Twilight walked through the endless void, looking this way and that at the spiraling stars and shining constellations that glided just slightly around her. There was no doubt in her mind that this was the same haven she found herself in when she perfected Starswirl's final spell almost a year prior.
Twilight walked through the endless void, looking this way and that at the spiraling stars and shining constellations that glided just slightly around her. What had happened to her? Was she not in the company of her friends just seconds ago, casting a new spell she had perfected from Starswirl's old teachings? As she continued on through the void, she was certain she could hear the faintest clop of somepony's hooves. Turning, Twilight saw a brilliant glow of white approaching, feeling her heart flutter as she was able to determine whom the glow belonged to. It was Princess Celestia, her mentor for the majority of her life, beaming down at her as she walked closer.
“Congratulations, Twilight.” she said tenderly, the young unicorn unsure if she could find her voice. “I knew you could do it.”
“Princess,” Twilight breathed as she trotted for her smiling teacher, the two embracing each other quickly “I don't understand... what did I do-”
“You did something that's never been done before.” Celestia explained calmly, as if Twilight hadn't spoken. “Something not even a great unicorn like Starswirl” she continued “was not able to do, because he did not understand friendship like you do.” Powering her horn, Celestia was able to conjure the volume she sent Twilight not long before, containing the spell she just managed to complete with the aid of her friends. “The lessons you've learned here in Ponyville have taught you well.” Celestia continued, gently patting her pupil's back as she walked up beside her. Spreading her wings regally, she stared off, motioning Twilight to follow her.
“You have proven you are ready, Twilight.”
“Ready? Ready for what?”
It was not a day Twilight was soon to forget, her eyes swelling slightly as she looked around the vibrant, diamond stars around her. It was one of the happiest days of her life, and she remembered Celestia's words as if the two had just spoken.
“You've come such a long, long way, Twilight,” Celestia said as what looked like scenes from a film shot around the two of them “and I've watched closely from the very first time we met-”
“Princess?”
“To see the kind of pony you would grow to be.” As Celestia spoke, clearly having been looking forward to this moment for some time, Twilight marveled at the images drifting around the two ponies and immediately knew what the events spinning around them were. They were Twilight's own memories. Twilight had never heard of such a thing happening before.
“I've always been so proud of you, Twilight.” Celestia beamed, turning to her pupil. “Now, if I may... I think it's time we turn the page to a new chapter, Twilight...”
“A new chapter?” Twilight asked aloud, Celestia nodding.
“I offer you a gift Twilight.” Celestia said proudly. “The chance to influence your own destiny.”
“My destiny?” Twilight asked, Celestia beaming still.
“I would not offer you this gift if I were not certain you were worthy of it... it will be a great and taxing responsibility... but I know you are ready for this.”
A tear dropped down Twilight's cheek as she thought back to everything that had happened... was Celestia planning her 'gift' all along?
“Do you accept this gift I am about bestow upon you, Twilight Sparkle?” Celestia asked as Twilight's heart beat a mile a minute. What was this gift? Why would a gift be taxing? Her life was certain to change in this moment. What could she do?
“... I do, Princess Celestia.” Twilight said boldly, a small smile on her face. “I accept your gift.”
The day Twilight became an alicorn was one of the happiest days of her life, she thought as she left the stars behind, the void growing dark and black. It opened up a whole new world to her, one where she and her friends could be so much more... and yet all that seemed to have happened since her coronation was endless heartache. The Great Roost had hardened, General Tirek invaded Equestria, scores of ponies were begin turned into dragons, and now Zerus was revealed not only to still be alive but Tirek's master and Sombra's apprentice... maybe the two were even worse than Sombra, now that she thought about, strolling further into the endless black void. Just then, she heard the flapping of wings, though they didn't sound like feathered pegasus wings. Turning, she saw a faint glow approach her. What she saw next was the most peculiar sight she had ever seen in her life. It looked like a stallion, but he looked almost like a skeleton, and he had glowing yellow eyes and leathery, bat-like wings.
“We've found her, my liege.” he said calmly, Twilight barely having a moment more to gawp at him before he disappeared in a flash. What had just happened? Before she could think anymore on this, however, who of all ponies should appear before her.
“Princess Luna?” Twilight gasped. Sure enough, the blue alicorn strolled briskly before her, wearing a comforting smile. “What's going on? Where are we?”
