Chapter Thirty Six: Tirek Part 2

“Even though he can be annoying at times, I’ll admit that it was nice of him to teleport us from the train station all the way to the castle ruins,” Twilight admitted after she closed one of the old books and sat back in her chair. It had been a few hours since he teleported us to the library in the ruins of Mother’s old castle. It was just the girls and I as we searched the old library for anything regarding the chest. And we had been searching for hours with no luck.

“Yeah, after making a stop by the Tree of Harmony to brag about not opening the chest yet.”

Fluttershy was sitting next to me at a large library table with Philomena sitting on the other side. Across from me was Twilight as the others looked around the shelves. She sat back in her chair with both hands on her protruding belly. “He wasn’t bragging, Rainbow,” Fluttershy defended with a shake of her head, “he was just being helpful in his own way. That’s why there’s colored bookmarks in our journal, isn’t there?”

“Hard to believe he actually helping,” Philomena countered, scoffing at the idea which I personally agreed with.

While looking over at Twilight I saw the gears in her head thinking about it while staring at the journal. After a good few seconds she used her magic to lift the book over to her. Then with a curious eye, she opened it up to the first bookmark. The library was quiet as Twilight leaned over their journal and read the passages that Discord had bookmarked. Part of me thought she was crazy for even entertaining the idea that Discord was actually helping us.

“I can’t find anything in this row,” Rarity called out as she climbed down the ladder making her way over to the table. She wore a simple light blue one piece form fitting dress which swayed with each step she took. “Found anything Applejack?” she asked while adjusting her dress as she sat down crossing her legs.

Applejack put a book back on the shelf, “Nope,” then turned toward the table as well. “I don’t think we’ll find anything either. I mean, how in Equestria would any book have information regarding something the Tree of Harmony quite literally sprouted for us?”

“You know what, AJ? I think you’re right.” There was dead silence when we all heard Twilight say that. She leaned back in her chair and looked around while the girls gathered around the table. “And I have to admit that I really think that Discord really was trying to help us.” There was a smile on her face and looking at Fluttershy when she said it.

“Come again?” AJ asked and looking a little confused while I remained unconvinced.

Twilight nodded at AJ, “Remember when Flim and Flam came back to Ponyville again with that fake tonic?”

AJ nodded while looking a little embarrassed. “I do. I can’t believe that I actually let those two con artists sweet talk me. And when the time came, I just knew I had to tell the truth.” She took a calming breath before continuing. “But what does that have to do with the chest?”

Twilight smiled, “Discord had a reason for bookmarking these specific passages in our journal. Each one he bookmarked highlighted a time when each of you had to live up to your element. A situation that challenged each of you. For Applejack it was telling the truth wasn’t easy.” She then looked over at Fluttershy. “For you Fluttershy it was when you had to force the Breezies out of your house, so they could return home.”

“Yes, that was one of the hardest things for me to do. And one of the hardest lessons for me to learn.” Fluttershy agreed with a small embarrassed nod. She smiled over at me when I put my arm around her to comfort her.

Rarity was next as Twilight looked over to her. “For you Rarity it was when Suri took advantage of your generosity. You didn’t let that incident force you to abandon your generous spirit.”

Rarity didn’t say anything as she walked around the table to where I was sitting. Then she leaned down wrapping her arms around my neck and encouraged me to rest my head on her chest. Which I did gladly. “No, I didn’t let it get to my generous spirit. But I say, and will always say, that Fred was way more generous than I. He forgave me so easily for what I did that I couldn’t let that go without giving him my ultimate gift. Nor could I abandon my friends that had given their time and effort to help me in my time of need. Also forgiving me.”

“Rainbow, you had the chance to fly with the Wonderbolts, but chose to fly for Ponyville instead.”

“Well yeah, Twilight,” Rainbow replied while leaning back in the chair with her arms locked behind her head. “Being loyal is-”

“Oh oh oh,” Pinkie interrupted while she waved her hands up in the air, “my turn!”

Twilight giggled at Pinkie’s antics before continuing. “Pinkie, you saw to it that your friend’s happiness was more important to you than proving you were the better party planner.”

