Go to your friends. Look them in the eyes, talk with them, laugh with them, and tell me if lifting a duster is more magical than what you feel, truly feel, in your heart. Friendship is a force, Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle woke up that morning, stretching her limbs out to their fullest and her wings to both sides of her body. Giving her mane a few shakes before rolling out of bed, she got onto the floor and began to walk to her mirror. Without a second glance at her bed, she began to use her magic to make it and fix it with years of practice timing.

Taking a look at the reflection in the mirror gave her a few minutes to pause and run a hand along the side of her face, as if she had began to touch it for the first time in her life. A smile crept along her face as she looked back at her, allowing herself time to be thankful for the gift she was given. Turning around, she began to make her way to the door of her room, using her magic to bring her clothes behind her.

With each step she took down the stairs, she began to quickly put on her ensemble of a powder blue shirt and a purple mini-skirt. Once she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was fully dressed, “Spike?! Why isn’t-” she paused when she remembered, “Oh yeah, sent him home to be with Rarity and my...” with a pause she said, “Granddaughter. Oh, that is going to take some getting used to. Well,” she then gave a shrug, “They say cooking and science are similar, should be easy.”

Stepping into her kitchen, she chuckled at the thought of having to cook and remembering the times that she had almost lost her home. Shaking her head, she used her magic to pull out some bread for toast. Letting the toaster do it’s work, she sat down onto the chair and brought out a long slip of paper and some coffee, “Ok, wake up, check, breakfast, check, and dressed check! Now that the trivial stuff is out of the way, time to get down to business.”

Looking at the list, she made sure to double check each item, and while most had made her smile, there was one that she had a frown upon. Shaking her head, she quickly ate her toast and went to the center of the library and closed her eyes, “Ok, step one, shadow clone.” Taking a deep breath, she began to ignite her horn with a dark blue aura, allowing the magic to flow through her. After a few short minutes of charging and empowering the spell, she released her magic and created a shadow clone of her.

“Oh my gosh! I did it!” Twilight squeeed, clapping her hands together.

Clone Twilight raised a finger, “Um, more accurately, we did it. I am just a magical construct of you wielding the power of your magic. We are linked in that we share pain, thoughts, memories, and experiences.”

“Right, sorry,” Twilight corrected, before walking around and nodding. “Ok, now let’s try for two.” with a nod, the other Twilight watched as she backed up and concentrated, allowing her magic to flow once more. After charging for slightly longer, she tried to unleash the spell, only to be forced back by rebound into some shelves. Shaking her head, and holding it in pain, she said, “Ok, note to self, secret is not pool of mana, but how long I can concentrate on the other clone. So, for now, only one.”

After creating her shadow clone once more, she levitated some books to her and placed it in front on the table, “Spike will be here in a few hours with some books I wanted from the Canterlot Archives and a tome I told him to get Shining Armor to send to him. I want you to study those while I’m gone.”

“Where will you be?” asked Shadow Twilight.

“Visiting old friends,” Twilight winked before teleporting away.

Yelling out loud, and following it up with a roundhouse kick, Applejack hit another tree to release it of it’s early fruit. Looking down at her shin, Applejack let out another growl before doing another roundhouse kick, bearing no more fruit. Giving her mane a quick shake in frustration, she walked over to pick up a water bottle, not hearing the audible pop of a teleport, “Help you with anything Applejack?” Twilight asked with a bright smile.

“Twilight?” Applejack asked, smiling warmly at her friend. Looking to her left, she said, “Well, that tree could use a little trimming.”

Twilight shrugged and held out her hand, allowing her telekinesis to flow from her fingers to the tree. Taking the time to focus she began to pull and tug at a branch, until she accidentally tore the whole tree out, “Whoops! S-sorry. Coming back from the dead has kind of made me forget my own strength sometimes.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Applejack said with a shrug before looking at the uprooted tree. “Well, it was dying anyway.” with a roundhouse, she kicked the tree hard enough to break into a pile of firewood. Looking away, she then asked Twilight, “So, why did you really come here?”

Twilight sighed and rubbed the back of her head, “Well, I was kind of hoping you might teach me some martial arts.”

“You, the most power mage Ah know, want me to teach ya how to fight?” Applejack asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“Yeah. Look, I know I can be a bit of a squishy wizard,” remarked Twilight with a sheepish chuckle, eliciting a laugh from Applejack. “Speed, power, and range of spells, I am an expert, but Conquest is going to see that coming. He knows I’m a better long range fighter. He has seen worlds and dimensions that I have never heard of. He has seen so many tropes, battles, and wars on other dimensions that he has probably fought a few creatures like me before and knows how to best me. It would be like me challenging you to a baking competition, you know more than me.”

“So, you think that training with me will help?” Applejack said, leading Twilight to a small circular clearing. “You know that this won’t make you into a master in six days right?”

“I know,” Twilight shook her head, “But that isn’t the point of my training. I just need to know enough to make sure I can keep fighting even when he is too close for my more powerful spells. It’s just something to have in my pocket in case of emergency.”

Applejack put her hands into her jeans pocket and nodded, “I hear ya. You think that if you had something like that, you could’ve lasted a little longer against Raven.” when Twilight nodded in response, “Well, Ah do think that Starfleet weren’t exactly the best at training us when it came to hand to hand.”

“They only wanted us to attack a random target and thought that just saying, ‘You throw a punch,’ was adequate training.” she said, rolling her eyes.

Applejack nodded and began to tip her had, “Ok then, let’s start with the basics. Throw a punch.”

Twilight nodded and pulled back a fist, and then she threw a cross at Applejack. When the punch hit Applejack’s chest, she looked up at Applejack with a sheepish grin. This made Applejack shake her head and walked around her, “You kidding, right? That is your punch? Didn’t ya ever spar with Shining?”

“Uh, no? Most of my spars were magic duels, and he stopped those when I started winning,” Twilight said, smiling a little.

Applejack shook her head walked to her friend’s side, holding her hand, and looking it over. Taking note of the thumb being held by the fingers, she said, “Look at this, your thumb would break like this, and then there is your wrist.” she said, holding Twilight’s arm and looking at the bent hand.

“What’s wrong with it?” Twilight asked.

“Your wrist is bent, if you punched like this you would end up hurting yourself,” Applejack said, walking around her, “Supposed you barely can throw a kick either huh?”

“I can kick a little when I dance,” Twilight said, swallowing, “does that count?”

Crossing her arms over her chest and giving her mane a shake, she said, “We got a long way to go...”

And so it went on for a few hours, Applejack began to train Twilight in the ways of fighting. With practice timing, she gave Twilight exercises to perform to train her punches and kicks such as bobbing and weaving by her rope or holding a branch to help with her balance when she kicked. By holding her arms close and guiding her hands, Applejack began to teach Twilight how to throw a hook and a roundhouse kick.

During the training, Applejack reminded Twilight, “Remember, Ah am just teaching you the basics, it’s up to you to find your own style that’s right for you.”

Twilight nodded at this, going through the motions that Applejack had guided her through. Whether it was because of her talent or because of her own intelligence, she began to find herself easily learning the steps to to fight. After she was done going through the motions, Applejack put her on a run through the orchard until they both had collapsed on the field just before the farmhouse, “So, is this is how it’s gonna be? You train with me for a while and then go back to studying?” Applejack asked, panting.

“No,” Twilight said, shaking her head, “It’s not just you. I’m going to be going to all of our friends to help for this fight.”

“What about studying up on Conquest?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, I’m doing it right now,” Twilight said, looking at Applejack’s confused face. “Remember Luna’s shadow clones? I learned how to use that spell when I saw her use it. I, or rather Spark, had been practicing using it for a few days and it was only when I was whole again did I feel like I could use it. So, while my clone is reading and sending the information to me, I am training and preparing myself for the fight.”

“Speaking of Spark and all, why didn’t you tell anypony?” Applejack asked.

“Well,” Twilight said, sitting up and looking at the sky, “I just knew that if I had said something, I would’ve had you guys worried about me until we found my heart. And then there is the chance that someone on the Umbra Circle got caught and spilled the beans. I just figured I would work best if I was in the shadows.”

“In a way, you did,” Applejack said, patting Twilight on the shoulder.

“I know,” Twilight said, tapping her forehead, “She’s still in here, you know. All of her memories.”

Applejack looked at her oddly,” Does it feel weird? Having her memories?”

“You would think, but no...it doesn’t feel weird at all. It somehow just feels, normal,” Twilight said, looking back before placing a hand on her heart, “Like these memories were just a part of me and they always were. Guess it must have to do with the fact that she is just my heart.” with a laugh, Twilight threw back her head, and sighed, “Oh, if I only had the time to study the psychological implications of it!”

“Hey, Ah don’t discuss that kind of stuff with you,” Applejack said, standing up, “Ah’m just here to make sure you’ll last long in a fight. So, who’s next?”

Rainbow Dash looked down at Twilight from the sky as she pushed another black thundercloud into position, a weird look in her face, “So, let me get this straight: You want me...to kick lightning...at you.”

“Don’t put it that way,” Twilight said, shaking her head, “Makes me sound crazy.”

“That’s because it is, Twilight!” Rainbow Dash said, frowning and looking back at the charged clouds, “Handling something like this is dangerous for anypony else! We pegasi are trained to handle this kind of stuff-”

Twilight looked down at her wings, “And I’m part pegasus too, you know.”

“Yeah, but even then we have to be careful,” Rainbow Dash said, “Even too powerful a charge could kill a pegasus. That’s why I use weak Lightning in my pranks.”

“Rainbow,” Twilight said with a sigh, “I need to practice my dodging and this is probably the best way I can think of. Conquest is going to have spells that can break my shields, even ones my brother can cast. I need to be sure I can dodge quick enough to be able to counter him in case I can’t get a shield spell up.”

Rainbow Dash looked at the thunder cloud, “Yeah, but-”

“Unless you can’t really do it and aren’t as good as I thought you were,” Twilight smirked.

This made Rainbow Dash narrow her eyes in determination as she could feel the drive to prove herself ignite. With a grunt, she backfisted a thundercloud and caused Lightning to charge along the black body. In a flash, a Lightning bolt flashed out from the cloud, arcing towards Twilight.

Letting out a gasp, Twilight narrowly jumped out of the way of the bolt. Taking the time to look at the burn mark on the ground, she only had a split second to jump out of the way of the next bolt. Three more bolts were unleashed by Dash, each one arcing out and striking with a loud boom. Each bolt that was released, barely had a chance to strike at Twilight before she could dodge the bolt.

Keeping her eyes on the clouds, Twilight flared her wings in order to pick up speed and leap out of the way of the next bolt followed by the next. Though her wings added to her speed, She still barely could keep up with the speed at which the bolts would fly out from the clouds. At each strike, she could feel not only the power of the Lightning, but the heat from each strike. At one point, one of the bolts managed to strike her in the knee and taking her down. A scream of pain escaped her throat as she spun through the air and hit the ground hard with smoke leaving her knee burnt. “Twilight!” screamed Dash as she flew down to her injured friend, “Oh my Celestia, are you alright? Are you ok?”

“I...I’m fine Rainbow Dash, really,” Twilight said, waving her friend to the side. Sitting up, she looked down at her smoking knee and closed her eyes. Holding out her hand, her horn ignited with a pale white glow and moved the aura down to her hand, healing the wound, “White mana. If I find that I get a little too hurt during this, I can just heal my wound. Though, it still hurts a lot.” she said, wincing.

Rainbow Dash sighd and wiped her brow, “That’s good, I was a little-”

“Worried? Scared?” Twilight said, with a little bit of snark in her voice, “Don’t tell me Rainbow Dash can get worried.”

“I never said that!” Rainbow Dash denied, shaking her head. Then she lowered her head and sighed, “Ok, so I get a little worried. Look, Twi, we just got you back and quite frankly I don’t think any of us have any plans of letting you go again.”

“I understand, Rainbow,” Twilight said, standing up and nodding, “But you got to remember I am not made of glass and I don’t plan on leaving you girls alone, not ever again. Trust me, I plan on making sure that we go through this together, with all of us in tact.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and said, “Being a little overconfident, aint ya?”

“Well, when I have a friend like you,” Twilight said, standing back to her feet and dusting herself off, “I can afford to be a little extra confident, but I am not going into this half-cocked. That’s why I need this training.”

“Right,” Rainbow Dash said, flying back up to the thunder clouds, “Ready for round two?”

“You know it!” Twilight said, a little bit of excitement in her voice. When Rainbow Dash began to kick the thunder clouds to unleash their power, she began to jump away from the bolts that Rainbow kicked at her. Though each bolt came within inches of striking her, Twilight almost felt like she was getting faster. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she watched a blue bolt flying right next to her, “What?”

“Oh, figured these bolts of Lightning might not be cutting it for you,” Rainbow Dash said, her cocky grin growing wider, “Might as well through some of my own at you. And personally, I am a far better shot.”

“Eeep!” squeaked Twilight.

Rarity smiled as she pulled back the lovely white gown, holding it up in her hands. Looking it up and down, she giggled at the sight and imagined herself in it. The top of it was cut in the shape of a diamond while the train was rippled with sparkles. Her mind began to think of the day that she would be in the dress, walking down the aisle with her father before taking her place by Spike’s side.

“She was to be married, miss Belle,” said the soldier.

“My...word,” Rarity whispered as she looked at the body.

Shaking her head of the memory, Rarity looked up at the blade that hung on her mantle. Vorpal, her family’s sword. There was a faint and scary flash of a memory in her mind that she shook her head to forget. Looking at her wedding dress, Rarity levitated it to her nearby mannequin and put away her glasses. That was when she heard a squeal and a growl down stairs. Eyes wide with fear, she ran down the stairs, only to breath a sigh of relief when she saw Twilight playing with Clarity.

“Oh, look at you. You are so cute!” Twilight cooed, nuzzling the little kirin and letting the little one grab her finger. “You know who I am? Well, of course not now because your witttle mind hasn’t devewoped recognition yet so you see me as just a funny little winged unicorn who talks to you. I am Twilight Sparkle, and I am going to be your BGE (Best grandma ever).”

“Rawr?!” questioned the little one as she looked at Twilight with a questioning look.

“I know I look young, twenty five to be exact. But time and aging being what they are,” she shrugged as she giggled and said, “Oh, I am going to dote on you like crazy! I am gonna read to you, play with you, let you play with granny’s little experiments, and teach you magic.”

Closing her glasses and tucking them into her shirt, Rarity said, “Twilight, dear, she is your granddaughter, not your little experiment.”

Twilight played with Clarity’s mane, an act that made her coo with delight, “OH, I know. But, when she grows up and learns some magic, guess who’s going to be my little student?”

The little kirin raised her paws in the air and squealed as if she was agreeing.

“I never thought I would see a kirin around me in my time, especially here,” Twilight said, smiling and then giving the little one a hug.

“So, besides meeting your granddaughter for the second time,” Rarity said, walking down and looking at her friend, “What brings you to my shop?”

“Well, I was hoping that you could-” Twilight paused in her request, looking across from her at the mannequin at the armor. She gasped as she walked to it and ran her hand along the light purple breast plate and looking into the visor of the helmet, “This is my armor, isn't it?”

“Oh yes, a powerful suit with some impressive modifications if I do say so myself. But, I think you’ll find the other mannequin more interesting,” Rarity said, using her magic to pull out the other mannequin. “I had some leftover mythril and I think you might like the outfit.”

Twilight’s eyes opened wide as she looked at the robe in front of her, the way it shined in the light was hypnotizing to her. Taking the material in her hand, she said, “It’s beautiful.”

“One of my more finer pieces,” Rarity said, putting her hand to her chest. “Durable, strong, and is very attuned to your magic. It’s perfect for a mage like you.”

“Thanks Rarity,” Twilight said. “Now as for why I am here...”

A few minutes later, Clarity sat on a little blanket and happily giggling at a butterfly that flew overhead. Next to her, was her mother holding her bow and some arrows. Looking back at Twilight with a questioning gaze, she began to speak slowly, “So, let me get this straight. You want me, to shoot an arrow,” rolling her finger, she finished, “at you?”

Twilight let out a frustrated grunt, “When you put it like that, you make it sound crazy! No, I just need to learn your intuition.”

“My intuition?” Rarity asked, “What do you mean?”

“Well, you always seen to know what your customers want when they need it, or exactly what they want before they even ask,” Twilight said, smiling.

“Oh, that,” Rarity said, waving her hand, “Years from experience and working as a clothes maker dear.”

“It’s more than that,” Twilight said, “You have great intuition, and that, is what I need to learn. I want to try and predict my opponent’s moves, and firing an arrow at me will allow me to see what pose a pony will take when they fire.”

Rarity nodded, “I understand, you wish to see what the body looks like in motion, to try and determine where the pony will throw or even when the punch is coming.” when Twilight nodded, Rarity pulled back her arrow, eyes narrowed. The shaft of the arrow was held in between her fingers as she looked at Twilight, “Look at how my body is poised, how my arm is fixed, and my stance is set.”

“Yes, magic users tend to look like that when they are ready to throw a fireball or a Lightning bolt,” Twilight observed.

“Good, so can you guess where I am going to fire?” Rarity asked, smiling as she aimed her bow.

Twilight looked puzzled as she said, “To the left?” In response, she felt an arrow wizz pass her right cheek, leaving behind a smudge of red blush.

“Wrong,” Rarity said, wagging her finger, “Guess wrogn again and I will use the wrong color. Each arrow has a piece of makeup on it, get it right and you won't get hit. Wrong, and well, I don’t think you will want to look like a clown.”

Twilight, seeing the results of her decision, gulped a little in fear as she prepared to dodge. Looking to Rarity’s side, she watched as Clarity cheeyed and giggled at the show. Then, Twilight had a faint memory of something she said a long time ago...

“Let’s get out of here before she paints my coat a different color.”

“Oh Celestia, she’s actually gonna do it.”

Fluttershy hummed softly to herself as she laid out the seeds for the birds to feed and then put a little platter of meat for one of her eagles. She couldn’t help but smile at the feeling of peace that surrounded her cottage. Well, she would if she could ignore the washing and growling right behind her. Turning around, she saw Twilight scrubbing her face with a sponge, “Twilight?” she asked in a whisper, before watching Twilight lift her head.

“Don't...laugh,” Twilight whispered, the white makeup streaming down her face along with the red smudges that hit her cheeks and her nose.

Fluttershy nodded and asked softly, “W-what on earth happened to you?”

“Rarity is a good shot and make up is a really good shot,” with a sigh, she added, “Did you know that you can’t wash away makeup with a good cleaning spell?”

This made Fluttershy giggle a little, but then she realized what she did and said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh.”

“It’s ok, Fluttershy,” Twilight said, washing the last of the make up off, “It was mostly my fault. I was trying to train with Rarity and failed miserably.”

