CRACK! A lightning bolt came down with another and another following it. The sky was dark with voluminous black clouds. The winds blew strong enough to bend trees and the pouring rain drenched everything for miles including the Everfree Forest, where a certain zebra lives. Zecora looked in her cauldron, horrified at the images she saw. "Oh no, oh no! This is no joke! Doom and tragedy come to all the ponyfolk! His presence returns, with a vengeance that burns!"
Zecora tried to jot down some notes but was interrupted mid sentence by a braying at the door. She put down her quill and headed over to the door, "Now who could that be? There is a heavy storm, can they not see?" When she opened the door she could only see a shadowy figure with a pointy head giggling, "Hello Zecora, you are coming with me!" The mysterious figure's head started glowing slightly and Zecora's eyes started feeling very heavy, "This…cannot…be. Your spell…is too strong…for me to flee." And with that Zecora fell to the ground fast asleep.
The next day, Celestia's sun was high in the sky, working on drying the roads of not only Canterlot but of the small town known as Ponyville. It was around noon when a cute lavender pony named Twilight Sparkle was reading a book called Manehatten's History. Spike was doing his usual chores such as dusting off the bookshelves with a small grin on his face.
As Twilight was reading a chapter on Manehatten's celebrities, she thought of the time when Ponyville had its own hero at one point with a cyan pegasus. She giggled reminiscing about how the fame and popularity went to Rainbow Dash's head. Just then a knock on her door pulled her from her memories. Twilight got up from her spot and opened the door. To her surprise it was the vary pegasus that she was just thinking of, standing there.
"Hey Twilight! How's it hanging!?" "Hello Rainbow Dash, I'm well. I was just thinking about you. Come on in." Rainbow Dash flew in and landed in the middle of the room before Twilight closed the door. Spike got down from the latter he was dusting on to greet Dash, "Hey Dash, what brings you here?" "Oh I had the day off from work and was thinking of hanging out with the girls." She then looked at Twilight, "I came to you first since I know eggheads like to organize and plan things."
Twilight rolled her eyes at the nickname Rainbow has given her, "That could be fun only, I'm not sure if everypony else is busy." "Well yeah, me neither but we could find out if that's cool with you" Rainbow stated. "Sure. Spike once your done can you go grocery shopping? There should be some bits on the table." "Uhh…sure Twilight" and the purple dragon headed in the kitchen. "Cool, this'll be awesome" the Element of Loyalty said while exiting with the lavender unicorn following, "yeah, today look like it is going to be an exciting day."
Elsewhere in Ponyville a popping pink pony was hopping towards the cottage of her dear yellow pegasus friend. Upon arrival at the cottage's mailbox, Pinkie Pie saw Fluttershy outside feeding all her little critter friends. Her heart skipped a beat when seeing her beautiful pink mane and gorgeous gentle blue eyes. Fluttershy hadn't noticed her admirer and thus, gave Pinkie the usual idea of sneaking up on her. Pinkie jumped into some bushes and crept behind her.
"Here you go Mr. Squirrel. All you favorite nuts. Oh and some lettuce for you Angel." Angel swatted the green vegetable away and lifted a book with pictures of berries in it. "Oh but Angel, those berries only grow within the Everfree Forest and it's too scary to go in there." Angel stamped her foot and pointed at the picture again, demanding the berries. Suddenly a force from the side pushed Fluttershy onto her back and on top of her was a cute pink pony that Fluttershy knew and…loved. Pinkie stood over Fluttershy with that warm welcoming smile, "Hey Fluttershy! Watcha up to?!" Pinkie's heart was racing very hard but she was able to pretend it wasn't. Fluttershy's heart, however, wouldn't allow her to speak in correct sentence structure as it was beating just as fast.
"Umm…hi…err…Pinkie…" she squeaked. "Umm, I was…uh…just feeding my friends" Fluttershy blushed as Pinkie got off so Fluttershy can get up. Angel held up the book again showing Pinkie this time. Fluttershy's face went from blushing to a face of anger, "Angel! We don't demand things from guests! Apologize!" "Oh it's okay Fluttershy, what was she showing me?" "Well she wanted berries that grow within the Everfree Forest but I'm, uh, too scared to go in" Fluttershy said kicking a stone on the ground as she frowned. "Would you feel better if I came with you Shy?" "Oh I couldn't possibly force such an action on you Pinkie." "Aww don't sweat it Fluttershy, it'll be fun!" Pinkie Pie then gave the yellow pegasus a tight hug that sent both their hearts a flutter. "Ok Pinkie, if you'll stay close to me Ill go." Pinkie's heart melted at that request but could only respond with, "Okie doki loki!"
Over at Sweet Apple Acres, Big Mackintosh was staring up into the farm sky and examining the wet ground. He stood by a tree that collapsed during last night's heavy storm. He couldn't help but hold a burden of worry within his deep thoughts. Applejack and Applebloom walked up to him however; he was too deep within his thoughts to notice. Applebloom decided to break his concentration,
"Hey big brother, whats ah' matter?"
Big Mac shook his head and blinked just before realizing his two sister's were standing in front of him,
"Oh ah, its…its nothin' you needa worry yourself with baby sis. Did you finish helpin' Granny Apple clean the kitchen…?"
"Well sure Ah' did Big Brother."
"…and the bathrooms?"
"Well, uh, no not yet."
"Please do that baby sister. Ah would much appreciate it." Applebloom drooped her head at the request but Big Mackintosh kissed his little sister on the head and she smiled just before heading off towards the house.
"Hey, uh, Big Mac are you ah' right?"
"Ah can't quite place it Applejack but I get this worried feeling when Ah' think about that storm last night. It sure was mighty fierce. Ah' really liked this tree here too."
"Aww Big Mac, we Apples can grow a new one here in no time!"
"Ah' know but still there is just somethin' strange. This tree here was big… like myself."
Applejack wrapped her hooves around Big Mac's neck and gave him a tight hug, "As long as us Apples stick together big brother, we'll be safe and we'll always be able to regrow anythin'."
Big Mac put a hoof around his sister and using the other to keep himself blanced, "Ah guess your right sister. Ah'll try to clean up this here tree mess and then tomorrow we can plant some new seeds."
"That sounds like a mighty fine plan Big Mackintosh" said the orange pony as she let go of her brother to give him a loving smile. Big Mac smiled back and turned to his work.
Applejack went off to finish her chores while she remembered the time of the Canterlot Wedding when Twilight had her doubts or bad feelings about Princess Cadence who was actually Queen Chrysalis. Her friends rejected her pleas until it was too late. If Twilight hadn't continued to believe in herself and save the real Cadence all of Ponyville, no, Equestria would be taken over by changelings. Was Big Mackintosh's feelings the same? Applejack's started to worry inside and the worrying started to grow until she remembered what she told Big Mac,
"As long as us Apples stick together big brother, we'll be safe and we'll always be able to regrow anythin'."
Applejack also had her friends to watch their back as well. With those facts to calm herself, she could finally get down to business of bucking apples.
---
"So uh, Twilight, who's place to first?" said Rainbow on their walk into Ponyville.
"Well since Rarity's boutique is the closest we can see if she's busy. Then Pinkie Pie, Applejack and finally Fluttershy."
"Sounds like a plan Twi. What do you wanna do when everypony is together?"
"Um we could get lunch at some restaurant I suppose."
"That sounds cool. I'm starting to get hungry actually" Rainbow Dash said before her stomach started grumbling. Rainbow blushed but Twilight just started giggling,
"So I hear ha ha." Rainbow joined in the laugh until they arrived at Rarity's Boutique. Twilight put her hoof to the door and tapped it three times. After a few minutes it finally opened with the beautified white mare standing, welcoming her friends,
"Twilight. Rainbow. How are you darlings?"
Twilight was the first to speak, "Hey Rarity we were going to see if all the girls wanted to eat together, you busy?"
"As a matter of fact Twilight dear, I was heading out now to eat. I'd simply love to join you."
"Great we'll go get Pinkie Pie then" and the three mares left the Boutique once Rarity locked her door.
---
Elsewhere in Equestria on the other side of the Everfree Forest the Wonderbolts were having their training sessions for a race to be coming up against their rivals, The Shadowbolts. They lined up and once given the signal from their Captain, Spitfire, they shot up in the air to fly a 500 yard sprint and loop back. Soarin was determined to beat their rivals. Over the last week or so they've been getting messages from the Shadowbolts about how the Wonderbolts should give up and stop trying. This angered Soarin far more than any of the other Wonders. Soarin loved fair, respectable competition but hated it when anyone had to be a terrible sport or disrespectful. After the Wonderbolts each came in for the landing Soarin was the first to make it back but the last to realize it. Spitfire walked up to him knowing he was deep in his thoughts,
"Hey Soarin, are you cool?"
"Huh? Oh, umm, sorry Captain I was just…pondering. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. I understand and know you won't fail us in the race. We're going to leave soon after I have my last words with the team for today."
"Right, understood. I might hang back for a bit here, is that ok?"
"Yeah sure, we're done today anyways."
"Thanks Captain."
After a short lecture by Spitfire to encourage the Wonderbolts all of them soared off to Canterlot leaving Soarin behind. Soarin looked up into the sky for a bit imagining the Wonderbolts beating the Shadowbolts. He wondered if that would put an end to their rudeness. Soarin smiled at that thought until he caught a glimpse of darkness in the distant sky. His smile went away and became puzzled,
"Wasn't there a heavy storm last night? Why is the weather team creating a new storm? Maybe I'll go check it out." Soarin shot up and headed towards the dark clouds. As he looked down at the wildlife it looked as though great amounts of critters were running away from the area he was going to. Soarin started to worry but pressed on. Enclosing in the dark clouds, he feels the pressure of the winds. As he got closer and closer the winds got more and more powerful becoming like those of last night. They started pushing him around and kept Soarin from having a stable flight. He glanced down at a fairly big stone house and soared down. He tried to open the front door but it was locked. He was about to leave when he suddenly noticed cellar doors at the beginning wall around the corner and hastily made his way over attempting to open them. When he pulled the handles the wind flew them open pushing Soarin inside. The cellar doors slammed closed leaving him in darkness.
Soarin felt bad for intruding but at the same time was scared at his new location. He couldn't see anything except a damp stone hallway with a room that was candle lit. The place looked like a dungeon and from the sounds of crawling and squeaking mice, it probably was. Soarin slowly made his way towards the lit room, avoiding any potential possibility to make a sound. As he got closer and closer his heart started pounding more and more. 'What could be in there? WHO could be in there!?' He thought to himself. He placed his back against the cold wall. He felt some slight moss and dust along it. As gross as he thought it was he couldn't help but be too scared to not look in that room. He had a terrible feeling with his insides turning outwards and squirming like never before. He made it to the end of the wall where it turns into the room. This was it. The moment of his discovery. He slowly moved his head to take a peek. Not too fast, not too sudden. He looked in with only one eye that instantly went wide with freight. Soarin gasped at his sight. He could not believe, or even understand, what was going on.
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were deep in the Everfree forest side by side. Pinkie Pie wasn't doing her usual hopping as she wanted to be as close to Fluttershy as possible. Angel was on top of Fluttershy's back with that usual snooty face of hers. Angel had her eyes closed for a while until deciding to open them when she noticed the forest getting darker and darker. The ponies hadn't noticed as they were too busy thinking about the mare of her dreams beside her.
'Ooh I hope by the end of this I could 'woo' Fluttershy to go on a date with me' Pinkie Pie imagined a surprised but happy face on Fluttershy.
'I wonder if Pinkie could ever, umm, like me in THAT way. I would be oh so happy' thought the timid mare hoping.
When Pinkie's thoughts came to a satisfying close for the moment she began to notice that she didn't know where they were going,
"Umm Fluttershy, where are we heading anyhow? I know we're supposed to get the berries but it starting to seem like we're going in circles and circles not that I mind since it's more time to hang with you but I was just wondering if there any place in particular…" Pinkie ranted on and on until Pinkie suddenly stopped to let the pegasus answer.
"Well I'm not sure where the berries are found exactly but I thought maybe Zacora would know, if it wasn't too much trouble for her" Fluttershy spoke reminding the pink pony that the forest had knowledgeable inhabitants.
"Oooh that's a great idea Shy! I always thought you were soooooo super-duper smart! Looks like I was right all along!"
"You really think so Pinkie?"
"But of course my sweet Fluttershy!"
The yellow mare started to blush at the compliment but could only respond with a simple, "Thank you Pinkie."
"Credit where credit is due I always say! Or did Mrs. Cake always say that? Anywho, I always wondered how do you get your mane and tail so pretty? I guess it's because you're so smart you know how but how do you do it? I wish my mane was pretty", the pink pony ranted.
"Oh but Pinkie, I think it's so cute the way you have it. It sort of enhances your facial beauty, which is already cute too begin with", Fluttershy hid behind her mane blushing. She was shocked at herself for being open with that vivid detail.
"Aww Shy, you really think so?" Pinkie was blushing redder than her fur.
"Oh but of course Pinkie", and the yellow pony nuzzled her head against Pinkie's, making Pinkie even redder.
Pinkie was put into her thoughts, 'Is she flirting with me? No she couldn't be, she'd have no business with a fillyfooler like me. Is she toying with me? No Fluttershy is too sweet and kind to make a joke like that. I guess she's just being friendly. Yeah that's it, she just accepts me as a really close friend. Perhaps even as much as Dashie! That'd be awesome.' , Pinkie nuzzled Fluttershy back,
'Yay! Pinkie is nuzzling me back! Maybe she likes me more as a friend? Oh probably not. She probably thinks I'm weird for starting the nuzzle and is just pity nuzzling or avoiding an awkward moment. Oh Pinkie, your very precious to me and I want you to know but I don't want to weird you out with me being a fillyfooler.' After the nuzzling came to an end they had arrived at Zacora's cottage. The area was very dark with a mysterious foreboding. Angel had been shaking the whole time of the ponies' flirting but they hadn't noticed until now,
"Oh my Angel sweetie, what's wrong?" Fluttershy cooed holding the rabbit in her forelegs as she sat down. Angel didn't react but just merely kept shaking. Pinkie Pie turned her head in curiosity as well,
"Maybe Zacora will know the answer Shy."
"Yes perhaps. Let's not keep Angel's tummy- wummy waiting." Pinkie nodded her head as she thought about how cute the yellow pegasus was in taking care of her animal friends. They headed towards the front door but when they tried to knock on it it creaked open from the wind.
"Doesn't Zacora have locks and actually use em'?" The pink pony asked.
"I think she has. Even when she's home since there are a lot of…um…scary things out here." Fluttershy began to shiver until Pinkie gave her a friendly hug which seized the shivering and instead placed a blushing smile on her face.
"Shy, we should investigate. Wait where did Angel go?" The little bunny made no hesitation in entering and was already sniffing around. The ponies entered to find that Zacora's cauldron was filled but the fire under it had burned out. They searched around to find a note that wasn't finished. It was titled "Unstoning Potion Recipe". Suddenly after sniffing around more Angel grew into a panic. She started bouncing around with a worried face then stopped to start shiver again.
