Rising Above All

“I will not ask again Chrysalis.” Blackhole snorted in anger at the queen's defiant words towards him. “Surrender and I will spare you.”

“I would rather waltz to tartarus.” She glared in response to his plea. “My loyalty is with the Empress now. I have realize that your path leads only to my destruction.”

“EMPRESS?!” Blackhole burst out into another fit of rage, that shook and startled the changelings behind him. “She would never welcome a traitorous monster like you into her kingdom.”

“Abacus is not a monster nor a traitor.” Blueblood seethed at the God. “The only one she betrayed was herself. If there is a traitor in this room then it is YOU!”

“Be it that way,” Blackhole snarled, turning around to face the army that now swarmed his back. “Slaughter all except for the children.” He commanded with a small, yet dark smile on his features. “There is no point in me using my precious power to destroy them as Twilight will come...I shall save my true wrath for her.”

“With pleasure…” The Changelings hissed in a sickly tone, stalking closer to the group as Blackhole waltzed out.

“That coward.” Shining hissed as he watched the army close in on them. “Leaving his dirty work to his minions.”

“We can take them Dad.” Flurry stated with a glimmer of hope, setting the sleeping children down behind her. “The only way to get out of here is true them.”

“Can you not control them Abacus? Tell them to stand down!” Blueblood pleaded as he watches the Changelings come closer.

“I'm trying,” Chrysalis grunted as her horn gleamed in an attempt to telepathically connect with her subjects as she usually did, however she only failed. “I-I-I can't get through to them…” She stuttered, her magic failing her, causing her to collapse to the ground.

“But they are your subjects!” Shining growled, watching as the changelings came closer to them. “Command them to stand down.”

“She can not anymore.” Blueblood answered for Chrysalis, gently trying to raise her from the ground. “Because she has changed, there is no longer hatred within her heart so Blackhole is now in charge of them.”

“But this means that you were never truly in charge then.” Flurry whispered in realization. “Yo-you were only a puppet!”

“I know…” Chrysalis sighed as she raised herself from the ground with the aid of Blueblood. “But I've got to set them free from Blackhole's grasp.”

“How?” Shining gave a weary gaze at the queen. “How can you possibly break such an age old curse? The last I heard was that the Changelings are a result of dead creatures in the swamp mixing with your DNA!” Shining Armor three his hands in the air. “This spell is as old as old as you!”

“With love.” Chrysalis whispered softly, as she watched the swarm inch closer. “I now know what I must do...Deep down I always knew. This started because of me and it will end because of me.”

“Abacus…They won't listen to you because you are no longer their queen.” Blueblood countered with a worrying gaze, however he was also countered with a signaling hoof from the queen. “If they attack...You may die…”

“Stay behind me and shield your eyes.” She ignored his pleas sighing, fully aware of what she needed to do, closing her eyes and sitting to her haunches. Within an instance her gnarled horn began glowing it's magically light, enveloping the dungeons and creating a powerful barrier between her new friends and the changeling army. The subtle images of her past life as the Unicorn Princess came back to her like a ray of light, embracing her and allowing her to once again feel the love that she once relished. The smiles of her subject's pass came back to her but what finally thawed her icy valves were the images of all the new friends she would now gain, all the love she would now have. With that, her whole body began glowing in a white light, bathing away her insect like physic and returning her to her former glory.

“Chrysalis…” Shining Armor whispered in shock as the bright light subsided, revealing a whole new set of creatures before them.

“Chrysalis is no more.” Abacus smiled at them, landing on the ground. “I have overcome Blackhole’s curse.”

“You've finally allowed true love and friendship to penetrate your heart once more.” Flurry smiled, before looking towards the Changelings. “And it seems that you have broken their curse as well.”

“What?” Chrysalis gasped, turning to look back at the Changelings, only to find a whole new set of creatures before them. “I can't believe it.” She gasped, bringing her own transformed limb to her nuzzle. “It-it worked!?”

