A Place in Equestria IV: Shadow Play

Chapters

Chapter 2: A Plan to Save the Pillars
Chapter 3: Retrieval of the Artifacts & Return of the Pillars
Chapter 4: Thomas Meets the Pillars/A Plan to Banish the Pony of Shadows
Chapter 5: The Backstory of Stygian
Chapter 6: Journey To The Hollow Shades
Chapter 7: Facing the Pony of Shadows/Reunited with Stygian and Equestria
Chapter 1: The Pony of Shadows’s Return/The Pillars of Equestria’s Story

Chapter 2: A Plan to Save the Pillars

The candlelight suddenly fizzled as Spike replaced a used up candle with the new one. Spike yawned and looked up at Twilight, “Figure it out yet, Twilight?” Twilight shook her head, and then Spike threw the used up candle into the waste bin full of used up candles. Sunburst was sleeping and making a snoring noise, but suddenly woke up after hearing a soft thud.

Sunburst then yelped and woke up with a scroll on his head, “What did you figure out?” Pinkie Pie gasped after she and Rarity, who was wearing her red glasses woke up, “You figured something out?” Rarity then unappreciatively watched Pinkie Pie slurp the cupcake that was on her face. Fluttershy then woke up with Thomas in her cradle, “What is it?” Twilight Sparkle sighed, “Nothing. I mean, Starswirl was a genius, obviously. But forget Olde Ponish. There's parts where his hornwriting is like another language!” She then groaned.

“Twilight, we've been studyin' and referencin' and cross-referencin' for 12 hours straight now,” Applejack said. Thomas nodded with a whimper as he rubbed his eyes, but Fluttershy gently patted him with her cradling hoof. “Ugh. I haven't spent this much time reading since the last Daring Do book came out,” Rainbow Dash said. “Perhaps it is time to take a break. This mystery is over a thousand years old, after all. Another hour or two won't make a difference,” Rarity said.

“Two hours?! I don't want to waste two seconds! I'm close to an answer. I can feel it,” Twilight said. Starlight then picked up the book. “"Hearg sylfum se Ponhenge." What's that?” she asked, reading from the book. “The Temple of Ponhenge?! You can read that?!” Twilight asked. “The hornwriting’s pretty sloppy, but it's nowhere near as bad as it looks,” Starlight replied, and then continued reading, “"Toward dol grimlic of Fola Firgenbeorg"?”

“"At the base of Foal Mountain"...” Sunburst said, and Starlight kept reading, “"User endemest scield".” Twilight Sparkle gasped, “"Our last stand".” Spike yawned, “Well, that sure sounds like a clue to me.” He then blew out the candle before falling asleep. Thomas showed them a picture of Ponhedge in the book, and then they arrived at the place later on.

“This is it. Ponhenge. I can't believe it,” Twilight said. Sunburst walked over to a rune where Rarity was standard, and then brushed off some dirt to see some carved symbols on it, “I've never seen magical runes like these before! Have you?”
“Uh-uh,” Twilight replied, walking around with the journal.

“I don't think anypony's seen any of this for a long time,” Rainbow Dash said, straining to pull a vine off the rune, but fell into a bush. “Whoa!” Applejack gently tugged on Rainbow Dash’s tail and helped pull her out of the bush, “It'd take a whole team of ponies to clear away all this brush.” As a rock clattered one rune, Thomas tried to place it back, but it fell off again, until Fluttershy hugged him softly against her chest. “Even then, I'm not sure we'd find out what happened here over a thousand years ago,” she said, as Thomas stroked her fur. Twilight Sparkle sighed with depression, “You're right. I suppose it was a long shot.”

“Cheer up, Twilight. Finding a whole set of ancient ruins is pretty impressive. Maybe you could write a paper on it,” Spike said. “I guess I hoped we'd get here and the mystery would just magically be explained,” Twilight said, until a light blue magic glow was shimmering from the book. “Uh... Twilight?” Spike said, pointing at the book. Twilight turned around and gasped in surprise, and the magic from the book started humming, and it flipped the pages until a magical holographic projection of Starswirl appeared. Twilight suddenly felt excited to meet her idol, “Starswirl!? I... I've wanted to meet you my whole life! I can't believe you're here!”

Sunburst walked over, and touched the hologram, but felt nothing. “I don't think he is here,” he said, until another sight struck his eyes. “I don't think any of them are.” Twilight and the rest saw holograms of the other Pillars appear, consisting Flash Magnus with his shield, Mistmane with her flower, Somnambula with her blindfold, Mage Meadowbrook with her mask, and Rockhoof with his shovel.

Starswirl conjured a spell from his horn, and summoned the Pony of Shadows from the stone table. The Pony of Shadows appeared laughing evilly, “You summon me at your peril, Star Swirl! Once I defeat all of you, this realm will embrace the darkness as I did so long ago!”

The Pony of Shadows sprout out his wings and then surrounded the Pillars with symbiotic vines, and wrapped them with it, until he laughed evilly again, “Drawing me here will only make me stronger. You will never defeat me!”

“We did not come here to defeat you,” Starswirl said, until he placed the same black box Thomas recognized. “Momma, that’s the box he was in!” he said. They all saw the Pillars lightning up their relics and formed a gem shaped circle around the Pony of Shadows. “What are you doing?!” The Pony of Shadows asked. “We came... to contain you,” Starswirl said, and then the Pony of Shadows screamed in horror as he was now trapped inside the box and the Pillars vanished. “Well, you did ask for a magical explanation,” Pinkie Pie said to Twilight.

“Uh... what just happened?” Rainbow Dash asked. “It looked like Star Swirl cast a spell that banished the Pony of Shadows inside that box,” Starlight said. “Of course! Powerful magic like that would leave an impression on this place. Bringing the book back here let us see what happened,” Sunburst said. “Which was what?” Applejack asked. “Starswirl and the rest of the Pillars sacrificed themselves to save Equestria,” Twilight said.

The next day, Starlight and Sunburst were walking down the hall. “It's amazing to think one of the greatest mysteries of Equestria was solved with a musty old book from an antique shop,” Starlight said. “But I wouldn't say the mystery's solved. Starswirl’s spell was one of the most powerful feats of magic in all of history. It'll take years of study before we fully understand it,” Sunburst said. “I think I understand Starswirl's spell!” Twilight exclaimed.

Later on, the others came back, and Fluttershy was holding Thomas in her forelegs and hugged him against her chest. “I know I've finished one of Starswirl's spells before, but this one was on a whole different level! Was it an explosion of magical feedback? An evocation? A kind of incantation? It's Starswirl, so the possibilities are endless! And once Starlight set me on the right track with his crazy hornwriting,” Twilight laughed and snorted. “I mean, he was a genius, so I guess we can forgive a little messiness. So I went through the journal again, and it's amazing!”

“Twilight, darling. We understand you're excited, but that's all we understand,” Rarity said. “What exactly is so amazing?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Only how Starswirl and the other Pillars sent the Pony of Shadows to limbo within a old box like this one,” Twilight said, showing them the black box that trapped the Pony of Shadows. Thomas whimpered after feeling guilty for releasing the monster until he was comforted by Fluttershy. “They did what now?” Applejack asked. “They used their magic to open a portal between worlds – to limbo – and pulled the Pony of Shadows inside,” Twilight explained, by lighting up her horn to form a orb, and then the diorama exploded.

“Darling, your diorama!” Rarity said. “I made more!” Twilight exclaimed, showing her friends her other dioramas. “Starswirl thought the only way to trap the Pony of Shadows in limbo was for the Pillars to trap him inside the box, but it suddenly took them there, leaving them trapped for 1,000 years.”

“So they got stuck, too!” Applejack said. “The Pony of Shadows must have been really awful for them to do that,” Fluttershy said, as her son whimpered in fear and then she hugged him for a warm cuddle to make him feel better and comfortable. “I suppose being trapped for all time with a super-duper bad guy in limbo might be okay if you were doing the limbo, but that's still pushing it,” Pinkie Pie giggled. “The thing is, I think we can get them out,” Twilight said. Sunburst, including the others were shocked, “Twilight, are you serious? You can save the most legendary ponies of all time?”

“I-I don't know. Opening portals between worlds didn't work out well for me. Are you sure it's safe?” Starlight nodded, as Thomas nodded in agreement. “First of all, you opened portals through time,” Twilight said. “And second of all, Starswirl wrote the spell you used to do it. If he'd been here, he could have stopped it. Equestria would be safer with him in it. We have to save him.”

“But you'd be savin' all the Pillars, right? A-And they disappeared ages ago,” Applejack said. “That's the thing about limbo. It isn't one place or another. It's in between, so time stands still. If we can pull them out, it'll be like they never left,” Twilight said. “What can we do to help?” Spike asked. “Is... Is there something we can use to help?” Thomas asked. “I don’t know, sweetie. But if I'm right, we need to find items that are connected to the Pillars in some way,” Twilight said. “You mean, like, stuff that belonged to them?” Rainbow Dash asked. “How would we know what to look for? Or where?” Fluttershy asked, as Thomas nodded. “Luckily, Starswirl took a lot of notes,” Twilight said, as she read the notes from the book. “"My compatriots are as varied as the realm itself and hail from every corner of our land, bringing with them artifacts and talismans of great power."”

