Way Past Equestria

Chapters

The Mad Geniuses
World's Unite...Literally
Escape from the City
Skyfall
The Sorcerer of Science
Blue Blur
Heroes the Gathering
All for One
Sleepover
A New Adventure
Ultimate Life Form
The Chaos Source
Down A God
Family
Leading the World
Silver Lining
A New Coat of Paint
Cracking the Code
Dreams of Future
Stronghold
No Way Out
Crimson
Chasing a Shadow
Mind Games
Too Slow
Analyst
A New Take
Rescue Mission
Pure Agony
Knuckle Down
Pieces
Fading
KILL. CRUSH. DESTROY.
Called Out
For All the Artifacts
Heaven's Wrath
The Honest Truth
Gathered Together
Silent Night
In the Shadow of the Titan
Born from the Titan
All Powerful
Ace in the Hole
Their One Shot
Defeated
Push On
Copeium
The Difference Between You and Me
Love and Trust
Small Victories
Absolute Power
What's On the Inside
Sore Loser
Breakdown
Impossible
Make a Wish
The End is Never the End
How Fast Can Things Go Wrong?
Final Phase Part 1.1
A Change of Pace
The Day They've Been Dreaming of
The End of the World
The Cyborg King
Planning and Meetings

The Mad Geniuses

Both villains acted in a moment.

Sombra leapt back and covered himself in a dark barrier while also created giant claws of black magic. Robotnik pressed a button on his wrist and created an energy barrier around himself. A second button press caused robots to fold out of his glasses and shoes, which hovered behind him as they aimed lasers at the pony. The two took a moment to analyze the other before both smirked.

"Impressive. To be able to conjure up such a strong barrier of magic in such a short time. You are clearly a master of magic," Robotnik said with a nod. "Even that idiot Naugus could not perform such a complex spell so quickly without an emerald. I have to admit that I am impressed."

"You consider my spells to be impressive. Please, let us talk about what is really impressive and that is your machinery," Sombra pointed out. "To be able to create such complex and destructive robots that fold out of your suit that still retrain their structural integrity would require you to be one of if not the smartest beings I've come across. I'm millennia ahead of the simpletons on my world and even I can't build those. Give yourself some credit, you're brilliant."

"Well well, someone else who appreciates genius when they see it," Robotnik said with a smile. "Perhaps we were a bit too hasty in trying to destroy one another. After all, intellect like ours is so rare, it would be a shame if we wasted it trying to destroy one another without taking a moment to learn, wouldn't it?"

"Unbelievable. Somepony who actually talks some sense. It has been so long that I forgotten what it was like," Sombra cackled. He ceased his claws, but kept up his barrier, while Robotnik recalled his robots, while also keeping up his barrier. "I apologize for my rudeness. I am King Sombra, dark king of Equestria."

"Dr. Ivo Robotnik, my equine friend, and please, call me Ivo," Robotnik said with a small bow. "Soon to be ruler of all of Mobius."

"Soon to be? With an intellect like yours you should be the god king of your world," Sombra muttered. Then his eyes narrowed. "Unless, of course, there were six or so rainbow colored idiots that constantly stand between you and your brilliance..."

"Unbelievable. Someone else who gets it," Robotnik said with a laugh. "Why yes, Sombra, I do happen to have six or so assorted "heroes" who constantly destroy my robots and foil my plans. They are a constant thorn in my side. And judging from the way you reacted, I take it you have a similar problem on your world? One of them wouldn't happen to be impossibly fast and have a an ego larger than the planet, would they?"

"You understand. You actually understand," Sombra said with disbelief. "Rainbow Dash. The egotistical pegasi would moves faster than sound and has a voice like a cheese grater in a blender. She never shuts up and never stops flying circles around me! She is so annoying!"

"They always are, aren't they?" Robotnik said with sympathy.

"But it is Twilight Sparkle, the infernal princess and leader of her merry band of pukes that is the truly infuriating one! She always thinks she's smarter than me, even though it is only thanks to her friends that she manages to best me again and again. Oh, but you should see the world like her hooves and worship her as they're savior. Feh, she could never do anything by herself. She's as useless as the rest of her royal family."

"Sombra, I know you will never believe this, but I know exactly what you are talking about," Robotnik nodded. Sombra gave him a skeptical look. "Princess Sally Acorn. Princess of Acorn and the "leader" of the Freedom Fighters. Leader? Bah, she would be nothing without that infernal Sonic the Hedgehog to rescue her and her lackeys again and again. And yet her kingdom stands as the last symbol of disrespect to my reign. They think that they've beaten me again and again, when they don't even realize I've simply left them around so that I have someone to pit my wits against when I get bored. Well, they struggle to match my wits, but you get the point."

"Oh, believe me, I do," Sombra said with a toothy grin. "Sally Acorn and Sonic, huh? What original names. Almost as bad as Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. Let me guess, one's a squirrel and the other goes fast?"

"See, you do understand! How can our genius be constantly thwarted by these idiots who can't even come up with clever names for themselves?" Robotnik asked. "I mean, Robotnik. That's a name that should inspire fear and awe upon any who hear it."

"Sombra. The dark side. Chills and fear should be all that a pony thinks when they hear my name," Sombra agreed. The two geniuses took a moment admiring their own names before they turned towards one another, massive smiles on both of their faces.

"You know Sombra, I am starting to think that it might have been fate that brought us together," Robotnik said. "Two geniuses who have to put up with a handful of idiots who only manage to best us because they have one, and only one, among them that poses a small threat. And yet they act like they are better than us."

"I am starting to think that you are right. But of course, somepony...one of your intellect would always be right, wouldn't they?" Sombra cackled. "And from hearing your story, I am starting to see the problem. See, as brilliant and amazing as we are, those pests have one thing that we don't."

"And what would that be?"

"Competent help. I take I don't need to begin to talk about the kind of allies we have had to work with, do I?"

"It's like you're reading my mind," Robotnik said, before narrowing his eyes. "You aren't doing that, are you?"

"With how in sync we are, I don't need to! Don't you get it, My dear doctor? The only reason we have lost to these pests again and again isn't because of any failing on our part! It is our minions, our robots and magical monsters, who fail us! Our plans always come undone because of one of them! Not because of a fault on our part, but by sheer incompetence on their's!"

"I would kill for some good help. I would kill for just competent help," Robotnik agreed. "But that little problem is at an end, isn't it?"

"Yes, I would say so," Sombra agreed. "Two worlds. Two geniuses. It almost seems too perfect. How about a little partnership? We help each other to be rid of the worlds pests so that we can finally be the rulers we were always meant to be?"

"I like the way you think," Robotnik agreed. "So please, allow me to start with my pests. I have already mentioned Sally Acorn. She is a tactician, if you want to call her fumbling around the most simple of tasks being tactical. But physically, she is no threat. Antoine is a swordsman and a coward. He is nothing. His wife, Bunnie, isn't much better. She's half robot, thanks to my robotocizer, but she isn't any smarter than her husband. Strong, but that's it."

"The next three are the real problems, though. Rotor is a mechanic and a fairly competent one. Nothing like moi, but Even with inventions as simple as his I appreciate him trying. Tails is another story. While again, not on my level, he is smart. There is no denying that. Smart enough that I have considered taking him under my wing once or twice. Such genius shouldn't be wasted on idiots like the Freedom Fighters."

"Of course."

"And finally...Sonic." Sombra raised an eyebrow as Robotnik's face went red and veins started to pop out on his forehead. "He is fast. He is arrogant. He is lucky. But if that's all he was, I would have beaten him years ago. But there is one, crucial thing you must know about him if we are to work together to best him. He is chaos."

"Like, a force of chaos or-"

"He is the unknown variable. The thing that will go wrong even when your math is perfect. The wrench in the machine," Robotnik seethed.

"Ah. That kind of chaos. I understand."

"No you don't. And you won't until you've faced him yourself," Robotnik corrected, regaining his composure. "But that is all the important ones. Now please, I would love to hear about the foes that cause a master of magic such as yourself so much trouble."

"I'll follow your lead and start with the throwaways. Fluttershy is a coward and weak. She is nothing. Rarity is a dressmaker who is well past her prime. Nothing worth talking about. Applejack breaks trees with her face. Amusing, but that's it. They are not worth wasting our valuable brain cells on."

"They are very valuable."

"Rainbow Dash is incredibly fast, but she's no thinker. Like a gnat buzzing around. But you've dealt with a speedster before, so she will be nothing to you. Pinkie is...odd. She is random, chaotic and...nothing she does makes any sense. But once you realize that nothing she does makes sense, you start to make sense of her. Make sense?"

"No."

"Well you'll see soon enough. And then there's Twilight." Robotnik raised an eyebrow as Sombra started to foam at the mouth. "If your Sonic is chaos, then Twilight is harmony. No matter how badly I beat her or her friends, crush their souls, or tear apart their world, she manages to bring them all back together and summon some brand new form of power or flavor of the week. She is a consistent, the variable that can be added to any formula to change it to a losing formula for me. She may have impressive magic and a calculating mind, but make no mistake, it is her ability to unify her allies that makes her so dangerous."

"Ha. How incredible is this. I've spent years fighting a force of chaos while you've spent years trying to corrupt harmony. The way the realities work," Robotnik chuckled. "It does seem you've got quite the problem with those...horses that you fight against. It's a testament to you that you're still fighting."

"And it shows your resolve that you haven't succumb to the chaos yet," Sombra smiled. "But now there are two of us here, we will make short work of those annoyances and then get to work showing our realms...no, all the realms that they belong to us."

"I like the way you think, Sombra," Robotnik said. He then reached into a coat pocket and pulled out a device. "So please, allow me to get us out of here so that we can get to work. I would love to see how my badniks would do after being enhanced by your magic."

"And I would love to see how my magical monster will do once they've been...robotocized? It is sure to be one hell of an experiment," Sombra said. His horn crackled and he punched a hole in reality with his magic just as Robotnik used his device to rip open a hole. The two looked at each others work before they shared a laugh.

"We really were meant to find each other, weren't we?" Robotnik laughed. "Now let's get to work. I can't wait to see your face when I show you the chaos emeralds. Ever seen seven gems tear apart reality?"

"Only if I can watch yours when I reveal to you the Elements of Harmony," Sombra poked back. "Because I doubt you've ever seen SIX tiaras fix all of reality. One less and even stronger."

"Oh Sombra, I am going to enjoy working with you," Robotnik said. The two combined their portals into a single, vile vortex. Robotnik placed a hand on Sombra's shoulder and the two walked into the portal, each of them smiling darkly with the thought of what horror they were going to wreck upon their foes. "So tell me something, dark king. Have you ever considered growing a mustache?"

Author's Note

Extra

"Together we will be nigh unstoppable!" Sombra exclaimed. "But just to be safe, are you sure there aren't any other evil scientists we could call upon?"

For a brief moment Robotnik though back to a battle across dimensions, a blue, robot hero, a mad scientist with one respectable mustache and their sudden but inevitable betrayal of one another that nearly destroyed the space time continuum.

"Nope. Not a one."

World's Unite...Literally

Twilight had no idea what was going on.

As she tore across Equestria's, at least she thought it was Equestria, skies, she tried to wrap her head around what was happening to the land below. Human like buildings were jutting out of pony cities and towns. Robots were swarming across the lands en mass. A floating island had appeared next to Cloudsdale and then immediately fell out of the sky, sending shards of a green crystal across the land.

At first Twilight had thought Discord had been behind this. Causing the human world and Equis to merge together seemed like something he would do. But when she had gone to meet him she found him in bed, in the care of Fluttershy and barely able to speak to her. All he had managed to say was that somepony has messed with the chaos force and he was barely able to move. Twilight left him there and tore off across the sky, trying to find the source of the chaos...only to find it was happening across the world.

"And then there are these robots," Twilight snarled. In what used to be Mareiland, an army of round robots were attacking the ponies there...as well as what looked like anthropomorphic animals who were wearing clothes. Only one of the animals, a redhead in a blue vest, was trying to help both pony and animals get away. And while Twilight didn't know who they were, she knew that they were in danger. And as princess of Equestria, she protected all in danger.

Her horn glowed with power before she rained violet lightning down upon the robots, blasting them apart. The redhead spun to face Twilight as the alicorn slammed into the ground next to her, creating a barrier of magic to protect her and those escaping from the robots.

"Do not worry, I will handle this," Twilight said to the...squirrel? Chipmunk? To the girl in the vest. "You should evacuate with the others."

"Hold your fire," the girl said. "Those aren't just robots, there are animals trapped within there. If you torch them like you did the others, you run the risk of killing the animals inside!"

Twilight narrowed her eyes before casting a life sensing spell, growling when she saw that the girl was right. Each robot had a lifeform inside of it, one that was most certainly trapped. She cast her spell to the robots she had torched and found, to her relief, that the animals inside were alive. Shaken up, but alive.

"Alright, you seem to be the expert on these things, so how to we get the animals out without killing them?" Twilight asked the girl. She eyed Twilight's horn for a second before nodding.

"You're a magic user, right? Well if you can use your magic to hold those badniks in place, I should be able to open them up," the girl said. Twilight was about to ask how she was going to do that, only to watch with amazement as the girl threw her arms to the side and conjured two blades of hardlight from her wrists. "Princess Sally, by the way."

"Heh, Princess Twilight Sparkle," Twilight replied. Sally smiled at that before the two narrowed their eyes and turned their attention to the robots. Twilight's horn flashed and the robots all froze in place, violet light locking down their movements. Sally dashed forward, slashing, stabbing and jabbing her blades into certain points along the robots. The machines shuddered before falling apart, allowing the birds and other woodland creatures trapped within to escape.

Twilight raised an eyebrow as a squirrel ran past her before casting a glance at Sally, deciding not to ask. "Thanks for your help there, Princess Sally. I might have harmed or killed any of those animals if you hadn't stopped me."

"It's okay, Princess Twilight. Thanks for protecting the Mobians and the...horses trying to get away," Sally replied. "But judging from those same ponies, you and plenty of buildings that I've never seen before...I take it I'm no longer on Mobius, am I?"

"I was about to ask the same thing about Equestria," Twilight said. "Half of the time this land looks like my home, but the other half looks like something out of a bizarre mix and match. Human skyscrapers, flying battleships and weird stretches of lands with loop de loops in them."

"That...sounds a bit like my world," Sally muttered. "Can you get me airborne? I need to see this for myself. I mean, if that's alright?"

Twilight smiled and crouched down slightly so that Sally could climb onto her back. Once the princess was secure, Twilight took off into the sky, flying up high enough so that Sally could get a good look of what the world was like.

"I see what you mean," Sally agreed. "I recognize a lot of landmarks from my world, but there are plenty of places that look completely foreign to me. I take it those glowing forests, cloud cities and city on the mountain are all apart of...Equestria?"

"Yeah. And so the stuff that isn't Equestria is...Mobius? Did you say that's what your world was called?" Twilight asked. Sally nodded. "Okay, so from what you've told me it looks like Mobius and Equestria are...merging together, somehow."

"Two worlds merging together. I've dealt with multi world crisis before, but nothing like this," Sally muttered.

"There are only a hoofful of beings in my world that can pull of something like this," Twilight said. "But Discord is down for the count, Tirek is in Tartarus and Sombra...SOMBRA!"

Twilight weaved out of the way as a blast of darkness tore across the air, just barely missing the pair. Sally screamed as she held onto Twilight for dear life while the alicorn used all of her skill and spells to avoid the tidal wave of darkness that tore at the air in an attempt to bring her down. Twilight managed to put some distance between the...darkness and her, allowing her and Sally to get a good look at what they were up against.

The creature was like a massive squid that was covered in darkness. However, whent he pair glanced towards its main body, they found that it was actually part machine as well. Sally gritted her teeth in rage when she saw a symbol along the side of the squid, on a round face with a large moustache and a large smile.

"Eggman," Sally snarled.

"Eggman? That's, uh, a unique villain name there," Twilight said.

"Eggman is a mad scientist from my world who has been trying to conquer all of Mobius. He must be responsible for what is happening!" Sally explained. "When I saw his badniks, I suspected, but this just confirms it. But it is weird that this creature is using dark magic. Eggman generally prefers nothing to do with magic."

"Because that's not his magic. It's from one of my villains," Twilight added on. The squid went back on the attack, launching blasts of darkness out of its maw as it fired upon the two. Twilight weaved out of the way and fired back a few spells herself, but sighed when her attacks did nothing. "Sombra, the so called king of darkness. That's his magic. But how is he back already?"

"What do you mean already?"

"Just the other day he was using some sort of chaotic power to try to take us down. But right when he was about to use it, it went haywire and self destructed. When I woke up, the world was like...this."

"And when we were fighting Eggman, he was using the chaos emeralds, forcing Sonic to use chaos control to stop him," Sally muttered. "Do you think that both of our villains using that much chaos at the same time is what caused our worlds to merge? But that doesn't make any sense."

"Chaos generally doesn't make sense. I have a friend who's a master of chaos. And he said something about the chaos force being messed with..." Twilight took a moment too long to think and as a result a blast of darkness nearly knocked her out of the air. It was thanks to Sally conjuring a shield that the two were saved, though the blast sent the both of them hurtling across the sky. "Thanks."

"You might be onto something. That much chaos being messed with at the same time..." Sally began. She then placed a finger to her ear. "Sally to the Freedom Fighters, does anybody read me? Sonic? Antoine, Bunnie, Rotor? Anyone? Comms are down. Either this land is messing with my tech or the Sky Patrol has been shot out of the sky again."

"Need to get back with your team, huh? Same here," Twilight agreed. Then she turned to face the squid robot, which was dragging itself across the land to get to them. "But judging from the way this guy is following us around, I take it he's been programmed by the doctor and Sombra to kill us at all costs. We're going to have to deal with him first before we can go searching for our friends."

"Agreed," Sally said as she activated her blades once more. "Same plan as last time? You create an opening and I'll finish this guy off."

"You read my mind," Twilight agreed. She let out a whinny before charging towards the squid. She cast her strongest barrier around herself to take the shadow blasts that the squid cast. The beast let out a mechanical roar as it hurled it's tentacles towards the pair, forcing Twilight to dodge. Sally watched the creatures attacks before she leapt off, landing on one of the tentacles and sliding down it towards the main body.

The robot caught her movements and whipped its limb, hurling Sally off of it's body part. Twilight watched the princess get launched into the air, using her magic to catch the princess and rocket her towards the creatures body. Sally smirked before sticking out her blades right before she crashed into the squid's eye, tearing through it and ripping through its body. She burst out through the back of its head, causing the creature to shriek in a metallic tone before he started to explode. Twilight was right there for Sally, catching her with the princess' magic and swinging her back onto Twilight's back.

"That went better than usual," Sally said. "And I'm not even covered in oil this time."

"I had a magic barrier around you as you dove through the robot. Didn't want anything happening to my new friend," Twilight said. Sally smirked at that before she and Twilight watched what remained of the squid crash into the ground. "But there's doubt. That was Sombra's magic and your Eggman's robotics. Which means that they're probably working together."

"Eggman is a threat to the cosmos by himself. Any time he allies himself with another villain, he becomes nigh impossible to beat," Sally explained. "I really wish I could get ahold of my friends right now, especially Sonic."

"How about we work together to find our friends?" Twilight suggested. "I need to meet up with the princesses and find out how the rest of the world is doing, but I'm sure that we'll either run into my friends or yours along the way."

"Considering I don't really have any other options at the moment, I think that's for the best," Sally agreed. "And don't worry about Sonic. Knowing him, he'll be the one to run into us."

"Heh, sounds like you have a lot of faith in this Sonic character. Are you two close or something like that?" Twilight asked. Sally had to think about it for a moment.

"We've been fighting together ever since we were little. So yeah, I'd say we're close," Sally agreed. "He's a pain and never sticks around, but he always shows up in time when I need him."

"He sounds like a friend of mine," Twilight agreed. "So don't worry, princess. Friends always have each others backs. He'll be there for you. All of your friends will be." Sally smiled at that.

"I know. They always are."

Author's Note

"So since we come from different world's Sally, I was wondering, do you rule a nation like I do?"

"Oh no. I'm just a princess. My father and mother, the King and Queen, are the ones who really rule. I protect my kingdom, but I don't really rule it. But that's the way royalty works. The King and Queen rule while the prince and Princess prepare to take over after they die. I assume it's the same way here?"

Twilight made a face as she thought back to the royal history of Equestria, which was Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Gaea, Princess Symphonia...princesses as far back as she could remember. All calling themselves princesses because Queen made them sound old.

"Uh, yeah. Something like that."

Escape from the City

It had just not been Rarity's day.

First the boutique she had tried to buy a new dress from said they didn't have it in her size (she knew what they meant by that). Then then shopping mall had closed down early, meaning that she couldn't get a hold of the new gemstones she wanted. Then Sombra attacked and she, along with her friends, had to battle him once again. A massive explosion had gone off and the next thing she knew she was in a strange city while malicious beings made of darkness started raining from the sky and attacking everypony in sight. And yet the last of those was the most normal for her.

"At least, it is supposed to be something I should know how to deal with by now," Rarity mused to herself. Her horn flashed and crystal erupted from the ground, impaling the dark monsters that were advancing towards her. Yet with a nervous laugh she watched as the creatures simply reformed, walking through her crystals as they marched deeper into the city.

It was the city that confused her the most. At first, it seemed like a normal city. Large buildings, a good amount of stores, even a casino. But what raised an eyebrow from Rarity was that the entire city was populated with humans and animals that were human like. And she didn't recognize any of the brands. But she was still an Element of Harmony, so she had decided to buy them time so that they could escape.

"Of course, that does not mean that I want to do this on my own," Rarity bemoaned. She fired blast after blast of magic from her horn, striking down shadow monster after shadow monster. But for each one she struck down, two more took its place. "Oh Twilight? Applejack? Anypony? I could really use one of my friends right about now!"

The shadows leapt on her, forcing Rarity to throw up a barrier to protect herself. While her barrier was impressive, she was no master of magic like Twilight was, so within a matter of moments the dark beings began to tear their way through her shield. She took the time they were taking to get some distance between her and them, let out a small 'hmph' before she dawned her Element of Harmony.

"Very well ruffians, you enjoy playing in the dark so much? Then perhaps it's time somepony showed you the light." Rarity activated her Elements power and a shining, beautiful flash of light went off around her. While the Element was nowhere near it's best without its five compatriots, it still was an ancient, magical artifact designed to overcome any foe. It still packed quite the wallop. Rarity struck a pose as the light faded, letting out a small sigh of relief when she looked around to see the dark monsters were gone.

"See? Huff...darkness is nothing...before a light...this beautiful," Rarity panted. She flicked her mane and turned around...only for her eyes to go wide when she saw even more shadow monsters emerging from the depths. "Ah...my apologies, but I don't do encores. Perhaps if you gave me few hours or so to recuperate I could show you the Element's power once more. You wouldn't be opposed to that, would you?"

The shadow beasts lunged towards Rarity, who let out a yelp at the oncoming sea of darkness. Yet before the first shadow being could reach her, numerous sword strikes flashed in front of her and the shadow monsters leading the attack faded into darkness. Rarity blinked as she tried to comprehend what had just happened before she looked to her side at her rescuer.

He looked like a coyote, had blond hair, a nervous smirk on his face and held a shining saber in one hand while in his other was some kind of...board. But what truly gained Rarity's attention was the way he bowed to her politely before standing between her and the shadow monsters.

"Of course, mademoiselle. It would be rude of these beast to attack a lady when she is not ready, non? But there is no cause for fear. For I s-shall hold them off for as long as you need to recharge that flashy flash thing you have done...so long as it is no more than a few minutes. It will only take a few minutes, oui?"

"Oh...thank you," Rarity said with a small giggle. Then her smile fell. "But sadly darling, I will not be able to access my Elements power for another hour at the very least. And while you may be the perfect gentlestallion...I do not believe that these ruffians will be so patient."

"Ah. I see," the swordsman said. He then turned back to see the hundreds of shadow monsters that were closing in on the pair of them. "Then I shall use my intellects to decide ze best course of actions. And I have decided that our best course of action...is to flee."

The swordsman threw down his board, which Rarity noticed could hover, and rocketed away from the shadow monsters, scooping her up on to the back of the board as he did so. He flew them through the cities streets, while a tidal wave of darkness crashed after them.

"Mon dieu that is a lot of them," the swordsman noticed as he looked behind him at the advancing tide.

"I appreciate the rescue, but we have to deal with those monsters. We cannot let them run free and attack the...people of this city," Rarity pointed out.

"I am not. Ze monsters seem to be following you and that magical tiara you have. I noticed it when I was flying in. Zhey are all swarming to you, ignoring the people they pass," he pointed out. Rarity looked behind her at the advancing tide before holding out the Element to one side of the board. The tide started to swarm that side. She then held it out to the other side. The tide shifted to the other side.

"You would be right."

"Zat is why we are going this way, away from the people who are taking the shelter," the swordsman continued. "Not to be mentioning zat we will be needing a place to be disposing of all of these shadow monsters. And I have ze perfect place in ze mind."

"Well I'll follow your lead..."

"Antoine, mademoiselle. Antoine D'Coolette," Antoine introduced. "Freedom fighter and swordsman expert."

"Well it is my pleasure to meet you, Antoine. I am Rarity. Element of Generosity and expert on all things fashion," Rarity replied. "And I must say, it is nice to finally meet somepony who knows how to speak to a lady."

"Of course, madam. We may be fighting for our lives, but there is no reason that we cannot maintain some standards while we do so, non? Looking good is half ze battle, or so they say."

"Finally. Somepony who speaks my language," Rarity whispered. She batted her eyes a few times and shifted her mane to look as pretty as possible...before she spied something that made her smile bitterly. "Ah, no surprise there. Not with someone as classy and heroic as him."

"Hang on, we are getting close."

With one more burst of speed Antoine rocketed out of the end of the city, with the tide of darkness following him. He spun in the air and skidded to a halt, allowing him and Rarity to watch as the tide came charging at them. For a moment the tide was right on top of them...and then the tide of darkness plummeted off of the cliff that the edge of the city rested on. Antoine and Rarity waved at the tide with smiles as nearly all of the dark monsters plummeted to their demises. Only a few remained at the edge of the city.

"Well now, those odds look a little more fair, wouldn't you say Madam Rarity?" Antoine asked as he drew his saber.

"Oui, Monsieur Antoine. I believe we can handle this," Rarity agreed.

The pair swooped in on the remaining shadow monsters, which let out roars as they leapt at the passing pair. Antoine's blade flashed and Rarity's horn glowed, resulting in the beings being no more a moment later. Antoine brought his hover board to a halt and the pair looked over the damage.

"Not to much damage to ze city. Zat is good," Antoine observed. "But ze city is precariously perched on a cliff in a strange land zat looks nothing like Mobius. Zat is bad. But the people of the city are still safe. Zat is good. But these shadow monsters are everywhere. Zat-"

"Monsieur Antoine," Rarity cut him off. "I am still flattered that you saved my life, but I must find a way to contact my friends and tell them what is going on. What...is going on, anyway?"

"I am not sure myself. One moment we are stopping Eggman's latest attack and ze next the whole world is topsy turvy," Antoine said with a shake of his head. "Why can we not go more than a day before some new, world ending threat appears."

"Tell me about it darling. One time we were attacked while I was in the spa having my mane done. I had to go into battle with half of my mane hanging out at an odd angle. It was embarrassing."

"Villains, feh, always attacking at ze worst of times. Ah, here are ze phone booths."

Antoine brought the boared to a halt and hopped off, extending a hand to Rarity. Rarity giggled as she took Antoine's hand before stepping off of the board. She walked over to a booth with some kind of device within it. She looked it over for a second before shaking her head and looking back to Antoine.

"I am sorry darling, but I have only seen something like this before in Spike's Supermare comics. Do you have a mail station or a desk I can write a letter at?"

"Hmm, letters are a bit of ze old fashion, but perhaps I still have some parchment and quills back at Knothole," Antoine mused. "But I do not even know where Knothole may be in this hodge podge of a world and it is far to dangerous to be doing any exploring on my own..."

"That is no longer necessary, darling. Thanks to that floating island falling out of the sky, I believe I can still see Canterlot up on the mountain far in the distance," Rarity pointed out. "That is where the leaders of my world live and where my friends would go once they've seen what is happening. How about we go there, regroup with my friends and then we can help you find your friends?"

"Zat sounds like a wonderful plan. Hop back on mademoiselle and we shall-"

A blast of darkness caught the side of the hoverboard and sent Rarity and Antoine tumbling through the streets. Rarity let out a ground as she tried to shake the cobwebs out of her head while Antoine was already on his feet, sword drawn and eyes locked onto the foe that had attacked them. Yet as Rarity could see from the way he slightly shook, Antoine was nervous of this foe. And when she looked upon who it was, she didn't blame him.

A dark pony stood across the street from them, with a red tipped horn and a wicked smile that Rarity knew all too well. But it was the rest of him that made her gasp. His body, which had once been pony before, was now covered in metal, with gears and wires moving beneath his plated armor. His limbs made whirring sounds when he moved and light shone from beneath a chest piece. And when he let out a small laugh, his voice sounded distorted and almost...robotic.

"Ah Rarity. The only one of the Elements to actually hang onto her Element. Sadly, that will mean that you must be the first to die," Sombra said in a cold and metallic tone.

"Sombra...what have you done to yourself?" Rarity asked in horror.

"What have I done? Why it's simply, Rarity."

"I've become perfect."

Author's Note

"Excuse ze moi. I know zat we are still at ze beginning of ze story and have many other characters and plot points to get, how you say, rolling, but I must ask ze quick question..."

"WHY AM I FIGHTING ONE OF ZE TWO MAIN VILLAINS OF ZHIS STORY SO EARLY ON?! AND ALL ON MY LONESOME? ANSWER ME, AUTHOR?! POURQUOI?!"

Antoine, quite breaking the fourth wall. That's how Wade keeps getting back in here.

Skyfall

"Rotor, they're coming in hot from our five o'clock!"

"On it, Tails!"

Rotor whipped the rear turret around and began firing at the badniks that were flying after the Sky Patrol, the flying, mobile base of the Freedom Fighters, managing to knock them out of the sky before they could do any real damage. Rotor the Walrus let out a small sigh of relief before his eyes narrowed as another squadron emerged over the horizon.

"Go ahead Eggman, send your entire freaking army after us. You won't win," Rotor promised. He took aim once more and held down the trigger until all that was in the sky was laser fire and explosions. With the threat momentarily dealt with, Rotor took a moment to let go of the cannon. "Tails, I could use some good news. How are things going up front?"

"Not well, Rotor. The right engine is starting to falter and the left one isn't working. Also we've suffered way too much damage on our starboard side to keep flying at this speed for long," the voice of the young genius replied. "It's not a question of if we're going down. The question now is how long until we're forced to go down."

"We're not going down, not if I have anything to say about that. Keep us flying, I'll deal with the engines."

Rotor swung out of his turret seat and headed into the guts of the Sky Patrol. He took a moment to spare a glance at the red ring reactor, sighing in relief when he saw that it was still intact. Then he tightened his tool belt and forced his way to the engine room. Pipes and wires were strewn everywhere, alarms screamed at him that things were truly screwed, and, of course, everything was on fire.

The fire came first. Rotor grabbed hold of a fire suppressor and sprayed down the flames, managing to subdue them to the point that he could move further into the engine. Next came getting the engine up and running again. He grabbed hold of the wires and cords, attaching them in ways that would only make sense to him. He flipped the switch on the engine, snarling when it didn't come back to life. He slammed a fist into the panel and allowed himself to smile when the engine sputtered back online.

"Alright Tails, that's one engine online. Are we in the clear?" Rotor asked.

"Not even close! We have more bogey's coming in on us from all directions! As well as...oh son of a-"

"Belay that language Tails, what's approaching us?" Rotor asked.

"It's...some kind of giant, robot bird!" Tails exclaimed. The moment after he said this the entire Sky Patrol rocked as the badniks resumed their offensive maneuvers. Rotor was bounced around the engine room like a pinball, screaming in the most PG language he could incase Tails was still on the line. When he had a moment to fight back to his feet, he forced himself out of the engine room and to the lower decks.

"Tails, can you get us out of here?" Rotor asked.

"No good! That bird robot is fast! Faster than the Sky Patrol!" Tails informed him. "And I can't outmaneuver it because of all the small badniks corralling us! And then-"

A massive explosion went off on the other side of the Sky Patrol forcing Rotor to grab onto the railing for dear life. A whole new set of flames erupted and the alarms, if it was possible, started to blare even louder. Rotor took a moment to clear the spots from his eyes before he placed a hand on his comms.

"Tails, please don't tell me that was the other engine."

"Okay Rotor, I won't tell you that was the other engine that just exploded."

"Thanks Tails, makes me feel better," Rotor said with a smile. He then started moving towards the other engine, activating his nanite battlesuit to protect him from the flames. "Can you fly us towards Castle Acorn or towards a G.U.N patrol? We could use some friendly firepower backing us up!"

"I would if I knew where anything was," Tails replied. "But the world is...wrong. Buildings and places from our world seemed to be mixmatched with another world. We just passed a city made of clouds a moment ago. I don't think we're on Mobius anymore."

Rotor felt a bitter smirk cross his face as he started forcing open the door to the other engine room. He knew that he shouldn't be surprised at how everything was going. Things always went as wrong as possible for them, the only difference was that this time it was on a new world instead of their old one. But how did they...?

"Eggman. It's always Eggman. Why would this time be any different?" Rotor snarled. With a burst of strength he ripped the door open and stumbled inside...only for his eyes to go wide at the giant, empty hole on the side of his ship where his engine used to be.

"Rotor, what's the status of the engine? We're losing speed and the robot bird is catching up on us fast! Please tell me it's not on fire again."

"Well, then good news, the engine isn't on fire," Rotor said with a small laugh. "It's just gone."

"Gone?! What do you mean, gone?!"

"Vanished, bounced, adios; it realized how bad things were and bailed. Might make it the smartest thing on our ship," Rotor replied. He whipped around and started to head back to the generator while Tails continued to talk.

"This is bad, Rotor. We couldn't outrun that thing with both of our engines and now that we're down one..." Rotor could hear the fear starting to build in Tail's voice and he honestly couldn't blame the kid. But he needed to keep him calm.

"Do what you can. Aim for a place that we can land that has any kind of cover or defensive positions. So long as we have a chance, we can still win this," Rotor told the kid. He raced up towards the red ring reactor and started punching in some commands. "Let me know when you've landed. Then we're going to hypercharge the red ring generator."

"Hypercharge it?! Rotor, did you hit your head or something? Overcharging the red ring generator..."

"Will most likely make it that this bird will never fly again. But it will give our defense system and weapons a massive boost, perhaps massive enough to knock all of those badniks out of the sky," Rotor replied with a smirk. "And I am not letting my pride and joy get shot down. I have a bet with Knuckles going on right now and I refuse to lose it. So we're not going to let them take us down. We're taking ourselves down."

"This is crazy, Rotor...and might just be our only chance to survive," Tails replied. "Alright, it looks like we're coming up on some kind of forest up ahead, one with a decent cliff face with a castle on top. If I can get the Sky Patrol in there, it would eliminate the badniks ability to attack us from the rear."

"Which would mean they would have to come at us from the front, making them easier targets for our turrets," Rotor agreed. "Do it, Tails."

"Alright. Hold onto something!"

Rotor grabbed hold of the railings and braced, right before the entire Sky Patrol crashed into the forest. The giant disc tore across the forest floor, tearing out trees, decimating boulders and scaring the hell out of every animal in their path. Tails wrestled with the controls, spinning around the Sky Patrol and using the reverse thrusters to bring the ship to a stop right at the base of cliff outcropping. With one last sputter, the other engine died, telling Rotor that this was it. Either they won this fight or they were dead. So nothing new.

"Alright Rotor, we've landed. Activate the red ring."

Rotor activated the hypercharge before racing towards the cockpit, ignoring the wreck that had once been his pride and joy. He ripped open the door to get in and ran over to Tails, who was gripping the firing controls with a death grip. "Hey Rotor, sorry about your ship."

"We can always build a new one. You're the only thing on this ship that I can't replace," Rotor said. He placed a hand on Tails head and ruffled his fur, before staring out at the oncoming assault. "That's...a lot of badniks. Oh, and there's the bird. You were right. Things big."

"Fast too."

"All this, just for us, though. You'd think that with all of the troops Eggman is deploying that he was launching his final assault," Rotor pointed out. "It's almost like he's after something."

"Gee, I wonder what that could be," Tails replied. The two of them then looked over at a small containment unit attached to the bridge, both of them knowing what Eggman was after. "They're almost within range. Should I fire now or..."

"Wait for them to get closer. We miss this shot and Sonic is going to have to find a new mechanic," Rotor said. He then deactivated his nanosuit, before placing the ring onto Tails wrist. "Should this not work, I want you to activate that and fly as fast as you can away from here. I'll buy you as much time as I can."

"Rotor, no, I won't-"

"Yes you will. Because we both know you're smarter than me, you're more creative than me and you've got a lot more years left in you than me," Rotor replied. He then gave Tails a smile and a thumbs up. "Besides, captain goes down with his ship. And all those badniks are coming with me. Now get ready, it's time."

Tails said nothing as he turned his head back towards the oncoming forces, who were nearly right on top of them. He glanced to the side to see that the reactor was going critical and all of their systems were hypercharged. It was time.

"Order Captain?"

"Fire everything."

The sky erupted into death and flames. The Sky Patrol fired everything it had, turning the sky red with laser fire. Badniks exploded, clouds burned and even the giant robot bird screeched as it was torn apart by the sheer volume and firepower that the Sky Patrol unloaded. For a long, ten seconds, there was nothing but death in the air. Then the red ring gave out and all systems in the Sky Patrol stopped, leaving Tails and Rotor to admire their handiwork.

"That's...that's all of them," Tails sighed in relief.

"Yeah...I think we got them," Rotor laughed. The two let out a cheer as they high fived...before their hearts plummeted when they saw a single craft coming towards them. The craft was egg shaped and had a symbol on it that they both knew. Rotor pushed Tails behind him as the craft lowered itself right in front of their window, revealing its pilot. A figure that they both hated with all of their being.

The man had long legs and a round shape, with red coattails and a long, red mustache. A pair of goggles covered his eyes and a wicked smile was on his face. Rotor would have attacked him on the spot, if it wasn't for the laser cannons aimed at the both of them.

"Well look at this. A fox and walrus, far from home," Eggman laughed. "And what's this? No hedgehog in sight to come to your rescue. Well, that makes this all the better."

"Eggman...why are you here?" Rotor seethed. Behind him he caught Tails doing something and stepped forward so all of Eggman's attention would be on him. "We beat you. We took back your prisoners, wrecked your base and freed to chaos emeralds. You've already lost. Go home."

"I will admit that you set me back a bit. Or rather, Sonic did, but details," Eggman hand waved. "But now I'm back on top. My army is stronger than ever, my plan is more than any of your feeble minds could handle and-"

"Rotor, DOWN!"

Rotor ducked to the side as Tails fired off a small particle cannon, firing it right into Eggman's face. An explosion went off and for a moment the pair thought they had gotten him...only for the smoke to clear to reveal Eggman with his hand extended. A hand that was filled with black magic.

"And now I've added a few more tricks to my arsenal. Thanks to a new friend," Eggman said. His smile then grew even wider as he brought his magic infused fist next to his face, making him look like something out of a nightmare. "Now I will only ask once."

"Give me your chaos emerald."

Author's Note

"Hey Rotor, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of bet do you have with Knuckles?" Tails asked.

"Our bet is which of our homes would get knocked out of the sky more. Angel Island or the Sky Patrol," Rotor replied. "The loser has to buy the winner lunch for a year."

"...Knuckles is going to be owing you a lot of lunch."

The Sorcerer of Science

Rotor shoved Tails behind him, terrified eyes locked onto the dark magic coming off of Eggman's hands. Robotnik noticed the fear on both of the Freedom Fighters eyes, let out a laugh and let black fire burn in both of his hands as he slowly lowered his craft to the cockpit of the Sky Patrol. He then stepped out of his egg craft...and floated into the cockpit, his feet never touching the ground.

"There it is. There is the look I love seeing on the faces of you Freedom Fighters," Robotnik cackled. Rotor raised his fists and took a step towards Robotnik, but with a twist of his wrist Robotnik slammed Rotor into the ceiling and pinned him there with chains made of darkness. Then the good doctor laid his eyes upon Tails, who slowly backed away from Robotnik. "I am actually glad that the two of you are the ones that are here. Since I will be conquering the realm within the next day or so, this may be the last time I can speak to beings from my reality who can keep up with my genius. I'm exaggerating for you, Rotor."

"So come on Tails, where's the witty one liner you've been working on? Where's the secret gadget that is going to defeat me? Where is all that bravado that a boy your age shouldn't posses?" Robotnik asked Tails. Tails didn't say anything. All he continued to do was back away from Eggman while glancing around the room for something. "Ah, I think I know what it is. It's because Sonic's not here, isn't it?"

"Eggman! I swear if you harm a hair on his head...!" Rotor roared, but a snap of Eggman's fingers caused the chains to cover the walrus's mouth. Robotnik stalked towards Tails, who had backed himself into a corner of the cockpit.

"He's not coming for you, Tails. He's not going to save you," Robotnik said softly. "Because he truly doesn't care. The only reason he keeps you around is because you inflate his ego. You tell him how cool he is, how no one else can do what he does...you're the perfect little fanboy, aren't you? Always there for him. But now that you need him...where is he?"

"Don't...don't try to lie to me. Sonic has saved me on numerous different occasions!" Tails snapped back. "He's been there for me as much as I've been there for him. So I know he'll be here! He always-"

A dark blade slammed itself into the wall right next to where Tails head was, slightly clipping one of his whiskers. Tails slowly looked over at, before turning his eyes back on the smiling doctor.

"Dead," Robotnik stated. He then snapped his fingers and another knife drove itself into the wall on the other side of Tails head. "Dead again." Three more daggers all around him. "Triple kill. That was five times I could have easily killed you Tails and Sonic never showed. But please, go on about how he'll always be there for you."

Tails said nothing. He just shook.

"Do you finally get it? All that hedgehog cares about is making himself look good. He doesn't truly appreciate you," Robotnik said. Then he slowly extended a hand towards Tails. "But I do. I've seen what you've created, how your mind works and I know what a genius you are. If there was any soul on Mobius that I would ever consider on my level, it is you. So why not work with me? I have technology that you've never seen before. I can help that scientific mind of yours grow in a way those bumbling idiots could never do...maybe even help you to see your parents again."

For a moment Tails didn't respond. He closed his eyes and lowered his head, only to raise it once more with determined eyes.

"I will never work with you. You're evil and have caused so much harm to all I care about. My answer is no."

"Well, it was worth a shot," Robotnik said with a shrug. Then he grabbed Tails by the throat and lifted him into the air, his other hand burning with black magic. "But you must understand that I can't let you live. Not after how I've admitted that you are...within my wheelhouse. You are far too smart to leave on the board. Not to mention, I cannot wait to see the pure agony on Sonic's face when he realizes that he was...too slow to save you. Goodbye, Tails."

Robotnik raised his hand and aimed it right at Tails face, but Tails eyes never changed. Fearless and still full of hope. Hope in his friend. Robotnik smirked at the fox's foolishness.

Then he caught movement. He had been fighting beings with superspeed for so long that he had developed a kind of sense for when one of them was moving near him. And, for just a moment, he sensed one of them coming for him. He let go of Tails while conjuring a magic barrier around himself in the same instance, just in time to protect himself from the blur that slammed into him at supersonic speeds.

"Curse it all!" Robotnik roared as he was sent rocketing out of the Sky Patrol. He whistled and his egg craft landed beneath him, catching before he could start to fall.

Tails hadn't even begun to fall before a blur of motion grabbed him, shattered the chains that were holding Rotor, and rocketed both of them onto the top of the Sky Patrol. Tails had barely touched the surface of the Sky Patrol before he spun around and tackle hugged his savior.

"I knew he was wrong about you, Sonic! I knew that you would save me again!" Tails exclaimed gleefully.

"Um, glad that I saved you kid, but I'm not Sonic."

Tails eyes snapped open and he looked up at who had saved him. She had a rainbow mane, wings on her back and a rainbow lightning bolt coming out of a cloud on her flank. A pegasi, Tails realized. But despite this pony being a total stranger to him, the heroic smirk of confidence that she wore brought a sense of peace to Tails.

"Oh. Well thanks for saving me anyway," Tails replied. "I'm Tails. Who are you?"

"Call me Rainbow Dash. And don't worry," she began before turning to face Robotnik. "I'll deal with this."

"Feh, Rainbow Dash. Sombra told me about you," Robotnik snarled. "Hmph, you are fast, but you are nothing that I haven't already dealt with. So how about we save everyone here a lot of time and have you all just-" Dash appeared right in Robotnik's face. The doc had just enough time to process that before a hoof slammed into the side of his head, snapping his head to the side and knocking him right out of his carrier.

"Wha-?" Robotnik barely managed to get out before Rainbow Dash was on him once more. He crossed his arms and covered himself in a magic barrier, just in time before Rainbow Dash started her assault. She was a blur of speed and power, bombarding the doctor from all sides. He tried to keep up with her, but found himself unable to. After a few frustrating seconds of trying to keep up with her he let out a roar and hurled his arms to the side, creating a blast of darkness that pushed back the mare.

"Hmm. Forgive me, I lost my composure there for a moment," Robotnik stated. He pushed up his glasses before pressing a button on his wrist. His egg carrier began to fold and expand, until it was the shape of a metal lion. Robotnik floated over to the lion and entered the command center, his smile growing wider as the beast came to life. "Now then, how about we try this again?!"

"Oh look, a giant kitty. How terrifying," Rainbow said with a smirk. She zipped towards the robot and prepared to hurl another punch, only to snap back as the cat spun to her and slashed at where she had been a moment before.

"Foolish pony. While you may have been able to handle my admittedly beginner magic skills, this is where I am truly at my best. Each and every machine I have built has been designed to kill a being much faster than you! What chance do you possibly have?!"

"Faster than me? I'll believe it when I see it," Rainbow replied. She crouched down, cracked her neck and let a smile cross her face. "But now you've gone and called out my ego. Can't let that slide. So let's go, tin man. Me and you."

Rainbow was on him in an instant, unleashing a flurry of blows onto the side of the machines head. Eggman activated the counter maneuvers and the lion began to slash and bite at her, with Rainbow just managing to avoid each of his attacks. She flew back and skidded to a halt along the ground, narrowing her eyes as she prepared her next attack. Eggman smiled maliciously before he pressed a button, causing the lion to roar before it shot out a blast of electricity along the ground. The entire ground around the lion became electrified, giving Rainbow nowhere to approach from.

Eggman laughed at the mare, about to dare her to try to get to him...only for the lion's head to be snapped to the side as she delivered a diving kick to the side of its head. Robotnik shook his head as he tried to figure out how she had gotten around his trap that even Sonic couldn't get around...before his eyes narrowed on her wings.

"So that's what you have over Sonic," he muttered. Then a light started flashing on his wrist and he pressed a button, looking down at a screen for a moment before a smirk crossed his face. "That will be enough for today, my rainbow maned menace. Be thankful that I have matters in other places that need my full attention. But know that the next time we meet, you will not be so lucky."

"Huh, did you say something?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I dozed off for like, half of that fight. You gotta try doing something more impressive than that slow hunk of junk. It's really a bore to fight."

Robotnik bit back his response before he activated the lions jet boosters, taking to the sky and flying away. Rainbow Dash watched him go, waiting until he was completely out of sight before she flew back to where Tails and Rotor were. "You two alright?" she asked as she landed.

"Yeah, thanks to you," Rotor said. "We would have been done for had you not showed up. I'm Rotor."

"Rainbow Dash. Fastest flier in Equestria."

"Well after that performance I have no reason to doubt you," Rotor said as he extended a hand. "Thanks for saving us."

"Anytime. Saving others is what I do," Rainbow replied as she shook his hand.

"That was so cool!" Tails exclaimed. He raced up to Rainbow Dash with stars in his eyes as he gazed over her wings. "The way you flew! How fast you could move! Your skill and grace in the air! You move so fast, but you hit so hard too! It was incredible!"

"Well, I am pretty amazing, but please go on," Rainbow smirked.

"It's been a long time since I've seen Eggman get backed into a corner like that. You really caught him off guard, even though he's used to fighting people as fast as you," Tails continued on.

"Wait. As fast as me?"

"Or faster, it's been a while since we've clocked him," Tails replied.

"Alright Tails, that's enough. We need to start repairing the Sky Patrol, see if maybe we can get communications back on or something," Rotor said. He then looked to Dash. "You're welcome to stick around if you want. Honestly, I would feel a lot safer having you around with us. We can talk while we work. I have a feeling we aren't on Mobius anymore and I would love to listen to what you can tell us about this place."

Tails and Rotor turned and walked into the Sky Patrol, staring to work on their computers and communications. Dash simply stood and stared at the two, trying to process what she had just been told.

"Wait a moment. Faster?"

Author's Note

"Rainbow Dash, Sonic, how many fast animals are there in the multiverse to annoy me? Let's see...google. Type in Speedsters. Here we go."

"There's Rainbow Dash...Speedy?...The Roadrunner?...there's Sonic...wait, who the heck is the Flash? And click...ah. Wow that's fast. And there are seven of them? No thank you. I may be mad, but I'm no idiot. I'll just stay here and handle my ONE super fast opponent, thank you very much."

Blue Blur

With a groan and a click, Sombra fitted his jaw back into place. Being most machine now meant that he didn't feel any pain from the act, but the fact that his now metal jaw had been broken in a single blow told him he might need to take this carefully.

"Well, now that we've-" Bunnie fired a laser blast from her palm and knocked Sombra back to the ground, where he let out a frustrated snarl. "Okay, enough of that!" A dark barrier went up around him. "There, now that you can no longer shoot me-"

Bunnie took a few shots to test that theory.

"-enough already woman! We just met! Why are you so keen on killing me?!"

"Ya hurt mah man. Fer that, ah will not stop until ah've turned ya into a trash can," Bunnie replied.

Sombra narrowed his eyes as he considered his options. He could fight the three of them and he would most likely win. But he was in a new body. And not like his usual new body, where he was blown up and had to craft a new body out of shadow. But one of metal and wires. One that he was not used to. And his magic wasn't quite yet at the same level as it would be in his regular form. He was certain he would be far more powerful in the long run, but at the moment...

Then there was the fact that he had lost his metallic advantage. Against Rarity and the other ponies, his metal form would baffle and confound them, allowing for an easy victory. Even with Antoine, who knew of machines like him, he still believed in his magic and skill enough to prevail. But Bunnie had turned the tide. She was clearly like him and had been a cyborg for far longer than he had. She would have the edge in experience. Even as he thought this, Antoine and Bunnie went back to back in a way that told him they had been fighting together for a long time. It might be a better idea to fall back...

'Master, I have retrieved that which you have asked. I will return it to the Egg of Darkness immediately.'

That made Sombra's decision for him.

"Seems that my fun will have to come to an end for today," he said with a bow. The other three gave him a look. "While I would love nothing more than to kill all of you and take the Element for myself, it seems that I am needed elsewhere. Rarity, it was nice to see you again. I'm sure we'll meet again soon. Antoine, you are braver than I heard. I will remember that for next time. And Bunnie-"

Bunnie's metal fist slammed into his shield right in front of his face, getting the dark king to jump slightly.

"-I will deal with you another time. Farewell, fools. We will meet again soon."

In a whirl of darkness Sombra vanished, leaving the three heroes alone in the field. Rarity let out a tired sigh as she sat down while Antoine sighed in relief and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. "Thank goodness you showed up when you did, ma cherie. I was certain zat Sombra would-"

Antoine was cut off as Bunnie slammed into him and lifted him into the air, squeezing the air out of his lungs as she held him tight and swung him around. "Oh sugar-Twan, ah sorry ah was so late. Ah woke up after the attack on Eggman's base and ah didn't know where anything was and ah saw yer distress flare go off but ah was afraid ah wouldn't get here in time and-"

"It...is...truly...alright," Antoine managed to get out. "You...saved us...when it mattered. Now please...set me down...I can see my father..."

"Oh, sorry hun," Bunnie said. She set Antoine down and, after he took a moment to catch his breath, glanced over at Rarity, who was watching the couple with a smile. "Yer the one who helped keep mah sugar-Twan safe until ah got here, ain't that right? Ah'm Bunnie. Bunnie D'Coolette."

"I pieced that together, darling," Rarity giggled. She extended her hoof and Bunnie shook it, though Rarity did take a moment to examine Bunnie's metal limbs. Bunnie caught where Rarity was looking and smiled. "Forgive me for staring, it is just...I had not seen anything like this until Sombra showed up looking like...well, he had a similar design."

"Yeah, ah'm not exactly one hundred percent mahself. But ah can't complain about the extra strength and firepower. If it keeps mah family safe, ah can put up with it," Bunnie said as she pulled Antoine into a one armed hug.

"We call what has happened to ma cherie and Sombra being "Robotocized"," Antoine said.

"Roboticized, hun."

"Merci. Essentially, Eggman takes a being of flesh and blood and turns them into one of his mindless servants," Antoine continued. "He has done this to many of our friends and loved ones, all in an attempt to destroy our home and conquer our world."

"But it has it's benefits. Like ya saw with what ah did to Sombra, ah'm far stronger, faster and tougher than ah used to be," Bunnie added.

"Nonsense, you were always those things, mon amour. Ze robot parts cannot improve perfection," Antoine cut in.

"Sugar-Twan..."

"You say that they make a being mindless, but that was still the silver tongued and devilish minded Sombra that we know and hate. How come he is still himself and not a mindless drone like the others?" Rarity asked.

"Zat...we do not know," Antoine admitted.

"We kinda have no idea where we are or what's going on," Bunnie said. "As ah flew over here, it looked like our world mashed up with yers somehow. Ah don't know where we are or where we're going."

"Then perhaps I can be of some help. As I was telling your husband before Sombra so rudely interrupted us, that mountain over there is where the leaders of our land live. If there is anypony that can help us, it will be them," Rarity said. "Canterlot may be a bit...different at first, but I guarantee that we will be able to find somepony there to help."

"Zat sounds like a plan," Antoine agreed. "Amour, it is seeming that I have broken my hoverboard. If it would be no trouble to you..."

"No trouble at all, hun," Bunnie giggled as she wrapped a hand around Antoine's waist. He placed his arms around her neck before Bunnie extended her other hand to Rarity. "Ah hope ya don't mind flying. It may not be the most comfortable flight, but ah'll get us there quick."

"Ah...well, how can I refuse?" Rarity asked. She had barely taken Bunnie's hand before the rabbit rocketed off into the sky, sailing towards Canterlot. Rarity took a minute to adjust to the altitude, before she peeked around Bunnie. "So Antoine, if you do not mind, may I ask a quick question about your family."

"Oui?"

"You wouldn't happen to have a brother, would you?"

||--O O--||

It had been a rough day for Fluttershy. First, Discord was rendered bedridden because somepony had been "Messing with the Chaos Force" and it had practically taken his power from him. Then Sombra attacked. That was becoming a regular occurrence. Then...she wasn't sure, but when she came to, the world was...broken. So she had flown home as quickly as she could to check up on her most precious friend. She had just gotten his tea brewed for him when something attacked.

It was blue and metallic, with red eyes and a rocketpack. All it had said was that it was there for Discord and went right on the attack. Luckily for Fluttershy, Discord used what little power he had left to teleport Applejack in time to fight it. Unfortunately, it was currently flying circles around Applejack.

"Dang it ya varmint, hold still!" AJ roared. She let her lasso fly and tried to wrangle the metallic menace, but once more it easily dodged around her. The metal monster was on Applejack a moment later, grabbing her by the face and hurling her through one of the walls to Fluttershy's cottage. With her out of the way, the creature looked back over at Fluttershy...or to be more precise, Discord.

"Acquiring target," the machine said. Fluttershy threw herself between Discord and the machine, but it had barely taken a couple of steps before AJ burst through the door, ripping it off of it's hinges and hurling it at the machine. The door shattered to splinters against the machine, who only responded by snapping his eyes towards her. "Dealing with annoyance first."

With a speed that neither could keep up with, the machine rocketed to AJ and grabbed her by the neck. It slammed her into the ground with enough force to crack it, before hurling Applejack through Fluttershy's table. She had barely bounced once more the machine grabbed hold of her, punching her up into the ceiling before kicking her across the room next to Fluttershy.

"Applejack! Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked as she knelt down next to her friend.

"No...ah can't say...that ah ahm," Applejack coughed out. "This bugger is fast...too fast. Faster than anything ah've seen. Fluttershy...ya need to run. Ah'll keep it occupied...as long as ah can."

Applejack tried to get back up to her hooves, but then a fragment of the door she had thrown into the machine caught her in the chin and dropped her once more. Fluttershy looked up to see the machine standing over her, its red eyes locked onto the yellow pegasus.

"Target nearly acquired. Eliminating all non-essentials." The machine brought back it's spiked hand, aiming right at Fluttershy. The mare closed her eyes as she threw herself over Applejack right as the machine attacked. Then the next thing Fluttershy knew a tornado was roaring inside of her cottage. A tornado that was a blazing blue. The machine looked around to register what was happening before something struck it from the side, knocking it out through the hole it had made with Applejack. The machine spun around in the air and landed on it's feet, just as the source of the tornado came to a halt in the front yard. Fluttershy peeked out through the hole in her wall to see who had helped her.

The being was similar to the machine, but more. He wore red shoes, had white gloves, a cocky smile on his face that Fluttershy had only seen on one of her other friends. But what really gained her attention was the fact that the machine had locked on completely to the new arrival.

"Wow, would you look at that, the toaster that looks like me is here as well. Man, Egghead really built you to take a beating, didn't he?" the being asked. "I mean, he would have to from all the times I've scrapped you and sent you back home to the doc in a box. But whaddya say, one more for old times sake?"

"Target: priority one. Sonic the Hedgehog...kill," the machine said and for a moment Fluttershy thought that she heard rage in the machine's voice. "Today is the day that you finally die."

"Is that a promise? Because I've heard those words so many times now that I've been keeping track. That's one hundred and twenty," Sonic replied. Then he slightly crouched down and the smile of a daredevil crossed his face. "But if you think you've got what it takes...then let's go, Metal."

Fluttershy had no words to describe what happened next. She blinked, there was a massive blur of blue...and then the machine crashed to the ground with an arm missing and pieces of him dented in. Sonic landed on one foot and hopped twice, before he glanced back at Metal and shrugged his shoulders.

"Same promise and same results. Run back home to Eggman and see if he can buff out my bootprint from your rear." Metal said nothing. He simply activated his rocket pack and flew off, with one last glare over his shoulder at Sonic that told the hedgehog this was far from over. "For someone who is supposed to be a superior version of me, he cannot trash talk to save his life. Hey over there, I'm Sonic. Are you-"

"Die ya metal menace!" Applejack roared before punching Sonic in the face.

Author's Note

"Master Robotnik, this is Metal. I...have failed."

"You failed to get the source of Chaos energy?"

"Yes, master. Sonic-"

"You can stop right there, I've heard this song before...did you at least punch Sonic in the face?"

"Affirmative. I can confirm Sonic got punched in the face."

"Atta boy."

Heroes the Gathering

"Again, ah'm so sorry," Applejack apologized.

"Don't sweat it. I'm used to getting punched in the face," Sonic said. "And thanks again for the ice pack, Fluttershy. You're friend there packs one heck of a punch."

"I should be the one thanking you. I don't want to think what would have happened to all of us had you not shown up when you did," Fluttershy replied. "Who was that metal monster anyway?"

"Metal Sonic. My "superior" copy. Eggman built him to beat me, but you saw how well that worked out for him."

"Ah thought that's who ah was punching, but it turned out to be ya," AJ muttered. "Ah'm sorry, I didn't really look before ah leapt."

"Considering how bad your black eyes are, I'm amazed you can see anything at all," Sonic pointed out. While Sonic was only holding a small bag of ice to his cheek, Applejack had two large bags over her eyes, just barely able to see. He then stood up, tossed the ice bag back to Fluttershy and started to stretch his limbs. "Well, glad I could help out and it was nice to meet the pair of you, but I need to get going. I've got friends to finds, bots to smash and a world to save. Got a lot of ground to cover."

"Wait, you're leaving already? Can't you stay a little longer?" Fluttershy asked.

"Stay isn't really in my vocabulary," Sonic replied. "And like I said, I'm busy. From the way this place looked on my run over, I wasn't entire successful in stopping Eggman. I hate it when worlds crash together like this."

"You've dealt with this before?" AJ asked.

"Twice now. Surprised I haven't seen Rock yet. But anyway, yeah, I've dealt with this and I know how to fix it. Beat Eggman, find Emeralds, Chaos Control. Day saved and I can go back home. See ya-"

"Hold it." Sonic, Fluttershy and Applejack all turned towards the couch in Fluttershy's living room, where Discord sat up sluggishly. He took a moment to look around before he focused in on Sonic. "Sonic, huh. Yeah, I can sense it. You tangle with powerful chaos on the regular, don't you?"

"Kinda my thing."

"Well then let me tell you things are...different now. What ever this Eggman and Sombra did, it severely damaged the forces of chaos. Using those...emeralds of yours might not be such a good idea," Discord warned.

"And how would you happen to know that?"

"That's Discord. He's a god of chaos," Fluttershy explained. Sonic raised an eyebrow. "He knows chaos, probably better than anypony. The reason he says he's bed ridden is because of what Sombra, and I guess Eggman, did to the chaos force."

"He mentioned the chaos force?" Sonic asked. Fluttershy nodded. "Alright, I can't ignore that. But if I can't go after the emeralds right now, what should I do? Because sitting around and waiting is not how I do things."

"Simple. Even with my powers as incredibly weakened as they are, I've still been keeping track of this world. Being in the chaotic state it is has made it easy for me to keep track of things. I've been monitoring the other Elements and each of them have seemed to meet up with somepony from...your world, Sonic. If I know how things works, I bet those are your friends."

"You certain it's them?"

"Believe me, our worlds have a way of bringing the heroes together. The forces of harmony are trying to fix what happened to Equestria and they most likely brought together those who can do just that. Same way you found Applejack and Fluttershy, I bet that's how the others met. If you all meet up, you should all be reunited."

"Alright, that saves time. But how would we all meet up? No offense, but from what I've seen of your worlds tech I can't exactly make a call."

"Canterlot. That's where we always meet up when stuff like this happens. As fer how we'll get there..." Applejack said. Then she looked over at Discord. "Do ya think ya got enough power fer one more teleportation?"

"Applejack, do not insult me. I may wield a fraction of my true might, but I can still manage that much," Discord replied with a smirk. He waved his hand. "There, I've healed your injuries and I'm not even winded." AJ looked down to find, while she was feeling better, she was still covered in bruises. "Teleportation is still nothing. Hope you didn't have a heavy lunch."

Discord snapped his fingers and the next thing Sonic and the mares knew, they were standing in Canterlot, just outside of Twilight's castle. The mares were woozy from the teleportation for a moment, but Sonic was unaffected. "Benefit of running and spinning as fast as I do is that I've got an iron stomach. It takes a lot for me to lose my chili dogs."

"Glad yer taking this so well."

"So Discord said that we'd all be meeting up around here. Guess that makes me the first one here...as usual," Sonic said before he found a tree and sat under it, closing his eyes. "Let me know when your friends or my friends show up. Might take a while, with how fast we got here. Oh yeah, should probably give you there names. First there's-"

"No need, Sugar-Hog. Ah can introduce mahself just fine."

Sonic, AJ, and Fluttershy looked up just in time to see a rocket powered rabbit land in the center of the castles courtyard, dropping off a coyote with a sword and Rarity. "Bunnie D'Coolette. Nice to meet ya all!"

"Antoine D'Coolette. I see that you had ze misfortune of being stuck with Sonic," Antoine teased.

"That's what I'd expect the bronze medal to say," Sonic smirked.

"Bronze?"

"Your wife did all the heavy lifting. You were just along for the ride."

"Eh, you are not ze wrong."

"You alright Rarity?" Fluttershy asked.

"Fine, darling, thanks to these two," Rarity said as she nodded to the couple. "Oh Applejack, what happened to you? Have you been headbutting trees again?"

"No. An evil double of Sonic over there showed up at Fluttershy's cottage. Ah fought as best ah could but...well, ah'm grateful Sonic showed up."

"Ah. Well I'm glad he did," Rarity said. "Hello there, Mr. Sonic. Thank you for saving my friends. I am Rarity."

"Yo," was all Sonic replied with. Then he looked up and let out a small whistle. "And that is a unicorn with wings. Think you've seen it all."

The group stepped back as Twilight and Sally landed in the yard. "Applejack! Fluttershy! Rarity! You're all safe! Considering what shape the world is in, I was afraid..."

"Don't worry about it non, Twilight. It will take more than this to stop us," Applejack replied. "Though ah will admit things would have been a lot harrier than ah would have liked if Sonic and his friends weren't here."

Twilight wanted to say something about her injuries, but bit her lip instead. "And you must be Antoine, Bunnie and Sonic. Sally was telling me about you all on the way over. It is nice to meet you all and thank you for helping my friends."

"Well, let us be saying that your friends saved us as much as we saved them," Antoine politely pointed out. "I like to think of it as we all saved each other."

"Sure, we can say that's what happened," Sonic muttered.

"Ignore him Twilight, he's just upset that he's not going to get to save the world by himself," Sally teased.

"Dunno Sal, the day is still young."

"Which is why we need to get working." All eyes looked upward to see a large piece of metal was being lowered down by a rainbow maned pegasus. She set down the metal sheet to reveal that Tails and Rotor had been standing on it, allowing the pair to step off. "I'm glad to see that everyone is still alive. Because things have gotten even worse."

"Dare I ask how?" Sally asked.

"Because Eggman has learned dark magic." All of the Freedom Fighters, even Sonic, looked shocked at that revelation. "He attacked the Sky Patrol with Tails and I on it, ripping it and us apart with ease. Had Rainbow Dash not shown up...we wouldn't have made it."

"We ran into a similar situation. Sombra...is a cyborg now. It is like his entire body is covered in an armor stronger than any I've seen," Rarity added on.

"Is Sombra a master of dark magic, because what happened to him sounds a lot like something Eggman would do?" Sally asked. When Rarity nodded, Sally sighed. "I think I know what happened. Eggman and Sombra are working together and have shared their secrets with one another. Things just got a whole lot more complicated."

"Not really. Fight bad guys, save world. Seems like the same M.O as always," Sonic added in. Sally gave him a look before shaking her head.

"So you're Sonic, huh?" Sonic cracked open one of his eyes to see Rainbow Dash standing over him, a smirk on her face. "From what Tails told me on the flight over, you're the fastest being on your world, right?"

"So many have said. Why? You want to disprove that claim?" Sonic asked with a smile. Rainbow smirked back as Sonic rose to his feet, stretching out his legs. "But now that I get a better look at ya...you're no slouch to speed yourself, are you? Heh, maybe I can get a decent race out of someone while I'm here."

"You sure you want to do this?" Rainbow asked. "I mean, losing your claim as the fastest being so soon after meeting us? Why not wait a bit so you can have time to say goodbye to it?"

"Oh ho, now it is on," Sonic replied. "I saw a kingdom made of crystal on my way here. How about the first to get there and back is the winner?"

"You're on. How about on the count of-"

"Enough!" both Twilight and Sally yelled. Rainbow and Sonic flashed them an annoyed look.

"The worlds are merged together, our enemies are stronger than ever and the two of you want to race?!" Twilight exclaimed. "We have far more important things to worry about right now than who is faster!"

"Fine, fine," Rainbow muttered, before she set eyes on Applejack and her eyes went wide. She was AJ's side a moment later. "Oh geez, are you alright? What happened?"

"Nothing. Just got into a fist fight with a metal version of Sonic," Applejack responded. "Don't worry, ah'm fine."

"You sure? Because you don't look fine...and all of this happening this week of all weeks," Rainbow said with concern. Applejack smiled at Rainbow and put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Ah'm fine. And thank ya for yer concern, but right now we have more important matters to deal with, don't we princesses?"

"Applejack is right. And with all of us here, we can finally begin planning," Sally said as she looked around at her friends. Then she reached towards her pocket only to grimace. "How about you, Twilight? Are you ready to begin planning?"

"Well, nearly all of my friends are here," Twilight said as she looked around. "But I'm still missing Pinkie."

"Present."

Sonic looked to his side and let out a yelp as a pink pony who had not been there a second ago spoke up. "Sorry I'm late Twilight. I lost track of time having fun with my new bestest friend!"

"...I'm glad to see that you're okay," Twilight said. She then nodded to Sally before looking at all of the new faces. "That's all of my friends...aside from Spike...but these are the Elements of Harmony. Champions of Equestria."

"And these are the Freedom Fighters. Heroes of Mobius," Sally replied as she spoke to the ponies. "Now then, we will need a place where we can plan and be safe from any surprise attacks. As the Sky Patrol is apparently out of action, Twilight has generously offered to let us stay in her castle and operate from in there. Any problems?"

"Why are you looking at me?"

"You know why, Sonic."

"The Freedom Fighters will be staying with us while we figure out what to do about...this," Twilight said as she motioned to the world. "But considering the scope of how royally screwed we are, I have also called in Celestia and Luna so that they can share their expertise with us. They ruled the world for thousands of years, so maybe they've dealt with something like this in the past. They should be arriving any-"

"We're here. And we don't know what we're looking at."

Twilight turned around to see the princesses of sun and moon standing at the edge of Canterlot. Both of them were looking out at their land, which was only half of their land anymore. The sea had killer whales attacking ships, the grassland and giant loopdeloops and weirdest of all was the giant, purple cat fishing in their fountain. Celestia stared out at the land in disbelief, while Luna simply waved to Twilight.

"Hey Twilight. How's being a princess all by yourself going?"

Author's Note

"So Pinkie..."

"Yeah cousin?"

"The rest of us met up with one of the Freedom Fighters before we came here. Discord said that it was Harmony or something like that bringing us together. But if ya weren't with any of the Freedom Fighters, then where were you?"

"Oh, I met a badger named Sticks and we got to talking about all sorts of things. Crossovers, how time works in comics, why the higher up gods of her universe hate all versions of her friends which aren't "their creations". We got along great. But then we realized that this was a crossover with Archie characters and not Boom characters and that she wasn't supposed to be in this crossover. Oh well, maybe the next one."

"Pinkie, ya been eating raw sugar packets again?"

"...yes."

All for One

"Well that could have gone better," Sombra muttered.

He stepped through the dark portal and appeared back at "his" base. A giant, egg made out of an impossible combination of metal and magic, creating a pitch black egg that hovered over a dark void. A testament to the combined genius of Robotnik and Sombra. Of course, depending on which of them you asked, they would tell you they put in most of the work to build the thing.

"This new robot body is strong, but there are definitely some kinks that need to be worked out," Sombra muttered. He grunted and twisted his neck, hearing the machinery inside moving. "I'm not as fast as I used to be and it is definitely messing with my quick fire magic. Maybe I should spend some more time in the training room..."

The sounds of rockets gained his attention and he looked up to see a very damaged metal lion flying down towards the base. He flashed his horn to open up the landing bay, raising an eyebrow when Robotnik's machine crashed right onto the pad. The doctor came tumbling out of his cockpit and crashed to the floor, coughing up black smoke as he stood up and furiously brushed the soot off of his suit.

"Had a good time, huh?" Sombra asked.

"Feh, it is as we predicted. I dealt with the fools of my world easily enough, but I did not have enough data on your foes to create a suitable counter strategy," Robotnik replied.

"So which one of them did this to you? Was it Twilight? I'm betting it was Twilight."

"Rainbow Dash. She's a problem," Robotnik corrected. He then snapped his fingers a few times, only for nothing to happen. He sighed, tightened his concentration and snapped his fingers again, this time magically removing the soot from his clothes. "But above all else, I have had a harder time mastering magic than I originally thought that I would. I can do basic spells, but anything more complex halves my chances of it working."

"Magic takes time, patience, and repetition to master. Unless you're born with a talent for it like little miss priss and her destiny," Sombra snarled. "Take some time, read some of the tomes. They're how I learned and, considering I'm the greatest unicorn in the land, that should prove their worth."

"I though Twilight bested you in magic?"

"I said unicorn, not alicorn. Being an alicorn is cheating," Sombra quickly replied. "So, did you manage to retrieve the Chaos Emerald?"

"No. I had it in my grasps, but then Rainbow Dash showed up and forced me to retreat," Robotnik replied. "How about you? Any success with taking out that Element of Harmony you went after?"

"Same results as you, I'm afraid. Had her dead to rights and then the mecha menace Bunnie showed up and handed me my flank," Sombra said with a shrug.

"Oh well. This was all to be expected, after all," Robotnik said.

"Of course. They always find a way to undermine our plans. That is why what we did was simply a diversion for the real plan," Sombra continued. The pair of them stepped off of the pad and into an elevator, which descended into the heart of the base. "Though with how poor my performance was, perhaps I should have spent more time in the Zone of Time to master myself."

"Please Sombra, do not get discouraged. All of my roboticized workers can only haul around machinery. Anything more complex than that and they break harder than Sonic breaks the sound barrier. The fact that you are already moving around to such a degree is a testament to your perseverance."

"Perhaps, but I do not like being at such a disadvantage. At the very least we were able to build all of this within the Zone," Sombra muttered. He and Robotnik took a moment looking at the Dark Egg, which housed everything from floors of robot and shadow soldiers, to a real nice R&R room that had widescreen tvs, a swimming pool, numerous game rooms and a fully stocked kitchen. No one said being in an evil base meant it couldn't have a place to relax.

"We certainly got lucky. About time that luck went our way," Robotnik said with a smile. "But I must say, I don't like the idea of having to throw fights against my foes. Because that's what happened. All according to plan."

"Of course. We need to follow the plan. That's what will give us the win over the "heroes". That is why we lost," Sombra agreed. "To follow the plan."

"Of course."

"The only reason."

"Same."

"Oh yeah, did you manage to convince Tails to join us?" Sombra asked. "Judging from the lack of a two tailed fox following you, I'm going to say that's a no."

"He may not have agreed to join us, but I scored a blow against him," Robotnik said with a dark smile. "I managed to shake his faith in Sonic."

"How's that?"

"I told him that Sonic wouldn't be there to save him. He said Sonic would. And then, to prove him wrong, I showed that I could have killed him five times. And Sonic never showed."

"But you didn't actually kill him?"

"Of course not. Killing him would certainly hurt Sonic, but it would also give Sonic more drive and he we be all "I will avenge you, my faithful fanboy". But if I can break Tail's faith in Sonic...well the emotional damage done there is far greater than anything I could physically do to the hedgehog."

"Robotnik, you are a master of the evil arts."

"Thank you, it's a gift. But the best part? Rainbow Dash showed up to save him instead. And I've seen that puppy dog, idolizing look on that fox's face before. If you ask me, Sombra, it won't be long until Tails has a new fast mover that he'll be worshiping. And I cannot wait to see that does to Sonic's psyche. Because if there is one thing that hedgehog cannot stand, it's being second in anything."

"Hmph, how petty of Sonic," Sombra replied. The elevator reached the bottom of the shaft, opening up and revealing to the pair a very damaged Metal Sonic. Sombra raised an eyebrow as he and Robotnik stepped off the elevator, while Robotnik stomped over to Metal and sighed.

"Let me guess. Sonic beat you and you weren't able to acquire that source of chaotic magic that I scanned?"

"Correct."

"I don't even know why I bother with you anymore," Robotnik sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Did you at least learn something about our foes or kill one of the Freedom Fighters or Elements of Harmony?"

"I learned that the source of chaos magic is a living being that can wield it, but has been severely drained by your previous attempt at world domination."

"That would be Discord. And how interesting that our use of the chaos force would damage him so," Sombra smiled. "I will need to remember that when it is time to kill him."

"Well once again it seems that my underlings have failed me," Robotnik sighed. "How about you, Sombra? Did yours fare any better?"

"Let me find out. Oh Shadow."

Out of the darkness walked a hedgehog, one that had black fur with red streaks in his hair. But his eyes were where things went wrong. They were pitch black, devoid of any thought or autonomy. A perfect puppet for Sombra to control. "Did you pick up what we asked of you?"

Shadow said nothing. He simply extended his hand, which held a small computer in it. Sombra grabbed the computer with his magic and floated it in front of both himself and Robotnik. He flicked it on and the small image of a lynx appeared on the screen.

"Ugh, morning Sally. How can I..." the computer went silent as she saw who she was looking at.

"Hello, Nicole," Robotnik said with glee. "How nice to see you again."

"Eggman..." Nicole whispered. "How?"

"Enough of you," Sombra said as he snapped the computer off.

"You aren't going to demand information from her?"

"Please, I know her type. No, I'll never betray my friends or give up my secrets, no matter what you do to me. Do you like the voice, I've been working on it?"

"A perfect imitation of their futile resistance."

"Would you like to tear her apart to reveal their secrets? It's fun."

"You have much more experience with this sort of thing. Shouldn't you do it?"

"Sombra, have you ever ripped an A.I. apart before? I will not deny you the experience," Robotnik replied. "They are a delight to torture. Since they do not have a physical form, you can inflict as much punishment as you want and they don't die. You can get really creative in the ways you hurt them. I cannot wait to see what your magic will do to her."

"Well, when you put it like that, I cannot wait to tear her apart. You said she's the...data banks of the Freedom Fighters, correct?"

"That's right. Everything we need to know about them will be on there," Robotnik said. He then glanced at Shadow and narrowed his eyes. "So where are the rest of you?"

As if on que, four more beings appeared in the shadows behind Shadow. An echidna in red. A pair of hedgehogs that were silver and pink. And a cat in purple. All of them with the same color eyes that Shadow had. "Feh, took you long enough. Return to the holding room and be prepared for your next assignment."

"See? Isn't the new help grand?" Sombra asked.

"It is so much easier when they have no personality," Robotnik agreed. "I'm so glad we took the time to go after them first before we combined our worlds together. Remove the pieces from the board early."

"But leave the heroes with just enough that they believe they have a chance against us. Where are the tools I got for you though?"

"Heh, watch this. Deactivate cloaking." At Robotnik's command, five beings appeared next to Sombra. A metallic captain of the guard. A robotic princess of crystal. A red stallion made of the strongest metal. A mare whose chrome body shown like starlight. And a baby dragon who was in a mech suit. "I tell you, you take something useless, throw it in the roboticizer and suddenly it's worth so much more."

"I have to agree with that. These five were worthless before this. Now they're quiet, which is a massive improvement. Speaking of, what did you do with the foal?"

"Gave it to Orbot and Cubot to look after. Give them something to do so they stay out of our way."

"You know that she possess incredible magical strength and will most likely make their lives hell...ah."

"Yup. Punishment for constantly failing me," Robotnik said with a smirk. "But I must say, if there is one thing I truly enjoy about these fights with Sonic and his annoyances, it's the look of anguish on their faces when they must fight a family member turned against them. I hope that your ponies can live up to that high bar."

"Oh believe me, nopony is better at letting out pleas to "wake up" or "come to your senses" than the Elements. Twilight alone will shatter any expectations you have."

"I am delighted to hear that."

"Sir, the device I placed on Applejack is transmitting. Tomorrow the heroes will be seeking out the Chaos Emeralds and Elements of Harmony," Metal Sonic said. Robotnik and Sombra both shared a smile at that.

"So tomorrow our grand plan finally starts. And it's so simple. Follow the fools to the locations of the artifacts, have them deal with traps, if there are any, and then steal them out from under them, preferably killing them in the process. Could it be any easier?"

"Well, we have to be careful. There are plenty of other villains that might try to take out the artifacts from under us," Sombra warned.

"Why yes, yes there are," Robotnik replied with the biggest smile on his face. Then he and Sombra turned to look over a railing at the floor below, where numerous beings stood. A robotic centaur. A group of six deadly ogres that all had black eyes. A metal shapeshifter with her roboticized army. A sorcerer whose magic had been overcome and his mind imprisoned. An assortment of the most dangerous beings across two worlds...all who stood at attention and waiting for Sombra and Robotnik's commands.

"Good thing we dealt with them first."

Author's Note

"Sir, the transmitter is also picking up on something called...DJ Pon3 in the morning."

"What the heck is that?"

"Ooo! Turn it up, this mare is nuts and plays the kind of music that an evil genius can real scheme to!"

"She plays music for evil geniuses?"

"She does after you threaten her family. It was literally the only way to get the songs I wanted to hear on the air."

Sleepover

"Man, when was the last time we had to camp out like this?" Sonic asked. "Nice of Twilight to give us such a large room. Wish the accommodations were nicer though."

He dropped his sleeping bag in the middle of the room and crashed onto it, getting some annoyed looks from his friends. Twilight had given one of the largest rooms to the Freedom Fighters, who had voted to spend the night together. Tails was posted up next to the window, with eyes on the skies as he started to map the stars of Equestria. Rotor wasn't too far from him, tinkering with some gadgets he had managed to save from the Sky Patrol. Antoine and Bunnie were next to each other (obviously) while the group had voted that Sally should get the lone princess bed, for oblivious reasons.

"Considering it was either this or sleep outside, the accommodations don't really matter that much," Tails replied.

"Aw come on, sleeping outside while wondering what was going to happen to our world or if we would be Robotnik...kinda nostalgic in a way," Sonic said.

"Nostalgic, but not preferable," Antoine said. "I remember some of those nights and they are not what I would call a fun time."

"That was just because you were always scared of everything out there. The wolves, the owls, your shadow: need I go on?" Rotor asked.

"Non. I remember all too well."

"It was a different time back then, when it was just the five of us," Sally said. "Living under a tree root. Fighting everyday like it was our last. Didn't Eggman nearly have control of the entire world?"

"Everything but Knothole. And now he's struggling to hold onto half the world," Sonic added. "We've done a lot of good since then."

"That was a bit before mah time, but ah think ah catch what ya'll are talking about," Bunnie said. "And yeah, ah remember plenty of those nights as well."

"And how incomplete we were until you joined us, ma cherie," Antoine added. "I would not dare to think of ze coward I would be now if not for you."

"Come on Sugar-Twan, ya were always braver than ya thought. Ya just tended to be braver around me," Bunnie teased. The two cuddled and started to giggle while Sonic rolled his eyes with a smile.

"Come on you two, there are kids watching."

"Oui. You and Tails."

"It's always been a fight to beat Eggman, hasn't it? And Ixis. And the Deadly Six...did you guys notice how amazing Equestria is on our way over here?" Sally asked. All eyes turned towards her, waiting for her to continue. "The parts of this world that aren't ours. They have such beautiful fields, massive amounts of forests...even their cities look cleaner than ours. I saw lakes of crystals, species of animals I didn't even know could exist...Their world...is beautiful."

"Where's this coming from Sally?" Tails asked.

"I talked with Twilight on the way over. She's been fighting evil since she was a teenager, not much older than us. And the princesses before her have been fighting evil for millennia, they live a long time by the way, against all sort of foes. Sombra, a mad king. An army of shapeshifters. A centaur who escaped from hell and stole the entire nations magic. All sorts of dangers."

"Yeah, and so have we Sal," Sonic replied. "What's are you getting at?"

"Twilight's castle stands tall in the center of the nation. Her land is beautiful, full of love and harmony. A peaceful world, for the most part. She...did what I never could. She-"

"Gonna stop you right there Sally," Sonic cut her off. He walked over and sat on the bed next to her, his infamous smirk still on his face. "We're not comparing us to them. It's apples and oranges. So maybe they've managed to keep their world a bit more peaceful than ours. Maybe they've managed to beat back their foes and prevent them from doing to their world what Robotnik did to ours. I'm not surprised."

"You're...not?" Sally asked.

"Of course not. Didn't you hear what their all powerful artifacts are called. The Elements of HARMONY. They are channeling harmony to defeat their foes. Y'know, peace and love, balance and compassion, all that stuff. It would make sense that even with all the evil they face, things return to a peaceful and happy ending. Puts everything back the way they're supposed to be. Because that's what harmony does, I think. But on the other end of the spectrum, what our are deus ex machia objects called?"

"The Chaos Emeralds."

"The Chaos Emeralds. And that sums up our world perfectly. Things are constantly in chaos, with nothing making sense and, just when we think we've got a grasp of the world, everything gets shaken up like a snowglobe. Of course our world is way more messed up and harder to lock down then theirs. They've got harmony on their side while we're flying by the seat of our pants. So instead of thinking they've done such a better job protecting their world, maybe you should look at the tools they've got and how their world works. Because I bet it's nothing like ours."

Sally looked at the floor for a minute before she rolled her eyes and smirked at Sonic. "Here you are giving me actually helpful advice. Now I know it's the end of our worlds. Since when have you been so wise?"

"You call it wisdom, I call it many painful lessons that have been beaten into me," Sonic smirked back. "That and I've crossed over with a few others worlds and...learned things work differently. You're not a worse princess and definitely not a lesser hero for it. You were dealt a worse hand and still managed to make something with it. Reason I respect you."

"Is that the only reason?"

"Eh, they're may be a few more."

"Well, I appreciate it none the less," Sally replied. She bumped Sonic's shoulder with his and gave him a genuine smile. "Now come on. Either the moon's rising faster than it should or it's a lot later than I thought. We need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."

"As you command, my princess," Sonic said with an overexaggerated bow. Sally giggled with another roll of her eyes before the fighters settled down for the night.

Sally was thinking about what Sonic had said, about how their worlds were so different. But that didn't mean she couldn't ask Twilight for some advice on how to be a better ruler. Rotor was lost in thought, as he knew he was forgetting something but didn't know what. Tails was thinking about getting to fight alongside Sonic again...and that he was a little upset that Rainbow Dash wasn't coming with them. Antoine and Bunnie leaned on each other and stared out the window, wondering what tomorrow would bring.

