> The Ending of the End Revised, or Be Careful with what you wish for.
>  by SaburoDaimando
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: The Summer Sun Fallout
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Now are you sure you got this, Twilight?” Those were the words that came out of Princess Celestia as she and Princess Luna walked alongside Twilight Sparkle outside Canterlot Castle.
“You two just enjoy the festivals,” Twilight said with a smile on her face.  “I have a few surprises in store for”
But before she could finish, she noticed Discord was floating near her in a relaxed pose.  Twilight’s cheerful tune went south as she turned her head towards the Draconequus.
“Yes Discord?”  Twilight said.
“Oh don’t mind me,” Discord said as he floated towards a nearby table with an umbrella on it and took a seat, all while wearing a red tropical, buttoned shirt with a pair of sunglasses.  “I’m just here for the chaos.”
With a blast of thunder and lightning, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle looked up with a shocked look on their faces.  Discord chuckled as the three alicorns directed their surprised gazes back at him.
“And here we go!” Discord said as he pulled up his shades, watching Rainbow Dash dash past him and the alicorns.
“What is Rainbow Dash doing?” Twilight said with a confused look on her face.
But as Twilight began to fly off towards Rainbow Dash, she came to a stop as a huge cauldron full of soup was parked in front of her.  Pinkie Pie stood nearby as she swung her head towards Twilight, before she attempted to cover the cauldron with her body.
“Pinkie?” Twilight said.  “Is this soup?”
“Y…yes,” Pinkie Pie said in a nervous tone.  “I was….really hungry.”
But before Twilight could speak, she overheard the voice of Rarity saying “No pony understands wanting to take pride in your work more than I do!”  Twilight and Pinkie turned to see Rarity and Spike arguing with a number of angry unicorns from a stage.
“You could do more with your magic than make frilly dresses!” One of the unicorns yelled with a huff.
Rarity just brushed it off and said  “Oh pffft.  No pony makes frills anymore.  This season’s actually all about simplicity…”
“Not the point, Rarity,” Spike yelled as the unicorns argued in the unicorn’s face.
But just as Twilight was about to fly towards Rarity and Spike, a pegasi named Feather Flatterfly flew right up to her and yelled out “Princess!  I beg your forgiveness! It’s entirely my fault!”  He flew down onto his knees and held his hooves close, much to Twilight’s confusion.
“What is?”  Twilight asked, only for bolts of lightning to flash around Equestria, followed by a rain shower.  
“THAT!” Feather Flatterfy yelled as Fluttershy walked up to him and Twilight.
“Oh um, just a slight hiccup in the weather,” Fluttershy said with a nervous laugh as he pushed Feather Flatterfly aside.
As Twilight watched, she noticed the clouds above her had been pushed aside.  She looked behind her to see Applejack run through the streets with a wagon full of apples, flour and other supplies for baking.
“Applejack,” Twilight said, flying up to Applejack as the country bumpkin came to a stop.  “What is going on?”
“I told you this was a bad idea,” Applejack said as she pointed at Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Feather Flatterfly.  She threw her hat on the ground and yelled “BUT NO PONY EVER LISTENS TO ME!”
“THAT’S IT!”  Twilight yelled.  She flew up into the air with her horn glowing brightly and aimed her sight at Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Spike.  She pulled her friends from their spots with her magic, threw them around in the air before landing them nearby and flying down towards them.
Twilight Sparkle landed down on the ground with a concerned look on her face and said “I thought everything was fine.  What is going on?”
“Everything was going fine,” Applejack said.
“Until it totally wasn’t,” Pinkie Pie said.
“We tried to fix it ourselves,” Fluttershy said.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Twilight asked as the nervousness in her tone grew.
Rainbow Dash tapped her hooves and said “We didn’t want you to freak out.”
“And you thought not telling me everything was a total disaster would avoid a freak out?” Twilight said.
“When you say it like that,” Spike said with a hint of shame in his tone. “It sounds like a really bad plan.”
  Twilight Sparkle breathed in as Discord looked from the table with a pair of goggles and a smug look on his face.
“Here it comes,” Discord said with anticipation.
But just as Twilight Sparkle was about to speak, someone yelled her name out in a thunderous voice.  Twilight’s face freaked out as she turned to her left to see an upset earth pony walk up to her.  Even Discord looked surprised.
“Mr Neigh Nanners,” Twilight said.  “I wasn’t expecting you for an hour.”
“Well considering that the train arrived at my destination earlier than expected,” Neigh Nanners said as he adjusted his tie.  “That’s the least of your concerns, Miss Sparkle.”
“Who is that?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“That’s Mr Neigh Nanners,” Rarity said.  “The biggest political voice of Equestria.”
“The last thing you need is to be on the receiving end of his harsh tone,” Applejack said as she hunkered down.
“What exactly do you mean, Mr Nanners?” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Oh I know what I mean,” Neigh Nanners said as he took a few steps towards Twilight, causing the Alicorn to fumble and land on her butt.  “Your attempt at a Summer Sun Celebration has proven to be the biggest disaster since Princess Luna’s banishment.”
“WHAT?” Twilight yelled.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ran up to Neigh Nanners as their faces turned to complete shock.
“I can assure you, Mr Nanners,” Princess Celestia said.  “This is only a misstep in Twilight’s path towards being the new ruler of Equestria.”
“One that will end in failure,” Neigh Nanners yelled, causing Celestia and Luna to freeze in place.
Discord just looked at Neigh Nanners in complete shock as his smile turned into a frown.
“I do not like this guy,” Discord said.  “Not one bit.”
Neigh Nanners turned towards Twilight Sparkle and said “You are fully responsible for the end results of the Summer Sun Celebration, am I right?”
“Yes I am,” Twilight said as her voice became nervous.  “But Princess Celestia entrusted this to me and….”
“Well that was a major mistake that your mentor made,” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “Rotten food, angry unicorns, and a thunderstorm.  This is not a celebration.   This is a disgrace to the heritage of Equestria.”
“A disgrace?” Twilight yelled.
“And not just that,” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “This is also your third major mistake you made since the announcement of you becoming Celestia and Luna’s successor.  And I’m counting both the time King Sombra took over Canterlot and placed a number of ponies under his control, combined with your disastrous test rule while Celestia and Luna were on vacation.”
“Disastrous?”  Twilight said.  “Mistake?”
“Mr Nanners, with all due respect,” Princess Celestia said.  “Even me and my own sister had our own mistakes when we ascended the throne.”
“And we learned from them,” Princess Luna said.
“Well there is one thing that I did learn,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Princess Twilight is the worst idea of a ruler for Equestria.  The moment she takes that throne, the whole economy will go into a tailspin, ponies will go into complete chaos and magic itself will be destroyed.  You put that simpleton onto the throne, and there will be a revolt from the ponies of Equestria.  Mark my words”
“What makes you think you can be the authority to all of Equestria?” Princess Luna yelled.
“It’s the ponies of Equestria who are the real authority, Nightmare Moon,” Neigh Nanners said.  “So deal with it.”
Neigh Nanners turned around and walked off while Princess Luna just stood there, completely shocked.  Celestia walked up to her sister and waved her hoof around her face.
“Sister,” Princess Luna said.  “I think escaping from the moon may have been a bad idea on my part.”
As Neigh Nanners walked away, Discord marched towards the stubborn stallion in a huff.
“Now hold it right there, Mister,” Discord said.  “Do you have any idea what kind of can of worms you just opened with that statement?”
“Oh I know what I said,”  Neigh Nanners said.  “And I mean what I said.  I would say you being free of stone was one of Princess Celestia’s biggest mistakes.  But I’d say sparing your miserable life is.  And try to cast a spell on me.  You’ll only prove me right.”
Discord stood there and said nothing as Neigh Nanners walked off.  Fluttershy flew up and patted the draconequus on the back.
Nearby, Twilight’s face was in total disbelief.  Tears began to flow from her eyes as she struggled to hold it back.  
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “Don’t listen to Neigh Nanners.  We can fix this like a true leader.  In fact…”
“No,” Twilight cried as she held her hoof in front of Princess Celestia.  “I am a failure.  A disgrace to Equestria.  This is my biggest failure ever.  I quit being a Princess”
With that, Twilight Sparkle ran away from the ground and from the castle, crying her eyes out.  Celestia, Luna, Discord, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Spike just stood there as Twilight disappeared into the city.
“What just happened?” Spike said.  “First we were about to be chewed out by Twilight Sparkle, and now this.”
“Poor Twilight,” Rarity said.  “To have one of the biggest voices of Equestria chew her out and call her a disgrace to this place.”
“Well,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We still have to pick up the pieces for Twilight.  And put together the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“I’m afraid not,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve always used this celebration as a means to look forward to Equestria’s future, and to remind myself not to be ashamed of the past.  But after what Neigh Nanners said, I’m afraid I have run out of hope, for now.”
“Never thought I would see this day come to,” Princess Luna said, only for Celestia to nod at her.

Later that night, a crowd of ponies gathered across a stage as Princess Celestia approached the microphone.
“Citizens of Canterlot,” Princess Celestia said.  “Given the events that transpired at this castle, from the attempt at putting together the Summer Sun Celebration that ended in disaster, to Neigh Nanners’ harsh treatment of Twilight Sparkle that caused her to run off, it pains me to say this.  But for the first time in Equestrian history, I will be cancelling the Summer Sun Celebration.”
Every pony went into complete shock as they murmured among each other.  
“Furthermore,” Princess Celestia said.  “With Twilight’s decision to depart Canterlot, I’m afraid that any future plans for a coronation for Princess Twilight Sparkle will be put on indefinite hold until further notice.  That is all.”
With that, Princess Celestia walked off stage as the ponies continued to talk with each other in total disbelief and uncertainty.  Celestia walked up to Luna, Discord, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Spike.
“I’m sorry it had to turn out like this,” Princess Luna said. “I’m beginning to believe that my banishment to the moon was a blessing compared to what you’re going through.”
“I understand your frustration, Luna,” Princess Celestia said.  “But now, we have to be strong for Twilight.”
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna reached out and hugged each other as tears fell from their eyes.  Nearby,  Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike and Discord watched the two alicorns before turning towards each other.
“So what exactly are we going to do?” Rainbow Dash asked.  “We’re in a major pickle because Twilight just flat out quit.”
“We have to let Starlight and the other ponies back in Ponyville, and the School of Friendship, know about this,” Applejack said.  “They need to know the honest truth.”
“I’m with you on that,” Rarity said.  “If only so that they know what’s going on with Twilight to let her know that she’s not alone.”
“Maybe we can put together an arts and crafts project to send to Twilight to help her feel better,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Great idea,” Fluttershy said.  “When school starts tomorrow, I’ll get to work on that.”
As Discord was about to speak, he felt a scratch on his left.  Discord looked down and saw Spike tugging on his leg.
“Could you do us a favor, Discord?” Spike asked.
“I take it you want me to help you find Twilight,” Discord said.
“That’s the plan,” Spike said.  “If Twilight can be found, then we can let her know that we have her back.”
“Consider it done,” Discord said.  “After all, any friend of Fluttershy is a friend of mine.”
With that, Discord conjured up a door and opened it before stepping through.  The moment he went through the door, it disappeared.
“Let’s hope Discord can find Twilight and get her home,” Applejack said.  “She’ll need all the help she can get.”

“What do you mean Twilight’s gone?” 
Those words came from Starlight Glimmer, who sat in the head mare’s chair in complete shock at the School of Friendship.
“That’s just it,” Rainbow Dash said.  “After Neigh Nanners said those horrible words to Twilight Sparkle, she ran off, declaring herself done with being a Princess.”
“That’s horrible,” Starlight said.  “Now what’s going to happen with the School?”
“We’ll have to make due without Twilight,” Applejack said.  “And Pinkie suggested that we all take up a special arts and craft project that will help them think of Twilight in their hearts.”
“Well it’s not just that,” Fluttershy said.  “Starlight’s going to need all the help she can get while running the School of Friendship.”
“Well if anything, the Great and Powerful Trixie will always be by Starlight’s side.”  Everyone turned around to see Trixie standing at the doorway.
“Still a showoff as always,” Rainbow Dash said.
“I take it you heard about what happened to Twilight?” Applejack asked.
“Unfortunately,” Trixie said as her tone turned sour and she pulled out a newspaper.  “Yes.”
Trixie threw the newspaper onto the ground, allowing Spike to run and pick up the newspaper.
“What’s it say,” Rarity asked before Spike’s face turned into both surprise and shock.
“It’s worse than you’d imagine,” Spike said as he faced the front of the paper towards her friends.  “Twilight Sparkle has been made a pariah.”
“Oh dear,” Rarity said as she looked at the paper.  “Neigh Nanners wasn’t kidding when he called Twilight a disgrace last night.  This is his writing, without a doubt.”
“Disgraced Princess quits,” Rainbow Dash yelled as she read the paper.  “Saves Equestria from the biggest disaster in history.”
“Ocellus brought that to me when I came in,” Trixie said.  “So I had to bring it to your attention.”
“Why that yellow-bellied conspiracy theorist,” Applejack yelled as she took off her hat and threw it on the ground.  “When I get ahold of that fibbing fraud…”
“Applejack,’ Rarity yelled.  “No use of any violence, no matter what.”
“But what he said,” Applejack said.
“If we resort to that,” Rarity said.  “We are no better than him.  Besides, we need to find Twilight before an angry crowd does.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “If that crowd beats Discord to Twilight, they’ll throw her in Tatarus and make her sleep with Tirek and Cozy Glow.”
“Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Now is not the time to be going all doomsday.”
“She’s right,” Starlight said.  “Right now, we have to hold on as long as we can, not just for Twilgiht’s sake, but also for Celestia and Luna’s sake.”
“I’ve had a grudge against Twilight for a long time,” Trixie said.  “But even that alone would disgust me and make me sympathize with the Princess of Friendship.”
“Then we need to lift the spirits of the students here,” Applejack said.  “Because no one needs that kind of negativity.”
“Then let’s get this day out of the way,” Starlight said.

Meanwhile, deep within a dark, swampy forest, Twilight Sparkle ran as fast as she could, crying her eyes out.  Even despite it being the middle of the day, the forest held no light.
“I’m a failure,” Twilight said as she began to slow down.  “I’m a big failure.  Now every pony is going to hate me for this.  I don’t know if I can live in this cruel world anymore.”
As Twilight walked through the forest, ignoring all the dangers surrounding her, she looked up and saw a lair of some sort in the theme of a ram, towering over a small pond.
“That’s the lair of the legendary tyrant, Grogar,” Twilight said.  “Maybe if I hid there, I can finally hide from the outside world.”
Twilight looked down and saw a few stones that were stuck above the water.  She took a deep breath and hopped across the stones, heading towards the entrance of the lair.
“Well Princesses,” Twilight said to herself.  “Guess this truly is…good-bye.”
With that, Twilight went deeper into the lair’s entrance, disappearing from the outside world.

Inside, as Twilight walked from stone to stone, she looked around the empty cavern, astonished by the design of the interior.  There were staircases and slopes carved out from the stone, all leading to a central table where a crystal ball laid atop.
“Wow,” Twilight said.  “Princess Celestia told me about Grogar.  But I never imagined his lair to be like this.”
Twilight continued to step from stone to stone until she arrived at the central table.  She looked down at the crystal ball as it gazed back into her head.
“This belonged to the tyrant emperor,” Twilight said.  “But I wonder if his magic still works.”
As Twilight reached out towards the ball, the eye turned into the image of Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike, Starlight Glimmer and Trixie all working on arts and crafts with the students.  She took a closer look and saw what appeared to be an image of herself, imposed on a card on Ocellus’ desk.
“My friends are that concerned for me?” Twilight said.  “They’re doing this all for me?  That’s…that’s the sweetest thing I’ve seen.”
Twilight got off the table as the image on the crystal ball disappeared.  She wiped the tears from her face and turned to face the exit.
“I’ve made a bigger mistake,” Twilight said.  “Giving up.  I’ve got to go back and make things right.”
But before she could make her leave, she overheard the sound of laughter.  Twilight turned her attention towards a doorway.
“I recognized those voices,” Twilight said.  “But that’s impossible for at least two of them.  They’re in Tatarus.”
Twilight slowly walked up to the doorway and peeked her head inside.  Her jaw dropped in total shock.
“I…I don’t believe it.” Twilight whispered.
Inside the room, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow were laughing hard as they took a look at the newspaper.
“I can’t believe it,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Our antics worked better than we thought.”
“Who’d knew that Princess Twilight Sparkle would resign from her position because of our work,” Tirek said in laughter.
“For all that stern lecture she gave me before I was banished to Tatarus,” Cozy Glow said.  “She was nothing but hot air.”
“But enough talk,” Tirek said.  “It’s time we got to work at figuring out the nature of the bell, now that we have that book we stole from the Canterlot Archives.”
But as Chrysalis, TIrek and Cozy Glow were about to make a move, a blast of magic fired off and hit a nearby wall, catching their attention.  They turned their faces to see Twilight Sparkle standing there in the doorway, looking ready to cast another spell.
“I don’t know how you three were able to come together,” Twilight said.  “But you have a lot of nerve to trash the Summer Sun Celebration and have Neigh Nanners chew me out for that.”
“Well well well,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “If it isn’t Twilight Sparkle.  We didn’t expect you to arrive here.”
“And all alone as a pariah from the whole world,” Cozy Glow said.
“I don’t care what they say,” Twilight said as she scratched her hoof on the ground.  “If I bring you three down, I can prove that I am still a hero in the eyes of Equestria.”
“Is that a fact?”  Tirek said as he threw the newspaper down in front of Twilight.  “Haven’t you read up on the news, Ex-Princess?”
Twilight looked down and picked up the newspaper with her magic.  She glanced over and her face turned into despair.
“A big disaster in Equestrian History?” Twilight yelled.
“Oh and it’s not just that, Princess,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Word has it that there are a number of Equestrians who think you should never show your face again as long as you live.”
“This…this can’t be,” Twilight said as she threw the newspaper down.
Twilight ran out of the room and up towards the crystal ball as Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow just walked right behind.  Twilight placed her hooves on the crystal ball.
“Come on,” Twilight said.  “Tell me this is a lie.”
As the image on the crystal ball appears, it shows a number of ponies in Manehattan protesting Twilight’s name, chanting “NO MORE TWILIGHT!  NO MORE TWILIGHT!  NO MORE TWILIGHT!”
“No,” Twilight said as tears flowed from her eyes again.  “NO!  NOOOOOOOOOO!”
Twilight threw her arms into the air in despair as the image disappeared.  She threw her arms onto the table and cried right into them as Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow approached her.
“Even I couldn’t believe that the ponies of Equestria would turn on you,” Tirek said.  “This Neigh Nanners fellow did a better job at destroying your image than we realized.”
“Now don’t you feel sad about what happened to you?” Cozy Glow said as she patted Twilight on the head.
Twilight raised her head up and turned towards Chrysalis and Tirek, with Cozy Glow flying up to her companions.
“If you wish to finish me off,” Twilight said.  “Then do it.  Put me out of my misery.”
“Now where’s the fun in that?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “No.  We have a different proposal for the former Princesses of Friendship.”
“If you wish for me to be your hostage,” Twilight said before Tirek placed his finger on Twilight’s face.
“No demise, and no hostage,” Tirek said.  “What we propose is an alliance.  For you to join us as the newest member of our legion.”
“What do you mean by that?” Twilight said as she pulled her face away from Tirek’s finger.
“You’re already an outcast by Equestrian standards, like I am,” Cozy Glow said.  “You can never show your face again for as long as you live.  So why not embrace us and become evil like we are?”
“It’s a chance to take your revenge against those who wronged you,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And show to them that you are not to be messed with.”
“What do you say, partner?” Tirek said as he held his hand out.
Twilight breathed in before grabbing onto Tirek’s hand and shaking it.
“I’m afraid of what Celestia would say to me if I turned evil,” Twilight said.  “But it’s far better than having to put up with what those nutcases will do to me if I don't.  You got yourself a deal.”
“Then welcome, Twilight Sparkle,” Chrysalis said.  “Welcome to being the newest bad guy of our wonderful legion of evil.”
Tirek retracts his hand from Twilight Sparkle as the lavender alicorn steps forward.  She breathed in and said “Okay.  What’s the first thing I should do?”
“Well since you are now one of us,” Tirek said as he stepped aside.  “There is the matter of the Bewitching Bell.”
Twilight walked up to the doorway and looked into the room.  She saw the Bewitching Bell laying on the table.  Next to it was the very book that the trio took from the Canterlot archives.
“Imagine all the power you can have if you unlock the powers of the Bewitching Bell,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “You don’t have to be a Princess.  You can be an Empress, an Overlord or even a Tyrant bigger than Grogar.”
“Stand back,” Twilight said.  “I know just what to do.”
Twilight walked up to the book and opened it.  She glanced down at the words, turning each page one by one.  Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow watched as Twilight continued to look down at the book.
“Seems book reading is one of Twilight’s hidden strengths,” Tirek said.
“It is,” Cozy Glow said.  “She had me gather as many books on certain subjects back when I was her assistant at the School of Friends.”
“Who knew,” Tirek said.
Twilight scanned the last page of the book before she closed it tight.  She turned towards Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow and said “It’s time.  I know what to do.  Approach”
Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow approached Twilight Sparkle as the alicorn turned to face the Bewitching Bell.  She blasted the bell with magic from her horn, causing the bell to levitate and point right at the four before ringing.
“Behold,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “The magic of the Bewitching Bell, and Equestria’s own demise.”
A vortex of magic formed from the bell and blasted Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Twilight Sparkle in a blinding light.  When the light fades, the bell landed nearby on the book as Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Twilight Sparkle began to shapeshift.  Chrysalis’s wings and crown grew larger, Tirek regained most of his bulk and Cozy Glow’s wings grew larger and even grew a unicorn horn on her forehead.  But Twilight Sparkle changed.  Her mane now flowed from the top, her wings and horn have grown bigger, magic flowed from her eyes and her coat was a darker color.
Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Twilight Sparkle laughed maniacally as the candle light disappeared from the cave



	To Be Continued

> Chapter 2: The Unruly Mob
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The unruly mob



“What do you mean you won’t retract the story?”
Those words came from Applejack as she slammed the newspaper on the table.  On the cover it said “Twilight Sparkle responsible for the School of Friendship Magic debacle.”  Neigh Nanners looked up at Applejack and Rarity, who were in total disgust.
“The ponies of Equestria need to know the truth of what happened when the magic disappeared that day.  And don’t tell me it’s because of some snot-nosed kid.  From what I can tell, she was nothing more than a puppet working for Twilight Sparkle.”
“It’s not the darn truth,” Applejack said, pounding her hoof on the floor.  “Rarity and I knew what happened when Tirek confessed to his plan of planting Cozy Glow into the School of Friendship to carry out that awful deed.”
“How exactly was Twilight Sparkle responsible for carrying that out when she, along with the rest of us, were locked away in Tartarus with Tirek?” Rarity said.
“Am I supposed to believe what you said?”  Neigh Nanners said.  “You two could be lying just to cover for that disgrace of a princess, just like what Princess Celestia has done many times in her life.”
“That’s no excuse for your news program to send out a mob mentality across the nation,” Applejack said as she pulled open the blinds.  “Especially with the protest going on outside your building.”
Neigh Nanners walked from his desk and looked down at the streets of Manehattan.  Thousands of ponies flooded the streets holding signs in protests as they chanted “Down with Twilight.  Down with Twilight.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with the people protesting on the streets,” Neigh Nanners said.  “They’re fed up with Princess Twilight Sparkle and her incompetence.  The moment they see her face, they will run her out of town and out of sight.”
“But that doesn’t give them any excuse to harass younglings,” Rarity said.  
“What the people of Equestria are protesting, they have every right to do so,” Neigh Nanners said.  “If innocents are caught up in the crossfire, then that’s the price they pay for getting in their way.  That is the judgement of Equestria.  Now get out of my news service right this instant, before I have you both arrested for trespassing.”
Applejack looked like she was about to pop a blood vessel.  Her face turned bright red and her teeth were bare.  But before Applejack could say anything, Rarity stopped her by placing her hoof on Applejack’s back.
“Let’s go,” Rarity said.  “We’re better than this uncouth garbage heap.”
“You’re right,” Applejack said as her face turned back to her normal color.  “The last thing I need is to see the face of this jerk again.”
Applejack and Rarity walked out of the room with their heads turned away.  Neigh Nanners walked back to his seat, sat down and looked out the window.
“What do those ponies know about Twilight Sparkle?” Neigh Nanners said.  “As far as I’m concerned, I’m glad she screwed up at the Summer Sun Celebration and revealed her true colors.  Now the whole world will know that they are dealing with an incompetent fool who should be locked up.”

Meanwhile, outside the School of Friendship, ponies gathered as they held signs that said words like “Get lost Twilight Sparkle,” “Down with Twilight,” “Friendship is not magic,” and “Disgraceful princess.”  The protesters chanted and threw rotten tomatoes at the walls of the School.  A number of Canterlot Guards held back the protesters from entering the school.
Inside the head mare’s office, Starlight Glimmer sat there, holding her arms over her head, chanting “Please let it all go away.  Please let it go away.”
Suddenly, the door opens and Trixie runs in, covered in smashed tomatoes.  She closed the door and held her back on it, panting heavily.  Starlight lifted her head to see Trixie holding back the door.
“Trixie,” Starlight said.  “What happened?”
“I’ll tell you what happened,” Trixie said as she got down on her four hooves.  “The moment I stepped near the School of Friendship, these self-centered freaks decided to use my flank for target practice.  I barely got into the school and came up here to hide myself from those maniacs.  And it’s been two days since Neigh Nanners put out that piece.”
“I have not seen any pony act like this in my entire lifetime,” Starlight Glimmer said as she got out of her seat.  “Not even when I was a power-hungry tyrant using equality as a mask.  And it’s been driving me mad.”
“Don’t say that,” Trixie said as she grabbed Starlight and held her up  “We’re better than those buffoons.  We have friendship on our side, and all they have is hot air.  What’s the worst thing that can happen?”
But before Starlight could speak, she overheard a knock on the door.
“Trixie,” Starlight said.  “I’d wish you never said that.”
Trixie blushes as she lets go of Starlight Glimmer.  The light purple unicorn walked up to the door and opened it.
“How may I help…” Starlight said before she paused with complete disgust.  Outside the office, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona and Silverstream stood there, covered in tomato bits and dust.  They ran into the office in a hurry before Starlight closed the door.
“Gangway,” Yona yelled as she ran alongside her friends.  “Yona need to hide from bad ponies.”
But just as the Student Six approached the desk, Starlight froze them in place with her magic before turning them around, face-to-face.  Starlight walked up to Sandbar, and saw a bruise on her arm.
“How did this happen?” Starlight asked.  “I thought the guards kept them out.”
“They did,” Sandbar said.  “But some of the protesters had the idea of using their magic to hit us with either that rotten produce or worse.”
“That’s horrible,” Trixie said.
“I thought being at school would be the best thing ever,” Silverstream said as she held herself in a cradle and began to rock herself.  “But now, I’m beginning to miss Mount Aris and Seaquestria.”
“I’d never thought I would say this,” Smolder said.  “But even Cozy Glow was not as malicious as those creeps.”
“Don’t say that,” Starlight said.  “We don’t have to sink down to Cozy Glow’s level to prove a point.  Heck. even I know that  my actions in the past were wrong and silly.  We have each other, and that’s what matters the most.”
“But how do we do that when there are more nasty ponies that make King Sombra look like a melting pot of friendship?” Gallus asked.
“We’re not going to let those goons get the best of us,” Trixie said.  “We need to tune them out and focus on what friendship is all about.”
“But how do we do that?” Ocellus asked.  “And what if the leaders of the world found out that we were being harassed by these bad ponies?”
“Then we’ll have to let you back into your respective nations,” Starlight said.  “The Changeling hive, Griffonstone, Yakyakistan, the Dragon Lands, Mount Aris.  It may mean that you may have to say good-bye.  But as long as they don’t go anywhere near your lands, then you’ll be safe.”
“Starlight,” Yona said.  “Yona don’t wanna leave you.  Yona like being in Ponyville, but Yona afraid of bad ponies.”
“Don’t you worry, Yona,” Starlight said as she kissed Yona on the forehead.  “I won’t let those bad ponies get you.”
Suddenly, they heard another knock on the door.  Starlight turned around and opened the door to see Diamond Tiara enter.  Her tiara was hanging from her mane as she was covered in tomato bits.  Diamond looked like she was about to break out in tears.
“Diamond Tiara?”  Starlight said.  “What happened?”
Diamond Tiara barely walked into the room, shaking nervously.  As soon as she stepped in, she started to fall towards the floor.  Starlight quickly used her magic to stop her in her place before pulling her over to her.
“Are you alright?” Starlight said.  “You look like a complete mess.”
Diamond Tiara looked at Starlight Glimmer as her tiara dropped to the floor.  She bursted into tears and cried into Starlight’s chest.
“Poor kid,” Smolder said.  “What happened to her?”
“Looks like those self-centered protesters decided attacking a filly was okay,” Trixie said.  “I am beyond disgusted.”
“You and me, both,” Starlight said as she comforted Diamond Tiara.  
Diamond Tiara looked up at Starlight’s face as tears rolled from her eyes.  Starlight looked down at her with a gentle smile.
“Are you okay?” Starlight asked.
“N..no,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I woke up this morning and I was on my way to the Ponyville Schoolhouse, when there were all these bad ponies chanting ‘Down with Twilight.’  To make matters worse, they started attacking all of us with rotten produce.  Even mom and dad were hit when I made a run for it.”
“That’s horrible,” Starlight said.  
“They even went as far as to vandalize our mansion,” Diamond Tiara said.  “That why I ran here….BECAUSE I WANT THIS NIGHTMARE TO END!”
And thus, Diamond Tiara cried into Starlight’s chest again.  Starlight could do nothing, but hold Diamond close to her as the filly weeped.
“This is more serious than I thought,” Trixie said.
“I know,” Starlight said.  “We better get the others in here, and fast.”

Later that day, Starlight Glimmer sat in the chair of the head mare’s office.  Sitting in front of her were Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Spike.  Next to Starlight was Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, and Silverstream, all while Smolder held Diamond Tiara in her arms.
“You all know why I called you all to my office, correct?” Starlight said.
“I sure am,” Applejack said.  “It’s about all those protesters chanting ‘Down with Twilight.’  You can thank Neigh Nanners for that.”
“We tried to tell Neigh Nanners to retract his hate-filled article about Twilight Sparkle,” Rarity said.  “But he wouldn’t budge, even threatening to have us arrested for trespassing.”
“So we’re stuck right now, are we?”  Starlight said.
“I’m afraid so,” Applejack said as she took off her hat and held it to her chest.  “Never have I seen this many crazed protesters in my life.  And worse off, their anger towards Twilight Sparkle felt unjustified.  What has gotten with those ponies?”
“They won’t listen to reason, whatsoever,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Thanks to those buffoons, the Wonderbolts had to close up shop until further notice.  Even Spitfire’s had it with those morons.”
“Because of what those party crashers did,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Mr and Mrs Cake had to close up shop and move out of Ponyville.  And now how is Ponyville going to have their bestest best parties ever?  And I also miss Pound and Pumpkin.”
With that, Pinkie Pie cried to the point where tears poured out of her eyes like twin waterfalls.  Rainbow Dash and Rarity were getting soaked by Pinkie Pie’s tears.
“And the animal sanctuary’s been abandoned,” Fluttershy said.  “Dr Fauna had to get those poor critters out of there before the whole place was trashed by those meanies.”
“And those morons had the nerve to destroy my wagon,” Trixie said.  “I spent memories in that wagon of mine and it’s all gone.  They really peeve me off.”
As much as I want you to watch your language,” Applejack said.  “Even that’s not enough to describe them.  In fact, Granny Smith was thinking of moving out of Ponyville with Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Grand Pear and Sugar Belle.”
Starlight breathed a sigh of disappointment.  She turned to the students with a sad look on her face.
“Students,” Starlight said.  “I may have to pull out the ultimatum.  Do any of you object?”
Gallus walked up to Starlight Glimmer and said “Speaking on behalf of my fellow students, I see no objection.  Do what you think is right.”
“Then it’s agreed,” Starlight said as she turned back to her friends.  “Effective immediately, I will be shutting down the School of Friendship until further notice.”
“That’s great and all,” Spike said.  “But where are the students going to go to?  It’s too dangerous, here in Ponyville.”
“It’s simple,” Starlight said.  “We’re leaving Ponyville for Canterlot.  In fact, I called on a friend to help us out and she said she’ll go out of her way to help out.”
“I really didn’t want this to happen,” Applejack said.  “But these creeps left us with no choice.”
“Starlight,” Rarity said.  “It’s your call to make the announcement.”
Starlight nodded.  She scooted her chair up to the intercom system and had her hoof over the button.
Suddenly, the door to the Head Mare’s office flew right open with a violent kick as Juno made her way in, catching everyone by surprise.
“Juno,” Starlight said.  “What happened?  You looked like you'd seen a ghost.”
“It’s worse than that,” Juno said.  “The School of Friendship has been breached.  The guards have been knocked aside and those bullies have entered the school grounds.”
“Oh no,” Applejack said.  “This is worse than we thought.”
Starlight was quick to reach down towards a metal box underneath the desk.  She looked at everyone in the office and said “Twilight never thought about using this.  But she kept it for an emergency ever since Cozy Glow’s little rampage.  And now because of how many students are in danger, I’m left with no choice.”
“Then make it so,” Spike said.
Starlight nodded.  She reached down and used her magic to pry the metal box open, revealing a button.  With a slam of her hoof, Starlight pressed the button.  
Immediately, the alarm went off  and the lights flashed red as a voice stated “EMERGENCY!  EMERGENCY!  SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP BREACHED!  EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!”
“Come on,” Starlight said.  “Let’s go.”
Starlight got out of her chair and ran towards the doorway, with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Spike, Juno, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Silverstream, Yona and Smolder with Diamond Tiara in her arms following right behind her.  Rarity and Applejack stood there, looking at each other.
“We better find the other students and make sure they get out,” Rarity said.
“Roger roger,” Applejack said as she and Rarity ran out the doorway.

In the halls of the School of Friendship, every student was running through in a complete panic as the alarm repeated “EMERGENCY!  EMERGENCY!  SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP BREACHED!  EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!”  Applejack and Rarity ran down the hallway before they caught up to some of the students.  Rarity fired a flash bang from her horn, getting the attention of the students in the hallway.
“This way,” Applejack yelled.  “We’re getting you outta here.”
Applejack and Rarity ran the opposite way as a number of students followed from behind.  One pegasus student called Huckleberry ran up to Rarity and Applejack.
“What’s going on?” Huckleberry said as the saddlebags on his back rattled from the running.
“We’ve had a breach, coming from the mob of protesters,” Rarity said.  “So Starlight has issued an emergency evacuation notice.”
“But why are they protesting us?” Huckleberry asked.  “What did we do to them?”
“It’s because of Neigh Nanners’ decision to bad mouth Twilight Sparkle,” Applejack said.  “And he’s riled up a crazed base of fans to go after everyone in Ponyville.”
“That’s despicable,” Huckleberry said.  “We have to suffer because of one bigot’s opinion on Princess Twilight Sparkle?”
“Opinion ain’t a strong enough word,” Applejack said.  “What he said was…”
But as the group continued to run down, they came to a stop, as a group of protesters blocked their way forward. 
“What in tarnations?” Applejack said as the protesters marched towards them.
“You’re not going anywhere,” One of the protesters said.
“Yeah,” Another mob member said.  “You’re going to pay for supporting Twilight Sparkle.”
Rarity looked to her left and saw an empty hallway.  She tapped Applejack’s shoulder and said.  “This way.”
Applejack nodded and followed Rarity down the hallway with Huckleberry and the other students right behind them.  
“After them,” one of the members of the mob yelled.  “They mustn't get away.”

In another part of the school, Starlight Glimmer lead Juno, Trixie, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Spike, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Yona, Silverstream, and Smolder who was carrying Diamond Tiara through the hallway with a number of students following right behind them.  The group was running as fast as possible as another mob of protesters chased after them.
“Headmare Starlight,” Juno said.  “Where are we going?”
“Trying to find a way out of here,” Starlight said. “And making sure every student gets out safely.”
“I wonder if it was a good idea for Rarity and Applejack to separate from us,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Those two know how to wrangle up a crowd and steer them in the right direction,” Pinkie Pie yelled.
“Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Can you chill it with the rodeo puns?”
“I didn’t mean to,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I just wanted to prove a point.”
“Point taken,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Enough of the arguing,” Trixie yelled.  “Our focus is to get our butts out of here.”
“Trixie’s right,” Starlight said as she saw an exit in front of her.  “We’re almost out of here.  So hang on.”
Starlight ran as fast as possible with the rest of the gang right behind them.  She bolted through the doorway, winding up in the garden area of the School of Friendship.
“We’re almost there,” Starlight yelled.
“Bout time,” Smolder said.  “I can fly some of us out of here.”
But as the entire group made it out into the garden, a number of protesters blocked the exit of the School of Friendship, with some flying in from above.  The entire group stopped in their tracks, and stood there helplessly.
“What in the world?” Gallus said.  “That’s not fair.”
Starlight looked to her left to see Rarity and Applejack emerge from another entrance with Huckleberry by their side.  Behind them was a bigger group of students running from behind.
“Applejack, Rarity,” Starlight said.  “Over here.”
Both groups ran up to the center of the garden as Applejack and Starlight approached.
“Sorry we had to separate on such short notice,” Applejack said.
“Yeah,” Rarity said.  “We had to make sure that every student was accounted for.
“You did the right thing, you two,” Starlight said.  “What matters is that we’re all together.”
“Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” Spike said as the mob began to spill out from the doorway behind them.  “But we got company.”
The faculty and students of the School of Friendship crowded together as the mob began to approach the group with extreme prejudice.
“Starlight Glimmer,” One mob member yelled.  “You are charged and convicted of aiding and abetting Twilight Sparkle, along with the rest of these parasites.”
“The punishment,” another mob member said.  “Is the rest of your miserable lives in Tartarus.  This is the will of Neigh Nanners.”
The combined members of the mob group inched closer towards the students and teachers, aiming to get their hooves on them.
“Starlight,” Diamond Tiara cried.  “Where’s your friend when we need 'em the most?”
“She said she was on her way,” Starlight said.  “But now, I'm not so sure about that.  Only a miracle can save us now.”
As one member of the mob was about to lay his hoof on Sandbar, a flash of light emitted from out of nowhere, blasting the mob away from the students and teachers.
“Woah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Whoever your friend is, he sure knows how to show up.”
“Not a he, Rainbow Dash,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “A she.  And someone I told you and the others about.”
“Wait,” Fluttershy said.  “You don’t mean to tell me.”
When the flash of light disappeared, a figure emerged in the form of Sunset Shimmer, who stood down the mob.
“YOU SHALL NOT PASS!” Sunset Shimmer yelled as her horn glowed.  She smashed her hoof on the ground, creating a shockwave that knocked the mob group that was blocking the entrance aside.
“So this is the Sunset Shimmer that you told us about,” Sandbar said.
“She used to be a villain like me, until Twilight Sparkle turned her life around,” Starlight said.  “Glad this hero’s on our side.”
Sunset turned to the group and said “This way,” as she ran towards the entrance of the School of Friendship, with Starlight Glimmer, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike, Juno, Huckleberry, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder holding Diamond Tiara, Yona, Silverstream and the rest of the students following right behind them.  Sunset knocked aside the many mob members as they all ran out of the School of Friendship and towards Ponyville.
“They’re getting away,” one of the Mob members yelled.
But as he was about to run after them, another mob member stopped him.
“Another time,” the mob member said.  “They’ll gather at the castle, and that’s where we’ll take them out.  It is the way of Neigh Nanners.”
“You’re right,” the mobster said.  “It is the way of Neigh Nanners.”

Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer led Starlight Glimmer and the rest of the teachers and students of the School of Friendship through Ponyville.  Though the crowd was huge, the town looked deserted.  Not another soul was present through the entire village.
“Wow,” Gallus said.  “I’ve heard about the problems going on in Ponyville.  But this is something else.”
“Many ponies who enjoyed the peace of Ponyville just got up and left after the mob took over,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We hesitated on getting you all out because we didn’t want you to miss out.  But we were foolish not to end the party sooner.”
“First Cozy Glow turn School of Friendship into her own fortress,” Yona said.  “Then King Sombra returned, and now worst ponies turn Ponyville into ghost town.”
“There’s no use crying over spilled chocolate milk,” Trixie said.  “Getting you all to the train station is our important goal.”
“Are you sure about that?” Ocellus said.  “What if the trains haven’t arrived?  What if they’re gone?”
“Oh I made sure that would happen,” Sunset said.
“Wait,” Silverstream said.  “What do you mean by that?”
Sunset Shimmer gave a wink to Silverstream as the group ran closer to the train station.  Ocellus flew away from the group and into the air.
“Ocellus,” Fluttershy yelled.
“It’s okay,” Sunset said.  “The mad ponies are behind us for now.”
As Ocellus ascended into the air, she looked down and noticed a train sitting on the rails.  Her face beamed with excitement as she flew down towards the rest of the group.
“Sunset,” Ocellus said.  “Did you call for a train to come down here?”
“Actually,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “When I arrived, I had to make sure there was one train left that was about to leave the station, and I convinced the conductor to wait some time before departing.  Even more so, no one has boarded yet.  We’re the last ones out of Ponyville.”
“Smart move, Sunset,” Rainbow Dash said.  “At least we’ll all be out of their hair for the time being.”
The students and teachers ran as fast as they could, all the way up to the train station.  The conductor looked up and saw the entire group before turning his head towards Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer.
“Is that everyone?” The conductor asked.
“It sure is,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “Every student, every teacher from the School of Friendship.”
“Thanks for waiting on all of us,” Sunset Shimmer said.  
“Normally I wouldn’t wait that long for customers,” The conductor said.  “But considering the scenario we’re all in, I’d say it’s fully justified to evacuate the School of Friendship from Ponyville.”
The conductor stepped aside as he turned to the group of students and teachers before he yelled out “ALL ABOARD!”  In a straight and orderly fashion, the students entered the train one by one as the teachers, the Student Six, Juno, Huckleberry, Diamond Tiara and Sunset Shimmer looked back at the School of Friendship and Twilight’s Castle.
“I can’t believe we have to leave Ponyville,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We’ve known this place for a long time, and it’s going to feel sad to be away from home.”
“Don't worry,” Rarity said.  “At least we’ll be safe in Canterlot.”
“Hey, that reminds me,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Applejack, where are your folks?”
But before Applejack could say anything, she heard a voice call out her name.  She turned to her left and saw Big Mac, Granny Smith, Grand Pear, Sugar Belle, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo run up to them.
“Granny Smith?  Big Mac?”  Applejack said.  “I thought yall were outta town by now.”
“We weren’t going to leave you behind, thank you very much,” Granny Smith said.  “After all, we are a family, one hundred percent.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
As Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo approach the group, they notice Smolder holding a bruised Diamond Tiara in her arms.
“Diamond Tiara?” Apple Bloom said.   “What happened to you?”
Diamond Tiara nodded at Smolder, who released the filly from her grip.  Diamond Tiara landed on her hooves as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo approached her.
“Let’s just say,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I lost my parents in the crowd.”
“Oh no,” Sweetie Belle said.  “And we saw what happened to your home as we were arriving at the train station.”
“Diamond,” Scootaloo said.  “If it makes you feel better, we’ll sit next to you on the train ride to Canterlot.”
Diamond Tiara barely cracked a smile as she said “Thanks you guys.  I’ve been such a rotten pony since we first met.  Had you three not made me realize how wrong I was, I don’t know where I would have been.”
Apple Bloom reached out to Diamond Tiara and gave the little filly a big hug.  Diamond said nothing as she held Apple Bloom close to her.
“Last call,” the conductor yelled.  “All aboard for Canterlot City.”
Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara let go of each other as they, along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walked towards the train doorway and got on.
“Big Mac,” Sugar Belle said.  “Do you think we’ll get through these hard times?”
“I don’t know,” Big Mac said.  “I haven’t felt this much despair since ma and pa died.”
“Then we’ll get through this together,” Sugar Belle said.  “As long as I’m by your side, we’ll get through this.”  She then kissed Big Mac on the cheek.
“Thanks Sugar Belle,” Big Mac said.  “I’m glad to have had you by my side.”
With that, Sugar Belle and Big Mac got on the train with Granny Smith and Grand Pear right behind them.
Sunset Shimmer directed her gaze towards the rest of the students along with the teachers and said “It’s time.  Let’s get going.”
With that, Sunset Shimmer, Spike, Juno, Huckleberry, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona and Silverstream got onto the train, one by one, until only the conductor was outside. 
“It’s time,” The conductor said as he walked through the doorway of the train before it shut behind him.
With a small chug, the train began to depart from Ponyville, inching away from the now deserted town.  Starlight Glimmer stuck her head out as she looked back at the village that once welcomed her and gave her a second chance.
“Good bye….Ponyville,” Starlight Glimmer said as a tear fell from her eye.
The train picked up speed, chugging away as fast as possible as it departed Ponyville, making its way towards Canterlot as the sun began to set in the distance.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 3: Midnight Rising
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Midnight Rising



The sun was setting in the distance as the train was far away from Ponyville, headed towards the mountain where Canterlot stood atop.  Inside one of the cars, the students and teachers sat by each other as Grand Pear stood at the front, singing into the train’s handheld mic.
“The sky is beautiful in the clouds above,” Grand Pear sang.  “It’s breathtaking view will leave you in tears.  But that pales in comparison to outer space, which many refer to as a final frontier.  So come with me on this maiden voyage, and it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor.  We shall explore the stars together, where no one has gone before.”
The audience cheered and clapped their hooves as Grand Pear took a bow.  He placed the mic back in its holder before he walked towards Granny Smith and sat right next to her.
“Who knew you had that kind of singing voice,” Granny Smith said.  “Kinda wish you used that to give me a hard time.”
“Yeah I know,” Grand Pear said.  “I would have.  Except back then when I sang, ponies used to say that my singing was horrible and bad, even going as far as to call me the worst singer in Equestria.  So since then, I made a vow not to sing, except in private.  But with what we’re all going through, I just couldn’t help but at least give them something to smile about.”
“You silly old pear,” Granny Smith laughed.
“Right back at ya, crab apple” Grand Pear laughed.
Sitting nearby, Diamond Tiara looked out the train window as she saw smoke plumes emitting from Ponyville.  She let out a sigh as Apple Bloom scooted up to the bruised and tomato-stained filly.
“You alright, Diamond?” Apple Bloom asked.
“No,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I don’t know what happened to my parents and now the town I was born in is now in the hooves of some of the most despicable monsters ever.”
Apple Bloom wrapped her arm around Diamond Tiara’s back and said “It’s going to be okay, Diamond.  In fact, I’ve known what it’s like to lose a loved one.  Especially ma and pa.”
“I know,” Diamond Tiara said.  “Daddy told me about how you lost your parents.  And back then, I didn’t give a flying feather about it because of how self-centered I was.  Now I feel like I’m going to end up like you.”
“Tell ya what,” Apple Bloom said. “If you end up like me, I’d be happy to be a surrogate sister for ya.  What do you say?”
Diamond Tiara let out a sigh and said “I appreciate your help.  But after what I did, I don’t know if I truly deserve your patronage.”
“What’s past is past, Diamond,” Sweetie Belle said as she jumped off a nearby seat and walked up to Diamond Tiara.  “We’ve already forgiven you after you realized the error of your ways, and we chose to give you that second chance.”
“Yeah,” Scootaloo said  “Don’t throw it away because of one tragedy.  After all, we’re here for you.”
“You’re right,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I’ll do what I can.”
Diamond Tiara extended her hoof out as Apple Bloom reached out and gave her another hug.  Sweetie Belle just stood there in awe with Scootaloo smiling next to her.
“I used to find these moments incredibly cheesy,” Scootaloo said.  “But when it comes to someone going through some tough times, I’d say this is needed more than ever.”
“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle said.  “Considering what we’re all going through, I’d say a hug is the ideal medicine that we all need.”
With that, Scootaloo reached out and gave Sweetie Belle a hug.
Nearby, Starlight Glimmer continued to look out the window, watching the sun set in the distance while seeing the smoke come out of Ponyville.
“You okay?” Sunset Shimmer asked as she and Trixie looked at Starlight.
“No,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “First we lose Twilight Sparkle, and now Ponyville is lost.  I have never felt this much despair in my life at all.  Not even when I thought Sunburst left me for good during my filly days.”
“I thought I had it rough when Twilight and her friends at Canterlot High defeated me and I had to atone for what I did,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Back when the entire school was not forgiving of me for being that she-demon.  But after seeing what you just saw, I’d say having the entire school frown over you was just a warm-up.”
“I heard about what happened at Canterlot High, Sunset,” Trixie said.  “I also heard that where Canterlot High is and where you came from is an alternate world where there are human variations of all of us.”
“If you’re going to ask if there is a Great and Powerful student there,” Sunset laughed.  “There is.  And let’s just say she’s a good friend.”
“Well I was wondering if the rumors were true,” Trixie said as she waves her hooves in the air.  “That a GREAT AND POWERFUL STUDENT WOULD ATTEND THAT HIGH SCHOOL!”
Starlight Glimmer quickly shifted her eyes towards Trixie as the pale, light grayish heliotrope unicorn and Sunset broke out into laughter.
“Oh that just made my day,” Starlight chuckled.  “Especially after what happened.”
“You wanna know what else?” Trixie said.  “Your pal, Pinkie Pie, enjoys being a little stinker when it comes to some of the biggest goons in Equestria.”
“I know,” Starlight said.  “She once replaced the crab apples that Flim and Flam stole from Sweet Apple Acres with a bunch of angry crabs.”
“Sounds alot like the Pinkie Pie from the human world,” Sunset said.  “And funny thing is that she did just that to the Flim and Flam from that world as well.”
“We may be in for some rough waters,” Trixie said.  “But as long as we have some great and powerful friends, we can get through this.”
“Maybe that’s just what I need,” Starlight said.  “A means to unwind while we pick up the pieces of our broken lives.”
“It will take all of us to get through these tough times,” Sunset said.  “And if it means I have to stay here, I’m up for it.”

But as Sunset, Starlight and Trixie hugged each other, we see that Twilight Sparkle is spying on the trio through the magic ball in Grogar’s lair.  She laughed at the three unicorns as she gazed into the sphere.
“Look at my former students,” Twilight said.  “Just enjoying themselves in the worst of times.  Next, they’re going to pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars.  Because they could really use a wish right now.”
“First off, what are airplanes?” Queen Chrysalis said as she walked towards Twilight.  “And second of all, those are the cheesiest words I have ever heard of.  Did you get that from a melodramatic blue jay?”
“First off,” Twilight said with a smug smile.  “It’s just a way for me to get used to being a bad guy.  And second off, me daing a blue jay?”  She laughed it off and added “Not in a million years.”
“I thought so,” Chrysalis said as she walked up to the crystal ball.  “And you’re enjoying the suffering that your former friends are going through.”
“You have no idea,” Twilight said as she gazed back into the crystal ball.
Immediately, the image of the ball shifted from the students and teachers in the train to the protesters trashing up the School of Friendship.  Twilight just looked down at them as her smile dug in even deeper.
“Imagine what would have happened if those good-for-nothing trash heaps saw me as little old Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight said in a mocking tone.  “Then when they try to tar and feather my flank, I’ll give them the surprise of a lifetime.”
“You’re actually going to do that, are you?” Chrysalis said.
“And tell them to ‘Thank Neigh Nanners’ for showing me the error of my ways,” Twilight said.
Suddenly, Tirek came out of nowhere with Cozy Glow right behind him and placed his hand on the Crystal Ball and said “Not until we deal with Grogar.”
Twilight looked up at Tirek and said “Now why do you want to deal with that old goat first before we have our fun?”
Cozy Glow flew up to Twilight and said “Because we want you to join in on our fun….just like old times at the School of Friendship.”
“Oh ho ho ho ho, that’s right,” Twilight said with a laugh.  “From one expelled student to a head mare in exile.  We’re now two-of-a-kind, Cozy Glow.”
“Now that you’re in on the fun,” Chrysalis said.  “Let’s see what’s going on with Grogar.”
Twilight placed her hooves on the crystal ball as the image of protesters disappeared.  Another image formed of Grogar, carrying what appears to be a gem-like artifact, walking through the swampish forest.
“That must be him, I take it,” Twilight said.  
“And he appears to have a little gift of his own,” Tirek replied.
“Now’s our chance,” Cozy Glow said as Twilight and Tirek lifted their heads up.
“Once we deal with Grogar,” Chrysalis said.  “The rest of Equestria will come to us in a little gift basket.  Let us lay out our trap.”
Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Twilight all laughed as they hid behind parts of the cave.

Sometime later, Grogar made his way through the entrance of the lair, holding the artifact with his magic.
“Minions, your leader has returned,” Grogar said.  “I heard word that Twilight Sparkle has gone missing, and the leaders of Canterlot are in disarray.  I have acquired an artifact that can help us strike them down while they are vulnerable.  But this will require the three of you to work together on this important task.”
But as Grogar approached the central table, Chrysalis’s eyes shone from the shadows and said “Oh, we all know about that, Emperor.”
Immediately, Chrysalis spat out some gunk, pinning Grogar’s front hooves to the ground.  Tirek emerged from one of the cavern interiors while Cozy Glow emerged from another cave before blasing the artifact with her magic, crumbling it to dust.
“What are you three doing?” Grogar said as he struggled to break free.
“We’re taking command,” Tirek said as Cozy Glow brought down the Bewitching Bell.  “And you are dropping out.”
Grogar’s face turned to fear as Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow landed in front of him with the bell floating in front.
“You had the bell all this time?” Grogar yelled as he tried to break free.  “But why?  You could have told me about this.”
“Because we’ve been plotting to overthrow you from the very start,” Cozy Glow said.  “After all, we’re villains, and this is what we do best.”
“And on a side note,” Chrysalis said with a laugh.  “There is someone that you should meet.”
Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow stepped aside as Twilight Sparkle emerged from the cavern, leaped into the air and landed in front of Grogar.  The emperor’s face became pale upon seeing the former Princess of Friendship.
“Twilight Sparkle,” Grogar said as he stood there.  “You recruited Twilight Sparkle to your cause?”
“Twilight Sparkle is no more,” Twilight said with a laugh.  “I am Midnight Sparkle, the ruler of all that you see, Grogar.  At the sound of the bell, our mission to conquer Equestria will begin, and we won’t rest until all will bow before the four of us.”
“You,” Grogar said.  “You think you can muscle into my territory and declare yourself the future ruler of Equestria?  You’re insane.”
Midnight Sparkle just laughed and said “Flattery will get you nowhere.  But in the meantime, say good-bye to your magic.”
Midnight Sparkle used her magic to point the Bewitching Bell at Grogar before firing a blast of magic at it.  The bell rang violently as a vortex opened up and fired a beam of magic at Grogar.  The emperor screamed in agony as the magic drained from him.
But as the magic was flowing from Grogar, his shape began to change from a bulky ram, to what appears to be a draconequus.  Midnight Sparkle’s face turned from glee to shock as Grogar fell to the ground, now appearing to be Discord.  Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow’s faces turned to confusion when they saw Discord’s visage.
“Discord?” Tirek said as he stood there, confused.  “Grogar was Discord in disguise.”
:You,” Midnight said in a deep, threatening voice as Discord stood there, waving embarrassingly.
Midnight Sparkle flew over to Discord as the Draconequus attempted to get away.  She used her magic to grab Discord and violently jerked him over to her.
“Hehehehe,” Discord said nervously.  “Hi Twilight.  Nice coat you got there.”
“So you think that’s funny to pretend to be Grogar, recruit my new friends for your little agenda, and make me a villain?” Midnight Sparkle said in an angry tone.
“Well I didn’t mean for you to be a villain,” Discord said as he began to sweat.
Midnight Sparkle roared loudly as she flung Discord violently around the cavern, bashing him into the nearby walls.  Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow stood back as the alicorn formerly known as Twilight Sparkle continued to smash the powerless Draconequus around like a rag doll before throwing him onto one of the rocks.  
“Now you little here you little stinker,” Midnight Sparkle sneered.  “Tell Princess Celestia that I’m done with her lessons about friendship.  Tell her that I’ve declared war on all of Equestria.  And if you see Neigh Nanners, tell him I said ‘Thank you for making me see the light.’  Now GET LOST!”
With that, Midnight Sparkle picked up Discord with her magic and pulled him back by his tail, causing the spirit of chaos to scream in pain.
“Wait Twilight,” Discord said.  “You’re making a big mistake.”
“I’m not,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “In fact, I think the biggest mistake was Princess Celestia freeing you from STONE!”
And with that, Midnight Sparkle snapped Discord’s tail like a rubber band, flinging him towards the entrance of the lair.  The draconequus screamed loudly as he went flying out the entrance of the lair.  The dark alicorn flew down onto the ground with a satisfied smirk on her face.
“That felt great,” Midnight Sparkle said.
Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow walked up with Midnight Sparkle, each with a smirk on their faces.
“You have style, Midnight Sparkle,” Chrysalis said.  “Ruthless and unrelenting.”
“You made a wise choice in joining our side,” Tirek said.
Cozy Glow looked outside the entrance and saw Discord land in a nearby pond.  He quickly picked himself up and made a run for it.
“That being said,” Cozy Glow said.  “Grogar was Discord all along?  What exactly was his reason for pulling that stunt?”
“Who cares?” Midnight Sparkle said as she flew back to the crystal ball.  “What matters is that we now have what he gave us, and we shall put it to good use.”
Midnight Sparkle looked down at the Crystal Ball and placed her hooves on it as Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow gathered around it.
“I take it you have a fascination with those Anti-Twilight Protesters,” Chrysalis asked.
“Exactly,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “But not for purposes of revenge.”
The crystal ball then projected an image of the protesters continuing to trash the interior of the School of Friendship,  Midnight Sparkle turned her attention to Cozy Glow.
“Cozy,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Do you remember this place?”
“Oh I have,” Cozy Glow said as she kept her eyes on the crystal ball with a devilish grin on her face.  “The School of Friendship where I was once a student and your assistant.  Until you and your friends sabotaged my plan and expelled me.”
“How ironic, considering that the one who expelled you is now the one who is by your side,” Midnight Sparkle laughed.  “And how sad that the school that I was head mare of has become a shell of its former self.  Guess the school was either nothing without me, or the new owners decided to go around, destroying the place.”
“So,” Chrysalis asked.  “What is your fascination with those violent morons?”
“I originally planned on going down there and making them face my wrath,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “But looking closer, I realized that they may have a use of their own.  Besides, one thing that fascinates me is how fast they responded to outrage from Neigh Nanners.”
“And exactly what do you plan on doing?” Tirek said.
“Have you ever considered fueling the flames of anger that come out of them?” Midnight Sparkle asked.  “I don’t know how Neigh Nanners did it, but I think it's time we seized them for ourselves.”
“A very interesting approach,” Cozy Glow said.  “But there is one problem.”
Midnight Sparkle looked down at herself before raising her head up with a smirk on her face.
“I see what you mean,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Even if I wasn’t in this form, ponies would recognize me and chase me to the ends of Equestria.”
“Exactly,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Unless you could do…THIS!”
With a burst of magic from her horn, Queen Chrysalis shapeshifted from her changeling form into a pony with a similar mane and tail.  Her coat was a pale greenish, while her mane and tail were a bright brown, and her cutie mark represented a ladybug.  Midnight Sparkle looked at her with a quiet laugh.
“So that was you who took our pictures not long ago,” Midnight Sparkle laughed.  “Did you need them to remind you of your hatred?”
The transformed Chrysalis looked at Midnight Sparkle and said “I wanted to create duplicates of you and your friends just so I could seize the Elements of Harmony and create a new hive.  But alas, they turned out to be unruly.”
“Well that’s too bad,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Because the Elements along with the Tree of Harmony were destroyed.”
“Too bad indeed,” the transformed Chrysalis said.  “And by the way, call me Shutterbug.”
“Shutterbug, eh?” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I like it.”
“So ex-Princess,” Tirek said.  “Do you happen to have a means to transform?”
“Watch and learn,” Midnight Sparkle said.
With a blast of magic from her horn, Midnight Sparkle began to shapeshift.  Her horn and wings disappeared, her coat changed into an apricot color, her mane and tail changed into a magenta-and-purple color, all while the back of her mane wrapped up in a ponytail.  Finally, her cutie mark changed from a bright star with five smaller stars, to one large pink star with a small trail and two smaller pink stars.
“What do you think?” The transformed Midnight Sparkle said. 
“Not bad,” Shutterbug said.  “But what do you call this spunky and naive form?”
Cozy Glow flew up close and looked at Midnight Sparkle’s new form, grinning at the colors on her mane and tail.
“The difference between this and Twilight Sparkle are night and day,” Cozy Glow said.  “In fact, I would refer to you as a….Sunny Starscout.”
“Sunny Starscout, eh?” The transformed Midnight Sparkle said.  “I like it.  A polar opposite that makes my disguise perfect.”
Shutterbug walked up to Cozy Glow and said “Okay.  Since the bell gave you the powers of an alicorn, let’s see if you have the ability to shapeshift like me and Midnight.”
“Challenge accepted,” Cozy Glow said with a devilish grin.
With a burst of magic, Cozy Glow allowed a magic aura to surround her filly form.  She grew to be around the same height as Shutterbug and Sunny Starscout.  Her wings disappeared while her horn extended upwards.  Her coat changed into a lilac color, while her mane and tail grew longer and changed into a Cerulean Blue with indigo ombre.  Her cutie mark changed into a blue heart with a light blue button and three pink and purple pins.  Shutterbug, Sunny Starscout and Tirek looked at Cozy Glow with awe.
“Not bad,” Shutterbug said.”I dig the new you.”
“It is a disguise worthy of blending in,” The disguised Cozy Glow said as she shook her longer mane.  “And by the way.  Call me…Izzy Moonbow.”
“Sunny Starscout, and Izzy Moonbow,” Sunny said.  “Now that’s what I call a real mockery of Celestia and Luna.”
Shutterbug turned to Tirek and said “So, big boy.  You wanna demonstrate your ability to transform?”
Tirek shook his head and said “No way.  I'm not going to transform into a pony to blend in.  Besides, I’d like to study Discord’s magic while you three are out in the world.”
Shutterbug laughed and said “Very well.  We’ll scout out and convince those fools into pushing themselves even further than before.  After all, they fall easily to conspiracy theories.”
“Oooh,” Izzy Moonbow said.  “Maybe we can cause a few ponies in Canterlot to go nuts.”
Shutterbug just laughed and said “Patience, Cozy.  Or should I say Izzy.  It won’t be long until they become Equestria’s downfall.”
Shutterbug, Sunny Starscout and Izzy Moonbow skipped along the stones of Grogar’s Lair and walked through the exit, while Tirek took the bell towards the entrance of a nearby room.

Outside, Shutterbug, Sunny Starscout and Izzy Moonbow continued to hop along the stones, making their way across the pond surrounding Grogar’s lair, until they reached land.  Shutterbug stood on her four hooves as Sunny and Izzy landed near her.
“Now here’s the plan,” Shutterbug said.  “Each of us will go into a nearby town to listen to each and every conversation from those crazy protesters.  Maybe throw in a few conspiracies of our own.  Are we clear?”
Sunny and Izzy looked at Shutterbug and nodded their heads in agreement.
“Excellent,” Shutterbug said.  “Now let us move out with our mission, and stoke the flames of hatred.” 
With a kick of dust in the air, Shutterbug ran off through the swampy forest with Izzy Moonbow dashing towards another direction.  But Sunny Starscout stood there for a bit with a smirk on her face.
“They were fools to trust me in the first place,” Sunny Starscout said.  “I’ll stick with them for the moment, until the time is right.  Then I’ll double cross them and seize power for myself.  For I am Midnight Sparkle, the future Empress of the world, and ruler of all that everyone sees.”
Sunny Starscout laughed to herself as she ran off in a separate direction.

Meanwhile in Canterlot, the sun was almost set in the west when the train pulled up at the train station and the doors came open.  Princess Luna approached the train as Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, Spike and Applejack emerged from the doorway.
“When Celestia and I heard about what happened at the School of Friendship,” Princess Luna said.  “We feared the worst.”
“Don’t you worry, Princess Luna,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “Everyone’s been accounted for, and you have Sunset Shimmer to thank.”
Luna turned her gaze towards Sunset and said “Thanks for helping out on such short notice, Sunset.  It was one thing for you to rekindle your bond with Princess Celestia long ago.  But when she hears about this, she’ll be relieved that you helped out.”
“You have Starlight to thank for alerting me about this crisis,” Sunset said. 
“I also heard that you had to give up on a graduation party just to come to help us,” Princess Luna said.  “I’m terribly sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Sunset said.  “They understood why I had to come home to Equestria.  Besides, we better get the others off the train first.”
“Oh right,” Princess Luna said as she moved to the side.  “My apologies.
Sunset, Starlight, Applejack and Spike stood aside as Trixie, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, Silverstream, Juno, Huckleberry, Granny Smith, Grand Pear, Big Macintosh, Sugar Belle, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Granny Smith walked through the doorway and off the train.  Behind Luna, other students walked out of a second doorway located behind her.
“Safe and sound from those big meanies,” Trixie said as she threw herself on the floor and kissed it.
“Ewwww,” Pinkie said.  “You’re silly, Trixie.”
“Just let her have her moment,” Spike said.  “After all we’ve been through, I don’t blame her.”
Diamond Tiara looked up at the bright city of Canterlot, even as the night blanketed the world.  She barely cracked a smile as she looked up at the towering city.  Smolder and Apple Bloom walked up next to Diamond Tiara.
“Are you doing okay, DT?” Apple Bloom asked.  “Is the city too much for you?”
“No, not really,” Diamond Tiara said.  “Daddy sometimes took me up here when he made his deliveries.”
“Like with all those apple products that Granny Smith, Big Mac and Applejack made,” Apple Bloom said.
“Yeah, not long before I became a terrible bully,” Diamond Tiara said before she directed her gaze to the ground.  “But now I don’t know where daddy or mommy are.”
“We’ll find them,” Smolder said.  “No matter if we have to crawl through all of Equestria, we’ll find our folks.”
“You really think so?” Diamond Tiara asked before Yona walked up to the little filly.
“You bet,” Yona said.  “Even if little Tiara was mean bully to Cutie Mark Crusaders, at least you not worst pony.”
“Yeah, I heard about what happened with this Cozy Glow fellow,” Diamond Tiara said. “Even I wouldn’t drain the magic of Equestria with that much malice.  Though on the other hoof, I’m not so sure about locking her away in Tartarus.”
“What she did was horrible,” Rarity said.  “And while some of us did object to her being locked away, she showed no sign of remorse.”
“Though on the flip side,” Pinkie Pie said.  “She got off lucky, since she didn’t have to put up with those party crashers.  They’re worse.”
“Yeah,” Yona said.  “At this rate, Cozy Glow losing title of worst pony.  Too many candidates out there.”
Sunset just laughed and said “Well right now, we’re safe from those maniacs.  But in the meantime, we should get you all settled in.”
“Sunset Shimmer’s right,” Princess Luna said.  “I better lead you all towards the castle so we can get you settled down.”
Princess Luna turned tail and walked towards the city of Canterlot.  Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Juno, Huckleberry, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, Silverstream, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Granny Smith, Grand Pear, and the rest of the students followed from behind as the evening moon shined down with a bright light.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 4: Crisis at Canterlot Castle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Crisis at Canterlot Castle



“What do you mean you’re quitting?”
Those words came from Princess Celestia, who sat nervously in the throne room with Queen Novo by her side and Chancellor Neighsay on the opposite side.  Though normally stern and tough, Chancellor Neighsay looked worried and concerned.
“I’m afraid that it was going to come to this,” Chancellor Neighsay said.  “But with the recent incidents involving protesters going after schools across Equestria….”
“I’m aware of what’s going on with the schools across Equestria,” Princess Celestia said. “And while I have dispatched a number of guards and police to try to quell the uprisings, they have been stretched thin beyond their limit.”
“Even more so,” Chancellor Neighsay said as he pulled a letter out from his coat and held it out.  “The last straw came when the families of many former members were threatened.”
Princess Celestia levitated the letter close to her and glanced at the words.  Her face turned to disgust.  Queen Novo looked down and was horrified by the content of the letter.
“I have not seen this much malice in my lifetime,” Queen Novo said.  “What drove these ponies to act in this manner?”
“They said they’re getting their information from Neigh Nanners,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I don’t understand how he managed to work up the ponies of Equestria into this kind of mob mentality.”
“And that’s exactly why I can’t work like this anymore,” Chancellor Neighsay said.
“So that’s the reason why you’re quitting the Equesterian Education Association?” Queen Novo asked.
“It’s worse than that, Queen Novo of Seaquestria,” Chancellor Neighsay said.  “Effective immediately, the whole E.E.A. is disbanding.”
Both Queen Novo and Princess Celestia went into total shock upon hearing Chancellor Neighsay’s words.
“But you can’t disband,” Princess Celestia said.  “How will the schools continue to run?”
“Right now, they shouldn’t,” Chancellor Neighsay said.  “Especially after I heard word about what happened at the School of Friendship.  None of those students deserved that level of harassment.  Not even Twilight’s prized students deserved it, especially all that they’ve done to save Equestria.”
“I’m sorry that it had come to this,” Princess Celestia said.  “I will inform the remaining schools of Equestria to shutter until further notice, including my School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“I’ve already taken the liberty of doing just that for you,” Chancellor Neighsay said as he turned tail and began to walk on.
“I see,” Princess Celestia said.  “Thank you, Former Chancellor Neighsay.”
“And I’m sorry to have to say this,” Chancellor Neighsay said as he approached the entrance of the throne room while keeping his eyes towards Princess Celestia.  “And I have been a patriot towards the well-being of Equestria.  But had I known this great kingdom would fall towards the unruly rabble, I would have sided with Cozy Glow and allowed her to take all the magic away.  We don’t deserve this madness.”
As the now Former Chancellor Neighsay walked out of the throne room, Princess Celestia let out a sigh of disappointment as Queen Novo watched her close friend resign to the turmoil growing.
“Sadly,” Princess Celestia said to herself. “I would have done the same thing.”
“Old friend,” Queen Novo said.  “I have not seen you in this much despair at all.  Not even when you had to banish your own sister to the moon.”
“There is a part of me that wants to just… unleash my own anger on the kingdom, because of what the ponies are doing to each other over their anger towards Twilight Sparkle.  But I fear if I do that, they’ll direct their anger at me.”
“There is no easy solution to this,” Queen Novo said.  “Right now, our best hope is to find Twilight Sparkle and to bring her home safely.  And to ensure that the refugees are safe here in Canterlot.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But we also know that Canterlot may also fall to the mob mentality.  If worse comes to worse, we may have to ship the refugees to the Crystal Empire.  But I don’t know if that will hold.”
“We’ll get through this,” Queen Novo said.  “You have my word.”