Rainbow reached out to lightly fist bump Pinkie’s shoulder, “Best party I’ve ever had.”

Rarity leaned up after giving my cheek a light kiss, “It seems that we all had our moments to shine, Twilight. But I’m with Applejack, what has any of this have to do with opening the chest?”

“Each of you had a choice to make in those difficult situations,” Twilight explained as she looked at each of them in turn. “Those choices would have you either embracing your element or not. And in turn, each of you received something from a pony which signifies that your choice of embracing your element has changed their life for the better.” Twilight sat back again in thought, “This might sound crazy, but maybe those objects could be related to the keys meant to open the chest. The chest is connected to the Tree of Harmony, the Tree of Harmony is connected to the Elements, and we are connected to the Elements.” She smiled once again as she looked around. “There must be a connection.”

“And me?” I questioned out of curiosity and raised an eyebrow at her.

I saw the gears turning in her head again as her eyes met mine. And after another minute she smiled again. “You are connected to each of us. In each of those situations, you’ve helped them embrace their Element, changed their lives, and brought joy, love, and friendship between us.”

“What of you?” Philomena asked.

“She’s got a point, Twilight,” I heard Rarity say. “Have you done anything that has tested you in your Element?”

Twilight simply blinked a few times in thought. “I don’t think so,” she finally replied softly. “At least nopony has given me anything that I know of.”

“Maybe the things we got are the keys.”

“It’s worth a try, Pinkie,” Twilight stood up. “Why don’t you all get your gifts and meet again at the Tree of Harmony?”

^_^

“Thank you for getting the flower for me, Twilight,” Fluttershy thanked her as she twirled the flower in her fingers. “But how do we know if these objects are the keys?”

Pinkie turned over the rubber chicken in her hand and looking like a monkey doing a math problem. She wasn’t the only one either as the others had the same look on their faces while looking at their own gifts.

“I don’t know,” Rainbow shrugged while gazing at the pin the Wonderbolts gave her.

“Where’s that key Boneless?” Pinkie suddenly asked, almost shouted, while strangling the rubber chicken. It was an odd sight to see actually. Especially after she walked up to Twilight’s crystal chest and started beating it with the rubber chicken. “Give it to...us…?” she slowly stopped as the chicken was suddenly encased in an unfamiliar magical aura and lifted out of her hands. We all watched the chicken shift and morph from a rubber chicken to a key. A golden one with three balloons as the keys handle. And after hovering in the air for a second, the key lowered itself into one of the six slots in the chest.

“I guess that answers that mystery doesn’t it?” the question I asked was a rhetorical one.

“Yep,” AJ simply said and started walking up to the chest with the others following her. One by one, the girls laid their items on the top of the chest. Rainbow, Rarity, AJ, and Fluttershy. One by one the keys lifted into the air, shifted into a unique form of a key, then lowering into the appropriate slots.

“And only one left,” Twilight said wistfully after a sigh. “The Element of Magic. My element.”

AJ stepped over to Twilight putting an arm around her friend’s shoulder. “Now don’t worry none, Twilight. We got ours, so I know that you’ll get yours.”

Twilight leaned into AJ with a smile, “You’re right AJ.” Her smile faded almost to a frown as she looked over at me. “What about Fred’s chest?”

There was nothing but silence as nobody knew what to say or do regarding my chest. Heck, neither did I for that matter. Fluttershy, however, didn’t say anything but started walking up to my crystal chest. Right after she reached out and touched the chest, she stiffened with a slightly startled gasp as if suddenly seeing something unexpected. I was concerned, so I walked over and looked into her eyes. The other girls did the same, also concerned for her. She didn’t appear to be harmed it’s just her eyes were now pure white. All of us kind of just waited. We didn’t wait long because just a few seconds later a yellow orb of light appeared to come right out of her chest, turn into a key, and levitated itself right into one of the slots on the chest. After that happened, her eyes returned to normal, then turned her head, and looked up at me with a wide smile. “We are the key to his chest.” Fluttershy put her arm in mine and led me away from the chest. While walking away, I heard Pinkie’s excited voice, “Oh, my turn.” I also saw a certain glow in Fluttershy’s eyes.