“Training? Oh, like what you are doing with Applejack and Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked, and watched Twilight nod in response. “Is that why you came to me? I...don’t really know what I can teach you.”

“A lot, actually,” Twilight said, standing up and using heat to dry herself off. Stepping with Fluttershy she walked with her to a little area behind her cottage. “I heard on the grapevine you have a zen garden?”

“Yes, I do,” Fluttershy said, walking Twilight to her little circle of rocks, “I use it to calm myself when I need it and relax. Why do you need-” when she saw Twilight sit on the grass, she nodded, “Oh.”

“You can help me meditate for a bit, concentrate,” Twilight said, sitting in a comfortable position, “They told me what you did to Dementia.”

“Oh, that, that was nothing, I did what I could to protect those fillies,” Fluttershy said, sitting down.

Twilight nodded and then added, “And you scared Dementia off without a punch and you have the stare. Now, while I can’t do the stare, I can become a lot calmer with you help and maybe hide my hate from Conquest.”

“But, I don’t know if I could teach you all of that in so little time,” Fluttershy said, shaking her head.

“I have faith you can just teach me what I need, so, let’s start,” Twilight said.

Fluttershy nodded and took a deep breath before sitting down, “Ok, so lets start by clearing your mind...”

“And then you just dig in!” Shouted Pinkie Pie as she shoved a big bowl of ice cream down her throat. After a few minutes, she smiled a s she said with a bit of pride, “And that is why I don’t have brain freeze!”

“Pinkie, that was one of the more random stories, I think you have ever told me,” Twilight said, chowing down on her thirtieth hayburger.

“So, why so many burgers, Twily?” Pinkie asked, before gasping, “Oh, is it for a contest?”

Twilight shook her head, “Do you know, how health conscious I was as Spark? She ate nothing but healthy foods for the entire time! Only healthy foods, it was driving me up the wall. Now that I am back, I am going to enjoy the heck out of these.”

“Dang straight,” Pinkie siad, high fiving her friend before putting down the bits to pay for their meals. Getting up, she and Twilight began to walk out the door. Giggling, she turned and began to walk backwards, “Now what are you going to do? Huh huh huh?”

“Well, next I am going to head home and-”

“Oh, sorry Twilight,” An Unicorpian said, lightly bumping into Twilight.

Twilight shook her head, “It’s ok.” as he left, she muttered, “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Oh come on, you knew that they were nice guys deep down,” Pinkie said, patting Twilight on the back, “You probably were already in the planning stages to bring us all together as one big happy family soon or later right?”

“Not a clue,” Twilight said, smiling warmly at her friend, “That, every bit of that, was all you. You probably had the biggest faith of all of us that they could be better, and they could change.”

“Nobody really is a one hundred percent meanie Twilight,” Pinkie said, walking a little ahead of her, “You just need to take the time to get to know them, to understand them and see that there is more to them than you may think.”

“Even if they don’t know it themselves,” Twilight asked walking along the bridge and following Pinkie.

“Of course, that’s what’s being a friend is all about,” Pinkie said, walking on the railing of a bridge, “Helping you see what makes you great and helping to bring it out! That’s what I like to do best!” she said, doing a summersault and landing right into Artie’s arms.”

“Whoa, hello party girl,” Artie said with a smirk as he sat Pinkie down, who then gave him a hug.

“Hey there, Artie guy!” Pinkie said with a giggle.

“And hello, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Artie said.

Twilight looked down and chuckled shyly, “Please Artie, we worked on the same team. Call me Twilight.”

“Yes, but since you I came back, I think that I need to show you a little more respect and an...apology,” Artie said, looking down. “I never did show you the respect you deserved when you were alive. And neither did my teammates. For that, I am sorry and if there is anything that I can do to make it up to you.”

Twilight smiled and shook her head, patting his shoulder, “Look I forgave Discord for all that he did. And in spite of me still being a little weirded out that he’s shagging my teacher, I am ok with him on our side. I know it’s weird, but I am quite forgiving.”

“No,” Artie said offering her a hand, “It makes a lot of sense. Pinkie said you were kind of like that. I kind of wished that we had better chances to get to know each other.”

“And we will.” Twilight said, “We just need to stand together.”

“Yeah,” Artie said, before walking away. Then he stopped for a moment, “And, um about the whole-”

“Look, if it’s about Grand Ruler? I understand, and we’re never going to get anywhere if you keep apologizing,” Twilight shouted. Letting out a groan she continued to walk with Pinkie. Looking at Pinkie, Twilight noticed a smile, “What’s with the grin?”

“Oh, nothing,” Pinkie giggled, “Just knowing you are probably going to get a lot of those.”

“Uggh, I hope not,” Twilight said. “I don't want to have to walk down the street, getting apologized by everyone here.”

Pinkie giggled, “Oh, you mean like when you got these?” she then happily played with Twilight’s wings.

“Oh yeah, that,” Twilight said, walking towards her home. Then she looked back at the wings, “Still can’t believe Grand Ruler made me think I lost these for a while.”

“And then he couldn’t come up with a reason for why they came back,” Pinkie said giggling.

Twilight shook her head, “I guess he thought I wasn’t going to ask why I suddenly had them again for no reason.”

“Um Twilight, did you really keep notes?” Pinkie asked.

Twilight nodded, and then pulled out the list, “Before dying, I had no less than fifty holes in their story.”

“Wow!” Pinkie gasped, only to hear Rainbow Dash’s voice overhead.

“Dork!”

Twilight frowned at that as she put away the list, Then she felt Pinkie give her a big hug, “Pinkie?”

Pinkie let out a chuckle, “Sorry, just wanted to make sure that you are still here.”

“It’s all right Pinkie,” Twilight said, returning the hug. Then she waved her friend off before walking back inside the house. As she stepped in, she looked at her shadow clone hard at work studying the books. Next to her was Spike as he began to shuffle and add more books to the pile,

“Oh, hey Twilight,” Spike said. Then his eyes shot up and he asked, “Wait, Twilight!? But then who is this?”

Letting her horn glow a faint violet, she absorbed the clone back into her body, “My shadow clone.” she said. “I am letting her study for me while I talk to the others.”

“Ok, how does that work?” Spike asked.

Twilight smiled happily and pulled a chalkboard to her, and began to draw a series of complicated diagrams, “Well, you see Spike. Each clone retains the information I had learned in the past, and when they learn new information they will beam it back to me when they vanish. Working on a psychic link to my shadow clones I can lean a vast amount of information all at once by copying it straight to me.” looking back at the confused Spike, she said, “You understand all of this?”

“Uh huh,” Spike said, his eyes swirling.

“You’re just saying that so you can go home quicker aren’t you?” Twilight asked, putting away her teaching material. When Spike eagerly nodded, she let out a contented sigh and opened the door for him, “Go little guy.”

“Thanks Twilight,” Spike said, walking out, but stopping for a second to say, “Um, hey, about me and Rarity-”

“Go,” Twilight said, watching him leave. Levitating her note with her schedule form her pocket, she shook her head and said, “Later.”

“Hey, Twilight?” Applejack asked, walking in, “Talk for a minute?”

Twilight, thankful for her friend to help take her mind off the conversation, smiled and said, “Sure, Applejack. What do you need?”

“Ah, was just curious,” applejack said, looking down as she rubbed her arm, “Was...was Ah a good leader?”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Them, our friends...” Applejack said with a pause, “Did Ah do a good job watching over them? Ah always told myself if my parents were alive, Ah would ask them the same thing about if they were proud of my job. Now, Ah want a straight answer from you.”

Twilight, who by now had taken to walking around the library and putting away certain books, looked back to Applejack, “Applejack, you kept the team together through the toughest fights they ever had. You helped keep everypony’s head on straight and took on the responsibility to guide them. After everything I had seen you do...” she smiled as she patted Applejack on the shoulder, looking into her friend’s emerald eyes, “I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better leader.”

This made Applejack smiled as she looked back at Twilight and held her hand onto her shoulder, “Thanks Twi. Ah kind of needed to hear that, really.”

“Hey, who else is there to keep my head to the ground when I need it,” Twilight said with a chuckle. “I need someone like that to keep me straight. I just kind of knew that if anything happened to me, I wouldn’t even need to ask for you to help me.”

“No problem, it’s what Ah’m here for,” Applejack said, giving Twilight a hug before turning around to walk out the door.

When Applejack left the room, Twilight looked back to a small notebook on the table. Walking to the notebook, she looked down at the two battle plans that she had written. Her violet eyes looked over them both, reading each bit of information that she had written down. The more she read the plans, the more she scowled and with a growl, she tore the two plans up and threw them into a wastebasket. Sighing, she stood up and levitated a new book to her, “Ok, figure out plan to end the war and save the day later. Let’s look up Ultima.” she said, opening the book and looking through it. As she did, a memory played in her mind.

“Spark, why do you wish to learn Ultima?” Luna asked Spark as she sat in the old castle library.

Spark lowered her glasses, “Because it is one of the most powerful unicorn spells in existence, if not the most powerful. I heard that you and Celestia knew it, Sunset Shimmer knew the spell, and even Starlight apparently was capable.”

“As did Mimic, the mare who created the spell,” Luna said, stepping around Spark as she looked at the library. “Celestia learned it from an ancient text that she had found, as did I. But I was unaware that Sunset Shimmer was capable of wielding the power.”

“I heard from Twilight that she used it during the battle with the Crystalites, and that she learned it from Celestia,” Spark said.

“Celestia must have been confident in her student to teach such a spell,” Luna said, “And I have no idea how Glimmer learned it. The spell is a powerful one and dangerous, capable of wiping out continents if not wielded correctly.”

“So I heard, and that’s why I need this spell, in case I battle conquest,” Spark said.

Luna nodded, “Very well, the book is yours. But, I should warn you, do not wield it until you are whole, Spark.”

“I wonder,” Twilight said to herself as she looked the book over and looking down at the pages, “How long did she know Spark and I were the same.”

To the one who reads this, you are reading the secret of the spell Ultima. Be warned, this is the most powerful spell I had ever crafted for a unicorn. I had first formed this spell when I had to use it against a powerful dragon that threatened the lives of the ponies of our world.

The reason why this spell is so powerful-

Twilight paused as she looked at the book, her eyes looking at the next page with a sigh and roll of the eyes. On the next page was just her index and appendixes. Taking a breath, she said, “Wouldn’t be an ancestor of mine if she didn’t include at least one trick or mystery. But, you made one mistake,” igniting her horn, she pulled out a manilla envelope and then opened it to pull out a yellowed piece of paper,” You didn’t count on your descendant to be friends with the princess of the night and the mare who learned your spell.”

As Twilight placed the paper down, she said, “Make sure you are whole had a double meaning. Mimic wouldn’t leave a book behind with her most powerful spell just anywhere without a way to make sure only the right ponies could learn it. Celestia and Luna learned from their mother, Sunset from Celestia, but Starlight...learned from a page.”

Taking a quick look in the envelope, she also found an extra note, “Wha-”

Dear Twilight Sparkle.

Wow, so it’s true, you are alive. I wasn’t really sure that the rumor was true until I came back to the empire and saw that it was in day two of the endless celebration. I heard that Cadence and Shining have declared it to be a six day week of partying there. It...made me happy to know that my friend was alive and it was she, not Spark that sent me on this quest.

Heh, friends huh? Guess we both never thought about it much when we were in school. We both just kept to ourselves and never really thought about friendship as anything good. Guess we never really appreciate something until it’s gone. I have to wonder, if things were different and we enjoyed our friendship...Would I had been one of your elements?

No time to think about this.

Enclosed is the page that you, or rather Spark, asked me to look for with Starlight Glimmer. Her special talent is amazing! She is magic, like you, but she is able to read the basics of a spell and is able to combine it and mix it to her own end or even take a sample of a spell and complete it. She is an interesting prodigy and that is why she knew of Ultima. She found the missing page from Mimic’s spell book and was able to complete it. Though, she told me that she wasn’t sure that she could actually cast it fully; however, I bet you could.

Take this page and use it well. And maybe, if you get a chance, you can visit me in the Empire. I would love to catch up.

Your (There was a mark through several words until it read) friend,

Moondancer.

Ps. This is Starlight. Wow, I never...I mean, I got my face punched by Twilight Sparkle. That’s something not many got to say. I have to wonder, what would it have been like if I never became evil. What would our lives been like. I hope you can visit.

Twilight looked curious, “Another magical prodigy? Well, I suppose it would be silly to think I am the only one in existence. I think I better be careful or I won’t catch up.” and with a breath, she put the paper into the book, watching it magically glue itself into its proper place.

-is that, unlike other unicorn spells, where a unicorn uses their inner mana to tap into one of the five pools to form the appropitate spell. This links you to all five pools at once, and thus, into the very leyline of the planet itself. In essence, you are striking out with the planet’s energy itself. This is why it’s dangerous, it could wipe out a moon if you are not careful.

Now, the trick to use the spell...

Twilight began to read the rest of the ingredients of the spell and the mechanics to herself, having learned her lesson the last time that she read something out loud. Reading the incantation to herself, she gave a quick nod and stepped back. Slowly, she allowed her breath to come out in deep exhales. Closing her eyes, she began to concentrate, “This should be simple enough. I mix mana pools all the time when I cast. It shouldn’t be too hard to do that here.”

That was when she held out her hands, allowing her body to glow with her violet aura. As her body glowed and she began to talk, her horn flashed a specific color as she described her magic, “Green mana, the power of earth and strength. Blue mana, mental power. Red Mana, fire and speed. White Mana, life and the light. And then,” she shuddered as she said, “B-black Mana, Death and chaos.”

When Twilight opened her eyes once more, she saw the five orbs of different colors floating before her. Nodding slowly she began to to hold out her hands and push them together, “Ok, now to just fuse them together into one whole.” Twilight said, pushing the orbs closer, sweat beading down her face. With a chuckle, she said, “Heh, this is eas-”

The library was soon in the air for a few minutes before crashing back down onto the ground with a loud thud after being rocked by a large explosion. Inside the large Tree, Twilight laid in a pile of books with her mane frazzled and horn sparking. Sitting up and rubbing her head, she moaned, “Ok, so I might need to learn a few more black magic spells before I’m ready to fuse the mana. The problem is, black mana is mostly necromagic and,’ she shuddered, “Necromagic is so EWWWWW!”

That was when a tapping on the window attracted her attention. Curious, she looked up and opened it, letting in a flying brown owl, “Owlicious!” she said with a smile, and giving him a quick nuzzle. When she let go of her owl, she asked, “And where have you been?”

That was when Owlicious went into a series of complicated hoots.

“You say you went on a long journey into the badlands where you teamed up with a bunch of other owls. Including a dragoon, a summoner, a white mage who is now your mate, and a ninja? Then you went to stop a mad owl from attacking and destroying the planet?”

After nodding, Twilight looked at him and sighed, “You do know I can’t understand you right? But I’m just glad to have my nighttime assistant back with me. You can take your pearch over there while I head to bed.”

As Twilight walked to the bedroom. Owlicious nodded, and then looked up at the window. Sitting on the branch was a white snow owl, her name was Rosa, his mate. He smiled as he looked up at her and winked. He would never forget his adventures or the friends he had made during that two year journey.

There was a calm smile on Luna’s face as she gazed upon the door to Twilight’s dream realm. No longer was it boarded up, but pristine and shining once more. A warm feeling went through her as she placed her hand onto the door, ready to see the dreams of her sister’s student again. As it slowly opened, she was curious to the many peculiar sounds that were emanating from within and when it opened completely, she was taken aback by the sight of several hundred Twilights, “What on Equestria?”

All around her were various different Twilight’s of many sizes and clothing. Some were scientists, looking up magical potions and talking to general Twilight’s about stragedities. There was a pair of Twilights in a martial arts tournament ring, one wearing a red gi and had a blonde mane while the other had a black mane and wore a white gi. Luna raised an eyebrow when she saw a mad scientist Twilight talking to a gun crazed Twilight about who was going to win a fight and were comparing their weapons, armor, and skills. There was also a Twilight who was glaring at a Twilight in a dark purple robe, ready to duel.

Luna continued to step through the white void, watching the various Twilight’s fight, struggle, talk, inspect, and perform various other activities. As she continued to walk, she bumped into a quadrupedal unicorn Twilight, “Oh, hello Princess Luna.”

For a moment, Luna paused, looking at Twilight. Then she smiled and nodded, “Am I to assume I am talking to the real one and not a shadow clone?”

With a nod and a blush, Twilight responded with a sheepish, “Uh, yeah.” looking down at her body, she added, “I guess, even with all that I’ve done, I still see myself as the student in a big world. Nothing more and nothing less.”

Luna sighed as she laid a hand onto Twilight’s shoulder and looked into her violet eyes, “You are better than you think you are and are more than any normal unicorn. You are an alicorn now, and more magical than even my sister.”

Twilight said nothing to this and turned away, walking past the other Twilights as they trained. Eager to move on, Twilight began to explain,”Isn’t this fantastic? In the real world I can make only about one shadow clone at a time, maybe two if I practice. But here? I can produce as many as I want and study over everything I learned that day.”

Looking at the various Twilights, Luna asked, “And you can retain all you learned?”

“oh, yes” Twilightsaid with glee. “This way I can learn years worth of information in days.”

Luna then looked over to a lonely Twilight, shuddering as she looked at a black book, “And that one?”

“It’s the reason why I brought you here,” Twilight said, “I want to know more about black mana.”

“You mean my sister never taught you any black magic?” Luna asked, looking confused.

“It isn't that. I have mastery over the other four pools:white, blue, green, and red but black eludes me,” Twilight said, “And it isn't like I don't know any. I know acid splash, black tendril, and a...blood magic spell.”

“Yes, that one is a favorite of mine in a fight. Tends to terrify he opponent when you use it,” Luna chuckled to herself as she thought about how she scared Celestia the first time she used the spell.

“That’s why I am having so much trouble with learning the spells,” Twilight said looking down. “Everytime I use black magic I feel uncomfortable, like there is something wrong and sickly about it. It’s how I felt when I used Sombra’s magic before.”

“While it is true that Sombra used the horrible aspects of black mana, there are other aspects,” Luna said, watching as Twilight looked oddly at her. “Mayhap you should look at it another way. You know Pinkie would make an excellent black mage.”

“What?!” Twilight said, shaking her head in disbelief.” That's impossible, Pinkie is the most hopeful and cheerful mare I know. She practically radiates hope! She would be the element of hope if it wasn’t already taken!”

“And yet, she is incredibly selfish.” Watching Twilight shake her head in disbelief, trying to understand, Luna began to sing.

If there one thing that makes me happy
And my life worthwhile
It's to see my friends and get them
To smile.

