War of Griffinsby Silver ShadowsChaptersAwakenTracking CharmTearsSorry HopefulFinal BattleAwakenPrincess Celestia was not having a good day. None of the ponies were in the tree and she had used a tracking charm to find that they were all dead. The griffins were going to destroy Equestria and magic doesn’t work on them. The griffins don’t even believe in a truce or anything. The princess knocked on her sister’s door before opening it. Luna turned around, “Hello big sister. Aside from the fact that the ponies that we depended on to save Equestria are gone, why the long face?” Celestia cracked a smile, “I have to ask you a favor.” “What is the favor you ask me of?” She took a deep breath, “I need you to raise the dead.” Luna was rather taken aback, not used to being asked to raise the dead. Questions about Nightmare Moon? All the time. Nightmare Night? Yep. Her royal status and her relationship with her sister and some reporters trying to ask questions to make her lose her fans? Too many times to even say in words. Raise the dead? Never. Luna asked carefully, “Who and why?” Half expecting this question, the sun princess sighed, “The Mane 5, as they are called. They are needed for this battle.” Lunas’ eyes darkened, “You want me to willingly use black magic to raise them up when they aren’t allowed to fight in the first place?” “I need them for the Elements of Harmony and you know that, little sis.” “It’s not that. Lifting one soul that’s dead per year would be okay but five in a day? That would kill me.” The two were quiet for a moment. “I’ll start planning your goodbye party and your funeral, if you wish.” The alicorn of the night seethed, “You don’t care if I survive or not?” “I do, Luna, but I also care about all the other horses. If losing my sister means that every other pony is saved, then I’ll do it. Will you though? Will you make the ultimate sacrifice that could lift the spirits of the ponies?” “Like dying would do so much better for myself.” “Luna. Please.” “I’ll do it as a last resort.” The sun alicorn was running out of patience and in a desperate attempt, said, “I’m sorry for saying this but in order to save Equestria, I’m going to make a threat. You either kill yourself while raising the other 5 or... or I’ll kill you!” Luna rolled her eyes, “I die either way.” “Right but I’ll make it slower and more painful when I kill you.” “Whatever you do won’t match the pain of raising the dead sister. You never done it before so you don’t know what you’ve got to do in order to do it.” “I’ll turn you into my slave and do it then!” Luna rolled her eyes once more, “I could see why the elements didn’t stick by you now. This war has turned you into a monster Tia.” “I’m sorry Luna but somepony has to sacrifice their life.” Luna flapped her wings, “Very well then, for the sake of all Equestria, I will die. Just... give me until tomorrow?” “Wish granted.” Starlight thought for a moment, “We’ve been hanging around for some time I suppose. It’s been a month or two since you came back.” Rainbow smiled, “And I couldn’t be happier.” Starlight looked at the sky, “It’s going to rain soon so we should get back to our house soon.” Rainbow smirked, “Race you there!” She began to fly really quickly, going at light speed easily. Starlight galloped behind Rainbow, grumbling under her breath before teleporting to the front steps. By then though, Rainbow was already there, waiting. The rainbow pony smirked, “Sorry Starlight. I’m still 10% cooler.” Starlight rolled her eyes before using her telekinesis with her horn to open the door. They entered the house before Starlight locked it. Rainbow sat down on a chair, “Are you ever afraid if the ponies would reject you if they somehow uncover your cutie mark? I mean, that fake mark is easy to wash off and reapply. It’s not too stable.” Starlight sighed, “We will always act based on instinct when that happens. There is no need to decide for a plan now, when it won’t even happen.” They looked outside the window in silence, wondering what would happen if... just if somepony out there would figure out their true identities. Somepony opened the door and looked at them, “Oh... I’m sorry but I’m new to this village and every other pony told me to come here. I understand if you’re too busy.” Starlight gave her introduction speech, “Come right in and close the door please. My name I should Starlight Glimmer, and I’m the nominated leader of our little village. Over there, I have my second in command, Rainbow Dash. Wait... Are you an alicorn?” Rainbow looked at the door from the window and cursed herself from not recognizing the voice immediate. She bowed, “Princess Luna. No offense, but how did you get in?” The princess looked at Rainbow, “It is truly you Rainbow? I just saw this place and flew right in. Celestia, my sister, wants to raise the dead and I’ll die from it. I just wished that I could be someplace else to not have anything to worry about until tomorrow evening.” Starlight forced a smile before muttering to herself, “The borders are failing. Generations upon generations of magic unraveled.” Rainbow didn’t react to that sentences, she already had her own fears of that and was oddly clam. The unicorn looked at the alicorn, “I’m sorry Princess Luna, for not recognizing you at first. In this little village, all of us are equal. I will show you this town once the clouds clear away.” The alicorn turned to Rainbow, “Why can’t you clear the clouds?” Rainbow quickly said, “Umm... Some of the ponies like gardening and in order for their crops to grow, they need water.” Luna nodded, “Interesting. In Canterlot, we use our horn to water the plants. May I come in?” Rainbow nodded and opened the door completely while Starlight walked to Princess Luna to accompany her to her temporary cottage. Unfortunately, while getting too near the door, raindrops went over them and their fake cutie marks were washed away. Sugar Belle, who was outside, looking at the new pony in this village, saw Rainbow and Starlight’s cutie mark. She narrowed her eyes before gathering the whole village, minus the two leader’s and the alicorn, and began to discuss it. Tracking CharmThe town ponies marched up to the cottage and followed Sugar Belle’s strange plan. One of the ponies went inside and found an excuse to Ben inside while the rest of the town also went into the cottage, demanding something random. Suddenly, a dark blue Pegasus with a white mane flew and poured buckets of water of Rainbow, Starlight, and the alicorn. They began to shout insults to themselves, not caring that they were shouting to the beings with special talents and that they lost their own. Sugar Belle’s voice rose above the others, “We want our cutie marks!” Starlight gulped before raising a hoof, making everypony quiet, “Rainbow and I will hear your complaints one by one. Sugar Belle, you can come first. Rainbow, please go and clear the storm. I don’t think that’s getting this place flooded is a really good idea.” Rainbow nodded before clearing the weather in 5 seconds flat. She returned to the cottage and sat down with Starlight, dismissing the other ponies. Sugar Belle looked at them, “It’s unfair that only you have your cutie marks out of them all.” Starlight looked down, “We didn’t want to tell all of you, but since the secret is out... The staff won’t take out the cutie marks of anypony that is a leader or co leader. As for this alicorn, she had just arrived. I expect you to make her feel welcome and to introduce her to the other ponies.” Sugar looked at them with narrowed eyes before introducing herself to the princess’s and walking out with her. Rainbow sighed in relief, “That was close.” “Really close.” “Look on the bright side, we don’t need to pretend to not have cutie marks anymore.” Starlight chuckled softly before nodding. She said, “We know that the borders are failing, unfortunately. If they allowed a Princess Luna in, one of the most respected pony in Equestrian, then we know that something I should wrong. If there’s a Princess, it would be