"Aww Angel, what's wrong?" The motherly Fluttershy asked.
Angel started waving her paws but the ponies were confused still. Then Angel found Zacora's quill and started writing on the back of the note "DANGER! KIDNAPPED! SMELL NEW SCENT! DARKNESS!" Fluttershy's heart started racing as her face started sweating. She shivered and was in tears as she cradled up in a ball, terrified for her life. Pinkie felt terrible seeing her crush like this but at the same time, was scared too. Angel waved at Pinkie and hopped near the door trying to signal her that they must leave immediately. Pinkie nodded and started to whisper to Fluttershy,
"Hey Fluttershy, it's going to be alright. We'll just leave the forest and we'll be safe in the daytime of Ponyville. Ok?"
Fluttershy stood up but was still shaking and terrified out of her mind. Pinkie couldn't bare seeing the mare like this. Pinkie mustered up the courage to give a small kiss on the pegasus' forehead. Fluttershy began to snap out of it and simply said,
"Thanks Pinkie."
"Let's go. It's getting darker, we have to hurry." Fluttershy nodded and they left outside and ran to Ponyville. The quicker they moved, the more darker it seemed to get behind them, above them and in front of them.
---
In Canterlot's castle which holds and belongs to Equestria's two mighty goddesses, Princesses Celestia and Luna receive some disturbing news. Two guards hastily make their way within the rulers' throne room,
"Your majesties, we have urgent news from our watch guards. They spot great clouds of darkness springing up from beyond the Everfree Forest. They are not sure what is happening but the weather ponies in Ponyville did not authorize these nor the powerful storm that occurred last night."
"Dost thine subjects flee from their village!?" Luna shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice.
The guards eyes tensed as they lowered their heads, "Ah, no milady in fact we believe they don't realize the situation."
Celestia got up from her golden chair and walked onto the throne room's balcony to look beyond in the distance. She could see the dark area near the forest to grow. Even the Goddess of the Sun began to feel the worry the darkness brought. Luna nodded the guards back to their duties and stood over to her sister's side.
"By the stars in thine night sky!" Luna shouted once more.
"What is it my sister?" Celestia's freight grew.
"I canst see through the dark abyss! Even with thine great powers of the night!"
"Oh dearest sister, I worry for I may know who has come."
Luna's face was brought on by concern for she may know whom Celestia may be speaking of.
'I must get help!' Soarin thought as he began to creep away, unsure and scared of what he found. He tried to be very quiet but couldn't resist looking back towards the lit room as he moved towards the cellar doors. Foolishly not paying attention, he bumped into a shelf knocking off an iron helmet and iron sword. The metal made a loud clashing noise against the stone floor alarming some male pony voice to yell,
"Hey! Who goes there?!"
Frightened out of his mind, Soarin runs towards the doors and tries to open them but they wouldn't budge.
"Hey! What are you doing here!?" a new voice said behind him. This one sounding like it was coming from a female.
"I…uh…uh…" Soaring tried to talk his way out of this and could only stare at the figure in the shadow that had a pointy head. He tried hard to see who it was but couldn't make it out. The shadowy figure moved closer slightly and revealed herself. She was a light blue pony with a cape covered in stars and matching wizard's hat.
"Who dares to enter the domain of The Great and Powerful Trixie!?" Soarin's heart started to race not understanding what was happening and terrified at what might happen to him. Another figure stepped forth from the shadows behind Trixie. Soarin may not have known this female pony but he instantly recognized the new figure. He wore black and purple tights with yellow glass goggles. He was a member of The Shadowbolts. Soaring panicked and went to kick open the doors and, fortunate for him, the flew open and heput his goggles on and soared out.
"Well what are you waiting for you fool? DO NOT LET HIM ESCAPE!" Trixie demanded and with that, the Shadowbolt picked up the iron sword with his mouth and zoomed after him.
As Soarin flew for his life he noticed the sky was much more engulfed in dark clouds. It seemed that the area all above the Everfree Forest was engulfed in darkness. Glancing behind him he saw the Shadowbolt was on his tail, with a sword! Soarin's heart pounded as he tried to fly faster but it seemed the faster he went, the Shadowbolt matched the difference and worse yet, it felt like he wasn't getting any closer towards Ponyville or Canterlot.
Suddenly two more Shadowbolts were flying next to the one with the sword.
"Oh no, oh no!" Soarin started to sweat before it flew off. When he turned to look forward from his view of his chasers he was struck from above then below by the two new Shadowbolts. The strikings threw him off course and slowed him down. This gave his original chaser the chance to attack from the side and slice with the sword. Soarin couldn't dodge it and was slit along his stomach from a top left to low right diagonal. The wound wasn't too deep but he was bleeding and was painful. Soarin pushed harder but knew he wasn't going to make it to Canterlot. He aimed down as he got close to Ponyville.
The Shadowbolts started to realize they were not going to be able to stop him without notice and decided to fall back to tell Trixie. Soarin didn't realize as he couldn't risk looking back again. He needed medical attention and fast! As he looked down he saw four ponies walking towards a cottage. One was a lavender unicorn, one a beautiful white mare, an orange pony with a cowpony hat and a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane. The rainbow one looked familiar and then he had no choice but to descend as he was losing consciousness. All he could do was hope to make it to them in time.
Twilight looked up and shouted, "Rainbow look! Somepony is falling!" Rainbow Dash shot up and caught the bleeding pegasus.
"It's…it's Soarin, from the Wonderbolts! He's hurt! I'll take him to the hospital, you guys tell Pinkie and Fluttershy!"
"Understood Sugarcube! We'll let em' know!" Applejack said before Rainbow zoomed off into the air. Soon after, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were running out of the Everfree Forest and towards the three mares. The forest was all engulfed in darkness that you could no longer look in it.
"Twilight! Rarity!" yelled the scared pegasus.
"Applejack!" yelled the pink pony.
"What's the matter girls?" the lead mare asked.
Pinkie was the first to respond, "Well Fluttershy and I went into the Everfree Forest to get Angel some berries but didn't know where they grew so we went to ask Zacora but she wasn't home but her door was open then Angel started freaking out then we ran out of the forest and we were chased by darkness and…" Pinkie had to stop to catch her breath.
"What she means is something seems terribly wrong girls" the shy pony squeaked while shivering some.
"What ever shall we do!?" yelped the perfectionist pony.
Twilight squinted determined eyes, "We'll tell the Princesses of course!" and the five mares trotted off towards the hospital to get Rainbow first. ---
Back within the deep, dark Everfree Forest where a self-proclaimed great and powerful unicorn met again with three Shadowbolts.
"Well did you three take care of the spy?"
"Well…err…sort of your powerfulness."
"What do you mean sort of?!" Trixie started to raise her voice in anger.
"Well we got him good" they threw down the sword which had some blood at the end, "but he…got away."
"WHAT!? 'HIM GETTING AWAY' WAS NOT AN OPTION! HOW COULD YOU ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN!? Ugh, if we didn't need you to fend off those foolish Wonderfools I would obliterate you fools right now! "
The Shadowbolts were slightly nervous. Unaware the full extent of The Great and Powerful Trixie's abilities, "We're sorry, we won't fail you, or him, again."
"You had best not! Now go guard the premises this time! Nopony is to get in. I have work to do." As the Shadowbolts left Trixie entered the room where Soarin's eyes had been stricken with horror. Within the room was a slab raised vertically with a cuffed Zacora that was gaining consciousness,
"Uh…where am…I? Did I…die?" Trixie was at a boiling cauldron with some ingredients smiling,
"Oh, you're awake. Very good, do you know why you are here?"
"You fool, how could I know the answer to that!? Are you a dumber than your hat!?" Trixie's put on an angered face, "Well you lay before The Great and Powerful Trixie to serve a purpose. That purpose is to create for me the unstoning potion that you have developed!"
The zebra was confused, "I made that for when a cockatrice has stoned, what power do you try to hone?"
Trixie smirked, "Power itself like you wouldn't believe!"
"And how will my elixir achieve, this great power up your sleeve?"
"Why by releasing Discord from his imprisonment of course." Zacora gasped. "Once he's free he'll give me power stronger than any unicorn! In return for his freedom. Then I'll be for sure greater than that one named Twilight Sparkle!" Trixie fantasized her all powerful might.
"No I refuse to mingle in your dark ambition. To destroy all Equestria is Discord's mission." Zacora proclaimed with a strong will unfortunately, Trixie was prepared,
"I figured you wouldn't agree so easily so I made a few preparations for just the occasion." Trixie levitated some scalpels from a table and laughed maniacally.
At the hospital Rainbow Dash waited outside Soarin's room, waiting for any news from the doctors. She was so stressed that one of her favorite idols had been hurt that she started to sniffle but refrained any tears since she had to remain tough.
"Are you the one that brought Soarin here? Wait, do I know you?" Rainbow Dash looked up to see the doctor that had taken care of her during her broken wing incident.
"Oh yea…hi…I'm Rainbow Dash I broke my wing a few months ago and yes I brought Soarin in."
"Ah yes that's right well your friend will be fine no worries about him. Would you like to see him?"
"Umm yea that would be cool if it's alright."
"Well certainly, you can just go right in." The medical doctor walked to the front counter to chat with a nurse as Rainbow made her way in. She entered slowly as not to startle the injured pegasus that lay in bed. When he was in full sight, she could see that he was staring out the window until he heard her footsteps and looked towards her.
Rainbow was the first to speak, "Hey umm…you alright Soarin?"
"Why yes actually thanks, umm…"
"Rainbow Dash. It's Rainbow Dash we met at the Gala for a time."
"That's right you saved my pie! Ha ha I remember now. Oh and you also performed the Sonic Rainboom! Totally awesome."
Rainbow blushed a bit, "Yep that's me, savior of pies." They both laughed. Soarin looked away for a moment then looked back at Dash,
"Hey can I tell you something kinda urgent?"
"Urgent…?"
"Yea it's…it's something the Princesses needed to know and it is information that led me to this happening to me. You think you could fly on over after I tell you?"
"Well sure if it's really important." --- After Soarin had explained everything from the time after training to escaping the Shadowbolts and falling from the sky, Rainbow Dash's eyes were wide as possible and her jaw dropped. She was confused as to why was Zacora cuffed to a table. And why by Trixie?! What could she want?! And why are the Shadowbolts there?! Are they trying to cheat in the upcoming race?! So many answers and Soarin knew none of them. In Dash's thoughts Soarin grunted in his bed while he bled through his bandage.
"Soarin! Are you alright!?"
"Ugh my wound…hurts…more…"
"DOCTOR! DOCTOR! Dash ran out of the room but the medical doctor already appeared with a nurse,
"What is it mame?"
"He's bleeding again!"
"Let us through! Please give us room!"
Dash felt really bad for Soarin but figured it best if she left to get out of the way. An idea along the lines of 'sometimes the best thing we can do is to not do anything at all'. The cyan pegasus sulked as she exited the hospital but heard her friends shouting her name,
"Dash! Dash! We have to go!" yelled the lead unicorn.
"Go? Go where Twilight?" the pony went from a state of sorrow to utter confusion.
"We have to warn the Princess of an uprising evil! The Everfree Forest became consumed in darkness, almost taking Pinkie and Fluttershy with!"
"What?! Trixie engulfed the forest in darkness?!"
Twilight became puzzled at the name mentioned, "who said anything about Trixie?"
"Soarin told me what happened to him as well as other disturbing things. I'll explain on the way to the train station!"
The Elements of Harmony trotted off towards the train station as Rainbow Dash shared Soarin's small but epic adventure; including about his wound acting up before she left. She still felt guilty for leaving him like that, what with being the Element of Loyalty and all. ---
When they arrived getting on the train, the day was at its sunset and it would be certainly night by the time they made it to Canterlot. They were losing time and although Princess Luna protects the night, they grew worrisome about this whole dark allegiance between Trixie and the Shadowbolts. During the ride Applejack sat next to Rainbow who was looking out the window. She knew she was worrying about Soarin.
"Umm, Sugarcube, you alright?"
"Huh? Oh umm yea of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" the pegasus tried to play cool as normal.
"You seem sulky since the hospital hun."
"I…I just feel so guilty. For leaving but…I couldn't think of anything else to do. If I was an egghead like Twilight…I could have been useful…" Dash started gathering tears in her eyes.
"Now hush there Rainbow. There is never a time where you weren't useful, heck if it weren't for you, Soarin might be…worse off. You got him there quicker than a baked apple piecoming out of the oven and ya know why?" Applejack placed a hoof under Rainbow's chin and lifted her head to meet her eyes, "Cause there ain't no pony that is faster in all of Equestria than you."
Rainbow couldn't help but smile at the compliment, "but your fast too, you could've done it if I weren't in the way."
"Sugarcube, Ah may be fast on land but you're fastest in the air and you know that air is faster than land."
"Well Fluttershy can fly…"
"You really believe Fluttershy can lift Soarin let alone fly fast?" They both had a little giggle at the thought of innocent Fluttershy trying to carry another pony. "In fact, Sugarcube, its more than just good to have you around," the farm pony blushed.
"What do you mean AJ?"
"Ah mean, even though Ah'm always there for my friends and love em' to death, Ah couldn't connect with em' as much as you. Ah mean, Ah love our times together racing and wrestling and just having a good ol' time getting our hooves dirty."
"I can kind of see what you mean. Twilight and Rarity have their magic and always have to be precise, perfect and organized while Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are always good at seeing others point of view and accepting themselves and others. At least more so than others to be honest."
"Hee hee, Ah thought Ah was the honest one."
Rainbow smiled "hey, you can be pretty loyal sometimes too." They both laughed realizing how much they had in common but didn't realize it before.
"And see Sugarcube, your analysis is pretty insightful. Looks like you can be an egghead sometimes when you want. Ah'd say that's pretty special."
"You…you think I'm special…?" Rainbow asked with the deep desire for it to be true.
"Ah know so Sugarcube." The orange pony said silently before yawning and closing her eyes.
"I'll wake you up when we get there." The pegasus smiled.
"Ok, thanks Sugarcube. Night." The earth pony drifted to sleep while the pegasus looked back out the window, with a smile, in her thoughts
"Rarity, are you alright?" The Element of Magic said to the white mare that was looking at Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, whom were sleeping next to each other at the other side of the train, with a worried face.
"Huh? Oh whatever do you mean darling?" Rarity tried to act as she was fine.
"I mean, you seem a tad stressed."
"Oh it's nothing darling, nothing at all."
"Rarity you can tell me. I won't judge or anything I just want to know if my friend is ok."
"Well I'm just worried to what might have happened to Fluttershy and Pinkie if they hadn't gotten out of that forest in time. We could've lost them forever, would that not be terrible?!"
"Well of course it would be Rarity I mean; we wouldn't be the Elements of Harmony. We wouldn't be complete anymore."
