alive. But... it never specified where she was." He put the book back on its shelf. "It did say she was a Kung-Fu Master, so I've been traveling from school to school to see if I could find her."

“Well, we do have every book on every master in all Equestria," Spike replied. "Even the ones who are six feet under,” he added with a laugh.

“I noticed” the stallion said, pulling a book about the Six Pillars from the shelf. “There aren’t that many places that hold information about Starswirl’s Six Pillars or even Spitfire’s Wonderbolts.”

“What’s your mothers name?” Twilight asked, drawing closer.

The stallion paused, again seemingly preturbed by the mare. "Um... Twilight Velvet," he replied cautiously.

"From Twilight Village," Twilight asked, as her magic sneaked her smartypants doll from the desk, carrying it to her hands as they rested behind her back.

"I... am," he admitted, gazing at her in shock. "How...?"

Hesitantly, she held out the doll. The stallion gasped as he took the doll from her. "This... I made this for my sister! Where did you...?"

"I found it," Twilight whispered, unable to tear her eyes away from him. "In the ruins of the place I was born." She clutched her arms to her chest. "My mother was Twilight Velvet."

For a moment, silence reigned. The stallion and Twilight appeared lost in each other's eyes. Spike backed up a bit, already sensing the building tension.

Suddenly, the stallion dropped the doll... and scooped Twilight up into a hug.

“You’re Alive!” he cried, burying his head into Twilight’s shoulder. “I can't believe you're alive Tally!”

“Uh, Twilight,” the Celestial Warrior gagged, causing the unicorn to pull away from his long lost sister.

“Right... I guess you wouldn’t know your birth name,” the stallion admitted sheepishly. He used his magic to pick up the doll. “You were... so young... when it happened..."

His head lowered, as did Twilight's.

"Yeah," she admitted. "I was young. So... I know your face, but..." She gazed up at him with sincere regret. "But I don't know you're name."

Her brother smiled. "My name's Shining Armor," he replied.

Twilight returned his grin. "Well... Spike named me Twilight Sparkle," she replied, before blinking. She turned to the dragon, who was still watching the whole thing with the air of someone that had walked into something he shouldn't be a part of. "Oh! Shining, this is my... well, this is my brother. Spike."

Shining and Spike stared at each other, both unsure what to say. On the one hand, Spike was happy that Twilight was reunited with her brother. But, on the other... what did this mean for them?

"I... thank you," Shining said, bowing to the dragon. "Thank you so much for taking care of my sister."

"Y-Yeah," Spike mumbled. "Sure." She looked back at Twilight. "But... I don't understand. Twilight said she was the only survivor."

Shining chuckled. "No," he admitted. "No, there's way more. We made a sanctuary for ourselves." He chuckled again. "Well, ourselves and any wayward souls."

Twilight clasped her hands together. "Is mother there?" she asked.

Shining’s expression became pained. He looked to the ground again. All he could muster was a sad shake of his head.

As Twilight's own expression grew pained, Spike gazed at them both before quickly interjecting, "S-So... where have you all been?"

The pain cleared from Shining's face. "R-Right," he admitted. "Uh..." He glanced from Spike to Twilight, before leaning in close to whisper in Twilight's ear. "A secret village hidden in the mountains."

Spike's eyes narrowed in surprise, but Twilight didn't seem to notice.

“And... how did you know I was alive?” Twilight asked.

“I received a message," Shining reminded her. "That told me you were alive."

Spike scratched his head. "But... how could you recieve a message if no one can find you?"

"It was a message," Shining said dramatically. "From the universe!" He made a sweeping motion with his hands as he spoke.

Spike raised an eyebrow. "Universe?" he muttered. "Come on..."

Despite his suspicion, Twilight pulled Shining from the library.

"Come on," she insisted. "I gotta show you where I've been all this time."

Twilight wheezed, reaching the top of the stairs, yet Shining walked up easily.

“I hate these stairs,” Twilight gasped.

“Mother had the same problem,” Shining said with a nostalgic smile. “She could run for miles but got very winded going up a small set of stairs.”

“Really...?” Twilight said, catching her breath. “Well, Shining, I promise, you're gonna love this. It's like the coolest thing ever.” She pushed open the door to the palace. “Behold! The Hall of Heroes. Home of the most priceless Kung-Fu artifacts in all of Equestria!

“Whoa! This place is…” Shining said in awe

“Awesome? Were you gonna say— You were gonna say awesome, right? Because it totally is!” Twilight said rather fast going full fangirl over the artifacts

“Totally!” Shining agreed, admiring the artifacts as he and his sister walk around the hallway

"Oh, but be super careful," Twilight asked. "Everything is very fragile here. Like the Urn of Chaotic Evil. Someone almost broke that... once.” Twilight glanced away as she remembered her first day at the palace.

Shining grinned mischeviously. "Who?" he teased.

"Some fan," she said evasively.

Shining chuckled again, before he noticed a set of red armor. "Whoa," he whispered, walking up to it. Eagerly, Twilight followed after him.

"Yeah," she agreed. "Master Bright Mac's Flying Rhino battle armor." She squeaked and pulled him over to another weapon. "And this is Master Rockhoof's crossbow; the Infinite Gate Smasher.” Twilight then moved onto the next relic “Master Nova's waterproof Seaquestria armor." She squeaked and pulled him over to another. "And this is my favorite. Check it out. It's the legendary battle rickshaw of Empress Umbra! A master who fell into the Darkness but fought for the side of the light!”

However, in all her excitement, Twilight didn't notice Shining return to Bright Mac's armor. At least, until she noticed him reach for the armor.

"Oh, Shining!" she protested. "We aren't supposed to..."

But before she could stop him, Shining pulled on a white cord.

After pulling the string, the armor activated, conjuring up a spiked neck brace, metal wings, and a red flag on top of the helmet.

https://youtu.be/yxqPL3Ckzz4

Twilight gasps out in utter excitement. “Oh my faust.” Twilight squealed in excitement. “I read his armor could do that but seeing it in person….”

“I’m positive mother told you," A voice noted, causing Shining and Twilight to jump. "Touching the relic and artifacts is forbidden."

The siblings spun as Tai Lung walked in. Even worse, Luna Solaris was right behind him.

“I did,” Luna said, narrowing her eyes at Twilight.

"Uh... but I... you see..." Twilight stammered, shrinking down causing Twilight to shrink back.

Thankfully, Luna's face shifted to a grin, and she and Tai burst out laughing.

“Wait, what’s so..." Twilight got it as Luna's eyes flashed green. Twilight growled. "Urtica! That's not funny!"

Her anger only made the two laugh harder... until another figure walked up behind them and put her hands on their shoulders. Tai and Urtica went silent.

“Something funny... Master Luna” Luna asked, before Urtica turned back to normal.

"Sorry, Master Luna," Urtica whimpered with a bow.

Shining gasped. "A changeling?"

Twilight winced. "Wait, Shining, it's not..." she started to say, before noticing her brother was... grinning?

At the same time, Urtica's nose twitched. She sniffed the air around Shining. “Twilight, why does your brother smell like a changeling?” Urtica asked.

At that moment, the Furious five entered the hall.

“BROTHER?!” all five yelped in unison.

“Girls!” Twilight said as the Furious surrounded the unicorn.

However, before they could ask any questions, Shining teleported over to Urtica and poked at a spot near her horn. She squeaked and jumped back, but the stallion chuckled.

"He wasn't joking," he mused. "You do squeak every time you're touched there." He laughed before Tai Lung got between them.

"Listen here..." he started to growl, before Urtica pushed him back.

"Tai, wait," she insisted, before scrutinizing the unicorn. "Who told you about that?"

"Thorax," Shining said. "I believe he's a mutual friend of ours... Princess Urtica." He gave a slight bow.

"Thorax?" Tai whispered, his fur standing on end. Before they could ask any questions, however, the bell began to ring.

Rainbow Dash turned. "An attack on the village," she growled.

“An attack on the village?!” Twilight eagerly grabbed her brother. “You’ve got to see how me and the girls fight!”

Eagerly, the group raced from the palace, Luna and Shining Armor giving chase.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash took the lead, and it didn't take them long to find the problem. Travelling across the rooftops were a strange group of creatures, made out of what looked like solid green gems. Bright, beady eyes turned like spotlights, analyzing the fleeing citizens.

“What in Celestia’s name are those?” Rainbow muttered.

“I don’t know,'' Fluttershy said. Her ears flicked, and her bandaged eyes widened. “They... I can't hear their heartbeats."

In their moment of pondering, the creature's eyes landed on them. And instantly, the creatures attacked. The masters met them in combat, battling across the rooftops. Yet, as Luna got into a grapple with one of the gem creatures, she gasped in recognition.

"Master Starswirl," she declared.

In her moment of shock, the Starswirl lookalike kicked out of her grapple, and drove her back. Luckily, Twilight was there to aid her.

“Enemies of justice! Prepare…!” Twilight paused, seeing a pair of Twins among the gem creatures. “Wha... Are you kidding me?"

In her moment of distraction, Twilight’s foot slipped on a tile. She fell off the roof with a yelp, and hit the ground with an "Oompf!"

For a moment, everyone - master and gem creature alike - paused, staring at Twilight as she pulled herself up.

"I'm okay," she assured them.

Sated, both parties returned to fighting each other. Twilight and Tai Lung took on the twins, yet Twilight's brow remained furrowed in confusion.

“What's the deal with these creatures?” Twilight pondered.

Tai caught one of the twins in a headlock, throwing it to Rainbow and Urtica. However, the pegasus and changelings' double kick only hurt them more, as their barks of pain implied.

"Whatever they are, they're tough," Urtica replied, shaking her foot before launching after Tai, whom the green creature had freed himself from with a headbutt.

It's like I'm punching solid jade," Rainbow agreed, dodging a jade staff from the other twin.

"And they look like long dead masters," Twilight pondered, as she blocked and dodged, luring the jade creature over to Pinkie, who shot it with her cannon.

"Jade zombies, maybe?" Pinke offered, before gasping in delight. "No... JOMBIES!"

“Pinkie!” Luna shouted, but her warning came too late, as the Pink Master was hit on the top of the head by one of the twins staffs.

“Tally, be careful!” Shining called out.

“It's okay, Shining," She tried to assure the unicorn. "I do this every da-AAAAAHHH!!”

Despite her reassurance, a large jombie managed to grab her and suplex her into the roof. Bursting out from the roof, Twilight peered at the twins as they batted Pinkie back and forth.

"Wait," Twilight muttered. "Dead masters..." She gasped. "I recognize them!" She pointed at the twins. "The Master Blossom Twins, Aloe and Lotus... with their crushing double gong technique!”

A technique they promptly used on Twilight, smashing her deeper into the roof.

"Yeah," Twilight mumbled. "That's the one."

She pulled herself up again, turning to Luna's foe.

"And that's Master Starswirl..." Twilight muttered, before dodging a beam of magic from the old sorcerer.

"But Master Starswirl died hundreds of years ago," Rarity protested, as she came up alongside Twilight. "He was killed in the first battle against Nightmare Moon!"

Luna winced at the memory. "Regrettably," she added with sorrow.

Applejack was thrown into Urtica and Pinkie, nearly knocking them off the roof. "And we got Master Rock Hoof," she added, pointing at her opponent as he charged after her. "The world's strongest master."

“These guys are legends!” Twilight stammered, unable to stop herself from fangirling... even as Starswirl blasted her with a spell that formed a tendril that began choking her. "I'm being choked by Master Starswirl," she gagged. "This is too cool!"

“Twilight. Focus” Urtica barked, moving to kick Starswirl, only to get caught and knocked off course by Aloe.

As Twilight struggled with Starswirl, she was thrown into the Jade Dragon. As Spike jumped up, seeing his adopted sister getting strangled triggered his dragon instincts.

"Hey!" he barked, blasting Starswirl with flames. The jombie jumped back, pawing the ground with a feral growl.

“Get away from my sister!” Spike barked, blasting the jade zombie out the window with another fireball.

“Thanks Spike,” Twilight coughed, rubbing her throat before jumping down to help the others.

Upon landing Twilight’s collar was grabbed as well as her tail. Fear gripped Twilight, thinking it was one of the Jade Zombies. Thankfully, she quickly saw it was Pinkie.

"Minigun technique," Pinkie whispered. And Twilight understood.

Flaring her magic, she let Pinkie use her as a minigun, peppering the jombies with a barrage of magic bullets. As the jombies were knocked off the roof, the masters took advantage, pinning down Starswirl and the Blossom twins. And though Rock hoof at first managed to knock aside the masters trying to pin him, Urtica pulled away, and her horn glowed.

‘Brothers and Sisters! Your queen calls upon you!’

Within minutes Changelings swarmed the area and buried the strongest master. Even then, he poked his head above the horde, straining with all his might.

Urtica merely smiled as a Shadow loomed over the Jade Master. “Oh, Little Sister, would you and Roar care to join us?”

The small Changeling and the hulking yak jumped down and smashed the jade zombie into the earth. No matter how much the earth pony master struggled, he was no match for their strength after that.

“Squeeze him Roar” Tak said in bliss. “Squeeze him like a...”

Without warning Tak was blasted from Roar’s back by Starswirl. Before he could get anyone else, however, Tai caught the unicorn's horn, rendering it useless.

Yet, even as the battle wound down, the jombies still had more surprises in store. Their eyes began to glow, as an eerie laugh echoed from them all.

“I see you,” the voice said with glee. “Your chi will soon be mine.”

“Is he... talking to me?” Twilight asked, staring down at the jade zombies with confusion.

“Which one?” Rainbow asked. “They're all talking.”

“That's creepy.” Pinkine said before she brightened. “We should try that, too. Maybe it'd be scary back at them. Let's try it!"

“Okay, but we gotta plan what we're gonna say first.” Rainbow pointed out. “Otherwise, it won't be scary, it'll be just stupid.”

“It's not them talking, you idiots!” The voice bellowed through the masters. “It is I: Tirek.”

The masters glanced at each other. "Who?" they asked in unison.

"Yes!" Pinkie whispered in glee.

Though it wasn't a terrfied whimper that came from the Satyr. Only an irritated growl.

“Okay, That’s it. I’ve had enough.” Tirek growled.

With those words, the jade zombies glowed, and turned back into jade pendants. The masters were only able to look on in confusion as the pendants launched into the air and flew out of sight. Twilight, Luna, Tai Lung, Urtica and the Five looked around in confusion.

“Did you see that? Did you see—?” Pinkie said only for Applejack to cover her mouth.

“So... um... What just happened?” Fluttershy asked.

Humming, Applejack pulled her hand away from Pinkie's mouth.

“The green smoke just poof... and then poof!” Pinkie chattered, before looking at her master. “Master Luna, what was that?

“Tirek?” Luna said, putting a hand to her chin. “Tirek? Tirek?” Luna looked like she was about to answer before walking away. “I have no idea who that is.”

The Secret Village of Twilight

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The masters and changelings watched as Luna looked through all the scrolls in the Jade Palace library. One by one, she would pick one up, read, and then toss it away, with growing frustration. Twilight tried her best to catch the scrolls and sort them back where they belonged, but her movements were dispassionate, and she was more focused on Luna's search.

“Tirek... Tirek! Where is it? There's so much wisdom in here, yet I can't find anything!” Luna grumbled before looking upward. “Seriously Tia? You couldn’t find a simple way of organizing your scrolls?"

“Pony Master need relax!” Tak shouted. Roar grunted in agreement.

Luna growled at the small changelings retort before she found a jade encased scroll. “Yes!” Luna called out, gliding down to the others. “Behold! All the answers shall be found within!”

"Wait for it..." Rainbow Dash said, her eyes narrowed and her mind wise to Celestia's tricks.

Indeed, when Luna opened the scroll... there was nothing written within.

"Seriously, Tia?!" Luna boomed. "Another blank scroll?!"

Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack slammed their palms against their foreheads.

Luna nearly threw the scroll in frustration, before she noticed a spot of writing in the far corner. “No wait..” Luna said, unrolling the scroll further. “Oh okay, here we go."

The others crowded behind Luna, trying to read Celestia's carefully written text.

Long ago, I had a brother.

“You guys had a brother?” Pinkie asked, her party cannon halfway out of her hair before Luna stopped her.

“We most certainly did not!” Luna said before unrolling the scroll further. “Oh, 'in arms.' In arms. Sorry, she says, Brother in arms.”

“Can’t you just unroll it all at once?” Applejack asked. Luna rolled her eyes, and continued to read.

I was an ambitious young warrior back then......leading a great army. And fighting by my side was Tirek; my closest friend. One day, we were ambushed. I was badly wounded. My friend carried me for days... looking for help. Until we came to a secret village, high in the mountains. An ancient place of healing. A Place where my sun touched last. The village of Twilight.

“Twilight Village?” Twilight uttered, glancing at Shining Armor, who nodded in awe.

Yes, Twilight Village. The ponies living there used the power of chi to heal me. They taught me how to give chi. But Tirek wanted the power all to himself. He saw that what could be given could also be taken. I had to stop him. Our battle shook the Earth. Until, finally, I banished Tirek to the spirit realm. Should he ever return to the mortal realm, he can only be stopped......by a true master of chi.

“True master of chi...?” Twilight muttered, before looking to Luna. "Like you... right?"

“Me?” Luna blinked, utterly surprised. “I can barely make a flower bloom! I'd need at least a hundred more years….and a cave!”

“We need a chee master now, though,” Pinkie said before tilting her head. “What is Chee anyway? Is it like Cheese?"

"It's more than cheese, Master Pie," Luna said gravely. "It is the life blood of the universe. And Tirek will no doubt continue to steal it until he has consumed it all."

“Cheese and crackers!" Pinkie gasped. "And I thought I was a glutton!"

As the others discussed the difference between cheese and chi, Twilight snuck off from Luna and the others, taking another look at the scroll. Her eyes were drawn to the ancient unicorns that could teach chi. One of the unicorns... he looked so much like her father.

She glanced at Shining. And my brother, she couldn't help but think.

“We have to find a way to stop him.” Pinkie said to the others. "From consuming all the chi and the cheese!"