hard to decide who controls the village. Also, alicorns are immortal, besides in battle, but this town is for peace and we don’t need a tyrant for the next million years.” Rainbow knew that Starlight was talented in speeches, and could twist words to sound great, even at somepony’s funeral. Rainbow retorted, “Or ponies will find how right we are and will all give up their cutie marks.” Starlight sighed, “Not everyone is qualified to leave and getting their cutie marks back could be hard. The staff story is a lie, as I have mentioned to you once or twice.” “Actually, I think of just kind of figured that part out.” “Just think what would happen if a princess agreed to our cause. Any suggestions on how?” “Hmmm... Well, if I was a unicorn, I would first take away her cutie mark so she’s useless in many aspects. Then, I would mind control her subtly. You know, kind of like the changeling who controlled Twilight’s brother.” “Who’s Twilight?” There were a hundred things that’s Raknbow could brag and feel the sympathy of a friend. She could’ve made the whole town feel sorry, by the looks of it. Instead, Rainbow said, “No pony important.” “Okay then. I think you’re plan if extremely flawed. You know that Princess Luna’s magical ability is greater than mind, therefore I can’t control her and I can’t vouch for her that she won’t teleport away once she finds out the truth about this place.” “Whatever, book worm. Let’s just go back and you can formulate a plan.” “What will you do then?” Starlight expected a very basic and lazy answer from Rainbow, since her first week’s excuse was that she had to take a nap. Rainbow replied, “I will go around and make sure that everyone is happy, and hand out a schedule of the weather for this week, that I will control.” Starlight looked up Rainbow and studied her intently, “Who are you and where I should the real Rainbow Dash?” They laughed before going to their opposite ways. No pony noticed a pair of blue eyes following them. A prison was what this place truly contained, Luna knew. She was an eavesdropper and always a successful one. At first, Luna’s head spunk thinking about all the lies they dared tell her, but in their situation, she would’ve done the exact same thing. She began walking back to the cottage before a bright yellow, magical aura wrapped around her and made her teleport to another location. She looked up to meet her sister’s eyes, “Celestia?” Celestia looked at her with pity in her eyes, “It is night time Luna. I will sit here as you do the ritual.” “How did you find me?” She chuckled, “Luna, I know that you would’ve attempted to escape so I had secretly cast a spell on you, making you teleport at midnight.” Luna gritted her teeth before turning back to the grave. Luna sighed before saying, “Any last words you want to say?” “No. I don’t want to provoke you again.” Luna turned to the 5 graves that were dug in a circle. She flew into the inside of the circle. She chanted, “Aweop de weiop, yo quen pose adecocé. Do re me fa so para dewera.” Would began to appear and blurry images started to form. Luna felt her own soul starting to slip out. She continued to use her magic, “Para usetuma sa fa nakewasada.” Luna knew that the words were easy, but each word made her weaker and weaker. At the end of the spell, Luna was half dead, “Una we, we una.” Luna collapsed after the Mane 5 each formed a solid body. Celestia looked at her sister in pity, but took the 5 unconscious yet alive ponies into her palace. She couldn’t wait until they woke up. She also believed that she’s found Rainbow Dash. She looked at the sky to see dark shadows heading towards the palace and teleported to the soldiers rooms. Celestia shouted, “The griffins are coming!” Author's Note The language is completely made up so here are the translations. Aweop de weiop, yo quen pose adecocé. Do re me fa so para dewera.- Souls of the dead, I want to make an offer. For 5 bodies of the graves. Para usetuma sa fa nakewasada.- in return, you may make me suffer Una we, we una- My soul, for the souls TearsThe captain of the royal guard began to order his soldiers, “Guards will guard the mane 5 and the perimeter of the palace. The Pegasi Guards will be at the top of the tower, fighting in groups. As we have discovered, it takes an average of three Pegasi to take down one griffin. Two, if there’s an unicorn helping by slowing them down with magic. I will try to make a protective shield so none of us will die. Flash and Crystal will help me.” The two experienced guards nodded, although Crystal was worried about the fact that he wasn’t an unicorn. Twilight felt wobbly and dizzy in the head, even more so than usual. This was rather unusual and she opened her eyes carefully. She saw the other 4 behind her, looking frazzled. Princess Celestia opened the door and walked in. She helped the Elements stand up. The princess sighed, “Hi everypony. What do you remember?” Twilight racked her brains, trying to recall something, “I think that... Wait, that’s strange. I can’t remember anything that happened before the tree. But how are we-huh?” Princess Celestia secretly smiled to herself, “Ah, that’s no matter. Anyways, I uncovered a secret village with a few ponies to help us. It’s a village where all the cutie marks are equal signs and the two leaders are the ones with their cutie marks. Anyways, they are more than happy to help us and I will introduce you to the leaders.” Princess Celestia knew that she had drafted them but it’s better than giving a long explanation. Rainbow and Starlight entered the room while the sun princess left the room. Starlight looked at the other ponies before looking at Rainbow. It was obvious that those two were friends of some sort. Twilight broke her heart while looking at them, knowing that it could’ve been her standing by Rainbow’s side. Rainbow sighed, “Okay, that’s Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Applejack. Starlight nodded, “My name is Starlight.” Twilight forced a small smile, “It’s nice to meet you, Starlight.” Rainbow rolled her eyes, “I would thank you for acknowledging my existence but it seems like I don’t have the pleasure anymore.” Twilight blinked, shocked that Rainbow actually knew a word that was long, started with the letter ‘a’ and that the word wasn’t ‘awesome’. Twilight sighed before turning to Starlight, “I’m sorry about Rainbow here, but she’s just really full of herself.” Starlight looked at her, angry, “Rainbow is one of my best friends and Celestia says that you are her friends.” The newly raised all looked at her with shock, when Starlight didn’t call her a princess. Rarity put up a hoof, “Darling, surely you know that friends shouldn’t hold grudges for a simple little thing. Right?” “I meant that refusing to greet somepony means that you don’t like that pony, or you don’t know that pony.” Pinkie squealed, “My name is Pinkie Pie and I have to welcome you to Canterlot along with Rainbow’s party and I wanted to say hi to you Rainbow but I let Twilight say things first since we all look at her as a leader but I can talk about your party that I will throw for you now anyways do you like the color pink or blue but you don’t need to answer that now signs we will have plenty of time to think after the war when we will all be celebrating.” Twilight wasn’t going even question Pinkie about how she said that’s in one breath. Starlight, meanwhile, was a little taken aback, “Anyways, we are here to discuss...” Twilight blinked, realizing the princess’ plan “I think that the princess wants us to talk about how to unite the elements and become allies with the griffins again.” Rainbow crossed her hooves, “I think that I made it clear that-“ A voice shouted, “The griffins are heading this way! Everypony, scatter and attack with your groups.” The door was knocked backwards by a claw but it quickly disappeared as another pony hit the griffin in the head. The griffin reared back before beating their brown wings and making a few of them crash into the wall and faint. Then, the griffins