Rarity sulked at the thought of them gone. Even though she wasn't the closets with Pinkie she certainly had a way to make everything brighter for everypony and Fluttershy; what would Rarity do without her spa filly to talk to? Twilight moved from sitting across Rarity to sitting next to her and put her foreleg around the perfectionist mare,
"All is going to be alright Rarity, there is nothing to fear as long as we have each other…and we'll have Princess Celestia too!" The student closed her eyes to idolize her teacher, and often times "mothering", figure.
"Oh Twilight you surely do have something for the Princess, eh darling?" Twilight opened her eyes and began to blush towards her friend,
"Wha…what…do you…mean?" The lavender unicorn started getting nervous.
"I only tease you Twilight, I understand you only see her as an idol and there is nothing wrong with that. Although your confusion there was sort of…interesting."
"Interesting…? How?"
"Oh well you're so intellectual you seem to know everything, not that there is anything wrong with that; in fact I admire it however; when you get confused or unsure of something it tends to be rather… well nevermind."
"No tell me Rarity, please?" Twilight got real close wishing for an answer; wanting to gather more information.
Rarity began to blush, "well…cute…" It was Twilight's turn again to blush. She didn't know what to say. She was about to just say 'Thanks' but found that just might make it awkward. She decided to think, 'What would Pinkie Pie do?' Once Twilight Sparkle figured it out she gave Rarity a tight hug and whispered in her ear,
"Thank you Rarity." The white unicorn blushed and hugged her back. Once they broke they broke the hug Twilight asked,
"Still worrying?"
"No dearie, I suppose not. Not when you're here." They both blushed, "But are you alright darling?"
"Well I've been wondering what Trixie could be up to."
"Ah yes, that self-obsessed mare who thinks she's better than everypony else. I wouldn't worry too much though darling. You will always be far more powerful than that filly."
"Well I hope I will be if I ever have to be."
Rarity yawned and lay on the seat with her head on Twilight's lap, "I know you will be darling. You'll…be just…astounding…" and the pony drifted off to sleep while Twilight gazed over to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy sleeping next to one another. They looked so cute together. Twilight smiled and then looked into the night sky with a strong feeling of hope.
---
"Applejack, wake up. We're here." Rainbow said as she poked the sides of the orange pony who winced a reaction. Rainbow was trying to hold back a laugh but couldn't resist letting it out.
"What are ya'll laughin' at?" questioned the earth pony as her vision came into focus.
"I didn't know you were such a softy AJ." Dash teased.
"What're ya talkin' bout? Ah ain't no softy."
"Pssh, yea right you're not." Rainbow rolled her eyes which met at the end of the cart where Rarity and Twilight were waking up Pinkie and Fluttershy. The sky was still dark and starry and once the girls were all together they headed off towards the castle.
Inside, the guards had recognized Celestia's favorite student and led her and her friends into the Princesses' throne room for she told them it was urgent. Celestia was in her chair reading documents while Luna stood out at the balcony watching over Equestria's horizon.
"Twilight Sparkle, my most wondrous pupil! My sister mentioned you and your friends were making your way up here. What brought you all this way?" Celestia was more than delighted at the visit of Twilight. Overhearing her sister, Luna made her way into the room to greet the Elements,
"We welcome you and your friends Twilight Sparkle! Do tell us the reasoning of thous' journey!" Fluttershy was startled at the royal Canterlot voice and lowered her head. Pinkie put a hoof on her shoulder and smiled at her, trying to reassure her.
"It is most astounding to visit you your majesties but the reason we are here is not for joy. You see, earlier today a Wonderbolt member came crashing down upon us from the Everfree Forest, which is engulfed in darkness by the way, and…" the lead mare was interrupted by the Princess of the night,
"Thou knows of this great travesty that not even thine eyes can see through!"
"Wait, you've seen the dark aura too, your majesty?" replied the white unicorn,
"Indeed! And we are most angered by this force who seeks to deceive us! Only one entity could hold such power!"
Rainbow Dash got her word in, "And that would be…?"
"Well, the only person that's power could ever equal mine or my sister's would have to be Discord." said the Princess of day.
All the Elements of Harmony gasped, "DISCORD!?"
"Indeed, only a cosmical entity such as he could match the power of a goddess."
Twilight was still awestruck at the idea, "Are you sure Princess? I mean, how could he return once again?"
Applejack brought up what Rainbow had said about Soarin, "Well what about what Dash here said? Member Soarin told her about Trixie, Zacora and the Shadowbolts? Ah recon they have somethin' to do with it?" The Princesses became dumbfounded but only Celestia replied,
"What's this now? What are they doing in the Everfree?"
"Well Soarin was hurt by a Shadowbolt after witnessing Zacora, an alchemist that lives in the Everfree, cuffed to a table. Trixie was there and without doubt is most likely Zacora's captor. Maybe she's trying to fuse her own power with Zacora's knowledge to free Discord."
"If this is true Twilight, then I fear it may be too late." Celestia remembered the power Discord was capable of, nearly ripping the universe itself to pieces.
"Well he beat him once before and we can do it again too in ten seconds flat!" the cyan pegasus drew a stance as if Discord was right in front of her. Celestia was about to respond to her courage but was interrupted,
"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! Oh do you really think so Rainbow Dash?" said a mysterious voice that echoed the room.
"Do thine ears deceive us?! Show thyself Discord!" The night goddess rose off the ground with full white eyes that glowed as bright as the moon. Fluttershy was so scared she couldn't stand on her legs from the shivering. She tucked her tail and head in between her legs and just prayed it was all a nightmare. Pinkie once again tried to comfort her with a hug but at the same time, she couldn't help but be scared too. Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood at the ready in front of Pinkie and Fluttershy ready to charge anywhere. Twilight and Rarity's horns glowed ready to fire and Celestia was off her chair ready to defend her kingdom.
"Now don't everypony get up on my account. I just wanted to greet everypony and hope to get a welcome back. So how about it hmm…? Anypony glad I returned?" They were all certain now, Trixie must have brought Discord back. But why?
"Discord you have no chance of winning because this time, my sister and I will be more than a match for you. Plus we have the Elements of Harmony once again!" Celestia shouted in the room.
"Oh but sweet, sweet Celestia I, too, will not be alone this time. In fact I'll have many new friends of my own."
"What are thou's evil deeds consist of this time?!" Luna's power erupted the night outside, casting down lightning bolts of magnificent power.
"Oh Luna it has been a long time since we last met. How's the family? HA HA HA HA! But anyhow, all I can say for you fools is that there won't be a simple battle like before. Oh no this time, there will be war." Everypony's jaw dropped, unable to imagine what horrors Discord could have planned for them.
"What…what did you say?" the white goddess stuttered as such an idea that had faded from the world so long ago may return.
"Yes you heard me Princess. Equestria will once again know war and thus with it will come beautiful chaos! But I have work to do. See you on the battlefield. HA HA HA HA HA!" the laughter began to fade but the ponies were still awestruck. Luna's temper had calmed enough to where she landed on the ground, her eyes dimmed to beautiful blue and the storm faded. Twilight was scared at the thought of all the disasters she read in books about war, they may come back to reality.
Far away from Ponyville, to the east of Canterlot, stands another kingdom not ruled by ponies but by a more sinister species. A black guard runs into the throne room,
"My Queen, our people still starve. The love of small creatures is not enough alone. We must take action and assault Canterlot once again or perhaps one of the smaller villages."
The Dark Queen rose from her chair with her opened green eyes. She glared down at her subject instilling fear into him but she, too, felt some compassion for her people. After all without them she had not much to rule. She was Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Kingdom.
"Unfortunately my subject, we'll need more than our shape shifting abilities if we were to make another attack on Canterlot. We'll need more of an edge but what?"
"HA HA HA HA!" a familiar voice echoed the room like once before.
"Who goes there?! Who dares to enter the kingdom of Queen Chrysalis!? Show yourself coward!"
"My, my you have quite a temper there changeling Queen. Freight not, I am here as your friend."
"I fear nothing! And if what you say is true why must you hide!?"
"Oh very well, since you're not very much the gaming type." A cloud of smoke instantly appeared behind the Queen and out stepped the all familiar foe, Discord.
"You, you still walk among us? But how? I thought that pony Princess imprisoned you?!" Queen Chrysalis stepped back away from him as a precaution.
"Ah yes well as you see, I made my way out, again. I mean really, one cannot bottle up chaos and wish it away. Chaos is to be felt throughout the universe to ever flow during day or night or perhaps both at once HA HA HA!" Discord chuckled at the thought of him either fusing the sun and the moon or simply have them co-exist in the sky together.
"And you've brought your chaos to my mighty kingdom! How dare you?!"
"Actually Chrysalis it would seem that chaos has crawled its way to your people without my doing. I know of your people's troubles such as famine."
"If you know this then why are you here? To make it worse for me? If so then I will have to stop you here and now!" The Queen's horn started to glow and then blasted a green bolt at Discord who teleported away in time to avoid the hit. He reappeared behind the changeling Queen, putting his hands on her shoulders and whispering in her ear,
"Now now I'm not here to fight. I have come for quite the opposite than what you think. I came with…opportunity."
Chrysalis' eyes looked at the chaotic entity, "What could you possibly offer me?"
"Why the very things you seek. Food for your kingdom, power for your strength and of course revenge for your ego."
"Revenge?"
"I know that deep within your heart you seek to destroy those who have made a fool of you. I believe it was the strong love of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor hmm…? I can help bring your dreams to reality."
Chrysalis turned around to look at her potential ally, "Why would you seek to help me? What do you gain? What do you seek Discord?"
"Well I promised the ponies a war would be coming and to make war there must be at least two armies to play the game."
"I suppose you expect me to simply hand over my subjects to you? Never!"
"Oh no, no you have it all wrong. I want YOU to lead them into battle. Of course I'll have some other friends that I can acquaint you with later."
"I suppose you want this war to merely bring chaos to Equestria? You really are mad aren't you?"
"HA HA, well yes but there is a goal in it for me. You see, I also wish to take back my rule over Equestria before the sisters overthrew me eons ago."
"So if we succeed you get Equestria and I get the love of the ponies?"
"And your revenge do not forget."
"Very well Discord, you have yourself a deal." Chrysalis lifted her foreleg to shake on it. Discord grabbed it with his lion-like paw and as they shook they laughed together creating echoes that roared throughout the kingdom.
---
"Pinkie I'm…I'm really scared. Do you really believe Discord was telling the truth about war? We have no experience in real combat. What if…what if…" Tears started to flow from Fluttershy's eyes terrified at the images of her comrades falling and years of endless violence. Pinkie sat down next to Fluttershy and nuzzled her, "It'll be ok Fluttershy, we got the Princesses that will solve this and we'll just all have a good laugh about it later." Pinkie smiled to try to calm her dream mare; however Rarity over heard and couldn't help but get angered towards Pinkie,
"Pinkie! This is war were are talking about here. There is nothing funny about it darling! This is a serious issue that none of us has ever had to deal with before. Nopony has gone to war in milenia." Pinkie lowered her head for she knew it was true but didn't know what to. She felt useless and thus her normal curly hair fell down into its straight smoothness, leaving the pink pony feeling depressed.
"Umm Pinkie…?" Fluttershy said as she got close to her to try to return comfort. Celesia looked towards the group,
"Although we haven't had actually war since the overthrow of Discord we cannot be unprepared and thus Canterlot's guards are trained to fight if ever need be. The troops must be alerted at once." Celestia teleported out of the room leaving her sister and the Elements behind. Luna looked upon the Elements and saw great discourage. Although it was more of her sister's duty to inspire others, it could not be helped,
"Freight not mighty subjects of Ponyville! Discord will have no chance against the eight of us and we'll only be brought a swift victory! Discord is foolish for challenging us again!" Twilight looked upon her idol's sibling,
"You really believe we have a chance?"
"You forget Twilight Sparkle that while you had to reacquaint us with the new world we still held the power and strength of the old world! Discord has underestimated his foes!"
Rainbow Dash joined in the conversation, already to take on Discord or anyone that stood in the way of peace,
"Yeah! Applejack and I could stomp all over Discord and his plan in ten seconds flat, isn't that right AJ?"
"You sure know it Sugarcube! Ah bet victory will be easier than buckin' a whole field of apple trees!" The confidence in Rainbow and Applejack grew within their friends lifting their heads slightly higher,
"Indeed he may be powerful but what does Discord have up his sleeve to declare war on a whole kingdom all by himself?" the white mare questioned. The throne doors slammed open and behind them stood Shining Armor,
"Your majesty of night, the scouts report that the changelings are on their way here and will arrive at dusk tomorrow."
"Has thine sister been alerted?!"
"Yes your highness and she requests you and my sister come with me to meet in the war room"
"Thine room has been dusted off once again?!" said the night pony with a little glee.
"Princess Celestia had kept it clean just in case she ever wished to refurnish I believe however; who could have known there'd be war again?"
"Well shall we be off then Shining Armor?" said the nervous lavender unicorn.
"Yes dear sister, with haste!" and the three trotted off leaving the others in the room.
"Whatever are we supposed to do?" said the uncomforted Rarity.
"Ah suppose we have to remain around the kingdom until we get our orders."
"Pssh orders are for squares! I should just zoom over there and beat all there changeling butts!"
"Now Sugarcube, don't get ahead of yourself. There is more to this than we know." "Indeed darling, we don't know anything Discord intends to do."
"He's just a wimp! He couldn't hold his own against us!"
Rarity was getting irritated, "Rainbow Dash please, settle down! You will have your chance once the Princesses have made the decisions. They and Discord are the only ones that have any experience in war!"
Rainbow pouted and walked away towards the balcony, "yea, yea whatever Rarity."
"Hmmph!" Rarity walked away as well to admire the gold of the throne chairs. Applejack followed Rainbow Dash and Pinkie and Fluttershy still sat together.
"Pi…Pinkie? Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked trying to compose herself but tears still flowed.
Pinkie looked at her crush unsure what to say. It was like thousands of emotions and thoughts contradicted one another. She wanted to be her normal happy self to keep everyone from feeling scared or depressed but at the same time it felt like that'd make things worse. It'd make her look like she didn't care about anyone or that war has returned. She wanted to tell Fluttershy how she felt in case if the worse ever did happen but didn't know how she would think. She didn't want to lose her friendship.
"I…I don't know Fluttershy." The yellow pegasus was in shock. If something could get Pinkie upset, things were not good and it tore Fluttershy apart. If there was anything Fluttershy truly hated, it was seeing someone she really cared for hurt or sad.
"Pinkie I want to tell you something before anything falls apart. I want you to know that I…" Fluttershy shook a bit but with willpower pulled herself together to make it stop. "I really care about you Pinkie. In fact, I…love you." Pinkie was in awe. She couldn't believe her highest problem that she was contemplating had magically disappeared. Fluttershy cried a bit more feeling sad that Pinkie wasn't going to like her anymore. That she would get up right now and tell Rarity, Rainbow or Applejack that she was a fillyfooler and that they'd all leave her before this whole war had even begun.
