Same Ponies, Different Destinies

Chapters

Chapter 1: Send in the Clones
Chapter 2: A Goddess of Three Alicorns
Chapter 3: Corruption of the Dork
Chapter 4: To Save Clones
Chapter 5: The Clone Aftermath

Chapter 1: Send in the Clones

It is a bright day in Ponyville. The ponies are going around, doing what they normally prefer to do every day. Princess Twilight Sparkle is inspecting her fellow ponies' works. So far, they are doing fine and are not lazying about.

"Okay, bring it in, ponies, okay!" Rainbow calls out to some weather ponies. Twilight smile as her friend is instructing some ponies who are pushing some clouds in. "Good!"

"Is there going to be rain tomorrow, Rainbow?" Twilight ask Rainbow with a grin.

"Yep; just making sure there's enough for the flowers, grass and apples. Applejack needs some refreshing after her whole age switching scenario."

"Don't I know it; Okay, keep up the good work."

Twilight leaves Rainbow, flying off towards Sweet Apple Acres. The Alicorn stopped as she approaches, checking on Applejack who is bucking the trees with her back hooves. So far, she has recovered well. And there's Romeo, Granny's first love, helping the old mare with some chores.

"Well, no need to check on the Apple Family." Twilight said with a smile, chuckling a bit as she shakes her head. "Applejack is doing what she was meant to do."

Twilight flew over to Fluttershy's home and lands down. The Pegasus pony is busy taking care of the ducklings, speaking to them gently, "Oh, yes, Mr. and Mrs. Quack. Your ducklings are doing mighty fine."

"How's the animals, Fluttershy?"

"Hmm; Oh hey Twilight; Yes, they are doing fine. I have a feeling that Miss Mousey is going through a recovery."

"Good to hear, Fluttershy." Twilight said proudly to her good friend. "I see the animal thing is doing well."

"Hmmm-hmm," Fluttershy said with a nod. "You know, I'm almost glad I fell off those clouds years ago when I was a filly. Otherwise, I would've never have met these animals and be able to learn my true destiny."

"Yeah, good to hear; we all got destinies that we were meant to do...unlike the incident that led me to being a princess."

"Oh, I'm sure that in some other world, we would've done what our cutie marks said differently...if we done them right."

"Well, got to get going. Keep up the good work." Twilight said as she flies off to head back to town. Fluttershy is doing fine. It's hard to believe that not so long ago, she was trying to make ponies laugh.

Twilight went to check on Rarity, checking out her progress. The white unicorn smiles, saying, "Twilight, dear, I know you want to make sure we're doing fine but there's no need for the doubling checking."

"I know...it's just...I want to make sure you are doing a task that you're comfortable with, not like when you tried to control the weather."

"Yes, yes, I know, Twilight. That was horrible. Hay, Rainbow tried to help with animals, Fluttershy with laughing, Pinkie with the farming and Applejack with my tasks; How insanely bizarre. I'm lucky you were able to straighten that mess out."

"Yeah, I know." Twilight said with a slight chuckle. "You know what would be funny?"

"What is?" Rarity asks Twilight, sewing a dress for a client.

"If you girls were able to do the different tasks that you once did right. I mean, with you still controlling weather..."

"Yes, that would be an interesting sight."

"Interesting...like a clown," Pinkie laughs as she appears dressed like a clown, making her two friends yelp. "I am here to be interesting; Honk!"

"Oh, Pinkie! Glad to see you're here!" Twilight laughs a bit after calming down. "As usual, you're in a good mood."

"Yep, yep, yep! That's me, always in a good mood!"

"Pinkie, question: if you were still doing farming work like Applejack did...do you think you would be able to do it right?" Twilight ask Pinkie curiously.

"Hmmm..." Pinkie said thoughtfully, pondering this for a moment. "Wowie, no pony ever asked me that. Never occur to me. I would do it right...if it was my real destiny. But...luckily for me, you fixed the whole wrong cutie mark thing, Twilight! Why you ask?"

"Nothing, really. Just doing some thinking."

"Thinking is crazy, even for me; Gotta go make more ponies laugh!"

Pinkie zips off without her friends even seeing her go. Rarity pauses then chuckles a bit, "Rainbow Dash is correct. That Pinkie Pie is indeed random with a 'R'."

"Don't I know it," Twilight said with a light chuckle. Still, what was said so far entered her mind: would her friends be able to do the tasks that they weren't meant to do differently? And if the destinies were true, would they do them right?

Twilight came home a while later, doing some thinking. Spike was on the couch, reading through a book when he saw his big sister/mother coming in.

"Hey Twilight! How was the inspection went?" Spike asks Twilight curiously.

"Doing fine, everypony is doing what they're supposed to do so I won't have to worry." Twilight answers Spike. "Say, Spike; All right if I asked you a question?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Remember the day when I cast that spell from the journal that switched our friends' cutie marks, making them to do different things?"

Spike laughs a bit, taking a gem from a bowl nearby and eating it, "Man, haven't forgotten that. That was a crazy day. Ponyville was almost run amuck until you fixed that problem, becoming a princess afterwards."

"Yes, but I couldn't help but wonder...if our friends were doing them again, but doing them right...what do you supposed would happen?" Twilight ask Spike curiously. The Dragon pauses to think about this.

"Huh. Never occur to me until you brought it up. I mean, our friends were bad at those jobs, no doubt about it. But if by any chance that they are successful....wait, you aren't thinking about switching the cutie marks again, are you?"

"No way, Spike, once is a enough! I am just curious and..."

"As in hoping for an experiment? I doubt our friends would let ya do that. The only way we will see any success at all if we make doubles." Spike remarks with a scoff. He then notices Twilight having a thought on her face, along with an eager smile. "Wait, are you..."

"Oh, Spike, I just got an idea. Okay, get the fly bot ready." Twilight said to Spike eagerly. The baby Dragon looks concerned and a bit doubtful to her. "Come on, Spike. It will just be a little experiment to see if my thoughts are correct."

"Fine; I supposed I will go along with it. As long as nothing goes wrong...which I know would do so."

Rainbow is at work with Scootaloo, fixing Flare Tiger's computer right after Justin has ran it over.

"Okay, I ain't an expert like Twilight is but Scootaloo is a whiz at putting stuff back together." Rainbow said as Scootaloo is doing fine of putting the computer back together. "Well, almost, but she is doing fine with computers, right Scoots?"

"Right, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo replied happily.

"Gotta say, Ah done thank you for your help," Flare Tiger said with a smile at her computer being repaired. Some sparks came in. "Well, for fixing most of it."

"Yeah, you should get the rest to a computer expert." Rainbow remarks with a chuckle. Just then the Pegasus pony frowns as a fly buzzes around her, making the pony swat at it. "Hey, go on! Shoo! Go away!"

Rainbow swats at the fly but kept missing. Unknown to her, the bot is 'scanning' her somehow then flies off. The cyan Pegasus sighs in annoyance. What is with that?

The fly buzzes around heading to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was drinking apple cider, mumbling, "Dang, Ah was working a bit harder today than usual." The mare just then frowns as the fly buzzes around her, causing the Earth pony to swat at it. "Go on, shoo, lil' fly! Shoo!"

Just like what happened with Rainbow, Applejack kept missing before the fly flew off.

"Dang annoying fly," Applejack mumbles a bit. "Why do they bug horses or ponies anyhow?"

The fly flies back to town then heads into the Carousel Boutique. Rarity was fixing a dress, humming a bit but looks annoyed by the fly intrusion.

"Oh, I loathe flies!" Rarity exclaims as she uses her magic to get a sprayer and spray the fly in hopes to get rid of it. To her surprise, the fly kept on flying around, "Grrr!"

Rarity grabs a fly swatter, swatting at her opponent like crazy. The insect quickly flew out the window.

"And stay out!" Rarity screams out in fury.

The fly heads onto Sugarcube Corner, entering as a customer was leaving while opening the door. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were busy taking customers' orders, not noticing the fly passing by them, going into the kitchen.

Pinkie was humming, making some delicious cupcakes...when she spots the fly landing on one.

"Hey." Pinkie said with a frown as she took out a mallet. "No flies allowed!"

Then Pinkie raised her mallet at the fly, ready to squish it. The fly moves, causing Pinkie to smash the cupcakes. The mare growls as she throws the mallet, hitting a cake after missing.

"Death to the fly," Pinkie exclaims madly as she took out her party cannon and fires like mad, trying to hit the fly.

In the main room, Mrs. Cake cringes as she hears a crash from the kitchen. The owner chuckles sheepishly, "One moment, please."

Mrs. Cake gallops into the kitchen then gasps. The whole kitchen is a huge mess. Pinkie, exhausted, looks around, snapping, "Where are you, fly?!"

"Pinkie Pie," Mrs. Cake exclaims to her employee angrily, making Pinkie turn around with a yelp. "What are you doing?!"

The pink pony stuttered a bit as she said sheepishly, "W-Well, uh... I... I was... Sorry, Mrs. Cake, but... there was a fly here that landed on one of the cupcakes and I... tried to crush it."

Mrs. Cake shakes her head, picking up some treats that weren't destroyed while saying, "Please clean this mess up."

Pinkie sighs as she got to work on cleaning. Mrs. Cake left, failing to see the fly that was causing Pinkie the trouble. Soon it went out the door once it was opened and head outside.

The fly continues on its trek to Fluttershy's cottage and arrives, entering through the window. The mare was doing some knitting, one of her hobbies when she spots the fly.

"Oh, hi there, Mr. Fly," Fluttershy said to the fly happily. "Are you here to see my animal friends?"

The fly buzzed as it flew around Fluttershy, 'scanning' her.

"A silent fly, huh?" Fluttershy asked with a smile. "Oh, it's okay to be shy. I'm shy too. If you wish to keep quiet, I will respect."

The fly buzzes around some more then leaves the house.

"Okay, goodbye, Mr. Fly. My, what a nice insect," Fluttershy remarks happily; Unlike the rest of the Mane Five, this mare didn't give this insect a problem.

The fly heads back into Ponyville, buzzing until it reached its destination: the library. The insect flies right into a window that heads to the basement.

"It's back." Spike said as he and Twilight spots the fly arriving, landing on a table. "So..."

After inspecting the fly, Twilight...opened the top of it, taking out five small vials of fluid that instantly grew from the hatch. The insect was a robot, the one that she spoke of. The Alicorn grinned eagerly.

"The Fly Bot worked! It scanned my friends' DNA to make copies in liquid form." Twilight said proudly. "Got to admit, this is my best work ever."

"And this will work on your idea?" Spike asked, arching an eyebrow as Twilight took the vials to a cauldron nearby.

"Yep; my shrinking spell that I used to bring Nyx's stuff over here has done wonders with the vials to fit into the Fly Bot." Twilight said. She opens the vial and dumps the fluid into the cauldron.

Twilight smirks as she saw tubes coming out of the cauldron, heading into five display cases nearby. Good...

Twilight turns to Spike, asking, "Did you get the shards while the fly was out?"

Spike groans a bit as he holds out a case and opens it, showing some familiar shards, "Yeah, they weren't easy to get though. The Tree was hasty about folks taking bits of the Elements." The Dragon shows himself in bandages and blast marks. "In fact, the only way I got it to cooperate by telling the Tree that we're doing this for science."

"Throw them in, Spike." Twilight orders Spike. The baby Dragon nods as he throws the shards into the cauldron, "Time now for the progress to begin."

"Won't Ben and Nyx be surprised if they knew we were doing this?" Spike asked Twilight in concern. "I mean, they are visiting their grandmother Celestia right now."

"Relax, Spike. If they do find out, I will just tell them the truth." Twilight said to Spike calmly. "Ben and Nyx will understand that what we're doing is helping to prove a point."

"I hope so." Spike mumbles as he watches Twilight going to work on her magic.

Pinkamena returns to reading after what had happen. Her senses go off as she twitches and lightly bouncing and landed on her chair as the group back away from her. Pinkamena says, "WHOA, that was one heck of a sense!"

Golden Heart asked in concern, "What?"

"Twilight is about to do something really crazy." Pinkamena said to Golden Heart seriously, making him more concerned.

"Well we better find out." Golden Heart said with a nod. May as well see what Twilight is doing now.

"Omega, Havis, stay here and keep watch. Me and Goldie have to get to the Golden Oak." Pinkamena said as she and Golden Heart head off.

Twilight chants a bit onto the cauldron, causing the stuff and shards to go through the tubes into the display. Spike is amazed. Something is forming right in the cases.

Just then, Golden Heart and Pinkamena came into the lab, the Alicorn demands, "Okay, Twilight. What are you doing?"

"Oh, hey Golden Heart," Twilight said to Golden Heart with a smile. "I'm doing something that could prove a theory."

"Theory," Golden Heart asks, arching an eyebrow.

"Well, remember the Magical Mystery Cure thing when I became a princess?" Twilight asked Golden Heart.

"Yes, I do believe I recall that one." Golden Heart said thoughtfully. "Your friends' cutie marks got switched; they did different tasks but fail to do them right, etc."

"Well, I decided to have an idea...which involves what happens if they were successful." Twilight assures Golden Heart with a grin.

"Say...that does sound crazy...and fun." Pinkamena said to Twilight with a smirk, "Hey, Goldie! Let's not do anything and see how this works out!"

"All right, I'm game." Golden Heart said with a smirk of interest, "Let's see how your new experiment does."

"Good. Now let's not tell the girls this." Twilight said with a smile. "This is going to be a bit of a surprise. Spike; Take our guests upstairs for some snacks."

"Sure, I'm game." Spike remarks with a shrug. As the trio heads upstairs, they unknowingly bumps into a shelf nearby. "Watch it."

Twilight chuckles, shaking her head while looking at the display cases with some figures inside. Oh, is all goes well, Ponyville is about to get interesting indeed.

As Twilight headed upstairs, she failed to see three vials that are labeled 'Celestia', 'Luna', and 'Twilight' tipping over...and they are open!

Some fluids from the three vials fell right into the cauldron, getting into the mix...and that mix heads into a tube that goes around a shelf...and right into a display case that no one, not even Twilight, seemed to realize is there.

The last unknown display case begins to flash as something begins to form in there...

It was a new morning in Ponyville, Ben, Nyx and Phobos arrives in town, having finished their visit to Celestia.

"Got to say, I enjoyed being back home." Nyx said happily as she trots near her father. "Yeah, Grandma Celestia's home is nice but nothing beats this town."

"Indeed. I am a bit puzzled as to why Chase didn't wish to come. I mean I invited him but he said no." Ben remarks with a light chuckle. "I'm guessing he wasn't interested."

"Ponyville is standing still on its own."

"Right! And the weather is so cool!" Phobos exclaims eagerly. "I feel like singing!"

Phobos hums a bit as he prepares to sing...but suddenly the trio got doused with snow furries that almost buried them. Ben groans as he uses his magic to wipe the snow off of himself and everyone. That was very annoying!

"Okay, very funny, Rainbow Dash." Ben snaps, believing Rainbow to be responsible. "Meeting us with a snow job before Phobos could sing."

"Yeah, what's the big deal?!" Phobos scowls in annoyance. "I should eat your tail like how Courtney did!"

"Oh, sorry about that, darling. There is a miscalculation." A familiar voice spoke up. The trio looks startled as they saw another pony, not Rainbow, getting rid of the snow storm. It looks like Rarity! But she has a bluish tint on her coat and yellow stripes in her mane and tail and she got three snowflakes as a cutie mark. "It was supposed to be sunny. Oh well..."

"Auntie Rarity," Nyx ask in surprise and confusion. "Why are..."

"Are you doing the weather?" Ben asks 'Rarity' in confusion.

"Oh yes, dear sir; Doing quite well," 'Rarity' remarks with a giggle. "Also, my name isn't Rarity. It's Aridity. I am doing what my cutie mark is telling me!"

The trio looks bewildered. Rarity is doing the weather and is calling herself Aridity now? Something's odd not right here.

"Why is Rarity doing the weather?" Phobos asks puzzled. "Is Rainbow not doing her job?"

"And yet, she got a different cutie mark. The last time this happened is during the cutie mark switching thing and..." Ben said thoughtfully. Then he begins to gallop off, "Nyx, Phobos; To the Carousel Boutique!"

The trio gallops over to the Carousel Boutique and arrives. Ben knocks on the door. He remembers how Applejack was doing Rarity's task when this happened. So the cutie mark switching thing is happening. When the door opens, the visitors got a surprise, an unexpecting one.

"Oh, Ben, Nyx, Phobos," Rarity exclaims as she answers them, relieved. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here."

"Rarity," Ben asks Rarity puzzled. "But didn't we..."

"You must come! Applejack...she isn't herself!"

The trio follows Rarity inside and into the working room. Sure enough, there appears what looks like Applejack doing dresses...except unlike when she does it the last time, this mare is doing better. And she has a purple coat, a Magenta mane and tail (both are in pony tails), blue eyes and has a purple sparking gem as a cutie mark.

"Applejack, mind telling Ben and the others why you are doing my job," Rarity demands to the Applejack lookalike.

"Shucks, it's what mah cutie mark is telling me o' course." The lookalike said with a smile. "Oh, an' it isn't Applejack, its Amethyst Lace."

"Ugh! See what I mean?! Not only is she doing my job like when our cutie marks were switched, but Applejack thinks she's somepony else!"

"Weird...it's like how we thought we saw you doing Auntie Dashie's job." Nyx said in bewilderment.

"What?" Rarity asks Nyx puzzled.

"Hmmm...something isn't right here." Ben said in suspicion as he glances at Rarity. She is still the same as she herself always was...not like when the trio saw what they thought was her. "Let's get to Sweet Apple Acres quickly."

The four left Amethyst Lace at the Carousel Boutique, heading on their way to Sweet Apple Acres. Upon arrival, they look around and saw Applejack, as she always was, hitting a tree.

"Applejack, darling," Rarity calls out to Applejack, much to her notice. "Oh, I'm glad you are here...wait, how did you get here? Why are you here?"

"Shucks, Ah always work here, Rarity." Applejack remarks to Rarity, not sure what she's talking about, "Oh, Ben? Thanks fer sending Pinkie here. She did a better job than 'de last time she did farm work."

"Wait, what?" Phobos asks confused by what Applejack just said.

The five turns and saw what appears to be Pinkie fixing up drain pipes then knocks them up better and carefully. What's odd about this is that her mane and tail are flattened like whenever she's sad, there's blue stripes added in, her eyes are violet and her cutie mark is an apple pie baking with two apples on each side of the scent.

"Pinkie Pie," Ben ask the Pinkie lookalike puzzled.

"Oh hey; my name is Apple Sweet." Apple Sweet said happily. "Say, AJ? When's Big Mac coming back? I gotta fix the barn doors."

"He will come when he can, okay?" Applejack asks with a light chuckle. "You git 'ta work on 'de bucking, yew hear?"

"Sure, no prob!"

Apple Sweet zips off to the trees, beginning to buck each one repeatedly. Rarity blinks a bit, saying, "Very odd; Pinkie's here doing your job when somepony that's like you is doing my job. And she got a different name as well."

"Uh, come again?" Applejack asks Rarity, arching an eyebrow. "How could Ah be doing yer job? Ah don't have yer cutie mark like 'de last time it happened."

"Something weird's going on." Nyx said suspiciously. "First, a lookalike of Rarity is doing Auntie Dashie's job, then someone that looks like Auntie AJ is working at Rarity's Carousel Boutique, now a lookalike of Auntie Pinkie Pie?"

"Hmm...Sugarcube Corner!" Ben exclaims. He is starting to see some sort of pattern right here. Different lookalikes of his foal friend's friends are doing different jobs; what if...

Applejack out of curiosity joins the group as they head back to town, arriving at Sugarcube Corner. It was open mike night and the crowd is laughing as they came in. Someone is on stage and she sounds quite familiar to the group.

"And so, the bear said, 'Honey? Sir, I don't even know you'! Squee," The pony squeals, making the crowd laugh. Sure enough, there appears to be a lookalike of Fluttershy who has a dark blue coat, a purple mane and tail, gray eyes, and her cutie mark are two lollipops. "But seriously ponies, thanks for having me Party Thrill."

Party Thrill put on a pair of Groucho Marx glasses, making them spin. The crowd laughs, especially a familiar pink pony who is serving the guests.

"Hee hee; She does this job as good as me and she looks like you Fluttershy!" Pinkie giggles to the real Fluttershy sitting at the table.

"Oh yes...it reminds me of me when I did this when my cutie mark got switched." Fluttershy said with a smile, "Only more successful."

"So it happens here too." Applejack said in amazement as her group came over. "There's a lookalike of Fluttershy but wit' different colors an' a cutie mark."

"Oh yes. She's doing mighty better."

"Wait a minute. Fluttershy, aren't you supposed to be tending to the possums that are migrating through Ponyville?" Rarity asks, remembering a task that Fluttershy is supposed to be doing.

"Oh yes, I was...but Rainbow Dash offered to cover for me." Fluttershy said gently. She has a thought while saying, "Well, somepony who looks like Rainbow Dash..."

Ben's group, with Pinkie and Fluttershy joining them, heads to the cottage and enters. Sure enough, there's a pony that looks like Rainbow Dash, but the difference here is that she has a light green coat, brown eyes, a red mane and tail and her cutie mark is a butterfly with flowers around it.

"Uh, Miss Dash I presumed?" Ben asks the Rainbow lookalike, making her turn.

"Oh hey there; and my name is Cuddly Tulip." The Rainbow Dash lookalike remarks with a giggle as she brush the possum's fur. "These guys are so cool, Fluttershy. I'm glad that they're here."

"Thank you, Cuddly." Fluttershy remarks with a giggle. "I'm glad you came to help. I don't normally have time for myself."

"Glad to be of service."

The ponies look at each other in concern. Then they went outside. Pinkie said happily, "Wow! It appears that lookalikes of some of us are helping us out."

"Yes. Lookalikes of you five doing the destinies you did bad at when your cutie marks are switched." Ben said thoughtfully and suspiciously. "What has happened while Nyx, Phobos and I were out?"

"Why not ask Rainbow? She's up there." Phobos remarked, pointing a claw upward. The others saw Rainbow on a cloud that is in the sky.

"Hey, Rainbow; Rainbow Dash," Applejack yells out loudly, enough to wake Rainbow. "Git yer flank down here."

"Fine, fine, I'm up, I'm up." Rainbow groans as she flies downward, landing near her friends, "So what...AAAAARGH!"

Rainbow was screaming and for a good reason: Cuddly Tulip is coming out with two saddlebags. She hums happily and passes the originals, Ben, Nyx and Phobos, heading to Ponyville. Seeing what looks like herself except in colors and cutie marks is freaking Rainbow out.

"Girls, guys; Why am I looking at what looks like me except in different colors?" Rainbow asks her friends freaked out. "And why does she have a different cutie mark?"

"You aren't the only one. There are lookalikes of the other aunts doing different jobs like the cutie mark switching incidents." Nyx explains to Rainbow in concern. "I don't know how it happens."

"Let's follow Cuddly. Maybe we shall learn something." Rarity said thoughtfully. Maybe if the mares could follow Cuddly Tulip, it could explain what's going on here.

The originals along with their friends follow Cuddly, moving to avoid being seen. They follow her throughout Ponyville in hopes of finding out what has happened. Soon, Cuddly goes right into a familiar library, not seeing the group watching in hiding.

"Aha, I knew Twilight was involved." Rainbow remarks with a frown. "Unless she got a double of her own."

"But why is Cuddly going inside?" Fluttershy ask Ben puzzled.

"We're about to find out." Ben said, narrowing his eyes as he and the others head to the library. The stallion slams open the door, snapping, "Twilight Sparkle! We need to talk!"

The group saw an amusing sight: there's Cuddly and the rest of the lookalikes, especially Aridity from earlier, having a tea party. Spike was serving while Twilight was reading a book when the gang bursts in, much to her notice.

"Oh Ben; How was your visit to your mother?" Twilight ask with a giggle as she came over to nuzzle Ben. But to her surprise, the stallion backs off, frowning.

"Now's not the time, Twilight." Ben said sternly while glancing at the lookalikes. "Mind explaining what the lookalikes of your friends is doing here?"

"What, you mean the clones?"

"Clones," The Mane Five, Nyx and Phobos gasps in shock and alarm. Ben shakes his head, frowning.

Twilight has a lot of explaining to do.

Chapter 2: A Goddess of Three Alicorns

Chapter 2: A Goddess Of Three Alicorns

Celestia was in the throne room, looking over some scrolls. The Equestria Games is coming closer soon. The Alicorn has waited all this time for it. She hopes that the Crystal Empire will be ready for it. She is used to everything that Equestria has endured so far.

Except for what's happening. Celestia looks up and is puzzled as the sun is lowering a bit. Weird, the princess hasn't done anything yet. But what's more puzzling is that the moon is rising up at the same time; Weird.

"Sister," Luna said with a frown. She came into the throne room, getting a suspicious look on her face. "Are you raising the moon without me saying so?"

"No, not really," Celestia said, shaking her head 'no' a bit. "I just raised the sun a few hours ago. Everypony knows that the night and the moon is your job."

"Well, somepony is messing with the moon today...and how is it you are moving the sun without doing anything?"

Celestia glances as the sun is moving again...and the moon is raising downward back into place. This is very odd. It's as if someone else is doing the moving without the Alicorn sisters doing anything. Who else could...

"DISCORD," Celestia yells out with a frustrated frown on her frown. If this is Discord's idea of a joke, she doesn't like it one bit!

Discord appears, sitting on his back while reading a magazine AKA the script for this story. He looks up and spoke, "Oh, my cue." The former villain quickly made the script disappears as he stood up straight...or what counts as straight for him anyway. "Hello to my favorite sisters."

"Don't hello, Discord. Tell us, are you moving the sun or moon without us doing so?"

"Oh, is that why both are moving in the sky at random? I thought you were trolling against like that one time one Nightmare Night."

"So wait, this isn't you’re doing?" Luna asks Discord puzzled, glancing at the moon rising and falling down.

"From the looks of things, it's like someone's first time." Discord said thoughtfully, glancing at the activity that is happening in the sky right now. "And it looks like Miss Twilight Sparkle is noticing things as well."

The sisters look out the window and saw a big surprise: there's Twilight on top of a building...and she is using her magic until the sun is up in the sky and the moon is gone. Celestia looks confused. Her former student turned princess doesn't have the power to raise the sun and the moon just yet. So why is this happening?

And yet, Celestia notice something's off: Twilight appears to...have different colors and a different cutie mark?

Ben sighs, glancing at the clones while the originals look at them. Rarity comments to Aridity, "Well, I must comment, you look quite dazzling."

"Why thank you." Aridity giggles a bit, waving her tail to make a cloud appear. "I am quite a fashion, am I?"

"Sooooo....Cuddly Tulip, is it?" Rainbow asks, glancing at Cuddly Tulip in curiosity. "What was it like? Helping animals?"

"Like hanging with my best friends...but in a gentle kinda way, dude." Cuddly Tulip remarks with a smile as she sips some tea from a bottle, "Great tea, princess. Thank you for making it so I could send it to my animals later."

"So what, yew did dresses better than Ah did?" Applejack ask Amethyst Lace curiously.

"Sure do, Ah could make another fer yew if yew like." Amethyst comments with an eager look.

"Nah, Ah refer mahself than 'de frou-frou look."

"Sweet Apple! Ooooh, you do farming and all that stuff and more and more and more and more..." Pinkie exclaims, bouncing up and down to the lookalike of herself.

Apple Sweet of course covers Pinkie's mouth, saying "Yep, sure do! I also make the greatest apple pies! Ironic ain't it?"

"Yeah, I know it." Pinkie spoke, even though her mouth's mumbling.

"So...uh...Party Thrill," Fluttershy ask Party Thriller meekly. "Is it...scary? I mean, performing for those ponies at the open mike thing?"

"Oh, not really. Sure, it can be a bit freaky but as long as you make them laugh, stage fright doesn't mean a thing." Party Thrill said happily, much to Fluttershy's amusement.

"My, you sound more confident."

Ben sighs a bit, trying not to lose his temper. He doesn't want to upset his love. The stallion spoke, "Twilight? I got a feeling you and Spike was responsible. I am not angry, I just want an answer."

"Well, I guess we should tell them." Spike said to Twilight in concern.

"Yes, we shall. Ahem." Twilight said while clearing her throat. "Yesterday, I was doing some thinking: about the cutie mark switching incident? What if our friends did it again, but are more successful? Well, I can't switch their cutie marks again or forced them to do the other job. It wouldn't be right."

"So Twilight decided to do something better: making clones but with different destinies."

"I send out my Fly Bot to buzz around..."

"So wait, hang on! Are you saying that fly that was bothering me for a while was your Fly Bot thing?" Rainbow asks Twilight in disbelief.

"Awwww; Mrs. Cake got angry when that thing was in the thing and I messed everything up." Pinkie said to Twilight with a pouty look.

"It also bothered me an' Ah got a feeling it bother 'de other ponies as well." Applejack said, suspecting that the Fly Boy also bothered Fluttershy and Rarity along with Applejack herself.

"Oh, it wasn't bothering me, I thought it was nice." Fluttershy said with a gentle grin, recalling how the fly wasn't bothering herself.

"Of course, Fluttershy," Rainbow remarks while rolling her eyes. "You tend to be friends to little insects as well."

"Well, not all. Spiders sometimes give me the creeps."

"So how does this explain the clones?" Nyx ask her mother curiously.

"I was getting to that, Nyx. Ahem, the Fly Bot was designed to scan ponies, making copies of their DNA into little vials which I shrank with my shrinking spell to put in the robot." Twilight explains proudly. The mare led everyone and the clones downstairs to her lab, showing the cauldron and display cases. "Their DNA samples when mixed with my magic and the shards..."

"Wait, wait, shards of what?" Ben asks Twilight, startled by that part of the explanation.

"Well, while my Fly Bot was out, I got Spike to go to the Tree of Harmony and shred off shards of the Elements."

"What?! You took shards from the Elements, Spike?!"

"It wasn't easy, the Tree was trying to keep me away, even blast me!" Spike protests in annoyance to Ben over what happened. "I was able to let it allow me to take some because I told it that the shards are for science!"

"Great; you're endangering the Tree of Harmony just for science...maybe all of Equestria." Ben groans, slapping a hoof to his face over the shards. "I dread what would happened if our enemies tried that."

"Relax, as long as the Tree or the Elements are not ruined, both are fine. Anyway, using the magic of the shards and the DNA, the stuff flows through the tubes into the display cases, plus allowing me to make clones of the Mane Five." Twilight continues explaining the progress.

"Yes, you got to admit, we were surprised when we woke up." Party Thrill said with a smile. "But of course, our mother..."

"Party Thrill, don't call me 'mom'. It makes me a bit uncomfortable as if I was Dr. Frankenstallion or something."

"Sorry, our new friend told us our new purpose which to help ponies with new talents."

During the time as Twilight Sparkle told her friends, Flare Tiger overheard Twilight's idea, about same ponies and switched destinies. Flare Tiger is worried about it and decided to see how things turn out.

"Sooooo....what you're saying is, you wanted to see if we are successful with our different cutie marks and abilities...but in another way?" Rarity asks Twilight, arching an eyebrow at this. "Does anypony knew about this?"

"Only Golden Heart and Pinkamena; So far, so good," Twilight said with a smile. "Sorry I scanned you girls without permission but..."

"Are you kidding? This is awesome!" Rainbow exclaims with a grin, smiling at Cuddly Tulip, "Another me around! Yes, she got Fluttershy's job but at least the mare does it as good as Fluttershy."

"And I supposed I don't mind an Applejack helping out in the Carousel Boutique...oh, but the other me is so amazing with the weather." Rarity said in approval of both the Applejack and Rarity clones.

"Thanks you so much." Aridity said to Rarity proudly. "I promised to bring great rain showers...when the time comes of course."

"And it's great to make ponies laugh with Fluttershy's lookalike around!" Pinkie exclaims as Party Thrill put a whoopee cushion and sat on it, making the usual farting noise, "Hee hee hee!"

"Well, daddy, this idea does appear to be a good one...and it would fun to see how my aunties’ doubles does better than they did when this happened the first time." Nyx said to her father with a grin. "What do you think?"

Ben pauses, hesitating then he sighs, "Well, Twilight...you will promise that if things goes south, you will do something about it, right?"

"Awww, daddy! Why must you be so doubtful?"

"I am not being doubtful. I am concerned that our enemies may take advantage of this."

"Oh relax. Those bums especially the Dark Ponies are nowhere near here." Phobos remarks to Ben with a scoff. "What the worst that could happen?"

Chase, behind the Twilight's Golden Oak Library near the window to the basement which is left opened, overheard of what she had explained about the clones. Chase smirked as he moved away from the library.

At Chase's temporary home, the villain's body transformed into his original from, Shadow Dragon; He turned to a small portal where Tech came out.

"Hey, Shadow Dragon; How is it?" Tech asks Shadow Dragon curiously.

"Good. In fact, I have a special and evil plan for you. Do you still have the mind-control drones?" Shadow Dragon asks Tech who nodded his head. "Good. But here's how the plan goes."

"That's awesome! I can't believe this is happening. I'm finally going to do it!"

"Get permission first, idiot."

"Yes sir!" The stallion yelps a bit as Tech quickly headed back to the portal. One rule: get permission before doing something idiotic.

Shadow Dragon turned to the next portal to reveal Black Tiger who bows to him, asking, "You summoned me?"

"Yes. Only you and Dark Warriors Trio are perfect to get the job done, should Tech astray from his mission." Shadow Dragon said to Black Tiger sternly. He doesn't want anything to go wrong this time.

Black Tiger nodded his head, saying, "I'm listening."

Twilight, Ben and everyone else came back upstairs. The stallion spoke, "Well, I will give this the benefit of the doubt...for once. But we should send a letter to mom, informing her of what's happening so that she won't find out from any other complaints."

"Right; not like she would find out..." Pinkie begins to say. But suddenly a flash appears in the room, almost blinding everypony. When all is clear, the Royal Sisters appear, with stern looks on their face. "...right now? Wow, you're good."

