Chapter 3. The Liberation.

(Ponyville. Present Day)

"I realize that this is a tall order, but I wouldn't ask if I weren't confident you could get him to use magic obediently of his own free will." Celestia said to timid yellow mare.

"And... you really think I'll know best how to do that?" Fluttershy asked hiding behind her mane.

"I do." The princess said giving the yellow timid mare a warm smile. "Now, I must return to Canterlot for Equestria's royal summit. You may release Discord when ready." With that Celestia and her guards took flight back to Canterlot leaving six mares and one baby dragon, a large stone gift.

Twilight clopped her hooves together grabbing everyone's attention. "Okay, ponies, guess it's time to get started. Let's just hope this releasing spell works.

"Or... let's not." Spike said fearfully hiding behind Twilight.

Twilight rolled her eyes before using her magic to place her tiara onto her head. "We'd best keep our elements on at all times 'til further notice." She presented each mare with their own element.

"Check!" The mares yelled in unison as each mare adorned their necklace.

The six elements stood in a circle around Discord's entombed form. Twilight's horn sparkled as she levitated off the ground. A rainbow formed and connected with each of the elements necklaces also levitating each mare off the ground before each end of the rainbow connected with Twilight's tiara. When each end connected the lavender unicorns eyes opened shaking them encompassed in a white light, a cascade of colors erupted from her horn honing in onto Discord.

Cracks formed on Discord's statue impending his release, but what the group did not know was that when the elements used their magic to free the chaos god, the elements themselves would also free all those whom have been imprisoned in stone.

The only other creature imprisoned was the one in Canterlot Gardens.

(Canterlot Gardens. Present Day.)

Something was effecting my tomb. I could feel the stone shaking, cracking. Was it my time? Shall I finally become free from this stone prison?

It was.

The stone began to brake, cracks formed and pieces fell from my body. Slabs of stone shattered and littered the ground around my pedestal and finally, after so long of being entombed, I could at last smell the air of the world I have come to abhor.

I jumped down from my pedestal onto the soft grass of Canterlot gardens, and found myself not in the least surprised that even with the loud clamor of shattering stone, there was no pony or guard in the vicinity to see what had caused such a disturbance.

"It is not surprising that these pitiful beings would not investigate such a commotion in the back yard of their rulers home."

I bent down brushing the grass with my fingers feeling the soft bristles dance betwixt my fingers. "It has been so long since I had last felt the touch of grass..." I looked up to a sight that had not changed since the first day I had been brought here from the Everfree Castle.

The garden was a work beauty, the flora had this allurement to them that had me wanting to touch and wonder what fragrance they gave. The many fauna I had seen scurry with grace through the garden. Creatures I have never seen before. I stood once again looking through out the garden itself. "I believe I'll go for a walk."

After leaving Discord in Ponyville, and placing him in the care of Fluttershy, the element of Kindness, Celestia, returned back to Canterlot Castle, where her sister Princess Luna, greeted her elder with an affectionate nuzzle. "Good marrow dear sister. How hath Discord? Did thou have much trouble with that fiend?"

Celestia giggled listening to her sister speak in her archaic manner. "Lu-Lu, you're doing it again."

"We are..." Luna blushed in embarrassment. "I am sorry Tia, it will take some time for us- I mean me to get used to this new form of speech."

"That is quite alright sister, only as long you're trying your best. But as for Discord, I believe he his in most capable hooves with Fluttershy."

"The element of Kindness?" Luna questioned. "She is a timid young mare but if thou- if 'you' believe she is the best choice for reforming Discord, then I will agree with your decision."

"Thank you for the vote of confidence Lu-Lu, why don't you and I have lunch out in the garden. I have cancelled court for the next few days to check upon Discord and his status with the girls in Ponyville."

"An excellent idea sister, as long as I can have some of those delicious pies the bakers created."

Celestia, giggled as she lead Luna, out from the throne and into the hall. "Of course Luna, what kind of sister would I be to deny you your precious moon pies?"

Luna used her hoof to rub her chin thinking of an name for a sister that would do such a thing. "I believe in the words from the element of Laughter, you my dear sister would be 'An evil enchantress whom does evil dances."

Celestia, could not help but fall to the floor laughing her heart out from hearing such words. Her laughter began to slow and quiet down only for small snickers to escape her lips along with happy tears leaving her magenta eyes. "Oh Luna, I am so glad you are back in my life." She said nuzzling her sister.

Luna herself couldn't help but let out a few tears hearing her sisters words. "Yes, I too am happy to rule with my sister again."

"Come along Lu-Lu, those pies aren't going to eat themselves..." Both sister left, heading to the kitchen to gather what necessities they would need for their perfect picnic.