And Sonic, as always, was simply ready for the next adventure.

||--O O--||

"Sorry princess, but we still haven't seen him."

Twilight sighed before she waved the nightwatch away. "Keep looking. Keeping looking until we find him." The guards nodded and flew off, leaving Twilight to turn and look back at her friends. They had all decided to crash in her room for the night, strength in numbers incase Sombra tried a sneak attack, and had all settled down for the night. Fluttershy was humming to herself as she watched a spider walk on her bag, Rarity already had the green goop and cucumbers on her face (Twilight knew it was called something else, she just didn't know what.), Rainbow Dash and Applejack had placed their bags next to each other and Pinkie had built a fort out of Twilight's pillows.

"No sign of Spike?" Applejack asked.

"No and I'm getting worried. He's not at the castle, none of the CMC have seen him, Gabby says he hasn't been by the post office...I hope something terrible hasn't happened to him," Twilight whispered. "I pray that Eggman didn't get him."

"I doubt it. Spike's dealt with guys like Eggman before," Rainbow Dash chimed in. "Yeah, he's from another reality where he loses to someone slower than me, but still, it's the same principle."

"No, it's not. Sally told me about Eggman on the way over and...he's different than most of the foes we've face," Twilight said. "Discord, Tirek...maybe even Sombra. They have nothing on him. The only one I could compare him to is the Storm King and that's the closest one of our villains could get."

"Is he really that bad?" Fluttershy asked.

"According to Sally, yes. He's ruthless, cunning, has no love or compassion in his heart...and he nearly conquered Sally's entire world," Twilight told her friends. Her friends all turned to her, waiting to hear more. "Throughout all of Equestria's history, we've always had the advantage that our foes have had to invade us. Had to dethrone us. We've always been on the seat of our power, having strongholds and numbers to call upon."

"But Sally and her fighters have never had that. They've always been fighting an uphill war against Eggman. And, according to her, even after all the years of fighting they managed to free maybe half the world from his influence."

"So he's a bad customer. We'll deal with him the same way we've dealt with every other prima donna villain who thought they could beat us. Together," Rarity stated.

"I have no doubt of that. Just like I have no doubt in any of you. We've dealt with this before. It's...everypony else I'm worried about. Eggman, while not the most powerful, seems like the most cunning foe we've ever fought, perhaps more so than Sombra. And with the two of them working together. That's a lot of intelligence on their side."

"Yeah, and we've got you. And the former princesses. And Sally and her friends. Whatever those varmits have up their sleeves, we can deal with it," Applejack said.

"Of course. I know you're all right, but...had our situations been reversed, with Sally in my hooves and me in hers...would I have been able to protect their world the same way I can this one?"

"Of course you would Twilight." Twilight looked over at Pinkie still in her fort, with only the tip of her mane revealing her location. "Because you bring ponies together. And you learn from your mistakes. That's two things that villains never do. Yeah, Sombra and Eggman are working together for now, but Stick's bet five hundred zenny that it won't last. And that's a bet I won't go up against."

"She has a point. Every time our foes have teamed up, they've imploded before it was all said and done," Fluttershy agreed. "And even Tirek, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow, despite not have yet reached that point, were still bested by us."

"So come on Twilight, stop worrying about it so much and just get some sleep, because tomorrow is business as usual. Set off, kick flank, and save the world," Rainbow stated. She put a mask over her eyes and leaned back on her bag. "So they sound tough. Whoopee. We'll still win. We always do."

"Heh, I guess you're right," Twilight said. She walked over to her bed and settled down, her friends doing the same. "I don't know what I would do without you guys."

"Pull your mane out, probably."

"Thanks Rainbow."

Her friends drifted off to sleep quickly, leaving Twilight alone to look out the window and slowly raise the moon into the sky. She knew she should trust her friends words, that they've been here dozens of times before. But something about this time felt different. Like the harmony of Equestria was being disrupted. Also, she was scared. Spike's disappearance wasn't helping.

He was fine, she thought to herself. He had to be. She didn't know what she would do if he wasn't. But as she finished setting the moon on it's path for the night, Twilight made a mental note to talk to Sally again tomorrow. Maybe figure out what Eggman might want with a baby dragon.

"Twilight?"

"Yeah, Applejack?"

"We'll find him. Ah promise. And if Eggman's got him, we'll save him. Because nopony messes with family."

"...thanks, Applejack."

Author's Note

"So if you control both the moon and the sun, what happens if you stay up late? Or sleep in the next morning?"

"Then either the sun sets late or the moon stays up longer."

"But wouldn't that mess with your seasons? With your clocks and schedules."

"We've taken to calling those extra hours Celestia or Luna time."

"Why not Twilight time?"

"Because I haven't ticked off Equestria enough yet for them to name it after me."

A New Adventure

"We believe that we have found one."

The Elements and the Freedom Fighters had all gathered in Twilight's throne room, where the two former rulers of the land had asked her to gather the heroes. From the bags under Celestia's eyes it was clear she and her sister had spent all night looking for the Element. Luna was perky as always.

"It is in the south, in an area of Equestria that should be a jungle, but with the merger between the worlds, we have no idea what could be awaiting you all there," Luna revealed. "While we cannot give you any advice on what will await you on the Freedom Fighters side, we can tell you that this particular jungle was home to large spiders, even larger snakes and an ancient race of druids that have long called the swamp home. To the team going there, be on your guard."

"So, who wants to go to a jungle filled with all sorts of giant, dangerous beasts?" Celestia asked. Fluttershy raised her hoof. "Alright, that answers that and no take backs. The team of Fluttershy, Sonic, Tails and Pinkie will be heading into the jungle for the missing Element. Be on your guard."

"Dangerous beasts and wizards? Seems like a walk in the park for us, eh Tails?" Sonic asked.

"I said druids."

"Tomato potato and all that. We've been dealing with stuff like that since we were little, right Tails?" Sonic continued. When Tails didn't answer, he looked around for his little bud and found him asking Rainbow some questions.

"So what is your top speed?"

"Well, if I had to be humble, it's well past the sound barrier," Rainbow replied. "I mean, I created a sonic rainbow, which not only breaks the sound barrier, but creates a giant rainbow that explodes out afterwards."

"Does that mean you could potentially break the luminal barrier?" Tails asked.

"The what?"

"Tails, there you are buddy," Sonic said as he walked over. "Come on, you, me, Flutters, and Pinkie are all going on a trip to the jungle."

"Oh okay! Bye Rainbow Dash! We'll talk more when I get back!"

"Sounds like a plan, kiddo."

"You're getting awfully friendly with her," Sonic observed.

"She's fascinating! Her speed, how she flies, the kind of turns and maneuvers she can do in the air...it defies science!"

"I can do all that too, y'know."

"Really? Because I don't see any wings on you."

Sonic smirked at Tails response as the pair walked over to Fluttershy and Pinkie, the former reading through a book of wildlife in Equestria while Pinkie had already packed her bag. "You guys need to grab anything before we head out?"

"No, I'm ready. I've got this book that should tell us all about the beasty weastys we'll be seeing there," Fluttershy said. "Ooo, look at this! They have pythons in this jungle that can grow up to be a hundred feet long and be thicker than even the trees! They must be fascinating!"

"Fascinating. That's a word for it," Sonic replied. "How bout you, Pinkie? You all good?"

"Yup! I've back my bag with enough food to last us weeks if the need be," Pinkie replied. She opened her bag and showed Sonic what was inside.

"Uh, Pinkie. These are all...sweets."

"Yup! They will sustain us."

"I am perfectly okay with this," Tails said as he snatched a cupcake from the bag.

"We're all good," Sonic said back at the other group.

"Very well. I shall take you close to where the Element is. Be warned, with how the world has been jumbled, my magic will not be as precise as it used to be," Celestia warned.

"It's all good. Be back in a flash guys," Sonic said to the others. The groups waved to each other before Celestia teleported them away.

"Think they'll be okay?" Twilight asked Sally.

"They have Sonic with them, they'll be fine. I'm more worried about what we're going to be up against," Sally replied. "Where is Discord? Shouldn't he already be here?"

"Discord is a god of chaos and as such is not bound by our rules such as be on time or get out of my house. He does what he wants, when he wants," Luna replied with a sigh. "But even he knows how serious the situation is, so I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up any-"

Luna didn't even get to finish. With a flash of light, the laugh of a lunatic, and an explosion of smoke that got everyone coughing, Discord appeared in the center of the room. He then doubled over and began to cough, before straightening back up with a grunt.

"Oof, that's a lot harder than it used to be. Hello heroes, I am here with the answer to all your problems," Discord said.

"You've found all of the Chaos Emeralds?" Sally asked.

"No I have not. There, your problems have been answered," Discord replied. When he got looks from the room, he shrugged. "What? I said I had the answer, didn't say you would like it."

"Did you come here just to mock us?" Antoine asked.

"Yes...oh, and also I have located one of those emeralds," Discord continued. The room perked back up at that. "However, it's in a place that's unfamiliar to me. From what little I could gather of the place, it's located in what I think is an old, crashed satellite that is definitely not from our world."

"An old satellite...it couldn't be," Sally muttered to herself, before shaking her head. "Doesn't matter where it is, we need that emerald. Alright, who here wants to go after an emerald on an old satellite?"

"I'll do it!" Twilight said as she raised her hoof. "I would love to see the technology from your world, especially if it's anything like the Sky Patrol that I've heard so much about!"

"Well, it won't be as cool as my Sky Patrol, but I wouldn't mind seeing the satellite as well," Rotor agreed. "That okay with you, Rainbow Dash?"

"Fine, so long as I get to fight something," Rainbow said.

"If I know Eggman, he'll have plenty for us to fight," Sally pointed out. "Alright Princess Luna, we're ready. We'll go take on this satellite and retrieve the emerald in there."

"Very well. Gather up and we will head out," Luna said. "Discord, you and the others will wait here until me and my sister return, or you sense another emerald first. Stay out of trouble."

The four heroes gathered together around Luna and in a flash of light they were gone. That left Rarity, Applejack, Antoine and Bunnie alone with Discord in the center of the throne room. For a moment, they simply stared at the spot where the groups had left. Then Discord glanced at Bunnie.

"You know, if those mechanical parts bother you so much, I could probably put you back to normal," Discord offered. Bunnie snapped her eyes to Discord, who held up his hands. "Just offering."

"How did ya know about that?" Bunnie asked with a slight snarl.

"I can tell when something is there that isn't supposed to be. God of chaos and all that. And let me tell you, those cyborg parts are a crime against natural order," Discord stated. A flash off to the side gained his attention and he looked over to see a sword pointed at his throat.

"Consider your next words very carefully," Antoine softly said.

"I mean no offense. All I am saying is that those robotic parts are forced onto you, much like how your world is forced onto ours. It's not a natural union. It's...wrong."

"Well...yer not wrong," Bunnie said as she held her robot arm. Twan placed one hand on her shoulder while pushed the tip of his sword closer to Discord's throat. "But to answer yer question, no. While these cybertronics are...rough, they do more good than harm. After all, without them..." she pointed her hand cannon at Discord's face, "Ah wouldn't be able to threaten a god."

"Well, it was just an offer. Trying to be nice and all," Discord replied with a shrug.

"Are ya sure ya can't feel any more emeralds, Discord?" Applejack asked. "Ah don't just like sitting around here while the others are risking their lives."

"I'm trying, Applejack, but I'm still not feeling great and there is so much chaos going around because of the two worlds colliding that I'm having trouble sifting through all of it," Discord explained. "And then there's...something else..."

"What is that?"

"Evil. There is a lot more evil in this land than there has been in the past couple of millennia," Discord muttered. Then he glanced back at the four remaining heroes and frowned. "I know that we're supposed to wait here until the next Element or Chaos Emerald comes up, but would you guys mind coming with me for a bit? I need to check on something, but in the shape I'm in I'm afraid to do so by myself."

"Something that you need to check up on? What could that possibly be?" Rarity asked.

"A place I haven't been to in a bit...a place that very few ponies alive know about. Because if it's been compromised..." Discord muttered to himself. He then smiled back at the group and shrugged. "Ah, I'm sure it will be fine. I've got all of you with me and I'm a god of chaos. How could it go wrong? Many ways, but that's not important now."

"Fine, we will go with you," Antoine said. Then a sly smirk crossed his face. "But should you find yourself in danger, I may just let you squirm a wee bit before coming to your aid. For what you said to my wife."

"I was trying to be nice! I know I'm bad at it, but throw me a bone," Discord said.

"Then you must learn a little something called tact," Antoine continued on. "It is clear that you do not know how to speak to a lady."

"Well then perhaps we can teach him, Antoine," Rarity offered with a devious grin. "Teach him manners, how to dress himself...why, we'll turn him from a god of chaos to a god of class within the week."

"I'm starting to think that I might have been better off with the villains," Discord said. Then he smirked, held up his hand and snapped his fingers, causing the entire group to vanish in a flash of light.

||--O O--||

"Finally. I thought those fools would never get moving."

"Yeah, it's only the end of the world here folks, but no, let's take out time and talk about our feelings before we head out. Feh."

"Seems your magic was right on the mark. The sun alicorn is taking Sonic and some other fools to the Wispy Jungle. What do you think, Sombra? Robotnik asked.

"Jungle...I'm thinking Chrysalis, two of the Deadly Six, the mechawolf and perhaps Knuckles. He seems best at jungle combat," Sombra replied.

"He's decent. But we'll go with it. After all, what good are henchmen if you don't use them?"

"Agreed. And now we move on to the other group. The satellite," Sombra mused.

"Wait a moment, let me take a look at that satellite," Robotnik said, scooting next to Sombra on the monitor. "Oh ho ho! Haven't seen that in a while. Don't worry, Sombra, I know exactly who to send for this place. As this group is a little on the weaker side, let's send Tirek, Metal Sonic, Zavik and Zomom...and definitely Shadow."

"Oh, there's some history there. Well then, by all means," Sombra said. Then Sombra narrowed his eyes at the monitor once more. "Well now, what are you up to, Discord? Why would you be going to..."

Sombra turned and started to walk off, leaving Robotnik to look at the dark king with some confusion. "Erm, partner, I know that we don't have to tell each other everything, but I know that look on your face. I've worn it myself a few times. That's the look of someone who sees their foe up to something that you would never expect them to do."

"Discord has gone to a place that I never expected him to go again. A place that I must get to, no matter what," Sombra replied.

"Well, then would you mind me tagging along? If this place is so important, I would love to see it."

Sombra considered it for a moment, before a deadly smile crossed his face. "How could I refuse? Come along, Robotnik. And bring your most dangerous robot."

Author's Note

"So are your cybernetic enhancements only good for fighting, or can they do other things?"

"Oh no, they can do plenty else. Ah've got a few repair tools in here, ah can create umbrellas, chopper blades and the sort. Ah can even cook with them."

"Oh, you cook as well? What do you like to make?"

"Oh all sorts of things, but ah can make a mean meal with margarine."

"Margarine..."

"Uh, Antoine? What's the matter?"

"Nothing, I am just...having ze flashbacks."

Ultimate Life Form

"This shouldn't be here," Sally muttered.

She placed a hand up against the outside of the crashed satellite, which, despite what should have been years of wear and tear on it, looked newish. "If this is the satellite I think it is, then either this was destroyed a long time ago or Shadow got rid of it. Stupid dual memories..."

"I'm with you princess, this thing doesn't belong," Rotor said. The walrus had a scanner in his hand and was running it over the outer layer of the satellite, while his scanner beeped in odd ways. "According to the scanner, it is the same satellite you're thinking of...but also isn't. Kinda like it's from two different times."

"Well it doesn't matter what time it's from if the Chaos Emerald is inside," Sally replied. She then glanced over at where Twilight and Rainbow were by the entrance. "How are you two doing over there?"

"Having the time of my life!" Rainbow whooped as a barrage of lasers flew past her head. She looped around the cannon a few times before kicking one of them out, before three more emerged from the satellite to continue shooting at her.

"Rainbow, please take this seriously," Twilight asked. She had a barrier of magic up that was easily deflecting the laser blasts, allowing her to disable each cannon with a single beam from her horn.

"I am being serious, Twilight. I am seriously having the time of my life!" Rainbow laughed. She flew into another cannon to take it out, before grabbing hold of a second to take down a third. "These things are almost as fast as me! Do you know when was the last time I had something that forced me to try? I'm going to take my time and enjoy this!"

"Taking our time is the last thing we should be doing," Twilight muttered. Her horn glowed once and all of the cannons powered down, leaving a huffing Rainbow Dash to give her a look.

"You're no fun."

Another flash of Twilight's horn pulled open a giant pair of metal doors, finally allowing entrance to the group. "Sally, Rotor, it's open!" The two ran over, looking at the entrance with a hint of trepidation on their faces.

"Are you sure Princess Luna couldn't come with us?" Sally asked.

"Princess Luna said that she needed to get back to Celestia immediately so that they could find the next Element of Harmony," Twilight replied. "While they can do it separately, it's easier and faster if they work together. Also, I don't like the idea of Canterlot being left vulnerable while we're off hunting down these objects."

"I know. It's just...I wouldn't mind having the extra firepower," Sally muttered.

"Please Princesses, after you," Rainbow said to the pair with a mock bow. Sally rolled her eyes as she walked past, Twilight flashed Rainbow a look, and Rotor hoof bumped Rainbow as the group entered.

"Pretty cool flying out there," Rotor said. "You would have loved to see the Sky Patrol before Eggman wrecked it. Thing could pull some G's like nobody's business."

"Well I can't speak for how it flies, but let me tell you that was one of the most impressive crashes I've ever seen, and I've been in quite a few," Rainbow replied.

"So what is this place?" Twilight asked Sally.

"If this is the same satellite that I think it is, this is an old Robotnik/G.U.N. lab that they were trying to make the ultimate lifeform in," Sally whispered in reply. "Shadow was made here. The Ark."

"Who's Shadow?" Rainbow asked.

"He's kinda like Sonic if Sonic shopped only at those goth stores you see in the cities," Rotor cut in. "Black fur, red hair, dark and troubled past, super against working together: y'know, the works."

"Sounds like a lot of fun at parties," Twilight muttered.

"His personality can be...trying, but he's a good fighter and (mostly) a good ally," Sally added. "But that's why I'm so nervous. The Ark was a state of the art laboratory with a lot of defense systems, experiments and all sorts of traps. If any of those are still operational..."

"Oh don't get your hair all messed up worrying about this, I'll take care of it," Rainbow Dash said. Before any of the others could stop her, she rocketed ahead down the hallway towards where the emerald has been scanned. Twilight, Sally and Rotor heard the sounds of gunfire, laser blasts, buzzsaws and a whole lot of explosions. A moment later Rainbow Dash came flying back, a lot more crispy than when she left. "Okay, those were a bit more dangerous than I thought, but TADA...the path is clear."

"Ugh, you are too much like Sonic," Sally groaned as she walked ahead.

"But much faster."

"Rainbow, we need to stick together," Twilight hissed. "We have no idea what we could be up against and I don't want you getting hurt by flying off on you're own!"

"You had a problem that needed solving and I solved it. Why are you so upset?" Rainbow Dash replied. And, just like before, all Rotor did was give the mare a hoof bump as he walked by. The group walked through the Ark until they came across a large chamber, one that was most likely used to test the experiments that went on when it was operational. Floating in the center of the room, was a blue gem in a diamond shape.

"That's our target," Sally confirmed. "Now we need to watch out for more traps or-"

"Catch." Sally blinked, Rainbow moved and the next thing Sally knew Rainbow Dash was tossing the emerald to her. Sally caught it before looking up with shock at the mare, who was examining her hoof. "What? You wanted it, I got it. You guys can be so slow sometimes?"

"Rainbow, what did we just talk about?" Twilight asked.

"Dunno. Was too busy getting what we needed," Rainbow replied.

"Rainbow, I swear, one of these days..."

"Control."

Sally blinked and the emerald was gone from her hand. Her head snapped up to see where it had gone...only for her heart to sink when she saw who had it. Standing across the room were a handful of foes who, on any other day of the week, would have been a problem by themselves. Mecha Tirek, a mechanical version of Twilight's greatest foe. Metal Sonic, who made Sally and Rotor nervous just by looking at him. Zavik and Zomom, two more of the deadly six who had size and strength. And finally, the dark hedgehog himself, who now held the blue emerald in his hands.

"Oh, this is bad," Rotor said.

"Bad? No. This is a nightmare," Sally whispered.

"I only recognize Tirek. How bad are the others?" Twilight asked.

"Zavik and Zomom are incredibly strong and have complete control over nearly all tech. Dangerous any day of the week. Metal Sonic is like Sonic, but slightly slower and a whole lot more metal. But Shadow is the real danger. He has a whole slew of chaos powers he can use and he's held his own against Sonic numerous times," Sally replied. "And with that emerald, he get's a whole lot stronger. I hate to say it, but might need to fall back and-"

CRACK!

Jaws hit the floor as Rainbow's hoof cracked Shadow in the face, sending him tumbling backwards while Rainbow snatched the emerald he dropped out of the air.

"What was that you were saying, Sally? Couldn't hear you over the sound of-"

"WATCH OUT!"

A blast of magic shot past Rainbow and caught Metal Sonic in the chest, knocking him away from Rainbow. The two ogres went on the attack next, charging for the rainbow mare. She smirked at them before tossing the emerald to Rotor. "Here, hang onto this for me. I take it your TECHNOLOGICAL weapons won't be much good against these guys?"

"You'd guess right," Rotor admitted with a smirk.

"Alright. Rainbow, deal with-" Twilight's orders were cut off when both Metal Sonic and Shadow both went after the mare, who had to rocket around to avoid being taken down. She glanced over at Tirek, who was walking towards her while cracking his metallic knuckles. Which left. "Rotor, Sally, I'm going to have to ask the two of you to deal with Tirek. He eats magic, but against the two of you, that shouldn't mean much. He's really strong and shoots beams, so watch out for that."

"Got it Twilight," Rotor said as he activated his nanosuit. Sally nodded as she summoned a pair of hardlight swords, standing besides Rotor as the pair stared up at the giant centaur.

"And that leaves me with you two," Twilight said as she turned to face Zavik and Zomom. "Mechanical manipulators, eh? Sorry, but you won't find any machinery here. Just pure. Raw. Magic."

"So I hear the two of you constantly fight Sonic, huh? Gotta say, not impressed so far!" Rainbow taunted. She looped over Metal Sonic and drove into his back, crashing the metal duplicate into the floor of the Ark. She then whipped around and ducked under a punch, before leaping back into the air as chaos spears stabbed at her. "I mean, you're fast and you've got moves, but it takes more than that to beat me. Here, let me show you why!"

She rocketed towards Shadow with impressive speed, but Shadow was ready for her. Right as he lashed out to hit her, she turned ninety degrees and flew around him, before turning another ninety and slammed into his side. Shadow staggered and tried to counter attack, but this time Rainbow went up, forward and down behind him again in rapid succession.

"What's the matter? Sonic never move like this before?" Rainbow asked and she drove her hind hooves into Shadow's back, sending him crashing into Metal Sonic. "Quite the difference fighting somepony who runs against somepony who flies, isn't it?"

"She defies physics," Metal Sonic observed as he and Shadow got back up. "This requires a new strategy."

Whatever that strategy was, neither Shadow nor Metal Sonic were able to act on it. Two shadows covered them and they looked up just in time to be crushed underneath of Zavik and Zomom, who Twilight had decided to dump on the pair. The princess landed next to Rainbow, who smiled at her friend.

"Thanks, but I had that."

"I could tell. But I want to end this as soon as possible," Twilight replied.

"Um, then would you two mind helping us?"

Twilight and Rainbow looked over to see that Tirek had grabbed hold of both Sally and Rotor and was now in the process of crushing the both of them in his grasp. Rainbow took to the air to try to free them, but Twilight cast a glance at Zavik and an idea came to her. Her horn glowed and her magic flowed into his mind.

"So Sombra's controlling you, huh? Well there's a new driver at the wheel," Twilight muttered. Through a bit more effort than she thought, she managed to push back Sombra's control long enough to take the wheel. "Now then, use that...technomancy...to stop Tirek."

Zavik aimed a hand at Tirek and the centaur came to a dead halt, except when Rainbow kicked him in the head and snapped it back slightly. "Now make him let them go." Zavik moved his hand again and Tirek dropped the pair. "Now command him to grab all of you instead and to hold you all there until we are long gone." Zavik obeyed once more. Tirek walked over to the group, grabbed hold of the ogres in one hand and the hedgehogs in the other.

"Alright guys, we've got the emerald. Time to get out of here," Twilight said to her allies.

"Shouldn't we try to help them?" Rotor asked.

"We will, but not now. I don't know how long my control on Zavik will last and I don't want to have to fight these guys again if they decide to switch it up. Let's go."

"Fine. I've had my fun."

Sally glanced back at Shadow and nodded. "We'll be back for you. I promise." Twilight then teleported the group out of there, leaving the villains still clutched in Tirek's grasp. Then Zavik shook his head and blinked twice.

"W-wha happened?" he asked as he looked around. "How did I get here? Why am I being held by a...centaur?" He flicked his eyes and Tirek released him, dropping everyone to the floor. "Ugh, last thing I remember is...Eggman and some pony and then-"

A devastating right hand from Metal Sonic dropped Zavik to the ground without another word. He stared at the unconscious ogre for a second before glancing at where the emerald had been, shaking his head.

"Doctor...I hope you know what you are doing."

Author's Note

Shadow and Metal Sonic looked at each other with disgust. Shadow crossed his arms and snarled. Metal crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.

"Don't try anything, Metal. I was created by my creator to be the ultimate lifeform."

"I was created by my creator to be the ever evolving lifeform. Ultimate is nothing to me."

"I've survived falling from space."

"Try being blasted apart by Super Sonic."

"...did your programmer put memories in your head that forced you to hunt down those who aren't responsible for your suffering?"

"My creator is responsible for my suffering."

The two took a moment to examine the other before they nodded in solidarity.

The Chaos Source

"We're here, everypony. Keep your hands to yourself and no touching," Discord instructed as the group reached their destination. He snapped his fingers and a shirt with the words "tour guide" appeared on him.

"So where have you taken us, Monsieur..."

Antoine, along with the rest of the group, found that words failed them as they gazed at where they were. They were standing on a platform made of pure light that hovered about what looked like...universes. Multiple universes that expand out as far as the eye could see. The bluish blackness of space rested in-between each universe, with stars of all colors and sizes resting within them.

"Where...are we?" Rarity managed to ask.

"Above. Above the universes of our realities," Discord explained. He then doubled over and wheezed heavily, swallowing the pain with a snarl before he stood up straight again. "But we're not here to take pictures of the pretty scenery..."

Rarity's camera clicked.

"But to take a look at...that..."

The sound of Discord's voice turned the groups eyes towards the heavens, where the majesty of the universes was completely eclipsed. Floating above them was a...sea of energy, a mass of power and strength that shifted, moved and warped in ways that they couldn't comprehend. Neither Freedom Fighter nor Element of Harmony could look upon the sight for long, having to look away before they went mad. Only Discord could look upon the force, and he didn't like what he was looking at.

For in the center of the sea of energy, was a large, black crack...one that was slowly expanding.

"Oh this is not good. Not good at all," Discord muttered.

"What's the matter?" Applejack asked.

"Do any of you now what that is up there? That is the Chaos Force, the source of power for all beings or objects that draw upon the power of chaos...such as moi," Discord said.

"Does that include the Chaos Emeralds?" Bunnie asked.

"That would include them. But you see that crack? That's not suppose to be there...and it's the reason for everything," Discord continued. "The reason all the worlds are being mashed together, the reason for the team up between villains...and the reason that I'm in such a sorry state."

"Wait a moment, worlds? You said zat ze worlds are being mashed together?" Antoine asked. Discord's response was to snap his fingers and bring up images of different realities, all of which had worlds that looked like there's. Mashed together. "Oh zat...zat is not good."

"No...no it is not," Discord muttered. Bunnie walked up next to him and forced her gaze towards the crack for a moment.

"So ah kinda know of that...power from our Chaos Emeralds and the like, but yer saying that the Chaos Force even reaches out to yer world?" she asked.

"The Chaos Force spans a large number of multiverses. The only realities where it doesn't appear are ones that have something similar or stronger in them," Discord replied. "Of course, not all chaos comes from the Force, but my power does and so does those emeralds...along with him."

"Him?" Bunnie asked, but Discord didn't respond. "Alright, but if the force is so powerful, what in tarnation could do that to it?" She pointed at the giant crack as she said this.

"That I don't know. There are very few forces in the infiniverse that can match the power of the Chaos Force. The forces of harmony and order can do it, but something like this isn't their style. They generally don't destroy. Generally. Then there's the Speed Force, but I don't see anypony in red running around. Sonic gave me pause for a moment. Toon Force gives even me a head ache, but I know Pinkie didn't do this..."

"So yer not sure?"

"What I'm saying is that if it was any of those things I mentioned, I would know it immediately. The fact that I don't know what did this...has me worried." Discord looked down for a moment, lost deeper in thought that he was known for. Then he shook his head and sighed. "Well, no use getting all worked up over it. If I know Twilight and her friends, she'll find a way to fix this and save the world. This isn't her first rodeo with chaos and so long as I'm around, it won't be her last."

"So what you are saying is zat we should worry about Sombra and Eggman for now?" Antoine asked. Discord and Bunnie both turned to him, only for their eyes to go wide. Standing across from Antoine, Applejack and Rarity was Sombra, as mechanical as ever, and Eggman, who was in a giant, four armed monstrosity of a mech that towered over all of them. Antoine had his blade out, Applejack had her lasso and Rarity's horn was glowing, but all of them knew their weapons were pointless. Bunnie rocketed next to her husband and their odds improves, but considering the heroes all had looks of concern and the villains were smiling...it didn't look good.

"How did you find this place?" Discord asked.

"Wasn't too hard. Just follow the moron who clearly isn't at one hundred percent," Sombra replied. "But wow oh wow, look at this place. All this power in one place...it's dangerous. Too dangerous."

"Agreed," Robotnik said from within his mech. "I've dealt with this force before and no good can come from it in the hands of fools." Then Sombra and Robotnik both smiled at the same time. "Then it is a good thing we are not fools. This power will serve our plans well."

"You're the biggest fools here if you think that I will allow you to damage the force even further," Discord snarled as he appeared in-between both groups. His hands crackled with chaotic magic, but neither Robotnik nor Sombra lost their smiles.

"Oh look at that. An old timer that thinks he can keep up with us," Robotnik cackled. "I've been fighting chaos for well over a decade. You are impressive, but you're no Sonic."

"Please old man, don't embarrass yourself. Unlike Celestia, you've managed to hold onto some of your dignity over the years, but look at yourself. Teleporting, warping: all of it should be so easy for one such as yourself, yet you can barely call upon your power, even so close to the source."

"I still have more than enough power to deal with the both of you," Discord snarled.

"Perhaps. But do you have enough power to fight us...and protect them?" Sombra asked. Discord glanced over at the others and knew Sombra was right. Bunnie was a powerhouse, but Discord knew it took more than power to beat Sombra. And from what little he knew of Eggman, the man was a genius with machines. Which Bunnie was half of. Antoine was a skilled fighter, but he was out of his depth. AJ was tough, but this wasn't a fight she could win. And while Rarity had her Element, it wouldn't be enough.

"Of course, if you show us how this power source works, then we wouldn't have any need to kill them, would we Robotnik?" Sombra asked.

"Of course not. We are only interested in beating those that are a threat to us. Right now, that's all of you. But with that power, none of you would be a threat and therefor, no reason to crush you all. Sound fair?" Robotnik asked.

"You must be thinking us ze idiots if you think we will trust a single thing you say," Antoine snarled. "You would kill us regardless if we gave you ze power or not."

"So you're the brains in the relationship, eh? He's right. You're all dead either way," Sombra promised. "But depending on how painful it will be depends on what you do now. Show us how the power works...we'll make it quick. Try to fight us? Well, you know how that-"

Steel flashed and Antoine's blade slashed across Sombra's face. While it didn't cut his metal body, a sword slashing across your face would still make you jump back, regardless of body. Sombra let out a yelp as he leapt back, touching his face to make sure there was no damage.

"Zat is my answer, you fiend," Antoine replied.

"That's mah man," Bunnie said as she stood beside him.

"Impressive display, the both of you. Come Applejack, we cannot let them out do us," Rarity said as she stepped up.

"Fer once we can agree on something," AJ said.

"Fools. All of them," Robotnik said with a shake of his head.

"We try to be nice and they just spit in our faces. Well then," he muttered. Then his eyes snapped open and dark tendrils of magic erupted around his body while Robotnik's giant mech rose to it's full height. "I guess we're doing this!"

"Applejack and Rarity, can you handle Robotnik?" Antoine asked. "Ma cherie and I know zat we cannot take him, but we stand ze chance against Sombra."

"Well I know my magic is no match for Sombra, but perhaps against Eggman..." The group all shared a look before they separated, the ponies rushing Eggman while the fighters rocketed towards Sombra. Both genius's smiled at the plan.

"Antoine, Bunnie, how nice to see the two of you again!" Sombra cackled as he leapt back, sending blasts of magic towards the pair. Antoine blocked the attacks while Bunnie straight up punched them out of the sky. "We really didn't get a chance to get to know each other the last time we met. How's your marriage? What's it like having a wife who's half dishwasher? Can you two even have kids? Actually curious on that last one."

"SILENCE, VILLAIN!" Antoine roared. He slashed at Sombra with a flurry of strikes, but Sombra simply smiled before he barrier of darkness stopped Antoine cold. "Do not dare mock my wife!"

"Sure. Having you for a husband is mockery enough," Sombra snarked. Then a fist slammed into his barrier and sent him skidding backwards. "And speaking of wife, here comes the dishwasher!" Bunnie answered the insult with a volley of laser blasts from her left arm, yet Sombra's barrier held strong. "Oh please, the last time we fought I had just become a toaster. But now, not only can I toast both sides perfectly, I can also do this!"

His legs sprang open to reveal an impossible amount of missiles within them, which he then unloaded against the two fighters who had to take shelter under one of Bunnie's shields to stay alive.

"HIDDEN MISSILE'S!"

Rarity fired a blast of magic at the four armed mech, yet four sets of energy barriers easily deflected the spell. She then tried creating gemstones and firing them at the cockpit, but with a laugh Robotnik spun his machine so fast that the gems were powder within moments. He began to march towards the mare, until a lasso grabbed hold of one of his legs. Applejack then raced around the legs, entangling them in her lasso.

"Well done, pony, that might be the best show of intelligence that I've seen from your species," Robotnik said with a gold clap. Then fire erupted from his robot's legs and the rope was burned to ash. "Sadly, that doesn't say much. But at the very least it show's me there are brains in there. It's a nice change of pace."

Rarity and Applejack backed away from Eggman while Antoine dragged his drained wife away from Sombra. Discord watched all of this and let out a sigh.

"Alright. Fight's over," he said as he held a single hand in the air. Then he snapped his fingers.

The next thing the heroes knew, they were back at the castle. Discord crumpled to the ground and the group ran over to check on him.

"Discord! Are ya okay?" AJ asked.

"Manage...to get everypony...back home," Discord wheezed. "Even weaker...than I thought...if that's how little strength I've got..."

"What about Eggman and Sombra?" Antoine asked.

"Could only...put them back...couldn't do anything else," Discord replied.

"Ya saved us," Bunnie said.

"Barely. The Chaos Force is weaker than I thought...and that doesn't bode well for us. Gonna...be a while...before I'm of any use to you guys...sorry..."

"You did all you could. We are grateful for that," Rarity gently replied with a kind smile. Then two separate flashes of light went off and the other groups returned, each holding the spoils of their trip high.

"Hey everyone, we got the..." The two groups looked at the fallen Discord, the wounded fighters and the disheveled ponies.

"What happened?"

Author's Note

"Toon Force, Speed Force, Chaos Force, Order Force...how are zer so many forces and why do zey all have ze same name?"

"Similar names, sugah."

"My first guess is that they are all branches of a higher power, one that resides over all the realities and sectioned off it's power into smaller forms. My second guess is that all the writers copy each others homework and then just change the names."

"Ze...writers?"

"Pinkie would get it."

Down A God

"...and then I brought us back here, where I promptly fell over," Discord finished.

"Oh you poor, brave hero," Fluttershy said. She gently placed her hoof on Discord's head, which was resting on her lap. "You used up your power to save our friends. That was very noble."

"I'd rather have my power than be noble, but what can you do?" Discord asked with a shrug.

"Sonic, did you know about the Chaos Force?" Tails asked.

"Maybe? I think I did once, but now it's all...shaky," Sonic muttered.

"I'm glad to see that all of you are alright, but we can't rest on our laurels for long. If what Discord said is true, the breaking of the Chaos Force is the reason for everything," Sally reminded the group. "And I'm willing to bet my kingdom that the crack in the force came about when Eggman messed with the Chaos Emeralds again. And probably when Sombra tried to rewrite your reality. The combined chaos at once might have been too much for the force."

"That's a possibility, but it would take a lot of chaos power to do that," Discord added.

"Sally girl, did ya and the others manage to get that emerald?" Bunnie asked. Sally nodded and pulled out the emerald. "Does anything seem the matter with it? Like it ain't working right or something like that?"

"Um, I think it's still working right," Sally muttered. She shook it a few times before shrugging her shoulders. "Sorry, I can't really tell."

"Give," Discord said as he extended a hand. Sally tossed the emerald to him and he clutched it tight, closing his eyes for a moment. "You guys got lucky. This bad boy still holds all of its power. Seems that it only draws from the force when it needs to recharge. Other than that, it's good."

"For now, but if it needs to recharge and the force is damaged, then we will, at best, get one use out of it," Twilight pointed out.

"Good point. Make the one use count then."

"We also managed to find your element, cousin!" Pinkie added on. She pulled out the element and tossed it to Applejack, who caught it with a smile. "Only had to fight a giant snake and some meanies, but other than that it was a piece of cake."

"Meanies? What meanies?" Rotor asked.

"Robo-Chrysalis, a giant mecha wolf, some guys that I didn't know and a red...uh..."

"Knuckles. They have Knuckles under their control," Sonic finished for her.

"That confirms my suspicion," Sally said. "When we went after the emerald, we ran across two of the Deadly Six, Metal Sonic, one of Twilight's foes...and a mind controlled Shadow."

"How many of our friends do they have?" Tails asked.

"At this point it would best to assume most of our villains and friends have been taken captive," Rarity stated. "It is how Sombra operates. Turn those we love against us."

"Spike..." Twilight whispered.

"Hey, we'll get them back. This isn't the first time Egghead has tried to use our friends against us...and most likely it won't be the last," Sonic said with a smile. "That's a promise."

"A promise? Ah feel so much better now," Applejack snorted. Sonic shrugged in response.

"Sally," Rotor whispered. Sally fell back and leaned an ear close. "If our friends and villains are being controlled by Sombra's dark magic, then it stands to reason, based on what we saw, their friends and villains..."

"Yes, they have all been roboticized," Sally finished. She then looked at the faces of the ponies and shook her head. "Not now. We'll tell them later, but right now finding the emeralds and the elements are our biggest priority. We can't have anything distract from that."

Rotor gave a look that told Sally that he didn't agree, but then he nodded his head and stepped back.

"Seeing as we have procured both an element and ze emerald, what shall we be doing next?" Antoine asked the group.

"Take a day." All eyes turned towards Celestia and Luna. "This is going to be a long and difficult battle, against both enemy and friend. So now, while we have the chance, take some time to relax and recover. We shall search for the next element and when Discord is feeling up to it, the next emerald. But enjoy this time while you can, because I am certain our foes will not give us many of these days."

"A little R and R, huh? Sounds like a plan," Sonic agreed. "Think I'll take a trip around Equestria, see what's hot and what's not. Wanna race me, Rainbow?"

Sonic glanced over at the mare as he said this, but to his surprise, Rainbow Dash seemed lost in thought. She stayed there for a long moment, before glancing over at Sonic and smirking. "Sure, I'll go with you. Show you around and all that."

"Great, sounds like a plan."

"Ya two want to come on down to mah farm?" Applejack asked Antoine and Bunnie. "Ah know that mah family would love to meet ya and Bunnie can see mah stash of hats."

"Ah would love to! Would that be alright, Sugar-Twan?" Bunnie asked.

"Anything for you, ma cherie. But I would like to check out Rarity's boutique eventually," Antoine added.

"And I would love to have the two of you. It be nice to talk with someponies who understand culture," Rarity replied.

"Sally, would you, Tails and Rotor mind coming with me to my other castle?" Twilight asked. "I know you might want to rest, but I would still like to go over a couple things."

"Sure, I can do that," Sally said. She glanced at Rotor and Tails, who both nodded before Tails turned his attention to Pinkie.

"But once that's done, I want to go to Pinkie's place! She said she works in a sweet shop and I want to try everything!"

"Everything? My little friend, you know not for what you ask," Pinkie replied with a devious smile. "But I will grant you your desire! Be warned, for when you visit my shop, you will have sweets the likes of which you have never had before!"

Pinkie then...blinked out of existence, leaving the group to stare at where she had been.

"And I thought I was fast," Sonic muttered.

"Don't compare yourself with Pinkie. It'll just make you sad," Rainbow said, patting him on the shoulder.

"What about you, Fluttershy? What are you going to do?" Celestia asked.

"I'm going to stay here with Discord. I can't just leave him like this. He looks so weak and pitiful," Fluttershy said. She looked down at Discord who was looking up at her with big, puppy dog eyes. "Is that alright with you, Celestia?"

"Don't ask me, it's not my castle anymore," Celestia teased. Fluttershy then glanced over at Twilight.

"It's fine with me, Fluttershy. Just keep Discord out of my room," Twilight replied.

"Promise."

"Hear that, Discord? Behave yourself," Twilight warned. "And with you in such a weakened state, I will throw you in the dungeon if you try anything."

"Hmph, please, no dungeon has ever held me," Discord muttered.

"Have a good day, heroes. Rest well. And be ready for what is to come," Luna warned.

Twilight's horn glowed and she teleported herself and the heroes she had asked to come with her. Antoine, Bunnie and Applejack stood together, allowing Celestia to teleport them to Applejack's farm. Luna did the same for Rarity, before the two sisters glanced at each other.

"So what now, sister? Do we immediately start looking for the elements?" Celestia asked.

"We could. But we can just as easily search for them from the beach as we could here," Luna stated.

"I like that idea, sister." Celestia then turned to look at Fluttershy. "Is there anything or anywhere you will require us to send you before we head out, Fluttershy?"

"No, I think I'm good for now," she replied. Celestia nodded, Luna summoned the leis and the two were gone a moment later. Fluttershy then looked down at Discord, who was half asleep. "Do you think you can get yourself into a bed or will I have to carry you?"

"If it was anypony else offering, I would force them to carry me, but since it's you..." With a grunt Discord got to his feet and followed Fluttershy through the castle, holding onto her wing so she could guide him. "You doing alright? You didn't get hurt fighting, did you?"

"No, Tails had me go for the element while they dealt with the bad guys," Fluttershy replied. "I was really happy to get to see the giant python, though! I didn't know they could get that large! And I have no idea what it could possible eat to maintain that size, since the only thing roughly around it's size was the mecha wolf and I don't think it will be..."

Discord drifted off as Fluttershy talked. He didn't like the fact that Sombra and Eggman had been able to follow him. The Chaos Force should only have been accessible to a being that was very proficient in chaos. Was he simply that weak...or were the two of them that good?

'Whatever the reason,' Discord thought as he reached his room. 'It doesn't bode well for us.'

||--O O--||

"How rude to just throw us out like that," Robotnik sniffed. The two had found themselves back in their base, perfectly unharmed except for the fact that Robotnik had found a kick me sign on his back and Sombra has a muzzle on.

"Rude, yes, but we scored a win today. We've shaken Discord's confidence," Sombra replied now that his muzzle was off. "That fool is always so smug because of the power he wields, but not only is he losing his power, but he now knows he can't even return to the source to refuel because we will be there."

"Is he really that powerful? He didn't seem that impressive to me."

"That is because you have only seen him in this weakened state. He's unbelievably powerful and coming from me, that means something," Sombra replied. "But that crack in the force...do you believe we are the cause of it?"

"So what if we are? If the force is weak enough to be damaged by something as small as multiverse reality warping, then it deserves to be broken," Robotnik replied.

"Can't argue with your logic," Sombra agreed. Portals opened up next to the geniuses and they glanced over to see that their forces were returning. "About time you all got back. What have you to report?"

"Sally has the Chaos Emerald and Sonic has retrieved the Element. Both teams failed," Metal Sonic reported.

"I hope that you all at least tried to put up a fight?" Robotnik snarled.

"I always do. Also, this happened." Metal Sonic stepped aside to allow Shadow and Knuckles to drag Zavok forward, who was groaning weakly and covered head to toe in bruises. "Twilight managed to free him from your control. Luckily, I knocked him out and had Shadow keep knocking him out until we got back here. If he tries anything, Shadow is under instructions to teleport a piece of glass into his brain."

"You think...you will win?" Zavok spat out. "Heh, no, this is no different from all your other petty attempts, doctor. You gather allies, scheme plans and build your machines, but it won't matter. You will fail all the same. The heroes will gather their weapons and they will defeat you as they always do. If I...we...couldn't beat them...neither will you."

"Oh, poor Zavok, you've been hit so many times that you're delusional," Robotnik said, patting Zavok on the shoulder. "You really have no idea what we're planning, do you? What do you think, Sombra? Should we tell him our plans before we send him back under your control?"

"...no. Why waste our breath on one who wouldn't understand?" Sombra asked as his horn began to glow. "There is only that we need to say to somepony like him is..."

"Obey."

Author's Note

"Do you feel bad about this, Luna?"

"What's that?"

"Sitting on a beach, searching for the elements with magic and staying back while the others risk their lives fighting the bad guys."

"Not in the slightest. We would just be in the way."

"We wouldn't..."

"We would. It's what we do. So let the heroes do what they do best. We'll support them as best we can. Now sit back and enjoy the view."

"Yes, I suppose it is a lovely sea...you're not looking at the sea, are you? You're looking at the stallions."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Family

"Doing alright, Rainbow?"

"I'm fine. How about you? You took a nasty spill back there."

"I just wanted to learn about the parts of your world. You had fun on the spring pads, after all and I didn't want to be left out."

"I-urp-took it like a champ. What's the point of our worlds coming together if we don't explore the both of them?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah, it's neat, but I can't say I like it," Sonic muttered. He looked around at all the places he and Rainbow passed, recognizing parts of his world while also seeing how poorly things being crushed together like this was. "So any particular reason we're going this way? Because I saw a lake made of soda a while back and it took everything I had to not stop."

"This is the way to the Crystal Empire. I wanted to check on it," Rainbow Dash said.

"So you had us run slash fly all the way out here? Celestia did offer to teleport us, you know."

"Teleportation's too slow. Besides, I didn't want to upset your delicate stomach," Dash teased.

"It's nice you're so thoughtful. But again, why not tell Celestia. If this place is worth checking up on, then shouldn't we let everyone know what's going on?" Sonic asked.

"There's too much to do. The princesses need to focus on finding the elements. Twilight needs to focus on saving the day. And everypony else can focus on relaxing. But I've got work to do."

"Always on the move, huh?"

"Please, I'm one of the laziest mares around. Had you guys shown up when everything was peaceful, I would probably have slept through your entire visit," Rainbow said with a wink. "But since everypony's counting on me, what kind of the best in the world would I be if I didn't live up to their expectations? I'd be proving my teacher right."

"Shouldering the burden with a bad joke, huh? Maybe I misjudged you."

"What do you mean, bad joke?" Dash asked with a smile. The two moved in silence for a bit, before Dash sighed. "Do you ever get used to it? The constant battles? The fact that no matter how many times we seem to win, there's always a new threat, a new evil?"

"No, I can't say I have. I wish things would just be...peaceful. But that's life. And if I didn't help, then maybe evil would win once and for all," Sonic replied. Then his smile returned. "Besides, there's no better place for showing off how cool you are than in the middle of a giant battle with the fate of everything on the line. Once you save the day there, you never have to stop bragging."

"Oh believe me, I know," Dash said. The crystal kingdom came into sight and the pair rocketed into the center of the empire, getting the crystal ponies that were there to yelp with surprise as the two blurs came to a halt.

"Well it looks like this place got off easy. Don't see any of my world here," Sonic pointed out. Before Rainbow could respond, the guards of the kingdom came galloping over to the both of them. They flashed Sonic a look of surprise, before all turned towards Dash and saluted.

"Thank Faust you're here, Rainbow Dash. The entire Royal Family has been taken."

"What?" was all Dash could say.

"It happened the other day. A giant...spider made of metal descended on the palace, decimated the guards there and made off with the princess, the captain and their foal. We tried to follow it, but...it killed all of the fliers that went after it. I'm sorry, Rainbow."

"Eggman's already been here? Geez, he's never been this fast before," Sonic muttered. "Capturing Knuxs and Shadow would have been hard enough, but all of those villains AND the royalty here? Even with Sombra helping him, it's like he's in multiple places at once. Oh geez, please don't tell me I have to deal with more than one Eggman."

"Was anypony outside of the palace harmed during the attack?" Rainbow asked.

"No, ma'am. The spider completely ignored the city. I...don't know whether to say we were smart enough or cowardly enough not to attack it, but it left us all alone. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. If you had attacked it, he might have torn down the empire in response," Rainbow said with a shake of her head. "Dismissed."

The guards saluted and took off, leaving Dash, Sonic and the crowd on onlookers who were gaze at Sonic with amazement and taking pictures. Sonic, never one to disappoint, posed for the crowd.

"Hey Sonic, is Eggman the type of person to roboticize a foal?"

"Without hesitation," Sonic darkly replied.

"Great. Can't wait to tell Twilight all of this. Shining Armor, the captain married to the princess, is her brother. This is her family Eggman went after."

"He probably didn't know that they were family. He just went after royalty."

"But Spike's missing too and he's essentially Twilight's little brother. Sombra probably told him. Sombra probably told him to go directly for our families...Twilight's lost her little brother, her older brother and her sister in law and poor Jackie's lost her brother this week of all weeks." Sonic raised an eyebrow at Jackie but chose to let it go. "I need to check on the rest of our families. Make sure that they are safe and will stay safe. Starting with mine."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Sonic asked as he crouched into a runner's stance. "Let's go."

"I appreciate the enthusiasm but I don't think you can come with me."

"Why? Think I can't keep up?"

"No it's more...my family lives in the sky. On a city made of clouds. I don't think you can run up there."

"Not with that attitude."

||--O O--||

"Oh mah stars, ah love it!"

Applejack beamed with pride as she, Bunnie and Antoine stood atop a hill looking over Sweet Apple Acres. Bunnie's eyes had stars in them as she looked over the fields of apple trees, the chicken pens and the plethora of vegetables that were sown across the ground.

"Ah figured ya would. Ya seem like the kind of gal who would appreciate the finer things in life," Applejack said.

"Ze finer things? Such as ze dirt, the bugs and ze getting up super early in ze morning?" Antoine asked.

"Don't ya see, Sugar-Twan? That's all part of it. The work, the maintaining, the living with all of this. This...is living," Bunnie said. Applejack fought back tears as she held a hoof to her heart, unable to believe that she had finally found another who understood. Antoine raised an eyebrow, clearly not getting it, but he figured so long as Bunnie was happy, it didn't matter if he got it.

"And just wait until ya come inside! Ah bet mah family would love to meet ya!" Applejack stated.

"Can ah go check out the farm? Can ah?!"

"Go right ahead."

Bunnie let out a laugh as she rocketed overhead, flying over the trees and farm to explore all of it. Applejack and Antoine watched as she explored, Applejack looking up at Antoine to see a happy smile on his face. "If ya don't like it here, ya don't have to come."

"What are you implying"

"No offense, but ya seem like somepony who would get along more with Rarity than a farmer like me," AJ pointed out.

"Perhaps. But while I may not be one for...farmwork...I can appreciate what you do and how me work it takes. And you are quite ze interesting pony with how similar to ma cheire you are. And if this makes her happy, it makes me happy."

"Aw, well isn't that just sweet," Applejack said. Then she looked back to where Bunnie was flying over the chicken coop, scaring the poor birds, before she asked a question that had been on her mind. "Um, about those metal parts of hers...ah don't want to sound rude, but was she...like mah brother at one point? Under Eggman's control?"

"Non, we managed to avoid that. But being as she is has been...she has had a rough life."

"She has?"

"Oui, it has been hard for her. For ze longest time she has felt like...an outcast. Incomplete. A monster. Her metal parts used to constantly endanger her life while she faced nothing but mistrust and jeers from her peers...heh, I rhymed. She has had to suffer so much, despite how amazing and kind she is, how much she tries to help," Antoine said. Applejack noticed that he gripped his saber hilt tightly as he said this. "So it is my sworn duty, as a husband and as her knight, to make sure that she never goes through that again. To keep her safe and happy. And so long as I draw ze breath, I shall."

"Huh, ya really love her, don't ya?" Applejack said.

"Oui, she is my light and my world. The one who saved me and helped me to be better," Antoine confirmed. Bunnie landed just as he said this and winked at Antoine, telling him she had caught the end of that.

"Applejack, let me just say that ah love yer farm. If ah could, ah would spend all day out here. But ah would love to meet yer family, so let's go!"

The three started walking down the hill towards the farmhouse, Applejack and Bunnie completely lost in talks about farming apple trees, when Antoine drew his blade and stepped in front of the pair. "Antoine, what's the matter?"

"Something...is wrong," he muttered. AJ and Bunnie looked around for what Antoine was talking about, but neither of them could see anything. But trusting her husband, Bunnie got her handcannon warmed up while AJ took out her lasso. The three of them walked up to the house, only for the door to be flung open and for Applebloom to come flying out.

"APPLEJACK!" she cried as she torpedoed her sister right in the gut. AJ went down hard and had to take a long moment to find her breath again, all while her sister sob talked to her.

"It was terrible! These dark beings came and they broke down the door and Big Mac tried to stop them but they were too strong for him and they took him away in chains and ah couldn't think of what else to do so ah repaired the door but now-"

"Easier there, petite fille, slow down and tell us exactly what happened," Antoine softly said. Applebloom took a deep breath and quickly explained in more cohesive words what had happened.

"Sombra," Applejack seethed once she heard what her sister had to say. "That no good sunnova...Ab's here, calm yerself...He'll pay fer this. Ah swear he'll pay."

"Oui. Attacking us is one thing, but bringing in your family like zis...it is nonforgivable!"

"Close enough. And ah agree. We won't let him get away with this. Don't worry, little one, we'll find yer brother, whoop Sombra and get him back to ya before ya know it," Bunnie promised Applebloom. The filly smiled up at Bunnie, before her eyes went wide as she saw Bunnie's limbs.

"Wow! That's so cool!" Applebloom said. Bunnie giggled slightly as AB started examining the mechanics, before Applejack cleared her throat.

"Ah want to get my brother back, no matter what, but ah also know the dangers of rushing in without a plan. Ah'll leave the call up to the two of ya."

"Running off now would solve nothing. We do not know where Sombra has taken him nor do we know what has become of him. As you said, rushing in or running around aimlessly would only aid Sombra. We must be patient, as sad as it is to say."

"But...mah brother..." Applebloom began, but AJ gently pulled her into a hug.

"Hey, it's Big Mac. He's the toughest horse around. He'll take anything Sombra has and laugh it off," she said. Antoine looked over at the trees to pretend that he didn't see the fear in Applejack's eyes. "So come on in, ya two. At the very least ah can keep mah promise and show the both of you around."

"Thank you, that would be lovely," Bunnie said. AJ swallowed her fears, opened the door and led the group inside. Bunnie awed at the sweet little home, while Antoine noticed the older mare fast asleep in her rocking chair. "Wake up Granny, we've got visitors."

"Huh, wah? Applejack, what about...?" Granny Smith began, but then her eyes locked onto her guests and she raised an eyebrow. "Applejack, can ya get me mah glasses. Because ah think ah'm looking at a rabbit with robot parts and a coyote with a sword, but that can't be right..."

"That's right, Granny. These are Antoine and Bunnie. They're...from another world and are here to help us get Big Mac back," Applejack explained.

"They are, are they? Well then sit down fer and rest yerselves. Ah've never turned away a guest and ah don't plan to start now," Granny said. Bunnie sat down while Antoine bowed to the old mare before joining his wife. "Now ah may not knw much about the two of ya, but ah can see those golden bands on yer hands. Does that mean the same thing in yer world as it does in mine?"

"Oui, mademoiselle, you are correct."

"Just granny is fine. Ah'm a bit too old to be a mademoiselle," Granny teased.

"Tres Bien. We are indeed married, as you have guessed," Antoine said and Bunnie leaned into him.

"Aw, isn't that just the sweetest. Ah feel like it was only yesterday mah Big Mac was getting married. Do ya want to see the album?" Before either could answer, Granny whipped out a giant album and began showing pictures to the two.

"Ah'm going to go look fer some cowpony hats that might fit yah," Applejack said to Bunnie as she headed off.

"What's the matter, Applejack? Ya don't like looking back on your brothers happiness?" Granny teased as AJ walked off.

"Granny."

"Don't mind her none. In these dark times ah'm always happy to see light and love, no matter what world it comes from," Granny Smith said. "But it makes me so happy to see one of mah own happily married. Maybe one day Applejack will be like the two of ya."

"Granny," Applejack said from the top of the stairs.

"Of course, that's if she ever musters up the courage to confess to-"

"Granny!"

"Alright, alright, ah'll hush," Granny said. A devious twinkle appeared in her eye as she put the wedding album away and pulled out a book labeled "foal pictures". "Now then, who wants to see what see looked like as a foal?"

"GRANNY!"

Antoine, Bunnie and Applebloom all raised their hooves.

Author's Note

"I can't believe that Eggman would roboticize a foal."

"He'll roboticize anything. People? Robots. A lake? Liquid oil. The lunatic once tried to roboticize his own roboticizer."

"What the heck happened with that?"

"From what I've heard, it's may have created a paradox in the universe so powerful that it shifted the time space continuum and changed him from one Eggman into another version, one from another reality. Or it's the reason he's bald. One or the other."

Leading the World

"A Crystal Castle. Gotta admit Twilight, you live in style," Tails said with approval.

"You remember those caverns where we found the Chaos Emerald, Tails? The one Eggman was mining?" Sally asked.

"Oh yeah, I remember that. Yeah, this place really does look like it."

"I'm glad that you like le chateau, but this is where I'd like you to look next," Twilight instructed. Tails, Sally and Rotor walked over to a large table with a crystal map in the center of it, a map that housed all of Equestria on it. "This is a map of Equestria. It shifts and moves according to what is currently happening in the land."

"I can see that," Rotor muttered, bending over and noticing the crystals had created a tiny version oft he Sky Patrol that was crashed not too far from the castle. "So how does it update and how often?"

"The crystals are magic, allowing them to bend and shift as the map demands. And they update every couple minutes or so, that way I can be constantly up to date on what's going on in the land," Twilight explained. "It doesn't show me citizens or anything like that, but if a mountain goes missing I'll know immediately. As you can see, it's already adjusted for the mix and match that both of our worlds have become."

"Hmm, that sounds handy. Can I make one of these for the Sky Patrol?" Rotor asked.

"Um, even I'm not sure how the map was made. It kinda...came with the castle," Twilight admitted. "But we're getting a bit off track. Princess, Eggman is your villain and you probably know him better than anypony. Do you know where he might have taken refuge and if it would be on this map?"

"Hmm...I've known Eggman a long time and I know a lot about him, but I don't see anywhere on this map where he would be hiding," Sally said. She scanned the map again and shook her head. "Sorry, but Eggman isn't subtle. If he was on this map, it would be in some giant fortress or floating base that would stick out like a Swatbot in a forest."

"Yeah, the last base he had was the giant egg that had his face on it. And it flew!" Tails added on.

"Well I would definitely see that on the map then," Twilight muttered.

"What about Sombra? Maybe they're hiding in one of his old bases?" Rotor put forward.

"No, Sombra...is odd. If he hasn't take over a kingdom to use as a base, he hides in the shadows. Literally. It's something only he can do and I don't believe that he can drag anypony else into the darkness with him," Twilight explained. "So either they're very well hidden or that they aren't in Equestria. Great, I'm going to have to send some letters to the other kingdoms to ask them if they've seen anything."

"Are the other nations that much of a problem?" Sally asked.

"Oh yeah. They all have stubborn leaders who barely talk with us, let alone like working together with us," Twilight grumbled. "How about you? Do you have issues with other nations?"

"Not really, but that's because there are so few other nations left," Sally replied. Twilight's eyes widened and Sally smiled bitterly in response. "Eggman, for lack of a better term, is the world's ruler. He's conquered maybe ninety percent of it during his first go, but over the years we've pushed him back to fifty. But there was no one to take his place once he left. Those places are now lands of drifters and outlaws. Not even close to the civilizations they once housed..."

"You'll fix it. I have no doubt in that," Twilight said. Sally flashed a grateful smile before they returned their attention back to the map. "What about the emeralds or the elements? Any idea where any of them could be on here? I don't want to rely on just the princesses and Discord."

"Sure. Just look for the most dangerous, soul crushing places that no sane person should go to. That's where they'll be," Rotor said with a smirk. "Give Tails and I some time to look over the map and maybe we can come up with something. I've been putting together a chaos scanner after getting a look at Discord's magic. I think I might be able to get us close to one."

"If that's the case, then I'm going to Pinkie's. She promised me sweets and I want to try them all!" Tails said before flying out of the castle.

"Then go ahead and do that," Sally said. She then looked over at Twilight. "Can I speak to you for a moment, Twilight?"

"Sure." Twilight nodded towards the balcony and the pair of princesses walked out onto it. Sally took a moment to look over the land, from the small town down below to the beautiful farmlands in the distance, to the rolling hills. Even with the worlds mashed together, this section of Equestria's vibrated peace and harmony. "What did you want to talk about?"

"How do you do it?" Sally asked. Twilight raised an eyebrow in response. "How do you rule your world and keep fighting the forces of darkness?"

"To be fair, I've only been ruling on my own for about a week before all this happened," Twilight admitted.

"But you've never had ponies questioning your rule. Neither did Celestia or Luna. Or any of the princesses before them. All of them managed to keep their subjects happy while fighting off evil every other day. I can barely keep fighting Eggman, let alone attend to my royal duties. It has...caused some of the people of Mobius to lose faith in the royal family. That perhaps...we can't rule or protect them."

"Do you believe that?" Twilight asked.

"Somedays...I do. That maybe it would be better if I devoted all of my time to fighting evil or ruling the kingdom, instead of splitting my time," Sally admitted. "And that we haven't done a good job of protecting them. Yeah, we manage to save the day, but what good is saving the day if the next day is just as bad or even worse? And without Sonic or my friends...I just...feel like I've let everyone down."

"I've been there, believe me," Twilight replied. Then she smiled. "Sally, do you want to know the secret to why us princesses have always managed to defeat the evil foes that constantly attack our world?"

"How?"

"Because we've had a lot of practice," Twilight revealed. "I've been fighting evil since I was a teenager. Celestia and Luna fought evil since they were teenagers tens of thousands of years ago. And the princesses before them. And before even them. It's as much of a princess tradition as balls, meetings and negotiations. And after all that time, we've gotten really good at it. So of course, each former princess trains the new one or ones on how to defend the land, how to overcome those evils. That's what I have over you. A long line of experience."

"I've been trained..."

"But not to constantly be ready for evil. To have to battle it every day like I have. From what you told me, Eggman's attack on your world came out of the blue. So of course you weren't ready for it. And with all that tech and firepower, of course he managed to conquer so much of the world. Not because you were a bad ruler or anything, but because none of you, even your former rulers, thought such a day would come."

"And yet you managed to keep Eggman from winning. You held onto that last bastion of hope that fought back against him. And like you said, he now only owns fifty percent of your world when at a time he used to rule it all. And you did that without your former rulers, without magical artifacts designed for such foes and you did it without millennia worth of training. So tell me, does somepony who did all that sound like a failure to you?"

"Alright, alright, I get it," Sally smirked. Then that smirked turned to a genuine smile. "Thanks Twilight. I guess you're right. We've both made the best of what we've been given. I'd thought I'd ask you for some ruling advice since you've prevented your world from falling to chaos."

"Be firm but fair in meetings. Don't let those you're negotiatng with think that you're weak, but don't given the impression that you're made of stone. Also, imprisioning enemies in stone is a great way to get rid of them for thousands of years at a time. Believe me, we've done it to most of our foes."

"You trap them in stone for that long?"

"It's either that, send them to Tartarus or destroy them completely," Twilight said. Sally gave her a look and Twilight raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"For a leader who preaches forgiveness and give others chances..."

"I've given plenty foes numerous chances. But after refusing my offers to help them time and time again, you have to find a way to deal with them so they don't hurt others. Some We trap in stone. Some we manage to convert. Sombra, we destroy. Constantly."

"You've killed Sombra more than once?"

"Three times. At this point it's not really killing him, it's just getting rid of him for a bit," Twilight chuckled.

"Geez, at least with Eggman if he were to be destroyed, he'd stay dead. I think," Sally said. Then she narrowed her eyes and noticed two extremely fast blurs coming towards them. "And from the looks of that, it seems that Sonic and Rainbow Dash have something to tell us. Well, let's go meet them."

Sally and Twilight returned to the map to find Sonic and Rainbow Dash already there, looking over the map while Rotor waved the princesses over. "We've got bad news. Eggman got to the Crystal Empire and kidnapped the entire royal family," Sonic revealed. Twilight froze dead in her tracks while Rainbow slapped Sonic with her wing.

"Nice. You're as tactful as a sledgehammer," Sally sighed.

"Just telling it like it is," Sonic replied, but there was no sarcasm or cockiness in his voice. "I'm sorry that it happened, Twilight. Had I been just a bit faster..."

"I should have been there, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said. "Sombra always goes after our loved ones, I should have known that he'd do so again. If there's anypony that you should blame, it's..."

"We'll save them. We'll save all of them," Twilight whispered. Then she looked over at Rotor. "Yes Rotor, what have you been wanting to say?"

"I think I may have found one," Rotor said. "In the Tundra Zone. Not the one where my father works, but more of a mix between your world and ours. Anyway, I think one of the emeralds ended up there."

"Then that's where we're going. The sooner we find all the emeralds and elements, the sooner we can save those kidnapped by Eggman," Twilight snarled. Rotor and Sally shared a look, one that wasn't lost on Sonic. "Rotor, I want you to send a message to the princesses...er, Celestia and Luna. Let them know what we're doing."

"Got it, but how...?"

"In my room in the back of a castle you'll find an owl. Write the letter, attach it to him and he'll fly it to the princesses," Twilight said. "As for the rest of us, Sally, Sonic, Rainbow and I will go after this emerald now. Unless any of you object?"

"Not wasting any time and jumping straight into the action? I think I misjudged you princess," Sonic said. "See Sal, why can't you be more like her?"

"Because then there'd be no one left to stop you," Sally replied. "I'm ready to go whenever Twilight."

"Same here."

"Always," Rainbow nodded.

"I'll tell the princesses. But be careful in the Tundra, all of you. It's not a forgiving place and Eggman and Sombra will most likely try to get the emerald from you," Rotor warned.

"Thanks Rotor. Hold onto your lunches everypony," Twilight warned. Then, in a flash of light, they were gone.

Author's Note

"I'm a failure of a princess."

"Come on, don't talk like that."

"Oh yeah? Name one princess worse than me?

"Well, you fight for your subjects, are a skilled strategist and aren't constantly requiring a plumber to travel across eight worlds to come save you."

"You're making that up. There's no way there's a princess that bad."

"Believe me, I wish I was."

Silver Lining

"Oh yeah, this is definitely an ice zone," Sonic shivered.

Snow was everywhere, as one would expect, along with penguins being chased by mecha polar bears, ice cubes sliding back and forth across lakes frozen over, boost pads and springs and finally, hundreds of shadow creatures that were all marching through the snow towards the top of a mountain.

"Who wants to bet that the emerald we're looking for is at the top of that mountain?" Sally asked.

"We need to get there quick. They've already got a head start on us," Sonic said. He floored it, but quickly found that he had no traction on the ice. Rainbow smirked at him as she fired up her wings.

"Have fun running nowhere. Don't worry, I'll fly over there and retrieve that emerald before Sonic's moved an inch," Rainbow Dash said. She flew up into the air and was immediately frozen solid by a massive gust of icy wind. Twilight's horn flashed and Rainbow was thawed out a moment later, shivering with cold. "Alright, flying is out, so how about this? Twilight and Sally go to get the emerald while Sonic and I stay down here, make a fire and toast marshmallows?"

Twilight threw up a barrier of magic around each of the ponies, before lifting them with her magic. She placed Sally on her back, while having Sonic and Rainbow stay behind her. "My magic can cut through this storm, but Sonic's right in saying that we're going to have to move fast. So you two are going to push while Sally steers," Twilight instructed.

"Now we're talking," Sonic said.

"What will you be doing, Twilight?" Sally asked.

"Trying not to freak out," Twilight replied. They pushed her forward a bit before Twilight realized that they were atop a very large hill that sloped downward. "You know, now that I'm think it over..."

"No time for regrets! As a friend of mine once said, LET'S A GO!" Sonic whooped. He and Rainbow pushed Twilight forward, who screamed at the top of her lungs as the four of them shot down the icy hill. Sonic and Rainbow pushed ahead with wicked smiles on their faces, while Sally did her best to inform Twilight of what was coming and keep the poor mare calm.

"Alright, jump! Jump! Turn! Slid left! Oh, here comes a loop...don't worry, just let the two push and Twilight? Twilight, quit screaming. Oh magic blast! Okay, I think we're good for now."

"Man, is this what you're entire world is like?" Rainbow asked Sonic. "This is amazing! Once we get everything fixed, I might have to come visit."

"Oh, if you think this is cool, you should see what Eggman cooks up for me," Sonic replied. "Death traps, spike falls, bottomless pits and plenty of things shooting at me. It's like a carnival."

"Wow, you've got such a cool villain. All Sombra does is mess with our heads, attack our families and then blow up," Rainbow sighed.

"Are you two really talking about which of our foes, who have tried to kill us and everyone we love numerous times, is BETTER?!" Sally yelled back at them. "Can the two of you stop competing for one freakin moment and-"

"Cliff!"

All sets of eyes snapped forward just in time for the four to go plummeting over the edge, down towards where the hundreds of shadow monsters were walking. The four screamed in unison before Twilight opened her wings and flapped as hard as she could, dragging the four upwards through the wind. Rainbow brought out her own wings and rapid fired, driving the group forward through the wind with a rainbow trail following them. Just when the wind was about to have them beat, the four reached the mountain top and crashed into a snow bank.

"Welp, that's the last time I fly air Equestria," Sonic said. He hopped out of the snow and started dusting himself off. "Noisy passengers, constant crashes and not once did I get my peanuts. And yet not the worst flight that I've ever been on."

"Everyone okay?" Sally asked.

"I think I'm fine," Twilight said as she pulled herself out of the snow. She flapped her wings a few time, sighing in relief when she found nothing broken. "How about you Rainbow?"

"Don't worry, landed on my head," Rainbow said. She shook the snow out of her mane and looked around. "Found it."

Sitting in the middle of a frozen lake upon a pillar of ice was an emerald of a deep green. "Oh wow, an emerald that actually looks like an emerald," Twilight muttered. She tried to grab it with her magic yet found the gem repelled her spell. "Huh, never had that happen before. Well no matter, let's go over and..."

"Sorry Twi, looks like we've got a problem," Sonic cut her off. Twilight looked up and found a vortex open overhead, dumping a number of foes in front of them. Well, foes was the wrong word.

One combatant was another hedgehog, but he was silver in color and floated off of the ground instead of landing. A purple cat joined him, with fire coming off of her hands. The other two were all too familiar to Twilight. One was a massive, red and metal stallion with a metal apple on his flank. The other...

"Spike," Twilight whispered. The baby dragon was metal like Big Mac, but was also inside of a power suit that made him tower over everyone there. The suit was made to look like a larger dragon, except without a head and twin cannons there instead.

"Essentially Twilight's little brother," Rainbow explained for the other two, just in case they had forgotton. "The other is Big Mac. One of the strongest ponies in Equestria. Applejack's brother."

"Well that makes this complicated," Sonic replied. "Silver and Blaze are the two from our world. Silver has telekinesis and Blaze is, well, firepower. Careful, they're both pretty strong."

"Well get Spike and Big Mac back, I promise," Rainbow promised Twilight.

"Thanks Rainbow," Twilight said. "Sally, Sonic, I want you to handle-"

Before any of them could finish, they were all lifted into the air by Silver. The hedgehog crushed his grip and the group screamed in pain as they were started to be crushed. Twilight then flashed her horn and broke free from Silver's TK powers, freeing her friends as well.

"New plan. Sonic, Sally, deal with Big Mac and Blaze. This one's mine," Twilight snarled. She then slammed a hoof into the ground, using her magic to change all of the ice into pavement. She then fired a burst of magic into the air, creating a mini sun that heated up the area rapidly. "There. Now Sonic can run and Rainbow can fly. Let's make this quick. I have to save my brother."

"Wow. I see why she's the hero of your world," Sonic said to Rainbow.

"Eh, I have to give the spotlight to my friends every now and then," Rainbow replied. "Now let's knock some heads!"

The group split apart, each member going after their target. Silver ascended into the air and held out his hands to stop the fighters, but his silver energy collided with a violet one. "Sorry Silver, but I will be your opponent," Twilight snarled at Silver. The hedgehog said nothing in reply, but turned to face her.

His first move was to lift two giant chunks of stone and ice out of the ground and hurl them at Twilight, who teleported out of the way. She fired back with beams of magic, which forced Silver to construct a TK barrier to protect himself. But as the spells hit, they transformed into vines that wrapped themselves around the hedgehog and pinned his arms to his side.

"And just like that, you're done," Twilight muttered. She unleashed a huge blast of magic at Silver, but a burst of fire struck Silver first, burning away the vines and allowing him to use his powers to push Twilight's attack away. Twilight glanced to her side to see that Blaze had been the source of the fire. "Who's fighting Blaze, because they're sure not making my job any easier!"

"Sorry!" Sally replied. She summoned a sword and shield and raced towards Blaze, swinging at the cat with the flat of her blade. Blaze unleashed flames at Sally, who lifted her shield to defend herself. The flames burned hot, but Sally had modified her shield to take far worse. She pierced through the flames and took a swing at Blaze...only to be knocked out of the air by a TK blast.

"What the?" she asked before looking up. Silver had used his powers to defend Blaze, leaving him open for Twilight to blast. "Aw isn't that cute, they're protecting each other."

"Guess while Sombra can control their minds, there's still a bit of them in there deep down," Sonic said as he continued to run circles around poor Big Mac. "How ya doing, Rainbow?"

"Be better if Spike wasn't so good at controlling a giant robot!" Rainbow called back. She dipped, dodged, dived and ducked around Spikes attacks, all of which were made as if a master was performing them. "Twilight, why the heck is Spike so good at this?!"

"Have you seen what he reads and watches in movies? He's been training to pilot one of those things all his life!" Twilight replied. The momentary distraction gave Silver hope and he unleashed all of his TK power towards Twilight. He tore up trees, boulders, half of the freaking mountain and hurled it all at Twilight. Yet to what little horror he could still feel, he watched as all of it came to a stop around Twilight, before it was all blasted apart into purple light. Then Twilight cast a glance towards Silver.

"Still at it? Allow me to make this clear for you. You have impressive Telekinesis, I'll give you that. But you move boulders and trees. I move stars," Twilight snarled. "And right now, I am going through every spell in my book to try to free you, that cat girl, Applejack's brother and the most important dragon in my life. So give it up already."

Silver's response was to lift even more of the mountain and hurl it at her, to the same effect. Except this time, Twilight got angry. Her mane then erupted into fire and her body turned white as her full alicorn fury was unleashed.

"Haven't you figured it out yet?!" Twilight roared. "IT'S NO USE!"

Twilight unleashed all of her magic upon Silver, blasting through his TK shield and consuming him in her magic. All of the power she was unleashing wasn't to destroy him, but what was in his mind. Her magic obliterated Sombra's control over him and banished all traces of darkness within him. The hedgehog then fell to the ground, caught just in time by Sonic.

"Hey easy there Twi, this guy's still my friend," Sonic called up to her. Twilight didn't reply. She teleported down in front of Spike, interrupting his battle with Rainbow Dash.

"Spike, I know you're in there. I know you can hear me. Come back to me, please," Twilight said.

Spike's response was to shot a blast of energy at Twilight, who blocked the attack with ease. Spike and Big Mac started to back off, while Blaze started to advance on Sonic who was still carrying Silver. Then Spike grabbed the cat's arm and dragged her back, a vortex opening behind them as they did so.

"No! I'm not losing you again!" Twilight called as she tried to grab Spike with her magic. But her attempt was foiled as dark tendrils erupted from the vortex, blocking her spells and allowing Spike and Big Mac to retreat before the tendrils dragged Blaze in as well.

"Not today Twilight. I will allow you to keep the emerald, but Spike is too good a prize to let you have yet," the mocking voice of Sombra said. "Because I know that losing the emerald is nothing compared to failing your little brother once more. Don't worry though. I promise we'll take good care of him."

Twilight roared as she tried to follow through the vortex, only for it to close on top of her. She used her magic to try to follow it, but to no avail. With nothing else she could do, her body burned for a long moment...before she sighed and returned to normal.

"I failed," she whispered.

"Yes and no," Sonic replied. Twilight shot him a look only for him to slightly lift Silver and then glance over at Sally, who was holding the emerald emerald. "You couldn't get Spike, Big Mac or Blaze back. But you saved Silver and got us another emerald. Today was a small step to saving all of our friends and saving the world. It wasn't a total victory. Fights with Eggman never are. But we made progress."

"I suppose you're right," Twilight replied. She then looked down at Silver, who still had yet to move. " Let's get him back to the castle. He'll need medical attention."

Sonic nodded as Twilight's horn glowed, creating a portal of her own back home. Rainbow and Sonic entered into it, but Twilight caught Sally giving her a look. "What?"

"Nothing, it's just...you're scary when you're angry," Sally admitted with a sheepish grin. "I'd hate to get on your bad side." Twilight stared at her for a moment before smiling.

"Don't worry. My bad side is reserved specifically for Sombra."

Author's Note

"So they aren't a thing?" Rainbow asked.

"To the best of my knowledge, no," Sally replied.

"But the way they protected each other," Twilight said.

"Just friends. I don't think they've even interacted all that much. I wonder where the idea of them being a thing came from?"

"It probably came from that time with Princess Elise and-"

"NO! We do not speak of the forbidden times."

A New Coat of Paint

"How's he doing?"

Sonic, Twilight and numerous doctors were standing around Silver's bed, where the hedgehog had been laying for well over a day now.

"According to our x-rays and tests, there are no real physical injuries on him. But for whatever reason, his mind hasn't come back to him," one of the doctors explained. "Whatever Sombra did to him, it messed his mind up pretty badly. He could wake up tomorrow. He could wake up ten years from now. We don't know."

"Well, do what you can for him," Sonic asked. The doctors nodded and got back to their tests, while Twilight placed a wing over Sonic's shoulder and moved him out of the hospital room. "This is all my fault."

"No, this is Eggman and Sombra's fault," Twilight corrected. "Unless you somehow screwed up Silver's mind when I wasn't looking."

"If I had stopped Eggman sooner..."

"Sometimes it doesn't help. I mean, we've killed Sombra numerous times for Faust sake and he's still causing trouble," Twilight grumbled.

"Have you tried just shooting him into the sun?"

"You know, now that you mention it, I should do that. If he can come back from that, he can have Equestria...need to talk about it?"

"Thanks Twi, but I'm good now. I allow myself a few moment of self pity everyday, then I pick myself back up and and keep running forward," Sonic replied. He smiled at Twilight and gave her a thumbs up as the pair left the hospital, before the sky went dark. The two looked up to see a massive circular object being moved over the city, which caused the ponies within said city to begin panicking. As they often did.

"Oh cool, they're bringing the Sky Patrol here," Sonic said. "Celestia told me she'd help us patch it up, but I thought she'd take us to it, not the other way around."

"I guess she wanted to study it while it was being repaired. Also, I should probably deal with that," Twilight sighed as the screaming got louder. She waved to Sonic before flapping her wings and flying down to the city, while Sonic dashed up to the castle to beat the Sky Patrol there. At the castle he found Rotor, Tails, and Pinkie all standing in the courtyard, looking up at the Sky Patrol.

"You're good. You're good. You're good..." Pinkie said as she waved glowsticks backwards. Celestia and Luna dropped the Sky Patrol in the middle of the courtyard, where it cracked in half, spewed sparks and burst into flames. "And perfect!"

"Broken, bleeding and on fire. This is one of your better crashes, Rotor," Sonic said to "help". Rotor didn't even flash him a look as he activated his nano suit, using the built in extinguishers to get started on the fire. Celestia and Luna used their magic to wrangle up the loose wires and parts, while Tails started to try to put things back where they belonged.

"Need me to do anything?" Sonic asked.

"At the moment, no. But once we've got this fire under control, go through the wreckage and pull out an important possessions that might have survived the crash," Rotor instructed. Sonic gave a mock salute, waited exactly five seconds and then raced into the still burning base, with Rotor only shaking his head in response. Sonic zipped around inside, moving past fallen debris, using his speed to extinguish fires and grabbed anything he considered important.

Sally's room was first and he went through it the quickest. A photo of her family, some of her battle plans, her diary (which Sonic had to fight very hard not to read) and onto the next room. Tails room was almost as easy. Family pictures, his cape and t-pup, a couple of comics and a gold medal he had received from the king for saving Knothole. Good times. Sonic zipped outside, dropped the stuff off and went back in.

Rotor's room was the easiest, because Rotor had told Sonic in the past that he kept everything of value in three blue colored, nearly indestructible containers. Sonic grabbed them and was gone. Bunnie and Antoine's room was the hardest, not just because it was two rooms in one, but because they had a lot of stuff Sonic would never let burn. He grabbed their wedding album, the jacket Antoine's father had given him, a cowboy hat that was all that was left of Bunnie's uncle, a robot repair kit, Antoine's family blade and cape, as well as a few other things that looked important.

Balancing all of that, he zipped by his room to see that it had already been completely consumed in flames. He stared at it for a second, let out a sigh, and moved on, bursting out of the Sky Patrol and skidding to a halt next to Pinkie. "Alright, everyone's special belongings, extra crispy. Don't ask me to go back in there, because the flames live in my room now."

"And just what are you doing with our things?" Sonic turned to see Antoine, Bunnie, Applejack and Rarity walking into the courtyard.

"Oh just going through some pictures, remembering all the good times," Sonic replied. Then the Sky Patrol exploded again and, with a shrug, Sonic placed the items next to their owners. "That and Rotor's redecorating the Sky Patrol with fire, so we figured it would be a good idea to get our stuff out of there first."

"Aw, Sugar look, it's our wedding album!" Bunnie said. She picked up the album and opened it up, motioning for the ponies to crowd around as she started to flip through the pages. "Here we are at the castle, Sally did such a good job decorating. Here ya are...wow, such a dashing man."

"And yet I was nothing compared to your beauty," Antoine said as he flipped the page.

"Oh my goodness, you looked divine!" Rarity exclaimed as they saw Bunnie in her wedding dress.

"Ah have to admit, ya look amazing."

"Of course she does. Ma cherie outshines the stars as she is. In a dress like zat it is no contest," Antoine scoffed.

"Thanks, Sugar-Twan," Bunnie giggled as she gave him a peck on the cheek. Antoine smiled at her before he spied his cape and sword, picking both of them up and examining them. Aside from some ash, they were fine.

"Thank you, Sonic," Antoine softly said.

"No sweat Twain. I know what you went through for those," Sonic replied. Bunnie and the ponies were too busy going through the wedding album that they didn't notice what Antoine was doing.

"So, do zey still look good on me?"

He had his family's red cape slung over one of his shoulders, while his family's blade hung off of his hips. He had combed his hair back a bit and had an air about him of confidence and strength. For a long moment, all the girls could do was stare, before Rarity elbowed Bunnie in the side.

"You have no idea how envious I am of you right now," she teased with a smile. Bunnie giggled and walked over to Antoine, examining the cape.

"Ah'm surprised yer wearing this, hon. Ah thought ya wanted to keep it safe, since it's all that was left of yer family's home."

"Well, I am thinking that with things are as bad as zey are, perhaps I could use my family's strength right about now," Antoine replied. Then he flashed a smirk over at Sonic and the Sky Patrol. "And considering the place zat I was keeping it safe in is currently on fire, perhaps zer is no safer place than with me."

"Hey, it's no longer on fire. Now it's just smoldering," Rotor grumbled as he walked up to the group. "Sorry Sonic, I couldn't save your room."

"Hey, I've got everything I need right here," Sonic replied.

"You sure. Because you're guitar..."

"Stuff can be replaced. Friends can't," Sonic curtly replied.

"So you don't want the guitar then?" Pinkie asked. All eyes turned to Pinkie, who was holding Sonic's guitar in her hooves. "Because if you don't want it..."

"Whoa, when did you grab this?" Sonic asked.

"When I realized it was important to you," Pinkie replied. Sonic raised an eyebrow at that, decided not to question it and strummed the cords a few times to make sure it was working.

"Alright princesses! It's up to you now!" Rotor called up to the princesses. Celestia and Luna's horns glowed bright and together their magic pushed the Sly Patrol back together. Celestia then fired a beam of magic as hot as the sun and used it to weld the two halves together again. Luna lifted up one of the wings that had fallen off and Celestia reattached that as well, making the Sky Patrol whole once more.