"Twilight Sparkle, we like a word with..." Celestia stops, looking surprised as she saw the clones smiling while waving to her. "What in the name of the Ma'gne?"

"Hey there, princess," Amethyst Lace comments, glancing at the Royal Sisters curiously, "Ah wish yew told us yew were coming. Ah would've made a dress."

"Apple Pie," Apple Sweet asks, showing an apple pie to Luna, startling her a bit, "Or maybe later."

"Twilight Sparkle; why are we looking at lookalikes of your friends? Not the ones who worked in the restaurant but different like this," Luna ask Twilight in concern.

Ben nods as he, Twilight and Spike explains the story. The Royal Sisters kept quiet as the trio told them about Twilight's inspection yesterday, Spike's visit to the Tree of Harmony, the Fly Bot scanning, the creations, and today.

Once the explanation is done, Celestia looks thoughtfully as she nods. The Alicorn of the Sun then said, "That explains everything as to what we saw earlier."

"Explain what, princess?" Twilight asks Celestia puzzled, not sure what she's saying.

"Earlier, somepony is messing with the sun and moon until they were right...and that figure appears to look like you. We came here originally to ask as to how you could be doing it...but from the different colors and the explanation, it means...."

"Wait, hang on. I didn't make a clone of myself. I wasn't involved in the cutie mark incident...was I?"

Suddenly a sound of clouds crashing is heard, much to the notice of everypony. Everyone ran out to see a sight of clouds parting to allow a pony to land onto the ground. The citizens of Ponyville looks puzzled as she landed, smiling.

The newcomer looks like Twilight Sparkle but with some differences: she got a yellow coat, green eyes, a white Mane with a gray stripe and a black stripe and her cutie mark consists of couple of stars.

Everypony, involving the ones that came out of the library look stunned as this lookalike smiles, speaking in the Royal Canterlot Voice, "Pardon for the interruption, ponies. We just finished our job and thought to mingle with thou. We are Solar Moonlight!"

Phobos pauses as she speaks to the dumbstruck Twilight, "Twilight? Did you make another clone and messed up again?"

Twilight looked in bewilderment at the lookalike of herself as she replied to Phobos, "No! I didn't mess up! I don't even know how it's possible I made this clone!"

"But how was it made?" Spike asked in bewilderment.

"Ooooh," Apple Sweet giggles as she and the other clones goes over to Solar Moonlight. "You look so Super Duper, especially when you come in like that."

"Yes, especially dazzling." Aridity remarks to the lookalike of Twilight happily. "And I love your mane."

"Thanks." Solar Moonlight said in delight, liking the attention.

As the clones continues making a commotion over Solar Moonlight, Celestia whispers to her niece-in-law, "Twilight? Where did you make the clones?"

"I guess I might as well show you." Twilight said, "Follow me.

As Twilight led the originals, Ben, Nyx, Phobos and the princesses inside, Pinkamena comes down with Golden Heart and sees the clone. Pinkamena says, "Well, seems like nothing's going wrong, but I still can't help but feel something seems off, like there are more clones than just these."

Golden Heart comments, "Okay, but let's wait and see what happens."

She nods as Gold Wing lands on Golden Heart's shoulder. Inside the lab, the group came downstairs with Twilight explaining, "Yeah, I made them in this cauldron and they went into the display cases."

"Hmmm, did you say you made five of them?" Luna asks, glancing at the display cases.

"Yes, I got five cases. Why?" Twilight ask Luna puzzled.

Luna points to a sixth tube that Twilight and Spike failed to notice until now. She speaks, "I think there's a sixth tube you neglected to notice."

The group came around and found the sixth unknown case. Spike asks Twilight in surprise, "Twilight? Why didn't you tell us we got another display case?"

"I didn't know it was there." Twilight said in shock. She didn't realize that there was a sixth case until now. "But I still don't understand. I mean, I didn't throw in my DNA when this was made."

"Uh, Twilight," Rainbow ask puzzled. Twilight saw her friend holding up three familiar vials. "Why are these labeled 'Twilight', 'Celestia', and 'Luna'?"

"Twilight, dear, are those..." Rarity begins to ask curiously.

Twilight looks nervous as she saw the others, even the princesses, looking concerned. The Alicorn sighs, may as well come clean.

"Okay, look; Girls? Remember the DNA Evidence that was never found?" Twilight ask her friends with a sigh.

"Oh yes, we remember it well." Fluttershy said, recalling that matter. "I found it when someone broke into my house, I gave it to Dr. Hooves to analyze but when I got it back, it was tampered with."

"That's because I kinda did the tampering, causing Dr. Hooves to give it to me as a snow cone flavor." Rainbow explains. "I left it somewhere and never found it again."

"Ooh! I drank the stuff and spit it all over Scootaloo who cleans herself off with a towel!" Pinkie explains happily. "And..."

"Look, never mind the story." Ben said with an annoyed sigh. "I want to know is what's the point, Twilight?"

"Well, it was my DNA Evidence and I stole it back." Twilight explains sheepishly to everyone else minus Nyx and Spike since they knew already.

"Ah ha; looks like my testing was right," Rainbow exclaims eagerly.

"What testing?" Applejack asks Rainbow suspiciously.

"Well, I was going to see if Twilight would've been an Alicorn back then and I was right the whole time!" Rainbow exclaims with a laugh.

"I kept the vial in my secret box under my bed but Koga kept getting into it." Twilight explains some more bringing Koga into the story. "So I brought it downstairs into the lab to keep it out of his reach."

"And why wasn't I told?" Ben scolds Twilight. Why keep it away from Koga but not telling her love about it?

"I didn't want anyone to know about my DNA Evidence...I was worried that if it turns out that the research was right, I may be separated from my friends." Twilight explains. Her friends went silent. She was worried of the idea of leaving her friends since she's an Alicorn.

"Well, that explains your DNA, but where did my and Luna's come from?" Celestia asked with an arch of the eyebrow.

"I'm afraid that's my doing, sister." Luna said to Celestia in concern. "I gave her the DNA samples of us for studying in case someday, she may use them to find cures for various diseases like Cancer."

"My, that is a nice cause." Fluttershy said with a smile. She is impressed that Twilight is hoping to find cures for various diseases someday. What a scientist she is.

"Except the vials are empty now," Rainbow remarks, making Twilight gasp. Indeed, the vials that held the DNA evidences are now gone, empty.

"That must mean that they must've fallen into the cauldron and got mixed together, creating Solar Moonlight." Nyx said in surprise, "But how?"

"Uh-oh," Spike said with a yelp, realizing something. "Golden Heart and Pinkamena was here yesterday. When I took them upstairs, we must've bumped the shelf and knock the vials over."

"What," Twilight asked in shock.

"Oooh; a mixture of three Alicorns," Pinkie remarked with a giggle, "I am so nervicited!"

"It's the attack of the clones!" Phobos exclaims in amusement.

"So we got five ponies who got different tasks and one pony who got the powers of my mother and aunt." Ben said in concern.

The group goes upstairs. Celestia said with a sigh, "It won't take long before this could be noticed."

"What? Are you saying that you may have something against it?" Rainbow asked Celestia with a scoff. "Come on, so Twilight playing God when she's practically half of one. It isn't a bad thing."

"Gotta admit wit' Rainbow. 'De Clone Mane Six proved Twilight's theory right." Applejack said in agreement. "What; Yew think 'de clones are unnatural?"

"I got nothing against the clones. I'm just concerned that our enemies may use this to their advantage." Celestia said seriously to the Mane Six. The princess is unaware how right she is.

"I already told her the dangers, mom. I told her that if everything goes south, she must do something about it." Ben explained to his mother.

"Perhaps we shall leave this be for now." Luna said to her sister thoughtfully. "The clones has proven themselves successfully. Twilight and her friends can try to help the Clone Mane Six fit right in and make sure that they won't hurt anyone or themselves."

Celestia pauses a bit to think about this. Her sister is right. But there's the matter of evil lurking about.

Celestia nods, turning to Twilight, saying, "Very well. Twilight Sparkle, since the clones are your creations, I'm giving you and your friends the task of keeping watch over them and to make sure that no evil has harm the clones or even used them for evil. Can you promise me that?"

"I promise, Celestia." Twilight replied while bowing to the princess of the sun.

"And if things go wrong, as in things get out of hoof, they were turned evil against their will...will you step in to stop them?" Celestia ask Twilight seriously.

"I will." Twilight replied with a serious nod.

"Good, then Luna and I will take your leave. Ben, report anything that may happen." Celestia said to her son as she and Luna prepares to take their leave.

"Of course, mom, I will see you later." Ben said, nuzzling his mother a bit.

With that, the princesses teleported away, heading back to Canterlot. This caused the attention of the Clone Mane Six.

"Why are they leaving so soon?" Cuddly Tulip asks a bit puzzled by this.

"Oh, nothing," Fluttershy said with a smile. "Sooooo...I got some work to do with the little squirrels. Want to assist?"

"Oh, I'd love to!" Cuddly replied happily.

The rest of the Mane Six begins to company the other clones, apparently becoming friends a bit. Ben glances at the clone of Twilight who has the powers of his love, his mother and his aunt.

Twilight seems to be doing fine in becoming pals and doing her best to keep an eye on these clones. But Ben has a right to worry...

During this time Tech has informed of what Shadow Dragon wants him to do. Dark Curse of course has found out about the Clone Mane Six...and they, along with Twilight's curiosity, intrigued him indeed.

"Good........ Twilight Sparkle, you had let curiosity fool you again. If my theory is correct again, the power of darkness will be complete." Dark Curse said with a light chuckle. "You may leave, Tech."

"Yes, master! Oh yeah!" Tech laughs a bit. This is his moment! "In your face, freaks, coz Tech rules the day!"

Tech left the Dark Mystic Throne Room as the door closed behind of him. Crimson Skull narrows his eyes, shaking his head as he comments to his leader, "He will fail. Once he succeeds his mission on capturing them, and the next, he failed. I know him well, because he is a fool of himself."

"True........ But, isn't it that's why we entrusted the one who will complete the mission?" MechaStahl ask, reminding the Crimson Skull of the safely precaution.

"Indeed...... Houndkiller, did you get that?" Dark Curse ask as if speaking to Houndkiller when he isn't in the room.

Houndkiller phased out from the wall in the form of his appearance as he came to the front and bowed. Dark Curse always somehow knew that he was around.

"Yes, my lord. I shall bring Black Tiger, the Dark Warrior Trio and 15 soldiers to complete the mission, should that boy's arrogance get in the way, as usual." Houndkiller said to Dark Curse in determination.

"Good......." Dark Curse said with a smirk. Twilight's theory is going to cost her big time...or at least give the Dark Mystic Ponies some sense of victory.

"With your permission, sire..." Houndkiller said, having a thought in mind, but he was interrupted.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT," Dark Curse snaps as he slammed onto the ground hard. "If you do that, the Triforce Elements will escape from our grasps! In fact, you will had that when I said so. Do not worry. That pirate will pay for his treachery sooner...... or later......." The villain cannot make any mistakes, not now.

Houndkiller sighed, "Yes, my lord. I shall take my leave."

Houndkiller disappeared through phasing out. MechaStahl just frowns, speaking, "I still can't find that pirate runt. When I get to him, I will tear him apart. He may think I'm a scientist, but I am more than that."

"You will have it. But for now, our Demon God demands the mission first." The Crimson Skull insists as more important things must come first to avoid any delays or trouble.

"Grimmore; Or the Superior; I'd prefer the Superior." MechaStahl remarks dryly. The villain prefers to stay clear of Grimmore since his life depends on it!

"Indeed. He knows our true plan while Grimmore will know nothing." The Crimson Skull gloats wickedly. As long as Grimmore is out of the loop, the plans of the villains will remain a secret.

"Indeed. I'll inform him soon. Proceed with your mission." Dark Curse said, sitting in his throne calmly.

Someday, just someday, Equestria and the Mystic Realm will belong to the Dark Mystic Ponies. For now, it's best to not make any futile mistakes...

At this time, Celestia & Luna are having a private matter over the issue of Twilight making the, as a appropriate term of identifying the clones matter: The Clone Mane Six, or just Clone Six for shorter address terms. They are considering about the new ponies as they are left unknowing the dangers that lurk around the corners and have no idea about the threats that wanna attack, conjure or destroy Equestria. Right now, Twilight’s group has gone out to keep an eye of the issue of the clones & their progress.

“Sister, this matter seems very much serious." Luna spoke with high concerns over the issue they now face.

“I know Luna, but hopefully, Twilight can get it under control.” Celestia nods in understanding her sister’s concern and is hoping her student & niece-in-law can handle it.

“And what if thou can’t? While each of those Clone Ponies possesses different abilities & better than when the real ones were switched, the new Twilight clone seems capable of ‘our’ magic.” Luna issued to not forget what the sisters bear witness from Twilight’s clone who could move the sun and moon, that power is very strong if used incorrectly.

“I know, they each have different actions and personality traits than the originals.” Celestia nods in hearing her sister make the subject; Applejack’s clone Amethyst does style fashions, Rainbow Dash’s clone Cuddly Tulip does well with animals, Rarity’s clone Aridity does excellent weather control, Pinkie Pie’s clone Apple Sweet does well in doing apple farm work & make great pies while almost seemingly less random, Fluttershy’s clone Party Thrill can perform comedy to make some laughs without being shy, and Twilight’s clone Solar Moonlight does magic, but controls the sun & moon like the Royal Sisters. “As much as you and I know it, any Clone Spell to make a double is supposed to be perfect, so that they can mingle with those of the user’s area without any suspicion.” Celestia stated the objective of how a clone is supposed to do things.

“Just as Nyx once did during Lorcan’s World Conquest Plot and almost the matter of the Mirror Pool Pinkie Pie used to make a magic clone of herself.” Luna stated in recalling two individuals made clones of themselves at such times.

“But those cloning properties could be return to their source, to their originals. This matter is different.” Celestia points off that Nyx’s clone refuse with the black filly and Pinkie’s large number of clones was return from wench they came from by magic, but the matter now is a different case.

“They are completely different and therefore can’t merge with the pony lookalike because of mix Cutie Mark talents & destiny and combine that with new personalities.” Luna nods with a firm expression that the new clones of their friends can’t just simply go back the way they came, it’s impossible from the different mixtures & properties that be complexing to even perform.

“Yes, as such, they maybe Clones but they are now capable of just walking around freely as different clones of the Mane Six that represent the Six Elements Of Harmony.” Celestia nods in feeling the heavy burden that now the princesses have perfect clone replicates of the Mane Six, and the thing is if this was good or bad?

“So it seems you have developed an unnatural situation on your side.” Spoke a new male voice that echo in the room that caught those that were supposed to be alone by surprise.

And suddenly, something appeared out of thin air to look like some afterimage, but made itself look more solid. It was an Alicorn stallion with tan fur coat color, thick brown mane & tail that looks like long, dark, leathery strips jutting down, and he has brown eyes. He appears like a tall, massive, and highly muscular stallion, has a near long sideburns, and below he has a goatee. Each of his ears is adorned by a large earring shaped like a round crescent moon pointing down. He wears tan dark emerald hoof shoes and dark green bands around his legs. On his flank shows a strange symbol of a center that has a high point facing up and below it are like wings that expand to cover everything in its path as a sign of what his Cutie Mark means. The expression on his face seems serious when looking at the two sisters in question over hearing the clone manner.

“Wha….who are you?” Luna yelped in thinking that this was an enemy, but…

“Luna wait…” Celestia stopped her sister’s actions to…stare in surprise of the new figure here, “Azuma? Is that you?” Luna stare stumped, did Celestia know this guy?

“It has been a while princess and I see your sister is doing well.” The stallion known as Azuma nodded his head in being respectful to the princess of the sun while commenting about her sister being present as well like it was their first meeting.

“Celly, who is this stallion?” Luna asked a bit loss of who the two have here.

“You may have heard his name, but never met him; he’s Azuma, the Clone Army Creator and keeper of the Element Of Duplication.” Celestia spoke with much knowledge in knowing who this stallion is before them.

“Duplication….as in he can make clones of himself?” Luna spoke surprised, there before their mitts is an Alicorn that holds the element to make clones, is this a coincidence?

“That is correct your highness.” Azuma spoke humbly in addressing Luna at the time.

“Tell me, what brings you here?” Celestia asked in having a feeling she knows of this pony presenting himself now.

“I’ve sensed a disturbance that is of…unnatural birth into the world.” Azuma spoke with grieve words from his voice before continuing. “Such things usually involve cases with myself; one that can sense a clone made by magic. However, this feeling is far stronger, it is like the time Pinkamena’s existence I learn of to her dark half which still remains hiding within the group organization; The Apocalypse Ponies.” This guy has sense the appearance of the Clone Six, it’s different from when he meant with Pinkamena who was a clone from another alternate world that became an individual being, and also with a light half, came a dark half too.

“We see, but what has thou mean of presently speaking?” Luna responded in understanding the matter, but wants to get to the point.

“I sense the new clones within the area you’re residing in, you must keep them under watch until I arrive.” Azuma spoke in caution that the new clones must be carefully watched until he arrives, “Clones that can freely develop wills of their own and possess strong magic; can be as much a problem as it is a gift. If they run into a crowd that will exploit their abilities to temp them for evil purposes….” He stops right there in knowing all the trouble a clone of a pony could do, if the clones are powerful, then they could cause serious harm & even ruin the original’s reputation.

“We are already having Twilight, her friends & my son tries to keep watch over them.” Celestia spoke humbly in saying that the mentioned ones are trying to control the manner as they speak.

“Please bear in mind that I am on my way, but I sense some dark hand about to come for the new clone beings.” Azuma stated with a worried and hesitant look as if he senses some hidden foes are after the new clones of the Mane Six. “Make no mistake, if they turn them to the dark side, and cannot be saved, the alternative of ending them exist as a last resort, but only if it reaches that point.” He explained that if the situation gets too out of hand, the princesses may be forced to destroy the clones, but they can only hope it does not come to that.

“We understand, and please, do come quickly.” Luna nods in feeling that she understands and wishes this new ally to quicken his pace.

With a nod, Azuma’s clone image vanished from sight letting the Royal Sisters sigh in feeling that their task just got heavier.

“It would seem what we fear may come true, sister.” Luna looked to Celestia in having a bad feeling that what they felt could be a problem might be coming sooner than expected.

“I only hope the new ponies are as pure hearted as the Mane Six and would resist the temptation of evil. Or else, all is lost.” Celestia spoke with a sorrow face in praying that the new clones have some strong goodness in their hearts to not let evil villains try to manipulate them into the dark side.

Both Royal Sisters fell silent while the scene darkens a bit to change to another event. As our minds wonder if the Clone Six: Amethyst (Applejack’s clone) Cuddly Tulip (Rainbow Dash’s clone), Aridity (Rarity’s clone), Apple Sweet (Pinkie Pie’s clone), Party Thrill (Fluttershy’s clone) and Solar Moonlight (Twilight’s clone) can be protected since they are still newborn ponies that might not have enough skills as the original Mane Six have developed. These are questions some are afraid to find out and especially…if it comes to the side of battle.

Solar Moonlight and her friends are having a time in the park. They got to know each other and became good friends. Cuddly Tulip was playing a game of Frisbee with a dog; Amethyst Lace was lying down on the blanket in the sun, catching some rays. Aridity was using a cloud to keep the sun off of herself; Apple Sweet meanwhile is sharing a pie with her friend Party Thrill who is telling some jokes.

As for Solar Moonlight, she was meditating under a tree, using magic to lift some rocks. The Alicorn was introduced to this world not too long ago but already she knew what she herself must be doing: raising the sun and moon. Solar Moonlight can hope that her creator and her friends can help them fit in Equestria.

But as the Clone Six are relaxing, they are unaware of the danger that is coming at them right now.

Some mysterious beetles flew around on the Mane Clone Six's locations in the park. They all landed on their back necks as well as hiding behind their manes. The beetles opened their big pincers and bite onto the Mane Clone Six's necks hard.

The Mane Clone Six gasped in pain as their eyes shrunken smaller while opening their mouths.

At Shadow Dragon's temporary home, Tech smiled as he held his watch-like on his left hoof. The mama's colt laughs madly, "Yes! I got them!"

"Good. Begin phase 2." Shadow Dragon said with a smirk. The next phrase of the plan is about to get underway.

"Yes, sir!"

Tech took a peek out from the house, looking on the left and then right. He immediately headed out from Shadow Dragon's home after making sure that the coast is clear.

Shadow Dragon, in the form of Chase, smirked as he said, "Good. Tech took the bait. If he astray from his mission, that is where Houndkiller and the rest take what they are looking for. Twilight and her friends will be too busy in dealing with their clones and Tech."

Whatever the Dark Mystic Ponies are up to, Twilight and her friends' task of helping the clones is about to get difficult.

Chapter 3: Corruption of the Dork

Flare Tiger sat from her spot, on a cloud as she kept her view on the same ponies with different destinies with curiosity yet worried. Rainbow Dash was flying along Comet Star as she noticed Flare Tiger watching at the ponies, worried.

Rainbow Dash sighed, "Comet Star?"

Comet Star said, "Yea, Dash?"

Rainbow Dash asked, "What's Flare Tiger's doing?"

Comet Star noticed Flare Tiger, explaining, "Ah, She's kept her distance from the same ponies with different destinies."

Rainbow Dash confused ask, "Why?"

Comet Star smiled, answering, "Part of her job. Ensure something that must not happen."

Rainbow Dash nodded while saying, "Oh, OH! Sometime, she always does that when she felt something wrong or worried something would happen."

Comet Star nodded as he said, "That's right!"

Flare Tiger sense someone talking behind her back and looked around then found Rainbow Dash and Comet Star talking as her husband is explaining to Rainbow Dash.

Flare Tiger yelled, "Hey!"

Upon hearing that, Comet Star stated, "Aw, I forget!"

Rainbow Dash asked, "What's going on?"

Comet Star explained, "One of her senses told her! Only one thing she hate most, gossip behind her back! We have to go!"

Rainbow Dash asked, "How's bad she could get being mad?"

Comet Star answers, "Try the wrath of her Mystic Phoenix Temper."

Rainbow Dash yelps, "Hack! Let's go!"

They flew out of sight as Flare Tiger sighed with a bit of her temper but calmed while she kept watching. The two flew away as Rainbow Dash stop with realization, making Comet Star stop too.

Rainbow Dash asked, "Wait minute, she had that's Mystic Phoenix Temper; How?"

Comet Star smiled as he explains, "Through her bloodline. However, I did Pinkie Promise on that one too, about where her bloodline came from."

Rainbow Dash sighed, "That's so mysterious about her!"

Comet Star chuckled, "That's why I fell in love for her!"

Rainbow Dash makes throwing up noises as she gagged at it while Comet Star laughs out loudly.

At this time, the Clone Six are still doing their respective talents outside Sugarcube Corner from a request by each of their Mane Six originals; Amethyst Lace was presenting some new styles of fashion clothing to the pony residents from Rarity, Cuddly Tulip was helping to give an animal a new home to any citizen from Fluttershy, Aridity was helping to make the skies were clear with a touch of cloud shade from Rainbow Dash, Apple Sweet was selling some Apple Family Apples from Applejack, Party Thrill was putting on a comedy show to entertain any visitors while checking out their work from Pinkie Pie, & Solar Moonlight was showing some magic of what she’s capable of doing while knowing that she mustn’t use the sun & moon to mess up the day time since the Royal Princesses are trying to avoid any problem issues.

But while things seem kinda peaceful, behind Sugarcube Corner, Tech was watching with a smirky grin of evil on his face.

“Heheheheeeehh, look at them, trying to fit in and let the citizens know they are good clones. How sweet,” Tech slyly remark the issue of how those clones are trying to be seen as friendly ponies even if they are clones of the Mane Six, they try so hard to let everyone not be scared of them, how noble. “Whelp, I think they had enough goody-toe-shoe work for the day? Time to make them evil and enjoy the next show performance,” He shrug off his shoulders in seeing this good act was done, as he raised his left hoof up that had an advance watch-like design, showing six holographic screens. He soon press a couple of buttons which the screens show ‘Inactive’ to ‘Active’ mood, as the evil Dark Mystic looked back to see the progress.

“'Dis will look lovely on yew, darling.” Amethyst Lace spoke with a gentle smile to a customer that bought an outfit from her.

“Please, help this weasel find a home.” Cuddly Tulip spoke in giving a colt a pet weasel to care for.

“Alright, now watch as I help clear the skies for more sunshine.” Aridity spoke in using her magic to make the clouds begin to scatter away now.

“Who wants more pies?” Apple Sweet held up more pies for any pony to buy.

“So I said to the guy, don’t ask me, you thought it was pajama day!” Party Thrill was telling another joke at the time which earns some laughs from the crowd.

“Remain focus and keep your power under control & do not cause trouble. We must…” Solar Moonlight was speaking to herself in focusing on her magic to be under control and not be let loose….or so she thought.

“Huuuagh,” Suddenly, the Clone Six gasped in shock when a split six screen showed them looking like; something just triggered the moment. Then suddenly, the beetles that were on their back necks and hid behind their manes used their big pincers to bite in them while releasing a strange ‘dark surge’ of energy into their systems. The six look petrified with shock at first, until their very eyes shrunk a bit smaller. Their pupils slowly began to transform into dark crimson color that nearly match the other clones.

“Excuse me, is something wrong?” Caramel asked in seeing these six clones were acting weird, did something happen?

“Grrr….” At that moment, the Clone Six started to growl and groan in anger at this moment, “WROOUUAARRRUGHHH!” The six clone mares let off an yell of anger that seem to almost cause the area to be silence.

“Oooookay; that doesn’t seem normal,” Caramel spoke a bit nervous in seeing this action was not normal and it frighten the crowd a bit.

Tech watched this action from behind his hiding spot and couldn’t help but smile evilly while letting loose a chuckle, “Hehehehehahahahaaahhh, oh yeah! Tech, Prince Of Darkness rules the day! All will behold the might of my genius, and cower once we Dark Mystics rule and I shall do as I see fit to the world!” There was a long pause moment to take in this banter moment before he suddenly realized something. “Okay, maybe that is a bit ‘too’ much for gloating; But what the heck? When you’re evil, you gotta think big.” He shrug off again in knowing that he’s wanting to be a part of the big evil leagues. “Now…Time for them to be evil.” Tech smiled evilly to himself before pressing more button commands on his advance watch on his left hoof as the screen display on all six were label ‘Evil Talent Mode’ on it.

Suddenly, the citizen ponies were fleeing in terror as Amethyst Lace tackled some ponies that wore the nice outfits she gave away, only to shrewd & ripe them apart while the crowds stared in horror of such fabulous clothing ruin. Cuddly Tulip was suddenly using what looked like a Stare move, and the animals in the bend she kept under control were freaking out to rush out and stampede any citizen in the way without caring of hurting them, for they were running for their own lives. Aridity was using her magic to make the clouds cover over, and then produce rain & thunder & lightning that was attacking the fleeing citizens. Apple Sweet was assaulting ponies with apple pies & even cruelly stuffing down pies down their throats, almost choking them (oh the horror!). Party Thrill was behaving evilly by pulling her pranks on the crowds from rolling marbles in their run path to slip, banana pills, explosive firecrackers, alarm clocks being thrown, and using a megaphone to release loud gassy burps (just be glad it’s the ONLY gassy thing heard. Seriously, let’s not think about it.). But the worst of it all was Solar Moonlight casting a spell that made her horn lit up and unleashed a bunch of scattering magic beams that were exploding all around the area without caring for aim. But make no mistake, the Clone Six have suddenly gone MAD…MAD as in gone BAD….BAD as in gone EVIL….and…we get the picture. But for now, the scene fads out as these clones are making a big mess around the town center portion, and wonders will ask…what will the Mane Six gang do when they learn of this?

Flare Tiger was viewing this, looking horrified. Something has gone wrong. She quickly flew off and found the Mane Six, the CMC, Ben and the Dragons talking. She called out, "Princess Twilight Sparkle!"

"Flare Tiger? What's wrong?" Twilight ask Flare Tiger in concern.

"Ah done think you better come quick; It's the Clone Six...they're angry and are attacking!"

"What," The group calls out in horror as they rush off, following Flare Tiger. Twilight felt horrible. Why did she decide to delay in checking up on the Clone Six?!

Sure enough, the group arrives on the scene, finding the clones going out of control, hurting and causing chaos. Twilight's eyes widen in horror. This is what Ben and Celestia were warning her about!

"What's going on," Pinkie asks her friends frantically.

"What could have made them angry? I hope this is not like my argument with my sister again." Rarity said in worry. The last thing she wants is another argument with her sister before the Sister Social thing.

"Yes. This is very unlikely of them." Fluttershy cringes as she saw Party Thrill throwing knives at a pony.

"No kidding, Twilight said that they're okay clones." Rainbow said in concern. The clones couldn't have turn bad on their own! Something must've happened that drove them to this!

"We've gotta save them before they could damage anything left." Applejack remarks in determination. Twilight nods in concern. Looks like she will have no choice but to take her creations down before the village is wiped out, "Twilight, do yew have any way 'ta save them?"

"There is; A Fail-safe spell; that might work." Twilight said thoughtfully. She could use her fail-safe spell to paralyze the clones so that the princess could find out what's wrong with them.

"Wrong!" A voice exclaims sinisterly. The Mane Six, Spike, Phobos, Ben and Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and encountered a mysterious colt whose flew down through his mechanical helicopter-like. He landed on the ground. "At last we meet......... My enemies........"

Rainbow pauses then spoke up, "Okay...who is this freak?"

"Yeah, never saw him before." Nyx said with a shrug, "And the helicopter thing?"

"Oh great. Probably a mad scientist," Scootaloo remarks with a dry look. "Those guys are sooooo predictable."

The villain known as Tech chose to ignore the comment as he booms, "I am Tech. Evil boy genius; Dark Lord of Dark Mystic Ponies; Emperor of Darkness!"

The Mane Six, Ben, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Spike and Phobos gasped. Spike himself yelps, "He's the Dark Lord of Dark Mystic Ponies?!"

"Terrific; now we are dealing with the greatest evil of all." Phobos groans a bit in annoyance; great, why must the Dark Lord be some sort of idiotic freak?!

"Really; Wow. I finally did it!! I mean -!" Tech begins to speak. For a moment, the villain was acting like his true self, being excited that his enemies are finally fearing him. But he quickly snaps back to work, "Yes. Yes, I am. Fear my powers."

Twilight groaned in annoyance, "P-Please. You're not the real Dark Lord."

"Hey! What's that supposed to be mean?!"

"There is one Dark Lord I know so far in the myth: Dark Curse. He is the true Dark Mystic Ponies' Dark Lord who truly has the power of darkness. And you are just labor."

"Right and your clothes; Ick," Rarity remarks in disgust at Tech's outfit, "I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit. Or alive either. I wouldn't even give my worst enemy that either!"

"Dang, 'dis feller looks like a mama's colt...an' Ah know a few like Blueblood." Applejack comments to Rarity in amusement.

"Don't remind me. At least Jeff the Gentle is taking care of him!"

"Oh man! You almost got us going there!" Phobos laughs at Tech, much to his chagrin. "We thought you were a serious villain...but you're just a Joker."

"Right, right, so where's the real villain?" Ben asks Tech with a real chuckle. "I don't think even you got the smarts and brains to do this to our clones."

"Hey! Nopony treats me like that!" Tech yells out furiously. This is his moment but these ponies are disrespecting him! Time to teach them all a lesson! "Okay, no more Mr. Nice Pony! Techbots! Strike Techbots! Guardbots! Clone Tech Mane Six; ATTACK!"

The Mane Clone Six, Techbots (brownish robots with dish-like hats and had claws with rockets-like), Strike Techbots (brownish pony robots with crimson beam shades and having their claws on four hooves, and silver armored robotic ponies with their sharped right lances and left shields called Guardbots, charged in and attacked the Mane Six, Ben, Spike, Phobos and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They jump back, startled. Okay, so Tech was behind this but they won't go down and let their clones be bad without a fight!

Nyx, transformed into her Battle Form, the Mane Six and Ben took their weapons out while Spike and Phobos armed themselves as they prepared to battle against their enemies. Solar Moonlight dodged the attacks and blasts from both Ben and Twilight for a few times.

Solar Moonlight yelled out, "Lunar Blast!"

Solar Moonlight launched a powerful navy blast at both Ben and Twilight hard. Pinkie chased after Party Thrill through running, jumping, bouncing and charging. While Pinkie's chasing Party Thrill, she got knocked onto a wall, each time Fluttershy's clone dodged it.

Apple Sweet and Applejack had their hoof battles. The original cowpony tried to punch and kick on her corrupted friend but Pinkie's clone dodged it and punched at Applejack very hard. Aridity smirked as she blasted a cloudy rainstorm and snowballs at Rarity who tried to dodge but instead, she got hit for few times.

Rainbow Dash was about to attack, but Cuddly showed her emotional puppy dog eyes at her. The rainbow mane pony gulped as she kept on watching her clone's eyes. Not easy. Her clone smirked evilly as Cuddly quickly pushed Rainbow Dash hard. Fluttershy shivered in fear and worry as she stared at Amethyst, Applejack's clone, who showed a blanket that has a monstrous werewolf's scary face.

Nyx, Spike and Phobos faced off against Techbots, Strike Techbots and Guardbots while protecting the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Nyx blasted her Unicorn Blast, Spike and Phobos launched their Dragon and Moon Flame against Techbots, Strike Techbots and Guardbots who are completely immune to their attacks.

"Okay, since when we are even losing here?!" Rainbow asks, trying to keep her view away from Cuddly Tulip.

"I think you made the clones too good, mother!" Nyx exclaims, blasting at a Techbot while Solar Moonlight tries to tackle Twilight. "Father and grandmother were right to be worry about this."

"Keep trying! We can't give up!" Twilight exclaims to everyone.

"Easier fer yew 'ta say," Apple Bloom exclaims, yelping as a Strike Techbot almost got her.