“What is it? What did you see?” those questions ran through my mind as it just screamed to ask her. It wasn’t just me that was interested either. The others wanted to know as well. They gathered around as Pinkie was having a quiet conversation with...someone or something.

Fluttershy giggled softly while putting one hand on my chest. “I’ll only say who it was with. I was talking with the Tree of Harmony herself.”

“What now?”

“I know how it sounds, Applejack,” Fluttershy giggled, looking at her friend. “But after touching the chest, I was standing before a crystal-looking Twilight.” She then took a glance at a very stunned Twilight. “But it couldn’t be her because she’s standing right there. That’s when she said she was the Tree of Harmony.”

“But...w-why would the Tree take my form?” Twilight asked, now looking at the Tree with both curiosity and trepidation.

“I don’t know,” Pinkie said, giggling a little, as she walked up to us, “you can ask when you talk to her.”

“This I gotta see.” Rainbow's voice sounded like she didn’t quite believe it, so with doubt in mind she turned around, walked up to my chest, and slapped her hand down on it.

“Pinkie? Did you…?” AJ asked, now very curious with a look on her face showing that she too didn’t really know what to make of it.

“Yep,” Pinkie said giving her a quick nod.

“Did she look...like…?”

“Yep,” Pinkie nodded again.

“What did she ask?” AJ asked the question that was burning in everypony’s mind, including mine. It was my chest after all, so why could I not know?

Naturally, I didn’t hear Pinkie’s answer because she leaned over and whispered something to AJ. However, I did see her blush and blink a few times at Pinkie. AJ had a shocked embarrassed look on her face as if she just got asked a very personal question. While taking glances between the Tree of Harmony and me.

“Now I’m curious,” I chuckled a little while looking between the girls. “It’s like watching a personal secret conversation between two girls.”

Fluttershy giggled at me and pulled my head down to her for a light kiss. “That’s because you are watching a conversation between two girls. And it’s something that’s just between us girls.”

The only thing left for me to do was simply to groan in frustration.

“Yeah, I can second that,” Rainbow walked back over with a deep blush on her face. As if she just confessed to some deep secret part of her that was seriously embarrassing.

“Well, my turn then.” Rarity turned, walked over to the Tree, and put her hand on it.

Rainbow had her arms crossed under her chest when I looked over to her. She narrowed her eyes at me a little in a warning with a soft, “Don’t even bother asking, I won’t tell.” I just nodded a little.

Angelfeather, who had been silently watching up until this point. Walked up to me, took her arm in mine, and looked around at the other girls. “You think that I could talk to the Tree of Harmony?”

“That’s a good question, Angelfeather,” Twilight mused softly. From where I stood, just a few feet away from her, I could see the gears turning in her head. “I can ask when I talk to her I guess.” Then she looked at Angelfeather with a cautious look on her face, “However, remember that it could be just for us element bearers.”

Angelfeather nodded with an understanding smile. “I understand. Still, it would be pretty sweet to talk to the Tree of Harmony.”

That got me wondering. “I wonder if I could talk to the Tree of Harmony? It is my chest after all.”

Rarity was just walking away from the Tree as I looked over to it. She sniffed and wiped away a couple of tears. When our eyes met, she smiled looking like she just came out of a therapy session. With confessing some very deep feelings. “I’m alright, Fred. Nothing to worry about.”

“My turn then,” AJ said with a voice that sounded like she was steeling her nerves. She hesitated for only a second or two before turning around and touching the chest. Rarity then looked over to Twilight. “There’s nothing to worry about, Twilight. And we already know some of the questions that you want to ask her. And all I can say is just go up and talk to her.”

“I will, of course,” Twilight responded while her eyes were locked onto the Tree and AJ. “There are so many questions. But first and foremost is why the Tree decided to take on my form?”