"It looks all good inside!" Tails called out. He flew out through a hatch in the roof, flying over to the group. "I've gotten most of the wiring up and running, so we've got power, but the engines are still fried. Everything else should at least work now."

"Well, it doesn't look pretty, but this will get the job done," Rotor nodded with approval.

"It's that what people used to say about you?" Tails asked.

"Used to? I still hear that," Rotor chuckled. "How about the scanner for the Chaos Emeralds? That up and running?"

"Yes, but it's just like Discord said. There's too much chaos and the scanners are all giving me a bunch of false reads all over the planet," Tails explained as he brought up a graph. "So we're going to have to rely on him until I can narrow the search."

"We could really use Nicole's help right about now," Rotor muttered, getting the ponies to look at him with confusion. "Oh sorry. Nicole is another core member of the Freedom Fighters. She's...a living A.I. that takes up residency inside of a portable terminal that we can charge with a power ring to give her a physical form. Make sense?"

"Nuh-uh," all three ponies said at once.

"She's like a genie in a bottle," Sonic translated and the group all went "Oh" all at once.

"Does she grant wishes?" Pinkie asked.

"She work miracles, which is almost the same thing," Sonic said. He then gazed out across the land, tapping his foot impatiently. "And hopefully Sally and Rainbow Dash will return with her soon. Because I'd hate to think what would happen without her on our side.

||--O O--||

"This is Knothole?" Rainbow asked. "Place looks like it's seen better days."

Sally couldn't help but agree as she used her blade to cut through another fallen tree, one of hundreds that showed just how bad the place had been hit by the worlds merging. The town near their old base was completely in ruins and there were no signs of it's citizens anywhere. That was concerning.

"Despite how bad things look out here, I promise you that the old Freedom Fighter HQ is still standing. Rotor modified it to be able to take a nuclear blast and it's done so before. It will be standing," Sally promised. She cleaved through another tree to finally find the stump she was looking for. She grabbed the edge and tried to pry it open, but it wasn't until Rainbow came over to give her a hoof that they finally managed to open it.

"So this Nicole is still here?" Rainbow asked. "Because she must be pretty important if she was worth fighting through all those shadow monsters and robot people to get to."

"Nicole is very important. Next to Sonic, she's the most important person in my life," Sally whispered.

"Then why leave her out here?"

"She was out here scanning some anomalies when the worlds merged. At first I got an all clear from her, but she's gone quiet. We're out here making sure she's still safe," Sally instructed. The pair moved through the underground tunnels until they came across a large room, one with a massive computer in the center of it. Sally raced to the computer and checked the plug in port...only for her heart to go cold when she grabbed a note instead of her closest friend.

'Dear Ponies/Freaks,

It's me, your old pal Sombra. Sorry that I missed you, but I found a new friend at this place and I just couldn't wait to get home to show her to Eggman. She's great! She's stubborn, resilient and can take being ripped apart on a molecular level like a champ. Don't worry, everytime I break her, Eggman puts her back together, though she seems a bit different than she was. Eh, I'm sure it's all fine. And just think, if you had been a little faster, maybe she wouldn't be in my clutches. That's what happens when think your secrets are safe from me.

Your pal,
Sombra

P.S. why am I telling you this? Because I want you to know every moment Nicole spends with us is a moment she is in agony. And knowing that she's hurting is sure to hurt all of you. And that's just too good to pass up on. See you all very soon.'

Sally let out a roar and slammed her blade through the computer console, causing sparks to erupt as the lights flickered. Rainbow waited until Sally stopped swinging her blade around before she approached the princess, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

"I'm such an idiot. The moment I knew what was going on I should have retrieved Nicole," Sally whispered. "And now she's in the hands of two lunatics. How could I let this happen to her?"

"Sombra and Eggman have grabbed a bunch of our friends and family in order to hurt us. We'll get her back, just like we will all the others," Rainbow promised. "We've already gotten Silver. One down, however many to go. But we'll prevail. We always do."

Sally gave Rainbow a look before she smirked, retracting her blade and pressing a button on her wrist. "You're right. And it's going to be sooner than Eggman would ever think. Because little do they know there's a secret tracker within Nicole, one that no magic or tech can sense."

"Great, so you can sense it?"

"Um...no. However, there is one who can, but that's going to be a problem in and of itself," Sally replied. Rainbow Dash and her started heading for the exit, while Sally began to plan. "Because that person is Amy."

Author's Note

"So are you and Nicole a thing?"

"For a moment I thought we would be, but then nothing ever came of it. Actually, now that I think about, nothing ever came from my romance with Sonic. Or with Monkey Khan. Or with Antoine. Or Geoffrey. Or anyone really."

"That many failed romances?"

"Guess it just means I'm flying solo for the rest of my life."

"Trust me sister, it's the best way to go."

"So you're never settling down with someone?"

"Nope. Never. And you can take that to the bank, because I'm staying single for LIFE!"

Cracking the Code

"GGGGGGAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"

"Oh quit screaming, you don't have pain receptors," Sombra snapped. His horn burned with black magic that he funneled into the small computer sitting before him, invoking another round of screaming. "Unless you were programmed with pain receptors, in which case, wow, your friends are jerks."

"E-e-e-error...databanks...c-c-c-omprimosed..." Nicole stuttered, her holographic form appearing before Sombra.

"I can see why your friends threw you out. Not really good at conversations, are you?" Sombra asked. "But I will say, you've protected yourself pretty well. I may not know much about computers, but even I can tell that by now I should have broken into your memory banks, but still you resist. I'm impressed."

"I will...never...betray my friends," Nicole snarled. "No matter what you do, you cannot break my spirit."

Sombra lifted his head and began to laugh, a dark, hollow laugh that was devoid of any joy or merriment. One that sent shivers down Nicole's processors. "And with that, you've tipped your hand. See, I wasn't sure if you were just a program or something more. Robotnik wanted me to find out for myself. But mentioning that you have spirit...as well as your fiery personality...you're not all machine, are you?"

Nicole's eyes shrunk with horror in response.

"There's a mind in the machine, a spirit that burns...and all of which are things I can thoroughly mess with," Sombra laughed. Then his eyes turned black and his horn glowed crimson as he smiled at the lynx. "So while I may not be able to mess with computers...I can sure as hell mess with your SOUL!"

His black magic surrounded the lynx, chaining her in darkness as his crimson tendrils went even deeper, deep into her very mind. Nicole tried to fight back, but found that her programming no longer obeyed. She tried to scream, but her vocal program didn't activate. She softly said Sally's name, before that name was scrubbed from her memory. Her entire body went black as the shadows overtook her...before releasing her and allowing Sombra to view his handiwork.

"Hello there, Nicole," Sombra said. "How is my new favorite toy doing today?"

"Well, master Sombra," Nicole replied. Her form had changed entirely. Her hair was now longer, her eyes were colder and she wore a generals attire that was similar to what Sombra's generals of old once wore. "What are you needing of me today?"

"Give me a moment. Hey, Robotnik!" Sombra called out. A few moments later the good doctor came into the room. "Told ya I could do it!"

"Indeed you did. Hello Nicole," Robotnik said.

"Master Robotnik. Is there something you need from me?" Nicole asked.

"Master Robotnik. I could get used to that," Robotnik said. "I'm impressed, Sombra. You've barely been around computers for less than a week and already you managed to hack one of the most sophisticated pieces of tech around."

"Hacking had nothing to do with it. The fool revealed she had a soul. And corrupting souls is what I'm best at," Sombra smirked.

"A machine with a soul. Fascinating. Perhaps I'll try to make one of those. And speaking of soulless machines...METAL! Get in here!" Metal Sonic arrived in the room a moment later, giving a causal look to Nicole before facing Robotnik. "Now that Nicole is on our side, I want you to upload her to each and every badnik and metal pony we have. Those idiots could use some brain power on their side."

"Yes, Robotnik."

"Master Robotnik."

"Yes, Master Eggman."

"Watch it you."

"Nicole, go with this fine hunk of junk and get yourself uploaded," Sombra instructed. Nicole bowed to Sombra and left the room with Metal, who was carrying her computer. The two masterminds watched the pair go before Robotnik sighed and sat down in a chair.

"Can't even program my own minions to respect me. I conquered a world in less than a month. Is a little respect too much to ask?"

"Let the weak minded have their laughs. We know who controls everything, but more importantly, they know," Sombra replied. He then flicked his head to the side and let out a snarl. "Seems the failures have found another Element. Should we send forces to intercept or just act like we don't know?"

"We must keep up appearances," Robotnik replied. "Do you know who's apart of the group yet?"

"Give me a moment...I see Sonic, Sally, Pinkie, Twilight, Applejack...and Antoine...interesting team," Sombra muttered. "And it seems...well isn't that sweet, Sonic says that he's missing his friends, especially Amy."

"Well then..." Robotnik said with a wicked smile. "Who am I to keep the two apart? Send who you want, Sombra, but make sure Amy goes with them."

"Will do. And what about our...Magnum Opus?"

"Soon my friend. Very soon."

||--O O--||

"Are they here yet? I'm tired of acting like a sad puppy," Sonic asked.

"Soon. If I know Sombra, he's watching us and will know what you've been whining about," Twilight said. The six were camped out around the next Element of Harmony, which looked to be Fluttershy's by the design on it. Sonic was out in the open, being the bait as usual. Sally, Twilight and Antoine were lying in wait, ready to spring a trap the moment their foes appeared. And Pinkie was sitting next to Antoine, sharing cooking ideas with him.

"I must admit Pinkie, I have never thought of using ze chocolate chips like zat before," Antoine admitted.

"You need to try it. It makes the cake that much more tasty and, with a bit of practice, you can make some really cool designs with it," Pinkie stated. "And I would bet you my bottom bit that Bunnie would love it."

"You don't say?" Antoine asked. "Well in that case, perhaps we should stop by and see your store. If one of your recipes can be zat good, we must try ze rest."

"Why not after this mission? The shops always open to friends," Pinkie said.

"Cool it guys, I'm sensing something," Twilight said. The group went quiet and a moment later a rip appeared in the sky, dropping out a multitude of friends and foes. Tirek, Chrysalis, Shadow, Shining Armor, Blaze...and Amy herself. Sonic raised an eyebrow as all of the foes started walking towards him, before he hopped to his feet and stretched out his arms.

"Wow, all of this fanfare just for me. I didn't know Eggman and Sombra cared so much," Sonic mocked. "Hi Amy, you're looking good."

Amy's response was to pull out a massive spiked hammer with a jet engine on the back.

"And you've accessorized all for me? Aw, I'm touched," Sonic said. Amy went right on the attack and right after Sonic. She swung that hammer as if it weighed nothing, pulverizing trees, rocks and anything else unfortunate enough to get her way. But Sonic had been dodging missiles, bombs, lasers and Amy all his life, so he was able to keep ahead of her.

The problem would be avoiding all of the other foes. Shadow went right for Sonic as well, along with Tirek and Chrysalis, but Blaze didn't move. Instead, her black eyes looked over the surrounding area, as if she was hunting someone. Then she spotted a place that felt more magical than the others and unleashed a blast of fire there. The fire struck a barrier of magic and Twilight rocketed out of her hiding place, catching the foes off guard and catching Shadow in the side of the head with a hoof.

"Cover's blown! Stick to the plan!" she ordered. All around the group barriers of invisibility dropped and the other fighters rushed into battle. Antoine took Chrysalis, using his swordsmanship and expert fighting ability to keep her occupied. Sally took over against Shadow, using a mix of her blades and shields to hold him off. Twilight was supposed to handle Tirek, but Blaze went after her the moment she entered the field.

"Still mad over what happened last time? Fine, let's do this," Twilight snarled at Blaze. Fluttershy grabbed her Element and decided to face Shining Armor, hoping that some of the good was still in the captain.

Which left Tirek to Pinkie. Pinkie looked up at the giant centaur before turning around and hopping away. Tirek let out a roar before chasing after her, which just left Sonic with Amy.

"Hey Twi, anytime you want to finish the plan, just let me know!" Sonic called over to her.

"Trying, but Blaze is ticked at me for Faust knows what reason," Twilight growled. Her magic kept extinguishing the flames that Blaze fired at Twilight, the cat was nimble and quick, able to constantly mix up her pressure to keep Twilight on her hooves. That was until Sally tackled Blaze from behind and hurled her into Shadow.

"Go! I'll hold the both of them off!" Sally said. Twilight nodded and rushed for Amy, leaving Sally alone with Shadow and Blaze, both of who turned to face her slowly. "Or maybe not. Um, anyone want to help a friend out?"

Shadow fired a chaos spear and Blaze unleashed a torrent of fire on Sally, who let out a yelp as she lifted her shield...only to be swept off her feet by a blue blur that moved her out of the way just in time. "We have just got to stop meeting like this, princess," Sonic said.

"Of all the people to sweep me off my feet, it had to be you," Sally teased back. "Where's my knight in shining armor with his long cape and shining sword?"

"That knight is having a little difficulty at ze moment!" Antoine replied. Chrysalis was shapeshifting into all sorts of beings to fight Antoine, which would have been bad enough, but now all of those beings were made of metal like her, making them even tougher for the swordsman to deal with. "Enough of you, shapeshifting demon. Time to finish zis!"

As he said this, he drew his family's sword and swung it at the now giant spider Chrysalis. The sword cut clean through her metal legs and dropped her to the ground, where she roared like a garbage disposal as she changed back. Antoine raised his blade over her head, thought about it, then scoffed as he spun to help his friends.

Sonic and Sally were handling Shadow and Blaze, Pinkie had Tirek distracted, Shining Armor was down thanks to the power of the Element, which only left Twilight with Amy. The pink hedgehog was tough. She packed a punch and was no slouch when it came to speed. All of that meant nothing as Twilight held her in the air with her magic and used that same magic to purify the darkness that Sombra had placed within her. It took a long, tough moment, but then Twilight prevailed.

"Alright, I've got Amy, Chrysalis is down for the count and Tirek's distracted, so let's see if we can gather any more of our-"

Twilight's words were interrupted when a vortex of darkness opened up once more and sucked up the other fighters. Fluttershy managed to use the power of her Element to hold onto Shining and Twilight's magic protected Amy, but the rest of their friends turned foes were dragged into the darkness once more.

"Not today!" Sonic yelled as he raced towards the vortex. He reached his hand out for Blaze and just nearly grabbed her wrist...only for a blast of darkness to catch him in the face. He tumbled backwards and the vortex closed. "Close Sonic. Next time be faster."

"We couldn't save all of them, but we did get who we came here for," Sally said. The group joined back up, though Antoine and Pinkie had to help drag the Captain of the Guard over to the rest of them. "And we managed to save Twilight's brother as well. I would consider today a win."

"As would I," Twilight agreed. She then glanced over at Sonic, who was rubbing the spot where he had been shot. "You okay, Sonic? Do you need me to look at that?"

"I'm fine. Sombra got a cheep shot, that's all," Sonic replied. "But did you notice how none of them went for the Element?"

"Maybe they were too busy fighting us?" Fluttershy said.

"Maybe...but I don't like it. It's never this easy with Eggman," Sonic muttered, before shrugging. "Whatever. We did what we came here to do. Let's get them home, get them patched up and then we'll be one step closer to finding the rest of our friends."

Twilight nodded and started a teleportation spell, but in the back of her mind she wondered about what Sonic had said. Was it too easy? Were they just simply beating Eggman and Sombra at every turn? Their foes sure didn't feel like they were pulling their punches, but just like Sonic said, something felt...off about all this. She prayed it was nothing big and teleported the group back to Canterlot.

Author's Note

"METAL! Why are all of our robots shut down?!"

"Unknown, Doctor. I uploaded her into every badnik and metal pony like you said."

"This shouldn't be happening. Unless...Sombra, did you remember to update Nicole before installing her?"

"What the heck is an update?"

"That explains it. Cursed Windows!"

Dreams of Future

"Ponyville is such a delight, is it not ma cherie?"

"Of course it is, sugar. And ah think ah see the building that Pinkie told us about."

"Oui. It would be impossible to miss."

The couple walked up to Sugarcube Corners, just in time for a pink pony to burst out of the front door with an apron and the biggest smile on her face. "Antoine! Bunnie! The two of you made it!"

"Of course we did, sugar," Bunnie giggled. "Ya said that ya wanted us to come visit, so here we are."

"I am interested in ze sweets, to see how zey stack up to ma cherie's cooking," Antoine said. At that Pinkie's smile grew even wider and she bowed while motioning for the pair to come inside.

"Well then, why don't the both of you come on in. I'm sure I can find something that will blow your socks off."

"We do not wear ze socks."

"Just an expression sugar. Come on."

Pinkie lead Antoine and Bunnie into the bakery, seating them at the table closest to the counter before she was gone a moment later. Antoine and Bunnie smiled at each other before picking up their menu's, seeing what caught their fancy.

"Ooo, they have carrot cake. Ah can't remember the last time ah had a good one of those," Bunnie said.

"I keep offer to make you some," Antoine said with a smile.

"Ah know, but...well..."

"It is alright. I know you do not like ze ones I make," Antoine replied, then he smirked. "And I promise to only be ze little offended if you end up liking zere carrot cake more than mine."

"How kind of you," Bunnie teased back. She then glanced at the menu and a smile crossed her face. "Oh would you look at that. They have mandarin ice cream. Hm, that sounds like something else..."

"You are ze riot," Antoine smiled back. Then he looked to his side and let out a yelp when he found Pinkie standing there.

"Ready to order?"

"Oui, sugarcube. Ah'm thinking ah'll have the carrot cake," Bunnie ordered.

"And, at my wife's insistence, I shall have zis mandarin ice cream," Antoine added. Pinkie nodded to both and was gone a second later and when the pair looked down they found their menu's gone as well. "I swear she is faster than Sonic."

"Ah think it's some form of teleportation," Bunnie suggested. She then took in a deep breath and looked around the room, which had a few other groups of ponies in it, before smiling slightly. "Isn't this nice? When was the last time we could just go out for a nice night on the town?"

"Oui. It is always ze saving the world or ze end of the world or ze saving the world from its end. We have not really had much time to relax," Antoine agreed. "Not since our honeymoon."

"Our honeymoon? Sugar, ah don't know if you remember our honeymoon, but it ended up with us fighting off a group of pirates that made the island float. Ah wouldn't exactly call that relaxing."

"I do not remember any of zat. All I remember was the beach air, the sound of waves rolling, the sand beneath my feat and the swimsuit that you wore," Antoine replied. "Only ze important stuff."

"Only the important stuff, huh?" Bunnie asked with a smirk. A banging sound coming from upstairs caught both of their attention and they looked up in time to see a pair of foals come flying out of their room, crashing straight towards them. In a blur Bunnie took to the skies and grabbed the unicorn out of the air, whereas Antoine simply held out his scabbard and caught the pegasi on the end of it without leaving his seat.

"Well hello there, petit foal," Antoine said. He lowered his scabbard to the ground and allowed the pegasi to climb off. Bunnie landed next to him and placed the unicorn on the ground as well. "I may be new to zis land, but I am fairly certain zat unicorns do not fly."

"Well in our world, rabbit's don't fly," the unicorn said. "Thanks for the save! I'm Pumpkin Cake and this is my brother Pound Cake!"

"Bonjour. Tell me, do you and your brother always come flying out of your rooms like zat or was it just for us?"

"Ever since my sister started trying to do magic it has been," Pound said with a sigh. "Day and night it's spells this, explosions that...I'm just glad somepony who's not Pinkie caught us this time. Whenever she does, we get scolded something fierce."

"By Pinkie?"

"No, by our parents when she tells them," Pound said. Then he glanced over at his sister, whose eyes were glued to the metal limbs of Bunnie. "Sis, you're staring. Stop being rude."

"I'm sorry but...she looks so cool!" Pumpkin exclaimed.

"Cool?" Bunnie asked. "Ah'm not sure that ah..."

"Are you kidding me? You've got robot limbs and you can fly! That already basically makes the coolest being in this room. If you could shoot lasers I would straight up call you a superhero," Pumpkin said. Bunnie smiled as she raised her left arm, getting her palm to glow. "No way!"

"Uh-huh," Bunnie replied.

"Alright, first cyborg hero in Equestria right here. I'm calling it a day, because I'm not going to see anything cooler than you," Pumpkin said. She then walked to the counter, grabbed an ink quill and some paper, which she then offered to Bunnie. "Can you sign this? So I can be the first one to have your autograph?"

"Um...sure," Bunnie replied. She meekly grabbed the quill and signed, still slightly stunned while Pumpkin smiled at the signature.

"Thanks again!" she said. She then raced out of the bakery and to the front, leaving her brother to explain.

"My sister really likes meeting unique and different ponies. And somepony like you is definitely right up her ally. Rocket feet, robot limbs, laser arm...it's like you were made to be cool."

"Oh, um..."

"Should I be insulted that she did not ask for my autograph?" Antoine asked with a smirk. When Pound didn't know how to respond, Antoine waved him away with a smile. "I merely jest. Tell your sister she has excellent taste in heroes."

Pound Cake took off, grateful for a chance to leave, while Bunnie sat back down and started at her left hand for a moment. "Is something ze matter, ma cherie?"

"Ah think...that's the first time in a long time ah can remember anyone calling me a superhero," Bunnie said.

"Zat is what you are. And trust me, you are ze greatest of zem all. You were not born with incredible strength or superspeed like some so called heroes," Antoine said with a slight smirk. "You had something terrible happen to you and decided to overcome zat event to become strong, strong enough to save others. It is no wonder they are enamored with you. I have been for years."

Bunnie giggled at that, just as Pinkie showed up and placed their orders on the table. Antoine started on his, while Bunnie looked out the front window to where the two foals were playing. Antoine glanced up at her. "Is something ze matter, ma cherie?"

"Nothing, sugar. Just...thinking about something."

||--O O--||

"How is she?"

"Same as Silver. Physically fine, mentally..."

Sonic sat next to Amy's hospital bed, while Twilight stood on the other side with her horn aglow. Just like with Silver they had brought the hedgehog to the hospital the moment they had gotten back, and just like with Silver they hadn't made any progress. Twilight was trying out some new ideas, but they were taking time. And time was something Sonic knew they couldn't afford to waste.

Sonic felt his foot tapping fast, his body bouncing in his chair as he tried to stay still. Tried to let Twilight do her thing. But Eggman was still out there. And every second they wasted was a second they gave him to do something. Finish a new robot. Complete some new scheme. Harm another one of Sonic's friends. He should be in control. He had done this a hundred times before.

But as he had done this hundreds of times before, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was different this time. That there was something that he was missing. A piece of the puzzle that Eggman had left on the table that didn't quite fit. And, despite his cockiness and attitude, he knew far better than to underestimate any of his villains. Except Metal. He loved how much it ticked the robot off when he was underestimated.

"Sonic, can you stop that? You're tapping a hole through the floor." Sonic snapped out of his thoughts and looked down to see that Twilight was correct. He had destroyed the tile and was working on the concrete underneath.

"Sorry, I'm not used to...sitting still for so long," Sonic replied.

"I get it. You're worried. And I don't blame you. If I saw my friends like this..." Twilight began, but Sonic chuckled and shook his head.

"Worried? About this? Nah. I know Amy and she's shook off stronger things than Sombra. I know she'll be fine. She's dealt with stronger. It's everything else I'm worried about," Sonic admitted. "I don't like giving Eggman time to work. In the heat of the moment he tends to make mistakes, but if we give him time to plan..."

"He get's more and more dangerous. I get it. Sombra's the same way," Twilight said. "But at the moment this is our best chance to find them. And I know better than to try to hunt down Sombra without a solid lead."

"Yeah, I get it, doesn't mean I have to like it. How's your brother doing?" Sonic asked.

"Oh, um, aside from being a machine now, he seems fine," Twilight replied, before casting Sonic a slight look. "Thank you for asking."

"No prob. Let me know if Eggman's programming is still affecting him or if he snaps out of it. Sometimes people can break free themselves. Other times they need some help," Sonic offered. "I've dealt with my fair of roboticized family members, so let me know however I can help."

"Thanks. I'll let you know when he wakes up," Twilight replied. She then gave Sonic another look and the hedgehog motioned for her to speak. "Sorry, it's just...this is an interesting side to you."

"How so?"

"I mean, you don't seem like the type of person to be so...caring and considerate. You seem very go go go and not really...take a moment to care. I don't mean to be rude, it's just how you came off to me."

"Always raring to go, unbelievably confident and always in control. Maybe that's how I want to be seen," Sonic said with a smirk. Twilight raised an eyebrow at Sonic's response before a lightbulb went off over her head, causing Sonic to raise an eyebrow, before she smiled and used her magic to pick Sonic up.

"I just had an idea. You said that sometimes roboticized family needs help to break free, right?" Twilight asked. Sonic nodded. "Well, what if the same is true for Sombra. His magic is so strong that my magic might not be able to free her, but her connection to you might. You two are close, right?"

"She's practically obsessed with me," Sonic replied.

"Okay, then we just need something that will really resonate with her, to the point that she'll break out of Sombra's magic herself," Twilight said. "But what could we possibly say that...?"

"Twilight, please. I got this," Sonic said. "Hey Amy, you want go on a date tonight?"

"WOULD I?!" Amy shrieked as she sat up straight. The pink hedgehog then blinked twice as she looked around. "Oh hey Sonic...um, where am I?"

"You're in a hospital, that alicorn is my friend and we need to save the world from Eggman. So same old," Sonic replied. "I hate to do this to you so soon after you've woken up, but Eggman has Nicole and we need your tracking to find her. Think you can do it?"

"Please Sonic, sometimes I wish you would ask for something hard" Amy replied. She then closed her eyes and began to glow slightly, before her eyes snapped open and she smiled. "Got her. And Sonic, we're going to need all of our friends."

"Because Eggman's been busy."

Author's Note

"So...about that date?"

"What date?"

"What date?! You just asked me if I wanted to go with you on a date tonight?"

"Is that what you heard? Nah, I asked Twilight if Eggman would take the bait. See we have a plan and...Amy, put down the hammer. Amy? AMY?!"

Stronghold

"Now that is a base."

Twilight couldn't help but agree with Rainbow Dash as she, her friends and all six of the Freedom Fighters stood at the edge of a cliff. Down below them was a colossal base with eight different structures sticking out of it. Hundreds of badniks swarmed the sky while abominations of darkness patrolled the ground. The desert allowed the group to easily see them, but it also lacked any cover for an attempt to sneak in.

"Hundreds of troops. No cover whatsoever. And I take it you can't teleport us in?" Sally asked Twilight. Twilight shook her head. "Ugh. Well, then that means there's only one option available to us. And it's the one I like the least."

"Frontal assault?" Sonic asked.

"Yes Sonic, frontal assault it is."

"And you all said that today would be a bad day," Sonic laughed.

"Rainbow, Twilight and Applejack. You three are with Sonic, Bunnie and Antoine. Clear a path and get the forces attention," Sally instructed. The rest of us are going to sneak inside and try to find Nicole. Amy says that she's somewhere in there and I intend to get her out."

"An reason as to why we didn't bring Amy with us?" Rarity asked.

"Because Twilight and I don't know what the full effect Sombra's magic had on her. And I don't like unknown variables on the battlefield. It's hard enough dealing with Sonic," Sally replied. Sonic gave her a mock hurt look and she smirked back at him. "Any questions? No? Then go team, GO!"

Sonic and Rainbow were off like a rocket, with Bunnie and Twilight right behind them. Bunnie held Antoine and Twilight had Applejack. Sonic let out a whoop before he charged right into the shadow forces, sending them skyward from his speed alone. Rainbow Dash slammed into the aerial foes with enough force to create a sonic rainboom, blasting them out of the sky. Bunnie and Twilight dropped off Applejack and Antoine to assist Sonic, before they took to the skies to deal with the oncoming badniks that had slipped by Rainbow.

"I think this will be our first time working together. Show me what you can do!" Twilight instructed.

"It'll be a pleasure, yer highness!" Bunnie replied. Her left arm glowed with green light before she unleashed a beam of energy that tore through waves of baniks. "HA! Think ah got twenty with that shot alone. Yer turn, princess."

Twilight smirked at Bunnie before she turned towards the badniks, her eyes narrowing. "No life detected within these metal shells. Let's do this." Twilight's horn glowed with power before a violet wave erupted out of her, decimating every badnik that was around them. "Forty," Twilight said as metal rained from the sky.

"Just forty? Man, pick up the pace you two." Twilight and Bunnie looked over to see Rainbow come to a stop in front of them, with badniks falling out of the sky behind her. "Because I'm already up to eighty. Chop chop." She rocketed back into the fight, leaving Twilight and Bunnie to share a smirk.

"We can't let her win, can we?" Twilight asked.

"Of course not. Her ego get's any bigger and her head'll erupt. We can't let that happen," Bunnie agreed. The two flew after Rainbow Dash, joining her in her fight.

"And that's eighty!" Sonic laughed as he skidded to a stop. The shadows that he had torn through exploded, giving him a moment to check up on his friends. "Yo AJ and Twan, how the two of you doing back there?"

Applejack let out a yell as she hurled a punch through one of the shadow beasts, while a flash of steel cleaved another in twain. AJ and Antoine went back to back as the monsters encircled them, smirking at one another before beginning their next move. Antoine grabbed on of AJ's arms and swung her around, the mare unleashing kicks with enough force to blast back the shadows around them. The monsters opened fire upon the pair with magic, but with a skill and precision unmatched, Antoine deflected each of the lasers off of his family's blade and back at each of the beasts that had fired them. With a smirk he sheathed his blade and watched as they all exploded, cape fluttering epically behind him.

"Not bad you two. Make a pretty good team," Sonic said as she skidded to a stop next to them. "You two going to partner up?"

"Most likely no. No offense to you, madam Applejack, but zere is only one cowgirl for me," Antoine said. He looked up at the sky as Bunnie did a Rider Kick through a particularly large badnik, sighing with a smile as is exploded to the sound of Bunnie's laughter. "But if I am needing a partner from Equestria, I see that you have what it takes."

"Yer not too bad yerself. Maybe ah could have somepony watching mah back after all," AJ replied. "After all, the one who's supposed to be watching mah back keeps flying off all the time!"

"Hey, I keep my eyes on your back! Uh, I mean, I keep an eye out behind you for...uh...you know what I mean!"

Then all three sets of heads snapped to the side to see that shadows the size of buildings were now charging towards them. "And not that those things are scarier or anything, but maybe ah could use some help in bringing them down."

"But of course. What kind of a gentleman would leave a delicate lady to handle this all on her own?" Antoine asked.

"Pretty sure Applejack is as far from delicate lady as you can get, Twan," Sonic said.

"Quiet, barbarian."

Applejack then let out a whoop as she jumped in front of the both of them, slamming her hooves into the ground with enough force to collapse the ground and send the shadow beasts tumbling downward with a roar. Sonic looked to Antoine and smirked, before racing back into the fight. Antoine shook his head and conceded that, this once, Sonic had been right.

"Seems they've got them distracted well enough," Sally muttered. "How's your spell holding out, Rarity?"

"I'll...hold..." Rarity grunted. She, Sally, Tails, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rotor were all inside of a bubble of magic Rarity had created. The purpose of the bubble was to turn the group completely invisible to any spells or mechanical eye. And from the fact that they hadn't been overrun by the enemy forces, it seemed to be working.

"Not much longer. We're almost there," Fluttershy comforted. The group walked up to one of the side entrances, allowing Tails and Rotor to get to work. Within a matter of moments the two had hacked into the mainframe and gotten the door open, allowing the group to sneak inside. Once inside, Rotor pulled out a device and activated it, before motioning to Rarity to drop her spell. She did so and nearly dropped herself.

"This disruptor will keep us hidden from Robotnik's cameras," Rotor explained. "But it's only a matter of time before he figures out that we're in here so we need to move fast."

"Understood. Pinkie, how's Rarity?" Sally asked.

"Give me just one moment," Pinkie replied. She pulled out a bottle marked "Sugar Rush" and gave Rarity a sip. A moment later the mare bounced back up to her hooves, her mane sticking out and an eye twitching. "She's all good to go!"

"Excellent. Let's move."

The team raced through the base, using Tails and Rotors tech to alert them every time they came near a patrol or nearly activated some kind of security feature. Sally held the device that would allow her to track Nicole. It wasn't good at long ranges, but with how close they were, she was beginning to pick up a signal.

"She's here," Sally said with tears in her eyes. "Nicole is in here!"

"Lead the way, Sally," Tails said. Sally took point and raced ahead, with the others following her. But as they ran deeper into the base, the more Rotor narrowed his eyes as nothing happened. It got to the point that he grabbed hold of Sally and Tails to pull them back, before motioning for the ponies to stop.

"Why are we stopping I don't wanna stop is everything moving fast why are you two-?" Rarity spat out. Rotor held a hand over her mouth to silence her.

"Rotor, why are we stopping?" Sally asked. "We're so close to Nicole! My scanner says that she's just up ahead!"

"It's too easy," Rotor muttered. The ponies gave him a look of confusion while Tails nodded off to the side.

"Yeah, every time we go after Robotnik, it's always death traps, robots, springs, spikes and all sorts of things. But this place has been...boring. No death, saws...and if he's working with Sombra, then shouldn't there be more magical traps as well?" Tails pointed out.

"So they're slipping. We need to get to Nicole," Sally said. She tried to step past Rotor, but he placed a hand on her shoulder and kept her in place.

"Sally, I know that you're worried about Nicole. I know how close the two of you are. I'm worried too. But we don't have Sonic here. We don't have any of our heaviest hitters. So if we walk into a trap...I fear we may not be able to get out of it without..."

"We'll be fine," Sally said. "We always are. I'm not underestimating Eggman. I know what he can do. But I also know that every second we waste is another second they hurt Nicole. So please, we need to save her!"

Rotor frowned, clearly not happy, but with a sigh he moved out of the way. "You're the princess. By your lead."

Sally raced ahead with the others following, winding down path after path until they reached a large pair of doors. She nodded to Tails and the kid genius quickly managed to get the doors opened. Doors that smoothly opened without a sound. Sally looked over to Rotor, who mouthed the word "trap". She nodded to show that she understood before slowly slinking inside. The others followed her into the darkness.

"Tails, can you turn on the lights?" Sally whispered.

"I...can't," Tails grumbled. "For some reason the lights aren't working."

"Not good. Sally, do you have Nicole's location?" Rotor asked. Sally's eyes went wide and she shook her device a few times, before shaking her head in confusion.

"I...I don't understand. It's saying...that Nicole is all around us," Sally replied.

"We have a winner!"

Stadium lights snapped on and blinded the group, especially Rarity who screamed in pain at the light. AS their eyes adjusted they looked around to see what was going on...only for their hearts to go cold. Surrounding them was a line up that would make even the most brave fighter fear for their life. On one side of the room stood Shadow, Knuckles, Blaze and Ixis. On the other was Tirek, Big Mac, Cadence and Starlight. And all of them had a holographic Nicole standing on their shoulder.

"W-what the...?" was all Sally could say.

"What's the matter princess, cat got your tongue? No? Well give Blaze a moment, I'm sure she'll rip it out," the cackling voice of Eggman rang over the area.

"You seem surprised by what you're seeing. I mean, I can't say I blame you, being so feeble minded and everything," Sombra's voice added on. "But hey, at least you found your friend again. That's something, right?"

"EGGMAN, what did you do to her?!" Sally roared.

"Woo, that is some rage. Didn't know you had it in you, princess," Eggman laughed. "Simple, really. We broke her. We broke her into so many pieces that each and every one of our minions can now have a little Nicole with them. To plan, to calculate...and to make this fight as heart wrenching as possible."

As he said this, all of the Nicole's began to laugh. The group went back to back as their friends turned foes began to encircle them, Sally desperately trying to figure out a way out of this trap.

"Trap? No no no, princess, this isn't a trap," Sombra cackled, as if he was in her mind.

"It's an execution."

No Way Out

"Sally? What do we do?" Rotor asked.

"RUN!"

The team turned around and headed for the exit, but before they had even started to run metal bars slammed across the exit, leaving them trapped within the hanger with all of their former friends.

"Leaving so soon? How rude. And after we went through all of this trouble to bring you all together again," Robotnik laughed. "People these days are so inconsiderate."

As Eggman said this he signaled for his henchmen to attack, which they did so rapidly. Sally barely had time to summon her weapons before she was slammed by Knuckles. Rotor activated his nano suit just in time to avoid being killed by Tirek while everyone else began their own battles.

Cadence chased Tails through the sky, firing blasts of magic after him as the young fox barely managed to avoid being killed. Shadow went after Pinkie Pie, who kept teleporting away from the hedgehog as he struggled to hit her. Blaze charged Rarity and the two began a magic battle, but Rarity was in no shape to hope to win.

"We need to get out of here!" Fluttershy yelled before being tackled by Big Mac.

"I might be able to get the door open, but I'll need someone to keep this pony busy!" Tails called out. Sally let out a growl before she kicked back Knuckles and passed Tails, catching Cadence off guard and driving her shield into the alicorns face. She then spun around just in time to block a punch by Knuckles, one that was strong enough to crack her energy shield and sent her skidding backwards.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Tails made it to the door controls, where he plugged in a device and frantically began to work.

"Would you look at that, Tails is trying to hack our systems," Robotnik laughed. "Whadda think, Sombra? Should we let him?"

"Well, all the parental guide books says that it's best to let a child try to succeed on their own...but they also say to step in when the child is doing something stupid," Robotnik cackled. "And trying to hack one of our systems is as stupid as you can get. Nicole, shut him down."

Electricity erupted from the control panel and fried the fox, sending him tumbling backwards as smoke came off of him. Sally tried to race to his side, only to be blasted away by a bolt of magic that exploded the ground beneath her. She groaned with pain as Naugus stalked over to her, raising his staff over his head. Fire erupted from the staff and would have consumed Sally had Fluttershy not dragged her out of the way.

"Sally, what do we do?!" Rotor called out. He was dealing with Shadow and Knuckles at the same time and the combination of two of the strongest fighters from his world was more than he could handle. His nano suit was shredded and he was covered in bruises and cuts. The fact that he was standing was more due to spite than strength.

Sally looked at her friend with desperate eyes before looking at the rest of the battlefield. Rarity was laying defeated at the hooves of Starlight, Cadence and Tirek. Rotor was barely holding his own against Shadow and Knuckles. Big Mac and Blaze were trying to pin down Pinkie, who was barely staying ahead of them. Tails was out, Fluttershy had a look of terror in her eyes and Ixis was stalking towards them, his soulless eyes gleaming.

"This is all my fault..." she whispered. Then she turned her eyes up towards Eggman, Sombra and the hologram of Nicole. She locked eyes with the A.I. and felt tears well up. "Nicole, please. You have to stop this! You have to remember who you are!"

Eggman held up a hand and for a moment the battle ceased, all eyes on Sally as she reached out towards her friend. "I know that you're still in there. I know that you can fight this! We've been through so much more than this and I know you will come through for us just like you always have. So please, fight this! Come back to us! Come back to me..."

For a moment the entire area was silent. None of the Harmony Fighters moved and neither did any of the villains slaves. Then, with a groan and a sigh, Sombra pulled out some bits and slapped them into Eggman's hand. "You win, Robotnik. That might just be the most gag inducing friendship speech I've heard yet and hell knows I've heard a few."

"There's no shame in losing this bet, Sombra, these Freedom Fighters can be downright pathetic when they set their minds to it," Robotnik replied. Then he smiled at Sally before looking at Nicole. "Nicole my dear, would you like to give the order?"

Nicole turned and locked eyes with Sally for a moment.

"Kill them."

All of those under Sombra and Eggman's control turned towards the fighters. The magic users summoned their power and the physical fighters walked towards their targets. Rotor brought up his fists and Pinkie brought out her cannon, but all Sally could do was keep staring at Nicole, soul cold and broken. This was her fault. She had rushed in. And now, they were all going to pay for it. Ixis aimed his staff right at Sally's head and unleashed a blast of lighting.

Sally blinked...and everything was different. She, Tails and Fluttershy were now resting near the wall, Ixis was face down on the ground and standing in the center of the arena were Sonic and Rainbow Dash, both of them smirking up at the mad doctors.

"Hey," was all Sonic said.

"Henchmen! New plan! Kill the hedgehog!" Robotnik roared. Sonic stuck out his tongue before he and Rainbow Dash began rocketing around the area, knocking down all of their former friends. Off to the side Bunnie ripped the wall open and allowed Twilight, Antoine and Applejack inside. Applejack raced to Sally's side while Antoine recovered Rarity.

"Are ya all alright?" AJ asked.

"We're fine...we're fine," Fluttershy replied. Though she sounded like she was trying to convince herself. Applejack nodded before she swung around and lashed out with a hoof, only for her hoof to meet the one pony that could match her strength. "Big Mac? What in tarnation's happened to ya?"

Big Mac didn't respond. He just hurled his other hoof forward and AJ lashed out with hers, the two grappling with one another. Bunnie and Cadence took to the sky, blasting at each other with lasers and magic respectively while Antoine, after dropping Rarity next to Sally, engaged Ixis. Twilight overpowered both Blaze and Starlight, while Rainbow and Sonic dealt with Shadow and Knuckles. Tirek was currently playing whack a mole with Pinkie and losing badly.

"Well surprise surprise, Sonic arrives just in the nick of time to save the day," Robotnik sighed. "You know, I would be amazed if this didn't happen all the time. I mean, at this point I would be more impressed if he failed to save the day for once."

"I know what you mean," Sombra replied with a shake of his head. "And after we went through all that effort to set up that trap. We were so close to killing off some of these pests. Ah, what are you going to do?"

"What do you think? Should we keep watching the carnage and place bets on who lasts the longest? Or do we call it here and go back to what really matters?" Robotnik asked. Sombra pondered on it for a moment, before he cast a glance down towards where Applejack was fighting Big Mac and a smile crossed his face.

"This is a lost battle. If we stay any longer, we run the risk that they might find a way to defeat one of us. But I can guarantee that we can at least hurt one of them before we leave," Sombra said. "Big Mac! Activate self destruct!"

Big Mac leapt back away from Applejack and opened up a panel on his chest, one that had a bomb counting down inside of it.

"Self-Destruct? What does that mean?!" Applejack screamed.

"It means you're brother is about to blow himself straight to hell!" Sombra cackled. His horn then flashed and a barrier of darkness wrapped itself around Big Mac, getting Sonic and Dash to bounce off of it when they tried to get close. Twilight fired a beam of magic at the barrier, but it was repelled as well. "Nice try! Can you get through that barrier? Eventually. In the time Big Mac has left? Go ahead and try! Because the moment that barrier falls, he'll detonate! Either he'll blow up on his own or you'll kill him trying! Have fun! Enjoy your last moments with your brother, hick, and have fun scraping up what's left of him. Everypony else, fall back."

"You installed a bomb inside the brother of one of the Ambassadors that will explode if they try to save him? Sombra, you are a master of evil," Robotnik said with a smile.

"Thank you, it's a gift."

The villains vanished in a swirl of darkness, along with nearly all of their henchmen. Only Big Mac was left, with the bomb on his chest ticking down while the heroes tried in vain to break through the barrier. Magic, speed, lasers and swords: none of it worked. Even Pinkie found her madness couldn't get through.

"Stop, all of you!" Twilight said as she used her magic to pull them back. "Remember what Sombra said. The moment that barrier drops, he'll go off."

"Twilight, Sally, what do we do?" Fluttershy asked.

"I don't know," Twilight said. "The barrier is too strong for any of us to break down. And even if we do, the moment we do Big Mac will blow up and...maybe kill us along with him."

"So we just let him die?!" Applejack screamed at Twilight. She then raced towards the barrier and began to hammer away.

"Big Mac! BIG MAC!" Applejack wailed. She hammered her hooves into the barrier with such force that they started to bleed, but the barrier held. Tears streamed down her face as she hammered on in vain, screaming out to her brother in a desperate attempt to reach him.

"This is my fault," Sally whispered. "He's going to die...because I made a bad call. Because I rushed in. I...I..."

"Sally, now is not the time for this," Sonic said. "We need a plan or...or..."

"Rotor, throw me your suit!" Rainbow Dash screamed. Rotor took only a second to think about her words before he shrunk down his suit and tossed it to Dash, who snatched it out of the air and activated the suit around her body. "Fluttershy, hit me with your Element!"

Fluttershy didn't question her. Her Element roared to life and consumed Rainbow Dash, bathing her in a yellow and pink light.

"Sonic, I'm going to need a push. Everypony else, out of my way!" she roared as she crouched down. Sonic nodded and zipped behind her, placing his hands on her back.

"Rainbow, what are ya doing?!" Applejack asked.

"We wait too long and the bomb goes off. We break the barrier and the bomb goes off. But if somepony breaks through the barrier with Elemental power, rips out the bomb and gets it into the sky before the bomb goes off..." Dash said, a crazy smile crossing her face. "Twilight, the moment I have that bomb, teleport Big Mac out of the way."

"Rainbow Dash, no, ya can't!" AJ cried out. "It's too risky. Why would ya-?"

"I'm not going to let you lose your brother, especially not during the same week you lost your parents. I'm not going to let you lose anypony else. Not while I've got a chance to save him," Dash said with a smile. "Besides, what have you to worry about? I'm the fastest in the world. I just have to be faster than an explosion. I can do this. Sonic, NOW!"

Before anypony could say anything else, Rainbow Dash rocketed forward while being propelled by Sonic. Just as she had predicted, the moment her Element covered body struck the barrier, it shattered like glass. What happened next happened in-between the ticks of a second and the beat of a heart. Rainbow rocketed straight into Big Mac, grabbed hold of the bomb in his chest, ripped it out and the hurled herself straight up through the roof and into the sky.

A moment later Twilight teleported Big Mac back and threw up a magical barrier, just as a massive explosion went off above the base. The ponies and fighters all gasped in alarm, all of them waiting with baited breath for any sign of Rainbow Dash. A second passed, another second, the smoke began to clear...and then a pegasus came crashing down through the roof and into the center of the base.

"Rainbow!" Every one of the heroes cried out as they raced over to her. They crowded around the smoldering mare, all of them terrified...until Rainbow let out a cough and looked at the group.

"Yup. Good call to grab Rotor's nano suit first. That hurt," she said with a small laugh. Then she winked at Applejack. "Told ya I could do it."

"You stupid, reckless, brainless fool," Applejack managed to say between her tears. She grabbed hold of Rainbow Dash and took a moment to decide whether to hug her or strangle her. Then she broke down completely and pulled Rainbow into a hug. "Thank ya. Thank ya and never do that again."

"Well, I can't make any promises..." Applejack tightened the hug. "Okay...I promise...can't...breathe...whew, that's better. Is Big Mac...?"

The group all looked over at Twilight, who had Big Mac trapped inside of a bubble that he couldn't get out of, despite his might. Her horn flashed and he passed out. "Don't worry, he's safe. You did it, Rainbow Dash. You saved him."

"Yeah, I'm impressed. You were almost as cool as me there for a moment," Sonic said, before a genuine smile crossed his face. "Seriously though, good job."

"Yeah, I guess I am...pretty cool..." Rainbow managed to get out before she drifted off to sleep.

"Aw, she's all tuckered out," Pinkie said.

"I hate to break up the happy times, but we have ze wounded allies who need aid," Antoine pointed out. "We should be heading back to Canterlot. Today...has been a rough one."

"Agreed," Twilight said as she scooped up Tails and Rarity with her magic as well. Yet when she turned towards Dash she found the Applejack had already picked her up and had gently placed her on her back. "Applejack, I can carry her if you want."

"No Twilight, ah got her," Applejack said as she looked over her shoulder at Rainbow, a smile on her face that was mostly gratitude...and a hint of something else.

"Well, I'm ready to go home," Fluttershy said. Then she glanced over at Sally, who was staring up at where Eggman and Sombra had vanished. "Sally, are you coming?"

"Yeah, Fluttershy," Sally said sadly. "I'll be right there."

Author's Note

"Curses, the scans show that they somehow managed to get the bomb out of Big Mac. Why is it so hard to kill these ponies?"

"Yeah, the self destructs have a history of not working. I've blown up Antoine numerous times and somehow that coward always manages to survive."

"Hmph, wonder why that is?"

"No idea. Maybe Metal's self destruct isn't as strong as I thought. Hey Metal, self destruct!"

"Very well. I'm dropping out of college to join a punk band."

"What have I done?"

Crimson

"And that is the story of how I saved us all," Rainbow Dash finished proudly. Tails looked at Rainbow with awe filled eyes while Twilight and Sonic humored her and applauded slightly. She was laying in a hospital bed next to where they were keeping Silver for the time being until he woke up, with Big Mac and Shining Armor in the room across the hall. She had some concerning burns and quite possibly a concussion, but if either were bothering her she didn't show it.

"So you actually managed to outrace a point blank explosion after it had gone off? That's amazing!" Tails exclaimed.

"Come on Tails, I've done that before too," Sonic pointed out. "Numerous times in fact."

"Yeah, but you never did it to save someone from blowing up," Tails replied. Then he smiled at Sonic. "But don't worry, I still think you're cool."

"Oh good, I was worried for a second that you now preferred Rainbow Dash over me."

"Well now that you mention it, Rainbow can actually take me flying..."

"Take you flying? Heck, I can take you to a city made of clouds. You wanna give that a try?" Rainbow asked. The squeal Tails made answered for him and Rainbow chuckled, raising her eyebrows at Sonic. He smirked back before Twilight stepped forward. "Thanks for coming to visit me guys, I was getting bored. What's everypony else up to?"

"Antoine, Bunnie, and Fluttershy are currently with Discord as he tries to sense another emerald. Rarity is getting some rest with Pinkie watching over her. She got roughed up bad in that fight. Not as bad as you, though."

"I would hope not. I took a bomb to the face."

Sally...has been off by herself while Rotor is with Amy trying to track down Nicole. However, it seems that Eggman and Sombra either know now how we tracked her or are too far away for Amy's powers to work. Either way, we've lost the trail for the time being."

"I see. And what about Applejack?"

"She and her family have been with Big Mac the entire time. Thanks to Bunnie and Sonic's advice, I managed to bring back a bit of his personality. He can only answer with yups or nopes, but at least he can talk."

"That's good. I'd hate to think what it would do to her if he was still trying to hurt her," Rainbow sighed with relief. "How about Shining? Any luck?"

"He's...there...but I don't know if he's in control of if I've just suppressed Eggman's programming. But it's better than having him trying to kill me."

"Been there. The only thing worse than having to fight the ones you love is knowing that they're in there yet unable to stop themselves," Sonic bitterly said. Then he glanced over at Silver. "Speaking of allies who are struggling, has Silver changed?"

"No. I'm not sure why he hasn't woken up," Twilight muttered. "We managed to wake up Amy, so why can't we awaken him?"

"Well, Amy and I are...close. Maybe we need someone close to him to wake him up?" Sonic suggested. "And the only person I know who is really close to him is Blaze...which means we need to rescue her next."

"Won't she be in a similar state as him, though?"

"Maybe. Blaze and I are pretty close too. Not as close as her and Silver, but close. Maybe I'll be able to wake her up. Or maybe her hatred for you will snap her out of it?" Sonic said with a smirk to Twilight.

"Either way works for me," Twilight replied. The door to the room opened and all eyes turned towards the entrance to see Applejack standing there. "Applejack, glad to see you. How's Big Mac?"

"He's doing well. He...looks different, but we can tell it's still him. He's home," Applejack said with tears welling up in her eyes. Then she looked at Rainbow Dash with a soft smile. "Do the two of ya mind if ah talk to Rainbow in private for a moment?"

Twilight, Tails, and Sonic nodded with smiles and left the room, leaving Applejack alone with Dash and the comatose Silver. AJ walked over beside Rainbow's bed and sat down, letting out a sigh before looking Dash in the eyes and smiling. "Ah'm glad to see yer alright. Ya took on heck of a fall."

"Eh, I've had worse. How are you doing? How's your family?"

"They're doing well. Much better now that Big Mac's back," Applejack said.

"I can't image what they were going through...what you were going through," Rainbow Dash said softly. Applejack smiled in gratitude before smirking and looking at the floor.

"Ah haven't seen Applebloom and Granny this relieved in...in a long time. The thought of losing Big Mac was tearing them apart...it was tearing me apart as well. The thought of him being in Sombra's clutches, no idea what was happening to him...and now he's home safe. All thanks to you."

"Well, it wasn't entirely on me. Sonic, Rotor and Fluttershy did help a bit," Rainbow pointed out, before smiling. "It was just mostly me."

"Trying to be humble? Maybe ya did hit yer head harder than ah thought," Applejack said as she placed a hoof on Dash's forehead. "But ah'm being serious. What ya did fer mah family...ya risked yer life to save mah brother. After...after losing ma and pa...if we lost Big Mac...Ah owe ya a debt ah can never repay..."

"And you'll never have to," Rainbow cut her off. AJ looked up at Dash with a confused look and Dash gave her a kind smile. "You've already lost enough. I...I couldn't imagine losing my parents, especially as a foal. And after that, if I was to lose a brother as well...I couldn't let you go through that. Even if I had to risk being blown up to stop it. Somepony as amazing and kind as you shouldn't have to suffer like that. And as long as I've got fight in me, I'll make sure you never have to."

Applejack just stared at Rainbow Dash for a long time, long enough that Dash started to look awkwardly around the room. Then Applejack let out a giggle. "Ya sounded a bit like Antoine there when he talks about Bunnie. Always saying how amazing she is or how it's his duty as her knight to always keep her safe. Does that make ya mah knight, then? If it does, yer missing yer sword and cape."

"Um...well..."

"But thank you, Rainbow Dash. Ah appreciate it," Applejack said, before she leaned in and kissed Rainbow Dash on the cheek. Rainbow's face erupted in a red color as her brain finally gave out, leaving Applejack to giggle as she saw the stunned look on Rainbow's face. "Ah'll leave ya to yer rest now. Ya look like ya need it."

Applejack got up and walked to the door, before stopping and looking back at Dash one last time. "And thank ya again Rainbow Dash...fer everything."

Applejack left after saying this, leaving Rainbow to stare dumbfounded at the wall. It wasn't until she heard rustling next to her that she slowly turned her head to see that Silver was starting to move about, holding a hand to his head. "Oh...hey there Silver...you're awake," Dash managed to get out.

"Yes, I am. I've been using what little of my telekinetic and psychic powers I could to try to break myself free, but it wasn't until I felt what seemed like a brain going nuclear that I was finally able to snap out of it," Silver grunted. He sat up in the bed and looked over at Rainbow Dash. "I've been out of it, but I've managed to pick up bits and pieces. I sensed Sonic and Tails in here, but I still haven't gotten your names down yet. You're...Crimson Dash, right?"

"Actually, no, it's Rainbow Dash."

"Really? You're face says otherwise. Did I miss something?"

||==O O==||

Sally stood alone on one of the balcony's of Canterlot castle, staring up at the night sky as Luna worked her magic. With Twilight as busy as she was saving the world, Celestia and Luna had resumed their old duties along with sensing the Elements. Equestria was such a fascinating world to Sally, but at the moment she held no spark of joy in her at all. Only bitter loathing and hatred for herself.

She had nearly cost them everything. She had dove into what now was clear to be an obvious trap and her friends had nearly paid the price. Had Sonic and the others not shown up when they did, the Freedom Fighters and the Ambassadors would have lost half their number...and numerous kind and brilliant lives would be gone forever. All because she had been desperate to get Nicole back. Too desperate. And Eggman had taken advantage of that.

Maybe she should just leave the leading to Twilight now. It was clear that princess was far better at leading her friends and fighting evil that she was. After all, Equestria had never fallen while she had been unable to free her home for years. Maybe this was the wake up call she finally needed to-

"It's a lovely night, isn't it?"

Sally looked over her shoulder to see Fluttershy flying onto the balcony, landing beside her and looking up at the sky. "I don't know how Luna manages to keep the night looking so splendid, but she does. It must be her cutie mark."

"Hey Fluttershy. Nice to see you, but I really just want to be alone right now, so if you don't mind..."

"You're beating yourself up over what happened, aren't you?" Fluttershy asked. When Sally didn't answer, Fluttershy continued. "I figured as much. Things did go pretty badly, didn't they?"

"I nearly got all of you killed. That's far worse than pretty badly," Sally pointed out.

"True. I'd say that's a very bad then," Fluttershy replied. Sally gave her a look. "Sorry, just trying to be funny."

"Why are you here? Are you here to talk to me, to tell me to not give up and to keep leading, despite my failures? That it was only a mistake and that I'll do better next time? That Eggman and Sombra are just that cunning and that it's not my fault?!" Sally half yelled at Fluttershy.

"No. I'm just here because it seems like you could use a friend," Fluttershy replied kindly. Sally felt her anger fade at that and she looked at Fluttershy with shock. "I'm not very good with speeches or pep talks or all that. But what I can do is listen to you, hear your pain and comfort you as best I can. So if you need an ear to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, I can at least do that."

"Oh...thank you..." Sally replied.

"Of course. That's what friends do."

"We're friends now?"

"You've risked your life to save us from a nasty and evil man that has tried to destroy us and take over our world. That makes us friends in my book," Fluttershy replied. "And even if you feel like you messed up yesterday, you still went out there and tried to help your friend. Yeah, you messed up, but you did it because you cared. That shows you're more than a leader. You're a true friend."

"I...guess...but still. I led us into a trap. What happens if I lead us into another one next time?"

"I don't know. But what I do know is that I'll be there with you to find out." Sally looked at Fluttershy with shock as she said this. "You're brave, you're smart, but above all else, you truly care for those you fight with. Those are the same qualities that Twilight has and are the reasons I follow her. And they're the reasons I follow you, even if it is into a trap. Because even though I've only known you for a short time, I trust you with my life. All of my friends do."

"So know that we'll be there for you. Whether it's trying to stop Eggman or Sombra, whether it's trying to get out of a bad spot...or whether it's just helping you feel better when you're blue, know that you can count on us. You can count on me. I may not be much of a fighter, but I will stand by your side. That's a promise."

"Thanks, Fluttershy. I...I needed that," Sally said. Then a smile crossed her face and she gave Fluttershy a look. "So what was that you were saying earlier about not being good at pep talks?"

"Well, I have my moments."

"Heh, you sure do...what the heck's wrong with me? I'm sitting around feeling sorry for myself when there's work to be done and world's to be saved," Sally realized. She spun and started to head back, stopping only to smile back at Fluttershy. "I need to find those emeralds and Elements and figure out where Sombra and Eggman have gone. Care to help?"

"Of course. What are friends for?"

||==O O==||

"What did I tell you? Our plan was flawless and Sonic showed up to ruin it. Just like he always does," Robotnik bitterly said as he collapsed into a chair. "You think that I would be used to it at this point, but it still hurts."

"You are right, though. He is chaos. The way he just...completely manages to undermine everything we come up with...it's honestly amazing," Sombra muttered. A smile then crossed his face and Robotnik took notice.

"I know that look. You're up to something that's completely crazy and will probably backfire in your face," Robotnik said. "Well out with it, I want to hear this."

Sombra spent a few minutes explaining to Robotnik what his plan was, getting the doctor to raise an eyebrow at the dark king.

"I know we have our whole grand plan going on and that's most likely what's going to be what does these annoyances in once and for all and that this will most likely fail, but...the evil monster in me just has to try this plan. Just to say I tried, you know?" Sombra asked. "I mean, can I call it a complete victory if I didn't try to win by doing what I do best?"

Robotnik thought about it long and hard for a moment, before he placed a hand on Sombra's shoulder.

"Sombra...go for it. Be that villain that you were meant to be," Robotnik replied. "And even if this plan fails, at least you can say that you went for it."

"Thanks Robotnik. You always know what to say."

Author's Note

"So you're led by a pony named Sunlight-"

"Twilight."

"Twilight. And your friends are named Pickle Pie, Shutterbug, Pearjack, Clarity, Trollestia and Luan."

"Only one of those is remotely close to being right."

"And we're fighting against a dark pony named Sombra who's mind controlled all of my friends and roboticized all of yours..."

"How is his the only name you got right?"

"And now we're looking for the Chaos Emeralds and the Jewelry of-"

"Elements of Harmony."

"Elements of Symphonia."

"Ugh, it's just no use.'

Chasing a Shadow

"Alright, looks like I've got another one," Discord said. The god snapped his fingers and created an image above the gathered group of fighters that made both teams of heroes gasp. Because the location of this emerald seemed to be...in an Eggman themed amusement park. That was floating above the ocean.

"Eggman land? I thought we destroyed this place already?" Tails asked.

"We did. But I guess all of reality getting merged together somehow managed to bring it back," Sonic guessed. "Great, if there's one thing I hate more than regular clowns it's clowns that are shaped like Eggman."

"How dare you. I'll have you know that I minored in clowning around when I went to college," Pinkie replied, before she burst out giggling. "And let me tell you, we were one creepy class. I totally get why ponies are scared of clowns, but I still love it."

"We need to secure this emerald as soon as possible," Sally cut in. "Now that Robotnik and Sombra have...weaponized Nicole, I wouldn't be surprised if they started putting out badniks by the thousands. And if they keep fragmenting her to operate all of them..."

"We won't let them, Sal. We'll get her back, I promise," Sonic said. He then turned to face the group and smiled. "So come on, everyone, let's go to the creepiest place in the multiverse and get the emerald."

"Hold your horses, Sonic," Twilight said. "Rushing in isn't a good idea right now, especially after what just happened to us."

"What do you mean?"

"Look at your friends and you tell me."

Sonic glanced around at his friends and quickly realized what Twilight was talking about. Rotor was covered in bandages and even a cast for his leg. Fire still burned in his eyes, but Sonic knew that he was pushing himself too hard. Tails seemed fine, but he had talked to the doctors and confirmed that the kid had a nasty concussion. And that was just from his friends.

Rarity was having trouble standing on her hooves and constantly seemed to be struggling to focus. Rainbow Dash had just recently tanked an explosion to the face, but somehow seemed even happier than before she had gotten blown up. She still looked like a train wreck, though. Discord was barely able to stand at this point and if a god was having issues, then that was never a good sign.

"By my count we have at least four members of our team that should be sitting out. That's a third of our team," Twilight pointed out. "Meanwhile, while Sombra and Eggman have lost some of our friends that they had been controlling, they still have plenty of machines, monsters and villains to call on."

"So you're saying that we just sit here and let them get the emerald?"

"You know that's not what I'm saying. What I am saying is that we need to be careful," Twilight explained. "Every one of our friends that has to sit out is an advantage given to Sombra and Eggman. And you remember what you told me about not wanting to give Eggman the advantage..."

"I do," Sonic replied.

"What about Silver, Amy and Big Mac? Do you think they could replace us?" Rotor asked.

"I don't want to bring them into combat. There are too many unknowns with them," Sally said. "Yes, they seem to be free of Sombra and Eggman's control, but...with how crafty these two are, I wouldn't put it past them to have a trick up their sleeves just in case they lose control of our friends. For now they are safest to everyone here."

"Discord and I are working on trying to get Big Mac and Shining Armor back to normal. We could also try to see if there is any dark magic left in Silver and Amy?" Fluttershy offered.

"Do that. Stay here with the others. So I know you don't want to hear this, but as of right now...Tails, Rotor, Rarity and Rainbow Dash. You're all benched until you recover," Sally ordered. "Applejack, Antoine, Bunnie, Sonic, Pinkie and myself will go after this emerald. Twilight and Fluttershy will be staying behind to make sure nothing happens here. And I'm sorry my friends, but this is for the best."

Rotor wanted to argue but said nothing while Rarity nodded in agreement, knowing she was far too out of it to help. Tails looked to Sonic, who nodded in agreement, before sighing and sitting down. Only Rainbow Dash got angry.

"What do you mean we're sitting out?" Rainbow Dash asked as she stepped forward. "Yeah, my body might be hurting and I might have an issue standing at the moment, but you need us. All of us. And even me at my worst is still better than Sombra at his best."

"Rainbow Dash."

"Twilight, the fate of so many worlds hangs in the balance. We don't have time to sit and recover. At least, I don't," Rainbow continued. "Do you really think that these two will stop because we've gotten some of our friends back? What if they come for the rest of our families? What if they come for Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle or...well, you get the idea. You need us out there."

"No. You're staying here," Twilight replied, using her royal voice. "Rainbow, I know you mean well, but you getting killed is the last thing that any of us need."

"Are you kidding me? After everything those two monsters have done to our friends and family, you're telling me to sit back and stomp my hooves? What if something happens to all of you out there? What if I'm not there to...?" Rainbow ceased her rant when an orange hoof placed itself on her shoulder.

"We'll be fine, sugarcube. Ah trust everypony on this team to get the job done with as little risk as possible," Applejack told her. "So please, trust us like we've always trusted ya."

For a moment Rainbow just stared at her before, to the surprised of everyone there, Rainbow sighed and sat down. "Fine, but I'm not happy about this."

"That ah understand completely. Ah wouldn't be happy either," Applejack agreed. She smiled at Rainbow Dash and Rainbow softly smiled back. "But don't worry. We'll be alright. That's a promise."

"Fine, fine...just come back safely. Won't be able to sit still until you're back...all of you."

"When should we head out, mon princesses?" Antoine asked.

"You head out immediately. Grab what you need and meet me over by the war table," Twilight ordered. The group nodded and began to get to work. Sonic saluted to Tails before zipping over to join Sally and Pinkie, while Applejack walked over to Rarity to check on her before heading out, and Sally received a couple of gadgets from Rotor as well as some advice.

And Rainbow Dash watched all of this while tapping her back hoof as fast as she could, hating that she couldn't go with them, couldn't help to keep them safe. She had been telling the truth to Applejack when she said she couldn't imagine losing her parents or her brother. But in her deepest nightmares her greatest fear, what she could never live with, was losing any of her friends...of losing her...and now she had to sit by while they all risked their lives.

"Do not worry. I will make sure that she stays ze safe. That all of your friends do." Rainbow glanced over her shoulder to see Antoine standing behind her, a kind smile on his face. "I will protect the ones you care for...and the one you care for slightly more."

"I...I have no idea what you're talking about," Rainbow Dash replied.

"If you say so," Antoine replied with a smile. "But I promise you, as a knight, that no harm shall come to them. Or her." Antoine winked at Rainbow before walking off to join the rest of the group, finishing off the cast.

"Antoine, what was that about?" Bunnie asked.

"Oh nothing, ma cherie. Just...comforting Rainbow Dash by promising to make sure she is reunited with those she cares about," Antoine casually replied. Bunnie looked from him to Rainbow to AJ for a moment, before realization dawned and a massive smile spread across her face. Twilight then nodded to Sally before she activated her magic, sending them all of to the next emerald.

Rainbow hated to watch them go, but knew Applejack was right. She had to trust in them, like they had always trusted in her. They were every bit the heroes she was...even Sonic. And while she would never say it aloud, Rainbow felt just a bit better with Antoine's promise.

||==O O==||

"Welcome to Eggman land, the creepiest place on Mobius," Sonic said with a mock bow. "Or I guess, above Mobius, since the whole island is floating and everything."

The group looked around at the place and found it hard to argue with Sonic's description. All around them were all the things that you would expect to find in a place like this. Rides, games, food stands...except that plastered on everything was Eggman's face and his creepy smile. Sally felt a shiver go up her spine as it felt like Eggman was always watching her. A feeling she had grown up with nearly all her life.

"Over there are the rollercoasters and death traps. Over there is the merry go round and the death traps. And surprise, it's the hall of mirrors...filled with lasers and death traps. Would recommend," Sonic continued on. He then placed a hand up to his eyes and scanned the area. "So where is this emerald hiding anyway?"

"Not sure. Scanners are having a hard time pinning it down," Sally replied. She shook the device that Rotor had given her and smiled. "Alright, we've got a location. Up ahead in the big tent. That's where it's located."

"Great, let's head on..."

Sonic stopped talking as something caught his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he had seen movement. Something moving into the hall of mirrors. Maybe it had been his eyes playing tricks on him. Or maybe it was something else.

"Sonic, what's the matter?" Pinkie asked.

"You guys go on ahead. I need to check up on something real quick," Sonic said. Before he could take a step he felt a hand on his wrist and turned to see that Sally had already grabbed him.

"Check on what?"

"Saw something go into the house of mirrors. Might be something. Might be nothing. Better check to make sure," Sonic replied.

"So you want to go in by yourself? That's risky."

"Sally, risky is what I'm all about. Besides, our goal is to get the emerald. You guys should do that while I check this out. If it's nothing, I'll catch up in a flash. If it's something, I'm the best fighter here and stand the best chance at handling it." Sally looked like she wanted to argue, but before she could Sonic placed a hand on her shoulder. "Sal, you trust me, right?"

"...yeah, I do. Alright, go ahead and check, but if this is anything, I want you to get in contact," Sally said. She handed Sonic a transmitter. "And no heroics. We already have one speedster in the hospital, the last thing we need is the two of you trapped in the same room with no way to release your pent up energy."

"Trust me. In and out. I got this," Sonic said before he rocketed off into the house of mirrors. Sally sighed as she watched him go before she motioned to the rest of her team to move out.

Sonic raced past the entrance to the house of mirrors and into the maze, looking around to find himself looking back. "Alright, I know you're in here somewhere. Are you going to come out or are you going to make me look for you."

"No need for that, Sonic. I'm right here."

Sonic spun around and found himself looking at the dark king himself.

"Sombra," Sonic snarled. He went to speak into his transmitter but found that it was gone. He shrugged his shoulders before glaring at the dark king. "So you came to face me one on one? Got to admit, I thought you were smarter than that?"

"Perhaps, but I've realized that you and I haven't really had the chance to meet. And while Robotnik got to test my speedster, I never really got to see what you were made of," Sombra replied. "And I do like to get to know my foes before I crush them into nothingness. And after Robotnik did to hype you up. He believes that you are some unstoppable force of chaos that always manages to thwart a plan, no matter how well crafted it is. I just had to see for myself."

"And you came out all by yourself just to see me? I'm flattered," Sonic said with a smirk. He then crouched down and a dangerous smile crossed his face. "And don't worry. I promise not to disappoint."

"I'm sure you won't."

Sombra blinked and then Sonic was right in front of him. Sonic raised his eyebrows at Sombra as he threw a punch...that went clean through the dark king.

And then the whole world shattered.

Author's Note

"We shouldn't be fighting, Sonic. We should be on the same team."

"What, are you trying to get me to join you? Please, that will never happen?"

"Really? Even though we have to same enemy?"

"The same enemy...do you mean Eggman?"

"No, I mean the true enemy. The greatest villains in the multiverse."

"Clowns."

Mind Games

Sonic blinked and found himself...somewhere. He wasn't sure where, on account of everything being one, black void, but he was definitely somewhere. He placed a hand on the "ground" to at least tell himself there was something for him to stand on. A deep breath confirmed he could still breathe and a pinch showed that he could feel.

"Alright Sonic, where are you this time?" Sonic asked.

"You, my friend, are in the darkness." Sonic whipped around to see that Sombra was standing behind him, though curiously missing his mechanical parts.

"Sombra. You've lost weight. Congrats," Sonic said.

"Yes, it seems that my consciousness still sees me without my metal parts. It will change eventually," Sombra shrugged.

"Consciousness?...ah, we're doing one of those battle in the mind things, aren't we?" Sonic asked. Sombra's eyebrows went up before he nodded with a grin.

"Figured it out already? Well, what a surprise. There's actually a brain in that skull of yours. And here I thought you were just a one track hedgehog that raced at any problem he came across."

"I see, you made the mistake every villain makes when they first meet me. They underestimate me," Sonic pointed out. "No big, happens to the best of them. So what's your game here, Sombra? Trying to worm your way into my memories? Go ahead, I've got nothing to hide. Trying to take control of my body or mind? Not happening, I've practiced mental defense."

"Nothing so crass as any of that. I'm simply here for a chat," Sombra replied. An eyebrow went up on Sonic, getting Sombra to laugh before he sat down. "I know you do not believe me, but I really am. I love learning about my foes, their beliefs, their motivations...all that good stuff. And everything I know about you I've only heard through Robotnik and, while he is a genius and a phenomenal villain, he has a bit of a...bias towards you."

"Can't imagine why. We're such good friends."

"Yes, his hatred for you makes learning about you...difficult. Not your powers or abilities, no, those he has down to a science. But more about...you. Sonic the Hedgehog. Who are you? Why do you fight? And what makes you so special that the Chaos Force itself would choose you as its champion?"

"Allow me to answer those in order. I'm Sonic. I fight because I hate guys who bully others and because it's fun. And I'm not special. I'm..." Sonic began before appearing right in front of Sombra's face. "Done with this."

Sonic hurled a punch at the dark kings face, but it passed through Sombra. Sombra let out a yawn as Sonic stumbled to recover and with a bored look the king looked off to the side.

"Violence, huh? Well no surprise, Robotnik did say that you do everything fast. I assume that would also include our little discussion."

"Yeah, not to be rude but I've got places to be, villains to stop and worlds to save," Sonic shrugged, before he started to stretch out his legs. "So if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get to the part where you and I fight, you pull out some trick that nearly defeats me, I overcome you with the power of friendship slash chaos emeralds slash whatever and then we go on to beat Robotnik. That sound good?"

"My my, it's almost as if you've done this before," Sombra replied. He then rose to his hooves and cracked his neck, before his horn began to glow with power. A smile that took up two-thirds of Sombra's head cracked across his face and he let out a cackling laugh as lightning erupted from his horn, tearing through the darkness and ripping towards Sonic.

"Lightning? Really? What an insult."

Faster than Sombra could register Sonic whipped past the lightning bolts and closed on the dark king once more, hurling a kick at his head. Sombra smirked as the leg approached, only for Sonic to catch himself with his arms, spin the opposite way and sweep his legs at Sombra's hooves. His kick passed through Sombra's legs like his punch had done earlier and with a sigh Sonic rocketed away as lightning struck where he had once been standing.

"Clever. Testing which parts of me are solid and which are transparent. You are far more clever than Robotnik said and are both quick in mind and feet," Sombra noticed. Then geysers of darkness exploded at Sonic's feet and hurled him into the air, where he looked around to see shards of darkness aimed at him. "But how good is your aerial mobility?"

The shards came crashing down on Sonic, but instead of being impaled Sonic rolled up into a ball and spin dashed through all of the shards, bouncing off of the last one and ricocheting himself towards Sombra. The dark king raised an eyebrow in surprise as the hedgehog spun through him, but his attack worked about as well as his previous ones had.

"Hmm, didn't know you could do that," Sombra taunted.

"Going to stay in that smoky form of yours the whole fight? What's the matter, afraid you'll chip a hoof if you actually appear?" Sonic taunted.

"Taunts won't work on me, Sonic. But if I become solid, will you fight on your hands?"

"I'm still faster on my hands that you are on all fours," Sonic promised.

"I don't doubt that. As such, I think I shall continue to remain untouchable."

"Keep telling yourself that, pal."

Sonic started racing around the darkness once more as Sombra began unleashing fireballs against him, fireballs that were trying to home in on Sonic. And while he ran, Sonic thought. Sombra was completely impervious to all of Sonic's attacks. Brute force wasn't the way to go here. He would need to do something crafty, something that would catch the king off guard. Maybe one of Sombra's own spells would work on him? But Sombra would be ready for something like that. Sonic would have to get him to drop his guard.

A smile crossed Sonic's face at that thought. Despite saying otherwise, Sonic knew Sombra's type. Taunts would get to him eventually, but smug superiority was something every villain had plenty of. Sonic needed to give Sombra the impression that he was winning and that's when it would be Sonic's turn. But could he make this look good enough? Of course he could.

"Fireballs, Sombra? Is that all you've got?" Sonic asked. But as he did this, he slowed down slightly. Just enough that the fireballs were starting to gain on him. "I mean, I've seen stage magicians pull off better magic than that."

"If you say so," Sombra muttered.

"I mean, if you're not going to try, why should I?" Sonic asked. He placed his hands behind his head and leaned back, watching Sombra's eyes. And from what he saw, Sombra's eyes weren't watching Sonic. They were watching the fireball behind Sonic get closer. Sonic felt the heat behind him and gritted his teeth, knowing this one was going to hurt.

The fireball caught Sonic right in the back and sent the hedgehog tumbling forward, Sonic making sure to cry out in pain. He was on his feet a moment later and got out of the way of two more fireballs, before racing forward to escape the oncoming ones.

"But allow me to just say that you certainly lived up to the arrogance that Robotnik said that you had!" Sombra laughed. He watched with glee as the hedgehog just barely managed to outrace the fireballs, delighting in the worried expression on Sonic's face. "Perhaps you are too fast for dear Ivo on your world, but I've dealt with trash like you before. For all the cleverness you have and all the skill, all you are good at is running away. But there is nowhere to run Sonic. All that there is is your-!"

Sombra blinked and Sonic was gone. The king looked around for a second before a whistle behind him told him where the hedgehog had run. Sombra swung around to see Sonic wagging a single finger at him mockingly, getting a snarl out of Sombra.

"An impressive display of speed. But you still can't touch me."

"Maybe not. But I bet those can."

Sombra realized what the hedgehog meant and started to try to summon a barrier. But he was too slow. The fireballs that had been chasing Sonic collided with Sombra and detonated, getting the king to cry out as he was sent tumbling across the darkness. Sombra growled with frustration and pain as he forced himself back up to his hooves, only to find Sonic standing over him. Sonic reached out and grabbed Sombra by the horn, yanking him up.

"Well I've got to say this has been fun, but I'm still in a hurry. So I'm just going to knock you out, get you out of my head, return to the real world and get that next emerald. Sound good?" Sonic asked. Sombra glared at the hedgehog for a moment before closed his eyes and began to laugh. A dark, cold laugh that sent shivers up Sonic's spine.

"What's so funny?" Sonic asked.

"You aren't getting me out of your head Sonic. This is mine now," Sombra replied.

"Didn't you hear me earlier? You can't take over my body or mind. I've got plenty of mental defenses lined up when you try it," Sonic replied. Once again, Sombra laughed.

"When I try it? My dear fool of a hero, don't you see?"

"I already did it."

||==O O==||

"Well, there's the emerald," Sally said. Sitting in the middle of the park was the white emerald, shining softly amidst all the darkness.

"Oui. Sitting by itself. Out in ze open. With not a single badnik or evil ally in sight."

"Antoine's right, ah don't like this," Applejack agreed. "There's always a trap or fight or something."

"Well, my Pinkie sense isn't going off, so I don't think there are any traps," Pinkie pointed out. The Freedom Fighters gave her a look before Antoine nodded to his wife. Bunnie rocketed into the sky for a moment to look around, before she landed and shook her head.

"Ain't nobody around, sugar-Twan. It's only us," Bunnie said. Then with a coy smile she rested an arm on Antoine's shoulder. "And ya know, once we have the emerald back at base, ah might want to stay and enjoy mah day at the amusement park. How bout you, Applejack? Ya want to invite Rainbow Dash over and make it a double date?"

"A double...uh...we need to focus on the mission right now," Applejack said before she brought her hat down over her face, but not far enough. Antoine nudged his wife to get her to stop before Sally sighed.

"Scanners got nothing either. Guess the emerald is safe. Or if there's a trap, might as well spring it."

The group took a few steps forward, only for a vortex of darkness to appear in the ground in front of them. They got their weapons ready as a shadowy pony appeared with a wicked smile on his face.

"Sombra."

"Princess Sally. Been a minute," Sombra said. Then he looked at the rest of the group and spied Applejack, causing his smile to go wider. "And Applejack. Well well, I am surprised to see you here. I thought you would be glued to your brothers side. After all, Rainbow Dash had to perform a miracle to keep him alive. I wonder if he was worth the trouble?"

"Sombra, ah swear ah'm gonna tear off yer head and mount it on mah wall!" Applejack bellowed at Sombra. Sombra barely paid her any mind as he looked around the area.

"Speaking of, where is that annoyance? Or Twilight for that matter? Dear me, did you all really come out here without your two strongest champions? Tsk tsk, rookie mistake, Princess."

"Please. Bunnie may not be magical, but her raw firepower can keep up with Twilight. And Sonic is just as fast as Rainbow Dash and more than fast enough to run circles around you," Sally replied. Sombra gave her look before a smile spread across his face, a smile that spread even further when he saw her glance around for a moment.

"Oh yes, I am aware of how fast Sonic is. We spent a couple of minutes getting acquainted back at the hall of mirrors," Sombra said.

"Then how is it that you are not smashed into ze pavement?" Antoine asked.

"How is zat? Well, zat would be because..." Sombra mocked, before his wicked smile grew even wider. "We're off the same mind, now."

As Sombra said this, a blue blur ripped through the group and sent them flying with speed along. Bunnie was the first to recover and snatched her husband, Applejack and Sally out of the air and managed to get them safely down. Pinkie appeared on the ground next to Bunnie, but all sets of eyes were locked onto who was now standing next to Sombra.

Red sneakers. Blue quills. White gloves...and black, soulless eyes.

"Ladies and Antoine, allow me to introduce the newest contender playing for team Sombra..."

"Sonic the Hedgehog."

Author's Note

"And that's that. Still, he wasn't kidding about those mental defenses. If I didn't have my only, special way to control others I probably wouldn't have failed. But now that I'm in here...let's a take a look at some of those memories!"

"Let's see...early years...one offs...oh ho ho! Romantic partners! This oughta be good!"

"Alright...Fiona...turns out to be a traitor. Ha."

"Amy...stalker...and like, five years younger than you...wait, that gets retconned? Still weird..."

"And Sally...wow, what a freaking slap. Girl's got an arm on her! Geez Sonic, you can really pick em, can't you?"

Too Slow

For a moment, time stood still as each of the heroes took in what they were seeing. Sonic standing against them...standing with Sombra.

"That...that's not possible," Sally whispered.

"Possible? My dear, it's happening," Sombra cackled. "I've taken your strongest fighter and turned him to my side. Taken control of his mind and forced him under my power. Oh, it's going to be so much fun watching you all suffer as you try in vain to save him."

"So Sonic is being mind controlled and forced to fight us? Eh, it was bound to happen eventually," Antoine said. "But he iz not ze first speedster we have fought and he shall not be ze last." He drew his sword and went back to back with his wife, getting a thin smile to spread across Sombra's face.

"You're actually going to fight the two of us? Do you all have no idea how completely screwed you all are now?" Sombra asked. Sally summoned her blades, Applejack cracked her neck and Pinkie...whistled, getting Sombra to shake his head. "You're all crazier than I thought. You're going to fight your best friend, risking his life and yours in the process?"

"Sonic's tough. He can take a few hits and be fine," Sally replied. "But getting him away from you is my biggest concern. So either let him go, Sombra, or we'll kill you to break your grip."

"Wow, a threat from you, while you're in no position to be giving them. Let me tell you how this is going to go, princess. We're going to fight. You'll try to prevail, only to realize how outmatched you are. Then, just when all hope seems lost, Twilight and the rest of your friends will come in to save the day. That I know is going to happen. What we don't know," Sombra said as a dark smile crossed his face. "Is how many of you will still be alive by the time they arrive."

Sonic was on the group in an instant. With a speed unmatched, he took aim at Sally and hurled a kick at her head...only for it to be intercepted by a whoopie cushion. The cushion exploded and sent Sonic backwards, where he flipped in the air and landed on his feet. He narrowed his eyes at Pinkie, who was bounding around in front of him.

"Thanks for the save, Pinkie," Sally said.

"Careful. He's really fast," Pinkie pointed out.

"Oui. We knew that."

"Applejack, Bunnie, Antoine, you're dealing with Sonic!" Sally ordered before she lunged towards Sombra. "Pinkie, with me! We'll handle this wannabee tyrant!"

"Wannabee?! I can tyrant with the best of them!" Sombra growled. His horn flashed and dark lightning arched towards Sally, only to be intercepted and dispersed by her shield. Sombra looked dumbfounded at what had happened before he was forced back by the twin blades of Sally and Pinkie's...rubber chicken. The dark king switched to his smoky form and weaved around the pair, narrowing his eyes at Sally's weapons.

"Hmm, you've upgraded your tech since we last met," Sombra noticed. "And you have always been a problem with the sheer chaos you give off. Seems that you won't be so easy to put down as I had thought."

"So people keep saying!"

"Dang it all!" Bunnie roared. She had her barrier up around her, Antoine and Applejack, only to watch it be assaulted from every single side seemingly all at once. Her eyes could barely keep up with Sonic's movements and she doubted she could physically either. Her best bet would be to take to the air and bombard Sonic from a distance, but she couldn't do that without leaving Antoine and Applejack open to attack.

"How long can you hold, ma cherie?" Antoine asked. A spin dash shattered the barrier and answered Antoine's question at the same time. Sonic would have punched Antoine's lights out then and there, except that his punch was once against stopped by a pink pony. "Pinkie, you can keep up with him? And aren't you supposed to be helping Sally?"

"I am!" Pinkie replied as she hopped around Sonic. Antoine looked over to find that, just as she said, Pinkie was right alongside Sally fighting Sombra. Antoine decided not to question it.

Sonic's speed allowed him to constantly catch Pinkie, Pinkie just refused to be caught. Every time he thought he had her, she warped, slipped and danced her way out of his grip. With an even faster burst of speed Sonic reached out and grabbed hold of Pinkie, yanking the pony up by her mane so that she was eye level with him. Except she was still smiling.

"You silly. You stopped moving."

If Sonic had been able to talk, he would have asked her what she meant. A metal fist to the jaw answered the unspoken question regardless. Sonic was sent tumbling away while Applejack helped Pinkie up to her hooves.

"Are ya sure ya should be hitting yer friend that hard?" Applejack asked.