Instead Fluttershy's eyes became wide opened and her cheeks blushed as red as a rose as she felt Pinkie licking her tears away, while blushing too, and saying,
Rainbow Dash was looking out into the horizon where the sun will be rising within the next few hours. It was officially the next day, the day that would spring about war. Rainbow Dash, too, was feeling stressed and worried by the thought of war. She, like usual, bottled up the thoughts so nopony could find out. So she can be tough enough to protect everypony. She thought about how she said all those things about taking on the entire army was only an act in wanting the war to be over before it began. She didn't want to see any of her friends get hurt and couldn't imagine a world over taken by changelings. Can Rainbow protect all of her friends? She hoped and prayed she could but also gained fear at the thought of the Princesses being overthrown.
"Y'all alright Sugarcube?"
"Huh? Oh uh, yea. I guess."
"What's wrong Dash? Ah thought you would be riled up by all this."
Dash changed her expression when she realized she was seeming depressed and weak, "Well of course I am! I'm gonna bash all those changelings before they could lay a hoove on anypony!"
Applejack saw through the act, "Dash, you don't have to put on a face for me."
"What do you mean? Who's putting on a face?"
Applejack placed a hoof on the pegasus' shoulder, "Remember what Ah said on the train? Ah said your special and there is nothing gonna changed that."
"What do you mean by special? You mean like Derpy Hooves…?" Dash started to frown.
"Nah, of course not Dash. Ah mean, well Ah…err…well Ah have feelins."
"Feelings…? For…me…?"The cyan pony began to blush.
"Yea, Ah llllo….." BANG! The door flew open, interrupting the orange pony's words, with two guards standing strong,
"Ladies you have been summoned by the Princesses in the lobby if you'll kindly follow us." The ponies did so and down the stairs they went.
---
Before the interruption and during Applejack's and Dash's moment another pony with an indigo mane and tail was having thoughts of her own.
'Oh I hope our strong stallions will be more than enough for those Changelings. I couldn't bear the thought of what might happen to sweet young Fluttershy. She couldn't stand a chance in a fight nor could her mind even fathom the pain and fear war brings. And that Pinkie Pie! Her randomness and silliness is always getting out of hand and this time has gone too far. These are most serious times and all she can think about is candy and cupcakes. She couldn't fight either. Pinkie and Fluttershy best stay out of it. Perhaps go away until it blows over…if it blows over. Oh I cannot do much either. My magic is nowhere near as powerful as Twilight's…' The name of the lavender pony put a smile on Rarity's face, 'Yes Twilight. If anypony can save us it would be her. She always has a plan and could always find a way to win a battle when her friends' lives were on the line. Oh Twilight, your leadership, magic and…love will win us the day. I just know it.'
BANG! The door flew open, interrupting the white pony's thoughts, with two guards standing strong,
"Ladies you have been summoned by the Princesses in the lobby if you'll kindly follow us." The ponies did so and down the stairs they went.
---
Earlier in the war room,
"So Princess Celestia, I bet you already have a magnificent plan in mind right?" The lavender pony sweated on the back of her head.
"Well my student, I have some idea but I'd rather hear my sister out first. She had more of a knack for conflicts such as this."
"Correct sister! We admittedly always enjoy a good smiting whenst it brings forth justice! Is thine sister ready for battle or are thou weakened by the luxuries of peaceful times?" Luna chuckled at her tease towards her sister who hasn't been in the battle fields for quite some time.
"You are so humorous Luna but this is not the time for humor. We must all face this threat with utmost certainty of victory and hold nothing back." The white Princess looked upon her student, "Do you think you'll be able to hold your ground with your friends?"
"You can count on me that I'll protect my friends to the end Princess. Plus, we have my big brother whom I assume will be assigned to lead the stallions to battle?"
"Indeed, your highnesses, I am fully prepared to lead the soldiers until the end." Twilight felt so proud to be related to one of Canterlot's highest and bravest guards.
"Thou's bravery shall be commended once this dark tyranny hast seized! And thus, we have constructed a plan!"
"And that would be…?" questioned both teacher and pupil.
"While Shining Armor defends Canterlot with his stallions we, sister, shall face the enitity of chaos himself"
"But Luna, do you think Queen Chrysalis is on terms with Discord? And if so do you think they'd both come at us with the army as well?"
"We have not faced the Changeling Queen but if Discord remembers our might he'll probably bring her to separate us. We cannot allow such defiance and thus, Twilight Sparkle and her friends must take on the threat of the Queen until we, sister, stop Discord."
"That sounds like a plan to me your highness" claims the white stallion.
"Indeed sister, I agree with this plan as well. I have full faith in the Elements of Harmony."
"We won't let you down Princess!" Twilight was determined to make a successful plan of her own to face against Queen Chrysalis.
Celestia speaks once more, "Guards, please retrieve the ponies within my throne room and bring them to me."
"Yes your highness" and the guards stormed off to the throne room.
The Elements and the Princesses with Shining Armor gathered together once again in the lobby as Canterlot's guards ran back and forth reporting to their posts. Shining Armor knew that preparations for war MUST be perfect without question,
"Your highnesses, I must tend to the guard's positions and direct proper orders."
"Of course Shining Armor, I have full faith in you." Said the Goddess of the Sun.
"Thank you milady and I hope for safety in all of you. Please, little sis, be careful."
"Don't worry BBBFF, our plans will work. I just know it. All you need to worry about is not to hurt the enemy TOO hard." Twilight giggled.
"Yes well if they think about surrendering quickly I MIGHT go easy on em'." They both shared a laugh. "Love you, Twilly."
"Love you too BBBFF." And with that Shining Armor galloped off already barking orders to some nearby guards.
"Very well my student, my sister and I will be off to prepare for Discord. Please instruct your friends of our plans and get prepped and ready."
"Of course Princess, we are at your commands."
"Very well Twilight Sparkle! Come sister, we have preparations to make! We believe that a righteous smiting still resides with us!" Princess Luna said with a grin and off they flew to the top of the castle. Twilight turned to her friends,
"Alright girls we have a huge task ahead of us that must not get compromised."
"Are…um…do we…um…have to face Discord…a-again…?" Fluttershy shivered.
"Nonono silly remember Celestia said that she and her sister were gonna fight the big bad baddy?! You have nothing to worry your cute little head of yours Fluttershy we'll probably be helping the guards. Right Twilight?" The Pink pony tried to reassure the mare she loved before looking towards Twilight.
"Well, umm, not exactly Pinkie Pie. You see to ensure the sisters are not interrupted, we have to face…" Rainbow then interrupted while dramatically punching and kicking the air near her,
"Who do we have to smash Twilight?! Is it that no good Trixie?! Cause I'll clobber her before she can even THINK about using any of her evil spells!" The orange pony beside her held a hoof on her shoulder,
"Hold on there Sugarcube, I doubt it's all that easy."
"Applejack's right Rainbow, who I was going to say was not Trixie but actually..." she paused for a brief moment with hopes not to frighten them, "Queen Chrysalis."
"Oh my darling, you think we can handle that?" The unicorn exclaimed.
"We have to Rarity, the Princesses have faith in us and NEED us to do it."
"Of course dear Twilight, we'll be by your side without question."
"Thank you, Rarity. And actually I'm already going to need some of your assistance."
"Really, me? Whatever do you need darling?"
"We don't have time to take a trip back to Ponyville but we need our Elements so I thought of trying to teleport them here. I'm going to need a lot of magic and that's where you come in."
"Very well darling I think I know what to do." The two unicorns brought their horns together as they closed their eyes. Their horns started to glow as their facial expressions intensified. Powerful bolts of energy sparked between the horns as a glowing started to appear before them. The glow was so bright that the other fillies had the cover their eyes with their fore-hooves. Flashes of memories, thoughts and feelings appeared into the two minds; exchanging glimpses of the subconscious to one another. Sweat dripped down both ponies until a blast pushed them back onto their backs and dropping to the floor were the girls Elements of Harmony.
"We…we did it darling!" The white mare said excitedly.
"Yeah…thanks…Rarity" the lavender mare still sweated after seeing Rarity's deep thoughts and…feelings.
"Good work guys!" roared the cyan pegasus.
"Yay! Look Fluttershy! It's your beautiful butterfly element!" Pinkie was placing the necklace upon the yellow pegasus,
"Th-thanks Pinkie…" The blushing mare squeaked. The overexcited pony hugged her making her blush even harder,
"Of course Fluttershy." She let go of her friend, "I'll put mine on so we'll match again!" The athletic pegasus put on a confused look and whispered to Applejack,
"Hey, Pinkie has been hanging with Fluttershy a lot. You know sticking to her like glue. I know we're all friends but do you wonder…"
"What, if Pinkie there has a crush on her or somethin'?" The farm pony whispered back.
"Yeah or I don't know…is Pinkie a fillyfooler?"
"Dash I'm sure she's just trying to be there for her shy, timid friend. She understands that Fluttershy will have a hard time wrapping her mind around the idea of war returning. But, do you not like…fillyfoolers…?" Dash gained a surprised look,
"Nonononono… I didn't mean to judge em' or anything nor do I care. I'm cool with anyone's sexuality it's just I'm not one and if they are cool with that then everything is great! I was just wondering if she felt anything for Fluttershy was all but I guess you're right, she's just being a good friend." Applejack looked down, a little depressed,
"Yea…uh…me too and Ah'm…uh glad Pinkie's there for her."
"Yea it's nice. Hey, you ok AJ?" Rainbow looked upon her friend with worry as she saw her friend had a new found depressed look upon her face.
"Oh Ah'm…uh…the war! Yea just worryin' 'bout the war."
"No sweat AJ. We got this!" The cyan pony placed a hoof on her shoulder and smiled.
"Yeah your right sugarcube. We better see about Twi's plan." She looked toward the leader of the group who was placing the crown upon her head with her magic, "Hey sugarcube, where we going from here?" "We'll have to be separated from the sisters and draw away the Queen towards us."
---
In the midst of flight the changeling army makes its' way towards Canterlot. Behind the first wave of the hoard flies two menacing foes,
"Discord, would it not have made more sense for me to lead my changelings in as ponies and attack from within?"
"Well changeling Queen that is not a bad strategy; however they would have suspected it."
"How could they possibly know that before it happened?"
"Well quite simply I had informed them that war was coming. Now not many would expect it would be your minions they were going to battle but the Princesses would have been well aware not to ignore the possibility. They would suspect something to be up if they had not seen an enemy for some time but now they know we're coming and thus have not thought of such an idea."
"Discord you bastard! How could you give away our position! You lost us the element of surprise! Why would you do such a thing!?"
"Ha ha well there are two reasons my dear. The first is as I said; they have lost such an idea of attacking from within. THAT is where our element of surprise will arise." The Queen cocked her head with a confused face to match,
"I do not follow…"
"Well you see I have some new, friends shall we say, that are enroute from a different direction."
"And who are these 'friends' of yours?"
"Now, now Chrysalis we must not get too hasty; wouldn't want to spoil the surprise."
"Surprise? Do I sense betrayal Discord?"
"What from little ol' me? Now don't be getting carried away." The Queen squints her eyes in a face full of anger,
"You act like such a foolish child, Discord."
"Nah, I just have fun with it. You should try it sometime."
"Fool I run a kingdom, bringing order! You just flaunt about creating chaos and worrying for no one but yourself!"
"Sticks and stones, Chrysalis. Sticks and stones." The changelings blood started boiling now,
"You are so lucky we have a common enemy right now because it would have been YOU that my army would be destroying now!" The chaotic one began to smirk,
"How adorable that you think you could beat me. Perhaps once this is all over we can play a game to settle our differences." The Queen rolled her eyes,
"Hmmph, child."
"Now instead of making my wonderful qualities sound like a waste of time by your insults would you like to hear what I believe they have in store for us?"
"Proceed chaotic child." Discord ignored the repetitive insult,
"Well, I believe they are going to try to separate us. The princesses wouldn't want an interruption with my fight with them and thus will probably send the cursed Elements of Harmony to distract you."
"Clever of them as they know you cannot fight them both at once. How do you plan to stop the elements so that we may stand together against the Goddesses?"
"Well as I said I have friends coming from another direction."
"Thus you plan on using them to distract the Elements?"
"Indeed Changeling Queen." Then a light bulb had flicked on above the Queen's head remembering back to the beginning of their battle plans,
"Wait you said before that you gave up our position for two reasons with the first reason being that they gave comfortably that there would not be a surprise attack; thus we do have a surprise attack, attacking them when their defenses are low…"
"That is quite correct."
"...but what was the second reason for you to give it up? Is there another diversion in wait?"
"Nope."
"A risk taken to make our victory more glorious?" The chaotic king chuckled,
"Ha, ha…nope."
"Then what is your second reason Discord? Why have you brought my army to face Celestia's army head on?" The disfigured beast brought up his arms into a shrugging position with a smile so big that the corners looked like they were next his eyebrows,
Outside the castle walls were many brave unicorns with fierce looks upon them. They stood vigilant, gazing to the horizon, ready with their magic. Above the unicorns hovered the pegasai with metal spears that glistened, aching for action. Below the castle just outside the walls stood the Earth soldiers with various weapons in their mouths; spears, axes and swords to name a few. All the soldiers of Canterlot were ready for what was to come. They knew what they had to do. They knew that this may be their last day but, they knew that what they were protecting was precious. Defending their honor, loved ones and their mighty goddess rulers was all that went through each of their minds.
Dusk had finally arrived and the changelings were at the horizon on their way. Neither discord nor Chrysalis were to be found. At the very top of the castle within the royal bedroom the sister's stood at the balcony watching the oncoming army.
"Luna can you see either of them?"
"Nay sister, neither chaos nor deceit has been found. This proves troublesome Celestia."
"They must be letting the first wave strike first before making their move."
"We must stay vigilant now more sister."
"Indeed. I'll go spread news to the Elements, please watch over here until I return Luna."
"Make haste Celestia for the enemy draws closer and closer with every second." Celestia nodded and made her way out of the room. Luna turned back to the horizon seeing the enemy's big green eyes. She hoped that her subject's lives stayed intact after this day.
---
Down below the ponies could see the changelings about to strike. Some split and flew up to meet the pegasai as the ones below charge towards the earth ponies. They too held similar weapons but with nastier designs that were ready to rip and tear through flesh. Shining Armor approached beside his colts with a mighty unique sword that he levitated with his magic.
"This is it everypony! We will repel this hoard back and all that it stands for! No changeling will live today! We must not show any mercy or weakness as the fate of Equestria depends on it! All hail the Princesses!" The soldiers waved their weapons in the air and shouted,
"All hail the Princesses, the true rulers of Equestria!" After that shout the changelings engaged with only a few feet between them and the ponies. As soon as they engaged so, too, did the ponies with a fierce battle cry, "Rrrrrraaaaahhhhh!!!!!" And then clash! The earth ponies with Shining Armor traded blows with the enemy; creating cuts and clangs that occurred as the two armies meshed. The same occurred with the flyers only the struggle was more intense as bitter enemies were thrown all over the sky and plunged down to the ground. The unicorns tried to assist both ground and sky with blasts of magic but the hoard was too much. The ponies were outnumbered.