“But, she isn't being selfish there,” Twilight said, shaking her head. “She just wants ponies to be happy.”

“Because it also makes her happy,” Luna commented, “And for some, that would make her sound selfish, caring for others happiness just to make her happy. Perhaps you need to look at black mana as less of a tool for evil, and more of a way to break the rules.”

“I don’t understand,” Twilight said.

Luna smiled a little and patted Twilight’s shoulder, “Talk to Pinkie, and you’ll understand.”

Twilight sat up in the bed and looked to the calendar, “Why do princesses like being so...cryptic!?”

Shaking her head, she marked the day on the calendar and began to leave.

Daphne watched as Twilight trained with Applejack, fascinated by the way the two friends moved. Eager eyes watched as the two punched and kicked, dancing in their own way. Smiling, she rested her head on her hand as she leaned on the fence, “Watching something interesting?” Apple Bloom asked, standing next to Daphne while resting her elbows on the fence.

“Oh,” Daphne smiled at Apple Bloom, “just watching the two of them train and fight. It’s just so, cool.”

Apple Bloom looked at her friend weirdly, “What’s the big deal? You watched Buddy train countless times.”

Daphne sighed and shook her head, “Not like this. With Buddy, it was always more like somebody just learned how to fight, you know? There is just something different here. Makes me,” a small tear rolled down her cheek, “Miss him.”

“Ah know what you mean,” Apple Bloom said, “There are some things Ah wish Mom and Dad were here to see.”

Daphne held up her hand and spread her fingers, “Even these?”

“Even those,” Apple Bloom laughed a little. “So, how is it? Knowing that Starfleet were a bunch of liars?”

“Freeing,” Daphne sighed, “I don’t feel like I have to speak like someone told me to. I really feel more like I could be like you and the other Crusaders.”

Apple Bloom smiled a little at this and turned to watch the two friends spar. As the match continued, Daphne spoke up again with a question, “Scared?”

“Of what?” Apple Bloom asked, picking an apple from a tree and biting into it.

“You know, of what’s coming up!” Daphne exclaimed. “The final battle is five days from now! Your sister is about to go up against some pretty big threats and probably the scariest monsters she’s ever met! Aren’t you scared that this... this time she ain't coming back home?”

Apple Bloom took a deep breath, and looked at the apple in her hand. After taking a few breaths, she looked back up at the two and said, “Ah won’t lie, Ah am a little scared. Ah get scared that the next time she goes out is gonna be the last time Ah’m ever gonna see her again. She’s a hero, you know, and that’s part of the risks, especially now she’s facing off against the monster who killed my parents. Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny are all Ah got.”

“How do you get through it?” Daphne said, looking down. “I never really thought about Buddy dying, but ever since then, I’ve been scared for your sister and her friends. This is a war they’re fighting and they might not come back.”

Apple Bloom let out a large breath of air before crossing her arms under her chest, Looking towards Twilight, she said, “Her.”

“Twilight Sparkle?” asked Daphne.

“Yeah,” nodded Apple Bloom. “Don’t know what it is about her, but there is just something Ah see in her that tells me, ‘it’s gonna be alright.’ That no matter what that jerk is gonna throw at them, it’s going to be alright.”

Daphne sighed and looked back, nodding a little, “Maybe you’re right.”

Not knowing about their watchers, the two combatants finished their training with Applejack sweeping Twilight’s legs and taking her to the ground. Looking at the sweating and panting Twilight, Applejack eagerly handed Twilight a water bottle, “You’re getting good out there Twi.”

“Doesn’t... feel like it,” Twilight said, panting and trying to catch her breath. “You’ve been dominating it through the whole session.”

Applejack shrugged and sat down, “Been at it longer, Twilight. Besides, somepony spent a year as a little bookworm stuck in a big ol mansion, remember.”

“Yes, and Spark wasn’t much for physical activities,” Twilight said with a roll of the eyes.

Applejack laughed and nodded, “Neither was Belle.” with a warm sigh she asked, “Do you still feel her, you know, inside?”

Twilight nodded, tapping her head, “Yeah. Sometimes when I am alone, I can kind of feel her. Like she’s thankful for this chance to help you, to be with you. It’s... kind of nice actually, like having another sibling.”

Eager to change the subject, Applejack looked up, “What can you tell me about Kudos?”

“Conquest’s doctor? Why do you want to know?” Twilight asked.

“So Ah can know more about the guy who Ah’m gonna fight,” Applejack said, clenching her fists.

Twilight noticed the look in her friend’s eyes, and then rubbed her arm, “Applejack, you know, killing isn’t the way. It’s not going to bring them back and won’t help those he’s already killed. But-”

“Ah know Twi,” Applejack said, clenching her fists, “But sometimes, Ah think about what he took from me and my siblings. It just makes me want to-”

“But,” Twilight said, putting a finger to Applejack’s lips, “If it comes down to it, and you do kill him, I won’t hold it against you.”

“But you will give me a lecture?” asked Applejack.

Twilight laughed a little and then began to speak, “I did do a little research onto each of Conquest’s generals: Raven, Rhymey, and Kudos. Of the three, Kudos was the hardest to hunt down, because he used so many aliases.”

“Yeah, because he’s killed so many,” Applejack growled, and looked down, “Including foals.”

Twilight nodded, a serious look on her face, “Yeah...including foals. I found out, however, that as a kid, he had a pretty normal childhood. His parents were loving and well to do earth ponies who were a doctor and a chemist. He never got into fights, he was really good at school and was actually pretty loved. There was only one real deficiency in him.”

“What?” Appleack asked.

“He, lacked the powers of an earth pony. He couldn’t grow anything and he was never physically strong,” Twilight said, looking down.

Applejack was taken aback by this, “Wait, that can’t be possible, can it?”

“Belle was an Unicorn without magic and Scootaloo is a Pegasus that can’t fly. An earth pony that lacks the ability to grow isn’t that far fetched,” Twilight said. “But, instead of being scared or feeling unwanted by it, it just motivated him. It’s like he thought lacking the ability gave him a better appreciation for the power of the earth ponies.”

“You making this up?” asked Applejack.

Twilight shook her head, “He wrote about it in his history report. At the age of ten, and that was when he discovered his cutie mark.”

“So, what you telling me is,” Applejack began, “He was always messed up in the head.”

“I would’ve gone with completely nuts,” Twilight said with a smirk.

“Good, now Ah know who Ah’m kicking the ass of this time,” Applejack said, punching her palm. “It’s gonna make this all the sweeter.”

Rainbow Dash smiled as she watched Twilight flutter from the sky and then collapse to the soft cloud. Looking at a small notepad in her hand and then back to Twilight, she said with a smirk, “Nice job, Twilight, you’ve been dodging those things easier and easier.”

“D-Doesn’t feel like it,” Twilight panted, laying on the cloud with wings spread. Looking back up at Dash, she allowed her white magic to cover her body and heal herself, “I think you managed to hit me more than once.”

“Eh,” Rainbow Dash shrugged as she sat on the cloud and handed Twilight a bottle of water, “Tomato Tomahto. The point is, you are getting hit less and that is the big thing. Soon, I’ll bet you will dodge fireballs pointblank. Nothing thrown by me of course,” she added, putting a hand to her chest and bragging, “Cause I’m awesome.”

Twilight rolled her eyes before taking a drink from the bottle, “Gee thanks, I feel so more confident.”

Dash let out a chuckle at this before laying back onto the cloud and watched the blue sky. Letting her breath come out slowly, she took in the calming breeze and the warm spring air. Giving out a yawn, she turned to look at Twilight as she sat across from her. A pang of guilt in her stomach quickly returned as she looked at her old friend, and rolling to her side, she said, “Hey Twi?”

“Yes?” Twilight asked.

“I just want to say,” Rainbow Dash paused before taking a deep breath and letting it out, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for leaving you to die at Raven’s hands. I should’ve ran in after you and fought by your side. I should’ve done more than just listen to that bastard!”

Twilight watched Rainbow Dash punch the cloud, sending up a burst of water droplets into the air, “Wait, this isn’t going to be a repeat of the wedding, is it? Where you wouldn’t stop apologizing to me until I made you do twenty laps as penance?”

“No, it ain’t that bad,” Dash said, letting out a sigh as she softly chuckled. “It’s just, I’ve been feeling guilty about it, you know. Like I should’ve done something, should’ve done more or been there by your side. And don’t say I couldn’t have helped you or I would’ve died too, that isn’t the point.” sitting up, she brought her knees to her chest and closed her eyes slowly, “At least you wouldn’t have been alone.”

Twilight sat up and put her hand next to Dash’s, holding it. Then she looked at Rainbow Dash with her soft comforting look, “Rainbow Dash, I don’t think you could’ve done anything even if you tried. Grand Ruler wanted me dead, and he was willing to defy all logic to do it.”

“He was even going to break the rules with those two items, remember?” she continued before looking up into the sky, “But, if it makes you feel any better, I am not going to forgive you because there isn’t anything to forgive.”

“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Twilight smiled and then looked back at Rainbow Dash with a kind smile, “I mean, I used to be afraid that I would wind up alone because I made you mad or that you would wind up hating me for some reason. But, my time as Belle has taught me something... something I should’ve know all the time.”

“And what’s that?” Dash asked.

“That, no matter what I do, you would always be there for me. All of you. Sure, we might fight,argue, and all of that, but in the end you guys would come rushing to my side,” Twilight said, looking back into Dash’s magenta eyes. “I mean, look at all you’ve done over the past year. Stopping a black fireball, rushing to Fluttershy like a knight in shining armor, and so much more. It’s made me realize that, even if I made you mad, if I was in trouble, you would turn the planet inside out to come to me.”

Dash then lightly punched Twilight’s shoulder, “Took you dying to figure that out?”

“Ok, I’ll admit, for a princess of friendship, even I can be slow on the uptake,” Twilight said, sighing, “My paranoia can run away from me and make me forget. I’m a learner and always will be.”

“Hey, unless you’re me, you ain’t perfect,” Rainbow Dash said, shrugging before leaning back.

“Perfect, sure,” Twilight said, letting out a giggle before laying back on the clouds.

Dash cokced her head from side to side, “Ok, so I can always use improvement. That’s why I got you with me.”

“That’s why we got each other,” Twilight said holding Rainbow Dash’s hand, “You keep me flying and knowing I won’t be alone, and I keep you from going to crazy.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said laughing.

Twilight then paused and looked at Rainbow, “So...you and Fluttershy huh?”

“Yep, awesome isn’t it?” Dash said.

Twilight nodded and reached into her pocket, “Oh yes, it is! It’s going give a chance to study friendships, relationships, and pegasi courtship rituals!!!!” with an eager smile, she sat on her knees and brought a notebook, “So... when did all of this start, and don’t spare the details.”

“Don’t spare the details?” Rainbow Dash asked, before wagging her eyebrows quickly, “So, you do want to know about me and Flutters’ sex life?”

Twilight blushed and shook her head, “Ok, maybe not everything.”

Lightning looked up at the clouds, watching as the pegasi began to move each one into position. As he watched them go by, he let out a groan before stretching his arms out and shouting, “I'm bored!”

“Bored?” Krysta asked, fluttering down from her perch on a tree branch and landed at Lightning’s side. “Why are you bored? It’s been a quiet few days since the ceasefire and everything is calm on all fronts. You should be happy!”

“I know, and I am,” Lightning said, looking back up at his friend before looking at the small town at Ponyville. “I don’t regret disbanding Starfleet for a moment. It was time to change and move on from the past. Time for a rebirth, you know?”

“But you miss being out there, doing something,” Artie said, leaning against the tree. He looked down at his fake hands and took a deep breath, “You want to be a hero again, but for the right reasons.”

Lightning nodded, “Yeah, I do. I don’t want us to be a military organization, but I still feel like we should be doing something... anything!”

“You can take us out of the fight for a bit, but it’ll never will go away completely...will it?” asked Starla, walking to the group.

“Oh, hey Starla,” Lightning said, looking a little down.

Starla looked to the sky, “It’s like me. I mean, this little two week vacation we’ve all been on has been great. We had our time to relax and figure out who we really are. Now I think we just want to fight so we can be there with those girls.”

“Won’t it take away from your little job search?” aske dKrysta.

“Not at all,” Starla said, shaking her head, “Rarity helped me find a job with the observatory and they are willing to take me in after the war. But, in the meantime, I want to feel like we are helping ponies. Fighting the good fight and all of that.”

Artie sighed and nodded, “But what do we-”

“I got it!” Lightning said, getting to his feet, “Starla, does Galaxia still have some of her old Starfleet connections?”

“Yeah,”Starla nodded with a smile. “Mom has been reconnecting with her old friends since she got back. There isn't that many though.”

“Tell her to get what she can. Then meet me tomorrow in Canterlot. Come on Krysta!” Lightning said, holding her hand and running off.

Kysta let out a giggle as she said, “See you later guys.”

A soft chuckle escaped Starla’s throat as she shook her head, smiling. Then she felt a hand into her shoulder,” How are you holding up?” Artie asked.

Starla ran a hand through her short red hair and said, “Better since I came home. The nightmares, they still come once in a while. Mom says she can hear me scream at night and Dad can see me shake.” Holding herself, she said, “I... don’t think those will ever go away.””

Artie frowned, “ Look, I can't speak for Lightning but i-”

“Please, don’t apologize for not saving me,” Starla said, letting out a tearful chuckle, “I think I have had plenty of those to last me a lifetime. Especially from Lightning.”

“Yeah, he’s finally starting to get a clue and becoming a better friend, but I still feel like slime for not figuring it sooner,” Artie said, shaking his head.

Starla held his prosthetic hand softly, and looked up onto his eyes, “Don’t beat yourself up. You, Buddy, and Lightning, you were just forced to fall in line.”

“Doesn’t make it right,” Artie argued, frowning. “Lightning should've said something, and I should’ve figured it out.”

“And I had about a year to run through about twenty different emotions on the subject,” Starla said, looking down and sighing, “And I think forgiveness should be the first step before moving on,Right?”

Artie smiled and nodded, “Yeah.”

Twilight stepped through a dark void, watching as the fog slowly passed her by. As her violet eyes tried to look around her surroundings in the endless void, she could feel the cold air creep along her spine and down her wings. After spending a few minutes of searching for anyone else, she soon saw an alicorn with a darker shade of violet than her standing off in the distance, “Who are you?”

The other alicorn smiled as she walked, her low cut black dress leaving little to the imagination. Upon her head was a grey and twisted version of speaking in a low and sultry tone, “Isn’t it obvious? I’m you. Well, the you that you should be.” the other Twilight smiled as she flapped her wings and came close to Twilight, tucking her chin, “Midnight Sparkle.”

“What do you mean, should be?” Twilight asked, pulling away from her dark self.

“I mean, you should be forgetting all of this ‘six days’ nonsense and go! Right now! Straight into Conquest’s pocket dimension and one-shot all of his generals until you reach the top,” Midnight said, holding out her fist and making it glow.

“And how do I do that? By becoming you? Giving into my hate and anger? You’ve seen how easily Conquest beats a nightmare. He would feed on my hate and become a god,” Twilight argued, watching her nightmare self fly around her.

Midnight crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, “Oh please. Did you not see how we one-shot the bastard? How we blew him away? We are so much more powerful than you give us credit for. We are gods compared to those peons and we need to show it.”
Twilight stepped back and looked down. For a moment, she began to think about her powers and her strength. Then she sighed and shook her head, “You’re wrong. We’re not gods, and we are not all powerful.”

“What do you mean? Have you learned nothing? We are all powerful and we don’t need those lousy wastes of pony flesh!” Midnight said, holding her arms out wide as power flowed through her fingers.

Twilight narrowed her eyes, “Those ‘wastes’ are my friends. They are the reason why I know that I am not a god, not compared to them. I’ll never be as fast as Dash, strong as Applejack. I may be a princess but Rarity is ten times the diplomat I am, and I will never have Fluttershy’s empathy. And we know we can never be Pinkie.”

“So what?” Midnight said, laughing with a roll of her eyes.

“Because, that’s what Belle taught me,” Twilight said, walking around her nightmare, “No matter how powerful I am, no matter how strong I am... I am nothing without them.”

“Good answer,” a voice whispered in behind Twilight, her light dispelling Midnight from sight.

“Who are-” Twilight began to ask, but backed up, seeing a version of her enveloped in a shining white magical aura. Her mane was a pure silver with a pink stripe running down the middle. Eyes were a dark silver much like her mane.

The now silver Twilight smiled as she whispered, “Harmony.”

Twilight let out a gasp as she opened up her eyes, looking around at the zen garden that she was sitting in. Across from her Fluttershy looked at her with a worried expression, “Are you all right? You were sweating a little.”

“I...” Twilight paused, breathing a little slower now, “I’m fine. I just saw a vision and saw something that I never saw before.”

“Well, sometime meditation does bring you visions and helps you to focus,” Fluttershy said, fixing the stones a little, “Sometimes, when I meditate, I see myself as part of this beautiful star alicorn and we’re bringing back all of the ponies that have died.”

“But, this wasn’t just a vision,” Twilight said, putting her finger to her chin. “There was this feeling, like whatever this being was...it was a part of me.”

“Well, these meditations are meant to help you get centered. So maybe it’s a part of you that you haven’t touch upon yet?” Fluttershy said, looking at Twilight curious.

Twilight slowly got up and shook her head, “I think I need to end this session now. I still need to see Pinkie. She says she had a new cupcake for me.”

“Can I offer a piece of advice, if it’s not too much trouble, before you go?” asked Fluttershy.

Twilight nodded, “Sure.”

“Sometimes, my anger follows me, like a monster always behind me, just a few feet like she is ready to overtake me if I’m not too careful,” Fluttershy said, looking down, “By letting her stand behind me, it lets me talk to my other emotions.”

“So, you are saying, if I want to talk to this silver-maned me, I should just let Midnight follow me?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy nodded slowly, “It might help you.”

“Ok Pinkie, I give up,” Twilight said, chewing on the cupcake while sitting in sugar cube corner, “What’s in it?”

Pinkie giggled while tapping her finger to list off the ingredients,” Well, there's blueberries for stamina, cherries for heart, and nutmeg because you love nutmeg in your tea.:

“And that, to you, is a Twilight Energy Special?” Twilight asked taking one last sip of her coffee. The things you miss when you are dead and neither of your counterparts like coffee. Rhymey was a jerk, but his coffee machine is to die for.”

“No,”Pinkie said, drawing out the word. “This is a Twilight Strength Booster. A wake up special is when I add coffee to the mix.”

Twilight quirked an eyebrow at the, before smiling warmly and shaking her head, “Pinkie, how do you keep tabs on all of us?”

Pinkie shrugged as she sat across from Twilight, her usual gigabit smile on her face, “It a gift.”