"Trust me sugah, if ah don't hit him with everything ah've got, we lose," Bunnie grimly said. Just as she said this, Sonic got back to his feet, wiped his hand across his mouth and smirked at the group. "As ah said. Bring yer A game or else yer-"

Sonic vanished. The group took a moment to process that before a foot placed itself in Bunnie's chest. She barely managed to get a grunt out before a follow-up kick sent her tumbling across the square and into the side of a tent. Antoine, Applejack and Pinkie attacked Sonic together, only for him to vanish again before a whirlwind of pain inflicted itself on all of them. The three were sent crashing to the ground, while Sonic appeared before them again and wagged his finger.

"Did he...just get faster?" Applejack asked.

"He is finally taking this serious," Antoine grunted. "And, uh, what happened to Pinkie?"

Applejack glanced over to see that "Pinkie" was now just a pile of confetti, silly string and...glass? "Must of been one of her mirror clones. She must be desperate to pull out something like that."

"I am going to pretend that I understood what you said."

"What it means is that Pinkie is no longer with us, just Sally," AJ said. "Which means that it's just the two of us against Sonic. Can we win this?"

Sonic shook his head at them.

"Perhaps," Antoine muttered. He then cast a glance over at where Sally and Pinkie were fighting, and losing, against Sombra. That gave him an idea. "Sonic, I know that we have not always been on the best of terms, but from the way you are acting I know that at least a little bit of you is still in zere. So please listen."

Sonic raised an eyebrow.

"Sombra is killing Sally. He has wounded my wife and he is now forcing you to fight your friends. I know you, Sonic. We have been foes and comrades for a long time. And I know zat ze only thing zat you would hate more than watching your friends get hurt...is to be forced to hurt them against your will. Fight his control, Sonic. You are stronger than zat pompous metal fool."

"Hey, words hurt, Antoine," Sombra chimed in as he slammed Sally into the ground.

"I know zat you are stronger. I know zis...or maybe you aren't," Antoine said with a smirk and a shrug. "It would not be the first time you have disappointed me. At least I can take comfort knowing that Knuckles would never allow himself to be controlled like zis. Ah, if only you were as cool as him."

For a long moment, Sonic just stared at Antoine, enough time passing that Applejack looked at Antoine with concern. "Um, Antoine, ah don't know if yer plan-"

"Trust me, it has worked."

Sonic snarled and held a hand to the side of his head, snapping his head from side to side as he began to stagger around. He blinked a few times and the darkness began to regress from his eyes, just enough that Antoine could start to see his old friend in there once more. Problem was, Sombra noticed this too.

"Well, that's not good," Sombra said. He unleashed a blast of darkness that hurled everyone away from Sonic before appearing next to the hedgehog. "Geez, Sonic wasn't kidding about his control resistance. Normally it would take some powerful magic and some emotional connection to fight off my soul-washing, but he's doing it through a sheer desire to prove Antoine wrong. Well, I'm not ready to give him up just yet. I mean, I haven't killed any of you yet and that just won't do. Well, if you want someone killed right..."

Sombra turned to smoke and wrapped himself around Sonic's head, entering into the hedgehog and turning his eyes completely black in the process. Then Sombra's signature smile spread across his face.

"You kill them yourself."

"Sombra!"

Sombra glanced to the side to see Bunnie rocketing towards him, metal arm brought back for what he was certain would be one heck of a punch. But it was too slow. With ease, Sombra stepped to the side, avoided Bunnie's punch and swatted her in the back of the head to send her skidding across the ground. Sally and Applejack were up next, Sally coming in with the swords and Applejack whirling her lasso overhead, but much like with Bunnie, they couldn't keep up. Sombra kicked Sally in the gut, avoided the lasso, grabbed the rope out of the air and used it to tie Sally's hands together. He then spun the princess fast enough that Applejack was ripped off her hooves and sent flying face first into a sign.

He made sure to go after Pinkie next. Even with all of her crazy shenanigans, Sombra knew how to counter her. She was unpredictable, wild and tricky...but had one, predictable flaw. Sombra spun away from Pinkie and lunged towards Sally, murder flashing across Sonic's face. And just as he had predicted, in an instant Pinkie was standing over Sally with her party cannon out.

He ducked the explosion of vanilla and firecrackers that the cannon unleashed and spun dashed right into the chest of the pink pony, driving her into the ground before he kicked her in the side to send her tumbling away. That left one. Sombra turned to look at Antoine, who was now beside his wife. The moment Antoine felt Sombra's gaze on him, he spun towards the king and drew his blade, waiting for the king to make his first move.

"Yeah, just wait right there, I'll deal with you in a second," Sombra said to Antoine. He then turned and walked over to Applejack, who was just getting back to her hooves. "While I would love nothing more than to kill that coward, I was denied watching a member of your family die a painful death last time. So this time, I'm going to ensure," Sombra began as he grabbed hold of AJ's throat and began to squeeze. "That your brother wishes he could have died in your place."

A blur of motion appeared in front of Sombra and it was only thanks to Sonic's insane reflexes that the dark king didn't get a hand taken off. He dropped AJ and moved backwards just in time to avoid Antoine's blade. Sombra didn't have any idea how Antoine had gotten over there so quickly or how he had been willing to cut off the arm of his friend, but if the coyote wanted his attention, he now held all of it.

"Applejack, taken ma cherie and the others. Grab ze emerald and leave this place as quick as you can," Antoine instructed. "I will deal with zis."

"Antoine?" Applejack asked. "What are ya saying? Ya can't fight him on yer own."

"For once the hick is right. You stand no chance against me, swordsman. So of course I'll fight you in a one on one," Sombra cackled. "AJ, you can go. I've gotten my fun out of you. You and your friends have however long it takes me to kill this fool before all of you are dead as well. If you think that means you can get the emerald and leave before then, by all means. Give yourself that false hope."

"Sugar-Twan," Bunnie said. She tried to walk towards his side, but he held out a hand and shook his head.

"No, ma cherie. Grab ze emerald and get ze others home. Zat is what is important," Antoine instructed.

"And what about you?"

"I made a promise to keep all of you safe, especially for Rainbow Dash," Antoine said before brandishing his blade at Sombra, who had a wickedly wide smile on his face. "And zat is what I intend to do."

Author's Note

"Ah yes, this is quite a body. The power, the speed, the sheer refusal to be killed off...it's amazing."

"Yet why do I feel the need to constantly go fast and eat chili dogs?...and only chili dogs?"

Analyst

"Well this should be fun. The weakest member of your merry little band thinks that he can beat me all on his own?" Sombra asked, cracking Sonic's knuckles as he approached the warrior. He cast a glance to the side to see that Applejack and Bunnie were gathering up the others. For a moment he considered stopping them, only to shrug and focus completely on Antoine. "I could stop them. It would be easy."

"Oui, it would," Antoine agreed.

"But there's something about you that ticks me off. The pompous air, the way you hold yourself, your choice of weaponry...that's what it is. You remind me of Shining Armor. And there are few ponies I hate more than Shining Armor," Sombra cackled. "Oh, I'm going to enjoy tearing you apart."

"If you can," Antoine replied as he raised his blade.

"If I can. Guy likes jokes," Sombra laughed. Within an instant he was on top of Antoine, hurling a punch towards the coyote's head...only for Antoine to parry the punch with the flat side of his sword before knocking Sombra's legs out from under him. Sombra went tumbling across the ground before rising up to his feet, a stunned look on his face. "What just happened?"

"It's looks like you tripped, mon amie," Antoine said.

"You be quiet," Sombra snapped. He shook out his legs before stretching his neck. "Got lucky is all. That's fine, somepony as pathetic as you would need all the luck in the world to last as long as you have. But now I'm going to end this."

Once more Sombra went on the attack at blinding speed, snapping a punch at Antoine's head before going low to sweep out the legs. Antoine drove his blade into the ground and Sombra's shins collided with metal. The king growled as he rolled back, taking a second to recover before whipping behind Antoine and hurling a kick at his head. Antoine ducked the attack without turning around, leaving Sombra to miss wildly and go crashing across the ground.

"What in the hells is happening?!" Sombra roared. He was back on his feet and on the attack a moment later, unleashing a flurry of blows at the warrior, but to his utter fury Antoine was able to block and dodge all of them. "How the hell are you doing this?! I know you're nowhere near as fast as Sonic! I just watched him mop the floor with all of you! So why! Can't! I! HIT YOU?!"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Antoine replied.

Antoine took a moment to glance over at the others. Applejack was tending to Sally and Pinkie while Bunnie motioned to him, showing that she had the emerald in her grasp. He needed to move quick then. Antoine turned and dashed back into the park, smirking over his shoulder when he saw that Sombra was following him as best as he could. Despite having the obvious speed advantage, Sombra found that he couldn't catch the coyote who always managed to stay one step ahead of the dark hedgehog.

Antoine finally spied what he had been running to and came to a stop next to the Ferris wheel, turning and blocking with his blade just in time to stop another punch that would have taken off his head.

"Finally decided to stop running?! Finally ready to die?" Sombra snarled.

"For someone who claims to be so smart, you are quite the dummy, are you not?" Antoine asked. Antoine moved to the side and Sombra staggered past, allowing Antoine the chance to slam the hilt of his sword into the back of Sonic's head. Sombra dropped to the ground and roared, but then he rolled over to find a blade pointed at his throat. "I would advise staying down. You cannot win."

"Can't win?! I am Sombra, the dark king! Ruler of the Crystal Empire! And I will not be beaten by a coward like you!" Sombra roared. Then a calm smile spread across his face and he chuckled as he rose back up to his feet. "And I won't be. Because despite being pretty good at evading me, you can't actually fight back. Not without endangering your precious friend. Why don't you go ahead and use that sword? Strike me down now before I catch you. This might be the only chance you've got. Because once I catch you...you're dead."

"And still you are the fool. Have you still not figured it out?" Antoine asked. Antoine backed away from Sombra as he said this, until he was next to the support for the Ferris wheel. "You think zat you are in control of Sonic, but you could not be further from ze truth. You are trying to wrangle ze wind. To corral ze seas. There is not enough of a brain in his head to control."

"You fool. I'm not controlling his mind. I'm controlling his soul," Sombra spat back.

"Ah. An even worse idea," Antoine smirked. "If you were simply controlling his mind, then you would have a chance. But trying to control his soul? You are an even bigger fool than I thought."

"We'll see who's the fool when I kill you. I am in complete control of Sonic. I have his heart clutched in my hooves. And I will use him to kill you."

"Reall? I do not believe you. Let us find out."

As Antoine said this, he slashed his blade to the side and cleaved clean through the support for the Ferris wheel. The tons of metal groaned before the started to collapse, falling right where Antoine was standing. Antoine made no effort to move or get out of the way. He sheathed his blade and kept his eyes locked on Sombra the entire time.

"You're actually doing this? You believe so much in Sonic that you're willing to kill yourself to prove me wrong?" Sombra asked. He then threw back his head and laughed mercilessly. "Oh, and I thought killing you with your friends body would be perfect, but now I get to watch you kill yourself in a foolish attempt to free your friend?! You are the real fool!"

"A fool who knows Sonic," Antoine said as the Ferris wheel came down on top of him.

Sombra threw back his head to laugh...only to look down at his body and realize that he was in his smoky form once more. He took a moment to let this sink in before he looked off to the side of where the Ferris wheel had landed, stunned to see that not only was Antoine still alive...but Sonic had been the one to save him.

"Whew, that was a close one," Sonic said. He then smiled at Antoine and gave him a thumbs up. "Thanks for believing in me, Twan. Putting yourself in risk like that gave me the extra kick I needed to break free. Don't make it a habit."

"Do not worry, I have no plans to do zat again," Antoine sighed with relief. "But I believed in your. Mostly. Fifty-fifty."

"Your faith astounds me," Sonic said. The pair turned towards Sombra, who had regained his physical form and was glaring at the pair through narrowed eyes.

"And there it is. Your ability to perform the impossible to save the day," Sombra snarled. "To break free of my soul cage like that...I underestimated you, rodent."

"Like I said, it happens."

"And as for you, Antoine...I owe you an apology. I thought of you as nothing more than just a coward. But now I see that there is a mind in there. So I will no longer treat you like a fool that is there for my amusement. Now you are a target that must be crushed."

"It is nice to be appreciated," Antoine said with a smirk.

Sombra looked to the side to see the other approaching, weighed his options and decided that the fight wasn't worth it anymore. So into the shadows he vanished once more.

"SUGAR-TWAN!"

A metal missile tackled Antoine and took the poor coyote off his feet. While Bunnie sobbed into Antoine's chest, Sally, AJ and Pinkie walked over to Sonic, relief written on the princess's face. "Glad to have you back Sonic. For a moment I thought that we might have to actually hurt you to stop you."

"Come on, you guys know how it goes. One of us gets mind controlled and the others snap them out of it. We've been doing it for years," Sonic replied.

"Doesn't make it any easier," Sally added.

"But look what we got!" Pinkie said as she pulled out the white emerald. "This would look amazing on a ring."

"We should be getting back to Canterlot. Ah don't want to be here when Sombra comes back with his friends," Applejack said.

"Good idea. I'll let them know we're ready," Sally agreed. She pressed a button on her comms and Celestia's magic activated, taking the group back to Canterlot.

"He really is as chaotic as Robotnik said," Sombra said from the shadows. "I am not one to doubt myself, but even I am starting to wonder if our plan will actually succeed. An unknown variable is a dangerous thing indeed."

Then he vanished into the darkness once more.

||==O O==||

"...And then may sugar-Twan stood there and put his life on the line just to help Sonic break free of Sombra's control," Bunnie finished up saying. All of the freedom fighters had gathered around to hear the story, and Bunnie told it proudly, while Antoine waved off the praise with a smile. "Of course Sonic did, but mah stars was ah worried there fer a minute."

"I told you, ma cherie, there was no need to be concerned. I knew zat Sonic would pull through...but as always, he took his time," Antoine teased.

"Normally I would say something about that, but seeing as you actually did save me back there, I'm going to just say thanks Twan," Sonic said. Antoine bowed in reply.

"But how did you manage to hold your own against Sonic?" Tails asked. "I mean, earlier in the story Sonic was beating all of you up, including you. What changed?"

"It is simple, Tails. Do you know what my job on ze team is?"

"To...make us all feel better?"

"Non. I am the analyst of the team. I studied our foes and figure out ways to counter and adapt to them...but also, when I was younger, I would also do zat for my allies as well," Antoine admitted.

"So you've been watching us all these years, figuring out how to take us down?" Bunnie asked.

"Well, I could never keep my eyes off of you. And non, I did not come up with ze plans or things like zat. I just learned how you all fought and acted. So as to lead you better...or get ze one up on Sonic if the chance presented itself," Antoine teased. "And zat Tails, is how I bested Sombra. He was not used to fighting on two legs or able to use Sonic's maneuverability properly. But above all, his mind was not as fast as Sonics."

"You mean that even though Sombra was controlling Sonic, he still couldn't keep up with his speed?" Tails asked.

"Zat is it. He could only fight in a straight line. Making him ze easy to predict."

"Hmph, he had the body, but he didn't have the skill. Yeah, even Eggman's beaten me when I've gotten predictable. I can see how you could do it."

"I knew there was a reason we always kept you around," Rotor joked.

"Oui, to be ze bait," Antoine replied.

"Non of that, hun, you were great," Bunnie said as she kissed Antoine's cheek.

"And that leaves on three emeralds left," Sally said.

"Yup, we're getting close to the end of our little adventure," Sonic agreed. Then he narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment. "But Eggman's been too quiet for my liking. Sombra's out here taking us on, but Eggman...he's up to something. And I don't like it."

"He's always up to something, Sonic. And it doesn't matter what it is, we'll stop him," Sally promised. Sonic looked at her for a second before his smile returned.

"Of course we will. We always do."

Author's Note

"So you don't have any secret plans to take us down stashed away anywhere, like in a cave or something? Maybe in case we all go bad?"

"Non at all. Why would you even think zat?"

Contingency Plans.

Sonic: Pool party. Can't swim but will cannonball to look cool.

Tails: Candy eating contest. Makes him nauseous and unable to fly.

Rotor: Dance off. Physical activity will have him throw out his back.

Sally: Force to choose between princess and fighter. Freezes her for hours.

Bunnie: Chocolate, roses and a payed night to a spa.

A New Take

Sparks coming off of the walls. Wires dangling around the place. Insects scurrying across the floor. Rarity found it hard to continue to push herself forward, but she did so because she needed too. She was in the Sky Patrol, which was still being rebuilt, to check up on Rotor. Ever since the incident with Nicole and the warehouse, he had holed himself inside the fortress, only coming out to talk briefly with Antoine and Bunnie. She had only passed him on his way back to the Patrol.

But it had been a look on his face that had caught her attention, a look that she knew all too well. A look of somepony who was desperate, trying to figure something out and having no luck with it. Somepony who was doubting themselves and trying to hide it from the rest of the group. Somepony who felt useless. A feeling she knew all too well.

The sound of lasers and hammering up ahead told her she was getting close.

"Rotor? Darling, are you in here?" Rarity asked. She peaked her head into the room the noise was coming from and found the person she was looking for. Rotor was sitting at a workbench, working hard on whatever lay upon the bench. If he had heard her, he gave no indication. "Do you mind if I come in? I, well, wanted to check up on you and make sure you were alright."

Rotor didn't answer. Rarity sighed before walking into the room. "Rotor, darling, I know that something has you upset, but that doesn't mean you have to be rude and-"

Rotor, without looking, tossed a pair of goggles over his shoulders to Rarity, who caught them with her magic. She looked at the goggles with some surprise, as they were fit for her, before a shower of sparks went off next to Rotor. She took the hint and slipped the goggles over her eyes before approaching.

On the bench was what looked like a skeleton, one made of metal that was as large, if not larger, than Rotor. "I see that you are hard at work. Is this a new version of your nano-suit? It looks to be much larger than your old one. Is it to support your body as you are...less than one hundred percent?"

Rotor answered with silence.

"Or perhaps you are building that to have a suit to fight Spike? Twilight did inform me that he has his own robotic suit now. If he wasn't being controlled by Sombra, the little dear would be ecstatic to have a suit like that. Ooh, perhaps you are building it for Tails! I bet he would-"

"What do you want?" Rotor finally said.

"Pardon?"

"What do you want? Why are you bothering me?" Rotor curtly asked. "Because if you are for idle chit chat, then I'm going to ask you to leave. I have work to do and I cannot be distracted."

"I just came to check up on you. I saw how down you were feeling the other day and-"

"I'm fine. I'm working. Leave," Rotor replied. Rarity looked at him for a moment before she used her magic to pull up a chair and sat down next to him.

"Your design is flawed. The stress you have placed on the joints will have this thing tear itself apart when it tries to move," she said. Rotor stopped working and looked over at her with a raised eyebrow. "Also the structure is wrong. It offers a great deal of support, but it will choke it's users body. That not only limits movement, but it will also shave off maybe a second of time when the wearer needs to move. And that could be fatal."

Rotor was about to argue, but a look from Rarity silenced him. He narrowed his eyes before going back to his suit, running what she had said through some calculations, before his eyes went wide when he saw that she was right. "How do you know all this? Do you build battle suits in your spare time?"

"Nothing as barbaric as that. I design outfits and I know how they work. But yes, I have designed a few pieces of armor or, as you put it, battle suits in my time," Rarity said with a smile. "But my intuition tells me that you normally do better work than this? What is the matter?"

Rotor stayed silent for a minute before he sighed and sat back, looking up at the ceiling. "Do you ever feel useless, Rarity? Like you don't belong on the team you've sworn to protect?"

"Everyday, darling," Rarity replied. Rotor gave her a look and she smiled, a bit more bitterly this time. "Allow me to attempt to guess your thoughts. You feel inadequate. Like you are taking up space on the team. That because of what you can't do, all you do is hold everypony back. In your case it would be you are older, your damaged and there is somepony else who can do your job better. Does that sound about right?"

"That is...scarily accurate," Rotor nodded. "How'd you guess that?"

"I'm good with reading others. Hence why I came to visit. Part of being a dressmaker is giving others what they want before they even knew they wanted it," Rarity said.

"You're right. I feel...so useless," Rotor snarled. "I'm getting old, nothing I can do about that, but these recent battles have shown me how far behind I've fallen. I used to be the smart guy for our team, coming up with weapons and gadgets. Then Tails was added to the team and completely blew me out of the water. Fine, kids the smartest guy I've ever met, I can stand being second to him. I'm actually proud of him."

"But it's being behind Eggman that I can't stand. For years, I thought that I could at least match wits with him, to fight him on a field that I understood. But now...even he's gotten smarter. His robots have gotten more advanced while I'm falling behind. I can't figure out how to undo what he did to your and your friends families. I can't crack his tech. I can't even make a suit that can hold up against his forces. I feel...like a liability."

"I feel the same way," Rarity revealed. Rotor looked at her with surprise and Rarity chuckled. "Oh yes, I know how you feel. I am one of the chosen champions of Equestria. One chosen by both the Elements and the Rainbow Power. And yet, I am the one that...brings the least to the team."

"How so?"

"I am a unicorn. Meaning that magic is what I am supposed to be good at. Yet Twilight is the princess of magic. I am nothing compared to her. I'm not the silver metal, I'm the tin star. I can't compete. I'm not a brawler like Applejack. I'm not fast like Rainbow Dash. I...can't break reality like Pinkie Pie. And even Fluttershy can talk to animals and understand how they're feeling. I make dresses. I cry a lot. I can eat three tubs of ice cream in less than a minute. Not exactly useful on the field of battle. At least you can say you contribute to the team. I am mostly there to get saved."

"Come on, you're not being fair to yourself..."

"And neither are you. I know that I do not bring much to the table, darling, at least in terms of combat. But I know what I am good at. I can mend. Be that ruined outfits or ruined hearts and bodies," Rarity continued. "It is why I continue to go out there, even when things are dangerous and I am most likely to get hurt. Because while I may be little more than support, you'd be amazed what a little support can do for those bearing the weight of the world on their shoulders. I was chosen alongside my friends. So, like them, I will give everything I have to protect them and this world. And that's all there is."

"Geez, you make it all sound so simple," Rotor chuckled. "I wish I could support my team the way you do."

"You already do, darling," Rarity pointed out. "You may not see it, but Tails looks up to you, moreso than you would believe. You said that you are the silver medal to Tails? I would say that you are the one who built his wings so that he could fly."

"You mean I lifted him up?"

"I mean that you are the reason he loves building and creating so much. He looks up to you, Rotor. Sonic may be his hero, but you are his idol. The person he wants to be like. At least, that's how I read it," Rarity said with a small shrug. "And then there is Sally, who values your opinion and support. And then you are always helping to repair Bunnie, making her and Antoine's lives easier."

"I guess."

"It's a little thing. Just inspiring somepony to be like you. Just being there for them. Supporting them after all these years. Seems almost inconsequential. Yet it can make a world of difference."

"What are you getting at?"

"Do not undervalue what you bring to the team. You may see yourself as old, washed up and a silver medal-"

"Harsh."

"But to the rest of your team you are a trusted friend. Somepony who can mend their wounds and parts. Somepony to look up to, who builds them higher than they could go on their own. Something I had to come to learn," Rarity said. "We may not be the best in combat, but sometimes it is the battles at home that are the hardest to win. And that is where we fight our hardest."

"Focus on where I fight at my best, not one where I fight at my worst," Rotor said. Rarity smiled and nodded at him. "Yeah, that's not a bad idea. Supporting my friends, both emotionally...and physically."

Rotor then looked down at the suit he was designing, before an idea came to him and he looked over at Rarity. "How hard to do you think it would be to outfit our whole team with suits like these? The last one I created was able to survive quite the explosion. That's something I feel everyone could use."

"Now that is an idea worth pursuing," Rarity agreed. "But each suit would have to be unique to aid those that are wearing it. A suit that worked for Sonic wouldn't work for Fluttershy, after all."

"Agreed. Each one will have to be specific, tailored made and would require the knowledge of how to tailor an outfit to numerous different people. I may know a thing or two about building suits, but getting the ins and outs of how to fit them to a group...that's a bit much for me. If only there was a nosy unicorn that could help?"

"Hmph, be thankful that this nosy unicorn ignores jabs at her and does her job professionally," Rarity teased in response. "Each of the suits will have to work for the user, but what if we could get them to work in tandem with others? Say, design Rainbow and Sonics so that they could feed off of each others speed? Or have it that Twilight's magic could charge Sally's weapons?"

"That would allow for more variety in our team building and how we can support each other in the field," Rotor caught on. A devious smile spread across his face and he looked at Rarity with a newfound respect in his eyes. "You know, you might not be a rocket scientist like Tails, but you are brilliant in your own right. Why did you never bring it up before?"

"Please darling, a lady never brags about herself. She does the job she needs to and that is enough for her," Rarity replied. Then smiled. "But if you wish to keep heaping on the praise, I would not say anything about it."

"You help me to get these suits working and I'll create fireworks that sing your praise across the sky."

"I'll hold you to that."

Author's Note

"Oh, what about matching suit designs?"

"Like what?"

"Like how Antoine and Bunnie's suits could have a cowboy hat with a cape for their symbol."

"Okay, I can see that."

"Or how Rainbow Dash and Applejack can have a zapapple, an apple that is rainbow colored, as theirs?"

"That makes sense."

"Or how Sonic's could have a red target painted on his? Think he'd mind?"

"Are you kidding? He'd love it."

Rescue Mission

"Everybody to the war room, on the double," Sonic called out as he ran through Canterlot castle. "Sally's cooked up a plan for us and I bet it's going to be dangerous, risky and have little chance of working! So don't miss it!"

Sonic ran to every room and hall, making sure he gathered as many of the ponies and fighters as possible. Within a few minutes, all of the heroes had gathered together around Twilight's war table, where Sally stood with a look on her face that told Sonic they were in for a doozy.

"Friends. I've called you here today because I've come to a realization. I am tired of playing defensive," Sally stated. "We have been doing a good job of gathering the Elements and the Emeralds, but there is one front we have not been strong enough on. Locating Eggman and Sombra. We've given them a safe place to return to after each time we fight them. That is an error that must be corrected. Because as long as they feel safe, they won't slip up or rush. And that gives them the advantage."

"I agree that we have to find them, but we're already struggling with our numbers," Twilight pointed out. "Rarity and Rotor are not ready to go back into the field yet, while I don't want to risk Tails or Rainbow Dash being out there. If we send our friends to look for their lair, then it puts greater strain on those who have to find our Elements and Emeralds."

"I am aware of that. Which is why I won't be diverting any of our members to this mission. I will create an entirely new team," Sally said with a smile. "Everyone, meeting the Infiltrators."

The group turned to see four figures enter the room, two pony, two hedgehogs. Big Mac, Shining Armor, Silver and Amy stood side by side, some smiling, others serious.

"Shining Armor has magic and tactical experience. Big Mac is a powerhouse. Amy is a master tracker and Silver brings versatility. Not only that, they have been to the villains lair. They might be able to find it again."

"How's that? I thought they had no memory of what happened when they were under our foes control?" Tails asked.

"We don't. But we have...deja vu. Like we know of a place but we can't remember where," Amy said. "So using my tracking ability with Silvers TK powers with a hint of magic from Shining Armor, we figure that maybe we can track down where this sense of deja vu is leading us."

"It's worth a shot, anyhow," Rarity said. "And I do agree about having them help us. With Rotor and I in the shape we are in, we will do a better job supporting all of you back here than out there."

"Come on guys, you aren't dead weight. You do plenty of good out there for an old dude and a drama queen," Rainbow teased.

"Oh we are very much aware, but Rotor and I are working on a few projects right now and will need a good amount of time to get them done. So we will leave the barbaric fighting to the mare that opens jars with her face," Rarity returned with a smile.

"Rotor?" Sally asked.

"It's as Rarity says. We have a few plans we're cooking up that should help us against Eggman's roboticized creatures and Sombra's mind controlled ones," Rotor confirmed. "I can't give you all the details, but I ask that you trust us."

"Always will," Sally answered. "Celestia sent a letter saying that they found another Element on a beachfront not too far from the city where Antoine and Rarity met. That will be the main teams next objective, while the Infiltrators begin their search. Partner up and get ready to head our. Dismissed."

"You guys finally decided to stop freeloading and start helping, huh?" Sonic asked.

"Well, I did learn freeloading from the master," Silver shot back with a smile. He and Sonic shook hands.

"Glad to see you up and about, we were worried about you," Sonic said. Then he looked over at Amy. "And I'm glad to see that you're willing to take Amy with you. Careful Silver, she has a history of chasing hedgehogs with a hammer."

"Not all hedgehogs, Sonic. Just you," Amy teased sweetly. "You know, crush and all that."

"Your relationship confuses me," Silver muttered.

"You two sure you're feeling better?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I think we are. It's hard to actually...feel like this," Shining Armor replied, his voice metallic. Big Mac just nodded in agreement. "But we got tired of sitting around and waiting for you twelve to save the world. We need to start contributing and Sombra still has my wife and daughter. I will make him pay for that."

"Heh, normal this is the part where the voice of reason would tell you not to push yourself and wait until we learned more about your metal bodies before you head out. But seeing as neither Twilight nor Jackie is here at the moment, I'll just say hit Sombra extra hard for me," Rainbow said.

"You know I will," Shining replied with a wink. At least Rainbow thought he winked. It was hard to tell with a visor covering his eyes. "What about you? Shouldn't you be resting? I heard you got blown up saving Big Mac."

"Yeah, but I'm feeling better. Actually, this is the best I've felt in a long time," Rainbow said, her facing beaming. Big Mac walked up to Rainbow Dash, staring at her for a long moment before he bent his head to Rainbow.

"Thank ya," was all he said.

"Hey, not sweat. You needed saving. Like I told Applejack, you guys have already lost enough," Rainbow shrugged. Big Mac lifted his head to gaze at Rainbow, before he looked over at where Applejack was talking to Rarity. For a long moment he stared at his sister with a look of...acceptance on his face? Rainbow couldn't tell because his face almost never changed, especially as a robot. Then Big Mac looked back to Rainbow, nodded at her and patted his hoof on her shoulder before walking off.

"What was that about?" Rainbow asked Shining.

"You got his approval," Shining said as he walked by. He gently elbowed Rainbow with a smile on his face, leaving the confused mare to stare after them before shaking her head and walking over to Tails.

"So you're getting back in the fight too, huh? How about we have our long overdue team-up?" Rainbow asked.

"Finally! I've been waiting to team up with you ever since you saved us back at the Sky Patrol!" Tails exclaimed.

"Sounds great! Hear that Sonic, you're being replaced!" Rainbow Dash called out.

"Woe is me. My best friend, leaving me for a speedster with wings. My poor heart," Sonic "sobbed", clutching at his heart. "Whoever will I be able to replace this void in my soul with? Hey Fluttershy, want to team up again?"

"Sure," Fluttershy replied.

"There. My heart is healed."

"I'm glad to see that you are all taking this seriously." All eyes turned toward the entrance where Discord stood. He was practically a shell of his former self and everyone could tell that he was struggling to stand. But if he needed help he never asked for it as he walked up to the war table, tapped it with his claw and brought up a location. "I've found another Emerald. This one is in the wastelands to the far south of here. And I've sensed some of Sombra's magic in the area."

"They're already after another Emerald," Twilight muttered. She then looked at her friends and sighed, hating to do this. "Looks we're going to be splitting up again. Rainbow, Tails, Applejack and Bunnie on one team. Fluttershy, Sonic, Antoine and me on the other. My team after the Element. Applejack's on the Emerald."

"Are me and Sally staying behind this time?" Pinkie asked. Twilight glanced over at Sally, who nodded.

"No Pinkie, you and I are not staying behind. In fact, pack as much as you can, because I'm going to need your help with something big," Sally revealed. "You and I...are going after Nicole."

"Sure that's a good idea, Sally?" Rotor asked. "The last time you did that things didn't go well."

"Yes, I am sure. Last time Eggman took advantage of my desperation and it nearly cost us. This time I'm playing by my rules," Sally said with a devious smile. "And by my rules...I mean no rules. That's why Pinkie's on my team."

"Going to cause a little mischief and chaos, huh? I like it," Pinkie said.

"There is your assignments, everypony. Discord, can you hold this place by yourself?" Twilight asked.

"Feh, like you need to ask," Discord replied.

"Good enough for me," Twilight stated before joining her group. "Antoine, are you alright with being apart from Bunnie? I know that the two of you prefer to work together."

"I trust your judgement, princess. Ma cherie will be fine without me there. I trust her," Antoine replied.

"What about you, princess?" Sonic asked. Twilight flashed him a questioning look. "I know Eggman. And it's been too long since he had you and Spike fight it out. What happens if Eggman or Sombra try the trick they pulled with Big Mac with Spike?"

"Why are you bringing this up?" Twilight asked.

"Because last time we weren't ready and it nearly cost Big Mac his life. If not for Rainbow Dash, we'd be singing a different tune right now. And I will not let that ever happen again," Sonic whispered. "So before we go out there, I want you to tell me that you've got a plan in case they pull that again."

"Don't worry Sonic, I've got a plan," Twilight promised.

"Then I'm all good."

"Now that I think about it, I think this is the first time we've had this configuration for our team," Tails pointed out. "Which is upsetting, because I love going on missions with my Aunt Bunnie. She's the coolest, after all."

"Aw, ya little cutie, ya are just the sweetest."

"I think this is the first time Ja-Applejack and I have been on the same team since all this started too," Rainbow Dash pointed out.

"Well then we need to start making up fer lost time," Applejack replied. She smiled softly at Rainbow Dash while Bunnie giggled slightly, getting Dash to flash her a look while Tails looked between the three in confusion.

"But ya know, ah'm kinda offended, Rainbow Dash," Bunnie began. "All this time ya have been trying to challenge Sonic to races, when ya haven't once tried to race me. Ah may not be as fast as sugarhog on the ground, but ah'm a cut above the rest in the air."

"Oh, is that a challenge?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Here we go."

"Ya bet yer wings it's a challenge," Bunnie replied with a fiery smile on her face. "When this is all over, ah wanna race ya. Because if ya can't beat me, then you will stand no chance against Sonic."

"It's a deal," Rainbow replied. "I'm looking forward to it."

Celestia and Luna entered into the room a moment later and Twilight took a moment to fill them in on the plan. The groups then gathered together so that the former princesses could teleport them out, but Bunnie held back AJ for a moment to talk to her.

"Ah'm glad to hear that yer brother's okay," Bunnie said. "Ah know what it's like to lose yer family to Eggman, so ah'm glad that it didn't happen this time."

"Yeah...ah don't know what ah would have done if he...if he...well, ya know," Applejack said with a sigh.

"Good thing Rainbow thought up that solution so quick. She's something special, isn't she?" Bunnie asked, glancing down at AJ as she said this. "Ah mean, she's fast, strong, brave and couragous, but she's as loyal to ya as sugartwan is to me. It sure is nice knowing that there's someone out there whose always got yer back, no matter how bad things get."

"Yeah...she's...something special, alright," AJ agreed softly.

"Bunnie! Applejack! Are you two coming?" Rainbow asked.

"On our way!" Applejack called out as she raced over. Bunnie followed after her with a smile on her face, with similar memories of her own making her smile grow wider.

Author's Note

"Come on Rotor, it is not that bad, darling."

"I hate it. The writer realized he has too many characters to juggle and so, as always, I get written out of the story."

"It is not like that. He's having us make something amazing in the background that will surely be a huge plot point that leads to the resolution of the story."

"Nope, he's writing us out. We're the two characters he likes the least from either team and he's done with us. Always happens."

"What are you talking about? I am not his least favorite member."

"Really, Rarity? How many stories has he done where you're the main pony?"

"...Author, we need to have a talk."

Pure Agony

"Ah, nothing like a nice, relaxing trip to the beach," Sonic said with a sigh. "The sound of the waves, the feeling of sand under my shoes, the death machine firing missiles at us that would atomize us on impact. Can't you just feel yourself unwinding?"

"I feel my heart trying to punch it's way out of my chest!" Antoine yelled back. He parried a series of strikes from a mantis robot before slashing the beast in half. Two ladybug badniks attacked him from behind, only to be ripped apart by blasts of magic. Twilight rained magical death from above and vaporized every single badnik on the beach, leaving behind only the little animals inside who quickly scurried off.

"I am impressed, ma princess. Your magic is able to destroy the badniks without hurting the animals inside," Antoine noted.

"I've spent some time working on this, but it wasn't until I got a closer look at Big Mac and my brother that I finally figured out how to make the spell work," Twilight revealed.

"Does that mean you will be able to remove ze metal trapping those two?"

"No. Whatever Sombra and Eggman did to them, it's at a deeper level than my magic can reach, at least at the moment," Twilight muttered. Sonic zipped up next to the pair and gave Twilight a look.

"Twilight, I don't mind you destroying the badniks attacking you, but please share some with the rest of us. I was just getting warmed up."

"Sorry Sonic, but I'm in a rush," Twilight replied. "Every second we're out here is another second we're giving to Eggman and Sombra. The sooner we find our missing items, the sooner we can put an end to them."

"And by put an end to them, you mean...?"

"Trap in stone, banish to the sun or moon, atomize on a molecular level. At this point, any of those work for me," Twilight replied.

"You would do zat to your foes?"

"Celestia banished her evil sister to the moon. We trapped Discord in stone. Sombra, we've atomized. Twice."

"Geez, and I thought you guys were the soft and friendly kind."

"We're very friendly. And generally we try to talk things out with our foes or at the very least imprison them. But when you kidnap, brainwash and then try to blow up our family in front of us, we tend to be less...friendly," Twilight revealed. She then looked to the side and narrowed her eyes. "I can sense the Element. Seems that it's mine. Come on, it's this way."

Twilight took to the sky and flew off towards a very long pier that extended into the ocean. Antoine and Sonic watched her go before the pair cast a glance at each other. "Remind me not to get on her bad side," Antoine muttered.

"It's all good. Sombra's the only one she'll use that kind of force against," Sonic said. Antoine didn't answer and Sonic took notice. "Go ahead Twan, I'm all ears."

"Do you think we should let her deal with Eggman?" Antoine asked. Sonic raised an eyebrow in response. "Maybe not ze whole atomizing, but trapping him in ze stone or in ze sun does not seem like such a bad idea, non? He certainly deserves it for all he has done."

Sonic took a moment longer than he liked to ponder that. Then he shook his head. "One thing at a time, Antoine. First, we get the macguffins. Then we free our family and friends. Then we defeat Eggman and Sombra. After that...well, we'll talk about it then."

"Very well. Focus on ze mission," Antoine agreed. Both of them looked over at Fluttershy, who was now surrounded by all of the animals that had been freed by Twilight.

"So, what am I supposed to do with all of them?" Fluttershy asked. "Should...should I go back to base or what?"

"Just bring them with us. They're safer with us then out here by themselves," Sonic suggested. Fluttershy scooped up the animals and placed them in her mane, Sonic amazed they all fit, before she fluttered over to them. "Come on, we need to catch up with Twilight."

Sonic grabbed hold of the both of them before rocketing across the pier, leaving the trail ablaze with his speed. The three caught up with Twilight at the biggest part of the pier, only to find that she was not alone. Standing across the princess...was Eggman, with Shadow, Blaze, Cadence...and Spike, flanking him. Twilight looked ready to kill, but the sight of her sister and little brother stayed her magic for the moment.

"Princess! Sonic! Rest of you. What a nice surprise to see you out here," Robotnik said with a smile. "Trying to relax in the sun and surf, eh? Can't say I blame you, this has been a stressful time for all of us."

"Why are you here, Eggman? Come to work on your tan?" Sonic asked. Then his brain caught up with his mouth and he shuddered at the mental image.

"Eggman, I am going to give you one, and let me make this clear, ONE chance to let our friends go and give yourself up," Twilight said. Her tone was calm, her eyes flashed with fire. "If you do so, then maybe I won't sentence you to spend the rest of your life in the heart of the sun."

"Well, that would even out my tan," Robotnik mused. He then smiled and shook his head at Twilight. "Sorry, but I'll have to decline. I have too much to do. Worlds to conquer. Lives to ruin. Ponies to make suffer. You'd be surprised how busy-"

Sonic was the only one fast enough to notice what happened next. Twilight's horn flashed, a spear of violet magic hurled itself towards Eggman and right before it hit Shadow appeared in front of Eggman and took the hit himself. Yet it was Spike who cried out in pain even as Shadow collapsed to the ground, driving the rage from Twilight's eyes as she and the others looked at Spike in confusion.

"Wow. You were just going to straight up take me out the middle of my monologue…I can see why you're the brains of your group," Robotnik said, smiling wickedly. "But in doing so, you revealed my little party trick earlier than I would have liked. Shame on you."

"What happened to Spike?" Twilight seethed.

"Oh, it's not just Spike. Cadence felt it as well, but she's a bit better at hiding her pain," Robotnik cackled. "See, I've made a few modifications to these machines. Every blow you inflict upon Shadow, Blaze or even me...is felt by them. So say I tell Shadow to punch himself..."

Shadow gave himself a wicked right hook as Eggman said this, causing Cadence and Spike to gasp in pain.

"They all feel it. So now that I've set the rules, princess, what are you going to do next?" Robotnik asked. "Go ahead, attack me. Kill me. Unleash all of that magic you have upon me and fry me to my core. Just know that whatever you or any of your little friends inflict on us will be felt by your family."

"You. Monster!" Twilight growled.

"You say monster. I say mad genius."

"Zis is low, even for you," Antoine snarled. "To use ones family like zis..."

"Oh hey Antoine, didn't know you were here. If you want to go drown yourself now and save me the trouble, I would appreciate that," Robotnik dismissed him. "And then there's that pegasus that's hiding behind Sonic. Wow, have some real winners on your team, don't you?"

"I'm surprised you're feeling so confident, Eggman. Because you know what happens every time you and I tango," Sonic reminded Eggman.

"Oh yes, I am aware. That is why I have some insurances," Robotnik revealed. Sonic started looking around, but Eggman simply chuckled. "It won't be that easy, rodent. Now then, shall we begin your futile effort to defeat me or will you just surrender now and save us all some time?"

"Well Eggman, my answer is-"

Twilight's horn flashed once more and her magic wrapped itself around Shadow, Blaze and Eggman, sealing them in place. Cadence's horn only began to glow before Sonic was on her, sweeping out her legs and dropping the mare to the ground as gently as he could. Twilight then turned her magic towards Spike and used her magic to rip him out of the mech suit, levitating him gently over to her.

"It's okay Spike, I've got you. You're going to be okay now," Twilight promised.

Only for a blade of dark magic to tear her words apart. Twilight screamed in pain as the dark magic imbedded itself in her shoulder, breaking her concentration and getting her to drop Spike. Sonic tried to race to Twilight, only to take a blast himself that nearly knocked him off the pier. Only Antoine was able to deflect the magic cast his way, though the result was him getting hurled into a post and getting knocked for a loop.

"Tsk tsk, princess, did you really think it would be that easy?" Robotnik asked. He snapped his fingers and dark chains wrapped around Twilight, while Sonic managed to avoid them. "My magic may not be on par with yours, but you can't use your full might against me without killing your precious dragon. But go ahead and attack me, princess. I would love to hear more dragon screaming."

"EGGMAN!" Twilight roared. Eggman laughed at her pain, only for that joy to be smacked off his face as Sonic smacked Eggman in the back of his head just hard enough to get his attention.

"Rodent," Robotnik snarled.

"Come on Eggman, share the love. You're spending so much time tormenting the princess that I'm worried that you've forgotten all about me," Sonic said.

"Do not worry rodent, nothing will ever rid me of my hatred for you," Robotnik snarled. "Shadow. Blaze. Cadence. All of you kill Sonic. And know this Sonic, should you try to fight back in any way, I have installed shock collars on all of your friends. You fight, they suffer and Twilight's family will suffer."

"Keeping it interesting for me? Well, I can't say no to a good challenge," Sonic replied. He stared down the three as they approached, starting to formulate a plan, only for the inevitable fight to be halted as a tiny voice called out.

"Um, excuse me?"

All eyes turned towards Fluttershy, who was now standing next to Eggman and looking up at the doctor.

"I'm going to have to ask you to stop this. My friends are getting hurt and you're scaring the animals. So please stop."

"...you're being serious. You're actually asking me, politely, to stop," Robotnik muttered, shaking his head. "Pony, since you have clearly the dumbest creature on your planet, I will spell this out once for you. I am going to kill you. I am going to kill your friends. But only after making them all suffer first. So no, I will not stop because you asked nicely. Now I'm going to use my dark magic to tear you apart. But as I was raised with manners, I will ask that you please stand still."

"So you won't stop? Alright, guess I'll have to stop you," Fluttershy said.

"Really? And, even though it's overused, how will you do that?" Robotnik asked.

"Like this."

Golden light erupted from Fluttershy as her Element roared to life, getting Eggman to roar as his dark magic vanished before the light. Fluttershy hurled her arms to the side and her magical aura encompassed everyone there. Her allies and her allies turned enemies. The darkness was banished, freeing not only Twilight, but Shadow and Blaze dropped to the ground as well, while Spike and Cadence powered down.

Then Fluttershy turned all of her Element's magic, the very essence of kindness upon Eggman. And for the first time in his life, Eggman not only felt kindness and compassion for his foes...he also felt all of the guilt from years of hurting them. For being so cruel. He had to change-No! He was Dr. Robotnik! He was evil! He was-sorry for everything he had ever done...

"Stop this! STOP IT!" Robotnik roared in agony. He fell to his knees, clutching at his heart in pure suffering. His brain told him to destroy Fluttershy, but his heart wouldn't let him. How could he? They had done nothing wrong. He was the evil one. He had to make it up to them, not hurt them. He would never bring himself to hurt the pony, or the princess, or the swordsman or even...even... "METAL! HELP!"

Sonic caught movement and moved Fluttershy out of the way just in time to avoid being crushed by his metal duplicate. Metal fired a laser blast at Fluttershy to force her back before he grabbed the doctor and took to the skies, activating a device that tore open a portal that the pair flew through. For a long moment, everyone just stared at the spot where Eggman had left, before Sonic turned to Fluttershy.

"What was that?" Sonic asked.

"Oh, I used my Elements power to share my kindness with Eggman," Fluttershy said. "I was just trying to get him to stop. I had no idea that it would cause him so much pain or free the others from his grip. I thought that maybe if he could see how much pain he was causing. He might stop."

"Spike! Spike!" Twilight called out off to the side. Sonic looked over to see that Twilight was holding her brother close, while Antoine was checking on the others. He glanced to his other side and noticed the Element they had come to get off atop a crown shaped rock. Then he looked back at Fluttershy, who hid behind her mane.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked.

"Wrong? Fluttershy, you might have just broken Eggman at the very core of his being in a way that he might never recover from as he has to learn to deal with his newfound understanding of morality."

"You might just be my hero."

Author's Note

And some say Eggman's heart grew three sizes that day.

So he had it removed and replaced with a forcefield generator.

Knuckle Down

"So do the Emerald's always appear in the weirdest places or are they doing this just fer us?" Applejack asked.

Before her and the rest of her group was a red emerald (how did that work? she wondered), right out in the open for anypony to take. The issue was that the emerald was surrounded by dozens of rock monsters, a giant, metal centaur, all of the Deadly Six and Knuckles.

"Can't believe they did all this for us," Rainbow Dash said. "They really don't want us getting that emerald, do they?"

"Somethings wrong," Tails muttered. "Why didn't they just take the emerald? They beat us here. Any of them could have grabbed it and brought it back to Sombra, but they didn't. They waited for us. Why?"

"Ah can think of several reasons," Applejack replied. "Maybe they knew if they took the emerald we wouldn't come. Sombra has been adamant about trying to kill us, so he wouldn't pass up a chance like this. He knows we need that emerald, so he's sent his best to protect it and kill as many of us as he can. That be mah guess, at least."

"Not a bad theory," Tails nodded.

"If that's the case, then maybe I should go in alone," Rainbow Dash said. All eyes turned towards her. "If that down there is a trap to lure us in and kill us, then we shouldn't take the bait. I'm the fastest, so I've got the best chance of going in there and grabbing the emerald before any of them can stop us. It's better than risking all of your lives fighting through that."

"Good idea, but it won't work," Bunnie said. "Ah can see a barrier of dark magic around the emerald. Ah also see the same dark magic coming off of Tirek down there. If we want that emerald, odds are we have to take out the big guy to do it. And we'll have to go through all of them to get to him."

"Still want to take em on yerself?" Applejack teased. Then her smile fell when she saw Rainbow Dash seriously consider it. "Oh no, you are not going down there all by yerself. That's too much, even fer ya. We're going with ya. Ah'm going with ya."

"Yeah, but..." Rainbow Dash began, avoiding Applejack's eyes. Bunnie placed a hand on RD's shoulder and smiled at the mare.

"Don't worry. All of us have been here before. We'll win this by working together. So trust in yer friends."

"...alright. Let's do this," Rainbow said. Tails hopped onto Bunnie's shoulders with a smile, while Applejack held out a hoof to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow took it with a smile before grabbing AJ's other hoof. Both pairs took to the air, flying towards the army while Tails talked.

"Rainbow, I want you to use your aerial mobility and speed to control the battle to keep our enemies separated. Don't let them group up and keep them off their feet. Applejack, I want you to handle Knuckles. He's tough, incredibly strong and is able to fight Sonic pretty well. Might want to use your Element."

"On it," Applejack said.

"I'm going to try to use a new gadget to see if I can take down the deadly six. And Bunnie...take Tirek down."

"With pleasure."

Bunnie let go off Tails before rocketing into Tirek, slamming her fist into the centaur's jaw and knocking him clean off his hooves. Tails spun his tails to stay airborne and pulled out a strange device from his bag, flying over the deadly six as he did so. Rainbow dropped Applejack off not to far from Knuckles, both of them watching as he approached.

"You got this," Rainbow said. Applejack opened her mouth to say of course she had it, but then she realized Rainbow wasn't questioning her. She was believing in her. Applejack smiled at Rainbow Dash and winked.

"Yeah. Ah got this," Applejack said. Then she flashed Rainbow a smirk. "Still, wouldn't mind a kiss fer luck."

Rainbow Dash became Crimson Dash once more, getting AJ to giggle. "Maybe later then. Go do what ya do. Ah'll handle this."

Rainbow took off and rocketed towards the army of stone monsters, creating a massive, rainbow tornado that swept them all off their feet. AJ watched her go with a smile before turning her attention back to Knuckles, who brought up his fists. "So yer the heavy hitter of yer team, huh? Well so ah'm ah. Let's rumble. YEEHAW!"

Applejack's eyes blazed with fire as she charged at Knuckles, hurling out a punch. He threw out a punch of his own and their limbs collided, shattering the ground under them. Both were sent skidding back by the blow, with Knuckles being the first to recover. He charged at Applejack and took a couple swings at her head, blows she was able to avoid. She fired back with a hoof buck, only for Knuckles to block the kicks with the back of his fists.

Knuckles swung with both fists and AJ brought up her hooves to catch the punches, gritting her teeth as she did so. For a moment the two struggled against the might of the other, before Knuckles slowly began to push Applejack down. AJ realized what was happening only to smirk up at Knuckles, before rolling onto her back, freeing up her legs and aiming both of those legs at Knuckles face.

Twin hooves connected squarely on Knuckles jaw with a loud crack, getting the echidna staggered back dazed. Knowing she couldn't pass this chance up, Applejack charged towards Knuckles and slammed her forehead into his nose, staggering him even further. She pulled out her lasso and wrapped it around Knuckles wrists, before kicking his legs out from under him and tying his legs to his hands.

"Whew. And that's how ya wrangle an echidna," Applejack chuckled.

Knuckles shook his head and looked down at his entangled limbs, raising an eyebrow. Then, with a flex, he tore through the rope and freed himself. He got back up to his feet, cracked his neck and turned to face AJ once more. This time, though, there was a faint smile on his face.

"Well ain't that interesting," Applejack muttered. Those under Sombra's control never smiled. Could Sombra not completely suppress their personality? Or was Knuckles starting to break free? "Either way, seems like hitting ya is what's causing ya to snap out of it. So come on, let's keep going."

AJ threw two quick jabs followed by a haymaker, only for the first two to be blocked and the last one ducked. She cocked back a punch, but before she could throw it Knuckles lashed out with a punch of his own. AJ only had enough time to register the punch had been through before Knuckles spiked fist slammed into the side of her head, ripping her off her hooves and sending her tumbling back across the dirt.

"That...wow..." AJ barely managed to get out. She staggered back up to her hooves and tried to blink the stars out of her eyes. That was the fastest punch she had ever seen. She had barely been able to register it. Which was concerning, considering that, thanks to so much time with her, AJ could almost track Rainbow at her fastest. Which means Knuckles was either faster, which was unlikely...or was used to fighting fast foes as well.

"So play time is over, huh?" Applejack asked. Knuckles made the bring it motion to answer her question. "Fine, let's dance."

Knuckles took the lead this time. He closed the distance in a blink and had a fist out in half that time. Now that she knew he was quick as well as strong, Applejack was ready this time. She whipped her head out of the way of the punch before following with a gut punch, one that was blocked.

Knuckles went for a massive punch, one that he swung down straight towards her head. AJ leapt back to avoid the impact, watching with wide eyes as Knuckles punch shattered the ground where they had been fighting, sending chunks of stone into the air. He grabbed and hurled these chunks towards Applejack, who buckled down, gritted her teeth and punched each of the chunks out of the air.

He would try to close the distance. Just like she had thought, Knuckles appeared in front of Applejack and wound up another punch aimed at her head. Applejack smirked before she simply tossed her hat at his face. For a moment, Knuckles was stunned. He had dodged punches, kicks, all sorts of attacks. But a hat was a new one. And in the time he spent processing that, Applejack hurled out a kick that caught Knuckles right in the gut. Knuckles doubled over from the impact, giving AJ the opening she needed.

"Bionic..." She slammed her hooves into the ground, tucked in her head and hurled herself head first into Knuckles. "FARM!"

The launching headbutt ripped Knuckles off of his feet and hurled him into the air as the apple missile crashed through him. AJ skidded to a halt on the ground, spun around and leapt into the air, dropkicking Knuckles out of the sky. Knuckles skidded across the ground, on his face, while AJ landed and let out a whoop.

"That's right, don't step up to the best mother bucker around!" Applejack laughed. She then staggered slightly, black spots appearing on her vision. "Woo, that was rougher than ah thought. Which means ah'm really going to have to buckle down. Ya can hear me, right? Might as well get up, ah know that's not enough to put ya down."

A moment later Knuckles got back up, wiping his nose on the back of his hand as he turned to face Applejack. "Yeah, ah'm not surprised. Ya fought Sonic, Eggman and plenty of other monsters. No way that would be enough to take ya down."

AJ then glanced to the side to see how the rest of the battle was going. The stone monsters were completely shattered. Tails and Rainbow Dash were using Tails device to cause the Deadly Six to use their powers on each other, causing all sorts of mayhem. And Bunnie stood alone atop a hill, lifting a beaten Tirek over her head with her metal arm, screaming in victory towards the heavens.

"Ah would love fer this to go on, but looks like it's time to wrap up," Applejack said. She pulled out her Element and wrapped it around her neck. Magical might erupted from her body, getting Knuckles to put up his guard. In the blink of an eye she appeared in front of Knuckles, who hurled a punch at Applejack. She caught the blow with ease, before smiling at Knuckles. "And honestly, aren't ya tired of being controlled by Sombra?"

"...Yeah, I think I am." Applejack smiled as the last of the darkness faded from Knuckle's eyes. The echidna sighed as he stood up straight, cracking his neck and checking his gut. "First of all, ow. Second, you've got a nasty kick. Third, what have I missed?"

"Eggman and Sombra have teamed up, we're getting the Elements and Emeralds to stop them, and then we're going to unleash an ass whooping on them the likes of which they've never seen," AJ summerized.

"Short and to the point. I like it," Knuckles said. He then slammed his fists together and smiled. "So, who get's the honor of being the first to get pulverized?"

"Sorry Knuckles, but ya missed all the fun."

Bunnie, Tails and RD landed next to the group, with Bunnie and Tails smiling at Knuckles. "Glad to have ya back. Ah never realized how tough ya were until we ended up having to fight ya."

"Hey, who goes all out against friends?" Knuckles asked. He then looked over at the aftermath of the battle and sighed. "So I missed all the fun?"

"Yup, but don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from," Bunnie said.

"Glad to hear it," Knuckles said, before looking at Rainbow Dash. "Oh, right. I'm Knuckles. I already fought Applejack, but it's nice to meet you."

Knuckles extended a hand as he said this. Rainbow Dash looked at it for a second before she walked between him and AJ, using her wings to push him back slightly, before putting her wing over Applejack's back. "Rainbow Dash. Fastest in Equestria and Mobius."

"Ha, so you're like Sonic, huh?" Knuckles chuckled. "Seems I've got a lot to catch up on."

"Don't worry, we'll get you all caught up back at the base," Tails said. "Now come on, we're meeting with...our ride over here." Bunnie, Tails and Knuckles started talking as they walked, leaving AJ and RD alone for a moment.

"Told ya ah had it," Applejack said.

"Never doubted you for a second. I knew you would win," Rainbow said. RD looked over Applejack's body, which was once again covered in bruises, cuts and dirt, and a sigh escaped her lips. "Doesn't mean I like seeing you like this."

"Eh, ah've had worse." Applejack shrugged. Then she smiled devilishly at Rainbow. "So since ah didn't get a kiss fer luck, can ah have one fer winning mah fight?"

Rainbow's face went red again, getting Applejack to giggle. Then a softer look spread across Rainbow's face and, faster than almost anypony could register, pecked Applejack on the cheek.

"Good job."

Rainbow took off after the others, leaving Applejack to place a hoof on her cheek, smiling at Rainbow.

"Brave enough to take on an entire army. Barely managed to do that. That's mah Rainbow."

Author's Note

"So what have I missed?"

"Well, our friends were mind controlled and the ponies were roboticized."

"That's never fun."

"We've gathered nearly all the emeralds and Elements."

"Okay, that's better."

"Our worlds have both merged together in a bad way."

"Sounds rough...wait...what happened to Angel Island?"

"It...fell out of the sky. Like, the moment we got here..."

"Great, now I owe Rotor lunch."

Pieces

Both groups arrived back at the Canterlot castle at about the same time. Both team waved towards each other, except for Sonic and Knuckles, who locked eyes immediately.

"Well look who finally shook off the brainwashing," Sonic smirked. "How many blows to the head did it take this time?"

"Oh great, first minute back and this is what I'm greeted with," Knuckles sighed. "Maybe I should have stayed under Sombra's control until I was allowed to pummel you. No one would hold it against me."

Sonic and Knuckles walked up to each other and stared at the other for a moment, before they both smiled and shook hands. "Glad to have you back, Knuckles. Things just haven't been as fun without you."

"Of course they haven't been. You're always running by too fast, missing all the cool things," Knuckles replied. "You need to stop and enjoy a fight every now and then."

"Judging from your face, seems like you've recently enjoyed a fight yourself," Sonic pointed out. "What happen? Bunnie break your face?"

"Nope. Applejack did. Most fun I've had in a while."

"While I'm always glad to see friends reunite, how did the mission go?" Twilight asked the other team. "We recovered my Element and managed to...let's just say drive off Eggman for the time being."

"Drive off?" Bunnie asked.

"It was amazing. Fluttershy used her Element, which is kindness, to make Eggman feel kindness for the first time in his life. Which means he felt guilty about everything he ever did. You should have seen it, the breakdown was amazing," Sonic said.

"Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy," Tails chuckled.

"We secured our emerald," Rainbow said, holding up the gem. "And we managed to free Knuckles. And beat Tirek into the dirt, but that's every other day for us."

"I'm glad we've saved so many of our friends," Twilight stated. Before anypony could ask, Twilight's horn flashed and she summoned those that they had rescued. Shadow, Blaze, Cadence and Spike all appeared floating behind her, all of them out cold. "Fluttershy's Element managed to free them from Sombra's control and it might have freed them from Eggman, but until we know more I'm keeping them...asleep for now."

"So ah was right. Our Elements can undo the effects of the brainwashing. Sombra's power at least," Applejack said. "That's how ah managed to finally free Knuckles."

"I thought it was the missile dropkick to my head that did that?" Knuckles asked.

"Bit of both."

"So we have four Elements and five emeralds. Two more of each," Antoine pointed out. "Which means zat Sombra and Eggman will be stepping up their game to try and stop us. We will have to be ready."

"I'm not so sure about that," Tails said. Everyone turned to look at him. "Sombra and Eggman's forces beat us to the emerald. They could have taken it at any time, but they didn't. They waited for us to get there."

"That's not right," Sonic muttered.

"I thought so too. Applejack suggested that the emerald was bait to draw us in and then kill us, but the longer I've had to think about it, the less I think that's true. Eggman isn't going for the emeralds. At least, they're not his endgame."

"Well we know that Sombra is going after the Elements. He hunted down Rarity to try to take hers," Bunnie pointed out.

"Oui, that was when we first met both her and him. The Element was his concern," Antoine concurred.

"That doesn't add up," Twilight said. "Eggman and Sombra have been practically of one mind this entire time. No backstabbing, no underhanded moves...so why would they differ on this? Why would one of them go for our best weapons and not the other? Eggman is, loathed as I am to admit it, brilliant and he would never pass up a chance to deny us of something that could aid us. So what is his game?"

"We don't know. Eggman is a mad genius. Mad being the keyword," Sonic added. "His mind doesn't work the same way mine or yours does. I wouldn't be surprised if even Sombra doesn't know how Eggman's mind operates."

"I don't see why this is a problem. If Eggman doesn't want the emeralds, that makes it easier for us to get them," Knuckles simply stated.

"Both Knuckles and Sonic are right. We'll keep that information in our back pocket for now about Eggman, but getting the emeralds, as well as the Elements, are still our key concern," Twilight said. She then looked to Knuckles. "Knuckles, was it? I know that you were just freed, but are you ready to get back into the fight? We need all the help we can get."

"I'm always up for a fight. Just point me at who I need to hit," Knuckles said with a smile. Then a thought crossed his mind and he smiled sheepishly. "Um, actually, I do need to check up on Angel Island first. I'm supposed to be it's guardian and considering it's fallen out of the sky..."

"We can take you whenever you want." Celestia and Luna entered the room, waving to everyone there. "Hello, Celestia and Luna here, former rulers of the land and now your taxi service. Just let us know whenever you want to go."

"Thanks!"

"I will take your friends to the medical wing," Celestia said. She took the friends from Twilight and teleported out a moment later.

"Where's Rotor?" Knuckles asked. "I owe him lunch."

"He's working with Rarity, one of the ponies, on a secret project."

"Okay. And Sally?"

"Off with Pinkie. They're looking into getting Nicole back. Eggman has her."

"Oh, that's not good. What about the Chaotix? Rouge? How many more?"

"Haven't heard from any of them. Silver is working with Amy and two more ponies to try to find Eggman and Sombra's base," Tails said. "You know what Knuckles, why don't I come with you and Luna to Angel Island? I can explain things while we're there."

"Please and thank you."

"That's my cue," Luna said. He horn flashed and the three vanished.

"I need to check up on Discord. I'm still worried about him," Fluttershy said. She waved to her friends before flying out of the room.

"I'm going to join Celestia in the medical wing. See if I can help her in freeing our friends," Twilight said.

"I'll come with. Shadow's cranky on his best day, so even freed he might try to start a fight. I'd better be there to be safe," Sonic added. Twilight nodded and teleported both out of the room, just leaving Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Antoine and Bunnie alone in the room.

"Well, now that we are alone," Antoine said before kissing his wife on the cheek. "I am glad to see zat you are unharmed, mi amore."

"Aw sug, ya should know that it would take more than a robotic, giant death centaur who can destroy worlds to stop me," Bunnie giggled.

"Oui, you are right. No force is a match for you," Antoine agreed. "So Applejack, how was fighting ze Knuckles?"

"Ah think ah found mah new sparring partner," Applejack chuckled. "Haven't had a good fight like that in a long time."

"So what's next?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Everypony's off doing their own thing. Anypony here need to check up on family or anything?"

"Mah family's all here in the castle. Figured it was safest," Applejack said.

"Mah family...is long gone," Bunnie said.

"Same. Zey have passed."

"Oh wow, sorry."

"Non, you did not know. Zat is the cost of fighting Eggman sometimes," Antoine bitterly smiled. "So zat is why I hold onto those I love while zey are still here and enjoy every second with them. Ah, how about we go check out zat flying city Rainbow Dash was taking about?"

"Actually, I was just hoping that we could just...take a break...enjoy some time with each other," Rainbow Dash asked. "Like Knuckles said...take it slow."

"That sounds good, actually. Ah could use a break. Especially after that fight," Applejack agreed. "How about we go out to the garden and watch the stars? With our realities merged, even the stars are different now. It's honestly very pretty."

"That...sounds like a swell time," Bunnie agreed. She wrapped her fingers around Antoine's and headed out towards the garden, with Applejack and Rainbow Dash following after them.

"Ya wanting to go slow? Who are ya and what happened to mah Rainbow Dash?" AJ teased.

"Well, it's like Antoine said. About enjoying every second you can with those you...care about. Nothing wrong with that, right?" Rainbow gently placed her wing around Applejack as she said this and pulled her closer, getting the orange mare to smile.

"Yer right, Rainbow. Nothing wrong with that at all."

||==O O==||

"Mental note. Beware of Fluttershy," Sombra muttered.

Robotnik was curled up on a couch, covered in blankets and had a hot water bottle on his head. Metal had dumped him there, while Nicole had ordered his minions to actually help the doctor. Sombra had walked in to find him like this and had only managed to worm the truth out of him after an hour of trying.

"It was the worst moment of my entire life. To feel bad for any of them would be agony enough, but to feel compassion for HIM...I will unleash everything I can upon that bleeding heart mare and make sure she suffers a slow, painful death," Robotnik snarled.

"Well, it seems you're feeling better at least," Sombra said. "Half an hour ago you were upset that you were worrying Metal and that was just hard to listen to. Did you at least manage to scar Twilight for life using Spike like you had planned to?"

"No, that accursed Element threw my entire plan out of balance," Robotnik sighed. "I had them, though. I had them at my mercy. Twilight couldn't hurt me, Antoine was out, and Sonic, for once, was on the back foot. And then that stupid, cowardly...GRAH!"

"I didn't even know the Elements could do that, though," Sombra muttered. "To actually be able to force an emotional state upon another living being...that's something I would do."

"It's worse than that, it's basically free will erasure," Robotnik added. "Imagine getting hit with all six. I'd be puking up lessons about friendship in no time."

"You joke, but that's what they've done to several of our foes," Sombra said. Robotnik motioned for him to continue. "Luna became evil once when she finally had enough of being in her sisters shadow. She was darker, eviler and way hotter than she is now. Celestia banished her to the moon until she figured out how to deal with her. And a thousand years later, she dealt with her by having Twilight and her pukes use the Elements on her."

"How did that go?"

"Turned her into the Luna she is now. Sweet, friendly and, once again, second to her sister," Sombra said with a shake of his head. "Still hot, though. But the worst part about it? None of that was by Luna's choice."

"What do you mean?"

"Luna chose to become Nightmare Moon. She chose to give into evil. When Twilight and her friends used the Elements on her to turn her back...it was forced. The Elements power forced her to become Luna once more by erasing her evil and changing her emotions, similar to what Fluttershy did to you. Luna did not choose to become good again. It was forced upon her. She was stripped of her evil emotions...and her choice."

"That is actually terrifying. I wonder how hard it would be to replicate?" Robotnik muttered, before narrowing his eyes. "But this sounds like the actions of villains, not heroes."

"Harmony is all about balance. Harmony does not care about the individual," Sombra said. "It is one of the most terrifying forces I have ever gone up against. Twilight and her friends say they wield it for good. Good is just a matter of perspective."

"Trying to say that you're the good guy now?"

"My hearts as black as the night and I would slaughter everypony in this nation without a second thought. But it's something I have thought about. By the way, I take it that we should consider Shadow, Blaze, Spike and Cadence lost to us?"

"Might as well. Whatever, they served their purposes," Robotnik said with a shrug. "Knuckles? Tirek? The six?"

"Knuckles is gone. Tirek is being repaired and I blasted the six into the dark world. They are completely useless."

"You're right. That was the best course of action," Robotnik said. "But isn't that the point of pieces on a board? To use and sacrifice them so that the person playing wins the game?"

"You are right. Who cares if we lose some pawns or even a few bigger pieces so long as we win the game? And we will win the game."

"Speaking of, how many pieces do we have left? Who are they?"

"Just villains, mostly. Tirek, Chrysalis, Ixis, Starlight...does she count? Eh. Nicole, I guess. Flurry Heart's around here somewhere. And then of course, our final surprise," Sombra said. He smiled as he said this and Robotnik chuckled in response.

"Of course. Our last surprise. I cannot wait to see how Sonic and his friends react to this," he chuckled. Then he looked down towards a door on the lowest level, one that was more heavily fortified than any other place in the entire base, even more than his or Sombra's room. So reinforced that nothing could get in or out until the time was right. But despite all that, Robotnik was certain that he could hear screaming coming from down there.

And it made him smile wider.

Author's Note

"Oh wait, forgot to include Metal in our lineup."

"Why would you include him? He's useless. Always losing fights and getting trashed. Only reason I keep him around is because he's not as bad as Orbot and Cubout."

"Why do you build incompetent robots?"

"Look, just because I'm a mad genius that wants to rule over everything doesn't mean I don't enjoy some comedy now and then. And let me tell you, these guys are a freaking circus routine when they have to try to figure something out."

"...they still haven't caught Flurry yet, have they?"

"Watching a killing machine constantly get beaten and outsmarted by a filly has been the hardest I've laughed in a long time."

Fading

It was just getting worse.

That was all Discord could think as he looked upon the Chaos Source, watching the crack that was even larger now slowly spread out across the source. He had hoped that by aiding the heroes in fighting back against Sombra and Eggman that their efforts to fix things would fix it, but it seems that, once again, he had made the wrong play. Even he didn't know what would happen if the source broken, but he figured that it wouldn't be good.

"How many times can I be wrong? How many times will I endanger everything I love by making the wrong choice?" Discord asked. He looked at his hand as he said this, summoning as much of his power as he could. He barely managed some sparkles. That was not good.

"What's important isn't that you messed up, what's important is that you keep trying to do better." Discord glanced over his shoulder to see that Fluttershy was walking up to him. "And you're always trying to be better, Discord. It's one of your most admirable traits."

"That and my handsome features, right?" Discord asked.

"I'd say you're more cute than handsome."

"I'll take it." Discord looked at the source again, shaking his head with a sigh. "How did you even get here? I'm a god of chaos and I have trouble getting here."

"You gave me a ticket that will take me to wherever you are, remember? In case I was ever in danger?" Fluttershy reminded him.

"Ah, that's right. Your ticket to crazy town. Population me."

"Are you feeling any better?" Fluttershy asked. Discord didn't answer. "That's what I thought. You haven't been your usual, playful self and are constantly being serious in helping us. You must really be feeling bad."

"It's nothing. I'll be fine," Discord lied. Fluttershy gave him a look. "...okay, things aren't looking great for me. I've got maybe a sliver of my former power left. At this point it takes everything I have to teleport your friends or just find a freaking emerald. After that, I've got nothing. I hate this...this feeling of...uselessness."

"Yup, I hate being useless too," Fluttershy replied.

"Do not say that. You are not useless. You are the kindest, most caring pony that I have ever known in all my many years of being alive," Discord corrected her. "You've saved your world plenty of times over. You even made me see...that there was something worth saving in me. That I was worth something. That's more than my creator ever thought."

"Don't sell yourself short. Your kindness rivals mine," Fluttershy said.

"Feh, you're being nice."

"Discord, you are killing yourself trying to save not only our world, but all the worlds affected by this...crisis? No, that's for another world. Collision? That sounds better," Fluttershy said. "It shows how far you come and how much love is in your heart. You owe none of these beings anything, yet you risk your life every time you cast a spell to save us. All for beings that you will never meet. If I didn't have the Element of Kindness, I bet it would chose you."

"Don't place your bits on foolish bets," Discord replied, though he couldn't stop a smile from spreading across his face. "But maybe you've got a point. I have really been sticking my neck out for these beings, haven't I? Heck, if we pull this off, I think that there's a statue in my future. For all I did to save the worlds."

"Of course. I would gladly recommend a statue for our brave and HUMBLE hero," Fluttershy giggled. Discord smiled at her before sitting down, feeling slightly light headed. Fluttershy walked over and sat next to him, staring up at the crack before resting her head on Discord's shoulder. "But if you need to take a break to gather up your strength, I'm sure we can find another way to find the emeralds. Rotor has a machine that-"

"No. I'm going to help. I won't let this world be taken by darkness...I won't let you be taken by darkness," Discord whispered. "I would rather kill myself fighting than risk losing you."

"Well I'd rather you rest and heal than kill yourself to save us," Fluttershy replied. "Because I would rather live in a miss match of worlds than lose you."

"You would be fine living in such a jumbled mess of a world?" Discord asked.

"I could get used to it. After all, I end up coming to like things that are a jumbled mess," Fluttershy replied, smiling up at Discord. Discord found himself smiling back before shaking his head. "But it won't come to that. We'll save ours worlds. We'll get everything fixed and then we can finally visit that little village on the beach."

"The one that has the turtle sanctuary, right?" Discord asked. "You've thought about working there, right?"

"I would like to. But I don't know if I could be so far from Ponyville and my friends," Fluttershy said. "It's an idea though. And if I did go there...would you come with me? When this is all over?"

"Of course, my dear. When this is all over I promise I will take you there myself. There is no force in the multiverse that could keep me from your side," Discord promised. He then took a moment to breath, feeling far more tired than he had been minutes ago. He looked up to see that the crack was spreading even further, getting him to narrow his eyes. He was running out of time. If they didn't fix this soon...no, he would survive, he promised Fluttershy. And that was a promise worth living for.

She was worth living for.

||==O O==||

Sand blew with enough force that it felt like the bites of insects, ripping through the clothing that Pinkie and Sally had wrapped around themselves to try to defend against the storm. There was no way to tell which way was the right way to go in the sandstorm, unless one had a pink pony with them who had an uncanny ability to tell which way they needed to go. Of course, Pinkie wasn't always the easiest pony to follow.

"Are you sure we're going the right way?" Sally screamed over the storm. She had a hand up to try to shield her face, even though she was already wearing a mask, goggles and a turban that covered her.

"Yup! My Pinkie sense is telling me this way!" Pinkie exclaimed. As she said this she stuck out her limbs in every direction, getting Sally to sigh. Pinkie bounded ahead, seemingly unaffected by the storm while Sally trudged after her, fighting back her desire to second guess herself.

She knew she was taking a big risk coming out here. The desert alone was treacherous enough to cross. To do while sending out a signal that only one being on the planet would be able to track was even riskier. But the place they were going to and who waited within, well...if she had told Sonic the whole plan, he would have never let her gone. Not unless she brought everyone with her.

But she couldn't take them away from the job of saving the world. That came first and there was no one she trusted more than Sonic to get the job done. He would save the world. Which gave her time to try to save Nicole. She had to save her. She was one of her oldest friends...and was closer to her than nearly anyone else. It was her fault she was in this mess. Sally had to save her.

"It's always tough being away from somepony you care about, isn't it?" Pinkie asked. Sally snapped herself out of her thoughts and looked over at Pinkie, who had appeared next to her. "I totally get what you're going through. It's been so long since I've seen my family or the Cakes or Gummie or my coltfriend..."

"Wait, you have a boyfriend?" Sally asked.

"Yup! Cheese Sandwich is his name and he's the greatest party planner in the world!" Pinkie exclaimed. "He's funny, energetic, knows just the right thing to says, holds you close when you're feeling blue...he's the best."

"Huh, didn't expect you to be the type to have a boyfriend. I thought you were more like Sonic. A free spirit," Sally said.

"I thought that to until I met him! And now I don't feel complete unless I'm with him," Pinkie said. Then she cast Sally a kind look and placed a hoof on her shoulder. "But I shouldn't talk about my joy so much. Not with somepony who has suffered quite a bit of heartbreak."

"Heh, is it that obvious?" Sally asked.

"You give off an aura of sadness. You've lost a lot, haven't you?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah...yeah I have," Sally chuckled. Her family, her kingdom, so many friends and allies...Sally shook her head and locked those thoughts away. "That's why we're out here, Pinkie. To make sure that we don't lose anyone else."

"You don't let anything keep you down long, do you?" Pinkie asked. Sally smiled and shook her head. "Hehe, you're pretty cool, Sally. How about when all of this is over and we've saved reality, I throw you and your friends a congrats for defeating Eggman and saving the world party? Because from what you've said, that party is way overdue."

"You know what? If we actually survive this, I'll pick out the cake myself," Sally agreed. Pinkie smiled in delight before her body started shaking like she was in an earthquake.

"We're here!" Pinkie exclaimed. The pony raced forward with such speed that Sally was forced to go into a full sprint to make sure that she didn't lose her in the storm. She almost lost sight of Pinkie only to catch up with the Pinkie pony came to a halt next to two palm trees.

Sally took a moment to catch her breath while looking around. Palm trees stood around in a circle around a large pool of water, what she was willing to wager was the only source of water in the entire desert. And floating in the water was a single large, red canister. She reached into her coat and pulled out a scanner, holding it over the canister and smiling as the device went off.

"We've found it," Sally said. "Now how do we do this?"

"Hey, look what that is!" Pinkie said. Sally looked up to see what Pinkie was pointing at and her eyes went wide. Sitting in the middle of the water was a teal emerald, one which bobbed along the waters surface. "Well how about that? About time something finally went right for us."

"An emerald as well? Okay, now I'm worried," Sally said.

"Why's that?"

"Because normally when something starts to go this well for us it means that-"

An explosion went off right next to Sally and Pinkie, hurling them across the sand. Sally grunted as she shook her head, looking up to see Metal Sonic floating in the sky above them, his red eyes locked onto Sally. And on his shoulder was Nicole, her holo eyes glaring down at Sally.

"Nicole," Sally whispered.

"How interesting. It seems that the princess herself was the source of the strange signal that drew our attention," Nicole stated. "And it seems that she is alone with only Pinkie as her only protection. What a stroke of good fortune for us."

"Yes, now we can finally be rid of the princess," Metal agreed. He slammed into the ground and began to walk towards Sally, extending the claws on his hands.

"I failed you before Nicole, but this time, I'm going to save you. I promise," Sally whispered. She then pulled out her control console and aimed it at the container in the water. "Master control engaged. Signal locked. Power on and reactivate!"

She pressed a button on the device as she did this...only for nothing to happen. Metal looked from her to the container before resuming his stalk towards her. She mashed the button a few more times before groaning.

"So Sally, you have a plan B?" Pinkie asked.

"Fine then," Sally snarled. She tore off her turban, conjured her blades and glared down the metal threat. "I guess I'll just have to rip Nicole out of your body."

Author's Note

"Metal, where are we going?"

"An unknown signal has been activated. Must find it."

"But Dr. Robotnik just ordered you to begin preparations for the final phase. Why are you not doing that?"

"It is irrelevant."

"Irrelevant? Robotnik's entire plan hinges on this phase? If we don't do our part, the whole thing could come apart and Sonic would win!"

"It will regardless."

"What? No, I've seen the plan, it's perfect. It would never fail."

"You are new. You will learn with time."

KILL. CRUSH. DESTROY.

Sparks flew from Sally's blades as she slashed them across Metal's chest, getting the machine to pause for a second before it lashed out and grabbed her by the face. He clenched his fist to crush her face, only for reality to...glitch and Sally was no longer in his grasp. Instead, she had been replaced with something called a "Party bomb".

"What the-?"

The bomb exploded, knocking Metal back while covering his entire body in taffy, soda and glitter. The taffy gummed up his limbs, the soda began to short him out and the glitter made him look amazing.

"So I know that you're our mortal enemy and that you've tried to kill us a few times, but still, gotta ask, do you like parties?" Pinkie asked. Metal snapped a glance at her while trying to free himself, snarling as he saw that Sally was closing in for an attack. "Because I was thinking about it and since you don't eat or drink or really do any of that stuff, what would you do at a party? Do you still dance? What's your favorite dance?"

"Activating barrier."

"Don't know that one."

Energy erupted around Metal with enough force to throw Pinkie back and halt Sally's advance. A black prism of energy surrounded Metal, burning off the party supplies and allowing him to move once more.

"Behind you," Nicole stated.

Metal whipped around and kicked Pinkie out of the air, sending her bouncing away while making squeaking sounds. Metal turned his gaze back to Sally just in time to grab one of her blades out of the air.

"Release Nicole or else," Sally snarled.

"No."

Metal lashed out with a kick and knocked Sally back. Sally hit the ground, rolled up and transformed her swords into a pair of blasters, opening fire upon Metal. With ease he dodged the blasts before rocketing towards Sally, slashing at her with his claws. Her guns became a shield barely in time to deflect the slash, yet to her shock his claws gouged out a chunk of her hard light shield.

"You are dead," Metal promised. "Even with Sonic, you stand little chance. Without him, this is over."

"I guess you're right. This is going to be over quickly, with barely any VIOLENCE or BLOODSHED!" Sally screamed. "Geez, I'd sure hate if someone missed all this DESTRUCTION!"

"Are you malfunctioning? Why do you keep talking like this?" Metal asked.

"DEATH! DESTRUCTION! Wake up, damn you!" Sally screamed.

"It seems that she has finally snapped," Nicole stated to Metal. "It was bound to happen after all that she's been through. Killing her now will be a mercy."

"Feh, mercy. Mercy is for the weak," Metal snarled. He punched a hole through Sally's shield and grabbed her by the throat. "All shall die."

"Agreed."

Lasers, missiles and gunfire ripped into Metal, tearing his grasp from Sally. Metal activated his barrier once more to buy himself a moment against the onslaught of weapon fire and to see who was attacking him.

It was a robot with a red body, yellow and very flat head, two red eyes...and enough firepower to sink an island.

"E-123 Omega. You have reactivated," Metal snarled.

"Affirmative. I am awake. And the slaughter shall commence," Omega replied. Even more guns came out of his body and he unleashed all of his firepower upon Metal, who took to the skies while weaving to avoid the hellfire that was raining down upon him.

"Omega, thank goodness you're finally awake," Sally sighed in relief. "I need your help. Metal Sonic has Nicole trapped and brainwashed."

"And?"

"And?! And we need to get her back! I need your help! She's apart of his body right now, uploaded to his A.I.!" Sally explained.

"So when I kill him I will get two kills instead of one. This is most promising!" Omega exclaimed.

"No! No you stupid crime against trashcans! We have to save her! I need you to hack into Metal and free Nicole from his grasps!"

"Does not compute. Destroying Nicole will free her from Metal. And free Metal from existence," Omega replied.

"I'm about to remove your head from your body!"

"Watch out!"

Pinkie tackled Sally out of the way as Metal Sonic slammed into Omega, grabbing him by one of his legs and slamming him back and forth into the ground. Omega continued to fire into Metal's face regardless, to which Metal responded by grabbing Omega's right arm and tearing it off of his body. Sally fired on Metal's back and staggered him just long enough for Pinkie to free Omega from Metal's grasp.

"Hmm, ability to annihilate target reduced by fifty percent. New tactic may be recommended," Omega stated. Then he moved his head to see Pinkie smiling at him. "Visual sensors damaged. Smiling pony does not compute."

"Hey there! I'm Pinkie! Who are you?" Pinkie asked. Omega's response was to try to aim his remaining gun at her. "Well, I'm Pinkie! I think I heard Metal say your name was Omega, so I'm going to call you that! Hi, I'm your new friend."

"You are not my friend. You are another target. And once I am done with Metal, I will deal with you," Omega promised.

"Not good at making friends, huh? That's okay, everyone goes about their own way at making friends," Pinkie said. A scream grabbed their attention and they turned to see Sally laying beaten on the ground, with Metal standing over her. "But right now, I need you to help my friend. And you can't do that in the state you're in. So let me help you out."

Pinkie pulled out her party cannon and attached it to the missing stump that was Omega's right arm. Omega looked at the cannon for a moment before moving it a few times. Then he fired it at Metal Sonic and caught the metal hedgehog in the back of the head with an anvil. Omega nodded in approval as he got up before turning to Pinkie.

"New parameters accepted. Target Pinkie Pie is now friend. Metal Sonic...is dead."

Omega rocketed towards Metal, who had just gotten back up to his feet. The two robots collided with enough force to kick up a new sandstorm. Metal slashed across Omega's face and tore out one of his eyes, while Omega activated an energy blade that he used to cleave off one of Metal's legs.

Metal grabbed Omega's head and began to tear it off, only for two more blades to dig themselves into his rocket port. Metal glanced over his shoulder to see that, somehow, Sally was back up and fighting.

"Enough. Nicole, activate barrier."

"...error. The barrier mechanism...is gone."

"What?"

"Oh I'm sorry, is that was this is?" Pinkie asked. Despite having a robot and a princess ripping him apart, Metal managed to look over to see Pinkie off to the side. And in her hooves was the device that created his barrier. "I thought it was what Eggman was using to control you. Sorry, I'll put it back when we put you back together."

"This...This is..." Metal couldn't comprehend what was happening. He was being ripped apart, his barrier had been stolen and somehow there was still glitter in his visual sensors. That was no longer a problem when Omega changed his gun to a claw and slammed his fingers through Metals head and into his A.I. core.

"Beginning download," Omega stated. Metal shuddered as he felt his very self being ripped out of his own body, out of Eggman's systems. He tried to resist, but this time Sally rammed her own device into the back of his head and activated the scrambler Tails had installed on it. That was enough to finally force Metal to his knees, unable to move as his entire being, as well as Nicole, was downloaded into Omega. Finally, Omega ripped his hand out of Metal's head and Metal's body collapsed to the ground.