---
The cries of strength and agony, glory and pain could be heard inside the lobby. Fluttershy squeezed into a ball crying; wishing it all to go away. Fluttershy began begging that she'd do anything if it could all just go away. She could not believe this was happening. She felt the pain of the soldiers and the pain that would be felt by their loved ones' loss. Pinkie couldn't bear to see her like this. She felt terrible for the soldiers outside but seeing Fluttershy this hurt tore the pink pony's pink heart apart. Her hair started shaking until it let go of its' natural puffiness and into the straight hair that Pinkie was born with.
"Flut…Fluttershy. It'll be o-ok…" The earth pony tried to force herself to say but couldn't say it with any confidence. She stroked the yellow pony's mane to try to calm her. "Fluttershy…sweetie, settle down…it'll…it'll be alright…" tears started to flow down Pinkie's cheeks. The other's watched in shock as not only did Pinkie call Flutershy "sweetie" but she was acting like a whole different person and in fact, it made them all miss the energetic, bouncing, pink pony they knew as their friend full of laughter. Fluttershy looked up upon the mare next to her with tears streaming down her face,
"We're doomed Pinkie I wish this was all just a nightmare that we could just wake up from and worst yet, we have no power in this." The orange earth pony was listening like the others and tried to speak,
"Now wait here sugarcu…" but the cow pony was stopped by Rarity's one fore-hoof while the other was pressed against her lips as if saying 'shh…wait.' Pinkie hugged Fluttershy, feeling her tears flow on her shoulder. Pinkie moved her lips towards Fluttershy's ear and whispered,
"Now I know that isn't true."
"Yes it is. Nightmare Moon, Discord, they were just one enemy. It was us six against one enemy at a time. Now we not only have to face Discord and Chrysalis at once but the whole changeling army. And this all happens on the day that…I found out you loved me…"
"Shy, we still not only have our friends and each other but all of the soldiers and the Princesses. We have more than a chance but the greatest power will come from the very special pony I love." Fluttershy sniffled,
"W-who?"
"Why you of course silly. Your kindness will see us through this. You are our special weapon and you give me hope." The ponies moved their heads back to gaze into each other's eyes. "I love you, Fluttershy." The yellow pegasus stared in shock but then quickly moved to Pinkie's face, crashing her lips against hers. Pinkie closed her eyes and kissed back with passion. "I love you too Pinkie." Pinkie Pie's hair began to rise until it was back to its normal puffy self. The others stared in shock and mouths wide open, unable to fathom what they were witnessing. Rainbow looked towards the cow pony beside her and jabbed her in the side with her elbow,
"Told ya." Applejack rolled her eyes.
"Girls! I found you!" shouted the voice of Twilight's teacher.
---
Back at the bedroom the Princess of the Night heard the door creak and looked back to see her sister enter. Luna walked over to her,
"Did the Elements come with thou?"
"Nope. I left them to where they'd be more useful." Luna squinted an eye in confusion as the white alicorn had her eyes closed in a calm fashion. She walked in past Luna heading towards the center of the room while Luna stood by the door.
"We see, well the changelings have engaged. Hast thine sister made plans as to find Discord and the Queen?"
"No for I have something much better planned."
"Oh sister of day? Pray tell us of this new found plan."
Celestia opened her eyes with a nasty stare and pointing her horn toward her younger sibling with green eyes, "It begins with your death!"
---
"Girls my sister and I are not sure where Discord or…" Celestia was immediately shot away by a blue beam. The Elements were shocked and looked towards the aggressor who stood tall, strong and overjoyed.
"HA HA HA why, I'm right here dear Celestia. Miss me? You never visit often, did I do something to make you upset?" The Elements readied themselves to attack when Twilight said,
"Discord! You will lose again! Give it up!"
"Oh Twilight how naive you are. This time you little ponies are way over your head. Perhaps, this time, I'll kill you all and destroy any sense of harmony." Discord then received a blast of white light sending him back against the wall.
"No Discord, you will not harm my subjects! Luna, Discord is here!" Celestia shouted up into the castle hoping her sister would arrive with that dark lightning of hers.
"Don't bother Celestia, she has enough problems of her own."
"What are you saying?!"
"I mean that a friend of mine is taking care of her so don't you worry about your little sister. Your fight is with me." Down through the ceiling came Luna with Queen Chrysalis on top slamming her into the ground. Luna blasted her off and stood but was only slammed through the wall outside. "Ooh how exciting is this!? Such destruction and disharmony for glorious chaos!"
"Girls! Remember the plan. I believe in you, Twilight."
"Yes Princess, we won't let you down!" And the six immediately trotted off through the hole that Luna and Chrysalis went through. Discord grinned while charging energy in his hand,
"They won't save her! Face your fears and fight me!" Discord released the bolt of energy towards his opponent.
---
Outside the girls saw the ponies and changelings battle fiercely on the grassy plans outside the castle. The sky that used to be a beautiful yellow mix with orange was now only a blood red. They could hear everything from shrieks and cries to the magic beams being shot from above. Changeling and pegasus alike fell from the sky with injury but more from both ends still kept coming and still fought on. To the right the girls saw Luna firing and being fired at by Chrysalis. Luna's eyes turned all white as the clouds gathered above her and soon they let out lightning strikes with one smashing into Chrysalis who shrieked and flew into the ground.
"Come on girls, now is our chance. Rainbow, carry Applejack over the moat to Chrysalis while I teleport the rest of us on the other side to surround her." The book worm demanded.
"You got it Twilight!" She grabbed AJ and headed over.
"The rest of you place your heads in a circle with me." And soon after the ponies did as they were told.
---
"Hey RD, you think Twi's plan will work!?" The earth pony had to shout over all the noise that was erupting.
"Without a doubt AJ, we'll have Chrysalis done in no…" Rainbow Dash was stricken in the air by something so fast that it caused Dash to drop AJ into the water filled moat.
"Rainbow!!!" She cried before splashing into the water below her.
"AJ! Who could have…?" Dash's eyes were wide open and her jaw dropped as she could not believe who hovered in front of her.
"Sup' Dash, aren't you glad to see your old friend Gilda?"
Rainbow was surprised that Gilda had returned. The memories of her childhood friend brought her joy but then she remembered how her attitude had turned when she met Pinkie, Fluttershy and her other pony friends.
"Gil-Gilda?! What're you doing here?"
"Oh you know Dash, just seeing the sights, and glad I did. Look at all that rad fighting and rage."
"Gilda you have to help us! Discord and Chrysalis are going to destroy Equestria! Help me find Applejack!" Rainbow darted down towards the water but Gilda darted down and clawed her across the face. "Ahh! What are you doing!?"
"No Dash, I'm here to stop you."
"Wha…What? Gilda this is NOT cool! Why are you being such a jerk!?"
"Well Dash, Discord has offered me something cool. Something greater than your lame friends."
"And what is that Gilda?" Rainbow's anger grew towards her old friend.
"A chance to get rid of your lame friends and maybe then you'll come back to your old self. Just think of all the rad races we could have."
"Gilda, I loved you as a friend a long time ago but this is absolutely insane! I would never betray my real friends."
"I was your real friend Dash! I knew you longer than any of them!"
"You know Gilda, having only one friend and then pushing the rest of the world away…." Dash paused and started to smirk for what she was about to say, "…is lame." The griffin cawed with raged and darted towards Dash clashing into her and pushing the pegasus towards the ground.
"I'll fucking kill you Dash! You hear me!? No one calls me lame and no one abandons me!" Dash was surprised to hear the word 'abandon' and started thinking back to all the fun times with Gilda. Images of flight school, hanging out, sneaking around alcohol and getting drunk together and of course, their extreme races, soared through Dash's mind as they plummeted until they finally hit the ground when she snapped out of it. Gilda punched Rainbow in the stomach and chest a few times before Rainbow punched Gilda off and then spun around quick to buck her in the stomach. As Gilda fell back Dash stood up on her back hooves with her fore-hooves at her sides and an angry expression on her face,
"No Gilda. I don't think you will and it was not I who abandoned you. It was you who has forsaken yourself!" Dash pounced at the griffin and returned the punches. "You used to be my friend but that means nothing if you plan on murdering my real friends."
---
"Hast thou had enough deceitful one!" The Goddess of the Night shouted towards her changeling enemy as bolts of dark magic were shot from the alicorn's horn. Chrysalis dodged some and returned fire, shooting bolts of green magic,
"Now, now Princess we finally get a chance to collide and you already want it to be over? I mean last time I was able to defeat your sister and you weren't around to do anything. I suppose however it doesn't mean much seeing as your sister being far more powerful than you." Luna's temper flared at that last insult for she had a little bit of a feeling of always being a step behind Princess Celestia,
"Nay, Changeling Queen, we are of greater threat than thou comprehend. Thine sister may not have beaten you but we surely will!" Luna charged raw black magic at the tip of her horn. The ball had purple spikes flowing out of it until they would reach a point to draw back into the ball and reappear someplace else on the surface. The ball grew bigger and bigger until it was about the size of Luna's head. "Take this vial black Queen!" Luna shot the ball which flew about 90 MPH towards the Queen, hitting her dead on. The collision caused a great explosion the size of Twilight's entire tree. After the dark light faded the area was engulfed in heavy dust that slowly settled to reveal Queen Chrysalis barely standing with dust and dirt all over her. She struggled to look towards her opponent, trying to act like the attack had no effect.
"Is that all you have Luna? Cause I'm not done yet!" Chrysalis flew up vertically above Luna and then plummeted towards the Moon Goddess, ramming her shoulder into her chest. Luna plummeted hitting the ground. Chrysalis shot off a green missile into the air which burst into what looked like a green firework. Luna chuckled thinking,
'What? Is she attempting to perform a show for us?' The ends of the 'firework' suddenly changed shape into blade like constructs such as swords and knives which proceeded to come down towards their target, Luna. They pierced the ground in a rapid fire fashion with one piercing Luna's right fore-hoof, another her left wing, another her left hind leg and another her tail which couldn't cause harm. The strikes on her legs and wing caused her to shout as sudden pain replaced her chuckling.
"You forget, Princess, first impressions can be deceiving." The construct blades started to fade into nothingness, leaving Luna's wounds behind. Luna tried to ignore the pain and tried to use this chance to exact revenge on her enemy, who now was flying very high in the sky. Dark clouds gathered behind Queen Chrysalis which bolted her without any expectation. The Queen flew back away from the clouds after the blow as to try to void another hit. However Princess Luna took another chance to fly up and pierce her enemy in the back with her horn. Blood dripped down Luna's horn as Chrysalis coughed up blood. Luna quickly shot her off with a magic blast from the inside and Chrysalis fell to the ground. Luna looked down at her opponent and coughed blood of her own,
"You forget too, Queen, that a Goddess will always protect the people that love her and let no harm come to them."
---
Applejack was fighting to keep her breath although, moving through the water was no trouble for a strong earth pony like herself. She headed towards the edge of the moat and trudged up the mud hill. She was somewhat expecting crocodiles from stories she had been told of old castles from Granny Smith as a young filly. She was glad to find that there had been none or she'd have quite a problem. Making her way out of the ditch she could see more fighting in the distance as the two armies collided. Blood was flung into the red sky, screams of pain could be heard and death could be smelled in the breeze. The orange pony remembered how she must find Twilight and the others to fight Chrysalis but wasn't sure where they could be. She headed towards the armies thinking that they may be caught in the collision. As she trotted she couldn't help but worry if her friends were alright; especially Pinkie and Fluttershy as they know nothing of fighting. In Applejack's travels she was stopped by the one she only heard about from Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity. He stood tall on two blue legs with a black tie and horns as big as a pony's body. Applejack was confused as she was not sure what intentions could someone like he, have at a battle like this.
"Uh, can Ah help you mister…"
"Iron Will is here to stop you ponies so Iron Will can collect what the blue pony owes him."
"Blue pony? What blue pony?"
"Iron Will believes she spoke as Iron Will, claiming her name to be Trixie."
"You're helping her for…what…money?"
"That is correct! She is paying Iron Will more than any of Iron Will's previous workshops. I'm not sure where she expects to get all of what she owes Iron Will though."
"Look you, Ah need to help my friends so you need to get outta mah way." Applejack tried to run around him but was grabbed by the tail and thrown back to where she started.
"When somepony tries to run, they will surely be done!" Iron Will charged at his enemy with Applejack having barely anytime to dodge. The blue minotaur caught himself and charged again as the orange pony stood up. She was hit on her right side by Iron's horns as they scratched her some and sent her flying. Luckily for AJ, she wasn't just a tough pony but a tough earth pony who can take a few hits. With some struggling, Applejack stood up as Iron Will charged again, "This here is too easy. My workshops are much more trouble than you!" As Iron Will was about to smash into her, Applejack bucked Iron Will straight in the face sending him back a few feet as she yelled,
"Enough of that!" Once the minotaur was on the ground he looked up at her stunned. "Maybe if y'all had a real job like apple bucking you'd be able to stand up."
"Make me lose and I blow my fuse!" Iron Will quickly got up and charged her on all fours this time, hitting her directly once again. Applejack had to come past all her pride to admit that she was in pain,
'Ouch. Ah can't take much more of this and more importantly Ah gotta get to mah friends. As much as Ah hate to run from a fight, Ah might have to make a run for it.' AJ struggled to get up while suddenly noticing Iron Will about to hit her again. She closed her eyes expecting the worse but suddenly heard a shout,
"NOPE!" She opened her eyes to see her brother, Big Mackintosh, bucking Iron Will's face away. "Ah don't know who you are but no one will ever hurt anypony of the Apple Family."
"BIG MACKINTOSH, boy am Ah glad to see you!"
"What is going on here sis?"
"Well Ah have to get to mah friends to fight Chrysalis so Princess Luna can join her sister's battle, but this bully here showed up."
"Run now sister, Ah'll handle this rotten apple."
"Will you be alright?"
"No worries Applejack, Ah'll be done with him before y'all know it." Applejack smiled towards her brother,
"Thank y'all." And she trotted off into the battlefield causing Iron Will to charge at her but being stopped from another blow by Big Mac; this time to the minotaur's side. AJ didn't even need to look back as she knew that her brother would never fail her. Big Mac's temper grew a bit from being ignored,
The Night Goddess loomed over her greatly wounded enemy; ready to finish with the final blow, "We cannot see why our sister has had such trouble with thou's weak power! Thou is most unfortunate to fall by thine hoof. Art thou prepared for thy execution?" The Queen struggled to rise as that last attack was great. She wanted nothing more than to spit on Luna's face,
"Do your worst night Princess. I knew all along you didn't feel any of this love non-sense that your so called friends feel."
"Tis a lie! We struck down upon thou for one reason and one reason only! We must ensure the safety of thine subjects by ridding Equestria of troublesome foes such as thyself!" Luna's horn started to glow. "Thou will die within the war that thou hast started!" Luna was about to finish Queen Chrysalis when she was interrupted by a voice as loud as hers.
"STOP!" Luna looked behind her to see the lavender mare with 3 of her best friends.
"Twilight Sparkle! What is the meaning for thou's interruptions!?"
