Chapters FILLIES WILL BE FILLIES
It had already been a few months since Rainbow Dash had offered to let Scootaloo stay with her, and the Pegasus was beginning to realize just what she had gotten herself into.
“No, no! Don't touch that! Wait! Stop!” Rainbow Dash shouted at the young Pegasus, who was running all over her cloud home.
SHHHAAAAATTER
Dash could feel her temper rising as she looked at her prized 1st place glass trophy from the best young flier’s competition laying in pieces on the floor, however she took several deep breaths and let each one out very slowly to stop herself from yelling in anger. “Sorry Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo said in a guilty tone with a frown.
“It's... Well it's not okay! That was my first place trophy from the best young flier's competition! Go to your room young filly!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in stern tone.
Scootaloo turned around and slowly walked to the room that Rainbow Dash had made for her shortly after they got here. It took a lot of time and effort, but luckily cloud homes were easily modified and could be altered fairly easily.
“What have I got myself into?” Rainbow Dash asked herself in a dreading tone as she slammed a hoof on her forehead and ran it down her face. She then began to carefully scoop up the pieces of the trophy into a bag.
“I'm going to head over to Twilight's to get this trophy fixed. You going to be okay on your own here for a few hours?” Rainbow Dash asked walking past Scootaloo's room.
“I spent two years living on my own. I think I can handle a few hours.” Scootaloo replied with a smile.
“Alright. I'll be back.” Rainbow Dash replied and quickly took off from her home and towards Twilight's house.
“So what excuse am I going to use this time?” The Cyan colored Pegasus asked herself as she landed just short of Twilight's home. She had promised to keep the fact that Scootaloo was staying with her a secret, if at least for the first few months. However, in the first few weeks, she had to make several stops at Twilight's house to have her fix things that Scootaloo had managed to break and she knew Twilight would begin to suspect something soon. It was well past eight o'clock and she suspected that Twilight was most likely getting ready for bed. However, she knocked on her door just the same.
A few moments later, the door was answered by Spike, who looked at Rainbow Dash with a smile. “Oh, hi Dash. What brings you here this late at night?” Spiked asked. Rainbow Dash took the bag out from her saddlebags and showed it to him.
“Hey Twilight! Rainbow Dash needs another fixer upper!” Spike called out from behind him, turned around and let Rainbow Dash in.
“Again? This is the third time this month. What did you do this time?” Twilight asked curiously as she walked into the living room from her kitchen.
“Well..eh-heh... You see...” Rainbow Dash replied rubbing the back of her head with a hoof nervously.
“Holy horsefeathers! Is this your first place trophy from the young flier's competition?” Twilight asked astonished.
“Yeah, it kinda is...” Rainbow Dash replied with a weak smile.
“Have you been having trouble with other Pegasus Rainbow? Because if you are, you know that I can write to Princess Celestia about this and have her put a stop to it.” Twilight said as she began to make her horn glow and magically put the shattered pieces of the trophy back together.
“No, no. It's nothing like that.” Dash replied, unable to come up with anything as of yet.
“Then what is it?” Twilight asked as she put some final touches on the trophy.
“Well...” Dash said trailing off as she still couldn't come up with anything.
“Out with it already. I need to get some sleep sometime tonight you know.” Spike said annoyed.
“Well... I just ... kinda of bumped into it. That's all.” Dash said hoping they would buy it, however Twilight didn't as she eyed the cyan Pegasus suspiciously.
“Rainbow Dash...” Twilight said in a stern, yet concerned tone.
“Okay, I'll tell you the truth. ... But you gotta keep it a secret.” Rainbow Dash said biting her lower lip.
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“I'm soo booored!” Scootaloo said aloud in an annoyed tone looking around her room. The young filly gave yet another glance around her room when she saw a few Pegasus flying by out of her window. “Hey! Could you two come over here?” Scootaloo called out.
The two Pegasus gave a glance over towards Scootaloo who was on the edge of her window and flew over to her. “Haven't seen you around here before.” The brown Pegasus said with grin.
“Yeah. And what are you doing in Rainbow Crash's house?” The lighter brown Pegasus said flying next to him chimed in.
“Oh, well... I'm just visiting. Why do you call her Rainbow Crash?” Scootaloo replied with a curious smile.
Both Pegasus snickered at this. “I'll tell you later. You wanna hang out with us?” The light brown Pegasus asked with a grin.
“But... I can't fly yet.” Scootaloo replied flapping her wings to show them how small they were.
“No problem kid. We'll carry ya.” The other replied with a grin.
“We will?” The other asked in a confused tone, however, after a sharp nudge to the side, changed his attitude completely. “I mean, of course we will!” He said after a moment of being nudged by the darker brown Pegasus.
“So what are your names?” Scootaloo asked curiously as she cautiously climbed onto the lighter brown Pegasus's back.
“Name's Hoops.” Hoops replied as she secured herself on his back.
“You can call me Billy.” The darker browned Pegasus replied.
“So where are we going?” Scootaloo asked after a few minutes. She was enjoying being in the air feeling the wind blowing a crossed her face. It was almost as good as flying herself... Almost.
“Uhh... Well... Umm....” Hoops replied, sounding as if he didn't know himself.
“We are going to teach you how to fly.” Billy said after a few moments.
“We are?” Hoops asked in a confused tone, however, after another nudge to the side, he changed his tune completely. “Uhh, yeah! What he said!” Hoops said after a few moments, which made the young filly's eyes light up with excitement.
“Really?! That's awesome! So how do we start?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
“Uhh... Well... You know how a momma bird teaches her young to fly right?” Hoops replied.
“Yes....” Scootaloo replied not liking this idea already.
“Well, here's your first flying lesson then kid!” Hoops exclaimed and he then bucked the young Pegasus off his back, sending her into a free fall.
Scootaloo let out an ear piercing scream as she fellm, gaining speed at very fast rate, while Hoops and Kevin laughed their flanks off.
“So you gonna go catch her or what?” Hoops asked after a few moments.
“I thought you were going to go catch her?!” Kevin exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“I can't fly that fast!” Hoops replied in an annoyed tone.
“Neither can I!” Kevin replied defensively.
Meanwhile, Scootaloo was still free falling to her death, now going at a very fast speed, still screaming.
“Thanks for understanding Twilight. It means a lot to Scootaloo that I'm taking care of her.” Rainbow Dash said as she left the front door of her house.
“No problem at all Rainbow. Just tell me a little sooner next time would ya?” Twilight replied with a smile then turned her eyes up to the sky no sooner she heard a faint screaming as did Dash.
“Is that... Scootaloo?!” Spike exclaimed in a panicked tone looking up at the sky as well.
In an instant, Rainbow Dash bolted off towards the falling Pegasus, completely forgetting she was carrying her first place trophy. It let out a loud shatter as it hit the ground and spread out across the ground.
“Come on wings, faster!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she flapped them as fast as she possibly could, growing closer to Scootaloo by the second. However, at the speed she was going, she wouldn't make it in time and she knew it. But despite the fact she knew she was at her limit, something inside her was able to help her push past it. The only time she had been going this fast before was when she was using gravity to help her pick up speed to catch Rarity. However, this time she was using her own sheer brute wing speed to propel her as fast as she was going. But it still wasn't fast enough... “She going to hit the ground if I don't catch her!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed aloud as panic filled her and something else, although she had no idea what it was, but the more this mysterious feeling filled her, the faster she began to go until......
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
In a burst of speed, Rainbow Dash had just created another sonic rainboom which exploded behind her, giving her a huge burst of speed and she caught Scootaloo just in the nick of time, less than twenty feet from the ground.
Scootaloo continued screaming for a moment until she opened her eyes to see Rainbow Dash's face, determined as ever, and smile at her. Moments later, she landed on the ground and set the shaking filly on solid ground.
“What the hay were you thinking?! You know you can't fly yet! You scared me half to death!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed practically at the top of her lungs as Twilight and Spike rushed over to her and Scootaloo.
“It-it wasn't my-my fault. Hoops bucked me off his back in the middle of the air!” Scootaloo exclaimed, still shaking, but at least able to speak.
Rainbow Dash's gaze suddenly jolted upward. “I'll be right back. Can you keep an eye on her while I have a little chat with Hoops and Kevin Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked, not looking away from her gaze.
“Of course.” Twilight replied with a comforting smile.
In the next moment Dash was off having erupted off the ground in a vertical climb until she was level height of the two Pegasus. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn't tear your wings off and sell them to a pillow factory!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, looking extremely pissed off. So pissed off that Hoops and Kevin looked as if they were going to soil themselves as they shook in fear of Dash so badly.
“It was Hoops's idea!” Kevin exclaimed in a fearful tone.
“Nu-uh! It was yours!” Hoops retorted in the same panicked tone.
“ENOUGH!” Rainbow Dash's voice erupted over the pair's arguing, causing them to instantly silence themselves. While the pegasus couldn't erupt flames, due to the fact she wasn't an Alicorn or unicorn, she sure as hell came close as her entire face and body was turning a light shade of red.
“If I ever see you two again I’ll make sure your wings are the least of your worries! GOT THAT?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed at the top of her lungs.
Kevin and Hoops didn't respond verbally, rather they bolted away from her as fast as their wings could carry them. With those two finally out of sight Rainbow Dash's color began to return to its normal cyan blue color, and with several deep breaths, she descended to the ground below and landed next to Twilight and Spike.
“Now, I want a explanation and I want an honest one, young filly. Why did you leave the house this late at night? You know it's not allowed.” Rainbow Dash said in a stern tone with a look to match it.
“I... just wanted to learn how to fly.” Scootaloo replied, unable to give a decent reason.
“You're grounded, young filly.” Rainbow Dash replied after a few moments, earning a horrified look from the small orange Pegasus.
“What?! How am I going to go crusading with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom?! How am I going to find my special talent in my room?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in an angry tone.
“You'll just have to wait till after your punishment is over with to continue crusading.” Rainbow Dash replied standing firm with her decision to ground the young filly.
“And afterword... I’m going to enroll you in the Cloudsdale Flight School.” Rainbow Dash followed up a few moments later causing Scootaloo's horrified expression to turn into one of excitement and happiness.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Scootaloo exclaimed happily as she hugged Rainbow Dash's front legs tightly.
“No problem kid. But you gotta take your punishment first.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile, causing the young filly's happy expression faded just a little.
“Okay! I'll be on my best behavior! But how long is it going to be?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
“What do you think Twilight? Three days sound good?” Rainbow Dash asked with a grin, looking at Twilight with a wink.
“But that's how long it would take to enroll a young Pegasus in.....” Twilight began to say but trailed off, catching onto the cyan pegasus's winking gesture. “Yes. I think that would be just fine.” Twilight replied with a wide smile.
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“I'm afraid we can't enroll her without a parent or guardian's signature Miss Dash.” The flight school principal replied with a frown.
“Oh come on! You know me Francis! We go way back! And you still owe me that favor from when I saved your flank from that Dragon that attacked you when you were working for the weather team while we were putting clouds over Everfree forest!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed not backing down.
“Look...I’m sorry. But rules are rules rainbow. Even if I let you cash in on that favor I would lose my teaching license if anypony found out.” Francis replied with a frown.
“Okay, then how about I sign it then? No pony would know the difference right?” Rainbow Dash replied.
“You're not Scootaloo's mother, nor her guardian. So it still wouldn't be legal.” Francis replied.
Rainbow Dash wasn't about to give up that easily though. She promised Scootaloo she would get her into this flight school, and with her element of loyalty as her witness, she would. No matter what the cost.
“I'm going to get her into this school Francis... Even if I have to go over your head to do it.” Rainbow Dash said, her eyes narrowing to slits.
“Oh come now Rainbow. You wouldn't honestly consider taking this to the board of directors just to get a single filly into flight school would you?” Francis replied with an uneasy smile. He knew Dash was one to do rash things and this wasn't out of the question, but he called her on bluff anyways.
“Try me.” Rainbow Dash said in the most confident voice she could muster.
A few tense moments passed before Francis gave a deep sigh and caved in. “Fine... But if anypony finds out I let her in without a parent or guardian's signature, you're going to owe me big time."
“No worries! If anypony asks, you just tell them I fooled you into it. That way I take the brunt of the stick and you get a slap on the hoof.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile as she took the pen out of its holding cup with her mouth and signed the paper.
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Scootaloo was waiting anxiously at Twilight's house for her to return. Ever since that day three days ago, she was rather hesitant to leave Scootaloo home alone and often left her in the care of Twilight or Spike while she was out doing her weather jobs.
“So, what's it like having Rainbow Dash take care of you Scootaloo?” Twilight asked with a smile.
“Well, she's pretty cool. I mean, she was cool to begin with, but now she's even cooler than ever for taking me into her home and all. But she can be a little annoying. She has so many rules, it makes it hard to have any fun a lot of the time. But I still like living with her more than ever.” Scootaloo replied with a smile.
“Yeah. That is pretty cool of her. But she seems to care about you a lot. You should have seen how she acted when she was up there talking to Hoops and Kevin. I've never seen her so furious before. And she's enrolling you in flight school too.” Twilight replied with a smile.
“Yeah, she's the coolest mom ever!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a smile.
“Did you just call Rainbow Dash your mom?” Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Umm ... sorry that kind of slipped out. I don't know why it did though. But if she was my mom, she would be the coolest mom ever!” Scootaloo replied with a smile.
Just then there was a knock on the door, which Spike answered, revealing it to be Rainbow Dash at the door.
“So?” Scootaloo asked with an eager smile on her face.
“You start flight school first thing monday afternoon kid.” Rainbow dash said with a proud smile and was promptly tackled to the ground by Scootaloo giving her a huge hug.
“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! This means so much to me!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a excited smile.
“It's no problem at all kid. Just behave yourself and don't get into trouble. I went through a lot of trouble getting you in there and we don't need you getting kicked out. Got it?” Rainbow Dash replied with stern, yet still soft, expression.
“I'll be on my best behavior ever! I promise!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she hugged the cyan pegasus even more tightly than ever.
“You best be.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile as she gently pushed Scootaloo off her and stood on all four hooves again.
“Rainbow, could I have a word with you in the kitchen?” Twilight asked with a smile.
“Sure Twilight.” Rainbow Dash replied and followed Twilight to the kitchen leaving Scootaloo in the front room with Spike.
“Scootaloo's become quite attached to you.” Twilight said simply as she magically closed the door behind them.
“Yeah, she's quite the hoofful though.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile.
“I can imagine.” Twilight replied with a soft giggle.
“So what did you want to talk with me about?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“Well, I was wondering. How do you feel about her? I mean you've been taking care of her for well over five months now and I would suspect you to have generated some sort of feelings for her.” Twilight replied with a smile.
“How do I feel about her? What kind of question is that? I care about her if that is what you mean. I mean who wouldn't?” Rainbow Dash replied not quite sure what she meant by that question.
“What I mean is. What is she to you? Spike is like a younger brother to me, if that is a good example to what I’m asking.” Twilight asked with a nervous smile on her face.
“Oh that's easy. She's... she's...” Rainbow Dash replied however she trailed off. Just what was Scootaloo to her? She took care of her, fixed her meals every night and even a few times had read a bedtime story to her. Of course Rarity and Applejack probably did the same thing, but still this was different. It didn't feel like a relationship a sister would have with her younger sister. She couldn't quite figure it out.
“I honestly don't know...” Rainbow Dash replied, finally taking a quick glance back at the door, then back to Twilight. “I mean, I want to say she's like a sister to me, but that doesn't seem to fit the bill.” Rainbow Dash replied before letting out out a sigh.
“Well, I think Scootaloo thinks of you as a mother.” Twilight replied unsure of how the cyan pegasus would take this new information.
“Really?” Rainbow Dash replied with a shocked expression.
“Yeah. She called you mom when I was asking her what it was like living with you. Now while I could write that off as a slip of the tongue, I honestly think she does think of you as a mother.” Twilight replied with a smile.
“Wow... Scootaloo thinks of me as her mom? That's the coolest ever!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a proud smile, which suddenly turned to one of pure shockafter a few seconds. “She thinks of me as her mother?! Why have I got myself into?” Rainbow Dash asked aloud slamming a hoof on her forehead. “I mean I should be happy, but... I’m not ready to be a mom yet! I still gotta get into the Wonderbolts! How am I going to be a mom to her if I am trying to become one of them?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed now pacing back and forth with a nervous expression on her face.
“Maybe... it would be best if we found out who Scootaloo's real parents are. I'm sure if I wrote a letter to Princess Celestia, she could find Scootaloo's real parents in no time flat.
“Yeah, that's a great idea! Go ahead and do that.” Rainbow dash replied with a smile.
“But...” Twilight said trailing off with a frown.
“But what? If we find her real parents, she will be happy right?” Rainbow Dash replied not sure why the purple unicorn was so hesitant to write the letter.
“How would Scootaloo feel about that? She's grown quite attached to you. And I’m not sure how she would take it if she suddenly had to leave you.” Twilight replied with a concerned expression and tone to match it.
“Oh... I didn't think of that.” Rainbow Dash replied with a frown lowering her head slightly.
“Do you still think it's a good idea?” Twilight asked with a concerned tone.
“Well, maybe you could word so that she doesn't suspect a thing. You could just say it's a research on something with pegasus or something. But maybe it would be a good idea to wait a little longer.” Rainbow Dash said after a few moments.
“You sure Rainbow? I mean she's only a letter away.” Twilight replied her concern for the cyan pegasus obvious still.
“Yeah, if she does have to go back to her real parents, I think it would be a good idea to spend a few more months with her. Just to warm her up to the idea, you know?” Rainbow Dash replied not sounding very confident, but smiling none-the-less.
“Alright. I'll wait on sending the letter. You just let me know when you're ready.” Twilight replied with a smile.
“I'll be sure to do that Twilight.” Rainbow dash replied as she opened the door.
“Ready to head home kid?” Rainbow Dash asked with a smile.
“Of course!” Scootaloo replied, letting go of Spike, having pinned him down in their little wrestling match.
Rainbow Dash then knelt down so Scootaloo could climb on her back. She then took off from the ground towards their cloud home.
“Is something wrong?” Scootaloo asked Rainbow Dash as they flew, noticing her worried expression.
“Nope. Nothing at all kid.” Rainbow Dash replied.
SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
It was Monday morning and Scootaloo was up at the crack of dawn, much to Rainbow Dash's displeasure, however she woke up just the same. “Call down kid. You still got half the day to go till you go to your first flight school class.” Rainbow Dash said groggily as she dragged her hooves to the kitchen and began to make some breakfast for her and the young pegasus.
“I wonder what they are going to teach me first?! How to do a aerial loop, no wait! I bet they will teach me how to do some awesome tricks!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she attempted to flutter her small wings, but could only hover for about five seconds.
“How about you just stick to learning how to keep yourself in the air for more than five seconds.” Rainbow Dash suggested with a smirk, giving the hyperactive pegasus a ruffling of her hair with her hoof before turning around to continue fixing breakfast.
“Okay!” Scootaloo replied with a excited smile.
Once Rainbow Dash had finally finished making breakfast, she sat down at the table along with Scootaloo, serving her up first then herself, and the both of them began to eat.
“So... I was talking with Twilight the other day and she mentioned that you happened to call me mom by mistake.” Rainbow Dash said causally causing the young pegasus to swallow her forkful of pancakes a little too quickly.
“Oh... yeah... that... heh... I don't know why that slipped out.” Scootaloo replied with a nervous smile.
“Well do you?” Rainbow Dash continued with the same casual expression, not changing her facial expression at all. But inside, she was very nervous as to what her response would be.
“Do I what?” Scootaloo replied just before she shoved another forkful of pancakes into her mouth.
“Do you really think of me as your mother?” Rainbow Dash asked, her expression still unchanged. Meanwhile, Scootaloo once again swallowed her mouthful of pancakes a little too quickly.
There was an awkward silence between the two pegasus until Scootaloo finally opened her mouth to speak. “Well... kinda, I guess. I mean you took me into your home, fed me, you read me bedtime stories, and your even getting me into a flight school.” Scootaloo replied after a few moments, her nervous smile still very apparent.
Well that settled it. She knew now for a fact that Scootaloo had become very attached to her. However despite the nervousness she felt before, she, for some reason, felt very happy to hear this. So happy that she almost came to tears of joy upon hearing this. However, she stood firm keeping her causal expression.
“Would you liked to call me mom?” Rainbow Dash asked without thinking.
“Really? It's okay?” Scootaloo asked, her nervous smile turning to one of excitement.
“It's more than okay.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile, finally breaking her casual expression.
“Okay, mom!” Scootaloo replied with a smile and eagerly began to eat her pancakes.
Hearing her being called that for the first time nearly made the cyan blue pegasus break down but she somehow managed to keep it together. She didn't know why, but at this moment, she was the happiest mare in all of Equestria.
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“You want me to totally forget about sending the letter? But why? I thought you were going to warm her up to the idea?” The Purple unicorn asked incredulously looking dumbfounded.
“Well... The situation has changed Twilight.” Rainbow Dash replied with a proud smile.
“Changed how much?” Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow just before Scootaloo came running in.
“It's only three hours till my first flight class! I'm so excited! I can't wait to start learning how to fly!” Scootaloo exclaimed, hopping around Twilight and Rainbow Dash.
“We know. You've came in here just about every hour on the hour to remind us. So how about you go back into the living room and wait like a good filly, hmm?” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk.
“Okay, mom!” Scootaloo replied with a smile and rushed out of the kitchen, hopping the entire way, leaving Twilight with a slightly shocked expression.
“That much.” Rainbow Dash replied, still holding her proud smile.
“But what about trying to get into the Wonderbolts?” Twilight asked curiously.
“It's a pipe-dream Twilight. Besides, Scootaloo is more important to me than some flight group.” Rainbow Dash replied, looking back into the living room, then back at Twilight.
“Sounds like somepony has got her priorities in order.” Twilight replied with a grin.
“Yep. And Scootaloo is number one on my list from here on out.” Rainbow Dash replied with a proud smile.
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Scootaloo could barely keep herself from fidgeting on Rainbow Dash's back as they flew over to cloudsdale flight school. In fact The mare had to remind the filly many times throughout the flight to stop fidgeting so much or she might fall. Once safely on the clouds however Scootaloo was running in circles around Dash, unable to keep her excitement held in any longer.
“Now you behave yourself and I’ll be back when class is over to pick you up.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
“Okay, Mom!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a smile earning a few curious looks at Rainbow Dash and her.
“Hold up a sec.” Rainbow Dash said huddling Scootaloo close. “Lets try to keep the calling me mom thing to in our house or at Twilight's okay?” Rainbow Dash said in a low whisper.
“Why?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
The cyan blue pegasus wasn't exactly sure how to answer this question without hurting the young filly's feelings, but she wasn't exactly ready for all of Equestria to know that she had taken Scootaloo in as an adopted daughter yet either. Then it came to her. “You wanted to keep the fact you're staying with me a secret right? Well other ponies might start to suspect your living with me if you call me mom.” Rainbow Dash replied hoping the young filly would buy this excuse.
“Oh, right. I got it! I'll see you later M-I mean, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo replied with a smile, nearly slipping up, but managed to catch herself mid-sentence.
“See you later kid.” Rainbow Dash replied and took off.
Scootaloo was excited as any young pegasus could be as she walked into the Cloudsdale Flight School. However that excitement quickly turned to nervousness as she looked around the halls. They were jam packed with many different pegasus of many different colors. Some looked well built while others looked to be thin as a toothpick. This was a lot to take in for the young pegasus as she gave a nervous gulp, taking a small parchment of paper from her saddlebags and giving it a look.
“Room 143. Okay. This sounds simple enough!” Scootaloo said aloud to herself and began to make her way down the hall looking at each room number as she passed it. However as the orange pegasus soon found out, it was far from simple. Just when she thought she had found her classroom, the numbers suddenly changed from 142 to 163. Scootaloo gave a confused glance back down at her paper, towards the door not far down from this one which read 142, and then back to door she stopped in front of which read 163, looking bewildered and confused.
“Maybe it's upstairs?” Scootaloo asked herself nervously and proceeded to the stairwell not far from the door. However this proved to be the wrong way also as the numbers above the doors now read 320 and climbing.
“What the hay?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a frustrated tone, looking back down at her paper and back to the doors.
“Oh look. It's a new pony ready for her first day of flight school.” A voice said in a very snooty tone, causing Scootaloo to yank her eyes from her paper and to the two pegasus walking towards her. One of the pegasus looked as if she had small little rings attached to each part of her wing so that they jingled with each step she took, while the other looked as if she was wearing a little too much make up.
“Are you lost little filly?” The second jeered in the same snooty tone.
“Well... Umm... Yes. Can you help me?” Scootaloo asked in a timid tone.
“We'll help you alright. Ain't that right, Sherry?” The pegasus with wing piercings said in the same snooty tone to the other one, who apparently was called Sherry.
“Oh yes, we'll help you out big time.” Sherry replied picking the young pegasus up by her small wings with her mouth, opened a locker door in the hall, shoved Scootaloo in it, and slamming it shut before orange pegasus could so much as call out for help.
“Let me out of here!” Scootaloo exclaimed at the top of her lungs, bashing her hooves against the locker door. Unfortunately, no one heard her, or they didn't care. After what seemed like forever, Scootaloo finally stopped screaming and bashing on the locker door. Moments later she heard the school bell ring.
“I'm going to be late for my first class! Oh no!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a panicked tone and began to pound on the locker door harder than ever. The locker door opened up nearly a few seconds after she began to pound on it again, causing the poor filly to come flying out head first and landed on the floor.
“You're new here aren't you?” Asked a female voice that sounded like it was around her age.
“Y-yes. Two ponies locked me in here when I asked them for help!” Scootaloo exclaimed, getting to all four hooves now and getting a decent look at her savior. She was a purple filly right about her age, except she had a slightly larger wingspan than she did.
“Did you happen to get a name?” The purple pegasus asked curiously.
“Well, one of them called the other Sherry.” Scootaloo replied, earning a groan from the purple pegasus.
“Sherry and Jesse. The school bullies. You must have really bad luck running into them on your first day of class.” The purple pegasus replied with a smile.
“Yeah, my luck is really bad a lot of the time.” Scootaloo replied sourly.
“My name is Gina. What's yours?” Gina asked with a smile.
“Scootaloo.” The orange pegasus replied, happy to meet a friendly face since her encounter with the two bullies.
“What class are you in?” Gina asked curiously.
“I'm supposed to be in room 143.” Scootaloo replied.
“Really? That's great! I'm in that class too!” Gina replied with a smile.
“Can you show me the way?” Scootaloo asked with a smile.
“Oh sure! Follow me.” Gina replied leading Scootaloo down the stairs.
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Scootaloo and Gina made it barely in the nick of time as the teacher was just beginning to do a headcount. “Sorry we're late Miss. Emerald! Scootaloo had a run in with Sherry and Jesse. I had to save her from their trademark locker-stocker.” Gina said as they entered the classroom.
“I'll be sure to have a talk with them after class. Thank you for letting me know Gina.” Miss. Emerald replied with a friendly smile motioning for Scootaloo to join her at the front of the class. Miss. Emerald was a just as her named implied. She was an emerald green pegasus with what Scootaloo thought was the most impressive wingspan she had ever seen. “Almost as impressive as mom's...” Scootaloo remarked to herself with a smile as she walked up next to Miss. Emerald.
“Before we begin class, I would like to introduce our newest student.” Miss. Emerald stated making sure she had her entire class's attention as she said this. “This young filly's name is Scootaloo. I expect you to treat her with the same respect you treat all new students. Now why don't we say hello?” Miss. Emerald said with a smile at which point the entire class erupted with a chorus of “Hi Scootaloo!” which made the orange pegasus pull a Fluttershy and hide behind her hooves. She wasn't used to this much attention, so it was a bit overwhelming for Scootaloo to be the attention of the entire class.
“There's no need to be shy. They don't bite.” Miss. Emerald said with a kind smile, placing a hoof on her head and running it along reassuringly.
“Much.” One of the fillies chimed in at this statement which caused the entire class to erupt into a spontaneous laughter. However, it was quickly silenced by a stern look from Miss. Emerald.
“Now, why don't you take your seat Scootaloo.” Miss. Emerald suggested with a smile at which point Scootaloo quickly took a glance around the room and noticed the seat next to Gina was empty. She quickly made her way to that desk and sat down next to her.
“Now with that out of the way, we can begin.” Miss. Emerald said with a smile.
===============================
“Are you sure?” A black colored pegasus asked with a curious stare at the light brown pegasus pony.
“As sure as I’ll ever be. You said her name was Scootaloo right?” The light brown pegasus pony replied.
“Yes. That is her name. But we have to be completely sure. If we use the wrong pegasus pony as the catalyst, the results could be catastrophic. I want you to keep an eye on this young filly. You are my eyes and ears. Don't fail me.” The black colored pegasus replied.
“Of course Mr. Stormhooves!” The light brown pegasus replied and took off throw a roof door which closed and magically hid itself after the light brown pegasus flew through it.
“Soon... Very soon... Discord's army shall rise again. So close were we to being ready to storm Celestia's Castle... However at the very last moment those damned six ponies had to buck things up!” Stormhooves exclaimed slamming a hoof on his coffee table.
“Mr. Stormhooves. You have a visitor.” Mr. Stormhooves's butler said with a small bow.
“Let them in.” Stormhooves replied.
Moments later a pink pegasus pony walked in.
“And what do I owe the honor of this surprise visit Amanda?” Stormhooves replied.
“I wish it were under better circumstances John.” Amanda replied with a deep sigh.
“Don't tell me those darned cotton candy clouds are still persisting even after I had assigned the entire weather team to cleaning them up for two weeks.” Stormhooves replied with a frown.
“Sadly yes. No matter how many times we clean them up. They keep reappearing. If this keeps up, we will have to report this to Princess Celestia so she may deal with the matter.” Amanda replied with a frown.
“Do you realize what that will do to the cloudsdale weather company? Our reputation will be ruined!” Stormhooves exclaimed, feigning anger.
“I don't like it anymore than you do John. But if normal pegasus can't handle this issue, then it would be a job that an Alicorn would be able to handle with little effort, I would imagine.” Amanda replied, still frowning.
“I refuse to let that happen! Double the patrol shifts! I don't want a single cotton candy cloud remaining! And if so much as one is found.. Tthe pegasus ponies on shift will find they are without a job!” Stormhooves exclaimed at the top of his lungs still feigning his anger.
“I will be sure to pass along the message John.” Amanda replied, still frowning, and quickly left the room.
After the door closed, Stormhooves immediately went back to sitting down on his chair, taking a sip of chocolate milk as if nothing had happened. “It may be a good idea to increase our plans a phase or two...” Stormhooves said aloud as if thinking to himself out loud. “Those cotton candy clouds are vital to our lord's revival and we can't have them permanently eliminated.” Stormhooves continued to say. However, this time a crimson red pegasus stepped out from the shadows in a dark corner of his room.
“Shall we advance our plans to phase five then General?” The crimson red pegasus asked with an inquiring look.
Stormhooves sat there at his desk, gently stirring his chocolate milk until he suddenly stopped and stood on all four hooves. “That wont be necessary. Phase four shall suffice for now.” Stormhooves replied as he threw on a coat.
“If I may be as bold to ask General, where are you going at this time of day?” The crimson red pegasus asked.
“To make a house call.” Stormhooves replied simply and left the room.
================================
“I had forgotten how peaceful it was without Scootaloo here.” Rainbow Dash remarked with a guilty smile as she lay on her bed, preparing to take a mid-afternoon nap. However a knock at her door moments after she dozed off made the cyan blue pegasus grumble under her breath while she went to answer it, revealing it to be Stormhooves himself.
“Mr. Stormhooves! I didn't expect to see you here.” Rainbow Dash replied with a nervous smile.
“It's quite alright Rainbow. Might I come inside?” Stormhooves asked in a polite manner.
“Of course!” Rainbow Dash replied, stepping to the side, allowing the black pegasus to enter, and closing the door behind him.
“I'm not in any sort of trouble, am I? I mean, if this is about that unscheduled thunderstorm over Fillydephia, I have nothing to do with it! It was all Ditsy Doo's idea!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed defensively.
“Oh no. It's nothing of that sort. I just thought I would come over and have a polite conversation with my star weather filly is all.” Stormhooves replied with a smile.
“Oh, well that's good then.” Rainbow Dash replied with a sigh of relief.
“I happened to notice on my way here that you had added an extra room to your cloud home. Having company over for a bit I take it?” Stormhooves said casually.
“Oh yeah... Well, I thought it would be a good idea in case Fluttershy wants to come over and stay the night, you know?” Rainbow Dash lied with a nervous smile.
“Would you care if I have a look?” Stormhooves asked politely.
“Uhh, no! It's not ready yet! I still need to put some finishing touches on it! You know, it just looks horrible right now and I wouldn't want you to see it. It would be so embarrassing!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, dragging out the word ”so” in a panicked voice as she rushed over to it and slammed the door shut.
“Perhaps I could help?” Stormhooves asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh no! I couldn't ask you to help me with petty cloud work like that. I mean, your head of the Cloudsdale Weather Company and I’m just a lowly weather pony.” Rainbow Dash replied, trying her best to keep Stormhooves from discovering Scootaloo's room.
“Now don't sell yourself short Rainbow Dash. You are the best weather pony I have. A right side better than that Ditsy Doo and those other klutz ponies who can't seem to keep a single cotton candy cloud out of the sky for a day.” Stormhooves replied with a sour tone.
“Still having problems with those, huh?” Rainbow Dash replied, happy to change the topic of her new addition to the house.
“Yes. Though I don't want to trouble you, they are becoming quite the problem. If we don't manage to squash them out soon, we will have to call upon the Princess to take of it. And I just dread to think what that would do to the company's image. Having to rely on royalty to take care of a petty weather problem.” Stormhooves said feigning a dramatic voice as he said this.
The cyan blue pegasus thought to herself for a moment then an idea hit her. "Hey! How about I get my good friend Twilight Sparkle to take care of this problem for you?” Rainbow Dash suggested with a smile as she walked away from Scootaloo's door.
“You sure she could handle this?” Stormhooves replied feigning the best possible hopeful expression he could muster.
“Of course! She's the best at magic and magical stuff. Though she would probably have to study on what makes those clouds tick before she did anything. You know, just to make sure she gets the spell right. She's thorough like that.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
A sinister grin threatened to appear on Stormhooves's face, but he somehow managed to keep it concealed as he looked at the cyan blue pegasus. “No need. My good friends at the institute of magic have already came up with the perfect spell to get rid of those pesky cotton candy clouds once and for all.” Stormhooves said with a smile, taking a small book out from his small saddlebag with his mouth and handing to Rainbow Dash.
“Please make sure she follows the instructions down to the most minor detail.” Stormhooves said after he handed the book to Rainbow Dash.
“Of course! But I bet she would anyways.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile.
“Well, in that case, I must be going. I have an appointment soon and I dare not be late. With luck, we'll have those pesky cotton candy clouds out of our manes by sundown next month!” Stormhooves replied with a smile as he opened the door and took off.
“You have just sealed your fate... As well as the fate of all the elements of harmony my dear Dash...” Stormhooves said aloud to himself and began to cackle manically as he flew off through the skies back to his cloud mansion.
Discord's Requiem
DISCORD'S REQUIEM
“The head of the weather company wants me to handle this?!” Twilight asked with a shocked expression on her face.
“Yeah. I recommended you and he was totally cool with the idea.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile.
“Well... Okay.” Twilight replied as she magically picked up the book, opened it, and began to read it. But after just a few minutes, Twilight frowned and looked up at Rainbow Dash.
“What's wrong?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“I don't know. That's the thing. The spell sounds sound, but the more I read it, the more it feels... well ... dark ... in nature.” Twilight replied in an uneasy tone.
“Oh come on Twilight. Mr. Stormhooves would never have you do something evil. He's the second most respected pony in all of Equestria. You're probably just being paranoid because you've never read a spell like this before.” Rainbow Dash replied with a confident smile.
“Maybe...” Twilight replied, still unsure of the nature of this spell. Something felt wrong about this spell. She couldn't explain it, but somewhere in her gut a voice was screaming ”THIS IS BAD, VERY BAD!” But never the less, she continued to study it, trusting in Rainbow Dash's judgment of her employer.
“I got to go pick up Scootaloo from flight school, but I'll be back later.” Rainbow Dash replied and took off.
===================================
“Flight school is awesome!” Scootaloo exclaimed happily as she left her first class of flight school, wearing training wings she was given.
“Remember Scootaloo, those are only training wings and aren't meant for long term flying.” Miss. Emerald called out from behind her as she was left the school to wait on Rainbow Dash to come and pick her up.
“I'll remember!” Scootaloo called back with a smile, using her training wings to fly in small aerial loops and other various tricks.
“Looks like you got your training wings.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew up to Scootaloo with a smile.
“Yep! And they are awesome!” Scootaloo replied with a big grin.
“Well then, how about we break those babies in by flying home together?” Rainbow Dash suggested with a smile, causing the orange pegasus to become even more excited.
“Alright!” Scootaloo exclaimed happily as she followed Rainbow Dash closely as they flew away from Cloudsdale Flight School.
“How does it feel to be flying on your own?” Rainbow Dash asked as she slowed down slightly so she was side-by-side with Scootaloo in the sky.
“It's so much cooler than I thought it would be! I even shocked Miss. Emerald with how skilled I was at flying no sooner she put the training wings on me!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a proud smile, which caused the cyan blue pegasus to chuckle to herself.
As they neared their home Scootaloo's eyes caught the sight of two ponies whom she recalled very well. It was Hoops and Kevin. “Why are they doing here for?” Scootaloo asked in a sour tone pointing a hoof in the direction of Hoops and Kevin as they neared them.
Just seeing the two pegasus again made Rainbow Dash's blood boil as they stopped just short of in front of them. “I thought I said I never wanted to see you two again.” Rainbow Dash said in a loathing tone.
“Listen... We just wanted to say we are sorry...” Hoops replied in a apologetic tone.
“Yeah... That was awfully boneheaded of us.” Kevin chimed in with the same tone.
“You put Scootaloo's life in real danger and all you can say is your sorry?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily feeling her temper rise very quickly. She wanted to beat the tar out of the both of them, then and there, and the only thing that kept her from doing it was Scootaloo being right there.
“We're really sorry Rainbow C-Dash! We'll do anything to make it up to you and Scootaloo.” Hoops said, bowing his head low. Kevin quickly followed suit.
Rainbow Dash was just about to tell them to get their feather brained hides out of her face when Scootaloo spoke up. “If you're really sorry, then I guess I could forgive you.” Scootaloo said in an unsure tone.
“Hey, I know! We could teach the kid to fly like a pro! No tricks this time!” Hoops exclaimed with a smile.
“Really? No tricks this time? I find that hard to believe.” Rainbow Dash replied in the same loathing tone she had before.
“No, seriously! Pegasus’s honor!” Kevin replied, holding a hoof up like a filly scout.
“If they really are sorry M-Rainbow Dash. Then maybe we could give them a chance. Besides with you doing weather jobs a lot of the time, you won't have much time to teach me how to fly.” Scootaloo said with a smile feeling less skittish of the idea by the minute.
Rainbow Dash looked to Scootaloo with a concerned expression, then back to the other two with the same loathing expression, then back to Scootaloo and gave a deep sigh. “Could you give me a moment alone with these two Scootaloo?” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile.
“Of course. I'll see you at home Mom!” Scootaloo exclaimed happily, completely forgetting the fact that she was supposed to be calling her by her name in front of other ponies.
“Scootaloo may be easily fooled, but I'm not! I know how you two tick!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily before taking several deep breaths, and let each one out very slowly. “However... Since Scootaloo wants to learn so much and I don't have as much time as I want to teach her, I’m going to give you two a sporting chance.” Rainbow Dash said in a calm manner, then she suddenly advanced on the two pegasus so she was less than a foot from their faces.
“However, if I hear a single peep from Scootaloo about you being mean to her, calling her names, or playing a single prank on her... I WILL BEAT THE LIVING HORSEFEATHERS OUT OF YOU BOTH!” Rainbow Dash shouted the last part of her sentence with such ferocity, the two pegasus couldn't help but shake in fear of her until she backed down. “Got that?” Rainbow Dash followed up in a much more calm manner, but the loathing in her voice still remained.
“Of course!” Hoops replied, trying to shake off his fear of her as he spoke.
“Scout's honor!” Kevin chimed in holding up a hoof again.
“Good. Now I have to get home. Be at my house by three o'clock tomorrow and not a second later.” Rainbow Dash said and flew off in the direction of her house.
===============================
It took several weeks for Dash to finally stop giving the two ponies loathing looks, but she eventually was able to at least give them a half smile as she let Scootaloo out each day. Truth be told, she enjoyed the time alone without Scootaloo pestering her for this and that, but she also felt guilty for it. She would take this time to either enjoy the peace and quiet or go over to Twilight's house to check up on her progress of the spell, each time having to reassure the purple unicorn that the spell wasn't dark in nature.
“So how was your time with Hoops and Kevin today?” Rainbow Dash asked as Scootaloo waved goodbye to the two with an excited smile.
“It was awesome! The taught me how to use the gravity to pick up speed and fly even faster!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a smile as she sat down at the table waiting for Rainbow Dash to serve up their dinner.
“That's pretty advanced. Though I would be careful. Those training wings are built to take that much abuse too often.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile as she served Scootaloo her hay fries and wheat burger.
“I know. They told me that too.” Scootaloo replied as she took a bite out of her wheat burger.
Both pegasus were fairly quiet throughout the meal until Scootaloo suddenly spoke up. “I don't want to keep it a secret anymore.” She said with a frown.
“Don't want to keep what a secret anymore?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously, although she had a very good idea of what Scootaloo was talking about. She had been dreading this conversation from the day she gave her that excuse.
“That I'm living with you and I call you Mom.” Scootaloo replied with a smile.
“Oh... That. I don't know if that's a good idea. I mean...” The cyan blue pegasus replied nervously, trailing off.
“But why not? I love you, and you love me. So why should we have to hide it? I'm ready for the whole world to know. I want the world to know that Rainbow Dash is my mom and I am proud of that!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a smile.
Hearing this filled Rainbow Dash with a deep pride, however she couldn't bring herself to let the world know yet. She didn't know why. Why was she wanting to keep it a secret still? It has been nearly a year since she took the young filly in yet, she still wanted to keep it a secret? What was wrong with her? Why wasn't she ready? “I don't think it's a good idea.” Rainbow Dash replied still unsure of how to convince the young filly that it was a good idea to keep it a secret.
“Why not?! What's wrong with the world knowing this?! I thought you'd be happy! Don't you love me?” Scootaloo asked in a hurt voice.
“Of course I do! You're like the daughter I never had! It's just that...” Rainbow Dash said trailing off.
“Then what is it? Why won't you let me tell all of Equestria that your my mom?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a angry, yet hurt voice.
“I'm not ready!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed without thinking, then gasped, realizing what she had just said.
“What do you mean you're not ready?” Scootaloo asked as tears began to form in her eyes.
Rainbow dash stood up from the table and began to pace back and forth. “I'm not ready Scootaloo... I don't know why, but... I guess I’m just scared of what the world will think of me.” Rainbow Dash replied in a sad tone, however she realized right away she had said the wrong thing. Scootaloo's face was brimming with tears that began to flood down her face.
“You're ashamed of me... aren't you?” Scootaloo said in a hurt voice.
Hearing this nearly tore the Cyan blue Pegasus's heart up. “No ,no, no! It's just....” Rainbow Dash trailed off having no idea what to say at this point.
“Then what is it?! Why won't you let me tell the world?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a angry et hurt tone tears still streaming from her eyes.
“Because I’m afraid your real parents will take you away from me!” Rainbow dash exclaimed without thinking however in that moment she realized at that moment that was the fear she couldn't figure out. The reason why she wanted to keep it a secret.
“My real parents? You mean my parents are alive?” Scootaloo asked in a confused tone, no longer sounding hurt, but still crying just the same.
“We don't know... I mean, Twilight offered to send a letter to Princess Celestia to find out who they were, but then I told her not to. I didn't know why at the time.” Rainbow Dash said walking over to Scootaloo and embraced her in a tight, loving hug, tears now flooding from her eyes too.
“I'm so scared they will take you away from me. And I can't lose you...” Rainbow Dash said as tears flooded from her eyes.
Scootaloo said nothing for a short time as Rainbow Dash cried silently as she held her. “Would you have her send the letter if I asked?” Scootaloo asked after a few moments.
“Of course. I would do anything for you Scoots.” Rainbow Dash said, finally breaking the hug to look into the young filly's eyes and smiling even though tears were still in them.
“Then... could you? I don't want them to come get me... Maybe not yet. But I just want to know if they are alive.” Scootaloo replied softly.
“Are you sure?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously, her fear swelling in her chest once again.
“Yes. I'm sure.” Scootaloo replied as she wiped tears from her eyes.
“If you completely sure, I’ll have her send it first thing tomorrow. Okay?” Rainbow Dash replied wiping tears from her eyes as well.
“I understand why you're scared now Mom. But no matter what happens, you'll always be my mom. Okay?” Scootaloo said with a smile and hugged Rainbow Dash.
Hearing this caused fresh new tears to flow from the cyan blue pegasus’s eyes, however these ones were tears of joy, not sorrow or fear as she returned the loving embrace to her daughter. “I'm so sorry I made you keep it a secret this long Scoots. No more secrets okay? From now on, I don't care what the world thinks. I want them to know that you're my daughter and I love you.” Rainbow Dash said in a proud voice, even though tears were still streaming from her eyes.
“I love you too Mom.” Scootaloo replied returning the hug with her own.
=============================
“Would ya make up mind Rainbow?” Twilight asked in a slightly annoyed tone.
“Well, Scootaloo's the one who asked me to have you send the letter. But...” Rainbow Dash said trailing off.
“You're scared you're going to lose her aren't you?” Twilight said reading the Cyan blue Pegasus's facial expression with ease.
“I'm terrified Twilight! About a year ago, I would have not given it a second thought. But now... I can't lose her Twilight. ... I just can't. She's everything to me!” Rainbow Dash said, looking as if she was on the verge of tears once again.
“I understand Rainbow. But Scootaloo has a right to know who her parents are, and more importantly, if they are alive.” Twilight replied, placing a comforting hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder.
“I know...” Rainbow Dash replied in a sad tone as tears formed in her eyes.
Twilight looked at her friend and gave her hug, which caused Rainbow Dash lay her head on Twilight's shoulder and break down, letting the tears flow from her eyes. “It's going to be okay Rainbow.” Twilight said in a comforting tone as she gently ran her hoof along Rainbow Dash's back, trying her best to comfort the cyan blue pegasus.
“What if it's not Twilight? What if ... they take her away from me?” Rainbow Dash asked between sobs.
“I'll make sure to tell Princess Celestia that you and Scootaloo have become very close and recommend that she stay with you even if her parents are alive. How does that sound?” Twilight said still running her hoof along Rainbow Dash's back in a comforting manner.
“Okay...” Rainbow Dash replied with a sniffle, wiping tears from her eyes as she finally was able to stop herself from crying.
=============================
“And that's all the information you've managed to gather?” Stormhooves asked with a inquiring stare.
“Yep!” The light brown pegasus replied with a proud smile.
“Excellent. You've been most helpful Hoops. Once Discord's army rises again, I will make sure you are living very comfortably in your own cloud mansion.” Stormhooves replied as a sinister grin formed on his face.
“That's awesome!” Hoops exclaimed with an excited grin.
“Now if you will excuse me. I have make preparations for Scootaloo's acquisition.” Stormhooves replied, to which Hoops bowed his head and flew out the same way as he did last time, with the roof door disappearing magically once again.
“The time is at hand Bloodbane. Gather our forces and prepare for the ritual.” Stormhooves said as she stood up on all four hooves.
“If I may be as bold to ask General, who is the unicorn you selected to ignite the spell for Discord's Requiem?” Bloodbane asked as she stepped out from the shadows once again.
“Our very own Element of Magic. The one and only Twilight Sparkle.” Stormhooves replied, his sinister grin not fading.
“Very well played sir.” Bloodbane replied with a sinister grin of his own.
“Isn't it though?” Stormhooves replied with a smile.
“Sir. You have a visitor.” Stormhooves's butler said in the same tone he always used.
“Very well. Let the buffoon in.” Stormhooves replied still grinning evilly.
The butler bowed and opened the door, allowing Amanda to enter.
“Hello John. Are you going somewhere?” Amanda asked with a curious glance.
“Very shortly. Please make this quick.” Stormhooves said in an impatient tone.
“The cotton candy clouds still have not disappeared. I believe it is time we call on one of the Princesses to take care of this issue.” Amanda replied with a frown.
“That won't be necessary Amanda.” Stormhooves replied, still grinning sinisterly.
“And why is that?” Amanda asked with a suspicious glance.
“Because I no longer need your services. Now be gone from my sight.” Stormhooves said in a rude tone, much different from his polite manner.
“But, sir. I have been nothing but loyal to you. How can you fire me?” Amanda asked with a shocked look until Bloodbane stepped out from the shadows.
“Because Discord's revival is at hand. Now begone.” Bloodbane said in a malicious tone, taking a threatening advance at the pink pegasus.
“Bloodbane...” Amanda said in a loathing tone as her eyes narrowed.
“Oh? You two know each other?” Stormhooves said in a nonchalant manner.
“You are both under arrest. For conspiracy to comment treason against the Regal Sisters!” Amanda exclaimed, wiping out a badge from beneath her right wing with the letters “PBI” along with her agent name and rank on it.
However, Stormhooves laughed at her. “Looky here Bloodbane. We had an agent of the Pony Bureau of Investigation right under our hooves and we didn't know it. Well this changes everything.” Stormhooves said with a smirk and a laugh.
“So you will surrender without resiting then?” Amanda asked, looking at the two who seemed to be unfazed by her revealing of herself being a PBI agent.
“Surrender?” Stormhooves said unable to hold in a chuckle as he said this. “Why? What in Equestria would make you think we would surrender?” Stormhooves said and took a threatening stance preparing to strike.
===================================
“It's on it's way.” Twilight said with a comforting smile at Rainbow, who could only look on nervously as the cloud of green smoke flowed out of Twilight's window towards Princess Celestia's chambers.
“It's going to be okay.” Twilight said, snapping the cyan blue pegasus out of her nervous stare at the window Twilight's letter had just sailed through.
Suddenly there was a knock at Twilight's door. ”Who could that be?” Twilight asked as Spike answer it for her, revealing it to be Stormhooves accompanied by two well dressed ponies.
“Mr. Stormhooves! What brings you here at this time of day?” Rainbow Dash asked with a nervous smile.
“Where's Scootaloo Rainbow? We know you've been taking care of her.” Stormhooves said, not in his usual polite tone, but more of a stern and threatening style.
“Wh-what do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking nervous as hell now.
“Rainbow Dash. While I do not like doing this, I have no choice. I was informed by one of my sources that you have been taking care of Scootaloo for the past year. That prompted me to do some investigation on my own only to find out that Scootaloo's parents are alive and have been wondering where she has been for the past three years.” Stormhooves said, not changing his expression in the last bit, which stood strict and firm.
“Rainbow didn't fillynap her, if that's what you're implying. She found her in an abandoned home and took her in. She's done nothing but care for her.” Twilight spoke up in defense of her friend.
At hearing this, Stormhooves's expression softened, but only a little. “Well that's a relief. I was dreading to think of what was going to happen to my star weather pony when I was informed that Scootaloo had been fillynapped.” Stormhooves said, his tone of voice becoming it's normal polite tone again.
“Do you happen to know where she is?” One of the well dressed ponies asked.
Just then, Scootaloo came running in the door behind them, closely followed by Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. “Hey Mom! ... What's going on?” Scootaloo asked with a smile, however that smile disappeared once she got a proper look at Rainbow Dash's face.
“Mom...? ... Did I do something wrong?” Scootaloo asked, looking slightly nervous.
“No... Nothing at all Scoots. Would you mind going into kitchen with Twilight while I talk to this three ponies?” Rainbow Dash said in most kind manner she could muster despite the the coldness in her chest becoming nearly unbearable now.
“Okay Mom.” Scootaloo replied. She still looked nervous, but she obeyed her as she followed Twilight into the kitchen.
“I have no intention of making this any more painful than it has to be Rainbow. However upon learning that their daughter was alive and well they wanted her to be returned to them. Since I was your employer and, at the time, we thought you had fillynapped her, they thought it best if I accompanied these two fine Filly Protection Service agents.” Stormhooves said walking up to Rainbow.
“I can't keep her?” Rainbow Dash replied as tears began to well up in her eyes.
“I'm afraid not. If you were to refuse to let her go now, we would have no choice but to disregard Twilight's claim of your innocence and have you arrested for fillynapping.” Stormhooves said, feigning the most apologetic expression he could muster.
“Could... could I have a few minutes alone with her?” Rainbow Dash asked, to which Stormhooves gave a nod.
“Ten minutes.” Stormhooves replied.
“Okay.” Rainbow Dash replied, turned around and went into the kitchen, putting on her best smile, even though it was fake.
“Remember that letter you asked me to have Twilight send kid?” Rainbow Dash asked, doing her best to keep her smile convincing as she spoke.
“Yeah.” Scootaloo replied still looking nervous.
“Well they found them and they want to see you.” Rainbow Dash replied.
“They do?! Alright! That's so awesome! Your the best mom ever!” Scootaloo exclaimed as her expression instantly changed to one of excitement.
“Yeah... It is...” Rainbow Dash replied, still doing her best to hold her fake smile. But it was becoming harder to do by the minute.
“And when I come back, we can go out to eat to celebrate!” Scootaloo exclaimed hopping around Twilight and her.
“Sure kid.” Rainbow Dash replied, knowing that would never happen.
“So those people who are here are going to take me to see them?” Scootaloo replied with a curious look.
“Yeah...” Rainbow Dash replied still doing her best to hold it together.
Scootaloo then rushed out of the kitchen, followed by Rainbow Dash, who couldn't fake her smile any longer.
“Are you ready to meet your real parents Scootaloo?” Stormhooves said with a smile.
“Yeah. And when I come back, I'll tell Rainbow Dash all about them!” Scootaloo exclaimed looking at the cyan blue pegasus and suddenly felt very nervous again upon seeing her saddened expression. “I am coming back... aren't I?” Scootaloo asked after a few moments timidly.
“We best be going.” Stormhooves said avoiding the question that the orange pegasus just asked. As he picked her up, strapped her into a seat that was on his back, and strapped a seat-belt on her so she would not fall off.
“Wait. You didn't answer my question. I'm coming back aren't I?” Scootaloo asked looking even more nervous by the second as they began to leave.
The only reply she got was Rainbow Dash's head hanging low as a silent tear streaked down her cheek and hit the ground a few moments later.
“Wait, I don't want to go now! Don't let them take me Rainbow Dash! Please don't let them take me!” Scootaloo exclaimed, tears now streaming from her eyes as she struggled to undo the seat-belt, however it would not budge.
“I'm sorry kid. But it's out of my hooves.” Rainbow Dash replied as more tears began to flood from her eyes and hit the ground.
“I don't want to go! I want to stay with Rainbow Dash! Stop!” Scootaloo exclaimed flailing around trying to get out of the seat-belt as they took off towards the skies.
It was not long after they took off that Scootaloo's faint voice could be heard.
MOMMY!!!!!
It was then that something snapped inside Rainbow Dash and her head snapped upwards towards the skies to see Scootaloo nearly out of sight. Before Twilight could utter a word to stop her, she took off from the ground, the sheer brute force of her take off knocking the purple unicorn off her hooves.
However it became more than obvious that she was too late to stop them as they had gone well out of her sight, despite the fact she was flying at nearly mach one “No...” Was all Rainbow Dash could say as tears poured from her eyes.
=============================
No one had seen or heard from Rainbow Dash for hours and Twilight was worried her friend had done something rash. She sent Fluttershy to her home to check to see if she was at home while she made final preparations for Stormhooves's spell.
Fluttershy arrived at Rainbow Dash's house and knocked on the door, which creaked open. The cyan blue pegasus's house was a literal wreck. Objects had been throw about and many of Dash's prized belongings where either broken or shattered. But throughout it all, Scootaloo's room remained untouched.
“Oh... my...” Was all Fluttershy could say as she looked around Dash's home and nearly jumped in surprise as Rainbow Dash stumbled out from the kitchen, looking completely wasted, with a bottle of Apple Beer in one hoof.
“What dish you want?” Rainbow Dash asked in a slurred voice as she stumbled about.
“Twilight sent me to check on you. I heard about what happened with Scootaloo... That poor filly.” Fluttershy replied, trying her best not to cringe at the pungent smell of Rainbow Dash's breath.
“She just couldn't keepish her mofth shut, could she? Had to tell the entire world! I newf she couldn't be trusting!” Rainbow Dash slurred once again as she nearly tripped over her front hooves.
Fluttershy disregarded this comment and sat down on one of the cloud couches in the room. “Listen Rainbow... Drinking never solves anything. There was nothing you could have done. You would have been arrested for fillynapping if you had kept her from her real parents.” Fluttershy said in the most comforting tone she could muster.
“Yes there was! I could have done something! Anything! I was just too much of a coward to stand up to my boss! Well no more. I'm going to march right up to his fancy little mansion and tell that I quit unless he gives Scootaloo back to me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and began to stumble towards her door, only to fall flat on her face.
Fluttershy stood up from the couch and knelt down beside the cyan blue pegasus, who had suddenly began to start sobbing. “It's all my fault! I didn't do anything to stop them!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between sobs.
“Oh no, no, no. You did the right thing.” Fluttershy said in a comforting tone as she ran a hoof along Rainbow Dash's head in a comforting manner.
“Then why does it feel so wrong?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between sobs chucking her bottle of Apple Beer at the wall, which exploded loudly, splattering glass and beer against her couch and wall.
The yellow pegasus had no idea how to answer this. Instead of replying, she simply continued to rub Rainbow Dash's back in a comforting manner.
“Will I ever see her again?” Rainbow Dash asked between sniffles, having finally stopped sobbing, but her tears still continued to stream from her eyes.
“Of course. What kind of parents would they be if they kept you from seeing her?” Fluttershy replied in a soothing kind tone.
================================
“Alright. After this spell is done, I’m going to go see Rainbow.” Twilight said aloud to Spike as she began to make her horn glow, pointing it at the clouds.
As Twilight continued to concentrate to cast the spell, Spike suddenly belched out a letter, picked it up and began to read it. For a time, he just read over it until his eyes widened in horror. “Twilight! You better read this!” Spike exclaimed running up to Twilight in an attempt to show her the letter.
“Not now Spike! I'm almost done. It can wait till after I’m done.” Twilight replied as she began to cast the spell.
“But Twilight!” Spike exclaimed only to have his mouth stuffed with a carrot as she was near the end of the spell.
Spike, however, quickly yanked the carrot out of his mouth. ”Princess Celestia said that Scootaloo's parents are dead!” Spike exclaimed in a panicked tone causing Twilight's eyes to jolt wide in shock.
“Their what?!” Twilight exclaimed and was promptly knocked off her hooves into the side of her house as the spell erupted from her horn with a thundering “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!” sailing to the skies and hitting the clouds turning them a dark pink color.
When Twilight finally was able to stand on all fours hooves, she promptly yanked the letter out of Spike's claws with her magic.
To my Faithful student,
I regret to inform you that Scootaloo's parents were murdered nearly fours years ago and she was placed in the care of an old colt whom I trusted to take care of her. The information that Mr. Sanders was not present at the home troubles me. I am very proud of Rainbow Dash for taking the young filly into her home. If she would like me to, I would be more than happy to make her Scootaloo's official guardian.
Your Proud Mentor, Princess Celestia
Once Twilight finished reading the letter, she was wearing the same horrified expression Spike wore. Unfortunately, the thundering clouds and sudden appearance of so many cotton candy clouds raining chocolate milk distracted her from her present problem.
“Rainbow Dash said that her boss got this spell to get rid of the cotton candy clouds... Not make more of them!” Spike exclaimed in a shocked tone.
“Come to think of it, Rainbow Dash's boss was present when those two FPS ponies were here to pick up Scootaloo...” Twilight said aloud, looking as if she was deep in thought until her face suddenly lit up with a panicked expression. “Oh this is bad! Very, very bad!” Twilight exclaimed now pacing back and forth.
“Ah'll say. Just were did all these cotton candy clouds come from? Did Discord escape again?” Applejack asked as she trotted over to Twilight, who was still pacing back and forth.
“Oh my goodness! My mane!” Rarity's voice cried out in a panicked tone as she charged past Twilight, Spike, and Applejack into Twilight's home.
“What are you guys doing here?” Twilight asked as she stopped pacing back and forth.
“Fluttershy was a dear and informed us of Rainbow Dash's situation. Honestly Twilight., couldn't you trust your other friends with this tid-bit of information? We could have helped.” Rarity said, now standing at Twilight's door frame with a disappointed expression on her face.
“Pinkie Pie! Get your flank over here and stop drinking the consarned chocolate rain!” Applejack exclaimed in an annoyed tone, causing Twilight looked to see Pinkie Pie bathing herself under a cotton candy cloud with her mouth wide open. She shook herself clean and ran over to Twilight and the others when she heard Applejack's call.
“Hey Twilight! I heard what happened to Rainbow Dash and I wanted to throw her a cheer up party. But since I hadn't seen her all day, I thought I would come over here with Rarity and Applejack to see if she was here, but she's not, and that made me so sad. But now I’m happy because we can now make it a surprise cheer up party!”
“The party will have to wait Pinkie Pie. We got bigger problems.” Twilight said as she looked at her friends.
“I'll say. Poor Rainbow Dash is taking this very hard. When I found her at her home she was stumbling over her own hooves. I think she have been trying to drink pain away. The poor pony.” Fluttershy said as she slowly landed next to the others.
“Listen up girls. I think Scootaloo may have been fillynapped.” Twilight said looking very worried now.
“Well, of course she was. But we know it wasn't by Rainbow Dash.” Rarity replied to this her expression unchanged.
“No, I mean Rainbow Dash's boss fillynapped her!” Twilight exclaimed. There was a unified gasp from all the ponies.
“But... Ah fail to see what Rainbow's boss would have to gain by fillynappin' Scootaloo.” Applejack said looking both worried and confused.
“Yes, I quite agree with Applejack on this one. I simply could not imagine Rainbow Dash's boss gaining anything by fillynapping Scootaloo." Rarity remarked.
“I don't know what he would have to gain either. But when he came here to pick up Scootaloo, he claimed that he was here to take her back to her parents. But according to Princess Celestia's letter, Scootaloo's parents have been dead for four years now!” Twilight said, the worry in her voice still strong. There was another unified gasp as Twilight finished.
“But what would Rainbow Dash's big bossy pants pony want with our little Scootaloo?” Pinkie Pie asked, looking concerned and confused.
“I just said I don't know! And there's another matter. Rainbow Dash's boss said that the spell he wanted me to cast would get rid of the cotton candy clouds.” Twilight replied, pacing back and forth once again.
“Nothin' against your magic skills, Twi... But this here isn't lookin' like it worked the way it was supposed tah.” Applejack replied giving a glance up at the cotton candy clouds, which were now thundering loudly.
“Actually, I think it worked perfectly.” Twilight replied, earning confused looks from everypony.
“Are you loco in the coco Twilight? This doesn't look like no cotton candy clouds to me. In fact it looks like the exact opposite of no cotton candy clouds to me!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, still looking confused.
“What I mean is, Rainbow Dash's boss tricked me and her into casting this spell for him.” Twilight replied. Once again, everypony looked at her with shocked expressions.
“But why on earth would he want to make more of them? I simply can not fathom why the head of a weather company would want to wreck his reputation like this.” Rarity replied, looking up at the sky, then back the Twilight and the others.
“You reckon it has somethin to do with Discord Twi?” Applejack asked with an inquiring tone.
“That's exactly what it think.” Twilight replied then turned to Spike. “Spike. I want you to write a letter to Princess Celestia about everything we just talked about and I want it sent yesterday!” Twilight exclaimed. Spike saluted her and began writing the letter, than stopped.
“Uh... Twilight... How am I supposed to send it yesterday, if yesterday was yesterday and today is today?” Spike asked, sending Twilight's brain for a loop until she shook her head to shake off her confusion. “It's an expression Spike. It means write that letter and send it as fast as you can!” Twilight exclaimed, after which Spike began to write the letter again and a few minutes later, wrapped it up and blow fire onto it, sending it to Princess Celestia.
“How's Rainbow doin'?” Applejack asked curiously, looking at Fluttershy.
“Well, as I said ealier, she's taken it pretty hard...” Fluttershy trailed off, then let out a started squeak.”Oh my! She doesn't know that Scootaloo was fillynapped!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a worried voice.
“SHE WAS WHAT?!” Rainbow Dash's voice exclaimed as she swiftly landed next to the other ponies and quickly held her head.
“You okay thar Rainbow?” Applejack asked in a concerned tone.
“Yeah, just a hangover. Nothing big. Now tell me, what's this about Scootaloo being fillynapped?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking at Twilight and the others.
Twilight then explained everything she had just said to the others, and by the end of it, Rainbow Dash looked as if she was ready to break something or somepony. “Why that no good, low life, snob nosed, fancy talking, FOAL OF AN ASSHOLE!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed at the top of her lungs.
Just as Rainbow Dash was about to take off, Spike belched out yet another letter, which he quickly read. “The letter says that Princess Celestia suspected that Stormhooves was plotting something, but hadn't heard from her PBI agent for some time. She also says that the last known location of Scootaloo's parents, before they were found murdered, was in the cloud city of Cyrusville.” Spike said at which point Rainbow Dash took the pose to take off again.
“Rainbow wait! Just what are you going to do once you find her? I'll bet Stormhooves has a bunch of goons waiting to beat the feathers out of you no sooner you show your face! Let's wait and form a plan of action.” Twilight said trying to calm the cyan blue pegasus.
“The last time I waited, I lost her Twilight. I won't do that again!” Rainbow Dash replied angrily.
“Without a plan? What do you possibly possess that could possibly save her?” Twilight asked trying to talk some sense into the pegasus.
“I only need one thing...” Rainbow Dash replied as a proud smile formed on her face.
“Which is?” Twilight asked, unsure of what she meant.
“My love for my daughter! That's all I need!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, then took off to the skies before anypony could stop her.
“Ugh! That pony is going to get herself killed! Fluttershy, follow her!” Twilight exclaimed at which point Fluttershy took off trailing behind Rainbow Dash, but not by much.
===============================
“You didn't have to follow me you know.” Rainbow Dash said as she landed just on the outskirts of Cyrusville.
“I know. But I want to help you. Fillynapping is inexcusable.” Fluttershy replied with a smile.
“Well, I’d be lying my flank off if I said I wasn't happy to have some sort of backup.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile, then she turned her gaze to the cloud city.
“So where do we start?” Fluttershy asked as she turned her gaze to the cloud city as well.
“I don't know but- hey! What is Hoops doing here for?” Rainbow Dash asked as she caught the view of the light brown pegasus flying a little above the city and dived in a few moments later.
With only that small lead to go on, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash secretly followed Hoops until they found him alone. With no pony around, Rainbow Dash swiftly yanked him into an ally and slammed him against a wall. “What are you doing here Hoops? You don't live in Cyrusville and we both know it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, looking extremely threatening.
“I ain't scared of you anymore Rainbow Crash! Once Discord comes back, I'm gonna be livin' it up and there's nothin' you can do to stop him!” Hoops replied with a grin. However a hoof to the face knocked him to the ground, one that didn't come from Rainbow Dash, but shockingly, from Fluttershy.
“Now. I’m only going to ask this once.” Fluttershy said in a sweet tone until her expression suddenly changed to one Rainbow Dash only had seen once in her life, which was at the gala. “WHERE IS SCOOTALOO?!” Fluttershy's voice erupted at the top of her lungs, huffing and puffing after she screamed this.
“I don't know! That Stormhooves guy said he was going to take her somewhere secret and I wasn't allowed to know!” Hoops replied, scooting backwards and unable to get to his hooves properly from his terrified state.
“Well then. You best start talking or the filly's gloves are going to come off AND YOU WON'T LIKE ME!” Fluttershy began to say in a sweet tone, but by the end of her statement, her expression had changed once again to one that Rainbow Dash had only seen at the gala as she screamed the last five words of her sentence at the quivering pegasus.
==================================
“Wow. That was kind of scary of you Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash said as they flew over the city to the last location that Hoops had told them he had seen Stormhooves.
“Was I that scary? I'm sorry.” Fluttershy replied in her normal, shy voice.
“No, no. That was awesome scary. I didn't think you had it in you.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk as they landed.
“Well, I’m just ever so worried about poor Scootaloo. I don't know what came over me.” Fluttershy replied with a nervous smile.
“It's called anger, Fluttershy. The kind of anger you feel towards someone who has done something very wrong.” Rainbow Dash replied as she opened the door to the building and walked in with Fluttershy close behind her.
“Is it the kind of anger you're feeling?” Fluttershy asked timidly as they walked through the darkened building.
The building they had walked into was obviously a type of storage warehouse. They walked past several boxes labeled with the names of the products they were storing. The building seemed to be very large and looked as if it stretched on for miles, but of course they could barely see the floor in front of their hooves as well.
“No... The anger I’m feeling right now you could only feel if you had your daughter taken away from you.” Rainbow Dash replied in a bitter tone as she strained her eyes to see in the dark.
“I can't see a thing in here.” Fluttershy said in a nervous tone as stayed as close to Rainbow Dash as possible.
It was at this moment Rainbow Dash heard music, but it was very faint, so faint that if Fluttershy hadn't stopped talking when she did, she most likely would have never heard it otherwise. “Can you hear that?” Rainbow Dash asked in a whisper. Fluttershy strained her ears in an attempt to listen, but she heard nothing.
“No. Am I not listening hard enough? I'm sorry.” Fluttershy asked only to get a hoof placed on her mouth shushing the yellow pegasus as Rainbow Dash strained her ears in an attempt to hear where the music was coming from.
“I think it's coming from this way.” Rainbow Dash whispered and began to head to the east of where she was standing, followed closely by Fluttershy.
As they continued in that direction, the music began to grow louder and louder until Fluttershy heard it herself. “What kind of music is that? I've never heard it before.” Rainbow Dash asked in a whisper.
“It sounds like... A requiem?” Fluttershy replied as she listened.
“What's a requiem?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“It means a song for the dead. Or at least that's what the word means. This tune definitely sounds like a requiem.” Fluttershy replied still listening intently.
As Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy grew closer to the music, they soon found themselves at the face of a flat wall. “What the...?” Rainbow Dash said in confusion as she tapped on the seemingly solid wall.
“There's gotta be a way through.” Rainbow Dash said as she began to tap along the wall attempting to find some sort of switch.
“Rainbow... It's a cloud building wall... Just punch a hole in it.” Fluttershy said after a few moments with a annoyed look that Rainbow Dash couldn't see in the dark.
“Oh right. Eh-heh... I knew that.” Rainbow Dash replied with a sheepish expression before turning to look at the wall. She arched back her arm and thrust a hoof into the wall only to hit something very solid. “Ow, ow, ow! Fluttershy! You said this was a cloud wall!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, holding her sore hoof as it throbbed painfully.
“Oops...” Fluttershy replied meekly.
“Why is a solid concrete wall doing in a cloud city anyways?” Rainbow Dash asked herself aloud.
The music was growing slightly faster in pace now as if it was nearing it's climax which made Fluttershy begin to panic a little. “We need to get in there quickly. The song sounds like it's nearing the end.” Fluttershy said in a slightly panicked tone.
“Well let's see you get through here then!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, clearly annoyed as she still hold held her throbbing hoof as the pain began to subside.
Fluttershy then gently pushed Rainbow Dash to the side and stood there for a few moments. “Well are you going to do something or what?” Rainbow Dash asked looking annoyed.
“HAI-YAH!” Fluttershy exclaimed at the top of her lungs and punched a hole into the concrete wall, much to the cyan blue pegasus's shock.
“When did you learn how do that?!” Rainbow Dash asked however Fluttershy didn't answer and gave several more “HAI-YAH!”s until the hole was large enough for them to climb through.
“Well... Twilight suggested I take self-defense classes shortly after the gala, and I guess they come in handy.” Fluttershy replied meekly her shy expression now clearly be seen as fresh light poured in through the hole.
Rainbow Dash quickly climbed through the hole, followed closely by Fluttershy as she walked into what seemed like a vast room without a ceiling. But unlike Fluttershy, who had taken in her surroundings, Rainbow Dash had her eyes transfixed on the quivering orange pegasus who sat in the middle of the room, chained to the floor next to what looked to be Discord's statue itself.
“Hang on Scootaloo, mommy's coming!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a whisper and attempted to take off, only for Fluttershy to halt her in her tracks by biting down on her rainbow colored tail doing her best to keep Rainbow Dash from blasting in and making a scene.
“We can't just rush in there like this! We would never make it past all those ponies!” Fluttershy exclaimed between gritted teeth as she held onto the cyan blue pegasus's tail.
“But she's so scared. And she's right there! I can't just sit back and do nothing!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a whisper still trying to blast in there at top speed.
“We won't! We just need to figure out how to get past those ponies!” Fluttershy replied and let out a sigh of relief as Rainbow Dash stopped trying to blast in there.
“So what are we going to do?” Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone as she yanked her tail out of Fluttershy's mouth.
Even though Fluttershy wasn't the brainy type like Twilight, she still was smart enough to think up a plan, which eventually came to her as she saw two ponies dressed like all the others walking towards them. “Follow me, quick!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a whisper and pulled Rainbow Dash along with her quietly.
“Hey... What's this?” One of the dressed ponies asked as they pointed at the hole in the wall.
“It's a hole, you idiot.” The other replied.
“I know what it is! But why is there a hole in here?” The other one replied, looking annoyed.
“Hai-yah!” Fluttershy exclaimed several times as she landed blows on the two unsuspecting ponies, knocking them out with ease. Thankfully, due to the loud music that was echoing throughout the room, she went unheard.
Catching onto Fluttershy's plan, Rainbow began to quickly undress the second pony while Fluttershy began to undress the first. Soon they were both wearing the outfits that all other ponies were wearing in the room, drug the two unconscious ponies over to a dark part of the room, and left them there.
Soon they were amongst the crowd, quickly making their way to the front of the rest, and finally stopping with Scootaloo clearly in view in the center of the room. It took everything bit of Rainbow's willpower not to rush in and attempt to save her daughter. “So what now?” Rainbow Dash whisper to Fluttershy.
“We wait for the right moment to grab her and run.” Fluttershy replied in the same whisper.
“That's your grand plan?! That's it! I’m going to get her out of here now!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a whisper, only to halt as a black pony stepped forward through the crowd just across from her.
It was Stormhooves.
DISCORD'S REVIVAL
“Fillies and Gentlecolts, it is my honor to say that on this very evening. We the loyal subjects of Discord's army will have our lord back!” Stormhooves exclaimed proudly which was responded to with many cheers. “Before we begin however I would like to extend a personal thank you to Twilight Sparkle without whom we would have never realized this day.” Stormhooves said with a grin which was meant with a chorus of chuckles and light laughter.
“With that out of the way. Let us begin!” Stormhooves replied at which point he walked up to Scootaloo.
“Wh-What are you going to do to me?” Scootaloo asked in a terrified voice.
“Have no fear my sweet Scootaloo. No harm will come to you in this little ritual of ours. After all without you Discord would be forever imprisoned.” Stormhooves replied then turned to look around at the crowd of ponies around them then back to Scootaloo. “It is time you know the truth about your so-called mother.” Stormhooves said as a wicked smile formed on his face.
“I won't believe a word you say! Rainbow Dash is the best mom in the world! And nothing could make me hate her!” Scootaloo exclaimed in an angry tone at which point Rainbow Dash couldn't be prouder of her daughter.
“That's it Scoots. Shown em who's boss.” Rainbow Dash said in a whisper unheard to even Fluttershy.
“Oh really? Then lets begin with this little fact. Did you know that Rainbow Dash never intended to keep you around? In fact she was all for the idea of sending you away, but it took her friend Twilight Sparkle to convince her not to.” Stormhooves said with a grin at which point Rainbow Dash's chest began to swell with guilt.
“Nice try featherbrain. She already told me that and I have forgiven her for it.” Scootaloo replied with a sour tone earning a soft giggle from Rainbow Dash once again unheard by anypony.
“Well then. How about this? Did you know that Rainbow Dash was given plenty of time off while you were staying with her, but instead of teaching you how to fly. She left it up to Hoops and Kevin while she practiced her own tricks?” Stormhooves said still holding his evil grin while Rainbow Dash let out a silent gasp.
“How did he know about that?!” Rainbow Dash asked herself as more guilt began to swell in her chest. Sure she did take the time that she got from giving Scootaloo to Hoops and Kevin to herself and did practice tricks sometimes but wasn't she entitled to some of this?
At first this looked as if it hadn't fazed the young filly but then she spoke. “Y-You're lying! Mom would never do that to me. She was working for you and you made her work all the time so she had no time for me!” Scootaloo exclaimed though she didn't sound so sure of herself and Stormhooves knew it.
“These are Rainbow Dash's work schedules for my company. They are unchanged.” Stormhooves stated with a grin as a small stack of papers were set in front of Scootaloo.
More guilt began to swell in the cyan blue Pegasus’s chest as Scootaloo read over the papers. “So what? For all I know you could have changed this!” Scootaloo exclaimed but her voice was sounding even more unsure by the minuet.
“By Equestrian law I am forbidden to.” Stormhooves replied.
“Equestrian law means horsefeathers to you! Your sitting here trying to revive Discord!” Scootaloo countered with angry expression.
“Quite the contrary Scootaloo. Even though I am going to revive our lord tonight. I do have a public face in Equestria that I must uphold. For you see if I didn't I would have been already caught you see.” Stormhooves replied still grinning.
“I-I still don't believe you!” Scootaloo exclaimed but her voice showed a clear lack of confidence as she said this which made Stormhooves grin even more so if possible knowing he was finally getting to the filly.
Stormhooves presented fact after fact to Scootaloo. Soon the filly was tears still saying he was lying but even she couldn't bring herself to believe what he was saying were lies anymore... The worst part of it was every single thing he said was the truth which made Rainbow Dash feel even worse with each fact until she couldn't take anymore...
ENOUGH!!!
Rainbow Dash shouted at the top of her lungs causing everypony including Fluttershy to look at her as she yanked off the outfit she was wearing and stepped into the middle of the circle. “That's enough Stormhooves! Quit spouting off nonsense to her!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she felt herself seething with rage towards the black Pegasus.
“Nonsense? Why my dear Dash. Everything I have told little Scootaloo here is nothing but the truth.” Stormhooves replied with a sinister grin.
“Is what he said the truth mommy?” Scootaloo asked her eyes flooding with tears right now as she looked at the cyan Pegasus.
Scootaloo's eyes told Rainbow Dash that she didn't want to believe what he was saying that everything he said here tonight was nothing but lies. However Rainbow Dash made a promise to herself from the day she told Scootaloo it was okay to tell the world she was her mom. No more secrets. No more lies. And she wasn't about to break that promise now. However she couldn't bring herself to say it.
“Mommy? None of it's true.....is it?” Scootaloo said after a brief moment of silence the sound her of voice was now desperate. She was desperate to hear those words” None of it's true Scoots.” Those were the words she wanted to hear, but they never came.
Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash her expression becoming horrified and hurt as she began to sob loudly. “It's all true...you never loved me. You never thought of me as your daughter.” Scootaloo said between sobs.
“No! I love you more than anything Scootaloo! You're the world to me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed tears flooding from her eyes.
“Then tell me none of it's true! Tell me that he's told me nothing but lies!” Scootaloo exclaimed between sobs.
Unknown to either pony however Discord's statue suddenly brandished a deep crack...
“I-I want to...but I promised myself I would never lie to you again...i won't start now.” Rainbow Dash replied as tears dripped from her cheeks to the stone cold floor at her hooves.
At this Scootaloo began to sob louder than ever burying her face in her hooves as she sobbed. Rainbow Dash rushed over to the sobbing filly and attempted to hold her but was promptly shoved away much to her own horror.
“Leave me alone! You never loved me! I'm ashamed I ever called you my mother!” Scootaloo shouted in an angry yet hurt voice at the top of her lungs.
Rainbow Dash's heart dropped to the pit of her stomach upon hearing these words. “Y-You don't mean that...” Rainbow Dash replied her voice shaking as she spoke.
The crack in Discord's statue was now stretching very quickly along the surface of the entire statue as a dark aura began to seep out of it still unknown to both Pegasus.
“Yes I do! I never want to see you again!” Scootaloo shouted angrily at the top her lungs tears flooding from her eyes.
“F-Fine! I'm sorry I ever came to rescue your sorry flank!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed allowing her anger to get the better of her,however she immediately regretted it having realized what she said was the worst possible thing she could have ever said however before she could take it back a very loud cracking noise made the Blue Pegasus snap her gaze up to Discord's statue which was now looking as if it was ready to shatter to pieces on the spot.
It was then the horrifying truth hit her. This was the ritual. This was the plan all along. Stormhooves counted on her showing up and when she did he told Scootaloo everything that he knew would make the young filly turn against her. He intended from the very start to create disharmony between her and Scootaloo. The worst kind of disharmony ever possible. A mother and a daughter hating one another.
However it was too late to take anything back. Not only because she wanted to but because the statue began to fissure and exploded a short time after knocking Rainbow Dash away into the crowd of ponies who promptly held her down.
Rainbow Dash could do nothing but watch in horror as the smoke cleared and Discord was revealed in the flesh.
“That was fantastic! I do love disharmony between ponies. Especially this kind.” Discord said his voice becoming very dark and sinister as he spoke.
It was at this everypony in the room bowed except for Fluttershy who could only look on in horror. Discord then looked down to see Scootaloo quivering like a rattlesnake tail at the very sight of him.
“No need to fear me young filly. In fact I’m going to get rid of all that pain and sorrow.” Discord said feigning a sympathetic voice as he placed a single finger of his lion paw on Scootaloo's head.
“No! Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed at the top of her lungs struggling to break free however the pile of ponies on top of her now was more than enough to keep the Cyan blue Pegasus subdued leaving her to watch in horror as Scootaloo's color began to change from her head and trailed down until her color was a greyish shade of it's original color. What happened next however was unexpected as Scootaloo began to grow in height until she was the size of an adult mare. She then opened her eyes and stared at Rainbow Dash would a deep sense of loathing.
“No,no,no! Let me go! Let me go!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone as she struggled with all her might to get from the grasp of the ponies holding her down however her efforts proved fruitless.
“Scootaloo....it's me Fluttershy. Do you remember me?” Fluttershy said in her kind sweet voice as she nervously approached the mare who was now Scootaloo.
“Yeah I know who you are Kluztershy! Leave me alone or I’ll make sure you do!” Scootaloo exclaimed making the yellow Pegasus back away with a startled squeak.
“Hold her down.” Discord said in a jeering voice with a cruel smile at which point Fluttershy let out a startled cry as several ponies piled on top of her holding her down as well.
“My lord. We have waited for this day for nearly a year and finally you grace us with your presence once again.” Stormhooves said bowing.
“Really Stormhooves, must you always be so formal? It's really dull.” Discord replied in a slightly annoyed tone.
“What shall we do with these two?” Stormhooves asked looking to Rainbow Dash who was still struggling to get free and Fluttershy who could only shake in fear.
“Hmm...” Discord said placing his claw shaped hand on his chin looking deep in thought. “Well I can't necessarily discord them. That blasted unicorn will just reverse it again now won't she?” Discord said aloud as if he was thinking out loud to himself still looking as if he was deep in thought. “Oh well. Do what what you like with them. Toss them in a flaming pit of fire for all I care.” Discord said in a nonchalant tone as she walked through the crowd of ponies which made a path for him instantly as he approached with Scootaloo following him closely.
“Fluttershy! You have to do something! I know you can! Get mad!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed still struggling.
“I-I-I can't!” Fluttershy stuttered in a fearful tone.
“Fluttershy, these ponies are the ones who took Scootaloo away from me! They turned her into that mean pony you see now. If you do nothing, we could lose Scootaloo forever!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed at which point Fluttershy's eyes snapped wide in shock.
“You....big....dumb.....MEANIES!!!!!” Fluttershy's voice erupted starting out low but by the end of her sentence she had shouted the last of her word and a few moments later ponies literally went flying and not with their wings having been either bucked or kicked off by Fluttershy whom now looked VERY, VERY pissed off.
Anypony who approached her had their face knocked in or some other form of pain inflicted upon them. Rainbow Dash had seen her mad but not THIS mad. “Wow...I think she really snapped this time...” Rainbow Dash said to herself sheepishly as ponies jumped off her to try and pin Fluttershy down again only to get bucked. With her captors now distracted Rainbow Dash swiftly followed Discord and Scootaloo.
“Hey Discord!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily as she flew at her top speed at him causing the hydrocephalus to turn around and see her flying at him. “I've got a hoof with your name on it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed arching her hoof back ready to punch him at full speed only to get bucked out of nowhere sending her skidding to a halt on the floor.
“You're going to have to get through me if you want a shot at Discord!” Scootaloo exclaimed taking a threatening stance at the Cyan blue Pegasus.
“I don't want to fight you Scoots.” Rainbow Dash replied looking at Scootaloo as she backed away.
“I didn't say you had a choice!” Scootaloo exclaimed and charged at Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash dodged each punch at her to the best of her ability not wanting to fight her daughter meanwhile Discord had conjured up a chair along with a bucket of popcorn and was eating it while he watched the two Pegasus fight. As the fight dragged on the cyan blue Pegasus was unable to dodge several of Scootaloo's punches however never struck back.
As if to add insult to injury Discord made the bucket of popcorn disappear and replaced with a microphone which he began to commentate on the fight. “A fierce hoof punch by Scootaloo! And Rainbow Dash dodges it but only barely! This is becoming quite the fight folks! Mother versus daughter! Place your bets!” Discord exclaimed his expression becoming a combination of eagerness and evil grinning as he spoke the last sentence.
“She's not my mom! She never was!” Scootaloo exclaimed turning a glare at Discord.
“Oh my sincerest apologies Scootaloo.” Discord replied feigning an apologetic look.
Rainbow Dash felt a sharp pain in her chest upon hearing this but it wasn't the psychical kind. It was the emotional kind which hurt even worse if possible.
It was at this moment however that several ponies came flying through the door from the previous room landing on the ground looking thoroughly beaten.
“I do believe that is our cue to leave Scootaloo.” Discord said giving a nervous glance at the unconscious ponies.
“Fine.” Scootaloo replied, turned away from Rainbow Dash, and stood by Discord who disappeared along with her in a flash of magic moments later.
With no way to figure out where Discord and Scootaloo went the Cyan blue Pegasus returned to the previous room only for her jaw to drop. Ponies were either laying on the ground unconscious or fleeing in fear of Fluttershy as she stood in the center of the room.
“WHO ELSE WANTS SOME?!” Fluttershy screamed at the top of her lungs huff and puffing.
Rainbow Dash approached her only to nearly get her head clocked by a hoof. “Whoa,whoa,whoa! Fluttershy it's me! Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone at which point Fluttershy's expression suddenly changed from fury to shock and horror.
“Oh my! I'm oh so sorry Rainbow! I don't know what came over me!” Fluttershy exclaimed shaking now realizing that she has done all this.
===================================
“Would you calm the hay down Twilight. They are gonna be just fine, you'll see.” Applejack said as she looked at the Purple unicorn who was pacing back and forth now nervously as a storm of chocolate milk raged outside her home.
“But what if they're not Applejack? What if they...” Twilight said trailing off unable to bring herself to say the words.
“Applejack is right darling. Calm down. You'll give your mane split ends if you keep this up.” Rarity said chiming in on Applejack's statement.
“I can't help it! Two of our best friends are out there and we have no idea if they are safe or-” Twilight began to say only for the door to her home to swing open moments later revealing it to be Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash covered in Chocolate rain and looking worse for wear.