Back in the royal hallway, Chancellor Neighsay walked downwards with his head slumped down in shame.  At the far end, Princess Luna walked in with Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, Spike, Trixie, Juno, Huckleberry, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, Silverstream, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Granny Smith, Grand Pear and the rest of the students right behind her.  The Student Six noticed Neighsay’s tone and immediately ran up to him.
“Chancellor Neighsay?” Sandbar asked.
“Former Chancellor Neighsay,” Neighsay said.  “And as for now, the E.E.A. is no more.”
“What?” Gallus said.  “That can’t be right.”
“How are ponies going to learn right now?” Silverstream asked.
“It’s too dangerous for that to happen,” Neighsay said.  “Word has it that a number of schools across Equestria are being bombarded by protesters who have gone mad by Neigh Nanner’s speech.  I don’t know how he did it, but he somehow got into their minds.”
“Yona thought Cozy Glow was worst pony,” Yona said.  “But now this Neigh Nanners pony is new worst pony.”
“Yeah,” Smolder said.  “And the fact that we all had to suffer because of his propaganda isn’t fair.”
“Listen,” Neighsay said as he reached out with his hoof.  “You six showed me that I was wrong about the other races of Equestria.  Unfortunately, because of this crisis, I have more faith in your kind and for the innocent than I do with my own kind.  I want you all to be strong for each other in these tough times.  Remember the lessons that Princess Twilight Sparkle bestowed upon you.  Do you promise to do that?”
The Student Six stood for a moment before they said in a somber tone “Yes.  We do.”
“Then that is the important lesson you six should never forget,” Neighsay said as he lowered his hoof to the ground.  No matter what happens, the magic of friendship will remain within you six.  In the darkness that we are now lost in, there will be a light.”
Neighsay nodded to the Student Six before walking down towards the doorway.  Princess Luna nodded to the six as they looked at the saddened former head of the disbanded E.E.A.
“Come,” Princess Luna said.  “We should get you settled in.”
With those words, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Yona, Smolder, Silverstream, Juno, Huckleberry, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Granny Smith and Grand Pear walked down towards the entrance to the throne room with the rest of the students following behind them.  
“They never deserved this,” Starlight said as she stood there, watching the students and the Sweet Apple Acres farmers walk through the entrance to the throne room with Princess Luna standing guard.  “All this hate and bile towards Twilight Sparkle, and it led to this.”
“Honestly,” Applejack said.  “I’m starting to lose faith in everything.  We don’t know where Twilight is, and all of Equestria is now in a full-on crisis mode.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Makes the Storm King look like a mere party animal.”
“Let’s just hope there are others out there who made it as well,” Rarity said.
Suddenly, someone shouted out “STARLIGHT!”  Starlight Glimmer turned to her left and saw Night Glider, Party Favor and Double Diamond waving to her.
“Guys?”  Starlight said.  “What are you three doing here?”
“You’re not going to believe what just happened,” Double Diamond said as he, Party Favor and Night Glider ran up to Starlight.
“These friends of yours?” Sunset asked.
“Let’s just say I used to turn them into my own personal cult,” Starlight replied.
The moment Double Diamond got up to Starlight, he said in a shocking tone “A mob group, chanting ‘No More Twilight,’ just busted into our town and drove us all off.  Then they proceeded to burn the place to smithereens.  Unfortunately, we got separated from the rest of the villagers and wound up here.”
“WHAT?” Starlight yelled.
“That sounds almost like what we’ve gone through,” Fluttershy said.
“You’ve had that kind of experience as well?” Night Glider said.  “Sounds like the unruly mob drove you all out of Ponyville.”
“Not to mention they trashed the School of Friendship,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I have not seen this kind of mindlessness at all.  Even Lightning Dust was tame compared to this.”
“Listen,” Sunset said.  “We should go inside and meet with Princess Celestia.  She’ll help out with your predicament.”
“That’s the kind of good news that we needed to hear,” Party Favor said.  
“Come,” Starlight said.  “Let’s take you to Princess Celestia.”
With that, Sunset, Starlight and Trixie lead Party Favor, Night Glider and Double Diamond towards the entrance to the throne room.  Princess Luna walked away from the entrance and towards Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Spike.
“I know you’ve just arrived in Canterlot,” Luna said.  “But I have an assignment for you all.”
“I don’t like where this is going,” Spike said.  “But go on.”
“I hate to say this,” Princess Luna said.  “But we need Discord back here right this instant.  He’ll know what to do with the roused rabble.”
“Wait,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Does that mean he has to put off locating Twilight?”
“I’m afraid so,” Princess Luna said.  “I know you want to see Twilight again, and I feel the same way.  But until this crisis is dealt with, finding Twilight is now considered too hazardous a task.  I’m terribly sorry.”
Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Spike all let out a depressing sigh.  Applejack walked up to Luna and said “We’ll do what we can to find Discord and tell him to get the crowd under control.  But at the same time, I don’t feel comfortable about doing this.”
“I take it because you don’t feel right abandoning a friend,” Princess Luna said.
“No,” Applejack said.  “I feel like if we made Discord alter their minds just to stop a riot, it would make him no better than if he weren’t reformed at all.  It’s not right.”
“That’s unexpected of you, Applejack,” Rarity said.
“I know,” Applejack said.  “But if Twilight found out that we had to use Discord to control the mob, she would be far more disappointed in us than the disaster at the Summer Sun Celebration.  We’re better than this.”
“I understand what you mean by that,” Princess Luna said.  “But desperate times call for desperate measures, and if we don’t act soon, I fear the Windigos will show themselves and freeze all of Equestria.”
“Very well,” Applejack said, tipping her hat in shame.  “But I’m not going to be proud of doing this.”
With that, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie turned around and walked towards the entrance to the hallway.  Spike looked up at Princess Luna, seeing the somber look on her face.
“It’s like we’re being forced into this choice, Princess Luna,” Spike said.
“I know,” Princess Luna said.  “And sometimes, I feel like I was let off too easily for my own crimes as Nightmare Moon.”
With that, Spike turned his head and ran after the other ponies as they made their way out the door.

Back in the throne room, the students all gathered around Princess Celestia, cheering as the alicorn walked up to the group.  Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer wasted no time running up to Princess Celestia, while Queen Novo stood by the group.  Celestia was quick to raise her head to see Sunset Shimmer approach her.
“Sunset Shimmer,” Princess Celestia said as Sunset jumped up and gave her mentor a hug.  “Thanks for coming on such short notice.”
“The last time we saw each other,” Sunset said as she held onto Princess Celestia.  “It was to put aside all past deeds and to start anew.”  She pulled away from Celestia and looked up to her before she said “But now we’re all in a crisis unlike anything we’ve ever been in.”
“And I’m sorry you had to miss out on your graduation party at Canterlot High,” Princess Celestia said.
“That’s the least of my worries,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “After seeing what those protesters did to the School of Friendship, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get this under control.”

“Thank you, my former student,” Princess Celestia said as Sunset let go of the alicorn and landed on her four hooves.
Immediately, Princess Luna came through the front doors of the throne, catching the attention of everyone.
“Sister,” Princess Celestia said.  “You sent them out to find Discord?”
“I have,” Princess Luna said.
“So that means,” Sandbar said.  “We won’t see Twilight for who knows how long?”
“I’m afraid not,” Princess Celestia said.  “Until we can get the crowds across Equestria under control, it’s not safe for even Twilight Sparkle to reveal herself.”
“Then maybe we can go out and find Twilight,” Starlight said.
“That’s not a wise choice, young lady,” Queen Novo said.  “Especially after what you’ve all been through at the School of Friendship.”
“Queen Novo’s right,” Princess Luna said. “Right now, Twilight Sparkle may be in hiding, and we need to find out where Discord is so he can calm the crowd down.”
“So what are we to do?” Yona asked.  “Yona want Twilight back.  Yona not like being cooped up in castle.”
“Yona,” Princess Celestia said.  “I know you’re disappointed in our decision, but…”
“We’re all disappointed, your majesty,” Silverstream said.  “To leave a friend out there like a lost kitten?  What if something horrible happened to her?”
“We’ve been in this kind of scenario before,” Gallus said.  “Back when Cozy Glow decided to drain the magic from Equestria, we six took action to stop her plans.  If we leave Twilight out there, we’re no better than Cozy Glow.”
Celestia was at a loss for words.  She held her own head back in shame.  Luna walked up to Queen Novo and inched her muzzle towards the hippogriff’s ear.
“This is more serious than we realize,” Princess Luna whispered.  “Maybe we shouldn’t have sent Twilight’s friends out to find Discord.”
Novo turned her beak towards Luna’s ear and whispered “Maybe we can form a search party to find Twilight Sparkle.  After all, her student Starlight Glimmer has the ability to teleport at will.”
“That might be risky,” Luna whispered back.  “But it’s better than doing nothing at all.”
Queen Novo nodded.  She walked towards Celestia and tapped her shoulder, getting the attention of the prime alicorn.
“Princess,” Queen Novo said.  “I think there needs to be a compromise.  Not just to get Discord back, but also Twilight.”
Princess Celestia turned her head towards Queen Novo and said “I know.  But I don’t want them to put their own lives at stake.”
“Even though Twilight’s closest friends are doing what they can to find Discord?” Queen Novo said.  “It might be worth sending a second party to find Twilight and bring her home.”
Princess Celestia breathed out a sigh and said “Alright.  I’ll do it.”
Princess Celestia approached Sunset and Starlight and was about to open her mouth when she heard the sound of doors flying wide open and someone yelling out “ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT!  Don’t get your tails twisted in a knot.”  Celestia turned her head towards the entrance, where Neigh Nanners walked on in with two guards right behind him.
“Neigh Nanners,” Princess Celestia said as her tone turned dark.  “You know why you were brought here.”
Neigh Nanners brushed off his jacked and adjusted his fedora before he walked up to Princess Celestia.
“I don’t know why you had to drag the Voice of Truth up here,” Neigh Nanners said.  “After all, you’re denying me my right to free speech here.”
“That’s one thing, Mr Nanners,” Princess Celestia said. “What I want to know is why are thousands of ponies across Equestria breaking out into hordes of Anti-Twilight protests?”
Neigh Nanners let out a huge laugh, causing most of the ponies in the room to become disturbed by his hysterical chuckle.
“Yona not like this pony,” Yona whispered to Sandbar.
“Tell me about it,” Sandbar said.
Neigh Nanners finished laughing as he wiped a tear from his eye.
“You are such a naive princess,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Very well.  I’ll entertain you.”

Meanwhile in the early night, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy were running as fast as they could through the streets of Canterlot with Spike flying right beside them.
“Are you really sure this is a good idea?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Not really,” Applejack said.  “But right now, we need Discord by our side to stop these uprisings.”
“I don’t get why ponies are not fighting back against these numbskulls,” Rainbow Dash said.  “In fact, if one were to attack my best buds, I would waste no time kicking them to Kooka-Mane-ga.”
“Rainbow,” Applejack said.  “We’re trying not to resort to that low.  We’re better than this.”
“Well if we are,” Fluttershy asked.  “Then why are the protesters gaining grounds like what happened at the School of Friendship?”
“That’s an answer none of us knows,” Rarity replied.
“Well the sooner we find Discord,” Applejack said.  “The better.”
Suddenly, Spike noticed something up in the distance to his left.  Immediately, he flew down and held his hands in front of the other mares.
“Spikey,” Rarity said.  “What’s going on?”
“Look to your left,” Spike said.  “Seems we’ve accomplished our goal faster than we realized.”
Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy turned their heads to their left to see Discord running as fast as possible towards them.
“That’s Discord,” Fluttershy said  “But why is he running that fast?”
“Who cares,” Pinkie Pie said. “The fact that he’s back says a whole lot.”
The five mares and Spike stood still, allowing Discord to run up to the group before coming to a stop and catching his breath.
“Are we glad to see you,” Applejack said.  “Listen, we need your help in quelling the protests across Equestria.  Your search for Twilight will have to be put on hold until further notice.”
“That’s nice and all,” Discord said.  “But I’m afraid I don’t have my magic anymore.”
“WHAT?” Fluttershy yelled.
“Wait a minute,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You lost your magic?”
“Now our problem just got even worse,” Spike said.  “How are we going to quell the mob without Discord’s magic?”
“In fact,” Pinkie Pie said.  “How did you lose your magic?”
Discord crinched in shame before he said “You’re going to hate me for what I’m about to say.”
Applejack let out a sigh and said “Okay, screw up.  What in the name of Princess Celestia did you do?”
Discord reached down and whispered into the ears of the five mares and Spike.  The moment the draconequus stopped, their eyes widened in total shock.
“You did what?” Applejack yelled.
“Smooth move, moron,” Spike said.
“That was a low blow of a party crash,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Even by your standards.”
“Discord,” Fluttershy said.  “How could you?  After what he did to betray you.”
Rarity marched over to Discord with a scowl on her face and said “You beastly beast.  Don’t you know what you’ve done that placed us all in this predicament, you beastly beastly beast?”
“I am aware of that,” Discord said.  “Now take me to Celestia.  I already know how upset she’ll be when she finds out.”
“Oh I can only imagine,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Considering you paired up Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow while pretending to be Grogar.  Now come on, you big buffoon.”
With that, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike and Discord turned around and ran back down the street in a hurry.

Back in the throne room, the students, Sunset, Starlight, Trixie, Queen Novo, Princess Luna, Diamond Tiara, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the former occupants of Starlight’s village, and the Apple family stood aside as Princess Celestia stared down Neigh Nanners.
“So you’re telling me to retract my article because it hurt your feelings?” Neigh Nanners asked.
“No, because it’s not true,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve known Twilight Sparkle ever since I made her my prime student.  She would never resort to what you just described.”
“Excuses, excuses,” Neigh Nanners said.  “I wrote that article because I believed that the ponies of Equestria deserve to know the true side to Ex-Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“But it’s considered slander,” Princess Luna said as she stepped forward.  “We have laws against this kind of rhetoric.  You can lose your license if you don’t do the right thing.”
“I am doing the right thing,” Neigh Nanners said.  “I’m exposing what a fraud Princess Twilight Sparkle truly is.  And for you to bring me in here like I’m a wanted felon violates my rights to free speech.”
“She’s not kidding,” Princess Celestia said.  “I was the author of those laws because with free speech, there is a responsibility in what is true and what is false.”
“So what you’re saying,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Is that you don’t mind limiting the free speech of the ponies of Equestria?”
“That is not the case,” Princess Celestia said.  “It is about responsibilities and…”
“The only thing I see is an alicorn with an ego problem who can’t handle the will of the ponies,” Neigh Nanners said, cutting Princess Celestia off.  “Until you can provide proof that Twilight Sparkle is not as unhinged as the ponies believed, then you have…NOTHING!”
Princess Celestia slumped back in her chair.  She placed her hoof on her forehead before directing her attention towards Neigh Nanners.
“Very well,” Celestia said in a defeated tone.  “You’re dismissed.”
“I thought so,” Neigh Nanners said before turning his back towards Princess Celestia.  “Good day, Princess.   Good day.”
With that, Neigh Nanners walked straight towards the door as Luna and Novo ran up to Princess Celestia, all while the others watched with a concerned look on their faces.
“Sister,” Princess Luna said.  “Why did you let him off so easily?”
“I don’t know,” Princess Celestia said.  “When I was debating him on his smear tactic, he gave off some kind of vibe that just…weighed me down.”
“I noticed that vibe as well,” Queen Novo said.  “Never have I seen a pony with so much bile and hate than this Neigh Nanners fellow.”
“Well the sooner Discord is here,” Celestia said.  “The sooner we can calm this insurrection down.”
Nearby, as the group looked at Celestia, Luna and Novo, Starlight and Sunset turned towards each other, their faces now even more in despair.
“I have never seen any pony talk down Princess Celestia like that,” Starlight Glimmer said.
“Now I know how Twilight felt after I heard how this Neigh Nanners jerk chewed her out like that,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“So the big question is,” Trixie whispered in a scared tone. “How do we beat this guy through debates and all that?  Even the Great and Powerful Trixie pales in comparison to that bloated windbag.”
“Honestly,” Starlight said.  “I have no idea.”
Suddenly, they overheard the sound of a filly about to cry.  Starlight, Sunset and Trixie turned their heads to see Diamond Tiara, looking like she’s about to burst into tears.  Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were right next to Diamond Tiara, trying to comfort her.
“Hey,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Are you alright?”
“It’s that Neigh Nanners jerk,” Scootaloo said.  “Something about him got to Diamond Tiara.”
“It’s going to be okay,” Sunset said as she sat down and held her arms out.  “If you need to cry, I’ll be happy to let you cry on me.”
Diamond Tiara looked up at Sunset Shimmer.  She ran up and cried right on her chest as Sunset held her close.
“Is that bad pony gone?” Diamond Tiara cried.
“Yes,” Sunset said.  “And it’s going to be okay.”
While Sunset Shimmer comforted Diamond Tiara, Starlight walked up to Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.
“By the way,” Starlight asked.  “I noticed that Diamond Tiara often hangs out with another filly named Silver Spoon.  Whatever happened to her?”
Apple Bloom let out a sigh and said “Because of the harassment that every pony was getting, Silver Spoon’s family decided they were the first to move out.  Silver Spoon was against the idea, but she had no say in the matter.  Diamond Tiara had to say her good-bye to Silver Spoon before she left.”
“And since then, we’ve tried to at least cheer her up, hoping that one say she’ll see Silver Spoon again,” Sweetie Belle said.  “But ever since early ago today, it’s gone downhill for her.”
“She doesn’t deserve this,” Trixie said.  “No pony deserves what she’s going through.”
“So how do we fight back against this crisis?” Double Diamond asked.  “Especially to the fact that we’re homeless now?”
Starlight turned her head and said “I honestly don’t know.”

Meanwhile, Neigh Nanners walked down the hallway leading from the throne room with a smirk on his face.
“Never thought I’d see the day where I get to put Princess Celestia in her place,” Neigh Nanners said to himself.  “Now what should I tell the ponies of Equestria about their shell-of-a-former-self alicorn?”
But just as Neigh Nanners approached the exit from the hall, the doors swung wide open as Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike and Discord run as fast as they could down the hallway.  Neigh Nanners just watched as the group ran towards the entrance to the throne room and swung the doors open.
“Curious,” Neigh Nanners said.  “They must be in that much of a hurry to see Princess Celestia.
As soon as the doors to the throne room shut tight, Neigh Nanners ran up to the twin doors and put his ear onto it. 
“This sounds too juicy for me to pass up,” Neigh Nanners said as he rolled up his sleeve.
On his wrist was an armband of some sort with a milky white jewel embedded.  Neigh Nanners looked at the armband with a sense of glee.
“You haven’t let me down since the day I discovered you, Emotion Amplifier,” Neigh Nanners said.  “And you’ve managed to successfully rile up the ponies of Equestria into turning against Twilight Sparkle through my voice and through the papers I write.  Now let’s see if you can break Princess Celestia even further than you just did.”
Neigh Nanners covered the jewel with his jacket sleeve before putting his ear back on the door.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 5: The Agenda of Neigh Nanners
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Agenda of Neigh Nanners



“YOU DID WHAT?”
Princess Celestia sat in her throne in complete shock while Princess Luna threw her face on her hoof in total disgust.  Queen Novo also stood by Celestia and Luna and she was just about as angry as the two alicorns.  Discord stood by the other side, shaking nervously with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Spike standing next to him.  On the sidelines, The students, Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, The Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara, Double Diamond, Sugar Belle, Night Glider, Party Favor and the Apple Family stood in total silence, for the most part.
“So bad pony is back,” Yona whispered to Sandbar.
“Afraid so,” Sandbar said.  “And now she’s got some new friends.  Guess her warning became a reality.”
Princess Celestia got out of her throne and marched towards Discord with a sour tone on her face.
“Do you know what you just did?” Princess Celestia yelled.  “You allowed three of the most powerful villains in Equestria history to unite together with your foolishness.”
“I only did it because I believed that Twilight Sparkle needed a boost in confidence so that when she becomes ruler of Equestria,” Discord said nervously.  “She would have the full backing of the ponies of Equestria.”
“And do you know what you just did?” Luna replied.  “You allowed your own magic to fall to those three, caused Twilight Sparkle to lose confidence in herself, AND resulted in an uprising across Equestria.”
“And why would you want to throw the lives of three villains away just to boost Twilight’s confidence?” Queen Novo yelled.  “After all, what if Princess Celestia decided to release you from your stone prison just so you could do that all over again all to boost her confidence?”
The words from Queen Novo caused Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to turn towards the hippogriff with a shocked look on their faces.
“That was unexpected, coming from you Queen Novo,” Princess Luna said.
“I’m not kidding,” Queen Novo said as she got up and marched towards Discord.  “I don’t know if it was truly to help out Twilight Sparkle, and your foolishness aside, you were willing to toss those three aside just as a form of nationalistic pride for Twilight Sparkle.  I’ve seen Twilight resort to selfish foolishness.  But you, you make it look like something that could be brushed off.”
“Now now, Queen Novo,” Discord said as he backed off.  “You know the reasons why I had to.”
“Oh I do know,” Queen Novo said.  “I learned why you have a bone to pick with those three.  One, Lord Tirek took advantage of you and then casted you aside.  Two, Queen Chrysalis kidnapped your precious Fluttershy along with the rest of her friends.  And three, it’s because Cozy Glow is the disciple of Lord Tirek.  Isn’t that right?”
Everyone just stood there, jaw dropped to the floor as Discord cowered back.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna quickly regained their composure before they got up and walked towards Discord.
“Well,” Discord said.  “You are indeed right.  After all, messing with one’s friends is enough to carry a grudge against those three.”
“Grudge or not,” Celestia said as her harsh tone returned.  “Your actions have resulted in the worst crisis in Equestria History.  And now I’ll have to fix the mess you made myself with the unruly mob.”  
Celestia then turned to Queen Novo and whispered “Though I think your statement towards Discord went a bit too far.”
“Noted,” Queen Novo said.  “But I was telling it like it is.  That being said, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Princess,” Rarity said.  “With your permission, we would like to go search for Twilight Sparkle.”
“I’m afraid that’s too dangerous for all of you now,” Princess Celestia said.  “Twilight Sparkle is still missing, the mobs are getting angry, and now we have Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow to deal with.  The last thing I need is more bad news.”
“Actually,” Discord said.  “I have some good news and bad news.”
Princess Luna rolled her eyes back and said “Fine Discord.  Humor us.  It’s not like things have gotten worse.”
“The good news,” Discord said in a nervous tone.  “I have found Twilight Sparkle.”  Those words caused Celestia, Luna and Novo to pop up.
“You found her?” Celestia said. “Is she being held against her will by the mob?  Did those three take her hostage?”
“Well here’s the bad news,” Discord said as he raised his finger up.  “Twilight Sparkle has become Midnight Sparkle, and she has sided with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.  She also told me that she’s done with your lessons.”

Outside in the streets of Canterlot, a scream is heard in the distance as a random pony chef looks up at the castle.
“What in the world?” the chef said.  “I have not heard Princess Celestia under that much distress.”
“Maybe that’s the sign of a failure.” The pony chef turned her head to see Shutterbug approach her.
“What do you mean by that?” the pony chef asked.
“Why do you think there are protests going on around Equestria?” Shutterbug said.  “It’s not just because of Twilight Sparkle’s failures, it’s also because of Princess Celestia’s failures.”
“Princess Celestia?” the pony chef said.  “But she’s been our leader for more than a millenia.  Why would she fail?”
“I’ve heard this through the words of Neigh Nanners,” Shutterbug said.  “Because of Princess Celestia’s actions, she alone created this mess by releasing Discord and putting too much faith in Twilight Sparkle.  She’s the one behind it all.”
“Neigh Nanners?” the pony chef said.  “Are you really sure about that?”
“Of course,” Shutterbug said.  “I’ve heard everything from him, and he’s right.  We wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle.  There needs to be new leadership, and it’s up to you to find that leader.”
"You really think so?" the Pony chef asked. 
"Yes, Shutterbug said.  "You're better than this.  You don't need to listen to that washed-up Royal.  It is time you rose up and prove that you are not a doormat."
"You're right," the Pony chef said.  "What's the point of baking pastries if we have incompetent leadership?  Thanks for the suggestion."
With that, the Pony chef turned towards the entrance and ran off, leaving Shutterbug standing there with a smug look on your face.
"You're very welcome," Shutterbug said with a devious giggle before she trotted down the street.

Princess Celestia remained in her chair, breathing heavily as if she was having a panic attack.  She grabbed a nearby empty paper bag and breathed right into it.  Luna marched towards Discord, teeth bare and eyes focused on the draconequus.
“So not only were you foolish enough to allow Chrysalis, TIrek and Cozy Glow to unite,” Princess Luna said.  “Your bungling resulted in Twilight joining in their cause?”
“I didn’t mean for that to happen,” Discord said.  “I swear.”
“Like I’m going to believe that,” Luna said.  “Because of your foolishness, we now have to deal with Princess Celestia’s prime student as an enemy.”
“Luna, that’s enough,” Celestia yelled as she threw the paper sack to the side.  “Even if Discord was responsible for allowing Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow to unite, he wasn’t responsible for Twilight taking their side.”
“Sister, have you gone mad?” Luna said as she turned her gaze towards Princess Celestia.  “You’re now going to excuse Discord’s actions for the mess we’re in?”
“Do you remember what Neigh Nanners said during the night of the failed Summer Sun Celebration?” Celestia said, causing Luna’s face to pop up.
“That’s right,” Luna said.  “Those horrible words that Neigh Nanners said to her, and how she just got up and quit.”
“And the next day,”  Celestia said.  “Neigh Nanners put out a bunch of hit pieces that tore right into Twilight Sparkle’s reputation, blaming her for every event that transpired.”
“I recall one of them accused Twilight of originally breaking Tirek out of Tartarus,” Luna said.  “How that caused a number of ponies to lash out like that is mind-numbing.”
“Had I been in her horseshoes,” Princess Celestia said.  “I would have done the same thing.”
“So would I,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s as if I want to call back out to Nightmare Moon and have her take me again.”
“What I can’t understand is how a few newspaper articles would cause your own citizens to run amok like this,” Queen Novo said.  “I’ve heard of fake news and propaganda.  But this takes this cake.”
Pinkie Pie ran up to Queen Novo holding two cakes on separate plates and said “Does it take a strawberry cake or a chocolate cake?”
Queen Novo just laughed and said “Foolish Pinkie.  It would most likely take a sardine and mustard cake.”
Pinkie Pie just gagged and ran off, holding both of the cakes in her hooves.  Queen Novo cracked a smile on her beak before turning her attention to Celestia and Luna.
“But that joke aside,” Queen Novo said.  “We have not just the protesters across Equestria to deal with, but also the combined forces of Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Twilight Sparkle.”
“It’s really sad,” Sunset said as she walked up next to Queen Novo.  “Long ago, Twilight made me realize the error of my ways when I was just a mean-spirited bully who wanted power.  Now I have to return the favor to her, and I’m not looking forward to it.”
“Nor am I,” Queen Novo said.
“The big question is,” Princess Celestia said.  “What to do with Neigh Nanners, considering that he allowed the rise of these mobs across Equestria and Twilight joining Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow?”
“Oh please not him” Princess Luna said.  “I sensed something emitting from him the moment he opened his big mouth.  Even I felt weakened by his choice of words.”
“At this point,” Celestia said.  “He should be walking out of the gates of Canterlot.  So at least we don’t have to deal with him now.”
Suddenly, the doors to the throne room burst open with an individual yelling out “AHA!”  Celestia, Luna, Novo, Discord, and Sunset turned their heads towards the front to see Neigh Nanners march towards them.
“Neigh Nanners,” Celestia said.  “I thought you were dismissed.”
“Oh I was,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Until I heard word about how your pet was responsible for his biggest screw up in Equestrian history.”
“PET?” Discord said as his voice changed into a serious tone .  “I was once the ruler of Equestria.  I made ponies suffer when I was big and mighty, all until Celestia and Luna bested me with the Elements of Harmony.”
“That’s a lie,” Neigh Nanners said.  “From what I know, Princess Celestia was the one who released you from stone in the first place and staged that incident of Twilight and her friends.  You’re no villain  One a pet, always a pet.”
Discord looked helplessly at Neigh Nanners.  He turned around and ran up the steps before he hid behind Celestia’s throne.
“Are you kidding me?” Applejack yelled as she stomped towards Neigh Nanners.  “You’re accusing us of faking our confrontation with Discord?  Because I’ve known how painful it was to lose my sense of identity, as did all my friends. ”
Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy, who all nodded their heads in agreement.  But Neigh Nanners looked undeterred.
“I beg to differ,” Neigh Nanners said.  “You were only pretending to be shells of your former selves just to get the ponies of Equestria to sympathize with you, just as Princess Celestia instructed.”
“You take that lie back this instant,” Applejack said.  “As the Element of Honesty, I would never resort that low.”
“Element of Honesty?” Neigh Nanners said. “More like Element of Deceit.  That’s what your face reads.”
“WHAT?” Applejack said as her face turned beet red.  She charged at Neigh Nanners, only for Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Spike to hold her back.
“Applejack, no,” Rainbow Dash said as she held Applejack back.  “Don’t let him get to you.”
“That’s right,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Hold your friend back.  It just goes to show how much of a facade friendship truly is.”
Suddenly, Neigh Nanners felt a tug on his jacket.  He looked to his left to see Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo staring up at him.
“For your information, Mister,” Apple Bloom said.  “We unintentionally broke Discord out of his stone statue and caused all of this.”
“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle said.  “So if you want to blame that incident on anyone, take it out on us.”
“Oh that’s real cute coming from a pair of three snot-nosed brats,” Neigh Nanners said in a mocking tone.
“So what are you going to do about it?” Scootaloo said.  “Tell the whole world that we caused Discord to pop out?”
“Why should I do that when I know you three are covering up for Princess Celestia like a pair of juvenile delinquents you are,” Neigh Nanners said, causing Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to cower.  “If I were your parents, I would have…”
“Now hold it right here you smug whippersnapper,” Granny Smith yelled as she marched over towards Neigh Nanners and stood by the three Cutie Mark Crusaders.  “First off, whatever you’re suggesting, we do not resort to that kind of punishment.  And second off, I lost a son and a daughter-in-law not long ago, almost like how I lost my husband.  So you have no right to bring up Apple Bloom’s mother and father.”
Neigh Nanners just smiled and said “Well that’s the reason why the Apple Family’s full of delinquents.  If you keep letting the patriarchs fall, delinquency becomes the norm.  Or has it always been the norm, just like those soft pears you call enemies.”
“Who are you calling soft you snively little weasel,” Grand Pear yelled as he attempted to reach out and yell like a maniac, all while Big Mac held him back.  Granny Smith starred at Grand Pear’s outburst before turning her head back towards Neigh Nanners.
“Congratulations, jerk,” Granny Smith scowled.  “You just made the feud between the apples and the pears look pleasant with that delinquent tone of yours.”
“Apples, pears, what’s the difference?” Neigh Nanners said.  “After all, the only purpose for fruit is to be destined towards the garbage bins.”
Neigh Nanners walked away from Granny Smith, who clenched her right hoof in a fist and looked like she was trying not to scream at the top of her lungs.  Applejack quickly ran up to Granny Smith in a hurry.
“Granny,” Applejack said.  “Don’t make that mistake.”
“I know,” Granny Smith said.  “But the way he just went and dissed both the Apples and the Pears makes it hard not to.”
Neigh Nanners walked up to Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona and Silverstream, who quickly hid behind Starlight Glimmer.
“That;s right, you six, filthy brats,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Hide behind your so-called teacher.  You’re as cowardly as your former head mare and the now Ex-Chancellor Neighsay and the disbanded E.E.A.”
“You stay out of this,” Starlight Glimmer yelled.  “You have no right to traumatize younglings like that.”
“Is that the same speech of a cult leader?” Neigh Nanners asked.  “Oh wait.  You were never a cult leader in the first place, but a shill paid by Princess Celestia to give Twilight Sparkle and her friends a fake test.”
“I was never involved with Princess Celestia until Twilight Sparkle took me in as her student,” Starlight said.
“Lying as always, aren’t we, Starlight Glimmer?” Neigh Nanners said.
“You want the truth?” Starlight said.  “I once went back in time to try to alter Twilight’s past because I couldn’t put up with the fact that she broke up my cult group back then.  And when she showed me the consequences of my actions, I began to regret doing that.”
“Spoken like a true shill for Princess Celestia,” Neigh Nanners said.  “There is no means to travel through time.  And if there was, it’s nothing more than a mere hoax projected by the government.”
“Hey you can’t talk to Starlight like that,” Double Diamond yelled as Sugar Belle, Night Glider and Party Favor walked up to Neigh Nanners.  “We know how bad Starlight was when she was revealed to be a fake prophet.  We believed that she took away everything we stood for when we became a part of this cult.”
“Is that right?” Neigh Nanners said.  “Or did Princess Celestia pay you to tell that fake story?  Maybe that’s the reason why this so-called Equality Village deserves to be razed to the ground.  It’s all so we can show the ponies of Equestria the whole truth, that even an individual can be bought by Princess Celestia to create a fake trial for Twilight and her friends.”
Double Diamond leaped out and attempted to get his hooves around Neigh Nanners, only for Night Glider, Party Favor and Sugar Belle to hold him back.
“Let me go,” Double Diamond yelled.  “He’ll pay for putting innocent lives in danger.”
“Maybe you can tell the people that when they put you four on trial and throw you in Tartarus where you belong,” Neigh Nanners said.
Neigh Nanners looked to his left and saw Diamond Tiara, who looked like she was hiding behind Smolder.
“So this must be the daughter of Filthy and Spoiled Rich,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Do you admit that your parents were working to fuel Princess Celestia’s agenda?”
“You stay away from me you big bully,” Diamond Tiara said as she hid her face in Smolder’s wing.
“So how does it feel to be bullied?” Neigh Nanners said.  “To finally be exposed for what your parents did?  For a so-called bully, you scare easily.”
“You heard what she said,” Smolder yelled.  “Back off this instant.”
Neigh Nanners just laughed and said “Very well.  But know that she will pay the consequences of her parent’s crimes.”
Smolder held Diamond Tiara by her side as she cried in the dragon’s wing.  Neigh Nanners turned to his right, passing Double Diamond, Party Favor, Night Glider and Sugar Bell, where he sees Sunset Shimmer staring at him, with Trixie by her side.
“You have a lot of nerve making these false accusations at us that makes our previous sins look mild in comparison,” Sunset Shimmer said with a growl.
“Yeah,” Trixie said.  “The Great and Powerful Trixie knows that you’re taking things too far.”
Neigh Nanners glanced down at Trixie and said “So this must be the Great and Powerful Trixie that rivaled Twilight Sparkle.  Or rather a Fake and Powerless Trixie that was sent by Princess Celestia to create a fake rivalry with Twilight.”
“There is nothing fake about me or my previous rivalry with Twilight,” Trixie yelled.  “I’ll go as far as to say that I used an Alicorn Amulet to pay Twilight back for my humiliation.”
“Or maybe Princess Celestia gave you a powered trinket that pretended to give you magic just to test Twilight Sparkle out,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Face it.  You’re just like all the other shills who were in on the conspiracy.  And when the ponies of Equestria find out, even calling you a fake is too much of a complement.”
Trixie held her head back and looked as if she was about to cry.  Sunset Shimmer stepped in front of Trixie and glared back at Neigh Nanners.
“How dare you take our past wrongs and twist them into a way that makes us look like willing participants,” Sunset said.
“And you must be Sunset Shimmer,” Neigh Nanners said.  “They said you were Princess Celestia’s failed student who went to this human world all with a desire for power, and used this crown to become a she-devil.”
“I don’t take offense to what you said about me,” Sunset said.  “I knew what I did was wrong, how I lost the trust of Canterlot High, and how I had to make up for my own past deeds.”
“I say you’re a LIAR!” Neigh Nanners said, causing Sunset Shimmer to back down in a confused pose.
“A liar?” Sunset said.
“You were never Princess Celestia’s failed student,” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “You were just an agent sent by Celestia to create a fake world populated with so-called humans just to serve as another test for Twilight Sparkle.”
“Neither of us knew who Twilight Sparkle was in the first place,” Sunset snapped. “And how would she be able to create that world in the first place?  And don’t tell me Discord, because he was frozen in stone during that time.”
“I do say Discord,” Neigh Nanners said.  “He created that magic mirror and created those fake humans that resemble the ponies of Equestria, and sent you there to prepare Twilight Sparkle for her test.  You were no villain, but a willing agent that worked for Princess Celestia’s real agenda.”
Sunset Shimmer looked like she was on the verge of tears.  She turned her head away from Neigh Nanners and held her eyes to her arm.
“That is about enough from you, Mister,” Queen Novo yelled as she marched towards Neigh Nanners.  “I’ve known Twilight Sparkle since I first met her.  She made the mistake of trying to take my orb of transformation and….”
“But you knew Princess Celestia,” Neigh Nanners said as he interrupted Queen Novo.
“Yes I have,” Queen Novo said.  “But that doesn’t excuse the fact that…”
“Don’t you defend Celestia’s agenda with your lies, Queen,” Neigh Nanners said.  “And don’t tell me it was the work of the Storm King and his agents.  You created the Storm King just to terrorize Equestria and to help Celestia test Twilight Sparkle.”
“I would NEVER create the Storm King,” Queen Novo yelled.  “My people were traumatized by that monster and….”
“Was your people really that traumatized?” Neigh Nanners said.  “Or were they fooled by a matriarch and her magic?”
Queen Novo stood there in complete shock by Neigh Nanners’ words.  Princess Luna marched over to Neigh Nanners, who quickly turned his eyes to the Moon Princess.
“Don’t tell me you’re here to lecture me on my criticism towards these buffoons,” Neigh Nanners said.  “You sound like you want to take away my free speech.”
“There is a responsibility when it comes to free speech, Mr Nanners,” Princess Luna said.  “If I were your boss and you said that nonsense in front of my clients, I would have had you fired this instant.”
“Well maybe your clients needed to know the whole truth, Nightmare Moon,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Or did you pretend to be Nightmare Moon just so you could get fake sympathy from your rabid followers.”
Luna backed off from Neigh Nanners and looked like she was about to cry.  Neigh turned his attention towards Princess Celestia, who marched right towards him.
“That is about enough of your harsh tone, Mr Nanners,” Princess Celestia said.  “You have gone flat out and insulted nearly everyone in this vicinity, and you are no longer welcomed in this castle.”
“I’m not done yet, Princess Celestia,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Because I have a lot of words to say to you”
Celestia stared down at Neigh Nanners with her horn glowing violently before she said with a cold tone “Do not make me do this.  And don’t even think of calling me a tyrant.”
“Oh please,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Is that the words of a trusting Princess?  Or a sniveling coward?”
“A coward?” Princess Celestia said as she backed off and her horn stopped glowing.
“That’s right, a coward” Neigh Nanners said.  “A coward who works behind the scenes to undermine the will of the ponies all while you and your agents coddle and pamper Twilight Sparkle to be a successor just to maintain the status quo.”
“But you don’t understand,” Princess Celestia said.  “What Luna and I have gone through, what Starswirl went through, what Twilight and her friends have gone through to earn the trust of the ponies of Equestria.”
“Oh I do understand the whole truth,” Neigh Nanners said.  “The ponies of Equestria are slowly realizing that you were nothing more than a fraud, a phony, a coward, by creating these fake villains.  Nightmare Moon was made by Princess Luna to gain her own set of fans, Discord is nothing more than your pet, Queen Chrysalis is actually a relative of yours pretending to be this species of pony, the same goes with King Sombra and Lord Tirek.  Starlight and Sunset are your paid shills to test Twilight Sparkle.  The Pony of Shadows never existed.  Cozy Glow is actually your daughter who was sent to play Twilight’s game with those brats, the Storm King was a hoax, and don’t get me started on this…Grogar.”
“That is enough,” Celestia yelled.  “You have no right to twist Equestrian history like that.”
“Oh I’m not the one twisting Equestrian history,” Neigh Nanners said.  “You have been since the day you took the throne.  And when all of Equestria finds out, the next thing you and your cohorts will find yourselves is crammed together inside a prison cell in Tartarus, remaining there for the rest of your miserable lives.  The ponies of Equestria no longer need you, and they no longer want you.  So deal with it, because the time of your judgement is NOW!”
The moment Neigh Nanners stopped speaked, Princess Celestia looked like she was reduced to tears.  She struggled to hold it in before she ran off in another direction, crying.
“WAAAAAAAAAAH!” Celestia cried as she ran up the staircase and out the doorway.
Sunset Shimmer got up and ran after Princess Celestia, yelling out “Princess Celestia.  Wait.”
As everyone watched Sunset Shimmer chase after Princess Celestia, Princess Luna turned towards Neigh Nanners.  Her eyes burned with pure malice.
“You despicable rabble rouser,” Princess Luna said in a cold tone.  “Get out, now.  If you know what’s good for you.”
Neigh Nanners took a bow and said “As you wish.”  He turned around and walked down the halls of the throne room and out towards the door.
Everyone just stood there completely dumbfounded.  Pinkie PIe ran up to Princess Luna, who had her eye on the departing Neigh Nanners.
“What was up with that party crasher?” Pinkie Pie said.  “He was giving off a kind of vibe that shut off my Pinkie sense.”
“I do not know,” Princess Luna said.  “But this is the first time that a pony of his stature was able to bring Princess Celestia down to tears.  Well in my own experience.”
Luna walked over to Starlight and Smolder, as the latter allowed Diamond Tiara to cry into her wing.  Luna placed her hoof on Diamond Tiara’s shoulder.
“It’s okay,” Luna said.  “The bad pony is gone.”
Diamond Tiara looked up at Princess Luna as Starlight Glimmer walked over to her side.  Smolder rubbed Diamond on the forehead with a simple giggle.
“Thank you,” Diamond Tiara said as a few tears fell from her eyes. “Now I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of my own horrible words.”
“Diamond,” Apple Bloom said.  “I know what words you said to us when we were blank flanks, and they paled in comparison to the rhetoric of that bad pony.”
“She’s right,” Starlight said.  “Whatever you said to those three fillies, it’s nothing compared to what that guy said to all of us.”
“You really think so?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“You have our word, Diamond,” Apple Bloom said.  “At least you knew that what you said was wrong.  As for that jerk, I’d say he said that on purpose just to get a reaction.”
Apple Bloom reached out with her hoof towards Diamond Tiara, who did nothing but reach out and allow the apple filly to pull her over and give her a big hug.
Starlight and Luna watched with a smile on their faces before Queen Novo walked up to the two.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Queen Novo said.  “But I’ve been concerned with that kind of energy that flowed from Neigh Nanners when he spoke.”
“I’ve been as well,” Princess Luna said.  “I have never seen that kind of negative energy in my lifetime.”
“What do you suppose that was?” Starlight asked.
“I don’t know,” Princess Luna said.  “But something tells me that we’re going to be in for a lot worse than what we realize.”


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 6: The secret of the Emotion Amplifier
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The secret of the Emotion Amplifier



In the town of Appleoosa, many villagers hid behind the doors of the many buildings as a number of ponies marched through town, chanting “Hey Hey.  Ho Ho.  Twilight Sparkle’s got to go.”  Some of the villagers stood behind the alleyways, holding children nearby.  Even some of the buffalo were too afraid to come out of the buildings.
Nearby, Sunny Starscout took notice of the crowd from a nearby alleyway.  She grinned with an evil grimace as she watched the protesters chant “Hey Hey.  Ho ho.  Twilight Sparkle’s got to go.”
“I could just sit back and watch these goons just make me look like a pariah,” Sunny Starscout said to herself.  “But still, I think I should check them out and see if I can add fuel to the fire.”
Without a second thought, Sunny Starscout trotted up to the crowd and walked next to one of the protesters.
“Excuse me,” Sunny said to the protester. “I see you’re protesting a certain Twilight Sparkle.”
“Oh we sure are,” the protester said.  “Everything about Twilight Sparkle is a lie.  Everything about Princess Celestia is a lie.  I heard they took our prophet Neigh Nanners and planned on locking him in the dungeon.”
“Is that so?” Sunny asked.
“Oh you bet,” the protester responded as he held the sign in the air.  “Neigh Nanners told us that he will be arrested by Princess Celestia, and now what he said came true.  Celestia will pay for her crimes, as will Twilight Sparkle.”
“Well what if I told you that because of Twilight Sparkle,” Sunny Starscout said.  “That the final season of Ogre and Oubliettes the Animated Series turned into a horrible mess?”
The protester closed his eyes and went into a quick thought as he said “Well now that you think of it, it was a horrible season.  Too much focus on spectacle over character.  And everything felt empty and meaningless.  Not to mention I thought the new armor looked too simplified.”
“So why demand they remake the final season into how it’s supposed to be?” Sunny Starscout asked.  “If you can lash out at a government for its failures, you can also lash out at a company for a botched season.”
“You’re right,” the protester said as Sunny gave a wink to him.  The protester turned to his companions and yelled “HEY!  YOU HEAR THAT!  TWILIGHT SPARKLE WAS THE REASON WHY THE FINAL SEASON OF OGRE AND OUBLIETTES WAS WEAK!  WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT THAT?”
The crowd of protesters booed as they continued to chant “HEY HEY!  HO HO!  TWILIGHT SPARKLE’S GOT TO GO!”  As the crowd continued to walk down Appleloosa, Sunny Starscout stood there with a smirk on her face, watching the crowd get smaller as they marched away.
“Ignorant fanboys,” Sunny said.  “They are so easy to dupe.”
Sunny Starscout laughed to herself as she walked down another alleyway.

Back in Canterlot Castle, inside the royal bedroom, Princess Celestia laid on her bed emotionally drained as she cried her eyes out.  Her tears fell from her eyes and onto the water-saturated mattress.  During that time, the door knocked three times.
“Go away,” Celestia cried.  “I’m too much of a failure.”
The door opened to see Sunset Shimmer walk, where she saw Celestia crying in her bed.  Though Sunset was depressed, she showed not a sign of tears, but sympathy.
“Princess,” Sunset Shimmer said. “What happened out there is not your fault.”
“It is,” Princess Celestia said.  “I let Twilight Sparkle down, I let her become this evil because I used Discord as a prop to help her out.  And now because of me, she’s gone evil, just like how you became evil.”
As Celestia tried into her pillow, Sunset sat down on her bed and rubbed her back.
“Don’t listen to that no-named conspiracy theorist,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I don’t know what kind of voodoo magic he’s using, but you’re stronger than this.”
“But I don’t know if I can,” Celestia said as her face was still on the pillow.
“I’ve been in that situation before,” Sunset said.  “The Memory Stone, the Time Twirler.  And each and every time, I figured out how to solve the problem involving Equestrian magic.”
Celestia lifted her head and turned towards Sunset Shimmer.  She wiped the tears from her eyes and slowly got up.
“You really think so?” Celestia asked.
“I don’t think so,” Sunset said. “I know so.  Now is not the time to be crying over those kinds of harsh comments.”
Suddenly, they both heard the sound of a little filly cooing to them.  Sunset Shimmer and Princess Celestia turned their heads to see Diamond Tiara standing at the doorway with Starlight Glimmer next to her.
“Diamond Tiara?” Celestia said.  “Are you alright?”
“I overheard what you’re going through,” Diamond Tiara said as she ran up to Celestia’s bed and jumped onto it.  “And frankly, the mean words I said in the past towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders pale in comparison to what he said, and what kind of magic he used.”
“I see,” Celestia said.
“But I also overheard what Sunset Shimmer said to you,” Diamond Tiara said.  “And if you need someone to help cheer you up, I’ll be here.”
Celestia looked at Diamond Tiara with an awkward look.  The little filly with the tiara on her head walked up to the alicorn and placed her hoof on the back of Celestia’s hoof.  The Alicorn Princess of the Sun smiled warmly.
“I’ll need all the help I can get,” Princess Celestia said.  “Thanks.”
Diamond Tiara said nothing but nodded towards Princess Celestia, who took notice of the dirt and tomato bits on the filly’s mane and coat.
“And on a side note,” Celestia said.  “I think someone needs to clean you up.  I can get Luna to pitch in.”
As Celestia and Diamond Tiara giggled, Sunset walked up to Starlight Glimmer, who looked content at the little filly and the alicorn princess.
“Nice choice in bringing in someone to help cheer up Princess Celestia,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Actually,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “It was her idea.  She felt sorry for those horrible words that Neigh Nanners said to Princess Celestia and decided to help cheer her up.”
“That’s great,” Sunset replied.  Her face turned to worry as she said “But there’s also the fact that something emitted from Neigh Nanners when he spoke.”
“Much like those artifacts that you brought up to Celestia like the Memory Stone and the Time Twirler,” Starlight said as she pondered to herself.   “Or remember when Juniper Montage had that magic-powered mirror?”
“That’s what I’m thinking as well,” Sunset said.  “Only unlike back in the human world, this is magic that’s already here in Equestria.  And we should have checked him when we had the chance.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said.  “We should have.  But something about his magic caused us to get backed into a corner.”
“We’ll find out what kind of magical artifact he had,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And we’ll pry it loose.”
Starlight Glimmer agreed as she and Sunset shook hooves.

Meanwhile, in the city of Baltimare, the streets were lined with ponies marching down, chanting a tune that is both powerful and frightening.
“I don’t know what I’ve been told,” the protesters chanted.  “Twilight Sparkle’s undersold.  Tell that mare to take a hike, along with her friends that we dislike.  Sounds off, one two, Twilight Sparkle’s nothing but glue.”
As the protesters marched down the street and chanted, Izzy Moonbow popped her head out of a nearby alleyway.  She smiled with a devilish grin as she trotted out from the corner and walked up to a nearby member of the mob.
“Excuse me,” Izzy asked.  “But I noticed a party going on here.”
“It’s no party,” The protester said.  “Our prophet said that Princess Twilight Sparkle, her friends and even the Princesses are the ones who made Equestria bad.  They’re even responsible for all the bad guys who gave us all a hard time.  King Sombra, the Storm King, the Pony of Shadows, you name it, they’re responsible.”
“Is that a fact?” Izzy said.
“Oh you bet it is,” the protester said as he continued to march alongside the crowd.  “You got a problem with that?”
“Oh no I don’t,” Izzy said as she marched alongside the protester.  “But I got some juicy information that the Government of Equestria’s been hiding.”
“Say what?” the protester said as his face turned to complete shock.
Izzy reached over to the protester and whispered “Word has it that Equestria created this rainbow factory a thousand years ago.  It’s purpose is to take unworthy colts and fillies and…” She continued to whisper into the rabblerouser’s ear, causing his face to pop out in complete distress.
“That is horrible,” the protester said.
“And the worst part about this,” Izzy said.  “Is that they end up as your baked pastries.  Especially cupcakes.”
The protester gagged as he spat into the street in total disgust, stepping out of the group as Izzy Moonbow stepped aside.
“You mean I’ve been eating ground up colt and filly this entire life?” the protester said as he continued to spit onto the street.
“Just trying to report the truth for Mr Neigh Nanners,” Izzy Moonbow said as a halo formed over her head.
The protester wiped his mouth and said “Well thank you for telling me about this.  Wait till the others hear about what’s been in our desserts.”
The protester ran back into the group and inched towards one of his friends, whispering into his ear before said friend whispered into another ear.  But nearby, Izzy Moonbow just stood there with a smug look on her face.
“Wait till Chrysalis, Tirek and Twilight hear about this,” Izzy said to herself before disappearing into a nearby alleyway.

Later that day, outside of Grogar’s lair, Shutterbug walked up to the lake and skipped across the stepping stones that led inside the lair.  Inside, Tirek sat in his chair reading the forbidden book while wearing a pair of glasses.
“So Tirek,” Shutterbug said.  “How’s your research on the bell?”
Tirek took off the glasses and placed them on the table while setting the book next to it and the bell.  He got up and walked up to Shutterbug.
“I don’t know how Twilight Sparkle can read that fast,” Tirek said.  “But it seems she missed out on some juicy details.”
“Juicy eh?” Shutterbug said with a devilish laugh.  “This I have to see.”
“Not just yet,” Tirek said.  “We still have to wait for Twilight Sparkle and Cozy Glow to show back up.”
The moment Tirek finished speaking, someone yelled out “Did someone call our names?” Tirek and Shutterbug turned to the entrance where Sunny Starscout and Izzy Moonbow walked in on the stepping stones towards the duo.
“So,” Shutterbug asked as Sunny and Izzy got onto the main portion of the lair.  “How did your experience go with those protesters?”
“These morons will fall for anything,” Sunny Starscout said.  “The mob mentality is strong with them.”
“Not only that,” Izzy Moonbow said.  “But they’ll believe anything about the Equestrian Monarchy, especially if you claim to be against it.”
“Excellent,” Shutterbug said before she turned her attention towards Tirek.  “So Tirek. What do you have to show us concerning your research?”
“As much as I want to show it to you three,” Tirek said as he pointed to Shutterbug, Sunny and Izzy.  “First things first.”
Shutterbug, Sunny Starscout and Izzy Moonbow grumbled as they all said “Fine.”  With a flash of magic, Shutterbug returned to being Queen Chrysalis, Sunny Starscout returned to being Midnight Sparkle and Izzy Moonbow returned to being Cozy Glow.
“That’s better,” Tirek said.
“Okay Tirek,” Midnight Sparkle said. “You said you have some juicy research.  Something I missed out on when I speed read through that book.”
“Indeed I have,” Tirek said as he picked up the book and showed off the opened tome to his fellow villains, causing them to look up close.  Tirek pointed to a page that had a milky white jewel and said “Have any of you three ever heard of the Emotion Amplifier?”
Cozy Glow put her hoof on her chin, looking as if she hadn’t a clue in the world.  But Chrysalis' eyes popped out a bit, looking at the image of the Emotion Amplifier.
“I recognize that artifact,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“And I take it you used the Emotion Amplifier before?” Midnight Sparkle asked.
“Long ago before your time,” Chrysalis said.  “I discovered this ancient artifact of Grogar: The Emotion Amplifier.  It was there I learned about its true power.”
“The ability to alter the emotions of any one living being,” Midnight Sparkle responded.
Queen Chrysalis laughed as she swished her tail in an amusing posture.
“So this is why Princess Celestia had a lot of faith in you,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But anyway, I was curious about this artifact that one of my subjects found.  What was its purpose?  What could it do?  It was by one freak accident that I discovered its true purpose: The ability to alter the emotions of any one being with pure thought.”
“And not just in pure thought,” Tirek said as he pointed to a portion of the book.  “According to this, one could also project his or her own emotion-altering message into word or visual form.  In fact, the holder of the amplifier did not need to be in the same vicinity as its victims.”
“Correct,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “That gave me an idea.  What if I could use it to boost the love of those meddlesome ponies?  It would mean more love to extract for my hive.  And did it do just that.”
“That explains why some parts of Equestria underwent the love pandemic,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I studied that during my early days at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  That explained why there was a baby boom during that era.”
Cozy Glow flew up to Queen Chrysalis and asked “By the way.  As a filly of curiosity, what were the ponies like under this love pandemic?”
Queen Chrysalis just glared at Cozy Glow and said “That kind of information is not safe for little fillies.  Wait until you’re older.”  Cozy Glow just flew down onto the ground, sat down and crossed her arms in disgust.
“One thing I also recall,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Was that the Love Pandemic only lasted six months.  Was there a reason why it came to an end?”
“There was,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “As much as all that love poured into our hive and nourished our appetites, it came with an unexpected side effect.  The artificial love created by the Emotion Amplifier began to weaken changelings.  We first noticed the side effects one month after we used the artifact to amp up the pony's desire for love.  At first, I couldn’t figure out why my own hive was suffering.  But I began to theorize that the jewel was behind the problem.  So I had my own servants steal love off a group of ponies that weren’t affected by the jewel.”
“And I took it once they consumed the love of those ponies,” Cozy Glow said.  “They did not show any signs of illness.”
“Exactly,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I realized that the Emotion Amplifier was slowly morphing into a poison that we changelings couldn’t use.  I wanted to get rid of it for the sake of all of us, but I feared someone could use it for their own purpose.  So I had it sealed away in my throne using excessive dark rock from Discordia to block the magic off.   And it stood there for a long time, hoping that no one else would steal it.”
“That is,” Midnight Sparkle is.  “Until Starlight Glimmer and King Thorax blew the throne up and unintentionally sent the artifact flying out of the hive and into the changeling badlands.”
“Part of the reason why I want my revenge on Starlight Glimmer,” Queen Chrysalis replied.  “And you can guess the other reason why.”
“Oh I already know,” Midnight Sparkle said.
“There is another thing that I noticed from those crazed protesting ponies,” Cozy Glow said.  “They generated some kind of an aura around them like they were possessed.”
“A by-product of the Emotion Amplifier,” Queen Chrysalis said.  It has a strong hold on those with a weak mind.  But those with a stronger will are capable of breaking free from it.”
“Come to think of it,” Midnight Sparkle said as she rubbed her lower jaw with her hoof.  “I struggled to break free from its influence until the bell was able to help me shatter its hold.”
“Then do you suppose the bell could be the key to allowing us to take hold of those miserable morons?” Queen Chrysalis asked.
“Not a chance,” Tirek said in protest.  “Turning one princess to our side is one thing. But an entire army that could double cross all four of us and take Equestria for themselves while fighting among each other?  Out of the question, one hundred percent.”
Chrysalis, Midnight Sparkle and Cozy Glow slunked down a bit over Tirek’s words.  Midnight’s eyes began to shift towards the bell.  She looked closely at it before turning her attention towards Tirek.
“What about Discord’s magic?” Midnight said.  “You were able to use it when we confronted each other in battle.”
Tirek picked up the bell, held it up in the air and said “Yes.  I do remember draining Discord of his magic and putting it to good use.  But there was something I had that allowed me to control without losing control.”  Tirek turned to Midnight Sparkle and said “Perhaps your friends’ magic were able to keep it in check.”
“That makes a lot of sense since no one else but Discord could be able to control that magic,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Actually, now that I think about it,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “There is one pony that could control that kind of magic, and that happened to be Pinkie Pie.”
“Well that’s a shame,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Knowing about what happened in Ponyville, she’s most likely up in Canterlot alongside her friends.”
“Then Discord’s power is out of the question,” Tirek said. “Without the magic of Pinkie Pie, I don’t think I can control it again.”
“Well if you three need a guinea pig,” Cozy Glow said, acting innocently. “I’d be happy to volunteer to see if I could control it like Pinkie Pie could have.”
Chrysalis, Tirek and Midnight Sparkle looked at each other with glee.  They fired their magic right into the bell, which levitated, pointed at Cozy Glow and rang, firing off all that chaos magic right into the filly.
Chrysalis and Tirek watched in horror while Midnight Sparkle looked amused as Cozy Glow grew in size into a giant adult alicorn with a bigger mane.  The giant mare-child of an alicorn let out a laugh that shook the room.
“You three are more foolish than I thought,” Cozy Glow yelled.  “With Discord’s magic, I will conquer Equestria and everyone will Kneel before MY MIGHT!”
With that, Cozy Glow fired off a beam of magic from her horn.  When it collided with a stalactite, the explosion emitted what appeared to be rubber chickens.  Tirek and Chrysalis looked amused while Midnight Sparkle just yawned in boredom.
“What?” Cozy Glow yelled.  “What kind of foolishness is this?”
Cozy Glow fired more bursts of magic from her horn.  But when they collided with parts of the cave, they transformed into live pineapples with sharp teeth.  Midnight Sparkle just giggled as these pineapples began to bounce past her.
“Kid,” Midnight Sparkle laughed.  “You just found out how impossible it is for you to control Discord’s magic.”
Midnight Sparkle, Chrysalis and Tirek stood there as the carnivorous pineapples leaped onto the giant Cozy Glow and began to bite her on her mane and arms.  Cozy Glow struggled to shake them off as she freaked out.
“You win,” Cozy Glow yelled.  “Just get this power off of me.”
Chrysalis, Tirek and Midnight Sparkle laughed as they rang the bell to extract Discord’s magic out of Cozy Glow, reverting her to an alicorn filly. Cozy Glow flew down to the ground, looking completely disturbed as the bell landed down on the table.
“So you still think you could control Discord’s magic?” Midnight Sparkle laughed.  “Don’t make me laugh.”
“This is why this so-called Pinkie Pie would be able to control that kind of magic,” Tirek said.  
“Oh you’re not kidding,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Some say Pinkie Pie was born with a portion of Discord’s magic.  How that happened is beyond me.  But there is another way to put Discord’s magic to use.”
Chrysalis waltzed up to Midnight Sparkle and asked “Ohhhhh, so how does it work?”
Midnight Sparkle picked the bell up from the table and said “In addition to taking and giving magic, the bewitching bell can also use the magic within.  With Discord’s magic, we could either undo the effects of the Emotion Amplifier, or we could alter their emotions to make them loyal to us.”
“Excellent idea,” Chrysalis said.
“But why not also suck the magic up?” Tirek asked.
“Because if we tried that,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “The bell could overload with all that negative energy and explode.  That’s the last thing we need.”  Midnight Sparkle placed her hoof on Tirek’s check and said “And the same goes to you.  You may have the ability to drain magic, but even draining that kind of magic would drive you mad.”
“Point taken,” Tirek said as he slowly pushed Twilight’s hoof off his chest.  “With that taken care of, I think it’s time we put that theory to the test.”
Cozy Glow flew up onto the table and said “I recall seeing a small village of unicorns in the forest of Bridlewood.  Should we start there?”
Midnight Sparkle handed the bell to Tirek as the big centaur said “Good idea.  And I may need a bit of a snack after all that studying.”
Tirek held onto the bell as Queen Chrysalis and Cozy Glow followed the centaur out of Grogar’s cave.  Midnight Sparkle stood there with a smile on her face.
“Only a matter of time,” Midnight Sparkle said before she followed Chrysalis, TIrek and Cozy Glow out of the cavern.

Meanwhile at the castle, Diamond Tiara wiped soap suds off her mane as she enjoyed a nice hot bubble bath.  Princess Luna gently poured some water on her mane, cleaning the dirt and tomato bits off.
“How do you feel, Diamond Tiara?” Princess Luna asked as she gently scrubbed some of the dirt out of Tiara’s mane.
“I feel like a new me is coming out,” Diamond Tiara said.  “But there’s still a part of me that’s incomplete.”
“It’s because you miss your parents and your close friend,” Princess Luna said.
“Yeah,” Diamond Tiara said. 
“Well if I had one wish, I would want you to get them both back.”  Princess Luna and Diamond Tiara turned their heads to see Apple Bloom approach them both.
“Apple Bloom,” Diamond Tiara said.  
“I appreciate you helping out Princess Celestia,” Apple Bloom said.  “But at the same time, I still know why you suffer on the inside.  And I want you to get all three of them back in your life.”
“I know,” Diamond Tiara said.  “And you’re right.  It’s not my fault that I lost my parents and my close friend.  It’s the fault of that Neigh Nanners jerk.”
“That might be an understatement,” Princess Luna said.  “Remember when Celestia, Novo and myself made those harsh comments towards Discord?”
“Yeah,” Diamond Tiara said. “Still can’t believe he pulled that stunt off.”
“Well the way that Neigh Nanners chose to chew into Discord,” Luna said.  “On the one hand, some of his wording didn’t make sense.  But the kind of aura he gave out troubled me more than the words.”
“He didn’t just chew into Discord,” Apple Bloom said.  “He traumatized nearly all of us.”
“One thing I do regret doing is placing Neigh Nanners under arrest,” Luna said. “But during that time, I was not myself thanks to whatever came out of his aura.  It was like my own anger wanted to rage out and attack him.  I struggled not to physically lash out at him.  Even so, if I arrested Neigh Nanners just for the verbal lashing that he directed at all of us, the backlash against all of us would be great.”
“So it would justify what his own base is doing across Equestria?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“I’m afraid so,” Princess Luna said.  “It was one thing for Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow to unite with Twilight Sparkle.  But this is a whole different manner that even I think those four would be unprepared for.”
“Now hold up,” Apple Bloom said as she got onto the edge of the tub.  “That’s selling yourself short.  You’re Princess Luna and your sister is Princess Celestia.  Don’t you both have some kind of Alicorn Magic that could undo what Neigh Nanners is doing?”
“Well on the one hoof” Princess Luna said.  “I was able to break through whatever he’s casting.  And the fact that most of the group managed to do the same is saying a lot.  On the other hoof, I don’t think it’s been done on that kind of scale. I may ask Princess Celestia if she could do just that.”
“That’s all I need to hear,” Apple Bloom said as she stood up on her hind legs.
“Apple Bloom,” Diamond Tiara said as she started to freak out.  “Careful.  You’ll slip.”
Suddenly, Apple Bloom lost her footing as she slipped on the edge of the tub, falling face first into the water with a huge splash.  Diamond Tiara and Princess Luna were quick to cover their faces, Tiara with her arm and Luna with her magic.  Apple Bloom stuck her head out of the bath and shook off the excess liquid.
“Well since you’re here,” Princess Luna said.  “I think you might be due for a bath.  It was your Granny Smith who requested it.”
“Oh no,” Apple Bloom said  “CURSE YOU GRANNY SMITH!”
Apple Bloom jumped out of the water and tried to make a run for it, only for Luna to pull her back into the bath with her magic.  The moment Apple Bloom comes out gasping for air, Luna scrubbed down the filly’s mane with the washcloth, causing the cutie mark crusader to groan in distaste.
“This ain’t funny,” Apple Bloom said.  “I thought they said I could have my own bubble bath.”
“Oh come on, Apple Bloom,” Diamond Tiara said with a smirk on her face.  “You should be honored to be pampered by the great Princess of the Moon.”
“Honored?” Apple Bloom roared.  “Pampered?  You think that’s funny, Diamond Tiara?”
“Just relax,” Diamond Tiara said.  “It’s not that embarrassing.”
“Oh for goodness sake,” Apple Bloom said.  “This feels like the old times when you used to give me and my other Crusaders a hard time.”
“Yeah, but that was different and more mean spirited,” Diamond Tiara said.  “This is now.”
Apple Bloom let out a collective groan as Luna and Diamond Tiara laughed.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 7: The Fearsome Four strikes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Fearsome Four strikes



In a small village in the Bridlewood forest, a number of unicorns hung outside of their houses, enjoying the atmosphere and each other’s company.  As they seemed mellowed out and relaxed, they noticed four shadows form under them.
“What in the world?” One of the unicorns said.
The unicorns looked up to see Midnight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow standing tall on a hilltop with the Bewitching Bell hovering next to them.  The four stare down at the villagers, who stood there frozen scared.
“Look at these cowards,” Cozy Glow said.  “It’s like they never saw a villain before, much less four villains.”
“No.  It’s because we do not tolerate outsiders.”  Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Midnight Sparkle looked through the crowd of unicorns.  At the far end, a grayish unicorn with a slightly bulky build stared down the eyes of the four villains.
Queen Chrysalis let out an amused chuckle as she asked “So tell me.  Who is this fool who stands before us?”
“I am Latin Roma,” the grayish unicorn said.  “The leader of the Bridlewood tribe of ponies.  Your four are outsiders and you do not belong here.”
Midnight Sparkle flapped her wings as she flew over the unicorn villagers and landed next to Latin Roma. She circled the grayish unicorn, who stood his ground and kept his eye on the corrupted alicorn.
“So you never heard of Twilight Sparkle,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “The former Princess of Friendship, the failed student of Princess Celestia, and the disaster that will bring Equestria to its knees.”
“I do not know of any Twilight Sparkle,” Latin Roma said. “Nor am I interested in Princess Celestia or a great disaster.   But what I do know is that all outsiders will poison the integrity of this community.  Leave….now.”
Midnight Sparkle just laughed and said “Oh this is rich.”  She circled around Latin Roma, glancing at the unicorn with a slightly buff build while her smile never left her face.
“Do you dare to threaten our sovereignty?” Latin Roma said with a growl.
“You are absolutely right,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “We are outsiders, and our presence will poison the integrity of your community.  But I have one question to ask you: How do you plan on stopping us?”
Latin Roma’s ears folded back.  He pointed his horn at Midnight Sparkle and said “You just answered your own question, witch.”
“Oh no,” Midnight Sparkle said as she flew away from Latin Roma and landed on a cliff nearby.  “You answered mine for my new friends.”
Latin Roma turned towards Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow, who held the bewitching bell in front of him and his villagers.  The unicorn could do nothing but stare down the villain trio.
“The bell tolls for your suffering, fools,” Tirek said as he fired a blast of magic into the Bewitching Bell.
The bell rang and fired off Discord’s magic in a cone, surrounding Latin Roma and the unicorn villagers.  A weird vibe transmitted over every unicorn, causing them to twitch out like electricity was flowing through their bodies.  This continued for a few seconds until Discord’s magic returned into the bell, causing all of the unicorns to collapse.
“What did you do?” Latin Roma said as he got up. 
“Oh not much,” Midnight Sparkle said as she flew off the cliff and landed next to Latin Roma.  “We just put a hex on you.”
“A hex?”  Latin Roma said in fury.  “You have a lot of nerve to hit us with a hex.”
“Oh I just did,” Midnight Sparkle chuckled.  “And here’s the hitch, you will do a crazy dance and chant ‘Bing Bong’ upon hearing one of four words.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” Latin Roma said.
Midnight Sparkle laughed as she said “Oh it’s as easy as Magic, Wing, Feather and Mayonnaise.”
Suddenly, Latin Roma and every Unicorn paused for a moment before they all started dancing like crazy and chanting “Bing Bong.  Bing Bong.  Bing Bong.”  Midnight Sparkle laughed as every Unicorn in the village danced and chanted “Bing Bong.”
“Interesting approach to testing out Discord’s magic,” Queen Chrysalis said as she, Tirek and Cozy Glow leaped off their balcony and landed near Midnight Sparkle.
“This is, after all, a test of Discord’s magic,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Besides, they don’t have the same signature as the mob.”
“So,” Tirek said, holding the bewitching bell. “Where should we strike next?”
Midnight Sparkle pointed in the northwest direction and said “Manehattan.  That’s where the biggest pack of protesters are making their stand.  Once we turn Discord’s magic on them, we’ll have them under our control, and use them to take over ALL of Equestria.”
“Excellent idea,” Tirek said.  “With a brain like that, I’m glad you’re on our side.”
With that, Tirek holds onto the bell and leaps away from the forest as Midnight Sparkle and Queen Chrysalis follow from behind.  Cozy Glow looked down at Latin Roma, who was exhausted from the dancing and chanting.
“You do not realize what you four have done,” Latin Roma said.  “What do you have to say for yourself?”
Cozy Glow smiled as she said “Oh nothing.  Except I do have one question.”
Latin Roma rolled his eyes, let out a disgruntled sigh, and said “Speak now, monster.”
Cozy Glow flew up to Latin Rom and said “Is mayonnaise an instrument?”
Latin Roma and the Unicorns twitched again as Cozy Glow flew away.  Once again, they danced like crazy, chanting “Bing Bong.  Bing Bong.  Bing Bong.”  Cozy Glow stood there in the air, laughing hard.
“I could enjoy this all day,” Cozy Glow said.  “But I have important business in Manehattan.”
With that, Cozy Glow flew off after Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Midnight Sparkle.