"Princess Luna, I know she has angered and endangered you but please don't be a killer. I don't want everypony to get the wrong idea about you again."
"To ensure the safety of thine subjects is of greater importance than their affection!" Chrysalis grinned at the opportunity that has been presented upon her by shining a powerful green light that blinded everyponies' sight. When the light diminished, two Lunas stood before the four elements.
---
"Hahaha oh isn't this just fun Princess Celestia? We haven't fought like this in years." Both Celestia and Discord stood with various wounds and dust across their bodies. They both remained vigilant as to not allow the other any opportunity to attack.
"Yes Discord, it has been some time however; I will not allow myself to make the same mistake as I did last time."
"Oh? And what is this mistake you speak of? Remaining up against the entity of chaos? Has the great and powerful Celestia finally decided to give up?"
"No Discord, quite the opposite. I allowed you to live last time with hopes that you would change. I was a naive fool to believe such a thing could happen to a being such as yourself. You will die here today Discord as I cannot allow you to run amok any longer. You are far too dangerous for that."
"Well, heh, that is something I'd expect from your sister, Princess Luna. Has the great Goddess of Day found a change of heart?"
"It is as I said. I have to ensure the safety of all and you jeopardize that. I am sorry it has to be that way but you knew that death was a part of war."
"Oh Celestia, if your subjects only knew how naïve their ruler was!" Discord shot a blast of energy towards Celestia but Celestia responded with a blast of her own, colliding with Discord's, struggling to make it to their target. "You cannot kill chaos! Chaos is half the universe, like evil. To retain a balance, both must exist!" Discord's blast made it towards the alicorn; overpowering her magic and impacting upon her face, sending her back against the wall. "You, Princess, are weak. It is time for you to step down." Discord made his way over to Celestisa, grabbing her by the throat and whispering in her ear, "I wonder, do you value life as much as order? I suppose it doesn't matter since you will lose both today." Discord threw Celestia across the room smashing her into a new wall. "Ha ha ha ha! Oh this is so much fun!"
---
"Keep at them stallions! Do not let them overrun the castle! Hold the line!" Sining Armor proclaimed as he slashed away changelings one by one while blasting magic bolts towards others at a distance. A near-by guard questioned his commander,
"Sir, with the changeling's abilities how do we know we're attacking them or us?"
"As much of an advantage as changing into us would be, it comes at a great disadvantage?"
"How so sir?"
"Well while they think they are being clever by helping us at first and wait for the opportunity to back stab us, they'd be slaying their own kind to gain that trust. Likewise, if they pretend to be one of us they are risking the fact that another changeling will not be able to realize that it is an ally and therefore he'll kill a comrade."
"I understand sir but…" The soldier was interrupted by a most unexpected and feared noise.
"RAAAAAAWR!!!!" Shining Armor looked up and saw a large red dragon flying overhead. The ponies started to panic as they expected that the dragon was here to assist the changelings.
"Unicorns, fire upon that dragon! Earth ponies, hold your ground! Do not show em' fear!" The battle raged on but now with a dragon breathing down fire destroying anything, or anyone, in its path.
---
Gilda kicked Dash off but grabbed her by her rainbow tail and swatted her whole body against the ground. Dash bucked the griffin away and dove at her; punching Gilda's stomach and smashing her in the ground. Dash backed away from her opponent, hoping it was finished.
"Ya know Dash, I think this is the first time we ever physically fought. We always had many contests against one another doing various things besides the races. But this is the first real fight. It is a shame you're going to have to die. At least your death won't be lame."
"I don't think so Gilda, my Goddesses are counting on me. Equestria is counting on me and more importantly, my real friends are counting on me! Live or die, you will fall and the ponies will succeed!" Dash flew towards Gilda again but the attempt failed as Gilda dodged to the side and elbow dropped the pegasus' back.
"You may have won some of our races but I was always faster than you in the end." Gilda stomped on the back of Rainbow's head crushing it against the ground. Rainbow Dash felt blood dripping from her nose and mouth. Gilda repeatedly pounded her head on the ground as Rainbow could only think to herself, unable to release words,
'Gilda…what happened to you?' Thoughts of the two playing as children and defending each other from bullies ran through her head. Eating contests were held at dinner almost every day and sometimes they even had sleepovers where they'd reveal inner secrets that they thought were too girly to pronounce to the world. 'You used to be the coolest person I knew and now, you are the cruelest. You always pushed me to do better; to be the fastest pony in Equestria and now, I must outrun you. ' Rainbow's eyes got serious as she stopped Gilda's paw by grabbing her ankle.
"What do you think you're gonna…woah!" Dash soared up in the sky while holding the griffin. Rainbow was not holding back and was sure that this next attack should be the finish. Meanwhile on the ground, Applejack saw the rainbow flare with a brown follower zooming up into the deep sky.
"Ra…Rainbow? But who in the hay is that behind her?! She's going faster than ever before!" Rainbow felt the tremendous pressure from flying so fast and finally got high enough to begin her new move. Without stopping her momentum Rainbow grabbed Gilda's other leg with her other hoof and began to spin Gilda around faster and faster until she let Gilda go plummeting her towards the ground. The cyan pony then plummeted behind her gaining more and more speed before colliding into Gilda. The pressure began to show around Rainbow, showing her that she was beyond the sound barrier.
"I call this new move…" Dash collided into Gilda but kept heading towards the ground, "THE SPINNING RAINBOMB!" BOOM! A blast of rainbow energy exploded behind them picking them up speed while another blast was heard as Dash crushed Gilda into the hard rocky ground, breaking some of the griffin's bones including her rip cage. Gilda gave out a great,
"CAAAAW!" As she could not believe the attack that was just made upon her. Dash hovered back away from the griffin peering into the other's eyes. Gilda looked back at her with blood flowing from her face,
"D-Dash…*cough*…n-ni-nice…m-m-mo-move…" And Gilda drifted off into a death that was as cold as her heart. Rainbow felt some tears at the bottom of her eyelids form but tried to hold them back, as Gilda would not approve. Applejack made her way over to the scene wanting to know who that was and what happened. As the orange pony stared into the gravel she knew instantly who it was and the connection to Rainbow. She looked towards her friend and knew Dash, too, was broken inside. Applejack immediately wrapped her hooves around the pegasus and embraced her tightly,
"Now, now sugarcube, don't cry. You did what had to be done." Tears began to flow down Rainbow's face,
"Sh-she was my friend A-AJ a-and I-I-I-I killed h-her."
"No, no sweet pea, you did what you had to. She chose this for herself. She hurt you and doing that was her biggest mistake." Applejack began to cry as she felt the cyan pony's pain. "H-hush n-now s-sugarcube, all will be alright." Rainbow tightened her hug around Applejack trying to embrace her back. "I'm so proud of you, Rainbow."
"T-th-thank you, AJ. You're my best friend." Applejack liked to hear that but couldn't help but be stricken for she knew she wanted them to be more than just friends; but the earth pony knew that her crush was in need and simply replied,
"So who are you, the orange pony's boyfriend? Or just another one of Celestia's soldiers that thinks he's stallion enough to take on IRON WILL!?" The blue minotaur proclaimed in his mighty and intimidating voice.
"Nope", was all the red stallion had to say.
"No matter, I'll be through with you and finish the job that needs to be done so that Iron Will can get his payday!" Iron Will charged with his sharp horns towards Big Mac. Big Mac dove to the side and bucked the minotaur in the side of the face without having to even lose the hay straw from his mouth.
"Now Ah don't say this sort of thing to anyone but you are much too obvious. Your strength is nothing unless you have the speed tah match."
"Hey! Lecturing ponies is what Iron Will does."
"Well Ah sure feel sorry for the suckers that you conned money from but you should find ah real job, something that puts those underused muscles to the test."
"Iron Will's workshops ARE a real job! I make ponies tough and aggressive so they can't be pushed around anymore! And it makes loads of bits at the same time! How much better can it get!?"
"Nope, you're wrong. All you do is destroy and remove the kindness from ponies and for what, just so that everypony argues and fights to claim dominance over one another? You should feel ashamed of yourself for trying to cause such chaos. You really are fit to be an avatar for Discord."
"Iron Will needs to make a living too and no pony is going to stop me from doing that!" Iron Will tackled the red stallion and tumbled with him, then lifted Big Mac into the air to only pile drive him into the ground. Big Mac yelped but fought back by shoving his front hooves in Iron Will's stomach. Iron Will let out a gasped but then punched Big Mac in the face. Big Mac turned to try and buck Iron Will but the minotaur grabbed his legs and threw the stallion in the air. As Big Mac came hurtling down, Iron Will punched the stallion in the stomach. "Ya see, Iron Will is the mightiest!"
"Nope. Its…true your *cough* strong but you…are not *cough* the mightiest."
"Why you stupid…" Iron Will lifted his hoof to crush Big Mac's skull but was interrupted by a bolt of magic energy causing Iron Will to fall back. Both the red stallion and Iron Will looked towards where the shot had been fired, only to find a unicorn as mighty as Big Mac. He stood tall and strong and had a clean white coat and went by the name, Shining Armor.
"I'm here to help sir, are you alright?" Big Mac struggled to get to his feet but still managed.
"Eeyup. Let's face him together."
---
"Hey AJ…"
"Yea Sugarcube…?"
"Why…why does it hurt…knowing what I did when…she was so cruel…?" The cyan pony sobbed more into the farm pony's fur.
"Aw sweetie, it is because you're taking the burden for what she did and that's not good Rainbow. Her friendship gave you great memories and great challenges that have made you who you are. A pony that is sompony to be honored. This was the final test Gilda had to offer and you passed."
"Test? What kind…of test?" The pegasus looked up into Applejack's eyes.
"A test of will that you will always do what is right over wrong, no matter the stakes. Gilda had always been your best friend but for some reason, she followed the wrong path and that is what led to her demise. She was strong but you, Sugarcube, were stronger."
"I…was…stronger…?" Rainbow's tears came to a stop in their flow as she looked deep into Applejack's eyes as Applejack looked down back at her eyes.
"Yes Rainbow, as Ah said, you are a very special…mmphf!" Before the earth pony could finish her sentence Rainbow planted a passionate kiss upon Applejack's lips. She was surprised at first but then closed her eyes and returned the kiss. It felt like the war had melted away. That chaos, order, good and evil did not exist and all that mattered, all that Applejack wanted, was the kiss. Her heart thumped rapidly as she tasted Rainbow's sweet lips. Rainbow, too, had no regrets as her way of thinking change. She thought she liked only males however this felt more right than any of her crushes. She tasted sweet apples with a feeling of comfort as she remembered the pony she was kissing was not only her close friend but the Element of Honesty herself. After what felt like an eternity the kiss was broken and the two looked upon each other. "Rainbow Dash…"
"Yea…?"
"Ever since our race for the Autumn Festival Ah…Ah loved you."
"AJ, you've always been by my side since we met and I was foolish to not think about me as a fillyfooler but I know now that this is what I want. If we fail today, I want to know that I died with some success in my life. Applejack, will you be… my marefriend?" It was the farm pony's turn to have tears in her eyes only, these were tears of joy.
"Oh Rainbow, yes! I'd love to be with you!" Applejack kissed her one more time only to break it soon after, "Shoot! We have to go help our friends!"
"Oh right! I'll fly us over!" The pegasus grabbed hold of her new marefriend and took to the sky once again.
---
"Twilight darling, what do we do now?!" The white unicorn proclaimed with stress.
"I…I don't know. I'm not sure which one is the real one!"
"Well of course we are the real one!" Both Luna's said at the same time. Pinkie Pie interjected,
"Wait…we? So the real Luna and fake think both are real? How does that make sense?"
"Um…no Pinkie you see… Princess Luna still speaks in the language of old times since she was gone in exile for…um…so long." The timid yellow pegasus squeaked.
"So only the real Luna thinks they are both the real one? I'm so confused!"
"Um…no my darling you see, when the real one says 'we' she is only referring to herself. The fake one who is Queen Chrysalis is copying the language that Princess Luna speaks to disguise herself."
"Oooooh. Oki doki loki."
"Your cute when you say that Pinkie." The yellow pegasus nuzzled her.
"Aww Fluttershy, you're too kind, cute and sweet. Like candy!" The pink pony nuzzled back.
"Ladies if you would please focus on the problem at hand it would be much appreciated if you could allow Twilight to think." Rarity exclaimed.
"Thank you…ah, Rarity. I came up with one option of asking questions that only the real Princess would know!"
"We will meet the challenge for we are the real Princess of the Night."
"Nay villain for it is only we that will succeed in this bout."
'Yes Twilight, I knew you'd find a way. You are too smart for anything. You'll always find a way but, how will I?' Rarity thought to herself, finding it hard to focus on the situation while the lavender genius she admired was outwitting every problem they faced.
"Ok, first question: The real Princess Luna was exiled for becoming Nightmare Moon. What caused her to become Nightmare Moon in the first place?" The Luna on the left grinned,
"From our jealousy!" She spurtted out as fast as she could. The other Luna spoke soon after,
"Aye, we were jealous that the ponies never did much during the night. They only slept until our sister's day; when they'd have fun." She looked towards the ground, with a sad face of shame.
"I see…next question. The white mare here is named Rarity." Rarity blushed as Twilight brought attention upon her but was also curious as to how she is wrapped into the next question. "She is one of the Elements of Harmony that freed Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon. What is she the Element of…?"
The Luna on the right spoke first this time, "We believe your friend there is the Element of Generosity."
The left Luna on stumbled upon her words, "err yes! Of course I…err we know all of our subjects!"
"Is that so, Chrysalis?"
"Wha…what did you say, lavender pony?!" The left Luna's anger grew.
"I know you are the fake for many reasons. One, you were quick to blurt out an answer for the first question when the other Princess had an answer that was not only more specific but had a tone of hurt and sorrow. The second question you only copied the real Luna's answer as you had no idea of any of our Elements since you never got to see them at the wedding as well as messing up the 'we' instead you said 'I' first.. Finally, the real Luna ALWAYS refers to me by my full name, Twilight Sparkle."
"The left Luna started changing back to Queen Chrysalis, "No matter you fool, it appears that help is already here." Down dove the red dragon to snatch up Pinkie and Rarity with its claws.
"How dare you changeling Queen! We will make you pay!" The Night Goddess darted towards the Queen tackling her into the air.
"Princess, wait!" Twilight tried to speak but it was no use.
"Pi…Pinkie! Nooo!" The yellow pony shouted louder than ever heard before.
"Don't worry Fluttershy, we'll go save them." Before they made their move, down descended Rainbow with Applejack.
"Hey guys, what's going on? Where's Rarity and Pinkie?"
"They…well…just got taken by a dragon."
"By a what!?" The farm pony shouted.
"Yea so we have to go get them. The Princess should be ok until then but either way we have to be quick."
All the ponies nodded their heads, "Right!" And into the sky flew Rainbow and Fluttershy carrying the earth pony and unicorn.