“Holy horsefeathers! Are you two are right?” Applejack asked in a worried voice as she rushed over to the two along with the other three who had been waiting nervously for their return.
“I'm fine.” Fluttershy replied with a smile however Rainbow Dash didn't speak. She just silently closed the door behind her.
“Are you okay darling?” Rarity asked looking at Rainbow Dash with a worried expression on her face.
“No...I'm not okay.” Rainbow Dash replied flatly.
“What happened? Did they hurt you?” Twilight asked rushing over to the cyan blue Pegasus.
“Yeah...but it's not my body that's hurting the most right now.” Rainbow Dash replied in the same flat tone, walked past Twilight and the others up the stairs and to Twilight's room closing the door behind her.
“Wow! Rainbow Dash looks very sad! I know! Lets throw her a party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a bright smile.
“I don't think a party will fix this Pinkie Pie...” Fluttershy said in a sad tone with a frown to match it.
“What happened over there?” Twilight asked as she sat down in front of Fluttershy who sat down a few moments before.
So Fluttershy told them everything. How Discord was revived, how Scootaloo turned on Rainbow Dash and even told them some of the hurtful things she had said to cyan blue Pegasus. By the end of her story everypony was nearly on the verge of tears.
“How awful! The poor darling must be in so much pain right now!” Rarity exclaimed looking up the stairs at the closed door to the room which Rainbow Dash was in.
“You were right Fluttershy...not even the most super, awesome, spectacular cheer up party in Equestria could fix this...” Pinkie Pie said with a frown.
“I reckon this is tearing up her heart somethin fierce right now. And what's worse is there's nothin we can do about it.” Applejack said giving a thoughtful glance up to the door as well.
“There must be something. I mean we can't just let her sit up there and hope she gets better can we?” Twilight said looking to each of her friends.
“Twi, there are just some things that nothin in Equestria can heal. The only thing that can help poor Dash's heart heal right now is time. Trouble is, we ain't got much time. I reckon Discord is goin to be marchin up to Princess Celestia's castle any moment.
“I've got to warn her!” Twilight exclaimed in a panicked tone then turned to Spike who was rolling up a parchment of paper and blowing fire onto it.
“One step ahead of you Twilight.” Spike said with a smile.
“Well that's one less thing to worry about, but we need to get to Princess Celestia's castle right away!” Twilight exclaimed getting ready to charge out the door when she suddenly stopped. “Somepony needs to talk to Rainbow.” Twilight said after a few moments silence.
“I reckon I could give a shot. After all me and Rainbow are a bit closer than y'all.” Applejack said as she stood on all fours hooves,walked up to Twilight's room, and opened the door slowly.
“Rainbow...I know you're hurtin but we need tah-” Applejack began only to see Twilight's bedroom window open and the room empty. “What in tarnation? Oh horsefeathers!” Applejack exclaimed confused at first then cursed realizing that Rainbow Dash must have been listening to them and flew off to confront Discord and Scootaloo on her own.
============================
The storm raged on as the cyan blue Pegasus braved the storm nearly falling out of the sky several times but she continued on. Something had changed in Rainbow Dash. She was no longer thinking of her friends. In fact at this particular moment should could care less about them. The only thing that mattered to her at the moment,the only thing she cared about, her world, was possibly in Celestia's castle right now and she was going to take her daughter back from Discord. Even if it meant her life.
Finally Celestia's castle was in view and a few minuets later she landed on the steps to her castle doors. Sure enough they were wide open which meant Discord was here as well as her daughter. Rainbow Dash took off from the ground at blazing speed flyign through the vast halls looking to each one to find traces of combat. The odd thing about all this is she found none. No sign of a struggle, no ponies laying unconscious, no nothing. With nothing to go on she decided she would head for the royal chambers she remembered being in last time.
It was then she saw them. Stormhooves and his army with Scootaloo and Discord at the front of them staring at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna whom were prepared to fight. “Discord! I want my daughter back!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she landed on the ground, causing everypony to turn and look at her.
“Kill that foal!” Stormhooves commanded at which point ten ponies charged at her.
“You picked the wrong day to pick a fight with this Pegasus...” Rainbow Dash said as her eyes narrowed, and took off from the ground once again. Using her great speed she was known for she flew around the great hall followed by the Pegasus however they were unable to keep up trailing farther behind her by the second. That is until she suddenly pulled a vertical dive which caused all the Pegasus behind her to go crashing through the glass windows with a loud shatter.
Scootaloo was just about to take off when Discord stopped her waving a finger in silence wearing a wide grin as he watched Rainbow Dash dispatch group after group of ponies. It wasn't until after the fifth group when Discord ordered them to stop and began to clap his hands.
“Bravo, Bravo Rainbow Dash! You certainly live up to your name as the fastest flier in all of Equestria.” Discord said in a jeering tone looking at the cyan blue Pegasus.
“Give...me...my...daughter...back!” Rainbow Dash said through gritted teeth as she landed on the ground taking slow threatening steps towards Discord.
“Oh I would of course, but there is one little tensy-wensy little problem.” Discord replied still wearing his cruel grin.
“That wasn't a request...” Rainbow Dash replied once again through gritted teeth.
“Dear little Scootaloo was the source of my revival, thus making her apart of me. As long as she's alive, there's nothing you can do to stop me.” Discord said seemingly unfazed by the cyan blue Pegasus's clear display of hostile intent.
“You're full of horsefeathers Discord. The Elements of harmony defeated you last time and they can again!” Applejack's voice exclaimed from behind her as she and the other four of Rainbow Dash's friends rushed into the hall each wearing their respective necklace that represented their element of harmony.
“Rainbow, here!” Twilight exclaimed throwing her necklace to her which she jumped up to catch and allowed it to magically latch onto her neck and landed back on the ground.
“Oh no! The elements of harmony! I'm in big trouble now!” Discord exclaimed with a mock expression of horror then changed back to a grin.
“What's so funny?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed angrily.
“Well you see. If you turn me back into stone...” Discord said trailing off looking at Scootaloo then back to the six ponies. “Poor Scootaloo will suffer the same fate as she is now directly connected to me thanks to the pain and anguish Rainbow Dash and her share.” Discord said with a cruel grin.
This however didn't affect the any of them except for one. Rainbow Dash's face turned from anger to sudden worry as she looked over at Scootaloo who was staying in place by Discord's command.
“You expect us to believe that?! I knew you were a lying liar pants but this puts the cherry on top of the super huge, strawberry icing covered, cake!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed still looking mad.
“Oh it's quite true, but if you still think I’m full of it. Then I am ready to be defeated. Fire when ready ladies.” Discord said conjuring a bull's eye target on his chest.
“Alright! Lets put this guy in his place!” Twilight exclaimed at which point everypony took their positions except for Rainbow Dash who continued to stare at Scootaloo.
“Darling, we can't do this without you.” Rarity said looking at Rainbow Dash with a worried expression.
“I...I can't do it girls.” Rainbow Dash said after a few moments earning shocked glances from everypony while Discord's grin grew even larger if possible.
“Don't listen to a word that varmit is tellin ya Rainbow! He's lyin his tail off to try and keep up from kicking his flank from bein turned back into stone!” Applejack exclaimed trying to reassure the cyan blue Pegasus.
“But what if he isn't? Then Scootaloo would be...” Rainbow Dash trailed off looking back to Scootaloo.
“Don't believe a word that lying liar pants says Dashy!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed trying to reassure her now as well.
Rainbow Dash looked at her friends, then to discord, then to Scootaloo. She looked at her daughter for what seemed like forever until she turned her head back to her five friends.
“I just can't take that chance. I'm sorry.” Rainbow Dash said finally after a few more moments throwing her necklace at Twilight's hooves causing them to gasp.
“Some element of loyalty she turned out to be...” Stormhooves jeered with a grin.
“I still am loyal! But right now my loyalty isn't to my friends...” Rainbow Dash said turning her head to stare at Stormhooves with an angry stare then looked at Scootaloo her expression softening as she looked at her. “It's to my daughter...” Rainbow Dash said looking at Scootaloo now.
At this Scootaloo turned away from her but unknown to anypony her face wasn't one of loathing now but of confusion. “Why is she still protecting me? After all I've done to her she should hate my guts as much as I do her's...so why isn't she hating me?” Scootaloo thought to herself trying to make sense of Rainbow Dash's actions.
“Scoots, I know your still in there. If you can hear me. I still love you and nothing you will ever do could make me hate you because...” Rainbow Dash said trailing off then her expression changed from sadness to proud as she stood tall. “Because you are and always will be my daughter! And I can wait for you to come back to me because I know deep inside, you know this isn't the pony you want to be.” Rainbow Dash said still looking proud.
No sooner Scootaloo heard these words a silent gasp escaped her lips and her eyes widened in shock brimming with tears.
Discord looked at his hand which only he noticed but the tip of is index finger on his lion paw has begun to turn to stone then gave a worried glance to Scootaloo who was still facing away and them. “Heh, still telling lies are we? Have you already forgotten everything that Stormhooves told Scootaloo? You honestly think she could forgive you just like that after all you've done?” Discord said with a sinister grin.
Upon hearing this Scootaloo's expression changed from teary-eyed back to it's loathing expression as she swiftly wiped away tears, turned around, and stared at Rainbow Dash. “You thought a few sappy words could trick me? Ha! I'm onto you Rainbow Crash! You better thank your flank that Discord told me to stay here or you're featherbrained hide would be flattened right now!” Scootaloo exclaimed angrily.
Rainbow Dash then lowered her head and shortly after took off out the shattered window leaving the other five alone with Discord and his army of seventy or more ponies. “What are we going to do Twilight? Without Rainbow we can't use the Elements of harmony!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she stated the obvious.
“Haha! Once again harmony in Equestria is officially damned! And for good this time I’d wager....” Discord said and began to laugh manically as the five ponies could only stare on in horror as he laughed.
KINDNESS AND PRIDE LOST
Twilight looked on at Discord who continued to laugh evilly. “Discord! You haven't won yet! As long as me and my sister still breath, you will never rule Equestria!” Celestia's voice boomed snapping Discord out of his laughter.
“Still grim as ever, eh Celestia?” Discord said poofing in a flashing of magic from in front of Twilight and her friends and back to in front of Celestia and Luna.
“You will not win! My sister and I are unstoppable!” Luna exclaimed glaring at Discord.
“Hmm...you know. I had a lot of time to think while I was encased in stone. After all that's all I had but time. And over the course of the last year I realized something very important.” Discord said still looking unfazed.
“And what might that be?” Celestia asked still standing firm but ready to strike at a moments notice.
“The elements of harmony are the only things that can stop me. And you two are no longer connected to them.” Discord replied still grinning.
“I fail to see where you are going with this.” Luna replied in a flat tone however Celestia's face had become slightly nervous.
“In other words, you two are powerless against me with them. Oh and one more thing...” Discord said and snapped a finger.
At first it seemed as if he had done nothing until Celestia gave a panicked glance at her hooves which began to turn to stone and immediately began to try and dispel the effects of the spell but seemed to only be slowing it's progress. “Sister!” Luna exclaimed in a worried yet panicked tone as she realized what was happening.
“Princess!” Twilight's voice erupted from the other side of the room having noticed the same thing and began to rush over only for the army of ponies and stormhooves to stop her in her tracks.
“Oh come now Celestia. You can't dispel my magic. After all, it took the elements of harmony to defeat me last time. What possible chance do you have without them?” Discord said as a wicked grin formed on his face.
“You....big...dumb....MEANIE!” Fluttershy's voice erupted from behind them as she took off at breakneck speed at Discord barreling her way through Pegasus who attempted to get in her way only to hit a sudden brick wall that Discord made appear mere inches away from him. However moments later Fluttershy's hoof could be soon blasting through it.
“Oh for goodness sake! I thought you were the element of kindness?!” Discord exclaimed looking more annoyed than anything as Fluttershy blasted another chunk of the cement wall out of the way.
“Oh she is. But you see our sweet little Fluttershy has...a slight problem with controlling her temper to ponies who do very mean things.” Twilight said with a wide grin despite the worry she was feeling for her teacher.
“Oh really?” Discord replied dodging a brick that Fluttershy sent sailing past his head and gave a inquiring yet mildly worried look back at Fluttershy who's face could be barely seen now through the brick wall.
Celestia's body was half petrified by now still resisting the spell but she knew she couldn't hold out for much longer.
“Heh, Ah knew Fluttershy had a temper on her but this right here blows the apple orchard out of the ground.” Applejack said looking apprehensive as she watched Fluttershy bash hoof after hoof into the brick wall.
Pinkie Pie just stared,jaw dropped with a completely dumfounded expression on her face unable to utter a word while Rarity looked as if she was ready to vomit. “We just went to the salon yesterday! Oh that hoof polishing she got is going to shame!” Rarity exclaimed looking horrified.
“This has gone on long enough!” Discord exclaimed poofing from where he stood and right behind Fluttershy. He then placed a single digit of his claw on her head at which point her friends faces turned to panic.
Fluttershy's color soon turned to an all too familiar gray shade of her natural color as she suddenly stopped punching the brick wall and remained stationary in the air until she finally landed on all four hooves. “Oh horseapples! This don't look like it's goin well.” Applejack cursed looking at Fluttershy.
“Now then my dear. Why don't you join Scootaloo and STAY STILL!” Discord said in a calm manner but said the final two words of his sentence with a great annoyance.
“No.” Fluttershy replied in a snooty tone but flew over next to Scootaloo and stood next to her just the same.
“Don't stand next to me Kluztershy.” Scootaloo said in the same loathing tone only to have Fluttershy's hoof stop barely inches from her face causing her to flinch.
“Aww, what's wrong. I thought you said you would make me regret it if I stayed too close to you hmm? You nothing but all talk aren't ya? Ha,ha,ha.” Fluttershy said in a jeering tone.
Scootaloo looked at Fluttershy for a moment then back to Twilight and her friends who looked horrified by this turn of events then to Discord. While the Pegasus said nothing. Fluttershy suddenly becoming a very cruel and mean version of herself felt very unnerving to mare.
With his current problem solved, Discord turned back to look at Celestia who's head was the only thing not turned to stone as the spell traveled up her neck. “Oh, I see why you turned me to stone Celestia. It is very fun!” Discord said with a cruel grin and began to laugh.
“Princess! Hang on! I'll save you!” Twilight exclaimed as she charged forward again only to be stopped once again by Pegasus who stood her in way.
“Twilight. While I appreciate your concern this is no longer the place for you to be. Leave now and find Rainbow Dash so you can use the elements of harmony to defeat Discord!” Celestia exclaimed as the spell was now at the base of her head.
“But Princess!” Twilight exclaimed as tears began to form in her eyes.
“Come on Twi! You heard her.” Applejack exclaimed trying to move Twilight however she seemed unable to.
“Hey Girls, what did one Shepard say to the other?” Pinkie Pie asked as she attempted to help Applejack move Twilight.
“What?” Applejack replied confused as she continued to try and push Twilight.
“Let's get the flock outta here!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she quickly dived under Twilight scooped her up on her back, and ran out of the great hall along with Rarity and Applejack. Twilight however flailed and attempted to jump off of Pinkie Pie's back but was kept in place by Applejack and Rarity as they charged through the halls and towards the exit of the palace.
“No! Wait! Stop! I can help her! We can't leave them!” Twilight exclaimed tears flooding from her eyes as she continued to flail and use magic only for Rarity to cancel each of her spells out with her own.
“As much as I would love to agree with ya sugarcube the princess is right! We can't defeat Discord without Rainbow Dash!” Applejack exclaimed as she ran along side of Pinkie Pie.
===============================
“What shall we do with this one? Oh I know! Let's send her back to the moon.” Discord said with a malicious grin staring at Luna who's face turned to panic and fear.
“No,no! Anything but that! Please I beg you!” Luna exclaimed as tears of fear and panic flowed down her cheeks.
“We still need one Princess to raise and lower the sun.” Scootaloo said speaking up for the first time since Twilight and the others having left as she stared at Celestia who's body was now entirely encased in stone.
“Oh come now. Who needs that? The world will get plenty of the sun and moon.” Discord replied with a grin.
“Yeah...at random times.” Scootaloo replied sourly.
“And what's the big problem with that?” Discord asked looking as if she didn't quite see where she was going with this.
“I like to see the sun and moon at their proper times. That's the problem you overgrown featherbrain.” Scootaloo replied looking annoyed.
“Very well. I won't send her to the moon. But we can't very well have a princess running amok now can we?” Discord replied and snapped his fingers which caused Luna to suddenly be encased in chains. “Now my dear Luna. You should be grateful that Scootaloo spoke up on your behalf but if you decide at any point that you want to... misbehave... I won't be so kind next time. Are we clear?” Discord said at which Luna simply nodded silently.
“Ha, ha! The mighty moon princess is a slave now!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a jeering tone poking at hoof at Luna who didn't do anything as she poked and laughed at her.
“Oh how the mighty have fallen.” Stormhooves said with a grin as he stepped up next to Discord along with Bloodbane.
“So what now?” Bloodbane asked looking around.
“Hmm..well let me see...” Discord said tapping his lion paw on his chin looking deep in thought.
===============================
“Ow!” Hoops exclaimed as Rainbow Dash gave him a switch kick to the groin. “Had enough yet?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she barreled down on the light brown Pegasus.
“Beating the horsefeathers out of me won't give you Scootaloo back!” Hoops exclaimed as he struggled to get on all four hooves only to get pinned to the wall.
“No it won't...” Rainbow Dash said lowering a hoof much to Hoop's relief. “But it's a start!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed as she slugged hoops square in the nose and let him slide to the ground holding his nose as tears of pain began to flow from his eyes.
“You're crazy!” Hoops exclaimed as he held his nose.
“No...I'm a VERY pissed off mother!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed kicking hoops in the groin once again causing him to double over holding himself in pain only for Rainbow Dash to lift him up and slam him against the wall again. “Now I know you must have overheard something, and you're going to tell me everything you may have overheard those foals say about the ritual.” Rainbow Dash said looking into Hoop's now fearful eyes.
“What makes you think I know anything?” Hoops retorted still holding himself even though the cyan blue Pegasus had him pinned against the wall.
“Well if you don't...” Rainbow Dash said trailing off before she gave him a swift hit to the gut knocking the wind out of the light brown Pegasus. “Then we are going to be here all night...or until I get tired of beating the horsefeathers outta you. And I think the latter will come first.” Rainbow Dash replied as she let him slide down the wall trying to catch his breath as he heaved and gasped for air.
No sooner Hoops seemed to be able to breath normally again Rainbow Dash lifted him up and slammed him against the wall once again. “Now talk!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed looking into Hoop's fearful eyes.
“Alright, alight! I might have overheard something about the ritual!” Hoops exclaimed in a panicked tone as Rainbow Dash arched a hoof back ready to slam it into his face again at which point she lowered it.
“I'm listening...” Rainbow Dash replied with a grin yet the rage she felt could still clearly be seen in her eyes.
================================
Twilight sat in her home tears still flooding from her eyes but she wasn't sobbing however she wasn't saying anything either.
“Come on Twi, Ah know you got a plan of some sorts for us. Let us hear it.” Applejack said with a smile placing a hoof on Twilight's shoulder.
“There is no plan.” Twilight replied quietly.
“Darling, I know you have some sort of plan. It's not like you to be this sad.” Rarity replied with a sympathetic expression.
“We've lost, don't you get it? The elements of harmony were our only shot at beating Discord.” Twilight replied in the same quiet tone.
“But all we have to do is convince Rainbow that Scootaloo won't be harmed and then we can go and kick that meanie pant's flank!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smile.
“Rainbow Dash won't lift a hoof to Discord. Not as long as Scootaloo remains the way she is.” Twilight said and turned around facing away from the group.
“But-” Pinkie Pie said in a sad voice placing a hoof on Twilight's shoulder only for her to swat it away, turn around and glare at her.
“We've lost! Discord rules and Celestia drools! No party in all of Equestria is going to fix this! Get the picture?!” Twilight exclaimed angrily at Pinkie Pie causing her to back away looking as if she was about to cry herself.
“That was a might cruel there Twilight. Pinkie Pie was only trying to cheer you up.” Applejack replied placing a hoof around Pinkie Pie and holding her close as the Pink pony began to sniffle a little bit.
“Do I look like I care?! We've lost! Harmony is officially damned in Equestria! Get used to it!” Twilight exclaimed switching her glace from Pinkie Pie to Applejack with the same glare.
“Darling...i know watching your mentor suffer such a fate is traumatizing but maybe you should be a little more considerate of your friends.” Rarity said after a moment trying her best to use tact as she spoke.
“Friends?! Where the hay was Rainbow Dash when we needed her?! Oh right, she decided we weren't important anymore! And You three decided to up and Fillynap me before I could do anything to try and save her! What kind of friends are you?!” Twilight exclaimed at the top of her lungs feeling her temper near it's breaking point.
“Now hold your ponies just a consarned minuet there! We only did what the Princess told us to!” Applejack exclaimed defensively feeling her temper rise as well.
It was at this point Pinkie Pie and Rarity looked at each other.
“Fight?” Rarity said with an inquiring tone.
“Fight.” Pinkie pie replied flatly.
“Kitchen?” Rarity replied with the same inquiring tone as before.
“Kitchen.” Pinkie Pie replied,stood up, and walked towards the kitchen followed closely by Rarity.
“Well bravo! You followed them to the letter! Congratulations Applejack! You truly are the most honest pony in Equestria!” Twilight retorted in a sarcastic tone that could clearly be heard.
“Yeah, Ah am the most honest pony in all of Equestria! And you want to know what Ah think of you right now?!” Applejack exclaimed feeling her anger nearing it breaking point.
“Oh yes! Lets hear what the element of honesty has to say!” Twilight retorted.
“Ah think your being a down right foal right now! And not to mention a jack-ass!” Applejack exclaimed with a glare of her own at the purple unicorn.
“Oh! So that's what the element of honesty thinks of me huh? I'm just a danged jack-ass foal huh? Well maybe this jack-ass foal will just pack her stuff and leave!” Twilight exclaimed and began to make her way to the door, opened it, and slammed it right behind her.
“Go on, and don't come back till you can say you're sorry!” Applejack shouted at her as she slammed the door shut.
“Cupcake?” Rarity asked offering Pinkie Pie the cupcake she was holding.
“Cupcake!” Pinkie Pie replied shortly after stuffing her mouth with the baked good sputtering bits of it at her as she spoke.
==========================
“Well, Hoops. It was nice talking ya. Lets NOT do this again okay? Oh and if I find out you were lying to me...i know where you live.” Rainbow Dash said in a casual tone leaving a bruised and beaten Hoops on the ground quivering as she took off.
“So that's it. That's why they needed Scootaloo...” Rainbow Dash said to herself as she flew off from Hoop's cloud mansion.
Once there she landed with a prideful grin on her face as she walked in only for it to vanish and be replaced with horror as she looked at what could only be Princess Celestia whom was encased in stone. “Oh no...” Rainbow Dash said in a sad tone as she approached it.
“I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you Princess...but i'm going to set things right.” Rainbow Dash said with a bow,turned to face the hallways, and took off with a burst of speed flying her way down the halls.
As she flew she gave a look outside which was already beginning to look disoriented and chaotic thanks to Discord's influence. This if anything reenforced the cyan blue Pegasus’s resolve to free her daughter from Discord and use the elements of harmony to defeat him.
“Look who's back! It's Rainbow Crash!” Fluttershy exclaimed in jeering tone much to Rainbow Dash's shock.
“Fluttershy? Oh no! He got to you too.” Rainbow Dash said in a sad tone then turned to look for Discord whom at the present moment was no where to be found.
“Show yourself Discord! I got deal that I know you can't refuse!” Rainbow Dash shouted looking around only for Discord to appear in a flash of magic in front of her along with Scootaloo sporting the same loathing stare she always did with Rainbow Dash present.
“Oh pray tell. Though I don't know you would want to come back after all that's happened.” Discord replied with a grin.
“Me and you are gonna race! If I win, you free Scootaloo from your spell!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“And what do I get if I win?” Discord replied with a grin.
“You get...my wings.” Rainbow Dash replied after a brief silence.
“Oh, really? Your willing to risk your pride and joy for Scootaloo eh? Isn't that touching.” Discord replied with a cruel grin.
“Gag me with a spoon! She'd never risk such a thing for me. Where are your friends at Rainbow Crash? I bet they are just waiting for Discord to be off guard then blast him with the elements of harmony.” Scootaloo said looking around.
“There's no one here but us Scoots.” Rainbow Dash replied then turned to Discord. “So, do we have a deal?” Rainbow Dash asked with a prideful smile.
“Hmm...Rainbow Dash's wings...hmm...” Discord said tapping his chin looking deep in thought. “Deal. But on two conditions.” Discord replied his grin becoming even bigger if possible.
“Which is?” Rainbow Dash replied not sure what the Hydrocephalus has in mind.
“You will race dear little Scootaloo instead of me. And I get to choose the field where you two race.” Discord replied still holding his wide grin.
“Fine.” Rainbow Dash replied looking at Scootaloo.
“Then let's begin!” Discord replied and with a snap of his finger Scootaloo,Rainbow Dash, and discord were transported to a sky-high racing field.
“Alright. Lets do this!” Rainbow Dash said getting ready to take off only for discord to put a single claw on her tail.
“One moment.” Discord said with a grin snapping his finger again at which point two sets of stadium bleachers appeared filled with many different ponies and one single seat appeared next to Discord with Twilight who looked as confused as the others having suddenly appeared there.
“Fillies and gentlecolts! In a surprising of events Rainbow Dash is going race Scootaloo!” Discord exclaimed however there were no cheers of excitement. “The prize for our young mare's victory is Scootaloo's freedom!” Discord exclaimed earning still no cheers. “But if she loses...I get her wings!” Discord said after a few moments earning a shocked gasp from Twilight.
“What's that featherbrain thinking?! She can't honestly think Discord is going to play fair!” Twilight thought to herself dramatically having all the anger she felt earlier suddenly disappear and be replaced with worry.
“You're going to lose Rainbow Crash! And when you do you'll be nothing but a pathetic earth pony for the rest of your sorry little life!” Fluttershy exclaimed with a grin.
“No Tricks.” Scootaloo said simply much to Discord and Rainbow Dash's shock.
“what's that?” Discord replied sounding slightly confused.
“I said no tricks. I want to beat her with my skill alone, got that Discord?” Scootaloo replied flashing him a glare.
“Yyyeess...” Discord replied dragging out his reply with a clear sense of uncertainty in it.
“Heh, she may not be Rainbow's biological daughter but she sure as heck inherited her competitive streak.” Twilight said to herself with a giggle.
“The course, is of my own genius design!” Discord exclaimed with a grin snapping his finger which caused a huge labyrinth to appear in the sky. “The first pony to the center wins, good luck everypony!” Discord exclaimed conjuring a checkered flag. “Ready....” Discord began to say trailing off.
“May the best flier win.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile extending a hoof.
“I plan to.” Scootaloo replied in the same loathing tone not looking at her as she posed herself in take off position.
“Go!” Discord exclaimed swinging the flag down at which point Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash erupted off the starter cloud and down the first two separate halls of the labyrinth. Shortly after Discord snapped a finger causing him and Twilight to be transported above the labyrinth.
“Rainbow Dash won't lose. She's the fastest flier in all of Equestria Discord.” Twilight said with a grin as she watched the race from above along side of Discord who clearly looked nervous right now.
Rainbow Dash was flying at her top speed down the halls of the labyrinth making tight turns at every corner giving a quick glance ever so often through the bushes to see Scootaloo moving at about the same speed as her on her side of the labyrinth. However unlike Scootaloo she was dodging trees and branches that seemed to pop out of nowhere at her all along the way.
“I had feeling he wouldn't play fair...” Rainbow dash said in a sour tone as she dodged yet another branch that nearly impaled her as it ejected from the right wall at her. Despite all these obstacles however Rainbow Dash seemed to be keeping up with Scootaloo just fine still neck and neck with her and slowly moving ahead of the gray shaded orange Pegasus..
Discord and Twilight continued to watch from above both of which smiled, frowned, and gave panicked glances at many different points. “Curse that Pegasus...she's far more agile than I realized...” Discord said in a loathing tone while Twilight grinned from ear to ear.
“And what are you smiling at?!” Discord snapped at the purple unicorn.
“Oh, I’m just waiting to see the look on your face when Rainbow makes it to the center first.” Twilight replied still grinning from ear to ear.
“We'll see about that...” Discord retorted and snapped his finger at which point the path in front of Rainbow Dash suddenly closed up with only a small little cubby hole forcing her to come to a screeching halt and climb through it which allowed Scootaloo to gain a huge lead.
“Hey! That's not fair!” Twilight exclaimed angrily.
“Not fair? Have we met? I'm Discord, the spirit of Chaos and Disharmony...HEEELLOOO!” Discord replied with a grin.
“You said that before...” Twilight replied sourly.
“Well I thought you needed a reminder.” Discord replied with a grin.
Despite the huge lead Scootaloo had gained she was quickly losing it as Rainbow Dash barreled down the halls of the labyrinth faster than before much to Discord's displeasure and Twilight's delight.
“Just a bit of a heads-up Discord. Rainbow wasn't flying at her fastest before.” Twilight said after a short time smiling again.
“Oh? And just how fast can she fly?” Discord replied with a raised eyebrow.
“Ever heard of a sonic rainboom?” Twilight replied once again grinning from ear to ear.
“A what?” Discord replied in a confused tone.
“You can't beat me Rainbow Crash!” Scootaloo exclaimed pushing herself to fly even faster picking up a great deal of speed which gave her a decent lead on the cyan blue Pegasus.
“I can't lose...if I do...I won't get another chance at this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed to herself pushing herself to pick even more and more speed until....
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!
An eruption of a rainbow colored shock wave erupted from behind Rainbow Dash giving her a extreme boost of speed quickly giving her a major lead on Scootaloo. It was such a great lead that Scootaloo was surely going to lose and she knew it.
“That's a Sonic Rainbow.” Twilight said and used her magic to appear floating in front of Discord. “IN YOUR FACE!” Twilight exclaimed with a cocky grin poking Discord in the nose with her hoof.
“The race isn't over yet!” Discord retorted and snapped his finger once again much to Twilight's horror at which point Rainbow Dash suddenly was shoved into the wall of the labyrinth head first allowing Scootaloo to fly by her.
Rainbow Dash quickly pulled herself out of the labyrinth wall and took off again at breakneck speed however she was too far behind Scootaloo now and she was about to cross the finish line in the next five seconds.
“And Scootaloo wins!” Discord exclaimed with a eager and excited grin snapping his finger again making the labyrinth, Bleachers, ponies, and twilight disappear.
“You lose Rainbow Crash!” Fluttershy exclaimed with grin.
Discord then snapped his fingers making the four of them appear back in Celestia's castle only Rainbow Dash's wings were now missing. “Thanks for the wings!” Discord exclaimed with a grin expecting the Cyan blue Pegasus to look horror struck.
However much to Discord, Fluttershy, and Scootaloo's confusion she was beaming with pride just the same.
“How can you still be happy? You just lost your pride and joy!” Fluttershy exclaimed in an irritated tone.
“You know. I really should be sad right...but I not. I got to see Scoots at her best. And she really is a great flier like I always imaged her being. I can't help but be so proud of her right now.” Rainbow Dash replied still smiling.
“Very well. Take your pride elsewhere. I have some excellent chaos to reek.” Discord replied snapping his finger which causing the cyan blue Pegasus to disappear and reappear outside of Celestia's castle.
“Goodbye Scoots...I tried but guess I wasn't strong enough to save you.” Rainbow Dash said after a few moments of staring at the castle doors as tears swelled in her eyes and she slowly trotted away...
DISCORD'S REIGN
The clouds over Ponyville seemed to darken if more so than usual as they rained chocolate milk over the towns residents however a single Cyan blue mare trotted through this with her head hung low. “I've lost her forever...without my wings there's no way I can stop Discord.” Rainbow Dash said aloud to herself only to get a swift slap to the face making her jolt up.
“That's for abandoning us back at Celestia's castle.” Twilight said in a angry tone then slapped her again. “And that's for being stupid enough to bet your wings against Discord!” Twilight said then as quickly as she had slapped her she embraced her in a loving hug. “And this is for me being so blind and not seeing just how much Scootaloo meant to you. If I was in your hooves I would have done the same thing.” Twilight said with a smile as a tear dripped down her cheek.
Even though being slapped did tick her off she couldn't bring herself to shove the purple unicorn off her now that Twilight was hugging her at which point she put her head on her shoulder and began to sob loudly. “I've lost her Twilight...she's gone forever.” Rainbow Dash said between sobs.
“Not yet you haven't.” Twilight said breaking the hug and looking at Rainbow whose expression was one of hope and confusion.
“What do you mean? Fluttershy has been discorded, I don't have my wings, and as far as I can tell things have been getting even worse than last time!” Rainbow Dash replied not sure of what the purple unicorn was smiling about.
“Yeah..about Fluttershy...” Twilight said trailing off...
FLASHBACK
“A-A-Are you sure you want me to do this Twilight? What if something goes wrong?” Fluttershy asked timidly in the kitchen as the five began to prepare to leave .
“Fluttershy me and you both know you have one hell of a temper on you and not to mention mean streak when you're discorded. And we both know it's the only way you could harm even so much as a fly. Besides this is me we're talking about here! I know what I’m doing.” Twilight replied with a smile.
“So with this spell you're casting, it will let me think on my own without any influence from Discord?” Fluttershy said timidly as the purple unicorn's horn glowed and enveloped her in a light purple light for a few moments before fading.
“Exactly, but you'll still be your mean cruel discorded self. So in other words even though your discorded you'll be able to think and follow through with our plan. Just make sure you are able to corner Stormhooves before you let the cat out of the bag or it'll blow everything.” Twilight replied then placed a hoof on her shoulder. “I know you can do this Fluttershy. I'm counting on you.” Twilight said after a few moments looking into her eyes.
“Whoa,whoa,WHOA! You put Fluttershy in as spy?! Have you lost your marbles Twilight?! What if she's discovered?! She could be killed!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a upset yet worried tone.
“It's called having faith in your friends Rainbow. And I have faith in all of you...even if I don't make it known.” Twilight replied with a slight blush.
“What's the point in sending her after Stormhooves anyways? What's he gonna tell her that we don't already know?” Rainbow asked still not liking the idea of putting Fluttershy behind enemy lines like this.
“Who said anything about getting information out of him? Her beating the snot out of him is nothing more than a distraction. And a little self-gratification on my part for him tricking me.” Twilight added which an evil smirk.
“So what's the plan then?” Rainbow Dash asked as she was all ears now.
“Well, the original plan was to distract discord so Celestia and Luna could combine their magic and defeat Discord if using the elements of harmony failed as a backup plan but the plan has changed so I plan to release Celestia from her stone prison while Discord is distracted with Fluttershy and then get the hell out of there.” Twilight replied.
“All this just to rescue your teacher?! What about Scootaloo?! What about my daughter Twilight?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed once again feeling her temper rise and her worry for her daughter overriding her rational thinking as she slammed the purple unicorn against the nearest building to them.
“I didn't plan that far ahead! I figured once we got Celestia and Fluttershy out we could work out a plan to rescue Scootaloo!” Twilight replied shoving the cyan blue Pegasus away from her due to her sudden act of violence having startled and upset the purple unicorn.
“I don't like that plan Twilight. In fact I want no part of it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed turning her back to Twilight which unnerved the purple mare.
“What's happened to you? You're not the Rainbow Dash I remember.” Twilight said in a hurt tone.
“Your right, I’m not. Having a daughter can change a mare Twilight. Not like you'd know.” Rainbow Dash replied in a solemn tone.
The cyan blue Pegasus's words felt like a hot knife being stabbed into her chest but she attempted to keep it together as she took a timid step forward. “Rainbow...that was rather cruel of you to say. I know your worried about Scootaloo, but we have to plan things carefully or all our hard work will be for nothing.” Twilight said trying to talk sense into the stubborn Pegasus.
At this Rainbow Dash gave a heavy sigh and turned around to face Twilight. “I'm sorry, but I’m just so worried about her. Some element of loyalty I am...” Rainbow Dash said lowering her head in shame until Twilight slapped her once again.
“For Celestia's sake Twilight! Again with the slapping? A mare can only take so much abuse!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in an aggravated tone looking at Twilight with a glare.
“That was for doubting yourself. It's call tough love baby!” Twilight exclaimed with a cheesy grin before putting a hoof on her shoulder. “So we back to normal now?” Twilight asked few moments later.
“More or less...” Rainbow Dash replied rubbing her sore cheek.
“Good! Now lets get back to the library, the others are waiting on us and they don't know of the plan yet.” Twilight replied and began to run off followed closely by Rainbow Dash.
“So let meh get this strait...y'all faked the whole being upset and we lost thing because of that plan of yours and that's why we are in the middle of this consarned chocolate rainstorm?” Applejack asked in a semi-shocked tone.
“Not exactly...” Twilight replied flattening her ears,biting her lower lip, and giving a guilty look as she said this. “I was pretty devastated to see my teacher get petrified before my eyes.” Twilight replied before perking up her ears again and smiling at the farm pony. “But I didn't mean it.” Twilight said after a few moments.
“That still doesn't explain why we are out in this weather darling. Thank goodness I packed an umbrella.” Rarity said a she gave a apprehensive look upward as rainbow splattered all over the purple Umbrella.
“Pinkie Pie! Could you stop drinking the consarned Chocolate rain!” Applejack exclaimed in an annoyed tone as she walked over to the pink pony while Twilight replied to Rarity.
“Well, I sensed an unfamiliar magic in my home and I’d put my bits on it being discord putting listening spells on each of our homes. So that's why I had everypony leave my house without a single word.” Twilight replied giving a passing glance at Pinkie Pie who seemed to be ignore Applejack then back to the others.
“So we rescue the Princesses and Fluttershy, dispel discords magic on her and get the heck outta there. Am I hearing this right?” Rainbow Dash said going over the plan once again to make sure she knew ever last detail.
“And then we form a plan to rescue Scootaloo.” Twilight added promptly with a warm smile which the cyan blue Pegasus responded with her own.
“Pinkie Pie!” Applejack exclaimed angrily putting a hoof on her shoulder and whirling her around.
“Leave me alone!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a voice much unlike her own with a truly menacing expression along with two bright red glowing eyes.
“Whoa Nelly!” Applejack exclaimed stumbling backward onto her rump and scooting away very quickly from the pink mare.
“What in Equestria....” Twilight remarked in a shocked tone as Pinkie Pie was now on all fours again no longer drinking the Chocolate rain rather staring at them all with her bright red glowing eyes which were also filled with hostile intent.
“Applejack, get away from her, quick!” Twilight exclaimed in a frantic tone as the Pink mare attempted to pounce the farm pony.
Applejack didn't need to be told twice as she scooted away on her rump for a few moments before stumbling to all fours hooves and ran over to the other three barely evading Pinkie Pie three times during this.
“What happened to her? She was fine a few moments ago!” Rarity exclaimed as the four backed up from Pinkie Pie cautiously as the pink mare took several slow steps towards them as if planning her next move.
“Ah know, she was just drinking the consarned Chocolate rain.” Applejack chimed looking very scared right now.
It didn't take more than three seconds for the purple unicorn to put the pieces to this puzzle together as she looked up at the clouds then back to Pinkie Pie. “It's the rain! Discord must have enchanted it somehow to make it so anypony who drinks it becomes a mindless slave!” Twilight exclaimed as they backed up a few more feet from the pink mare who's hair was not it's usual puffy appearance anymore either.
“What makes you think she's some mindless slave?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“You will drink from the clouds and join Discord's army! If you do not you will die!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a menacing demonic tone to which the four gulped.
“Whelp...that answers my stupid question.” Rainbow Dash said in response to this with an audible gulp.
“We need to pin her down so I can examine the spell and reverse it!” Twilight exclaimed as the four of them scattered to avoid a pounce from Pinkie Pie.
“That's easier said than done sugarcube, but ah reckon ah could give it a shot!” Applejack exclaimed as she lunged at the pink mare only to miss, hit the ground, get turned over and pinned herself by the pink mare who put both hooves around her mouth trying to pry them open.
“Drink...” Pinkie Pie said with a cruel grin as she was slowly prying the farm pony's mouth open upon which Applejack began to spit and sputter the rain out the best should could manage until Pinkie Pie was tackled and pinned to the ground by Rainbow Dash at which point the farm mare spit whatever was left in her mouth out and spit a few more times for good measure.
“Snap out of it Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed face to face with her only to get bucked off and slammed against the tree crying out in pain as her body hit it hard.
“Is it just meh or is pinkie a might stronger than she usually is?” Applejack asked in an apprehensive tone as the Pink mare got back to all four hooves.
“Ohh...either that or she's been hitting the gym big time when no pony is looking.” Rainbow Dash said with a wince and groan as she stood back to all fours wearily.
“I'd wager that the effects of the spell enhance the victims strength so that it's easier for them to convert or kill their victims.” Twilight remarked as she studied Pinkie Pie's movements realizing she was her next target.
“Join us or die!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in the same demonic tone as she lunged at Twilight only for her to stop mid-air as Twilight suspended her midair in a purple bubble of magic.
“Grr! Let me out of here!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she thrashed and bucked at the magical bobble only for it to stretch and absorb her blows reverting back to its original shape after each attack.
“Sorry Pinkie, but that bubble is indestructible from the inside.” Twilight replied with a triumphant grin before turning to her friends. “Lets get her and ourselves somewhere safe before more of them pop up.” Twilight said as she moved the bubble with her magic dragging it behind her as the four ran to the nearest building they could find which was Rarity's home.
“But what about the spell darling?” Rarity asked in a concerned tone as Twilight opened her front door with her magic.
“It's a risk we'll have to take. We have little choice right now.” Twilight replied as the four of them entered followed closely by Pinkie Pie who was still thrashing about her bubble prison.
“So can you help her?” Rarity asked in a worried voice as Twilight used her horn to magically scan the pink mare who was still bucking about.
“I've never encountered a spell like this before. It's very dark in nature and feels ancient. As if it's a spell that hasn't been used in eons. This is definitely one of Discord's more advanced spells and sadly out of my knowledge to be able to help her.” Twilight remarked with a frown as finished her magical scan, flattened her ears and gave a worried glance at Pinkie Pie who just glared at them now having finally given up trying to break free of her prison.
“I will get out of here! My allies will find me and when they do, you will all either join or or perish!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in the same demonic tone.
“So how do we help her?” Rainbow Dash asked flashing a concerned glance at the pink mare then looking at Twilight again.
“We can only hope the Princesses know of a way to reverse this spell. After all they are about as old as Discord if not older.” Twilight replied as she turned around and walked away.
“We simply can't just leave her like this can we?” Rarity asked looking at Pinkie Pie then back to her three friends.
“It's not like we have much of a choice here Rarity. But ah reckon one of the regal sisters can reverse this spell with a flick of thar horn.” Applejack replied followed by a sigh.
“So, we're still on with rescuing the princesses?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“Yeah, but one of us has to stay here and guard Pinkie Pie now.” Twilight replied giving a worried glance of her own at the pink mare.
“I'll do it.” Rainbow Dash said after a few moments.
“You sure about this? ah mean if any other ponies are sufferin from the same spell they will be on you like stinkbugs on a pile of donkey manure.” Applejack remarked with a concerned look.
“Yeah, i'll be fine. Besides with me being worried about Scootaloo like I am...” The cyan blue Pegasus replied trailing off for a few moments with a very worried expression before looking at them again. “I'd most likely blow the plan to pieces by trying to rescue Scoots. So it's best if I stay here. Besides without my wings I’m not much use to you guys am I?” Rainbow Dash said with a smile which faltered immediately with a saddened expression as she lowered her head.
Twilight walked over to Rainbow Dash and placed a hoof on her shoulder to which the cyan blue Pegasus raised her head to look at the purple unicorn revealing a silent tear which was streaking down her right cheek. “Rainbow, wings or not, your still apart of the team and a dear friend to all of us. Never forget that. And don't worry we'll find a way to get your wings back.” Twilight said in the most soothing and comforting tone she could muster.
“Ack! Gag me with a spoon! That friendship of yours won't save you from Discord!” Pinkie Pie's voice erupted much to everypony's announce which caused Twilight to flash her a glare and walk over to her.
“You won't have hold of Pinkie Pie for much longer. I will personally see to that. Never underestimate the power of friendship! Discord and Nightmare moon did and we have defeated them both.” Twilight replied in a confident yet threatening tone as she narrowed her eyes at the pink mare.
“But I am Pinkie Pie! Hahaha!” Pinkie Pie replied with a giggle however this giggle couldn't sound cute even if the demon possessing her had did it twenty times as it had chilled everypony's body to the bone upon hearing it.
“No your not! I know he real Pinkie Pie and you're not her!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed stepping towards the pink mare now as well.
“Pssh! Whatever you say Rainbow.” The pink mare replied with a sinister grin.
“It's about time. Lets get going everypony.” Twilight said as she took a glance at the clock up on Rarity's wall and began to walk towards her front door followed by the other three, opened the door, and turned her head to look at Rainbow. “I know this should go without saying but no matter what she says or does, don't let her out of that prison.” Twilight said in a matter of fact tone.
“No worries Twilight. She ain't going anywhere with this mare on guard!” Rainbow exclaimed with a proud smile.
With one last glance Twilight and the other left the carousel boutique and began to make way for Canterlot.
“My lord, if I may be as bold to ask, what is going on out there? None of this happened last time.” Stormhooves said as he approached Discord with a bow.
“I assume you're talking about the residents of Equestria sporting glowing red eyes and tackling their fellow pony?” Discord replied in a nonchalant manner to which stormhooves nodded. “You weren't around around the last time I was able to rule Equestria which was more than ten thousand years ago. Until those upstarts Celestia and Luna came and ruined everything. If you wanna know the truth, there weren't even ponies back then either.” Discord replied allowing a wicked grin to appear on his face much to Stormhooves's confusion.
“Come again my lord?” Stormhooves asked hoping for a much clearer explanation than the vague one he had just gotten.
“It's really quite boring but I suppose I’ll humor you. Many eons ago Equestria was not called Equestria, rather it was called something dreadfully boring called earth and even more boring enough was populated by an even more boring anthropomorphic race called humans. I was but a lowly magician slowly struggling his way through his miserable life. But I had no idea how much greatness I had left untapped in me. My teacher whom was the resident warlock has cast me away from his services merely year before. It wasn't until I vowed revenge that I sneaked into his private storage and stole some very interesting spell books. Books that not even the warlock himself dared to touch.” Discord said pausing if only for a moment to allow the stallion to take in this information before he continued.
“It was upon reading through them I found a particularly interesting spell. It turned the user into the something you ponies now at days call the spirit of disharmony and chaos. It granted the caster immortality and would give them powers they could only dream of. At the time I wasn't aware of the true intent of the spell so I went to working on casting it...”
FLASH BACK
Date: 1894 A.C. Midsummer.
“Finally, after a year of waiting I will finally be able to get revenge on that warlock and obtain supreme power!” Merrick said as he flipped through the pages of instructions on how to cast the spell then began to recite the words in the forbidden tongue.
Spirits of disharmony and chaos, I beseech the! I give my life, my soul, my very essence of my being to you!
Grant thy power to which thy caster truly deserves! I summon the power of life, death, and the power of the gods themselves!
Merrick then stabbed himself in the heart gasping out as he did so falling to the ground dead in the middle of the dark symbol he had carved into the ground earlier which then began to glow darkly as Merrick's blood pooled under him.
It was then hit body began to magically float into the air lifelessly and stopped mere a few feet off the guard suspended. Dark magic then began to surround the body and a dark, sinister and demonic face soon began to form in front of the body which opened it's mouth and seemed to swallow the body whole. Moments later a huge eruption of magical energy which was roughly the size of ten fully grown dragons short forth from the dark symbol in an upward fashion which obliterated Merrick's small home upon impact soaring skyward till it reached the space itself at which point and time the energy expanded in all directions covering the entire planet. If anyone were to be looking at the earth from space right now all they would see is a huge black orb floating in space or so it would seem...
Meanwhile humans of every country and race over the globe were screaming out in horror as the dark magical energy seemed to come gushing from the sky leaving no where to run. In one fell splash of magical energy everything on the planet was consumed by the massive flood of dark magic. However no one was killed by this magically energy as they all too soon found out. The once human race awoke all over the planet and immediately noticed several startling changes not only to the planet but to themselves. Their body's form had changed and no longer resembled that of a human at all, rather it resembled a horse. However not everyone had the same form. Many humans whom had devoted their lives to the magical arts found themselves sporting horns on the foreheads while others who had dedicated their lives to flying machines such as airplanes and other matter of flying machinery soon found they had wings.
Meanwhile Discord opened his eyes wearily. “I'm Alive? But of course I am!” Discord said aloud then slammed a claw on his mouth realizing it was not his normal voice and in that same moment realized that his hands were no longer hands but rather a clawed hand and a lions paw.
Discord quickly made his way to the local river trying his best to figure out what exactly had happened and gasped in horror at what he saw. “I'm....I'm a monster!” Merrick cried out horror-struck. Merrick then quickly ran to where he had left the book hoping it was still intact and to his relief it was.
Merrick quickly flipped through the pages of the book trying to find something he might have missed and he found it alright. However he had read over this spell several times and didn't see this page before but began to read it aloud none-the-less.
If you are reading this then you have completed the lifetime long work that I had failed to achieve. This spell was created to change the world, to shape it in the image that I had imaged for it. I would have cast this spell myself if it were not for my decrepit age. I realized all to late that only a magician in prime of their youth whom was my heir could achieve such a feat. So I hid this page away so that my son could find it when he completed the work I had failed to finish so many years ago.
You have been given godly power in this new world that you have created. You may not realize this yet but you are now a god among insects or to be more precise...ponies. The magical knowledge that has been bestowed upon you will come in due time, but for now relish in your work my son, for you have created a new world which can never be what it was ever again.
“What have I done?” Merrick asked himself aloud horrified by this new set of information.
“What have you done indeed!” A deep voice spoke up which snapped Merrick's gaze away from the spell book to see a dark blue bearded unicorn who sported a large magical symbol on his flank.
“Who are you?!” Merrick asked in a panicked tone falling onto his rump as the unicorn use his horn to magically lift the book into the air levitated it to him which he began to read.
“Merlin's beard! Do you have any idea what you have done? You have changed the planet in a way which can not be reversed, not even by my great magic!” The unicorn roared his anger clearly heard in his voice as it seemed to erupt from his mouth magnified so they Merrick could feel the sheer force of his voice as he spoke.
“Once again, who are you?” Merrick asked as he got to his legs and stood up.
“Due to my new form it's no surprise you don't recognize me...It is I,your mentor, Star Swirl the bearded!” Star Swirl said taking a step towards the hydrocephalus.
“Star Swirl? So that's how you knew how to find me.” Merrick replied feeling an all too familiar rage begin to fill him.
“Once again, have you any idea the grave act which have committed? The entire world have been changed humans are now creatures we call ponies. All matter of life on this planet have been warped to this man's sick and twisted image!” Star Swirl exclaimed unfazed by the loathing expression Merrick now wore.
“I only meant to give myself the power to defeat you! But it matters not. I could care less what happens to the rest of this world as long as I have the power to defeat you.” Merrick replied realizing that the magical knowledge the unknown wizard spoke of in the book had already begun to pour into his mind.
“You're lust for power and revenge know no bounds...I’m afraid I have no choice. I must end your pitiful existence before you make use of the terrifying power you have acquired!” Star Swirl said, focused magic into his horn and cast a spell that glowed with an eerie dark aura as it sailed towards the hydrocephalus.
With his newly acquired magically knowledge Merrick was able to quickly evade his spell by vanishing in a flash of magic. “You have adapted to that new form rather quickly old man, but so have I...” Merrick's voice echoed around Star Swirl who looked about himself attempting to find the source of the voice.
“You can't win against me Merrick! I surpass you in both skill and magical power!” Star Swirl exclaimed as he once again channeled magical energy into his horn and sent it outward in all directions which managed to hit it's mark but the moment it had it seemed to rebound and fly right back him much to his own shock knocking the dark blue unicorn of his hooves into the air and land a few feet away from where he stood.
“That was then old man... but now I surpass you!” Merrick's voice echoed once again firing magical energy in all directions at Star swirl who disappeared in a flash of magic merely moments before the spell impacted causing a flood of smoke and debris to erupt from where it had hit.
“His magic is growing more powerful by the minuet...if this keeps up I may have to retreat and seek the aid of the order.” Star Swirl thought to himself in a worried tone as he looked about himself through the smoke and shifting debris. “Stop this foolishness Merrick! You can't win!” Star Swirl exclaimed hoping Merrick would buy his bluff as he sent forth several bolts of magical energy from his horn which fired in all directions but once again were rebounded back at the dark blue unicorn which he evaded by magically teleporting once again.
“I am no longer the lowly magician Merrick...henceforth you shall call me Discord! The spirit of disharmony and chaos!” Discord's voice exclaimed as he appeared right in front of Star Swirl and with a snap of his lion's paw sent the dark blue unicorn flying.
“I have no choice...i must seek aid from the order!” Star Swirl thought to himself and magically disappeared in a flash of magic much to Discord's disappointment.
“You can't run forever old man! I will find you!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs flinging his arms up as he shouted these words.
END FLASHBACK
Stormhooves's mouth hung agape at this telling of Equestrian history he had never heard before before he regained his composure. But if I may be as bold to ask my lord, how were you defeated?” Stormhooves asked in the most polite manner he could muster.
“I grow bored of telling you this tale. If you still wish to know ask our resident Alicorn. I'm sure she could tell you more than I could. After all if you are so eager to learn she could tell you things I wasn't present to hear at the present time.” Discord said giving an over exaggerated yawn.
“Very well, I will ask the Alicorn.” Stormhooves replied and flew off in the direction of the local dungeons to which a certain greyish yellow colored Pegasus followed having heard this tale she wanted to hear the rest.
“When I’m back to normal I’m sure I’ll feel like telling her...nah! I'll just keep my mouth shut and let her stew in her own ignorance!” Fluttershy thought to herself with a light giggle.
“What do you want?” Luna asked in a resentful tone as Stormhooves walked into her cell meanwhile Fluttershy hid off to the side listening intently.
“I want to know...how you defeated Discord over fifty thousand years ago.” Stormhooves asked in a calm manner which caused the black Alicorn to give him and curiously look.
“That's quite the loaded question Stormhooves, and to request such a thing with Discord in the same location? Aren't you afraid of incurring his wrath?” Luna said with a coy grin still wondering why this black Pegasus would want to know such a tale.
“Discord has already informed me of much on Equestrian history including a interesting ted-bit about creatures who were once called humans. Perhaps you could shed some light on the events of the day this occurred and what lead to his defeat.” Stormhooves said which made the moon princess's eyes to widen in surprise.
“Heh, I never expected Merrick to be so open about his real past, least of all to a lowly solider such as yourself.” Luna replied at which point Stormhooves stood tall.
“You will address his lordship by his given name which is Discord! Or would like to spend the rest of your pitiful life on the moon?” Stormhooves said ina threatening tone at which point a glimmer of fear could be seen in the moon princess's eyes if only for a moment.
“Very well, I will tell you, but I warn you now. It is not a tale one so loyal to Discord would like to hear...”
FLASHBACK
“Sister what has happened to us?!” Luna asked in a panicked tone as she looked at herself in the mirror which reflected that of an Alicorn with a crescent moon marking on her flank.
“I haven't the slightest Luna. But what ever it is, this looks to be very dark magic at work.” Celestia replied looking about herself as more unicorns appeared in flashes of magic.
“Princesses of the order of magic Celestia and Luna now presiding. Please bow in respect to the founders of the order!” One unicorn exclaimed in a proper and regal to tone at which point every unicorn in the room bowed.
“Can you tell what has happened? What dark magic is at work? Can it be reversed?” One unicorn asked as among others asking similar if not the same questions.
“Please Calm yourselves. What matter of dark magic that is at work we do not know at the present time, but we are doing the best we can to shed light on the issue.” Celestia said raising a hoof as she said this to call for silence from the unicorns.
“I believe I can!” A voice echoed and shortly after a dark blue unicorn appeared in the room which everypony looked at him.
“Star Swirl the Bearded, what matter of information do you have on the brand of dark magic that has been cast upon us?” Luna asked looking over at the dark blue unicorn at which point Star Swirl made the spell book he had obtained from his battle with Discord earlier appear before the sisters.
“It is a spell without a name which was created for a single purpose. To change the world in a way to fit the creator's warped view of our world and grant him god like magical power.” Star Swirl said simply earning horrified gasps from everypony including the sisters.
“But who on earth would cast such a spell? The conditions and nature of this spell is beyond anything any Witch or Wizard in their right minds would ever attempt!” Celestia exclaimed in a shocked tone as she read over the contents of the spell and the instructions of how to cast it.
“My ex-student Merrick is such a Wizard. And he was clearly out of his mind and consumed for his lust for power when cast this spell.” Star Swirl replied earning yet another chorus of shocked gasps from everypony.
“Can it be reversed?” Luna asked in a hopeful tone.
“I'm afraid not. The nature of this spell was created in such a fashion that it could not be reversed, not even with your magical power combined could you accomplish such a feat.” Star Swirl replied followed by a heavy sigh.
“I implore not to suspect me of such an act, if you will grant me a little longer before you began to look at me with accusing eyes I will explain how this is possible.” Star Swirl said taking note of everypony's suspecting looks at him.
“I'm listening.” Celestia replied in a regal tone.
“The spell requires one at the prime of their youth and the desire to exact revenge upon the world which had shunned them. But not only does it require this two very fundamental things but it also requires them to have a lineage to the wizard who created the spell. And we all know of a single dark wizard in our time who had such a desire but he lacked the youth.” Star Swirl said which caused everypony to begin to mumble fearfully as if they were afraid to mention the name. “Yes, I am speaking of HIM, the Wizard who's name was one we all used to fear, Lord Blackthorn the reviled.” Star Swirl said at which point one female unicorn fainted upon hearing the name spoken.
“You mean to say, that Merrick is the long lost heir to Blackthorn's legacy?” Luna remarked in a shocked tone.
“I heard rumors that he had a son, but up till now I dared not to believe such things.” Celestia said giving a glance back down at the book then back at Star Swirl. “If what you say is true, then the world as we know has been forever changed. But what of Merrick?” Celestia asked curiously.
“He proved too powerful for me to be able to handle alone, what's more is that he now calls himself Discord the spirit of disharmony and chaos And rightly so, his form is that of a hydrocephalus now and his magic is far more greater than I had expected it to be and no spell I cast could seem to penetrate his defenses rather were repelled right back at me which did not make any sense because the spells I cast could not naturally be repelled due to their nature. In fact no wizard of witch alive today has been able to accomplish that feat till then.” Star Swirl replied earning yet another chorus of gasps.
“If you could not hope to defeat him than my sister and I stand little chance either unless we research the nature of his magic and find a way to counter it.” Luna said in a matter of fact tone.
“But that could take years! How are we supposed to fight against a force not even the regal sisters could hope to face and survive at this point and time?!” One unicorn exclaimed fearfully.
“We do not. I hereby decree that the order of magic shall go underground and dedicate all their time into researching and creating a way to counter Discord's magical power.” Celestia said which earned a chorus of gasps followed by murmuring. “Furthermore, any and all findings you happen to come a crossed shall be sent to me, my sister, or Star swirl the bearded. Refusal to do so shall label you a traitor to the order and henceforth viewed as the enemy.” Celestia said in a regal tone at which point everypony in the room bowed and disappeared in flashes of magic.
Date: 0110 N.E.(New Equestria)
By now it had become more than obvious that life extending magic was no longer needed by the Regal sisters as their new forms seemed to have bestowed this magic upon them naturally and at such a rate neither of them seemed to age at all. Star Swirl and many other unicorns had to cast such magic upon themselves ten times over by now and the effects of repeated castings were clearly seen on Star Swirl's face as he sneaked past one of Discord's army camps which was filled with ponies who had been turned into mindless slaves thanks to his cursed water he called “Chocolate rain”. The use of magic such as teleporting now at days was avoided due to Discord's magical power increasing in such a fashion that he was able to sense it all over Equestria which he had renamed the world shortly after coming to power all over the world.
“What news do you have for us Star Swirl the bearded?” Celestia asked curiously as the dark blue unicorn phased through the magical wall and appeared before them.
“I am happy top report that after decades of research me and the remaining members of the order have created a way to defeat Discord once and for all.” Star Swirl said with a proud smile and dumped the contents of his saddle packs onto the table which were of several glittering gems.
“What are these?” Luna asked curiously.
“We have fondly named them, The Elements of Harmony. They represent everything Discord does not and when used together create a magic that not even he can counter but we all realized that only two Alicorns such as yourselves could tap into their true potential. Lowly unicorns such as myself lack the raw magical power you both posses when you combine your magics.” Star Swirl replied with a smile.
“So what does each stone represent?” Celestia asked curiously.
“Honesty, Laughter, Generosity, Kindness, and Loyalty.” Star Swirl replied pointing to each gem as he spoke their name.
“And what of this one?” Luna asked pointing to the gem which was shaped different than the rest. It was a brilliantly purple star shaped gem which glistened with a warm glow.
“That Princess is the most important element of them all. The one that ties all the elements together. It is the element of magic itself. These six elements represent the magic of friendship, with these six elements your combined power can defeat Discord.” Star Swirl said beaming proudly for the first time in decades.
“Is there any requirements to be able to use them?” Celestia asked curiously.
“Unfortunately there is, in order to tap into each element you must represent in the it most definitive sense of that element. But as luck would have it, you and your sister combined represent every element so you should have no trouble in using them.” Star Swirl replied.
“Very well, please inform all remaining members of the order to meet outside of Discord's castle within the hour. It is time to put an end to Discord's reign once and for all.” Celestia said standing up.
“Of course, I will do so with post haste princess.” Star Swirl replied and disappeared in a flash of magic.
“Don't kill the ones with glowing red eyes, they are not responsible for their own actions!” Celestia's voice boomed as war broke out within Discord's castle as spells and hooves collided within the halls.
Many hours into the battle however Discord finally showed himself. “Enough of this!” Discord's voice boomed and with a snap of his claw an eruption of magic shot forth from the ground which evaporated his own forces and the Regal Princess's alike leaving only a mere few left alive on each side having been able to barely avoid the blast.
Star Swirl the bearded was among these few. “Enough of this foolishness Merrick! We now posses the power to defeat! But it does not have to be this way! If you surrender now we can lessen your punishment and work toegther towards a better as you call it, Equestria!” Star Swirl exclaimed looking at Discord now not with eyes of fury but of concern for his student.
“You still haven't changed old man. You still hold a soft spot for your old student. Well here's a new flash for you in case you missed it as it shown itself to you blatantly right before your ignorant eyes. Merrick is dead! There is only Discord now!” Discord exclaimed as he disappeared in a flash of magic and before anypony could react thrust his claw into Star Swirl's chest causing him to gasp out in horror before being thrown to the other side of the castle hall like a rag doll and land on the ground barely alive as his own blood began to pool under him.
“Now then, with that blundering foal out of the way, why don't you show these means of my defeat.” Discord said with a cruel grin.
“Discord, we offer you one last chance at redemption. Surrender now and no harm shall come to you, however if you continue this we will be forced to use the elements of harmony against you!” Luna exclaimed in a fierce tone.
“Hold on, did you call your ace in the hole, the elements....-snicker-..of harmony? Bwahahahaa! Oh that's rich! I haven't had a laugh like that in decades!” Discord exclaimed as he floated in midair clutching his sides as he laughed loudly before he stopped abruptly and conjured a bulls-eye target on his chest. “I'll even give you one free shot on the house before I destroy you both.” Discord said with a wicked grin.
“Are you ready sister?” Celestia asked looking to the moonlight princess who nodded.
“yes.” She replied simply at which point both Alicorns began to float into the air. Momenrs after this each element of harmony magically appeared around them. The elements of “Generosity, Honesty, and Kindness began to float above Celestia while the elements of Laughter and Loyalty began to float above Luna. The elements began to glow brightly and moments later short forth several beams of magical light contrasting the gem's color directly above and in between the two sisters pooling together. This magic continued to pool until it flashed with a blinding light upon which the final element appeared in the between them, the element of magic.
Discord's expression changed from cocky to slightly worried at this point. He had never seen magic such as this before and the very nature of this magic was pure and began to fill him with a deep sense of fear. “You foals! You can never defeat me!” Discord exclaimed angrily taking back is earlier statement of giving the two Alicorns a free shot firing a beam of his own magic at them however this magic was halted just short of the Regal sisters disappearing upon impact with a magical shield that seemed to appear from nowhere.
“N-No! Th-This cannot be!” Discord exclaimed in a fearful tone as he focused all the magical power he had into one powerful beam which hit the shield however this time it wasn't dispelled upon impact with the shield but it did not penetrate it either.
“This is it! Are you ready sister?!” Celestia exclaimed as she felt the magic reaching it's peak in power.
“Yes! Lets end Discord's reign once and for all!” Luna exclaimed in reply at which point both Luna and Celestia's eyes began to glow brightly with a white light and moments later a multicolored beam of magic shot forth from the element of magic which could be described as nothing other than a rainbow and sailed at Discord canceling off his magic as it barreled down upon him.
“This cannot be! I am immortal! Nothing can defeat me! ” Discord's voice exclaimed as the magic swirled around him and soon enveloped him in it. Discord felt his body begin to harden and all too late realized he was being petrified from the feet up. “Noooooooooooooooooo!” Discord roared until his head was turned to stone at which point the statue version of him fell to the ground with a loud thud.
“I had hoped to be rid of him once and for all, but I suppose something called the elements of harmony would not kill him.” Celestia remarked as she stood up wearily after the magic dissipated from around her and Luna.
“I can fix that!” Luna said as she magically levitated Discord's statue and let it drop from very high up only for Celestia to stop it from hitting the ground.
“Sister! We can not do that. For if we did, we would be no better than Discord!” Celestia exclaimed and gently set the statue down.
“Then what do you propose we do when the magic wears off?” Luna replied with a annoyed look.
“As long as we continue to represent the elements of harmony he will stay like this for all time.” Celestia replied simply.
“When you say it like that, destroying him might be doing him a favor.” Luna replied sourly.
“Perhaps in time he will feel remorse for his actions and maybe we can release him one day.” Celestia replied with a smile.
END FLASHBACK
“And the rest is Equestrian history. As you know me and my sister were crowned rulers of Equestria. And you know the rest.” Luna replied having finished her tale.
“A very intriguing tale...” Stormhooves remarked with a hoof on his chin looking deep in thought.
“What are you doing down here for?!” Stormhooves exclaimed angrily.
It was time for Fluttershy to give her signal to the others as she took a deep breath. “You're....GOING...TO...LOVE ME!” Fluttershy roared at the top of her lungs which shook the entire dungeon halls and just about everypony within the castle heard it not to mention Twilight and the others outside who took this as their cue to charge in.
“Remember! We save the princesses and get our flanks out of here! Nothing more! Got it?!” Twilight exclaimed as she used her magic to throw several ponies in all directions.
“Crystal Clear, sugarcube!” Applejack exclaimed as she reared up and bucked several solider ponies which flew through the door. Meanwhile Discord was down in the dungeons having heard Fluttershy's loud voice.
“What in the name of all things disharmony and chaos is happening down here?!” Discord exclaimed as he appeared only to see Fluttershy whom was pounding the living snot out of Stormhooves.
Fluttershy turned around to see Discord gave a cruel smile before she swiftly bucked Stormhooves at Discord before he could react effectively knocking them both into the dungeon walls stunned. “Get your royal ass up and lets the hell outta here!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a rude tone much to the Moon princess's shock but she did so non-the-less magically undoing the chains around her and quickly followed Fluttershy up the stairs which lead to the main halls of the castle.
“You came to rescue us? But you've been discorded! How are you able to think on your own without his influence?!” Luna asked in a shocked tone as she followed the yellow Pegasus into the halls.
“Ask the know-it-all egghead that after we get out of here! Your royal dunceship!” Fluttershy exclaimed in her same rude tone as they met up with the other three.
“Where's the flightless wonder?” Fluttershy asked in a snooty tone.
“She watching over Pinkie Pie, Discord's Chocolate rain has warped her mind somehow and she's not who she was.” Twilight replied as she swiftly ejected several ponies away from her.
“Figures. That stupid fluff-brained twit couldn't use that cotton-candy ball in her head she calls a brain to not drink something made by that guy!” Fluttershy exclaimed and looking around.
“So where's the other royal pain in our flanks?” Fluttershy asked looking around.
“Ah'm goin to assume you are meanin Princess Celestia?” Applejack replied still put off by her rude attitude.
“Who else would I be talking about apples for brains? Star Swirl the bearded?!” Fluttershy replied rudely followed by a tongue sticking out gesture.
“Just take everything she says with a grain of salt girls, we all know Fluttershy isn't herself right now and she doesn't mean a word she has said.” Twilight replied noticing Rarity's and Applejack's annoyed expressions.
“Yeah, you heard what the egghead said, now lets get the hell out of here before I regret helping you foals!” Fluttershy exclaimed which despite her words Twilight flash her an annoyed glare before charging down the hallways towards Celestia's statue.
“Get off me you dimwit!” Discord exclaimed ejecting Stormhooves off of him with a burst of magic sending the black Pegasus flying like a rag doll into the wall a crossed from them then promptly noticed Luna was missing. “Scootaloo!” Discord roared snapping his lion's paw which caused the greyish orange Pegasus to appear next to him. “We have a big problem that is your fault. I expect you fix this...NOW!” Discord said in a calm tone with his claw and lion's paw clasped before before his expression suddenly changed to pissed off and flung both arms to his sides as he roared his final word at the Pegasus causing her hair to flail in the sheer brute force of his voice before she promptly took off up the stairs.
“I think we're in the clear darlings!” Rarity exclaimed in a happy tone as Applejack gave a look behind herself to see Scootaloo flying at them at breakneck speed.
“Y'all may want to be rethinkin that statement Rarity. Cause we we got ourselves a might big problem flyin our way!” Applejack exclaimed at which point Luna, Rarity, and Twilight gave a glance behind themselves to see Scootaloo.
“I'll handle this!” Luna exclaimed stopping to turn around for a brief moment before conjuring a magical barrier which Scootaloo stopped just short of with a panicked expression on her face before looking at the Moon Princess who looked at her.
In that same moment the two stared at one another seemingly knowing exactly what each other was thinking or at least that's how it seemed. However as quickly as this moment came it past seemingly in an instant. As Luna turned about face and followed the others.
Discord appeared a few minuets later to see Luna magically teleport the group to safety in a flash of magic at which point Scootaloo ears flattened as she turned around to look at Discord fearfully.
However instead of yelling at the Pegasus he simply pointed a finger at the barrier behind which shattered instantly very loudly scaring Scootaloo out of her wits as she made a sudden panicked upward climb so sooner she heard the shattering sound and remained stationary panting heavily as her heart seemed to threaten to explode out of her chest as it was beating so fast and furiously. Discord turned his gaze upward towards her and glared at her for a few moments before turning around and walking inside without another word.
“Ugh, that was so lame of me!” Scootaloo said facehoofing with a groan before she slowly descended and flew inside. She mare was careful to avoid Discord however for fear of him actually doing something cruel to her because of her failure to stop them...
To hell in a handbasket part 2
TO HELL IN A HAND-BASKET
PART 2
As the four continued to venture though the forest scared Pinkie gave a suddenly startled cry as she saw a rustling of bushes just to the right of them. “Both Pinkies behind me!” Rarity exclaimed as she began to focus magic into her horn however stopped abruptly when yet another version of Pinkie Pie jumped out of the bushes.
“haha! You all were so scared! That was fun! Lets do that again!” This version of Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she hopped around the four.
“Well this Pinkie seems more like the one we all know.” Applejack remarked until the filly stopped behind her and slapped her rump hard making the farm pony jump. “What in tarnation was that for?!” Applejack exclaimed in an annoyed tone as she rubbed her stinging rump now.
Rarity was next to give a startled cry as she jumped about three feet in the air with a beat red blush on her face. “Pinkie! That is a place that you know no mare or colt should be sticking their hooves without expressed permission!” Rarity said as she sat down with her rump firmly on the ground still blushing.
“Hehe! You both are a crack up! We should hang out more often!” The pink filly exclaimed followed by a giggle and a snort.
“I dare say, this must be the part of us which represents the fun loving side of us all but without my reserved morals and intelligence she lacks the judgment to know when not to go too far.” Smart pinkie remarked as the pink filly continued to jump about.
“S-she also lacks my fear for what others might think of her for doing such things..” scared Pinkie chimed in with a slight whimper.
“Well that explains why she smacked mah rump without a second thought to get a rise outta meh.” Applejack remarked finally able to stop rubbing her rump.
“It also explains why she stuck her hoof in my.....erm...violated me to make me jump in surprise.” Rarity chimed in her face looking crimson at the moment due to her blushing so fiercely.
“Quite...” Smart Pinkie replied to the both as she adjusted her glasses before approaching the giggling pink filly. “Would you be as kind as to-I say! Of all the perverted things to do and to yourself might add!” Smart Pinkie exclaimed as she slammed her own rump on the ground due to the pink filly quickly reaching around and touching her.
“I always wondered how I would react to that...Haha!” the pink filly exclaimed then fell to her side holding her sides as she laughed loudly.
“I dare say, this is the part of me I do not like. Why we behave like this is beyond me. But as I was saying before your...prank , would you accompany us to finding our core?” Smart Pinkie said in the best tone she could muster despite her embarrassment.
“Sure!” The filly exclaimed and continued to hop around the four.
“Ah reckon we can call this one Prankster Pinkie.” Applejack said as she walked next to smart pinkie.
“I'd venture more to using the term, perverted pinkie, but whichever helps you keep track us of best I suppose...” smart pinkie said as she stood back up on all four hooves.
“I dare to agree with you on that smart Pinkie...” Rarity chimed in standing up now herself.
“Okay, so let meh see, we got smart pinkie, scared pinkie, and now we got prankster pinkie. Ah'm wondering what part of her we'll be runnin into next.” Applejack said as the five ponies continued venturing throught he forest until they came to a valley with a seemingly endless bottom with only a rickety bridge.
“Applejack, I could not help but notice...is this...?” Rarity asked trailing off with her question.
“Yep, it's the same bridge we used to cross when we were first going to find the elements of harmony. Ya ain't the only one thinkin that sugarcube.” Applejack replied as she stepped onto the first part of the bridge only for it to give a loud cracking sound as if it was about to give way before she jumped back. “This here bridge isn't lookin all that stable either.” Applejack remarked apprehensively as she stood just in front of it now.
“Let me see what I can do about that.” Rarity replied as she stepped forward, channeled magic into her horn which moments later shot a coat of white magic onto the bridge which began to reshape the bridge in a fashion which made it look much more stable only for it to revert back to it's original shape. “Oh Dear...” Rarity remarked in a worried tone as the bridge swayed slightly looking no different than it had a few moments before.
“I suspect this is one of our core's more advanced defenses she put up in order to protect herself.” Smart Pinkie remarked as she looked over the bridge next to Rarity.
“Which means we are getting closer to findin Pinkie's core.” Applejack said with a wide smile feeling herself filled with a sense of joy she hadn't felt since they entered the forest.
“Quite, but without our other counterparts it would disastrous if we were to find the core without all five of us there. I didn't want to worry anyone but I have a feeling that something is watching us.” Smart Pinkie said pointing a hoof up towards a tree which shown a pair of eyes hidden behind a bushel of branches.
It was then the pair of eyes narrowed and jumped from behind the bushes revealing a creature whose body had a chicken's head but the body of a snake.
“A-A Cockatrice!!!” Scared pinkie nearly screamed and slammed both hooves over her eyes.
“Don't look into it's eyes!” Smart Pinkie exclaimed looking away with her eyes closed.
“Rawr!” A voice exclaimed suddenly which everypony recognized and moments later a pink filly with an army style bandanna swung from the tree branches above them and tackled the cockatrice and began to beat the living snot out of it before the creature slithered from under her and ran off bawking in fear. “Who else wants of the pink?!” The pink filly exclaimed with a fierce expression on her face.
Applejack was the first to hesitantly open her eyes and went slack-jawed at the sight of this version of Pinkie Pie. Not only was she wearing a army style bandana but she looked well built very similar to Big Macintosh only she was still a small filly.
“I say, did you even bother to consider the cockatrice's ability to petrify anypony who looked into it's eyes?” Smart Pinkie said in a annoyed tone at this version of Pinkie Pie.
“Why would I need to do that? Nothing here can stand up to the pink!” The well built filly exclaimed with a cocky smile.
“This must be the part of Pinkie Pie who represents the brave part of her. But she lacks any common tactical sense. Why that was simply crazy, tackling a cockatrice like that. You could have been turned to stone!” Rarity exclaimed in a worried tone.
“Ha! I wasn't worried! I the biggest, baddest, pony in all of Equestria!” the pink filly exclaimed with a cocky smile.
“Not to mentioned egotistic...” Applejack remarked under breath in an annoyed tone until the pink filly tackled her.
“What did you call me? You might buck apples for a living but you can't take on the pink and you know it!” The pink filly exclaimed in a fierce tone till Applejack shoved her off on impulse sending the pink filly into a backwards roll into a tree. “Oh you wanna try and take on the pink?! Come on! Put your hooves up!” The filly exclaimed standing on her hind hooves making a few swift hoof punching motions as she seemed to be making small hops back and forth.
“This version of us clearly lacks any ability what-so-ever to make a reasonable judgment on their foe and jumps head first into a fight without consideration for her own weaknesses.” Smart Pinkie remarked looking at this version of pinkie who gave her a quick glare.
“So, this one is brave pinkie?” Rarity said in a suggesting tone to which Applejack nodded.
“Ah reckon that's a might kinder than what ah'd call her.” Applejack replied sourly.
“What's that supposed to mean?!” Brave Pinkie exclaimed looking back at Applejack now.
“Now,Now, please calm yourself darling. We only want to help.” Rarity said in a kind tone with a smile as she looked at the pink filly.
Brave pinkie gave one last look at Applejack before letting out a huffy sigh. “Ah, a wimp like her ain't worth beating the horsefeathers out of anyways!” Brave Pinkie said which caused the farm pony to give her a glare.
“Why you snot nosed, little-Applejack!” Rarity exclaimed cutting off the farm pony before she could finish her sentence. “Sorreh bout that Rarity. But this version of Pinkie can get on a pony's nerves a might fast.” Applejack said with a frown before flashing one last glare at brave pinkie.
“Applejack, if I may as bold as to state, you have wings here. Shy not fly us over the rickety bridge one at a time?” Smart Pinkie remarked as she adjusted her glasses.
Applejack blinked twice before facehoofing at this statement. “I plum forgot ah had wings here!” Applejack exclaimed with a sheepish giggle before taking off from the ground and lifting Rarity up whom was carrying both scared and prankster pinkie, then flew back to pick up brave and smart pinkie and landing just on the other side.
“Well now that we have that cleared up-I say! Is that....?” Smart Pinkie began to say before a shrill cry of pain came from within the ruins that lay before them that could be none other than another filly version of Pinkie Pie at which point all six of them rushed in to see a horrifying sight.
A creature whose body sported that of a dragon except for the head which was that of a pony with two crooked horns on it's head stood holding a small pink filly up by the throat against the ruin's walls.“I won't ask again...where is your core?!” The creature exclaimed.
“What's the point? You'll find it eventually...you know you can't kill me. So we could sit here like this for ages and nothing would change..” The pink filly replied in a depressed tone.
The creature growled fiercely before chucking the filly to the ground who gave a shrill cry of pain as she bounced off the ground once and landed on it. “I should have known better than to ask the part of her which was completely emo...” The creature remarked in an annoyed tone before it turned around and looked at the other five at which point it's eyes widened in shock before a wicked grin appeared on it's face.
“It-it-'it's the demon!” Scared pinkie exclaimed as she hid behind Rarity with her whole body shaking in terror.
The demon began to take a step forward until a lighting bolt struck in front of it making it st[p from where it stood. “Not another step you foul beast!” Rarity exclaimed with a fierce expression on her face now. “Applejack please go scoop up that version of Pinkie Pie if you would.” Rarity said at which point Applejack took off from the ground, quickly picked up the bruised and beaten sad pinkie and landed next to the other five.
The demon growled fiercely looking at them for a few moments before a wicked smile appeared on it's face. Confused Rarity and Applejack looked in the direction of the demons gaze and realized why it had begun smiling.
No sooner all five parts of pinkie where within close proximity of each other a bright light appeared above them at which point a snow while filly with a blue mane appeared and floated gently down in the middle of them sleeping soundly.
“The core...” The demon said with a grin and dashed forward as fast as it could only to stop as Rarity shot forth another lightning bolt from her horn in front of it.
“Applejack, get the six pinkies out of here now!” Rarity exclaimed as she shot bolt after bolt at the demon slowing it's progress but it was still making it's way towards them very quickly now.
Applejack was just about to do so when the enter scene around them began to fade away and moments later they were all sitting within the same familiar void they had been in earlier however Twilight and the others could now be seen not far from them battling it out with the shadows still. “What the hay happened to this here illusion of Pinkie's?!” Applejack asked in a panicked tone.
“It's because all six of us are in one place. This illusion was built to separate our parts so the demon could not find our core. But once we were gathered together it must have thought it was no longer needed. I must say..this is very bad.” smart pinkie remarked with a nervous expression.
“So why don't y'all put yourself together so we can get the hay outta here!” Applejack exclaimed as Rarity dodged a strike from the demon and countered with a icy beam of magic.
“It's not that simple! When the demon split us apart it made sure that we couldn't become one again until our core appeared and awoke, but as you can see she still asleep! The demon put her to sleep in order to prevent us from becoming one again so she erected this illusion as a last defense against it!” smart pinkie exclaimed in annoyance.
“So let meh get this strait. The demon separated y'all into parts, put your core to sleep but couldn't find it before y'all created that illusion to separate y'all?” Applejack said trying to make sense of this.
“Exactly! We can't become one again till she wakes up.” smart pinkie replied as Rarity was struck hard and sent flying a few feet away and got back to her hooves but with a slight stumble.
“Oh dear...” Luna remarked as she noticed Rarity's fur color was now beginning to fade as well along with the other four and Applejack's fur coat had only just begun to fade as she looked on now. “This does not look good...” Luna said aloud as she stood to her hooves with the blade floating just before her biting her lower lip. “All five are losing the battle now...” Luna remarked and looked to her sister's statue. “It has only been a day since I may my vow sister but...” Luna said trailing off.
I'm afraid I can wait no longer...
forgive me sister...
“Horseapples! This consarned demon packs a punch!” Applejack exclaimed as she recovered from being struck hard mid-air and sent into a skidding halt into the ground.
“Come on! Wake up!” scared Pinkie exclaimed as she shook the snow white filly.
“Come on girls! We can do this!” Twilight exclaimed having noticed Rarity and applejack locked in battle with the demon as they were now all five fighting against it and it's army of shadows.
Fluttershy gave a horrified pained cry as one of the shadowy figures began to take a make shift blade and began to shop at her stump. “G-Get away!” Fluttershy shrieked as she erupted one shadow away only for the others to summon similar ones and begin to hack at her.
“Hang on Flut!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she dive bombed on the horse of shadows surrounding Pinkie Pie and hit ground on purpose at which point a sonic rainboom erupted from the ground obliterating all the shadows around her.
Fluttershy's form however reverted back to that of Pegasus as she lay on the ground bleeding from her side. “Oh crap! Hold on Fluttershy! Don't you die on us!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she looked at the shaking yellow Pegasus.
“R-R-Rainbow....I’m so scared....I-I- don't want to die...” Fluttershy said in a weak shaking voice that cracked as she spoke.
“You won't! Stay with me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she bucked shadow after shadow to keep them away from her but soon found herself overwhelmed. “Damn it....wake up Pinkie...we need you.” Rainbow Dash thought to herself as she did her best to protect Fluttershy becoming worse for ware with each strike she failed to counter or dodge.
“Pinkie Pie...please wake up....I-I-I'm so scared...” Fluttershy said in a weak voice as her vision began to blur and consciousness began to falter.
“Pinkie Pie..i know you can do it...wake up!” Twilight exclaimed just before she walked dog piled by a horde of shadows only to erupt them off in a burst of magic however she was nearing her limit and she knew it despite her Alicorn powers she had she knew it wouldn't be long before she like Fluttershy lay on the ground in their original form weak and defenseless.
“Darling...please...we simply can't defeat this demon without you...wake up...please.” Rarity thought to herself as she gave a glance at the snow white filly who still lay asleep as she barely dodged a claw from the demon.
“Consarn it, quite takin a cotton picken nap and wake up ya silly filly! We can't beat the tar out of this here demon without ya!” Applejack exclaimed as she gave a mighty buck at the demon only for it to grab her hooves mid-air, swing her in circles very quickly before letting go and throwing her a great distance away, digging up dirt on the ground before her wings disappeared and she lay on the ground weak and defenseless while shadows began to barrel down on her. “Pinkie....” Applejack thought to herself as she watched the shadows grow closer to her by the second.
Twilight by now had finally reached the point where she was unable to fight any longer as well as she was struck hard by a shadow reverting back to her form as a unicorn mid-air before hitting the ground with a pained cry. “Pinkie...” Twilight trailed off in a weak voice.
“Pinkie...” Rainbow Dash said trailing off as well as she was struck hard in the gut causing her to fall to her knees as her wings disappeared as well.
“Pinkie...” Fluttershy said now as well trailing off as well as she was barely clinging onto consciousness now.
It was at the point and time Rarity was unable to dodge yet another strike from the demon and was sent flying a few feet away bleeding from her side now. “Pinkie...”
We need you!
“Please forgive me sister for what I am about to do but I can wait no longer...” Luna said in a sad tone as she raised the blade above Pinkie's head and was just about to strike the pink mare down when her body began to radiate a bright pink light causing the moon princess to gasp.
“Where did this sudden surge of power come from? How is this possible?” Luna remarked in a shocked tone as Pinkie Pie's body continued to glow brightly and her fur color soon returned to it's natural cotton candy pink color.
The snow white filly's eyes snapped open and a pure white light erupted from where she lay consuming all five Pinkies causing the demon and the shadows to stop what they were doing and stare. In the next moment the light flashed brightly ejecting a wave of light which destroyed every single shadow in the area and all five mares found that their wounds had been miraculously healed while at the source of this explosion of holy light stood a pink mare smilingly broadly but had a fierce look about her all the same.
“Hey! Meanie pants! Get away from my friends!” Pinkie pie exclaimed and lunged at the demon before it could react with such speed and velocity it couldn't counter even if it wanted to as she reared up and bucked it hard sending it flying several feet back.
The demon recovered mid-air however landing on it's foot and knee with a slight skid before coming to a halt. “How could you wake up? The spell I put on you should have lasted for an eternity!” The demon exclaimed as it gave a shocked yet confused stare at Pinkie Pie who was once again complete and whole.
It was at this point and time Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash stood beside her. “Don't underestimate the power of friendship!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a proud smile as she looked to her friends.
“We aren't just friends Pinkie...” Twilight said trailing off with a nod to the others who caught on quickly as well as the pink mare.We're family!
The six shouted in unison at which point they all began to float up into the air as each of their individual elements appeared on their necks as well as Twilight's Tiara and after a few moments they all began to glow brightly and shot forth a rainbow colored beam of magic at the demon who could only cry out in horror as the beam hit them effectively evaporating it from existence.
Moments later the light began to shine even brighter until...
“Ohh....my head.” Rainbow Dash said as her eyes fluttered open to see herself in an familiar room.
“Did we save her?” Twilight asked as the others began to come too as well.