“Well, sugarcube,” AJ interrupted as she walked over with a mixed expression on her face, “this is your chance to ask her.” Why is it that the girls look like they just came out of a therapy session where they had to reveal their secrets? It was like she just spilled her heart out, but was it a relief to do it?

Without a word, Twilight turned and walked over to the chest. She paused for only a couple of seconds for a deep calming breath before laying her hand on my chest. Like the others, her eyes went solid white.

As we watched, another mare’s voice cut through the atmosphere. “Twilight! Fred!” I immediately recognized her as Harmony. Flying wasn’t her strong suit even after the games. And right now, as she flew down to us not bothering to use the steps, she looked to be a little out of breath. After she landed she leaned over a little to catch her breath. Letting go of Angelfeather and Fluttershy, I walked over to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Harmony? What is it? What’s wrong?”

It took her a minute to catch her breath, but after she did, she looked up at me with wild eyes filled with terror. “Spike got a message from your mother. It was hastily written and said for you girls to meet with her in Canterlot immediately. Because Discord has betrayed us and all of Equestria by siding with Tirek.”

“What?!” Not only was I filled with shock, but anger as well. “He promised!” I growled out.

“He’s helping Tirek to steal magic!”

“That son of a-”

“What’s going on?!” Twilight’s voice cut through the air like a knife as she walked back up to us. She blinked in confusion when our eyes met and she saw the pissed look on my face. “What is it? The Tree of Harmony wants to talk to you before opening the chest.”

“Convenient, actually,” my voice was soft and filled with rage. After turning around the girls parted for me as it was my turn. So, I walked over and quickly put my hand on the chest. For a couple of seconds, my vision went pure white. The white didn’t go away, but a couple of seconds after touching the chest, a crystal-looking Twilight appeared in front of me. She looked exactly like Twilight save for two differences. One was that she shined as a pony did from the Crystal Empire. Her whole body was partially see-through due to its crystal nature. The other was that she was naked and not wearing anything. The sight of her beautiful feminine naked form had my anger waning in front of her. “Discord has joined Tirek in stealing magic throughout Equestria,” I told her after a calming breath trying to trample down my growing anger.

She slowly nodded as she took a couple of steps forward, stopping within reach of me. “I know. I heard.”

“I have so many questions and I would love to ask them all. However, those two need to be stopped and I have to help,” I told her, looking down at her in earnest. “I can’t afford to have Fluttershy’s magic taken away. I don’t know what it will do to her or our unborn foal.”

She blinked up at me with a smile and a slight tilt of her head. “A strong male figure is what’s needed in Equestria right now.” I noticed that her hair sparkled like Mother’s did and even blew in a wind that wasn’t there. Matter of fact, her whole body sparkled as if a gem under a bright light. “I’ve been watching you since your return to Equestria. I’ve talked with the bearers of my elements at length not only about them and their element but also about you and how they feel about you.” Then she giggled cutely with a slight shake of her head as if she knew that I was curious about what they talked about. “And no, I won’t tell you. Like Kindness had said, it’s just between us girls. But I will say that I’m happy with the progress that you’ve made with the bearers of my elements. As you know, they all love you. Fluttershy is carrying your foal and Pinkie has told you that she wants a foal with you.” Her eyes softened and took on a bedroom quality to them that I didn’t expect. “I saw into their hearts as to why they love you so. I even asked them. Each gave me a different answer. And I can see all of those traits in you.”

She even stepped up and put a hand to my chest. “I see why they are attracted and drawn to you.” Her touch was just as soft as any one of the girls. She touched me like something she was trying out to see if she liked. Then she placed the whole palm of her hand on my chest and not just her fingers. “You desire to protect the ones you love. The ones you care for. And what’s yours.”

I just nodded to her, surprised at her touch and wondering where this was going.

“But,” she paused as our eyes met when she looked up at me, “there is darkness in your heart.”

“I’m human,” I shrugged that off. “It’ll always be there.”

“True,” she agreed with a slow nod. “And I’ve seen how you have denied that darkness a place in your life. But I fear that your greatest test is yet ahead of you.”