"Thou hast tired us Changeling Queen!" Princess Luna shouted as she swept her horn across Chrysalis' stomach as the night Goddess flew by. A wound was left but all the Changeling Queen did was roll her eyes at Luna's repetitive taunts. Queen Chrysalis charged up her magic and then constructed it into a whip that coiled around Luna and threw her into the ground. The magic tendril slowly squeezed around Luna, causing her to gasp for breath. Chrysalis grinned as an idea popped into her head.
"If you are so bored with me Princess then perhaps you'd like to face another of your kind, hmm?" With that the changeling transformed herself yet again but this time it was in the form of Luna's sister, Celestia. Luna's eyes shot wide open in shock. Rage began to build up inside Luna, giving her the strength to loosen the coils enough to fire bolts of her magic in multiple needles. Some flew past their target but five pierced and then faded in the fake Celestia's stomach.
"Thou believe she can deceive us with naive trickery? We can see through thou's eyes that you lack what our sister has. You lack kindness…" a bolt from Luna was fired smashing into the fake's face causing her to undo the magic construct, "…compassion…" another bolt fired transforming the fake Celestia back into her natural form, "…and above all you lack thine sister's power!" Luna shot a final laser into her enemy's neck piercing a hole straight through. The Queen's eyes shot open and she quickly place her hooves around her neck to block the holes as she fell to the ground.
"Y-you…wench…I-I was…supposed…to k-kill…y-you!" The Queen struggled.
"Thou should of tried that whenst we had no heart. When Nightmare Moon was thine name." An explosion was heard in the direction the dragon flew distracting Luna for a moment as she turned her head away from the Queen. Luna turned to look back upon her fallen enemy only to see clear ground. She quickly looked all around but the Queen was nowhere to be found.
"Blast! Thine enemy has escaped. However, she has no chance to fight. She must have fled and now we must go help our sister. Discord shall fall once more!" The Princess flew into the air and headed towards the castle.
---
"Sir may I ask your name?"
"They call me Big Mackintosh or Big Mac for short."
"Well Big Mac I'm Shining Armor. Can you distract our 'friend' here enough so I can flank him?"
"Eeyup!" The crimson stallion charged towards his grey-blue enemy. He leapt up high so that his fore hooves could crash into the minotaur's face however, Iron Will took this opportunity to grab Big Mac's forearms and spin him around throwing him in the air above himself. Iron Will jumped up planning to pile drive the pony back down to Earth but Big Mac balanced himself right to buck Iron Will in the face; plunging the minotaur back to the ground instead.
"Arrgh! You ponies are really starting to irritate Iron Will!" Big Mac landed on his hooves and was charged at by his enemy; however, before Iron Will could meet his target he was pounced from behind by Shining Armor and felt a stab wound from his sword. "Raagh! Why you annoying…" Iron Will punched vertically past his own head to uppercut Shining Armor.
"Oof!" Shining Armor fell back losing control of his magic with the sword being flung away. Iron Will turned with rage, ready to return the blow. Big Mac charged at him from behind but Iron Will planned this and turned to grab hold of the stallion to smash him on the soldier that laid on the ground before him. "Aww!"
"Oof!"
"Ha! Iron Will has you both now! No more of this jumping me shit. When somepony tries to take my glory, that will be the end of their story!" Iron Will lifted his arms ready to smash both stallions, "Any last words?", but Big Mac quickly leapt off the white soldier and moved towards the side. Turning his back bucking the minotaur straight in the face.
"Nnnope!" Iron Will fell down cold. He was not getting up.
"Wow, a powerful buck you got there Big Mac." The shining stallion said.
"Eeyup."
"I could use a stallion like you. Follow me to the battlefield. There are changelings still trying to storm the castle."
"Eeyup." The two brothers of the Elements ran off towards where the bloodshed never seemed to end.
---
"There's the dragon girls! Oh no, he's about to eat Rarity!" Twilight cried as all the other Elements soon gasped. The dragon had razor sharp claws that lifted the prestigious pony up to his mouth while Pinkie was stuck in the other claw; unable to escape. Twilight grew sorrow at the thought of her friend's life about to slip away. She couldn't allow such a thing to happen! Twilight shot down fires of bolts as Fluttershy lowered herself to allow a closer shot. The dragon stopped and looked up towards his aggressor. He gathered in air and blew out fire towards them but the pegasai managed to barely escape, leaving Applejack with a singed tip of a tail.
"Uh, careful sugarcube. Ah'm not tryin' to get roasted!"
"I'm sorry AJ!"
"It's ahright, just get me on the ground so Ah can get buckin'." Rainbow nodded and made it toward the ground and released her newfound love. Applejack charged towards the dragon's claw that held Pinkie Pie while Rainbow flew towards his face. The dragon was about to blow more fire out towards Fluttershy and Twilight but Rainbow zoomed past the dragon's head with a punch to the jaw yelling,
"Stop that!"
"Fluttershy…"
"Yeah Twilight?"
"Get me down towards Rarity and then please help Rainbow with distracting him." Fluttershy lowered and let go of Twilight safely to the ground as told but hesitated on her next task.
"Wouldn't it be best, um, if I tried to calm him down?"
"Fluttershy I don't think it will work this time. I think he's working for Discord. Otherwise it'd seem unusual that he'd attack us rather than the huge armies of ponies and changelings."
"Oh but shouldn't I help Pinkie Pie?"
"I know you really care for her but you have to trust me and Applejack, ok?"
"Um, ok. I believe in you, Twilight."
"Thank you, now help Rainbow."
"Ok." Fluttershy flew up towards the head of the dragon that was barely missing the cyan pegasus. On the ground Applejack tried to pry open the claw that grasped the pink pony but it wouldn't budge.
"Pinkie…try…pushin'…from the…inside."
"I'm…trying…silly." Both ponies struggled but the dragon's strength was too great. Applejack then turned herself and bucked the index finger, loosening it a bit. "Applejack! I think that's working! Try hitting the other fingers!" Applejack did and one after the other they loosened up. Pinkie Pie pushed from the inside and squeezed herself out. "Sweet! Thanks AJ!"
"Don't thank me yet until we're safely outta this mess."
"Wow, she's so beautiful up there." The random pony took note.
"Huh, what?"
"Fluttershy of course; she flies with so much grace and sweetness, like candy!"
"Uh yea, about that. Have you…uh nevermind."
"What Applejack, what is it?"
"Maybe later, right now our friends need us."
"Oki doki loki. Pinkie promise?"
"Ah Pinkie promise."
---
At the other hand of the dragon Twilight struggled to get his tight grasp undone.
"Rarity, let's combine magic to levitate it open." Twilight grew nervous as her plans were failing.
"It's not budging darling."
"Ya'll gotta buck them fingers open!" Applejack shouted as the two earth ponies ran over to the unicorns.
"Well that certainly isn't lady like" the indigo maned mare sighed.
"Now is not the time for your speeches of me being uncouth Rarity! Pinkie, follow m'ah lead!" The farm pony grew irritated from her insulting friend that she was trying to help.
"Okie dokie Applejack!" Both ponies bucked each finger simultaneously and eventually released Rarity from her organic prison.
"What now Twilight darling?"
"We have to help Rainbow and Fluttershy before they get singed!"
"Yea but how Twi!?" Both Earth mares cringed at the thought of their special pony fried.
"I got it! Here's the plan…"
---
"Fluttershy you have to keep up with me or you'll be toast!"
"Um…ok Dash." The pegasai flew around the dragon's head faster and faster invoking dizziness in their distracted target. They were interrupted by a shouting below,
"Girls, fly down here and bring his head with!" The two pegasai were confused but didn't question it. They soared down with the dragon craning his neck behind them; going in for a bite. As Rainbow and Fluttershy passed the other Elements, Twilight shouted, "Now Rarity!" Both unicorns brightly ignited lights from their horns into the eyes of the beast blinding him. "Now finish him off!" The two earth ponies struck from both sides with their back hooves, striking at his temples knocking him unconscious.
"It worked darling! Well done! And thanks for coming to my aid Twilight." The white mare batted her eyes.
"Oh well it was nothing, I just got really worried." Twilight blushed, unsure of why she panicked more about Rarity in danger rather than Pinkie Pie. She felt a little cold heated but knew that emotional feelings would have to wait.
"Yee ha! Take that ya over grown lizard!"
"Oh I…hope you didn't hurt him too badly." The shy pony uttered.
"I'm glad you're ok cutie!" Pinkie kissed Fluttershy on the cheek causing her to blush.
"Nice work AJ, you were…mighty powerful" Rainbow said with flirtatious eyes.
"Aw thanks sugarcube."
"Alright girls, let's get to Discord and back up Princess Celestia!" The lead pony stood tall with her friends behind her.
“Why won’t you die!” Discord grew angry as he threw blue lightning bolts at Celestia. She attempted to dodge but was still hit by at least half of them. She was weakening and not as fit as she was back in the days of battle long ago.
“You…cannot kill a goddess…Discord!” The white alicorn huffed, trying to hide a dark secret. However, Discord already knew the truth,
“Don’t make me laugh Celestia. That is just the non-sense higher beings such as us tell the lowly common filth. I know how to kill you once and for all and you won’t have your precious sister that you had betrayed to protect you!”
“I would never hurt Luna!”
“Ah that may be true but you did banish her for eternity. She has been alone for one thousand years. Insulted, humiliated, a fate probably worse than death. And it was all because of you Celestia. It makes you wonder how much hope these little ponies actually have for their ruler.” The foul beast knew what he was doing to Celestia. In order to beat her, he had to bring her not only physical pain but mental pain as well.
“No…it’s not true…I mean it is but…” Celestia was confused, unable to think clearly. She thought about the war and her subjects fighting to defend her, the Elements and how they had to carry out all Celestia’s special missions and of course Twilight, her most beloved student. Was she ok? Was Luna ok? Everyone was fighting for Princess Celestia but what was she fighting for? To rule over them? She was in fear and had lost the strength to hold back a tear that drooped down her cheek. At the same time, however, Discord grinned with absolute pleasure.
“You see! You are the cause of everypony’s suffering. They fight and die for you while you remain their goddess, their ruler, their master! You have no right to call yourself good!” Celestia’s eyes shot open, taking in the horrid truth. “Oh Celestia, your pain does always bring me great pleasure.”
“You’ve said that…quite enough…wouldn’t you say?”
“Oh but you see, I haven’t. I never tire of knowing that I will have my revenge and vanquish you once and for all! Then your sister and perhaps that naïve Changeling too and Equestria will be mine to plunge back into cha…” Boom! Discord was blasted away before finishing his statement. When he lifted his head from the rubble his eyes grew in shock. Before his eyes stood Celestia with eyes glowing a bright yellow with an angry expression and a voice that echoed throughout the castle...
“I tire of hearing your meaningless speeches on chaos, disorder and udder destruction of everything beautiful! I tire of you wanting to fulfill these idiotic ambitions for your own selfish amusement! I grow tired of you Discord and because of that, I will bring the end of you and there shall only be order!” During her speech to Discord, Celestia pulled her magic together in a ball of energy that only grew as light moved towards it. Discord’s heart started to pound but he tried to pull his magic together in his palm. “I will remove you forever Discord! You have no right to be here!” Celestia flew into the air with the energy and aimed it towards Discord. After only moments Celestia fired the orb off and Discord threw all his magic towards the ball. The buildup of magic grew throughout the castle; blinding everyone with only Discord’s scream being recognizable as it gently faded. Celestia grew worried and gave out a shriek which halted, for she became confused that the light before her became blocked. The light soon diminished revealing a barrier protecting Celestia and a pile of rubble that her foe previously stood. “What the…”
“Princess, you must calm yourself or you’ll blow away your people.” Princess Cadence stood before the Sun Goddess with worried eyes.
“Princess…Cadence…? Your right, my foe is no ease but I must control my power. It’s just…” Tears grew in Celestia’s eyes but Cadence wiped them away with her hoof.
“I know Princess. You’re always having to hold back your might. It isn’t fair that you aren’t allowed to do your best, and finally when a foe that can take your all, you have to ensure the safety of others around you. I’m sorry Princess but you are not alone now.”
“Indeed! For the Princess of the Night has arrived to seal away the dreaded Discord!” Luna’s voice boomed as she flew down by Cadence’s side. “He hath no chance against the three of us!”
“Thank you Cadence and Luna. I love you both so much.” Celestia hugged them both with her great wings as tears tore their way out of her closed eye lids. Luna and Cadence hugged Celestia back with closed eyes and a smile. “I’m so glad I’ll never be alone.”
“We’ll always be there for thine precious sister.”
“Yea, we love you Celestia.” Celestia sniffled then released her fellow alicorns and wiped away her tears and put on a serious face.
“Let’s end this, together.”
---
The Elements of Harmony galloped their way towards the castle. It seemed so far but yet so close. Twilight stressed if her mentor was alright facing Discord alone. She hoped Luna had easily beaten Chrysalis and made her way back to Celestia to assist her sister.
“Oh darling, are you crying?” The white mare spoke. Twilight shook her head, trying to get rid of the tears from her eyes,
“Uhh…no… of course not. I’m…alright.”
“Oh sweetie I’m sure Celestia is fine. She has taken care of everypony for centuries.”
“I know but…wait, how’d you know I was thinking of…”
“Oh darling, I listen to you and know she is very important to you. More important than…anything” Rarity looked to the ground with a disappointed expression. Twilight grew confused.
“Rarity, are you ok?”
“Huh…me oh, of course. I’m just worried for the Princess is all.”
“But you just said…” Blam! A blast of magic so bright pushed the six back on their backs. A blinding light was blocking them from seeing their aggressor until the light slowly diminished and there stood Trixie with a bruised but standing Iron Will.
“And where do you think you’re going, Twilight Sparkle?”
“Tri-Tri-Trixie?”
“That is The Great and Powerful Trixie to you, Sparkle!”
“And don’t forget Iron Will! The toughest minotaur in Equestria!”
“Silence you lug, you’re only here because Discord needed more muscle. Not a big mouth.” The blue mare spoke. “Get the others away from Sparkle!” Iron Will rolled his eyes and then headed towards the six. Twilight stood strong in front with an angry face,
“No one is going to hurt my friends; especially not you!”
The minotaur snorted then sighed, “Uh, when somepony tries to block, show them that you rock!” and immediately Iron Will grabbed Twilight’s horn and threw her behind him towards Trixie. The other Elements’ eyes were wide in shock. “Now, which one of you wants to get crushed first?!”
“Oh Sparkle, I shall end you with my superior magic!” Trixie teleported the two of them away; leaving without a trace.
“Twilight!” Rarity shouted over Iron Will’s shoulder, but the only response she heard, was the laughing grunt of Iron Will.
---
High up on a cliff above Canterlot, above the battling and even higher than the damaged castle, a magic blast of blinding light could be seen that left behind the blue and lavender mares. “Now, Twilight Sparkle, I shall have my long awaiting revenge!”
Discord crawled out the rubble with a sight of the three alicorns that stood before him. He gave a look of aw as he gazed upon their collective power that they charged together. The color of their power was different for each however they were still able to blend together in a harmonious way. “Oh no, this…this can’t be happening…” whispered Discord.