Twilight let out a chuckle at this and went back to looking at her notes. After a few moments of silence, she looked back up at Pinkie and asked, “Pinkie, if you could use black magic, what would you do with it?”

Pinkie Pie thought for a moment, and then opened her eyes wide as she nodded in understanding, “Oh, you mean like black mana? My Granny Pie taught me a little about that.”

“Scary stuff, right?” Twilight ask.

“Nope, not at all,” Pinkie said with a shake of her head. When she saw Twilight’s questioning look, she explained. “You see, black mana isn't just all about zombies and freaky things. It's about doing what you like and to Tartarus with the consequences. You take some of the energy from the ponies around you to spread it around in an even bigger pile! You take a little to give more and you can change anything you want! Got it?”

Twilight smiled as she said, “I think I do Pinkie. Thanks.”

“Ok, Spike, you can head home now,” Twilight said, dispersing her shadow clone as she walked towards the stairs.

“All right,” Spike said,walking to the door. Then he looked over his shoulder and said, “Hey Twilight... um, about Rarity and I-”

“Spike, we can talk later, I’m just a little tired,” Twilight said with a yawn and watched as Spike looked down and left the house. There was a frown crossing her lips as she watched, looking down at her list of things to do and she tried repress a shudder that racked through her body. Putting back the list, she used her magic to pull out her notepad containing her plans, ripped out the next page, and then threw it into the trash.

Finding a spot next to her bed, she gave out a little shudder and sighed. Slowly her head shook back and forth as her mind began to try to think through her plans. Taking a deep breath, she looked up and stood back to her feet before slipping back into the bed, “Tomorrow Twilight, you will figure it out tomorrow...”

Twilight sat in the dream realm once more, a small board with a few figurines sitting in front of her. One was of Conquest, sitting at the end and on a throne of bones. In front was Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie looking down their respective opponents. At the other end, near her, were Fluttershy and Twilight. Holding a thumb to her lips, she began to mutter to herself, “ Dash and Applejack are out, so that leaves Rarity, Fluttershy, and myself to fight.”

To the left of the board, was a few pieces left unused. Effigies of the silver haired Twilight, the magic of Ultima, and a figure of Necromancer. Reaching down, she picked up the statue of Necromancer and rolled it in her fingers, looking it up and down. Her violet eyes looking deep at it, “Am I speaking to the real Twilight or one of her many clones?” Luna asked, stepping behind her.

“Real Twilight,” Twilight said, standing up while the other Twilight’s continued their training. Straightening up her skirt, she said, “I was just studying the board and trying to solve some of the problems out.”

“I see you have much of the battle planned,” Luna said, before frowning, “Or is it Conquest’s plan?”

“Conquest,” Twilight frowned, “He has the girl’s opponents already planned, and I have to agree. Kudos would be able to outsmart Dash, and Rhymey...is an unpredictable element right now. I hate to say it, but he does have me pinned right where he wants me. The opponents he picked...are exactly how I would choose them. It all leads up to me and him fighting, and leaves me with only Rarity and Fluttershy as alternatives.”

Luna looked down to the board and used her magic to lift up the unused pieces, “And I assume these are your unanswered questions?”

“Yes,” Twilight nodded, “Necromancer is an unknown. All I know about him so far is that you can’t touch him, because his magic will kill you. He decays all he touches, and from what the trio tells me, he can raise the dead. We only call him Necromancer because there’s nothing else to call him.”

“Some of those other mares, Starlight and Moondancer, their research has been for naught as well,” Luna said, watching as Twilight let out a small grunt in frustration. Then she looked at the silver haired Twilight, “And this?”

“That came from a vision I had. I’m trying to understand its meaning,” Twilight commented, and then she looked at the orb, “And finally Ultima.”

“And I am to assume that is why I am here?” Luna asked watching as Twilight set aside her board, and then crossing her arms under her chest, “To see if you have answered the question?”

Twilight nodded, “Yes. I think I understand a little more about black mana right now. It’s less to do with necromancy and more with breaking the rules because it feels good. It’s about messing with the world around you and to do whatever you feel like doing. It’s like Pinkie in a way.”

“Good,” Luna said, her horn glowing black as she held out her hand, “You learned the first lesson.”

“Yes, and now I am ready to-urrrk!” Twilight could barely finish her sentence before a long black tendril wrapped around her throat and lifted her up five feet in the air. Struggling, Twilight tried to grab at the tendril around her throat to loosen the grasp.

Luna carried no look of concern on her face as she looked at the trapped mare, “Celestia was too lenient in your training. She would just give you the tools you need while leaving the door open for you. She was very much a ‘let the student solve by asking’ type of teacher, one who relies on the student’s one abilities to learn. Unfortunately... I am not that kind.”

Twilight let out a squeak of fear as Luna began to walk in circles, “Trixie had no affection towards Black magic. She is very much a blue mana user and a devotee of the illusion school. But you Twilight,” the dark alicorn chuckled evilly, “You have the ability to master all eight schools instantly. Your skill in the other four pools is unprecedented, which means that you should be easily able to master the black pool.”

Looking over her shoulder, Luna then asked, “There are twenty six clones here, correct? One for each year of your life?” when Twilight nodded, she gave a chuckle, “Of those years, one of which was spent in the ground and the other was spent split in twain. This means I have twenty four years to catch up..”

“That seems, a little...excessive?” squeaked Twilight.

Luna sneered and showed her fangs, “My dear student, I am not going far enough. Now, first lesson, try and break out of this without blue or white mana! You have three minutes, go!”

“What?!” Twilight gasped.

The next morning, Twilight shot up in the bed, panting. She could feel the sweat beading down her face as she tried to regain her breath. After a few moments, she wiped the sweat from her brow and then felt her throat. A small shudder escaped her lips as she felt a fading bruise along her throat. Looking up, she saw in her mirror the image of her with a large bruise on her throat, “Luna... Luna doesn’t really play around does she?”

Shaking her head, she let her horn glow bright white, healing her wounds from the dream. Slipping off the bed, she closed her eyes and summoned her shadow clone. Taking a look at her side, she concentrated, and formed a third one. Twilight couldn’t help but smile at the addition of her new shadow clone, “Three, good. You can go and help with the research in Canterlot while I go to Applejack.” Twilight said as she left the room while the clones went to work.

In the town hall, a small gathering of former Starfleet captains and soldiers were all gathered around the stage. Some of which were members of the old guard, while others were new members. Each began to mingle and talk about the days of old, reminiscing the past. Unknown to them, Lightning watched from behind a curtain at the talking members, “Only this many, huh?” Lightning Dawn asked, looking at the group.

Krysta sighed, looking at the group, “Remember, a lot of the old guard are all still broken thanks to the news that their whole lives were a lie. Some even just want to retire from the whole thing and live normal lives.”

“Remember,” Starla said, looking down as she kicked the ground, “Not all of them are as crazy or as hard-headed as us.”

Dementia lightly rubbed Starla’s shoulder and said, “You aren’t crazy. You just want to help others, and there is nothing wrong with that.”

“Besides, I think you have to be a little crazy in order to want to do this job,” Artie chuckled, and then put a serious look on his face as he looked at Lighitng. “Well, what are you waiting for, get going.”

Lightning nodded and then took a deep breath. Stepping out, he looked at the crowd and shook a little. Shaking his head he whispered to himself ‘Just like teaching a class Lightning...granted I was never really comfortable in front of all of the cadets either.” Swallowing a little, he shook his head and said, “Um, hey guys. Glad you could all come here.”

“Lightning Dawn, why did you get us all here?” asked one of the leaders.

“Well, you see the thing is, I know that some of you are a little tired of being in retirement,” Lightning said, looking at the group. “Some of you are still wishing that Starfleet was in operation so you can get back in the fight, and I think all of you want to do it without the burden of the name over your head. Most of you I think didn’t horde your so-called superiority over the Equestrians.”

Some of the soldiers nodded, others mumbled their agreements and some began to whisper their agreements.

Lightning nodded and continued, “Well, I think it’s time that we start anew, become our own little task force. The guard still needs help and maybe we could work together with them, offering some of our own expertise and skills as part of a special team like the Umbra Circle.”

“But, what can we do?” asked one captain, shaking his head, “We aren’t super strong, or super fast, or even super durable.”

“The knights aren’t,” Artie said, stepping forward, “They’ve been able to handle gods stronger than them with just their talents and the will to drive on. What’s stopping us from doing the same?”

Lightning stepped forward and then looked to the lightning bolt over the rising dawn patch that he put on his pants, his custom cutie mark, “I made this mark not too long ago, to make myself feel like I was Equestrian and a part of them with my own cutie mark.”

“But what does it mean!?” shouted one of the captains.

Lightning smiled, “It means that I am quick to bring hope, that I wish to be the first out there to help people in need. To be there for others, in a flash. It’s like Celestia said, we all have something special inside all of us that allows us to do great things. It wasn’t the training that made us great, but our own hearts and skills. We have something special to bring to the table, our own mark.”

“An arrow through a heart,” Dementia said, looking back at Starla, “Because I am always able to find my loved ones, no matter where I am.”

Starla nodded and stepped forward, “An arrow through a star, to match my mother, but to show my love of stargazing.”

“A paint brush with a sword, that sounds right,” Artie said, with a smirk.

During this, the other captains began to discuss their own marks and dreams. They began to talk about what they loved and what made them the happiest. Each one began to discuss where it was that they stood in the world around them. Each one becoming brighter as they all began to explore more about themselves. Lightning smiled as he looked around and listened to all of them speak and then started to speak, “You see? We all have our own way to add something to the table! We just need those special abilities and dreams to our little pot and become something better. I say let’s all work together right now and become a bigger and better team than Starfleet ever could hope to be. Who’s with me!”

The cheers in that room was defining.

“The left,” Twilight said, moving to the left and dodging an arrow. Across from her, she watched as Rarity loaded another arrow. With a smirk, she said, “The right, left, and center“ with ease, she dodged each arrow ad it was fired at her.

Rarity watched the dance that Twilight performed with a smile. A small part of her was unimpressed by her friends skill, the rest wanted to jump for joy at Twilight’s growth. Knocking back another shot, she aimed carefully, “Trick.” Twilight said, raising a shield behind her, “You were going to attack me with diamonds while I was focused on the front.”

Rarity disengaged her spell and said, “Impressive, this is the first time you predicted that. I dare say you are getting better with this.”

Twilight sm I led and let out a chuckle,” Yeah, Applejack has been saying the same thing. I think I have been able to hit her once.” At that Twilight rubbed her arm in pain, wincing.

“I can imagine Applejack made you pay for it,” Rarity observed with a chuckle. Hearing the sound of a baby crying. She turned to look at her daughter. “Someone is hungry.” Rariity said in a ding song tone, “I think that calls for a break.”

Twilight nodded and took a seat next go a tree as Raitt walked to Crystal and picked her up. Carrying the little kirin into her arms, she carried the baby to the tree and laid her onto her lap. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a bottle and gave it to the baby, “Trying to get her used to a bottle, for when the...teeth come in,” Rarity said with a wince.

Looking over at the suckling babe, she let out a contented sigh. Shaking her head, she looked up at Rarity, “Rarity...why did you and Spike-”

“Give into cardinal desires?” Rarity asked, looking into Twilight’s eyes with a smile. Sighing, she looked back down at her daughter and began to explain. “Do you remember Melantha?”

“Sombra’s... I mean Dusk Shines general? The serial killer? “ Twilight asked.

Rarity nodded, “That woman's last attempt to add to her doll collection, was my sister. I...had to save Sweetie Belle on my own, and when I confronted that monster, well it was either her or my sister.”

“Oh my Celestia, Rarity I'm so sorry. I should’ve stopped her when I had the chance,” Twilight said.

Rarity shook her head, “Don’t beat yourself dear. You couldn’t have known and you hds some rather... horrible circumstances stopping you.” she giggled before looking back down at Crystal, who had her eyes closed, “When I killed her, I tried to rationalize it away. I had no choice, she was going to kill Sweetie, and many other excuses.”

“But, it still hurt, didn’t it?” Twilight asked.

“I,” Rarity paused for a brief moment as she collected her thoughts, “Can still hear her words as she laid dieing on my sword. The light fading from her eyes as she called me tarnished, corrupted just like her. And for a time there was a lingering thought in my mind that she was right. I was a tarnished diamond, giving up who I was to a system that couldn't accept me.”

Watching Crystal remove herself from the bottle with a pop, Rarity rubbed her baby's back to get her to burp, “When Spike proposed to me, it made me so happy. Finally, it was a chance to show I was still me, that I was never corrupted, and I had something the system could never take away.”

Rarity then smiled as she buttoned herself up and said, “So, I decided to share in something special between me and Spike, a wonderful moment we could call our own. I even made life.” She paused as her fingers ran through the soft mane, “We made life.”

“Of course, this didn't come without sacrifice.” Rarity, added, looking at Clarity’s blue eyes, “I has to try and find some way to still be a part of the team while still out of commission. Diplomat, dresser, home keeper, and I think I was successful, was I not?”

Twilight held Rarity’s hand and entwined her fingers with hers, “Rarity, you did everything you could for us, even though you didn't need to. You found ways to be there, even making you own golem so we could have you by our side. That took a lot of effort and I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better daughter-in-law.”

Rarity giggled at that, “ My word, that does sound strange now. Best friends and now I am you daughter-in-law.”

Letting out a chuckle, Twilight said, “Yeah, it kind of does. But I think I can get used to it.”

This made Rarity giggle as well, and for the little baby to laugh in response. After a moment, Rarity asked, “Have you talked to Spike about this, yet?”

Twilight shook her head sadly and replied, “I want to, I really do. But, I just don't know what to say. Do I approach this as a parent, a teacher, mentor, or what. I...I just don't know.”

Rarity looked comforting into Twilight’s eyes, “You'll have to say something soon. If things go wrong in the final battle-”

“I know,” Twilight said, playing with Crystal’s hands.

“You know you’re wrong!” Midnight said, walking behind Twilight just a few feet away. “You need my power! You see how strong Nightmare Moon is, you know the power of the enticorn.”

“That’s why I am ignoring you,” Twilight said, not looking behind her. “The rage that comes with that power is not needed.”

“But it shouldn’t matter to you! Isn’t that why you put Fluttershy in your little training regiment? To learn how to control me?” Midnight asked, before coming close to Twilight’s ear and whispering, “Or did you just couldn’t figure out what the weak one was good for.”

“Fluttershy’s kindness and calmness around animals was a great help in giving me time to think. It’s also allowing my two shadows to find out more about Conquest and plan for the upcoming battle,” Twilight said, matter-of-factly, turning her head away as she walked through the forest towards a small castle, “And it lead me to you.”

“And fat good it’s doing you, right? I can’t be tamed, can’t be controlled, and can’t be used for good. Have you ever heard of a pony going full nightmare and use that power for good?” Laughed Midnight as she floated in the air and crossed her arms over her chest and sneered.

Twilight had a smile, “There have been legends. Who knows what Nightmare Moon would’ve done if you told her she was killing her subjects. She might have found plants that grew in the dark, or changed the way the world works in order to satisfy her desires.”

Midnight could only growl and sneer, “Your friends couldn’t seem to control it when they went Valkyrie. Corrupting their minds, wasn’t it?”

“Because, Grand Ruler made it that way. Give it time and I wonder...” Twilight paused as she pushed aside the bushes to look at the castle ahead of them.

“Whatever, and what are we doing here again?” Midnight asked, looking at the forest, “I never been in this part of your mind before.”

Twilight kept quiet as she pointed ahead at the figure that stepped out of the castle. It was the silver haired Twilight Sparkle. She hummed a little song to herself as she tended to the garden. The castle behind her was a large crystal tree with her cutie mark on the top. Looking up, she smiled and waved to them, “Hello neighbors! Want to come and have some tea?”

Twilight gasped as she woke up from the meditation. Fluttershy walked around her, “Another vision?”

“Y-yeah, this time I did what you told me, let Midnight just walk behind me when I made my trip,” Twilight said standing up.

“And did it work, did she allow you to meet the silver maned Twilight,” fluttershy asked.

Twilight nodded, “Yes, and she asked me for tea.”

“OH, well, maybe she is your conscience or your really heroic side,” Fluttershy said, smiling, “My heroic side tends to look like Rainbow Dash.”

“I don’t know, she just felt,” Twilight paused for a moment, “Calm, but somehow powerful.”

Fluttershy shook her head, “Then I don’t know what she represents. Maybe if you talked with her a little longer.”

Pinkie Pie happily skipped with Twilight through the town, her smile almost contagious as she looked and waved to everypony she saw and met. Twilight had a warm smile too as she watched some of the Unicornicopians help out their fellow pony or even some of the even waving at her, “The way that everypony is acting, you wouldn’t know that in three days I’ll be in for the fight of my life.”

Pinkie came to Twilight's side, holding two ice cream cones. As she gave one to Twilight, she said, “Well, that’s because they know we’re gonna win! You came in and everypony’s filled with the idea that you can kick his scrawny little booty.”

“That isn’t a sure thing, Pinkie,” Twilight said calmly, eating her ice cream. “There are still so much that can go wrong. He might pull a fast one, kill the planet while I am fighting him, or use you girls as a shield. Conquest is a very old being, and he might still have some tricks we don’t know about.”

“Ah, you worry too much Twi!” Pinkie said, taking a lick of her cone before lightly dabbing a drop onto Twilight’s nose, “Stop focusing on the small bit of ice cream on your face and look at the big picture.”

Twilight narrowed her eyes at the purple ice cream and tried to lick it off. After failing, she used her magic to put it back onto her tongue and ate it, “Big picture?”

“Yeppers!” Pinkie said, stepping in front of her friend and began to walk backwards. “Look around you at what you did, just by showing up. Before, everypony was all fearing the next big attack, or when the next war started. Now, we are all happy and ready for you to win. That is something big you did Twilight, just by living.”

Twilight sighed and shook her head, “But it wasn’t just me, it was you too Pinkie. You girls held on and fought as long as you could without me. You guys are the real hope bringers, not me. I’m just-”

“The bestest, most powerfulest, greatest, friendliest, alicorn-formerly-unicorn I know! And that is no mean feat,” Pinkie said, finishing her cone before placing her hands onto Twilight’s shoulders and looking into her eyes.

“Pinkie, I’m the only,” Twilight paused and counted the names before giving up, “ One of those you know. And I wish so many wouldn’t put that on me, it doesn’t make it easier.”

“Of course it does,” Pinkie said, smiling as she broke the lock and walked with Twilight, “Because you know, we are right there to wipe that frown away and bring this,” she then smiled, “Back in full force. This is why Connie is just so silly to me.”

“Silly? Pinkie, he’s a rapist, monster, world-conquering, demon,” Twilight said.