“Discord and Tirek?” I raised an eyebrow down at her. “I won’t allow darkness to take control over me if I wind up fighting them.” Raising my hands, I gently placed them on her shoulders. “However,” I sighed, “I can’t guarantee that they will live. I have a natural right to protect my loved ones. I won’t back down for that or apologize for that.”

The look on her face turned to a somber one. “I know and understand that. I’m going to give you something that will help you protect the bearers of my elements.”

“Okay, what is it?” Now I was very curious. What could she give me that could give me even the smallest of chances against those two?

“Right now, your power is nowhere near your Mother’s. I’m going to change that.”

That shocked me. “Can my body withstand that amount of power? I’m only half-pony you know.”

“I know,” she gave me a small smile and put her other hand to my chest, “but don’t worry about that. I’ll enhance your body to withstand that amount of magical power. And give you wings.”

“Wings?” total shock was on my face, not to mention excitement.

She nodded slowly. “Yes. Black wings due to the darkness still within your heart.”

“Wow. I’ll be able to fly. How cool is that?” A thought hit me that practically wiped the smile off my face. “Can Tirek steal your magic?”

She looked off to the side in thought. “It could be possible. And if he succeeds then there would be nothing to stop him.”

“If I’m not there for whatever reason, is there a way for you to fight against Tirek’s means of draining your magic?”

“Yes, but as Tirek’s power increases the amount of time that means is effective decreases. You’ll have that ability as well.”

“I’ll do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen,” I told her with a will to protect her with the same ferocity as I do the other girls.

“I know you will and thank you,” her smile was wide as she gazed up at me.

“What do you need me to do?”

She giggled like a giddy schoolgirl. “Kiss me.”

For a couple of seconds, the only thing I could do was blink down at her, not believing what my ears just heard. “Seriously?” I finally asked after a couple of seconds to get my brain back in gear.

“Yes. Kiss me. I want to experience how they feel. For I fear this is my only chance.”

I get it, or at least I think I do. Even though she’s female, she isn’t going to get another chance to kiss a guy. So, I gently moved my hands to her cheeks, leaned down, and gently put my lips against hers. As everything went white again, and while I felt wings growing on my back and magic invading my body. I felt the subtle curves of her body against mine. Her soft breasts pressing themselves against my chest as she pressed her body against mine. During our kiss, and as she leaned into me, I felt something grow on my back and a rush of magical ability and power. Then everything faded away as she pulled back from our kiss with a soft whisper of, “Thank you.”

Naturally, when I turned around to face the girls, each one of them had looks of shock and awe on their faces. Some, like Twilight, were pure shock with their eyes as big as old Buick hub caps. Some, like Rainbow, had a look of surprise, but lust most of all. As if she was about to jump my bones and have her way with me. The girls with wings, such as Twilight, Harmony, Philomena, Fluttershy, Angelfeather, and Rainbow all had wings extended in unashamed blatant arousal.

AJ took her hat off and started fanning herself. “Tarnation! I think we know what was in his chest.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow nearly moaned in sexual excitement with her eyes roaming over my changed body. “I really approve of what the Tree did to you. Those wings look so wicked on you, stud.”

“Oh my!” All of them had varying degrees of blush on their faces. Fluttershy had a smiling blush on her face when I looked over to her. “Your body seemed to have changed.”

“Yes,” I walked over to Fluttershy with the intent of carrying her up the stairs. “The Tree of Harmony not only gave me wings but vastly increased my magic and gave me an ability that combats Tirek’s magic draining ability. However, the more powerful Tirek becomes, the less effective it is.” This time I smirked while gazing at each one in turn, “And while I appreciate your blushing faces and arousing reactions to me, we need to hurry to my Mother.” Looking down at Fluttershy, I knelt down to pick her up. “If you don’t mind Fluttershy, I’d like to carry you up the steps.”

“Oh...um...ok,” giggling like a schoolgirl with a crush, she gingerly crawled into my arms and wrapped her own arms around my neck.

“Let’s go, then,” I said aloud and made my way toward the steps. “I’ll explain more on the way.”