“Thou’s time has come…” said the purple
“…to be put back to stone…” said the pink
“…and be placed somewhere secret…” said the white
“…for thou is an obstruction of justice…”
“…and love…”
“…and most of all, harmony!” The massive orb that combined all their power grew until they shot it like a beam at Discord. Discord yelled into the air in agony,
“Noooo! I was supposed to win! This was my chance! Equestria was supposed to be mine!” Discord was once again turned to stone except this time, disguised as a regular boulder rather than statue.
Celestia sighed, “Finally, it is over.”
Cadence smiled, “And this time he won’t be found easily by any evil eyes.”
Luna grinned, “And we know precisely where to put such a foe.”
“Sister, have the changelings fled or been defeated?”
“Indeed we believe that they fled shortly after their Queen was defeated by us.”
“Did you, finish her off?” Cadence said with discomfort.
“Nay, for thee wench has fled to return another day.”
“Then we best be sure she never discovers of Discord’s whereabouts.” Sternly said Celestia.
---
CRASH! Iron Will’s beaten up face fell hard to the ground in defeat. “Ya’ll minotaurs have nothin on farm ponies!”
“Wow Applejack, you sure gave him a wallop!” shouted the Pink pony.
“Yeah she did!” Rainbow cheered.
“Aw shucks, Ah couldn’t have done it without Rainbow’s dive bombs and Rarity’s magic.”
“Well a strong lady needs to know how to protect herself darling.”
“Um girls, not to…um…spoil the victory but…where is Twilight?” Fluttershy peeped.
“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! Trixie foalnapped her!” The cyan pegasus put her hooves to her face.
“Maybe she’s at the castle?” Pinkie questioned.
“Yes! She probably already has beaten that low class mare and went off to help the Princess.” Rarity smiled towards the caste.
“Alright ya’ll, we better hoof it over there then!”
---
“Trixie, I don’t have time for this! Equestria needs me!”
“Like I care.”
“You don’t care about your home?”
“What home? That dam trailer I lived in before you humiliated me with that dam Ursa Minor!?”
“Hey, I didn’t…”
“You completely ruined me! Word got out from Ponyville and now everypony knows! Nopony will watch my magic shows! I have nothing! I have no home!”
“So you’re just going to ruin everything for everypony else?! You’re going to make everypony share the same fate?!”
“Yes, and only you are to blame!” Twilight shot magic towards Trixie but she shielded herself in time.
“You know, you may just be as evil as Discord or Chrysalis but you have got to be kidding if you think you are as powerful as them!”
“You always think your better than me! I will crush you Twilight Sparkle!” Trixie shot a laser from her horn that she swiped around at Twilight. Twilight did her best to dodge every attack and shield herself with magic. Trixie went faster and faster with the laser swipes until she cut Twilight’s cheek. Trixie stopped the laser as she smiled.
“Ah! You bitch!”
“Just think, after I beat you, maybe Princess Celestia will take me as her new student. I’ll bring her your corpse in tears pleading her forgiveness and lie about how the war made you snap and it was up to poor little me to stop you.”
“The Princess would never fall for such a lie!”
“Even if she didn’t, you’d still be dead. After all, Discord has probably already beaten her and he surely would reward me with great power!”
“That’s all then? Power. Power is what drives you Trixie? Is that all that ever matters to you?”
“Oh don’t act like you are not hungry for power. After all, it’s why you crave Celestia.”
“Cr-crave? What are you implying?!”
“You know, the way you obsess over her and are always reading those dam books. Power is all you care for.”
“That’s…that is not true at all!”
“You’d probably stab your friends and beloved Princess in the back if it meant becoming the best.” Trixie formed a sinister grin upon her face.
“I’ll kill you!” Twilight charged at Trixie, tackling her. They both punched and slapped each other as they tumbled around; almost forgetting about their magic. The blood between them bubbled as the hate sought to destroy each other. Twilight was on top of Trixie, trying to weaken her so she could knock her out, “You are always boasting on pride when you are just a pain in everypony’s ass!”
“No Sparkle, I am much greater than that! And you are just weak!” Trixie kicked Twilight off and surrounded her in a magic ball. The ball grew smaller and smaller around the lavender unicorn crushing her. Trixie smiled as Twilight was slowly crushed. She tried to push against the inside walls but it did nothing. She couldn’t hold back the pain and gave out a scream. Trixie laughed as she threw Twilight out of the ball and against some jagged rocks. “You see? I am stronger!” Twilight tried to get up but collapsed. Trixie stood over her with an evil face, “Oh, the things I am going to do to you, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight gave out a tear that she was trying to hold back as she kept thinking to herself,
The 5 Elements galloped into the castle where the Princess stood victorious. The place was a mess with debris and broken wall. It looked as though it had been a 1,000 year old ruin. The girls were amazed at how it was still standing.
“Your majesties, might I ask where is Discord?” Rarity said as she stood ahead of every other pony in the group.
“He has been taken care of Rarity and I assure you all that we will not allow his return.” Celestia smiled as she looked upon her fellow princesses.
“Yee ha! It looks like we won!” Cheered the farm pony.
“Of course we did! No one is better than us!” Shouted Rainbow.
“Does that umm…mean Twilight came to help you…your m-majesty?” Squeaked the yellow pegasus as she laid down in respect towards Celestia.
“Twilight? Is she not with you?” Celestia’s worry grew.
“Ah horse apples; she must be still fighting Trixie!”
“Cadence and we shall scout the skies to find Twilight Sparkle!” Luna shouted as she and Cadence flew out of the castle.
“I will join them.” Celestia flew in a hurry, without another word.
“Uh oh, is Twilight in a pickle Rarity?” The party pony asked.
“I…I fear so if the Princesses do not know her whereabouts. We should look for her as well.” Rarity turned away from the group to look outside a hole in the wall; gazing upon the field which held some bodies and blood.
“I…I hope she is…ok.” Announced worried Fluttershy.
“Don’t worry Fluttershy, we’ll find her safe and sound.” Pinkie kissed her on the cheek, relaxing the yellow pony and putting a smile on her face.
“You give me hope Pinkie. I love you.” Pinkie hugged her,
“I love making you feel safe, Fluttershy. And I always will.” Fluttershy hugged her back,
“Thank you Pinkie.”
“Girls I believe me when I say that I hate to ruin intimate moments but…” Rarity was beginning to speak until she stopped in shock to see while Fluttershy and Pinkie were hugging, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were making out. “Girls! Our friend is in trouble!” Applejack and Rainbow broke their lips apart at Rarity’s shouting while at the same time their faces were filled with red.
“Ah…uh…sorry Rarity…” Applejack didn’t know what to say and grew nervous with all eyes gazed upon her and her marefriend.
“We know! I’m worried too and AJ was just…uh…reassuring me is all!” Rainbow’s eyes were looking away from Rarity’s irritated expression.
“There is plenty of time for that after we know Twilight is safe! Now let’s go!” Rarity lept outside and galloped away while Pinkie and Fluttershy followed. Applejack elbowed Rainbow but couldn’t resist smiling,
“Nice idea, sugarcube.”
“Yea yea, I’m sure Twilight has wiped the floor with that boasting butthead and we can just all go home once we find her.” The farm pony nodded her head in agreement and then the two mares galloped behind the other couple. Trixie’s laughter still roared in the sky as Twilight was literally being thrown left and right into rocks, giving the lavender unicorn many bruises, bumps and cuts. “Did you think you’d fool me like last time so easily?”
“Please Trixie…” Twilight struggled to get up on her hooves but she was badly injured,
“…stop this…and just leave.” Trixie picked up the pain stricken unicorn with her magic and pulled her really close,
“You know Twilight Sparkle, even I have to admit that when you are acting true and noble to protect your friends, loved ones and everything you ever cared about, it is actually kind of cute.” Twilight’s eyes shot open in surprise at the change in subject. “But when you are cowering and begging me to just go away well…. it makes me sick!” Trixie sent Twilight hurtling towards the wall of mountain in disgust. She looked up high above Twilight on a small cliff where a diamond dog stood giving hand signals. “Shit, I guess that means Discord and Chrysalis lost” Trixie mumbled to herself. The diamond dog started to flee soon after. “Well, at least I better hurry and kill you Sparkle. Say good…”
“Stop right there ruffian!” Rarity shouted as the Elements and the Princesses finally had made it to intervene.
“Ha, you again? Wasn’t your talent something to do with dressing up?”
“Dressing up? I think not! I am Ponyville’s one and only fashion designer that brings beauty to the world. But that does not mean I can’t protect the ones I care about.”
“Hey uh Pinkie, does Rarity seem to be very protective all of uh sudden?” The farm pony questioned.
“Shhhhh Applejack, this is getting exciting!” The pink pony whispered with excitement.
“I’ll admit that I may not be a match for any of the Princesses but what could you alone do to anypony of the likes like me? If I’m not mistaken, isn’t Twilight the most powerful of Ponyville? But look upon her, defeated and weak. After I honed my skills I had beaten her with ease for I am The Great and Powerful Trixie!” Rarity became infuriated and fired a barrage of magic beams towards Trixie as she charged her.
“I’ll show you, you bitch!”
“Yea let’s wipe the floor with her…” The boastful pegasus started to fly towards Trixie but was stopped in air by Cadence’s magic. “Hey what’s the…”
“You must hold back Rainbow. This is a fight between Rarity and Trixie; a fight of love.” Cadence spoke with soft yet powerful words that put even the Goddesses of Night and Day in surprise.
“Do you mean, that Rarity...loves Twilight?” Fluttershy spoke to Cadence.
“I believe so for I feel it within her heart that her true desire as of now is to protect Twilight.”
“Sister, shall we still stand by?” Luna whispered in Celestia’s ear.
“I hate to do it but yes, everyone needs to be strong enough for those they care about. This is Rarity’s opportunity to show her love to Twilight. If we intervene, then Twilight will never know and Rarity will have feelings of guilt that she didn’t save Twilight.”
“We understand but we must bring attention to Twilight Sparkle’s injuries.”
“Agreed.” The three Princesses flew over Trixie and Rarity and landed next to Twilight.
“Oh no you don-“ Trixie was shooting a blast at Twilight but was instead shot by Rarity.
“Get it through your thick skull that you will cease this audacity now!” Trixie looked around seeing everypony giving her a glare and then seeing a very intimidating angry Rarity.
“Urrgh, dam you all!” Trixie shouted into the air before teleporting herself away.
“Aww horse apples where’d she go!?”
“Maybe she’s close c’mon we can…”
“Let her go Rainbow Dash. She won’t be harming anypony anymore.”
“But Princess what about what she has done?”
“I’ll have my guards search for her but we need to attend to Twilight.”
A few days have passed since the war ended and Twilight rested in the Canterlot hospital. The sky was an orange-red that shown through the window hinting at sunset. The lavender pony’s swelling had gone down but she had some bandages in place of her cuts and a few small bruises in various areas. Twilight’s eyes slowly opened with minor blurry vision that soon cleared to see Rarity and the rest of her friends.
“R-Rarity?” Rarity looked up from the ground and grew excitement.
“Twilight darling! How are you feeling?!”
“Just a little sore but I’ll be fine. How’s the war going? Where is Trixie?”
“We officially won an’ Trixie is gone sugarcube, Rarity here took care of her for ya.”
“Yes, she was very b-brave.” Fluttershy squeaked and everypony else nodded. Rarity blushed from the compliments of her friends.
“Wow Rarity, really?”
“Well I just couldn’t let a boasting bully like her get away with whatever she wished.” Twilight chuckled.
“That’s amazing Rarity, thank you.”
“Well it was nothing dear, as I said-” Rarity was nudged by Rainbow and Pinkie gave her a wink.
“Well sugarcube we’ll let you get some rest as RD here offered to help with the farm for a bit.”
“I did?” The farm pony nudged her and gave a look. “I mean, yea. I did.” The two started to walk away before Pinkie shouted,
“Oh Fluttershy! Can you help me throw a party for our victory?!” Fluttershy gave out an adorable giggle with a smile,
“Of course Pinkie.” As the pink and yellow ponies walked out Pinkie was listing various party components such as cakes, streamers and balloons which Fluttershy only giggled at.
“We have such wild friends” giggled Twilight.
“Oh yes you don’t know the half of it.” Rarity thought back to the AppleDash make-out session.
“But I suppose it keeps life interesting.”
“Indeed.” Rarity looked down at Twilight’s sheets, dazing out with a sad disappointed look on her face. She couldn’t convince herself that she could be brave enough to express her feelings to Twilight. Even after her friends left the room to give her a chance.
“Rarity? Is something wrong?” Rarity snapped out of her trance and looked up at Twilight’s concerned face,
“Huh? Oh I’m sorry darling I’m just in deep thought.”
“Are you ok Rarity?”
“Well yes, I mean no; nothing at all.” Rarity said quickly as she put on a fake grin with sweat on the back of her head.
“Rarity you saved me from my arch-enemy. The least I could do is offer you my ear. I won’t tell anypony if that is what worries you.”
“Oh darling, you can be very generous at times and very courageous. You don’t allow any harm to come to those you care about. Why, I can already imagine you putting your life on the line for Princess Celestia to protect her. Your heart is big and pure and the thing I want to tell you is that I…I...” Rarity began some tears. “I love you Twilight. However, I realize that in comparison to all that you know, to all your foes and to all your teachers, I am nothing.” Tears streamed down the unicorns face and she held her hooves on her eyes to hide her shame. “I’m so pathetic.” Twilight couldn’t believe what just happen. She felt pride and honor from the compliments, embarrassment from her obsessions with Celestia and learning and sorrow for her friend thinking less of herself. Twilight was consumed in so much emotion that she was speechless as she remained in deep thought. Rarity on the other hand felt too embarrassed and foolish to stay so she hoped off the bed and trotted away with her eyes closed and head down in shame. “I should let you get rest and I understand if you’re too embarrassed to ever speak to me again. I’m *sniffle* sorry.” As Rarity walked away Twilight snapped out of it and finally noticed the bed was empty and her friend was leaving. Her horn glowed and suddenly she disappeared only to reappear in front of Rarity, kissing her. Rarity was in shock but melted in the passionate moment. When the lips separated Twilight was the first to speak,
“I would never want you to go, after you showing such bravery to defend me. And more importantly you are not pathetic when you are in love. You are a very smart and beautiful mare Rarity, I could only be lucky to be with you.” Rarity’s eyes watered again only this time with joy. She hugged Twilight with a great smile on her face.
Deep within the Everfree Forest yelled a well-known unicorn, “Dam that Twilight Sparkle and dam her friends and dam the Princesses and dam them all! Everything was so unorganized! We should have all attacked Celestia first, then Luna and that Cadence and finally that Twilight Sparkle! No matter, we can bring back Discord once again, can’t we Zecora?” Zecora was strapped in the same table but with an eye patch over one eye and tape over her mouth. She shook her head to the question and struggled to break free but it was no use. “After all Zecora, you still have one more eye. HAHAHAHAHA!!!”