“You sure as heck did! And wowie! That was fun! Lets do that again some time, well except for the everypony pony almost dying part and the scary demon thing...and the-PINKIE PIE!” Rainbow Dash shouted in an aggravated tone cutting off the pink mare mid ramble leaving the five in an awkward silence for a few moments until the six broke into spontaneous laughter.
“You six truly are amazing. Just when I thought you were going to lose you pulled through. I now see why my sister has so much faith in you six...” Luna said and bowed to the six much to their shock. “Can you ever forgive a foalish mare for lacking faith in you all?” Luna said in a ashamed tone not looking up until Twilight walked up to her and slapped her much to everypony's shock.
“Twilight! What in tarnation are you thinking?! You just slapped royalty!” Applejack exclaimed in a horrified tone as Luna held a hoof to her cheek in shock for a few moments then laughed as she looked at the smirk on the purple unicorn's face.
“I suppose I deserved that, but might I ask what for?” Luna asked still rubbing her cheek.
“That's for thinking you had anything to be sorry for. So, we back to normal now?” Twilight replied still smirking.
“Yes, I would say so. You truly are a very interesting group.” Luna replied as she was able to finally stop rubbing her stinging cheek.
Many hours later after all six filled the moon princess in on what happened inside of Pinkie Pie's soul they all decided that it would be a good idea for them to get something to eat so Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie went to the kitchen to fix some food for them all while the other four stood in the room looking at Celestia's statue.
“Is there anyway you can cure her?” Twilight asked in a hopeful tone as Luna looked at her sister's statue.
“If only there was. Sadly this magic is far beyond even my skills. Celestia could possibly know a way but with her like this we would have no way of finding out what the cure might be.” Luna replied with a frown.
Twilight then turned her gaze to Applejack and Rarity who were chatting up a storm over their adventure inside Pinkie Pie then looked over to see Rainbow Dash sitting on the ground, legs folded under her as she looked at her sides which no longer sported her wings.
“We'll get them back.” Twilight said in a comforting tone causing the cyan blue mare to snap out of her gaze and look at Twilight.
“I know...it's just that while we were inside of Pinkie...i was so happy to have my wings back. Now that I’m without them again it's like i'm missing apart of my soul. You know what I mean?” Rainbow Dash replied in a sad tone.
“Yes I do. I know I’d feel the same way if Discord took my horn.” Twilight replied as she sta down next to the cyan blue mare.
“I was so stupid! I should have known Discord wouldn't play fair in that race against Scoots. But dummy me had to jump head first in. I never thought my competitive side would be my undoing.” Rainbow Dash replied followed by a heavy sigh lowering her head in shame until Twilight put a hoof on her cheek which caused her to look up at her.
“You were only doing it to try and save Scootaloo. And I think it was a very noble thing you did. I don't know of any Pegasus alive who would bet something as precious as their wings for anypony. That if anything says how much you care for her.” Twilight replied with a comforting smile in a soft tone.
“Thanks Twilight...that means a lot coming from you.” Rainbow Dash replied smiling now herself.
“I didn't mean to be ease-dropping but you said you wagered your wings against Discord am I correct?” Luna said causing both mares to look up at the moon princess and nod. “And he cheated, correct?” Luna said which was met with nodding again at which point a wide smirk appeared on the moon princess's face much to both mare's confusion.
“Care to let us in on the joke?” Rainbow Dash said in a annoyed tone wondering if Luna wasn't about to start making fun of her for being stupid to bet her wings now.
“Oh, it's not joke. Just that when you wagered your wings against discord you and him made a unwritten magical contract. So you see, Discord can't keep your wings because he broke his part of the contract.” Luna said which had not only made Twilight and Rainbow Dash gasp but Rarity and Applejack who were now looking at her now as well.
“But if that's the case, then why don't I have my wings back yet?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“Discord must have tried to alter it during the race but if he did then there in itself lies the loop hole. Let me see if I can conjure it up. If you will allow me to magically scan you that is.” Luna replied at which point the cyan blue mare stood up and nodded.
“But if it's unwritten how can you make it appear?” Twilight asked as Luna's horn sent forth a magical beam of light which cloaked over Rainbow Dash's body and stayed in place.
“Everypony's body in Equestria has it's own little as I like to call it, Library of information stored in it's soul. The trick is just scanning through the documents until I find the one that matches the criteria.” Luna replied simply as she continued to scan the cyan blue mare.
“That's sounds very time consuming.” Twilight remarked dismally.
“It can be...unless you know exactly what your looking for and narrow down the search to only those that show similar criteria to the one you're looking for...ah there is it!” Luna exclaimed as her eyes lit up with a triumphant smile. “This might twinge a bit Rainbow.” Luna said in a cautioning tone and began to focus her magic even more so at which point the cyan blue mare gave a slight yelp before a wisp of blue smoke could be seen floating out of her body swirling in place until a cyan blue paper popped into existence where the smoke once had been and began to read over the content so of it at once.
A few tense moments passed until Rainbow Dash took a timid step forward. “What does it say?” She asked nervously.
“Hmm...according to this there was a third party involved who inserted a clause stating that Discord could not interfere in the race at the last minuet but it doesn't say who.” Luna replied in a thoughtful tone.
“Scootaloo. She told him not to cheat just before we took off from the starting cloud and Discord agreed to it but not very willingly.” Rainbow Dash replied in a matter of fact tone.
“Oh dear.” Luna replied which both mares knew whenever the moon princess said this it could only mean bad news. “If that's the case then only Scootaloo can break the contract. But she has to state that the contract is invalid outright or it won't do any good.” Luna replied with a frown before using her magic to turn the contract back into a blue cloud of smoke which floating back into Rainbow Dash a few moments later.
“Fat chance of that happening.” Rainbow Dash remarked sourly with an eye roll.
“Maybe not...” Twilight said aloud putting a hoof on her chin looking deep in thought.
“You have a plan?” Luna asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Nope!” Twilight replied enthusiastic in a tone which was met with facehoofs from the moon princess and cyan blue mare. “But I do know how to get Rainbow Dash's wings back!” Twilight exclaimed with a cheesy grin and began to explain how hey were going to go about it..
ONCE A CRUSADER
It had been a week sense Scootaloo's failure to stop Twilight and the others from escaping and despite Discord no longer glaring at her in disdain every time he saw the mare she couldn't help but worry that he would punish her next time she failed.
This feeling of unease around him was starting to get on the mare's nerves as she decided one day to leave the castle for awhile only for Discord to poof in front of her. “And where do you think your going my dear?” Discord asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Your not my father Discord. The only reason I serve you is because of the bond we share. I'm not your lapdog you can order around to get your morning tea.” Scootaloo replied sourly clearly looking annoyed before flying off only for him to appear in front of her.
“You misunderstand. I only worry for your safety my dear. After all, Equestria isn't exactly safe now at days. Think of me as a father figure at the most who worries about his daughter.” Discord replied seemingly attempting to sound concerned for the Pegasus's well being.
“My parents are dead Discord. No thanks to your followers might I add. The least you can do is allow me some freedom in honor of their deaths.” Scootaloo replied flatly and flew off again but this time Discord didn't stop her instead he appeared back into the castle on his throne.
“Could you bring me a list of my followers who were involved in the death of Scootaloo's parents...” Discord replied as he clasped his lions paw and claw together looking deep in thought.
Scootaloo flew off through the skies performing many tricks mid-air and looked like she was truly enjoying herself. Scootaloo then took off at break neck speed towards the ground and moments before she hit it pulled up quickly creating a sonic boom behind her that rippled the earth behind her. “Ha! What do you know. Rainbow Crash wasn't lying when she showed me how to do that.” Scootaloo remarked with a light laugh.
“Now watch closely Scoots! This is how you do my sonic rainboom! Be honored cause I would show no other Pegasus how to do this trick!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a wide grin as she took up way up high as Scootaloo stood stationary in the air.
Rainbow Dash then began to take a steep dive going strait down moving at breakneck speed now. “You gotta pull up at the right moment or you can seriously injure yourself! Remember that scoots! Timing is everything!” Rainbow Dash shouted loudly so that Scootaloo could hear her as she pasted her on her way to the ground.
“Annnnnnd.....NOW!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed pulling up just before she hit the ground creating a sonic rainboom in her wake.
Scootaloo watched in shock and awe at this as the cyan blue Pegasus stopped just short of her flying stationary mid-air in front of her. “Course you'll need to be a full grown mare before you can do this trick. So you'll need to wait a bit. Just remember what I showed you okay?” Rainbow Dash said with a smile as she patted the orange filly on her head.
“Okay mom!” Scootaloo replied excitedly.
The greyish colored mare shook her head fiercely as if attempting to shake the memory out of her head. “No matter how many tricks she's shown me. She shouldn't have lied to me about everything else.” Scootaloo said in a loathing tone before she continued to fly on.
Scootaloo then saw a familiar site. It was apple acres but it looked nothing like she remembered it. In fact nothing looked as she remembered it. It seemed Ponyville had gone to hell and with the red-eyed ponies walking about the ground attacking any ponies who were not converted it sure as heck wasn't far off from her assumption either!
“Scootaloo? Is that really you?!” A voice spoke up that she recognized immediately.
“Gina?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a shocked tone as she whirled around to see a familiar looking purple Pegasus flying up to her.
“So it really is you. I guess the rumors are true about Discord changing you.” Gina replied in a saddened tone.
“Nah, I’m still the same Scootaloo.” Scootaloo replied with a smile. She had no idea why but she was filled with joy seeing that one of her newest friends hadn't been changed into a mindless slave.
“But you're a full grown mare now. Not to mention your fur coat looks like a grayed out version of what it was. I thought he brainwashed you.” Gina replied flying stationary in front of the grayish orange mare now.
“Nah, I wouldn't let that lame creep do that to me. All he did was just help me not be such a wimp anymore.” Scootaloo replied with a cocky grin.
“What about your mom? I heard she lost her wings because she lost a race against you.” Gina replied in a concerned tone.
“Rainbow Crash is NOT my mom. She never was. A mother wouldn't lie to her filly.” Scootaloo replied in a loathing tone feeling an all too familiar rage build up inside her.
“She lied to you? About what?” Gina replied with a frown.
“Everything! She lied about not having time to spend with me, about her promise not to keep secrets anymore, and a bunch of other stuff! Don't mentioned her name around me ever again! And don't refer to her as my mom again! Got that?!” Scootaloo exclaimed with her face less than three inches from the purple Pegasus who cowered in fear of her and nodded silently at which point Scootaloo's eyes widened in shock realizing she had just bit her friend's head off without any reason to.
“Oh crud! I'm sorry Gina! Please don't be scared of me! I didn't mean to yell at you!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a panicked tone as she extended a hoof to which Gina flinched at which point she retracted it and lowered her head. “I guess he did change me a little bit. I can't help but feel so angry at her. I mean what kind of mom lies to their filly like that?” Scootaloo said in a sad tone with tears brimming her in eyes now.
Gina despite her fear attempted to console the Pegasus as she reached a shaking hoof forward and placed on her shoulder. “I'm sure she had her reasons. Besides I bet she still loves you.” Gina replied attempting to smile but only managed a half smile.
“No, she had no right!” Scootaloo exclaimed angrily snapping her head forward as tears flew from her eyes into the air still looking angry but she had a deep sadness about her expression despite this anger.
“Scootaloo...” Gina said trailing off in a saddened tone before Scootaloo darted off from her through the skies leaving the purple Pegasus wondering what could have made her hate Rainbow Dash so much.
Many hours later Scootaloo had finally be able to stop the water works and was enjoying herself again as she flew about however by now her wings were growing tired so she decided to land on the ground next to a landmark she remembered all to well. It was the clubhouse her, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom had used.
“After I rest my wings I think i'll go back and apologize to Gina for flying off like that. She can't understand what I’m going through but that doesn't mean I should be such a lame jerk to her about it.” Scootaloo thought to herself as she walked up towards the clubhouse filled with guilt for the way she acted towards her friend.
“Wow...this place sure has seen better days.” Scootaloo remarked aloud with a light giggle as she walked up the plank and opened the door to look inside. It was then she saw it. It was the poster that she and her friends made in their attempt to find their cutie marks nearly over two years ago. Scootaloo then looked to her flank and remembered she still had yet to earn her cutie mark and gave a heavy sigh before looking back up at the poster.
“I still remember that contest we all entered. We really screwed things up.” Scootaloo said aloud thoughtfully followed by a light laugh. “Heck we destroyed the stage!” Scootaloo exclaimed laughing even more so now loudly. “What was the song again that we did? It was Sweetie Belle's lyrics...” Scootaloo said aloud as she put a hoof on her chin trying to recall the song.
“I think it went something like, We are the Cutie mark crusaders...” Scootaloo said in her best singing voice she could muster however trailed off as she heard a voice she knew.
On a quest to find out who we are, And we will never stop the journey, Not until we have our cutie marks...
“I know that voice...” Scootaloo remarked thoughtfully as she looked out the rickety window to see two familiar fillies standing just outside of the clubhouse.
“Hey Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with a wide smile.
Both filly's expression faltered however as Scootaloo stepped out of the club house, flew up, and landed next to them. “Boy am I glad to see you two! I thought you two had been changed into mindless slaves!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a wide smile however her smile faded as she noticed the worried expression on both filly's faces.
“What happened to you?” Sweetie Belle asked in a concerned tone.
“Yeah, ya look bigger and...grayish” Applebloom chimed in with a similar concerned tone.
“Oh this, heh. Well Discord kind of changed the way I look but i'm still the same Scootaloo!” The Grayish Pegasus exclaimed with a wide smile however her two friends still looked concerned despite hearing this.
“What about your mom? Isn't she worried about you?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously.
Once again the Pegasus could feel an all too familiar rage building up inside her but she managed to subdue it this time around taking a deep breath and letting it out. “Lets not talk about her okay?” Scootaloo replied finally after a few moments in the calmest tone she could muster despite her anger still clearly heard in her voice.
“But Scootaloo-Just drop it okay?!” Applebloom began to said but was cut off by Scootaloo abruptly shouting at them both making the two flinch in fear.
Scootaloo having realized she had once again let her rage towards Rainbow Dash overwhelm her judgment let out a sigh. “Sorry girls, but that's a topic I’d rather not talk about, okay?” Scootaloo said after a few moments softening her expression and tone greatly as she spoke now.
“Okay. Ah didn't know it was such a touchy subject for ya. If ah had known ah wouldn't have said anythin.” Applebloom said putting a hoof on her right shoulder.
“Yeah, after all I’m sure you two will patch things up eventually right? No pony can stay mad at their mom forever right?” Sweetie Belle chimed in placing a hoof on her left shoulder.
Despite hearing Rainbow Dash being called her mom again she couldn't bring herself to yell at the two fillies even though she wanted to as she looked into their kind expressions. “I'm not so sure about that girls...but thanks anyways.” Scootaloo replied in a sad tone with a half smile.
“Oh I know! Lets go crusadin! That'll cheer ya up!” Applebloom exclaimed with a wide smile.
“I'm a little too old to be a crusader now girls.” Scootaloo replied even though the offer was tempting.
“Nonsense! You still don't have your cutie mark right?” Sweetie Belle replied at which point Scootaloo nodded glancing at her blank flank again. “Then your still a crusader! After all that's what being a cutie mark crusader is about! You're never old enough to stop being a crusader!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in an excited tone.
“Sides, even if ya got your cutie mark, you'll always be a crusader! Ah think Sweetie Belle would agree. After all we wouldn't be the cutie mark crusaders with ya. No matter how much ya change you'll always be a crusader!” Applebloom chimed in with a smile.
“Girls...” Scootaloo said nearly on the brink of tears now due to being filled with so much joy. “I know you mean well but-gasp-” Scootaloo began to say however gave a gasp of horror as she looked behind the two smiling fillies. Ponies who sported the red glowing eyes had begun to gather around them.
“Oh crud, they must have heard us talking.” Scootaloo thought fearfully as she looked to the horde of mindless slave ponies then back to her friends.
Sweetie Belle and Applebloom noticed their friend's sudden horrified expression and looked behind themselves and gave a startled gasp. “Horseapples! I thought we lost em!” Applebloom exclaimed fearfully.
“Applebloom! Didn't Applejack teach you not to use such language?” Scootaloo said in a scolding tone however the fact that the horde was drawing closer by the second jolted her out of her gaze at the farm pony and back to the problem at hoof. “I can't fly them both out, the zombie ponies would tackle me before I got off the ground...but I can't let them get killed or converted!” Scootaloo thought to herself in a panicked tone as Sweetie Belle an Applebloom began to wine in fear of the horde dangerously close now.
“Wh-what do we do?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed fearfully looking up to Scootaloo now.
Scootaloo looked behind herself then to her side then in front of herself again and noticed they had not yet made it to the wooden plank that lead to the clubhouse yet. “Get in the clubhouse!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point the three made a mad dash for the wooden plank stairs.
The zombies ponies then lunged at the two fillies however were bucked away by Scootaloo mid air allowing the two to get safely inside. “Get in here Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with the open still.
“Close the door! You'll be safe in there!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she bucked another zombie pony upside the head sending it crashing to the ground only for another to take it's place.
“But-But what about you?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed fearfully.
“I'll be fine! Close the door!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point Sweetie Belle slammed the club door shut. Moments later however Scootaloo was tackled to the ground and immediately dog-piled by the horde much to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom's horror.
Scootaloo!
The cyan blue mare's eyes shot open as she stood up with a feeling of dread walking over to the window of Rarity's home.
“I can't explain it...but I have to go out there and find Scootaloo. She's in real danger.” Rainbow Dash said as she made her way for the door only for Twilight to appear in front of the door in a flash of magic.
“You can't! It's not time yet! If you go out there now and try to help Scootaloo then the entire plan will be ruined. Besides Discord would never let anything happen to her anyways. He needs her remember?” Twilight said trying to talk sense into the cyan blue Pegasus.
“Get out of the way Twilight.” Rainbow Dash said narrowing her eyes at the purple unicorn.
“No, I won't! Your not thinking clearly! Besides, how do you know if she's in any real danger anyways?” Twilight asked curiously.
“Call it mother's intuition. Now get out of the way Twilight, Scoots needs me.” Rainbow Dash said and attempted to move the purple unicorn however she wouldn't budge. “I said move! She needs me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily as Twilight continued to refuse to budge using magic now to hold her hooves in place.
“No! We both know you don't think clearly when it comes to Scootaloo Rainbow! So I’m not going to move until you calm down!” Twilight retorted dramatically.
It was then the other four began to walk into the room hearing the commotion. “What the hay is goin on here?” Applejack asked curiously as Rainbow continued to try and shove Twilight to the side.
“Rainbow thinks that Scootaloo in danger but she has no proof.” Twilight replied answering the farm ponies question at which point the other four knew exactly what was going on here.
“Darling, please calm yourself. How can you know if she's in any real danger?” Rarity asked curiously trying to talk sense into the cyan blue mare.
“Besides! Without your wings you'd be zombie pony food!” Pinkie Pie chimed in.
At this Rainbow Dash stopped trying to shove the purple unicorn to the side and gave a heavy sigh. “I may not have my wings anymore, but I don't care what the risks are. Scootaloo is my daughter. What would you do rarity is Sweetie Belle was in real danger?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed looking at Rarity now.
“Well...I know that Sweetie Belle is with our parents so I’m sure they are okay.” Rarity replied much to Rainbow Dash's annoyance having avoid her question.
“That's not what I asked Rarity and you know it! Now tell me, what would you do?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily.
Rarity bit her lower lip looking to Twilight then back to Rainbow Dash before letting out a sigh. “I'd probably be doing the same thing you're doing right now. But you have no proof that Scootaloo is in any real danger. So I simply can't support such actions.” Rarity said after a few moments.
“I'm Sorry for this Twilight.” Rainbow Dash said in a sad tone much to the Twilight's confusion at first until the cyan blue mare abruptly slugged the purple unicorn knocking to the ground, ran past her, bucked the door open, and ran out it into the storm of chocolate rain before anypony could stop her.
“That pony's done flipped her lid. We can't just let her run off like that, she'll get herself killed!” Applejack exclaimed as Fluttershy rushed over to Twilight, helping her back to her hooves looking dazed.
“Did Rainbow just sucker punch me?” Twilight asked in a dazed tone stumbling slightly as she got to all fours hooves.
“I dare say she did.” Rarity replied giving a concerned look towards the door which was still open and swaying slightly in the wind.
“Blast it all...come on girls we got to save that crazy mare before she gets herself killed...so I can kill her myself for being such a foal!” Twilight exclaimed at which point the five followed Twilight out the door leaving Luna dumbfounded and wondering why they had all rushed out the door without so much as a word to her.
The dog-pile of zombie ponies suddenly erupted sending slave ponies flying in all directions. “It'll...take...more...than that to...take out this Pegasus!” Scootaloo exclaimed breathlessly much to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom's relief.
That relief however turned to horror as the zombie ponies attempted to dog-pile her again only for her to fly up but get hit mid-air by a zombie pony's tackle sending the Pegasus into a spiral spin to the ground landing on it with a thud. “Damn it....move!” Scootaloo exclaimed weakly as her entire body refused to move now and was hurting all over and seemed to ignore her commands to move and get back on all four hooves as the horde began to barrel down on her.
“Don't worry scoots! I'll always be there to protect you. So don't you worry about those scary looking clouds.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew our of Scootaloo's window and bucked all the clouds out so that the moon shined brightly into her room. “All better now?” The cyan blue Pegasus asked in a soft tone.
“Yeah, thanks mom!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a smile laying down in her bed with a content relieved sigh.
“How about I sing you a lullaby to help you sleep?” Rainbow Dash asked with a smile to which the orange filly nodded.
“Hush little filly don't say a word, because momma's going to get you a mocking bird. And if that mocking bird don't sing, momma's going to get you a diamond ring, and if that diamond ring turns brass, momma's going to get you a looking glass. And if that looking glass gets broke, momma's going to get you a date with a wonderbolt. And if that wonderbolt won't fly, momma's going to get you a set of wings so you can soar the skies...” Rainbow Dash continued to sing until Scootaloo eyes slowly closed and she was fast asleep.
Why this memory came to mind at a crucial moment where she was fearing for her life she had no idea. But even so much to her own shock, she found herself wishing that she would protect her. “Mommy....help me.” Scootaloo said in a scared tone as the horde was now mere inches away from her.
As if she heard daughter's call Rainbow Dash took a sudden turn as she passed Apple acres running into it as fast as she could until she gasped out in horror at what she saw. “Hang on Scoots! Mommy's coming!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she doubled her efforts running faster than she was before, jumped in the middle of the horde and bucking a zombie pony just as it reached it's hooves out to grab her.
“Get away from my daughter!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed bucking two more zombie ponies upside the heads sending them flying.
“What are you doing here for?” Scootaloo asked in a weak loathing tone despite her scared call out for her seeing her in front of her now filled her with the all too familiar rage she always felt with Rainbow Dash near.
“Do I need a reason to protect my daughter?” Rainbow dash asked with a smile however only got a glare in return as Scootaloo managed to get back to all fours hooves.
“You're not my mother!” Scootaloo exclaimed however stumbled nearly falling until Rainbow Dash ducked under her stopping the grayish orange Pegasus from hitting the ground again. “I don't need your help!” Scootaloo exclaimed angrily shoving the cyan blue Pegasus away.
“Really? Because with you laying on the ground like you were, you could have fooled me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in an irritated tone.
“I have everything under control. Get out of here Rainbow Crash!” Scootaloo exclaimed in the same loathing tone feeling her strength slowly return to her now.
“Rainbow Dash? Is that you?!” Sweetie Belle's voice perked up looking out the window once again.
“It is her!” Applebloom chimed in looking through the window now as well.
It was at this point Rainbow Dash looked to the two than back to Scootaloo. “You were protecting them?” Rainbow Dash asked in a shocked tone.
“Of course I was! Just because I hate your guts and anyone you associated with doesn't mean I won't protect my friends!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she bucked a zombie pony away.
“Hating my guts or not. You can't take on all these mindless drones alone! So why don't shut your spoiled little discorded mouth and let me help young filly!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a motherly yet strict tone.
Scootaloo gave a glance about herself then to Rainbow Dash then to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle before looking back at the cyan blue mare. “Fine! But after this, I better not see your sorry flank for the rest of my life!” Scootaloo exclaimed in the same loathing tone she always used when speaking to Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash wanted to argue this some more but with the zombie ponies hording around the two she decided against it and instead began to buck heads along side of Scootaloo who seemed for a while to be winning the fight but it soon became apparent that the horde's numbers were seemingly endless.
“Oh pony's sake! This is like Déjà vu inside Pinkie Pie's soul!” Rainbow dash exclaimed in aggravation as she bucked another zombie pony's skull in knocking them out.
“Wait, what happened to Pinkie Pie?” Scootaloo asked as she bucked another zombie pony.
“Not like you'd care, but thanks to Discord's chocolate rain it turned her into one of these things and we had to go into her soul with the help of Princess Luna and save her.” Rainbow Dash replied.
“You mean Discord's chocolate rain is the cause of all this?” Scootaloo replied shocked by this set of information.
“Of course! What? you thought that he was just going to pull a bunch of pranks like last time?! I don't know what that creep has told you but this is all his doing!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she bucked another zombie pony.
“He didn't tell me anything about this...” Scootaloo said trailing off looking shocked and for the first time since she was discorded felt a since of rage not towards Rainbow Dash but towards Discord. “he's hurt so many innocent ponies...put my friends in danger...he never told me anything about this...DISCORD!” Scootaloo said in a shocked yet angry tone until she screamed her last word at the top of her lungs upon which Discord appeared.
“You called?” Discord said in a sing-song tone seemingly unfazed by the predicament Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were in.
“Call them off....NOW!” Scootaloo replied shouting her last word as she bucked another pony.
“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Discord replied feigning ignorance.
“I know this your doing! Now call them off!” Scootaloo replied feeling her anger rise to it's breaking point. Her friends were in mortal danger and with Discord as her witness she was going to protect them. Or at least that's how she felt as she bucked another zombie pony.
“But I thought you could handle yourself?” Discord said in a jeering tone clearly getting a kick out the whole fiasco with a wide cheesy grin on his face.
“Either call them or....or....I'll jump off the nearest cliff I can find and kill myself!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she bucked another zombie pony then stared at him causing the hydrocephalus's grin to vanish immediately and rainbow Dash's expression go from fierce to panicked and worried as she gave a fearful glance over at Scootaloo.
“Scootaloo! You can't!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in panicked tone completely forgetting about the horde which was quickly surrounding her.
“That's a very dangerous bluff you're making here Scootaloo.” Discord replied narrowing his eyes at the Pegasus with a serious tone to match the seriousness in his eyes.
“Who said I was bluffing? Call them off or I jump the nearest cliff!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a dead serious expression on her face now.
A few tense moments passed and for a moment it looked as if Discord was just going to sit there and see if she was until he raised his lion's paw and snapped his fingers at which point the zombie ponies suddenly stopped advancing on the two and immediately turned about face walking in the opposite directions of where they were facing.
“Wow...he wasn't bluffing. His life is really tied to Scootaloo's. I can't think of any other reason why he would even think about doing what she said.” Rainbow Dash thought to herself in a shocked tone until an idea came to her. “Oh, did you know that Discord cheated in our race? He shoved me into the labyrinth wall in the final stretch which gave you the lead!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a mischievous smile at Discord.
“He what?!” Scootaloo exclaimed looking at the cyan blue Pegasus then flashed a glare at Discord. “Is this true? And don't you dare lie to me.” Scootaloo asked in a threatening tone as she narrowed her eyes at Discord.
“You foal! How dare you take such a manner with me?!” Discord roared as lightning struck behind him as he roared at Scootaloo. However the Pegasus was no longer afraid of him. She knew she had her trump card against him now.
“You can't scare me anymore Discord! I know you won't lay so much as a claw to me as long as we are bonded together!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point Discord dashed forward and slapped the mare hard sending her to the ground with a shocked expression on her face.
“Don't you touch her!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed lunging at Discord only to get hit by his tail sending her flying into the clubhouse and through it with a loud crash leaving the cyan blue mare barely conscious.
“You misunderstand you ignorant foal! While it is true you're life is tied to mine and your death would mean my demise, nothing says I can't beat you within an inch of your pathetic life!” Discord exclaimed kicking Scootaloo as she lay on the ground sending her flying a few more feet and giving a shrill cry of pain as she flew a feet more feet and landed on the ground.
“It seems that my generosity has gone to your head! Perhaps a few months in the castle dungeons will fix that ungrateful attitude of yours!” Discord exclaimed as he lifted the Pegasus by her chest fur and held her up to his face as he spoke.
“Do what you want...you cheated and you know it. So the race was a fraud...you broke our agreement not to cheat.” Scootaloo retorted to his at which point Rainbow Dash's wings reappeared on her sides much to discord's fury at which point he chucked her against a nearby tree earning another shrill pain cry from the mare.
“As much as I hate her guts...I’d rather beat her fairly then have you cheat for me to win.” Scootaloo said weakly to which Discord growled fiercely before slapping her hard with his lion's paw earning another shrill cry from the mare as tears were now flowing freely from her eyes.
“Three months in the dungeons should fix that ungrateful attitude of yours my dear and from now on you will not leave the castle or you will receive a worse beating than you have received today, am I clear?” Discord said in threatening tone however when the Pegasus didn't respond he slammed her against the tree causing her to cry out again and look at him fearfully. “AM I CLEAR?!” Discord roared in her face which caused Scootaloo's mane to flail in the wake of his voice as she flinched and nodded moments afterword.
“Good. Now let us be off to the dungeons for your punishment.” Discord replied resuming his calm manner and moments later disappeared along with her in a flash of magic.
“Scootaloo...no...” Rainbow Dash said in a weak tone before passing out.
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes weakly to see herself in a familiar room. She was back at Rarity's house. Looking about her surroundings she saw Twilight fast asleep hunched over in a chair with her head laying on the bed she was laying in.
“She hasn't left your side since Sweetie Belle and Applebloom flagged us down and brought ya back here.” Applejack said stepping into the room now.
“My body feels like it got chucked through a house.” Rainbow Dash said wincing in pain as she stretched her body then gave a startled gasp when she noticed that her wing extending out as she stretched.
“Ya just now noticed did ya? Heh, I reckon you would have known that Scootaloo broke the contract but ah guess speakin that you were plum out cold havin been chucked through the club house wall when we found y'all ya wouldn't know till now.” Applejack replied with a smile.
“How do you know she broke the contract?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously at which point and time Sweetie Belle and Applebloom ran in, jumped on her bed and hugged the cyan blue Pegasus tightly causing her to wince.
“We told them everythin that happened.” Applebloom said answering for her older sister.
“Easy fillies. This Pegasus still is sore.” Rainbow dash replied with a smile as which point the two fillies stopped hugging her and sat on her bed.
“Just like little Applebloom said. They told us what happened. Ah gotta say, you were plum outta ya mind taking on all those zombie ponies on you own with Scootaloo.” Applejack said walking up next to the bed.
“Sorry about the sucker punch Twilight, but if I hadn't saved her Scootaloo would probably be dead now.” Rainbow Dash replied then sighed.
“About that...I was ready to beat the horsefeathers out of ya for that little stunt until I saw that Discord had done for me. Next time think before you act you featherbrain!” Twilight exclaimed with a cheesy grin giving Rainbow a tight hug which caused the cyan blue Pegasus to wince loudly.
It was at this point the other three came in the room each wearing a smile on their face as they looked at them. “Oh thank goodness she's okay.” Fluttershy remarked with a relief sigh.
“Darling, I know this goes without saying, but you simply must stop having these near death experiences.” Rarity said followed by a light giggle.
“I'll say! When we got there we were soooo worried about you!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed showing signs that she was about to go on one of her rambles.
“Pinkie...” Rainbow Dash said calmly but with a clear sense of annoyance in her voice.
“But then we saw that you were still breathing and that made me so happy!” Pinkie pie continued seemingly ignoring her.
“Pinkie...” Rainbow Dash said her annoyance more apparent this time.
“But then we realized that you were hurt and that made me soo sad! but then we came back here and now your okay, so that makes me sooo happy and I think i'll-PINKIE PIE!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed cutting off the pink mare followed by a loud wince as she held her sides.
“Opsie...” Pinkie Pie replied followed by a sheepish giggle flattening her ears in embarrassment.
“You can't tell they all care about can you?” Luna said clear sarcastic yet humorous tone walking in now.
“Nope...not at all.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk catching onto this and replying in a similar sarcastic yet humorous tone of her own.
A knocking sound then suddenly came from the front door which caught everypony's attention. “Who could that be?” Twilight asked curiously as she left the room and cautiously walked up to the door.
“Careful Twi, it might be one of those varmints tryin to be sneaky and get in.” Applejack said in a cautioning tone.
“You don't think I don't know that? The protection spell I put on the house prevents any of them from getting in as long as the door remains shut.” Twilight replied in a whisper as she used her magic to open the door slowly preparing to strike any foe who may lunge at her in a moments notice.
However much to her surprise as well as Applejack's a purple Pegasus stood in front of the door clearly not brandishing the glowing red eyes. “Excuse me, but is Rainbow Dash here? I'm a friend of her daughter's.” Gina said in a polite tone.
“Well what the hay you waitin for? Get in the heck in here before those varmints see ya!” Applejack exclaimed at which point Gina dashed in and the door closed behind her.
“Thank you, I didn't want to be rude and barge in though.” Gina replied.
“In these dark times, lack of manners are commonly excused young Pegasus.” Luna said walking into the room now at which point Gina gasped and bowed.
“Princess Luna, you honor me with your presence.” Gina replied in the most polite tone she could muster.
“Please, cast away the formalities my dear. Save them for a time when ponies can walk the streets of Ponyville safely.” Luna replied at which point Gina rose and looked at her.
“But your highness. I was raised with the utmost respect for the sun and moon Princesses. I cannot ignore their teaching so easily.” Gina replied looking flabbergasted at the Moon princess's statement.
“Think of me as no different than any other pony. I am a pony in a time of distress just as you and we are on equal ground until Discord is defeated.” Luna replied trying to convince the filly it was okay to speak to her normally.
“But your highness! That would be not the way to treat one of the regal sisters!” Gina replied in the same shocked tone seemingly unable to not speak to her commonly.
“A real piece of work this one.” Applejack remarked as she rolled her eyes with a smirk and placed a hoof on the purple Pegasus's shoulder. “Ah understand y'all is tryin to be prim and proper with the moon princess and all but why don't ya just settle ya flank down and tell us your name.” Applejack said still smiling at the purple Pegasus.
“Oh dear! Forgive me! My name is Gina Wingstar. My mother works for your and your sister.” Gina replied bowing once again.
“Ah, yes. I see the resemblance now. She was a pony who was loyal to the very end. You have my deepest condolences.” Luna replied at which point Gina's head snapped up.
“What do you mean by the very end? What happened to my mother?!” Gina exclaimed in a horrified tone.
“Oh dear, you were never informed?” Luna said placing a hoof over her mouth as her expression became one of sadness.
“Informed of what?” Gina asked still looking shocked yet horrified.
“Oh you poor filly,Your mother was killed by Stormhooves and his general the day he revealed his plan to her. Or at least that's what we can assume by what we found when found her. She was a P.B.I. Agent we sent in to spy on stormhooves because we suspected him of betraying us for a long time.” Luna said lowering her head. “I'm sorry you had to find out this way...” Luna said after a few moments just before Gina fell to the ground and began sobbing loudly.
“She's all I had! I have no other relatives! I'm all alone!” Gina exclaimed between sobs.
“Oh my, the poor darling!” Rarity exclaimed having overheard this conversation from the other room.
“Looks like Scootaloo's parents weren't the only ones that Discord's followers killed.” Twilight remarked in a sad tone as the five of them continued to listen to Gina's sobs of anguish.
“They are as good as dead. I'm going kill that bastard. Now only did he beat Scoots back there but now I found out his lacky Stormhooves killed my daughter's newest friend...when I see Stormhooves again he won't live to regret seeing me.” Rainbow Dash said in a loathing tone.
“Rainbow! There are two fillies in the room! Don't talk like that around them!” Twilight exclaimed in a scolding tone with a glare are the cyan blue Pegasus.
“Ah agree with her though Twilight. Just because we are still fillies don't mean we don't know when a pony deserves to get buried six feet under because they have no heart and done some terrible things.” Applebloom said much to Twilight's shock followed by Sweetie Belle nodding in agreement.
What in celestia's name have you been teaching these fillies?!
Applejack and Rarity's ears flattened as they both gave sheepish smiles even though they were not in the same room upon hearing Twilight's near scream which echoed throughout Rarity's boutique...
Bonds memories and Redemption
BONDS AND MEMORIES
PART 1
“The time is at hoof! We all know our roles right?” Twilight exclaimed at which point her five friends nodded. “Good! Now even though there are only seven of us, our combined skills and strengths should be more than enough to stop discord since he hasn't reached his full potential yet.” Twilight said then turned around. “Now lets get-” Twilight began to say only to be cut off as the door swung open and a dark red mare came through it bleeding heavily from her head, legs, side, and mouth as she limped through it.
“My daughter...in danger...please....help her...” The dark red mare said in a weak tone before falling flat on the ground and blood began to pool under her.
Sweetie Belle and Applebloom came walking in at this point and gave high pitched horrified squeals before running back into the other room as Fluttershy ran over to the mare.
“Is she...” Rarity asked in a horrified tone as Fluttershy looked over the mare.
Fluttershy looked over the mare for a few moments longer until she looked up at the five with a saddened expression, lowered her head, and shook it slowly.
“Concerned it all!” Applejack exclaimed angrily as she bucked a manikin hard sending it flying into the wall with a loud clattering sound.
It was at this point Applebloom came walking out into the room to see what the loud noise was about and was able to look at the mare clearly. “That's the mare ah saw in the park just a few weeks before Discord got out last time!” Applebloom exclaimed in a horrified tone then gasped. “Roseheart...” Apple remarked thoughtfully to herself then looked up. “Where that mare's little one?!” Applebloom exclaimed looking around the room in a panic.
“She did say her daughter was in danger...” Twilight remarked thoughtfully until Applebloom ran over to her and shook her.
“What y'all waitin for then? Applebuck season?! Get to findin her!” Applebloom exclaimed in a panicked tone until Applejack grabbed her by the tail and dragged her a few feet away from the unicorn.
“Hold yar reigns a cotton pickin moment thar little sis. What you so plum worked up for? Ah know her daughter might beh in danger and all but it ain't like ya to be actin like this over a pony ya don't know.” Applejack asked her curiously.
“Ah...Ah don't know.” Applebloom replied truthfully. The farm pony had no idea why she was acting the way she was.
“Well don't worry. I'm sure we'll find her. My sister and I know of where just about every mare in Equestria lives.” Luna replied with a smile as Twilight closed the front door again with her magic.
“What do you mean? Okay, you got me on saving the mare's foal but why are you so keen on making it top priority for? I thought our top priority was discord? After all if we defeat him first the foal will be safe right?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow.
“But we may be too late. And Applebloom seems very worried about her so I can't just sit back and do nothing.” Luna replied until a loud cracking sound made all eight pony's in the room look at Celestia's statue which was cracking loudly and then in a matter of moments exploded revealing Celestia in the flesh.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed running over to her mentor and nuzzled against her as tears of joy streaked down her cheeks.
“Twilight, my star pupil, I’m sorry to have worried you.” Celestia replied with a smile as she lowered her head around the unicorn.
“But how did you break free?!” Twilight asked in astonishment.
“How indeed.” Luna remarked with a note of anger in her voice as she spoke causing the Alicorn to look over at her younger sister.
“Twilight, if you will excuse me, me and my sister have much to discuss. I'm sure a lot has happened in my absence and I’m sure she will be able to give me the details quickly.” Celestia said as she walked past the unicorn and to her sister who continued to look at her with a disapproving glare.
Celestia and Luna then walked into the other room and moments later Rainbow Dash appeared in a flash of magic as well as Sweetie Belle.
“What the-?” Rainbow Dash asked in a confused tone looking over at the door which was promptly closed and a magical aura appear around the frame.
“That's a sound proofing spell. But why would the regal sisters need to use such a thing? Shouldn't we all have a say in what has been going on?” Twilight remarked in a confused tone.
“Somethin stinks and ah don't like it.” Applejack remarked in a suspicious tone.
“How can you two show such disrespect to the regal sisters?! They clearly have good reasons for not wanting us to hear!” Gina exclaimed in a outraged tone.
“And just a few moments ago she was saying that we were all on equal ground. Darling I know it may sound crude, but I agree with Applejack. Something clearly is amiss.” Rarity said looking at the door now as well.
“I'm going to see if I can get us a way to listen in.” Twilight said at which point the eight gathered around while Gina looked completely shocked and outraged still.
“How can you-why this is almost treason!” Gina said as she walked up as well.
“No one is forcin ya to listen in sugarcube.” Applejack replied in an annoyed tone as the unicorn channeled her magic and sent a beam against the door. Her first try was unsuccessful having been repelled no sooner the beam reached the door but she managed to get it to stick after the tenth try. And used her horn to act as a speaker of some sort as the group listened intently.
“-all legal and royal rights Twilight should have been my successor!” Luna exclaimed in a pissed off tone.
“It is best this way.” Celestia replied in a calm tone.
“No! I refuse to believe that! I have for over fifty-thousand years sister, but no longer! You can not continued to mess with the fabric of time and space like this! There is a reason that sort of magic was forbidden among us! No pony has the right to change anypony's fate! No matter how bad it may turn out!
“If I had not, then you my dear sister would not be here right now!” Celestia exclaimed in a aggravated tone.
“Then Twilight would have succeeded me! She is my daughter after all and your niece! And speaking of daughters, the mare you left Applebloom's foal in the care of is dead and her life may be in mortal danger!” Luna exclaimed in an outraged tone that would have echoed throughout the entire house if it were not for the soundproof spell.
Twilight nearly lost all her concentration when she heard these words. “What does she mean I’m her daughter?! And since when did Applebloom have a foal?! She's barely sixteen now!” Twilight thought to herself dramatically trying to make sense of what she heard.
“Roseheart is mah daughter? What the hay?!” Applebloom exclaimed in shock out loud at which point the others hushed her. Even though the filly had quieted herself somehow deep down she knew it was true but she had no idea how or when this could have possibly happened.
“I do not pretend to be all knowing little sister, but I do wish to be treated with respect!” Celestia bellowed back.
“Respect?! Did you show Twilight and her friends respect when you not only once but twice changed their lives so that they never knew what happened?! You promised her you would not meddle with time and space again and you did anyways! And look what's come of it! You can only mess with the fabric of time so much until it tears and it certainly has torn a huge hole! Things have come to be that should not have! After the six imprisoned discord in stone again he should have remained that way for all time! But because of your meddling in pony's lives in the name of trying to keep those six's lives peaceful Discord has been released!” Luna exclaimed loudly.
“You think I didn't know this?! You don't think I knew that each time I altered time and space I was rolling the dice on whether of not something I change may have consequences?! I knew Luna! I knew! But I did it in the name of making their lives normal again! As happy as Applebloom was I looked into her future and it was riddled with anguish and sorrow! When I looked into Twilight and the others future lives after the first war ended, I saw nothing but despair and even suicide in some of their futures! Namely Rarity's! That's why I gave her Sweetie Belle! Are you implying that all I have done for them is wrong?!” Celestia's voice bellowed back.
“No sister, you're intentions for doing those things were kind and your heart was in the right place, but meddling in magic that not even you fully understand is wrong! Trixie is a walking time bomb at this point and you know it! Do you wish for an eternal conflict between Discord and Nightmare Moon to arise?!” Luna exclaimed back though her voice was not as fierce now.
“I've heard enough.” Twilight said breaking her spell, channeling magic into her horn, and blasting the door down to the regal sisters shock.
“You two have got some explaining to do!” Twilight exclaimed at which point Celestia and Luna's faces went slightly pale as the group stared at them with a mixture of confused and anger among them.
“Twilight, I don't know what you may have heard but-ENOUGH OF THE SECRETS! ENOUGH OF THE LIES! TELL US WHAT THE BUCK IS GOING ON HERE?!” Twilight exclaimed at the top of her lungs cutting off the sun princess mid-sentence.
“It is time they know the truth sister.” Luna said plainly stepping forward and began to focus magic into her horn until a book appeared and floated down in front of them.
“Why does this book seem so familiar? Where did you get this?” Twilight asked looking down at the book then to Luna.
“It has been stored within your library since the day you began to stay in Ponyville. This book contains the memories of your past and everypony else as well. Though it may seem confusing to say this. Your lives are not what they seem, nor are they whole, rather they have been fragmented, parts of your lives that should have been have been removed, bonds you have made with one another have been erased, and mother's have been separated from their daughters...” Luna said as she spoke her last sentence with her eyes falling on Applebloom as she said this.
“Simply touch the book and all will become clear.” Luna said in a calm manner.
Twilight then placed a hoof on the book and let out a gasp as memories came flooding back to her...
TWILIGHT'S FLASH BACK
Twilight was just walking home from visiting Rarity's when she saw the three fillies and Pinkie standing outside of her front door.
“Well if I ah did, ah know it wouldn't beh going to Twilight with this. Ya honestly think she would be keepin this a secret?” Applebloom said in a aggravated tone which sounded like a retort to the unicorn which peaked her interest.
“Keep what a secret?” Twilight asked curiously and noticed all three fillies tense up upon asking this question.
“Well ya see...” Applebloom began to say in a nervous tone until Pinkie Pie abruptly tackled her from behind and through her front door.
“You have to Pinkie Pie swear not to tell anypony okay?!” Pinkie Pie said in a panicked tone much to Twilight's confusion.
“Ohh...keep what a secret?” Twilight replied in a dazed tone and shook her head to get rid of the dizziness she was feeling as the three quickly walked into the library and closed the door behind them.
It was then the purple unicorn noticed it, however she wouldn't have if hadn't been laying flat on her back at the present moment though. Applebloom's belly was larger than usual. Twilight quickly looked over the filly's body making sure her conclusion was accurate before she shoved Pinkie Pie off abruptly and stared at Applebloom. “Please tell me you aren't pregnant...” Twilight said in a dreading tone at which point Applebloom nodded silently and the purple unicorn gave a loud groaning noise followed by a facehoof.
PART 2:
“Mother!” Twilight exclaimed and as if on impulse her eyes flashed with a purple magic and her horn shot a beam at the orb shattering it. However it seemed as if it was too late as Luna returned to her form as a small filly and the orb of magic that was shattered turned into a puff of dark smoke that floated over to Trixie and began to circle her as she laughed manically.
“Twilight.....run...” Luna said in a weakened tone as Twilight ran to her side and looked on as Trixie's form changed as the dark magic swirled around her and dissipated revealing the form that Luna had.
“Well isn't this a cheerful family reunion.....” Trixie said with a cackle as she stared at Twilight who was standing directly in from of her mother in an effort to protect her.
“What did you do to her Trixie?!” Twilight exclaimed in a demanding tone.
“I simply took back what was mine. You're dear mommy was a fraud. I the great and powerful Trixie am the real Nightmare Moon!” Trixie exclaimed and began to laugh manically.
“What do you mean?!” Twilight exclaimed looking confused.
“Luna stole my magic when I wasn't looking in an attempt to end the war. However she wasn't aware that my dark magic had a will of it's own which consumed her! And what's even better is that dear old Princess Celestia still thinks it was her sister who started the war!” Trixie exclaimed with a cackle.
“So...my mother wasn't the real pony who started this war....it was you! And you made yourself look like her in order to deceive all of Equestia into following you and Celestia into thinking it was her sister!” Twilight exclaimed as rage began to fill her.
“Exactly....Luna is far to gentle to do the work that must be done...” Trixie said as her eyes began to glow darkly. “Pity...if you had stayed away you would have lived a while longer. But I guess killing two birds with one stone works just as well...” Trixie said and shot a beam of dark magic at Luna and Twilight only for it to hit a magical wall that Twilight has summoned.
“Oh come on...you're joking....you joking right?” Trixie said in a sarcastic stone with a hint of annoyance in it. “You honestly think you can stop my great power?” Trixie said upping the strength of her spell.
“Don't....underestimate.......” Twilight said trailing off as her eyes began to glow darkly. “Me!” Twilight exclaimed as a surge of dark magic erupted from her entire being repelling Trixie's spell and would have hit her if she had not teleported to another part of the throne room when she did.
Trixie gave an aggravated sigh. “I forgot that Luna gave birth to you when she had my magic for a moment. But that's a mistake I won't make again.” Trixie said with a sneer.
“Twilight...run...leave me...” Luna said weakly.
“Shut the hell up and let me protect you!” Twilight exclaimed her eyes still glowing darkly as she looked at Trixie who was preparing to cast a spell.
“Interesting....you've managed to obtain control over the dark magic within you...to a certain degree of course.” Trixie remarked taking note of Twilight's change in personalty. “But your resisting it's dark influence....give in and then your true power will be unlocked and you can join me at my side as we rule Equestia!” Trixie said with a malicious grin.
“No! I refuse to give in to the darkness in my heart! I will never join you!” Twilight exclaimed shaking her head quickly after she said this upon which her eyes returned to normal.
“You're....such a disappointment Twilight. All that power yet no will to use it.” Trixie said with a sneer.
“Teh! I don't need dark magic to kick you're flank to the moon and back! However I got bigger priorities at the moment!” Twilight exclaimed with a grin stepped next to her mother and they both disappeared in a flash of magic.
END TWILIGHT'S FLASH BACK
Twilight let out a startled gasp as she looked at the Moon Princess in a whole new light. “M-Mommy?” Twilight said as tears swelled up in her eyes to which Luna nodded with a teary smile at which point the unicorn ran over and hugged her tightly.
She then turned to look at Spike a few moments later who pretty much had been silent for the last few days having said nothing and hugged him tightly.
“Yeesh, what's the deal Twilight?!” Spike asked in a shocked tone as Twilight hugged him.
“You will need to touch the book too and then you'll understand...” Twilight replied with a teary smile as she looked at him.
Applejack was next to put her hoof on the book wondering why the heck Twilight had called the Moon princess “Mommy” Until she gasped as her own memories came back to her...
APPLEJACK'S FLASHBACK
“Ah couldn't find her at the park Pinkie- what in tarnation?!” Applejack exclaimed noticing Pinkie Pie at the table with three empty bottles of apple beer.
“Oh hi Applejack.” Pinkie Pie replied in a nervous tone.
“What the hay are you thinkin? Could ya wait for the evenin to hit and these three go to bed before ya-” Applejack said in a lecturing tone until her eyes fell on Applebloom and her large belly and drooping teats. “Please tell meh you've just been piggin out of the cakes and ya is not what ah think ya is...” Applejack said in a scared tone as she kicked the door shut behind her.
“Ah'm sorreh ah didn't say anythin to ya sis, but ah was afraid you'd be mad at meh.” Applebloom replied in a scared tone.
“To say ah'm mad would be a drastic understatement right now sis. But ah think the plum shock of it all is numbin mah senses at the consarned moment. So would ya kindly tell meh how ya managed to get yourself knocked up before it wares off?” Applejack replied in a mellow tone as she walked in and sat on the floor in front of Applebloom.
APPLEJACK'S FLASH BACK PART 2:
Hang on thar sugarcube! Ya is in the final stretch! Now come on and show meh that little foal!” Applejack exclaimed in a reassuring tone as Applebloom gave a mighty grunt and a few moments later a loud crying could be heard.
“Well done Applebloom.” Nurse Redheart said with smile as she held the crying foal in her arms on her hind hooves and handed it to Applebloom.
“Ah gotta go tell everypony!” Applejack exclaimed excitedly as she ran through the hall way and pushed the emergency room doors up at which everypony in the room looked at her.” Ah'm an auntie!” Applejack exclaimed happily to which everypony's eyes in the room lit up.
APPLEJACK'S FLASH BACK PART 3:
“Now how In tarnation am I going to get through to her...” Applejack asked aloud as she put a hoof on the barrier as she watched Rainbow Dash.
The farm pony watched on as rainbow Dash continued to talk to the supposed wonderbolts unable to hear what they were saying for sometime till she couldn't take it anymore and bashed at the barrier again.
“Come on Rainbow! Can't y'all hear me?! You stuck in a cotton pickin spell for pony's sake!” Applejack shouted.
“Damn it Dashy...if you don't break free soon they are gonna kill Y'all....” Applejack said tears streaming from her eyes as she continued to watch on as Rainbow Dash talked to whom she thought were the Wonderbolts.
More memories of the times they shared went through her mind causing her tears to begin pouring from her eyes as she looked on. “I can't be fightin it any longer....” Applejack said as she continued to look on. “I'm.....” Applejack trailed off looking on. “I....” Applejack trailed off once again feeling as if she was unable to finish the sentence for some reason. “I'm in love with......” Applejack said trailing off once again however this time she took and deep breath.
“I love you Rainbow Dash! And I can't bare to see y'all like this any longer!” Applejack shouted at the top of her lungs as she held her hooves aginst the barrier tears flowing from her eyes now as she shouted these words.
Rainbow didn't seem to have heard her which tore the farm pony up even more as she bashed against the barrier again.“Please! Don't make me watch you like this anymore!” Applejack shouted at the top of her lungs hoping that she could hear her.
Applejack then noticed one of the supposed Wonderbolts was slowly walking behind Rainbow stopped and was posing to stab her in the back with a sudden dark armored and sharpened hoof.
“Dashy! Noooo!” Applejack literally screamed out banging on the barrier until she suddenly phased through it. Without hesitation she charged strait for the supposed Wonderbolt and tackled it to the ground leaving it stunned.
“Applejack?! How the hell are you walking on clouds?!” Rainbow dash asked in shock until she saw the Wonderbolt on the ground with a dark armored and sharpened hoof. “Wait a second! You guys aren't the Wonderbolts! You're a bunch of fakes!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“How the hell did she get in here?!” Soarin asked Spitfire who looked confused.
“I'll tell y'all how. No magic in the danged gum world can stop love.” Applejack replied standing up and walking beside Rainbow Dash.
“You-you love me?” Rainbow Dash asked with a blush on her face looking shocked but not disgusted at all.
“Yeah, I was just too darn hard headed to admit it till now.” Applejack replied sporting the same blush.
“Ugh..this is making me sick! Just kill them!” Soarin blurted out and in the next moment the Wonderbolt headquarters turned into an empty field of dark clouds. And the Wonderbolts themselves soon turned into dark armored Pegasus ponies who were now charging strait for Applejack and Rainbow Dash.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at each other, both grinned, spit of each ones hoof, and slapped them together before jumping in the opposite direction of each other causing the two dark armored ponies to jump and land in the gap between them. In the next moment Applejack and Rainbow Dash charged forward, jumped, turned away mid-air so that their hind ends were facing the dark armored ponies, and bucked both dark armored ponies nearly simultaneously causing their heads to collide with each other and knock them out with a loud “clang!” as their helmets collided.
“Nice moves there Dashy.” Applejack said with a smile.
“Back at ya A-J” Rainbow Dash replied with the same smile.
Both ponies looked at each not saying a word for a moment. “Listen.. Rainbow. I don't know how y'all feel about me. But I can't hide my feelins for y'all any longer.” Applejack said trying to break the uneasy silence between them.
“Applejack...I...” Rainbow Dash trailed off lowering her head.
“I see...” Applejack replied looking heartbroken lowering her head also. “Well I suppose it was-” Applejack began to say until she was cut off abruptly by Rainbow Dash's mouth locking with her's.
Applejack was taken back at first but only at first and returned the kiss. Applejack's legs soon gave wave and Rainbow Dash fell on top of her. “You clumsy pony.” Rainbow Dash said with a giggle before they locked mouths kissing passionately as they ran hooves around each others backs...
END APPLEJACK'S FLASHBACK
“Whoa Nelly!” Applejack exclaimed in a shocked tone looking at Rainbow Dash who apparently was clueless. “Sorreh for this Rainbow but ah know y'all forgive meh!” Applejack exclaimed locking lips with the cyan blue Pegasus much to her own shock and before she could push her away the farm pony swiftly moved her hoof to touch the book.
RAINBOW DASH'S FLASHBACK:
“I'll stay with Applejack, you girls check out who the hell is making the floor shake like this!” Rainbow Dash said zipping to Applejack's side.
“Alright, If it looks like the cottage is going to give way you pick her up and get the hell out of here!” Twilight replied at which point the ponies ran outside of the cottage.
Rainbow Dash could hear panicked voices outside but she had no idea what exactly was going on. She thought she might have over heard the words”Ursa-Major” but she was unsure as she lay beside Applejack not moving as the sounds of loud stomping sounds could be heard.
“What does a pony have to do to get some cotton pickin sleep around here...” Applejack said in a weak tone.
“Applejack! You're okay! I was so worried about you!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed giving her a hug and kissing her forehead then on her mouth then gave her another hug.
“Lighten up thar Dashy...I’m still hurtin all over here.” Applejack replied with a wince but smiled non-the-less.
“Oh I’m sorry!” Rainbow Dash replied then placed a hoof on her cheek. “I thought I was gonna lose you...” Rainbow Dash said after a few moments with tears in her eyes.
“This pony ain't goin to kick the bucket anytime soon.” Applejack replied with a smile however the sudden shaking on the floor caught her attention. “What the hay is goin on here?” Applejack asked looking around.
“No time to explain, can you walk?” Rainbow Dash asked backing away slightly to give Applejack room to stand.
“I reckon I can give it a shot.” Applejack replied and began to stand up. It took her a few tries but she was able to finally stand on all fours with a wince.
“Lets get out of here!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed putting her head under Applejack's right leg and began to help her walk out the door.
Suddenly and without warning the roof above them began to give way. “Hold on Applejack!” Rainbow dash exclaimed grabbing the farm pony around the waste and bolted out through the front door just the structure around them gave way barely making it out. The Cyan blue Pegasus could feel the debris brushing against her tail for a few moments until she landed next to Twilight and the others and looked up to see the Ursa-Major stomping towards them.
“I got this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and took to the skies, flew up a great distance, stopped, and flew strait back at the Ursa-major with a huge burst of speed causing a sonic rainboom to burst out behind her.
She could hear Pinkie Pie and Applejack shouting something the distance but between the sheer speed she was going now and her focus she couldn't make out what the pink mare or the farm pony had said.
Just before she made impact she was knocked to the ground and dug up dirt as she did so...
RAINBOW DASH'S FLASH BACK PART 2:
“I can't do this alone....” Rainbow Dash said to herself quietly then looked at Fluttershy. “Fluttershy! I need you're help!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed causing Fluttershy to look in her direction.
“But...what can I do?” Fluttershy replied in a feeble tone.
“Fluttershy, next to me you're the second best flier in all of Equestia!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed genuinely.
“Oh no. There are much better fliers out there than me.” Fluttershy replied taking a small cowering stance.
“Damn it Fluttershy! You're just as fast as me! I've seen you when you put your heart into flying! You fly just as fast as me, no even faster than me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed swallowing her pride for the first time ever.
“You're just saying that...” Fluttershy replied even though Rainbow Dash could tell she was flattered.
“I mean it! You're the best flier in all of Equestia! Even better than me! When you fly, you fly with your heart! I only fly to show off...” Rainbow Dash said trailing off with a slight ping of guilt in her chest as she realized what she said was completely true.
“Dashy.....” Applejack said in an awed tone knowing this wasn't easy for her to do.
END RAINBOW DASH'S FLASHBACK
By the time this series of memories was done Rainbow Dash returned the kiss with an equal passion feeling the long lost flame that they had shared reignited.
“What...the...buck?” Rarity said in a shocked jaw dropped tone which earned shocked glances from everypony else except for Rainbow Dash and Applejack having NEVER heard Rarity curse in her entire life.
Both the farm pony broke their kissing after a few moments and looked at Rarity laughing as they did so. “You might want to touch the book next Rarity. It'll become clear.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
“If you say so darling...” Rarity replied in an uneasy tone feeling a sense of de-ja-vu as she looked at the book nervously but put a hoof on it none-the-less.
RARITY'S FLASHBACK
“I don't know, but I know how to stop it!” Becky exclaimed lunging at Sweetie Belle.
Everypony gave a shocked gasp of horror as Becky's claw neared Sweetie Belle's throat however Rarity teleported herself directly in front of Sweetie Belle taking the claw head on as it gashed her side wide open.
Rarity felt side begin to gush fresh blood as she fell to her side due to her body going into shock from the sudden gashing of her side and rapid blood loss.
The unicorn heard muffled words but she could barely make them out until she felt her body being shaken at which point her eyes barely began to open and focus seeing her little sister in front of her eyes even though her vision was blurred. “You're safe..... thank Celestia....” Rarity said weakly.
“Big Sis....stay with me now.....” Sweetie Belle said tears still flooding from her eyes.
“I'm afraid I don't know if I can Diamond....” Rarity replied weakly.
“Big sis......please.....you can't....” Sweetie Belle said between sobs.
“I'm sorry Diamond.....sorry I couldn't protect you so many years ago...” Rarity said in a weak tone as her voice seemed to be growing weaker with each word she spoke.
“Don't talk like this! Fluttershy can't you do anything?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed looking at Fluttershy.
“I....wish I could...but the wound is too deep....” Fluttershy said in a saddened tone as tears streamed from her eyes.
“No! There must be something somepony can do! Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Luna?! Can't any of you do anything?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed tears in her eyes looking to each pony.
Rarity could feel what little life she had left in her slipping at which point she took her sister's cheek in her hoof and smiled at her.“Listen.....Diamond....you...have....a beautiful heart......don't let anypony ever tell you different....” Rarity said in a weak voice feeling her eyesight begin to fade as well as her hearing the last thing she heard as her breathing began to slow were these words:
R-Rarity? Big sister? Nooooo! Don't leave me!
END RARITY'S FLASHBACK
Rarity for the second time in her life looked at Sweetie Belle with watering eyes. “Diamond...” Rarity said in a soft tone looking at the unicorn much to her confusion.
“Why you so sad for Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously.
“I'm not sad darling, I’m just so happy. Listen little sis, you and Pinkie Pie may want to touch the book next.” Rarity replied with a sniffle as she wiped her eyes.
“Okey-dokey!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she hopped forward and touched it moments later Sweetie Belle had.
SWEETIE BELLE AND PINKIE PIE'S FLASH BACK
“Sweetie Belle!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed joyfully as Sweetie Belle ran into the store and gave her a loving hug.
“You pink lovable oaf! Why couldn't you tell it was an illusion?” Sweetie replied still hugging her as tears of joy flooded her eyes.
“I don't know. I couldn't tell it was a tricky trick until you got close to me.” Pinkie Pie replied hugging her as well.
“Don't you ever leave my side again! You got me?” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in an angry yet compassionate tone.
“Of course not! I won't fall for anymore magicky magic tricky tricks anymore!” Pinkie Pie replied smiling.
SWEETIE BELLE'S FLASH BACK Part 2:
“I don't know who you are.....or who you work for....but nothing...and I mean NOTHING harms my little sister!” Rarity exclaimed and with a burst of magic catapulted both wolves away from her deep into the forest.
Sweetie Belle immediately after seeing this ran to her sister and hugged her front legs as she began to sob loudly. “I'm so sorry I said those things! I didn't mean them!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed between sobs.
Rarity looked down with a soft expression on face as she smiled placing a hoof over her. “I know you didn't. And I’m sorry I said those things to you. I was such a foal for treating you like that. You're going through so much and I can't even begin to imagine what it's like for you. But we will get through it...together.” Rarity said with a smile lowering her head now and placing it on her shoulder. “I love you little sis...and I’ll always be here to protect you...I promise.” Rarity said as a tears shed from her eyes.
“I guess...I’m just a helpless young filly after all....” Sweetie Belle said after a few moments.
“A young filly perhaps. But not helpless. You are smart and wise beyond your years and that's a skill no pony should ever disregard.” Rarity replied still hugging her.
“The only reason for that is....” Sweetie Belle began to say by Rarity hushed her gently with a hoof. “It does not matter how you came to be...what matters now is that your alive and what you do with the life you've been given.” Rarity replied with a smile looking into Sweetie Belle's eyes.
Sweetie Belle dug her face into her big sisters shoulder sobbing loudly as Rarity patted her on the back gently and rubbed her back giving her a shoulder and a mane to cry on. “That's it...let it all out. So much pain you've kept bottled up for so long. I don't know how you managed to keep it locked up for so long...” Rarity said softly.
PINK PIE'S FLASH BACK PART 2:
Pinkie Pie looked at Sweetie Belle about to lecture her based on what she told her not so long ago but stopped herself at the sight of Sweetie Belle sobbing into Rarity's shoulder and mane. She couldn't bring herself to do it.
Being the other half of Sweetie Belle she knew how much pain she was in, no matter how much Sweetie Belle tried to shield that part of her thoughts from her. And now seeing her crying like this, that scar deep within her heart the scar that she too felt from the day they were split apart, was finally beginning to heal if only slowly, it was healing now.
Pinkie Pie knew it wouldn't happen over night but she knew from this moment on there was a faint rift between them now. This rift is what made them individual ponies. With a smile and a sigh Pinkie Pie shut her mind off to Sweetie Belle's thoughts.
“We're not the same filly anymore....I have no right to venture into your mind any longer.” Pinkie Pie thought to herself with a smile beaming with pride for her other half. “You did it...” Pinkie Pie said aloud with tears of happiness in her eyes.
END FLASH BACK
Sweetie Belle and Pinkie Pie looked at one another smiling and looking teary eyed. “Now we can share each others thoughts again...” Sweetie Belle said with a teary smile.
However a few moments later Pinkie Pie glared at Celestia now with a sense of deep fury in her eyes. “How could you?! After Sweetie Belle became her own filly! After all she's been through!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a outraged tone as she took threatening steps towards Celestia.
STOP!!! I'm still my own filly Pinkie Pie! Nothing has changed! I'm still the bumbling little filly you have always known. By now I’ve learned that much that no matter what I’ll always be who I am, but we may need our combined power now to defeat Discord! Then and only then can you break the link again. Okay?!
These words echoed throughout Pinkie Pie's head at which point her gaze snapped at Sweetie Belle stared the the unicorn for a short time then let out a heavy sigh before looking back at Celestia with the same glare. “This isn't over, not by a long shot you meanie pants.” Pinkie Pie said then turned and walked over next to Sweetie Belle.
“I would assume not. And am prepared to face judgment by all of you.” Celestia replied lowering her head in shame.
Fluttershy was next as she placed her hoof on the book fearing what she might recall...
FLUTTERSHY'S FLASH BACK
“That's what makes you a better flier than I’ll ever be!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed after what seemed like a dramatic pause by Rainbow Dash.
“You really mean that?” Fluttershy replied with a smile.
“Yeah....Now will you help me kick some Ursa-major flank?” Rainbow Dash said as she walked over to Fluttershy extending a hoof.
“I guess I could give it a try.” Fluttershy replied with a smile.
“Don't try. Lets do this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a wide grin.
“Okay!” Fluttershy replied and the both of them took off to the skies at great speeds.
“Alright! Now you think you can keep up with my sonic rainboom?” Rainbow Dash asked with a grin.
“Can YOU keep up with me?” Fluttershy retorted with a wide smile looking very confident.
“Oh, cocky! Ha-ha! I like it! Show me what you got Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a smile and took a sudden dive with blinding speed followed closely by Fluttershy.
Fluttershy flew with all her might keeping up with the cyan blue Pegasus hearing faint cheers from her friends as she sped through the skies until Rainbow Dash spoke up catching the Pegasus's attention.
“Here we go! You ready?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed getting ready to put on a burst of speed.
“Yes!” Fluttershy replied with a nod.
“The lets do it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and gave a huge burst of speed while Fluttershy did the same.
“Almost....there....” Rainbow dash said as she drew closer and closer.
“I...can't keep up!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she began to loose speed.
“Yes, you can! Now lets do this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed successfully reenforcing Fluttershy's confidence again as she picked up speed again.
Moments later a extremely loud and powerful explosion occurred as both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy broke the sound barrier simultaneously resulting in a ripple of rainbows and to everypony's astonishment a ripple of butterflies.
Fluttery and Rainbow Dash began to circle each other in a mid air swirling motion. Causing the stream of Rainbow and Butterflies to intertwine each other as they sped down towards the Ursa-majors.
“This....is.....awesome!!!” Fluttershy exclaimed in voice much unlike her whispering voice and more like how she sounded when Rainbow Dash created her second ever sonic rainboom at the best flier competition as she looked behind herself and back to Rainbow Dash who was smiling back.
END FLUTTERSHY'S FLASHBACK
“Oh.....Oh my....” Fluttershy remarked in a shocked tone almost unable to believe all she had just seen and more.
It was then all seven recalled as if at the same time after they had touched the book:
TWILIGHT, FLUTTERSHY,RARITY,RAINBOW DASH,PINKIE PIE, AND SWEETIE BELLE'S COMBINED FLASHBACK
“You foals think can defeat me?! Ha!” Trixie exclaimed as she fired her beam of dark magic at the seven which was reflected by Twilight having erected a powerful barrier much to Trixie's annoyance. “That pathetic barrier again?! Surely you can do better than that!” Trixie said with a cruel grin.
“I pity you Trixie, you don't know the joys, fun, laughs, and even the sad times we all shared! It is because you no nothing of what the magic of friendship can do for a pony is the reason you will lose to us today and Equestria will once again have peace!” Twilight exclaimed as she extended her wings began to float magically into the air as each element shot forth at her surrounding her in each elements respective color until the final element impacted at which point Twilight's eye's flashed open glowing with a warm purple light and a beam of magic shot forth which was in the color of the rainbow.
“I will not be defeated so easily! Not even by an Alicorn!” Trixie bellowed firing her own magic at her which collided with the Alicorn's. Both pony's magical beams of magic began to swell up as they roared fiercely against one another destroying anything that was in their wake.
In a matter of minuets both spells continued to collide neither giving into the others strength or so it seemed. One could not tell at first glance but Twilight's magic was beginning to weaken as Trixie's beam of magic slowly began to shove her's back.
“Twilight needs our help!” Rarity exclaimed.
“Run while you can!” Twilight exclaimed realizing she was losing this stalemate.
“We are going to beat this meanie pants together!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a fierce grin.
“We are all behind you darling, so don't hold back and neither will we!” Rarity exclaimed with a proud smile.
“Ah reckon this might beh our last fight so lets go out with a bang ah say!” Applejack exclaimed smilingly broadly at the Alicorn.
“She's done oh so many horrible things, it's....it's....Unforgivable! And that's saying something since I’m the element of kindness...so lets kick her flank! If that's okay that is...” Fluttershy said smiling shyly at Twilight.
“She's the cruelest of the cruel and she doesn't deserve any sympathy! I've got your back Twilight!” Rainbow Dash said with a proud smile as well.
“She has no heart, and feels nothing for the ponies she's hurt. This is one unicorn who does not deserve to live! So use our power Twilight, use our friendship, and send this foal beast to the depths of pony hell!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed at which point the other five as well as her put their hooves on Twilight's.
“Everypony....thank you so much...your right, we are the best of friends and even family one pony might say...so lets put an end to her reign of night...” Twilight said trailing off as her and the other six looked at Trixie and shouted in unison:
Together!
END FLASHBACK
“I suppose I’m next.” Spike said nonchalantly.
“Hold on a cotton pickin second. Where's Applebloom?” Applejack asked in a concerned tone looking about for her little sister.
“Oh dear...I thought you all knew she had touched the book when you had Applejack. I assumed she went into the other room.” Luna replied at which point everypony noticed the door wide open once again.
“Holy horseapples! Applebloom musta gotten her memories back and is goin after Roseheart! She's gonna get herself killed!” Applejack exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“What is it with mothers and them running like crazy ponies without thinking into danger?” Twilight remarked with facehoof.
“If anythin happens to mah sister ah'm pointin the hoof at you! This is all ya fault!” Applejack exclaimed angrily looking at the sun princess before she took off out the door followed by the other seven.
“What the heck is going on here?!” Gina asked in a confused tone unable to figure out why everypony had began to act as she saw it so strangely.
“It's complicated.” Luna replied looking at her older sister with a stern glance as Celestia lowered her head in shame.
“Hold on Roseheart, Momma's comin!” Applebloom exclaimed as she ran down the road evading red eyed ponies as she ran down the street and took a sharp left turn.
“Ah can't believe she did that to meh! How could she?! What kind of princess separates a momma from her foal?! And makes her ferget she existed in the buckin first place?!” Applebloom thought to herself dramatically as she ran down the street.
“Scootaloo...she got no idea that we is even fillyfriends...she's got no right to meddle in mah life or any other pony's! After ah get Roseheart to safeteh that Princess is gonna get a piece of my buckin mind!” Applebloom exclaimed aloud as she found the house she knew belonged to the mare.
The farm pony bucked down the door and heard a faint crying. The house was in horrible shape but still looked stable enough that it wasn't going to come crashing down or at least that's what Applebloom told herself as she quickly scanned the rooms. “Roseheart? Where in tarnation are ya sweet-pea?!” Applebloom called out looking in room after room until she found her.
“Mooommmy!” Roseheart cried out sobbing loudly which point the farm pony rushed over to her and lifted her her.
“Shh! Momma's here now. Everythin is gonna be okay.” Applebloom cooed in a soft and comforting tone.
Even though the filly had no idea who this pony was something about her, something familiar that she knew inside her caused a warm feeling of security to wash over the filly as she suddenly quieted down and nuzzled into Applebloom's chest.
“Ya probably don't know whjo ah am, but that's okay cuz ah is gonna get you back to the others and we is gonna have a nice long chat with the princess.” Applebloom said in the same comforting tone. “So much time lost...but ah'm gonna make up for it. Y'all see Roseheart...” Applebloom said in a quiet tone as she held her daughter tightly.
Without warning the structure around them began to give way at which point Applebloom flung her body over Roseheart in an attempt to protect her as debris came crashing down around them while Roseheart began to cry out again in fear.
“Applebloom?! Where are you?!” Sweetie Belle called out as she looked frantically about as the other six were busy bucking zombie ponies away as they ran down the street.
“This doesn't look good. We're getting surrounded!” Twilight remarked dramatically as she looked around herself.
“I quite agree and what's worse is we don't know where Applebloom or Roseheart is either!” Rarity exclaimed looking around herself now nervously.
Applejack on the other hoof seemed to stare into space in a western direction. “Ah know where Applebloom and Roseheart are...” Applejack said in a stunned sure tone.
“How can you be sure?” Twilight replied as she ejected several ponies away with a burst of magic.
“Ah just know...ah understand how Rainbow knew that her daughter was in danger now. It's a feelin in ya gut ya just can't put into words, but ya just know...follow meh everypony!” Applejack exclaimed suddenly only to stop mid-run by the horde of zombie ponies.
Sweetie Belle looked at Pinkie Pie and then both nodded and in a flash of magic revealed their combined form. “You five go! I'll handle things here!” Selena exclaimed as she began to focus her magic and blast a bunch of zombie ponies away in a fierce burst of magic clearing a path for them.
“Alright! Take care of yourself Selena!” Twilight replied as she and the other four followed Applejack.
Selena looked about herself and giggled softly to herself. “Just like old times eh Sweetie Belle?” Pinkie Pie remarked thoughtfully recalling memories from the war.
“Yep! Now lets kick some flank!” Sweetie Belle's voice echoed in her to which Pinkie Pie nodded.
“These drones won't even make us break a sweat, but as long as they focus on us and not the others we are doing a good job.” Pinkie Pie said with a cheesy grin before she began to focus her magic into her horn and a few moments later a huge burst of pink magic burst forth in all directions from the pink mare that was so big in size and power that if any Pegasus ponies were looking at this display of magic from the ground they would swear somepony had dropped a magical nuke in that exact spot.
The magic dispersed after a few moments in a flash revealing zombie ponies laying out cold all around Selena as the smoke and debris cleared. “I might have overdid it a little...” Selena remarked with a giggle only to see more zombie ponies begin to take their place at which point her humored expression became one of concentration again. “There's no end to them...” Pinkie Pie remarked in a worried tone.
“Whoa Nelly! That house is plum fixin to go under!” Applejack exclaimed in a worried tone as the five ran towards a rickety house that looked like it was ready to collapse in moments.
“I'll hold it together! One of you run in and get Applebloom and Roseheart!” Twilight exclaimed as she focused her magic on the house coating it in a purple magic.
“Ah'll go in!” Applejack exclaimed and ran towards the door and noticed Rarity running along side of her.
“You may need a unicorn's magic to move things about darling.” Rarity said as the both of them neared the door frame at which point Applejack nodded silently and was first through it followed closely by Rarity.
“Applebloom?! Give meh a shout out little sis!” Applejack shouted as she looked around the building as debris fell to the floor next to her making the farm pony recoil just before a sharp fragment of wood stabbed into the floor just in front of her right forehoof.
“Twilight's doing the best she can, but I don't think even with her magic this house will stay up for much longer. I certainly hope your feeling was accurate Applejack.” Rarity remarked in a worried tone.
“It was accurate alright, in fact it's so consarned strong at the moment ah'd go crazy if it weren't for the fact ah'm scared to death for Applebloom and Roseheart.” Applejack replied and called out for her little sister again.
“Do you hear that?” Rarity said suddenly as they passed a room that was blocked off with debris.
“Yeah, it sounds like...” Applejack remarked thoughtfully until her eyes shot open in realization. “Ah'd know that cry from anywhere! That's Roseheart's voice! Move this cotton pickin junk Rarity!” Applejack exclaimed to which Rarity began to focus her magic and began to move the debris out of the way until she could at least walk into the room.
“Dear Celestia! Nearly the entire room collapsed on them!” Rarity exclaimed in a scared tone as she began to move debris from the source of the crying soon revealing a bruised and battered Applebloom with Roseheart under her crying loudly looking unharmed.
“Ah'll grab Applebloom, you get Roseheart!” Applejack exclaimed lifting Applebloom up and throwing the filly over her back at which point Rarity lifted Roseheart up with her magic and the both of them quickly ran into the hall and out of the building.
“That makes the tenth wave....how many are there?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed through pants inside of Pinkie Pie's mind as another horde began to surround them.
“I don't know...but not even we can keep this up for much longer. It's taken far more magic than I thought it would to subdue them without killing them and what's worse is that some of the ones we incapacitated are coming to along with the hordes that replace them.” Pinkie Pie replied thoughtfully.
It was at this moment Twilight and the others came running by. “Thank goodness..” Pinkie Pie remarked with a relieved sigh, gave one last burst of magic, and followed them back to rarity's boutique.
Bonds memories and Redemption part 2
BONDS, MEMORIES, AND REDEMPTION
PART 2
Twilight, Fluttershy,Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Selena ran as fast as their hooves could carry them with the advancing hordes before them with Applejack not far behind the pack carrying Applebloom.
“Pick up the pace!” Twilight called back to Applejack as she began to fall farther behind them as she looked behind herself.
“Ah'm movin as fast as ah can!” Applejack exclaimed back as she redoubled her efforts managing to catch up with the rest.
“Almost there!” Rarity exclaimed as they made a turn down the street only to find a horde of mindless ponies lining the entire street at which point Twilight came to a abrupt stop as did the other five nearly running into one another in a traffic jam style.
“Oh dear, this isn't looking good.” Rarity remarked fearfully.
It was at this point Applebloom began to stir groaning for a few moments until her eyes snapped open. “Roseheart?!” Applebloom exclaimed looking about herself in a panic until she saw Rarity carrying her with her magic and let out a sigh of relief until she got a decent look around herself.
“Holy horseapples covered in caramel!” Applebloom exclaimed a she hopped off Applejack's back only to fall to her knees crying out in pain.
“Whoa there little sis, ya took quite the beaten back there.” Applejack said in a concerned tone.
“What the hay is goin on here?” Applebloom asked with a wince as she weakly stood on all fours.
“As much as I hate to state the obvious, we are surrounded.” Twilight replied to this then looked at Selena. “Can you do anything?” Twilight asked in a worried tone as the horde drew near them.
“No, we are at our limit.” Selena replied looking about herself.
“Well I for one ain't going down without a fight!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed taking the pose to take off until a beam of dark magic hit the ground in front of her obliterating zombie ponies. It was at this moment everypony looked up and gasped in horror. (play Angel of darkness now)
A dark colored Alicorn flew above them charging up her magic to fire another beam of magic down but whether it was at the seven of them or not they were not sure. One thing they did know is who this Alicorn was. It was Nightmare Moon.
“Oh, this is just great! Now we got Nightmare moon to contend with as well?!” Selena remarked in an aggravated yet worried tone.
Nightmare Moon shot another beam of magic down blasting more away before landing on the ground in front of them. “So are you going to sit back like a bunch of foals or are you going to help me?” Nightmare Moon asked plainly earning shocked and confused looks.
“What's your game plan Trixie? We all know you don't have a kind bone in your body.” Twilight asked narrowing her eyes at the Alicorn.
“Perhaps I should have left you to die then you ungrateful whelps. I the great and powerful Trixie will not stand for lack of gratitude!” Trixie retorted flashing the purple unicorn a glare.
“As much as I want to agree Twilight, perhaps we should put aside our differences and save this for later.” Selena replied in an uneasy tone.
“You want me to work with her?!” Twilight exclaimed outraged by this suggestion.
“I knew I should have let you six die inside of Pinkie Pie's soul...” Trixie replied blasting a wave of zombie ponies away earning a shocked gasp from Twilight.
“I-what-HUH?!” Twilight exclaimed unable to believe what she was hearing.
“Yes Twilight, it was me who spoke to you. You would have already lost if it had not been for me.” Trixie replied.
“I refuse to believe that! And furthermore how did you get your memories back?!” Twilight asked as she began to fire her own magic at ponies catapulting them away.
“Discord, he found me in hopes of getting an ally, it proved to be a grave mistake on his part. This world will be mine one day, but for now I adopt this phrase, The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Trixie replied giving a cocky smile.
“You couldn't beat him on your own.” Twilight replied as Applejack and Rainbow Dash bucked two zombie ponies at once making their head collide as Selena channeled her magic and blasted another five.
Trixie flashed a glare and growled fiercely before she spoke. “His magic is far greater than I thought when we fought, a mistake I will not make again!” Trixie replied firing a beam of magic which cleared a path. “Now go! We will meet again Twilight Sparkle, prey it is not anytime soon. For the next time we meet, we will be enemies.” Trixie replied and disappeared in a flash of magic.
“The worst I feared coming to pass has sister! And it is your fault!” Luna exclaimed in a furious tone upon hearing this newest set of news from the seven.
“Yes, it is my fault. And I will rectify it!” Celestia retorted in the same tone as her sister.
“You wouldn't have to if you had only listened to me! You never listen to me!” Luna exclaimed feeling her anger reach it's breaking point.
“I do what I feel is best for Equestria!” Celestia retorted feeling her anger rise as well.
“And that has worked out so well so far hasn't it?! Admit it, you have no idea what to do now do you?!” Luna exclaimed only to get slapped hard by Celestia much to everypony's shock.
“Don't treat me as if I am a foal little sister!” Celestia bellowed as she stepped towards Luna who's horn was glowing now.
“This is fixin to be one of them siblin quarrels.” Applejack remarked as Applebloom held Roseheart who continued to cry loudly.
“Hold on to Roseheart for a minuet would ya big sis.” Applebloom said to which Applejack nodded, sitting down and taking the filly into her hooves and before she could ask why Applebloom was charging strait for the regal sisters.
“Don't pick fights with a pony you know you can't win-” Celestia began to say only yo get bucked upside the head and fall to the ground on her side by Applebloom much to everypony's shock.
“That's for makin me forget about mah daughter!” Applebloom exclaimed in a pissed off tone causing the sisters to forget about their argument and look at the filly.
“I told you she would never forgive you.” Luna remarked as Celestia rubbed the side of her head slowly getting back to all fours.
“Please don't beh mad at her Princess, she's just upset is all!” Applejack exclaimed in Applebloom's defense however the sun princess didn't look mad at the filly. No instead she lowered her head in same much to everypony's shock.
“I deserve far more than that.” Celestia said in a ashamed tone.
“How could you?! How could ya be so buckin cruel?! Didn't you even think to consider mah feelins?!” Applebloom exclaimed as tears began to steak down her cheeks. “Roseheart barely knows who ah am, and it's no thanks to ya horseapplin magic!” Applebloom exclaimed feeling the urge to buck the sun princess upside the head again but resisted.
“Applebloom maybe you should calm down. The princess only did what she did because she thought it was right, and even though we may be upset with her, she did it because she wanted to-NO! Ah don't buy that for one buckin second! You can believe that load of horseapples all y'all want, but ah ain't buyin it!” Applebloom exclaimed cutting Twilight off mid-sentence before she turned back to look at Celestia.
“What cotton pickin right do ya have to be messin with mah life like that?! What right do ya have to beh messin with any pony's life like that?! None! Ya have no right to be messin with mah life or any pony else for that matter!” Applebloom exclaimed at the top of her lungs turned around and walked over to Applejack who was still holding Roseheart, sat down, and gently took the filly back in her hooves cooing her softly until she quieted down as silent tears streaked down her cheeks as she held her.
Applejack looked at her sister and her niece frowning before her expression became ticked off as well. “Ya know what? Ah don't believe it either. She promised all of us she wouldn't do that again after the last cotton pickin time and look where we is at now cuz of her.” Applejack said in a calm tone but the sound of fury could be clearly heard in her voice then turned her back to the sun princess.
“As much as I hate to say it, I will have to agree with Applejack Twilight, what she has done is simply unforgivable.” Rarity said but her expression remained calm as she spoke and turned her back to Celestia as well.
A heavy sigh could be heard from Fluttershy as she took a deep breath. “I umm...agree with Applejack and Rarity.” Fluttershy said in a quiet tone and quickly turned around to face away from Celestia.
“Applebloom pretty much said everything I wanted to say and more.” Pinkie Pie said at this point turning away from the sun princess.
“What you have done is so way past not cool.” Rainbow Dash chimed in at this point turning her back as well.
Twilight could barely believe her eyes or her ears for that matter. All five of her friends have more or less turned their backs on her mentor. The unicorn wanted to believe deep down that she was right for what she has done. After all she had absolute faith in her mentor and strongly believed all her actions were in the name of making Equestria a better place to live. Not only that but she was after all her aunt as well. However these past events and current ones now fresh in her mind, Twilight found the foundation of faith she had in her mentor crumbling beneath itself as she looked to her six friends and then back to her mentor.
“Princess, I want to believe in you. You are after all not only my mentor but also my aunt, but...” Twilight said trailing off now as tears swelled in her eyes threatening to come pouring out.
“Twilight, you have no reason to have any faith in me. My actions have been in nothing but my own self interest to preserve peace in Equestria, though I may have performed these actions through good intentions in the name of making their lives better, I myself admit that your lives, your fates, are not set in stone and I had no right to be play god and run them how I saw fit.” Celestia replied in a solemn tone lowering her head in shame before raising it again.
“Furthermore, after this crises has been averted I will be stepping down as Princess of Equestria. I have no right to rule this world any longer, I see that now.” Celestia said which earned a shocked look from Gina as well as Luna.
“What's to stop her from changing our lives again even then? Ah reckon she deserves far more than bein dethroned for what she's done.” Applebloom's voice perked up at this statement.
“Applebloom! How could you say such a thing?!” Twilight exclaimed in a shocked tone.
“She's right. I will allow you all to decide my punishment, not as your princess, but as a pony who has committed unforgivable crimes against you all.” Celestia said after a few moments causing the unicorn's head to snap back at her mentor.
“Ah...” Applejack said trailing off and taking a deep breath. “Agree with mah little sister.” Applejack said after a few moments in a solemn tone.
“I agree as well.” Pinkie Pie chimed in as well.
Twilight at this point was at her wits end. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
A feeble squeak of agreement could be heard coming from Fluttershy as well at this point.
“I concur.” Rarity said simply.
Twilight's eyes darted at the last of the group which was the cyan blue Pegasus who hadn't spoke up yet then back to everypony else. She couldn't take anymore of this, the feeling of dread inside her was nearing it's peak.