Fluttershy felt much lighter because of my new enhanced body, so I insisted on carrying her all the way back into town and to the train station. Rainbow and AJ were simply amused at my gesture. Rarity, Harmony, Angelfeather, Pinkie, and Philomena thought it a beautiful and romantic gesture. And on the way there, I explained what happened between me and the Tree. Not that there was much to say. The Tree just gave me wings and increased my magical ability while enhancing my body to withstand the vast amount of power I now have. During the walk through town, I got some looks ranging from simply confused to looks of pure lust. Having wings now felt weird. But that feeling was overshadowed by the thoughts of being able to fly now. It was obvious that Rainbow was walking behind me because every now and then she would comment on how awesome my wings were. And how she was looking forward to teaching me how to fly. And while that sounded great, there was one prominent thought in my head. Get to my Mother and Aunt Luna.

^_^

It was no surprise that Mother had a carriage waiting for us. There was no need for a large one because only Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, AJ, Rarity, Rainbow, and I were there. Before leaving I had requested that Angelfeather, Harmony, and Philomena remain behind to watch over the town. And inform Mayor Mare what was going on and if anything happened have Spike deliver a letter immediately.

The whole trip from the train station to the castle my mind was not only wondering how Mother would react to my change but just what she wanted to talk to us about. I mean, I know the what, and that was Tirek. And I assumed that she had a plan. Did that plan include all of us? Did it include me? I’m assuming it would now because of my change.

Because the walk wasn’t far to the throne room, where we were told Mother, Aunt Luna, as well as Cadence was waiting for us, from the carriage, I let Fluttershy walk. Plus she insisted, so I obliged.

There were two guards at the large double doors of the throne room. One of them was a mare pegasus. Her eyes widened when she spotted us, me in particular. “They are waiting for you inside,” she said as the other guard, being a unicorn, used his magic to open the doors for us.

Mother was standing with Aunt Luna and Cadence at the foot of the dais when the double doors opened. Naturally, she heard the door opening, so she turned to greet us. So did Aunt Luna and Cadence. Or she was going to greet us, but froze when their eyes saw me. My wings were large enough that they couldn’t be hidden behind my back. That and the slight change in my body were also evident. The girls fell behind me as we approached which I was thankful for. It gave me the opportunity to spread my wings to their fullest extend. Which was, I estimated, to be around thirteen-foot total wingspan. At first glance, it appeared that each wing was about the same as my height. So, my height times two plus add a little for body width.

Mother's face showed many emotions. Among these were shock, first and foremost, then curiosity and awe, because of the change, then understanding and pride. Her eyes were wide and looking me over as any mother would when their child went through such a sudden change. Aunt Luna was also shocked, but I think she reached the conclusion of what happened to me quicker than Mother did. However, Cadence’s reaction was my favorite. Because along with the look of shock and awe, her wings extended up and out with a hand on her mouth with a deep blush on her face. I did notice that her eyes had a certain look in them when she looked me over.

“It appears that your chest has been opened, Nephew?” Aunt Luna asked while I hugged my Mother that was still speechless. Cadence was speechless as well and only was brought out of it after Twilight and Fluttershy walked up to her. Where they three started talking. However, I couldn’t hear them because Twilight put up some sort of sound spell around them.

“Yes, Aunt Luna. The girls were able to open my chest where they, and then me, talked with the Tree of Harmony herself.”

Mother finally found her voice at that. “You spoke to the Tree of Harmony? She? The Tree of Harmony is a she?”

“Yes, Mother,” I chuckled a little at her reaction. She simply blinked at me in total surprise and confusion just seemed a little funny to me. “She gave me these wings and enhanced my body to withstand the new amount of magical power. And one ability that would combat Tirek’s ability to steal magic.”

“Truly?”

I nodded to Aunt Luna. “Yes, however, it is only effective right now when his power is low. The more power he has the less effective it is. I found that out because I asked her if Tirek would have the ability to steal the magic from her. She said that it might be possible and he would literally be unstoppable if that happened. Which means he, and Discord, needs to be found and stopped immediately.” I smirked at them, “We can discuss me later.”