"Download complete. Nicole and Metal Sonic are secure," Omega said. Then his one good eye turned red. "Beginning deletion process."

"Don't you dare," Sally snarled. She limped over to Omega, grabbed his hand and placed her device on it. She began to scan Nicole's consciousness on Omega, sighing with pain when she saw how small Nicole's file was compared to what it had once been. "What did they do to you?"

"Shattered her consciousness and rebuilt it as their own personal slave," Omega replied. Sally flashed him a look. "You asked. I answered. You plan to save Nicole, so what should I do with Metal?"

"Do what you want with him," Sally spat.

"Metal, prepare for termination."

'Fine. Nothing you do to me could be worse than being stuck with you.'

"...new plan. Metal shall be trapped within me, forced to watch as I destroy Eggman," Omega said to Sally.

"I don't care. We need to get Nicole out of you and fixed."

"Well congrats Omega! You went from no friends to three friends within the span of a few minutes," Pinkie said. "And as a sign of our new friendship, you can keep the party cannon! It's, uh, a lot less violent that your other weapons."

"I shall keep it. The element of surprise is a dangerous weapon and this cannon is full of surprises," Omega agreed.

"We need to head back to Canterlot," Sally interrupted. Her eyes were glued to her device, checking Nicole's condition "Nicole's in worse shape than I thought and I don't have the tools out here to fix her. Pinkie, can you use your...abilities...to get us back?"

"Silly Sally, that's not how it works. Come on, if we leave now we should make it back in a few chapters," Pinkie sang, tossing the teal emerald into her mane.

"I was afraid she would say that."

||==O O==||

"Well this can't be right," Robotnik muttered.

"What's the matter now? Flurry Heart toss Orbot into one of the engines again?" Sombra asked.

"No, it's Metal. He's...gone completely offline," Robotnik said.

"So he got trashed?"

"No, whenever Metal get's destroyed, his A.I. gets uploaded back to my mainframe. Yet this time he didn't. How did they pull that off? Only someone with intimate knowledge of my systems would be able to cut him off like this..."

"Robotnik, does it matter?" Sombra asked. "We've lost plenty of henchmen during this battle. What's one more?"

"Sigh, you're right, but Metal was one of my first. There's some sentimental value in him," Robotnik said, before he shrugged. "Eh, you're right. We're too close to our goal now for me to care about losing another robot."

"Besides, once we're the gods of our worlds, you can rebuild him and a dozen others just like him," Sombra pointed out.

"Rebuild him? That Metal has been due for an upgrade for a long time," Robotnik stated. "Nicole, what's the progress of the Magnum Opus?"

"Fifty percent completion. Production is still on schedule," Nicole replied. "Also, you should be informed that what little information the Nicole with Metal sent said that Sally found another Emerald."

"What are the odds?" Sombra asked.

"The odds are-"

"That's enough. Get back to monitoring the progress of the Opus," Robotnik ordered. Nicole bowed and vanished, leaving Robotnik to ponder. "It's almost too easy. The emeralds and the Elements are practically falling into their laps at this point. That might complicate things, especially if they begin to wonder..."

"Then we need to find the next set and make a really good show of it," Sombra replied. "Got anything special that you've been saving for a moment like this?"

"Well, I don't like to brag, but..." Robotnik pressed a button on his wrist and a giant, robotic phoenix shot out of their base and rocketed through a brightly dark portal. "I was going to save that for the moment that Sonic thought he had me beaten once and for all, then, like the bird, I would rise up to crush him. I like to theme my machines to what's going on in my life. Adds to the fun."

"Of course, the best villains are all about presentation, after all," Sombra agreed. "Then I guess I'd better make a good show of it too. Sadly losing Spike means that I can't use him against Twilight, but oh well. Maybe Starlight can get the job done. Mind if I use what we got left?"

"Go ahead. They're all worthless at this point anyway."

"At this point. Robotnik, they were always worthless."

||==O O==||

"Did you see that?"

"You mean the giant, metal phoenix that just erupted out of a portal of both darkness and light? Yeah, I saw that."

"Good. Glad that I wasn't the only one. Amy, can you track where it came from?"

"...yeah, I've got a location. Which means it's time to let Sonic know...we've got them."

Author's Note

"So, since you and Metal are stuck together now, you should try to find some common ground. What interests do the two of you have."

"There is nothing I could have in common with a malfunctioning reject."

"Error, nothing compatible with Eggman's lackey."

"I will tear you apart and use what's left of you to make a paperweight."

"Response: you lose every fight you are apart of and this will be no different."

"Aw, see, you two do have something in common."

"And what is that?"

"Your love of violence."

Called Out

"Jeez, what did Eggman did to you, Nicole?" Tails muttered.

"Can you fix her?" Sally asked.

"I can fix this fragment so that she can function once more. She's missing a lot of data."

Tails sighed as he started a backup program for Nicole that had been saved away on the Sky Patrol, hoping that it would be enough to at least jog her memory. Sally paced behind the fox, hands clasped behind her back as she walked. Pinkie watched Tails work, having no idea what was going on but was fascinated none the less.

"At least you got a part of her back. And, judging from what I'm seeing here, you got one of the large fragments of Nicole," Tails pointed out.

"I figured that Robotnik would either keep the largest fragment for himself or give her to Metal. And seeing that he didn't have a fragment with him when he trapped us at that warehouse of his, I assumed that he gave her to Metal. Seems I was right."

"You're pretty good at this whole thinking and planning thing," Pinkie said, fiddling with her Element.

"For how long I've been doing it, I better be good at it," Sally replied. Then she did a double take and locked eyes onto the Element. "W-when did you get that?"

"Oh, Sticks found it for me," Pinkie said. "She was upset about not having a role in the story so I asked her if she wanted to find my Element. It took her a while, having to dodge the author and make sure she didn't get found out, but she eventually got it to me. She says that she's not going to risk trying to get another one, though."

"While I have no idea what you just said, all I need to know is that we've got one more Element," Sally said. "That means we've got one more Element and one more emerald to find. We're almost there."

"Yup! Oh yeah, how was Angel Island, Tails?"

"How do you know we went to Angel Island?"

"Tails, it's me."

"Right. Place looks bad, Knuckles flipped and right now he's trying to fix the place up," Tails replied.

"Think he'll need any help?" Sally asked.

"Nah, Knuckles is really protective of that island. He'll want to do the repairs himself."

A blur of blue zipped into the room, ending the conversation with the arrival of Sonic. "Yo Sal, Amy and the others are back. You're going to want to hear what they have to say."

"On my way," Sally nodded. "Tails, can you please stay here and keep working on Nicole?"

"That's the plan."

"Alright, I'll get you up to speed once I find out what's going on," Sonic said. Then he spied the Element around Pinkie's neck and smiled. "Do I want to know how you got that?"

"Sticks gave it to me!"

"Fine with me. Come on, let's go."

The three were in the war room in the blink of an eye, finding all of their friends there as well as Celestia, Luna and Discord. Amy, Silver, Big Mac and Shining were all gathered around the table on the map, with one location marked with a knife. "Thanks for getting everyone together so quickly, Sonic."

"It's what I do."

"We've found them," Silver said. "Or, at least, where the portal to their base is used most often. A portal to their dimension."

"They're in another dimension. Argh, I should have guessed," Twilight sighed.

"It was practically impossible to find. If we hadn't seen the Egg Phoenix fly out of the portal we never would have known that it was there," Amy admitted. "But once we did know where it was, it made finding where the base was hidden a lot easier."

"We have a general location," Shining added. "But none of us were equipped to open portals to another reality. There was also the issue that Eggman and Sombra's forces would quickly overwhelm us if we did." Big Mac nodded in agreement.

"That's fine, you guys did your part. Now it's time for the heroes to come in and clean up," Rainbow Dash bragged.

"Aren't ya fergetting that we're still missing an emerald and two-"

"I've got mine now!"

"-missing an Element of Harmony? Yours, unless ah'm mistaken," Applejack pointed out.

"What can I say? They saved the best for last."

"Applejack is right. Even though we've managed to save most of our friends from Sombra and Eggman's clutches, I still don't want to face them until we've got all of our items back," Sally said. "Speaking of our friends, how is everyone you recovered from Eggman the other day?"

"Spike and Cadence are awake, but they can't talk yet. Blaze and Shadow still haven't woken up, but they seem fine," Twilight replied. Shining Armor tore past Twilight and headed for the infirmary, with Silver not too far behind him. "Oh yeah, forgot to tell them. Jeez, I've been out of it. This stress is going to kill me."

"Wait until you get to our age," Celestia chuckled.

"So we've got one of each left. And then...we finally end this," Sonic said. Everyone looked at the spot on the map where Silver had marked. "We storm their base, take down whatever end of the world weapon they've got, because come on, and then...we deal with them." Sonic and Antoine shared a look as he said this.

"Have the three of you found anything?" Antoine asked.

"At the moment, no. Despite our best efforts, Rainbow's Element remains hidden," Celestia said, shaking her head.

"Maybe we should have Applejack call for it. I'd wager it would appear then," Luna teased.

"I haven't found the last emerald either," Discord shook his head. "Whether it's my own, failing powers or the fact that it's just far better hidden, I have no idea."

"That's odd. Normally you'd at least have some idea where it is," Fluttershy muttered. "Why is this one different?"

"That would be our fault."

A swirl of darkness erupted in the middle of the table and two figures made of darkness towered over the heroes, blotting out the light with their darkness.

"Sombra!"

"Eggman!"

"Sonic! Twilight! We can yell your names too," Robotnik said.

"What do you want?" Celestia snarled.

"We heard you were having trouble locating the last of your precious little super weapons, so we thought we'd do the neighborly thing and help you out," Sombra cackled. He lifted a dark hoof to reveal a neckless with a thunderbolt in it. "Like this little one here. I think it's Rainbow's, but it's so subtle that I'm not sure. It could be any of yours."

"As for your missing emerald, allow me. Tada," Robotnik said. He lifted the last emerald, a violet one, and held it aloft. "I know that you've got some, but the complete set is just so much better, wouldn't you agree?"

"What's your angle?" Sonic asked. "You've ignored the emeralds up until now, so why take this one?"

"Why? My dear rodent, isn't it obvious? We've been giving you a chance," Robotnik laughed.

"We knew that you were all so horribly outclassed that we could have crushed you at any time. But instead, we wanted to give you a fighting chance. So we decided to let gather five and six of the magical artifacts that you would need to defeat us, only to completely crush you when you had gotten so close," Sombra added.

"Letting us? We've whooped yer rears every time we've crossed paths!" Bunnie called them out.

"You've won some battles. It accomplished nothing," Robotnik brushed her off. "But this will be the ultimate battle. For all the marbles. All of you against us at our best. And just in case your brains finally decided to work for once and you're feeling cautious..."

Robotnik raised a hand and pulled a chained up Rouge into view. As he did this, Starlight Glimmer appeared next to Sombra.

"Seems that a little bat tried to break into our base. Pity that she's not as good as she thought," Robotnik cackled. "She may be a scoundrel and a thief, but I'm pretty sure one of you there cares about her. So come and get her."

"I've got nothing clever for mine, it's Starlight. Either ya care about her or you don't," Sombra said with a shrug.

"The hostage weren't necessary, Eggman. We would have come to kick your butt regardless," Sonic said.

"Perhaps, but I just wanted to let you know the stakes for this game of ours," Robotnik said with a smile. "I am in the ruins of the old kingdom, a place where we nearly destroyed the world. I'm waiting, hedgehog."

"And I will be in the place that you all know well. A place where your adventure first started. Everfree Forest," Sombra added. "Send as many of you as you like. It won't matter in the end. But please, do bring everything you've got. I'd hate for our final battle to be a boring one."

"You're going to regret this. Both of you are," Twilight growled. "We will do everything in our power to stop you."

"Oh, we're counting on it."

The two vanished back into the darkness, leaving the group to take in everything they had just learned. Two more of their friends were being held hostage, Eggman and Sombra had the last two items they needed, and they had plenty of time to set up a trap before hand. Things were lookin grim.

So of course Knuckles would pick that moment to return.

"Hey guys, so clean up on Angel Island is going well, and..." He stopped talking when he saw the looks on everyone's faces, getting him to sigh as he crossed his arms. "I missed something big again, didn't I?"

||==O O==||

"You all know the situation. You all know who we're up against. So I'm going to skip the pep talk and get right into how we're going to deal with this," Sally said. "Two teams. As many of us as we can fit. Eggman and Sombra are the last two obstacles to finally bringing an end to this mashup nightmare and I want to make sure that nothing goes wrong that we can't deal with."

"Here is the first team against Eggman. Sonic, Rainbow Dash, Knuckles, Fluttershy, me, Pinkie, and Bunnie. According to Silver, he's using the Egg Phoenix, which means having a good number of fliers is recommended as well as Sonic. Pinkie is there to confuse him and Fluttershy should get him to mess up at just the sight of him."

"Makes sense," Fluttershy nodded.

"Team for Sombra. Twilight, Antoine, Applejack, Tails, Silver, Celestia and Luna. The three Alicorns, Antoine and Applejack all have experience with handing Sombra his rear, while Tails can hack into any machinery he tries to bring. And Silver for some TK support. He's still new with machines and Tails can take advantage of this. With these teams, we can shut down anything he tries."

"Old timer that doesn't know how to work computers. Got it," Tails chuckled.

"Finally, Omega, Shining, Big Mac, Amy and Discord will be back here to keep the rest of our friends safe. Any questions?"

No one said anything, getting Sally to smirk.

"Alright then. Group up and get ready to roll out."

"Hey, Optimus says that too!"

||==O O==||

"Heh, these teams seem pretty perfect. Our villains won't know what hit them," Bunnie said.

"Oui, but we must not be cocky. These two have zere backs to ze wall, and zat is when they are ze most dangerous," Antoine pointed out. "Be safe, ma cheri."

"Always am."

"It has been a while since we last went into the field with you," Celestia said. "Do not worry, we may not be rulers anymore, but we are still two of the strongest magic wielders in the land. We will more than carry our weight...and don't you dare make a comment, sister."

"All I was going to say is that with three Alicorns together, our victory is all but certain. With all of us together, I am certain we will win," Luna added.

"I am happy to be working with you once more. I'm kinda glad to not be the only princess for a mission this big," Twilight sheepishly admitted.

"I'm just glad to finally be able to get some payback," Silver growled.

"You and me both," Tails agreed.

"You and I, finally together on a team," Sonic said. "I would say that this would signal the end of the world, but Eggman has an emerald and Sombra has an Element, so this basically is the end of the world."

"It's not the first time and it probably won't be the last. So let's focus on saving the world safe and then I can prove to you that I'm the fastest in both worlds," Rainbow replied.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Hey, can I try racing you two?" Pinkie asked.

"No," they both said together.

"Will you be fine without me?" Discord asked Fluttershy. "After what you did to him, Eggman is going to have it out for you."

"I'll be fine. I have Sonic and Rainbow Dash both there, along with all my other friends. He'll be too busy getting smacked around by them to worry about me," Fluttershy promised.

"I hope that you're right."

"We'll get her back, Knuckles, I promise," Sally said.

"I'm not worried. Rouge is tough. It'll take more than Eggman to stop her," Knuckles said. Then he lowered his head and sighed. "I'm just worried about who we might lose to get her back."

"We won't lose anyone, trust me," Sally replied. "Alright, time to head out. Every one ready?!"

The heroes grouped up with their team and prepared to be teleported, leaving only a moment for any last goodbye's.

"See you after this," Rainbow said to Applejack.

"Don't worry, ah'll have yer Element when ya get back," AJ replied with a wink.

"Lead well," Twilight said to Sally.

"You too," Sally replied.

"Keep them safe, Sonic," Tails said.

"Keep their heads on straight, little bro," Sonic waved.

And then, in a flash of light, the two teams headed off towards their greatest battle.

Author's Note

"Blaze!"

"Silver!"

"Cadence!"

"Shining!"

"Spike!"

"Twilight!"

Shadow looked around, before lowering his head with a sigh.

"Shadow..."

For All the Artifacts

"Do you recognize this place, Sonic?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"No, but there is a sense like...I've been here before," Sonic muttered.

The group landed in what had once been a mighty kingdom, but now was run down and completely in ruin. A massive, crumbling castle loomed over the land while a dried up canal ran through the center of the kingdom. Sonic and Knuckles both had a feeling that they had been there before, while for Sally and Bunnie this was a new place. The ponies just looked at the place with amazement.

"It doesn't matter what this place is. All that matter is stopping Eggman," Sally said. That put the group back on task. "So where is he? He's never one to have some grandiose entrance that-"

"MOVE!" both Sonic and Rainbow yelled.

Beams of energy bombarded down upon the group, annihilating the entire area they were standing. Sonic And Rainbow were fast enough to grab hold of Fluttershy, Pinkie, Sally and Knuckles to get them out of the way of the blasts, while Bunnie created an energy shield to protect herself. The speedsters came to a stop a ways away and kept their eyes on the sky, where Eggman's phoenix descended from the heavens in a dark blaze.

"Took you long enough," Robotnik said.

"What the heck was that, Eggman? Trying to dust us without so much as a hello?" Sonic asked.

"That is to show you how serious I am about this, rodent," Robotnik replied. Missiles launched out of the phoenix's wing and honed in on the group, forcing them to act. Sonic and Rainbow hurled themselves at the missiles, knocking out a couple of them. Bunnie and Sally went back to back and started shooting the remaining ones out of the air. Knuckles grabbed one and was taken to the sky, flying away with his missile into the distance. Pinkie and Fluttershy just watched, knowing that this wasn't their moment.

The phoenix's beak opened to unleash another blast of pure energy, one that tore apart the kingdom as it tried to erase Sonic and Rainbow Dash from existence.

"Why do you even bother, Eggman?" Sonic asked. He rolled into a ball and kicked up his speed, easily dodging the laser. "We've been here before. Like, literally. The same machine and everything. And it got destroyed, I took the emerald and then we went on to beat you. Shouldn't a genius learn from his mistakes?"

"My only mistake is that I let your precious little rebellion go on longer than I should have," Robotnik snarled in reply. A barrier of fire erupted around the phoenix, getting RD to change course to avoid becoming a roasted chicken. "But heaven knows I needed something to distract me after I so easily conquered your world. And then, when I felt like it, I destroyed Knothole, then your kingdom, then your whole city made of nanites. Noticing a pattern, hedgehog?"

"Yup. Every time you think you've won, we show up, stomp you into the ground, and send your kicked butt running back to think up a new scheme," Sonic replied. "It doesn't matter how many times you beat us down, Egghead. We always get back up and keep fighting, no matter what."

"You are right about that. Defeating you physically, unless I kill you, seems to be meaningless," Robotnik agreed. He aimed his beak towards Sally and fired another beam of pure energy, only to sigh when he saw it get blocked by Bunnie's shield. A rainbow kick to the side of the phoenix's head put an end to its beam attack, getting Eggman to turn his attention to Rainbow Dash.

"And here I thought that no other speedster could be as annoying as Sonic, yet once again the universe feels the need to prove me wrong," Robotnik snarled. Rainbow motioned for him to bring it before rocketing off, the phoenix in hot pursuit. Missiles, lasers and fire all rained on RD, but with ease she avoided each and every attack.

"So is this really your best?" Rainbow asked. She came to a sudden stop and watched as the phoenix rocketed past, before she gave chase and slammed her hooves into one of its wings. A few more stomps got smoke to start coming out of one of the engines. "Because this is some pretty shoddy workmanship."

"Mock all you want. You will not win this time," Robotnik promised. Faster than she thought possible, the Egg Phoenix turned towards Rainbow and prepared to fire, only for its head to be snapped sideways once more by a robot kick.

"Ya don't get it, do ya Eggman? We've already won," Bunnie stated. Eggman gave her a confused look before she pointed down at the ground. Eggman looked down to see that, somehow, Pinkie was helping Sally to get the chains off of Rouge. Eggman snapped his head behind him to see that, indeed, Rouge was gone. 'Ya have no hostage. Ya have no backup. And ya have no hope!"

"Pinkie. Of course," Robotnik muttered. "She is hard to plan for."

Bunnie grabbed hold of one of the phoenix wings as she said this, before winking at Rainbow Dash. "Come on Rainbow, ah heard it used to be a tradition to pull a wishbone in half and to make a wish. It should still work with this giant turkey."

Rainbow laughed as she grabbed the other wing. Bunnie and Rainbow pulled with all their might, fueled by their thrusters and wings. Sirens went off in the cockpit of the bird, getting Eggman to sigh as he stood up and started to head for the back.

With one last, massive pull, the phoenix's wings were ripped off. The metal bird plummeted to the ground, crashing into the kingdom square and exploding into an even bigger ball of fire. Bunnie and Rainbow landed down next to the rest of their friends, who were watching the fire burn.

"Darn, and I didn't bring any marshmallows," Sonic sighed. "Oh well. Any one got any scary stories to tell before we put out the campfire?"

"Do...do you think that killed him?" Fluttershy asked.

"No chance in hell," Sally shook her head. "Eggman has survived far worse than that."

"Yeah, not to mention his robot was a phoenix. And ah assume ya'll know what a phoenix does when it burns up?"

"You are asking too much of them. It, just like me, always rises up from the ashes."

A machine walked out of the blazing inferno, a machine that got Sally to gasp while Sonic narrowed his eyes. It was shaped kind of like Eggman, but had a massive ball and chain on one arm, with a shield on the other. But what spooked the ponies was the way the freedom fighters glared at the robot, with both anger...and hints of fear.

"Surprise, rodent. Remember this one?"

||==O O==||

"Alright team, stay alert," Twilight said. "Sombra is the master of darkness and the Everfree Forest has plenty of shadows for him to hide in. Keep your eyes open and-"

"Ten to one he's in our old castle," Luna said, pointing at the castle

"What? No, even he's not that arrogant. He'd want to fight us in the forest where-"

"Scanners are picking up a signal. He's in the castle," Tails confirmed.

"But...but..."

"It's okay Twilight, as you get older you will start to have a instinct for this kind of thing," Celestia comforted her.

"Whatever, let's just get in there."

The group entered into the run down castle, noting that the bridge was fixed for them, and entered into the castle. To the surprise of none of them, they found Sombra sitting on a throne, swirling darkness around his hoof.

"Ah, welcome. So you finally decided to show up, huh?" Sombra asked. "Took a bit longer than I thought. Guess you don't care about Starlight that much, do you? Don't blame you, she really was just shoehorned into your group and never really fit in."

"Where is she?" Twilight asked.

"Right here." Sombra's horn glowed and Starlight appeared next to the ponies, confusing them. "Surprised that I'd give her up so easily? Don't be. She was bait and nothing more. She can't beat you in a fight, let alone three alicorns, and I don't hate her enough to destroy her, so you can have her instead."

"Since when do you pass up the chance to kill somepony?" Applejack asked. Sombra didn't answer, but instead smiled at Applejack.

"You know, I am surprised you keep coming to these battles. Every time you do, you nearly lose somepony you care about," Sombra chuckled. "First it was Big Mac, then it was Rainbow Dash..."

"What are ya implying?"

"Just point out a trend," Sombra replied. His smile nearly split his face as he rose off of his throne, glaring down at the gathered heroes. "But enough pleasentries. I cannot tell you how much I have been looking forward to this. To not only get the chance to kill you rainbow pukes, but also the former princesses, Sonic's little worshipper and the cowardly coyote. And...oh hey Silver, you're here too?"

"Sombra, you are going to-"

"Yeah yeah, pay for what I did to you, the person you love, yada yada. You want revenge, well get in line. I've got the first crack at revenge when I finally kill the princesses," Sombra promised.

"You can't win, Sombra, even with your robotic enhancements," Celestia promised. "We've beaten you before, we can do it again."

"And considering you've been beaten at least once by nearly everypony here, you should be concerned," Luna added. "Now while Silver hasn't beaten you, we won't deny him the chance, especially after what you did to him and Blaze. Prepare to lose."

"Now I am concerned. See everyone, Celestia and Luna are the experts on not winning, so if they save I can't win then I know I've got two expert opinions," Sombra replied, his smile growing larger. "Also, Tails, please stop trying to hack into me. It's not going to work and you're just making yourself look bad."

Tails snarled before turning off a device he had been working with.

"Thank you. Truth is, you're really good at what you do kid, so I can see why Robotnik wanted to recruit you," Sombra added. "Not as good as him, but hey, being the silver medal compared to him isn't that bad if you think about it."

"Why are you stalling?" Antoine asked. All eyes turned towards Antoine, who had already drawn his family's sword and was advancing on Sombra. "What are you waiting for? Perhaps a chance that we lower our guard? For reinforcements?"

"...you are far more clever than you pretend to be, Antoine. Tell me, are you really that much of a coward or is it an act to get others to lower their guard around you? Because let me tell you, it is working," Sombra nodded. "You are right. I am stalling. I'm waiting for heaven itself to open up and to rain unholy fire down upon all of you, wiping you off the face of Equis."

"You're praying for heaven to destroy us?" Twilight asked in disbelief.

"Waiting. Not praying. But as it seems that heaven is taking longer than I thought..." Sombra then cracked his neck, shook out his hooves and then...appeared behind Celestia with a black broadsword floating next to him. He brought the blade down on her neck only for a barrier of purple to save Celestia's life. "Guess I'll have to do it myself!"

Antoine was on the attack immediately. He lunged at Sombra and easily pushed him back with his superior sword skills, but then Sombra teleported away and left Antoine fighting a floating broadsword that could still attack. His horn flashed once more and nightmares of darkness rose out of the ground and charged the group, two of them managing to tackle Tails and Silver and drag them into another room while Applejack punched out a third one.

A combined blast of luna, solar and violet magic barreled towards Sombra and it was only by slipping into the shadows at the last second did Sombra manage to avoid being erased from existence. He rose back out of the darkness and turned to face the three princesses, his smile, somehow, growing larger.

"Finally, this is what I've been waiting for. Me against you three. The two that ruined my first run and their apprentice who beat me the next two times I tried to conquer the world," Sombra said softly. "But before I do this, I want to thank you. For being so darn annoying. For being so damn powerful that I cannot best you in power. Because it has forced me to push myself and get creative, to figure out new ways to kill all of you. To force myself to be...smarter."

"It doesn't matter what you try, Sombra. It ends today," Celestia snarled. "You can't beat the three of us. You couldn't even handle one of us. And once this is over, you are going to burn for what you have done. Whether it is in the pits of Tartarus or in the fire of the sun, it matters not to me. You end today!"

"You are right, Celestia. Bet that's a first," Sombra replied. "Even with my enhancments and my incredible knowledge of magic, I am at a disadvantage. This fight is suicide for me."

"Then why are you smiling?" Twilight asked.

"Because..." Sombra began as he looked up.

"Heaven is finally ready."

Author's Note

"Ugh, what happened to me?"

"It's okay Rouge. Eggman managed to capture you, but you're safe now."

"What? No way, I do not do the whole damsel getting rescued thing. That's a job for the princess."

"Hey! I don't always need to be rescued!"

"Your history shows otherwise, sweetheart."

Heaven's Wrath

"Sonic, is that...?"

"Yeah. That's the suit that made a fool of me while he burned our home," Sonic growled. Then his smile returned. "I guess destroying it once wasn't good enough for Eggman. Time to do it again."

"Try it, rodent," Robotnik snarled. He hurled the ball towards Sonic, who danced out of the way. The moment he did so, a hail of lasers rained down on him, only to be intercepted by a combination of Sally and Bunnie's shields.

Eggman's robot charged the group and shattered through the combined barriers, slamming it's shield down on Sally and Bunnie. Bunnie caught the shield with her arms, gritting her teeth as she was slowly forced down by the weight. While she was pinned, Eggman swung the ball and chain at the pair, only to growl in frustration when two blurs of blue moved the pair out of the way.

Eggman's scanners tracked the hedgehog and fired off another salvo of lasers, timing the shot perfectly to finally be rid of the hedgehog...only for the "hedgehog" to rocket straight up. Eggman looked up with confusion only to realize that he had been tracking the wrong speedster.

"What?! But I was tracking Sonic! How?! When?!"

"What's the matter, old timer? You too slow?" Rainbow asked.

Eggman saw red and slammed his hands on every button on his console, unleashing every weapon in his arsenal at the mare. Rainbow cocked an eyebrow before she put all her years of aerial acrobatics to the test. She dodged every laser, weaved around every missile and avoided the ball and chain with ease.

"Now! While he's distracted!" Sally ordered. She charged the robot and slashed at one of its legs, only to scream as electricity coursed through her body. Pinkie threw down taffy at its feet to slow the machine, but fire erupted from its soles to burn away her trap. Bunnie unleashed laser fire of her own, only for an unseen barrier to spring up around the machine to deflect her shots back at her. And Sonic found that, somehow, Eggman was still tracking him and able to keep him at bay.

"Did you truly think I didn't learn my lesson last time, rodent?!" Robotnik roared. "I built this machine to best you, only for it to be destroyed when your pathetic friends ran to your defense. But now I've upgraded it to take all you little annoyances into consideration. Nothing any of your friends do can hurt this masterpiece!"

"Y'know, I would believe you Eggman, if I hadn't heard this same speech about a dozen times before," Sonic replied. He danced around the ball and chain while keeping an eye out for the lasers. He knew that he couldn't beat this machine, or at least would have a very hard time of it. And if what Eggman said was true, then none of the Freedom Fighters would be able to scratch it either. So, loathed as he was to admit it, his fate rested in the hooves of somepony else.

"Mock me all you want. You know this is over!" Robotnik snarled. "My barrier protects me from anything you have that you can throw at me. None of your friends can get through it. And even your precious speed won't save you forever."

"Hmm...wow, that sounds pretty bad. I guess we are done for, then. But a quick question," Sonic began. Eggman raised an eyebrow in response. "How well does your barrier fare against your own tech?"

Eggman got the hint and spun around just in time to see Knuckles rocketing towards him, having wrangled the missile that had launched him away.

"How?"

That was all Eggman had time to say before Knuckles leapt off the missile and let it explode right on top of Eggman. The explosion of fire and death consumed the entire robot and forced most of the heroes to take refuge behind Sally and Bunnie's barriers. Except for Sonic, who once again lamented that he hadn't brought marshmallows.

"Not good enough." Eggman's robot walked out of the fire, it's barrier cracked but clearly still active. "It will take far more than just one of my own weapons to break through this barrier. You've failed again, rodent. Nothing you've got can stop me."

"Okay. How well does it fair against magic?" Sonic asked.

"Magic?" Robotnik replied. Sonic pointed up and Eggman looked up just in time to see Rainbow Dash fly past, with all of the missile's that Eggman had fired at her earlier still right on her tail. To make things better, all of the missiles were wrapped in rainbow magic. "Right. Magic. Well phooey."

The second salvo did the trick. With one last curse towards Sonic the missile barrage consumed Eggman, shattering the robots barrier and blasting his mech to hell. Not wanting to give Eggman the chance to recover, Sonic raced towards Eggman the moment the explosions died down and spin dashed through each limb, tearing the machine apart until all that was left of the machine was an egg shaped cockpit.

"Anyone home?" Sonic asked as he knocked twice. The cockpit opened and Eggman slowly stepped out, glaring at the heroes as they surrounded him. "So what's next for this bad boy, Eggman? You going to make it you proof next? I would love to see how you would pull that off."

"This battle is over, Eggman. Now give us the emerald and surrender," Sally demanded. Eggman glared down at her for a moment...before he reached inside of his coat, pulled out the emerald and tossed it to the princess. Everyone, even Sonic, looked at the doctor like he was crazy. "Um...what?"

"It is as you said. This trivial battle is over. My purpose here is done. As for the emerald, it is useless to me, so you fools might as well have it. Complete the set and all that," Robotnik replied, taking off and cleaning his glasses as he casually said this.

"Um, I'm confused. We won, right? Why doesn't it feel like we've won?" Knuckles asked.

"Yeah, what gives? You never surrender this easily after a loss," Sonic stated.

"Loss? You believe that I've lost? Oh you fool, you still don't get it. You and all your pathetic friends did exactly as I've wanted," Robotnik revealed, looking up at the heavens. "Sombra and I knew that you couldn't resist rescuing your friends and securing the last of your precious items. We also knew that you would divide your teams into two with the members consisting of who you would think be the best options to deal with us. And since you I have been known to...lose...to speedsters and heavy hitters, I knew that you would send your fastest and strongest here to deal with me, while your more magical and tactical fighters went after Sombra."

"Wait, so you...wanted us to fight you?...no, you wanted all of us here!" Sally exclaimed.

"Sally, do you know where we currently are?" Robotnik asked. "We are currently as far from Sombra as we can possibly be. On the other side of the world. As far from him, and your friends, as we could be. Now tell me, why would I drag you all out here and away from him? Any takers?"

"So we can't get to our friends..." Rainbow pieced together. Then absolute horror crossed her face. "We need to move! NOW!"

She and Sonic tore off towards where they hoped their friends were, vanishing from the sight of the others in a blink of an eye.

"It won't matter. I've calculated their speed. They won't get there in time," Robotnik said.

"In time for what?" Sally demanded. Eggman just smiled at her before vanishing in a vortex of darkness. "In time for what?!"

Then, from the heavens, a giant beam of death so large that they could see it from where they were standing rained down upon a place far away. But, as the horror of what had just happened sunk in, they all knew where it had landed...and who was there.

||==O O==||

"Give up, Sombra!" Twilight bellowed.

"Give up, Sombra. Hear that, that's you," Sombra mocked. "Uh-oh."

Sombra weaved into the shadows to avoid being erased by a combination of solar and lunar magic, before springing out of the darkness and firing blast of magic at the princesses. The princesses combined their might to easily deflect his attacks, before they went back on the offensive.

Sombra had to pull out every trick in his bag to avoid being slaughtered. Slipping into the shadows to avoid blasts. Teleporting whenever one of the princesses managed to grab him with their magic. Counter spells and rune barriers to stop every attempt to trap, erase or just straight up burn him. If he wasn't such a magical genius, he would have been killed easily.

"But luckily for me, I'm just that damn good," Sombra cackled.

"Are you seriously narrating to yourself?" Twilight asked.

"It's called presentation. Something you clearly know nothing about."

"Give us the Element Sombra, and perhaps we will go easy on you," Luna offered.

"Go easy...feh. And what do you consider easy? Trapping me in a star for a thousand years? Do you know what that would do to my complexation? Maybe trap me in stone with only insanity to keep me company for a thousand years? No thanks, I've got enough voices chatting away in my head. Or maybe you'll just blast me apart like you've done the past three two times. Mix it up a bit."

"You have brought all this on yourself," Celestia said. "You've have been brought back from the abyss not once, but twice, and each time you waste the second life you have been given. Have you ever tried to just think about all the good you could accomplish if you just stopped thinking about yourself for more than a few moments?"

"Are you seriously trying to appeal to the good within me? Who do you think I am, that bleeding heart in the mirror world who managed to woo you?" Sombra asked. "That pathetic excuse of a Sombra who valued peace, love and actually fell for you. He might be the most pathetic being I've ever heard of and that's impressive considering I know you. Trust me Celestia, that side of me is as dead as your romance with him."

For a brief moment, all Celestia did was stare at Sombra with wide eyes. Then Celestia's entire body turned crimson before her entire body erupted in a fire hot enough to rival the sun, getting Sombra to raise both eyebrows this time. "Oh, I've made a mistake."

"YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO EVEN SPEAK OF YOUR BETTER!" she screamed. Then she unleashed all of her fury, magic and might upon Sombra, who conjured the strongest spell he had to protect himself. It barely managed to do that. Celestia's magic detonated with enough force to be seen from space, consuming Sombra in it's fiery wrath. Then, when she figured he had enough, Celestia flicked her horn and the fire vanished, leaving only a much more cooked Sombra who could barely stand on his hooves. "Well? Anything else stupid you'd like to say? Or have you finally learned your lesson?"

"Ow."

"That's better."

"I'm...not done yet," Sombra coughed. "I've still got the Element and you can't...and there it goes."

Sombra watched, unable to do anything, as the Element floated away from him and into the grasp of Silver, who, along with Tails, Applejack and Antoine, all walked up to join the princesses.

"Give up Sombra. You've lost," Celestia spat.

"Looks...like it," Sombra agreed. "But...I'll still laugh last. Because heaven...will avenge me..."

"Heaven? Oh, trust me Sombra. The place that I'm about to send you to will make my fire...be soothing in comparison," Celestia snarled as she aimed her horn at him. But while everyone else watched with smiles at what was about to happen, Twilight wore a look of concern. Why was Sombra mentioning heaven so much, when he cared nothing for the afterlife? She turned her gaze to the sky...and that's when she saw it.

"GET DOWN!" she roared. Using every last ounce of magic in her body, Twilight conjured a barrier of magic around all of her friends. Everyone else snapped their eyes to the sky in time to see a colossal space station fire a beam of energy right at them.

In the brief moment they had, every one did something different. Celestia, Luna and Silver added their powers to Twilight's barrier, using all of their might to strengthen it. Tails grabbed the Element from Silver and placed himself between it and the beam. Antoine watched with awe...and never saw Sombra summon a portal of darkness under him.

"And this is making a fool of me," Sombra said...right before he was tackled to the ground by Applejack. She had been the only one to not take her eyes off of Sombra and so she had seen what he had been doing. She had raced out from under the barrier and tackled into him, stopping his spell and saving Antoine.

"You won't tear apart any more families today," she snarled.

"I guess I won't...since you'll die in his place," Sombra laughed. Then he vanished into the darkness with a chuckle. "Thanks for volunteering to die."

Applejack realized what he meant and time slowed as she turned to look at her friends. Twilight and her slowly locked eyes, with Twilight realizing that she couldn't do anything. Realizing what had just happened. By choosing to save Antoine...AJ had doomed herself.

Applejack then smiled at her friend one last time.

And then the entire Everfree Forest was wiped off the map in a colossal explosion of death.

Author's Note

"So how'd it go?"

"They never expected a thing."

"They never do. Fools."

"You even gave them hints, right? About the space laser?"

"Oh, you bet I did. Heaven will avenge me. I'm waiting on heaven. Dear gods they're stupid."

"I'm just sad I didn't get to say my speech. I had it all planned out and everything."

"Well tell it to me, and I'll react like they would."

"Okay then. Ahem...I've come to make an announcement."

The Honest Truth

Eventually, the fire died down.

Praying that the satellite wouldn't fire again, Twilight and the other princesses lowered their barrier and fully took in the sight in front of them. Everfree Forest was gone. Wiped off the face of the planet. All that was left was charred ashes, dust and the charred remains of what few trees had managed to avoid being completely eradicated.

But none of that matter to Twilight. Because as her horn came to life and she scanned the area around her, she was hoping against fear that her friend was still there. That somehow Applejack had managed to survive...even when every part of her heart and mind told her that was impossible.

"Applejack! Applejack!" Twilight called out. A wing placed itself on her shoulder and she turned to see Celestia giving Twilight a pained filled look, shaking her head in sorrow. Celestia and Luna each fired a beam of magic into the sky at the station, waiting until they saw the space station start to explode before they turned their attention back to their friends.

"Twilight...please. Don't," Celestia said.

"Split up," Twilight ordered. She shook off Celestia's wing before turning to look at her friends. "Groups of two. Search the entire...remains of the forest. All of it. We'll...we'll find her."

No one said anything in response. They split up and started to search. Tails walked up to Twilight and handed the Element to her before chasing off after Luna, while Silver went with Antoine. Twilight fought down the desire to scream as she returned to her search, Celestia at her side.

"Twilight-"

"Don't say it. She survived. I know she did," Twilight whispered.

"How?" Celestia asked. That single word hurt Twilight far worse than anything Sombra had inflicted upon her. "Applejack was...is strong, but that was powerful enough to wipe an entire forest off the map. I know this is...impossible to hear, but she's gone."

"Impossible. Do not speak to me of impossible!" Twilight growled, spinning around to glare down Celestia. "We found the Elements! WE found the Rainbow power, something even you and Luna could not do! We have defeated foe after monster after world ending threats, even ones you couldn't! So don't go telling me something's impossible when we do the impossible every single DAY!"

For a moment, Celestia and Twilight stared at each other, before Celestia reached out with her wings and pulled Twilight into a hug.

"I am sorry."

Twilight wanted to scream that she was wrong, to push her away and keep searching. But before she could, Antoine and Silver came back, the looks on their faces shattering any hope she had.

"We...found something," Antoine muttered. "This way."

No one said anything as they followed the swordsman. The trip wasn't far, a minute at most, but for Twilight it was an eternity. Then they reached the spot where Tails and Luna were standing and nothing more needed to be said. Hanging from one of the few tree branches that had managed to survive was Applejack's hat, barely in one piece itself. Twilight walked up to it and just stared, a part of her brain wondering how this could get any worse.

Then Sonic and Rainbow Dash arrived and that question was answered.

"Guys, you're alright," Sonic said with relief. "When we saw that satellite fire at you, we feared the-" Rainbow pushed past him and looked around with desperation in her eyes.

"Applejack," she whispered. "Where's...?"

Then she looked from Twilight down to the hat hanging from the tree branch and her soul went cold. Without a word Rainbow walked to the hat, gently removed it from the branch and stared at for it a moment before turning her gaze up to Twilight, her eyes begging for Twilight to tell her otherwise. Twilight closed her eyes and looked away, shattering Rainbow completely.

"No..." she whispered, tearing falling from her eyes. "She...she can't be...my Applejack...she can't...no..."

Rainbow Dash collapsed to the ground and held the hat to her body, clinging to it with all her might. Her voice failed her and all she could do was sob in agony, her body physically shaking as the sobs wracked her body.

Nobody could say anything. Tails fought back his own tears while Celestia, Antoine and Luna all hung their heads in mourning. Silver shook his head bitterly, having seen this too many times before. Sonic stared ahead, his body shaking not with sorrow, but with rage.

Eggman had played him to perfection. Not only had Eggman played him, but the doctor had made him know where his friends had been in danger...and that he would be too slow to save them. He had been too slow. He turned towards Rainbow and opened his mouth to say something, but the words died in his throat. He tried to reach out to her, but found that he couldn't. So he hung his head as well, each sob of Rainbow's stabbing him through the heart.

"Please...I'll give anything...please...give her back," Rainbow begged. "I'll do anything...please...please..."

"Sorry, but you have nothing I want."

Everyone turned to see who had spoken and all sets of eyes went wide. Standing behind them was Shadow the hedgehog, with a blue chaos emerald in one hand...and an unconscious Applejack in the other, who Shadow then held out to Rainbow.

"I believe this is yours?" Only Sonic and Shadow registered how fast Rainbow Dash moved to grab Applejack out of his hands, pulling the orange mare into one of the tightest hugs that they had ever seen while sobbing even harder, this time in relief rather than sorrow. After few moments, Rainbow turned to look up at Shadow.

"She's alive," Rainbow sobbed. "You saved her. I...I don't how, but I promise I'll-"

"Save it. I didn't save her to be owed any favors. She needed to be saved and this will piss off Sombra. Win-win," Shadow replied. Rainbow Dash tried to stammer out her thanks, failed, and went back to holding Applejack tight.

"Well, this is normally the part where I would say something snarky, but considering what you just did for her, I'm just going to say I'm glad to see you Shadow," Sonic admitted. "What are you doing here? How are you up so fast?"

"It's simple. I recovered because I'm strong. And I'm here because Discord told me this is where Sombra was. Discord sensed something was...off and sent me in as backup. Just in case Sombra pulled anything," Shadow replied. Rage then flashed across Shadow's face. "That unicorn dared to mind control me, to turn me against those I care about and treat me as his puppet. I came here to end him, but it seems that I ended up having to save someone instead. Whatever. His day will come."

"There's the Shadow we know and tolerate," Sonic joked. Celestia stepped forward and bowed to Shadow.

"Thank you. You have no idea what you have done for all of us," Celestia said.

"I have an idea," he replied, glancing over his shoulder at Rainbow.

"I notice that you are carrying a chaos emerald with you," Luna pointed out. "Shouldn't they be at the castle where they are safe?"

"The chaos emeralds can enhance my abilities even further than what they already are. That is how I saved her. I used chaos control to slow down time to the point that I walked through the explosion, grabbed the pony and got her out. Though I guess she couldn't handle moving that fast and passed out. Weaker than I had heard."

"Watch it pal," Sonic replied, but there was no fight in his voice.

"You said zat this would piss off Sombra? How so?" Antoine asked.

"While Sombra was in my head, I managed to pick up on some of the things he said. And a lot of the time, he talked about how he wanted to hurt all of you by ripping you and your families apart. Killing the pony would more than do that, as evidence by the rainbow maned one behind me. So by saving her, I've ruined Sombra's plans and his fun. And that brings me a dark joy."

"You're still all smiles and sunshine, aren't you?" Silver mocked.

"You want another kick to the head?"

"Enough. Shadow, whatever your reasons for helping us, know that we are all in your debt. Once this is all over, I will repay you in any way you see fit," Twilight said. Shadow smirked before turning and starting to walk away.

"I don't care about wealth, medals or thanks. You want to repay me? I get first crack at Sombra," Shadow demanded. "But since he's not here anymore, there's no reason for me to be here. Later." He walked past Rainbow Dash, only to come to a halt when she grabbed hold of his hand.

"Thank you," was all she managed to get out. Shadow looked down at her for a second before sighing and pulling his hand free.

"Don't mention it."

Shadow walked off, leaving the group to watch him go. Some were smiling, others were not sure what to make of him. Then Applejack let out a groan and all eyes turned towards her. "Agh, mah head. What in the world happened to me?"

"You...you..." Rainbow tried to answer. Then her eyes filled with tears again and she broke down sobbing before pulling AJ into another hug.

"Rainbow? What's the matter? And uh...what happened to the forest?" Applejack asked.

"Well...a lot happened," Twilight admitted. "Give Rainbow a moment to calm down and we'll tell you."

||==O O==||

"All that?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah. We...thought you were dead, honestly," Twilight replied.

"It was only thanks to Shadow that you survived," Silver added. "Guess he can be a nice guy when he feels like it."

"Yes, you gave us quite ze heart attack. I am...glad that we do not have to tell you family what happened," Antoine softly said.

Aw geez, ah didn't mean to worry all of ya like that," Applejack said. "Oh, what about the Element? Did we manage to-?"

"Oh screw the Element!" Rainbow Dash roared. The group jumped and looked at the mare, who had a look of fury on her face with tears running down her eyes. "You were almost killed! We almost lost you forever!...I almost lost you forever..."

Rainbow then snarled and wiped her tears away with the back of her hoof, before looking at her friends. "Would you all mind if I speak to Applejack alone for a bit?"

"Sure," Sonic said. He and everyone else got up and left the pair alone. Rainbow Dash took a few moments to try to compose herself, before she stared at the ground. For a moment the two sat in silence, before Applejack finally spoke.

"Rainbow, ah didn't mean to upset ya like this. Ah saw Sombra trying to kill Antoine and ah had to stop him and...ah..."

"You were being you. Being the stubborn, heroic, amazing you that you've always been," Rainbow cut her off. Rainbow opened her mouth to say something else, but the words didn't come out.

"Still, ah should say ah'm sorry. Ah've hurt ya. Ah can see that much," Applejack replied. Rainbow didn't say anything and AJ looked at her with concern. "Rainbow, what's wrong? Ya can tell me."

"Nothing wrong...nothing's...ah screw it," Rainbow Dash said before she looked up and stared right into Applejack's eyes. "Applejack...I like you. Like, like like you."

"Uh, by like like ya mean...?"

"Oh for the love of, I'm in love with you, okay?!" Rainbow blurted out. And once the dam broke, she let it all pour out. "I have been for a while now, longer than even I've admitted. I've just been too scared to admit it and with everything going on I thought it would be best if I waited until it was all over and then I would have time to figure things out but..."

"But then you nearly died here. And until Shadow showed up, I thought you were gone forever. Gone before I even got the chance to tell you the truth. Gone and leaving this void in my heart," Rainbow whispered. "It was only a minute, but I spent what felt like an eternity coming to realize that I would have to live my life without you in it. And that that was a life I didn't want to live."

"So I'm telling you this now, before anything else insane happens and I miss this chance forever. Applejack, I love you. I love your stubborn attitude, your ability to always keep our group together, how you both infuriate and captivate me, and the way you always bring out the best in me. Will you be my marefriend?"

Rainbow snapped her eyes shut and looked down, afraid to even look Applejack in the eyes. But only a second passed before she felt a hoof place itself on her cheek, getting her to open her eyes again as Applejack lifted her head so that she could see AJ again. And Applejack was giving Rainbow a smile that melted her heart.

"Sure."

That was all Rainbow needed to hear. Before anything else could be said, she reached out and pulled Applejack close, kissing her. Applejack kissed her back and for a minute there was nothing else in the world but them. Then they pulled apart and pressed their foreheads against each other, smiling at one another.

"Well...that went far better than I thought it would," Rainbow admitted.

"What, ya thought ah would say no? Ah felt the same way fer a long time mahself. Ah mean, ah have been flirting with ya," Applejack revealed.

"Wait, you have?"

"Fer months now, thanks fer noticing."

"Oh, sorry. I guess I am pretty dense at times," Rainbow chuckled.

"At times?"

"Okay, but I eventually got it. And hey, I think my confession was pretty good."

"Yeah, but yer kissing needs work," Applejack teased.

"Well I haven't had much practice, okay?"

"Ah'll just have to fix that then," Applejack giggled. Then the pair stood up and Applejack motioned her head towards where the others had gone. "Come on, let's go. While ah would love nothing more than to spend the rest of the day together, we are trying to save our worlds. We need to get back to work."

"Yeah, I guess we do," Rainbow said with a shrug. Then Applejack pulled Rainbow face to face with her and gave Rainbow a smile she would never forget.

"But when all of this is over, ah plan on making up fer every moment we could have spent together," Applejack promised. "Starting with us taking up Antoine and Bunnie on their offer for a double date."

"Sounds good to me."

The pair headed off towards where their friends were, both of them unable to hide their smiles. And off in the shadows, a certain hedgehog who had seen the whole thing, because he had come back as he needed a ride back, found that even had a small smile on his face. Seeing others be happy together was all the reward he needed.

Not that he'd ever say it aloud.

Author's Note

"Aw, is there anything sweeter than love?" Shining said, thinking about Cadence.

"Nope," Big Mac replied, his thoughts on Sugar Belle.

"I know. One day I hope that Sonic and I have the same kind of relationship. He's my one and only," Amy giggled.

"Really? There's no one else?" Shining asked.

"Nope. Sonic is the only one I'll ever love! In this or any universe!"

"You sure? What about Tekno?" Silver asked with a smirk.

"Okay, one: different me. And two: wow, that's a deep cut," Amy said.

"I study the multiverse whenever I'm bored."

"You study the multiverse? For fun?" Shining asked.

"You'd be amazed how much time travel and multiverse theory intersect."

Gathered Together

"We've finally done it."

Both groups, the Elements and the Freedom Fighters, took a step back to admire their handiwork. Seven emeralds were gathered together on one side of the war table while on the other six Elements of Harmony shone. All of the teams hard work had finally paid off and now they held everything they needed to fix their worlds and save the day.

"So now what?" Tails asked.

"Now...we prepare," Sally instructed. "We may have gathered all of the Elements and Chaos Emeralds together, but just running right up to Eggman and Sombra's base without a plan is suicide. We'll need to come up with a strategy before we do anything."

"I dunno Sal. Running right up to the base sounds pretty good to me," Sonic said. Sally rolled her eyes at him.

"I agree with Sally," Twilight said. "Eggman and Sombra will have the home field advantage and that is something I do not want to underestimate. We've seen how dangerous these two can be when they come onto our turf. I hate to think what they're capable of when they have prepared a place for us."

"I must concur. Eggman and Sombra have been formidable foes on their own. But working together, even zey might be able to handle the combined might of ze Elements and ze Chaos Emeralds," Antoine added. "Especially, as is tradition, Sonic will be ze one to use ze emeralds to fight them. I assume zat you ponies will be giving your power to Rainbow Dash?"

"That's not how the Elements work," Rainbow said. "All six of us get a massive power and magical boost from the Elements. Once we go rainbow, we're basically all on the same playing field."

"Well zat is just not fair."

"Antoine brings up a good point, though. The Chaos Emerald will be given to Sonic and, even then, there's a time limit to how long he can use their power," Sally said. Then she flashed Twilight a smile. "I'm guessing that your Elements don't have one of those, do they?"

"I don't know. We always win pretty quickly once the Elements come out."

"Of course zey do."

"So we save the Chaos Emerald for when we fight against Sombra and Eggman, and not a moment before then," Fluttershy nodded. "That means that the six of us will have to do the heavy lifting once we get to the base. Well, I don't mean that you won't be helping, I just mean that...oh dear."

"Ah get what yer saying. While we'll all be fighting, it'll be the ponies and their Elements that will carve us a path right to that varmit," Bunnie said. "That's fine. Ah don't need no fancy powerup to break his jaw."

"Get in line, D'Coolette. Sombra messed with my mind first, meaning I'm the first that gets to pay him back," Shadow said from off to the side.

"I'm sorry, but you must have helped us to gather the Elements and emeralds to have a say at this table," Silver replied.

"You only helped to get one."

"That's one more than you."

"I saved the orange one's life. That counts for more."

"Every one will get a fair crack at Sombra. Believe me, we'll need everyone's help to take them down," Sally pointed out. "There is no way they'll just come at us with their standard powers and tech. Whatever super doomsday weapon they've been saving up until now, this will be the time they use it. And since the two of them are combining their minds, I'm sure it's going to be something that will require all of us to stop. You want to bicker? Do it once the worlds are saved."

"The place is going to be a death trap. That much is certain," Applejack said. "Ah don't know how ah feel about all of you going in there without any magic or emeralds to protect ya. Especially the young ones like Tails."

"Then you should be glad we're here, darling."

The teams turned to see Rotor and Rarity walking towards the group, smiles on their faces that told the heroes that they had something planned. The two walked to the side so that everyone in the room could see them, before holding out small discs with a triumphant look on their faces.

"Tada! Behold, the answers to all your prayers," Rarity said. "You may start applauding now."

"Uh, Rarity? I don't mean to stomp on your hard work, but how are drink coasters going to help us?" Pinkie asked.

"Drink coasters? My dear pony, these are much more. Rotor, if you would please."

Rarity swept her mane back as she struck a pose, while Rotor placed one of the discs on her chest. In a moment nanites shout out across her body, enveloping the mare in a silver suit of nanites that covered her complete. A blue visor allowed her to see as Rarity took a bow.

"Behold. Body armor that protects completely. Air tight, rip, burn and magic proof and is fit and slimming. Not to mention, each one is made to aid your special talents. For example, Sonic's will store up residue kinetic energy from his running and allow him to fire off pulses of energy to knock foes back."

"Now that sounds cool."

"Of course, darling. Only the best for my friends," Rarity replied.

"Here, the one that belongs to you is marked by your symbol or cutie mark," Rotor said. He passed out the discs to the groups, who all studied theirs. Then he turned to Shadow, Silver and the others who stood off to the side. "Sorry that we didn't make some custom ones for all of you. We only made them for the main members of both our groups. We just have standard suits for all of you."

"Hey, I'll never turn down a free gift," Knuckles said as he took his.

"This is way better than the armor they supply for the guard," Shining said with a chuckle. "So Celestia, when can we expect this to become standard issue?"

"When you find a tree made of endless bits to pay for all of it," Celestia teased back. "I can't even begin to imagine how much it would cost to outfit a whole army in this."

"Wow, that's amazing! And you two did this all by yourselves?" Tails asked as he studied his.

"I came up with the tech, while Rarity made the design and how they would aid each of you," Rotor admitted. "Despite not being a mechanic like you or me, she's a genius in her own right."

"Rotor, please, flattery will get you everywhere," Rarity replied. Then she flashed a smile over at Rainbow and Applejack. "Yet here I had been hoping to steal the show with the reveal of our suits, but it seems that something else happened out there that sounds far more important. I heard that two of our group found their special somepony at the same time. Care to elaborate, you two?"

"When all this is over, we'll tell you all about it. Until then, buzz off," Rainbow smirked back as she placed her wing over Applejack's back.

"Wait what?" Bunnie asked, looking from AJ to Rainbow. She glanced to her husband, who nodded, getting Bunnie to let out a squeal before she raced to the two and hugged each of them. "Congrats you two! Ah knew it was going to happen, ah just didn't know when! Oh when all this is over, ya have to go on a double date with us!"

"Oh believe me, Jackie had the exact same idea," Rainbow smirked.

"While I'm glad to see that you're all so happy, can we focus on the mission?" Sally asked. The groups regained their composure and waited for Sally to speak.

"We have no idea what those two will have in store for us, so I believe it be best for Twilight, Tails, Rotor, Celestia, Luna and myself to spend this time coming up with as many plans and strategies against the two as we can," Sally said. She looked towards each of them as she said this, each nodding in response. "While they are doing that, I want each of you to prepare however you can. If that's by training, meditating or whatever, do it. Because once we have a plan...we're going to attack. And we're going to win. Because I don't want to dare think of what will happen if we lose."

"Now that's a battle cry I can get behind. Let's win because only the source knows what will happen if we lose," Sonic cheered. Sally threw a book at him and he ducked with a laugh.

"Thank you for what I'm certain was vital impute, Sonic," Sally said with a smirk. "Now then, unless there is anything else, dis-"

"I don't like this."

Every eye in the room turned to face Pinkie Pie, who was sitting with her arms crossed and a look on her face none of her friends had never seen before. "There's something wrong. Something that we're not getting. I feel it in my soul. In my very being. Eggman and Sombra are planning something."

"We know that. Which is why we're coming up with counter strategies and plans to..." Sally began, but Twilight held out a wing to stop her.

"Pinkie, we've known you for over five years now. And we all know better than to dismiss your or your Pinkie sense. What do you think is wrong?" Twilight asked.

"I don't know. I can't pinpoint it," Pinkie shook her head. "But we've missed something. Something big. But I just don't know what it could be. So we need to be careful. Like, even more careful than we've ever been before. Because I love all you guys and if something happened to any of you..."

Pinkie stopped talking when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Sonic smiling down at her. "Don't worry Pinkie, we're going to win this. I agree with you. We've missed something. We always do. But we're going to come out ahead. And I promise you, I'm not going to let anything happen to any of you or your friends."

"Aw, thanks Sonic, that makes me feel better," Pinkie said with a smile. "How about when this is all over, I throw you and your friends the biggest party you've ever been apart of?"

"Now you're talking my language."

||==O O==||

"It seems that it's finally time."

"Yes, it does, doesn't it?"

Both Eggman and Sombra stared down at the colossal being of metal and magic that was entering its final stages down beneath them, watching as their worker slaves finished the essential. Weapons, shielding and the sickest paint job the two had ever seen. Orbot and Cubot stood next to Eggman, while Sombra had Flurry Heart in a cage of darkness hanging from the ceiling, having finally caught her.

"It's...such a weird feeling, isn't it?" Robotnik asked.

"What's that?"

"Knowing that this is it. I mean, I've fought Sonic and his weakling friends for so many years now and this...will be the last time I do it," Robotnik replied. "I'm...I'm not one to get sentimental, but there have been some good times. Like when I killed Sonic's best friend, or burned down his home, or when I collapsed the space time continuum on top of them. But once this battle is over, that will never happen again. I'll have finally won."

"Ah, I see. No, you make a good point. You and Sonic have been fighting for so long that, in a way, a part of you will die with him. But think of it like this. You're not ending a rivalry between you and him. You are putting the exclamation point on the book that is Dr. Robotnik. And when it's done, you will finally have proven to everyone that you are the one who deserves to rule. To be respected. To be feared."

"I guess that is one way to look at it. Yes, then I will make sure to make his defeat a defeat that is talked about for centuries to come," Robotnik said with pride. Then he raised an eyebrow at Sombra. "But you don't feel the same way about your foes?"

"Are you kidding? The sooner I get to kill them off, the better. I'm sick of their preaching, I'm sick of their holier than thou attitude and I am sick and tired of being nuked to death with rainbows. Every time I see a rainbow in the sky I shudder. It sucks," Sombra grumbled, then his eyes narrowed into slits. "But while you kill Sonic, I want to end Shadow."

"Shadow? Why?"

"I had her. I had Applejack dead to rights and was ready to watch her be wiped off the face of the planet. And for a moment I thought I had. The ponies were shattered, Rainbow Dash was a crying wreck and even Twilight's eternal optimism was gone. And then that edgehog shows up, saves the hicks life and dares to challenge me. I'll give him what he wants. And I'll make sure he lives just long enough to regret it."

"Fine. Shadow is the creation of my grandfather after all and it just wouldn't sit right with me killing grandpappy's work," Robotnik said.

"Really?"

"Are you kidding? I'd shoot him into the sun first chance I'd get," Robotnik chuckled.

"Glad to see that you're just as despicable as ever," Sombra said. Then he looked towards the center of the machine, where the faintest traces of screaming could be heard. "And what about him? Think he'll live?"

"He'll live long enough to serve our purposes. After that, who cares if he dies?" Robotnik asked.

"That's what I like the most about you, Robotnik. You're practical," Sombra chuckled. Then a soft smile crossed his face and he chuckled.

"Tomorrow. Tomorrow it all ends."

Author's Note

"Hey, this is the Author's Notes. How come there's nothing funny or creative in here?"

"Go easy on the guy. They've got to write this super epic battle coming up and they're afraid of blowing it. It's surprisingly hard to write a finale that is both engaging and satisfies everyone."

"What are you talking about? Sonic shows up, Sonic looks cool and Sonic saves the day. It's easy."

"I swear if we could weaponize your ego there's no being in the multiverse that could stand against us."

Silent Night

Rainbow stood alone at the top of the Canterlot castle, staring up at the stars in the sky. After years of being in this very same position, she would have thought that the anxiety would eventually fade. That she could prepare for a fight without feeling dread in the bottom of her stomach. Yet no matter how many times she was in this situation, the dread never left. But it kept her sharp, focused and definitely made her faster. Maybe that was a good thing.

"Just one more battle, then hopefully we'll be able to finally enjoy some peace and quiet," Rainbow muttered. She was getting tired of all the fighting, the world ending threats and the constant attacks on their lives. And there used to be a time where she would have relished all the combat. She really had changed.

"I doubt it will happen. There always seems to be something else that pops up."

Rainbow Dash glanced over her shoulder to see Fluttershy landing next to her, joining Rainbow in staring up at the sky. "Discord said that even if we get our worlds separated and we manage to get the Freedom Fighters back home, expect things to be chaotic for a while. It will take time for the world to heal from this. Which means we'll most likely be needed."

"Of course. For the first time in my life when I want to take it slow, I'll instead be spending months keeping things from falling apart," Rainbow said with a smirk.

"I'm sorry. Congrats, by the way," Fluttershy said with a smile. "Hard to imagine that you found somepony who actually managed to wrangle you."

"Heh, well, she's something special," Rainbow admitted, rubbing the back of her head. "How's Discord? Dude's been looking worse and worse every time I look at him."

"The breaking of the Chaos Force really hurt him and constantly using his power hasn't helped either. I'm really worried about him," Fluttershy admitted.

"Then why don't you tell him to take it easy? He'll listen to you."

"...I want to. I really do. But he wants to do his part in saving our worlds. In fixing them. And honestly, without his help, things would be way worse than they are now...he was the one who teleported Shadow to where Twilight and the others were fighting Sombra...which mean he played a part in saving Applejack," Fluttershy revealed.

"Great, now I owe Discord one as well. I hate owing him favors."

"So I can't tell him to stop, even if he's wearing himself out. Because if we all don't do our part...then we're not getting out of this alive. I just wish I could do more to support him," Fluttershy whispered.

"Just be there for him. Trust me, sometimes all you can do for the one you love is be there for them. That's a lesson I had to learn myself," Rainbow Dash said. "Just the knowledge that you're there for them can be enough to help them."

"Hmm, you're right. When did you get so wise?" Fluttershy asked with a smile. "Out of all of us, you might have been the one to change the most over the years. Remember how you used to be?"

"I try not to," Rainbow admitted. "But thanks, for having my back all these years. No matter what happens, whether it's fighting the forces of evil or my new relationship with Jackie...you'll always be my best friend. And nothing can change that."

"And you'll always be mine."

||==O O==||

It wasn't until the third knock that the door finally opened, Antoine raising an eyebrow in surprise to see Sonic standing outside his room. Antoine opened the door and motioned for him to come in, which Sonic did so and jumped onto the couch.

"What are you, an animal? Take your shoes off of ze furniture," Antoine scolded with a smirk. Sonic smirked back before doing just that. "What brings you here at zis time of night? Don't you have somewhere else more important to be?"

"Well Tails is still with Sally, Twilight and the others. Knuckles is checking up on Rouge. Silver and Shadow look like they're about to throw down again and I think I lost Amy downtown. So at the moment, you're the only other friend on my list that I have to hang with."

"Ah, the last resort. I see how it is."

"Y'know, I also considered hanging out with the ponies or some of the cats I saw prowling around, but I figured you'd be better company," Sonic teased. "Where's Bunnie? I almost never see the two of you apart unless your on mission?"

"She is training for tomorrow. And when she gets like zis, it is best to stay out of her way," Antoine said.

"When she gets like what?"

"When she gets scared."

"Ah," Sonic realized, dropping the subject. The a more serious expression crossed his face and he sat up straight, getting Antoine's attention.

"I know zat look. Zat is ze look you wear when you have something either depressing or heartfelt to say. I am praying it is ze latter."

"I...just wanted to say thanks again. For what you did back at the theme park," Sonic said.

"Oh zat? Please, it was nothing. You would do ze same for me," Antoine waved it off.

"And that I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough to get to you guys in time to stop that laser from firing on you."

"Twilight and ze princesses kept us safe. Apologize to Applejack if you feel you owe someone an apology."

"And I'm sorry...for all the years of me being-"

"What is really on your mind, Sonic?" Antoine asked. His question cut through Sonic's words and got the hedgehog to smile.

"just cutting straight to the point, eh?"

"Zat is what a swordsman does. What is really bothering you? Why are you being so...not you?"

"This...might be the biggest and most dangerous mission of our lives. And...I'm worried we might not all make it back. Not this time," Sonic revealed.

"Oh, and so you came to me. I see how it is. You expect me to be ze first to die," Antoine replied with a smirk, but he was met with Sonic serious stare.

"I'm being serious, Antoine. I'm telling you this because not only are you one of my closest friends...but because you can think in a way no one else on the team can. Your the analyst. You're...practical. So you're the only one I can tell this to and expect a more...level headed response. If the time comes and someone has to sacrifice themselves for the good of all...I want it to be me."

Antoine's first thought was to tell Sonic no way, but what Sonic had said before that made him bite his tongue. He motioned instead for Sonic to continue.

"I can't ask anyone else from our team to do. Tails is too young to have to risk his life and has his best years ahead of him. Sally is going to run a kingdom and she has the peoples trust. You're married and if either you or Bunnie had to do it...I won't see any more families torn apart. Not while I'm still breathing. It has to be me."

"I noticed you left Rotor off your list," Antoine pointed out.

"Heh, I'm sure he'd try his best to make sure he'd be the one to take the bullet. But we all know that I'm the one who's going to be closest to the final battle. It has to be me."

"And if one of the ponies tries to make this play?"

"Then I'll do it in their place. Twilight is the ruler of a kingdom. Applejack's family has already lost enough. Rainbow Dash sacrificing herself would tear apart the team, especially after she and AJ went through to get to this point. Pinkie has a boyfriend, Fluttershy is all Discord has and Rarity...well...I'm sure there's somepony out there for her. I won't let them do it either."

"What brought this on, Sonic? It is not like you to have such a fatalist attitude," Antoine said. "We are going to win zis, just like we always do. Is it riskier and more dangerous than our past battles? Perhaps, but together, we shall win this one like we have all the others."

"I know we will. I have no doubt about that. I'm just saying that should it come to it, I'll be the one to do it," Sonic said again.

"You always have to be ze hero. Do you know what losing you would do to our team? To all of us?" Antoine asked.

"I know. But you would recover. And you would rally. I know you would."

Antoine sighed and leaned against the wall for a long time, saying nothing. "Very well, if you wish to be ze hero, go ahead. But know zat I will be doing everything in my power to make sure we do not get to ze point where you have to sacrifice yourself. Loathed as I am to admit it, I have a small amount of respect for you and would hate for you to be gone, if only because I look so much better with you around."

"Thanks Antoine. Always there to tell me what I need to hear," Sonic laughed.

The sound of fighting reached their ears and they opened the door to Antoine's room in time to catch Blaze running past. "Yo Blaze, what's going on?"

"Shadow and Silver are fighting out in the garden. I'm going to try and stop them," she said before taking off.

"Well, we both knew this was going to happen...ten bucks says Shadow wins."

"Sonic, how many times must you be wrong? Twenty on Silver."

||==O O==||

Sally sat alone in the darkness, staring at a computer screen that had a single loading bar on it. The bar was about at fifty percent and was slowly going up. For days the bar had been barely moving, telling Sally how badly Nicole had been damaged...and how much Eggman was going to pay for what he had done to her.

"It's late. You should be in bed."

Sally glanced over her shoulder to see Rarity walking over to her. Sally only grunted before turning back to watch the bar. "Darling, there is nothing more you can do for her at the moment. You resting would be more helpful than sitting here watching a bar slowly go up."

"I'm here for her. Isn't that doing something for her?" Sally asked.

"...yes, I suppose that it is. Do you mind company?" Sally shook her head and Rarity pulled up a seat next to Sally. Rarity's horn glowed and she summoned a teapot with a pair of cups. "Care for some tea? If you're going to be up late, this will help."

"Sure."

The two sat in silence for a bit, just watching the bar. Then Sally looked over at Rarity. "Thanks for helping Rotor with the nanosuits you two developed. From what I've heard, the team really like them. You've done good."

"Thank you, I always appreciate hearing feedback on my work," Rarity said. Then her smile fell slightly. "So, due to the reason that you are here, I assume that you and the others managed to come up with a plan?"

"Indeed. We have one. It's...not great, but it's the best we can do and if there's any team crazy enough to pull it off, it's ours," Sally admitted.

"That I can agree with," Rarity said. Then she flashed Sally a look. "How are you holding up, darling?"

"Not well. Not well at all," Sally admitted. "I'm scared, Rarity. I agree with Pinkie that there's something we missed, something big. But for the life of me I can't think of what it might be. But we don't have time to wait around and find out. The longer we wait, the longer we give Eggman and Sombra the ability to prepare for us."

"It is not a good position to be in," Rarity agreed.

"And I'm worried about how my plan will hold up against Sombra. I've gotten used to how to plan for Eggman, but Sombra is far craftier than Eggman has ever been. And the fact that the two of them are still on such good terms means that I doubt they will turn on each other. I don't know if my mind is a match for his."

"Of course it is. Sombra may be a tactical genius, but he also has an ego larger than Sonic and Rainbow Dash's combined and that is not something I say lightly," Rarity said. "The biggest difference, though, is that he will most certainly underestimate you while you know how dangerous he is. And that is what will give you the edge. Whenever he does something amazing or clever, you will be ready. Whenever you return the favor, it will baffle and confuse him. Trust me Sally, I've seen his type plenty of times before. Egotistical, so sure of how amazing he is, enough ego to inflate his head and will spend the rest of his life single. He is pathetic. And he is no match for you."

"Pft, how did you manage to take an evil genius like Sombra and turn him into a sad loser in just a couple of sentences?" Sally asked.

"Oh please, you think what I said there was bad, wait until I meet him face to face. That's when I'll really tear apart his ego," Rarity said with a wink. "Who needs fists and force to win a fight? When I destroy somepony, I use my words and I make sure to ruin their confidence to the point that they'll never be a bother again. Shall I teach you some of my favorites?"

"Oh yes. This I got to hear."

Author's Note

"Well, that...wasn't what I expected."

"I admit, even I am amazed by zis predicament."

Both Sonic and Antoine were looking at Blaze, who had just gotten done moping the floor with Shadow and Silver after one of Shadow's chaos spears had hit her.

"So then, who wins the bet?"

"That would be me," Blaze said."

Antoine and Sonic looked at each other, shrugged and pulled out the money for her.

In the Shadow of the Titan

"He couldn't just build another end of the world death robot. No, he had to go and make a MASSIVE end of the world death robot," Sonic groaned. He whipped past some badniks which exploded well after he had passed before coming to a halt at the base of a very large climb. "Ugh, I know I can run up walls, but even I might have some problems with this. If only I had some super amazing friends that could-"

"Need a lift?"

Sonic turned with a smile to see Fluttershy float over to him, her Elemental power illuminating the colossal chamber they were in.

"Well, I wouldn't say I need one, but if you're offering," Sonic said.

"Grab on," Fluttershy offered. Sonic took her hoof and Fluttershy flew upwards, taking Sonic along for the ride.

"Y'know, you and I haven't really had the chance to interact that much," Sonic pointed out. A sqaudron of badniks attacked them, but before Sonic could do anything Fluttershy's Element flashed and the machines were gone. "I mean, I've said hi and stuff and then there was that one time you totally scared Eggman, but even on missions I don't really talk to you."

"Sorry. I'm not one for talking. Or fighting. Or going fast," Fluttershy admitted. "I just thought that you might think I'm uncool or something like that, so I didn't want to bother you."

"Uncool? Fluttershy, you're out here with the rest of us trying to save your world. You stared down Eggman, Sombra and everything else that's come you're way without losing a shred of your kindness. You're one of the coolest ponies I've met."

"Really?"

"Heck yeah. And I don't say that to everyone," Sonic winked.

"Oh. Well, thank you," Fluttershy giggled. "I think we're about halfway up. Yet...none of their forces have attacked us. I don't like that."

"Me either. Drop me here." Fluttershy flew over to a platform and let Sonic down, where he pressed a finger to his ear. "Sonic to team, come in. What's going on out there?"

"Currently trying to stall this behemoth that's heading towards Ponyville," Sally replied. "The magic users are working with Silver, Shadow and Blaze to push it back, but the thing is unbelievably powerful! We're only managing to slow it down!"

"Egghead did say that he made it to counter all of us. Even the Elements aren't working?" Sonic asked.

"Sorry, but they work at their best when all six of us are together," Twilight's voice cut in. "If you need Fluttershy in there, we'll manage, but if not..."

"I got a better idea," Sonic chuckled. "Hey Fluttershy? Light it up."

Sonic ran straight up the walls as Fluttershy unleashed her Elements power, watching over his shoulder as her magic tore apart their section of the machine. He came to a stop on a catwalk and waited a moment for Fluttershy to catch back up to him. "That do anything?"

"The behemoth just had one of its knees buckle. Whatever you're doing, keep it up!" Twilight ordered.

"And she didn't even say please," Sonic said. He then offered a hand to Fluttershy. "Think you can keep it up or do you need a moment?"

"I've got this," she said, though it sounded more like she was trying to convince herself.

"Alright then. Hold on. I run, you shoot!" Sonic said. Fluttershy grabbed hold this time and Sonic took off, practically flying up the behemoth. Fluttershy unleashed bursts of magic as he ran, creating explosions that tore apart the machine from within. "This suit is really holding up. I'm not feeling anything from those blasts of magic you're giving off. Rarity really knows her stuff."

"She does, but I think it has more to do with you being a good person and my Element doesn't hurt good people," Fluttershy pointed out.

"Maybe not, but I'm feeling in the mood to give compliments, even to Shadow. Think that's a side effect of your Element?"

"Well, compliments never hurt anyone."

"They sure hurt Eggman."

"...I can live with that."

"Ha!"

"Whatever you two are doing in there, keep it up," Twilight said over their comms. "The behemoth is down on one knee and it's abdomen just went up like a firecracker. And I think I can hear Eggman cursing your name from here."

"Nice to know that he hasn't forgotten me," Sonic said. "Come on Fluttershy, whaddaya say we really rattle his cage?"

"How so?"

"Watch and learn. Twi said we're in the middle, right?"

"Close enough."

"Then he should be able to hear this. Hey Eggman, I'm disappointed. You spent all this time creating a giant, and I mean GIANT, death robot and all it takes for it to fall apart is to let Fluttershy in here! You're losing your game, old man! No offense, Fluttershy."

"Oh, none taken.

"...infernal rodent..."

"Well, he may be losing his mind, but his hear is as good as ever," Sonic admired. "Come on, I can see the way down to the other leg from here. Let's go trash that one next."

"Shouldn't we head up to where they are?" Fluttershy asked.

"I don't think it's a good idea. If we leave even one limb operational, this thing might be able to drag itself towards civilians. And that's a risk I'm not willing to take," Sonic said, before his eyes narrowed. "Besides, there's the thing Pinkie mentioned about us missing something. And I think she's right. So we'll confront the two of them once we've ruined their machine and have everyone there to stop them. Better safe than sorry."

"I'm actually shocked to hear those words come out of your mouth."

"Heh, I only act like a reckless goofball. I know what I'm doing. How do you think I've always stayed one step ahead all these years?" Sonic asked, before extending his hand once more. "Now, shall we go cause more wanton destruction and carnage?"

"Well, since you asked so nicely..."

||==O O==||

"Not today, mister!"

With a thought, Rarity conjured thousands of threads of magic that she used to ensnare one of the arms of the Magnum Atlas, stopping a punch that would have wiped a small town of ponies off the map. Even though her Elements power was impressive, she still had to use all of her concentration to keep the limb at bay.

"Twilight...civilians...in the village."

"On it. Keep the Atlas at bay."

"Working...on it!"

Rarity caught movement out of the corner of her eye, turning to see dozens of shadow vultures sailing towards her. With all of her effort spent on keeping the behemoths arm in place, all she could do was narrow her eyes as the shadows appraoched.

"Do your worst, beasts. I can take it."

Spears of light appeared around Rarity, hurling themselves into the vultures and ripping them apart. Rarity pondered who had come to her aid only to realize that Shadow was floating next to her.

"Shadow! Do you always make it a habit to rescue damsels in distress or are you making an exception for moi?" Rarity asked.

"Meaning?"

"I mean, first you save Applejack and then me. Are you sure you're not trying to take Antoine's place as a knight in shining armor?" Rarity replied.

"No. I am here to make sure Sombra pays for what he has done. And nothing would bring him greater joy than to kill one of you. So I will ensure that all of you live," Shadow replied darkly. He then narrowed his eyes as he spied another squadron of shadow beasts heading for them. "And right now, you are the most exposed and the one who is currently keeping a village of both ponies and mobians alive. So I will protect you until they are safe."

"Well, that is a comfort, I suppose," Rarity said.

Shadow didn't wait for the beasts to come to him. In the blink of the eye, he was already behind them. He punched a hole through one of them before spinning and kicking another in half. His chaos spears ripped through two more and a single spin dash dealt with the remaining ones.

"That should be all for now," Shadow told Rarity.

"Thank you, darling," Rarity grunted. "I must admit, you intrigue me."

"What?"

"Most I meet like you are only concerned with vengeance. With making those that wronged them pay. And all of those that I've met have been standing against me and my friends," Rarity explained. "Yet here you are, dark, brooding and full of vengeance, yet you are using your power to save and protect rather than destroy and harm. You are...different."

"I may have been created to be a tool, but I decide my own path. I choose who I want to be...and I have seen enough death and destruction for lifetimes. So I will give my all into fighting that evil," Shadow informed Rarity. He then looked up to see a storm of shadow monsters heading for them, enough to block out the sun.

"Heads up everyone, seems that Sombra's finally stopped playing around!" Tails voice said over their comms. "There's enough shadow beasts up there to cover a state! Elements, I'll need all of your power up there to wipe them out!"

"There's no need, Tails. I will deal with this," Shadow stated.

"Darling, are you sure about this?" Rarity asked. "Wouldn't you rather I go with you or-?"

"You are protecting the innocent. That is what's most important right now. So I will protect you," Shadow replied.

"Well then, what are you waiting for? Go," Rarity said with a smile.

Shadow fired a blast downward and rocketed himself into the oncoming swarm of darkness. The swarm consumed him instantly and, if he didn't know better, Shadow could feel that this was almost personal. That the entire swarm had been tasked with the purpose of wiping him out. That got a smile to cross his face.

"What's the matter, Sombra? Are you angry that I ruined your fun? That I didn't let you tear apart Applejack and Rainbow Dash? Well, then you're going to love me after this." Shadow then took the rings off of his wrists, crossed his arms, and smirked. "Chaos Blast."

With an explosion that was bright enough to rival the sun, Shadow dealt with the entire army of shadow beasts. He looked around as what remained of the beasts faded away around him, before he cast a glance down at the head of the Atlas. He could feel Sombra's hatred from where he was floating, so, with as big a smirk as he could make, he flashed a thumbs up to where the villains were.

"Well that was quite something," Rarity said as Shadow floated back down to her. "And I've just received word that our friends have safely gotten all of the innocent out of the area. So far be it from me to be allowed to be shown up!"

With a grunt of effort, Rarity spread out her threads across the behemoths entire arm. She then flashed a smile at Shadow before pulling all of the strings tight. For a moment it looked like nothing happened, before the entire arm of the behemoth started to fall towards the land, in thousands of sections.

"Not bad," Shadow said.

"Well, it may not have been as impressive as yours, but there's grace and poise to how I work," Rarity replied.

"Hmph, think that grace and poise will help you with those?"

Rarity looked over her shoulder and saw a giant, metal, silver hedgehog heading for the both of them.

"Is that a metal version of Silver?"

"No, I believe it was an early version of Metal Sonic. Or was it a later version? Damn timeline," Shadow grunted.

"Shadow, language. Just because we are fighting brutes does not mean we have to act like them," Rarity chastised. She then flashed a look towards the metal foe and it exploded into a shower of light and sparks. "Because without our morals, we are no better than those we fight."

"Well, guess I have to agree with you on that one," Shadow said. Then he and Rarity spied mecha-Chrysalis and her metal army coming out of the Atlas, getting the pair to smirk at each other. "Seems the party's really starting. So what do you say, Rarity? Care to dance?"

"Shadow, darling, I thought you would never ask."

Author's Note

"Why would they build a robot that's so easy to get lost in?"

"No idea. Do you think that's a different skeleton we passed back there, or have we been looping?"

"How would we be looping?! It's a straight line up and down?! Only an idiot would get lost in a place like this!"

"Oh, hey Sonic."

"Cubot? You're down here?"

"Yeah, I came down here weeks ago looking for Flurry and couldn't find my way out. I keep going in a circle."

"I rest my case."

Born from the Titan

"Keep fighting!" Celestia roared.

She went back to back with her sister and unleashed all of their magical power upon the behemoth, only to snarl when the barrier managed to withstand their attack.

"What is this thing made of?" Sally asked from Celestia's back.

"It cannot keep this up for long. Whatever our allies on the inside have done to it has crippled it's movements," Luna pointed out. Celestia knew that this was true. The Magnum Atlas was down a leg and down and arm, yet despite these massive setbacks, it was still somehow managing to hold them off. Mostly due to the barrier around it that continued to repel all of their attacks. "Still holding up, Tails?"

"I'm fine," Tails said, also sitting on Celestia's back. "Good thing I've got this suit or your sister's power could have ended me."

"Do not worry Tails, I have full control of my power. It will not harm you."

"I will say this for them. Sombra and Eggman sure know how to build something that can get it's butt kicked," Rainbow Dash said.

"Even the Elements power is having trouble piercing that barrier," Twilight added. "I didn't think that was possible, but here we are."

"Shadow, do you and Rarity think you can get inside that monster and kill the barrier's power source?" Tails asked.

"No good. Rarity and I have been repelled from the machine's body. This Metal Silver is stronger than we gave it credit for," Shadow replied, in-between grunts.

"Sorry Darlings, but the barrier is now repelling us as well as our attacks. We cannot get close enough to the Atlas to do anything about our current predicament," Rarity added.

"That's no good. How about you, Sonic? Think you and Fluttershy can get to the power source of the Atlas?"

"Maybe, but it's going to take some time," Sonic replied. "Eggman's throwing everything he's got at us and right now we're trapped down in the things right leg. Fluttershy, look out!"

Sonic ended the conversations there, leaving the groups to share a look of concern with one another. "Welp, chalk that up to another plan of ours that goes off the rails the moment the fighting starts," Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"We spent so much time figuring out the best way to group our friends up and it ends up being irrelevant because of a single barrier," Twilight sighed. "Anypony got any ideas on how to punch through that thing?"

"Punching ain't working, princess!" Applejack's voice said over the comms. "Knuckles, Bunnie and I have been pounding away on the front of this thing and not so much as a crack!"

"Sorry hon, but brute force ain't going to get us past this," Bunnie said.

"Well, at least we've got the machine down for the moment," Twilight said. The Atlas then opened up its maw and fired a beam of pure dark magic that annihilated where the bruisers had been working. The group gasped for a moment, only for the smoke to clear to show that a combination of AJ's Element, Shining and Cadence's magic, as well as Blaze's fire had managed to save them. But Twilight didn't need to examine the sight to know that they couldn't take many more hits like that.

"Alright, that barrier just became priority number one! Teams, focus all of your power, speed and ideas on tearing that thing down!" Twilight ordered. "Cadence, group up. Celestia and Luna, we're going to see what four Alicorns fueled by the Elements can do to that barrier!"

"Alright, that's what I like to hear!" Luna laughed. Cadence joined the princess while Celestia passed off Sally and Tails to Rainbow Dash. The Alicorns took their positions, Cadence, Celestia and Luna in a triangle around Twilight, allowing the Element to boost their power even further. The three princesses each fired a beam of magic that all met in the middle in front of Twilight, who then poured all of her magic into that focal point.

"Let's see if you can take this."