proceeded to stab their claws into their flesh. Twilight looked up, “Brother? What’s are you do-“ Crash! A white pony with a blue mane crashed into the wall. When the griffin headed for the pony, Twilight pointed her horn at the griffin, creating a wall of air. While she was distracted, another griffin hit Twilight and she crashed into her friends. The griffins headed towards them while Twilight and her friends huddles together in fear. Meanwhile, Rainbow and Starlight looked at each other. Twilight called out, “Help!” Rainbow asked Starlight, “Do you think-“ Starlight sighed, “We’ll talk after.” They nodded before standing in front of their friends. The griffin laughed, “Rainbow, you won’t seriously still go with them, would you? Come to the winning side.” Rainbow sneered, “So you could kill me when the griffins win? No thanks.” Gilda chuckled, “How would you stop me? With the ‘Friendship of Magic’ with your non-friends?” Starlight hit a magical beam at Gilda, forcing her to become paralyzed for 5 minutes, “Fortunately, she does have a friend here who won’t cower and back up to the wall in fear.” Gilda struggled in her binds, not being able to move at all. After the 5 minutes, Gilda swooped down to try to hit them but was held back by a wall of air. Rainbow didn’t even seem to be moving her wings so Twilight and the others (besides Starlight), didn’t know who was doing it. Gilda struggled against it, “What the... How?” Starlight began to hit Gilda with random burst of magic to try and knock her out, although it didn’t work. She finally settled for the paralysis spell, although it wouldn’t last for too long. Fortunately, Rainbow hit Gilda with lightning without moving too much and she’s was knocked out. Twilight finally stood up, “How-How did the lightning occur?” The door opened and the princess walked in, “The fight is over. Some of the ponies are dead but all the griffins escaped once I showed up. Congratulations, Twilight, for knocking out the griffin. You did do it, right? I am very proud of you.” Twilight smiled, “Yes, I did it without too much help, Princess.” “Good job. Next time, Starlight, Rainbow, try and help your new friends. Follow me.” She led the ponies out of the door with a small smile on her face. Author's Note I based this off of when Princess Celestia still complemented Twilight a lot after the Crystal Empire, even though it was Spike. Also, Celestia always seems to be congratulating Twilight, in my opinion. Sorry HopefulPrincess Celestia said, “This will be your room girls. Once again Twilight, congratulations on finding the lightning spell and a paralysis spell.” Twilight, wanting to impress the princess, nodded, “Thank you Princess.” “Now, those spells could help the war. Can you show me how to do it?” Twilight gulped before faking a yawn, “I’m a little tired Princess. Do you mind if I sleep and tell you tomorrow?” “I completely understand Twilight. I will ask you tomorrow, around this time.” The princess left and Twilight turned to them. Twilight was worried, “Girls, let’s hit the library and help me find those spells. Starlight, you must tell me how you did the paralysis spell and I will try to find other weather spells.” Starlight raised an eyebrow, “Twilight Sparkle, I don’t have to tell you anything and your friends aren’t exactly slaves. You can’t command them without their opinions on it first.” Rarity stepped forwards, “I, for one, completely agree with Starlight. I need to wash my muddy mane. I’ll be back soon Twilight.” She walked into the bathroom and everypony heard the shower running. Fluttershy turned to Twilight, “I-I have to agree with Starlight. She-She does make a point that you are a little... too... bossy.” Pinkie sighed, “You’re a party pooper Twilight. You didn’t even allow me to host any parties during our time under the tree! I was bored to death.” Applejack raised a hoof, “Wait a second, I completely trust Twilight. She’s logical and she has proven herself many times.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow, “Under the orders of the Princess.” Twilight began to randomly burst into a song, just like old times, “Rainbow Dash, I am sorry for mistrusting your judgements, I was hopeful, I am sorry, If you could come back to me, The element of loyalty, Can never be apart, From the other elements, And I thought that it was secure.” Pinkie and Applejack sang, “We all played a part in this, We were hopeful for a lesson in you, Bragging, Cheering, Having a fan club, Was expanding that head of yours.” Fluttershy quietly sang, “We never thought of the consequences, Waiting for us to do something wrong.” Rainbow sang, “You could’ve done anything to save me, Besides saying sorry and talking about the elements, You only care about stopping this war, And even the princess doesn’t care about the cost.” Starlight sang the last verse, “I’m new to this group, But I was forced upon it anyways, Should I have the chance of becoming an element, I would’ve said no, You were sorry, You are hopeful, That the element of loyalty would come back to you, But that time has been wasted, Pleading, hoping, everything, She is done with you, She needs the space to think and ponder upon how to fix this.” Twilight asked, “Fix what?” Starlight answered, “Fix her trust and capability of having a friend.” Applejack walked to Rainbow, “Ah’m mighty sorry for not trusting you Rainbow and not givin’ ya enough space.” Rainbow walked to the middle of the crowd, “Look, everypony. I have an announcement to make. Twilight, you did make a really bad mistake but friends always forgive one another. The thing I did not want you to do is to view me as an Element, instead of a pony. I think that I will actually give you girls another chance, but it remains known that Starlight will be my best friend instead of you. Also, Twilight, don’t lie to the princess. You do know that you didn’t do the paralysis spell nor the lightning nor the air force.” Twilight sighed and walked to Rainbow, “Look, Rainbow, I’m extremely sorry for looking at you as an Element and not who you are. I was so caught up thinking on how to make your element pure that I didn’t realize how much it could backfire. I was wrong.” Rainbow gave a dramatic gasp, “The world is ending! Twilight Sparkle just admitted that she was wrong.” They all chuckled, besides Twilight who ended up glaring softly at Rainbow. Starlight sighed, “Look, Twilight, you can’t learn the spell by tomorrow. I’m too tired and Rainbow is also tired.” Understanding that Starlight was helping Rainbow, she said, “Yeah, too tired. We are going to hit the hay.” The rest of them stared at one another in worry. In the bathroom, when brushing their teeth, Starlight made sure that they were the only ones in hearing range and whispered, “Did you really forgive them Rainbow?” Rainbow whispered back, “No, forgiveness is hard but not trying just isn’t right. Every pony made mistakes but only some ponies are good enough to ask for forgiveness. Asking is also really hard, and even though I don’t think Twilight was being sincere, it is true that she is the Element of Magic and that in order to be left alone again, we need her powers.” “She didn’t do anything though.” “I know but when Princess Celestia makes her do other fancy spells to try and help the war, she will be capable. I hope.” “I hope so too.” “Why?” “Weren’t you listening to Celestia? Actually, don’t answer that,” she said, looking at Rainbow’s smirk, “Celestia said that we were going to fight the battle tomorrow.” They both finished brushing their teeth and slept on their sleeping bags. In the hall, Twilight had put a sound proof spell and asked her friends, “Do you actually think that Rainbow forgave us?” Fluttershy whispered, “I hope she did.” Applejack sighed, “Doubt it. She isn’t one to forgive quickly and Ah know a lie when I see one.” Rarity brushed her mane with a brush she took out, “Darling, you must see the good side of the thing. I do believe that Rainbow will forgive us completely over time.” Pinkie smiled, “She’ll