“Yes, of course,” Mother agreed then paused to look over at Cadence, Twilight, and Fluttershy. Who was still talking. With a slight smirk, she turned and walked up to the three of them. A few seconds later, I could hear them again. “Now then,” Mother continued, “the reason that I asked you all here is so that Cadence, Luna, and I can give Twilight our magic.”

Now it was my turn to be shocked. Not to mention the girls, especially Twilight. “What?!”

“Me? Why me?”

“Twilight,” Mother addressed her with a smile, “you are the Element of Magic. Your talent is magic itself. And now that my dear sunshine boy has apparently opened his chest, this will work out. My idea is that you, Twilight, will keep our magic safe from Tirek. Because he will surely come here in order to steal from us. He won’t find our magic if he does. However, by giving you our magic, it is our hope that you, my son, and the other Elements will be able to find and defeat both Discord and Tirek before that time.”

“Well...I...”

“Twilight?” I asked to get her attention, looking over to her with my eyes showing my somber thoughts. “Are you ready to kill to protect Equestria? Because that’s just what it might take to defeat him.”

Twilight didn’t know how to answer my question. She just looked up at me with her mouth moving like a fish out of water.

“Twilight,” Mother apparently knew what to say, “I’m afraid that my son is right.” She walked up to Twilight gently putting a hand on her shoulder. “Would it help to know that I’ve had to execute certain prisoners in the past because of heinous crimes? It’s not something I looked forward to, but found necessary, however, rare of an occurrence as it was.”

“You did?” Twilight asked, looking up to her in total disbelief. Mother simply nodded in response. “I don’t know if I could do that.”

“No pony can blame you for that, Twilight.” Rarity said in a comforting and understanding voice.

“I think it would be better if both Discord and Tirek were our friends, so I can throw them a party.”

“Better our friends, Pinkie, than our enemies,” I smiled at her in agreement. “However, not everyone or everypony is willing. And taking lessons from human history, if someone simply refuses to live peacefully, then that person needs to be stopped one way or another.”

Aunt Luna stepped up next to me with a small smile, “Which is why we are hoping that giving Twilight our magic and with the help from the Tree of Harmony and her Elements, that this can be resolved without killing Tirek.”

“But I understand that it might be necessary,” Mother gave me a slow nod.

“Oh dear, will that really be necessary?”

“Fluttershy,” turning to her, I pulled her into my arms to hold her against me. “It will be as a last resort.” I then looked at each one individually, “Alright, girls?” One by one each of them gave me a nod of understanding.

“I’ll do my best, Celestia,” Twilight said somberly, looking up to my Mother.

“Very well, Twilight, thank you. Let’s begin.” After motioning for me and the rest of the girls to give them some room, I ushered them to the side of the throne room to watch. Twilight looked like she didn’t really know what to expect as my Mother ushered her to the center of the room. Mother, Aunt Luna, and Cadence took up three positions around her. As Twilight looked around Mother’s horn started glowing brightly like Aunt Luna’s and as well as Cadence’s horn. Magical energy began to swirl around them just before three beams of magic suddenly connected with Twilight’s horn. Twilight gasped due to the sudden intensity that was entering inside of her. While the transfer was taking place, I was thinking about the new spells and techniques that the Tree gave me. One being able to transfer some of my own magic to other ponies. One question, in particular, was on my mind.

The transfer lasted a few seconds and when it was done there was an obvious change in Twilight. Her cutie mark was glowing brightly even through her dress. The magical wind around her, Mother, Aunt Luna, and Cadence slowly dissipated leaving Twilight overpowered and the others visibly weak.

Twilight took a breath, looked around as Cadence and Aunt Luna walked toward Mother. They weren’t the only ones either. The girls and I also hurried over to them as Twilight called out to them in worry, “Celestia! Luna! Cadence! Are you alright?”

That was a good question and was on my mind as I quickly walked up to my Mother asking that very question with the worried look in my own eyes. “I’m alright, my sunshine boy,” she gave me a reassuring weak smile as I put her arm around me. I was on the side of her where Aunt Luna gladly put her arm around me for support as well. “I’m just weak,” Mother continued as the girls walked over with worry in their eyes.