“It's been too long, Twilight.” Luna said, coming close and nuzzling the purple alicorn. “I only wish I could have found you sooner.”
“Found me sooner?” asked the bewildered Twilight. “We... we just saw each other... I'm glad you're okay.” she said, remembering how Zerus savagely attacked her. At this, however, Luna's smile faded.
“What do you last remember?” Luna asked in a somewhat saddened voice, Twilight growing more and more puzzled by the minute. “Before you found yourself here.” she went on, Twilight taking a moment to think to herself.
“I remember Zerus attacking you... and then he tried to cast a spell on me.” she said, her mane standing on end as she thought back to that moment. “He wanted me to give into the hatred he and Tirek and Sombra commanded... then... then everything went black.”
“How long ago was that?” Luna asked, Twilight staring in awe at this question. Why was she being so cryptic?
“It was... just minutes ago-”
“No, Twilight.” Luna said sharply. “It was more than a month ago.” Twilight felt her inside turn to ice at this statement. A month? How could that be? “You placed yourself into a magic sleep to escape the hatred and evil Zerus tried to drown you in... and you fought against my sister in combat.” Twilight couldn't believe her ears. She battled with Celestia? Just then, Luna faded away, leaving Twilight alone in the black void. Turning this way and that, trying to see if she could spot Luna anywhere, she jumped as Luna appeared once more, still glowing in the endless black. “You most certainly were not acting of your own accord,” she continued, Twilight still trying to wrack her brain as to what was going on, “but never the less... you were defeated... it took me a long time to find you... that's where my thestrals came in.” she said with a smile. Thestrals, Twilight wondered. “You remember me saying long ago I dispatched my personal guard to follow Tirek?” At this, Twilight remembered Luna mention her own garrison only once, when Tirek first came before the princesses of Equestria. “Thestrals are very hard to avoid, Twilight... they comb every inch of the shadows... and even the land of the dead.” she said darkly, Twilight going rigid at this.
“You mean... am I... dead?”
Luna sighed and bowed, fading away once more, leaving Twilight alone, her skin cold and her breath baited. Had she really died in her battle against Celestia? What was to become of Equestria now? And how was Zerus able to speak with her just moments prior? Almost immediately, Luna's glow appeared once more, Twilight giving a sigh of relief as she hurried for the princess.
“My sister used a vicious attack on you in your duel, Twilight.” Luna explained, Twilight stopping inches from the princess. “It was a dreadful fight... but you did not die.”
Immediately, an image appeared before the two of them. Twilight could already tell it was her own.
Twilight lay motionless as a heavy snowstorm fell around her, her vision blurred as she spotted two odd stones on either side of her. Just then, a figure appeared before her, looking down at her for the longest time, Twilight's vision fading a moment later.
"You put yourself into a magic sleep, like I said.” Luna went on. “But my sister destroyed your horn.” she said, a gleaming mirror materializing before Twilight to show the quivering pony her reflection. Sure enough, her horn was now tiny and jagged, completely destroyed. She could barely take her tearful eyes off of the mare she saw in the looking glass.
“I'm sorry, Twilight.” Luna said woefully “but without your horn... you cannot wake yourself up.” she said, fading once again, albeit briefly this time.
“Why do you keep vanishing and reappearing, Princess Luna?” Twilight managed to breathe, finally tearing her eyes away from her reflection. Luna only shook her head.
“I traverse the dreams of others, Twilight.” Luna explained. “But it's difficult for me to enter a magic sleep, and harder still for me to remain within it... every time I fade, I must find you once again... what feels like second to you are hours or even days to me.” Twilight wasn't sure how much more she could handle.
“I fear it won't be long before you are lost forever to the endless void, Twilight.” Luna said, her voice dripping with sorrow. Twilight was amazed she hadn't collapsed to the ground. She was going to be trapped in the endless void? All because her horn was broken and she could cast no magic? Was there no way to grow a new horn or heal her wound? Wait! That was it, Twilight thought.
“Princess Luna!” Twilight said suddenly, smiling and straightening herself up. “Hurry to Princess Celestia's study.” Luna, however, shook her head.