“What the buck is wrong with you ponies?! This is my aunt we are talking about!” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs as tears flooded from her eyes.
“It may sound harsh and even cruel...but if they wish to see justice in that fashion for my crimes then I will be more than willing to take their judgment.” Celestia replied in a sad tone.
“I...I don't believe what I’m hearing!” Twilight exclaimed and ran to the room a crossed from them slamming the door behind her.
Luna looked just as horrified as Twilight had up to this point. “I...I don't know what to say...” Luna said simply.
“Then say nothing. Judgment has been passed and once this crisis is over with I will take it with stride.” Celestia said simply walking slowly up the stairs and closed the door behind her.
Celestia lay in Rarity's bed sobbing silently to herself. “What am I to do? What should I do? I have meddled in magicks I should not have touched and destroyed lives. I deserved far worse then imprisonment on the moon.” Celestia said aloud after many hours. It was then Celestia could have swore she was hallucinating but she knew better. Before her standing and smiling at her was none other than Celestia's human mother.
“I haven't seen you for eons...and you come to me now.” Celestia remarked and sighed.
“I only appear when my daughters are in a time of need. And this is one of those times.” Celestia's mother replied with a kind smile sitting beside her.
“I was about ready to mark you off as a figment of my imagination but I suppose that's not the case is it?” Celestia replied giving a weak giggle.
“What should I do? Twilight's friends wish to send me into exile and they have every right to.” Celestia said and sighed.
“The answer is simple and is right in front of you all along.” Celestia's mother replied with a smile and began to fade now.
“You mean...but what of Luna?” Celestia asked as her mother continued to fade.
“She will understand.” Celestia's mother said just before she faded completely.
You know what you must do....
Restore the balance...my daughter.
These words echoed at which point Celestia got off Rarity's bed, gave a deep sigh, and began to focus magic into her horn.
Applebloom gave a startled gasp as did Roseheart along with Sweetie Belle as memories and their lives soon began to take shape. It was as if the memories as they flooded in had always been there....
APPLEBLOOM'S LIFE UP TILL NOW(play “A mother's prayer” and“she's a butterfly” and “in my daughter's eyes” now and repeat if desired)
“Hmm, I don't know. School is just starting and I know she's got a ton of homework from her first week at flight school after the summer break. And it won't be any less in the weeks to come.” Rainbow Dash said in a thoughtful tone.
“I'll do it all and still be able help take care of Roseheart! I promise! Please mom?!” Scootaloo said sporting the cutest puppy dog eyes she could muster.
“Look out thar Rainbow, she's usin the puppydog eyes!” Applejack exclaimed in a joking manner with a soft elbow to the cyan blue Pegasus's side.
“My gosh, Could those eyes get any wider?” Rainbow Dash remarked with a smirk.
“Maaaybe!” Scootaloo replied in the cutest tone she could muster while dragging out the word as long as possible as she spoke it.
“Oh for pony's sake...” Rainbow Dash replied with giving a light laugh as she facehoofed. “Fine, but if your grades start falling, the deal is off. Understood young filly?” Rainbow Dash said after a few moments giving the young Pegasus a stern motherly look as she said this with a tone to match it.
“Yes, mom!” Scootaloo exclaimed running over to the cyan blue Pegasus and hugging her tightly.
“Bout as strong as rickety farm fence that resolve of yours is.” Applejack remarked in a jeering tone with a smirk.
“Can it, apples for brains.” Rainbow Dash retorted in in the same jeering tone sporting a smirk of her own as she stroked Scootaloo's mane gently as the orange Pegasus hugged her tightly.
ONE YEAR LATER....
“Come on sweat-pea!” Applebloom called out as Roseheart attempted to stand on all four hooves.
“Come on Roseheart! I know you can do it!” Scootaloo chimed in as the filly continued to try to stand up.
“Come on Roseheart! Ah know ya can do it!” Applebloom exclaimed cheering her daughter on.
Roseheart slowly tried to get to all four hooves at first falling to her underside once then tried again and began to walk toward Applebloom wobbling but on all four hooves now.
“That's it! Ya is doin it! Just a little more!” Applebloom exclaimed filled with so much joy right now she thought she might burst.
“Almost there!” Scootaloo exclaimed as Roseheart took another wobbly step towards Applebloom nearly in front of her now.
Roseheart took a few more wobbly steps before losing her balance and falling into Applebloom's arms who eyes were filled with tears of joy now. “Ya did, that's mah little one..” Applebloom cooed as she hugged her daughter tightly feeling so much pride and joy now as tears flooded from her eyes.
SIX MONTHS LATER....
“So what you want to do today?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously.
“Don't know. Ah reckon we needa take Roseheart with us though.” Applebloom replied looking over at Roseheart who was playing with one of her toys.
“Maybe we could take her to the park again?” Scootaloo suggested with a smile.
“Ah think that's a great idea.” Applebloom replied and looked to her daughter. “What ya think sweat-pea? Wanna go to the park today?” Applebloom said expecting her to nod but instead much to Applebloom's shock and joy she opened her mouth as if to speak.
“M-M-M” Roseheart said in a stuttering voice apparently having a great deal of difficulty with this and stopped.
“Come on, say it sweet-pea!” Applebloom exclaimed as excitement began to build in her hoping to hear the word.
“Maybe it just wasn't today.” Sweetie Belle replied with a comforting smile placing a hoof on Applebloom's shoulder.
“Shucks...ah was hopin she would call meh momma...” Applebloom said in a disappointed tone before she reached over and put a hoof on Roseheart's head. “Take ya time sweet-pea. Ah know y'all say it when the time is right and proper.” Applebloom said with a wide smile.
“M-M-M-Momma!” Roseheart exclaimed at which point Applebloom gasped as did Sweetie Belle.
“Her first word! She plum said her first word and it was momma!” Applebloom exclaimed at the top of her lungs hugging Roseheart now before she got up and ran to the other room.
“Roseheart called meh momma!” Applebloom exclaimed with a smile looking at Applejack now.
“Bout cotton pickin time.” Applejack replied with a smirk.
Tears swelled up in the farm pony's eyes as she looked down to her daughter who now looked at her not with the expression she gave before but one of knowing. “Momma!” Roseheart exclaimed and hugged the farm pony who still was unable to grasp what had happened but that didn't matter as she hugged her back. “Ah almost can't believe it...it's like magic...” Applebloom remarked as she hugged Roseheart tightly with tears of joy flooding from her eyes.
“What the hay is goin on?!” Applejack exclaimed sporting a similar look in her eyes as the same thing happened to her. “It's like everythin that shoulda happened feels like it has or soemthin, ah can't describe it.” Applejack said then looked at Luna and gasped.
It was at this point Twilight came running into the room and looked at her mother and also gasped. Running over to Luna who was now beginning to disappear. “What's going on mom?! Why are you disappearing?!” Twilight exclaimed as tears began to swell in her eyes as she hugged her.
“So she did the right thing after all...” Luna said with teary eyes looking up as Celestia stepped outside of the upstairs door and looked down at her horn still glowing.
“What's she doing?!” Twilight exclaimed in confusion and looked up to see Celestia. “What are you doing to her?!” Twilight exclaimed in an outraged yet scared tone.
“I am doing what I should have done years ago. I am restoring what should have been.” Celestia replied with a sad smile as tears flowed from her eyes now as she looked at Luna.
“I understand sister. This is for the best after all.” Luna replied then looked at her daughter. “Twilight, my daughter. You have become the mare I always imaged you becoming. It now your job to rule Equestria with my sister. You are the heir to the throne. Please guide Equestria to a age of peace and prosperity. And never forget...” Luna said as she began fade out of existence completely.
I love you...
Luna's voiced echoed as the unicorn's eyes swelled up in tears however unknown to her wings had began to take form on her sides though she retained her normal size. Twilight gasped out as she looked at the source of the bright light and moments later her words took physical form.
Celestia's horn grew brighter and brighter until...
Scootaloo's eyes snapped open deep within the dungeons as her memories of her, Applebloom, and Roseheart's lives came flooding into her head. “Applebloom...Roseheart...” Scootaloo remarked thoughtfully as tears swelled up in her eyes looking through the dungeon window now at the moon which hung high in the sky now.
(Play Distant worlds now)
“The rest is up to you seven now...” Celestia said with a smile as her body slowly began to return to stone.
The six looked up at Celestia now as her body slowly became prettified before their eyes once again.
“She...restored everything to what it should have been...” Twilight remarked as tears streamed down her cheeks now and while she wished she hadn't she knew why she had done it now.
“Ya mean, everythin that shoulda happened has happened?” Applejack replied looking at Twilight who was now an Alicorn.
“Yes, but she can't alter anything past Discord's revival. So the rest is up to us now girls...” Twilight replied looking at the other six now.
“Mine brain is all fuzzy like.” Pinkie Pie remarked and shook her head very quickly.
“I know, but now that the time stream has been fixed, it means Discord is vulnerable. Right Twilight?” Sweetie Belle replied to which Twilight nodded.
“Yes, we now must prepare for our final assault against Discord.” Twilight said as she other six stood behind her as they stared up at the same moonlight now.
“Then we fight together!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a determined expression now.
“The time is at hoof! I simply can not wait any longer.” Rarity said wearing a fierce expression of her own now.
“Y-yes, and I will do my best.” Fluttershy said with a fierce expression of determination now as well.
(Play “Distant worlds” and “Calm before the storm” now and repeat until another song cue appears)
Twilight lay in Rarity's bedroom staring at the statue that was once her mentor tears flowing from her eyes as she did so. “Why? Why do you always do this to us? Why is it always up to us to save the Equestria?” Twilight asked her voice cracking as she spoke looking at the statue as if expecting a response but none came then sighed moments later.
“I suppose it goes without saying by now, but I still can't help but ask. You have so much faith in us,but...what if I’m not strong enough this time? What if we can't beat Discord?” Twilight asked the statue as if expecting a response once again but none came.
“You've watched over us so much. Everything you've done up till now has been to protect us. But I can't help but wonder, did you know this would happen? Did you know I would become friends with them?” Twilight asked looking at the statue as if expecting a response once again but once again none came.
“Ah know Twilight suggested we all rest up before we go after Discord and all, but ah couldn't sleep right now even if ah had a tranq shoved in mah flank ah reckon.” Applejack asked as she sat in the main room of Rarity's boutique along with Applebloom and Rarity.
“I know the feeling darling, but we simply can't stay awake all night, we must be at our best.” Rarity replied as Applebloom rocked Roseheart back and forth whom was sleeping soundly in her arms at the moment stroking her mane softly until she looked up at Applejack.
“Ah wanna fight too.” Applebloom said simply.
“Nothin doin! If anythin happens to ya who will take of Roseheart? Not tah meation this is a fight for us grown mares, not a filly.” Applejack replied in a concerned tone.
“There's a sayin you once said that ah recall. If ya is old enough to go hoof knockin, than ya is old enough to raise a foal. Well the same applies here. If ah;m old enough to raise a foal, then ah'm old enough to fight for her.” Applebloom replied not backing down despite her understanding of Applejack's concern.
“Darling, I understand why you want to fight. You want to protect Roseheart and give her a safe and secure world to grow up in, am I right?” Rarity said in a soft tone to which Applebloom nodded. “Well, lets say hypothetically, that something did happen to you and Applejack. Poor Roseheart would be left alone in this world with no one to care for her.” Rarity said attempting to watch her words carefully as she spoke.
“Darling, as much as it pains me to say this. Nothing ever comes out just fine. The last time we fought well...we gave it our all and well...we didn't come out of it unharmed.” Rarity said and a few moments later sighed again.
“What do ya mean? Ya is both sitting right in front of meh.” Applebloom replied clearly confused.
“She means, even though we came out with our lives intact, it affected us all in a big way sugarcube. In the last war, ah killed more ponies than ah care to remember, and when nightmare moon came back a second time, ah...” Applejack said trailing off before breaking into tears. “Ah nearly didn't make it through it with mah sanity intact. War changes a pony. And it's not always in a good way.” Applejack said standing up to all fours hooves. “Ah, need some fresh air. Rarity could do meg a favor and put that cloakin spell on meh.” Applejack asked in a soft tone her voice cracking as she spoke.
“Of course darling.” Rarity replied softly before coating the farm pony in a blanket of white magic before the farm pony walked out the front door and closed it behind her. Rarity then turned to look at Applebloom. “The last time we fought against Trixie,err, Nightmare Moon, Rainbow Dash was nearly killed. If it weren't for Twilight using every ounce of her magic to heal the Pegasus...well...she wouldn't here right now.” Rarity said in a sad tone.
“Everything is on the line...again.” Sweetie Belle said in a quiet tone looking at Pinkie Pie who lay next to her.
“I know...” Pinkie Pie replied quietly.
“We may not make it out of this alive.” Sweetie Belle said in the same quiet tone.
“I know...” Pinkie Pie replied once again in the same quiet tone.
“Funny isn't it? We both started out as the same mare, but look at us now. We both are our own pony.” Sweetie Belle said allowing a smile to wash on her face putting a hoof on Pinkie Pie's shoulder now.
“Yeah, it is funny. But you know what's even more funny?” Pinkie Pie replied smiling now as well.
“What?” Sweetie Belle replied curiously.
“I'm glad it turned out this way. Don't ask me why, but I’m happy we got split in two.” Pinkie Pie replied putting a hoof on her the unicorn's shoulder now as well.
“Me too. Life sure is fully of super big surprises huh?” Sweetie Belle replied giggling a short time after.
“What's life without a few super duper awesome surprise parties?” Pinkie Pie replied with smirk.
“Haha, Yeah and half of them you throw!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed and tackled the pink mare playfully.
“I almost can't believe we've come so far.” Rainbow Dash said and let out a sigh.
“I know, it's ever so wonderful we have though.” Fluttershy replied then looked at Rainbow Dash. “Listen umm..Rainbow...I...” Fluttershy said trailing off and looking away with a slight blush.
The cyan blue Pegasus caught onto this rather quickly and sighed. “I know Fluttershy. I've always known. And if I wasn't with Applejack, I would be with you right now.” Rainbow Dash replied putting a arm around the yellow Pegasus causing her to gasp out in surprise.
“You-You've always known? Then why didn't you say anything?” Fluttershy asked her curiosity peaked now.
“I didn't want to hurt your feelings, besides, I had my eyes on that farm pony for many years, before the war. You will always be my best friend though Fluttershy. Never forget that.” Rainbow Dash replied nuzzling the yellow Pegasus softly before walking a crossed the room past Rarity and Applebloom and to the front door and out it.
Fluttershy gave a heavy sigh. “I love you...Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy said in a soft tone before she lay down on the floor and sighed. “I guess, it just wasn't mean to be.” Fluttershy remarked to herself thoughtfully as she looked up out the window.
(play “Born to give my love to you” now)
“I know, but it's not like they could catch me now that I have my wings back.” Rainbow Dash replied and nuzzled against the farm pony's cheek gently.
“Ah...don't know what ah'll do if anythin happens to ya. Ah mean, ya barely made it through last time.” Applejack said as fresh tears began to pour from her eyes.
“Hey, don't worry. We'll all make it through this just fine, you'll see.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile nuzzling against the farm pony's wet cheeks.
“But what if we don't? What if-” Applejack began to say only for Rainbow Dash to lock lips with the farm pony cutting her off.
“Enough of the worrying. You'll give you mane split ends.” Rainbow Dash said after they broke the kiss with a smirk.
“Heh, y'all been hangin around Rarity too much.” Applejack replied at which point both ponies broke into spontaneous laughter.
“But darling! You simply must stop worrying!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a mock Rarity voice making the farm pony and her laugh even harder.
“Mah sides! Ya is makin mah sides hurt ya consarned featherbrain!” Applejack exclaimed between laughs as she fell to the ground holding her sides from laughing so hard and continued to do so until Rainbow Dash knelled down over her and began to kiss her passionately.
Unknown to both ponies Twilight looked down at the two and smiled as she focused magic into her horn and put an invisible barrier over the two which not only was to protect them from being seen but to give the two lovers privacy as they began to make love right in front of Rarity's home. She then pulled her head back in and looked at Celestia's Statue sighing now as a frown formed on her face.
“I suppose I couldn't expect them to actually sleep.” Twilight remarked thoughtfully to herself and let out a sigh as she walked over to her bed and lay on it.
Scootaloo walked about the dungeon looking up at the window now as the moon stayed high in the sky. “Applebloom...” Scootaloo remarked thoughtfully then slammed both hooves over her head. “What the heck am I doing here?! I should be with her!” Scootaloo exclaimed and began to take off from thew ground only for the magical chains and bound her to tug at her throat gagging the Pegasus until she stopped trying to fly at which point she let out a sigh.
It was at the point and time Stormhooves came walking down the dungeon stairs carrying the Pegasus's daily meal and chucked it through the magically barrier causing it's contents to spill slightly as the tray slid to her. “I myself would let you starve, but our lord wishes to keep you alive a little longer.” Stormhooves said with a sneer.
“Why? It's not like we are connected anymore. He told me so this morning. Apparently Celestia had something to do with it. Our bond is broken.” Scootaloo replied and let out a sigh.
“Our lord has plans for you young Scootaloo. Though you may not be connected anymore, you are still under his control whether you want to be or not.” Stormhooves replied, turned around, and began to walk up the stairs cackling as he did so as Scootaloo looked up at the moon again. “Mommy...” She said and tears began to flow from her eyes. “I don't want to be angry at her anymore, but I can't help it...I can't help but hate her so much...” Scootaloo remarked with a sigh.
(Play “evil omen” now)
“How can you be so sure they will show up?” Stormhooves asked as she walked up to and stopped next to Discord's throne.
“Oh they will show up, those foals have been planning and scheming against me. They wish to rescue poor dear Scootaloo. What they do not know is that she no longer connected to me and I have dear sweet Celestia to thank for this. So they will come, but they will not use the elements of harmony because they fear for Scootaloo's life.” Discord replied with a sneer.
“But what if they decide to use them anyways my lord? What if they have discovered you are no longer connected?” Stormhooves asked.
“I am not foolish enough to think they would not and that is why I have prepared some special entertainment for them. If they choose to use the elements of harmony against me.” Discord replied snapping his lion's paw at which point six ponies appeared. These six ponies resembled Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack down to the letter with the exception of the fact their fur color's where grayed out versions of themselves.
“These are the six elements of Discord. They represent those six's counterparts which show no remorse. And have been given a few special touches of my own genius.” Discord replied with a cruel grin as necklaces appeared on each of their necks and a crown appear on the twilight doppelganger.
“So let them use the elements of harmony against me. They will fail at the might of the elements of Discord!” Discord exclaimed earning another chorus of cheers.
(Play “I kissed a girl” now)
“A little lower thar Rainbow...” Applejack moaned out as the cyan blue Pegasus kissed her underside ginger slowly moving her way down to her wet treat. The farm pony arched up slightly as she felt her lovers tongue run along her mound and gave a sudden gasp as it went inside moaning out moments later.
“Heh, we've barely been at it for five minuets and your soaking wet.” Rainbow Dash remarked with a cheesy grin before dipping her tongue into the farm pony's snatch.
“What ya expect? Ya make meh so hot and bothered. Now don't be holdin back.” Applejack replied arching up now and moaning out as the cyan blue Pegasus ran her tongue along her inner walls.
Rainbow Dash slowly retracted her tongue from Applejack's cunt and crawled up so her body was looming over the farm pony and began to kiss her passionately to which the farm pony returned with equal passion as the two ran hooves along each other grinding their bodies against one another now as they continued to make out. “I love you so much Applejack. Don't you ever leave my side again.” Rainbow Dash moaned out between kisses.
“I love ya too Rainbow and I won't. Come what may, ah will always be there for ya.” Applejack replied between moans and kisses as she ran a hoof through Rainbow Dash's mane while the cyan blue Pegasus undid the braid in her hair allowing it to flow freely as she continued to kiss her lover passionately.
Both ponies body's felt as if they were on fire as the heat of their passion continued to rise and soon changed positions so that Rainbow's face was hovering over the farm pony's pussy while her dripping slit was hovering over Applejack's face. As if acting as one they both dove into each others dripping cunts moaning into one another, feeling their combined pleasure rise. This feeling they always shared when they made love like this, the feeling of being one with one another.
“Ah can't say it....ahh...enough...ah love you so much!” Applejack moaned out as another wave of pleasure rocked her body feeling her lover's tongue dip in and out of her and her mouth suckle on her clit feeling her climax rise closer and closer with each pleasurable suckle until the farm pony arched back and moaned into the cyan blue Pegasus's cunt as she came hard feeling her pussy spasm and gush onto the grass under her.
Rainbow Dash was soon to follow suit as she screamed out at the top of her lungs as she came, as her vaginal muscles clamped down on the farm pony's tongue and gushed her juices coating the farm pony's face and chest in her love tunnel's sweet nectar.
Twenty minuets later...
“Could they beh any louder? Mah ears are never gonna recover!” Applebloom exclaimed in a whisper as she clamped both hooves over her ears.
“Says the pony who I walked in with Scootaloo!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a cheesy grin as she walked into the room with Sweetie Belle causing the farm pony to blush beat red at which point Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle and even Fluttershy burst into laughter.
This laughter however quickly disappeared as they all recalled that Scootaloo was still in clutches of Discord as Applebloom's eyes swelled up in tears until Pinkie Pie rushed over and held her. “Don't worry. We'll save her.” Pinkie Pie cooed as she rubbed the sobbing filly's mane as she cried into her shoulder.
“Ah know...but ah miss her so much...” Applebloom said between sobs.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash lay on the ground now in their afterglow. “Ah'm so scared ah'm gonna lose ya...it's so terrifyin that ah almost can't stand it.” Applejack said as she hugged her lover tightly who returned the hug.
“No one is going to die Applejack.” Rainbow replied in a comforting tone.
“If you two are done down there could you get inside?” Twilight's voice came from above the two at which point they both exchanged blushes, stood up, and went inside.
“What's wrong with Applebloom?” Rainbow Dash asked in a concerned tone as they walked in.
“The poor darling is missing Scootaloo dearly.” Rarity said and gave a sigh.
“Rarity could ya be a might kind and tell meh where to find the shower.” Applejack asked in a quiet tone to which the unicorn pointed a hoof to the back of her home.
A short shower later Applejack came out after drying her body off to see her younger sister still in full blown sobs and sighed. “I've got a hoof with Discord's name on it.” Applejack said looking at Rainbow Dash now.
“I think we all want a shot at Discord and we are going to get it.” Twilight's voice spoke up at which point everypony looked up at her as she slowly walked down the stairs. “Right now Discord is Vulnerable because of the Princess fixing the time stream. What this weakness is as of yet is unclear but his power is clearly weaker than it was before. There's a good chance he already is aware of this weakness.” Twilight said as she walked down the stairs “so everypony get some rest, because we are all going to have to be at our best.” Twilight said at which point everypony nodded, laid down, and attempted to go to sleep.
Applebloom sat up with a start feeling an overwhelming sense of dread as she gave a panicked look about herself an sighed as she looked over to see Roseheart. “For a moment ah thought-” Applebloom said in a quiet tone before she let out a horrified gasp upon realizing that there was a doll in the spot where her daughter should have been.
Roseheart's gone!
Applebloom's voice might as well have been a high pitched fog horn as she screamed this so loudly that it woke everypony up with a start.
“What?!” Applejack exclaimed looking about the room in a panic as did the other six.
“Wait...where's Gina?” Sweetie Belle asked noticing they were one short now.
(Play” The goddess's rebuke” now)
“Ah, there she is, right on schedule.” Discord remarked with a grin as she handed him Roseheart who was crying loudly now. “Very good. That makes one more thing I can use against them.” Discord said with a malicious grin.
“Yes, Master...” Gina replied in an emotionless and flat tone.
“Those foals had no idea that I placed a spy right under their noses...” Discord said aloud to himself. “Now then...what are those foal's planning, and do not skip out on any details.” Discord said as he put the crying foal under a sleeping spell and put her gently down on next to his throne.
Twilight's eyes flared up as rage filled her entire being. “He's been using Gina to spy on us the entire time! How could I have been so blind as to not sense his magic?!” Twilight exclaimed as she punched the wall furiously.
“Ah say screw waitin for mornin! We go now!” Applejack exclaimed looking just as furious as Twilight was while Applebloom simply hugged Roseheart's blanket she had put on her before she went to sleep nightly sobbing loudly.
“To take a helpless foal hostage...” Twilight said in a low tone feeling her rage building to it's breaking point till she could take it no longer.
DISCORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Twilight's voice roared this word in such fury channeling magic into her voice in a fashion like Luna had that nearly every pony in Equestria could hear it...
Hahahahahaha......
THE LOST ELEMENT
Twilight and the other six appeared in a flash of magic thanks to Twilight's magic at the doors to Discord's castle and in the next moment it was blasted down. The six walked into the halls looking about themselves cautiously making sure to keep an eye out for any foe who might appear as they walked.
“Somethin stinks, shouldn't thar be a ton of ponies in here waitin to try and kick our flanks?” Applejack remarked in a whisper as they walked throughout the dark hallways.
“It doesn't make any sense. Where are they?” Sweetie Belle remarked curiously.
Suddenly light flashed about the room revealing them to be in a chamber that seemed to stretch for miles causing the seven to look about themselves in shock until a faint clapping could be heard causing all seven to look in the direction of the other end of the room to see Discord clapping. “Bravo! Bravo my little ponies! You've found my lair. Was it that hard to find or did you just take your time?” Discord asked with a sinister grin.
“Where's Roseheart ya buckin, horseplin mule?!” Applejack exclaimed in a furious tone.
“Where's my daughter?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in the same tone Applejack sported.
“You'll meet in due time, see this is the first rule of game, If you win against my challenges you get to choose which one goes free.” Discord said with a malicious grin snapping his claw making Roseheart appear in on one side of him and Scootaloo on the other. “Dear sweet, Roseheart or The competitive filly, Scootaloo.” Discord said and his eyes narrowed mid-sentence as he continued to speak as he saw Twilight charging forward wings propelling her and finished his sentence just before she got to him only for a doppelganger of herself to appear before her except this version was a unicorn and not an Alicorn.
“Ah,Ah,Ah! No cheating! And this is an interesting development, when did you become an Alicorn?” Discord asked in a shocked tone once he got a clear look at Twilight.
“Enough of the games Discord! Release them both, NOW!” Twilight exclaimed looking up at him with a look of pure fury and a tone to match it as she spoke.
“You think you can intimate me just because you sprouted some wings? Ha!” Discord replied in a nonchalant manner and exclaimed his last word very loudly before he sent the Alicorn flying into a backward roll with a burst of magic to which she recovered mid-roll skidding to a halt and looking at him with the same furious expression.
“Last chance Discord...let them go.” Twilight replied in a low tone at which point Discord gave a thoughtful expression as he placed his lions paw on his chin seemingly unfazed.
“Gee...this looks familiar...where do I recall these words?” Discord asked in a mock curious tone before his eyes lit up. “Ah, now I remember! Those were the same words Celestia spoke before she defeated me the first time. Too bad I'm fifty thousand years wiser or I would not consider you a threat.” Discord said before his eyes narrowed at the Alicorn. “Kill them.” Discord said at which point five more doppelgangers appeared and charged at the six.
(play “Prepare for battle” now”)
“Ah ain't gonna lie, ah was hoppin he would say those words.” Applejack said and took a combat stance at her doppelganger charged at her.
“Heh, you think a fake can keep up with the head of the elite air fighting force? We'll see!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a cocky smile as she took off from the ground as did her doppelganger.
“I'm normally not so assertive...but umm...I guess I have no choice.” Fluttershy remarked in a shy manner before her expression went from shy to fierce as she took off from the ground to meet her doppelganger head on in the air.
“Fighting is simply crude, but I will make an exception in this case!” Rarity exclaimed as her began to glow brightly as her doppelganger charged at her with their horn glowing as well.
“I'd rather be throwing a party right now...” Pinkie Pie remarked with a frown and swiftly dodged a thrust of the hoof from her doppelganger at which point her expression changed to determined. “Looks like I’ll have to turn that frown upside down. Pinkie Pie style!” Pinkie pie exclaimed with a grin as she dodged another strike from her doppelganger.
“I used to think books held all the answers, but I’ve learned that some things you can't learn from a book!” Twilight exclaimed as she took off from the ground and fired a beam of magic at her doppelganger who dodged it with ease.
“What's this? A filly? Haha! Kill her.” Discord remarked with a cruel grin noticing Sweetie Belle at which point cloaked ponies appeared behind her and in front of her.
However instead of becoming scared like Discord expected a eager smile appeared on the unicorn's face causing him to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. “Oh Goody...leftovers.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a cocky yet humorous tone still sporting her wide grin and began to focus her magic and moments later a surge of magic erupted in all directions around the filly sending cloaked ponies flying in all directions. However they didn't stay down for long getting back up and charging at her.
Meanwhile Rainbow Dash and her doppelganger were clashing hooves at random bouts as the two clashed, flew away, and charged at one another to clash again. “Ha! Not bad for a fake!” Rainbow Dash remarked with grin however her doppelganger didn't respond and charged at her once again.
“Could you possibly-what I mean is-oh buck it!” Fluttershy said in a shy tone as she blocked blow after blow from her doppelganger before saying her last sentence and karate chopped her doppelganger right upside the head sending it flying into the ground with a loud crashing sound. “Oh dear me, you aren't hurt are you?” Fluttershy remarked in a concerned tone until her doppelganger got back to all four hooves and charged at her again clashing with her in a stale mate. “Guess not...” Fluttershy said in a grunting tone as her hooves continued to grind against her doppelganger's.
“You could do with makeover darling! Why your mane is simply horrid!” Rarity remarked with a grin as her and doppelganger's spells clashed creating a explosion of magic in the center of them.
“This coming from a mare with about as much fashion sense as a mule!” Her doppelganger retorted causing the unicorn to gasp in shock and narrow her eyes at her doppelganger.
“Oh....It. Is. ON!” Rarity replied in a fierce tone shooting forth another beam of magic at her doppelganger who countered with their own.
“Hey, what do you say to a pony who just got kicked in the gut?!” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed as she walloped the pink mare in the stomach knocking the wind out of her leaving her holding her gut and gasping for breath. “What was that? I couldn't understand you because your sounding a little horse ! Haha!” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed and laughed.
“That was in terrible taste!” Pinkie Pie managed to choke out finally catching her breath before she lunged at her doppelganger.
“Ya couldn't buck the broad side of tree in the middle of applebuck season!” Applejack's doppelganger exclaimed as she gave a mighty buck sending the farm pony into a backwards roll. Applejack recovered mid roll however skidding to a halt panting now.
“Ah don't needa be able to buck the broad side of a consarned tree to buck your head off!” Applejack retorted running at her doppelganger with such speed and velocity that the doppelganger could barely keep track of her movements until she jumped in the air and bucked the doppelganger upside the head sending it flying back into the wall. “Ah wasn't head general of celestia's cotton pickin ground forces for nothin ya know.” Applejack said with a cocky grin until the doppelganger seemingly catapulted itself from the wall at the farm pony.
“Whoa nelly!” Applejack exclaimed as she was tackled sending her and the doppelganger flying right past Twilight to was lifting objects from the ground and sending them flying at her doppelganger only for the doppelganger to conjure up a shield and block each one.
“You spend too much time reading books ya egghead!” Twilight's doppelganger exclaimed as she began to focus magic into her horn and shot it up into the air which took the shape of a huge mallet which swung down on the Alicorn with a huge thud creating a huge wave of dust and debris to erupt from the impact leaving her doppelganger with a grin on her face until her expression changed from cocky to surprised as the Alicorn appeared behind her in a flash of magic and bucked her hard sending her flying and land on her face which skidded along the floor with her rump in the air until she came to a halt at which point her rump slumped down limply.
“And you don't read enough!” Twilight retorted with a cocky grin.
“What is this? These aren't the six mares I remember, since when did they obtain combat experience? And who is that seventh one? I don't recall her being apart of their little group before.” Discord thought to himself as she watched the seven fight. His attention however was soon diverted from the seven as a pair of hooves collided with his face sending him flying from where he sat and to the ground. “Who dares?!” Discord exclaimed in a furious tone to see a orange colored farm pony staring at him fiercely.
(Play “The power of love” now)
“Ah got an apple buck with you!” Applebloom exclaimed and charged at the hydrocephalus.
“Ah, the supposed mother of Roseheart.” Discord remarked as the farm pony charged at him and lunged only to get stopped mid-buck and sent flying in the opposite direction. “You really are a foal, to think you would try to take me on alone. That's a laugh!” Discord exclaimed and cackled as the farm pony landed on her side and rolled a few feet before she stood wearily back to all four hooves.
“Perhaps ah shoulda been more clear, give meh mah daughter back!” Applebloom exclaimed and charged at the hydrocephalus again.
“Really? How boring!” Discord said lifting his lion's paw up not even looking at the farm pony and conjured up a barrier just before Applebloom's hooves connected at which point the barrier glowed brightly and repelled the farm pony sending her flying back however she recovered mid-air, landed on all four hooves with a slight skid, and charged at the hydrocephalus again.
Applejack was first to notice Discord and Applebloom which nearly caused her to get bucked upside the head by her doppelganger. “Why the hay is Applebloom here for?! Ah told that hard headed filly tah stay at Rarity's!” Applejack exclaimed as she dodged another strike from her doppelganger and countered it by slugging her doppelganger a crossed the cheek sending them flying to the ground on their side before getting back up and striking at the farm pony again.
“Ah ain't leavin without mah daughter!” Applebloom exclaimed after the fifth time her hooves collided with Discord's barrier.
“This is getting very boring. Perhaps I should just kill you now and save you the trouble of wearing yourself out to death.” Discord replied not looking worried in the least bit as Applebloom charged forth, jumped and her hooves collided with his barrier once again however this time she wasn't repelled much to the hydrocephalus's shock.
Even more shocking is as he looked on something began to glow just below the farm pony's head at the base of her neck. The brighter this glowing became the more her hooves seemed to dig into the barrier. “What...is..this?!” Discord asked as his eyes widened in shock still using only his lion's paw to maintain the barrier.
“This what happens when ya trifle with a momma and her daughter!” Applebloom exclaimed at which point the glowing around her neck became even brighter if possible.
Discord gave a slight grunt at this point and changed his stance to better brace himself against the farm pony. “This isn't possible! No mere earth pony should be able to penetrate my magic!” Discord exclaimed in a shocked yet outraged tone.
“Ah'm not just any earth pony...ah'm a momma!” Applebloom exclaimed at which point the glowing around her neck flashed brightly revealing a necklace with a heart shaped gem in the middle of it at which point her hooves dug even more so into the barrier threatening to shatter it.
“Im-Impossible!” Discord exclaimed as his eyes flashed wide in shock and surprise. The hydrocephalus then lifted his right arm now using both his lion's paw and his claw hand to reenforce the barrier, but this only seemed to slow the farm pony down a little as she continued to dig into it which was now creating a friction between her hooves and the barrier causing sparks of magic to sputter about as her hooves seemed to have begun to glow with a bright pink magic.
Despite the battle going on all six were watching now catching glances over at Applebloom and Discord whenever they had the chance to unable to believe what they were seeing.
“Who is this pony? And why does she have a necklace that looks similar to that of the elements of harmony?!” Discord thought to himself dramatically as his feet were now digging through the cement to keep himself stable being pushed back a inch or so with each passing moment.
“Ah don't know what the hay is goin on here, but if it helps meh save mah daughter than ah welcome this new little trinket around mah neck!” Applebloom thought to herself dramatically as her hooves dug even more so in and began to kick rapidly into the barrier now with each kick driving the hydrocephalus even farther back.
“Give...meh...mah...daughter...BACK!” Applebloom said timing her words to each kick until she gave a mighty buck with her final word.
SHATTER!!!
Discord's barrier shattered loudly causing the hydrocephalus to gasp in shock the farm pony's hooves flew at him now as if in slow motion.
“Im-possible!” Discord thought to himself as he looked at the farm pony's hooves as they neared him and time seemed to kick back into full gear as in the next moment they collided with the hydrocephalus sending him flying back and into the castle walls with a loud crashing noise.
“You're holding back!” Fluttershy's doppelganger said with a malicious grin as she thrust a hoof at the yellow Pegasus only for her to counter.
“I-I don't want to hurt you. I..umm..don't like hurting ponies at all actually...” Fluttershy replied as she blocked punch after punch from her doppelganger.
“Ha! You don't like to hurt ponies?! Don't make me laugh! I'm your opposite so I KNOW you! Deep inside your love to hurt ponies!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed as she continued to thrust her hooves at Fluttershy in the air.
Fluttershy gave a startled gasp as her hooves were knocked to the side realizing she was left wide open but could not react in time as her doppelganger's hoof came crashing into her chest sending the yellow Pegasus flying to to the ground and skidding for a few feet before she stood wearily back to her feet.
“I-I-I don't want to hurt anypony. I-I really hate fighting.” Fluttershy replied in a strained tone a she stood back up only for her doppelganger to dive down, tackle her and slam her against the castle wall earning a shrill cry of pain from the Pegasus.
(Play “Gravity” now)
“Your so weak it's pathetic! I almost can't believe we're the same pony!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed with a cruel grin as her eyes flashed wide with the cruel gaze as she slammed a hoof after hoof into Fluttershy's chest earning shrill cry after shrill cry of pain from the mare.
“I-I don't want to fight though Rainbow....I'd rather just live out the rest of my life alone...” Fluttershy remarked in a shy tone.
“Fluttershy, I know you better than that!” Rainbow Dash replied looking at Fluttershy now.
“I-I don't want to talk about it...” Fluttershy replied turning away from the cyan blue Pegasus and quickly began to pick up a bottle of apple beer next to her until Rainbow Dash swatted it out of her hoof.
“Don't beat yourself up Fluttershy! There was nothing you could have done!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed grabbing Fluttershy's hooves with her own and staring at her.
“Yes there was! I could have easily kicked all their flanks! But I sat there like a coward! I am a coward...a shy, spineless coward...” Fluttershy replied only to get slapped by the cyan blue Pegasus.
Fluttershy gave another shrill cry of pain feeling her rib cage threaten to cave in with each blow that her doppelganger hit her with. “I-I don't want to-AHH!-hurt you...” Fluttershy replied between blows even though she continued to cry out with each strike.
“Then I'll kill you, your friends, and all your precious animals! Haha! Go ahead and tell me what you hold dear, so I can destroy it!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed as she continued to thrust her hooves into the mare causing the mare's body to seemingly dig deeper into the castle wall behind creating a dent in the shape of her body.
“Fluttershy, You need to stop beating yourself up! You're stronger than that!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed looking into her friend's tear filled eyes.
“But-But I’m not...” Fluttershy replied lowering her head at which point Rainbow Dash gave a heavy sigh.
“Yes you are. I know you. Your the strongest pony I’ve ever known. That's the reason I want you to fight at my side. So you can protect what you hold dear.” Rainbow Dash replied and lifted her head so she was staring into the cyan blue Pegasus's eyes now. “Now tell me, what do you hold dear?” Rainbow Dash asked her in a soft and comforting tone.
Fluttershy then looked up at Rainbow Dash still locked in battle with her doppelganger and gave a startled gasp.
“Life,I hold life dear. I don't want to see anypony or any animal get hurt.” Fluttershy replied after a few moments instead of saying the first thing that came to mind which was to say how much she held Rainbow Dash dear to her heart.
“You through! The next pony I’m going after is your little crush!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed a she thrust a hoof at the yellow Pegasus's head as if in slow motion. It was at this exact point and time Fluttershy's eyes snapped wide with a startled gasp.
“Then let go Fluttershy, let go of your kindness, if only for a little while so you can protect what you hold dear!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed looking at her fiercely now.
She could see it...the very essence of her kindness fluttering before her as a butterfly and in the next moment it was sliced in half as if some invisible blade had cut it in half.
CRASH!!!
“I'm sorry for holding back...” Fluttershy said in a low tone as the debris cleared from where the doppelganger's hoof had struck revealing a necklace around her neck with a gem in in the shape of a butterfly in the center of it and the yellow Pegasus's hoof having successfully blocked her doppelganger's attack causing it to go crashing in the wall next to her head.
As if in the next millisecond Fluttershy's doppelganger felt a knee thrust hard into her chest knocking the wind out of her and sending her flying away only to recover mid-air and hover stationary as Fluttershy got to all four hooves her expression looking NOTHING like it had before with a fire in her eyes. “You asked what I held dear correct?” Fluttershy asked looking at the doppelganger before she took off the ground strait at it. “There isn't a thing in this world I don't hold dear!” Fluttershy exclaimed at she began to use every once of her fighting skills against the doppelganger using all four hooves now instead of just two putting her doppelganger on the defensive.
“I hold animals,ponies, and life itself dear! And I won't let anypony threaten this beautiful world filled with so many wonders....even if....even if it means I have to be somepony I hate being!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she knocked her doppelganger's hooves open causing her doppelganger to go wide eyed and gasp.
“Oh buck! I'm wide open!” Fluttershy's doppelganger thought to herself dramatically a mere second before the yellow Pegasus performed a roundhouse kick mid-air knocking the doppelganger to the ground with a loud crash with Fluttershy landing on the ground standing on her hind hooves now taking a combat stance.
Fluttershy's doppelganger stood wearily yo all four hooves and gawked at the Pegasus. “What the buck is that?” Fluttershy's doppelganger said stifling a laugh at the stance Fluttershy had taken.
Fluttershy was still standing on her hind hooves however she was bent forward with her head level looking at her doppelganger with her left front leg behind her with her hoof arched up slightly and her right front font leg was diagonally positioned downward from her with her hoof in a similar arched up fashion. Her legs were spread apart so that while she was bent over she was standing in a fashion that would allow her to brace her body to any blow.
“What a load of horseapples!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed thrusting a hoof at the yellow Pegasus only for her to move her body in a fluid motion effectively blocking her doppelganger's attack and countering it within the same single fluid motion knocking the doppelganger back into a stumble.
“You can't hurt me anymore. So could you umm...please stop trying to fight. I really don't want to hurt you.” Fluttershy replied her expression softening as she said this.
“You think just because you strike some pose that your invincible? And here I thought I was being cocky!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed with a grin, took off from the ground and dived at the yellow Pegasus. “Ha! You can't beat me from the air! There's no way you can win!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed in a cocky tone with a expression to match it.
Fluttershy looked up at her doppelganger and gave a heavy sigh. “You've already lost...” Fluttershy said her expression turning sad as she moved her body once again in a fluid motion in a cartwheel fashion until she was under her doppelganger who could only go wide-eyed and gasp in horror as she adjusted her stance still moving fluidly and gave a mighty vertical buck before resuming her previous stance and standing in her butterfly stance looking at her doppelganger who simply hit the ground and skid to a halt wheezing and gasping for air.
“H-How? I didn't even see you buck me. So how?! How did you hit me like you did without even moving out of that retarded stance of yours?!” Her doppelganger exclaimed between wheezes as Fluttershy dropped her stance and walked over to her on all four hooves.
“I did, but you couldn't see it. Like I said, I move with the grace and beauty of a butterfly. This fight is over and I don't want to hurt you anymore.” Fluttershy said in a calm tone before walking away from her doppelganger who couldn't move and looked up at Rainbow Dash who was still locked in combat.
“Not the talkative type huh?” Rainbow Dash asked with a grin as she blocked another blow from her doppelganger.
“Come on Rainbow! Show me what you got! Show me what the brilliant air combat strategist can do!” A dark armored pony exclaimed as he attacked her in the skies.
“That's it!” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked to herself as she blocked another strike from her doppelganger. “Time to figure you out!” Rainbow Dash thought to herself dramatically.
Her doppelganger then took a sudden dive and flew up behind the cyan blue colored Pegasus and bucked her squarely in the back sending her flying into the ground. “Heh, she's fast. I'll give her that.” Rainbow Dash remarked as she stood back up only to barely block a blow from her doppelganger.
“She's also strong...” Rainbow Dash remarked as she swiftly dodged another strike and countered sending her doppelganger into a backward skid only to rebound and lunge at her again. “But...” Rainbow Dash thought to herself as she watched her doppelganger thrust a hoof at her as if in slow motion and block it in the next second.
“Her fighting style isn't that of a air force Pegasus. It's crude and lacks discipline...” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked before she took hold of her doppelganger's hoof and threw her over her only to land in all four hooves. “She's agile too...” Rainbow Dash thought to herself as her doppelganger lunged at her again only for Rainbow Dash to take off from the ground and miss the mare.
“What's with you? Your not even trying to fight me anymore!” Her doppelganger exclaimed for the first time since they began to fight.
“Heh, sorry! I was just thinking. Something I don't do very often these days. I'm more the in the fray and think later kind of pony.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk as her doppelganger lunged at her again mid-air missing her barely.
“Thinking won't help you win!” Rainbow Dash's doppelganger exclaimed and dive bombed at her at break neck speed only for her to move out of the way just before which caused the doppelganger to gasp out as she went head first into the ground with a loud crash.
“I got it. I know how to beat this fake.” Rainbow Dash thought to herself with a smile as her doppelganger got back to all fours wearily. “This fake likes to use brute force so I’ll just use that against her!” The cyan blue mare thought to herself with a cocky grin as her doppelganger charged at her.
Just as Rainbow Dash's doppelganger neared her she swiftly dived behind her and bucked her rump hard sending the doppelganger flying strait into the ceiling with a loud crash and moments later parts of the ceiling gave way causing the doppelganger to become buried beneath the rumble as she hit the ground and debris fall onto her. “Ha! I knew no fake could take on the real thing!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a cocky smile.
The rubble and debris however began to shift and moments later her doppelganger erupted out of the ground and stared at her huffing and puffing. “You...can't....beat...me!” Her doppelganger said between pants and charged at her once again. It was at this point and time Rainbow Dash's neck began to glow brightly and in the next moment a necklace appeared around her neck with a gem in the shape of a lightning bolt in the center of it.
“Heh, I already have.” Rainbow Dash remarked and waited until she was nearly upon her to jump, barrel rolled mid-air, and bucked her hard slamming her doppelganger hard into the ground mid-run. “I wasn't made the general of the Wonderbolts for nothing. Though I may not act it I was given that rank for a reason. I figured out that you were using brute force so I figured i'd use that against ya.” Rainbow Dash said standing over her doppelganger gang who lay on place alert but unable to move no matter how much she tried.
“Y-You were analyzing me?!” The doppelganger exclaimed wide-eyed in shock.
“Heh, yeah. Though it's boring for me to do that much thinking most of the time. I'm a action gal. I like to act instead of think most of the time. But I gotta say it comes in handy at times like this.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk and walked over to Fluttershy.
“Y-Your not hurt are you?” Fluttershy asked in a concerned tone.
“Nah, but I did see those moves of yours. Nice to see the poison butterfly hasn't lost her touch.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk.
“Pl-Please don't call me that. That's a nickname I’d sooner forget...umm..if that's okay that is.” Fluttershy replied hiding behind her hair now in a shy stance.
“Alright, but still. Good moves there Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash replied patting her on the shoulder.
CLASH, GRIND, BUCK!
Applejack and her doppelganger continued to exchange blows neither one giving in to the other. “Ah gotta say, ya sure don't look like ya could take meh on at first glance.” Applejack said between huffs and puffs.
“Back at ya farm pony.” Applejack's doppelganger retorted with a smirk.
“Ah gotta admit, ah do miss this kind of fightin. Ah guess a war pony never really loses that there taste for a good ol' fashioned buckdown.” Applejack remarked before clashing hooves with her doppelganger again. “But thar is one thing ah do value over fightin.” Applejack said after the two jumped away from one another.
“Don't get sentimental on meh.” Applejack's doppelganger said lunging at her again.
“Ah value mah family more than anythin in this here world and that's the consarned truth of it all.” Applejack replied at which point her neck began to glow brightly and moments later a necklace appeared brandishing an apple shaped gem at the center of it.
“Gag meh with a spoon! That's a lie! Ya love to fight! You love it more than anythin!” Applejack's doppelganger replied bucking at the farm pony only to end up on the ground with Applejack's hoof at her neck.
“Ah don't lie...and ah sure as sugar ain't gonna lose to a cotton pickin fake. Ya picked the wrong pony to be messin with today.” Applejack said taking the doppelganger's head in both hooves.
“Y-Ya wouldn't!” The doppelganger exclaimed fearfully realizing what the farm pony had planned.
“Ya know, as temptin as it is, ya is right. Ah wouldn't.” Applejack replied and in the next moment slammed her doppelganger's face hard into the ground knocking it out. “But that don't be meanin ah won't be rough with ya.” Applejack said stepping from off her doppelganger and walking over to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.
“Teh! Why didn't you do that from the beginning?” Rainbow Dash asked with a grin.
“Ah wanted to play around with it first. Ah needed to vent some consarned anger somewheres or ah might not beh usin mah head when we fight Discord. Speakin of that varmint, how the hay did Applebloom manage to knock him into the wall like that?” Applejack asked looking over at Discord who was still in the wall not moving.
“I don't know, but Applebloom's got a necklace like us.” Rainbow Dash replied earning a shocked look from the farm pony.
“Ah thought there we only six elements of harmony? How the cotton pickin hay can there beh seven?” Applejack asked looking over at Applebloom who hadn't moved an inch from where she stood.
“Don't ask me. Ask the egghead once she's done duking it out with her other half.” Rainbow Dash said pointing a hoof at Twilight who was still trading magical shots of magic with her doppelganger.
(Play “Fooling mode” now)
“Quit hopping over the place!” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed as she attempted to tackle the pink mare only to miss again as she dodged her by hopping out of the way with a giggle. “Why you little...” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed as her face went beat red from frustration and finally managed to tackle the pink mare to the ground. “Got ya! Wait, what are you....heh-heh...Ha-ha-ha! Stop that! Hahahaha!” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed as the pink mare began to tickle her and jumped away from her a few moments later.
“Told ya I’d turn that smile upside down!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smirk.
“Get serious!” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed lunging at the pink mare only for her to hop to the side and tickle her once again which caused her doppelganger to burst out laughing again and growl fiercely moments after as she swiftly stopped right next to the mare, jumped to standing on a single hoof, and spun her body around effectively hitting the pink mare upside the head knocking her to the ground.
“Ready to get serious yet?” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger said as she slowly walked up to the pink mare and stood over her. In the next moment the doppelganger's face became contorted as if she was trying to stifle something then burst out into laughter as Pinkie Pie began to tickle her from her underside again. “That's enough!” Her doppelganger exclaimed furiously and slammed both font hooves into the pink mare's chest hard earning a pained cry from Pinkie Pie.
“That was very mean you meanie pants...” Pinkie Pie said in a pained tone.
“I'm a very mean pony.” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger said with a cruel grin only for Pinkie Pie to somehow manage to get from under her and perform a twirling motion on her right front hoof before landing on all four hooves and staring at her.
“I guess I can't win by making you laugh but it was a shot...” Pinkie Pie remarked with a sigh closing her eyes as her hair suddenly deflated with an balloon losing air sound.
(play “clavar la espada” now)
“Fine, lets do it your way. But I warn you, you won't like me when I'm not my cheery self.” Pinkie Pie said, got one on hoof again and began to spin towards her doppelganger only for her to jump over her at the last second jump behind her and buck her hard sending her doppelganger flying forward.
“How..is that even possible?” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger asked as she got back to all four hooves and stared at Pinkie Pie.
“Heh, ah've been askin that question since the day ah met Pinkie Pie.” Applejack said with a smirk causing Pinkie Pie's doppelganger to look over at her and glare.
“Who asked you?!” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed angrily only for Applejack to point a hoof to her left with a grin.
“Ya might wanna be payin attention.” Applejack said with a smirk at which point Pinkie Pie's doppelganger snapped her gaze forward to see Pinkie Pie not in front of her, gave a panicked look around until Pinkie Pie somehow managed to pop from the rubble next to her and buck her before diving back into it.
“What the-?!” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed stumbling slightly only for Pinkie Pie to seemingly pop out of nowhere and buck her again knocking her to the ground.
“Funneh thing about Pinkie Pie that was have all come to beh acceptin is her uncanny ability to break the laws of physics, course this could also beh cuz she's Selena's other half but we don't go bout debatin that.” Applejack said still smiling from ear to ear seemingly at which point Pinkie Pie's doppelganger snapped her gaze at the farm pony again.
“Did I ask you for a explanation?!” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger exclaimed angrily only for Pinkie Pie to pop out of a pile of rubble right in front of her, grab her both the front hooves, roll backward, buck her into the air, and roll back onto all four hooves facing away from where her doppelganger landed which was right next to Applejack who continued to smirk at her.
“Now what did ah tell ya bout payin attention?” Applejack said with a smirk looking down at the doppelganger.
“Oh shut up...” Pinkie Pie's doppelganger said in an annoyed yet pained tone looking up at the farm pony before Pinkie Pie grabbed her by the hind hooves, spun her in circles, and chucked the doppelganger to the wall which she hit face first with her body sprawled out in all directions until it became limp and her body slid off the wall and to the floor.
“Well that takes care of that meanie pants. Oh looky! I got my necklace on now!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as her hair inflated suddenly returning to it's normal poofy appearance.
“Ya had it from the moment ya started breakin the laws of physics...” Applejack remarked before letting out a sigh and looked over at Rarity.
“I was what? Don't be silly! I can't do that!” Pinkie Pie replied hopping around the farm pony only for her to facehoof and sigh.
“Sometimes Pinkie, ah wonder bout ya...ah really do...” Applejack replied dismally with a small groan not wanting to get into yet another debate with Pinkie Pie and her ability to break the laws of physics.
(play “Fooling mode” now)
“My hair!” Rarity's doppelganger exclaimed as she looked at it which was now looking a sickly green color then proceeded to cast a spell at Rarity which made her fur puff out so that she looked like a walking puffball.
“My beautiful fur coat!” Rarity exclaimed in a horrified tone. “Take this you ruffian!” Rarity exclaimed casting another spell at her doppelganger which caused her hair to wrap around her and trip her sending her falling to the ground.
“Do you have any idea how long this will take to comb out?!” Rarity's doppelganger exclaimed as she used her magic to undo her hair until she was able to stand on all four hooves again.
“I say we stop ruining each others looks and get down to business.” Rarity's doppelganger said staring at Rarity now.
“Hmmph! Sounds good to me, but you'll still be be an ugly mule either way.” Rarity replied with a smirk.
“What was that?! How dare you! I have you know I have same looks as you! So by calling me ugly you called yourself ugly!” Rarity's doppelganger exclaimed in an unintentional comical way pointing at Rarity with a outraged expression as she spoke.
“Me? Ugly? Darling you clearly have no sense of fashion! And judging by your looks I know I’m right!” Rarity replied with a snooty grin.
“Says the mule who couldn't even design a proper dress for her friend's birthday.” Rarity's doppelganger retorted with a mischievous grin causing the unicorn's temple to seemly pulse as held her hoof up in front of her face as it shook involuntarily from the anger she was feeling.
“How dare you! Twilight adored that gift! And I have you know that I spent hours on it!” Rarity exclaimed now pointing a accusing hoof at her doppelganger in a similar comical fashion that her doppelganger had done earlier.
“Keep telling yourself that. I'm sure it'll work eventually.” Rarity's doppelganger replied with the same mischievous grin only yo get tackled seconds later and rarity pulling at her doppelganger's mane causing her to scream out in pain as she slammed a hoof on the floor rapidly.
“Not the hair,not the hair!” Rarity's doppelganger exclaimed in a panicked tone trying to get away and finally managed to do so moments later by bucking the unicorn off her.
“Oh for pony's sake, if we don't do somethin a might soon the only thing that's gonna be hurtin is each other's pride.” Applejack remarked with a facehoof as Rarity and her doppelganger exchanged pinning one another and pulling each others hair, tail, and pushing on each others faces at random times.
“I-I'm not sure that's a good idea...” Fluttershy said in a feeble tone causing the other three to turn and look at her.
“Why the hay not?” Applejack asked curiously.
“Rarity's not a nice pony when somepony messes with her looks.” Fluttershy replied quietly.
“What happened?” Rainbow Dash then gave a awkward gulp as Fluttershy curled up as if in a corner looking as if she was sitting in a very depressing atmosphere.
“I-I don't want to talk about it...” Fluttershy replied in a depressed tone still curled up as if in a corner with the same depressing atmosphere hovering over her.
(play “goddess's rebuke” now)
BOOM!
Twilight and her doppelganger's spells collided with a loud explosion and when the debris cleared her doppelganger charged strait at her....
THE LOST ELEMENT
PART 2
(play “quincy's craft” now)
BOOM!
Twilight and her doppelganger's spells collided with a loud explosion and when the debris cleared her doppelganger charged strait at her.
Twilight braced herself for impact only for her doppelganger to disappear in a flash of magic and appear behind her and buck at her only for Twilight to use her wings as a shield absorbing the blow, turn around, and blast her doppelganger away from her to which her doppelganger recovered mid- air and disappeared in yet another flash of magic.
“Take this!” Twilight's doppelganger exclaimed as she ripped a huge pillar from it's foundation and sent it flying at the Alicorn.
Twilight quickly focused her magic and conjured a large shield in front her that upon impact transformed the huge pillar into nothing more than small little pebbles, used her wings to shield her face from the wave of pebbles, lowered her wings, and swiftly blocked a mid-air strike from her doppelganger from above who had used the pillar as a distraction to get the drop on her.
“N-not B-Bad for a doppelganger...” Twilight said in a strained tone as she looked up at her doppelganger holding off her strike until she back-flipped away and landed on all hooves staring at her for a few moments until she began to focus magic into her horn and short forth a great flame at the Alicorn.
“Whoa nelly!” Applejack exclaimed in a panicked tone realizing that the four of them were right behind Twilight, ran past Pinkie Pie, grabbed her by the mane with her mouth, and leaped out of the way while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash took off from the ground as the Alicorn successfully shielded herself from the flames by conjuring up a bubble style shield around her body however the flames continued past her.
Fluttershy's doppelganger gave a horrified gasp as the flames sailed at her unable to move as did Fluttershy herself realizing what was about to happen only to get stopped mid dive by Rainbow Dash who was holding her by the tail. “You can't save her!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed through gritted teeth.
“B-But I have to! She'll be killed!” Fluttershy exclaimed looking back at the cyan blue Pegasus.
It was at this point and time Twilight looked behind herself and saw what the others did, disappeared in a flash of magic, reappeared in front of Fluttershy's doppelganger, and used her wings as a shield while channeling magic into her horn and casting a spell on her wings to make them fireproof moments before the flames hit her wings.
A few tense moments passed as the flames roared against the Alicorn's wings until she gave a mighty beat of her wings which dispersed the flames. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked in a weary tone much to the doppelganger's shock.
“Why did you protect me? I never asked you to! You know I'm not the real Fluttershy. So why?!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed in an angry yet confused tone.
“Because you are a living creature. Artificially created or not.” Twilight replied earning a confused yet startled gasp from Fluttershy's doppelganger.
“I don't understand!” Fluttershy's doppelganger exclaimed in a frustrated tone.
Twilight then turned her gaze to look at her four friends. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, could you help Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy get these four to a safe place?” Twilight asked earning a confused look from Applejack at first but she nodded just the same. Twilight then looked at her doppelganger, disappeared in a flash of magic, and reappeared in another flash of magic several feet away from her doppelganger. “You knew she was behind me, yet you didn't hold back. Why?” Twilight asked in a calm yet fierce tone.
“Why should I care what happens to the others? We are servants of Discord! We know that there is no place for weaklings!” Twilight's doppelganger exclaimed looking over at the other four as they helped their respective doppelganger's to safety.
“So you blindly follow Discord into any battle, even if it means your death?” Twilight replied her calm yet fierce tone not wavering in the slightest.
“Our existences are meaningless. We all know this. We do not fear death.” Twilight's doppelganger replied with a cruel sneer.
“Fluttershy's doppelganger felt fear. I saw it in her eyes when I looked behind myself. It was for that very reason I saved her life. For one to be able to feel fear means that they have a soul and are a living creature.” Twilight replied however her doppelganger seemed unfazed by this speech.
“You merely saved the life of an enemy who will kill your friends once she is able to move again.” Twilight's doppelganger replied now pacing back and forth in front of Twilight still several feet away from her.
“Come what may, I refuse to let anypony die who does not deserve it.” Twilight replied, blocked a sudden strike from her doppelganger, and jumped away.
“You make me sick! I feel no fear! I do not fear death!” Twilight doppelganger exclaimed as she began to channel magic into her horn and fired yet another wave of magic only for the Alicorn to counter with a wave of water effectively putting it out in a stalemate which caused a huge burst of steam to fill the area which they stood.
(play “Fooling mode” now)
“Say uncle!” Rarity exclaimed as she twisted her doppelganger's right arm behind her back as she tapped the ground with her left hoof repetitively.
“N-Never!” Rarity's doppelganger exclaimed, channeled magic into her horn and disappeared in a flash of magic, reappeared behind her, slammed Rarity hard on the ground, crawled on top of her and grinned mischievously.
Rarity's eyes snapped wide in shock along with a wide blush as she felt something plunge into her back regions. “What do you think your doing?!” Rarity exclaimed, bucked her doppelganger off her and stared at her with an outraged expression. “How dare you touch a pony there! And to go as far as to put it in! How dare you!” Rarity exclaimed in an outraged tone in a comical fashion waving a hoof up and down at her doppelganger angrily still blushing beat red.
“You seemed pretty loose. Been around the block more than once?” Rarity's doppelganger retorted with a smirk only to get tackled again and her mane pulled at by Rarity. “N-Not the hair!” Rarity's doppelganger exclaimed in a horrified yet pained tone as rarity yanked and pulled at it.
(play “quincy's craft” now)
“Is this all the great and power Twilight Sparkle has to offer?!” Twilight's doppelganger exclaimed brandishing a evil grin as she once again locked hooves with Twilight who was seemingly struggling to stave her off now.
Twilight gave a mighty cry as she managed to repel her beating her wings slightly as she jumped back and skidded slightly as her doppelganger did the same minus the use of wings speaking as she did not have any. “She's stronger than I thought she was...guess there's no use in holding back anymore.” Twilight thought to herself and began to channel magic into her horn then fired a mighty beam of ice at her doppelganger who dodged it barely by jumping out of the way and retaliated mid-air firing a beam of lightning from her horn to which Twilight took off from the ground to evade it as it hit the ground where she once stood with a mighty explosion of debris and dust.
“That's more like it! Show me your true power! So I can crush you at your peak!” Twilight's doppelganger exclaimed as she charged at her now firing fire,ice, and lightning spells at random points as Twilight swiftly evaded each one.
“Had enough yet? Cuz ah'm just getting started!” Applebloom exclaimed as Discord finally began to remove himself from the wall and stood on two feet staring at her before glancing out to the battle field and flashed a glare realizing the only two left standing were Twilight and Rarity's doppelganger's.
Applebloom then charged at Discord again, jumped and bucked at him only to be swatted to the side which caused the farm pony to hit the wall hard and give a shrill cry of pain as she hit it and slid down. “You pathetic foal. You thought you were a match for the mighty Discord?” Discord said in a pissed off tone as he lifted the filly up by the scruff of her chest fur and slammed her against wall again causing the farm pony to give yet another shrill cry of pain. “I don't know what that trinket is around your neck, but it won't save you.” Discord said as she arched his arm with the claw on it backward. “Any last words?” Discord asked with a evil grin as he positioned his claw so that it was aligned with the filly's chest.
“Yeah...look behind ya.” Applebloom replied with a weary smirk at which point Discord turned around just in time to see Applejack's hooves colliding with his face causing him to let go of Applebloom whom fell to the ground with a slight pained cry while he landed on his side.
“What the hay is wrong with ya sis? Ya coulda got yourself plum killed just now!” Applejack exclaimed in a worried tone as she quickly helped her little sister to all four hooves.
“He's got Roseheart. Ah think that's reason nuff to beh here.” Applebloom replied in a pained tone.
“Can't argue with ya there little sis, but next time leave it up to the adults would ya?” Applejack replied with a warm smile only to get tackled by her younger sister as a thin beam of magic sailed over both their heads and clean through a pillar leaving a small hole in it that one could look through and see the other side.
“Missed...” Discord said in a low tone as he got back to his feet and stared at the two farm ponies who were now back on all four hooves in battle ready poses. “So the apple sisters want to take on the mighty Discord eh? This should be entertaining.” Discord said after a few moments with a malicious grin as he popped his knuckles with both his lion's paw and his claw hand.
(Play “Chain Algorithm - Elements of Harmonics” now and repeat if desired)
“If ya is gonna be mah backup sis, ya best be followin my lead and don't be playin hero ya hear?” Applejack said in a serious tone as she walked to the right.
“Ah hear ya sis.” Applebloom replied as she walked to the right her eyes fixed on Discord.
Applejack was first to lunge at the hydrocephalus jumping in the air and performing a mid-air buck as she came down on him only to be blocked and knocked back only for Applebloom to jump over her sister and connect with his chest knocking Discord into a backward stumble at which point Applejack had already recovered and performed yet another mid air buck striking the hydrocephalus mid-stumble effectively knocking him to his rump and look up to see both Apple sisters coming at him from the air performing mid-air bucks to which he countered by conjuring a barrier which repelled Applejack but not Applebloom who began to kick rapidly at his barrier.
“That didn't work last time and it won't work this time either!” Applebloom exclaimed as she continued to kick into the hydrocephalus's barrier as Applejack charged forth, jumped up, performed a mid-air somersault, and come out of the mid-air somersault with a single hoof striking down on the barrier only to get repelled however she recovered mid-air landing on all four hooves with a slight skid and charged at Discord again.
“This is getting old!” Discord exclaimed as his entire being erupted with magic sending the apple sisters flying into the air, pointed a single diget of his clawed hand at them and fired a beam of magic only to miss as Rainbow Dash grabbed both Applebloom and Applejack mid-air and Fluttershy deflected it with a single hoof mid-air sending the beam of magic flying to the side with a loud explosion.
“What the-?” Discord said unable to believe his eyes. Fluttershy had just managed to deflect a beam of magic that no pony unicorn or Pegasus should be able to defend against.
Despite this Fluttershy wasn't left unscathed as she held her bleeding hoof, but showed no signs of pain or tears in her expression as it remained calm with the same fire in her eyes that had shown once before against her doppelganger. “My element of harmony protects me from your magic as long as I stay to true to my element which is kindness.” Fluttershy said in a calm tone as if she knew why the hydrocephalus was looking confused while she descended and landed on all four hoofs and struck her butterfly style pose.
“Not completely...” Discord remarked as he looked at the yellow Pegasus's bleeding hoof which was the lowest to the ground in her current pose.
“Be that as it may Discord. I will no longer sit back and let you threaten life. Prepare yourself. You've never faced anything like me before.” Fluttershy said in a low tone before cartwheeling in a fluid motion at the hydrocephalus and stuck him three times before extending her wings to act as an anchor as she back-flipped, effectively uppercutting the hydrocephalus mid back-flip with a single hoof, and landed back in her butterfly pose which left Discord with a look of sheer confusion and fury.
“So...your the poison butterfly. I was wondering where you had managed to pick up such moves.” Discord replied as he got back to his two feet looking unfazed by the attack even though the strikes were still apparent.
“I-I don't understand! How can you be standing? I hit every single one of your vital spots in that attack!” Fluttershy remarked in a shocked tone as Discord brushed his chest and arms off as if to shake off the damage.
“Perhaps on a fellow pony, but I’m a whole different class all my own!” Discord exclaimed rushing at the yellow Pegasus who's eyes narrowed as he approached her and began to block and deflect each of his strikes in a single fluid motion however was unable to counter being put completely on the defensive by the hydrocephalus.
“Hold the reigns a second here! Since when did discord get combat moves that could rival Fluttershy's butterfly style?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in both shock and confusion as she watched the one on on fight continue on.
“Ya can follow thar movements? Cuz ah'm plum lost here. Ah can't tell who's winnin or losin.” Applejack replied as she continued to watch.
“Barely following. I don't know of any pony alive who can track Fluttershy's movements while in her butterfly style perfectly. It was my job to be able to track my foe's movements in the skies so that's how I can follow their movements somewhat but I’m still missing a bunch and even I know this. The problem is that Discord has an advantage due to Fluttershy's injured hoof and he knows this.” Rainbow Dash replied as she continued to watch the fight.
Fluttershy continued to move fluidly blocking two lower strikes from Discord simultaneously while blocking two more upper strikes a mere millisecond later but still had no room to counter and to make matters worse her bleeding hoof had began to throb painfully from the hydrocephalus's continued assault making it harder to concentrate. “Th-This isn't good. I'm blocking all his attacks for now but he's moving about as fast as I am. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up!” Fluttershy thought to herself dramatically as she continued to block his strikes being pushed back now.
“Oh crud, this doesn't look good!” Rainbow Dash remarked in a worried tone.
“She losing concentration. It's gotta be her injured hoof! This doesn't look good, Fluttershy can't normally be pushed back while using that style. I've seen her in action many times during the war. She's a great air-combat Pegasus, but her true skill lies on the ground where she can take on her butterfly pose. I've seen her take on fifty ponies at once before and didn't get a scratch. What I’m trying to figure out is where Discord picked up that combat style. It's almost like Fluttershy's but it's different somehow. And how did he know the name of Fluttershy's combat style?” Rainbow Dash remarked with a thoughtful yet worried glance at the two.
“Ya guess is as good as mine, but ah reckon speakin as Discord's over fifty thousand years old he most likely picked up somethin.” Applejack replied and looked back over at the two still locked in combat.
“Your stance is weakening my dear.” Discord said with a malicious grin as he continued to strike at the yellow Pegasus.
“H-How do you know so much about my fighting style? No pony alive should know it except me!” Fluttershy exclaimed still blocking each and every strike he threw at her.
“I'm the god of disharmony and chaos, do you honestly think I wouldn't know of a combat style taught by butterflies? It's ironic that such gentle creatures know such a deadly fighting style and your ability to communicate with them is what allowed you to learn it.” Discord replied at which point his eyes flashed wide with malicious intent. “Your open!” Discord exclaimed and stuck the Yellow Pegasus hard in the chest sending her flying only to recover mid-air using her wings and land on the ground huffing and puffing.
“Fluttershy!” Applebloom, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash exclaimed in unison in panicked tones.
“This fight over, you lose.” Discord said with a cruel grin as he walked towards Fluttershy now.
“Remember Fluttershy, your opponent is weakest when they think they have won. You simply need to exploit this. Half the fight is skill while the other is psychology!” Fluttershy's foster dad exclaimed as she through strikes at the young filly.
“But if they think they have won, doesn't that mean they are winning?” Fluttershy replied in a confused tone.
“Not always. Your foe may think they have you beaten, but the fight is never over until one of you is unable to fight any longer.” Fluttershy's foster dad replied throwing a strike at the Yellow Pegasus only to be blocked and countered.
“I understand.” Fluttershy replied with a confident smile.
“Th-This fight isn't over yet. As long as I can move, I can fight!” Fluttershy replied taking a step forward only to give a startled wince as she stepped on her injured bleeding hoof.
“Your funeral.” Discord replied and charged at her again giving the Pegasus barely anytime at all to resume her butterfly stance and struck at her multiple times.
“Remember! Never ever let your guard down! The moment you do, you have lost!” Fluttershy's foster dad exclaimed as he struck at the yellow filly who continued to block his strikes. “Now show me the result of your training!” Fluttershy's foster dad exclaimed as he stuck at her.
“I-I have no choice...” Fluttershy said in a low tone as she continued to block the hydrocephalus's strikes barely and jumped back moments later. Her pose then changed from what it was before to another pose. This pose had her right front hooves positioned in front of her with her right hoof barely a few inches in front of her left while her hind hooves were now positioned so that she could brace herself against any blow.
“Huh? I never saw her strike that combat pose before.” Rainbow Dash said with a confused look.
Fluttershy then took a deep breath and let it out and repeated this motion closing her eyes now as Discord charged at her. “Giving up?! Fine with me!” Discord exclaimed as he arched his clawed hand back preparing to impale the Pegasus as she charged at her.
“Don't just listen for your foe, feel them. Sense their presence. Only this way can you perform this technique properly.” Fluttershy's foster dad said as Fluttershy stood in her hind hooves with her right hoof barely a few inches ahead of her left hoof.
“Open ya cotton pickin eyes ya crazy mare!” Applebloom exclaimed at the top of her lungs as Discord was mere inches away from his strike now.
It was at this exact moment with Discord a mere two seconds away from impaling her that her eyes flashed open, grabbed his clawed hand with both hooves, pulled hard effectively throwing the hydrocephalus over her much to his own shock, let got of his clawed hand, got on her front hooves, expanded her wings, jumped up using her front hoofs as a spring-board, moved her hind legs so that she was now performing a horizontal split, began to flap her wings, and spun in circles mid-air hitting discord multiple times with her hind hooves, flipped her body right side up, grabbed him by the tail, yanked him towards her, and slammed her hooves hard into his face before letting go of his tail, and bucked him as she back-flipped away from the hydrocephalus. Discord landed on the ground with a loud thud clearly looking worse for ware now and a few moments later stood back to his feet.
“That wasn't butterfly style...” Discord said in a furious yet calm tone.
“No, it wasn't.” Fluttershy replied simply however a few moments later her eyes seemed to roll back into her head as she fell flat on the ground at which point Rainbow Dash rushed over to her, picked her up, and flew her over to the other side of the area before laying her softly down.
“You featherbrain, you over did it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a whisper as he looked over her hoof. It was black and blue at the present time but the bleeding seemed to have stopped more or less.
“I overdid it? I'm sorry.” Fluttershy replied weakly.
“You'll be fine. Just rest over here. “Rainbow Dash said in a whisper even though she didn't fully believe it herself. Sure the only thing looking the worst was her hoof but she couldn't help but worry the Pegasus might be suffering from blood loss as well as she looked over her friend.
“How touching...” Discord replied in a disgusted tone as she pointing his lion's paw at the two open palmed and a orb of magic began to flow into it. Just as he was about to fire it however Applebloom's hooves colliding with the hydrocephalus's lion paw knocking it to the side just in the nick of time as he fired it causing a wave of magic to create a gaping ten foot tall and wide hole in the side of the building about three feet to the left of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
“That's it! Scootaloo!” Discord exclaimed at which point the magic suspending the orange Pegasus dispelled and Scootaloo appeared right next to him.
“I won't listen to you anymore!” Scootaloo exclaimed in defiance.
“You don't have a choice.” Discord replied as he balled up his lion's paw which began to glow darkly at which point Scootaloo gave an agonizing scream as she slammed both hooves on her head while her body began to glow darkly as well.
“Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in horror as she ran over to her daughter only to be blasted away as Scootaloo's body seemed to erupt with dark magic now while the orange Pegasus gave a mighty high pitched scream of agony before the dark magic flashed brightly and dispersed.
When Scootaloo opened her eyes again they now glowed with a dark eerie blood red aura at which point she charged strait at Rainbow Dash.
(Play “Lilium - Elfen Lied OP” now)
“Scoots! Don't do this! It's me! Don't you recognize me?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she blocked the initial strike from her daughter feeling tears well up in her eyes as she continued to block blow after blow never once striking back.
Scootaloo however didn't respond, jumped backwards, took off from the ground and dive bombed at her to which the cyan blue Pegasus swiftly dodged. “Please don't do this! Please...don't make me...” Rainbow Dash said trailing off with her final word as tears began to stream from her eyes.
“Rainbow! She can't hear you! She's been plum hypnotized by Discord! Your gonna have to fight her!” Applejack exclaimed as Discord slunk into the shadows without their knowing. “Hayseed! The varmint ran off!” Applejack exclaimed looking about for the hydrocephalus but couldn't find him.
“She the buck up Applejack! I won't hurt her!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily at the farm pony before she blocked yet another strike from her daughter barely holding her off. “I can't...” Rainbow Dash thought to herself as she managed to shove Scootaloo back and took up to the air closely followed by the orange Pegasus.
“Why isn't she figthin back? Ah don't get it.” Applejack remarked in a confused tone.
“She can't...” Fluttershy replied sitting up now with a bit of difficulty.
“You okay thar sugarcube? And what do you mean she can't?” Applejack asked as she walked over to the Yellow Pegasus.
“I'll be fine. I just overdid it a little I think. She can't because she refuses to accept the idea of harming her daughter. Rainbow Dash can't bring herself to harm her because of this. She won't lift a hoof to her as long as she believes that she can save her without hurting her.” Fluttershy replied looking up at the fight now and sighed.
“Scootaloo...I know I was wrong! I shouldn't have kept things from you, but I want you to know that-” Rainbow Dash began to say only to be cut off mid-sentence due to blocking another attack suddenly as her hooves quivered and shook under the wight of Scootaloo's attack mid-air. “That...no matter what happens..I will never hurt you again. Because...because...You're my daughter Scoots.” Rainbow Dash said with a teary smile looking into the orange Pegasus’s eyes that stared back into hers. “I-I know i'm not perfect. I know that I’ll be a lame featherbrain and forget things that are important to you, but I...” Rainbow Dash said trailing off, deflecting her strike and embarrassed Scootaloo's in a tight hug as tears streamed from her eyes and down her cheeks
“I love you scoots. Please give me a second chance to be mother I'm supposed to be...” Rainbow Dash said in a soft tone as a single tear drifted down her cheek and onto Scootaloo's shoulder at which point Scootaloo's eyes went wide, let out a startled gasp, and slowly felt the overwhelming rage begin to leave her body. “M-Mommy?” Scootaloo said in a quivering tone as tears began to flow her her cheeks and the aura around her eyes fade away.
“I won't lose her that easily...” Discord said in a low tone watching from the shadows as he balled up his lion's paw again and it began to glow darkly.
Without warming Scootaloo's shoved Rainbow Dash away and slammed both front hooves on her head with her eyes closed screaming out again as her entire being began to glow darkly.
“Scootaloo! No! Fight it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as Scootaloo continued to scream out in agony.
It was at this point Applebloom's necklace began to glow brightly causing the farm pony to gasp softly then smile. “I understand now...” Applebloom said quietly and began to float up thanks to the magic of her necklace until she was level with Scootaloo who continued to cry out on agony.
“You're not alone Scootaloo...ah'm here.” Applebloom said softly placing a hoof on the Pegasus’s cheek at which point her eyes shot open however still looked pained.
“Ap-Applebloom?” Scootaloo managed to choke out in a pained tone.
“Yeah, it's meh.” Applebloom replied with a soft smile still not removing her hoof from the Pegasus’s cheek staring into her eyes now.
“R-Run Applebloom...I-I don't want to hurt you...” Scootaloo replied and moments later gave a shrill cry of agony as the dark aura around her seemed to increase in strength which ejected the farm pony away and into the wall.
“Run away Applebloom! She's gonna go berserk again!” Applejack exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“Ah'm not runnin. Ah understand what this trinket round my neck means now. It's love. Mah love for mah daughter, Scootaloo, and all mah friends.” Applebloom said with a confident smile as her necklace began to glow brightly.
(Play”The power of love” now and repeat if desired)
“We are the cutie mark crusaders! On a quest to find out who we are! And we won't the journey until we have our cutie marks!” Scootaloo sung at the top of her lungs.
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“Wow. That did not go as well as I expected.” Scootaloo said in a depressed tone.
“Ah can't believe they're laughin at us!” Applebloom chimed in with a slight wine as she spoke.
“Was it that bad?” Sweetie Belle asked in a dismal tone.
---------------------------------------------------------
“And finally, the last award of the night goes to... The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Cheerlie exclaimed earning a chorus of “huh?!” from the three fillies. “For best comedy act!” Cheerlie exclaimed after a few moments at which point the crowd erupted into cheers.
“Ah won't let you fight alone Scootaloo, not only cuz ah'm your friend, but because ah love ya with all mah heart!” Applebloom exclaimed as the magical friction grew even more fierce now as Applebloom pushed forward even more so her necklace glowing so brightly now the light was almost blinding.
“What are you doing?” Scootaloo asked in an annoyed tone.
“Calling for the chicken!” Applebloom replied with a smile.
“That is not how you call a chicken.” Scootaloo replied in an annoyed tone as she walked along side of Applebloom.
“Oh, and you know how to call a chicken?” Applebloom replied with a cocky grin.
“I know that's not the way.” Scootaloo replied in an annoyed tone.
“Then show me.” Applebloom replied with a cheesy grin attempting to call her friend on her supposed knowledge of how to call a chicken.
“I don't have to show you!” Scootaloo exclaimed defensively.
“You're just chicken!” Applebloom jeered with in a teasing tone.
“Am not!” Scootaloo retorted angrily.
“Oh, wait, now I know how to call a chicken! Scootaloo! Scoot-scootalooooo!” Applebloom exclaimed with a big grin knowing she was getting to the Pegasus.
“That's so funny I forgot to laugh.” Scootaloo said in a sarcastic tone.
“You also forgot how to call a chicken.” Applebloom countered still grinning at the Pegasus from ear to ear seemingly.
“Why, you...” Scootaloo replied in a low tone feeling the temptation to slap her one until Applebloom blew a raspberry at her.
“Come on, guys, we're not gonna find the chicken or our cutie marks by arguing.” Sweetie Belle said with a clear since of annoyance in her voice.
“Maybe that's our special talent. Arguing!” Applebloom exclaimed excitedly.
“Is not!” Scootaloo exclaimed in annoyance.
“Is too!” Applebloom retorted with the same tone.
“Is not!” Scootaloo retorted in a more annoyed tone now.
“ Is too! Anything yet?” Applebloom asked as she showed off her left flank as she craned her neck to look at it.
“Nope.” Scootaloo replied simply
“Darn.” Applebloom replied with a depressed sigh and a few moments later both fillies broke into giggle-fits.
“Girls! Our special talent is not arguing. Besides, what would the cutie mark of somepony whose talent is arguing even look like?” Sweetie Belle exclaimed snapping the two filly's attention away from their argument.
“All we've been through. Ah won't sit back and let you fight alone Scootaloo.” Applebloom said as she reached a hoof out and grabbed a hold of Scootaloo's within the dark aura at which point the Pegasus’s eyes snapped wide again even though she looked as if she was in immense pain at the moment. “You don't have tah fight alone anymore Scootaloo, ah'm here and ah ain't goin anywhere!” Applebloom exclaimed with a teary smile as necklace continued to glow brightly creating even more friction within the dark aura of magic surrounding Scootaloo now.
“Applebloom...I-AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Scootaloo began to say but was abrubtly cut off as the dark magic's power increased ten fold causing her to give a high pitched shrill scream of agony.
“Your not alone! ah'm here! Don't give up! Ya hear?!” Applebloom exclaimed as she embraced the Pegasus in a passionate hug. “We are in this together no matter what!” Applebloom exclaimed now feeling the force of the magic blast against her mind and body now as well letting out a wince as she closed her eyes as tears continued to flow from them.
“You can't interfere. This is Applebloom's fight. No one can get through to her now except for her.” Fluttershy remarked looking up at the two now.
Rainbow Dash simply hovered stationary unable to say or do anything except stare no matter how much she tried. “Scoots...” the cyan blue Pegasus thought to herself as she stared on.
Applebloom despite the pain she was in now opened her eyes and looked up at her lover who was screaming out in agony with each breaths he took now. “She hasn't given up yet or she wouldn't be in so much pain...she's fighting it with all her heart.” Applebloom thought to herself as she put a hoof on Scootaloo's cheek again at which point Scootaloo's eyes snapped open once again.
“She's mine....forever! Nothing is more powerful than me!” Discord exclaimed aloud as he came out of the shadows his lion's paw glowing fiercely now with a dark magic.
“Thar is one thing more powerful than ya!” Applebloom exclaimed looking down at him, turned her gaze to look into Scootaloo's eyes again, and moments later locked lips with the Pegasus at which point Applebloom's necklace glowed so brightly now that even Twilight and her doppelganger stopped fighting to look over now.
Scootaloo could see it as if it was happening before her eyes now. Every moment they had shared, every kiss they had shared, every moment of passion they shared all flashed before her eyes as if in a rapid cycling slide-show at which point her eyes began to flow with tears as if her eyes were now a running water faucet. Moments later a bright pink light erupted from the necklace enveloping Scootaloo and Applebloom in a pink orb of magic in the shape of a heart as they continued to kiss with Scootaloo fully returning the kiss now with her eyes closed.
Discord's lion's paw suddenly seized up and he stopped channeling his dark magic through it as a sharp pain shot through it as if it was just struck by lightning. “Im-Impossible!” Discord exclaimed in disbelief.
Scootaloo fur color then began to slowly revert back to his natural orange color starting from her mouth which was still locked with Applebloom's and soared over her entire body during which time her body began to return to it's original form.
Everypony gasped in shock and awe as they watched this happen including Discord who could only stare on in disbelief.
Applebloom and Scootaloo finally broke the kiss at which point the magic around them slowly disappeared looking into each others eyes. “ya did it...” Applebloom said with a teary smile at which point Scootaloo looked over her body realizing it was now the way it was before except she was two years older now.
“Sc-scoots?” Rainbow Dash asked in a soft tone at which point Scootaloo gently moved Applebloom to the side and tackled the cyan blue Pegasus in a loving embrace with tears of joy flowing from her eyes. “Mommy! I'm so sorry! Can you ever forgive me?!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she hugged her mother who returned the hug almost immediately.
“You don't have to be sorry for anything Scootaloo. I have my little filly back and that's all that matters now.” Rainbow Dash replied as tears of joy flowed from her eyes now as well.
(play “Fade To Black_B13a” now)
Discord watched the two hug feeling his rage nearing it's breaking point until he gave a fierce cry channeling dark magic around himself at which point all the doppelgangers began to scream out in agony including Twilight's doppelganger as dark magic began to glow around their bodies.
“What the hay is going on?!” Applejack exclaimed as she looked at her doppelganger who was screaming out in pain now.
Sweetie Belle gave a confused look about her as the cloaked ponies around her suddenly began to cry out in pain as well and disappear in particles of magic moments later.
Twilight then flung her head over to look at Discord. “Stop it! Your killing them!” Twilight exclaimed tears flinging from her eyes as she shouted these words.
“I could care less! I created them and I can take back the life I gave them!” Discord retorted with a sneer at which point Twilight looked back to her doppelganger who was laying on the ground now and rushed over to her.
“Remember when I said I don't feel fear and don't care about my life...” Twilight's doppelganger said in a weak tone with a slight wince as her body tensed up slightly. “I lied...I don't want to die...I wish I could have been more like you and your friends...then maybe we could have stood a chance...” Twilight's doppelganger said and gave shrill cry of pain and agony before her body seemed to disintegrate into magical particles as did the other five doppelganger's bodies and flew towards discord who absorbed them.
Twilight continued to stare at the spot her doppelganger had once been tears flowing from her eyes now hitting the cold cement floor now as she ran a hoof along the spot where her doppelganger had been scooping up dirt and holding it before she flung her head in Discord's direction which caused her tears to also fling into the air as she did this. “We finish this now!” Twilight exclaimed at which point all five of her friends nodded in agreement as well as Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom as the unicorn ran over to her two friends a that now stood on the ground.
Discord's form seemed to change now as if he was growing in size until he stood at roughly the size of a two story building looking at all of them. “You little foals! Witness the true power of Discord the god of Chaos and disharmony!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as the seven looked up at him...
FRIENDSHIP CONQURES ALL
“Fl-Fluttershy?! Don't you do this to us! Not now, not ever!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“What's wrong?!” Twilight asked in a worried tone.
“Fluttershy's not breathing!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone.
Upon hearing these words the world around Twilight froze as if it had turned a cold dark blue color, voices and sounds around here were rendered to a dull murmur, and everypony moved as if in slow motion. Twilight looked on at Rainbow Dash who continued to shake her friend seemingly in slow motion then to her friends who seemed to turn around and gasp in horror in slow motion.
“Fluttershy's dead? No, it's not possible. It can't be! Her of all ponies, the kindest of us all,gone?” Twilight thought to herself in a stunned yet disbelieving tone.