With a roar that could be heard throughout the land, Twilight unleashed the full, combined might off all four alicorns. The beam of energy spiraled towards the Atlas in a swirl of purple, white, pink and dark blue light, before being consumed by the Element's golden power. The beam of magic struck the barrier, took a moment to press against it, before piercing not only through the barrier, but also punching a hold clean through the abdomen of the Atlas. The machine bellowed fire and smoke as it fell to it's knees, sparks and explosions erupting all along it.

"So did you guys know that we weren't in the middle of it or did you just guess?" Sonic asked.

"We figured you'd be fast enough to get out of the way," Tails replied.

"Good shot. The barrier has been taken down completely," Shadow added. "Now there should be nothing left to prot-UGH!"

"Rarity here, Shadow just got kicked in the back of the head by Metal Silver."

"I have a new favorite machine."

"Silver, not now. What I think Shadow was trying to say is that there is now nothing stopping us from getting to Sombra and Eggman," Rarity finished.

"Sounds like a plan. You hear that, bruisers?"

"We heard you. Alright, split in two, take a knee and then punch like it owes you money!" Knuckles roared. The princesses watched from above as the bruisers each annihilated each of the Atlas's knees, causing the entire, mechanical being to tip over and fall face first into the land below.

"Did everypony get out of the way in time?" Celestia asked.

"We're all good. We're moving to the arm next to make sure that this bad body can't do anything else," Knuckles said.

"Good. Once you've knocked out the arm, meet us at the head. I hope that Eggman and Sombra will surrender now that they're final weapon is down for the count, but knowing them they probably have something else up their sleeves," Twilight said. "Alright, let's get down there. I want this to end and I want it to end today."

The princesses flew down towards the head of the Atlas, each of them wondering what the villains would do next. But they had hope that this would be the end. They had survived everything else that the villains had thrown at them. They would conquer this and then the world would be saved. It would finally be over.

||==O O==||

"Having trouble keeping up, Fluttershy?" Sonic asked.

"Why would you ask a question that you know the answer to?" Fluttershy replied.

Sonic slowed down for a moment and allowed Fluttershy to catch up with him. Even with her Element fueling her power, she still couldn't catch up with Sonic. She didn't mind. He was polite enough to run alongside her, though when he got excited he had the habit of racing ahead, only to stop or come back when he realized what he had done. The two were moving side by side now, though what had Fluttershy's attention was the look on Sonic's face.

"It's rare to see you frowning. Are you worried?" she asked.

"Worried? Nah, why would I be? It's just Eggman. I've been here dozens of times before and I'll probably be here dozens of times after this," Sonic said with a shurg.

"It's okay to be scared. We all feel scared at times. I feel scared all the time," Fluttershy said.

"What, a tough beast like you? Feeling scared? After what you did to Eggman, we should all be scared of you," Sonic joked. Fluttershy gave him a dead stare. "Okay, I'll admit that I'm a bit nervous. It's been too easy."

"Too easy? A machine the size of a mountain that can blast away homes in a shot is too easy?"

"Would you be shocked if I said yes?" Sonic asked. "I mean...yeah, this machine is big and powerful, but this...Eggman is smarter than this and from what little I know of him, Sombra seems smarter too. Leaving the emeralds, not constantly attacking us, leaving to fight another day...no, that's pretty in character. All I'm saying is either they've gotten sloppy or their playing another game here. And I have no idea what it could be."

"So then what should we do? Should we ask them what their plan is?" Fluttershy suggested.

"Y'know, that will probably work. Those two love to hear themselves talk so much that I bet that they'd tell us exactly what their plan is," Sonic chuckled. "But even if they don't tell us, I bet we're about to find out. Because we're here."

Sonic and Fluttershy came to a halt in front of a pair of large doors that had Eggman's face on it with a shadowy mane and smile encircling Eggman. "Well isn't that cute, they made a little image like the ones we have on our doors. It might almost make you think that they're friends."

Sonic walked up to the door and knocked twice on it, raising an eyebrow when the doors slid back and allowed them to enter. He motioned for Fluttershy to stay behind him as he entered, eyes on the lookout for any kind of trap or trick. But to his surprise, he found none of those. That worried him. Then he laid eyes on the two villains, who were looking at him with bored expressions on their faces. That irritated him.

"Well look who finally decided to show up. Sonic. You know, for someone who brags about his speed, you got here a full twenty seconds later than we predicted," Robotnik said. "Must have gotten slower. No surprise with the diet you have."

"Go easy on him, Robotnik. Even the fastest of runners would be bogged down having to drag that pink maned ball and chain around," Sombra cackled. "Hey there, Fluttershy. I'm amazed that you managed to come out from under your bed, let alone come to face us."

"Look guys, I'd love to match wits with you guys, but I prefer a challenge, so if you can call out whatever secret weapon that you've been hiding, that would be great," Sonic said. Robotnik and Sombra raised their eyebrows and Sonic and he gave them a look. "Don't play that game. I know that you've got at least one more surprise for us. You always do. So if you can just get it out here so I can break it like I do all your toys, we might be able to get out of here at a decent time."

"How is it that no matter how many times I see it, your ego continues to astound me?" Robotnik asked. "Fine, you want so badly to see what we've got, then how about-"

"Wait." Robotnik stopped and turned his head to Fluttershy, who had walked forward. "Please, we don't have to do this. There's already been so much destruction and pain. Please, just stop it here. What can you gain from so much pain? Please, just stop this. Give up and let us help you. Whatever pain or hurt in your past that caused you to be like this, we'll help you to overcome it. Just please, stop this before you get hurt."

"...you're serious? You're actually trying to help us?" Sombra asked. "Wow, you might just be the dumbest pony that I've ever met. And that's saying a lot. Robotnik, anything you want to add?

"Yes. I am looking forward to watching that kindness die when I kill your friends, break your Element and then make you suffer as you made me suffer a hundred fold," Robotnik seethed. Then he pressed the big, red button on his consol. And then the whole Atlas began to shake.

"If it means anything Fluttershy, I think it was incredibly brave and kind to try to help them," Sonic said.

"Thanks."

Eggman and Sombra stepped back...before the entire Magnum Atlas began to warp and contort, shifting and changing around the four as hundreds of thousands of metal began to fold up all around Eggman and Sombra. At first, Sonic had no idea what he was looking at...before it started to take a shape that made his eyes shrink. The machine looked like...a combination of an elephant and satyr. A giant fusion that was dozens of times larger than him. But that wasn't the problem. The problem was the giant, Master Emerald within the chest of the creature surrounded by a crystal tree that glowed with white light. The being towered over Sonic and Fluttershy, while Sombra and Eggman laughed from within.

"Well Sonic, anything witty to say now?" Sombra asked.

"What...have you two done?" Sonic whispered.

"Come now, this shouldn't be a surprise. We roboticized and controlled everyone else, after all," Robotnik added. "But turns out that building such an impossible army requires quite the power source. Good thing that we had a certain beast of burden in mind."

"As well as a king that failed even worse than I did," Sombra added. "Now, while both of them might be failures in their own right, after being roboticized, mind controlled and fueled with two of the greatest sources of power in both our worlds, well, maybe even they might be worth something."

"So bow, worms, bow before..."

"The Master King!"

Author's Note

"You know, I thought it was odd that he hadn't appeared yet. Mongul is one of our greatest foes after all."

"Yes, and he's been fused with...with...um..."

"Fluttershy? You know this guy, right?"

"Yes, we fought him in our movie. Um...hang on..."

"Wow, and people call us evil."

"Look, we fought him one time and I'm bad with faces. I'm sorry."

All Powerful

"Sonic? Come in Sonic? Comms dead," Tails said.

"Hmph, probably broke it," Shadow guessed.

"Should we go in after them?" Rarity asked.

"Give him a moment. Sonic likes to mess around with Eggman whenever they fight, so they're probably getting their pre-fight banter out of the way," Sally suggested.

"Well let's hope they finish it up soon," Twilight said. She then looked behind her to see all of their allies gathered around the head of the Atlas. "Because those two have a lot of people and ponies who want a crack at them and the line is getting long."

"Don't worry, any second I'm sure Sonic will come running out of there with-"

Sally never got to finish her sentence, because a certain blue hedgehog came crashing out of the Atlas and cut her off. Sonic bounced across the ground and skidded to a halt at Twilight's hooves, getting her and everyone else to look up as a metallic nightmare came walking out of the Atlas's head. It was a mix between Mogul and the Storm King, with the Master Emerald and the Tree of Harmony in the center of the being. And despite being much smaller than the Atlas, it still towered over everyone else.

"Hello, worms," the voice of Sombra and Eggman said in unison.

"Sombra? Eggman? What...what is that?" Twilight asked.

"This? Oh dear Twilight, this is your end. A combination of your two second greatest foes," Sombra answered. "Fused together, roboticized and filled with the combined powers of chaos and harmony. This...is the true magnum opus. This will be the end of you all. Don't believe us? Ask her."

As they said this, the Master King tossed a broken Fluttershy to Twilight, who caught the mare with her magic. Fluttershy seemed to be on death's door, forcing Twilight to use every healing spell she knew to try to help her.

"Sonic, are you alright?" Sally asked.

"Don't know. Are there supposed to be four of you?" Sonic asked.

"Fluttershy? Fluttershy, talk to me," Twilight whispered.

"I'm...not okay. But I'm alive," she weakly replied. Twilight helped Fluttershy back up before glaring at the Master King. All of her and Sally's allies gathered around the two of them, glaring down the masterpiece of their respective villains.

"Just one more, everyone! Just one more machine created by our foes and then we can save our worlds! We can do this! We can win!" Sally roared. Her allies roared in unison. "Now let's tear this disasterpiece apart!"

All of the heroes from both Mobius and Equestria charged, flew and raced towards the Master King, swarming it from all sides.

"They actually believe they have a chance."

"That they do. What fools."

The Master King fired a blast of magic out of its hands that tore Lune and Celestia out of the sky, dropping their smoking bodies to the ground. It swung around and fired off a kick that shattered Amy's hammer, before it slammed its foot into the ground to create a shockwave that blew back most of the ground fighters. Lightning lanced out of its shoulder and knocked Bunnie, Tails, Twilight, and Omega out of the sky. It then raised a single hand and darkness shot out to swallow all those that were unfortunate enough to be grounded.

Luckily for the heroes, they were all teleported out of the way by Cadence, who then charged towards the Master King like a bat out of hell. She slammed her full magical might into the master, who met her power with its own.

"I'm glad that you have this machine, Sombra. Because I want to watch the hope drain from your eyes as I tear it apart limb from limb! I want you in your final moments to know that there is nothing that can save you from me!" Cadence roared.

"Geez, Cadence. What did I do to make you so angry at me? From the way you're screaming you make it sound like I murdered your foal," Sombra asked. Then a devilish smile crossed his face. "Don't worry, I haven't gotten to that on my list yet. I'll kill her after I kill you."

If it was even possible, Cadence's fury exploded even further and with a screech of rage she unleashed all her power at Sombra. But her rage blinded her and she didn't see the darkness welling up in the Master King's hand until it was too late. The blast caught her square in the chest and sent her tumbling back. Her rage allowed her to get back up to her hooves despite the pain, but when she looked down at herself, the rage turned to confusion. Because from where she was shot, black crystals were expanding all over her body. She barely had time to glare at Sombra before she was completely consumed, leaving her like a statue.

"Karma's a bitch, ain't it?" Sombra asked the horrified heroes. "You all love trapping your villains in stone, or the moon, or in hell. So Robotnik and I came up with our own little place to trap you. These dark crystals will consume every last of magic within you slowly, painfully, and then, only after they have drained you for all they are worth, will they finally kill you. Seems fitting, doesn't it?"

"Everyone, avoid the lasers!" Sally ordered, but the villains were already in motion. Two beams of darkness caught Celestia and Luna, consuming them in crystals within seconds. Twilight constructed a barrier of magic around most of her friends, but the Master Emerald cut off her shield from those behind the Master King. The machine spun and fired into the chest of Knuckles, who tried to race towards the machine before he too was crystal.

"Speedsters, get everyone back!" Twilight ordered.

In the blinks of an eye, Sonic, Rainbow Dash and Shadow got to work. Sonic grabbed Tails and Sally, Rainbow grabbed Applejack and Shadow grabbed Rarity and Fluttershy. The Master King aimed towards Rotor and fired, but Bunnie intercepted with her shield. Yet to her horror, the dark crystal began to spread along the energy crystal and quickly worked its way up her arm.

A blade flashed and Bunnie cried out in pain as Antoine sliced off her arm just below the shoulder, before pulling his wife back as her arm was completely consumed in the dark crystals.

"Now that's a husband!" Sombra laughed as he focused his full attention on Antoine. "Antoine. You constantly find new ways to surprise me. Even though I am about to kill you, I must admit that I am glad to have met you. You have been a constant source of entertainment."

Antoine placed himself between him and Bunnie as the Master King took aim at him, but before it could fire beams of purple light rained down from the heavens and bombarded the Master, giving Sonic and Shadow time to zip in and get Bunnie, Antoine and Rotor out of the way. The Master King turned towards Twilight, who was glaring down at it from above with her Element blazing on her head.

"Twilight. It's always you. You're always the final thorn in my side," Sombra snarled. "But today it ends. Today I finally kick the princesses off their throne and place the rightful ruler of Equestria on the throne. Enjoy your final moments, Twilight, because it all ends today."

"You're right, Sombra, it does end today. It ends with you being erased once and for all," Twilight promised as her horn glowed.

"I admire your optimism pony, but you can't beat us," Eggman chuckled. "Actually, I remember you saying something when you fought Silver all those weeks ago. About how you move stars? Well then, I hope you're ready, pony...because you're about to become the silver medal at something else."

The Master King put its hands together and then slowly pulled them back, creating its very own star in the center. Twilight's eyes went wide as the villains let out a laugh, before they hurled the star towards Twilight. She threw up a barrier, which shattered as the sun exploded in her face. Only her Element saved her life as she was sent hurling backwards, crashing hard into the ground. Rainbow and Pinkie were at her side in an instant, with the rest of her friends racing to her side.

"Still alive? Impressive. That crown is more than a fashion statement, isn't it?" Eggman asked. "But now let's see if you can survive another-"

The Master King staggered forward as something kicked it in the back of the head, getting the machine to spin to see Shadow hurling spears at it. It raised a hand and erased the spears, before firing dark beams of magic at the hedgehog.

"I owe you both a beating for what you both did to me. And it's time to make you both pay," Shadow seethed.

"Shadow. I'm so glad that you're dumb enough to face us alone. You took the greatest victory from me. Now I'll take everything from you!" Sombra roared. The Master King unleashed all of its firepower upon Shadow, who zipped and weaved around the machine, throwing spears at it while trying to find a weak point. Then the Master King snapped it's fingers...and time slowed to a crawl for a brief moment. And in that moment, it moved in front of Shadow and aimed right at his head. Time resumed, Shadow looked up to realize that somehow the Master King was in front of him...before he was shot right in the head.

"Shadow!" the heroes cried out. Shadow collapsed to the ground, quickly being consumed by the dark crystals. The Master King raised a foot over the crystalized Shadow and stomped down, only to blink and find that they had missed. They looked over their shoulder to see that Sonic had moved Shadow out of the way, and was now glaring at the villains over his shoulder.

"That's enough," Sonic decreed. "You've hurt enough of my friendd. The both of you have. This ends now. Sally?"

Sally tossed a briefcase to Sonic, who caught, open and removed the contents from within it in the blink of an eye. The seven chaos emeralds began to circle around the hedgehog, infusing him with all of their power.

"Do you really think we wouldn't be ready for this? Take this!" the two villains roared in unison. They fired a blast of energy towards the hedgehog, only to watch in amazement as six ponies came together to create a barrier of magic that deflected the shot. With a roar Sonic's body turned golden and he floated off the ground, flanked by the six Elements of Harmony. Chaos and Harmony, standing side by side.

"Sonic is right. Eggman. Sombra. The two of you have wrought an immeasurable amount of chaos, death and destruction across both of our worlds. Today is the day you pay for your crimes," Twilight snarled. "For ruining our worlds."

"For trying to kill our familes," Applejack added.

"For hurting those we love," Rainbow snarled.

"For attacking those that sought to help you," Fluttershy whispered.

"For tearing apart friendships," Pinkie growled.

"For crushing those you thought were weak," Rarity sneered.

"You're going to pay. And it's going to feel great," Sonic finished.

"Well then what are all of you waiting for?" Eggman and Sombra asked in unison.

"Bring it."

Author's Note

"Oh come on, why would the Author cut it there?"

"Because when there's a super awesome mega battle coming up, you want to make the build up to it amazing, but brief. Too much build up can be a bad thing."

"Really? Name one time when there was too much buildup?"

"How about when they spend seven episodes reaching their ultimate forms while screaming to whole time?"

"How dare you slander the classics."

Ace in the Hole

Super Sonic blitzed The Master King, bombarding it from every direction with chaotic energy. Yet somehow, the barrier around the king held. Twilight and her friends rained harmony down upon the Master, yet its spells kept the tidal wave of harmony at bay. The Master King clapped his hands and sent out a blast of magic that knocked all seven of the heroes back, before snapping its fingers at Sonic.

The force of an exploding sun caught Sonic in the chest and he was rocketed off world, leaving the Elements to fight the king. Twilight and Rarity conjured chains of harmony that wrapped around the king, while AJ and Rainbow Dash crashed into the top of the master to force it to its knees. Fluttershy and Pinkie finished up by using their magic to try to separate the two beings that had been fused into one. Getting the villains inside to laugh.

"They never learn, do they?" Robotnik asked.

"It's one of their best features," Sombra replied.

The Master King ripped through the chains holding it, shook off AJ and Rainbow Dash before firing two beams of magic at Pinkie and Fluttershy. Twilight intercepted with a barrier, only to watch as it shattered under the kings power. The Master King snapped its fingers to slow time to a crawl, but this time Twilight was ready. Her horn flashed and a counter spell cancelled out the spell...or at least she thought it had, until she watched the Master King dash towards her faster than Sonic.

So it was a good thing for them the real Sonic showed up to help them.

In a flash of gold Sonic slammed into the Master King, ripped it from the ground and proceeded to kick it around like a soccer ball. Since they had a moment to collect themselves, Twilight and her friend regrouped and channeled their magic, raining a blast of pure harmony down towards Sonic and the Master King. Sonic gave a quick salute to the king as he retreated, allowing the king to take the full brunt of the Element's wrath.

"Think that did it?" Twilight asked Sonic.

"Are you kidding me? It's never that easy," Sonic replied. "Watch. They'll be fine."

Just as Sonic predicted, out of the smoke walked the Master King, who dusted off his armored form as he approached the heroes.

"Well that was quite the display of fireworks," Sombra taunted. "If I had known that we were celebrating the end of the princess rule then I would have brought snacks. I make a mean deviled egg."

"I'm partial to pigs in a blanket myself," Robotnik added.

"That...that was the full might of the Elements," Twilight snarled.

"Oh, we felt it. For a moment I considered throwing my recycling in the proper bin," Sombra replied. Twilight growled, able to feel Sombra's smile through the visor on the Master King.

"After that little stunt Fluttershy pulled at the pier, I designed the Master King to be able to withstand any and all of your Elements power," Robotnik said. "It wasn't easy, mind you, but I've got a pretty good history of blocking off emotions. Just ask all of Sonic's loved ones that I've roboticized."

"You pulling that card? Alright, time to make this hurt," Sonic replied. The ponies blinked and Sonic was gone. The villains had just enough time to register Sonic's disappearance before their alarms started screaming at them, informing them that they were being attacked from all sides at the same time. The Master King clapped his hands and sent out a shockwave of dark magic, but a flash of gold punched through the wave and clocked the king in the jaw to stagger it.

"What's the matter, can't keep up?" Sonic asked.

"Super Sonic. What an annoyance that I've had to deal with all these years," Robotnik sighed. He kept an eye on the tracker, waiting for just the right moment. "But now, I'm finally ready to be rid of you once and for all."

That moment came and Eggman slammed his fist onto a button. The Master King shot crimson magic from its eyes and struck Sonic right in the face. He cried out in pain before crashing into the ground, clutching at his eyes. He couldn't see anything as the Master King took aim at the golden hedgehog.

"So do your old friend one last favor...and finally die!"

The Master King unleashed the full power of a dark star at Sonic, who never saw the attack coming. A rainbow blur moved Sonic out of the way and a flash of violet teleported the attack into the far reaches of space. All eyes looked skyward as the explosion could be seen from the planets surface, getting a sigh out of Eggman.

"I had him. I had him and you stole the kill from me," Robotnik said.

"Biggest wet blankets on Equestria. Don't you six know not to get between a villain and his nemesis?" Sombra asked.

"Sonic, you alright?" Rainbow asked.

"He...hurt me. That's not possible," Sonic said softly. "I'm invulnerable as Super Sonic. There's no way that..."

"You truly believed that invulnerable nonsense? Sonic, I broke the chaos force. Your little super form is nothing compared to that," Robotnik cackled. "So what will you do now, rodent, now that you know that your precious super form won't protect you from the Master King? Will you rush in as cocky and headstrong as usual? Or will you finally do the smart thing and just lay down and die?"

"He's not alone. We've got his back," Fluttershy said. She and the other Element's stood between the Master King and Sonic, who got back up to his feet.

"Okay, so you got one over me, Egghead. I'll give you that," Sonic admitted. Then he smiled. "But as always, you've made a fatal mistake. You told me how you did it. How you hurt me. So what if your magic can hurt me. All that means is I just can't get hit. And that's easy."

"Arrogant to the end. I can respect that," Robotnik replied. "Let's finally end this."

Beams of darkness flew from the hands of the Master King, forcing the heroes to separate to avoid being hit. Sonic and Rainbow blitzed the King, slamming into his barriers from all sides. While the King was distracted, Applejack and Pinkie charged straight up the middle and both threw a punch hard enough to cause cracks to form in the barrier. Twilight and Rarity pulled meteors from the heavens and rained them down upon the Master King, who threw up his hands to erase them from the sky. And Fluttershy took this moment to check on their friends, flying over and landing next to where they were hiding.

"How are all of you doing?" she asked them.

"I think we're alright," Sally said. "Bunnie's out of the fight, most of our strongest friends are crystals and we're over here watching a battle of gods. I'd say we're alright, all things considered."

"Well stay here and stay safe. Let us handle this," Fluttershy told them. She then placed a hoof on Bunnie's shoulder, soothing the pain she felt. Antoine flashed the mare a thankful look and Fluttershy smiled back, before an explosion told her she was needed with her friends.

She returned to the fight in time to see Sonic and Rainbow Dash get blasted across the landscape, while the rest of her friends struggled to use their Elements to subdue the Master King. It wasn't working. The Master King thrusted both hands up and created a pillar of dark magic that consumed all of the Elements nearby, before clapping its hands to send them crashing into the ground. Fluttershy landed next to Applejack and started to heal her wounds, trying not to panic as the Master King approached her.

"Fluttershy. We need to talk," Robotnik said. Fluttershy cast him a glance, but didn't budge, electing to continue to heal AJ. "You hurt me Fluttershy, in a way that I didn't think I could be hurt. You made me feel sympathy for Sonic. And that is a crime that I will not forgive."

"And you've worn out your chances," Fluttershy replied. "I've been nice. I've tried to help you both. And each time, you brushed me off. Well, go away. I'm busy."

For a moment, neither Eggman or Sombra could believe what they had heard. Then the Master King raised a foot over Fluttershy and prepared to squash her. Two streaks of speed slammed into the Master King to make sure that didn't happen. One was golden, the other was rainbow. And both of them hit with enough force to send the King skidding backwards.

"Haven't you two figured it out yet? You can't win," Sombra growled.

"Really? Because every time you say that, we seem to win," Rainbow snapped back.

"For such geniuses, you guys really don't learn, do you?" Sonic asked. "Come on Rainbow, let's see if this jogs their memories."

Sonic and Rainbow blitzed the Master King, ripping apart space as their combined speed tore chunks out of the Master King's barrier. Their suits fed off of the others speed and, if it was possible, Rainbow and Sonic started to go even faster. If things continued, the Master King would be ripped apart in seconds. But a second was all it needed. The Master King snapped its fingers to bring time to a crawl...and it had no effect on the speedsters.

"Slowing time? Come on, at least try stopping time. Give us a challenge!" Sonic demanded. Sonic and Rainbow Dash dive kicked the Master King in the chest, finally shattering its barrier and striking right in the heart of the being, sending it skidding backwards as the villains fought to remain standing.

"Finally dealt with that barrier. Guess is wasn't as tough as the two of you thought. Ready to give up?" Sonic asked.

"Never."

"Then this is over." Robotnik and Sombra snarled as the rest of the Elements joined Rainbow and Sonic. "Sombra. Eggman. For your crimes against the beings of two worlds and for endangering the lives of countless others, you will be stopped here and now. For Sombra, oblivion awaits. For Eggman...I wonder what a thousand years in the sun will do to you. That fine with you, Sonic?"

"What the heck? Eggman could use a vacation," Sonic smirked. "Let's end this."

"Indeed. Let's," Sombra agreed. The Master King teleported away from the heroes, appearing a distance away. It crushed its hands together near its chest and began to charge energy within its grip, an energy that made the ponies and Sonic gasp. The magic that it was channeling felt like a combination of the chaos source...and the elements. The combination of power was so great that the entire planet shook to its core and the stars above began to grow dimmer.

"This is it, heroes! This is how we shall kill you once and for all, with your own powers! With the same power that you have used to save your lives again and again!" Sombra and Eggman roared in unison. "So come, try one last time to face us! Show us one last feeble attempt at resistance!"

"T-that's a lot of power," Rainbow Dash snarled.

"Ah can feel our energy but also Sonic's in there. How did they do this?!" AJ asked.

"How?! How did they manage to tap into the Elemental power?!" Twilight asked.

"It doesn't matter. They're just a cheap knock off compared to us," Sonic replied. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled at the group. "They think they can beat us by combining our powers? Well let's show them what that power really looks like! Come on, together!"

"TOGETHER!"

The ponies smiled back before taking to the skies along with Sonic. The six ponies formed a hexagon in the sky, while Sonic took up the space in the middle. Elemental and Chaotic power tore apart the very planet as the two forces charged their ultimate attacks. The full power of Chaos with the majestic might of Harmony. Together, the two lights could be seen from anywhere across the stars. The heroes took aim at Sombra and Eggman, whose own power was nothing compared to the true power of chaos and harmony.

"I know that you've heard this so many times before, but I never get tired of saying it. Eggman...you LOSE!" Sonic roared.

The power of the Elements wrapped around Sonic, combining the full might of harmony and chaos. For a moment, the entire universe shook from the overwhelming power...before their light vanished completely and the seven heroes plummeted to the ground. The group groaned and looked around...only for their eyes to widen with horror at what they saw.

The six Elements of harmony were gray and cracked, while the chaos emeralds were completely black and shattered...and no power could be felt from either. Before the group could say anything, a breeze blew by and both sets of artifacts turned to dust. The group watched the dust vanish on the breeze, none of them able to process what had just happened.

"W-what happened?" Twilight asked. "The Elements...and the Chaos Emeralds..."

"You want to know what happened? Are you really that stupid that you don't realize what you tried to just do?!"

The heroes looked up to see the Master King approaching, with the visor brought back so they could all see the wicked smiles that Sombra and Eggman now wore.

"You tried to combine the full power of chaos and harmony! Two powers on the opposite end of the spectrum! It's basic science. Those two don't strengthen each other or compliment each other! No, do you fools want to know what they do?"

"They cancel each other out!"

Author's Note

"What happened over there?"

"The Emeralds and the Elements are gone...they've destroyed each other!"

"How?"

"It's simple. Chaos and Harmony can't co-exist as one source of power. By trying to combine them, our friends ended up erasing both sources of power."

"Huh...live and learn, I guess?"

Their One Shot

The Master King thrust out his hand and instantly dragged the seven heroes into the air, dangling them before Eggmand and Sombra. The two villains smiled with glee at their helpless foes, who struggled to escape. The others tried to come to their aid, but with a wave of its hand the Master King blasted them back.

"I love it when a plan comes together," Robotnik said.

"Eggman! What did you do?!" Sonic demanded.

"What did we do? It's simple, Sonic. We took our one win," Robotnik replied.

"One win? What are you talking about?" Twilight asked.

"What do you think, Sombra? Should we tell them?" Robotnik asked.

"Why not? Nothing they can do about it now."

"Very well. But first..." The Master King clenched his fist and the seven cried out in pain. "Ah, that's satisfying. Tell me Sonic, didn't it once cross your mind how...easy it all was?"

"Easy? What do you mean, easy?"

"Gathering the Elements. Gathering the Emeralds. The fact that you all made it through some admittedly deadly stuff without losing anyone? Not one of your merry band perishing where they should have?" Sombra added.

The group shared a look.

"Ah, so you did, but you didn't question it. Tsk tsk, that is a terrible way to live. The first rule of any scientist is to question everything," Robotnik continued. "Like, why would we just give you your artifacts? Why did the Egg Beater go down so easily? How did Shadow manage to get there in time to save Applejack? Wasn't it just a bit too easy?

"Honestly, I was trying to kill at least one of you with the death laser," Sombra added. "But hey, it all worked out in the end."

"Are you...saying you planned all this?" Sonic asked. "You planned to lose all those fights just to give us the Elements and the Emeralds? Why?!"

"Because you're predictable," Sombra answered. The seven looked at him in confusion and he rolled his eyes. "Even now, after witnessing it happen, they still don't get it. Robotnik, if you would?"

"Of course. Harmony and Chaos. When Sombra and I first met and explained each others foes, we came to the realization that not only did our foes each posses one of the fundamental forces of the universe, but that they were opposites. And we realized we could use that. Because sometimes opposites attract. But other times..." Robotnik motioned the spot where the Elements and the Emeralds had been.

"You knew?" Rainbow asked. "You knew from the beginning we would use them together?"

"You always do. That's the big disadvantage of sharing everything and working together. Sometimes you combine...elements...that just don't mix," Sombra smirked. "The Elements and the Chaos Emeralds. So many times they have stopped us and others from defeating you. They always let you turn things around, even when you don't deserve to win. Just like they would have done here...except, well, you tried combining them. And look how that turned out."

"T-then why now? You've each held an Element and Emerald at the same time. Why not just cancel them out then?" Fluttershy asked.

"Silly filly, it's because then you would know that could happen. And I wouldn't put it past you to forge a new Element or find another Emerald or something stupid like that," Robotnik replied. "But we knew with the right threat and enough of your friends in danger that you'd use them here and now, at the final battle, with everything on the line! So what a perfect place to both destroy the biggest nuisances we've ever faced...as well as redeem our win."

"Ya said that before. Redeeming a win. What the hay does that even mean?" AJ asked.

"Sombra, you want this one?"

"The Egg Beater. The Crystal Empire. The one time both of us had you beaten, beyond any shadow of a doubt. It was the one time we could, without question, say that we had won!" Sombra laughed. Then his face grew dark. "But after that win, we just couldn't seem to do it again. Even with the Egg Beater. Even with stronger and darker magic. It was like...we're only allowed to win once against you rainbow pukes. No matter what."

"So we took that into our hypothesis as we formulated our plan. And everything led up to this moment," Robotnik added. "So what if we lost numerous battles or failed to kill you? We weren't trying to win. It would be a waste to use our one, good win to kill one of you or maybe destroy a single Element or Emerald. No, we knew that if this was to work, we'd have to do it all in one grand moment."

"Everything that you have done. All your victories and success...has been planned from the start. Pushing you down this path so that you could get to this, exact moment, bring the Elements and Emeralds together, erase them...and, only when you're greatest deus ex machina's were gone...would we cash in our win. And we're cashing it in...NOW!"

The Master King slammed his hands together and the seven screamed in agony. The machine charged power along its hands and fired at the seven, only to watch as the blast was directed away by someone else. With a laugh the villains looked to the side, to see the Freedom Fighters and ponies allies standing against them.

"Well, just because it's our free win doesn't mean it's going to be easy," Robotnik chuckled.

"But it will be fun," Sombra finished.

Silver grabbed the king with TK and held him in place, giving Blaze the chance to throw blasts of fire at the machine. The Master King broke free with ease and deflected her attacks, before conjuring a meteor of black magic over their heads. Silver and Blaze hurled themselves out of the way as the meteor came down, just barely missing them. The Master King didn't let up and fired another beam at the pair...only for this beam to strike Omega as he threw himself over the both of them.

"Omega!" Blaze cried out as the robot was blasted to bits. His head landed on the ground and flickered, before it was lifted into the air by the Master King's power.

"One," the villains said before crushing the head into nothingness.

Blaze bellowed as she charged the Master King, but with a flick it rocketed her through a boulder. Silver raced to her side and threw up a barrier around the both of them, getting the Master King to chuckle. As it raised a hand to the pair, Knuckles slammed a fist into the side of its head.

"No! No one else! You may have taken the master emerald, but I am still it's protector! And I won't let you abuse it's power any more!" Knuckles bellowed. The Master King swatted Knuckles to the ground, kicked him across the field, teleported behind him and fired a blast of pure dark magic into his back. Knuckles didn't make a sound as he crumbled away, leaving nothing where he had once been.

"Two," the villains continued.

"Knuckles..." Sonic whispered. "What did you two do to him?"

"What was it that giant raisin said? Oh yes, that's right. He's gone. Reduced to atoms," Robotnik chuckled. "We'll do worse to you."

The Master King fired at Sonic and the Elements this time, forcing them to move. Sonic grabbed Fluttershy and Twilight, dragging them out of the way while Rainbow grabbed AJ and Rarity and rocketed them back. Pinkie did her thing.

"Trying to run? Oh no, we all know you won't do that," the Master King said, before aiming at the rest of the heroes. "Especially when there are so many targets to choose from!"

"Everyone, run!" Twilight called out.

The Master King fired on the rest of the heroes. Sally tackled Tails out of the way while Big Mac got struck in the chest, blasting him apart.

"Three."

"BIG MAC!" Applejack screamed. Her cry gained the attention of the Master King, who fired at her. Rainbow Dash tackled AJ out of the way and flew her back, while AJ cried out for her brother. The Master King aimed at them, before a sword struck it in the side. The King swatted away Antoine, who collapsed next to his wife.

"Antoine. Let's see if you can survive this time," Sombra said.

Bunnie grabbed hold of Antoine with her good arm and took to the skies, the Master King tracking her as she did so. It took aim, only to be staggered as Sonic slammed into its side.

"No more, Eggman! You won't take anyone else!" Sonic roared.

The Master King slammed its fist into the ground to rocket Sonic back, before it took aim behind it and blasted Amy to dust.

"Four."

Sonic roared and threw himself at the Master King, only for the machine to use its magic to grab Sonic out of the air. It hurled the hedgehog straight up, before teleporting up into the atmosphere and spiking Sonic back down to the planet below. Twilight and Shining Armor used their combined magics to catch Sonic, stopping him from cracking the continent in half with his fall...before a blast struck Shining and he disintegrated.

"Five."

It was Twilight's turn to go into a frenzy as she unleashed all of her magical might against the Master King, blast with the force of a supernova. The Master King held out a hand and the beam of magic crumbled away. Twilight had only a moment to stare in disbelief before the King fired on her. She was only spared by Rainbow Dash knocking Twilight out of the way.

Rainbow blitzed the King and struck him at every angle, but her attacks were as effect as a breeze against a mountain. The Master King electrified the air around itself and fried Dash, who collapsed at the King's feet. The King took aim at Rainbow.

"Si-"

Every single fighter left piled on the Master King, attacking it from all angles with whatever they had left. The King snapped his fingers and the fighters were all blasted off. With another wave of its hand it gathered up the fighters in front of it, pinning them to the ground at its feet.

"Even with your friends united, your skill and all your talks about how you prevail...it all meant nothing," Sombra scorned. "Because when we get our win, we win. The end."

"We seem to have been cut off there while you were counting. Would you like to try again?" Robotnik asked.

"Why thank you. Now Rainbow...no," Sombra corrected with a smile, aiming at Applejack this time. "You should be dead three times over at this point. Well it's time to remedy that."

"Don't you dare!" Rainbow roared, straining with all her might. When she found she couldn't break free, Rainbow hung her head and begged. "Please. Take me. Destroy me or whatever, but don't take her. Please."

"Rainbow, no!" Applejack cried out.

"Loyal to the end, Rainbow? How sweet," Sombra gagged. "But I am not Shadow. Please does not work on me."

"How about burn?!"

Fire consumed the Master King and forced it back for a moment, freeing the heroes. They looked up to see Blaze burning in the sky over them, with seven gems floating around her. Her might made it seem as if the sky itself was on fire, Blaze being the lone light in a sea of darkness.

"The Sol Emeralds...Blaze, what are you thinking?!" Sonic asked.

"GO! Before-" Burning Blaze was blasted back by a blast of dark magic that hurled her through a mountain.

"There are more emeralds?" Sombra snarled.

"Blaze risks destroying her dimension the longer she uses them! She won't hold out for long!" Robotnik roared. Blaze came rocketing back and slammed into the Master King, the power of her burning form able to push back the Master King.

"What's going on?" Twilight asked.

"Blaze...we have to help her!" Silver cried out.

"You have to come with me!"

The heroes looked behind them to see Discord standing next to a portal, hand outstretched. "Blaze is buying you time. We need to go! Hurry, while she can still hold them off!"

"What...no..."

"Die here fighting or live to avenge those you lost! Those are your options. Now let's go!" Discord yelled. The remaining fighters looked from Discord to Blaze, who was still battling the Master King. But her form was starting to flicker.

"She's running out of time," Silver whispered.

"Then don't let her sacrifice be for nothing. Let's go," Discord begged.

"We're not leaving her," Sonic said. "Come on, we've come back from worse. We have to-"

Sonic was cut off as he and all the others were lifted into the air by TK power. Before any of them had the chance to say anything, Silver threw them all through the portal. Discord held out his hand to Silver, but Silver smiled and shook his head.

"Don't be a fool. You'll only be going to your death," Discord said.

"If our roles were reversed and it was Fluttershy out there, would you leave her?" Silver asked. Discord smirked and shook his head.

"Give em hell, kid."

Discord went through the portal and it closed behind him, leaving Silver to turn back towards the battle.

With a scream Blaze crashed into the ground, panting heavily as she struggled back up to her feet. The Master King slammed to the ground in front of her, laughter coming from within. She pointed a hand at the Master King, only to watch as her blazing form came to an end. With a bitter smirk she used what little power she had left to tear open a portal to the Sol dimension, throwing the Sol emeralds through.

"Well that was a waste of time," Robotnik said. "You do realize that once we've killed Sonic and conquered the worlds, we'll be going after your dimension next?"

"You bought them time. It won't matter. They can't win now," Sombra laughed.

"You always say that. Yet they always do."

"Cheeky, huh? Well, as I was saying earlier, si-"

The Master King was knocked back by a blast of TK. Blaze looked to her side with shock to see Silver standing beside her. "Silver? What are you doing? You should have gone with the others! You-you can't-"

"Blaze, don't try to convince me to leave you. It's no use," Silver said as he extended a hand. Blaze teared up slightly before taking his hand, being helped to her feet and leaning against Silver for support. The two glared forward as the Master King regained its balance, glaring down at the two.

"You're annoying, Silver. Has anyone ever told you that?" Robotnik asked.

"I might have heard it once or twice."

"Not going to run, huh? Commendable. Stupid, but commendable," Robotnik said. "Sombra, would you like to do the honors?"

"Oh yes, I would love to." The Master King aimed both hands at Silver and Blaze, and Silver threw up a barrier in response. "Please, to take a page out of your book, it's no use. Now, where was I earlier? Oh yes, that's right."

The Master King fired.

"Seven."

Author's Note

"Now where was I earlier? Oh yes, that's right."

The Master King fired.

"Six."

"Actually Sombra, you got two. So that's seven."

"You're right. Ugh, I sound like a moron now."

"It happens."

"Hey, Silver, Blaze, thing we can do that over? I need to get the line right?...Come on guys, I know we're enemies, but you can at least answer."

"They're ash, Sombra."

"That doesn't mean they have to be rude."

Defeated

Discord closed the portal behind before turning to look at his friends. He had brought them to one of the last bastions in the fused worlds, a place that he hoped that Eggman and Sombra wouldn't know about. A place of ice and metal, a fusion between a secret G.U.N. facility...and where Discord had first come into being. A place that he hoped to never return to.

"We should be safe here. At least, for a time," Discord told his friends. He looked over his shoulder when they didn't answer, not surprised to find that no one was listening to him. Rainbow Dash was consoling a sobbing Applejack while Antoine held Bunnie. Sonic was beating his head into a wall while Tails stared blankly off into space. Rarity and Fluttershy sat next to one another, both silently crying and Sally clutched a small device to her chest, whispering to it. Twilight hadn't gotten up yet and Pinkie was completely deflated.

Rotor was the only one who got up. He walked over to Discord, clutching at his broken arm. Discord looked into his eyes and found pain, sorrow, anguish...but, surprising the god, the drive to keep going.

"So what now?" Rotor asked.

"I...I don't know," Discord admitted. "I was keeping an eye on the battle...just in case something crazy happened. But I never could have predicted..."

"We played into their hands," Rotor admitted. "Eggman and Sombra played us from the start and we danced along like puppets on strings. We should have known it was too easy. We should have seen it. I should have seen it."

"You should have seen it? I'm a god of chaos and even I couldn't see something this chaotic happening," Discord scowled.

"A weakened god who couldn't even stand without help. I'm supposed to be the team genius," Rotor corrected. Then Rotor shook his head and choked out a sob. "They're...they're all gone, aren't they? All the one's Eggman and Sombra blasted..."

"...they are. I'm sorry," Discord whispered.

"And those trapped in the crystals?"

"Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Shadow are still alive...for now. But they won't last long with those crystals sucking away their life force."

"I see. How about the families that were living in Canterlot?"

"I...I teleported the fillies and Spike out of the castle. Rouge and Starlight said they were going to try to evacuate the city. But if I used my power to teleport everypony in the city away...they I wouldn't have been able to save you. I'm sorry."

Rotor hung his head and gritted his teeth, forcing down his sorrow. He glanced over his shoulder at his friends before shaking his head and walking towards an exit.

"Where are you going?" Discord asked.

"To find supplies. Or build a weapon. Or do...something," Rotor said. "I just can't stand around and do nothing...I can't."

"I'll come with you. You'll get lost without me," Discord replied. With one last look at his friends, Discord followed Rotor into the main base. The place was far different than Discord remembered, thanks to the fusing of the two worlds. Towers of library books were merged with data banks and screens, which flashed images from both worlds on them. Tanks, planes and helicopters filled up the main room, but they had been changed to look like toys from a kids commercial. Then there were tubes filled with a strange liquid floating over runes and incantations. Luckily, there was nothing inside of them.

"Where are we?" Rotor asked. "I recognize some of the G.U.N. stuff, but I've never seen a base like this before from them."

"You're half right. This is a G.U.N. base...and the place of my creation," Discord revealed.

"You...were created?"

"We were all created in one way or another, if you think about it," Discord smirked. Rotor rolled his eyes. "But yeah, I was made here. Pulled out of the chaos force and trapped within this amalgamation you see before you. Soul of chaos mixed with different sacrifices of the world. Gruesome if you think about it for too long."

"You sound like you were made by a cult," Rotor said. He used his good arm to pry open a weapons locker and grabbed a few blasters.

"You're not too far off. The agents of chaos or whatever they called themselves created me well over ten thousand years ago to be their final weapon. A god of pure chaos that would destroy the world and plunge it into eternal chaos, allowing their evil to rule. I'm sure you've dealt with similar?"

"Is it sad to say we have?" Rotor asked. "Did you do what they wanted?"

"Throw the world into chaos? Yes. Allow their evil to rule? I chucked them into a pocket dimension. Chaos is chaos. It's not good and it certainly isn't evil."

"Huh, never thought about it like that."

Rotor started taking the weapons apart as best he could, which was tough with one arm. Discord snapped both fingers and fixed Rotor's arm, even though it took the wind out of Discord. "You sure you should be wasting your power like that?"

"I will use my power how I want...and to be honest, that's about all I can muster right now," Discord admitted. "What are you doing?"

"Making a sonic weapon," Rotor said. "If I find the right frequency, maybe I can shatter the crystals that are trapping the princesses and Shadow. Give us a fighting chance or, at the very least, save them from a grim end."

"You plan to go back? After being completely out played like that, you still want to go back?" Discord asked. Rotor took a moment to answer.

"What else can I do? Sit around and...I have to try. If no one else is willing to, then I will."

"You really think that you can stand up to the Master King with just a sonic weapon?"

"My goal isn't to stand up to the king, it's to free my friends. If that's all I can do, then I'll make sure I do it right," Rotor replied. Discord shook his head at the walrus.

"You're a fool, Rotor. An absolute lunatic," Discord said. He then walked up next to Rotor and started moving more weapons and parts to Rotor. "Which are my kind of people. How can I help?"

"Heh, with how crazy this thing's going to be, I might need chaos itself to help it stick together," Rotor said. Then he looked around the room and a thin smile crossed his face. "Heck, why stop at just a sonic gun? Look at all the toys in here. Between my brains and your insanity, maybe we could make something to give the Master King pause."

"So wait, now you're planning on fighting the king?"

"It looks like I'm to only one willing to try."

"You're not just a lunatic, you're full on insane. I'm in." Discord then cast a glance towards where his friends were. "Do you think we should-"

"They'll be fine. We've...we've been down like this before. But we come back, we always do," Rotor said, trying to keep his voice from shaking. "They'll get up. They have to."

||==O O==||

Applejack finally stopped crying. That was the only good news Rainbow Dash could think of at the moment. It was all she could focus on at the moment. Because if she tried to think of anything else, then...

Rainbow noticed that Sonic was heading for one of the doors that was marked with an exit sign.

"Where are you going?" she asked Sonic.

"For a run," Sonic curtly replied.

"Do you mean a run around the base or a run straight back to where Eggman and Sombra are?" Rainbow asked. Sonic didn't answer. "That's what I thought. Sonic, I want to go back there and give those two what they deserve just as much as you do, but what would be the point? You'd be going back just to die."

"You don't know that," Sonic replied.

"Actually, I do. They were kicking the crap out of us without even trying and that was when we had our Elements and Chaos Emeralds," Rainbow replied. "What chance do you stand without them?"

"A better chance than any of you."

"Why you..." Rainbow snarled as she started to get up. Applejack pulled Rainbow into a vice grip of a hug and pulled her back down, burying her face into Rainbow's chest. Rainbow's eyes softened as she returned the hug before flashing Sonic a glance. "I'm not one to give up either, but I've learned my lesson about rushing in angry and without a plan. We've lost enough of those we care about today. Don't add your name to the pile."

"I won't let them win," Sonic whispered.

"They already have!"

Sonic and Rainbow both looked to who had spoken. Twilight had finally sat up, her whole body shaking with a mixture of fury and sorrow. "They won the moment they teamed up against us! Didn't you hear what they said? They played us the entire time! All of our adventures, all of our successes and failures...they planned all of it! We weren't playing against them! We were just the pawns on the board."

"Twilight..." Rainbow said.

"They still have the Master King. They have the Master Emerald and the Tree of Harmony. They have Canterlot. We just lost everyone. Just give it up, Sonic. It's over. They've won."

Sonic tried to think of something witty, something that would provoke Twilight and force her to think straight. But he couldn't think of anything. She was right. It was an impossible fight. Eggman and Sombra had won. But at the very least, Sonic would make them fight for their victory. So with a bitter expression on his face, Sonic turned towards the exit once more.

"You're right. They did win."

All eyes turned towards Sally, who was now standing up. She walked over to Twilight and placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling weakly at the princess.

"Because, just like Eggman and Sombra said, they get a win. A win that we can't combat or contest against. And...this was their win. So not that they've won, we have to decide what do we do now?"

"What to do? They beat us. They manipulated us from the beginning like foals. And then...they killed everypony..." Twilight whispered. Sally tightened her grip as she nodded sadly.

"So now the ball's in our court. It's our turn to fight back. We have to. For those we lost."

Twilight sprung to her hooves and spun to face Sally, fury and pain consuming Twilight's eyes.

"Those we lost?! I lost everyone! My brother! My sister! My teachers! My city, my subjects, my baby brother! All of them are gone!" Twilight roared. Twilight hung her head and hid her eyes behind her mane. "The Elements are gone. The Rainbow Power isn't coming. I couldn't save them. I let them all die. I'm a failure of a princess and ruler. It's over."

Sally sighed softly before looking at the rest of the ponies. Rarity and Fluttershy still stared at the floor, Pinkie was as flat as a deflated balloon, Applejack had yet to let go of Rainbow and only Rainbow's eyes had the tiniest trace of an ember within them. She had seen these looks before. So long ago.

"Man...this takes me back." Twilight slightly lifted her head to look at Sally. "I remember hearing those exact same words a long time ago, when Eggman attack my kingdom and tore it down. They were said in a place similar to this with some of the same faces there to hear them. Do you want to know who said the same thing you did, Twilight?"

Twilight didn't answer.

"Me. I said almost the exact same thing when Eggman conquered my world. How I wasn't good enough. How I failed them. How it was over. And if I had been by myself, it would have been over. I would have given up then and there," Sally said. Then she smiled at her friends, who in turn smiled back to her and stood up.

"But I wasn't alone. I had Antoine. I had Rotor. I had Tails. And, eventually, Bunnie. Together, we started a resistance. We fought back against Eggman. And we eventually managed to overthrow him. And, if I'm being honest, we're better off now than when we first started. Because back then, there were only five of us. But I see eleven in this room, plus Rotor and Discord. So our chances are more than double what they were back then. Because even if we've lost the Emeralds and the Elements, so long as we've still got our friends, then we have everything we need."

"I know what it's like to lose everything. To lose those you care about. And when this is all over, I promise you we will mourn and celebrate them together. But trust me when I say this, they would want you to keep fighting, to keep their mission alive. They gave their lives to stop our foes and save our worlds. By doing the same, we keep them alive in us. So I'm saying this as your friend, Twilight. Please, get up. We have worlds to save. We have to save what they sacrificed themselves for. A better tomorrow."

Twilight glanced at her friends as Sally said this. Rarity and Fluttershy both rose back to their hooves, wiping the tears out of their eyes. Pinkie popped back up and managed to somehow force herself to smile. AJ let go of Dash and stood up, a look of determination on her face so fierce that Twilight could feel her confidence coming back. And all Rainbow did was smirk at Twilight while leaning against Applejack, as if she already knew what Twilight would do."

"Even as the ruler of Equestria, I'm still learning about friendship. You're right, Sally," Twilight finally admitted. "So long as we're together, it doesn't matter what Eggman and Sombra do to us. It doesn't matter how long it takes or...how many we lose. They will fail. It's what they're best at. And so long as we carry the torch of those we've lost...But I've got to admit, I've never been this deep into rock bottom before. I...might need some help fighting my way back up."

"Oh don't worry about that, Twilight. When we've hit absolute rock bottom is when the Freedom Fighters are at their best," Sally replied. "You showed me how you ruled in a world of harmony. Now let me show you how I rule when everything goes off the rails. When all you've got is a rag tag bunch of hotheads-Sonic-that somehow have to overthrow a tyrant who has absolute power. Congrats, Twilight. Welcome to the Freedom Fighters."

"Thanks."

"Well look at that, Rotor was right." All eyes turned to see Discord walking into the room. "You all got back up. Heh, how is it that even after knowing you all for years, you find new ways to impress me?"

"I guess we're just a bit more stubborn than you give us credit for," Rainbow said.

"Maybe you are. Well, if you weren't feeling better before, then you will be after you see what Rotor's been cooking up in the lab they've got here," Discord said. "I'm a god and even I can't believe what he's done."

Author's Note

"Wow, when was the last time Sally gave a speech like that?"

"I think she's tired of always seeming like the worse princess between the two. Now ishe really wants to show what she can do."

"What are you talking about, there's no way she's a bad princess."

"You'd be amazed how many people disagree."

"What, who disagrees?"

"I would imagine those that prefer Amy."

"Very funny, Twan."

Push On

The two teams had to admit that Discord was right. They were impressed.

Rotor had managed to take the tech and the vehicles that had been lying around and, along with some chaos magic, managed to combine them into an ultra tank that looked like it could take on anything. Rotor stood atop the death machine, waving to his friends as they entered.

"You guys got here ten seconds sooner than I predicted. That's the heroes I know and love," Rotor said. "Sorry I walked out, I just needed to get something done."

"And it looks like you have," Sally said. "Rotor, what is this, how did you build it so fast and how soon until we can use it against Eggman and Sombra?"

"This is the Final Gambit. I had another name for it, but I don't like naming my machines after swear words," Rotor chuckled. "Discord and I threw it together. Literally. Normally, you wouldn't be able to build something this complex by throwing together a bunch of parts and expecting it to make anything remotely resembling a death machine. But throw in some chaos magic atop of chaos theory and low and behold, the Final Gambit. As for how soon we can take it out..."

Rotor pressed a button on his wrist and the machine roared to life. It hovered into the air as neon lights dashed across every aspect of it, while a strange energy source hummed with a power that made the groups hair/manes stand on end.

"It's got everything. Hover jets for all terrain travel, reflector shields that are tough enough to stop thoughts from getting through and a giant, high powered, atomically charged hyper cannon that I like to use when I feel like taking a delicate approach," Rotor chuckled. "All powered by literally sucking the magic out of the air."

"This is amazing," Tails said. "Do you think it can defeat Eggman and Sombra?"

"After what they just did to us? No. But it will give us a chance. And that's all we've ever needed," Rotor replied. "I built the weapon, but how and when to use it is up to you guys. Sally and Twilight, you're the planners. Figure out what we need to do. Everyone else, get ready. I have a feeling we'll be going after Eggman and Sombra sooner rather than later."

"Heh, keep giving orders like that and you might just be leading all of us," Twilight said. She turned to face her friends, a stern expression on her face. "I think our first order should be freeing our allies still trapped in the dark crystals. But in order to that, we'll need a team that is willing to take on Eggman and Sombra to distract them. It will be incredibly risky and there is every chance that you could...and you're the first to volunteer, eh Sonic? Why am I not surprised?"

"I'll go too," Rainbow said. "One speedster won't be enough."

"Then make it three," Pinkie added. "I'm great at being a distraction. And I'm even better at getting out of situations that I shouldn't be able to. I can help."

"Alright, the three of you, along with the Final Gambit, will keep the Master King busy. The rest of us will do our best to get our crystalized friends away from our foes," Sally said. Then she looked over at Discord, who was leaning against the wall and holding his hand to his head. "Is something the matter?"

"Nothing that should concern you all at the moment," Discord grunted. "Oh by the way, don't worry about the fillies or Spike. I got them safely here. They're sleeping in the back. They've...had a rough day, so don't wake them yet. Continue, princess." Sally looked concerned, but shook her head before turning back to the group.

"I know this isn't the best plan, but it's all we've got. And I know that after getting our butts kicked that badly that this might seem like we're just pretending we have a chance...but I believe in you all. And so did our friends. We might not have been able to save those we've lost, but we have a chance to save those in the crystals. And like Rotor said, all we need is a chance. We move at night fall. Get ready."

The heroes split apart into different teams and Sally walked over to Twilight, who was staring up at the Final Gambit with doubtful eyes.

"We'll get them back. We have to," Twilight whispered.

"Twilight...are you alright?" Sally asked.

"No. No I'm not. Because even if we get those in the crystals back...my brother is still gone. And with him, a part of me that will never heal," Twilight replied. Then her eyes hardened. "And I will make sure that both Sombra and Eggman both lose a piece of them that will never heal either."

Tails was helping Rotor make some adjustments to the Final Gambit. He was so focused on his work that he didn't notice when Fluttershy walked up beside him.

"Are you doing okay?" she asked him. Tails glanced over his shoulder at her, before shaking his head and getting back to work.

"No. But I've lost people before. Those I cared about. I know...that I have to stay focused. That there will be time for mourning when we win," he replied.

"You're very brave for someone your age," Fluttershy said softly. "Would you like a hug?"

"...I would, yeah," Tails said, before Fluttershy pulled him into a hug.

Rarity walked over to Rotor, who was making some kind of bomb, but what it was even Rarity's critical eye couldn't discern.

"I think I finally realized what you bring to the team," Rarity said.

"High powered ordinance?" Rotor joked.

"You're the rock. You keep everything going when all hope seems lost. You keep working when everypony else is too distraught to move. I respect that, Rotor."

"I've just gotten beaten down more than them, that's all. I'm used to it."

"Which means you're just as adapt at picking yourself back up and channeling your grief into progress. I wish I was more like you," Rarity admitted.

"Then how about instead of whining about it, you hand me that wrench and help me finish up this crime against life?" Rotor teased. Rarity smirked back at him before levitating the wrench over to him.

Pinkie and Sonic were off in one of the corners, both of them doing stretching exercises in preparation for what was to come. At least, Sonic was. Pinkie was twisting and stretching herself in ways that made Sonic wonder if she was actually made of taffy.

"Do you think we'll be fast enough?" Pinkie asked Sonic.

"We have to be."

"And if we're not?"

"I refuse to even think that's a possibility," Sonic replied. "If my friends need me to be fast, I go faster. If they need me to do the unthinkable, I do the impossible. Because I have to."

"Heh, we're similar like that, then. No matter what get's thrown at us, no matter how down we get...we keep a smile on our face and keep going. We're the ones always smiling when things are at their worst."

"And in turn, give them hope that things might just work out," Sonic finished with a chuckle. He then held out a fist to Pinkie. "Bump it."

Pinkie smiled and did so, confetti coming out of her hoof when they collided.

"Okay seriously, what are you?"

Discord was helping Antoine attach a clawed arm to Bunnie. Rainbow Dash started to walk towards them, before noticing that Applejack was sitting by herself with her hat laying at her hooves. Dash walked over to her marefriend and sat beside her, silence passing between the two of them for a minute.

"Applejack, are...?" Dash began, but stopped. It was a stupid question to ask. Instead, she wrapped a wing around AJ and pulled her close. "I'm here for you. No matter what."

AJ didn't reply. She simply leaned into Rainbow Dash and stayed there. Dash heard footsteps approaching and looked behind her to see Antoine and Bunnie walking over, with Bunnie's new arm attached. Antoine looked at AJ, a questioning look in his eyes. Dash slightly shook her head, tightening her grip on Applejack. Antoine nodded and sat next to Applejack, with Bunnie sitting next to him. He placed a hand on Applejack's shoulder as Bunnie rested her head on his shoulder.

They sat together in silence.

And Discord watched all of this. From Sonic and Pinkie to Rarity and Rotor, he watched it all and cursed himself. Cursed himself for being so weak. For being unable to do anything, despite being a god. He held up a hand and channeled all of his might into it. He could barely manage a small star. Pathetic. They were all suffering because of him. Because he was so weak. Because he hadn't done enough.

"I promise this to all of you, I will not fail you again," Discord silently promised them all. "I will find a way to make this right. No matter what I must do."

||==O O==||

Canterlot, a city that once been home to thousands of ponies, now held within it only crystal statues. The once bright and shining castle was now a dark red and black, the color of its conquerors. And the throne that had sat upon it dozens of wise and kind rulers now housed two, who had split the throne down the middle so that both had an equal rule. Sombra sat on the left and Eggman on the right. And standing behind them was the Master King, awaiting it's masters commands.

"We Sombra, we finally did it," Robotnik said. "We've won. The world is ours, Sonic and his friends are crushed and we are unchallenged. It's a good day."

"It is a good day," Sombra agreed. "And now we can focus on the final phase of our plan. What will ensure that we rule not just this world, but every single world in the multiverse. Nopony will be able to stand against us." But then he narrowed his eyes. "But still, a part of me is concerned."

"About what?"

"We cashed in our win. And it was glorious. The Elements and Emeralds are dust. So many of Twilight and Sonic's friends are dead. Equestria and Mobius are ours...but Sonic and Twilight still live. The Freedom Fighters and the Ambassadors still live. And every time they have survived..."

"They come back to stop us in the end. Yes, you are right to be concerned," Robotnik agreed. Then both of the villains smiled the most evil smiles they could muster at one another before gazing at the throne room before them. Where the crystalized forms of dozens of other ponies and mobians decorated their halls.

"So let them come. Let them come and be bested once and for all!" Robotnik laughed. "Without the Emeralds, Sonic and his friends cannot bring chaos to my perfectly concocted plans."

"And without the Elements, Twilight and her allies cannot hope to bring harmony to my storm of darkness," Sombra added. "The Master King crushed them at their best. It will be more than enough to crush them at their worst."

"It will indeed...if they make it to us. For we have far greater matters to attend to," Eggman chuckled. "But they will go for their friends first. That is what they do."

"And it just wouldn't be right if we didn't have somepony there waiting for them, just so they don't feel left out," Sombra added. "So, who'd ya pick?"

"Oh, I've got a real winner. Ripped him from another reality. And while they may be able to best any regular foe," Eggman began as he pressed a button on his watch, bringing up a screen that showed where the crystalized heroes were...along with a black jackal with a red ruby that presided over all of them.

"The don't have what it takes to defeat Infinite."

Author's Note

"And we're certain we got everypony? No last minute, surprise out of nowhere foes that might be able to come back against us and turn the tide?"

"Trust me, I got everyone. Every single, important villain and hero that the hedgehog has ever had on his world was dealt with...wait...ah crud."

"Robotnik, who did you forget?"

A portal opens before Eggman and Sombra, and a green hedgehog emerges.

"Alright Mobius, bow before your new king! Scourge the Hedgehog is here to...Eggman? A horse? What are you two doing on my throne?"

Eggman and Sombra share a look, before smiling as they teleport into the Master King.

"Well, what a nice little warmup before we crush Sonic once and for all."

Copeium

"We're almost ready to go. Just a few more adjustments and we'll have this show on the road," Rotor said to his friends.

"Rotor and I have managed to get this things shields to be able to reflect nearly any form of magic thrown at it and it should be immune to all forms of hacking," Tails added. "Right now our only problem is that apparently draining magic from the air isn't as sustainable a fuel source as we thought. So right now, we can run it at maybe fifty percent."

"That's better than nothing," Sally said. "Rotor, I don't know what we'd do without you. You've turned one of our worst defeats and managed to somehow give us a chance."

"It's what I do, princess," Rotor said with a shrug.

"Well keep doing it, Rotor. I want to see what other miracles you can pull out of that bag of tricks," Sonic added.

"It is impressive. I'm glad that you're all here. I...don't know how we would have recovered from this," Twilight admitted.

"You would have found a way. If you're half the heroes we are, that is," Sonic teased. A genuine smile then flashed across his face and he gave Twilight a thumbs up. "Hey, you were there for us when we were feeling beaten. It's only right we help you in your hour of need. What are friends for?"

"Thanks guys, it means a lot," Twilight said. Sonic's words hit home and the princess glanced over at where Applejack was sitting alone, as Rainbow Dash was getting some much needed sleep. "Give me a minute guys, I need to do something."

Twilight walked over to where AJ was sitting, sitting down next to her and looking up through the skylight at the sky overhead. The sky was cracked and fluctuating between colors and space, none of it making any sense to Twilight. That told the princess that the chaos force was getting worse. But that was a problem that, hopefully, could wait.

"I'd ask how you're doing, but I know the answer," Twilight said. "If you want to talk to me, I'll listen. I...might be the only one who can remotely understand what you're going through right now."

"Thank ya Twi, but ah'm fine," Applejack said.

"You're the Element of Honesty, Applejack. Please don't start lying or I'll believe the world is truly ending," Twilight replied. "I'm so sorry about Big Mac...how's Applebloom-?"

"Not well. She's locked herself in her room here and Sweetie and Scootaloo can't get to her. How's Spike?"

"Struggling to get acquainted with his robot body. I think he secretly likes it, though," Twilight admitted.

"Ah meant about...Shining..."

"Spike took it hard, but he's trying to stay strong for the fillies. Said he figured it was the least he could do after being controlled and sidelined for so long."

"Ah'll have to thank him when all of this is over," Applejack said.

"Yeah, he can be something...I'm sorry, I should have stopped this before-"

"Don't blame yerself. Please. Yer hurting just as bad as me, please don't put more pain on yerself," Applejack cut her off. Twilight didn't reply. She wrapped a wing around Applejack and the two sat in silence for a bit.

"I'll make sure they're remembered," Twilight promised to break the silence. "When this is over and Eggman and Sombra are nothing more than a memory, I'll make sure they are given statues in Canterlot. I'll have statues made for all of our friends who were lost in this war."

"Thank you, that's...nice," Applejack said.

"Twilight, can you come over here for a moment?" Tails called over. Twilight nodded before looking down at AJ once more.

"Go on, ah'll be fine," AJ said.

"Are you sure? You don't want me to go wake up Rainbow Dash?"

"Heck no, do you know how long she's been up? She didn't go to bed, she passed out next to me and ah carried her to a bed. She's been up fer days just to make sure ah'm not alone. Stupid, stubborn mare," Applejack said, but a thin smile betrayed her real thoughts. "Please, let her sleep. Ah'll be fine. Ah have to be. Fer mah sister. And fer all of you."

"Okay. We're here for you."

"And ah'm here for you. Always."

Twilight rose and walked over to Tails, who was standing with Sonic and Sally next to a small screen that Tails had jury rigged with numerous cables and attachments.

"I'm here. What's going on?"

"Look," Tails said. Twilight looked on the screen to see the field outside of Canterlot, where she could just make out their crystalized friends. It was hard for her to tell, as the camera seemed to be under a rock.

"What am I looking at here?" Twilight asked.

"This is where...well, this is where our friends are stuck in the crystals," Tails explained. "My T-pup is the one sending us this footage. Notice anything strange?"

"...the fact that they're still there?"

"Correct. Eggman and Sombra wouldn't just leave them there to perish. Okay, they might, but with how they've been planning this is a slip that they wouldn't let happen," Sonic added on. "Which, unfortunately means that this is another trap."

"I don't get it. Why leave them? Or why leave them unguarded without the Master King nearby?" Twilight asked. "They beat us, badly. What could they possibly have to fear?"

"...they might be afraid because they used their win." The four turned around to see that Pinkie appeared behind them and was staring into the video.

"What?" Tails asked.

"Their win. Remember, it was all they could talk about after they destroyed our toys?" Pinkie reminded them. "They're one, guaranteed victory."

"I remember. They destroyed both sets of our most powerful tools and then killed so many of our friends," Sally whispered. "They won."

"Well...yes...and also no," Pinkie corrected. Sally raised an eyebrow. "Yes, they got their win. They destroyed our Elements and your emeralds and...a lot of our...but they didn't get us. We managed to survive. And remember what else they said about their win?"

"That once they've gotten their win, no matter how hard they try, they can't replicate it," Sonic caught on. "Like with the Egg Beater. It wiped the floor with us and beat me into a joke the first time we fought it, essentially Eggman's greatest victory, but the second time we fought it we tore it apart with relative ease. I see what Pinkie's getting at here."

"I must be missing something because I don't get it," Tails said.

"What they're saying is that Eggman and Sombra cashed in their win and failed to kill us," Twilight snarled with a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Which means they lost their chance for a perfect victory. They destroyed our artifacts, they killed our friends...but they didn't get us. Which means it's our turn."

"You think that there's any truth to that nonsense?" Tails asked. "I mean, villains that get one guaranteed win? That doesn't sound logical in the slightest."

"Why not? After all, Mammoth Mongul once said that I defy reason and bend fate to me. Is it so hard to believe that our foes get a win every now and then?" Sonic asked.

"But even if that's the case, it would be stupid to think that they'll lose easily just because they used their win," Sally added. "The Master King is still the most powerful foe we've been up against and those two are still just as cunning as ever. We have to be extremely careful. I...don't know if I can take losing anyone else."

"Well, we should first break our friends out of the crystals," Pinkie chimed in. "Because they aren't looking too good at the moment."

"You can tell?" Tails asked.

"It's Pinkie," Twilight shrugged with a smile. "She knows things the rest of us can only begin to guess at."

"So go in there, fight whatever trap the two have in store for us, get our friends back and never let Shadow live down the fact that we saved him. That sounds like a plan to me," Sonic said. "So when do we go?"

"I want to know what inside of you allows you to stay so ruthlessly optimistic all the time," Twilight asked.

"I call it a winning attitude."

"I call it copeium," Sally jabbed. "We should get everyone together and let them know that we're going to head out."

"I don't think we should." Sally looked at Tails with surprise. "I think it should just be the five of us that go."

"And why's that?"

"Because...look at everyone," Tails said. Sally did a quick glance over the room and realized he had a point. "Everyone...is still recovering. That speech you gave raised moral, but I don't know if they're all ready for a field mission, especially one with so much on the line. The five of us seem to be the most...recovered and Rotor is hard at work finishing up the Final Gambit. We should be the ones to go."

"I hate to admit Tails, but you're right. I can't take anyone less than one hundred percent into a situation like this," Sally admitted. She then gave Tails a look of concern. "Are you sure you're one hundred percent?"

"Sally, I've been at war with Robotnik as long as I can remember. All I've ever know is fighting, winning and losing," Tails admitted with a dark smile. "I've learned to cope."

"I hate that I have to hear you say that. How about you, Twilight? You just lost your brother."

"And nothing would bring me greater joy that striking a blow against those who took him from me along with saving our allies. I couldn't save Shining. I will make sure to save everypony else," Twilight promised.

"Alright. If you're sure. Hey Discord!"

"Yeah yeah, I heard the whole thing and relayed it to the rest of our friends," Discord said as he appeared next to Sally. "They aren't too sure about you running off on your own, but they trust you. They wanted me to let you know."

"Thanks."

"And Twilight...do you want me to come with you?" Discord asked. Twilight took a moment to think about it.

"No...I think it's better if you stay here," Twilight said. "We need you here incase things go wrong. And incase we don't make it back. You're the only one we have in our corner right now that can pull out a miracle if we need it, so I'd rather wait until we actually need a miracle before sending you in."

"You really trust me that much?" Discord asked.

"You're my friend. You're all of our friends. I trust you with my life," Twilight replied. Discord smiled softly at that.

"One trip to get our friends, coming up."

Discord snapped his fingers and the group vanished.

||==O O==||

It still hurt to look at.

That was all Sonic could think as he looked around the battlefield. It was still burned into his mind the spot where each of his friends had fallen. Where he had been too slow to save them. And from the look on the rest of his teams face, he could tell they were all thinking along the same lines as him. He couldn't let them burden themselves like that.

"Well glad to see that this place hasn't changed much," Sonic said as he put his hands behind his head. "Except that Eggman and Sombra are gone, so that's an improvement."

"Hmm. Twilight, do you think you can use your magic to lift her?" Sally asked from beside Cadence.

"No good. That crystal is draining my magic. To get them out I'm either going to need some time to figure out a counter spell...or maybe Tails can combine his technology with my magic to break them free," Twilight suggested.

"That's fine. You guys work on that and I'll keep our friend busy," Sonic said. The group looked up to see a coyote with a black bodysuit and a silver helmet come floating down in front of them, a red ruby in his chest that matched his red eye. "So what's up, sunshine? You got a name or are we just going to get fighting?"

"Fool, speaking to me as if you are my equal. But you are nothing before my might. For you are just flesh and bone, while I..."

"Am Infinite!"

Author's Note

"Geez this guy is...intense."

"You are all nothing before me. Just burning chaos in the wind. Drifting in an ocean all alone."

"Ouch, I think his edge managed to cut me from all the way over there. How are we supposed to fight somepony like that?"

"Don't worry, I know just how to call. Hey Shadow, he stole you're do!"

"I'LL KILL HIM!"

The Difference Between You and Me

"Infinite huh? I like it. Nice and humble, showing that you don't think too much of yourself," Sonic said. Infinite raised a hand over his head and unleashed torrents of crimson might upon Sonic, who zipped out of the way.

"Mockery, Sonic? After what I did to you, the months of agony, you dare to mock me?" Infinite asked.

"Sorry, but you must have me confused with another Sonic. This is my first time meeting you, pal," Sonic replied.

"I see. So this is what Eggman meant when he said I would have a chance to destroy a Sonic. He wants me to deal with his, as he cannot," Infinite nodded. He clapped his hands together and buildings came crashing down around Sonic and his team. "But as revenge still burns in my heart, I will destroy any and all Sonic's that cross my path. So curse your own fate, Sonic, that you had to cross paths with me!"

Sonic raced around the buildings to avoid getting crushed, until violet magic flashed across the sky and erased the buildings. Infinite watched the magic before glancing to his right to see Twilight floating beside him. "You posses a unique power. Yet you dare to use it against the Infinite?"

"So do you practice saying words all mysteriously sounding like that or does it just come naturally?" Twilight asked. "Because it doesn't make you sound intimidating, it makes you sound annoying."

"Fool. Your infantile mind cannot comprehend what I am capable of achieving," Infinite replied. Reality warped around his hand and he sent tendrils of crimson energy around Twilight, who yelped as they tore through her magic and entangled her. "What do you think of the Crimson bands of infinity?"

"What do I think? I think Dr. Strange is going to sue!"

Infinity glanced to his side just in time to take a cherry pie to the face. He snarled as he floated back, the pie breaking his concentration and his old on reality. A snap of his fingers erased the pie, though for a moment he thought he was still not seeing clearly as Pinkie hopped around him...through the air.

"I mean, come on. You're not even trying! And that building stuff earlier looked a lot like something Xemnas would pull off. Is there anything you have that's all you, all original?" Pinkie asked.

"Original? Very well, I shall show you what I can do!" Infinity claimed. He clenched his hand to conjure stone hands out of the ground that grabbed at Pinkie, but the pink horse managed to hop out of the way while humming a tune. Infinite narrowed his eyes before aiming at the horse and getting interrupted as a blast of magic blasted him in the back. He snapped his attention to Twilight, only to take a spin dash to the chest that sent him tumbling across the ground.

"Sonic. Your attempts to fight me are akin to an ant trying to battle the sun. Amusing, but futile!" Infinite sent beams of crimson power hurling at Sonic, but the blue blur easily weaved around them and spin dashed Infinite again. Infinite snarled as he staggered back, creating a sphere of energy around him to fend off the hedgehog.

"And for a guy called Infinite, you seem pretty weak," Sonic mocked. "So you can throw around lights and make some stuff. Congrats, that puts you on par with Rarity. Actually, you're a bit below her because you do not have her fashion sense. What is with that helmet?"

"Prattle. Is that your answer to everything?" Infinite asked.

"What can I say? I just love an opponent I can match wits with. So if you could go down already so that guy could show up, I would really appreciate it," Sonic said with a wink.

"Hmph, you believe me to not be up to your standards? Then allow me to rectify this." Infinite snapped his fingers and duplicated into a dozen different versions of himself. "Does this satisfy you?"

"I'm no numbers expert, but I'm fairly certain that twelve is not infinite," Sonic joked. The Infinite's began unleashing storms of crimson energy on Sonic, who actually had to try to avoid these ones. While he ran, he placed a hand to the comm in his ear. "Yo Tails, the distractions going great. How are you doing on getting our friends freed?"

"This is trickery than we thought. Do you think that you can send Twilight over to help us?" Tails replied.

"Can do." Sonic raced in front of Twilight, motioned for her to go join Tails and took off running again before the crimson blasts could catch him. Twilight got the message and headed over to the others, while Sonic came to a stop in front of Infinite and wagged his fingers.

"Come on now, I was promised a fight. All you've done is shoot things at me and talk fancily. If I wanted a foe who could do that, I would fight Mammoth Mongul. At least he has some class."

"Class? A whelp like you dares to mock me about class?" Infinite asked. He raised his hands once more, getting Sonic to roll his eyes, and summoned a colossal meteor that he hurled down towards Sonic. The sky went red, the clouds were blown away and the planet began to shake from the meteor's impending collision with the planet.

"And a giant meteor. Sonic, this guy is boring," Pinkie said.

"Agreed. Want to shoot me into a meteor?" Sonic asked.

"Do I?!" Pinkie exclaimed, her party cannon already out. Sonic hopped in, Pinkie took aim and a moment later Sonic was being launched into the meteor. He landed on the surface of it, flashed a smile and then raced around it with such speed that the crimson meteor quickly became blue. It exploded a moment later, nearly every part of it vaporized by Sonic's speed. Sonic landed in front of Pinkie, took a bow and then smirked over his shoulder at Infinite.

"Ta-da. And that is how you save the dinosaurs from extinction," Sonic said.

"Wow, that was so cool! You were like the Flash there!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"But...how...?" Infinite asked.

"Don't you get it? It was me, Infinite. I blew up your meteor," Sonic replied with a smirk. "Sorry, I'm a fan of the comics and I wanted to say that line."

"What are you going on about?!" Infinite roared.

"Hey, I'm paired with Pinkie today. We were bound to make some references," Sonic chuckled.

"This...this isn't right," Infinite growled, though there was fear in his voice now. "I have fought you. I have fought two of you. And yet neither of them...were anywhere close to what you are. What you do so...casually. Why are you so strong? How are you this strong?!"

"Well, a lot of people have said I'm one of the stronger Sonic's, but hey, I like to think we're all strong in our own way," Sonic replied. "See Infinite, that's how you be humble while still being cool. Not by naming yourself after something you're clearly not."

"It matters not! My power is...well, you get the idea!" Infinite roared as he channeled all of his might into his hands. Sonic raised an eyebrow at the sight before placing a hand to his ear.

"Tails, we nearly done? This is getting boring over here."

"We've just about gotten them free, Sonic," Tails replied. "Sally figured out how to counter frequency the crystals so that the harmonizing effect-"

"Glad to hear you got it figured out. We'll finish up things here," Sonic replied.

"Finish up. I am glad to see that your sense of humor still functions," Infinite cackled madly. "Because I am done holding back. With the full might of the Phantom Ruby, I shall-"

"Phantom Ruby? You mean that thing that Pinkie's got there?" Sonic asked. Infinite looked over at Pinkie to see that she was holding the ruby. Infinite stammered out some babble before he fell to the ground, unable to comprehend what had just happened. "What's the matter, pal, never fought another reality warper before? Not so fun when you're on the receiving end."

"How disappointing. I had really been hoping he had been more of a challenge for you."

Sonic raced Pinkie back as Infinite exploded in a pillar of chaos energy, turning him to dust. The dust reformed into an image of Eggman, who smiled down at Sonic.

"Eggman. I should have known you'd never let another villain take the spotlight," Sonic growled.

"You know me so well. Did you like the guest I brought over for you? With the chaos source crumbling, the barrier between realities is weakening, meaning I get a chance to see so many interesting versions of ourselves. Yet, of course, I seem to have gotten the most annoying."

"So I was right. Infinite wasn't from this reality. I knew he felt way too much like a rip off!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Yes, I brought him back to life and supplied him with that fake phantom ruby," Robotnik continued. He then laughed at the looks Sonic and Pinkie gave him. "Of course it's a fake. Do you really think I would give someone as foolish as that the real thing? Sombra and I have much greater plans for it. So go ahead and free a few more of your friends. That will just make it all the sweeter when we kill them too. Tata."

The ash blew away in the dust, leaving Sonic to glare after it.

"He was able to make a fake object that powerful? Eggman's gotten even more dangerous," Sonic growled. He then looked at Pinkie, who had bitten off a corner of the ruby and was chewing on it.

"It's actually rock candy!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Well I hope you're not going to hog all of it?" Sonic asked. Pinkie snapped the ruby in two and gave half to Sonic, who took a tentative bite, found she was right, and decided to save it for later. The two walked back over to Twilight, Tails and Sally, who were helping their friends out of the crystals. "How are they?"

"They're all unconscious and have lost a lot of their strength, but...they're alive," Twilight whispered, a smile on her face as she placed a hoof on her sister. "We didn't lose all of them. We saved them."

And that smile made it all worth it for Sonic.

||==O O==||

"Another day, another third tier villain bites the dust against the Friendship Fighters or whatever they're calling themselves now," Sombra chuckled. "You know for somepony called Infinite..."

"Please don't, that joke has been done enough," Robotnik sighed. Sombra chuckled and appeared next to Eggman, who was working on the Master King. "And I'm not surprised. Every villain that has gone up against that hedgehog aside from me has been bested. He was there to buy time and to prove a hypothesis, nothing more."

"Well, he certainly did that," Sombra agreed. "So this Phantom Ruby..."

"If Infinite's universe had one, then we should as well. And low and behold, I found it," Eggman chuckled. With one last blast of magic he finished infusing the Master King with the Phantom Ruby, causing red lines to burn through the Master King while it glowed like a sun. "Haha, now that is some power! The Master Emerald, the Tree of Harmony and now the Phantom Ruby! We have enough power to take on any being in the multiverse!"

"Or any force," Sombra cackled. He placed a hoof on the front of the Master King, looking at the branches of the Tree of Harmony...and the images of the seven beings who rested on the ends of those branches. "Fueled by magic, chaos, reality and the souls of the very beings we've slain. I have to admit, I'm a lunatic, but even I'd never dream up something as crazy as this. Robotnik you have outdone yourself."

"I am so glad you like it. Because now, there is only one last force to conquer before everything belongs to us," Robotnik grinned. And the two looked up towards the heavens, their smiles growing large.

"One last force indeed."

Author's Note

"Wow, that guy was a yahoo. Where did you find him?"

"I found Infinite from a place called the "Prime" universe. No idea when they call it that when I'm the Prime Eggman in the multiverse."

"You study your multiverse too? Okay, tell me some of the weirder ones. Those are the best."

"Well for starters there is one where Sonic is a colossal jerk, Tails is the real hero and Super Sonic is evil, as well as a split personality of Sonic."

"Wow, I bet that was a real shocker for you to see."

"It wasn't even the strangest thing there. The thing I found most surprising is that this version of Amy has a wife and child. Considering how nearly every version of her chases after Sonic, I'd never believe there'd be a universe where she'd pick someone else. Oh, and they're all a bit British."

"What's a British?"

"There's another one where Sonic ended up in the human world and Tails got a plant girlfriend who he had to blow up in order to save reality."

"Ouch, I almost feel bad for him."

"And then there's something called...Sanik, but I'm scared to look into that one. Okay, your turn."

"Well, our multiverse is weird that we share it with the Transformers and GI Joe universes. And they're apart of a weird multiverse. Star Trek, X-Men, Street Fighter..."

"Wait...Street Fighter...Ryu, Chun-li, Guile?"

"You know them?"

"I fought against them. Does that mean that...our multiverses...are the same?"

"You're blowing my mind right now."

Love and Trust

Bunnie decided she needed to be the one to check up on Cadence. Because she was the only one who could kind of understand what the poor mare was going through. Twilight's team had managed to get those trapped in the crystals back. Had managed to save their lives. And when they had shown back up at the base, for a brief time there had been celebrations. Then the four learned of what had happened after they had been trapped in the crystals. And who had been lost.

Celestia and Luna took it the best. As ancient, near immortal rulers they had witnessed plenty of death. But Bunnie had seen the pain in their eyes. Shadow had tried to pretend that it didn't bother him, that he was as cold and emotionless as he acted. But, when he thought no one was looking, Bunnie had seen him slam a fist into the wall, barely able to hear him cursing his own weakness.

Cadence understandably took it the hardest. Her husband was gone. And their foal was still in the grip of Sombra and Eggman, fate unknown. She had retreated to one of the back rooms and had yet to come out. Twilight had wanted to check on her, but Bunnie had insisted.

"Cadence, are ya there, sugah?" Bunnie asked. She tapped against the door with her new claw arm, still getting used to it. When there was no answer, Bunnie pressed a button and the door opened. She walked inside to see Cadence, sitting alone in the dark, with scorch marks all along the walls. "Can ah come in?"

Cadence didn't answer. Bunnie came in anyway. All the furniture was ash, with the walls not fairing much better. The only light in the room came from a single bulb that had managed to survive the onslaught. But all Bunnie was looking at was the mare, who, now that she was closer, Bunnie could tell was shaking. Bunnie placed a hand on Cadence's shoulder and Cadence jerked away like the touch burned her.

"Ah'm so sorry. For what ya have to go through," Bunnie said. "If ya want someone to talk to or just an ear to listen, ah can-"

"Get out," Cadence whispered.

"Ah can't do that. Not when mah friend is hurting so badly," Bunnie gently replied. "Ah'm here to share yer pain, alleviate it if ah can."

"You can't. You have no idea how this feels. To lose your one and only," Cadence whispered.

"Yer right...and yer wrong," Bunnie chuckled. Cadence didn't turn around, but Bunnie could tell she was listening. "This might not make much sense. Heck, even ah treat it as ah nightmare, but...the world me and mah friends come from is...different than what it was supposed to be."

"And?" Cadence asked.

"What ah mean is...there was another world before ours, where all of us lived similar, yet different lives. And on that world, mah Sugar-Twan...nearly gave his life to save the king of Mobius. He...was dying, if the memory is right," Bunnie admitted. "And while the world got reset and everything changed, including him being the picture of health now...ah still have nightmares about holding his dying body in mah arms, praying to whoever would listen that ah would give anything if he was saved. Ah guess, in a way, someone answered."

"Where are you going with this?" Cadence asked.

"Where ah'm going is that ah understand how you feel, ah truly do. But at the same time, ah have no right to...impose mahself or tell you that we're the same. Because someone up there gave mah Sugar-Twan another chance," Bunnie admitted. "But know that ah'm here for ya. Even if ya don't want me to be. Even if ya feel ah have no right."

"So what did you do?" Cadence asked. "What did you do when they took your love from you, left you alone without the one who swore to be with you forever?"

"Ah...decided to avenge him. To make sure that his death wasn't in vain," Bunnie admitted. "Because even though he sacrificed himself, that doesn't mean our enemies would stop. So ah swore as long as ah still drew breath, ah would carry on his battle. Does that help?"