A bright golden yellow magical glow began shimmering from above. “Um, Twilight? What are you doing?” Starlight asked. “I'm not doing anything!” Twilight replied, as the glow revealed orbs consisting the Pillars’s artifacts.

“Rockhoof's shovel!” Applejack exclaimed. “Flash Magnus' shield!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Mistmane's flower!” Rarity said. “Meadowbrook's mask!” Thomas and Fluttershy said. “And the blindfold Somnambula wore when she faced that nasty sphinx!” Pinkie Pie said. “I guess we don't need to figure out who should get what,” Twilight said.

Chapter 3: Retrieval of the Artifacts & Return of the Pillars

At the Mighty Helm village, a group of paleontologist ponies and two fillies were digging for props of the Mighty Helm. A filly named Petunia Paleo dug up a helmet from a dirt pile. “Professor, look! It's a Mighty Helm headpiece! Maybe it belonged to Rockhoof himself!”

“Legends don't wear helmets. This belonged to a real pony,” Professor Fossil said. “Oh, I can guarantee Rockhoof was as real as you and me,” Applejack said. Professor Fossil chuckled, “And I suppose that ravine was dug with his trusty shovel to save the village from an erupting volcano.”

“Exactly,” Applejack said. “I love old legends as much as anypony. But a pony strong enough to save a village from rushing lava with a shovel is... preposterous,” Professor Fossil said. Suddenly, a few rocks came rumbling and tumbling down from an old house, and Applejack saved the professor and her students from the big boulder, and then shoved it into the air, until a huge thud and splash was heard.

“I can't believe you just did that! H-How?” Professor Fossil asked. “I bet if you told somepony else the story, it might sound hard to believe,” Applejack said. Suddenly, a few rock diggers found Rockhoof’s house, and a tomb that had Rockhoof’s shovel before grit her teeth on the bar and removed it carefully. “I suppose some stories might be true after all,” Professor Fossil said, as she and the other rock diggers saw the shovel glowing a golden yellow aura. “And Rockhoof's appears to be one of them.”

The gate creaked open, and Rarity entered a old garden until she saw Mistmane’s flower in the middle. When she was about to touch it, a garden shovel smacked Rarity’s forehoof, “Ow!” A old Imperial unicorn mare named Lotus Petal confronted Rarity, “You keep those hooves to yourself, dearie! This place has been in my family for generations, and I'm not about to let some whippersnapper take the last good piece of it! Time was, ponies came from far and wide to see these gardens. But that flower's the only worthwhile thing left!”

Rarity lit up her horn and then used some hedge trimmers and the garden shovel, and then remodeled the entire garden by trimming the bushes and sweeping the dirt with the broom and dust pan, until it left a remodeled garden with beautiful flowers and perfectly trimmed bushes. “Perhaps it just seemed like your gardens were worthless. But a little pruning can work wonders. Of course you will have to look after more than just one flower now,” Rarity said.

Lotus Petal made a tearful smile on her muzzle, “You've given me back my family's legacy. The flower you wanted seems like a fair trade for that.” Rarity nodded, and saw the flower glowing in the same golden yellow aura.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Spike flew over to the Dragon Lands looking for Flash Magnus’ shield. “I can't believe Flash Magnus' shield ended up in the Dragon Lands,” Rainbow Dash said. “Good thing you brought the official Equestrian friendship ambassador to the dragons to help you navigate our customs,” Spike said. “Hey, look over there!” Thomas said, as he pointed at a couple of dragons gorge surfing.

“Wahoo!” Maar whooped. “Ollie!” The dragons cheered for her performance. “Okay. That was awesome,” Rainbow Dash said, as she landed on all four hooves. “Dragon Lord Ember commanded us to make peace with ponies, but it doesn't mean you can surf in our spot,” Billy said, as the other dragons started growling at her and Thomas, who hid underneath her underbelly and hugged her foreleg. “Whoa, fellas. As the official Equestrian friendship ambassador to the dragons, I have to say that's not very friendly,” Spike said, as Thomas nodded in agreement.

“Well, what do you know? The puny pony-dragon's sticking up for his pony pal,” Garble said, until Rainbow Dash saw Flash Magnus’ shield. “Hey! That's an ancient pony artifact!” Rainbow Dash said. “Hooves off my gorge board! I found it in the desert, and finders keepers,” Garble said. “It isn't yours,” Thomas said. “Huh. It sure looks like mine. But I might consider racing you for it,” Garble said jealously. “No problem,” Rainbow Dash said. “No. I mean you,” Garble said, pointing at Spike. He nervously chuckled, “But I don’t know anything about gorge surfing. Sorry.”

“Fine, then let me give you a demonstration!” Garble said, as he kicked him into the lava with a rock, until Spike saw that Thomas was with him.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoooooaaaaa! Aaah!” Thomas and Spike said, until they grunted and panted. “You okay?” Spike asked. Thomas nodded, and then he saw that the shield was with them. “Hey! The shield!” Spike said. “How did that happen?!” Thomas asked. Garble grunted angrily, “Lord Ember only commanded us to be nice to ponies. She never said anything about pony-loving dragons, or wimpy little humans.”

“Uh, s-since Dragon Lord Ember commanded you to make peace with ponies, you can't very well attack two of their friends, can you?” Spike asked nervously, as Thomas hid behind him with the shield. “I guess we'll find out!” Garble suddenly threw at rock at them, until Rainbow Dash swooped in and tossed it over to Garble, landing on his tail. “Nopony messes with my nephew or our friend!” she said, as Thomas and Spike hugged her.

“Ugh. Why is he always hiding behind ponies, and what does that stupid shrimp mean so much to you?” Garble asked angrily. “It really would’ve been easier if you hadn’t pushed us down the cliff,” Spike said. “You fell, and that wasn’t surfing,” Garble said.

“That’s because you’re a big, mean bully!” Thomas said, until he whimpered about what he said, and hid behind Rainbow Dash’s leg. “Wow. You must be slow if all Spike and Thomas had to do to win was fall down. And Thomas is one of the most awesomest humans I’ve ever met,” Rainbow Dash said, wrapping her wing around the little boy.

“I'm faster than you,” Garble said. “Doubt it,” Rainbow Dash said. “Fine! I'll race you back to the top. If you win, you can have your pony junk. But if I win, you'll leave and I get to give it to them!” Garble said, snarling at Thomas and Spike, who shook nervously. “Fine. I'm pretty sure I could beat you anyway. But with one little problem. Your board?” Rainbow Dash said. “Huh? Oh, yeah,” Garble said, as he couldn’t find it on his back, but he turned around and saw the three fly away. “Hey! That's mine!”

“Finders keepers, remember?!” Spike said, as Thomas blew a raspberry with his tongue, and the shield glowed the same golden yellow aura. Garble growled angrily at them.

At Hayseed Swamp, Cattail was taunting the flash bees with Meadowbrook’s mask and walking backwards, while Fluttershy hid behind the long grass. “Just remember not to turn away from them, Cattail. Flash bees can get pretty aggressive. I guess that's why none of the other bayou animals can get to the water,” Fluttershy said, looking down at the animals as they were whimpering with fear.

“Wouldn't it make more sense for you to wear the mask that calms the bees?” Cattail asked. “It would,” Fluttershy said, as she flew up to a branch where the hive was. “If I didn't have to fly up here to move their hive,” Fluttershy then replaced the hive upwards onto another branch, “There!” Cattail then jumped for cover in the grass, and the flash bees went back into the hive. “Now the other bayou creatures can get to the water without the bees feeling threatened,” Fluttershy said, as the bayou animals went back into the water. “You know, you didn't have to help with this. I would've lent you the mask anyway,” Cattail said. “I know,” Fluttershy giggled. “But I couldn't leave without helping.” The mask started to glow in the same golden yellow aura.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie and Daring Do, along with a few Somnambulan ponies were in the pyramid searching for Somnambula’s blindfold. “I don't think anypony can find anything in there,” Fahal Alkhayl said. “I wouldn't give up hope just yet,” Daring Do said, pumping air for Pinkie Pie. Suddenly, the green slime was being drained down the hole as Daring Do grabbed the pump.

Pinkie Pie climbed out of the drain with a diver suit on, and then removed the visor, and held Somnambula’s blindfold in her hoof. “This old blindfold was stuck in the drain,” she said. “Weren't you looking for a blindfold?” Daring Do asked. Pinkie Pie suddenly remembered while looking at the blindfold, “Oh, yeah!” She then climbed out of the suit and gritted the golden yellow aura glowing blindfold with her teeth.