"But what if he's too strong?" Fluttershy wondered before shuddering. "What if he's already got the chi of someone like Discord?"

"Whatever he's got," Rainbow Dash growled. "We have to fight."

"I may have a way to help," Shining noted, catching his sister's attention. "That's our village. That means I can teach you."

Twilight's eyes shined with hope. "You can do this?"

Shining smirked. "I mean, I was raised in Twilight Village, right?" he noted.

“That must be why the universe sent you here!” Twilight exclaimed in glee. “Perfect! Okay, so what do I have to do?”

“First, you’ll have to come home with me.” Shining said.

“What?” Spike yelped.

“To the secret village?” Twilight asked

“Yes. You must rediscover your roots, little sis.” Shining said, placing a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Only then can you learn how to master Chi.”

Spike pulled Twilight away. “Twilight, Are you sure about this?” he asked nervously. “For all we know he could be another hostile changeling." His eyes narrowed. "Remember what happened with Queen Arachne?”

Twilight smiled, resting her hands on her adopted brother's shoulders. "Spike. I understand your concern." She looked up at her brother with familiarity. "But trust me on this. He's no changeling."

"Plus, I believe Twilight should go as well," Luna agreed, reclaiming the scroll from the unicorn.

“Spike, you heard what Luna said Celestia said.” Twilight said before he could protest. “This guy can only be stopped by a master of chi, and I can only master chi by knowing who I really am.”

Reluctantly Spike lowered his head in understanding. "I'll pack your lunch for the road," he mumbled, heading to the door. "As well as a few books.”

A few hours later, Twilight and Shining trekked towards the village borders. Twilight paused, noticing a pack at the entrance to the Jade Dragon, though it lacked a certain dragon. Before Twilight could try to call out to him, another voice spoke over her.

"Twilight, wait!"

Shining and Twilight spun to find Urtica coming to a stop before them.

“Urtica?” Twilight asked.

“Take me with you” Urtica asked, gazing up at the white unicorn. "You know Thorax. I need to see him!"

Shining nodded. "Just know," he asked. "I want the location of our village to be shared with only a select few.”

"I’ve already talked this over with Tai Lung” Urtica said, turning her gaze towards the palace. The snow leopard was watching her, his eyes saddened, but understanding. "Twilight and I will be the only ones that know, and we'll take the secret to our graves." Urtica promised.

“Do you really think Twilight can master cheese in time?” Pinkie Pie asked in concern.

"Chi, Pinkie," Applejack chastised.

“It does not matter," Luna responded with a smile. "It only matters what the universe thinks.”

Pinkie followed Luna's gaze to the stars before sighing. "Well, that's a no," she decided.

Applejack gave Pinkie a dope slap to the back of the head, while Luna just sighed.

“Sorry” Pinkie apologized.

“Master Luna," Fluttershy ventured timidly. "What should we do?”

Luna hummed, turning to Fluttershy and causing the yellow pegasus to shrink down.

“You are going to find out where Tirek is.” Luna instructed. “Follow the trail of those jade creatures, but do not engage. For every foe he faces, Tirek becomes stronger.”

“Why me?” Fluttershy asked in slight fear. “Is it because I asked?”

“No, it is because your hearing is far superior to the others.” Luna responded before pointing off in the distance “Now go!”

Despite Luna's words, Applejack couldn’t help but snicker. “Should've kept your snout shut, Sugarcube,” she giggled.

Fluttershy frowned, but before she could speak...

“And take Applejack with you,” Luna added.

"Wha?" Applejack stammered. "Is it cuz I..."

“Yes.”

"Aw, apple fudge," Applejack groaned. Fluttershy kept her snicker hidden, and together, the pegasus and the earth pony raced after the jade creatures. Luna watched them go before turning to her son, who's eyes had not left his mate.

“Worry not, my son,” Luna said, placing a hand on the leopard's shoulder. “She can more than take care of herself.”

“Yes, Brother King” Tak shouted. Roar nearly knocked him to the ground with a pat on the back. “Sister Queen strong. She return home”

“You’re right,” Tai Lung said with a smile. “But part of me wanted to meet her brother.”

A few days later, Urtica, Twilight and Shining sat on a mountainside, eating soup for lunch. Ponyville behind them, and the hidden village not far away.

“So..." Shining asked with a raised eyebrow. "The Changeling Queen wed a snow leopard?” He stirred the soup pot with an intrigued look. “That’s got to be an interesting story.”

“Well... Tai Lung,” Urtica began, a green blush growing on her cheeks. “He’s the son of Master Luna Solaris,” She smiled nostalgically. “He saved me from a pony who was going to kill me. I accompanied him, and we’ve been together ever since”

“Love at first sight,” Shining mused with a chuckle. "She's gonna love that..."

"She?" Twilight asked.

"You'll see when we get there," he promised, handing out bowls of soup. "What about you, Twily? Anypony special in your life?”

“Well...” Twilight thought, her own glow forming on her cheeks. “I wouldn’t exactly call her somepony 'special.' But she has a certain... charm about her.”

Urtica’s horn glowed as her smile widened. Closing her eyes, an emerald flame engulfed her, and the changeling used her abilities to turn into Rainbow Dash.

“Seems like somepony has a little crush,” Urtica noted.

“Urtica!!” Twilight yelpled, nearly spilling her soup as her entire face went bright red.

Shining chuckled at the pair. “It doesn’t matter who you like, Twilight,” Shining assured his sister. “So long as they make you happy.”

After lunch, the three continued their journey, traversing through dangerous parts of many mountains. Finally, they stopped at an ice wall.

“Here we are,” Shining said with a smile

However Urtica frowned slightly. Her horn glowed as did her eyes. She unfurled her wings, but they shriveled in the wind. “How do you expect us to get up there? There’s a anti-magic barrier near the top and my wings work in this cold.”

“A changeling’s bug-like wings are extremely fragile in cold environments,” Twilight agreed.

“No need to worry,” Shining said. "We're expected." Grinning, he put his fingers to his lips and letting out a loud whistle.

Without warning the snow covered ground lifted the trio like an elevator. In fact, it was an elevator; a wooden platform being raised by a series of ropes. When the three reach the top, only a snowy fog awaited them. Leaving the platform they continue to walk up the mountain.

“This is the secret village of Twilight?” Urtica asked with a look of concern. “No wonder you keep it a secret. If I lived here, I wouldn't tell anyone either.”

“Urtica!” Twilight whispered, elbowing the changeling.

“Looks can be deceiving,” Shining replied, placing his foot at the base of a set of stairs.

“Please tell me I can just teleport to the top,” Twilight pleaded, but Shining just laughed.

“And ruin the appeal?” Shining asked.

With a groan, Twilight followed Shining and Urtica up the staircase. Once again, though, it didn't take long for her to get winded.

“Dear Faust," Shining resisted laughing. "It’s like being with mom again.”

“Shut up!” Twilight whined before the fog cleared... and her eyes widened.

A sunlit village full of trees awaited them. People walked to and fro between elaborate houses. Twilight gazed in awe; not just at the unicorns, but the multi-colored creatures that walked alongside them like neighbors or friends. Some looked like adults while others were younger. Twilight noticed that each of the non-unicorns had curved horns and colorful wings. She also took notice that some had different colored eyes.

“Welcome home, Twilight,” Shining declared, before they heard a scream.

All three looked up just in time to see a blur of green and black slam into the ground. One of the creatures rose up before them, holding a green dragon in a choke hold.

“Spike?” Twilight stammered before realizing his face was turning blue. “Spike!" She turned her horn on the one strangling him. "Let him go!”

"Pharynx!" Shining barked, causing the creature to let the dragon go. Spike coughed, accepting Twilight's hand up.

“Thanks Twi," he gasped.

“Spike, what are you doing here?” Twilight asked, tending to his neck.

“Sorry Twilight” Spike apologized before looking towards Shining. “But I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m sorry Spike, but this is suppose to be a secretvillage!” Shining said sternly. "You can’t be here!"

“Trust me, I can keep a secret,” Spike said, dusting off his clothes. “I raised Twilight as my sister for almost twenty years before I finally told her she was adopted.”

Shining raised his eyebrows, staring at Twilight. "Seriously?"

“Yeah, though I kinda knew about it for…” Twilight said, waving a hand between her and her adoptive brother. “...Obvious reasons.”

Silence reigned between everyone before Shining sighed in defeat. “Very well. I mean you’re already here so... might as well let you stay.”

“Sorry about that Drake” The creature - Pharynx - said. “I’m responsible for taking out any outsiders.”

“Your brother said to capture,” Shining noted irritably.

“I was only going to choke him until he passed out!” Pharynx protested, before sniffing the air. “Spicy mustard and sweet custard…” the creature gasped, and immediately ran off into the village.

“What was that about?” Urtica asked, turning her gaze towards the now smiling unicorn. “Shining Armor?”

“Just wait,” Shining said, unable to hide his giddy excitement.

Within minutes, the dark creature was bringing back another one of the colorful creatures. Instead of dark green this one was a lighter shade of green and had a large pair of orange horns and a pair of purple eyes. He wore black skin tight gloves, a dark green long sleeve tunic with lighter green over his chest, three diamonds lay over his chest one being bigger than the others, four more smaller diamonds adorn his collar, and a pair of black pants cover his lower body, a pair of green hair clips were attached to strands of hair on both sides.

“Urtica?” the creature said with a widening smile. “Please tell me it’s really you.”

“Who..Who are you” Urtica stammered, not knowing the creature in front of her.

The creature in front of the Changeling Queen merely smiled as he spoke. “My Darling dear your brother’s here,” the creature sang. Utrica’s eyes to grow wide. “My love protects you there’s no need to fear, I’m so sorry it all went wrong let me sing you a little song.”

“T... Thorax?” Urtica whispered, almost breaking down into tears

“Hello, little sister” Pharynx said, joining the two changelings. His attire was similar to Thorax’s only the diamonds were round and his clothes were a maroon and light blue. Red clips adorned his hair in the same manner of Thorax’s. “It has been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“P-Pharynx?” Urtica said, embracing both of them with tears pouring from her eyes. “Brothers! I’ve missed you both so much!”

Spike and the two unicorns glanced at each other, before they left the siblings to have their reunion. Pulling herself from her older brothers, Uritca couldn’t help but gaze at how much her brothers had changed.

“What happened to you two?” Urtica asked, staring at their colors. “Changelings aren’t this... colorful.”

"We've been reformed," Thorax said to Urtica. "Instead of taking love, we give it freely."

"How?" Urtica asked. "How were you able to do that?"

“Well...” A voice called up behind the trio. “I may have had a hand in that.”

Looking past her brothers, Urtica was met with the sight of another changeling. This one had a predominantly bright pink shell, with shades of blue and yellow. Bright blue eyes sparkled with both mischief and kindness, and sunlight golden wings caught the light as she glided over to them. She wore a sleeveless bright pink and red two piece robes that exposed her stomach, while also allowing her to show off her legs.

“Urtica, this is Antenna,” Thorax said, pushing his sister towards her. “The Queen of the Nearctica hive,” Thorax than stepped next to Antenna, who entwined an arm around his shoulder before curtsying to Urtica, offering her hand.

"A pleasure to meet you," Antenna greeted.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Urtica said, shaking the queen's hand. "I'm Urtica..." She paused, noticing a ring on Antenna's hand. Urtica then noticed one of Thrax’s hand as well.

“She’s also my mate,” Thorax said before taking Urtica’s hand in his. “Is that the ring father gave mother?”

With a sheepish blush on her face, Urtica smiled. “I... also married my mate,” Urtica said, images of Tai filling her head. “Mother performed the vows herself.”

“Our mother?” Pharynx asked in disbelief. “Queen Chrysalis; our mother?”

Antenna clapped her hands in glee. "Oh, I knew it," she said happily. "Love truly does conquer all!"

“It was her final act as queen of the hive,” Urtica said with a sad tone in her voice. “Before she died.”

Antenna's happiness faded. She placed a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my dear... I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you,” Urtica said. Wiping her eyes, she turned her gaze to the other changelings. “There’s so many changelings here." She gazed at Antenna in intrigue. "How many are yours?”

Antenna smiled. “All of them,” Antenna said proudly. "I know I don't look it," she added with a chuckle before turning to Thorax. “Probably why one royal was all we needed.”

“You had a royal with my brother?” Urtica asked.

“We did,” Thorax said before motioning for one of the changelings to approach. “Would you like to meet her?”

“Her?” Urtica asked as Thorax and Antenna knelt down and picked up a light blue changeling with blue eyes, she had a light green sundress on with a pair of black shoes on.

“Sis..." Thorax said.

"Meet Ocellus” Antenna said, smiling happily at her daughter. "Ocellus..."

"Meet your Aunt Urtica," Thorax finished, as he and his queen exchanged grins.

The little changeling waved at Urtica.

Urtica found herself almost unable to speak as she saw a sparkle in her eyes. “She has father's eyes,” Urtica said before noticing a white spot on her palm. “And mother’s birthmark!”

“Thorax has said she helps him remember both of them,” Antenna said with a smile. She lifted an arm to Urtica. "Please, join us, my sister." A mischevious sparkle came into her eyes. "Tell us all about this mate of yours."

Twilight’s Family

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Leaving the changelings to their reunion, Twilight, Spike, and Shining Armor made their way deeper into the village before being spotted by other ponies.

“Shining?”

“Everyone, Shining is back.”

“He found his sister!”

The entire village converged excitedly upon the group.

"Everyone," Shining declared. "Everyone! This is my sister.”

“She's so beautiful," one pony noted. "Just like her mother.”

“Everypony please don’t crowd,” A voice called out. “They’ve had a long trip and I’m sure they are tired”

The crowd of excited ponies parted to let a pink alicorn through. Her vibrant light purple eyes shined with happiness, while her hair - stripped in colors of pale yellow, bright pink, and purple - flowed in the wind. The Alicorn wore a light purple kimono with images of flowers across it. In her arms was an alicorn filly with light opal eyes, and grayish violet hair with light arctic blue highlights.

Shining smiled as they approached. The alicorn stopped in front of Twilight before placing a hand against her cheek.

“You look so much like your mother,” the alicorn said warmly.

For some reason Twilight couldn’t help but find the pony in front of her familiar.

“Have… Have we met?”

“We haven’t,” the alicorn admitted, removing her hand from Twilight’s face. "But I've seen your mother in pictures."

Shining pat his sister's shoulder. "Twilight, this is Mi Amore Cadenza.”

Twilight's eyes widened. “Wait... I’ve heard that name before!” Dropping her bag, she pulled a book out and went through the pages. “Mi Amore Cadenza….The Wandering Fixer. Aka the Marriage Broker." She looked up at Cadence with awe. "You traveled across Equestria fixing and setting up countless marriages across the world." Her expression faltered as she set the book down. "But then you vanished without a trace.”

“That’s what they called me?” the alicorn mused. “Please call me Cadance.”

“But why did you vanish?” Twilight asked.

Cadance looked down at the filly in her arms. "Because with everypony I helped, there was a part of my that felt unfulfilled.”

“Unfulfilled?”

“Because I never had what I was giving them” Cadance said, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Love.”

"She came across our village about three years after... Sombra," Shining Armor looked down, shuddering at the memory. Cadence nuzzled his shoulder, and he gazed up at her in gratitude. "She was a huge help to us, and... I couldn't think of life without her."

"So... you guys got married?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, Twilight," Cadence replied happily, before indicating the foal in her arms. "And more."

Before Twilight could respond, the filly fussed, reaching for Twilight's back. Hesitantly, Twilight offered her bag to the filly. Almost instantly, the little one pulled out a familiar rainbow haired figurine.

“Rainbow baby...” the filly cooed, holding up the toy. "So pretty."

“P-Please be careful with that,” Twilight stammered.

“Flurry,” Cadance said gently.

“So pretty,” the filly - Flurry - said, gazing up at Twilight. "Keep?"

“No…” Twilight began, only to stop when she saw tears forming in the filly’s eye. “...problem. Of course. Yeah.” Twilight said reluctantly in defeat. “That's why I brought her. Take good care of her.”

“Yay, rainbow baby.” Flurry cheered, crawling off with the Master figurine.

“I’m sorry, Twilight,” Cadance apologized to her sister-in-law. "But thank you for letting her play with that."

“It’s fine,” Twilight said in defeat.

“”Wow,” Spike said, nudging his sister. “you’ve fought against Master Luna’s son, and even the stallion who attacked your home... and you finally lose to a filly.”

“Oh, be quiet, Spike,” Twilight snapped back before her eyes laid upon a pony Changeling carrying several books. “On a change of subject," Twilight noted curiously. "Do you guys happen to have a library here?”

“We sure do,” Shining replied with a smile. He led Twilight through the village to a building with a sign with a image of a book.

Inside, Twilight found a sight that brought joyous stars to her eyes. “So. Many. Books!”

Shining Armor watched her glee with a satisfied smile. “While I was more of a fighter like Dad was, I still hold a deep passion for the written word like Mom did”

With her magic, Twilight grabbed several books from the many shelves, immediately she began to read from several books at one before sitting at the nearest table. An action Spike was accustomed to, while Twilight had her nose in several books, some of the changelings took notice of Spike and approached him.

“What kind of pony are you?” one asked. “Where’s your fur?”

I'm not a Pony, I’m a dragon.” Spike answered.

Another changeling pointed at him. “What are those?”

“My scales.” The dragon answered

“What about those?”

“My claws.”

“What are these?” a changeling came from behind and grabbed Spikes leathery wings.

“My wings.”

“What's that?” the first changeling said pointing to something below spikes waist

“My jewels!” Spike said, snatching his sack of gemstones up.

“Children, please” Antenna chastised, walking into the library with her family. “Don’t pester the dragon.”

“Thank you ma’am,” Spike said, noticing the bright smile that would put Pinkie Pie’s to shame on Urtica’s face. “You certainly look happy”

“I am,” Urtica said with glee.

“Shining,” Antenna called, gaining the unicorn’s attention. “The children have prepared dinner."

“Understood,” Shining said before walking up to Twilight. "Twilight, it's dinner time."

But the unicorn didn't even hear him.