“I cannot.” she said flatly. “I am in exile... I left, against my sister's wishes... this was all my fault-”
“Hurry, Princess Luna!” Twilight interjected quickly, Luna staring at the young princess' zeal. “Enter Princess Celestia's dreams. If I've really been in a magic sleep for more than a month, then tell her to bring Philomena to me!” Luna didn't need to ask Twilight what she was planning.
“You will use phoenix tears to restore your horn, Twilight?” she pondered. “I don't know if it will work-”
“We won't know until we try!” Twilight said proudly. “Hurry princess! This is our only shot!” Giving a nod, Luna faded quickly, leaving Twilight beaming to herself in the darkness. In a few moments, the blue alicorn was back once more, Twilight somehow already knowing Luna had successfully delivered her message.
“Well?” Twilight asked, still wearing a big grin. Luna, however, shook her head, a frown still upon her face.
“It did nothing.” Luna said glumly. “Your horn did not return.” she explained, her mirror appearing before Twilight once more to show her her stubby broken horn. "I'm so sorry, Twilight... truly, I am..." Twilight, however, just kept on smiling.
“Then why can I feel it?” she asked with a smile. At this, Luna's eyes went wide as she turned to the young pony. Without wasting a moment, Twilight powered her broken horn, illuminating the black void into a gleaming spectrum of twinkling stars once more, the two alicorn flanked by several marveling thestrals that had clearly been helping Luna search for Twilight every time she faded from Twilight's dreams. None of them could believe their eyes. Twilight could use magic without her horn!
“Now then.” Twilight said, smiling still. “I think it's time to wake up... don't you, Princess Luna?” she asked as Luna still stared in disbelief. She stood there for the longest time, just looking upon the young princess, until she finally found her words.
“Go, Twilight!” Luna beamed. “Join everypony... I'm sure they miss you.” she said before spreading her wings and taking off back into her realm of dreams, her thestral guards flying off with her. “Please stop Zerus.” her voice echoed as she disappeared from sight. Nodding, Twilight powered her broken horn again, the void fading away in a blinding flash of light.
=====
Everypony sniffled as Philomena perched just above Twilight's motionless body. It seemed nothing they could do would ever bring Twilight back. Just then, Fluttershy gasped as she saw Twilight's snapped horn glow. Turning and nudging all her friends to see, the five bearers of the Elements of Harmony watched in total shock as Twilight floated up from the cot she lay on and drifted forward to her hooves. It was an incredible sight, all five of them unable to hold back their tears as Twilight's eyes sprang open, a smile on her face.
“Good morning.” she said calmly as they all stared in joyous shock. Not one of them moved a muscle. This was just too much for all of them. Finally, one of the marveling crowd broke the silence.
“TWILIGHT!” Spike cried, his face covered in tears as he leaped for the pony that was his whole world, throwing his arms around her and sobbing into her side. “I THOUGHT I'D NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN!” he wailed, everypony else shooting around her, throwing their front legs around her. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. They were finally back together again. They were all whole again.
=====
So much had happened in the last month. Equestria was being overrun by black crystal golems and the whole world was being torn apart in erratic weather, especially Ponyville, which was in the middle of a missive blizzard that had lasted for days, despite being in the early days of summer (the Summer Sun Celebration was in a matter of days, in fact).
Applejack found Twilight unconscious at the far edge of her apple farm (between the headstones marking the graves of her parents), and she and her family had tended to Twilight tirelessly throughout her magic sleep. Standing with Twilight just outside her house, the two saw the barren, frozen apple orchard.
“Looks like this is the end.” Applejack sighed, her heart aching as she saw her home under feet of snow.
“Not if we can help it.” Twilight said, holding her Element of Harmony close. It was still covered in black crystal shards and completely useless. “I need to find a way to purify my diadem.” Twilight said as they reentered the house, everypony gathered around the warm fire (Granny Smith shivering under a heavy blanket as she slept on the sofa).
“What do we do?” Rainbow Dash asked apprehensively, still sporting a unicorn horn instead of wings. It seemed Discord could not reverse the magic on her and Rarity (who still had wings in place of her horn).
“There's only one thing we can do...” Twilight sighed. Looking to the ceiling, Twilight knew he was already there. “Discord.” she said calmly, the draconequus appearing before them in a flash.