Pinkie shrugged, “And what did that give him? Nothing but a little army who runs away and a constant need to go back to raping and killing! It’s no fun. It’s like those tiny cakes Rhymey sold once at his cafe. Small, tasteless, and makes you want more. Not like a big cake.”

A laugh was heard as a pony left the library. When they looked at the direction of the laugh, they saw Starla walking out while holding a book on star maps, “You know of one of the worst beings in the multiverse and you just mock him without a second thought. How do you...I mean, if it was me I would be treating him far more seriously.”

Instinctively, Pinkie gave Starla a hug. Breaking the embrace, she said, “Well, that’s what he is. He’s just a big jerk.”

Twilight chuckled, “In a way, he’s just as childish as Grand Ruler.”

“I hope you tell him that,” Starla was with a sneer, “It will drive him mad.”

“So, what type of book did you check out?” Twilight asked, looking at Starla’s side.

Starla lifted the book up, “The star map of Equestria. I’ve never really took the time to actually read Equestria’s stars before and I figured I might as well try for a bit. See what I can read and maybe even check out that weird purple star.”

“You mean the one that popped back up in the center of those elven other stars. That big one?” asked Pinkie, smiling.

Starla nodded and looked down at her book, “Yes, exactly that one.” Looking back up at Twilight, she said, “Twilight, about the way I acted towards your friends, and especially Rarity I-”

“You’ve been through enough, I think an apology is unnecessary at this point,” Twilight said.

Letting out a soft breath, Starla said, “Thank you.” Taking a few steps away, she looked back over her shoulder at Twilight and asked, “Twilight, about my mother and her friends. What are you planning on doing?”

“Well, in spite of the good that they have done for us, they still worked for the enemy,” Twilight said, putting a thumb to her chin, “But...I can see me and the princesses being lenient. We’ll just have a tribunal to figure it all out.”

“Thanks,” Starla said, smiling as she left.

Once she said her farewells to Pinkie, she went into her home with a long breath. A frown crossed her lips as she stepped in, using her magic to dismiss both her shadow clones and then pulled out one of the notepads from the book. Looking at the plan, she angrily scrunched it up and threw it into the wastebasket, “Not a good plan?” asked Spike.

“No, that’s not it Spike,” Twilight said, heading to the foot of the stairs, “It’s a good plan, it’s just...not really got the best of outcomes.” she said, drooping her ears.

“Want to talk about it?” Spike asked, putting away some of his papers. When he saw Twilight shake her head, he asked, “Um want to talk about, you know, me and Rarity?”

Twilight stopped and sighed, “What do you want me to say? Like a parent? A big sister, close friend? I mean, I...I don’t know. I am a little miffed that you two did it before getting married. But, at the same time I am proud of how you took responsibility for your actions and stayed with her. I’m mad, proud, sad happy, all at the same time. I...”

“Twilight, are you disappointed in me?” Spike said, backing up. “If that’s what you really want to say about me, then just say it. Say that you think I was a big moron for doing this, that I should’ve resisted, and that it’s all-”

Spike then found himself enveloped in a big hug by Twilight Sparkle, her wings wrapping around his body as she held him tight. Smiling, she whispered, “Spike, you could never disappoint me. I’ll always be proud of you no matter what. You chose the life of a guardian over being a warrior because of your own morals, just to protect your family. I’m proud of you. It’s just that-”

“Just what,” Spike asked, holding Twilight close.

Twilight sighed, “That I didn’t miss out on your life.” she let out a tearful giggle as she looked up at her son, “I mean, I missed out on your teenage years, your rebellious stage, and so much ore. Bad Horse, or Soarin or whatever, he took away ten years from me. Something I wish I could’ve gotten back.”

“H-h-hey,” Spike, said with a chuckle, “He took away those years from me too. But, we could always make it up.” then he pulled away for a second, and then said with a gruff voice, “You ain't my real momma! I can do what I want!”

Twilight laughed for a moment and then put on a frown, “I brought you into this world, I can take you out!”

“You can’t tell me what to do,” Spike said before breaking into fits of laughter. Twilight soon joined in, hugging him tightly.

“My little Spikey,” Twilight said, wiping a tear from her eye. Then pulling away, she said, “Now, go home! I want you to make sure that granddaughter of mine is raised right!”

“Yes mam!” Spike said, walking out of the house.

Twilight let out a sigh and took out her notepad. Marking a check against the next item, she nodded and then turned around. Closing her eyes, she began to conjure up the five orbs of mana for Ultima. Breathing slowly, she looked at each ball, taking in their shape and size. Nodding slowly, she held out her hands and began to pull two of them together, “Ok, merging two pools of mana is no problem. I do it all the time,” she said merging red and blue together. “Red is hardest, because it is highly volatile. But, then comes the third and,” as she lifted up the black orb, she winced as she felt a small overload of power beginning to zap her a little.

“Argh!” she winced, pulling away and dispelling the orbs. Frowning, she said, “merging three mana pools are hard enough, but all five? It’s almost impossible!!!” she shouted, painting. Looking back at the book, she began to reexamine the last page, “Just how did she do it? And what is with this poem?”

Green with the strength of Earth
Red as quick as Lightning and fire
Blue to craft what I desire

“It doesn’t even rhyme well...” she paused, “Wait, what if this poem is a clue?”

Raven held out her hand to Twilight, picking her up as the illusion of the treeberry faded. She smiled at her training partner as she helped her to her feet, ignoring the discussion between the two announcer ponies, “You fought surprisingly well, Sparkle. I didn’t think you could pull some of it off.”

Twilight smiled a little, “Thank you, Miss Raven. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble to bring you across realms.”

“It is hard to cross dimensions in the real world, but the dream realm has unusual properties, so traveling through dimensions is easier here,” Raven said, as she looked around, watching as the other Twilights continued their training. Then she looked as a loud crack was sounded out followed by a scream. “Such as surviving your other master’s training.”

“GET UP!” Luna shouted, disengaging her magic, “Your friend Applejack was able to withstand ten times gravity! You begged for mercy after only three!”

Twilight let out a whimper, “Shouldn’t you be going easy on your student?”

“Going easy means the death of my student!” Luna said, “And I will not let my student die! Now, be the alicorn I know you to be and get back up! You have earth pony blood, now show it!”

“Y-yes, mistress,” Twilight whimpered.

Raven shook her head, and said, “I’ll leave you to your training.”

“Wait,” Twilight said, holding Raven by the shoulder, “My friends from that world, are they...I mean are they all-”

Raven sighed and looked away, “I haven’t heard much from either Richard or your human friends in my world. I can tell you that version of you is right now teetering on the precipice between destruction and salvation. She needs Sunset more than ever.”

“I see,” Twilight said, looking down. Then with a sigh, she said, “If you see Sunset, could you please tell her I am alive again and am all right?”

“I will try,” Raven said, allowing her soul form to take her away.

As Raven faded away, Twilight looked back at her original body as it got her blood torn out and used as a whip. Swallowing, she whispered, “I hope I can survive this!”

Fluttershy let out a soft gasp as poured out a cup of tea for Twilight. Looking up at her friend, she felt a little sympathy for her friend as she looked at Twilight’s various cuts and bruises, “ And all of that came from Princess Luna.”

A moan escaped her lips, “Y-yeah. I think one of her spells did something to me. I tried using a cure wounds spell and all I did was cure my Cushing Disease...I didn't even think I had Cushing Disease!”

“And that is why you asked me to mix ether with your camomile?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight nodded as she drank her tea slowly, the bitterness of the potion hidden by the sweet taste of the tea, “Yes, it’ll restore my mana and,” with a flash of white, her wounds healed themselves, “Get me back to normal.”

“That was an amazing trick Twilight,”Fluttershy said, her eyes wide in shock. “Wish more unicorns could learn that.”

“White magic like that takes a lot out of you if you aren’t trained in it,” Twilight said drinking a little, “If I didn't have such a large supply of mana, I would be a lot more tired.”

“I see,” Fluttershy said, drinking her tea slowly. After a few moments of silence, she asked, “Did you talk with the silver maned Twilight again?”

“yes, and no,” Twilight said, “ I met her in home and she offered me tea. Then she began to just talk about all of our adventures. She recited friendship reports, stuff about you girls, and just about our past.”

“Must have been tiring,” Fluttershy said, looking at Twilight.

“It really wasn't,” Twilight said with a smile.”It was kind of nice going back over all of the things we did together.”

“Maybe she's your friendship, or your compassion,” Fluttershy said.

Twilight shook her head, “Before meeting the silver maned Twilight, I actually did talk with my other personalities and I did meet my friendship. Unsurprisingly, she acted and talked like Pinkie. So I don't know who she is. I wanted to know if she wanted to join the others, but she said... not yet.”

Fluttershy looked curious at Twilight, before going back to her tea. A few minutes of silence passed, before Twilight began to speak, “Um, Fluttershy, about Rhymey, I’m sorry. I should’ve figured it out sooner about him and warned it you.”

“Twilight, it's all right,” Fluttershy said, holding Twilight’s hand.

Twilight shook her head, “No, Fluttershy. I should’ve remembered what his human self was like back in Sunset’s world. I should’ve warned you about how cruel he was there, I was just so focused on helping Sunset and trying to get back there that I guess I was weak and let his mind powers get to me”

“Please, stop” Fluttershy said shaking her head, “It was never your fault. It's like I told Dashie before, I probably wouldn't have believed you anyway. Rhymey knew the games he was playing with us and knew how to change the rules. There wasn’t really anything you could’ve done.”

“But still,” Twilight said, looking down and sighing.

“Besides, it was my fault too, “ Fluttershy said, frowning. “He didn’t really start becoming abusive until after we were married, until then he acted so sweet to me. I stayed with him because I hoped there was more to him. Kind of silly huh?”

Twilight shook her head, “No, Fluttershy, you just like having a big heart. You prefer to believe that there is good in anypony. It's one of your better traits.”

“There is always more to us than what is on the surface, at least that's what I believe,” Fluttershy said, “Applejack is prideful and hard headed, but she is dependable and strong. I know Dashie can be hot headed and arrogant, but she also the pony that will never let you down, always pushing you. Rarity can come off as standoffish and a bone headed diva-”

“But,” Twilight finished, “ She us a hard worker and willing to give anything if she could help. And Pinkie, she is nuts and insane.”

“Then you would ignore her big heart. And there's me. I'm scared, frightened, weak...but I'm strong-willed. Just like there is more to you than your power. I think Belle taught us that.”

Twilight looked to the sky, watching the clouds pass by overhead, “You know, if you tried telling that back when all of this started, I would’ve not believed you. I thought all of you were crazy, but now, I see the inner strength that lies within you all.”

“Thank you,” Fluttershy said, smiling warmly.

“Silver eyed warriors, silver haired one winged angels, silverback gorillas, how to tell if your silver haired person is a bad guy in a rpg or just you rival character, silver haired characters: the alternative to golden haired fighters. Nope!” Pinkie said to Twilight as she hung upside down from the balcony of the library, “ Nothing about silver maned versions of yourself.”

Twilight closed her book and looked up, “Thanks Pinkie. I thought one of these would have the answer, but they don’t.”

“Well, any better luck on finding the plan to beat Conquest?” Pinkie asked, leaping down with a summersault.

Twilight gave out a mild chuckle that carried with it an air of uncertainty, “Oh, sure, no problem! I have at least three plans by now and working on a fourth!”

“That’s great Twilight,” Pinkie said, hugging Twilight from behind, “So...any juicy details on him you care to spill, huhuhuhuh?”

“Well, according to some of the books from the library,” Twilight said, looking down at one book, “He is a representative of the multiveral form of hatred, one who lives to conquer worlds that breed and attract hatred from people. It’s said, that when a world is born of hate and rage, it attracts him. The more hate, the more powerful he gets. It’s said that it takes something of equal power just to stand toe to toe to him.”

“Well, if there is something that could stand toe-to-toe with the big meanie, it’s you!” Pinkie said, hugging Twilight. “But, how are worlds born?”

“There is a theory, that in the multiverse, worlds are born because someone has a love for a world that they enjoy. They usually make these worlds because of an idea they have or they love the characters from the prime world. Then there is the opposite, worlds born out of hate and rage, with no desire to make things better,” Twilight said, looking at the book.

Pinkie happily bounced away, “Then, we just need to hit him with something that is equally powerful and happy! After all, you can’t hate all the time, right? Isn’t that why he keeps slaves and worlds.”

“I wonder if he even stays on those worlds,” Twilight said, looking at the book. “I bet he just leaves their caracasses to rot, like that one world Starla visited.”

“That’s just wrong,” Pinkie said, before skipping out. Then she paused and looked over her shoulder, “So why did you have me help out with the books while Spike and Rarity are taking the baby to the doctor?”

“Well, isn’t obvious?” Twilight asked, smiling, “You tend to have this weird power of observation within you, something that lets you see beyond the norm. I figured you might be able to see something I don’t.”

“Oh, it isn’t anything special Twily! I just tend to see the obvious!” Pinkie giggled and then pronked away.

Twilight sighed and shook her head, sitting down against the stairs. Letting out a frustrated roar, she took another page out of her notebook, followed by another and another. Sighing, she put her head to her knees, letting out a deep breath and shaking her head, “It’s ok Twilight, you can do this. It isn’t that hard. You solved advanced equations harder than this! You beat Titan in a game of Go...you can do this.”

She hen gave a tiny sniffle as she lifted up the notepad and read over the plans that she had left, “If only it didn’t hurt so much. If only I didn’t care for them...”

Dark Conquest stood outside his window and watched the setting sun from inside his HQ. His trenchcoat gone now, he wore a long red and black cape that matched his thong and high-heeled shoes. Running his hand along his bear chest, he felt the small burn mark that was left from Twilight. A chuckle escaped his lips as he ran a claw along his lips, “She burnt me. I can’t believe she burnt me and it still hurts!”

“You have two days,” Necromancer said, stepping into the main room, “My Skeleton Warriors are at the ready and we could march on several towns. They are the ones who agreed to the cease fire, not you. Kill them now.”

“What? And take away the moment of peace that the little Princess of Friendship has requested?” Conquest asked with a laugh, “Not on your life! Oh no, the little bitch burnt me, she actually burnt me and that kind of ticks me off.”

“It’s taking you a while to heal, I thought the hatred of this planet was enough to make you almost invincible,” Necromancer said, and then he smirked, “Or is she stronger than you give her credit for.”

Conquest smiled, “Ah, I’m letting it simmer there for a bit. I think it makes me look cool and I always wanted to say a certain line.”

“Line?” asked Necromancer.

Conquest then rubbed his chest, “I can’t forgive this scar she left on my chest. It burns even now with my desire for vengeance. It will not heal until I am avenged and she is gone.”

“You left yourself burned for four days, and waited for me to come up here, just to say that line?!” growled Necromancer, putting a cloven hoof to his forehead while his red eyes looked down.

“Of course! Besides, what’s wrong with letting Twilight have her little days of rest?” Conquest said, waving him off while his chest began to heal the scar. “She can use it to say her last words to her friends. And meanwhile, our generals can get ready for the fight.”

“Speaking of which, I reached into the afterlife and I brought the soul you requested. Seems that she has a particular hate for Rarity and wishes to enjoy killing her.”

“Good, good,” Conquest said, smirking.

Elsewhere in the headquarters, Raven sighed and looked at the photo of her husband. Her mind still filled with the conflicting memories, she could only frown as she looked at him. Taking it, she ran a finger along the image.

Raven smiled as she snapped Myte’s head, watching him fall lifeless to the floor.

Raven held the end of the vine with Conquest on the other side, snapping Buddy in twain.

Raven stood with her fellow soldiers, hands dripping in blood as she stared out before her destroyed town. The bodies and dust lined before her like a trophy for her victory. A chuckle left her lips before she could hear, “You laugh, but you took my brother away from me!” Dyno shouted, growling.

“So, he deserved it,” shrugged Raven.

“Did I deserve it?” asked Daphne, looking up at Raven from the bodies on the floor, “What did I do to deserve to be an orphan for the rest of my life.”

Suddenly, Raven could feel an unfamiliar presence of fear and horror as she backed up. Shaking her head, she said, “Your father was a soldier, he needed to die.”

“Then I needed to die, too?” asked Berry, as he looked down at his wife. “You took so many lives away, and now you are starting to regret it? You sicken me.”

“No! I-” she paused as she looked around, watching as the decaying bodies gave way to the moans and pleas from other ponies, begging for their loved ones.

Raven gasped as she snapped back to reality and shook her head. Putting down the picture, she whispered, “Who wants me back now. How could he ever want me back.”

“This is why I choose not to let my heart get involved with others. Too much of a hassle, heartbreak, tears, and caring. Who needs it in the end,” Kudos said, leaning against the wall.

Raven let out a sharp, “Get out,” before looking back at her picture.

“I am only checking on my favorite test subject. The way that the lobotomy has wrecked your emotions are quite fascinating,” Kudos said.

Raven narrowed her bat eye at Kudos, ready to dig her claws into his throat. She pulled back for a moment before she chuckled and said, “You know...I am going to enjoy watching Applejack rip you apart. It’s going to be so nice.”

“Are you saying that her victory is assured?” Kudos shook his head, “I can assure you, it is not. The failure will not win this game, I have made sure of that.”

“Sure, and I bet Rhymey is practically sane,” Raven snarked, “Where is he right now?”

“In his room, where he's been for the past six days. Continuously counting down the minutes until he fights Rainbow Dash,” Kudos chuckled, “It’s amusing. Almost as amusing as your thoughts about returning to a normal life after the war is done.”

“As soon as I find out who I am-”

“What you are, is a killer,” Kudos said, “The moment you took that child’s father away, no...the moment you first tasted blood, you lost all right to call yourself anything but a murderer. That is your destiny, that is who you are!”

Raven growled, “And you don’t think I enjoyed it?”

“You did, but now that you know who you are, you are feeling regret,” Kudos said, smirking. “You regret the murders and the death, you desire for the chance to just take it back. You wish to come back to a life of love and protection.”

Raven looked down, and clenched her fists, ready to punch him. Then she listened as he finished, “As you said, who would want to take you back.” reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a jelly bean and eating it, “Who would forgive you...”

As he left, Raven fired an energy bolt and watched it sizzle against the wall. Looking down at the ground, she punched it before screaming in rage, falling back into the bed, whispering to herself, “I’m sorry...so...sorry.”

“Two days,” Twilight said, her thumb to her lips, “I only have today and tomorrow to come up with the perfect plan. I just need to think,” she then winced a little rubbing her back, “At least the training with Luna hurts less now.”

As she talked to herself, she noticed several shadows waiting for her at the spot in Sweet Apple Acres. When she got closer, she saw the forms of Lightning and his team,
“Hey Twilight.” Lightning said.