forgive once I throw her a party in Ponyville!” Twilight sighed, “She never mentioned going back to Ponyville though, I mean, she’s the leader of a whole village! Would she give that up?” They looked at one another before going to the library and beginning to read. Final BattleAuthor's Note This is the final chapter. There will not be any epilogue or other endings. This story has gone far enough and this will be the end. Final Battle Twilight bowed in the throne room, "I'm sorry Princess Celestial but the spell was more on instinct than thinking. I had thought that with a night's sleep, I could think of it." Rainbow snarled, thinking, 'That was a lie. Starlight did the spell!' The princess sighed, "It's alright, my faithful student. Magical bursts could happen to any unicorn, even an advanced one like you. Today, we will all be fighting." Rainbow asked, "Why are we all fighting?" Princess Celestia looked outside, "Our forces are dwindling in a rapid rate. This is our last possible attempt. If we lost, all of ponykind will be gone sooner than you could blink. That is why this is very important." Suddenly a horn blared and the princess sighed, "Change into these clothes," she said while levitating clothes, "And go outside. There wasn't time to find a strategy so it's chaotic fighting. I shall be outside." The princess teleported, leaving the others. Rainbow put on her outfit, which was similar to the Wonderbolt's armor, which made flying faster and easier. Twilight's horn was the most protected it hers. Fluttershy got metal wings, a helmet, and regular clothes. Rarity's horn was also slightly protected and her body was completely covered. Pinkie only had a small suit of armed and Applejack had boots that made her quicker and stronger. Starlight didn't get anything but a small protector for her horn. Twilight signaled them, "Let's go girls." All of them ran outside, save for Fluttershy who was looking outside before looking back in. Twilight blasted stun magic attacks at griffins, which took her energy and other made the griffins collapse on the ground for 30 seconds. Rarity was levitating knives and hurling them at the griffins. Pinkie was annoying the griffins. Rainbow was taunting them before dodging their attacks to make them harm another griffin and Starlight made a force field around herself. Rainbow landed next to Starlight and Starlight extended the force field to cover both of them. Rainbow asked, "So we aren't going to do anything?" Starlight calmly said, "It is their war, not our war. We don't need to be involved." “It’s not fair to leave them out fighting! Yes, they are not our friends, but do you want to fight the griffins? Sometimes, we need to be loyal to our kind, and not be so stubborn.” Rainbow flew out of the forcefield to fight. Starlight stared after Rainbow before sighing. Although she didn’t like the other ponies, Rainbow was still her friend and she should help her fight. Rainbow smiled at Starlight before flapping her wings, creating storm clouds. She concentrated to flash lightning to various griffins, burning them. Starlight flashed out paralysis spell. The princess looked at them, surprised that her pupil lied and that Rainbow could do magic somehow. The rest of them also looked before Twilight realized that the Storm of Terror, which it was known as, was created by Rainbow and not by some natural causes. Twilight smiled before turning to the others, “Applejack and Rarity, take the South. Fluttershy and I should take the East. Pinkie, you will fight in the West. You’re an one pony army either way.” They nodded and took off in their various pairs. Rainbow flew higher, reaching a really high altitude, her wings crackling with lightning and her coat was abstract against the dark sky, making her a highlight. Anypony that got too close would be zapped and killed immediately. Starlight levitated herself up, wincing from power overload and zapped griffins that were too close. Out of the corner of Rainbow’s eyes, she finally found that her previous friends and the princess were trapped in tied within the span of 4 minutes. She landed with Starlight and they galloped across. Rainbow recognized the griffin guarding immediately, “Gilda, let them go.” Gilda laughed, in a dark tone, “Oh Rainbow, you are so foolish. Only you have some hope in defeating us but if there’s too many, you can’t do it, even with the powerful unicorn next to you.” Rainbow looked around to see griffins all over the place, “You wouldn’t dare.” Starlight whispered, “Go Rainbow and protect the people. I’ll hold them off for as long as I could... Just don’t die, okay?” Rainbow looked at her before shaking her head, “I am not leaving you behind Starlight. You could teleport away and save the other ponies. I have a chance of holding them off.” Starlight hesitated before nodding and leaving, understanding the solemn tone of her friend. Gilda smirked, “Well, well, Rainbow. You’re alone now. I’ll give you a 10 second head start to fly.” Rainbow looked at the ponies tied up, who were looking at her with various emotions, “I won’t let you kill them Gilda.” “9 seconds, Dash.” Rainbow gritted her teeth before waiting until there was one second left and taking off, with the griffins banging into each other, creating chaos. Still, there were griffins still chasing her and she made it to the highest altitude possible with oxygen. Seeing the griffins still chasing her, she was going to go to the East to lose them and make sure that none of them would hurt anypony until she saw... Gilda, still below, with a knife inching towards Fluttershy’s neck. Rainbow cried out, “No!” Her wings flashed with lightning, and she dove. In light speed, she created a Sonic Rainbow, breaking its barriers and making the griffins fall to the ground. Gilda’s knife began to cut Fluttershy’s throat. Urging her wings to fly faster, Rainbow pushed her limits and she felt her body beginning to give way to a double Rainboom. Gilda was now choking Fluttershy and one more second would kill her. Then, she made the Double Rainboom occur, making Gilda’s knife rebound and kill herself. The Rainboom knocked all the restraints away and just about every griffin was gone, save for a few. The clouds cleared away instantly, revealing a full moon in the night sky. Rainbow tried to go up just as the Rainboom was done but her wings were going too fast already and it’s too late. She crashed onto the ground, creating a giant hole that dug far in the Earth. She took her last breath, “I’m sorry.” Princess Celestia stood up, remembering what Rainbow did. She dove in after Rainbow, frantic to catch her but she heard a crash and her heart raced with worry. She levitated Rainbow out and Rainbow’s previous friends wept. Fluttershy alone was already creating a river of tears while the others were in denial. Starlight teleported back and stared at Rainbow’s body, “What?” Twilight whispered, “She promised that she would not let them kill us. She never said that they wouldn’t kill her.” Fluttershy screamed, which was a rare nature for her, “I treated her so badly! I-I betrayed her and she was only loyal to us.” Princess Celestia looked into the night sky, remembering her sister. The princess looked down, “I’ve got to go and make up for my mistakes.” She picked up Rainbow’s limp body and teleported into the place where Luna made her ritual. The five graves were still there. Princess Celestia buried Rainbow before putting a random tombstone with her named carved on it. She took her sister’s too. Princess Celestia remembered her sister saying that raising more than one dead would kill anypony, experienced of not. The princess looked at the moon, “I’m sorry sister. There could’ve been another way. I just hope that it isn’t too late for forgiveness.” She chanted the words that Luna said and almost lost her balance as she felt the most painful torture that she had ever encountered. Rainbow and Luna’s spirits rose up and formed full bodies. The last thing Princess Celestia saw was the two ponies she betrayed looking at her with a blank face.