"Twily? Sis?"

No response.

"Hello~!"

Spike chuckled, and walked past Shining. “You’re new to Twilight’s habits so let me handle this,” Spike said walking to the closest bookshelf and pulling out a number of books

The Dragon returned to Twilight’s table, Spike placed the books neatly on the table before making sure they were all straight. Then, with a grin, Spike placed a single claw on the top book before turning to Shining Armor. “Watch and learn, Armor,” Spike said as he shifted the top book and stepped back.

Almost immediately Twilight began to fidget in her seat, repeated tapping of her foot became more evident was she turned to the stack of books. Setting down the opened books Twilight made her way to the stack and corrected the stack until they were all facing the same way. Twilight paused, turned and saw everyone looking at her.

“Oh… sorry." Twilight rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. “Guess I got into the books, Normally when that happens Spike usually….”

Twilight soon realized who set the books up and purposely messed with her OCD, Twilight couldn’t help but glare at the purple dragon with a look that could kill even the Tyrant King Sombra. Spike just grinned.

"You're welcome," he noted.

“Sleep light, dragon,” Twilight growled, though the ominous words were lessened by Shining Armor's laugh.

“Queen Antenna has prepared dinner,” Shining said.

“Okay, just let me grab a few books” Twilight said, doing so with her magic.

“Are you going to read while we eat?” Shining asked nervously.

“Oh, she’s a great multitasker,” Urtica explained to the unicorn. “She’s once made dinner, read ten books at the same time, and held several conversations with the masters of the Celestial Palace.”

“That’s… Impressive,” Cadance admitted as they all left for dinner.

Fluttershy soared across a vast wasteland with Applejack following close behind. The blind master’s ears flicked, picking up every little sound.

“Wings of Surveillance,” Fluttershy whispered, lowering herself down to the earth pony master.

“Why do you do that, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked in slight annoyance. “I can understand Rainbow doing that, but saying ‘Wings of’ before something ain't as amazing and awesome as she thinks it is.”

Fluttershy blushed. "It was Rainbow's idea to begin with," she admitted.

Applejack shook her head with a grin. "I dunno," she said. "It'd be like if I said 'Kick of Power' or 'Fist of...' I dunno, 'Making a sandwich."

"That could be kind of cool," Fluttershy assured her.

Sighing, Applejack walked in silence for a moment, Fluttershy gliding after her. However, as the trail extended on, the silence began to weigh on the two masters.

“Sugarcube,” Applejack said. “You mind if I ask you something personal?”

“What kind of personal?” Fluttershy asked.

“Why haven’t you asked Discord to fix your…" Applejack waved a hoof at Fluttershy's eyes. "Condition."

“Applejack, please don’t feel like you need to sugarcoat what happened,” Fluttershy said with a warm smile. Her face fell. “And no, I haven’t.”

“May I ask why?”

“Discord’s magic is… complicated," Fluttershy replied. "It effects reality itself, but he isn’t all powerful. He can only effect what’s already there.”

Applejack blinked. “I don’t follow."

“When Discord uses his powers he is basically turning one thing into another” Fluttershy explained. “Like clouds into cotton candy.”

Applejack hummed. "So... to fix yer eyes... they'd need to still be there."

Fluttershy nodded. Before Applejack could process the revelation, Fluttershy's ears flicked, and she turned.

“I’m hearing fast movement ahead of us.”

Applejack followed her gaze and quickened her pace. In time, they caught up to three other masters standing in front of a wrecked ship:

Master Daring Do of the Vast Jungle, Master Capper of the Wasteland, and finally Master Flash Sentry of the Crystal Empire.

“Flash, what in tarnation are you doing here?” Applejack said running up to the group.

“Jade creatures attacked our villages,” Daring reported. “A few of them have taken some of the other masters”

“And we’re here to get them back,” Flash said.

Capper said nothing, merely reaching to his back and gripping a pair of double edged axes.

“Master Luna instructed us not to engage.” Fluttershy said.

But Flash didn't listen, disappearing into the ship with a battle cry.

“Return Master Bulk!”

Unfortunately, his call was cut short with an ominous green light.

“P-please stop!" Fluttershy begged the other masters. "He only grows stronger with each..."

However the blind master’s warning fell on deaf ears as Capper and Daring Do rushed in. A series of green lights signaled their defeat. Fluttershy shrank back before moving to return to the Celestial Palace. However, she heard the footsteps of her friend behind her... heading for the ship.

“Applejack, don’t!” Fluttershy pleaded.

“If we don’t stop him," Applejack insisted. "He'll claim every master in Equestria!"

"That will include us if we fight," Fluttershy reasoned. "Please, we need to report back to Master Luna!"

Before Applejack could respond...

“So….” A voice called out from the ship. “Celestia freed her foalish younger sister."

A large red furred satyr emerged from the ship with a series of jade jewels around his waist. Immediately Applejack took a defensive stance, tightening her fist.

“Tirek,” Applejack growled.

“Hmm… I recognize that stance,” Tirek said, pulling two jewel pendants. “That’s the Storming Orchard fighting style of Master Bright Mac.”

Despite herself, Applejack couldn't help but hold her head high in pride.

"My daddy's unbeatable fighting style," she boasted, rushing the beast. "And now it's gonna whup yer..."

The satyr hurled two jade pendants to the ground. Green mist hid him like a smoke bomb. Undeterred, Applejack stormed through the mist and threw a punch... only for something to catch it.

"W-Wuh?" Applejack stammered in shock.

Standing before her, having caught her fist, was the jade forms of Master Bright Mac. Right behind him, jade eyes emotionless and cold, was Master Big Mac.

“No…” Applejack uttered in horror.

Big Mac hit her with a punch of his own, throwing the pony back.

“If it was so unbeatable” Tirek mused. “Then how was I able to defeat them so easily?”

Fluttershy gasped. "He got... your family?"

“Get outta here Sugarcube,” Applejack ordered the pegasus master

“Applejack, you can’t….”

“Go and warn the others!” the Earth Pony Master insisted. She resumed her fighting stance as her father and brother bore down on her. "This here's a family matter."

Fluttershy reluctantly turned and started flying away. “I’m sorry Applejack.”

Applejack didn't respond. She lunged forward and engaged her family. Unfortunately, both jade zombies effortlessly blocked her attacks. Responding with their own, they quickly sent Applejack into the ground.

Tirek laughed as Applejack struggled with his jade slaves. “Remarkable aren’t they?” Tirek asked as Applejack fought. “Besides Master Rockhoof, these are the strongest Kung-Fu masters I’ve ever faced”

“Yer nothin’ but a monster,” Applejack muttered as she dodged blows and struggled against the jade. “You’ve enslaved mah family and tarnished mah fathers Storming Orchard.” She caught her father's fist and locked eyes with his statue. "But not fer long. Ya hear me pa? I'll set ya free!"

Bulldozing under her father and sending him into the air, Applejack rushed Tirek, only for Big Mac to block her. She fought him with all she had, but her love for her family held her back enough for Bright Mac to catch her from behind.

With Father and Son ganging up on her, Applejack was shoved right into Tirek's glowing green hand, and jade soon creeped down her body.

‘I’m sorry Master Luna…I failed’ were the last thing to go through the master’s mind as she became Tirek’s slave

Tirek held the jade jewel in his hand before grinning. “You should know you were a lot stronger than your brother and even your father,” Tirek mused as he scanned the horizon. “Had you not faltered you might have actually defeated your family.”

Tirek locked on his next target. “Hmm…the blind master is a fast flyer” the satyr placed Applejacks pendant to his waist before removing three others. “But are you faster than these three?”

Tirek brought the jewels to his mouth and uttered a single command. “Bring her down.”

He threw them to the ground, and three pegasus masters materialize in a kneeling position. Their eyes snapped open as they glowed green. All three masters wore the same Gi which had bolts of lightning all over them, the only difference between them were different symbols across their backs. The Master on the right had a symbol of a cloud with a lightning bolt going through it. The one on the left had a horseshoe above a crescent moon, and the one in the middle had a symbol of flames across her back.

Flaring their wings the three masters took to the sky and raced after the fleeing master, lightning and thunder clouds followed behind them. Fluttershy’s ears perked at the sound of the disrupted wind behind her. In desperation the pegasus master tried to fly faster only for her to be tackled to the ground by all three jombies.

The Blind Master kicked and struggled, but the jade creatures held her in place, Fluttershy soon heard laughter approaching her downed form.

“Impressive aren’t they?” Tirek asked with a widening grin. “Master Spitfire and her Wonderbolts. Masters of the air and storm."

Much to the pegasus master’s confusion, the jade creatures let her go. Pulling his blades from his back, Tirek began to swing them around.

“Why…”

“I prefer to hunt,” Tirek spoke with joy in his voice. “Run, little pony. At least try to make taking your chi fun."

Fluttershy frowned in defiance. She did not move from her spot. Tirek growled in disappointment, before hurling his chains at her. But just before they could encircle her, Fluttershy lifted her head and screamed.

"DISCORD!"

The Satyr's eyes widened just before a puff of pink smoke covered the mare. His chains were pulled taunt, before turning tp spider webs. And as the webs were shredded, the mighty draconequus himself appeared from the smoke.

Discord The Master of Chaos.

Discord had long black hair with several strands of white hair and braided strands of light blue hair, a long white goatee climbed down his chin. His eyes were completely yellow with red irises, a mark of eight arrows adorned the side of his neck signifying his lineage. The Chaos Master wore a brown fur topped combat gi top that had his right sleeve removed and the left sleeve shortened, over his right arm was a long yellow sleeve that hid his lion's paw. His left arm had yellow bandages that stopped at his eagle taloned hand, jutting from his back was a pair of mismatched wings, his left wing was that of a blue bird wing while his right wing was a dark purple bat wing. His legs are composed of a pair of red gi bottoms with a brown full shin boot on his left foot and a green shoe over his right foot.

“It would seem Celestia and I missed one,” Tirek mused.

“Didn’t your mother ever tell you it isn’t nice to harm a lady, Tirek?”

“Thank you, Discord,” Fluttershy said not moving from behind the mismatched creature

“Anything for you my fair maiden” Discord said to the Pegasus with a warm smile and bow before turning to Tirek with a menacing glare.

“Tell me, creature,” Tirek said, returning the glare. “How are you here? I thought Celestia and I imprisoned your entire race.”

“You would have,” Discord said, narrowing his eyes at the satyr. “Had my brothers and sisters not hidden me away.” Discord’s chaotic aura became more prominent. “Once I mastered my magic, I went to free my kind but I was stopped by Celestia and Luna, and got turned to stone. Twice.”

“And now you are here?” Tirek said.

“No spell lasts forever. Surely you can attest to that” Discord stated.

The satyr chuckled, nodding his head in admittance.

“I was released with no strength and magic," Discord glanced at Fluttershy. "This pony cared for me despite my... less than savory approach to my goals.”

“Very interesting,” Tirek rolled his eyes. “So what now? You gain her trust to you can free your kind?”

“No. After all this time imprisoned they would be nothing but bodiless souls,” Discord said, glancing back to the pegasus. “Now, Fluttershy dear, as nice as it is to see you, I prefer to meet with you under better circumstances. Why don't you leave this to the gentlemen?"

“But…”

“Go.” Discord growled out

For the first time Fluttershy heard rage in the Draconequus’ voice. Taking note of the severity of Discord's tone, the Blind Master took off.

“Afraid to hurt her, monster?” Tirek cackled spinning his chains even without the axes.

“Empty taunts, Satyr,” Discord said, dropping to the ground and taking Celestia’s fighting style. “Let’s finish what you and Celestia started.”

Tirek launching his chains at mismatched creature, but Discord repelled them with a kick. He briefly rushed Tirek, but the satyr tried to entangle him with the chains, failing as Discord teleported with a burst of cotton candy.

“You and your kind always preferred cotton candy,” Tirek sighed, staying on his guard. “It’s like a trademark of your kind.”

“And what’s wrong with cotton candy?” Discords disembodied voice rang out.

Tirek turned to the Wonderbolts and nodded. They took off just before Discord reappeared, sending Tirek tumbling with a palm strike. The satyr tried to rebalance, but Discord struck low and quick like a viper, jabbing him in the chest before nerve striking his arm. Tirek roared as his arm went limp, but his glower didn't last.

“Nerve points,” Tirek sighed before jabbing his finger in several places on his arm, regaining the use of his nerves. “Celestia taught me that as well.”

A red orb of magic manifested between his horns as he cracked his neck. Discord tried to use his magic but only managed to produce a burst of confetti. At the same time, Tirek's chains reformed from spider webs back to his original chain axes. With a grin, Tirek swung his blades, only for Discord to dodge with a slide and strike Tirek again. Taking advantage, Tirek rolled with his fall, his blades coming up and swatting Discord into the air. The Chaos Master hit the ground hard, his breathing becoming heavier.

“Your kind was always so weak without their precious magic,” Tirek said walking towards the heavy breathing Draconequus. “Absolutely pathetic.”

Tirek’s hands glowed green, and he began to steal Discord’s Chi. However it was interrupted by a burst of confetti. Tirek staggered back in alarm, allowing Discord to rush the Satyr and strike several nerve points. Tirek doubled over and collapsed, leaving Discord laughing in triumph over the satyr.

“If there’s one thing we can do without magic, it’s act.” Discord said dusting off his clothes. “Celestia taught me the Seven Point Paralysis Touch. It’s the same one she used on her nephew.”

Discord knelt down before lifting his lion paw, his claws extended and ready to end the Satyr. However, Tirek began to laugh which caused the Draconequus to hesitate.

“Something funny?” Discord asked, before the sound of jade drew his gaze. The Wonderbolt zombies had returned.

And they had a beaten Fluttershy in the Jade zombies grasp.

“Fluttershy!”

Discord moved to help but stopped when one of the zombies grabbed hold of her throat.

“Your magic is weakened," Tirek pointed out. "You won't be able to save her before they kill her.” Tirek struggled to rise. “Surrender and undo the nerve attack, and no harm will befall her.”

Discord weighed his options. He could swiftly end this fallen creature before him and risk losing the enslaved masters under his control, the other was to heal the Jade Slayer and become a slave himself. Either way would result in losing Fluttershy, the only creature to look at him with kindness rather than fear or hatred.

Weakly Fluttershy spoke to the Draconequus. “Discord… Don’t….”

Discord sighed. “I’m sorry my dear." He reversed his nerve attack. “But it would be a cold day in the Chaos Lands before I lose the only pony who cares about me”

“How touching,” Tirek said, quickly taking Discords Chi before turning to the blind master. “Any last words pony?”

Fluttershy sighed, before lifting her head with determination. "You're going to lose," she promised. "If not by me, then by someone. We both know it."

Tirek just smirked as his hands glowed and he stole her chi and fastered her next to Discord’s Jade pendant. “There is nopony who can stop me,” Tirek insisted, his fingers brushing over Celestia’s Jade pendant. “If even the mighty Celestia fell, who could possibly match her?”

Tirek Attacks

View Online

The morning sun shone through the window of Shining Armor’s home. The white unicorn stirred awake before removing himself from his bed. Yawning, he moved through his home before peeking into his daughter's room. Shining Armor smiled as saw the alicorn sound asleep with the Rainbow figure in her arms.

Shining moved to the room holding his long lost sister. However, inside, the unicorn only found a made bed and an empty room. Shining almost panicked, before noticing a series of books on the nightstand. Immediately Shining realized where his sister was.

“Library,” Shining stated before putting on a shirt and pants before leaving for the villages library.

Inside the library, Shining saw a mountain of books with Twilight sitting on top. Her nose was buried in a book, and her brow was furrowed in frustration.

“Spike, have you found anything?” Twilight called out.

“There are three books that mention Chi,” Spike called out, holding three books in his arms. “But none explain how to channel nor master it.”

“Have you guys been up all morning?” Shining asked, grabbing their attention.

“They’ve been here all night,” The village librarian called out from behind her desk; a unicorn mare with a light yellowish gray coat, red hair and tail with purple highlights, purple eyes, and hair tie of a crescent moon and three stars.

“All night?”

“Yes, please ask them to leave,” the unicorn pleaded. “They’ve gone through almost every book in the matter of hours! They are not normal.”

“Don’t worry Moon Dancer,” Shining said assuredly with a smile. “I’ll get them away for a few hours.”

“Thank you Shining,” Moon Dancer said in relief.

“Hey guys,” Shining said, but only Spike heeded his call.

“Hey Shining,” Spike greeted. “Hang on, let me get Twilight’s attention.”

Spike lifted one of the books in his hand and hurled it at the Celestial Warrior. Shining almost screamed… but Twilight grabbed the book without so much as a glance.

“What is it Spike?” Twilight asked nonchalantly, pulling herself away from her current book.

“You think you could spend some time with your brother,” Shining asked.

“I will, once I find the book that reveals how to channel my chi,” Twilight replied.

Shining grimaced, before an idea came to him. “You won’t find it among these books,” Shining insisted. “It’s been handed down in our family.”

Twilight paused, before jumping down from her pile of books. “Where is it?”

“In a secret place,” Shining replied coyly, stepping out of the library and grinning as Twilight followed. “A secret place you can’t access until you’re ready.”

“Shining,” Twilight argued. “I need to master Chi in order to stop Tirek.”

“I’m sorry Twilight,” Shining said. “But until you’re ready, I can’t teach you.”

“She saved Luna’s son and defeated King Sombra,” Spike stated to the unicorn. “How much more ‘ready’ can she get?”

“Regardless of what my sister has accomplished, she is still not ready.” Shining said as he walked through the village. “Dad didn’t learn how to channel Chi until he was well into his forties.”

“Shining, I don’t have that long,” argued the Celestial Warrior. “I need to master chi and stop Tirek!”

“You’re not ready Twilight, and that’s final!”

Twilight growled in frustration. “Then how do I get ready? When will I be ready?!”

Shining turned to face Twilight, giving her a frown. “When I say you’re ready, you will be ready.”

Twilight just sighed.

Unknown to the Trio, a certain Alicorn watched and heard the entire conversation. With a smile she walked over to join them.