“All you needed to do was truly let friendship and love within your heart.” Blueblood smiled, coming to her side. “From the looks of it, you not only did that...You shared it as well.”

“And when you did…” Flurry smiled as well, chiming in the conversation. “You were able to truly free them all.”

“After all these years….” Chrysalis couldn't help but allow the tears to cascade. While doing so, she brought a small mirror to her face, looking at her form that was once destroyed and tarnished by her prior life. “I'm cured.”

“Your back Abacus.” Shining Armor spoke sincere words, offering a small smile. “All you truly needed was love.”

“And true friendship.” Blueblood flashed her a quick smile, before quickly glancing around. “Now let's leave before Blackhole comes back.” He muttered the last bit somewhat jittery.

“You're not going anywhere.” Blackhole materialized before them. His expression was that of a raging bull, bent on tearing his opponent to pieces.
__________________________________
New Edenia.

Twilight's decree had been placed in full effect within moments of it being spread throughout her realm by the Emperor. Even though she had long sworn to herself that she would never take up arms to hurt anypony, she now had to go back on her own word, something she seldom did. With a bold, yet dangerous move of holding her family hostage, Blackhole had directly declared war against her and Twilight was no longer going to be on the defense, she was going to wage an all out war against him and all of his.

For the moment, Twilight gathered her whole Royal Court to let them know of her plans. Among them were prominent figures such as Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, the dukes and duchesses of the different parishes, the Kings and Queens of the different nations, the Royal Sisters, Empress Cadance and the Dragon Lady and Lord.

They were all gathered and seated in the great throne room at the foot of the imperial throne, carefully discussing how they would overcome this detrimental situation. However, Twilight, who had already made up her mind to personally lay siege to Blackhole's Equestria merely sat upon her throne, listening intently to everyone else trying to talk her out of this.

“I'm strongly against this decision, Your Majesty,” Dragon Lady Ember spoke up. “This mission will only see you killed...As our sovereign and family member, I will not agree to this suicidal attempt.”

“I agree,” Spike backed his wife, turning to glare at his sister. “I won't allow my sister to run off alone to face that monster. I know you are no filly Twi but he is still a God and even though your prowess can equally match his, he is still hundreds of millennia older than you are, which means he has more experience than you do.”

“And to think that you're pregnant.” Queen Tempest also spoke, glaring at her friend and monarch, her tough voice pulling everyone’s attention. “I, just like you have a deep score to settle with Blackhole.” Tempest bit back her tears, silently remembering the events that destroyed her kingdom and mortally wounded her husband and son. “I don't even know if my son is alive. I want to wage war full force but this must be a group effort.”

“Queen Tempest is right.” Celesia spoke for the first time. “Blackhole has done so much evil in this world that he deserves to be heavily defeated with whatever measures you deem fit, however, as the Empress of the last secured stronghold in Equestria, you cannot merely run off to face him...”

"Indeed Twilight." Luna added in a smooth tone. "As an Empress Regnant, anchor of this Imperial nation, you must think before you act-"

"Princess Luna-" Twilight raised her hoof to add her own words, only for the Night Alicorn to press on.

"-All I'm saying is that you cannot simply risk your own life." Luna continued, her cold blue eyes staring up to the empress. "You are not a mere pony anymore. In addition to that, you carry a life within your womb."

"I agree that I am the Empress." Twilight paused taking in a long sigh and bringing a hoof to her chin in thought. "But the ones captured are my family...My brother...My babies…My nieces. This is personal!" She bit her bottom lip.

"Twilight, I just like you am heartbroken by this…" Cadance spoke, her voice cracking with emotion in a desperate attempt to deter her sister-in-law’s plans . "Don't you think I want to find Shining and Flurry Heart?" She questioned raising her voice and staring at the Empress. "Of Course I do, but that doesn't mean I can do so without having a plan-"

"-I have one." Twilight responded in a calm, calculating tone, raising herself from her throne, prompting Fluttershy who sat to her left to do the same.