“Rainbow! Move!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed and moved the cyan blue Pegasus to the side with her magic and placed a hoof on Fluttershy's chest. For a few moments nothing seemed to happen, then Sweetie Belle's horn began to glow.
“What is she doing?” Rainbow Dash asked in a worried tone.
Rarity however knew exactly what her little sister was doing. It was the exact same thing she did to bring her back...
Sweetie Belle stood in a blank white room staring at two large doors with a single mare standing in front of them, but it wasn't Fluttershy.
Again you stand before me Selena.
A voice echoed throughout the area yet the mare's lips didn't move. “You know why I am here.” Sweetie Belle said in a calm tone, however she was not a young filly here. No, in this world she stood as her previous form, as Selena.
What do you plan on giving up this time? You know that magic such as this is based on equivalent exchange. The last time you came before me, you gave me a great deal of your magic in exchange for Rarity's soul. What could you possibly have to offer me now?
The mare's voice echoed throughout the area again.
“My memories...every single of of them of me as Selena, but I have one condition.” Sweetie Belle replied in a calm tone.
Which is?
“You can have them only after we have defeated Discord.” Sweetie Belle replied in the same calm tone.
And what guarantee do I have that you will survive this battle? Will this Pegasus make any difference at all? You are after all up against the god of chaos and Disharmony, the odds are against you.
“Perhaps the odds are against us, maybe we won't win, but I ask that you have faith in our friendship.” Sweetie Belle replied with a warm smile.
Ahaha! Friendship?! You should know better than to try and play such a card against the guardian of souls! You will have to give me something better than, “faith in your friendship” for me to accept these terms Selena.
“Then how about this, the daughter of the princess of the moon can defeat him, but she needs the element of kindness's power in order to unlock her true potential.” Sweetie Belle replied at which point the mare's eyes narrowed at the her.
How can you be sure she will unlock her element's true power? Not even the regal sisters could fully tap into their magic and it was I who granted them the power in the first place! They did not even know about the seventh hidden element that was discovered by that filly due to her being in close contact with the elements of harmony when she displayed it's element!
“She has the potential. As the keeper of souls, I’m sure you see this within Twilight Sparkle. And with the seventh element, you know it's fully possible.” Sweetie Belle replied in the same calm tone.
Even if I were to believe such a statement, there's no telling if she could tap into it.
“Then lets make a bet. If Twilight taps into the true power of the elements of harmony, you still get my memories, but if she doesn't then you get the rest of my magic in exchange as well. You win either way.” Sweetie Belle replied with a grin.
At this point the mare's expression turned into one of amusement.
HA! ha,ha,ha! You aren't very good at gambling are you? Very well, I’ll accept this little wager of yours.
The voice echoed at which point the huge doors behind her gave a thunderous creaking sound as they opened, moments later Fluttershy walked through them, and the doors gave yet another thunderous creaking sound followed by a loud thud as they closed behind her.
“Wh-where am I?” Fluttershy asked in a curious tone as she looked around the blank white room then gasped at the sight of Sweetie Belle.
“Fluttershy! Come on! Lets get you back to the land of the living!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with a wide smile as she ran past the dark black mare.
“Land of the living? Wait, am I dead?” Fluttershy asked in a scared tone.
“Not for long! Now come on!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed and took her by the hoof.
In the next moment the two vanished from sight.
I will watch your battle with utmost interest Selena...
Fluttershy's eyes snapped wide with a shocked expression as she took a sudden sharp breath and began to breath normally after a few moments.
“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed joyfully as she hugged the yellow Pegasus tightly.
Fluttershy then looked at Sweetie Belle with a curious glance. Was it all a dream? Or was she actually dead? The current circumstances however shot her mind from these thoughts.
“Sweetie Belle...what did you offer this time?” Rarity asked knowing all to well what she had done.
“Nothing I will miss, but now is not the time to discuss this. Twilight, it's time to tap into the true power of the elements of harmony!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a fierce tone.
“We couldn't fully tap into their true power last time without putting Rainbow's life in danger! What makes you think we could this time.” Twilight replied skeptically, walked over to Fluttershy, and hugged her tightly. “It's good to have you back.” Twilight said in a soft tone as a single tear streaked down her right cheek.
The dark flow of magic then ceased without warning which left the ponies in a room seemingly with Discord no where to be found.
“Did the varmint up and run off?” Applejack asked aloud looking about herself.
“No, he has us right where he wants us.” Scootaloo said in a worried tone.
“How can you be so sure?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“I know him, don't ask me how, but somehow I know he's got us right where he wants us.” Scootaloo replied in a fearful tone.
Without warning Discord appeared behind Applejack in a flash of magic and attempted to strike at her with his claw hand “Consarn it all! Can't you bucking fight from the front?!” Applejack exclaimed in an aggravated tone as she blocked his strike by swiftly bucking his claw hand to the side at which point he vanished in another flash of magic.
Discord then reappeared in another flash of magic and struck at Twilight from her flank. “No chance!” Twilight exclaimed as she channeled magic into her wings, blocked his strike, and countered with her wings by flinging them outward which struck the draconequus hard causing him to stumble slightly.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy used this moment to flank the draconequus from the side “Strike at his flank!” Rainbow Dash shouted as the two Pegasus struck him simultaneously which knocked him back.
“You're all through!” Discord roared, disappeared in a flash of magic, reappeared above the group, rose his lions paw and claw hand above his head, channeled magic into them which formed into a ball of magical fire, threw the ball of magical fire up, disappeared in a flash of magic, reappeared above the ball of magical fire, and spiked it down at them.
“From above?!” Rarity exclaimed in shock as she looked up, and dodged the ball of magical fire along with the others who followed suit.
“Ha,ha!” Applejack exclaimed in a jeering tone as the ball of magical fire hit the ground having evaded it along with the others.
“Applejack sure is getting into this isn't she?” Twilight remarked to Pinkie Pie.
“She's a war pony Twilight, though she won't admit it, she loves the thrill of battle.” Pinkie Pie replied as she recalled how Applejack behaved during the war.
“Hey, tone it down a notch AJ! This isn't the war you know!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a slightly annoyed tone.
“Might sorreh thar Rainbow. Got lost in the moment ya see.” Applejack replied with a sheepish grin.
“You all think this is a game?! I stopped playing games with you foals over twenty minuets ago!” Discord exclaimed as he channeled magic into his lions paw and fired a beam of magic at Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy.
“Not good!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone as the beam of magic sailed at the three.
Fluttershy then stood on her hind hooves, took a deep breath, and roundhouse kicked the beam of magic which deflected it to the side with a loud explosion. “Rainbow, I’m disappointed in you. After all master Ace's teachings taught us how to use the magic within us to deflect such spells.” Fluttershy said in an annoyed tone.
“Um, Fluttershy, you taught me , not master Ace, remember?” Rainbow Dash replied at which point Fluttershy gave a sweat drop gesture as she rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
“Oh yeah, I forgot.” Fluttershy replied with a nervous giggle.
“Sweetie Belle...can't you sense it?” Scootaloo said in a quivering tone.
“Somethin is a might off here. Why is everypony actin like nothin is wrong here?” Applebloom chimed in with a whispering tone to Sweetie Belle as well having noticed a sudden change in behavior from the six ponies.
“Yeah, the others have no idea. Let's waiting for the real Discord to show his ugly face before we let him know we're not affected by this illusion. As long as Discord is unaware of us three being unaffected by his illusion, we have the element of surprise on our side, when I give the signal, be ready to hit him hard.” Sweetie Belle replied in a whisper.
“That dark magic wasn't an attack, it was an illusion he was casting on us. He's put everypony here in their own safe zone within their memories from the war, but me, Applebloom, and Scootaloo are unaffected due to being close to Applebloom when she was using her element of harmony as a shield, just what opportunity is he waiting for to strike? It's been well over a half an hour now.” Sweetie Belle thought to herself nervously as she looked about herself.
The filly was always good at detecting illusions, after all, she was the brigadier general in the war as Selena. She wasn't sure what three fillies could do against the god of chaos and disharmony, but she knew they had to do something or they were sitting ducks.
“You all are through!” Discord roared as he disappeared and reappeared above them in a flash of magic, channeled magic into his hands forming a ball of magical fire again and prepared to throw the magical ball of fire at them. However, instead of of the magical ball of fire glowing bright red as it did before, this one radiated with a eerie black aura.
Sweetie Belle looked up and gasped in shock and realization as the world seemed to zoom in on her. “That's the real deal! Applebloom, use your element of harmony as a shield! Scootaloo, pick up Applebloom and blitz him!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed dramatically to which her two friends did as they were told while Sweetie Belle channeled magic into her horn and froze time for everyone except the three of them.
Applebloom placed a hoof on her element of harmony as she closed her eyes which began to glow brightly as she was lifted from ground by Scootaloo whom took off strait at Discord. “Any bright ideas honeh?” Applebloom asked as they neared him.
“Yeah, smash his face in!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a grin which Applebloom caught on to what she was talking about immediately as she arched her lower body into bucking position and a few moments later Scootaloo stopped abruptly and in the same moment chucked the farm pony at the draconequus.
Using the sheer velocity from Scootaloo's throw along with her on brute strength she had obtained from applebucking, the farm pony gave the draconequus a mighty buck to the face with both hooves. At the exact moment Applebloom's hooves collided with Discord's face Sweetie Belle unfroze time at which point Discord was taken completely by surprise and knocked away mid-air leaving the ball of magical fire to fall on Applebloom which was dispelled by her element of harmony she was using as a shield.
A few moments later Scootaloo caught her mid-air and set her gently on the ground then looked at each other each thinking the same thing.
Cutie mark crusaders, Discord face crushers! YEAAAH!
The three fillies exclaimed enthusiastically as they high-five'd each other simultaneously.
“It's been far too long since we had a shout like that!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a wide grin.
“Ah know, we sure as hay need to go crusadin again after we kick this varmint's flank.” Applebloom replied with a wide smile.
“I wouldn't be celebrating so soon!” Discord exclaimed as he appeared in a flash of magic at which point Scootaloo knocked Applebloom to the side and was lifted up by the throat gagging her as he held her.
“Scootaloo!” Applebloom exclaimed and attempted to rescue her fillyfriend only to be knocked back by a burst of magic from the draconequus.
“You truly thought you had escaped my control? How foalish of you to think! You are mine, forever!” Discord exclaimed as the orange Pegasus gagged and choked.
Despite being choked at the present time, Scootaloo gave the best laugh she could muster between gags at she grinned at him. “You-ack, lost me-ack, the day-ack, you attacked-ack, my friends.” Scootaloo said between gags still grinning despite her beginning to lose consciousness due to lack of oxygen.
“With your death, I will resurrect you as my minion for all time, with no will of your own, you will do my bidding without question, so who's laughing now? Ha,ha,ha...” Discord said with a malicious grin.
“That-ack..would be-ack..me! Heh,heh...” Scootaloo said with a weak laugh as she looked past the draconequus to the pony who was now upon him and moments later Rainbow Dash's hoof came colliding with his skull which knocked his grip from around the filly's neck.
“Scoots, are you okay?! Speak to me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone as she held the filly who did nothing for a few moments then began to cough loudly.
“I knew if anything could break you from under his illusion, it was my life being in danger.” Scootaloo said in a horse tone as she rubbed her throat at which point she was knocked upside the back of the head by Applebloom.
“What hay were ya thinkin?! Discord could of killed ya! Then ah would be all alone in this here world! My element of harmony is the ultimate shield against his consarned buckin flank!” Applebloom exclaimed in a pissed off tone before she hugged her tightly.
“Exactly, he was going for your element of harmony.” Scootaloo replied in a less horse tone which made Applebloom's jaw drop in shock.
“How did you know he was going for her element of harmony?” Sweetie Belle asked as Discord regained his composure from the sudden blow unknown to them.
“I told you already, I know him . When he discorded me, we formed a link. Though we aren't linked anymore, I know how he thinks.” Scootaloo replied in an serious tone.
“He's targetin our weakness now.” Applebloom replied in a affirming tone.
“Yeah, we need to break the other five free of this illusion, his magic is weakening, I can feel it. This battle has dragged on for far too long. He may call himself a god, but even his magic has it's limits.” Scootaloo said as she turned to look at Discord who's eyes widened into a glare as she said this.
“So that's why he's resortin to petty psychical attacks and illusions!” Applebloom exclaimed in realization.
“And why he's targeting our elements of harmony directly now. It appears he was hoping to take us our by sheer magical brute force at first, but now, he's nearing his limit so he's taking the more strategic route. Without the elements of harmony, we would have done lost by now. I'm nearing my limit as well speaking as I don't have one.” Sweetie Belle chimed in and looked at Discord as well.
Discord gave a low growl as he continued to stare at them. “They may have caught on to my plan, but it doesn't mean they can stop me!” Discord remarked in a low tone as he looked from the three fillies to the other five and disappeared in a flash of magic.
“Sweetie Belle, work on dispelling the illusion around the other five, me and Applebloom will protect the other five!” Scootaloo exclaimed to which Applebloom nodded only for the cyan blue Pegasus to stand in front of them.
“Leave Discord to me, I’ve got a score to settle with him. He took you away from me, turned you against me, and just tried to kill you. He's mine!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she placed a hoof on her element of harmony which began to glow brightly and enveloped her in a flash of magic.
(Play “Breath” now)
When the magic faded Rainbow was covered in a suit of armor brazen with rainbows,clouds, and lightning. The cloud design was on her helmet which she now wore which had rainbows extending from the front of her helmet and down her back to the base of her rump. On each side of her flank were two lightning bolts which resembled the one on her cutie mark. Once again time seemed to slow down for the cyan blue Pegasus as she surveyed her surrounded and saw a spark of magic slowly appearing next to Twilight which could belong to none other than Discord.
In a flash the cyan blue Pegasus darted in front of Twilight, and blocked the incoming strike much to Discord's shock. It was at this point and time Discord realized exactly how Rainbow Dash had achieved this feat and growled at which point he stopped moving slowly to Rainbow Dash's sight having used his own magic to counter the cyan blue Pegasus's magic.
“You took my daughter from me, turned her against, and you think I’ll let you get away with this?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she began to strike at him at incredible speeds thanks to her element of harmony's magic putting the draconequus on a full defensive.
“You nearly killed my fillyhood friend, you've killed countless ponies, converted one of my friends into a mindless slave, I WILL BUCKING END YOU!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed at the top of her lungs as she roundhouse kicked the draconequus sending him flying a crossed the castle room, land on the ground, skid with an uncontrolled backward tumble several times, and hit the wall with a thud only for the cyan blue Pegasus to be upon him a split second later and strike again to which Discord projected a barrier which blocked Rainbow Dash's strike.
“Humph, not nearly as strong as Fluttershy are you? You have her speed, but lack her strength.” Discord said with a sneer from behind his barrier.
“Fluttershy's not the only Pegasus who can tap into her inner strength!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and gave a might scream as she struck the barrier once again this time cracking it much to the draconequus shock.
“You can't tap into it like she can.” Discord replied as he reenforced his barrier effectively repairing it.
Upon hearing this the cyan blue Pegasus narrowed her eyes at the draconequus and jumped away. “I was hoping you would say that...” Rainbow Dash said in a low tone as she dispelled the magical armor on her revealing her normal appearance.
“What are you plotting?” Discord said as he stared at the cyan blue Pegasus as if trying to read her mind.
“You're the third creature to ever see this side of me...” Rainbow Dash said in the same low tone as her mane and tail began to flail slowly now.
“It can't be...” Discord said incredulously in a shocked tone.
“You see, I figured how how she did it, How she became so powerful...” Rainbow Dash said as her mane and tail began to flail a little faster now. “Wanna know the difference between me and her though?” Rainbow Dash said allowing a cocky smile to wash over her face.
I can control it!!!
The cyan blue Pegasus's words echoed throughout the room as she screamed them at which point her mane and tail flailed wildly now along with streaks of magic that jetted a crossed her body at random intervals.
(play “Hero-by skillet” now)
“All my rage, all the pain you've caused me, the lives you've taken, I WILL ERASE YOUR BUCKING FLANK FROM EXISTANCE!!!” Rainbow Dash roared at the top of her lungs, disappeared in a blur and reappeared next to Discord and struck him upside the head despite him using his lions block to absorb most of the blow.
Unknown to the draconequus however, the cyan blue Pegasus gave a pained grunt. True as it was she was capable of it, she avoided doing this for this key reason. She realized far to quickly from the first time she was able to achieve this feat that it was a strain on her body.
Because Fluttershy loses all sense of reality when she unlocks her inner power she she could not feel the strain it had on the Pegasus's body. This fact is also how Rainbow Dash figured out why she suddenly and without warning would pass out. Though she couldn't feel the strain, her body does have a limit and when she hit it, she would pass out on the spot.
This is both an advantage and a weakness Fluttershy has over her, but now wasn't the time to thinking about such things, she needed to hold him off long enough for Sweetie Belle to break his illusion over her friends. She had thought her element of harmony would be enough to hold him off at first, but when she realized it wasn't enough she decided it was now or never.
Truth be told though, she was edging for an excuse to do this from the moment she broke free of the illusion by seeing her daughter being choked nearly to death by Discord.
“Why would you wait till now to use such power?!” Discord exclaimed in a shocked tone as he barely dodged a strike from the cyan blue Pegasus whom gave a pained grunt.
“Blast it! I can't afford to miss! Each and every strike strains my body whether the strike lands or not! Not to mention it gives Discord an opportunity to catch on to my weakness in this state.” Rainbow Dash thought to herself dramatically as she quickly followed up with another strike at the draconequus which landed and sent him flying once again only to recover mid-air and land on one knee looking up at her.
“Your attacks are weakening with each strike...” Discord remarked with a sneer as the cyan blue Pegasus charged at him again.
Upon hearing this, Rainbow Dash's expression flashed with a shocked yet worried expression if only for a split second before it reverted back to one of fury. “He's starting to catch on...hurry up Sweetie Belle! I can't hold this state for much longer!” Rainbow Dash thought to herself dramatically as she flashed a glance over to the white unicorn who was channeling magic into her horn at the moment then back to Discord in the next moment, disappeared in a blur and reappeared in another blur and roundhouse kicked at the draconequus only for him to block the strike with both his claw and lion's paw.
Moments before the cyan blue Pegasus broke through the draconequus's defense he noticed a pained expression appear on Rainbow Dash's face if only for a moment then was sent into a backwards roll which he recovered from mid-roll and stood up. “Heh,heh,heh...true as it may be that you can tap into your inner power like she can, it puts a great deal of strain on your body, doesn't it?” Discord remarked with a grin as the cyan blue Pegasus landed a short few feet from him clearly sweating profusely now and panting loudly.
“You wish!” Rainbow Dash shouted and charged at the draconequus only for him to block her strike and counter which knocked back into the air and onto the floor with a thud before she stood back to all four hooves wearily.
“You're at your limit Rainbow Dash.” Discord said with a sneer before he disappeared in a flash of magic and before the Pegasus could react stuck her hard which sent her flying. Within the next ten seconds, Discord then reappeared in another flash of magic right behind the cyan blue Pegasus and stuck her again from under her which sent her flying upward, appeared again from above her, struck her once again which sent her downward, appeared next to her and stuck her mid-fall which sent the cyan blue Pegasus flying horizontally away from her, appeared in yet another flash of magic a short distance away from her still flying towards her and began to focus magic into his lions paw.
“You're through!” Discord exclaimed and fired a beam of magic three feet tall and four feet wide at the cyan blue Pegasus.
Rainbow Dash could do nothing as the beam sailed at her too stunned from the multiple blows against her that had just happened in rapid succession over the course of a mere fifteen seconds. However mere moments before the beam connected a blur of yellow streaked past and grabbed the cyan blue Pegasus and lay her on the ground safely.
“Fl-Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked in a dazed tone as the yellow Pegasus helped her to all four hooves.
“Makes the second time I saved your flank like this.” Fluttershy remarked with a smile.
“Yeah, you really gotta stop making a habit of waiting till the last moment to save me.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile.
“What?! They broke free of my illusion?!” Discord exclaimed in a shocked tone then looked down at Sweetie Belle whom was hard at work casting magic over Applejack, growled in anger, disappeared in a flash of magic, and reappeared next to Sweetie Belle much to Applebloom and Scootaloo's horror.
“Look out!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she darted forward and struck the draconequus hard. This strike however did not have much effect on him, though it did give Sweetie Belle the time she needed to free Applejack from the illusion.
“What the hay is goin on here?!” Applejack exclaimed in shock and confusion until she saw Discord strike Scootaloo to the ground.
“You little foal!” Discord exclaimed in a pissed off tone as he barreled down on the filly preparing to stab her on the ground with his claw hand.
“Ah don't think so!” Applebloom exclaimed as she charged at the draconequus before he could impale the orange Pegasus followed up by Applejack. “You ain't harmin a feather on her! Not if ah have any say in it!” Applebloom exclaimed as she jumped up and performed a mid-air buck at the draconequus who dodged her attack only to get bucked by Applejack who was up on him before he could react.
“He's not usin flashy magic anymore, ah reckon we got the varmint on the ropes.” Applejack said to Applebloom as the two charged at Discord.
Discord looked over to see that two more of the ponies had been freed from his illusion between blocks and counters from the apple sisters and realized he was at a disadvantage as Sweetie Belle freed the last of them from his illusion.
“It's over Merrick! Accept defeat and release your spell over Celestia and we'll spare your life! Once again, you underestimated the power of friendship!” Twilight exclaimed as the nine ponies cornered the draconequus whom was clearly unable to use much more magic against them.
Discord growled to himself as he looked about himself then without warning a cruel grin appeared on his face. “Hmph, you may have won the battle, but the war is far from over!” Discord exclaimed and disappeared in a flash of magic then appeared above them. “At least I get a swell consolation prize! A young foal, who's just dying to meet me!” Discord exclaimed and disappeared in a flash of magic.
“Roseheart!” Applebloom exclaimed in a fearful tone.
“Where would he go though? Other than Celestia's castle, I can't think of any other place he'd be.” Twilight said in a worried tone.
“I think I do.” Scootaloo said in a soft tone at which point everypony looked at her curiously...
PLAYLIST
A MOTHER'S LOVE
PART 1
“Ya sure this is the place?” Applebloom asked as they walked into a cave deep within the everfree forest.
“Yes. Discord often spoke of this place as a source of power for him. Though I don't know what he meant by that.” Scootaloo replied as they looked around the dark cave.
“I think I do.” Twilight replied in a knowing tone. She had sensed it from the moment they entered the cave. A sinister dark magic was at work here. She however, was unable to pinpoint it's source.
“Why would he be keeping Roseheart here?” Applebloom asked in a worried tone.
To covert her of course.
A voice echoed throughout the cave which could belong to non-other than Discord.
“Discord! Give mah daughter back! Or so help meh-”
You'll do what?! Use your elements of harmony on me? Oh, I’m sooo scared! The elements of harmony ceased to be a threat to me the day dear little Scootaloo helped me gain my release!
“What are you going to do to her?!” Scootaloo asked in a demanding tone.
Dear sweet Roseheart is going to go through the same ritual I did so she can become a god like me. It will be glorious!
It was at this point and time everypony except Fluttershy exchanged confused looks while Fluttershy's expression became horrified. She had neglected to tell Twilight about how he came to be the god of chaos and disharmony. It was the part of that story she would rather forget and thought it was far too scary to tell the others.
But now, now that she heard this, she knew exactly what Discord had planned. “No! You can't! That's too cruel!” Fluttershy shrieked with tear filled eyes now much to everypony's shock.
Oh, I nearly forgot you had overheard my little tale Fluttershy, why don't you tell them how I came to be, how I, Discord, was truly born!
“Let us in on it Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash said in a curious tone.
By the time she was finished explaining everypony in the room had exchanged horrified glances.
“Scootaloo? Hey scoots, where did you go?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a worried tone as well.
“Sweetie Belle? Oh goodness! Where have those three gone?!” Rarity exclaimed in a worried tone.
“We need to find them! Lets go!” Twilight exclaimed and the six ponies began to rush off in search of the three fillies.
Discord paced around Roseheart grinning at her evilly as he looked at her and began to conjure up dark magic.
Discord:
♫ Little Roseheart don't you fear, your time of godhood is near! ♫
♫ I will make you like me, all the power in the world you will obtain you see. ♫
♫ Stick me with me and you will never regret ♫
Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom were now running as fast they could throughout the caves looking to each others sides in hopes of finding some sign of Discord's location
Applebloom:
♫ Ah must hurry, Ah must run, hope do not abandon me yet... ♫
♫ Celestia guide my hooves, help me find my daughter soon! ♫
Discord:
♫ A dash of this and a dash of that, an eye of newt and rat. ♫
Am I adding too much or too little, who cares!
♫ Soon you will see... ♫
----------------------------------------------
Applebloom:
♫ Dear Celestia, don't let this fate of my daughter come to beeeee... ♫
Sweetie Belle:
♫ We need move fast if we want to save her, or I fear for little Roseheart of the fate that will occur... ♫
Scootaloo:
♫ Roseheart hear our call, our love for you I know you can recall... ♫
♫ You are strong like your mother, don't give in to him like any other. ♫
Applebloom:
♫ Roseheart don't give in, show that creature the pride of our kin...♫
Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo now arrived at a dead end much to their horror..
♫ This cannot be, no ah won't let happen you see. ♫
Applebloom then turned around and rose her hind legs to the stone wall.
♫ Nothing will stop me this day, nothing will hold me down, nothing will stand in my waaaay...♫
♫ ah lost her once, it won't happen again, no, it will never happen agaaaaaaaaiiin...♫
Applebloom then began to buck hard against the stone wall at first making no progress but she did not stop. Not even as her hooves began to bleed from the sharp edges of the stone wall, she continued to buck with all her might and slowly began to chip away at it and soon revealed a small hole that when looked through a path could be seen.
♫ Hold strong, hold true, Roseheart ah will be with you soooon!♫
Discord now levitated a book in front of him as Roseheart lay on a stone slab chained down looking horrified.
Discord:
♫ Spirits of disharmony rise for your master, let your evil shine! ♫
♫ Come now, ever faster, give this filly the power of the shadows divine! ♫
♫ Yes that's it, faster now, flow through her body, engulf her soul as you did mine, let her feel the power of godhood sublime...♫
Roseheart's body began to float up now seemingly suspended by dark magic as she cried out in both fear and pain.
♫ Dark magic I call forth, from the deepest reaches of hell and from the north!♫
♫ Fill her heart with hatred and cold, destroy her will so you can take hold!♫ Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo now were running at top speed and the faint cries of Roseheart's voice told them they were now close to her.
♫ Please don't let meh be too late, to change her fate..♫
Discord:
♫ The magic I call forth shall obliterate...♫
--------------------------------
Applebloom:
♫ Element of harmony show me the way, help me save my daughter todaaaay!♫
Applebloom then placed a hoof on her element of harmony which began to glow brightly and shot a beam of light strait from itself down the dark cave which lit up a path for them.
♫ Ah'm on my way Roseheart don't you fret, I will save you yeeet!♫
-----------------------------------------------
Discord lifted up a dagger from the small stone slab next to him and walked up to Roseheart's floating body.
♫ The ritual is nearly complete, now all that is left is to still that heartbeat...♫
--------------------------------------------
♫ Element of harmony continue to shine, show us the way so that we can make it in time!♫
---------------------------------------
♫ And now my little Roseheart, you will be mine!♫
Discord rose the dagger up and prepared to strike down on her when suddenly the stone wall behind him was obliterated with a burst of magic which caused the draconequus to turn and see Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom standing in the wake of the explosion.
“Don't ya even think about it!” Applebloom exclaimed and lunged at the draconequus only for him to blast her to the side with a burst of magic.
“You are a fool to face me here! Don't you know this is where the book of dark magic which gave me my godhood is stored? You have no chance of defeating me here! My power is infinite! Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha!!!” Discord exclaimed with a maniacal laugh.
“Your power is no where near infinite Discord!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a fierce expression as she took a combat pose, wings spread, preparing to strike or counter any attack by the draconequus.
“With the three of us together! You won't win!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a confident tone as Applebloom recovered from the blow and stood beside her friends. “Hurry Twilight! We can hold him off, but only you can defeat him!” Sweetie Belle thought to herself hoping that even though she didn't have a link with Pinkie Pie anymore it would still reach her.
It was at this exact moment Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up as if she heard something to which Applejack noticed. “Somethin up sugarcube?” Applejack asked in a curious tone.
“Yeah, I think I know where those three are! Follow me everypony!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed and began to run down a path followed closely by the other five.
(play “DJ Alex S. - Cutie Mark Crusaders Theme dubstep remix” now)
Scootaloo and Applebloom were now upon Discord full throttle thrusting hooves, bucking, and just about anything they could think of to keep the draconequus on his toes and unable to counter while Sweetie Belle used her magic to freeze time at random times for a few moments to help the two keep their edge against him.
It didn't take long for the draconequus to figure out the unicorn filly was behind the time freezing however. “You think your little time freezing spell will help you against me?!” Discord roared as he fired a beam of magic at the unicorn who once again attempted to freeze time only to realize too late the magic was unaffected, was blasted off her hooves through the hole in the wall, and into the cave wall outside, knocking her unconscious.
“Ah won't let you have her! She's mah daughter, and mah love for her will be what's beats you!” Applebloom exclaimed as she charged at the draconequus full speed. What happened next however even caught Discord by surprise as her element of harmony began to glow brightly. So brightly in fact it was blinding. “This has only happened once before...” Discord remarked to himself recalling when she successfully freed Scootaloo from his control.
In the next moment Discord was locked with the farm pony hoof for lions paw and claw for hoof as her element continued to glow blindingly. “How can ya do this to her? Do ya really have no love left in that cold heart of yours?!” Applebloom exclaimed as she struggled against the draconequus's strength who was trying to force her back with all his might.
“My heart was frozen from the day Celestia turned away from me!” Discord exclaimed in a hurt tone yet he had no idea why he was even feeling hurt. Then it occurred to him. It was her element. It was trying to melt his cold heart. In a panicked recoil of fear he expelled a blast of magic which knocked the farm pony back. She however recovered mid-air and landed on her hooves with her element still glowing brightly.
“So that's why. That why ya turned yourself into this monster. Ya wanted to escape the pain of rejection. Merrick, listen to meh. It doesn't have to be this way. Let mah element heal ya. Ah know it can. If you let love into your heart, you will be able to do good with your power. Think bout it, ya can use your powers to help Celestia and Twilight maintain order. Isn't that much better than an eternity in stone?” Applebloom asked in a compassionate tone.
“You would forgive me, even after I attempted to convert your daughter into a being such as myself?” Discord asked in a disbelieving tone.
“Ah don't think this is the real you. Ah think the dark power you acquired is warpin your mind. Ah have sensed it in ya. Deep down ya only want to be loved. Ah know that feelin all too well.” Applebloom replied as she walked up to Discord now cautiously but in a nonthreatening way.
For the first time in Discord's two thousand years of life. He seriously began to question what he was doing right now. This doubt grew stronger and stronger as the farm pony took each step towards him. “Is it truly possibly for a freak of nature like me, the one responsible for turning this world into my own twisted image, to be accepted?” Discord asked in a soft tone as Applebloom now stood in front of him.
“Yeah, it is. All ya have to do is let love into ya heart.” Applebloom said with a soft smile as she stood in front of him now.
In the next split second however Discord's claw shot forth, yanked the element from Applebloom's neck and knocked her away as the dark magic around him glowed fiercely now as the element dimmed and stopped glowing after a few short moments. “You little foal! Did you honestly think I would simply let myself be defeated so easily?!” Discord roared with a malicious grin.
“Applebloom! Are you okay?!” Scootaloo asked as she helped the farm pony to her hooves.
“Yeah, ah thought ah was getting through to him though...” Applebloom remarked in a saddened tone.
“There is no love left in that creatures heart Applebloom, but at least your heart was in the right place.” Scootaloo said with a warm smile then turned to look at the draconequus. “Give Applebloom her element back!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a pissed off tone.
In the next moment however Discord clamped his claw down upon the element followed by a shattering sound as it broke into fragments before their eyes much to Applebloom's horror. “You can have it back now...ha,ha,ha!” Discord said with a cruel sneer as he tossed what was left of the necklace at them which landed with a clinging sound at their hooves.
“You monster!” Scootaloo roared charging forth at the draconequus at full speed now only to get struck down mid flight to the wall which the Pegasus gave a shrill cry of pain as her back hit the stone wall and hit the floor with a thud still conscious but in pain.
“Scootaloo!” Applebloom exclaimed in a panicked yet worried tone as she attempted to rush to her lovers side only to be lifted up by the throat and choked.
“You three thought you could stand a chance against the god of chaos and disharmony?! Don't make me laugh!” Discord exclaimed and laughed manically as Applebloom gagged and choked under the grip of Discords claw hand.
Leave her alone!!!
A voice roared which caused the draconequus to snap his gaze to the hole in the wall which showed Sweetie Belle. She however had a burst of magic erupting from under her hooves.
“And what prey tell are you going to do?” Discord asked in a cocky tone.
As if in response to this question the magic around Sweetie Belle erupted ten fold at which point her form began to change. Her body grew to the size of a full grown mare, her fur color turned bright pink, her horn grew in size, and her and tail grew out into full length and had a bright white streak through her now pink hair.
Discord's jaw dropped in shock at this. “What kind of magic is this?! Your nothing but a filly! Not a full grown mare! How did you do this unicorn?!” Discord exclaimed incredulously.
Sweetie Belle looked at herself and gasped in shock. “My magic stronger than I thought...” Sweetie Belle thought to herself and gave a prideful smile now.
“How did you do this unicorn?!” Discord exclaimed as he tossed Applebloom to the side and into the wall to which the farm pony hit and fell along side of Scootaloo.
“My name is....Selena!” Selena exclaimed channeled magic into her horn and fired a huge beam of magic at the draconequus to which Discord countered with a beam of magic of his own.
For sometime the beams of magic seemed to be at a stalemate until the magic around Selena began to envelope her in a orb of pink magic at which point the strength of her spell increased exponentially which caused the draconequus to lift his lions paw now to try and even out the stalemate again.
“You can't defeat me Discord! My magic is that of a rank S unicorn in this state! And if you know anything of unicorn magic you know what this means!” Selena exclaimed as her eyes glowed with a pink magic now as she stared at him.
“Alicorn class magic...ha! You expect me to believe such dribble?!” Discord roared as he used all his power to attempt to drive her magic back but was failing to do so and was in fact losing this stalemate.
“I don't know how I was able to obtain my old form again and I don't know how long it will last, but I won't let this chance go to waste!” Selena thought to herself dramatically.
By now the six ponies had managed to follow the same path as the cutie mark crusaders had, but stopped and stared in shock at the sight that beheld them now from afar.
“Are mah eyes playin tricks on meh or is that...” Applejack asked then jolted her gaze in the direction of Pinkie Pie who was staring in just as much shock as the others.
“How is this possible? I thought that Sweetie Belle could only gain that form when she had a link with Pinkie pie.” Rarity said in a shocked tone.
Twilight of course was already trying to get to to the bottom of this until her eyes fell upon the shattered fragments of what could be none other than Applebloom's element of harmony. “Of course! That explains it! She absorbed Applebloom's element of harmony magic!” Twilight exclaimed in realization.
“Run that by meh again sugarcube?” Applejack replied in a confused tone.
“We all know that Sweetie Belle initially came to be due to Selena's magic having s sheer will of it's own to survive right?” Twilight asked waiting for the others to nod before she continued. “Well, even though Sweetie Belle is her own filly now, her body is still composed of magic. So naturally when there is magic nearby she will absorb it when she attempts to use high level magic. And since the elements of harmony supply a seemingly endless source of magic, she was able to temporally regain her original form that she sees herself as in her heart.
“So you mean Applebloom's element was destroyed?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a horrified tone.
“Apparently yes, but I don't think Sweetie Belle realizes this. She's drawing off the remains of the element's magic.” Twilight replied in a matter of fact tone.
“Sweetie Belle! Use the recreation spell while you still have that form to recreate Applebloom's element of harmony before you suck it dry!” Pinkie Pie blurted out which caused Selena's eyes to snap wide in shock.
“I'm drawing off of Applebloom's element of harmony?!” Selena exclaimed in shock though she didn't look behind herself as she was still focusing on trying to stave off Discord.
“Duh! You silly filly! Isn't that what I just said?” Pinkie Pie replied with a grin and a silly face as she said this.
“I nearly forgot that my body was the result of Selena's magic having a will of it's own. It's only natural I would draw off other magical items around me. I was so caught up in having my old body back I forgot this...” Sweetie Belle thought to herself in a depressed tone and disappeared in a flash of magic which caused Discord's beam of magic to sail to through the hole in the wall and hit the wall in the cave which caused a massive explosion and cause the cave to collapse in front of the mane six thankfully leaving them unharmed but unable to get to the three at the moment.
“Gave up huh?” Discord said with a sneer as she noticed Selena appear over the remains of Applebloom's element of harmony.
“No, I didn't.” Sweetie Belle replied and began to focus magic into her horn which made Applebloom's element of harmony float up.
At first nothing happened but then the parts of the gem on the necklace began to all sail to what was left on necklace until they were all in place looking as if it had never been damaged.
“You can't be..it isn't possible!” Discord roared, charged at her without thinking only to hit a invisible barrier Selena had erected moments before.
“Under normal circumstances you would be correct Discord. But I’m not your average filly.” Sweetie Belle replied, closed her eyes and began to glow brightly. As her form began to revert back to that of a filly, magic flowed from her body into the element of harmony, and by the time she was back to her original form as the while filly unicorn the element of harmony radiated brightly with a warm glow. “Applebloom, catch!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she tossed the element of harmony over to the farm pony which latched around her neck as if by magic when it reached her.
It was at this point the barrier disappeared and just after Sweetie Belle tossed the element over to Applebloom she was slammed against the cave wall by the draconequus. “How did you do that?! I destroyed it!” Discord roared in rage as he held her against the cave wall.
“Weren't you listening? I told that I’m not your average filly.” Sweetie Belle replied in a pained tone with grin despite the pain she was now in.
“It isn't possible you can't-” Discord began to exclaim until his expression changed as if he had just had an epiphany. “Your not really a filly are you?” Discord asked with a cruel sneer.
“I am!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed defensively.
“Oh no your not. It makes sense now. I don't why I couldn't sense it before, but now I see. Your entire body is comprised of magic! Your nothing more than a bundle of magic that took a form of it's own.” Discord said with a cruel sneer knowing he was getting to the filly as her eyes filled with tears.
“No! I am my own filly! I am! I have my own soul now!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a tearful tone as her eyes began to flow with tears.
“Is that what they told you? You poor creature. I am the god of chaos and disharmony. I can see the real you and what I see if a soulless bundle of magic in my claw.” Discord replied with a sneer.
“No..it's not true...it can't be...” Sweetie Belle replied in a saddened tone.
Twilight and the others were still trying to sort through the cave in ruble when Pinkie Pie gave a sudden gasp in shock and horror.
“What's going on?” Rainbow Dash asked in a worried tone having taken note of the pink mare's sudden change in behavior.
“It's Sweetie Belle. Her soul,it's weakening.” Pinkie Pie said in a scared tone.
“How's that possible? I thought once she accepted herself as her own filly she was good for life?” Twilight asked in a worried tone.
“It's gotta be that meanie pants Discord! He's using his power to weaken her soul by making her doubt her own existence!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a pissed off tone.
It was at this point Rarity gave a horrified gasp. “And if she fully accepts what Discord is saying...” Rarity began to say but trailed off as if she was unable to say the words out loud.
“She will disappear from existence...come on everypony! We have to move quickly! Lets work double time to get through here!” Twilight exclaimed and began to move rocks at a faster rate now only for Rarity to shove her to the side.
“I will not lose her again!” Rarity exclaimed fiercely, charged a beam of magic into her horn, fired it at the pile of ruble which blew a giant hole in it, and proceeded to dash though it.
“Rarity! Wait!” Twilight exclaimed attempting to follow the unicorn only to be cut off by the falling of more ruble which effectively blocked her path.
“Now do you see? Your nothing more than a bundle of magic. Pity though, if you had used the elements power a little longer you might have defeated me...” Discord said with a sneer as tears flowed freely from the filly now.
“I...i....I am-”
Let my sister go you foul beast!
Sweetie Belle's words were cut off by Rarity's voice as she looked over and saw the unicorn standing in the entrance to the room.
“Oh looky, it's your not real sister.” Discord said with a sneer.
“Don't you dare say another lie you dreadful creature! Nothing but lies come from the foul hole you call a mouth! Unhoof my sister at once or so help me i'll-” “Or you'll what? Last I checked I have the advantage here. My magic is limitless!” Rarity exclaimed in a fierce tone only to be cut off by the draconequus.
“Let her go!” Rarity exclaimed once more preparing to charge at Discord.
“What are you going to do? Make me new dress? Ha,ha,ha!” Discord exclaimed followed by mocking laughter.
Rarity then charged at the draconequus dodging beams of magic he shot her way by moving left and right in the room. “I don't need magic to do this !” Rarity exclaimed as she was up on the draconequus now, turned about face and bucked him hard where it counts!
Upon impact Discord's face went wide in shock then contorted in pain as he let go of Sweetie Belle whom was caught by Rarity and fell to the cave floor holding himself. “I didn't even know I still had those...” Discord said in a high pitched yet pained tone.
“Sweetie Belle, are you okay little sis?” Rarity asked in a soft tone as she held her sister tightly.
“I almost, I almost...I almost believed him!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed and began to sob loudly into Rarity's chest.
“It's okay, don't you worry. Your big sister is here now. Don't you even think on what he said, not one little bit darling. You are your own filly and my little sister.” Rarity said in a soft tone as she held her tightly.
By now Discord was getting back up having recovered from Rarity's low blow. “You...i will end you!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs, lifted both his lions paw and claw hand up, charged magic into them and fired at the two unicorns.
Rarity as if by instinct threw herself over Sweetie Belle to shield her as the beam sailed towards them expecting it to hit her any moment yet after several moments nothing happened. Curious the unicorn opened her eyes and looked behind herself to see Applebloom and Scootaloo holding hooves with the farm pony's element glowing blindingly once again which was acting as a shield.
“Discord, please, ah'm beggin ya! Don't let this happen! Ah know there's love still in ya heart! It's just buried beneath all the hatred and pain! Let meh help ya!” Applebloom exclaimed with a fierce expression as she looked at the draconequus.
“You little foal! I have no love for this world! I wish to see it in eternal chaos! Nothing more!” Discord exclaimed as his gaze turned to Roseheart whom was still suspended by the dark magic from his ritual.
“Heh,heh. Make a choice Applebloom! Your daughter....or your friends!” Discord exclaimed as he rose the dagger up with magic preparing to fire it at Roseheart's heart from a short distance away.
“Discord, don't do it!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she and Applebloom realized what he was going to do.
“Make your choice...” Discord said with a sneer and fired the knife at Roseheart which would connect in a matter of moments.
Tears of fear and horror flowed from Applebloom's eyes now as she saw the knife sailing towards her daughter. She only had a few moments to decide and despite the fact her first instinct was to defend her daughter, her love for her friends managed to override this at first. Inside of Applebloom's heart right now felt like a boat being tipped back and forth between which to choose yet it never stopped swaying back and forth. This feeling tortured her. She didn't know who to choose.
In the next moment however Sweetie Belle had seemingly appeared from no where in front of the knife taking it directly in her side. Rarity saw this and looked under herself and realized her sister was no longer there. Then it occurred to her and once it had her eyes widened in horror.
“Diamond, noooo!!!” Rarity shrieked at the top of her lungs as she stared at Sweetie Belle fall to the ground dagger still in her side bleeding out now but conscious, ran to her side, lifted her up, and held her.
“Y-You called me Diamond again...” Sweetie Belle said weakly with a soft smile.
“Why? Why did you do it? I swore to myself I would never lose you again...” Rarity asked between tears knowing what was happening.
“Discord was forcing Applebloom to choose between us and her daughter...I couldn't bare to see her forced to make a choice like that...so I choose for her.” Sweetie Belle replied in a weak tone along with a grunt of pain and a cough.
Discord stared at Sweetie Belle and Rarity now in confusion until it occurred to him. “That little mule used her time stopping spell to get in the way of my dagger...now the ritual is ruined!” Discord exclaimed in anger and ceased firing magic at the farm pony.
“Ruined? What the hay are ya-” Applebloom began to say until she had an epiphany of her own. “Mah daughter was never the target of this ritual...ah was.” Applebloom said in realization.
“You both were. With the bearing of an element of harmony and her daughter at my side, I would be invincible.” Discord replied staring at them for a few moments longer now.
“Ya mean, ya wouldn't be alone anymore...” Applebloom said in a soft tone as she stared at the draconequus.
“Pinkie Pie! What's wrong? Talk to me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone as the pink mare held her side giving steady short gasps and grunts of pain.
“It's Sweetie Belle...she's dying...I can feel it..” Pinkie Pie managed to say between short gasps and grunts of pain.
“How is that even possible? Ah thought when Pinkie Pie broke this here link between them they no longer felt each other?” Applejack asked in a worried tone.
“The link...was...never fully broken. We may not be able to pear into each others thoughts anymore and have our our souls, but we are still two parts of the same pony and that kind of bond is never broken.” Pinkie Pie replied once again between short gasps and grunts of pain.
“That explains why the two always seem to know where each other are and why they were so close even when they didn't have their memories back. ” Twilight said in a worried tone as she worked even harder now to remove the rocks that stood in their way in a safe manner so they could get to the others.
“Sayin for a moment I understand what's goin on here. How is it that Pinkie Pie is feelin what Sweetie Belle is?” Applejack asked in a confused tone.
“They are like psychically joined twins. They feel each others pain.” Twilight replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
“So is Pinkie Pie going to die?!” Rainbow Dash asked in a panicked tone.
“No, but she will continue to feel what Sweetie Belle is feeling until she..” Twilight began to say only to trail off unable to bring herself to say the words as she continued to move rocks out of the way.
“You....YOU MONSTER!” Rarity shrieked at the top of her lungs as she laid Sweetie Belle down and stared at the draconequus.
“Why, thank you!” Discord replied with a sneer only for his expression to change to one of shock as Rarity charged at him horn pointed at him, pierced him strait in the chest, and pinned him against the wall followed up by a burst of magic from her horn that exploded which sent the unicorn flying backward only to recover.
Discord immediately put his lions paw hand over the now gaping hole in his lower chest which was bleeding profusely now. “Why...you....uhh...uhh...” Discord managed to say between groans before falling to the floor as blood pooled under him.
Rarity then rushed back to Sweetie Belle who was barely conscious now and held her once again.
“Is he....dead ?” Scootaloo asked in a cautious tone as she looked over at the non-moving draconequus on the floor.
“Ah don't know...seems that way though don't it?” Applebloom said then turned to look at Roseheart, ran over to her, used her element to dispel the magic around her, and held her tightly. “It's okay sweetie pie. Mama's here now.” Applebloom said in a soft tone to the filly who was just now regaining consciousness.
It was at this point that Twilight who was carrying Pinkie Pie via magic and the others were now making there way into the room. “Rarity, put Sweetie Belle down! We haven't got much time!” Twilight exclaimed in an urgent tone to which Rarity obeyed without question as Twilight lowered Pinkie Pie down next to her.
“What are you going to do Twilight?” Rarity asked curiously in a half sobbing tone.
“I'm going to try to save her. I read a book a long time ago when I lived in Canterlot about a spell that can use part of one pony's life energy to heal another, but it requires the two ponies to have an unbreakable bond. The problem is this spell has only been said to be done in theory because this has never happened before till now.” Twilight said as she removed the knife from Sweetie Belle's side at which point both Sweetie Belle and Pinkie Pie gave shrill cries of pain simultaneously.
“Please save her Twilight! I don't know what I would do if I lost her again...” Rarity said between sobs.
“I can't promise anything more than I will use all my power to try and save her life...now stand back.” Twilight said in a serious tone as her horn began to glow brightly and shot forth a cloak of magic which coated both ponies and glowed brightly with a purple light.
“Come on Twi...” Applejack said in a soft tone as she crunched her hat between her hooves nervously.
“Come on Twilight! I know you can do it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in an enthusiastic yet nervous tone.
Twilight's horn was now radiating a large glow of magic now as sparks spurted from it rapidly now along her strained groans from the Alicorn as she she used all her magic to cast this spell. “Damn it all! It's not enough! I need more magic! No! I won't let myself think like that! Remember what Sweetie Belle told you Twilight! A unicorn's thoughts and emotions are the source of their magic, if they let one overpower the others they can lose control of their magic!” Twilight thought to herself dramatically as she focused harder than ever now to heal Sweetie Belle.
Rarity:
♫ Sweetie Belle don't you fear, you big sister is near.♫
♫ We have always been the best of friends you and I, I have always been there for you though the dark times and the good, so don't you cry..♫
Applejack:
♫ Ah remember when ah first met ya back then, you were so full life and opposed to any sin.♫
♫Ah know this isn't your time to go, you've done far too much good for it to end like so...♫
Rainbow Dash:
♫ Don't you worry Sweetie Belle, Twilight will save you I know.♫
♫You're far to strong to let go of this world today, so believe me when I say..♫
Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack:
♫ You will never give up, you will never give in.♫
♫ We believe you in Sweetie Belle, so don't give up!♫
♫Don't you ever give uuuuuuppp!♫
Tears now flowed freely from the Alicorn's eyes as she realized she could not in fact save her and time was running out now. Sweetie Belle's breathing was beginning to slow which caused Twilight even more grief.
Twilight:
♫ I'm so sorry my little Sweetie Belle, You fought hard and you fought well...♫
♫ Though I may not be able to save you I want you to know this, you will be forever missed...♫
Applebloom then walked over to Twilight with her element of harmony glowing brightly.
♫ Twilight use mah element's power, heal her wounds in her darkest hour.♫
Applebloom's element glowed brighter than ever now as Twilight channeled her element's magic to her horn giving her a burst of magical power.
Sweetie Belle's eyes now shot open wide and alert as the wound in her side was swiftly being healed now and in a few moments time it looked as if she was never hurt in the first place.
“Sweetie Belle! Thank Celestia your okay!” Rarity exclaimed as she hugged her little sister tightly.
“Rarity! Your going to smother me to death!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in an annoyed muffled tone at which point Rarity let go of her immediately and smiled at her with a teary smile.
“Thanks to your element Applebloom, I was able to save her. Your element must be the most powerful of all the elements of harmony.” Twilight remarked with a smile.
THIS IS NOT OVER!!!
A voice roared in a demonic tone which caused everypony's gaze to snap at Discord who was floating up and surrounded by a dark aura of magic which healed the gaping hole in his lower chest.
“Scootaloo, ah want ya to take Sweetie Belle and Roseheart and get the hay outta here.” Applebloom said in an urgent tone.
“But Apple-” “Ah said do it now!” Scootaloo began to say only to be cut off by Applebloom.
“Okay, but be careful!” Scootaloo replied in a concerned tone as she lifted up Sweetie Belle, put her on her back, picked up Roseheart, flew out of the cave room, and was out of sight in mere moments.
“The seven elements of harmony against the god of chaos and disharmony. You don't have a chance!” Discord roared in the same demonic tone.
“Somethin's different bout him now. It's like any love ah felt in him is gone now.” Applebloom said in a cautious tone.
“Then lets be on our guard. This isn't the same Discord anymore everypony!” Twilight exclaimed as the others along with her prepared for battle.
“Don't worry. I got you both! We'll get you back to Twilight's house and then i'll head back to Twilight and the others.” Scootaloo said with a smile to Sweetie Belle.
“I'm sorry I'm not of any use now.” Sweetie Belle replied in a weak tone.
“Hey, don't you worry about it. You just went through a near death experience. That takes a lot out of ya! Besides, we wouldn't be the cutie mark crusaders without you.” Scootaloo replied with a smile.
“Heh, thanks.” Sweetie Belle replied with a weak giggle.
Scootaloo was half way to Twilight's house when a purple Pegasus caught her eye. “Hey, it's Gina! Hey Gina, over here!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a smile and to her delight Gina seemed to have heard her and began to fly in her direction.
“Who's Gina?” Sweetie Belle asked in a curious tone.
“She's a friend of mine from flight school before I got nabbed by Discord. She's-What's wrong Roseheart?” Scootaloo began to say but noticed how Roseheart was acting as Gina grew closer and closer.
“What's wrong with Roseheart?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously.
“Not sure. She's acting like she's scared though. Must be because we are so high up.” Scootaloo replied and attempted to comfort the young foal only for her to go from nervous acting to frantic as Gina grew closer and closer now.
“What the hay is wrong with ya Roseheart? It's just Gina. She won't hurt you.” Scootaloo replied as she continued to attempt to reassure the foal but with little success.
It was then Sweetie Belle sensed it as if a lightning streak through her being. “Discord's magic...” Sweetie Belle remarked thoughtfully to herself and moments later her expression went panicked as she put two and two together. “Scootaloo, I don't think Gina is herself! I'm sensing Discord's magic at work here and it's growing stronger by the second!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“Oh come on, your just being over....” Scootaloo began to say only to trail off as Gina came into clear view now even though she was still a good distance away. Her fur coat was a grayed out version of itself and she was flying at them faster than she should. “Oh horseapples...” Scootaloo said after a few moments in a dismayed tone along with a feeling of dread realizing she had just alerted a servant of Discord to her presence rather than a friend and banked sharply to the left barely avoiding Gina as she attempted to spear them.
“Call out to your friend Scootaloo, yeah. She'll help! Oh but guess what? she's actually not your friend right now and wants to kill you! Ugh! Why am I such a lame brain?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a sarcastic yet annoyed tone as she facehoofed with one hoof while keeping a hold of Roseheart with the other as she flew at top speed evading Gina who was hot in her tail...literally!
Gina took a deep breath and exhaled fire at them to which Scootaloo barely evaded the flames. Her tail however wasn't as lucky and caught fire. “My tail is is on fire, My tail is on fire!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a panicked yet comical tone to which Sweetie Belle did her best to conjure up water and put out the flames as she let out a sigh along with an eye-roll.
“Since when did she get the ability to blow fire anyways?!” Scootaloo asked in a panicked tone as they evaded another exhale of flames.
“She's either been given that power by Discord or one of her parents was a dragon.” Sweetie Belle replied in a slightly panicked tone.
“Wait, ponies and dragons can mate?” Scootaloo asked incredulously.
“I saw many offspring of dragons and ponies during the war as Selena. In fact, we even encouraged it so that it gave us more firepower against Nightmare Moon. So yeah, it's uncommon now at days, but not impossible.” Sweetie Belle replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
Scootaloo banked right once again avoiding yet another exhale of flames this time singeing Sweetie Belle's mane. “Put us down Scootaloo! You can't fight her while your carrying us!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as Scootaloo barely evaded yet another exhale or flames.
“The ground isn't safe! Discord's zombie ponies still roam around down there or did you forget that? And you are in no condition to fight them off!” Scootaloo replied as she banked right once again evading flames by Gina.
“I may be weak, but I’m not defenseless!” Sweetie Belle countered in an annoyed tone.
“Sweetie Belle, listen to me! I know you have this pride of yours as this once powerful unicorn, but you aren't her anymore! Get that through your thick skull!” Scootaloo retorted in an annoyed tone.
“You don't think I don't know this?! You don't think a day doesn't go by when I think back to who I was and never will be again?! Why the hay do you think I made a deal with the keeper of souls to take my memories of me as Selena when this is all over in exchange for saving Fluttershy's life! I want to forget that life! I want to live my own life!” Sweetie Belle nearly shrieked at which point a awkward silence ensued despite the fact Scootaloo was still evading Gina with all her skills.
“I'm sorry Sweetie Belle...I didn't mean to hit a soft spot.” Scootaloo replied after a few moments in a soft tone.
Upon hearing this Sweetie Belle gave a heavy sigh. “It's not your fault Scootaloo. It's just something I’ve been dealing with everyday of my life since I got my memories back. I want to forget that life I had...it's more painful than you realize.” Sweetie Belle replied in a soft tone.
Sweetie Belle:
♫ Long ago...♫
♫ I remember...♫
♫ I was somepony grand...♫
Sweetie Belle looked up to the sky at this point despite the action and as if by magic she could see a reflection of herself as Selena from long ago. As she looked on tears flowed from her eyes freely now as she continued to sing now.
♫ Long ago...♫
♫I remember...♫
♫ I was somepony with a purpose...♫
Sweetie Belle reached a hoof out to the sky as she sung now watching her memories play out in the sky like a live action movie of all her achievements as tears continued to flow from her eyes. A few moments later however she retracted her hoof away from the sky, placed it on her chest, turned her gaze away from the sky, and closed her eyes as tears continued to flow from them.
♫ But now I see...♫
♫ That life is no longer apart of me...♫
♫ That life was long ago...♫
♫ Out of reach...♫
♫ Far away...♫
Sweetie Belle then reopened her eyes and looked up at the sky once more but now a different set of memories seemed to be playing in the skies now. Memories of herself as a small unicorn filly playing with her friends Applebloom and Scootaloo.
♫ Long ago...♫
♫I remember...♫
♫I became somepony new...♫
♫ Somepony different...♫
♫I was reborn...♫
♫I was given a second chance...♫
In the skies now Sweetie Belle could see the events of when she first become the young unicorn she is now and how she was so angry.
♫Now I see...♫
♫I was fighting against was came to be...♫
♫I want to live my own life...♫
♫I want to be my own pony no matter the strife...♫
♫ No matter what comes to be...♫
♫I just want to be meeeee!♫
“Sweetie Belle...” Scootaloo replied in an awed tone as a tear streaked down her left cheek.
“I'm sorry...I just had to get that out..” Sweetie Belle replied in a soft tone as she wiped tears from her eyes.
“It's alright, I understand. I'll get you two to the safest spot I can find so you can get to the library safely and then I’ll give Gina some tough love!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a proud smile took a sudden dive as she scanned the ground and quickly found a place she figured was the safest location, landed quickly, handed Roseheart to Sweetie Belle, put a hoof on Roseheart's chin, kissed her forehead, and took off again after saying the words”I love you Roseheart, stay safe.”
“Take care of yourself Scootaloo, and don't do anything rash now...” Sweetie Belle remarked as she watched the Pegasus take a sharp climb up towards Gina, lifted up Roseheart with her magic though still weak, and ran off in the direction of Twilight's library...
PLAYLIST
(play”Luna [Remix] vs Eurobeat Brony” now)
The moon hung high in the sky now as Scootaloo sped towards Gina with a look of determination in her eyes as Gina looked back at her with a look of resentment she knew all too well. It was the same one she always wore when she looked at her mother while she was Discorded. “I may not have an element of harmony or any magic, but I will free you from his control Gina!” Scootaloo shouted as she grew closer and closer now.
“Why would I want to be free?” Gina replied with a grin as she took a deep inhale and exhaled flames at the Pegasus only for her to bank right to avoid them and spear her from the right.
Much to the orange Pegasus's shock however Gina was a lot stronger than she looked. Within moments of being speared by her she grabbed her by the mane with her mouth and began to spin her in circles as Scootaloo cried out in pain due to her mane being pulled in such a way. She could feed threads of her mane being ripped from her head and neck which felt like sharp needles being stabbed into those places until she was abruptly let go and sent flying vertically.
Scootaloo recovered mid-air only to be struck in the chest before she could fully recover causing her to give a shrill cry of pain Gina's hoof connected with her chest and moments later was sent flying away in a mid-air flip style, but managed to recover by ejecting her wings out which allowed herself to level herself. She had no time to recover, but managed to evade Gina this time around by taking a sharp vertical climb to which Gina followed.
“Buck it all, I can't get a good enough distance from her to get my bearings! She's already hurt me bad already and I have yet to cause a scape in her hide!” Scootaloo thought to herself dramatically as she attempted to ignore the throbbing in her chest along with the stinging from her mane being pulled in such a fashion earlier.
“What's wrong Scoots? Chicken? Scoot,scoot,scootalooooo!” Gina exclaimed in a taunting manner as she chased the orange Pegasus around.
Upon hearing this Scootaloo came to a dead stop and turned around to look at her. “What did you call me?” Scootaloo asked in a low tone as she felt her temper skyrocket.
“Oh I was only calling a chicken! See? Scoot,scoot,scootaloooo!” Gina exclaimed in a tainting tone.
“No pony and I mean no pony, calls me a chicken!” Scootaloo roared and in the next moment throttled the purple Pegasus hard upside the head which sent her flying back only to recover.
“About time you got serious.” Gina replied with a sneer as she wiped her bloodied lip with a hoof and charged at her.
Hooves collided, blows were exchanged and flames were evaded over the course of the next few minuets as Scootaloo and Gina went all out on one another which left the two beaten and battered after three bouts.
“Gina...listen to me...Discord is controlling you! Fight it!” Scootaloo exclaimed between huffs and puffs as she wiped blood off her eyebrow which was bleeding profusely at the moment along with just about every other part of her face.
Gina however seemed to ignore the orange Pegasus's pleas and charged at her once again but this time the two hit a deadlock with one another as all four hooves began to grind against one another mid-air. “Gina, I know you're in there! Come on! It's me! Scootaloo! You saved me from Sherry and Jesse's trademark locker stocker two years ago, remember?” Scootaloo said in a pleading tone trying desperately to reach her friend.
Upon hearing this Gina's expression lightened greatly as if she was in fact recalling that event. “I-I remember...” Gina said in a soft tone and without warning flung her front hooves over her head and began to cry out in pain.
“That's it Gina! Fight it! Remember all the times we spent together, the fun we had, remember our friendship!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a desperate tone realizing she was getting through to her finally.
“St-Stay away from me Scootaloo! I'm not safe!” Gina shrieked out as she continued to wage war within herself against Discord's influence.
“No, I’m not going to leave you! You're my friend Gina! And friends stick together no matter what!” Scootaloo exclaimed and hugged her friend tightly at which point Gina's eyes shot open and looked at her friend.
As if by magic Gina's color began to change to their normal color from the tail up to her head. In a few moments she looked like her old self again at which point the purple Pegasus passed out only to be caught by her friend whom carried her to a safe spot on the ground and sat beside her.
Sweetie Belle ran as fast as her hooves could carry her as she ran in the direction of Twilight's house. “Don't worry Roseheart. I'll protect you no matter what!” Sweetie Belle said in a reassuring tone to the young foal whom looked scared and frightened at the moment.
Finally Twilight's house was in view but just as she neared it she suddenly found herself surrounded by zombie ponies. “No...not like this...” Sweetie Belle said in a soft tone as she looked about herself as fear began to overwhelm her. She was still too weak to do anything and they had her outnumbered ten to one.
It doesn't have to end like this you know...
A voice echoed out at which point a pink pony stepped from within the ranks to the front. This pony had a pink fur coat purple mane and tail which seemed to have white streaks throughout it, but this wasn't the defining attributes of this mare. The defining attribute was her eyes which looked as if someone had stuck a hypnotism circle in them. And just like one they swirled continuously.
“Screwball? How come your not affected and what are you talking about?” Sweetie Belle asked in a cautious tone.
“Why would I be affected by something that my daddy made?” Screwball said with a sneer as she walked up to one of the zombie ponies whom was standing stationary, ran a hoof along their cheek, and in the next moment snapped their neck with a sickening cracking sound before the zombie pony fell to the ground dead, yet the others did not advance on her. “So as I was saying, it doesn't have to be this way Selena ...” Screwball said after a few moments looking directly at Sweetie Belle whom gasped upon hearing her old name spoken.
“How do you know my name? I mean my old name!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed tripping over her words slightly as she spoke.
“Oh, I know much more about you than your name Selena . I can give it all back to you, your true form, your true magical power, all you have to do is give your will to Discord, and all your former glory shall be yours again...Selena .” Screwball replied as she paced around the white unicorn filly now who seemed to be frozen in shock.
“You can really give it all back?” Sweetie Belle asked in a soft tone as her voice cracked slightly as she spoke.
“Yessss, I can.” Screwball replied with a malicious grin. “So, do we have a deal?” Screwball asked a few moments after her initial reply as she stood in front of her now extending a hoof.
“I won't have a will of my own will I? I'll hurt many ponies...won't I?” Sweetie Belle replied in a slow tone feeling the temptation nearly overwhelming now.
Upon hearing this Screwball rolled her eyes and made a shrug gesture. “Meh, maybe a few here or there. But hey, at least you'll have your true form back. You won't be this quivering, pathetic, little filly anymore, and that's all that matters right?” Screwball replied with a sneer as she extended her hoof to the unicorn once again.
Sweetie Belle looked up to the sky now once again feeling tears swell in her eyes.
Sweetie Belle:
♫ Long ago...♫
♫ I remember...♫
♫ I was somepony grand...♫
Screwball now paced around Sweetie Belle once again looking at her with malicious intent.
Screwball:
♫ Long ago you were somepony great.♫
♫ I have the power to free you from this sorry state.♫
♫ Selena take my hoof.♫
♫ And I will give you proof...♫
Sweetie Belle:
Sweetie Belle looked up to the skies seeing herself as Selena once again as if by magic but also saw herself as the filly she is now playing with her friends.
♫ Long ago...♫
♫ I was searching...♫
♫ To find myself again...♫
♫ To find a way...♫
Screwball:
♫ Selena you have found a way...♫
♫ and it will be here to staaaay!♫
♫ All you have to do,♫
♫Is take my hoof and your true power will ensue...♫
Sweetie Belle:
Sweetie Belle looked at Screwballs hoof and slowly began to edge hers out towards it.
♫ No matter what comes to be...♫
♫ I just want to be meeeee!♫
Stop!!!
A voice rang out at which point a purple figure landed in between Sweetie Belle and Screwball.
Spike:
Spike then took her hoof that she had been slowly extending out to Screwball in his claws and looked into her eyes.
♫ Sweetie Belle don't you seeee?♫
♫ This is not who you want to beee!♫
♫ You are who you are no matter what ponies say...♫
♫ What this fiend promises you will cause you take life this daay!♫
Screwball:♫ Don't listen to this dragon..♫
♫ He simply wants to deny you the opportunity to get on this grand bandwagon!♫
♫ Stick with me Selena for your sake.♫
♫ And we will leave this pitiful life with nothing but your power in it's wake!♫
Sweetie Belle:
Sweetie Belle looked to Screwball then back to Spike, looked up at the sky and sighed heavily.
♫ How could I have been so blind now to see.♫
♫ The element of your treachery!♫
♫ I will not take your deal Screwball...♫
♫ No, I will not be what you want me to be at aaaalllll!♫
♫I want to be my own pony no matter the strife...♫
♫ No matter what comes to be...♫
♫I just want to be meeeee!♫
Sweetie Belle then mustered all the magic she had in her and in a blast of magic ejected Screwball and the horde around her away in a blinding flash of magic, fell to her stomach and began to sob loudly.
“It's okay Sweetie Belle.” Spike said in a comforting tone as he ran a claw along her mane softly.
“I can't believe I was such a foal! I was willing to take her deal no matter what! Is that all I am?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed between sobs.
“No, your a wonderful filly. And you made the right choice.” Spike replied with a soft smile.
It was then that it occurred to the white unicorn. “What a second, the time stream was fixed, so that means you shouldn't be here...how?” Sweetie Belle asked in a confused tone as she looked at Spike now.
“Don't ask me. I just suddenly popped into the library about an hour ago. Kind of scary really considering the last thing I remember was taking a hoof to the gut and bleeding out on the floor.” Spike replied as he scratched the back of his head in confusion then noticed Roseheart. “Who's the foal?” Spike asked curiously.
“Her name is Roseheart. She's Applebloom's daughter.” Sweetie Belle replied without thinking only to see Spike's jaw drop.
“Since when did Applebloom have a foal?!” Spike asked incredulously.
“It's a long story...” Sweetie Belle replied and noticed zombie ponies gathering around them. “But it can wait till we get inside. Twilight's protection spell should still be up so lets go. Can you carry Roseheart? I'm afraid I used the last of my magic repelling Screwball and her minions.” Sweetie Belle asked in a hurried tone to which Spike nodded, lifted up Roseheart, and followed the unicorn into Twilight's house.
Gina stirred and suddenly sat upright to see Scootaloo sitting next to her. “Welcome back Gina.” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“Did I- oh dear Celestia I did! Damn it!” Gina exclaimed in shock and horror and turned away from Scootaloo now.
“Hey, don't worry about it. You were under Discord's control. I know you wouldn't try to hurt me if you were yourself.” Scootaloo replied with a smile as she placed a hoof on Gina's shoulder who could be heard sobbing softly now.
“So you know then...” Gina replied between sobs.
“Know what?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
“That I’m a freak. No normal pony can spit flames.” Gina replied between sobs.
“Hey! Your not a freak! So what if your mom or dad was a dragon. If you ask me, being able to blow flames is way past cool!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a reassuring tone with a smile to match it.
“You don't think I'm a freak? But I’m not normal.” Gina replied not sobbing nearly as much now as she looked at Scootaloo.
“Gina, I’m your friend. No matter what you are, nothing will change that.” Scootaloo replied with a warm smile at which point the purple Pegasus was able to clear up the waterworks completely.
“My father was a dragon, my mother was a Pegasus pony. See, when I was very young they had a very skilled unicorn cast a illusion spell on me. My wings aren't really feathered but they look and feel that way to anypony who touches them. My fur coat is real, but beneath the fur are dragon scales. Before the spell was cast on me you could see them through my fur coat though.” Gina said in a soft tone.
“And everything else?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
“Well, everything else looks like your normal pony. My face, mane, hooves, and tail are normal looking even without the illusion spell. The thing about the spell is that it's unaffected by mirrors.” Gina replied in a soft tone.
“That explains why you never wanted to use the restroom when I was with.” Scootaloo replied in realization of why she had acted so oddly during their times in flight school together.
“Exactly, I was afraid what you might think of me if you saw my reflection.” Gina replied with a sniffle as she wiped her nose with a hoof.
“Come on though, we need to move. It won't be long before Discord's hordes are on us.” Scootaloo said in a cautious tone as she looked about herself.
“Where will we go?” Gina asked curiously.
“Twilight's house. It has a spell on it that repels anypony under the effects of Discord's chocolate rain.” Scootaloo replied and took off from the ground followed by Gina.
“All that happened while I was...well...dead?” Spike said incredulously.
“Well not all at the same time due to Celestia changing the time stream, but yeah.” Sweetie Belle replied as she looked about herself.
“Wow, this is a lot for a dragon to wrap his head around! I mean you and Pinkie Pie, two parts of the same pony? A history of being in a war, and...oh my head my hurts!” Spike exclaimed clamping his claws on his head which caused Sweetie Belle to giggle.
“I thought you knew about me when you stopped me from making that deal with Screwball though.” Sweetie Belle replied.
“No, I just knew she was up to no good is all. I mean one pony trying to convince you to make a deal with a bunch of zombie ponies around? What's any good about that?” Spike replied making a shrug gesture as he spoke.
“I suppose you have a point there.” Sweetie Belle replied with yet another giggle.
“So what's this about Scootaloo though? You said she still has a link with Discord even though she's not discorded anymore?” Spike asked in a concerned tone.
“Well, it's only theory really, but I think that when Discord converted her about two years ago he created one more element of disharmony, one he never intended to make. That's why she can still tell how he thinks and why she's unaffected by most of his magic. When I think back, Scootaloo was clearly not close enough to Applebloom at that time to be protected by her element, yet she was still unaffected.” Sweetie Belle replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Run that by me again Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo exclaimed in shock as she stood in the doorway now which startled by Spike and Sweetie Belle.
“Is she on our side now? And how long were you listening?” Sweetie Belle asked in a guilty tone.
“About the part where you said about an element he never intended to make.” Scootaloo said in a annoyed tone as she walked up to the two and realized Spike was sitting there. “Spike?! But I was told he was-” Dead, yeah I know. So did I up till he told he had no idea how he's back really.” Scootaloo began to say only to be cut off by Sweetie Belle.
“Well as I’m sure you have figured out by now, Discord's elements of disharmony protect him from the elements of harmony.” Sweetie Belle said in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Uhh, actually. I had no clue.” Scootaloo replied in a confused tone.
“Am I the only pony who pays attention to the magical workings around her?” Sweetie Belle asked in an annoyed tone as she facehoofed with a groan.
“I think your just more experienced than the rest of us.” Spike chimed in though this didn't do much to alleviate the unicorn's annoyance.
“Anyways , When Discord converted you, I think he may have unintentionally created another element of disharmony. By magical theory this would explain why you are able to sense his magic and be unaffected by many of his spells.” Sweetie Belle explained.
“Okay, saying that I go along with this wild theory of yours. What element do I represent in his elements of disharmony? Because last I checked he has all six.” Scootaloo replied in a skeptic tone.
“But Scootaloo, there are seven elements of harmony, so it only makes sense that if Discord was mimicking their style of magic as a shield he would possibly create a seventh element himself.” Sweetie Belle countered taking note of her skeptic tone.
“Okay, so which element do I supposedly represent then?” Scootaloo replied in an annoyed tone.
“Well, since the seventh element of harmony is love and recalling what how you acted towards Rainbow Dash when you were Discorded, I'd have to go on a hoof and say the element is hatred .” Sweetie Belle replied in a concerned tone.
“That's crazy! I don't represent the element of hatred! In fact I love my mom more than ever!” Scootaloo exclaimed in an offended tone.
“Not now you don't, but while you were discorded you showed that attribute clear as day! Don't you remember?” Sweetie Belle countered in a serious tone.
“I try not to...” Scootaloo replied in a soft yet saddened tone as she felt herself become overwhelmed with guilt for how she acted towards Rainbow Dash.
“This is all magical theory anyways. Who the hoof knows how you were possibly able to be unaffected by Discord's magic.” Sweetie Belle replied in a reassuring tone due to the fact she was now feeling guilty for even thinking of this theory.
“Saying I go along with this theory of yours, how do I pan into this whole deal with Discord?” Scootaloo replied as if ignoring Sweetie Belle's previous comment.
“Well, as long as the elements exist, Discord is immune to the elements of harmony, and theory dictates that the only way to defeat him with the elements of harmony is to destroy all of his elements of disharmony...” Sweetie Belle said and trailed off near the end of her statement.
“In other words, I have to die .” Scootaloo replied in a solemn tone at which point an awkward silence ensued between the four.
“As I said Scootaloo, it's only theory. It doesn't make it true!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a worried tone as she feared for what Scootaloo might be thinking right now.
“What if it is true? Twilight and the others are risking their lives against a foe that they have no chance of winning against right now!” Scootaloo exclaimed, stood up, and began to walk to the door.
“Scootaloo wait! Don't you dare consider doing what I think you are doing!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“I'm not going to go and kill myself Sweetie Belle, but I can't sit back and let this theory of yours go to chance either. I'm going to face Discord along with Twilight and the others and if he's still immune to the elements of harmony once they have managed to destroy them all. Then I’ll know if your theory is true or not. Besides, the others probably don't even know that they have to destroy the elements of disharmony right now anyways, so somepony needs to tell them.” Scootaloo replied with a smile.
“I'm going with you. I've got a score to settle with that draconequus for making me almost kill you.” Gina said chiming in now as she walked beside Scootaloo.
“It's going to be dangerous.” Scootaloo replied with a smirk.
“Ha! If there's anything I take pride in about myself, it's that my half dragon heritage gives me a natural defense against all forms of magic!” Gina replied with a cocky grin at which point Spike's jaw dropped.
“You're half dragon?” Spike asked in a slightly shocked tone.
“Heh, yeah. Long story, I’ll let you in on it later. Lets fly Scoots!” Gina exclaimed and took off through the front door followed by Scootaloo.
“I think I’m in love....” Spike said in a dreamy tone with heart eyes as he stared on while Sweetie Belle facehoofed and groaned.
“First my sister and now her...will he ever learn?” Sweetie Belle remarked in a dismal tone with a sigh.
(play “Spirit Of Chaos” now)
Twilight swiftly dodged a blast of magic from Discord as Applebloom and Applejack charged forth and performed a double buck against the draconequus knocking him backward followed by Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to double speared him. Twilight and Rarity then both channeled magic into their horns and fired a double magic attack against him, yet nothing they had done seemed to affect him. Not greatly anyways.
“What the buckin hay do we have to do in order to kick this varmint's flank?!” Applejack exclaimed in an annoyed tone as they began to frantically dodge beams of magic from the draconequus.
“I don't know! Rarity, how did you harm him earlier?” Twilight asked as she channeled magic into her wings to act as a shield from one of Discord's magical attacks.
“I honestly don't know Twilight. I simply lost all sense of reality for a moment and charged at him and then when I got knocked back onto my flank I regained my senses.” Rarity replied in a panicked tone as she dodged a blast magic barely.
“Ugh! We're fighting a brick wall here!” Twilight exclaimed in an annoyed yet discouraged tone.
His elements of disharmony! Target them! They are his weakness!
A voice rang out which could belong to non-other than Scootaloo who could be seen flying into the room now along side of Gina.
“What the hay are ya doin here Scootaloo? Ah told ya to get the hay outta here! And how the hay do ya know this?” Applebloom exclaimed in an annoyed yet worried tone for her lover's safety.
“Sweetie Belle told me. Twilight can you lock onto where his elements of disharmony are stored?” Scootaloo asked in an urgent tone as she answered Applebloom's question then turned to look at Twilight.
“I can try!” Twilight replied and began to focus on scanning the draconequus's body while everypony continued to strike at him and dodge his attacks.
For sometime it seemed as if the Alicorn was making little or no progress until her eyes lit up in excitement. “I found them!” Twilight exclaimed triumphantly.
“Good! Now where the hay are they?!” Applejack exclaimed as she dodged an attack by the draconequus.
“There are five left! One in each of his hands, one in each of his legs, and one in his left eye!” Twilight exclaimed at which point everypony felt the moral between them raise in light of this information.
“Come on everypony! We're back in this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed enthusiastically with hoof pump gesture, nodded to Fluttershy, and the two of them charged full throttle for each of his arms only to get blasted away before they could get close.
“You little foals may have found my weakness, but you will never reach them!” Discord exclaimed in the same demonic tone as he conjured a barrier around himself.
“Consarn it all! Just when we think we got a hoof up on the varmint he goes and pulls this rotten apple out of his orchard!” Applejack exclaimed in an annoyed tone.
“I think I can help with that!” Gina exclaimed with a smile and charged at Discord.
“Hey, sheep for brains! Guess what?!” Gina exclaimed with a grin as Discord pointed his claw hand at her and blasted her only for her to be seemingly unaffected. Gina then took a deep breath and exhaled flames at the draconequus which hit it's mark leaving his barrier down and everypony in the room slack jawed.
“Either I need to see a eye doctor for my eyes, or she just blew flames!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in shock.
“No, you saw right. Gina is half pony,half dragon!” Scootaloo exclaimed proudly.
Sure enough as Gina landed back on the ground it became clear that this was fact.
“The Illusion spell. Oh no! Discord's magic must have dispelled it!” Gina exclaimed in shock as she looked at her wings now which were no longer feathered but rather that of a dragon's wings.
“Gina, remember? It doesn't matter what you look like. We are all your friends and we will be no matter what you are.” Scootaloo said in a comforting tone.
“Gina looked to everypony in the room and could see nothing but smiles at her now. “Heh, I guess you're right. I was just worried your friends might not be as understanding as you.” Gina replied in a sheepish tone.
“Not as understandin? Why little missy, you look great!” Applejack exclaimed with a genuine smile.
“Applejack is right darling, you look simply fabulous! Why, I may even ask you to model for me after this is all over! I've always wanted to do a fashion line for a cross breed specie!” Rarity exclaimed enthusiastically.
“Uh, everypony. Focus! Discord’s barrier is down!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she and Fluttershy darted forth and struck both of his hands as hard as they could which effectively destroyed the two elements of disharmony in them.
Upon these two elements being destroyed however Discord erected yet another barrier. “I forgot about the half breed freak's immunity to magic! It happen again!” Discord roared in anger as he shot beams of magic at everypony once again.
“Hey! She's not a freak you overgrown mule!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she shot off the ground and through his barrier without realizing it and struck him squarely in the eye destroying the element of disharmony there at which point Discord gave a shrill cry of pain and batted the Pegasus away and to the ground causing her to cry out as she hit the stone floor.
“Are ya okay honeh?!” Applebloom exclaimed in a worried tone as she rushed to Scootaloo's side.
“Yeah, I’m fine. He packs a punch!” Scootaloo replied in a pained tone.
“Ah reckon so, but how the hay did you just fly through his consarned barrier like that?” Applebloom asked curiously.
“I...I don't know.” Scootaloo lied. She had a feeling she knew but didn't want to say anything just yet. But what she had just done reenforced Sweetie Belle's theory of her being the seventh element of disharmony and it scared her. She may have to give her life up after all. In her mind however, if it came to that, she would do so without a second thought, but until then she wanted to play it by ear.
“Three elements down, two to go! Come on everypony! Lets finish him off!” Twilight exclaimed enthusiastically.
However no matter how much they tried Discord's barrier seemed to be stronger than ever now and was able to repel even Gina despite her defense against magic.
This fact was reenforced as Gina hit his barrier nose first and fell to her rump holding her nose only to be tackled to safely by Applebloom moments before a beam of magic struck the ground where she once sat.
“Watch where the hay you sit consarn it! Ah won't be able to save your hide all the time!” Applebloom exclaimed, moments later charged forward, element glowing brightly, and gave a mighty buck against his barrier only to be repelled and sent flying back, skipping a crossed the floor haphazardly like a rock being skipped a crossed a lake until she slid to a halt before Applejack who promptly lifted her up by the mane and dodged yet another blast of magic from the draconequus.
“Says the pony who was just knocked on her own hindquarters and had to be rescued.” Applejack remarked with a smirk as Applebloom got to all four hooves.
“Shut ya apple eatin trap big sis...” Applebloom retorted sourly before she charged forward again leaving the farm pony with an offended look.
“Well ah never! Ah didn't raise her to give meh that kind of lip!” Applejack remarked in an annoyed tone.
“Cut her some slack A-J! We're fighting for our lives here!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she flew behind Applebloom providing backup for the farm pony.
“Any plans honeh?” Applebloom asked as they neared the draconequus's barrier.
“Yeah, hold on!” Scootaloo exclaimed, lifted Applebloom off the ground mid-run and used her wings to propel the two at a much greater speed now.
“Ah don't think catapultin meh will work this time round honeh!” Applebloom exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“Who said anything about catapulting you? We're charging through!” Scootaloo exclaimed much to Applebloom shock.
“Ah hope you know what you're doin!” Applebloom exclaimed as they were barely five feet away from the draconequus barrier dodging beams of magic shot at them.
Applebloom slammed her eyes shut expecting to hit the barrier strait on followed by a burst of pain only to open them a few moments later to see the two had passed through the barrier unscathed. “How in the hay-?!” “Ask later, bucking position now!” Scootaloo exclaimed cutting off the farm pony as they were now up on the draconequus who spotted them reared his lions paw back and swatted at them.
Unfortunately for the orange Pegasus she was hit dead on but she let go of Applebloom moments before which caused the farm pony to land haphazardly on the floor in front of him only to dodge a strike from his claw hand.
Scootaloo let out a shrill cry of pain as she skipped along the floor exactly as Applebloom had earlier except with far more skips along the stone floor before she was caught mid-skip by Rainbow Dash.
“Don't be so reckless Scoots! I didn't go through hell to get you back just to lose you here!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a concerned tone as she held her tightly for a few moments in the hair before setting her down on the ground.
“Sorry mom...” Scootaloo replied in a pained tone as she wearily got to all four hooves and looked to see Applebloom fighting the draconequus one-on-one now. “Come on Applebloom, I know you can do it...” Scootaloo remarked in a soft tone as she looked on.
Applebloom dodged right, dodged left, jumped, performed a mid-air spin, landed on all four hooves, and dodged left once again effectively dodging six attacks from the draconequus, but even though she was able to evade his strikes somewhat easily, she couldn't get close enough to him to strike at the remaining elements in each of his legs. “Consarn it all! Ah'm spendin so much buckin time dodgin his attacks ah can't close in on the varmint!” Applebloom thought to herself in an annoyed tone as she dodged another set of attacks from Discord.
Twilight who was watching this from afar now due to Discord focusing on Applebloom now instead of them could see this clear as day. “She can't get close enough to strike! We have to help her!” Twilight exclaimed dramatically as she looked on.
“If you have any ideas of how to get past that dreadful barrier of his, I’d love to hear them darling.” Rarity replied in a slightly annoyed tone.
“As much as I’d hate to agree with her, Rarity's got a point Twilight. As long as the jerk has his lame barrier up, we can't get close enough to help her.” Rainbow Dash chimed in looking at Twilight now as well.
“I'm thinking!” Twilight exclaimed in annoyance as she racked her brain trying to figure out how to get past his barrier until her eyes lit up. “Discord spoke of this place as the area where the source of his power is stored right?” Twilight asked aloud waiting for the others to nod.
“Skip to the consarned point sugarcube! Ah don't know how much longer mah little sis can keep it the acrobatics in thar!” Applejack exclaimed in an impatient tone as her gaze was on the action between Applebloom and Discord at the present moment.
“His book! He spoke of a book! We need to find that book!” Twilight exclaimed deciding to skip the lecture for once in light of the situation.
“Okay, lets go find that book!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“Okay, Applejack, Gina, and Scootaloo, you guys stay here to be ready to back up Applebloom once his barrier's down, the rest of us will search these caves for his book!” Twilight exclaimed at which point the purple unicorn charged out of the room followed by Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy.
(play “Thousand Foot Krutch-E For Extinction” now)
“With all that has happened in mah life. The choices ah have made, the stuff that's happened to me and mah friends, ah won't back down now! Ah won't give up! Ah'm not fighting for just mah friends now, ah'm figthin for mah daughter's future! And with Celestia as mah witness, ah will make sure she grows up in a word worth livin in!” Applebloom thought to herself dramatically as she continued to dodged strikes by the draconequus.
Applebloom's element began to shine once again, but this time it was different. This time the element surrounded the farm pony's body in a warm pink glow. Applebloom's movements suddenly picked up in speed and the farm pony found herself able to predict Discord's moves to a degree now. “Ah get it now. The stronger mah love, the more powerful mah element becomes.” Applebloom remarked to herself thoughtfully.
“You think you can take me on alone? You are barely able to evade my attacks little foal!” Discord exclaimed and began to strike at her even faster now.
“How the hay-?!” Applebloom exclaimed in shock as she barely dodged a strike against him and felt the other nick her mane. “Consarn it all! Every cotton pickin time ah get a one up on him, he somehow manages to counter meh!” Applebloom exclaimed in annoyance.
“You will never reach the remaining elements!” Discord exclaimed as he struck at her now.
“Of course! He's defendin his legs, but what about...” Applebloom thought to herself as she changed up position suddenly, jumped up much to the draconequus shock and bucked his squarely in the face which caused him to stumble back and put his lion's paw over the spot where the farm pony struck. “Ha! Ah got ya! Ya is so busy protectin ya legs, ya didn't even think to protect ya face did ya?!” Applebloom exclaimed in a cocky tone.
“Oh yeah! Go Applebloom, go Applebloom, sock it to that mule!” Scootaloo exclaimed jumping up and down.
“You stay out of this!” Discord hissed at Scootaloo at which point she dropped to her stomach and waved her right hoof halfheartedly.
“Discord, Discord, he's our pony....if he can't do it....GREAT!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a halfhearted yet sarcastic tone up until she shouted her last word at which point her expression suddenly turned into a cocky grin with a glare to match it.
“Do you really need to make him pay attention to us Scootaloo?” Applejack remarked in annoyance.
“Hey, that's my fillyfriend in there. I'm entitled to cheer her on.” Scootaloo countered with a smile.
“Ya can't fool meh. You're terrified for her life. You're not the only one though.” Applejack thought to herself as she looked on at her the Pegasus who's expression was nervous as hell at the moment then back to Applebloom who was striking at the draconequus in an attempt to catch him off guard only to be blocked by another strike from him.