(P.O.V. Harribel. 2 hours later)

I have been roaming through this garden not but a few short hours. The fauna of this place are so majestic all in their own way. The different scents of the flora were exhilarant in each of their own fragrance. This is no zoo for these breeds but more of an oasis for them.

My legs felt a bit weak. It has been close to two millenia since I had last walked upon this world, a little rest to gather my strength should help.

As I sat back against a large tree I watched as the fauna interacted with one another. The larger ones would graze around the garden letting the smaller ones sit back perched upon their shoulders.

I felt the weight of something small fall upon my shoulder. Turning my head I came face to face with a small fuzzy creature, it looked like cross between a squirrel and something? It looked at me with it's large eyes, curious to what I was, it squeaked feeling my shoulder move but relaxed as I scratched it's furry head. It made this cooing noise the more I did so.

The creature made small clicks with it's mouth catching the ears of the other fauna roaming nearby.

Now I find myself surrounded by many different species of fauna that I have no idea to what name each of them may possess. One by one they would lie near or next to me falling to sleep as I used my hands to pet each of their heads or the fur upon their backs.

"Nature is a fascinating thing."

The sun began it's decent and it was about time I left. The ponies should be aware by now that my statue was missing, no doubt Celestia would spare no expense in searching for me.

The small creature that fell asleep upon my shoulder, I gently lift it's sleeping form moving placing it's tiny body to rest at the base of the tree with the other fauna.

Taking silent steps, I walked away from the many fauna that slept under the tree making my way further into the gardens. Not for a few short minutes I came across the hedging of a maze. The same maze I had seen many years ago back in my old world.

Of course. This is the same maze that Twilight, and her friends traversed thinking Discord had hidden their elements inside.

Stepping inside the maze I found many tracks leading into different parts of the maze. Some leading left, right or just straight ahead. I chose the most obvious path and went right.

If this maze was created by the simplest of minds then there would be a simple path to take. Right, left, left, right. Of course it was simple. As I moved I found myself crossing the same areas the elements too found themselves and where Discord had taken away that part that made them who they were.

"So this is what one would find in the center of this place." Open space upon statues that lined the corners of the hedges and in the center two of them, one of Celestia, the other of Luna.

I felt Tiburón begin to pulse. He was my Zanpakuto, he felt what I felt, the injustice these so called princesses gave to me for my so called crimes. Taking Tiburón into my hand I felt my spirit energy rise the further I looked upon those statues.

Tiburón pulsed faster and faster as golden energy ignited into the center of the hollow blade, winds picked up kicking dirt all around the center of the maze. I brought my arm back feeling the energy grow further, I spoke one word. "Cero" as I swung my blade across the air the golden energy that built into Tiburón released into a wide arc following the path of my Zanpakuto.

The golden energy of my blade released crossing it's path obliterating the two statues into nothing but dust and gravel. My Cero sped forth beyond the statues and annihilating all that proceeded into it's path.

"No doubt that caught someone's attention... I should truly take my leave now." Turning to an open area not destroyed by my Cero, I swiped my free hand against the air. "Descorrer." I spoke. The Garganta, a loosed void of darkness only Arrancars such as myself can create, opened for me. 'If I am right, then this gate should take me home.'

But before I could step inside, the sound of many hooves striking against the dirt ground caught my attention. There on the far side of the maze where my Cero formed the tremendous hole that tore through the hedging stood Celestia, along with her sister and the few guards standing close to them.

(Canterlot Gardens, 1 hour ago.)

"Sister have thou- I mean you ever scene such a sight before?" Luna, asked staring at a sight very perplexing

"I have seen many things during my time here in Canterlot, Luna, but this I can say is a sight I have never come across."

Both royals stood before a tree were they had found few of the many creatures that thrived inside their garden sleeping peacefully with one another. It was strange, sure the many creatures lived together in their oasis in the gardens but to see such a sight was rather if not very strange to the two princesses.

"Should we find another area to have our picnic? I do not wish to disturb their peaceful slumber."

"That is very thoughtful of you Lu-Lu, come I know of another lovely spot close by." The two royals trekked only for only short minutes before coming to another tree close by the entrance of the garden maze.

Setting down their blanket and food, the two sisters began eating their spoils of cake and moon pies. Celestia, would speak in length of how her student Twilight, as come so far from being the studious young filly she brought into her mentorship to being the ingenious independent adventurous mare with friends she has become.

Talks between sisters went on for some time until their picnic was disturbed by one of Celestia's solar guards. "My princess I come with some disturbing news."

Celestia finished eating her cake before addressing her guard. "This is not about my nephew sending another pony into the dungeon is it?"

"Honestly princess, I wish it was. It seems one of the statues in the garden as gone missing.

"Do you know the name of which statue?" Luna questioned the guard.

The guard shook his head. "I'm sorry princess Luna, it seems the statue's name was never catalogued."

"Can you describe the statue that has gone missing then?"