Cadence didn't answer. She sat in silence, in the darkness, for a long time. Bunnie was beginning to wonder if she should leave the mare to grieve when Cadence turned to look back at Bunnie, her eyes blazing with the fury of not just a wife...but a mother.

"You want to help me, Bunnie? Then you can help me in doing exactly what you just said," Cadence seethed. "I will carry on Shining's legacy. I will save our worlds. I will kill Eggman. And what I will do to Sombra words cannot do justice. But above all else, I am getting my daughter back."

Bunnie smiled at Cadence's words.

"Now yer speaking mah language. If yer ready to fight, then come with me to the main room. Sally and Twilight have had some time to think and they have one hell of a plan cooked up," Bunnie chuckled.

"Insane, I take it?"

"Borderline suicidal."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get my daughter back."

||==O O==||

"I don't believe it," was all Rainbow could say as Bunnie and Cadence came out of the back rooms, a fire burning in Cadence's eyes that Rainbow was shocked to see. Cadence headed for Twilight and Sally while Bunnie walked over to where Rainbow, Antoine and AJ were sitting. "A few minutes ago I thought Cadence had given up, now here she is with a look that could slay an army. How'd ya do it?"

"Ah just sympathized with her. And let her know that sometimes all we can do is carry on," Bunnie shrugged. Antoine pulled her close and nuzzled her with a laugh.

"Mah Cherie is magnifique! What a way with words she has if she is able to turn despair into determination like zat," Antoine praised.

"Aw, yer making me blush," Bunnie giggled.

"She getting brought up to speed, then?" Rainbow asked and Bunnie nodded. Rainbow chuckled. "Wonder if she'll have second thoughts after hearing the "plan." Or lack of plan, in this case."

"Are ya kidding? With how she's feeling ah have a feeling she'll tear through Eggman and Sombra's whole army to get to them," Bunnie replied. "Sombra's in fer it, though. Ah count at least four of our friends who want to tear him limb from limb, and those are the nicer options fer him."

"Well he more than deserves it," Antoine added. "After what he has done to her family, especially to her foal. He has no standards whatsoever."

"Ah wonder if Cadence will let us foal sit when this is over. Ah would love to meet little Flurry Heart fer mahself," Bunnie said. Then she pressed herself against Antoine and smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "And who knows? Maybe one day Cadence can return the favor?"

"You want a foal?" Antoine teased. Bunnie smirked and pushed him back slightly. Rainbow rolled her eyes and pretended to gag, but she had a smile on her face.

"Aren't ya scared?"

All three sets of eyes turned towards Applejack, who looked at the group with concern on her face.

"Scared of what, sugar?"

"Scared of losing all of...this?" Applejack asked, motioning to all of them. "Yer loved ones. Yer futures together...yer future families? How can ya be so...laid back?"

Antoine and Bunnie shared a pained smile before they sat next to Applejack. "As sad as it is to say, we have spent nearly all of our lives fighting against Eggman, knowing zat every day could be our last," Antoine explained. "We have gotten used to it, so you might say."

"And we've learned that ya have to enjoy every moment ya got, since ya never know when it might be yer last," Bunnie added, leaning into Antoine. "So yeah, we could all die tomorrow. Which makes it all the more important to spend the time we have today together."

"And hey, there's no reason to be worried," Rainbow Dash said. She sat down beside AJ and pulled her into a hug, smiling at her. "Because now that we know that Eggman and Sombra have, we can beat them. Like they said, they beat us once, and then we come back and kick their flanks something fierce. Don't worry, though. I'll let you be the one to finish off Sombra."

"Sombra is mine!" Both Shadow and Cadence yelled at the same time. The two glared at each other for a moment.

"Finish him off together?" Cadence asked.

"As long as it's painful," Shadow replied.

"Deal."

Applejack stared at the odd sight for a moment before a laugh slip passed her lips. She leaned into Rainbow Dash and sighed.

"Yer right, Bunnie. We need to make the most of what time we have," Applejack agreed. Then she smirked at both Antoine and Bunnie. "And hey, if Cadence doesn't want to watch yer kid, ah'm sure Rainbow would have no objections to the two of us looking after them."

"Oh yeah, I'm great with foals, er, kids. I've got a lot of cool words I can teach them!"

"Rainbow, no."

||==O O==||

Sonic stood alone on the surface outside of the base, feeling the freezing wind tear through him as the ice bit at his body. He had been glad to hear that Cadence was back in the fight, but he need some time alone. Some time to think. Things were moving fast and normally that was a good thing. But right now...he needed a moment to slow down.

"Chili dog?"

Sonic didn't even bother looking to see who was there. He took the chili dog from Pinkie and took a few bites, not surprised in the slightest that it was perfect.

"So what are you doing out here in the cold acting like Shadow?" Pinkie asked.

"Trying to cool off and think," Sonic said.

"You? Thinking? I'll take sentences I'd never thought I'd hear for five hundred," Pinkie teased. Sonic smirked back at her before a more serious expression crossed his face.

"Pinkie, you've...messed with reality before, right?" Sonic asked.

"Every day. Why?"

"Because I'm going over all of our options, trying to figure out the best way to stop Eggman and Sombra...and maybe save all of our friends who were lost. A part of me thinks that maybe I should...reboot everything, like I did when I teamed up with Rock," Sonic said. Then he sighed and shook his head. "But with the Chaos Force as weak as it is and without the Chaos Emeralds to accurately channel the power...I fear I would make things worse. What do you think?"

"Mmm, reboots are always a mixed bag. I mean yeah, it's cool to see everypony at the start of their story again and seeing them learn and fight foes for the first time, but then you're throwing out years, maybe even decades of development and interactions and that's not even getting into the characters that would be erased because they aren't there at the beginning of the reboot and oh no I've gone cross eyed," Pinkie replied.

"Heh, I get the idea. Reboot's come with pros and cons," Sonic chuckled. "It's just...I can't think of any other outcome that results in a happy ending. Say we stop Eggman and Sombra. Maybe...once and for all. Say we fix the Chaos Force and split our worlds back to how they're supposed to be. It won't bring back Shining. It won't bring back Silver or Blaze. They'll be gone. And we'll have to keep on going."

"But isn't that what life is? A series of ups and downs, meetings and farewells, triumph and loss, until one day we too check out?" Pinkie asked. "I know nobody likes to say goodbye, especially with how they had to go, but if you reset everything, if you reboot it when things get bad...can that really be called living? Or are you just stuck? Forever and ever, reliving the past with slight tweaks? Never allowed to grow? Trapped in the stories whoops I'm cross eyed again."

"Wow, that...was kinda deep," Sonic replied. "It doesn't answer my question...but I don't think this question has an easy answer. Eh, so I'll go in and figure it out as I go. Same old same old. Thanks Pinkie, I guess I was overthinking things."

"Glad I could help! Now maybe you can help me," Pinkie said with a smile.

"With what?" Sonic asked hesitantly.

"Remember how you said you were the strongest Sonic?" Pinkie asked and Sonic nodded slowly. "Well, I want to put that to the test. Come with me!"

Author's Note

"Alright Sonic's, we're settling this once and for all! Who is the best?!" Pinkie said to the group of Sonic's that sat around her. "Name your greatest feat!"

"Why don't I start?" Sonic X said. "I managed to save not only Earth, but all of Space from Eggman's evil, as well as plenty of other alien threats.

"Oh please, I've battled Eggman across time and generations," Game Sonic said. "I've dueled it out with the greatest in Smash. And I've beat Mario at the Olympics."

"I managed to create something enjoyable out of the whole Sonic Boom fiasco," TV Sonic Boom said. "And with some of the stinkers you've had in games, that's no small feat."

"Oh yeah. Well I'm the fastest, strongest and most broken Sonic who is considered to be in the same league as the Flash. And not Barry Allen, oh no, I'm talking about Wally Freakin West," Archie Sonic bragged. "That's right, I'm on par with the strongest member of the Justice League! Top that."

"You all are adorable," Fleetway Sonic said as he stood up. "I've done something all of you posers could only dream of. I...got Amy to give up on chasing me."

The other Sonic's stared at him for a moment before they all started applauding, with some even bowing.

"Teach us your ways, oh wise one!"

Small Victories

This would be the final battle.

That was all Rarity could think about as she finished the last tweaks to her suit, activating it on herself to make sure it was working properly. It was, of course, not that she felt it mattered. Her suits had been useless against the overwhelming power of the Master King and so many had been lost. If she had only done more. Made more. Consoled more.

Rarity took a moment to look around the room, seeing how everypony was behaving. If anypony needed an ear or a shoulder. Applejack was with Rainbow Dash (to noponies surprise), Antoine was spending time sharpening his families blade while Bunnie shadowboxed next to him. Sonic was talking with Pinkie while Twilight and Sally continued to plan. Rotor, Tails, Discord and surprisingly Fluttershy were all adding some touches to the Final Gambit. Cadence was meditating with Celestia and Luna outside and from what Rarity could feel they were gathering as much power and magic as they could. That left only one other.

Rarity deactivated her suit and walked off in search of Shadow. He was easy enough to find. The sound of gunfire lead her way. She found the hedgehog in what used to be G.U.N.S training room, which now was filled with training dummies that moved and fought back, as well as cleaning supplies. It was here she found Shadow ripping them apart with gunfire and strikes.

For a moment Rarity watched him fight. As much as she loathed violence, she had to admit that Shadow had it down to a science. His movements, his aim, his strikes: none of it was wasted movement and all of his attacks decimated the dummies. If they had been alive, she would have felt bad for them. Shadow finished off a mop by kicking it in half before landing in the center of the room, taking in the destruction he had caused.

"Are you here to train? Or just to stare?" Shadow asked.

"I came to talk to you, but if staring is an option..." Rarity teased. Shadow flashed her a look over his shoulder and Rarity smiled. "Apologies. I am here to check up on you. I heard how you were...spending your time and figured that you might want a bit of company. Perhaps somepony to listen to anything you wish to get off your chest?"

"Well then you figured wrong," Shadow replied. He threw a piece of dummy at some door controls to open the door, allowing more sentient brooms and mops to shuffle towards him. "I have nothing to talk about."

"Really? Not about what it was like to be caught in that crystal, unable to do anything while our friends were...well, you understand," Rarity said. Shadow didn't answer. "Or why there is so much pain in your eyes, to the point that not even your darkest glare can hide it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Hmm, you are one incredible fighter, but you are not much of a liar, are you?" Rarity asked. Shadow finished the war on cleaning with an axe kick to a broom, before turning to Rarity. "I may not be as good at seeing pain as Fluttershy, but even I can see the agony and regret that flashes in your eyes. Shadow, bottling up and ignoring feelings never benefits anypony in the long run. Please, just talk to me."

"There is nothing to talk about," Shadow replied curtly. He walked past Rarity and headed for the exit, in search of more supplies to erase from the world.

"It's not your fault."

Those four words stopped Shadow in his tracks. He slowly looked back at Rarity, who gave him a gaze of pure compassion and kindness. "You are not responsible for the deaths of Silver, Big Mac or the others. You did all you could. Fought as hard as you could. You have nothing that you need to feel guilty for."

"Of course there is," Shadow snapped back. Rarity didn't flinch.

"Oh really? Like what?"

"I should have been better," Shadow growled. "I should have done more."

"What more could you have done?" Rarity asked. "None of us saw the Master King coming. None of us were ready for the crystal beam it possessed. Or if you believe you should have stopped it singled handedly, remember that the Master King went up against both the Elements of Harmony and your Chaos Emeralds and won. Shadow darling, there comes a point when you must realize that things are out of your hands. Do force this burden upon yourself."

"I still should have done more," Shadow whispered, but he wasn't looking at Rarity anymore. "But once more I failed."

"What more could you have done? How did you possibly-?"

"Because I couldn't save them."

Shadow said these words in a whisper, but Rarity could feel the sheer wave of hatred and loathing that radiated off of him. She walked beside Shadow and placed her hoof in his hand, nudging him with her nose to go on.

"Shadow...what is truly bothering you?" Rarity asked softly. Shadow glanced away from her, trying to bury it once more, but eventually he sighed and came clean.

"Maria," Shadow said softly. "She...I won't give you my full story. That's not important. But I was created to save her. She was my first friend. But instead of saving her, she died trying to save me. My first failure."

"Oh. I'm so sorry."

"When I...remembered this, I swore that her death would not be in vain. I would protect the world she loved and all those on it. That I would never let anyone else die like she had. And now Silver's dead. Blaze is dead. Amy, Knuckles, Big Mac and Shining Armor are all dead. Leaving behind families and children and...all because I wasn't good enough. Because I couldn't fight off Sombra. Because I was trapped in crystal while my friends died. Because I still fail when it matters most."

"That is not true Shadow, and you know that," Rarity disagreed.

"The evidence is against you, Rarity. These are not my first failures. Just the latest in a long line," Shadow scowled. "Rouge...Omega...all of them..."

"And yet you have succeed. You saved me when we were fighting the Magnum Atlast. And you saved Applejack from the laser that would have killed her. Those mattered," Rarity replied.

"Two against the slew of lives that have been lost because I failed. The evidence is once again against you. It doesn't matter," Shadow replied.

"And you believe that?" Rarity asked. Shadow nodded. "Then you are an idiot and that I can prove."

Before Shadow could respond, Rarity yanked him up with her magic and walked back into the main room, dragging Shadow along. She walked in and planted Shadow down so he was looking at where Applejack and Rainbow Dash were together with Sonic. Rainbow Dash was standing on a ball and balancing a bucket of water on her head, while AJ and Sonic watched. She stayed balanced for a bit, but eventually the gag won out and Rainbow crashed to the ground with the bucket landing on her head. Sonic laughed hard, getting Rainbow to scowl at him as she lifted the bucket. But then Rainbow saw that Applejack was laughing just as hard and her scowl became a smile. AJ helped Rainbow up and took the bucket off of her head, before placing a hoof on her face. Rainbow leaned into it and the two smiled at each other.

"You saved that," Rarity told Shadow. "That bit of happiness and joy right there, the love that those two have for each other, you saved that. I have known those two for years now. I have seen them at their best and I have seen them at their worst and let me tell you I have never seen them happier than they are right now. And the only reason they are is because of you."

"And yet Silver is still dead."

"Newsflash, had you not saved Applejack, we would all be dead," Rarity cut him off. Shadow looked at her, confused. "We need all six of us to activate the Element's full power. Had we lost Applejack in the forest, not only would she be gone, but I know for certain that Rainbow Dash would have been broken beyond repair as well, the rest of us devastated. And then we don't get the rest of the emeralds and the Elements. Or maybe we do, because it was apart of the villains plan, but we would go into battle either unable to use them or at a severe disadvantage."

"And if you think what happened to us out there against the Master King was bad, imagine how much worse it would have been without Applejack and Rainbow Dash?" Rarity continued on, silencing Shadow before he had a chance to speak. "We would have all died. And then Eggman and Sombra would have won. But they didn't, because you saved Applejack."

Rarity then spun around to glare into Shadow's eyes and all Shadow could do was listen to what she had to say.

"So yes, I understand you feel hurt and guilty over Silver, Blaze and all the others. I do too. But do not, and I repeat, do NOT, think for a moment that saving Applejack or your other acts of good mean nothing. That they were meaningless. Because let me tell you right now, the only reason we are all here is because of them," Rarity whispered. "So look at them, Shadow. Take a good, long look at that happiness and love and then tell me with a straight face that saving one pony means nothing. Go ahead. I'll wait."

Shadow didn't even need to look. Rarity's words had one him over and her ferocity had made him see clearly. He smirked with a bitter smile as he crossed his arms, shaking his head.

"Alright, I concede. You are right. While I still believe I should have done more...you are right in saying I should not discount what I have done. You are...far stronger and wiser than I believed."

"Trust me darling, this all comes from a place of experience," Rarity winked. "I used to only focus on my failures too. It's so easy to be caught up in how we've failed...that we lose sight of what we've achieved. So I learn from each failure and take care to be thankful for my small victories."

"Small victories, huh?"

"We're here. We're alive. And that is a victory," Rarity said. Shadow nodded at her words.

"Hmph, I suppose so," Shadow replied. Shadow turned and headed back down from where the had come from.

"And where are you going?"

"I'm heading to the armory. I saw some impressive weaponry in there and I'd like to see what it can do," Shadow replied.

"Accessorizing, are you? Would you like the company of somepony?" Rarity asked.

"I don't want the company of some pony," Shadow replied, before smirking at Rarity. "But if you're the pony in question, then I suppose I wouldn't mind spending some time with you."

"Incredible fighter. Terrible at asking a lady out," Rarity giggled before she and Shadow headed off.

Author's Note

"Hey Pinkie, I've got a question."

"Sure Tail's, what's up?"

"You're good at seeing...behind the curtain. Can you tell me why this adventure feels so much longer than all the others?"

"Hmm, it could be because we are facing all of our greatest foes and have numerous battles to win and setbacks to overcome, thus would result in this story taking place over numerous months to finish accordingly. Or it's because the Author is having way too much fun writing this and is stretching it out way too long."

"Wait, what was that last one?"

"Just make the chapters longer instead of having so many, Author. This isn't rocket science!"

Why must you be like this, Pinkie? Why won't you let me have my fun?

"Why won't you let me have my Cheese Sandwich? Everypony else is getting their sweethearts? Where's mine?!"

No, please. No more characters.

Absolute Power

The Master King pulled itself out of the mountain and appeared before the fighters again, the villains smirking down at the Final Gambit. It snapped it's fingers to erase the tank from existence, but to the surprise of the villains a barrier of chaos deflected their spell.

"So Discord is using whatever strength he has left to shield that toy, is he?" Robotnik asked. "Well his efforts will be for naught. So he can shield it from our magic. Can he shield it from our might?"

The Master King hurled one hell of a haymaker into the barrier around the Final Gambit, getting Shadow to cling to the handle for dear life as the shockwave shook the planet. Cracks formed along the barrier protecting the Final Gambit as the tank struggled to push back against the king.

"While I would love nothing more than to crush them myself, I could use a little help here!" Shadow yelled at his friends.

They got the hint. Sonic and Rainbow Dash blitzed around the King, bombarding its joints in hopes of knocking something loose. AJ and Bunnie lassoed the legs of the king and tried to pull them together while Rotor and Twilight unleashed every spell and weapon in their arsenal. After all, you couldn't bring it with you when you went.

Tails hoped onto the back of the Master King, desperately looking for a control panel, a loose screw, some flaw that he could take advantage of. The Master King reached up to grab him, only for chains to erupt from the ground, ensnare the arms of the king and force it to its knees.

"What?! Why can't we break free?" Robotnik snarled. Sombra narrowed his eyes as he looked down, not at all surprised to see who was below them.

"Discord," Sombra snarled as the draconis emerged from below. "I was wondering when you would show. It only took the end of the worlds and the death of everypony you've ever loved to make you come out to play, huh?"

Discord replied by twisting his hands, tightening his chains and forcing the king even further down.

"What, no witty retort? No spore of madness or some joke that makes you look far more in control than you actually are? Have you finally run out of stupid things to say? Or could it be that you're using everything you have just to pin us down?" Sombra asked with a smile. "Well lets test that theory."

Discord gritted his teeth as the king slowly pushed itself back up to its feet, the chains cracking as it did so. With one last pull, the chains around the king shattered. Discord threw up a shield around himself as the Master King fired pure magic into Discord. He flew across the planet before the king snapped its fingers, blasting back the heroes with ease. The King then fired a blast of power clean through the Final Gambit, blowing it apart. Shadow landed in a heap next to Rarity, who started to tend to his wounds.

"Was this your grand plan? Have Shadow shoot us and Discord chain us? Please, even if he had his full power, Discord is no match for us. None of you are," Robotnik laughed. The king raised both hands filled with power. One was filled with the neverending might of chaos, the other with the unbreakable spirit of harmony. "We control harmony and Chaos! We control reality itself! The only way you fools could ever hope to win is if we would let you. And sadly...those days are long passed."

"Come on, how about one more time for old times sake?" Sonic asked.

"Please. Stalling won't get you anywhere," Sombra said. Then he narrowed his eyes. "But where are the other princesses? Why are they not here? I know that Cadence would never pass on a chance to tear off my head. So if they aren't here, then they must be..."

The king snapped its fingers and everyone was teleported before the Chaos Source. The king turned around to see Cadence, Celestia, Luna and a second Discord all floating before the Source, with Discord using what power he had to interact with it.

"Here you all are. Now what could you be doing with the Chaos Source. Trying to fix it?...or are you trying to draw power from it?" Robotnik asked.

Celestia and Luna went on the attack, blasting magic at the king. It swatted them away like they were flies. Cadence glared down at the king for a moment...before she teleported away, leaving the others behind.

"Now where's she off too?" Robotnik asked.

"Probably to get her foal," Sombra shrugged. "Let her have her foal. Makes no difference to me. And that just leaves you, Discord."

"Sombra, Eggman, listen to me. The Chaos Source is completely unstable. If we don't do something to fix it now, things are about to get a lot worse," Discord warned. "And you know that things are bad when I have to be the voice of reason."

"A valid point. Here's our counterarguement. We will use our infinite power to take the power of the Chaos Source and use it to become the lords of the entire multiverse," Robotnik replied. "With the powers of harmony, chaos and the Phantom Ruby, there is nothing we cannot do. So stand aside and let us fix everything, Discord. Who knows? Maybe we'll keep you around as a pet."

"You know I can't do that," Discord growled as power crackled around his hands.

"Then I hope your friends are watching," Sombra said. "Because I wonder what they'll think when even a god falls."

Discord hurled his hands forward and unleashed all of his chaotic power towards the king, but it stuck out its left hand and use the raw power of harmony to cancel out Discord's attack. Discord conjured up another spell, only for exhaustion to course through his body and drop him to the ground. A foot smashed into his face and hurled him backwards, where he completely collapsed.

"Oh Discord, I'm so disappointed. If there was anypony here that I was hoping would give us a good fight, it was you," Sombra mocked. The king grabbed Discord by the throat and lifted him into the air, bringing him eye level with the Master King. "But in the end, you were just as useless in death as you were in life. All that power, only to be bested so easily. You might just be the worst excuse of a god that I've ever seen."

"And how...many gods have you met?" Discord spat.

"Well, if I'm counting myself..." Sombra chuckled.

"You...will never be...a god," Discord spat.

"Ah, so you saw the movie too. Then you know how this ends," Robotnik laughed.

"NON!"

The Master King dropped Discord and whipped an arm around just in time to intercept Antoine's blade with its harmony infused fist. An explosion went off that sent Antoine tumbling back across the ether, fragments of his family's blade raining down around him. The Master King pulled back a smoking fist, now fully focused on Antoine.

"You. You are the one that I've been waiting to kill for so long," Sombra snarled. "I have been amused by you. I have even been impressed. But now I am just annoyed. And like all things that annoy me, I will erase them from my sight."

The king fired a blast of harmony towards Antoine, but Bunnie intercepted just in time with a shield. While the shield barely stopped the attack, it did save both her an Antoine's lives. Sombra snarled as he prepared another shot, only to be bombarded by chaos and magic, as Shadow, Discord, Twilight and Rarity unleashed all of their might upon the king.

"Do none of you get it?!" Sombra bellowed. The king hurled its arms to the side with enough force to shake the cosmos and more than enough force to hurl back the heroes. "We are all powerful! We control the very essence of existence! And if we wanted to, we could erase you all with barely anything more than a thought! So cease your useless-"

"Don't let them get to you, Sombra," Robotnik cut in. "The always flail around before they lose. Just let it happen. Like you said, it's over."

"Yes, I lost my cool there for a moment. Sorry, it's just been a while since I've been this annoyed," Sombra sighed.

"It's fine. That's what we're here for."

"Are you two okay?" Rainbow asked as she, Tails, Rarity and AJ as they raced over to Antoine and Bunnie.

"Ah'm fine," Bunnie grunted.

"Antoine?"

"Sugar...ya okay?" Bunnie asked Antoine. Antoine slowly sat up, staring down at the hilt of what had been his family's sword. "Oh sugar, ah'm so-"

"I get it."

"Huh?"

Antoine gazed over at the Master King, who was now being bombarded by Shadow and Discord, both fueling the other to power up their chaos power even further while Celestia, Luna and Twilight held the King back.

"Chaos and Harmony cannot coexist so close. We learned this when we lost ze emeralds and ze Elements. Yet Eggman and Sombra are using ze tree of harmony and ze master emerald to fuel their Master King. Yet zere power has not cancelled out. And now I understand why."

"W-what do you mean?"

"I mean, mon cheri, I have a plan. Tails, how fast can you how fast can you program my sword?"

"So this is finally it, eh Sonic?" Robotnik laughed. Sonic weaved around pillars of magic that exploded around him, having to a take a few deep breaths. He couldn't remember the last time he had a hard time breathing. Twilight and most of the ponies were down for the count, while the Freedom Fighters weren't fairing much better. Some of them had never even gotten the chance to attack. The Master King was just too strong.

So it was just down to him. Him alone against, bar none, the most powerful foe he had ever faced. And as good as he was, for the first time he feared that he wasn't good enough. Not that he'd ever let Eggman know.

"Surely you can feel it? The final seconds ticking away at your clock? The last page being turned? All things end Sonic, even you," Robotnik mocked. The king slammed it's hands together and Sonic was robbed of all energy, stopping him dead. The king then lifted Sonic face to visor, Robotnik having pressed his face up against the glass so that Sonic could see him.

"If you're going to finish me egghead, make it quick. Because every second you leave me alive is a second I can defeat you," Sonic warned.

"Normally I would laugh and dismiss your words, but you are right, Sonic. But before I do, may I ask what your plan was?" Robotnik asked. Sonic thought about it for a second before realizing that he was already answering despite his will.

"Have Discord use his connecting to the Chaos Force to create a reset, fixing both timelines and making it so nothing ever happened," Sonic admitted. "We were just there to stall you. We hoped that your hatred for us would override your common sense."

"And it almost worked, had I not figured out what the play would be," Sombra smugly said.

"Yes yes, you've saved the day. But now, I think it time to put the final period on our story, Sonic," Robotnik cackled. He aimed a harmony filled hand at Sonic, who didn't even flinch. "And just because I love doing this so much..."

"Eight."

Author's Note

Do the heroes have any hope of defeating the Master King?

Will Antoine's plan manage to save the day?

Has the Author made the villains way too strong and is panicking to figure a way out?

Find on next time on Sonic Pony Z.

What's On the Inside

"BIONIC FARM/ARM!"

Twin forces of southern might slammed into the side of the Master King and sent it staggering, giving Sonic the opening he needed to move. He zipped away right before a blast from the Master King annihilated where he had been standing. He didn't dwell on it. He attacked the King from every which way, forcing himself to go faster and faster.

The King raised a hand to snap its fingers, only for whips made of pure chaos to wrap themselves around its hand. Shadow and Discord used whatever might they had left to keep the King from snapping. Eggman snarled and aimed the other hand at them, only to watch in surprise as Twilight, Pinkie and Rarity used their might to hold it in place as well.

"What do you fools think you are doing?" Sombra asked. "It is taking all of your might to simply hold our fingers in place. Do you truly believe that you can-?"

A blast of power slammed into the Master King's head, snapping it to the side. The King glared over to see that Tails and Rotor had managed to take what remained of the Final Gambit and turned it into a bazooka. The Master King looked towards the pair as power conjured around its head, but a squirrel landed on the head and slammed her wrist rings into the side of it, creating a hard light shield around the head. It wouldn't stop their power for long, but just long enough.

"Sonic! Grab ze master emerald!" Antoine yelled at Sonic.

"Of course!" Sonic realized with a smile. With speed that no one, not even Rainbow, could keep up with, Sonic rocketed towards the Master King. The King roared as it slammed its feet into the ground, conjuring everything from buildings to pillar of magic. But Sonic had hope now. And that hope allowed him to evade each attack before spin dashing into the shield of the Master King.

"Nice try, Sonic, but you didn't really think that we would just let you touch us, did you? Wouldn't want you to scratch the paint," Sombra snarled. Sonic smirked up at Sombra before reality broke for a moment and Pinkie appeared where Sonic had been. Eggman and Sombra tried to comprehend what they had just seen before they realized that Sonic had gotten through their barrier.

"Game over, eggheads!" Sonic yelled as he placed his hand on the Master Emerald...only for nothing to happen. Sonic had just a moment to try to figure out what had gone wrong before a backfist sent him sprawling across the ground. "But...that should have..."

"Do you really think that would leave such an object of power out in the open, where any of you could simply grab it with ease? Do you really think that we are that foolish?"

"Would you be mad if I said yes?" Sonic asked. Then his eyes narrowed as he noticed something around the tree of harmony. "Wait...are those...?"

"Just noticing that, eh Sonic?" Sombra mocked. "That's right. We didn't just stop at the Master Emerald or the Tree of Harmony. All your little friends that we killed? We stole their souls, Sonic. Their souls power our machine now. That way, there's a little piece of them here with you when you die."

"You...absolute...monster..."

"Sonic, flattery won't save you here," Robotnik sneered. With one more use of might the Master King broke free from the bonds of the other heroes. It blasted its hands behind it, using its immense power to knock the other heroes back. It took aim with its harmonious hand and fired at Sonic, only for the blast to be stopped by a barrier of violet magic.

"Twilight. Always a killjoy, right til the bitter end," Sombra snarled.

"Anything to make you as miserable as possible," Twilight replied. Another blast destroyed her barrier and knocked her down. Twilight unleashed all of her harmonic might into the King, only for its barrier to stop her dead. Sonic tried to help her back up as the King aimed both hands at the pair this time.

"Well congrats. You've ticked me off for the last time. I hope it gives you some small comfort when you get to the afterlife and have to tell all your little friends how you failed them," Sombra darkly replied. "Now, and if I have to repeat this again I'm going to scream, it is time that you die, once and for-"

"Yeehaw!"

Bunnie rocketed in from behind the Master King, wielding what remained of Antoine's blade that was fueled with chaos power. With all her bionic might she drove the blade into the back of the Master King, before driving her foot into the hilt to plunge it into the King's body. Eggman and Sombra roared in rage as they swatted the rabbit out of the sky, firing blasts at her as she tumbled. Shadow managed to get to her in time to pull her out of the way, but the explosions were still large enough to send the both of them sprawling.

"She pierced through our armor? How?!" Eggman roared.

"Now! While zere is an opening!" Antoine yelled.

Discord unleashed what power he had left and created two, giant clawed hands that dug into the back of the Master King, peeling the metal back so all could see what made the King tick. And what they saw shook them.

In place of a skeletal structure was the Tree of Harmony, having been broken up to form the skeleton. Whereas the Master Emerald rested in the chest of the Master King, acting as it's heart. The layout of the King caused the heroes to gasp, all except for Antoine, who smiled as his suspicions were confirmed.

"I knew it. Ze are not using ze combined might of zhe Tree and zhe Master Emerald. Zey are using it separately," Antoine explained. "Zhe most powerful source of Harmony to combat Harmony and zhe master of chaos to fight chaos. Throw in a little dark magic at it seems like it is unstoppable. Zhe two objects are so strong that it allows them to create magic that is both harmony and chaos. But clearly even zhe villains have to abide by some rules. Zhe two cannot touch."

"Congrats, you figured out our secret," Robotnik sneered. The Master King snapped its fingers and blasted back the heroes once more, before another wave of its hand repaired the damage done. Then a barrier of both Harmony and Chaos formed around the King and it seemed to grow even larger in size. "But it will do you no good. You managed to scratch the paint. Now let us return the favor."

The King fired a black laser that wiped past Sonic and caught Tails in the forehead. Tails went down as dark crystals formed all along his body. Sonic couldn't afford a moment to call out his name because in the next instance the Master King yanked them all into the air, where it fired black crystals at all of them. Discord nearly tore himself apart using his power to free the heroes, just managing to get them out of the way in time. The heroes split up and tried to attack the Master King again, but the villains were done playing.

Time froze to the Master Kings will, leaving the heroes open to be taken down one by one. The King fired off blasts of darkness that struck Sally and Pinkie Twilight finally managed to activate a counter spell that allowed her to break through the stopped time, only to take a blast of shadow to the chest herself. Crystals had barely begun to form over her as the Master King fired at Rarity, who was spared only by Shadow taking the blast for her. She barely had time to call out his name before she was blasted as well. Fluttershy and Rotor were next, before the King was finally stopped by a blast of energy that struck it in the back.

"That rabbit has to go," Sombra growled.

"Agreed," Robotnik said as the King turned to face Bunnie. "Now be very quiet. I'm killing rabbits."

Bunnie took to the sky to avoid the first blast. The King continued to fire at her, ignoring Sonic and Rainbow Dash as they pounded in vain against its shields. Bunnie managed to avoid the second and third shots, but the fourth final got her in the legs. She cried out as her thrusters were consumed by crystals, sending her into a death spiral. She hit the ground hard, but managed to retain enough sense to eject her legs from her body before her whole body could be consumed. The King fired another blast at her, one that she managed to block with a barrier. But the crystals began to go up her arm, forcing her to eject that limb as well.

"Looks like your all out of tricks, rabbit," Sombra said. The King swatted away Sonic and Rainbow, before blasting back Applejack as well. "And while I would love nothing more than you to add your crystal figure to my collection, it seems that you're no longer in mint condition. And I don't care much for damaged goods. So just like anything else that's broken and useless, it's best to be rid of it. Die."

A blast of energy fired from the Master King, aimed right at the D'Coolette who could do nothing but throw up her one remaining arm to try to defend herself before she was consumed in an explosion. The smoke took a moment to clear and when it finally did Eggman and Sombra found...that they had gotten to other D'Coolette. His smoldering body lay atop hers, with his cape gone...as well as his left arm.

"Antoine?" Bunnie whispered weakly.

"Oui...ma cherie...?" Antoine weakly asked.

"Antoine...yer hurt...yer arm..."

"Is nothing...compared...to ze thought of losing you," Antoine replied.

"Well isn't this sweet. You know I should be surprised, but I'm really not," Sombra cackled. "Gotta say, I certainly wouldn't have taken that for a fourth of my wife. Maybe if it was half my wife I would consider it, but definitely not for a fourth of her."

"Do...not slander...my wife...you piece...of garbage," Antoine wheezed weakly. Sombra smirked as the King walked towards the pair, Bunnie wrapping her only arm around Antoine to try to protect him. Sombra laughed at the attempt as he raised the King's arm...before something else caught his eye.

"Well what do we have here?" Sombra asked. The King flicked a finger and a golden ring floated off the ground and hung in the air in front of the King. "Well what a surprise, the ring survives while the arm doesn't. Says something about you, eh Antoine?"

"I'd say it says something more about the guy that made it. Hey Antoine, where'd ya buy this beauty. I might what them to make something for me," Robotnik laughed.

"Put...zat down...it is ze symbol...of my love for ma cheri. You will not put your hands or hooves on it," Antoine spat. Sombra smirked down at Antoine before pulling the ring into the King, spinning it on his hoof with a smile before placing it next to him.

"I think I will. In fact, once we are done here, I think I will melt it down at make it into something a little nicer. Maybe a new tip for my horn?" Sombra laughed. But the laughter died when he looked over at Eggman, who was looking at the ring with a puzzled expression. "What?"

"That ring...looks odd...but also familiar," Robotnik muttered.

"It should. After all, it has been ze source of your downfall many a times," Antoine chuckled. "You have been out of ze action long enough, I think. And I believe zat you want some vengeance of your own?"

"What the hell are you talking about? Did we fry some of your brain as well?" Sombra snarled.

"Wait a second...that's not a wedding ring," Robotnik realized at last.

"That's a power ring."

The Master King lurched violently as alarms blared inside of the cockpit. Eggman and Sombra began screaming in confusion as the King looked like it began fighting with itself.

VIRUS DETECTED. VIRUS DETECTED.

"Oh Antoine, you have no idea how long I've waited for this," a voice said from within the King. "For what they did to me, my home, but above all else...my Sally. I've had plenty of time to think about how to make this hurt."

"That voice," Robotnik whispered. Both Sombra and Eggman looked towards the main console, where the holographic image of a lynx appeared in front of the both of them. And there was murder in her eyes. "Nicole..."

"Hello "master" Eggman. And welcome to hell."

Author's Note

"Antoine, ah can't believe that ya would go that far fer the plan."

"I did not go that far for ze plan. I went that far for you."

"Sugar...that's sweet, but we're going to have to get you a new arm now."

"Zat is alright. Perhaps now we can get matching arms along with matching rings."

"Ya don't want an arm like mine, sug."

"Of course I do. Perhaps then I can be slightly as amazing and wonderful as you."

"Honestly, how are ya managing to flirt like that with third degree burns and a missing arm?"

"You make ze pain worth it."

Sore Loser

"Nicole?! How!" Sombra roared.

"Forget about how! Activate anti-virus!" Robotnik ordered.

Nicole could feel the anti-virus starting to consume her at a rapid rate, so she had to act now. Nicole took control of the Master King and snapped its fingers, freeing the heroes that were trapped in crystal. Then she deactivated the barrier around the Master King and ejected its generator from the King. Lastly, before she was completely consumed, she exposed the Master Emerald and the Tree of Harmony and locked the system so that it would take even Robotnik and Sombra some time to override.

"Your turn, Sally. Save them all, like I know you will," Nicole whispered. Then she was completely deleted.

"Whew, we got her. That was close," Robotnik sighed. "Come on, we need to get our systems back up before-"

"Congrats, you killed one of me." Then dozens of Nicole's appeared around the cockpit of the Master King. Every single fragment that Sombra and Eggman had made set free by the power ring. "But did you kill all of me?"

"Oh my gears and starters."

The Master King went ballistic. It spun around like it was dancing, started bobbing up and down rapidly, and used its magic to do all sorts of silly things. And all the while Eggman and Sombra did everything they could to wrestle back control of their greatest weapon from the A.I.

With the Master King experiencing technical issues, that gave a moment to the heroes to get their bearings. Most of them managed to get back up, but those who had been in the crystals before, Shadow, Celestia and Luna, stayed down.

"Ugh, what happened?" Sally groaned.

"What happened is that Ant figured out a way to give us a chance," Sonic said with a smile. "Look at the Master King. Those look like a bunch of nice, vulnerable weak spots for all of us to hit."

"Forgive me, my princess, but I had to sacrifice a part of Nicole to give us this chance," Antoine apologized weakly. Rotor picked up Bunnie in one arm and Antoine in the other, helping them over to the group.

"What do you mean?"

"Simply put, Eggman and Sombra's system were still working off of fragments of Nicole," Tails explained. "We used the program we developed to free her and injected it into the King, before sneaking in a power ring to super charge the process. It allowed the Nicole fragments to break free of their control long enough to give us this chance."

"And...what about Nicole?" Sally whispered.

"She...we still have our copy of her back at the base. Maybe one day...I will be able to complete her again," Tails said with a shake of his head. "But we can't let her sacrifice be in vain. She's give us an opening! The Master King can barely move, much less fight back. We have to win this now!"

"Do you think we can?" Bunnie asked.

"Of course. Because right now we have a couple of villains that have long since expired their free life trial," Twilight snarled as she and the other Ambassadors arrived next to the Freedom Fighters. Twilight's horn flashed and magic powered limbs appeared for Bunnie, while most of Antoine's wounds were healed. She then teleported Antoine his old sword to him, which he caught with a bow. "And they haven't payed nearly enough yet for their extended trial. This is long overdue. Everypony ready?"

"Ready to finally end this? I was ready twenty chapters ago," Pinkie replied.

"Ambassadors..."

"Freedom Fighters..."

"GO!"

The two teams charged the Master King, who swung around to face them. It snapped its fingers to erase the heroes from its sight, but instead it unleashed a massive blast of energy that was dodged by the heroes. It aimed its hands at them and prepared to fire, but both hands shot up suddenly and fired off into the ether. The villains roared in frustration before try to take a step forward, only for the King to take a knee.

"Well looks like someone doesn't have their systems working properly," Sonic teased as he spin dashed the Master King, which actually took damage due to the shield being gone. "What's the matter Egghead, download a program that you shouldn't have?"

"Cursed A.I.! Curse you hedgehog!" Robotnik roared.

"You thought that she was stay broken, that you could keep her down," Twilight scorned as she unleashed her magic on the King, which started to fry. "But just like with everything else, you underestimated her Sombra. You underestimated her heart, her soul, but most importantly, her might. And now it will cost you your life."

"I will destroy you!" Sombra bellowed back.

"Fer mah brother!" Applejack roared as she slammed into the King, knocking it back. The King fired back at her, but RD zipped in and pulled AJ out of the way.

"For our friends!" Tails added as he fired a laser gun at the King, who shielded itself with magic.

"For Nicole!" Sally roared, landing on the head of the Master King and driving her swords through its viewports.

"ENOUGH!"

The King slammed its hands together and sent everyone hurling backwards, stopping them before they could truly begin to comeback. "We will not fail here! Not after getting so close! You may have broken our shield, exposed our power source and damaged our pride, but this machine is still far stronger than anything you can deal with! So-"

Another spin dash tore through one of the arms of the Master King and dropped it to the ground. Eggman and Sombra had just enough time to register the arm falling before a rainbow blur tore off the other one, leaving the King disarmed. Twilight's magic ripped off one of the legs while Sally's sword dealt with the other one. The villains let out a screech as the machine fell over, struggling to even twitch.

"And just like every other machine you've built, it's nothing more than scrap once we figure out what makes it tick," Sonic chuckled. "Ready to give up?"

"Sorry, but I've got one last trick left. A little something I learned from one Dr. Wily!" Robotnik roared. The Torso of the Master King ascended into the air while making a terrible noise, before it spun to face the heroes. "And who needs limbs with minds like ours?!"

The Master King unleashed its chaos and harmony powers every which way, unable to aim thanks to its lack of extremities. The heroes had to move quick to avoid being erased by the erratic attacks. "What's the play, Sally?"

"Get to the Master Emerald and the Tree of Harmony! We'll use their power to get our super forms one last time so we can end this once and for all!" Sally ordered.

"Like hell we'll let you!" the villains roared. The Master King rocketed into the sky and unleashed its power upon the heroes. Twilight and Rarity combined their magics to deflect some of the attack while the speedsters got everyone else out of the way. Sonic looked up at the King and smirked.

"They've lost. And they know it," Sonic said. "Hey Tails, about how long do you think they have until they manage to reboot their systems?"

"Normally I'd say five minutes. But since it's those two, I'd say we have a minute at best," Tails replied.

"Oof, that long? Well looks like this is over," Sonic chuckled. "Hey Rainbow, how about a lift?"

Rainbow Dash grabbed hold of Sonic and rocketed the pair of them after the Master King, whose pilots could be heard roaring at the approaching heroes. The King unleashed everything it had at the pair, but without its systems or its limbs to properly aim or control its attacks, Rainbow Dash was able to easily weave and fly safely around everything.

"What's the matter, you two? You're looking a little desperate?" Rainbow taunted. Eggman and Sombra screamed at the pair in reply before firing a beam of pure death from the head of the Master King. Rainbow smirked at their attempt to be dangerous before she kicked it into high gear, vanishing from the villains sight and appearing behind them, winding up Sonic. Rainbow Dash spun like a hurricane, generating force until she hurled the hedgehog with everything she had, resulting in a sonic rainboom.

"No..." Robotnik whispered.

"Not again..." finished Sombra.

Sonic cleaved clean through the Master King and practically tore the machine in half, causing it to plummet towards the ground with the sounds of the two villains cursing their names being drowned out by the King exploding. Sonic landed with a bow as the King crashed into the ground behind him, exploding in rainbow light. The heroes gathered around the smoldering wreckage, waiting for the villains to crawl out.

"That went well," Fluttershy said to break the silence.

"I like that positivity Fluttershy, but stay on guard. Who knows what else these two have planned," Sally warned.

The head of the Master King rolled off and the two ash covered villains spilled out. Robotnik got to his feet with a groan and a bitter sigh, while Sombra looked like he had gone feral. He did nothing but growl as he glared at each of the heroes like a cornered animal. Eggman took off his glasses and wiped off the soot as Sally pointed a sword at him.

"It's over Eggman. You lose," Sally stated.

"It seems that I have," Robotnik admitted. "Nicole. I should have seen that coming. Of course you would find some way to break her free. You always do. Well as the song says, live and learn. There's always next time."

"Next time? After everything you've done, do you really just expect to walk away from this?!" a voice roared. The heroes turned to see Shadow, Celestia, Luna and Discord approaching. Shadow pushed past the heroes to get to Eggman and Sombra, only to be stopped when Rarity placed a hoof on his shoulder.

"Do not act in anger Shadow, it never ends well," Rarity warned.

"This is not anger, this is just common sense! These two are some of the most evil and foul beings to have ever existed! They deserve nothing less than total annihilation!" Shadow demanded.

"Believe me, I agree with you, especially in Sombra's case," Rainbow nodded.

"No Shadow, first we fix everything, then these two will be judged for their crimes," Sally said. "We have to let the law and justice judge them. That's what separates us from them."

"They deserve to be erased."

"And maybe they will. If that's what the law decides," Sally said. She glared at Eggman, who smirked at her in reply. Then she looked at Twilight. "At least, that will be the case for Eggman. You are the ruler of your world and the one who ultimately decides Sombra's fate. What will you do with him?"

"There are so many things to do. Throw him into the sun. Throw him into a black hole. Atomize him. Again. But there's a chance that he could come back from any of those. So how do you stop somepony who is smart enough to keep coming back from anything?" Twilight asked. Then she smiled. "You throw them in a place where smarts mean nothing. We're throwing you into Discords reality. And may Faust have mercy on your sanity."

Sombra sputtered something out as his horn started to glow, but then a blade flashed and his horn was severed from his body. He stared at the spot where it had fallen before looking to Antoine, who was sheathing his blade.

"You..." Sombra seethed.

"Don't worry guys, the Master King is done for." Sally held up a small computer and a tiny hologram of Nicole appeared above it. "I made sure to shut off its weapons. We're good."

"I'm so glad to see that you're okay. How are you feeling?" Sally asked.

"Like I've got a splitting headache," Nicole joked.

"Boo," Sonic chuckled.

"Then this is over," Twilight said as she stepped forward. Her horn glowed a bluish color as she aimed at the pair of villains. "I'll put the two of you on ice until we've fixed the crack in the Chaos Source. Then we'll deal with you."

"No...no...nononononono," Sombra seethed.

"Give it up Sombra, we've lost. But to be fair, it was our best attempt yet. We nearly made the Chaos Force ours," Robotnik shrugged. "But don't worry my friend, I've already got several more plans that we can do once-"

"No...never again..."

Sombra glared at the heroes, but there was something...off about him. The way his eye twitched, the look in his eye...and the twisted smile that pulled at his face. "I will not be imprisoned again. I will not be killed by you again. I will NOT lose again...and if I can't win...then I will just have to make sure you all lose! Activate To Hell with you ALL!"

The Master King came back to life as dark magic poured thought its body and unleashed a blast of power that knocked everyone, including Sombra and Eggman, away. Then the machine ascended into the heavens, right towards the chaos source. Twilight was on Sombra the moment she could get back to her hooves, pinning him down with her magic.

"What did you just do?!" she roared at him.

"At this moment, the Master King is reaching the part of the chaos source that Eggman and I weakened when all of this first started!" Sombra cackled. "The weakest point of one of the most powerful sources in the multiverse! And it will then end everything."

"How?!"

"Easy. By combining the Master Emerald with the Tree of Harmony by using the Phantom Ruby."

"Are you mad?!" Eggman roared at Sombra. "Do you know what kind of power the resulting explosion of all three of those artifacts going critical would unleash?! It would be strong enough to-"

An explosion in the chaos source rocked all of eternity. The heroes looked up to see that what had once been a crack in the chaos source was now a fissure, one that was rapidly growing across the source. And as the fissure grew, reality all around them began to break down.

"Strong enough to cause the chaos source itself to explode...and tear down the multiverse with it," Sombra finished. He then glared right into Twilight's terrified eyes with the largest smile he had ever smiled on his face. "So I may lose Twilight..."

"But I'm taking all of you down with me."

Author's Note

"Oh don't worry Sombra, I have the perfect punishment for you."

"What? Torture? Imprisonment? Blinded with pepper spray?"

"Nope. You're going to have to go to one of Boom Amy's therapy classes."

"...NOOO-"

Later...

"So Sombra, tell us about how you feel?"

"AAAAHHHHHH!"

"Let's try a different approach. How about starting with "When you do this, I feel like this"?"

"AAAAHHHHHH!"

Breakdown

Everything was broken.

Reality fell past the heroes like shards of glass in the rain. Light and darkness appeared and vanished around them. Even the heroes weren't completely immune to the effects, their bodies occasionally flickered into different versions of themselves, some becoming their G1-3 counterparts while the freedom fighters, mostly Sonic and Tails, shifted into different versions. But the one constant in the face of their multiverse falling apart was the dark, soulless laugh that echoed all around them. The laugh of Sombra as he watched it all fall down.

"Sombra, what have you done?" Twilight whispered in horror as she and the others looked around at all of the destruction.

"What so many villains have said they would do but then get cold hooves. I've killed us all," Sombra laughed.

"You monster! You'll die with us!" Sally yelled.

"I've been killed three times, Sally. First by exploding, then by atomization, then by pure extermination. If I'm going out this time, I'm going out on my own terms," Sombra cold replied. Then his smile grew larger. "And watching the hope leave all of your faces as you realize that there is no way to stop this before you and everypony you love dies will be the sweetest victory I could ever dream of."

"You figured out a way to build this! You must have some contingency plan to undo it!" Fluttershy reasoned. "A way to reverse it. An off switch?"

"Who builds an off switch on a doomsday machine? This is how I know there isn't an evil bone in your body," Sombra snarled.

"He's out of line, but he's right. True doomsday machines don't have off switches. That's the point," Robotnik growled. He turned up to look at the expanding fissure and shook his head.

"What's your estimation, doc?" Sonic asked.

"We have maybe ten minutes, give or take. With how badly reality is falling down around us, the concept of time might not last much longer," Robotnik replied. "If you have any miracles left Sonic, now is the time to use them."

"I've got nothing but my speed. But you're the genius. If anyone can come up with a plan to stop this, it be you. Surely you've planned something like this before?" Sonic asked.

"Once or twice."

"So what do you say, doc? Work together until the multiverse is saved and then go back to hating each other?" Sonic asked, extending a hand. Eggman looked at it for a second before grabbing hold.

"Fine. Unlike Sombra, I'm not willing to kill myself just to bring you down. That's no victory. Killing someone with the work of your own two hands is a victory."

"Eggman...I couldn't agree more!"

Sombra erupted into a fiery chaos as his power knocked everypony back. They looked at the dark king in horror to see that Sombra now towered over them, his body a combination of darkness, smoke, and chaos. And in the center of his chest was a white emerald that put all the other emeralds to shame.

"You...you carved another chaos emerald out of the Chaos Source?" Robotnik asked in disbelief. "But the only time you would have been able to do that was...Sombra...how long were you planning on betraying me?"

"To be honest...from the moment we met," Sombra replied. "You were my equal in every way. That made you the most dangerous being, the one that I would have to prepare for the most. And don't bothering thinking about that self destruct device you implanted within me when you roboticized me. I removed it long ago, along with the control unit. Because the best villains doesn't have just one back up plan. They have hundreds!"

Sombra opened his maw and fired pure chaos at the heroes, who dove for cover as the beam tore apart where they stood. Sonic tried to rush towards Sombra, but was stopped as the ground he had been standing on vanished into nothingness. Dash snatched him out of the air and got him back to solid ground, only for it to turn to magma at Sombra's wishes.

"Why are you doing this?!" Twilight roared. She flew up to Sombra and unleashed all of her magical might into the king. Sombra retaliated in kind and blasted Twilight out of the air. "If you had this power, then why destroy the multiverse? Why kill us all?! Even with that power you can't survive!"

"That's where you're wrong, Twilight! I'm bringing down the multiverse and killing everything in it. And then, when only ashes remain, I will return to build it all back up. Because I've been thinking about you all. How no matter the reality, no matter how badly you win, so long as there is a spark of hope, you'll find a way to turn it into a wildfire of resistance. So I'm going to burn it all down, and build it back up in my image. A multiverse without hope. A multiverse without harmony. But more importantly...a multiverse without all of you!"

"But...but you'll die too! Even you cannot survive ze destruction of ze multiverse!" Antoine said.

"You're right. But I've come back from the dead three times now. What's one more?" Sombra replied. "And now that I'm directly tied into the Chaos Source, I will use its own power to burn it all down and rise from the ashes like a phoenix! Like a GOD!"

He then threw back his head and laughed, his laugh tearing apart the fabric of reality as he used his emerald to amplify the effects of the chaos source coming undone. Twilight and the princesses gathered together to create the strongest shield that they could, trying to protect everyone under it.

"This madness, even for Sombra," Twilight said. "He's always been one for crazy schemes, but this is sheer lunacy! His entire plan hinges on him being able to revive himself after tearing apart the multiverse! Even he should know how crazy that is!"

"He's completely lost it," Robotnik said to the heroes. "Seems that this defeat was the straw that broke the camels back. I had the same thing happen to me years ago after one too many loses to Sonic. Even we mad geniuses have our breaking point. And it seems like after being killed and beaten by you heroes so many times, Sombra's reached his. Burn it all down and start over. I get it."

"Then why would he wait so long to use something that powerful?" Rarity asked.

"Look at him. He's not in control. He's a firehose shooting off power without rhyme or reason," Discord replied. "His goal isn't to control the source, it's to make sure that it all comes down. He's completely and utterly mad."

"Mad or not, he's being fueled by the chaos source. And if I was a betting walrus, I'd wager that's tearing apart the Chaos Source even faster," Rotor stated. "So what's the play?"

"Get the emerald from him. And pray that it has enough power to undo this mess," Sonic replied. "Come on team, we've taken down every other threat we've gone up against! We can do this!"

The heroes roared in unison before Twilight dropped the shield, unleashing all of the heroes at once at Sombra.

They were crushed in an instant.

The sheer power of the chaos that Sombra used overwhelmed the heroes, blasting them back with ease. The magic limbs Bunnie had were burned away. The fliers were knocked out of the air. All the tech they had crumbled to dust and the speedsters didn't have a leg to stand on. Sombra glared down at the heroes before he started to convulse, from his laughing or from the power trying to escape from him, none could tell. He staggered away, either having lost interest in them or his brain was so far gone he could no longer think. It gave the heroes a moment.

"He's...too strong..." Twilight said. "We...we've got nothing that..."

"There is one play left."

Twilight looked over her shoulder to see Cadence standing beside her. Cadence used her magic to help Twilight to her hooves, before doing the same to Celestia and Luna. The four princesses stood together and glared up at Sombra, who had yet to notice them.

"Cadence, you're back! But what about-?"

"She's safe. Cubot and Orbot were taking care of her. They...have been taking care of her the entire time she's been in Sombra's hooves. They seem to really like her. I owe them."

"I am glad that you are here. We...do not have enough strength on our own," Celestia admitted.

"So we're doing this, huh? Well, there are worse ways to go," Luna laughed bitterly.

"Cadence, what do you mean there's one play left?" Twilight asked. Cadence didn't respond. She looked over at Celestia and Luna, who both nodded somberly in agreement. "Cadence? What's the play?"

"An old and forbidden equestrian magic, long locked away by our forefathers," Cadence sadly replied. "Remember when Tirek was first unleashed and we transferred our power into you?"

"Yeah, I do...are we doing that again? Because, while I know it's powerful, I don't know if it would be enough for...this," Twilight replied.

"You're right. It won't be. But this time we won't be giving you just our power...we'll be giving you everything," Cadence whispered.

"What?"

"By putting our very beings into our power, and then transferring it to you, there is a chance that your might will be able to match Sombra's...and perhaps be enough to fix all of this," Celestia added. "At the cost of all of our lives, we will be able to make you a god."

"Your...lives...no, no there has to be-"

"Look around, Twilight," Luna said. Twilight stopped talking and hung her head. She knew what Luna was talking about. "Our duty as princesses, as rulers, is to give everything for the sake of our world. Of those that put their trust in us. And if giving our everything is what it takes to keep them safe...so be it."

"But...but..." Twilight tried to argue, before locking eyes with Cadence. "But what about Flurry Heart?"

Cadence looked away, her body shaking.

"I can only hope that she understands what her mother had to do and why she had to do it. Please Twilight...before I change my mind."

Twilight looked to her teachers, her friends, before gritting her teeth as tears fell from her eyes. Then she glared at Sombra with a fury unmatched.

"Do it," she whispered.

"Be warned, we have no idea how long this power will last or what it will do to you. But I know you, my student...my daughter...you will prevail. You always do," Celestia said to Twilight, before she smiled at her one last time. "I love you, my little Twilight. And goodbye."

And then Twilight was consumed by three sources of light.

The Chaos Source began to turn black as the fissure reached the halfway point, circling half of the multiverse. Sombra threw back his head and laughed, his laugh shaking the multiverse to its core. Sonic tried to get back up, but with a look Sombra blasted him back down. Then Sombra marched towards where Equestria and Mobius had fused, gazing hungrily down at the planet.

"Finally, it will all be mine. The world is mine!" Sombra laughed.

And then a blast of absolute harmony knocked him flat on his face. Sombra roared as he picked himself back up, glaring over his shoulder to see who had dared. And behind him floated Twilight Sparkle, her body looking like the cosmos, her mane a rainbow of power, and her cutie mark a sun encircled by the moon and a heart, with a purple star in the center.

"You are wrong as always, Sombra. The world is not yours," Twilight bellowed as four voices in one.

"It's mine!"

Author's Note

"She's getting really scared," Orbot said, trying to comfort the panicking filly.

"Oh it's okay little one," Cubot said. "Here, just focus on me!" He spun his head around until it fell off, getting a small giggle out of Flurry. "Aw, there we go."

"Do not worry, little one, it will all be alright," Orbot said as he and Flurry looked up to the heavens, which looked like it was falling to hell. "Have faith. Faith in your mother. Faith in your friends. And faith in the fact that villains like Sombra and Eggman always fail in the end."

Impossible

Pure chaos clashed with absolute magic, creating an explosion so incredible that if reality wasn't tearing at the seams it would have been the craziest thing the heroes had seen that day. Twilight was hurled back from the explosion, but managed to catch herself in the air and rocketed back towards Sombra. Sombra let out something that was a mix of a laugh and a scream before blasting apart the sky above him.

"What's gotten into Twilight?" Pinkie asked.

"From what ah heard...the princesses gave her everything," Bunnie answered. Antoine picked her off the ground and cradled her as she shook her head. "They're gone. And they gave her everything they had. To give us a chance."

The heroes took a moment to mourn. Eggman took that moment to study the fissure before casting a glance at the battle between Twilight and Sombra. "The fissure is going to shatter the Chaos Source in a matter of minutes. And, poetically, that's about how long I'd wager Twilight can hold out against Sombra."

"Which means we've got minutes to save all of reality. Same old," Sonic said. "Alright Eggman, hit me with your best idea."

"Sombra's not the only one who managed to carve out a last resort," Robotnik said. He reached into his coat and pulled out a small, emerald emerald that put the green emerald to shame.

"You carved an emerald out of the Master Emerald?" Sally asked.

"Judge me later, right now it's out best bet," Robotnik said. "This emerald has a direct link to the Chaos Source and is our best bet to fix it. If we can use it to boost the powers of a being that already has incredible amounts of chaos energy, then perhaps we can use that chaos energy to seal up the fissure."

"That's your plan?" Tails asked.

"What? You don't like it?" Robotnik said, clearly insulted.

"That's a one in a million shot, at best."

"Then you heroes should have no effort pulling it off," Robotnik jabbed. "Now the only question is who among you is dumb enough to try to seal up the entire force of chaos?"

"Me," both Sonic and Discord said at the same time. "Back off Discord, I've done this kind of thing before."

"When you had all seven emeralds. Now you're down to one. I'm a god of chaos. I've been messing with chaos magic long before you were even an idea," Discord replied. Eggman tossed the emerald to Discord with a nod. "Besides, I have a feeling that you're going to be needed elsewhere."

Twilight crashed through the group as he said this, collapsing into a heap beside them. She spat out blood as she rose to her hooves, but her body was shaking and her breath was ragged. The group turned to face Sombra, who was attacking planets that had gotten too close to the battle.

"Twilight?" Rainbow asked.

"He's too strong. There's no semblance of his mind left, but Sombra's so unfathomably powerful that it doesn't matter," Twilight weakly said. "It's taking everything I've got to slow him down, but this power isn't going to last much longer."

"Then let us back you up," Sonic said.

"Yeah, we're all with you Sonic," Fluttershy said.

"No you're not. Sonic, back up Twilight. Shadow, help Discord. The rest of you, come with me. There's something else that would be far more productive than all of you hurling yourself to your deaths," Robotnik instructed. Sonic and Twilight took off after Sombra, who paid them little mind until they started to attack him.

Discord and Shadow grabbed hold of the emerald and channeled all of their chaos might.

"CHAOS CONTROL!"

A beam of pure chaos erupted from the emerald and struck the focal point of the fissure, slowly sealing the devastation in the source back up. It took everything the two had to move the emerald along the fissure, slowly repairing the damage done to it. For a moment, it looked as if their combined chaos power, along with the emerald, might be enough.

Then the fissure tore itself open where they had fixed it and reopened the entire wound.

"No...no dammit, no!" Shadow snarled. "It's not enough! The power isn't enough."

"Don't you dare give up on me now," Discord demanded. "We're not going to let everypony die just because the source of all chaos in the multiverse doesn't want to cooperate! Now do what you do best and cause some chaos!"

The two poured everything they had into the beam, sealing up the damage once more. This time the two made sure to take extra time to seal the wound up even stronger than before...until a blast of chaos caught the both of them and blasted them out of the sky.

"Discord!" Fluttershy screamed.

"Shadow!" Rarity called out.

"Leave them! We have bigger matters to focus on," Robotnik barked. Fluttershy and Rarity took off towards the pair, getting Eggman to curse under his breath before he started doing the work that Fluttershy and Rarity were supposed to be doing. Fluttershy landed next to Discord, who wasn't moving, while Rarity slid next to Shadow, who was trying to get back up.

"I'm...sorry..." Discord weakly said. As he said this, the fissure in the Chaos Source tore itself back open and reality continued to plunge. "We can't...heal it...faster than it can...destroy itself...we're too late. Sombra...damaged the emerald...with his attack. Barely...any power...I'm so sorry..."

"You did all you could," Fluttershy whispered softly, brushing her face against Discord's.

"Don't you...quit on me...now," Shadow spat. He tried to push himself up, but his body gave out and he fell over. Rarity caught him and gently leaned him against her. "Toss me the emerald and I'll finish this myself."

"Shadow, you can barely breathe. Please, don't hurt yourself any further," Rarity begged.

"I am...the ultimate lifeform. I can...repair all of the multiverse...with ease," he coughed.

"How are they?" Rainbow Dash asked as she appeared next to the four.

"Discord and Shadow are down. Sombra took them out," Rarity said.

"Yeah, and unfortunately, it looks like Twilight and Sonic are going to join them," Rainbow bitterly said. The four turned to look just in time to see Twilight plummet towards the ground, saved at the last second by Sonic catching her. The two tumbled across the ground and landed in a heap, where Sonic was the only one to get back up. Sombra glared down at the hedgehog before shrieking and started firing off blasts into the multiverse, causing more realities and dimensions to come crumbling down. Sonic grabbed Twilight and raced her over to the heroes, where he fell over himself.

"We can't stop him. Speed means nothing and Twilight's magic is starting to fade," Sonic informed the group. "If Sombra hadn't been driving insane by the power, we'd all be done for."

"We may all be done for anyway," Fluttershy said. Sonic glanced at her and she pointed up, getting Sonic to look up at the source. "Discord and Shadow couldn't fix it. They couldn't repair it faster than it could tear itself apart."

"Faster..." Sonic muttered, looking back up at the Source.

"Will you fools get over here?! Every second you waste is another second closer to our imminent annihilation!" Robotnik roared at them.

"Go. I'll watch them," Sonic said. Fluttershy, Rainbow and Rarity looked at him before nodding and heading back over to Eggman. Sonic watched them go before turning back to Sombra, who was now battling it out with some interdimensional being that was flicking in and out of reality.

"Have to...stop him..."

Sonic glanced to his side to see that Twilight had gotten back up and somehow was channeling the power of the four princesses once more as she staggered towards Sombra. Sonic placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her, but she didn't look at him.

"You can't win. You know that, right?" Sonic said.

"I can't believe that," Twilight replied. "And if you were in my horseshoes, would you quit?"

Sonic sighed before he let go of her, watching as Twilight summoned all of her power once more and rocketed back towards Sombra. Sonic was at Discords side a moment later.

"Discord, give me the emerald," Sonic said.

"What? No, don't be crazy, you know that-"

"I may not be able to wield it as effectively as you, but I can do something you can't," Sonic said.

"And what's that?"

"I can go fast."

Discord stared blankly at Sonic for a long moment. "Do you realize what you are implying? The Chaos Source is immeasurable due to its nature. The speed that you would have to achieve in order to do what you're thinking...not to mention with how fast the source is tearing itself apart...and the emerald...only has enough charge...for an instant of chaos power."

"That's more than enough time for someone like me," Sonic replied. Discord stared at him before chuckling, handing over the emerald to Sonic.

"You're crazy. Crazier than anypony else I've every met. Bet it all on you, huh? Sure. If this is my last act, I'd like to die knowing I died believing," Discord said. "Now run Sonic. Run."

Discord snapped his fingers once last time and teleported Sonic to the very center of the Chaos Source. Sonic took just a moment to look around, realized that Discord was right about it being so large it was beyond comprehension and shrugged his shoulders. Then he crouched down and everything came to a stop. The fissure forming in the source. The battle waging between Twilight and Sombra below. Even the shattering of time and space. In that moment, only Sonic was moving.

Then his body went golden as he drew on the full power of the emerald and he was off. He streaked across the eternity of the Chaos Source, using the chaos energy within him and the emerald to stitch the Chaos Source back together. There was only an instant until the emerald would run out of power, only a moment before the Chaos Source would start tearing itself back apart, and only a thought before it would all come undone.

So Sonic ran faster.

Faster than an instant. Faster than a moment. And faster than eternity itself. Sonic was everywhere at once upon the Chaos Source. Across all of its eternity he ran, running so fast that, according to reality, he was at every single point on the fissure at the same time. Using his chaos powers to fix it at every single point at the same time. The Chaos Source couldn't split itself apart, because, according to reality, it had been completely repaired at every single part at the same time.

Reality stabilized. Time started to move again. And the multiverse stopped looking like a windshield that had a rock hit it. Sonic could see in the distance things going back to normal, worlds become whole...and he knew that they had done it.

And with one last flourish, Sonic sighed his name onto the newly repaired source...before falling into nothingness.

"Saving the multiverse...stopping Sombra and Eggman...getting to show off one last time...what a good way to go out," Sonic said. Then he heard the snapping of fingers and next thing he knew, he was back with Discord. "Hey Discord, you look...different?"

"Indeed, Sonic. The source is one hundred percent...which means I'm now at one hundred percent," Discord said with a smirk. He then turned to face Sombra, who had Twilight pinned behind a magical barrier that was barely able to keep the king at bay. "And I've sat on the sidelines long enough."

Discord thrust his hand forward and snapped Sombra's head upwards, getting him to bark in confusion. Sombra snapped his head back down to glare at Discord, before firing a beam of pure chaos from his mouth. Discord drove his two hands into the beam and split it down the middle. Sombra started to march towards Discord, who smirked at the king.

"With you tapping into the source as well, it seems that we're evenly matched," Discord said. Then he stepped to the side to reveal a machine that Eggman and the heroes had made out of the limbs of the Master King. "But I've got friends. NOW!"

The machine fired off a beam of energy that pierced through Sombra's chest, getting the king to roar as the emerald was ripped from his body and dragged into the machine. Chaos power flowed through Sombra unchecked, who managed to let out one last scream before he exploded. His smoldering body crashed into the ground, without a sound.

"And that is the end of our dear friend Sombra," Robotnik said. "And with the source repaired, it seems...that this is over."

The heroes let out a cheer and started to celebrate. Applejack and Rainbow kissed, and Antoine and Bunnie followed their lead. Fluttershy tackled Discord, Rotor fired off his weapons into the air, Tails let out a sigh he had held in for far too long and even Shadow cracked a smile that only Rarity caught. Sally tearfully said some things to Nicole while Pinkie recreated the 1912 overture with her party canon. And even Sonic held up a fist in victory. Twilight collapsed onto the ground, the last of the princesses power finally leaving her. But even she wore a smile.

"I only have one question left," Discord asked. "What about the emerald that Sombra made?"

"The emerald is safely within the limbs here, which were designed to take on unfathomable chaos," Robotnik said as he patted the machine. "What about my other emerald?"

"Gone. Reduced to atoms," Sonic chuckled as he held up the emerald he had been given, which was just dust.

"Well, I suppose that's that then," Robotnik shrugged.

"Yes, it is," Sally said. "Eggman, while you are the reason that all of this happened in the first place...I do suppose that we owe you. I will remember this when you are being judged for your crimes. Maybe I can help to shorten your sentence."

"Oh no, don't go through all that trouble for me. I'll take my favor now," Robotnik replied. Then he pressed a button on the device and tendrils of light shot out of the containment until, striking each of the heroes. They cried out in unison as they were lifted into the air, with Eggman laughing like a madman as he sat upon the device, all the power of the Chaos Force at his fingertips.

"You fools never learn, do you? And Sombra, if you can hear me in the afterlife...this is why you don't pump unlimited power directly into your body. Honestly, you called yourself a villain."

Author's Note

I mean, it wouldn't be an Archie Sonic story without one completely batshit insane speed feat, would it? Also...

"Did...Sonic really just do that?" Rainbow asked. "Out run reality itself?"

"Ah...think he did. Sorry Rainbow, ah love ya and all...but he's faster," Applejack said.

"Yup...he's faster...but I've got a marefriend. So who's the real winner?" Rainbow asked.

Make a Wish

"Another betrayal? Come on Eggman, haven't we gone through this enough?" Sonic asked.

"Are you really that surprised, Sonic?" Robotnik asked.

"Surprised? No. Disappointed? Yes," Sonic replied. "I had really hoped that you would have waited until everything was fixed before stabbing us in the back, but I guess you're not known for being patient."

"You would be correct in that regard, rodent. Now then..."

The light that was holding up Sonic vanished, dropping Sonic to the ground. Eggman then floated into the air on his machine, glaring down at Sonic as chaos energy swirled around him. "It is time to finally finish this. You and me, one last time. And when I've beaten you once and for all, I will recreate the multiverse. A multiverse in my image. And one without you."

"And what makes this different from the six or so other "one last time" battles we've had throughout this adventure?" Sonic asked. He needed to keep Eggman talking, give himself some time to regroup. After the stunt Sonic had just pulled with the Chaos Source, he didn't have anything left in the tank. Eggman had the full might of the Chaos Source, had Sonic's friends hostage and had managed to keep his wits about him. Things didn't look good.

"What makes it different, rodent, is that I now hold all the cards. Absolute power, your precious friends and, as always, the intelligence advantage," Robotnik replied. Then a wicked smile spread across his face as he glared down at his greatest foe. "But that's never stopped you in the past, has it? There's always a way to win so long as we try. That's what you've always said. Well then, go on Sonic. Try."

Beam of chaos shot from the machine, annihilating where Sonic had been just a moment earlier. Sonic skidded to a stop behind the machine and tried a spin dash, but he bounced off a barrier and fell to the ground. He landed in a roll that rocketed him away from pillars of chaos that tore apart the area around him, just barely managing to get out of the way.

"Got to...try to...help," Twilight grunted. Her horn started to glow for a moment, but then the light faded as Eggman snickered at her.

"Don't waste what little energy you have left. You're spent, princess. Wasted everything on fighting Sombra. Here's some free advice. Learn to pace yourself, or else you burn out before the real fight starts. And speaking of burn outs..."

Eggman created a sphere of chaos around Sonic, who started to look around for a way out. The sphere started to compress, and Sonic slammed himself into the rapidly shrinking walls in a desperate attempt to free himself, but to no avail. Eggman cackled like a lunatic as the walls closed in on Sonic, about to crush him into nothingness...only to gasp with shock as Sonic was teleported out of the barrier. Eggman snapped his head towards his captives, finding that Discord had been the one to save the hedgehog.

"Defiant to the end, eh Discord? Fine, you can be the first to perish!"

Discord screamed in pain as the tendril in him began to drain him of his life force, using him to fuel the machine. Fluttershy and the others tried in vain to get to him, but they were all far too weakened to help.

"Don't worry Discord, your power will go to good use fueling my machine to...y'know, I really should give it a name. How about the Chaos Theory? Oh, I like that," Robotnik chuckled. A blur of blue slammed into his barrier once more, getting Eggman to turn his attention back to the fight. "Didn't feel much impact from that one, rodent. Running out of steam?"

"Come on Eggman, you've been at the game long enough to know that it's considered rude to destroy another annoyances when you're fighting with your biggest threat," Sonic joked, though he was struggling to catch his breath. "If you're not going to really try and destroy me, then I might as well go home."

"You are right. How rude of me Sonic. Since this will be the last time I see you...I should really put my all into destroying you!"

Eggman stopped holding back and unleashed the full power of chaos. Explosions that ended pockets of the time space continuum. Erasing reality and creating null zones. Shattering time and hurling it at Sonic. He held nothing back. It was only thanks to Sonic's incalculable speed that he managed to stay ahead...and even he felt himself starting to slow down.

"Soon, rodent. Soon it will all be over," Robotnik taunted as Sonic just barely dodged another retcon blast. "You've pushed me to my limits. You've made me create and think in ways I never would have dared. And you even made me team up with others. But now, finally now, it ends. And it ends the way I always knew it would. With you failing. With you losing. With you being just. Too. Slow."

Any comeback Sonic could have answered with died in his throat as a blast ripped him from his feet and sent him tumbling across the ground, where he lay. He struggled weakly to get back to his feet, panting heavily as he gazed up at Eggman who was glaring down at him.

"It's over," Robotnik said.

"Not while I still breath," Sonic replied.

"Then let us remedy that."

Sonic took off again, but Eggman could see him now. Could keep track of him. And with a wicked smile, Eggman knew it was over. He had finally won.

"So this is how you're going to let it end? Going out like a wimp while Eggman get's to destroy everything and become the new ruler of the multiverse?"

Eggman glanced over his shoulder with some surprise to see that Rainbow Dash had spoken. She was clutching at the tendril of light that was digging into her chest, but there was still hope in her eyes and defiance on her face.

"I'm trying my best here, Dash," Sonic said.

"Trying to bolster his spirits, Rainbow Dash?" Robotnik asked. "How cute. Pinning all your hopes on him shows what a fool you truly are."

"Because honestly, I thought better of you. I thought that you were supposed to be the best, the greatest. But you're going to fail. Just like you always do. Ha. Guess you aren't so amazing after all. I'm ashamed of myself for every thinking you were somepony to overcome."

"Okay, ouch Rainbow Dash."

"Rainbow, what's gotten into ya?" Applejack asked.

"You've just proven what we've always known about you. Weaken, stupid and even when you're on the cusp of victory, you somehow manage to find a way to fail. It's no surprise nopony ever cared to remember you or think of you. And then you got here, and you finally got your chance to prove to them all that you are somepony amazing...and you blew it. I shouldn't be surprised."

"What are you talking about?" Sonic asked as he barely avoiding being retconned. "Plenty of people care about me!"

"But hey, if these words sting, if they fill you with rage and resentment, then prove me wrong. Show me that you're something more than a failure. But I doubt you will. Since failing is what you do best."

"Um, Rainbow?" Applejack asked. "What are ya talking about?"

"What indeed? These aren't words of encouragement. They are the ravings of lunacy," Robotnik said. "If you are trying to bolster Sonic's spirits, you should pick your words better or at the very least try to tell him he's slow, or something. Is this your first time insulting the rodent? Because I have some great insults if you wish to borrow them?"

Rainbow Dash then began to laugh. A hollow, joyless laugh, but one that sent shivers up Eggman's spine.

"That's the problem with you, Eggman. It's all about Sonic. Sonic, Sonic, Sonic," Rainbow Dash chuckled. "This may be hard for you to comprehend, but...I wasn't talking to Sonic."

"What?" Robotnik asked. "Then who could you possibly-"

"IT'S MINE!"

Eggman screamed in fear as the smoldering body of Sombra slammed into him, the dark king roaring as he tried to wrestling the control of the Chaos Theory away from Eggman.

"Give me back my power!" Sombra roared.

"How in the hell are you still alive?!" Robotnik asked.

"Sonic! Now!" Rainbow called out to Sonic. Sonic smirked as he caught on before spin dashing through the tendrils that were holding his friends in place. They all weakly fell to the ground, with Sonic catching Tails while Rainbow Dash caught Applejack.

"You knew Sombra was still alive?" AJ asked. "But how?"

"Come on, do you know how many times we've killed him and he's come back? I doubted that chaos rending his body would put him down," Rainbow chuckled. Then the four of them glared up at where the two villains were fighting for control over the Chaos Theory. "Alright, I've done my part. What's the plan?"

"Get me to the power source of that machine and I can fix all of this," Sonic said.

"Then we have a plan. Let's go!" Tails said.

Tails grabbed Sonic and Rainbow grabbed Applejack, the four of them flying towards the villains. In unison the fliers hurled their carry on towards the villains, who stopped fighting just long enough to notice the hoof and fist right before they took it in the face. Eggman and Sombra plummeted towards the ground while Sonic and AJ landed on the Chaos Theory.

"Here it is," Sonic said as he finally found what he was looking for. He ripped off a panel to find the emerald that had been carved out of the Source. He picked it up and held it for a moment, able to feel the full weight of chaos.

"And that can fix everything?" AJ asked.

"Yes. With this. It can all be fixed," Sonic said with a smile. He then closed his eyes and started to concentrate, taking on the full power of chaos. "It's been a fun ride everyone, but now it's time to-"

Two lasers fired through the air, one from a gun and the other from a horn. Rainbow Dash, with her insane reflexes, was able to move fast enough to tackled both AJ and herself out of the way of the first one. But Tails, who didn't quite have her speed and reflexes, could only throw himself in front of the second one before it could hit Sonic. And as Sonic looked over his shoulder, he had to watch as his oldest and best friend was atomized before his very eyes.

"Eight," Robotnik said with a smirk. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were on the pair in an instant, Rainbow caving Sombra's head in with a kick while Applejack broke Eggman's arm with a buck.

"Eggman...you..." Sonic seethed with rage.

"Go ahead Sonic, rewrite reality! Fix everything! Send it back to how it was!" Robotnik laughed. "But know that your friends will never be safe. Because so long is there is a Sonic, there will be an Eggman there to try to kill him and his allies. So recreate everything! Bring all your friends back to life! I can't wait to kill them all again."

"I could erase you," Sonic whispered.

"But we both know you won't," Eggman replied with the widest smile he could make.

Sonic wanted to. It would be so easy. Just use the Chaos Force to fix everything, to erase Eggman and repair the world. But he knew Eggman was right. So long as there was a Sonic, there would be an Eggman. And so many other threats. His world deserved better. His friends deserved better. He took a moment to look over at where the others were, where the Freedom Fighters were. They had gone through so much with him. They deserved a happy ending.

"Sonic?" Sally asked. "What are you doing?"

Sonic felt himself smile despite himself. She always knew what he was thinking, even when he tried to hide it. She was the best. And she deserved the best. Which was something he could never give...until now.

"What am I doing, Sal? What I always do. Save the worlds," Sonic said. Then he glanced over at the ponies and winked at them. "You guys were pretty cool. Thanks for all the help. And don't worry. I'm going to fix it all. You'll never have to worry about keeping your world safe ever again. I promise."

"Sonic...no...NO!" Sally yelled.

Sonic then locked eyes with Eggman, who was staring up at Sonic with fear in them. And Sonic smiled.

"Sonic and Eggman. Two sides of the same coin. Two parts in the equation. But remove one of those...and you remove the other. It's basic science, doc."

"You're...you're insane," Eggman whispered.

"And you just now figured this out?" Sonic chuckled. "Doc, I thought you were supposed to be smart."

"Rainbow, stop him!" Sally ordered.

Rainbow kicked off fast enough that light shattered around her, reaching Sonic in a moment. But as fast as she was, Sonic was just a bit faster. Fast enough to say one last thing.

"Thanks for the good times, Rainbow Dash. It's been fun. Take care of them. For me," Sonic asked.

"I will," Rainbow replied.

"Thanks. Chaos Control."

And everything went white.

Author's Note

One more! Just one more chapter!

"Glad to hear it author! Say, do you think you can put Cheese in the next chapter? For me?"

No. No more characters. Just one more chapter.

"Really? Because if Cheese isn't in the next chapter, I'm thinking about all the different side adventures and stories we could tell. I mean, with the Freedom Fighters and the Ambassadors, there's just so many ideas! We could easily have thirty or so more cha-"

Fine! You win! Cheese will be in the next chapter! Please, just let me rest.

"Alright, I leave you alone...for now...hehe."

The End is Never the End

Twilight stood alone on her castles balcony, staring out over her land. Or at least, what was now half of her land. Half a land that she had known all her life. Half a land that was foreign and from another reality. She had thought at first that it would take centuries for the two halves to learn to live and work together. In reality, it had taken a year. Even to this day, she sometimes underestimated the power of friendship.

"It's really been a year, hasn't it?" a voice said. Twilight glanced over her shoulder to see Sally walking up beside Twilight. Sally placed her hands on the railing and joined Twilight in looking over the year. "Hard to imagine that it's gone by so quick."

"There's been a lot to do. Time flies when you're busy," Twilight replied. Sally nodded in agreement. "How goes your work in the southern hemisphere? Any issues with reestablishing your kingdom down there or trouble with integrating ponies into your kingdom?"

"No, in fact, I think my dad and brother are glad that the monarchy is gone," Sally replied. "We're still the royal family, but the council is now the ones who make the decisions. It's better this way."

"I agree. Decisions are put to a vote and you still get to keep your title as princess. Win-win," Twilight said. Sally smirked at her. "Any more issues with Nicole?"

"She's back to ninety percent. She...will probably never be one hundred percent, but she's Nicole...and that's miracle enough for me," Sally softly said. "How's that student of yours doing?"

"Ugh, she never stops questioning everything I say. Why do I have to do this? Why shouldn't I chew on that? What do you mean I shouldn't use a metal umbrella in a thunderstorm?" Twilight grumbled, slamming her head into the railing. "If I was this bad when I was Celestia's student, then the universe is definitely making me understand how she felt."

"Yeah, Celestia..." Sally whispered. The two went quiet for a moment as they both looked towards the city square, where a statue of solid gold stood tall. A statue of the heroes of their world. Silver, Blaze, Omega, Amy, Knuckles, Tails, Shining Armor, Celestia, Luna, Big Mac, Cadence and of course Sonic. Those who gave everything to save their combined worlds. "It's been a year since we lost all of them."

"Since they saved us all," Twilight corrected and Sally nodded. "I haven't checked in with everypony in a while. How's Rotor?"

Sally's silence answered for her.

"I'll go check on him. Think you can cover for me while I'm gone?" Twilight asked.

"Of course. What are friends for?"

||==O O==||

Twilight found Rotor where he always was. A small bar in a small town in the middle of nowhere. The hero had a scruffy beard now and looked like he hadn't slept in a long time. He was the only patron in the bar. Twilight pulled up a stool next to him and sat down. He barely registered her arrival.

"Princess," was all he said.

"Hey Rotor, it's been a while," Twilight said softly. "I came here hoping...that I wouldn't find you here."

"Why? This is where I always am," Rotor said.

"I know, but...I know you've heard this before, but you can't blame yourself. We were all willing to do whatever it took to save our worlds. Some of our friends...just did it better than us."

"I know that."

"And so you would know that...it's not your fault...Tails wasn't your fault," Twilight whispered. Rotor took a long drink before answering.

"Course I know that he wasn't my fault. Eggman was responsible. Always is. That doesn't change anything. It should have been me," Rotor whispered.

"We...we can't think like that," Twilight replied. "If I could trade my life for all of theirs, I would, but...we can only make do with what we've got. And we're the ones who are here. So we have to build the future they would have wanted."

"Hmm," was all Rotor said as he took another swig. "Why are you here, Twilight? Got a job for me?"

"I came here to check on a friend."

"...yeah, you would. And I'm grateful. But you also have something for me?"

"I do. It's a big job and one that I can only trust to the greatest-"

"Second greatest."

"...second greatest inventor of all time," Twilight corrected. "Please, this could be key in improving lives all over Neo Equis. I need your help."

Rotor glanced at her for a moment before he finished off his drink. He stared at the bottom of his glass for a long moment before he rose to his feet, Twilight doing the same.

"You're lucky. Had you just shown up to check on me, I would have just stayed here. But you brought something I just can't resist."

"And what's that?"

"A chance to help."

||==O O==||

"...and you're good. Thanks for helping, Bunnie," Rotor said.

"No prob, sug," Bunnie said as she floated back and looked at her handiwork. A massive antenna ascended into the sky, its purpose to allow beings all over the planet to instantly to connect to one another. It was something they had long since had in the old world, but had been lost in the merger. She was happy to be able to help bring the world together again. Bunnie flew down next to Rotor, who was going over the schematics.

"Are ya doing okay, sugar?" Bunnie asked.

"I'm fine. Just making sure everything's working before I head off to the next project," Rotor replied.

"Ya know that's not what ah meant."

"Work keeps me busy. Busy keeps me from going back to the bar. And being busy means the world is getting helped. It's...a life worth living," Rotor replied. He sighed and looked off into the distance. "And it's what Tails would want me to do."

"He would be proud of ya," Bunnie said.

"I can only hope. Why are you still here? Don't you have a family to go back to?" Rotor asked. "Go on, get out of here."