Strike Techbots charged in and punched against Nyx who tried to dodge the attacks, but instead got beaten up hard and painfully. Both Techbots and Guardbots opened their chest and fired at Spike and Phobos who screamed in fear and ran away.

Tech laughed evilly, "Oh...... I've gotta love this one. This is the best."

Things got intense, Ben and Twilight finds themselves victim of a gravity spell by Solar Moonlight who traps them sinisterly. Party Thriller threw gum right onto Pinkie, trapping her as well. Rainbow and Rarity screams as a lightning bolt almost hit them, forcing them to run for cover. Applejack and Fluttershy got knocked into each other by Apple Sweet and Amethyst. Looks like our heroes has lost.

Tech smiled, deciding that enough's enough. He declares, "Okay; Girls and Bots. We're going home." The mama's colt squealed as if his team has won a ball game. "Wow. I can't believe it. I finally won it. I finally did it. I finally beat the Mane Six, Ben and their blank flank freaks. This is something that Grimmore failed to do; so call God. I don't know why they keep on playing with mortals, instead of just killing them now. How stupid was that; Later losers."

Tech laughed evilly as he disappeared in black smoke, followed by his Techbots, Strike Techbots and Guardbots, as well as Mane Clone Six. The ponies got up, groaning. Their clone friends are gone.

"Those villains took our clone friends!" Rainbow shouted.

"Oh, man, not good. Why didn't we make sure to keep an eye on them earlier?" Twilight ask with a sad groan. "Ben, you and your mother were right."

"Twilight, relax. I'm sure we will find them and restore them back to normal." Ben assures his love in confidence. "I mean; remember when Nyx and Spike were turned evil thanks to Shendu?"

"Don't remind me!" Spike groans a bit. "But Ben's right. If you freed us once, I'm sure you could free the clones too."

"Yeah, come on, Twilight, we can at least try." Fluttershy said to Twilight meekly.

"Well, okay. We just need a plan." Twilight said in concern. The enemies had caught her and her friends off guard so they need an idea on what to do next.

"Should we tell Tao and his family about it?" Spike suggests to Twilight. The Mystic Ponies could help out in this matter.

"No, Spike! The last thing I want is to be scolded for not consulting and talking with him about the clones. And if I told him that, I wouldn't dare to imagine of how angry or even his Mystic Phoenix Temper is like." Twilight exclaims to Spike in worry.

Also, Twilight was worried about another thing: if Tao or his fellow Mystic Ponies found out that Spike took shards off of the Tree of Harmony, who knows what would happen?

Nyx gulped, "Yeah. We wouldn't want that happen, especially like what happen to Twilight Time." That time was a nightmare...so to speak.

"We were lucky that Azure Phoenix didn't lose his temper." Phobos remarks with a shudder.

"That's good news." Spike said with a sigh.

Ben sighed, "You're right about Tao, Twilight. We definitely don't want his temper go high again. But I hate lying to him."

"What choice do we have? I doubt the Mystic Ponies would help us, too, if I told them what I did." Twilight said to Ben sadly. The Mystic Ponies may or may not help out in this matter.

At the abandoned facility, Tech laughed evilly and manically, "I can't believe it work! It actually works!" The mama's foal laughed some more, "Oh yeah! Tech the Prince of Darkness rule the day; Oh yeah."

Tech turned to the Mane Clone Six as he realized something. The idiot turned and saw six vials of Mane Clone Six, with the papers on it. Tech has received blood from the clones since the arrival.

"Oh yeah; I supposed I'd better get their blood delivered to the boss and my dad." Tech said, remembering what he's supposed to do. He thought for the moment, "Nah; besides. I could use a break. Phew. Being evil sure tired me a lot."

Unknown to the so-called evil genius, the six vials from Tech's table was being replaced by other six vials. On the other side of the facility, Shades came in with the six vials levitating, he's headed towards to Houndkiller, Black Tiger, DJ Red and Clumsy Rat who are waiting for him

Shades spoke up, "Got what we need. I guess Tech doesn't know how to take his responsibilities seriously."

"Yeah. No kidding. He maybe Crimson Skull's son, but he's sucker punch." DJ remarks in agreement. Tech is a joke, even thinking himself to be head of the Dark Mystic Ponies.

"I don't even know why boss wants him when he's completely useless." Clumsy said with a frown. Dark Curse must be slipping if he has chosen Tech for this.

"Perhaps; or perhaps, there is. Tech's purpose was to distract our enemies while we, the true professional and responsible military soldiers, complete the mission." Houndkiller said thoughtfully. After all, Dark Curse didn't be what he is today by slipping. "And now we must prepare for the next thing in mind."

"Princess Celestia and her army; I also heard and informed that Mystic Ponies were not informed by Twilight and her friends." Black Tiger growls in amusement. The scouts had served their masters well. "They're fearful of their Mystic Guardians' temper. How hilarious is that?"

Houndkiller nodded his head, commenting, "Indeed. But first, we must also deal with Azuma; The Holder of Element of Duplication."

"The Clone Pony,” DJ yelps a bit. Not good, he has heard of him as well as his ability to detect clones. "Great. What are we gonna do with him? Those ponies can't beat us, unless their Elements are with them; But too bad. They're not pretty strong. But with Azuma with them, we're toast."

Houndkiller chuckled as if he isn't worried about this problem at all, "Do not worry. I have a plan. After all....... our little friend may had hope that we might be there to fight when he doesn't even know what really goes on. What really and truly had begun."

Clumsy smiled while asking in anticipation, "So, what's the plan?"

"Yeah; ready to kick their flanks. No Mystic Ponies there, no helping hooves." Shades brag a bit. After all, with no Mystic Ponies around, no one can ruin their fun, right?

"Good. First, delivery," Houndkiller said. He then passed to Dark Mystic Soldier who gave the six vials to im. He entered a portal while turning to his minions. "Second. Azuma is expecting our soldiers to be guarding our little friend, when he's the least expected."

Black Tiger smirked while saying, "Yes. I know what you mean. Give him what Clone Pony wants."

"Precisely; and third, we will put temporary shut down on both Azuma and Ben's Elements. We will deliver them to the three Lords of Equestria for good." Houndkiller said. He then groaned as if not wanting this, especially on a certain stallion. "I was hoping I can kill him for good. Get revenge on him."

"Easy, Colonel H. Remember, Big Boss D doesn't want him dead." DJ assured Houndkiller.

Clumsy nodded his head while adding, "His Triforce Elements can be used for one or two of big boss's master plans, which the Superior loves a lot."

"Sweet....... This will be easy." Shades brag a bit. Their enemies won't know what hit them.

Black Tiger nods, saying, "Indeed."

"And of course, Shadow Dragon will be joining with us soon." Houndkiller said, much to the amazement of the four. The Shadow Dragon is coming?

Black Tiger and the Dark Warrior Trio all said at once and in anticipation, "Awesome."

"But won't it blow his cover? I mean he can't be both Chase and Shadow Dragon at the same time." DJ points out to Houndkiller in concern. If Ben finds out the truth, it will ruin Shadow Dragon's undercover mission.

Clumsy nodded his head in agreement, adding, "Plan would have been ka-boom and we will never find the shield's origin in time too."

Shades asked Houndkiller, wanting an answer to this riddle, "So, how's that gonna solve the problem?"

Houndkiller chuckled lightly, "Do not worry. Both him and I had set the plan in motion. Now, we make preparations."

Pinkamena senses and shivers rubbing her neck and says quietly to Golden Heart, "Goldie, I fear the enemy have the clones by their necks."

"That's not good." Golden Heart said seriously. He and Pinkamena must act! "What now?"

She gets a com and talks into it, "Omega, enemies stole clone friends and plan to use them for evil; get there and try to stall the enemy and be careful."

"Roger, heading out." Omega's voice spoke out.

Pinkamena puts the com away away and looks from behind the couch. She sees Omega taking flight to where he needs to go and then watches the gang who are in the library. They are worried for this tragic turn of events.

The princesses and Discord has been called, having been informed by Spike about what has happened. Celestia and Luna aren't a bit upset since they knew that Twilight didn't meant for this to happen...but now, things has gotten bad.

"Oh, this is excellent chaos!" Discord crows a bit, eating some popcorn much to Rainbow's annoyance. The clones are in danger of being used for chaos and he's enjoying this!

"Buck off!" Rainbow scowls angrily at the former villain/mischief maker.

Fluttershy scolds Rainbow, "Rainbow, please! Just give him a chance for once..."

At this very moment, the situation does NOT look good; the Clone Six seem to have vanished without a trace, that leaves many questions with unanswered answers.

“Well, everyone seems rather down.” Spike stated in seeing what was happening here.

“Yeah, how can it get any worse?” Phobos shrug off just from thinking their situation can’t get any worse now.

“Maybe it starts, now…” Spoke a male voice that didn’t belong to anyone in the room.

And soon someone magically teleported into the room that caught all by the Royal Princess by surprise in seeing a new Alicorn stallion here: Azuma.

“Whaaaah; you…you’re….” Discord yelped in seeing this Alicorn male was here and knows him well.

“Been a long time Discord, seems you’re much better than your former evil self.” Azuma spoke off in addressing Discord from last seeing him as an evil villain.

“Woah now, who are ya partner?” Applejack held up her hooves in wanting some answers of who this new pony was.

“My name is Azuma.” Azuma spoke with a clear tone voice in addressing those before him from his entrance. “I am an Element User like many of you here, of which mine is closer to relate to the case of clones. The Element of Duplication,” He stated to explain his case of being that’s related to the situation about the clones.

“The Element of Duplication?” Nyx repeated the words that surprised many of them in learning of another wielder of the elements. “As like you can make duplicated clone versions of yourself?” She stated in knowing what that must mean this guy can do here.

“That and of others.” Azuma nods slowly in saying he can perform feats of making clone duplicates of himself and of others to. “But what of the clones that were made?” He spoke in wishing to learn about the situation of the Clone Six of the regional Mane Six.

“You…know about them? Did the princesses tell you?” Twilight responded surprise that this guy actually knows about the clones.

“No, I could sense them, I sense them through a different magic aura they admit that differs from those born natural compared to those created by magic & science.” Azuma spoke with a silent matter of speaking of the difference a clone & original present by a different aura of their magic presence that’s made by either nature birth to creation of magic & science.

“Oh my, none of us ever knew about those kinda things!” Rarity exclaimed surprised in learning something of a difference between the other.

“Such things are easy for me, for example….Pinkamena, you hid yourself over there.” Azuma spoke from looking near a couch where he addresses someone hid behind it, much to the gang being surprised.

“Heheh, guess you knew where I was.” Pinkamena pops out to smile & chuckle in being found out easily with Golden Heart arriving soon after. No need for him to remain in hiding.

“That he does, since my sister is technically, said to be a clone from an alternate Pinkie Pie from another world." Golden Heart shrug off in knowing that Pinkamena was like a good side of another Pinkie Pie, even if she’s still nominated as a clone, she exist as her own while apparently, an aura different from others exist in her that Azuma can see.

“Now answer the question, where are they?” Azuma spoke in returning to the subject that the group needs to continue on.

“Um, if you don’t mind me saying so, we….um…lost them.” Fluttershy sheepishly spoke shyly in sensing the truth maybe more bad then this guy was hoping for. "When we say 'lost them', we mean some new enemy named Tech brainwashed them and drove them...bad."

“What!” Azuma yelled off in shock to hear this news.

“Eep,” Fluttershy yelped from being scared surprise by that loud shout.

“Hey settle down, we just need more time to cover more ground.” Rainbow Dash spoke to calm this guy to not lose himself from knowing they can’t find their clones.

“Then it’s as I fear, I maybe too late.” Azuma spoke with deep concern in seeing what was happening might be the worst case scenario.

“Too late for what; what’s going on?” Ben asked in not figuring out Azuma’s words.

“The clones made through the use by what made them are a different genetic code that defines who they are and of whom they relate to.” Azuma spoke with a deep tone of voice in addressing to explain things about clones' genetic makeup structure. “As you all know, Clone Spells make a double version of you, but they are only magic & will return to its source of origin.” He pointed out something in which many here are familiar with.

“Hugh, kinda like the Mirror Pool I used and like how Nyx made a clone of herself.” Pinkie Pie rubbed her back head in remembering such cases.

“However, what was made here was a genetic mixture of different life forms to create a new individual being that is a clone improve version of a different state.” Azuma spoke this with a more serious manner of the issue. “As you know, each of your clones was made differently to behave, perform, and have abilities you never obtain & without such would be miserable since the Cutie Mark swipe spell was cast.” He explained the claim of what was needed to be done for the clones to perform talents of the Mane Six if they had different destinies.

The others silently nodded to that as that was true in many ways. If the Mane Six had kept the different Cutie Marks, they who had talents different before the magic swap would have a hard time performing. But the clones seem different and shown to have a more natural talent than those that had such difficulties with the exception of Twilight Sparkle, since it was the other five that had the issues.

“Then as you can understand, these clones don’t have a place to return to, they are more like a clone lookalike born to exist with different blood cells in their veins.” Azuma stated about what it all means that a simple clone by magic could return easily, but this case was far different if born to stay & continue to exist. “As such, the will look like one of similar looks, but have traces of difference from how they were made. And even now, the clones maybe more close to being real beings just as you or I.” He stated with a serious motion on his face as Azuma knows a clone that won’t vanish like a normal spell will continue to exist just like how those born naturally do things.

“Is this true?” Twilight turn to the princesses in wondering if Celestia & Luna knew of that and that’s why they were upset of what she did in making the Clone Six.

“It is, that is why I was surprised in what you managed to do, and it was more surprising that you actually managed to perform it. Had I anticipated your ability to go that far, I would have warned you, and that way, there wouldn’t be so many clones of you & your friends,” Celestia stated with a serious and sad face expression that had she not overlooked if Twilight would go into such an area, this mess could have been avoided.

“Which is why we need to find them, if the enemy know they share a connection when they are under his control, even the slightest chance of the Elements of Harmony, the clones could be experimented on & used for evil more than they were a while ago,” Luna spoke with a serious tone of her voice of the worse event to happen to the clones that share similar properties to the Mane Six who are the wielders to the Elements: Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, Loyalty & Magic.

“And as a former evil foe, I have to say in the off chance that could very well happen.” Discord stated that in knowing how villains think, that’s a likely thought.

“But what about that Mystic Shield thing; that keep them out, right,” Spike stated that any bad guys can’t get them when they have that shield thing up unless it’s taken down.

“Wrong! That shield can keep those villains like the Dark Mystics & Grimmore from attacking towns like Ponyville, but if they were outside the area, then we have a problem.” Discord stated that the enemy could still attack with different methods, the Mystic Shield is only capable of stopping powerful attacks from coming from outside sources to hit the town.

“Well that stinks, what can we do to stop them from sending in the clones?” Phobos stated that if the enemy uses the clones to attack them, what can they do?

“If it comes to the fact that there is no hope to save them, then if worse comes to the field….we may have to, cease their existence.” Azuma spoke with a grief tone of sorrow to look away; stating that the good guys have to finish the clones if they can’t be saved.

The others were shocked in hearing this; that means if the Clone Six can’t be saved, they have to be killed or risk that the enemy uses the clones for evil purposes to cause greater harm.

“No! You can’t! They are living creatures!” Nyx spoke off in protest over killing the Clone Six.

“Nyx,” Twilight spoke stunned that her daughter in wanting to speak off that the heroues shouldn’t kill those that would become tainted by evil even more.

“At times, I wondered why I was born if not being a reincarnation of Luna, if I was just a clone from her once evil side Tso Lan implanted.” Nyx spoke in having feelings of what she be, some clone born from evil that infected Luna to become Nightmare Moon. “But if I didn’t meet my mommy when I was just starting, I would have listened to those that created me and done horrible things.” She stated about how things changed for her the moment she was created to meet Twilight & learn new things to be something else then be what she was created to be.

“Yah, Nyx’s right, we should understand the situation better than any pony!” Pinkamena spoke forth in understanding where the little filly is getting act. “Even if they are more than just the average clones, they are now one-hundred percent living creatures, even if Twilight made them and it’s hard to wonder if the clones are daughters or siblings, the point is, they were not intended to be evil, and she helped Nyx see things to make a choice.” She was stating all these hard facts of evidence that said that just cause one thing was made to be evil doesn’t mean they can’t learn to be good and even those that were good can still be inside that which tries to make them evil.

“My sister is right, and after what was said to them and what they thought would happen just cause they weren’t born natural & think their existence isn’t worth much, then we be no better than our enemies to create life only to destroy it.” Golden Heart responded in hearing those words to agree to every one of them. "Well, that the second part would be the case if Tech hasn't interfered."

“Yeah, I’m in!” Rainbow Dash pumps her hooves up in wanting to agree here.

“Me too,” Applejack announce off after her pal.

“Me three,” Fluttershy shyly spoke, but with some bravery.

“I as well,” Rarity humbly spoke her words.

“And me five!” Pinkie Pie replied off to say this randomly.

Azuma absorbed all the things heard to look around at the group here. And then he soon smiles from his face to gaze at the group that is not wanting to kill clones of themselves that are innocent.

“Hmph, defending those that are clones and feel they should be treated fairly, now that’s a sight I felt hasn’t been seen much.” Azuma replied off in seeing how the situation was building, it was fine. “Nyx, I am also very proud of how you spoke in defending the Clone Six, you feel like…you understand their situation from when you were created to be born. It shows a side of caring that was never made by any side of evil and that is something truly precious to obtain.” He smiled to the black filly in seeing she understands things from her past trauma and knows that no pony should suffer from such fates, they deserve a chance, even second chances.

“Heheh,” Nyx giggle for joy in hearing this praise.

“Then if all things are settled, you will all follow me.” Azuma stated with a serious voice to those here in what to do.

“Why are we needing to follow you?” Discord questioned off in why this guy should lead.

“I told you, I can sense a clone’s magic aura that’s more different from originally average ponies, so…I’m the most likely to help find them. But we need to hurry; I fear time maybe almost up for them.” Azuma explained that he has the higher chance to find the clones and they need to be quick or else they may be late to rescue them.

“Then we’ll follow you.” Twilight responded with determination before looking to her love. “Ben, I know this is all my fault, and I should be responsible, but…” She felt Ben would still be mad at her from this mess, but…

“Twilight, I know I was mad at you for what you did, but…this is more important.” Ben spoke in wanting to say something from this situation. “Besides, I be more angry in actually losing more friends to gain new enemies, I much rather those clones be friends, they aren’t bad, and that’s why…I wanna help.” He smiled that he rather like to have more friends than more enemies, the clones aren’t bad, and he doesn’t want them to end up being turn evil, that wouldn’t be fair at all.

“Oh Ben…thank you.” Twilight sigh with relief to hear her love say he’ll help.

“Alright, enough with the love-doubt stuff, we need to get out.” Discord stated to cut this moment short, time is still ticking.

“Yes, follow me and try to keep up.” Azuma stated that they need to move now, and fast.

And soon Azuma was seen rushing out the door, with the others following behind him. The race is on, the mission to save the clones, and hopefully, they aren’t gonna be too late as the scene goes dark from the gang off on their quest.

As the gang leaves, they failed to see Flare Tiger and Comet Star watching from nearby, having overheard the whole time. The husband looks worried as he asks, “Flare Tiger? What now?”

“We called the Mystic Ponies now.” Flare Tiger said to her husband seriously. Even if the ponies don’t want to risk Tao losing his Mystic Phoenix Temper, they would need all the help that they could get!

Chapter 4: To Save Clones

At a plain grass-field, Mystic Tao breathed in and out, meditating and sitting on a rock. Dragon Kick and Jade are practicing their martial arts, by kicking their back hooves up on the air. Mighty Heart is cooking his cookies and hayburgers with proud and joy. For a moment, it looks like nothing will interrupt their peaceful time.

"Master Tao!" A voice spoke from out of nowhere, interrupting Tao's meditation.

"Huh; what the-" Tao demands; He looks and saw a familiar pony (though not too familiar to him) galloping up to him, "Chase?! What is it?"

Chase panted in concern, "Its Twilight and her friends. They left Ponyville!"

"Huh?" Tao's family asks Chase puzzled. Twilight and her friends left Ponyville? What for?

"Why? And where they're going?" Dragon Kick ask Chase puzzled. Twilight's group wouldn't leave Ponyville unless it's very important!

"They're looking for their clones!" Chase exclaims quickly to the group, much to their surprise.

"Clones," Most of Tao's family yells out in alarm. They weren't alert of this until now!

"A real life clone; Cool," Jade ask eagerly, but got a glare from Dragon Kick, making her smile sheepishly.

"When did Twilight created the clones? Why would they go after the clones? I mean they're small portion of them, right, sensei?" Mighty ask Tao in bewilderment. There must be some questions for the answers for some reason.

Tao gasped as if realizing something, "Hmm. Maybe. Or maybe, Twilight had somehow performed the impossible spell that created living and independent clones."

"Well, it isn't that bad." Jade remarked with a shrug, not finding a bad thing about this. After all, what's wrong with Twilight and her friends having clones of themselves right?

"Actually, it gets worst. The Mae Six's clones have been abducted by Tech." Chase said, much to the Mystic Ponies' notice.

"The whinny mad scientist; that is so predictable for him; I mean they can handle him well."

"Jade! Tech is a Dark Mystic Pony, meaning that Twilight and her friends may have difficult to fight with him." Dragon Kick scolds Jade sternly. Of course, he agrees with his niece, Tech is a wimp that wouldn't last a few seconds in a fight...alone at least.

"Or worst, Tech may have some allies to come and attack them," Mighty said in concern. Tech wouldn't last long unless he got allies to assist him.

Tao nodded his head but said in concern, "Yet I cannot help but wonder. Why would Dark Mystic Ponies go after Mane Six's clones?"

Chase sighed, "I hate to tell you. It might be crazy and painful, but this had to be the way."

Chase explained to Tao. The Mystic Pony frowns as the so called-retired hero explains how Twilight did this to prove a theory. But when Chase added how she got Spike to remove shards of the Elements from the Tree of Harmony to help with the progress...well...

"Whhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttt," Tao yells out in shock and anger. The rest of his family gulps in worry. They've seen this best and it isn't pretty!

Jade gulped, "Oh no!" The filly goes behind a rock to hide. Tao is about to blow and that means one thing: his Mystic Phoenix Temper is about to blow!

"Sensei, please," Mighty said in worry, trying to calm Tao down but it's too late for that now!

"Aiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeyyyyyyaaaaaaaahhhhhhh," Tao exclaims with a scream. Most of the others but Chase quickly go into hiding.

Tao's body glowed in yellowish as he jumped up high. The Mystic Pony screamed in anger, his body unleashed big and powerful flames in a shape of a phoenix. Tao screamed in anger, as he opened his mouth, firing his powerful fiery blasts onto the ground. The fire emerged from the ground, burning them. Tao flew down and firing his attacks on trees and grasses.

Dragon Kick, Jade and Mighty Heart screamed in fear. Dragon Kick exclaims in fright, "Uncle! Calm down! Uncle! Please!"

"WHEN I GET TWILIGHT SPARKLE, I'M GONNA LECTURED HER UNTIL SHE IS VERY SORRY FOR NOT INFORMING ME ABOUT THE MESS SHE HAD MADE WHEN IT INVOLVED THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY!" Tao screams out in a loud booming voice that could put the Royal Canterlot Voice to shame.

Tao's Mystic Phoenix Temper continued blazing and fiery. He continued firing his flames out from his mouth at the grassland, spreading and firing his wing's fireballs out. Dragon Kick, Jade and Mighty Heart screamed in fear while running and avoiding the attacks. For a moment later, thee fire on Tao's body slowly dispersed out, returning it to his normal state. Tao's body had burned mark before he landed down.

Tao breathed in and out. Dragon Kick pauses a bit then asks, "Feeling better?"

"Yes." Tao said with a sigh, calming down a bit. Good thing no Equestrian Ponies were around to see that. That would've kill them.

All but Chase chuckled as he had thoughts. 'He'd never change.'

Tao was about to head out when Flare Tiger and Comet Star found Tao. The former explained everything to him especially as to why Twilight and her friends didn't inform the Mystic Ponies about the clones sooner. Tao listen and is about to lose his temper again.

Tao shouted, "What!?! Are you're serious!?! Those are no-"

Flare Tiger snapped, "Saved it! Ya can used it if ya want to lose it but used it on me!"

Comet Star worried exclaims, "Flare Tiger!"

Tao angrily demands, "Why should I!?!"

Flare Tiger growled, "Because Ah will protect them, if it's hurt me, Ah can hold it!"

Tao calm down, asking in surprise, "Why; I don't understand..."

Flare Tiger answers, "Because they have the right to fear your wrath of the Mystic Phoenix Temper. Mah family knew mah problem when come to mah temper, they know to trust me if Ah'm calm and talked to see what's going on, which is ya' another story, and how not to los and to keep your anger. Is that's what ya want them to do; to fear ya?"

Tao realized it, she was right, the reasons why the ponies has fear of his Mystic Phoenix Temper was due to his time, he has to calm down before his world exploded.

Tao sighed, "Maybe, you're right, I've might gotten too far, let's go to help them. When we're finished fighting, I will talked to them, I promise you, I must calm down before storming in."

The group nodded as they trotted toward to scene as Comet Star laugh while Flare Tiger noticing this.

Flare Tiger asked, "What's that so funny about?"

Comet Star chuckled, "I guess your Granny's lessons pay off."

Flare Tiger smiled while saying, "Eeyup! Ah glad mah granny rubs me off with this important lesson."

"Let me come with you. Besides, fighting with the Dark Mystic Ponies won't be easy and I made a vow to help Ben." Chase insists to Tao with a nod.

Tao thought for the moment, sighing, "Very well. But we need reinforcements. And of course, knowing our enemies, I need to create the Reverse Spell to help out."

Indeed, if what Tao suspect is right, his friends are in big trouble.

The scene opens to where a strange abandon facility building is seen near between some mountains and near a railroad that from its route, travels from the inside mountain to Ponyville and splits into two directions cutting White Tail Woods to reach Las Pegasus & travels upwards near Smokey Mountain. And at this moment, we soon see Azuma standing outside the mountain tunnel from exiting where a train would come from, followed by the Mane Six, Ben, Spike, Phobos, Nyx, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, even Princess Celestia & Luna, along with Discord. They walk just a few feet to look at where there was the old facility that was just there, but seem almost too ruin down and that no one’s been using it for years.

“So, where to now,” Golden Heart asked in wondering if they go forward or not.

“Is it that spooky building over there?” Pinkamena pointed to the facility that looks like the ideal place for hiding.

“No questions about it, the clones' magic aura is inside that facility.” Azuma spoke with a serious face in seeing that the area in question; the clones seem to be inside without a doubt.

“But this facility place was supposed to have been condemned from going out of business when the railroad was finished.” Celestia spoke puzzled in what she & the others are seeing here.

“It would seem, some unforeseen interference had alludes that from our eyes and seemingly made a spell where from above, it was unseen.” Luna stated with a cautious look on her face that someone used a spell to keep fliers from noticing this place was not torn down.

“Ohohohohoh….for some reason, I’m sensing some familiar dark auras in there and they give me the shivers.” Discord shivers a bit from looking at the building, and somehow senses a spooky feeling, like something was inside that…scared him; something he has full memory about, but what?

“Great, if we didn’t know what we be facing, learning you’re scared of it fills us with confidence.” Phobos rolled his eyes in seeing if Discord’s got goosebumps, then whatever is inside must be bad.

“I HEARD THAT!” Discord snapped at Phobos for making fun of him.

“But who’s behind all of this?” Spike questioned in thinking that whoever was behind taking the Clone Mane Six group even want with them even though they saw Tech taking the clones.

“That’s what we aim to find out.” Ben stated from being serious that the first step in knowing what enemy that the group got to deal with. “We better get ourselves suited up in case the enemy isn’t an easy one.” As he stated this, Ben magically summoned his Master Sword & Hylian Shield, he wore his special Kokiri Boots & Golden Gauntlets to give him any strength & speed advantage in what comes next.

“Waaaay ahead of you Ben,” Rainbow Dash replied off from putting on her Dash Scooter shades to wielding her Magical Nun-Chuck Guns to twirl them around cooly.

“Ah’m rearing it ye are.” Applejack stated from having her Diamond Lasso brought out, ready to tie up some loose ends.

“I am most definitely prepared.” Rarity stated from magically bringing forth her Eternal Gemstones to be magically cast for use of magic and forging needs.

“Everybody feel they’re ready for this? It could be very dangerous.” Twilight spoke out with concern; she has her skills of magic and ‘possible’ weapon of forming the StarBlade with some more control.

“Oh, I’ll do my best…for my clone friends.” Fluttershy shyly responded to nod while she had on her crystal petals and had to be ready to use any animal skills that can help her.

“Time we get this party started!” Pinkie Pie proudly spoke to have her Party Cannon out and a few of her Disco Balls to really bring out the fun even in danger.

“Grandma, will you and Luna be alright?” Nyx asked from magically transforming into her Battle Form Mode as the adult mare looked to the Royal Sisters with concern.

“Fear not Nyx, we are both very much capable of fighting. We are just as skilled as any of you here.” Luna issued off in letting those here know that the Royal Sisters are comfortable in being ready to fight if need be.

“Luna is right, we left matters with full belief that you all could do it, but this matter requires much attention and it will take much of us to succeed.” Celestia nods in agreement, but became serious that this issue is a big deal, the ponies and Dragons all need to rescue the Clone Mane Six before what they fear comes to fruition.

“Well I’m ready to go.” Golden Heart stated from wielding his sword to be ready, just in case of anything.

“Me too, and don’t threat, I won’t let no clone-snatching meanies turn my new pals into evil tools!” Pinkamena nodded to bring froth her Sword of Pinkie Pie, ready to fight at last.

“Then this is where we must go in separate directions.” Azuma issued out a plan of attack if the gang wishes to succeed here. “I shall enter the back way while the rest of you go for the front. They will be on lookout for a large rescue, but have little defense in the back.”

“Oh sure, let US be the center of attention!” Phobos rolled his eyes in seeing how this was gonna go before he was hushed by the others.

“You sure, what if they have a large number of guards,” Spike spoke in concern if whoever the gang are dealing with is expecting that sorta plan.

“Do not fear, I have had much experience in such fields, and if I run into trouble, I shall overcome it.” Azuma spoke with a calm expression that he shall be fine as the group here has nothing to worry about of his safety of being alone in unfamiliar territory. “Until then, try to hold out until I arrive to aid your mission.” He requested this act from the others to hold out until he can come to help them.

Everyone silently nods in hearing this as they all slowly approach the old ruin facility while Azuma went away to sneak in through the backdoor. This mission is crucial to rescuing the Clone Six and hopefully the gang can do this…even if their foes are a bit…mystical, in the dark arts.

The scene focuses over to the back where Azuma was opening the back door of the old abandon facility. He notices that there is little light in the back area, but Azuma moves inside. Then suddenly as he was inside, the door from behind him shut by magic that made a loud sound that alerted him. Then some hidden snickering sounds are heard as Azuma suddenly notices that he was not alone, there were a couple of dark stallion figures that rolled up to about 15 as they each wore uniforms symbolizing that they belong to a group and each of them admitted a dark aura no matter if they were Earth, Unicorn or Pegasus.

“Well, well, a lonely Equestrian has suddenly decided to drop in unannounced.” One Dark Mystic minion states in seeing the lone pony with a tease remark.

“How sad, you should have told us that you were coming.” Another Dark Mystic minion issued how they themselves wish that they knew of Azuma’s coming.

“Oh wait, we already knew you would.” A third minion of the Dark Mystic fighters exclaimed this off as sarcasm.

The group of enemies was making more cackle laughter at having the overwhelming advantage here. Azuma seem to not be worry, on the contrary, he seem to be studying the numbers & sense of magic levels that these lackeys are submitting. They aren’t the scary notable warriors of the Dark Mystic group or their strongest warriors, just minions to serve, but even still…they are still tough.

“Hmmm, judging by your appearance and unnatural auras, there is only one clear case….you are Dark Mystics.” Azuma spoke from estimating who he now sees are the enemies that are responsible for things here.

“Bingo. And tell him what he wins.” One Dark Mystic minion exclaimed to sound like the stallion guesses right & win a prize.

“A first trip to the afterlife, followed by those other meddling ponies & princesses,” Another Dark Mystic minion exclaimed that this guy along with those that came with himwould be killed here.

“But don’t threat, we’ll keep ’some’ of them alive.” A third Dark Mystic minion stated off that they aren’t gonna kill the entire lot; since they need Ben Mare alive to convert him to evil for his Triforce Element and maybe spare Twilight Sparkle, but who knows?

“So, it would seem the situation is at a disadvantage…” Azuma closed his eyes in understanding how things are looking, however… “That is to say, for you.” He issued off to look at the foes that outnumber him with this clarification of this event.

“Whaaaat,” One Dark Mystic shouted in shock & annoyed surprise while the other minions seem to glare at the stallion; was he saying that their numbers weren’t terrifying?

“You should have brought in more guards here.” Azuma issued with a dry and clam remorse claim of seeing the enemy needed more guards here than just a mere 15. “Well, I can guess you must have a few rankers awaiting my allies to rescue what you took from us.” He can pretty much tell that he’s stuck with the low branch of Dark Mystic Warriors while a few more talent ones are gonna face the rest of the gang.

“You got some nerve looking down on us Dark Mystics, the very things that can fight Mystic Ponies while you Equestrians are less impressive!” One Dark Mystic minion snapped to clutch his hoof up in feeling like this guy was looking down on them, they are scary foes.

“15 of us will make you enter a slow death buster, prepare yourself.” A second Dark Mystic minion stated in what the bad guys do when they beat this guy, make him go through a slow death process.