“I should be in there with her! But i'm not nearly as athletic as she is when it comes to ground movements. And Discord can swat me out of the sky easily.” Scootaloo thought to herself nervously. She wanted more than anything to back her lover up and the only thing halting her from doing so at the moment was fear of making Applebloom worry about her, goof up, and get knocked outside of the barrier. Without the others in here providing a decent cover there was no way she could get her back in there from a range.
Gina was just as nervous as the others were as she watched. “Why can't I get through? I'm immune to all kinds of magic. So why was his barrier able to repel me?” Gina thought to herself in a depressed tone. “I'm useless...” Gina remarked aloud without realizing it.
“Hey, ah don't wanna hear that kind of talk from ya little missy. Ya helped us destroy a few of his consarned elements didn't ya?” Applejack said in a encouraging tone.
“Yeah, but now I can't do anything but watch as Applebloom fights for her life.” Gina replied in a depressed tone.
“Don't ya worry your little head bout it. Once Twilight and others destroy that consarned book of his we'll get our turn.” Applejack replied with a smile then looked to the cave room entrance. “Hurry Twi, ah don't know how much longer Applebloom can hold out...” Applejack thought to herself in a worried tone as she looked on then back to Applebloom and Discord.
PLAYLIST
Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity were now making there way throughout the caves now the sounds of combat no longer heard moving slowly now.
“What's the deal Twilight? Why are we slowing down?” Rainbow Dash asked in a curious tone.
“We're getting close.” Twilight replied looking about herself cautiously.
“How can you be sure?” Pinkie Pie asked, took a step, and was yanked back via Twilight's magic mere moments before a sharp spear erected from the floor directly where she once stood.
“Call it a hunch...” Twilight replied in a sarcastic tone as she looked at Pinkie Pie who had literally urinated on the spot due to being so shocked and scared.
“Pinkie Pie, really?!” Rainbow Dash remarked in an annoyed tone at the small puddle of urine under the pink mare at the moment.
“Lets see you get super scared and not pee yourself! Besides, I’ve had to go for awhile now! Not easy holding it in when your fighting that meanie pants!” Pinkie Pie retorted defensively with a blush of embarrassment on her face.
“Cut it out you two! This isn't the time to be arguing! Now, everypony watch where your walking!” Twilight exclaimed in annoyance as she began to step forward cautiously.
Mere seconds after Twilight had said this, Rarity stepped onto a panel on the floor which sunk in as she stepped on it at which point she looked down and gulped. “Uh-oh...” Rarity said in a dreading yet soft tone.
“What do you mean, uh-oh?” Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone. She got her answer though but not from Rarity as a great rumbling could be heard now as the roof of the cave behind them began to open up.
“Ugh!” Twilight exclaimed with a facehoofing gesture along with a groan.
A large boulder could now be seen slowly sliding through the gaping hole in the top of the cave which caused everypony to gulp. “Darling, please tell me that isn't what I think it is..” Rarity remarked in a horrified tone.
“Everypony starting running...NOW!” Twilight said in an dreading tone at first but exclaimed her last word as she turned about face and ran as fast her hooves can carry her following by the other four as the boulder hit the stone floor and began to roll towards them.
Not only did Twilight and the other four have to worry about the boulder now hurtling towards them, they now had to avoid spears that were ejecting from the floor at them as they ran as fast as they could down the path.
“Twilight, we can't avoid all these spears and possibly hope to get away from our impending doom!” Rarity exclaimed as she barely avoided a spear that shot up on her right only to get scraped by one on her left side which gashed her right leg open. While not deep, the wound was enough to slow the unicorn down greatly as it bleed, throbbed, and stung.
“Pick up Rarity Rainbow! I'll pick up Pinkie Pie!” Twilight exclaimed as she took off the ground, swooped over and lifted the pink mare off the ground following by Rainbow Dash who did the same with Rarity.
“Looks like Tom came back with a vengeance eh Rarity?” Rainbow Dash remarked in a joking tone despite the situation which caused the unicorn to flash her a glare.
“I thought we agreed to never speak of this again?!” Rarity exclaimed in an pissed off tone.
“Well, it don't help that the boulder has the word, tom, engraved onto one side of it.” Rainbow Dash replied in the same jeering tone as they sped down the path.
“You made that up!” Rarity retorted with a glare.
“Take a look yourself! I'm sure you can get a decent look behind us right now.” Rainbow Dash countered still grinning.
Rarity then took a look behind herself and gasped in both shock and anger as the boulder did in fact have the word “TOM” written in capital letters on one side of the boulder which could be seen as it continued to roll towards them. “I'll murder that draconequus!” Rarity exclaimed in a pissed off tone as she ground her hooves and teeth together in fury.
“You'll get your chance after we get away from this boulder!” Twilight exclaimed as they sped down the pathway. Luckily for them the path widened a short distance away which would give them a way to evade the rock.
Once the four has gotten to the wider room they bolted off to the right and left. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy took off towards the left while Twilight took off to the right which gave the five a decent look at the boulder as it rolled past them.
“Did that boulder have the word-” I said we are never to speak of this again!” Rarity exclaimed cutting off the Alicorn with a glare as Rainbow Dash set her safely to the ground as did Twilight with Pinkie Pie.
“You saw it alright, Twilight! Tom back back with a vengeance! Ha,ha,ha!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she held herself laughing hysterically in the air.
“Actually, that is pretty funny...” Twilight remarked and began to laugh herself which made Rarity's glare become even more pissed off.
“Oh, come on Rarity! Laugh! It is pretty funny!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she hopped over to the unicorn laughing along with the others.
Rarity was about ready to blow her fuse when it occurred to her. The five had just narrowly evaded death at which point she felt her anger drain away realizing they were just trying to find something to lighten the mood after their horrifying experience. “I suppose it was a little funny...” Rarity said after a few moments trying her best to muster a laugh.
“I can't believe he did that though. Maybe he does have a sense of-whah!” Rainbow Dash began to say only to be cut off as two spears jetted from the walls, hitting both her wings and pinning her to the other side of the room.
“Rainbow!” Twilight exclaimed in horror as she looked at the cyan blue Pegasus who was now pinned to the wall by her wings. As if to make matters worse another spear jetted forth from the other side of the room strait for Rainbow Dash's chest.
Rainbow Dash let out a shriek of horror as she flung her hooves in front of her eyes in horror expecting to be impaled any second only for the sheer agonizing pain to never come. Curiously she opened her eyes to see the spear being held back via Rarity's magic a mere three feet away from her.
“Twilight, get her down! I don't know how much longer I can hold this thing back!” Rarity exclaimed in a strained tone as her horn was sputtering sparks at the moment as it glowing very brightly with her magic.
“Rainbow, can you get yourself loose?” Twilight asked in an urgent tone.
The cyan blue Pegasus looked to each side of herself now and judging by the blood streaking down from each wing, it was clear the spears had hit more then just mere feathers. About the same time she realized this she could feel the stabbing pain in her flesh now which nearly made her cry out. She managed to muster the will to not cry out somehow though. “N-No. The lame spears got my wings in the bone. I'm stuck here unless you cut off me off by the lower part of my wings.” Rainbow Dash replied much to everypony's horror.
“But Rainbow, if you loose your wings...” Fluttershy remarked in a scared tone as she flew beside her now.
“We don't have bucking time to be debating this Fluttershy! It's either my wings or my life! I've got a daughter to live for now and not to mention a special somepony. So I’m not kicking the bucket now!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed then looked at Twilight.
“This isn't like Discord's magic, if I cut them off, there's no getting them back. You realize this right?” Twilight asked in a worried tone her voice cracking as she spoke. She knew how much Rainbow Dash's wings meant to her, what she went through without them.
“Twilight, I know this. Throughout our adventures, our battles, I always thought my wings were the most important things to me, but then I found love and a family. Twilight, right now I’m not thinking of myself, I’m thinking of Scoots and Applejack right now. They need me. If I go here and now, who's gonna raise Scootaloo? So do it Twilight, and try to make it as painless as possible.” Rainbow Dash replied and slammed her eyes shut as tears streaked from them.
“Okay...” Twilight replied in a soft tone, focused her magic just under the spear on Rainbow Dash's wings, and fired two precise beams of magic which effectively severed the cyan blue Pegasus's wings from the spears at which point Rainbow Dash gave a shrill cry of pain as she fell to the ground only to be caught by Fluttershy.
It was at the point Rarity stopped holding the spear back which pierced the stone wall with a loud crashing sound which caused small fragments of the stone wall to fall over them. “And to think, that could have been you..” Rarity remarked looking up at the three spears in the wall now then back to the cyan blue Pegasus.
Twilight quickly rushed over to the cyan blue Pegasus and used her magic to heal what was left of her wings.
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and looked at what was left of her wings. Half of each was missing. It was at this point the depressing fact finally set in fully. “I'll never fly again...” Rainbow Dash remarked in a low tone as she slammed her eyes shut tears still streaking from them.
“Rainbow...” Twilight said in a soft tone as she placed a hoof on the cyan blue Pegasus shoulder only to be swatted away.
“I'm fine! Come on, we got a book to find.” Rainbow Dash said not looking at Twilight as she began to walk down the hall.
“Why is it every time we fight for the lives of everypony in Equestria that we are forced to give up the things that matter the most to us?” Twilight thought to herself in a sad tone along with a sigh as she followed the cyan blue Pegasus.
The five now stood in the doorway of a room that even an earth pony could tell was full of dark magic as streams of magic swirled about the room around a single black book. “Lets get this over with, I have a score to settle.” Rainbow Dash said in a pissed off tone only to be halted by Twilight.
“You can't enter this room Rainbow. The moment you touch one of those swirling streaks of magic, it'll suck the life out of you in seconds.” Twilight remarked in a cautioning tone.
“So how the hay are we supposed to get to the book?” Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone.
“I'm the only one who can.” Twilight remarked as she recognized this brand of magic.
“What do you mean only you? Darling, I’m sure any unicorn could get through this.” Rarity remarked trying to offer her assistance.
“Only I can because...This is the same brand of magic my mother used to become Nightmare Moon.” Twilight said in a soft tone earning shocked gasps from everypony. “But what can this mean? If this is the same dark magic my mother used, then that means it existed even before ponykind came to be...does that mean the source of this dark magic is from what Discord used to turn himself into that monster?” Twilight thought to herself in a confused tone.
“Are you sure about this Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked in a concerned tone.
“Yes. Everypony stand back. I don't know what's going to happen.” Twilight replied and began to walk into the room.
From the moment Twilight's hoof stepped into the room it began to change in form from it's purple color to a black color the other four knew all to well. By the time the Alicorn fully walked into the room her form had been transformed into that of splitting image of Luna as Nightmare Moon. Moments later Twilight let out a shrill cry out agony as her entire being felt as if it was trying to be ripped from her.
“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy shouted at the same time preparing to rush in until Twilight flashed a glare at them with her eyes glowing darkly.
“Stay back! This my fight!” Twilight roared except her voiced had an eerie echo to it now that chilled the four to the bone.
“What the hay does she mean by that?” Rainbow Dash asked in a worried tone.
“You never wondered how Twilight was able to tap into her dark magic even after we were able to save her life a long time ago?” Pinkie Pie asked at which point the other three looked at her in confusion. “I'm not even connected to Sweetie Belle anymore and I know that Twilight never fully conquered the darkness within her heart. What we did only managed to suppress it's influence over her.” Pinkie Pie said in a matter-of-fact tone.
“So in other words...” Rarity replied trailing off as she looked on to Twilight who was grunting, groaning, and crying out ever so often now.
“The real fight starts now . The only thing we can do is hope Twilight can overcome the dark magic within her.
Twilight looked about herself now she was in a dark room but here she was not an Alicorn, no here she was merely a unicorn. “Where am I?!” Twilight exclaimed in a worried tone as she looked about herself.
Don't you recognize this place? This is the place where I was born...
An eerie voice echoed throughout the vast darkness around her.
“Who are you?!” Twilight exclaimed as she looked around for any sign of movement.
Far too long have you been in control...
By the time this day ends, Nightmare moon will raise anew!
The voice echoed throughout the room again.
“So your the source of the dark magic from that book come to convert me into your servant eh?!” Twilight exclaimed looking about herself vigilantly.
No, you stupid mare....
I....
am....
“You!” The voice echoed up until it's final word at which point a figure appeared upon speaking it's final word right in front of Twilight's face which made her give a shocked gasp, stumble backwards, and fall onto her rump looking up at the Alicorn who stood before her.
“You can't be me! I'm me!” Twilight exclaimed in a scared tone as she scooted herself back away from the Alicorn as she stepped towards her and managed to her to all four hooves once again.
“You stupid mare, don't you see? I'm you and you're me. It makes perfect sense really.” The Alicorn replied as she stepped around Twilight with a malicious grin.
“How does that make any sense?! We can't be the same pony! There can't be two of me here right now!” Twilight exclaimed in a confused tone as she turned to make sure she was facing the Alicorn as she paced around her.
“You still don't get it do you? You ignorant foal! You were right about one thing though...there can't be two of me here. So one of us has to go...” The Alicorn replied with a sneer and struck Twilight with the back of her hoof which sent the unicorn to the floor with a cry of pain and held her cheek looking at the Alicorn.
“I don't know what you are, but you're not me!” Twilight exclaimed as she got to all four hooves and channeled magic into her horn preparing to fire at her. “I don't why I’m a unicorn here and she looks like me as my Alicorn self, but it's clear that this is the dark magic at work!” Twilight thought to herself dramatically and fired a beam of magic at the Alicorn only for her to disappeared in a flash of magic and reappear behind her.
“Wrong again!” The Alicorn exclaimed and struck her once again from behind sending the unicorn flying forward onto her belly with a cry of pain as she was struck. “You still don't get it, but you will by the time your life slips away.” The Alicorn said with a sneer as she walked up on her.
“Y-You can read my thoughts?” Twilight asked stuttering as she spoke now as the fear she was feeling began to overwhelm her.
“Wrong again.” The Alicorn replied, disappeared in a flash of magic and reappeared in another flash of magic in front of her and struck her once again sending her flying back onto her side. “Our thoughts are one and the same. Anything you think, I can hear. I know every move you are going to make before you make it. It doesn't work the other way around though, because I know how to shut you out!” The Alicorn exclaimed as she took off from the ground and began to fire beams of red magic at the unicorn whom scrambled to dodge each beam of magic.
“That's it, run! Run for your pathetic little life! There's no where to run to though. No where to hind from me.” The Alicorn said with malicious grin as she disappeared in a flash of magic and reappeared in front of Twilight, slammed her to the floor and stared at her with a sneer. “Now do you get it?! Not that it matters though. Because this little fight ends now!” The Alicorn exclaimed as her horn began to glow brightly.
“Something is wrong with her! Look at how she's acting!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone as Twilight began to fall to her knees crying out even more so now than ever.
“Oh dear, she's right!” Rarity exclaimed with an equally worried expression and tone to match it.
“She's looking the fight. Oh this is super bad! If Twilight loses then the dark magic will consume her soul!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“I-I I'm going in!” Fluttershy exclaimed and prepared to charge in only for Rainbow Dash to bite onto her tail and stop her. “This is no time to get brave on us Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between gritted teeth as she held her friend back.
“But if Twilight loses, then she will die!” Fluttershy exclaimed in protest.
“Then lets use out elements of harmony to reach her! Remind her that we are here with her even if she feels alone!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a confident tone, closed her eyes, placed hoof on her element, extended a hoof out to Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie who did the same and began to concentrate with all their might.
(play”Angel of Darkness - Alex C. ft. Yasmin K.” now)
Twilight looked about herself and gasped. Though they looked like ghosts here, she could still see Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie staring at her smiling. “How did you guys-?” Twilight began to say only for Rainbow Dash to raise a hoof to cut her off.
“Listen Twilight! No matter how alone you may feel right now. Never forget that your friends are here with you! So kick that jerk's flank!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed enthusiastically with a smirk.
“Yeah! Give that meanie pants the old one-two!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wide grin.
“Darling, you can't sit back and let this foul creature win!” Rarity exclaimed with a matching smile.
“Twilight, you can do it...I umm, know you can.” Fluttershy said in a meek tone but her smile could be seen just the same.
Twilight looked to each of her friends and smiled back at them. “Thanks fillies. I forgot that for a little while.” Twilight replied feeling herself filled with a renewed confidence now, turned around and faced the Alicorn.
“I get it now. We're inside my soul right?” Twilight replied with a confident smile now as she paced back and forth now.
“Heh, it took your weak friends to tell you that?” The Alicorn replied with a sneer as she paced back and forth now as well.
“My friends are not weak! Let me tell you something about friendship that I learned not so long ago!” Twilight exclaimed and as if by magic a memory of her writing a letter to princess Celestia could be seen.
I am happy to report that the dragon has departed our fair country, and that it was my good friend, Fluttershy, who convinced him to go. This adventure has taught me to never lose faith in your friends. They can be an amazing source of strength, and can help you overcome even your greatest fears. Always your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.
“That's where you are wrong! You see, deep inside me I always feared the dark magic in my heart! And you are that dark magic taking form. My friends reminded me that I am not alone and with them at my side, I can conquer even my greatest fears!” Twilight exclaimed with a confident smile at which point her form changed to that of her Alicorn self.
“How did you-?!” The Alicorn began to say then stopped as she realized that she was no longer an Alicorn, rather a unicorn now. “No! This can't be!” The unicorn exclaimed in shock.
“Oh yes it can! I am not longer scared of you! Now begone from my soul forever!” Twilight roared as she flew up vertically, spread her wings out, and channeled magic into her horn.
Moments after she had done this a bright light began to shine up behind her as if the sun was rising behind her and as the light rose higher and higher behind her when it struck Twilight it caused her to glow brightly and shine around her.
“Noooooo!” The unicorn exclaimed in horror throwing a hoof up in vainly to shield herself as the light hit her and set her ablaze for a few moments before she gave one last shriek of terror before she crumbled to dust before the Alicorn's eyes.
Purple light now radiated from Twilight as her form reverted back to it's normal looking self and she stood up to all four hooves, looked at the book, flew up vertically in the same fashion as she did inside her soul, spread her wings out, and channeled magic into her horn. Though there was no light inside this room behind Twilight friends a light began to shine up as she rose up until it touched the dark magic in the room which began to disappear as the light touched it until it reached the book at which point a non-embodied voice could be heard shrieking out in agony as it was set ablaze and turned to ashes before everypony's eyes.
“Wh-What's happening?!” Discord exclaimed in shock as he felt his magical power weakening at a very fast rate now along with his barrier slowly disappearing.
“That's our cue sugarcube!” Applejack exclaimed as she charged forward followed by Scootaloo and Gina.
“Ya source of dark magic has been destroyed! It's over!” Applebloom exclaimed as she jumped up and struck the draconequus hard upside the head.
Gina took a deep inhale and exhaled flames upon Discord's right leg effectively reducing it to ash and destroying the element in it as Scootaloo carried Applejack now and catapulted her at the draconequus left leg and bucked it with all her might effectively destroying the element in his left leg.
“No, I will not lose! I am the ruler of this world!” Discord roared as he mustered all the magic he had left to attack them with.
Twilight and the others by now were now rushing in to back Applejack, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Gina up. “Alright! All his elements are gone! Lets do this!” Twilight exclaimed triumphantly to which the others nodded gathered around Twilight and began to focus onto their elements floating up along with Twilight now.
“No, no, nooo!” Discord roared as the beam of rainbow light shot forth and enveloped him. However much to everypony's horror once they where done Discord still stood in the flesh and not in stone.
“What the hay?! We destroyed all his cotton picken elements! We shoulda finished the varmint with that!” Applejack exclaimed in confusion.
“Ha,ha,ha! Not even the elements of harmony can defeat me! I told you, I’m invincible! Ha,ha,ha,ha!” Discord exclaimed with a sneer as he began to use his magic to attack them once again.
(Play”My Sacrifice – Creed” now)
Scootaloo looked on now as the others fought. This was it, it was true. She was the seventh element. Scootaloo continued to watch them fight and sighed until Applebloom ran over to her. “Hey, don't worry bout it honeh, so ya theory was off, we'll beat the varmint.” Applebloom said in a reassuring tone.
“No, it wasn't. There's something I didn't tell you all.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone.
“What?” Applebloom asked in a confused tone.
“I'm the seventh element. The element of hatred. When Discord converted me two years ago, he made a seventh element unintentionally.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone.
“But if that's true then...no! Ah won't let ya do it!” Applebloom exclaimed and hugged Scootaloo tightly with tears streaming from her eyes.
“Applebloom. I love you with all my heart, but you and I both know this is the only way.” Scootaloo replied with tears streaming from her eyes now as well.
“No, ah won't let ya! We'll find another way! Ah promise! Don't throw ya life away! Who's gonna help meh raise Roseheart? Who's gonna be thar to comfort meh when ah'm feelin down?! Ah won't let you! Ah-” Applebloom exclaimed only to be cut off as the orange Pegasus locked lips with the farm pony in a long and passionate kiss that the farm pony found herself lost in until Scootaloo broke the kiss and looked at her with tears in her eyes.
“Applebloom...thank you....for everything. ” Scootaloo whispered in a soft tone and gave the farm pony a sudden swift hit the gut knocking the wind out of her and took off from the ground at Discord.
“Scootaloo! No!” Applebloom exclaimed between gasps as she held her stomach unable to get up at the moment as the orange Pegasus charged forward.
Hearing Applebloom's voice snapped the cyan blue Pegasus's attention to Scootaloo whom was flying strait at Discord at the moment. “Scoots, what the hay are you doing?! Get back here this instant!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone, tried to take off from the ground only to forgot she could no longer fly and hit the floor head first. “Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as tears of fear for her daughter's life streamed from her eyes.
“What the hay is goin on Applebloom?!” Applejack asked as she helped her little sister to her hooves.
“She's going to sacrifice herself! She went on this crazy rant about her being some consarned seventh element! Please stop her Applejack!” Applebloom exclaimed between sobs.
“Twilight, you gotta stop her! You are the only one who can!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she looked on.
Twilight overheard this and stared on in shock as for a brief moment in time Scootaloo looked right at her. As if by magic she found herself and Scootaloo standing in front of each other now.
“Please don't stop me Twilight. I have to do this. If I don't then Discord wins.” Scootaloo said in a soft tone.
“Why did it have to come to this? Why?! It's not fair! Applebloom needs you!” Twilight exclaimed as tears flowed from her eyes freely now.
“Somehow, I think you knew it would come to this. I think you knew what I was from the day you saw me in Canterlot castle.” Scootaloo replied with a saddened smile.
“I didn't want to believe it was true, I wanted to believe that there was another way.” Twilight replied between sobs now.
“But there isn't and we both know this. Take care of her Twilight. Take care of Applebloom and Roseheart.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone as she placed a hoof on Twilight's cheek.
In the next moment Scootaloo broke eye contact with Twilight as tears of sorrow flowed from her eyes.
“Twilight, what are you doing?! Stop her!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she ran over to Twilight and shook her violently.
“I...can't.” Twilight replied after a few moments.
“What do you mean you can't?! You have the magic! Just grab her with your magic! It's that easy!” Rainbow Dash shrieked again shaking Twilight even more so now.
“She's the seventh element. She knows this...and so do I.” Twilight replied in a soft tone at which point Rainbow Dash gave a panicked look over to her daughter whom was nearly upon him now then back to Twilight.
“I don't bucking care! Stop her! Do it now! Or so help me, I’ll kill you!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she shook Twilight violently more so now until she fell into her chest and began to sob loudly as Twilight wrapped a hoof around her and held her tightly.
“I'm sorry Rainbow...” Twilight said in a soft tone.
“Why didn't you tell me? Why?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between sobs.
“I wanted to believe there was another way. Believe me I did!” Twilight replied between sobs.
“It's not fair! After all I went through to get her back, I’m going to lose her forever! It's not fair, it's not fair!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she hit Twilight's chest with her hooves.
FLASHBACK
Sweetie Belle: To the citizens of Ponyville, for some time now, you've been reading this column to get the latest dirt and the hottest buzz. But this will be my final piece. We want to apologize for the pain and embarrassment we've caused.
Apple Bloom: Y'see, I'm actually three little fillies, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.
Scootaloo: As the popularity of our column grew, we got swept up in the hype. We knew that what we were doing didn't feel quite right, but we ignored the guilt because everypony seemed to want to read what we were writing.
Sweetie Belle: From now on, we promise to respect everypony else's privacy, and we won't engage in hurtful gossip any more.
Apple Bloom: All we can do is ask for your forgiveness, Ponyville. Signing off for the very last time, XOXO, Gabby Gums.
“What have we done?! Mah brother's acting like a grade-A goofball.” Applebloom said in a dismayed tone as she paced back and forth.
“Maybe we added too much rainbow.” Sweetie Belle suggested in an unsure tone as she scanned the contents of the book.
“Or maybe not enough cloud.” Scootaloo chimed in in a similar unsure tone.
“Or maybe...” Sweetie Belle began to say only to trail off as she read a part of the book. “Uh oh.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a worried tone.
“Whaddaya mean , uh-oh?!” Applebloom exclaimed as she looked over at the two.
“We might not have given Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee a love potion. We may have given them a love poison.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a dreading tone.
“What?!” Scootaloo and Applebloom exclaimed simultaneously.
--------------------------------------------------
Scootaloo looked behind herself then to her side then in front of herself again and noticed they had not yet made it to the wooden plank that lead to the clubhouse yet. “Get in the clubhouse!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point the three made a mad dash for the wooden plank stairs.
The zombies ponies then lunged at the two fillies however were bucked away by Scootaloo mid air allowing the two to get safely inside. “Get in here Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with the open still.
“Close the door! You'll be safe in there!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she bucked another zombie pony upside the head sending it crashing to the ground only for another to take it's place.
“But-But what about you?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed fearfully.
“I'll be fine! Close the door!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point Sweetie Belle slammed the club door shut. Moments later however Scootaloo was tackled to the ground and immediately dog-piled by the horde much to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom's horror.
“What's wrong?” Scootaloo asked in a concerned tone as placed a daisy slice on a slice of bread and handed it to the farm pony.
“It's this whole bein a momma thing. Everypony is sayin I should keep the foal instead of givin it up for adoption, but ah'm not cut out to be a full time momma. Ah'm barely into middle school for pony's sake.” Applebloom replied taking the sandwich in one hoof and proceeded to grab five more daisy slices before putting another slice of bread on top and taking a bite out of the sandwich.
“I can't say I know what you're going through, but I will be there with you the whole way. Whether be be as your best friend...” Scootaloo said trailing off before she leaned over and kissed Applebloom's cheek. “Or as something more.” Scootaloo said sporting a blush which Applebloom also shared.
“Ah can't even believe that less than two months ago we was behavin like a bunch of immature foals. Now look at us. Ah reckon we're almost behavin like full grown mares.” Applebloom remarked looking in thought as she said this.
“I know, crazy huh?” Scootaloo replied with a smirk taking a bite out of her own daisy sandwich now.
END FLASH BACK
“After all we've been through, the challenges we had to overcome to get to where we are today, it almost seems unfair to her for me to have to go like this, but this is the only way and deep down I know she understands this.” Scootaloo thought to herself as a silent tear streaked down her cheek but was lost in the wind as she snapped her head forward and stopped dead in front of the draconequus.
“Yo! Horns for brains! Hit me with your best shot!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she bucked him upside the head.
“If you so willing to give up your life, then I’ll be happy to take it!” Discord exclaimed with growl, pointed his lions paw at the orange Pegasus and fired a beam of red magic at her. In the exact moment the beam of magic hit her, Rainbow Dash and Applebloom could be heard shrieking the words “Noooo!” while the images of Scootaloo's life flashed before her eyes in a rapid sideshow as she felt the life drain from her body and knew no more....
PLAYLIST
(Play Rainbow Dash's Pain and Rage now)
Rainbow Dash bolted from Twilight before she could react, ran over to her daughter's body and lifted her up looking at her. “Come on Scoots, don't do this to me. Come back, please come back!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between sobs as she shook Scootaloo's body only to get no response from the filly. “No! Please don't do this to me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she held her tightly now sobbing loudly into her daughter's chest.
Rarity looked on at this and could not help but come to tears now herself. Yet this was not for the same reason as the others. Looking at Rainbow Dash now, how she was acting, how she was crying out. It was exactly how she acted when she lost her blood sister during the war. “Why didn't you stop her Twilight?! It didn't have to be this way!” Rarity exclaimed looking at the Alicorn with a glare now.
“As I said before, this was the only way...Scootaloo knew this.” Twilight replied wiping her nose only to barely dodge an attack by the draconequus. “Did you forget about me?” Discord said with a sneer.
Meanwhile Rainbow Dash continued to hold her daughter sobbing as memories of the times they had together flowed through her mind.
FLASHBACK
“Mom, watch this!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she performed an aerial somersault and landed on her feet.
Rainbow Dash smiled at her and clapped her hooves at the orange Pegasus's little performance. “Very Good Scoots. But you still got a long way to go if you want to be as good as me.” Rainbow Dash remarked with a grin.
“Oh come on! I'm learning as fast as I can! It's not like can get the hang of flying as fast as you did! Your special talent is flying fast, I don't know what mine is yet.” Scootaloo replied in a depressed tone at which point Rainbow Dash walked over to her and hugged her.
“Hey, don't worry about it scoots. You'll find your special talent one day, but you can't rush these things you know.” Rainbow Dash said in a soft yet comforting tone as she ran her right hoof through her mane.
“I know. I just can't wait to fly as fast as you do.” Scootaloo replied still sounding depressed despite Rainbow Dash's pep talk.
“Don't worry Scoots. That day will come and when it does you'll fly even faster than me.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile as she broke the hug and looked into her daughter's eyes.
“Really?!” Scootaloo asked her expression turning from depressed to excited.
“Oh yeah, you'll fly so fast the wonderbolts will even notice you.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk. Even though the cyan blue Pegasus didn't know this for a fact she was happy she was able to cheer her daughter up.
-------------------------------------------
That's it, good try scoots but I don't think your ready!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she put her hooves around the filly only to get pushed away.
“Give me a little longer! I know I can do it!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she continued to attempt to get leverage under her wings.
“You don't have a little longer! Now let me catch you before you end up killing yourself!” Rainbow Dash replied in a panicked tone as she attempted to put her hooves around her again. The ground was now dangerously close to the two and in a mere ten more seconds both of them would be roadside pizza on the ground.
Scootaloo however pushed her away again much to the cyan blue Pegasus's horror having no choice but to open her wings to slow herself. “Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash screamed in a horrified voice as the orange Pegasus continued to free fall before darting downward using her wings now to propel herself in order to catch the filly.
“Come on!” Scootaloo shouted as fear began to overwhelm her and really regretting not letting Rainbow Dash catch her as she saw the ground clearly now and knew she would hit it within the next five seconds.
“I'm not going to catch her in time!” Rainbow Dash thought horrified but continued to dart down just the same.
PHOOOSH!
A mere two seconds before impact Scootaloo gave a mighty beat of her wings and pulled up just in the nick of time feeling the grass on the ground scape her underside as she flew and landed safely on the ground a few moments later stumbling slightly as she placed all four hooves on the ground feeling her legs wobble and threaten to give way under her body from the amount of fear and adrenaline that was pulsing through her body at this point.
“What the heck were you thinking young filly?! You could have died! Don't you ever and I mean EVER push me away like that again! Do you hear me young filly?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in both fury and relief as she flew over to Scootaloo and hugged her tightly kissing her forehead multiple times and hugging her in rapid intervals as tears flooded from her eyes.
“Sorry mom, but I did it! I actually flew on my own!” Scootaloo replied finally able to keep her legs from shaking uncontrollably.
“Yes, you did. Where in Equestria did you get such a reckless streak? Good grief filly...” Rainbow Dash replied and hugged her once more as she felt her fury and worry be replaced with pride.
“I got it from you.” Scootaloo replied with a cheesy grin causing the cyan blue Pegasus to stop hugging her and blush furiously from embarrassment knowing that she did some pretty crazy things on a daily bases during her trick practice with Scootaloo watching.
“I need to be a better role model...” Rainbow Dash said in a dismal tone after a few moments facehoofing as she said this and few moments later both Pegasus broke into laughter.
END FLASHBACK
Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha.....
Rainbow Dash looked up at Discord whom now was laughing manically as he fought the others still holding her daughter as tears continued to flow from her eyes but now her expression was slowly changing from sadness to anger as she continued to look on at him.
Slowly now as she continued to watch the fight unfold her pain was slowly at first being replaced by an unspeakable rage. Memories of the times she had with her daughter seemed to flash before her eyes now which fueled this unspeakable rage. “You took her away from me...” Rainbow Dash said in a low tone that could not be heard over the roar of battle.
Watch this mommy!
“You took away the purpose to my life...” Rainbow Dash said in the same low tone as her rage was nearing it breaking point now as her mane and tail began to slowly flail now.
No matter what happens Scoots. I will never let anything happen to you.
“You murdered her without a second thought...” Rainbow Dash said as her mane and tail flailed even faster now.
I love you mom!
“You have no heart....” Rainbow Dash said as her mane and tail flailed even faster now.
I love you too Scootaloo. No matter what happens, you will always be my daughter...
DISCOOOOOOOOOOOOORD!!!
Rainbow Dash roared at the top of her lungs, tears flailing to to the wind, as her tail and mane flailed wildly now as magic began streak a crossed her body at random intervals.
Applejack was able to ready to buck the draconequus upside the head when in a blur Rainbow Dash appeared and struck Discord which sent the draconequus flying back.
“Holy horseapples covered in caramel!” Applejack exclaimed in shock as Rainbow Dash struck Discord, disappeared in a blur seemingly, and reappeared behind him and struck him again.
The six ponies could only watch slack jawed as Rainbow Dash moved at blinding speeds beating the draconequus around as if he was in a pinball machine.
“She's plum lost her lid just like Fluttershy does!” Applejack remarked in shock at this spectacle.
“Beating the snot out of him won't defeat him! We need to use the elements of harmony on him!” Twilight exclaimed in annoyance yet concern of Rainbow Dash's attacks.
“No, it's worse than that.” Fluttershy remarked looking at Rainbow Dash's actions.
“What do you mean darling? She's just doing what you did when you lost your temper.” Rarity replied in a confused tone.
“No, you don't get it! I can tell! When I lost it, at least my was able to track it's limit!” Fluttershy exclaimed in annoyance.
“Wait, what are you saying Fluttershy? Isn't this just like you?” Twilight asked in a concerned tone.
“During the war, I was told how my gift worked. Look at the magic streaking a crossed her body. Does it look anything like mine?” Fluttershy asked pointing a hoof at Rainbow Dash.
“Now that ya mention it, it does look a might different.” Applejack remarked in a concerned tone.
“It looks dark, unlike Fluttershy who's magic which reflected her fur color.” Twilight remarked feeling a sense of dread coming on now as she looked on.
“My gift is fueled by my rage, but I lose all sense of reality when this happens. I had this gift naturally, but Rainbow, she taught herself by watching me. She's never fully lost it like this before. Unlike me, she was able to control it.” Fluttershy said looking at Rainbow Dash now looking more worried by the second now.
“So in other words?” Pinkie Pie asked still not getting the big picture.
“So in other words, her body doesn't know it's own limit! She does, but her body doesn't! And if she..umm..goes on long enough...” Fluttershy said trailing off now.
“She'll kill herself...” Twilight said finishing Fluttershy's sentence for her as the world seemed to slow down now upon this realization which filled her with fear for Rainbow Dash's life.
“Somepony needs to talk to her, bring her back to her senses!” Rarity exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“Fluttershy, how were you brought back to your senses?” Twilight asked in an urgent tone.
“We gotta try!” Applejack exclaimed as she ran forward and began to call out to her lover.
Welcome Scootaloo...
“Where am I?” Scootaloo asked in a confused tone as she looked about herself. She was in a white room that seemed to stretch endlessly with a black mare standing in front of her several feet away next to two large doors.
That depends on you really. For many ponies, this is known as limbo. The realm between the afterlife and the living world.
“So I'm dead?” Scootaloo asked in a soft tone her voice cracking.
Yes, you are dead.
“So why am I here?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
Your life was as the higher powers call it”A special case” which means that you have choice. You can either return to the world of the living or cross over.
“You mean I can become alive again? But as long as I’m alive Discord is invincible. I represent the element of hatred.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone.
You mean that foul looking thing that went through these doors moments before you appeared here? No, you no longer represent the element of hatred. You ceased to be it when Discord murdered you himself. But you see, you did give your life. It would be anti-climatic to go back now wouldn't it?
“Maybe...”Scootaloo replied in a thoughtful tone.
You lived a good life and you did a lot of good. You should rest.
“Yeah, they will be fine without me.” Scootaloo replied to the black mare and began to walk towards the door when suddenly Applebloom appeared for a brief moment in front of her.
“Please Scootaloo! Ah know your still in there! Come back to us! Ya momma needs ya!” Applebloom exclaimed with a teary expression before she faded away.
“Mom needs me?” Scootaloo remarked in a thoughtful tone.
Interesting, so that's the pony with the element of love. It seems she holds a special bond with you to be able to reach you on this plane of existence...
The Black mare's voice remarked with a curious look.
“Yeah, she was special to me alright...” Scootaloo replied with a sigh. For some reason the mare's words had an effect on her she couldn't explain. When she saw Applebloom she suddenly wanted to go back but upon hearing the mare's words the feeling vanished.
Come now, it's time to cross over. Let mortal affairs handle themselves.
The black mare's voice said in a soft tone
“Yeah, I guess you're right...” Scootaloo replied and began to walk towards the doors again only for a black figure to appear in front of her but it wasn't the mare rather it was an Alicorn.
“Scootaloo! Do no listen to this mare! She feels nothing! The only thing that matters to her is making deals with unicorns who are able to appear in this plane of existence to strike deals with her and sending souls to the afterlife . Whether they are ready to or not.” The Alicorn remarked flashing the black mare a glare.
How dare you interfere Luna! You have no power here! The higher powers will punish you severely for this!
The mare's voice echoed in an angry tone.
“Perhaps, but I will not allow you to use your power over souls to convince a pony who's time has not yet come to cross over.” Luna replied still glaring then looked at Scootaloo again.
“So you are dead too?” Scootaloo replied looking up at her.
“Yes, but because of what I have done in life I was given special privileges. Scootaloo, listen to me. Your mother needs you right now. She is consumed with grief and rage over your death and you are the only one who can reach her now. If you do not, then I fear she will be the next pony to walk through these doors.” Luna replied in a concerned tone.
Upon hearing Luna's words she suddenly felt her concern and worry for her mother return ten fold as her eyes snapped wide open. “Mom! How do I get back to her Luna?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a worried tone.
Discord let out a pained cry as Rainbow Dash struck him in the chest and sent flying back. “This isn't like before, she's acting just as that Yellow Pegasus did before yet...something is different. It's as if she isn't weakening or nearing any type of limit.” Discord thought to himself moments before Rainbow Dash appeared right in his face.
As he looked into her eyes the draconequus could see tears still flowing from them yet despite this the same unspeakable rage Fluttershy held in them. Mere seconds after he looked into her eyes the next thing he saw was a hoof to the skull which made him see stars as he was sent flying back.
“Rainbow! Come on! It meh, Applejack! Ah know your in thar! Come back to meh!” Applejack exclaimed as loud as she could yet despite her pleas, Rainbow Dash seemingly could not hear her.
“This is bad, very bad! If she goes on any longer like this...” Twilight said looking at Rainbow Dash feeling worried yet pissed off at herself for not knowing what to do.
Meanwhile Applebloom continued to sob over Scootaloo's body unknowing of her eyes suddenly snapping wide open. “Please come back...ah can't live without ya...” Applebloom said between sobs then let out a startled gasp as she felt Scootaloo sit upright and looked at her.
“Heya, Applebloom.” Scootaloo said with a smile and promptly tackled and hugged by the farm pony as tears of joy flowed from her eyes.
“Ah knew ya would come back! Ah knew it!” Applebloom exclaimed between sobs of joy now and locked lips with the orange Pegasus in a long and Passionate kiss. The sudden cry of rage from Rainbow Dash jolted the two from their loving embrace however and looked over at Rainbow Dash.
“I've gotta reach her.” Scootaloo said in a soft tone as she stood up and took off from the ground.
Just as Rainbow Dash was able to strike Discord again Scootaloo appeared in front of her which caused Rainbow Dash to let out a startled gasp. “Scootaloo, you're alive?” Rainbow Dash said in soft tone her voice cracking as she spoke and would have fallen out of the air if it were not for Scootaloo catching her.
“Yeah, sorry I worried you mom.” Scootaloo replied in the same soft tone as she flew over and hugged her mother tightly at which point Rainbow Dash's mane and tail stopped flailing wildly as she sobbed into her daughter's arms.
“I thought I lost you forever...” Rainbow Dash remarked between sobs of joy now.
“Scootaloo? You're alive?” Discord remarked in shock as he regained his bearings feeling his wounds heal quickly due to his magical power.
“Yeah, not even you can kill me, horns for brains.” Scootaloo replied flashing the draconequus a glare.
“I will rectify that statement now!” Discord exclaimed as he thrust his claw hand forward at the two.
“No!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she whirled Scootaloo around and flung her away expecting to be impaled moments later only for a loud clinging sound to echo throughout the room.
The cyan blue Pegasus opened her eyes to see she was now being held by Gina. “G-Gina?” Rainbow Dash remarked in a shocked tone then gasped in horror as blood could be seen dripping from her back.
“Dragon scales come in handy...” Gina remarked in a pained tone then let out a cry of pain as Discord retracted his claw hand at which point Gina and Rainbow Dash fell to the ground with the purple Pegasus taking the brunt of the fall.
“Gina, no!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she recovered from the sudden throw from her mother having seen what had just happened.
“Humph! Filthy halfbreed.” Discord remarked in an annoyed tone as he flung blood off the tips of his claw hand. Her hard scales had stopped his attack which had only allowed the tips of his claws to price her body but could go no farther.
“I-I'll be fine. My dragon half heals me fast.” Gina replied in a pained tone as Scootaloo rushed over to her.
“Are you sure?” Scootaloo remarked in a worried tone as she looked over her.
“Yeah, just let me..sleep.” Gina replied and passed out.
“Gina? Talk to me!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“She'll be fine Scootaloo. Sleeping is how dragons heal their wounds.” Twilight chimed in as she lifted Gina up with her magic and laid her down behind her.
“You sure?” Scootaloo asked in a worried tone.
“Yeah, she'll be fine.” Twilight replied with a smile which vanished as she saw that Discord was preparing to fire a beam of magic at the two, disappeared in a flash of magic, and reappeared used her wings as a shield to block the draconequus spell. “Nice try Merrick! It's over! Your last defense is gone!” Twilight exclaimed as she deflected the magic with her wings and glared at him.
(Play” The power of love” now)
“As if! I am invincible! Your elements of harmony didn't defeat me even after my elements were destroyed!” Discord countered with a sneer.
“Wrong! You destroyed your last defense yourself when you killed Scootaloo!” Twilight countered with a grin as she nodded to the other six whom began to focus on their elements once again and began to float up.
“But she's alive! So that means I am still invincible!” Discord retorted even though he sounded less confident than before now.
“Wrong again, horns for brains! When you killed me, you killed your element, but not me! And now you have no defense!” Scootaloo replied with a cocky grin.
“No! I won't be defeated! I refuse to!” Discord roared as he fired a beam of magic at the seven which seemed to be nullified upon hitting them. He then looked again and didn't know if his eyes were playing tricks on him or what, but now instead of the seven ponies, he saw Celestia and Luna before him.
“You will never defeat me!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as he used both his lions paw and claw hand now to pummel the seven as their own beam of rainbow colored magic shot forth and immediately began to overpower his own magic.
“You've lost Discord! You will never harm ponies again!” Twilight exclaimed at which point the magical rainbow light intensified ten fold, blew the draconequus's magic away like nothing, and engulfed him in it's light.
“Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as his body began to turn to stone from the foot up until his cry of horror was abruptly cut off by his head turning to stone at which point his statue fell to the side on the ground.
Upon Discord's statue hitting the ground however the cave around them began to rumble violently. “The cave is collapsing! Lets get out of here!” Twilight exclaimed as the seven ponies began to run for the exit to the room while Twilight carried Gina with her magic.
Applebloom looked behind herself just in time to see a large rock come crashing down over Discord's statue crushing it to fragments at which point she recoiled, snapping her eyes shut as she did so. “Ah tried to save ya Merrick. Ya could of done good with ya power...now we will never know how ya coulda been...” Applebloom thought to herself in a sad tone as she followed the others.
The group managed to get out safely just as the cave behind them collapsed completely leaving no way back in or out.
“Finally, he's gone. Now Equestria will be safe again and the ponies will return to normal.” Twilight remarked with a smile at the other seven whom all returned the smile except for Applejack whom was looking up at the sky.
“Ah don't mean to beh raining on y'all parade, but if Discord's been defeated, why are those consarned cotton candy clouds still in the sky?” Applejack remarked in a confused tone at which point everypony looked up and gasped.
“This doesn't make sense! With Discord gone, his power should have vanished!” Twilight exclaimed in a confused tone.
“Who the heck could still have the power to keep Discord's magic still working?” Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone.
In the next moment however they got their answer as they suddenly found themselves tied down and unable to move on the ground.
“What the hay?!” Applejack exclaimed in confusion and shock.
“You may have defeated my daddy, but as long as I am still here. His legacy will live on!” A pink mare exclaimed as she stepped forward.
“How did you tie us up with magic when you aren't a unicorn!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger.
“Weren't you listening? I'm Discord's daughter. So of course I can use his magic.” The pink mare replied with a smirk.
HUH?!
Sweetie Belle was sleeping soundly along side of Spike when suddenly her eyes snapped open with a sense of worry and dread. “Pinkie Pie!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a worried tone.
“Hmm?” Spike asked as he sat up next to her.
“It's Pinkie Pie. Something is wrong. She's being restrained at the moment, I can feel it.” Sweetie Belle replied in a soft tone.
“Maybe that's just you're just tired after the fun time we had?” Spike remarked with a grin.
“Grow the buck up Spike.” Sweetie Belle replied sourly as she got out of the bed, used her magic to tidy up her mane and fur, and rushed down stairs.
“Hey, where are you going?” Spike called down to her just before she ran out the door.
“Weren't you listening? Pinkie Pie is in trouble! I've got to go to her!” Sweetie Belle replied and ran out the door closing it behind her.
“And they said it was the males who have a habit of running off after getting laid.” Spike remarked with an eye-roll gesture and a sigh.
I just hope my magic has recovered enough to do anything...
“Now then, who shall be the first to die?” Screwball said with a malicious grin as she paced back and forth as zombie ponies stood still watching her move.
“Twi, can't ya use your magic to break these ropes?” Applejack whispered to the Alicorn.
“Don't you think I haven't tried? These ropes seem to render me unable to use magic.” Twilight whispered back.
“How about...you! ” Screwball said with a cruel grin as she stared directly at Twilight now.
“Why do I feel a sense of deja-vu?” Twilight thought to herself dismally recalling the same line being said by Trixie.
Twilight then felt the ropes around her fade away at which point she jumped up and tried to use her magic only to be still unable to do so.
“Ah,ah,ah! No magic now. I figured I’d give you a sporting chance to fight for your life, but magic is just cheating.” Screwball remarked with a smirk.
“Says the mare who has us tied down with magical ropes...” Rainbow Dash remarked in a sarcastic tone unknown to the pink mare.
“Fine, I don't need my magic to kick your flank.” Twilight replied as she narrowed her eyes at the mare.
“Oh, i'm sorry. Did you think you would be fighting me? How silly of me! Ha,ha,ha!” Screwball replied with a light laugh before pointing a hoof forward at which point the zombie ponies began to pace towards the Alicorn. “You will be fighting them .” Screwball said with a sneer.
“Consarn it all! She knows Twilight will never kill those innocent ponies! She's fightin a losin battle!” Applejack exclaimed in a pissed off tone.
“Coward! Fight her yourself!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed trying to fight against the magical ropes now even more than ever but making no progress.
Twilight looked about herself now as the horde began to close in on her. “If I can clear a path to Screwball, I should be able to take her out and put an end to this.” Twilight thought to herself and began to buck at zombie ponies in an attempt to clear a path to the pink mare.
Just as she had managed to clear a path Screwball gave a startled expression as the Alicorn lunged at her only to be tackled away by a zombie pony who had lunged at her from the right. “Clever work Twilight Sparkle, you planned to clear a path directly to me. Sadly though it fell though. My servants would never let a lowly creature such as yourself lay a hoof on me. And now, the real fun begins...” Screwball said as her expression turned from a smirk to a evil glare as zombie ponies began to pile onto the Alicorn.
“Twilight!” the others shouted nearly in unison now as they struggled against their ropes but to no avail.
Applebloom and Scootaloo then found themselves suddenly unbound and looked to see Sweetie Belle making a hushing gesture to which they caught on. Applebloom and Scootaloo slowly crept up on Screwball and without warning lunged at her only to be blocked by two zombie ponies.
“How did you two-?!” Screwball exclaimed then snapped her gaze over to Sweetie Belle who was attempting to free Rainbow Dash now, lifted her up via magic and chucked her over next to Scootaloo and Applebloom. The horde that was piling on Twilight at the moment then got off her and charged at the three.
“Fine, if you three wish to go first, I can delay Twilight's execution a little longer.” Screwball said with a smirk as the Alicorn suddenly found herself tied up once again and flung over next to her five friends.
“You okay Twi?” Applejack asked in a whisper.
“Yeah, if Sweetie Belle hadn't jumped in when she did though, I’m not so sure I would be though.” Twilight replied in the same whisper.
“Ya don't stand a chance!” Applebloom exclaimed as her element glowed brightly which caused the hordes around her to suddenly stop behaving like zombie ponies and act like themselves again.
“How did-?! That element!” Screwball exclaimed with a glare.
“Unless you want to lose the rest of your minions, I suggest you face us head on Screwball.” Scootaloo said with a cocky grin.
“Fine, i'll get my hooves dirty. By the time your pathetic lives come to an end though, you will wish you hadn't challenged me directly!” Screwball exclaimed as she paced back and forth waiting for them to make the first move.
(Play “PonE-Sharp vs. Eurobeat Brony - The Crusade Begins” now)
Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle now looked at each other, each wearing confident smiles. “We ready to kick some flank crusaders?” Scootaloo asked with a grin.
“Ah was born ready!” Applebloom exclaimed with a grin.
“Lets do this!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with a grin.
“Sweetie Belle! Use my element!” Rarity exclaimed as she flung it from her next at the unicorn filly who turned to see it latch around neck as if by magic.
“Scoots! Take mine as well!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she flung hers as well towards her daughter.
“What a laugh! Only those to represent it's attribute can wield the elements of harmony!” Screwball exclaimed with a laugh only to gasp in shock as the elements began to immediately respond and glow around Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's necks.
“They did! When Sweetie Belle threw herself in the way of Discord's dagger to protect Roseheart. She displayed the element of generosity by offering her life in exchange for Roseheart's!” Rarity exclaimed in a triumphant tone.
“Scootaloo displayed the element of Loyalty to her friends when sacrificed herself selflessly in order to defeat Discord!” Rainbow Dash chimed in with an equal smile to Twilight who now was smiling as well.
Upon hearing this Screwball scowled in fury but resumed her composure with the same sneer. “Element of no element, they still have no chance against me!” Screwball exclaimed and charged at the three.
Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle looked over at Screwball charging at them then back to each other and knew what each other was thinking.
CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, EVIL PONY FLANK KICKERS! YEAH!
The three shouted simultaneously, high five each other, and jumped in the opposite direction of each other at the last moment caused Screwball to charge forward and miss only to turn about and attack Applebloom directly.
However just as she reached the farm pony Sweetie Belle stood right in front of her way and used her magic as a shield to stop her directly in her tracks and moments later Scootaloo came at her from the air with a mid-air buck which knocked the pink back backward, but recovered only to see Applebloom charging forward with a follow up buck sending her flying backward even more so now.
“Holy horseapples! It's like they know what each other is thinkin!” Applejack exclaimed in shock as the cutie mark crusaders acted and seemed to feed off each others movements against Screwball.
“It doesn't surprise me actually. Those three have always been very close. It's only natural that they would have a bond like that.” Twilight replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
Screwball struck at Scootaloo who used her wings as a shield now, but since she wasn't an Alicorn she could only stave her off so much, however Applebloom at the precise moment Screwball's hoof connected with Scootaloo's wings could be seen using Scootaloo's shoulders as a springboard to jump beside her at which point Sweetie Belle was on the other side and in the next moment Scootaloo flung her wings forward knocking Screwball off balance only to see the three turn about five and buck her from three sides simultaneously effectively causing the pink mare to see little fillies dancing around her head for a few moments before she shook her head and growled fiercely at them.
“Enough of this nonsense!” Screwball roared as a burst of magic erupted from around her which sent all three fillies flying in the opposite direction.
The turn in events caused the six to give panicked looks as the three managed to recover but were clearly weakened.
“Any more bright ideas?” Scootaloo asked in a dazed tone as she walked up to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom who looked about as dazed she was while Screwball once again began to pace back and forth waiting for them to make their next move.
“Maybe, we can try to talk sense into her?” Applebloom suggested curiously.
“Okay, so who's gonna be crazy enough try to do that?” Sweetie Belle asked in a skeptic tone.
“Hoof, tail, mane?” Scootaloo suggested to which her and Applebloom immediately began to play their little game which ended with Scootaloo's hoof beating Applebloom's tail.
“Horseapples...” Applebloom remarked in an dreading tone and turned to face the pink mare.
“So umm, Screwball. Are ya sure this is what ya want? Ah mean, ya don't have to be the evil one here. We could all be-” Applebloom began to say only to get a buck to the face which sent her flying back into a skid right in between Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.
“Any other bright ideas?” Applebloom asked in a dazed tone as her eyes swirled until she was helped up by the two.
“Hmm, I got nothin.” Scootaloo replied with a shrug gesture.
“If you two are done with your little chat, perhaps we could get back to the part where I kill you and then your pathetic friends.” Screwball remarked as she paced back and forth which caused the three to look over at her with the same glare on each of their faces.
“If there's one thing I do know, she's the one who tried to covert me into one of her slaves.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a low tone to which the others narrowed their eyes at Screwball.
“No more miss nice Cutie mark crusaders then!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a glare at which point the three charged at her.
However as the three charged forward Sweetie Belle was tripped by Screwball with a hoof to her neck which caused the two to freeze and stare. “Your elements, toss them!” Screwball exclaimed in a demanding tone.
Scootaloo and Applebloom stared on for a few moments before they reluctantly tossed them from their necks and to the ground a good distance away only for Screwball to laugh evilly. “Pity, if you had continued to charge head on despite your friends life being in danger, you could have defeated me with your elements. Now your fate, will be hers!” Screwball exclaimed as she swiftly rose her hoof up in preparation to strike down to the horror of Scootaloo and Applebloom only to suddenly be shot back by a mighty buck.
“Who dares?!” Screwball exclaimed with a glare as she looked about herself and saw her. “Hello mother...” Screwball said a few moments with a glare.
“Enough of this Screwball! Discord is gone!” Screw Loose exclaimed with a glare.
“Just because daddy kicked the bucket doesn't mean I can't carry on his fine work.” Screwball replied with a sneer as she paced around her mother.
“Celestia damn to me to Tartarus for even fooling with that draconequus! The only good that came from it was you!” Screw Loose exclaimed as she paced back and forth.
“Who cares what you think mother. Just like daddy, we are gods among insects. Only I didn't go insane and start barking like a wild dog. How did you regain your sanity anyways?” Screwball asked with a cruel sneer.
“My sanity was lost the day I thought you were dead. For two thousand years I went insane, then Discord came back. That's when something in me snapped me back to reality. If Discord was back, so were you. At least that's what I told myself to keep myself sane.” Screw Loose replied as she paced back and forth not taking her eyes off her daughter.
“Well guess what mother, I haven't been dead, I’ve just been sleeping, just like daddy did. When he came back for the third time so did I. So how about you stop being a miss goody two hooves and rule this new world with me.” Screwball replied with a sneer as she extended a hoof to her mother.
“Perhaps you really are dead. The Screwball I raised would never tolerate a world in this state.” Screw Loose replied and let out a sigh as she looked at Twilight and her friends.
Upon looking at them, the binds around them vanished much to Screwball's rage. “What do you think you are doing mother?!” Screwball exclaimed in a hostile tone.
“Fixing a mistake I made over two thousand years ago!” Screw Loose exclaimed as she began to glow brightly.
“What are you doing? Stop it!” Screwball exclaimed as she began to glow as well.
“Twilight Sparkle and friends, I am grateful to you for your efforts to save my daughter and Merrick. Believe me when I say he was not always like you saw.
“Ah know, I sensed it in him when we fought for some time...he only wanted to be loved. What are ya goin to do?” Applebloom asked as Screw Loose floated up along with Screwball whom could only flail in defiance in vainly.
“I am removing any last trace of his power in this world by removing me and my daughter from existence! Take care and thank you!” Screw Loose exclaimed and in a blinding flash of light her and Screwball vanished without a trace at which point the cotton candy clouds vanished and the world reverted back to normal within seconds.
“Did we just win?” Rainbow Dash asked in a confused tone.
“Sure as hay don't feel like it though.” Applejack replied as they looked around themselves.
“We have damage control to do. Come on, lets go see if everypony is okay.” Twilight replied at which point the others nodded and followed her.
FIVE YEARS LATER...
A orange Pegasus came trotting into carousel boutique along with a orange mare with a cowboy hat on.
“So, how are you two newly weds doing?” Rarity asked with a smile.
“Ah reckon we are doin alright. Right honeh?” Applebloom said with a proud smile as she nuzzled Scootaloo affectionately who returned the gesture with her own.
“Yeah, things are going great. Roseheart's just gone in for her first year of grade school.” Scootaloo chimed in with a equally proud smile.
“That's great to hear darlings. How's that hard headed Pegasus doing?” Rarity asked with a smile.
“Mom is just as hard headed as ever. She brags that she the fastest runner her Equestria now instead of flier.
“Well as long as she is coping with her condition then I suppose it's for the best.” Rarity replied and let out a sigh.
“You should go visit Twilight. I'm sure she would like to see you again.” Scootaloo said in a suggesting tone.
“Oh I simply couldn't. She's far too busy now at days as you both know. But I must admit, without her around the rest of us have had a bit of a falling out with one another.” Rarity remarked with a sigh.
“Oh! Ah almost forgot! This is for you.” Applebloom said with a smile and placed a piece of paper on the table to which Rarity lifted with magic and read.
Twilight Sparkle cordially invites you to the fifth annal grand galloping gala in honor of Princess Celestia.
Rarity placed the piece of paper on the table and smile. “Honestly, she still hasn't taken to her role yet?” Rarity remarked with a smirk. “Now where is that sister of mine? Sweetie Belle!” Rarity called out.
“Give me a few minuets here!” Sweetie Belle called from upstairs.
“Her memory still hazy?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
“Yes, she says that she remembers being apart of the fight against Discord and Nightmare Moon, but she still says she can't recall why or how.” Rarity replied and let out yet another sigh.
“Ah guess she really did give all her memories of herself as Selena to the keeper of souls in exchange for Fluttershy's life.” Applebloom remarked looking up at the stairs as the door began to open.
“I think it's for the best though. Now she can live her own life without worrying about living in the shadow of another.” Scootaloo chimed in as Sweetie Belle slowly took steps down the stairs along side of spike who was helping her down the stairs.
“Now careful darling, I wouldn't want anything to happen to my unborn niece now.” Rarity remarked as Sweetie Belle nearly tripped only to be caught by Spike.
“Don't worry Rarity, I would never let anything happen to her.” Spike said with a cocky grin.
“Ah certainly hope not! Course ah can't speak for the package she's carryin in her belly thanks to ya!” Applebloom exclaimed with a grin to which Spike's eyes lit up at the sight of Scootaloo and Applebloom.
“Scootaloo, Applebloom, good to see you two!” Spike exclaimed with a warm smile.
“Back at ya.” Applebloom replied with a similar warm smile.
Sweetie Belle managed to make it to the bottom of the stairs and walked over to Rarity now. “You best have a good reason for calling me down here. Those stairs are a pain in the flank to walk up and down!” Sweetie Belle remarked in an annoyed tone at which point Applebloom giggled.
“Ah remember how much of a pain it was for meh so ah feel ya on that one Sweetie Belle.” Applebloom said with a knowing look and a smile.
“Sure, but at least we aren't trying to hide it from everypony like you did.” Sweetie Belle replied with a grin of here own.
“Yeah, yeah. No need to bring back those stinkin memories now.” Applebloom retorted in a sour tone but managed to keep her lighthearted expression on her face.
“Well, we have been invited to the fifth grand galloping gala by Twilight.” Rarity replied to which Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up.
“Alright! It's been forever since I last saw her. I wonder if she'll still recognize me?” Sweetie Belle remarked thoughtfully aloud.
“Oh I’m sure she will. After all her and Spike keep in contact quite often from what I understand.” Rarity replied looking at Spike.
“Yeah, but since she took on her new role she's only been able to send me a letter once a month now at days.” Spike replied with a slight frown.
“Well, we have a week or so till the gala, Scootaloo would be so kind as to round up the gang so I can design dresses for them?” Rarity asked with a smile.
“No problem there! I'll be back in ten,Seconds, Flat!” Scootaloo exclaimed and sped out the front door so fast one could have sword she left a purple and orange streak in her wake.
“Ah swear, she still acts like her momma. Bit annoyin at times really.” Applebloom remarked with a facehoofing gesture.
ONE WEEK LATER...
Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom now stood inside the castle in Canterlot watching as ponies filed in and began to mingle with one other.
“So where ya reckon the bookworm is?” Applejack asked in a whisper.
“Ten bits says the royal library.” Rainbow Dash replied in the same whisper.
“Ya got a bet.” Applejack replied with a smirk.
It soon became apparent however that Twilight was in fact greeting guests as the others made their way in. “Twilight!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she charged forward to greet the Alicorn.
“Ha, ya owe meh ten bits.” Applejack said with a smirk.
“Alright, I’ll just take it from our rainy day funds when we get back to the farm.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk.
“Now that just cheatin...” Applejack remarked with a smirk of her own.
Scootaloo however was halted as guard ponies stood between her and Twilight only for the Alicorn to snap them to the side. “Lay off you guys, these are my friends!” Twilight exclaimed in an annoyed tone allowing the Pegasus to tackle and hug her.
“Of course, Princess.” One of the guard ponies replied and resumed their position.
“For the last time, call me Twilight. Ugh, the whole princess title really doesn't suit me.” Twilight replied in an annoyed tone with a facehoof gesture as she spoke to the guard then looked to her friends. “So lets go to donut joes and hang out. Hows that sound?” Twilight suggested with a smile.
“Anythin you say Twi.” Applejack replied with a smile.
“B-But Princess! Who will greet the guests? It's custom for the princess to great ponies as they enter!” One of the guard ponies exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“You do it then, I'm going to spend time with my friends!” Twilight called out without looking back to which the guard pony looked at the huge line and gulped.
“Me and my big mouth...” The guard pony remarked with a groan.
“I can't believe you mares. You really haven't been talking to one another without me around?” Twilight remarked in a disapproving tone.
“It's not like we haven't tried. It's just without your organizing skills, we never seem to be able to make time to hang out like the old days.” Rainbow Dash replied defensively to which the others nodded in agreement.
“You mares are hopeless.” Twilight remarked at which point they all burst into spontaneous laughter. “Well as your Princess, I hereby decree you all to make time to spend with one another.” Twilight followed up with a smirk.
“Whoa nelly y'all, we just got a royal order from the princess.” Applejack said in a mock intimated tone with a mischievous grin.
“Now she decided to act like a princess.” Rainbow Dash chimed in with an equally mischievous grin to which everypony began to burst out laughing anew.
“Lay off you guys, I'm still adjusting to this whole Princess thing!” Twilight exclaimed defensively.
“Three years as ruler of all Equestria and you still haven't fully adjusted darling?” Rarity managed to get out and stop laughing.
“Well if somepony would have kept their mouth shut, I wouldn't be in this spot anyways and be able to be with you guys.” Twilight remarked flashing a glare at Spike who gave a sheepish smile.
“Well, if he hadn't, then who would rule Equestria? Sweetie Belle countered to which the others nodded in agreement.
“I agree with my little sister on this. You are doing a splendid job darling.” Rarity chimed in with a smile to which the others once again nodded in agreement.
“At least you guys think so. But you guys don't have to deal with the royal advisers breathing down your neck everyday.” Twilight remarked in an annoyed tone then looked over to the royal garden which could be seen outside to a statue. “I wish she was here. She would know what to do most days.” Twilight remarked thoughtfully aloud at which point Rarity placed a hoof on hers and smiled as Twilight turned to look at her.
“Darling, if Princess Celestia were here right now, I have no doubt in my mind that she would be very proud of you.” Rarity said in a reassuring tone to which Twilight gave a soft smile.
“Yeah, your doing a bang up job of keepin Equestria in order Twi.” Applejack chimed in to which the others agreed.
“I just hope Discord's curse is lifted one day from her.” Twilight replied with a sigh.
“Oh it will darling, and when it does you'll be here to great her with open wings and hooves.” Rarity replied with a smile.
“Hey, donut joe! Another round of your special!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a grin at which point the eight spent the night chatting away of the times that they had and what they had planned while outside a small scroll lay on a statue of an Alicorn protected and held their by magic...
Dear Princess Celestia,
I write to you for the last time about the lessons I have learned about the magic of friendship. Today I learned that even when things look their worst and when you think that you are alone, your true friends will always be there to remind you that no matter what challenges a pony may face, they can always turn to their friends for help and they will be there for them no matter what happens. I have learned all I can about the magic of friendship and I think it is time I start to move on to learning about something new. From here on out, I will be studying the magic of love and what power it holds in those who share it with one another.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle
P.S. Thank you for everything aunt Celestia. You truly were like a second mother to me and I hope the day you read this you know that when you are free from Discord's curse I will be here to greet you with open wings and be happy to have you rule at my side just as my mother did before me.
Your loving niece,
Twilight Sparkle
XOXOXO
A FILLY'S TALE
Dashy's new roomate
It was early morning in Ponyville and all the little fillies of Ponyville were waking up to get ready for the first day of class at the start of the new school year. By the time the school bell rang every pony was in the classroom waiting for miss Cheerilee to begin her morning class. That is...except for a single filly who came rushing in five minuets after the bell rang.
“Sorry i'm late Miss Cheerilee.” The orange Pegasus said in a brisk voice as she sat down in her seat.
“That's okay Scootaloo. At least you made it here, and that says you are willing to learn.” Miss Cheerilee replied with a smile and began to write something on the black board.
Three hours later the bell rang which signaled it was recess for the fillies whom at the sound of the bell nearly trampled each other to get to the playground.
“First day of school this year and that blank flank is still running late just about every other day.” Diamond Tiara said in her usual snooty tone to Silver spoon as Scootaloo walked past them.
“I know, doesn't her mom ever wake her up on time?” Silver spoon replied in the same snooty manner.
“Maybe her mom was drinking too much apple beer the night before.” Diamond Tiara replied with a snicker.
“I always wondered why a Pegasus pony was in a school in Ponyville anyways. Shouldn't be in like flight school right now or something?” Silver spoon replied with a snicker of her own.
Scootaloo however ignored the two bullies as she strode past them and to the swing set, sat down and began to flutter her small wings to give herself a boost as she began to swing herself back and forth. Speaking as Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were in the afternoon class she had no friends to play with until late in the afternoon. Scootaloo picked up a great deal of speed now on the swing set no longer having to use her wings to keep her moving she was moving back and forth fairly fast now. She loved the swing set more than anything in the playground. With each swing forward she could feel the wind blowing a crossed her face and through her hair. It almost felt like she was flying to her which was more than enough reason for the young Pegasus to love the swing-set more than anything.
The day seem to crawl by but soon she was out of school and was waiting on Sweetie Belle and Applebloom to get out of school so she could play with her friends. Fortunately for her it didn't take as long as she thought it would feel for her friends to come charging down to their clubhouse.
“Hey, Scootaloo!” Both of her friends called out almost simultaneously.
“Hey, girls! How was school?” Scootaloo asked with a smile as she ran over to them.
“Miss Cheerilee had us studying equestrian history today.” Sweetie Belle replied with a sour expression.
“It wasn't all that bad. But ah reckon it could have been worse.” Applebloom said with a smile.
“Well at least you two don't have to deal with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” Scootaloo replied with a sour expression of her own.
“Ah suppose you have a point thar. So what are we going to do today crusaders?” Applebloom asked with a smile.
“Hmm....” Sweetie Belle said as she tapped a hoof on her head looking as if she was deep in thought until her face lit up. “I know! Lets go explore than old house by the Everfree forest!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with a enthusiastic smile.
“How would that get us our cutie marks?” Applebloom asked curiously.
“I don't know but it's the only place left in Ponyville we haven't check out yet.” The young unicorn replied.
“I don't think that's a good idea.” Scootaloo said with an uneasy expression on her face.
“Why's that?” Sweetie Belle asked looking confused.
“I've been there and it's nothing special. Trust me girls, it would be a waste of time.” Scootaloo replied in a sour tone.
“Well, shoot! There goes that idea. Any others?” Sweetie Belle asked.
=============
“Thanks for the help with cleaning up the library again girls. Between all my studying and preparing for the running of the leaves I haven't had much time to clean up much especially with spike in Canterlot for the week.” Twilight said with a smile as she levitated the last book into it's space in the shelf.
“Don't sweat it Twilight, I’m always glad to help you out.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile.
“I simply couldn't dream of letting you clean up this horrible mess alone Twilight. It's bad enough your mane looks like it hasn't been well kept in over a week. I'd dread to think what would happen if we had waited any longer to help.”
“It's only been two days since I last combed my mane Rarity.” Twilight replied flatly.
“I don't comb my mane and look cool as ever!” Rainbow Dash chimed in with a smile.
Rarity gave a glace at Dash, and looked as if she was about to have one of her fashion police episodes when she forced one of the ponies to come over to her boutique and get a make over. However instead she forced a smile on her face and gave a weak chuckle. “Eh-heh....I do believe it is time for me to head out. I have a client in an hour who I simply can not miss. Take care of yourselves darlings.” Rarity said, turned around, and walked out the front door.
“I should probably get going myself Twilight. I gotta check the clouds one last time before the sun sets. Some of Discord's clouds decided to stick around and ever so often I get reports of chocolate rain and I want to try and avoid that.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile, and took off out of her open window leaving Twilight home alone.
Without anything better to do Twilight levitated a book out of one of her shelves, laid it down in front of her, and began to read it.
===============
“See you tomorrow Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle and Applebloom called out as they both went their separate ways to their homes as the sun began to set.
“See you tomorrow! I'll try to think of the awesome things that are going to get us our cutie marks for sure!” Scootaloo called out to the two as they ran off. Scootaloo then jumped on her scooter and using her small wings as a propeller began to bolt her self down the streets of Ponyville.
At this time Rainbow Dash was just finishing up checking all the clouds for the downpour that was scheduled to happen tonight when she noticed Scootaloo blazing past below her. “Hey! Where you think your going?! Shouldn't you be heading home?” Rainbow Dash shouted as she darted down flying next to Scootaloo as she blazed down the street.
“Hi, Rainbow Dash! I was just heading that way now.” Scootaloo said then skidded to a sudden halt noticing that Dash was still flying next to her a few moments later.
“No pony lives down this road though. You sure it's this way?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously looking down the street which had several homes along it with for sale signs planted in front of them or were abandoned.
“Oh...umm....heh...maybe I was going the wrong way after all...” Scootaloo said in an uneasy tone turning her scooter around.
“Hey, why don't I escort you home. It's getting late and i'm sure your parents are worried about you.” Rainbow Dash offered with a smile.
“Really?!” Scootaloo exclaimed as her eyes lit up, however moments later looked just as uneasy as they did before. “I mean, no thanks. My parents know I would never stay out late. Anyways I got to get home before they worry about me.” Scootaloo said turning her scooter around once again without thinking and was just about to dart off before she turned around and saw Dash still hovering there.
“You sure you don't need me to help you find your way home kid?” Rainbow Dash asked in a concerned tone.
“No, I’m fine. I'll be heading that way now.” Scootaloo replied with a smile, turned her scooter around once again and darted off in the opposite direction.
Once she was sure that Rainbow Dash was out of sight she turned her scooter back around and dart back in the direction of the abandoned neighborhood stopping short of the last one on the block just outside of the path leading to the Everfree Forest.
Scootaloo gave a few quick glances around to make sure no one was looking, and pushed a small cement block in with her hooves which was just wide enough for her to fit into and crawled inside. Once inside Scootaloo pushed the cement block back in place, walked over to a desk and lit the lamp on the table.
“I'm home mom and dad!” Scootaloo shouted out to two pony figures in the other side of the room however neither responded. Scootaloo gave a short depressed sigh, walked past the two pony figures and to the kitchen preparing to fix her dinner when there was a loud knock on the door causing Scootaloo to jump up in surprise. She quickly darted to the front room and blew out the lamp and stood there in the dark quietly.
“Scootaloo? You in there? It's me Rainbow Dash!” The voice exclaimed from the other side of the door.
Scootaloo however didn't respond and stayed quiet as a mouse. “She can't find me here...not like this.” Scootaloo said quietly to herself hoping that Dash would soon give up and leave.
After several tense moments Scootaloo figured that she must have given up and left lit the lamp back up and proceeded to go back to the kitchen to make herself some dinner.
About fifteen minuets later Scootaloo came back into the living room carrying a plate of Hay fries on her back to see the cyan colored Pegasus standing in the middle of the room with a confused expression on her face and nearly dropped her plate of hay fries on the floor. “Rainbow Dash! I didn't know you came in.” Scootaloo said in an panicked tone.
“What's going on here kid? I thought you were heading home? Why are you in an abandoned home for?” Rainbow Dash asked in a confused yet concerned tone.
“That's because...........” Scootaloo replied trailing off, feeling her words falter. Could she really say it? After all, she's managed to keep it a secret for well over two years now. However now it was well past nine o’clock and any filly would be at home with their parents right now. She could tried to think up a clever lie but she wasn't sure Rainbow Dash would buy it. No she couldn't lie to her idol. She would have to tell her the truth.
“You promise to keep it a secret?” Scootaloo asked after a few tense moments of silence had past.
“That depends.” Rainbow Dash replied her concerned expression having not changed in the slightest.
“It's because...this is my home.” Scootaloo said trailing off at first then finishing her sentence in a sad tone as she lowered her head in shame.
“What do you mean this is your home? Where are your parents?” Rainbow Dash asked as she felt her sense of worry for the young filly began to over power her curiosity.
“How have you been paying for school, food, and stuff every pony needs to survive?” Rainbow Dash asked looking even more concerned for the young filly than ever.
“Before he left he told me that if he should not come back there was a old hollow tree on the very edge of Everfree Forest where I could get money to pay for everything. But he said he would and not to worry and that he would come back...but...but....” Scootaloo said now tears swelling up in her eyes as she trailed off before she finally broke down. “HE DIDN'T! HE NEVER CAME BACK!” Scootaloo nearly screamed between sobs as she dropped the plate of hay fries on the floor which clattered and split onto the floor then began to sob loudly into her hooves.
Rainbow Dash quickly rushed over to the young filly, sat down on the floor, scooped the orange Pegasus up and held her tightly as she stoked her head softly. “There, there...it's going to be okay.” Rainbow Dash said in a soft tone comforting the young filly who was shaking in her arms.
“You must think I’m so lame.” Scootaloo said with a sniffle after several minuets of non-stop sobbing.
“And why would I think that?” Rainbow Dash asked in the same comforting soft tone.
“Because I have no mommy or daddy and I live in a lame abandoned house.” Scootaloo replied with another sniffle.
“No, I don't think you're lame at all. In fact you are way cooler than I ever was at your age.” Rainbow Dash replied letting he normal proud tone slip up a little as she said this.
“How so?” Scootaloo replied with yet another sniffle however she had all but stopped crying completely now.
“You've been living on your own for two years now and you've managed to take care of yourself so well no pony would ever suspect you lived in this place. And that kid is way cooler than I could ever be.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
“You-you mean it?” Scootaloo replied stuttering slightly but a smile was beginning to form on the young Pegasus's face.
“Is this the face of a pony who would lie to you?” Rainbow Dash replied giving a proud smile.
“You promise to keep it a secret then?” Scootaloo said after a few moments smiling now as she wiped her eyes of tears.
“I got a better idea. How about you come live with me?” Rainbow Dash suggested before she even realized it.
“Really?!” Scootaloo exclaimed, her entire face lighting up with excitement at the suggestion.
“Yeah. I got plenty of room. And besides I bet you'd sleep a lot better at night with me watching over you.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile.
Scootaloo without warning leaped at Dash nearly tackling her to the floor with a very tight and loving hug.
========================
TO HELL IN A HAND-BASKET
PART 1
“For the last time, I’m not letting you out Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash said in an annoyed tone looking very irritated by the demon's twentieth attempt by now to convince the cyan blue mare to let her out.
“Grr!” Pinkie exclaimed with a growl before she sat on her rump in the magic bubble prison.
It was at this point Rainbow Dash began to hear screams from outside and similar demonic cries that Pinkie Pie had made. Curiously she creaked the door open to give a look outside to see a very horrifying sight.
Bodies of ponies lay scattered all over town as far as the cyan blue mare could see and those who did not appear to be dead sported the same glowing red eyes that Pinkie Pie had. “Dear Celestia...none of this happened last time...but then again Discord didn't have control of Equestria for this long either. Is this how it was before the regal sisters stood up to him? Dead ponies all over the world? Mindless slaves doing his bidding? How could this get any worse?” Rainbow Dash asked aloud in a scared tone before closing the door and noticed that Pinkie Pie was no longer in her prison which caused the cyan blue mare to give a panicked glance around herself.
“Pinkie? Where are you?!” Rainbow Dash asked aloud fearfully as she took several cautious steps around the room listening intently for any sound that might give away the pink mare's position however none came. “Great..i turn my head for a few moments and she somehow manages to escape! Great going Rainbow Crash!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily as she punched the bubble which gave a audible “Pop!” just before disappearing from existence.
In the next moment however Pinkie Pie had appeared before her and before the cyan blue mare could react was tackled to the ground. “You know that old saying that superstitious ponies always said about asking if things could get any worse tends to make things worse?” Pinkie Pie asked with a cruel grin looking into Rainbow Dash's eyes which were now filled with fear. “Their right!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed followed by a giggle as she placed a hoof on the cyan blue mare's throat and began to choke her.
“ack..Pi-kie...ack...d-don't...ack...do...ack...this...ack.” Rainbow Dash said in between gags tying to move the Pink Mare's hoof away from her throat but could not and worse yet her vision had begun to blur and could feel herself losing consciousness very quickly.
“Good Bye Dashie...too bad you couldn't join us, but your too hard headed to be one of us anyways.” Pinkie Pie with a malicious grin as the cyan blue mare's eyes rolled into the back of her head and stopped breathing shortly after. It was at this point that Luna and others came into the room in a flash of magic gasping in horror as Pinkie Pie released her grip on the Cyan blue mare's throat.
“Holy horseapples on a stick covered in caramel! Pinkie Pie what have ya done?!” Applejack exclaimed horrified at the sight of Rainbow Dash's body lying lifelessly on the floor.
The pink mare didn't reply rather she lunged at Applejack however she was halted mid-air not by Twilight but Luna this time and sent flying to the back of the room hitting the wall hard which knocked her out cold.
Twilight then rushed to her friend shaking her as tears swelled up in her eyes.”Rainbow...say something! Don't you dare die on us! You've got a daughter waiting on you to come and save her damn it!” Twilight exclaimed in a frantic tone as tears flooded from her eyes now.
“Twilight! Stand aside!” Luna's voice bellowed loudly which startled the purple unicorn out of her frantic shaking and moved away from the Rainbow Dash's body.
Luna then walked over to the body and put a hoof to it.”Her body is still warm, there may be a way to save her but I must have complete silence.” Luna said to which everypony nodded. Luna then placed two hooves over rainbow Dash's chest and began to push into it fiercely but not enough to break anything.
“What are you doing to her?!” Twilight asked in a frantic tone wondering if Luna wasn't actually killing her rather than help her ass the Alicorn blew into Rainbow Dash's mouth.
“It is called C.P.R. Twilight. Something modern day ponies such as yourself would not know of. I ask you to have complete faith in me as I know what am I doing.” Luna replied to which Twilight nodded as Applejack walked over to her and put a hoof around the purple unicorn.
After a few more minuets however nothing seemed to have changed much to everypony's horror and even Fluttershy's despite her still being discorded. “Hmm..this calls for drastic measures...” Luna said aloud in a thoughtful tone before her horn began to glow brightly and sparked and sputtered with electricity. “Clear!” Luna exclaimed and promptly zapped the cyan blue mare's chest with a bolt of electricity from her horn causing it to convulse involuntarily. “I'll have to up the strength a little it seems...clear!” Luna exclaimed once again zapping Rainbow Dash's chest which convulsed involuntarily once again but this time Rainbow Dash gave a mighty coughing fit much to everypony's relief for a few moments before groaning loudly.
“Ohh...why do I feel like I was just struck by lightning?” Rainbow Dash asked in a weak tone as her friends rushed over to her and hugged her with tears of joy in their eyes except for Fluttershy who just stood stationary.
“Are you going to change me back or what egghead?!” Fluttershy exclaimed in an annoyed tone.
“How did you know what to do?” Twilight asked the moon princess a few short hours later after she had put Pinkie Pie back in her bubble prison before she awoke again and changed Fluttershy back to normal who immediately began to apologize for the next hour to everypony till they all at once managed to tell her it was okay.
“It's a knowledge that I have had for eons. I never thought I would ever have to use it though.” Luna replied after a few moments.
“If you don't mind me asking...Fluttershy spoke of a interesting tale that you told her but no book in any library in Equestria has any record of this. What I’m trying to ask is, Just how old are you?” Twilight asked which caused the moon princess to give a light laugh.
“Not as old as my sister but I've been around for more than fifty thousand years. Would you like to ask me anything else?” Luna asked with a kindred smile.
“Yes. Is it really true that we all started out as creatures called humans and some random idiot's greed for power changed the world?” Twilight asked curiously to which the Moon princess nodded with a frown.
“Twilight. There are reasons why we buried Equestria's true history and kept it hidden. Some reasons are more obvious than others but the biggest reason is this, after me and my sister came to power we strove for a better world in which all ponies could live in peace and harmony. We soon realized over the course of many years that many of our loyal subjects had no knowledge of the fact that they once derived from humans. They had no knowledge of the greed that humankind had nor the mass destruction that occurred over the years prior to Equestria's birth. We agreed that it was best in the long run that Equestria remain blissfully unaware of their true origins. So that they would not be tempted to repeat such mistakes their ancestors had.” Luna said in a calm and polite manner.
“This is...wow. This is really mind boggling! I mean I know it really shouldn't be that much of a shock after hearing it from Fluttershy and knowing I was born as a unicorn but still.” Twilight replied putting a hoof on her head breathing quickly.
“It is for that exact reason why we decided to bury the past as well. Ponies live out their lives blissfully unaware of a horrifying past that they have. They can live their lives without knowing the sorrow, pain, and anguish those of us who were once humans endured.” Luna replied and placed a hoof on twilight's shoulder. “Please calm yourself. Do not worry yourself over petty matters. Even though ponies derived from humans, the human race no longer exists. You were born a unicorn Twilight Sparkle, and a unicorn you are, there is nothing in this world that can state otherwise.” Luna said with a warm smile which helped bring the purple unicorn to ease.
“Sorry for flipping out like that, But it's not everyday a pony hears that we were all once humans. I mean, I read about them in books but I assumed them to be ancient pony folk lore. Or at least that's how the books made them out to be.” Twilight replied with an unsure smile.
“To be fair, any pony that was once a human is no longer alive today with the exception of me and my sister. Does that set your mind at ease Twilight Sparkle?” The Moon princess replied in a regal tone.
“Yes, Yes it does. I was born a pony and that's what I am.” Twilight said aloud as if reassuring herself as she said it.
“Good to hear it. Now let me examine Pinkie Pie's condition.” Luna replied as she walked over to the floating purple bubble with Pinkie Pie now fully alert and glaring at them both.
“When I did a magical scan on her to find out what spell was afflicting her it confused me because in all of my studies I never once encountered such a spell, it felt-Ancient?” Luna said cutting off the purple unicorn mid-sentence to which she nodded.”yes, exactly!” Twilight exclaimed in both shock and awe of the moon princess's knowledge.
“Well that's because it is. It's one of Discord's more sinister spells. Me and my sister figured out how to reverse it but it does have it one draw back.” Luna said as she looked at Pinkie Pie.
“Which is?” Twilight asked in a worried tone thinking that it may have something to do with possibly killing them.
“I can only break the hold upon her. The rest is up to the Pinkie to fight off the demon within and we can not help her. If she can not defeat the demon however, then she will die.” Luna replied much to Twilight's horror. “Do you still want me to help her?” Luna asked after a few moments causing the purple unicorn to break her horrified blank stare.
Twilight knew she had faith in Pinkie Pie, in all her friends, she knew deep inside that no matter the challenge they would overcome them together. “Do it. I know Pinkie Pie can do it. And we'll be there to support her all the way. Even if we can't be there to help her. Knowing that we are there, I’m sure she will beat the demon.” Twilight said with a confident smile.
“Very well, I will make preparations. Please inform the others of what is going to be occurring and make sure they do not interfere no matter what.” Luna replied at which point Twilight turned around, walked over to the others who were in the other room with Rainbow Dash, and began to tell them what was going to happen.
“If Pinkie Pie's going to be fighting some demon thing within her, then I’m going to be there!” Rainbow exclaimed getting out of her bed only to fall to her knees.
“Rainbow, you can't! You just recovered from a near death experience!” Twilight exclaimed in a worried tone as she helped the cyan blue mare to her feet.
“Don't sugarcoat it Twilight. I was dead. You know it and I know it. But no matter what condition I am in. I will always be there for my friends.” Rainbow Dash replied with a proud smile at which point Twilight couldn't help but smile back.
“She really does represent the element of loyalty in it's most definitive sense...” Twilight remarked to herself as she watched Rainbow Dash limp into the other room with Applejack and Fluttershy beside her to catch her if she ever lost strength in her legs at any point.
When everypony had gathered in the room they saw a very odd looking symbol just below Pinkie Pie's floating prison. It looked like a star but this kind of star was very different. It had six points to it with a symbol drawn within them that not even Twilight could fathom what they truly meant.
“Allow me to clear up any confusion you may have. This glyph I have draw below Pinkie Pie is a very ancient form of magic. It is nothing like modern day unicorn magic as it calls upon forces which no unicorn today uses to use their magic as they are able to tap into these elements without realizing that they are in every spell they cast.” Luna said in her regal tone.
“If that is the case, then why draw the glyph in the first place?” Rarity asked curiously.
“Because of the nature of this magic, it can not be countered by any modern day unicorn magic. So in other words this spell must be cast with words rather than the use of unicorn magic. But in order to ignite the spell I must use unicorn magic after the words have been spoken.” Luna replied in a matter of fact tone.
“So let meh see if ah'm followin this here. Ya can't use unicorn magic because this here magic isn't unicorn magic, but your still going to be usin unicorn magic to cast it?” Applejack asked looking even more confused before she even asked the question if possible.
“Exactly.” Luna replied which was met with a chorus of “HUH?!” from all five ponies. “Let me elaborate farther. Each symbol represents an element within the six-pint star.” Luna said then pointed to the first symbol in the glyph. “Earth,Fire,Wind,Water,Light, and shadow. These six elements represent the magic of life itself. It is within the magic of life itself these elements reside. And every living thing on the planet can tap into them. Even earth ponies such as Applejack, however most ponies lack the ability to truly tap into them, rather only can tap into them partially. A decent example being Rarity.” Luna said pointing a hoof at Rarity who placed a hoof on her chest in shock.