Meanwhile, Princess Celestia walked out onto the balcony at Canterlot Castle.  Behind her was Starlight Glimmer, who stood by her side.  Sunset Shimmer ran up behind the two ponies in a hurry.
“Are you really sure you want to do this?” Sunset yelled.  “This isn’t Twilight Sparkle we’re dealing with.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But that’s not the only reason why Starlight and I are going down.  I’ve got to break whatever Neigh Nanners placed on the protesters.”
“By yourself?” Sunset Shimmer said.
“I’ll be going with her,” Starlight replied as Celestia lowered her back down before the lilac unicorn leaped onto the alicorn’s back.  “I know Queen Chrysalis has a bone to pick with me after King Thorax and I bested her.”
“But you both are going to be outnumbered,” Sunset Shimmer said. 
“We won’t,” Princess Celestia said.  “I have sent a letter out to Starswirl the Bearded and the other pillars of old Equestria to meet me at Manehattan.”
“Wait,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Starswirl the Bearded is alive and well?”
“It’s a long story, Sunset,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “But let’s just say Twilight, her friends and I accidentally released the Pony of Shadows when we released him and the other pillars from the void.”
“Sunset,” Princess Celestia said.  “If something happens to me, Starlight and the pillars, you, Luna and the others are our last hope.”
Sunset Shimmer let out a sigh as she said “I know.  But I don’t want to lose you to Twilight and her new companions, or worse.”
“I won’t let that happen,” Princess Celestia said.  “I won’t.”
WIth that, Starlight Glimmer held onto Princess Celestia as the alicorn princess flapped her wings and took off.  Sunset looked up as Celestia and Starlight flew eastward into the horizon.
“Princess,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I hope it doesn’t happen.”

In the middle of Manehattan, many innocents hide within the safety of the buildings that populate the city as the mob marched down the street, chanting “Down with Twilight.  Down with Celestia.”
On a nearby rooftop, Midnight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow flew down on top of the building while Lord Tirek landed next to them.  The Fearsome Four looked down at the protests from above.
“Just look at them,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Whining away without a care in the world.”
“If I wanted to see whining,” Cozy Glow said.  “I would have joined politics, sports or video game communities.”
“Is it any wonder why ponies are their own worst enemies?” Tirek said.  “And we know that Neigh Nanners control them with the Emotion Amplifier.”
“Right now,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I’m trying to figure out a good plan to lasso as much as possible and use Discord’s magic to control them.”
Suddenly, Cozy Glow spotted something to her right.  She yelled out “HOLD ON!  Something’s caught my eye!” and flew off, to the surprise of Chrysalis, Tirek and Midnight Sparkle.
“What is that little filly up to?” Chrysalis said.
Midnight Sparkle looked down as Cozy Glow flew towards a stallion carrying a trash bag in the distance and said “Observe.  Proof that some ponies are even worse than you and I.”

Down at the bayside, the station carried the trash bag all the way to the water area.  While the stallion appeared calm and collective while he whistled a tune, the bag was moving violently as if something inside was trying to break free.
Suddenly, Cozy Glow flew up to the stallion with a burning look on her face.  She glared at the stallion, who stood there with an amused look on his face.
“Oh look,” the stallion laughed.  “A pony who thinks she’s an alicorn.”
“Oh I am an alicorn, alright,” Cozy Glow said with a snarl.  “And I don’t like what you’re doing.  So put the bag down, and I don’t mean on the water.”
“So this little filly thinks she can tell me what to do,” The stallion said.  “Listen brat.  I have every right to dump this bag into the Manehattan Bay.  So stand aside.”
WIthout warning, Cozy Glow blasted the stallion right in the head, charring it gray.  The stallion looked at Cozy Glow with a scared look on his face.
“I won’t ask again,” Cozy Glow said.  “Now step away from the bay and place the bag down.”
The stallion slowly walked back and set the moving garbage bag down.  Cozy Glow flew up and opened the bag to see three kittens come crawling out.  The kittens meowed as Cozy Glow rubbed the heads of each and every one of them.
“Now don’t you three feel threatened,” Cozy Glow said as she cuddled and petted the three kittens.  One of them licked Cozy Glow on the face as she giggled with delight.  “If I were you three, I’d run off so you don’t have to worry about that bad, bad, stallion.”
Cozy Glow patted the kittens on the head as they ran off in the distance.  Her smile turned into a scowl as she directed her gaze at the stallion, who looked like he was about to cry.
“Now you listen here, Mister,” Cozy Glow said.  “If I find out that you harmed another cat, I’m coming for you.  DO YOU HEAR ME?”
Without a second thought, the stallion ran off in the distance and passed the kittens, crying out loud.
“AND LET THAT BE A LESSON TO YOU, MONSTER!” Cozy Glow yelled before she flew away from the bay.

Back up on the rooftop, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Midnight Sparkle watch as Cozy Glow flies back up to their spot.  The three adults approach Cozy Glow as the little filly landed right in front of them.
“I can tell why you had to pull that stunt,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I thought I was evil, but what that fool did was too cruel for my tastes.”
“It’s one of Cozy Glow’s pet peeves,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “She once threw a fit when she saw another pony kick a cat.”
“You know,” Tirek said. “I once had a dog.  Scorpan and I used to enjoy playing with that little mutt during our childhood.  But then Sendak the Elder made me put him down, stating that it was getting in the way of my teachings.  When I didn’t, Sendak turned my dog to stone and shattered him to pieces.”
Chrysalis, Cozy Glow and Midnight Sparkle look at Tirek as if their faces had turned sour.
“That is the most disturbing story I have ever heard of,” Chrysalis said.
“Yeah,” Cozy Glow said.  “I’m going to have a nightmare over that.”
Midnight Sparkle turned and faced towards the north.  She pointed in that direction and said “But enough talk.  While Cozy Glow was out delivering justice to an animal cruelty fan, I was able to pinpoint where Neigh Nanners is.  He’s holding a rally up in Central Park.  That would be a good time to lure them into our trap.”
“Excellent,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Set them up and knock them down.”
Midnight Sparkle extended her wings out and said  “Come.  Let us set up our trap.”
With that, Midnight Sparkle flew off from the building as Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow followed after her.

Deep within Central Park of Manehattan, a massive stage has been set up in the middle of the estate.  A large crowd of protesters gathered around the stage, cheering as Neigh Nanners stood on stage.
“What Princess Celestia did to me was a violation of my own rights,” Neigh Nanners chanted.  “She was going to throw me in Tartarus for voicing my own opinion on her failure and her student’s failure, along with allowing three high ranked criminals to run free in Equestria.  But I alone was able to stand against that tyrant and her sister, along with her sheeple.”
The crowd cheered when Neigh Nanners completed his sentence.  The stern earth pony shook his head with a smile on his face among the motivated mobsters.
“And don’t tell me about the Magic of Friendship,” Neigh Nanners said.  “For we all know, that this so-called Magic of Friendship is a hoax designed to keep all of you complacent.”
The crowd cheered again as Neigh Nanners stood on his hind legs and clapped.
“But here’s the thing,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Magic is the problem.  Magic is what keeps us all complacent.  It is why Equestria and beyond has gotten complacent, and why heroes and villains are a dime a dozen.  This is why Equestria has been in crisis mode for a long time.  And you can thank Princess Celestia for weakening pony minds with magic.”
The crowd cheered again.  Neigh Nanners closed his eyes and smiled as he heard the crowd chanting his name.
“My fellow Equestrians,” Neigh Nanners said.  “I will push to end the era of magic in Equestria so that ponies like you and me will thrive.  I will save Equestria and finally end the scourge that has plagued ‘We the Ponies’ for a thousand years.  Only I can fix it all.  And together, we will Make Equestria Great Again.”
As the crowd cheered once more, Midnight Sparkle was waiting from a nearby alley.  Behind her, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow stood behind, with Tirek holding the Bewitching Bell.  They all stared at the crowd cheering at Neigh Nanners.
“Just look at them,” Tirek said.  “A bunch of mindless morons taking it from a self-centered sociopath.”
“Let them cheer for that fool,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Once we ring the bell and get their attention, they will serve all of us.”
Queen Chrysalis inch towards Midnight Sparkle and said “But there is one question.  How will you lure all of them towards us?”
“That’s easy,” Midnight Sparkle said as her horn glowed and she transformed back into Twilight Sparkle.  “They still have a deep-seated hatred towards Twilight Sparkle.  And so, I’ll give it to them.”
Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow hid in the shadows as Twilight Sparkle approached the crowd that gathered around Neigh Nanners.  They were all fixated on the propaganda-spewing earth pony on the stage, much to Twilight’s delight.  The alicorn cleared her throat and breathed in.
“HEY YOU FOOL!” Twilight Sparkle yelled.  This caught the attention of the audience, and Neigh Nanners, who focused their sights on the alicorn.  “Here I am.”
“Twilight Sparkle,” Neigh Nanners said as he stepped off the stage. “So the Princess’s pet has finally arrived.”
“I am no pet,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “And furthermore, I will be the future Empress of Equestria, and your master.”
“Spoken like a true pet,” Neigh Nanners said as many in the crowd stepped aside for him to walk through.
“Can’t say the same about your crowd,” Twilight replied.  “Though I think slave is a more appropriate term.”
“I have freed these ponies from the tyranny of both Princess Celestia and you,” Neigh Nanners said as the audience cheered for him.  “There is nothing that you can do to undo that.  For as of now, you and your master are now pariahs to Equestria.”
The members of the audience gathered in front of Twilight Sparkle as Neigh Nanners stepped to the side.  He takes a glance at Twilight, who just stood there with a smile on her face.
“Oh and by the way,” Neigh Nanners said.  “You can drop the facade.  I know who you are right now.”
“So you already know,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Very well.”
With a flash of her horn, Twilight Sparkle transformed back into Midnight Sparkle.  She slammed her hoof on the pavement and drew her focus on the crowd.
“Then you should know that we came prepared with THIS!” Midnight Sparkle roared as Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow emerged from the shadows of the alley, pointing the bewitching bell at the crowd.  Midnight Sparkle was quick to fly next to the trio and glare down at the unruly mob.
“Ring the bell of chaos,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “And ring the end of their freedom.”
Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow fired magic into the bell, which rang and triggered a powerful vortex.  Discord’s magic fired out of the vortex, blanketing over everyone in the crowd.
“So much greed, so many minions,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I am most pleased.”
Tirek turned his attention towards Neigh Nanners as he said “Your own mob will become our foot soldiers for conquering ALL of Equestria.
Neigh Nanners just yawned and said “Oh really?  Well why don’t you take a look you fool.”
Tirek was confused by Neigh Nanners’ statement.  He turned towards the audience, just as Discord’s magic returned to the bell.  Many of them looked as if they were coming out of a trance of some sort.
“Seems he was full of hot air,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “No matter.  They belong to us now.”
Suddenly, the audience glared back at Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Midnight Sparkle.  The mob marched towards the four while chanting “Down with Twilight.  Down with Twilight.”  Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Midnight Sparkle backed themselves up, nervously.
“What…what just happened?” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I thought the magic of Discord would undo the effects of the Emotion Amplifier.”
“You thought wrong, Princess,” Neigh Nanners said as he unrolled his sleeve, revealing the Emotion Amplifier.  “And I’m surprised that you know about the Emotion Amplifier.  But then again, my will is greater than your chaos.  And you four are washed up.”
Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow and Midnight Sparkle backed up in fear as the crowd marched closer to them, chanting “Down with Twilight.  Down with Twilight.”
“Guys,” Cozy Glow said as she shook in fear.  “I hate to say this, but we need to make a run for it.”
“Agreed,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Let’s retreat and think of another plan.”
Immediately, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow and Midnight Sparkle turned tail and made a run for it as the mob chased after them.  Neigh Nanners stood behind the mob as he smiled with anticipation.
“That’s right, Twilight Sparkle,” Neigh Nanners said.  “I know where you’re going.  I know what you did.  And I know how to beat you.  You cannot win.”
Nearby, behind a tree, Mistmane and Flash Magnus were observing the mob as they chased after Midnight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow.  They turned to each other with concern on their faces.
“I was hoping that Twilight Sparkle wasn’t taking sides with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow,” Mistmane said.  “But now that pales in comparison to what Neigh Nanners is doing.”
“Come,” Flash Magnus said.  “Starswirl must know about this.”
WIth that, Mistmane and Flash Magnus head down another path, away from the mob and away from Neigh Nanners.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Manehattan, Princess Celestia landed nearby with Starlight Glimmer jumping off her back.  Nearby, Starswirl the Bearded approached Princess Celestia with Rockhoof, Somnambula, Mage Meadowbrook and Stygian right beside them.
“I got your message the moment it arrived,” Starswirl said.  “I’m aware of what happened to Twilight Sparkle.  But I am also aware of Neigh Nanners as well.”
“Thank you, Starswirl,” Princess Celestia said.  “I never thought it would reach this kind of fever pitch.  But this is far worse than anything I have ever encountered in my life.  My sister being Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis’s attack on the Wedding, King Sombra’s attack on the Crystal Empire, Lord Tirek originally breaking out of Tartarus, Chrysalis kidnapping nearly all of us, the Storm King attacking Canterlot and Cozy Glow draining the magic of Equestria.”
“Not to mention when I became the Pony of Shadows,” Stygian said.  “I have not seen this much hate in my entire life.”
“Neither have I,” Starlight said.  “Even when I was a cult leader in a small town that is now destroyed, I have never resorted to this kind of bile and hate.”
“So what can be done about it?” Somnambula asked.  “In my life, I believed that the tranquil mind can overcome all obstacles.  But now with this Neigh Nanners, I am not so sure.”
“Neither do I,” Rockhoof said as he twirled his shovel and slammed it into the pavement.  “Hate can be a powerful magic.  One that has the power to wreak havoc across the whole world.”
“Right now,” Mage Meadowbrook said.  “Flash Magnus and Mistmane have been scouting out what Neigh Nanners is planning.  So once they arrive, we’ll know what to do next.”
“And speaking of which,” Starswirl the Bearded said as he looked down an alley within the city.  “Seems they’re arriving with some news.”
Celestia, Starlight, Mage Meadowbrook, Rockhoof, Somnambula and Stygian turned to face the city, where they saw Mistmane and Flash Magnus running towards them.  The duo stopped as they stood in front of the other pillars, Celestia and Starlight.
“Mistmane, Flash Magnus,” Princess Celestia said.
“Princess Celestia, you arrived,” Flash Magnus.
“But I’m afraid we have some bad news about Twilight Sparkle,” Mistmane said.
“We are aware of that,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “She’s allied with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.”
“It’s even worse than that,” Flash Magnus said.  “Twilight Sparkle tried to use the Bewitching Bell to place some kind of control over the mob.”
“The bell?” Princess Celestia said.  “Do you suppose they were trying to use Discord’s Magic to control the protesters?”
“Yes,” Mistmane said.  “Twilight tried to lure them into a trap and have her new allies convert the mob to their side.”
“But it didn’t work,” Flash Magnus said.  “Whatever magic Neigh Nanners had on those ponies didn’t break.  And now Twilight and the villains are running for their lives.”
Princess Celestia’s face turned to total shock.  She looked behind Flash Magnus and began to run down into the city.
“Princess,” Starswirl yelled.  “Where are you going?”
Princess Celestia came to a stop, turned her head and said “I’m going to rescue Twilight.”
“But it’s too dangerous, Princess,” Stygian yelled.  “And you also remember that Twilight’s now aligned with them.”
“I am aware of that, and I don’t care if she is or not,” Princess Celestia said.  “If a single hair on her coat is harmed, then so help me, I will not hold back my wrath.”
Those words caused a lot of cause for concern with Starswirl, Starlight Glimmer, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, Mage Meadowbrook and Stygian as Princess Celestia ran further down the city.  Starswirl the Bearded was quick to step forward and turn his head towards his companions.
“Come,” Starswirl said.  “Knowing how foolish my student is for putting her own life in danger, we must aid her.”
Starlight Glimmer, Stygian, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, and Mage Meadowbrook nodded as they followed Starswirl down into the city.

Meanwhile, Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Midnight Sparkle were running as fast as they could, all while the mad crowd chased after them.  The four villains were all frightened by the presence of the mob.
“How did this happen?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “First we looked superior, and now we look like a bunch of chumps.”
“I don’t get it,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I thought Discord’s magic would wash over and undo the effects of Neigh Nanner’s Emotion Amplifier.”
“We’ll figure out this failure the moment we all make it out alive,” Tirek yelled.
But as Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Midnight all run down an alleyway, they bump into a figure that’s the shape of an alicorn, causing all of them to fall to the ground.
“Uggh,” Cozy Glow said.  “Who hit me?”
Midnight Sparkle, Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow recovered and got up to see Princess Celestia directly in front of them.  Cozy Glow was quick to hide behind Tirek the moment she laid eyes on the Alicorn Princess.
“You,” Midnight Sparkle said with a groan as she glared at Princess Celestia.  “What are you doing here?”
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said with a sad voice.  “It’s you, isn’t it?  What did you do to yourself?”
“Not long ago, I was the learner,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Now…I am the master.”
“No,” Princess Celestia said.  “You’re still my little Twilight Sparkle, no matter what.”
“You’re kidding yourself, are you?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Twilight Sparkle made the decision to join our side and make ourselves the fearsome four.  We will rule all of Equestria with an iron hoof.”
Suddenly, they heard someone yell out “Princess.”  Celestia turned around to see Starswirl, Starlight, Stygian, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula and Mage Meadowbrook arrive.
“What were you thinking?” Starlight said.  “You know that Twilight Sparkle’s now evil.  You can’t just approach her like that.”
“So the rumors are true,” Starswirl the Bearded said as he approached Midnight Sparkle.  “Twilight Sparkle has fallen.”
“Back off, old stallion,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Long ago, you told me that some are irredeemable.  I was foolish to tell you otherwise.  Will you say the same thing about me?”
“Twilight,” Starlight said.  “You convinced Starswirl to save Stygian from himself.  You convinced me that there is another way, and you helped me renew my friendship with Sunburst.”
“And because of that,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I’ve got a score to settle with you, Starlight Glimmer.”
Starlight just stood firm as she said “Do your worst, Queen Chrysalis.  But I was wanting to show you another way.”
Suddenly, they heard someone yell out “THERE THEY ARE!”  Princess Celestia, Midnight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow, Starswirl the Bearded, Stygian, Starlight Glimmer, Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrooke, Mistmane, Flash Magnus and Somnambula turned to see the mob staring down them.  Some members of the mob stepped aside as Neigh Nanners stepped in front.
“Princess Celestia,” Neigh Nanners said.  “We meet again, now once again united with your pet.”  
He turned his head to Starswirl the Bearded, who only glared at the commentator.
“And so we meet the infamous Starswirl the Bearded,” Neigh Nanners said.  “The ringleader to the problems of Equestria.”
“What I did was to lay the foundation of the seeds of Harmony,” Starswirl said.  “Alongside my fellow pillars.  And one that I neglected in my time.”
Starswirl nodded to Stygian as the unicorn with the cloak nodded back.  Neigh Nanners did nothing but chuckle.
“An impressive display of theatrics,” Neigh Nanners said as Starswirl turned his gaze back.  “But as you can see, the ponies of Equestria have risen up against your lies, and your students’ lies.  Along with the rest of these delinquents.”
“Now you see here,” Queen Chrysalis yelled.  “I have my own agenda against Equestria, especially against one Starlight Glimmer for dethroning me from my hive and prying loose the Emotion Amplifier by mistake.”  Those words caused Starlight’s eyes to shrink down in horror.
“Is that right?” Neigh Nanners said.  “The real truth is that you and your changelings were hired long ago to create a false illusion of an invasion during Princess Cadance and Shining Armor’s wedding.  Then sometime later, you pretended to have Twilight and her friends kidnapped as a test to see if Starlight Glimmer was worthy of being one of them.”
“Don’t you DARE take those words out of my mouth you fool,” Queen Chrysalis said.  She attempted to lash out at Neigh Nanners, only for Tirek and Rockhoof to hold her back.
“That’s enough,” Tirek yelled.  “Don’t let that moron get to you.”
“I’m afraid that Tirek’s right,” Rockhoof yelled as helped Tirek hold back Chrysalis.  “Whatever Neigh Nanners has, it’s doing a good job at angering all of us.”
“It’s called the Emotion Amplifier,” Cozy Glow said.  “It’s an artifact created by Grogar and it was used by Queen Chrysalis to amplify the love between ponies.”
“That explained the whole Love Pandemic not long ago,” Princess Celestia said.  “And it’s a long story to explain.”
Neigh Nanners laughed and said “Whatever this is, it’s doing a good job at exposing the truth about all of you.  And you will all face justice when this day is over.”
Rockhoof and Tirek slowly let go of Chrysalis as the former changeling queen looked like she was about to cower.
“I don’t like the looks of this,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“I hate to say this,” Mage Meadowbrook said.  “But I do agree.”
Without warning, Neigh Nanners and the mob marched towards Queen Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow, Midnight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Starlight Glimmer, Starswirl the Bearded, Stygian, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, and Mage Meadowbrook backed up, slowly and surely.
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. “I know you’ve fallen to their side.  But with the scenario we’re all facing, we have no other choice.”
“If you’re talking about forming a temporary alliance just so we could get away until we’re out of this danger,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Then yes.  I agree.”
The rest of the group stare at Midnight Sparkle and Princess Celestia as Neigh Nanners and the mob slowly approach them.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 8: An Uneasy Alliance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


An Uneasy Alliance



“Are you out of your mind, Princess Celestia?”  Those words came from a nervous Starswirl the Bearded, as he, Princess Celestia, Starlight Glimmer, Stygian, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Somnambula, Flash Magnus, Mage Meadowbrook, Midnight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow backed up from the approaching Neigh Nanners and the mob.
“I actually agree with the fool, Starswirl,” Tirek said.  “Why should we form an alliance with you ponies?”
“Because if you don’t,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Then we will all be crushed under their hooves, especially Neigh Nanners.”
“She’s right,” Princess Celestia said.  “This is now a life or death situation, and Neigh Nanners is the bigger foe in the vicinity.”
“You’re kidding me,” Queen Chrysalis said as she backed up from the mob.  “Align myself with the likes of you?”
“Then I hope you enjoy becoming a victim of mob mentality,” Princess Celestia yelled.
“I hate to be on their side,” Cozy Glow said.  “But Princess Celestia is right.  We need to work together on this, otherwise we’re going to be one step in Neigh Nanners conquering Equestria.”
Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek look forward at Neigh Nanners and the mob, who continue to approach the entire group.  The two turned back towards the other ponies.
“Fine,” Queen Chrysalis yelled.  “But don’t expect me to play nice with the rest of you.”
“I’m with her on that,” Lord Tirek yelled.  “But that being said, how do we get out of this mess?”
“Even though I am freed from the Pony of Shadows,” Stygian said.  “I still possess some of his former powers.  Gather around.  I will get you away from them.”
Midnight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Queen Chrysalis, Princess Celestia, Lord Tirek, Starswirl the Bearded, Cozy Glow, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula and Mage Meadowbrook nodded as they stood close to Stygian.  The unicorn with the brown cloak closed his eyes before opening them, revealing a shadow from within.
“Forces of shadow,” Stygian yelled.  “Become one.”
Suddenly, the entire group was swallowed away in a shadow that stood underneath them.  The shadow darted as fast as possible, and under the mob.  Neigh Nanners just watched as the shadow fled past the entire group.
“Very interesting,” Neigh Nanners said.  “I underestimated these elitists.  Still, this does make it exciting to hunt them down and bring them to justice.”

In another part of the city, the shadow moves as fast as possible through the empty streets and up a building.  The moment the shadow reached the middle of the rooftop, Stygian emerged from it with Princess Celestia, Starlight Glimmer, Midnight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow, Starswirl the Bearded, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, and Mage Meadowbrook emerging right next to them.  Everyone but Stygian looked disoriented as they struggled to get up.
“I am never going to get used to that,” Flash Magnus yelled.
“No argument on that,” Mistmane said as Flash Magnus helped her up.
Starlight Glimmer took a hard look at Midnight Sparkle, who picked herself up on her four hooves.  The lilac unicorn ran up to Midnight.
“Twilight, why?” Starlight said.  “Why would you take sides with them and become this?  After all that you taught me on the magic of friendship, you just went and pulled this”
“That’s because I finally see how pessimistic life truly is,” Midnight Sparkle said. 
“That is not you,” Starlight said.  “I’ve known you since you first stepped a hoof on the equality town long ago, back when I was a villain looking for power.”
“Starlight’s right, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “When I found out that you took sides with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow, I was upset.  But not with you.  Come back to us.  I’m willing to forgive you.”
Princess Celestia reached out with her hoof towards Midnight Sparkle.  The dark alicorn looked down at Celestia’s hoof and up at her former mentor’s smile, before turning her head away.
“Twilight Sparkle is no more,” Midnight Sparkle said, causing Celestia to retract her hoof away.  “I am Midnight Sparkle, future Empress of all that you see.”
“See?” Queen Chrysalis said as she stepped in between Midnight Sparkle and Princess Celestia.  “She’s one of us now.  Accept it.”
“Or at least, I thought I was,” Midnight Sparkle said, causing Queen Chrysalis and Princess Celestia to freak out.  
“Wait,” Cozy Glow said.  “I thought you were perfectly fine with being bad with me, Chrysalis and Tirek.”
“I was,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “But after that stunt that Neigh Nanners pulled on all of us at Central Park, and the fact that Discord’s magic does nothing to undo the effect, I don’t know who I am anymore.”
Starswirl slowly walked up to Celestia and whispered “This is more serious than any of us realized.  Neigh Nanners must have dug deep into Twilight’s mind with this so-called Emotion Amplifier.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “It’s as if Neigh Nanners was targeting Twilight the whole time.”
Stygian approached Midnight Sparkle as the dark unicorn just looked down at the city below.  She let out a depressed sigh and barely turned her head back towards the cloaked unicorn.
“I can’t believe it,” Stygian said.  “And not just to the fact that you became one of them, but what you said…”
“That I’m losing hope again?” Midnight Sparkle said.  
“What are you talking about?” Tirek said as he marched forward.  “You’re one of us, now.  You’re a bad guy, a villain, pure evil.”
Midnight Sparkle turned to face Tirek and said “First off, I’m beginning to question if there truly is a difference in between good and evil.  And second off, you want to know the truth from me?  I had intended on betraying you and your friends the moment we seized Canterlot.”
Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow stared at Midnight Sparkle in total shock as the dark unicorn turned around and faced down on the city.
“You don’t really mean that, do you?” Rockhoof said.  
“I do,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Well…I did.”
“I can’t believe it,” Queen Chrysalis said as she nudged Rockhoof aside.  “You wanted to betray us just for your own self-centered desires?”
“You and the others would do the same if you were in that position,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “After all, you’re villains, it’s what you do best.”
Chrysalis attempted to speak, only for her to pause and her jaw to drop down.  She turned tail and marched back to Cozy Glow, all while Tirek just looked on next to Midnight Sparkle.
“I hate it when she’s right,” Chrysalis said.
Tirek and Cozy Glow looked at Chrysalis and back at each other with a confused look on their faces.
“Well at least we still have the bell,” Cozy Glow said.
“Wait a minute,” Tirek said.  “The bell.  Where is it?”
Tirek and Cozy Glow looked left and right and saw Princess Celestia holding the Bewitching Bell, looking down inside the artifact.
“Don’t you fool,” Tirek yelled.
Tirek’s words caused Princess Celestia to drop the Bewitching Bell.  It falls to the floor and lets out a powerful ring, firing a blast of energy on the Alicorn Princess and covering her in pure chaos energy.
“Oh dear,” Starswirl said.  “What did you do, Princess?”
When the energy dissipated, Princess Celestia had changed into Daybreaker, much to the shock of everyone surrounding her.  Starlight Glimmer took one glance at her and hid behind Starswirl the Bearded.
“HAHAHAHAHAHA!”  Daybreaker yelled.  “I knew I should have absorbed Discord’s magic when I had the chance.  Now I shall be the new Empress of Equestria, and all will bow before me.”
Stygian, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula and Mage Meadowbrook stood by Starswirl as Daybreaker stood down at the group.  Starlight just looked up at Daybreaker before hiding her face again.  Chrysalis and Tirek also marched to the side of the pillars of old Equestria while Midnight Sparkle turned her head and sighed.
“Princess Celestia my student,” Starswirl said.  “What have you done?  You were a precious pupil.  You were supposed to destroy the evil, not embrace it.”
Daybreaker laughed and said “Fool.  There was always an evil presence within me.  And there is an evil presence within all of you.  Join with me, and together we will rule Equestria as one.”
As Daybreaker let out a devious cackle, Cozy Glow flew up to the bell and pointed it right at the crazed Alicorn.
“That’s enough of that, Princess Celestia,” Cozy Glow yelled as she fired a beam of magic into the Bewitching Bell
The bell came to life again as it fired a blast of magic at Daybreaker, withdrawing the magic away and turning her back into Princess Celestia.  She fell to the ground and looked up at Cozy Glow, who stared down at the Princess of the sun.
“Don’t you ever….EVER….do that again,” Cozy Glow yelled before she took the bell and flew back to the rest of the group.  Princess Celestia got up and placed her hoof on her head.
“To be scolded by the very filly you sentenced to Tartarus for stealing magic,” Celestia said.  “I’ve definitely sunk to a new low.”
“What matters most is that you’re no longer Daybreaker,” Starlight Glimmer said as she walked out from behind Starswirl.  
“Daybreaker?” Starswirl the Bearded asked.
“It’s a long story,” Starlight replied.
Princess Celestia turned her gaze towards Midnight Sparkle once more.  She attempted to walk up, only to pause for a moment.
“Just recently,” Princess Celestia said.  “Twilight looked like she was going to be the biggest villain I ever faced.  And now, she’s as depressed as she was when she fled Canterlot not long ago.”
“If you want my opinion,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I believe that the Emotion Amplifier is affecting her mind in a way.  As if it were soaking away at her emotions like a sponge.”
“I’m surprised that you still care for Twilight Sparkle,” Mage Meadowbrook said.  “Especially after she confessed to wanting to betray you.”
“I have my own reasons,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And she’s right on one thing.  We are villains and we wanted to betray each other for our own gain.  But this Neigh Nanners character is far more devious than any of us even imagine.  Myself, Tirek, Cozy Glow, Discord, Nightmare Moon, King Sombra, the Storm King, the Pony of Shadows.  He makes us all look like a bunch of mere amateurs.”
Starlight walked up to Chrysalis and said “You think that’s bad?  Trying using time travel to go back in time and change the course of history because you wanted revenge for destroying your own cult.”
Queen Chrysalis looked back at Starlight Glimmer and said “Wait.  You figured out time travel?”
Starlight turned her head away and said “Yeah.  And it’s something I truly regret doing.”
“It’s the demons in our past that try to drag us down,” Starswirl said.  “But as long as we acknowledge that what we do is wrong, and figure a way to atone, we can become better individuals.  And I would wish that for Twilight Sparkle.”
Everyone turned their heads towards Midnight Sparkle, who continued to stare down into the empty streets of Manehattan.
“Never thought I’d say this,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But I do feel bad for Twilight Sparkle.  Partially for dragging her into our little club, and partially because of what Neigh Nanners did.”  She turned her head towards Starlight and said “And I never thought I’d say this as well.  But the more I think about this, the more this makes my desire for revenge feel bitter.”
“Chrysalis,” Starlight said.  “I know why you wanted revenge on me, and I can understand that.”
“If you’re talking about how you overthrew me and let Thorax become King,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “You’re only partially right.  You unfortunately revealed the Emotion Amplifier to Neigh Nanners.”
Starlight yelled out a big “What?” as everyone sans Midnight Sparkle, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow turned their heads towards Chrysalis.
“The throne that you and Thorax destroyed was where I buried the Emotion Amplifier so I wouldn’t harm any of my subjects,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But when you destroyed the throne and the top of the hive tower, you unexpectedly exposed the Emotion Amplifier to the world, and allowed this fool to get his grubby hooves on it.”
“Oh no,” Starlight said.  “I…I didn’t mean it.”
“But the past is past,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “On your part.  In my anger, I should have recovered the stone and hidden it further away from the rabble.  But I now know that I was as much of a fool to let Neigh Nanners get the Emotion Amplifier.  And we’re paying a fool’s price for it.”
“Never thought I’d say this,” Cozy Glow said.  “But I’m beginning to miss my cell back in Tartarus.”
But as everyone began to ponder, Tirek felt something on his hind leg.  He looked down and pulled up a small earth pony filly with a brilliant gamboge coat, a light and brilliant amaranth mane, and scissors for a cutie mark.  She was also surrounded by a strange aura.
“Just who do you think you are to ambush me like that you little brat?” Tirek said as he held the filly by her tail.
Tirek’s words caught the attention of everyone in the vicinity, including Midnight Sparkle whose eyes popped the moment she looked at her.
“Babs Seed?” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Is that you?”
Babs Seed turned her attention towards Midnight Sparkle and said “Not anymore.  I’m now a follower of Neigh Nanners, the prophet and savior of Equestria.”
“Prophet?” Cozy Glow said.  “Now I’ve heard everything.”
“Young lady,” Somnambula said as she walked up to Tirek and Babs Seed.  “You are not a follower.  You are a pony with big dreams ahead of you.”
“Not anymore,” Babs Seed yelled.  “The only way Equestria will be free is if Princess Celestia is overthrown and the magic of Equestria is destroyed.  This is the way.”
“It is not,” Midnight Sparkle said as she got off the railing and approached Babs Seed.  “Magic is everywhere.  Magic is what makes us who we are.  Magic is…”
“LIES!”  Babs Seed yells.  “YOU SPEAK TOO MUCH OF THE LIES!  I WILL NOT LISTEN!”
As most of the ponies backed off, Tirek pulled Babs Seed to his face and growled at the filly.
“I should have done this when I picked you up from the very start,” Tirek yelled.  
“Tirek No,” Midnight Sparkle yelled.
But it was too late.  Tirek drained the aura surrounding Babs Seed into his own mouth until it no longer surrounded the filly. But suddenly, he dropped Babs Seed unexpectedly, forcing Cozy Glow to fly up and grab the earth pony filly.
“This….magic,” Tirek yelled as he held his stomach.  “It feels like…poison.”
Tirek held his gut for as long as he could, groaning and screaming in pain.  He thrusted his torso upwards and belched out the essence of the aura into the sky, where it drifted upwards.  Tirek collapsed afterwards, holding his stomach with both a bit of pain and relief.
“Never thought I’d encounter magic that would cause indigestion,” Tirek said as he held his stomach and wiped the drool off his lip.
Midnight Sparkle walked up to Tirek and yelled out “What were you thinking?   You should have known better than to drain that.  If it was poisonous for Chrysalis’s own underlings, then it’s poisonous for you.”
Tirek slowly picked himself up as he clutched his stomach and said “Well I thought if I absorbed the magic that Neigh Nanners placed on that kid, it would help break the spell.”
“And put yourself in that kind of danger?” Midnight Sparkle yelled.  “I may be for double crossing, but I’m not above poisoning others with that kind of malice.”
“Poison me?”  Tirek said.  “I’m your worst nightmare.  And I can take a bit of poison or two.”
“With that kind of stomach?” Midnight Sparkle yelled.  “I don’t think so.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia got in between Midnight Sparkle and Tirek and yelled out “Enough.  Both of you.  We’ve got bigger problems to worry about than this.”
“She’s right,” Stygian said.  “We still have Neigh Nanners and his base to worry about.”
Cozy Glow flew up to the group, still holding an unconscious Babs Seed in her arms.  She slowly places her down next to the group as Babs Seed’s eyes begin to awaken.
“She’s coming to,” Cozy Glow said.
Everyone gathered around Babs Seed as her eyes opened up.  She slowly got up and looked at everyone around.
“Wha?  Where am I?” Babs Seed said.  “Did I…die?  Who are most of you?”
Babs Seed looked around to see the faces of Starswirl, Stygian, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula and Mage Meadowbrook.  But the moment she laid eyes on Chrysalis and Tirek, Babs Seed got up and faced the two foes with her back hunched up.
“GET BACK!”  Babs Seed yelled.  “I’m not afraid of you.”
Mistmane walked up to Babs Seed, who still had her back hunched up.  The elderly mare placed her hoof gently on Babs’s face.  The warm touch of her hoof was enough to calm down the little filly.
“It’s okay,” Mistmane said.  “We’re not going to hurt you.  Tell me.  Do you recall anything?”
Babs Seed slowly sat down and looked up at Mistmane.  She turned her head back and said “Barely.  All I could recall was checking out a rally of some sorts by this guy who claimed that Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia were the real enemies of Equestria.
“We’re not the enemies you seek,” Princess Celestia said as she walked up to Babs Seed.  “In fact, I’m at least the friend of your cousin Apple Bloom.”’
“You’re Princess Celestia,” Babs Seed said as she jumped up on her four hooves and wagged her tail with delight.  “I can’t believe it.  I get to meet Princess Celestia.”
Immediately, Babs Seed leaped up and clung onto Princess Celestia, who only sat down and gave the little filly a big hug.
“It’s alright,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’m here to look after you, little Babs Seed.”
Midnight Sparkle walked up to Babs Seed and Celestia and said “At least that horrible Neigh Nanners has no power over you.”
Babs Seed turned around and looked at Midnight Sparkle.  Her face went into a bit of a shock as she stared at Midnight’s mane and coat.
“Twilight?” Babs said.  “What happened to you?”
Midnight Sparkle tilted her head away and said “Had a falling out with Princess Celestia thanks to Neigh Nanners, decided to join Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow, double-crossed Discord, and got double-crossed by Neigh Nanners.  Truth be told, I don’t know if being a hero or a villain is working out for me.”
“Twilight, what were you thinking?” Babs Seed said.  “What would your friends say if they found out about this?”
“Babs,” Celestia said.  “One thing I know is that I want to see Twilight return to my side.  She did a lot with bringing back my sister, and helping the ponies of Equestria through many of their problems.  She’s already made herself a hero, and to see her get destroyed by Neigh Nanners in terms of character is what drove her this mad.”
“But why is this happening?” Babs asked.  “Why are ponies lashing out at all of you?”
Cozy Glow flew up to Babs Seed and said “Neigh Nanners has this artifact called the Emotion Amplifier.  He’s using it to rile up every pony in Equestria and turn them against all of us, hero and villain alike.”
“That’s sickening,” Babs Seed said as she lets go of Princess Celestia and turns towards Cozy Glow.  “Why would he do that?”
“Well, why don’t you ask me yourself.” Everyone turned around to see Neigh Nanners approached from a rooftop doorway.  Behind him were a number of angry protesters.
“How,” Princess Celestia said as she stood in front of the rest of the group.  “How did you figure out where we were?”
Neigh Nanners just waltzed over to the rogue group and said “Why, I know exactly where you would be.  I can see through the eyes of my followers and I can see where you will be.  Especially through the eyes of that little filly that has taken your side.”
Babs Seed’s jaw dropped down. She bent down and scraped her hoof on the pavement of the roof.
“You monster,” Babs Seed snarled.  “You used me to get to Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia.”
“Along with her henchmen and her master,” Neigh Nanners said.  “You were a good little minion until they took away your freedom.  And now, you’ve lost your purpose….traitor.”
Neigh Nanners stepped to the side as the roused rabble chanted “TRAITOR! TRAITOR! TRAITOR! TRAITOR!”  Babs Seed looked like she was about to lash out at Neigh Nanners.  But the moment she jumped, Mistmane grabbed her and held the filly back.
“No, youngling,” Mistmane said.  “That’s what he wants you to do.  It’s a trap.”
“I don’t care if it’s a trap,” Babs Seed yelled as she struggled to break free.  “I want to pay him back for what he did to me.”
“Don’t be a fool,” Cozy Glow yelled.  “The moment you lash out at them, they will chew you up and spit you out.”
Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek stood in front of the group, catching the attention of everyone, including Mistmane, Babs Seed and Cozy Glow.  The two villains stared down Neigh Nanners as his army of followers marched towards the group, chanting like crazy and with fury in their eyes.
“Unlike the rest of you,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “We have no qualms about attacking Equestrians.”
“Not to mention we’re doing you all a favor,” Tirek said.
“Tirek, Chrysalis, Don’t,” Celestia yelled out.
But it was too late.  Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek charged up their magic and aimed towards the wild mob.  Neigh Nanners stood to the side with a devilish grin on his face.
“Big mistake,” Neigh said as he slowly reveals the Emotion Amplifier.
Suddenly, Chrysalis and Tirek’s magic went out.  The duo looked at their horns and tried to charge up again, only for nothing to go out.  Everyone else in the group watched as Chrysalis and Tirek struggled to charge up.
“What’s going on?” Chrysalis yelled.  “Where’s my magic?”
“I can’t do anything,” Tirek yelled as he tried desperately to charge his magic up.
Neigh Nanners just laughed as he walked up and said “You have no magic.  You never did and you never will.  You are powerless without magic.”
Tirek focused his gaze on Neigh Nanners and yelled out “But I still have THIS!”
WIthout a second thought, Tirek grabbed Neigh Nanners and opened his mouth, looking as if he were going to absorb his magic.  But nothing came out of Neigh Nanners.  Tirek opened his eyes and closed his mouth as Neigh Nanners smirked at the big centaur.
“Like I said,” Neigh Nanners said.  “You have no magic.”
A bright orange aura surrounded Neigh Nanners and Tirek’s palm.  Tirek yelled out and lost his grip on Neigh Nanners as he desperately shook his hand.
“What did you do, you coward?” Celestia said as Tirek blew hard on his palm to cool it off.
“I showed that imposter the truth,” Neigh Nanners said.  “He’s no son of King Vorak.  There was no King Vorak or a Centaur Kingdom.  He’s nothing more than one of your little pets, like the changelings, and like your daughter Cozy Glow.”
“What are you talking about?” Celestia said.  “I don’t have a daughter.”
“Don’t lie to yourself,” Neigh Nanners said.  “From what I know, you sent Cozy Glow to drain the magic of Equestria in order to test Chancellor Neighsay’s best students.  Once they passed the test, she was sent to Tartarus to await further instructions.  She’s no villain, but an agent of your design and your daughter.  Accept the facts.”
Celestia, Chrysalis and Tirek backed away from Neigh Nanners in a bit of confusion.  Cozy Glow, Starlight Glimmer, Babs Seed, Starswirl the Bearded, Stygian, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula and Mage Meadowbrook could only watch Neigh Nanners and his mob march towards them.
“Stygian,” Starswirl said.  “Now would be a good time to use whatever you did to teleport us out of there.”
“I got a better idea.”  Starswirl and Stygian turned to see Midnight Sparkle holding the bewitching bell.  Right behind her, a portal had opened up, leading back to Grogar’s Lair.
“Princess Twilight,” Starswirl said.  “Is that what I think it is?”
“It is,” Midnight Sparkle yelled.  “Now come.  We’re getting you all out of here.”
Starlight and Stygian nodded at each other as they jumped into the portal without a second thought.  Starswirl turned towards the rest of the pillars.
“Pillars of Old Equestria,” Starswirl the Bearded said.  “We must pull back from Manehattan.  This way.”
Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula and Mage Meadowbrook nodded.  They followed Starswirl through the portal and out of Manehattan.  Cozy Glow was quick to pick up Babs Seed and fly into the portal.
“Princess Celestia, Chrysalis, Tirek,” Midnight Sparkle yelled.  “Come with me if you want to live.”
Celestia could barely move backwards as the crowd inched towards her, Chrysalis and Tirek.
“I can’t,” Princess Celestia cried.  “It’s like something’s holding me back.”
Midnight Sparkle was quick to fire a blast of magic onto the pavement, surprising Celestia, Chrysalis and Tirek.  The trio snapped out of their trance and looked at Midnight Sparkle.
“NOW OR NEVER!” Midnight Sparkle yelled.  “ENTER THE PORTAL!”
“No way am I arguing with your logic,” Chrysalis said as she ran as fast as she could before jumping through the portal.
Tirek and Celestia looked at each other.  They both nodded before they ran as fast as possible and jumped through the portal, disappearing from Manehattan.  Midnight Sparkle levitated the bell towards her and looked at Neigh Nanners.
“Another time, Nanners,” Midnight Sparkle said before she jumped through the portal with the Bewitching Bell by her side.
As the portal closed off and disappeared. Neigh Nanners and his base stood by.  He merely walked up to where the portal was and laughed it off.
“I did not expect you to pull that,” Neigh Nanners said as he casually adjusted his jacket.  “But what I do expect is for where you have hidden yourself and your allies.  I know where you are, and we will find you.”

Meanwhile, in Grogar’s lair, Stygian scanned the surroundings with his shadow eyes with Starlight Glimmer by his side.  Starswirl, Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrook, Mistmane, Somnambula and Flash Magus explored the interior of the cavern.  Cozy Glow sets Babs Seed down on one of the steps, allowing the young scamp to get up and breathe a sigh of relief.  Princess Celestia, Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek approached Twilight, who now stood on one of the rocks in the water and held the bell beside her with her magic.
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “I know you’re no longer yourself, and the fact that we’re now enemies.  But right now, that pales in comparison to what Neigh Nanners just did to all of us.”
“I’m afraid I agree with Princess Celestia,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I’ve given you a run for your money in the past.  But not compared to what this sick, filth just did.”
“As much as I don’t want to agree with you,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I actually do.  Neigh Nanners has figured out how to turn our own emotions against us.”  Midnight Sparkle turned to TIrek and added “Tirek.  When you tried to drain Neigh Nanners of his magic, you wound up getting burned unexpectedly.  What happened?”
“It’s really hard to explain,” Tirek replied.  “One moment I couldn’t drain any magic out of that pony.  The next moment, it felt like touching a molten rock.”
Starswirl the Bearded cleared his throat as he walked towards Midnight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Lord Tirek and Queen Chrysalis, catching their attention.
“I’m afraid it’s far more dire than we realized,” Starswirl said.  “Neigh Nanners is using the Emotion Amplifier in a way that it’s…well…it’s distorting reality and beating us back.”
“We’ve had plenty of experience fighting monsters like the Dazzlings and the Pony of Shadows,” Flash Magnus said.  “Fighting entire civilizations, especially with this kind of magic, is a whole new thing.”
“That reminds me,” Chrysalis said as she turned her head towards Starlight and Stygian.  She immediately yelled out “STARLIGHT GLIMMER,” catching the attention of the lilac unicorn.
“Chrysalis,” Starlight said as she looked scared.  “Now is not the time to renew your own act of revenge.”
“There will be no revenge today, Starlight,” Chrysalis said.  “Until this crisis is dealt with, I have no choice, but to form a truce with you.  It’s all about our survival now.”
“I….I see,” Starlight said.  “Then I’m hoping we can patch things up.”
“Don’t bet on it, one hundred percent,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “My grudge does stand despite this uneasy ceasefire.  But my anger is now directed at Neigh Nanners for the moment.”
“I understand,” Starlight said as she nodded her head towards Chrysalis.
Stygian looked at Starlight and Chrysalis and smiled as he continued to scan Grogar’s lair.  As his eyes approached Midnight Sparkle, he noticed a spark of magic in her mane.
“What in the world?” Stygian said.  He immediately jumped and landed near Midnight Sparkle as he pulled out a pair of tweezers with his shadow magic and quickly plucked the magic spark from Midnight.
“Hey,” Midnight Sparkle said as she barely felt the tweezers.  “What did you do that for?”
Stygian’s eyes returned to normal.  He pulled up the magic spark and said “I found this on your mane.  What do you suppose that is?”
Midnight Sparkle looked closely at the spark as it pulsed a bright magenta.  Her face immediately went into despair as she backed up and fell into the water.  Celestia, Chrysalis, Tirek, Starlight and Stygian all gathered around Midnight Sparkle.
“Twilight,” Celestia said.  “What happened?”
“That magic….” Midnight Sparkle said.  “It belongs to Neigh Nanners and the Emotion Amplifier.”
“What does that mean?” Tirek asked.
“It means,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I may have been spied upon all this time.”


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 9: A Dire Situation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A dire situation



“What’s going on?” Babs Seed said.  “I thought we’re safe.”
“I think we may not be safe,” Cozy Glow said as she flew next to Babs Seed.
“You’re not saying what I think you’re saying,” Mage Meadowbrook said with a concerned tone.
“Remember the words that Twilight Sparkle said?” Cozy Glow asked. “That she may have been spied upon?”
“Oh dear,” Mage Meadowbrook said.  “Does that mean we have to put up with those cretins again?
“Good heavens,” Starswirl the Bearded said.  “You’re telling me that they know where we are?
“I’m afraid so,” Cozy Glow said.  “I think the reason why they didn’t invade is because they wanted to catch us all when we least expected it.”
Rockhoof looked out through the mouth of Grogar’s Lair.  Though he saw no sign of life, a sense of uneasiness filled his lungs.
“I believe we may not be safe in this cavern,” Rockhoof said.  “If what Twilight Sparkle said is true.”
Midnight Sparkle was quick to fly all the way to the crystal ball and fire a blast of magic into the orb as Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow, Babs Seed, Starlight Glimmer, Princess Celestia, Starswirl the Bearded, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, Mage Meadowbrook and Stygian gathered around.
“Please tell me this isn’t true,” Midnight Sparkle said.
The crystal ball showed an image of Neigh Nanners with an army of protesters right behind him, marching away from Manehattan.  Some of them were armed with pitchforks, torches, clubs and even swords, maces and axes.  The entire group backed away in fear as Midnight Sparkle stared at the crystal ball.
“I….I don’t believe it,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “They know where we are.  I was played for a bigger fool than I realized.”
“Our situation is far dire than ever,” Queen Chrysalis said, stepping forward.  “They’re going to come for us and tear us to bits.”
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “Now is not the time to be brooding.  We have to do something about this.”
Midnight Sparkle looked down at the crystal ball and saw Neigh Nanners and the Protesters march through the forest.  They made their way into the Unicorn Village within Bridlewood, tearing the place apart and sending the various unicorns, including Latin Roma, running to the hills.  As the protesters tore the village apart, Midnight Sparkle overheard the sound of her companions chatting amongst each other.
“Everyone,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I have made a decision.”
“That’s great,” Starswirl said.  “What should we do?”
Midnight Sparkle closed her eyes and said “Abandon base.”
Immediately, Starswirl, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, Mage Meadowbrook, Stygian, Babs Seed and Queen Chrysalis began to make a run towards the entrance.  But they froze in place when Princess Celestia yelled out “STOP!”  They turned around and saw Midnight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow and Starlight Glimmer standing there next to the bell and the crystal ball.
“Not a good idea,” Starlight said towards the group near the entrance.
Starswirl turned to face Celestia and said “Are you crazy?  They’re going to be here any moment now.”
Princess Celestia levitated the Bewitching Bell with her magic.  She turned to Starswirl and said “Twilight was able to use this bell to create a portal to here.  We’re going to create a portal directly to Canterlot Castle, and get ourselves back home.  Allow me to do the honors.”
Starswirl nodded and said “Then make it so.”
Princess Celestia fired a blast of magic into the Bewitching Bell.  The bell rang and created a second portal.  She turned towards the rest of the group.
“Now,” Princess Celestia said.  “Let us go back to Canterlot.”
Starswirl quickly ran towards the portal and jumped through.  Following from behind were Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, Mage Meadowbrook and Stygian.  But when Celestia, Midnight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer and Babs Seed turned, they noticed Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow remaining still in place.
“Go, now,” Chrysalis said.  “We’ll hold them off.”
Starlight ran besides Chrysalis and said “You’re coming with us.”
“Are you that blind?” Tirek said.  “We’re pariahs towards the ponies in Canterlot.”
“I will give you three amnesty if you come with us,” Celestia said.  “Now come.”
“Listen,” Cozy Glow said as she flew up to Celestia.  “If you pull that stunt, many of your allies will call your actions into question and justify Neigh Nanners’ resolve.”
“Like that’s going to matter,” Babs Seed said. “They’re already declaring all of us pariahs that deserve to be locked up.”
Midnight Sparkle walked up to Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow and said “They’re right.  Besides, you saw what that kind of magic did to Babs Seed and to all of us.  Do you want to come back with us to Canterlot?  Or become mindless zombies to Neigh Nanners?”
Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow stood silent for a bit.  They all stepped forward and said “We’re coming.”
“Good,” Princess Celestia said.  “Now go through the portal.”
Without a second thought, Tirek ran as fast as possible towards the portal and jumped in, with Queen Chrysalis and Cozy Glow flying in afterwards.  Celestia, Midnight, Starlight and Babs Seed all looked at each other before staring at the portal and bell.
“Twilight,” Celestia said with a smile.  “It’s great to have you back.”
“Even when I’m bad,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I do agree.”
“And by the way,” Celestia replied.  “Be prepared for the backlash Luna and Novo plans to give to us and Starswirl.”
With a running start, Celestia, Midnight, Starlight and Babs Seed ran as fast as possible, jumping through the portal all while dragging the Bewitching Bell through.  The portal closed the moment all four ponies ran through.

Meanwhile, back in Canterlot, Princess Luna wandered down the halls from the throne room.  Next to her were Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike and Sunset Shimmer.  Every one of them looked nervous.
“I have not heard from Princess Celestia since she left for Manehattan with Starlight Glimmer,” Princess Luna said, pacing nervously.
“Calm yourself, Princess,” Applejack said.  “If anything happens, you’re our last hope.”
“But that’s just it,” Princess Luna said.   “Without my sister, I feel….incomplete.”
“And we feel incomplete without Twilight Sparkle,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But we press on in hopes that she will see the error of her ways and come back.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie cheered.  “I bet they’re using the Bewitching Bell to create a portal from the evil lair alongside Starlight Glimmer, the Pillars of Old Equestria, our own foes and Babs Seed to come back home.”
Everyone just looked at Pinkie Pie with a stern look on their faces.
“Pinkie,” Rarity said.  “I know you have a lot of faith.  But that just came right out of nowhere, even for you.”
“Really?” Pinkie Pie said.  “Well, take a look right behind you.”
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Sunset, Spike and Luna turned around to see Stygian running up to the group.
“Stygian,” Rainbow Dash said.  “What happened?  Did they get Princess Celestia, Starlight and the others?”
“No,” Stygian said.  “We’re all back.  All of us.”
“All of them?” Spike said.  “Even Twilight’s back.”
“Yes,” Stygian said.  “She’s back.  Though you can barely recognize her.”
Luna, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Sunset all turned towards Pinkie Pie, who let out a playful raspberry at them.
“Told ya,” Pinkie Pie said at the end of her raspberry.
Princess Luna turned her head towards Stygian and said “Well this is the best news we’ve heard all day.  Lead us to Celestia and the others.”
“Righto,” Stygian said as he turned around and ran towards the hallway entrance, with Princess Luna, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike and Sunset Shimmer following from behind.

In the Grand Foyer of Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna ran down the doorway and down the staircase.  Her eyes laid on Princess Celestia, who got herself up and dusted herself off with her wings.  Right next to the Alicorn Princess were Starswirl, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, Mage Meadowbrook and Starlight Glimmer.  Luna ran up to Celestia and proceeded to give her big sister a hug.  Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Sunset Shimmer, Spike and Stygian followed Luna from afar.
“I’m glad you were able to get back in one piece,” Princess Luna said.  “I don’t know what would have happened if you got lost in that chaos.”
“I was only gone for a few hours, Luna,” Celestia joked.  “It’s not like I was gone for a thousand years.”
Luna looked up at Celestia and gave her a stink eye.  Celestia gave off a playful raspberry towards her sister.
“Okay, that was too soon,” Celestia said as Starswirl and Starlight walked up to her and Luna.
“What we all encountered was far worse than we realized,” Starswirl the Bearded said.  “Neigh Nanners has turned ponies in Equestria against us using a relic known as the Emotion Amplifier.  We tried to confront him.  But I’m afraid he was able to outfox all of us.”
“Begging your pardon, Starswirl,” Fluttershy said.  “But what do you mean by that?”
Starlight breathed out a sigh of anxiety and said “Well thanks to a fine situation, we wound up forging a truce with them.”
Starlight pointed to her side where Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow stood by.  This caught the attention of Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Sunset Shimmer, Spike and Princess Luna, who all but Pinkie took an aggressive stance.
“What are those three doing here?” Rainbow Dash said.
Pinkie Pie just waved and said “Hi Chrysalis.  Hi Tirek.  Hi Cozy Glow.”
Rarity glared at Pinkie and said “Don’t greet the enemy.  What if they take advantage of you?”
Princess Celestia walked up to Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow, turned towards Luna and said “Don’t worry.  They’re not going to attack for the time being, considering that they’ve suffered the same fate as the rest of us.”
Princess Luna’s face went into a disturbed look as she waltzed over to Celestia and said “Are you out of your mind?  You decided to form an alliance with those three?”
“Considering that Neigh Nanners have decided to treat them and us as the enemy and how they overpowered all of us,” Princess Celestia said. “We had no other choice.”
Queen Chrysalis walked up to Princess Luna and said “Consider this, Princess Luna.  As much as we despise you, we despise Neigh Nanners far more.  So this truce is absolutely necessary.”
“Even if it is,” Princess Luna said with a harsh tone.  “I have a distrust in you three, considering the stunts you pulled in the past, from draining Equestria of its magic to kidnapping all of us.”
“Then consider that any hostilities towards you and your kingdom will not be on the level of Neigh Nanners,” Lord Tirek said.  “Besides, our beef is with that monster and his Emotion Amplifier.”
“I’d say you three belong back in Tartarus where you belong,” Luna said.  “I don’t trust you villains at all.”
“This, coming from the pony who was Nightmare Moon and got banished to the moon?” Cozy Glow said with a smirk tone.
Princess Luna violently pulled Cozy Glow over to her and yelled out “Don’t you take that tone with me, young lady.”
Immediately, Celestia got in between Luna and Cozy Glow and said “Enough.  All of you.  We have to put aside this squabble and work together.  Otherwise Neigh Nanners will overpower all of us.”
“Sister,” Luna said as she released her grip from Cozy Glow.  “Have you not learned why Discord got in trouble for that Grogar stunt he pulled?”
“Princess,” Starswirl said.  “As much as I hate to take sides, I’m with your sister on this.  Regardless of what Discord did, that pales in comparison to the crisis we’re in.  This is going to take everyone to work together.”
Somnambula walked up to Princess Luna and said “If that wasn’t enough, you should have seen up close what the power of the Emotion Amplifier could do.   It was like we were buried under an emotional avalanche of rocks and we were rendered powerless.”
Luna let out a sigh and said “I was afraid of this.  Maybe returning from the moon was a bad idea.”
Princess Celestia reached down and picked up the Bewitching Bell with her magic.  Luna just looked at her sister with total unease.
“And you also acquired Grogar’s Bewitching Bell?” Princess Luna said.  “Honestly, you managed to outpace my time as Nightmare Moon.”
“At least I was able to recover Discord’s Magic,” Celestia said.  “Not that it will do us any good.  Twilight told me that his magic was worthless.”
“Wait,” Luna said.  “Twilight is here?”
Spike ran up to Princess Celestia and said “Tell me she’s alright.”
“She is,” Princess Celestia said.  “But you may not recognize Twilight in her current appearance.”
Sunset Shimmer turned her head and looked next to Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.  Nearby, Midnight Sparkle looked up at Sunset before hiding her face with her wing.
“Twilight?” Sunset said.  “Is that you?”
Midnight Sparkle barely poked her head out and said “I’m no longer the Twilight you used to be.”
“You’re right,” Spike said, approaching Twilight with curiosity.  “What happened to you?”
“She became Midnight Sparkle,” Sunset replied.  “Like how the Twilight Sparkle of my world became Midnight Sparkle because of what Principal Cinch did to her.”
Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy all ran up to Midnight Sparkle.  They were happy to see their friend, but also concerned for her.
“Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said.  “What were you thinking?  Why did you put your faith in becoming this Midnight Sparkle?”
“Well,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “It’s a long story.”
Pinkie Pie jumped up to the group and said “Well after Neigh Nanners sent you crying away from Canterlot, you wound up in Grogar’s Lair, wanted to confront Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow, only to be dejected when ponies across Equestria had made a pariah out of you.  So you joined their caused, allowed the Bewitching Bell to turn you into Midnight Sparkle, help double cross Grogar who was really Discord in disguise, went undercover along with Cozy Glow as ponies from the future to spy on the protesters, discovered the purpose of the emotion amplifier, used Discord’s magic to jinx a village of unicorns into going ‘Bing Bong, Bing Bong,’ when they heard Magic, Wing, Feather or Mayonnaise, watched as Cozy Glow rescued three kittens from drowning, tried to turn Neigh Nanners’ protesters against him, only to realize that the Emotion Amplifier overrode Discord’s magic, ran into Celestia, Starlight and the Pillars, were forced to form an alliance, were overpowered by Neigh Nanners’ Emotion Amplifier, and had to retreat back to Grogar’s lair before realizing you had to come back here with everyone because Neigh Nanners placed a magical spark behind your neck to track your every movement.”
Pinkie Pie collapsed onto the floor with a lack of oxygen.  She breathed in and out really fast as she tried to catch her breath.  Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike and Sunset all surrounded the pink earth pony.
“Pinkie,” Rarity said.  “I think you overdid it.”
“Actually,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “When you think about it, it does make a lot of sense.”
Sunset Shimmer walked over to Midnight Sparkle, who now stood besides Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.  Midnight just stared back at her former student.
“Twilight,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “After hearing what Pinkie Pie had to say because she’s…well…Pinkie Pie, I think I understand why you went down this path.  And even then, it wasn’t enough to endure the harassment this Neigh Nanners character gave you.”
“Woah woah, Sunset,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You’re now justifying what she did?”
“I’ve been down this path before when I was this she-demon,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But I had a more selfish reason.  Twilight on the other hand, I believe Neigh Nanners was messing with her in more ways than one.  He must have used this…Emotion Amplifier to convince her to be evil, and then mess with her and the other villains when given the chance.”
“Sunset,” Applejack said.  “I don’t know if you know this, and even though you’ve been a villain before, we don’t really have trust in Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.”
“And you may not have any other choice,” Sunset said.   “Sometimes we have to take a hard and painful path to get to the solution we need.  The easy way out is not always the best way.”
“But what if they turn on us?” Applejack asked.
Tirek walked up to Applejack and Sunset and said “You actually do have a reason to distrust us, considering what we did in the past.  But right now, I’m not in the mood to double cross any of you.  I’ve got a bone to pick with Neigh Nanners, and until this is settled, I have no choice but to help you ponies out.”
Rainbow Dash flew up to Tirek and said “Fine.  But don’t expect us to be nicey-nice with you three.”
“Deal,” Tirek said.  He turned to face Applejack and added “And by the way.  There is someone you know of that we were able to rescue.”
“Wait,” Applejack said.  “What do you mean by that?”
Tirek merely stepped to the side, where Applejack laid her eyes on Babs Seed.
“Babs?” Applejack said.  
Applejack wasted no time running up to Babs Seed, who leaped into her older cousin’s arms and hugged her.
“It’s great to see you again, cousin Applejack,” Babs Seed said.  “You wouldn’t believe what that monster Neigh Nanners did to me.”
Applejack faced Babs Seed with a tear in her eye and asked “But how did you break free?”
“I can answer that.”  Applejack turned her head to see Mistmane walking up to the apple farmer.  She added “And I’m afraid it’s worse than what you can imagine.”
“Mistmane,” Applejack said.  “You saw what happened alongside the other pillars.  Can you tell us what happened?”
“Babs Seed was under some sort of magic from this Emotion Amplifier,” Mistmane explained.  “She kept chanting how Neigh Nanners was a prophet of some sort that will save Equestria and overthrow all of its rulers.  Celestia included.”
“But how did Babs Seed break free of Neigh Nanner’s mind control?” Applejack asked.
Mistmane smiled and said “Ask Tirek.  He was the one who freed Babs Seed, though at the expense of added indigestion.”
Applejack looked up at Tirek, who stood firm with his arms crossed.  The centaur looked down at Applejack and said “It’s true.  I tried to drain what Neigh Nanners put on Babs Seed out of her.  But the moment it got into my system, I suffered a sharp pain that I couldn’t bear.  I was only fortunate enough to expel the magic out of my system the way I took it in.  The little one was fortunate enough to break free.  But to absorb the rest of that magic out from the protesters is something I cannot stomach.”
Applejack looked down at Babs Seed, who gave the apple farmer a wink.  The honest mare looked up at Tirek and said “I know I don’t have trust in you because of what you did back then, especially when you used Discord for your own means.  But after what you did to save Babs Seed from this kind of mindless control, you have at least earned my trust.  Thanks.”
Tirek nodded and smiled as he said “Don’t mention it.”
Nearby, Celestia and Luna began to walk up the stairs with Starswirl and Stygian by their side, all while Celestia had the Bewitching Bell beside her.  While Luna still had a sense of distrust towards her sister, Celestia focused more on the door with a hint of worry in her face.
“So I take it you’re going to let Queen Novo and the others know about this,” Luna said in a stern tone.
“I am,” Princess Celestia said.  “All I know is that when they learn that we brought Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow here, I’m going to get yelled at even worse than when I yelled at Discord.  I’m betting Novo’s going to chew me out far worse than she did with Twilight.”
But before Celestia or Luna could reach the top of the stairs, they saw Queen Novo at the doorway.  It didn’t take long for the elder alicorn princess and the hippogriff queen to stare down at each other.
“Princess Celestia,” Queen Novo said. “You’re back.”
But Princess Celestia only turned her head back in shame. 
“What is wrong, Princess?” Queen Novo asked.  “You look like you did something bad and you’re expecting me to treat you as harshly as I once did with Twilight Sparkle.
Without a single word, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna pointed to Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow near the bottom of the staircase.  Queen Novo slowly walked down towards the three villains.
“Oh,” Queen Novo said.  “These must be the terrible trio that Discord tried to dunk into the sea for Twilight Sparkle.”
“I’m surprised that you brought up Discord,” Queen Chrysalis said as Novo approached her, Tirek and Cozy Glow.  “But then again, I’m more surprised at what Discord tried to do to us.”
Queen Novo laughed and said “Oh please.  If I wanted to stop you three, I would have done so right away.”
Queen Novo took her eyes away from Queen Chrysalis and looked down at Cozy Glow.
“So this must be the troublemaker who’s Tirek’s protege and who took Equestria’s magic away,” Queen Novo said while Cozy Glow crossed her arms in a grumpy pose.
“Yeah?” Cozy Glow said.  “What’s in it for you, sister?”
“A feisty one, I’ll say,” Novo laughed.  She regained her composure and said “But I must ask you this.  What happened to your parents?”
Cozy Glow turned her head away in shame and said in a depressed tone “That’s….something I don’t want to discuss.”
Queen Novo’s face turned to curiosity.  Celestia and Luna watched in the background, their faces turned towards each other in grave concern.  Luna whispered something into Celestia’s ear, who nodded back.
“I….understand,” Queen Novo said in a hesitant, and yet concerned, voice.  
Queen Novo turned her eyes towards Tirek, who barely shifted his head away from the Hippogriff Queen.
“And you must be Lord Tirek,” Queen Novo said.  “I heard you’re both the brains and brawn of the trio.  I also heard tales about how you used Discord for your own means, and your fight with Twilight Sparkle.”
“What you speak is the truth,” Tirek said.  “If you have a distrust towards me because of what I did, then you have every right to do so.”
Novo merely chuckled and said “So I do.  Though on the flip side, and it does make me sound like a hypocrite, you are one handsome looking Centaur.”
Lord Tirek looked at Queen Novo with an astonished look on his face, all while Queen Chrysalis growled at the Hippogriff Queen.
“I believe it would be best if you directed your attention to Twilight Sparkle,” Tirek said in an embarrassed tone as his face blushed bright red.  “You’re probably going to be upset when you see her.”
Queen Novo turned her face down to Midnight Sparkle, who barely hid behind Tirek.
“Twilight?” Queen Novo said.  “Is…is that you?  What happened?”
“Don’t look at me, Queen Novo,” Midnight Sparkle said as she hid her face.  “I’m in an even worse position than when I tried to steal that orb of transformation of yours not long ago.”
Queen Novo walked up to Midnight Sparkle, who buried her face into Tirek’s leg.  She reached down with her claw towards Midnight’s face, who barely took a peek.
“I was selfish back then,” Queen Novo said.  “I thought I could protect my own people by keeping them in Seaquestria, away from the Storm King.  But in the end, I turned out to be no better than the Storm King, and my daughter showed me the hard way, even at a risk of being grounded.”
“But….you were right,” Midnight Sparkle cried.  “I don’t deserve to belong with you, and now I don’t deserve to belong to any of my friends, or even my new allies.”
“Twilight, listen,” Queen Novo said.  “Whatever is in your head, is not your fault.  Neigh Nanners corrupted your mind with this so-called Emotion Amplifier to make you become a villain, and then did it again to destroy your own faith.  You are better than what that monster says you are.”
“But,” Midnight said, only for Tirek to pull his leg away from the dark unicorn.
“I hate to take the side of a good guy,” Tirek said.  “But she’s right.  I actually was excited to see you join our side.  But after what happened in Manehattan and what Neigh Nanners did to you, I would sooner see you get better as my enemy, than to see you suffer as an ally.”
Midnight Sparkle turned her head from Tirek towards Queen Novo, who held her claw out.  Midnight slowly reached her hoof out until she barely placed it on Novo’s palm, who gently closed it and placed her other claw on Twilight’s hoof with a smile on her beak.
Princess Celestia walked up to Queen Novo and Midnight Sparkle.  She placed her hoof on Midnight’s face, causing the dark unicorn to rest on the palm while allowing Novo’s grip on her hoof to slip off.  Celestia turned towards Novo with a tear falling from her eye.
“Thanks, Queen Novo,” Princess Celestia said.  “I owe you one.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Queen Novo said.  “But that being said, don’t expect Twilight’s own students to be kind about seeing Cozy Glow again, or Chrysalis or Tirek.”
“Noted,” Celestia said.
Luna walked up to the group and said “But now there’s the case of having to find a cure for what Neigh Nanners did to Twilight.  And to the citizens of Equestria.  If only we had that tome on artifacts that was stolen from them.”
Midnight Sparkle’s face lit up.  She jumped out of Celestia’s hoof and started to panic-jog in one place.
“I just remembered,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “In our haste to get out of Grogar’s lair, we left the book behind.”
“We’re bigger fools than we realized,” Queen Chrysalis said.  She began to run towards the entrance as she yelled.  “Come.  We’re getting that book back.”
Suddenly, Queen Chrysalis was held in place by magic.  She turned to see Princess Celestia holding the Bewitching Bell by her side as she pulled Chrysalis back.
“It’s too late,” Princess Celestia said.  “At this point, Neigh Nanners will most likely have recovered the book for his own deeds.”
“Which means,” Starswirl said.  “He could end up discovering even more secrets about the Emotion Amplifier.”
Luna walked up to Celestia and said “Well I can’t blame you on that one, sis.  But what do we do now?”
Celestia turned towards Luna and said “I have this strong feeling that we may have to evacuate the refugees to the Crystal Empire, and go with them ourselves.  I believe the Crystal Heart may hold a key into fixing this mess.”
“Sis,” Luna said.  “I hope it does.  Otherwise, mother help us all.”