AwakenPrincess Celestia was not having a good day. None of the ponies were in the tree and she had used a tracking charm to find that they were all dead. The griffins were going to destroy Equestria and magic doesn’t work on them. The griffins don’t even believe in a truce or anything. The princess knocked on her sister’s door before opening it. Luna turned around, “Hello big sister. Aside from the fact that the ponies that we depended on to save Equestria are gone, why the long face?” Celestia cracked a smile, “I have to ask you a favor.” “What is the favor you ask me of?” She took a deep breath, “I need you to raise the dead.” Luna was rather taken aback, not used to being asked to raise the dead. Questions about Nightmare Moon? All the time. Nightmare Night? Yep. Her royal status and her relationship with her sister and some reporters trying to ask questions to make her lose her fans? Too many times to even say in words. Raise the dead? Never. Luna asked carefully, “Who and why?” Half expecting this question, the sun princess sighed, “The Mane 5, as they are called. They are needed for this battle.” Lunas’ eyes darkened, “You want me to willingly use black magic to raise them up when they aren’t allowed to fight in the first place?” “I need them for the Elements of Harmony and you know that, little sis.” “It’s not that. Lifting one soul that’s dead per year would be okay but five in a day? That would kill me.” The two were quiet for a moment. “I’ll start planning your goodbye party and your funeral, if you wish.” The alicorn of the night seethed, “You don’t care if I survive or not?” “I do, Luna, but I also care about all the other horses. If losing my sister means that every other pony is saved, then I’ll do it. Will you though? Will you make the ultimate sacrifice that could lift the spirits of the ponies?” “Like dying would do so much better for myself.” “Luna. Please.” “I’ll do it as a last resort.” The sun alicorn was running out of patience and in a desperate attempt, said, “I’m sorry for saying this but in order to save Equestria, I’m going to make a threat. You either kill yourself while raising the other 5 or... or I’ll kill you!” Luna rolled her eyes, “I die either way.” “Right but I’ll make it slower and more painful when I kill you.” “Whatever you do won’t match the pain of raising the dead sister. You never done it before so you don’t know what you’ve got to do in order to do it.” “I’ll turn you into my slave and do it then!” Luna rolled her eyes once more, “I could see why the elements didn’t stick by you now. This war has turned you into a monster Tia.” “I’m sorry Luna but somepony has to sacrifice their life.” Luna flapped her wings, “Very well then, for the sake of all Equestria, I will die. Just... give me until tomorrow?” “Wish granted.” Starlight thought for a moment, “We’ve been hanging around for some time I suppose. It’s been a month or two since you came back.” Rainbow smiled, “And I couldn’t be happier.” Starlight looked at the sky, “It’s going to rain soon so we should get back to our house soon.” Rainbow smirked, “Race you there!” She began to fly really quickly, going at light speed easily. Starlight galloped behind Rainbow, grumbling under her breath before teleporting to the front steps. By then though, Rainbow was already there, waiting. The rainbow pony smirked, “Sorry Starlight. I’m still 10% cooler.” Starlight rolled her eyes before using her telekinesis with her horn to open the door. They entered the house before Starlight locked it. Rainbow sat down on a chair, “Are you ever afraid if the ponies would reject you if they somehow uncover your cutie mark? I mean, that fake mark is easy to wash off and reapply. It’s not too stable.” Starlight sighed, “We will always act based on instinct when that happens. There is no need to decide for a plan now, when it won’t even happen.” They looked outside the window in silence, wondering what would happen if... just if somepony out there would figure out their true identities. Somepony opened the door and looked at them, “Oh... I’m sorry but I’m new to this village and every other pony told me to come here. I understand if you’re too busy.” Starlight gave her introduction speech, “Come right in and close the door please. My name I should Starlight Glimmer, and I’m the nominated leader of our little village. Over there, I have my second in command, Rainbow Dash. Wait... Are you an alicorn?” Rainbow looked at the door from the window and cursed herself from not recognizing the voice immediate. She bowed, “Princess Luna. No offense, but how did you get in?” The princess looked at Rainbow, “It is truly you Rainbow? I just saw this place and flew right in. Celestia, my sister, wants to raise the dead and I’ll die from it. I just wished that I could be someplace else to not have anything to worry about until tomorrow evening.” Starlight forced a smile before muttering to herself, “The borders are failing. Generations upon generations of magic unraveled.” Rainbow didn’t react to that sentences, she already had her own fears of that and was oddly clam. The unicorn looked at the alicorn, “I’m sorry Princess Luna, for not recognizing you at first. In this little village, all of us are equal. I will show you this town once the clouds clear away.” The alicorn turned to Rainbow, “Why can’t you clear the clouds?” Rainbow quickly said, “Umm... Some of the ponies like gardening and in order for their crops to grow, they need water.” Luna nodded, “Interesting. In Canterlot, we use our horn to water the plants. May I come in?” Rainbow nodded and opened the door completely while Starlight walked to Princess Luna to accompany her to her temporary cottage. Unfortunately, while getting too near the door, raindrops went over them and their fake cutie marks were washed away. Sugar Belle, who was outside, looking at the new pony in this village, saw Rainbow and Starlight’s cutie mark. She narrowed her eyes before gathering the whole village, minus the two leader’s and the alicorn, and began to discuss it.
Tracking CharmThe town ponies marched up to the cottage and followed Sugar Belle’s strange plan. One of the ponies went inside and found an excuse to Ben inside while the rest of the town also went into the cottage, demanding something random. Suddenly, a dark blue Pegasus with a white mane flew and poured buckets of water of Rainbow, Starlight, and the alicorn. They began to shout insults to themselves, not caring that they were shouting to the beings with special talents and that they lost their own. Sugar Belle’s voice rose above the others, “We want our cutie marks!” Starlight gulped before raising a hoof, making everypony quiet, “Rainbow and I will hear your complaints one by one. Sugar Belle, you can come first. Rainbow, please go and clear the storm. I don’t think that’s getting this place flooded is a really good idea.” Rainbow nodded before clearing the weather in 5 seconds flat. She returned to the cottage and sat down with Starlight, dismissing the other ponies. Sugar Belle looked at them, “It’s unfair that only you have your cutie marks out of them all.” Starlight looked down, “We didn’t want to tell all of you, but since the secret is out... The staff won’t take out the cutie marks of anypony that is a leader or co leader. As for this alicorn, she had just arrived. I expect you to make her feel welcome and to introduce her to the other ponies.” Sugar looked at them with narrowed eyes before introducing herself to the princess’s and walking out with her. Rainbow sighed in relief, “That was close.” “Really close.” “Look on the bright side, we don’t need to pretend to not have cutie marks anymore.” Starlight chuckled softly before nodding. She said, “We know that the borders are failing, unfortunately. If they allowed a Princess Luna in, one of the most respected pony in Equestrian, then we know that something I should wrong. If there’s a Princess, it would be hard to decide who controls the