"You do?" Applejack clocked her head in suspicion. "How comes you're just telling us now? What are you up to Twilight?"

"Because regardless of her telling us about this plan, she will go through with it." Flash Sentry announced, fluttering his way into the throne room, heading straight to land beside his wife. "I've done everything that you've commanded." He told her the moment he reached her. “Now about the plan…”

"Ahh. Excellent," Twilight smiled in response, before turning to face everyone else. "For years I have sworn never to take up arms to war anyone nation that is ignorant or innocent, hence I have annexed various territories beneath my Empire to maintain a worldwide peace." She spoke, remaining calm. "I've tried my best to be an Empress who rules by wisdom, kindness and utter fairness. I've tried my best to stay out of conflicts between these annexed territories against each other to remain unbiased, instead I punish the leaders of both parties for their disruptions equally and without hesitation."

"So what you mean is that all the different nations here are under your command." Luna muttered in surprise. Celestia and Cadance both wore similar expressions.

“Precisely.” Pinkie Pie spoke nonchalantly, glancing at the three alicorns. “In these parts Twilight is a Goddess and one these creatures are proud to have.” Her smile grew wider. “Heck, if Twilight had not stationed us to watch over Equestria, Cheese and I would have already fully moved here to join my family here in the warm farm lands of New Edenia.” She shrugged, which only caused the three alicorns to look on in shock.

"What Pinkie said about life here is indeed right, if I do say so myself." Twilight smiled at her friend, who gave an even brighter smile back, before continuing to address the court. "I ended the Tyranny of the Lady Dracaena, who stole the throne from the previous Dragon Lord Torch, all in the attempt to attack and destroy Equestrian Lands. Even though Torch wasn't all that bad, he was still ancient and susceptible to another coup from a younger aspiring dragon, hence, I as well as Spike, aided his daughter Princess Ember in a Rebellion to secure the throne and ultimately sit upon it as wedded co-rulers.” Twilight paused, glancing at the Dragon Royals, who nodded their heads in thanks to her, before she continued. “I along with Queen Tempest, expelled the evil Storm King from the Badlands and reformed the creatures and delivered their allegiance to Queen Tempest and her Captain who eventually became her husband. I showed love to the Changelings and they transformed into better creatures, allowing Thorax to take the throne as leader here and I can continue on how I did other deeds like how I installed Talonia Von-Claw as queen of Griffonia." She finished as she nodded at the Griffin Queen, who bowed in respect.

"Twilight is the Empress of the South, East and West." Fluttershy chimed in, walking towards the Empress' side in adoration of her glory. "And all of this was done to ensure that only persons with good intentions could rule to create peace throughout the lands. She has never had malintentions or merely conquered lands for the sake of territory."

"It is because of her meritorious achievements that had prompt us to travel from our countries to kneel at her hooves and to swear our allegiances." Queen Novo of the Hippogriffs spoke, bringing the attention to herself. "Empress Twilight Sparkle as well as Queen Tempest and the rest of the Regal Seven, ultimately defeated the storm king who occupied Sea-questrian Territories, Abyssinian Territories and Kirin Territories."

"Her move to topple such a tyrannical force freed my kingdom." A large black male anthropomorphic cat, adorned in precious gold and diamonds interjected the conversation. "After the storm king's defeat, I could finally return to my home."

"Indeed." The Kirin Queen spoke. "In all of this she used as minimal damage as possible and not disrupting the North. She only aimed at the route of the evil."

"And here I was thinking the world remained in order because of us…" Luna uttered dumbfounded, her sister wearing a similar look. "It was all thanks to Twilight's intuition…"

"That's why we never bothered with the North or the far North." Flash stated, joining the conversation. "We knew that despite the fact that you pushed Twilight away, you loved your subjects." He said to the Royal Sisters. "Besides, Duchess Rarity was there to keep tabs on all your movements to ensure that you wouldnt do anything stupid."