Back in Grogar’s lair, a number of protesters surrounded the outside of the place with extreme prejudice.  Inside, there were only a handful of protesters on lookout as Neigh Nanners looked through the caverns, scanning the place through.
His eyes caught the attention of a tome that was left behind in a nearby corner that was out of sight.  Neigh Nanners walked up to the tome, picked it up, opened and placed it on the table.  He turned a few pages of the tome, looking through every word, every sentence and every paragraph.
But as he looked at one page, he cracked a smile in anticipation.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 10: Refugees in Crisis
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Refugees in Crisis



“What were you thinking in trusting them?  Especially after what Cozy Glow did at the School of Friendship?”
Those words came out of one Sandbar, who stood by his fellow classmates.  The friendship students looked at Princess Celestia in the throne room, who had Chrysalis, Tirek, Midnight Sparkle and Cozy Glow right behind her, while Starswirl, Sunset Shimmer, Luna, Starlight Glimmer and Queen Novo were on her left side.  Next to Princess Celestia was the Bewitching Bell which levitated in the air.
“Yeah,” Smolder said.  “After all that happened when she drained the magic of Equestria for her own selfish goals, you’re taking her side?”
“Unfortunately yes,” Princess Celestia said.  “It’s a situation that’s far dire than any of us can realize.”
“BIg Pony talking about protesters across Equestria, right?” Yona asked.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Starswirl said.  “Neigh Nanners has acquired an artifact known as the Emotion Amplifier.  He has placed a number of Equestrians under his control, and now I fear they will march towards Canterlot with the goal of overthrowing all of us.”
“I still can’t believe all of this,” Gallus said as he looked at Midnight Sparkle.  “It’s one thing for Twilight to turn evil.  But for this Neigh Nanners guy to come in and do what he wants?”
“I don’t feel safe in Equestria anymore,” Silverstream said.  She ran up to Queen Novo and said “Aunt Novo. Is there a way I can return back to Mount Aris?”
Queen Novo turned her head away as she said “I’m afraid not.  I just got a report that a number of hippogriffs are protesting my decision to forgive Twilight for her crimes long ago, calling for me to step down. A civil war is about to break loose there and my daughter Princess Skystar had to flee the kingdom.  I cannot put you at risk by coming back home.”
“WHAT?” Silverstream yelled before she fainted.
Gallus quickly ran up to Silverstream and fanned her face with his claw.  He looked up at Queen Novo and said “If that’s the case, does that mean the same is happening to the other kingdoms?”
Princess Luna was quick to walk up to Gallus as she said “Unfortunately, yes.  Besides Seaquestria and Mount Aris, there have been reports of protests happening across the other kingdoms.  Griffinstone, the Changeling Hive, Yakyakistan and the Dragon lands were recently spotted with a number of protests, be it pony, griffin, hippogriff, dragon, changeling or yak.  Even the Peaks of Peril and Kludgetown are filled with the stench of mob mentality.”
“Well what are we supposed to do when even Yak turn on Yak?” Yona asked in anxiety.  “Yona not like this kind of mindless violence.”
“I…I don’t know,” Ocellus said.  “I’m hoping that King Thorax or his brother Pharynx would have the answers to this Emotion Amplifier.”
“Listen kid,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Even if I was still your queen, I wouldn’t have the answers either on how to beat back that magic.  All I knew was that I hid it away because it would poison us all.”
Ocellus could barely look up at Queen Chrysalis as she said “But why?  Why did he get his hooves on the stone?”
Starlight Glimmer walked up to Ocellus and said “You have every right to hate me, Thorax, Trixie and Discord.  But it was all of us who broke the Emotion Amplifier loose and released it into the world.  Something I wish we never did.”
As Starlight Glimmer turned her back on Ocellus, the little changeling filly placed her hoof on the lilac unicorn’s shoulder, stopping her in place.  Starlight turned to face Ocellus, who looked stern, but not upset.
“Starlight,” Ocellus said.  “It’s not your fault.  You didn’t know that there was an emotion amplifier.  I don’t think I did either.”  Those words did cause Chrysalis to pause for a moment.
“But,” Starlight said, only for Ocellus to stop her.
“No butts,” Ocellus said.  “We all make mistakes from time to time.  We learn to live with them or correct what we did.  What matters is that we find a way to counter that magic and save all of us.”
As Ocellus continued to speak to Starlight, Queen Chrysalis reflected on Ocellus’ words and went into a deep thought.
“Is it true?” Chrysalis said to herself.  “By not telling my subjects where the amplifier was prior to the throne’s destruction, I put them in more danger?  Maybe I should have hid the artifact at the ends of the planet to ensure no fool would have obtained it.  I don’t know what to think now.”
Suddenly, everyone heard the voice of Discord yelling out “Will you all keep it down already?  I have a splitting headache from what that Neigh Nanners guy said to me.”  They all turned their heads towards a nearby doorway, where Discord walks in holding an ice pack on his head.
Discord looked up and saw the faces of Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.  His eyes burned like fire, he snarled like an angry dragon as  he threw the ice pack down on the group.
“YOU!” Discord yelled as Tirek and Cozy Glow ran up to Queen Chrysalis.  “So you think taking my magic away was humiliating enough?  I bet you three came here to turn me to stone ,didn’t ya?”
Immediately, Princess Celestia ran up in between Discord and the three villains as she held the bell by her side.
“Discord, stop,” Celestia said.  “Right now, we have no choice, but to trust Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.”
“Are you insane?” Discord yelled. “You chewed me out for uniting these three together, and now you want to play nice-nice with them?  What were you thinking?”
“Oh I don’t know,” Celestia said with a smirk.  “I felt like that stunt of yours wasn’t enough.  And so I figured ‘Why not one-up Discord and forge a truce with three of the most dangerous foes in Equestria?’  Bright idea, wasn’t it?”
Everyone in the room stared at Princess Celestia like she had gone mad, including Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow, who were disturbed by the Alicorn’s own words.
“Honestly,” Cozy Glow said.  “You’re really making me nostalgic for Tartarus.”
Celestia looked at Cozy Glow and said in a snarky tone “Well excuse me for wanting to have a bit of fun in my life.”
Princess Celestia levitated the bell next to her and walked up to Discord.  The spirit of chaos took notice in the bell and looked excited.
“Discord,” Celestia said.  “I’ll give you back your magic under one condition.”
“Name it,” Discord said.
“Until this matter of Neigh Nanners is resolved,” Princess Celestia said.  “You are not to go after Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.  Understand?”
Discord slumped down.  He looked at the three villains, who turned their heads away.  Then back to the bell.  Discord then looked up at the Princess.
“You’re kidding, right?” Discord asked.  “Even after the criticism I got for releasing those three in the first place?”
“Yes,” Celestia said with a smile.  “I learned from you very well.”
“Uggh,” Discord said in a grumpy tone.  “Fine.”
Princess Celestia pointed the bewitching bell at Discord and rang it with her magic, causing Discord’s magic to shoot back into the draconequus, who flashed brightly and became excited.  The moment Discord returned to normal, he flew up in the air, laughing with a jolly tone.
“YESSSS!”  Discord yelled.  “The Spirit of Chaos is back baby.”
With a snap of his fingers, Discord was dressed in a sombrero and poncho and held a trumpet in his left hand.  He played a catchy, festive tune on the trumpet.  Below, a couple of guards are playing on guitars, matching Discord’s trumpet playing, while Yona and Silverstream danced together.
“I’d say, a little fiesta is needed to brighten up the mood,” Discord said.
Discord looked down and saw Celestia giggling to herself with Luna playfully rolling her eyes.  But he took a notice at Midnight Sparkle, causing him to pause.
“Hold it,” Discord said, causing the mariachi guards to pause.
Discord flew over to Midnight Sparkle, who tried to cover her face.  
“The last time I saw you,” Discord said.  “You whacked me around with a vengeance.  Now, you look pitiful.”
Midnight Sparkle held her hoof in front of Discord as she covered her face with her other arm, confusing the Spirit of Chaos
“Was it because I put you on the track to becoming a villain?” Discord asked.
“It’s worse than you realize,” Princess Celestia said as she walked through the crowd and up to Discord.  “Neigh Nanners has been preying on Twilight ever since that incident at the failed Summer Sun Celebration.  When she had Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow by her side, Twilight tried to take his Emotion Amplifier.”
“And the only problem was,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Neigh Nanners was onto her.  He spied on her from the very beginning, and used us for his own agenda.”
“And not just that,” Cozy Glow said. “When Chrysalis said that Neigh Nanners spied on her, she wasn’t kidding.  He placed a spark of magic on the back of her head just to do that with that gemstone of his .”
“Wait,” Discord said in confusion.  “Is this true? Using this so-called Emotion Amplifier?”
“It’s true,” Princess Celestia said.  “Stygian discovered this while scanning Grogar’s lair on Twilight’s mane.  I was more appalled by this compared to what you did, Discord.”
Discord looked like he was about to pop a blood vessel.  He shook violently as he reached and grabbed onto a nearby pillar, only for him to dig right into the base, tearing it off.  Everyone else backed off sans Celestia, who only approached him.
“Discord,” Celestia said.  “I know what you’re thinking.  You want to go all out with your magic after what he did.”
“That’s an understatement,” Discord said as he struggled to contain himself.  
“Then you should know this,” Celestia said.  “Twilight tried to use your magic to control his mob.  But it had no effect.”
Discord calmed down a bit.  He looked down at Midnight Sparkle, who only turned her head away.  Discord then turned towards Celestia.
“You’re kidding, right?”  Discord asked.
“It is true,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I actually wanted to control Neigh Nanner’s mob with your magic just as payback.  But to my surprise, it was worthless.  That’s part of the reason I now question my status as a villain or a hero.”
“Well I’m not surprised that you would use my magic,” Discord said.  “But the fact that my magic had no effect on them does disturb me.”
“This isn’t just pure chaos magic, Discord,” Tirek said.  “This is worse than any of us can imagine.  I don’t know where that magic comes from, but it’s too dangerous, even for me.”
“So what are we supposed to do?” Discord asked.  “Stand here and let ourselves get buried by these mad ponies?”
“No,” Starswirl said.  “We’re going to evacuate the ponies from Canterlot to the Crystal Empire.”
“Luckily,” Princess Celestia said “I know a good place where we can get everyone out.”
Princess Celestia was about to walk up to her throne when Luna placed her hoof on her shoulder, stopping the alicorn in place.  Celestia was quick to turn towards her sister.
“Sister,” Luna said.  “I want to apologize for my outburst early ago.  I did question why you brought them here.  But after hearing about Neigh Nanners, I’m beginning to understand the dire situation we’re all in.”
“It’s okay,” Celestia said as she turned around and hugged Luna.  “I would have done the same thing had our roles been reversed.  This crisis is putting all of us at edge.”
As Celestia and Luna hugged each other, Tirek turned around and walked out towards the entrance.  This caught Novo’s attention.
“And where are you going?” Novo said in a suggestive tone.
Tirek just blew some steam from his nose with his head turned away as he said “I’m going to stand guard while you all prepare the evacuations.  If those fools are marching towards Canterlot, I’ll sound the alarm.”
With that, Tirek walked out the doorway with the others looking at him to make his exit before turning towards each other, though Chrysalis turned towards Queen Novo with her fangs bare.  Midnight Sparkle let out nothing but a depressed sigh.
“Okay okay,” Novo said in a nervous tone all while looking at Chrysalis’ teeth.  “I’ll tone it down on flirting with him.”
“Well,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Here’s hoping the others are convincing the refugees that it’s time to evacuate.”
Sunset looked out and said “If this happened in the human world, some may not like that idea.  But then again, I think humans and ponies may have more in coming.”
Celestia turned to Sunset and said “Don’t worry.  I don’t think anything like that would happen.  That being said, I have sent Flash Magnus and Somnambula out on scout patrol.  Once they know that they’re coming, we’ll commence the evacuations.” 
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked up to the wall behind the throne.  With their magic, they opened a secret compartment, to the surprise of everyone.
“Follow me,” Celestia said.  “We have work to do.”

“We have to do what?”
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara stood in total shock as Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Spike stood at the doorway of a guest bedroom.  The four fillies looked like they were about to collapse on the bed from the revelation.
“I wish Canterlot was safe for the four of you,” Fluttershy said.  “But with Neigh Nanners most likely on his way with a horde of ponies under his control, well….”
“IT’S GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST PARTY CRASH IN EQUESTRIAN HISTORY!” Pinkie Pie yelled.
“So first we had to make a run for it from Ponyville to Canterlot,” Sweetie Belle said.  “And now we have to evacuate to the Crystal Empire?”
“Woah woah woah,” Scootaloo said.  “Unlike last time, there’s going to be some protesters blocking the train from escaping.”
“Scootaloo’s right,” Diamond Tiara said.  “How the hay are we going to get out when they will have the escape routes blocked?”
“Well that’s easy,” Pinkie Pie said.  She took a deep breath in and added in a real fast tone “Princess Celestia has an underground railroad that she built between Canterlot and The Crystal Empire some time after Cadance and Shining Armor became rulers just in case something like this would happen.  Unlike the railway that goes to the Crystal Empire, this one goes underneath the ground like a subway of some sort.  This way, those meanies won’t be able to notice that we slipped away and we can go ‘HAH HAH HAH’ right in their imaginary faces, all while we remain safe at the Crystal Empire and figure a way to reverse the Emotion Amplifier.”
With that, Pinkie Pie fell back and collapsed, with Rarity grabbing her from behind.  The fillies just looked at each other with total confusion on their faces.
“Long story short,” Rarity said.  “It’s an alternative route that’s safe from those mad mobs.”
“But what would happen if they found out?” Apple Bloom asked.  “And what will be of the rest of the Apple Family?”
“Don’t you worry,” Spike said.  “I bet the rest of the Apple Family outside of Ponyville have already escaped from the mob and went into hiding.”
Apple Bloom did nothing but give a cold look at Spike, who only grinned.
“Okay,” Spike said to himself.  “Bad idea to reassure the fillies.”
“I know you were trying hard to do that,” Diamond Tiara said.  “But I’m still worried about my parents, and Silver Spoon.  What if they became a part of the mob?  What if they reject me?”
“Tiara,” Rainbow Dash said.  “We’ll get them back, we all promise.  Just like we did with another filly.”
“Another filly?” Apple Bloom asked.  “What do you mean by that?”
“Well,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I was gonna bring her here, but Applejack insisted on getting her to the surviving Apple Family members before coming here.”
The moment Rainbow Dash finished speaking, Applejack popped in outside the doorway to wave to Apple Bloom, catching the filly’s attention.
“Apple Bloom,” Applejack yelled.  “Someone’s here to see you.  And I think you know who it is.”
Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy moved out of the way as Babs Seed walked through the mares.  Apple Bloom took a hard look at Babs Seed and her face popped with excitement.  She jumped into the air and screamed with joy.
“BABS!”  Apple Bloom yelled as she ran up and gave Babs Seed a hug.
“How’s it, cous?”  Babs Seed said as she held onto her cousin.  
Apple Bloom’s eyes watered and ran down her cheeks as she and Babs Seed held onto each other.  
“So what happened?” Apple Bloom asked.  “How were you able to get here?”
“You will not believe the story that came out of me,” Babs said.  “It’s a doozy.”
Babs opened her eyes to see Diamond Tiara on a nearby bed with her head turned away, catching the tomboy’s attention.
“I know you,” Babs Seed said as she released her arms from Apple Bloom and walked up to Diamond Tiara, surprising the rough apple’s cousin.  “Long ago, you convinced me to take your side and bully my own cousin and her friends.”
“That was long ago,” Diamond Tiara said.  “But since then, I continued to do that until I realized that I was in the wrong, not just from losing my only friend, but also from how cruel my own mother was.”
“And believe it or not,” Apple Bloom said.  “Helping out Diamond Tiara recognize the purpose of her cutie mark got me and the other crusaders to win ours.”
“Because of that,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I’ve given more respect to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, not only for helping me out, but also because I ironically helped them out in return.”  
Diamond Tiara got on her four hooves and jumped off the bed.  She looked Babs Seed square in the eye and said “But that doesn’t excuse what Silver Spoon and I did to you long ago.  Back when I was a prime grade bully.  I was a horrible child then, who was willing to emotionally hurt the Cutie Mark Crusaders for my own amusement.  IF you don’t wish to accept my apology for what I did, you have every right not to.”
Diamond Tiara turned back around and jumped back on the bed before lying down on it.  Babs Seed, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo just looked at her with pity.
“Hey Diamond,” Babs said as she walked up to Diamond Tiara.  “What you did was wrong, as what I did.  I was harsh on you after I realized that I was in the wrong.  But the fact that you chose to atone for what you did says a whole lot.  I’d say you’re okay in my book.”
Diamond Tiara turned towards Babs Seed and cracked a faint smile as a tear fell from her eye.  She let out a silent “Thanks” before turning her head away.
“If you want to know what happened,” Sweetie Belle said.  “Silver Spoon was forced to move away with her parents a few days ago.  And just recently, Diamond Tiara was separated from hers before we all had to escape Ponyville because of those crazed protesters.”
“She what?” Babs Seed said.  “You’re kidding me, right?”
“That’s the reason why she’s depressed,” Scootaloo said.  “We’ve felt sorry for her before.  But not like this.  On the one hoof, we’ve been trying to cheer her up to at least give her some happiness.  But on the other hoof, we’ve been all going through this wild ride, and we kept getting constant reminders on why we’re in this situation.”
“Wow, now that you think about it,” Babs Seed said as she turned towards Diamond Tiara and placed her hoof on her shoulder  “I too feel sorry for her after hearing what happened.”
“That reminds me,” Apple Bloom said.  “How did you escape?”
Babs Seed kept her hoof on Diamond’s shoulder as she turned to face her cousin.  She blew the tip of her mane in the air and said “Believe it or not, I was under Neigh Nanners’ control.”   Those words caused Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara to jump up, with Diamond’s actions causing Babs to lose her grip on the filly’s shoulder.
“That meanie did that to you?” Diamond Tiara yelled.
“I can’t seem to recall what I did when I was under control,” Babs Seed said.  “But it felt like I was some kind of mindless zombie, spewing propaganda from my mouth that even I didn’t understand.  And even worse, I felt like I lost my freedom when I was under his spell.  I tried to break free, but it was hopeless.”
“If that was the case,” Apple Bloom said.  “How did you break free?”
Babs Seed scratched the back of her head and said “Well a centaur of some sort grabbed me and sucked the cursed magic right out of me before belching it into the sky.”
“Centaur?” Diamond Tiara said.  “The only one I can recall was Tirek, who destroyed our playground when he first invaded.”
“Even if it is him,” Babs Seed said.  “It did feel weird to be saved by one of Equestria’s greatest villains ever.  And despite that, I feel like I owe him a lot for snapping me out of my trance.”
Apple Bloom quickly turned around and darted out the door, catching the Mane Five and Spike off guard.  Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Babs Seed watched as the apple bumpkin ran towards the window.
“Apple Bloom,” Applejack said.  “What are you doing?”
“Checking to see in case Tirek decided to take a hike,” Apple Bloom said as she got up on a nearby table just to look outside the window.
“Woah woah woah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Trusting Tirek of all creatures?  What are you thinking?”
Rarity walked up to Apple Bloom and said “You are making a terrible mistake young lady.  Though I’d say the same thing about Princess Celestia and…”
“Found him,” Apple Bloom said as she jumped off the stand and ran down the hallway, leaving almost everyone caught off guard.
“Let her go,” Spike said. 
“Spike,” Fluttershy said.  “What are you thinking?”
“Well considering that Tirek is in no mood to betray us,” Pinkie Pie said before Rarity covered the pink pony’s mouth with her hoof.
 “Now is not a good time to lead us into a false sense of security.”   Rarity said nervously.   “You don’t want to jinx us, do you?”
Pinkie Pie took Rarity’s hoof off her mouth and said “Jinx?  Me?  If you wanted to jinx me with Tirek, good luck with that.”
Suddenly, Diamond Tiara ran out of the room and down the hallway, following Apple Bloom from behind.
“Diamond,” Applejack yelled.  “Where on earth are you going?”
“To meet this Tirek,” Diamond Tiara yelled.  “Don’t worry.  I’ll be alright.”
The whole group stood still as they watched Diamond Tiara run down the hallway.  Babs Seed barely emerged with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo right behind her.
“If you wanna ask why she ran off,” Babs Seed said.  “She said something about helping Apple Bloom thank Tirek for freeing me.”
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy all fainted in unison.  Pinkie Pie and Spike stood there, looking down at their fallen comrades.
“Did you ever have one of those days?” Spike asked.
“Been there, done that,” Pinkie Pie said.

Outside in the vicinity of Canterlot City, Lord Tirek stood facing the east as the sun began to set in the west.  He let out a big sigh before he wiped the sweat from his forehead.  
“Never thought I would live to see this day,” Tirek said.  “First I emerged as a big shot villain after double crossing the one foe who turned out to be Discord, and now a new villain emerged and knocked me off my pedestal.  To top it all off, I’ve forged a truce with the ponies of Equestria.”
Tirek looked around him, watching as the ponies of Canterlot ran into their homes and shops in fear of the centaur’s presence.  One by one, the mares and stallions screamed at the sight of Tirek and took cover, all while the big guy just stood there, not minding them one bit.
“Maybe I should have stayed in Tartarus,” Tirek said.  “At least it’s better than having to put up with mind-controlled equines.”
As Tirek watched the citizens of Canterlot hide away in their houses, his ears perked up, as if someone was calling his name.  Tirek turned around to see Apple Bloom running towards him with Diamond Tiara right behind her.
“What are fillies lke you doing out here?” Tirek said as Apple BLoom and Diamond Tiara came to a stop.  “You know what kind of danger you’re all in.”
“I know, but I came out here to say this to you,” Apple Bloom said.  “Thanks for saving my cousin Babs Seed.”
“To…thank me?” Tirek said in a bit of shock.  “No one has ever thanked me before”
“Then consider me the first,” Apple Bloom said.  “I know back then what you were.  A big bully who wanted power for himself, even to take advantage of others.  But deep on the inside, you just have a heart of gold that you hide deep within you.”
Tirek was at a loss for words.  He turned his gaze towards Diamond Tiara, who looked up at the big guy.
“I may not have been as big and powerful as you,” Diamond Tiara said.  “But I also had the makings of a bully.  I wanted to feel powerful.  I wanted to feel respected.”
“I’m actually surprised,” Tirek said.  “Not just when it comes to Cozy Glow, but also you.  Never thought I’d say this, but there is a lot in common with all of us.  That being said, why’d you turn over a new leaf?”
“Because I saw how much of a monster I was,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I was no better than I realized, and it hurt the only friend I had.”
“Tirek,” Apple Bloom said.  “You see yourself as an irredeemable monster.  But because of what you did today, I’d say you’re not a monster.  Just a misguided soul.”
“You say this to me,” Tirek said.  “Even at the risk of losing your magic and your cutie marks.”
“Yes,” Apple Bloom said.  “Even if I become a blank flank once more, I’m saying this because you need a friend more than you realize.”
“And if Apple Bloom decides to become a blank flank just because she sympathizes with you,” Diamond Tiara said.  “Then I wish to join her as well.”
Tirek bent down and grabbed both Apple BLoom and Diamond Tiara.  The two just looked up at him not with fear in their eyes, but sympathy.  He picked them up and looked down at them for a moment.
“I….I can’t,” Tirek said.  “After the pain I went through draining that spell off of that filly, I’m not willing to risk it.”
Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara smiled as Tirek placed the two down.  The fillies ran up and hugged Tirek right on the legs as a smile barely cracked on the centaur’s face.
“Maybe I have a soft spot for younglings,” Tirek said to himself.  “First Cozy Glow, then this Babs Seed fellow, and now these two.  Why my life didn’t start like this is beyond me.”
Suddenly, Flash Magnus and Somnambula flew in from the southeast part of Equestria and hovered near Tirek.  The two pegasi looked like they were on high alarm.
“Tirek,” Apple Bloom said as she looked up.  “What’s going on?”
“I’ll tell you one thing,” Somnambula said. “They’re coming.”
“Neigh Nanners’ mob?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“Yes,” Flash Magnus said.  “We need to sound the alarm and prepare the evacuations.”
Without warning, Tirek grabbed Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara, placing both fillies on his shoulders as Flash Magnus and Somnambula flew towards the castle.  Tirek raised his front left leg into the air and smashed it down on the ground, attracting the attention of every citizen within the vicinity.
“Listen up,” Tirek yelled.  “This city is going to be invaded by the Cult of Neigh Nanners.  If you value your lives, you would flee towards the palace.  NOW!”
Without a second thought, the citizens of Canterlot grabbed what they could and ran out of their homes towards the palace.  Tirek stepped aside, watching everyone run as fast as possible while Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara held onto the centaur’s shoulder. 
“It’s a start,” Tirek said to the two fillies.
“Now come on,” Diamond Tiara said.  “We’ve got to get back to the others.”
As soon as the city was deserted of all citizens, who are now nearing the entrance of the castle, Tirek ran off towards the palace gates with Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara holding on tight.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 11: The Invasion Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The invasion begins



A crowd had descended near the gates leading into Canterlot Castle.  At the front of the crowd was a makeshift stage where Neigh Nanners walked on and stood in front of the podium.
“Fellow Equestrians,” Neigh Nanners announced.  “We stand before us on the precipice of victory.  For more than a thousand years, magic itself has enslaved us to its whims.  It held us back and made us weak.  And it’s all because of two alicorns and their minions who made us cower.”
The crowd booed loudly as Neigh Nanners finished his sentence.  He smiled warmly and held his hooves up, causing the crowd to become silent.
“But today,” Neigh Nanners said.  “That era is over.  A new era, free of magic, will soon come.  The princesses will be tried, sentenced and exiled, along with their cohorts.  Soon, I will set you free from the curse that is magic, and give you a life you never thought you would have.”
Neigh Nanners turned his head slightly and held his hoof to his ear as the crowd cheered loudly.  THe moment their rally began to quiet, Neigh Nanners cleared his throat.
“So join me, as we march down Canterlot to hold the royal family accountable,” Neigh Nanners said.  “For when this day is over, we will Make Equestria Great Again.”
The crowd cheered once more as Neigh Nanners got down from the podium and jumped off the stage.  Neigh walked up the path that led towards the front gate, with a whole mob of ponies marching right behind him.

“Princess, you never told me about this before.”
Those words came from Midnight Sparkle as she, Discord, the Students, Sunset, Starlight, Novo, Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, Starswirl, Luna and Celestia gazed in awe at an underground trolley that dwarfs every train in Equestria.  They were below the grounds of the castle, with a staircase that led back out into the throne room.
“After the Storm King’s invasion,” Starswirl said.  “I insisted on a means of escape in case this happened again.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna came together to make an emergency transit system that allows an entire city to escape to the Crystal Empire.”
“An entire city?” Sunset said, staring in awe at the huge vehicle.  “I don’t think I had transportation like this back in the human world.”
“Quite an interesting observation, Sunset Shimmer,” Starswirl said in a jolly voice.  “But I have read about how vehicles in the human world work.  Some like cars, trucks, minivans, gas guzzling humvees, and even…uggh…tanks.  But unlike what I described, this train does not operate on fossil fuels, but rather magical energy.”
“You mean like how the very magic of Equestria is poured into these kinds of vehicles in a crystalized form just to make it easy to go from one place to another?” Silverstream asked.
“Well, something like that,” Princess Luna laughed. 
Curiosity struck Ocellus, whose eyes were laid on the presence of the giant of a train.  She turned to Princess Celestia and said “But what if magic were to strike it?  Magic of any kind?”
Princess Celestia smiled and said “Good Question.” She turned to Discord and added “Would you kindly strike the train with your magic?”
Discord smiled with glee at the thought of using his chaos magic.  He turned towards the train, and with a wave of his hands, fired off a giant bolt of lightning at the trolley, unleashing a giant explosion in everyone’s faces, shooting flowers in all directions that landed on their snoots and beaks.
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”  Discord yelled.  “I AM INVINCIBLE!”
But when the dust cleared, the trolley appeared completely intact without a scratch, leaving the draconequus completely dumbfounded as his jaw fell down from his mouth.
“Wha?” Discord said.  “How in the…but my magic…didn’t work….was I nerfed?”
Princess Celestia laughed loud enough to cause an echo in the room.  Discord turned towards Celestia, who only said “In case you’re curious, the metal used for that train is from a forbidden area called ‘Magic’s End.’  It was said that even the most powerful of magics was no match for this kind of ore.”
“A metal that can resist magic?” Discord said in a surprised tone before he marched up and kicked the trolley on the side with his foot.  Not only did the trolley not budge, a sore formed on his toe, causing Discord to jump up and down in constant pain.
“Just like how my throne used to be able to absorb magic,” Chrysalis said.  “Well except changeling magic.”
As Discord jumped around holding his foot in pain, Princess Celestia walked up to the Draconequus and cast a spell on his foot.  The swelling went down, returning the limb to normal.  Discord looked down and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
“Ho ho, very funny.  Hah hah, it is to laugh,” Discord said in a pouty mood while Celestia just stood there with a wide grin.
Ocellus just stood there nearby looking up at the trolley.  She looked down the tunnel that the vehicle was partially parked into.  Sandbar, Gallus, Smolder, Yona and Silverstream walked up behind her and looked down the same tunnel.
“Amazing, isn’t it?” Sandar asked.
“I’ll say,” Ocellus said as she stood in awe at the gigantic streetcar.  “I know Equestria is impressive with its trains.  But I never imagined one that could be used as an escape vehicle.”
“Oooooh a means of escape,” Silverstream said as she grabbed Gallus and squeezed him tight.  “Are we going to be like some super international spies with a license to thrill?”
“First off, let go of me,” Gallus said, causing Silverstream to release her grip from the griffin. 
“Oops, sorry,” Silverstream said in embarrassment.
“Second off, an international spy?” Gallus said as cracked his back. “That’s no way for me to be on her majesty’s secret service.”
“Aww,” Silverstream said.  “That is such a coldfinger.”
Suddenly, Flash Magnus and Somnambula flew in from the secret entrance in such a hurry, attracting everyone in the vicinity, especially Starswirl.  The two pegasi land next to Starswirl, who looked troubled at his two companions.
“Flash, Somnambula,” Starswirl said.  “I take it the mob is mere moments from arriving in Canterlot.”
“Indeed,” Flash Magnus said.  “Neigh Nanners is leading a march towards the capitol with an army-sized mob right behind him.”
“Any attempt to evacuate right now is almost impossible,” Somnambula said.  “We may have no choice, but to hold our ground here.”
“We’ll be doing that and getting the citizens to evacuate,” Starswirl said.  “Find the other pillars and bring them here, this instant.”
“Right-o,” Flash Magnus said.  But just as he and Somnambula were about to turn tail and take off, Starlight tugged on Flash’s tail with her magic.
“Where’s Trixie?”  Starlight said.  “Is she alright?”
Luna ran up to Starlight, Magnus and Somnambula and said “I sent her out to pick up supplies.  She should be done any time now.”
“We’ll go find her and fast,” Somnambula said.
“Thanks,” Starlight said.
WIth that, Flash Magnus and Somnambula ran out the door and flew off through the throne room and out the window.  Starlight, Luna and Chrysalis walked through the secret entrance, out into the open of the throne room.
“So do you think they’ll get everyone in before the attack?” Starlight asked.
“I’m hoping they do,” Luna said.  “Otherwise, we’re in for a world of hurt.”
Chrysalis just laughed and said “Well it’s not like someone else warned them in advance.”
But as Chrysalis finished her speech, everyone felt the ground beneath them rumble.  The three looked up and saw Canterlot Citizens run down the hallway and into the entrance of the chamber.
“What in the world?” Luna yelled.
“How in the…what in the….how can they…” Starlight said, stuttering in confusion.
The citizens only came to a stop when they laid their eyes on Queen Chrysalis.  The changeling queen just stood there in total silence as Luna turned to face her.
“Way to jinx it,” Luna said.
Chrysalis just stood there and smiled as the crowd nervously looked at the changeling queen.  Starlight stood there with her hoof in her face.
“Well at least that’s one problem that we don’t have to worry about,” Starlight said.

Meanwhile within the city limits of Canterlot, Lord Tirek ran through as fast as he could with Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom on his back.  Though the crowds had already run into the castle’s entrance, the centaur was still a slight distance away from the palace.
“Do you think that’s every pony?” Apple Bloom asked.
“If you mean anyone not under that conspiracy theorist’s spell,” Tirek said.  “I’m not sure yet.  I have a feeling that there are some stragglers remaining.”
Diamond Tiara looked around and noticed Trixie in the vicinity, walking out of a store with her saddlebags full of supplies.  She looked like she could barely carry those as her movements were sluggish and she was panting a bit hard.  Diamond quickly turned to Tirek and tapped his back, catching the centaur’s attention.
“Think I found someone who is in need of help,” Diamond Tiara said as she pointed to Trixie.
“I know her,” Apple Bloom said.  “That’s Trixie.  What is she doing here?”
“Does it matter?”  Tirek responded as he stretched out his palms.  “Someone’s gotta get her off the street and towards the castle.”
Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom nodded to Tirek, who scraped his hooves on the pavement.  But up ahead, Trixie struggled to move with the weight of the goodies on her back.
“Man,” Trixie said.  “I know this….is too much.  But the Great…and Powerful Trixie will complete the task at hoof….for Luna, and for the….”
But before she could finish, she turned to her left to see Tirek run up to her.  The stubborn, self-centered mare screamed in horror at the mere sight of a giant Centaur, who only looked down at her with a displeased look.
“GET AWAY FROM ME YOU BIG, UGLY BRUTE,” Trixie yelled.  “YOU WON’T HAVE MY MAGIC!”
“Trixie, it’s us,” Apple Bloom said as she and Diamond Tiara popped their heads out.  Trixie looked up and her jaw dropped to the ground.
“Diamond Tiara?  Apple Bloom?”  Trixie said before her tone changed from confused to serious.  “DID YOU TAKE SIDES WITH CHRYSALIS, TIREK AND COZY GLOW?  NOW THERE’S GOING TO BE A FILLY APOCALYPSE!”
Immediately, Tirek picked up Trixie and held the mare in his hand, all while she carried those supplies in her saddlebags.  Trixie could do nothing but stay still.
“Now you listen here,” Tirek said.  “You’re going to do as I say and return to the Castle, so that we can all evacuate.  DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?”
Trixie just stared at Tirek before shaking her head yes.  Tirek smiled with glee as he threw Trixie into the air and caught her with his magic.  He levitated the arrogant unicorn onto his back, right beneath Apple BLoom and Diamond Tiara, who leaped from Tirek’s shoulders down onto his lower back.
“What are you two doing teaming up with this big palooka?” Trixie said in a huff.
“Long story short,” Apple Bloom replied.  “I came to thank Tirek for saving my cousin from the magic of the emotion amplifier.”
“I’m with her because I see a part of me in Tirek,” Diamond Tiara replied.  “Or rather part of what I used to be.”
Trixie placed her hoof on her face and shook her head.  She turned towards the duo and said “Look, as someone who’s a former villain, you two really don’t want to go down this path.  The next thing we need are two earth pony fillies who chose to be the next Cozy Glow.”
Suddenly, Trixie felt a tap on her head.  She looked up and saw Tirek glaring at her before pointing in another direction.
“Right now, that’s not going to matter,” Tirek said as he pointed to the gates of Canterlot.  “Come with us if you want to live.”
Trixie looked down at the gates of Canterlot.  At first, she saw nothing out of the ordinary.  But upon a closer inspection, she noticed that the gates were being pushed on violently, causing her jaw to drop in horror.
“Take me to safety,” Trixie yelled. “TAKE ME TO SAFETY!”
“Then hold on,” Tirek yelled as he scraped his front left hoof on the pavement.  “I’m getting you three to the castle.”
Trixie, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom held on tight as Tirek raised his front hooves into the air and roared loudly.  Once he landed them onto the pavement, he ran off straight towards the castle, just as the front gates to the city of Canterlot burst open and a crowd of crazed protesters marched through with Neigh Nanners leading the pack.
“Push forward,” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “It’s time to take back Canterlot in the name of freedom.”
Trixie, Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara looked behind them as they saw the protesters begin to march down the street.  Tirek had his eyes directed at the mad mob as he rushed as fast as possible towards the castle entrance.
“Well aren’t you going to fight them?”  Trixie yelled.  “You’re Lord Tirek, the most powerful villain in Equestrian history.”
“Well I was,” Tirek said as he ran as fast as possible.  “Until Neigh Nanners used the Emotion Amplifier to weaken me.”
“Wait,” Trixie said, after pausing for a sec from Tirek’s response.  “An Emotion Amplifier?”
“We’ll talk more about this when we get into the castle,” Diamond Tiara said.  “Right now, WE NEED TO HANG ON!”
Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom and Trixie yelled as loud as possible as they held onto Tirek, who moved as fast as possible towards the castle.  Right behind the centaur and three ponies, the mob made their way down the streets of the deserted Canterlot City with Neigh Nanners leading the pack, chanting “Down with Twilight.  Down with Celestia.  Down with Luna.  No more Alicorns.”
“And here I thought the problems back at the School of Friendship were horrible,” Trixie said. 
“You think that’s bad?” Tirek yelled as he ran as fast as possible.  “Try having to endure that back in Manehattan.  These freaks are everywhere.”
As Tirek ran as fast as possible with Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara and Trixie holding on as tight as possible, Flash Magnus and Somnambula flew in from above with Rochoof, Mistmane, Mage Meadowbrook and Stygian.
“Ahoy there,” Somnambula yelled, catching Tirek’s attention.  “I take it you were the one who got the citizens towards the castle.”
“Not proud of it,” Tirek yelled. “But where the heck were the rest of you?  Scouting about?”
Rockhoof ran up beside Tirek and yelled “You could say that.  We decided to go out and about in case those fiends decided to show up.”
“Well that explains why you snuck out,” Tirek said.
“Either that or someone is a horrible writer,” Trixie yelled, causing Diamond Tiara to bonk her on the head with her hoof.  Trixie turned her head to see Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom staring down the stubborn magician.
“Excuse me?”  Diamond Tiara yelled.  “The last thing we need is someone besides Pinkie Pie and Silverstream to break the fourth wall.  Now knock it off, okay?”
“Alright alright,” Trixie yelled before she turned her head away, muttering to herself.
Tirek ran as fast as he could with the pillars of Equestria by side and three ponies holding onto him for dear life.  He paid no attention to Neigh Nanner’s mob right behind him, who marched down the streets of Canterlot chanting “Down with Twilight.  Down with Celestia.  Down with the monarchy.  Let freedom ring.”

Back inside the castle, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Queen Chrysalis, Queen Novo, Starswirl the Bearded, Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer were leading as many citizens through the throne room all the way towards the secret staircase leading down to where the trolley was located.  Many of the citizens were in a panic, fearing for their lives, even though most of the group looked calm and collective.
“Hurry everyone,” Starswirl said.  “The sooner we get you all in, the sooner we can depart.”
“It’s amazing how they all came running out almost in an instant,” Princess Luna said as she guided the citizens of Canterlot towards the secret entrance.  “Something tells me the other Pillars of Equestria took this seriously.”
“I’m not sure it was my comrades who did this,” Starswirl said.  “Someone else must have alerted everyone of the incoming invasion.”
Queen Chrysalis let out an evil laugh, causing everyone to pause the moment.  This disturbed Celestia, Luna, Novo, Starswirl, Sunset and Starlight.  Midnight Sparkle paid no attention as she continued to direct the citizens down towards the entrance.
“If I didn’t know any better,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I’d swear it was Tirek who caused the citizens to flee here.”
“Is that a fact?” Sunset Shimmer said as her disturbed look turned into a smirk.
“Oh it is,” Chrysalis said as she walked towards the doorway leading into the throne room.  “If I were to guess, Lord Tirek had to….convince the ponies to run as fast as possible towards the castle if they value their lives.”
“Well I don’t call that typical,” Midnight Sparkle laughed.  “Either Tirek’s getting soft, or he’s become a yellow-bellied coward.  I’m more surprised that he hasn’t drained the magic from every pony, or stole a little colt’s candy.”
With that, everyone stared at Midnight Sparkle with an awkward glare, including Queen Chrysalis who also muttered a soft “Seriously?”  Midnight just looked at the group with a smirk on her face.
“What?”  Midnight said.  “I’m evil now.  At least I should have a little bit of fun.”
“All while we’re in the middle of a crisis,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And besides, we have someone more evil than any of us, combined.  One with the Emotion Amplifier, an artifact that even I thought was too much.  Even Grogar’s bell pales in comparison.”
“I’m afraid Chrysalis is right, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “You can be evil all you want.  But you are simply no match for Neigh Nanners.  Besides, I’ve lost you before, and I don’t want to lose you again.”
As Celestia and Chrysalis turned towards the crowd, Midnight Sparkle looked at both ponies before turning her head away and closing her eyes.
“She doesn’t want to lose me again?” Midnight Sparkle said to herself.  “Even after all I’ve been through, she still cares for me?”
But before Midnight Sparkle could move her head, she noticed the ground was shaking beneath her hooves.  This caught the attention of everyone in the vicinity.
“What’s going on?” Queen Novo yelled.
Queen Chrysalis noticed the civilians were starting to run far away from the throne room entrance.  She took a look down and smiled with glee.
“He’s here,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Tirek has made it to the castle.”
Everyone turned to face the throne room entrance as Tirek busted the doors open and threw them to the side.  He ran on in with Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara on his back, and Trixie by his.  Right behind the centaur, Flash Magnus, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Somnambula, Mage Meadowbrook and Stygian ran in as fast as possible.
“No time to explain if you’re about to open your lips or beaks,” Tirek yelled.  “That cult group is on its way to make mince meat out of all of us.”
The projection of Tirek’s voice was enough to shake the castle a bit, all while Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom leaped down from Tirek’s back onto the floor.
“I’m afraid Tirek’s right,” Diamond Tiara said.  “You should have seen them march towards the castle like they were a part of some cult.”
“I’m afraid to ask,” Sunset Shimmer said as she cleared her throat.  “But how bad?”
“Even worse than when I ran a cult,” Starlight Glimmer replied.  “This is beyond anything Equestria has ever seen.  Even the Storm King paled in comparison.”
Apple Bloom stepped towards Starlight and Sunset and said “Oh you’re not kidding.  These guys were the definition of insanity.  I don’t know what is in this so-called Emotion Amplifier, but it’s magic that I don’t think anyone could understand.”
“Perhaps if you weren’t that careless in running towards Tirek, you wouldn’t have to put up with that level of craziness.”  Apple Bloom turned towards one of the side doors to see Applejack emerge, with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Spike, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed right behind her.  Tirek just stood there, staring down the country bumpkin.
“I am aware that you have a lack of trust in me due to my nature,” Tirek said as he folded his arms.  “But we have no time for this.”
“Oh that’s an understatement, Tirek,” Applejack said before turning her attention to Apple Bloom.  “Apple Bloom, I know we’re supposed to be the shining example that friendship is magic.  But that was mighty reckless of you and Diamond Tiara to run out to thank Tirek, regardless of his trust.”
“I did that because I didn’t want Tirek to be alone, like how Fluttershy chose to be Discord’s friend,” Apple Bloom replied.
“But that’s still no excuse to do what you did,” Applejack said.
Fluttershy immediately walked up to Applejack and said “Actually, she has a point there.  After all, Discord and Tirek are alike in many ways.”
“Fluttershy, that isn’t the point,” Applejack said as she briefly covered her face with her hat before turning back to Apple Bloom. “The point is that you could have gotten hurt, even if it wasn’t from Tirek.  And what’s worse, you put Diamond Tiara in danger.”
“I chose to go with her because I saw a bit of myself in Tirek,” Diamond Tiara said as she stood by Apple Bloom.  “Besides, I’ve already got my own problems with my parents and Silver Spoon missing.”
“You’re not making any sense, Diamond,” Applejack said.  “We’re all in a harsh predicament right now, and the last thing I want to see is you getting hurt by those monsters.”
“But does that give us an excuse to neglect those who need help?” DIamond Tiara asked.
“I’m afraid she’s right.”  Diamond Tiara looked behind Applejack and saw Granny Smith and Big Macintosh walk up from behind the rest of the Mane heroes and fillies.  Granny Smith walked in front of the group and said with a somber tone “I know you’ve lost your parents and your close friend since we escaped from Ponyville, but the last thing you need is to put yourself at the mercy of those hoodlums.”
Big Mac stood by Granny Smith before he said “Eeyup.”
Applejack placed her hoof on Diamond Tiara’s cheek and said “Granny’s right.  And while we’re not related, I still care for your well being like I care for Apple Bloom’s.”
“But,” Diamond Tiara said before Applejack placed her hoof on the filly’s mouth.
“No buts,” Applejack said.  “What if those monsters did something horrible to you?  What if they decided to take you captive?  Turn you into one of them?  Or even worse?  What if they decide to do harm to you?”
Diamond Tiara was at a loss for words.  She held her mouth shut and turned her head away towards Princess Celestia and Princess Luna all while she held her eyes shut.  Applejack reached over and placed her hoof on Diamond Tiara’s cheek.
“I know how upset you are, considering what you’re going through,” Applejack said in a calm and pleasant tone.  “But considering what we’re all going through, I am concerned for your well being, Diamond Tiara.  I hope that one day, we get your parents and your best friend back.  And as long as I’m around, I’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”
Diamond Tiara opened her eyes and looked up at Applejack.  She got up on her hind legs and reached out to the apple pony as everyone kept their eyes on the duo.
“It’s moments like these that make me glad to have been reformed,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Tell me about it,” Starlight replied.  “Makes me wonder what kind of monster I would have been if not for the magic of friendship.”
Suddenly, and without warning, a blast of magic energy fires out of nowhere and hits both Applejack and Diamond Tiara, sending them both flying to the floor.  Everyone’s faces dropped down in total shock.
“APPLEJACK!  TIARA! NOOOOOOO!” Apple Bloom cried as she struggled to reach out towards the two.
Applejack barely got herself up as she got a glance at Diamond Tiara.  She laid there helplessly as her eyes began to water.
“Tiara,” Applejack said with a weak voice.  “Whoever….did this….knocked her…out.”
Applejack could only watch as Apple Bloom ran up to the unconscious Diamond Tiara and picked her upper torso up.  She looked down at comatosed filly and tears flowed from her eyes.
“Tiara,” Apple Bloom said.  “Wake up.  Don’t die on me.”
Apple Bloom held Diamond Tiara tight as she cried in silence.  Everyone continued to stare in horror at the atrocity that happened.
“What kind of sick monster would hurt a little filly?” Queen Novo said as she stomped the floor in anger.
“I am that sick monster.” Everyone turned their heads to see Neigh Nanners at the entrance with a number of entranced ponies standing right behind him, waiting to pounce.
“You,” Applejack said as she struggled to get up.  “You did this.”
“Of course I did,” Neigh Nanners said.  “How can you protect those who don’t deserve protection when you can’t protect yourself?  Isn’t that right, my freedom fighters?”
The crowd behind Neigh Nanners cheered the moment Neigh Nanners finished his sentence before chanting “Down with Celestia.  Down with Luna.  Down with Twilight.  Down with Magic.  Let Freedom Ring.”  Everyone in the throne room stood there, horrified.
“Everyone,” Princess Celestia said as she held the Bewitching Bell to her side.  “Get the refugees to safety.  I’ll hold them off.”
“Princess,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Are you serious?  Even Grogar’s bell is no match for the Emotion Amplifier.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But if I’m going to lose you again, it should be me that takes the fall.”
“Sister,” Princess Luna cried.  “Don’t do this.  It’s not worth it.”
Princess Celestia ignored Luna’s cry and stepped towards Neigh Nanners, holding the Bewitching Bell to her side.  Even Chrysalis and Tirek just stood there, completely silent.
“Neigh Nanners,” Princess Celestia said, readying the Bewitching Bell to her side.  “Today is the day you pay for your crimes against Equestria, the Magic of Harmony, and those that you harmed.”


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 12: Lost Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Lost again



“Princess, you have to be kidding me.  I don’t want you to bear that burden.”
Those words came from Midnight Sparkle, who stood by Princess Luna as they struggled to catch Princess Celestia’s attention.  The elder alicorn held the Bewitching Bell by her side and stared down Neigh Nanners and his so-called cult of freedom.  Tension flowed from her eyes as she kept an eye on the extremist.
“So, Princess Celestia,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Have you come to face your judgment for a millennium of crimes against the ponies of Equestria?”
“Oh I’m not here to face any judgment,” Princess Celestia said as she held the bell up.  “I’m here to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
With a simple flick, the Bewitching Bell took on the shape of a sword.  Celestia took a few swipes with the blade before pointing it towards Neigh Nanners.
“And compared to the dangers that I have faced,” Princess Celestia continued.  “You’re the worst.”
Neigh Nanners just yawned before he held the Emotion Amplifier in the air.  With a flash of light, the Amplifier took on the shape of a war hammer, falling straight into Neigh Nanners’ hoof before he swung it violently on the floor, creating a huge dent.
“Two can play at that game, Princess,” Neigh Nanners replied.
With a swing of the Emotion Amplifier Hammer, Neigh Nanners lunges at Princess Celestia, who blocked the strike with the Blade of the Bell.  Neigh Nanners pushed as hard as he could, all while Celestia held her ground.
“Do you feel it, Princess Celestia?” Neigh Nanners said with a smirk on his face.  “The end of your time as Princess, the end of this foolish thing known as Friendship, and the rise of true freedom in Equestria?”
“What I see is a maniac who’s extremism puts everyone in danger,” Princess Celestia replied as she held back with the sword.  “In fact, I think you’re worse than any foe I have ever encountered.”
“Tough luck, Princess Celestia,” Neigh Nanners replied, pushing harder with the hammer.  “I’m here to Make Equestria Great Again.”
“We’ll see about that,” Celestia said as she shoved Neigh Nanners and the Emotion Amplifier Hammer back.
But as Celestia and Nanners continued to clash at each other, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, The Apple Family, Midnight Sparkle, the rest of the Mane Six and Cutie Mark Crusaders, Princess Luna, the Pillars of Equestria, Trixie, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek and Queen Novo just watched on, barely making a move at all.  Queen Chrysalis was the one whose eyes were fixated on Celestia and Nanners’ fight, as the blows they deliver towards each other caused the whole room to quake.
“Is she out of her mind?” Queen Chrysalis said as she stomped her hooves on the palace floor.  “We already know what Neigh Nanners is capable of.  Even the Bewitching Bell of Grogar is no match for the Emotion Amplifier.”
“For once, I agree with you,” Rainbow Dash said as she scraped her hoof on the floor.  “I’m about ready to give that Neigh Nanners a black eye.”
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie jumped right on top of Rainbow Dash, pinning her down to the ground.
“No Rainbow,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
Rainbow Dash glared at Pinkie Pie and said “Are you kidding me, Pinkie?  That jerk caused far more problems than any of the other villains did in our lifetime.”
“I’m afraid Pinkie’s right,” Sunset said as Pinkie PIe jumped off of Rainbow Dash.  “I knew what it was like to put a number of individuals under a spell.  But not on this level.  If we try to do so, he’ll put us under the influence of the Emotion Amplifier.  It’s not worth it.”
Rainbow Dash got up, brushed herself off and said “So what can we do if we can’t show him the door?”
“What matters is that we have to get everyone out,” Sunset said.  “I know what Princess Celestia is doing.  She’s putting herself on the line so that we can figure out a weakness for the Emotion Amplifier.  Besides, we’ve got some major problems.”
Sunset pointed down to Apple Bloom, who sat there holding an unconscious Diamond Tiara in her arms.  Applejack laid there nearby, looking helplessly at her younger sister.
“Dagnabit,”  Applejack said in silence.  “It’s one thing to be right.  But this is the one case where I wish I wasn’t right.  Some honest pony I turned out to be.”
“Don’t say that,” Granny Smith said as Big Mac helped Applejack get on her hooves.  “Sometimes we have to expect the unexpected, and learn how to stand up against it.”
“You’re telling me,” Applejack said as Big Mac held her up by her left side and led her down.  “I feel like it’s my fault that I let Diamond Tiara end up like that.
“It’s not,” Granny Smith said.  “None of us expected those hooligans to show up out of nowhere just to launch that cowardly attack.  Now let’s go.”
Applejack held tightly onto Big Macintosh as Granny Smith led him down towards the secret entrance.  But the moment they arrived, Cozy Glow  popped her head out, looking a little distressed.
“I heard what sounded like someone getting blasted,” Cozy Glow said.  “What happened?”
“I’m afraid you’re right on that mark,” Babs Seed replied as she ran up to Cozy Glow.  “Take a look over there.”
Babs Seed immediately pointed to Apple Bloom, who just stood there holding an unconscious Diamond Tiara.  Cozy Glow looked at the duo and her eyes shrunk down in fear.
“Wha……what just….”  Cozy Glow said, completely stunned.
“If you want the honest truth, Cozy Glow,” Applejack said as she held her hoof to her side, holding onto Big Mac.  “Neigh Nanners decided to blast Diamond Tiara and me.  I don’t think the little one will make it.”
Cozy Glow squinted her eyes in disgust.  She leaped out of the secret passage and landed right next to the apple family, catching their attention.
“If you’re thinking about attacking Neigh Nanners,” Applejack said.  “Don’t bother.  The last thing we need is another filly on life support.”
“I know,” Cozy Glow replied as she marched towards Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara.  “You don’t have to remind me.  I know not to mess with that monster, and I happen to be a villain.”
Cozy Glow immediately flew out of the secret entrance and zipped all the way towards Apple Bloom, who struggled to pick up the unconscious Diamond Tiara.  Cozy immediately dug her hooves under Diamond Tiara and picked her up.
“Go, no,” Cozy Glow said, holding Diamond Tiara in her arms.  “I got this.”
“Cozy,” Apple Bloom said in a weak voice.  But before she could say anything else, Babs Seed placed her arm around her cousin and began to walk her towards the secret entrance.
“Come on, cousin,” Babs Seed said.  “We gotta get out of here and worry about the details later.”
Cozy Glow flew up towards the secret entrance, looking ready to jump right in.  She turned around and saw Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek making their way towards the entrance.  Tirek held Trixie by the tail, who was screaming in agony.
“Let me go you big palooka,:” Trixie yelled.  “I want to get my hooves around that jerk’s neck.”
Tirek held Trixie up and said  “Don’t be a fool.  You’ll get pulverized by Neigh Nanner’s magic if you go up against him.”
“Why you cowardly cheap-skate,” Trixie yelled as she swung back and forth from her tail.  “If I get myself out of this mess, I’ll…”
But before Trixie could finish ranting, Tirek dropped her down into the secret entrance.  The magic pony screamed loudly as she fell for a good moment until one could hear her bouncing off the steps with each loud groan, until she came to a stop with one huge howl.
“CURSE YOU TIREK,” Trixie yelled from down below.  “YOU’LL HEAR FROM MY LAWYER FOR THIS!”
Tirek looked up at Chrysalis and Cozy Glow, the latter who was holding the unconscious Diamond Tiara in her arms.
“At least that moron can be pretty amusing,” Chrysalis said with a chuckle.
Cozy Glow directed her attention towards Princess Celestia, who held back Neigh Nanners and his Emotion Amplifier Hammer with the Blade of the Bell.  One look in Neigh Nanner’s eyes caused Cozy Glow some discomfort.
“At this rate,” Cozy Glow said before she turned her head back to Chrysalis and Tirek.  “I’m beginning to have some second thoughts about being a villain.  Especially with what that monster is going through.”
“I’d say that would be a better path for you,” Tirek replied.  “But at this point, you just took the words out of my own mouth.”
With that, Cozy Glow held onto Diamond Tiara and dove right into the secret passage with Queen Chrysalis flying in after her.  Tirek watched as the Apple Family walked on up with Applejack looking up at Tirek.
“Call me crazy,” Applejack said with a stubborn tone.  “But did I just hear you wanting to give up being a villain?”
“As much as I enjoy being a villain,” Tirek said as he picked up Applejack.  “This Neigh Nanners creep makes my own father look pleasant.”
Tirek looked down inside the secret entrance.  He tried to take one step, only to take that step back as he observed the size of the entrance.
“Too big,” Tirek replied.  “I can’t fit down that gap.”
“What do you plan on doing about it?”  Applejack asked.
Tirek looked at Applejack and said “I’m gonna let you borrow my magic.”
“Say what?”  Applejack said before Tirek opened his mouth and allowed a stream of magic to flow out of his gaping maw and into Applejack’s mouth.  
As the magic flowed out, Tirek shrunk down in size as his beard and horns retracted.  Applejack started to bulk up a bit, all until she and Tirek were about Big Mac’s size.   Applejack looked down and squealed at what she saw with herself.
“Sufferin Steroids,” Applejack said in horror.  “I’m ripped.”
“Well look on the bright side,” Granny Smith said.  “You’ve got your strength back and then some.”
“Granny’s got a point there, Applejack,” Grand Pear added.  “You’re already back on your hooves and better than ever for the time.”
“Well that is true,” Applejack said with an awkward tone.  “But the last thing I need is some pony to obsess over this new look.”
With that, Applejack jumped down into the secret entrance with the rest of the Apple Family following from behind.  Tirek just looked down with an awkward look on his face with Chrysalis standing right beside him.
“Just when I thought I’ve seen everything,” Queen Chrysalis said. 
“Now’s not the time to talk,” Tirek said.  “We don’t want to keep everyone waiting.”
With that, Tirek jumped down into the secret entrance, fitting right through the hole in the floor.  Chrysalis jumped in afterwards just as Midnight Sparkle, the rest of the Mane Six and Cutie Mark Crusaders, the Pillars, Queen Novo, Princess Luna, Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer ran up to the entrance.
“Quickly,” Luna said.  “While my sister is holding back Neigh Nanners.”
Midnight Sparkle looked down into the secret entrance.  She immediately turned her head towards Princess Celestia, who is continuing to hold Neigh Nanners back with the Blade of the Bell.  Midnight turned to Princess Luna and said “I don’t know if I can.  It’s my fault that we’re all in this mess.”
“Now is not the time to blame yourself,” Queen Novo said.  “This is all on Neigh Nanners for his selfish desire to destroy magic in Equestria.”
“No,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “It is on me.  My foolishness only made things worse, like what happened in Seaquestria.”
But before Midnight could say another word, Queen Novo placed her finger on the corrupted alicorn’s lip, causing her mouth to shut.  The Hippogriff Queen looked down at her and said “It’s alright.  That was because I was too foolish to not give you that chance.  Now come.  We better get you out and set things straight.”
Midnight Sparkle nodded as Queen Novo pulled her finger back.  Midnight then jumped down into the secret entrance with Queen Novo following from behind.  Princess Luna looked behind and saw her older sister fight it out as the rest of the Mane Six, the Pillars of Old Equestria, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders jumped down into the secret entrance.
“Come on,” Sunset said.  “Your sister is giving you a chance to escape.”
“I know,” Luna said.  “But to lose her in this madness, is unthinkable.”
“If she does fall,” Starlight said.  “We can get her back.  Promise.  Now let’s go.”
Starlight and Sunburst run down into the secret entrance as Princess Luna followed them from behind.   But as Princess Celestia continued to hold Neigh Nanners back, the radical extremist took notice of Luna running down into the secret entrance.
“You were holding me back,” Neigh Nanners said.  “You distracted me so the others could escape.”
Princess Celestia let out a big grin as she pushed Neigh Nanners back and said “Surprise.”
“And you did it even despite the fact that I would be taking control of your mind,” Neigh Nanners said, holding the Emotion Amplifier Hammer in his hooves.  
“Better for me to fall than for you to get your hooves on my friends and family,” Celestia replied.  “You can corrupt me all you want.  But there will always be hope in the end.”