“Well, you look rested, Twilight.” he sneered, though Twilight got the impression he was pleased to see she was alright. “If you're going to ask me to turn Rainbow Dash and Rarity back, I already tried-”
“I got the feeling you did.” Twilight said with a small smile.” Please... can you purify my Element of Harmony, Discord?” she asked, levitating her crystal encrusted diadem toward him as he reached out for it. “I can't use it with those black crystals on it and I need it if I have any hope of finding the other Elements of Harmony.”
“And where Zerus and Tirek are...” the embodiment of chaos said flatly, Twilight nodding. Holding the Element close to his face, not blinking once, Twilight got the impression her couldn't think of anything funny to say or do at a time like this. Was this too much for him, too? Finally, everypony watching him turn it over in his hands, Discord let out a low sigh.
“You know, it's funny.” he said, looking at the bunch of ponies watching him closely.
“What's funny?” Fluttershy asked as Discord slumped his shoulders.
“A year ago I would have died to bathe the world in endless chaos... now it looks like I'm going to die to stop it.” he said, everypony's eyes going wide at this statement. Just as Fluttershy stepped forward to protest, Discord was enveloped in a beautiful glow of blue that filled the entire room (Granny Smith still fast asleep under her quilt), Fluttershy crying out as she saw discord begin to fade away into shimmering blue sparkles as the black crystals faded.
“Discord, please, don't go!” she cried, her face wet with tears as his face contorted, mustering every ounce of chaotic magic he had to grant Twilight's crown power once more. “DISCORD, NO!” Fluttershy wailed, the draconequus fading to a floating torso and head, the blue sparkles swirling around the room. Burying her face in her hooves, everypony else watched in total awe as Discord faded away entirely, Fluttershy sobbing as the golden Element dropping to the ground with a tiny clang, shimmering and clean of any black crystals. Nopony could believe what had just happened. Was Discord really...
“Don't weep, Fluttershy.”
Everypony turned to see Princess Celestia (dressed in a heavy parka) step through the door, Shining Armor and Cadence behind her.
“Princess Celestia?” Twilight gasped.
“Discord is not dead... not yet.” She said, the blue lights still spinning brilliantly above everypony.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight called, rushing to her mentor, nuzzling her dearly. Looking beyond the regal alicorn, she saw two ponies making their way through the raging blizzard that made her jaw drop.
“Cadence! Shining Armor!” she shrieked, rushing past Celestia and throwing her hooves around the two heavily bound ponies, the trio sniffling as they were reunited.
“Forget about me, Twilight?”
That voice. Twilight jerked her head up to see a face she feared she'd never see again. Captain Starlight, smiling for her old friend beneath a heavy red coat. There was an eye patch over her right eye and a scar along her left cheek, but she still looked quite chipper and spirited, Twilight barely able to grasp that she had survived the crash of the Entourage.
“H-how...” the purple pony stammered, unable to hold back tears or suppress her smile “how did you-”
“I flew off at the last second.” the orange pegasus explained. “I was lucky to make it, I got hit in the face when the mast collapsed... can I still be your bodyguard?” she asked with a laugh, Twilight seeing her left eye sparkle. “We can talk later, though, Twilight.” she said. “I think a friend needs your help.” she said, motioning toward the blue spectrum inside the Apple's home. Nodding, shaking the snow from her mane, Twilight raced inside, Fluttershy still crying over Discord's sacrifice.
“You... you said we can save him, princess?” Twilight asked as Fluttershy wiped her eyes, everypony else watching with narrowed eyes.
“Yes.” Celestia said, the brilliant lights above them starting to dim just slightly. “If you can all focus on Discord's remaining life and soul, you should be able to reassemble him in a new body... but be warned, nopony returns from the realms in between unscathed.” Every single one of them could feel the grave warning in Celestia's voice. It made several manes stand on end. “Do you still want to restore Discord-”
“Yes.” several of them said sharply. At this, Celestia bowed her head and stepped away from them.
“Then unite your power, everypony.” she said solemnly. “It is the only way.”
“But how can we do that without our Elements?” Rainbow Dash pondered aloud. Celestia, however, waved this notion off.
“Your Elements of Harmony do not define your connection, Rainbow Dash.” she explained, Fluttershy gasping as the lights faded still. “You all would not have come this far if everything depended solely on your Elements of Harmony... you must never forget that.” she said, Twilight looking up at the fading vortex of blue stars.