"Precisely." Twilight nodded, descending the steps from the throne. "It is because of these precautions why we have lived in peace for so long with the North. It is these same precautions that lead to me creating laws to remain peaceful to the North and to not invade unless they challenged my Empire. If you noticed that when you attacked, I attacked on my soil and not yours. However, it is with great regret that now I must fully go back on these laws." The Empress stopped, flaring her wings to display her domineering visage, Flash Sentry and Fluttershy standing close at either side with the same domineering stance. "For years I have kept my distance from the North for the best interest of us both, however, now I, Twilight Aurora Sparkle, Empress of New Edenia, the Southern Kingdoms, The Western Kingdoms and the Eastern Kingdoms bare down with the full force of my Empire to obliterate the North as it is now occupied by a sworn enemy."

"You can't be serious?!" Celestia gasped, almost taking to the air. "There are innocent civilians there! There even may still be prisoners there!"

"I agree with Celestia." Cadance disagreed with the Empress. "Besides, you destroying the North means the Crystal Empire as well...There must be another way."

"Another way?" Twilight narrowed her eyes, her tall regal frame shoan with dominance. "Our battle with Blackhole will deal damage to the whole world, hence anyone caught in the crossfire will die. You must understand that this isn't intentional."

"What if we could evacuate them?" Luna suggested, deep in thought. "You will have to rescue your family anyways, hence, this leaves the perfect window of opportunity."

"Ah yes." That could work. "Rainbow spoke, herself in deep thought. "I could help rally the survivors to a secure spot-"

"-And create a mass teleportation spell to bring them all here." Rarity interjected as she limped in, closely assisted by Queen Camomile Blossom. Her sudden entrance however only caused everyone to gawk at her regal yet slightly distorted frame...her true alicorn frame.

"What are you doing here Rarity?" Twilight gasped, "Even an alicorn needs to recuperate!"

"Fear not." Rarity cast a smile at her old friend. "I'm fine thanks to Muera and the other deer healers and the baby is fine as well, though he will continue growing outside of my body."

"Thank heavens." The room breathed in relief, but the unanswered questions of how Rarity became an alicorn still lingered in the air among the Alicorns of Equestria.

"They've all ascended," Twilight uttered, pulling Celestia to reality. "I have long discovered the secret of ascension but that story is for another time. Ladies you all can show your true forms now." With that, the rest of the main six shined in their respective hues and showed what they all had hidden from the whole world.

"How long?" Cadance gasped, taking in the site of the alicorns before her. Even though the mares were alicorns nothing much changed besides the additional horn or wing gained. There faces only wore mature expressions, their limbs slightly longer and their manes and tales elongated. Of Course they were still smaller compared to Celestia.

"4 years." AppleJack answered for the group, adjusting to glance at the elder alicorn. "And heck did it take months of intense practice of our special talents to qualify us."

"What do you mean?" Luna gave a questioning gaze. "I thought Twilight merely ascended you…"

"It doesn't work that way." Celestia rubbed her temples as the situation dawned on her. "Since Twilight ascended her own self, she is now an immortal Goddess and this would therefore qualify her to guide them through their ascension."

"Exactly." Rainbow chimed. "Twilight held our power for us and aided us in ascending before granting it to us." She explained as her horn glowed, showing off its hue of magic. "We would've been destroyed if we accessed that much power in our mortal forms."

"Right." Rarity chimed in the conversation. "But of course we could not show our forms to the outside world."

"Indeed." Twilight nodded. "That would've only caused issues that would only link back to me and My Empire."

"That made a lot of sense." Luna nodded to the logic of what the Empress was saying. "In all that time we never made contact with you and your dreams were as if you were dead...they were vacant."

"A master of magic I now am." Twilight gave a slight chuckle. "My defenses are impervious to your advances. No offense."

"None taken." Luna gave back a slight chuckle before steering the conversation in a new direction. "Now that we are all updated, let us arrive at a plan to rescue our loved ones."