“Good morning you three” Cadance greeted with a warm and pleasant smile.

“Morning Cadance” Shining greeted as the Alicorn walked right past her husband.

“Twilight, could you be a dear, and watch your niece for a bit” Cadance asked, as Flurry jumped from the Alicorn to Twilight with her little kid energy. “I need to speak to your brother.”

“Ocelly!” Flurry called out as she climbed up on Twilight's shoulders and pointed in a random direction. “Take me to Ocelly”

“Who’s…” Twilight began but stopped when Shining spoke up

“That’s what Flurry calls Thorax’s kid”

Twilight grimaced, but with Flurry Heart trying to steer her towards ‘Ocelly’ Twilight merely nodded as she went off in the direction of Flurry’s pointing. Once out of sight the alicorn's smile flipped into a frown. Cadence grabbed Shining’s ear and dragged him back to her house. Everyone they passed by instantly knew that Shining had done something wrong.

“Ow-ow-ow-ow-Cadance please you’re going to rip it off!” Shining said as the Alicorn forced him inside their home.

“What are you doing, Shining?” Cadance demanded.

“I’m not doing anything?” Shining insisted.

But Cadance inched closer, causing the unicorn to back up in slight fear. “You told Twilight that your father didn’t learn until he was in his forties” Cadance said, putting Shining’s back against the wall. “But you told ‘me’ your father was barely thirty-five when Sombra attacked”

Internally, Shining cursed. His head lowered. “Okay, I lied. But I’m just trying to protect my little sister.”

“By lying to her?” Cadance shouted. “Shining, you don’t keep secrets from your family”

“Cadance, a mad man is after her just like before,” Shining argued back. “I wasn’t able to protect her then. But I can protect now!”

Cadence’s angry expression faltered. Her tone became softer.

“You can protect her” Cadance assured her husband. “But if you continue to lie to her, you will lose her. Forever. Don’t you remember when you and Flurry played hunter and falcon?”

Shining grimaced. “This is different, Cadence. If she finds out, she’ll go after Tirek herself. And then…” He looked down, barely choking back a sob, before he looked back up with determination. “No. No matter what, I will keep my sister safe.” He walked past his wife and glanced back. “Even if that means lying to her.”

With that, he stepped out, leaving Cadance alone in their home. The alicorn covered her eyes with a sigh.

“Why does he have to be so stubborn?” Cadence muttered, changing her tone of voice to mimic her husband. “I’m going to travel the world to look for my sister. You can’t stop me Cadence. I’m going to lie to my sister to keep her safe.”

Cadance sighed again, before leaving the house herself.

Spike and Twilight continue following the filly’s directions until they come across a house made of changeling resin, however to the pair's surprise it was much smaller than the Hive made in Ponyville.

The dragon just quirked his eyebrow. “I thought their hive would have be bigger.”

Twilight just shrugged as he approached the Hive. With no warning a nearby rock and shrub burst into green flames. Spike screamed, jumping into Twilight’s arms. However, their fear quickly faded as they found two changelings cackling at them before running off to hide again. Flurry laughed with them, and even Twilight had trouble holding back her giggles. Spike, however, pulled himself away from his adopted sister with a glower.

“I’m really starting to hate the changelings here,” Spike grumbled.

“Oh, please don’t stay angry,” Queen Antenna said, appearing at the doorway to the hive. “They just like to play. They don’t mean any harm.”

Before Spike could reply, Antenna’s daughter appeared next to her, gasping in delight at the sight of Flurry. “Ocelly!” Flurry called out throwing her arms up

Ocellus turned into a Flurry copy. “Flurry!” the changeling shouted with the same enthusiasm.

For a moment, Antenna, Twilight and Spike watched as Flurry and Ocellus played with each other. Yet, though the girls smiled, Spike found himself frowning.

“Queen Antenna” Spike asked.

“Please, call me Ann,” she replied. “Or Annie.”

“Um… alright, Ann… Do you mind if I ask a question?”

“By all means.”

“I was wondering…” the dragon asked. “Why’s your hive so much smaller than the ones we’re used to?”

“Most of it is underground,” Antenna replied. “Changelings relied on secrecy for a while, and my hive in particular isn’t exactly the most combative. Hence, we try to keep a low profile. And that includes having a lower hive.”

“You built an underground Hive?” Twilight asked in shock. “That would definitely minimize space and maximize living quarters.”

Annie nodded happily, before noticing Flurry and Ocellus staring at Twilight. Ocellus’ horn lit up, and she shifted into a chibi version of Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow Baby!” Flurry cheered, hugging her friend.

Twilight immediately started blushing in embarrassment. And it only got worse when Ocellus pointed at her and said, “Love!”

Annie gasped in delight. “Oh~!” she cooed in delight.

“What?” Spike asked, glancing at Twilight. “What’s she talking about Twi?”

“Nothing!” Twilight squeaked out, teleporting the dragon away. Antenna just smiled at Twilight’s nervousness.

“I take it he has no idea of your feelings for Ms. Rainbow?” the changeling queen asked with a growing smile.

“No,” Twilight admitted with a heavy blush.

Antenna’s smile softened, and she put an arm over Twilight’s shoulder. “Don’t be ashamed of it,” she assured her. “It’s a beautiful emotion. It can take effort, and it can be difficult, but it can also be worth it in the end.”

Twilight looked up at Antenna with confused hope. Annie smiled once more before turning her gaze to her daughter.

“Alright, sweetie,” she said. “You can stop teasing her. Go have fun.”

“Okay, Mommy,” Ocellus said, returning to normal. She and Flurry proceeded to run off. Twilight almost went after them, but Antenna pat her shoulder.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “My other changelings will make sure they don’t get into too much trouble.” She walked towards the hive before turning back to Twilight. “Care to join me?”

With another glance towards Flurry to make sure she was safe, Twilight nodded, and followed after the changeling queen.

Back at the Celestial Palace, Tai Lung was standing atop the palace as his eyes scanned the skies. The snow leopard's ears started to twitch at the sound of an oncoming arrow, and he caught the arrow in mid-air. Tai found a note attached from Manehattan.

Landing on the ground, Tai ran to his mother, who was sitting on the ground with hundreds of arrows in the ground around her and many scrolls from every region on Equis.

“Mother,” Tai called out, handing the arrow to the alicorn master. “It’s from Manehattan”

Taking the arrow, Luna unfurled the scroll and read from it before sighing in frustration. “Tirek has claimed Master Donut Joe”

This got a major reaction from Pinkie. “NOOO! Not my Donuts!” Pinkie dropped to her knees and clenched her hair.

“Pinkie, this is more important than your supply of Donuts,” Rainbow said, placing a hand on the pink mare’s shoulder. “He’s taken every master in all of Equis”

“Tirek has taken their Chi,” Luna said, snapping the arrow in two before throwing it to the ground. “If only I had my magic, I could use one of Celestia’s spells to seal him away.”

“Mother,” Tai said, kneeling in front of the Alicorn master. “You need to calm yourself”

Luna closed her eyes before slowing her breathing. “You’re right Tai, anger will only cloud my actions,” Luna opened her eyes and picked up her sister's staff before rising to her feet. ”We’re all that’s left to stand between him and the knowledge left behind by my sister,” Luna glanced to her home as memories flooded her mind:

The day Celestia discovered Kung-Fu. The day she opened the doors of the palace. Training their first students, the Six Pillars. Becoming Jealous of her sister's fame and respect. Using her magic to warp her form to become Nightmare Moon. Killing her own students and being sealed away by her own sister. Being freed by the pony who she wanted dead. Losing her magic. Meeting and raising her son. Being forced to send her son away. Training the Furious Five. Training the pony Celestia chose over Tai. Training Twilight in the ways of Kung-Fu. Reuniting with her son…Sweet memories; both good and the bad. Luna would not wish for them to be destroyed along with Celestia’s knowledge.

“Have you evacuated every pony?” Luna asked the remaining masters as she made her way into the stone garden.

“All evacuated,” Rainbow said. “Except Tak and Roar”

Luna glanced at her son who just shrugged. “She refused to leave unless I went with them,” Tai explained to his mother. “Said that ‘Tak never abandon Brother King”

“And what of Fluttershy and Applejack?” Luna asked, descending the stairs.

“Nothing yet,” Rarity said with a downcast expression. “You don’t think...”

However, the Unicorn master was interrupted when Pinkie’s body started to shake

“Pinkie what’s wrong” Rarity asked as Pinkie’s face paled

“Above us!” Pinkie called out as the group saw Fluttershy flying overhead.

None got a good look at her as she flew behind the palace to circle around, once the pegasus came into view again Luna looked at the master in a mix of shock and fear.

Her skin was a solid jade.

“No,” Luna called out as Fluttershy landed in the Stone garden. The Jade Applejack landed next to her with her arms raised in a defensive stance. “He’s…”

Luna stopped when she heard a low chuckle along with the sound of metal against stone. Green mist flowed into the garden, and the red satyr came into view, a wide smile on his face.

“Tirek,” Luna growled as she gripped her sisters staff

Tirek stopped his advance to look at the giant statue of Master Celestia. The satyr let out an amused chuckle as his blades continued to strike the stone

“Very Tacky,” The satyr mocked with a smile

“How dare you set foot on these grounds Tirek,” Luna shouted.

“Look at you pathetic fools,” Tirek glanced at the masters with amusement. “Always groveling at the feet of ‘Celestia of the Rising Sun.’’”

“You have no right to speak my Aunts name!” Tai shouted.

“I have no right, Little Kitten?” Tirek said as the chains wrapped around his arms before grabbing hold of his blades. “I fought by her side.” Tirek pointed his jade blade at the statue of Celestia. “I Loved her like a sister.” His gaze turned cold. “And she… betrayed me!”

He smashed his chain blades into the ground, sending every master into a defensive stance.

“And now...” Tirek began to swing his chain blades around. “I will destroy everything she has created!” The satyr threw his blades at the masters.

“Go!” Luna ordered as the remaining masters scattered to avoid the jade weapons.

Rarity teleported atop one of the statues before diving after the Jade Slayer, the unicorn lifted her leg to deliver a powerful ax kick.

Unfortunately, the Satyr saw her coming and swatted her out of the air.

Rainbow rushed in to attack the Satyr however despite his size she couldn’t land a single hit. Tirek launched his blade in hopes of hitting the Master of Laughter, unfortunately Pinkie’s natural flexibility coiled around the chain as she went to fire her party cannon at point blank. However, the Satyr countered with a leaping kick to the mare's chest, the Satyr’s eyes flicked to the side to see a fast approaching Pegasus. Without missing a beat, the moment Tirek touched the ground he immediately spun around and struck Rainbow’s face with the back of his cloven foot.

Tai Lung leapt into the air and sent a powerful kick to one of Kai's blades. A yellow shockwave of chi was released from his blade, staggering the satyr.

“How's that for a little kitten?” Tai Lung growled as he rushed the satyr.

Tirek’s eyes glow green, and the Jade forms of Fluttershy and Applejack entered the fray, Fluttershy kicking the snow leopard out of his charge and slamming him into Rainbow at the foot of Celestia’s statue. Applejack jumped to one of the statues and rips a stone ax head from the stone master, hurling it at Rarity. Pinkie barely managed to intervene by smashing the stone with her bare fist.

“Applejack please stop this,” Pinkie pleaded with her former friend.

“Pinkie Dear,” Rarity cried, pulling Pinkie away from a punch from the Jade Applejack. “It’s pointless to try and reason with her like this!”

With Tai and Rainbow occupied with Fluttershy and Pinkie and Rarity fighting against Applejack, the grandmaster of the Celestial palace was left to fight the Jade Slayer by herself. Luna rushed forward before leaping and delivering a kick to the beast's face before kicking his arm to leap over him, Tirek swung behind him to hit the Alicorn only for her to grab his wrist and flip over the Satyr and grab one of his chains.

“I will not let you destroy my Sister’s memory!” Luna said pulling the chain.

“She destroyed mine!” Tirek snarled back.

As Luna struggled, Tai and Rainbow similarly tried to subdue the Jade Fluttershy. Despite a flurry of powerful blows, neither fighter landed a single hit on the evasive pegasus. Fluttershy naturally evaded attacks and only attacked when necessary. However this Fluttershy lacked the former master's fear and struck mercilessly. Every attack the Tai or Rainbow tried to hit her will was redirected into the other, and both were left more injured compared to their unscathed opponent.

“We’re getting nowhere with this,” Rainbow said, using her arms to block a kick from her enslaved friend. “We need a way around her defenses.”

“I agree,” Tai said as he grabbed Rainbow’s collar and threw her into the air.

With the Fluttershy focused on Rainbow, Tai Lung lunged at her with his claws extended. Fluttershy’s ears just jerked slightly as she front flipped and struck the leopard in the head, Tai Lung crashed into the ground as Rainbow attempted to attack. Unfortunately for the Pegasus Master, she shared the same fate as the Snow Leopard. The Jade form of their former master kept both pinned to the ground as Pinkie and Rarity fought against the enslaved Applejack.

Both were breathing heavily with bruises over their bodies. Both were aware of their friends strength and all four knew the Master of Honesty was always holding back.

“I’m not liking how this is turning out,” Rarity said and she and Pinkie both blocked another kick.

Pinkie said nothing as she held the broken remains of her party cannon. “Alright” Pinkie said as her hair began to deflate. “You want fun?” The master said as her coat darkened and her ever present smile vanished. “Let’s have fun”

Rarity widened her eyes at the sight of Pinkie’s darker side, however she calmed knowing where her anger was directed.

The pink master rushed the Jade Zombie and unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes. The jade form of her former friend blocked all strikes but was still pushed back from the force behind the master's attacks. With the Jade Zombies' attention on the Pink Master, Rarity charged her magic before firing a massive beam which knocked Applejack into the statue of Master Rockhoof, causing a burst of dust to fly into the air.

With a satisfied smile, Rarity moved her hair from her face. “I think I got her”

Without warning a hunk of stone burst forth from the dust and debris, the stone collided with the unicorn master's face. Rarity hit to the ground, blood dripping from her nose along with the cuts adorning her face. Pinkamena ran forth to strike the zombie only for Applejack to grab the mare by her throat and lift her off the ground.

“Applejack…” Pinkamena growled as she tried to break out of the Jombies grip. “You’re stronger than this. Don’t let him control you”

Applejack’s left eye started to twitch as she knelt down and picked up Rarity. With her feet able to touch the ground Pinkamena delivered a swift kick to Applejack's face. Unfortunately, it did nothing to the Jade Zombie.

With the remaining masters restrained, the Jade Zombies turned their green gaze to their slaver, Tirek was grinning like a mad man as he fought against Celestia’s younger sister.

“I’ll admit you're a lot more agile than Celestia,” Tirek laughed as he swung his blades at Master Luna.

“Do not speak of my sister!” Luna barked back as she redirected one blade before smacking the other away. “You betrayed her!”

And you didn’t?” Tirek said.

Luna jumped back, expecting him to try and take advantage of even the smallest hesitation. But his next strike didn’t even touch her. Instead, it went towards the statue of Celestia. Redirecting, Luna was barely able to stop the blade from touching her sister’s statue, embedding the blade into the stone steps.

Running down the beast's chain, the Lunar Master jumped up before delivering a chi infused kick at the Satyr, Around the beast's neck Luna saw a yin-yang pendant around his neck.

“Tia” Luna muttered in shock. Her chi to falter

Grinning madly, Satyr launched his blade at the Alicorn. Luna was flung at the foot of the stairs when Tirek raised a green glowing hand.

“Bring them to me” Tirek ordered causing his jade slaves to converge on him
Applejack hurled Rarity and Pinkamena at the Satyr, Tirek absorbed their chi, holding Pinkamena’s jade pendant in his hand.

“Interesting” Tirek mused as he flipped the pendant over in his hand revealing a bubbly expression on one side and a dark menacing glare on the other. “Not once have I ever encountered a master with two types of chi.”

Tirek soon took notice that the other Jombie hadn’t returned, looking up as his eyes grew wide at the sight of Fluttershy hurtling towards him. Before the Jade Zombie could collide with him, the Jade Slayer returned her to her pendant form and returned her to his belt. Looking past the fallen alicorn, the Satyr saw a hulking form of a one eyed yak and a rather frail changeling standing in front of Master Tai and Master Rainbow who immediately rushed to their master.

“Hmm…You must be Tak and Roar?” Tirek asked as he pulled a pendant from his belt. “The broken Firstborn drone and her enslaved yak”

“Tak no Broken” Tak screamed from the shoulders of her Yak

“We’ll see” Tirek threw the jewel at the duo

“Roar will crush big goat” Tak said as Roar rushed the Satyr

The jewel exploded in a green mist which took the form of a familiar figure, Tak’s eyes went wide as the figure jumped and ripped the Changeling from atop the Yak. All eyes were on the Jade Zombie. Everyone within the Statue Garden watched as Queen Chrysalis stood before them with her hand around Tak’s throat.
Meanwhile Tak had a look of sadness as she looked at the jade figure of her mother and former queen. “M-Mama?”

The hulking yak let out a roar as he charged to save his changeling companion, Chrysalis simply lifted her hands and blasted the yak with a spell which launched him towards Tirek. Moving his hands in a circular motion, the Satyr stole the Yaks chi and clasped his hands around his pendant.

“Like I said Little Bug,” Tirek said, placing the jewel to his belt. “You’re broken”

“Tak strong,” Tak growled out. “Roar know it! Sister Queen know it! Ponies know it!” The changeling tried to get out of her mother’s grip, which was loosening. “And Momma know it”

“Bring her to me, Bug” Tirek ordered as Chrysalis brought Tak towards the satyr.

“We need to stop him” Tai Growled as he was about to rush the Satyr, however he was stopped by his mother.

“No,” she said, looking to him and Rainbow Dash. “You two must warn Twilight.”

“Master, please!” Rainbow said as Tirek hurled his blade at the trio, knocking Tai and Rainbow out of the Statue Garden and leaving Luna sprawled on the ground.

“I’ll be with you in a moment Pony” Tirek said as Chrysalis stood before him.