"I will try my best Princess Luna. From what I remember the last time I had seen the statue was approximately three days ago. The statue was bi-pedal in form, with two large mounds on it's chest. It wore very strange clothing that only covered it's legs and arms and partially the mounds on it's chest, and with what seemed to be a weapon upon it's back."

Celestia, and Luna, sat stock still as fear gripped them. "G-guard. Did the statue seem to have a messy mane with three long strands?"

"I believe so princess... Is something the matter?" The guard asked noticing the frightened looks of both princesses.

Both sisters stood from their picnic blanket in a rush. "Go and gather as many guards as you can and have them report to us imme-!" Gushing winds stopped the solar princess and the feeling of immense power forming close by further gripped her in fear.

The winds caught many guards attention as many came rushing from the castle, heading to the area where their princesses were located. The guards formed together at the entrance to the maze armed with their spears or swords along with the golden armor they wore.

A large gold light appeared beyond the hedging inside the maze, Celestia could feel it's immense power.

Moving...

Her eyes grew wide as she found lt's intended path. "MOVE! GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!" She screamed. Guards jumped away hearing their princesses orders, except one.

The gold energy came with such speed out from the maze that one lone guard had no time to leap away. The energy encompassed his entire form incinerating the young guard into nothing but ash. The gold form of his armor melted down as it mixed with the metal of his sword.

Guards looked upon the sight of their former guards pony in shock. There was nothing left of him only dust and echo's. "GUARDS!" Celestia boomed in anger. The guards looked away from their fallen friend to their princess whom gave a very disturbed look. "You! Come with me to find the demon that did this. You!" She pointed her hoof to a lone Pegasus in the group. "Go back to the castle, round up all the guards you can and bring them to the maze."

The guard saluted to his princess before taking off heading to the barracks. The others galloped right behind both princesses that took off through the giant hole where the golden energy had come from.

The hedging burned all around them as the two princesses and their guards galloped with all their might to the center of the fiery maze where Celestia had felt the tremendous energy had risen.

The center was coming up Celestia could see where the the blast had first began. She with the others came to a screeching halt as the center came upon the group.

She was there, the one being that had the power to destroy the enchanted maze. The one that had murdered the poor guard that did not react in time.

'Harribel! How? How did she get free!?' The Solar Princess thought to herself. The guards began to move up to apprehend the creature that had caused the chaos, but were quickly halted when Celestia placed her hoof in front of them knowing full well that they would not stand a chance against the Arrancar.

Celestia locked eyes with Harribel just for a quick second. In that second she could see, nothing. No tell of what the Arrancar intended to do. Then Celestia caught in her sight something that did not belong.

The dark void that opened before Harribel... 'What was it?' She asked herself. The Solar Princess got her answer as the Arrancar stepped inside disappearing into the void before everypony's eyes.

The mouth like void began to close, Celestia surged forward with great speed intending to follow Harribel. But it was to late as the gate sealed shut, vanishing like it was never there.

Celestia stood stock still as questions ran through her mind. 'How did she get free? Where did she go? Did she leave Equestria?' as these thoughts built her sister Luna ordered the guards to head back to the castle before making her way over to her sister.

"Tia..." She softly before her sister interrupted.

"She's gone Luna. She's gone and we have no clue where too. We know very little about her or the true power she possesses. What will she do? Will she return? Will she fight us for what we did to her?"

"We need to prepare sister. We must prepare for when Harribel makes her return."

"Yes we will. She will be more cautious next time Luna. She knows of the elements and their power."

"Neigh sister. She may know of the elements, but what she does not know is that we are no longer the bearers. Twilight and her friends will be the key in turning Harribel back into stone."

"You are right but even still Lu-Lu we must be ready. Go back to the castle, round up the highest ranking guards and order them meet us in the throne room as soon as possible. We will need help from everypony. I will send word to Cadence and Shining Armor for them to return to Canterlot."

"What of the girls in Ponyville? We will need their help as well."

"No."Celestia shook her head. "Not yet. We will need the help of Discord on this matter. Keep them unaware for now, only until Discord has been reformed then they will be told."

"Very well sister, I will speak to you again in the throne room. For now I will gather the guards."

"And I will send word to Shining Armor."

Nothing else was said as both sisters left the ruined maze. A being was released from her tomb and now Equestria will prepare for when the being returns.

Question is. When will she return?

(P.O.V. Harribel. Present Day)

As I past through the Garganta I came upon a sight of white deserts, rocky formations in the distance and not a drop of water nearby. Quartz like minerals shaped as plants and high in the sky shone the moon that I knew would never fall.

I was home.

In Hueco Mundo.

Author's Note

I didn't particularly like the ending for Celestia and Luna. If you thought things felt wrong please leave a comment.

Also wooo... Three chapters in under a week that a first for me.