Back at Ponhedge, Twilight, Sunburst and Starlight were getting ready for the arrival of the Pillars. “I can't believe I'm gonna meet Starswirl the Bearded! You know, outside of my dreams,” Twilight said. “I can't believe you're actually going through with it,” Starlight said, after pulling a vine from a rune, and magically disintegrating it. “What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “I'm all for pushing the envelope, obviously, but this is pretty out there for you, Twilight,” Starlight said.

“What's "out there" about saving the most legendary ponies of all time from a thousands-year-old prison?” Sunburst asked. “Well... nothing when you say it like that. Unless "the most legendary ponies of all time" knew what they were doing, and we shouldn't mess with it,” Starlight said. “I mean, what if something else bad happened?”

“I'm sure Starswirl and the Pillars did the best they could back then, but magic has come a long way. Mostly because of the work they did,” Sunburst said. “That's true. And you did get your wings from finishing one of Star Swirl's spells,” Starlight said. “Exactly,” Twilight said, unfolding one of her wings and remembering how she became an alicorn. “But then I messed with one and nearly destroyed the universe, so...” Starlight cut herself off. “Starlight, Starswirl the Bearded is the greatest wizard who ever lived,” Twilight said. “The chance to have him back in Equestria is worth the risk.”

“That's good news,” Spike said. “Otherwise, we'd have brought this shield for nothing,” Rainbow Dash said, as Thomas nodded in agreement and placed the shield on the rune.

“I hope you don't think you're the only one to find her artifact, because this here shovel says otherwise,” Applejack said, standing the shovel on the rune. Rarity laughed, “Honestly, you two. Not everything is a competition. But Mistmane's flower is by far the most attractive of the artifacts.” She then neatly placed the flower on the rune.

“You're just saying that because you didn't have to scuba dive in a pit of green slime to get yours!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with the blindfold placed on the rune. “Or move a flash beehive,” Fluttershy said, wearing the mask.

“Good work, everypony,” Twilight said, placing Starswirl’s journal on the rune.

“Hold on!” said a voice. They turned around and saw Sunset Shimmer, as a unicorn, walking over to the group. “AUNTIE SUNSET!” Thomas exclaimed, running over to her for a hug. “Hey, honey. I missed you too,” Sunset said. “Did you really think I’d let you all start off without me, or having some fillies to watch over?” Sunset mentioned the Cutie Mark Crusaders by the bush. “Sorry for being here, but we wanted to come keep Thomas company while you work,” Scootaloo said. “It’s alright, girls. Thomas, go with them,” Twilight said, and then Thomas went over to the fillies, as Sweetie Belle hugged her little brother towards her neck.

Sunset then walked over to the other three unicorns and then she was ready. “Ready?” Twilight asked, and then received nods from Starlight, Sunburst, and Sunset. “Let’s do this!”

Sunburst lit up his horn and blasted a beam of magic, and so did Starlight, Sunset and Twilight. When they stopped, Starswirl’s journal started glowing white, and then blasted a beam of magic on the other artifacts from the shield to the flower, blindfold, mask, and shovel, and then formed the same spell circle that sealed the Pony of Shadows in the black box long ago.

Thomas hid underneath Sweetie Belle’s fur as he whimpered nervously, and then the artifacts made a huge explosion of light, and suddenly, six ponies were brought back. Thomas suddenly went underneath Sunset and hugged her leg as he felt nervous. “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” she said.

Rockhoof was a big, strong viking attired earth pony stallion with pale light grayish cyan fur with a light cyanish gray muzzle, a braided and bearded moderate gamboge mane and tail with a light gold stripe, grayish blue eyes, and his flank had a cutie mark of three ringed triangles.

Mage Meadowbrook was a earth pony mare with light cerulean fur, a braided pink and moderate scarlet mane and tail, brilliant turquoise eyes, and she was wearing a dark gold necklace on her chest and a bracelet on her left hoof, a tan bra on her chest and headband that had room for her ears, and a green skirt.

Mistmane was a elderly imperial unicorn mare with light mulberryish gray fur with lighter gradient shades on her horn, ear tips, and hooves, her mane and tail were flowing like clouds and were colored with gradients of grayish arctic blue to turquoisish gray and grayish turquoise to malachite greenish gray, she had pale light grayish cerulean eyes, her flank had a cutie mark of a turquoisish gray cloud, and she was wearing pale turquoisish gray imperial clothing with a sash around her waist and a flower on her crest.

Somnambula was an ancient Egyptian pegasus mare with light scarlet fur, a dark arctic blue Cleopatra braided mane and bead braided tail with moderate turquoise streaks, grayish blue violet eyes with dark arctic blue eyeshadow and Egyptian mascara and eyeliner on her eyelashes, her flank had a cutie mark of a gold necklace with two white beads on top, and she was wearing a white linen dress with a gold piece around her belly, and a white headpiece with a gold tiara.

Flash Magnus was a male pegasus with brilliant amber fur, moderate amaranth mane and tail, brilliant turquoise eyes, his flank had a cutie mark of three darker blue lightning bolts, and he was wearing a red and dark chrome Roman armory all over his body and helmet, and a gauntlet on his hoof.

Starswirl was a unicorn with light gray fur and darker light gray hooves, a white and light bluish gray wizardly beard, mane and tail, dark violetish gray eyes, and he was wearing a moderate sapphire blue wizard hat and cape with yellow moons and stars, and gold bells on both his hat and cape.

“What... What has happened?” Starswirl asked. “It worked! We brought you back!” Twilight said excitedly while trotting over to her idol. “To where?” Starswirl asked. “You and the others have been trapped in limbo for over a thousand years, but I figured out how to get you home,” Twilight said.

Starswirl then realized where he and the other pillars were, “You brought us back?! How... How did you do it?!” Starswirl asked. “It’s kinda a long story, but we brought you back because of something bad that happened recently, and we kinda need your help,” Twilight said. “He... has returned... hasn’t he?” Starswirl asked. “Technically, he escaped, but that still counts,” Starlight said. Suddenly, a flash of thunder and lightning was heard, causing Thomas to whimper, and then he and the girls hid underneath Fluttershy for protection, and then they suddenly saw a roaring black cloud coming, until it revealed itself as the Pony of Shadows.

“Your pitiful attempt to imprison me inside that poor excuse for a sacred imprisonment black box has failed, Starswirl!” The Pony of Shadows said cruelly. Thomas whimpered while nuzzling his mother’s leg fur, until she covered him with her wing. “That’s the bad thing I may have told you about,” Twilight said to Starswirl as he made an idea, “Then we shall trap you with or without the box!”

“Working on it! Agh! No table of contents!” Sunburst said. “It’s a journal!” Sunset said.

“Allow me to assist!” The Pony of Shadows said, as he stretched out his tendrils, destroying the runes that trapped him. “There! Without the power of Ponhenge, your banishing spell is useless!“

“You’ve studied my notes! Surely you have a plan, young mare!” Starswirl said. Twilight then started to panic, “I never read anything about a banishing spell like you once did! I didn’t even think—!”

“Don't fret. When I extinguish the light and hope of this miserable world, you won't remember any of this,” The Pony of Shadows said, as he blasted a beam of his black magic aura at the others. “NO!” Twilight exclaimed, as she blasted it back at the Pony of Shadows, causing him to grunt in pain.

“Argh! This one is almost as... strong as you, Starswirl. But even in my weakened state, she cannot stop the might of shadows!” The Pony of Shadows said, as he and Twilight dueled with their magic beams, and while Twilight kept straining with her magic, Starlight and Sunset joined in. “Lucky for her, she’s not alone!” Starlight said, and she and Sunset concentrated their magic and blasted it back at the Pony of Shadows. “Arrrrggghhhh!”

“Know this, fiend! We will not rest until we find a way to return you to limbo!” Starswirl said, as the other ponies, except the children who hid behind a bush for safety, came over with angry faces. The Pony of Shadows growled, “Never! Your days of glory are through, Starswirl. Now my dark power will reign, and you six will bow to me!” He then disappeared.

“Um... where'd he go?” Rainbow Dash asked. “That is a riddle we must unravel. And quickly,” Somnambula said. “How long have we been gone?” Mage Meadowbrook asked. “Over a thousand years,” Fluttershy asked. “Then my spell worked, and the realm has been at peace for a millennia!” Starswirl said. “Weeeeell... we did have to save everypony from Nightmare Moon and Discord and Chrysalis and King Sombra and Lord Tirek, and there was that one time when Starlight traveled through time and almost destroyed life as we know it! But that's all in the past,” Pinkie Pie said. Thomas then came out from hiding and hid behind the girls.

“If you are truly this accomplished, we will stop the Pony of Shadows twice as fast together,” Flash Magnus said. “We shall see. It is an easy thing to say you have saved the world. It is quite another to do it,” Starswirl said. “Oh, we've saved the world, Beardo. And we can do it again,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Be that as it may, the problem of locating the Pony of Shadows remains, and this land is vast,” Starswirl said. “It sounds like you need a map. Luckily, we have just the thing,” Rarity said. “Why don’t you all come over to my castle? I have a map that can pinpoint his location and a library that may have a book for information on what we’re dealing with,” Twilight said. “Of course. Lead the way,” Starswirl said.