“Lightning, guys, what is-” Twilight began to ask, only for Applejack to answer.

“Ah was getting up, doing some early chores, when Ah saw all of them coming up and offering to help,” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash landed, with Rarity walking behind her and finding a place to sit Clarity. Spike nodded and sat with his daughter, holding her onto his lap. Then Dash flew over to Twilight, smirking, “Yeah, they all asked us over here.”

Lightning stepped up, “Twilight, in about two days you are going to fight against Dark Conquest and his minions. I know we won’t be joining you, and we’re ok with that. You are going to do what we can’t.”

“But, that doesn’t mean we don’t want to find some way to help all of you get ready for a fight,” Starla said, smiling as she readied her bow an arrow.

Fluttershy quietly walked by Dash, kissing her cheek before sitting down onto the sidelines. Looking back at Artie, she gave a nod and sighed, “I’ll be over here to help heal you when you get hurt. I mean, if you get hurt.”

Applejack cracked her neck side to side, “Ah don’t know. Back when we were all on the force, you thought we all trained the same and had an uptight attitude about yourselves.”

Lightning shook his head, “Not this time. Now, it’s just a bunch of,” he sighed, looking back and forth from Twilight, to his friends, and then to her team, and back, “friends.”

Twilight smiled, “Ok, Lightning and Applejack physical. Rainbow Dash and Dyno on dodging and speed. Starla and Rarity on intuition. Artie and Fluttershy can help with meditation.”

“Whooo!” Pinkie shouted, “Training montage!!!!”

Applejack looked back at Twilight and then back to Lightning, a smirk coming across her face as she got into a fighting stance. Feet apart, she slowly brought her arms up into a boxing stance. Nodding, Twilight shifted into her stance, with her right foot stepping just ahead if her left, before holding her right hand open palm towards Lightning.

Lightning smirked and ran at Twilight, throwing four quick jabs at her. Eyes opened in shock as Twilight began to block each block, before taking three quick punches from Twilight. Spinning around, Lightning struck out at Twilight with two quick roundhouse kicks, each of which were blocked by Twilight.

Lightning then swept at Twilight’s feet, making her take a quick step back. Using his opening to his advantage, he kept into the air and struck at Twilight’s chest and face. With only a few seconds to recover, she backed away from his elbow. Now on the defensive, Twilight bobbed and weaved out of the way of Lightning’s punches.

During the strikes, Lightning quickly struck out with a hard punch into her gut, making her double over in pain.

Looking up, Twilight watched with a smile as Applejack leapt over Twilight’s hunched over body to deliver a powerful kick right into Lightning’s chest, and sending him tumbling back. Getting to her feet, Applejack thumbed her nose, and then beckoned Lightning to come at her by waving her nad.

Unknown to the two teams, Apple Bloom made her way to the field and watched in at as Applejack began to fight Lightning.
Gasping, Apple Bloom called out to her brother and friends. Each came to the sounds of her calls and began to watch.

In contrast to Twilight, Applejack began to match Lightning’s speed with her strength and durability. His punches were quickly countered with a swift kick or a strong elbow to his body. Twilight sat down and watched this fight with awe, analyzing the movements of the two fighters. As she watched, her eyes began to trace their movements, their styles and their strengths.

Her eyes flashed orange briefly, and she stood up onto her feet and switched stances. Widening her legs and stretching out her right arm, she struck out with a hard right into Lightning’s chest, knocking him back. Applejack stepped back and watched with a smile at Twilight’s second wind. “keep at him, don't let him recover and tap into his inner magic.” Twilight thought to herself, as she used her wings for lift and took to the air.

Spinning in the air, she struck out with a flying roundhouse from the right kick, spinning into a left roundhouse, then an airborne back kick. Each hit struck with a powerful crack of sound, making Lightning stumble back. As she hit the ground, she swept the legs, making Lightning fly. Before he could recover, Twilight hit him with an elbow that knocked him down. Gasping, she ducked under Applejack’s roundhouse, and then moved her leg out of the way of a shin kick.

“Applejack is strong, and if I let her hit me with her legs I'm dead.” Twilightthought, raising her forearm to block Applejack’s series of punches. Pushing away her snap kick, she crouched down and then performed a rising spinning uppercut into Applejack’s chin, knocking her down.

Panting, Twilight thumbed her nose and smiled. A blast of lightning and fire took her out of her revive as Rainbow and Dyno flew at her, throwing their elements at her. Moving quickly, she began to dodge out of the way of the bolts and fireballs.

Somewhere in the stands, Scootaloo cheered on the fight, being joined by the other ponies and Unicornicopians that had joined them. Twilight didn't pay attention to this as she tried to keep out of the way of the attacks. It didn’t go on as a fireball and Lightning strike tore through her and sent her crashing to the ground.

Looking back up at the oncoming assault, her eyes flashed cyan for a moment, “Dyno remains on the ground, his fireballs have a five second delay. Use that and-” within five seconds. Twilight teleported to Dyno and struck out with an elbow into the face.

Seeing Rainbow still in the air, she took off and soared off into the sky. As she did, she began to dance and weave through the Lightning strikes Dash threw at her, “Rainbow Dash’s attack come in with little to no reload time. She is far too fast.” she thought to herself, bobbing and weaving with the grace of a feather. As her eyes traced the arc of the bolts from Dash, her vision began to watch as Dash prepared to throw another bolt. For a brief moment, she saw how and where Dash was going to throw the bolt.

With almost impossible timing, she dodged Dash’s next lightning bolt, moving fast enough that she teleported without magic. Flying right above Rainbow Dash’s back, Twilight used an ax kick that struck the pegasus in the back and sent her crashing to the ground.

Lowering herself to ground, she found herself surrounded on two sides by Rarity and Starla, arrows drawn. As she looked to both, her mind analyzing their stances to predict their movements and how they were going to fire their shots, Twilight’s mind began to think, “What’s going on? I’m fighting better now, these lessons and skills are coming easy to me,” her eyes flashed purple for a brief moment and she used her shield to block Starla’s energy arrows just before spinning and grabbing Rarity’s two shots from mid-air.

Rarity had a smile on her face as she aimed her bow and arrow once more, while Starla took to the air. Narrowing her eyes, Starla waved her hands, creating a giant beam of power and aimed it at Twilight. Down below, Twilight moved side to side, using her eyes to predict where Rarity was shooting her arrows, “It’s different right now. Is it because of my training at night? While that is possible,” she gasped when she saw Rarity’s eyes move to the orner, “A feint!” she looked into the air and watched as Starla let loose a powerful beam of starlight.

There was a flash of purple light, and all in the crowd (which had grown larger by now, filling out the field) all let out a gasp at the sight. Trixie smirked as she nudged her eyes skyward to where Twilight was flying above her. Starla didn’t have time to react as she was taken out with a quick ice spell. Twilight's eyes then looked at Rarity, who had now surrounded herself with arrows and diamonds, “No, it’s not the training...” as Rarity released her barrage she opened her eyes wide, “It’s them! They’ve been helping me, been beside me all this time. I can feel them, like they are with me and giving me their strength, speed, intuition, and calmness. Their strength, their skills, are a part of me!”

With a narrowing of her eyes, she dive bombed at Rarity, dodging each shot with an almost psychic sense of foresight. After flying down, she struck out at Rarity and punched her down. As she landed, she took a few deep breaths, trying to go into the next part of their training.

In the psychic realm, the silver maned Twilight smiled at her, “Are you sure you should be here? You are still needed. Wake up.”

“Wha-?” Twilight asked, snapping out of the dream realm to see Fluttershy helping her friends to their feet. When she looked forward, she saw Lightning, Dyno, Starla getting their second wind. A flash of light above them signified the arrival of Dementia, Rep-Stallion, and Mysterious. Krysta flew around them, gave Lightning a hug and then landed on the sidelines.

Artie watched as Pinkie Pie winked at her friend and somersaulted to join her friends. Artie watched this, and then began to draw on his board, using the magic in his horn to help draw the image in his head. Looking back up, he saw the line up of the six brave knights, glaring down at the six former Starfleet members. Their eyes looking at each other, there was no sense of hate or rage in those vibrant eyes but of friendship and fun.

Twilight stood in the line up and looked to her friends, watching as each prepared in their own way; Rarity flipped her mane, Applejack cracked her knuckles, Rainbow Dash set her goggles, Fluttershy stepped back a little, and Pinkie had the world’s biggest grin. She felt a warm feeling from within, thinking about their adventures and hardships, seeing her friends now looking more mature, stronger, and somehow a little older from their experiences. Looking across, she could see the subtle differences in Starfleet as well. No longer did she see a group of ponies that needed to see the light, she now saw a group of friends. Letting out a nod, she gave no word of command as she looked to the opposing side. The other five gave a silent response and charged forth, fighting the opposing side.

What the crowd saw that day was what could only be described as a disorganized rumble. At first, it started off with one on one, each pony matched up to a particular opponent, with Twilight and Lightning facing off in a fist fight; however, it soon broke down into an all out war. When Rep tried to strike at Fluttershy, he was blocked by Pinkie’s hammer. Seconds before she could strike back, a series of arrows flew out from Starla. Each of those arrows were taken out by Rarity’s arrows.

Rainbow Dash kept Dyno in the sky, fighting his fire with her Lightning. Looking down, she watched as Applejack began to struggle with Mysterious. Smirking, she spun out a tornado, kicking it at Dyno wich spun him around like a top. Using that opening, she kicked Dyno into Mysterious and got him away from Applejack. Applejack smiled as she gave a fist bump to Rainbow Dash. Twilight roundhouse kicked Lightning into Dementia before she could get at Pinkie from behind.

The fallen starfleet members got up, eyes narrowed at the tired knights of harmony. The knights looked back at each other, and with another yell, the two teams charged at each other. Fists, kicks, energy blasts, and other forms of magic were thrown at each other as the two teams collided in a struggle of magic and power. Soon, grunts and strikes were turned into sounds of laughter as the two teams fell to the ground, laughing and panting. Smiles crossing their faces.

The two teams were taken out of their revelry by the sounds of loud cheers. Getting up, Twilight looked to see the large crowd of Unicornicopians and Equestrians cheering at the little expedition. When she looked at them, she could hear Lightning say, “This was what you wanted, wasn’t it? All of us, together, without any boundaries or hatred.”

“Yeah,” Twilight said, nodding, “Just wish I didn’t have to die to bring it out.”

Lightning chuckled and then patted Twilight on the shoulder, “Hey, sometimes we need to come through hell to become a better person. And I think we are proof of that.”

Twilight gave a sigh and nodded. Back in the stands, Spike held a squirming Clarity, who was anxious to be back with her mother. Looking over the side, he looked at the board of Artie’s finished painting, “What’s that?”

Artie smiled at Spike, “Oh, this? I call it, ‘Friends...finally.’”

The painting showed Twilight wearing her long flowing dark violet dress, holding out a hand to Lightning. Behind her, was the rest of her friends, albeit each dressed in an outfit that matched their looks: Applejack was dressed in a vest and jeans, tipping her hat. Fluttershy was dressed in a green dress and holding Dash’s hand as she held out a little flower. Rarity was in a long blue dress, offering them a collection of gems, and Pinkie Pie was holding out a cake. Behind them was the Umbra circle, each waving hi and bowing. In the sky, drawn wispy and air as if they were ghosts, were Belle and spark, looking down at their friends.

Lightning Dawn held Twilight’s hand in the painting, behind him was the rest of his team. Each was battered and hurt, with their clothing in various states of disrepair, but had smiles on their faces. Starla was held by the arms of Dementia, Dyno was helping up Artie to his feet, and Krysta was looking on in awe at the sight. In the sky behind them, was Buddy, Myte, and Cookie, each looking on with pride. Standing between the two groups, highlighted by the sun and moon, were Celestia and Luna as they stood with pride over the union of the two sides.

Artie let out a chuckle, “I think it’s one of my best.”

The door to Sweet Apple Acres opened with a soft ring, and Twilight stepped in. Smelling the sweet smells that accompanied the room, she began to look around the bakery, “Something the matter Deary?” asked Mrs. Cake.

“Oh, I was looking for Pinkie Pie,” Twilight said, looking around, “After the little training session we had together, she just disappeared.”

Mayor Mare, who had been enjoying her coffee, smiled and said, “I think I saw her heading towards, what she called ‘Your spot’.”

“My spot?” Twilight asked, curious.

Mayor Mare chuckled, “Yes, that little place she tried to get to be recognized as a historic and national landmark. I tried to tell her that type is beyond my power, but you know Pinkie.”

“Thanks Mayor Mare!” Twilight said, turning around and walking out. Then she came back inside, picked up a muffin and dropped some bits before leaving.

As Mrs. Cake watched Twilight leave, she sighed and smiled, “You know Ivory, if it weren’t for the war, I would almost say everything is back to normal.”

“Yes, insanity of day to day life and all,” Mayor Mare chuckled.

Twilight began to walk outside of the bakery, looking around as much as she could. After a few minutes of scanning the area, she saw in the distance, just a few miles away from the school house, a little hill. Fond memories of reading and sitting under the shade of the tree came to her and she made her trek over there.

In the span of only a few minutes, she walked to her favorite hill. There she saw Pinkie Pie hunched over a small little rock, “Pinkie?”

“Oh, got to go, Twilight’s here. Hope this helps a little,” Pinkie said, standing up and straightening her skirt, “Hey Twilight.”

“Pinkie, what are you...oh,” Twilight said getting a good look at the stone. It had her name scribbled out, along with the dates and her epitaph. In its place, written in purple, was a new name.

Here Lies Belle Amie

1015-1016

She was a beautiful friend

Pinkie Pie wiped a lonely little tear from her cheek as she looked back at the stone, “Just figured, she needed something you know. To show that we aren’t forgetting her or just threw her away because you came home. I also have one for Spark on the other side, but Trixie and the others want to take care of that after the war is done.” Looking up, she saw Twilight’s worried look and quickly shook her head, “Don’t worry Twilight, I’m fine!”

Twilight stepped forward and placed a hand onto Pinkie’s shoulder, “Are you sure?”

“Y-yeah,” Pinkie said, looking down before raising her head, putting on her usual smile, “I’ll always miss her, and I’ll never forget what she’s done for me and for us. She saved me, protected your heart, and brought us all back together...just like you did. But I know,” she sniffed, looking back at the stone, before looking back into Twilight’s violet eyes, “she wouldn’t want me to cry but be happy. So, I am going to smile for the three of us, and do the stuff I do best.”

Twilight smiled and for a moment, she voice came out low and soft, sounding more like Belle, “Thank you Pinkie, I was worried that I hurt you.”

Pinkie smiled as she heard the voice, shook her head, and then hugged Twilight. For a moment the two stood there in an embrace, before Pinkie giggled and said, “Look, the sun is setting! Let’s watch!” and then she sat down onto the grass, patting it to invite Twilight to sit with her. Nodding, Twilight sat with her friend, and watched as the sunset began to sit behind the mountain where Canterlot stood. The setting sun painting the sky in wonderful colors of red, purple, and orange. Twilight let out a contented breath as she said, “Hope you are ok, Sunset.”

“Twilight?” Pinkie asked, holding her knees to her chest, “I know you’ve been doing a lot of training for the final battle, and doing a lot of stuff with the girls, but you haven't done anything with me. Can’t you find anything for us to do?”

Twilight smiled warmly at Pinkie, holding her friends hand, “Pinkie, you have done plenty for me.”

“I have?” Pinkie asked with a big grin.

Twilight nodded as she looked at her friend, “I had everypony help me in their own way: strength, speed, inquisition, and serenity. But you,”Twilight paused before sighing, “You’re my rest spot. You do what you do best, brighten my day and help take the weight of the world off my shoulders for a day.:

“It's what I live for, you know,” Pinkie said, smiling wide. “Making you happy!”

Twilight giggled and then rested her head onto her friend’s shoulder, taking a calming breath, “ And help me see things from a different angle. You give me hope for tomorrow Pinkie.”

“Hey, Twilight.” Pinkie said, watching the sunset, “Want to go have some fun?”

Twilight shook her head gently, breathing softly, “No, I just want to watch the sunset for a bit.”

“Ok!” Pinkie said happily, resting her head on Twilight’s, feeling the presence of one other pony with her, “Hey Belle.:

Twilight growled as she sat in the empty library, balling up another piece of paper and throwing into the trash. Sighing, she laid her head in between her knees and shook her head. Hearing a knock on the door, she shouted, “ Closed!”

“Even to the Great and Powerful Trixie?” Trixie shouted, opening the door wide with a flourish.

Twilight sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose as she got to her feet,” Hey Trix, and what brings you here.:

Trixie raised her hand before looking away, “Trixie...I was just making sure that, we are ok. That you don't hate me.”

“Wow,” Twilight said, “You must have been drunk. I already forgave you.”

Trixie shook her head, “But I delayed you resurrection because of my own selfish actions. You could’ve come back a lot sooner I'd I didn't -” Twilight raised a hand to stop Trixie.

“Trixie, you were trying to solve a situation that deemed impossible, saving everyone with no sacrifice. That was an almost impossible choice. You tried, and no one could ask better,” Twilight said, before hugging Trixie close.

“Trixie, thanks you, Twilight,” Trixie said, before looking out at the wastebasket full of paper, “What are those?”

“Plans for the Conquest fight,”Twilight said, shaking her head, “The rejected ones.”

“What, do none of them work?” Asked Trixie.

“No, all them work, that's the problem. Each plan I come up with, each trick I pull out, end with either my death or one of them dying,” Twilight said looking at the pile of pile of papers and levitating up six.

“And Trixie takes it that you are against this?” Trixie asked.

Twilight narrowed her eyes, “A victory with a sacrifice is no victory worth having. A world where I lose my friends is one I don't want to live in. “ lifting up one page she said. “Just look. I could fight him one on one, but he would soon win in a war of attrition. Applejack, he would exploit her pride on some way or use Rainbow’s guilt over my death as a weapon. And Rarity is right out!”

Trixie shook her head, “Why not Pinkie or Fluttershy? They are practically his polar opposites.”

Twilight sighed and shook her head, “It's like I told Applejack, Conquest is who-knows-how-old. He has conquered world after world, and has seen probably more fights than I ever had. It's like challenging me to a book contest, he is incredibly genre savvy, so he knows that Pinkie and Fluttershy are my trump cards. He’ll be waiting for them”

Trixie growled and threw her hands up in frustration, “Just perfect . If only Trixie was there, he wouldn’t be expecting her.”

“No, he would, and any tricks you” Twilight paused for a second as she looked at Trixie, “Unexpected tricks! Trixie, you're a genius!”