“It seems that you misunderstand again.” Azuma spoke off with the ever still calm face while looking somewhat annoyed that these lackeys of the Dark Mystics aren’t getting a clue. “The reason I said that you needed more guards is because even against Mystic & Dark Mystic Warriors…To bring down high threats with more numbers & teamwork is the best solution. Divide & Conquer.” As he spoke this, his eyes seem very focus in knowing that more numbers can help divide & conquer other foes even as great as those with Mystic in their name. “Let me show you, why I am know as Azuma, the Clone Army Creator. It may very well be your last.” As he spoke this, Azuma began to admit an even stronger aura while keeping it firm, like he was still holding back from wanting to go all out against some mere lackeys.

The Dark Mystic fighters hissed in feeling that this Equestrian was really looking down on them. Well they’ll have to change this pony’s mind the old fashion way of debating over things; with brute force.

“Kill him!” The lead squad leader snapped off to his group as they were suddenly dashing from all sides to attack this cocky stallion who thinks he can take them.

“Hmph, this level of fighting, it isn’t even worth much to get me going, oh well. The mission comes first.” Azuma slowly spoke in looking almost bored about doing this that wouldn’t earn much praise to bring out his best as he sighed to shrug off that thought to begin focusing on the task at hand.

Soon the entire scene goes into a freeze frame state of where it’s Azuma VS 15 Dark Mystic Fighters. What is going to happen during the moment; Does Azuma have what it takes to takeout 15 Dark Mystic Warrior minions, well gee, sounds like he’s pretty sure. But that’s a case that will be left in the dark, as the scene goes black before changing location….

Soon we see where the Mane Six’s group with Ben, Adult Nyx, Celestia, Luna, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Spike & Phobos open a double door entry to reveal some open outside light in the dark room while a few dusty windows around only gave a few bits of actual lighting. But still, this place felt like an evil lair hideaway if any of the heroes know how a villain’s mind works in strange & evil mysterious ways.

“Well, we’re here. Any sign of them clones?” Phobos spoke off in looking around, so far, the heroes ain’t seeing anything in this dark empty place.

“None that I can see, this place doesn’t have enough light,” Spike stated from having a hard time seeing with so little light inside.

“Maybe we should turn on the lights.” Rarity suggested what the gang should do to make things easier for them.

“Yeah, and maybe whoever is behind this is throwing a surprise party and we’re the guest of honor.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in thinking that such an idea was just gonna lead to whoever is running things to know that they are here and come to approach them in such a surprise manner.

“Oh, really,” Pinkie Pie asked for a second of joy until…

“No, I was being sarcastic.” Rainbow Dash dryly pointed out that she was only kidding about the matter as a rhetorical issue.

“Oh darn.” Pinkie Pie pouted in hearing this truth now.

“Stay serious girls, ‘dis place maybe giving us them goosebumps.” Applejack stated with a serious look that something ain’t right about this facility, like it ain't as abandoned as they think.

“It seems that poor Discord looks more worse for wear. Everything okay,” Fluttershy spoke in seeing Discord was shivering, almost like how Tao of the Mystic Ponies said he gets the ‘Willies’ from sensing something bad.

“I’m not sure, but I swear I felt almost 15 dark magic auras going after a single entity just a moment ago. It might have been Azuma facing the enemy before we did.” Discord stated with himself trying to remain calm, but it felt like those dark presences just were up and made a move and against an ally of theirs to.

“Then we need to hurry and find the clones & go find him.” Twilight stated that they need to hurry with their mission, who knows if Azuma needs help, especially against 15 opponents of unknown abilities they have no idea of what enemy they are dealing with.

At the sudden moment, there was a strange tech-know music mix of heavy machinery, like someone working in an autoshop or something.

“Hey, is it just me, or is there a low-tech music in the background?” Phobos asked off oddly in confusion of what they are hearing.

“I hear it too. But where’s it coming from?” Spike responded off from noticing the sound getting louder, like it’s getting closer to the gang; but where is it coming from?

“Tremble in fear ponies in Equestria! For you are in the mere presence, of us…the Dark Mystics!” A voice echo in the room that sounded egotistical while a slight cracking noise was heard above the heroes that sounded…like a propeller.

“Eeeek…..ah-ah Dark Mystic Pony,” Fluttershy yelped in terror, they heard much scary stuff about the Dark Mystic Ponies from Tao and the other Mystics, but never came across one in person. Well, except for Tech but he obviously doesn't count.

“Goodness! We never met with one of those before!” Rarity gasped in surprise, they’ve fought against other troubles and problems, but to now face the ‘third’ evil force in Equestria, and so soon too. "Well, except for that annoying Tech pony."

“Haaayyyhhh,” Suddenly above the group, a strange familiar unicorn stallion in a young age was descending slowly by a helipack copper from his back. “You once again are in the presence of the tech expert, the Prince Of Darkness, The Emperor Of Evil, the Evil Colt Genius; Tech!” This new enemy announced himself off with a crack smile on his face. "And don't call me annoying!"

“Holly-cupcakes! That’s a lot of names to be address as some pony to be feared! And with theme music for entry,” Pinkie Pie yelps in what the gang heard, this guy must be bad news to have so many known names, that, and the evil entrance of theme music is another giveaway.

“Hehehehn, gotta love the theme music, it puts in a little ‘piazzas’ on evil entrances.” Tech chuckled evilly to himself on his latest work as he stared at his targets.

“So this guy’s really a Dark Mystic?” Twilight asked off in finally seeing what a Dark Mystic looks like, not much a difference from some of the Mystic Ponies though.

“Again, I was expecting….something more, to be honest.” Ben stated in thinking there was gonna be a threat, but this…Tech guy, as usual, doesn’t look much.

“In truth, something about him doesn’t feel so…threatening. As always,” Applejack spoke in seeing that the enemy that they almost had worries for was starting to drop now.

“Wait….Tech? Tech of the Dark Mystics,” Discord responded off to suddenly look closer in almost…recognizing the new face.

“You know him?” Twilight raised an eyebrow if Discord knows this Tech person....even though the Mane Six did told him and the princesses about him earlier.

“Know him, why for once, I know why I felt familiar of the dark auras, they were Dark Mystic Auras, but seeing that it’s just Tech, we have nothing to fear.” Discord stated off firstly in seeing that the gang are clearly having a Dark Mystic involve with the kidnap clones, but seeing it’s only Tech, there isn’t much to fear now.

“Well-well, Discord, former evil service of Smaug, how are you doing these days? I heard you went from top evil to a low trickster for the Equestrians.” Tech remarked off with a sly smile in recognizing the former evil Lord of Chaos and where he stands with the ponies.

“Better then where you stand, you’re the LEAST fearful Dark Mystic I know!” Discord dryly issued that from where he stands is better then what position Tech stands even among Dark Mystics.

“HEY! I CAN BE JUST AS FEARFUL!” Tech snapped off at being called a least ‘fearful’ foe to be recognized, it’s rather insulting.

“Right, you maybe the son of Crimson Skull, the tactical unicorn general of Dark Curse, to gain inventive, intelligent, cunning, persuasive & manipulative acts from your father. But you are not as fierce & strong as him from being a coward that runs away from a fight, Mama’s Colt?” Discord rolled his eyes to make a sly comeback with a sly smile in pointing off this Dark Mystic is nothing compared to his father.

“Hey! Don’t call me that, traitor!” Tech snapped off in feeling like this guy was getting on his nerves.

“Hay, at least I’m not whiny about where I stand, unlike you…Mama’s Colt.” Discord smirked off to say that he’s not whining about betraying his evil ways, unlike Tech who can be more of a whiner.

“I’M NOT WHINY!” Tech shouted out to the heavens in hating being called a whiner, he hates those who call him that.

“Enough of your tom-foolery; where are the clones!” Luna sternly spoke to cut the witty-banter between these two to get back on track.

“Oh, you wanna know, hugh? Well…take a look!” Tech spoke with some amusement as he pointed down to the far side of the room.

Soon some lights flash on as something was seen that was standing their emotionless. It was the Clone Six, Cuddly Tulip, Amethyst Lee, Aridity, Apple Sweet, Party Thrill & Solar Moonlight, but something seems strange. First off, they had their eyes shut while still standing, secondly, they seem to have on some dark ring collar around their necks. The gang was relieved to find the clones, but something didn’t seem right here.

“Look, there they are!” Adult Nyx stated in seeing that they found the Clone Six, but they seem a bit off than usual. Usual from when they went crazy earlier.

"What's with the collars?" Ben asks Tech puzzled. "I thought you put something in them earlier, I bet."

"Well my beetle things wouldn't last long as I made something that could last longer." Tech explains evilly to Ben. "Allows me to keep control."

“Young colt, you shall release them at once by order of us princess of Equestria.” Celestia sternly spoke in addressing that Tech listens and lets the clones go by royal degree.

Tech soon landed on a tall mechanical lift that was high above the ponies while he was told of what to do by royalty. “Hmmm….what would a respectful villain say at this time?” He ponders the thought in how to respond when being told by the Royal Sisters that rule Equestria.

“Um, that you’re sorry & you’ll let our clone friends go?” Fluttershy shyly spoke with a hopeful thought that Tech listens & lets their clone friends go.

“Nooooooo,” Tech snapped off that made Fluttershy yelp from the loud tone before the Dark Mystic made a little smile off from what the Pegasus tried to do that was clever, sorta. “But good try though, I respect that a little. But he says this….Dark Mystic Warrior Trio! Assemble!” He issued off this statement while announcing for those to appear.

And from those very words, something else came from out of the shadows, more ponies that are Dark Mystics; a Pegasus, Unicorn & Earth Pony types that look like the type of enforcer goons.

“More Dark Mystics,” Golden Heart exclaimed from seeing that now they have Four Dark Mystic Ponies in the room.

“Yo, so now we get to meeting with royalty here? Name’s DJ Red, do you dig it.” DJ Red self-introduced himself by a real funky kinda personality in making his presentation like a guy that’s living a style of the 70s.

“Names Shades, how yah doing there,” Shades pushed up his shades on his face to give his own greeting in a sly way of speaking.

“Um hiya, Clumsy Rat, nice to meet you,” Clumsy Rat responded a bit dumbfoundly in not being the bright guy.

“So you’re attacking us with your squad of buddies, Tech?” Ben asked off if Tech was calling in reinforcements to do the dirty work.

“Whoa-whoa, we just been assigned to keep track of Tech’s job.” DJ Red held up his hooves to issue that the trio are watchers, not underlings for Tech.

“Yeah, it was under Dark Curse's order.” Shades stated off in exclaiming the manner itself.

“Right, like we work under some pony less terrifying as Tech.” Clumsy Rat pointed out that while they might be dumb, the trio ain’t stupid.

“Ugh, hello, I’m right here!” Tech protests to those that were badmouthing him at this moment. “But while we’re at it, where's the other guy,” Tech asked off in noticing they were still missing someone else here.

“Huuuaaaghhh; Saber Bites Fangs onto Mammoth Neck,” A sudden voice was heard while a charging Pegasus fly down to deliver an attack…to Ben.

“Whooahhh,” Ben yelped in seeing someone was coming at him, as he got on the defensive. “Claasshhvmmm…” Suddenly, some new figure bashed his two hooves together against Ben’s shield, and with the use of his Iron Boots, managed to repel the attacker away.

“Who are you to attack my son,” Celestia snaps off to the foe that wanted to attack her family like that.

“Identity yourself this instant,” Luna sternly demanded what this enemy was up to at this very moment.

Soon the new figure landed next to the Dark Warrior Trio as he stood up with a ferocious appearance of a warrior. “I am Black Tiger, a ruthless, cruel and tenacious warrior who is very loyal & obedient to my leaders & masters.” The reveal Black Tiger revealed himself of who he is to those seeing him.

“I remember you, you were that power hungry Dark Mystic Warrior that was apart of attacking Equestria those 5 centuries ago!” Golden Heart snapped forth in recalling this Dark Mystic long ago, during the times when Shadow Dragon invaded his kingdom.

“And now I see few old enemies with new ones, but matters not, we shall obtain the wielder of the Triforce to help us conquer your world.” Black Tiger boldly announced forth their plans of acquiring Ben’s power to use for their own without care.

“Not a chance you’re doing that to my father!” Adult Nyx protests in wanting to keep her father from being taken.

“Get in my way and only Death will be the Payment! Just as what nearly became of Golden Heart’s hideous sister when Shadow Dragon almost killed the foolish gold stallion.” Black Tiger announced forth while stating some old facts of long ago.

“WHAAAAAT,” Pinkamena shouted off in looking really mad and we mean scary mad.

“Ooooohhh; shouldn’t have said that.” Golden Heart spoke in seeing that now the enemy has gone & made his sister get mad here.

“Oh, now I’m going to enjoy introducing you a new me different from the past and give you all new meanings….of pain!” Pinkamena issued forth from magically summoning her Horsefeather armor and wield her Sword of Pinkie Pie tightly in about to deliver a world of hurt here.

“As much as this is entertaining, we really need to speed along, so could you guys deal with them?” Tech spoke bored that he wants the ones on the ground to take care of the heroes since they have work to finish.

“Very well, but we are not doing this because YOU order us to!” Black Tiger nods with a humbly tone, but snapped to remind Tech they aren’t following the whimsy colt’s orders. “This experimentation must be done, just as Master Dark Curse wanted.” He pointed out that they must complete the matter for their master, nothing else even if he & the Dark Warrior Trio are aiding Tech.

“Yeah-yeah, I hear yah.” Tech waved off in not caring, so long as the problem is being taken care of.

“Everypony listen up, we need to get by them. Are you ready?” Twilight address this off to her group that they need to be ready, this will be their first official fight against Mystics of the Dark Side; the Dark Mystic Ponies, and they can’t lose to them either. The fight against Tech doesn't really count.

“Yeah,” The other Mane Six members along with Spike, Phobos, Adult Nyx & Ben responded in agreement.

“Then lets….ATTACK,” Golden Heart announced forth with Celestia & Luna stomping their hooves to prepare for battle here.

And soon the heroes charged in to fight against the four Dark Mystics that stand between them and their objective. They’ll have to act fast, or any chance of saving the Clone Six from whatever ‘experimentation’ is being performed that makes them tools of evil.

Soon the gang of heroes had to split off to fight against these four Dark Mystic Warriors. Black Tiger went off to attack Ben once again by spinning himself in mid-air in announcing it as ‘Flying Dragon Corkscrew!’ but Ben used his shield to withstand that attack. But then Black Tiger delivered a ‘Horsetail Swatting Fly’ move that knocked Ben back a bit before the foe did a low hoof kick which he called ’Snake Cuts Grass’, the villain has a lot of battle cry moves to announce. Celestia & Luna issued for Adult Nyx, Golden Heart & Pinkamena to aid Ben while another tries to go after Tech. And the Royal Sisters, the Mane Six along with Spike & Phobos were coming up against the Dark Warrior Trio.

“Now surely you gentlemen wouldn’t harm a lady, would you?” Rarity spoke off in saying these boys wouldn’t hit a girl, now would they?

“Um, would we?” Clumsy Rat pondered that statement in thought for a second, but….

“Dude, we outlive that rule years ago when it comes to enemies.” DJ Red issued that the villains don’t follow that rule when they fight foes.

“Right, let’s get them…” As Shades spoke this out, the Dark Warrior Trio pulled out some advance tech-blades that were coursing with energy, almost like a Beam Sword.

“And…..duck low girls!” Twilight signal her friends in seeing the enemies charging at the Mane Six, they need to put this move into action.

Soon the Mane Six did something surprising by hitting the floor while their enemies were coming.

“Hugh?” DJ Red, Shades & Clumsy Rat responded puzzled to this while they stare in confusion in seeing the baby Dragons leap forth above the mares.

“Dragon Breath!/Moon Breath!” Both Spike & Phobos were preparing their attacks from taking deep breaths. “Prrosfruvhmm….” And then they unleashed their combined fireball attacks that merge into a powerful combo move heading for the blind confused foes.

“Guuaaaughh…Gaaaugh!” The Dark warrior Trio just got sent back from an impact against a double fireball attack and by two baby Dragons to boot.

“Oh yeah, who’s smoking,” Spike cheered in seeing that they just smoke the bad guys.

“We be smoking you!” Phobos bragged out in seeing the Dark Trio just got smoked, that’ll really burn them now.

The Dark Warrior Trio were getting up after that stunt, seemingly alright, they are able to handle that much of an attack degree.

“Lunar Wave,” Luna shouted from focusing her horn’s magic to fire off a powerful Luna beam wave of a large size towards the targets.

“Gaia’s Sun!” Celestia fully charged a large flaming sphere to look like the sun before hurling it off at the targets.

“Woooahhh,” The Dark Warrior Trio yelps in seeing those attacks coming at them and they quickly dodge out of the line of fire. “Booomfruvhmmm….” Both the Royal Princess attacks may have missed but the damage they made created a giant size crater in the ground; and this left everyone pretty much spell shock that the princess that hardly fight for the other heroes are this strong.

“Dudes, we forgot that those princesses were here!” DJ Red responded to his buds in forgetting that they have old opponents here from the past and one hasn’t been in action for over a thousand years.

“Yeah, and it looks like they’re as tough, even a thousand years ago!” Shades stated that these sisters are tough stuff, they may have not done much fighting since it was times of peace, but that seem to change them from the new current acts happening.

“Um, maybe they’ve been training hard since then.” Clumsy Rat pointed of with a confused idea that these Royal Sisters might have gotten in shape since the stronger enemies are returning slowly.

At this time, Black Tiger was fighting against his own targets while making fierce attack calls. Ben & Goldie were pushed back and now Pinkamena was now facing up against this warrior.

“Spring Rabbit Kick Jumper,” Black Tiger leaps up to deliver some fast kicks from his back legs against Pinkamena’s armor that was defending her, “Vulture Corners Prey!” As he spoke this, he was cornering the pink pony lookalike with no opening to escape his clutches, or so it seem.

“How’s about; Cupcakes in Your Eye,” Pinkamena issued forth in holding out two cupcakes from out of nowhere, “Spalshvmmm….” And then she threw those cupcakes that went in the bad guy’s eyes.

“Guuuaaaghhh,” Black Tiger cringed out in being blind while that let Pinkamena slip by before the foe got his vision again to go on the hunt.

As Pinkamena was keeping Black Tiger busy, Ben & Goldie were having some discussion matter over what they are trying to handle here.

“Golden Heart, you fought this guy, anything you know that can help?” Ben spoke to his ferried as they fight Black Tiger, but they need to know of the opponent’s weakness.

“He always announces his attacks before they hit, he likes to be dramatic in his work.” Golden Heart exclaimed on the only thing to know about this Dark Mystic, is he likes to shout before he lands a hit.

“Hugh, maybe…that could be used to our advantage; follow my lead. And do exactly this.” Ben silently spoke in thinking about that statement before saying he has a plan to help them beat their tough foe.

When Goldie heard the plan, he went into action to fight Black Tiger while Pinkamena duck out of the way.

“Mad Monkey Kung Fu,” Black Tiger shouted off to leap over Golden Heart’s back side as the guy tried to turn around, but… “Octopus Fist of Fury,” Then during another event, the Dark Mystic Warrior was delivering a couple quick fast hoof fist strikes, “Shredding Bear Claws!” He held up his front hooves to prepare to land a blow on Goldie that was daze, “Mino Wallops Whale!” He gets into a battle stance position like he’s about to fly when…

“I’m sorry, this is embarking, but…what was that last one?” Ben spoke to apologize from snapping out of his daze while requesting what that last thing this guy said was about.

Black Tiger looked annoyed, how can he inflict the brutal attack for the enemy to remember if they didn’t hear him, he hates to repeat himself. “I said…Mino….” As Black Tiger was in the middle of speaking, something happened that he forgot to watch out for, “Powwwfruvhmmm…/Guaaaughh!” Suddenly, Ben summoned his Megaton Hammer that smacked against Black Tiger across the room. “Gwuuaaahhuaaahhh….” He landed across the ground on his back; he was down from getting hit by an unexpected attack. “What was that ‘last’ part?” He lifts his head to let off a groan & moan of irritation that the opponents tricked him by such sneaky exploits of his usual fighting style.

“Hehehehe, good one you guys!” Pinkamena giggled out in seeing her friends really stuck it to the big meany.

“Grrr….don’t flatter yourselves too much.” Black Tiger snarl off to say while getting himself back on his feet. “I will admit; the new wielder of the Triforce’s strength & skills seem impressive from what he has learn.” They have been keeping tabs on Ben’s progress and it seems his skills in using his powers & the weapons of the Hero of Time are incredible feats. “But that attack will not put me down, for I once withstood a knockout to crash against mountains by the Dark Elf Demon God himself!” He issued to claim that he’s managed to survive even an attack by the most powerful foe that Equestria has ever known in its history.

“What? Grimmore,” Ben yelped surprised when the gang all heard this piece of news.

“Impossible, he’s still imprisoned, so how could his actual body leave?” Golden Heart shook his head in disbelief, the Overlord King of Tartarus is supposed to be sealed until that seal is broken, and there hasn’t been any word of it.

“Well funny story, he actually ‘did’ that stuff in a living suit of armor.” Shades spoke off to answer that question that he and the others overheard.

“And that Dark Elf dude must’ve been on half strength or half strength of his half-strength in that armor he wore.” DJ Red spoke off in thinking with a puzzled thought, that Grimmore might not have been serious, cause they saw the Armor of Grimmore completely eradicated a mountain and one swing of his sword slice the ground, the sea & the skies above with deep marks, that was scary stuff to witness that none of the Dark Mystics have that kinda power.

“Yeah, he sent Black Tiger flying out with a flick of his finger. Like he was but a mere insect,” Clumsy Rat pointed out another fact that their pal forgot to mention which was rather….been better left unspoken.

“Grr…” Black Tiger growls at the Dark Warrior Trio for making it sound like he was humiliated as the three kept quiet to not aggravate the ruthless warrior anymore.

“Wow, all that effort & under such low power,” Pinkamena gasped out in shock, sounds like their toughest challenge for the future has quite the feat record.

“Sounds like he’s more scary than you boys are, well, some of you since the other is a wimpy pony.” Adult Nyx pointed out how Grimmore sounds like the most scary being while these guys are not so scary, heck, even Tech appears less scary from the bunch.

“HEY! I’m still here you know!” Tech shouted off in protest in being insulted at the moment.

And soon Black Tiger continued to attack his foes, but this time, Adult Nyx, Pinkamena, Golden Heart & Ben Mare are proving that they can be just as tough as this Dark Mystic Warrior.

Now we focus on the Dark Mystic Warrior Trio facing their own foes.

“Yruuaarrughhh,” Clumsy Rat was seen charging to attack one of the Mane Six; Rarity & Applejack.

Soon Applejack used her Strength Ribbons to match the big lug’s blows with her own to stop them, and she was lucky to stop even a Dark Mystic Warrior’s strong blows. Course, then afterwards, they were shaking their front hooves from the pain that they felt afterwards.

“Darn it; them hooves are tough 'ta crack.” Applejack issued in how hard this enemy’s blows seem to be.

“I’ll hold him now AJ!” Rarity spoke with a serious face in wanting to aid her friend.

“Okay princess, you ready to get your hooves messy?” Clumsy Rat crunched his front hooves in preparing to crack some bones here.

“Well I hope not, I just had my nails polished.” Rarity kindly pointed out a fact that she just did her nails & wouldn’t wanna ruin a manicure.

“Hugh?” Clumsy Rat was puzzled for a second before he realizes something. “Hay wait, ponies don’t have fingers, only humans do!” He pointed out that the mare was off about the fingers thing, but….

“DONG,” Too bad the Dark Mystic missed Rarity pulling a fast one in using her Diamond Fist that sent the big goon packing across the ground.

“Good, you did learn something of pony 101.” Rarity smiled to seeing that even that dumb oaf seem to know his species.

“Nice work Rarity.” AJ smiled to her pal there.

“Wuaarrrughhh,” Shades was seen trying to attack one of the Mane Six too; Rainbow Dash & Fluttershy.

“Eeek,” Fluttershy yelped to curl in a ball, but at the same moment the enemy landed a blow… “Diiinnngh,” He felt something sharp from the mare’s mane that acted like needles.

“Oooouch; what’s that mane made of, porcupine needles?” Shades yelped to complain from what he felt actually was not normal.

“Oh, sorry.” Fluttershy looked up to apologize for that action.

“She is, but not m.?” Rainbow Dash was behind Shades And brought her Unicorn Cannon out to have a perfect shot. “PovFrsuvhmmm…Bamgrvuhmmm…” And by perfect shot, we meant it as in right close range when the bad guy wasn’t looking.

“Gaaaaughhh,” Shades screamed out from being sent flying.

“Oh yeah; Pointblank hit; Awesome!” Rainbow Dash cheered in seeing she totally owned that creep.

“Huuagh-Haaah-Hooough,” DJ Red was seen trying to attack one of the Mane Six lastly; Pinkie Pie & Twilight.

“Disco Balls away!” Pinkie Pie threw her disco balls that hovered and made disco music and lights appear which then…made the enemy dance.

“Oh-ah-oh-oh; Oh yeah, get funky with it!” DJ Red was boogying to the music like a disco fool. “Hey you know, I can get use to this! What’s the point of this again?” He was loving this, he enjoy disco, but what was this attack for again?

“How about a distraction,” Twilight spoke off from behind the Dark Mystic that yelps in realizing his mistake too late. “Prsuvhmmm…Bamgruvhmmm….” She fired her attack that imploded directly against the enemy’s backside.

“Gaaughh,” DJ Red was knocked out to join his beaten pals across the floor.

“Heheehhe, at least he wasn’t a bad dancer.” Pinkie Pie giggled from seeing how DJ Red was still a good dancer to disco.

“Huuuagh,” Twilight rolled her eyes in hearing that claim, it figures that her pink friend say that.

Tech was preparing things, but was seeing that his colleagues were having problems with the heroes.

“Seriously, you guys are having this much trouble.” Tech complained in seeing what those so-called powerful warriors can do, and this was apparently pathetic. “Okay, time to cheat! Time for my boys to handle this,” He activated his advance watch device to press the buttons to call in his own reinforcements, “Techbots! Annihilatafy,” He shouted off in wanting his own boys to handle the heroes.

Suddenly, the facility was soon filled up with much of Tech’s Techbots: the usual, then the Strike Techbots, & Guardbots appeared. And soon they reveal their blasters to begin firing at a rapid succession that was causing everyone to duck out of the way.

“Yikes! Not these things!” Phobos cringed to duck from almost being blasted by the bots here.

“We barely had much effort against them!” Spike yelped from almost being hit, they barely survived fighting these Techbot things in Ponyville.

“You’re cheating here!” Adult Nyx protest in what this evil Dark Mystic wannabe was doing.

“Hello, I’m evil.” Tech points out that he’s doing this cause he’s evil, pure and simple.

The Mane Six had no time to argue; now they along with their friends were dodging attacks from a bunch of robots.

“Oh yeah; that’s my boys! Shifting gears and kicking rears!” Tech boasted off in getting down with it, his bots are ruling here.

“Yo Dude! Watch it, we’re down here, in case you forgot!” DJ Red shouted off that Tech’s own bots were forgetting to not shot Dark Mystics

“Relax, in a few moments, these ponies will be beaten like last time. And you all thought I mess up, hardly.” Tech proudly stated that he will have this done easily, like some villains believe he mess this up, it’s too perfect.

As many bots are ready to fire, something fires at them with heavy firepower tearing though some of them and pricing though their cores as they blow. A Cyborg Alicorn comes with weapons ready as he says, "Beginning fighting tactics; take out enemies and forces."

Pinkamena smiled and in her mind spoke, 'Right on time Omega as always."

"Hey, I remember you!" Twilight exclaims as she recognizes Omega. "You helped me, Ben, Nyx and my group back at Shendu's castle at the End of Equestria!"

"Good to see you again, Miss Sparkle. I am here to assist." Omega said to Twilight with a boom.

"Doesn't matter; you will be junk in a moment!" Tech exclaims in annoyance at the interfering robot that isn't his.

“KURPOWWfruvhmmmm…” Suddenly, an explosion came from nearby that blew a hole in the wall that caught everyone’s attention now.

“Hugh? Wha,” Tech yelped from snapping his senses to where that explosion came from.

“Brother, here I’ve despised of these cheap fighters & you are suddenly dealing with more problems.” Spoke a voice coming out of the hole and when the cloud of dust was clearing, it was revealed to be…

“Azuma,” The other heroes respond in remembering their friend that they thought was in trouble.

“What the…but my Chameleonbots were supposed to handle the intruders in the back!” Tech yelped in caution & concern, he had bots set in the back to handle any problem issues.

“You mean; those things?” Azuma pointed behind him where there were lying Dark Mystic Minions, or those that were illusions to appear as some chameleon type robot in disguise as they were sparking from being damaged and offline. “They were good in intimidating actual Dark Mystic Minions, but they stood no chance against me.” He explained that such foes were hardly much that they weren’t a problem to deal with on his own.

“Oh yeah; Well…..whoever you are, you’re going down! Techbots! Attack,” Tech protest in looking a little cheesed off and orders his bots to handle this new guy.

The Techbots were soon diving down to prepare to attack these new heroes without any restrains. Omega fires at some of the robots but more kept on coming.

“Perhaps introductions are in order, I am Azuma…I am known as the Clone Army Creator.” Azuma spoke in introducing himself even in this worst case playing out right now.

“So?” Tech spoke off as in not caring about such things.

“So….it makes sense from the name if one knows a meaning.” Azuma stated with a calm look that if Tech paid attention, a name & title have meaning to explain much of one’s self.

“Too bad,” Tech remarked off to say that such a thing wasn’t gonna mater precisely…now.

Soon the Guardbots ended up stabbing their lances at the enemy. The good guys gasped in horror and almost some of them were screaming, Azuma was horribly stabbed all over that no one could live after such a cruel killing.

“Whelp, that’s one enemy easily killed off.” Tech smirked proudly in seeing he’s had an easy victory here.

“Hmph….” Azuma’s body may have been stabbed, but he made a sly smile even in such a horrible state, why? “Qrusvhmmm….” Suddenly, a bright light was escaping off of him that caught everyone off guard.

“What the…?” Tech yelped from the bright light coming from the screw stallion, what was its meaning?

“KURBOOMFRUVHMMM….” And then without warning, Azuma’s body exploded, taking out the Guardbots with him that were reduced to scattered parts flub across the facility.

“He exploded.” Shades replied off shock that the hero that arrived just blew up.

“Wooh, heavy,” Clumsy Rat replied off in thinking that was a heavy thing to do there.

“No wait, look over there!” DJ Red points above a stair rake in the facility, and for some reason…Azuma was there; and unhurt.

“I am the Element User of Duplication.” Azuma issued off in who he is to those listening.

“It makes sense, that I can be anywhere I want.” Then another Azuma appeared from another spot while a few others that look like him were showing up from the shadows.

“My clones and I work wonders.” Another Azuma spoke from surrounding all sides of the facility, now entrapping all those here, both good & evil, but mostly the evil part.

“Wait! What! You’re a user that can make clones?” Tech yelped off in realizing what this stallion was capable of, he can make a number of clones.

"Interesting move," Omega booms in observation.

“Haaaughh,” Soon many of the other Azumas were charging forth or leaping in the air to snag onto the other remaining Techbots. “Kamakize Attack!” Many of the clones issued this off while the bots were delivering any attacks without a care, big mistake. “Trsuvhmmm….BOOM-BOOM-BOOM, KURPOWWVHMMM….” Soon the clones glowed brightly before them exploded all around, taking out the bots along the way with Omega assisting.

Soon when the explosions ended, all that remain of the Techbots were broken pieces. The heroes were stun to believe that Azuma could make his clones pull such a move and take out the bots that gave some of them hard times.

“Waaaaahhhhh; My TECHBOTS,” Tech screamed out in horror, his beautiful pieces of machinery was destroyed so easily, “DJ Red; Shades; Clumsy Rat; Black Tiger? Where are you?” He called out to his other allies for a little help here.

“Uuuaaughhh…" The moaning voices showed that much of the other Dark Mystic Warriors ended up getting buried under the junk rubble of Tech’s bots.

"Unfortunately, your allies are down for the count." Omega booms as he aims right at his crazy opponent.

The Mane Six group were surprised that the Dark Warriors, even Ben’s opponent were taken out. Guess Azuma made sure his spare clones caught the enemies by surprise to drag them near where the explosions be most effective and be buried under scrap piles. The guy was practically ahead of any of them, and the teamwork was incredible too.

“Oh no,” Tech yelped in seeing he’s now on his own now, and he was almost about to win here.

“Now, it’s just you.” Azuma spoke from approaching from another spot, this one seem to be the real deal since the others that exploded were duplicate clones.

"Unicorn Burst," Twilight booms out as she fires at her attack at Tech, sending it right at the enemy.

Being blasted by Twilight Sparkle's Unicorn Burst, Tech was about to fall. His coat been grabbed by someone. Tech looked up and gasped in shock.

Tech screamed in joy. Everyone stopped their battles and turned to the whiny colt who cries, "It's you; my true master!"

DJ, as he and his pals were able to escape their rubble prison, whistled as he and his pals got back up, "The cavalry has arrived."

"Sweet," Shades exclaims as he realizes who it is.

"Oh yeah," Clumsy said with a nod. Their enemies are dead now!

"Enemy has arrived on the field." Omega said, scanning a pony that just saved Tech. "And it's..."

Ben gasped in fear, "Shadow Dragon!"

"'Dat's Shadow Dragon," Applejack asks in alarm as she saw Shadow Dragon putting Tech down.

"So that's the one who tried to corrupt my father in his dreams." Nyx said in concern.

'Dragon Hope'," Celestia thought, looking worried and sad at what appears to be an old friend. 'So you are here'."

"Princess; Are you all right?" Twilight ask Celestia in concern.

"I'm fine, Twilight, really."

Tech sighed in relief, "Thank my dad. Thanks for saving me."

Shadow Dragon glared at Tech as he snaps, "I didn't come here for a rescue, fool. I'm here to take command. When I specifically gave the order to you to deliver the clones to us at once, I meant it at once. But you chose to take them down; Foolish as always. I will deal with you later." Shadow Dragon threw Tech down to the ground hard then turns his attention to the one pony that he wishes to meet in pony and for real. "So we meet again for real, Ben."