Chapter 4: Thomas Meets the Pillars/A Plan to Banish the Pony of Shadows

Back at the castle, everypony was in the throne room, waiting for Twilight, Starlight, Sunset, Sunburst, and Starswirl to come back as they were in the library and trying to find some books for information about the Pony of Shadows and how to send him back to Limbo.

“I’m sorry this happened,” Twilight said. “But I assure you that it was only a majorly tragic accident.” Starswirl nodded, saying that she can explain later, and then they continued to search for the answer.

Meanwhile, while Thomas still felt responsibly guilty for the accidentally releasing the Pony of Shadows, the Crusaders wrapped themselves in a big blanket that they shared to cover themselves while they still felt scared from experiencing the Pony of Shadows. “I sure hope Twilight can find a way to stop the Pony of Shadows,” Scootaloo said. “I better not find out what happens if not,” Apple Bloom said, as Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement.

Mage Meadowbrook walked over and gently rubbed Scootaloo’s head in comfort with her hoof. “Don’t worry, little fillies. I know she will,” she said sweetly. “Plus, we had no idea she would proudly find a way to bring us all back from so long, especially before—” She suddenly spotted Thomas hiding underneath Fluttershy and hugging her leg with his Snuggle Bear teddy in his arm. “Hello there, little one.”

She then walked towards Fluttershy while looking at Thomas with a warm smile on her muzzle, until Thomas whimpered and buried his face in his mother’s leg fur and hugged it tightly with tears in his eyes and cute puppy eyes. “Is he your child, Fluttershy?” Mage Meadowbrook asked kindly, until Fluttershy nodded with a “mmhmm.”

“Mage, this is my son, Thomas. And in case you didn’t know, he’s very shy when meeting new ponies,” Fluttershy replied, and then nuzzled Thomas. “Don’t be scared, sweetheart. This is Mage Meadowbrook, one of the pillars of Equestria. I promise she’s very friendly.”

Thomas nodded nervously, and then slowly walked from underneath as he saw Meadowbrook having a motherly smile on her face.

“Hello,” Meadowbrook said, gently kneeling down on her forelegs to Thomas’s level. “My name is Mage Meadowbrook. Please don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” Thomas got a little closer to her, “I’m... I’m Thomas.”

Meadowbrook then smiled warmly at him, “It’s so nice to meet you, Thomas sweetie.” She then gently reached out her left hoof and gently picked Thomas up until she gently held him against her chest until he curled up onto her hoof and hugged his teddy. The other pillars then came over.

“Aww… look at you. Aren’t you a little cutie?” Somnambula said, until she tickled Thomas’s belly with her hoof, causing him to laugh and giggle. “Yes, you’re a little cutie.” She then rubbed her hoof on his head and leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek, until she allowed him to hug her hoof.

“My, aren’t you adorable?” Mistmane asked, while smiling at the little boy. “Fluttershy’s a mom?! That’s awesome!” Flash Magnus proudly said until Fluttershy blushed warmly.

“Tell us, Fluttershy. What made you decide to become a loving and caring mother to this sweet little boy?” Somnambula asked, as Thomas started blushing. “Well, it’s a long story, but we’ll tell you everything from the start,” Fluttershy said, and then she and her friends told the pillars how it happened from how he got here to Equestria and how Fluttershy adopted him.

After explaining the entire story, the pillars looked at Thomas, who was still in Meadowbrook’s hooves, which she positioned for a cradle, with sad faces of concern for him. “Oh, you poor dear. I’m so sorry,” Mistmane said in sadness. “It’s okay. I feel better that I have a momma and a family,” Thomas said, until he looked down in sadness. “What’s gotten you heartsick, sweetheart?” Meadowbrook asked. “It’s my fault that the Pony of Shadows is back,” Thomas replied as he began to cry. “I didn’t mean to. I only tripped over the chest, but I tried to put it back. It was an accident.”

“Shhhhhh... Hush now, little one. You never meant to do it,” Somnambula said, stroking her hoof on his head and smiling warmly at him, until he smiled back at her. “Young man? Is it true? Was it you?” Starswirl asked. Thomas nodded, “I’m really sorry, Mr. Starswirl.”

“Don’t be. What’s done is done,” Starswirl said. “But since this is your doing, we’ll all have to do our part to protect you and find a way to send him back.” Thomas nodded, and then he suddenly felt calm. “So, did you find out how we can send him back?” Rainbow Dash asked. “No. Without Ponhedge, we cannot send him back,” Starswirl said. “But we’ll need to confront him elsewhere, after we find him.”

“Then let’s see what the map says,” Twilight said, and they all walked over to the cutie map, while the girls stood by Sunset and Fluttershy was now holding Thomas in her hoof. “Something about this magic seems familiar...” Starswirl said, as he lit up his horn and shot a magic beam on the table, constructing a projection of the Tree of Harmony, which was a crystal tree that had the Elements of Harmony on each branch that had pearl beads on the branches.

“Did you know he can do that?” Rarity asked. “He's Starswirl! He can do anything!” Twilight said. “This map, and indeed this very castle, are grown from the seed we planted over a thousand years ago,” Starswirl said. “Then it did work!” Rockhoof said.

“What worked?” Sunburst asked. “Each of us infused a crystal seed with our magic in hopes that it would grow into a force for good,” Somnambula said. “Really?” Thomas asked, as Somnambula nodded in reply. “We wanted to leave something to protect the realm in our absence, but we never dreamed our gift would become so powerful,” Mistmane said.

“Y'all mean the Elements came from you?” Applejack asked, leaving the pillars confused. “You know, the sparkly crystal things that grow from the Tree of Harmony and represent each of us? Laughter, honesty, generosity, loyalty, kindness, and magic!” Pinkie Pie explained with a little showcase, and then Twilight smiled warmly. “In case you didn’t know, I also represent the Element of Empathy, and it looks like Starlight represents the Element of Peace,” Sunset said, causing Starlight to blush while nodding in reply.

“They are reflections of our own elements of hope, strength, beauty, bravery, healing, and sorcery,” Somnambula said. Twilight looked at Starswirl, until he nodded with a smirk. “We had no idea our small seed would bloom into the living spirit of the land. I am glad our mantles have passed to such capable ponies,” Mage Meadowbrook said, placing her hoof on Fluttershy’s chest. “More importantly, we no longer need Ponhenge to send our foe back to limbo. We can use the stored magic in this Tree of Harmony,” Starswirl said.

“But doesn't a banishing spell take a lot of power? We'd have to sacrifice the Elements for that,” Twilight said. “Mm-hmm,” Starswirl said. “They'd be gone... forever?” Thomas asked nervously. “Starswirl, I don't think the Tree can survive without the Elements. If it dies, Equestria will suffer,” Twilight said. “If the Pony of Shadows has his way, your land will not exist. So unless you have a better idea...” Starswirl said, until the projection disappeared and then formed back into the map, and then showed black swirling voids on each section.

“What’s that?” Thomas asked nervously. “Our foe will seek dark places from which to draw power. I will prepare my spell so that we may strike as soon as you find him,” Starswirl said. “What are we waiting for?” Rainbow Dash asked excitedly. “I like your spirit!” Flash Magnus said proudly. Everypony else made excited chatter, but Thomas still felt broken about what he unleashed, so he climbed off his mother’s hoof and walked away.

Thomas then went to Twilight’s bedroom and sat down on the bed and hugged his teddy while he had tears of sadness in his eyes as he looked down in shame, and then softly sobbed and sniffed. “Thomas? Are you feeling okay, little bro?” Scootaloo’s voice asked. Thomas shook his head, “No. It’s all my fault! If I hadn’t opened the chest, this wouldn’t have happened,” Thomas replied. “You can’t just be sad forever! You gotta a least try to find a way to help!” Apple Bloom said. “Plus, we’re your big sisters and your friends. You can talk to us,” Sweetie Belle said. “I just want to be left alone,” Thomas said, as he turned around and looked away and continued to cry.

“Come on. He probably needs time,” Scootaloo said. “Poor little cutie,” Sweetie Belle said, as the three fillies walked out of the room.

Later on, Spike helped Twilight, along with Starlight and Sunset do some research on the banishing spell. “What about this one?” Spike asked, holding a book in his hand. “Seapony etiquette isn't going to help right now, Spike,” Twilight said. “Uh, Twilight? Are you feeling okay?” Starlight asked. “You seem kinda worried about something,” Sunset said. “Thomas may have just unleashed ultimate evil and doomed Equestria, no offense, before I was obsessed about meeting my idol and now I don’t know what to do! Why wouldn’t I be okay?!” Twilight said stressfully, and then banged her head on the table. Starlight scoffed, “You didn't know that was gonna happen before we brought them back.”