Meanwhile in the underground secret passage, ponies were loading onto the trolley as fast as possible, with Discord standing outside getting them in.  
“Inside, all aboard, hurry it up,” Discord said frantically as he got the ponies into the trolley.  “We don’t have all day.”
Suddenly, Discord looked to his left and saw Cozy Glow carrying the unconscious Diamond Tiara in her arms with Apple Bloom by her side.  Immediately, he blinked out from the entrance of the railcar all the way to the alicorn filly.
“What happened?” Discord said. 
“It’s worse than you can imagine,” Cozy Glow said as she held Diamond Tiara up.  “Neigh Nanners got to her.”
“Yeah,” Apple Bloom said.  “Can’t you do something to save her life?”
Discord looked down at Diamond Tiara’s unconscious body.  He reached down and snapped his finger, creating a flash of some sort.
“Discord,” Apple Bloom said.  “What did you do?”
“Ensured that she doesn’t die,” Discord replied.  “Even my chaos magic can only do so much.  But observe.”
Cozy Glow flew down near Apple Bloom as she looked down at Diamond Tiara.  The pink earth pony filly slowly opened her eyes and looked up at the two opposite fillies.
“Wha,” Diamond Tiara said.  “What happened?”
Apple Bloom cracked a smile on her face as Cozy Glow slowly sat Diamond Tiara up.  The apple filly ran up to Diamond Tiara and gave her a big hug, who winced a bit.
“Oww,” Diamond Tiara said.  “Apple Bloom.  Careful.  I'm hurting a bit.”
“Sorry,” Apple Bloom said as she loosened her grip on Diamond Tiara.  “But I was worried that Neigh Nanners killed you.”
“He…he did?” Diamond Tiara said in shock.
“But what matters now is that you’re alive and well,” Apple Bloom said as tears flowed from her eyes.  “And I hope nothing bad happens to you again.”
Diamond Tiara said nothing as she hugged Apple Bloom back.  But as she turned her head, Diamond Tiara noticed Cozy Glow right next to Discord.
“Wait,” Diamond Tiara said as she pulled away from Apple Bloom.  “I know you.  You’re that infamous filly villain Cozy Glow.”
“The one and only,” Cozy Glow said.  “Although I am having second thoughts about being a villain, considering what Neigh Nanners said.”
Diamond Tiara attempted to get up on her four hooves, only to slip and fall on her belly.  Cozy Glow picked up Diamond Tiara and held her close.
“Is that better?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Yeah,” Diamond Tiara replied.  She turned to face Cozy Glow and added “By the way, you should consider quitting being a villain.  The last thing you need is to be hated by every pony in Equestria, and to be all alone.  I used to be almost like you.”
“Really?” Cozy Glow said.  “I never heard about your escapades as a villain.”
“That’s because I wasn’t on the level of you, or even Tirek,” Diamond Tiara said.  “But I was still considered a mean-spirited villain when I used to give other fillies a hard time.”
“You know,” Cozy Glow said.  “Something about you does remind me of myself in a different way.”
With that, Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara looked at each other with a big smile before giving each other a hug, all while Cozy Glow was careful to keep her grip tight.
“Does that hurt?” Cozy Glow asked.
“No,” Diamond Tiara replied.  “But I do feel achy on the inside.”
Apple Bloom looked at the two fillies with a smile on her face and wiped a tear from her cheek.  She looked to her left and saw a buffed Applejack approach her, causing her smile to turn to confusion.
“If I had known Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara would be good friends,” Applejack said.  “I would have considered this as opposed to having her stay in Tartarus.  At least Diamond’s starting to recover.”
“Applejack?” Apple Bloom said.  “What happened to you?”
“You can thank Tirek for lending me his magic,” Applejack replied as Lord Tirek and Queen Chrysalis appeared right behind her.  Apple Bloom got up and glared at Tirek.
“Seriously?” Apple Bloom said in a cold tone.  “Turning my older sister into a buff pony?  She looks almost like Big Mac.”
“It was so I could get into this place,” Tirek said, scratching the back of his head.  “Besides, we also got your sister back up and running.”
“Though I do admit that this style does look intriguing,” Queen Chrysalis said with an amusing chuckle.  “I can only imagine the fanfiction that comes out of a Buff Applejack.”
Apple Bloom let out a disturbed huff before she turned tail and marched towards the trolley.  She looked at both Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow as she made her way to the car.
“I can understand sympathy towards friends like those,” Apple Bloom said to Cozy Glow as she made her way towards the cart.  “But a buff mare like that crosses the line.”
Apple Bloom marched up to the trolley entrance in a hurry, giving a confused look on Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara.  The two fillies turned to see Applejack walk up with Big Mac, Granny Smith, Sugar Belle and Grand Pear right behind her.
“Cozy, I know what you’re going to say,” Applejack said.  “But for once, I don’t blame Tirek on this.  He was at least trying to get me back on my hooves for the time being.”
As the rest of the Apple Family walked past Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara, the former bully to the Cutie Mark Crusaders attempted to get down on her four hooves, only to barely move from Cozy Glow.  Diamond’s legs were shaking a bit.
“What’s going on?” Diamond Tiara said.  “I can barely move.”
Discord walked up to her and said “I’m afraid you’re still a bit worn out from what that Neigh Nanners did to you.  If I were you, I would take it easy.  Lay off those hooves for a bit.”
Cozy Glow smirked and said “Allow me.”  She immediately picked up Diamond Tiara by the legs and lifted her up, flying in the air once more.  The diamond filly laughed in amusement.
“I didn’t know you had that kind of strength,” Diamond Tiara said as Cozy Glow flew towards the trolley.
“You can thank Grogar’s Bewitching Bell,” Cozy Glow replied.  “If Celestia does bring it down here.”
Diamond Tiara let out a slight giggle as Cozy Glow flew her into the entrance of the trolley.  Discord turned his head towards Chrysalis and Tirek, who was immediately accompanied by the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Midnight Sparkle, the rest of the Mane Six, the seven pillars of Old Equestria, Trixie, Starlight, Sunburst, Queen Novo and Princess Luna.
“I hope Princess Celestia knows what she’s doing,” Discord said.  “Especially considering the racket going upstairs.”
“As much as I agree with you Discord,” Luna replied.  “I do have faith in my sister.  Besides, it’s the only way we can all escape.”
“Well you better be right,” Discord said.  “In the meantime, we better get going.”
But just as everyone was about to move towards the trolley, a loud explosion from the throne room went off, shaking the entire foundation and causing everyone within the trolley to scream.  
“What in the world?” Starswirl the Bearded said as he nearly lost his footing.
Starswirl looked up to see Princess Celestia tumble down the staircase helplessly, screaming with each hit on the steps, until she hit the bottom of the floor.  Next to her, the Bewitching Bell landed nearby, sliding across the floor until it bumped next to Princess Luna.
“SISTER!”  Luna cried.
Celestia slowly got up and said “Go….now.”
Luna looked up and saw Neigh Nanners walk down the staircase with the Emotion Amplifier hovering next to him.  He bore a devilish grin on his face, keeping his focus on Princess Luna’s horrified visage.
“How does it feel to watch your sister suffer, Princess Luna?” Neigh Nanners said with delight.  “How does it feel to know that she got what she deserved, after you were originally banished to the moon?”
Princess Luna’s horn glowed brightly and violently.  She pointed it at Neigh Nanners and yelled “Don’t you dare speak ill of my sister.”
Neigh Nanners just laughed and said “I thought you hated her after she banished you to the moon.  Guess it goes to show what a big, fat hypocrite you really are.”
Glaring up at Neigh Nanners, Luna said to herself “There is a part of me that wants to blast my magic right at your face for that comment.  I may have had sister problems, but no one tells me that I should hate my sister.”  
Neigh Nanners continued to stare at Luna with a delightful smile on his face.  He looked up and saw a trolley full of ponies.  He also noticed Midnight Sparkle, Discord, Chrysalis, Tirek, Queen Novo, Starlight, Trixie, Sunset, the rest of the Mane Six and Crusaders and even the Pillars making their way to the trolley.
“You know what?”  Neigh Nanners said.  “I take that back.  You’re not a hypocrite.”
The glow on Luna’s horn disappeared as Luna looked up to Neigh Nanners in confusion and said “Say what?”
“You heard what I said,” Neigh Nanners replied.  “You’re not a hypocrite.  You’re an ABSOLUTE COWARD!”
With that, Neigh Nanners aimed the Emotion Amplifier at the trolley and fired a blast of magic right at it.  Everyone outside jumped away as the blast hit the trolley in a powerful explosion.  Nearly everyone outside the trolley just looked at the impact of the blast in sheer horror.
“YOU MONSTER,” Fluttershy cried.  “HOW COULD YOU?  THOSE WERE CIVILIANS ON THAT TRAIN!”
“A horrible price to pay for not following the truth path,” Neigh Nanners said as the ponies behind him cheered in unison.
But Neigh Nanners’ smile turned to surprise, for when the dust cleared, the trolley was completely intact, and everyone inside just stood there in total shock.  Princess Celestia slowly got up and stared up at Neigh Nanners.
“That metal that was used to forge that train wasn’t just for physical protection,” Princess Celestia said with a smirk on her face.  “It was also used to nullify any magic that would hit it.  Courtesy of Magic’s End.  You can thank the Storm King for allowing this to happen.”
“Clever,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Quite clever.  But it won’t save you from my people.  My chosen ones.”
Neigh Nanners got on his two hind legs and clapped his two front hooves together.  He stepped aside as a number of his own brainwashed cult marched down the steps, chanting “Down with Twilight.  Down with Celestia.  Down with Luna.   Let freedom ring.”
Princess Luna turned her attention towards the Bewitching Bell on the floor.  But as she reached over to pick it up, she was hit by a blast, causing the bell to slide from her to Midnight Sparkle.
“Ah ah ahhh,” Neigh Nanners said as he blew the smoke from the Emotion Amplifier.  “There will be no heroics this time, Princess Luna.”
Midnight Sparkle looked down at the Bewitching Bell that was now near her.  She looked up at Princess Celestia, who stood in front of the marching protesters.
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “Use the bell’s magic on me.  I’ll hold them off so you all can escape.”
“Princess,” Midnight Sparkle said as she got up on her four hooves.  “I can’t.  Not after all I’ve done.  And besides, I don’t want to lose you.”
“Twilight’s right, Princess Celestia,” Sunset Shimmer said, walking next to Midnight Sparkle.  “What are you thinking?  I don’t want you to fall to that cretin.”
“I know I said I don’t want to lose Twilight again,” Princess Celestia said as a tear fell down her cheek. “But given the choice, I would rather be the one to fall than to let Twilight fall to evil again.  And Sunset, I know you’ve come a long way since your fall to evil.  It’s time to see how far your former mentor has fallen.”
“Princess,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “It’s not necessary.”
“No Sunset,” Midnight Sparkle said as she picked up the bell.  “I think I know why she’s doing this.  It’s not just for the two of us.  It’s also for everyone else.”
Midnight Sparkle closed her eyes and pointed the bell at Princess Celestia.  She fired a blast of magic into the bell, causing it to ring loud enough, and for its magic to pour out and hit the Princess of the Sun.
“Thank you….Twilight,” Princess Celestia said as the glow of the bell wrapped around her.
The entire room shook violently as Princess Celestia was wrapped in a cocoon full of magic.  Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spike, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Discord, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Queen Novo, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Somnambula, Flash Magnus, Mage Meadowbrook, Stygian, Starswirl, Sunset Shimmer, Midnight Sparkle and especially Princess Luna all looked up to see Daybreaker emerge from the cocoon with a burst of magic.
“Now go,” Daybreaker yelled.  “I’ll hold them off.  Live to fight another day, My Little Ponies.”
“SISTER!” Princess Luna yelled as she reached out crying.
Immediately, Queen Novo grabbed Princess Luna with a tight bear hug and said “Come, Princess.  Your sister has given us the opportunity to escape.”
“She’s right,” Starswirl the Bearded said.  “We must not let this go to waste.”
Immediately, Starswirl and Novo picked up Luna and carried her straight into the trolley, all while the princess of the moon just looked there helplessly.  Immediately, the rest of the Pillars of old Equestria, followed by Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Spike, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo ran into the trolley, all while looking up at Daybreaker.
“When I say this is the worst possible thing,” Rarity said as she jumped into the trolley.  “I really mean it.”
“Tell me about it,” Spike said as he saw Daybreaker stare down the crowd.  “But it does mean that we will escape.”
“He’s right,” Mistmane said.  “We will find a way to beat back that Emotion Amplifier, no matter what.”
Outside, Starlight, Trixie, Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek were making their way into the trolley.  Trixie looked up at Daybreaker, and shivered a bit.
“Remember what I said about suing you earlier?” Trixie asked.
“As a matter of fact,” Tirek said as he got inside.  “Yes.”
“I take it back,” Trixie said.  “This is far worse than I imagined.”
“Now is not the time to be reflecting back,” Starlight said as she shoved Trixie into the trolley.  “We gotta move and fast.”
But as Starlight Glimmer, Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek got into the trolley, Discord, Midnight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer stood out there, watching as Daybreaker created a barrier to block out the brainwashed minions.
“Princess Celestia,” Midnight Sparkle said, catching Daybreakers attention.
“Yes Twilight?” Daybreaker asked.
Midnight Sparkle shed a tear from her eye and said “Thank you for still believing in me.”
Midnight Sparkle bowed down to the one formerly known as Princess Celestia as she takes the Bewitching Bell into the trolley.  Sunset looked up at Daybreaker, also with a tear in her eye.
“Princess,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Back in the past, I’ve been a big disappointment to you because of my lust for power.  But know this. I’m glad to have changed for the better, not just for you, but for everyone.”
Daybreaker smiled as she said “And I’m glad of it.  Thank you for seeing the error of your own ways.”
With that, Sunset Shimmer turned her head and ran into the trolley.  Discord looked up at Daybreaker, who slammed her hooves onto the floor and sent the brainwashed citizens back.
“I know we both have our own problems, Princess,” Discord said.  “But at least we all know where your heart is in this plan.”
Daybreaker just chuckled and said “And had I known you pretended to be Grogar, I would have gone along with the plan.  Just with a different outcome.  Now go.  I want to see you live another day, Discord.”
Discord cracked a smile as he shaped his talon-like hand in a v-shape and said “Live long…and prosper.”
WIth that, Discord ran towards the trolley and jumped through the doorway.  Once he was in, the doors slammed shut and the trolley began to operate.  Outside, the only ones on the trolley platform were Daybreaker and the brainwashed protesters while Neigh Nanners stood on the stairs.
“If I can’t directly get to them,” Neigh Nanners said as he charged up the Emotion Amplifier.  “Then I’ll indirectly block them.”
Neigh Nanners fired off a blast of magic from the Emotion Amplifier right at the arch of the tunnel.  But before it could hit the arch, Daybreaker flew up and batted it aside with her magic.
“Not in my house, Nanners,” Daybreaker said before she landed on the ground with a powerful slam.  “You want my family?  You gotta get past me.”
Neigh Nanners laughed as he said “With pleasure.”  He immediately jumped from the stairwell and landed in front of his own cult, turning the Emotion Amplifier into a hammer.
Behind Daybreaker, the Trolley hummed loudly.  It’s engines were at full power.  Inside, everyone held on, expecting the worst.
“This is it,” Sunset Shimmer said as Starlight held onto her.  “BRACE FOR IGNITION!”
With a loud blast, the Trolley took off from the station, leaving Daybreaker, Neigh Nanners and the brainwashed cult behind.  Daybreaker looked at Neigh Nanners with a smirk on her face.
“Till all are one,” Daybreaker said as her horn glowed brightly.

Down the train tracks, the Trolley propelled forward as fast as possible, slowing slightly to make the sudden turns and not seeming to tire.  Inside, everyone seemed relaxed by the lack of motion within the cart.  But at the same time, there was a sense of sadness.
“I can’t believe it,” Midnight Sparkle said as she looked out from the back of the trolley.  “That should have been me in there.”
“She did what she had to do,” Sunset Shimmer said as Starlight Glimmer held onto her.  “It was for all of us.”
“That was like the biggest party crash of the century,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Maybe even the whole history of Equestria.  What a bummer.”
“That may be true, considering my student’s heroic sacrifice,” Starswirl said, stroking his beard.  “But what matters is that we all got out safely, and we are on our way to the Crystal Empire.  That will be our last stand.”
Sunset’s ears perked up to the sound of crying.  She turned to see Princess Luna crying in Queen Novo’s arms.  Sunset and Starlight released their own grip from each other and walked up to Queen Novo and Princess Luna.
“Princess,” Sunset said.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Princess Luna cried.  “Now I know what it feels like to have my sister truly separated from me.”
As Luna cried into Novo’s arms, Midnight Sparkle walked up to Sunset and Starlight, looking on at the rest of the passengers in this trolley.
“This is far worse than any of us could imagine,” Midnight Sparkle said. “I thought choosing to be evil was the lowest I’ve been down.  But this takes the cake.”
The moment Midnight Sparkle stopped talking, the trolley had emerged from a tunnel underneath Canterlot City, heading due north.  Midnight Sparkle looked up at Canterlot, now set ablaze, with Sunset and Starlight looking from below.
“You’re right,” Starlight said.  “This is truly worse.  We had to escape from Ponyville to Canterlot, and now we had no choice, but to leave Canterlot.”
Midnight Sparkle shifted her head down as she dropped the Bewitching Bell from her hooves and said “Right now, I don’t feel like doing anything, even though what I did was necessary.”
“What matters now is that we have to keep fighting in the name of friendship,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We shouldn’t let Celestia’s sacrifice be for nothing.  There is far more at stake than we’ve ever imagined.  And I’m willing to take up that task to my dying breath.”
Midnight Sparkle looked at Sunset Shimmer before reaching over and giving her a hug.
“Thanks Sunset,” Midnight replied.  “I’m glad to have helped give you that second chance.  I don’t know what I would have been without it.”
“Anytime, Twilight,” Sunset said.
The trolley continued its journey away from the now ruined Canterlot, all the way up north to the Crystal Empire.  But unknown to our heroes, the Windigos began to hover in the sky, bringing forth a cold winter to the land.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 13: Sanctuary in the Crystal Empire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sanctuary in the Crystal Empire



As the sun began to set over the horizon, the trolley blazed down the tracks at high speeds, rocketing through the country land of Equestria.  Inside, everyone just sat there, observing each other and the landscape that passed them by.  
For Apple Bloom, Tirek, Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, Diamond Tiara and Discord, their minds were more focused just observing the entire land from the comfort of the trolley.  But they felt a sense of sadness within themselves.  Diamond Tiara just laid on the couch while Apple Bloom jumped up and sat next to her.
“Diamond,” Apple Bloom said.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Diamond Tiara said.  “If anything, I feel a lot worse now than when I was back in Canterlot.  Not to mention that I was almost killed.”
“I know how you feel about that,” Apple Bloom said.  “When I saw what that monster Neigh Nanners did, I also freaked out not just because of what happened to you, but also what happened to Applejack.”
“And I still can barely feel my legs and arms,” Diamond Tiara said as she barely lifted her front right arm before it fell back onto the cushion of the seat.  “I don’t know what that…meanie did.  But he sure makes me wish I went down Cozy Glow’s path and became a full-fledged villain.”
Those words caught everyone in the vicinity off guard, especially Cozy Glow who got down on her four legs and tapped Diamond Tiara on the flank.
“Don’t say that,” Cozy Glow said. 
“Well why not?” Diamond Tiara said.  “After what Neigh Nanners did to Canterlot, Ponyville, and I believe even my own parents and Silver Spoon, I’d say I’ll go down that necessary path.”
Cozy Glow turned her head away in shame right towards Tirek and Chrysalis, who nodded back at her.  The little alicorn filly closed her eyes and turned to face Diamond Tiara.
“You’re right that we’re similar in a way, Diamond Tiara,” Cozy Glow said.  “But after seeing what Neigh Nanners was doing, and how destructive he was in his own lust for power, I lost my own taste for it.”
“So did taste for power taste like cupcake?” Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara, Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, Tirek and Discord turned their heads to see the Student Six, along with Juno and Huckleberry approach the alicorn filly.
“Hey, give her a break,” Apple Bloom said.  “The last thing we need is a civil war within this escape vehicle.”
“Actually, we’re not here to confront Cozy Glow despite what she did at the School of Friendship,” Gallus said.  “In fact, we’re not in that mood to be scolding her considering what Neigh Nanners did.”
“Yeah,” Yona said.  “Cozy Glow;s status as worst pony pale in comparison to Neigh Nanners.  He worst pony of all time.”
Smolder walked up to Diamond Tiara, who could barely more her arms and legs.  The dragon held her hand out.
“Diamond,” Smolder said.  “I heard you want to go down the path of evil because of the incidents that happened to all of us.”
“It’s true,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I’m losing faith in the magic of friendship.  In everything.  It’s like I just want to let myself cut loose and go all out evil just to get back at them.”
“I would advise against it,” Smolder said as she held her hand out.  “Not because a certain filly was evil, but because the last thing we need is for you to be that reckless.”
“But what else can I do?” Diamond Tiara said.  “I’ve never felt so helpless in my entire life, and to see one selfish monster just come out and uproot everything we hold dear…”
Smolder reached out and slowly brushed Diamond Tiara’s mane with her claws, causing the filly to stop talking.  She bent down and said “Then we fight together as one.  No one should be fighting by themselves.”
“But with what?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“Whatever we can scrounge up,” Smolder replied.  “We may not have much.  But I guarantee to you that we will get as many as possible to make our final stand, and to get as many allies to help us.”
“I’m afraid she’s right and I’m surprised to have to say this,” Cozy Glow said as she slammed her hoof on the seat.  “All we have left is the Crystal Empire and our last hope at saving Equestria from the greatest evil ever.  Failure is not an option.”
The Student Six just stared at her in complete shock, with Yona’s jaw dropping down to the ground.
“Wow,” Gallus said.  “Even after what you did, I’m surprised to hear that come out of you.”
“You should be more surprised that we’re agreeing with Cozy Glow on this,” Tirek said.  “Right now, I've even become sick and tired of this madness coming out of this Neigh Nanners character.  As someone who’s had a history as a villain towards Twilight Sparkle and her friends, I’m more than willing to lend a hand.”
“So am I,” Queen Chrysalis said, stepping forward.  “I was also an antagonist towards Twilight and her friends…twice.  And not to mention my own desire for revenge against Starlight Glimmer.  But after I saw what a horrible monster Neigh Nanners turned out to be, and I hope Starlight is hearing this, I’ve lost my taste for revenge.”
“I overheard you, and I’m glad of it.”  Queen Chrysalis turned her head to see Starlight Glimmer walk up to her from a previous trolley car.
“Starlight,” Silverstream said.  “What are you doing back here?”
“I had a feeling that Queen Chrysalis could use some sympathy after what we’re all going through,” Starlight said.  “I knew what it was like to desire revenge after Twilight and her friends defeated me.  I even went back in time in order to extract my revenge.”
“Wait,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “You went back in time?”
“Long story,” Starlight said as she shifted her head back in shame.  “But when I realized what my actions would result in, I changed my ways thanks to Twilight Sparkle.  And judging by your attitudes, it seems you three are in my horseshoes like I was.  We’re far more alike than you realize.  But if you disagree with me, then Tirek can take my magic.”
Chrysalis, TIrek and Cozy Glow looked at Starlight Glimmer with an awkward look on their face.  They turned to face each other, with little clue what to do.
“You know what?” Chrysalis said as she turned her head towards Starlight before letting out a sigh. “You’re right, Starlight.  And I’ll have to admit.  We do have some form of similarities.  Our own ego, our lust for power and desire for revenge.  So Starlight, you little pony you, I’ll bury the hatchet between you and me.  But mainly because we now have bigger fish to fry.”
Chrysalis raised her hoof into the air with the flat side facing Starlight Glimmer.  The unicorn with the swirly mane nodded as she raised her hoof up, bumping it on Chrysalis’s hoof.  Everyone watched with an “Awww” on their face, especially Silverstream, who looked very giddy.”
“This is,” Silverstream said, struggling not to cry.  “A beautiful moment.”
With that, Silverstream grabbed Gallus and hugged him hard, causing the Griffon to squawk really loud.
“LET GO OF ME!” Gallus yelled in pain.  “THIS IS BECOMING TOO MUCH OF A RUNNING GAG!”
The rest of the Student Six laughed in unison as Silverstream continued to hug Gallus tightly.
“Say,” Ocellus said.   “How long until we reach then Crystal Empire?”
“Won’t be long,” Sandbar replied.  “In fact, if you look outside, we’ve gone from summer to winter in almost an instant..”
Everyone stuck their heads outside as they saw the land was now covered completely in snow.  They oohed and awed in total joy at the valley that was blanketed in total winter, all as the trolley dashed through without delay.  In the further distance, lies the fabled Crystal Empire, a city that shines for lost souls.

Sometime later, the trolley makes its final stop at an emergency platform within the central palace of the Crystal Empire.  Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Princess Flurry Heart and Sunburst stood there, anticipating the first pony to step out.
“I still can’t believe what transpired in Ponyville and Canterlot,” Shining Armor said.  
“I also heard word that Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow are accompanying all of the evacuees,” Princess Cadance said. 
“Do you think they’ll be a major problem?” Shining Armor asked.  
“Right now, that’s the least of my concern,” Princess Cadance said. “There’s still that Neigh Nanners character that we have to worry about, and his cult of personality.  I’m also hoping that Twilight Sparkle is in there, and okay.”
“So am I,” Shining Armor said.  “Though I did hear that she took sides with Chrysalis, TIrek and Cozy Glow for a while.  So she’s got a bit of explaining to do.”
“Well, it could have been worse,” Princess Cadance replied as the doors to the trolley began to open.  “Neigh Nanners could have turned Twilight into his own servant.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor observed as the front passenger doors opened.  The first one to step out was Discord, who jumped out of the car and landed on the platform, kissing it.
“Oh you beautiful, beautiful land,” Discord said as he continued to kiss the floor.  “I don’t want to separate myself from your preciousness.”
Discord stopped kissing the moment he heard laughter.  He looked up and saw Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and Sunburst chuckling.  Even Flurry Heart couldn’t hold in her laughter.
“Discord,” Shining Armor laughed.  “That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen coming out of you.”
Discord slowly picked himself up and dusted his fur off.  He adjusted his two horns on his head and cleared his throat.
“I better not make this habit,” Discord said.  “The last thing I need to be the Crystal Empire’s new court jester.”
Discord stepped aside as a number of ponies stepped off the trolley and onto the platform.  Emerging from the crowd was none other than Sunset Shimmer, who held the Bewitching Bell on her side with her magic.
“You’re Sunset Shimmer,” Princess Cadance said.  “Twilight told me all about you.”
“She did,” Sunset replied as she placed the bell next to her.  “But I don’t think you’ll like what became of her.”
Shining Armor picked up Sunset in a freaked out tone and said “Is she gone?  Did that monster Neigh Nanners destroy her?”
Sunset let out a sigh and said “Nope.  She’s here, but not how you envisioned it.”
Sunset pointed to the trolley front door, where Midnight Sparkle emerged onto the platform.  Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Sunburst’s jaws dropped in horror, all while Shining Armor unintentionally dropped Sunset Shimmer onto the floor.
“Twili?” Shining Armor said.  “What happened to you? Did you…turn evil?”
Midnight Sparkle sighed as she said “It’s true.  I lost so much of my confidence during the failed Summer Sun Celebration that…well…I gave up being a princess and chose to take sides with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow.”
“I don’t believe it,” Shining Armor said.  “My own sister went rogue?”
Princess Cadance turned her head for a moment and said “Our guest was right about Twilight.  From losing faith because of this Neigh Nanners to forming an alliance with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow to even becoming Midnight Sparkle.”
Shining Armor tapped Princess Cadance and asked “Honey.  Did you say something?”
Princess Cadance raised her head and said with an embarrassed tone “Oh no.  Nothing to worry about right now.”
Sunset walked up to Midnight and said “Something is definitely odd here.”
Midnight Sparkle whispered back and said “And here I thought I was the guilty party.”
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer emerged from behind Sunset Shimmer and Midnight Sparkle, catching Sunburst’s attention.
“Starlight,” Sunburst said as he ran and picked up Starlight with his hooves, lifting her in the air.
“Sunburst, I’m glad to see you,” Starlight said as Sunburst set her down.
“When I heard what happened in Ponyville and Canterlot,” Sunburst said.  “I feared the worst.  But I’m glad you’re alright, along with whoever you’re with.”
“Well you’re not going to be happy with who I’m accompanied by,” Starlight said.  “But at least we’re away from Canterlot for the moment.”
“If it has to do with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow,” Sunburst replied. “Then that’s gonna be the least of my worries.”
Starlight Glimmer, Midnight Sparkle and Sunburst stepped aside as Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow stepped out from the passenger car with Cozy Glow holding Diamond Tiara in her arms.  Shining Armor and Princess Cadance walked up to the trio.
“Princess Cadance,” Queen Chrysalis said in a cold tone.
“I was hoping we wouldn’t see each other again,” Princess Cadance said.  “Nor did I want to fight you again.  But it seems we’re at an impasse with this Neigh Nanners monster.”
“Indeed,” Queen Chrysalis replied, keeping her eyes on Cadance. “I know why you still have a grudge against me.  It’s because of your Wedding with Shining Armor that I tried to manipulate him into helping me conquer Equestria, and because I chose to kidnap your entire family.”
“That may be true,” Princess Cadance said.  “But after reading the letter from Princess Celestia prior to Canterlot being invaded, I’m willing to put my grudge aside for the moment.”
“So am I,” Shining Armor said.  “Though I’m still surprised that you, along with Tirek and Cozy Glow, were able to get Twili onto your side.”
“We were also surprised by Princess Twilight Sparkle’s decision to join our cause,” Tirek said.  “But that pales in comparison to that jerk’s decision to sic his rabid base on us.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Princess Cadance said.  “I’ll also consider a temporary truce with you three for the moment.  But act out of line, and I will be swift in judgment.”
Diamond Tiara immediately squirmed in Cozy Glow’s arms as she yelled out “What about me?”
Princess Cadance looked at Diamond Tiara and said “What happened to you?”
Cozy Glow held Diamond Tiara up and said “Neigh Nanners struck her down.  Discord was able to stabilize her mind.  But it appears it won’t be enough.  She’s going to need special treatment.”
Princess Cadance’s face turned to total shock.  She turned towards Cozy Glow and said “When we go up to the castle, I’ll take you both down to the medical ward.  They’ll know what to do with her.”
“Good,” Cozy Glow said.  “I don’t want anything bad to happen to her.”
Princess Cadance turned her head towards Discord, who was upright and was a bit somber.
“I overheard what Cozy Glow said to you,” Discord said.  “It’s true.  Even back when I was a villain, I loathed the idea of harming an innocent little child, despite Cozy Glow being a devious little witch.  But when Neigh Nanners chose to strike Diamond Tiara down, that’s when I knew I should have followed that code of honor.  I promise you this, no little filly or colt will be harmed by me, no matter what.”
Princess Cadance walked up to Discord and said “At least you’ve made up for that incident with pretending to be Grogar.  Thanks.”
Shining Armor turned his head towards Midnight Sparkle, who slowly walked up to her brother.  Shining looked down at her and said “While I am disappointed in you, sis, one thing I am glad is that you are safe.”
“Oh?” Midnight said as she stopped in place.
“I don’t know what would have happened if Neigh Nanners took you captive,” Shining Armor replied as he put his arms on his sister’s shoulders.  “A part of me would have lost it.  Gone completely nuts.  I don’t know where I would be without you.”
Midnight Sparkle looked up at her big brother.  She didn't know what to say.  Midnight made her first move towards Shining Armor, but stopped when Princess Flurry Heart flew up and gave her aunt a hug.
"Twilight," Flurry Heart said, cuddling into Midnight's mane.
"Even Flurry Heart misses you," Shining Armor said.  "And she would be upset if you were lost."
Midnight Sparkle said nothing as she looked down at Flurry Heart and gave her a big hug.
"Don't worry," Midnight said.  "I won't be forever lost.  I promise."
Princess Cadance’s smile turned into a frown when she saw Queen Novo walk a depressed Princess Luna out of the train.  She immediately ran up to Novo and Luna, passing by Midnight, Sunset, Starlight, Sunburst, Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara.
“Aunt Luna,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “What happened?”
Princess Luna turned her head away as Queen Novo said “I’m afraid Princess Celestia stayed behind so that we could all escape.  And now, I fear she may be dead.”
Princess Cadance, Princess Flurry Heart and Shining Armor’s face went completely blank.  Their jaws dropped down in total disbelief.  Their eyes shrunk down to a single dot.  They remained motionless.
“This is even worse than I imagined,” Princess Cadance said as she started pacing back and forth. “Princess Celestia fell to Neigh Nanners?  What are we going to do?”
Princess Luna raised her head, eyeing Cadance’s frantic pacing.  She got up and stopped Cadance in her tracks.
“Princess Cadance,” Princess Luna said.  “I know I should be saying this to myself and I miss my sister even more so than ever.  But now is not the time to panic.  You’re better than this.”
“But what can I do?” Princess Cadance asked.
“You’ve defended the Crystal Empire from King Sombra with the help of Spike the Dragon,” Princess Luna replied.  “You repelled Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings with the help of Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle.  You are far more capable than you realize.”
Princess Cadance calmed down.  She took a few deep breaths and said “You’re right.  We need to prepare for the worst.”
Luna’s scowl turned into a smile as she said “Then it’s time we prepare for our final battle.  Neigh Nanners will come for the Crystal Empire, and I believe the Crystal Heart may play a role in that.”  Those words caused Princess Cadance’s face to change to wonder.
“Wait,” Princess Cadance replied.  “I think I know what you mean.”
Princess Cadance turned towards Midnight Sparkle, who stood there like she was ready.
“I think you have an idea on what to do,” Midnight Sparkle said.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Princess Cadance said.  “You’re not the only one with a secret.  Just early ago, a guest came by our kingdom and told me of what transpired about the Emotion Amplifier.  He said he would like to meet you at the Crystal Chalice Tavern.”
“Crystal Chalice Tavern,” Midnight said.  “Got it.”
WIth that, Midnight Sparkle bolted for the staircase in a hurry.  Princess Cadance immediately turned to Sunset Shimmer.
“Sunset,” Cadence said.  “Go with Twilight.  Just in case.”
“You don’t need to tell me anything else,” Sunset said with a smirk on her face.  “I know just what to do.”
With that, Sunset Shimmer picked up the Bewitching Bell and ran after Midnight Sparkle in a hurry, leaving Princess Cadance to wipe the sweat off her forehead.
“If it makes her feel any better,” Tirek said.  “I volunteer to look after those two.”
Princess Cadance looked at Tirek and said with a smug look on her face “Knock yourself out, big boy.”  Those words displeased Shining Armor a bit.
Tirek was about to take off when he felt a hoof tapping his leg. He looked down and saw Applejack standing right there, still buff as ever.
“I know you have some important things to do,” Applejack said.  “But you’re free to take back the magic you gave me.”
Tirek just smiled and said “Keep it.  It’s my gift to you.”  The centaur then took off for the staircase, leaving Applejack dumbfounded.
“Dagnabit,” Applejack said as she threw her hat down onto the ground.  “I was hoping to get mah softer body back.”
“Well look on the bright side,” Pinkie Pie said as she walked out of the passenger car.  “There will be ponies that will talk about the buffest pony in all of Equestria.  They’ll sing songs about you, about your legendary muscles, and write horrible shipping fanfiction about it.”
“That’s not helping, Pinkie,” Applejack said in disgust.
Princess Cadance just laughed as she said “Okay.  Let’s get things taken care of.  Cozy Glow, take Diamond Tiara with me and we’ll head to the Medical Ward to get her healed up.  Shining, take everyone else up to the city and alert everyone.  Our final fight begins.”
Shining Armor nodded as Princess Cadance guided Cozy Glow holding Diamond Tiara up the stairs.  Everyone else was gathered around the older brother of Twilight Sparkle.
“Okay everyone,” Shining Armor said. “Follow me.  We’re going to get you all ready for the fight of your lives.”
With that Shining Armor lead the group out of the trolley and up towards the staircase.  Within the group, The Student Six marched with caution.
“Still can’t believe what kind of mess we’re all in,” Smolder said.  “I hope we can get through this one unscathed.”
“We will,” Sandbar said.  “As long as we are united together, we can give that Neigh Nanners a piece of our mind.”
“I hope so,” Ocellus said.  “Because even with the Bewitching Bell and the Crystal Heart, it may not be enough.”
“There will be a way,” Sandbar said.  “Whoever this guest is, he may be our last hope.”

Meanwhile, at the Crystal Chalice Tavern, Midnight Sparkle walked in from the entrance and looked around.  There were ponies across the room enjoying their food and drinking the finest beverages of all of Equestria.  She immediately walked up to an empty stand and got up onto the seat.
“So this is the Crystal Chalice,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Kind of a lively place to be if you ask me.”
“About as lively as the rest of your friends, Twilight,” Midnight Sparkle turned around and saw Sunset Shimmer and Tirek come in through the entrance and took a pair of seats to the right of the dark alicorn.
“Guess I can’t be without good friends,” Midnight said with a smile on her face.  “I take it Princess Cadance wants you guys to be with me for this moment.”
“You could say that,” Tirek said.
Sunset Shimmer placed the Bewitching Bell onto the counter.  The barkeep of the tavern walked up to the trio.
“So what will it be?” The barkeep asked.
“Your best apple cider,” Midnight Sparkle said.
“Make that two,” Sunset replied.
“Ahh what the hey,” Tirek replied.  “I’ll have one as well.”
“You got it,” the Barkeep said as he reached down into some shelves below the counter.
Sunset and Tirek turned towards Midnight Sparkle, who looked a bit embarrassed.
“So,” Sunset said.  “Princess Cadance mentioned a guest here in the Crystal Empire.”
“She sure did,” Midnight Sparkle said. “Whoever he is, I hope he can help us with what we’re facing.  Be it Neigh Nanners and the Emotion Amplifier.  We’re facing a lot worse than anything else in our entire lives.”
“And you should know that I was the one responsible for that dangerous artifact in the first place.”  Those words immediately caught the attention of Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and Tirek.  They all turned their heads to see a male ram with a moderate cornflower blue coat, a light cobalt bluish gray mane, and pale apple green eyes sit to the left of the dark alicorn.  Midnight Sparkle and Tirek’s face turned into total disbelief.
“I don’t believe it,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “You’re…Grogar.  The Emperor of Old Equestria.”
Grogar took a swig of apple cider from his mug and laid it down before turning towards Midnight and said “That’s a name I have not been called in more than a millennium.  But….I have long retired from that position, and wish to simply live in peace.”
“So you’re the one who Princess Cadance called a guest,” Sunset said.
“Yes,” Grogar said.  “I also foresaw your arrival to the Crystal Empire, all thanks to that mad stallion known as Neigh Nanners.”
Tirek got up, slammed his hands onto the counter and said “I don’t suppose you’re really Discord in disguise, are ya?”
Grogar just laughed and said “I am fully aware of Discord pretending to be me.  I was furious the moment I found out.  But I observed with pure curiosity on why he would impersonate the one you see.  But my curiosity turned to amusement the moment you turned against him.”
Grogar continued to laugh before he took another swig of cider, all while Tirek returned back to his seat.
“Then I owe you an apology for that assumption,” Tirek said.
“No need,” Grogar replied.  “Just that moment involving that impostor’s humiliation was more than enough.”
Sunset looked at the Bewitching Bell.  She picked it up and got out of her seat, holding it out to Grogar.
“I believe this is yours,” Sunset said, shocking Midnight and Tirek.
“Sunset, what are you thinking?” Midnight Sparkle said.
“It does belong to him,” Sunset Shimmer said, turning her head towards Midnight.  “Maybe he can use it to stop the Emotion Amplifier.”
Grogar smiled as he pushed the Bewitching Bell back, much to Sunset’s surprise.  He then said “I appreciate your gesture.  But you need that bell more than I do.”
“Say what?” Sunset said, confused.
Grogar reached down with his magic and picked up what appeared to be a second Bewitching Bell.  He set it down on the counter as Sunset got back up onto her seat.
“One bell will not be enough for this fight,” Grogar said.  “I forged a second Bewitching Bell in case something like this would pop up.  And it appears my calculations were correct.”
“Guess one can never be too prepared,” Tirek said with a laugh.
Sunset looked down at her Bewitching Bell and said “So what should we do with this one?”
Grogar pointed to the bell in Sunset’s arms and said “You will need that bell to take enough of the energy of the Emotion Amplifier, and use your Crystal Heart to nullify the effects of the Amplifier.”
“So what does the Crystal Heart have to do with the Emotion Amplifier?” Midnight asked.
“The Emotion Amplifier is based more on negative emotions,” Grogar said.  “Long ago during my rule over the ponies of Equestria, I had discovered a cache of the most powerful and dangerous energy on the entire planet known as ‘Nihilism Magic.’  A magic so dangerous that even going near it would alter your mind.”
“I have never heard of this Nihilism Magic,” Midnight Sparkle said.  
“Me too,” Sunset said, nodding her head in agreement.  
“Even as the Emperor of all that you see,” Grogar said.  “I did not like the idea of this magic seeping into the atmosphere and turning ponies’ emotions into powerful entities.  As a result, I crafted what one calls the Emotion Amplifier to contain Nihilism Magic.  I referred to it once as ‘Nihilism’s Bane.’  But holding onto that artifact out of fear of what it would do corrupted my mind.”
“Guess that is why they call it the Emotion Amplifier,” Tirek said.  “This Nihilism’s Bane.”
“Nihilism’s Bane drove me mad,” Grogar said.  “I became a monster under its influence, harming every being within my reach, or turning them into a crazed maniac like I was.  It almost brought down all of society had one pony not stopped me and taken away both my Bewitching Bell and Nihilism’s Bane.”
“You’re talking about Gusty the Great,” Midnight Sparkle asked.
“Yes,” Grogar said.  “She wielded an artifact of pure hope known as the Sword of Harmony.  The power of that sacred blade was enough to quell Nihilism’s Bane.  She took both the bell and the bane away in hope of hiding them away from the whole world.  I would have been outraged by my defeat and banishment.  But in reality, I owe Gusty more than I realize.”
“More than you realize?” Sunset asked.  “What do you mean?”
“Gusty the Great was my adopted daughter,” Grogar said.  “I found her long ago when a monster by the name of Majestic the Prideful was displacing ponies left and right for his own amusement.  I raised her as my own daughter, taught her my own ways and helped her overthrow Majestic the Prideful.  Though she did turn on  me when what you call the Emotion Amplifier turned me into a monster, I am proud of what she did.  Since then, I allowed the ponies of the world to take over while I hid in secret.  I even wrote a book about my adopted daughter, as a reminder of how far I fell and how proud I was of her.”
“I never realized this,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “The one who wrote the story of Gusty the Great was both her arch nemesis and her adopted father.”
“And now you know,” Grogar said.  “And knowing is half the battle.”
“But don’t we need the Sword of Harmony for this fight?” Sunset asked.
“You will not need the sword,” Grogar said.  “You have my first bell and the Crystal Heart.  What you will need is an individual with enough Nihilism Magic as a prism to quell all of it.  One that Neigh Nanners has gotten his hooves on.”
‘I think it might be Princess Celestia,” Midnight said with a shock on her face.  “She might be alive.”
“Then she will be the key needed to quell the magic of Nihilism,” Grogar said.  “Lure her to the Crystal Heart, use my first bell to extract the magic, and use the magic of the Crystal Heart to create a purifying effect that will cleanse the land of all Nihilism, and disable what you call the Emotion Amplifier.”
“So what will you do?” Sunset asked.
“I will confront Neigh Nanners on his own turf, and make him pay for all the crimes he commited,” Grogar said, holding the second Bewitching Bell.
“Then it sounds like a plan,” Tirek said as the drinks were set next to him, Sunset and Midnight.
“It won’t be easy,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “We have the objectives.  If we can hold Neigh Nanners’ own cult back and lure Princess Celestia here, then we should be able to extract this nihilism magic out of her, and use the Crystal Heart to purify every pony.”
Grogar lifted his chalice into the air and said “Then let us all toast to this upcoming fight and to our victory.”
Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and Tirek held up their drinks and clanged them with Grogar in a celebration before drinking down the cider in the mugs.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 14: Rise of the Fire Nags
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rise of the Fire Nags



In the nearly abandoned city of Canterlot, a crowd gathered around the castle chanting Neigh Nanners’ name as loudly as possible.  On a platform in front of the crowd, Daybreaker laid there, completely unconscious.  There were bruises scattered on parts of her body, indicating the damage she got during her fight against Neigh Nanners and his cult.  Her crown, necklace and shoes were shattered.  Her wings were extended outwards and laid limping on the ground.
Neigh Nanners emerged from the entrance of the castle, causing the crowd to cheer in unison.  He now wore a gold battle armor around his body and a purple cape flying from his neck.  The Emotion Amplifier was now pinned onto a sash that covered the chest area of his armor.  He looked primed and ready.
“CITIZENS, TRUE BELIEVERS,” Neigh Nanners shouted, causing the crowd to be silent.  “TODAY MARKS THE DAY OF YOUR FREEDOM FROM THIS MENACE KNOWN AS FRIENDSHIP!  AND I AM YOUR LIBERATOR!  WE WILL MARCH ONTO THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE, OVERTHROW PRINCESS CADANCE, PRINCESS LUNA AND PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE, AND END FRIENDSHIP, ONCE AND FOR ALL!”
The crowd cheered as Neigh Nanners walked down the staircase towards Daybreaker.  He approached the altar where the pony formerly known as Princess Celestia laid there.  Neigh Nanners got on his two legs and raised his hooves into the air.
“AND NOW MY FAITHFUL SUBJECTS,” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “THE LAST MOMENTS OF PRINCESS CELESTIA’S TYRANNY!  SHE WILL BE SAVED AND BECOME ONE OF US!  A MEMBER OF THE FREEDOM PONIES!  TO END THE REIGN OF THE SCOURGE KNOWN AS FRIENDSHIP!”
The crowd cheered as Neigh Nanners unhook the Emotion Amplifier from his sash and raised it into the air.  The artifact floated into the air and hovered above the unconscious body of Daybreaker.
“BEHOLD,” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF FRIENDSHIP!”
A powerful beam of energy emitted from the Emotion Amplifier, blanketing Daybreaker in its magic.  Her eyes awoke to see the powerful flare of magic cover her body, causing her to scream in pain.  The crowd cheered as the sky around them darkened.  
“DO YOU HEAR THAT?” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “THAT IS THE SOUND OF FRIENDSHIP BEING CAST OUT OF THEM!  THIS IS THE PROOF THAT MY VIEWS ARE THE ONLY CORRECT VIEWS, AND THAT EVERYONE ELSE IS WRONG!  AND NOW THE TRUTH WILL SET HER…FREE!”
Daybreaker’s screams came to a stop as the crowd cheered once again in unison.  The Emotion Amplifier continued to pour its magic onto her, until Neigh Nanners raised his hooves in the air again.
“And now,” Neigh Nanners said.  “It is time to welcome the newest member of our organization.  Behold, Crusader Celestia.”
The magic pouring out of the Emotion Amplifier stopped up as the artifact floated back into Neigh Nanners’ hooves.  On the platform, a figure formerly known as Princess Celestia and Daybreaker rose up and faced the crowd, who cheered in unison.  No longer did she have a fiery red and orange mane, nor the bright colors of her traditional mane.  Instead, her mane and tail were now a bright yellow, and she was decorated in bright orange plate armor covering her body sans her head.
“Crusader Celestia,” Neigh Nanners said.  “I welcome thee to the Order of the Freedom Ponies.”
Crusader Celestia turned towards Neigh Nanners before bowing down to him and said “It is a great honor to be amongst your organization, my Lord.  How may I serve you?”
Neigh Nanners looked up into the air, and saw the Windigos circling in the atmosphere above Canterlot.  He turned his visage back towards Crusader Celestia.
“Do you see the Windigos above you?” Neigh Nanners replied.  “They, like the very Earth Ponies, Unicorn and Pegasi, are the slaves of the Tyranny of Friendship.  When we embrace our own freedom, they come out to do the will of Friendship’s great power.  Would you kindly free them from their shackles?”
Crusader Celestia raised her head and said “Consider it done.”

Meanwhile, at the Crystal Empire, Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Grogar and Tirek emerged from the Crystal Chalice tavern.  They had only taken a few steps forward when they noticed the Windigos in the skies above, circling around Canterlot.
“Oh no,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “The Windigos.  We had forgotten about them.”
“I’ve read up about them back when I was Celestia’s snobbish student,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But I never expect to see them in person.”
“It means we only have a limited time before Equestria is frozen,” Grogar said.  “If we do not purge the land of Nihilism Magic, then we will be doomed.”
“Being caught between a mad pony with that kind of magic and those mythical beasts of pure ice,” Tirek said as he looked a little discouraged.  “It can’t get any worse than that.”
Suddenly, a red-orangish beam shot out from afar at Canterlot and hit the Windigos directly.  Midnight, Sunset, Grogar and Tirek just stood there, completely stunned, as they watched the Windigo’s color shift from blue to red-orange.
“WHAT?”  Midnight said as she stood there with her jaw dropped to the floor.  “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?”
“It’s worse than I imagined,” Grogar said.  “Somehow, Neigh Nanners just figured out how to transform the Windigos into Fire Nags.”
Midnight Sparkle slowly shifted her head towards Grogar and said in a shaky tone “Fire…nags?”
“Beings of pure hate and malice,” Grogar said.  “They were the original forms of the Windigos, and their powers involve amplifying these negative emotions.”
“In other words,” Sunset said with her eyes glued to the Fire Nags that hovered above Canterlot.  “They’re like the Sirens who amplified the hate and anger of ponies.”
“But far worse,” Grogar said.  “They were made Windigos to prevent the build up of Nihilism Magic across Equestria.  A safeguard, if you will.  But without that safeguard, it will be far easier for hate and anger to spread across the whole world.”
Sunset and Midnight turned their heads towards Tirek with a disgusted look on their face, with the centaur looking at them oddly.
“What?”  Tirek said.  “How would I know they would turn into Fire Nags?”
Grogar stepped in between Midnight and Tirek and said “Now is not the time to argue.  We must report this to Princess Cadance at once.”
Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and Tirek all nodded as they followed Grogar through the streets of Canterlot and towards the palace.
But nearby, Latin Roma stuck his head out from the alleyway and caught a glimpse of Tirek and Midnight Sparkle.  His eyes burned with fire.
“Midnight Sparkle, Tirek,” Latin Roma said.  “I’ve waited a long time for this.”

Inside the Medical Wing of the Castle, Diamond Tiara held herself in place as she lay sleeping inside a crystal filled with a cool, refreshing liquid.  Outside, Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow, Apple Bloom, Smolder, Discord and Princess Cadance stood by.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Apple Bloom said as she continued to stare at Diamond .
“This is an ancient healing technique from the days of Princess Amore,” Princess Cadance said.  “The crystal essence used has healing properties that are unlike anything across this world.  A pony can go from near-death to totally revitalized in little time.”
“So why wasn’t Discord’s magic enough to fully heal Diamond Tiara?” Smolder asked.
“I can explain that,” Discord said.  “My magic does possess some healing capabilities.  But not on this kind of level.  Chaos magic can be very unpredictable and it could do more harm than good.  Something as basic as a stabilizing spell runs little to no risk of harming the patient.”
“Wait,” Starlight said.  “You mean to tell me that Chaos Magic has its limits?”
“Well Chaos Magic is more of a reality-shifting power,” Discord said.  “It unfortunately is not as powerful when it comes to healing magic or pure destruction.  And no way can it be used to directly take a life or to bring life back.”
“So let me get this straight,” Starlight Glimmer said, glaring at Discord.  “Even in spite of the fact that you’re the spirit of chaos, you cannot kill anyone directly or bring ponies back from the dead?”
Discord crossed his arms and said “No matter how many contradictions I’ve shown, I cannot off anyone, nor can I resurrect anyone.  I’ve tried that before and nothing happened.”
Cadence just laughed and said “I think we should focus more on Diamond Tiara’s health for the moment instead of getting involved in a civil dispute.”
But as the words left Cadance’s mouth, she heard the sound of hooves marching down.  Princess Cadance turned her head to see Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Lord Tirek and Grogar enter.
“Twilight, you’re back,” Princess Cadance said. “And you brought our guest here.”
Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow and Discord all got a close look at Discord, causing the iris in their eyes to shrink down and their ears to flop down.
“Wait a minute,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “Is that…who I think it is?
“That’s Grogar alright,” Cozy Glow said.  “The real one, and not the one that Discord pretended to be.”
DIscord quickly put his hand around Cozy Glow’s mouth and said “Not so loud.  I don’t want Grogar to chew me out for my little stunt.”
Grogar just laughed and said “If you want my opinion, I found Discord pretending to be me to be funny, which includes the part where Twilight Sparkle, Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow made a monkey out of you in the end.  Even I could have seen that treachery coming.”
Princess Cadance glared up at Discord and said “Seriously?  You pretended to be Grogar just to fool Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow?”
Discord stuck his tongue out and said “It was to boost Twilight’s confidence.  And how would I know Twilight would side with them, or be forced to ally with Celestia?”
Grogar marched towards Princess Cadance with his tone shifting from amused to concerned.  Cadance turned her head towards Grogar as the former emperor said “But I’m afraid I have some terrible news involving the Windigos.”
“I knew it,” Cadance replied.  “Neigh Nanners’ actions have unleashed the Windigos onto Equestria.  If we don’t hurry, we’ll…”
“It’s far worse than the whole planet being frozen solid,” Grogar said.  “For some reason, Neigh Nanners managed to use Nihilism Magic to turn the Windigos into Fire Nags.”
Princess Cadance, Cozy Glow, Starlight Glimmer, Discord, Smolder, and Apple Bloom stood there dead silent.  Midnight Sparkle walked up to Princess Cadance and tapped her face, causing the older alicorn to snap out of her trance and look at Midnight.
“Tell me this is worse than Windigos,” Princess Cadance said.  “Because I know what Fire Nags are, and they make Windigos look cute and cuddly.”
“They are Fire Nags,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I remember Princess Celestia telling me about what Fire Nags are: Beings of pure fire, malice and hate.  Unlike the Windigos, who will seal the land in pure cold to contain Nihilism Magic, Fire Nags amplify and spread the hate and malice of Nihilism Magic.”
“They’re like the Dazzling sisters that tried to feed on magic by amplifying the negative emotions of individuals,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Only difference is…they serve only as that amplifier, and that power can spread really fast.”
“I was told legends about these fearsome beasts by Sendak the Elder,” Tirek said.  “I never thought they were living among us as Windigos.”
“And it is important that we alert everyone about this,” Grogar said.  “For if we do not contain them, their magic could either wipe out all magic, or even all life, across the planet.”
“All life across the planet?” Smolder said.  “Does that mean….we would all die?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Princess Cadance said.  “We must alert every pony in the Crystal Empire about this.  The stakes have never been this high.”
“Then let me do it,” Sunset said.  “I’m fast on my hooves.”
“That won’t be needed,”  Princess Cadance said as she extended her wings.  “I’ve got this.”
But just as Princess Cadance was about to run out, she noticed a figure in front of the doorway.  Immediately, Princess Cadance folded her wings back in, much to the surprise of everyone in the room.
“Princess Cadance,” Midnight said.  “I don’t like that posteur of yours.  It means there is someone behind me.”
“There is someone behind you.”  Those words caused Midnight Sparkle to turn around to face the figure, who turned out to be none other than Latin Roma.  Sunset, Tirek and Grogar turned to face the bulky unicorn stallion, who stood there glaring at Midnight Sparkle.
“Latin,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I had a feeling you would track me down after what I did to you and your people.”
Princess Cadance walked up to Midnight and said “Twilight, what is this all about?”
“Long story short,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I decided to test Discord’s magic on a group of ponies living in Bridlewood, by jinxing them to say ‘Bing Bong' after hearing one of four words.”
Immediately, Discord stomped towards Midnight Sparkle in a hurry, much to the surprise of everyone, Latin Roma included, in the vicinity.
“You used my magic to jinx ponies into dancing to a bing bong?” Discord said in a cold tone.
“Why not?” Cozy Glow said, flying up to Discord.  “After all, you’re the kind of guy who would have done the same thing.”
Discord rolled his eyes as he held up his hand and flicked his index finger at Cozy Glow, sending her flying across the room.
“Real funny,” Discord said.
Midnight Sparkle turned her attention back to Latin Roma, who continued to stare down the corrupted alicorn.
“If you came here to get revenge for what I did to your people,” Midnight said as she stood there with the fluff of her chest sticking out and her wings extended.  “Then let me have it.”
“Twilight, no,” Princess Cadance said in protest.
“It’s alright,” Midnight said.  “I can handle this.”
Latin Roma stepped away from the doorway and towards Midnight Sparkle.  He raised his hoof in the air, and gently nudged Midnight on the chest, causing her to back up a bit.
“I was going to avenge my people,” Latin said.  “But after what I saw while coming up here, I’ve lost my desire for vengeance.”
Midnight folded her wings back up and said “What?”
“After you cast that jinx on us with that bell you had,” Latin Roma said.  “I vowed to avenge my people by beating you in combat.  So I followed you up to what you call Manehattan with the intent on doing so.”
“So why didn’t you show your face in Manehattan?” Tirek asked.
“That’s easy,” Latin Roma said.  “When I saw you four attempt to confront Neigh Nanners, only to retreat from his magic, I began to wonder if revenge really was the righteous path.  I still wanted to do so, but I had second doubts.”
“And what made you give that up?” Princess Cadance asked.
“I saw with my own eyes what this Neigh Nanners guy was capable of doing with what he called the Emotion Amplifier,” Latin Roma said.  “The kind of things that would turn a pony into a Complete Monster.  I could feel the kind of magic get to me and I did struggle to fight it. Compared to that stunt that Twilight Sparkle and her friends pulled on me, I was disgusted by Neigh Nanners and his so-called cult.”
“But how did you find out where I was going to be?” Midnight said.  “The Crystal Empire is far away from Manehattan.”
“I believe I can answer that,” Grogar said.  “Before I made my way to the Crystal Empire, I was doing some observation on what Neigh Nanners was doing with the Emotion Amplifier when I happened upon this stallion being affected by the Nihilism Magic.”
“You helped him out?” Sunset asked.
“Yes,” Grogar said.  “What I did was that I drained him of the Nihilism Magic that was clouding his mine with my Second Bell.   Once his mind was clear, I shot the magic up into the air so it would affect any pony.”
“I never thought I would say this,” Latin Roma said.  “But I owe Grogar a lot for freeing me from that mad pony’s trance.  It was a lot worse than saying ‘Bing Bong,’ I can assure you.”
“Sometime after I drained the dark magic out of Latin,” Grogar said.  “I intended on heading to Canterlot to aid you in the fight.  But without the Crystal Heart, I would have fallen to the power of Nihilism Magic.“
“That explains why you came here to the Crystal Empire with Latin Roma,” Midnight said.  “But how did you get here so fast?”
“You already have that answer,” Grogar said as he held his Second Bell in the air.  “My original bell had the ability to create portals to other areas as does my second bell.”
Midnight Sparkle looked down at the first Bewitching Bell in her hooves.  Her ears flapped down as she placed her bell down on the floor.
“You’re still thinking about Celestia, right?” Sunset asked.
“Yeah,” Midnight sighed.  “I knew I should have used the bell’s portal ability to get everyone to safety.  Celestia would have been here.”
“I can tell why,” Sunset replied.  “But there’s a part of me that believes Celestia stayed behind so that she could give us a key to vanquising Nihilism Magic.”
Midnight held the bell up and said “I hope you're right.  Because if she is the key needed to bring down Nihilism Magic, then it would bring a new hope to Equestria.”
Latin Roma approached Midnight Sparkle and said “But I am not yet forgiven of your sins, Princess.  If you wish for my village to forgive you for what you did, then you must take up arms against Neigh Nanners and save the whole world.”
Midnight Sparkle picked up the bell with a determined look in her eyes and said “I intend on doing so anyway.  We have the Crystal Heart, we have two bells.  And the one thing we do know is that Neigh Nanners will come to the Crystal Empire. This is where we make our final stand.  You have my word.”
Latin Roma nodded and said “Then it’s settled.  I will aid you in the final confrontation with Neigh Nanners.”
Midnight nodded.  She turned towards Princess Cadance and said “It’s time we told everyone about The Fire Nags and what they could do to Equestria.”
“I’ll go on ahead and gather everyone in the courtyard,” Princess Cadance said.  “Right now, Diamond Tiara’s healing is just about complete.”
“Roger that,” Sunset said.  
With that, Princess Cadance dashes out of the doorway and down the hall, leaving everyone else in the medical wing of the castle.  Midnight Sparkle turned towards Diamond Tiara, still asleep inside the healing crystal.  She walked up to the crystal and looked down at the console.  The screen showed a number of signs pointing to Diamond Tiara’s health, from her organs to her brain and limbs.  
“Wow,” Midnight said.  “I heard the magic within the healing crystals are supposed to be amazing.  But now I believe that’s an understatement.”
Midnight Sparkle presses a few buttons on the console, causing the liquid with the crystal to drain out and for Diamond Tiara to settle down at the bottom.  Once the liquid was emptied from the crystal, the container opened up, allowing Diamond Tiara to awaken.  Cozy Glow immediately flew up and above Diamond Tiara.
“That was the best dream I ever had,” Diamond Tiara said as she pulled herself up.  “I dreamt I freed my parents and Silver Spoon from a curse.”
“Well dreams can turn to reality,” Cozy Glow said as she picked up Diamond Tiara out from the healing crystal.  “I heard we have a means of fighting back against the Emotion Amplifier.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “But Cozy’s right.  Grogar just explained to me that…”
“Wait,” Diamond Tiara interrupted.  “Did you say…Grogar?”
Diamond Tiara turned her head to see Grogar standing next to Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Lord Tirek and Discord.  Her face dropped down in fear before burying it on Cozy Glow’s chest.
“HEY!” Cozy Glow yelled.  “What’s wrong with you?”
“I’ve heard tales about Grogar,” Diamond Tiara cried.  “About how he conquered Equestria and made our ancestors slaves.”
Grogar just casually approached Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow before he said in a casual tone “Tales that I wrote myself to propel the status of my adopted daughter Gusty.”  Those words caused Diamond Tiara to stick her head out and face the former emperor.
“Wait,” Diamond Tiara said.  “You wrote your own stories as a villain?”
“Yes,” Grogar said.  “Even though I had some bitterness towards my late adopted daughter, I still appreciated what she did to end the original curse of Nihilism Magic.  That is why I wrote those books so that ponies would not forget the tales, and to pay tribute to Gusty.  And in case you’re wondering, I’ve given up on being a villain.  Instead, I wish to help the ponies of Equestria stop Neigh Nanners from destroying this world with the Fire Nags.”
“Fire Nags?” Diamond Tiara said.  “I don’t like the sound of that.”
“Creatures of pure fire, malice and hate,” Latin Roma said.  “The polar opposite of their alter egos The Windigos.  They have the power to spread this kind of toxic behavior across the entire world.  Should Neigh Nanners get his way, magic, or even all life, could be wiped out from the face of this planet.”
Diamond Tiara turned to face Cozy Glow, who let out a sigh and said “Look.  I know you’re afraid.  I am too for the first time in a long time.  But what matters is that we have to come together on this.  If we fail, we may not have anything left.  So I ask you this: Are you in?”
Diamond Tiara’s face turned to determination as she shook her head and said “I’m game.”  She then followed up by giving Cozy Glow a big hug, in which the alicorn filly followed suit.
Back on the ground, Smolder looked up at the two fillies with a bit of pride while Apple Bloom was crying her eyes out.
“I never thought I would say this,” Smolder said.  “But I’m glad to have you back, Cozy Glow.  I don’t know what was in you when we first met, but I did miss it when you were originally transferred to Tartarus”
“This is the happiest moment of my life,” Apple Bloom cried, causing Smolder to turn her head down to the apple filly  “We’re about to unite together against the biggest monster in Equestrian history.”
Suddenly, Shining Armor made his way into the medical wing of the Castle, yelling out “Princess Cadance told me about the Fire Nags.”  This caused everyone to turn their attention towards the older brother of Midnight Sparkle.
“Good,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Then we should get ready to head down into the courtyard.”
Shining Armor turned to face Grogar and said “Oh hey, Grogar.  I assume you told Twili and the others about the plan.”
“I have, Prince Shining Armor, “ Grogar said.  “Now come.  We have work to do.”
Shining Armor nodded as Grogar walked out the doorway with Midnight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Lord Tirek, Discord, Cozy Glow, Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, Smolder and Latin Roma followed from behind.  Immediately, Shining Armor walked alongside Latin Roma.
“So,” Shining Armor said. “I never saw your face before.  What’s your name?”
“Latin Roma,” the gray unicorn stallion said.  “I hail from the Bridlewood forest.”
“And I heard that you had a run in with my sister, Twili,” Shining Armor asked.
Latin Roma reached over and whispered into Shining Armor’s ear before letting out a “Bing Bong” from his mouth.  Shining could do nothing but laugh and walk.
“On the one hand, that is horrible,” Shining laugh.  “But on the other hand, that was something Twili and I did during our foalhood.”
“Foalhood?” Latin Roma asked.
“Every once in a while,” Shining Armor said.  “Twili would pretend to be some kind of big monster and chant those words as a curse.  And so, pretending to be the big hero, I would chant ‘Bing Bong’ and charge my sister as if I was a knight protecting Equestria from evil.  Sort of like a Battle Cry.”
“A Battle Cry?” Latin Roma replied with intrigued.  “Interesting.  I never thought about those words being a Battle Cry for combat.  Maybe it should be used once we confront Neigh Nanners.”
“You want to confront Neigh Nanners?” Shining Armor asked with curiosity.
“After seeing what Neigh Nanners truly was,” Latin Roma said.  “I’m down with it.”
“It’s great to at least have more hooves on board,” Shining Armor said.  “Though I must warn you.  This will be a difficult fight.”
“I know,” Latin Roma replied.
“And I think I may have a bit of a talk with Twili over that curse he placed on you,” Shining Armor said.
“That won’t be necessary,” Latin Roma said.  “It would be best if the past was in the past.  Besides, I think that curse has given me a new lease on life.”
“Very well,” Shining Armor replied with a laugh.  
And with that, Latin Roma laughed with Shining Armor as the group continued down the hallway, and towards the grand foyer of the castle.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 15: The calm before the Final Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The calm before the Final Storm




A huge crowd has gathered in front of the castle of the Crystal Empire as dark red clouds formed above in the skies.  On the balcony, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor approached the ponies, nervous and yet calm.  Nearby, Grogar waited with much patience as his second bell hung from his neck.
“Citizens of the Crystal Empire,” Princess Cadance said. “As you are aware, Neigh Nanners is leading a powerful cult towards our fair city with the intent of converting all of us towards his ideology.  He has already captured, and more than likely converted, Princess Celestia.  But that is the least of our worries.  Turn around and look towards the south.”
The citizens of the Crystal Empire turned their head towards the south, where they saw the Fire Nags hovering above Canterlot.  They all screamed in horror at the mere sight of the now inflamed Windigos.
“What you see above Canterlot were once Windigos,” Shining Armor said.  “And now they have become Fire Nags, beings of pure hate and malice.  Here to explain about this phenomenon is the former emperor of Equestria himself: Grogar.”
The crowd gasped and murmured as Princess Cadance and Shining Armor stepped to the side as Grogar took to the center of the balcony.
“Citizens of the Crystal Empire,” Grogar announced.  “Neigh Nanners has somehow used the Emotion Amplifier, formerly known as Nihilism’s Bane, to alter the Windigos into Fire Nags.  They are more than capable of spreading this pessimistic magic across all of Equestria, causing an intense rage within individuals.  If the Fire Nags are not contained, it would lead to either the end of magic in Equestria, or far worse: The end of all life across the planet.”
The whole crowd was in a panic, as if the end of the world was about to ascend.  Shining Armor and Princess Cadance looked down at the crowd completely nervous.
“QUIET!”  Grogar shouted, causing everyone to pause.  He cleared his throat and added “However, your leaders are in possession of the Crystal Heart: The key that can undo the magic that has corrupted Equestria and stop Neigh Nanners’ Emotion Amplifier.  Furthermore, the Amplifier is not needed to reverse the magic.  Only an individual with enough Nihilism Magic built in is needed.  My plan is to extract that magic with my new Bewitching Bell, and for Twilight Sparkle to cast the spell needed to activate the heart and to cleanse the bell, creating a chain reaction.  When that reaction happens, Nihilism Magic will be purged once again and Equestria will be free from its influence.”
The crowd erupted into cheers as Shining Armor and Princess Cadance calmed down and wiped the sweat off their brows.  The moment the crowd stopped, Grogar cleared his throat once again.
“But to win this important fight,” Grogar said.  “We must work together and hold the line against Neigh Nanners and his cult.  A ward will be casted upon anyone who wishes to fight that will not only protect you from the dangers of Nihilism Magic, but will allow you to nullify anyone who are forced to fight alongside Neigh Nanners.  Who among you will be the first to be Equestria’s Last Stand?”
But before anyone in the crowd could answer, someone shouted “I plan on doing so.”  The crowd turned to the right to see Latin Roma standing nearby.
“Normally, I would be the one to demand you speak,” Grogar shouted.  “But in this case, I will defer to Princess Cadance.”
Princess Cadance stepped forward and said “As leader of the Crystal Empire, I grant you permission to speak.”
Latin Roma turned towards the crowd and said “I have seen the horrors of what Neigh Nanners was capable of doing with this Emotion Amplifier.  He is a horrible monster that must be stopped, no matter the cost.  And trust me, if Neigh Nanners succeed, even my way of life would be forever ruined by his evil.  I choose this fight to protect my folks back home, and to ensure others don’t harm anyone again.”
The crowd cheers as Latin Roma takes a bow.  Princess Cadance approached the front while Grogar walked back to the doorway.
“This is our final battle, every pony,” Princess Cadance said.  “Everything is on the line.  And it’s up to all of us to save the Magic of Friendship from the Magic of Nihilism.  With your hope and courage, we will prepare the Crystal Heart to enhance all of you not only to protect you from the Nihilism Magic, but also to free each Pony from its sadistic spell.  This is for Equestria.  And if you’re willing to fight, I want to hear you yell out ``BING BONG!’  Do you hear me?”
With that, every pony in the Crystal Empire chanted “BING BONG!”  Their voices caused their manes and tails to glow brightly, and for the entire city to shine as a beacon of hope for the entire world to see.