“Enough chit chat.” Twilight said, powering her snapped horn. “Discord... come back to us.” she said, trying her best to focus on the blue lights. She could definitely feel Discord's joyous nature and chaotic power within them, but it was hard for her to keep control of these, the swirling blue slowing just a mite. She feared he was going to be lost soon.
Just then, the stars began to descend to the floor and swirl about in a smaller cyclone. Looking around the room, still powering her stubby horn, Twilight saw the other bears of the Elements of Harmony had lowered their heads, focusing on their strong bond with both Twilight and Discord. Looking back to the blue lights, they began to form into a small shape.
“Please, Twilight, don't give up.” Cadence said suddenly, stepping forward, Twilight feeling a great swell of vigor inside as her former caretaker spoke to her.
Celestia, Shining Armor and Starlight all watched with baited breath as the gleaming lights formed a small, tiny shape, the glow subsiding a moment later as Discord was brought back before their very eyes. Shuddering, her heart pounding, Fluttershy looked over the tiny form of the restored draconequus. He looked no bigger than Apple Bloom or any other colt or filly, with a large, round head with tiny, rounded antlers and a tiny, pudgy body.
“Discord?” Fluttershy asked slowly, the baby yawning cutely and rubbing his eyes. “Discord!” Fluttershy exclaimed, snatching him up, startling him as he looked around in a frenzy, the yellow pegasus crying as she cradled him close. “I thought we'd -hic- we'd never see you ever again!” she sobbed. Sure enough, as soon as the baby Discord looked into Fluttershy's face, he gave her a big smile, his single pointy tooth bared as he nuzzled into her side. Everypony could see he clearly remembered who she was, even in this infantile state. Every last one of them beamed at this. Stepping forward, though, Celestia drew everypony's attention (Discord still snuggling his new caretaker).
“We don't have much time.” she announced, Everypony listening intently. “Twilight. Don your Element of Harmony. It will be the key to finding all the others.” Nodding, Twilight quickly placed her diadem on her head, almost immediately feeling a tugging sensation inside her. She could feel exactly where the Elements were, far far to the north... she knew exactly where they had been taken.
“Shining Armor.” Twilight began. “Why aren't you and Cadence at the Crystal Empire.” she asked, already aware of the reason why.
“By the time we made our way back to the Crystal Empire,” Cadence explained, Shining Armor bowing slightly “it had been overrun with black crystal golems. We couldn't make it through the city limits no matter how we tried...”
“We figured we could lead an attack,” added Shining Armor “but we figured without the Elements of Harmony... we wouldn't stand a chance.”
“And now that we know where they are,” Celestia interjected loudly, a grave look on her face “it would seem I have no choice...” Everypony turned and just stared at her, Fluttershy holding the tiny Discord close.
“Princess-” “I will go face Tirek and Zerus alone... Twilight,” she began, looking at the youngest alicorn “I leave Equestria under your rule.” Twilight could feel her blood run cold. “I trust you will rule in my place.” she said, bowing to Twilight, nopony able to find their voice. What Princess Celestia said was final. That's how it had always been.
“Then for my first royal decree,” Twilight said suddenly, nopony blinking “I forbid you from going to the Crystal Empire.” Celestia looked taken aback. Everypony was utterly shocked by Twilight's bravery. “We need you, Princess Celestia. We can't-”
“This is not up for debate, Twilight.” Celestia said sharply. “This is all probably my doing... I must set things right-”
“With all due respect, Princess Celestia!” Twilight snapped, her heart pounding in her ears. It was quiet enough to hear a pin drop as Celestia stared at her former pupil. “I am a princess of Canterlot. I will do anything in my power to protect my subjects... and that includes not allowing you do go off and die.”
It was absolute silence in the Apple house, save for the howling wind outside. Not a single one of them moved and neither Celestia nor Twilight blinked as they shot daggers for the other.
“Very well then, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia said begrudgingly. “I will comply. Tell me,” she went on, taking a seat before her. “What course of action do you propose?”
Twilight inhaled deeply. This was it. She had to think of something.
“Will you not answer, Twilight?” Celestia asked in a suspicious tone, raising an eyebrow. Narrowing her eyes, Twilight stomped forward.
“We will lead a final assault on the Crystal Empire!” she blurted out, wracking her mind to piece together some sort of plan on the spot.