"Ahh yes." Twilight nodded, descending the remainder of the steps to be at floor level with the rest of the court. "Together we will lead a siege upon Equestria. One it has never seen before. One party will be responsible for rescuing the prisoners and evacuating them from there."

"Interesting." Celestia responded in deep thought, bringing her hoof to her chin. "You do know that the moment Blackhole realizes what's happening, he can easily harm your family? He is not to be played with."

"That is a factor we have considered." Flash Sentry answered, strolling to be by his wife's side. "This is why Sombra is still alive...."
__________________________________
Meanwhile….

“Give up.” Shining Armor sneered at the God. His response however only caused the villain to bare his teeth in anger. "You're outnumbered!"

“Just because you broke my age old curse?” Blackhole glowered in agitation before bursting into an evil cackle. “You think I am defeated?! Ha! it shows how foolish you are! I will teach you all a lesson!”

“You're certainly not defeated yet.” Flurry spoke confidently, cutting into the conversation. “However, with each of your hench ponies being reformed into good ones, then your evil powers over this world weakens.”

“SILENCE!” Blackhole blazed in anger at the young princess. He was very aware that with each pony that changed their sinful ways and reformed, his army and power dwindled further, hence he would then be less powerful. Furthermore, he knew that each of these reformed creatures were going to join the Empress’ court and fight against him, which would then only make her more powerful.

“Why should she be silent?” Blueblood spoke up, defending the young princess. “You've lost all your trusted aids.” He chuckled at the being who only became more agitated. “Soon it will only be you. Remove from our path and let us pass.”

“Me?! MOVE?!" The God growled in anger, his eyes flashing bright white to reflect his disdain. "Have you forgotten that I still have Sombra?” He shot back in an attempt to reassure himself. “Knowing his tenacity, he might even have taken down that whorse of an empress by now!”

“Sombra has probably changed for the best and accepted peace in his heart.” Flurry interjected smoothly. "The Last I know is that Sombra chased Aunt Rarity and the survivors into New Edenia. He has either met his demise or has been reformed."

"HAHAHAHA!" Blackhole boomed in mockery of her words. "You truly are dumb and filled with idiocracy!" He flashed her a dirty look. "It was I who leaked dark magic into this world to create Sombra and his kind! Unlike that blasted traitor Chrysalis, Sombra is pure evil…HE CANNOT BE CHANGED!"

"You're wrong Blackhole." Chrysalis shook her head in dismay. "Anything is possible! It is you who is filled with foolish thoughts! If I can change then so can he!"

"Precisely." Fancy Pants muttered as he came about from his slumber. His battered frame was evidence that he had held his own against Blackhole's forces. "Though he is a dark Unicorn his powers remain just that of a unicorn. He also has the blood of a mortal coursing through his veins. He might have chased my wife and the escapees but I know he is no match for my wife."

"Be quiet you insolent waste! I'll show you all how powerful I and my true minions are!" Blackhole snarled in anger, using his horn to send spurs of dark energy to lock down the whole kingdom before turning to roll his eyes at the recovering stallion. "Your wife is a mere unicorn mare."

"No." Fancy Pants chuckled at the God's ignorance. "To the unknown eyes she is a unicorn but to the trained eyes she's more." He grinned, wincing in pain as he got help to return to his hooves from Flurry Heart. "A mere unicorn cannot withstand the fury of a true alicorn. Only a fool like you would think otherwise."

"YOU DARE TO RAISE YOUR TONGUE AGAINST ME AGAIN!?" Blackhole boomed in anger once more as he realized that the fallen duke once more took to his hooves. "That will be the last time you open that mouth of yours." With those words uttered, Blackhole took to the air, his black coat burning with purple fury and his horn spewing wisp of black magic, preparing to slaughter the Duke. "THIS IS WHERE YOU DIE!!!" He snarled sending deadly spurs of dark magic towards the duke but once again surprised by a bright light that emanated from the duke himself locking into a deadly power struggle between the two. "HOW!!" He grit his teeth in anger as the duke poured his own magic back at him.