As Tirek began to take the chi of the Changeling, neither he nor Luna noticed the lone tear leaving the Zombie’s eye. Tirek’s eyes grew wide when Tak’s chi entered his body, the Satyr grinning like a mad man at the power the small changeling held.

“I suppose I owe you an apology, Little Tak” Tirek laughed as he returned Chrysalis and Tak to his belt. “You were indeed strong, such strong chi that closely rivals Celestia’s.”

Tirek looked to the defeated Luna then to Celestia’s statue, gripping his chains the Satyr spun them around before wrapping them around his ‘Sisters’ statue.

“Now I will show you the true power of chi, sister.” Tirek said as he pulls the statue from the ground and spun it around as he inched closer to the palace

The Statue slammed through the Celestial palace sending chunks of wood, stone, and the many scrolls within the palace all across the area. With no more use for the statue, Tirek threw it down the stairs shattering it to pieces.

“No….” Luna whispered in defeat as parts of torn scrolls descended to the ground around her. “Sister… please forgive me.”

Tirek chuckles and lifts Celestia’s jade pendant “Hmm? What do you say, Celestia?” Tirek mocked as he inched closer. “Do you forgive her?”

Luna growled and pulled herself to her feet. “You may have destroyed the Celestial Palace,” Luna gasped out along with her tears. “You may have destroyed my sister’s wisdom.” Luna turned and glared at the Satyr with tear stricken eyes filled with anger and rage. “But you will never succeed. There will always be someone to stop you.”

“Who? The Unicorn?” Tirek asked with a smug smile plastered on his face. “Her chi is strong, but... it won't be enough.” He moved his hands in a circular motion. “She will meet the same fate as you, the Rainbow haired mare and your son.”

“No…” Luna screamed, trying for one last attack before she was sealed in jade… only to be reduced to a pendant on his belt.

“And so will every unicorn in that village.” Tirek said.

Standing behind a massive rock Rainbow and the furious Tai Lung watched as the Jade Slayer claimed the last of the great masters.

“Tai, calm down,” Rainbow said, trying to hold the Snow Leopard back. “We need to find Twilight”

Tai looked between Rainbow and the Jade Slayer before looking down in defeat. “You’re right.” Opening his eyes Tai looked to Rainbow before nodding and sniffing the air. “We need to leave, I’ll be able to track her down along the way when I catch her scent.”

Both fled from Ponyville to get away from the Jade Slayer and track down their friend.

‘Twilight,’ Rainbow thought as she followed behind the master's son, ‘I hope you're ready.’

Truth Revealed

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Twilight couldn’t help but smile as she watched her niece play with her friend. As the sun began to set, the group headed to the dinner Queen Antenna and her children had prepared. On the way there, they ran into her other brother, who was wringing his shirt with an irritated look on his face as he saw her.

“You think you could’ve teleported me somewhere a little less wet?” Spike asked, lifting his shirt and breathing fire on it

Fortunately, his shirt and all of his clothing were woven with a unique material, making them completely immune to fire damage. Now holding the dry shirt, the dragon covered his torso before poking his wings out of the back.

“Uncle Dragon,” Flurry waved.

“Cuz I was getting some weird looks from mares in this place,” Spike said, looking behind him. “Too many of the changelings were looking at me like I was a hunk of prime rib.”

“Is that bad?” Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow

Spike grimaced. “Well, yes and no. It’s not bad in the sense that I just turn other creatures on with just my chiseled bod.” Spike flexed for emphasis, but quickly stopped when he heard a low moan in the distance. “But it is bad if Smolder found out I showed my body to someone other than her.”

Twilight nodded in understanding. “I see.” Twilight smiled and lit up her horn. “I can always fix that by casting an illusion spell to make you look like Garble’s fat friend.”

“No-no-NO.” Spike said, flicking his sister's horn to cut the spell off. “I’d rather have Smolder kill me than look like Clump.”

Twilight chuckled. “I’m just messing with you, Spike.” She nuzzled her adoptive brother before dragging him along to enjoy dinner.

“Where’s Ann?” Spike asked, noticing the lack of the changeling queen.

“She asked me to watch over Ocellus while she and the older changelings prepared dinner,” Twilight said. She paused, remembering last night's dinner was more attuned to a pony's diet. “Are you going to be okay with dinner?”

Spike smiled. “Twi, I took care of you for 19-plus years. I think I can stomach pony food.” Spike grinned before lifting the pouch from his waist. “If not, I can always snack on a few of these.”

The dragon pulled out one of several rubies, popping one into his mouth.

Twilight shook her head. “No matter how many times I see it, I’ll never get used to watching a dragon eat gems like candy.”

On their way, they noticed Pharynx standing at the entrance to the village. “Hey Twi, Isn’t that Urtica’s brother?” Spike asked the unicorn. “What’s he doing just standing there?”

“I’m guarding the village,” Pharynx said, not tearing his eyes from the elevator. “If anyone were to attack, now would be the opportune time.”

“You must love your brother to stand guard so diligently,” Spike noted.

“I do. He’s my older brother, after all,” Pharynx smiled as he turned to the pair. “There were two rules among the three of us: the oldest will protect the younger, and the youngest will protect the oldest.”

Spike grinned. “You’re a pretty good brother, in my opinion.”

However, Pharynx hung his head. Just before Twilight could follow Spike…

“He’s wrong,” Pharynx mumbled. “Thorax is by far the better brother.”

Twilight turned back to him. “How so?”

“Thorax is a rare type of Changeling; he was born without the ability to feed on love.” Pharynx sat on the village steps before tapping at the space next to him.

“I thought changelings needed love to survive,” Twilight asked, taking the space next to the reformed changeling.

“Normal Changelings do. But Thorax didn’t need to feed because he already had love inside of him.” Pharynx smiled warmly.

“I don’t follow.”

“Thorax was basically a walking feast for changelings,” the royal changeling explained. “He kept changelings from starving, but he himself was incapable of feeding on love himself.” Pharynx's stern expression shifted to a small heartwarming smile. “Thorax was the only one who showed me and Urtica the love we needed.” the Changeling slightly glanced at the unicorn before returning his gaze to the village entrance. “So, no matter the cost… I will protect my brother and my f...”

A pair of arms embraced Pharynx, cutting him off. He turned to find Twilight hugging him.

“You are a good brother,” Twilight said, letting Pharynx go before rising to her feet “And I’m positive both Thorax and Urtica feel the same way,” she added before heading to dinner.

Pharynx blinked at the unicorn, before looking back at the elevator entrance with a smile.

Twilight arrived at the dining area and sat down next to her brothers. The changelings served a mix of fruits and vegetables for the ponies, and meat and vegetables for the changelings and the sole dragon.

“I hope Flurry wasn’t too much trouble to watch, Twilight,” Cadence said, glancing at her husband with a stern look.

“She was more well-behaved than some of the children in Ponyville,” Twilight grinned as she turned to her salad.

As Twilight ate her meal, the sound of music drew the Celestial Dragon's attention. Queen Antenna walked out towards the center of the dining area wearing a ruby red, loose fitting kimono that left very little to the imagination. She carried a wooden stick with a bright red ribbon attached to it. Antenna knelt as she swung the ribbon around herself; Urtica noticed the smile on her brother's face as his queen began her dance.

“Kinda reminds you of how father would dance around when he cooked our food, doesn’t it?” Thorax asked with a warm smile.

“It does,” Urtica said, taking a bite out of her food. She smiled sadly. “I miss those days most of all. Where we could just live in the inn with Mother and Father.”

Thorax lifted his sister’s head. “Try not to dwell on those thoughts, sister. We are here, and no pony will rip us apart again.”

Comforted, Urtica watched as Antenna twisted and turned like a flag in a storm. Her ribbon almost seemed to form a sphere of air around her, and her kimono flared almost like a superhero cape. Spinning in mid-air, Antenna kept a flirtatious grin centered on Thorax as she performed.

In the middle of Queen Antenna’s performance, Shining and Cadence left to put a now drowsy Flurry to bed. Once Antenna finished her ribbon dance with a final whip like flourish, the Queen bowed and sent her children back to the hive.

“You must forgive me for asking you to watch over Ocellus,” Queen Antenna apologized as she walked up to Twilight. “Thorax and I wanted to give you some entertainment with tonight's meal.”

“You have no need to apologize, your majesty,” Twilight assured her with a light bow. “It was a pleasure to watch over her.”

Twilight made her way to her brother’s home when she noticed Spike was moving in the opposite direction.

“Spike?” Twilight asked. “Shining’s home is this way.”

Spike grimaced and scratched the back of his head. “I can’t sleep in that house. I’d rather head to the library.”

“What’s wrong? Bed uncomfortable?”

“Not the bed,” Spike paused to yawn. “It’s the smell.”

“Smell?”

Spike gave her a serious look. “Twi, I’ve lived in a library since the day I was hatched. I can’t sleep unless I’m around the scent of Ink and parchment.”

Twilight nodded, even as her heart gave an odd flutter at not having Spike in the same house as her. “I understand.” She waved him off. “See you in the morning, Spike.”

“G’night Twi,” Spike gave a half-wave as he headed to the library.

Twilight headed for her brother's home before she spotted the light of a lantern. Moving across a bridge behind the house was her brother. Curiosity overtaking her, Twilight followed after her brother. After crossing the bridge, Twilight saw her brother standing in front of the building. Shining turned and greeted his sister with a smile.

“Good timing, Twilight.” Shining opened the door. “I want to show you something.”

Twilight followed, nervousness fighting excitement. Maybe this was it; this was finally the moment when her brother would teach her how to master chi.

The Celestial Dragon eagerly raced inside… to find a shrine. Three candles cast light on a painted picture with burns along the edges. The painting depicted four very familiar unicorns. Twilight watched as her brother knelt in front of the shrine and inclined his head. Cautiously, Twilight followed suit and sat down next to her brother. A mix of emotions surged through Twilight’s heart as she gazed up at the painting.

“Are those…?” Twilight asked.

Shining nodded. “Our parents.”

Twilight gazed up at the painting, at her real parents.

Her father was dark blue, tall and well-built. He stood proudly behind what had to be Shining, who looked like he was trying to stand just as tall and proudly as his father. Standing next to the stallions was a light grey unicorn mare with a purple and white mane. She was holding a small filly.

Twilight brushed away a tear. Judging from how small her child form was, she couldn’t have been more than a year old when the painting was made.

“Father had this painting done on your one-hundredth day.” Shining brushed a tear away. “You were so impatient. You kept squirming in mother’s arms. I was half assured the painter was going to paint you with a permanent grimace or scowl.”

Twilight chuckled softly, before looking to Shining. “What were they like?”

Shining grinned. “Father was more warrior than brains. At least that’s what mother thought.” Shining glanced at the picture. “Mom was the bookworm type. She taught the children to read and even maintained the library we had.”

Twilight laughed warmly. “Sounds like I took after her, while you took after Dad.”

“Eh, I dunno,” Shining said, gazing at his father with wistful nostalgia. “Dad was brave, wise, strong…” He lowered his head. “Traits I do my best to aspire to.” He looked to his sister. “Personally, I think you do a better job living up to Mother: smart, beautiful, caring.” His smile faded. “I thought there was nothing more that could make me happier than being a part of this family.” Shining looked to Twilight with tears in his eyes. “And then Mother gave birth to you. Tally Reed. The little sister that I would always protect.”

Twilight’s own eyes glittered with tears and she leaned against her brother. Yet, despite her comfort, Shining couldn’t help but look up at the painting.

“I had it all when this was painted.” Shining’s voice started to crack. “Until that night…”

Twilight hugged her brother. “You don’t need to say it,” she said, but her voice was small, and Shining couldn’t stop the memories.

“Father died protecting me,” Shining admitted, in an equally small voice. “I thought Sombra killed Mother… and you.” Shining turned and embraced his little sister. “I thought… I thought the changelings…”

“They didn’t,” Twilight promised him. The memory of her mother, leaving her in the wagon of books and scrolls, played through her mind as she made Shining look at her. “I’m here,” she promised. “And you never have to worry about losing me. Ever again.”

The Celestial Warrior pulled her brother into a hug, and Shining held her like he’d never let go.

Tai Lung sniffed the ground near a long dead campfire; the Kung-Fu Master stood up and looked towards the Rainbow-Haired master.

“They were here,” Tai Lung reported. “I’d say approximately three, maybe five days.”

“Approximately?!” Rainbow almost shouted, the Jade Scroll nearly crushed by her grip. “So you don’t know?”

“I’m not a changeling,” Tai Lung barked back. “And between the two of us, who has the better sense of smell?”

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes before putting a hand to her chest. She took a deep breath, pushing her hand outward as if warding off her anger. A calming technique that Twilight taught her, and one that had proven useful for controlling her temper. She looked at Tai with kinder eyes.

“I’m sorry, Tai,” Rainbow apologized. “We just…”

“Need to hurry. I know,” Tai promised. He scented the air one more time, before his eyes widened. “This way.” He dashed down the path, Rainbow in hot pursuit. Both of them were chased by worry and fear, which hung over them like storm clouds.

After several days of searching, they found another campsite. Tai sniffed around, inhaling an old aroma of soup or stew.

“It’s stronger here,” Tai Lung said. He tilted his head up. “We should be close. I’d say a day from here and upwind, probably up a cliff or mountain.”

“Alright then. Let’s hurry,” Rainbow Dash said, rushing ahead.

However, a gust of wind caused Tai Lung to stop in his tracks. Rainbow looked back and saw the anger in his eyes. His body trembled as he turned back to where they had come.

“Go,” Tai growled.

“Tai, what is…” Rainbow stopped when she connected the dots. “Tirek?”

“Get going,” Tai insisted, his eyes on the path back down the mountain. “I’ll buy you time.”

“You’ll only make him stronger!” Rainbow shouted, only for Tai to glare at her.

“If I do nothing, he’ll catch up to us before we can reach the village!” His fists tightened. “Go!”

Rainbow wanted to argue, but deep down, she knew he was right. The Pegasus mare turned and ran from the soon-to-be battlefield.

Tai Lung hardened his gaze as he waited for his opponent, even though he knew he would not win. Tai was content with that; all he had to do was hold Tirek off as long as possible. The snow leopard didn’t have to wait long for his opponent; mere moments after Rainbow left, the satyr walked into Tai Lungs' field of vision.

“Heh,” Tirek chuckled. “The Son of the Lunar Master, Tai Lung Solaris,” Tirek flashed Luna’s jade pendant to the snow leopard, which got him a growl in response. “And since you’re here, Master Rainbow Dash must be off to the village.”

“Quit talking like you’ve won this,” Tai Lung said, the presence of the Satyr lighting a fire of rage within him. “The Celestial Warrior will defeat you.”

“Everyone keeps telling me that,” Tirek said, moving his hand across the pendants containing the Kung-Fu Masters. “And you, little kitten, are about to see what happened to all of them.”

“We’ll see about that,” Tai Lung lunged at the Satyr.

Two days later, Rainbow Dash was climbing a wall of ice when a shift in the winds gave her pause. She looked back as a bright green glow flashed a fair distance away.

“Tai…”

Rainbow hung her head, before she continued to climb.

Twilight walked through the village, unable to keep the smile off her face. As she stopped near the entrance to the village she spotted a flower yet to bloom.

A look of confidence grew as she clasped her hands together. The Celestial Warrior moved her hands in a circular motion before pointing them toward the flower. However, the flower remained a simple bud.

Twilight frowned, before noticing someone beyond; a mare with rainbow hair.

“Rainbow?” Twilight moved closer… then saw her injuries, along with the changeling fighting her. “RAINBOW!” She rushed over as Pharynx got the mare into a chokehold. “Pharynx, let her go!”

Shining and his family raced out as Twilight helped the rainbow mare to her feet. Flurry was star struck as she looked from the mare to the toy in her hands.

“Big Rainbow Baby!” Flurry ran in excitement before embracing the pegasus.

“OW-ow-ow-ow,” Rainbow gasped.

“Easy there,” Cadence said, pulling Flurry off Rainbow and letting Twilight tend to her friend.

“Rainbow what are you doing here?” Twilight asked. “What happened?”

“Tirek attacked Ponyville,” Rainbow gasped, still in pain. “He’s taken every master in Equestria. Master Luna, Master Fluttershy…” Rainbow hung her head as she held onto Twilight for balance and support. “It…It’s all gone Twi, Everything... Everyone.”

“My library?!” Spike stammered, only to receive a collective death glare. “I… guess we’ll worry about that later.”

“What about Tai?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow merely shook her head. “Tirek is days out from this place,” she said. Her eyes were desperate as they locked on Twilight’s. “Twilight. Please tell me you’ve mastered chi.”

Twilight’s silence replaced Rainbow’s desperation with despair. Antenna and Thorax shared a worried look, and murmurs of panic began to form in the crowd.

Shining, however, did not let his panic show. “Alright everyone, we’ve been over this,” he called out with the voice of a leader. “Grab what you can and move out.”

“You heard him,” Antenna said. “Don’t burden yourselves with treasures. Take only what you need.”

The villagers scrambled to obey, but Twilight stopped Shining from joining them.

“Shining,” Twilight insisted. “We’re out of time. You need to teach me the secret Chi technique.”

“Sorry, Twi,” Shining said, placing his daughter on Cadence’s back. “But I’m afraid you need more time.”

“We don’t have more time!” Twilight argued. “I need to learn it now!”

“I’m sorry, but you’re not ready,” Shining said, following Cadence hom to grab his things.

“I am ready,” Twilight shouted, chasing after him.

“You’re not,” Shining said, moving past his home and across the bridge to his funeral shrine. “Please understand…”

“Tell her the Truth!”

Shining froze when Cadence stopped him.

“C-Cadence,” he insisted, pulling himself free of her grip. “We need to pack up and…”

“No,” Cadence said. “You need to stop lying to her. This has gone on for too long.”

Twilight stared between the two, uncomprehending. “W-What’s she talking about? Shining?”

Shining lowered his gaze, but with Cadence glaring at him and even Flurry looking confused, Shining finally let out a sigh.

“I can’t teach you how to master chi,” Shining admitted.