"I'd never thought I would face you sooner or later. What do you want?!" Ben demands furiously to the one who's trying to corrupt him.

"You should know the answer very well."

"Yikes! He's going to try to corrupt Ben again!" Fluttershy yelps a bit in worry.

"Right and just when we're winning too!" Phobos whines a bit in concern.

"Awww, relax, ponies!" Pinkie exclaims to her worried friends with a smile. "Ben can handle him and so does Azuma."

"And so does me!" Pinkamena exclaims, getting her knives ready to attack. "He's no match for us and our Elements."

Shadow Dragon on the other hoof just smirk at what Pinkmamena just said, taunting, "If you think that Elements of yours can harm me then you'd better think of it twice carefully; Houndkiller, now!"

Houndkiller phased out from the tons of boxes, much to the surprise of the others. The villain exclaims, "Element Blackout Alchemy!"

Houndkiller stomped his hoof on the ground hard, creating large purple lights with the black star-shaped and a symbol of Darkness in Chinese appeared in the center. A dark surged of electrical energy emerged from the ground, and surged through their bodies and shocked Ben, Azuma and Pinkamena hard.

"What - What's going on?!" Ben exclaims in shock. He isn't getting anything from his Elements for some reason!

"It's Element Blackout Alchemy! It allows the user to shut our Elements down temporary." Azuma explains as his clones disappear from sight. Hoo boy; this is not good.

Twilight gulped, "How temporary is that?" She has a bad feeling that she herself won't like the answer. And the princess's right.

"A day; Unless there is Reversing Alchemy on it, we will be shut down."

"A day," Most of the ponies exclaims in shock and worry.

"That's not fair! That's cheating!" Spike protests in alarm and disbelief at what the Shadow Dragon's trying to do.

"Spike, I don't think they care." Rarity said to Spike in concern.

"This battle has turned to the worst." Omega remarks grimly. With his mistress, Ben and Azuma's Elements shut down temporarily, this battle has turned to the enemy's favor.

"Boo-yah," DJ cheers on wildly.

"Bad guys win, and good guys lose. I love it." Clumsy remarks stupidly. Of course, the bad guys hadn't won yet but they appear to be getting there.

Shades nods while saying, "You said it."

"Soldiers! Marched," Houndkiller orders sinisterly to some hidden soldiers. With Ben, Azuma and Pinkamena in trouble, time for the others to get into it as well.

10 Dark Mystic Soldiers came out from the boxes or machineries; they held their guns, swords and spears, aiming at their enemies. 5 bulky and muscular Dark Mystic Soldiers wore heavy and strong armor, while holding giant machine guns, in front of their enemies.

Black Tiger chuckled evilly, "The Dark Mystic Heavies had landed. Now, mighty warriors, open fired!"

5 Dark Mystic Heavies held their machine guns, firing at Twilight and her friends. They quickly hid behind the boxes and machines, while leaving both Ben and Azuma to face against Shadow Dragon and Houndkiller.

Shadow Dragon smirking evilly then taunts Ben, "Now, Ben, what will you do next if your Element is down?"

Ben glares at Shadow Dragon, saying, "So...you and your pals think you got the drop on me? Well, newsflash, Shadow! I don't need Elements to beat you."

"Oh really," Shadow Dragon ask, arching an eyebrow.

"Right; if my love and her friends can continue defending Equestria with the Elements back at the Tree, I can with my own shut down!" Ben exclaims to the villain in determination.

"We'll see about that!" Shadow Dragon shouted as he gets in a fighting stance.

"Your hide's mine Ben Mare!" Houndkiller shouted off in soon dashing quickly to attack the defenseless stallion. "No Triforce Element to protect you now. I'm gonna enjoy beating you to a pulp, as I imagine this as payback towards that pi..." The guy was in the middle of a bragging moment that he fails to notice something. "Powwfruvhmmm..." For suddenly, a large spiraling orb of magical energy bashed into his gut that started to rotate, "GUARrughh.../KURPWfruvhmmm..." And then afterwards, sent that Dark Mystic across the facility to crash against some machines and walls while knocking over some metal poles.

"Hmm," Shadow Dragon narrow his eyes from seeing something had happened that was...unexpected.

"Grrr....WHO DID THAT," Houndkiller came out from being nearly buried while he had an injured mark on his outfit, and it was torn to the point a spiral bruise mark was left. And what was more shocking was seeing who performed the attack to save Ben's life; Azuma, "YOU! But your Element is shut down! How can you still have such strength," He complained that the Alicorn here shouldn't have any strength with his element shut down for the moment, how was that feat of strength possible?

"Hmph, true, I'm at a disadvantage, but...I learn to also fight in case my element was temporally shut off." Azuma made a sly smile across his face while he may look a bit beat and weakened, but he's actually still strong enough to fight even if his element is temporally shut down for a brief time. "You can't shut off the long years of training the mind, body, soul and magic, that one is not left with many things he knows to utilize no matter where or what happens." That was the answer, the Dark Mystics thought by cutting off their elements they be left vulnerable, and for some that's true, but....others can develop themselves to not be so vulnerable as one may think, that's the term from gaining so much experience through so many training and studying courses from Azuma's clones that transform that knowledge and muscle development to him; making him stronger than anticipated. "Ben! You been taught to not just rely on your element, so use what else you have to fight. Believe in your fighting skills to protect those you care deeply!" Azuma turn to give Ben a pet-talk to encourage the guy to not give in when the chips seem down, they can still fight, they just have to fight with what else they still got that can't be taken away; their experience and their wills to exploit it.

"Right; I get it, after all, Chase taught me that lesson, so even against such odds, we won't just give up so easily." Ben nods in getting himself serious and in a fighting stance, he remembers the teachings Chase taught him, he has his other skills of sensing an enemy's magic aura and instinct prediction movement among other things; he can do this as long as he doesn't give in.

"Hmmm, clearly we seem to have overlooked a possible flaw to the planning." Shadow Dragon made a small frown across his face in seeing something that was not within their calculation of happening. "Apparently from Azuma's long years of training have given him more strength and magic then any Alicorn of today possesses as well as a sharpen mind. And it seems Ben's knowledge of what he's been taught might actual cause this setback of temporally shutting their elements for a short time being." He can see these two element users were very strong, even strong enough that even from this disadvantage, as long as they don't cower and panic over such a loss and continue to fight, hope for victory is not out of the loop.

A strange shining moment seem to be seen from both Azuma and Ben's figures as any that have sharp magic sensory can see these two are not gonna be easy to take down. And once the temporary shut off on the elements wears off, then that's when these ponies and their allies will regain their strength.

"So how about it, Shadow Dragon; until we're healed, no Elements involved," Azuma ask Shadow Dragon with a smirk.

"How about it; Wanna chicken out," Ben taunts Shadow Dragon in amusement.

"You wish!" Shadow Dragon snapped in reply.

Shadow Dragon and Ben armed themselves in battle with their hooves. The villain continues, "I was being informed that you had been training with someone. I had the feeling it's Flash Sentry."

Ben smirked while adding, "Not only him, I've got lots of friends helping me out, especially Chase the Warrior."

Shadow Dragon and Ben charged in, punching on their faces, hooves and bodies as hard and quick as they give, Shadow Dragon and Ben battled fiercely and determinedly. They dodged their each other's attacks.

Ben punched at the Dark Mystic Pony's head but Shadow Dragon dodged down from his punches, before kicking at Ben's chest. He jumped back. Shadow Dragon jumped up and kicked at Ben's face hard. Pushed back, the hero shook his head, he punched at Shadow Dragon yet the Dark Mystic Pony dodged and avoided the attacks from the young hero.

Shadow Dragon chuckled as if finding something funny, "So, it's Chase. He lives." Of course, the villain is really Chase but he doesn't want Ben to know that.

"You know him?" Ben ask Shadow Dragon puzzled.

"Of course, I do. I've beaten the best and strongest warriors among Equestria, including him." The Shadow Dragon lied a bit.

"I need to know. Why are you doing this?! Golden Heart told me that you were good guy. Why?" Ben asks Shadow Dragon suspiciously. "Is it because of somepony you lost; A mare from centuries ago? She means you well, wasn't she?"

What he just said ended up pushing a berserk button of sorts. Shadow Dragon grabbed Ben's neck tight, pulling him near to the Dark Mystic Pony. The villain snarls at the colt, "You have no right to speak of her; No one!"

Unknown to anypony in the area, a familiar vampire pony was spying on Twilight's group, hanging upside down from a dark corner in the ceiling. Dahlia narrowed her eyes while giving an evil grin. To her, it won't be long before she would make her move.

"So...... you really do love her. But you'd think this is what she wants?" Ben demands to the Shadow Dragon. Why would he be doing this? Won't his love be angry for him?

"Yes....... Revenge on the Equestria Ponies, and especially the Mystic Ponies! I will make them pay for what they had done to me. But for you, I will not. You are the ticket to our victory. And trust me. If you continued staying here, everything and everyone you know will be in ruin." Shadow Dragon explains to Ben. The hero looks bewildered. What is this guy talking about?

"Even so...... I won't become like you!" Ben snaps to the Shadow Dragon in defiance. He won't turn on everyone he loves and cares for like the Shadow Dragon just did.

Shadow Dragon smirked while taunting, "We shall see."

Groaning in pain, Ben pulled himself up before letting himself go, hitting on Shadow Dragon's head hard. The traitor yelped as he shook his head. Ben charged in and punched him for many times.

Ben was about to give a final punch on Shadow Dragon, but he grabbed it quickly hard and tight. Ben struggled to move his hooves.

Shadow Dragon continues, "I hate to admit it. You adapted the battle very well. There weren't many warriors who could beat me that easily."

Ben struggles as he groans, "I have been practicing."

"I hope you'd prepare for the next." The Shadow Dragon said with a sly grin.

Shadow Dragon used his head and hit on Ben's head hard. The hero goes back while his opponent disappeared from sights. Ben gasped and looks around. Where did the Shadow Dragon go?

Punches and kicking hit Ben's body, head and limbs for multiple times, knocking him down. Ben was about to get up, but instead, he had his muzzle punched. Ben shook his head hard. He gasped as he himself realized something. Of course, that's it! Ben breathed in and out, closed his eyes tight. Through his closing eyes, he is seeing multiple red and blue auras of ponies battling and against each other. Ben looked around carefully and patiently.

His spine shivered, Ben turned and saw a red pony punching right at him. Ben quickly grabbed his hoof tight before he is punched on his face. Ben opened his eyes and saw Shadow Dragon stood in front of him. He shook his head gently.

Shadow Dragon chuckled lightly, "I'd see you had trained very well. I knew I was right about you. Not because of the Triforce Elements, but of your ability. I am honored, Ben."

"I learn it very well. Besides, I want to know why. Why do something like this?!" Ben demands angrily to Shadow Dragon. He shouldn't have to try to attack him and his friends, as well as turn him over to Dark Curse!

Shadow Dragon smiled as he explains, "You're gonna have to beat me first, young one, if you truly can. Yours is just the beginner and basic, while mine is advance over centuries."

"Be my guest!" Ben snaps right back. He isn't giving up without a fight.

Shadow Dragon and Ben charged, punching and kicking at each other's faces, bodies and limbs, and sometimes dodging the attacks.

Houndkiller took out his gun, and fired at Azuma who quickly dodged and hid behind a box. The Element of Duplication came out and fired his Unicorn Burst at Houndkiller who quickly hid behind the boxes.

"You will pay for what you had done!" Houndkiller exclaims angrily. Azuma looks puzzled, wondering if he was referring to him...or for someone else.

"For what," Azuma ask Houndkiller puzzled.

"Revenge; I will make him pay for escaping from the deal he had made." Houndkiller exclaims angrily. Azuma looks confused. 'Deal he had made'?

"What? What are you talking about? No one would make a deal with the devil like you." Azuma said to Houndkiller sternly. After all, who in their right mind would even do that?

"You shall see, imbecile. Once I'm done with you, I'm coming after Ben. His head will give a delivered blow to that traitor." Houndkiller said to Azuma sternly.

Houndkiller disappeared from sight. Azuma came out and prepared to fire magic, knowing that his enemy is about to attack him without warning. He found that Houndkiller wasn't there.

A puff of smoke sounded, Azuma turned, and gotten a big punch on his face. Houndkiller was about to give a second punch but was blasted by Azuma's magic hard. Been pushed by his magic, the Dark Mystic Pony quickly stomped his hoof on the ground hard. He isn't giving up this fight so easily!

Houndkiller took his gun out once more and fired at Azuma. The Alicorn dodged by moving to his right while letting the bullet pass through, yet receiving a scar on the top of his muzzle.

Azuma turned to his enemy, and received more punches from Houndkiller. He continued punching on his body for a several times, on both his face and body. Azuma blocked an attack and punched on Houndkiller for a few times.

Houndkiller grabbed his hooves, and hits on Azuma's head with his own head. The Colonel continued punching on Azuma but the Alicorn isn't going down that easily. Though receiving the punching, Azuma dodged down and quickly gave more punches on Houndkiller's face, knocking him back.

Houndkiller took his out gun out once more, firing at Azuma's face. Azuma waved his enemy's hoof up, blasting his Unicorn Burst at Houndkiller who quickly waved it out. Both continued using their guns and magic against each other while avoiding and dodging from blasting, at the same time, they both punched. This fight is turning into one intense one.

Houndkiller and Azuma gave their last punches on each other's faces, causing them to be pushed back. Both Houndkiller took his gun out, and Azuma gathered his energy on his horn. They both blasted at the same time, aiming at their target yet in the end, ending up with clash and explosion causing both Azuma and Houndkiller to be pushed back once more. They both shook their heads, before charging in and start punching and attacking once again.

Omega senses something and fires at the ceiling. Fanged Delia yelps as she dodges in time. Golden Heart asked in confusion, "Omega?"

"My scanner detects somepony watching us." Omega explains, glancing at the ceiling. "It was either shot down or went into hiding again."

"Blasted pony," Fanged Dahlia snarled quietly while hiding in another area.

Rainbow used her Magical Nunchuks and Rarity used her Eternal Diamond Fists against the five Dark Mystic Heavies. Instead, their attacks bounced off, Dark Mystic Heavies used their heavy machine guns and fired at Rainbow and Rarity. Fluttershy came in, with her Rosing's Crystals Petals, shielding her friends in red force fields.

Fluttershy sighed in relief, "That was close."

"How on earth are we gonna beat those creeps?! Man, they're tough." Rainbow exclaims in concern as she kept on fighting the enemies.

"Yes, I agreed. Fighting four gentlecolts are easy, but these soldiers. I wasn't expecting to encounter something such of this." Rarity complains. Our heroes thought they came prepared but are unprepared in reality.

"What are we gonna do?!" Fluttershy ask her friends in worry.

"Fast and quick to beat them up," Rainbow exclaims, zipping in to knock the enemies down like mad.

Princess Celestia, Luna, Twilight Sparkle and Nyx fired their Unicorns Blasts, Pinkie blasted her Party Canon, Golden Heart, Pinkamena and Applejack fought against couples of Dark Mystic Soldiers and Techbots who hid behind the boxes while firing their guns and rifles against their enemies.

Shadow Dragon sees a few Dark ponies being sent flying from Pinkamena as she says, "Do not forget I was way skill before even getting my element power."

"Right, and when this is over, you are going to answer for your allies' crimes!" Twilight exclaims, using her shield to knock away.

"Yeah, doing an ambush is dishonest an' wrong!" Applejack exclaims as she uses her rope to send some enemies onto the other.

"And you are...a jerk!" Spike remarks, firing more flames onto the Dark Ponies.

"And for that insult, you are gonna eat those words, lizard!" A Dark Pony shouted angrily.

"You and your mama," Phobos taunts a Dark Pony, biting on his flank hard.

Before any of them could do anything, a mysterious figure pass through Mane Six members, cutting a cut on their hooves. The Mane Six yelped in pain, upon receiving their cuts.

"Ouch! Someone just cut me!" Rarity exclaims with a yelp.

"Okay, who's the wise mare?" Rainbow demanded, wondering who just cut them.

"Owie. That hurt more than what happened during Total Drama," Fluttershy said meekly.

"Luckily, my cuts heal!" Pinkie exclaims as her cut somehow heals; don't ask, this is Pinkie.

"Twilight," Applejack ask as she groans at her own cut.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Luckily I didn't get injected." Twilight groans a bit, relieved to still be standing.

"Who dares cut Rarity and the others?!" Spike shouted.

Behind the Mane Six and their friends', a black portal appeared as the mysterious figure revealed himself to be Demon Assassin, smirking as he held six tubes of blood before the Dark Mystic Pony went through it. It disappeared.

Soon the Dark Mystic Heavies were now given their order to continue their assault, until some daggers were thrown so fast, they managed to pierce their flesh to cause some to cry out in agony or some were practically killed by the assault. And the focus was on Pinkamena, who had skillfully used her daggers in a style manner no one's seen before.

"Just cause you shut off my own element, doesn't mean my secret training over the years by a secret assassins organization didn't give me the skills to fight & throw daggers." Pinkamena explained a matter that was even surprising to her brother of her long ageless years of being around. "And with the Horsefeather Armor, and the Sword Of Pinkie Pie, the odds of beating me are slightly harder. And cause..." She then made a scary face with her eyes glue on the only Dark Mystic Heavies left for her to face. "You’re Time's Uuuuuppp...." She spoke that with a scary reply before launching herself with a battle cry to soon freaking out some and attacking, this proves that even Pinkamena is in no way...left defenseless as the other Dark Mystics expected.

"Waaaughhh....Brrr...Brrrr....even when I'm not down there, those eyes of hers are scary to give me the Brrrrs!" Tech screamed out while shaking a bit in fear of what he seen this Pinkie Pie lookalike can do.

Omega opens fire on the Dark Mystic Ponies, sending them packing. Twilight ask, "Sir? Was it Pinkamena and Golden Heart that asked you to help us out in the End of Equestria?"

"Affirmative; And its Omega," Omega explains to Twilight proudly, revealing his name. "Just don't ask me about any further info that the mistress prefers not to speak about at this time."

"Okay?"

Ben and Shadow Dragon continued battling each other as hard and quick as they can through the use of their martial art skills. Azuma and Houndkiller blast their attacks against each other for several times. Applejack tried to punch at the five Dark Mystic Heavies, hard and quick, their bodies remained still and solid. She was about to get slammed by them but then Rainbow Dash dashed her friend out. While flying, the Pegasus pony held Applejack tight as she blasted her Magical Nunchucks while Applejack kicked her few enemies' head. A Dark Mystic Heavy grabbed Applejack's leg tight before he slammed both her and Rainbow Dash onto the ground.

Rarity and Pinkie blasted their Eternal Style diamonds and Party Canon at their enemies. They quickly hide behind some boxes. But then a mysterious grenade was thrown in front of both, making both Rarity and Pinkie gasped in fear. They quickly got out. The grenade exploded, causing both Rarity and Pinkie to hit the ground.

Black Tiger punched and kicked at both Pinkamena and Golden Heart, both dodged and headed back as quickly as they can. DJ Red used a net gun and fired at Pinkamena, getting her caught in a net. Golden Heart gasped before. Black Tiger pounced on him to the ground hard. Spike and Phobos jumped on Black Tiger. He snarled angrily as Black Tiger grabbed both the two Dragons down.

Black Tiger smirked while remarking, "Black Tiger caught three little lambs."

Black Tiger was hit on the back hard, making him roar furiously, making him let go of the Dragons. He glares at Omega who said, "Negative. And they're Dragons, not lambs."

"Don't contradict me, tin bot!"

Princess Celestia, Luna, Discord, Twilight and Nyx fired their magic blasts against the enemies as quickly as they can. Clumsy Rat and Shades used their missile launchers at them. They gasped in shock as the three Princesses, Discord and Nyx were about to dodge. The missiles hit on the ground, almost knocking them down.,

Ben gasped at the sight, "No!"

Shadow Dragon quickly kicked at Ben's head hard to the ground. The hero groaned and moaned in pain. Ben was about to get up, but was slammed onto the ground, Shadow Dragon smirked held his leg on top of his enemy.

"You fought well, but not good enough to compete against me." Shadow Dragon taunts Ben in amusement. This isn't good. The good guys are fighting a losing battle. This could be the end.

Fanged Dahlia watches the battle from the shadows in amusement. It appears that her prophecy that she made not too long ago would be fulfill after all.

Azuma and Houndkiller had their hooves tight and hard. Houndkiller phased out making Azuma gasped in shock. Before he could do anything, his back leg got shot, causing him to fell down. Azuma was about to get up but was instead slammed to the ground.

Tech gasped eagerly, "Oh yeah! We did it!"

The Dark Mystic Ponies however scoff at Tech, "We; You hardly to do anything."

Shadow Dragon smirked while saying, "It looks it’s over." But without warning, his back has been kicked hard. The villain turns to see who just assaulted him, "What the-You!"

Everyone but Dark Mystic Ponies gasps in surprise, "Chase!" Indeed, their new 'friend' from Ponyville has arrived on the scene.

'Chase'? Thought Fanged Dahlia in amusement; She smirks evilly. Very clever of what the Shadow Dragon has done, assuring his secret identify.

"How did -?! I thought he -!" Tech asks looking confused at what's happening; Chase and Shadow Dragon, in one place at the same time?! But Chase IS the Shadow Dragon!

Tech's head got hit by Houndkiller who snaps, "Fool, shut up! Act with it!" Obviously their boss has a plan to make sure to keep off suspicions to what his true Identify is.

Tech gasped, getting the idea and played along, "I mean I thought he's dead; yeah, dead!"

"Not this time. It looks like I've made it in time." Chase said in determination. Shadow Dragon of course smirks secretly. So far, those fools don't suspect a thing. If they have any doubts of his alter ego, they are gone by now.

"Even so..... You had no chance in against me and my minions." Shadow Dragon said in pretend anger and determination.

Chase smiled while saying, "That's why I brought the artillery."

A big box broke into pieces, revealed Mighty Heart and a dark brown muscular Unicorn (who had a brown spiky mane and a short tail, his Cutie Mark is a jug of wine and curve blade of a spear, he wore dark green armor) along with Dragon Kick jumping to the front.

"Oh no," DJ exclaims in shock and horror. The Mystic Ponies are here; especially...HIM?!

"Not him!" Clumsy exclaims in worry, getting freaked out.

"Why him; Why does it had to be someone than the worst: Devil Destroyer," Shades complain, knowing who this newcomer pony is.

Black Tiger spoke seriously, "Warpath Temper........"

"Warpath Temper," Most of the good guys ask in surprise and disbelief.

"Isn't that the same pony that Tao and the others spoke of that got a bad temper and a drinking problem?" Nyx ask the others in concern, recalling what her Mystic Pony friends had told the Equestrian ponies about Warpath.

"I hope he's in a good mood." Phobos said with a concerned look.

Omega chose this time to scan both Chase and the Shadow Dragon. He looks puzzled as the robotic Alicorn notices that both has the same lifelines and are similar. Omega decides that it's best not to mention this, not taking the chance that the enemy could erase the info out of him before the time comes to tell.

"You weren't kidding. I'm been drunk too much because there were no battles." Warpath remarks sternly. "But now....... I'm in!"

Mighty smiled as he spoke, "I'm glad you came, master Warpath."

"And miss this kind of fun? You bet I don't miss it; alright; who wants to challenge me?!"

Houndkiller scoffed while asking, "What could you or anyone be possibly do anything? Your friends' Elements had been shut down."

"And that's why, we're here to help." A voice spoke up. Everyone looked up and saw Jade and an orange Earth Pony that had a brown short spiky mane and tail; he wore white green armor with a golden dragon shoulder plate on his left. The next newcomer smirks while saying to Tech slyly, "Hey there, wimpy brat, long time no see. I've miss ya."

Tech screamed like a girl or a filly, "Not you, Heavy; Why him?!"

Jade smiled while pointing a hoof at three certain ponies, "Not only that. Look at the three ponies." Everyone looked at Ben, Azuma and Pinkamena; their bodies glowed in their respective colors: golden, brownish and lightish pink. "Granduncle made the Reversing Element Blackout Alchemy Spell. And you know what this mean, guys?"

Heavy and Jade transformed into their Battle Mode. Heavy became an orange stallion, still wearing green and white armor, and smirked. It's flank-kickin' time!

Warpath and Heavy smirked while calling out, "It's Cobbling Time!"

Warpath and Heavy cried in battle and determination. They charged against two Dark Mystic Heavies with their bodies slammed against theirs hard. Both fell to the ground hard. Warpath summoned his Serpent-Blade Spear, swung and strike against Strike Techbots for a few times. Heavy did his, with the help of a flail sword, swinging his weapon against the Guardbots, and even piercing through the robots' chest with the use of a string of sword chains.

Heavy turned and spotted Tech who is trying to escape. He grabbed his tail hard while yelling, "Atomic Tail Wedgie!"

Heavy pulled Tech's tail very hard. The wimp screamed in pain, "Why me?!"

Heavy let go of Tech's tail, causing the villain to fall to the ground hard. Tech got up and encountered Jade's Battle Mode who smiled while saying, "Up you go!"

"Nooooooooo!"

Jade grabbed Tech while calling over to Heavy, "Heads up, Heavy!"

"Alright! My favorite game: Pass Dark Mystic without touching the ground." Heavy exclaims with a glee look as if a colt playing a foals' game.

Jade threw Tech to Heavy. He grabbed and threw him back to her. She threw Tech back, Heavy passed the enemy back to her. The two did the passing Tech routine for a several times and trust me folks, it's making this mama's colt very sick indeed.

A familiar golden glowing sword appeared in front of Ben; he smirked, took it and swung on Shadow Dragon, who quickly jumped high. He landed on the ground. Chase took his sword out from his sheath and came to Ben's side as they armed themselves in battle against Shadow Dragon. So far, it looks like his 'friend' didn't notice that the two are the same and the one pony, especially when both are in the same place at the same time!

Fanged Dahlia took note of this; Looks like her prophecy isn't going to happen. Still, she can make a backup. The villainess spots Omega flying to the ceiling, looking for her. Fanged quickly flies to avoid him at all cost. She can't let her presence known, especially by some robot.

Shadow Dragon smiled, summoning his Dark Master Sword while saying, "It appears that I had underestimate my enemies. Let us see what you're capable of."

Shadow Dragon charged and swung his sword, slicing and striking at both Ben and Chase who quickly dodged back before they could swung their swords against him. Ben and Chase charged and strike against Shadow Dragon, battling, slicing and striking, and sometimes dodging from each other.

Chase swung his sword at his enemy's head, the Shadow Dragon dodged to the ground. Ben thrust his sword at him. Shadow Dragon head back before swung his sword against the enemies for few times. Ben and Chase moved back as far as they can for about 5 times. They thrust their swords at Shadow Dragon. He quickly swung his sword quickly and hard. Both Chase and Ben continued swinging their swords against Shadow Dragon's sword for a few times in attacking and dodging.

Houndkiller was about to shoot his gun at Azuma. The Pony of Clone smirked, revealing his body dissolving. Houndkiller looked shocked as he quickly moved to the front, turning to his back. The Dark Mystic Pony found Azuma and his clones arming themselves, charging at Houndkiller who quickly fought and shoot his gun at them. The Azuma Clones dodged and avoided the gun blasting, punching and kicking at Houndkiller. He also dodged them before fighting back against his enemies.

Pinkamena smirked as she jumped up and kicked the Dark Mystic Ponies aside hard. Golden Heart quickly got up and fought against Black Tiger through their martial arts skills. Dragon Kick jumped in and helped Golden Heart to fight against Black Tiger. DJ Red and Clumsy Rat charged at both Rarity and Pinkie from both sides. They both quickly moved aside before the two stooges had their heads slammed. DJ Red charged and attacked Rarity who used her Eternal Diamond to fight and defend. Clumsy chased after Pinkie who quickly bounced around. Shades yelled angrily as he charged at Fluttershy but she quickly yelled in front of her, causing Shades to scream in pain as he covered his ears hard. That smarts!

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Twilight, Nyx, Spike and Phobos, Applejack and Rainbow Dash fought against the Dark Mystic Soldiers, Strike Techbots and Techbots through firing their magic, punching and kicking against the enemies. Most of them hid from the attacks, blasting and firing their guns at their enemies.

Omega fires at what he believes to be Fanged Dahlia. The robot ends up causing parts of the ceiling to fall right onto Shades, Clumsy, DJ and Black Tiger, trapping them down.

With his own clones keeping Houndkiller at bay, Azuma turns and saw Tech being knocked over to him. The hero exclaims, "Now before we were interrupted, it's you..."

“Ahah; that’s where you’re wrong mister; for I still have my secret weapon that you don’t have,” Tech protest in stating that he won’t be beaten, for he has something the stallion doesn’t have.

“What’s that? Small dainty hooves,” Phobos rolled his eyes to remark in what this Goth mama’s colt has that neither of them wanna have.

“No! My control over the clones,” Tech protests over that insult to issue off this claim here.

Suddenly, Tech was using his advance watch device to transform it into some scorpion gauntlet device that was exhibiting magic aura. And suddenly, the Clone Six on standby opened their eyes to then move forth in presenting themselves to the group that has fought, and now they enter the field. Both sides stop fighting to see this sight happening.

“Awaiting orders,” The clones responded off like they were machines, what was he done to them?

“No way,” Rainbow Dash yelled off in shock in what she’s seeing here.

“Great Horny Toads,” Applejack shouted off in horror in what they are seeing.

“What did he do to them?” Rarity gasped in caution and concern over this horrible display.

“They aren’t acting like us.” Pinkie Pie stated with a worry motion, their clones that acted or acted all good and stuff are now unlike who they were. Even more so then when they attacked them in Ponyville when they were being controlled.

“Oh dear, they seem so different than last time.” Fluttershy yelps in fear of seeing their clone localizes appear so…emotional.

“Tech, what did you do?” Twilight sternly spoke in demanding to know what the enemy has done to the poor clones, her own creations.

“Simple, last time, they were acting too wildly, so I had to improve on their obedience behavior.” Tech smiled off to explain what happened before to the point where he’s improved on the clones a bit.

“You mess with their personality?” Adult Nyx issued off shock in what this creep did.

“Now even I know that doing such a thing is not fun, especially when they don’t act out much from a change.” Discord frowns in issuing this fact about turning a pony different from their original personality.

“Seriously Discord, you rather they act different than being nearly like robots.” Golden Heart raised an eyebrow in hearing his former foe of the past say something like that now.

“At least when I did it, I did NOT Rob them of being more lively.” Discord huffed to cross his arms, at least when he did it to the Mane Six, he let them still be more like they were alive but acted different, he didn’t take away their will; there is a limit to the work of being lord of chaos after all.

“He’s right, what Tech has done is worst!” Pinkamena nods in hating to agree, but Discord’s view is different from what Tech has hatched here.

“That’s right, now watch & behold my hold over them.” Tech declared to the group that is seeing this, as he shall show the gang something to be truly shocked by. “Clone Six, I command you to…” Tech spoke to think for a moment in what he can show of controlling the clones. “Laugh evilly.” He shrugs off to casual want the clones to make evil laughter.

“Mwuhhuhuhuhhahahahahhhaaaaah….” The Clone Six then was suddenly making freaky evil laughter sounds as if they sounded evil. And that freaked the others out, that sounded scary and the clones weren’t saying anything like that when they went out of control.

"Really," Fanged Dahlia asks dryly at what's Tech doing. Even she thought that this was lame. Especially Shadow Dragon who looks disbelief at his colleague's idea.

“Now, laugh evilly while…hopping on one hoof.” Tech responded off with a sly smile in loving this while he gave out his next command

“MWuhhuhuhuhhahahahahhhaaaaah….” Suddenly, the Clone Six were laughing evilly while actually hoping on one leg of theirs without any resistance. It’s just like how Tech controlled them back in Ponyville, and he was messing with them.

“Now, laugh evilly while….tap-dancing!” As Tech was in the middle of some thought, he went a bit crazy overboard in wanting to see the clones do that stuff.

“Mwuhhuhuhuhhahahahahhhaaaaah….” And just like that, the Clone Six were seen tap dancing with canes in their front hooves while they laugh evilly and there was even some background flute play that seems to go well with this…somehow.

“Aaaaaahhhh; The horror; not evil tap dancing,” Pinkie Pie screamed off in staring at what was the most horrible thing to ever be witness; evil tap dancing.

“Gwahahahahaaaahhh….” Tech was seen laughing it up, as he was having so much fun making the clones do this, it was humorist.

"Okay, Tech, we get the idea." Shadow Dragon remarks Tech in annoyance. "Just send them out already!"

“You evil fiend! Bad enough you turn them into tools, but do you have to take away their dignity?” Rarity sternly snaps at Tech for being so terrible to the clones that he’s controlling.

“Rarity’s right, it’s like seeing ye make a mockery o' us.” Applejack nods with her eyes narrow at the Tech pony that gone & done this.

“Right, you shouldn’t force a pony to do that if they don’t want to.” Fluttershy nods in feeling that what this guy was doing was mean.

“Yeah, well too bad; Cause I’ve made some improving feats,” Tech issued off to say while having done another feat that will surprise the rest. “Your clones each gain attributes of weaponries you hold, but differently by talent.” He pointed out, and the clones showed such things while he explained it. “Amethyst Lace gets a lasso & stylist melee gear. Cuddly Tulip has the same abilities as Fluttershy’s witness works. Aridity can do weather magic to cause some damage. Apple Sweet can be unpredictable with her actions. Party Thrill will use a lot of her deadly party tools to make one die laughing. And Solar Moonlight’s performance in spells is the crown jewel. With them, you all failed last time and now you’ll fail again.” Tech was smirking evilly that he had this in the bag, no way he lose with the odds this stack up.

“We are evil and that we shall stay. We enjoy hunky Tech’s genius mind & skill all our days!” The Clone Six made some cheer squad movement and chants in actually praising the guy that even his own Dark Mystic Buddies give him zero respect.