"You are not the only one with magic." Fancy Pants grit his teeth in anger as he spewed magic from his elongated horn at the God, his now emerged white wings flared in retaliation and determination. "I might not be the best at magic but you will not overpower me again!"

"I see now that Twilight Sparkle has discovered the secret of ascension!" The Being growled even louder as he poured more power at the Duke, forcing his magic back at him. "Nonetheless I will make you pay now for your insolence and let her pay later for her impertinence!"

"Not while we are here." Flurry took to the air, joining Fancy Pants in his struggle against Blackhole, sending her own golden magic to further strengthen her comrades. "You're tyrannical era ends now!"

"And with all our magic combined together you will fall," Abacus snorted, lighting her horn and joining the fight, sending her own powerful blasts at the villain, but not before turning to the Changelings that now looked to her petrified. "You all are free creatures now, I no longer control you all, however, Blackhole wants to make you all his mindless minions again. Please help us earn all our freedoms today…I am sorry for all I have done to you in the past but the world now depends on us all working together now." That was all she said to them before taking to the air in an attempt to dethrone the God.

Her desperate pleas to her once subjects did not fall on deft ears as momentarily the panicking Changelings stopped in their tracks as if mulling over the possible outcomes of what could happen if they didn't lend their aid. It was Blueblood who ultimately got their attention as he too fought against Blackhole. "A true Queen inspires her subjects to stand with her rather than force them to. Just like you all, She was under a curse but she did not leave you all under it, she broke it so you all can have freedom. Yes, she has done things in the past, so have you and I. I know you all wanted a compassionate leader...and here she is." He sighed, sending his magic to help the others. "We need your help."

"But how?" One of the Changelings spoke up for the rest, petrified of the scene that unfolded. "We can't fight anymore as we no longer hate…"

"Then use the love you have within you to fuel your drive to help the wounded…" Shining Armor plead as he dodged a deadly blow from Blackhole. "Use the love and light within your heart to bring down this wall of fear and hate."

"THEM?!" Blackhole boomed in mockery, using a powerful surge of magic to blast the heroes from the air, before landing victoriously, waltzing towards the reformed Changelings. "The only thing you will know now is fear." Blackhole cackled. "Do you see what I do with heroes? I am the only God worth fearing. BOW!" He boomed, prompting the Changelings to tremble with fear.

"Don't listen to him!" Flurry crawled towards them, her wing dangling as a result of the blast she received from the God. "He is nothing but a monster!"

"As much as I love the compliment, I must warn you about your tongue filly." Blackhole narrowed his eyes at her. "Don't force my hoof. I have plans for you despite your insolence."

"I don't want anything to do with you." Flurry shot back, slowly getting to her hooves, wincing at the pain from her broken wing. "You really are nothing but a monster. You have no heart. Does hurting innocent ponies truly satisfy you? Look at this place." She sighed, looking back at her father and the others that struggled to get to their hooves from their injuries, she looked at her cousins, the others that has now fallen because of Blackhole, Leaf Scanner, Canterlot Castle and the debris filled state it was now in. "Was all of this worth it?" She whispered at last, a single drop of tears rolling down her cheek. "Will destroying this world truly fix your family?"

"Yes."

"No." Flurry shook her head in disdain. "It won't." She looked at him in the eyes. "You will always remain a sad, lonely and bitter person."

"Be quiet."

"For the innocent lives you've ruined, I will always defy you." The Princess countered without fear. "I will never acknowledge you as a God. You are only a monster."

"Is that so?" Blackhole cocked his head, narrowing his eyes and studying the Princess' moves before looking at the helpless Changelings that cowered behind her. "Then I will gladly assume the mantle you have bestowed upon me child, let me show you just how much of a monster I can be."