“Why would you say such a thing?” Celestia asked in an unconvinced voice. “Did Princess Cadence and Shining Armor not tell you it would prove useless to attack-”
“She's got us!” Rainbow Dash snapped, surprised by her bravery as well. Celestia turned and gave a serious look to her subject, Rainbow Dash's courage floundering as Celestia's mouth tightened.
“She's right, you're highness.” Applejack said, stepping up beside her best friend. “We'll go with Twilight to the empire.”
“We'll claim our Elements once more.” Rarity added, joining the two.
“We won't let you down, your highness!” Pinkie cheered as she hopped to her feet.
“With our Elements, we can save everypony.” Fluttershy managed to breathe, Discord fast asleep in her hooves. Celestia made no movement, though Twilight could clearly see Celestia's face relax just slightly.
“Your highness!”
Everypony turned to see Flash Sentry enter the door, dressed in a heavy black cloak.
“News from Saddle Arabia. They have-” was all he said before he and Twilight looked right into the others eyes. Twilight walked straight over to Flash as he stared at her with an open mouth.
“Twilight...” he said, the princess coming to a stop just before him. “I'm so sorry, I wasn't there to help-” was all he said before she gave his face a sharp smack with her wing, Starlight narrowing her eyes just a bit. His cheek stinging, Flash frowned at Twilight. After a moment more, though, she threw her hooves around him and held him tight. Shining Armor and Cadence both smiled just slightly at the two of them.
“Let us make haste, Princess Twilight.” Celestia said sharply. Everypony turned to her, feeling the graveness of her words. “The final battle for the world begins now.”
=====
As the snow came down in Ponyville, many soldiers took to fortifying the town.
“We'll need to defend our homes as well during the fighting at the Crystal Empire, Princess Celestia.”
“Why would we need to do that, Twilight? Zerus believe's he has already won. What would he stand to gain from attacking-”
“He doesn't command the golems. Tirek does. And Tirek is a sadist. It doesn't matter to him whether they've already won or lost. He just wants to hurt everypony, so he'll be expecting us to leave Equestria unprotected.”
Twilight looked longingly at the burned remnants of her home at the old library. She remembered all the good times she and everypony had experienced here. It was so sad to see it reduced to just a burned old tree now. Hanging her head as townsponies took to evacuate, she walked through the icy streets, hoping this daring final assault would work, feeling a lump in her throat as she watched Fluttershy at Sugarcube Corner, sharing a tearful goodby with Discord as she entrusted him to the fleeing Cake family.
“I will send troops with you to the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor.”
“I have a better idea, Princess Celestia.”
Twilight watched as the train returned from the northern boarder, Flash Sentry having taken it to the Crystal Empire.
“Flash, if you truly want to atone for your past mistakes, then you will listen to me. I want you to stow inside the Crystal Empire. It should be easy for somepony like you.”
“Yes, Shining Armor.”
“The Crystal Ponies will still be alive because they require negativity and despair to feed Cataclysm... join the squatchen tribes and free the finest crystal warriors together and wait for us to meet you. We'll attack from the inside.”
“Yessir-”
“I would not entrust you with this task if I didn't believe you were capable, Flash... do not let me down.”
“YESSIR!”
Celestia had already left for Canterlot a day earlier. Apparently the ponies of Saddle Arabia had heard of the attacking golems and sent a massive garrison of jackal soldiers to help fortify the royal city. She hoped that would be enough.
“Starlight. I want you to protect Cadence and Spike by any means necessary. The two of them will protect Ponyville and keep us in contact with one another.”
“Right. That dragon has the ability to send messages and items to the princesses.”
“Not only that, they are my family... I want them to be safe.”
“I will guard them with my life, Twilight!”
The smell of burning kilns filled even the Ponyville air as Twilight made her way to the edge of town. It would seem while Twilight was in a coma, Discord had found a large amount of mythril (or perhaps revealed a stash he had been saving for a rainy day). The forges throughout all of Equestria had been burning for days and nights, everypony trying to smith armor strong enough to defend Equestria.
Coming to the barren Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight saw a tearful Diamond Tiara leave the Apple house. She had been visiting a lot lately, Twilight noticed. Maybe the recent development with Granny Smith had caused her to soften her heart to Apple Bloom and her friends. Sure enough, Twilight saw a heavily covered Apple Bloom sitting outside, watching the frozen apples on the icy limbs of the trees. Twilight took a seat beside her and watched the furious blizzard.