“But Thomas is only a little kid, and he would never do anything like this. Now we’ll lose the Elements of Harmony if we don’t fix something our nephew never meant to do,” Twilight said. “Maybe there's another way,” Sunset said. “If there is, Twilight will find it,” Spike said, holding a book of advanced magical spells, until Twilight brought it over to her.

“Portal gate... Portal keys... Portal spells... Yes! If the Pillars can hold open the gateway to limbo, a powerful pony can do the banishing spell herself! Do you know what this means?” Twilight said excitedly. “No, what?” Spike asked. “The Pillars don't have to leave Equestria! Even though we'll lose the Elements, we'll have the ponies that created them. And the Pony of Shadows will be banished for good!” Twilight said.

“That's great. But do you think it may work?” Starlight asked. “Starswirl knew what he was doing when he cast that spell. If I can make it even better, maybe he'll see that I take magic as seriously as he does,” Twilight said, and then they continued to work on the spell.

Chapter 5: The Backstory of Stygian

Later on, the others sat on the map table and had a conference. “It seems there are fewer dark corners in the realm these days,” Starswirl said, while reading the map. “Isn't that a good thing?” Rainbow Dash asked with a mug of apple cider. “True. The Pony of Shadows will have a hard time regaining power. When he rears his head, we'll be ready!” Flash Magnus said, until he and Rainbow Dash bumped their mugs together.

“Isn't there some way to banish him without losing all of you?” Fluttershy asked. “Oh, I wish there were. But to save our home, we are willin' to leave it,” Mage Meadowbrook said.

“I don't think you'll have to!” Twilight said. “My spell isn't finished yet, but I think we can send the Pony of Shadows to limbo without all of you having to go as well!” She then showed Starswirl her unfinished spell. “Hmm... While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Twilight, this is hardly the time to take risks on half-baked spells,” Starswirl said, until Twilight sighed sadly.

“Beggin' your pardon, Mr. the Bearded! But Twilight doesn't do anythin' halfway!” Applejack said. “Especially not magic!” Pinkie Pie said dramatically. “Seriously! She got her wings by finishing one of your spells!” Rainbow Dash said, touching one of Twilight’s wings. “I think you'll find her work is worth reading before you dismiss it out of hoof!” Rarity said. “Mm-hmm!” Fluttershy said. “While it is an unconventional approach, I believe it could work,” Mage Meadowbrook said. “Hmm. I suppose there is a chance,” Starswirl said. “But we still have no idea where to find the villain,” Sunburst said, until they all heard the Mane 6’s cutie marks glowing and shimmering for a friendship problem. “Maybe we should try there?” Spike asked, pointing at the cutie marks on the map pointing to a rocky mountain.

“The Hollow Shades. I think a branch of the Apple family lives there,” Applejack said. “They'd have to be pretty distant. The Hollow Shades was abandoned eons ago,” Sunburst said. “Hmm, that's odd. The only time the map's called all of us to one place was Starlight's village,” Rarity said. “So it's like a super-villain tracker! No offense,” Rainbow Dash said. “None taken,” Starlight said with no amusement.

“Do you think the map could be trying to tell us where the Pony of Shadows is?” Twilight asked to Starswirl. “Hmm... The Tree of Harmony acting to protect the light of the realm... Yes. A good thought, Twilight,” he said, as Twilight made a ecstatic smile on her face.

“I will make my notes on this spell. Ready yourselves for battle. Twilight, Sunburst, would you accompany me? I wish to refine this spell for our use,” Starswirl said, and Twilight and Sunburst followed him. “Uh, I know I'm not as experienced as all of you, but is this type of banishment really going to work? I mean, it's been a long time,” Starlight asked. “Starlight, I'm sure Starswirl and the others did try,” Twilight said. “Come. We must prepare for the struggle ahead,” Rockhoof said, as the others went to prepare themselves for battle.

The three fillies saw Sunset, Spike and Starlight near the door and cutie map. “Girls? What is it?” Starlight asked. “Starlight, we’re really worried about our little buddy,” Scootaloo said. Sunset, Spike and Starlight started to feel concerned as well. “He’s still feeling bad about the accident earlier today, and is already crying himself out,” Sweetie Belle said. “Well, did you try to talk to him?” Sunset asked. “We did, but he didn’t have the guts. He’s really in a bad place,” Scootaloo said. “Can you go talk to him for us?” Apple Bloom asked, until they formed puppy eyes in unison. “Could you lead the way?” Starlight asked. The girls nodded, and then Starlight, Spike and Sunset followed the three fillies to Twilight’s bedroom.

When they got there, Starlight knocked on the door, but it suddenly opened and she saw Thomas hugging her neck and buried in her chest fur bawling his eyes out. Starlight and Sunset then looked with sad faces, and then Starlight picked him up with her left hoof and held him for a hug, until he rested his head beside the left side of her neck and gently grasped her mane. “Shhhhhh shhhhhh... It’s okay, sweetheart. We’re right here,” Starlight said softly. “Gosh, he is in a bad place, especially after the accident involving the Pony of Shadows,” Spike said.

“Honestly? We don't know anything about him,” Starlight said. “Well, nopony does,” Spike said. “That's not entirely true,” Starlight said, until she thought about her nephew. “Do you want your mother?” Thomas nodded, and then Starlight kept holding him while she, Spike, Sunset and the girls walked to wherever the Pillars were preparing themselves for battle.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, the Pillars and other Mane 5 were preparing for battle, as Rainbow Dash shined Flash Magnus’s shield and Applejack helped Rockhoof sharpen his shovel with a grinding wheel.

They suddenly stopped after hearing Thomas’s sobs as he cried underneath his Auntie Starlight’s chest fur. They looked at him, and Starlight holding him in her hoof, and then Sunset, Spike and the girls with concerned faces. “You still feelin’ down in the dumps, aren’t you?” Mage Meadowbrook asked. Thomas nodded at her and rubbed his tear stained eyes. Fluttershy walked over and then held him with both hooves and gently rubbed his back up and down while sitting on her haunches, until she felt him nuzzling with her mane. “Shhhhhh shhhhhh... There, there. It’s okay, my baby boy. I’m right here,” she said softly. “You all knew the Pony of Shadows before he became what he is now, right?” Sunset asked. The Pillars nodded, and then Thomas stroked his mother’s mane and hugged his teddy while leaning towards her chest and listening to her heartbeat. “Were you friends with him?” Thomas asked. “Yes, we were,” Mistmane asked. “So, what happened?” Thomas asked. “The tale of our rift is a sad one,” Rockhoof said.

A flashback appeared, revealing an old depressive village with a windmill, until the three Sirens appeared slithering in midair and then began to make an chaotic operatic singing noise, causing ponies to magically argue and fight with each other, and destroy everything while the Sirens consumed a green aura of the ponies’ negative emotions.

A unicorn colt named Stygian saw what was happening, and went to go get the Pillars to help. He had medium gray fur, a combed and cut moderate cerulean and arctic blue streaked mane and tail, brilliant azure eyes, and he wore a light brown cloak.

”Stygian was a pony like the rest of us, though more scholar than hero. He recognized our emerging world would need champions to defend it.”

The Pillars then charged into action to fight against the Sirens. Flash Magnus flew around Aria, until she hissed and roared by blasting a red magic beam from her mouth, but Flash Magnus blocked it with his shield.

Rockhoof threw some big rocks with his shovel at the Sirens, until Aria blasted them with her magic beam again. The Sirens roared and slithered while Somnambula surrounded them in a circle to lead them somewhere far enough to allow Starswirl to banish them to another realm and then close the portal after the three Sirens went through. When it was over, the ponies cheered for the pillars, except Stygian.

“He may have gathered us together, but he himself was just an ordinary unicorn who soon grew jealous of our abilities.”

Stygian went over to Ponhedge later in the night with the Pillars’ sacred artifacts.

“He stole objects from each of us. Artifacts to use in a spell.”

The Pillars came over with disappointingly angry looks.

“And we cast him out for it.” The Pillars sent him away, breaking his spirit and forgiveness for an apology.

“We always thought he'd return and seek forgiveness. But when we saw him again, something affected his heart, something that was bent on revenge and hatred. It dashed even our hopes of saving him.”

After Stygian came back, he uncontrollably became the Pony of Shadows and then he and the Pillars had a duel, until a white bang ended the flashback.

“But why did he steal the artifacts from you?” Starlight asked. “No doubt it was an enchantment to take our powers for himself,” Mage Meadowbrook said. “But if there is still good in him, would you still forgive him if he said he was sorry?” Thomas asked. “Perhaps, but it would be impossible after his dark path consumed him,” Somnambula said. “I kinda feel sorry for Stygian,” Thomas said, until felt Mage Meadowbrook stroking his shoulder with her hoof. “Why don’t we go see how Twilight and Starswirl are holdin’ up?” Applejack asked. The others nodded in agreement and then they went over to the library room.