village. Also, alicorns are immortal, besides in battle, but this town is for peace and we don’t need a tyrant for the next million years.” Rainbow knew that Starlight was talented in speeches, and could twist words to sound great, even at somepony’s funeral. Rainbow retorted, “Or ponies will find how right we are and will all give up their cutie marks.” Starlight sighed, “Not everyone is qualified to leave and getting their cutie marks back could be hard. The staff story is a lie, as I have mentioned to you once or twice.” “Actually, I think of just kind of figured that part out.” “Just think what would happen if a princess agreed to our cause. Any suggestions on how?” “Hmmm... Well, if I was a unicorn, I would first take away her cutie mark so she’s useless in many aspects. Then, I would mind control her subtly. You know, kind of like the changeling who controlled Twilight’s brother.” “Who’s Twilight?” There were a hundred things that’s Raknbow could brag and feel the sympathy of a friend. She could’ve made the whole town feel sorry, by the looks of it. Instead, Rainbow said, “No pony important.” “Okay then. I think you’re plan if extremely flawed. You know that Princess Luna’s magical ability is greater than mind, therefore I can’t control her and I can’t vouch for her that she won’t teleport away once she finds out the truth about this place.” “Whatever, book worm. Let’s just go back and you can formulate a plan.” “What will you do then?” Starlight expected a very basic and lazy answer from Rainbow, since her first week’s excuse was that she had to take a nap. Rainbow replied, “I will go around and make sure that everyone is happy, and hand out a schedule of the weather for this week, that I will control.” Starlight looked up Rainbow and studied her intently, “Who are you and where I should the real Rainbow Dash?” They laughed before going to their opposite ways. No pony noticed a pair of blue eyes following them. A prison was what this place truly contained, Luna knew. She was an eavesdropper and always a successful one. At first, Luna’s head spunk thinking about all the lies they dared tell her, but in their situation, she would’ve done the exact same thing. She began walking back to the cottage before a bright yellow, magical aura wrapped around her and made her teleport to another location. She looked up to meet her sister’s eyes, “Celestia?” Celestia looked at her with pity in her eyes, “It is night time Luna. I will sit here as you do the ritual.” “How did you find me?” She chuckled, “Luna, I know that you would’ve attempted to escape so I had secretly cast a spell on you, making you teleport at midnight.” Luna gritted her teeth before turning back to the grave. Luna sighed before saying, “Any last words you want to say?” “No. I don’t want to provoke you again.” Luna turned to the 5 graves that were dug in a circle. She flew into the inside of the circle. She chanted, “Aweop de weiop, yo quen pose adecocé. Do re me fa so para dewera.” Would began to appear and blurry images started to form. Luna felt her own soul starting to slip out. She continued to use her magic, “Para usetuma sa fa nakewasada.” Luna knew that the words were easy, but each word made her weaker and weaker. At the end of the spell, Luna was half dead, “Una we, we una.” Luna collapsed after the Mane 5 each formed a solid body. Celestia looked at her sister in pity, but took the 5 unconscious yet alive ponies into her palace. She couldn’t wait until they woke up. She also believed that she’s found Rainbow Dash. She looked at the sky to see dark shadows heading towards the palace and teleported to the soldiers rooms. Celestia shouted, “The griffins are coming!” Author's Note The language is completely made up so here are the translations. Aweop de weiop, yo quen pose adecocé. Do re me fa so para dewera.- Souls of the dead, I want to make an offer. For 5 bodies of the graves. Para usetuma sa fa nakewasada.- in return, you may make me suffer Una we, we una- My soul, for the souls
TearsThe captain of the royal guard began to order his soldiers, “Guards will guard the mane 5 and the perimeter of the palace. The Pegasi Guards will be at the top of the tower, fighting in groups. As we have discovered, it takes an average of three Pegasi to take down one griffin. Two, if there’s an unicorn helping by slowing them down with magic. I will try to make a protective shield so none of us will die. Flash and Crystal will help me.” The two experienced guards nodded, although Crystal was worried about the fact that he wasn’t an unicorn. Twilight felt wobbly and dizzy in the head, even more so than usual. This was rather unusual and she opened her eyes carefully. She saw the other 4 behind her, looking frazzled. Princess Celestia opened the door and walked in. She helped the Elements stand up. The princess sighed, “Hi everypony. What do you remember?” Twilight racked her brains, trying to recall something, “I think that... Wait, that’s strange. I can’t remember anything that happened before the tree. But how are we-huh?” Princess Celestia secretly smiled to herself, “Ah, that’s no matter. Anyways, I uncovered a secret village with a few ponies to help us. It’s a village where all the cutie marks are equal signs and the two leaders are the ones with their cutie marks. Anyways, they are more than happy to help us and I will introduce you to the leaders.” Princess Celestia knew that she had drafted them but it’s better than giving a long explanation. Rainbow and Starlight entered the room while the sun princess left the room. Starlight looked at the other ponies before looking at Rainbow. It was obvious that those two were friends of some sort. Twilight broke her heart while looking at them, knowing that it could’ve been her standing by Rainbow’s side. Rainbow sighed, “Okay, that’s Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Applejack. Starlight nodded, “My name is Starlight.” Twilight forced a small smile, “It’s nice to meet you, Starlight.” Rainbow rolled her eyes, “I would thank you for acknowledging my existence but it seems like I don’t have the pleasure anymore.” Twilight blinked, shocked that Rainbow actually knew a word that was long, started with the letter ‘a’ and that the word wasn’t ‘awesome’. Twilight sighed before turning to Starlight, “I’m sorry about Rainbow here, but she’s just really full of herself.” Starlight looked at her, angry, “Rainbow is one of my best friends and Celestia says that you are her friends.” The newly raised all looked at her with shock, when Starlight didn’t call her a princess. Rarity put up a hoof, “Darling, surely you know that friends shouldn’t hold grudges for a simple little thing. Right?” “I meant that refusing to greet somepony means that you don’t like that pony, or you don’t know that pony.” Pinkie squealed, “My name is Pinkie Pie and I have to welcome you to Canterlot along with Rainbow’s party and I wanted to say hi to you Rainbow but I let Twilight say things first since we all look at her as a leader but I can talk about your party that I will throw for you now anyways do you like the color pink or blue but you don’t need to answer that now signs we will have plenty of time to think after the war when we will all be celebrating.” Twilight wasn’t going even question Pinkie about how she said that’s in one breath. Starlight, meanwhile, was a little taken aback, “Anyways, we are here to discuss...” Twilight blinked, realizing the princess’ plan “I think that the princess wants us to talk about how to unite the elements and become allies with the griffins again.” Rainbow crossed her hooves, “I think that I made it clear that-“ A voice shouted, “The griffins are heading this way! Everypony, scatter and attack with your groups.” The door was knocked backwards by a claw but it quickly disappeared as another pony hit the griffin in the head. The griffin reared back before beating their brown wings and making a few of them crash into the wall and faint. Then, the griffins proceeded to stab their claws into their