“Real cold out, huh?” Twilight asked, Apple Bloom sitting silently. Twilight reached out and put a hoof around her little friend.
“Granny Smith is real sick 'cause of this storm, y'know?” Apple bloom said quietly. Twilight nodded, knowing well that the old mare was not taking to this cold snap well. “She's... she's not getting' any better.” Twilight couldn't think of anything to say to Apple Bloom. “My... my maw an' paw died b'fore I could remember.” she went on, her voice trembling. “I never got to know them, but Big Macintosh an' Applejack told me it was real sad for everypony...” Sniffling, Apple Bloom turned to Twilight, her face wet with tears.
“Twilight,” she began, trying to find her voice as she looked up at the purple alicorn “I know nopony lives forever... but... but Granny Smith said she always wanted to see what kinda cutiemark I would have...” Twilight felt her heart sink. Apple Bloom let out a few sobs as she fought to keep her composure. “Please Twilight... please save Granny Smith... please save her.”
Twilight wasn't sure she could find her voice.
=====
Twilight, Shining Armor (who wore shining mythril armor and had the Harbinger Blade slung to his side) and the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony waited for the train to the norther boarder to return, some of them dressed in coats and others wearing various pieces of travel gear (Applejack having donned a black hat that once belonged to her father), Spike, Cadence and Starlight there to see the lot off.
“You aren't scared something like last time will happen... are you, Twilight?” Spike asked. Twilight only shook her head.
“I think I'll be fine... it's strange,” she explained “but it's like Zerus' power doesn't effect me... at least not that much.”
“Do you think maybe...” Shining Armor began “maybe we're... somehow related to him? He is more than a thousand years old.” Twilight only shook her head once more.
“I've traced our genealogy before.” she explained. “The farthest back I was able to trace our history was to a stallion named Artemis. He was born not long before Zerus, but it's still unlikely the two are connected.” Shining Armor nodded as the train pulled in, knowing his sister was probably right. As they said their goodbyes (a few of them quite tearfully), they all piled onto the train, their hearts beating fast and each of them sweating bullets.
“Do you think we really have a chance?” Applejack asked, Twilight closing her eyes.
“We won't know until we try.” she heard Pinkie say glumly.
“Best to keep those thoughts out of mind, everypony.” Shining Armor said cautiously. “We need to keep focused.” he finished, Twilight somehow managing to fall asleep...
She looked around the grand spectrum she found herself in once before, Luna already standing there waiting for her.
“Your mind is wondering, Twilight.” she said in a sagely voice. “Shouldn't you stay concentrated on the matter at hand?”
“You're still in exile... why?” asked the concerned Twilight. At this, Luna frowned.
“I feel this was all my doing... had I not given Tirek the Alicorn Amulet, we wouldn't be in the predicament... and besides... I can't face Zerus... I just can't.” she said, her voice trembling. “Not after what has happened to him... he was like a son to me... and I would want nothing more than for him to come back to Canterlot with me... but we both know it can't be like that... not after everything that has happened to the both of us.”
Twilight opened her mouth to protest, but she knew Luna was right. Zerus had been sealed in endless hatred and fear from more than a thousand years, groomed to be Sombra's successor, just like he was... was there no real way of getting through to Zerus?
“Princess Luna?” Twilight asked suddenly. “Zerus mentioned something about not being able to live forever.” At this, Luna's eyes darted to Twilight. “Did... did he mean it?”
“Nopony lives forever, Twilight.” Luna said, her regal form melting away to her true form as a little filly. “Not even my sister or I... we will both live for many many years still, but as for you and Princess Cadence... I cannot say whether you two will live as long as us.” Twilight's heart leaped in her chest at this news. “You were both transformed into alicorns, not born. The bloodline of the Crystal Royals ran thin for more than a thousand years, but Princess Cadence did indeed descend from the last royal who was entrusted to us and she did prove herself worthy of the title of princess, just like you did.”
Twilight bowed at this. So there was a chance that she and Cadence may just live as long as their friends... and Zerus knew this. What else could he possibly know?