"I dare you." Flurry shot back defiantly, taking a defensive stance defending the weak. "If you want to kill them then you will have to kill me first."
_______________________________
New Edenia.

"The legions have gathered outside." Thorax announced, making his way into the throne room, nodding his head to the many leaders that were present. "The flag has also been raised, Your Majesty. Our nation has declared war."

"Excellent." Twilight responded as she turned back to continue addressing the others. "As previously stated, this is an all out war, the citizen must know, hence the flag has risen."

"That is true," Luna nodded, before continuing. "You do not plan to take everyone to the battlefield though? Do you?"

"Of Course not." Twilight shook her head. "The mistresses of the Blades will remain as commanders of the last regiment here while I join you all in the assault of the north." The Empress explained. "I do however need someone capable to rule in my stead while I'm gone, hence I will bestow this honor upon you Thorax…"

"Your Majesty I can't-" Thorax quickly countered in a weary tone.

"-You must." Twilight sighed as the whole room listened to their dialogue. "Besides myself, husband and Princess Fluttershy, you are the only one capable of quickly coming up with alternatives when placed in difficult circumstances. This has to be you, besides, you have your daughter and the rest of the Elite Changelings to hold the nation together."

"This is a big task…" Thorax muttered in deep thought. "But I will carry out my duty," He bowed in respect.

"Good." Twilight nodded with a small smile. "Bring forth Sombra, It's about time I purged Blackhole's influence from him."

"Already done." Muera chimed as she strolled into the Throne room, bowing her head to the Empress. "It turned out Sombra was nothing more than a pawn, created from black magic, dark obsidia and Blackhole's Blood."

"All of that I knew," Twilight smiled, impressed at what the young Deer had accomplished. "How did you extract all of this without killing him though? I assume you had help from somebody powerful?"

"Indeed." She smiled, "The Sun Princess aided with containing his pure magical abilities," Muera smiled, glancing at Celestia who nodded in agreement. "The Night Princess also aided with containing his dark magic," She acknowledged Luna who nodded as well. "And finally, myself and all the other Deer used the ancient spell you taught us to transform him into what he should have been...a plane unicorn stallion."

"I'm proud of you Muera," Twilight gave a genuine laugh, truly proud of what the young Deer had accomplished. "I know Prince Thorn and your Mother are proud. Thank you for saving me all that work."

"No need to thank me your Majesty," Muera giggled. "It is my duty to help those of which are in need. I must warn you though, Sombra is aware of all he has done even though the evil has gone, he is therefore in a state of sorrow for all the evil he has committed while under Blackhole's curse and control."

"I feared that would have been the case." Twilight furrowed her brows before turning to the now reformed Sombra, who's eyes were now a forest of deep green, rarely doing little to hide the turmoil deep within.

"-Your Majesty I'm sorry-" Sombra's voice crack as he fell at the Empress' hooves, not daring to meet her eyes. The years of sins he committed finally weighing heavily upon his conscience.

"-No need to bow or grovel at my hooves Sombra," Twilight looked down at his shaking form. "I can see without a doubt that the dark forces have been purged from you," She paused glancing at her sister-in-law. "Cadance…"

"I've always dreamt of the day I caught you at your lowest." Cadance glared at the stallion who only shivered at the cold gaze. "I've never been one to dwell on self pity but you have ruined my life Sombra and for that I cannot forgive you."

"Empress-"

"-Silence!" Cadance cut him off. The whole room felt her fury, but no-one dared to say a word. "You shattered my great grandmother and scattered her remains all over Equestria, cursed my grandmother to live for 800 years collecting her mother's shards."

"I'm truly sorry…" Sombra whimpered, allowing his tears to fall. "I had no control over my actions Empress…" He begged, moving to touch the Empress' hooves. "Please forgive me…Let me make it up to you."

"How." Cadance narrowed her eyes. "You have no powers."

"Say the words and it can be done Cadance." Twilight suggested, fully aware of where Cadance intended on using Sombra.