"Oh Dark Curse," Shadow Dragon said, slapping his forehead with a hoof. Can Tech be even more pathetic?

“That’s right girls, you tell them!” Tech smirked proudly in having some admirers of his greatest no one seems to see.

“Ugh, now that’s just sick to see.” Rainbow Dash stuck out her tongue in what she wish she didn’t need to see.

“I’ll say it is.” Adult Nyx nods her head in seeing that was just more cruelty being done to the clones.

“That’s real low, even for this guy.” Discord sighed in seeing what Tech was doing, now he’s just messing around.

“We need to stop them while freeing them.” Celestia pointed out in what the heroes must do here.

“How is he able to control them?” Luna spoke in wondering how this Dark Mystic has the clones under his control this whole time.

“Look, those dark rings around their necks, those might be it.” Ben pointed in seeing that maybe, its cause of the rings that the clones have since those are too new that the gang never saw before.

“Nice work, but you can forget it; the Dark Beetles I had on those girls were beta testers to make those clones go crazy.” Tech issue off to explain that what he did early were but beta test devices while these things are the completed prototype. “The Dark Rings are made of Dark Mystic materials, so getting them off is impossible. And any that wear them will be under full control to do any evil we command.” He explained the Dark Rings’ functions and that they will enslave any and make them evil, just like that.

“We need to put an end to this. But how,” Pinkamena stated that they need to stop Tech & free the clones, but how was the bigger issue?

“All of you should stand aside….I will handle this.” Azuma spoke in stating that he will be the one to handle this grave matter.

“Azuma; But…will you be alright?” Goldie yelped in hearing this, will this stallion be alright by himself, its six clones with one having the strongest magic, to him, that seems like pushing it. Plus, he just got his Element back.

“Hmph, you forgot that I’m more capable than you realize.” Azuma smirked off in feeling that the others don’t know much about his ‘true’ abilities. “I’m sorry if I was never a part of your bigger struggles, but…for this battle, I shall set those clones free. You have my word.” He stated with a serious claim that he shall free the Clone Six, for it shall take one that can make clones to save innocent clones from slavery as tools of evil, and so it shall be…

“Ohhhh, scary; NOOOT; Clone Six…ATTACK!” Tech pretended to be scared, but then remarked the fact while he gave the order to attack.

Soon the Clone Six leaped off into action to attack their target; Azuma. The rest of the heroes are soon gonna watch & behold as it’s a battle between clones, and if there is a victory, will that be enough to save the day? We’ll have to watch & see…

"Shouldn't we get back to battling?" Houndkiller whispers to the Shadow Dragon. The battle between both sides was interrupted by this.

"We shall wait, Houndkiller." Shadow Dragon remarks with a sinister grin. "I want to see this."

Now we see Azuma quickly taking to the air by his wings just as the clones come to him. And then he brings out a shuriken to throw it off against the six attackers.

“Hah! You think one weapon can harm six tough clones?” Tech taunts the opponent for thinking one weapon thrown would hit six individuals that can escape it easily.

“I’ll have you see, there is more than meets the eye. Shuriken Clone Technique,” Azuma calmly spoke over the matter before his horn glowed in preparing a technique move it seem.

Suddenly at that sudden moment, the one shuriken split off as shadows before what were made became a thousand clones.

“It’s a trick! They’re illusions, go through!” Tech issued the order in seeing that was nothing but an illusion & no sign of clones to wield them; it was clear…or was it?

The clones were caught unprepared for what happened next; for the blades were real from when some came in contact. This forces them to only dodge and suffer slight cuts to their bodies before skidding across the floor where Azuma soon stood.

“What the….but how; I thought you could only make clones of yourself!” Tech yelped in shock & surprise, he thought that move was an illusion without any living clones to it, so how he mess up?

“Compared to normal clones, clone material objects are said to be on a far higher level. There is no need for preparations beforehand, like stocking up on weaponry, yet since the clones are real & not illusions, all shadow blades that fly are equally lethal.” Azuma explained the matter of his technique of the principles of such. “And it’s because the clones form in just an instant, completely evading them is next to impossible.” This much surprised everyone; Azuma used a move to catch the targets off guard, but in truth, made it so that even one to six fighters couldn’t evade all those attacks without some inflicted injuries.

“Wow, even I never knew that.” Pinkamena replied off amazed that some pony could use a trick like that, now even she’s thinking of learning it.

“So you got lucky, Clone Six, surround him on all sides!” Tech rolled his eyes in not caring and issued the next order of attack.

Soon the Clone Six split into a six circle form to cut around Azuma so that he has no escape routes. This one looked like they have him pin for when one attacks, the target will be left open by the other five if they are not carefully skilled.

“Clone Formation,” Azuma spoke forth with his still ever focused face on seeing this scene and knows how to handle it. And soon appearing by magic, Azuma created twelve clones, each armed with a weapon, forming a defensive circle with him in the middle, all prepared for the enemy to strike.

“I see, he’s made himself a defensive circle for enemy strikes.” Golden Heart nodded in following that tactic, it’s a good plan when being surrounded.

"Level rising," Omega said as he flies down from the ceiling, having failed to locate the spy (AKA Fanged Dahlia). "And it appears our new friend has vanished.”

'Or so you thought,' Fanged Dahlia thought, staying in the shadows; She watches the battle in interest.

The Clone Six each were attacking with their own assaults from lassos, harmful joke gags, weather attack spells, Strong spells and to just physical abilities. Azuma and his clones fought off against each one of them, some were cut or piece, but they magically vanished away to return to the main user.

“Clone Spinning Heel Drop,” Azuma spoke forth to which he soon created several new clones as they launched into the air & began to somersault.

“Powwwfruvhmmm….” Soon the Azuma clones were spinning down as they managed to slam their back hoof heels onto five out of the six Clone Six’s shoulders & heads that cause them to get knocked back a bit.

“Prrisisifrivhmm….” Suddenly, one attack from Solar Moonlight pierce Azuma that she managed to see was the real one in the group before the cloning.

“Yes….got him!” Tech smirked for joy while the others almost worried if their friend was down.

“Lightning Release Clone.” Azuma’s voice spoke to which the body was actually a clone infused with lightning that was dissipating to the point of electrocuting whatever touched it.

“Guuaaaughh,” Solar Moonlight cried out from being the one that was feeling that effect now.

“Oh you gotta be kidding me!” Tech cringed to complain in seeing this, the guy could make a clone from lighting.

“That’s amazing. A clone that’s able to perform techniques and interact with the environment due to it having physical substance; and also evenly distributes the user's magic to each clone. So if the clone is injured, it will revert to its natural lightning-state, at the same time electrocuting whatever it is touching.” Twilight exclaimed from what she saw was an amazing feat of use of an element to help counteract against an opponent when given damage.

“Yeah, thanks for the egghead explanation, we got much of it from what happened here.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in that the others learn from watching them by understanding the logic.

The Clone Six were trying to attack the other clones of Azuma, but they each possess different abilities. Azuma used moves never seen, like a Earth Release Clone that created a clone made of mud and that it continue to reform & mold itself back into its original shape. That one serve as a powerful restraint capable of completely halting the six opponents' movements. The Clone Six had hard times landing melee blows and then Azuma used a move called a Clone Body Blow that work as a combination, five bodies to confuse the enemy using a variety of moves & combinations & while the enemy is reoccupy with the clones, leaving the Clone Six open for Azuma to strike their weak point. The use of the clones’ offensive power was much higher than a normal body blow that caught the Clone Six by surprise.

“Urrrghh….Quick, hit him with everything, now!” Tech growls in annoyance, this Azuma was proving to be more difficult than anticipated.

The Clone Six heard the order and were firing all weapons & spells to cover everything. By the time it was all over, dust clouds covered the spot and it almost looked like nothing got out of that one.

“Hah! Wipe them off, no way he get out of that one a…hugh?” Tech was about to brag in having owned the hero, only to stop in seeing…something was off.

Soon from the smoke cloud cleared, only for anyone to see two Azuma’s that was strangely generating black lightning from their body which takes the form of a panther, “Double Black Panther!” Both Azuma’s announced, as they dive down to attack their targets with.

“Waaaughhh….” The Clone Six were hit with this impact that was electrocuting them all; this guy had some tough techniques.

“Ooooh, that looks like it hurt!” Phobos cringed in what was witness looked like a real shocker and painful to.

“No kidding.” Spike replied off in thinking that attack look bad.

"Looks like Azuma is becoming a bigger foe than anticipated." Fanged Dahlia comments while she kept her view on the battle; Impressing.

“It’s time I wrap this up….Lightning Transmission.” Azuma stated with a focus face in seeing now was the time to help wrap up this little battle.

Soon Azuma and his other clone perform an electric move mass of white electrical magic energy that’s focus in the user’s hoof technique on opposite hooves. From connecting their techniques together, they formed a chain of lightning between themselves that is able to slice through objects with great ease, such as a few weaponry blades, lassos, daggers thrown by the Clone Six. And soon, Amethyst Lace, Cuddly Tulip, Aridity, Apple Sweet & Party Thrill were wrapped in lightning, thus effectively restraining their movements with shocking results that knock them out.

'Interesting move,' Shadow Dragon thought to himself, 'To be able to do just that.'

“Well I’ll be, he caught them.” Rarity responded surprise in seeing what Azuma was capable of doing.

“Not all of them!” AJ pointed in noticing that only five clones were caught in that bind.

“There’s one left!” Pinkie Pie stated from thinking that if only five are caught instead of six, then there’s one more pony left.

“Solar Moonlight,” Fluttershy responded in knowing that’s the only clone pony that escape and is still loose to fight.

“Come on, come on! Oh darn it!” Tech was fiddling to get the other clones under his control to move, but they couldn’t because the other five screens said ‘Detain’ that mean that they couldn’t be active. “Well it looks like the strongest of the clone branch is still active, now get him!” He shrugs off in seeing if Tech can’t have all six clones do it, then the strongest will have to finish off the hero that’s gotten lucky so far; but it ends now.

Soon Solar Moonlight was the last clone under enemy control left. And she was now Tech’s main focus to have her performed all of her best shots to take down the enemy. The gang was seeing the clone of Twilight using moves related to both Twilight’s moves of using the stars to even some sun & moon property abilities of heat & gravity works. Most of Azuma’s clones were targeted by the effects and seem to be taken down more and more.

“Sister, her skills seem almost on pair with our own.” Luna spoke with worry that Twilight’s clone has her magic & the Royal Sisters makes her as strong a foe as any.

“I know, if nothing is done, then Azuma might….” Celestia nods in feeling the situation is becoming too dangerous and must be intervene.

“No worries, he’ll be fine. I have a natural thing for knowing these things.” Pinkamena smiled off to say that the group has nothing to fear here.

At this moment, Solar Moonlight managed to hit her Solar Beam of charged magical energy that blasted Azuma to have him bashed against some of the equipment and left down it seem.

“I just hope this isn’t a first time you be wrong sis.” Golden Heart responded in worrying that if his sister is wrong (which from breaking fourth walls is highly unusual), this could be over.

Then at the moment, the other five clones are seen joining Solar Moonlight: Amethyst Lace, Cuddly Tulip, Aridity, Apple Sweet & Party Thrill.

“Ahhhhaaahhh! They escaped and now I’ll have them get you! Attention clones, prepare to…” Tech smiled in seeing that he has the enemy right where he wants him as he held up his scorpion device to suddenly notice…only Solar Moonlight’s part was active. “What? Hugh! Still detained, but they’re right here, how can they be down if they are…” This puzzled Tech, the other five clones read to be detain, but he sees them near Solar Moonlight, what could this mean?

Suddenly, Solar Moonlight was soon apprehended by her own fellow clones. Then strange background music was heard, it was called: “Shikku” from Naruto Shippuuden OST II. And then the clones magically revert to reveal that they are Azuma’s clones, the clones tricked the enemies and since Solar Moonlight is not in her right mind & cause Tech was never sharp, this act was easily able to fool them.

"Tech, you fool!" Black Tiger growled, slapping his own face, "How could you have fallen for that?!"

“It’s because those clones are my clones that are disguise to look like them, to fool the enemy’s eyes.” Azuma spoke from appearing near his beaten body which vanished cause it was another clone he made to pull off that acting performance. “And now, it’s time for the finisher.” He issued in seeing it’s time that Azuma ends this fight for good, “Multiple Clone Technique!” His horn glowed extra brightly before his entire body was coated before…

Soon at the moment, Azuma’s aura stretched all over the room before it faded to summon forth….a number of clones that filled all spaces. There were hundreds, thousands or so that were all around.

“Woah; Look at them all!” Adult Nyx gasped forth in seeing all them clones that look like Azuma.

“I knew Cloning Spells divided a pony’s strength and all….but…I don’t sense a change. It’s like they are all hundred percent at full power.” Ben stated in knowing the knowledge that a powerful user of magic can make a clone, but making a number of this many seem almost…impossible, and without depleting one’s magic; just how strong was Azuma to be in perfect form & with an army?

“Ahahahahh….this can’t be right!” Tech was starting to panic from using his advance watch device to figure out how many opponents are now in this room, “A hundred….five-hundred….one thousand….two…two….TWOO THOUSAND!?” Tech shouted off with wide eyes, that can’t be right, this element user stallion made 2000 clones and their power levels are all perfectly fine & not depleted, it’s crazy, “Brizizitrivhmmm…/Gaaaugh!” Suddenly, Tech’s equipment blew off from an overload from such high number of power readings.

"You need new equipment anyway." Dragon Kick jokes at Tech, making him glare at the hero.

“All together,” Azuma spoke forth in addressing his clones in knowing what they must do next here.

“Frssuvhhmmm….” Soon the entire army of clones was rushing forth towards Solar Moonlight that was apprehended & could not attempt any resistance as then she was kicked high into the air.

“Pow-pow-pow-pow-pow-pow-powfruvhmmm….” And it was from there, that a thousand bodies then pummel Solar Moonlight with both their left & right hooves equaling two thousand punches, “Azuma Two Thousand Combo!” At that moment from a finale of the finish part for a final simultaneous blow from both left & right hoof uppercut while the clones announced this incredible teamwork feat the likes no one has ever beware witness before.

“Puuufruvhhmmm…/Gruuaaarrughhh,” Solar Moonlight was unable to resist, as the major blows were so strong & sturdy, they completely knock her off. “Gaaugh…Uuuaghh.” She was soon knocked across the room to soon bashed against her tie up Clone Six companions and was now defeated.

“She’s down!” Phobos responded in seeing what has just happened by a miracle moment.

“He did it!” Spike pump up his arms in seeing Azuma won.

The heroes were cheering at this moment, just as the song theme was coming to a close. As Azuma had his clones round up the defeated Clone Six to be presented before him; at last, the battle to fight for their rescue is at hand.

“Waaah-waahh—waaaahhhaat,” Tech was gasping, this Azuma guy just beat the Clone Six so easily, even a powerful clone version of Twilight Sparkle, was such thing possible for this Equestrian?

“Now, to free them from your shackles,” Azuma spoke in seeing it’s time to help free those that are being controlled.

“I wouldn’t think it was that easy. Before, the thought of them losing cross my mind, Sooooo, I decided to implant a failsafe plan just in case.” Tech spoke forth in stopping this guy from stating that such a matter won’t go as easy as the gang think. “If you remove those Dark Ring collars off their necks, then a powerful explosive will go off that will finish them off.” He pointed out a major issue that the hero may have forgotten at this moment of time.

The other heroes heard this with shock; the clones were equip with bombs, like they would perform a kamikaze moment to kill maybe the Mane Six or Ben? How low….

“You put bombs on them?” Rainbow Dash snapped off in hearing this statement with her own ears.

“Even while they were under your control,” Twilight narrow her angry eyes at the wimpy pony that dare try an underhanded move.

“That is the worst thing you could have done!” Rarity exclaimed in not believing someone could sink so low.

“How can ye be so down right despicable,” Applejack argue off to say in seeing what this pony done is low, even for a wannabe villain.

“Yeah, that’s mean!” Pinkie Pie nods with an upset look on her face.

“How can you be so evil,” Fluttershy made a stern face; she did not like someone toying with life like that.

"And a jerk," Jade exclaims furiously at what Tech has done.

“Hey, I study under evil 101 and it says to have a backup plan with explosives, so what can you do? I won’t remove them & any force will trigger them.” Tech shrug off his shoulders to issue this fact about what he’s done is how evil works.

“You really are an evil mama’s colt, aren’t you?” Ben narrows his stern eyes while Tech ignored that mama’s colt remark.

“Who cares what you say, and it’s evil colt genius! If these Clone Six can’t be used by us Dark Mystic ponies, then they’ll be dispose of, isn’t that what you all were gonna do from the beginning if they run amuck?” Tech stated off in making a claim about if the villains can’t use the clones for their own evil, then they’ll just make sure that the clones can’t be taken to be good again.

The others felt silent, what can they do now; if the ponies try to remove the collars, they’ll explode, and if they do nothing, the clones will rise up to do more evil. What was the right decision to make here, would they have to do what’s right…for Equestria?

“There is a way to save them. And it will be a method that only I can do.” Azuma spoke forth in approaching the scene in having a plan to fix everything, it seem.

Soon Azuma summoned six clones of his, which then transformed into the Clone six themselves.

“Hugh? What in Equestria is he planning?” Golden Heart asked off puzzled in seeing this guy do something when the enemy’s control on the clones were knock off at the moment.

“It’s time….I pray that this works.” Azuma slowly spoke under his breath before opening them wide, “Force Xros Fusion!” He shouted off in announcing his move to which everyone heard & recognized it.

“Frusvhhmmm….” Suddenly, the six clones of Azuma merged themselves in a bright light within the Clone Six. And when it was over, they still appeared the same, nothing changed, nothing different.

"What is he doing?!" Houndkiller demands in alarm, caught off guard by this strategy.

“He used the Xros Fusion Spell!” Luna spoke surprised that another pony managed to use a spell that fuses ponies to create a stronger being.

“By Force it seems, since the opponents are not in their right mind.” Celestia sternly pointed off that this was more a forceful attempt than a manner of working together to join as one.

“But why would he do that, I mean, if they were his clones, he call them back but…” Discord stopped in mid-sentence in realizing what was going on. “Wait! He couldn’t be planning something ‘that’ chaotic, it’s too risky!” The others looked to Discord in hearing him say such things and none of them reacted fast in what happen next.

“Clone Call Back,” Azuma called forth this next action to which it would change everything.

“WRUUARRRGUHHH,” Suddenly, the clones were glowing while they exhibited screams of almost sounding in pain before… “Truspvhmm…./Frusvhmm…” Suddenly, the Clone Six vanished in a flash of light that zip through the room to enter Azuma’s body. “Ding-ding…Booomfruvhmmm…” And what happened next was that the Dark Rings fell and exploded on the ground, apparently whatever had the clones were removed and escape the blast.

“Whaaaaahhh; that’s impossible; How…?” Tech gasped off wide eye shock, the Clone Six were called into Azuma’s body and the bombs along with the usage of controlling those six clones were left behind, how?

“Hmph…..those that are clones, I fuse perfect identical lookalikes, and from their fusion, allowed me to call them into me. Now they are a part of me.” Azuma explained the matter of the principle that could work very well for he who makes clones that come back to him when they leave to even fuse them with other clones, gaining the ability to have those fuse be a part of him too. “Guuagh….But I will admit, I’m now feeling their pain inflicted and I needed to keep such evil controllers from coming in, but it shall be alright, they are safe now and shall be free soon enough.” He panted to grasp himself, Azuma did all he could to make sure the Clone Six would be safe and out of harm’s way; now no one will control them while he protects the clones.

“You fool! You almost could have killed yourself trying to do something that was almost going to cost those clones their concession minds to be swallowed by you.” Discord snapped off angrily at the stallion that would have killed himself from doing something so foolish.

Suddenly, Azuma sense something that made him look around, he sense a danger threat coming and then back to the others. “You all need to get away from here.” He issued this command to the others to leave this place.

“But what about you & the clones,” Pinkamena asked that they can’t leave; the ponies haven’t dealt with Tech yet.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let them go….I shall protect them, you have my word.” Azuma spoke with a light smile before staring at the gang. “Farewell…” He spoke those words to them with an honest face.

Shadow Dragon groaned, "Shadow Ball!"

Shadow Dragon unleashed his Shadow Balls on Ben making him gasped. Chase came in between Ben and Shadow Dragon's Shadow Balls. The 'hero' had his chest blasted to the ground, making Chase groaned in pain.

"Chase!" Ben exclaims as he came over to Chase, while holding his ally and martial art teacher.

Shadow Dragon, suspecting what Azuma is about to do, call out, "You may have won this one day. But we got what we need. We shall meet again."

"Yes, we will. But I will get the answer from you as to why."

"It's best you know nothing since she is the one who kept the truth of me and you."

"Truth," Ben asks Shadow Dragon confused; 'She'? Who is his enemy speaking of?

"We shall meet again, Ben........" Shadow Dragon said sinisterly.

Shadow Dragon, the remains of Dark Mystic Ponies and some Techbots disappeared in black smoke. Warpath yells out, "Those cowards!"

"Never mind. You must go now!" Azuma exclaims to his allies. What's about to happen won't be pretty.

Suddenly before the others would protest, Azuma used his magic to teleport the group away from this sight.

Fanged Dahlia decides that it's best to leave herself; She quickly flies out a window but with plans which the Vampire Pony plans on doing next.

“Powwfruvhmm….” At that moment, the pile of junk the four other Dark Warriors got buried in bust free. They have seen enough action of what happened to know the whole issue now.

“Tech, you fool! You’ve lost our clones!” Black Tiger snapped off to the whiny pony that messed up things. "And worst yet, you made our boss and our allies run out on us!

“Dude, Dark Curse is so gonna have our hide.” DJ Red stated in knowing their boss would kill them for this screw up.

“Yeah, and we didn’t even get Ben Mare.” Clumsy Rat pointed out another problem that the bad guys fail to do.

“They managed to hold us off and we were going easy on them.” Shades stated from seeing that they shouldn’t have held back from underestimating those Equestrian Ponies, cause thanks to that, they looked like complete fools…which ain’t hard to do it seems.

“Look, can we save the blame game for later?” Tech stated in wanting to avoid being pin for all the blame here. “If we get this pony, then we’ll have the clones & gain the Element Of Duplication, it’s a very uniquely rare element.” He points below that if they capture Azuma, they’ll have everything that they themselves can every want and more.

“Hmph, sorry….you won’t get any from me.” Azuma made a sly smile come across his face. “And I found something out, you used this facility to make your Techbots, so to slow you down, I’ll deliver a blow to your little operation here.” That made Tech yelp, that did not sound good, the guy must have sent clones to learn about what this abandon facility can do for theDark Mystics. “Ashamed too, I would have wanted to go out fighting stronger opponents, but I have a promise to keep.” Azuma likes to fight strong opponents, but he must keep his word to protect the clones that are now a part of him now.

“hHrussvhmmm….” At the moment, Azuma’s body began to light up like a bright flash of the sun.

“Waaaahhhh…..” Tech made a girly scream in not liking what was happening here.

“You’re about to witness a Clone Great Explosion of the highest order, so if you survive, let your leader know this….” Azuma spoke with a sly smile across his face in not being afraid it seems. “Equestria won’t fall to them so easily….Suicide Bombing Clone!” Once that message was spoken, his body really lit up so bright, it began to expand.

“Waaaaughhh,” The Dark Warrior Trio & Black Tiger screamed from the light starting to envelop them.

And then things went dark afterwards….

Soon the scene changes to outside near Ponyville’s borders while the gang that were teleported look at the direction they came from with worry.

“Kuurrfruvhmmm…Booomfruvhmmmm….” Suddenly, a large explosion appeared that was seen destroying the part of the forest and near mountain area; that area was where the abandon facility was.

"Looks like another enemy facility has been taken down," Heavy said, coughing a bit.

“He blew up.” Adult Nyx yelped in seeing this before reverting to her filly form now.

“He wanted us out of the way, so he wouldn’t put us in any danger.” Pinkamena stated in figuring what the ally of theirs had planned.

"I cannot sense him." Omega said grimly to his friends. Looks like Azuma is indeed gone.

“A noble thing to do, but that may have cost him his life, now we may have lost those we wanted to help.” Golden Heart looked down in sadness, knowing what this could only mean.

Twilight dropped to her knees, looking sadden while Ben comfort her while the Mane Six and their allies lowered their heads to grief over their loses. Twilight felt horrible, she brought in the Clone Six into the world and now they have died from being left uncheck and pay the price from being used by evil. She knew that maybe this way, the clones would be free from ever being used again, but it felt bad, cause even Azuma was gone, and he promised he save them, but was this what he meant, why….why does such a thing have to be?

“Brother, you write me out too quickly don’t you…?” Azuma’s voice is heard as the gang snaps their attention behind them to see…

“Azuma,” The others responded in surprise, their friend was alright, but how he survived his own explosion blast?

“You’re alive!” The baby Dragons responded in shock that this guy was here and not dead, how?

“But how,” Ben question how the pony that got them out of harm's way is here.

Chase groans, getting up, asking, "Why not let him explain?"

“I made a switch with a clone I had sent out here, to escape while he knew of what was gonna happen.” Azuma explained the matter of switching places & having his switch place clone be a bomb to blow up along with the enemy. “Cough-cough….but enough about me….please….Help treat them first.” He let off some coughs in feeling almost a bit tuckered out, but Azuma has other matters to attend to firstly.

"'Them'," Jade ask puzzled, wondering what Azuma is referring to.

Soon, Azuma’s body glow that released six orbs of light that lay against the ground. And as they flash, they took the forms of the Clone Six, unconscious, but alive, and safe, and once more…free from being controlled.

“Amethyst Lace,” Applejack called out to her clone self.

“Cuddly Tulip,” Rainbow Dash called out to her clone self.

“Aridity,” Rarity called out to her clone self.

“Apple Sweet,” Pinkie Pie called out to her clone self.

“Party Thrill,” Fluttershy called out to her clone self.

“Solar Moonlight too!” Twilight called out to her clone self just like the others did.

The gang came to check up on the Clone Six, from the looks of it, the clones bodies that had suffered damages all seem perfectly fine & healed up. They all seem to be in a exhausted tired state to be sleeping, the gang sigh in relief, at least these six mares look alright. Even those with magic performed a test to no longer able to find any traces of any machines, Dark Rings or beetles that would control the clones, now they are return to being their pure good old selves again, thank heavens for that. The gang looked to the stallion that helped them out very much, Azuma look a little beat, but he still kept his promise, he heaped not destroy the Clone Six & saved them, they feel grateful for that heroic action.

“I can see now why you are a pony that has used your experience and clones to make yourself stronger now; to protect those that need protection.” Luna smiled in seeing how much Azuma was an Alicorn truly worthy of what he’s done to help make sure he protects those all around, clone or otherwise from his work to getting stronger.

“Azuma….thank you for this, you truly helped us more than you know. You knew what would happen & protected all of us, and even attempt to escape in the nick of time.” Celestia smiled in commenting this stallion’s bravo work, it was almost a bit reckless, but his knowledge to knowing many strategies heeled him escape in the closest second possible.

“Don’t mention it….but….you can thank me more…by letting me heal.” Azuma spoke from holding his injuries shoulder while looking back at the Cloen Six laying there so peaceful in their sleep states. “I’ve done another favor, by taking away the pain inflicted on the clones; they’re just out of it so they’ll wake soon.” The gang all looked to Azuma with relief smiles, this guy….he not only used a Xros Fusion Spell to get the clones out of harm’s way of being controlled & rigged to blow, but even took their injuries so they will be fine and healthy, even if it means he needs to recover a bit.

“Azuma, I don’t know what to say, but….I truly wish to thank you for saving them.” Twilight came up to the Alicorn stallion to thank him for such aid. “I suppose next time, I should be more careful when it comes to life.” She looked worried from knowing this mess was her fault and it was a hard fact to learn while wanting to save the lives of innocence here.

“Don’t threat, in time, you will come to understand things as I have. You’re a good princess, Twilight Sparkle.” Azuma smiled to issue that Twilight has no reason to be ashamed about; this was a lesson to learn. “After all, calamity can come from discovering new experiences and from it…a new respect from it. Even for clones. Be them bad or good, if there is a chance, new life can blossom differently, depending on how you help treat them.” To Azuma, clones need to be guided when created into the world and through the right teachings & actions, the clones can become a great new hope, especially clones of the Mane Six that represent the Elements of Harmony.

"But...Dragon Kick; how did you and the Mystic Ponies knew we were here?"

"Ask Tao...and Flare Tiger." Dragon Kick said with a smile. "They send us and Chase who told Tao about what happened first."

Twilight yelps a bit. Tao knew that she and her group were here. Not good, the old Mystic Pony is going to blow his top. Jade smiles, saying, "Don't worry about granduncle. He promised not to blow his top...just don't say something that could make it happen."

"I was afraid of that." Spike remarks with a groan.

“Well come now, let’s get back to the library and help patch things up, and hope to never see another Dark Mystic for so long as we live.” Discord spoke forth in wanting to cut this moment short, they all probably wanna be home safe and sound and hope to not run into another Dark Mystic for a long time….or until another problem involving them shows up.

Then with a snap of Discord’s fingers, it teleported the gang away; So now the gang have rescued the Clone Six, avoided any casualty loses, and have a new friend that help them understand a few interesting points in how teamwork can be a strong power to even out power really tough obstacles. They can relax…at least for now it seems…

At this moment, the area of where the facility was became totally ruined and scrap to the ground. At this time, dark portals were seen of where the Dark Mystic Ponies: Black Tiger, DJ Red, Clumsy Rat, Shades & Houndkiller holding up Tech’s neck before dropping him on the ground, stood. Those here managed to escape the bomb blast by luck, though some were injured pretty badly while Houndkiller appeared fine.

“Well I can see this mission was a bust.” Houndkiller remarks with a frown. “You all will have to return to our secret base to explain to Dark Curse of the mess you made.”

“Uaaghhhh,” The Dark Warrior Trio moans in seeing that they are gonna be scolded for this.

“We shall await our punishment.” Black Tiger bows in feeling that the Dark Mystic Ponies shall accept their fate for failure.

“Um, heheheeeh, not ALL of us failed, I did better on my first try.” Tech chuckled nervously in thinking that he’ll be pardoned, won’t he?

“Yes and your overconfidence became your downfall, fool. You will be given an ‘exclusive’ punishment for your screw up.” Houndkiller spoke off in remotely reminding Tech that he became too big in overconfidence that he failed to see another ally join to stop them, the Mystic Ponies arriving to help, and that made a mess of everything that blew up in Tech’s face.

“Gulp,” Tech swallowed hard in having a very bad feeling of what awaits him when he returns; and it will be painful, like it always is.

"I am also concerned about Shadow Dragon's retreat...and how he is about to be in two identifies at the same time." Shades remark in disbelief. The Dark Mystic Ponies knew that Chase and Shadow Dragon are the same pony, but they appear to be different individuals. How?

"Why not let me fill in the blanks?" A voice spoke up. The villains yelp as they see Fanged Dahlia on a pile of rubble, smiling wickedly.

"Who are you?! What do you want?!" Black Tiger demands angrily at Fanged Dahlia. She doesn't seem deter from the outburst, the Vampire Pony just smile.

"I believe an alliance and an explanation is in order."

Houndkiller pauses then spoke, "You don't to be on the side of our enemies...and we will need the help we can get. Very well, you shall come with us to speak with Dark Curse."

With that, the Dark Mystics and Fanged Dahlia went through their dark portals to vanish out of sight. Looks like they’ll be given a hard time (mostly the Dark Mystic ones), or will they, who’s to say if this was not to be expected as Dark Curse expected? That will be left to be discussed another time.

Author's Note

Sweet; the bad guys has fallen for now. What's next for our heroes and the clones? The final chapter is coming up so read, review and suggest.

The dark ring thing around the necks is base around some evil controllers from "Digimon Adventure 02" TV Series.

Fanged Dahlia is Count Horseula's second in command. A crafty, nasty and dark one, she is determined to turn every mare in Equestria into vampire ponies to serve the forces of evil. She is based on Maleficent, and she is King Sombra's queen and bride. Her minions consist of Thornets and Weeds. Fanged Dahlia made her debut in Toonwriter's MLP fanfic, "A New Threat", where she put a graphic, horrifying curse on the Mane 6, Spike and the CMC. You can find the story at Fimfiction or at the Fanfiction Archive (fanfic-4all) website.

Warpath Temper is based on Zhang Fei (Dynasty Warriors).

Heavy is based on Zhang Bao (Dynasty Warriors).

The collars exploding where base around the reference from One Piece where some World Nobles had explosive collars on their slaves that go off if they disobey, that was just to add some pressure to the story. Not to mention, an explained matter in how Azuma managed to perform a move that helped make sense and in making sure the clones would be free from being under evil control.

Chapter 5: The Clone Aftermath

Twilight's group arrived and saw Flare Tiger and Comet Star waiting for them as they entered the library. After putting Chase on the couch to rest until the group can get him home, they begin to talk to each other.

"Flare Tiger; Hey," Rainbow said to Flare Tiger with a smile.

"Are you okay?" Flare Tiger ask her friends in concern.

"We are now. Thanks for sending Tao and the Mystic Ponies after us."

"Ah am sorry. Ah know you wish to avoid his Mystic Phoenix Temper...but Ah have a feeling you all need some help."

"Well, I'm glad you did." Ben remarks to Flare Tiger with a light chuckle. "At least now, we managed to escape that problem with our lives still intact...as well as the clones' as well."

Pinkamena and Golden Heart were hidden for a bit talking with Omega. The pink pony asks in surprise, "Wait, you're saying that Chase and Shadow might be the same?"

"Well my scans showed they both are the same but I think there's something a mist." Omega explains. "They share the same lifeline and are similar; it might mean that Shadow might really be Chase."

"Ok but how about we wait. Once Ben gains the Lens of Truth, then once he does, little Chase's little trick will be gone and then we strike but for now we wait."

Omega nods as they go back to the gang.