Meanwhile, a crowd of ponies, changelings, yaks, dragons, griffins, hippogriffs and niriks were marching due north from Canterlot towards the Crystal Empire.  They were all decked out in some of the finest armor in Equestria history.  Their weapons had a red glow around them.  In front, Neigh Nanners walked alongside Crusader Celestia.
“Do you feel the moment, Crusader?” Neigh Nanners said.  “It won’t be long until we crush this rebellion and seize victory over the Crystal Empire.”
“I feel it too, my lord,” Crusader Celestia said, marching alongside Neigh Nanners.  “WIth me by your side, nothing can stop the march for freedom.”
“Indeed, my apprentice,” Neigh Nanners said, salivating at the moment.  He turned to his troops and yelled out “When the day is over, the flames of tyranny known as friendship will be extinguished.  And a new dawn will rise in the whole world, free from its shackles.  We will march down and Make Equestria Great again.”
The crowd cheered as they chanted “Down with Twilight.  Down with the Crystal Empire.  Long Live Neigh Nanners.”  Neigh Nanners turned back to the front with a grin on his face.
“Oh it won’t be long, my Apprentice,” Neigh Nanners said in anticipation.  “Soon, you will convince your sister and the other traitors to give up this madness and become like the rest of us.”
“Free from the madness of Friendship and free from what was once the Windigos, My lord?” Crusader Celestia asked.
“Oh they are no longer Windigos,” Neigh Nanners said.  “As of now, you liberated them into Fire Nags: Their true form.  They will be the key that will free Equestria forever.”
Suddenly, Neigh Nanners felt a tap on the shoulder.  He turned to his right and saw what appeared to be Filthy and Spoiled Rich standing right by him.
“My lord,” Filthy Rich said.  “I just received word that the former Emperor of Equestria known as Grogar has taken sides with the rebellion.”
“How ironic,” Neigh Nanners said with a laugh.  “The one who enslaved every pony in Equestria is now pretending to be some fake freedom fighter.  Very well.  I welcome the entertainment.”
“Would you like us to go after Grogar, My Lord?” Spoiled Rich asked.
“No,” Neigh Nanners replied.  “Focus your attack on the castle and its inhabitants.  I will face Grogar, alone.”
“My Lord,” Crusader Celestia.  “You want to face Grogar by yourself?”
“Of course,” Neigh Nanners replied as he placed his hoof on the Emotion Amplifier.  “It was his artifact to begin with.  It will be this artifact that will doom him…for good.  Besides, you have a score to settle with Twilight Sparkle for abandoning you.”
“That’s right,” Crusader Celestia replied.  “And I will make sure she is punished before she joins us.”
“Excellent,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Then the final battle shall begin.”
Neigh Nanners, Crusader Celestia, Filthy and Spoiled Rich continued to lead the army of ponies towards the Crystal Empire.  But deep within the crowd, Silver Spoon marched alongside, chanting “No more Friendship, let’s be frank.  I would sooner be a blank flank.”

Later that day, Midnight Sparkle was walking down towards the throne room.  Accompanying her was Queen Novo, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Luna, who still appeared to be down in the dumps.
“So I heard some of the Hippogriffs were able to escape Mount Aris and make it here,” Midnight said.
“We still can’t seem to find Princess Skystar,” Queen Novo said.  “But I can assure you that some of my own troops have made it and are ready to defend the kingdom.”
“Impressive,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Well not as impressive as when I once led the Changelings.”  Chrysalis’ tone went south as she added “Too bad a certain lowlife now leads the Changelings and has made them weak.”
“Weak?  From my point of view, you were full of it.”  Hearing those words, Queen Chrysalis came to a stop and popped her head up.
“I know that voice,” Queen Chrysalis said, coming to a stop and turning her head towards a nearby doorway.  “Thorax.  Show yourself.”
Immediately, King Thorax emerged from the nearby doorway and stepped towards Queen Chrysalis.  The latter just glared right at the former as Luna, Midnight and Novo stood there.
“I take it one of you called for King Thorax and the changelings here,” Midnight Sparkle asked.
“Actually,” Princess Luna said as her tone changed a bit.  “It was Princess Cadance’s idea.”
As King Thorax approached Queen Chrysalis, the latter said “So what brings the usurper to show his visage towards the true leader of the Changelings?”
King Thorax stared at Queen Chrysalis and said “I know why you’re still upset.  How long ago Starlight, Discord, Trixie and myself were able to overthrow your rule with the power of love, and how you wanted revenge on Starlight Glimmer of all ponies.”
“Yes.  I did,” Queen Chrysalis said before turning her head away.  “What does that have to do with why you’re here?”
“I heard about what happened with this Neigh Nanners character and what happened in Canterlot,” King Thorax said.  “I also heard that you have ended your desire for revenge against Starlight Glimmer.”
Queen Chrysalis sighed and said “It’s because I now have bigger fish to fry in the form of Neigh Nanners.”  She stomped her hoof down and said “What Starlight Glimmer did paled in comparison to that brute Neigh Nanners.  He thinks he has every right to make me look like a weakling with his cult of personalities.”
“And if I were in your position,” King Thorax said.  “I would have said the same thing.  Many of the changelings at the hive just went rogue, declaring their love towards Neigh Nanners.  Truth be told, we now share the same enemy.”
“The same enemy?” Chrysalis said.
“Yes,” King Thorax said.  “Even if you were still the Leader of the Changelings, you would have desired revenge against Neigh Nanners for taking away your own people for his own.  Which is why I want to forge a truce with you.”
“Never,” Queen Chrysalis snapped.  “Why would I want to align myself with a peasant like you?”
“Because if you don’t,” Thorax stated.  “You could lose your own magic for good.  No more using love to sustain yourself, no more shapeshifting into anything.  We’re talking about the extinction of our species if Changeling Magic was no more.  You included.”
Chrysalis’ jaw dropped down.  She looked up at Thorax’s eyes, no longer enraged or furious, all while the current Changeling Leader held his hoof out.  
“He’s right,” Chrysalis thought to herself.  “My magic is what made me who I was.  Without it, ruling a kingdom would be pointless.  And I never thought about the fact that I could die without my magic.  Guess I have no other choice.”
Immediately, Chrysalis reached out and placed her hoof on top of Thorax’s hoof, nodding the moment it made contact.
“You got yourself a deal, King Thorax,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Thank, Queen Chrysalis,” Thorax said.  “And truth be told, we actually missed you.”
Queen Chrysalis let out a chuckle as she said “Never thought I would hear those words.”
Princess Luna looked at Chrysalis and Thorax shaking hooves together.  She looked outside a nearby window.  Though she was still worried on the inside, a spark lit up within her soul.
“I’ve felt sorry for myself since I watched my sister sacrifice herself back in Canterlot,” Princess Luna said.  “And I wonder why she would want to do that.”
“Luna?” Midnight Sparkle said, observing the younger sister of Celestia.
“But now, I feel like I’m letting my sister’s sacrifice go to waste,” Luna said as her eyes filled with a purpose.  “So many individuals are starting to come together, to fight back against Neigh Nanners.  If we don’t fight back, there may not be a Canterlot, or any other place to return to.”
With that, Princess Luna turned tail and marched down towards the hallway, much to the confusion of Queen Chrysalis, King Thorax, Queen Novo and Midnight Sparkle.
“Luna,” Midnight yelled.  “Where are you going?”
Luna turned her head and said “To do what much.  Can you catch up?”
Queen Novo just laughed and said “That’s the spirit.  Show that monster that you mean business.”
Princess Luna laughed out loud as she galloped down the hallway, nearly bumping into a maid who was holding a stack of laundry.  Midnight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis and King Thoras just stood there looking confused while Queen Novo continued to laugh with a jolly tone.
“Now that caught me off guard,” Midnight Sparkle said as a drop of sweat ran down her side.
Queen Novo halted his laughing as she said “I think there comes a time where we have to lighten up, to reach out and not to be that hermit stuck in an underwater cave.  I know because I used to be like that.”
“Is that a fact?” Queen Chrysalis said with a smirk.
“My dear,” Queen Novo said.  “Let me tell you about how we use to be until Twilight and her friends defeated the Storm King.”

It was later that day in the throne room.  Diamond Tiara looked up at the Crystal Heart that spun around, radiating magic across the entire room.  Next to Diamond Tiara was Cozy Glow, Apple Bloom and Smolder. 
“So let me get this straight,” Diamond Tiara said, staring at the Crystal Heart.  “This is the key needed to defeat Neigh Nanners?”
“Part of the key needed.” Diamond Tiara turned around, facing Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Big Macintosh and Lord Tirek.
“What do you mean by part of the key?” Diamond Tiara asked.
Holding up the first Bewitching Bell, Princess Cadance said “We don’t need the Emotion Amplifier to undo the effects of the Nihilism Magic.  All we need is someone with enough of this magic to drain with the bell.  And once that’s done, Twilight will fire a beam into the heart, shooting a spell directly into the bell and activating a healing effect across all of Equestria.”
“A ‘too long, didn’t hear’ statement,” Shining Armor said.  “The Bell, Twili and the Heart are needed to end this magic, once and for all.”
Princess Cadance walked up to the Crystal Heart and said “Normally, we don’t allow little fillies to fight.  But I’m afraid desperate times call for desperate measures.”
“Now hold up,” Applejack said, walking up to Princess Cadance while Shining Armor struggled not to laugh at Applejack’s physique.  “Don’t tell me you’re going to let Apple Bloom or even Diamond Tiara take up arms and fight.”
“Truthfully, I don’t want to do this,” Princess Cadance said with a sigh.  “But considering what we’re up against, I don’t want to take any chances.”
“But that’s just it,” Applejack said in protest as she slammed her hooves on the floor.  “I don’t want Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara or any other filly to get hurt.”
“What do you mean by any other filly?” Cozy Glow said as she flew up to Applejack.  “Just so you know, I was once your enemy and I was able to handle being in Tartarus with Tirek.”
“And we should have known better than to do that,” Applejack said.  “Even if you were still our enemy, Cozy Glow, I wouldn’t even consider putting you in danger.  The risk is just too much for you, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara and the rest of the younglings.”
Tirek just laughed as he said “Real smart for some pony who was blasted down by Neigh Nanners back in Canterlot.”
“Excuse me?”  Applejack yelled as she turned her attention to the Centaur.  
“All I’m saying, “ Tirek said, approaching Applejack.  “Is that you aren’t in any position to want to hold the younglings back considering what you went through.  What would your family have said if they lost you?   Besides, what if Neigh Nanners were to use his magic to turn them against us?”
Applejack just froze right there with her jaw hanging down.  She closed her jaw shut with her hoof before turning to face Big Mac.
“Big Mac,” Applejack said.  “You’re not offended by that?”
“As much as I want to say Eeyup,” Big Mac said.  “I’m afraid Tirek’s right.  We did nearly lose you and Diamond Tiara back in Canterlot when Neigh Nanners ambushed us.  If we were to prevent Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom and the other younglings from taking part in the fight, we’d have to do the same thing for the rest of us, you included.  And frankly, I’m not comfortable with doing that.”
“Big Mac,” Applejack said.  “No one’s making you fight.”
“I know,” Big Mac said.  “But while I do worry for Sugar Belle, for Apple Bloom, for Diamond Tiara, for Granny Smith and Grand Pear, and especially for you, all I know is that I have to fight back.  Otherwise, there may not be a place to return to, nor a family to raise on my own.  It’s time the younglings fight back and join us in saving Equestria.”
Applejack took off her hat and said “I know it’s hard.  I don’t want to see any younglings die on the battlefield or become corrupted by Neigh Nanners’ magic.  But you bring up a point there.  If I don’t do anything about Neigh Nanners, I don’t think there will be an Apple family to return to.”
“Then it’s time to fight back,” Tirek said, placing his hand on Applejack’s back.  “You already have that gift I gave you with those muscles.  Put them to good use.”
Applejack looked down at her muscular physique and just blushed before she said “Okay.  I understand.”  
“That’s the spirit,” Tirek said, lifting his hand off Applejack.  “The next best thing is to keep your mind focused on the fight when the time comes.  You’ll need it.”
The buff apple pony walked up to Diamond Tiara and said “I know I’ve been concerned about you and your well-being.  But now, I feel like holding you back is only going to make things worse.  So if you wish to take part in our final battle, then it’s up to you.”
Diamond Tiara turned her head towards Princess Cadance, who stood next to the Crystal Heart.
“The powers within this heart will grant you a temporary form that will let you purge the Nihilism Magic from others,” Princess Cadance said.  “Even the form of an Alicorn.  Will you take it?”
Diamond Tiara turned towards Cadance and said “I’ll do it.  Under one condition.”
“Name it,” Princess Cadance said.
Immediately, Diamond Tiara pointed to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and said “Make them Alicorns as well.  They’re my friends, and friends stick together.”  Immediately, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walked up next to Apple Bloom.
“Us?” Scootaloo said.
“You really want us to be Alicorns?” Sweetie Belle said in surprise.
“I do,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I’ve done some nasty things back when you three were blank flanks.  But after all you’ve done to help me grow out, I’d say this is how I wish to repay you three.  By letting you help me save Equestria from Neigh Nanners.”
Apple Bloom cried with a smile on her face before she said “It’s a deal.”
Princess Cadance smiled as she walked behind the Crystal Heart as she said “Then get ready.  I’m about to show you four the true power of the Crystal Heart.”
Princess Cadance immediately fired a beam of magic into the Crystal Heart, creating a small set of shockwaves that echoed through the room with a sound of a pure twinkle.  Immediately, the Crystal Heart fired a beam right at Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara, enveloping the four fillies in a blinding light.
“Wow,” Cozy Glow said, covering her eyes with her hooves.  “That’s the true power of the Crystal Heart?”
“And to think,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’ve never been up in the Crystal Empire until now.”
When the light disappeared, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara had emerged, completely changed.  All four fillies had slightly bigger unicorn horns and longer wings.  
“Wow,” Diamond Tiara said, observing our new wings.  “We’re now…Alicorns.”
“It’s only temporary,” Apple Bloom said.  “But I’m amazed by it.”
“If Rarity saw what I had become,” Sweetie Belle said.  “She would have a heart attack and die.”
Immediately, Scootaloo flew up into the air, screaming with an excited tone.  She dashed in the upper parts of the throne room, chanting “I CAN FLY! I CAN FLY! I CAN FLY!”
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flies into the room, alerted by Scootaloo’s voice, and said “Did I hear Scootaloo say something?”  She turned to face Scootaloo, and her jaw dropped at the sight of the little rascal flying in the air, and took notice of Scootaloo’s horn.
“Look Rainbow,” Scootaloo said as she flew in the air.  “I can FLY!”
“Woah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Did you just become an Alicorn?”
“It’s only temporary,” Applejack said.  “But it should give some confidence to the little ones and to all of us.”
Rainbow Dash flew up to Scootaloo and grabbed her.  The rainbow mare looked at her in the eyes, before letting out a jolly laugh.
“Well I hope you’re up for kicking butt and taking names, Scoots,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Even if this is only for a limited time, I want to see you at your best.  Do you promise that?”
Scootaloo saluted Rainbow Dash and said “YES MA’AM!”
“Good,” Rainbow Dash said as she pulled her right arm away.  “Because I wanna make sure you’re in tip top shape.”
With that, Rainbow Dash planted her hoof on top of Scootaloo’s mane and gave her a noogie, causing the temporary alicorn filly to giggle.  Down below, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, Cozy Glow and Smolder look up, with Apple Bloom struggling to hold back her laughter.
“You know,” Diamond Tiara said.  “With this kind of happiness, I don’t think it can get worse than this moment.”
“If it did,” Smolder said.  “I’d say that would be a mood whiplash.”
Suddenly, they heard a scream coming from behind them.  The younglings turned around to see Rarity standing in the doorway with her eyes fixated on Sweetie Belle.
“Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked.  “Is there something wrong with the fact that I have wings now?”
“You….you’ve become…an alicorn?” Rarity said before fainting, prompting Shining Armor to lower her down gently with his magic.  Applejack just looked down and shook her head with a slight smile on her face.
“That Rarity,” Applejack said.  “Always the lady of drama when you need her the most.”
“Reminds me of the Rarity from the other world,” Sunset laughed.
“Which reminds me,” Princess Cadance said as she walked up to Sunset.  “I believe you’re up for a power-up.”
Sunset pointed to herself and said “Me?  Why would you want me to power up?”
“Considering that Princess Celestia will most likely be under the influence of Neigh Nanner’s Nihilism Magic,” Princess Cadance explained.  “I’m afraid your current form won’t be enough.  So I would recommend taking on a more powerful form.  One that will help you fight back.”
“I…dunno if I can,” Sunset said as her ears folded down in fear.  “Even though I have said that my past is not today, I sometimes still fear that I would revert back to being that she-demon, that monster I used to be.”
Shining Armor walked beside Sunset and said “Then think about one of your most heroic moments you’ve ever done for a friend.  One that made you believe in yourself and those you care for.  Besides, the Crystal Heart is full of positive magic.  What do you say?”
“You know,” Sunset said as her ears popped back up.  “That’s not a bad idea.  You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through to save the Twilight Sparkle of my world when she became Midnight Sparkle.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Princess Cadance said as she ran back to the Crystal Heart.  “Let’s get you prepared for the final fight.”
Sunset Shimmer took a few steps forward and yelled out “Hit me with all you got.”
“Gladly,” Princess Cadance said, charging up her horn.
Immediately, Princess Cadance fired a blast of magic right into the Crystal Heart, emitting a shockwave once again before firing a beam at Sunset Shimmer, surrounding the room in a bright light.
“Hey, what do you think is happening to Sunset Shimmer?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“Something tells me she gave that pony more than just the Alicorn treatment,” Tirek replied.
Immediately, Princess Luna appeared right behind the group and said “Who’s getting the alicorn treatment?”
When the light disappeared, Sunset Shimmer had changed.  She was slightly taller, her horn was extended and now glowed brightly, her mane and tail were longer, she now had magical wings and her eyes were as red as part of her mane and tail. 
“My word,” Princess Luna said.  “Sunset.  Did the Crystal Heart do that to you?”
“It was Princess Cadance’s idea,” Sunset Shimmer said, admiring her new form.  “By the way.  Call me…Daydream Shimmer.”
“Daydream Shimmer, huh?” Cozy Glow said as she flew up to the now transformed mare and looked at her new physique.  “Sounds more like the name of a hero than a princess.”
“What can I say,” Daydream Shimmer said.  “I like the idea of being a hero instead of a princess.”
Princess Luna observed the entire room, seeing Daydream Shimmer, along with the alicornified Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara.  She turned to Princess Cadance and said “How exactly did you do that?”
“The Crystal Heart is capable of enhancing ponies with harmonious magic,” Princess Cadance said.  “Even if you take on a demonic-like form, you are still in control of your own mind.”
Luna rubbed the bottom of her chin and said “As much as I despise my alter ego Nightmare Moon, you take on a good point.  I think I’ll put it to risk and take on that form again.”
“Are you kidding me?” Applejack yelled.  “We already have Celestia to worry about.  Don’t you go turning on us.”
“If what Princess Cadance said is true,” Princess Luna said before stepping forward.  “Then let me have it.”
“One transformation coming up,” Princess Cadance said before firing off a blast of magic at the Crystal Heart.
Once more, the Crystal Heart emitted a shockwave before firing off a beam of magic, this time hitting Princess Luna before enveloping the room in a blinding light once more.
“So what should we call this technique?” Scootaloo asked.
“I call it the M.A. Larson effect,” Princess Cadance said with a grin.
Suddenly, they heard a laugh echo through the room.  When the light disappeared, everyone except Tirek, Cozy Glow and Princess Cadance stood in terror as Princess Luna had transformed once more into Nightmare Moon.
“The Rainbow of Darkness, that darkness sends, now begins the NIGHT THAT NEVER ENDS!”  Nightmare Moon said before she laughed hard.
“I knew it,” Applejack said.  “She’s gone evil again.”
Suddenly, Nightmare Moon turned to Applejack with a playful smile and said “Gotcha.  You know I’m not going to turn evil again.  After all, I may have the form of Nightmare Moon, but I am still Princess Luna.”
Applejack wiped the sweat off her forehead and said “Don’t you ever scare me like that again.”
“I don’t know,” Tirek said with a laugh.  “That phrase she said when she emerged.  It has a nice catch to it.”
“By the way,” Smolder asked.  “Weren’t you with Twilight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis and Queen Novo?”
“I was,” Nightmare Moon said.  “But Twilight said she would check up on Starlight, Pinkie Pie and Silverstream to check if Neigh Nanners was marching forward with his army of mind-controlled followers.”
“Well the moment Starlight arrives,” Diamond Tiara said.  “Perhaps she could be like the rest of us.”
Applejack just laughed and said “Imagine the outcry over the number of Alicorns in Equestria.  And not to mention a buff pony like myself.  It would make Neigh Nanners’ own cult look pleasant in comparison.”
“Ahhh let them whine,” Smolder said before she blew a raspberry.  “It’s not like we’re a group of Mary Sues.”
Princess Cadance just laughed and said “Okay.  So who’s next?”
Immediately, Big Mac jumped into the clearing and yelled out “ME NEXT!  ME NEXT!”
Applejack just giggled and said “Are you really sure about that, bro?”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.  “I want to do this for Equestria, for the whole family and especially Sugar Belle.  ALICORN ME!”
Princess Cadance just smiled and said “Okay, big boy.  Here comes the Alicorn discount.”
And with that, Princess Cadance fired one more beam of magic into the Crystal Heart, emitting another shockwave before firing its own magic right at Big Mac, filling the room with white light again.  Once the light disappeared, Big Mac now had a horn on his head and a pair of wings.
“Wow,” Apple Bloom said.  “Now that is awesome.”
“You said it,” Big Mac said, standing tall.
Apple Bloom runs up to Applejack and said “What about you?  You wanna be an Alicorn?”
“Nah,” Applejack said.  “I think there are enough Alicornified Apples in this bunch.  Besides, I think I wanna put these muscles to good use.”
“Then we better find more volunteers,” Princess Cadance said.  “Neigh Nanners won’t know what hit him.”

Meanwhile, at the balcony area, Pinkie Pie, Silverstream and Starlight Glimmer were walking out from a doorway where they saw Juno and Huckleberry observing the lands beyond the city limits.
“Juno, Huck,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I’ve barely seen you since we first arrived in Canterlot.  How are you two feeling?”
Juno turned towards Pinkie Pie and said “Sorry for not being around that much, Professor Pinkie Pie.  When there is so much stuff going on, it can feel overwhelming.”
“Yeah,” Huckleberry said.  “Juno passed out sometime when we got to Canterlot.  So I had to look after her until we had to evacuate. Thankfully, she barely recovered.”
“I’m terribly sorry about that,” Starlight said.  “This is why I get for not paying enough attention to every student from the School of Friendship.”
“It’s not your fault, Starlight,” Juno said.  “Ever since we had to flee Ponyville, it felt like our life was twisted up completely.  And with so many ponies to keep track of, it’s enough to make your head spin.”
“Come to think of it,” Starlight said.  “Sunburst, Trixie, Princess Flurry Heart and some of the students were spending some time thinking about the final battle that was to come.  Everyone’s stressed out.”
“Hey, relax Starlight,” Pinkie PIe said, putting her arm around the lavender unicorn.  “We got this final battle in the bag.  With Grogar on our side, nothing can go wrong.”
Starlight laughed and said “That explains a lack of your Pinkie Sense, considering how much you used it since I started living with you guys.”
Pinkie Pie just laughed and said “Awww.  Makes me wanna reach out and give you one of THESE!”
Immediately, Pinkie Pie got on her two legs, grabbed Starlight and gave her a big hug, all while rubbing her cheek on Starlight’s cheek.  The unicorn mare could barely breathe as she struggled to move.
“Thanks…alot,” Starlight said as Pinkie cuddled her.
Huckleberry looked at Silverstream, who walked next to him and Juno and observed the distant plains and mountains.  The pegasus youngster asked “Aren’t you worried about the other Hippogriffs?”
“I am,” Silverstream cried.  “I only have my Aunt Novo by my side, and I do miss my cousin Skystar.  But I know one thing.”
“What’s that?” Juno asked.
“I know I’ll be able to see her again when this stupid conflict comes to an end,” Silverstream replied.  “And I know she’s alive out there.  Skystar’s too stubborn to break, even when she unintentionally angers my aunt.”
Huckleberry laughed and said “Sounds like she’s a tough girl.”
“And not only that,” Silverstream said.  “Queen Novo used to be as playful as me and Skystar, back when she was a filly.  Heard she drove grandma crazy.”
“Guess the river of time can change our attitudes,” Juno said.  “One moment, you’re full of optimism, and the next you become a depressed wreck.  You never know what we will become in the future.”
“The future’s always changing,” Silverstream said.  “Maybe one day I’ll end up a cranky old hag.  Or a professional business hippogriff.  Or maybe a….”
Pinkie and Starlight laughed before they both said “Okay.  We both get it.”  Silverstream turned to see Pinkie and Starlight continuing to hug each other, all while staring at the hippogriff youngling.
“You know,” Silverstream said.  “If I had a camera of some sort, I could capture this moment and treasure it.”
Pinkie and Starlight blushed before they proceeded to let go and place their arms on the ground.
“Maybe when the whole world is not at stake,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Speaking of which,” Huckleberry said. “Aren’t you worried about the fact that we are facing our darkest hour?”
Pinkie Pie brushed herself off before she said in a solemn tone “I am.  I am afraid that this is our darkest hour, darker than any other event that transpired.”
“Pinkie,” Starlight said.  “You’ve been down this path before.”
“I know,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But despite the odds that are against us, I’m not one who gives up so easily.  And that’s despite the fact that we’ve had to retreat twice.”
“All those ponies who wanted to overthrow us back at the School of Friendship,” Starlight said. “And they were under the control of Neigh Nanners.  To think, I thought I was horrible with that stupid town I use rule over.”
“I mean, as much as you were horrible as the ruler over the equal town,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Neigh Nanners has you beat in the cult and messaging department.  And oh boy.  He’s a real doozy.”
“So how bad was it to be a villain, Starlight?” Juno asked.
Starlight chuckled and said “It’s like you wanted power all to yourself.  Like you wanted to be adored and feared at the same time.  And then there was the revenge part.  Made me a lot crazier than I was made out to be.”
“Ooooh,” Silverstream said in excitement.  “Maybe when the dust is settled, I should try out for a villain role.”
Pinkie and Starlight yelled out “NOOOOO,” catching Silverstream off guard.
“Sorry,” Starlight said.  “But after Neigh Nanners, I’m going to be exhausted for quite a while.”
“I’m with her on that,” Pinkie said with a grin.
All four girls proceeded to laugh really hard as Huckleberry turned to the horizon.  His eyes quickly caught a load of small dots decorating the landscape.  He quickly picked up the binoculars and looked through them towards the mountain.  In the distance, he could see Neigh Nanners and his followers march towards the Crystal Empire.  Marching right next to Neigh Nanners was Crusader Celestia, who looked cold and calculated.  Immediately, Huckleberry put down the binoculars and tapped Starlight on the shoulder
“They’re about to arrive,” Huckleberry said.  “Warn everyone.”
“Gotcha,” Starlight said before she turned tail and ran back through the doorway, leaving Pinkie Pie, Silverstream, Juno and Huckleberry to observe Neigh Nanners and his cult in the distance.
“So what do you think will happen?” Juno asked.
“I’d say we jump right down there and,” Silverstream said before being interrupted by Pinkie Pie.
“Woah, hold it,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Now’s not the time to be that reckless.”
“Well why not?” Silverstream asked.
“Well first off,” Pinkie Pie said.  “The last thing we need is for you to be lost and to upset Queen Novo even further.  And second off, we’ve been in this part for too long.”
“Wait,” Juno said with a confused look on her face.  “What do you mean by that?”
“What I meant to say is,” Pinkie Pie said.  “The author wrote too much in this portion of the fanfic.  He should wrap this up and prepare for the climax.  The whole audience is watching.”
With that, I yelled out “Pinkie.  You’re not supposed to break the fourth wall.  Now that’s the second time you’ve done this.”
“Author,” Pinkie Pie said to me.  “I know you wanted to squeeze in more characters to help keep them back in the limelight.  But the time of the final battle is coming up.  Wrap this up because you’re letting this drag on too long.  The audience is anticipating the climax of this and you don’t want to disappoint them.
“Fine.  I’ll do it,” I said in disgust as I typed in the following words….


	To Be Continued


“You know,” Silverstream said.  “This fourth wall thing sounds pretty cool.  I wonder if I should break it as well.”
And with that, Juno and Huckleberry yelled out “NOOOOOOOOOO!”
> Chapter 16: Begun...the final battle has
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Begun…the Final Battle has



It was a far distance away from the Crystal Empire.  Prince Shining Armor, Princess Cadenza Mi Amore, Princess Flurry Heart and former Emperor Grogar approached from the kingdom towards the center of the battlefield.  From the other side marched Neigh Nanners with Crusader Celestia, Filthy Rich, Spoiled Rich and Silver Spoon.  Immediately, Princess Cadance saw Crusader Celestia, and her jaw dropped down.
“Princess Celestia,” Princess Cadance said, staring at Crusader Celestia.  “I don’t believe it.  Neigh Nanners did something horrible to her.”
“We will get her back,” Grogar said.  “You have my word.”
“I hope so,” Princess Cadance said.  “Because I am reluctant to fight the one who cared for me these many years.”
“Celly,” Flurry Heart said as she stood by Shining Armor.
“It’s okay,” Shining Armor said.  “Daddy’s gonna get her back.
It didn’t take long for the two groups to finally stare down at each other up close and personal, as the tensions of the battlefield grew with every passing second.  Neigh Nanners looked calm and collective while Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart and even Grogar looked tense.
“Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Grogar I presume,” Neigh Nanners said with a pleasant tone.  “It must be an honor to meet three legends.”
“Cut the compliments, Nanners,” Shining Armor said in a harsh tone.  “I heard what you did to the ponies of Canterlot, Ponyville and beyond, and we will bring you to justice.”
Immediately, Neigh Nanners let out a crazed laugh that filled the air.  Flurry Heart struggled to cover her ears from the annoying hysterics.
“Don’t worry, Flurry,” Shining Armor said, hugging Flurry Heart.  “I won’t let that bad pony mess with your mind.”
Neigh Nanners slowed down his laughing before he said “Oh I can assure you that you are in no position to demand my surrender or to defend your kingdom.  In fact, I only came here to liberate your kind from the tyranny of Friendship.”
“Friendship is not a form of tyranny,” Princess Cadance said.  “In fact, I’d say what you’re doing is a proper definition of tyranny.”
“And yet you align yourself with one of the biggest tyrants in Equestrian history?”  Neigh Nanners said.  “You are the walking definition of hypocrite, Princess Cadance.”
“A title that I must relinquish to you, Neigh Nanners,” Grogar said.  “Besides, I don’t know how you were able to master control over what you refer to as the Emotion Amplifier.”
“Then let me give you a little secret,” Neigh Nanners said.  “I know what you called it:  Nihilism’s Bane.  I was interested in the jewel itself, to be bathed in the magic of Nihilism.  Once I got my hooves on it near the hive of the changelings, I tested it on myself to see how well I would be tormented by it.  And boy oh boy, did it feel good the first time I felt its magic.”
“Then you know how dangerous it is,” Grogar said with a snort of air from his nose.  “It would be wise to surrender it before you wipe out all life across the planet.”
“Do you think I would surrender this precious jewel?” Neigh Nanners said, clutching the Emotion Amplifier that’s attached to his sash.  “I will not.”
“You do know that by standing in the way of my new master,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Your conversion to our new ways will be slow and painful.”
“The one thing that I do know is that you used to be Princess Celestia,” Princess Cadance said.  “The one who raised me when I became an Alicorn, and the one who ruled Equestria with a kind heart.”
“The Celestia you knew is gone,” Crusader Celestia said.  “All those lies that I had followed have been purged from my mind.  In my place is a pony dedicated towards freeing the planet from the filth called Friendship.”
“What would Starswirl the Bearded say once he finds out about what you’ve become?” Shining Armor asked.
“The only thing he’ll say,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Is that friendship was a lie, all this time.”
“And it’s a shame he didn’t get taken captive back in Canterlot,” Neigh Nanners added.  “A darn shame.  He would have been our wisest sage to walk this planet.”
“What do you know about what Starswirl thinks?” Shining Armor said as he stomped his hoof on the ground.
“Then maybe I should ask you this,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Would Twilight Sparkle be better as this fallen angel that you have guarded?  Or would she be better as one of my templars in the war against the scourge of friendship?”
Shining Armor growled at Neigh Nanners before he yelled out “Keep my sister’s name…OUT OF YOUR FILTHY…MOUTH!”  He tried to run towards the selfish pony, only for Princess Cadance and Grogar to hold him back with their magic while Flurry Heart pushed her father back.
“Shining,” Princess Cadance said. “Now’s not the time.”
“Save your strength,” Grogar said.  “Think about your own daughter.”
Shining Armor looked down at Flurry Heart, who looked up at her own father with runny eyes.  Shining Armor began to calm down, looking at his own daughter, all while Grogar and Cadance pulled him back.
“I’m sorry,” Shining Armor said.  “I guess when someone tries to mock your own sister, it really gets to you.”
“Aww,” Neigh Nanners said.  “A brother’s love towards a sister.  How sweet.  Tell you what.  I’ll give you and your faithless fools one hour to do it the easy way and surrender yourselves.  Afterwards, we’re not responsible for whatever you suffer through from my cult.”
“Excuse me?” Princess Cadance said with a cold tone.  But Neigh Nanners, along with Crusader Celestia, Filthy Rich, Spoiled Rich and Silver Spoon turned tail and walked away from the group.
“This is more disturbing than I realized,” Grogar said.  “Neigh Nanners either doesn’t seem to realize what the whole world could lose, or he is aware and he doesn’t care.”
“We have to alert everyone back at the Crystal Empire,” Princess Cadance said.  “Especially Diamond Tiara over her parents and Silver Spoon taking sides with that monster.”
Flurry Heart looked at Silver Spoon walking away alongside Filthy and Spoiled Rich.  She flew towards the little filly, who only turned towards the alicorn baby in disgust.
“If you see that loser Diamond Tiara,” Silver Spoon said.  “Tell her that unless she gives up this foolishness known as Friendship, then she can stay with those Cutie Mark Crusader Losers.”
With that, Silver Spoon turned tail and ran off laughing, leaving Flurry Heart looking like she was on the verge of tears.  Shining Armor ran up to Flurry Heart and held her tight.
“It’s okay, little one,” Shining Armor said.  “Don’t let her words penetrate your skin like how Neigh Nanners did mine.”
Flurry Heart cried into her father’s chest as he carried her back to the Crystal Empire alongside Princess Cadance and Grogar.

Meanwhile, in an inner chamber inside the castle, Applejack, still buffed up with her muscles, stood in front of Granny Smith and Grand Pear.  The apple pony looked eager compared to her elders.
“Are you sure you don’t want to take part in this fight, Granny and Grand Pear?” Applejack asked.  “You’re going to miss out on saving the world.”
“As much as I want to look like a million bits and kick some major butt,” Granny Smith said.  “I prefer leaving the fighting to you.”
“It’s too bad, actually,” Grand Pear said.  “If I was any younger, I would have been willing to bring out a starship of some sort and energize that Neigh Nanners fool on board.”
Granny Smith laughed and said “You and your silly starships.  What next, you gonna call it the Enterprise, you prickly ol pear?”
Grand Pear just laughed and said “Would you rather I sing our final fight towards victory?”  This resulted in Applejack and Granny Smith laughing out loud.
“Oh boy,” Applejack said, wiping a tear from her eye.  “If Pinkie Pie heard you sing, she would have joined in on the fun.”
“Well, that’s Pinkie PIe in a nutshell,” Granny Smith said with a chuckle.
As Applejack and Granny Smith continued to laugh, Discord walked in from outside the room, seeing the two mares letting out a chuckle.
“Seems I missed out on a joke,” Discord said.  “Was there anything funny?”
“Yeah,” Grand Pear said.  “You wanna hear my singing?”
“No no no,” Discord said, waving his hands.  “Let’s not go there.”
Applejack caught her breath from all that laughter before she took a deep breath.  She walked up to Discord and asked “I take it Princess Cadance tried to convince Neigh Nanners to stand back, and he refused to do so.”
“Well judging by Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart and Grogar walking back up to the palace with a dissatisfied look,” Discord said.  “I’d say it went horrible.”
“Typical.” Applejack said.  “Ever since Rarity and I tried to sway Neigh Nanners on that article, he’s been going on this stubborn crusade to end Magic and Friendship.  And I ain’t gonna let that snake-in-the-grass son-of-a-submariner get the best of all of us.”
“Well they’re going to need you out in the open,” Discord said.  “Looks like the final battle is about to begin.”
“Then it’s time you face your destiny, Applejack,” Granny Smith said.  “Make sure there is a tomorrow to return to.”
“I will do it Granny,” Applejack said.  “And Grand Pear, you take care of yourself.”
“And you better live long and prosper, Applejack,” Grand Pear said, nodding his head at his granddaughter.
Applejack tipped her hat at Grand Pear and Granny Smith before she ran out the doorway, leaving Discord next to the two elderly ponies.
“Are you two sure you don’t need a little pick-me-up?”  Discord said with his fingers ready to snap.
“Nah,” Granny Smith said.  “Not interested in these big squabbles.”
“Besides,” Grand Pear said.  “Why would we want to have all those reality-warping powers, Q?”
“Q, huh?” Discord said with an amused chuckle.  “That sounds like an interesting name.”

But further away from the Crystal Empire, Neigh Nanners walked back towards his own army with Crusader Celestia, Filthy and Spoiled Rich, and SIlver Spoon by his side.  The grin on that despicable stallion’s face grew even wider.
“My lord,” Filthy Rich said.  “I take it you don’t intend on giving them an hour to surrender.”
“I never intended on them surrendering at all,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Their own compassion is their weakness, and I intend on exploiting it.”
“And I assume that you intend on invading right away,” Spoiled Rich asked.
“My dear,” Neigh Nanners replied with a slight laugh.  “You are correct.  We will begin after my speech towards the true believers.”
“But what about the traitor Twilight Sparkle?” Crusader Celestia asked.  “She and her new allies have buried the hatchet with my sister and the other Guardians of Harmony.”
“That’s for you to deal with,” Neigh Nanners said.  “She believes that you can be turned away from our ways.  But it is us who will turn her to our side.  And it is up to you to best her in combat and convert her to us.  You have my magic.  Make sure she is drenched with pure freedom.”
Crusader Celestia bowed down and said “As you wish, my lord.”
Neigh Nanners approached his own grand army, standing proud and ready to invade.  Many of them were decorated in silver armor, shaped almost like his own gold armor.  Some of them were barely clad in metal, armed with whips that are enchanted with dark magic.  The stallion stood there with a smile on his face.
“It won’t be long now, my followers,” Neigh Nanners announced.  “They don’t realize this, but we don’t intend on honoring our part of the bargain.  They do not realize that we are going to attack them while they wait during this so-called hour.  The time has come, to march forth and end the reign of Friendship in Equestria, FOREVER!”
WIth a loud boom, the army chanted “DOWN WITH TWILIGHT!  DOWN WITH FRIENDSHIP!  LET FREEDOM RING!”  Neigh Nanners, Crusader Celestia, Silver Spoon, Filthy and Spoiled Rich just stood there, each with a stubborn smile on their faces.  The Fire Nags that circled above the cult group neighed in delight.
“Yes,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Let freedom ring.”
But a mile away from Neigh Nanners’ own army, Nightmare Moon watched on from behind a crystal pillar.  The pupils in her eyes shrunk back down as she bared her teeth at the despicable stallion.
“Curse you Neigh Nanners,” Nightmare Moon said as she dug her hoof into the ground.  “You never intended on giving us our peace.  I must warn Princess Cadance about this.”
With that, Nightmare Moon extended her wings outward, turned around and flew off towards the Crystal Empire.

Meanwhile, in the outskirts of the Crystal Empire, a massive army of ponies, kirin, dragons, griffins, hippogriffs, changelings, and yaks lined up.  Each of them were armed with a hint of magical powers.  In front, many familiar faces stood their ground, waiting for the moment to strike.  But for Starswirl the Bearded, his eyes caught the attention of Princess Cadance, Grogar and Shining Armor, the latter of which was still comforting Flurry Heart.
“Princess Cadance,” Starswirl said.  “I take it the negotiations were short.”
“Negotiation?” Princess Cadance said.  “That bimbo would rather we surrender.”
“Well that’s just typical,” Starswirl said.  “Neigh Nanners is out of his mind to think he can get a decisive victory.”
“We actually agree on this, Starswirl,” Grogar said.  “What Neigh Nanners plan on doing will be our undoing, unless we act.”
“Then it appears now is the time to strike,” Starswirl replied.  “But at the same time, I fear we may be winding up into a trap.”
“That is why we wait for them to make the first mistake,” Grogar said. 
“Well knowing Nanners, he’s going to strike regardless if we’re ready or not.”  Starswirl turned his head to see Stygian looking towards the horizon, worrying the elder pony.
“I’m afraid you’re right, Stygian,” Starswirl said with a worrisome tone as eyed the horizon from the castle gates. “Neigh Nanners will stop at nothing to endure that we all are either obedient towards his ideology, or the day magic or our lives are gone forever.”
“At least if there is anything good to come of this,” Shining Armor said, looking at the massive army.  “We’re going to put up one hell of a fight.  Isn’t that right, sis?”
Shining Armor looked down to see Midnight Sparkle, whose focus was on the horizon.  Next to her were Daydream Shimmer and Trixie.
“I’m more worried than prepared, big brother,” Midnight Sparkle said. “Considering that I have to fight Princess Celestia.”
“Then you should have seen what Neigh Nanners has done to her,” Princess Cadance said.  “They turned her into an armor-plated champion of his cause.”
Midnight, alarmed by Cadance’s words, turned towards the pink alicorn and said “I knew Neigh Nanners was going to do something horrible.  But this is beyond words.”
“Twilight,” Daydream Shimmer said, putting her arm around Midnight Sparkle.  “If it makes you feel better, know that we’re going to save her, one way or another.”
“I hope you’re right, Sunset,” Midnight said.
“That reminds me,” Trixie said.  “Where the hay is Starlight?  She’s late.”
“I’m right over here, Trix.”  Trixie turned to her left to see Starlight Glimmer walking up to the group.  But her form has changed.  She now had a longer horn and wings of her own.”
“Decided to join the Alicorn club?” Daydream joked.  “Or was it the M.A. Larson club?”
“Well you could say either of those,” Starlight chuckled as she flapped her new wings.  “But hey, better to go generic than to have some special look.”
“Oh touche,” Daydream laughed.
Trixie just let out a raspberry and said “Oh please.  The Great and Powerful Trixie does not need to have the look of an Alicorn.  After all, I am Great and Powerful by myself.”
“Oh really?”  Midnight said before she extended her wings upwards and flapped them hard enough to create a gust of wind, knocking Trixie’s hand and cape off.
“HEY!”  Trixie yelled.  “THAT’S NOT FUNNY!”
As soon as the cape and hat came off, Trixie appeared to have a longer horn and a pair of her own.  Daydream, Midnight and Starlight did nothing but laugh.
“Guess you do need them for this fight, Trixie,” Starlight giggled.
Trixie covered herself with her hooves before yelling “Oh hah hah.  Real cute, Starlight.  But no matter.  The Great and Powerful Trixie will triumph over the lame and weak Neigh Nanners.”
Daydreamer was laughing so hard, she fell to the ground unable to contain herself.  Trixie just looked down at Daydreamer with an odd facial expression, all while Midnight and Starlight just chuckled.
“What’s so funny?” Trixie asked.
“Oh, let’s just say you remind her of someone with the same look and attitude,” Midnight replied.
Daydream Shimmer picked herself up and wiped a tear from her eye as she began to settle down.  She looked up at Trixie and said “That being said, we are at our darkest hour.  Neigh Nanners has amassed a giant army to fight us off, and all we have is the ability to undo the Nihilism Magic that has taken hold of various creatures across Equestria.  The fact that we have so many friends willing to put their freedom on the line to drive back this evil says a whole lot.  And I hope we stick it out to the end.”
“And as much as I want to be pessimistic, I do agree,” Daydream Shimmer looked to her side to see Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow and Discord approach the phoenix-themed unicorn.  Next to the villains were Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and even Babs Seed was present.  Trixie looked down at the little fillies, taking notice that all of them have unicorn horns and pegasi wings.
“Guess there must have been a buy three, get one free sale on Alicorn forms,” Trixie laughed.
“Oh hah hah, real funny,” Babs Seed said as she extended her wings up.  “Besides, when Apple Bloom encouraged me to get the alicorn treatment, I had to check that out.  No way was I going to be left out.”
“And I assume you guys are ready for the final fight,” Tirek said.  “There’s no going back once those cretins decide to invade.”
“We are,” Starswirl said.  “The question is: Are you willing to fight by our side?”
“After what happened since attempting to fight that pest in Manehattan,” Tirek said as he slammed his right fist against his left palm.  “I’m more than willing to do that.”
“You know, it’s funny how you have a distrust of us three since we used to be evil,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But you have every right not to trust us.”
“Trust isn’t the problem,” Starswirl said.  “As much as I hate to say it, losing any of you to Neigh Nanners’ Nihilism Magic would be as big of a tragedy as losing Princess Celestia.”
“Wait,” Cozy Glow said.  “What do you mean by that?”
“It means there’s a chance we could lose you, Starswirl, or the rest of us to that fiend’s hypnotic spell.”  Starswirl, Midnight and Cadance turned their heads to see the rest of the Pillars of Old Equestria, especially Stygian, approach the entire group.  Stygian looked ready, but also worried.
“Stygian,” Starswirl said.  “I can tell by the look in your eyes.  You fear that you may have to face me in combat again.”
“It’s something I hope I don’t have to do,” Stygian said.  “That none of us has to do.  I was selfish back then when I became the Pony of Shadows.  The last thing we need is for the roles to be reversed, and that I would have to fight to save you from yourself.”
“And I promise you this,” Starlight said.  “I won’t let that happen.  We’ve done a lot to help reform you from your own sins.”
“And even if I do fall to Neigh Nanners’ hypnotic spell,” Starswirl explained.  “Do not give up hope.  I believe that you are capable of saving me, as Twilight and Starlight did for you.”
“I’ll try,” Stygian said.
“And know this, Stygian,” Mistmane said.  “We will always be by your side, no matter what.”
“Thanks, guys,” Stygian said.  “Though it doesn’t truly put me at ease, it does give me some comfort in preparing for our final battle.”
“That reminds me,” Midnight said as she looked around.  “Pinkie Pie said she wanted to show me something.”
“Something, huh?” Discord said, sliding towards the darkened alicorn.  “I take it Pinkie Pie decided to go with the M.A. Larson signature edition.”
Suddenly, a pink paw stretches out and taps Discord on the shoulder.  The draconequus looked to his left and his face dropped down.  He immediately tapped on Midnight’s head.
“Don’t look now,” Discord said.  “But it appears Pinkie Pie just decided to play copycat on yours truly.”
“What do you mean by that?” Midnight said as she turned to her left.
The moment Midnight Sparkle looked at Pinkie Pie, the dark alicorn’s jaw dropped to the ground.  Pinkie Pie’s torso stretched out like a snake.  She now had a deer antler and a blue goat horn on her head, surrounded by her mane.  Her right arm was now of a lion while her left claw was like an eagle.  Her right left was a lizard and her left leg was of a goat.  She also had a pegasus’ left wing and a bat’s right wing, and her tail was replaced with a dragon-like snake’s tail with a magenta tail tuft.
“Pinkie,” Midnight Sparkle said, looking like she was going to freak out.   “You’ve become a Draconequus.  Why would you do that?”
“Oh come on, Twilight,” Pinkie Pie giggled.  “Everyone was doing the same ol Alicorn look.  So I wanted to do something unique and just look like Discord.”
“Seriously?”  Tirek said, tapping his front left hoof on the ground.  “Why a Draconequus and not something as powerful as a centaur?”
“Well that was one of my choices,” Pinkie Pie said as she snapped her fingers, transforming into a variation of herself as a Centaur.  “But where’s the fun in being one, anyway?  Besides, I am a pony of chaos.”
“Touche,” Tirek said with a cold tone and crossed arms all while Discord facepalmed.  Grogar looked at Pinkie Pie and just laughed.
“That kind of attitude reminds me of when I used to raise Gusty,” Grogar said.  “Back when she was a filly, Gusty was about as rambunctious as you were.   A filly who lived a carefree life.”  Grogar’s vocal tone went from content to depressed as he added “And yet, she never knew the comfort of her real family.  Poor kid.”
“Her real family?” Pinkie asked.
“It is a story I will have to tell you later,” Grogar said as he noticed something in the distance flying towards the Crystal Empire.  “It appears we have a message about Neigh Nanners.”
Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Midnight Sparkle and Daydream Shimmer waked up to the balcony as Nightmare Moon landed in front of them.  The alicorn formerly known as Princess Luna looked agitated as if she wanted to cut loose.
“I take it Neigh Nanners intends on invading us right away,” Princess Cadance asked.
“I’m afraid you’re right,” Nightmare Moon said.  “He never intended on honoring our so-called one hour timer to our surrender.  In fact, he’s decided to send everyone towards the Crystal Empire and start the final battle, right away.”
“Then that settles it,” Princess Cadance said.  “But now is not the time to make our attack.”
“I take it you have a nasty surprise for Neigh Nanners and the ponies he has under his control?”  Shining Armor asked.
“I do,” Princess Cadance said.  “First, we wait until they make the first mistake.  Then we let them have it.  Any objections, honey?”
Shining Armor reached his right arm out and pointed his hoof down.  Cadance looked at her husband with a smile on her face.
“Good,” Princess Cadance said.  “Give them the announcement.”
With that, Shining Armor turned towards the ponies of the Crystal Empire and announced.  “Everyone.  Neigh Nanners will be attacking us shortly.  We now face our darkest hour in Equestrian History.  But now is not the time to attack.  Stand your ground and wait for the signal.  As soon as I give you the order, press on the attack. Got it?”
The crowd yelled out “YEAH” as they cheered with excitement.  
Latin Roma steps forward from the crowd, standing tall and proud. He breathes in before yelling out “I will lead the troops towards victory against Neigh Nanners, with the chant that unite us all.”
Immediately, the crowd yelled out “BING BONG! BING BONG!”
“Yes,” Latin Roma said as he turned around and embraced the crowd.  “Chant Bing Bong.  And show them the true meaning of Friendship.”
Grogar raised his hoof and said “And I will deal with Neigh Nanners myself.  Should I fall to Nihilism Magic again, do not hesitate to strike me down.  This is a fight that we cannot afford to lose.”
Shining Armor stood there and said “Then get ready.  We’re about to give them the ride of their life.”
Flurry Heart flew up to her father with ambition in her eyes as she pouted “Bad pony going down.”
Shining Armor grabbed Flurry Heart and said to her “That’s my girl.”  The little filly just giggled in delight.

Meanwhile, in the valley, the entire cult marched towards the Crystal Empire with Neigh Nanners, Crusader Celestia, Filthy and Spoiled Rich, and Silver Spoon leading the group.  Up in the sky, the Fire Nags flew towards the castle, letting out a cackling neigh that sounded garbled up and staticy.  
“This is our finest hour,”  Neigh Nanners said with delight as he marched with anticipation. “When the day is over, Friendship will be no more, and the ponies of Equestria will soon be free.”
The entire cult group cheered in unison, excited by the events that would unravel.  Neigh Nanners turned his head back towards the castle, fixating his eyes on the prize.  He licked his lips in anticipation, thinking nothing of the victory he would accomplish.
“With all due respect my lord,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Something is not right here.”
“And what makes you have a lack of faith, my pupil?” Neigh Nanners asked.
 “I can’t seem to fully explain it,” Crusader Celestia said.  “But there’s a part of me that believes we’re being lured into a trap.”
“A trap?” Neigh Nanners laughed.  “My dear apprentice.  You simply have a lot to learn about faith.  In fact…”
But before Neigh Nanners could say anything, his ears picked something up.  It was the sound of ponies chanting “Bing Bong.  Bing Bong.”  Though it sounded weak in the distance, it grew louder with every passing second.
“I’d say you might be right,” Neigh Nanners said.
“My lord,” Filthy Rich said, pointing to the horizon.  “The opposing army is approaching.”
Neigh Nanners looked over the horizon, and his jaw dropped in surprise.  A vast number of ponies, kirin, dragons, griffins, changelings, yaks and hippogriffs marched and flew towards Neigh Nanners’ army, chanting “BING BONG! BING BONG!”  
“They were anticipating us,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Some pony was spying on us.  What should we do, my lord?”
“It appears they were,” Neigh Nanners replied.  “Crusader.  Take your best templars into the fray and find Twilight Sparkle.  I will lead the rest of the true believers in to end this insurrection.”
“As you wish, my lord,” Crusader Celestia said before she leaped into the air and flew towards the advancing army.
Neigh Nanners was about to advance further when he immediately held up his hoof, causing his own military to stop.  
“It appears faith has been kind to all of us,” Neigh Nanners said.  He turned to Filthy Rich and added “Templar.  Take the army and hold off the resistance.  There is one individual in that crowd who wishes to duell me.”
“At once, my lord,” Filthy Rich said.
Spoiled Rich turned to Neigh Nanners’ followers and yelled out “COME!  WE FIGHT FOR OUR LORD’S VICTORY!”
Neigh Nanners stepped aside as his massive number of followers cheered in unison.  Filthy Rich, Spoiled Rich and Silver Spoon ran towards the advancing army of the resistance, with the followers following in pursuit.
“That’s right, Grogar,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Come, and meet your one, true fate.”

On the opposite side of the valley, the vast army of the Equestrian Resistance charged right at the advancing cultists of Neight Nanners.  Leading the pack was Latin Roma, who continued the chant of “BING BONG!  BING BONG!”  Galloping next to the brave unicorn was Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow and Grogar. All of them looked determined as ever to bring the fight to the opposing side.
Immediately, Latin Roma stopped chanting as he turned to Starlight Glimmer and asked “So what’s the plan?”
“We’re going to gude Grogar through the entranced cult members,” Starlight explained.  “Once he’s in range with Neigh Nanners, we will return and aid in any way possible.”
“And I suppose your magic will be able to knock them aside,” Latin Roma asked.
“Of course,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Observe.”
Immediately, Queen Chrysalis flew up a small bit into the air before diving right down towards the brainwashed army.  WIth one slam of her hooves, Chrysalis creates a shockwave that knocks down nearly every cult member in a large radius.  Chrysalis stood there with a sinister grin on her face before leaping back into the air.
“Well,” Starlight said.  “What do you think?”
“It’s a start,” Latin Roma said.  “But there are still too many of them.”
“He’s got a point,” Grogar said.  “Begin the counter attack.”
Nightmare Moon, Discord, Lord Tirek, Starlight and Cozy Glow nodded.  The five former villains advanced towards the influenced cult, charging up energy in their horns.  WIth one swift blast, five beams went flying down towards the cult members before detonating on impact, knocking them aside.
“Direct hit,” Tirek said.  “That will keep those fools at bay.”
“And to think,” Nightmare Moon said.  “That wasn’t the spell needed to blast that magic out of their system.”
Suddenly, a fiery blast of magic hits an area in front of the army, causing snow to fly into the air and to land on Latin Roma and most of the former villains, burying them.  It didn’t take long for the group to dig their way out and emerge from the top of the snow mound.
“Geez,” Cozy Glow said as she shook the snow out of her mane.  “That was a cold trick.”
“You’re telling me,” Starlight said as she pointed to the sky.  “We got a red hot problem above our heads.”
Cozy Glow, Grogar, Tirek, Nightmare Moon, Discord and Latin Roma looked up in the sky, seeing the Fire Nags stare right down at them.  They breathed a small patch of fire from their mouths, ready to spit the flame right at their face.
“Fire Nags,” Nightmare Moon said.  “They intend on ending our final stand with their magic.”
“They have been enhanced by the Nihilism Magic,” Grogar explained.  “One hit, and you will fall under their spell.  Someone needs to distract them.”
Discord picked himself up out of the snow and said “Leave them to me.”
Starlight shouted “Discord, wait.”  But it was too late.  Discord flew up towards the Fire Nags, firing off blasts of magic right at the fiery windigos.  Starlight tried to fly up towards Discord, only to be pulled back by Grogar’s magic.
“Discord’s playing his part in our final battle,” Grogar said.  “Right now, we must play our own and push through Neigh Nanners’ cultists.”
“But I can’t leave him to be consumed by the Fire Nags’ Nihilism magic,” Starlight said as Grogar set her on the ground.
“Princess Cadance powered up Discord to resist the Fire Nags,” Grogar said.  “He’ll be alright.  Besides, if he were in your place, what would he do?”
Starlight paused for a moment before she said “He would press on.”
“That’s the spirit,” Grogar said.  “Now let’s show that monster that we mean business.”
Immediately, Grogar, Latin Roma, Starlight, Cozy Glow, Tirek and Nightmare Moon pressed on, pushing back on the advancing cultist army, all while Queen Chrysalis continued to slam into the ground just to knock more of the cultists to the side,   Though the brainwashed minions were relentless, the resistance army held their ground.
“DO NOT HOLD BACK, BROTHERS AND SISTERS,” Latin Roma yelled as he knocked a few cult members to the side.  “KEEP PRESSING ON AGAINST NEIGH NANNERS’ AGENDA AND FIGHT FOR THE TRUE MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP!”
With that, Latin Roma the Resistance fighters chanted “BING BONG! BING BONG!” Their nerves were as hard as steel.  Their eyes focused on the battlefield.  Their hooves, claws, paws and feet held strong.  And their wings expanded to blot out the sky.

In the far back of the valley, Neigh Nanners paced back and forth, taking notice of the advancing army.  But his eyes were more focused on the former villains and Latin Roma pushing their way through his own army.
“Impressive,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Perhaps I underestimated the resistance.”
Immediately, Neigh Nanners jumped out of the way as Grogar, Tirek, Nightmare Moon, Cozy Glow, Starlight Glimmer and Latin Roma slammed down near him.  They all stepped forward, staring down the cult leader like eagles eying their prey.
“So the so-called Guardians of Harmony have finally shown their faces,” Neigh Nanners said.  “And it appears the former Emperor of Equestria had the nerve to show his face.”
“What we stand for is to end the very madness that you have unleashed upon Equestria,” Nightmare Moon said.  “And as ones who have atoned for our own sins, we will protect those that gave us a second chance, all the way to our final breath.”
Neigh Nanners laughed as he pulled the Emotion Amplifier off his sash and said “You were delusional back when you became villains, and you’re still delusional to this day.  Only I can reform you from your own evil.”
With that, Neigh Nanners held the Emotion Amplifier in the air, transforming it into its warhammer form.  He clenched the hammer closely before pointing it at the group.
“Stand down, Neigh Nanners,” Latin Roma said.  “Your crimes against every pony dwarfs all of our sins.”
“The only ones who sin,” Neigh Nanners said, raising his hammer into the air.  “Are all of you.”
Neigh Nanners immediately slammed his hammer right on the ground, creating a shockwave that knocks Latin Roma, Grogar, Nightmare Moon, Tirek, Starlight Glimmer and Cozy Glow down.  Neigh then lifts the hammer back up, laughing loudly.
“You all were never that great to begin with,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Only I can show you true greatness, but only if you give up this shackle known as friendship.”
Grogar immediately got up and unhooked his Bewitching Bell from his collar.  With one ring of the bell, it transformed into a sword.  Grogar pointed the sword at Neigh Nanners as everyone else got up.
“You got this fight?” Tirek asked as he dusted himself off and cracked his knuckles.  “We’re here to back you up, just in case.”
“I’ll be able to handle Neigh Nanners on my own,” Grogar said.  “Hold the other cultists back, and make sure Princess Celestia is found.  And if I fall, do not hesitate to strike me down.”
“Best of luck to you, Mr Grogar,” Cozy Glow said as she, Starlight, Nightmare Moon, Tirek and Latin Roma fell back towards the two armies fighting each other.
Neigh Nanners twirled his own hammer and said “None of you are a match for me, combined.  Most of your companions have chosen to retreat, knowing the inevitable that will come.  How can a washed up villain be a match for me?”
“I’ve known what it was like to fall under that kind of magic,” Grogar said.  “I’ve known what it was like to go mad from that kind of magic.  You, on the other hand, have no regard for anyone’s life but your own.  You abuse that kind of magic just for your own personal gain.  And you use it to enslave anyone who you desire.”
“What I do is to free them from the shackles of Friendship and Harmony,” Neigh Nanners said, clutching his hammer closely.  “And besides, none of you could take me down together.  What makes you think you can take me down?  You’ll need more than luck to best me.”
Grogar held the sword to his side and said “I don’t need luck to best you, punk.”
With that, Grogar and Neigh Nanners charged each other, delivering a powerful clash that echoes through the crystal valley.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the battlefield, The Cutie Mark Crusaders along with Babs Seed and Diamond Tiara fought their way through the hordes of brainwashed minions, knocking them aside with their new alicorn magic.  Though the mindless-like cult members were relentless, the alicornified fillies continued to push back.
“Never thought we would go from ordinary fillies back in Ponyville to partaking a war,” Apple Bloom said, blasting her way through an invading group.  “Imagine what our descendants would say about us.”
“You’re telling me,” Scootaloo said as she extended her wings to knock down more of the mind-controlled mooks.  “I thought getting these new powers would be a thing and finally being able to fly.  But I never thought I would be overwhelmed, even with this blessing.”
“Now’s not the time to hold back,” Babs Seed said.  “We have to save all of them, like Twilight and her new companions did for me.”
“I’m afraid Babs Seed is right,” Diamond Tiara said, blasting away a cultist that tried to sneak up on her.  “These powers would be worthless if we can’t hold back against them.”
“More worthless than you have become, blank flank defender.”  Diamond Tiara turned around to see Silver Spoon staring down at her.  Right next to the gray filly was Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich.  The two older ponies scorned down at Diamond Tiara.
“Silver Spoon?  Mom?  Dad?” Diamond Tiara said as her eyes shrunk down in horror.
“What did they do to you?” Sweetie Belle asked in horror.
“Oh what Neigh Nanners did to us was to free us from our torment,” Silver Spoon said.  “But it’s a shame that you choose to side with those former blank flanks.”
“And it’s a shame that you didn’t go with us, my daughter,” Filthy Rich said.  “You could have been more than just a rich pony.  You could have been a Queen.”
“But instead, you chose to side with the peasants of Equestria,” Spoiled Rich said.  
“I was separated from you both,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I had no other choice.”
“You had the choice to go with us back in Ponyville and you failed,” Spoiled Rich yelled with a harsh tone.  Her eyes glared down at Diamond Tiara as the older mare added “I’d say you are no longer our daughter.  But that would lead to juvenile delinquency.  We will teach you real respect, and we will break you down in tears.”
“No,” Diamond Tiara said as she started to tear up.  “I will never become that pony again.  Do you hear me?  I WILL NEVER BE THAT PONY AGAIN!”
“Oh please,” Silver Spoon said.  “Even back then, I thought you were weak.”
Scootaloo watched in horror as Diamond Tiara just stared at Silver Spoon and her parents.  She nudged at Apple Bloom and said “You better help lift her spirits.”
Apple Bloom extended her wings out before flying up to Diamond Tiara and said “Don’t let their words get under your fur.  You’re better than this.”
Diamond Tiara raised her head and said “This is Neigh Nanners’ fault.  Help me free them from this madness.”
“Diamond,” Sweetie Belle said as she walked up next to Diamond Tiara.  “We’re with you to the very end.”
Immediately, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed lined up next to Diamond Tiara as both Filthy and Spoiled Rich stood by Silver Spoon.
“So,” Silver Spoon said.  “Anything you wish to say before you face your punishment?”
“Yeah,” Babs Seed said.  “You just messed with the wrong fillies.”
Immediately, the two sides charged at each other, raring to take the opposite side down.

Back in the air, Discord held his own against the Fire Nags, swatting aside blasts of fire magic to far off places of Equestria, either with his hands, his magic, or random objects like a homerun bat, a tennis racquet, a sword, an axe, a lightsaber, a frying pan, and even a chainsaw.  Discord yawned as he continued to pull objects out of thin air, warding off the magic of the beings formerly known as the Windigos.
“This is so anti-climatic,” Discord said as he used what looked like a magical rod with a star on the tip to bat off the magic.  “Can’t you do better than simple repetition?”
One of the Fire Nags glared down at Discord before opening its mouth and charging up energy in its jaw.  This caught Discord’s attention.
“Finally,” Discord said.  “Some excitement.”
The Fire Nag fired off a blast of magic right at Discord, who only responded by pulling out a cover of a DVD with the title “The Emoji Movie,” and holding it out in front.  The beam connected and consumed Discord in its fire.  But when the beam disappeared, Discord appeared unscathed, only for the DVD cover to crumble in his hands.
“It was the only thing it was good for,” Discord said.  “But hey, at least it wasn’t anything related to Rob Schneider or Tom Green.”
Discord stared down at the Fire Nags.  His paws glowed brightly as two balls of energy form.  His eyes stared down the fiery beings before he thrust his hands forwards.
“YOU HAVE BEEN FRIENDED!” Discord said before firing a blast of magic, right at the Fire Nags.

Back down below, the Pillars of Old Equestria lead Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, the Mane Six and Spike through the two armies fighting each other.  They looked up in the sky to see Discord hit the Fire Nags with his magic.  Midnight Sparkle turned to her left to see Big Mac and Sugar Belle clear their own path of cult members.
“In this kind of chaos,” Somnambula said.  “The Windigos would have frozen the entire planet by now.”
“Well this is no ordinary chaos,” Rarity replied.  “Because the Windigos are now Fire Nags, there is nothing stopping this madness from getting worse.”
“This makes me wonder,” Daydream Shimmer said.  “What would happen if the amount of chaos across the world were to be unchecked.”
“That is something I do not want to imagine,” Starswirl said.  “I believe the Windigos were here for a purpose.  To prevent our hate and anger from consuming the planet.  And now that they are under Neigh Nanners control, I fear nothing can stop what I fear will be a Great Malice from consuming us all.”
“This keeps on getting worse and worse,” Trixie said.
Pinkie Pie looked up in the air, seeing Discord continuing his fight against the Fire Nags.  She fluttered her new draconequus wings and was about to fly up, only for Midnight to pull her back from her snake-like tail.
“Pinkie,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “We need you to help us get Princess Celestia back.”
“But I wanna help bring down the Fire Nags,” Pinkie Pie whined.
“You’ll be able to once we extract that hateful magic from Celestia,” Midnight said.  “Now come on.  We got a job to do.”
The group of ponies and dragon continued their sprint down through the crystal valley, dodging the two armies going at each other.  They only made it through when a blast of magic lands right in front of them and ignites, sending snow flying across the field.
“INCOMING!” Rainbow Dash yelled.
“This is no way to stay cool,” Rarity said as she covered her head.
Everyone in the group covered their heads, anticipating the snow that was going to fall on them.  But the snow only landed one foot away from them.  Daydream Shimmer opened her eyes and looked in front of her as she saw Crusader Celestia land in front of the group.
“Princess Celestia,” Daydream Shimmer said, causing the rest of her companions to open their eyes in horror.  “What has Neigh Nanners done to you?”
Crusader Celestia landed in front of the group and said “Sunset Shimmer.  I see you, Twilight and the others have come to reclaim me from my lord.”
“That is not who you are, Princess,” Starswirl said.  “I’ve known you for a long time and I know you would never align with a monster like Neigh Nanners.”
“My lord is no monster,” Crusader Celestia said.  “He is the chosen one who will save the planet from the scourge known as Friendship.  And he will Make Equestria Great Again. “
Crusader Celestia let out a loud laughter as the Fire Nags continued to hover over her, fighting off Discord.  The entire group just stood there.  Their eyes shifted from the Fire Nags over towards their former ally, leader and mentor.
“She can’t be lost,” Stygian said.  “Even I fell further than she did.”
“You’re right on that,” Starswirl said, placing his arm around Stygian.  “And we will make sure that Princess Celestia is back to her former self.”
Midnight Sparkle, Daydream Shimmer and Spike walked up towards Crusader Celestia.  The light-themed alicorn just looked down at the trio with a confident smile.
“It’s not too late, Princess,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “We know that the one who raised us to be the prime example of friendship is still there.  We just have to help you realize who you were.”
Crusader Celestia just laughed before she said “Oh I already realized just how wrong I was to embrace Friendship for more than a thousand years.  And I also realized that I was a fool for taking any of you in with my falsehoods.  But it’s not too late for all of you.  Surrender, and I will make your conversion to real freedom worthwhile.”
“That’s not you, Princess,” Daydream Shimmer said.  “Back then, I failed your lessons because I was a self-centered brat who wanted power.  I even took the crown of magic for all that power, only to realize that it would turn me into a she-demon.”
“And the reason why you failed was because I gave you the wrong lessons,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Which is why I will correct that, even if it means you never get to see your friends in the human world…AGAIN!”
Crusader Celestia pulled out a metal disc from her pauldrons and threw it into the air.  She fired a blast of magic right at the disc, turning it into a war hammer.  She jumped into the air and grabbed it with her teeth before landing her hooves on the ground with a powerful quake.  It nearly caused everyone else to lose their footing.
“I think Celestia means business,” Spike said.  “There’s no way we can break through that kind of magic with our words.”
“I know, Spike,” Midnight Sparkle said as she regained her footing.  “But it was worth a shot.  Now the real fight begins.”
Immediately, Rainbow Dash, Draconequus Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Buff Applejack, Fluttershy, Alicorn Trixie, Starswirl, Stygian, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Somnambula, Flash Magnus, and Mage Meadowbrook stood right behind Midnight Sparkle, Daydream Shimmer and Spike the Dragon, keeping their eyes out on Crusader Celestia as she held her war hammer in the air.
“This is it,” Daydream Shimmer thought to herself.  “The final battle.  And we know what our goal is.  If we fail, we may lose more than the magic of Equestria.  We could lose our own lives.  So for the sake of everyone, we must drain the Nihilism Magic from Celestia, and save the world.”