“Well of course,” Trixie said with a smirk, “ What did Trixie just do?”

Twilight smiled and just hugged Trixie, “Just meet me early morning the day after tomorrow. I got one more thing to do.”

Trixie gave Twilight an odd look before saying, “Ok...” and then she left.

When Trixie left, Twilight sighed and took a deep breath. Closing her eyes and lifting her hands, she summoned up the five orbs of mana for concentration. Looking at the five, she began to talk to herself, “My training with black mana has been going well. I think I can cast some more impressive spells now, including one that I found really interesting,” she said, looking back at a small book.

“I have a book in Canterlot library i will send to you in the morrow. Study it, it has my most powerful black magic spell...or should I say, a spell Nightmare Moon perfected. See me when you get to Canterlot and show me if you had mastered it,”

Twilight looked at the five orbs in front of her, swirling around each other in an orbit. Slowly she began to walk around the five, observing them and studying them, “But, in spite of my training in Black Mana, I still don’t know how Mimic fused the pools together. Mixing two is easy, three is hard, but five is right out!” she said, thinking.

Her eyes closed for a moment, shaking her head. Looking up, she looked at the picture of her friends, all gathered together in a hug. Picking up the picture, a warm smile came across her lips. Tracing her finger lightly along her friend’s faces, her mind flashed back to the previous week.Her mind seeing Applejack’s smile as she helped her up, Dash’s cheer as Twilight dodged another bolt of Lightning, Rarity’s tricks, Fluttershy’s calmness, and watching the sunset with Pinkie.

Looking back up, her eyes widened as she looked back at the picture, and then the five orbs, and then back to the photo, “ That’s it! The poem!!!! It’s them!”

Putting the photo back onto the table, she ran to the five orbs and then looked to the book as she held it in front of her, “Green is Applejack, her strength is tempered by her pride. However, a strong will can help Applejack keep focus and allow others to help her. That is what Rainbow Dash does for her, be the opposing force that can break her barrier and allow her to admit she needs help.” as the green orb began to glow in rhythm with the red, Twilight continued, “Red is Rainbow Dash, speed with power. While she is very egotistical and impatient, Applejack tempers that. However, there is a third force to help with this.”

Taking the blue orb, she gently began to put it with the two others, watching them spin faster and faster, “Rarity, blue. Creative and elegant, she is also tempered by her vanity and sometimes snootiness. However, it is because of her creativity and desire to help that she can keep the others focused.”

“Fluttershy, is white,” Twilight said, putting the white orb of mana in with the other three, watching as the four began to circle each other ever faster, until they began to slowly fuse into one, “Kind and protective, but she is very timid and scared. The other three powers help to bring it out, releasing the inner strength that lies within her. That leaves Pinkie, black and chaotic. But, she brings with her hope and a heart to the group that binds them into one.”

Before her, the five pools spun faster and faster, fusing together in a blinding flash of light. As she began to speak, she reached out and grabbed the glowing ball of energy, “They still need something though to help bind them. A spark of magic or...friendship.” as she said this, the orb glowed bright and hovered in front of her. With eyes wide, she reached out and held it in her hands before cheering, “I DID IT!!!!”

The next morning, the knights had all gathered at the treebary at the behest of Spike. Once inside, the girls saw Twilight standing in front of a big black board and with a big smile on her face. As she walking in front of the girls, she said, “Glad you could all make it. I hope you all slept well.”

“Darling, I am a mother of a three month old and a business mare,” Rarity said, holding a cup of coffee in hand, “Sleep is but a frivolity to me.”

Twilight smiled sheepishly at this and shook her head, “Girls, I have a plan to finally take down Conquest and win this war once and for all.”

“Whooo!” Pinkie cheered.

“Ah knew you could do it!” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash, in the air with her arms crossed asked, “So what’s the plan?”

“I’ll tell you the plan when we get there. For right now,” Twilight said, walking in front of the girls and smiling warmly, “I want us to rest for now. We should all spend this last day with our family and loved ones.”

“Are...are you worried we might not come home from this?” Fluttershy asked.

“Conquest,” Twilight paused as she said this, “Is going to be ready for us. He has had time to watch, study, and prepare for us. By now, he has an opponent for each one of us. But...” she looked at each one of them, seeing the looks in their faces before smiling with a confident smirk, “I can promise you this, we are all going home after this. We are writing our own ending to this story, and I promise you, it will be a happy one where we are ALL coming home!”

The group let out a cheer before Pinkie brought out her party cannon. Applejack looked at Twilight curiously, “Um, Twilight, not to rain on this parade or nothing but, how are you going to get to his dimension? We couldn’t find it.”

“Oh, remember when I hit Conquest with my chromatic orb spell? I placed a secondary spell within it,” Twilight said, “It was a tracking spell, one that will follow him into his little pocket dimension. It will allow me to find him and open the portal to his location.”

“Ok, enough shop talk, lets party!” Pinkie said, bringing out the trusty party cannon and firing it.

“Pinkie, I said that this was a time for us to-”

“Spend time with your loved ones,” Applejack said, patting Twilight on the back as the music started to play, a lively and upbeat guitar string that provided a rising tone. “And you seem to forget, you are one of our loved ones. Our dearest friend.”

“Yeah, and when you are with friends,” Pinkie smiled, “You’re FAMILY!”

As one, the five began to sing together as they quickly set up the food, drinks, and party supplies. Spike, with Clarity in his arms, smiled as he walked in to join his friends.

We are not really related
but our bonds we created,
are strong enough to call family (Whenever you are with me)
As all of time has faded,
The memories will still be here!
We're more than friends,
we are family...

Twilight began to mingle with her friends. Each one she walked to, she began to talk about their adventures or the next step in their lives. Sighing, she picked hugged Spike before walking by Pinkie. With a cheerful grin, Pinkie began to sing.

You can go and search around
Every Land air and ocean.
But even then you’ll never see,
Friends that stand shoulder to ours!

Rarity sat down, nuzzling her daughter. Looking back up at the group, she smiled before writing down in her notepad, she began to design not only her wedding dress, but those of her friends. Looking down at her daughter, she showed her some of the designs while adding her own lyrics to the song.

This group are bunch of nitwits
But we are the best nitwits around.

Looking up, she saw a cup cake being thrown at her from Pinkie Pie, and with a slight glow of her horn, she caught it. Slowly, she put some of the frosting on the tongue of her daughter while eating the rest of the cupcake calmly before going back to playing with her daughter. Rainbow Dash called out to Pinkie Pie, waving out for her to be thrown another cupcake. As it soared through the air, she caught it in her hand and began to sing.

Logic, who needs it?
You have everything when you’re around!

After eating the cupcake, she flew down to Fluttershy, taking her hands and spinning around. When they finished spinning, they held each other’s hands and looked into each other’s eyes. Letting her mane cover her left eye, she smiled and sang.

Sometimes, danger is near
But with you, I’ll survive!

Applejack held up her third round of cider and quickly chugged it down. Smirking, she beckoned to Rainbow Dash to come for an arm wrestling match. The mare was only too happy to provide the challenge and took off, after taking a moment to kiss her marefriend on the lips. As Dash came close, Applejack began to sing.

We have adventures on a daily basis
with friendship and togetherness
Our ultimate goal.

Twilight sat back, and cheered on her two friends. As she watched the group talk and laugh together, her heart began to get warmer. Thoughts of friends and family flowing through in her mind, thoughts going back to a party she had once before. One where she was convinced that they were all crazy and she alone could save her world. Now, she couldn’t imagine being alone. Then she began to sing.

They’re the very best friends indeed
We’ll never back down
'cause together we’ll save the day.

As the party seem to get louder and more vibrant, the group began to sing out as one, their voices mixing in perfect harmony.

We are not really related
but our bonds we created,
are strong enough to call family (Whenever you are with me)
As all of time has faded,
The memories will still be here!
We're more than friends,
we are family...

Twilight pulled back from the loud chorus and began to happily walk among her friends. Each one she passes by, made her feel their energy, their warmth. Each one she passed allowed an old memory pass through her, of all the times they made her smile and feel better. Of the times she felt bigger when they were near her. Sighing, she sang as she looked at them.

Everyone of us here you see
Has an inner strength that is an easy find.
Just keep yourself close to your friends
and you will find yourself stronger than ever...

Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded at Twilight’s lyrics, adding her own voice to the song as she looked to them all.

Just add a bit of laughter,
And you’ll see hope when it all goes down.

Rarity nodded and sang, smiling as she began to think about the past year, holding her little girl close to her.

Forget your sins of the past
Friends only care about you are now!

Rainbow Dash nodded and high fived Applejack as she added her song.

Loyalty means being there
Through the thunder and then rain!

Applejack nodded and sang as she looked at her friends, feeling stronger now that she felt like the group was whole once more.

Friends stand together in trust and honesty,
Holding each other up
Keeping us strong.

Fluttershy gasped and quickly added her own lyrics, finding a way to state her own lesson.

Open your heart to Kindess
And you will see inside...

Smiling at each other, the group began to sing as one once more.

We are not really related
but our bonds we created,
are strong enough to call family (Whenever you are with me)
As all of time has faded,
The memories will still be here!
We're more than friends,
we are family...

All too quickly, the night came to the little town of Ponyville and her friends all said their goodbyes. Twilight reluctantly waved farewell to her friends and saw them off, smiling as she did. Looking around the empty library, seeing all of the streamers and balloons, she was tempted to clean it all up. However, she only shrugged her shoulders and walked to the balcony of her treebrary and looked out over the small little town.

Closing her eyes, she let the magic flow through her, connecting her to each one of her friends. With a quick nod, she teleported herself to the nearest home, that of Pinkie Pie. Putting on a cloak of invisibility, she took the time to watch over her friend as she walked inside, “Hello?” Pinkie asked, looking inside the darkened house. When the lights came on, she gasped at the sight of her large family, “Mom? Pop? Girls? What are you doing here!?” she asked excitedly, running over to hug each one.

Maud was the first to return the hug, “We all heard about the final battle tomorrow, and I decided to visit you before you left. I even brought the family with me,” she said. Then, after looking Pinkie in the eyes, she gave off one of her rare smiles, “And welcome back, little sister. I missed that smile.”

Pinkie was left curious to that when Limestone walked up to her, “Look, Pinks, this isn’t easy for me to say but...Come back safe all right?” she said, looking worriedly at her baby sister, “I don’t...I don’t want to think about a world without you.”

“Mmmhmm,” Marble said, mimicking the sentiment of her sisters.

Pinkie smiled and shook her head, “Awww, it’ll be ok girls. I have five awesome friends backing me up, it’ll be fine.”

“It better or there will be Tartarus to pay!” growled Limestone.

Pinkie only chuckled and shouted, “Hey, all of my sibs are here! Lets go and have some fun.”

“Yes, let’s. I am ready to have some-” the door to the Corner opened and Artie stuck his head in.

“Oh, hey Pin-” he paused when he saw the family there and began to leave, “Oh, family business. I’m sorry, I was just wanting to wish you good luck Pinks and-”

“You are staying for the pie family party!” Pinkie said, grabbing Artie by the arm and pulling him inside of the corner, a smile on her face.

“You did a good job of raising her, Iggy,” Carrot said, watching as Pinkie began to have fun with her extended family.

Ignatius shook his head, “No, I just planted the seed that grew into my little flower. You were the one who helped make her into the mare she is today.”

“Yeah, but you are her father and you-”

Quartz stepped into the conversation, “I don’t think it matters to her. As far as she is concerned, she has two fathers and two mothers.”

“And a basket full of siblings to call her own,” Cup Cake said, watching as Pinkie Pie played with Pumpkin, raising him above her head and pretending he was Rainbow Dash. Happily, the little one held out his forearms and pretended to fly.

Twilight watched all of this with a warm smile, before teleporting away to Carousel Boutique. There, she heard Rarity sing a lullaby softly to her little girl before tucking her into the bassinet. She watched and saw Rarity run her hand through the soft purple mane of the kirin, “Rarity?” asked Glarity, looking in, “I hope I didn’t wake the babe.”

“No, I was just putting her in her crib,” Rarity said warmly, watching the baby’s chest rise and fall while snoring softly.

Glarity sighed and watched as her other walked by her, “um, Rarity, I was thinking about the final battle. I think it would be best if I go instead.”

“Glarity,” Rarity said stopping at the threshold, “This Is the final battle, and I need to be there with my friends. They need me to stand by their side and help them.”

Glarity looked down, and nodded in understanding. Softly, Rarity placed a hand onto her golem’s shoulder and said, “ But, if the worst should happen and I don't come home...take care of her. Teach her and tell her all about me.”

“Rarity, are you sure?” Glarity asked, a little surprised at the new responsibility.

“Of course, wouldn't expect less of a big sister,” Rarity said, much to Glarity’s shock. “Oh, don’t give me that look, I made you like I made her. So, you are my daughter, just like her.”

Glarity smiled widely and gave her a big hug. From below, she could hear Sweetie Belle talk up a storm, “Sweetie Belle is here?” Rarity asked.

“Well, duh!” Sweetie said as she went to the top of the stairs and onto the landing, Spike walking right behind her, “I’m not about to spend a whole night away from my big sister! Especially when I want to see her off” she giggled.

Rarity smiled at this and hugged her sister tightly. Then she whispered. “Don't worry, I’ll be fine
“

“Promise?” Asked Sweetie Belle.

“I promise, now off to bed, both of you,” Rarity said, looking between Sweetie Belle and Glarity.

As the two walked to their bedrooms, Spike wrapped his arms around Rarity’s stomach from behind, “I’ll keep an eye on them.”

“Thank you,” Rarity said, rubbing her hand along Spike’s arm. Looking up into his eyes, she said, “ If you feel better about coming-”

Spike shook his head, “No, I’m fine here.” he said, resting his head onto Rarity’s shoulder. Lightly nibbling on her ear, he said, “Twilight pointed out to me that we have no idea if Conquest is just going to focus on the girls or if he is going to launch an all out assault on us while you’re gone. I need to be here to protect the ones I care about.”

“Ah, staying behind to be the noble protector, my lovely knight,” Rarity said, leaning into his chest. Taking his hand and placing it over her heart, she let out a sigh, “Always seeking to protect the pure maidens in his stead.”

“And my lovely lady, racing off to save me?” Spike said, kissing her lips.

“Are you saying I am not pure?” Rarity asked with a coy smile.

Spike chuckled, “Well, we could always do somethings that are a little more...sinful.”

Twilight’s eyes shot up and she immediately teleported away before the scene could continue. As she came out of the teleport, she landed just outside of Fluttershy’s cottage. Taking a few steps near the door, she heard a loud, “Man, what a beautiful pussy,” Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight’s eyes shot up and she whispered, “Please don’t tell me I’m about to see what I think I’m about to see.”

She let out sigh when she looked inside and saw Rainbow dash and Fluttershy looking down at a mother cat feeding her newborn kittens. Gently, Fluttershy lowered her hand to the mother cat and rubbed her soft black fur. Smiling she said, “I didn’t think I could make you squee at cuteness.”

Rainbow Dash shrugged, “What, I know cute when I see it.” she smiled as she looked at the sleeping newborns, all three of them. Lowering an extended finger, she rubbed the fur of the left grey one, “Not even aware of half of the danger around her, and she’s ready to be a mother. What a world, right?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy said, looking over the kittens, “Ok, Luna, your babies get a full bill of health.”

“Yeah, and you just make sure you pick a better time to go into labor,” Rainbow Dash admonished the cat before walking away.

As she did, Fluttershy walked up to stand by Dash, and then she sighed with a big grin, “Hmmmm, I think two would be nice.”

“Two wha-”Dash asked, before looking at Fluttershy’s blush and then quickly got on. With a gasp, she said, “Oh, OHHHHHHHH.”

“Sweet! Can I be an aunt?” asked Scootaloo from the top of the stairs.

“Go to bed squirt!” shouted Dash, “Me and Fluttershy will be up there in a minute.”

Fluttershy sighed, smiling up at her, “Little siblinsg can be fun.”

“Yeah,” Dash said, looking on up. Then she looked back to Fluttershy, “So, two huh?”

“Yes, but...maybe we can talk about that after the wedding,” Fluttershy said, holding Rainbow Dash’s hand. “I know you want it on the day of the victory, but I was thinking we could wait after Rarity.”

“Wait?! But Flutters I-” Dash wass about to object, only to see a pout from Fluttershy. This made her heart melt and wings sag, “All right, fine. After they are done, after all it’s only fair.”

Fluttershy nodded, and then laid her head onto Dash’s shoulder, “We are a lot like the cat you know. We are already planning our future even though tomorrow might be the end of it all.”

“Hey, are you thinking we are going to lose? I mean, we have two of the most awesome ponies in existence,” Dash said, pointing to herself, “Me, and then there's Twilight.”

Fluttershy shook her head, “I’m not thinking of that at all. I just think some ponies would be surprised to see how we’re acting.”

“Hey, when you have a great pony by your side, things just seem brighter,” Dash said, kissing Fluttershy softly.

Twilight smiled at this, teleporting herself over to Sweet Apple acres. Once there, she was blasted back by a loud cheer from Apple Bloom, “Here’s to Applejack! Soon to be the winner of this war and kicker of everypony’s butts!”

“It’s not going to be just me, Apple Bloom,” Applejack said, eating the last of her pie before sitting back and drinking the large mug of cider, “The others are still going to be there. And it aint like Ah’m going to be one to one-shot Conquest with no problem.”

“No,” Apple Bloom said sitting back down in her chair and smiling, “But you are still gonna be strong enough to take out Kudos and avenge Ma and pa!P

“Eeyup!’ Big Mac said, looking at Applejack with pride.

“And that’s because my big sis is so strong and brave. Nothing and no one's gonna take her out!” Apple Bloom said, drinking her own cup of cider.

“Eeyup, strongest member of this family,” Big Mac nodded.

Applejack rolled her eyes at this praise, trying her best to not get a big head. Then she heard Granny Smith say, “Darn tootin!”

“Granny, aint ya always the one who told me to not count my chickens before they hatch?” Applejack asked, looking at her with a grin.

“Why shouldn’t you count your chickens?” Granny Smith said, and then she let out a little laugh, “Ah, just messing with ya. Ah just think they’re right, you are already one of the strongest ponies Ah know! You already have what you need to beat him.”

“Except Hamon,” Applejack muttered under her breath.

Granny Smith then nodded, not hearing Applejack saying her defeat, “And besides, you said it yourself, you aint nor will ya ever be alone. He is, and you can use that. No pony in this family is gonna lose to a monster like that.”

Applejack sighed, “Thanks Granny. Well, Ah’m heading to bed. Night.” and with that, she got out of her seat and walked up the stairs. As she reached the landing, she looked at Carmel who was waiting for her near her room, “My, what a handsome doorman.”