flesh. Twilight looked up, “Brother? What’s are you do-“ Crash! A white pony with a blue mane crashed into the wall. When the griffin headed for the pony, Twilight pointed her horn at the griffin, creating a wall of air. While she was distracted, another griffin hit Twilight and she crashed into her friends. The griffins headed towards them while Twilight and her friends huddles together in fear. Meanwhile, Rainbow and Starlight looked at each other. Twilight called out, “Help!” Rainbow asked Starlight, “Do you think-“ Starlight sighed, “We’ll talk after.” They nodded before standing in front of their friends. The griffin laughed, “Rainbow, you won’t seriously still go with them, would you? Come to the winning side.” Rainbow sneered, “So you could kill me when the griffins win? No thanks.” Gilda chuckled, “How would you stop me? With the ‘Friendship of Magic’ with your non-friends?” Starlight hit a magical beam at Gilda, forcing her to become paralyzed for 5 minutes, “Fortunately, she does have a friend here who won’t cower and back up to the wall in fear.” Gilda struggled in her binds, not being able to move at all. After the 5 minutes, Gilda swooped down to try to hit them but was held back by a wall of air. Rainbow didn’t even seem to be moving her wings so Twilight and the others (besides Starlight), didn’t know who was doing it. Gilda struggled against it, “What the... How?” Starlight began to hit Gilda with random burst of magic to try and knock her out, although it didn’t work. She finally settled for the paralysis spell, although it wouldn’t last for too long. Fortunately, Rainbow hit Gilda with lightning without moving too much and she’s was knocked out. Twilight finally stood up, “How-How did the lightning occur?” The door opened and the princess walked in, “The fight is over. Some of the ponies are dead but all the griffins escaped once I showed up. Congratulations, Twilight, for knocking out the griffin. You did do it, right? I am very proud of you.” Twilight smiled, “Yes, I did it without too much help, Princess.” “Good job. Next time, Starlight, Rainbow, try and help your new friends. Follow me.” She led the ponies out of the door with a small smile on her face. Author's Note I based this off of when Princess Celestia still complemented Twilight a lot after the Crystal Empire, even though it was Spike. Also, Celestia always seems to be congratulating Twilight, in my opinion.
Sorry HopefulPrincess Celestia said, “This will be your room girls. Once again Twilight, congratulations on finding the lightning spell and a paralysis spell.” Twilight, wanting to impress the princess, nodded, “Thank you Princess.” “Now, those spells could help the war. Can you show me how to do it?” Twilight gulped before faking a yawn, “I’m a little tired Princess. Do you mind if I sleep and tell you tomorrow?” “I completely understand Twilight. I will ask you tomorrow, around this time.” The princess left and Twilight turned to them. Twilight was worried, “Girls, let’s hit the library and help me find those spells. Starlight, you must tell me how you did the paralysis spell and I will try to find other weather spells.” Starlight raised an eyebrow, “Twilight Sparkle, I don’t have to tell you anything and your friends aren’t exactly slaves. You can’t command them without their opinions on it first.” Rarity stepped forwards, “I, for one, completely agree with Starlight. I need to wash my muddy mane. I’ll be back soon Twilight.” She walked into the bathroom and everypony heard the shower running. Fluttershy turned to Twilight, “I-I have to agree with Starlight. She-She does make a point that you are a little... too... bossy.” Pinkie sighed, “You’re a party pooper Twilight. You didn’t even allow me to host any parties during our time under the tree! I was bored to death.” Applejack raised a hoof, “Wait a second, I completely trust Twilight. She’s logical and she has proven herself many times.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow, “Under the orders of the Princess.” Twilight began to randomly burst into a song, just like old times, “Rainbow Dash, I am sorry for mistrusting your judgements, I was hopeful, I am sorry, If you could come back to me, The element of loyalty, Can never be apart, From the other elements, And I thought that it was secure.” Pinkie and Applejack sang, “We all played a part in this, We were hopeful for a lesson in you, Bragging, Cheering, Having a fan club, Was expanding that head of yours.” Fluttershy quietly sang, “We never thought of the consequences, Waiting for us to do something wrong.” Rainbow sang, “You could’ve done anything to save me, Besides saying sorry and talking about the elements, You only care about stopping this war, And even the princess doesn’t care about the cost.” Starlight sang the last verse, “I’m new to this group, But I was forced upon it anyways, Should I have the chance of becoming an element, I would’ve said no, You were sorry, You are hopeful, That the element of loyalty would come back to you, But that time has been wasted, Pleading, hoping, everything, She is done with you, She needs the space to think and ponder upon how to fix this.” Twilight asked, “Fix what?” Starlight answered, “Fix her trust and capability of having a friend.” Applejack walked to Rainbow, “Ah’m mighty sorry for not trusting you Rainbow and not givin’ ya enough space.” Rainbow walked to the middle of the crowd, “Look, everypony. I have an announcement to make. Twilight, you did make a really bad mistake but friends always forgive one another. The thing I did not want you to do is to view me as an Element, instead of a pony. I think that I will actually give you girls another chance, but it remains known that Starlight will be my best friend instead of you. Also, Twilight, don’t lie to the princess. You do know that you didn’t do the paralysis spell nor the lightning nor the air force.” Twilight sighed and walked to Rainbow, “Look, Rainbow, I’m extremely sorry for looking at you as an Element and not who you are. I was so caught up thinking on how to make your element pure that I didn’t realize how much it could backfire. I was wrong.” Rainbow gave a dramatic gasp, “The world is ending! Twilight Sparkle just admitted that she was wrong.” They all chuckled, besides Twilight who ended up glaring softly at Rainbow. Starlight sighed, “Look, Twilight, you can’t learn the spell by tomorrow. I’m too tired and Rainbow is also tired.” Understanding that Starlight was helping Rainbow, she said, “Yeah, too tired. We are going to hit the hay.” The rest of them stared at one another in worry. In the bathroom, when brushing their teeth, Starlight made sure that they were the only ones in hearing range and whispered, “Did you really forgive them Rainbow?” Rainbow whispered back, “No, forgiveness is hard but not trying just isn’t right. Every pony made mistakes but only some ponies are good enough to ask for forgiveness. Asking is also really hard, and even though I don’t think Twilight was being sincere, it is true that she is the Element of Magic and that in order to be left alone again, we need her powers.” “She didn’t do anything though.” “I know but when Princess Celestia makes her do other fancy spells to try and help the war, she will be capable. I hope.” “I hope so too.” “Why?” “Weren’t you listening to Celestia? Actually, don’t answer that,” she said, looking at Rainbow’s smirk, “Celestia said that we were going to fight the battle tomorrow.” They both finished brushing their teeth and slept on their sleeping bags. In the hall, Twilight had put a sound proof spell and asked her friends, “Do you actually think that Rainbow forgave us?” Fluttershy whispered, “I hope she did.” Applejack sighed, “Doubt it. She isn’t one to forgive quickly and Ah know a lie when I see one.” Rarity brushed her mane with a brush she took out, “Darling, you must see the good side of the thing. I do believe that Rainbow will forgive us completely over time.” Pinkie smiled, “She’ll forgive once I throw her a party in Ponyville!” Twilight sighed, “She never mentioned going back to Ponyville though, I mean, she’s the leader of a whole village! Would she give that up?” They looked at one another before going to the library and beginning to read.