The door opened and they all saw Starswirl looking over Twilight’s spell while Twilight and Sunburst looked for books to add to the spell. “That looks like a lot of work,” Starlight said, as Sunset nodded in agreement. “It is what must be done, and it would be best if we were not disturbed,” Starswirl said. “I'm sorry, Starlight, but we can't stop to talk. The stakes are too high, and we have to keep finding answers,” Twilight said. “Besides, this is too important.”

“But... Auntie Twilight? I just don’t understand something? Why did the Pillars banish Stygian to limbo if he was really sorry?” Thomas asked, until Starswirl paused about what he heard. “Uh, who?” Sunburst asked. “Stygian, the pony they casted out when he was trying to apologize for stealing the artifacts, which was wrong to do,” Thomas said. “Stygian was the name the Pony of Shadows gave up when he turned to darkness. Now’s not the time for stories on him,” Starswirl said. “He’s just trying to figure out why,” Starlight said. “Envy. He wanted more power than he had, and that desire led him down a path from which there is no return!” Starswirl said. “But... But I was just...” Thomas said, until Starswirl cut him off. “Stygian wants to destroy all that is good in this world. There's no way to befriend a pony like that. Now enough.”

“But why...?” Thomas asked. “I SAID ENOUGH!” Starswirl replied with a yelling tone, causing Thomas to whimper and sob. “Well then... if I wouldn’t have opened the chest by accident or on purpose, which I never meant to do, I might've been banished to limbo, too!” Thomas said, until he began to cry.

“ENOUGH!!” Starswirl said, until Thomas then broke down in fear. “Hey! What was that for?! He’s only a child!” Rainbow Dash said, until Applejack brought him over for a hug on the leg. “How true,” she said. “My apologies. It’s just not the time for explanations,” Starswirl said. “Well, you should’ve thought of that before hurting my darling little nephew’s feelings,” Rarity said, stroking his hair with her hoof. “Thomas? Sweetheart, are you okay?” Twilight asked. Thomas nodded nervously, and then she placed her hoof on his cheek. “If you want, you can help us search for something useful.” Thomas nodded, and then went over to the bookshelves to look for a book on anti-Pony of Shadows type of spells.

“I know from experience that's not always true. When the map called you six to my village, it was for a friendship problem. Are you sure this is different?” Starlight asked. “I don’t know,” Twilight said. “We better keep looking,” Sunset said.

When they all kept looking for answers, Starswirl felt guilty for yelling at the child. “Fluttershy? I’m sorry for yelling at your son,” he said. “I know. You were just trying to avoid scaring him, but he also doesn’t like being yelled at, because he has a big sensitive heart,” Fluttershy said. Starswirl nodded understandingly, and then he continued to work. “Look, Momma! Look! I found a book that has a weak spot for the Pony of Shadows!” Thomas called out, holding a brown book open in his hands. The others walked over to look at it, until they smiled warmly at him feeling proud of his discovery.

“Thomas! Way to go!” Rainbow Dash said. Thomas giggled and blushed. “That’s my little boy,” Fluttershy said, stroking her son’s hair with her hoof, and then Twilight took the book and had a look at the page with Starswirl, Sunburst and Starlight. “I’m quite impressed with your son, Fluttershy,” Mage Meadowbrook said proudly, placing her hoof on Fluttershy’s chest. “You’ve raised him really well.”

“Thank you. I only did what a mother would do,” Fluttershy said. “He is really clever,” Rockhoof said. “He is! I mean, you should see how well he does at school!” Rainbow Dash said. “He gets very good grades,” Fluttershy said, until she saw her son hugging her against her chest. Starswirl suddenly saw the page about the weak spot for the Pony of Shadows.

“Young man? Are you absolutely sure that this might work, once we get the portal open?” he asked. “Yes. I think... it might be a way to save Stygian from the shadows,” Thomas said. “Are you sure?” Flash Magnus asked. “I’m sure,” Thomas said.

“I’m afraid it’s not possible, so I’m sorry. But... we shall bring it along with, if it makes you happy because I’m not sure a conversation would save Equestria. Now, we must find the Tree of Harmony if we are to stop this threat,” Starswirl said, leaving Thomas in disappointment. “Allow us to show the way,” Twilight said. “Momma, can we go with? We promise to stay out of trouble,” Thomas asked, until the fillies made puppy eyes for permission. “Yes. You can come,” Fluttershy replied. “Just stick by our side, and try not to wander off or get into any trouble, okay?” Rainbow Dash said. “Yes, darlings. It’s only so that you’ll be safe,” Rarity said. Thomas and his big sisters giggled excitedly and then went to go pack their camping bags.

Later on, they walked over to the Everfree Forest and found the cave where the Tree of Harmony lies, and Thomas rode on Fluttershy’s back. “I am glad we have the chance to see what has grown from our efforts so long ago,” Somnambula said. “It seems a shame to harm it,” Mistmane said.

“Is this really the Tree of Harmony, Momma?” Thomas asked. “Yes, sweetheart. It is,” Fluttershy said. “A necessary sacrifice. With the Elements' power, we will bind the Pony of Shadows in limbo. And thanks to Twilight efforts to save us, we will remain to watch over the realm ourselves,” Starswirl said, until he carefully extracted the Elements of Harmony from the tree and then they formed amulet necklaces that had the Mane 6’s cutie marks, but Twilight’s was a crown.

“Um... how do we use them?” Rockhoof asked. “Well, you... Oh. I'm not sure. They simply work for us,” Rarity said. “The Elements are attuned to you. We must use their magic in pairs,” Starswirl said. “No problem. We're used to banishing evil before breakfast,” Rainbow Dash said, hoof-bumping Flash Magnus. “And it'll be an honor to save Equestria with y'all,” Applejack said. The group then started to make their journey to the Hollow Shades.

Chapter 6: Journey To The Hollow Shades

When they left Ponyville after getting some supplies and snacks, the group went ahead and passed through the entrance of the mountain pass to The Hollow Shades. “I don’t like this,” Scootaloo said, as she and the other two fillies looked up at the dark cloudy sky. “Don’t worry, girls. Everything’s gonna be okay,” Sunset said. “Just stick with us and we’ll protect you,” Rainbow Dash said. “Now Sweetie Belle darling, stay close,” Rarity said, as her sister nodded in reply.

Fluttershy had Thomas riding on her back, while he hugged his Snuggle Bear teddy with one arm and held onto his mother’s mane with the other hand. “How much further?” Sunset asked. “Not long. We should be getting close,” Twilight said. “Well, it doesn’t look like it, but it looks like we’re going on a wrong direction,” Starlight said.

“Starlight, I know Starswirl knows what he’s doing. Just have faith,” Twilight said, as Starlight nodded in reply. “But is it really necessary to banish a legendary threat in front of a little kid? Thomas has been scared for long enough, you know.”

“Yeah, I know. But what has to be has to be,” Twilight said. “Okay. Then I guess we’ll have to do it with ease of force,” Sunset said. “Mage Meadowbrook? I also found out something from the book I read,” Thomas said, while taking out the book from Fluttershy’s saddlebag. “What is it, sweetpea?” Mage Meadowbrook asked. “The only way to stop the Pony of Shadows is to either banish him by full power of a greater magic or removing the one thing that makes him stronger. And since the Ponhedge is destroyed, maybe we can find something at The Hollow Shades?” Thomas said. “Find the source of his power?” Rainbow Dash asked. “How are we supposed to do that?”

“We’ll never know once we find him,” Starswirl said. “Is he still mad at me?” Thomas asked nervously. “No, sweetie, no. He’s just trying to keep all of us safe from harm,” Twilight said. “Okay,” Thomas said. “Mage Meadowbrook, I also caught swamp fever one time, along with my big sisters because we were picking out some flowers for Momma.”

“Oh my. Did that really happen, Fluttershy?” Mage Meadowbrook asked. “Yes, but thanks to your efforts, I got my son and the girls better in no time,” Fluttershy replied. “Well, I’m sure you’re doin’ alright now, Thomas sweetie,” Mage Meadowbrook said. Thomas nodded, and then Rainbow Dash and Flash Magnus saw something far from behind.

“What is that?” Rainbow Dash asked. “It looks like a huge cloud,” Flash Magnus said. They suddenly saw a clear view of a huge wildly dark stormy and foggy cloud with huge winds and lightning and thunder inside, as it was heading towards them slowly. “STORM FOG AT 12 O’CLOCK!” Flash Magnus exclaimed, as they all looked behind and saw the storm getting closer.

“Okay, didn’t see that one coming,” Sunset said. “That’s not good,” Starlight said.

“Can I make a suggestion?” Pinkie Pie asked, until they all nodded for permission. “RUUUUN!” She then zipped on ahead on high speed as the wind started to softly blow on them all.

“Good idea! Everypony, run!” Twilight said, as the storm started to increase while they kept running from the evil storm cloud as fast as they could.