“Just want to see the hero off into bed,” Caramel said, taking Applejack by the hand and leading her into her bedroom. Smiling he stood by a window to look up at the moon, “So, after tomorrow, no more Applejack the soldier. Just Applejack the big sister, the farmer, the strong, the pillar.”

“Yeah,” Applejack said, smiling warmly as she laid her hand onto his, “And maybe...best mother?”

This made Caramel blush and turn his head away, “Um...anyway. I just wish you luck and that I-”

“Caramel, can Ah say something?” Applejack said, smiling as she kissed him deeply, “You talk too much.” she said, before pushing him onto the bed.

Twilight, blushing up a storm, whispered, “Oh great, she’s in heat isn’t she!” and then teleported away.

With a quiet pop of energy, Twilight looked at the ragin bonfire that was taking place outside of the old mansion that served as her home for an entire year. She smiled warmly as she could hear the sounds of merriment and laughter coming from within. When she looked, she could see her teammates from the Umbra circle engaged in a larg party with their families. She let out a sigh as she nodded, teleporting away.

At the Crystal Empire, Twilight looked in on the sleeping Flurry heart. Smiling, she began to fix up the teddy bears and the little toy above her head. Then she tucked her in and kissed the baby’s head, “Flurry, bet you can’t wait to grow up, because when you do, this I am going to train you in magic. Then, I am going to make you one of the best spell casters in the world and then-”

“Isn’t she a little young to be told that she will be the best spell caster?” Cadence said, standing on the threshold with Shining Armor at her side.

Twilight let out a sheepish giggle before turning around, “Heheh, can’t start too early.”

“I know,” Cadence said, before walking over and giving Twilight a hug, “What are you doing here by the way?”

Twilight smiled, “Going around and checking up on everypony, I want to make sure we are all ok before I go and fight Conquest.”

“Twilight,” Shining Armor said, walking over and hugging her, “I wish you would let me go with you.”

“Shining, you and Cadence need to stay here and protect the empire. Besides, I have my friends by my side, no pressure,” Twilight said with a shrug of her shoulders.

“And I trust them more than you going in with Starfleet,” Shining Armor said, and then he sighed, “It’s just that I just got you back and-”

“You are feeling a little down that your little sister is stronger than you?” Twilight asked, smirking.

Shining shrugged, “It’s supposed to be a big brother’s job to protect the little sis. But here you are now...so strong and powerful, it’s enough to make me-”

“Shed liquid pride?” Twilight snarked.

“No, real tears!” Shining said, hugging Twilight while crying. Then he broke the embrace before asking, “Hey, did you talk to... you know.”

Twilight looked down and said with a frown, “No, but they are my next stop.” Then she gave Shining another hug before teleporting away.

“Wait, Twilight-” Flash looked down and lightly kicked the ground, “Awww, she left.”

Then another teleport was heard and Twilight showed up. Smiling she said, “And Flash, after the war is done, maybe if you meet me and ask me to see a movie...I’ll see what it’s like to go on a date.” she then kissed him on the cheek before teleporting away again.

This made Flash wipe the side of his cheek, and then looked back at Shining who gave a thumbs up. Then Flash rubbed the side of his cheek once more, before jumping into the air and fist pumping the sky, cheering.

“Hey Mom, sorry for not calling as soon as I got back. World saving and all,” Twilight said, walking in front of her house. Then she shook her head, “No, that’s not it.”

“Mother, I would’ve gotten back to you as soon as I resurrected but you know how it goes, you come back to life and you forget the important stuff. Funny huh? Hahahaha,” Twilight frowned and kicked the ground, “No!”

“MOMMY! I’m alive and I’m forgiven, your gates are open wide!” Twilight sang before kicking herself.

“Haha, modottekita! Watashi wa shisha no naka kara kaette kite, sokode mottomo jaakuna mono o hikitoru yō ni natta. Watashi wa kon'nichiwa to itte kimashita.” Growling she shouted, “IIE!”

“Mom, remember when you told me to tell you when something big happened in my life? Well, you don’t get bigger than coming back from the dead tonight!,” Twilight said.

“Mom, let’s face it, you haven’t been a part of my life since you sent me to learn under the god of our realm. Since then, she has been my main maternal influence and has raised me to be a magical powerhouse that makes Starswirl, Clover, and Mimic look like wimps. So, please forgive me if I focused on more important things in my life.” Twilight said in a montone of voice before growling and kicking the ground, “NO! Gods, why can I outsmart Titan but can’t figure out what to say to my own mother!!!!?”

Letting out a depressed sigh, she shook her head and walked up to it. Raising her hand up, she knocked lightly on the door. Putting every ounce of courage into her, she waited with baited breath as the door opened, “Yes, who is it? If you are wanting an autograph you will have to-” Twilight Velvet opened the door, and then dropped her plates to the ground in shock. Holding her hand to her mouth, she let out a gasp as she whispered, “Twilight?”

Twilight looked away sheepishly, “H-hey Mom. I’m home.”

“Oh, my baby girl!” Velvet shouted and tackled her daughter to the ground hugging her tightly.

Night Light Sparkle stepped out and asked, “Hun, what’s going...dear Celestia.” he gasped, seeing the very much alive Twilight Sparkle.

A few minutes later, Twilight was sitting at the family table and drinking her tea. She began to laugh along with her parents as she began to talk, “I am so sorry that I never got back to you when I resurrected. I mean I meant to and all, but I got busy.”

“I can tell,” Night Light laughed.

Velvet gave out a giggle, “it seems that this family has a tendency to wait until the last minute before saying anything. Remember your brother waiting until two days before the wedding to say anything. Then there is your grandmother, Kimono, she waited until she was in labor before telling your grandfather she was pregnant.”

Night Light then laughed, “What can we say, our family forgets the important stuff sometimes.”

After the laughter died down, Velvet looked up at Twilight and then frowned, “You have to leave soon. And then tomorrow, the fight.”

“Yeah,” Twilight said, sighing, “Mom, I know you just got me back, but I have to do this. It’s for all of Equestria and I-”

Twilight Velvet put her hands onto Twilight’s shoulders and smiled, looking into her eyes, “Twilight, honey, you are a hero. You need to protect the world and save it. It’s something I’ve come to understand, just like I had to come used that my little unicorn is walking around with these,” she then lifted up one of Twilight's wings. “I have to get used to the fact that you go and save the world. Now go, do what you need to.”

“And then get to work on getting us more grandchildren!” Night Light siad, much to Twilight’s embarrassment.

Twilight teleported into the room, just before Celestia’s room. Standing before her, was Princess Luna. The princess smiled as she crossed her arms over her chest and asked, “Embarrassing parents?”

“Yes,” Twilight said, sighing. Then she looked up at Luna, “What are you doing here?”

Luna uncrossed her arms before saying, “I am not allowing you entrance, until you show me if you have mastered black mana to my liking.”

Twilight only smirked as she held up a hand, generating black fire, “Like this, or how about your little assignment you gave me? Because...I did.”

“Impressive,” Luna said, smiling. “I look forward to seeing if you have mastered it as well as you think,” then she opened the door, letting Twilight into Celestia’s chambers.

As Twilight walked in, she saw Celestia awaiting her on the rooftop, looking up at the stars. Twilight nodded as she spread her wings and flew up to the roof with her mentor and sat down, “Celestia?” Twilight said.

Celestia looked to her left, and for a moment, she saw not the full grown mare that her student had become, but the ten year old filly that first came to her. Shaking her head, she looked back at Twilight and moved to the side, offering her a seat, “I am just gazing up at the stars. Want to join? We haven’t done so in a while.”

“Yes, princess,” Twilight said, sitting down with Celestia, enjoying the feel of white feathers on her body.

“Now, tell me what is on your mind,” Celestia said.

Twilight sighed, “For the past few days I have been meditating with Fluttershy. When I do, I sometimes see this other Twilight. She has long silver mane with silver eyes, but I never seen that form before. I never even heard of something that makes your mane an deyes look like that.”

Celestia took a few moments to think, before looking up into the stars, “My mother used to tell me of a legend. She said that those who bear the virtues of the multiverse, the elements like you and your friends bear, all have the potential to become corrupt, a nightmare when they defy their elements nature.”

“Like Valkyrie mode for the girls or Lightning’s Enticorn form,” Twilight said, nodding. “Or even Nightmare Rarity and Nightmare Moon.”

“Correct, my student,” Celestia said, continuing to look up, “she said, there is also another form that one can take.She told me, that when one is in perfect harmony with their friends and is in perfect sync with their virtue, you can achieve a power that can surpass the gods.”

“A power that can surpass a god?” Twilight asked in wonder.

Celestia nodded, “She called this power, the closest one can get to being a part of the harmonic force of the universe and embracing the cosmos. I never saw this form myself, but I wonder if it is somehow tied into that.” When Celestia looked down, she saw the look of wonder and curiosity that was in her protege face. She smiled warmly at this, remembering the youthful look she had when she was a little filly. This made her sigh warmly before saying, “But, I don’t think you want to talk shop right now.”

“You know me, Celestia, I am always at home studying and behind a book,” Twilight giggled happily and snuggling close.

“Yes,” Celestia said, before looking down, “Twilight, have you ever thought that I had made you into my weapon. Like how Grand Ruler did to Lightning.”

“Well, um, if, I can be honest,” Twilight said sheepishly, blushing a little. When Celestia gave her a nod, she continued, “There were times I did feel like that. The elements, meeting my friends, these?” she looked back and flapped her wings, “They felt way too much to be coincidences, and when I was Spark I played with that theory from time to time.”

“I am sorry you felt that way, it was never my intention to make you so,” Celestia said, looking down, “Discord, Nightmare Moon, Sombra, I gave you those tasks because you were the best pony for the job. Better to send in a skilled task force rather than waste an army.”

Twilight nodded, “That was what I came to later when I began to think about it. You never forced me to look into that book on the Elements, never told me to do those things, and I had the potential to refuse every order you gave me.”

“True,” Celestia said, “Though I knew there was something special in those five mares you befriended, in truth, you could’ve met anypony on that journey. You were the one who befriended them, I only wished to show you the door. Everything you have ever done, I only gave you the tools with which to succeed.”

“I know that, Princess,” Twilight said, leaning into her teacher, and breathing slowly, “I don’t think you would’ve cared for me as much, if I was just your weapon.”

Celestia shook her head, “Ever since Sunset left me, I tried to not get close with a student like that again. I wanted to remain distant and focus only on the lessons, but you broke that with your sincerity and eagerness. Truth be told, I am jealous of your mother.”

“Why,” Twilight asked.

“Because she actually gave birth to you, she could call you her daughter by birth,” Celestia said, “Instead of how I see you, my little student.”

Twilight smiled warmly, “For what it’s worth, I always felt like I had too mothers. My mom and you...” she said before yawning and began to close her eyes.”

“Thank you, my daughter,” Celestia smiled. Down below she could hear small guitar strings being strummed at a slow steady pace, bringing to mind lullabies and daydreams. Feeling the soft tone and the night wind, Celestia began to sing as Twilight fell asleep, wrapped comfortingly in her white wings.

It's a monster beneath the bed
But you see, it’s a futon on the floor
They are flat as a board.

You tell me, about the creatures behind the door
But he’s gone when I check, everytime
Then I leave he arrives
Every night

Rarity sleeps soundly next to Spike, not knowing about her sister in the next room. Sweetie Belle sits and looks to her niece before looking back up into the window, smiling warmly at Luna’s moon. Feeling the music playing in her head, she sings to her big sister. As she sings, she thinks of how her sister must have looked like when she sat on the bed, listening to stories told by her uncle.

Do not fear, the monster, neath your bed
Because you won’t scream, but instead
You will kick him in the head

As for the creature, behind the door
He should know, not to come here anymore
Cause you'll kick in his butt at the count of four

Granny Smith took one look inside Applejack’s room, and then gave a small chuckle as she saw the two lovers asleep in each other’s arms. Shaking her head, she closed the door. For the briefest moment, she could see a little filly Applejack running in between her legs, screaming in terror at the Lightning overhead. She could only shake her head as she walked away, pausing when she could hear Apple Bloom’s singing.

Goodnight demon slayer, goodnight
Now it's time to close your tired eyes
There are devils to slay and dragons to ride
If they see you coming, hell they better hide

Granny smith looked behind her at Applejack’s room, and for a moment, she saw two ponies standing watch over her. One was a light peach mare with orange mane, and the other was a yellow stallion with red mane, both having a warm smile. Granny smith sighed, seeing the spirits of her son and his wife. Then she began to sing,

Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight my little slayer goodnight

Scootaloo looked into the room of her big sister and her marefriend and smiled. Stepping in, she tucked the both in and kissed their foreheads. Sighing, she walked to the window and looked to the stars, somehow knowing that Dash’s parents and Fluttershy’s parents were all watching from their homes in Cloudsdale, wishing the safety for their children. Scootaloo nodded and began to sing in their place as she looked behind her. Not seeing the image of two little fillies, a cyan one protecting the yellow one from a rainstorm.

You tell monsters that eats fillies, that he’s bad
And you'll give him a beating, the worst he’s ever had.
If he tries to eat me, you’ll cut him open with a sword
Don't regret it, he deserved it, he's a cad

Maude stepped into Pinkie’s room, carrying on her back a passed out Pinkie Pie. Looking over her shoulder at the sleeping mare, she shook her head and smiled warmly. In her mind, she could still see the little filly who would run to her when she was upset, scared, or just wanted to tell her about a new discovery. Letting out a sigh, she laid Pinkie in her bed, tucking her in slowly, singing as she did.

Let’s tell the monsters that land on your bedpost
That if they cross the line, then you’ll roast them alive
It’s time for Tirek, to be given his due
Running back to Tartarus, shaking in his shoes
He should know that the mightiest creature is you.

Celestia, for a moment, pondered if she should teleport Twilight to her bedroom. Instead, she allowed for her surrogate daughter to sleep on her side, keeping her safe beneath her large feathery wings. Instead, she leaned in and kissed her daughter on the forehead, watching her sleep a sleep of heroes.

Goodnight demon slayer, goodnight
Now it's time to close your tired eyes
There are devils to slay and dragons to ride
If they see you coming, hell they better hide

Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight my little slayer goodnight

Luna stepped into the dream realm, walking past the many doors. Her journey soon lead her to the ring of the Knights of Harmony. She smiled as she saw each door was now shining bright, back to their wondrous condition. She looked at Twilight’s door with a smile. Then, she noticed something else, each door was open. Curious, she focused her dream magic to play the events previously.

What she saw, made her curious, as she saw a little filly Twilight opening the door and calling out to the other five. Each of the other fillies opened their doors and looked to Twilight, gasping in shock before smiling and running towards her, giggling all the while. Turning her head to the door of Twilight she opened t and was warmed by what she saw. The six of them, as little fillies, playing in the morning sun without a care in the world. For a long time, she watched them, hearing their voices sing out in harmony.

Don’t tell us, there was nothing neath our bed
Or tell us, it was all in our heads
This world isn’t perfect it seems
There are bigger monsters than those in our dreams
Lets just learn from the beasts we defeat,
We’ll need it for the people we’ll meet.

Now the six were adults once more, each in their equine quadruped forms. Each one standing and looking at each other before smiling and hugging each other. After breaking the hug and going back to playing in a world without hate, they began to sing once more.

Goodnight demon slayer, goodnight
Now it's time to close your tired eyes
There are devils to slay and dragons to ride
When they see us coming, they better hide!

Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight my little pony goodnight

Author's Note

Thanks to both Zolt and Wyvern.

Breathe in, and out, as this was a breather chapter (Yep, 30+K worth of a breather chapter). But, as someone said in the comments of the latest trailer blog, considering everything happening these last few chapters: The fall of Grand Ruler, the defeat of Lighting, the rebirth of Twilight ect...I think you, and the characters needed this moment to rest and think about the past.

And that is one of two reasons for this chapter. Its mainly to serve as a way for all of the characters to look back on thier arcs and say where they went and how far did they come. Who are they now and solve some last minute emotional baggage. Hell, I almost didn't even have a scene with Conquest and his trope.

This is also a way for me to reconnect with one Twilight Sparkle. After all, she is one of my faves (she will always be the mare I relate to the most) and it was odd to go through 500K words, several chapters, and more not writing her. I mean, she pops up in flashbacks, but it wasn't the same without her. In a way, she was not only reconnecting with her friends, but myself as well.

This chapter was also the first time I had EVER written a training arc. Oh, sure, I wrote "You need to train" with the force of a bad Shonen mangaka, but I never really did anything like DBZ or Naruto would. It was a fun little experiment and I am glad I tried it. though it was tough making sure it wasn't boring. The training also helps to explain some of the martial arts stuff that Twilight will pull off later (Ps. The style Applejack uses is Muy Tai, Twilight uses Bua Guah Zhao or Airbending. And yes, she used the Shyruken)

-I know it might seem unfair to talk about a trial for Titan's Trio, but lets not forget, they still worked for Titan and Conquest. Don't worry, it's Equestria, one of their old enemies is married to their princess in this world.

-Starfleet getting something to do came out because I had a thought...they had nothing to do once their arcs were done and I just didn't see my characters doing it.

-I love writing good Celestia and Twilight moments. Almost as much as I do Luna and Twilight moments.

-I noticed that the funeral for Twilight made no mention of the parents. Can't really expect them to be too happy with their daughter's death, especially when it comes to Grand Ruler.

-Yes, I just made the Death Battle cannon to my stuff. It was all a training excerise done by one of Twilight's minds. I did this because, in case she lost, this meant Luna was going to train her harder. If she had won? Then Luna would've said "Good job Twilight," and then gave her a cookie.

-Yes, This Raven knows what is happening in Evolution of Friendship. Right now, this is taking place near the end of the story of Evolution.

-Making a ponified Wiz and Boomstick is so much fun.

-I love using "Good night Demon slayer as an end song."

-Wonder how many people reading this will understand whay Twilight said...without google translate.

-Not only did I want to explain Owlyicious''s dissappearence, but his adventure is a shout out to FFIV, wich I played for the first time and beat while writign this chapter

And so, we have our third to last chapter. the next is the big battle.

Dark Conquest: And if I can be cliche...IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS!!!!

Soon, the final battle begins!

Rarity: *Aims her bow at an incoming horde"

Applejack glares her eyes at Kudos as she walks slowly towards him, fire behind her.

Rainbow Dash and Rhymey engage in battle in the air, lighting flying around them.

Pinkie Pie run and dodges fireballs from Raven.

fluttershy helps to protect some innocent slaves.

Then it all stops as Twilight and Conquest glare at each other. Magic auras flow around thier bodies before they fly at each other and collide in a massive explosion.

...

And that is how you tease your ultimate battle ;)