“You should wake up, Twilight.” Luna said as she turned to leave, shaking the alicorn form her thoughts. “You're almost the the Crystal Empire.” At this, Twilight shook awake, her eyes darting around the train car as everypony sat silently waiting for the end of the line. Sure enough, after rising to stretch her limbs, Twilight saw it. The black, jagged castle of crystal, surrounded by a parched wasteland, just like in the vision Celestia showed Twilight a year prior when she and her friends ventured first to the empire. This was it.
As the train came to a stop, Twilight saw the empty, silent town of the Crystal Ponies, none of them daring to speak as they walked through the brief snowy banks and into the hot desert, a foreboding and dusty wind blowing slightly at their backs.
“Where are the Elements, Twilight?” Shining Armor asked, Twilight placing her Element on her head. She could feel it as plain as day exactly where the other Elements were. Walking slowly through the parched land, straight toward the castle, Twilight narrowed her eyes.
“The Element of Loyalty is at the jousting arena.” Twilight said, Rainbow Dash hurrying off. “The Element of Honesty is in the crystal garden.” Applejack trotted off without a word. “The Element of Generosity is in the Hall of the Crystal Heart.” Rarity, who still wore her red winter coat, nodded and made her way ahead of the group. “The Element of Laughter is deep in the aqueducts.” Twilight revealed, Pinkie pulling out the seapony charm from a travel pack she wore, starting off to the now dry fountains. “The Element of Kindness is in the clouds, up about the city.” Twilight finally said, Fluttershy shaking like a leaf but giving a determined look as she flew up into the sky, leaving Twilight and Shining Armor all alone.
“You do know this is a trap, right?” Twilight asked, Shining Armor's face showing no emotion. “Spotting a trap and avoiding one are two different things.” Again, as they reached the town square outside the castle, he said nothing. No sooner did they come to the foot of the grand stairs did they see a figure wearing a heavy brown cloak, no part of their body visible beneath it. They both knew from the height and girth of this figure that it was clearly Tirek.
“My master has been waiting for you, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” he said, sinking to his knees, the cloak pooling around him on the jagged crystal floor. Turning, she saw Shining Armor shake his head.
“You can't go, Twilight.” her brother plead. “You can't-”
“I have no choice, Shining Armor...” she said, following the silent Tirek, Shining Armor watching from the town square as she disappeared from view. Following Tirek, she didn't dare speak a word as he lead her to the throne room and up to a gigantic spiraling staircase that was not present either time she came to the Crystal Empire. Following him as they ascended the stairs, they suddenly came to a stop as the staircase ended in the middle of the throne room. Looking around, Twilight wondered what he was doing, though she quickly got her answer as the steps began to slowly rise on their own up higher and higher, the ceiling opening up to allow them to continue on. As they went on and on up higher and higher, the staircase grew larger and more jagged, turning into a massive tower, Twilight looking all around as they rose higher into the sky. Just as they surpassed the grand tower, Twilight suddenly got a chill, turning to see something high above them (despite how high the tower had already risen). After a moment of trying to see exactly what it was, Twilight shielded her eyes as a massive blight lit up the land, revealing Cataclysm. Twilight's spine ran cold as she saw it, the tower continuing to rise more and more. It looked like a pitch black sun, lined with burning purple flames, the tower coming right up to it.
“Master Zerus will meet with you now, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Tirek said calmly, Twilight watching everything fade, quickly finding herself in an endless black void. Looking around, she saw that not only could she see herself, but for some reason, she was dressed in her coronation gown from when she became a princess.
“I've been looking forward to this moment, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight turned to see Zerus, draped in a pure white cloak and wearing mythril hoof guards step up toward her, his brown mane tied back and draped down his shoulder.
=====
The fighting had begun almost as soon as Cataclysm appeared in the sky, but Shining Armor didn't move a muscle. He instead glared as Tirek glided down from the tower and landed on the grand steps of the castle.
“I hope you've been looking forward to this moment as long as I have, Shining Armor.” he said, squatchen and crystal jousters alike tearing and smashing the seemingly endless golems to bits. “It's time we end our little game once and for all.” Tirek said, stepping down the steps, Shining Armor drawing the Harbinger Blade and clamping it in his mouth. “Because I'm frankly tired of playing.” the baphotaur taunted, drawing Sombra's horn and turning it not into the broad, curved sword from before, but instead into an incredibly long, needle-like sword that dwarfed even him.
“Time to die, Shining Armor.” Tirek laughed, his pitch black body made of shining black crystal.