“Why not?!” Twilight nearly shouted. “Whether I’m ready or not, I need to know now. So WHY?!”

“BECAUSE I DON’T KNOW HOW!”

Twilight stared at her brother, shock and denial fighting across her face. “W-What?”

“I don’t know it,” Shining confessed, barely able to look his little sister in the eye. “No one does. Maybe we used to, but the knowledge was lost to time long ago.”

Twilight stepped back. “So… you lied to me?”

“I… well…” Shining gave a half-hearted shrug. “I only did it to save your life.”

“Save my life?!” Twilight’s anger began to boil over.

“Twilight, think about it!” Shining pleaded. “Another blade-wielding maniac is coming after you! Am I supposed to just sit here and let it happen?!”

“YES!” Twilight shouted. “I’m the Celestial Warrior! Facing maniacs is my job.” A new thought brought a fresh wave of fury and grief to her face. “And because of you, I left Ponyville unprotected. I left my friends unprotected.” Tears leaked down her cheeks. “And now they’re all…”

“And you would’ve been too.” Shining gripped her shoulders, his voice cracking in despair. “I thought I lost you once before. I’m not going to lose you again.”

Twilight glared at her brother in anger before she pushed his arms away. “You just did.” She then turned her back on him and stormed away.

Training

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Twilight’s anger fought against worry as she moved throughout the village. Panic and fear shined among the ponies and Changelings. From the crowd, Spike came through, spotting Twilight and running to his sister’s side.

“Twilight…” Spike said somberly.

“You heard?”

“And saw,” Spike said with a nod.

Twilight sighed. “You can go ahead and say ‘I told you so,’ now.”

“Not right now,” Spike replied. “We need to get you out of here.”

“Why? There’s nowhere to run to!” Twilight began gathering various items from the village.

Spike tilted his head. “Then… what will you do?”

Twilight looked up in determination. “I’m going to fight.”

Spike blinked. “W-Who exactly?” Her face said enough. “B-But Twilight…”

Twilight didn’t let him protest, running off with the items she had gathered.

Once Twilight found a big enough clearing, the Celestial Warrior arranged the items into a training dummy that resembled the Jade Slayer. With a fierce gaze, Twilight began sparing with the dummy, making it swing around with rapidly increasing speed.

Twilight maneuvered around the dummy’s swings until one arm smacked the side of her face. Twilight merely growled, shook her head and continued training. All the while, Spike watched her with worry on his face.

Already knowing Twilight wouldn’t be deterred, Spike’s gaze shifted from his sister to her brother's house. Unfurling his wings, Spike flew up to the house.

The dragon crossed the bridge and entered the building that held the shrine dedicated to Shining’s parents. Shining was sitting in front of said shrine.

“Mother… Father,” Shining whispered. “I’m sorry.” He lowered his head. “I failed. I couldn’t keep her safe.”

“Mind if I join you?” Spike asked.

Shining flinched, before noticing Spike. “Y-Yeah, sure,” Shining replied, patting the ground as Spike sat next to him.

For a moment, both of them were silent.

“You know, you weren’t the only one who lied,” Spike admitted to the unicorn. “Twilight wasn’t the only one I was worried about.” The dragon turned to Shining Armor with a small smile. “I was also worried about you.”

“Can’t blame you,” Shining replied with a shrug “I failed my sister and my family.”

Without hesitation, Spike smacked the unicorn upside his head. “Don’t talk like that,” Spike reprimanded. “My father said only a coward and a fool talk badly about themselves.”

Shining rubbed the back of his head, and found himself chuckling. “My father used to say the same thing.” He grinned. “He would’ve gotten along with yours.” A thought occurred to him. “Did your parents… help you with Twilight?”

Spike looked down. “They died before I found Twilight.”

Shining winced. “I’m sorry. I didn’t…”

“It’s okay.” Spike looked up wistfully. “Mom was always frail. She contracted Crystal Fever when I was 8. We couldn’t afford treatment, so my father worked himself ragged to make enough money,” Spike shut his eyes. “His exhaustion and lack of sleep caused him to fall into the river with a pack of bricks on his back. Mother joined him a few days later.”

“I’m sorry,” Shining repeated, however, he was shocked by the smile that managed to grow on the dragon’s face. “How can you smile ever after retelling how your parents passed?”

“Because before she passed, my mother made me promise that no matter what, I would always smile,” Spike said as a tear left his eye. “The same smile that would always make her smile.”

Shining pondered his words for a moment. “Spike?” he asked. “Why were you worried about me?”

Spike chuckled. “It’s stupid now, but… I thought you were going to steal Twilight from me.”

Shining gaped. “What?!”

“I know. Like I said, it was crazy.” Spike laughed as he wiped away his tears. “But I realized having you in Twilight's life doesn't mean less for me. It means more for Twilight.”

“Well... I'm not in her life.” Shining Armor dropped his head in shame. “Not anymore.”

“She got mad at you.” Spike chuckled as he nudged the unicorn’s shoulder. “That doesn’t mean your not in her life anymore, it’s just being a family.”

“But you don't understand.” Shining argued. “I lied to her. She'll never forgive me.”

“I lied to that girl for twenty years,” Spike refuted. “When she was younger, she thought she came from an egg.” Spike laughed at the more positive memory, before gazing at the sky wistfully. “Sometimes we do the wrong things for the right reasons.” Spike looked at the picture of baby Twilight and her family before returning his gaze to Shining. “Look, she's hurt. She's confused. And she still has to save the world.” Spike pulled out a miniature painting of his own and placed it next to Shining’s painting. “She needs both of her brothers, now more than ever.”

Spike stood up and patted the unicorn's shoulder before walking out proudly. Meanwhile, Shining gazed at the painting Spike placed on the shrine. The painting showed Spike standing proudly with a massive grin on his face, a black Hanfu with a white symbol meaning Dragon [龙]on his left chest. A pair of dragon wings were spread out from his back as his right fist rested on his waist while his left was flexed, all the while a giggling little filly wearing a Dragon onesie hung from the dragon's arm.

Twilight was smacked once again by the dummy. Growling, the Celestial Warrior pulled her fist back and attempted to strike the dummy again. However, a cyan hand grabbed hold of her fist.

“This isn't going to work,” Rainbow said sternly as she threw Twilight's hand down.

“It has to!” Twilight resisted shouting.

“You're not thinking straight, Twi,” Rainbow replied in a calm but stern tone.

“Yes I am,” Twilight said, trying to move past Rainbow.

“You're not.” Rainbow blocked Twilight’s path and pushed her back.

“I am,” Twilight insisted, trying to move past her friend.

“No.” Rainbow spun the unicorn around.

“Yes!” Twilight threw an elbow at the pegasus which then turned into a full-blown fight, neither giving ground.

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“NO!”

“YES!”

“I’VE SEEN TIREK, TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” Rainbow boomed as she grabbed hold of the Celestial Warrior’s arms. “I've seen what he can do.”

“But he hasn't seen what I can do.” Twilight broke the hold before grabbing hold of Rainbow’s hand and flipping over her with her first finger held within Twilight’s grip before her pinkie extended.

“The Wuxi Finger Hold?” Rainbow questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s my best move,” Twilight argued. “I just have to get to Tirek, grab his finger, and then Bam!” Twilight wiggled her pinkie for emphasis. “Back to the Spirit Realm.”

Rainbow interlocked her fingers around Twilight before bending it back enticing a hiss of pain from the unicorn. “Tirek has an army of jade warriors.” Rainbow bent Twilight’s arm further. “Everything they see, he sees. There's no sneaking up on him.” The rainbow master then kicked Twilight’s feet out from under her before pinning her to the ground. “You will never get close enough.”

“It's gotta work,” Twilight grunted in pain as she kicked Rainbow off her. But the rainbow master evaded, getting her foot on the unicorn's throat.

“He can only be stopped by a master of chi,” Rainbow insisted, removing her foot from the Celestial Warrior's neck.

Twilight groaned. “Sweet Celestia, you sound just like Luna with the chi. Chi this. Chi that. Chi-chi-CHI!” Twilight shouted in frustration. “But I'm not a master of chi! OK!? I don't know if I'm the Celestial Warrior. I don't even know if I'm the one destined to stop Tirek. I don't…” Twilight’s anger turned to despair. “I don’t… know who I am!” Twilight sighed and slumped down. “You're right.” Tears dripped down her face. “I don’t know how to stop him.”

Rainbow knelt on her level. But before she could speak…

“What if you had an army of your own?”

Twilight turned and was met with the sight of her older brother. Shining Armor stood there, his eyes averted in shame, but his body set in determination.

“You?” Twilight questioned.

“Not just him.” Spike moved forward to stand by Shining’s side. “Us.”

“All of us,” Antenna added, as the entire village stepped up behind Spike and Shining.

Shining approached Twilight. “I finally found my little sister after all these years.” He placed hand on her shoulder. “It's gonna take a lot more than the end of the world to keep us apart.”

Twilight smiled, but her smile faded. “But… you guys don't even know Kung-Fu.”

“I may not know Kung-Fu” Shining Armor admitted, before conjuring up a sword and shield with his magic. “But Father taught me how to fight. And for the rest of us…”

“You can teach us,” Antenna offered.

Panic immediately flashed across Twilight’s face as she recalled the memory of her first class. ”Oh, no…” Twilight stammered. “No no no no, I can't teach you kung fu!” Twilight gestured towards Rainbow Dash. “I couldn't even teach Rainbow, and she already knows Kung-Fu!”

The cyan pegasus reluctantly nodded her head in agreement.

“Twilight, I…” Shining sighed. “I know I'm the last guy you wanna trust right now.” Shining gazed at her pleadingly. “But you gotta believe me: we can do this. We can learn Kung-Fu. We can be just like you.”

Twilight paused at her brother's words. “What did you just say?”

“We can do this?” Shining repeated

“No, after that.” Twilight inched closer

“We can learn Kung-Fu?

“After that-after that.”

“Uh…” Shining glanced at Antenna, who shrugged in confusion. “We can be just like you?”

Twilight brightened. “Yes… I GOT IT!”

Shining brightened. “Yeah?”

“That's what Master Luna meant,” Twilight said thanking her fallen master. “I don't have to turn you into me. I have to turn you into you.”

Shining paused. “Uh… that didn’t make sense.”

“I know!” Twilight hugged both Spike and Shining. “Thanks, guys.”

“You're… welcome?” Spike offered, still confused.

“I'm gonna do something I never thought I'd be able to do.” Twilight grinned as she calmed down. “I'm gonna teach Kung-Fu.”

Twilight walked in front of the villagers with an ever-present smile.

“Unlike the great master before me, Master Luna organized training to fit my needs and desires,” Twilight said using her magic to pull several books from a stack next to her. “For me, Luna used my interest in books to motivate me and gain my focus.” Twilight set the books back as she looked at each of the villagers. “Your real strength comes from being the best you - you can be. So, who are you? What are you good at? What do you love? What makes you - you?” Twilight motioned encouragingly. “I want you to show me what you love and then I can work from there.”

Twilight watched the inhabitants of Twilight Village scatter as they did what they were good at. Moving to a group of young unicorns, the Celestial Warrior watched them kicking hacky sacks in the air.

“Yes, good. Keep it up.” Twilight said, moving on as Rainbow watched in confusion.

The next group was a small pack of changelings that changed into perfect duplicates of Twilight, and then into Rainbow.

Twilight grinned at this as she moved around them. "Impressive," Twilight complimented, moving to the Changeling Queen.

Queen Antenna gave Twilight a warm smile as she approached with her ribbon in hand. The changeling queen began to spin the ribbon around herself as she danced around the unicorn.

"You danced like that during dinner?" Twilight observed.

"It’s one of the things I pride myself on," Queen Antenna said as she wrapped her ribbon around the Celestial Warrior before pulling her close. "Well, that and mothering an entire Hive of course,” she added with a flirtatious wink.

Twilight chuckled, before untangling herself and moving on.

"Twilight,” Rainbow resisted begging. “Please tell me you figured out how to train them.”

"Have some faith in me Rainbow," Twilight replied, more focused on observation.

"But when are you going to..." Rainbow was cut off when Flurry flew right for her and latched onto her mane. "AUGH! She's got my mane! SHE’S GOT MY MANE!”

"Rainbow Baby!" Flurry squealed in glee as Cadence pried her off the rainbow master.

Queen Antenna was the first one Twilight returned to with a training plan. Replacing her ribbon with a ball and chain, Twilight watched as Antenna’s ribbon dancing translated perfectly to utilizing whips, and weighted items as weapons, smashing through training dummies, while also utilizing agility gained from acrobatics and a lifetime of love making to pull off seductive gymnastics that would make even one of Tirek’s jade zombies blush.

Rainbow Dash watched in confusion, as despite the non-traditional method, Antenna proved herself more than capable. And before Rainbow knew it, Twilight was moving on to a changeling who enjoyed turning into a bear and scaring ponies.

"I want you to use that bear strength of yours and hug this log," Twilight said levitating one of the logs she used to make her dummy closer. "Hug it like it's the last thing you'll ever hug in your life!”

Twilight watched for a total of thirty-five minutes before the log was snapped in half. The unicorn smiled and nodded, before she moved to the side and motioned to a boulder.

"Now crush this" Twilight said before thinking to herself. "if he can crush this then he can restrain master Rockhoof.”

The changeling gave the boulder a bear hug with all of its strength, unfortunate 3 hours later there wasn't so much as a crack in it. the changeling glanced towards his master before being engulfed in emerald flames, Twilight was taken aback when the changeling turned into Roar. Wrapping its beefy yak arms around the boulder, the changeling managed to crush the boulder.

The next group that Twilight moved to was the group of hacky sack players. "You guys are doing great, but now I want you guys to try it with this." Twilight brings out several rocks before tossing them toward the ponies and setting up a series of empty bottles around them. "Try and hit each bottle.”

After a good hour or so, the Hacky sack group manages to get a handle on their task. Twilight’s smile widened as she created several balls of magic.

“Don’t let any of these hit the ground,” Twilight instructed. "These are orbs of concentrated magic; the moment they touch the ground they'll pop and knock you back." Twilight threw them up into the air and watched as her students moved to keep the magic in the air.

The last group was the changelings that turned into the Celestial Warrior.

"You lot certainly have some of the best attention to detail I've ever seen." Twilight grinned as spoke to the changelings. "This ability will be key in what I have planned. How long can you hold a transformation?"

"A form like this?” One changeling replied, turning to normal. “We can hold for days.”

"However,” another changeling added. “Something that isn't a living creature we can only hold for about ten minutes to thirty, depending on our level of concentration.”

Twilight nodded. “Alright. I would like you all to turn into the largest boulder you can muster!"

The changelings did as instructed.

"Good,” Twilight praised. “Now this will test your level of concentration.”

Twilight then pushed the closest changeling down the hill. Not even five feet down, he changeling returned to his original form.

"This will be your training," Twilight said, as she used her magic to bring the first changeling back to the top of the hill. "You'll need to hold your form long enough to hit your enemy."

It took almost all day long, but by the time the sun began to set, the changelings were able to hold their transformations. Twilight looked over to the other students before exhaling in relief. Each and every creature was crushing her instructions with precision and accuracy.

"They're ready," Twilight said with relief.

“Are you sure about that?” Rainbow asked before noticing the alicorn filly wrapped around her leg. “How do you keep sneaking away for your mother!”

The moon began to rise as the villagers gathered around one of the dining tables. Twilight had laid out a map of the village, and pointed things out with a tree branch as she explained her plan.

“Pharynx?” Twilight pointed toward the entrance on the map. “This is the only entrance to the village, right?”

“Affirmative,” Pharynx confirmed with a nod.

“Good,” Twilight replied. “Rainbow told me that whatever the Jombies see, Tirek will see as well. So, I want the children over here where I placed… the… cookies.”

Twilight stammered as she watched the children snatch up the cookies that had served as a placeholder on the map. One froze at her glare, but slowly went back to chewing the cookie he had stolen. Twilight sighed.
“I should have seen that coming,” Twilight admitted, before shaking it off. “Anyway, our little bear? You need to keep the biggest Jade Zombie busy.”

“Roger,” the changeling grinned, shifting into Roar again.

“Now the changelings will be stationed here,” Twilight said pointing to an area on the map before looking at Queen Antenna. “Ann, I want you to handle the Blossom Twins.”

“Of course, dear,” the Changeling Queen nodded before Twilight turned to Urtica and her brothers.

“Urtica, you and your brothers take care of any stragglers in case they decide to go after Cadence and the others.” Twilight looked towards her brother. “Will Cadance be okay protecting the rest of the children and elderly?”

“Her barrier magic far exceeds my own,” Shining said with a nod. “She’ll be fine so long as we keep the Jade Zombies away from her.”

“Good to know,” Twilight replied. She pointed to the part of the map depicting the frozen lake. “This is where Tirek will need to be when this all goes down.” She looked up at her group. “You all need to distract the jombies long enough for me to get close to Tirek and put the Wuxi Finger Hold on him.”

“Then it sounds like we have a plan,” Antenna noted, before turning to everyone. “Take this time to relax, everyone. If you have a partner you want to declare undying love to or just need a bathroom break, now’s the time.”

The ponies and changelings scattered to gather themselves for the upcoming battle. Twilight remained where she was, unrolling the jade scroll to a drawing of Celestia and Tirek battling. Re-reading the scroll, Twilight felt a tug, and saw Shining looking at the scroll himself. He unrolled the page further to reveal a drawing of the unicorns healing Celestia with chi.

“Shining?” Twilight asked.

Shining Armor sighed in defeat as he gazed at the scroll. “I... I wish I could have taught you this, Sis.”

“It's okay, Shining,” Twilight said, giving her brother a reassuring smile. “I'm…”

Twilight paused. Her ears flicked as she picked up a sound: metal cutting through air.

Everyone in the village stopped, turning as the sound drew closer.

Rainbow’s eyes widened in horror, and she turned to the entrance. Her fists clenched.

“He's here.”

Twilight Village Last Stand

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Tirek stood at the foot of the cliff leading up to the village, his blades singing as he gazed at his goal with a grin. Tirek ran towards the cliff wall before jumping and launching his blades upward. Gripping his chains, the satyr pulled himself over the ice wall and onto the wooden planks leading to the entrance.