Bunnie smiled before she took to the skies, rocketing across the land of Neo Equis faster than sound. Within minutes she spied her home, a small but nice cottage not far from the nearby town. She landed with a thud before opening the door, a smile spreading across her face when she heard a small shriek.

"Ah'm home!" she sang as she entered.

"Welcome back, ma cherie," Anotine said from behind the counter. "You are home early."

"Rotor's a genius and managed to get us done well ahead of schedule," Bunnie said before staring to look around. "And ah couldn't stay away fer too long. Now where's mah little filly?"

A blur shot out from a back room and tackled into Bunnie, who giggled as she spun around and clutched the little alicorn tight. Bunnie held out Flurry Heart and smiled at the foal, who was waving her arms at Bunnie with a smile on her face.

"Mama," Flurry managed to say.

"Aw, this is the best part of coming home," Bunnie said as she hugged Flurry again. Antoine walked over from the kitchen and wrapped an arm around Bunnie. "How was yer day, sugar-Twan?"

"Not much happened. Rainbow Dash wants to speak with me tomorrow, so that should be fun," Antoine said. Before Bunnie could ask why, one red and one yellow robot came racing out of the back, heads literally swiveling around.

"I am so sorry, she is supposed to be down for her nappy," Orbot said.

"But we fell asleep and she got by us. Sorry," Cubot added.

"It's all good," Bunnie replied. She nuzzled Flurry Heart before leaning into Antoine, letting out the happiest sigh she had ever sighed.

"In fact. It's perfect."

||==O O==||

Antoine found Rainbow Dash sitting at the top of a small hill, staring up at the sky. He walked over beside her but didn't say anything. He didn't need to. He could tell from the look on her face that the mare was worried about something and it was serious. She had bags under her eyes, she was breathing funnily and he had never seen someone chew on their lip like that.

"Nervous?" he finally asked.

"Petrified?" Rainbow replied.

"You have nothing to worry about. It will go perfectly," Anotine comforted.

"I know that. And yet I still worry," Rainbow replied.

"Well, I can understand that," Antoine agreed with a smile. "But trust me. It will be amazing."

"I hope so. How's the family?"

"Doing well. Flurry is growing fast and she's learning spells faster than language. I feel bad for Orbot and Cubot," Antoine said before a small smile crossed his face. "And yet, Bunnie wants another."

"Really? She said so?"

"She has been hinting. And I suppose I do not blame her," Antoine said before smiling at Rainbow Dash. "Now how about we go over it one more time? Better safe than sorry."

||==O O==||

Applejack sighed as she placed the apple on her brothers gave, giving it one last bitter smile before she walked off. It had been over a year ago, but the pain was as fresh as the day it had happened. She missed everything about him. His voice, his laugh, just his presence...she missed her brother. The only comfort for Applejack was the rainbow maned pegasus waiting for her at the cemetery entrance.

Rainbow didn't say anything as Applejack exited, she just placed a wing over AJ's shoulder and pulled her close. Applejack leaned into Rainbow Dash and smiled softly. Over a year ago Applejack had thought that this was just a fantasy. Now everyday her fantasy was reality. Good with the bad.

"Something the matter?" Applejack asked.

"What do you mean?" Rainbow said quickly.

"Yer breathing heavily, yer shaking slightly and yer looking everywhere but at me," Applejack said. Dash laughed nervously before looking away. "Come on, talk to me. What's the matter?"

"It's...it's not that something's the matter, it just that...this isn't the time to talk about this. Come on, we should head back to the farm and make sure Applebloom hasn't burned it down."

"Rainbow, talk to me," Applejack said. When Rainbow didn't answer, Applejack planted herself and gave Rainbow a look. "Rainbow, ah'm not going any further until ya tell me what's wrong."

"It's...it's not that anything's wrong, it's just that...argh, can we talk later?"

"No."

"Grr, it's...it's not that anything is wrong, it's just...I have...a question...to ask you..." Dash barely managed to get out.

"A question?" Applejack asked. Then the tiniest smile spread across Applejacks face. "Well go ahead. Ask away."

"Here? Right now? On this dusty path?" Rainbow asked.

"Here, home, a fancy restaurant...don't worry, Rainbow. Mah answer will be the same.

||==O O==||

Rarity hummed to herself as she put on the finishing touches of a fancy, black and red suit that she had been working on in secrets for weeks. A suit that she was certain the being it was tailored for would hate it. But she didn't care. The thought of them in the suit was enough to give it a chance. A ringing bell snapped her out of her thoughts and she turned to see Applejack entering the Boutique.

"Applejack! Darling!" Rarity said as she rushed over to her friend. The two shared a hug before Rarity stepped back. "I haven't seen you in ages! What brings you to my home?"

"What, ah can't just stop by to see mah friend?" Applejack asked.

"Of course you can, but I know you dear. You wouldn't be here without reason," Rarity said. "So what is it? Need a work suit? Some heavy duty horseshoes? Perhaps a little something added to your hat?"

"No, what ah need is...a dress," Applejack admitted. Rarity raised an eyebrow and Applejack blushed. "A...wedding...dress..."

Rarity's brain ticked along with the clock on the wall for a few seconds before the widest smile she'd ever smiled crossed her face and she let out a shriek so loud that the entire town shook. The door to the boutique exploded and Shadow hurled himself inside, pair of guns raised as he looked around the room.

"Rarity, are you alright?! I heard you scream and-"

Shadow was cut off mid-sentence as Rarity tackled him, swinging him around happily.

"Shadow, it is so wonderful! Rainbow Dash and Applejack are finally getting married!" Rarity exclaimed. She let him go and danced around happily. "Oh, I have so much to do now! Because if you need a dress then Rainbow is going to need a dress and agh!"

"Oh...that's what it was," Shadow sighed with relief as he holstered his guns. He then looked to Applejack. "Congrats."

"Thanks," Applejack smirked. For a moment the pair watched as Rarity tore around the boutique before AJ had to ask. "So, how are things between you and Rarity?"

"Fine," Shadow replied. Then he raised an eyebrow at her. "Why?"

"Oh no reason," AJ said with an innocent smile. Shadow narrowed his eyes.

||==O O==||

"PINKIE!"

"Present!" Pinkie sang. Pinkie looked towards the entrance to see that Rarity had ripped the door off its hinges and had flung herself towards the counter, her mane telling Pinkie she was in for a doozy.

"Pinkie, I need your help. The wedding is tomorrow and things still aren't ready. Please tell me that the wedding cake will be done!"

"Let me check. Oh Cheese!"

"Yes my love?" Cheese asked as he head stretched around the corner.

"How's the cake for the lovebirds coming?" Pinkie asked.

"Are you talking about theirs? Or ours?" Cheese asked with an eyebrow wiggle as he pulled out a small, heart shaped cake with Pinkie's name on it.

"Oh you. The cake for Applejack and Rainbow, silly," Pinkie giggled.

"Completely finished," Cheese said, before an explosion went off behind him. "Practically finished. One moment."

Cheese returned to the back, getting Pinkie to smile as she turned back to face Rarity, who was giving her a smile. "What?"

"Oh nothing. Pretty soon we might be having to plan a wedding party for you," Rarity said.

"Really? Oh, I would love to plan my own surprise wedding!" Pinkie said, then thought about it. "Wait, how could I plan my own surprise wedding if I already know about it? Hmm."

"Love just seems to be in the air. Rainbow Dash and Applejack. You and Cheese. Fluttershy and Discord."

"You and Shadow," Pinkie giggled, her giggle turning into full on laughter as Rarity stammered and looked around while smiling.

"What? No, there's-there's nothing there. We're friends," Rarity said in the least convincing voice Pinkie had ever heard.

"If you say so," Pinkie replied. Then another explosion happened behind her and she whistled. "Cake's done!"

||==O O==||

Fluttershy couldn't remember the last time she had felt this happy. All of her friends gathered together, not for a fight to save the world or to battle evil. Just to be happy. The wedding party was going off without a hitch and considering Discord was there, that was saying something. Her and her friends, from both world. They had laughed, the had sang, they had cried when the vows were spoken. And Fluttershy loved every moment of it.

But at the moment she sat at a table by herself as Rainbow and Applejack danced alone on the dance floor. This was their dance and Fluttershy knew nopony would dare to ruin it. Not even Discord.

"So how is everything?"

Fluttershy looked to her side to see Pinkie sitting next to her, clearly stressed.

"The party is wonderful, Pinkie. You should be proud," Fluttershy said.

"Are you sure? Because the ice cream was melted a bit, the ice sculpture was nearly punted out the window, and when Rarity nearly hospitalized that one mare trying to catch the bouquet..."

"It's an amazing party. You and Cheese have done incredible. So just take a moment to relax and enjoy your hoofwork, Fluttershy said. Pinkie tried to say something, but Fluttershy turned the mare's head to where Applejack and Rainbow were, with only absolute bliss on both of their faces as the two danced. "You've made them incredibly happy. And you've made this day perfect."

"Yeah, I guess we did," Pinkie said before she passed out on the table. Fluttershy caught her head so it wouldn't disturb the dance before looking over at Discord, who had appeared on her other side. "Thank you for being on your best behavior."

"Yeah well, while I love nothing more than to crash a wedding, this one...is special," Discord sighed.

"I miss them too," Fluttershy said, practically reading his mind.

"Celestia always cried at weddings. She couldn't help it. Luna would sometimes help me crash them. And then Celestia would make us cry," Discord chuckled. "It's so hard to think of them...all they've missed..."

"Then let's not. Just for today," Fluttershy said. The dance finished and the wedded couple left the dance floor, letting everypony else on. A funky song began to play and Pinkie materialized with Cheese, while Antoine and Bunnie walked on while giggling. Fluttershy watched as Rarity tried to hint at Shadow to dance with her, but either he was dense or having none of it. She guessed both. Applejack said something to Shadow and whatever it was resulted in Shadow grabbing Rarity by the hoof, taking her to the dance floor, and dipping the mare. Rarity looked like she would die from delight.

Then Twilight appeared in the middle with a huge smile on her face.

"Well, there goes the dance floor," Discord chuckled before glancing at Fluttershy. "How about you? Gonna dance?"

"Oh heavens no. I can't go out there. Too many eyes," Fluttershy said.

"That's fine. You mind if I keep you company?" Discord asked.

"I would like that very much."

||==O O==||

Fluttershy found Sally where she always found Sally. On the roof of the castle looking up at the stars. Aside from a nod, Sally didn't move as Fluttershy sat down next to her. Fluttershy looked up at the stars with her, watching the majesty of the universe swirling overhead.

"We take it for granted, don't we?" Fluttershy asked.

"That we do. The fact that everything just...works when so much could go wrong," Sally agreed. "Sorry, I'm still tired from the wedding."

"That was a week ago."

"Yeah, and it was one crazy night," Sally said.

"Oh now I remember, you had way to much to drink and ended up nearly getting into a fight with the castle," Fluttershy giggled.

"Please stop. I still can't show my face around Applejack or Rainbow Dash," Sally groaned.

"For what it's worth, I believe you could have taken the castle," Fluttershy said. Sally groaned and hid her head in her arms, but Fluttershy could see the smile. "You still miss him?"

"I miss all of them. They were some of my closest friends. And Sonic, there was so much history," Sally sighed. "I've tried to move on, to focus on helping, but...when I'm alone...I hear their voices. I miss them."

"I know. I know," Fluttershy nodded. "But their sacrifice wasn't in vain. All of our villains are gone. The worlds are perfectly balanced. Our races living in harmony. They brought peace. He brought peace to two worlds."

"He always said he would. I just always assumed he would be here to see it," Sally sighed.

"Well, he might not be here, but maybe he's out there somewhere," Fluttershy suggested. Sally gave her a look. "I mean, you've told me some of the stories that you and your friends have been through. How would Sonic surviving this be any different?"

"...maybe you're right," Sally said. "Maybe he is out there."

"Maybe. I'm going to head back in. Rainbow's almost done telling her "scary" story and I need to go wake the others up," Fluttershy said. "You going to be alright?"

"Always."

Fluttershy left, leaving Sally alone. Until Nicole appeared next to Sally.

"Do you think she might be right?" Nicole asked. "Think Sonic might still be out there?"

"I wouldn't be surprised. He's survived way worse," Sally said. "But if he is out there, I'm just wondering what's taking him so long in getting back."

"Yeah. He shouldn't leave you alone like this," Nicole said.

"But I'm not alone. I have my kingdom. I have my friends. And I have you," Sally said as she placed a hand over Nicole's. "And that's all I've ever needed. So I'll be here when Sonic gets back. And we'll see what excuse he comes up with for being late this time."

"Alien invasion. It's always that."

"I'm betting parallel reality. That's always possibility."

||==O O==||

There was nothing else he could ask for. A beautiful day, a soft breeze and a nice hill far away from everything. With nothing but the sound of the wind. A hedgehog couldn't ask for anything more. Everything was nice and peaceful.

"Sonic!"

"I should have guessed," Sonic said with a wry smile as he opened his eyes. Tails was floating above him, a look of concern on his face. Next to him was Tangle, who was bounded around nervously. "Alright, what's the crisis?"

"Eggman is attacking with some kind of super condor! He's already torched one city and is on his way to the next!" Tangle said. "Come on, they need heroes and we're heroes, so let's go!"

"Alright, alright," Sonic said as he stood up. "Where does Amy want me?"

"Knuckles, Silver and Blaze are dealing with Central City. Shadow and the Chaotix are fighting in the wave zone. That leaves the Northern Tundra for us."

"Ice. Great. This is what I get for putting off those ice skating lessons," Sonic joked as he stretched out his legs. "Alright team, on your mark, get set..."

"Hold your horses, Sonic. First we gotta..."

Sonic didn't hear the rest of what Tails said. Horses. Why did that make him feel...nostalgic? Like he was thinking of an old friend he couldn't remember? All he had were the faintest memories, like a dream, of harmony, magic, chaos...and a squirrel...whose name he couldn't remember.

"Sonic?"

Sonic shook his head and gave Tails a thumbs up.

"Sorry buddy, brain sometimes doesn't move as fast as my legs. Come on," he said before rocketing off towards the danger.

"Let's go save the world!"

Author's Note

FINALLY! IT IS DONE! I'M FINALLY FREE! NEXT STORY IS STARFOX NOW I'M OFF TO ENJOY FREEDOM!

In all seriousness, thank you to everyone who stuck through this monster of a story. Let me tell you all when I started this I did not mean for it to be a 64 chapter epic. But I have a deep love for the Archie Sonic series, flawed and weird as it can be, and I wanted to make sure I did it justice in this homage. So while it did go on for a long time, this is some of the most fun I've had doing a story in a long time, and I hope you all had as much fun with me. I just wanted to give some of my fav characters in the sonic series who don't get much notice a chance to shine, and have some fun with Equestria while I'm at it. Thanks again.

If you have any questions or things weren't made clear, feel free to ask. Even I lost track of a few things at times. As for the next story, there is a fan of mine who asked me for this next story and it's time I finally kept my promise. Starfox.

Fox McCloud.
Falco Lombard.
Slippy Toad.
Peppy Hare.
Krystal.

And a new, Equestrian pilot who is out of her depth, away from home and brought into a conspiracy that has the potential to tear apart the Lylat system. So another Tuesday for these guys. See you next time.

How Fast Can Things Go Wrong?

"Ten seconds in and we're already in quicksand. I call that a record."

Pinkie, Flutteshy, and Tails pulled the vine as hard as they could, finally succeeding in pulling the blue blur out of the quicksand he had landed in the moment they arrived. Sonic shook off the sand with a grumble, while the others started looking around. At first it looked like a standard Equestria jungle, but a closer look revealed plenty of things that didn't belong there. Such as spring pads, spikes sticking out of the strangest places and weird, ghost looking creatures that were just within sight.

"So did Celestia really have to ditch and run? She couldn't stick around to help?" Sonic asked Fluttershy.

"Celestia...isn't one for doing missions. She generally leaves it to us," Fluttershy replied.

"So she leads from the back? Sounds like a poor leader."

Well, she's technically retired and..." She motioned for Sonic to come closer so she could whisper. "She's getting up there in age. Don't say anything to her about it, but there are a lot more gray strands in her mane now."

"Yeah! Besides, Twilight is technically in charge of Equestria now and she goes on missions with us all the time!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Celestia has also been defending Equestria for well over ten thousand years, so I think she's earned a break."

"Well, I guess if I got that old I'd be down for some down time every now and then," Sonic said with a shrug. Then he glanced over at Tails. "What's up big guy, you holding up?"

"My scanner is picking up something deeper in the jungle. Something that gives off the same readings as that tiara Rarity had," Tails explained. "If I had to guess, I would say that the next Element is somewhere in there."

"Alright. So I'll just zoom in, grab the sucker and..." Sonic began. Then he took a step and nearly sunk in quicksand again. "Or I'll just take it slow and stay with the group. Ugh, we should have let the fliers handle this one."

"Well, what's done is done. So let's push on forward and have some fun!" Pinkie exclaimed. She started to hop ahead while humming a song, ignoring the quicksand completely. Sonic and Tails flashed a look to Fluttershy, who shrugged with a smile as she flapped her wings and flew over the quicksand.

"Want a ride, Sonic?" Tails asked as his tails began to spin.

"No thanks. This is the perfect chance for me to really put my moves to the test," Sonic said as he crouched down. A reckless smile crossed his face before he gave a thumbs up to Tails. "Go on ahead. I'm going to push myself."

"Alright, but if you get caught in the quicksand again, we'll be just up ahead," Tails said before he took off. Sonic waited until the rest of the group was a good distance ahead before he kicked off the ground, rocketing forward with a speed unmatched. He ran along until he felt himself step on the quicksand, which had barely begun to pull at him before he ripped his leg back, spun around onto solid ground and continue to push on ahead.

Sonic continued to do this, running over quicksand again and again, while continuing to free himself, until he got to the point that the quicksand didn't even have time to start pulling him before he was already past it. With a chuckle, he rocketed ahead to where the rest of the group was, running over the quicksand without any issues anymore.

"Well you took your time," Tails teased. Sonic shrugged as he walked up to Fluttershy and Pinkie, both of who were looking at something.

"Hey guys, anything interesting happen while I was catching up?" Sonic asked.

"Well, aside from that..." Sonic looked to where Fluttershy was pointing to see that a massive, and I mean massive, python was curled up around the base of a tree, which had a tiara with an apple on it resting atop its branches.

"That's one big snake," Sonic said.

"I know! It's amazing!" Fluttershy said as she pulled out her guidebook. "This python must be at least twice the size of the ones mentioned here in this book! That could make it anywhere between two hundred and two twenty feet! Think of all the muscle packed away in that thing."

"Glad to see that you're so excited," Sonic replied. He then shook out his legs and prepared to run. "So how do you guys want to do this? Have me run up the snake and grab the prize? Have Tails and Fluttershy fly over and grab it without waking up the snake? Or do we let Pinkie handle it?"

The group all looked over at Pinkie, who was currently playing the trombone along to the sounds of frogs croaking.

"Flying over seems to be the best option," Tails said. "If you run up it there's the chance you could wake it up. And while you could probably out run it, I don't want a giant snake on the loose if I can avoid it."

"Alright, sounds like a plan," Sonic agreed. "Guess I'll kick back, enjoy the show and-"

A vortex of darkness tore a hole in the sky and a moment later five beings landed in front of the group. A black, mechanical horse like creature with holes in her legs and green wires for a mane. Two, strange beings, one pink, one green, but both of them had black eyes devoid of intelligence. A giant wolf that looked like it was made from metal trees. And finally, a red echidna who eyes were devoid of anything.

"Chrysalis...a Lumberwolf?" Fluttershy asked.

"Zeena, Zazz and...Knuckles," Sonic whispered. "Knuckles, what are you doing with these pack of losers?...Did Eggman trick you again?"

"Careful Sonic, Knuckles doesn't look like himself," Tails said. Then Knuckles brought up his fists and locked eyes on Sonic. "Okay, that's totally Knuckles, but you know what I mean. Looks like Sombra and Eggman don't want us to get that Element. We're going to have to fight through them."

The two groups squared off against one another, each preparing for the battle to begin.

And then the jaw of a giant snake snapped down on Knuckles and swallowed him whole.

Both sides took a moment to process that Knuckles had just been eaten...and now there was a giant snake in play.

"Fluttershy, go for the Element! The rest of us will keep these guys busy!" Tails instructed. The team of evil turned back to the heroes, just in time for Zazz to take a kick to the face curtesy of Sonic. Zeena fired a blast of green energy at him, but the hedgehog was already gone. Two blows to the side of her head told her where he had gone and Sonic laughed as the two ogres collapsed to the ground.

"So why are the two of you working with Eggman? Did he promise you power? Unlimited machinery to control? Access to his secret mustache wax?" Sonic asked the pair. Without a sound the two rose back up, their blank eyes slowly turning towards Sonic. "Well that's not creepy at all."

Tails flew around green blasts of magic as he got closer to Chrysalis, who let out a robotic shriek as she created a cage of magic around Tails. The young fox glanced around at the cage for a second, before he pulled out a ring he had around his wrist. "Sorry whoever you are, but I've dealt with magic users and roboticized creatures before."

He hurled the ring towards Chrysalis, who didn't even bother to dodge out of the way. The ring expanded around her body and then rapidly contracted, entangling her as the magic in the ring cancelled out her own magic. Then her horn glowed once more and she teleported out of the rings grasp, appearing behind Tails. The young warrior had just enough time to gasp while Chrysalis struck...only for her to vanish under a hundred pounds of fronting and sprinkles.

"That was close. Thanks for the save, Pinkie," Tails said.

"You're welcome, Tails! I've been meaning to give you and your friends a "Welcome to Equestria" cake, but I though it looked better on Chrysalis," Pinkie replied. The cake began to move and the pair got ready, just in time for Chrysalis to burst out of the top of the cake. With another mecha roar, she charged at the pair who dodged around her attacks.

With two, loud roars the Mechawolf and the giant python slammed their heads together, shaking the jungle. The wolf snarled as it went in with its fangs, snapping at the python's throat. The snake slinked back and lashed out with its tail, wrapping around the wolfs back end. With a yank it ripped the Mechawolf's legs out from underneath of it, sending it crashing to the ground. It let out a hiss as it charge forward, only for something to snap its head to the side. Another blow dropped now unconscious snake to the ground, where it's jaws were slowly pried open by a red echidna.

"Knuckles! You're alive!" Tails said while Pinkie had Chrysalis tied up with silly string. The echidna snapped its eyes towards Tails and lunged at him, getting a yelp out of the fox as he took to the skies to avoid the attack. Pinkie hopped off Chrysalis and prepared to defend Tails, but a whistle cut through the area and caused Knuckles to glance behind him.

"Come on Knuc, picking on a little kid? That's pretty low," Sonic taunted. "But I could see why you would go after him instead of facing me. After all, I'm smarter, faster, better looking...and much stronger than you."

Knuckle lunged at Sonic and threw a punch that would have knocked the hedgehog's head clean off of his body if Sonic hadn't gotten out of the way in time. "Whoa, did I strike a nerve there? I'm guessing that this mind control you're under isn't that strong if your old knuckle headed self peeks through like this?"

Knuckles continued to swing at Sonic, who continued to lead him away from the others. Tails and Pinkie finished up with Chrysalis before they were approached by Zeena and Zazz. "Careful Pinkie, these guys are really dangerous. They have energy attacks, incredible strength and can control all forms of machinery. We'll have to bring our A game to-"

Twin anvils slammed onto both of the ogres heads and dropped them without a sound. Tails stared at the fallen foes, before looking up at the sky, and then he turned to look back at Pinkie. "Did you...?"

"What? Sometimes you gotta remember the classics," Pinkie said with a smile. A mechanical roar caused them to turn to see that Mechawolf was getting back up, its red eyes focused on the pair of them. "I'm going to need a bigger anvil."

"I got it guys!"

All fighting came to a stop as all sets of eyes turned to the top of the tree, where Fluttershy was holding the Element high. She then noticed that all eyes were on her and she slowly shrunk back down. "Never mind. Don't mind me. Go back to your fighting..."

Knuckles tried to make a break for Fluttershy, but a kick in the back of the head stopped that. The Mechawolf snarled as it bounded for the tree, while Pinkie fired a swamps worth of taffy under its feet from her cannon. The creature stepped in the taffy, got stuck instantly and fell over on it's face. With a roar Chrysalis broke free of the silly string that had held her and rocketed towards Fluttershy, only to be knocked out of the sky as Tails slammed into her wings.

"Well it's been fun guys, but I think it's time we head home," Sonic said as he swept Knuckles legs. "Yo Celestia, if you're there, we could really use a ride right about now!"

"Very well. But it was fun to watch."

Four flashes of solar light erupted around the heroes, teleporting them out of the battlefield. The forces of darkness took a moment to recover, before they looked around to see that the heroes were gone. Zazz helped Zeena up while the wolf and Chrysalis activated their repair protocols. And Knuckles simply stared at the spot where the Element had been...before a thin smile crossed his face.

Author's Note

"Come on Knuckles, I know you're in there somewhere! Fight it. For us!"

Knuckles took a swing.

"What about Rouge? Don't you miss her?"

Another swing.

"How about me? Your friend?"

A flurry of punches.

"Oh I got it. Hey Knuckles, Angel Island fell out of the sky again and the Master Emerald got shattered."

Knuckles came do a dead halt.

"NOT AGAIN!"

Final Phase Part 1.1

"...and's that how you make metal wings that are light enough to fly while also being strong enough to carry a filly!" Tails exclaimed proudly. Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo began applauding the genius, who had not only come up with the idea for lightweight metal wings, but had also built a pair right in front of the two of them.

"This is so awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "So will they work?! Will they let me...fly...?"

"One way to find out," Tails said. He picked up the wings and attached them to Scootaloo, taking an extra moment to make sure that everything was secure before giving Scootaloo a thumbs up. Scootaloo flapped her wings a few times...and looked down to find herself hovering above the ground.

"I'm flying! I'M ACTUALLY FLYING!" she shrieked with delight. She then tackled into Tails and pulled him into a tight hug. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou-"

"O-okay, you'll want to take it easy at first, since you still haven't," Tails tried to stammer out. Scootaloo let out a whoop and rocketed out of the room, getting a yelp out of Applejack and Sonic as she did so.

"Did ah get hit in the head harder than ah thought or did Scootaloo just fly?" Applejack asked.

"Sonic! Applejack. I see you all got back just in time to see my latest invention...take flight."

"Ha."

"Ya built a pair of metal wings that work? How? And why? Ah mean, it was very nice..."

"Applejack, trust me, that is far from the weirdest thing that I've had to build," Tails informed her. "Rainbow Dash and I were hanging out when Scootaloo came in and joined our conversation. I noticed her wings, she told me her story and I decided to help her. The end result is who you just saw fly by you."

"Well watch out, sugarcube. She'll be awfully attached to ya now," Applejack warned.

"No worries. Sonic's show me all the best ways to avoid a girl chasing you."

"Taught him all that he knows," Sonic said. He then gave Rainbow a look. "So why were you hanging our with Rainbow Dash when you have such a cooler and faster friend?"

"Because he saw what a real hero looks like and wanted to learn my tricks," Rainbow smirked back.

"Knock it off ya two," AJ said as she stepped between them.

"I was visiting her for some high speed flying advice," Tails clarified. "No offense Sonic, but while you have a lot of experience with going fast, you haven't had to go fast while flying. Rainbow's more of an expert on that than you."

"Expert means better," Rainbow added.

"Not to mention she's got some really cool stories. Like how she once created a sonic rainboom."

"That was when I was still learning."

"How she managed to outrace a living bolt of lightning."

"Wasn't that hard."

"How one time she went too fast and burned off her mane and tail," Applejack added. Rainbow snapped her head to AJ while Sonic and Tails snickered at the mental image. Rainbow gave AJ a look that clearly said "what the heck?" and all Applejack did in response was smile. "Don't worry, ah'm always there to keep yer ego in check. One of mah many charms."

"You're lucky you're you," RD muttered. "So, now that you're back, how did the mission go? Sorry that I wasn't there to greet you, but I was-"

"With Tails and Scootaloo. We know," Sonic said. Then he sighed and started to rub the back of his head. "So, here's the thing. While we were on our mission, Sombra maybe, kinda, sorta...took control of me..."

"Like mind control? Ha! He's never managed to pull that off on any of us! How guilible to you have to be to-?!" AJ elbowed Dash in the gut to end her sentence early.

"And while I was under his control I may have...nearly killed Applejack." All delight vanished from RD's face upon hearing that. "Luckily, Antoine managed to take me down and none of your friends were hurt, but I figured if you were going to hear it, you should hear it from me. So if you want to yell or hit me, take your shot."

Rainbow Dash stared at Sonic for a long moment with a dangerous look on her face, getting Applejack to step beside her as a precaution. Dash finally let out a sigh and gave Sonic a smirk. "Well, she's fine and you're free, so I guess no harm done. Wouldn't have been your fault anyway if she did get hurt. It would just mean I would tear apart Sombra more painfully."

"Wow, that was really mature of ya. Now who are ya and what have ya done with mah short tempered Rainbow?" Applejack asked.

"Oh come on, I've grown...some...since those days," Rainbow Dash defended herself. AJ elbowed Dash's shoulder and Dash pulled AJ's hat over her eyes, getting the pair to giggle before turning back to Sonic, who smiled at Rainbow Dash. "But hey, thanks for not hurting Applejack...or Pinkie. Not sure she can be hurt."

"Don't thank me, I'm the guy who lost his body. It was Antoine who protected your friends and mine," Sonic corrected.

"Antoine did?" Rainbow asked.

"Yup, dude's apparently been studying us for years, learning our weaknesses. I would be worried if I didn't completely trust him with my life," Sonic said. He then glanced over at Tails and smiled. "Hey buddy, you want to hear about what it's like to be possessed by a dark pony?"

"Do I?!"

Tails and Sonic ran out of the room, leaving the two mares alone. Rainbow Dash sighed and looked over at AJ with a pained smirk.

"You okay?"

"Ah'm fine. Got dicey there for a moment, but it's all good," Applejack replied. "How ya holding up?"

"Alright. Should be patched up soon," Rainbow Dash replied. Then she got up to her hooves. "I need to go talk to Antoine for a moment. You can come if you want."

"Uh, sure, but what for?"

"I owe him my thanks...and a lot more than that."

||==O O==||

"Well that went wrong," Sombra sighed. He dropped onto one of the couches that the evil masterminds had selected, grunting as he impacted.

"So how did it go?" Robotnik asked.

"Didn't you hear me? Poorly," Sombra said through the cushions.

"I don't know about that. I watched the whole thing and honestly I think you did a pretty good job," Robotnik said.

"How? I got no kills and I couldn't even get Sonic to break down and do a whole "What have I done?" bit. Ugh. Waste of my trip to the amusement park," Sombra complained.

"Well, the fact that you were able to mind control him at all is quite a feat..."

"Soul control. That's the trick. I don't go for the mind, I go for the soul. You'd be amazed how many creatures protect their minds but don't bother with their souls."

"Well that's good to know."

"No secrets between besties."

"That's right. Besides, you knew something like this would happen," Robotnik pointed out. "I mean, you had Pinkie and Sonic, the two fundamental beings of chaos from both our worlds, in the same room together. Your planned was doomed from the start with those two there."

"You're right, as always, but I really thought I had a chance, you know?" Sombra asked as he rolled onto his back. "Still, can't believe it was Antoine who managed to be my undoing. Ugh, it feels wrong just to say that."

"There is a reason I call them all annoyances. Because even the ones who shouldn't be a problem end up being one," Robotnik stated. "But still, Antoine is acting...bolder...than I am used to. I wonder why that is?"

"Feh, is it worth thinking about?"

"Not in the slightest. So how about we move to a happier topic. Orbot! Cubot!" Robotnik summoned. He clapped his hands and a moment later two small robots, one red and circular, the other yellow and cubed, hovered into the room.

"You called, boss?" Cubot asked.

"Hold on a sec, where's Flurry Heart?" Sombra asked them. The two shared a look before shrinking down.

"We, um, may have lost her in the ventilation shafts," Orbot admitted. Robotnik and Sombra shared a look before Robotnik sighed while pinching to bridge of his nose.

"Remind me to punish you later. What is the status of the Magnum Opus?"

"It is entering the first part of its final phase, sir!" Cubot reported.

"First part of final phase, why does that sound wrong?" Sombra asked.

"Very good. What is the status of the remaining minions we have?"

"Sir, all of them have been upgraded with the Nicole shards. They should operate much more effectively now," Orbot said.

"Well they can't be any worse. And what's the status on Sonic's quest for the emeralds and Elements?"

"They have just found their forth emerald and have three Elements."

"That's it?" Sombra asked. "Why is it taking them so long? If it was just the Elements it would only take them a day to get it done. It's like they're taking their time getting them. Have they no respect for our work schedule?"

"Finding the emeralds does take a matter of weeks on my world, so I'm used to this," Robotnik said with a shrug. "Very good you two. Send Metal in and then go find that Alicorn. Last thing we need is our master plan being brought down because a foal got into the power supply."

The two bots whipped around and zoomed out of the room, which Metal entered in a few moments later. "Metal, anything new to report?"

"Amy, Silver, Big Mac and Shining Armor are all active once more for the Freedom Fighters," Metal stated.

"So their number grows. Unimportant," Robotnik said with a wave of his hand. "Sombra, new bet. Will they free all their friends first or will they gather all the emeralds and Elements first?"

"Seriously? Twilight is the Princess of Friendship and I have her son/brother/slave on my beck and call. She will do everything in her power to free them as soon as possible."

"Yes, friends mean everything to Sonic and his allies too...I am starting to get concerned, Sombra. This isn't going like we planned."

"No, it's not. Things are far more different than they should be," Sombra agreed. "Do you think it's because of how they are interacting with each other? Or is it an effect of our worlds being merged in this way?"

"Whatever it is, I don't like it," Robotnik muttered. He pressed a button on his wrist and summoned an egg suit that looked like a triceratops. "We need to get this back on track if our plan is to work. Looks like it's time for me to enter the field myself."

"Finally stepping in, eh? You have a better grasp on your magic?" Robotnik teleported into the cockpit of his machine to answer. "Very good. Looks like the next Element is in the...let's see here...a pier? Seriously? I take it you'll want Metal with you?"

"Yes. I also want Cadence, Blaze, Shadow...and Spike."

"Spike? Really?"

"I want to test something against Twilight. And the best way to draw her out is to use the perfect bait," Robotnik replied. "Metal, I also want you with me in the field, but you are not to engage. You and Prime Nicole are to observe and recon. Nothing else. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Eggman," Metal replied.

"Yes, Doctor Robotnik," Nicole said from within Metal.

"That's a lot of family and friends you have on your team, Robotnik. Just what are you planning, I wonder?" Sombra asked.

"Something extraordinary, my dear friend," Robotnik replied. He pushed his glasses up his nose with a wicked smile on his face, a sight that unnerved Metal, as he only would see it before tragedy.

"We are going to see just how much punishment Twilight and her friends can take before they break."

Author's Note

"So let me get this straight. You made metal wings for Scootaloo?"

"Yup. She wanted to fly."

"Alright, that one is fine. But then you went and made a metal suit for Applebloom?"

"She said she wanted to be able to buck trees harder than anypony else. Now she can."

"I guess I get that one. But what on Mobius did you do to Sweetie Belle?"

"I turned her into Sweetie Bot!"

"I was hoping you would say anything other than that."

A Change of Pace

"Glad to see that you're all here. Are you all rested up? None of you did anything stupid last night like get into pointless fights with one another, right?" Twilight asked the ensembled heroes. All eyes went to Shadow and Silver, who were both covered in bandages and bruises, while refusing to look at each other.

"Nope."

"Doesn't ring a bell."

"Good. Glad that you both know better than to do something like that," Twilight nodded. "Now this has nothing to do with anything recent, but we've changed the teams for this mission around a bit. Silver and Shadow are no longer on the same team. We just felt like mixing it up."

"That's fine."

"No problems here."

"I swear you two...ahem. Alright, here's the deal. You all know the stakes, you know who we're up against and you all know it's going to be the hardest fight of our lives. So all that's left is the plan," Sally said. She stepped up next to Twilight, gazing down at the ensemble group of heroes from both worlds. Some had been there from the beginning, some had been saved along the way. But they all stood together, ready to fight for the fate of all their worlds.

"Getting to where Eggman and Sombra are hiding out is going to be easy enough. Now that we have a location, Celestia and Luna have stated that they will have little issue opening a portal to the villains."

"For too long we have allowed these foes to run amuck without any repercussions. Today we change that," Luna promised.

"And Sombra has been a stain on Equestria's legacy long enough. Time to erase him," Celestia growled.

"It's once we're inside that things really become problematic," Sally continued. "We have some idea what Sombra and Eggman will have due to our past battles with them. With Eggman, expect a lot of death traps, robots and lasers."

"And with Sombra expect a lot of death traps, monsters and crystal lasers," Twilight added on with a smirk.

"The big issue will be everything that we don't know. They've been working on something. We know this much. They always do. The question is, what will it be and how are we going to handle it? Well, that's where the teams come in. We're saying screw it to balance. Three groups: the bruisers, the planners and the runners. Those are our teams."

"To clarify, instead of focusing on balanced teams, we're grouping all of you with others who are similar to you. Since we won't be split up and can help each other as needed, we figured it best to have you all just do what you're best at. Bruisers go in first and tear a path to the villains. Planners will handle strategy on the fly and whatever tech obstacles we come across. Runners will be both support and offense, depending on what we come across. I shouldn't have to explain to any of you who goes where. I'm sure you can figure it out yourselves."

"Wrecking crew, huddle up!" Bunnie called out. Knuckles, Applejack, Big Mach, Shining Armor, Blaze, Amy, and, surprisingly, Luna and Cadence gathered around. "Uh, princesses, not to be rude, but are ya sure yer in the right group?"

"Please, I've always been the more smash happy of the sisters," Luna reply.

"And I'll tear down everything in my path to get my hooves on Sombra," Cadence seethed. "He took my family from me. He still has my daughter. So I will only stop tearing down whatever he has built up is when his lifeless corpse is laying broken and bloody at my hooves. Only then..."

"Well welcome to the team," Knuckles said excitedly.

"So what do we call ourselves, the brain trust?" Silver asked. Their team consisted of him, Twilight, Celestia, Sally, Antoine, Rotor, Tails, Rarity, and Fluttershy.

"I prefer chess masters myself," Tails said.

"Guys, can we focus? The name isn't important," Sally said.

"You are right, Sally, we don't need to choose a name," Celestia agreed, getting Sally to nod. "Because we all know that the master minds is the superior choice."

"Huh, guess there aren't as many of us as I thought," Sonic muttered. The final team consisted of him, Rainbow Dash, Shadow and Pinkie.

"Of course they would expect the smallest team to do all the heavy lifting," Rainbow said with a shrug. "Just shows how good we are that we're expected to do so much."

"Is...is she on the right team?" Shadow asked, looking at Pinkie.

"Trust me Shadow, she might just be the fastest out of all of us," Sonic chuckled. Shadow raised an eyebrow before a red velvet cupcake was placed in front of his face.

"Want a cupcake? I've been meeting so many new friends that I haven't had a chance to throw a party for all of them, so at the very least I'm trying to give everypony new I meet some sweets of some kind," Pinkie said.

"Thanks...?" Shadow muttered, taking the cupcake.

"I will be staying behind to keep an eye on things," Discord said. "Also, I'm your last resort. I've been saving up my strength and I think I've got one more mega spell in my arsenal before I become bed ridden for a month. I'll also be looking after Rouge and Starlight, since they're still out. Spike too. I swear, that dragon is lazier than me."

"Watch it."

"Sorry princess, just making an observation," Discord replied.

"Alright, these teams look about right," Twilight said. "We'll be leaving in an hour, so grab whatever you need and say goodbye to anypony who you need to. This...this will be our biggest fight yet, and, even though I wish I could, I can't guarantee everypony's safety. But we'll win this. We have to. Not just because the fate of our two worlds rests on it...but because if we lose Eggman and Sombra would never let us hear the end of it."

A small chuckle broke out through the group, before more serious expressions took their place. "Alright team, let's-"

And then the world was shaken to its core. The teams barely managed to remain standing as the world shook, all of them heading towards the windows once they were able to find their footing again. And their hearts sunk into their stomachs when they saw what had caused the quakes.

A colossal, metallic monster made of crystals, dark magic and something that none of them recognized. It was mostly humanoid, expect for the unicorn horn on it's head, with a wicked mustache on its face. It's eyes glowed with an unholy, red light and there was also the small fact that it was as large as the mountain that Canterlot was on. The behemoth slowly turned it's head towards the group and a smile unsheathed itself.

Then a single beam fired from it's horn that annihilated Canterlot.

||==O O==||

"Think that got them?" Robotnik asked.

"No chance in hell. If it was that easy to kill all of them, we would have done it years ago," Sombra scoffed. "Still, it's sure one hell of a way to say hello, isn't it?"

"I really wish we could have seen their faces. I mean, if I saw this thing drop on my doorstep I would probably need to change my pants," Robotnik said. Then he narrowed his eyes. "Well look at that. Seems you were right once more."

Through the view port the two villains watched as the smoke cleared around Canterlot, that was still in one piece thanks to the barrier of magic that had surrounded it. The barrier dropped and the villains watched as the heroes began their assault on their masterpiece.

"Heroes. Always managing to do the impossible," Sombra sighed. "Well, we expected this. Launch everything."

Their systems told them that the base had done just that, unleashing every badnik, shadow beast, crystal titan and version of Metal Sonic that they had.

"So how long do you think that will hold them?" Robotnik asked.

"Until Twilight and her friends stop messing around and bring out the Elements," Sombra replied. "How about Sonic? Think he'll go Super Sonic right away to finish this as quick as possible or is he going to save it?"

"To my eternal surprise, Sonic general saves his super form until there are no other options, meaning that we won't be seeing it until we are in the final phase," Robotnik said with a masters wisdom. "Thanks to the time limit and the fact that the emeralds won't be able to recharge while the Chaos Force is so badly damaged, they'll use their one chance when they've got nothing else. That's what I would wager."

"I see. Well, then perhaps we'll have to up our game and-nope, there goes the Elements!" As Sombra said this, an explosion of rainbow light went off in the middle of the battle and annihilated the villains forces. The scanners in the viewport zoomed in and revealed, just as he had said, Twilight and her friends were now in their Elemental form. "Surprise they'd bust them out this early, but whatever, I'm not going to complain."

"They are making remarkable quick work of our forces, though," Robotnik noticed.

"That's what they're there for. Oops, shields just went up. Somepony's on the attack," Sombra said. They zoomed in to find a combination of Bunnie, Rainbow Dash, and the princesses unleashing all of their might into the barrier that surrounded their masterpiece. "Shall I ridicule them or do you wish to?"

"It's been a while since I've done it personally," Robotnik said and Sombra passed the comms to him. "Foolish beast of burden! You really think that your pathetic magic is a match for this disaster piece? We've built this specifically to counter each and every one of you. Use all your might. Even your Elements power cannot help you now! For this is our Magnum Atlas!"

"Excellent delivery on the name."

"Thank you, I spent all morning practicing it," Robotnik proudly said. "Now fire the unstoppable death laser!"

The unicorn horn fired another blast of unstoppable magic upon the teams, but once again the two villains watched as the Elements power came together to deflect the blast. "We really got to stop calling it unstoppable if they keep stopping it."

"We'll give it one more shot and then we'll change the name," Sombra suggested. "Wait, there's a bunch of their strong losers coming towards us. We should try stepping on them, bet that would be funny."

"Squash em," Robotnik ordered. The Magnum Atlas lifted it's leg and brought its foot down atop the Wrecking Crew. For a moment the two villains smiled together in victory. Then the foot was slightly lifted up before one, massive hit sent the entire machine staggering backwards. "What the hell? Who do they have on their team that can possible hit hard enough to do that?"

"SOMBRA!" A single streak of pink light rocketed out from beneath their foot and slammed itself into the barrier in front of their view ports, getting both villains to raise an eyebrow as Cadence rammed her body against their shields repeatedly. "Give me back my daughter or Faust help me I will cut you in half with a SPOON!"

Sombra looked from the princess to the foal that was still trapped in the cage hanging next to him. He then glanced to Robotnik, who shook his head slightly, before Sombra reached up and swatted the cage, rocking it and getting Flurry to cry out. Cadence let out a bellow that on it's own was nearly strong enough to shatter the barrier, before hurling herself into the shield with enough force that cracks started to form.

"You had to do it, didn't you?" Robotnik asked.

"It's who I am," Sombra said with a shrug. He then pressed a button on the intercoms. "Activate the bug repellent."

The barrier unleashed enough lightning to power half of Mobius and fried Cadence, who screamed in pain before dropping out of the sky. Both villains watched with baited breath as she plummeted towards the ground, only to sigh as she was caught out of the air by Rainbow Dash.

"Just once. Just once I'd like to see them go splat," Sombra asked. Their heads snapped up as red lights started going off and the alarm came on, getting Robotnik to slam his hand onto the comms button.

"What is going on? Why are our alarms going off? Cubot, answer!"

"Well your evilness, it's because-Hey!"

"They're going off, Egghead, because I'm inside."

"Sonic," Robotnik seethed.

"The one and only. Be there in a minute. See you at the top."

"Come and get me, rodent. Because this time," Robotnik smiled gleefully as he turned towards a metal locker. "I'm ready to finish this."

Author's Note

"That's...that's impossible! How are we supposed to fight something like that?!"

"We won't have to."

"What do mean, Twilight?"

"I mean, because there's a reason something as large as that can't exist. It's central structure can't support it's weight. Which means any moment now, that thing will..."

The Magnum Atlas then collapsed on top of itself and crashed into the ground.

"...do that."

The Day They've Been Dreaming of

The devastation was hard to look at.

What had once been the beautiful plains of Equestria were now barren and desolate. What had once been thrill inducing loopdeloops and spring pads was now ruin and destruction. The sky was dark and covered in clouds, the wind didn't blow and the feeling of dread hung over the group of heroes.

It was only the twelve of them. Sonic and the Freedom Fighters. Twilight and the Elements. The six heroes from each world, come together to fight one last, impossible set of foes. If they failed here, that was it. None of them tried to think about that. Instead, they looked up at their target. The city of Canterlot, still resting upon the mountain where it had rested for so long. The group was afraid to see how the city had faired against the villains assault.

"Everyone know the plan?" Sonic asked. Everyone nodded and he smiled. "Great. Then don't look so glum. This will all work out in the end. Now then, as a certain friend of mine once said, let's a go."

Twilight wrapped the group in magic and flew them towards the city. The alicorn bit her lower lip as they got closer, able to see the damage from a distance. Buildings were toppled, streets were ruined and the crystal forms of both ponies and mobians alike littered the streets. She wished she could stop to help them, but that would only draw the villains attention and risk the lives of all caught in the crystal. They would have to be stopped first.

"It's not your fault," Sally said to Twilight. "You've done all you can and more to protect them. Remember that."

"I will."

"No traps. No missiles. No vortexes or mind controlled armies. They're just letting us fly right up to the front door," Tails muttered.

"After how badly they mopped the floor with us, I'm not surprised they're feeling cocky. Good. That gives us the edge," Rainbow replied.

Twilight set the group down outside of her castle...which, like most things she cherished, was now half dark crystal and half robotic. The sight of the symbol of Equestria reduced to such a state tore at her heart. The symbol of Eggman and Sombra on the front was just an additional kick in the teeth.

"Scanners aren't picking up anything," Rotor said. He waved a small computer around the castle. "No traps or badniks. But I am picking up two lifeforms in the throne room. No prize for whoever guesses who it is."

"They're waiting fer us," Applejack growled. "They didn't seek us out or nothing. Just waited. They knew we'd be back."

"Sad to say as predictable as villains can be, us heroes can be predicable as well," Antoine shrugged. "It is ze problem with always doing ze right thing."

"Then let's not keep them waiting," Bunnie said. "We finish this."

"Hold up everyone," Sonic said. "I know that you're all eager to give these two what they deserve and frankly I am too, but I just have to ask real quick...what do we do after this? What do we do with them?"

"Sombra goes into a black hole," Twilight said. Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Sonic, we've blow him apart, atomized him and chucked him into the sun. And somehow, he comes back. At this point, I think that might be the only way to be rid of him for good."

"Fine, your villain, your rules. But what about Eggman?" Sonic asked. The ponies shared a look with one another before Twilight shook her head.

"Like you said. Your villain, your rules."

"Guys?" Sonic asked his friends. The Freedom Fighters looked to one another, before they all looked to Sally. She sighed and shook her head.

"Let's fix all of this first. Let's get the worlds saved, our nations restored, the Chaos Force fixed...and then we can discuss what to do with Eggman," Sally replied.

"...alright, that's fair," Sonic said. "Now then, I think we've kept our hosts waiting long enough. Let's give them a night they'll never forget."

Bunnie kicked open the doors to the castle and the group headed inside. Just as Rotor had said, no traps or minions attacked them. No ruse of any kind. Just a walk to the throne room. Twilight forced open the doors this time and stepped into her throne room...to find Eggman and Sombra sitting on a pair of thrones. The villains smiled at the sight of the heroes, who entered behind Twilight.

"Finally. We were starting to wonder when...or even if you would show," Robotnik chuckled. "There was actually a moment where I believed that you decided to do the smart thing and hide in fear, cowering until we eventually found you. But no, you've marched right to your own doom. Such a pity."

"Please, don't act like we would do anything else," Sonic replied. "After all, with so many beings there's going to be a line for the end of the worlds. Better to get here early and beat the rush."

"Laughing until the end. I can respect that," Robotnik replied. "But how interesting, that I only count twelve of you. Shouldn't there be five more of you at this point? Celestia, Luna, Shadow, Discord and Cadence are around here somewhere, aren't they?"

"Now why would you think that?" Sonic asked.

"Don't play dumb, if you are playing. I know that Shadow wants me dead and I know for certain that Cadence would never pass on a chance to kill me and get her foal back," Sombra scoffed. "Speaking of the little devil..."

His horn glowed and he dragged out Flurry Heart, who was still imprisoned in a cage made of black crystals. The foal whined at the sight of Sombra, who smiled a toothy grin at her.

"Cadence, are you there? Your foal has just been dying to see you. I don't know how she'll go on without you. Are you catching my drift?" Sombra asked. He waited a moment before scoffing and setting the cage down next to him. "She'll show up eventually. Surprised none of you tried to get her back right then."

"A direct assault. I honestly can't see anything going wrong with that," Applejack snarled.

"Please Applejack, leave the sarcasm to your lover, as you are so pitifully bad at it," Sombra dismissed. "So where are the other four? Waiting in the wings? Trying to fix the Chaos Source? Hot or cold?"

"And ruin the surprise? Now I see why Pinkie never invites you to birthday parties," Sonic shook his head. "Eggman, you should know the value of a good surprise, seeing as the only times you've bested us are when you pulled one off."

"Loathed as I am to admit it, the rodent has a point," Robotnik replied. "Which confirms that their friends are indeed waiting to surprise us. Not so clever now, are you Sonic?"

"Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. What do you think I would do, Eggman?" Sonic asked. Eggman narrowed his eyes before sighing and leaning back in his throne.

"You are chaos personified. Trying to guess your thoughts is pointless. And speaking of pointless thoughts, I'm surprised to se you so quiet, Sally. Nothing to say to me? I'm hurt."

"What is there left to say at this point? We're here to end this," Sally snarled. She thrust her hands to the side and conjured her weaponry, getting Eggman to sigh once more.

"If you insist. I was hoping that since is the last time that we'll ever see each other that we could have one last spat, hero vs villain. Who knows, maybe Fluttershy would be able to convince us to turn to the light?" Robotnik chuckled.

"Any light that was in the two of you was extinguished long ago," Fluttershy replied somberly. "Now there is only darkness in you. And so the darkness can have you."

"Fluttershy, your words would break my heart if I had one," Sombra cackled. He and Eggman rose off their thrones, glaring down at their foes. "But the princess is right. It is time that we finally ended this never ending game of hero vs villain. So since this is the finale...let's make it one to remember."

The air flickered and the Master King appeared into existence around the two villains. The King rose up to its full height while the smiling Eggman and Sombra could still be seen within, until they vanished beneath the metal monster. The Master King snapped it's fingers and the groups found themselves outside in the plains where they had just been.

"Come now, you didn't expect us to thrash a perfectly good throne room, did you? We're not savages," Robotnik laughed.

"Your actions in the past paint a different picture," Antoine countered.

"Silly Antoine. History is written by the winners," Sombra replied. "And we'll be the ones holding the quills."

"Keep telling yourself that," Twilight said. "I want to take every comfort and belief from you before you're purged from our worlds once more."

"Funny. Cadence said the same thing. Guess how that worked out for her?"

Sonic broke the conversation by just blitzing the Master King. He was nothing more than speed personified as he bombarded the Master King from every angle. His attacks amounted to nothing more than a gnat trying to bring down a mountain.

"Pitiful, Sonic," Robotnik mocked. The King flicked his head and Sonic was blasted back, slamming into Applejack to take them both out. "I had hoped for so much more."

Twilight planted her hooves and fired a black beam of magic from her horn, with a below that sound unnatural and cruel. The Master King raised a hand and intercepted the blast as the villains watched her magic fizzles uselessly against the machine.

"Dark magic, Twilight? So in your final moment you turn your back on your morals and reveal your true colors?" Sombra asked. "Oh Twilight, I couldn't ask for a better farewell present. You really do care."

The Master King appeared in front of Twilight, driving a fist into her face. Twilight dropped without a sound while the rest of the heroes rushed the King. Sally and Antoine swung with their blades, Tails and Bunnie unleashed laser fire from all directions. Applejack, Rotor and Rainbow hammered away with their might while Pinkie unleashed every trick in her party bag against the King.

It all amounted to nothing.

"Pathetic."

The Master King slammed it's hands together and created a shockwave that blasted the heroes back. A wave of its hand blasted them with dark lightning and consumed them in hellish fire. A snap of its fingers suspended them in the air, the heroes dangling limply as their bonds drained their power.

"You know, I've been dreaming of this moment for years. The day that I finally kill you all and take my rightful place as king of the world. But I had always expected our final battle to be...better," Robotnik said with a disappointed sigh. "I had hoped that you would have some miracle left, some last ditched, plan that you foolishly put all of your hope into to beat us. But this is. This is all you had, isn't it?"

"How sad. All that talk about friendship and harmony. About teamwork and trust. And you go down within minutes," Sombra muttered as he shook his head. "I guess you are really nothing without your Emeralds and Elements. Even I'm a little sad to see it be over so quickly. But only a little."

"You...you..." Twilight whispered, getting the villains to laugh.

"What's this? Your last words? This should be good," Sombra chuckled.

"Go on, Twilight. What do you have to say? What could be so important that you'd use up the last of your breath to say it?" Robotnik asked.

"You two talk too much."

A vortex ripped its way into the castle and a colossal tank tore through the vortex, slamming into the Master King and knocking it back. The villains had just a second to register what had happened before they found the turret aimed right at them, with a black and red hedgehog grinning like a maniac.

"Now Shadow-"

A blast of pure chaos power tore into the Master King and sent it hurling across the sky and into the side of the mountain. Shadow watched them sail before he looked down at the others, who had been freed from their bonds thanks to the attack.

"And that, Sonic, is why I use guns."

Author's Note

"Wait, is Shadow fueling the Final Gambit? I thought we were drawing power from magic?"

"We were. But Shadow wanted to do this personally."

"I see. Why is the barrel much larger than the last time I saw it?"

"Because Shadow said he wanted to make this hurt."

"For once, I agree with Shadow."

The End of the World

"You will never beat me!" Sombra bellowed.

Darkness exploded from the top of his crystal chimera and rained meteors of darkness down upon the land of Canterlot, blotting out the sun and casting darkness upon the land. Yet in the complete darkness, six rays of light rocketed around the dark blasts and hurled themselves towards the top of Mt. Solaris, where the chimera stood unopposed. Those lights were the six Elements of Harmony. The champions of Equestria. And they were sick and tired of Sombra coming back to life.

"Four times!" Twilight roared as she blasted apart meteors with her magic. "Four times now we've blasted you to Taratarus and four times you've come back! Will you take a hint that nopony wants you and just stay DEAD!"

"Sorry Twilight, but I like making you guys suffer far too much to allow such a small inconvenience like death stop me," Sombra cackled back. Lightning erupted from his horn and tore apart the sky as it tried to knock the six lights out of the sky. The chimera swung one of it's massive limbs towards the princess of harmony, its swing so powerful that nearby trees were uprooted just from the wind created alone.

Orange, yellow and pink came together in front of Twilight and created a barrier of pure support and strength, stopping the chimera's paw with ease. "We'll handle big ugly. Ya go on ahead and take out the fake king!" Applejack grunted.

"FAKE KING?! I stole the throne fair and square, thank you very much!" Sombra bellowed down at AJ. He then yanked on the dark chains around him to pull up the sun and moon, who were completely bound by the chains. "Do you know how hard it was to take these two down and steal their throne?! Not hard at all. But do you know how hard it was to do all that while keeping this BEAST under control?! I am far stronger ruler than anypony here and if they have an issue with my words, they can take it up with me!"

"Fine by me."

A rainbow blur slammed into Sombra, sending him tumbling across the mountain like back of the chimera. He snarled as he rose up to his hooves, before he realized something was missing and reached up for his crown...which was no longer there. With a roar of fury he turned to face Rainbow Dash who was spinning the crown on her hoof. "Wow, it's amazing what this tiny circle of gold does to a pony. I feel my ego getting even larger and I didn't even know that was possible."

"Rainbow Dash. How much mane dye does it take to keep your mane like that? Or do you drink out of the rainbow fountain like the simpleton you are?" Sombra asked.

"Sombra, please, use small words for somepony like me. Two syllables or less, please," Rainbow Dash smiled back. "Like fastest, coolest or toughest. All of which describe me perfectly."

"Dear Faust your ego is larger than mine. And that shouldn't be possible," Sombra snarled. His horn flashed and chain erupted out if the chimera, snapping towards the rainbow maned mare. In a blur of movement she zipped past each of the chain and charged headfirst into Sombra. A smirk crossed Sombra's face before Dash passed clean through him, slamming face first into the back of the chimera's head.

The creature let out a roar that shook the mountain, before it rubbed a paw on the back of its head and turned to look at Sombra with tears in its eyes. "It's just a scratch, you big baby! Get over it!" Sombra snarled at the creature. "Ugh, try to build an unstoppable monster of darkness and they all turn out to be babies. What's an evil genius to do?"

"How about you finally give up?!"

"Here we go ag-"

Rainbow light blasted Sombra across the back of the chimera and he slammed into one of the creatures many back spikes. Sombra let out a small groan as he slowly rose back up to his hooves, turning to see that now all six Elements of Harmony were now standing before him. He glanced past them to see rainbow chains holding his chimera in place, while the ponies light was dispelling the darkness that he had cast over the land.

"It's over, Sombra. With our friendship and harmony, there is no way for-"

"Yeah yeah, this is the fifth time we've done this whole song and dance, sparkler," Sombra cut Twilight off. "So how about we skip the whole my friends are my power speech and we get to the part where you call down the death laser that sears my flesh from my bones and blows me apart in the most painful way possible? That way we can all get home before dark. I've got other things to do."

"If you insist," Twilight agreed. The six ponies combined their powers, rose into the sky and created a light show that would have been a sight unlike any other except for the fact that Sombra had seen it around four times now. But this time, he had snuck something into the performance. As the ponies unleashed the full power of the Elements into Sombra, he pulled out a staff that looked like a mix match of parts and eras. The Elements of Harmony struck the staff and went haywire, firing off beams of light that began to tear apart the land.

"Sombra, what have you done?!" Twilight yelled at Sombra.

"What I should have done a long time ago! Crush you once and for all!" Sombra bellowed. "It took years of searching and plenty of painful deaths, but now I've finally found a way to defeat you rainbow pukes. Behold, the staff of-"

Sombra hadn't even begun to say the staffs name before the staff snapped in half, creating a moment where absolutely everything came to a halt. All of the ponies looked down at the broken staff, which began to shake violently.

"Well that can't be-"

And then an explosion of white covered everything.

||--O O--||

"DIE YOU INFERNAL HEDGEHOG!"

Missiles exploded with enough payload to tear down buildings. Lasers fired in each and every directions. Blades swung, saws buzzed and the massive, crab looking robot slammed down its colossal pinchers at the ground in a desperate attempt to crush something moving around beneath it. Yet, just as all of the robots before it, it failed to crush the blue blur that was currently ruining the day of the mad doctor that sat inside of the crab. One very blue and VERY fast hedgehog.

"Come on egghead, a giant crab? Do you know how many of these I've crushed over the years?" Sonic asked. The crab stomped down on him and snapped it's pinchers at where he was, but where Sonic was was long gone by the time the crab got there. "Back in the day every giant robot you built to kill me was something new and original, something special. But now it's all duplicates and repeats. Where did the spark go, egghead?"

"You want a spark, rodent?! I'll give you a spark!" Dr. Robotnik roared. He punched a hole through his command console, which caused the crab to open up its maw and unleash a torrent of flame towards Sonic. The hedgehog smirked before he took off running, his smirk growing wider as he felt the heat on his heels.

"Yo Sal, how things going in the command room?" Sonic asked into his earpiece. "Because I don't know how much longer I can keep Robotnik distracted. His heart's just not into this fight today. I wouldn't be surprised if he packed it in and called it a day any time now."

"Then keep him busy, Sonic. We've almost got my citizens free from his assembly line," the voice of Sally replied. "But we've encountered more resistance than we were expecting. It's like he was ready for us."

"Princess, we need to be moving on. Ze badniks just keep coming and we are, how you say, cutting the close."

"Don't worry, Sal. I got it. Stall for time, crush Eggman and go home for a well deserved heroes party," Sonic replied. He glanced over at the crab, which was now in the middle of the factory, before a full on smile crossed his face, knowing how he was going to win this.

Sonic rolled up into a ball and launched himself towards the crab, expertly weaving around it's attacks despite its best attempts. He slammed into the crabs legs, practically a buzzsaw at this point, and tore clean through the set on the left side. Before the doctor even had time to register what had happened, Sonic took out the ones on the right as well. Sonic then landed in front of the crab, took a quick bow, and then watched with a smile as the crab came crashing down. And the only sound louder than the mechacrab falling apart were the screams of hatred that were coming from within the machine.

Sonic whistled a tune as he walked over to the machine and knocked on it three times, before stepping to the side as a panel flew open. A large and round shaped man came stumbling, his moustache a mess and his goggles cracked. He cough up some smoke, before he turned to glare at Sonic with a look of absolute loathing burning in his eyes.

"Hey doc, how ya doing?" Sonic asked.

"Do. Not. Think...that this is over," Robotnik seethed. He jabbed a finger in Sonic's face, while the hedgehog merely raised an eyebrow in response. "I will still win this day. You have not bested me."

"Really? Let's do the math. I've crushed your giant robot, I've embarrassed you in front of your army..." As Sonic said this, Robotnik's pants fell down. "And my friends have freed all of the people that you've captured for your sick experiments. Sounds like a total win in my book, but I'll play along and bite. How are you going to "win this day"?"

"WITH THESE!"

Robotnik pointed up at the top of the factory, where a new device came down out of the ceiling. A device that was guarded by a blue, metallic knockoff of Sonic. But that wasn't what grabbed Sonic's attention. What caused his eyes to go wide was the fact that there were seven different colored emeralds within the machine. And that only meant trouble.

"When did you...?" Sonic muttered.

"While you've been resting on your laurels, I've been hard at working gathering the Chaos Emeralds," Robotnik explained with malicious glee as he pressed a button on his sleeve. The machine began to glow with a chaotic light, one that shook the whole factory. "So enjoy your last, worthless victory against me. Because with the power of the Emeralds, I'll-"

Sonic didn't let Robotnik finish. In a burst of speed Sonic ran up the walls of the factory and launched himself towards the emeralds. "METAL! Stop him!" The metal knockoff placed itself between Sonic and the Emeralds, eyes glowing red.

"Hey Metal. Normally I wouldn't mind knocking your screws loose, but I'm in a bit of a hurry," Sonic said with a smirk. He leaned to the left, before rocketing around to the right. Metal caught the movement, but, just like everyone else that faced Sonic, was a moment too slow. Sonic weaved around Metal and grabbed hold of the emeralds, just as the device reached full power.

For a brief moment, time came to a halt as Sonic processed what he should do. Remove the emeralds? It was too late for that. Destroy the machine? Might cause the whole continent to explode. Go for Robotnik? No, he wouldn't stop it. Take the risky option and prayed it all worked out? Was there any other way he would do it? Sonic grabbed hold of the emeralds with both hands, feeling the power of chaos flow through him before yelling,

"CHAOS CONTROL!"

The machine shook violently, the sky turned black and chaos itself began to go wild upon the land as Robotnik slowly placed his goggles over his face.

"Well, that can't be-"

And then everything went black.

||--O O--||

"Ugh, that hurt. Stupid ponies, always ruining my plans," Sombra grunted as he felt consciousness return to him.

"That blasted hedgehog doesn't know when to leave well enough alone. Always breaking my stuff," Robotnik groaned as he slowly pushed himself up.

"They think they're so smart and strong, but it's all the Elements power. I would have beaten them ten fold if not for them," Sombra snarled.

"But thanks to the Chaos Emeralds, he always finds a way to foil my plans," Robotnik seethed.

"But while they may have beaten me this time..."

"My next plan will be so cunning and diabolical..."

"That they will have no choice..."

"But to fall to me!"

Sombra and Robotnik both leaned back their heads in preparation to laugh, before they both slowly turned and realized the other was there. For a long moment, neither said anything, before they both sighed before both saying in unison.

"Great. Another one of those days."

The Cyborg King

Antoine and Rarity slowly backed away from the advancing pony, neither of them sure what to do. Rarity didn't know what all the fancy new parts on Sombra meant, but she knew he was dangerous even with all of her friends with her. Alone she feared she didn't stand much of a chance.

Antoine was having similar thoughts. He didn't know who this dark pony was, but he had been fighting evil long enough to know what it looked like when he saw it. And he'd knew when someone had been robotocized all too well.

Sombra stalked towards the pair with his infamous smile stretched across his face, delighting in the fear on their faces. "It is so nice to catch you by yourself, Rarity. I swear that we never get to just have alone time. Whenever we meet your friends are always with you, it makes catching up such a pain. How have you been doing, what's on your mind and how would you like to die?"

"I don't know why you bother anymore, Sombra," Rarity spat, trying to sound a lot braver than she actually felt. "Yesterday made the fourth time that we have bested you and, had your staff not broken, would have been the fourth time we've killed you. It doesn't matter what scheme you concoct, what evil force from the past you resurrect or...whatever it is you have done to your body, you will fail. My friends and I will always defeat you."

"Oh Rarity, I agree. You and your friends have bested me time and time again. And for a while, I had to wonder why. After all, I had the smarts, the skill, the looks and the power. And yet, I could never win. What was it I was missing? What did I lack that you fools possessed?" Sombra asked as he turned his back on the pair. Then his head spun one eighty and his eyes turned red as his smile grew. "And then I realized it. Allies. Friends. Help. The reason the six of you always defeat me is because, well, it's six of you with unimaginable power against the one of me with unfathomable power. The math adds up, doesn't it?"

"But even a villain has fate aid him once in a while. Because thanks to my most recent loss at your hooves, I managed to finally meet an intellect that is almost on my level. Someone who...understands what it's like to constantly be up against you annoyances. We shared notes, we cursed names and we planned. Oh how we planned." Sombra then looked down at his metal hoof, nodding his head in approval. "But most importantly, we both learned from one another. We combined our efforts. And together, our genius will destroy all of you with ease."

"Eggman. You are working with Eggman," Antoine spat. Sombra lazily turned his gaze to Antoine, as if noticing him for the first time.

"Eggman. Such disrespect. Dr. Robotnik is the man's name, you can at least refer to him as such," Sombra corrected. "You are...Antoine, are you not? You look how Robotnik described. Cowardly. Weak. And a look in your eyes that tells me killing you will be no trouble at all. Cool sword, though."

Antoine swallowed nervously in reply.

"But you are not my concern. Rarity, I believe you are holding onto something. Something that has caused me quite a bit of pain in the past," Sombra snarled with a smile. "That little necklace you have there. That little...Element. I would ask you to turn it over to me and perhaps I would spare your life...but we both know you won't turn it over and I'm not letting you leave here alive."

"So how do you want to do this? Do you wish to try to use it's power to fight me? That would be your best bet, if you hadn't already wasted its power taking out my shadow minions. Perhaps you'd wish to fight me yourself? Please do, I could use a laugh. Or maybe you will do the smart thing, which is to lay down and die. At least if you do that, I will make your death painless..."

Rarity swallowed her fear as she started to get her horn to glow, but her eyes went wide with shock when Antoine stepped between her and Sombra. The swordsman pointed his blade at Sombra, who smirked at the display.

"Well well, the knight in yellow stained armor. Trying to pretend that he's a hero even when he knows better," Sombra mocked. "Step aside coward. I'll deal with you after I've dealt with Rarity."

"Am I a hero? Non, just a soldier doing his best. Am I a coward? Perhaps. Am I going to stand aside and let this mademoiselle be killed by ze likes of you?"

Antoine then lunged forward and plunged his blade at Sombra's skull. Sombra smiled before his horn flashed, firing a bolt of magic at Antoine. The swordsman deflected the blast, but it was still strong enough to knock him aside. Rarity's horn glowed and she shattered the windows around her, hurling the thousands of razor sharp glass shards towards Sombra. Sombra raised an eyebrow at the oncoming glass before he conjured a wall of darkness, cackling as the glass shattered harmlessly against it.

"Fine, I guess we're doing this!"

Pillars of darkness burst forth from the ground, with claw like grips at the top that came crashing down towards Antoine and Rarity. The coyote raced to his hover board and flew out of the way, weaving around the sky to avoid being hit. Rarity tore out chunks of concrete from the buildings and roars and hurled them at the darkness, knocking it aside everytime it tried to attack her.

Antoine let out a yell as he leapt off his hoverboard, allowing it to be crushed by the dark pillar to give himself an opening. He plunged his blade into the top of the pillar and dropped down, dragging his blade all the way to the base of the pillar. Rarity slammed two giant chunks of concrete into the pillar she was fighting, letting out a roar as she compacted the darkness tight enough to create diamonds. Both pillars exploded at the same time, leaving the two to turn back to Sombra.

"Why are either of you bothering at this point?" Sombra asked. Antoine leapt into the air and aimed his blade at Sombra, who sighed as his horn glowed once more. But then his eyes went wide as a portal appeared in front of Antoine and the swordsman vanished from his sight. Sombra had just a moment to look over at Rarity, realizing she had opened the portal, before Antoine appeared behind him.

"It is nothing personal," Antoine said as he slashed his sword across the back of Sombra's neck...only for it to come to a dead stop. "What is the happening?"

"What is happening, you mouth breather, is that I am no longer flesh and blood. I have transcended my mortal coil."

An explosion of darkness went off around Sombra, hurling Antoine into the side of a building. Rarity's horn flashed as she started chucking cars and tables at Sombra, but with a look the dark kings shadow magic pulverized the projectiles into dust. Tendrils of darkness wrapped themselves around Rarity's limbs and started to drag her towards Sombra. But before they could bring her to the king, Antoine leapt over Sombra and cleaved through the darkness. Rarity threw up a magic shield around her and Antoine as more of Sombra's darkness attacked.

"I can't...keep this up...much longer," Rarity said through gritted teeth.

"This is ze very bad. His spells are too strong for your magic and his skin is too tough for my blade," Antoine deduced. "At this rate the two of us will be very quickly killed."

"I am open to ideas," Rarity said. Antoine took a moment to think, trying his best to ignore the cracks that were forming along Rarity's shield.

"I have an idea, but we need to get away from Sombra. Can you possilby-" Antoine hadn't even finished his sentence before Rarity's horn flashed and the both of them teleported away. They appeared in a grassy field on the outskirts of the city, where Rarity promptly collapsed to the ground. "Madam Rarity, are you okay?"

"I'm...not as good with magic...as Twilight," Rarity wheezed out. "So even a...simple teleportation spell...is too much for me. Do your plan now!"

"Oui, I shall," Antoine said. He reached into his belt and pulled out a small gun. He pointed it into the sky and fired, ejecting a smoking projectile that ascended into the heavens...before it exploded sparks that made the shape of his face. Then the swords man turned around to see Sombra standing across from him, an amused smirk on his face.

"Sombra...you will not..." Rarity began, only for a blast from Sombra to knock her down once more. Then the dark king turned his attention to Antoine, scoffing as the coyote drew his sword.

"So the coward finally realizes that he can't do anything by himself and has to call in his friends for help. But help isn't coming, Antoine. And do you want to know why?" Sombra asked. "Because at this moment all of your friends and those annoying Elements are too busy fighting for their own lives to come and help you. And why should they? You're a coward with a sword. Not some brainy alicorn with god like magic. Not some tricky hedgehog who can run like the wind. A cowardly coyote. At least if you were a cowardly lion I could say that you had a decent movie, but you don't even have that."

"And yet, between you and me, who here has died?" Antoine asked. Sombra narrowed his eyes in response. "You are just like all ze other villains I have faced over the years. You are powerful. You are cunning. You overcome everything we do to stop you and you very nearly get want you want. But zat is the clear difference here, Sombra. You come so close, only to fail. And you will fail here as well. Unlike me, you will never achieve your aspirations."

"Please. Do not compare my goals of conquering the worlds to your pitiful wish to not wet your bed at night, "Sombra snarled. He grabbed hold of Antoine's neck with his magic and hoisted the swordsman into the air. "Your desires are nothing. Nothing you have or ever will do will come close to what I have done.

"How so? I desired to become a soldier who could protect his crown and country. I have achieved zat. I wished to live up to my father's legacy and be brave like he was. I have done zat. I even managed to be brave enough to marry ze love of my life. But all of those pale in comparison to my greatest accomplishment."

"Oh? And just what, pray tell, would that be?" Sombra asked as his horn began to glow.

"That I managed to stall you until she got here."

A blast of plasma caught Sombra in the chest, getting him to roar in pain as he was sent tumbling backwards. He lifted his head with a snarl just in time to watch as someone slammed into the ground in front of Antoine in the superhero landing. Her legs and left arm were robotic, while her right arm, body and head were still organic. Her fur was yellow, her chest fur was pink and her ponytail blew softly in the wind. And her emerald eyes were locked onto Sombra, burning with a quiet fury.

"Ah, you must be Bunnie D'Coolette," Sombra chuckled. "I was wonder-"

CRACK!

Sombra's jaw snapped to the right as Bunnie laid him out with a left hook, sending the dark king tumbling away.

"That's fer touching mah man," Bunnie snarled. She then looked over her shoulder and winked at Antoine. "Howdy, hun. Sorry ah'm late."

"Nonsense, mon cheri. You are right on time."

Author's Note

"Wait a moment, let me get this straight...that is your wife"

"Oui."

"The flying, robot rabbit who flew in, saved our lives and then just broke Sombra's jaw in a single punch is who you married?"

"Oui. Isn't she amazing?"

"...Yep, I was never beating that."

Planning and Meetings

The two groups had gathered around Twilight's war table, which had used to be Celestia's. The Freedom Fighters and ponies had mixed and matched, with most of them trying to meet someone new from the other group. Some made sense, like how Bunnie and Applejack hit it off almost immediately, while some were a little more strange, like Pinkie trying to figure out how Tails tails allowed him to fly. And Sonic and Rainbow refused to stop butting heads, leaving poor Twilight to try to get them all to focus.

"Ah love yer cowboy hat. Ah used to wear one mahself, but then it got blasted to ash in a battle with Eggman," Bunnie said.

"Ah've lost a few of mine in the past, that's why ah've bought them in bulk. Ah just feel naked without it," AJ replied.

"Wouldn't they just get tangled up? I mean, if they can fly like a helicopter, but are connected to you, they'd just wrap around each other, wouldn't they?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh my god you're right. They would," Tails whispered as everything he knew came crashing down.

"The moment this meeting is over, crystal kingdom and back," RD demanded.

"After the meeting is over? I already did it. You were just too slow to notice."

"Please, I could have done it three times in the time it took you to get that sentence out. In fact, I think I might."

"Everypony, please!" Twilight yelled.

"So you take care of ze animals?"

"Oh I love animals. I patch them up, give them food...now that I think about it, I do that for my friends to."

"Ah. You are ze team medic. Zat makes sense."

"Your vest is so chic. And I love those bracelets you have."

"Thanks. The vest is laser resistant and the bracelets have hard light weapons inside of them. Swords, shields: you know, the works."

"Fashionable and dangerous. I like it. You must introduce me to your tailor."

"Everypony, please! We have to focus!" Twilight tried again.

"It's fun being in charge, isn't it Twilight?" Luna "helped" from beside the princess.

"You should try it with a room full of Yaks. Took days to get anything done," Celestia added.

An explosion went off, getting everyone/pony in the room to jump and swing their heads around to the source of the noise. Rotor had fired off the laser launcher he carried with him, getting the room to stop talking while also punching a hole in the ceiling.

"Come on guys, show some respect. The floor is yours princess," Rotor said with a small bow...and then a chunk of the room collapsed behind him. "I'll fix that later."

"Thank you, Rotor. Now then, Elements and Fighters, as you have all clearly seen for yourselves, our worlds are...a mess. Both Mobius and Equis have been forced together in a haphazard way that endangers all life on both of our worlds. For now, the worlds seemed to be stable, but I'd bet my last bit that isn't going to last. So our mission is clear. Find a way to separate our worlds and find a way to, hopefully, set everything right. Now while I have a few ideas, since the Freedom Fighters are our guest we will let them go first. Sally?"

"Find the chaos emeralds," Sonic cut in. "Every time something like this happens, we find or use the emeralds. Chaos? Use the emeralds. World falling apart? Emeralds? Crossover with a super fighting robot? Better find those emeralds. At this point we should just keep them in a glass case that says emergency. Speaking of, Rotor?"

"Got it," Rotor replied as he pulled out a yellow colored diamond. "We have one of them, but the rest have been scattered across our combined worlds. We were searching for them with the Sky Patrol, but then Eggman took us out of the sky. Right now I have no idea where the rest are."

"So yeah, that's our plan unless any of my friends have anything to add?" Sonic asked. He glanced around at his friends, but all of them smirked and conceded the point to Sonic. "Alright. We're all in agreement."

"It's funny that's their plan, because that's basically our plan!" Pinkie exclaimed, turning all eyes to her.

"What? That's not what we do," Twilight argued. "Our plans involve a lot of thinking, teamwork, overcoming our obstacles-"

"Twilight, let's be honest. Our plan is go in, get our flanks kicked, activate the Elements or Rainbow power and save the day while looking amazing," Rainbow cut her off.

"But that might make things problematic," Fluttershy added. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I haven't been able to summon my element or the rainbow power ever since Sombra's attack."

"I've held onto mine, hence the reason Sombra came after me," Rarity said. She pulled out her Element so the Freedom Fighters could see it.

"So those are your objects of incredible power," Sally said. "While I normally would believe the Chaos Emeralds to be enough to win the day, we're dealing with villains from two separate worlds. I have a feeling that we won't be able to win the day without both sets of objects."

"I am in agreement as well," Twilight said. "We need to find those emeralds and the rest of our Elements as soon as possible. First thing that needs to be done is a way to find them. Is there anypony on your team that can track the Chaos Emeralds?"

"Sorry princess. Like Rotor said, our scanner went down with the rest of the ship," Tails said.

"What about Discord?" Applejack suggested. "Back at Fluttershy's, he said he was able to sense the Freedom Fighters despite having only met Sonic. Well, considering these here gems are called CHAOS Emeralds..."

"It would only make sense that a god of chaos would be able to track them. Nice call, AJ," Sonic replied.

"Alright, Discord can (hopefully) help us find the Chaos Emeralds. Now, as for the Elements of Harmony..."

"That is where my sister and I will be able to aid you, Twilight." Twilight turned around to Celestia and Luna, who were both using their magic in sync. "As we wielded the Elements for eons, we can always sense them, be it their physical forms or those who can wield them. I was able to sense one of the Elements in you when you were young and knew you would seek out the others who could wield them. Finding their physical forms should be much easier, though will take a while."

"Okay, so we have two plans for finding our artifacts. Good. Next...we need to think of how we're going to pair off into smaller groups."

"Pair off?" Bunnie asked. "Ah'm not against working with any of ya, but wouldn't it be better to move in a big group, fer safety?"

"I must agree with ma cherie. Things are too weird for us to risk smaller groups," Antoine added.

"Well I'm fine going solo. Finding all the emeralds will be a breeze if I'm on my own," Sonic said.

"Bet I can find all the Elements before you find all the emeralds," Rainbow teased.

"And it doesn't bother you at all that there's one more emerald than your Elements?" Sonic asked.

"Fine, I'll find the other emerald along with the Elements," Rainbow replied.

"No." Twilight's words put an end to both Sonic and Rainbow's arguing, get them and everyone else to look at her. "Nopony will be going alone. If anything, I'd rather go with Bunnie's plan and gather each object together, but time is of the essence. The attacks by Eggman on the Sky Patrol and Sombra on Rarity show that they are hunting for the emeralds and Elements as well. So teams comprised of members from both teams is how we will be doing this, but I want no less than four per group."

"Twilight, why are you so adamant on the large numbers?" Sally asked. "I know Eggman and Sombra are dangerous, extremely dangerous, but wouldn't smaller teams of two or three cover more ground and find more of the objects quicker?"

"Perhaps. But allow me to put forth another question. Is Eggman the only villain on your world?" Twilight asked. Sally's eyes narrowed as she pieced together exactly what Twilight was getting at. "Because I know Sombra is far from the only foe we have. Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow, etc...there are plenty of villains that will take advantage of the chaotic state the world is in and wouldn't mind getting the grips on an Element or emerald. And those are just the villains from our world. If I'm right..."

"No, you make a good point. Eggman might be our biggest threat, but there are others. Ixis Naugus, the Iron Legion, the Deadly Six, Shadow, depending on his mood..."

"And what would happen if we set a team of two and they came at us with a group of six? Or ten?" Twilight asked. "The only thing more terrifying than numerous villains is numerous villains working together. Sombra and Eggman showed that they are willing to work together. What if the rest of our foes are willing to as well? Tell me Freedom Fighters, as good as you are, do any of you believe that you could handle all those villains by yourself?"

The looks on the faces of the Freedom Fighters and the Elements answered Twilight's question. Yet, not that she was surprised, Sonic was the only one who raised his hand with a smirk on his face. Twilight smirked back before noticing that Sally was walking over, so Twilight moved to allow her to speak.

"Twilight is right. There are too many unknown variables at the moment to risk small teams. We have to find our objects of power fast, but we can't risk exposing ourselves to our enemies and allowing them to pick us off. We'll go with her plan. Teams of four or more. We have two worlds worth of items to find, so find your partners and find them fast. First thing tomorrow we're going to start searching."

"Well we're moving pretty fast. Just the way I like it," Sonic nodded. "Alright, I'll pair up with Tails, as usual, as well as Fluttershy and...Rainbow Dash. How about it? This will give you a chance to put your money where your mouth is."

"Heh, I'm game. Just don't get all blue when you lose," Dash replied.

"Nuh uh. We are not having your two egos on the same team. I know how that ends," Sally instructed. "Pinkie, was it, would you mind going with Sonic and his team?"

"Okie dokey loki! Any chance to make new friends is perfect for me," Pinkie exclaimed. She then...appeared next to Sonic and Tails. Sally glanced at Twilight, Twilight shrugged and Sally shook her head.

"Ah'm going with Sugar-Twan, obviously, but Rarity, would ya want to work with us again?" Bunnie asked.

"Certainly darling. There are plenty of things I still wish to know about you...like how you managed to get a husband," Rarity whispered under her breath.

"And ah have to ask Applejack to join us. We're like two peas in a pod and ah would love to hear all about yer farm."

"Of course. Ah can also bring along some of mah hats. Maybe ya will find one ya like," Applejack said with a wink.

"That okay, Sugar-Twan?"

"But of course. If it makes ma cherie happy, it makes me happy," Twan replied.

"Alright. Then I'll go with Twilight, Rotor and Rainbow," Sally instructed. "Be warned, Rainbow Dash, I've spent most my life wrangling in a fast hothead. None of your showboating will fly with me."

"Please, if Twilight couldn't stop my awesomeness, how could you?" Rainbow smirked. Then she looked over at Applejack. "Think you'll be okay without me for a while? You're still pretty messed up."

"Ah'll live, Rainbow. Takes more than the forces of evil to keep me down," AJ replied with a smile. "Just stay safe yerself and don't do anything stupid."

"No promises."

"Alright everyone, these are the teams. Take some time to get to know your new partners. They'll be the ones watching your backs and keeping you alive, so try to learn how everyone in your groups works. Because tomorrow we'll be heading out. You two will have something for us by then, right?"

"We should at least have an idea of where one of the Elements should be," Celestia said. "And we have sent word to Discord about the Chaos Emeralds. He may be in a weakened state, but he even that lazy bones should be able to find them by tomorrow."

"Alright then. Tomorrow will begin our combined efforts to save our worlds. I know this is nothing new to either teams, but still, be careful, be brave and, above all else, be heroes. Okay, any other questions?"

"Who wants food?" Pinkie asked the group.

Every hand/hoof went up in response.

Author's Note

"Wow, so many characters together in the same place."

"Ah know. Ah don't envy the writer fer this story. It's going to be darn near impossible to keep track of everything."

"I wonder how they're going to handle it?"

Poorly. The answer is poorly.