Final BattleAuthor's Note This is the final chapter. There will not be any epilogue or other endings. This story has gone far enough and this will be the end. Final Battle Twilight bowed in the throne room, "I'm sorry Princess Celestial but the spell was more on instinct than thinking. I had thought that with a night's sleep, I could think of it." Rainbow snarled, thinking, 'That was a lie. Starlight did the spell!' The princess sighed, "It's alright, my faithful student. Magical bursts could happen to any unicorn, even an advanced one like you. Today, we will all be fighting." Rainbow asked, "Why are we all fighting?" Princess Celestia looked outside, "Our forces are dwindling in a rapid rate. This is our last possible attempt. If we lost, all of ponykind will be gone sooner than you could blink. That is why this is very important." Suddenly a horn blared and the princess sighed, "Change into these clothes," she said while levitating clothes, "And go outside. There wasn't time to find a strategy so it's chaotic fighting. I shall be outside." The princess teleported, leaving the others. Rainbow put on her outfit, which was similar to the Wonderbolt's armor, which made flying faster and easier. Twilight's horn was the most protected it hers. Fluttershy got metal wings, a helmet, and regular clothes. Rarity's horn was also slightly protected and her body was completely covered. Pinkie only had a small suit of armed and Applejack had boots that made her quicker and stronger. Starlight didn't get anything but a small protector for her horn. Twilight signaled them, "Let's go girls." All of them ran outside, save for Fluttershy who was looking outside before looking back in. Twilight blasted stun magic attacks at griffins, which took her energy and other made the griffins collapse on the ground for 30 seconds. Rarity was levitating knives and hurling them at the griffins. Pinkie was annoying the griffins. Rainbow was taunting them before dodging their attacks to make them harm another griffin and Starlight made a force field around herself. Rainbow landed next to Starlight and Starlight extended the force field to cover both of them. Rainbow asked, "So we aren't going to do anything?" Starlight calmly said, "It is their war, not our war. We don't need to be involved." “It’s not fair to leave them out fighting! Yes, they are not our friends, but do you want to fight the griffins? Sometimes, we need to be loyal to our kind, and not be so stubborn.” Rainbow flew out of the forcefield to fight. Starlight stared after Rainbow before sighing. Although she didn’t like the other ponies, Rainbow was still her friend and she should help her fight. Rainbow smiled at Starlight before flapping her wings, creating storm clouds. She concentrated to flash lightning to various griffins, burning them. Starlight flashed out paralysis spell. The princess looked at them, surprised that her pupil lied and that Rainbow could do magic somehow. The rest of them also looked before Twilight realized that the Storm of Terror, which it was known as, was created by Rainbow and not by some natural causes. Twilight smiled before turning to the others, “Applejack and Rarity, take the South. Fluttershy and I should take the East. Pinkie, you will fight in the West. You’re an one pony army either way.” They nodded and took off in their various pairs. Rainbow flew higher, reaching a really high altitude, her wings crackling with lightning and her coat was abstract against the dark sky, making her a highlight. Anypony that got too close would be zapped and killed immediately. Starlight levitated herself up, wincing from power overload and zapped griffins that were too close. Out of the corner of Rainbow’s eyes, she finally found that her previous friends and the princess were trapped in tied within the span of 4 minutes. She landed with Starlight and they galloped across. Rainbow recognized the griffin guarding immediately, “Gilda, let them go.” Gilda laughed, in a dark tone, “Oh Rainbow, you are so foolish. Only you have some hope in defeating us but if there’s too many, you can’t do it, even with the powerful unicorn next to you.” Rainbow looked around to see griffins all over the place, “You wouldn’t dare.” Starlight whispered, “Go Rainbow and protect the people. I’ll hold them off for as long as I could... Just don’t die, okay?” Rainbow looked at her before shaking her head, “I am not leaving you behind Starlight. You could teleport away and save the other ponies. I have a chance of holding them off.” Starlight hesitated before nodding and leaving, understanding the solemn tone of her friend. Gilda smirked, “Well, well, Rainbow. You’re alone now. I’ll give you a 10 second head start to fly.” Rainbow looked at the ponies tied up, who were looking at her with various emotions, “I won’t let you kill them Gilda.” “9 seconds, Dash.” Rainbow gritted her teeth before waiting until there was one second left and taking off, with the griffins banging into each other, creating chaos. Still, there were griffins still chasing her and she made it to the highest altitude possible with oxygen. Seeing the griffins still chasing her, she was going to go to the East to lose them and make sure that none of them would hurt anypony until she saw... Gilda, still below, with a knife inching towards Fluttershy’s neck. Rainbow cried out, “No!” Her wings flashed with lightning, and she dove. In light speed, she created a Sonic Rainbow, breaking its barriers and making the griffins fall to the ground. Gilda’s knife began to cut Fluttershy’s throat. Urging her wings to fly faster, Rainbow pushed her limits and she felt her body beginning to give way to a double Rainboom. Gilda was now choking Fluttershy and one more second would kill her. Then, she made the Double Rainboom occur, making Gilda’s knife rebound and kill herself. The Rainboom knocked all the restraints away and just about every griffin was gone, save for a few. The clouds cleared away instantly, revealing a full moon in the night sky. Rainbow tried to go up just as the Rainboom was done but her wings were going too fast already and it’s too late. She crashed onto the ground, creating a giant hole that dug far in the Earth. She took her last breath, “I’m sorry.” Princess Celestia stood up, remembering what Rainbow did. She dove in after Rainbow, frantic to catch her but she heard a crash and her heart raced with worry. She levitated Rainbow out and Rainbow’s previous friends wept. Fluttershy alone was already creating a river of tears while the others were in denial. Starlight teleported back and stared at Rainbow’s body, “What?” Twilight whispered, “She promised that she would not let them kill us. She never said that they wouldn’t kill her.” Fluttershy screamed, which was a rare nature for her, “I treated her so badly! I-I betrayed her and she was only loyal to us.” Princess Celestia looked into the night sky, remembering her sister. The princess looked down, “I’ve got to go and make up for my mistakes.” She picked up Rainbow’s limp body and teleported into the place where Luna made her ritual. The five graves were still there. Princess Celestia buried Rainbow before putting a random tombstone with her named carved on it. She took her sister’s too. Princess Celestia remembered her sister saying that raising more than one dead would kill anypony, experienced of not. The princess looked at the moon, “I’m sorry sister. There could’ve been another way. I just hope that it isn’t too late for forgiveness.” She chanted the words that Luna said and almost lost her balance as she felt the most painful torture that she had ever encountered. Rainbow and Luna’s spirits rose up and formed full bodies. The last thing Princess Celestia saw was the two ponies she betrayed looking at her with a blank face.