“AYIIIEEEEEHHHH,” A sudden scream interrupts the moment inside the lib ray where the Mane Six group was having a moment with their clone friends making nice recuperation when Tao & his family are seen coming in. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Tao, hey, when you get here?” Spike spoke off in remembering this Mystic Pony.

“Never mind that, start talking. I need an explanation on the circumstance.” Tao spoke off to wave off the topic to demand an answer here.

“Yes, we heard about a Dark Mystic being spotted here.” Mighty Heart nods to say that they heard about news involving the Dark Mystics and became worried.

“So we had to make sure there weren’t any trying to perform any acts in town or involving the Mystic Shield.” Dragon Kick explained the manner of what they had to do during such a time.

“But more importantly, what happened to you all? And….your lookalike clones?” Jade Adventure raised an eyebrow on the other part, since they heard about Twilight cloning the Mane Six; it’s weird, but interesting to say the least. "Actually, Dragon Kick and I didn't tell Granduncle yet. We preferred if you tell the whole story about what happened yourselves."

“Well, it’s a long story, but since we’re slowly coming around, may as well tell.” Ben shrugs off his shoulders in seeing that the group may as well explain what happened to them.

Soon at the moment, the gang have explained everything that has gone on. From when Azuma lead them to find the Dark Mystics’ hideaway in an abandon facility, where Tech was gonna use the Clone Six for their army, how they fought, and how thanks to Azuma’s team working with his clones, pulled off a win, a rescue, and saved them before he blew up the enemy’s base of operations. Right down to the part where they came back to the library to help their clone friends from having one exhausting experience.

“And that’s how we managed to get out & save the clones.” Ben finished off to say how they ended up getting out of danger and helping their new clone friends.

“Hmmm….come closer, I need to tell you something…verrrrry important.” Tao hummed to himself in absorbing this before asking that the others come to gather near him, as he wishes to tell them something important.

The gang heard this and gathers near Tao…only for him to whack the Mane Six, Ben, Spike, Phobos & Nyx’s foreheads. “Ow!” The gang yelped from getting the scolds service of Tao.

“Are You Bliiiinnnnnd,” Tao shouted off loud in accepting this info while sounding upset about it. “Immortal Ponies Must Defeat, Immortal Ponies! You fought that which you weren’t ready for!” He scolds the gang for facing an enemy that they were not ready to face just yet.

“Are you kidding? We smoked those guys!” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in protesting that they were capable of handling such a foe.

“Did they lay beaten in defeat, hmmm?” Tao raised an eyebrow in questioning if the gang even ‘did’ such a feat or not.

“Well…ugh,” Rainbow was silent in knowing, the heroes held off the Dark Mystic Warriors, but they never did end the battle.

“Well in honesty, we did only catch them off guard an' they were only temporally buried under rubble. Well, some o' them.” Applejack rubbed the back of her neck in admitting the truth of the matter itself. "Then Shadow Dragon an' more clones appear, knocking Ben, Azuma and Pinkamena's Elements out, try 'ta kill us...an' if it weren't fer 'de group yew send, our enemies would've won."

A concerned princess spoke up, "Tao......... I can explain this!"

"Do not worry. I just have to say this." Tao said seriously. Twilight and her friends leaned closer to the old Mystic Pony as he spoke, "The next time you tried to do something like this ever again, consult me first! Oh dear Lauren. You are lucky that Chase inform us about it in time. Otherwise, Ben, Azuma and all of you would have been killed. Not to mention, Houndkiller could have taken his Element of Duplication back."

"Chase informed you? Why? And what do you mean about Houndkiller getting his Element of Duplication back?"

"If he did not, I wouldn't have created the Reverse Spell in time for your friends or their Element would have been shut down for good. As for Houndkiller, he was the predecessor of that element. Houndkiller will do anything to get his Element power back."

Twilight sighed, "Sorry."

Tao sigh right back as he spoke, "Please, Twilight. If you ever do something 'curious', consult and ask me first before you do anything foolishly. Or else, thing could have become the worst."

Twilight sighed again, feeling terrible since the events that occurred was a bit of her own fault, "I understand."

Tao sighed, "Now, what's we do with them? We can't keep them forever."

Flare Tiger chuckled, "Why not let mah family help them out?"

They looked at Flare Tiger with shocked looks.

Twilight asked, "Are you sure about this?"

Comet Star smiled while speaking, "Our herd talked about it, and they're agreed to help them out, which is more safely for them. We have everything they're want."

Flare Tiger sighed, "And for Solar Moonlight, Ah had to show her the ropes by assisting in helping her used and control her power over the sun and moon. Ah happened know about the sun and moon as well..."

Princess Celestia shocked ask, "What!?!"

Rainbow Dash realized as she quickly spoke up, "Oh, I remember! What's your element?"

The group leans to listen as Flare Tiger chuckled as Comet Star laugh out loudly then they calm down.

Flare Tiger smiled while explaining, "Dimensions."

Jade asked, "What's Dimensions?"

Azuma's eyes widen as he ask in a shocked matter,, "Don't tell me, You're Space and Time?"

Ben shocked asks, "What? That's meant..."

Twilight asked, "You can control the sun and moon?"

Flare Tiger smiled as she responds, "Surprise? Ah could do that! Ah should thank Pinkamena!"

The group looked at Pinkamena with wonder as she notice with confusion.

Pinkamena confused ask, "What? Why's you're thanking me for?"

Flare Tiger smiled as she responds, "Well, Ah could cut short story for ya!"

Flare Tiger narrated, "Yes, Ah still remember mah first time, traveling along with mah father when Ah was eight years old, that's due to mah father who came to pick up me up."

Hunter Iron Shield came to pick up Flare Tiger for a trip to the Dragons' area as to explore the land. Flare Tiger decided to take walked around when her father head to the cave to find the gemstones that Sapphire Rose asked for as Flare Tiger enjoy her surroundings.

But her enjoying this moment isn't lasting longer, a blurry pink appeared from nowhere as Flare Tiger did sense quickly at the same time and is able to jump out of the way. They land distance from each other as the fighters looked up and saw each other. The stranger saw how fast Flare Tiger and is able to do from her dodge from the stranger's attack. Flare Tiger's able see the stranger's figure: her mane and tail is dark pink as straight down, her eyes is light blue and her body is pink, only one thing she can't see was her cutie mark because the stranger worn a cloak.

Flare Tiger confused demands, "Who are ya; Why ya attacked me for no reason!?!"

The stranger answers, "I'm Pinkamena Diana Pie, and I believe you did something to my spell of the dimension hopping!"

Flare Tiger growled, "Ah'm nothing done to ya' spells! Ah'm Flare Tiger, and let us be peaceful without fighting each other!"

Pinkamena shouted, "NEVER!"

Pinkamena attacked Flare Tiger but she kept dodging ever more because Flare Tiger didn't know how to fight yet. However, in the end, Pinkamena managed to cut the left side of her face. Flare Tiger knew that she's done for as she jump backward and gain more distance so she's able to teleport herself out. She's about to teleported as Flare Tiger saw Pinkamena charging at her. She panicked and got herself to teleport out of it.

Flare Tiger narrated, "And, Ah didn't knew it, mah element happened woke up due to Pinkamena's attack, it saved mah life and Ah decided to understand it, by studying it and listening to it."

Flare Tiger smiled as she finishes her tale, "And that's how Ah realized it, Mah Element of the Dimensions holds two different elements; Space and Time, which is like balance."

Applejack sighed, "'Dat's explained everything!"

Pinkamena shocked ask "Seriously?"

Comet Star chuckled, "Seriously!"

Tao smiled while asking, "Well, anypony who agreed?"

The group mumble in agreement about let's Flare Tiger's herd helping the Six Clones.

“Anyway, as I was saying before I was interrupted, then you know that you just got lucky, if they were serious competitors, you would have stood no chance!” Tao scolded sternly to this group in not realizing how close they were to losing if their luck didn’t hold out.

“But what about Ben, Pinkamena & Golden Heart,” Rarity pointed off that their other friends managed to handle such things alright.

“As well as Nyx when she had her Battle Form Mode and we had Celestia & Luna,” Pinkie Pie pointed out other members that gave them an edge against the battle.

“Not to mention, Azuma was there, and he was really tough.” Nyx nods in knowing that they had a new element user that would make duplicate clones, and boy did he show that he was really tough, tougher than the Dark Mystics expected.

“They possess feats of stronger Alicorn magic to give them a little boost. While Ben, Pinkamena & Azuma have elements that they have mastered to unlock much of their potential to be capable of fighting the darkness, but only a small fracture of a hopeful means.” Mighty Heart explained the issue of how those that were more capable had more of a chance than the normal Equestrian ponies & Dragons.

“Yes, and if you fought against Ultimate Dark Mystic Warriors, it would have been a very bad day.” Dragon Kick shook his head with a serious look, that there are stronger enemies that the gang needs to be on the lookout for.

“So let's reveal, who were the creeps that tried to kidnap the clones that Twilight made?” Jade stated that they need to know who was it that the gang fought in the Dark Mystics' group, "Dragon Kick and I already knew but best to repeat to Granduncle and Mighty just in case."

“I have the data right here, I made a record of it all in Twilight’s little Enemy Guide Book, watch.” Discord appeared with Twilight’s Enemy Guide book, opened it up to a page that magically display a hologram of Tech. “Here’s the first Dark Mystic to be noticed, Tech, a genius in making tech & devices, robotic designs, but is not much a fighter, a bit cowardly and is a whiny mama’s colt.” He pointed out all the facts while stating the faults.

“I’M NOT WHINY!” The image of Tech was seen acting out just like the real deal.

“See, it even comes with a feature to sound just like him when he does that; that was for fun. On to the next bunch,” Discord responded before he flip the page to present magical images of the Dark Warrior Trio, “The Dark Warrior Trio; DJ Red, Shades and Clumsy Rat. A couple of lackeys of Dark Curse that serve as some minor group of Enforcers, but they can still be hard to handle in fights.” And once he was done with that, he turn the page to the last Dark Mystic, Black Tiger. “And lastly is Black Tiger, this one showed he was more tougher than the trio, and is very loyal, and he enjoys making battle cries of his attacks before performing them.” He explained all the facts about this guy, including his favorite hobby.

“Imaginative Creature Breaks Down His Prison…Gaaaughh!” The hologram of Black Tiger was about to make a move, but then Discord shut the book’s covers on it, thereby shutting & stopping the data of a meaningless effort.

“Again, that attack announcing liner was for fun and he can’t actual hurt any pony here, but I enjoy shutting him up even more.” Discord slyly smiles in pointing out the fact of why he did that while enjoying to clams up the Dark Mystic annoyance.

“Wow! I remember those guys; the Dark Warrior Trio & Black Tiger are guys that Uncle Dragon Kick fought off a lot during our adventures.” Jade spoke in recalling those guys from long ways back.

“To which I tried to keep you out of those dangers, Jade.” Dragon Kick narrow his eyes to his niece who huffed off that remote statement of being kept out of danger since she never listen.

“Yeah-yeah, as for Tech, pihhh, Shui, Ryan, Kasai & Texas handled him enough that he isn’t much a threat.” Jade rolled her eyes to issue that Tech was a guy that Tao’s students have faced plenty and he’s now big threat anyway.

“Well he sure wasn’t when he attacked with them Techbots.” Phobos rubbed his aching neck in recalling how Tech’s Techbots really seem to almost cream them when he appeared in Ponyville when he had the Clone Six under his control.

“That is because even though he is weak, he’s still a Dark Mystic and his tech has Dark Magic that made sure your efforts could not do much alone.” Tao pointed off in stating the obvious fact that the gang miss out on. “Only those of you that have stronger magic could damage such magic.” He stated the fact that unless these guys have enough magical power, they can’t break through Dark Mystic Magic properties so easily.

"There's Shadow Dragon and Houndkiller." Ben said in concern as Discord tries to activate those pages.

"Shadow Dragon: Information on him is unknown at this time." The book explains. "Houndkiller: Information about him is unknown."

"How could they be unknown right now?"

"Perhaps more info is given, nephew." Luna said to Ben in concern.

“So what were we suppose 'ta do? They came 'ta fight us?” Applejack asked off in how they should have done things, the enemy was there & attacking.

“You need to paaaaay attention!” Tao shouted off to scold the group in not heeding his words. “There are only THREEE Lords of Equestria, whose powers are currently fighting to gain control to dominate & rule & destroy.” He issued this grave manner of what these heroes are still not following.

“The order goes from 3rd place, to 2nd, and then 1st.” Mighty Heart points out from those at the bottom, and those strongest at the top. “Dark Mystics hold a level threat of being second place while below them is the new Apocalypse Ponies. And still reigning at the top is the Demon God himself, Grimmore.” Mighty Heart shivered on the last part, currently in terms of who’s the strongest, those that are rank of whose out ranks who. “Out of all other enemies that have come about & gone, it’s only through those three, they hold the highest priority.” He points out with a serious face about the serious dangers of only those three foes & their armies that possess more threats than any past or short coming enemies.

“Yes, at the very least, your best chance is to get stronger before facing the Dark Mystics again.” Dragon Kick nods in thinking the gang has to get stronger before facing against such powerful enemies once more.

“So we skip over, what’s the big deal?” Rainbow Dash shrug off her shoulders in not seeing the big picture if they were coming close to facing the second powerful foes in Equestria.

“The big deal is this; you need to slowly build up strength to compete against them.” Tao sternly explains to Rainbow Dash the seriousness of not being ready to face such foes as of now. “However, I have devised a plan that should this happen again, and if you come across Dark Mystics, I give you this advice.” He spoke calmly and wisely in having a way that if the Dark Mystics come again, Tao has something that can help the gang out.

“Really, then what is it?” Rarity spoke in hopeful look, what does Tao have that can help them against meeting a Dark Mystic.

“Simple. Don’t fight them.” Tao pointed out blankly of the matter if the gang run into a Dark Mystic, they shouldn’t fight them at all.

This caused everyone to almost have face faults at that moment. That was supposed to be helpful?

“Somehow Tao, I don’t think we can avoid that,” Ben sweatdrops at hearing that silly answer while they were trying to stand up here. "I got a feeling that Shadow Dragon will come after me again."

“Correct, which is why, I shall perform a little Mystic Magic coating on your weapons, to enhance them enough that they can protect you from Dark Mystic foes.” Tao declared off in what he shall do to help the group, by coating the gang’s weapons & gear so they can help handle Dark Mystic foes.

“Wow! You can do that?” Pinkie Pie asked off surprise by this news?

“Senshi and I have the proper spell, but we hoped not to use it until the Apocalypse Ponies were first dealt with, & you had enough strength to handle the magic.” Mighty Heart explained how they first hoped the new heroes would first take down one of the Three Lords and then focus on the Dark Mystics before handling Grimmore, but it seem they’ll have to change strategy.

“But seeing they are now acting instead of watching, we may have to act sooner.” Dragon Kick spoke with a serious face that if the enemy that they know is acting this quickly, they need to be acting quicker to.

“So lay out your stuff ponies, time for a little coating work.” Jade happily instructed the others in what they had to do here.

Soon the Mane Six lay out their items on a table when Tao & Mighty Heart were done casting some design & decoration stuff to prepare for a chanting spell to magically coat the things lay out to help protect & fight against Dark Mystic Ponies.

“Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao…” Tao & Mighty Heart were chanting their chant while waving blowfish & lizard items while the drawn seal on the table was set with candle light.

The items glowed a bright emerald aura that was seemingly effecting them, much to the gang’s amazement. By the time the chanting was over, did the two Mystic Ponies cease the chant, the magic faded and the stuff lay out was now looking like what they were before the free blowy works.

“The enhancement coating on your weapons, to protect & repel Dark Mystics & their magic…is done.” Tao humbly spoke in announcing that the deed is done, the others can take their stuff back now.

“Really; Hugh, can’t tell, they look the same to us.” Phobos spoke off to see the ponies take their things, but they don’t look any different. “Ow!” He cringed from getting his forehead whacked by Tao from the rudeness.

“If I say they have been magically coated, then they are magically coated!” Tao scolded the Moon Dragon for not believing that he did his work properly. “With this, you may fight & land more hurtful impacts & inflict great damage to Dark Mystics. But you must also remember, there will be others that are stronger that won’t go down so easily, and take time & teamwork to overcome such obstacles.” He points out a very important fact that must be kept on their minds for the future.

“We understand Tao, but…what about me and Ben?” Twilight nods in hearing this, but she wonders why she & Ben didn’t get their weapons coated by Mystic Magic.

“The StarBlade you can summon is plenty powerful to do well without my coating, keep practicing, and someday, it will be solid for you to easily hold.” Tao explained to the new princess of the weapon she was destined to wield, will be more helpful once she learns to solidify it better. “As for Ben Mare, his element & weapons are already as powerful & majestic to cause pain to Dark Mystics.” He pointed out how Ben’s power & weaponry have strong forces to help protect & fight evil; especially since Hope Dragon was once the wielder, and so they are already capable of harming evil beings.

“Yeah, boy, were we surprised to hear that you sledged Black Tiger with the Megaton Hammer and used your shield & boots to stop him to repel his charge. Any ordinary stuff against Dark Mystic forces wouldn’t have done half as well as what you did,” Jade nods in remembering how they heard how Ben really suckered it to Black Tiger with ways that not a lot of Equestrians could do.

“Jade’s right daddy, you did well, and I know you can continue to do well in the future.” Nyx smiled in feeling proud of her father.

“Thanks Nyx, that means a lot.” Ben smiled in patting his daughter’s head for the comment.

"Oh yeah; Now this is what I'm talking about; finally, gotten out from my drinks. Drinking sure makes me bored and tired. I'm glad I'm out." Warpath said, smiling a bit as he has gotten into battle after so long.

Heavy chuckles, shaking his head while saying, "Oh dad......."

"I'm glad you came and help us, though I was probably trying to get Blazefist but I can't." Tao remarks in concern, referring Blazefist than Warpath. "He was busy in his duty by Bladestrike."

"Well, on the plus side, Warpath is cool when he isn't drinking." Rainbow remarks with a shrug, remembering how Warpath has done so well.

"Right, very awesome." Spike remarks in agreement.

"As long as we stay on his good temper," Fluttershy said quietly.

"So, Warpath, do you.....you know....... lose temper and kill anyone because of being traitors, and even the foals?" Twilight ask in concern, remembering what was said of him.

Warpath thought for the moment before he chuckled out loud, "Ooh about that. I kinda got drunk, not my temper. As for the foals, I kinda spank them than just killing them."

"Seriously," Spike asks Warpath, arching an eyebrow at this. Bad move, this causes the Mystic Pony to get into his face, almost literally!

"You've got problem with that?!

"Nothing!"

"So you don't hate me? Because of me being Nightmare Moon," Nyx ask Warpath hopefully.

Warpath looks confused and surprise, responding, "Nightmare Moon?! You are the reincarnation of hers?!"

"Should have shut your mouth," Phobos mumbles a bit to Nyx, making her worried. Now she's in for it.

"I can't believe it. I'm actually meeting the sweet little angel!"

"Sweet Little Angel; you mean you don't hate me?" Nyx ask Warpath with another hopeful look on her face.

Warpath chuckles as he explains, "You're kidding me? After what you had done for Equestria, I'm happy to have a friend like you. It's awesome."

"Terrific; my dad is good at one thing: never admit his own faults, especially jumping on the wrong conclusion." Heavy explains to his friends, rolling his eyes a bit.

"And you don't?" Jade ask Heavy skeptically, recalling Heavy with his own faults.

"Cut me some slacks, Jade."

"Hey, Jade. Do you think Heavy can join our Cutie Mark Crusaders? He doesn't seem to have one." Nyx said thoughtfully. It's true, Heavy doesn't have a cutie mark at all. He could make a good addition to the group!

"Heck, yes! I've been looking for him all the time. Boy, talk about having troubles finding him from any of his training." Jade remarked to Nyx with a gleeful look.

"Hey! What's that supposed to be mean?" Heavy demands as if he was being made fun of here.

"Anyway, would you like to join Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Nyx ask Heavy eagerly and hopefully.

"There's gonna be battles?"

"Well, not exactly. But having adventures and fun is the best when it comes to finding our Cutie Marks."

Heavy scoffed, "Cutie, Scutie Marks; But adventures and fun? They are my middle name."

"Does this mean yes?" Nyx ask Heavy curiously and eagerly with a cute hopeful look.

"For Heavy, it's always 'yes." Jade remarked to Nyx with a slight chuckle.

“We’ll leave you to helping your friends out now, we’re just glad you made it all back safely.” Dragon Kick begins to state this that they need to get moving here. “I fought those four, and believe me, possibly out of the other Dark Mystic Warriors, they are only as strong as the minions while there are others rating near or higher above them.” He explained that those the Equestrian gang fought, aside from Tech being a weakling, those other four Dark Mystics there were about as strong as the usual minions in that group, and there are possible strong foes above them to that need to be watch out for.

“Ehhh, either way, if worse comes of it, we can lean a hoof.” Jade waved off in feeling that won’t be a problem, if the gang needs help, they’ll be there.

“Thanks. We’ll keep that in mind and be watchful.” Twilight nods in understanding the Mystics here and from being apprehended for what they also done & gave them to have better odds.

Tao glances to Chase while adding, "And get Chase home ASAP. He deserves some rest."

Soon the Mystic Ponies of Tao’s group soon left the library to leave Twilight’s group to help continue to heal their clone friends & make sure all is well. Hopefully in the future, the gang will hold a little better against such dark foes.

At Chase's Temporary Home, Chase slept on the bed gently, moaning and groaning in pain, feeling his chest pain. His chest was covered by the bandages.

"Hey, you're okay?" Ben asks Chase in concern. He and the others are staying to make sure that their new friend is well before they could take their leave for now.

Chase groaned, "Yeah...... I'll live."

"Yeah. Thanks for helping and saving me."

Chase chuckled lightly, "What do you expect....... We are friends."

"Well, say what you want about him: the gentlecolt is a true hero." Rarity said in amusement. "Thank you."

"Right, not sure why my cousin was suspicious about him?" Rainbow remarks with a chuckle. "No bad guy would do something cool like that."

"Once you wake up, we could throw a 'thank you for saving Ben and us' party!" Pinkie squeals, bouncing up and down.

"Right an' Ah will send Big Mac over as thanks." Applejack remarks to Chase with a smile.

"Thanks." Fluttershy said gently.

"Chase, listen, I want to say thank you. And.......I'm sorry too." Twilight said with a smile, adding an apology as if regretting something.

Chase puzzled asks, "Why?"

"Being suspicious of you."

"Do not worry. I'm sure you had to make sure that I'm worthy to earn your trust. I'm not expecting some friendlier greetings and thank you that quickly."

Twilight smiled while saying, "I guess so."

Of course, Twilight was lying about the apology part. She still got some suspicions about Chase...especially since for some reason, he appears to be similar to the Shadow Dragon...and how did he knew where the group were at? And add the part how the clones got taken controlled right after she told her friends what happened...

But until Twilight is fully sure, she will keep her further suspicions a secret...for now.

Omega comes up, speaking, "Chase. I do not wish to intrude, but can I scan your body?"

"Of course," Chase said with a chuckle. Omega was silent, caught off guard by the response.

"Do you not feel angered by my intrusion?"

"If you had suspicions, you may check."

Omega's eyes fired the crimson highlights on Chase, seeing his body revealing a blue aura-like object. Within his mind, it show two blueprints of Chase and Shadow Dragon. Comparing them both: Chase himself had a blue aura while Shadow Dragon had a red aura. Shifting one blueprint to another: there's the two Dragon battling, revealing Chase had blue while Shadow Dragon had red.

Scanning and analyzing on both Chase and Shadow Dragon's auras, the word 'Match' appeared on the screen much to the robot's puzzled mode.

"Analyzing confirmed. Difference had been sighted." Omega said puzzled. "Strange. I thought I could have scanned the battle area properly."

Chase chuckles as he begin to ask, "Is it because you've been distracted by Dark Mystic Ponies?"

"Perhaps."

"Especially when dealing with Shadow Dragon. I can't help but wonder why would he do something like this. I mean, yes, I would feel upset if Twilight was killed. I wouldn't dare to do something terrible things." Ben remarked, suspicious to Shadow Dragon's motives. Something's off here.

Celestia spoke up to her son in concern, "Sometimes, Ben; it’s best not to know about his past. It could be terrible, especially involving his love."

"Maybe; But I'm gonna find out soon."

Chase sighed, shaking his head, "I doubt talking with him is a good idea."

"He's right, Ben. But I trust you know what you're doing." Twilight said to her love worried. Shadow Dragon may not be in a good move to talk to right now.

"It'll be fine." Ben assures Twilight.

The group leaves the house to let Chase get some rest. Omega left to give his report to Pinkamena and Golden Heart. He hopes that he himself isn't malfunctioning or something. Twilight's mind is still on her concerns about Chase. Ben...

"Ben, a word, alone," Azuma spoke to which they went to a far corner to have a private chat. "Is your friend Chase doing well?" He asked in sounding concern here.

"Yeah, he took a bad hit for me, but he'll make it out." Ben nods in stating that his friend that helped out is doing okay.

"I see, the reason I ask, is that I think you may have to keep an even sharper eye on him." Azuma spoke with wisdom from his voice in concerning over Chase.

"What? Why? He saved me and took a hit from Shadow Dragon meant for me?" Ben asked off confused over this issue.

"Yes, he made it on time, or perhaps....the timing was too perfect. Like it was coordinated by the enemy?" Azuma spoke in holding his chin to ponder how things acted out so...accordingly.

"Coordinated? How could the enemy coordinate why we were fighting?" Ben raised an eyebrow in hearing this.

"You know that when I fight with my clones, we work together as one mind, we even know the plots to play out to elude & misdirect the target's full attention on other things. You even know, that clones can disguise themselves to magically look like another." Azuma explained how when he fought, the Alicorn used methods to use teamwork and having many steps ahead to catch the enemy off guard.

"What are you saying?" Ben spoke in finding this was starting to get to a point he feels he knows much about.

"During the battle, I sense something of danger." Azuma stated from being concern over something in what he felt. "And just before you would leave, Shadow Dragon attacked, but the attack should have done more harm, but not much to Chase when he intervene. Like he wasn't trying to make you suffer enough damage, but only enough for another, almost enough to finish a normal pony if not one who has made himself built strongly." Azuma explained the case of something puzzling in what they saw during the Clone Six rescue operation.

"Are you saying they were working together to pull an act, that can't be, me and Chase fought hard against Shadow Dragon! I even sense their two different auras." Ben stated in finding this hard to believe.

"Yes, yet the enemy's actions suggest...otherwise." Azuma spoke in noticing how Tech's reaction to Chase's arrival when looking to Shadow Dragon, before the silent reminder from Houndkiller suggest...something a mist of the two's connection. "I want to believe Chase is good, but you must keep your mind sharp that one must keep their friends close...and enemies even closer, and especially if two are almost close to being the same." He spoke wisely that Ben must watch Chase as his friend, and watch Shadow Dragon as a closer enemy, and especially...if there is something going on between the two.

Ben was silent for a moment, there can't really be something connecting Chase & Shadow Dragon; could there be? He's heard many other voices in concerning over keeping an eye on Chase as it is and it seems like a lot of those voices were in agreement, but Ben feels he needs more convincing before accepting that there is something suspicious about Chase.

"Alright, but I'll be the one to decide if there is something not right about Chase or what it is that's truly connected between him and Shadow Dragon. Be it they fought against each other or another possible." Ben spoke in making his mind up on the fact, he'll keep an eye out, but he'll still keep believing Chase is a friend. And only hope, that Ben isn't proven wrong or that his belief might be a costly one.

"Very well thought, I give this knowledge to you, because I felt a small trace of a clone magic, one so very well hidden, it almost eluded my eyes & senses." Azuma spoke proud of Ben's choice, and only issued this because it felt like there was another clone in their area, one made of dark magic, like the Dark Mystics. "It could be that the Shadow Dragon you fought was only his clone and maybe made to be on low on power. He may be trying to test your skills since you're slowly growing stronger & learning more ways to fight, so you must be ready when next he strikes." He points out this so to help Celestia's child in knowing, that the stallion will need to be ready for whatever tricks the enemy like the Dark Mystics, are up to.

"Don't worry, I will." Ben nods with a serious face in getting the point; he'll keep an eye out for anything that Shadow Dragon might be pulling. If what he fought was only Shadow Dragon's Clone meant to not be at full strength, then he'll be extra ready against the real foe if he lays eyes on him.

With the secret discussion done, Ben was leaving with Azuma to rejoin the others now. Azuma felt there was more to Ben than meets the eye, especially from how Houndkiller spoke in riddles to him that may concern this pony. He needs to help keep the new wielder of the Triforce safe & well protected, just in case an event comes where a 'truth' maybe reveal that might be hurtful in a way.

As soon as everyone left Chase's home and away from his, Chase himself smiled; He got out of bed and transform his body into Shadow Dragon while removing the bandages from his chest. He spoke to someone in hiding, "You can come out now, Guildenstern and myself."

A Black portal appeared: Shadow Dragon and a golden Unicorn (without his back body and back legs and had crimson Demonic eyes) Guildenstern came out. The two Shadow Dragons smiled together as the one who came out from the black portal dissolved into black sparkles, entering into Shadow Dragon. The clone trick appears to have worked. So far, he had fooled most of his enemies into thinking that Chase and Shadow Dragon are different ponies.

Guildenstern spoke, "Well done, my lord. Your Element of Darkness had saved you again, especially dealing with Omega."

Shadow Dragon smirked while saying, "I had forgotten about him, but I'm glad you had observed and corrected Omega's scanner in time."

Guildenstern smiled, chuckling, "It is my pleasure. But my lord, be aware of Grimmore. I doubt he would be good news."

"Let him try. And who would have thought that his power and pulse grew stronger. But we also grow stronger. So you do have what you need?"

"Yes. I'm sure that would create not only strong defense, but also increased the power of darkness for Dark Elements. But what if Pinkamena suspects a thing on you?"

Shadow Dragon smiled while saying, "Do not worry. I had plans; a plan that involves making sure Pinkamena stay out of my way."

Guildenstern smiled while saying, "Very well."

Guildenstern left the building and returned to his home. Chase decides to take his leave: Dark Curse will want a report about the whole thing. There's going to be trouble...

Omega informs Pinkamena and Golden Heart of what happened. The two are surprised yet suspicious. The robot Alicorn's scanning is never wrong. Either Omega has a malfunction or something's up.

Either way, the trio decides not to speak about this for a while. As the three head back to the gang, Golden Heart ask his sister, "Anyway, I'm asking sister, how do you know about the Wind Assassins?"

Pinkamena giggles and says, "Oh Goldie, to tell you the truth, I came to this place really long ago when many were around and I was trained by the master assassin himself Altair bin Al-Lahad and also..." She whispers in Golden Heart's ear "The order still lives." Golden heart nods in surprise and calm.

"Ok but let's hush about this for now ok?"

She nods. No need for the cat to be out of the bag just yet.

At this moment, the Mane Six gang was at least having a good time with the Clone Six since they were all better now and free from evil. And as of right this moment, the CMC were in the middle of learning some interesting facts about Azuma about a pony that could gain so many talents to have more than one, seem intriguing to those that seek to find their Cutie Marks. Heck, even Nyx, Spike, Phobos & Ben were hearing the story of Azuma’s past while the mares were coming over to join.

“Wow, so ye were a unicorn a 1000 years ago before ya found a spell ta make ya an Alicorn?” Apple Bloom stated off in hearing what this pony has gone and done a long time ago.

“And you were born in an Indian tribe in the Badlands and wanted to learn many things from other ponies?” Sweetie Belle spoke off in sounding very interested in learning of this guy of what he could do.

“And that when you found your element, you made clones to help learn & have all the talents that exist?” Scootaloo mentioned how one guy managed to learn and do so many talents; it’s like having a thousand talents of a Cutie Mark meaning.

“How do we get to be like that?” The CMC asked off in union if they can be like that, they have been searching, but maybe their talent is unlimited.

“Hmph-hmph, relax, I just acquired means to help search to gain much knowledge & skills to help my tribe.” Azuma laughs off a bit in stating that what he managed to do and gain were because of his care to help his tribe. “As it stands, I’m the prime leader; I must keep my tribe out of harm's way of any foes & threats that enter in the Badlands. And by slowly developing to evolve, we can do that much than being proud warriors.” He pointed out this other matter to be noted for a just cause.

“Neat-o,” Phobos replied off in liking how this story sounded neat to him.

“Yeah, who knew any of this stuff?” Spike shrug off his shoulders in liking much of this told story.

“Oh Twilight, how things go with patching things up with what happened to Solar Moonlight & the girls?” Ben spoke in seeing the Mane Six & their clones coming in as he wonders if everything is now fine.

“Alright, everything is fine, and they feel like they never wanted to do such bad acts again.” Twilight nods her head to happily say that everything is okay now. “I’m just glad the clones are now alright, and back to being their old good selves like us girls.” She looked to her friends in knowing that the clones were made from good ponies, so it makes sense that they are good from the start.

“Right,” The Mane Six responded in fully agreeing on that term of logic.

“I am glad you understand things about the value of life, even for clones, Twilight Sparkle.” Azuma smiled in seeing this new princess has come to understand things much better now. “For when I create a clone, I know that even when it fights for me in battles, they are still a part of me and should not be taken advantage of. Even cross-generating others DNA to create a new breed clone as what you done, they still deserve to be showed the same love & respect you share to your friends.” He stood up to explained that even when clones are made, be it spell or by magic science, treat others like how you wanna be treated is the top issue for everyone to know.

“Thank you Azuma, I admit, I was rushing myself to try things.” Twilight sheepishly rub her back neck in admitting some faults from her curiosity. “But…what I’m not regretting is taking something away from the Clone Six that they deserve to experience.” She looked to the clones in smiling to them while going over what they should have. “Life, freedom, the experience of joy & friendship, everything me and my friends & family have learn, they deserve it to.” Twilight knows that no creature should be robbed of having such wonderful things to experience, it’s like the time that she found Nyx and showed her things that the black filly learn a difference or right & wrong.