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 17: Instruments of Destruction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Instruments of Destruction



The fighting between the Equestrian Resistance and the Order of Neigh Nanners intensified as both sides held nothing back and lashed out with all of their natural skills.  The Equestrian Resistance used their magic to break the grip of Nihilism from those who fell to Neigh Nanners, while those within the Order struck down Resistance members, converting them into another believer.  Sides were switching up on the battlefield as a friend would become a foe, and foes could end up becoming friends.
But deep within the fighting, we find Latin Roma, Nightmare Moon, Starlight Glimmer, Tirek and Cozy Glow running through the infight.  Even in light of the stress surrounding them, they continued their path, dodging attacks from both friend and foe.
“Never thought I’d live to see an actual war break out,” Nightmare Moon said. 
“My father once told me that you’ll never know what the future will hold,” Latin Roma said as he deflected one of the followers of Neigh Nanners.  “And this is saying a whole lot.”
“I’ve been in these kinds of battles before when I turned evil,” Tirek said as he threw one of the cultists aside.  “But this is ridiculous.”
Starlight Glimmer scratched her hoof on the snow before she said “You want something done right?  Go the extra mile.”
Starlight blasted her new wings with her magic, radiating a powerful glow.  She extended her wings out and dashed forward towards the incoming cult members.
“GANGWAY, MORONS!”  Starlight yelled.  “YOU’RE ABOUT TO TASTE REAL PONY FEATHERS!”
With one swift dash with her wings, Starlight crashed right through the cult member, knocking them aside.  Some of them were hit in the mouth by her wings, flipping them down into the snow.  One of them spat out feathers from his mouth and shook his head before turning to shake his hoof at Starlight.
“CURSE YOU RECKLESS MARY SUE!”  That lone mind-controlled pony said as he got up and shook his fist at Starlight.  “WHEN MY LORD HEARS ABOUT THIS, HE’LL…”
But before he could finish his speech, Cozy Glow flew right up and slammed her hoof right into his crotch.  The brainwashed minion screamed in pain before he fell to the ground, moaning and winching.
“That was a low blow,” The minion said in a high-pitched voice.
“Well when you had an experience in evil,” Cozy Glow said before she landed on the snow.  “Then it pays off to play dirty.”
Suddenly, Tirek yanked Cozy Glow by the wings and pulled her up to his face.  The Centaur looked extremely agitated.
“DON’T YOU EVER, EVER…” Tirek yelled, scaring Cozy Glow.  “PULL THAT STUNT AGAIN!”
“Why?” Cozy Glow asked in a nervous tone.  “I thought you like being evil.”
“Even I think a low blow goes too far,” Tirek said before dropping Cozy Glow.  
Cozy Glow shook the snow off her face before watching Tirek walk off.  Nightmare Moon walked up to Cozy Glow with an amused look on her face.
“If it makes you feel better,” Nightmare Moon said.  “Me and my sister used to resort to low blows towards bandits back when we were fillies, with words like ‘That’s my purse.  I don’t know you.’  It sure did make Starswirl upset.”  
Nightmare Moon’s words made Cozy Glow giggle a bit while Tirek just looked back and shrugged.
“Sometimes, you mares just scare me,” Tirek said before turning to face more brainwashed minions.
Starlight flew back towards the group, being weighed down by the hooves of a brainwashed stallion.  This caught the attention of the rest of her companions.
“Starlight,” Nightmare Moon said.  “Do tell us who that fool is.”
“Someone who I don’t even want to be associated with,” Starlight said as she kicked the fool off her leg.
Cozy Glow flew up to the mind-controlled stallion, who got up and took off his hat, revealing himself to be Svengallop.  Cozy Glow just looked at him and couldn’t think of anything to say.
“What are you staring at?” Svengallop demanded.
“I have never seen your face at all,” Cozy Glow said.  “Are you some kind of rejected villain?”
“YOU FOOL,” Svengallop yelled.  “I AM SVENGALLOP, FORMER MANAGER TO COUNTESS COLORATURA, AND ONE OF NEIGH NANNERS’ FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS!”
Nightmare Moon landed her hooves right in front of Svengallop.  The stallion looked up at the pony also known as Princess Luna, and began to cower.
“I’ve heard of you, Svengallop,” Nightmare Moon said.  “Applejack told me about how you took advantage of her close friend for your own gain, and I’m not just talking about Coloratura.  I’m also talking about a certain Pinkie PIe.”
“Now wait just a minute here,” Svengallop said, covering his face.  “I’m not really under Neigh Nanners’ spell.  I only pretended to be just so I could get my hooves on his Emotion Amplifier.”
“Wait,” Starlight said.  “You were pretending to be under his spell just so you could double cross him and take control?”
“Well…yeah,” Svengallop replied, sweating rapidly.  “And….I uhhh.”
“SPILL IT,” Latin Roma yelled with a voice that could cause a massive earthquake.  “WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY UHHH?”
“Well,” Svengallop said nervously, scratching the back of his head with his hoof.  “That unicorn pretending to be Twilight Sparkle…..I wanted to grab her and bring her down just to lure Neigh Nanners into a trap.”
Starlight Glimmer looked like she was about to explode.  She glared down at Svengallop and yelled out “YOU WHAT?”
“Well two reasons,” Svengallop said.  “One….You were really close to me.  And two….you just screamed out ‘Damsel in Distress.’  Hehehehe.”
Starlight Glimmer took a few steps back before nodding her head towards Cozy Glow.  The filly alicorn flew up to Svengallop and lit her horn up, surrounding the stubborn earth pony in a magical aura and lifting him off the ground.
“YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO ME,” Svengallop yelled.  “YOU’RE NOTHING MORE THAN A LITTLE FILLY!”
“Just a little filly?” Cozy Glow sneered.  “I tried to take magic away from ponies, and I roughed it out in Tartarus.”  Her voice reached a fevered pitch as she yelled out “DO YOU THINK I AM THAT WEAK AND INNOCENT?  LET ME SHOW YOU HOW USELESS I AM NOT!”
Cozy Glow swung Svengallop as fast as she could before throwing him at mach speed.  The scared earth pony yelled as loud as he could before he landed right in Tirek’s hand. 
“Oh no,” Svengallop said as he looked up at Tirek.
“So you pretended to be one of Neigh Nanners’ brainwashed minions just to swipe his artifact,” Tirek said as he pulled Svengallop up to his face.  “And you turned out to be a bigger coward.  You’re lower than even dirt, and I wouldn’t even consume your magic if it was the last bit of it on this planet.  So do yourself a favor and buzz off.”
But before Svengallop could say anything, Tirek swung back and threw the self-centered stallion, sending him flying away from the battlefield.  Nightmare Moon, Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow and Latin Roma all gathered around Tirek, who’s scowl was flipped into a smile.
“That felt satisfying,” Tirek said.  “And I have yet to lay a finger on Neigh Nanners.  But I still have faith that he’ll get his just desserts.”
“I wouldn’t want to be in that jerk’s horse shoes,” Starlight said.  “And I meant that Svengallop jerk.”
“Well we should waste our time here,” Latin Roma said before he jumped up and kicked a charging minion right in the face, knocking him down.  Latin landed his hoofs on the snow and added “Let’s make sure they bring Princess Celestia back to the base.
“I agree,” Nightmare Moon said.  She pointed towards the castle and added “If Twilight, her friends and the pillars found my sister, then they’ll need backup.  Come.”
WIth that, Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow, Tirek, Nightmare Moon and Latin Roma ran through the battlefield, knocking down any charging followers aside.

Meanwhile, back on the opposite side of the valley, Grogar and Neigh Nanners held each other back, Grogar with the Blade of the Bell, and Neigh Nanners with the Emotion War Hammer.  The sound of metal slamming against each other filled the valley as neither combatant appeared to tire.  Neigh Nanners was able to slam down Grogar’s sword into the snow.  But the former emperor was undeterred.
“There is no escape,” Neigh Nanners said.  “Your powers are weak, old ram.”
“You can’t win, Nanners,” Grogar said.  “If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”
“We shall see about that,” Neigh Nanners replied, all before Grogar lifted his sword out from the snow, knocking the War Hammer away.
Immediately, the two clashed at each other once more, slamming their weapons against each other, and dodging the incoming slashes or strikes.  When Neigh Nanners attempted to thrust his sword towards Grogar, the old ram jumped back to dodge the strike before raising his sword into the air.
“Know that by wielding the Nihilism’s Bane,” Grogar said as energy flowed into the Blade of the Bell.  “You condemn all life across Equestria…to extinction.”
“What I do is to free them from their shackles of friendship,” Neigh Nanners responded, bracing for impact.
“Then you are a bigger fool than you make yourself out to be,” Grogar said.
And with that, Grogar fired off a beam of pure energy right at Neigh Nanners.  Though the stallion crusader began to freak out, he immediately swung his hammer outward, barely holding back the salvo of magic.
“You’re really starting to peeve me off, Grogar,” Neigh Nanners said as he struggled to push the beam back.
“That is the advantage of experience,” Grogar laughed.  “To know more about magic than you can ever realize.”
“Well here’s something for you to realize,” Neigh Nanners yelled.
With all his strength, Neigh Nanners was able to push the hammer forward, sending the beam of energy flying back at Grogar.  But before it could make contact, Grogar sliced the beam in half with his sword, splitting it in half and sending it flying into the atmosphere.
“I had a feeling that you would do that,” Grogar laughed.
Neigh Nanners held his hammer up and said “I will send you to Tambelon for this.”
Neigh Nanners swung his War Hammer right at Grogar, who blocked it with his sword.  Grogar stood there, unimpressed as Neigh Nanners struggled to push him back.
“Tambelon,” Grogar replied.  “What an interesting name.  Is it a prison of some sort?  One that makes Tartarus look weak?  Though it does sound like the name of my former empire.”
“Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!”  Neigh Nanners yelled as he smashed at Grogar’s sword in anger.
Grogar quickly moved out of the way, causing Neigh Nanners to fall down and smack his face onto the War Hammer.  He looked up at Grogar and began to seethe in anger.
“You’re over emotional,” Grogar joked.  “Perhaps all that Nihilism Magic is getting to you.  Maybe you should lay off that stuff and learn to focus, like I do.”
“That’s it,” Neigh Nanners said in a cold, angry tone.  “Forget Tambelon.  I’ll carve your skull into a trophy.”
Grogar pointed his sword at Neigh Nanners and said “Bring it, amateur.  Your grip on that artifact is coming to an end.”
Suddenly, a ball of fire descends from the skies and hits Neigh Nanners, exploding into a cloud of smoke and steam, and confusing Grogar.  The ram lowered his sword down and approached the cloud of smoke.
“That was unexpected,” Grogar said.
When the smoke cleared, Neigh Nanners opened his eyes and looked down to see Svengallop attempted to pull the Emotion War Hammer away from him.
“That’s mine,” Svengallop said as he struggled to pull the hammer away.  “I will take your artifact and I will become a god.”
Unimpressed, Neigh Nanners jerked the hammer away from Svengallop before swinging backwards.  Svengallop stood there, looking up at Neigh Nanners helplessly.
“You are not worthy of being one of us,” Neigh Nanners said in a cold tone.  “Begone, fool.”
With a swing of the hammer, Neigh Nanners smacked Svengallop so hard, that it sent him flying further into the atmosphere.  
“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Neigh Nanners said before turning towards Grogar.  “And now, you’re next.”
“As I said,” Grogar said before he levitated the sword next to him.  “Bring it.”

Back in the air, Discord just stood there, deflecting the shots from the Fire Nags.  Even in spite of the fiery windigo’s best efforts, Discord looked uninterested, resorting to yawning, reading books, or playing tennis with himself, all while he continued to bat aside the magic.
“You’re the Windigos,” Discord said, batting aside more shots.  “The most powerful beings on this planet, capable of freezing over every living creature if their anger reached a fevered point.  And now look how far you have fallen.  You’ve become the very thing you fought against.  You’ve become a shadow of your former selves, taking sides with angry creatures.  Is this how you want to go down?”
The three Fire Nags then gathered together and began to charge up magic in their mouths, catching the attention of Discord.
“Well it’s about time,” Discord said as he threw his stuff aside and braced himself.  “I’d thought you were nothing more than a joke.”
The magic inside the Fire Nags’ mouth grew larger and large, almost to the size of a giant star, as Discord looked on, his eyes glaring at the sphere of magic and his instincts ready to pounce.
Suddenly, a blast of magic hits one of the Fire Nags, causing the sphere of fire magic to disappear without a trace and causing Discord to slump down in disappointment.  He looked to the left to see Queen Chrysalis fly up and hit one of the Nags in the face, sending it flying towards the mountain range.
Chrysalis flew up to Discord as he said “Way to ruin a good time.”
“Now where’s the fun in letting you beat those beasts down?” Chrysalis said with a laugh.  “Besides, it doesn’t look like you were taking them seriously.”
“Well considering the fact that they have yet to make a scratch on me,” Discord said.  “They’ve become a joke.”
Chrysalis and Discord quickly eyed the third nag flying back up to its siblings before preparing to charge up their magical fire ball once again.  Discord and Chrysalis immediately guard themselves for the worse.
“Whoever can knock those beasts the furthest wins,” Chrysalis said with a smirk.
“Bring it on,” Discord replied as he and Chrysalis face down the Fire Nags.

Back in the middle of the battlefield, Midnight Sparkle, Daydream Shimmer and Trixie held up barriers, blocking each and every one of Crusader Celestia’s blasts of magic and hits from her war hammer.  Behind them, the rest of the Mane Six, Spike and the Pillars of Old Equestria watched on.
“I don’t know if I can keep this up,” Midnight Sparkle said.
“Neither can I,” Daydream Shimmer replied.  “But we need a diversion, and fast.”
“As much as the Great and Powerful Trixie  want to do that,” Trixie said.  “If that happens, the rest of the crew will be left vulnerable.”
“So now what do we do?” Midnight Sparkle asked.
Immediately, Midnight Sparkle felt a tap on her shoulder.  She turned around and saw Starswirl the Bearded and Draconequus Pinkie Pie standing right next to her.
“Starswirl, Pinkie,” Midnight said with a bit of shock.  “What are you doing?”
“We’re going to provide a distraction,” Starswirl said.
“With what you both got?” Midnight yelled.
“Yeah,” Pinkie said as she held her right hand up, looking ready to deliver a finger snap.  “After all, I have the magic of chaos by my side, just like Discord.  So this will be a treat.”  
“Then that is what you should do,” Daydream Shimmer said.
“Are you out of your mind, Sunset?” Midnight protested.
“If Pinkie Pie has the same powers as Discord,” Sunset said.  “Then why not?  And besides, at least these barriers are soundproof.”
“And if it does get the job done,” Trixie said.  “Then so be it.  We can lure her back to the castle and drain that magic out of her.”
“Fine,”  Midnight said before turning to Pinkie and Starswirl.  “Do what must be done.”
“With pleasure, Princess Twilight,” Starswirl said with a devilish grin.
Pinkie Pie quickly grabbed Starswirl and snapped her fingers, teleporting away from the group and right behind Crusader Celestia.  Before the brainwashed princess could react, Starswirl fired a blast of magic from behind, causing her to turn towards the duo.
“Blasphemers,” Crusader Celestia said as she raised her war hammer towards Starswirl and Pinkie Pie.  “Know my lord’s wrath when I lay my hoof upon thee.”
But before she could swing the war hammer, a blast of magic behind Celestia knocked the hammer out of her hoof sending it flying to the ground.  Crusader Celestia reached down and was about to pick up the hammer with her magic.
“YOU’RE TOO SLOW!”  Rainbow Dash yelled as she zipped on by and grabbed the War Hammer with her hooves before flying upwards into the air.
“GIVE THAT BACK!”  Crusader Celestia yelled before pursuing Rainbow Dash in the air.
Rainbow Dash took a good look at Crusader Celestia before she threw the hammer away with her mouth.  The alicorn crusader quickly grabbed and held her tight.
“Where’s my hammer?” Crusader Celestia yelled as she squeezed Rainbow Dash.  “Tell me.”
Rainbow Dash struggled to speak.  The pressure applied by Celestia’s arms was crushing her voice box as the pegasus could barely breathe.
“OVER HERE, MY FORMER TEACHER!” Crusader Celestia released her hold on Rainbow Dash before turning her attention to Daydream Shimmer, who was already airborne and was holding the War Hammer in her hooves.
“Give that back you juvenile delinquent,” Crusader Celestia barked.
Daydream Shimmer let out a big raspberry before she turned tail and flew off towards the central castle in the Crystal Empire.  Rainbow Dash immediately darted away from Crusader Celestia and flew towards Daydream Shimmer.
“Come back you two,” Crusader Celestia snapped.  “My lord will punish you for your insolence.”

Back on the ground, Starswirl was quick to see Rainbow Dash and Daydream Shimmer flying towards the central castle of the Crystal Empire with Crusader Celestia in pursuit.  He turned his head towards Midnight Sparkle.
“Princess,” Starswirl said.  “My former student is on her way to the Crystal Empire.  She’ll take the bait soon enough.  Go there and finish the fight.”
“Will do,” Midnight Sparkle said, with Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike and Trixie nodding.
“Well it’s about time,” Spike grinned.  “What do you think will happen?”
“We’re going to PULVERIZE THEM, INTO TINY, ITTY BITTY LITTLE PIECES!” Fluttershy yelled as she smashed her front hooves together, causing everyone around her to just stare at her in complete disbelief.
“Fluttershy Darling,” Rarity said.  “What would Discord say if he heard that kind of mouth?”
“Oops,” Fluttershy said as she sat down and blushed.  “Guess I overdid it.”
“There’s no time to lose,” Applejack said as she pointed her buff arm towards the castle.  “We got a Princess and a whole planet to save.”
Immediately, Midnight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike and Trixie ran back towards the Crystal Empire, and towards the central castle.  Starswirl immediately turned to Draconequus Pinkie Pie.
“As much as you are an asset on the battlefield,” Starswirl said.  “They need you to help save the princess and undo this dark magic.  Go, and light our darkest hour.”
Pinkie Pie gave a salute and yelled out “ROGER ROGER!”  She turned around and dashed forward after her friends.  The rest of the Pillars gathered around Starswirl, looking onward at their companions.
“I just hope they can save Princess Celestia in time,” Mistmane said as she held her hooves together.
“Considering what we’re all going through in this final fight,” Flash Magnus said.  “I’d say they have a good shot at saving Celestia.”
The Pillars turned their attention to the advancing army of Neigh Nanners, charging at them with any signs of tiring.  Stygian looked up to Starswirl.
“Starswirl,” Stygian said. “What do you wish us to do?”
“We stand and fight,” Starswirl said. And free them from this despair.”
As the brainwashed minions approached the pillars, Starswirl stood on his hind legs and held his arms out, all while his horn glowed brightly.
“YOU SHALL NOT PASS!” Starswirl yelled before slamming his hooves on the ground and emitting a powerful, magical shockwave, knocking the advancing mind-controlled minions down to the ground.  The pillars began to cheer on the sigh of the fallen foes.
“That’s the spirit,” Rockhoof said.  “Nothing like a little rallying cry to show Neigh Nanners who’s the boss.”
“It’s not over yet,” Starswirl said.  “Steel yourselves, and fight for the magic of friendship.”
“Starswirl,” Mage Meadowbrook said.  “We’re with you all the way.”
As the group of Neigh Nanners’ mind slaves start to get up, the Pillars shadowed over the group.  Fear embedded itself into the faces of the group while the Pillars looked determined and a bit smug.
“You have been friended,” Somnambula said.

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Babs Seed were dodging magic blasts coming from the hammers of Filthy Rich, Spoiled Rich, and Silver Spoon.  While the Cutie Mark Crusaders were focused on the fight, Diamond Tiara was worried.
“Mom, dad, Silver,” Diamond Tiara cried, dodging each and every attack that went at her.  “Snap out of it.  It’s me, Diamond Tiara.”
“Oh we know who you are,” Silver Spoon said.  “The problem is that you chose to take the side of those unworthy blank flanks.”
Diamond Tiara landed right next to Apple Bloom before hugging her closely and said “And we didn’t know better.  We picked on them because we assumed we were superior and they were beneath us.  I was naive and a fool back then to believe that.”
“You’re more a fool to fall from your own greatness,” Spoiled Rich yelled.  “To take sides with those blank flanks, and to take sides with the Equestrian Traitors, is proof that we did not do enough to raise you….as our daughter.”
“We’re no longer blank flanks,” Apple Bloom said, holding Diamond Tiara tight.  “We’re ponies who found our own destiny.  And you can thank your own daughter for helping us after we helped her.”
“That’s right,” Diamond Tiara said.  “And if you don’t like that, then I’m done being your daughter.”
“Don’t you DARE SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT,” Spoiled Rich said as she raised her hammer into the air.
Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara just stood there, closing their eyes as Spoiled Rich held her hammer into the air.  But nearby, Silver Spoon’s scowl disappeared as she looked at her former friend and her former nemesis just standing there.  The little filly’s jaw dropped down in horror as she saw Spoiled Rich raise the hammer upwards.
“What…have I done?” Silver Spoon said to herself.
Immediately, Silver Spoon ran as fast as she could towards Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara.  Before Spoiled Rich swung her hammer, Silver Spoon jumped in front of both Bloom and Tiara, taking the full blow of the hammer right on the side.  Everyone’s face turned to complete shock.
“SPOON!” Diamond Tiara yelled.
The blow of the hammer was enough to knock Silver Spoon aside and send her tumbling into the snow.  She came to a full stop, lying on her side with no movement at all.  Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed ran up to the unconscious Silver Spoon, with Diamond Tiara picking up her former friend’s head.
“Spoon,” Diamond Tiara cried.  “Spoon, answer me.  SPOON!”
Diamond Tiara cradled Silver Spoon by her side as she cried her eyes out.  Babs Seed walked up to Diamond Tiara and placed her arm around the crying filly.
“I’m sorry,” Babs Seed said.  “You didn’t deserve it.”
As Babs Seed, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood by Diamond Tiara, Filthy and Spoiled Rich just stood there in total shock.  Spoiled Rich looked at the hammer in her hoof, staring at the flat end that she hit Silver Spoon with.
“What have I done?” Spoiled Rich said as she struggled to hold in her tears.  “I have allowed my own anger to cost the life of a filly.”
Filthy Rich reached out towards his wife, only for Spoiled to back off from her husband.  She continued to stand in her place, watching the fillies mourn Silver Spoon.  Apple Bloom turned towards Spoiled Rich, her anger flowing within her veins.
“What were you thinking?” Apple Bloom said in a cold tone.  “I know you’re under Neigh Nanners’ spell.  But what you did is unforgivable.”
“But I…” Spoiled Rich said.  “I didn’t mean to.”
“You didn’t mean to?” Apple Bloom said as her tone went up, marching towards Filthy and Spoiled Rich.  “You were on the verge of striking your own daughter, no.  My close friend.  And in the result, you wind up striking Diamond Tiara’s own best friend.  You are no mother.  You are a monster.”
Spoiled Rich stepped back in fear as Apple Bloom marched towards her.  Filthy Rich moved to the side in horror, watching Apple Bloom continue her march towards his wife.
“Now look,” Spoiled Rich said, her voice becoming unsteady.  “My goal was to scare Diamond Tiara into siding with her mother.  Not to physically hurt her.”
“Horse Hockey,” Apple Bloom yelled as her horn glowed bright.  “What you did is personal.  I will not forgive you for ending a filly’s life.”
As Spoiled Rich backed away from Apple Bloom, her ears picked up a faint voice that grew loud.  The words being echoed were “Traitor.  Traitor.  Traitor.”  Spoiled Rich turned to see a number of brainwashed individuals march towards her, tapping their hammers on their hooves.  Spoiled Rich turned around and began to back up away from the group.
“Wait,” Spoiled Rich said in fear.  “I’m not a traitor.   I’m just concerned for the ally I unintentionally hurt.”
“Fake news,” One of the mind-controlled minions said.  “We know you want to be buddy buddy with those ponies, and you tried to take pity on another traitor.  So you deserve worse than what that filly told you.  It’s time you all faced your punishment.”
Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed stood beside Diamond Tiara as Apple Bloom, Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich.  While both Filthy and Spoiled were scared half to death, Apple Bloom stood her ground, staring down her approaching foes who continued to chant “Traitor, Traitor, Traitor.”
“Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said.  “Don’t you do anything reckless.”
“I know,” Apple Bloom said.  “But at the same time, I’m just so angry at nearly everyone for justifying the death of a filly.  Even if Neigh Nanners did force them against their will to become…evil.”
As the group of brainwashed minions approaches Apple Bloom, blasts of magic fly out of nowhere and knock them aside.  Apple Bloom turned to her right to see Big Mac and Sugar Belle run up to her and the others. 
“Looks like the cavalry arrived,” Babs Seed cheered. 
Apple Bloom looked closely at Sugar Belle.  Much like Big Mac, Sugar Belle now had alicorn wings on her side and a longer horn on her forehead.
“Wait,” Apple Bloom said.  “My sister-in-law is an alicorn now?  Like the rest of us?”
“Guess there was a big discount on Alicornifcations,” Scootaloo said.
The mind-controlled minions ran off as fast as possible with Big Mac and Sugar Belle running up to the rest of the group.  Big Mac stepped forward and said “Is every pony okay?”
Diamond Tiara raised her hoof into the air and said “No.  Silver Spoon took the worst blow.”
Big Mac and Sugar Belle looked down and saw Silver Spoon lying there with Diamond Tiara holding her head.  Big Mac raised his head towards Filthy and Spoiled Rich, the latter who looked remorseful.
“I was the one who struck down Silver Spoon in anger towards my own daughter,” Spoiled Rich said as she began to choke up.  “Your own sister chewed me out over this.  If you wish to chew me out even further, I won’t stop you.”
“As upset as I am over a fallen filly,” Big Mac said.  “That can wait later.  Right now, we have more coming this way.”
Sugar Belle reached down to Silver Spoon’s head and said “I think I can try to heal her up.  Can you hold the line until then?”
“Normally, I would just do a Eeyup,” Big Mac said.  “But for all of you, I think a proper response would be to git er done.”
Sugar Belle nodded towards Big Mac as she reached down to Silver Spoon with her horn glowing.  Big Mac turned back towards Spoiled Rich.
“If you wish to atone for what you did,” Big Mac said.  “Then give up Neigh Nanners and join with me in protecting the one you hurt.”
Spoiled Rich nodded.  She picked the hammer up and stared down the group of cultists coming the way of the group.
“Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Babs Seed,” Big Mac said.  “I know you’re concerned with Silver Spoon’s life.  But I could really use your help.  Do this for her so that we may all live to see another day.”
Diamond Tiara wiped the tears from her eyes and said “I’ll do it.  Even if I lose Silver Spoon today, I’ll do it for her.”
Babs Seed slammed her hooves together and said “Bring em on.  I’m not going to fall for their magic again.”
Immediately, Diamond Tiara slowly set Silver Spoon’s head onto the snow before she got up and walked towards Big Mac.  Babs Seed, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stood by Big Mac as he stared down the incoming army.  Apple Bloom looked up at Big Mac, her scowl disappeared into a face of sorrow.
“You’re not mad at me after what you believe I said to Spoiled Rich,” Apple Bloom.
“No,” Big Mac said.  “Sure they were under a spell.  But had I been your place, I would have said the same.  You never know the attachments we have to others until the unthinkable happens.”
“By the way,” Scootaloo said. “Isn’t it weird that Silver Spoon, Spoiled Rich and Filthy Rich somehow snapped out of their trance?”
“I think Neigh Nanners’ magic is starting to reach its limit,” Sweetie Belle said.  “Do you think the magic of friendship has a lot to do with it?”
“I hope you’re right on that,” Scootaloo replied as her wings extended out and her horn glowed.  “Because we could use a lot of that right now.”
As the armies of Neigh Nanners approached, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Babs Seed, Diamond Tiara, Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich stood their ground, ready to deliver the fight to their enemy, all while Sugar Belle’s horn bathed Silver Spoon in a warm light.

In another part of the battlefield, The Student Six stood alongside Queen Novo, clashing against Neigh Nanners’ own cult.  None of the students looked like they were physically exhausted.  But their faces told a different story.
“These creeps keep coming and coming,” Sandbar said.
“Do not hold back,” Queen Novo announced.  “Whatever happens, we will fight to the very end.”
“You’re telling Yona,” Yona said as she knocked a minion aside.  “Even yak can’t smash every one of them.”
“It feels like we’re fighting against an endless amount of foes,” Ocellus said as she transforms into a bull and charged with her horns out, knocking aside more minions.  
“And there’s still no sign of cousin Skystar,” Silverstream said as she took to the air and dropped paint-filled balloons on other brainwashed minions, blinding them temporarily.
“Well I’m not one who wants to stand down,” Gallus said as he used his wings in the air to knock aside flying hammers.   He turned to Smolder and said “Can you see anyone else from this angle?”
“Negative,” Smolder said as she looked around the battlefield. “Not even Diamond Tiara, nor the other Cutie Mark Crusaders.”
“Don’t give up,” Gallus said.  “We don’t want to be thrown off course by the slaves of Neigh Nanners.”
Suddenly, Gallus was struck in the wing with a scream by a blast of magic that came from a hammer.   Gallus fell from the sky, horrifying Smolder.
“Gallus,” Smolder screamed. 
But as Gallus was falling to the ground, Silverstream flew upwards and grabbed Gallus, stopping his fall.  The griffon looked up at the young hippogriff with a sense of relief.
“Don’t scare me like that,” Silverstream said. 
“I know,” Gallus said.  “Thanks for catching me.”
As Silverstream landed on the ground and set Gallus down, they all looked around to see more of Neigh Nanners’ own minions approach the group.  Smolder flies down next to the rest of her companions, looking as if she was ready to breathe fire in their face.
“Bring it,” Smolder said.  “You want to hurt my friends?  I’ll give you something to howl about.”
“Smolder, no,” Sandbar said, placing his hoof in front of Smolder’s snout.  “You don’t want to do this.”
“I’m this tempted to do so,” Smolder said, pushing Sandbar’s hoof aside.
“I’m afraid Sandbar’s right,” Queen Novo said.  “They may be our enemies now.  But the fact that they used to be simple citizens of Equestria, even our own, says a whole lot.”
“But what can we do?” Ocellus said as she transformed back into her old self.
“All we can do is to stand back and fight,” Queen Novo said. “And hope that this dark magic can be knocked out of them.”
The Student Six stood beside Queen Novo as the approaching army of Neigh Nanners marched towards them.  Though fear quivered in the eyes of these seven, they stood ready.
“This is our final stand,” Gallus said.  “Get ready.”
The seven stood there as the army of Neigh Nanners approached.  But just as they were mere inches away, a number of brainwashed soldiers were being thrown aside at random.  The Student Six and Queen Novo just stood there, dumbfounded, as did the Nanner Army.
“What is going on here?” Sandbar asked.
“Even Yona is confused,” Yona said.
More and more troops were knocked aside, one by one, causing many of the others to run away.  The figure in the crowd was getting closer and closer, knocking more minions aside.
“I don’t believe it,” Smolder said.  “Someone came here to help out.  But who?”
Queen Novo’s eyes widened as she saw the figure toss aside more minions, before approaching the group as…
“My daughter,” Queen Novo said with excitement.  “Princess Skystar.”
There stood Princess Skystar and a couple of Hippogriff soldiers, while more soldiers led by Captain Seaspray held back the brainwashed minions.  Queen Novo and Silverstream ran up to Princess Skystar and gave her a hug.
“Skystar,” Queen Novo cried.  “Where were you? I was so worried.”
“Mom,” Princess Skystar said.  “I was also worried about you since our own people went mad by Neigh Nanners’ magic.  As did I.”
“Oh dear,” Silverstream said.  “How bad was it?”
As the Hippogriff army held back the minions, Skystar let go of both Novo and Silverstream before she said “It was like you wanted to hate everything around you.   Like you wanted to be a mean, vicious, cruel monster who sees the suffering of others as the only form of comfort.”
“But how did you break free of his control?” Queen Novo asked.
“Honestly,” Skystar said.  “I don’t know.  For some reason as this battle drove on, my mind started to feel like its old self again.  As if I was shedding that stupid image of me being that cruel.  Once I regained control of myself, I noticed all of you being surrounded by more of my former allies.  So I gave a few of the troops some advice to help you out.”
“And judging by the results, it worked,” Queen Novo said.  “I’m glad to have you back, my daughter.”
“But if this is true,” Smolder said.  “Then it means the magic of Neigh Nanners is starting to wear off.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Gallus said.  “We have our second wind, let’s light our darkest hour.”
Queen Novo and Princess Skystar nodded towards Gallus.  The entire Student Six stood by the Hippogriff royals as did the guards.  They all stood their ground, watching as the brainwashed cultists advanced further.
“This one is for all of us,” Silverstream.  “Friends, Family.  And for all of Equestria.”
“I’m with you on that, cousin,” Princess Skystar said.  “To the very end.”
“No matter what happens,” Gallus said.  “We will stick together to the very end.”
“As Yona’s uncle would say,” Yona said.  “Do you smell what the Yak is cooking?”

Meanwhile, Nightmare Moon, Starlight Glimmer, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Latin Roma continued their push through the armies of Neigh Nanners, running or flying as fast as they could towards the Crystal Empire.  Despite their determination, their eyes were also focused on Neigh Nanners’ own minions.
“Do you see that?” Nightmare Moon said.  “The attack is working.  They’re shaking free from Neigh Nanners’ own magic.”
“That’s excellent news,” Starlight said.  “But no doubt once Neigh Nanners takes notice, he’ll try to put them back under his control again.”
“Then we don't have much time,” Nightmare Moon replied.  “If I know Twilight, she caught the attention of my sister and is luring them back towards the castle.”
Cozy Glow turned her head and caught something in the distance.  She flew up and tapped Nightmare Moon on the shoulder.
“I think you’re right on that,” Cozy Glow said.  “Look to your right.”
Nightmare Moon, Starlight Glimmer, Tirek and Latin Roma turned to the right to see the Mane Six, Spike, Daydream Shimmer and Trixie running as fast as they could through the Crystal Empire with Crusader Celestia chasing after them.  Midnight Sparkle ran as fast as possible while Draconequus Pinkie Pie gave the Crusader a raspberry.
“Good eye,” Nightmare Moon said.  “Now we know what’s going on with my sister.”
“What’s our approach at this moment?” Latin Roma asked.
“Twilight and her friends are going to need our help,” Nightmare Moon said.  “And we’re going to give it to them.”
“After all we’ve been through,” Tirek said as he smashed his fist to his palm.  “I’m all ready for it.”
Immediately, Nightmare Moon, Starlight Glimmer, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Latin Roma ran behind Crusader Celestia, just as the latter made her way through the Crystal Empire in pursuit of the Mane Six, Spike, Daydream Shimmer and Trixie.


	To Be Continued

> Chapter 18: Light our Darkest Hour
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Light our Darkest Hour




“Are you really sure you don’t want to join in the fight?”  Those words came from Princess Cadance, who stood right next to Sunburst and the Crystal Heart, all while she wore a special collar with the first Bewitching Bell hanging from it.  Both ponies looked calm, but anxious.
“I can put up with battling against a giant villain, and even the idea of uniting against a common foe,” Sunburst said.  “But partake in a war of this proportions?  Out of the question.”
“Sounds alot like you,” Princess Cadance said with a laugh.
“I mean,” Sunburst said.  “I am willing to help subdue Princess Celestia.  But no way do I want to hurt other ponies with my magic.  Especially those who are under Neigh Nanners.”
“I can understand why,” Princess Cadance said.  “They are our friends and family that are placed under his spell, and even individual citizens of our respected kingdoms.  To fight against those that we hold dear says a lot.”
“That’s true,” Sunburst said.  “Besides, what would have happened if I turned on Starlight?”
But before Princess Cadance could say anything, her ears picked up the sound of hooves running through the streets.  She turned around and saw Shining Armor and Princess Flurry Heart running towards her.
“Shining,” Princess Cadance said.  “I thought you were going to be on the battlefield.”
“I was,” Shining Armor said.  “But I figured it would be better if we could fight Princess Celestia here.”
“Well isn’t Twilight supposed to bring her here?” Princess Cadance asked.
“As a matter of fact, she’s doing just that,” Shining Armor said, pointing down the street that he came in on.
Immediately, Midnight Sparkle ran down the street with Daydream Shimmer, Spike and Trixie by her side, and the rest of her friends running right behind her.  Far behind the group was Crusader Celestia, who was flying towards the entire group.
“Brace yourselves,” Princess Cadance said.  “The final fight begins now.”
Shining Armor and Flurry Heart stood next to Princess Cadance and Sunburst as the group of heroes ran closer.  But before Midnight could reach out to Princess Cadance, Crusader Celestia fires off a blast of magic, hitting the group and sending them falling to the ground.  
“Do you think you can best the power of Neigh Nanners?” Crusader Celestia said as she landed on the group and  twirled her hammer with her magic.  “Your only option is to be assimilated.”
Pinkie Pie just stood up and snapped her fingers, teleporting Celestia’s hammer to her own hand.  She waved as Celestia with her other hand, catching the mind-controlled princess’ attention.
“Clever girl,” Crusader Celestia said as her horn glowed.  “But still no match.”
With a pulse of magic from her horn, Crusader Celestia pulled at the hammer in Pinkie Pie’s hand.  The Draconequusified pony attempted to pull back, even going as far as to snap her fingers, wrapping a set of steel chains around the hammer and anchoring it to an anvil.  
“Beat that,” Pinkie Pie said with a smirk.
Crusader Celestia smirked right back at Pinkie Pie as her horn glowed brightly.  She violently tugged her head back, causing the steel chains and anvil to shatter to pieces before her hammer flew back next to her.  Pinkie Pie just looked at the broken mess with total disbelief on her face.
“Hey, no fair,” Pinkie Pie yelled.  “I’m a spirit of chaos like Discord.  What gives you that right to do that?”
“Well maybe if you weren’t so much of a Mary Sue, you would have beaten me,” Crusader Celestia said with a smirk.
Pinkie Pie growled.  She held her hands out and began to charge up magic when Midnight held her back.
“Pinkie no,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “She’s baiting you into attack.”
“But she said…” Pinkie Pie said before Midnight interrupted her.
“Not now,” Midnight replied.  “The last thing we need is…”
But before Midnight Sparkle could finish speaking, she was hit in the face by a blast of magic, sending her flying to the ground.  Everyone looked up at Crusader Celestia, who just blew right into her hoof before rubbing it on her chest.
“How about less talking and more fighting, my former student,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Or maybe you’ve been hitting the books too much.”
Midnight Sparkle slowly got up and marched towards Crusader Celestia before she said “Touche, my former teacher.”
Immediately, Midnight Sparkle charged up her magic and fired it off right at Crusader Celestia.  The alicorn of the sun just yawned before batting the magic aside with her hammer.
“Amateurish,” Crusader Celestia said.  “What did Neigh Nanners see in you that he wanted to turn towards his side?”
“Say what?” Midnight Sparkle said, stunned by Celestia’s words.
Crusader Celestia leaped into the air, holding her hammer high.  Midnight Sparkle just stood there, completely stunned before Daydream Shimmer ran up in front of her friend.
“Twilight,” Daydream Shimmer said as she charged up her magic.  “Move out of the way.”
Daydream fired off a shot of magic right at Crusader Celestia, only for her former mentor to bat it aside and sent it flying towards the street before it exploded.  That was enough to snap Midnight out of her stupor.
“Oh no,” Midnight said before she leaped out of the way.  “EVERYONE MOVE IT!”
The rest of the alliance were quick to jump out of the way before Crusader Celestia landed her hammer onto the pavement of the street.  The impact created a shockwave so powerful, it knocked Midnight, Daydream and the rest of the heroes down.
“What kind of move was that?” Rainbow Dash said as she attempted to get up.
Trixie attempted to get up as she groaned and said “A cheap shot.  She pulled a freakin cheap shot.”
Crusader Celestia raised her hammer from the ground before she said “Proof that you are no match for the likes of me.”
Crusader Celestia walked up to Fluttershy, who laid there on the ground.  The timid pegasus looked up to see the Alicorn hovering over her.
“Please don’t hurt me,” Fluttershy said.  “I don’t want to die.”
“Hurt you?  Die?” Crusader Celestia laughed before she pointed her hammer at Fluttershy.  “I’m not here to do that.  I’m here to convert you to our cause and end the plague of Friendship that I unintentionally let loose on the world.”
Immediately, Celestia turned to her right and deflected a blast of magic that was aimed right at her.  Princess Cadance jumped right on Crusader Celestia, who held her back with her hammer.
“Princess, this isn’t you,” Princess Cadance said as she struggled to push Celestia down.  “I know who you were before Neigh Nanners turned you into this abomination.  Fight it.”
“Call someone who cares,” Crusader Celestia said before she lifted Princess Cadance into the air and threw her to the side.
“Celestia, please,” Shining Armor said as he and Flurry Heart walked up to Princess Cadance and stood by her.  “You’re not yourself.  We can help you.  Don’t give in to Neigh Nanners’ magic.”
“You know what you both have in common?” Crusader Celestia said, pointing her hammer at Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart.  “You’re both a minor annoyance to me.”
Crusader Celestia charges up the magic in her war hammer before firing it at Shining Armor.  But before the blast could hit the stallion, Flurry Heart flew in front of her father and took the blow right in the chest, shocking both of her parents.
“FLURRY!” Cadence and Shining Armor yelled.
Flurry Heart hit the pavement hard.  She laid there, breathing really hard.  Shining Armor ran up to Flurry Heart and picked her up.
“Flurry,” Shining Armor said.  “Are you alright?”
As Shining held an injured Flurry Heart, Crusader Celestia looked on.  Though her stance was stern, her face began to show some remorse.
“What…am I doing?” Crusader Celestia said in a whisper before her eyes glowed brightly.
“Princess, this is serious,” Princess Cadance said.  “We don’t want anyone to die.”
“Neither do I,” Crusader Celestia said as her face became stern.  “The Celestia you knew is gone.  There is only Crusader Celestia.”
Immediately, Crusader Celestia turned around and spun her War Hammer in front of her, blocking the fire that came right at her.  She looked in front to see Spike breathing fire in her face while perched atop of Rarity.
“Princess Celestia, knock it off with that uncouth attitude of yours,” Rarity yelled.  “What would your mother say about you?”
“I would tell her to buzz off,” Crusader Celestia said before she emitted a pulse of magic, sending Rarity and Spike flying backwards and causing the latter to stop breathing fire.
“She’s not making it easy for any of us,” Spike said before getting up.  
“I know, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity said.  “But we have to hold out until the magic controlling her wears off.”
“Easy said than done,” Applejack said, helping Rarity up.  “At this moment, she’s going to beat us down before we can wear her down.”
“Oh, but I’m not in the mood to take your life,” Crusader Celestia said with a chuckle.  “After all, I made you the way you were before my life was changed by Neigh Nanners.  But at the same time, I can remake you all into something better.  Something exceeds what I originally taught you.”
“Princess,” Midnight Sparkle said as she got up.  “This isn’t like you.  Even as a villain, I know that you have changed even worse than I imagined.”
Crusader Celestia just laughed as she twirled her hammer before saying “Those three that you sided with early ago?  They are weak and pathetic.  I can teach you more beyond what those amateurs would do.”
As Crusader Celestia finished talking, she swung her hammer to her right, deflecting a powerful blast of magic right into the air before it detonated into fireworks.  Crusader Celestia looked down to see Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow, Tirek, Nightmare Moon and Latin Roma charge towards her.
“Call us weak and pathetic, will ya?” Tirek yelled as he marched alongside his comrades.  “I once had your magic not long ago.”
“And I took all of the magic from Equestria,” Cozy Glow yelled.
“I sent you to the sun when I made my return,” Nightmare Moon yelled.
“And you don’t want to know the kind of revenge I wanted against Twilight Sparkle,” Starlight Glimmer yelled.
“And though I never had any path towards evil,” Latin Roma yelled.  “I know that the magic within you has corrupted your mind.  And by the curse embedded within me, I say only this: MAGIC, WING, FEATHER, AND MAYONNAISE!”
Immediately, Latin Roma, Starlight Glimmer, Nightmare Moon, Cozy Glow and Tirek started chanting “BING BONG, BING BONG!” as they charged towards Crusader Celestia, who stood there primed and ready.  
“That’s right you fools,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Come and meet your doom.”
Tirek charged right at Crusader Celestia, firing off blasts of magic from in between his horns.  Crusader Celestia just stood there and deflected the shots.  Once Tirek got up close, Crusader Celestia grabbed the big centaur with her arms before suplexing him into the ground.  Celestia got back up and looked down at Tirek, who laid there on the pavement.
“You’re as foolish as your father, King Vorak,” Crusader Celestia said with a smirk while Tirek struggled to get up.
“Never…bring that name up,” Tirek groaned.
Immediately, Celestia turned around and formed a magic shield, holding Nightmare Moon back.  The pony who was once Princess Luna struggled to blast through the shield.
“Sister, listen to me,” Nightmare Moon yelled.  “You don’t deserve to be under Neigh Nanners’ spell.”
“What Neigh Nanners did to me will be your undoing,” Crusader Celestia said.  “And his.”
Celestia immediately threw her head back before thrusting towards, detonating the shield and sending Nightmare Moon tumbling backwards before coming to a stop.  Nightmare Moon was quick to raise her head up towards her sister.
“I never should have banished you to the moon,” Celestia said.  “I should have brainwashed you into my own minion.”
“I would sooner be destroyed than to be brainwashed,” Nightmare Moon said as she slowly got up.
Immediately, Crusader Celestia turned her head towards Latin Roma and Starlight Glimmer, who both stared down the giant, paladin-themed alicorn.
“I know who you are deep on the inside, Princess,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “Don’t do this to yourself like I almost did.  Fight whatever Neigh Nanners did to you.”
“She’s right,” Latin Roma said.  “After seeing what Neigh Nanners did to nearly everyone in Equestria, I fear what would happen to you if you chose to go down this path.”
Crusader Celestia twirls her hammer violently and said “I don’t need Neigh Nanners to go down the path that has been set for me.  He was nothing more than a crutch.
“A what?” Starlight said in total shock.
But before Starlight could move an inch, Crusader Celestia yanks her close with her magic, all the way to the point where they meet eye to eye.
“I know that you talked about how you tried to alter time just for revenge against Twilight,” Crusader Celestia said.  “And frankly, the fact that you didn’t go back and corrupt my mind when I was a filly is a rather big disappointment.”
“Never,” Starlight said as her horn glowed.  “Even if I was still evil, I would have never pulled that stunt.”
WIth that, Starlight emits a flash in front of Celestia’s eyes, causing the paladin alicorn to shut them while she screamed in pain.
“You’ll pay for that,” Crusader Celestia said as she picked up Starlight with her magic and threw her to the side, causing the temporary Alicorn to slam her back into the wall.
Immediately, Latin Roma jumped into the air and fired bursts of magic right at Crusader Celestia.  Some of his shots connected onto the Paladin’s armor, breaking it off piece by piece.  Celestia immediately opened her eyes and saw Latin falling towards her, still firing magic at her armor.
“Not today,” Celestia said before she froze Latin in place with her magic.
“Don’t…be a fool,” Latin Roma said, struggling to control himself.
“You’re one to speak,” Crusader Celestia said before she tossed Latin aside, causing the unicorn stallion to land near Starlight.
Crusader Celestia marched up to Starlight and Latin, who were struggling to get back up.  She looked down and charged up her horn.
“I never imagine that the both of you would be a thorn in my side,” Celestia said as she charged up her horn.  “But I will make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Crusader Celestia charged her horn up even further, keeping her focus on Starlight and Latin.  But as the magic reached its tip, she turned around and emitted another shield in front of her, blocking another magical blast that came from right behind her.
“Nice try, Cozy Glow,” Crusader Celestia laughed.  “But that was as amateurish as that time you took magic from all of Equestria.”
Immediately, Cozy Glow flew out from a nearby alley and fired a beam at Celestia, who held firm with her shield.
“For someone who used to be a goody four-shoes,” Cozy Glow said.  “You’re starting to get on my nerves.”
“So why don’t you re-embrace evil?”  Crusader Celestia said with a smirk.  “Join with me and be my protege.  Together, we can rule the planet as master and apprentice.”
“NEVER,” Cozy Glow yelled.  “EVEN IF I BECAME EVIL AGAIN, I WILL NEVER BE YOUR APPRENTICE!”
Crusader Celestia smiled and said “Your lost.”
Immediately, Crusader Celestia hits her own shield with her war hammer, creating a shockwave that sends Cozy Glow flying out of control, screaming in horror. 
“Gotcha,” Tirek yelled as he reached out and grabbed Cozy Glow before getting up.  Cozy Glow looked up at Tirek before turning towards Crusader Celestia.
“I owe you one, Tirek,” Cozy Glow said.
“Save the thanks for later,” Tirek said.  “We got a rogue princess to deal with.”
But just as Tirek got up, Daydream Shimmer and Midnight Sparkle marched towards Crusader Celestia, their horns glowed brightly as the sun and the moon.
“Princess, that’s enough,” Daydream Shimmer said in a stern voice.  “I don’t want to hurt you.  But I can’t have you putting everyone else in danger.”
“Sunset’s right,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Stand down before you leave us with no choice.”
Crusader Celestia just laughed as she said “Me?  Stand down?  You fools realize that you have disappointed me in battle.  None of you were able to take me down despite breaking off pieces of my armor.  How can you tell me to stand down, when you can’t even defend yourselves?”
“We’re not the only ones who are fighting to break your mind free,” Daydream said.  “There are more of us than there will be of you. And we will purge Equestria of the Nihilism Magic, even if it takes our final breath.  We have friends from every place you can imagine, because Friendship is Magic.”
Suddenly, Crusader Celestia’s ears picked up the sound of screaming from above.  But when she looked up, she was pinned down immediately by Discord and Chrysalis, who fell from above.  Their presence surprised everyone in the vicinity.
“Discord, Chrysalis,” Princess Cadance said as she ran up to the duo.  “What happened?”
Discord got up and said “Those Fire Nags were something.  One moment we had the advantage and the next moment, they sucker punched us when we least expected it.”
Chrysalis was able to get up on top of Crusader Celestia before she said “This is something I don't think we should go into detail about.  But that is the last time I face a foe with fire.”
Suddenly, Discord and Chrysalis felt a rumble underneath their feet and hooves.  Before they could look down, they were knocked off by a burst of magic from below caused by Crusader Celestia’s magic.  The crusader got on her four hooves and looked down at the two foes.
“Discord and Chrysalis,” Crusader Celestia said.  “So happy to see you both again.  I take it you’ve come to join my cause?”
Chrysalis got up and yelled “I would NEVER join the likes of you.”
“I would sooner be turned to stone again than to be your servant,” Discord said as he floated up and sat down like he was in a chair.  “And that’s saying a lot since I missed the old you.
“So be it,” Crusader Celestia said before she charged up her horn and fired it at Discord and Chrysalis.
But before the blast could hit, it immediately transformed into a stream of flowers that only bounced off Chrysalis and Discord.  The former changeling queen looked up at the draconequus.
“I didn’t do it,” Discord said in confusion.
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie floats on by as if she were lying down, holding her right hand up as if she already snapped her fingers.
“That is my speciality, Discord,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Besides, why have more alicorns when you can have more draconequuses?”
“Funny, I actually agree on that,” Discord said with an amusing chuckle.
As Pinkie Pie, Discord and Chrysalis all laughed, Crusader Celestia just glared on, her smile not leaving her face.  She held her hammer next to her.
“That’s not the only trick in my books,” Crusader Celestia said.
Immediately, Crusader Celestia raised the hammer into the air and slammed it down onto the pavement.  As Discord, Chrysalis and Pinkie Pie turned to face Celestia, the ground began to rumble underneath them.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Chrysalis said in disbelief.
But before any of them could move, a tower of magic erupts underneath the three.  The blast was enough to send them flying upwards for fifty feet, before descending downwards and slamming right on the ground.
“Oww,” Discord said.  “That was a cheap trick.”
Crusader Celestia laughed as she twirled her hammer and said “I’ve learned alot about you, Discord.  But if there is one lesson you taught me very well, it’s to resort to any dirty trick to get under your foes both figuratively and literally.  Admit it.  You’ve lost.”
Princess Cadance, Midnight Sparkle and Daydream Shimmer immediately approached Discord, Chrysalis and Pinkie Pie.  Daydream helped Pinkie Pie get back on her two feet while Discord and Chrysalis got themselves up.
“Are you three alright?” Princess Cadance said.
“I’ve felt worse,” Chrysalis said.  “But at the same time, I’m surprised that you have some concern for me.”
“We have bigger problems right now,” Daydream Shimmer said.  “And right now, we need to group together and use our combined magic to bring down Crusader Celestia.”
“Well I have no problem with that right now,” Chrysalis said.  “Anything to bring her down and end this nightmare.”
“I may not have attacked her,” Discord said.  “But if it means stopping Celestia, then I’m game.”
“Good,” Midnight Sparkle.  “Then we can do this.”
Princess Cadance turned towards a corner where Shining Armor was rocking the injured Flurry Heart with Sunburst by his side.  She nodded towards her husband with a flash of light coming from her horn, catching his attention.
“Well sorry my little angel,” Shining Armor said.  “But your father has to do this.”
“I’ll look after her,” Sunburst said.  “You go finish what you started.”
Shining Armor nodded and handed Flurry Heart to Sunburst.  The little filly gently cooed in Sunburst’s arms as Shining Armor ran towards Princess Cadance.
“It’s okay,” Sunburst said.  “I promise I won’t hug you tight. You’re still hurt.”
Far away from Princess Flurry Heart and Sunburst, Crusader Celestia just stood there, yawning loudly.  She twirled her hammer in complete boredom.
“All of you have disappointed me,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Where is that powerful attack that will bring me down?  What happened to the lot of you?  You’ve become shells of your former selves.”
Crusader Celestia looked around to see Midnight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Spike, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Discord, Nightmare Moon, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow, Latin Roma, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance surround her.
“So,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Attempting to amuse me, I take it?”
“No,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “We’re here to remind you who you used to be.  The very princess who took me in as her little student, and who watched over every pony in Equestria like a mother over her children.  It’s time we freed you from Neigh Nanners’ control and remind you who you are.”
Midnight Sparkle, Spike and the rest of the Mane ponies began to glow as Trixie, Starlight Glimmer, Daydream, Discord, Nightmare Moon, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow, Latin Roma, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor charged up their magic.  Crusader Celestia just stood there, amused.
“Well if that’s the case,” Crusader Celestia said.  “Then friend me.”
“With pleasure,” Discord said in a low tone.
With that, everyone that surrounded Crusader Celestia fired off a blast of magic at her.  The paladin alicorn screamed in pain as the magic pinned her down.
“I think it’s working,” Daydream Shimmer yelled.  “Keep it up.”
“Never thought my magic would be used to save Equestria,” Tirek said. 
“I AM THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE,” Trixie yelled.
“I knew what it was like to be given a second chance,” Starlight said.  “It’s time you accepted that.”
“My sister,” Nightmare Moon said.  “I will save you like your student saved me.”
The magic continued to bury Crusader Celestia as everyone involved in the spell kept their focus up.  The alicorn could barely lift her head out.  
“Keep this up,” Princess Cadance said.  “We got this.”
But as the magic piled onto Crusader Celestia, her eyes opened up and she thrusted upwards into the air, causing the magic to explode.  The eruption was powerful enough to send everyone sans Crusader Celestia flying backwards and to hit the pavement.  Princess Cadance landed next to Tirek with the Bewitching Bell flung off her collar and next to the Centaur.  Discord was quick to grab Cozy Glow and Daydream Shimmer with his arms.   Midnight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer landed near Sunburst and Flurry Heart, weaker than ever.
“No,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “We failed.”
Crusader Celestia stood tall, laughing proudly at the fallen heroes.  She took a good glance at Trixie, who started to scoot away towards Discord.  She then turned to Cozy Glow, who could barely get up.
“What…have you done?” Cozy Glow barely said.
“Why it’s simple,” Crusader Celestia replied.  “I merely played possum with all of you just to lure you into a false sense of security.  Once you looked like you were going to beat me, I launched a counterattack, all just to knock you all silly.  This war for freedom is over, everyone.  You…lose.”
“And I don’t suppose you were doing this for your so-called lord Neigh Nanners?” Daydream Shimmer said.
“Oh no no no,” Crusader Celestia said.  “What Neigh Nanners doesn’t realize is the true purpose of Nihilism Magic.  Only the weak minded can be made into a servant of the caster.  But ponies like myself are able to take control of our own minds while under its influence.  What I intend to do is to double cross Neigh Nanners, take the Emotion Amplifier for myself, amplify its magic and go on a real crusade.”
“A real crusade?” Pinkie Pie said as she got up, only for Crusader Celestia to pin her down by the tail with her hammer.
“The world is not enough,” Crusader Celestia said as she turned to the sky, got on her two hooves and held her arms upwards and out.  “The universe is an open book before me.  Mines to command.  MINES TO CONTROL!  And there is nothing in this universe that can stop me.”
Nearby, Starlight Glimmer slowly crawled up to Sunburst, reaching out to her fillyhood friends.
“Starlight,” Sunburst said while he gently held Flurry Heart.  “She did a number on you.”
“Nevermind me,” Starlight said.  “Take Flurry Heart and go.”
“Wait,” Sunburst said, surprised.  “Leave the Crystal Empire and all of you behind?”
“Yes,” Starlight said.  “Even if we all fall to Celestia’s magic, the idea of the both of you hiding in a safe place would at least bring all of us comfort.  Now go.”
Sunburst sighed as he looked down at Flurry Heart.  He was about to turn tail and walk off when Flurry Heart wiggled herself out of Sunburst’s arms and ran towards Crusader Celestia.
“Flurry, wait,” Sunburst yelled.
“What is she doing?” Starlight said as she laid there.
Starlight just watched as Flurry Heart slowly walked up towards Crusader Celestia, all while Midnight Sparkle stared down her former mentor.
“Princess, what you’re doing is crazy,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Taking over an entire universe with that kind of magic?”
“Oh don’t underestimate the Nihilism Magic,” Crusader Celestia said.  “If it can easily spread across the whole planet, imagine it spreading beyond the stars.  The possibilities are limitless.”
Crusader Celestia reached into the air and let out a loud, frightening laugh that filled the air.  Midnight Sparkle laid there, helpless at the sight of her mentor.
Suddenly, Crusader Celestia’s ears caught the sound of a baby cry.  She looked down to her right to see the injured Flurry Heart looking up at her with a worried look on her face and a tear falling from her eye.  Celestia lowered herself down to Flurry Heart.
“Flurry,” Celestia said as her tone changed.  “You’re not safe here.”
“Princess?” Midnight Sparkle said, confused.
“I don’t believe it,” Nightmare Moon said as she got up and walked towards Midnight Sparkle.  “Something within Flurry Heart has calmed my sister.”
“I think I know what’s going on,” Princess Cadance said as she got up.  “A month ago, Shining and I noticed this kind of magic radiating out of Flurry Heart.”
“They call it, pure hope,” Shining Armor said.  “Rumored to be the polar opposite of Nihilism Magic.  But unlike Nihilism Magic, it doesn’t spread as fast.”
“That explains why Celestia’s attitude changed when she was near Flurry Heart,” Midnight said.  “It means we have a means of saving Princess Celestia.”
Crusader Celestia reached down and picked up Flurry Heart.  The little baby pony giggled in her arms as the paladin pony held her with a warm smile on her face.
“It’s okay little one,” Crusader Celestia said.  “I’m right here.”
Crusader Celestia looked down at Flurry Heart’s side, where she saw a burn mark.  Immediately, the older alicorn’s face turned to sorrow, catching Flurry Heart’s attention.
“I’m sorry for doing this, little Flurry,” Crusader Celestia said in a somber voice.  “What that bad pony Neigh Nanners did to me was horrible.  It was like I was some sick, twisted monster who was obsessed with taking over Neigh Nanners’ cult and spreading this madness throughout the Universe.”
Flurry Heart said nothing as she reached out and gave Crusader Celestia a hug.  Everyone watched with smiles on their faces.
“I think now is the time to drain the Nihilism Magic from Celestia and end this madness,” Midnight Sparkle said.  She turned to Princess Cadance and said “Get the bell.  It’s time.”
Immediately, Daydream Shimmer tapped Midnight on the shoulder, who turned towards her friend.
“Flurry Heart was badly injured by that magic blast when Princess Celestia struck Shining Armor,” Daydream Shimmer said.  “If we use the bell on Celestia while she’s holding her, Flurry may die.”
“Oh dear,” Shining Armor said.  “We never thought about that.”
“I’ll retrieve her,” Princess Cadance said.
Immediately, Princess Cadance ran up to Crusader Celestia and Princess Flurry Heart.  But as she approached the two, Flurry Heart turned towards her mother and held her hoof out, all while pushing her back with her magic.
“Flurry,” Cadance said.  “What are you doing?”
“I think I know what Flurry means by this,” Crusader Celestia said.  “She knows that her magic is the only thing holding the Nihilism Magic back and keeping me sane.  If she were to step away from me, the monster within would return and I fear no force on this planet could stop it.”
Celestia looked down at Flurry Heart and added “Is that right?  Are you willing to risk your own life just to save mine?”  Flurry Heart looked at Celestia and nodded in agreement.
“This….this isn’t good,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Flurry Heart is going to put her life on the line to save Celestia and the whole world.”
“Wait, does that mean?” Princess Cadance said as a tear began to form on her right eye.
Princess Flurry Heart looked up at her mother and nodded with a tear flowing from her left eye.  Cadance looked down at her daughter with her eyes becoming watery.
“But…I don’t want to lose you,” Princess Cadance said.  “And neither does your daddy.”
Flurry stood there, placing her hoof on her mother’s snout, all while she nodded.  Princess Cadance’s eyes poured out as she struggled not to cry.
“I…I understand Flurry,” Princess Cadance said.  “I know I want you to…awaken to a new morning.  But….if it means saving the world…”
Celestia opened her arms up as Cadance ran up and gave her daughter a hug.  She held back her crying as she held Flurry Heart in her arms once more.  She then released Flurry Heart from her grip as Celestia held the baby alicorn tight.
“It’s not fair,” Shining Armor said.  “There has to be another way that doesn’t involve sacrificing our daughter.”  
“I wish there was,” Celestia said. “Sometimes, life can be too cruel.”
Celestia looked down at Flurry Heart, who only held onto the alicorn tightly.  Shining Armor helped Midnight Sparkle up before both siblings and Princess Cadance walked away from Celestia and Flurry Heart.
“So wait,” Cozy Glow said.  “That little baby is going to..die?”
“I’m afraid so,” Discord replied.  “And not even my chaos magic can bring her back to life.  Even that has limits.”
“I signed up to be a villain,” Cozy Glow said.  “But no one told me about this.”
Princess Cadance walked up to Lord Tirek, who merely picked up the Bewitching Bell.
“Tirek, I don’t have the heart to end my daughter’s life, just to save Equestria,” Princess Cadance said.  “Carry the duty out and drain the Nihilism Magic from Celestia.”
Tirek looked at Celestia hugging Flurry Heart and said “Just so you know, I’m very reluctant in pulling this off, knowing that it will cost the little one’s life.  The moment this ends, I want to return back to my cell in Tartarus.  I don’t think I can handle the trauma of this.”
“I don’t think anyone can,” Chrysalis said.
“Tirek,” Shining Armor said as he struggled to hold back his tears.  “I know this will unfairly label you a murderer.  But know that the Crystal Empire will pardon you once the deed is done.  Now do it.”
Tirek nodded.  He pointed the Bewitching Bell at Crusader Celestia and Flurry Heart, looking like he’s on the verge of crying.
“Forgive me, little one,” Tirek said.  “For what must be done.”
Tirek charged up his magic and fired right into the Bewitching Bell.  The bell rings loudly as a stream of magic shoots off towards Celestia and Flurry Heart.
“Do not worry,” Celestia said as she held Flurry Heart close.  “No matter what happens, I won’t let you go.”
Flurry Heart giggled and said “Celestia” as the magic from the bell hit both alicorns, enveloping them in a bright light that blinds the entire vicinity.

Outside the city limits, heroes on both sides continued to clash at each other, with neither side willing to tire.  Queen Novo, Princess Skystar and the Student Six held back the mind-controlled minions.  Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Babs Seed, Filthy and Spoiled Rich, and even Big Mac fought off the invaders while Sugar Belle continued to heal the unconscious Silver Spoon.  Even the Pillars of old Equestria stood there ground, with Starswirl the Bearded and Stygian delivering the biggest punch of the group.
In the far end of the battlefield, Grogar and Neigh Nanners continued to fight each other, with Neigh Nanners holding an advantage.
“Do you see the truth?” Neigh Nanners said.  “Your new allies are failing, and your kingdom is set to fall soon.  How does it feel to know that everything is about to come to an end?”
“Those words mean nothing,” Grogar said as he pushed back Neigh Nanners’ War Hammer with his sword.  “As long as we still have some fight left, that’s what matters the most.”
Suddenly, Grogar’s ears picked up the chime of a bell.  He turned to his right to see the magic of the Bewitching Bell going off in the distance.
“They’re almost done,” Grogar said to himself before Neigh Nanners struck him down with his hammer, sending him falling into the snow.
“Hahahahaha,” Neigh Nanners laughed.  “You fool.  You let yourself be distracted and it costs you, dearly.  Now you will suffer far worse than you ever imagined.”
Grogar laid there and said “I beg to differ.  What you saw was the beginning of the end for your movement.  Twilight Sparkle will be the one to destroy the Nihilism Magic and save all of Equestria.”
“Words of an old fool,” Neigh Nanners said.  “So foolish.”

Back in the center of the Crystal Empire, the magic of the bell disappeared as everyone opened their eyes.
“Did that do it?” Pinkie Pie asked.  “Is Crusader Celestia back to being plain Celestia?”
“It did,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “And at a terrible cost.”
When Crusader Celestia appeared, she was now Princess Celestia.  But the restored princess looked down to see the lifeless body of Flurry Heart in her arms.  Her eyes were closed, her mane was frazzled up and her wings hung down.  
“Flurry Heart,” Celestia said as tears began to form from her eyes.  “I wish you didn’t have to do this for me, or for all of us.  Your life was just beginning, and it had to end this tragically.”
Celestia held Flurry Heart closely as she cried in silence, rocking the now dead baby in her arms.  Everyone just stood there, almost emotionless.
“Sister,” Nightmare Moon said as she could barely hold back her tears..  “I’m…sorry.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor looked at each other on the verge of tears.  They tried to hold back, only to break out crying, with Cadance diving her face into Shining Armor’s chest.
“She didn’t have to do this,” Cadance cried.  “I wish there was another way.”
“I know, honey,” Shining Armor cried.  “And I’m going to miss her.”
Cozy Glow looked at Flurry Heart’s lifeless body and turned back to Tirek.  She tried to hold it in, but her tears formed immediately as she cried into Tirek’s chest.
“I really mean it,” Cozy Glow cried.  “This is too cruel, even for the likes of me.”
“I wish I didn’t have to do it,” Tirek cried.  “There isn’t a punishment worthy of what I had to do.”

Discord, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie held onto each other, all three looking like they were about to burst into tears.
“This is the saddest moment of my life,” Fluttershy said in her vain attempt to hold back her tears.  “I don’t think I’ll forget this.”
“I know,” Pinkie cried.  “Isn’t there a way to bring her back to life?”
“Even my magic is unable to do so,” Discord cried.  “Chaos magic has its limits.”

Latin Roma approached Celestia with a solemn face.  He could barely hold back his tears, looking at the dead Flurry Heart.
“Princess Celestia,” Latin Roma said.  “I’m terribly sorry.  I wish it didn’t have to come to this.”
:”I know,” Celestia said, holding Flurry Heart’s lifeless body.

Nearby, Trixie, Starlight and Sunburst all bursted out into tears as the trio held onto each other.  Chrysalis stood by, unable to look away from Flurry Heart.
“This isn’t how it was supposed to end,” Starlight cried.  “She was so young and full of promise.”
“Why did she have to jump out of my arms just to save Celestia?” Sunburst cried.
“Even the Great and Powerful Trixie is going to miss her,” Trixie cried.
Queen Chrysalis walked up behind Starlight and hugged her from the back.  Starlight looked up, all teary eyed, at her former foe.
“It’s okay,” Chrysalis said as tears formed from her eyes.  “I harbor no ill will compared to what just happened.”
“Thanks,” Starlight said before she cried again.

Next to Starlight, Trixie, Chrysalis and Sunburst, Rarity, Spike and Rainbow Dash broke out in tears while Applejack held her hat down in a somber tone.
“This didn’t have to happen,” Rainbow Dash cried.  “Why did someone so young have to die?  I wanted to teach her how to be a Wonderbolt.”
“Of all the worst things to have happened,” Rarity cried.  “This truly is the worst possible thing.  And I do mean it.”
“I know,” Spike cried.  “I would have been happy to help raise Flurry Heart to be the future ruler of Canterlot.”
Applejack looked at Flurry Heart’s lifeless body, still cradled by Celestia arms.  She moved her hat down again and closed her eyes.  Nightmare Moon walked up to Applejack, struggling to turn her head away from Flurry Heart.
“Poor little kid,” Applejack said.  “No one deserved to die that young.  And no parent should ever have to bury their own child.”
“And to think,” Nightmare Moon said.  “I would have been willing to play with Flurry Heart in the night to give her a sense of joy.  How I will miss thee.”
“We will all miss Flurry Heart, Luna,” Applejack said.  “We will all.”