They ran past the tumbling boulders, waving dead trees, and incoming dirt clouds from the ground. While they continued running, the wind started getting closer and was blowing really strongly hard, until Thomas started to lose his balance, he grabbed onto her tail, until he got blown towards a tree and held onto to it. “HEEEEELLLLPPP!!!”

Thomas then finally got blown into the wind when the tree started to break down during every shake and crack, until it snapped and got sucked into the vortex full of tornadoes. “MOMMY, HELP ME!!!” he called out as he was heading into the fog.

“THOMAS!!” Fluttershy called back. Somnambula spread out her wings and kneeled down, “Stay here! I’ll save him!”

She then galloped, flapped her wings steadily and then jumped with a balanced pounce and took off into the air like a speeding bullet and flew towards the little boy that was about to get sucked into the vortex of the storm cloud. Thomas grabbed hold onto a boulder that suddenly broke down into chunks by another boulder, while the wind was too strong for him to find a suitable holding hand. He was about to be crushed into a blood and skeleton stained pancake by two more boulders as he closed his eyes and held onto his life, until he suddenly felt two hooves grabbing him gently and pulling him closer towards somepony’s chest in a bridal cradle, and pulling him away from the storm. Thomas then opened his eyes and saw that Somnambula saved him.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” she said, as she nuzzled him gently for comfort. “I’ve got you. You’re safe now.” Thomas nodded, “Thank you.” He then hugged her neck as Somnambula continued to hold him while he whimpered.

Somnambula flew back to the group with Thomas still in her hooves as the storm cloud continued to get more stronger as more wind was trying to suck them into its vortex. Starswirl stood towards the storm and created a magical force field around them for protection, “It should protect us, but not for long if we are to stay alive.” Twilight and the others nodded, as Starlight, Sunburst and Twilight gave it a little more juice with their magic.

The storm became more stronger and got closer towards the group until Thomas began to shake in Somnambula’s hooves.

“Everypony hold on!” Twilight exclaimed as the storm got closer towards them all and then they were inside the vortex, until the tornadoes passed through without leaving a scratch on the shield. When it was all over, the storm passed away from them and then Starswirl, Starlight, Sunburst and Twilight turned off the force field surrounding them and the others.

Somnambula looked at the child in her hooves and nuzzled him, “Wake up, little one. It’s all over.” Thomas opened his eyes and removed himself from her chest fur and saw that the storm was over.

“Thomas? Baby, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked in worry. Thomas nodded, “Yes, Momma.”

“I believe this is your child, friend Fluttershy,” Somnambula said, as she gently placed the boy in Fluttershy’s hooves and then Fluttershy held him against her chest for a hug to comfort him as he curled himself against her soft and warm fur and pressed his cheek on her neck. “Shhhhhh... I’m here. I’m here,” she whispered softly into his ear as he was shaking in fear. After Thomas was calm and relaxed, Fluttershy gave him a kiss on the top of his head, and then helped put him on her back and then they all continued to The Hollow Shades.

Chapter 7: Facing the Pony of Shadows/Reunited with Stygian and Equestria

Later on, when they passed the mountainside, Thomas, riding on his mother’s back, saw an abandoned village up ahead. “Hey! There it is! I see it! The Hollow Shades!” He pointed at it up ahead.

“I don't remember reading anything that said the Hollow Shades was like this,” Sunburst said. “Me neither,” Twilight said. They all went over to the town for a closer look. “Ohhh. The Pony of Shadows must have twisted it to his purposes,” Mistmane said. As they heard the Pony of Shadows’s evil chuckle echoing, Thomas hid underneath his mother’s mane and shook in fear, while Rarity stroked him softly. “Prepare yourselves. He is here,” Starswirl said, as they walked over to the big hole molded with big bricks. “Stygian! Show yourself and face us!”

The Pony of Shadows replied by laughing evilly, and then the surface around the hole started rumbling and cracking, and they all fell into the pit screaming.

When they landed, Thomas and the fillies landed onto Rockhoof’s back. “Sorry, Mr. Rockhoof,” Thomas said. “No worries, young lad. Just be glad you’re alright,” Rockhoof replied, as he helped the children climb off and then Thomas went to Fluttershy for a hug. Sunburst groaned, “I definitely would've remembered reading about this.”

The Pony of Shadows laughed maniacally as he appeared and sprouted out his wings. “Welcome to the Well of Shade! When you turned your backs on me, I discovered this place. The darkness spoke to me of a power beyond any I could imagine, and I listened. The shadow and I became one. Soon, all of the realm will be the same. Then all ponies will feel the despair I did when you cast me out!”

“We did what we had to do. You tried to steal our powers for yourself,” Starswirl said. “No! It was you who were selfish! And now you will pay!” The Pony of Shadows said angrily, until he blasted his magic laser from his horn at the group, until Starswirl formed a force field around them, before it started cracking. “Please tell me I’m not having another bad dream!” Thomas exclaimed. “If you are, now’s the time to wake up!” Starlight said, as she carefully went towards a huge pile of rubble with the kids on her side. “We’ll handle this. Stay here,” she said. Thomas and the girls nodded, and she went back to the group.

Starswirl continued to hold the portal open, “Ready? Open the portal...” His force field cracked open. “...Now!”

The Pillars and Mane 5 united their magic together with the Elements of Harmony and their magical artifacts to open the portal to limbo, and the Pony of Shadows started getting drawn into the vortex as they all used their magic to push him through.

“No! You will not trap me again!” The Pony of Shadows shouted. “Twilight! Starlight! Sunset! Push him in! Hurry!” Starswirl said. Before they would push him in, they saw a pony popping out of the chest of the Pony of Shadows and screaming in pain for help. “Huh? There's... a pony in there!” Thomas said, and he ran into the villain’s chest “Thomas!” Twilight said, as she, Starlight and Sunset went inside.

Thomas woke up, and then saw a huge black abyss everywhere, “Hello?” He began to shake, until he saw a dark pink light of magic appear, and then felt something stroking his back. He looked up and saw his Auntie Twilight, until he gasped in fear and turned around to hug his auntie on the chest, until Twilight hugged him back, “It’s alright, bug. We’re here now.” Sunset and Starlight saw a pony that looked like Stygian sitting down in depression with a dark chain wrapped around him.

“Stay with your Auntie Starlight and Sunset,” Twilight said, until Thomas nodded in reply and went to Starlight as she brought him over for a hug with both her legs, but wrapped one hoof around him to hold on to. Twilight walked over to Stygian, “Are you... Stygian?”

“I was, once. Until my friends betrayed me,” he said. “But the other Pillars said you betrayed them. You wanted their magic...” Sunset said, until Stygian cut her off. “No! I wanted their respect. I brought them together. I planned strategy, and I read all I could about the beasts we faced. But I didn't have magic or strength, so nopony ever noticed me. I went to Ponhenge to make my own copies of the artifacts.”

”With them, I thought I could be a Pillar, too, and stand by their side in battle.” The other Pillars heard what he said and felt guilty about how he felt.

”I never wanted to steal their power.” Starswirl was shocked about what he heard as well.

“But instead of sharing and letting me help, my friends threw me out.” Stygian’s voice started to changed into a growling and deepening tone, as Thomas hug his Auntie Starlight’s hoof tightly, until she shushed him softly. “Until something tragic happened to me that twisted my heart and soul with rage and hatred, making me stronger than any of them! The darkness took control of me, and welcomed me until I realized it used me as a vessel, until the slave I am on this day, and now look how well that turned out as it used me to protect itself!”

“This is all a misunderstanding! If the Pillars knew how you felt, I'm sure they wouldn't have turned their backs on you. The shadow isn't who you really are. Let me help you be Stygian again,” Twilight said. “Even if my friends did still care, what makes you think you have the power to help me?” Stygian asked.

“Because it's what she does,” Sunset said. “Sunset and I weren’t so different from you, and Twilight helped us change,” Starlight said. “If there's one pony in Equestria that can save a friendship, it's her.” Sunset nodded in agreement. “I... I want to believe you...” Stygian said, until the darkness from the Pony of Shadows took control of him painfully. “But the darkness will not be stopped!”

The shadows took the three mares out of his body, but Thomas was still inside. After freeing Stygian from his chains, Thomas then helped him out of the shadows, allowing to make an exit for the Pillars and Mane 8 to see. Twilight then used a laser rope from her horn, allowing Thomas and Stygian to grab hold as Thomas tied it around himself and Stygian, and then held onto it.

“Argh!” The Pony of Shadows made pained groans. “Fight the darkness, Stygian! You don't need it anymore! Revenge isn't what you want! Friendship is!” Twilight said, as the shadows tried to push Stygian and Thomas back inside, and then growled while Twilight tried to pull as hard as she could. “Twilight!” Starlight and Sunset shouted in unison, and they formed laser ropes with their horns around the loop Thomas made and helped them out. Twilight kept straining while pulling, until the Pony of Shadows made a roaring sound.