"Will he not revert to his old ways?" Cadance asked some what concerned. "What if he double crosses us?"

"He can do no such thing." Celestia chimed. "He is now free." She glanced at the stallion. "Besides the powers are his, however dark they may be, they belong to him."

"Do you really want this?" Twilight asked the still puzzled love Empress. "We can always use an alternative method if you are uncomfortable."

"Do it." Cadance spat, turning her head away. "However, he must take a soul binding oath."

"A soul binding oath?" Twilight echoed in response, casting a questioning glance at her sister-in-law. "What do you mean Cadance?"

"I think Empress Cadance means that I will swear upon my soul that should I betray this cause…" Sombra spoke meekly, still not daring to meet the Empress' eyes. "I'll die." He whispered the last bit.

"Far worse than that." Celestia spoke, walking towards the grovelling stallion. "Should you take this oath and go back on it, your soul will burn for three days and three nights before you are completely erased from existence."

"And by existence." Luna spoke up as well, walking to stand beside her sister. "It means you will no longer exist, no-one will have any memory of you."

"I see." Sombra answered, taking a deep breath. "I am willing to take this oath, carry out this mission and repent for my sins," He passed before closing his eyes as the memories of the sins he committed came flooding back. "This is the only way I can redeem myself."

"Then stand and face me." Twilight spoke in a commanding voice, her wings flared in all of their regalia. Her horn lit with her radiant purple hue and her eyes emanating a strong magenta glow. "Upon your haunches, take the oath before all the leaders of this world." The Empress paused, before looking back at the other leaders. "They are our witnesses."

"I Sombra of the Umbrum, reformed Unicorn stallion, do solemnly swear to take back my magic and use them for the greater good of this cause." He paused, taking a breath and glancing at Celestia, who only looked away. "Should I revert to using my powers for evil or to hurt the innocent, then I will burn three days and three nights before my existence is completely gone."

"AND SO THIS OATH WILL STAND TILL THE END OF TIME!" Twilight bellowed, her purple magic bathing the room with its omnipotent light, setting the oath in motion and returning the magic to the stallion. "Arise Sombra." The Empress' voice rang out as she looked down at the stallion who remained kneeling.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." He bowed once more before standing to face the court. "No more shall I use my magic for bad, instead with the help of the Sun Princess, I'll use my magic for good."

"With proper training of course," Celestia gave a small welcoming smile to the Unicorn.

"Good." Twilight concluded, bringing the court back to her. "Now that Sombra is one of us…" She casted a slight glance at the Stallion, before turning to walk towards the foot of her throne, turning to address everyone. "We will use him to infiltrate Canterlot."

"And you are sure that will work?" Rarity spoke up, taking a few steps towards the monarch. "Won't Blackhole sense that we are plotting something?"

"Not if we attack full force and use Luna and Sombra as the rescue party." Twilight replied, bringing her hoof to her chin. "Blackhole wants me and my unborn foal so we will draw him out."

"I don't like the sound of that Twilight." Cadance gave a cautioning gaze. "What if he really does capture you? What then?" Cadance pressed, casting a worrying gaze at her siblings. "Have you forgotten that you are our leader?"

"Faust forbid it comes to that." Twilight sighed before looking back at Cadance. "But if it does then I'll have the Power of the Sun, the Darkness of the moon, the Strength of Love enforced with the regal six." The Empress spoke confidently, looking out towards all her friends. "We have the power we need right here." She spoke, reassuring everyone. "All we need to do is harness it and let it out."

"Very well then." Cadance gave a small nod and an even smaller smile. "I'll have your back." She turned to look at the rest of the court. "I'm sure the rest of your court does too." She concluded with the cheers from everyone around them.

"Now that this is settled." Twilight began, prompting everyone to be silent. "You all must get ready as we leave in an hour." She warned before eyeing the royal sisters. "All are dismissed except for the Royal sisters and my sister-in-law as we have things to discuss."