Daydream Shimmer just stood there, looking at Celestia, Latin Roma and the dead Flurry Heart.  She breathed a sign of sorrow as Midnight walked up to her.
“Twilight,” Daydream said.  “I’m beginning to question life itself if it has to be this cruel.”
“I know what you mean, Sunset,” Daydream Shimmer said.
“Sometimes, I wonder why it has to be our children that have to suffer through this madness,” Daydream said.  “Why we keep traumatizing them because of our obsession with power.  Why our selfishness takes hold in our heart and others have to suffer because of it.”
“Honestly,” Midnight said.  “Even I am at a loss for words.”
Daydream Shimmer and Midnight Sparkle reached over and gave each other a hug, each with tears flowing from their eyes as the sound of crying filled the air of the Crystal Empire.
Suddenly, Midnight Sparkle’s ears picked up the sound of a bell.  She lifted her head up and saw the Bewitching Bell laying on the ground next to Tirek, shaking violently.
“It’s time,” Midnight said with a loud voice, catching everyone’s attention and causing them to stop crying.  “We must not let Flurry Heart’s sacrifice be in vain.”
Daydream Shimmer lets go of Midnight Sparkle as she runs up to the Bewitching Bell and picked it up with her magic.  Tirek turned towards Midnight, still with tears flowing from her eyes.
“Twilight Sparkle,” Tirek said.  “Good luck.”
Midnight Sparkle nodded before she ran up to the Crystal Heart and sad the unstable Bewitching Bell next to it.
“It’s now or never,” Daydream Shimmer said as Midnight Sparkle jumped behind the Crystal Heart and began to charge up.
“Crystal Heart of Equestria, we call out for your majestic power,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “Purge this planet of Nihilism Magic, and LIGHT OUR DARKEST HOUR!”
Midnight Sparkle released her magic from her horn, right into the Crystal Heart.  The heart glowed with a bright light before firing a beam of magic, right at the Bewitching Bell.  The bell glowed brightly as it lifted high into the air, catching everyone’s attention.
“Wow,” Fluttershy said as she wiped tears from her eyes.  “It’s so pretty.”
“I have never seen anything like it,” Latin Roma said.
“So this is what it’s like to see hope return,” Trixie said.
“I swear,” Cozy Glow cried.  “I vow to truly never be a villain again.”
“You and me both,” Starlight said as Cozy Glow flew up and gave Starlight a hug.
“Make that three or more,” Chrysalis said.
“May our sins be forgiven,” Celestia said, holding Flurry Heart’s lifeless body as it began to glow.
“You got the touch,” Pinkie Pie sang.  “You got the POWAAAAAAAH!”

With that, the Bewitching Bell rang loudly, and unleashed a rainbow shockwave across the land.  Many of Neigh Nanners’ own mind-controlled minions were hit by the rainbow, causing them to shake out of their brainwashing.  The Fire Nags were also hit by the rainbow and erupted with a bright light.  When the light cleared, they were once again Windigos, who looked down at the cheering crowd before flying off into the distance.

At the back end of the battlefield, Neigh Nanners held his hammer right in Grogar’s face.
“Any last words, former Emperor?” Neigh Nanners asked.
Grogar smiled and said “Yeah.  You’ve been had, you fool.”
Suddenly, the rainbow shockwave struck both Grogar and Neigh Nanners before passing by.  Neigh Nanners screamed as his hammer reverted back into the Emotion Amplifier.
“No,” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “MY DREAM!  MY EMOTION AMPLIFIER!”
Neigh Nanners picked up the Emotion Amplifier and held it out.  But the crystal turned completely back and nothing else happened.  Neigh Nanners shook the artifact as much as he could.
“This can’t be,” Neigh Nanners said in distress.  “IT’S ALL GONE!”
Grogar got up and said “That’s right.  Twilight Sparkle and her friends did it.  They beat you at your game.  It’s over.  You lost.”
“No,” Neigh Nanners said in frustration.  “This isn’t over.  You haven’t heard the last of Neigh Nanners.”
With that, Neigh Nanners clutched the Emotion Amplifier as he turned tail and ran off.  Grogar just stood there with a smile on his face.
“That’s right, coward,”  Grogar laughed.  “Run.  Run all you like.  You cannot escape the justice that you will face for your crimes.”
And with that, Grogar laughed loudly as he cheered into the sky.

Nearby, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Babs Seed, Filthy and Spoiled Rich and Big Mac cheered as the rainbow wave washed over the masses.
“I can’t believe it,” Apple Bloom said in pure joy.  “They did it.  It’s over.”
“It’s so beautiful,” Sweetie Belle said.
“We’ve been through our darkest moment in Equestrian History,” Babs Seed said.
“And we survived to the very end,” Scootaloo said.
“That’s not the only thing that survived.”  Everyone turned to Sugar Belle, who watched in joy as Silver Spoon woke up from her arms.
“SILVER SPOON,” Diamond Tiara cried before she ran up to her friend.
“Diamond Tiara,” Silver Spoon said.  “I’m glad to see you again.”
Diamond Tiara gave Silver Spoon a hug before she said “And I’m glad you’re alive and well.  I hope we never part from each other again.”
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed watching as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon embraced each other.  But Babs quickly turned to Filthy and Spoiled Rich, and noticed something was odd.
“Hey cousin,” Babs Seed said.  “I think Diamond Tiara’s parents are still upset.”
“And I think I know why,” Apple Bloom said.
Apple Bloom walked away from her friends and towards Filthy and Spoiled Rich, who looked at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon with a somber face.
“Mr and Mrs Rich,” Apple Bloom said, catching the attention of both parents.  “I’d like to apologize for the words I used against you and how angry I was.”
“It’s okay,” Filthy Rich said.  “You don’t need to apologize to us.”
“You deserve an apology more than we do,” Spoiled Rich said.  “As does Diamond Tiara.  After the way we treated her while under the control of that madman, I can never forgive myself for what I did.”
“Nah,” Apple Bloom said.  “Don’t worry about it.  It’s going to be okay.”
Filthy and Spoiled Rich smiled as Apple Bloom gave the two a big hug.  Nearby, Big Mac and Sugar Belle just watched on.
“Sometimes it’s easy to be angry, and it can be justified,” Big Mac said.  “But little Apple Bloom just showed that sometimes, anger isn’t the best way.”
“It sure isn’t,” Sugar Belle said. “I hope that our child will learn that same lesson when we introduce him or her into this world.”
“Sugar Belle my darling,” Big Mac said.  “That’s a promise.”

Nearby, the Student Six all danced in unison, celebrating alongside former enemies who also danced in joy.
“That’s it for Neigh Nanners’ magic,” Gallus cheered.
“Finally, the harmony,” Yona said.  “HAS COME BACK TO…EQUESTRIA!”
“And does it look better than ever,” Sandbar said.  “Everyone has a reason to cheer.”
“No more of that Nihilism Magic,” Ocellus said.  “And no more ponies fighting each other.”
“Just wait till everyone in the Dragon Lands celebrates this,” Smolder said.  “It will be a national holiday.”
“Oooh,” Silverstream said.  “Maybe we can prepare a big feast in celebration.”
Nearby, Queen Novo and Princess Skystar held each other closely, watching as creatures far and wide cheered.
“It’s a beautiful sight, mom,” Skystar said.
“It is,” Queen Novo said. “To think, we came this close to being wiped out by Nihilism Magic.”
“I don’t ever want to leave your side again,” Skystar said as she snuggled next to Novo.
“The feeling’s mutual, my precious daughter,” Queen Novo said as she held Skystar closely.  

In another part of the battlefield, Starswirl the Bearded and Stygian looked at the sun above in the sky before directing their gaze towards Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, and Mage Meadowbrook, who were celebrating with their former enemy.
“Do you see that beautiful sight, Stygian?” Starswirl said.  “It is the true cry of victory, something I never saw in my life, until now.”
“To think,” Stygian said.  “We came this close to turning Equestria into a wasteland because of Neigh Nanners’ Emotion Amplifier.”
“Indeed,” Starswirl said.  “Which reminds me.  One day, I will be gone from this world.  So from here on out, I wish to prepare you for a special assignment.”
“And what would that be?” Stygian asked.
“I wish to train you in the ways of magic, like I did with Celestia and Luna,” Starswirl said.  “And I want you to be my successor.  Stygian the Bearded sounds like an ideal name, don’t you think?”
Stygian said nothing as he fainted backwards into the snow.  Starswirl looked down at his ally, who was now sleeping in the snow.
“I think he’s speechless,” Starswirl said.

Back at the Crystal Empire, everyone was still in total awe as the rainbow shockwave continued its push away from the capital. 
“So this is how our story concludes,” Daydream Shimmer said.  “Not with a whimper, but with a bang heard around the world.”
“But it’s too bad Flurry Heart is gone,” Starlight said.  “She sacrificed herself so that we could all live to see this rainbow once more.”
“Well now I wouldn’t say that.”  Everyone turned their attention towards Princess Celestia, who held Flurry Heart in her arms.  Cadance and Shining Armor walked up to Princess Celestia to see their daughter’s eyes open once more.
“Flurry,” Cadance said.  “You’re alive.”
“YOU ACTUALLY DID IT!”  Shining Armor said in a joyous tone as Flurry Heart jumped out of Celestia’s arms and into her father’s.  The two ponies laughed hard as they embraced each other.
Nightmare Moon walked up to Princess Celestia and said “I don’t believe it.  How did the rainbow bring Flurry Heart back to life?”
“Even I’m at a loss for words,” Celestia said.  “But what matters is that the rainbow gave Flurry Heart her second chance in life.”
“And I’m glad of it,” Nightmare Moon said.  “She still has her life ahead of her, and we’ll make sure she gets that.”
As Shining Armor and Flurry Heart embraced each other, Flurry turned her head to see Tirek and Cozy Glow looking nearby.  The baby pony’s face turned to curiosity, catching Shining Armor’s attention.
“You want to see Tirek?” Shining Armor said.
Baby Flurry Heart nodded, causing Shining Armor to let go of his daughter.  Flurry Heart flew up to Tirek, catching the attention of the Centaur and his filly ally.
“Kid,” Tirek said.  “I don’t think you should see me.  Not after what I had to do to help save Equestria.”
Flurry Heart just grabbed onto Tirek by the chest and gave the Centaur a big hug.  Tirek’s frown slowly melted into a smile as he hugged Flurry Heart back.
“I think this is a sign that she forgives you, Tirek,” Cozy Glow said.
“I can understand why,” Tirek laughed.  “But it’s going to take a long time before I can get over what I did.”
“Now I wouldn’t say that,” Shining Armor said as he and Princess Cadance walked up to Tirek.  “I know what you had to do was necessary and I wish it didn’t have to come to this.  But what matters is that we’re all alive and we all got through this.  The one thing I can say is…thanks for your help.”
Tirek nodded and said “No need to thank me.  I never knew what it was like to help ponies out.  But I wish I wasn’t that much of a jerk as a kid.”
“Maybe one day, you will understand that there is more to friendship than meets the eye,” Latin Roma said, approaching Tirek.  “I know what you did back there was wrong.  But the fact that you chose to atone for what you did says alot about your character.”
“And I suppose I should be removing that ridiculous curse from you and your clan,” Tirek asked.
“No need,” Latin Roma said.  “When we chant the words Bing Bong, we do so in harmony now.  Never forget that.”
As Latin Roma nodded to Tirek before walking away, Trixie flew up to the centaur and looked down at Flurry Heart.
“Hey kid,” Trixie said as she took off her hat.  “Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat.”
Flurry Heart cheered as Trixie levitated her hat in the air with her magic.
“No sleeves around my arms,” Trixie said as she held her arms in the air before sinking her right hoof into the hair.  “PRESTO!”
But when Trixie pulled her arm up, she pulled out the head of a lion from the hat, which roared right at her.  Trixie screamed before she stuffed the lion back into the hat and breathed a sigh of relief, before she heard the sound of laughter.
“Discord,” Trixie said in a stern tone.
Trixie turned towards her left to see Discord and Pinkie Pie laughing hard.  The alicornified magic pony flew up to the two draconequuses, seething in pure anger.
“You did that on purpose, did you?” Trixie snarled.
“Oh Trixie,” Discord said.  “Rabbits are so boring when it comes to magic.  So I’d figure something more ferocious to spice up your act.  Besides, it does fit your wild personality.”
“Wild personality?” Trixie said in a cold tone.
“Yeah,” Discord said.  “Why just pull the same tricks over and over when you can do something extremely dangerous and get your act off the ground?”
Trixie ran back towards her hat and pulled a chainsaw out of it.  She pulled on the cord and turned it on,  causing the blade to rev loudly and catch Discord’s attention.
“Oh dear,” Discord said.  “I think I just buzzed her off with that.”
Immediately, Discord made a run for it with Trixie chasing after him with the chainsaw.
“COME BACK HERE YOU BIG PALOOKA,” Trixie yelled.  “I WON’T LET YOU ONE-UP THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE AGAIN!”
As Trixie chased after Discord with the chainsaw, everyone just stood there, laughing loudly, especially Flurry Heart.
“You know,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “I’m glad we’re getting our happy ending.  Imagine what would have happened if we failed to stop the Nihilism Magic.”
“I don’t know what would have happened,” Daydream Shimmer replied.  “And I don’t even want to think about it.”
“That reminds me,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “We need to address everyone out in the field, now that the fighting’s over.”
Princess Celestia got up and said  “I agree.  After what happened, I think we all need a little comfort with this victory.”
With that, Princess Celestia, Nightmare Moon, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Tirek holding Flurry Heart, Cozy Glow, Queen Chrysalis, Spike, Latin Roma, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Midnight Sparkle, and Daydream Shimmer walked away from central plaza of the Crystal Empire.  But Pinkie Pie just stood there, watching her friends walk off.
“You know, I feel like we’re missing something,” Pinkie Pie said.  “As if this story isn’t over.”
Pinkie Pie held her hand out as the Bewitching Bell fell from the sky and landed on her palm.  She turned her attention towards the reader.
“Actually, that’s not what I meant,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I know what you’re thinking.  ‘What happened to Neigh Nanners now that he ran off like a little coward?’  Well we’re not done with the story yet.  I mean, the author had to write around eighteen pages or more just to end the final battle.  And boy was it a doozy.”
Pinkie Pie snapped her fingers, causing a collar to form around her neck.  She placed the bell on the hook of the collar and snapped in the words.

	To Be Continued


“That’s right folks,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We still have to wrap up any loose ends.   Like what to do with Neigh Nanners, how we will all celebrate, and if we’ll see Juno and Huckleberry again.  I know it’s going to be a big party, and I’ve got the perfect idea for that.  Oh speaking of which, the final part is going to be a big one.  Some ponies that you never expected will be in it.  Who will it be?  That’s for the author to reveal.  Well until then, see ya later.”
And with that, Pinkie PIe turned tail and flew off in the direction of her friends, hoping to catch up.
> Chapter 19: A Victory Worth Celebrating
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Victory Worth Celebrating



The sun shone down on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire as ponies and other creatures of the alliance and formerly of Neigh Nanners’ own cult cheered in unison.  Princess Celestia, Nightmare Moon, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, Midnight Sparkle, Daydream Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow and Draconequus Pinkie Pie approached the crowd, looking as proud as ever.
“Citizens of the world,” Princess Celestia announced.  “Not long ago, a terrible magic tied to nihilism came this close to shattering the whole world, and perhaps all life.  Friend fought against friend, family against family, and even I knew what it was like to be corrupted into a form worse than what I imagined.  And had my faithful student, who had a falling out from a failed Summer Sun Festival, not rediscovered herself and fought back, I may not have been here to talk about it today.  So it gives me a great honor to congratulate Twilight Sparkle, and her magical friends from Ponyville.”
Immediately, Midnight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Draconequus Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and especially Spike stepped forward and took a bow as the crowd cheered on.  Once they took a step back, Princess Celestia approached the audience again.
“But she is not the only one who deserves praise,” Princess Celestia said.  “Another former student of mine has stepped forth to help solve our crisis.  And because of her help, Twilight was able to find her way back and save me from my own abyss.  So let’s give a warm shoutout to Sunset Shimmer.”
Daydream Shimmer approached the stage and bowed before the audience as they cheered in unison.  Daydream smiled, her ears attuned to the wonderful sounds of the crowd before taking a step back.
“And there is another individual who we have to thank, despite making a serious screw up with his Grogar hoax,” Princess Celestia said.  “Speaking of which, where is he?”
Immediately, the sound of Trixie yelling “WHEN I GET MY HOOVES ON YOU, I’LL SPANK YOU IN THE WOODSHED FOR THIS!” echoed through as Trixie ran from the back end of the city, chasing down Discord.
“I think I really did it,” Discord said in a humorous tone.  “Someone bail me out of this.”
Midnight Sparkle smiled as she said “Oh no, Discord.  You’re on your own.”
Pinkie Pie glared at Midnight Sparkle and said “That’s no way to treat a fellow Draconequus.”
Discord ran as fast as he could, laughing really hard, until he tripped and fell to the ground.  Trixie ran closer to Discord, holding the chainsaw high into the air.
“I HAVE YOU NOW!”  Trixie yelled.
Suddenly, the Chainsaw disappeared in a flash, and in its place was a giant sunflower.  Trixie looked at the Sunflower and screamed in disbelief, causing the entire crowd to laugh hysterically.  Everyone on stage, especially Princess Celestia, also joined in on the laughter.
“I think all we went through,” Celestia laughed.  “This has got to be the best moment of the day.”
“As much as I want to claim credit for that,” Discord laughed.  “I’m afraid it wasn’t me.”
“Oh relax,” Pinkie PIe said, scooting up to Discord.  “That was me, all along.”
Trixie threw the flower onto the ground in a fit of rage before marching next to Midnight Sparkle.
“Curse those tricksters,” Trixie said in silence as she crossed her arms.  “The Great and Powerful Trixie will make those two suffer.”
As Trixie marched over to the site with a pouty face, Celestia cleared her throat and approached the audience.
“Not long ago,” Celestia said.  “Discord released Tirek and Cozy Glow from Tartarus and paired them with Queen Chrysalis in order to boost Twilight’s confidence.  While that was a foolish decision, it wound up ironically giving us three unexpected allies in our fight against Neigh Nanners.  Not to mention Discord proved himself on the battlefield as a reliable ally against the Fire Nags.  I’ll be honest, had I not freed Discord from his stone prison, things may have been worse.  So despite his flaws, all I can say is, thank you Discord.”
Discord took a bow as the audience cheered in unison.  While Pinkie Pie wiped a tear from her eyes, Trixie just looked up at him with a scowl on her face.
“Whatever,” Trixie said.
“And there is also Starlight Glimmer and Trixie to thank,” Princess Celestia announced, which caught Trixie’s attention.  “For their willingness to be given a second chance, for their heroism, and for standing up to Neigh Nanners’ own madness.  So let’s also give a round of applause for the duo.”
Trixie got up and walked alongside Starlight Glimmer as they took a bow towards the audience.
“Now isn’t this worth appreciating, Trixie?” Starlight asked.
Trixie smiled and said “Guess so.”
As Trixie and Starlight backed away , Princess Celestia approached and announced “Not long ago, I considered Chrysalis, Tirek and even little Cozy Glow to be beyond redemption due to their stance against Twilight Sparkle and the rest of Equestria.  But the irony of these three was that they were thrown into the madness that Neigh Nanners put them in.  And not only that, it may have changed their minds, and my own, when it comes to redemption.  So for Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow, I’d like to thank you three for aiding us in our time of need.”
Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow took a few steps forward and took a bow.  But as they did, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Babs Seed and Silver Spoon ran up on stage and gave Cozy Glow a hug.
“Hey you guys,” Cozy Glow laughed.  “You don’t need to give me that attention.”
“We’re doing this because we’re truly friends now,” Apple Bloom said.  
“And Diamond  Tiara told me about you,” Silver Spoon said.
Princess Celestia looked down at the other fillies and said “And that reminds me, about the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Diamond Tiara.”  Those words caught the attention of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, and Babs Seed as they got up and turned their attention to the audience while Silver Spoon and Cozy Glow stood to the side.
“That’s us,” Diamond Tiara said.
“Five little fillies were caught in the crossfire of Neigh Nanners’ madness, nearly losing everything that they held dear,” Princess Celestia announced.  “But they chose to take a stand against the end of the world, and because of that, they should be hailed as heroes, just like the rest of us.  So for Diamond Tiara and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, take a bow.”
With that, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Babs Seed bowed before the audience cheered.  But as they raised their heads, they noticed that Grogar was walking through the audience and towards the stage.
“Is that who I think it is?” Silver Spoon asked.
“That’s Grogar,” Diamond Tiara explained.  “The former emperor of the world who came to aid us.”
Grogar pulled himself up on stage and approached Princess Celestia, who had a confused look on her face. 
“What happened to Neigh Nanners?” Princess Celestia asked.
Grogar just laughed and said “It doesn’t matter where he goes.  You already have him in your hooves in a figurative state.  One of you is capable of bringing him here in an instant.”
Discord’s ears popped up immediately and said “Oh yeah.  I forgot about that.”
Immediately, Discord snapped his fingers, and in a pop, Neigh Nanners appeared on stage, tied up in rope.  The audience looked at Neigh Nanners and laughed in unison.
“What is this?” Neigh Nanners yelled as he struggled to break free.  “I thought I was out of the Crystal Empire by now.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia marched up to Neigh Nanners and glared down at the fallen foe.
“Neigh Nanners,” Princess Celestia said in a harsh tone.  “You have been charged with conspiracy to overthrow Equestria, controlling the minds of millions of individuals, including myself and the Windigos, attempt at the destruction of all magic and life across the planet, and nearly resulting in the death of a little filly.  What do you have to say for yourself?”
“YOU CHEATED!” Neigh Nanners yelled in a deranged tone.  “I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU DID IT!  BUT YOU CHEATED ME OUT OF VICTORY!  AND YOU’VE PRESERVED THE PLAGUE THAT IS FRIENDSHIP IN THIS LAND YOU BIG, SORRY, SACK OF…”
Before Neigh Nanners could finish, ten gallons of water poured right onto his head at once, drenching him completely and causing the crowd to laugh once more.  Neigh Nanners turned his attention towards Discord, who was whistling innocently.
“I am not the one responsible,” Discord said with a halo forming over his head.
“THIS IS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT,” Neigh Nanners yelled.  “THIS IS WHY WE’RE ALL DOOMED TO THE CURSE OF FRIENDSHIP!  THIS IS WHY…”
But before Nanners could finish again, a pie flew right out of nowhere and hit Neigh Nanners in the face.  Once again, the crowd bursts into laughter.  Neigh Nanners turned his eyes towards Pinkie Pie, who appeared to have snapped her fingers.
“Ain’t I a stinker?” Pinkie Pie giggled.
As Neigh Nanners growled at Pinkie Pie, he felt something slipping out of the ropes.  He tried to hold onto it, but lost his grip as the powerless Emotion Amplifier was pulled out by Grogar’s magic, all while the ram glared down at him.
“I knew how dangerous this kind of magic was,” Grogar snarled.  “And even then, it came close to consuming my mind.  You, on the other hand, chose to be consumed by the magic, and to let it consume everything in its path.  You allowed Nihilism to control your life, and even in the aftermath of this madness, you chose to justify your own actions.  You have proven to be worse than any form of evil on this very planet, especially myself.”
“Grogar is right,” Luna said.  “The fact that you came this close to ruining our ways of life, and even tore my own sister away from me says a whole lot about your character, and your misguided view on freedom.”
“My view on freedom is the only view that is true,” Neigh Nanners said.  “That’s why I had to do what had to be done.  None of your words will convince me otherwise because all of you sheep still don’t wake up and realize…”
But before Neigh Nanners could finish, a watermelon falls from the sky and hits him on the head, covering it in the giant fruit.  All he could do was mumble and scream with the melon covering his head, while Discord and Pinkie Pie nearby whistled innocently.
“Then so be it,” Princess Celestia said.  “Neigh Nanners, as your punishment, you will occupy Cozy Glow’s former cell in Tartarus.  Furthermore, you will be assigned to mandatory, supervised community service to atone for what you did.”  She turned to Discord and Pinkie Pie and said “Take it away.”
Discord and Pinkie Pie both proceed to snap their fingers.  Immediately, the watermelon disappears as Neigh Nanners was now hanging upside down with his arms and legs tied to a metal pole that was held by two winged monkeys.
“You fool,” Neigh Nanners said. “You should have turned me to stone, or banish me to the void, or even destroy me alright.”
Princess Celestia just laughed and said “That’s too good for you.  In the meantime, enjoy the ride.”
In an instant, Discord yelled out “FORRRRWAAAAAARD MARCH!”  Immediately, the winged monkeys picked up the pole that Neigh Nanners is tied to and flew off from the Crystal Empire.
“YOU’LL REGRET THE DAY YOU SPARED ME!” Neigh Nanners yelled as he was being carried off.  “YOU’LL REGRET TTHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIISSSSSSSS!”
Immediately, a portal opened up in front of the winged monkey.  Neigh Nanners continued to scream in anger as the monkeys carried him through the portal before it closed up for good.  The crowd cheered in unison the moment the portal disappeared.
“With that out of the way,” Grogar said as he looked down at the depowered Emotion Amplifier.  “I know what you’re all thinking.  Now that I have recovered what you call the Emotion Amplifier and what I call Nihilism’s Bane, I believe some things have to be settled. ”
Immediately, Grogar approached Princess Celestia as the two stared down at each other.  But in an instant, Grogar held out the de-powered Emotion Amplifier.
“Though I have seen your own kind abuse powers for their own gain,” Grogar stated.  “I understand one thing about you: That you are aware of the dangers of some artifacts.  So I trust you well in safeguarding the Emotion Amplifier from anyone willing to once again turn it into a weapon of cruelty and nihilism.”
Princess Celestia nodded as she levitated the Emotion Amplifier from Grogar’s hoof and held it to her side.
“Should this magic ever return,” Princess Celestia said.  “I will create as many safeguards as possible to make sure it will never consume us again.”
“But just to be on the safe side,” Grogar said as he unhooked his second bell from his collar and levitated it towards Princess Celestia.  “It may take the power of two Bewitching Bells to hold the magic back.  Do not forget this.”
Celestia nodded as she turned her attention to Pinkie Pie, who had the first bell in her left hand.  Pinkie tossed the bell forward to which Celestia caught it with her magic and placed it alongside both the second bell and the emotion amplifier.  
“Thank you Grogar,” Princess Celestia said.  “Without your help, we would have been lost on this day to Nihilism Magic.”
“Which reminds me,” Midnight Sparkle said as she stepped forward.  “I know you all are looking forward to me becoming the next ruler of Equestria.  But I fear that there are other threats out there.  And I also believed that Neigh Nanners is only the beginning.  So for the time being, I will be declining my ascension to the throne.”
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said in a shocked tone.
“At the same time,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I will also be stepping down from my position as head mare at the School of Friendship due to the recent revelations.”
“Twilight,” Starlight said.  “You’re not doing this because of what you did, are you?”
“No,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “While I do regret going down this path, I also realize that this is not really the end, but rather a new beginning.   I now know that there will be greater threats to Equestria than ever before, one that will try to repeat what Neigh Nanners did and turn us against each other, maybe even worse than that.  Which is why effective immediately, I will be initializing the Guardians of Harmony.”
“The Guardians of Harmony?” Daydream Shimmer said.  “Are you talking about a group dedicated towards protecting the magic of friendship from being destroyed?”
“Yes, I am,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “We know friendship is not easy.  But we also know that the magic can be fragile at times, especially when Neigh Nanners came this close to destroying it.  But with the Guardians of Harmony, we can dedicate ourselves to safeguarding the magic of friendship for future generations.”
“And that’s a cause I’m willing to get behind,” Midnight Sparkle turned towards the audience where she saw Starswirl emerge from the front with the rest of the pillars of old Equestria and the Student Six follow behind him.  Starswirl got up on stage, much to the delight of Midnight Sparkle.
“Starswirl,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I’m surprised that you’re the first one to accept my offer.”
“I am for a reason,” Starswirl replied.  “Even if you didn’t say what you said, I also realize that the magic of friendship is fragile and can be easily broken.  So as a representative of the Pillars of Old Equestria, I wish to be the first to join the newly formed Guardians of Harmony.”
Starswirl immediately bowed before Midnight Sparkle, with Rockhoof, Mistmane, Somnambula, Flash Magnus, Mage Meadowbrook, Stygian, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona and Silverstream following suit.  
“This is no longer about learning about friendship,” Gallus stated as he raised his head up.  “It’s now about guarding it with our lives, for future generations to embrace.”
“Gallus, Starswirl,” Midnight Sparkle said.  “I’d be honored if your respective groups could join us in our new mission.”
As Midnight Sparkle bowed before Gallus and Starswirl, the crowd cheered in unison.  Nightmare Moon used her magic to transform back into Princess Luna before she stepped forward and cleared her throat, calming the crowd down.
“There is one last order of business,” Princess Luna said. “As you all know, a good portion of you were all under Neigh Nanners’ Emotion Amplifier, which includes my sister.  The effects of the nihilism magic can alter the mind of individuals, corrupting their thinking into something far more sinister.  It was not your fault that you were forced into this mindset and lost control of yourselves.  And I say the same thing about my sister, who was forced into becoming this templar of self-righteousness.”
“What Princess Luna proposes is a pardon for those forced to fight for Neigh Nanners,” Princess Cadance said with Luna nodding in agreement.  “And if the effects of the Nihilism Magic are still present, we will treat the individuals so that they can be fully functional members of society.  Besides, punishing those who were under no fault would only amplify the nihilism within.”
The crowd cheered once more as Luna and Cadance took a bow.  Everyone else got up on the center stange and bowed towards the audience as their cheers filled the air of the Crystal Empire.

Later that day, the Mane Six and Spike, with Midnight Sparkle now reverted back to Twilight Sparkle, Applejack no longer buff, and Pinkie Pie no longer a draconequus, were walking down through the Crystal Empire with anticipation.  Though the sun was beginning to set on the horizon, everyone felt optimistic.
“It’s too bad we had to revert back to our basic forms,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Sunset, Starlight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara, Princess Luna, Trixie.”
“And surprisingly, even Cozy Glow,” Pinkie Pie said.  “As well as myself.”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I’ll be honest.  I thought you being a spirit of chaos was actually that cool.”
“Oh Rainbow,” Rarity said with a raspberry.  “That’s the last thing we need: A second spirit of chaos that would make our lives even crazy.”
“I don’t know, Rarity,” Fluttershy said. “I think it would be nice to have two draconequuses around Equestria.”
“As much as having yours truly pumped out like a pair of gigantic apples,” Applejack said with a playful snort.
“That being said,” Spike explained.  “Something tells me that’s not the last we’ve seen of those alternative forms.”
“Now what would you mean by that, Spikey?” Rarity asked.
“Well,” Spike said, scratching the back of his head.  “Call it a hunch, but I have a feeling those forms that Twilight, Sunset, Starlight, the crusaders and even Pinkie Pie to name a few had.  It was as if they were sleeping inside of them the whole time.”
“Oooh,” Pinkie Pie said, excited.  “Does that mean I may become a true Draconequus in the future?”
Twilight laughed and said “Pinkie.  I can only imagine a world with two spirits of chaos.  And believe me.  That would be something to crow about.”
As the group continued to walk through the town, Twilight’s eyes were quick to catch Grogar walking in another direction.
“Will you excuse me, ladies?” Twilight said before she made a run for it.
“Now what was that about?” Rarity asked.
“I dunno,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But it does feel like Twilight ran to get her goat.”
“Pinkie,” Everyone yelled before bursting out into laughter.
Up ahead, Twilight ran up to Grogar before slowing her movement down, catching the attention of the former emperor.
“Surprised to see me out here?” Grogar said.
“I’m just wondering why you’re heading away from the center of the castle,” Twilight asked.
“It is simple,” Grogar said.  “The day is won.  The battle is done.  And the princesses have vowed to guard the Nihilism’s Bane with their lives.  So I’ve decided to return to my retirement and spend some time in peace.”
“Well you’ve done a lot for all of us,” Twilight explained.  “And I’d figured we owe you for your contributions to this victory.  So I was wondering if you could join us for a victory feast?”
Grogar was slightly surprised by Twilight’s choice of words.  He closed his eyes and stroked his beard, pondering on what to say.
“That is the first time anyone invited me to any kind of event,” Grogar said.  “Normally, I don’t do any of these events.  But since you asked, I’ll consider it.”
“Great,” Twilight said.  “I think you are going to enjoy it.”
But as Twilight and Grogar walked off, the rest of the group, with the sole exception of Pinkie Pie, just stood there a bit confused.
“What in the name of Lauren Faust just happened?” Applejack asked.
“Well,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Twilight noticed Grogar was leaving for parts unknown, so she invited him to the victory party just because of his contributions to the fight against Neigh Nanners and because she believed that Grogar may have been lonely for all these centuries.”
“That is a lot to take in,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Grogar being that lonely?”
“Well when you think about it,” Fluttershy replied.  “It’s a lot like with Discord, back when he was a villain.”
“Oh, when he didn’t have a friend by his side,” Rarity replied.
“Exactly,” Fluttershy said as everyone walked after Twilight.
“To think, there may be other sympathetic individuals who deserve a friend,” Spike said. “You never know what the world will throw at you.”

Later that evening in the Crystal Empire Plaza, everyone was gathered around in separate tables, enjoying the banquet of delicious food and refreshing drinks.  For all of Equestria, they seem satisfied and relieved.  Nearby, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon and Sunset Shimmer were all enjoying their food together, though Luna was shoveling food into her mouth.
“Mmmmm,” Princess Luna said as she swallowed her food above what appears to be some kind of oat-based pudding.  “This is delicious.  I have never tasted something this rich before.”
“Well sister,” Princess Celestia said.  “Sunset Shimmer told me that there was a particular dish the humans enjoyed in another part of the land.  It was called…Haggis.”
“Haggis eh?” Luna said.  “I like it.  What’s great about it?”
“Some say it was made from the heart, lungs and liver of a sheep, boiled in its own stomach,” Celestia replied with a grin on her face, causing Luna to gag.
“I ate wha?” Luna thought to herself as she looked like she was going to throw up.
“But relax, Luna,” Celestia said.  “I was informed that we didn’t use any sheep meat for this.  Instead, this was made using a mixture of vegetables, lentils, oats and spices.”
Luna relaxed as she swallowed another bite.  She turned to Celestia and yelled with her Canterlot Voice “Don’t you EVER pull that stunt again.”
It didn’t take long for Celestia, Twilight, Sunset and Spike to laugh hard.
“It was great that I found that recipe for Vegan Haggis,” Sunset said.  “I couldn’t stomach the idea of eating sheep offals.”
“Neither could I,” Twilight said before she took a bite of food.
“Combine that with Pinkie Pie’s epic party planning,” Spike said.  “And you got yourself a party worthy of an entire planet.”

Nearby at another table, the Student Six were enjoying their meal alongside fellow students Juno and Huckleberry.  All eight attendees were in high spirits.
“I’ll admit one thing,” Juno said.  “Huck and I were caught in the middle of the battlefield.  We barely didn’t know what to do.”
“Well that’s a shame,” Sandbar said after swallowing a piece of spinach leaf.  “I wonder what happened during that fight.”
“Yona bet Juno and Huckleberry went all out like my Uncle does in the ring,” Yona said as she pounded her hooves on the table, causing it to shake.”
“Yona, easy,” Ocellus said.  “The last thing we need is to ruin our victory meal.”
“Oops,” Yona said in embarrassment.  “Yona sorry for imitating Uncle.”
“Wait,” Smolder said.  “Your Uncle is a professional wrestler?”
“Yeah,” Yona said before stepping away from the table and standing on two hooves. “Yona’s Uncle is best wrestler in all of Equestria.  He sends those Jabronis to their Rock Bottom, and hits them with the Yak’s Elbow.”
“Jabronis?  Rock Bottom?  Yak’s Elbow?”  Gallus laughed.  “Now I’ve heard everything.”
“You never watched wrestling before?” Huckleberry asked.
“Not really,” Gallus replied.  “First off, we never had wrestling up in Griffinstone.  And second off, no one in Ponyville ever told me about wrestling.”
“Oooh, I heard they like to go all out in throwing their opponents through various objects,” Silverstream said in excitement.  “Like chairs, ladders, and even….TABLES!”
Juno laughed as she said “I don’t like to watch that stuff.  In my mind, Wrestling is just too much for me.”
“Too much?” Yona said as she got down on her four hooves. “What do you mean by too much?”
“I heard about some of the injuries that wrestlers got through their own performances,” Juno said.  “For a sport that involves grappling, wrestling is more high risk than you realize.”
“I’m afraid Juno’s right,” Huckleberry said.  “Being in a wrestling match is more dangerous than being out on the battlefield.  Heck, you wouldn’t catch me performing in a single competitive sport.”
“Awww,” Yona said.  “At least Yona hope to introduce best Uncle to all of you.”
“It’s okay, Yona,” Sandbar said as he got out and patted Yona on the back.  “At least there are some who appreciate your Uncle’s skills as a wrestler.”
“Awww, thanks Sandbar,” Yona said before picking up Sandbar and giving him a big hug.
“No…problem,” Sandbar said as he could barely move in Yona’s arms.
As everyone laughed, Smolder noticed the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and Babs Seed walking away from their table.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Smolder said as she got up and walked away. “I think there’s one last big of unfinished business to attend to.”
As Smolder walked off, everyone else stopped laughing and just stared at the dragon.
“Was it something we said?” Ocellus asked.
“Nah,” Gallus said.  “Something tells me it’s about a certain somepony.”
“You’re talking about Cozy Glow?” SIlverstream asked.
“I think it may be some pony else,” Gallus replied.

At another table, Starlight Glimmer, Discord, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow and Grogar were all eating together, all while Grogar was striking up a conversation with the group.
“One time,” Grogar said.  “I discovered a mysterious world populated by humanoid creatures.”
“That sounds alot like the human world that Sunset Shimmer invited me to,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “By any chance, did you transform into a human?”
“I sure did,” Grogar replied.  “But back then, they were a bit more primitive than we were and they had no access to magic.  But at the same time, they built these horrible machines of destruction that could ravage cities in hours.  One of the leaders was a megalomaniac that desired loyalty within his followers, and to cast out those who he claimed were unworthy.”
“Sounds a lot like every wannabe villain,” Discord said.  “Especially a certain some pony we had to put up with.”
“Oh he was far worse than Neigh Nanners,” Grogar said.  “In fact, this leader was far scarier than Neigh Nanners.  He didn’t need magic to make his followers obey.  His voice, his words, he could strike fear into anyone who dared cross him.  And he wanted to wipe out certain groups of people just for being different.”
“And he didn’t have the need for an Emotion Amplifier?” Chrysalis said.  “Sounds like the human world is a scary place to be, along with this so-called leader.”
“It sure is in a way,” Grogar said.  “But despite his ability to strike fear into the hearts of humans, this so-called leader was revealed to be a coward when opposing forces were able to fight back against his army.  In the end, his desire for power doomed him to a worldwide pariah status.”
“Even back when I had a desire for power,” Tirek said.  “I thought those kinds of ideals were way too much.  I would have preferred to conquer a nation, not go through with vicious propaganda.”
“Oooh, you would have hated what I did,” Starlight said.  “Except not on the level of this monster that Grogar described.”
Suddenly, Cozy Glow felt something tap her side.  She turned to her left and saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Diamond Tiara looking up at her.
“Guys?”  Cozy Glow said.  “What are you all doing here?”
“We just came to check up on you, Cozy Glow,” Apple Bloom said.
“Check up on…me?” Cozy Glow replied.  “Even after all I did to you?”
“Even despite all you did to us during that time,” Sweetie Belle said.  
“And the fact that you took our side when Neigh Nanners attacked us,” Scootaloo said.
Cozy Glow was at a loss for words.  She turned towards Starlight Glimmer and tapped on her shoulder, catching the unicorn’s attention.
“Hey Starlight,” Cozy Glow said.  “I don’t get it.  I was a rotten filly when I tried to take the magic of Equestria during my time at the School of Friendship.  Why the change of heart?”
“It’s because you had a change in heart,” Starlight said.  “You and your new friends.”
Cozy Glow turned towards Chrysalis and Tirek, who just turned away and whistled innocently. Immediately, Cozy glared down at the two.
“What is the meaning of this?” Cozy Glow said in a cold tone.
“Kid,” Chrysalis said.  “You’ve been a great companion since we first met.  But where we’re going, I don’t think you should follow.”
“Wait wha?” Cozy Glow said.
Tirek just sighed and said “We’re already done playing the bad guy.  But at the same time, we’re not ready to be accepted into Equestrian society…yet.  You, on the other hand, are far more integrated into Equestrian Society because of who you are.  Therefore, we had a chat with Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia about your reinstatement into the School of Friendship.”
Cozy Glow was at a loss for words.  Starlight reached down and waved her hoof in front of her eyes.
“Hello in there,” Starlight said.  “I’ve been going through the paperwork on getting your reinstated into the School of Friendship.  Sure some of the other students are still upset over what you did.  But it will take some time for you to readjust to your return, and the extra activities I have planned for your rehabilitation.”
But Cozy Glow continued to stand there. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed just looked at Cozy, who continued to draw up a blank.
“It’s as if someone turned her to stone,” Babs Seed said.  
Immediately, Diamond Tiara got on her hind legs and placed her arms around Cozy Glow, snapping her out of her trance.
“Look,” Diamond Tiara said.  “I may not have been as big of a villain as you were.  But I was a despicable villain, picking on the Cutie Mark Crusaders like they were inferior.  And I know being given a second chance in life wasn’t easy.  It took some time to get used to.  But I was glad to have been given that second chance.  And you should too.”
“She’s right.” Cozy Glow turned her head to her left to see Smolder standing there.
“Smolder?” Cozy Glow said, confused.
“I knew back then you were a troublesome little brat,” Smolder said.  “But after what happened on the battlefield, and with Neigh Nanners, you’re not as bad as some of the more awful ponies.  Sure some will be suspicious of you.  But right now, I’m willing to give you a second chance, just because you helped us take down Neigh Nanners.  So know that you have at least a good number of friends willing to give you that second chance.”
“And that’s not the only thing,” Diamond Tiara said, causing Cozy Glow to turn back towards the earth pony filly.  “There is someone that I would like to introduce you to.”
Diamond Tiara got down from her chair and walked aside, where Silver Spoon walked up from behind the Crusaders and towards Cozy.
“Cozy Glow, is it?” Silver Spoon said, scratching the back of her head.  “I…guess we both…have a lot in common.”
“Not really,” Cozy Glow said.  “You were under Neigh Nanners’ spell.  It wasn’t your fault that you went up against all of us.”
“And yet,” Silver Spoon said.  “I don’t think I can live down what I did, even if it wasn’t my fault.”
Cozy Glow got out of her chair and sat next to Silver Spoon.  She reached out and said “Don’t let that get to you.  You’re far stronger in character compared to me.  And what you need right now, despite myself denying it, is a friend of sorts to at least help you get through the trauma you got.”
 With that, Cozy Glow reached out and gave Silver Spoon a hug, causing the filly to crack a smile.  Immediately, Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed reached out and hugged Silver Spoon and Cozy Glow.
“Friends forever?” Cozy Glow asked.
Silver Spoon looked around the others before looking at Cozy Glow and said “Friends forever.”
Back on the table, as the rest of the group watched on, Discord turned towards Grogar.
“I think this is the reason why Princess Celestia freed me from stone,” Discord said.  “To remind me what new life I would have instead of staying as a villain.  You never know what surprises do pop up.”
Grogar chuckled and said “Well that being said, once the feast is over I will make my departure.”
“And just where are you going?” Discord said, turning his attention towards Grogar.
“To enjoy more of my retirement,” Grogar said with a smile.
“And give up the magic of friendship itself?” Discord said.
Grogar chuckled a bit more and said “It’s mainly to enjoy some serenity following this final battle.  But I will return one day to check up on any threats to this world.  Mark my word.”
Discord laughed and said “Well it was fun to work with you, Grogar.”
“The feeling’s mutual, Discord,” Grogar replied.
Nearby, Chrysalis, Tirek and Starlight just stood there, smirking at the two former villains.
“Ever get the feeling that Grogar and Discord are more related to each other than you realize?” Chrysalis asked.
“That sounds a bit far fetched,” Starlight replied with a humorous chuckle.
Suddenly, Flurry Heart flew out of nowhere and grabbed onto Tirek, surprising the Centaur.  Tirek gently pulled Flurry Heart off his back and held her up.
“Look kid,” Tirek said.  “I know you want to see more of me.  But I’ll be departing soon after this is over.”
Flurry Heart’s face turned from joy to sorrow.  It looked as if she were about to burst into tears.
Tirek let out a sigh and said “Look.  I’ll promise you this.  When I am ready, I’ll come back to visit.  So don’t let me catch you crying you silly.”
Flurry Heart giggled in delight as Tirek sat her down onto the ground.  Immediately, a voice rang out.  Flurry and Tirek turned to see Shining Armor running up to the duo.
“Flurry,” Shining Armor yelled as he ran up.  “Please don’t give Tirek a hard time.”
“Ahhh she wasn’t,” Tirek said.  “I just wanted to say good-bye to her before we parted ways.”
Shining Armor picked up Flurry Heart and said “Are you sure you wanna do this?  After all you did to help out?”
“Even if all of Equestria saw me in a more positive light, I can’t just yet,” Tirek stated.  “Until I truly discover why I should embrace the Magic of Friendship, I’m going to have to go on this quest to rediscover myself.  Only Chrysalis will be going with me.”
“Well,” Shining Armor said.  “As long as you don’t cause any trouble, you are welcome in the Crystal Empire.”
Tirek cracked his knuckles and said “Who said I was going to get in any trouble?”
Shining Armor just looked up at Tirek in a scared pose while Flurry Heart giggled again.
“Gotcha,” Tirek said, causing Shining Armor to laugh out loud.
“Real cute, Tirek,” Shining Armor said.  “Real Cute.”

At a nearby table, the rest of the Mane Six sat with the Pillars of Equestria and the rest of the Apple Family, enjoying each other’s company and the food on their plate.  Pinkie Pie was up on her hind hooves, making a number of ice cream plates for everyone else on the table.
“And that’s one Apple Pie ice cream for Applejack and one dark chocolate for Stygian,” Pinkie Pie said as she placed the last plates of ice cream on the table.
“Nothing like kicking back and enjoying the moment following a victory,” Applejack said.  “I’d say we all deserve it.”
The rest of the group raised their spoons into the air and chanted “Here here.”
“And thank goodness,” Granny Smith said.  “After what that hooligan Neigh Nanners did, I’d say we all deserve this victory.”
“Indeed,” Rarity said as she took a bite of blueberry ice cream.  “But I still wonder what was Neigh Nanners’ motivation into siccing half of this whole planet against us?”
“It’s a mystery that even I won’t figure out,” Mage Meadowbrook said.
“I think the one problem that Neigh Nanners has,” Sugar Belle said “Was a desire for attention.  That newspaper he put out before deciding to go all out was more like a tabloid pretending to be news.”
“That’s right,” Fluttershy said.  “But I wonder how he was able to get away with it?”
“There was a report I read about Princess Celestia wanting to shut that newspaper down long ago,” Somnambula said.  “But a number of ponies protested its shuttering, and when they started putting out anti-Celestia propaganda, her popularity fell, forcing her to back off.”
“I remember that,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I also heard that the Wonderbolts were forced to call off a performance in Tallahorsey because of that newspaper’s own hit piece.”
“That’s just despicable,” Rockhoof said as he slammed his hoof on the table, causing the ice creams to shake a bit.  “The news should point to facts and the truth, not to some mambo jambo trash words on a paper.”
“The one thing that matters is that thanks to Neigh Nanners,” Mistmane said.  “That newspaper company will be shut down for good, allowing the truth to flow freely into society once more.  And it’s something worth fighting for.”
Big Mac nodded with his typical “Eeyup.”
But Stygian looked up at Starswirl, attracting the attention of his mentor and friend.
“You look worried, Stygian,” Starswirl said.
“I know you were able to shrug off that fight on the battlefield and you didn’t fall to Neigh Nanners’ own spell,” Stygian said.  “But I wonder what would have happened if you did fall?  Or worse?”
Immediately, Starswirl got out of his chair as he approached Stygian and said “Look.  One day, I’m going to be gone from this world.  This time, for good.  It will happen.”
“But what can I do?” Stygian said.  “I don’t want to be alone.”
“And you won’t,” Starswirl said before pointing his hoof at the rest of the Mane Six and the Pillars.  “You have plenty of friends to help you through these hard times.”
Stygian looked at the others before he said “I know.  But…”
Immediately, Starswirl placed his hoof on Stygian’s mouth before he said “It’s going to be okay.  No matter what happens, I will be with you.”  Immediately, Starswirl pointed down to Stygian’s chest.
“In my heart?” Stygian asked.
“Yes,” Starswirl replied.  “Never forget that.”
Stygian nodded as he reached out and gave Starswirl a hug.   The rest of the group watched on with smiles on their faces.
“It’s moments like these that make life worth living,” Grand Pear said as he wiped a tear from his eye.
Pinkie Pie turned to her left to see Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and Spike walking up to her.
“Twilight,” Pinkie Pie said.  “What are you, Sunset and Spike doing here?”
“Just checking up on all my friends and it seems they’re all satisfied,” Twilight said.
“And we came to get some ice cream,” Spike said as he licked his lips.
“Well what will it be?” Pinkie asked.
“Make mine a cinnamon chocolate,” Sunset replied.  “The spicier the better.”
“You got it,” Pinkie said as she reached down and began to dig out some ice cream.
Sunset turned towards Twilight and said “So what will happen now that you’re forming the Guardians of Harmony?”
“I’d say give it a year or two,” Twilight replied.  “Once we know that all threats have been dealt with, then I can consider my ascension to the throne.  What about you?”
As a plate with Cinnamon Chocolate Ice Cream sat on a table, Sunset said “I think I’m going to stick around for a while.  I know my friends back in the human world will miss me.  But I’ll check in on them when I get the chance.”
“Good thing you graduated, Sunset,” Spike said.
“And completed the post-graduation vacation,” Sunset said before taking a bite of cinnamon chocolate ice cream.
“You know,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Whatever happened to Neigh Nanners?  Isn’t he occupying Cozy Glow’s former cell now?”
“Well not right now,” Twilight smiled.
Sunset laughed and said “You didn’t get the memo?”
“What memo?” Pinkie asked.
“Well see for yourself,” Sunset said as she pointed to a nearby table.
At said table, a couple of guards stood next to Neigh Nanners, who was reluctantly placing delicious plates of food onto the table for the guests.
“That takes care of that,” one of the guards said.  “Come along.”
As the guards escorted Neigh Nanners and the serving cart to another table, the defeated villain said to himself “I would have preferred being turned to stone than to go through this humiliating experience.”



	That’s Not All Folks.  There is one more part remaining.  Stay tuned.

> Final Chapter: Make Your Mark.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Final Chapter: Make Your Mark



It was a beautiful day in the bustling Metropolis of Canterlot City.  Posey Bloom was rearranging her own flowers in her flower stand, even going as far as to take a sniff from the buds.
“Ahhh,” Posey Bloom said.  “Nothing like the smell of freshly-cut flowers to begin a day.”
Suddenly, Posey’s ears perked up as she heard someone yell out “GANGWAY!”  But as Posey turned her head, she was knocked to the side and into her flower stand by Izzy Moonbow, who ran down the streets of Canterlot in a hurry.  Posey got up and spat out the flowers in her mouth.
“IZZY MOONBOW!” Posey Bloom yelled as she shook her fist.  “THAT’S THE FIFTH TIME THIS MONTH!”
“NO TIME,” Izzy yelled.  “PRINCESS SUNNY STARSCOUT NEEDS MY ATTENTION!”
As Izzy ran off into the distance, Posey just shook her head saying “I swear, I am on the verge of a mental breakdown because of her.”
As Izzy Moonbow ran through the streets of Canterlot City, she looked up at the majestic building that is Canterlot Castle.  
“To think that this old building has been around for many centuries since the era of Twilight Sparkle,” Izzy said to herself.  “And now Sunny’s in charge of ruling Equestria, and she needs my help.”
WIthout a second thought, Izzy took those hooves into high gear and ran straight towards the castle, running past the other citizens of Canterlot.
“Sunny my old friend,” Izzy said.  “Don’t you wait.  Izzy’s coming to help you out.”

Inside the Castle, within the throne room, Princess Sunny Starscout just sat there on the throne, looking completely troubled.  Nearby, Sprout Cloverleaf just stared right at her looking a bit concerned for the alicorn princess..
“Sunny,” Sprout said.  “You’ve been in this mood since a week ago.”
“Well that’s just it,” Sunny said.  “I know I have a lot to live up to since taking over the throne from my mentor Luster Dawn.  But something has bugged me for a long time since my ascension to the throne.”
“Well why don’t you tell me about it?” Sprout asked.
“Well here’s the thing,” Sunny said as she got up from the throne and began to walk down.  “I need every one of my friends present.  This problem isn’t just focused on me, it’s also focused on the rest of my friends.  That’s why I had to send those letters out to Hitch, Pipp, Zipp and Izzy.”
Sprout let out a sigh as he said “Not Izzy.  Do you realize what kind of maniac she is?”
“I know,” Sunny replied.  “But she’s still my friend.  In fact, Princess Luster Dawn told me that Izzy’s kind of trait is similar to the Pink Elder when she was younger.”
“Well there are a lot of ponies who are looking up to you,” Sprout said.  “And they’re also on their way.  Governor Alpha Bittle, Governess Haven, and even my mom.  They were excited to see you ascend the throne when Luster Dawn announced her retirement.  You don’t want to let them down.”
“I know,” Sunny said as her face cracked a smile.  “In fact, Alpha’s ancestor Latin Roma was one of the many warriors who fought against Neigh Nanners and brought along that war chant.”
“I know I know,” Sprout said as he began to stick his tongue out.  “Bing bong.  Bing bong.”
Sprout’s own words and his use of his tongue was enough to cause Sunny to giggle a bit.
“Okay,” Sunny chuckled.  “Now you’re being silly.”
Suddenly, the sound of trumpets went off, causing Sprout to leap into the air before landing his face on the floor.  Sprout got up with a sore on his face as  he and Sunny looked at the entrance.  Immediately, Hitch Trailblazer walked on in, holding the trumpet in his right arm, decked out in the royal guard armor.  On his back rode his ally Sparky Sparkaroni.
“Hitch,” Sunny said as she ran up to the Royal Guard friend.  “You made it.”
“Well when I got your letter about your own concerns,” Hitch said. “I had to arrive, your majesty.”
Sunny just laughed as she said  “Just call me Sunny.  You and the others have known me since we were younger.”
“Oh right,” Hitch said with a chuckle.  “Sorry Sunny.  Use of habit since I’ve previously served your mentor Luster Dawn.”
Sprout walked up to Hitch as he rubbed the top of his forehead before he said “So why come in horns blazing?  You don’t need to announce yourself.”
“Actually, it’s not me that I’m announcing,” Hitch said as Sparky climbed off his back.  “I’m really here to announce the arrival of your personal ambassadors to Griffinstone and Mt Aris, and the daughters of Governess Haven: Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals.”
Immediately, Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals walked on in.  Zipp was decked out in her Wonderbolt uniform, except with the head cover off.  Pipp Petals was wearing a simple ocean-themed dress.
“Pipp, Zipp, you both made it,” Sunny said as she hugged her two close friends.
“The griffins understood what was needed when I got your message,” Zipp said as Sunny let go of her and Pipp.
“Queen Skystar understood what was on the letter and that was good,” Pipp sang.
“That’s my sister,” Zipp Storm replied with a chuckle.  “She enjoys putting her words in song.”
“I also heard that your performance with Queen Skystar went so well,” Sunny said.  “Ponies and Hippogriffs ate it up like it was the best thing ever.”
“And you should have seen the difficult task that King Gullwing put me through,” Zipp Storm said.   “In fact, I kinda wish you were there, Sunny.”
“I know,” Sunny said.  “I do miss hanging out with you guys.  But at the same time, I’ve been worried lately about…”
“I know what you’re going to say,” Zipp said, interrupting Sunny.  “But aren’t we missing a few others?”
In an instant, Izzy Moonbow comes running in from the grand hall, and immediately knocks down Sprout Cloverleaf.  The stubborn Earth Pony got up and glared at Izzy.
“Oww watch where you’re going,” Sprout yelled.
“Oops, my bad,” Izzy said, scratching the back of her head.
Sunny ran up to Izzy and said “Finally glad you made it back.  Sorry I had to interrupt your lessons from the Pink Elder.”
“I know,” Izzy said.  “I wanted to stick around and learn more.  But she insisted that I come back to Canterlot just to answer your call.”
“So I take it that we’re all together, correct?” Pipp asked.
“Not exactly,” Hitch replied as Sparky leaped off his back.
“Wait,” Sprout said.  “What do you mean exactly?”
Hitch pointed Sprout in the direction of the entrance, where Alpha Bittle, Haven and Phyllis walked in.  Sprout looked at Phyllis and his face beamed out.
“MOM!”  Sprout yelled as he ran up towards his mother Phyllis.
“How’s it going, my little brussel sprout?” Phyllis Cloverleaf said.  
“Been getting used to being the personal adviser to Princess Sunny Starscout,” Sprout said.  “That being said, she’s been down in the dumps since her Royal Coronation.”
“I’ve heard about something that’s been troubling Princess Sunny Starscout since taking over the role from Princess Luster Dawn,” Haven replied.
“And now that you’re all here, I think it’s time I showed you,” Sunny said.
Immediately, she pointed to a row of stained glass windows to the right of the throne.  The one in the front showcases what appears to be Twilight Sparkle and her friends fighting against Crusader Celestia.  
“Oh you’re talking about the tales of how our ancestors fought back against the Emotion Amplifier by one Neigh Nanners, correct?” Hitch said as he picked up Sparky.
“That was a tale that I cannot get enough of,” Alpha Bittle said as he rubbed his beard.  “Not since the day that my ancestor Latin Roma fought the despicable tyrant wannabe’s desire to destroy the world.”
“And all those chants of ‘Bing Bong, Bing Bong’ as a cry for victory,” Hitch replied while Sparky giggled.  “Equestria was chanting that during Sunny’s rise to the throne.”
“Oh, and take a look at the one right next to it,” Izzy said, pointing to a stained glass window that was next to the one featuring the Mane Six and Celestia.  “That’s a beaut.”
Everyone else moved their eyes right to the stained glass window of Grogar, defending himself with the Blade of the Bell against Neigh Nanners’ Emotion Amplifier Hammer.  
“I never heard of this kind of story,” Hitch said.  “Grogar fighting off against Neigh Nanners.”
“Some say Grogar chose to take a stand against Neigh Nanners because he knew how dangerous the Emotion Amplifier was,” Zipp Storm replied.  “But at the same time, he felt guilty about even designing it in the first place, back when he called it Nihilism’s Bane.”
“And what’s more surprising was that Grogar used to be the Dark Emperor of Equestria,” Haven said.  “I wonder what caused him to have a change in heart?”
“Some say it was the corruption that he got when he was under the influence of the Emotion Amplifier,” Zipp Storm replied.  “It was also said that Gusty the Great, his own adopted daughter, freed him from that kind of control with the Sword of Harmony.”
“Imagine the little things you can discover from your own past,” Alpha Bittle said.
Izzy quickly adjusted her gaze towards Sunny, who’s eyes were off in another direction.
“That’s not why you called us here,” Izzy said.  “Is it something else?”
But as Sunny continued to stare off, Sprout walked up to Izzy and said “It’s because of the stained glass directly to the right of Sunny’s throne.”
Everyone immediately adjusted their gaze towards the stained glass at the far end next to Sunny’s throne, only to gasp at what they saw.
“Is…” Hitch said as Sparky reached out with a curious giggle.  “Is that…us?”
Right on the stained glass was Sunny, Izzy, Pipp, Zipp and Hitch fighting off against what appeared to be a male stallion of some sort.
“It appears so,” Izzy said. “But isn’t that in the past?  And if so, why are we here now?”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out since ascending to the throne,” Sunny said.  “Sprout insisted that I let you all know about it in the first place.  But I was too busy trying to figure out this phenomenon.”
“You’re not kidding, Sunny,” Hitch said.  “The fact that we five ponies were shown fighting this villain when we exist now says a whole lot.”
“But that’s just it,” Phyllis said.  “How did this get here in the first place?”
“That answer will come when the time is right.”  Immediately, everyone directed their gaze towards the entrance to the throne room, and nearly everyone’s jaw dropped to the ground.
“Is that…who I think it is?” Phyllis asked.
“Someone who’s known about this since long ago,” Sunny said.  “Former Princess Flurry Heart.”
At the entrance stood Flurry Heart, now a grown up Alicorn with longer hair and a more defined snout.  Sunny Starscout walked up to Flurry Heart and bowed before here.
“I’m glad you made it today, Flurry,” Sunny said.
“Sunny, are you crazy?” Pipp Petals said, running up to her friend.  “That’s Princess Flurry Heart.”
“Former Princess,” Flurry Heart said.  “And I’ve been enjoying my retirement since then.”
“I was glad you could make it, Flurry,” Sunny said as she got up.  “There is one thing I’ve been wanting to know since ascending the throne.”
“And I know what you mean by that, your majesty,” Flurry Heart replied before adding “I always wanted to say that.”
Immediately, Sunny and Pipp walked with Flurry Heart all the way to the throne room before pointing directly at the stained glass window next to her throne.  Flurry looked up at the art piece, curious by the story on the window.
“Interesting,” Flurry Heart said.  “It appears to showcase at least six ponies and a baby dragon fighting against one of the greatest evils of Equestrian history.”
“Wait…” Sunny said.  “Six?”
Sunny immediately looked up at the stained glass and her jaw dropped.  Right between Sunny and Hitch on the mural was Sprout Cloverleaf, standing by against the stallion.
“That’s me,” Sprout said.  “But that wasn’t there before.”
“I think I know what’s going on,” Flurry Heart said.  “Because I have witnessed this fight before.  The fight that determined the real fate of Equestria.”
“The real fate of Equestria?” Sunny asked.
“Yes,” Flurry Heart said.  “While Neigh Nanners did put all of us at risk with his Emotion Amplifier, what followed afterwards was the revelation of the cult that was dedicated to destroying magic across Equestria.”
“Yeah,” Zipp Storm said. “I heard they called it the Magic’s Demise.  Their leader was said to have a deep-seated hatred towards Magic itself, like we relied too much on it.”
“What this leader said in the past meant nothing,” Flurry Heart said.  “We are magic incarnate.  Earth Ponies, Unicorns, Pegasi.  Even the races outside of Equestria.  We are connected to the very magic that binds us together.  Without it, I don’t think any of us would exist.”
“And it would be a damn shame if there was truly no more magic,” Alpha Bittle said.
“As much as I want to ask about how we did against this cult leader,” Pipp Petals said.  “It sounds like we wouldn’t believe any of it.”
“And you’re right,” Flurry Heart replied.  “I don’t think any of my words would be helpful towards your fight against this cult leader, regardless of the fact that I witnessed this final battle.  So this is a fight that all of you must one day prepare for.”
As Sunny and Flurry nodded towards each other, Izzy ran up to Flurry Heart and said “There is something that has been on my mind when it came to you.”
“Very well,” Flurry Heart said.  “Ask away.”
“I heard that you wanted to sacrifice your own life to save Equestria back when you were just a toddler,” Izzy said in a sad tone.  “Why did you want to do it?”
Flurry Heart’s ears flopped down to the ground as she shifted her head away.
“Was that too insensitive?” Izzy asked.
“No,” Flurry Heart replied. “I’m glad you asked, Izzy.  Back then, when my aunt Celestia was under Neigh Nanners’ control, she blasted me with a spell and for some reason, unlocked a kind of Hope Magic that was buried within me.”
“Hope Magic?” Hitch asked before setting Sparky down.
“A polar opposite to Nihilism Magic,” Flurry Heart said.  “Even though the blast weakened me, it did show me what this kind of magic could do when it began to revert Celestia back to her former self.  And despite being a toddler back then, I knew what I had to do, even at the risk of my own life.”
“And yet,” Sunny said.  “You chose to go with it.”
“I did,” Flurry said.  “But I have to be honest.  I was afraid of what would happen if I didn’t do what was necessary.  I wasn’t afraid of dying.  So I chose to embrace Princess Celestia and hold the Nihilism Magic that was built within her before Tirek used the Bewitching Bell to drain the magic away.”
“And what was it like to be…dead?” Izzy asked.
“It was as if my mind transcended to another plane of existence,” Flurry Heart replied.  “I saw billions of individuals living in a world where they were happy and content, as if they had either fulfilled their own lives or they were finally free of their own pain and suffering.”
“Wow,” Alpha Bittle said.  “Not many individuals could return from the realm of the dead.”
“And not only that,” Flurry Heart said.  “I did meet two individual ponies.  They called themselves Bright Mac and Buttercup.  They had a son and two daughters.  One named Big Mac, one Applejack and one Apple Bloom.  They’ve been watching over their own children since they died long ago.  Something I’m not comfortable in speaking to you about.”
“But what did they say?” Zipp asked.
“They were surprised to see someone as young as me appear before this mysterious land of the afterlife,” Flurry Heart said.  “But they mentioned that I wasn’t ready to come here despite my sacrifice.  They allowed me to embrace the duo like they were my own mom and dad before I felt my spirit glowing.”
“That was the sign that you were going to return to your world?” Sprout asked.
“It was,” Flurry Heart said.  “But before I came back, they told me that ‘When you can speak properly, let them know that we will always be looking after the entire Apple Family, and that they are proud of them.’  After that, I returned to the waking world, and everyone was relieved to see me alive.  I even forgave Tirek for having to do the deed, despite him acting like he didn’t appreciate it.”
“And you’ve kept that message in your head for so long?” Izzy replied.  “That is amazing.”
“What’s even more amazing is what happened when I finally told Applejack about what I saw,” Flurry Heart said.  “And what her parents said to me.  Let’s just say she became a far more determined Apple Farmer on that day, along with Apple Bloom and Big Mac.  And I wound up being an honorary member of the Apple Family.”
“Flurry,” Sunny said as she wiped a tear from her eye.  “That was the most touching story I have heard from you.”
“Thanks Sunny,” Flurry said as she reached down to Sparky Sparkaroni and booped the dragon youngling on the nose.  “We have a lot to teach to our new generations.  They will lead the future of the Magic of Friendship and what destiny will await all of us.”
“And by learning the lessons from the past,” Zipp Storm said.  “It can guide us towards a more fruitful future.”
“But I always imagined what Twilight and her friends went through before her ascension to the throne, or the destiny that lay before them,”  Pipp Petals said.
“Everyone,” Sunny said as Hitch, Sparky, Sprout, Izzy, Pipp, Zipp, Alpha, Phyllis, Haven and Flurry gathered together.  “I think there is more to this story than meets the eye.”
Everyone nodded in advance as they continued to look up at the stained glass window.

Back in the past, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, King Thorax and Latin Roma approached the School of Friendship, which looked like a complete mess.  
“It’s going to take a lot of work to get this back to code,” Twilight said.  “Then I can finally step down as Headmare of the School, and finally lead the Guardians of Harmony.”
“What a wild ride we all went down,” Latin Roma said.  “To think, I was just a recluse pony along with the rest of the Bridlewood clan.  Times sure have changed.”
“So,” Thorax said as he turned his head towards Sunset Shimmer.  “I heard you’re staying in Equestria.”
“I am,” Sunset said.  “I’ll be returning back to the human world every once in a while. But it sounds like you guys need me for the newly established Guardians of Harmony.  And furthermore, I think I can try out being a teacher.”
“We’ll get the forms ready and train you until you’re ready,” Twilight said.  “Though Starlight said she would be happy to take you down this path.”
“I’m game,” Sunset said.
“Well as much as I want to return to Bridlewood and tell my tale,” Latin Roma said.  “I think I might stick around and learn more about what we all missed out on.”
“Glad you could,” Thorax said.
Sunset walked up towards the broken entrance of the School of Friendship.   She looked at the wreck of a door and laughed it off.
“You know,” Sunset said.  “This reminds me of the one troublemaker that used to be my second-in-command, back when I was a mean-spirited bully.   Until he tried to double-cross me with his desire for power.”
“Oh I remember that,” Twilight said.  “You wrote to me after your encounter with this bully.”
“Bully?” Thorax said.  “You had an encounter with a bully?”
“Oh I sure have,” Sunset said.  “Let me tell you about the tale of Starscream.”


	And the Adventure Continues


	End of Fanfic