“Me? What ever could you possibly mean?” Rarity asked in a confused tone clearly not following however Twilight was hanging on the edge of every word Luna spoke. Whether the moon princess knew it or not Twilight was learning from this.
“Your skills in magic are quite remarkable yes, but they are limited. As you all know very few unicorns have the ability to use all forms of magic, rather they can only tap into the type of magic they are most gifted at using. Now getting back to the point about Rarity, since your skill in magic is limited to the use of creating dresses and other similar styles of magic. You only have the ability to tap into the elements of Earth,Wind, and Water. These elements are crucial for any sort of magic involving the type of work your involved with.
“If that is the case, then does that mean I have the ability to tap into all six?” Twilight asked curiously.
“That would be correct, since you special talent is magic, you have the ability to tap into all six, but you have only done so once in your lifetime. Or so my sister told me when she helped calm the magic within you. You're catching on quickly, I can see now why my sister took such a profound interest in you.” Luna replied with a smile.
Twilight knew exactly the day she spoke of. It was the day in the school for gifted unicorns where she was about to fail the test that would ultimately shape her life. She knew now that Rainbow Dash had triggered it somehow, but what she still couldn't figure out is why she lost control. Was it because she was too inexperienced at the time? That day still haunted her to this day, if it had not been for her mentor, her parents would most likely still be plants right now and the examiners stuck in a limbo of magic forever.
“I am about to begin, Twilight if you would please dispel your bubble prison around her and hold her in place with your magic until I say..” Luna said in a calm manner snapping the unicorn out of her thoughts.
“Okay.” Twilight said and began to focus magic in her horn which caused the bubble to give an audible pop and before the pink mare could react held her in place with her magic.
It was then the princess began to speak in a language none of them recognized except for Twilight.Six elements of life, I call upon the! Bestow thy blessing upon this poor creature, break the grip of darkness upon her soul! I beseech the! Aid this mare in her struggle so that she may be free of thy evil which plagues her soul!
“That's human speech...I read all about it in, Equestrian Folk Lore, Facts and Rumors Edition. She really was once human...wow.” Twilight thought to herself in both shock and awe.
“Twilight, now!” Luna exclaimed as the glyph began to glow with a bright white light and each symbol with it it lit up one at a time till all six glowed brightly. Twilight let her magical hold go and immediately after Luna focused magic into her horn and shot it at the glyph causing it to erect a barrier around the pink mare before she could react.
Each symbol on the glyph then shot a beam of magic at the pink mare from where she stood in the center wrapping around each of her legs, neck, and waist effectively chaining her down in place. Pinkie Pie then let out an audible cry of pain as she was suddenly slammed to the floor with all four legs spread out much to everypony's shock who gasped in shock at this. “Do not be alarmed. I expected this. The demon is fighting the spell's influence which is why the magic pinned her to the floor. Don't worry, the demon won't be able to fight it much longer at which point it will be up to Pinkie Pie to finish the demon off from within.” Luna said in a calm manner which put everypony's mind at ease if not at least a little bit.
“She...is....mine...FOREVER!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a demonic tone after several moments before passing out but the magic didn't fade.
“Is that all? Is it over?” Fluttershy asked in a timid voice looking positively horrified by the ordeal.
“Not yet, the hardest part is now yet to come. The demon no longer has a hold of her but still resides within her being. It is up to her now to defeat it from within. I can do no more.” Luna said as she took a few steps away and sat next to Twilight.
“I certainly hope you do not regret this.” Luna whispered into Twilight's ear so that no pony else heard her.
“I have faith in my friends.” Twilight replied confidently in the same whisper but she still couldn't help but worry for her friend.
Several hours had past by now and the moon rose high into the skies thanks to Luna who used her magic to raise the moon before returning to Twilight's side. However something was terribly wrong with Pinkie Pie as they all soon realized. The color of her fur was now fading at an alarming rate so that after a mere minuet had past her fur looked nothing like it natural cotton candy pink color but rather a sickening brown color.
“Oh Dear...” Luna said putting a hoof over her mouth.
“What wrong with her?!” Twilight asked in a panicked tone in response to Luna's reaction to this event.
“Sh-She's losing the fight...if her condition worsens any farther I will have no choice but to kill her before her body begins to undergo the transformation that occurs when a soul loses the fight against he demon within.” Luna said with a frown.
“I didn't say anything because I didn't want to worry you all. I had faith that she wouldn't make it to this point but now I am not so sure.” Luna replied but this didn't make anypony feel any better especially Twilight who looked as if she was ready to erupt flames again sporting a similar look she did when Pinkie Pie had told her that the doosy hadn't happened yet at froggy bottom bog.
“You lied to me...” Twilight said in a low tone still glaring at her.
“I did no such thing! I simply withheld information that might scare you.” Luna retorted sounding offended.
“WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?!” Twilight's voice roared as flames actually did erupt from her mane and body now looking very pissed off.
“Whoa Nelly! Twilight's plum flipped her lid!” Applejack exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“No, i'm just very pissed off at a certain moon princess!” Twilight exclaimed loudly but not in a roaring fashion this time as she gave a glance at Applejack before looking back at Luna whom was not intimated but she wasn't unfazed either.
“Twilight, please calm yourself, there still is a chance she will defeat the demon.” Luna said trying to clam the furious purple unicorn.
“What else are you hiding?” Twilight asked looking at the moon princess with a cold glare.
“What?” Luna asked in a confused tone.
“Did I stutter?! I asked what are hiding! Spill it! There must be something we can do to help her and I’ll bet bits to apples that you know of a way!” Twilight exclaimed at which point the moon princess's face chanced from calm to worried.
“Well, there is a way, but I can't risk all your lives if you all die then then our chances of defeating Discord are gone completely.” Luna said in a defensive tone trying to convince them this was not a good idea but clearly failing measurably as all five ponies now were staring at her with similar glares.
“Luna, while I appreciate the gesture to protect us, Pinkie Pie is our best friend and if I may be as bold to say we are all like family to one another. So when I say I am willing to risk my life for her, I simply would not give it a second thought!” Rarity exclaimed with proud smile.
“Ah'm with Rarity on this one. Pinkie Pie is like mah sister and ah would risk my life to protect any sister of mine.” Applejack said chiming in.
“Pinkie Pie is umm..well..-” Fluttershy began to say until her expression suddenly changed from shy to fierce and determined. “Pinkie Pie is my best friend and just like my other friends, she is family to me! So you best start talking princess or the filly's gloves are gonna come off and-” Fluttershy began to say before Rainbow Dash put a hoof on her shoulder cutting her off.
Luna looked to each one of the ponies then back to Pinkie Pie who's condition was still worsening by the second then back the five before letting out a sigh. “I was a foal to think that you all wouldn't want to go to such great lengths for one of your friends.” Luna said with a smile closing her eyes as she spoke before she opened them again. “Very well, I will tell you how you can aid Pinkie Pie, but I warn you now, not only will her soul be at risk but your own as well and once it begins you can't stop until Pinkie wins. However if she loses, you all will be at the demon's mercy.” Luna said at which point Twilight's pissed of expression lightened greatly and even smiled at her.
“Then what the hay we waitin for? Apple buck season?” Applejack said with a smile.
“Very well, I need each of you to stand around Pinkie Pie on your hind legs keeping each hoof connected at all times.” Luna replied at which point everypony rushed around Pinkie Pie's body and stood on their hind hooves. It took a few tries on Rainbow's part but she managed to finally stand on them.
“Now repeat after me and say exactly what I say.” Luna said and began to speak once again in a language they didn't recognize but listened to each word she spoke.
We seek to aid thy soul whom is locked in their eternal struggle. We bare our souls to the in hopes that we might aid her in defeating the demon within. Spirits of fire,earth, water, wind, light, and shadow, we beseech the! Grant us passage into thy victim's soul so we might aid her from within!
All five ponies repeated this word for word and moments after they had finished stream of magic shot forth and all five passed out immediately afterward at which point Luna walked up and sat near them only able to watch. “Good luck, my little ponies...” Luna said aloud as she looked on with a worried expression.
“Wow! If we weren't on our way to save Pinkie Pie right now I would be totally loving moving at this kind of speed!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a cheesy grin as the five of them flew through an seemingly endless void in a free fall dive still holding hooves as they fell.
“This ain't some kind of pleasure cruse Rainbow, keep ya mind on the goal, and that's to be savin Pinkie Pie from this here demon possesin her!” Applejack exclaimed in an annoyed tone.
Twilight was just about to tell them to stop bickering when they suddenly came to a halt on what seemed to be stable ground with Pinkie Pie sitting not far from them a short distance away.
“Pinkie!” All five exclaimed in a happy tone at which point the pink mare looked up at them.
“Hey girls! What are you doing here for?” Pinkie Pie asked with a wide smile as she stood on all four hooves.
“Rescue me? From what?” Pinkie Pie asked apparently clueless.
“Umm.. Pinkie Pie, you do know what's going on right now don't you?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“Are you okay Darling? We are very worried about you.” Rarity chimed in with a concerned look and tone to match it.
“Pinkie, have you seen the demon around?” Twilight asked curiously looking around. “This was odd wasn't Pinkie Pie supposed to be duking it out with some demon? And if so, why doesn't she have a scratch on her?” Twilight thought to herself curiously.
“I'm fine silly fillies! But it was super awesome of you all to come and see me!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smile and began to hop around the five.
“Somethin is a might off here. Isn't pinkie pie supposed to be fightin some demon right now Twi?” Applejack whispered to Twilight whom nodded silently.
“I agree, something is definitely off here but I can't place my hoof on it.” Twilight replied in the same whisper.
“What'cha talking about? You know it's not nice to keep secrets from your friends Twilight!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed putting her face right in front of Twilight's.
“Well you see Pinkie...” Twilight said but trailed off as another pink mare slowly came into view looking far more worse for ware than this one.
“Get...away...from my friends...you meanie mean pants!” The pink mare exclaimed in a weak tone.
“Whoa Nelly! Two pinkie Pies?! Which one is the real one?!” Applejack exclaimed in a confused tone.
“Don't listen to her! She's not a nice pony! I don't know who she is but she's been trying to hurt me the entire time but I wouldn't let her! I thought she was gone for good!” The other Pinkie Pie exclaimed pointing an accusing hoof.
“Twilight, darling which one is the real one? Can you tell?” Rarity asked in an worried tone.
“No I can't. Neither one has glowing red eyes in here or a demonic voice so I can't tell them apart!” Twilight exclaimed as the not worn out version of Pinkie Pie walked over and pointed an accusing hoof at her.
“Don't let this meanie mean pants fool you! She's the imposter!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed looking at the other five.
“Twilight, what do we do? If we choose the wrong Pinkie we will not only have doomed her but ourselves as well!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a worried tone much like the others at which point Twilight put a hoof on her chin looking deep in thought for a few moments till her eyes lit up.
“A party?! Where?!” Both Pinkie's exclaimed practically at the same time much to the five ponies disappointment. “Should have known that wouldn't work...” Twilight remarked realizing that the fake would mimic every part of Pinkie Pie's personalty in order to be convincing.
“I think the energetic one is the fake Twilight. I mean after all when we were outside she was looking worse by the second. It's only natural that the real Pinkie Pie would be beat up in here.” Rainbow Dash said.
“I concur with Rainbow on this one Twilight. Surely the real one would have to be very hurt right now for Pinkie Pie to be in such condition she is.” Rarity chimed in to which Fluttershy gave a simple nod in agreement.
Things are not what they seem...
These words echoed inside of Twilight's head but she didn't recognize the voice.
“Things are not what they seem..” Twilight said aloud thoughtfully.
“What the hay does that mean?” Applejack asked in a confused tone.
“I don't know...but out of no where a voice in my head said that but I don't know who it was.” Twilight said trying to make sense of the words as she repeated them over and over quietly to herself thoughtfully.
“Maybe it means that the energetic one is the real Pinkie and the fake is the beat up one trying to trick us.” Rarity suggested.
Your eyes are your worst enemies...
“Our eyes are our worst enemies?” Twilight said aloud echoing the words the mysterious voice spoke.
Trust your heart, not what your ears tell you...
Twilight repeated this aloud as she ran the three clues through her mind trying to piece the parts of this puzzle together. “Things are not what they seem, our eyes are our worst enemies, and trust our hearts, not what our ears tell us...” Twilight said aloud thoughtfully.
“What does it all mean?” Fluttershy asked in a timid voice as both mares simply stood stationary as if waiting on their impending judgment to decide which one is the real Pinkie Pie.
Twilight then closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. “Things are not what they seem...my eyes are my worst enemies...trust my heart, not what my ears tell me...” Twilight said aloud quietly to herself as she attempted to look deep within herself for the answer keeping her eyes firmly closed as she took slow but steady breaths.
A few moments past but nothing seemed to come to the purple unicorn and just as she was able to give up an image appeared before her in her mind at which point her eyes shot open. “I figured it out.” Twilight said plainly but with a sheer amount of confidence as she spoke.
“You did? Who's the real one?” Rainbow asked curiously.
“yes darling, tell us.” Rarity chimed in.
“Don't be leavin us in suspense now. Who is the real Pinkie?” Applejack chimed in as well in an excited tone.
“The answer is....neither!” Twilight exclaimed which was meant with a chorus of”HUH?!” from the other four. “Neither one of these Pinkie Pie's is the real one. They are just doppelgangers meant to delay us while the real demon finishes off Pinkie Pie! Come on girls! Pinkie's life is still in real danger!” Twilight exclaimed running past the the two followed by the other four until the two versions of Pinkie Pie jumped in front of the five stopping them in their tracks.
“Aw, you caught us! Too bad you won't be able to save her though!” One of the Pinkie Pie's said with an evil grin at which point the two pinkies transformed into shadowy forms of themselves which glowed with a dark aura.
“Whoa Nelly! How are we supposed to be fightin these things?!” Applejack exclaimed in a scared tone as the shadowy figures were now pacing around them preparing to strike.
You are not limited to your physical attributes...
Look deep within each of yourselves and find the key to your soul which unlocks the power within...
“Either ah'm flippin mah lid here or ah just heard a voice speakin in mah head.” Applejack said in a worried tone.
“No I heard it too darling, and I think I know what it means.” Rarity said and began to channel magic into her horn and moments later fired a great flame from her horn at the two shadowy figures whom dodged in a panic. “Ah-ha! I was right! Listen up girls! Here we can do anything we want! So let your mind wonder freely!” Rarity exclaimed with a triumphant grin as she shot forth a beam of icy magic at the shadowy figures.
Rainbow Dash was next to close her eyes at which point her wings appeared back on her sides.”Aw,yeah! This is awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed taking off as well.
Fluttershy was next to close her eyes and in the next moment her form changed to that of a giant tree. Earning a gawk from Rainbow Dash followed by a facehoof. “Seriously Fluttershy, a tree? Of any form you could possible take you choose to be a big tree?” Rainbow Dash said in an annoyed tone.
“Not just any tree Rainbow...” Fluttershy said at which point thousands of birds flew forth from within the deep brushes of leaves on her head and roots began to erupt from the ground near the shadowy figures causing them to panic and jump only for the army of birds to begin attack them mid-air. “A magic tree!” Fluttershy exclaimed with a wide grin on her face which was located near the base of the stump.
Rainbow Dash however just facehoofed again with a groan. “So lame...” Rainbow Dash said followed by another groan.
“Lame or not Rainbow, Fluttershy has the right idea. Take the form which makes you feel the strongest because we are going to need it!” Twilight exclaimed closing her eyes now at which point her size began to increase as well as her horn and moments later wings appeared on her sides.
“An Alicorn?! Now that's way past cool!” Rainbow dash exclaimed in an excited tone as Twilight spread her wings and took off to the skies flying next to cyan blue Pegasus and Applejack.
“Focus Rainbow!” Rarity exclaimed as she shot forth a bolt of lightning from her horn at the shadows whom were clearly out matched now or so it seemed until they began to sprout more copies of themselves till they formed a small army.
“Whoa nelly. ah'm beginin to think that wings aren't gonna cut it.” Applejack exclaimed in a scared tone as the army began to charge at them.
“Too late to be seconding guessing yourself now because here they come!” Rainbow exclaimed at many of the shadowy figures began to take the skies flying towards Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack while others remained on the ground charging towards Rarity and Fluttershy.
“Alright, it's time to buck some rotten apples! YEEE-HHHAAAAW!” Applejack exclaimed and charged forward at the shadowy figures followed closely by Rainbow Dash and Twilight whom shot a volley of magical beams at the shadows to provide them some cover before the three began to buck at the shadowy figures which seemed to poof with each strike to them.
Meanwhile on the ground Rarity was casting spell after spell at the army on the ground while Fluttershy used her roots to bind many of the shadowy figures and sending out yet another great force of birds to replace the ones that had been defeated earlier.
“Oh, yeah! We got this in the bag!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she bucked another shadow mid-air which poofed upon getting bucked.
“Ah wouldn't be countin your apples before they fall if I were you Rainbow.” Applejack replied apprehensively as she pointed a hoof behind her.
“Oh come on! We are kicking some serious flank here, what could they possibly.....” Rainbow Dash began to say with a grin until she turned around,trailed off, flattened her ears, and frowned at the sight that beheld her. “Aw,crud...” The cyan blue Pegasus said in a dismayed tone as she saw many more shadowy figures appear and in greater numbers taking to the skies once again at them.
“There's no end to them!” Rarity exclaimed as she blasted a group of shadowy figures only for more to take their place.
“Ah'll do it!” Applejack exclaimed proudly.
“Not alone you won't! Twilight could you be a darling and take over for me down here?” Rarity shouted as Applejack landed next to her.
“No problem, they might be great in numbers but it's nothing me, Rainbow, and Fluttershy can't handle, right girls?” Twilight exclaimed which was met with a the other two shouting in agreement.
“Hold on tight Rarity, ah'm still new to this flyin thing.” Applejack said as she lifted up Rarity and took off to the skies while Twilight providing the two with cover by shooting another volley of magical beams down at the army of shadows.
“Where you suggest we begin lookin? Cause all ah see is a heap of nothin.” Applejack said she she carried Rarity in the air above the seeming endless landscape.
“Remember what Twilight said darling. Things are not what they seem, our eyes are our worst enemies, and trust our hearts, not what our ears tell us.” Rarity replied as Applejack began to descend down and landed shortly after.
“So in other words, all this is an big ol' illusion?” Applejack asked curiously to which the unicorn nodded. “How you suggest we go about breakin this here illusion then?” Applejack asked a few moments later.
“I haven't the slightest darling but if Twilight managed to see past it then I’m sure we can.” Rarity replied and closed her eyes mimicking what Twilight had done earlier as she took steady slow breaths to which Applejack followed suit.
For a few moments nothing seemed to change however it did not stay this way for long as Applejack and Rarity opened their eyes to see an entrance to a all too familiar looking forest. “Is this...the Everfree forest?” Rarity asked aloud in shock.
“Sure is lookin it. I thought doin what Twilight had done would get rid of this consarned illusion..not create another one.” Applejack remarked followed by a facehoof.
“Well who's illusion is it then? Pinkie Pie's?” Applejack asked curiously.
“Remember Applejack, in here we can do anything and if Pinkie Pie was losing a battle she would want to hide in the scariest place she knows of thinking it would keep the demon away.” Rarity replied taking another cautious step in.
“So she turned herself into the Everfree forest?” Applejack said sounding thoroughly confused.
“Not exactly...” Rarity replied in a shocked tone as she trailed off at what she was seeing.”Applejack quick!” Rarity exclaimed in a panicked tone as the farm pony rushed to her side to see what she saw and gasped.
“Is that...Pinkie?” Applejack asked in a shocked yet horrified tone at the beaten and bruised quivering filly that lay in front of them.
“I think so, but why is she so young? Why she looks to be no older than a filly just fresh into her first year of kindergarten.” Rarity said as she lifted the filly up with her magic, sat on her rump, and cradled the quivering filly in her hooves as she ran one through her hair gently and the filly flinched and whimpered fearfully. “Shh...we aren't going to hurt you little one.” Rarity cooed in a comforting tone as she continued to stroke the filly's hair who upon hearing these soothing words managed to stop flinching and whimpering but continued to quiver the the same.
“Bless mah heart, she's shakin more than a rattlesnake tale. If this is how Pinkie Pie looked as a young filly, ah'd say she is down right adorable.” Applejack said with a warm smile of her own.
“Focus Applejack. We're here to save Pinkie, not admire how cute she was as a filly.” Rarity said in a prim and proper tone to Applejack before she turned her gaze to the Pink filly. “Darling I know your scared, but do you know who we are?” Rarity asked curiously.
“R-R-Rarity...A-And...Ap-Ap-Applejack.” The filly replied weakly no longer shaking but still looking very scared.
“That's right darling. Now then, do you know who you are?” Rarity asked in the same soft tone.
“P-P-Pinkiemena dian Pie.” Pinkie Pie replied stuttering as she spoke.
“Well yes, that is your proper name, but do you mind if we call you Pinkie Pie?” Rarity asked with a smile to which the filly shook her head. “Well then, can you tell us what is going on here Pinkie? We came to save you but can't seem to find this demon anywhere.” Rarity said as she set the filly down on the ground and got to all four hooves.
Upon hearing the word demon however the pink filly dived into some bushes shaking as as she did. “D-D-Demon? Where?!” The pink filly exclaimed in a terrified tone.
“This can't be the same Pinkie Pie we all know. Ah mean, what happened to giggle at the ghostie, laugh at the creepy and all that?” Applejack asked in a confused tone as Rarity shot her an annoyed look before parting the bushes.
“It's okay Pinkie Pie. We're here for you. We'll protect you from the demon.” Rarity said in a comforting tone extending a hoof which the pink filly took after a few moments hesitation.
“Th-there are more of me in there. B-But the demon is coming after each one of us. It-It-It separated us so that we couldn't fight against it. I-I-I know I shouldn't be such a scaredy filly, b-b-but I can't help it!” Pinkie Pie said hugging Rarity's leg tightly as the white unicorn looked at Applejack whose expression was one of sheer confusion at this point.
“What in tarnation does she mean by separated her and more of her in thar? Isn't this Pinkie Pie right here in front of us?” Applejack said still looking thoroughly confused.
“I think...what she is trying to say is that the demon split her soul into different parts of herself so that it could pick off the weaker parts of her soul easier. Am I correct so far darling?” Rarity asked in the same comforting tone to which the pink filly nodded.
“So let meh get this strait. The demon split y'all into different parts of yourself, you created duplicate of the Everfree forest so y'all could hide in there, but the demon is still pickin y'all off one by one. Am I folowin this right so far?” Applejack asked curiously as she attempted to make sense of this.
“It can't k-k-kill any of us,b-b-but it can weak us so that it's easier to destroy the core.” The Pink filly said in a shaky tone.
“The core? What in tarnation is that?” Applejack replied once again thoroughly confused.
“Think of this is way Applejack. We each represent an element of the elements of harmony correct? However without Twilight the magic is gone and can not be used because her element ties all the others together. So this core Pinkie is speaking of must be the element of magic in her elements of harmony and if the demon destroys that...” Rarity said trailing off.
“ah think ah’m getting the picture.” Applejack replied and began to walk into the forest. “So lets get out ponytails in gear and get to findin these other parts of y'all!” Applejack exclaimed with a smile.
“It has been a day already since they went in...if Pinkie Pie loses then I will be forced to kill all six of them...oh Sister, what should I do? Should I have faith in Twilight and her friends or should I kill them all before they turn on me? What would you do?” Luna asked aloud as she looked at the stone version of her sister on the other side of the room before letting out a sigh. “Of course you'd sit back and have faith in them...but it's not as easy for me to do as it it for you sister!” Luna exclaimed with a annoyed glare at the stone statue of Celestia before turning back and sitting just short of the glowing glyph on the floor where the six ponies lay.
“I will give them two more days...in honor of your faith of them. Their aid seems to have slowed the degradation of her condition, but if Pinkie's condition continues to worsen or the transformation begins I will have no choice...” The moon princess said trailing off before she conjured a dark blue glowing blade which gently floated down in front of her and laying motionless at her hooves upon reaching the floor.
But to kill them....
“Where you propose we begin lookin? Cause I can't tell which way is up or down in this place.” Applejack remarked as they stepped into a clearing which suddenly changed and looked like something out of some painting she once saw. Stone stairs were littered all over this room many of which moving in an upwards upside down fashion while others seemed to lead into nothingness.
“It's really quite simple actually” A familiar voice spoke up behind the three causing them to turn around to see another filly version of Pinkie Pie however this one was wearing glasses and had a very intelligent look about her.
“Ah'm gonna assume your another part of Pinkie that the demon split up?” Applejack said in a questioning manner to which the pink filly nodded adjusting the glasses on her nose.
“You would be correct in making that assumption Applejack. This maze is of my own design. As you both are quite aware of, in here we can do anything we like and with my vast intellect I figured this maze would be the best way to confuse my foe in order to keep myself protected.” The pink filly with glasses said in proper tone.
“I must say, I am quite impressed Pinkie. I would have never imaged you to be the brainy type like Twilight.” Rarity said looking about this maze in awe.
“Just because I walk around and behave like a blithering idiot you assume me to have a similar intelligence? I can't say I find this surprising.” Pinkie Pie said with a smirk.
“I didn't mean to sound so tactless darling, I just....what I mean to say is...” Rarity said trailing off twice before she bit her lower lip.
“Let us be off to find my other counter parts before that demon finds us.” Pinkie Pie said at which point the scared version of Pinkie suddenly hid herself behind Rarity shaking.
“Ah, you must be my counterpart which represents the less brave among us.” The pink filly with glasses said putting a hoof on them as if to adjust them.
“N-Nice to meet you.” The quivering filly said in a shaky tone.
“...Quite.” The pink filly with glasses said in an awkward tone before she began to walk down the stairs. “If you will all follow me I will guide you all safely through this maze and we shall find my other counterparts.” The pink filly with glasses said with a smile to which Applejack and Rarity followed closely with the scared pink filly now far behind them.
“Just how many parts of you are there?” Rarity asked curiously as she followed the pink filly.
“I'd estimate there being six of us in total if you include our core. The demon was quite clever in splitting us apart for separated we are weak but together we are strong and the demon knows this and fears us becoming one again. If the demon manages to find our core before we do, we might as well consider ourselves done for.” The pink filly with glasses said.
“For the sake of mah own sanity ah'm gonna call ya smart Pinkie and this one over here scared Pinkie.” Applejack said still reeling from her own confusion.
“Whichever makes you feel better Applejack. Though we are all the same pony, just different parts of her.” Smart Pinkie said with a smile.
“Please...don't be confusin this farm pony any more than she needs to be. Mah head is already confused enough as it stands.” Applejack replied to which smart pinkie gave a small giggle.
It didn't take nearly as long as the Rarity and Applejack thought it would to get through the maze, in fact it took less than ten minuets or at least that how it seemed to them as they walking into another clearing which could be none other than Everfree forest again.
The four continued to walk the path unaware of them being watched however...
The monster within reawakens!
THE MONSTER WITHIN REAWAKENS!
“You foals will bare witness to power of Discord!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as he flung his now huge lions paw down upon the group who scattered to dodge the attack.
“Ah know this goes without sayin and all, but we don't stand much of a chance against him like this!” Applejack exclaimed as Discord's lion's paw hit the ground with a mighty thud causing the ground to quake in the wake of the impact.
“Never give up! We can do this!” Twilight exclaimed as she took off from the ground and charged at him full throttle. “Discord might be a god, but I have the blood of my mother and nightmare moon in my veins!” Twilight exclaimed as her body began to radiate with a dark aura.
“Whoa nelly! She isn't!” Applejack exclaimed in shock.
“Looks like she is. She knows the risks, but we can't afford to hold back at this point.” Sweetie Belle remarked as Twilight's form slowly began to change until she took a form everypony recognized all too well. Thought Twilight's physical looks and attributes still remained, the armor she now wore and the color of her fur was now that of Nightmare Moon's.
“You want to play hard ball! I'm game you bucking monster!” Twilight exclaimed as her horn glowed brightly and fired a great beam of magic at Discord.
“What's this?!” Discord exclaimed in shock as the beam of magic impacted with him and knocked him back to his rump with a loud thud which shook the ground.
Twilight then proceeded to fire multiple beams of magic in rapid succession at the hydrocephalus which began to create a large dust cloud after so many beams of magic impacted with the hydrocephalus's body.
“You little foal!” Discord's voice roared as his claw hand ejected from within the dust cloud to which Twilight barely dodged only to get struck hard from his lion's paw as he appeared behind her in a blur seemingly.
“Twilight!” Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom shouted nearly in unison as the Alicorn went flying to the ground with a loud thud.
Twilight stood to all fours wearily and let out a gasp of suprise as Discord despite his size was able to move with great speed and agility and was upon her within seconds of her recovery and stuck at her only for the Alicorn to focus magic into her wings and use them as a shield which successfully parried the hydrocephalus's attack. Twilight then countered with a beam of magic which stunned him if only for a moment, but this moment was all Twilight needed to take to the skies once again, dive bomb at him, collide with him horn first which pierced Discord's flesh, and slam him against and through the castle wall.
Twilight then retreated several feet awake and prepared for his next attack as the hydrocephalus sat up and held him arm which was bleeding slightly now but looked completely unfazed by her attack, in fact, he began to laugh semi-hysterically at her. “Is that all your inherited dark power is capable of?!” Discord exclaimed with a malicious grin. “I dare say, if that's the true potential of it's power, then I have little to worry about.” Discord said a few moments after his initial statement with a cackle.
“She's holdin back.” Applejack remarked quietly.
“Holdin back?” Applebloom asked in a equally quiet tone.
“Yeah, she's plum terrified of the dark power within her, and fer good reason. That there power she is tappin into is the kind of magic that turned Princess Luna into Nightmare Moon and warped her mind no matter how much she fought against it.” Applejack replied with a worried expression now as she looked on at Twilight who was sweating profusely and clearly struggling to remain in control of the dark power she was now wielding.
“You have no idea what I’m capable of!” Twilight exclaimed and began to focus more magic into her horn but this magic was the dark magic within her she was tapping into now. It was a gamble, but she had little choice now. She could only hope that she could tap into her dark power a little more and maintain control over it.
“What's this?” Discord remarked with a curious expression as he noticed the Alicorn begin to glow more darkly now.
“You wanted to see the full extent of this dark power of mine?” Twilight asked aloud, but her voice now had an eerie echo about it. “Well here it is!” Twilight roared at the top of her lungs as a surge of dark magic erupted from beneath her hooves and enveloped her body in an orb of dark magic.
This turn of events caused everypony to exchange panicked glances. “She's losing control!” Rarity exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“No...she's not.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a low tone.
“Wait, she's not doing what I think she again is she?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a worried tone.
“Looks it. We had best clear out of here. Twilight's fixing to go magical nuke and if we don't get out of range we'll get caught up in the blast!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed aloud much to everypony's shock.
“I won't let her!” Scootaloo exclaimed and took off from the ground, to the air, and towards Twilight.
“Scootaloo! Stop!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a frantic tone taking off after the orange Pegasus.
“Twilight, stop! You can't do this!” Scootaloo exclaimed at the top of her lungs with tear filled eyes and latched onto the Alicorn sobbing loudly.
Twilight's gaze shot down to the sobbing filly around her front hooves and the dark magic around her began to immediately dissipate. “Sco-Scootaloo? What are you doing?!” Twilight exclaimed in a shocked tone as her form returned to it natural purple color once again leaving no trace of her nightmare moon appearance now.
“Stopping you from making the worst mistake of your life!” Scootaloo exclaimed looking up at her with tear filled eyes as Rainbow Dash flew over and stopped just short of the two. “How could you be so selfish?! If you die, then who am I going to help me when I need a book? Or when I need somepony to talk to?!” Scootaloo exclaimed looking up at her.
While these reasons seemed rather minor to the mare, she understood the reason behind them and gave a heavy sigh. “I'm sorry Scootaloo. I guess that was pretty thoughtless of me wasn't it?” Twilight remarked putting a hoof over the filly's head.
Unknown to the three however Discord had appeared behind them and was preparing to crush them beneath his lion's paw. A fact the three realized only too late.
“Twi, Dash, Scoots, nooooo!” Applejack shrieked at the top of her lungs as a yellow and pink blur streaked a crossed the room towards the three as the lion's paw came down upon them with a thud.
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and looked around to see she was still in fact alive but how she was not sure, that is until she saw Fluttershy staving off the paw with her front hooves. “Fl-Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked in amazement even though she knew exactly what strength the yellow Pegasus was tapping into.
“G-Go!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a strained tone. This was a dangerous move for the yellow Pegasus and she knew it, but she had no choice. As long as she didn't fully lose control, she could tap into her hidden power.
Discord's eyes widened in shock when he realized that the yellow Pegasus was staving off his attack. “Interesting...” Discord said with a malicious grin, disappeared in a flash of magic and reappeared in his previous less large form. “You have peaked my interest young Pegasus.” Discord said with a sneer.
Fluttershy turned to face him and struck her butterfly stance but instead of attacking the hydrocephalus just stood there with the same sneer. “What are you waiting for?” Fluttershy asked with a glare.
“Show me this hidden power of yours or watch your friends die.” Discord said with the same sneer.
“H-hidden power? I have no idea what your talking about!” Fluttershy replied as she stuttered slightly.
“You're lying.” Discord replied, lifted his lions paw up to his face and balled it up at which point Twilight found herself being lifted off the ground and moments later being crushed under an invisible force.
“S-Stop it!” Fluttershy shrieked as Twilight cried out in agony.
“Show me! Or they die!” Discord exclaimed in a fierce tone and in the next moment Applejack found herself lifted off the ground as well being crushed by the same invisible force.
“N-no!” Fluttershy exclaimed and attempted to strike at the hydrocephalus only for him to disappear in a flash of magic and reappear behind Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, and Rarity. In the next moment he lifted the three up and put them under the same invisible force as the others.
“Pl-Please! Stop it!” Fluttershy exclaimed as tears began to flow from her eyes.
“You still refuse to show me? Perhaps you need more encouragement.” Discord replied with a sneer and in the next moment Applebloom, and Scootaloo where lifted up in the same invisible force.
“Stop it!” Fluttershy shrieked in horror as her friends cried out in agony.
“Let them go!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, took off from the ground, arched a hoof back, and darted for Discord only to be blasted by force of magic which knocked her back and sent her flying in a back-flip style fall and hit the floor with a thud.
“You foals honestly thought you could stand a chance against the god of chaos and disharmony?! I was merely toying with you! You all are nothing but meager entertainment to me! And I want to see this hidden power that your little friend holds.” Discord roared and laughed evilly afterword then turned his gaze to Fluttershy who was on her knees sobbing. “Aw, what's the matter Fluttershy? Can't save your friends? Maybe the magic of friendship will save them if you won't.” Discord said in a mock sympathetic tone with a sneer.
Hey bozo!
A voice exclaimed from no where and struck Discord hard. This however didn't break his hold over the ponies as he glared to look at who could have possibly struck him. “And who in Equestria are you?!” Discord exclaimed with a glare at the griffon who stood before him.
The griffon didn't reply and flew over to Rainbow Dash. “Yo, Dash! Get off your flank! You've beaten lamer punks like this in flight camp!” The hippogriff exclaimed as she shook the cyan blue Pegasus awake.
“G-Gilda? Why in Equestria are you here?” Rainbow Dash asked in a dazed tone.
“I was in town, some serious horseapples is going down and if there was any group of ponies who knew what was going on, it was you guys. So, who's the lame jerk?” Gilda asked as Rainbow Dash got to all four hooves wearily.
“His name is Discord, the god of chaos and disharmony.” Rainbow Dash replied as she got her bearings and shook off her dizziness.
“Heh, should have known that lame-o was behind this. I thought you six put him in his place?” Gilda replied as she looked at Discord who seemed to be eying Gilda with a sense of disdain.
“We did, but he got out again. You better get out of here. This guy is no joke.” Rainbow Dash replied as she took a stance to strike.
“No chance Dash! Hey Fluttershy, you gonna help or what?” Gilda exclaimed looking over at the sobbing yellow Pegasus.
“I don't think she can right now.” Rainbow Dash said in a whisper, walked over to Fluttershy, and put a hoof on her shoulder.. “Hey, it's okay Fluttershy. “ Rainbow Dash said in a soft comforting tone.
“I'm so scared Rainbow...he's making me so angry, but I don't want to be...” Fluttershy said between sobs in a whisper.
“I know, don't worry. I'll take care of him.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile which faded upon meeting Discord's gaze. “One chance Discord! Either let them go, or I’ll rearrange your ugly face!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a fierce tone.
“Forgive me if I’m not quaking in my hooves.” Discord replied in an unimpressed tone.
“Stand back Gilda, I’ve only done this twice.” Rainbow Dash replied as she placed a hoof on her chest where her element of harmony rested at which point it began to glow brightly.
“Oh, yes. The true power of your element of harmony. I nearly forgot about that.” Discord said as his sneer faded and was replaced with a glare as he disappeared and reappeared next to Rainbow Dash and Gilda, and arched his claw hand back. “You won't have a chance to use it!” Discord exclaimed as he thrust it forward.
As if in slow motion the cyan blue Pegasus saw it: She turned to look in horror at Discord's claw nearing her side, being shoved to the side by Gilda, a spurt of blood and feathers, Gilda crying out in agony, Discord's claw hand withdrawing with another spurt of blood, and Gilda falling to the ground.
“Gilda, nooo!” Rainbow Dash shrieked in horror as time seemed to kick back into full gear now, lifted her friend up, and looked at her with tear filled eyes.
“Y-You should see the look on your face...L-Lame-o...eh-heh-heeeeehhh......” Gilda said with a weak grin before her eyes fluttered shut and exhaled her dying breath.
“Yet another creature you should have saved.” Discord said with a sneer looking at Fluttershy who stared blankly in horror as tears flooded from her eyes while Rainbow Dash sobbed loudly as she held Gilda's lifeless body close to hers.
(Play “Monster” now)
It-It's happening again....my kindness...I-I can feel it slipping...I just sat here and watched her die...just like my master, just like so many others...I've sat and watched them suffer...well, I won't stand and watch ANYMORE!
Fluttershy's expression suddenly changed from horrified to one of pure rage as she stared at Discord as if he was a bug that needed to be squashed. She stood to all fours hooves slowly as her mane and tail began to flail wildly. “You've murdered innocent creatures, hurt my friends, and you think I will let you get away with it?!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a loathing tone as she continued to glare at Discord who gave her a curious glance.
“Why, yes. I think you will.” Discord replied with a cocky grin.
Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy, gasped, then looked at Discord with a deep loathing stare. “Wrong answer.” Rainbow Dash said in a low tone and couldn't help but grin slightly.
AHHH,AHHH,AHHH!!!
Fluttershy's voice shrieked at the top of her lungs as her hair flailed wildly even more fiercely. A short few moments later however Fluttershy stopped shrieking, opened her eyes, and glared at the hydrocephalus as magic seemed to streak a crossed her body in random places and at random intervals as if her body was covered in electricity.
The look in Fluttershy's eyes now was completely different as Discord looked into them. Not a shred of kindness could be seen in them, only rage. Despite his wish to see the yellow Pegasus's true power he could not help but feel unnerved by the look in her eyes. It was as if she was no longer herself.
“Well that's inter-” Discord began to saw only for Fluttershy to disappear in a blur seemingly and appear next to him in the air, roundhouse kick him upside the head, and sent him flying a crossed the room only for Fluttershy to appear once again in yet another blur and strike him again mid-air which sent him flying in the opposite direction.
Discord recovered mid-air only to be struck hard in the gut by Fluttershy's right hoof which knocked the wind out of him and caused him to cough up blood as he felt his rib cage being crushed under the sheer brute force of her strike and sent flying once again, but this time upwards.
It was at this point and time Discord broke his concentration on the other ponies which released them from his hold. “Look at her go!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a wide smile.
“Mah question is how long can she go on like this? Weh all know she can't stay like this forever.” Applejack said in a worried tone.
Rainbow Dash looked at at Fluttershy who continued to beat Discord around like a ragdoll, then looked at Gilda's lifeless body. “I'm sorry Gilda...” Rainbow Dash said in a whisper as she held her tightly again for a few moments more, set her down, and took off from the ground at Discord.
“Enough of this!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as she projected a magical barrier in front of him only for Fluttershy's hoof to come crashing through it as if it was tissue paper and strike him a crossed the face which sent him flying to the ground with a loud thud.
Discord got to his feet wearily and spit out blood from his mouth to the ground. “Wh-what is she?! She not even a pony! She's a-” Discord said only to stop her right hoof with his lions paw barely but even with bracing himself for the blow, he was pushed back with his feet digging through the ground loudly until he was pressed against the wall struggling to hold off the yellow Pegasus's strike who's eyes still showed nothing but pure rage.
It was at this point Rainbow Dash flew up to the two and stared at Discord. “Are you happy now Discord?! You've murdered my fillyhood friend!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a glare.
“And soon, I’ll rid you of another one!” Discord exclaimed in a strained tone.
“Don't make me laugh! Not even Trixie was stupid enough to piss her off again after she witnessed her power in Fillydephia nearly fifteen years ago! Unlike her though, you have no where to run or hide!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed still glaring at the hydrocephalus.
“You think a little beating will take out the god of chaos and disharmony?!” Discord exclaimed and began to glow darkly for a few moments until a burst of dark magic erupted from him which sent Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flying away from him and into the wall on the opposite side of the castle room much to everypony's shock and horror. Upon hitting the wall Fluttershy's mane and tail stopped flailing wildly and she fell to the ground unconscious along with Rainbow Dash.
“It seems, I was being far too lenient!” Discord exclaimed as he continued to glow darkly. “Enough games! I'm through playing around with you ponies! Prepare yourselves for your destruction!” Discord roared at which point dark magic began to pour from his entire being and flood at the ponies who stared on in horror.
(Play “Power of love” now)
“You will never win Discord! Not as long as there are ponies who have friendships, who care for one another, and love one another! As long as we have the light of love and friendship in our hearts, you will never win! ” Applebloom exclaimed at the top of her lungs as her element of harmony began to glow so brightly it was blinding to the other ponies who stood behind her. Moments later the dark wave of magic impacted with the light but was halted by the blinding light.
“Applebloom...” Applejack said trailing off in shock and awe before a smile washed over her face.
“Mah little sis is right y'all! Lets put this varmint in his place!” Applejack exclaimed looking to the others as her element of harmony began to glow brightly.
“Seeing a young filly like her stand against something was vile as that uncouth creature. I simply can't sit back do nothing!” Rarity exclaimed with a wide smile as well now at which point her element began to glow brightly as well.
“In all my years as Selena and as Sweetie Belle. I've never seen such courage in such a young filly. Though I may not have an element of harmony, I will help in any way I can!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she looked up to Pinkie Pie.
“Yeah! That meanie pants won't get away with this!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with her trademark Pinkie Pie smile at which point her element of harmony began to glow brightly as well.
“Ohh...my head...” Rainbow Dash said in a dazed tone then looked up and shielded her eyes. “Wh-What's going on?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
“Good thing your awake Rainbow! Try to bring Fluttershy back to, we are going to need her!” Twilight exclaimed with a bright smile as her crown glowed brightly.
The cyan blue Pegasus caught on quickly and began to shake Fluttershy awake only for her not to stir. “Hey Fluttershy! Wake up now!” Rainbow Dash said in a worried tone as she shook her friend a little more fiercely now. It was at this point Rainbow Dash realized one horrifying fact.
Fluttershy wasn't breathing...
A Mother's love(parts 1-4 combined)
A MOTHER'S LOVE
“Ya sure this is the place?” Applebloom asked as they walked into a cave deep within the everfree forest.
“Yes. Discord often spoke of this place as a source of power for him. Though I don't know what he meant by that.” Scootaloo replied as they looked around the dark cave.
“I think I do.” Twilight replied in a knowing tone. She had sensed it from the moment they entered the cave. A sinister dark magic was at work here. She however, was unable to pinpoint it's source.
“Why would he be keeping Roseheart here?” Applebloom asked in a worried tone.
To covert her of course.
A voice echoed throughout the cave which could belong to non-other than Discord.
“Discord! Give mah daughter back! Or so help meh-”
You'll do what?! Use your elements of harmony on me? Oh, I’m sooo scared! The elements of harmony ceased to be a threat to me the day dear little Scootaloo helped me gain my release!
“What are you going to do to her?!” Scootaloo asked in a demanding tone.
Dear sweet Roseheart is going to go through the same ritual I did so she can become a god like me. It will be glorious!
It was at this point and time everypony except Fluttershy exchanged confused looks while Fluttershy's expression became horrified. She had neglected to tell Twilight about how he came to be the god of chaos and disharmony. It was the part of that story she would rather forget and thought it was far too scary to tell the others.
But now, now that she heard this, she knew exactly what Discord had planned. “No! You can't! That's too cruel!” Fluttershy shrieked with tear filled eyes now much to everypony's shock.
Oh, I nearly forgot you had overheard my little tale Fluttershy, why don't you tell them how I came to be, how I, Discord, was truly born!
“Let us in on it Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash said in a curious tone.
By the time she was finished explaining everypony in the room had exchanged horrified glances.
“Scootaloo? Hey scoots, where did you go?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a worried tone as well.
“Sweetie Belle? Oh goodness! Where have those three gone?!” Rarity exclaimed in a worried tone.
“We need to find them! Lets go!” Twilight exclaimed and the six ponies began to rush off in search of the three fillies.
Discord paced around Roseheart grinning at her evilly as he looked at her and began to conjure up dark magic.
Discord:
♫ Little Roseheart don't you fear, your time of godhood is near! ♫
♫ I will make you like me, all the power in the world you will obtain you see. ♫
♫ Stick me with me and you will never regret ♫
Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom were now running as fast they could throughout the caves looking to each others sides in hopes of finding some sign of Discord's location
Applebloom:
♫ Ah must hurry, Ah must run, hope do not abandon me yet... ♫
♫ Celestia guide my hooves, help me find my daughter soon! ♫
Discord:
♫ A dash of this and a dash of that, an eye of newt and rat. ♫
Am I adding too much or too little, who cares!
♫ Soon you will see... ♫
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Applebloom:
♫ Dear Celestia, don't let this fate of my daughter come to beeeee... ♫
Sweetie Belle:
♫ We need move fast if we want to save her, or I fear for little Roseheart of the fate that will occur... ♫
Scootaloo:
♫ Roseheart hear our call, our love for you I know you can recall... ♫
♫ You are strong like your mother, don't give in to him like any other. ♫
Applebloom:
♫ Roseheart don't give in, show that creature the pride of our kin...♫
Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo now arrived at a dead end much to their horror..
♫ This cannot be, no ah won't let happen you see. ♫
Applebloom then turned around and rose her hind legs to the stone wall.
♫ Nothing will stop me this day, nothing will hold me down, nothing will stand in my waaaay...♫
♫ ah lost her once, it won't happen again, no, it will never happen agaaaaaaaaiiin...♫
Applebloom then began to buck hard against the stone wall at first making no progress but she did not stop. Not even as her hooves began to bleed from the sharp edges of the stone wall, she continued to buck with all her might and slowly began to chip away at it and soon revealed a small hole that when looked through a path could be seen.
♫ Hold strong, hold true, Roseheart ah will be with you soooon!♫
Discord now levitated a book in front of him as Roseheart lay on a stone slab chained down looking horrified.
Discord:
♫ Spirits of disharmony rise for your master, let your evil shine! ♫
♫ Come now, ever faster, give this filly the power of the shadows divine! ♫
♫ Yes that's it, faster now, flow through her body, engulf her soul as you did mine, let her feel the power of godhood sublime...♫
Roseheart's body began to float up now seemingly suspended by dark magic as she cried out in both fear and pain.
♫ Dark magic I call forth, from the deepest reaches of hell and from the north!♫
♫ Fill her heart with hatred and cold, destroy her will so you can take hold!♫ Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo now were running at top speed and the faint cries of Roseheart's voice told them they were now close to her.
♫ Please don't let meh be too late, to change her fate..♫
Discord:
♫ The magic I call forth shall obliterate...♫
--------------------------------
Applebloom:
♫ Element of harmony show me the way, help me save my daughter todaaaay!♫
Applebloom then placed a hoof on her element of harmony which began to glow brightly and shot a beam of light strait from itself down the dark cave which lit up a path for them.
♫ Ah'm on my way Roseheart don't you fret, I will save you yeeet!♫
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Discord lifted up a dagger from the small stone slab next to him and walked up to Roseheart's floating body.
♫ The ritual is nearly complete, now all that is left is to still that heartbeat...♫
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♫ Element of harmony continue to shine, show us the way so that we can make it in time!♫
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♫ And now my little Roseheart, you will be mine!♫
Discord rose the dagger up and prepared to strike down on her when suddenly the stone wall behind him was obliterated with a burst of magic which caused the draconequus to turn and see Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom standing in the wake of the explosion.
“Don't ya even think about it!” Applebloom exclaimed and lunged at the draconequus only for him to blast her to the side with a burst of magic.
“You are a fool to face me here! Don't you know this is where the book of dark magic which gave me my godhood is stored? You have no chance of defeating me here! My power is infinite! Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha!!!” Discord exclaimed with a maniacal laugh.
“Your power is no where near infinite Discord!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a fierce expression as she took a combat pose, wings spread, preparing to strike or counter any attack by the draconequus.
“With the three of us together! You won't win!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a confident tone as Applebloom recovered from the blow and stood beside her friends. “Hurry Twilight! We can hold him off, but only you can defeat him!” Sweetie Belle thought to herself hoping that even though she didn't have a link with Pinkie Pie anymore it would still reach her.
It was at this exact moment Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up as if she heard something to which Applejack noticed. “Somethin up sugarcube?” Applejack asked in a curious tone.
“Yeah, I think I know where those three are! Follow me everypony!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed and began to run down a path followed closely by the other five.
(play “DJ Alex S. - Cutie Mark Crusaders Theme dubstep remix” now)
Scootaloo and Applebloom were now upon Discord full throttle thrusting hooves, bucking, and just about anything they could think of to keep the draconequus on his toes and unable to counter while Sweetie Belle used her magic to freeze time at random times for a few moments to help the two keep their edge against him.
It didn't take long for the draconequus to figure out the unicorn filly was behind the time freezing however. “You think your little time freezing spell will help you against me?!” Discord roared as he fired a beam of magic at the unicorn who once again attempted to freeze time only to realize too late the magic was unaffected, was blasted off her hooves through the hole in the wall, and into the cave wall outside, knocking her unconscious.
“Ah won't let you have her! She's mah daughter, and mah love for her will be what's beats you!” Applebloom exclaimed as she charged at the draconequus full speed. What happened next however even caught Discord by surprise as her element of harmony began to glow brightly. So brightly in fact it was blinding. “This has only happened once before...” Discord remarked to himself recalling when she successfully freed Scootaloo from his control.
In the next moment Discord was locked with the farm pony hoof for lions paw and claw for hoof as her element continued to glow blindingly. “How can ya do this to her? Do ya really have no love left in that cold heart of yours?!” Applebloom exclaimed as she struggled against the draconequus's strength who was trying to force her back with all his might.
“My heart was frozen from the day Celestia turned away from me!” Discord exclaimed in a hurt tone yet he had no idea why he was even feeling hurt. Then it occurred to him. It was her element. It was trying to melt his cold heart. In a panicked recoil of fear he expelled a blast of magic which knocked the farm pony back. She however recovered mid-air and landed on her hooves with her element still glowing brightly.
“So that's why. That why ya turned yourself into this monster. Ya wanted to escape the pain of rejection. Merrick, listen to meh. It doesn't have to be this way. Let mah element heal ya. Ah know it can. If you let love into your heart, you will be able to do good with your power. Think bout it, ya can use your powers to help Celestia and Twilight maintain order. Isn't that much better than an eternity in stone?” Applebloom asked in a compassionate tone.
“You would forgive me, even after I attempted to convert your daughter into a being such as myself?” Discord asked in a disbelieving tone.
“Ah don't think this is the real you. Ah think the dark power you acquired is warpin your mind. Ah have sensed it in ya. Deep down ya only want to be loved. Ah know that feelin all too well.” Applebloom replied as she walked up to Discord now cautiously but in a nonthreatening way.
For the first time in Discord's two thousand years of life. He seriously began to question what he was doing right now. This doubt grew stronger and stronger as the farm pony took each step towards him. “Is it truly possibly for a freak of nature like me, the one responsible for turning this world into my own twisted image, to be accepted?” Discord asked in a soft tone as Applebloom now stood in front of him.
“Yeah, it is. All ya have to do is let love into ya heart.” Applebloom said with a soft smile as she stood in front of him now.
In the next split second however Discord's claw shot forth, yanked the element from Applebloom's neck and knocked her away as the dark magic around him glowed fiercely now as the element dimmed and stopped glowing after a few short moments. “You little foal! Did you honestly think I would simply let myself be defeated so easily?!” Discord roared with a malicious grin.
“Applebloom! Are you okay?!” Scootaloo asked as she helped the farm pony to her hooves.
“Yeah, ah thought ah was getting through to him though...” Applebloom remarked in a saddened tone.
“There is no love left in that creatures heart Applebloom, but at least your heart was in the right place.” Scootaloo said with a warm smile then turned to look at the draconequus. “Give Applebloom her element back!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a pissed off tone.
In the next moment however Discord clamped his claw down upon the element followed by a shattering sound as it broke into fragments before their eyes much to Applebloom's horror. “You can have it back now...ha,ha,ha!” Discord said with a cruel sneer as he tossed what was left of the necklace at them which landed with a clinging sound at their hooves.
“You monster!” Scootaloo roared charging forth at the draconequus at full speed now only to get struck down mid flight to the wall which the Pegasus gave a shrill cry of pain as her back hit the stone wall and hit the floor with a thud still conscious but in pain.
“Scootaloo!” Applebloom exclaimed in a panicked yet worried tone as she attempted to rush to her lovers side only to be lifted up by the throat and choked.
“You three thought you could stand a chance against the god of chaos and disharmony?! Don't make me laugh!” Discord exclaimed and laughed manically as Applebloom gagged and choked under the grip of Discords claw hand.
Leave her alone!!!
A voice roared which caused the draconequus to snap his gaze to the hole in the wall which showed Sweetie Belle. She however had a burst of magic erupting from under her hooves.
“And what prey tell are you going to do?” Discord asked in a cocky tone.
As if in response to this question the magic around Sweetie Belle erupted ten fold at which point her form began to change. Her body grew to the size of a full grown mare, her fur color turned bright pink, her horn grew in size, and her and tail grew out into full length and had a bright white streak through her now pink hair.
Discord's jaw dropped in shock at this. “What kind of magic is this?! Your nothing but a filly! Not a full grown mare! How did you do this unicorn?!” Discord exclaimed incredulously.
Sweetie Belle looked at herself and gasped in shock. “My magic stronger than I thought...” Sweetie Belle thought to herself and gave a prideful smile now.
“How did you do this unicorn?!” Discord exclaimed as he tossed Applebloom to the side and into the wall to which the farm pony hit and fell along side of Scootaloo.
“My name is....Selena!” Selena exclaimed channeled magic into her horn and fired a huge beam of magic at the draconequus to which Discord countered with a beam of magic of his own.
For sometime the beams of magic seemed to be at a stalemate until the magic around Selena began to envelope her in a orb of pink magic at which point the strength of her spell increased exponentially which caused the draconequus to lift his lions paw now to try and even out the stalemate again.
“You can't defeat me Discord! My magic is that of a rank S unicorn in this state! And if you know anything of unicorn magic you know what this means!” Selena exclaimed as her eyes glowed with a pink magic now as she stared at him.
“Alicorn class magic...ha! You expect me to believe such dribble?!” Discord roared as he used all his power to attempt to drive her magic back but was failing to do so and was in fact losing this stalemate.
“I don't know how I was able to obtain my old form again and I don't know how long it will last, but I won't let this chance go to waste!” Selena thought to herself dramatically.
By now the six ponies had managed to follow the same path as the cutie mark crusaders had, but stopped and stared in shock at the sight that beheld them now from afar.
“Are mah eyes playin tricks on meh or is that...” Applejack asked then jolted her gaze in the direction of Pinkie Pie who was staring in just as much shock as the others.
“How is this possible? I thought that Sweetie Belle could only gain that form when she had a link with Pinkie pie.” Rarity said in a shocked tone.
Twilight of course was already trying to get to to the bottom of this until her eyes fell upon the shattered fragments of what could be none other than Applebloom's element of harmony. “Of course! That explains it! She absorbed Applebloom's element of harmony magic!” Twilight exclaimed in realization.
“Run that by meh again sugarcube?” Applejack replied in a confused tone.
“We all know that Sweetie Belle initially came to be due to Selena's magic having s sheer will of it's own to survive right?” Twilight asked waiting for the others to nod before she continued. “Well, even though Sweetie Belle is her own filly now, her body is still composed of magic. So naturally when there is magic nearby she will absorb it when she attempts to use high level magic. And since the elements of harmony supply a seemingly endless source of magic, she was able to temporally regain her original form that she sees herself as in her heart.
“So you mean Applebloom's element was destroyed?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a horrified tone.
“Apparently yes, but I don't think Sweetie Belle realizes this. She's drawing off the remains of the element's magic.” Twilight replied in a matter of fact tone.
“Sweetie Belle! Use the recreation spell while you still have that form to recreate Applebloom's element of harmony before you suck it dry!” Pinkie Pie blurted out which caused Selena's eyes to snap wide in shock.
“I'm drawing off of Applebloom's element of harmony?!” Selena exclaimed in shock though she didn't look behind herself as she was still focusing on trying to stave off Discord.
“Duh! You silly filly! Isn't that what I just said?” Pinkie Pie replied with a grin and a silly face as she said this.
“I nearly forgot that my body was the result of Selena's magic having a will of it's own. It's only natural I would draw off other magical items around me. I was so caught up in having my old body back I forgot this...” Sweetie Belle thought to herself in a depressed tone and disappeared in a flash of magic which caused Discord's beam of magic to sail to through the hole in the wall and hit the wall in the cave which caused a massive explosion and cause the cave to collapse in front of the mane six thankfully leaving them unharmed but unable to get to the three at the moment.
“Gave up huh?” Discord said with a sneer as she noticed Selena appear over the remains of Applebloom's element of harmony.
“No, I didn't.” Sweetie Belle replied and began to focus magic into her horn which made Applebloom's element of harmony float up.
At first nothing happened but then the parts of the gem on the necklace began to all sail to what was left on necklace until they were all in place looking as if it had never been damaged.
“You can't be..it isn't possible!” Discord roared, charged at her without thinking only to hit a invisible barrier Selena had erected moments before.
“Under normal circumstances you would be correct Discord. But I’m not your average filly.” Sweetie Belle replied, closed her eyes and began to glow brightly. As her form began to revert back to that of a filly, magic flowed from her body into the element of harmony, and by the time she was back to her original form as the while filly unicorn the element of harmony radiated brightly with a warm glow. “Applebloom, catch!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she tossed the element of harmony over to the farm pony which latched around her neck as if by magic when it reached her.
It was at this point the barrier disappeared and just after Sweetie Belle tossed the element over to Applebloom she was slammed against the cave wall by the draconequus. “How did you do that?! I destroyed it!” Discord roared in rage as he held her against the cave wall.
“Weren't you listening? I told that I’m not your average filly.” Sweetie Belle replied in a pained tone with grin despite the pain she was now in.
“It isn't possible you can't-” Discord began to exclaim until his expression changed as if he had just had an epiphany. “Your not really a filly are you?” Discord asked with a cruel sneer.
“I am!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed defensively.
“Oh no your not. It makes sense now. I don't why I couldn't sense it before, but now I see. Your entire body is comprised of magic! Your nothing more than a bundle of magic that took a form of it's own.” Discord said with a cruel sneer knowing he was getting to the filly as her eyes filled with tears.
“No! I am my own filly! I am! I have my own soul now!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a tearful tone as her eyes began to flow with tears.
“Is that what they told you? You poor creature. I am the god of chaos and disharmony. I can see the real you and what I see if a soulless bundle of magic in my claw.” Discord replied with a sneer.
“No..it's not true...it can't be...” Sweetie Belle replied in a saddened tone.
Twilight and the others were still trying to sort through the cave in ruble when Pinkie Pie gave a sudden gasp in shock and horror.
“What's going on?” Rainbow Dash asked in a worried tone having taken note of the pink mare's sudden change in behavior.
“It's Sweetie Belle. Her soul,it's weakening.” Pinkie Pie said in a scared tone.
“How's that possible? I thought once she accepted herself as her own filly she was good for life?” Twilight asked in a worried tone.
“It's gotta be that meanie pants Discord! He's using his power to weaken her soul by making her doubt her own existence!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a pissed off tone.
It was at this point Rarity gave a horrified gasp. “And if she fully accepts what Discord is saying...” Rarity began to say but trailed off as if she was unable to say the words out loud.
“She will disappear from existence...come on everypony! We have to move quickly! Lets work double time to get through here!” Twilight exclaimed and began to move rocks at a faster rate now only for Rarity to shove her to the side.
“I will not lose her again!” Rarity exclaimed fiercely, charged a beam of magic into her horn, fired it at the pile of ruble which blew a giant hole in it, and proceeded to dash though it.
“Rarity! Wait!” Twilight exclaimed attempting to follow the unicorn only to be cut off by the falling of more ruble which effectively blocked her path.
“Now do you see? Your nothing more than a bundle of magic. Pity though, if you had used the elements power a little longer you might have defeated me...” Discord said with a sneer as tears flowed freely from the filly now.
“I...i....I am-”
Let my sister go you foul beast!
Sweetie Belle's words were cut off by Rarity's voice as she looked over and saw the unicorn standing in the entrance to the room.
“Oh looky, it's your not real sister.” Discord said with a sneer.
“Don't you dare say another lie you dreadful creature! Nothing but lies come from the foul hole you call a mouth! Unhoof my sister at once or so help me i'll-” “Or you'll what? Last I checked I have the advantage here. My magic is limitless!” Rarity exclaimed in a fierce tone only to be cut off by the draconequus.
“Let her go!” Rarity exclaimed once more preparing to charge at Discord.
“What are you going to do? Make me new dress? Ha,ha,ha!” Discord exclaimed followed by mocking laughter.
Rarity then charged at the draconequus dodging beams of magic he shot her way by moving left and right in the room. “I don't need magic to do this !” Rarity exclaimed as she was up on the draconequus now, turned about face and bucked him hard where it counts!
Upon impact Discord's face went wide in shock then contorted in pain as he let go of Sweetie Belle whom was caught by Rarity and fell to the cave floor holding himself. “I didn't even know I still had those...” Discord said in a high pitched yet pained tone.
“Sweetie Belle, are you okay little sis?” Rarity asked in a soft tone as she held her sister tightly.
“I almost, I almost...I almost believed him!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed and began to sob loudly into Rarity's chest.
“It's okay, don't you worry. Your big sister is here now. Don't you even think on what he said, not one little bit darling. You are your own filly and my little sister.” Rarity said in a soft tone as she held her tightly.
By now Discord was getting back up having recovered from Rarity's low blow. “You...i will end you!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs, lifted both his lions paw and claw hand up, charged magic into them and fired at the two unicorns.
Rarity as if by instinct threw herself over Sweetie Belle to shield her as the beam sailed towards them expecting it to hit her any moment yet after several moments nothing happened. Curious the unicorn opened her eyes and looked behind herself to see Applebloom and Scootaloo holding hooves with the farm pony's element glowing blindingly once again which was acting as a shield.
“Discord, please, ah'm beggin ya! Don't let this happen! Ah know there's love still in ya heart! It's just buried beneath all the hatred and pain! Let meh help ya!” Applebloom exclaimed with a fierce expression as she looked at the draconequus.
“You little foal! I have no love for this world! I wish to see it in eternal chaos! Nothing more!” Discord exclaimed as his gaze turned to Roseheart whom was still suspended by the dark magic from his ritual.
“Heh,heh. Make a choice Applebloom! Your daughter....or your friends!” Discord exclaimed as he rose the dagger up with magic preparing to fire it at Roseheart's heart from a short distance away.
“Discord, don't do it!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she and Applebloom realized what he was going to do.
“Make your choice...” Discord said with a sneer and fired the knife at Roseheart which would connect in a matter of moments.
Tears of fear and horror flowed from Applebloom's eyes now as she saw the knife sailing towards her daughter. She only had a few moments to decide and despite the fact her first instinct was to defend her daughter, her love for her friends managed to override this at first. Inside of Applebloom's heart right now felt like a boat being tipped back and forth between which to choose yet it never stopped swaying back and forth. This feeling tortured her. She didn't know who to choose.
In the next moment however Sweetie Belle had seemingly appeared from no where in front of the knife taking it directly in her side. Rarity saw this and looked under herself and realized her sister was no longer there. Then it occurred to her and once it had her eyes widened in horror.
“Diamond, noooo!!!” Rarity shrieked at the top of her lungs as she stared at Sweetie Belle fall to the ground dagger still in her side bleeding out now but conscious, ran to her side, lifted her up, and held her.
“Y-You called me Diamond again...” Sweetie Belle said weakly with a soft smile.
“Why? Why did you do it? I swore to myself I would never lose you again...” Rarity asked between tears knowing what was happening.
“Discord was forcing Applebloom to choose between us and her daughter...I couldn't bare to see her forced to make a choice like that...so I choose for her.” Sweetie Belle replied in a weak tone along with a grunt of pain and a cough.
Discord stared at Sweetie Belle and Rarity now in confusion until it occurred to him. “That little mule used her time stopping spell to get in the way of my dagger...now the ritual is ruined!” Discord exclaimed in anger and ceased firing magic at the farm pony.
“Ruined? What the hay are ya-” Applebloom began to say until she had an epiphany of her own. “Mah daughter was never the target of this ritual...ah was.” Applebloom said in realization.
“You both were. With the bearing of an element of harmony and her daughter at my side, I would be invincible.” Discord replied staring at them for a few moments longer now.
“Ya mean, ya wouldn't be alone anymore...” Applebloom said in a soft tone as she stared at the draconequus.
“Pinkie Pie! What's wrong? Talk to me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone as the pink mare held her side giving steady short gasps and grunts of pain.
“It's Sweetie Belle...she's dying...I can feel it..” Pinkie Pie managed to say between short gasps and grunts of pain.
“How is that even possible? Ah thought when Pinkie Pie broke this here link between them they no longer felt each other?” Applejack asked in a worried tone.
“The link...was...never fully broken. We may not be able to pear into each others thoughts anymore and have our our souls, but we are still two parts of the same pony and that kind of bond is never broken.” Pinkie Pie replied once again between short gasps and grunts of pain.
“That explains why the two always seem to know where each other are and why they were so close even when they didn't have their memories back. ” Twilight said in a worried tone as she worked even harder now to remove the rocks that stood in their way in a safe manner so they could get to the others.
“Sayin for a moment I understand what's goin on here. How is it that Pinkie Pie is feelin what Sweetie Belle is?” Applejack asked in a confused tone.
“They are like psychically joined twins. They feel each others pain.” Twilight replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
“So is Pinkie Pie going to die?!” Rainbow Dash asked in a panicked tone.
“No, but she will continue to feel what Sweetie Belle is feeling until she..” Twilight began to say only to trail off unable to bring herself to say the words as she continued to move rocks out of the way.
“You....YOU MONSTER!” Rarity shrieked at the top of her lungs as she laid Sweetie Belle down and stared at the draconequus.
“Why, thank you!” Discord replied with a sneer only for his expression to change to one of shock as Rarity charged at him horn pointed at him, pierced him strait in the chest, and pinned him against the wall followed up by a burst of magic from her horn that exploded which sent the unicorn flying backward only to recover.
Discord immediately put his lions paw hand over the now gaping hole in his lower chest which was bleeding profusely now. “Why...you....uhh...uhh...” Discord managed to say between groans before falling to the floor as blood pooled under him.
Rarity then rushed back to Sweetie Belle who was barely conscious now and held her once again.
“Is he....dead ?” Scootaloo asked in a cautious tone as she looked over at the non-moving draconequus on the floor.
“Ah don't know...seems that way though don't it?” Applebloom said then turned to look at Roseheart, ran over to her, used her element to dispel the magic around her, and held her tightly. “It's okay sweetie pie. Mama's here now.” Applebloom said in a soft tone to the filly who was just now regaining consciousness.
It was at this point that Twilight who was carrying Pinkie Pie via magic and the others were now making there way into the room. “Rarity, put Sweetie Belle down! We haven't got much time!” Twilight exclaimed in an urgent tone to which Rarity obeyed without question as Twilight lowered Pinkie Pie down next to her.
“What are you going to do Twilight?” Rarity asked curiously in a half sobbing tone.
“I'm going to try to save her. I read a book a long time ago when I lived in Canterlot about a spell that can use part of one pony's life energy to heal another, but it requires the two ponies to have an unbreakable bond. The problem is this spell has only been said to be done in theory because this has never happened before till now.” Twilight said as she removed the knife from Sweetie Belle's side at which point both Sweetie Belle and Pinkie Pie gave shrill cries of pain simultaneously.
“Please save her Twilight! I don't know what I would do if I lost her again...” Rarity said between sobs.
“I can't promise anything more than I will use all my power to try and save her life...now stand back.” Twilight said in a serious tone as her horn began to glow brightly and shot forth a cloak of magic which coated both ponies and glowed brightly with a purple light.
“Come on Twi...” Applejack said in a soft tone as she crunched her hat between her hooves nervously.
“Come on Twilight! I know you can do it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in an enthusiastic yet nervous tone.
Twilight's horn was now radiating a large glow of magic now as sparks spurted from it rapidly now along her strained groans from the Alicorn as she she used all her magic to cast this spell. “Damn it all! It's not enough! I need more magic! No! I won't let myself think like that! Remember what Sweetie Belle told you Twilight! A unicorn's thoughts and emotions are the source of their magic, if they let one overpower the others they can lose control of their magic!” Twilight thought to herself dramatically as she focused harder than ever now to heal Sweetie Belle.
Rarity:
♫ Sweetie Belle don't you fear, you big sister is near.♫
♫ We have always been the best of friends you and I, I have always been there for you though the dark times and the good, so don't you cry..♫
Applejack:
♫ Ah remember when ah first met ya back then, you were so full life and opposed to any sin.♫
♫Ah know this isn't your time to go, you've done far too much good for it to end like so...♫
Rainbow Dash:
♫ Don't you worry Sweetie Belle, Twilight will save you I know.♫
♫You're far to strong to let go of this world today, so believe me when I say..♫
Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack:
♫ You will never give up, you will never give in.♫
♫ We believe you in Sweetie Belle, so don't give up!♫
♫Don't you ever give uuuuuuppp!♫
Tears now flowed freely from the Alicorn's eyes as she realized she could not in fact save her and time was running out now. Sweetie Belle's breathing was beginning to slow which caused Twilight even more grief.
Twilight:
♫ I'm so sorry my little Sweetie Belle, You fought hard and you fought well...♫
♫ Though I may not be able to save you I want you to know this, you will be forever missed...♫
Applebloom then walked over to Twilight with her element of harmony glowing brightly.
♫ Twilight use mah element's power, heal her wounds in her darkest hour.♫
Applebloom's element glowed brighter than ever now as Twilight channeled her element's magic to her horn giving her a burst of magical power.
Sweetie Belle's eyes now shot open wide and alert as the wound in her side was swiftly being healed now and in a few moments time it looked as if she was never hurt in the first place.
“Sweetie Belle! Thank Celestia your okay!” Rarity exclaimed as she hugged her little sister tightly.
“Rarity! Your going to smother me to death!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in an annoyed muffled tone at which point Rarity let go of her immediately and smiled at her with a teary smile.
“Thanks to your element Applebloom, I was able to save her. Your element must be the most powerful of all the elements of harmony.” Twilight remarked with a smile.
THIS IS NOT OVER!!!
A voice roared in a demonic tone which caused everypony's gaze to snap at Discord who was floating up and surrounded by a dark aura of magic which healed the gaping hole in his lower chest.
“Scootaloo, ah want ya to take Sweetie Belle and Roseheart and get the hay outta here.” Applebloom said in an urgent tone.
“But Apple-” “Ah said do it now!” Scootaloo began to say only to be cut off by Applebloom.
“Okay, but be careful!” Scootaloo replied in a concerned tone as she lifted up Sweetie Belle, put her on her back, picked up Roseheart, flew out of the cave room, and was out of sight in mere moments.
“The seven elements of harmony against the god of chaos and disharmony. You don't have a chance!” Discord roared in the same demonic tone.
“Somethin's different bout him now. It's like any love ah felt in him is gone now.” Applebloom said in a cautious tone.
“Then lets be on our guard. This isn't the same Discord anymore everypony!” Twilight exclaimed as the others along with her prepared for battle.
“Don't worry. I got you both! We'll get you back to Twilight's house and then i'll head back to Twilight and the others.” Scootaloo said with a smile to Sweetie Belle.
“I'm sorry I'm not of any use now.” Sweetie Belle replied in a weak tone.
“Hey, don't you worry about it. You just went through a near death experience. That takes a lot out of ya! Besides, we wouldn't be the cutie mark crusaders without you.” Scootaloo replied with a smile.
“Heh, thanks.” Sweetie Belle replied with a weak giggle.
Scootaloo was half way to Twilight's house when a purple Pegasus caught her eye. “Hey, it's Gina! Hey Gina, over here!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a smile and to her delight Gina seemed to have heard her and began to fly in her direction.
“Who's Gina?” Sweetie Belle asked in a curious tone.
“She's a friend of mine from flight school before I got nabbed by Discord. She's-What's wrong Roseheart?” Scootaloo began to say but noticed how Roseheart was acting as Gina grew closer and closer.
“What's wrong with Roseheart?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously.
“Not sure. She's acting like she's scared though. Must be because we are so high up.” Scootaloo replied and attempted to comfort the young foal only for her to go from nervous acting to frantic as Gina grew closer and closer now.
“What the hay is wrong with ya Roseheart? It's just Gina. She won't hurt you.” Scootaloo replied as she continued to attempt to reassure the foal but with little success.
It was then Sweetie Belle sensed it as if a lightning streak through her being. “Discord's magic...” Sweetie Belle remarked thoughtfully to herself and moments later her expression went panicked as she put two and two together. “Scootaloo, I don't think Gina is herself! I'm sensing Discord's magic at work here and it's growing stronger by the second!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“Oh come on, your just being over....” Scootaloo began to say only to trail off as Gina came into clear view now even though she was still a good distance away. Her fur coat was a grayed out version of itself and she was flying at them faster than she should. “Oh horseapples...” Scootaloo said after a few moments in a dismayed tone along with a feeling of dread realizing she had just alerted a servant of Discord to her presence rather than a friend and banked sharply to the left barely avoiding Gina as she attempted to spear them.
“Call out to your friend Scootaloo, yeah. She'll help! Oh but guess what? she's actually not your friend right now and wants to kill you! Ugh! Why am I such a lame brain?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a sarcastic yet annoyed tone as she facehoofed with one hoof while keeping a hold of Roseheart with the other as she flew at top speed evading Gina who was hot in her tail...literally!
Gina took a deep breath and exhaled fire at them to which Scootaloo barely evaded the flames. Her tail however wasn't as lucky and caught fire. “My tail is is on fire, My tail is on fire!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a panicked yet comical tone to which Sweetie Belle did her best to conjure up water and put out the flames as she let out a sigh along with an eye-roll.
“Since when did she get the ability to blow fire anyways?!” Scootaloo asked in a panicked tone as they evaded another exhale of flames.
“She's either been given that power by Discord or one of her parents was a dragon.” Sweetie Belle replied in a slightly panicked tone.
“Wait, ponies and dragons can mate?” Scootaloo asked incredulously.
“I saw many offspring of dragons and ponies during the war as Selena. In fact, we even encouraged it so that it gave us more firepower against Nightmare Moon. So yeah, it's uncommon now at days, but not impossible.” Sweetie Belle replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
Scootaloo banked right once again avoiding yet another exhale of flames this time singeing Sweetie Belle's mane. “Put us down Scootaloo! You can't fight her while your carrying us!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as Scootaloo barely evaded yet another exhale or flames.
“The ground isn't safe! Discord's zombie ponies still roam around down there or did you forget that? And you are in no condition to fight them off!” Scootaloo replied as she banked right once again evading flames by Gina.
“I may be weak, but I’m not defenseless!” Sweetie Belle countered in an annoyed tone.
“Sweetie Belle, listen to me! I know you have this pride of yours as this once powerful unicorn, but you aren't her anymore! Get that through your thick skull!” Scootaloo retorted in an annoyed tone.
“You don't think I don't know this?! You don't think a day doesn't go by when I think back to who I was and never will be again?! Why the hay do you think I made a deal with the keeper of souls to take my memories of me as Selena when this is all over in exchange for saving Fluttershy's life! I want to forget that life! I want to live my own life!” Sweetie Belle nearly shrieked at which point a awkward silence ensued despite the fact Scootaloo was still evading Gina with all her skills.
“I'm sorry Sweetie Belle...I didn't mean to hit a soft spot.” Scootaloo replied after a few moments in a soft tone.
Upon hearing this Sweetie Belle gave a heavy sigh. “It's not your fault Scootaloo. It's just something I’ve been dealing with everyday of my life since I got my memories back. I want to forget that life I had...it's more painful than you realize.” Sweetie Belle replied in a soft tone.
Sweetie Belle:
♫ Long ago...♫
♫ I remember...♫
♫ I was somepony grand...♫
Sweetie Belle looked up to the sky at this point despite the action and as if by magic she could see a reflection of herself as Selena from long ago. As she looked on tears flowed from her eyes freely now as she continued to sing now.
♫ Long ago...♫
♫I remember...♫
♫ I was somepony with a purpose...♫
Sweetie Belle reached a hoof out to the sky as she sung now watching her memories play out in the sky like a live action movie of all her achievements as tears continued to flow from her eyes. A few moments later however she retracted her hoof away from the sky, placed it on her chest, turned her gaze away from the sky, and closed her eyes as tears continued to flow from them.
♫ But now I see...♫
♫ That life is no longer apart of me...♫
♫ That life was long ago...♫
♫ Out of reach...♫
♫ Far away...♫
Sweetie Belle then reopened her eyes and looked up at the sky once more but now a different set of memories seemed to be playing in the skies now. Memories of herself as a small unicorn filly playing with her friends Applebloom and Scootaloo.
♫ Long ago...♫
♫I remember...♫
♫I became somepony new...♫
♫ Somepony different...♫
♫I was reborn...♫
♫I was given a second chance...♫
In the skies now Sweetie Belle could see the events of when she first become the young unicorn she is now and how she was so angry.
♫Now I see...♫
♫I was fighting against was came to be...♫
♫I want to live my own life...♫
♫I want to be my own pony no matter the strife...♫
♫ No matter what comes to be...♫
♫I just want to be meeeee!♫
“Sweetie Belle...” Scootaloo replied in an awed tone as a tear streaked down her left cheek.
“I'm sorry...I just had to get that out..” Sweetie Belle replied in a soft tone as she wiped tears from her eyes.
“It's alright, I understand. I'll get you two to the safest spot I can find so you can get to the library safely and then I’ll give Gina some tough love!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a proud smile took a sudden dive as she scanned the ground and quickly found a place she figured was the safest location, landed quickly, handed Roseheart to Sweetie Belle, put a hoof on Roseheart's chin, kissed her forehead, and took off again after saying the words”I love you Roseheart, stay safe.”
“Take care of yourself Scootaloo, and don't do anything rash now...” Sweetie Belle remarked as she watched the Pegasus take a sharp climb up towards Gina, lifted up Roseheart with her magic though still weak, and ran off in the direction of Twilight's library.
Part 1 end
(play”Luna [Remix] vs Eurobeat Brony” now)
The moon hung high in the sky now as Scootaloo sped towards Gina with a look of determination in her eyes as Gina looked back at her with a look of resentment she knew all too well. It was the same one she always wore when she looked at her mother while she was Discorded. “I may not have an element of harmony or any magic, but I will free you from his control Gina!” Scootaloo shouted as she grew closer and closer now.
“Why would I want to be free?” Gina replied with a grin as she took a deep inhale and exhaled flames at the Pegasus only for her to bank right to avoid them and spear her from the right.
Much to the orange Pegasus's shock however Gina was a lot stronger than she looked. Within moments of being speared by her she grabbed her by the mane with her mouth and began to spin her in circles as Scootaloo cried out in pain due to her mane being pulled in such a way. She could feed threads of her mane being ripped from her head and neck which felt like sharp needles being stabbed into those places until she was abruptly let go and sent flying vertically.
Scootaloo recovered mid-air only to be struck in the chest before she could fully recover causing her to give a shrill cry of pain Gina's hoof connected with her chest and moments later was sent flying away in a mid-air flip style, but managed to recover by ejecting her wings out which allowed herself to level herself. She had no time to recover, but managed to evade Gina this time around by taking a sharp vertical climb to which Gina followed.
“Buck it all, I can't get a good enough distance from her to get my bearings! She's already hurt me bad already and I have yet to cause a scape in her hide!” Scootaloo thought to herself dramatically as she attempted to ignore the throbbing in her chest along with the stinging from her mane being pulled in such a fashion earlier.
“What's wrong Scoots? Chicken? Scoot,scoot,scootalooooo!” Gina exclaimed in a taunting manner as she chased the orange Pegasus around.
Upon hearing this Scootaloo came to a dead stop and turned around to look at her. “What did you call me?” Scootaloo asked in a low tone as she felt her temper skyrocket.
“Oh I was only calling a chicken! See? Scoot,scoot,scootaloooo!” Gina exclaimed in a tainting tone.
“No pony and I mean no pony, calls me a chicken!” Scootaloo roared and in the next moment throttled the purple Pegasus hard upside the head which sent her flying back only to recover.
“About time you got serious.” Gina replied with a sneer as she wiped her bloodied lip with a hoof and charged at her.
Hooves collided, blows were exchanged and flames were evaded over the course of the next few minuets as Scootaloo and Gina went all out on one another which left the two beaten and battered after three bouts.
“Gina...listen to me...Discord is controlling you! Fight it!” Scootaloo exclaimed between huffs and puffs as she wiped blood off her eyebrow which was bleeding profusely at the moment along with just about every other part of her face.
Gina however seemed to ignore the orange Pegasus's pleas and charged at her once again but this time the two hit a deadlock with one another as all four hooves began to grind against one another mid-air. “Gina, I know you're in there! Come on! It's me! Scootaloo! You saved me from Sherry and Jesse's trademark locker stocker two years ago, remember?” Scootaloo said in a pleading tone trying desperately to reach her friend.
Upon hearing this Gina's expression lightened greatly as if she was in fact recalling that event. “I-I remember...” Gina said in a soft tone and without warning flung her front hooves over her head and began to cry out in pain.
“That's it Gina! Fight it! Remember all the times we spent together, the fun we had, remember our friendship!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a desperate tone realizing she was getting through to her finally.
“St-Stay away from me Scootaloo! I'm not safe!” Gina shrieked out as she continued to wage war within herself against Discord's influence.
“No, I’m not going to leave you! You're my friend Gina! And friends stick together no matter what!” Scootaloo exclaimed and hugged her friend tightly at which point Gina's eyes shot open and looked at her friend.
As if by magic Gina's color began to change to their normal color from the tail up to her head. In a few moments she looked like her old self again at which point the purple Pegasus passed out only to be caught by her friend whom carried her to a safe spot on the ground and sat beside her.
Sweetie Belle ran as fast as her hooves could carry her as she ran in the direction of Twilight's house. “Don't worry Roseheart. I'll protect you no matter what!” Sweetie Belle said in a reassuring tone to the young foal whom looked scared and frightened at the moment.
Finally Twilight's house was in view but just as she neared it she suddenly found herself surrounded by zombie ponies. “No...not like this...” Sweetie Belle said in a soft tone as she looked about herself as fear began to overwhelm her. She was still too weak to do anything and they had her outnumbered ten to one.
It doesn't have to end like this you know...
A voice echoed out at which point a pink pony stepped from within the ranks to the front. This pony had a pink fur coat purple mane and tail which seemed to have white streaks throughout it, but this wasn't the defining attributes of this mare. The defining attribute was her eyes which looked as if someone had stuck a hypnotism circle in them. And just like one they swirled continuously.
“Screwball? How come your not affected and what are you talking about?” Sweetie Belle asked in a cautious tone.
“Why would I be affected by something that my daddy made?” Screwball said with a sneer as she walked up to one of the zombie ponies whom was standing stationary, ran a hoof along their cheek, and in the next moment snapped their neck with a sickening cracking sound before the zombie pony fell to the ground dead, yet the others did not advance on her. “So as I was saying, it doesn't have to be this way Selena ...” Screwball said after a few moments looking directly at Sweetie Belle whom gasped upon hearing her old name spoken.
“How do you know my name? I mean my old name!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed tripping over her words slightly as she spoke.
“Oh, I know much more about you than your name Selena . I can give it all back to you, your true form, your true magical power, all you have to do is give your will to Discord, and all your former glory shall be yours again...Selena .” Screwball replied as she paced around the white unicorn filly now who seemed to be frozen in shock.
“You can really give it all back?” Sweetie Belle asked in a soft tone as her voice cracked slightly as she spoke.
“Yessss, I can.” Screwball replied with a malicious grin. “So, do we have a deal?” Screwball asked a few moments after her initial reply as she stood in front of her now extending a hoof.
“I won't have a will of my own will I? I'll hurt many ponies...won't I?” Sweetie Belle replied in a slow tone feeling the temptation nearly overwhelming now.
Upon hearing this Screwball rolled her eyes and made a shrug gesture. “Meh, maybe a few here or there. But hey, at least you'll have your true form back. You won't be this quivering, pathetic, little filly anymore, and that's all that matters right?” Screwball replied with a sneer as she extended her hoof to the unicorn once again.
Sweetie Belle looked up to the sky now once again feeling tears swell in her eyes.
Sweetie Belle:
♫ Long ago...♫
♫ I remember...♫
♫ I was somepony grand...♫
Screwball now paced around Sweetie Belle once again looking at her with malicious intent.
Screwball:
♫ Long ago you were somepony great.♫
♫ I have the power to free you from this sorry state.♫
♫ Selena take my hoof.♫
♫ And I will give you proof...♫
Sweetie Belle:
Sweetie Belle looked up to the skies seeing herself as Selena once again as if by magic but also saw herself as the filly she is now playing with her friends.
♫ Long ago...♫
♫ I was searching...♫
♫ To find myself again...♫
♫ To find a way...♫
Screwball:
♫ Selena you have found a way...♫
♫ and it will be here to staaaay!♫
♫ All you have to do,♫
♫Is take my hoof and your true power will ensue...♫
Sweetie Belle:
Sweetie Belle looked at Screwballs hoof and slowly began to edge hers out towards it.
♫ No matter what comes to be...♫
♫ I just want to be meeeee!♫
Stop!!!
A voice rang out at which point a purple figure landed in between Sweetie Belle and Screwball.
Spike:
Spike then took her hoof that she had been slowly extending out to Screwball in his claws and looked into her eyes.
♫ Sweetie Belle don't you seeee?♫
♫ This is not who you want to beee!♫
♫ You are who you are no matter what ponies say...♫
♫ What this fiend promises you will cause you take life this daay!♫
Screwball:♫ Don't listen to this dragon..♫
♫ He simply wants to deny you the opportunity to get on this grand bandwagon!♫
♫ Stick with me Selena for your sake.♫
♫ And we will leave this pitiful life with nothing but your power in it's wake!♫
Sweetie Belle:
Sweetie Belle looked to Screwball then back to Spike, looked up at the sky and sighed heavily.