“I as well, Nephew,” Aunt Luna said with a weak smile as well.

“Cadence?”

“I’m alright, Twilight,” she replied, “just weak. This is the first time that my magic has been fully drained.”

“What would happen to the ponies that are pregnant if their magic is drained?” I asked, taking a glance over to Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked worried for herself when I asked. It was in her eyes when she looked up to my Mother and Aunt Luna for an answer to that question. My eyes met my Mother’s and the look in them wasn’t what I was hoping for.

“Just the act of draining magic from a pregnant pony won’t kill the pony or the unborn foal. If that was the case then I wouldn’t have suggested this action because it would have killed me,” Mother explained which sounded hopeful. Until what she said next. “What kills the mother and the unborn foal is not having the strength she needs to give birth.”

“Oh, dear.”

“There there, darling,” Rarity comforted putting an arm around Fluttershy. “We’ll do our best to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“Yeah, don’t worry, Fluttershy,” Rainbow encouraged in her usual manner and a grin. “Now that Fred is even studlier and with an overpowered Twilight, we got this in the bag.”

Cadence giggled at Rainbow’s antics as Aunt Luna and Mother simply smirked in amusement. “It’s not quite that simple, Twilight.”

“Not with Discord still free,” Mother said then sighed while shaking my head. “It seems my trust in Discord was misplaced.”

“He promised me that he would stop Tirek and that if he failed then he would give up his chaos magic,” was my response to that. The look in my eyes was very telling about how I felt about that. “I plan on forcing Discord to keep that promise. One way or another.” Fluttershy also seemed to understand when our eyes met.

“I still find it hard to believe that he would do such a thing.”

“It seems that Fred was right about Discord all along, sugarcube,” AJ spoke up somberly, shaking her head in disappointment. “Fluttershy, we know that this is probably the hardest on you. While we seemed to always wait for him to return to his old ways, you trusted him as a trusted friend.”

“Does that mean there won’t be any more chocolate rain and cotton candy clouds?” Pinkie’s sad voice seemed to cut through to the very core of my heart. And pulled on it.

“I’m sorry Pinkie, but no there won’t be any more of that.” Another pull on my heart when she seemed to sag at that news. “One way or another, he won’t be a threat anymore. Whether he lives or dies depends on him now. Like I told the Tree of Harmony, I’ve got a family to protect and I’ll end that threat one way or another. Peacefully is possible, but I’ll never apologize for protecting my family or my beloved friends.”

“I think we understand, Nephew.”

“You’ve proven that you don’t want to kill, Fred,” Cadence spoke up with a smile showing her understanding. “You could have killed Shining Armor, but you didn’t. You stopped him from using his magic. If there’s a way to keep Discord from using his magic, then we know you’ll take that first.”

“Thank you, Cadence.”

“Where are you going to start looking?”

“Here in Canterlot first, Mother,” I told her before looking at the girls. “But only Twilight and I. I don’t want to risk the rest of you, especially Fluttershy.”

“While I do appreciate a stallion or man in your case, that’s chivalrous protecting girls in need, I disagree in this case.” After Rarity said that, she turned to look at Fluttershy. “However, it’s completely understandable in Fluttershy’s case.” Fluttershy went to say something, but Rarity held up her hand. “Fluttershy darling, I understand that you would want to confront Discord for what he’s doing. However, not when you are this pregnant and about to give birth practically any hour now.”

Fluttershy seemed to pause, thinking it over, before looking to Rarity after a soft sigh, “I suppose you’re right, Rarity.” Her hands went to her belly with a happy smile on her face, her eyes glowing as only a mother could. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to him or her.” Nothing was said for a few seconds as we watched Fluttershy rub her baby belly.

That lasted for only a few seconds because Fluttershy let out a soft startled, “Oh, oh my,” right before her water broke. My heart started racing in my chest at the sight of her water breaking. There were a couple of happy tears in her eyes as she looked up to me, happy as she’s ever been. “Our foal is coming.”