“That is good, because I also have something for the matter itself.” Azuma nods with a more serious face in speaking to the group. “As of right now, the clones you made are still learning, they each have potential in talents to help others, but they shall need guidance.” He makes this statement clear for the others to follow.

“So…what are you saying?” Nyx asked puzzled in what this conversation was gonna be about.

“I know that Celestia has been like a teacher to you Mane Six and so perhaps it’s hard to know if this is luck or a coincidence.” Azuma reminded the group about someone that has helped to guide them like a teacher does for her students. “But my tribe has been wanting to grow along with the rest of Equestria and I truly believe those that can help make it possible might be them.” He points to the clones in seeing that the Clone Six could do wonders in helping his tribe out in the Badlands.

The gang was left in a silent stun moment, was Azuma saying…he like the Clone Six to come help him. But that would mean they would have to leave them, would that be okay?

“This I invite to you all, as one that understands how a clone feels & knows you are more alive than mere creation. My tribe will not be harsh of your origin.” Azuma humbly spoke in wishing to invite the Clone Six with this offer to where they can be treated fairly & not be mistreated when the citizens here have a hard time dealing with clones that went rogue. “Your talents can help many of them during tough times. But the choice is yours, do not feel that I am being forceful, you have the will to make the decision yourself.” He spoke that he will let the Clone Six decide this matter, Azuma knows they have the wills to decide, and shall let them choose what they think is better for them.

The Clone Six felt quiet in hearing & absorbing all of this. On one side, if they go, the six can do a lot of good in helping ponies, but if they stay, there may be hard times with the evil targeting this place & may try to control them if they don’t have the proper training.

“Gee, should we go?” Cuddly Tulip asked off a little unknowing of what to do.

“I know, it’s a big decision.” Aridity spoke in pondering that this was a big decision to make.

“But while we have good talents, there already existed others like dat.” Amethyst Lace knows that they are clones of the originals here that can do such things in Ponyville.

“That’s right, but then again, there is nothing wrong with having extras, is there?” Apple Sweet nods in agreeing while randomly thinking of if there was even a problem to have two exact duplicates stay here?

“It’s like picking door number one or two; we get one shot to get a prize.” Party Thrill stated in having her knowledge of comedy leads her to see how things are.

“Well, we did prove to be a handful after our birth. And we were unaware of the evil that existed that used us as tools.” Solar Moonlight spoke in looking concern over what’s happened before staring at Twilight and the Mane Six along with their friends. “If not for those of you that came to save us than destroy us, then…we would have…” She was having a hard time saying this, for usually clones are not born but created, would those that were involve in the creation destroy them if nothing else was done.

“Its fine, handling that kinda pressure is what a leader of the group is supposed to feel,” Twilight patted her clone’s shoulder with a gentle smile in admitting that such concerns are very much the likely hood of a born leader.

“Leader,” Solar Moonlight repeated this off surprised in hearing this now, “But why me?” She asked in why she should lead her Clone Six group.

“Well, you do have Twilight’s blood along with Celestia & Luna’s blood, and besides being the brains of the outfit, you were the strongest out of the others.” Spike shrug off hiss holders in pointing out these facts about what Solar Moonlight & Twilight basically share.

“I know I have to be strong to help not only protect my friends, but so we each can protect & help each other. You six share our same bound, it maybe differently fashion, but it’s still there.” Twilight slowly spoke with a smile before she was giving Solar Moonlight a hug to help comfort and ease the girl’s worries. “Remnants of our friendship reincarnated into you all.” She knew that the clones each have a special bound like the Mane Six and that it exist inside them to cherish.

The Clone Six were left stunned to gasp in what they are hearing; they have something special of the Mane Six that is the remnants of their strong friendship living on inside them. In truth, the Clone Six are feeling like they are the Best Of Friends, BFFs and all before their creation. This helps make them feel a sign of happiness begin to flourish in their hearts.

“Thank you, you may have been just our creator, but it feels like we are very much a family among friends.” Solar Moonlight hugs Twilight to let loose tears of joy in feeling that they were truly able to feel like they were family.

“Anytime,” Twilight happily responded that she and the others felt very much the same thing with these girls; even clones have feelings to be treated like a person after all.

“Amethyst Lace, dat was some rope work, but keep up ye good work wit' Rarity’s design outfits, kay.” Applejack came to hug her clone in giving some praise work on what she done.

“Ah will, Ah’ll do it ta help them little ponies dat need something ta feel good.” Amethyst Lace gladly responded to say while returning the hug to her original.

“Cuddly Tulip, you may have Fluttershy’s talent for being kind to animals, but I gotta say, you pack a mean wallop, you’re cool no matter what you do.” Rainbow Dash patted her hoof to her clone’s shoulder in giving her some compliments.

“Thanks, right back at cha! I’ll continue to be cool and be kind to all and that’s the coolest thing to do.” Cuddly Tulip smiled to her original before they gave some cool hoof-shake to the other before giving the other a hug.

“Aridity, I know you have no fashion craving, but I can tell you make weather like an art, the style of its fashion….you’ll do fine in your job.” Rarity came near her clone to give her best opinion on the matter of what this pony can do wonders for.

“Why thanks darling, and I to admit, your style of dresses aren’t bad, I may even wear one when making the weather happen.” Aridity spoke with a smile to her regional to which they both hug the other for joy of having some sense of fashion, but in different fields.

“Apple Sweet, you really do make the best kinda surprises, you may not be into surprises, but you can sure surprise ponies with them tasty apples you help plant & grow.” Pinkie Pie came near her clone to give her these words of encouragement.

“Heheh, thanks, maybe I’ll even throw an apple fishing contest for ponies to fish apples out of the water. That’ll be a fun surprise to give at least.” Apple Sweet giggled to her regional while issuing this fact before they both gave the other a nice hug.

“Um, Party Thrill, I…know this seems sudden, but….I hope you can give many ponies lots of laughs, cause helping to give smiles is…a nice kind thing to do.” Fluttershy approached her clone shyly in saying something that was her best kind effort at work.

“Gee, you know, that’s a kind thing to say. Maybe one day, we could pull a show to help be kind & have some laughs.” Party Thrill smiled to say before she had Fluttershy shake her hoof…which was a joy-buzzer that surprised her, but they soon smiled to happily hug the other; that was kinda funny there.

Once the touching moment was done from everyone having said their words of encouragement among other things; The Clone Six soon were happily looking to the originals before they each walk off in a line form to approach Azuma that awaited an answer from the clones.

“Azuma, I speak for the Clone Six….for my friends…” Solar Moonlight spoke with the royal degree of her tone before looking to her friends & continuing. “That we will go with you and help ponies that need our talents.” That was it, the Clone Six are taking Azuma’s offer to go where they can help others out.

“Are you certain?” Azuma spoke in wanting to make sure this clone version of Twilight knows what she’s doing.

“Ponyville has some great ponies here. Their own symbol of talented ponies that give them things that only they can do,” Solar Moonlight humbly explained to look at the clones original, this place has those that can provide talent of food, fashion, comedy, weather, kindness & knowledge of magic. “We wanna go help others that really need our help, and to be taught by you, so that whatever happened to us, we don’t ever wanna experience again.” The strong clone spoke that they wanna be with Azuma, the Clone Army Creator, for he can teach them more things since only a clone can understand another clone’s feelings even one that can duplicate to make clones and know how to respect them and help better themselves along the way.

“Is that how you all feel?” Azuma spoke in wanting to know if this decision was made by the rest of the Clone Six as well.

“Yes.” The Clone Six responded in having made up their minds to go with this Alicorn, to help where they can be needed.

“Very well,” Azuma nods with a humble nod of his head in seeing these clones have made up their minds. “As for you all, I give you my word, that if you need an ally against the uprising evil, I shall asset you.” He turns to Twilight’s group in vowing that should they need his aid in the future against great evil, he shall come help them. “And do not worry, this is not goodbye for the Clone Six, I shall help Solar Moonlight know how to teleport across land distances, so that they may visit you from any spare time.” He spoke this out in knowing the Mane Six would miss their clones, but they would come to visit from certain times, so this was not a goodbye for good.

The Mane Six smiled in hearing Azuma say this, it means a lot to them that they can see their clone counterparts sometimes, maybe around different planning days or something. And at least this way, Azuma will help train them to be better defended so they will not fall victim to being under evil’s control again.

“And now my friends, farewell…” Azuma smiled ever still in giving a farewell to his friends, until the next time they see the other.

Soon Azuma was casting a spell sphere over himself and the Clone Six, it was flashing so brightly to lift them up into the high point of the skies. And then in a blink of an eye, it flashed to let off a sonic boom effect in traveling vastly across the other side of Equestria to reach their designation. The Mane Six gang still had their smiles on, they know that they’ll see the Clone Six and even Azuma again; it was a promise after all. At least now, everything is as it should be, and maybe a bit better now.

“Well Twilight, I gotta admit, what started out like a terribly, horribly, worst case scenario that almost ended up in disaster…” Twilight was giving Ben the suspicious eye glare of if he’s trying to be funny in making this reminder again. “Turn into a happy ending for all of us.” Ben smiled to give his love praise that in the end, what was almost a mistake, turn out good for everyone.

“Oh really; Maybe I should make a clone of you for Solar Moonlight and see about reliving this experience all over again.” Twilight raised an eyebrow in making a sly comment about if Ben found what she did to cause all that, maybe if he doesn’t mind, she’ll make a clone of her lover to.

“Yeah, she like that and…wait; what! A clone of me,” Ben suddenly did a double take in just realizing what Twilight was saying.

“Heehehe, just kidding you; Honk,” Twilight made a little giggle of fooling her love before honking his nose in playing around.

“Oh, now you’re gonna get it!” Ben raised an eyebrow in seeing the game that Twilight played and now he’s gonna play right back.

Soon Twilight was trying to leave Ben in the dust while everyone was soon seen laughing it up at this act. And above the gang, Celestia & Luna watched the others having their fun.

“It appears Twilight has learned an important lesson sister.” Luna stated in seeing how Twilight has learn a valuable lesson here.

“Yes, and I’m thankful that she did. And more thankful that Azuma arrive when he did.” Ceelstia smiled in seeing that this action has taught her student well, and is glad they had help today.

“We can only hope that his next visit won’t be during a threat, but if so, he can handle himself well. He enjoys fighting worthy opponents.” Luna points off in stating this fact that it be nice if Azuma visits them than just to help save the day.

“Indeed, and I have a feeling he won’t be alone with just his own clones, but new allies from his side.” Celestia made a nice smile in thinking that next time, Azuma may have more company than just himself, and they know that answer very well.

The Royal Sisters stared across the distance of where the sun was setting and the moon was slowly beginning to rise. There were images of Azuma in the front of the Clone Six; Solar Moonlight, Amethyst Lace & Cuddly Tulip from middle to left, and Aridity, Apple Sweet & Party Thrill from middle to right. Those here can truly see that those ponies will indeed be helpful in the next time Equestria needs help, and it will be nice when they visit again as the screen goes dark on this peaceful moment that has come to a close.

Epilogue

At this moment, those of the Dark Mystics that return to their secret base were presented before Dark Curse. It was explained of the matter of what had happened with the Clone Six in their capture to their escape from some unlikely rescuers that some of the guys weren’t expecting. And not only that, but thanks to Tech’s incompetence and the appearance of 'Chase', they lost out on a usage of an abandon facility to make more Techbots to increase their army size, thereby drawing them to be halted in their plans for conquest.

“Oh please Lord Dark Curse, don’t be upset. I….I almost won.” Tech begged to be forgiven; he almost had victory in his grasp.

“Almost….doesn’t cut it, Tech? You failed, just as we anticipated.” Dark Curse remotely issued that he and the other higher ups knew that Tech would fail them.

“Hugh?” The Dark Warrior trio was a little puzzled & confused in hearing this?

“Master, what do you mean, as you expected?” Black Tiger questioned the meaning of this sudden debate manner.

“We knew the plan with the clones would not work and the heroes would intervene, as well as the arrival of the Mystic Ponies and 'Chase the Fighter'.” Dark Curse issued off in stating the fact of already knowing the plan that was hatched would be bumbled, especially with Tech being in charge of it. “That’s why I had wanted Houndkiller & Shadow Dragon to be a part of the mission afterwards, for safety measures.” He points out the main fact of why he sent others to be a part of the mission without letting Tech, Black Tiger & the Dark Warrior Trio know anything about it.

“Apparently, we’ve learn that besides the Royal Princess’s strength, it would seem only a few of those Equestrians shown much strength to handle against us, the others that didn’t have much were just lucky to not die.” Shadow Dragon stated with a focus face in issuing that there were some of those that show they are capable of facing the Dark Mystics, however, those like Twilight’s friends & the baby dragons, only managed to escape from being eliminated by luck alone.

“And it would have gone our way, if not for those meddling Mystic Ponies interfering. Now they know that we’re making our move.” Houndkiller cursed the luck they had of running into their old adversaries and just as they had victory in their grasp to when the clone control thing would have been a bust.

"Tech, I should transfer you to Dr. Pinksano for this!"

Oh, come on, Shadow! I don't wanna help Pinksano! She's insane!" Tech protests to Shadow Dragon in a bit of fright.

"Regardless, she will ensure your mechanical failures are advanced warriors." Shadow Dragon said to Tech sinisterly, freaking the pony out. "But I said 'should' but I won't, so consider yourself lucky this time!"

“It doesn’t matter, they still do not know of what we are truly planning.” Crimson Skull stated that so long as their mortal foes don’t know what they are hatching, they will be left in the dark.

“And it will stay that way; we leave all our enemies in the dark.” MechaStahl declared in making sure no one knows what they are up to, be it the Mystic Ponies or Equestrians, none will know of their true plan until it’s too late.

“My, my….it would seem you are all in an unpredictable uproar at this time.” Spoke a deep, dark, and powerful voice that fielded the throne room of the Dark Mystics HQ while some were lost in who spoke.

Then without warning, a sudden portal of inferno appeared in the middle of their squabbles and from the center appeared….the very powerful god himself that is Equestria’s worst nightmare come true: Grimmore.

“Uh oh,” Shades gasped in seeing who was here before them.

“Grimmore,” DJ Red responded off shock in seeing the Dark Elf Demon God was before them yet again.

“He’s baaaaaaack!” Clumsy Rat gasped off to stretch his response in seeing the guy they thought never darken their doorstep is here now.

“But-but, but….how? I invented a device that was supposed to keep out all intruders under Dark Curse’s order?” Tech was gasping in shock, how is it that the most feared foe in existence got through their barrier wall?

“Hmph-hmph, such toys are meant to only withstand so much, and besides….this is only a window to speak to those I have interest to chat.” Grimmore chuckles darkly within his breath to explain, he’s speaking by portal window magic, he’s not there physically or with his armor, and that’s why the Dark Mystics’ barrier didn’t stop him.

“So then, Lord Grimmore, why have you come before us now?” Dark Curse spoke to raise an eyebrow in pondering why the most powerful creature in existence is before them once again.

“I’ve recently viewed an interesting spectacle, of where you all decided to….’interact’, with the rising heroes.” Grimmore spoke with a little humble tone in saying he saw recent events played out; involving these Dark Mystics.

“You saw that? How,” Black Tiger responded shock, how did Grimmore even knew that they were acting out, word of their introduction hasn’t spread far yet, has it?

“You all seem to forget something, there is nothing in this world, my eyes cannot see & know of.” Grimmore stated with a clear romantic tone in where his eyes seem to penetrate their body shells, which gave quite a few of them goosebumps.

“How can you see when you’re imprisoned?” MechaStahl asked off in protesting the claim that this Demon God knew things from observing them.

“Well, that is only a feat befitting, for only he who holds claim of being a TRUE…Demon God.” Grimmore smirked off smug-like in declaring that he can do such impossible things no mere mortals or those that gain some near-immortality standard, cannot achieve, “And speaking of knowing things.” He issued forth this matter from his eyes trailing off to look around the room.

Suddenly, the Dark Elf moved his right hand top to where the palm was sticking upwards. And then when the others yelped in concern, the index finger of the Overlord King moved to bring itself to the palm; but why? The answer was about to be explained at this exact moment.

“Waaahaahaaahh,” Tech yelped off to scream a bit as the entire group were knocked over cause the whiny member was levitating off the ground before stopping presently before the greatest evil in Equestria.

“Didn’t you say something about myself, Tech was it? Hmmm….?” Grimmore spoke with a deep voice with his appearance seem only inches from his portal while Tech was close to almost being roasted from the inferno window.

“Oh! Um….that you….aahhh….look really cool, and I love your work?” Tech yelped in suddenly realizing that he himself was before a very powerful figure and that he shouldn’t try to offend one that has the power to due him in.

“Uuuugh, sometimes, it’s embarrassing that he’s my son.” Crimson Skull slapped his head in seeing Tech grovel over an enemy that he can’t beat, at least he should have some dignity.

“I recall it was something different. What was it….I….failed?” Grimmore spoke in which some form of dark mighty God magic seem to almost wanna escape the portal to reach for the poor soul in front of it. “Perhaps you don’t know, before all….are ants that do not know anything, know nothing and learn nothing. And you are one of those ants.” As he spoke, the aura coming from the flaming portal seem almost ghastly, the mere presence made any living creature feel their life slipping away.

“Guuuulp,” Tech swallowed hard in realizing his mistake, he just badmouthed & taunted Grimmore’s name and if the saying about a God is watching, then if it’s a Demon God, one really has to be careful or risk betting their foolish life.

“Perhaps your colleagues need to understand things, want to experience something you never experience before? Where your soul is rip from your body, & sent between heaven or hell, or in another body…maybe insect to fit your station? Well…?” Grimmore spoke in sounding ever darker, ever more terrifying, the mere words spoken every time seem to even make the Dark Warrior Trio & Black Tiger begin to step back in fear, while some of the others felt like they were deer caught in a headlight, even Shadow Dragon almost felt….powerless from sensing only this much absolute force even by a portal window spell to slip through.

“Gaaaahhhhh; Please-please-please; Anything, I rather be struggling against Shadow Dragon’s hydra than that!” Tech was crying and begging and pleading while looking pathetic to not wanting to be horribly done by the Demon God, much to the embarrassment to the rest of the Dark Mystics.

“Let him go Grimmore, he may be weak & pathetic, but he ‘has’ uses.” Dark Curse spoke to roll his eyes to kindly ask the Overlord King to let Tech go, despite other things; their Dark Mystic group needs him.

Grimmore made a sly smile before releasing Tech, who quickly went to hid behind his father, much to Crimson Skull’s annoyance.

“I shall leave, but remember this, there isn’t anything in this world or the next, I don’t know about. Including what you all maybe scheming,” Grimmore smiled from seeing that he shall take leave, but he’ll leave an important fact; that he knows what is happening, including something the Dark Mystics are doing that made them almost double look back in shock: does he know. “After all, those whose souls are sold to me are forever under my rule.” He stated this matter in which left more confusion than answers in the waking.

“Sold souls?” Shadow Dragon spoke off a bit puzzled in hearing this statement that puzzled him.

“What do you mean Grimmore?” Dark Curse raised an eyebrow in being caught off guard by such words.

“Hmph; that is a matter which can’t be escaped from, no matter what is done; After all, those who crave power are too greedy to never cease seeking it. You should know that more than anything as the Superior shares & understands my ways.” Grimmore spoke forth in stating more facts that those that want power, need & crave it, and only the Dark Elf has it, and while the Dark Mystics are still left lost, it’s only the Superior of the Apocalypse Ponies that knows what the Overlord King understands.

Suddenly, a sudden moment the screen turn black & white and gray as a heartbeat sound happened that made Dark Curse & Shadow Dragon gasp from….feeling something off with themselves. When the color return, they seem lost & confused, what was that…feeling? And then without a word, Grimmore’s inferno portal soon disappears from sight, giving the other Dark Mystics a chance to sigh in relief to catch their breaths.

“Did I ever mention how much that guy really makes me wanna stay as far, far, FAR away as possible,” MechaStahl dryly stated off that he really finds Grimmore to be scary, he rather not wanna be in the same room as a powerful god being that they stand no chance of defeating.

“Yes, and it appears….Grimmore may actually know of our plans after all, but how? There shouldn’t be anything of his magic spying on us.” Crimson Skull spoke puzzled and confuse, how did their secret get out, they kept their lips seal tight and actions unseen.

“No, it’s as he says, his vision allows him to see all & know all, I had completely forgotten it!” Dark Curse clap his forehead in stun shock in being so foolish, he forgot that Grimmore was said to possess such a powerful ability that no magic could elude or deceive that which is the power of a god. “I knew something was up when he was only pretending that I get on his nerves, it seems we may have underestimated our abilities currently.” Dark Curse stated in seeing that the Dark Mystic Ponies may have bite off a bit more than they could chew in keeping Grimmore in the dark.

“So what should we do?” Houndkiller asked in wondering what the rest of them should do if even Grimmore knows of what their actions & plans are.

“For now, we continue our objective. Even if Grimmore knows, he’s more to just observe our actions as a stage performance.” Dark Curse stated that they continue to follow through with their plan, even if the powerful Demon God knows. “So we’ll just have to make sure we follow through, it matters not what we do, it’s all the same to the mighty Demon God himself watching our struggles as entertainment. Now, off with you.” He issued this off with a clear stern tone before wanting those here to be dismissed.

“Yes Lord Dark Curse.” The Dark Mystics in the throne room bow in heeding their master’s words before turning to leave by dark portals.

“By the way Tech, would you really not have taken what you deserve?” Shadow Dragon turn to Tech in wanting to ask him something interesting from what happened.

“Trust me SD, I rather be anywhere but where I was almost gonna be.” Tech spoke with relief that he rather be anywhere than near Grimmore, the tech pony almost lost his life to an extremely scary guy.

“Good, then as you requested, enjoy playing with my pet.” Shadow Dragon smirked in liking that idea of Tech as this will serve as punishment.

Then a portal opened below Tech which he didn’t notice until too late.

“Waaaaughhhh,” Tech screamed out from falling into the dark portal before he hit solid ground, “GRUUARRRRUGHHH!” The sounds of Shadow Dragon’s Hydra are heard from seeing he has company, “Gaaaughhhh! Maybe I should have picked a less scary creature! Nice Hydra, heel boy. I’m not a chew toy. Waaaaahhhh,” Tech’s voice was heard screaming in terror as the guy was trying to flee for his life.

Soon Shadow Dragon closed the portal he sent Tech in before preparing to leave the room lastly.

“Shadow Dragon, a word with you…alone,” Dark Curse spoke in wanting the last member to come before him, “Did you feel something affect your body?” He asked if something affected this strong Dark Mystic’s body at the moment.

“Yes, I did, I thought it was weird.” Shadow Dragon slowly nods in recalling that, but then did a double take of what truly occur here. “Wait, you’re not thinking Grimmore spoke true, that we sold our souls to him? We never did such a thing.” How did they sold their souls to Grimmore, they never did that, what was the meaning behind it?

“I know, but the Dark Elf has always been clever & crafty with toying with creatures, just as a God would.” Dark Curse spoke in ponder & thought over the issue himself that bother him. “And it sounds like we can’t escape it, for we desire power as spoken true.” He stated with a heavy sigh, for what was spoken means they can’t give it up on one major drawback.

“I see, then knowing the cure would be to stop seeking power is something we cannot do.” Shadow Dragon solidly nods in understanding, they are both creatures that desire power and to stop their Quincy would mean they lose their power. “So this is just a mere extent of Grimmore’s power, I can see why defeating him cost Mystic Avatar his life to only seal him…for temporally.” Shadow Dragon is starting to see why only one Mystic Pony managed to handle against Grimmore, if back in his foolish prime as Dragon Hope ever fought the powerful Dark Elf; he would not survive or stood a chance.

“Let us not concern ourselves over this matter. When the time comes, all things shall fall to evil.” Dark Curse spoke in stating they just forget the manner to continue their work. “We shall do what we must, and if we fall, then you’ll have to take over.” He knows that if he goes, he shall leave Shadow Dragon to take over.

“Understood, master,” Shadow Dragon nods in heeding the words of his master.

“Good, now return to your station as Chase, in order to continue your task at hand.” Dark Curse nods before instructing Shadow Dragon to return to Ponyville, he still has a mission objective to complete.

“It shall be done.” Shadow Dragon nods in hearing the order, and shall proceed posthaste.

With that, Shadow Dragon vanished in his own dark portal while leaving Dark Curse alone. The scene goes into darkness as many new dark threats are slowly beginning to rise up to strike terror to Equestria. Question will be, if the heroes can handle such powerful enemies…?

Soon we find Flare Tiger had also teleported herself to the Badland area near Azuma's tribe area that was mostly an Indiana style. She found the Clone Six being welcome and given some bless for their special gift talents in helping their tribe grow a little more to reach the rest of society. And soon the pony of dimensions saw Azuma, as he dismiss Solar Moonlight from a little training he helped her do with her control of magical talent.

"Mister Azuma, over here," Flare Tiger spoke out to approach the alicorn leader of his tribe.

"Flare Tiger, I presume." Azuma spoke in seeing Flare Tiger of her arrive here, he knows this pony.

"Yes, I like to also help you train & keep the Clone Six safe from harm. With me and my family," Flare Tiger spoke in wanting to offer service to help the Clone Six be protective against enemies that still want to take advantage of the new ponies that need time & training to be more prepared.

"And how would you do such a thing?" Azuma raised an eyebrow of curiosity, pondering what she was offering.

"We can build a door for you in your tribe to act as a gateway, like a portal connecting your homeland & mine. That way, we'll be close by if anything comes about." Flare Tiger explained what they can do in order to insure that they will be close by, kinda like neighbors, offering to help another out when need be.

Azuma thought for a moment of this offer, it's true that he is mighty & strong, but he knows there exist crafty & clever enemies in the world; such like the Superior, Dark Curse, and the worst & most powerful of them all, Grimmore. Perhaps it would be best to have a 'second' safe place to insure the safety of his tribe & of their new family like the Clone Six.

"Agree, I shall accept your offer, so that it may help us all, come..." Azuma humbly nods his head in seeing that what this mare speaks is true, they will accept the offer to have a door to act as a portal gateway. "Let us both help guide & teach these new ponies the way to help spread their wings." He spoke in offering that he wishes to have Flare Tiger help him in the progress in making the Clone Six slowly spread their wings, so they can truly fly.

"Thanks, I would most definitely be grateful to that." Flare Tiger smiled to nod in hearing this, as she would be thankful that Azuma likes her idea, and how it can be helpful to them all.

Soon Flare Tiger & Azuma begin to walk about in discussing plans to help construct the door in a place where it shall be close by for emergency, if needed. For now, it looks like more things are gonna slowly develop alright for the Clone Six's future to progress without evil forces coming to drag them to the dark side, not with a plan to safeguard & protect them. With that, everything goes black in ending this scene here...

At the laboratory, the screen appeared in front of Guildenstern, the Demon Assassin and Dark Curse, showing 100% from Twilight and her friends' blood matched with the Six Apocalypse Ponies' blood. Another screen revealed 50% blood of the Clone Mane Six, matched with his allies'. They got some...surprising help.

Rainbow Droid snarls, "Progress of the device is unsatisfactory. It must be completed soon..."

Dr. Pinksano scoffs, "Aw, stop worrying, droidie." The droid glares. "You can't rush SCIENCE!"

Why the Dark Mystic Ponies are working with them, one has yet to understand," Guildenstern said amusingly as he spoke. "As we had expected, my lord, the clones that Twilight had made is nothing but different and independent."

"Lucky I had sent the Demon Assassin to get the real target." Dark Curse remarks with a cruel chuckle.

"Thank you, my lord." The Demon Assassin said while bowing to his master.

"With the Mane Six's blood combined with our friends' blood, along with the Clones' bloods, we can finally create the true power of Dark Elements, and of course, I would create the fail safe for both me and Lord Superior should they turned against us."

"I'm glad you had that thought," A familiar voice spoke. Dark Curse narrows his eyes as he saw a familiar figure appearing in the room, hiding behind his hood as per usual.

Dark Curse hiss furiously at the one called the Superior, "You had some nerve of coming here."

"Don't tell me that you're angry because of Grimmore. I can't help it. Besides, Grimmore is very angry that he couldn't have fun."

"Well, he should have bothered on insects! Just because he thinks I'm not aware of it, doesn't mean he can disturb me. I am aware of both of yours' connection. Now, I'm not in mood of talking about Grimmore. I'm busy."

The Superior smirks as he comments, "Very well. Boy, you are too sensitive. Anyway, tell me. By mixing with Twilight's Mane Six bloods and the Clone Six with my six mares of Apocalypse Ponies' blood together, we can create the powerful strengths of Dark Elements; we had gained the advantage in winning."

"Yes. If that happens, then we would wait for the rest. Something that I had been waiting for," Dark Curse remarks with a cruel chuckle.

"Yes. I know what you mean. With them, we will conquer the world."

"And I promise you that Mystic Crystal Powers will be yours to use, and so as your son."

The Superior smiled while responding, "Good."

Dark Curse frowns while adding, "Be sure that he and Grimmore stayed out of my way. The last thing I want is interruption." He wants the Demon God to stay out of what he's got planning next.

The Superior chuckled, waving off Dark Curse's concern, "You are too serious. Don't you think you should rest and have fun?"

"Never stops until the ambition of mine to restore order of Equestria and Mystic Realm will be complete."

"Very well; But I need a request."

"What is it?" Dark Curse asks the Superior, wondering what his ally wants.

"It's Ms. Moon. She seemed to be upset again. Letters are not calming her down." The Superior said seriously. His fellow Apocalypse Ponies member is getting upset over the absence of...a certain pony.

"Very well; oh, yes, Miss Dahlia, I almost forgot you."

The two villains turn, seeing Fanged Dahlia sitting on a counter. Dr. Pinksano shudders, "Wow, she's creepy."

Fanged Dahlia smiles, jumping off the counter while adding, "Yes. I already inform Dark Curse of...my prophecy involving the Mane Six, a curse I made after the Summer Sun Celebration which involves the Mane Six's deaths."

"Yes, before they open that box." The Superior said in remembrance.

"However, they are close to finding them all. I want that curse fulfilled at once! Their deaths must happen."

"Hmmm...I do believe I got one certain...idea. Dark Curse, Fanged Dahlia? Are you familiar with...Crypt World?"

"The world where even the nastiest of nightmares, horrors and such happens and..." Dark Curse's eyes widen in realization. He gave out a cruel chuckle, "Oh yes. Perfect. Yes, I see what you're gunning for Superior. Miss Dahlia, I believe your curse will occur."

Fanged Dahlia gave out an evil grin. Not even the Mane Six and their allies will be a match for...'Crypt World'.

In the Everfree Forest, Shadow Dragon sat and laid on the water lake in both gentle and relax. He mumbles to himself, "Fighting against my own allies and enemies could have tired me out. I'm glad that everything goes perfectly. I need break."

"Or someone to be with you." A familiar voice spoke. Shadow Dragon looked up and saw Ms. Moon, smiling at him.

"Hello."

"Hi to yourself," T. Moon kissed on Shadow Dragon's lips gently and passionately. "I miss you...... so much."

"I did send letters to you." Shadow Dragon said to his love in concern.

Twilight Moon smiled while speaking slyly, "Not without your kiss." Shadow Dragon smiled, turning to T. Moon, grabbing her to the pool. T. Moon giggled happily and Shadow Dragon chuckled. "Shall we?"

"Of course; once we are done with this mission, we will have peace together, and with our child. How is he?"

Twilight Moon smiled, answering, "He is fine. He seemed to be missing us so much. Maybe a day off, we should see him."

"Don't worry, we will."

Shadow Dragon and Twilight Moon hugged tightly and gently, having their bodies touched. They gave kiss passionately and gently on their lips under the moon.

The End...for now.

Cast list
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Solar Moonlight, T. Moon
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Amethyst Lace, Cuddly Tulip, Rainbow Droid
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Apple Sweet, Party Thrill, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Dr. Pinksano
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Aridity, Mrs. Cake, Princess Luna, Nyx Battle Mode
Cathy Weseluck: Spike the Dragon
Jason Marsden: Ben Mare, Chase the Fighter/Shadow Dragon
Daveigh Chase: Nyx
Chris Sanders: Phobos the Dragon
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeline Peters: Scootaloo
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia
John De Lancie: Discord
Emma Watson: Flare Tiger
Matthew Broderick: Comet Star
Orlando Bloom: Golden Heart
Vic Mignogna: Omega
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
James Sie: Dragon Kick, Shades
Noah Nealson: Mighty Heart, Various Dark Mystic Ponies
Stacie Chan: Jade Adventure
Steve Kramer: Warpath Temper
Johnny Young Bosch: Heavy
Latham Gaines: Dark Curse
Danny Cooksey: Tech
Liam O'Brien: The Crimson Skull
Malcom McDowell: MechaStahl
Sean Pertwee: Houndkiller
Adam Baldwin: DJ Red
Clancy Brown: Clumsy Rat
John DiMaggio: Black Tiger
Neil Ross: Guildenstern
Peter New: Caramel, Various Dark Mystic Ponies

With special guests voices by
Dee Bradley Baker: Azuma
Tom Kane: The Book
Tim Curry: Grimmore, The Superior
Kate Elliot: Fanged Dahlia

Author's Note

Well, after that, my story is finally done. Whatcha guys think? Okay, time for the next chapter which is something involving an event that a pal of mine (sorta) wanted to see since his own fic...

"Day of The Moon: A celebration is made for Luna for something called 'Day of the Moon'. But when problems, along with some Timber Wolves, Fanged Dahlia's evil prophecy and the return of an old enemy that appears to be cured by Pinkamena, threaten to ruin everything, can the celebration goes without a hitch? And who is the Grim Creeper, the teller of nightmare stories?"

Getting a bit spooky before the next season finale, so until next time, read, review and suggest.

Guildenstern is based on Guildenstern (Onimusha).

Crypt World is a reference to the Tales from the Crypt series, which will be seen a bit in the next fic.