♫ How could I have been so blind now to see.♫
♫ The element of your treachery!♫
♫ I will not take your deal Screwball...♫
♫ No, I will not be what you want me to be at aaaalllll!♫
♫I want to be my own pony no matter the strife...♫
♫ No matter what comes to be...♫
♫I just want to be meeeee!♫
Sweetie Belle then mustered all the magic she had in her and in a blast of magic ejected Screwball and the horde around her away in a blinding flash of magic, fell to her stomach and began to sob loudly.
“It's okay Sweetie Belle.” Spike said in a comforting tone as he ran a claw along her mane softly.
“I can't believe I was such a foal! I was willing to take her deal no matter what! Is that all I am?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed between sobs.
“No, your a wonderful filly. And you made the right choice.” Spike replied with a soft smile.
It was then that it occurred to the white unicorn. “What a second, the time stream was fixed, so that means you shouldn't be here...how?” Sweetie Belle asked in a confused tone as she looked at Spike now.
“Don't ask me. I just suddenly popped into the library about an hour ago. Kind of scary really considering the last thing I remember was taking a hoof to the gut and bleeding out on the floor.” Spike replied as he scratched the back of his head in confusion then noticed Roseheart. “Who's the foal?” Spike asked curiously.
“Her name is Roseheart. She's Applebloom's daughter.” Sweetie Belle replied without thinking only to see Spike's jaw drop.
“Since when did Applebloom have a foal?!” Spike asked incredulously.
“It's a long story...” Sweetie Belle replied and noticed zombie ponies gathering around them. “But it can wait till we get inside. Twilight's protection spell should still be up so lets go. Can you carry Roseheart? I'm afraid I used the last of my magic repelling Screwball and her minions.” Sweetie Belle asked in a hurried tone to which Spike nodded, lifted up Roseheart, and followed the unicorn into Twilight's house.
Gina stirred and suddenly sat upright to see Scootaloo sitting next to her. “Welcome back Gina.” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“Did I- oh dear Celestia I did! Damn it!” Gina exclaimed in shock and horror and turned away from Scootaloo now.
“Hey, don't worry about it. You were under Discord's control. I know you wouldn't try to hurt me if you were yourself.” Scootaloo replied with a smile as she placed a hoof on Gina's shoulder who could be heard sobbing softly now.
“So you know then...” Gina replied between sobs.
“Know what?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
“That I’m a freak. No normal pony can spit flames.” Gina replied between sobs.
“Hey! Your not a freak! So what if your mom or dad was a dragon. If you ask me, being able to blow flames is way past cool!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a reassuring tone with a smile to match it.
“You don't think I'm a freak? But I’m not normal.” Gina replied not sobbing nearly as much now as she looked at Scootaloo.
“Gina, I’m your friend. No matter what you are, nothing will change that.” Scootaloo replied with a warm smile at which point the purple Pegasus was able to clear up the waterworks completely.
“My father was a dragon, my mother was a Pegasus pony. See, when I was very young they had a very skilled unicorn cast a illusion spell on me. My wings aren't really feathered but they look and feel that way to anypony who touches them. My fur coat is real, but beneath the fur are dragon scales. Before the spell was cast on me you could see them through my fur coat though.” Gina said in a soft tone.
“And everything else?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
“Well, everything else looks like your normal pony. My face, mane, hooves, and tail are normal looking even without the illusion spell. The thing about the spell is that it's unaffected by mirrors.” Gina replied in a soft tone.
“That explains why you never wanted to use the restroom when I was with.” Scootaloo replied in realization of why she had acted so oddly during their times in flight school together.
“Exactly, I was afraid what you might think of me if you saw my reflection.” Gina replied with a sniffle as she wiped her nose with a hoof.
“Come on though, we need to move. It won't be long before Discord's hordes are on us.” Scootaloo said in a cautious tone as she looked about herself.
“Where will we go?” Gina asked curiously.
“Twilight's house. It has a spell on it that repels anypony under the effects of Discord's chocolate rain.” Scootaloo replied and took off from the ground followed by Gina.
“All that happened while I was...well...dead?” Spike said incredulously.
“Well not all at the same time due to Celestia changing the time stream, but yeah.” Sweetie Belle replied as she looked about herself.
“Wow, this is a lot for a dragon to wrap his head around! I mean you and Pinkie Pie, two parts of the same pony? A history of being in a war, and...oh my head my hurts!” Spike exclaimed clamping his claws on his head which caused Sweetie Belle to giggle.
“I thought you knew about me when you stopped me from making that deal with Screwball though.” Sweetie Belle replied.
“No, I just knew she was up to no good is all. I mean one pony trying to convince you to make a deal with a bunch of zombie ponies around? What's any good about that?” Spike replied making a shrug gesture as he spoke.
“I suppose you have a point there.” Sweetie Belle replied with yet another giggle.
“So what's this about Scootaloo though? You said she still has a link with Discord even though she's not discorded anymore?” Spike asked in a concerned tone.
“Well, it's only theory really, but I think that when Discord converted her about two years ago he created one more element of disharmony, one he never intended to make. That's why she can still tell how he thinks and why she's unaffected by most of his magic. When I think back, Scootaloo was clearly not close enough to Applebloom at that time to be protected by her element, yet she was still unaffected.” Sweetie Belle replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Run that by me again Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo exclaimed in shock as she stood in the doorway now which startled by Spike and Sweetie Belle.
“Is she on our side now? And how long were you listening?” Sweetie Belle asked in a guilty tone.
“About the part where you said about an element he never intended to make.” Scootaloo said in a annoyed tone as she walked up to the two and realized Spike was sitting there. “Spike?! But I was told he was-” Dead, yeah I know. So did I up till he told he had no idea how he's back really.” Scootaloo began to say only to be cut off by Sweetie Belle.
“Well as I’m sure you have figured out by now, Discord's elements of disharmony protect him from the elements of harmony.” Sweetie Belle said in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Uhh, actually. I had no clue.” Scootaloo replied in a confused tone.
“Am I the only pony who pays attention to the magical workings around her?” Sweetie Belle asked in an annoyed tone as she facehoofed with a groan.
“I think your just more experienced than the rest of us.” Spike chimed in though this didn't do much to alleviate the unicorn's annoyance.
“Anyways , When Discord converted you, I think he may have unintentionally created another element of disharmony. By magical theory this would explain why you are able to sense his magic and be unaffected by many of his spells.” Sweetie Belle explained.
“Okay, saying that I go along with this wild theory of yours. What element do I represent in his elements of disharmony? Because last I checked he has all six.” Scootaloo replied in a skeptic tone.
“But Scootaloo, there are seven elements of harmony, so it only makes sense that if Discord was mimicking their style of magic as a shield he would possibly create a seventh element himself.” Sweetie Belle countered taking note of her skeptic tone.
“Okay, so which element do I supposedly represent then?” Scootaloo replied in an annoyed tone.
“Well, since the seventh element of harmony is love and recalling what how you acted towards Rainbow Dash when you were Discorded, I'd have to go on a hoof and say the element is hatred .” Sweetie Belle replied in a concerned tone.
“That's crazy! I don't represent the element of hatred! In fact I love my mom more than ever!” Scootaloo exclaimed in an offended tone.
“Not now you don't, but while you were discorded you showed that attribute clear as day! Don't you remember?” Sweetie Belle countered in a serious tone.
“I try not to...” Scootaloo replied in a soft yet saddened tone as she felt herself become overwhelmed with guilt for how she acted towards Rainbow Dash.
“This is all magical theory anyways. Who the hoof knows how you were possibly able to be unaffected by Discord's magic.” Sweetie Belle replied in a reassuring tone due to the fact she was now feeling guilty for even thinking of this theory.
“Saying I go along with this theory of yours, how do I pan into this whole deal with Discord?” Scootaloo replied as if ignoring Sweetie Belle's previous comment.
“Well, as long as the elements exist, Discord is immune to the elements of harmony, and theory dictates that the only way to defeat him with the elements of harmony is to destroy all of his elements of disharmony...” Sweetie Belle said and trailed off near the end of her statement.
“In other words, I have to die .” Scootaloo replied in a solemn tone at which point an awkward silence ensued between the four.
“As I said Scootaloo, it's only theory. It doesn't make it true!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a worried tone as she feared for what Scootaloo might be thinking right now.
“What if it is true? Twilight and the others are risking their lives against a foe that they have no chance of winning against right now!” Scootaloo exclaimed, stood up, and began to walk to the door.
“Scootaloo wait! Don't you dare consider doing what I think you are doing!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“I'm not going to go and kill myself Sweetie Belle, but I can't sit back and let this theory of yours go to chance either. I'm going to face Discord along with Twilight and the others and if he's still immune to the elements of harmony once they have managed to destroy them all. Then I’ll know if your theory is true or not. Besides, the others probably don't even know that they have to destroy the elements of disharmony right now anyways, so somepony needs to tell them.” Scootaloo replied with a smile.
“I'm going with you. I've got a score to settle with that draconequus for making me almost kill you.” Gina said chiming in now as she walked beside Scootaloo.
“It's going to be dangerous.” Scootaloo replied with a smirk.
“Ha! If there's anything I take pride in about myself, it's that my half dragon heritage gives me a natural defense against all forms of magic!” Gina replied with a cocky grin at which point Spike's jaw dropped.
“You're half dragon?” Spike asked in a slightly shocked tone.
“Heh, yeah. Long story, I’ll let you in on it later. Lets fly Scoots!” Gina exclaimed and took off through the front door followed by Scootaloo.
“I think I’m in love....” Spike said in a dreamy tone with heart eyes as he stared on while Sweetie Belle facehoofed and groaned.
“First my sister and now her...will he ever learn?” Sweetie Belle remarked in a dismal tone with a sigh.
(play “Spirit Of Chaos” now)
Twilight swiftly dodged a blast of magic from Discord as Applebloom and Applejack charged forth and performed a double buck against the draconequus knocking him backward followed by Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to double speared him. Twilight and Rarity then both channeled magic into their horns and fired a double magic attack against him, yet nothing they had done seemed to affect him. Not greatly anyways.
“What the buckin hay do we have to do in order to kick this varmint's flank?!” Applejack exclaimed in an annoyed tone as they began to frantically dodge beams of magic from the draconequus.
“I don't know! Rarity, how did you harm him earlier?” Twilight asked as she channeled magic into her wings to act as a shield from one of Discord's magical attacks.
“I honestly don't know Twilight. I simply lost all sense of reality for a moment and charged at him and then when I got knocked back onto my flank I regained my senses.” Rarity replied in a panicked tone as she dodged a blast magic barely.
“Ugh! We're fighting a brick wall here!” Twilight exclaimed in an annoyed yet discouraged tone.
His elements of disharmony! Target them! They are his weakness!
A voice rang out which could belong to non-other than Scootaloo who could be seen flying into the room now along side of Gina.
“What the hay are ya doin here Scootaloo? Ah told ya to get the hay outta here! And how the hay do ya know this?” Applebloom exclaimed in an annoyed yet worried tone for her lover's safety.
“Sweetie Belle told me. Twilight can you lock onto where his elements of disharmony are stored?” Scootaloo asked in an urgent tone as she answered Applebloom's question then turned to look at Twilight.
“I can try!” Twilight replied and began to focus on scanning the draconequus's body while everypony continued to strike at him and dodge his attacks.
For sometime it seemed as if the Alicorn was making little or no progress until her eyes lit up in excitement. “I found them!” Twilight exclaimed triumphantly.
“Good! Now where the hay are they?!” Applejack exclaimed as she dodged an attack by the draconequus.
“There are five left! One in each of his hands, one in each of his legs, and one in his left eye!” Twilight exclaimed at which point everypony felt the moral between them raise in light of this information.
“Come on everypony! We're back in this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed enthusiastically with hoof pump gesture, nodded to Fluttershy, and the two of them charged full throttle for each of his arms only to get blasted away before they could get close.
“You little foals may have found my weakness, but you will never reach them!” Discord exclaimed in the same demonic tone as he conjured a barrier around himself.
“Consarn it all! Just when we think we got a hoof up on the varmint he goes and pulls this rotten apple out of his orchard!” Applejack exclaimed in an annoyed tone.
“I think I can help with that!” Gina exclaimed with a smile and charged at Discord.
“Hey, sheep for brains! Guess what?!” Gina exclaimed with a grin as Discord pointed his claw hand at her and blasted her only for her to be seemingly unaffected. Gina then took a deep breath and exhaled flames at the draconequus which hit it's mark leaving his barrier down and everypony in the room slack jawed.
“Either I need to see a eye doctor for my eyes, or she just blew flames!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in shock.
“No, you saw right. Gina is half pony,half dragon!” Scootaloo exclaimed proudly.
Sure enough as Gina landed back on the ground it became clear that this was fact.
“The Illusion spell. Oh no! Discord's magic must have dispelled it!” Gina exclaimed in shock as she looked at her wings now which were no longer feathered but rather that of a dragon's wings.
“Gina, remember? It doesn't matter what you look like. We are all your friends and we will be no matter what you are.” Scootaloo said in a comforting tone.
“Gina looked to everypony in the room and could see nothing but smiles at her now. “Heh, I guess you're right. I was just worried your friends might not be as understanding as you.” Gina replied in a sheepish tone.
“Not as understandin? Why little missy, you look great!” Applejack exclaimed with a genuine smile.
“Applejack is right darling, you look simply fabulous! Why, I may even ask you to model for me after this is all over! I've always wanted to do a fashion line for a cross breed specie!” Rarity exclaimed enthusiastically.
“Uh, everypony. Focus! Discord’s barrier is down!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she and Fluttershy darted forth and struck both of his hands as hard as they could which effectively destroyed the two elements of disharmony in them.
Upon these two elements being destroyed however Discord erected yet another barrier. “I forgot about the half breed freak's immunity to magic! It happen again!” Discord roared in anger as he shot beams of magic at everypony once again.
“Hey! She's not a freak you overgrown mule!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she shot off the ground and through his barrier without realizing it and struck him squarely in the eye destroying the element of disharmony there at which point Discord gave a shrill cry of pain and batted the Pegasus away and to the ground causing her to cry out as she hit the stone floor.
“Are ya okay honeh?!” Applebloom exclaimed in a worried tone as she rushed to Scootaloo's side.
“Yeah, I’m fine. He packs a punch!” Scootaloo replied in a pained tone.
“Ah reckon so, but how the hay did you just fly through his consarned barrier like that?” Applebloom asked curiously.
“I...I don't know.” Scootaloo lied. She had a feeling she knew but didn't want to say anything just yet. But what she had just done reenforced Sweetie Belle's theory of her being the seventh element of disharmony and it scared her. She may have to give her life up after all. In her mind however, if it came to that, she would do so without a second thought, but until then she wanted to play it by ear.
“Three elements down, two to go! Come on everypony! Lets finish him off!” Twilight exclaimed enthusiastically.
However no matter how much they tried Discord's barrier seemed to be stronger than ever now and was able to repel even Gina despite her defense against magic.
This fact was reenforced as Gina hit his barrier nose first and fell to her rump holding her nose only to be tackled to safely by Applebloom moments before a beam of magic struck the ground where she once sat.
“Watch where the hay you sit consarn it! Ah won't be able to save your hide all the time!” Applebloom exclaimed, moments later charged forward, element glowing brightly, and gave a mighty buck against his barrier only to be repelled and sent flying back, skipping a crossed the floor haphazardly like a rock being skipped a crossed a lake until she slid to a halt before Applejack who promptly lifted her up by the mane and dodged yet another blast of magic from the draconequus.
“Says the pony who was just knocked on her own hindquarters and had to be rescued.” Applejack remarked with a smirk as Applebloom got to all four hooves.
“Shut ya apple eatin trap big sis...” Applebloom retorted sourly before she charged forward again leaving the farm pony with an offended look.
“Well ah never! Ah didn't raise her to give meh that kind of lip!” Applejack remarked in an annoyed tone.
“Cut her some slack A-J! We're fighting for our lives here!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she flew behind Applebloom providing backup for the farm pony.
“Any plans honeh?” Applebloom asked as they neared the draconequus's barrier.
“Yeah, hold on!” Scootaloo exclaimed, lifted Applebloom off the ground mid-run and used her wings to propel the two at a much greater speed now.
“Ah don't think catapultin meh will work this time round honeh!” Applebloom exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“Who said anything about catapulting you? We're charging through!” Scootaloo exclaimed much to Applebloom shock.
“Ah hope you know what you're doin!” Applebloom exclaimed as they were barely five feet away from the draconequus barrier dodging beams of magic shot at them.
Applebloom slammed her eyes shut expecting to hit the barrier strait on followed by a burst of pain only to open them a few moments later to see the two had passed through the barrier unscathed. “How in the hay-?!” “Ask later, bucking position now!” Scootaloo exclaimed cutting off the farm pony as they were now up on the draconequus who spotted them reared his lions paw back and swatted at them.
Unfortunately for the orange Pegasus she was hit dead on but she let go of Applebloom moments before which caused the farm pony to land haphazardly on the floor in front of him only to dodge a strike from his claw hand.
Scootaloo let out a shrill cry of pain as she skipped along the floor exactly as Applebloom had earlier except with far more skips along the stone floor before she was caught mid-skip by Rainbow Dash.
“Don't be so reckless Scoots! I didn't go through hell to get you back just to lose you here!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a concerned tone as she held her tightly for a few moments in the hair before setting her down on the ground.
“Sorry mom...” Scootaloo replied in a pained tone as she wearily got to all four hooves and looked to see Applebloom fighting the draconequus one-on-one now. “Come on Applebloom, I know you can do it...” Scootaloo remarked in a soft tone as she looked on.
Applebloom dodged right, dodged left, jumped, performed a mid-air spin, landed on all four hooves, and dodged left once again effectively dodging six attacks from the draconequus, but even though she was able to evade his strikes somewhat easily, she couldn't get close enough to him to strike at the remaining elements in each of his legs. “Consarn it all! Ah'm spendin so much buckin time dodgin his attacks ah can't close in on the varmint!” Applebloom thought to herself in an annoyed tone as she dodged another set of attacks from Discord.
Twilight who was watching this from afar now due to Discord focusing on Applebloom now instead of them could see this clear as day. “She can't get close enough to strike! We have to help her!” Twilight exclaimed dramatically as she looked on.
“If you have any ideas of how to get past that dreadful barrier of his, I’d love to hear them darling.” Rarity replied in a slightly annoyed tone.
“As much as I’d hate to agree with her, Rarity's got a point Twilight. As long as the jerk has his lame barrier up, we can't get close enough to help her.” Rainbow Dash chimed in looking at Twilight now as well.
“I'm thinking!” Twilight exclaimed in annoyance as she racked her brain trying to figure out how to get past his barrier until her eyes lit up. “Discord spoke of this place as the area where the source of his power is stored right?” Twilight asked aloud waiting for the others to nod.
“Skip to the consarned point sugarcube! Ah don't know how much longer mah little sis can keep it the acrobatics in thar!” Applejack exclaimed in an impatient tone as her gaze was on the action between Applebloom and Discord at the present moment.
“His book! He spoke of a book! We need to find that book!” Twilight exclaimed deciding to skip the lecture for once in light of the situation.
“Okay, lets go find that book!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“Okay, Applejack, Gina, and Scootaloo, you guys stay here to be ready to back up Applebloom once his barrier's down, the rest of us will search these caves for his book!” Twilight exclaimed at which point the purple unicorn charged out of the room followed by Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy.
(play “Thousand Foot Krutch-E For Extinction” now)
“With all that has happened in mah life. The choices ah have made, the stuff that's happened to me and mah friends, ah won't back down now! Ah won't give up! Ah'm not fighting for just mah friends now, ah'm figthin for mah daughter's future! And with Celestia as mah witness, ah will make sure she grows up in a word worth livin in!” Applebloom thought to herself dramatically as she continued to dodged strikes by the draconequus.
Applebloom's element began to shine once again, but this time it was different. This time the element surrounded the farm pony's body in a warm pink glow. Applebloom's movements suddenly picked up in speed and the farm pony found herself able to predict Discord's moves to a degree now. “Ah get it now. The stronger mah love, the more powerful mah element becomes.” Applebloom remarked to herself thoughtfully.
“You think you can take me on alone? You are barely able to evade my attacks little foal!” Discord exclaimed and began to strike at her even faster now.
“How the hay-?!” Applebloom exclaimed in shock as she barely dodged a strike against him and felt the other nick her mane. “Consarn it all! Every cotton pickin time ah get a one up on him, he somehow manages to counter meh!” Applebloom exclaimed in annoyance.
“You will never reach the remaining elements!” Discord exclaimed as he struck at her now.
“Of course! He's defendin his legs, but what about...” Applebloom thought to herself as she changed up position suddenly, jumped up much to the draconequus shock and bucked his squarely in the face which caused him to stumble back and put his lion's paw over the spot where the farm pony struck. “Ha! Ah got ya! Ya is so busy protectin ya legs, ya didn't even think to protect ya face did ya?!” Applebloom exclaimed in a cocky tone.
“Oh yeah! Go Applebloom, go Applebloom, sock it to that mule!” Scootaloo exclaimed jumping up and down.
“You stay out of this!” Discord hissed at Scootaloo at which point she dropped to her stomach and waved her right hoof halfheartedly.
“Discord, Discord, he's our pony....if he can't do it....GREAT!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a halfhearted yet sarcastic tone up until she shouted her last word at which point her expression suddenly turned into a cocky grin with a glare to match it.
“Do you really need to make him pay attention to us Scootaloo?” Applejack remarked in annoyance.
“Hey, that's my fillyfriend in there. I'm entitled to cheer her on.” Scootaloo countered with a smile.
“Ya can't fool meh. You're terrified for her life. You're not the only one though.” Applejack thought to herself as she looked on at her the Pegasus who's expression was nervous as hell at the moment then back to Applebloom who was striking at the draconequus in an attempt to catch him off guard only to be blocked by another strike from him.
“I should be in there with her! But i'm not nearly as athletic as she is when it comes to ground movements. And Discord can swat me out of the sky easily.” Scootaloo thought to herself nervously. She wanted more than anything to back her lover up and the only thing halting her from doing so at the moment was fear of making Applebloom worry about her, goof up, and get knocked outside of the barrier. Without the others in here providing a decent cover there was no way she could get her back in there from a range.
Gina was just as nervous as the others were as she watched. “Why can't I get through? I'm immune to all kinds of magic. So why was his barrier able to repel me?” Gina thought to herself in a depressed tone. “I'm useless...” Gina remarked aloud without realizing it.
“Hey, ah don't wanna hear that kind of talk from ya little missy. Ya helped us destroy a few of his consarned elements didn't ya?” Applejack said in a encouraging tone.
“Yeah, but now I can't do anything but watch as Applebloom fights for her life.” Gina replied in a depressed tone.
“Don't ya worry your little head bout it. Once Twilight and others destroy that consarned book of his we'll get our turn.” Applejack replied with a smile then looked to the cave room entrance. “Hurry Twi, ah don't know how much longer Applebloom can hold out...” Applejack thought to herself in a worried tone as she looked on then back to Applebloom and Discord.
Part 2 end
Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity were now making there way throughout the caves now the sounds of combat no longer heard moving slowly now.
“What's the deal Twilight? Why are we slowing down?” Rainbow Dash asked in a curious tone.
“We're getting close.” Twilight replied looking about herself cautiously.
“How can you be sure?” Pinkie Pie asked, took a step, and was yanked back via Twilight's magic mere moments before a sharp spear erected from the floor directly where she once stood.
“Call it a hunch...” Twilight replied in a sarcastic tone as she looked at Pinkie Pie who had literally urinated on the spot due to being so shocked and scared.
“Pinkie Pie, really?!” Rainbow Dash remarked in an annoyed tone at the small puddle of urine under the pink mare at the moment.
“Lets see you get super scared and not pee yourself! Besides, I’ve had to go for awhile now! Not easy holding it in when your fighting that meanie pants!” Pinkie Pie retorted defensively with a blush of embarrassment on her face.
“Cut it out you two! This isn't the time to be arguing! Now, everypony watch where your walking!” Twilight exclaimed in annoyance as she began to step forward cautiously.
Mere seconds after Twilight had said this, Rarity stepped onto a panel on the floor which sunk in as she stepped on it at which point she looked down and gulped. “Uh-oh...” Rarity said in a dreading yet soft tone.
“What do you mean, uh-oh?” Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone. She got her answer though but not from Rarity as a great rumbling could be heard now as the roof of the cave behind them began to open up.
“Ugh!” Twilight exclaimed with a facehoofing gesture along with a groan.
A large boulder could now be seen slowly sliding through the gaping hole in the top of the cave which caused everypony to gulp. “Darling, please tell me that isn't what I think it is..” Rarity remarked in a horrified tone.
“Everypony starting running...NOW!” Twilight said in an dreading tone at first but exclaimed her last word as she turned about face and ran as fast her hooves can carry her following by the other four as the boulder hit the stone floor and began to roll towards them.
Not only did Twilight and the other four have to worry about the boulder now hurtling towards them, they now had to avoid spears that were ejecting from the floor at them as they ran as fast as they could down the path.
“Twilight, we can't avoid all these spears and possibly hope to get away from our impending doom!” Rarity exclaimed as she barely avoided a spear that shot up on her right only to get scraped by one on her left side which gashed her right leg open. While not deep, the wound was enough to slow the unicorn down greatly as it bleed, throbbed, and stung.
“Pick up Rarity Rainbow! I'll pick up Pinkie Pie!” Twilight exclaimed as she took off the ground, swooped over and lifted the pink mare off the ground following by Rainbow Dash who did the same with Rarity.
“Looks like Tom came back with a vengeance eh Rarity?” Rainbow Dash remarked in a joking tone despite the situation which caused the unicorn to flash her a glare.
“I thought we agreed to never speak of this again?!” Rarity exclaimed in an pissed off tone.
“Well, it don't help that the boulder has the word, tom, engraved onto one side of it.” Rainbow Dash replied in the same jeering tone as they sped down the path.
“You made that up!” Rarity retorted with a glare.
“Take a look yourself! I'm sure you can get a decent look behind us right now.” Rainbow Dash countered still grinning.
Rarity then took a look behind herself and gasped in both shock and anger as the boulder did in fact have the word “TOM” written in capital letters on one side of the boulder which could be seen as it continued to roll towards them. “I'll murder that draconequus!” Rarity exclaimed in a pissed off tone as she ground her hooves and teeth together in fury.
“You'll get your chance after we get away from this boulder!” Twilight exclaimed as they sped down the pathway. Luckily for them the path widened a short distance away which would give them a way to evade the rock.
Once the four has gotten to the wider room they bolted off to the right and left. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy took off towards the left while Twilight took off to the right which gave the five a decent look at the boulder as it rolled past them.
“Did that boulder have the word-” I said we are never to speak of this again!” Rarity exclaimed cutting off the Alicorn with a glare as Rainbow Dash set her safely to the ground as did Twilight with Pinkie Pie.
“You saw it alright, Twilight! Tom back back with a vengeance! Ha,ha,ha!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she held herself laughing hysterically in the air.
“Actually, that is pretty funny...” Twilight remarked and began to laugh herself which made Rarity's glare become even more pissed off.
“Oh, come on Rarity! Laugh! It is pretty funny!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she hopped over to the unicorn laughing along with the others.
Rarity was about ready to blow her fuse when it occurred to her. The five had just narrowly evaded death at which point she felt her anger drain away realizing they were just trying to find something to lighten the mood after their horrifying experience. “I suppose it was a little funny...” Rarity said after a few moments trying her best to muster a laugh.
“I can't believe he did that though. Maybe he does have a sense of-whah!” Rainbow Dash began to say only to be cut off as two spears jetted from the walls, hitting both her wings and pinning her to the other side of the room.
“Rainbow!” Twilight exclaimed in horror as she looked at the cyan blue Pegasus who was now pinned to the wall by her wings. As if to make matters worse another spear jetted forth from the other side of the room strait for Rainbow Dash's chest.
Rainbow Dash let out a shriek of horror as she flung her hooves in front of her eyes in horror expecting to be impaled any second only for the sheer agonizing pain to never come. Curiously she opened her eyes to see the spear being held back via Rarity's magic a mere three feet away from her.
“Twilight, get her down! I don't know how much longer I can hold this thing back!” Rarity exclaimed in a strained tone as her horn was sputtering sparks at the moment as it glowing very brightly with her magic.
“Rainbow, can you get yourself loose?” Twilight asked in an urgent tone.
The cyan blue Pegasus looked to each side of herself now and judging by the blood streaking down from each wing, it was clear the spears had hit more then just mere feathers. About the same time she realized this she could feel the stabbing pain in her flesh now which nearly made her cry out. She managed to muster the will to not cry out somehow though. “N-No. The lame spears got my wings in the bone. I'm stuck here unless you cut off me off by the lower part of my wings.” Rainbow Dash replied much to everypony's horror.
“But Rainbow, if you loose your wings...” Fluttershy remarked in a scared tone as she flew beside her now.
“We don't have bucking time to be debating this Fluttershy! It's either my wings or my life! I've got a daughter to live for now and not to mention a special somepony. So I’m not kicking the bucket now!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed then looked at Twilight.
“This isn't like Discord's magic, if I cut them off, there's no getting them back. You realize this right?” Twilight asked in a worried tone her voice cracking as she spoke. She knew how much Rainbow Dash's wings meant to her, what she went through without them.
“Twilight, I know this. Throughout our adventures, our battles, I always thought my wings were the most important things to me, but then I found love and a family. Twilight, right now I’m not thinking of myself, I’m thinking of Scoots and Applejack right now. They need me. If I go here and now, who's gonna raise Scootaloo? So do it Twilight, and try to make it as painless as possible.” Rainbow Dash replied and slammed her eyes shut as tears streaked from them.
“Okay...” Twilight replied in a soft tone, focused her magic just under the spear on Rainbow Dash's wings, and fired two precise beams of magic which effectively severed the cyan blue Pegasus's wings from the spears at which point Rainbow Dash gave a shrill cry of pain as she fell to the ground only to be caught by Fluttershy.
It was at the point Rarity stopped holding the spear back which pierced the stone wall with a loud crashing sound which caused small fragments of the stone wall to fall over them. “And to think, that could have been you..” Rarity remarked looking up at the three spears in the wall now then back to the cyan blue Pegasus.
Twilight quickly rushed over to the cyan blue Pegasus and used her magic to heal what was left of her wings.
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and looked at what was left of her wings. Half of each was missing. It was at this point the depressing fact finally set in fully. “I'll never fly again...” Rainbow Dash remarked in a low tone as she slammed her eyes shut tears still streaking from them.
“Rainbow...” Twilight said in a soft tone as she placed a hoof on the cyan blue Pegasus shoulder only to be swatted away.
“I'm fine! Come on, we got a book to find.” Rainbow Dash said not looking at Twilight as she began to walk down the hall.
“Why is it every time we fight for the lives of everypony in Equestria that we are forced to give up the things that matter the most to us?” Twilight thought to herself in a sad tone along with a sigh as she followed the cyan blue Pegasus.
The five now stood in the doorway of a room that even an earth pony could tell was full of dark magic as streams of magic swirled about the room around a single black book. “Lets get this over with, I have a score to settle.” Rainbow Dash said in a pissed off tone only to be halted by Twilight.
“You can't enter this room Rainbow. The moment you touch one of those swirling streaks of magic, it'll suck the life out of you in seconds.” Twilight remarked in a cautioning tone.
“So how the hay are we supposed to get to the book?” Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone.
“I'm the only one who can.” Twilight remarked as she recognized this brand of magic.
“What do you mean only you? Darling, I’m sure any unicorn could get through this.” Rarity remarked trying to offer her assistance.
“Only I can because...This is the same brand of magic my mother used to become Nightmare Moon.” Twilight said in a soft tone earning shocked gasps from everypony. “But what can this mean? If this is the same dark magic my mother used, then that means it existed even before ponykind came to be...does that mean the source of this dark magic is from what Discord used to turn himself into that monster?” Twilight thought to herself in a confused tone.
“Are you sure about this Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked in a concerned tone.
“Yes. Everypony stand back. I don't know what's going to happen.” Twilight replied and began to walk into the room.
From the moment Twilight's hoof stepped into the room it began to change in form from it's purple color to a black color the other four knew all to well. By the time the Alicorn fully walked into the room her form had been transformed into that of splitting image of Luna as Nightmare Moon. Moments later Twilight let out a shrill cry out agony as her entire being felt as if it was trying to be ripped from her.
“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy shouted at the same time preparing to rush in until Twilight flashed a glare at them with her eyes glowing darkly.
“Stay back! This my fight!” Twilight roared except her voiced had an eerie echo to it now that chilled the four to the bone.
“What the hay does she mean by that?” Rainbow Dash asked in a worried tone.
“You never wondered how Twilight was able to tap into her dark magic even after we were able to save her life a long time ago?” Pinkie Pie asked at which point the other three looked at her in confusion. “I'm not even connected to Sweetie Belle anymore and I know that Twilight never fully conquered the darkness within her heart. What we did only managed to suppress it's influence over her.” Pinkie Pie said in a matter-of-fact tone.
“So in other words...” Rarity replied trailing off as she looked on to Twilight who was grunting, groaning, and crying out ever so often now.
“The real fight starts now . The only thing we can do is hope Twilight can overcome the dark magic within her.
Twilight looked about herself now she was in a dark room but here she was not an Alicorn, no here she was merely a unicorn. “Where am I?!” Twilight exclaimed in a worried tone as she looked about herself.
Don't you recognize this place? This is the place where I was born...
An eerie voice echoed throughout the vast darkness around her.
“Who are you?!” Twilight exclaimed as she looked around for any sign of movement.
Far too long have you been in control...
By the time this day ends, Nightmare moon will raise anew!
The voice echoed throughout the room again.
“So your the source of the dark magic from that book come to convert me into your servant eh?!” Twilight exclaimed looking about herself vigilantly.
No, you stupid mare....
I....
am....
“You!” The voice echoed up until it's final word at which point a figure appeared upon speaking it's final word right in front of Twilight's face which made her give a shocked gasp, stumble backwards, and fall onto her rump looking up at the Alicorn who stood before her.
“You can't be me! I'm me!” Twilight exclaimed in a scared tone as she scooted herself back away from the Alicorn as she stepped towards her and managed to her to all four hooves once again.
“You stupid mare, don't you see? I'm you and you're me. It makes perfect sense really.” The Alicorn replied as she stepped around Twilight with a malicious grin.
“How does that make any sense?! We can't be the same pony! There can't be two of me here right now!” Twilight exclaimed in a confused tone as she turned to make sure she was facing the Alicorn as she paced around her.
“You still don't get it do you? You ignorant foal! You were right about one thing though...there can't be two of me here. So one of us has to go...” The Alicorn replied with a sneer and struck Twilight with the back of her hoof which sent the unicorn to the floor with a cry of pain and held her cheek looking at the Alicorn.
“I don't know what you are, but you're not me!” Twilight exclaimed as she got to all four hooves and channeled magic into her horn preparing to fire at her. “I don't why I’m a unicorn here and she looks like me as my Alicorn self, but it's clear that this is the dark magic at work!” Twilight thought to herself dramatically and fired a beam of magic at the Alicorn only for her to disappeared in a flash of magic and reappear behind her.
“Wrong again!” The Alicorn exclaimed and struck her once again from behind sending the unicorn flying forward onto her belly with a cry of pain as she was struck. “You still don't get it, but you will by the time your life slips away.” The Alicorn said with a sneer as she walked up on her.
“Y-You can read my thoughts?” Twilight asked stuttering as she spoke now as the fear she was feeling began to overwhelm her.
“Wrong again.” The Alicorn replied, disappeared in a flash of magic and reappeared in another flash of magic in front of her and struck her once again sending her flying back onto her side. “Our thoughts are one and the same. Anything you think, I can hear. I know every move you are going to make before you make it. It doesn't work the other way around though, because I know how to shut you out!” The Alicorn exclaimed as she took off from the ground and began to fire beams of red magic at the unicorn whom scrambled to dodge each beam of magic.
“That's it, run! Run for your pathetic little life! There's no where to run to though. No where to hind from me.” The Alicorn said with malicious grin as she disappeared in a flash of magic and reappeared in front of Twilight, slammed her to the floor and stared at her with a sneer. “Now do you get it?! Not that it matters though. Because this little fight ends now!” The Alicorn exclaimed as her horn began to glow brightly.
“Something is wrong with her! Look at how she's acting!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone as Twilight began to fall to her knees crying out even more so now than ever.
“Oh dear, she's right!” Rarity exclaimed with an equally worried expression and tone to match it.
“She's looking the fight. Oh this is super bad! If Twilight loses then the dark magic will consume her soul!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“I-I I'm going in!” Fluttershy exclaimed and prepared to charge in only for Rainbow Dash to bite onto her tail and stop her. “This is no time to get brave on us Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between gritted teeth as she held her friend back.
“But if Twilight loses, then she will die!” Fluttershy exclaimed in protest.
“Then lets use out elements of harmony to reach her! Remind her that we are here with her even if she feels alone!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a confident tone, closed her eyes, placed hoof on her element, extended a hoof out to Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie who did the same and began to concentrate with all their might.
(play”Angel of Darkness - Alex C. ft. Yasmin K.” now)
Twilight looked about herself and gasped. Though they looked like ghosts here, she could still see Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie staring at her smiling. “How did you guys-?” Twilight began to say only for Rainbow Dash to raise a hoof to cut her off.
“Listen Twilight! No matter how alone you may feel right now. Never forget that your friends are here with you! So kick that jerk's flank!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed enthusiastically with a smirk.
“Yeah! Give that meanie pants the old one-two!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wide grin.
“Darling, you can't sit back and let this foul creature win!” Rarity exclaimed with a matching smile.
“Twilight, you can do it...I umm, know you can.” Fluttershy said in a meek tone but her smile could be seen just the same.
Twilight looked to each of her friends and smiled back at them. “Thanks fillies. I forgot that for a little while.” Twilight replied feeling herself filled with a renewed confidence now, turned around and faced the Alicorn.
“I get it now. We're inside my soul right?” Twilight replied with a confident smile now as she paced back and forth now.
“Heh, it took your weak friends to tell you that?” The Alicorn replied with a sneer as she paced back and forth now as well.
“My friends are not weak! Let me tell you something about friendship that I learned not so long ago!” Twilight exclaimed and as if by magic a memory of her writing a letter to princess Celestia could be seen.
I am happy to report that the dragon has departed our fair country, and that it was my good friend, Fluttershy, who convinced him to go. This adventure has taught me to never lose faith in your friends. They can be an amazing source of strength, and can help you overcome even your greatest fears. Always your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.
“That's where you are wrong! You see, deep inside me I always feared the dark magic in my heart! And you are that dark magic taking form. My friends reminded me that I am not alone and with them at my side, I can conquer even my greatest fears!” Twilight exclaimed with a confident smile at which point her form changed to that of her Alicorn self.
“How did you-?!” The Alicorn began to say then stopped as she realized that she was no longer an Alicorn, rather a unicorn now. “No! This can't be!” The unicorn exclaimed in shock.
“Oh yes it can! I am not longer scared of you! Now begone from my soul forever!” Twilight roared as she flew up vertically, spread her wings out, and channeled magic into her horn.
Moments after she had done this a bright light began to shine up behind her as if the sun was rising behind her and as the light rose higher and higher behind her when it struck Twilight it caused her to glow brightly and shine around her.
“Noooooo!” The unicorn exclaimed in horror throwing a hoof up in vainly to shield herself as the light hit her and set her ablaze for a few moments before she gave one last shriek of terror before she crumbled to dust before the Alicorn's eyes.
Purple light now radiated from Twilight as her form reverted back to it's normal looking self and she stood up to all four hooves, looked at the book, flew up vertically in the same fashion as she did inside her soul, spread her wings out, and channeled magic into her horn. Though there was no light inside this room behind Twilight friends a light began to shine up as she rose up until it touched the dark magic in the room which began to disappear as the light touched it until it reached the book at which point a non-embodied voice could be heard shrieking out in agony as it was set ablaze and turned to ashes before everypony's eyes.
“Wh-What's happening?!” Discord exclaimed in shock as he felt his magical power weakening at a very fast rate now along with his barrier slowly disappearing.
“That's our cue sugarcube!” Applejack exclaimed as she charged forward followed by Scootaloo and Gina.
“Ya source of dark magic has been destroyed! It's over!” Applebloom exclaimed as she jumped up and struck the draconequus hard upside the head.
Gina took a deep inhale and exhaled flames upon Discord's right leg effectively reducing it to ash and destroying the element in it as Scootaloo carried Applejack now and catapulted her at the draconequus left leg and bucked it with all her might effectively destroying the element in his left leg.
“No, I will not lose! I am the ruler of this world!” Discord roared as he mustered all the magic he had left to attack them with.
Twilight and the others by now were now rushing in to back Applejack, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Gina up. “Alright! All his elements are gone! Lets do this!” Twilight exclaimed triumphantly to which the others nodded gathered around Twilight and began to focus onto their elements floating up along with Twilight now.
“No, no, nooo!” Discord roared as the beam of rainbow light shot forth and enveloped him. However much to everypony's horror once they where done Discord still stood in the flesh and not in stone.
“What the hay?! We destroyed all his cotton picken elements! We shoulda finished the varmint with that!” Applejack exclaimed in confusion.
“Ha,ha,ha! Not even the elements of harmony can defeat me! I told you, I’m invincible! Ha,ha,ha,ha!” Discord exclaimed with a sneer as he began to use his magic to attack them once again.
(Play”My Sacrifice – Creed” now)
Scootaloo looked on now as the others fought. This was it, it was true. She was the seventh element. Scootaloo continued to watch them fight and sighed until Applebloom ran over to her. “Hey, don't worry bout it honeh, so ya theory was off, we'll beat the varmint.” Applebloom said in a reassuring tone.
“No, it wasn't. There's something I didn't tell you all.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone.
“What?” Applebloom asked in a confused tone.
“I'm the seventh element. The element of hatred. When Discord converted me two years ago, he made a seventh element unintentionally.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone.
“But if that's true then...no! Ah won't let ya do it!” Applebloom exclaimed and hugged Scootaloo tightly with tears streaming from her eyes.
“Applebloom. I love you with all my heart, but you and I both know this is the only way.” Scootaloo replied with tears streaming from her eyes now as well.
“No, ah won't let ya! We'll find another way! Ah promise! Don't throw ya life away! Who's gonna help meh raise Roseheart? Who's gonna be thar to comfort meh when ah'm feelin down?! Ah won't let you! Ah-” Applebloom exclaimed only to be cut off as the orange Pegasus locked lips with the farm pony in a long and passionate kiss that the farm pony found herself lost in until Scootaloo broke the kiss and looked at her with tears in her eyes.
“Applebloom...thank you....for everything. ” Scootaloo whispered in a soft tone and gave the farm pony a sudden swift hit the gut knocking the wind out of her and took off from the ground at Discord.
“Scootaloo! No!” Applebloom exclaimed between gasps as she held her stomach unable to get up at the moment as the orange Pegasus charged forward.
Hearing Applebloom's voice snapped the cyan blue Pegasus's attention to Scootaloo whom was flying strait at Discord at the moment. “Scoots, what the hay are you doing?! Get back here this instant!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone, tried to take off from the ground only to forgot she could no longer fly and hit the floor head first. “Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as tears of fear for her daughter's life streamed from her eyes.
“What the hay is goin on Applebloom?!” Applejack asked as she helped her little sister to her hooves.
“She's going to sacrifice herself! She went on this crazy rant about her being some consarned seventh element! Please stop her Applejack!” Applebloom exclaimed between sobs.
“Twilight, you gotta stop her! You are the only one who can!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she looked on.
Twilight overheard this and stared on in shock as for a brief moment in time Scootaloo looked right at her. As if by magic she found herself and Scootaloo standing in front of each other now.
“Please don't stop me Twilight. I have to do this. If I don't then Discord wins.” Scootaloo said in a soft tone.
“Why did it have to come to this? Why?! It's not fair! Applebloom needs you!” Twilight exclaimed as tears flowed from her eyes freely now.
“Somehow, I think you knew it would come to this. I think you knew what I was from the day you saw me in Canterlot castle.” Scootaloo replied with a saddened smile.
“I didn't want to believe it was true, I wanted to believe that there was another way.” Twilight replied between sobs now.
“But there isn't and we both know this. Take care of her Twilight. Take care of Applebloom and Roseheart.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone as she placed a hoof on Twilight's cheek.
In the next moment Scootaloo broke eye contact with Twilight as tears of sorrow flowed from her eyes.
“Twilight, what are you doing?! Stop her!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she ran over to Twilight and shook her violently.
“I...can't.” Twilight replied after a few moments.
“What do you mean you can't?! You have the magic! Just grab her with your magic! It's that easy!” Rainbow Dash shrieked again shaking Twilight even more so now.
“She's the seventh element. She knows this...and so do I.” Twilight replied in a soft tone at which point Rainbow Dash gave a panicked look over to her daughter whom was nearly upon him now then back to Twilight.
“I don't bucking care! Stop her! Do it now! Or so help me, I’ll kill you!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she shook Twilight violently more so now until she fell into her chest and began to sob loudly as Twilight wrapped a hoof around her and held her tightly.
“I'm sorry Rainbow...” Twilight said in a soft tone.
“Why didn't you tell me? Why?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between sobs.
“I wanted to believe there was another way. Believe me I did!” Twilight replied between sobs.
“It's not fair! After all I went through to get her back, I’m going to lose her forever! It's not fair, it's not fair!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she hit Twilight's chest with her hooves.
FLASHBACK
Sweetie Belle: To the citizens of Ponyville, for some time now, you've been reading this column to get the latest dirt and the hottest buzz. But this will be my final piece. We want to apologize for the pain and embarrassment we've caused.
Apple Bloom: Y'see, I'm actually three little fillies, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.
Scootaloo: As the popularity of our column grew, we got swept up in the hype. We knew that what we were doing didn't feel quite right, but we ignored the guilt because everypony seemed to want to read what we were writing.
Sweetie Belle: From now on, we promise to respect everypony else's privacy, and we won't engage in hurtful gossip any more.
Apple Bloom: All we can do is ask for your forgiveness, Ponyville. Signing off for the very last time, XOXO, Gabby Gums.
“What have we done?! Mah brother's acting like a grade-A goofball.” Applebloom said in a dismayed tone as she paced back and forth.
“Maybe we added too much rainbow.” Sweetie Belle suggested in an unsure tone as she scanned the contents of the book.
“Or maybe not enough cloud.” Scootaloo chimed in in a similar unsure tone.
“Or maybe...” Sweetie Belle began to say only to trail off as she read a part of the book. “Uh oh.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a worried tone.
“Whaddaya mean , uh-oh?!” Applebloom exclaimed as she looked over at the two.
“We might not have given Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee a love potion. We may have given them a love poison.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a dreading tone.
“What?!” Scootaloo and Applebloom exclaimed simultaneously.
--------------------------------------------------
Scootaloo looked behind herself then to her side then in front of herself again and noticed they had not yet made it to the wooden plank that lead to the clubhouse yet. “Get in the clubhouse!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point the three made a mad dash for the wooden plank stairs.
The zombies ponies then lunged at the two fillies however were bucked away by Scootaloo mid air allowing the two to get safely inside. “Get in here Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with the open still.
“Close the door! You'll be safe in there!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she bucked another zombie pony upside the head sending it crashing to the ground only for another to take it's place.
“But-But what about you?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed fearfully.
“I'll be fine! Close the door!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point Sweetie Belle slammed the club door shut. Moments later however Scootaloo was tackled to the ground and immediately dog-piled by the horde much to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom's horror.
“What's wrong?” Scootaloo asked in a concerned tone as placed a daisy slice on a slice of bread and handed it to the farm pony.
“It's this whole bein a momma thing. Everypony is sayin I should keep the foal instead of givin it up for adoption, but ah'm not cut out to be a full time momma. Ah'm barely into middle school for pony's sake.” Applebloom replied taking the sandwich in one hoof and proceeded to grab five more daisy slices before putting another slice of bread on top and taking a bite out of the sandwich.
“I can't say I know what you're going through, but I will be there with you the whole way. Whether be be as your best friend...” Scootaloo said trailing off before she leaned over and kissed Applebloom's cheek. “Or as something more.” Scootaloo said sporting a blush which Applebloom also shared.
“Ah can't even believe that less than two months ago we was behavin like a bunch of immature foals. Now look at us. Ah reckon we're almost behavin like full grown mares.” Applebloom remarked looking in thought as she said this.
“I know, crazy huh?” Scootaloo replied with a smirk taking a bite out of her own daisy sandwich now.
END FLASH BACK
“After all we've been through, the challenges we had to overcome to get to where we are today, it almost seems unfair to her for me to have to go like this, but this is the only way and deep down I know she understands this.” Scootaloo thought to herself as a silent tear streaked down her cheek but was lost in the wind as she snapped her head forward and stopped dead in front of the draconequus.
“Yo! Horns for brains! Hit me with your best shot!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she bucked him upside the head.
“If you so willing to give up your life, then I’ll be happy to take it!” Discord exclaimed with growl, pointed his lions paw at the orange Pegasus and fired a beam of red magic at her. In the exact moment the beam of magic hit her, Rainbow Dash and Applebloom could be heard shrieking the words “Noooo!” while the images of Scootaloo's life flashed before her eyes in a rapid sideshow as she felt the life drain from her body and knew no more....
Part 3 end
Rainbow Dash bolted from Twilight before she could react, ran over to her daughter's body and lifted her up looking at her. “Come on Scoots, don't do this to me. Come back, please come back!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed between sobs as she shook Scootaloo's body only to get no response from the filly. “No! Please don't do this to me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she held her tightly now sobbing loudly into her daughter's chest.
Rarity looked on at this and could not help but come to tears now herself. Yet this was not for the same reason as the others. Looking at Rainbow Dash now, how she was acting, how she was crying out. It was exactly how she acted when she lost her blood sister during the war. “Why didn't you stop her Twilight?! It didn't have to be this way!” Rarity exclaimed looking at the Alicorn with a glare now.
“As I said before, this was the only way...Scootaloo knew this.” Twilight replied wiping her nose only to barely dodge an attack by the draconequus. “Did you forget about me?” Discord said with a sneer.
Meanwhile Rainbow Dash continued to hold her daughter sobbing as memories of the times they had together flowed through her mind.
FLASHBACK
“Mom, watch this!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she performed an aerial somersault and landed on her feet.
Rainbow Dash smiled at her and clapped her hooves at the orange Pegasus's little performance. “Very Good Scoots. But you still got a long way to go if you want to be as good as me.” Rainbow Dash remarked with a grin.
“Oh come on! I'm learning as fast as I can! It's not like can get the hang of flying as fast as you did! Your special talent is flying fast, I don't know what mine is yet.” Scootaloo replied in a depressed tone at which point Rainbow Dash walked over to her and hugged her.
“Hey, don't worry about it scoots. You'll find your special talent one day, but you can't rush these things you know.” Rainbow Dash said in a soft yet comforting tone as she ran her right hoof through her mane.
“I know. I just can't wait to fly as fast as you do.” Scootaloo replied still sounding depressed despite Rainbow Dash's pep talk.
“Don't worry Scoots. That day will come and when it does you'll fly even faster than me.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile as she broke the hug and looked into her daughter's eyes.
“Really?!” Scootaloo asked her expression turning from depressed to excited.
“Oh yeah, you'll fly so fast the wonderbolts will even notice you.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk. Even though the cyan blue Pegasus didn't know this for a fact she was happy she was able to cheer her daughter up.
-------------------------------------------
That's it, good try scoots but I don't think your ready!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she put her hooves around the filly only to get pushed away.
“Give me a little longer! I know I can do it!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she continued to attempt to get leverage under her wings.
“You don't have a little longer! Now let me catch you before you end up killing yourself!” Rainbow Dash replied in a panicked tone as she attempted to put her hooves around her again. The ground was now dangerously close to the two and in a mere ten more seconds both of them would be roadside pizza on the ground.
Scootaloo however pushed her away again much to the cyan blue Pegasus's horror having no choice but to open her wings to slow herself. “Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash screamed in a horrified voice as the orange Pegasus continued to free fall before darting downward using her wings now to propel herself in order to catch the filly.
“Come on!” Scootaloo shouted as fear began to overwhelm her and really regretting not letting Rainbow Dash catch her as she saw the ground clearly now and knew she would hit it within the next five seconds.
“I'm not going to catch her in time!” Rainbow Dash thought horrified but continued to dart down just the same.
PHOOOSH!
A mere two seconds before impact Scootaloo gave a mighty beat of her wings and pulled up just in the nick of time feeling the grass on the ground scape her underside as she flew and landed safely on the ground a few moments later stumbling slightly as she placed all four hooves on the ground feeling her legs wobble and threaten to give way under her body from the amount of fear and adrenaline that was pulsing through her body at this point.
“What the heck were you thinking young filly?! You could have died! Don't you ever and I mean EVER push me away like that again! Do you hear me young filly?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in both fury and relief as she flew over to Scootaloo and hugged her tightly kissing her forehead multiple times and hugging her in rapid intervals as tears flooded from her eyes.
“Sorry mom, but I did it! I actually flew on my own!” Scootaloo replied finally able to keep her legs from shaking uncontrollably.
“Yes, you did. Where in Equestria did you get such a reckless streak? Good grief filly...” Rainbow Dash replied and hugged her once more as she felt her fury and worry be replaced with pride.
“I got it from you.” Scootaloo replied with a cheesy grin causing the cyan blue Pegasus to stop hugging her and blush furiously from embarrassment knowing that she did some pretty crazy things on a daily bases during her trick practice with Scootaloo watching.
“I need to be a better role model...” Rainbow Dash said in a dismal tone after a few moments facehoofing as she said this and few moments later both Pegasus broke into laughter.
END FLASHBACK
Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha.....
Rainbow Dash looked up at Discord whom now was laughing manically as he fought the others still holding her daughter as tears continued to flow from her eyes but now her expression was slowly changing from sadness to anger as she continued to look on at him.
Slowly now as she continued to watch the fight unfold her pain was slowly at first being replaced by an unspeakable rage. Memories of the times she had with her daughter seemed to flash before her eyes now which fueled this unspeakable rage. “You took her away from me...” Rainbow Dash said in a low tone that could not be heard over the roar of battle.
Watch this mommy!
“You took away the purpose to my life...” Rainbow Dash said in the same low tone as her rage was nearing it breaking point now as her mane and tail began to slowly flail now.
No matter what happens Scoots. I will never let anything happen to you.
“You murdered her without a second thought...” Rainbow Dash said as her mane and tail flailed even faster now.
I love you mom!
“You have no heart....” Rainbow Dash said as her mane and tail flailed even faster now.
I love you too Scootaloo. No matter what happens, you will always be my daughter...
DISCOOOOOOOOOOOOORD!!!
Rainbow Dash roared at the top of her lungs, tears flailing to to the wind, as her tail and mane flailed wildly now as magic began streak a crossed her body at random intervals.
Applejack was able to ready to buck the draconequus upside the head when in a blur Rainbow Dash appeared and struck Discord which sent the draconequus flying back.
“Holy horseapples covered in caramel!” Applejack exclaimed in shock as Rainbow Dash struck Discord, disappeared in a blur seemingly, and reappeared behind him and struck him again.
The six ponies could only watch slack jawed as Rainbow Dash moved at blinding speeds beating the draconequus around as if he was in a pinball machine.
“She's plum lost her lid just like Fluttershy does!” Applejack remarked in shock at this spectacle.
“Beating the snot out of him won't defeat him! We need to use the elements of harmony on him!” Twilight exclaimed in annoyance yet concern of Rainbow Dash's attacks.
“No, it's worse than that.” Fluttershy remarked looking at Rainbow Dash's actions.
“What do you mean darling? She's just doing what you did when you lost your temper.” Rarity replied in a confused tone.
“No, you don't get it! I can tell! When I lost it, at least my was able to track it's limit!” Fluttershy exclaimed in annoyance.
“Wait, what are you saying Fluttershy? Isn't this just like you?” Twilight asked in a concerned tone.
“During the war, I was told how my gift worked. Look at the magic streaking a crossed her body. Does it look anything like mine?” Fluttershy asked pointing a hoof at Rainbow Dash.
“Now that ya mention it, it does look a might different.” Applejack remarked in a concerned tone.
“It looks dark, unlike Fluttershy who's magic which reflected her fur color.” Twilight remarked feeling a sense of dread coming on now as she looked on.
“My gift is fueled by my rage, but I lose all sense of reality when this happens. I had this gift naturally, but Rainbow, she taught herself by watching me. She's never fully lost it like this before. Unlike me, she was able to control it.” Fluttershy said looking at Rainbow Dash now looking more worried by the second now.
“So in other words?” Pinkie Pie asked still not getting the big picture.
“So in other words, her body doesn't know it's own limit! She does, but her body doesn't! And if she..umm..goes on long enough...” Fluttershy said trailing off now.
“She'll kill herself...” Twilight said finishing Fluttershy's sentence for her as the world seemed to slow down now upon this realization which filled her with fear for Rainbow Dash's life.
“Somepony needs to talk to her, bring her back to her senses!” Rarity exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“Fluttershy, how were you brought back to your senses?” Twilight asked in an urgent tone.
“We gotta try!” Applejack exclaimed as she ran forward and began to call out to her lover.
Welcome Scootaloo...
“Where am I?” Scootaloo asked in a confused tone as she looked about herself. She was in a white room that seemed to stretch endlessly with a black mare standing in front of her several feet away next to two large doors.
That depends on you really. For many ponies, this is known as limbo. The realm between the afterlife and the living world.
“So I'm dead?” Scootaloo asked in a soft tone her voice cracking.
Yes, you are dead.
“So why am I here?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
Your life was as the higher powers call it”A special case” which means that you have choice. You can either return to the world of the living or cross over.
“You mean I can become alive again? But as long as I’m alive Discord is invincible. I represent the element of hatred.” Scootaloo replied in a soft tone.
You mean that foul looking thing that went through these doors moments before you appeared here? No, you no longer represent the element of hatred. You ceased to be it when Discord murdered you himself. But you see, you did give your life. It would be anti-climatic to go back now wouldn't it?
“Maybe...”Scootaloo replied in a thoughtful tone.
You lived a good life and you did a lot of good. You should rest.
“Yeah, they will be fine without me.” Scootaloo replied to the black mare and began to walk towards the door when suddenly Applebloom appeared for a brief moment in front of her.
“Please Scootaloo! Ah know your still in there! Come back to us! Ya momma needs ya!” Applebloom exclaimed with a teary expression before she faded away.
“Mom needs me?” Scootaloo remarked in a thoughtful tone.
Interesting, so that's the pony with the element of love. It seems she holds a special bond with you to be able to reach you on this plane of existence...
The Black mare's voice remarked with a curious look.
“Yeah, she was special to me alright...” Scootaloo replied with a sigh. For some reason the mare's words had an effect on her she couldn't explain. When she saw Applebloom she suddenly wanted to go back but upon hearing the mare's words the feeling vanished.
Come now, it's time to cross over. Let mortal affairs handle themselves.
The black mare's voice said in a soft tone
“Yeah, I guess you're right...” Scootaloo replied and began to walk towards the doors again only for a black figure to appear in front of her but it wasn't the mare rather it was an Alicorn.
“Scootaloo! Do no listen to this mare! She feels nothing! The only thing that matters to her is making deals with unicorns who are able to appear in this plane of existence to strike deals with her and sending souls to the afterlife . Whether they are ready to or not.” The Alicorn remarked flashing the black mare a glare.
How dare you interfere Luna! You have no power here! The higher powers will punish you severely for this!
The mare's voice echoed in an angry tone.
“Perhaps, but I will not allow you to use your power over souls to convince a pony who's time has not yet come to cross over.” Luna replied still glaring then looked at Scootaloo again.
“So you are dead too?” Scootaloo replied looking up at her.
“Yes, but because of what I have done in life I was given special privileges. Scootaloo, listen to me. Your mother needs you right now. She is consumed with grief and rage over your death and you are the only one who can reach her now. If you do not, then I fear she will be the next pony to walk through these doors.” Luna replied in a concerned tone.
Upon hearing Luna's words she suddenly felt her concern and worry for her mother return ten fold as her eyes snapped wide open. “Mom! How do I get back to her Luna?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a worried tone.
Discord let out a pained cry as Rainbow Dash struck him in the chest and sent flying back. “This isn't like before, she's acting just as that Yellow Pegasus did before yet...something is different. It's as if she isn't weakening or nearing any type of limit.” Discord thought to himself moments before Rainbow Dash appeared right in his face.
As he looked into her eyes the draconequus could see tears still flowing from them yet despite this the same unspeakable rage Fluttershy held in them. Mere seconds after he looked into her eyes the next thing he saw was a hoof to the skull which made him see stars as he was sent flying back.
“Rainbow! Come on! It meh, Applejack! Ah know your in thar! Come back to meh!” Applejack exclaimed as loud as she could yet despite her pleas, Rainbow Dash seemingly could not hear her.
“This is bad, very bad! If she goes on any longer like this...” Twilight said looking at Rainbow Dash feeling worried yet pissed off at herself for not knowing what to do.
Meanwhile Applebloom continued to sob over Scootaloo's body unknowing of her eyes suddenly snapping wide open. “Please come back...ah can't live without ya...” Applebloom said between sobs then let out a startled gasp as she felt Scootaloo sit upright and looked at her.
“Heya, Applebloom.” Scootaloo said with a smile and promptly tackled and hugged by the farm pony as tears of joy flowed from her eyes.
“Ah knew ya would come back! Ah knew it!” Applebloom exclaimed between sobs of joy now and locked lips with the orange Pegasus in a long and Passionate kiss. The sudden cry of rage from Rainbow Dash jolted the two from their loving embrace however and looked over at Rainbow Dash.
“I've gotta reach her.” Scootaloo said in a soft tone as she stood up and took off from the ground.
Just as Rainbow Dash was able to strike Discord again Scootaloo appeared in front of her which caused Rainbow Dash to let out a startled gasp. “Scootaloo, you're alive?” Rainbow Dash said in soft tone her voice cracking as she spoke and would have fallen out of the air if it were not for Scootaloo catching her.
“Yeah, sorry I worried you mom.” Scootaloo replied in the same soft tone as she flew over and hugged her mother tightly at which point Rainbow Dash's mane and tail stopped flailing wildly as she sobbed into her daughter's arms.
“I thought I lost you forever...” Rainbow Dash remarked between sobs of joy now.
“Scootaloo? You're alive?” Discord remarked in shock as he regained his bearings feeling his wounds heal quickly due to his magical power.
“Yeah, not even you can kill me, horns for brains.” Scootaloo replied flashing the draconequus a glare.
“I will rectify that statement now!” Discord exclaimed as he thrust his claw hand forward at the two.
“No!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she whirled Scootaloo around and flung her away expecting to be impaled moments later only for a loud clinging sound to echo throughout the room.
The cyan blue Pegasus opened her eyes to see she was now being held by Gina. “G-Gina?” Rainbow Dash remarked in a shocked tone then gasped in horror as blood could be seen dripping from her back.
“Dragon scales come in handy...” Gina remarked in a pained tone then let out a cry of pain as Discord retracted his claw hand at which point Gina and Rainbow Dash fell to the ground with the purple Pegasus taking the brunt of the fall.
“Gina, no!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she recovered from the sudden throw from her mother having seen what had just happened.
“Humph! Filthy halfbreed.” Discord remarked in an annoyed tone as he flung blood off the tips of his claw hand. Her hard scales had stopped his attack which had only allowed the tips of his claws to price her body but could go no farther.
“I-I'll be fine. My dragon half heals me fast.” Gina replied in a pained tone as Scootaloo rushed over to her.
“Are you sure?” Scootaloo remarked in a worried tone as she looked over her.
“Yeah, just let me..sleep.” Gina replied and passed out.
“Gina? Talk to me!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“She'll be fine Scootaloo. Sleeping is how dragons heal their wounds.” Twilight chimed in as she lifted Gina up with her magic and laid her down behind her.
“You sure?” Scootaloo asked in a worried tone.
“Yeah, she'll be fine.” Twilight replied with a smile which vanished as she saw that Discord was preparing to fire a beam of magic at the two, disappeared in a flash of magic, and reappeared used her wings as a shield to block the draconequus spell. “Nice try Merrick! It's over! Your last defense is gone!” Twilight exclaimed as she deflected the magic with her wings and glared at him.
(Play” The power of love” now)
“As if! I am invincible! Your elements of harmony didn't defeat me even after my elements were destroyed!” Discord countered with a sneer.
“Wrong! You destroyed your last defense yourself when you killed Scootaloo!” Twilight countered with a grin as she nodded to the other six whom began to focus on their elements once again and began to float up.
“But she's alive! So that means I am still invincible!” Discord retorted even though he sounded less confident than before now.
“Wrong again, horns for brains! When you killed me, you killed your element, but not me! And now you have no defense!” Scootaloo replied with a cocky grin.
“No! I won't be defeated! I refuse to!” Discord roared as he fired a beam of magic at the seven which seemed to be nullified upon hitting them. He then looked again and didn't know if his eyes were playing tricks on him or what, but now instead of the seven ponies, he saw Celestia and Luna before him.
“You will never defeat me!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as he used both his lions paw and claw hand now to pummel the seven as their own beam of rainbow colored magic shot forth and immediately began to overpower his own magic.
“You've lost Discord! You will never harm ponies again!” Twilight exclaimed at which point the magical rainbow light intensified ten fold, blew the draconequus's magic away like nothing, and engulfed him in it's light.
“Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!” Discord roared at the top of his lungs as his body began to turn to stone from the foot up until his cry of horror was abruptly cut off by his head turning to stone at which point his statue fell to the side on the ground.
Upon Discord's statue hitting the ground however the cave around them began to rumble violently. “The cave is collapsing! Lets get out of here!” Twilight exclaimed as the seven ponies began to run for the exit to the room while Twilight carried Gina with her magic.
Applebloom looked behind herself just in time to see a large rock come crashing down over Discord's statue crushing it to fragments at which point she recoiled, snapping her eyes shut as she did so. “Ah tried to save ya Merrick. Ya could of done good with ya power...now we will never know how ya coulda been...” Applebloom thought to herself in a sad tone as she followed the others.
The group managed to get out safely just as the cave behind them collapsed completely leaving no way back in or out.
“Finally, he's gone. Now Equestria will be safe again and the ponies will return to normal.” Twilight remarked with a smile at the other seven whom all returned the smile except for Applejack whom was looking up at the sky.
“Ah don't mean to beh raining on y'all parade, but if Discord's been defeated, why are those consarned cotton candy clouds still in the sky?” Applejack remarked in a confused tone at which point everypony looked up and gasped.
“This doesn't make sense! With Discord gone, his power should have vanished!” Twilight exclaimed in a confused tone.
“Who the heck could still have the power to keep Discord's magic still working?” Rainbow Dash asked in an annoyed tone.
In the next moment however they got their answer as they suddenly found themselves tied down and unable to move on the ground.
“What the hay?!” Applejack exclaimed in confusion and shock.
“You may have defeated my daddy, but as long as I am still here. His legacy will live on!” A pink mare exclaimed as she stepped forward.
“How did you tie us up with magic when you aren't a unicorn!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger.
“Weren't you listening? I'm Discord's daughter. So of course I can use his magic.” The pink mare replied with a smirk.
HUH?!
Sweetie Belle was sleeping soundly along side of Spike when suddenly her eyes snapped open with a sense of worry and dread. “Pinkie Pie!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a worried tone.
“Hmm?” Spike asked as he sat up next to her.
“It's Pinkie Pie. Something is wrong. She's being restrained at the moment, I can feel it.” Sweetie Belle replied in a soft tone.
“Maybe that's just you're just tired after the fun time we had?” Spike remarked with a grin.
“Grow the buck up Spike.” Sweetie Belle replied sourly as she got out of the bed, used her magic to tidy up her mane and fur, and rushed down stairs.
“Hey, where are you going?” Spike called down to her just before she ran out the door.
“Weren't you listening? Pinkie Pie is in trouble! I've got to go to her!” Sweetie Belle replied and ran out the door closing it behind her.
“And they said it was the males who have a habit of running off after getting laid.” Spike remarked with an eye-roll gesture and a sigh.
I just hope my magic has recovered enough to do anything...
“Now then, who shall be the first to die?” Screwball said with a malicious grin as she paced back and forth as zombie ponies stood still watching her move.
“Twi, can't ya use your magic to break these ropes?” Applejack whispered to the Alicorn.
“Don't you think I haven't tried? These ropes seem to render me unable to use magic.” Twilight whispered back.
“How about...you! ” Screwball said with a cruel grin as she stared directly at Twilight now.
“Why do I feel a sense of deja-vu?” Twilight thought to herself dismally recalling the same line being said by Trixie.
Twilight then felt the ropes around her fade away at which point she jumped up and tried to use her magic only to be still unable to do so.
“Ah,ah,ah! No magic now. I figured I’d give you a sporting chance to fight for your life, but magic is just cheating.” Screwball remarked with a smirk.
“Says the mare who has us tied down with magical ropes...” Rainbow Dash remarked in a sarcastic tone unknown to the pink mare.
“Fine, I don't need my magic to kick your flank.” Twilight replied as she narrowed her eyes at the mare.
“Oh, i'm sorry. Did you think you would be fighting me? How silly of me! Ha,ha,ha!” Screwball replied with a light laugh before pointing a hoof forward at which point the zombie ponies began to pace towards the Alicorn. “You will be fighting them .” Screwball said with a sneer.
“Consarn it all! She knows Twilight will never kill those innocent ponies! She's fightin a losin battle!” Applejack exclaimed in a pissed off tone.
“Coward! Fight her yourself!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed trying to fight against the magical ropes now even more than ever but making no progress.
Twilight looked about herself now as the horde began to close in on her. “If I can clear a path to Screwball, I should be able to take her out and put an end to this.” Twilight thought to herself and began to buck at zombie ponies in an attempt to clear a path to the pink mare.
Just as she had managed to clear a path Screwball gave a startled expression as the Alicorn lunged at her only to be tackled away by a zombie pony who had lunged at her from the right. “Clever work Twilight Sparkle, you planned to clear a path directly to me. Sadly though it fell though. My servants would never let a lowly creature such as yourself lay a hoof on me. And now, the real fun begins...” Screwball said as her expression turned from a smirk to a evil glare as zombie ponies began to pile onto the Alicorn.
“Twilight!” the others shouted nearly in unison now as they struggled against their ropes but to no avail.
Applebloom and Scootaloo then found themselves suddenly unbound and looked to see Sweetie Belle making a hushing gesture to which they caught on. Applebloom and Scootaloo slowly crept up on Screwball and without warning lunged at her only to be blocked by two zombie ponies.
“How did you two-?!” Screwball exclaimed then snapped her gaze over to Sweetie Belle who was attempting to free Rainbow Dash now, lifted her up via magic and chucked her over next to Scootaloo and Applebloom. The horde that was piling on Twilight at the moment then got off her and charged at the three.
“Fine, if you three wish to go first, I can delay Twilight's execution a little longer.” Screwball said with a smirk as the Alicorn suddenly found herself tied up once again and flung over next to her five friends.
“You okay Twi?” Applejack asked in a whisper.
“Yeah, if Sweetie Belle hadn't jumped in when she did though, I’m not so sure I would be though.” Twilight replied in the same whisper.
“Ya don't stand a chance!” Applebloom exclaimed as her element glowed brightly which caused the hordes around her to suddenly stop behaving like zombie ponies and act like themselves again.
“How did-?! That element!” Screwball exclaimed with a glare.
“Unless you want to lose the rest of your minions, I suggest you face us head on Screwball.” Scootaloo said with a cocky grin.
“Fine, i'll get my hooves dirty. By the time your pathetic lives come to an end though, you will wish you hadn't challenged me directly!” Screwball exclaimed as she paced back and forth waiting for them to make the first move.
(Play “PonE-Sharp vs. Eurobeat Brony - The Crusade Begins” now)
Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle now looked at each other, each wearing confident smiles. “We ready to kick some flank crusaders?” Scootaloo asked with a grin.
“Ah was born ready!” Applebloom exclaimed with a grin.
“Lets do this!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with a grin.
“Sweetie Belle! Use my element!” Rarity exclaimed as she flung it from her next at the unicorn filly who turned to see it latch around neck as if by magic.
“Scoots! Take mine as well!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she flung hers as well towards her daughter.
“What a laugh! Only those to represent it's attribute can wield the elements of harmony!” Screwball exclaimed with a laugh only to gasp in shock as the elements began to immediately respond and glow around Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's necks.
“They did! When Sweetie Belle threw herself in the way of Discord's dagger to protect Roseheart. She displayed the element of generosity by offering her life in exchange for Roseheart's!” Rarity exclaimed in a triumphant tone.
“Scootaloo displayed the element of Loyalty to her friends when sacrificed herself selflessly in order to defeat Discord!” Rainbow Dash chimed in with an equal smile to Twilight who now was smiling as well.
Upon hearing this Screwball scowled in fury but resumed her composure with the same sneer. “Element of no element, they still have no chance against me!” Screwball exclaimed and charged at the three.
Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle looked over at Screwball charging at them then back to each other and knew what each other was thinking.
CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, EVIL PONY FLANK KICKERS! YEAH!
The three shouted simultaneously, high five each other, and jumped in the opposite direction of each other at the last moment caused Screwball to charge forward and miss only to turn about and attack Applebloom directly.
However just as she reached the farm pony Sweetie Belle stood right in front of her way and used her magic as a shield to stop her directly in her tracks and moments later Scootaloo came at her from the air with a mid-air buck which knocked the pink back backward, but recovered only to see Applebloom charging forward with a follow up buck sending her flying backward even more so now.
“Holy horseapples! It's like they know what each other is thinkin!” Applejack exclaimed in shock as the cutie mark crusaders acted and seemed to feed off each others movements against Screwball.
“It doesn't surprise me actually. Those three have always been very close. It's only natural that they would have a bond like that.” Twilight replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
Screwball struck at Scootaloo who used her wings as a shield now, but since she wasn't an Alicorn she could only stave her off so much, however Applebloom at the precise moment Screwball's hoof connected with Scootaloo's wings could be seen using Scootaloo's shoulders as a springboard to jump beside her at which point Sweetie Belle was on the other side and in the next moment Scootaloo flung her wings forward knocking Screwball off balance only to see the three turn about five and buck her from three sides simultaneously effectively causing the pink mare to see little fillies dancing around her head for a few moments before she shook her head and growled fiercely at them.
“Enough of this nonsense!” Screwball roared as a burst of magic erupted from around her which sent all three fillies flying in the opposite direction.
The turn in events caused the six to give panicked looks as the three managed to recover but were clearly weakened.
“Any more bright ideas?” Scootaloo asked in a dazed tone as she walked up to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom who looked about as dazed she was while Screwball once again began to pace back and forth waiting for them to make their next move.
“Maybe, we can try to talk sense into her?” Applebloom suggested curiously.
“Okay, so who's gonna be crazy enough try to do that?” Sweetie Belle asked in a skeptic tone.
“Hoof, tail, mane?” Scootaloo suggested to which her and Applebloom immediately began to play their little game which ended with Scootaloo's hoof beating Applebloom's tail.
“Horseapples...” Applebloom remarked in an dreading tone and turned to face the pink mare.
“So umm, Screwball. Are ya sure this is what ya want? Ah mean, ya don't have to be the evil one here. We could all be-” Applebloom began to say only to get a buck to the face which sent her flying back into a skid right in between Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.
“Any other bright ideas?” Applebloom asked in a dazed tone as her eyes swirled until she was helped up by the two.
“Hmm, I got nothin.” Scootaloo replied with a shrug gesture.
“If you two are done with your little chat, perhaps we could get back to the part where I kill you and then your pathetic friends.” Screwball remarked as she paced back and forth which caused the three to look over at her with the same glare on each of their faces.
“If there's one thing I do know, she's the one who tried to covert me into one of her slaves.” Sweetie Belle remarked in a low tone to which the others narrowed their eyes at Screwball.
“No more miss nice Cutie mark crusaders then!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a glare at which point the three charged at her.
However as the three charged forward Sweetie Belle was tripped by Screwball with a hoof to her neck which caused the two to freeze and stare. “Your elements, toss them!” Screwball exclaimed in a demanding tone.
Scootaloo and Applebloom stared on for a few moments before they reluctantly tossed them from their necks and to the ground a good distance away only for Screwball to laugh evilly. “Pity, if you had continued to charge head on despite your friends life being in danger, you could have defeated me with your elements. Now your fate, will be hers!” Screwball exclaimed as she swiftly rose her hoof up in preparation to strike down to the horror of Scootaloo and Applebloom only to suddenly be shot back by a mighty buck.
“Who dares?!” Screwball exclaimed with a glare as she looked about herself and saw her. “Hello mother...” Screwball said a few moments with a glare.
“Enough of this Screwball! Discord is gone!” Screw Loose exclaimed with a glare.
“Just because daddy kicked the bucket doesn't mean I can't carry on his fine work.” Screwball replied with a sneer as she paced around her mother.
“Celestia damn to me to Tartarus for even fooling with that draconequus! The only good that came from it was you!” Screw Loose exclaimed as she paced back and forth.
“Who cares what you think mother. Just like daddy, we are gods among insects. Only I didn't go insane and start barking like a wild dog. How did you regain your sanity anyways?” Screwball asked with a cruel sneer.
“My sanity was lost the day I thought you were dead. For two thousand years I went insane, then Discord came back. That's when something in me snapped me back to reality. If Discord was back, so were you. At least that's what I told myself to keep myself sane.” Screw Loose replied as she paced back and forth not taking her eyes off her daughter.
“Well guess what mother, I haven't been dead, I’ve just been sleeping, just like daddy did. When he came back for the third time so did I. So how about you stop being a miss goody two hooves and rule this new world with me.” Screwball replied with a sneer as she extended a hoof to her mother.
“Perhaps you really are dead. The Screwball I raised would never tolerate a world in this state.” Screw Loose replied and let out a sigh as she looked at Twilight and her friends.
Upon looking at them, the binds around them vanished much to Screwball's rage. “What do you think you are doing mother?!” Screwball exclaimed in a hostile tone.
“Fixing a mistake I made over two thousand years ago!” Screw Loose exclaimed as she began to glow brightly.
“What are you doing? Stop it!” Screwball exclaimed as she began to glow as well.
“Twilight Sparkle and friends, I am grateful to you for your efforts to save my daughter and Merrick. Believe me when I say he was not always like you saw.
“Ah know, I sensed it in him when we fought for some time...he only wanted to be loved. What are ya goin to do?” Applebloom asked as Screw Loose floated up along with Screwball whom could only flail in defiance in vainly.
“I am removing any last trace of his power in this world by removing me and my daughter from existence! Take care and thank you!” Screw Loose exclaimed and in a blinding flash of light her and Screwball vanished without a trace at which point the cotton candy clouds vanished and the world reverted back to normal within seconds.
“Did we just win?” Rainbow Dash asked in a confused tone.
“Sure as hay don't feel like it though.” Applejack replied as they looked around themselves.
“We have damage control to do. Come on, lets go see if everypony is okay.” Twilight replied at which point the others nodded and followed her.
FIVE YEARS LATER...
A orange Pegasus came trotting into carousel boutique along with a orange mare with a cowboy hat on.
“So, how are you two newly weds doing?” Rarity asked with a smile.
“Ah reckon we are doin alright. Right honeh?” Applebloom said with a proud smile as she nuzzled Scootaloo affectionately who returned the gesture with her own.
“Yeah, things are going great. Roseheart's just gone in for her first year of grade school.” Scootaloo chimed in with a equally proud smile.
“That's great to hear darlings. How's that hard headed Pegasus doing?” Rarity asked with a smile.
“Mom is just as hard headed as ever. She brags that she the fastest runner her Equestria now instead of flier.
“Well as long as she is coping with her condition then I suppose it's for the best.” Rarity replied and let out a sigh.
“You should go visit Twilight. I'm sure she would like to see you again.” Scootaloo said in a suggesting tone.
“Oh I simply couldn't. She's far too busy now at days as you both know. But I must admit, without her around the rest of us have had a bit of a falling out with one another.” Rarity remarked with a sigh.
“Oh! Ah almost forgot! This is for you.” Applebloom said with a smile and placed a piece of paper on the table to which Rarity lifted with magic and read.
Twilight Sparkle cordially invites you to the fifth annal grand galloping gala in honor of Princess Celestia.
Rarity placed the piece of paper on the table and smile. “Honestly, she still hasn't taken to her role yet?” Rarity remarked with a smirk. “Now where is that sister of mine? Sweetie Belle!” Rarity called out.
“Give me a few minuets here!” Sweetie Belle called from upstairs.
“Her memory still hazy?” Scootaloo asked curiously.
“Yes, she says that she remembers being apart of the fight against Discord and Nightmare Moon, but she still says she can't recall why or how.” Rarity replied and let out yet another sigh.
“Ah guess she really did give all her memories of herself as Selena to the keeper of souls in exchange for Fluttershy's life.” Applebloom remarked looking up at the stairs as the door began to open.
“I think it's for the best though. Now she can live her own life without worrying about living in the shadow of another.” Scootaloo chimed in as Sweetie Belle slowly took steps down the stairs along side of spike who was helping her down the stairs.
“Now careful darling, I wouldn't want anything to happen to my unborn niece now.” Rarity remarked as Sweetie Belle nearly tripped only to be caught by Spike.
“Don't worry Rarity, I would never let anything happen to her.” Spike said with a cocky grin.
“Ah certainly hope not! Course ah can't speak for the package she's carryin in her belly thanks to ya!” Applebloom exclaimed with a grin to which Spike's eyes lit up at the sight of Scootaloo and Applebloom.
“Scootaloo, Applebloom, good to see you two!” Spike exclaimed with a warm smile.
“Back at ya.” Applebloom replied with a similar warm smile.
Sweetie Belle managed to make it to the bottom of the stairs and walked over to Rarity now. “You best have a good reason for calling me down here. Those stairs are a pain in the flank to walk up and down!” Sweetie Belle remarked in an annoyed tone at which point Applebloom giggled.
“Ah remember how much of a pain it was for meh so ah feel ya on that one Sweetie Belle.” Applebloom said with a knowing look and a smile.
“Sure, but at least we aren't trying to hide it from everypony like you did.” Sweetie Belle replied with a grin of here own.
“Yeah, yeah. No need to bring back those stinkin memories now.” Applebloom retorted in a sour tone but managed to keep her lighthearted expression on her face.
“Well, we have been invited to the fifth grand galloping gala by Twilight.” Rarity replied to which Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up.
“Alright! It's been forever since I last saw her. I wonder if she'll still recognize me?” Sweetie Belle remarked thoughtfully aloud.
“Oh I’m sure she will. After all her and Spike keep in contact quite often from what I understand.” Rarity replied looking at Spike.
“Yeah, but since she took on her new role she's only been able to send me a letter once a month now at days.” Spike replied with a slight frown.
“Well, we have a week or so till the gala, Scootaloo would be so kind as to round up the gang so I can design dresses for them?” Rarity asked with a smile.
“No problem there! I'll be back in ten,Seconds, Flat!” Scootaloo exclaimed and sped out the front door so fast one could have sword she left a purple and orange streak in her wake.
“Ah swear, she still acts like her momma. Bit annoyin at times really.” Applebloom remarked with a facehoofing gesture.
ONE WEEK LATER...
Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom now stood inside the castle in Canterlot watching as ponies filed in and began to mingle with one other.
“So where ya reckon the bookworm is?” Applejack asked in a whisper.
“Ten bits says the royal library.” Rainbow Dash replied in the same whisper.
“Ya got a bet.” Applejack replied with a smirk.
It soon became apparent however that Twilight was in fact greeting guests as the others made their way in. “Twilight!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she charged forward to greet the Alicorn.
“Ha, ya owe meh ten bits.” Applejack said with a smirk.
“Alright, I’ll just take it from our rainy day funds when we get back to the farm.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk.
“Now that just cheatin...” Applejack remarked with a smirk of her own.
Scootaloo however was halted as guard ponies stood between her and Twilight only for the Alicorn to snap them to the side. “Lay off you guys, these are my friends!” Twilight exclaimed in an annoyed tone allowing the Pegasus to tackle and hug her.
“Of course, Princess.” One of the guard ponies replied and resumed their position.
“For the last time, call me Twilight. Ugh, the whole princess title really doesn't suit me.” Twilight replied in an annoyed tone with a facehoof gesture as she spoke to the guard then looked to her friends. “So lets go to donut joes and hang out. Hows that sound?” Twilight suggested with a smile.
“Anythin you say Twi.” Applejack replied with a smile.
“B-But Princess! Who will greet the guests? It's custom for the princess to great ponies as they enter!” One of the guard ponies exclaimed in a panicked tone.
“You do it then, I'm going to spend time with my friends!” Twilight called out without looking back to which the guard pony looked at the huge line and gulped.
“Me and my big mouth...” The guard pony remarked with a groan.
“I can't believe you mares. You really haven't been talking to one another without me around?” Twilight remarked in a disapproving tone.
“It's not like we haven't tried. It's just without your organizing skills, we never seem to be able to make time to hang out like the old days.” Rainbow Dash replied defensively to which the others nodded in agreement.
“You mares are hopeless.” Twilight remarked at which point they all burst into spontaneous laughter. “Well as your Princess, I hereby decree you all to make time to spend with one another.” Twilight followed up with a smirk.
“Whoa nelly y'all, we just got a royal order from the princess.” Applejack said in a mock intimated tone with a mischievous grin.
“Now she decided to act like a princess.” Rainbow Dash chimed in with an equally mischievous grin to which everypony began to burst out laughing anew.
“Lay off you guys, I'm still adjusting to this whole Princess thing!” Twilight exclaimed defensively.
“Three years as ruler of all Equestria and you still haven't fully adjusted darling?” Rarity managed to get out and stop laughing.
“Well if somepony would have kept their mouth shut, I wouldn't be in this spot anyways and be able to be with you guys.” Twilight remarked flashing a glare at Spike who gave a sheepish smile.
“Well, if he hadn't, then who would rule Equestria? Sweetie Belle countered to which the others nodded in agreement.
“I agree with my little sister on this. You are doing a splendid job darling.” Rarity chimed in with a smile to which the others once again nodded in agreement.
“At least you guys think so. But you guys don't have to deal with the royal advisers breathing down your neck everyday.” Twilight remarked in an annoyed tone then looked over to the royal garden which could be seen outside to a statue. “I wish she was here. She would know what to do most days.” Twilight remarked thoughtfully aloud at which point Rarity placed a hoof on hers and smiled as Twilight turned to look at her.
“Darling, if Princess Celestia were here right now, I have no doubt in my mind that she would be very proud of you.” Rarity said in a reassuring tone to which Twilight gave a soft smile.
“Yeah, your doing a bang up job of keepin Equestria in order Twi.” Applejack chimed in to which the others agreed.
“I just hope Discord's curse is lifted one day from her.” Twilight replied with a sigh.
“Oh it will darling, and when it does you'll be here to greet her with open wings and hooves.” Rarity replied with a smile.
“Hey, donut joe! Another round of your special!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a grin at which point the eight spent the night chatting away of the times that they had and what they had planned while outside a small scroll lay on a statue of an Alicorn protected and held their by magic...
Dear Princess Celestia,
I write to you for the last time about the lessons I have learned about the magic of friendship. Today I learned that even when things look their worst and when you think that you are alone, your true friends will always be there to remind you that no matter what challenges a pony may face, they can always turn to their friends for help and they will be there for them no matter what happens. I have learned all I can about the magic of friendship and I think it is time I start to move on to learning about something new. From here on out, I will be studying the magic of love and what power it holds in those who share it with one another.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle
P.S. Thank you for everything aunt Celestia. You truly were like a second mother to me and I hope the day you read this you know that when you are free from Discord's curse I will be here to greet you with open wings and be happy to have you rule at my side just as my mother did before me.
Your loving niece,
Twilight Sparkle
XOXOXO