Twilight stood ready to meet him, a small grin on her face. "Nice entrance," she noted. "Very dramatic."

Tirek’s eyes scanned the Celestial Warrior hungrily. Twilight's grin faded and she shifted her arms to make sure she was covered.

Tirek noticed her discomfort. "Get your mind out of the gutter," he said. "I'm more interested in the amount of Chi you possess. Far more than Celestia had..." He grinned and aimed his blade at the unicorn. "You must be the Celestial Warrior."

“And you... must be Lord Tirek!" Twilight mused. "The Jade Slayer, The Beast of Vengeance. Maker of Widows.”

“Yes!” Tirek shouted in glee. “Finally! Thank you! Almost makes me want to spare your life.”

"If you want to spare me," Twilight replied. "How about you spare me the chit chat."

"Fine," Tirek agreed. "I'm going to take your chi, then the chi of every..."

"You just said you were going to spare me the chit chat," Twilight pointed out.

"But..." Tirek tried to say, but Twilight cut over him again.

"Chit chat!"

"I..."

"Chit chat!"

"FINE!" Tirek yanked out the many jade pendants wrapped around his waist. He breathed life into the pendants. "ROUND THEM ALL UP!"

Spinning his blades, Tirek launched the pendants into the air. Twilight raced back to the village as the green gems landed and exploded into green mist. Mere seconds later, several Jade Zombies stood before the Celestial Warrior.

Part of Twilight knew she should feel fear, but it was overcome by her fangirl side coming out in elated joy.

“Sweet Celestia! Master Spitfire and the Wonderbolts!” Her gaze then shifted to some of the older masters. “Master Starswirl and the Six Pillars!”

Unfortunately, her joy died in her throat as Master Luna and the Furious Five appeared before her. “Oh no! It's true...” Twilight then looked toward Applejack. “AJ, you look like Sweetie just feed you her signature Crusader surprise.”

The Jade Applejack narrowed her eyes in annoyance. Meanwhile, the villagers waited for Twilight’s signal.

“Get them!” Tirek commanded.

“Here we go!” Twilight shouted as she ran into the village.

The Jade Fluttershy rushed after the Celestial Warrior, but Twilight managed to duck out of her path. The jade mare flew into the air, but as she circled around... Twilight smiled as a familiar changeling tackled the mare into the ground.

“Changelings?” Tirek chuckled as he watched the jade pegasus plummet. "Seriously?

Pharynx jumped off the mare and disappeared in a flash of green magic.

“Nice work, Pharynx,” Twilight said, jumping over her friend. “Sorry Fluttershy.”

Twilight glanced back and saw Master Capper pouncing after her. The unicorn’s magic flared, and the cat slammed hard into a barrier spell. Leaving the master stunned, Twilight ran through the village before maneuvering onto the roofs of the buildings. Twilight scanned the surroundings before spotting the changings lying in wait.

“Time to roll out guys!” Twilight called out.

As one, the changelings used their powers to turn into boulders and began rolling down the hill. The Celestial Warrior stopped halfway across one of the buildings before erecting a wall of magic which caught four of the jade masters in one place. Before any of them could do more than reel from the impact, the boulder-turned changelings collided with them and knocked them off the roof before turning back to normal. The Jade zombies glared at the changelings, but Twilight caught their attention.

“Over here, Mr. Jombie!” Twilight called out as she jumped down to the ground with the enslaved in tow.

On the ground, Twilight slid down a ramp of snow before she jumped over a large black rock which was engulfed in green fire revealing Roar-or rather a changeling copy of Roar. The Changeling rushed forward and grappled with Master Rockhoof.

Twilight smiled knowing Equestria’s Strongest Master was handled, however her smile rapidly faded as she ducked under the weapons belonging to the Twin Masters Aloe and Lotus.

However as Aloe raised her weapon to strike the unicorn, a pink ribbon wrapped around the staff before a jerk sent the weapon into the master’s sister. Both Jombies looked past the unicorn and found the queen of the Neartica hive.

“Let's dance, darlings,” the changeling queen said with a sultry smile as she pulled out a ball and chain.

“Good luck Ann,” Twilight said running past them.

“You too sweetie,” Ann gave the Celestial Warrior a smile.

The Changeling Queen turned back to the twin jade zombies and charged with her ribbon and weapon raised, wrapping her ball and chain around the legs of one of the twins and redirecting her into the other.

Back towards the frozen lake, Tirek recoiled from the attack the changeling delivered to his jade slaves.

Back in the village, Twilight continued to lead the Jombies to the various traps and ambushes she had planned and set up. However she was halted when the jade form of Master Flash Sentry grabbed the back of Twilight’s Gi.

Luckily, his grip was broken when Rainbow Dash struck the enslaved master.

“Sorry Flash!” Rainbow called out as she kicked the Jade Zombie away from Twilight.

Jade Flash and Rainbow clashed. Her fists were like lightning as her first strike connected with his chest before she delivered a swift uppercut which was followed by a roundhouse kick that knocked him off his feet. Flash moved onto the offensive as he performed a sweeping kick which Rainbow jumped over, the Jombie then unfurled his wings and released a mighty gust which almost knocked the Pegasus Master off her feet.

“Rainbow!”

Rainbow’s eyes grow wide in fear as she looks behind her and saw Flurry walk toward her and latch onto her leg.

“Flurry!” Rainbow said in a panicked tone as she lifted her leg when Flash moved to attack the filly. “Hey watch the kid, Flash!”

Despite her words the enslaved master continued to go after the Alicorn filly, Angered the Pegasus slugged her former friend across his jade face. Rainbow then blocked a fist before tossing the filly up and delivering a roundhouse which missed its mark, Flurry landed in Rainbow’s hand as Flash twisted her free arm.

Rainbow grinned as she looked at the filly. “Do it, Flurry!”

You're mean!” Flurry said, slapping Flash with her Rainbow figurine.

Flash stared in confusion, only for Rainbow's foot to collide with his face, knocking him away. Rainbow then unleashed a flurry of punches which knocked him onto the ground. Twilight smiled at the pegasus as Master Capper chased her with his ax raised high. The Celestial Warrior managed to evade the strike as the jade master was hit by a ball of condensed magic.

Capper looked up and saw countless changelings kicking the balls of magic at any and all jade zombies.

“Fire in the hole!” one changeling yelled, launching a ball of magic right down Capper's throat.

Tirek recoiled as he let out a heavy cough.

Twilight continued to move until her path was halted by a familiar leopard, Fear started to grip Twilight when she saw Master Luna jump over the leopard and towards the unicorn.

“Oh no! Master Luna!” Twilight ran away from the Jade Alicorn. “I can't hit Luna!”

Without warning a purple fist collided with Luna’s face causing the Jade Zombie to recoil and take a few steps back.

“I can.” Spike grinned as he cracked his knuckles.

“And so can I.” Shining Armor said as he carried a bo staff in his grip.

“Let your brothers handle this, Twi,” Spike said, nodding at his sister.

Twilight matched her brothers' nod as she vanished with a flash of light, but not before uttering “I love my Brothers."

The enslaved snow leopard Tai Lung began to chase after and beat down on the villagers until he stopped and gazed upon two particular Changelings. Thorax and Pharynx stood ready for the enslaved master who was getting closer to the shelter Cadance was defending.

“So this is sister’s mate?” Pharynx asked glancing at his brother.

“He is,” Thorax said, raising his fists. “Are you going to hold back?”

“Don’t know how to,” Pharynx said as he and his brother charged the jade snow leopard.

Thorax and Pharynx launched a synchronized attack, their fists and kicks aimed at Tai Lung. They moved with lightning speed, employing acrobatic flips and spins, hoping to overwhelm the master with their combined strength. However, Tai Lung dodged their blows effortlessly, his rhythmic agility allowing him to evade every strike.

Tai Lung countered with his own strikes, each blow delivered with perfect timing and precision. His strikes were a devastating combination of power and grace, as he seamlessly wove together offense and defense. Thorax and Pharynx attempted to defend themselves, but they struggled to keep up with Tai Lung's unmatched speed and technique.

As the battle raged on, it became clear that the brothers were outmatched. Tai Lung anticipated their moves, effortlessly sidestepping their attacks and countering with powerful strikes. Despite their determination, Thorax and Pharynx were gradually worn down by Tai Lung's superior skill, unable to land a significant blow.

Finally, in a climactic moment, Tai Lung capitalizes on an opening, swiftly incapacitating both Thorax and Pharynx with a brutal double uppercut. The brothers find themselves disarmed and immobilized, unable to continue the fight.

“Tai…” A voice called out which made the jade zombie freeze in his tracks.

Urtica stood before her enslaved mate with a look of shock and horror.

For a brief moment, as he gazed on his beloved, the Jade Zombie of Tai Lung exhibited a momentary glimpse of recognition. However, this fleeting occurrence was quickly overshadowed by his snarling reaction as he aggressively charged towards the changeling.

“Tai!” Urtica screamed.

Thorax and Pharynx swiftly intervened, seizing the arms of the jade zombie, effectively halting its forward momentum. In a timely manner, the young changeling queen approached, both hands gently pressing against the sides of her beloved.

"Tai Lung, my beloved," Urtica uttered, her eyes brimming with magical radiance. "This is not your true desire." Her gaze narrowed in determination. "My love, you are not a mere puppet. You are the Great Dragon, the Son of Luna, and the only one destined to be my mate."

Thorax and Pharynx struggled to maintain their grip on the formidable jade creature. It wouldn't be long before he broke free. Sensing the urgency of the situation, Urtica sealed her eyes shut, drawing close to her king, and tenderly placed her lips upon his in a heartfelt embrace.

An unsettling silence reigned as she separated from her mate. The jade creature didn't move; his gaze reflected a sense of deep familiarity.

Cautiously, Pharynx and Thorax released Tai, but he didn't attack. Gently, he cradled his queen's face and pressed his forehead against hers.

“My love,” Urtica whispered as she gripped his face.

“What’s he doing?” Pharynx asked, confused by the gesture.

“He does this to let me know he loves me,” Urtica said as she pulled away before spotting the looks of fear plastered on her brother’s faces.

As Urtica turns around, she senses the fear that grips her brother, causing tears to well up in her eyes. Overwhelmed by torment, her voice trembles as she looked past Tai... at another jade zombie. "No... Not you too?"

Approaching the group with regal grace, the previous changeling queen, Queen Chrysalis, walked towards the changelings, adorned in a majestic jade-covered form.

As she drew near, Thorax could only whisper, "Mother..." A sense of reverence and familiarity palpable in his voice.

“Children…”

All three changelings clench their heads, clearly feeling the weight of her words.

“She’s….trying to connect us to her hive mind!”

“Help… Me….”

The changelings froze when they saw the clear tears pouring from the jade zombies emotionless eyes.

“My children….Help me!” Chrysalis begged as she rushed forwards as started to fight her children, the Jade Tai Lung barely able to keep himself from joining her.

The children of the changeling queen were put on the defense, each one's emotions in conflict over another. Their defenses were poor as a result, their counter attacks were sloppy.

The jade zombie then moved to attack Urtica, but the jade claw of Tai Lung caught her by her wrist. Chrysalis slowly turned to face Tai Lung but before the former queen retaliated, the Jade Snow Leopard kicked her chest and knocked her back.

However the queen did not fall and when she recovered Tai Lung had closed the distance and used his legs to sweep Chrysalis's legs out from under her before he pinned her.

The Jade Zombie moved to kick the snow leopard off but found her legs bound by resin. Chrysalis then darted her eyes left and right as she saw her two sons binding her arms in resin. Internally, The Changeling Queen was overjoyed that she didn't have to stain her hand with her children's blood, a point she made clear when she spoke to them through her hive mind.

“Thank you…children...”

Meanwhile, Twilight teleported to a hill overlooking the frozen lake, gazing towards the village where her family continued to fight against Tirek’s jade zombies. Turning back to the Satyr in the lake, Twilight saw Tirek recoiling from each blow his slaves received, all while trying to assert control over the rogue Chrysalis and Tai Lung.

“Stop. Obey me... Enough!” Tirek growled.

“Let's finish this," Twilight said as her horn lit up.

Twilight shrouded herself in a magical mist that rendered her invisible. Twilight then made a ball of snow before rolling it down the hill. The ball rolled down and continued to grow in size as it barreled toward the satyr, Tirek soon saw the snowball before he grabbed his blades.

“Nice try,” Tirek laughed as he used his blades to split the snowball. “Did you really think I'd fall for something as foolish as that?”

"Nope."

Tirek’s eyes widened when he felt something grip his finger, whipping his head around the Satyr found Twilight clenching his finger in the Wushi-finger hold.

Twilight’s eyes shimmered with a fleeting golden glow as she delved into the depths of Tirek's heart, hoping to find a glimmer of light amidst the darkness. "I'm sorry, Tirek," Twilight spoke with determination, addressing the Jade Slayer. "I cannot rid you of this darkness within. Instead, I must banish you back to the spirit realm."

With a slight gesture, Twilight lowered her pinky, expecting her magic to take effect.

However, a moment of awkward silence followed as nothing happened. Perplexed, she raised her pinky and clenched it again, only to witness the same lack of response.

"What's going on?" Twilight stammered.

A wicked smile crept across Tirek's face, accompanied by false pain as he feigned choking. "Hold on, wait," he exclaimed, his voice dripping with deceit. "It's working!" Tirek's dramatic display seemed to mock Twilight's failed attempts. "No, no!" he screamed in mock agony before bursting into a sinister chuckle. "No, it's not. Did Celestia teach you that little trick?" Tirek taunted, wiggling his pinky. "Too bad it only works on mortals. And I..." Tirek's grip tightened as he grabbed Twilight's arm, emphasizing his point. "Am a spirit warrior."

Twilight got one chance to widen her eyes in horror before he whipped and threw her into the ground.

"Come!" Tirek bellowed, recalling his army of enslaved masters back into their pendant forms and back onto his chain.

"Children..." Chrysalis whimpered as she and Tai were yanked back to Tirek.

With a fierce roar, Tirek lunged forward, hurtling Twilight across the frigid expanse of the frozen lake. The Celestial Warrior spun and spun as she fought to maintain her balance. Tirek, ever agile, launched a powerful double kick aimed at Twilight's head, but she managed to dodge both strikes. In a swift motion, she blocked a left punch, but couldn't evade the force of Tirek's horns as they collided with her chest, tearing part of her gi. Sliding across the icy surface, Twilight struggled to regain her footing.

Undeterred, Tirek charged towards the Master, unleashing a flurry of punches — right, then left. With a display of swift and precise defense, Twilight blocked both strikes. Seizing the opportunity, she delivered a punch of her own, but Tirek deftly swept her legs out from under her. Twilight found herself hurtling towards the icy embrace of the lake, only for Tirek to seize her by the back of her gi. Grinning with malice, he flung Twilight high into the air, his foot skillfully connecting with her body, propelling her crashing towards the village gate.

“Twilight!” Spike and Shining shouted as they rushed to help their sister

“TWI!” Rainbow called out as she bolted to help her fellow master

Before long, everyone who had been engaged in battle approached the fallen master. Twilight's body was battered and bruised, her gi torn and tattered. The section covering her right arm and shoulder had been completely ripped off.

"I was mistaken," Twilight wheezed, her voice filled with fear, as she looked at the gathering crowd. "I'm sorry. Run. Run!"

Suddenly, two blades pierced the ground behind the Celestial Warrior, heralding the arrival of Tirek. With an evil grin, he snatched Celestia's pendant.

"So, Celestia, this was the one meant to stop me?" Tirek sneered, gripping one of his blades. "I will take her chi, and then I will take all of yours!"

Tirek noticed some villagers attempting to escape. He hurled his blade, creating a deadly whirlwind that blocked their path.

"And you..." Tirek laughed, relishing in the villagers' fear. "You truly believed you could banish me back to the Spirit Realm?" The Satyr then turned his attention to the battered unicorn. "You are nothing more than a foolish mortal."

Twilight paused, absorbing Tirek's words. "It only works on mortals," she whispered, slowly rising to her feet. "You're right, Tirek. I cannot send you there." The Celestial Warrior fixed a determined gaze on the jade slayer as he marched past her, ready to make her watch as he attacked her village. "But I can take you."

Leaping onto Tirek's back, she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

“What?!” Tirek shouted as Twilight put the Wushi Finger hold... onto herself.

“Twilight!” Rainbow shouted.

“Sister!” Spike and Shining shouted as they rushed forward.

“I love you guys,” Twilight said with a smile.

Then she lowered her pinky.

A Rainbow shockwave of chi exploded from Twilight, enveloping the Jade Slayer as well.

“Twilight!” Spike and Shining Armor shouted in unison.

“No!” Tirek bellowed as he and Twilight vanished in a rainbow glow.

Then it was over; Tirek and Twilight were gone. All that was left was a yin-yang symbol made of flower petals, sitting where Twilight and Tirek had last stood. Spike and Shining Armor approach the flower petals.

“Wha... What happened?" Shining stammered. "Where's Twilight?”

“She took Tirek away,” Rainbow said, her voice cracking with the surge of emotions she was feeling. “She saved us.”

“No…” Shining muttered before Spike spoke up

“She saved us. But who's saving her?”

Battle in the Realm of Spirits

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In the midst of the floating ruins of the Spirit Realm, a sudden and magnificent burst of light erupted, painting the sky with a vibrant rainbow of colors. As the brilliant hues danced and swirled, Twilight slowly opened her eyes and beheld the breathtaking spectacle before her.

The once-bright atmosphere of the Spirit Realm was transformed into a realm of majestic green skies, unlike anything Twilight had ever witnessed. The luminous emerald canopy stretched infinitely above, with wisps of ethereal clouds drifting effortlessly in the celestial expanse. The verdant aura infused every inch of the realm, emanating a sense of tranquility and spiritual energy.

Amidst the emerald skies, Twilight noticed the remnants of the floating ruins that surrounded her. Massive rocks and buildings seemed suspended in mid-air, defying the laws of gravity. The remnants of what once stood as mighty structures now floated gracefully, their ethereal nature a testament to the mystical energy that pervaded the Spirit Realm.