“Ugh! The shadow won't let go of him. Thomas wants to help Stygian stop, but he can't do it alone,” Twilight said. “Then we must help them!” Starswirl said, as he and Sunburst made laser ropes with their horns, and the others did as well after The Pillars touched the Mane 6’s element necklaces and they formed laser ropes and then they heaved with force, and after both Stygian and Thomas were pulled out, The Pony of Shadows started to burst, crack, and melt. “HE’S GONNA BLOW! RUN!” Rainbow Dash said, as they all got out of there alive while Pony of Shadows roared and screamed, until all of the light magic inside him exploded.

Twilight pulled Thomas out by letting him hold onto her tail, and then they all landed outside the well. “Yeah! Oh, it felt sooooo good to do that again!” Rainbow Dash said. “Friendship power rush! Whoo!” Pinkie Pie said, zipping excitedly. Rarity then looked down at her Element of Generosity necklace, “The Elements! They didn't disappear!”

“Maybe because we used them for healing magic instead of banishing?” Fluttershy said. “MOMMA!” Thomas said, as he was running over to her.

“Thomas! Oh, baby! You’re okay!” Fluttershy said, hugging her son with one hoof. “Look!” Applejack said, as they saw Starswirl helping Stygian out of the well, and then he looked down at him. “Long ago, you needed our help, Stygian. But instead of listening, we turned our backs on you. Pride clouded my judgment. I owe you an apology. Thank you for helping us see the errors of our ways, Twilight. It seems I never accounted for the Magic of Friendship.”

“Thank you, Starswirl! But... it wasn’t just me,” Twilight said. Their cutie marks started shimmering, meaning their mission was complete. Thomas tugged Starswirl’s robe, as he looked down at the boy, “See? I told you a conversation can save Equestria, didn’t I?” Starswirl chuckled, and then ruffled his hair with his hoof, “Something tells me I will be making a lot of apologies today. But thanks to your bravery, we also have deep gratitude to offer.” Thomas then nodded with a soft smile and warm blush.

Meanwhile, back at Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were pleased to see Starswirl and the Pillars again.

“I simply cannot believe how tall you've gotten!” Starswirl said. “Well, it has been over a thousand years. Will you stay here and teach magic once again? My sister and I have such fond memories of your lessons,” Princess Celestia said. “As long as you don't ask for those essays we owed you before you disappeared,” Princess Luna said, until Princess Celestia giggled.

Starswirl chuckled, “I'm not certain Canterlot is where I belong. The realm has grown, and I believe I'll have a look around before I settle in any one place.”

“And I long to see what has become of my home,” Mage Meadowbrook said. “I believe we all do,” Mistmane said. “Then I hope you will return to Canterlot on occasion and share the wisdom of your great experience with the next generation of ponies,” Princess Celestia said. “We would be honored. But if it is wisdom you seek, look no further than your own pupil’s young lad of a nephew. They, along with his mother, and her friends showed me that the power of friendship is a magical force indeed. And that in turning away from others, you hurt yourself as well,” Starswirl said, as they all formed a group hug for Stygian.

“It's funny. I thought meeting my idol would give me all the answers I ever wanted. But instead, I forgot what I already knew. Good thing I had a student of my own to remind me,” Twilight said, until she looked at Thomas, who was already sleeping. “Along with a certain nephew of ours.” She then held him on her hoof against her chest and then formed a hug with Starlight.

Chapter 1: The Pony of Shadows’s Return/The Pillars of Equestria’s Story

On a calm relaxing morning in Canterlot, the Mane 6 were outside the castle and enjoying the sunlight, and having a picnic together. As for Rainbow Dash, she was sitting on her lounge chair with her sunglasses on and getting some heat from the sun. “Ahh... nice day, huh?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Indeed, darling. It is such an amazingly beautiful day outside,” Rarity replied. “Yes, but have any of you seen my baby?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah, where is the little feller?” Applejack asked.

“Momma! MOMMA!!” Thomas screamed. “Oh my! That sounded like little Thomas! It’s like he could be in big danger!” Rarity said. They then saw Thomas screaming and running over to his aunties. “Thomas, what’s happened?!” Twilight asked. “I found him in the restricted section,” Sunburst said. “But we’ve got him out in time,” Starlight said. “What’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked. “You’ve got to see what happened!” Thomas replied, pointing at the sky turning dark, until they saw a blackish misty fog surrounding them, until a huge black inky cloud appeared and transformed into a giant shadowy alicorn stallion with while glowing eyes and a jagged mouth, and its mane flowed like Celestia’s and Luna’s, and its wings were as wide and sharp as a metallic bird.

“The Pony of Shadows?! But how?!” Twilight asked.

The Pony of Shadows then let out an evil cackle, and then looked at the group of ponies that stood in front of him. “After all these years, I’m finally free! And I can finally have my revenge!”

“This is impossible! How did you appear?!” Sunburst asked.

“Well, I have that apelike creature there to thank!” The Pony of Shadows replied, pointing at Thomas, who was being shielded by Fluttershy.

“It’s not my fault! It was an accident!” Thomas said.

“Of course it was! And now that the pillars aren’t here to stop me, I can finally spread this world with eternal darkness forever!” The Pony of Shadows said, and then flew off with a puff of smoke.

“Auntie Twilight, I... I-I-I... I did-didn’t mean to,” Thomas said, until Starlight walked over to give her nephew a hug against her chest. “Shhhhhh... It’s not your fault, sweetie. And don’t worry. We’ll stop this. But we better find out what’s really going on,” Starlight said, until she gave him a kiss on the forehead. “I’m sure Princess Celestia will know what’s happening,” Twilight said. Thomas nodded, and then they went over to the castle.

“The best elements within us can spread light and virtue, and I know ponies who represent them all – strength, bravery, healing, beauty, hope, and sorcery. Myself and these Pillars of Equestria were gathered together by another to maintain and share the light of these powerful ideals. But we soon came to believe the pony who brought us together only wanted that power for himself. Cast out and alone, this power-mad pony turned to darkness to satisfy his thirst. Transformed into a Pony of Shadows, he returned for revenge – to extinguish the Pillars' light and rob the world of hope. To stop him, the Pillars and I must make a grave sacrifice. But we shall leave behind a seed in hopes that one day it will grow into a force to stand against the darkness for all time. We must now face the fiend with the only plan we have...”

"...I only hope it will be enough." Sunburst finished narrating. “That's the last entry. And maybe Starswirl's final words before he vanished.” They all gasped, including Thomas as he hid underneath his mother and hugged her leg while nuzzling with her fur with tears in his eyes.

“I've always wondered what happened to Starswirl. This is quite a discovery, Sunburst,” Princess Celestia said. “So it's genuine? You can verify that this journal really belonged to Starswirl the Bearded?!” Twilight exclaimed. “Indeed. From the looks of it, the last thing he wrote before facing the Pony of Shadows,” Princess Luna replied. “Uh... So, the Pony of Shadows was really real?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“It appears so,” Princess Celestia replied. Thomas shook nervously and softly whimpered, until Fluttershy placed her wing over him. “We never met the other Pillars, and we were too young to understand the danger they faced,” Princess Luna said. “Hold on a second now. All those legendary ponies were real, too? And they went off with Starswirl to face the Pony of Shadows, and then none of them were ever heard from again?” Applejack asked. “Uh, yeah. Weren't you listening?” Pinkie Pie asked in reply.

“But w-wh-w-what happened to them all?” Thomas asked nervously. “They must have defeated the villain, since Equestria is still full of light and hope,” Rarity replied, stroking her nephew’s hair softly. “But how? And where did they go?” Starlight asked. “My Olde Ponish is a bit rusty, but I wonder if the answers can be found somewhere within the pages of this book,” Princess Celestia said. “Well, I just happen to be an expert in Olde Ponish. I mean, I've practically memorized every ancient text about Starswirl there is!” Twilight said. “Seriously. All of them,” Spike said. “We have fond memories of our old teacher,” Princess Luna said. “If you could discover what happened to him, we would be most grateful.”

“Solving a thousands-year-old mystery could take forever!” Sunburst said. “Think of the research! The re-reading! The re-re-reading!”

“You might find you need help,” Princess Celestia said. “Luckily, she's got a whole bushel o' helpers right here,” Applejack said. “Totally!” Rainbow Dash said. “Uh... how long will all this research take, Momma?” Thomas asked. “I don’t know, sweetie. But don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll find a way to end it soon,” Fluttershy replied as she hugged her son closer to her chest, and then kissed him on the forehead. “Let's get this back to my library. I'm sure we'll figure out what happened in no time,” Twilight said, and after Fluttershy placed Thomas onto her back, the rest of the Mane 6, including Starlight and Sunburst walked out of the castle to head back to Ponyville with excited chatter.

Author's Note

I also made the Pony of Shadows be voiced by David Kaye, but with his Megatron voice with a European accent, so that it might sound cooler.