As Twilight gazed deeper into this enchanting realm, she marveled at how the floating rocks and buildings seemed to pulse with a gentle glow. Each structure held a story; a history of the kung fu masters who had traversed this realm. Their presence was imprinted into the very fabric of the celestial landscape.

The air itself carried an air of ancient wisdom, whispering secrets and knowledge to those who would listen. The faint hum of spiritual energy reverberated through the floating ruins, creating a symphony that resonated with Twilight's soul. It was as if the realm itself spoke to her, inviting her to unlock the hidden mysteries and power that lay dormant within.

“Wow...” Twilight whispered with stars in her eyes, her voice filled with awe and wonder. "The Spirit Realm. It worked!"

Enveloped in the mesmerizing beauty of her surroundings, Twilight momentarily forgot that she hadn't arrived in the Spirit Realm alone.

"Get off me, you..." Tirek roared, his voice dripping with frustration, as he forcefully threw Twilight off his back. His eyes scanned the ethereal landscape before settling on the unicorn with an intense glare. "You brought me back?!"

Twilight shrugged. "Don't blame me. I wanted to finish this in the regular realm."

“Then we'll finish it here!” Tirek shouted, his anger fueling his resolve. With a mighty force, he rammed his horns into Twilight's chest, propelling her high into the air.

Tirek hurled his blade with precision, narrowly missing the elusive unicorn. However, the Satyr's deadly blades found an unexpected target — they lodged themselves into a floating rock, a structure perched atop it. Tirek, fueled by sheer determination, exerted every ounce of his strength, causing the towering edifice to hurtle towards the Celestial Warrior.

Twilight gazed in sheer disbelief as the colossal structure collided forcefully with her, leaving her reeling from the impact.

Before Twilight could regain her composure, Tirek menacingly reared his fist back, ready to unleash a powerful blow upon the Celestial Warrior. With an unstoppable force, his fist expertly propelled Twilight through the massive rock, intensifying the magnitude of the collision.

Stunned and disoriented, Twilight struggled to regain her bearings, only to find herself ensnared by Tirek's sinister chains. A chilling realization washed over her as Tirek commenced draining her chi, seeping away her vital energy.

Back in the mortal realm, Everyone began to notice the pedal began to dim and start to blow with the breeze.

“No!” Shining said as he grabbed a few of the drifting pedals. “Come on! Fight, Twilight!”

However, the pedals continued to dim. The images of the scroll flashed in his mind.

“We need to help her!” Shining whispered before motioning to the other villagers. “Everyone gather around!”

The Villagers gathered around the yin-yang symbol.

“That's it," Shining encouraged. "Come in close. Come on. We can do this.”

Shining placed his hands together just like he saw in the scroll. The others, watching him, followed his lead.

Shining extended his palm towards the petals. "Twilight," he whispered. "You taught us who we were meant to be." He indicated himself. "A brother."

Rainbow extended her hand. "A friend."

Thorax extended his hand. "A protector."

Urtica joined in. "A redeemed companion."

Pharynx extended his hand. "A guardian."

Queen Ann extended her hand. "A sister."

Flurry reached out. "Rainbow baby."

Spike reached out. "A family."

As the interactions progressed, a brilliant and energizing aura originated from Shining Armor's hand. The radiant glow grew in intensity, fueled by chi, and progressively brightened each individual petal. A yellow glow emerged from everyone's palms.

The petals took on a vivid luminescence as they gracefully swirled in a mesmerizing vortex.

Tirek's cruel laughter echoed as he watched Twilight's face begin to harden under the jade. "Celestia was wrong about you," he crowed arrogantly, "and soon your Chi will be mine!"

Despite his taunts, a radiant yellow handprint emerged on Twilight's chest.

"Twilight," she heard Shining's voice whisper. "Fight."

Twilight gazed down in shock, though her shock turned to a smile as more glowing handprints appeared across her body.

These luminescent symbols restored her strength, pushing back against the onslaught of jade. Gleaming brightly, they shattered the jade's stifling grip, as Twilight pulled herself free from it's influence.

Twilight marveled at her escape, "This is…"

Before she could finish her sentence, a potent shockwave of Chi exploded from her. Its yellow waves of energy bowled over Tirek, who had to anchor himself with his blades. Awed, Tirek watched as Twilight was bathed in the vivid hues of a rainbow light, radiating so powerfully that it altered the very color of the realm's sky.

Basking in the vibrant spectrum of the rainbow's glow, Twilight became acutely aware of several transformations within her. Blooming on her back were pegasus wings, a striking augmentation accompanied by a notable intensification of her magical powers. Eventually, she turned her attention to her dramatically altered attire:

Her purple dress, seamlessly hugging her form, left her shoulders and upper legs exposed to allow freedom of movement. Golden-trimmed sleeves clung to her upper arms, each adorned with a trio of stars near the wrist. A black belt with a golden star-shaped buckle encircled her waist, accessorized by a handy pouch. Over her chest, a purple secondary garment was fastened around her neck with a star-shaped clasp. Accommodating her feet were thigh-high dark purple boots, embellished with golden trim at the top, ankle, and toe. The final touch was an assortment of golden star earrings — three in each ear, twinkling with style and subtly mirroring the stars on her sleeves.

"You're... an Alicorn?!" Tirek's voice echoed in disbelief as he beheld the burgeoning wings sprouting from the Celestial Warrior's back, and heard music begin to weave through the air. "Just who exactly are you?"

https://youtu.be/G_PP5fhFXFQ?si=whS5IC4SOICKcBzf

Twilight shifted her stance, watching as each movement traced a line of glowing Chi around her. "I've pondered the same question myself, Tirek," she said, "Am I a sister to a dragon? A sister to a pony? A learner? An educator?"

Tirek snarled as she looked up with a grin.

"And it seems... I am all of them," Twilight affirmed, as the traced lines of Chi started coalescing into the majestic silhouette of a grand Phoenix. "I. Am. The Celestial Warrior."

"Philomena... The Celestial Phoenix," Tirek whispered, well-acquainted with the Chi manifestation. He frowned. "That bird has been a thorn in my cloven hooves."

Twilight held Tirek's gaze, her expression solidifying into a stern warning, "One warning, Tirek," she projected firmly. "Relinquish the stolen Chi, and liberate the other masters."

Undeterred, Tirek retorted defiantly, "Over my dead body, Mare!" He launched himself towards the Alicorn.

Tirek commenced a rapid rotation of one of his blades before launching it directly at the Celestial Warrior. Utilizing the Chi-constructed Phoenix, Twilight seized the blade in its beak and swung it around, which caused Tirek to scream as he clung onto his chain. Twilight tugged on the Jade Slayer's weapon, drawing him closer and inadvertently setting him on a collision course with her Phoenix's clenched talon.

Tirek was hit full force by the fiery talon, and then again by its beak as the Phoenix performed a backflip. The chain binding Tirek to his blade severed, sending him sailing through the Spirit Realm.

"I suspect you won't be needing this anymore," Twilight intoned, her Chi manifestation engulfing and consequently disintegrating the flung blade.

Using his remaining blade, Tirek speared a floating rock to stabilize himself and stop his uncontrollable flight. Once grounded, he continued his pursuit of Twilight by hopping from one rock to another.

"I am far from finished, Pony!" Tirek bellowed, lofting his remaining weapon into the air with resolve.

"Let's do this!" declared Twilight, charging towards the Satyr and swiftly seizing Tirek’s blade with the Phoenix's talon.

This unexpected maneuver sent Tirek into a spontaneous spinning motion before it gradually came to a halt. Tirek frantically searched for his disarmed weapon, only to discover the chain ensnared around his ankle. His eyes widened in alarm as the slack chain abruptly tensed up and yanked him uncontrollably through the Spirit Realm.

"Heads up!" Twilight warned, skillfully steering around various rocks and architectural formations while pulling Tirek behind.

After crashing into multiple obstacles, the chain finally snapped, causing the Jade Slayer to smash into a large rock. Twilight hovered over the scene, slowing to a halt, while Tirek extricated a lodged rock from his mouth. The Satyr inhaled forcefully through his nostrils as he pulverized the rock between his jaws.

"Celestia's chi took me five hundred years to acquire," Tirek grumbled, shoving a stray rock out of his path. "If it takes me another five hundred, I will have yours!"

"Tirek," Twilight said in stern tone. "It is your greed that ultimately leads to your defeat. Your betrayal of Celestia is driven by this insatiable hunger for power. If I succumb to you today, there will be no one left for you to plunder." Despite the intensity of her words, Twilight maintained a calm expression, closing her eyes. "Remember, the more you take, the less you will have."

Tirek froze, staring at the Alicorn before him. In his eyes, he saw Celestia herself.

Overwhelmed with anger, Tirek shouted, "Shut up!" and impulsively lunged at Twilight.

"You willingly abandoned everyone in pursuit of power," Twilight continued. "But in doing so, you have forgotten the most vital force that exists."

As Twilight's eyes reopened, they emitted a brilliant white light. Spinning her hands, she extended them towards Tirek, declaring, "Friendship is Magic."

The Phoenix bravely pursued Tirek, who grinned with satisfaction as he absorbed the Chi Bird's energy.

"Yes," Tirek's grin broadened as he experienced a surge of unprecedented strength, continuously growing more powerful. "The power is mine!" Suddenly, the jade pendants on Tirek's belt transformed from green to a mesmerizing rainbow streaked gold as they detached from his belt.

As they floated away, Tirek's expression shifted, going from excited to concerned. "Wait!" he exclaimed. "No! It's too much! That's too much!"

But Twilight merely narrowed her eyes, and even more energy poured into him.

"No!" Tirek screamed as his body expanded with rainbow-streaked golden energy. With a final scream of agony, he exploded, releasing a cataclysmic shockwave of rainbow-colored chi.

Back in the Mortal realm, the pedals spun faster, forcefully expelling several jade pendants. Upon hitting the ground, these pendants shattered, liberating the once-enslaved masters, who regained their true forms.

Masters Capper, Flash Sentry, and Daring Doo stared at their surroundings, their confusion evident. The Furious Five immediately regrouped with each other.

"We're back!" Pinkie exclaimed with uncontainable joy, squeezing her fellow masters in an exuberant hug that bordered on bone-crushing.

"Pinkie dear..." Rarity managed to squeeze out, struggling for breath.

"Can't...breathe!" Applejack wheezed.

Fluttershy, fortunately spared from the intense embrace, found solace in Discord's arms.

“Are you okay my dear?” Discord whispered with concern.

Fluttershy, assessing her condition, placed a comforting hand on Discord's face and rested her head against his with a nod.

"I've been better," Fluttershy admitted, leaning in to plant a tender kiss on Discord's cheek. "Thank you for saving me."

Discord winced at her praise. “I still failed."

“It doesn’t matter,” Fluttershy reassured him. “It’s the thought that counts.”

Meanwhile, the snow leopard Tai Lung scanned the area before spotting the one he had been searching for. With agility and determination, he leaped over everyone else to embrace his beloved.

"Thank Celestia you're safe," Tai Lung whispered as he rested his forehead against hers. "I was terrified at the thought of hurting you..."

"You didn't," Urtica replied, gazing into his eyes with unwavering passion. "You protected me."

Suddenly, a high-pitched voice called out, capturing Urtica's attention.

“Sister!” Tak and Roar approached, tears streaming down Tak's face. Urtica noted their distress and opened her arms to embrace her sorrowful sibling.

"Tak…Tak failed, sister," Tak cried, jumping from the hulking Yak to wrap her arms around the young changeling queen. "Please forgive Tak."

"You did nothing wrong, Tak," Urtica reassured her, hugging her sister back.

"Wait," Shining yelled. "Where's Twilight?"

Rainbow looked to her friends. "Have you seen Twi?"

"No," Pinkie answered, scanning their surroundings. "Isn't she here?"

Spike, standing resolute in front of the pedals, gazed up with wide eyes. "Twilight?" He called into the petals. "Twilight!"

Twilight found herself drifting towards a shimmering golden lake while Celestia's Pendant emitted a radiant yellow glow. The solar alicorn emerged with a beaming smile adorning her face.

"Celestial Warrior," Celestia greeted Twilight with joy and pride. "And how is my faithful student doing?"

"Master Celestia?" Twilight exclaimed in disbelief, sinking into a bow. "I can't believe it." She glanced up. "W-Whoa, you're extra shiny."

"As are you, my little pony," Celestia replied, nudging Twilight onto a waiting boat.

"You honor me with your words, Master," Twilight responded, bowing her head.

"Raise your head, Twilight," Celestia asked, gently lifting the Celestial Warrior's chin with her hand. "You have come such a long, long way."

"Rainbow has been training me," Twilight mentioned.

Celestia chuckled. "What I meant was that you have grown. Just as I hoped you would when I sent the message to your brother."

Twilight gasped. "You sent the universe mail?"

Celestia smiled as the boat came to a halt in front of a peach tree. "Of course I did." She disembarked from the boat. "Because the universe needed you."

"Me?"

"Yes," Celestia laughed softly. "You have finally become the pony you were always meant to be."

"But how did you know I could?" Twilight asked. "When we first met, I was a lowly librarian who couldn't even win against three fillies."

"When we first met, I saw the future of kung fu," Celestia reminisced, looking at Twilight with immense pride. "And I also saw the past." Celestia's memory flashed back to ancient masters of chi. "I saw the pony who could unite them both. That is why I chose you that day, Twilight."

She presented her staff to Twilight. The younger alicorn stepped back in shock, but hesitantly took the staff.

"You embody both sides of the Yin and Yang," Celestia proclaimed. "And you are my true successor."

"M-Me?" Twilight stammered, taken aback. "I... I..."

"It's alright," Celestia assured. She leaned in close and whispered, "I have a bigger one."

Twilight chuckled, yet her grin faded as she took the staff, gazing down on it thoughtfully. "Are you sure?"

"I am," Celestia said softly, reassurance in her voice.

Twilight smiled, nodding... though her smile faded again as she looked around. "So... now what do we do?"

"Hmm," Celestia mused, as a gentle shower of cherry blossom petals surrounded her. "You tell me."

"No!" Twilight cried out. "Wait! Celestia, don't go!"

"I'm not going anywhere," Celestia laughed as she floated up and settled on one of the tree branches. "I live here."

"Oh. Right," Twilight chuckled nervously.

"But it is time for you to decide whether to stay or go," Celestia told the Celestial Warrior as she plucked a peach from the tree.

Twilight gasped. "I can go back?"

"Who knows?" Celestia shrugged nonchalantly, taking a bite out of the peach. "I've never tried."

Twilight glanced at the golden lake, and then at the staff in her hands. She looked up with a grin. With a swift and fluid motion, she traced a yin-yang symbol on the water's surface. A resplendent shockwave of rainbow chi burst forth from the lake.

With one final smile and nod to Celestia, Twilight let herself sink into the chi-infused waters.

Everyone observed the petals entranced, their eyes wide with awe, as they emitted a rainbow radiance. Twilight emerged from this dazzling spectacle, encased in a powerful aura reminiscent of a Chi master. Cheers erupted from the spectators as Twilight gradually descended toward the ground.

"Twilight!" Both Spike and Shining called her name as they embraced their sister in a heartfelt hug.

"Promise us you won't dissolve into petals again," Spike pleaded.

"We feared we'd lost you," Shining Armor confessed.

"On the contrary," countered Twilight, hugging them back. "You saved me." She looked to everyone. "All of you."

In a swirl of emotion, the village residents and Twilight's friends joined in a collective embrace. Spotting her master amid the crowd, Twilight disengaged from the group hug.

"Master Luna!" Twilight called, pushing her way towards the figure.

"The student..." Luna's words trailed off as she noticed the staff in Twilight's grip. "Hold on, where did that come from?"

"This?" Twilight raised the staff slightly. "Master Celestia presented it to me in the spirit realm."

Luna's eyes widened, before she sighed. "Of course she did."

"So..." Twilight shifted from foot to foot. "I think I've mastered Chi."

"Sounds about right," Luna remarked with a sigh and a face palm. "Could you possibly teach me?"

"Certainly, but first..." Twilight moved towards Fluttershy and Discord. "Fluttershy," Twilight called, drawing her friend's attention. "Remove your blindfold."

"Huh?" Fluttershy turned towards Twilight puzzled.

"Do you trust me, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy chuckled. "Absolutely." She unwrapped her blindfold and let it fall away, revealing large, eye-like marbles.

Twilight smiled, and enveloped her hands in a rainbow glow, then gently placed her hand on Fluttershy's face. Basked in Twilight's Chi, Fluttershy felt the scar on her face vanish, as if erased from existence. Fluttershy's tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she turned to her friends. The rest of the Furious group gasped in shock as their eyes met Fluttershy's, the color returning to her irises.

"I... I can see!" an overcome Fluttershy exclaimed.

Twilight stood at the front of the recently repaired Celestial Palace. She, along with the other five, guided Ponyville's locals and those from Twilight Village through an array of stances. Meanwhile, servants of the Celestial Palace contributed to the festive atmosphere by playing music and launching fireworks. Spectators from the surrounding valley flocked to watch the spectacle.

"Rarity, help!" Pinkie Pie cried out as she struggled to detach the young alicorn clinging to her face.

"Pink baby," Flurry Heart proclaimed, refusing to let go of the mare.

"This hug is going on too long!" Pinkie declared. "I need to train! Someone, get her off me!"

With pride swelling within her, Twilight surveyed the bustling arena before her gaze landed on Luna.

Luna bowed deeply in respect.

Beaming, Twilight reciprocated the gesture before turning back to her students and adopting a chi stance.

Inspired, the rest of the crowd mirrored her, generating a shared pulse of chi energy that swept across the valley, creating a field of beautiful flowers in its wake.

Kung-Fu Equestria 3

by Lady Umbra

The Beast of Vengeance

Long Lost Brother

The Secret Village of Twilight

Twilight’s Family

Tirek Attacks

Truth Revealed

Training

Twilight Village Last Stand

Battle in the Realm of Spirits